Post by gvb on Apr 1, 2019 22:14:52 GMT -6
MWE presents: Dark Web
Live from Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA
Sunday, March 31st, 2019
The Staples Center is filled to capacity for Dark Web. Eighteen Match on the card for what promises to be a long, exciting night for all the MWE fans, absolute protagonists of this event having decided the stipulations of most matches in the day leading to tonight. The stage is set with both the Millennium and Riot logo placed on opposite sides of the entrance stage. In the darkness engulfing the Arena strobe lights start pulsating as the beat of "My Name Is Thunder" by The Bloody Beetroots feat Jet hit the speakers. Pyrotechnics explode all over the stage in a multicolored display as the song hits its chorus. The camera moves over the sold out crowd, showing some of the signs the fans brought in.
"Riot is the A show" "Stop fat shaming" "Wythe for champ" "Hearst Of Gold" "Cloud Gate Rydell" "Fear The Reaver" "Webbolution" "I went to Sandcastle and all I got was this shitty shirt and a hangover" "Bo Fontenot can have my babies"
The camera then cuts to the announcers table. Just like at Deep In The Heart, all four of the commentators were sitting at the same table ready to call the action.
Jared Idol:
Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Dark Web
Bea Torres:
DID YOU SEE THIS CARD JARED?
Jared Idol:
Aye.
Alyx Valero:
Damn girl... Did you really have to shout in my ear?
Jared Idol:
I ask her the same each week Alyx.
Zackary Dyson:
Well, I can understand why Bea is so excited. Tonight's card is insane! And that's thanks to you, the fans.
Bea Torres:
OH GOD, THANKS ZACK!
Alyx Valero:
Yeah, I must admit the MWE fans did choose some great stipulations for tonight's matches.
Zackary Dyson:
Damn right they did. Tell me, Alyx... Are you as excited as I am for the Cloud Gate Championship match?
Alyx Valero:
Huh...
Zackary Dyson:
A Falls Count Anywhere nonetheless. Megan and Tiffany will literally fight all over the place, they might even end up here, right in front of us.
Bea Torres:
Dude...
Zackary Dyson:
What?
Jared Idol:
Right... Let's kick off the night, aye? And what better way than a ladder match to crown the first ever Cruiserweight Champion?
The rented Chevy Tahoe pulls up to the arena and screeches to a hault as the driver side door flies open and the Texas Icon Alan Envy steps out and slams the door. He is not really paying any attention to the camera as he walks to the back of the vehicle and grabs his mobile suitcase that contained his gear and necessities that we're typical for the average veteran professional wrestler. He slams the door down and begins to walk to the building still ignoring the camera. Finally he stops and removes his sunglasses and turns his head into the frame.
ALAN ENVY:
Actually….I do have something to say. I'm assuming you are wanting my thoughts on tonight's battle royal right? Well how about I give you other thoughts instead.
Envy turns full circle facing the camera as he looks his glasses onto the top of his shirt.
ALAN ENVY:
I want to know one thing….how does one go from main eventing a huge two night event where I was in the last match on night two...to this pay per view in some stupid battle royal I absolutely have no reason to be in because battle royals are for jabronis that couldn't get a real match. What is Alan Envy doing in a *bleeping* battle royale when what should be happening is a guy considered a legend in this business at only 34 years of age should be in a title match. Because you see that's what I do everywhere I go…I win championships. I legitimize wrestling companies, and I win championships. I was the reason for the success of places like Lonestar Championship Wrestling, and New Edge Wrestling. I was the big get at Kamikazee Pro because I'm am considered a God there just like in Texas.
Envy shakes his head.
ALAN ENVY:
Oh but Heathen Jones, the guy I beat and humiliated at Deep in the Heart, has a Marquee match. The two flavors of the month like Chris Constantine Jr and *Envy laughs* Dusty Douglas…….get promoted and pushed. Dusty Douglas Mr. Undefeated! Well how about this kid….stop playing around with the small fish on Riot and come jump on the biggest shark this business has, let's really see how good you think you are. I'll give you or Chris Constantine Jr who didn't learn jack *bleep* from his father on how to be a good wrestler the opportunity of a *bleeping* lifetime.
Envy puts his glasses back on
ALAN ENVY:
You get to face a true legend,and I'll show either one of you that you aren't ready for the big time yet. Now if you'll excuse me the Icon has a pointless ass battle royal to win.
Envy walks away and enters into the arena.
Junior Heavyweight Championship Match
Six Person Ladder Match
Adam Webb VS Aella Foley VS Bo Fontenot VS Six Person Ladder Match
Corey Grimes VS Kelsey Spencer VS Nikki Knight
Twenty-four competitors. Thirty-six matches in four weeks. Those are a few numbers about the recent Riot’s Junior Heavyweight tournament. And it all came down to these six superstars, set to open Dark Web in a ladder match for the Junior Heavyweight Championship. The bell rang and for a few moments the six competitors stared at each other and glanced up at the prize they’ll be fighting for today. The first one to make a move was Nikki Knight, who left the ring and ironically invited her opponents to start things off. Corey turned to her, disappointed by her behaviour and got german suplexed by Aella for that. Bo charged at her and got tossed with a belly to belly, while Adam and Kelsey started trading blows in the middle of the ring. The Hybrid Honor champion came out on top of the exchange and threw him against the ropes, dropping down on the mat. Adam leaped over her and ran right into a big boot from the Godkiller. Spencer and Foley were now the only two competitors left in the ring, staring at each other with the title hanging right above their heads. Out of nowhere came Corey Grimes taking both of them out with a springboard dropkick. Behind his back, Nikki slid in a ladder and entered the ring, clubbing Grimes to the back of his head dropping him on the ladder with a snap suplex. Once she took him out of the equation, she set the ladder up under the title and started to climb. Adam came back into the match, climbing up on the opposite side and reaching Knight on top, where they started trading right hands in the attempt to knock each other down. And Webb successfully dropped Nikki down with a big right hand to the jaw, suddenly finding himself inches away from the title… And watching it slip away as Bo pushed down the ladder. Adam fell hard outside the ring, while the [R]evolution Pro Television Champion began her Ascension toward the title. It was Kelsey who quickly stopped her, sliding between her legs and driving her all the way down with a powerbomb. She then closed the ladder and left it laying on the mat as Corey, Aella and Nikki were coming back into the ring. One look at the mix of names into this match and you knew exactly what to expect. The action was fast paced, even hectic at some points when all competitors were inside the ring. Corey was looking in great shape, keeping at bay both Aella and Nikki with forearm shots to the face. A stiff right rocked Nikki, Corey then turned his attention on Foley and hit her twice with a knife edge chop. Aella answered with a kick to the stomach, Knight hit him with a knee jumping knee and the two women started working together against Grimes, while in the opposite corner Kelsey dropped Webb with her Spitfire Suplex (straightjacket German Suplex). After using Corey as a punching bag, Nikki and Aella kicked him out of the ring with a stereo superkick. And that was were their alliance ended, with the canadian quickly turning on her temporary partner with a right hook. Aella ducked it and waited for her to turn around, catching Nikki with a cutter. As soon as the young Foley stood up, Bo ran over her with a second ladder she introduced moments earlier knocking out Spencer on the way. Alone in the ring, she set up the ladder and climbed it. Adam Webb jumped back into the ring using the top rope as a springboard and landing on the ladder, climbing up the last few steps as fast as he could, reaching the top before Bo. His fingertips brushed against the coveted prize, failing to grab a hold of it when Bo punched him on the ribs. Adam pushed her down a few steps with an elbow to crown of the head, giving another try at the title. Fontenot immediately recovered and hit Webb with a few more punches, driving his face against the ladder and grabbing the title. Before she could unbuckle it, Adam was back on the attack, desperately punching her until she had to let the title go. Then, with what could possibly the spot of the night, he leaped over her head and grabbed Bo by the waist, driving her all the way down with an insane sunset flip bomb. The fans went crazy, starting a holy shit chant. Two ladders were now into play. One set up under the title, the other one folded and leaning against the corner. Nikki was slowly starting to ascend. Aella slid back inside the ring and grabbed her by the ankle, pulling her down. Knight landed on her feet, and, cursing under her breath for the missed opportunity, charged at Aella for a clothesline, ducked by the smaller opponent who quickly turned on her heels and launched herself against Nikki driving her shoulder in her stomach for a devastating FAUGH A BALLAGH on the ladder leaning in the corner! Holding her back in agony, Nikki left the ring leaving Foley alone with the title. Aella started the climb, slowly as the spear took a lot out of her as well, as testified by the cut on her forehead, consequence of the impact. She wiped off the blood hindering her sight and made her way up. In a successful attempt to stop her climbing, Adam hit the ladder with a dropkick, pushing it down and causing Aella to fall on the rope, and subsequently outside the ring. With a golden opportunity to retrieve the belt, Webb quickly set up the ladder and rushed to the top. Unfortunately for him, the positioning of the ladder wasn’t perfect, and reaching the title was more complicated than he would have wanted it to be. Kelsey grabbed the second ladder and leaned it obliquely against the one Adam climbed. Using it as a ramp, she ran to the top and knocked Webb down of it. Spotting Bo and Corey fighting on the outside. Taking a deep breath, she jumped off the ladder and took them both out with a crossbody. The ring was a wreck. Broken ladders (consequence of a powerbomb from NIkki to Adam), broken bodies and the Junior Heavyweight Championship swinging after Kelsey had it in her fingertips, before getting knocked down by Aella. Corey Grimes was the first to stand up, to the loud cheers of the fans. A quick look around to find no ladders available to use and he rolled out of the ring, grabbing one from the floor and pushing it. As soon as he slid back in, he found Knight welcoming him with a kick to the ribs. She pulled him up and headbutted him, applying a three quarter facelock ready to connect her Knightmare (Snapmare Driver). on the ladder. Corey fought back, breaking free with an elbow to the ribs and hitting her with a reverse side kick, doubling her over. He hooked both her arms with a double underhook and lifted her in the air, dropping her on the ladder with the CG-I Win (Ciampa’s Fairy Tale Ending). Rolling her off the ladder her set it up and started to climb. Kelsey Spencer slowly made it to her feet, and ascended the ladder, meeting Corey on top of it. The two competitors, the only two still standing at this point, were battling it out, perfectly aware that whoever would have won this exchange could have easily retrieved the title from its hook. None of them was holding back, every punch could have been the last one. Bo Fontenot crawled back into the ring and reached the ladder, pushing it with her last strength. Corey was quick to hang on the title, while Kelsey’s reflexes weren’t as quick, only allowing her to grab Corey’s foot and prevent the fall. Which inevitably happen seconds later, when Corey unhooked the title. Both competitors fell to the mat, Corey with a big smile and clutching the title on his chest. Kelsey had a disappointed look on her face when she stood up, realizing how close she went. Shaking her head, she looked at Grimes, whose name was being chanted over and over from the capacity crowd. Spencer extended her head, helping Corey to get back on his feet. She congratulated him with a light nod and a light smile, before rolling out of the ring and leaving him to his celebration WINNER: Corey Grimes BY: Title retrieval, 14:03 |
Jared Idol: "He did it! Corey Grimes made history tonight becoming the first ever Junior Heavyweight Champion!"
Bea Torres: "It was an absolute war out there, but in the end Grimes was the one retrieving the title"
Jared Idol: "Aye, and he beat five of the best cruiserweights in the process. Congratulations Corey!"
Bea Torres: "It was an absolute war out there, but in the end Grimes was the one retrieving the title"
Jared Idol: "Aye, and he beat five of the best cruiserweights in the process. Congratulations Corey!"
We see a shot of Kelsey backstage, sitting on a box of stage equipment with what looks to be a bag of ice pressed to her forehead. The excitement of the crowd can be heard clearly as the camera approaches her, indicating that she may be close to the entrance way, trying to get a peak of the show as it’s going on through the curtain. Despite her obvious pain, she doesn’t appear to be annoyed by the camera’s presence, and even lowers the ice to speak.
Kelsey Spencer:
I got hit in the face so many times with ladders out there…
She winces, closing her left eye and holding her neck. Even so, she gives a smile and a light-hearted chuckle.
Kelsey Spencer:
...which isn’t so good for the neck either, I guess.
After a moment of dealing with her pain, she looks to the man behind the camera.
Kelsey Spencer:
I took some pretty silly risks out there tonight, and did some stuff I wouldn’t normally do. I wanted so badly to become the first Junior Heavyweight Champion that I put everything at stake. You know, sometimes I forget that I’ll be 31 this year, and that my body’s not as fresh as it used to be. I shouldn’t be flying around like I’m in my early 20’s, coz that’s just-
She gives off the impression that a sharp pain just shot down her left arm, as she’s quick to hold onto it and lean the back of her head against the wall behind her. After a beat, she looks back behind the camera with a faint smile.
Kelsey Spencer:
Even though I probably shouldn’t have done all that, I don’t regret any of it. Not one bit. I went out there and gave everything I had, did the best I could do. Yeah, it’d be great to be holding that Junior Heavyweight Title right about now, but I’ve gotta look at the positives. The fans got to see an awesome Ladder Match to kick off the show, one that’ll set the tone for everything to come here tonight, so I can’t be sad about that.
Her smile grows ever-so-slightly.
Kelsey Spencer:
Corey Grimes should be proud of himself. That wasn’t an easy match to take part in, so to actually find the strength to go ahead and win it? That takes a lotta guts. So, congratulations to him, he deserves it. And I’m sure Corey’s do the Junior Heavyweight Division proud as its champion.
She juggles the bag of ice between her hands.
Kelsey Spencer:
As for me? Well, I’m gonna enjoy the rest of Dark Web, from right here… the best seat in the house. Then, I’m gonna go back to my hotel room and lie down for a while. And after that? I’m… not too sure yet. I guess that’s just something I'll think about with the sunrise.
Singles Match
Zafar Khan VS Yoji KojimaThe bell sounds and Yoji Kojima is taken completely surprised by a shotgun dropkick that sends him into the corner. He attempts to recover but Zafar Khan refuses to let up and dropkicks back into the corner. Khan looks to connect with a third but a stunned Yoji rolls outside the ring and attempted to catch his breath. Zafar refuses to let up and dives through the ropes taking out his masked adversary with a suicide dive. He rolls Kojima into the ring and gets a quick two count. Zafar Khan still furious over what occurred in the last two weeks kicks Yoji Kojima in the middle of his back. Khan goes off the ropes to pick up momentum and attempts a basement dropkick but misses. Kojima slides out of the at the last second and delivers a quick double stomp to Zafar's chest. Yoji begins dropping elbows across Zafar Khan's face. He starts putting the boots to him too. His ruthlessness is starting to be put on display. Yoji whips Khan forcefully into the corner, Zafar's chest collides with the top turnbuckle & he collapses immediately gasping for air. Kojima waste no time and repeats it in the opposite corner. Khan is halfway outside the ring hanging on the apron trying to breathe. Yoji Kojima slingshots himself over the top rope dropping his leg across Zafar Khan's battered chest. He boots Zhan across the temple and the impact rolls Zafar back inside the ring. Kojima follows it up with a pin but gets only a two count and he argues with the referee. Yoji begins slapping Zafar Khan across the top of his head and face. He goes against the ropes but catches a Khan bicycle knee out of nowhere. Yoji Kojima is staggered and Zafar takes full advantage connecting with a springboard tornado ddt. Khan tries for the cover but Kojima rolls out of the ring before he can pin him. Khan shows the frustrations on his face and goes to the outside after him. Zafar Khan struggles to lift Yoji Kojima off the ground and catches a chop to the throat that sends him on the defensive. Kojima hurls Zafar into the steel post then into the ring steps and drops him chest first across the announcer's desk. Yoji rolls Khan back into the ring and heads up to the top turnbuckle. Kojima attempts a frog splash but Zafar get his knees up at the last second. Both men are laid out and exhausted but they start to climb back to their feet. Yoji and Zafar begin a heavy strike exchange with elbows, knee strikes, and open palm slaps. Kojima swings with a desperation lariat but Khan catches him and attempts to deliver Tiger Style but a desperate Yoji shoves Zafar into the referee and both men go down. Yoji Kojima starts measuring Zafar Khan and looks to spray him with the Poison Mist yet again but Khan stops it at the last second. Zafar delivers a lightning quick roundhouse kick to Yoji's face. Kojima's mist goes everywhere and he lays there in the puddle of it. Khan sees them and can't believe Yoji Kojima would go that low again. Zafar paces around growing more frustrated and is seething. He grabs Kojima by the throat and lifts up off the mat. "This is how you want to be remembered!?" Khan screams at him before delivering a superkick to Yoji's crotch to a stunned audience. He falls to his knees as Zafar Khan continues shouting. "You betrayed us!" Khan kicks him in the jaw with a stiff superkick and Kojima falls to his back. Zafar grabs him by the mask and drags him back up to a single knee. "You took everything!" He delivers a second stiff superkick to Yoji Kojima's jaw but Zafar Khan catches him before he falls to the mat. "Have your moment!" A third sickening superkick from Khan echoes throughout a awkwardly quiet Staples Center. Khan lost in mindless anger starts ripping at Yoji's mask trying to tear it off but the ref finally recovered pulls Zafar off of Kojima. The official demands Khan end the match or risk disqualification. Zafar still completely out of character argues with the referee for several seconds before delivering a fifth superkick in total to the back of Yoji Kojima's head. He pauses momentarily contemplating his last actions before ultimately finishing the match. Zafar Khan makes the pin, secures the three count, and gets the victory. The referee raises Khan's hand and realization of what he just did begins to set in. The crowd mixed in reaction as Zafar tries to regain his composure, he tells the official to check on what is left of Yoji Kojima, and he paces around the ring looking stunned at himself. Zafar Khan eventually rolls out of the ring and heads back up the entrance ramp and is clearly not himself despite gaining a measure of revenge tonight. WINNER: Zafar Khan BY: Pinfall (Superkick), 12:36 |
Alyx Valero: "What was that?"
Zackary Dyson: "A great match, Alyx..."
Alyx Valero: "Yeah, I get that Sherlock... What I mean is, what happened to Zaf? He never acted like this!"
Zackary Dyson: "Every man has a breaking point. I guess Constantine, Douglas and Kojima found his... And Yoji surely is regretting pushing Khan."
Alyx Valero: "Or he will, when he wakes up."
Zackary Dyson: "A great match, Alyx..."
Alyx Valero: "Yeah, I get that Sherlock... What I mean is, what happened to Zaf? He never acted like this!"
Zackary Dyson: "Every man has a breaking point. I guess Constantine, Douglas and Kojima found his... And Yoji surely is regretting pushing Khan."
Alyx Valero: "Or he will, when he wakes up."
The camera switches to the backstage area where Chloe Collins stands in front of a interview stage holding a microphone
Chloe Collins:
Over the past few weeks we’ve had many debuts, people who have come from far and wide, with mystery about them and who they all are. However last week on Millennium we’ve had a debut of a man who calls himself, “The Irish Mystery”. So with that said, please welcome, Misteireach.
The camera rolls back and sees Misteireach standing next to Chloe with his hands on his hips
Chloe Collins:
So Misteireach, care to tells us more about yourself?
Misteireach:
Bhuel, is mise Mistéireach. Is as tailte Uladh mé. Tá mé oilte le blianta fada le bheith i mo ghairmí.
Chloe grows a confused expression on her face, not knowing what language Misteireach is speaking. Misteireach though sounds more passionete in his voice
Misteireach:
Is iarracht ar feadh an tsaoil é a bheith ag iarraidh a bheith ar an gceann is fearr. Tá an oiliúint is fearr agam, agus déanaim ár ndícheall a bheith is fearr.
Chole Collins:
Uhm, Misteireach?
Misteireach turns to Chloe
Chloe Collins:
Do you speak English?
Misteireach looks down and holds his hand out
Misteireach:
Forgive me. I got a little carried away lass. May I borrow that?
Chloe hands Misteireach the microphone. He brings it very close to his jaw of his mask.
Misteireach:
It is easy to be comfortable with the enemy you know, your familiar foes. But to discount those who are beyond the known world, will unleash a rude awakening to all who those remain ignorant. And me my friends. Will be that rude awakening.
Misteireach nods and hands the microphone and walks off the set
Chloe Collins:
Over the past few weeks we’ve had many debuts, people who have come from far and wide, with mystery about them and who they all are. However last week on Millennium we’ve had a debut of a man who calls himself, “The Irish Mystery”. So with that said, please welcome, Misteireach.
The camera rolls back and sees Misteireach standing next to Chloe with his hands on his hips
Chloe Collins:
So Misteireach, care to tells us more about yourself?
Misteireach:
Bhuel, is mise Mistéireach. Is as tailte Uladh mé. Tá mé oilte le blianta fada le bheith i mo ghairmí.
Chloe grows a confused expression on her face, not knowing what language Misteireach is speaking. Misteireach though sounds more passionete in his voice
Misteireach:
Is iarracht ar feadh an tsaoil é a bheith ag iarraidh a bheith ar an gceann is fearr. Tá an oiliúint is fearr agam, agus déanaim ár ndícheall a bheith is fearr.
Chole Collins:
Uhm, Misteireach?
Misteireach turns to Chloe
Chloe Collins:
Do you speak English?
Misteireach looks down and holds his hand out
Misteireach:
Forgive me. I got a little carried away lass. May I borrow that?
Chloe hands Misteireach the microphone. He brings it very close to his jaw of his mask.
Misteireach:
It is easy to be comfortable with the enemy you know, your familiar foes. But to discount those who are beyond the known world, will unleash a rude awakening to all who those remain ignorant. And me my friends. Will be that rude awakening.
Misteireach nods and hands the microphone and walks off the set
Dark Web Match
Stipulation TBD
Heathen Jones VS Declan PierceStipulation TBD
It had taken the ring and production crew some time, but the stage was set and the thousands of fans did not disappoint. The ring and outside area were littered in weaponry of all imagination. The usual barbed-wire wrapped items, a baseball bat and a glove, a tennis racquet, two planks of differing sizes; yard tools, a crippled ladder, three visible tables, chairs everywhere and a stop sign. Someone had emptied their garden shed and kitchen utensil drawer, rakes and spatulas mixed with shovels and a pizza cutter on top of forks and spoons with a trowel and garden fork. Power tools and man-powered tools laid along a car bumper and a Xbox 360. While a footboard with cabinets on each side leaned against a ring post, a metal sled leaned in the barrier corner and a four-by-four bed of nails in the adjacent. Light tubes by the dozens. Leather straps and belts with chains of all styles draped the top turnbuckles in piles. A leather whip hung over the far right corner. Positioned under the bottom turnbuckle of each corner, a large cardboard gummy bear box labelled, “Saul's Sticky Cherry Sweet Truck”. Even the referee had donned personal protective equipment. Steel-toed work boots, jeans, a long sleeve shirt and a skull cap; he's shielding his eyes with safety goggles; and avoiding the spread of infection with a pair of forearm-length, yellow dishwashing gloves. “Prince Piledriver” Declan Pierce entered the ring to cheers. In his most recent match, that social media heralded “Match of the Night,” Declan opened the last show in a ring-jarring no-contest; and, all because of his opponent tonight. Declan went down the ramp the favorite, showered in admiration. He is standing up for his brothers tonight; sure, it had started with their motorcycles being toppled, but look where it has led. As the Godless Heathen from the South emerged from the behind the curtain, garbage rained down. Heathen Jones was stabbed in the leg by Robbie MF Bourbon, showboating in a match he eventually lost and then blamed his opponent tonight. The fans absolutely despise Heathen; however, when Hickey strutted out onto the stage wearing the chain, they RIOTED! Heathen has healed up, but he still has a slight hitch every couple of steps to the ring. In the ring, both surveyed the potential carnage. Heathen mocked the referee as he adjusted a surgical face mask over his mouth and nose. It made it difficult to hear the directions. As far as the eyes of both competitors, there were no rules. They also weren't going to wrestle, Heathen picked up a lead pipe and Declan grabbed every bit of a five-foot iron pipe wrench. Far from sportsmanship, Declan's wrench caught Heathen's pipe as both swung. Weapons tangled up, Heathen spat in Declan's face and Declan punched Heathen in his. They dropped their weapons, went to lock up and Heathen got a headbutt. Declan backed a few steps then popped ...THE CROWD… and Heathen in the temple with an elbow. Collar and… no, reverse waistlock …no, wristlock with Heathen in control for moment. In the center of the ring, Declan reversed, rolled and ducked around behind with a hammerlock. To the corner, Heathen reverses, CHOP! Declan spins out, Heathen back-first into the corner, KNIFE EDGE CHOP! Heathen tries to change position and Declan rockets him across the ring. Slingshot, Heathen floats over -as Declan rushes in- grabbing a leather belt in the process. Heathen cinches the belt around Declan's neck, dragging him to the center. Declan overpowers and spins into a collar and elbow. Heathen goes up and comes crashing down on a half-dozen single light tubes, a bent street sign and broken plastic wheel. Dust went everywhere. The crowd went wild. And, as Declan bent down to grab him, Heathen smashed the steel horse rider in the head with a small fire safe. Declan fell straight backward, crashing to the mat. Heathen rolled to the ropes and eventually found his feet. Then, he realized Declan wasn't moving ...Heathen dropped and sawed at Declan's jaw, neck and chest with his forearm. Mad stomps with both hands on the top rope for power and then he grabbed a strap from the nearest corner. CRACK! Welts swelled on Declan's back with the second and third before Heathen threw it down and went back to the corner. This time, a heavy chain that he doubled up and swung around in big circles for the trash throwing fans. Both hands as high over his head as he could the links battered Declan's sternum, ribs and hips. Heathen dropped the chain and immediately clutched his left thigh. The wound had healed, but the place where Robbie MF Bourbon had stabbed him still had its moments; Declan just kicked him ...the pain was clearly excruciating. As Heathen crumpled, Declan rolled to the furthest corner and sat against the turnbuckles. While the crowd cheered and chanted for Declan, Heathen peeked over his shoulder and found his opponent rising in the corner. Unable to stand, Heathen scooted toward the ropes. Declan snatched Heathen before he could get out and scooped him up before adjusting his grip and flipping Heathen upside down ...snap vertical suplex! More light tubes burst, dust filled the air and slivers of glass sliced and dug under both of their skin. Declan got a two-count before Heathen kicked out. While Declan and the referee exchanged words, Heathen rolled to the outside. It was a two, arguing is futile and Heathen is catching his breath; Declan exited the ring after his opponent. Fists flew when Declan caught up to Heathen. A right cross spun Heathen around into the handle of the garden hoe he stepped on. Declan stepped out of the way as Heathen turned around directly into the handle of a rake. As Heathen turned around once more, Declan swung for the fences and leveled him with a steel chair. Chair shots! Until it was no longer a chair and Declan tossed it away. Declan picked Heathen up and whipped him ...no, Heathen reversed and sent… no, both crashed against the bed of nails too close when Declan attempted to change up. The nails pierced their shoulders and the entire bed fell as they both quickly pulled away. Heathen kicked it and it slid to the side of the ring. Declan fired Heathen into the aluminum sled like a battering ram and then, with his hands at 5&7, smashed the sled until it was bent and twisted all to Hell. Declan rolled Heathen to his back with his boot and then, dropped for the cover. Somehow, Heathen kicked out just at two. Declan quickly had Heathen back up and the two tussled around the ring. Neither had all that great a base and both hobbled, swung or ate a shot, and stumbled. As the crowd got pumped, Declan fed off of it and floored Heathen with a standing lariat. Declan lifted Heathen, deadweight, up onto his shoulders. Looking for the bed of nails, he resorted to the junk drawer and sat out powerbombed Heathen down for yet another two-count. Hickey broke it up, ramming Declan and Heathen with a shopping cart. Declan had her high tailing it and he used the barbed-wire wrapped baseball glove to slap the skin off of Heathen's face. Back to the cart, Declan pulled a wrapped chair, that he placed between the barrier and Heathen's back, and the bat that he hit Heathen across the chest with. Heathen hurled backward into the barbs wrapped around the chair. Hickey came off the apron with a metal trash barrel. Declan brushed it off and made her retreat full-speed once again. From the barrel he pulled a steel chair. As Heathen stood, Declan cracked him so hard the chair was shot. A stop sign from the cart drew Heathen's shoulders together as he yelped like a scolded dog. Declan spun Heathen around and pulled him around the ringside area to the ramp where he flopped the hellion up onto a table. It was a busted up bar stool that Declan came off of the apron with, driving Heathen through the table. Another two-count, but Declan didn't let up, he sat Heathen up and dug a large grill fork from the rubbish to grind into Heathen's head. Several minutes and even more refusals to quit later, Heathen got ahold of the XBox 360. He missed! And, again. The third time was the charm as gaming system components exploded off Declan's forehead. It too him a minute and some help from the banshee at ringside, but soon they had Declan back in the ring. Both men were bleeding profusely from their faces, backs and chests whe Declan kicked out of a very close two. Heathen stomped him lifeless and dragged him to the corner where Hickey wrapped a strap around his throat, sat top the ring steps and choked him. Meanwhile, Heathen went for his Uncle's gummy bear boxes. The first, from behind Declan, Heathen goes to the center of the ring. The boxes are about 3 to 4.5 cubic feet, enough for a microwave ...or THOUSANDS of screws and nails! The second box went high above Heathen's head before he dumped it, HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of thumbtacks cascaded from the box down into nails, screws and slivers of glass. The referee continued to fight to free Declan, but his eyes told the story as Heathen collected the third cardboard box. This one had wait as Heathen hesitated picking it up and then lugged it as high as his arms could lift. Beads, jewels, marbles and magnets, little sharp pieces with barbs, horns and studs went in all directions. The fourth and final box had been written on, everywhere, “DO NOT DUMP!” Heathen peeked and his eyes widened, as did the grin on his face, he sat the box down gently atop the mess and broke each corner down revealing hundreds of set mouse traps stacked neatly in rows of columns. The entire crowd ate it up as Heathen shoved the referee out of the way and took over with Declan. Pushing him up the turnbuckles, Heathen perched Declan on the top rope. Declan didn't even fight, having been all-but choked out. Heathen draped Declan's arm, hooked his waistband and pulled him up and over. Both crashed down on snapping mouse traps and other sharp, skin-digging little bits. Heathen rolled, hooked the leg and it was finally over. Rolling off of Declan, neither moved as medical rushed to the ring to aid them. WINNER: Heathen Jones BY: Pinfall, 12:44 |
Bea Torres: "Is it over?"
Jared Idol: "Aye, you can open your eyes now, Bea."
Bea Torres: "Uh... so... who won?"
Jared Idol: "The Heathen defeated the Prince at the end of a fierce battle."
Bea Torres: "You sure? He doesn't look much of a winner..."
Jared Idol: "Aye, you can open your eyes now, Bea."
Bea Torres: "Uh... so... who won?"
Jared Idol: "The Heathen defeated the Prince at the end of a fierce battle."
Bea Torres: "You sure? He doesn't look much of a winner..."
It’s been a busy night so far for everyone in MWE, including the Riot General Manager, Yulia Kirilenko. The show has been a success so far and you can bet, the best has yet to come. But Yulia isn’t really enjoying the show as she would want, held prisoner in her office by some boring yet very important, paperwork. Suddenly, there’s an obnoxious knock on the door. After the General Manager gives her permission, the former Cloud Gate Champion Cass Baumer comes strutting into the office with a wide smile on her face.
Cass Baumer:
Boss!
The Headliner spins the comfortable leather chair opposite the General Manager’s desk before excitedly sitting down, putting her feet on the desk and crossing her legs nonchalantly.
Yulia Kirilenko:
Cass! I thought you were getting ready for your match…
The blonde Russian says with a smile. Just then, Cass sets her feet on the ground in an attempt to not show disrespect to her superior.
Yulia Kirilenko:
How can I help you?
Cass Baumer:
You can be damn sure I got this backstage brawl against Charlotte Webster in mind, but I wanted to check in before all that happened. It’s been a while since we’ve spoken in person.
Yulia nods, pushing aside the papers she was reading to focus on Baumer. Cass grips the armrests and leans forward.
Cass Baumer:
How’s the gig going? You’ve been General Manager of Riot for about 13 weeks now, and this sure as hell ain’t the same Millennium Pro that I left now that it’s under new management. That’s gotta be a challenge, yeah? All the politicking?
Even as a wrestler, Cass couldn’t stop asking questions.
Yulia Kirilenko:
Things are going great thankfully. The brand keeps growing, we keep drawing interest… And as you can tell, I have a lot to do. Speaking of which, if it’s an interview you’re looking for, I’m afraid I have no time for that.
She says in the most polite way she possibly can. Cass dismisses the notion with a sweeping wave of the hand.
Cass Baumer:
I know you’re busy, alright? So I’ll get straight to the point.
Baumer clears her throat into her fist.
Cass Baumer:
When you offered that contract… I’ll admit, I was surprised. I thought I was done, but I had this golden opportunity… this golden ticket to come back here and do things differently.
Yulia watches intently.
Cass Baumer:
Let’s be real, though. To you, it was a business transaction, I’m sure. Maybe you even got a lot of slack for it. And compared to the cash I was earning, I’m making pennies now but I took the deal because it was never about the money.
She leans back in her chair again, crossing her arms.
Cass Baumer:
Starting tonight... I wanna pay my dues. I want to beat Charlotte but after that, I don’t want special treatment. I want the opposite. I want tough matches. I want the most intimidating opponents on the roster, matches I’m not even supposed to win so I can get better. I want to be able to represent the Riot brand to the best of my ability so we can topple Millennium week after week together as a team, and I don’t want to be complacent. You can understand that, yeah?
Yulia sits back, nodding and smiling at the former CEO of Baumer Report.
Yulia Kirilenko:
I expect nothing less from you, Cass. And you should expect nothing less from me. When I took charge in Riot, I did it with a clear idea of the kind of fighters I was looking for. People with something to prove, hungry for competition, unafraid to go to war, if needed. I want people who are willing to bleed for this company.
Cass nods proudly.
Cass Baumer:
I’ll bleed orange for Riot. And something’s telling me that’ll happen sooner rather than later if Charlotte’s got a say in the matter, huh?
She laughs a bit nervously.
Yulia Kirilenko:
It’s going to be a great match, I’m sure. And it will tell me if you can back up your words. Good luck, Cass.
Baumer smiles before spinning the office chair again with her feet, stylishly jumping mid-spin to stop its rotation with a grip of her hand.
Cass Baumer:
I better not keep you! I’ll get out of your hair and leave you to your paperwork.
With a dramatic wave, Cass Baumer walks out the office door and allows Yulia to tend to her paperwork prison once again.
Cass Baumer:
Boss!
The Headliner spins the comfortable leather chair opposite the General Manager’s desk before excitedly sitting down, putting her feet on the desk and crossing her legs nonchalantly.
Yulia Kirilenko:
Cass! I thought you were getting ready for your match…
The blonde Russian says with a smile. Just then, Cass sets her feet on the ground in an attempt to not show disrespect to her superior.
Yulia Kirilenko:
How can I help you?
Cass Baumer:
You can be damn sure I got this backstage brawl against Charlotte Webster in mind, but I wanted to check in before all that happened. It’s been a while since we’ve spoken in person.
Yulia nods, pushing aside the papers she was reading to focus on Baumer. Cass grips the armrests and leans forward.
Cass Baumer:
How’s the gig going? You’ve been General Manager of Riot for about 13 weeks now, and this sure as hell ain’t the same Millennium Pro that I left now that it’s under new management. That’s gotta be a challenge, yeah? All the politicking?
Even as a wrestler, Cass couldn’t stop asking questions.
Yulia Kirilenko:
Things are going great thankfully. The brand keeps growing, we keep drawing interest… And as you can tell, I have a lot to do. Speaking of which, if it’s an interview you’re looking for, I’m afraid I have no time for that.
She says in the most polite way she possibly can. Cass dismisses the notion with a sweeping wave of the hand.
Cass Baumer:
I know you’re busy, alright? So I’ll get straight to the point.
Baumer clears her throat into her fist.
Cass Baumer:
When you offered that contract… I’ll admit, I was surprised. I thought I was done, but I had this golden opportunity… this golden ticket to come back here and do things differently.
Yulia watches intently.
Cass Baumer:
Let’s be real, though. To you, it was a business transaction, I’m sure. Maybe you even got a lot of slack for it. And compared to the cash I was earning, I’m making pennies now but I took the deal because it was never about the money.
She leans back in her chair again, crossing her arms.
Cass Baumer:
Starting tonight... I wanna pay my dues. I want to beat Charlotte but after that, I don’t want special treatment. I want the opposite. I want tough matches. I want the most intimidating opponents on the roster, matches I’m not even supposed to win so I can get better. I want to be able to represent the Riot brand to the best of my ability so we can topple Millennium week after week together as a team, and I don’t want to be complacent. You can understand that, yeah?
Yulia sits back, nodding and smiling at the former CEO of Baumer Report.
Yulia Kirilenko:
I expect nothing less from you, Cass. And you should expect nothing less from me. When I took charge in Riot, I did it with a clear idea of the kind of fighters I was looking for. People with something to prove, hungry for competition, unafraid to go to war, if needed. I want people who are willing to bleed for this company.
Cass nods proudly.
Cass Baumer:
I’ll bleed orange for Riot. And something’s telling me that’ll happen sooner rather than later if Charlotte’s got a say in the matter, huh?
She laughs a bit nervously.
Yulia Kirilenko:
It’s going to be a great match, I’m sure. And it will tell me if you can back up your words. Good luck, Cass.
Baumer smiles before spinning the office chair again with her feet, stylishly jumping mid-spin to stop its rotation with a grip of her hand.
Cass Baumer:
I better not keep you! I’ll get out of your hair and leave you to your paperwork.
With a dramatic wave, Cass Baumer walks out the office door and allows Yulia to tend to her paperwork prison once again.
Dark Web Match
Stipulation TBD
Cass Baumer VS Charlotte WebsterStipulation TBD
The backstage brawl between Cass Baumer and Charlie Webster began with Cass looking around for her opponent in the backstage area with a ref in tow. Baumer grew frustrated with the inability to Webster, noting that she was just a coward. Webster made herself known by clocking Baumer in the back of the head with the Collected Works of Walt Whitman and went for a win but Baumer was way too fresh to stay down from getting hit by a book. Webster groaned and hammered away with her fists trying to keep the vastly more experienced Baumer from getting back up. Naturally that failed eventually as Charlie ran away into the catering area with Baumer on her heels. Cass caught up with the cowardly wordsmith and threw a plate at Webster which tripped up the rookie. Baumer took over with some hard strikes, echoing through catering and took some glee in bouncing Charlie’s face off of a few tables. Webster tries to retreat behind the food table but it was to no avail, Baumer continuing her assault on the rookie. Baumer threw a tray at her rival which staggered Webster over condiment table. Baumer took a second to think about what was next, giving Charlie an opening to grab a ketchup bottle and squirt it into her eyes. Webster grabbed a lid and began to work over Baumer, hitting her with it to great success. However, the experience of Baumer was too much on this night. The two began to battle back and forth, finally getting out of catering and exchanging rights and lefts down the hallway, Baumer getting the better and throwing Charlie against the wall. The rookie began to try to get away again and looked for the first door she could get in. Baumer follows in but was blindsided with the door slammed in her face. Charlie stomped away but Baumer fought back, the two completely unaware that Gian Vaccaro was in his office. Baumer grabbed Webster and threw her face first into a Millennium poster, the glass shattering all over the place. Webster flew back into Gian’s desk as Baumer slammed a potted plant on her foe. Before the violence could continue, Gian calmly stood up and told them both that their GM is the next room. Baumer took his words to heart and literally threw Charlie through the fucking wall into Yulia’s office. Yulia leaped out of her seat as Charlie was half past dead after going through that fucking wall. Feeling the end was nigh, Cass pounced on Charlie with a huge double stomp before getting on top of Yulia’s desk and coming back off with a leg drop. Webster told the ref she was done, she forfeits, Cass wins! Baumer looked disappointed to hear Charlie quit but decided to throw her through another fucking wall for good measure. WINNER: Cass Baumer BY: Charlie Webster Quitting, 8:46 |
Alyx Valero: "What? Did she just quit?"
Zackary Dyson: "Yep. Why are you laughing?"
Alyx Valero: "She asked for this match, she talked shit for weeks and then quits? Why are you NOT laughing?
Zackary Dyson: "Well, to her defense this is only her... I think fifth match? And the last one was months ago, not to mention that the stipulation clearly favored Baumer."
Alyx Valero: "Oh what a nice set of excuses, Zacky... Do you have more?"
Zackary Dyson: "Yep. Why are you laughing?"
Alyx Valero: "She asked for this match, she talked shit for weeks and then quits? Why are you NOT laughing?
Zackary Dyson: "Well, to her defense this is only her... I think fifth match? And the last one was months ago, not to mention that the stipulation clearly favored Baumer."
Alyx Valero: "Oh what a nice set of excuses, Zacky... Do you have more?"
The camera cuts backstage, beyond the dusty, bare halls and into the lush space of a private dressing room. As the camera enters to find the expensive furniture and obnoxious food spread, the cameraman is stopped short by a massive hand attached to a mountain of a man. As Andrew Wilkow sneers down at the perceived intruders, he’s called off by a voice filled with sunsets and cigarette ash.
??:
Chiiiiiiiilll, Drew. Let ‘em in.
Andrew Wilkow:
Yes, Boss.
As Wilkow clears from the doorway, we find his “boss” lounging upon a black leather sofa. With a tropical drink in his hand garnished with a classic little umbrella and more existing around a pink Hawaiian than wearing it, Devin Hearst can be seen preparing for his debut in the way only he can. Getting in one of those perfect stretches, “The Dude” shifts his attention toward his new guests. He can only grin beneath the shades he wears even now.
Devin Hearst:
Can you feel that, man? Oooo, yeah I got those chills that run through the body like ants in your blood! There’s just something special about tonight. Ain’t that right, Drew?
Andrew Wilkow:
Right, Boss.
Devin Hearst:
Damn Right. I’ve had myself a fair share of debuts, and right about now is the time I’d mean mug up, but I’m just not that guy, anymore. I can’t be out here acting like some kind of thug; I’m a businessman, and boy, is business good, and tonight we put the Riot brand on our backs and make a throwaway battle royal the marquee attraction of the night. Now, the multi-man game hasn’t been kind to the kid in the past, but something tells me …
As if rehearsed, the red wood that is Andrew Wilkow moved to the side of his employer, arms folded and eyes still narrowed open the view masses.
Devin Hearst:
The odds are in ol’ Dev’s favor. The odds are in Riot’s favor, ‘cause when it all boils down to it, this is all about proving who runs this joint now, and I’m sure y’all had a pretty easy answer before, but the game done changed when Rev Dev hit the scene! Sending a message is what I do best. Now, I’m more about the good vibrations these days … but who am I to deny a paying customer? I’ve been paid a ridiculous amount to put Riot on the map where it deserves to be, and put Millenium on its ass, not on a one person at a time limit, but to drop on their roster like the fucking atom bomb! There’s that truce, though, ain’t there? Would need a real devious bastard to find a loophole around that, right? Well then, my question to you, my friend …
Standing up and snapping his shirt properly into place, Hearst sauntered over, closer and closer until his breath fogged up the edges of the camera.
Devin Hearst:
Why do you think I’m here for?
With a wink and a snap, Hearst turned back to his lounge as his muscle snatched up the cameraman by the collar, lifting them into the air and literally throwing them out of the room, slamming the door behind them.
The feed switches to the backstage area where Chloe Collins is standing beside a closed door.
Chloe Collins:
Bea and Jared, I'm here outside the dressing room of The American Monster, Jacob Hammerstein. Let's see if we can get some words from him on his cage match tonight with Bethany Driver.
Chloe knocks on the door. The door opens and Hammerstein walks out, a canvas shopping bag in his hand.
Chloe Collins:
Hammerstein, the fans have voted, and tonight you will face Bethany driver in a steel cage match. What are your feelings going into this match tonight?
Hammerstein looks at Collins and smiles.
Hammerstein:
Chloe, let me ask ya a question. Have ya ever made coleslaw? I mean, not picked it up at the grocery store, open the little plastic container, and dole it out onto a plate. I mean oh, have ya ever prepared coleslaw?
Collins looks at The American Monster, confused.
Chloe Collins:
No, no I haven't.
Hammerstein smirks.
Hammerstein:
No, I imagine you haven't. You, and most of these people here probably have never prepared a meal in your life that didn't come from a drive-thru or delivery service. But you see, I come from the south I was raised in Mississippi. And you make most everything from scratch. So what I've got here…
Hammerstein reaches into the bag and pulls out a head of cabbage and a box grater.
Hammerstein:
...is what's known as an object lesson. Ya see, Chloe, when ya make coleslaw ya gotta shred the cabbage. So ya use a box grater. Now just like this box grater shreds cabbage oh, so does the steel cage shred skin.
He holds up the grater.
Hammerstein:
Now imagine, if you will, that this box grater is the steel cage….
He holds up the head of cabbage.
Hammerstein:
... And this head of cabbage represents Bethany Driver's head. I know, I know. You're gonna have to use your imagination, because this head of cabbage is much better lookin than Bethany. Know what I'm gonna do tonight is I'm going to take Bethany's face…
Hammerstein rams the head of cabbage into the grater and begins moving it up and down, with shreds of cabbage falling to the floor.
Hammerstein:
... And I'm going to ram it right into the steel cage, and I'm going to start shreddin her face back and forth, up and down across the steel and her skin's gonna rip and it's gonna tear. And as the shreds of skin and blood start droppin to the mat, it's gonna be a feast for the eyes of those who know the truth. And that truth is this: Bethany Driver is not worthy to breathe the same air as I do, much less stand in the same ring as me. Now Bethany, I know you're tryin to prove a point. You're tryin to prove that ya belong. And that all this that you're goin through it's gonna somehow end with your hand raised. And that's a nice story. I mean it's the stuff of a superhero movie. But ya see, Bethany, this ain't a superhero movie, where the hero saves the day. This is more like Game of Thrones, and to quote George R.R. Martin…”There are no heroes...in life, the monsters win.”
Hammerstein tosses what's left of the head of cabbage over his shoulder, hands Chloe the box grater and walks off. The camera pans down to the pile of shredded cabbage on the floor at Collins feet, then back to her. She looks into the camera with a disturbed look on her face.
Chloe Collins:
Guys, let's go back to you. Can somebody clean up this mess?
Dark Web Match
Stipulation TBD
Bethany Driver VS HammersteinStipulation TBD
As soon as the cage door was locked, Hammerstein was on the attack, smothering Driver with an Avalanche Splash in the corner, then laying in heavy blows to the midsection. The American Monster followed that up with hard hooks that more closely resembled a bear's paw strike than a punch. These had the Colorado native reeling early. Hammerstein stepped up the attack by grabbing Driver by the hair and throwing her, face first, into the steel cage. The fans at the Staples Center reacted with shock at both the brutality shown by The American Monster and the bloody aftermath of his early attack on Bethany, whose forehead was already lacerated. Driver tried to fight back, but a thumb to the eye slowed any momentum she had. Hammerstein grabbed Bethany by the hair and the back of her tights and threw her, over the top rope, into the cage. The Los Olivos, California native pulled Driver up and had her wedged between the ropes and the cage, with her face to the cage and back against the ropes. Hammerstein hit the far side ropes and launched himself into Bethany with The POUNCE, crushing her against the cage. The crowd gasped at the impact the move had on Driver, who looked to be nearly out. Hammerstein raked her face across the steel several times before dragging her back into the ring. Bethany's manager, Charles Noble looked very concerned on the outside, a feeling shared by many in the crowd. Hammerstein dragged Bethany into the ring and slammed her down hard on the mat. The American Monster wanted to end the match early and began climbing up the cage. As he neared the top of the cage, he looked back and smiled as Driver still lay motionless on the mat. Seeing an opportunity he couldn't pass up, Hammerstein perched on top of the cage before diving off, looking to crush his smaller opponent. As soon as he jumped, Bethany rolled out of the way, leaving him nothing but canvas to land on. Hammerstein crashed into the mat and immediately grabbed at his right knee, which had previously sustained a partial tear in the PCL. Bethany wiped the blood from her eyes as she got to her feet. Driver began an all out assault on her rival's knee, twisting it, torquing it, and tearing at it, with a variety of leglocks, kneebars, and sometimes just outright stomping it. Every time Hammerstein got to his feet, Driver would either kick his leg out from under him or chopblock him back down. With her opponent unable to get away, Bethany proceeded to use the cage as a weapon, cutting and tearing the flesh on his forehead. What followed was what could be described as a bloody war of attrition, as Hammerstein used all the power he could muster on one leg to punish Driver for the pain she inflicted on him, while Bethany put every ounce of effort into trying to literally rip Hammerstein's leg off at the knee. Hammerstein got the advantage and went for his Hammersteiner finisher, but Driver adjusted and floated over, bringing him down with The Bethany Driver. Bethany went for the pin, but Jacob managed to lift his shoulder at the last moment. Undaunted, Driver went to the corner and began climbing. Hammersteiner managed to get to his feet and hobble over to the corner. He climbed to the middle turnbuckle and grabbed Bethany by the ankle. Driver kicked herself loose from his grip, then jumped off the cage, turning in midair, grabbing him, and driving him headfirst into the mat with a stunning Tornado DDT. Hammerstein lay motionless, as did Driver who herself was hurt by the impact. Bethany rolled over and laid an arm across his chest. The referee's hand hit the mat a third time just a tenth of a second after Hammerstein lifted his shoulder. The referee threw his hand up, signifying a two count, which caused Driver's manager, Charles Noble, to protest the call. Noble then turned his attention to his client and began encouraging her to get up and get out of the cage. Driver willed herself to her feet and began staggering towards the open door. Driver was stepping through the ropes when Hammerstein grabbed her by the ankle. If Driver could release herself from his grip she would assuredly be the winner. The American Monster let go of her ankle, but grabbed the bottom of the door and pulled it shut, hitting Driver in the face and sending her falling backwards into the ring. The fans in the Staples Center were torn. They wanted to see Driver win, but they also admired Hammerstein's tenacity. A section of fans at ringside began chanting Hammerstein's name. He replied to them by spitting a mouthful of blood at them and flipping them off. Hammerstein gave the throat slash sign, telling the world that he was ending the match once and for all. He pulled Driver to her feet, then picked her up in a vertical suplex position, which is the first part of his Hammersteiner finisher. Before he can complete the move, however, his knee buckled on him and he collapsed, dropping Driver to the mat. The American Monster knew that if he was going to win this match, this was the time to do it. He pulled himself to his feet, and, using the ropes for assistance, walked to the corner. He climbed the turnbuckles and started climbing up the cage. At this same time, Bethany had gotten to her feet, and called for the cage door to be opened. Hammerstein was straddling the top of the cage when Driver began making her way towards the door. Hammerstein crawled over the top of the cage and started climbing down, when he saw Bethany make a break for the door. As Driver dove for the exit, the American Monster jumped from the side of the cage, crashing through the ringside announce table, just as Bethany crashed onto the floor. Millennium trainers and ringside physicians checked on Hammerstein, who was sprawled out amongst the remnants of the table he landed on, while others checked on Driver, who was laying on the floor just outside the cage. Declan Pierce, who came down to ringside to check on his friend, stands next to Charles Noble as officials check Bethany over. Jared Idol: What a war we just witnessed! Who won? Who got to the floor first? Bea Torres: I don't know, Jared. My attention was solely on getting out of Hammerstein's way when he came flying down of that cage! Jared Idol: There are several officials out here. What's going to be the official decision? A referee comes over to Driver and raises her hand in victory, causing the Staples Arena crowd to explode into cheers. The referee who was in the ring during the match, however, disputed the call and walked over and raised Hammerstein's hand, causing the cheers to turn to boos. The two officials met and argued over the decision the other had rendered. The head Millenium referee walked down to ringside, conferenced with the two referees, and then walked over to the announce table, which was in pieces. They huddled around the monitor as replay after replay was shown. Idol and Torres tried to over hear what they were saying, but the crowd noise was too loud. The fans in attendance grew impatient, with some chanting Bethany's name, and others chanting Hammerstein's name. After several minutes, the head Millennium referee walked over and raised Hammerstein's hand in victory. Hammerstein, who was a bloody mess, used the cage to pull himself up to his feet, his arm up in the air. He staggered over to where Bethany, Noble, and Pierce were standing. He raised two fingers to Driver, showing that he had beaten her twice. He told her that he owned her, and that she wasn't worthy of being in the ring with him again. Bethany, who had been being supported by Pierce, pulled away from him and got face-to-face with the American Monster. The two shared heated words before officials stepped in between them and ushered Hammerstein towards the back. As he was walking to the back Hammerstein raised his middle finger in the air to Bethany. Driver started to pursue him, but her manager Noble stopped her by putting his hand on her shoulder. Driver turned to Noble, with bad intentions in her eyes, and the manager quickly removed his hand from her. Declan leaned over and whispered something in the Bethany's ear, seemingly calming her down. He then grabbed her by the wrist and raised her arm in victory, bringing the Staples Arena fans to their feet. Although they knew she was not the official winner, she had once again won the night, by showing the world her courage and tenacity, and they showed her their appreciation. Though disappointed, Bethany walked to the back, flanked by Noble and Pierce, with a small smile on her face, as she shook hands and high fived the fans on the way. WINNER: Hammerstein BY: Cage Escaping, 10:28 |
"This whole situation really came from nowhere, huh?"
The view cuts backstage to show Adam 'Smoke' Neilson himself leaning against a wall, multiple equipment boxes to his right stacked upon each other, making it possible to lean his right arm across it whilst looking as confident as ever. He didn't look like his usual self though, perhaps a result of the looming championship ahead of him? Smoke snarled, dropping his head down before speaking.
SMOKE
"When I signed my contract to Millenium Wrestling Enterprise, they gave me the option of going to Millenium itself or going to Riot. I started my adventure in Millenium on the Riot brand because it was brand new. It was a chance to weed out the weak and make sure that I was going to survive as the strong. The fact that it didn't take me long to get an opportunity against the champion and defeat her was... well, it was what I was expecting. The key to success is to have high expectations of yourself. My expectations were to earn a Riot Championship match and now that's secured, what's next? Oh yeah, the champion!"
SMOKE
"That's you, Liv."
A smile of sorts comes to Smoke's face as he looks down at the far corridor before once again centering his face with the frame.
SMOKE
"In all reality, this could have been over when I made you tap out the other week. That ain't my problem, that was your choice! You can preach about how I speak my words, yet it all played out like I predicted. The champion tapped out to the challenger and anybody with a sense of logic can come to the conclusion that I will be able to do the exact same thing again. There's an underlying factor in all of this in a certain Oz Dalton. You two can be all perfect for each other, there's no reason for me to stand in the way of that. Was he there to watch you tap out the first time? Yes. Will he be there to watch you tap out for the second time? Yes. The big difference is that I will be walking away as Riot Champion and with that, this place will become my democracy. There will be no 'representing the brand', it will be about representing SMOKE. Whilst Riot has given me opportunities like this, any person on the roster with a sense of logic has to be willing to go into business for themselves."
He holds his hands up for a few seconds.
SMOKE
"Come at me though, let the weak heroes speak up and say that somebody who doesn't represent their home shouldn't be on top. To them? Take a hint and fuck off. This has always been about me. The difference between somebody like myself and somebody like Liv Mercer is that I don't have to go through any means necessary to win, I don't have an insurance policy at ringside. My family, my country and EVERYTHING around us taught me a valuable lesson. The world in which we live in is corrupt, nobody is winning in the end. So, make the most of everything you get handed to you. Liv Mercer was handed an opportunity to become the first Riot Champion, congratulations, yet Oz was there to help you out. True love, I say!"
Smoke's eyebrows raise slightly as he lowers his hands to his side, clenching his right hand into a fist as he slams it down on top of the stack of equipment boxes. A sign of frustration in a way.
SMOKE
"No, really. They can eyefuck each other on social media all they want, but when it comes down to the precise details, Liv Mercer is nothing by herself. A fragile girl trying to lead a movement too big for her. You may be a shining light for the business in the future, but that light? There's no need for it at the moment. I'm putting you in your place once again and taking the Riot Championship for compensation."
The view cuts backstage to show Adam 'Smoke' Neilson himself leaning against a wall, multiple equipment boxes to his right stacked upon each other, making it possible to lean his right arm across it whilst looking as confident as ever. He didn't look like his usual self though, perhaps a result of the looming championship ahead of him? Smoke snarled, dropping his head down before speaking.
SMOKE
"When I signed my contract to Millenium Wrestling Enterprise, they gave me the option of going to Millenium itself or going to Riot. I started my adventure in Millenium on the Riot brand because it was brand new. It was a chance to weed out the weak and make sure that I was going to survive as the strong. The fact that it didn't take me long to get an opportunity against the champion and defeat her was... well, it was what I was expecting. The key to success is to have high expectations of yourself. My expectations were to earn a Riot Championship match and now that's secured, what's next? Oh yeah, the champion!"
SMOKE
"That's you, Liv."
A smile of sorts comes to Smoke's face as he looks down at the far corridor before once again centering his face with the frame.
SMOKE
"In all reality, this could have been over when I made you tap out the other week. That ain't my problem, that was your choice! You can preach about how I speak my words, yet it all played out like I predicted. The champion tapped out to the challenger and anybody with a sense of logic can come to the conclusion that I will be able to do the exact same thing again. There's an underlying factor in all of this in a certain Oz Dalton. You two can be all perfect for each other, there's no reason for me to stand in the way of that. Was he there to watch you tap out the first time? Yes. Will he be there to watch you tap out for the second time? Yes. The big difference is that I will be walking away as Riot Champion and with that, this place will become my democracy. There will be no 'representing the brand', it will be about representing SMOKE. Whilst Riot has given me opportunities like this, any person on the roster with a sense of logic has to be willing to go into business for themselves."
He holds his hands up for a few seconds.
SMOKE
"Come at me though, let the weak heroes speak up and say that somebody who doesn't represent their home shouldn't be on top. To them? Take a hint and fuck off. This has always been about me. The difference between somebody like myself and somebody like Liv Mercer is that I don't have to go through any means necessary to win, I don't have an insurance policy at ringside. My family, my country and EVERYTHING around us taught me a valuable lesson. The world in which we live in is corrupt, nobody is winning in the end. So, make the most of everything you get handed to you. Liv Mercer was handed an opportunity to become the first Riot Champion, congratulations, yet Oz was there to help you out. True love, I say!"
Smoke's eyebrows raise slightly as he lowers his hands to his side, clenching his right hand into a fist as he slams it down on top of the stack of equipment boxes. A sign of frustration in a way.
SMOKE
"No, really. They can eyefuck each other on social media all they want, but when it comes down to the precise details, Liv Mercer is nothing by herself. A fragile girl trying to lead a movement too big for her. You may be a shining light for the business in the future, but that light? There's no need for it at the moment. I'm putting you in your place once again and taking the Riot Championship for compensation."
Dark Web Match
No DQ
No DQ
Brothers McMillion VS Duke Andrews & Robbie "MF" Bourbon
It’s been over a month since Duke Andrews turned on his lifelong friend Christian Michaels after they lost the Triad Titles in Liberty. Ever since then, things have been escalating between the two, with reciprocate interference, attacks and a lot of bad blood. Robbie Bourbon was the only one who took Duke’s side, backing up his theory that CM had held back Andrews for years, Tonight they had the chance to prove their point in a tag match against the Brothers McMillion who came to the ring preparade, each one of them with a steel chair in hand. Javen slid in and smashed the chair on Robbie’s head while Duke rolled out of the ring before Christian could hit him. Michaels shook his head, looking at his former friend with a disgusted expression on his face. He then turned around and slammed the chair on Robbie’s back. The Viceroy of Vulgar found himself caught in the crossfire of the McMillions who kept hitting relentlessly with alternate shots. Duke entered the ring only after they knocked him down with a Con-chair.to, breaking the pinfall attempt and throwing Javen out of the ring, focusing his attention on Christian. With all the bad blood between them there was no room for fancy moves and flips. The match quickly turned into an hockey fight, or a bar room brawl. Straight punches to each other’s face, both of them unafraid to go low and bend a few rules, as the stipulation allowed them to. Christian raked Duke’s eyes and kicked him in the stomach, dropping him down with a ddt on the chair. Andrews kicked out from the pinning predicament and, when CM was picking him up, hit him with a low blow, the same move that costed him a dq in their recent match in Hybrid. With Christian doubled over holding the crotch area in pain, Duke lifted him for a powerbomb, obtaining a count of two. Out of the ring, Robbie was making Javen pay for the initial assault, with interests. It all started when Bourbon grabbed a kendo stick from under the ring and swung it in Simon’s abdominal area, smashing the weapon across his back until it broke in half. Red marks all across his back, Javen was screaming in pain as Robbie was walked over his bruised back. Salvation came for the younger McMillion when Christian, after kicking Duke’s head off with an enziguri, launched himself between the ropes with a suicide dive, taking Robbie down. Once again the McMillions were teaming up against the big man, whipping him against the barricade and kicking the crap out of him. Duke came to rescue his partner pummeling CM with a forearm shot to the back of the head. Bourbon grabbed a bottle of beer from one of the fans and smacking it on Javen’s head. Duke looked shocked at Javen as he dropped on his knees with blood dripping form his forehead. But he wasn’t worried about the opponent’s well being. He looked more horrified about the broken bottle, instantly recognizing it as Oberon, his favorite brand. The same brand he coerced Nina to buy for the event, He shook his head at Robbie, mouthing “What did you do?” Robbie shrugged, obviously perplexed. Javen recovered from the shot and grabbed the bottle of Oberon his brother handed over. With the opponents still distracted, the McMillion took a long sip from the bottles and spat the content in their opponent’s faces, before superkicking them both into the front row. The fight kept going all over the ringside area, with all four people involved using the environment to their advantage. Javen jumped off the barricade with a legdrop on Duke, Bourbon put CM through a table with a RobbieBomb before going to rescue his partner. Javen anticipated his intentions with a drop toe hold takedown, introducing Robbie’s face to the steel steps. He then grabbed Duke and, after slamming his face against the ring post, rolled him back in, making the cover and getting a two count. The match was finally back between the ropes, the only place where it could end. Javen’s suplex attempt was countered with a cradle by Andrews, Simon kicked out in two, finding a Killshot waiting for him as soon as he got back to his feet. The returning Christian made the last minute save with a dive, keeping the match alive. With Javen rolling out of the ring, it was once again down to CM and Duke. The Red White and Blue Combo wasn’t enough to keep Christian down, the same way a out of nowhere Just Like That (Twist Of Fate) couldn’t put Andrews away for the three count. Javen came back into the ring with a ladder, while Robbie was slowing making it up to his feet. Javen swung the ladder hitting Duke and knocking him down. Andrews pulled himself up with the help of the ropes, looking dizzy. Still, he had the clear headedness to decide that he had had enough of this, dropping on the mat and rolling out of the ring leaving his partner alone to deal with the McMillions. Christian was tempted to chase him, but he found the unaware Robbie on his way. He kicked the masked man in the stomach and dropped him down with the Just Like That. Javen was already on top of the ladder, ready to jump off it with a Swanton Bomb for the win. WINNER: Brothers McMillion BY: Pinfall (Swanton Bomb), 9:13 |
Alyx Valero: "He really left his partner alone? What a douche!"
Zackary Dyson: "Just a piece of advice kid. You shouldn't insult wrestlers, they are quite sensitive.."
Alyx Valero: "So it's ok to turn your back on your friends like Douche Andrews did? Again?"
Zackary Dyson: "That's not what I said..."
Alyx Valero: "Glad to see you agree with me, pal."
Zackary Dyson: "Can we just move on?"
Zackary Dyson: "Just a piece of advice kid. You shouldn't insult wrestlers, they are quite sensitive.."
Alyx Valero: "So it's ok to turn your back on your friends like Douche Andrews did? Again?"
Zackary Dyson: "That's not what I said..."
Alyx Valero: "Glad to see you agree with me, pal."
Zackary Dyson: "Can we just move on?"
Levi the Baby K:
I’ve never been so scared in my life!
We find Levi, in a shared locker room alone. She’s having trouble tying her shoes. The camera stays on her, even as she struggles with a double knot. She eventually gets it, her shaky hands getting it together and she takes a deep breath; thinking for a moment.
Levi the Baby K:
I hope it’s not bad that I’m telling the truth or anything, I’m just so nervous. I’ve been running this match over and over again in my brain and it flips my stomach on its head! Barbed wire? Like golly.
Levi shakes her head, unable to fully comprehend the horror of the situation.
Levi the Baby K:
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not afraid of getting hurt. I’m afraid of hurting someone! I’ve never walked into a match with blood on my mind, that’s gross. I walk into matches with winning in my head instead. I’ve never used a weapon in my life!
Pause.
Levi the Baby K:
So I won’t. If I can help it, I won’t.
There’s a sudden surge of confidence that comes from the young woman as she stands to her feet with a soul melting smile on her face.
Levi the Baby K:
People are telling me to be careful, to make it out in one piece. I appreciate the worry and the love, but I’m thinking they’re talking to the wrong person! I’m the Baby K, a growing dragon, the Goblin Kid at recess. I know how to play rough and if Sephora feels like she needs a stick to keep up, go ahead! I understand. There’s a lot to be said about someone who needs destruction and someone who can get a hold of it.
Levi laughs to herself, like a spider, out of nowhere.
Levi the Baby K:
Sorry, I hope that wasn’t mean or anything, but it’s the truth! You guys are warning the wrong person here. I’ve got this, Olivia has got this, and Sephora has a back to the wall as a future losing champ.
Levi smiles big, even bigger than before if that’s possible.
Levi the Baby K:
So, Sephora, no one has told you this yet, so I will: try to make it out in one piece.
Suddenly, the door opens and Levi brightens up even more than before as Olivia walks in. Olivia matches her energy and smile.
Olivia Wythe:
Are you ready, big butt?
Levi squeals, how dare she?! She had a normal sized butt! Levi heads to her friend, who runs away and gives chase as Levi as she yells after her.
Levi the Baby K:
I’ll kick your butt, how about that?!
The happy scene fades, soon to be bloodied.
I’ve never been so scared in my life!
We find Levi, in a shared locker room alone. She’s having trouble tying her shoes. The camera stays on her, even as she struggles with a double knot. She eventually gets it, her shaky hands getting it together and she takes a deep breath; thinking for a moment.
Levi the Baby K:
I hope it’s not bad that I’m telling the truth or anything, I’m just so nervous. I’ve been running this match over and over again in my brain and it flips my stomach on its head! Barbed wire? Like golly.
Levi shakes her head, unable to fully comprehend the horror of the situation.
Levi the Baby K:
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not afraid of getting hurt. I’m afraid of hurting someone! I’ve never walked into a match with blood on my mind, that’s gross. I walk into matches with winning in my head instead. I’ve never used a weapon in my life!
Pause.
Levi the Baby K:
So I won’t. If I can help it, I won’t.
There’s a sudden surge of confidence that comes from the young woman as she stands to her feet with a soul melting smile on her face.
Levi the Baby K:
People are telling me to be careful, to make it out in one piece. I appreciate the worry and the love, but I’m thinking they’re talking to the wrong person! I’m the Baby K, a growing dragon, the Goblin Kid at recess. I know how to play rough and if Sephora feels like she needs a stick to keep up, go ahead! I understand. There’s a lot to be said about someone who needs destruction and someone who can get a hold of it.
Levi laughs to herself, like a spider, out of nowhere.
Levi the Baby K:
Sorry, I hope that wasn’t mean or anything, but it’s the truth! You guys are warning the wrong person here. I’ve got this, Olivia has got this, and Sephora has a back to the wall as a future losing champ.
Levi smiles big, even bigger than before if that’s possible.
Levi the Baby K:
So, Sephora, no one has told you this yet, so I will: try to make it out in one piece.
Suddenly, the door opens and Levi brightens up even more than before as Olivia walks in. Olivia matches her energy and smile.
Olivia Wythe:
Are you ready, big butt?
Levi squeals, how dare she?! She had a normal sized butt! Levi heads to her friend, who runs away and gives chase as Levi as she yells after her.
Levi the Baby K:
I’ll kick your butt, how about that?!
The happy scene fades, soon to be bloodied.
Empire Extreme Championship Match
Barbed Wire Massacre
Sephora Eastwick (C) VS Olivia Wythe VS LeviBarbed Wire Massacre
It was a unique sight, that’s for sure. When the show came back from the commercial break, the ring ropes had been switched already, and scattered around the ring there were chairs, bats and even a table, some of them wrapped in barbed wire. Olivia and Levi walked to the ring together, welcomed by a warm applause from the fans, an attempt to encourage the two young rookies who looked intimidated as they slid under the ropes, careful not to hurt themselves. Especially Levi. Olivia knew it and tried to cheer her up, stopping when “Sex Metal Barbie” by In This Moment blasted out of the loudspeakers. The Empire Extreme Champion walked to the ring with a confident look and a wicked smile. The match was right in her wheelhouse and the fact that their opponents weren’t experts or even comfortable with the stipulation only seemed to amuse her. The match started and, as predictable, Wythe and Levi started working together against the champion who harassed them, especially the younger member of the team, in the past weeks. Seph fended off, taking the fight to both the opponents and, for a minute, keeping them at bay, answering shot after shot. Eventually the number game got the best out of her and the two best friends simultaneously kicked her in the stomach. Olivia grabbed the champ by her arm and was going to hip her into the ropes, but her partner, who didn’t hide her being reluctant about using the barbed wire to her advantage, convinced her to go for a double suplex instead. Sephora, on the other hand, had no qualms about making the best out of the rules, or lack of, to turn the tides of what was, up to that point, a handicap match. After being dropped on her head with a ddt, the champion rolled toward the ropes, grabbing a chair from outside and tossing it on Levi’s face. Luckily for the Baby K, it was the regular type. Olivia came in charging, Seph took her down with a drop toe hold that sent Wythe falling on the barbed wire ropes. She managed, at the last moment, to raise her arm and protect herself, avoiding to fall face first on the barbed wire. With bleeding arms, she pulled herself up, blocking a right hand from the champion and connecting a forearm shot of her own, leaving a trail of blood on Seph’s face. The former powerlifter knocked Sephora down with a series of heavy strikes, once again working together with her partner lifting Levi in a vertical suplex position and dropping her on the Empire Extreme Champion with a double knee drop. The Baby K then hooked the leg for a cover, broken up by Olivia who then acted nonchalantly. Levi tried her best to keep the match clean, kicking the chair out of the ring and refusing to use any weapon, or even the barbed wire ropes. Nonetheless, the match was meant to get messy, and it didn’t disappoint the bloodthirsty fans who picked the stipulation. Once again it was Olivia who paid the biggest prize, when Sephora lifted her for what seemed to be a powerslam, dropping her on the “ropes” instead. The sharp edges cut through the skin of her abdomen, and Sephora hammering her with shots to the back only made it worse, sticking them even deeper in her flesh. Levi saved her from more punishment by pulling Sephora down on her knee for a backbreaker, making a quick cover. The champion kicked out in two, getting up to her feet and fighting back with a series of stiff punches that pushed Levi dangerously close to the ropes. The Baby K ducked the last right hook, and it looked like she was going to superkick Eastwick right into the barbed wire, only to change her mind while loading the kick. She paid for this slight hesitation as Sephora ran through her with a big clothesline. In the meantime, Wythe had freed herself and grabbed a barbed wire steel chair from outside the ring, smashing it on the champion’s head. Sephora’s face quickly became a mask of blood, and she dropped down on the mat, out of it. Olivia laid down onto her for a pinfall attempt, interrupted by Levi who got over the shock from such violence just in time to break the pin. The most surprising thing about this match was how Levi made it almost ten minutes into it and was still pretty much unharmed. The same couldn’t be said for Sephora and Olivia, who looked exactly how you would expect someone involved in a barbed wire match to look like. Part of this was thanks to Olivia, who was doing her best to protect her young friend from the most brutal aspects of this match. But when the Empire Extreme Champion dropped her with a Michinoku Driver II, Wythe could no longer stop Sephora from whipping Levi in the corner. The Baby K let out a high pitched scream as the barbed wire jabbed her back, lacerating her skin. The Arena plunged into darkness as the Empire Extreme Champion started kicking the young girl in her mid section, driving the edges deeper in her flesh. Olivia recovered and rushed to the rescue, swinging the barbed wire wrapped chair at her Eastwick ducked it and countered it with a superkick that pushed the chair on Wythe’s face! The Wichita born fell to the mat, the chair went flying across the ring. Sephora motioned to the fans that it was over, picking up Olivia and lifting her for her pumphandle reverse STO known as Blue Light Special. Leci exploded out of the corner, screaming for the obvious pain and, before Seph could even drop into a cover, hit the Empire Extreme Champion with the “25 Cent Jawbreaker” (Running Bicycle Knee), the same move that gave her the win in the tag match last wednesday. She dragged herself toward Seph, hooking the leg and closing her eyes, knowing she was three seconds away from winning her first title. And then Knox crushed her dream. Coming in from the crowd, the Hackerman grabbed Levi’s leg and pulled her away from Sephora. Levi looked at Knox, naively asking him why he interfered. In all response, he picked up the barbed wire wrapped chair and smacked it on her head. All three women were laying down, bleeding and motionless. He then grabbed Eastwick’s hand and dragged her next to Levi, resting the champion’s arm on the opponent’s chest and gifting her an unexpected win, despite Olivia’s desperate attempt to break it. As Wythe and Levi were the only ones left in the ring after the champion grabbed her title and left. While taking care of her injured partner, Levi shoot a scary glance at Knox, who was still standing outside the ring admiring the carnage he caused. WINNER: Sephoara Eastwick (Still Champion) BY: Pinfall (Barbed Wire Chair to the face), 10:37 |
Bea Torres: "Why did Knox do that?"
Jared Idol: "That's a million dollar question. Who knows how he operates?"
Bea Torres: "Levi had the title won, and he just ruined the moment for her!"
Jared Idol: "I'm sure she'll be heartbroken when she wakes up and watches the replay."
The cameras cut to the side of a hill where Kory Kramp is sitting on a bench, behind him is the world famous Hollywood sign and he has his [R]evolution Pro championship on his waist. He is looking at the camera, his baseball hat backwards as normal with his long curly hair down on each side. He waves at the camera for a second before nodding his head a few times.
Kory Kramp:
Here we are... Los Angeles, the City of Angels. It is an amazing place full of bright lights, celebrities and always something exciting going on. Tonight though, tonight, we got something extra special lined up. We got the Dark Web! I know that sounds terrifying but in reality it is going to be a great time. It sounds like a creepy place were awful humans look for kiddie porn and watch people get murdered on webcams but instead it is a place were lots of awesome wrestlers are going to have lots of awesome matches!
Kory jumps up to his feet, throwing his championship over his shoulder. He starts to wonder down the hill, walking sideways as he still faces the camera. He would of loved to be in a featured match on the show but he was going to make the most of what he was given.
Kory Kramp:
Now the last few weeks I've been on Riot trying to get my way to the Junior Heavyweight Championship but things didn't go my way. I didn't end up in that big time six man ladder match. The people who are in it are all amazing though and I am pumped up to see how that plays out. Instead of your Good Wrestling Boy is going to be thrown into the dreaded... Battle Royal. Yup, the match where everyone who has no place currently go to fight. The place were someone can either be forgotten about or they can make a big impact by showing what they are really capable of doing.
The battle royal was always a bit challenge but he loved a challenge. He stopped again, pulling his hat off and letting his hair fall free.
Kory Kramp:
I'm a little guy and I know most people assume they can eliminate me but I'm always quick and smart so we will see how it turns out. I don't even really know who I'm facing though or how many. It is a mystery and your Good Wrestling Boy loves to solve a mystery. I'm not looking at this like a big hard challenge. It is just my next adventure and I'm going to thrill and give people chills with all the crazy stuff I pull out to eliminate wrestler after wrestler. There is no limit to what kind of action you may see in this thing.
Kory had been training hard for this even if he didn't know who or what he was facing. The mystery was part of the fun. He pulled his hat back on again and reached into his fanny pack, grabbing a Snickers bar and unwrapping it slowly.
Kory Kramp:
The Dark Web will feature your Good Wrestling Boy and I'm going to enjoy each and every second if I am in the ring or watching. Let's have a kick ass time and give these Los Angeles fans a great show with a creepy name that they will remember for a long time. Let's do this Millennium!
With that he held up the Snickers and took a bite out of it with a wink. Kory then turned and held his arms out dramatically as he looked up at the Hollywood sign. Could he win this battle royal? He had no clue but he was going to fly around that ring like only he could and try to leave LA with a win.
Singles Match
Cheesecake VS The MiseryThe Misery and The Manic make their way to the ring with Cripple Mr Onion’s “Six Days of Silence” playing in the background. They’re welcomed with a chorus of jeers that the duo soak up and respond to with malicious taunting to random members of the audience. Eventually, the two get into the ring and await the arrival of Cheesecake and her yet-to-be-announced manager for the evening. But, to the sound of Paramore’s “Anklebiters”, Cheesecake comes down to the ring alone, to the surprise of many, including The Misery who clearly finds satisfaction in this. With no sign of anyone coming to join Cheesecake in her corner, the referee assumes she couldn’t find anyone and calls for the opening bell. The early goings of the match see The Misery using his size to his advantage, while Cheesecake does her best to stick and move, trying her best to force her much larger opponent to wrestle the match in her style. The pink-haired high flier strings together several fast offense move to try and throw The Misery off his game; headscissors into a flying knee. Once Misery’s (literally) on the ropes, Cheesecake bounces off the opposite side of the ring and swings at her opponent with all her might, propelling him over the top rope and to the arena floor with a clothesline. Cheesecake climbs the turnbuckle and perches herself on the top rope, waiting for The Misery to climb to his feet. With one eye on The Manic, making sure she’s not going to get involved, Cheesecake leaps from the top rope with a crossbody to the floor. Misery’s able to catch his smaller opponent and ram her spine-first into the ring post, before tossing her back into the ring. As the match rolls on, Cheesecake slowly gains momentum, using her smaller stature to her advantage, ducking and weaving, leaving The Misery no choice but to expend more energy. A turning point comes when Misery sends Cheesecake into the corner with a devastatingly powerful Irish Whip. With the young girl winded, Misery charges at her in the corner, but Cheesecake manages to get a foot up just in time. Misery’s reeling from the sole of Cheesecake’s boot to his face, and as the referee’s checking on him, The Manic grabs a hold of Cheesecake’s leg from underneath the bottom rope to prevent her from making any kind of follow up. The Misery looks over and notices The Manic’s distraction, then pushes past the referee and returns the favour by slamming Cheesecake in the face with a boot of his own. She hits the canvas with a hard thud as The Manic steps back and laughs maniacally as the ref leans over the ropes, giving her a stern warning. The Misery uses the ref’s distraction to inflict more dirty damage on his opponent, stomping her face even further into the canvas. As the ref turns back to continue officiating the match, The Misery takes a step back and acts as if he has not participated in any sort of wrongdoing. The Misery drags Cheesecake into the centre of the ring and attempts victory, but only picks up a two count. The Misery decides not to dwell on it, and continues to wreak carnage, inflicting a series of harsh, hard-hitting, high-flying maneuvers on his downed opponent. Eventually, he yanks Cheesecake to her feet by her hair and pulls her into position for the backdrop piledriver, but instead of connecting, Cheesecake manages to tuck and roll the opposition into a pinfall. However, due to being hurt, she can only muster enough strength for the one count. The Misery rolls over onto his feet and runs towards the ropes, bouncing off of them and flying back over with a running dropkick that sends Cheesecake’s head into the mat. The Misery sits for a moment, looking around at the crowd as they all boo him. One could assume that behind his mask lay an amused smirk, not phased by the negative reaction. He slowly stands up and once again, pulls Cheesecake up by her long, pink hair, and continues to keep a clasp of it, taunting her. “Your daddy can’t save you now, Ophelia. Daddy’s dead. And soon, you’ll wish you were too!”. The referee warns him to let go of Cheesecake’s hair, and he does, but only after he pulls it hard enough to send her into the turnbuckle with another irish whip. He continues the offence with a thunderous helluva kick, and when Cheesecake’s lying down, sprawled out with her head on the bottom turnbuckle, he makes way over to the opposite post and ascends. However, just as he’s about to make that leap of faith, a man dressed in all black and wearing a morphsuit mask - almost identical to that of The Misery - comes down to ringside and stands in the corner opposite of the one The Manic is standing in. The Misery stays perched upon the post, staring at the person outside the ring who is dressed in the same attire as he is. Meanwhile, as the commentators are confused and speculating who this individual may be, they come to the conclusion that this must be Cheesecake’s manager making a late appearance, wearing the suit to play mind games with The Misery. This allows the helpless Cheesecake to slip free and fall to the mat, out of harm’s way. With The Misery’s attention still diverted toward him, the man climbs up on the apron and removes the mask. The Misery’s physical reaction to the mystery man’s bearded face indicates that this must be Tyron Bickerton, the very man he’s been seeking all this time. All of a sudden, Cheesecake dashes across the ring, and sends The Misery crashing to the mat below with a hurricanrana. Bickerton hops down from the apron as the crowd roars their approval, Cheesecake shaking the cobwebs for a follow up. She measures The Misery up and drills him down to the canvas on the top of his head with her Elevated DDT finishing move, the Sweet Treat, scoring the three count for the victory. WINNER: Cheesecake BY: Sweet Treat, 11:01 |
Zackary Dyson: "She made it! Cheesecake just beat the Misery!"
Alyx Valero: "About time the masked freak tasted a cheesecake flavored L"
Zackary Dyson: "That was awful, even for your standarsd."
As Cheesecake’s theme plays, she struggles to find her feet on spaghetti legs, so Bickerton gets in the ring to prop her up. He passes a microphone to her, and stands in silence, acting as a leaning post while she speaks her mind.
Cheesecake:
Surpriiiiiiiiise! Betcha weren’t countin’ on that, were ya?
She staggers out of Bickerton’s arms and moves forward toward Misery, who’s just coming to on the mat.
Cheesecake:
While ya lyin’ there, hopefully in as much pain as possible… I want ya to take a moment to realise what ya have done to everyone ‘round here. For months, ya been terrorisin’ everyone, from the Uncanny Socialites to Tiffany Tompkins… And now, it’s payback time.
She drops the microphone and looks over her shoulder to Bickerton. With a snap of her fingers, she points to The Misery, and the husky man lifts The Misery onto his shoulders, placing him in an excruciating Torture Rack. The action seems to fill Cheesecake with a sense of joy, bouncing up and down with glee.
Cheesecake:
Yes! Squeeze! SQUEEEEEEZE!!!
Seeing her man in distress, The Manic slides into the ring and tries to intervene, but she’s floored by a superkick from Cheesecake. Moments later, Cheesecake snaps her fingers again, ordering for the Torture Rack to be released. Bickerton does precisely as he’s ordered, dropping The Misery in a heap on the canvas. Paramore’s “Anklebiters” plays once again as Cheesecake hops onto Bickerton’s back, who gives her a piggyback out of the ring and up the ramp.
Cheesecake:
Surpriiiiiiiiise! Betcha weren’t countin’ on that, were ya?
She staggers out of Bickerton’s arms and moves forward toward Misery, who’s just coming to on the mat.
Cheesecake:
While ya lyin’ there, hopefully in as much pain as possible… I want ya to take a moment to realise what ya have done to everyone ‘round here. For months, ya been terrorisin’ everyone, from the Uncanny Socialites to Tiffany Tompkins… And now, it’s payback time.
She drops the microphone and looks over her shoulder to Bickerton. With a snap of her fingers, she points to The Misery, and the husky man lifts The Misery onto his shoulders, placing him in an excruciating Torture Rack. The action seems to fill Cheesecake with a sense of joy, bouncing up and down with glee.
Cheesecake:
Yes! Squeeze! SQUEEEEEEZE!!!
Seeing her man in distress, The Manic slides into the ring and tries to intervene, but she’s floored by a superkick from Cheesecake. Moments later, Cheesecake snaps her fingers again, ordering for the Torture Rack to be released. Bickerton does precisely as he’s ordered, dropping The Misery in a heap on the canvas. Paramore’s “Anklebiters” plays once again as Cheesecake hops onto Bickerton’s back, who gives her a piggyback out of the ring and up the ramp.
The scene cuts to backstage where the Invictus Champion, Cole Gregory, is sitting in his locker room. He is dressed to compete and has the Invictus Title in his hands. He takes a moment, looking down on the faceplate of the belt and seeing his reflection looking back at him.
Cole Gregory:
Tonight… Tonight is going to be a battle for me. I know how big, bad and tough Dean Smith is. He has shown that time after time when he steps into the ring. I have even felt the sting of defeat against him and all it did was push me more to not feel it again. So tonight is a matter of retribution for me. I need to show that I am the champion for a reason and that not only do I belong here but that I am at the top of this division.
He slowly lowers the belt and places it on his lap, his eyes moving up towards the camera now.
Cole Gregory:
I know that when I won this championship, it was against Dean. But let’s call it for what it is, Dean was hurt coming into our championship match. Tobie wrecked his arm in the bout the night before and it left him with just about one working arm. Does that cheapen the win in my eyes? Not in the slightest because if the shoe was on the other foot? Dean wouldn’t think any less of himself as a champion, so why should I? I have busted my tail to get where I am and to get this championship in my hands. I know there are the detractors out there that want to say if Dean was one hundred percent that he would be the champion right now and not me, but that’s not how things went.
Cole shakes his head for a moment before lifting up the championship belt and draping it over his shoulder.
Cole Gregory:
So tonight is to shut up the detractors and the ones who wanted to play the what if card. Tonight is for me to show all of them that I am the Invictus Champion for a reason and that when it comes to Cole Gregory and Dean Smith? I am just that much better… And that much more? Makes me the champion.
Cole stands up, gives his championship belt a soft pat on the faceplate before turning and walking out of the locker room.
Cole Gregory:
Tonight… Tonight is going to be a battle for me. I know how big, bad and tough Dean Smith is. He has shown that time after time when he steps into the ring. I have even felt the sting of defeat against him and all it did was push me more to not feel it again. So tonight is a matter of retribution for me. I need to show that I am the champion for a reason and that not only do I belong here but that I am at the top of this division.
He slowly lowers the belt and places it on his lap, his eyes moving up towards the camera now.
Cole Gregory:
I know that when I won this championship, it was against Dean. But let’s call it for what it is, Dean was hurt coming into our championship match. Tobie wrecked his arm in the bout the night before and it left him with just about one working arm. Does that cheapen the win in my eyes? Not in the slightest because if the shoe was on the other foot? Dean wouldn’t think any less of himself as a champion, so why should I? I have busted my tail to get where I am and to get this championship in my hands. I know there are the detractors out there that want to say if Dean was one hundred percent that he would be the champion right now and not me, but that’s not how things went.
Cole shakes his head for a moment before lifting up the championship belt and draping it over his shoulder.
Cole Gregory:
So tonight is to shut up the detractors and the ones who wanted to play the what if card. Tonight is for me to show all of them that I am the Invictus Champion for a reason and that when it comes to Cole Gregory and Dean Smith? I am just that much better… And that much more? Makes me the champion.
Cole stands up, gives his championship belt a soft pat on the faceplate before turning and walking out of the locker room.
Dean Smith takes off his headphones and lets them hang down his grey denim jacket with a dusk white shade on the sleeves he’d rolled up to show off his forearms. He looked left and right as he entered the building before heading inside and popped a piece of chewing gum into his mouth. As he turns the corner he almost collides with an unfamiliar face, to the Millennium fans, but there to support her twin, sister and brother, Mimi Smith.
Mimi Smith:
Woah!
Dean Smith:
Sorry, Meems.
Dean pulls on the breaks and backs up from his sister.
Mimi Smith:
Don’t run me over.
Dean Smith:
I won’t, well, not you. Cole Gregory on the other hand.
He shrugs with a ‘Gotta do what I gotta do’ attitude, and the Championship title was all he had been thinking about.
Mimi Smith:
You know you’re going to make Luna mad if you walk out Dark Web with a title and she doesn’t.
Dean Smith:
Well Luna will have to deal with that. There’s nothing stopping me from taking the Invictus Championship from Cole’s hands and wearing it. The Riot Show’s signing new people and it needs someone who can test them all, defeat them all and make the title everything.
Mimi Smith:
True. That’s what I try to do for the Dragonweight Championship. Just don’t go all bull rage on Cole. He’s Honey’s friend, I think not sure.
Which makes Dean shrug.
Dean Smith:
Honey can send him a get well card with a picture of me, the Invictus title and a thumbs up, signed better luck next time, Invictus Champion.
Dean Smith:
He wants to say my arm’s nothing like it was and I-
He pokes his tongue into his cheek to stop his smirk going into a laugh.
Dean Smith:
I can’t wait to show him just how wrong he is. How my punches are faster, stronger and I know he felt them last time we were in the ring.
His shoulder rolls back as Dean clenches his fist.
Dean Smith:
And showing the crowd tonight when you get knocked down, you pick yourself up and you get even, you fight. I hope you do, Meems.
Mimi lightly scoffs in a friendly-sarcastic way.
Mimi Smith:
Yeahuh. I always do.
Dean Smith:
Good. If you’re looking for Bree I think she’s up there with-
Mimi Smith:
Teagan?
Mimi interrupts with the question. Dean nods and Mimi claps together her hands covered by the sleeves of her slightly oversized jumper to make a muffled sound.
Mimi Smith:
I’ll catch you later, Bro. Don’t make it bloody since Mom’s going to be watching.
Dean Smith:
I’ll try. But Dad’s watching too so..
He shrugs and bids Mimi goodbye before putting his earphones back in and walks on his way to find somewhere quiet and warm up for the upcoming Invictus Championship match.
Mimi Smith:
Woah!
Dean Smith:
Sorry, Meems.
Dean pulls on the breaks and backs up from his sister.
Mimi Smith:
Don’t run me over.
Dean Smith:
I won’t, well, not you. Cole Gregory on the other hand.
He shrugs with a ‘Gotta do what I gotta do’ attitude, and the Championship title was all he had been thinking about.
Mimi Smith:
You know you’re going to make Luna mad if you walk out Dark Web with a title and she doesn’t.
Dean Smith:
Well Luna will have to deal with that. There’s nothing stopping me from taking the Invictus Championship from Cole’s hands and wearing it. The Riot Show’s signing new people and it needs someone who can test them all, defeat them all and make the title everything.
Mimi Smith:
True. That’s what I try to do for the Dragonweight Championship. Just don’t go all bull rage on Cole. He’s Honey’s friend, I think not sure.
Which makes Dean shrug.
Dean Smith:
Honey can send him a get well card with a picture of me, the Invictus title and a thumbs up, signed better luck next time, Invictus Champion.
Dean Smith:
He wants to say my arm’s nothing like it was and I-
He pokes his tongue into his cheek to stop his smirk going into a laugh.
Dean Smith:
I can’t wait to show him just how wrong he is. How my punches are faster, stronger and I know he felt them last time we were in the ring.
His shoulder rolls back as Dean clenches his fist.
Dean Smith:
And showing the crowd tonight when you get knocked down, you pick yourself up and you get even, you fight. I hope you do, Meems.
Mimi lightly scoffs in a friendly-sarcastic way.
Mimi Smith:
Yeahuh. I always do.
Dean Smith:
Good. If you’re looking for Bree I think she’s up there with-
Mimi Smith:
Teagan?
Mimi interrupts with the question. Dean nods and Mimi claps together her hands covered by the sleeves of her slightly oversized jumper to make a muffled sound.
Mimi Smith:
I’ll catch you later, Bro. Don’t make it bloody since Mom’s going to be watching.
Dean Smith:
I’ll try. But Dad’s watching too so..
He shrugs and bids Mimi goodbye before putting his earphones back in and walks on his way to find somewhere quiet and warm up for the upcoming Invictus Championship match.
Invictus Championship Match
Invictus Rules
Cole Gregory (C) VS Dean SmithInvictus Rules
First Round: Cole Gregory fakes out Dean Smith by appearing to go for a double leg takedown but it’s a ploy to get Dean to edge forward and quickly control the arm he had targetted back during their last encounter. Cole does everything he can to reawaken the injury with punches, twerking it and a couple of elbows before Dean flips him over onto his back with a surprise fireman’s carry takedown. Cole covers up as Dean tries to get into posiition to unload a couple of punches and Cole’s cleverl footing allows him to transition the mount into an arm focused crossface! This has Dean’s arm slightly twisted and Cole Gregory in firm control of the match up until Dean grabs the ring ropes. Cole would be forced to break the hold but stays on Dean as he gets back up, landing a few punches before irish whipping Dean into the ropes but misses his Spinning heel kick and Dean quickly takes Cole Gregory down with a fireman’s carry gutbuster...had Cole not turned it into his own keylock hold on Dean. Dean struggles within the hold and punches his way out of it before Cole can fully lock it in. Cole then tries to finish off Dean with a running knee before attempting his Cole-Lateral Damage which Dean catches into the fireamn’s carry and connects with his double knee gutbuster! Dean looks to win it by pinfall but as Cole Gregory kicks out he locks in the Kimura lock but can’t use it fully as the round expires! Judges Scores: Kirilenko: Gregory 10-9 Dyson: Gregory 10-8 Valero: Gregory 10-9 Second Round The second round has Gregory feeling confident but keeps his cool, trying to get ahold of the arm again. Dean appears to let him grab hold of it which turns into a series of short arm clotheslines following a gut kick and Dean would finish this all off with his Four Uppercuts and a Dreading (Four back to back European Uppercut followed by a back suplex Rock Bottom). Cole Gregory kicked out with Dean standing up to avoid being snatched in the kimura clutch a second time but Cole would side step a boxing uppercut before a Snap Spinebuster floors Dean. Dean manages to avoid Cole applying a submission hold with a plethora of elbows to fend Cole away and successfully catch Dean’s straight shoot kick. Dean turns this into an attempted backslide driver but Cole escapes with a back elbow only to wind up going for a springboard and kicked in mid-air by Dean’s Down with the Door to send Cole into the bottom ropes. Dean stays on Cole with flurroshing strikes and knee lifts before he attempts to hit Cole with a backbreaker. Cole kicks off the mat as Dean lifts him into what appears to be a rear naked choke. Dean manages to counter it with a makeshift jawbreaker and connects with a second Down with the Door kick but the round would then expire. Judges Scores Kirilenko: Smith 10-8 Dyson: Smith 10-9 Valero:Smith 10-9 Final Round Cole and Dean take the judges notes and begin to throw everything into this round. A quick strike exchange sees Cole knocked onto the ropes but he dropkicks Dean on the knee and targets the arm with a double knee armbreaker. Dean stumbles back to his feet in the corner where Cole meets him with a running knee to the arm and finally knocks Dean down with the spinning heel kick. Cole looks to grab hold of Dean's arm but Dean fights Cole's aggressive attempts to get a submission hold and lands a headbutt to knock Cole away woozy. Dean performs a very quick slingshot suplex on the champion and after scoring a big, high speed backbreaker, Dean measures Cole for the Mean Dean. Cole Gregory counters it with a jumping Enziguri that leaves Dean on the middle rope. Gregory then looks to finish Dean with his Cole-Lateral (Springboard Roundhouse) that Dean narrowly avoids causing a slightly ‘kneeful’ impact for Cole and the round ends with Dean and Cole slugging each other with stiff strikes before getting separated. Judges Scores Kirilenko: Draw 9-9 Dyson: Gregory 10-8 Valero: Smith 10-9 WINNER: Cole Gregory (Still Champion) BY: Split Decision, Round 3; 5:00 |
Bea Torres: "Did... Did Cole win? I don't really get the Invictus rules"
Jared Idol: "Barely, by one point. And it seems like Yulia disagrees with the decision"
Bea Torres: "She's trying to hide it, but she isn't convinced. Zack's vote was determining."
Jared Idol: "Yeah, i would say Dean has room to complain. Nonetheless, congrats to Cole!"
A room lit by candlelight. That is the first thing the camera sees, a wall lit orange by the flames. Panning around, the camera sees tables, chairs and a ladder all set up in the room. And in the center, the camera finds, is that circle of candles, with Rie Shimizu sat on her knees in the center of it. She’s muttering, clearly speaking to the spirits she says she fights for, but that ends as she opens her eyes and looks to the camera. She speaks a few words of Japanese.
Homare Kato:
“Now, finally, what matters can be the focus again!”
The camera quickly swings over to Kato’s voice, finding Rie’s advisor sitting atop the ladder, looking down upon the camera with a smile on his face, the sunglasses on his face reflecting the candlelight. The camera steps back, trying to get both of them in the frame, as Rie continued to speak, Kato translating after.
Homare Kato:
“So focused on trying to avenge things, I let why I do this fade away.”
She moves her arms out, indicating the empty room, though that likely wasn’t what she was trying to draw attention to.
Homare Kato:
“For them. Those that have passed away, but remain now around us all. I want to honor them, let them know that there is a living person that knows they are there. I want to put on the best matches for them so they can enjoy themselves, gain victory with thoughts of them in my heart so they can be honored!”
Her head droops a bit as she speaks again.
Homare Kato:
“And I let them go unhonored for so long. Forgotten, in the midst of a war.”
But her head looks back up, determination crossing her features as she makes things clear.
Homare Kato:
“But I will not let that happen again. Tonight, Dark Web represents my chance to begin that work again. And I am fortunate to have a good person at my side for it.”
A pause, and then she corrects herself.
Homare Kato:
“Well, two, really.”
She looks back to Kato and says something in an apologetic tone, and Kato just waves it off with an amused chuckle.
Homare Kato:
She thinks I’d be offended that she counted Ms. Saint and not me, how silly. I am an extension of Rie, I am always counted.
Rie looks back to the camera and continues on.
Homare Kato:
“Teaming with Rebecca Saint the first time was fantastic. Not just because of what we accomplished there, but also because it was good to team with someone with such honor and skill. We made a good team. And tonight we can continue to be so, with a chance to become number one contenders to the tag team championships! This is a great opportunity, and I am happy to have Rebecca at my side as we fight for it. I believe together we can create something great for the departed to watch.”
She pauses, looking around the room, a small frown coming.
Homare Kato:
“Even with the circumstances.”
She shakes her head.
Homare Kato:
“Tables, Ladders and Chairs. It is not the avenue I wished to have for this match, but it is what I must deal with. I wanted to have a match that is solely won on one’s ability and skill. But this match, anyone can use a weapon to gain an advantage unfairly. There are many more things to watch out for, to make sure the both of us come out of this safe, sound, and victorious. Especially considering some people in this match…”
She rolls her eyes thinking of one team in the match, guess which, but says nothing else on them now that she’s overcome them.
Homare Kato:
“But a wrestler must meet every challenge, and I will meet this one with honor and belief in myself and Rebecca. This is a great opportunity in front of us, and I know that it will be difficult to achieve, but I believe that we will be able to do so. Not just for ourselves, but for those watching and believing in us. And those that are gone, but still watch, hoping for one to acknowledge them and fight for them.”
She stands up, looking to the camera with determination both in her eyes and in her words.
Homare Kato:
“And I will! I will fight for Rebecca, for Kato, for the living watching and for the departed! For them, I will put everything I can out there, and try to grasp the victory for us all!”
A moment’s pause, and a resolute nod of her head. She then bows to the camera and departs, leaving the circle of candles and vanishing into the shadows. The camera pans up to Kato, who watches with a smile.
Homare Kato:
Winning the war has lit a fire in her, hasn’t it? Her desire to succeed for the departed burns even brighter now, what a sight. This newly invigorated Rie, teaming with someone as talented as Rebecca Saint...won’t it be interesting to see what that produces? Heh. Well, until we speak again. May the departed be proud of you and your actions.
And with that he casually leaps off the ladder to the floor, as he lands he throws his arm out, and the wind from that and his landing blow out the candles. Leaving only darkness.
Homare Kato:
“Now, finally, what matters can be the focus again!”
The camera quickly swings over to Kato’s voice, finding Rie’s advisor sitting atop the ladder, looking down upon the camera with a smile on his face, the sunglasses on his face reflecting the candlelight. The camera steps back, trying to get both of them in the frame, as Rie continued to speak, Kato translating after.
Homare Kato:
“So focused on trying to avenge things, I let why I do this fade away.”
She moves her arms out, indicating the empty room, though that likely wasn’t what she was trying to draw attention to.
Homare Kato:
“For them. Those that have passed away, but remain now around us all. I want to honor them, let them know that there is a living person that knows they are there. I want to put on the best matches for them so they can enjoy themselves, gain victory with thoughts of them in my heart so they can be honored!”
Her head droops a bit as she speaks again.
Homare Kato:
“And I let them go unhonored for so long. Forgotten, in the midst of a war.”
But her head looks back up, determination crossing her features as she makes things clear.
Homare Kato:
“But I will not let that happen again. Tonight, Dark Web represents my chance to begin that work again. And I am fortunate to have a good person at my side for it.”
A pause, and then she corrects herself.
Homare Kato:
“Well, two, really.”
She looks back to Kato and says something in an apologetic tone, and Kato just waves it off with an amused chuckle.
Homare Kato:
She thinks I’d be offended that she counted Ms. Saint and not me, how silly. I am an extension of Rie, I am always counted.
Rie looks back to the camera and continues on.
Homare Kato:
“Teaming with Rebecca Saint the first time was fantastic. Not just because of what we accomplished there, but also because it was good to team with someone with such honor and skill. We made a good team. And tonight we can continue to be so, with a chance to become number one contenders to the tag team championships! This is a great opportunity, and I am happy to have Rebecca at my side as we fight for it. I believe together we can create something great for the departed to watch.”
She pauses, looking around the room, a small frown coming.
Homare Kato:
“Even with the circumstances.”
She shakes her head.
Homare Kato:
“Tables, Ladders and Chairs. It is not the avenue I wished to have for this match, but it is what I must deal with. I wanted to have a match that is solely won on one’s ability and skill. But this match, anyone can use a weapon to gain an advantage unfairly. There are many more things to watch out for, to make sure the both of us come out of this safe, sound, and victorious. Especially considering some people in this match…”
She rolls her eyes thinking of one team in the match, guess which, but says nothing else on them now that she’s overcome them.
Homare Kato:
“But a wrestler must meet every challenge, and I will meet this one with honor and belief in myself and Rebecca. This is a great opportunity in front of us, and I know that it will be difficult to achieve, but I believe that we will be able to do so. Not just for ourselves, but for those watching and believing in us. And those that are gone, but still watch, hoping for one to acknowledge them and fight for them.”
She stands up, looking to the camera with determination both in her eyes and in her words.
Homare Kato:
“And I will! I will fight for Rebecca, for Kato, for the living watching and for the departed! For them, I will put everything I can out there, and try to grasp the victory for us all!”
A moment’s pause, and a resolute nod of her head. She then bows to the camera and departs, leaving the circle of candles and vanishing into the shadows. The camera pans up to Kato, who watches with a smile.
Homare Kato:
Winning the war has lit a fire in her, hasn’t it? Her desire to succeed for the departed burns even brighter now, what a sight. This newly invigorated Rie, teaming with someone as talented as Rebecca Saint...won’t it be interesting to see what that produces? Heh. Well, until we speak again. May the departed be proud of you and your actions.
And with that he casually leaps off the ladder to the floor, as he lands he throws his arm out, and the wind from that and his landing blow out the candles. Leaving only darkness.
Dark Web Match
Stipulation TBD - #1 Contendership for the MWE Tag Team Titles
Stipulation TBD - #1 Contendership for the MWE Tag Team Titles
BreeTee Committee VS Chimera Corp VS
The Mighty Now Thrive VS Rebecca Saint & Rie Shimizu
The Mighty Now Thrive VS Rebecca Saint & Rie Shimizu
High stakes, eight talented competitors, tables, ladders and chairs. These were the ingredients for what promised to be one of the most spectacular matches of the night between four tag teams ready to tear each other apart for a shot at the MWE Tag Team Champions, whether it will be Jetpack or the Happy Few who will walk out of Dark Web with the titles. Nobody was really surprised when everyone jumped on Chimera Corp as soon as the bell rang. Actually, the fans seemed to love it. Rebecca and Rie were taking it out on Constantine, enjoying chopping the hell out of him. The other four competitors were attacking the Big Nasty, who was defending himself swinging lefts and rights, trying to keep them away. But the numbers game was too much, even for the Murder Train himself. And eventually, he succumbed when Bree and Kid Terra worked together to lift him for a suplex.Saint and Shimizu threw Chris out of the ring, the BreeTee Committee and The Might Now Thrive did the same to Dusty with a stereo superkick from Null and Teegs that sent the Big Nasty over the top rope. While the three teams were battling inside the ring, Chimera Corp didn’t certainly look to eager to get back into the war. Chris was unsuccessfully asking the commentators to hand him a headset, so that he could tell the MWE how stupid they were for choosing such a stipulation and pursue his petition to get Nina the intern fired. Douglas instead was chatting with Chris’ wife Olivia about which one of the boy bands of the nineties was the best one. Null interrupted their conversation with a suicide dive that would have wiped out Olivia as well if Dustin didn’t push her out of the way. Seeing his wife in danger brought Constantine’s attention back to the match. He picked up Null and pushed him against the apron, following with a series of chops and knee strikes to the stomach. He then launched him to Dusty who lifted the wolf boy and put him through a table with a powerbomb. Grabbing one chair each. the Chimera Corp slid back into the ring and started delivering punishment to the other competitors. Rebecca Saint was the first to fall, thanks to a chair shot to the back from the Murder Train himself. Chris drove his chair in Bree’s gut and then smashed it across her back. Gallagher stunned Rie with an elbow to the face and hit the ropes to gain some speed, running face first right into a chair shot from Chris. Douglas was beating the crap out of Kid Terra after dropping him down with a ddt, while CCJ was approaching Rie with the worst intentions. The young Japanese played hit smart hitting a dropkick on the chair and pushing it on Chris’s face. But she still had to deal with one pissed big man. looking to avenge his brother. And when things started looking real ugly for Shimizu, Rebecca saved her with a forearm shot to Dusty’s back. The 35 years old rookie didn’t seem too affected, snorting and turning to Rebecca, leaving himself exposed to Rie’s attack. Two on one, the tag team partners chopped their opponent down to his knees kick after kick. Saint picked up a chair and was ready to smack it across Douglas’ mug, changing her mind after seeing the look her partner’s face, going for a superkick instead and making the cover. Null broke it up grabbing Becca’s ankle and pulling her out of the ring. Hard to keep track of the action, especially when the fight broke down both inside and outside the ring. The BreeTee were showing once again why they are one of the best tag teams in the Millennium roster, working as a unit and dominating the ring. Bree gave a further demonstration of her strength, catching a crossbody attempt from Null in mid-air and dropping him numerous times on her knee with some backbreaker reps. Teagan was trading holds with Rie, each of them trying to outwrestle the other. It was the irish girl who, ultimately, managed to connect a snap german suplex, winning the japanese resistance. Outside the ring, Kid Terra just nailed Rebecca with a hurricanrana on the chair. With no wasted motion, he kipped up and climbed on the apron, running onto it and taking out Constantine with a senton. Douglas charged at him and broke him in half with a devastating spear through the barricade, screaming like a man possessed. He grabbed one of the ladders and folded it, sliding it inside the ring. Teeg charged at Dusty as soon as he entered the ring, regretting her decision as he launched her up in the air and slammed down with a pop up powerbomb. Bree tried a different approach, challenging the Murder Train in a brawl. She held her ground, but eventually Dustin got the upper end with a palm strike and knocked her down with a savate kick. It was then Rie’s turn to try stop the Murder Train, or at least try to. He was her charging and dropped her on the ladder with his The Killamajig (Spinning Double A Spinebuster). Right when it seemed the match was over, Null made the last second save diving on Dusty and breaking the pin. Dusty had lifted Rebecca over his head in a gorilla press position, heading toward the ropes ready to toss her through a table. Saint slipped away, landing behind his back and swinging her leg for a kick. Douglas caught her leg and blocked her attempt, but he couldn’t avoid the following enziguri. The big man rolled under the bottom rope to catch a break, slowly pulling himself up forgetting how dangerously close to the table he was. Rebecca glanced at her partner, who just knocked Constantine on his knee with the Flash Nap (Jumping Spinning Knee Strike) and seemed ready to seal the deal with the Spirit Tour. No one else was around, both the BreeTee and TMNT laying outside the ring victim of Chimera’s Corp fury. Saint decided to sacrifice herself launching herself against the Big Nasty and driving him through the table with a suicide dive that took them both out. Rie connected with her axe kick. She made the cover, but right before the tree Kid Terra frustrated her attempt. He pushed her in the corner, connected a series of european uppercuts and and a running knee, waiting for Null to get in position on top of the opposite corner. The Terranova Rockstar lifted Rie over his shoulder and walked toward his partner who leaped off the top rope and dropped Shimizu on her head with the Pack Mentality (Doomsday Canadian Destroyer). Bree quickly slid back in the ring and took down both TMNT with a double clothesline, dragging Rie under the ladder Teagan had set up in the meantime. Gallagher stole the show with her Tee For Two (Corckscrew 630 Senton) from the top of the ladder, landing on Shimizu and getting the win for her team in a spectacular fashion. WINNER: The BreeTee Committee BY: Pinfall (Tee For Two), 12:35 |
Alyx Valero: "My girls did it again!"
Zackary Dyson: "What a match! These four teams definitely stole the show!"
Alyx Valero: "It was an awesome match, all folks involved deserve praise. But Bree and Teagan managed to get the win, earning another shot at the tag titles."
Zackary Dyson: "Now the question is, who will they face?"
The camera opens up to a scenic view of a small park located somewhere in California. The weather is absolutely gorgeous as the scorching sun shines on The Golden State and it’s surrounding areas. The park itself has an appealing aesthetic as the grass is dark green and looks like it is regularly watered, there are beautiful sycamore and walnut trees scattered around the park to make it feel like a natural, peaceful place.
Sat on a park bench situated in the middle of the park, Christopher LaGarde sits comfortably with his hands behind his head. LaGarde is wearing a black button-up shirt, fitted black jeans, and black boots. He also noticeably has sunglasses tucked into his front shirt pocket. He looks deep in thought as the camera slowly approaches him.
Christopher LaGarde:
This park is one of the only places that I don’t hate in this damn state.
LaGarde looks around and glances at the several tall buildings surrounding the park. While looking around, he continues to speak.
Christopher LaGarde:
California is the base for many of these big corporations. Most of them pay their workers almost nothing and these swayed, mindless people do it willingly, all because they don’t know any better. I would know, I was once a corporate hotshot who watched as his workers slaved away and went home miserable. I didn’t care as long as the money was rolling in. That was wrong of me, however, now I have a chance to right that wrong.
LaGarde stands up and takes in a breath of fresh air. He puts his hands inside of his jean pockets.
Christopher LaGarde:
The change within myself and the change within the people grows stronger. We are becoming part of something revolutionary. Every day, we grow stronger as does our movement. As you know, The Dark Web is right here in California, Los Angeles to be precise. It would be a heroic and monumental action for us to be here in full force doing what we do best. We need to look after each other and look after these poor souls that haven’t realized what they can do when they put their mind to it.
Looking into the camera lens one last time, LaGarde makes his final statement.
Christopher LaGarde:
At The Dark Web, I will accomplish something that will go down in the history books. When they see what I have managed to do using your support as my fuel, it will be marked down as the biggest turning point for us. It will be a moment that sparks the masses of people who have only known life to be a thing full of materialistic value, to become one with us.
Christopher LaGarde:
Together, we will be united.
The scene begins to fade to black as a triumphant LaGarde looks up at the sky.
The ambient sounds of a gym can be heard as the scene comes to life on the screen. As the picture becomes sharp, the camera pans over to the right. There stands NEON. She’s using her hands and shoulder to hold a heavy bag still. Adjacent to her is her sister, OMI. OMI gives a slight bow before she begins to lay into the heavy bag with middle kicks. The cameraman is so focused on OMI’s striking that he doesn’t spot June Oikawa as she slides into the frame.
June Oikawa:
I suppose you all are used to this scenario by now—NEON and OMI hard at work.
She glances at the The Happy Few members.
June Oikawa:
This? This is the reason why The Happy Few are in the position that they are currently in. It isn’t favoritism. It isn’t luck. No—it’s because NEON, OMI, and SERO take this sport seriously. It’s because they spent time trying to improve instead of wasting their time. You may dislike their attitudes and methods, but you cannot deny their work ethic.
She nods her head.
June Oikawa:
Do know what The Happy Few did after suffering a defeat last week? They reviewed the footage of the match with their father and grandmother. Afterwards, they got back into the ring to prepare for this Dark Web Championship match.
June pauses for a moment.
June Oikawa:
Setbacks occur in professional wrestling. Setbacks occur in everyday life. The strong? They respond to those setbacks in a positive manner; they use those setbacks as motivation.
At this point, the sound of OMI’s kicks become even louder. And louder. And louder, to the point that even her usually ghostly-silent voice was replaced by grunts of exertion, as if she were trying to drive her foot through the bag, straight through to her sister’s torso.
June Oikawa:
It is...uncommon, to be put it plainly, for any one of this family to make the same mistake twice; to that end, we should offer Mr. Blanchard some degree of praise--it is not many who can catch OMI off guard once, let alone twice. And where most may offer excuses, or justifications, the Happy Few are not delusional. They understand that these things can--and, indeed, did--happen, and do something far more productive with that knowledge than tuck it away, or to pretend it could never happen again: they work to rectify those mistakes. To learn from history, as so few are want to do.
June pauses for a moment as a series of thuds echo through the room. The camera pans over for a moment, and OMI has traded her kicks for palm strikes and elbows, thrown with no less intensity than she was throwing her kicks. As if she were picturing an opponent, OMI grips the bag with one hand, lashing out with elbow after elbow, virtually in the exact same spot, until she’s satisfied. The camera stays focused on the elder Kurokawa sibling, whose breathing is significantly heavier for a few seconds following the outburst.
June Oikawa:
The act of learning from history leads to growth, if one chooses to. OMI? NEON? SERO? They always chose that path. Because the three of them refuse to stay stuck in a rut. They refuse to remain stagnant.
OMI finishes her striking with one last elbow. It pushes NEON back a few steps. The sisters nod at each other before they switch positions. NEON cracks her neck and bows before she starts to drill the heavy bag with alternating elbows.
June Oikawa:
That is a fact that I think is lost on many people within Millennium. Another lost fact is that The Happy Few are much more than they are perceived to be. OMI? She is much more than just the Super Cyclone. She is a technical master that can deal out damage through many different methods. NEON? She is much more than just a vengeful woman. She can strike you down. She can soar through the air. She can make you bleed. SERO? He is much more than a charismatic enigma. He is a brutal force of nature.
The intensity of NEON’s strikes begins to ramp up as NEON switches to knees. Similar her sister, it appears as if she is trying to pierce straight through the bag. OMI’s exertion has given way back to her nearly silent voice, the camera only barely able to pick up...whatever she may be saying to her sister.
June Oikawa:
Every defeat is an opportunity to learn. Every match is an opportunity to go further, to do more, to push harder. It is why I am able to tell you all how good the Happy Few are. It is why every match they are in, outshines the previous--those of you who thought OMI and NEON’s brightest moment would be submitting a competitor like Melissa Reeves will find yourselves disappointed. Dark Web is an ironic name, for an event that will see OMI and NEON shine brighter than they ever have. There are no tricks, no games, no shenanigans--there is simply a fight. A fight that the Happy Few have been preparing for, long before they knew the name Millennium Wrestling: a fight for the glory of a family of warriors.
SERO enters the gym and sets his bag by the door just as June finishes speaking. He speaks to NEON and OMI in Japanese before he turns and says something to June. She nods in response. The camera fades out a moment later.
Luna Smith is then seen backstage in the Millennium area with a small cup she’s sipping impatiently. Her gear tonight has been handmade to represent her name within a golden star with five smaller stars surrounding it and a rather professional job done with her makeup thanks to Holly’s arrangement. The squeaky shoes are then heard as a broad, slightly large headed man wearing a pair of glasses and his medium length hair combed to the side.
Simon Quinn:
Here you go, Miss Smith.
He gasps a little trying to catch his breath before presenting Luna with an iPad.
Luna Smith:
Thanks.
Luna says with a dismissive tone and Simon looks at her a little surprised.
Simon Quinn:
...I had to go up and down two flights of stairs twice because a door was locked to get that for you…
Luna Smith:
And I already said thank you, I have a match to focus on and I have no time to pamper. I’m still recovering from that brutal match with that Ox, Selina.
Luna then looks of to the side with a mild scoff and frown, replaying that main event in her head.
Luna Smith:
Clearly Gian overlooked the fact I didn’t want tables in the match.
Simon Quinn:
Well I have all the data on SERO and after running a few simulations-
He adjusts his glasses quickly as he swallows hard.
Simon Quinn:
It’s highly probable you’ll be walking out the winner tonight. Yes he has quite a height and weight advantage over you. Yes, he has a history of wrestling long matches. Yes, he’s here in the states to establish himself as a pinnacle of King’s Road through violent and hateful means.
Luna has already grown tired of him talking up her opponent this evening and he takes notice of her narrow-eyed look his way.
Simon Quinn:
But me nor my roommate could see another wrestler using Krav Maga against him, and as Sun Tzu says “Mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy.”.
Luna Smith:
I don’t care what whoever that was and what they said. People need to start listening to what I say. I’m furious that I have to go on before Selina and that other one who tweets me without permission. I’m the Star of the Night and I should be going on at the very least after the Battle Royale.
Luna Smith:
Because my match will be what everyone will be talking about. I’d like to think SERO is the best of this Happy Few group and it’s up to me, obviously, to show him up and teach him a lesson.
Luna then glances at the iPad
Luna Smith:
And seeing as he’s not won since defeating Nessa, I’ll be able to get yet another singles win and prove once and for all that I’m the Star of the Night!
And she takes a breath, a calm press of the button on her iPad to close it and tucks it into her bag before grabbing her phone out and speed dials before walking off on her way with her voice trailing off.
Luna Smith:
Holly! Change of plans, I don’t want a turkey sandwich on rye with garlic mayonnaise or the carrot sticks. I just had this sweaty guy around me and I’m-
As the scene fades to black.
Singles Match
SERO VS Luna“In the future, everybody will be famous for fifteen minutes”. Those were the prophetic words of Andy Warhol that probably inspired Luna in making the 15 minutes of Stardom her trademark match. A limited amount of time for her opponents to prove themselves worthy of sharing the ring with the Star Of The Night and make a name for themselves. But her opponents tonight certainly didn’t need that. The Leader Of The Few and current Iron Rougarou Champion in Youngbloods was a well known face to the Millennium fans who might not like him, but they can’t deny how the Japanese made a huge impact since signing with the green roster. As a matter of fact, he’s still unpinned, his only losses coming in trios match and a dq in his debut match. Luna was aware of the importance and implications of this match, deciding to play it safe in the early going, leaving the ring and letting the clock run, trying to get on SERO’s nerves. But it didn’t seem to work for the japanese, who simply stood in the middle of the ring, waiting for Luna to come back in. As she did, they locked up and SERO was clearly having the strength advantage. Luna wiggled free and once again took a break outside the ring. The fans seemed more irritated by her behaviour than SERO, who sat down and waited with a confident smirk on his face. Finally the match started picking up when the former Lockdown Champion caught him off guard with a throat strike, exploiting the opening to showcase her Krav Maga background with quick forearm strikes and a quick knee kicks/elbow strikes combination. SERO was down, but he quickly kicked out of the pinfall attempt, getting back to his feet and fighting back with precise and swift strikes. Luna managed to block a right hook and countered with another throat strike, following with the Upgrade (two knee strikes and followed by an Overdrive Neckbreaker). Once again the leader of The Few kicked out and smiled at the Star Of The Night, who was turning out to be a tougher challenge than he probably expected. After that, SERO seemed to be taking the match more seriously, flipping Luna with a snapmare and kicking the air out of her lungs. The Star Of The Night arched her back, SERO applied a chinlock pressing his knee against her spine. Luna struggled to get back to her feet and, as soon as she did, he dropped her onto his knee with a head pull backbreaker. He didn’t go for the cover, instead he kept targeting the back of the blonde girl with knee drops and stomps. He then picked her up and lifted her for another backbreaker, this time dropping into a cover. Luna kicked out in two. Methodical and relentless, SERO was now in full control, whipping her in the corner and walking toward her. Luna went for a kick, blocked by the japanese wrestler who pushed her leg down and hit her with a vicious forearm strike to the jaw, lifting the stunned opponent on the top rope and climbing as well, performing the top rope Tiger Driver he calls Hakka no Tagame (White Haze Punishment), this time getting real close to the three count. Luna was in great difficulty, unable to find her footing back in the match despite Holly trying to encourage and guide her. The Iron Rougarou champion checked the clock to see how much time he still had, knowing that a time limit draw would have been a loss in his record. Eight minutes to go, more than enough. Kicking Luna in the gut, he then lifted her over her shoulders in a fireman’s carry position. The former Lockdown champion slipped away avoiding the Tekken Tachikaze and immediately went for a backstabber. This was her chance to turn things around, and Luna was determined to make the best out of it. She pulled out all the big moves from her arsenal, including the Starstorm (Discus Spinning Roundhouse) and a running spanish fly. But nothing seemed to be enough to keep the Panther King down tonight, not even when Luna climbed to the top rope and jumped for the diving corkscrew stunner she calls Thestral, and that gave her a few wins in the past. Tonight, she only got a two out of it. Frustration started to kick in, and that lead to a fatal mistake when she dropped the quick and acrobatic style that was paying its dividends to go for a hard hitting one. Which was right in SERO’s wheelhouse. The Leader Of The Few seemed to grow stronger from every strike Luna landed, answering back with one of his own. And he eventually landed a right punch to the jaw that stunned the Star Of The Night for a moment, more than enough for him to start a devastating combo. Kicks and forearms, punches and knee strikes... Luna was down, but he wasn’t done just yet. He trapped her right arm behind his leg and started hitting her with elbows to the side of the face. A lot of them, to the point that it was starting to become uncomfortable to watch, especially because Luna seemed completely out. Finally he let her go, making the cover for the three count. He gave a quick look at the clock, a disappointed look on his face when he noticed it stopped close to the eleven minutes mark. WINNER: SERO BY: Pinfall (Minazuki), 10:51 |
Bea Torres: "SERO's impressive march continues tonight."
Jared Idol: "He's been on a roll since coming to Millennium, and he just added a former Lockdown champion to the list."
Bea Torres: "And let's not forget he hold victories over the MWE Champion as well."
Jared Idol: "Aye:"
Yulia Kirilenko:
I see… I only have one question. Why?
The shot opens inside the Riot General Manager office. Yulia is sitting behind her desk, on the opposite side her Millennium counterpart and long time friend Gianluigi Vaccaro and his girlfriend, the former [R]evolution Pro Tag Team Champion and Riot star Tobie Nox Thorne. Yulia’s eyes are locked on the young girl.
Yulia Kirilenko:
Are you unhappy? DId I treat you unfairly?
Gian is about to answer, but he decides against it. Tobie matches Yulia’s gaze, but with a small smile shakes her head slowly.
Tobie Nox Thorne:
No, you did not treat me unfairly… But this is not what I wanted to be doing, it is not the legacy I have wished to follow. And, I feel that for too long now I have been allowing my dream to be eclipsed by pleasing others. I wish to go back to following my own path and I have only been able to do so, under Gian’s guidance.
Tobie glances towards her boyfriend for a moment, a slight frown crossing her face.
Tobie Nox Thorne:
I am aware, that my moving shows will come with some… questions from my colleagues, but it is not anything I haven’t dealt with before and I feel I am well equipped to handle it now.
Yulia stares at the couple for a moment, without saying a single word. Her eyes moving from Tobie to Gian, and then back again to the young girl. The General Manager lets out a sigh.
Yulia Kirilenko:
You have no idea how much this saddens me Tobie. I still remember the day Gian told me that you were looking for a fresh start in Riot, I was so excited, and I don’t think I ever hidden it. You have such potential, a pure talent… I was, and still am, convinced that you could become the future of Riot, both in the regular and Invictus division. But if you believe this is the best move for your career, I cannot stop you.
She forces a smile.
Yulia Kirilenko:
This will affect you as well Gian. I’m sure you are aware of that.
The Millennium General Manager nods.
Yulia Kirilenko:
I would hate to see your relationship suffer from this, I have to ask you one last time. Are you one hundred percent sure you want to do this, Tobie?
Tobie pauses for a moment before nodding her head.
Tobie Nox Thorne:
I am very grateful for the faith that you have shown in me, but I simply do not feel myself without Gian’s hand to guide me. I am positive that I am making the right decision.
Her words, or perhaps the determined look in her eyes are enough to convince the Riot GM.
Yulia Kirilenko:
Well then, best of luck in Millennium, Tobie. I only need you to sign here…
Yulia’s phone rings. She stares at the screen for a moment before answering the call. In Russian. She stands up, apologizing with Gian and Tobie and leaving the room.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Welcome to Millennium, Tobie.
He says with a smile. Before she can hesitate any, Tobie quickly signs where Yulia designated before turning in her seat to regard Gian with a much easier, more natural smile.
Tobie Nox Thorne:
I know this is a big step for you also; in the past we had not been so open with our personal relationship. Thank you for trusting in me and in us, that we can do this… I will not let you down again, I promise.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
You never did.
He reaches out for her hand, giving it a light squeeze.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
We can make this work, Tobie. There will be times when it’ll seem that my decisions are against your best interests. I will be forced to make decisions you won’t understand, that you will most likely question. But even in those moments, especially in those moments, I will need you to trust me.
She turns her hand over to grasp his and nods slightly, her other hand slowly pushes the paperwork back to Yulia’s side of the desk.
Tobie Nox Thorne:
All of this, is because I trust you… That will not change.
She glances towards the door and then back to him with a more hopeful expression.
Tobie Nox Thorne:
Speaking of work, I should not continue to take up so much of your time, hm? You have far more work to do than I tonight, so let me walk you to your office?
He smile, standing up from the chair.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
And you have a Battle Royal to get ready for. Your debut as a Millennium superstar.
He lightly pulls her closer, wrapping his arms around her. On this shot, the camera cuts to the next segment.
The scene opens to a close-up shot of Jennifer Yang, a serious expression on her face. Thanks to the multiple chair shots, scars from last week are still visible on her skin. As she looks at the camera, with her left black eye and bruised lips as a result of Jason Hawk’s punches, she seems hurt and tired but the anger boiling just beneath the surface is enough to square her shoulders, hold her chin up and move her forward. This time, no interviewer around, not even her father nor her former manager. She’s alone for once, in a very long time, and perhaps that’s what’s needed here. It takes a long moment to stare through the lens before speaking.
Jennifer Yang:
This was not how I pictured it.
She grimaces, her voice coming out hoarse.
Jennifer Yang:
Something inside me has changed. Snapped. And I lost control of myself more than once in retaliation. Jason Hawk brought that out of me. He provoked me, pushed me to this edge that I stand on. Now with one foot off, just balancing on the other. I could blame it all on him. The guy who attacked my father for no reason. Then beat me up backstage, rendering me unqualified to compete in my scheduled match after. So yes, I could put all the blame on him, but I won’t. Why? Because that gives him power. He did it all out of revenge and I will not let him believe that what he did is justified. He’s played that game before with Rayven Hardy and look where it got her. Where it got him. I refuse to play the same game. And I can’t blame him for everything that’s happened to me or my father either because I’m the one who let him get to me.
She shakes her head in disappointment.
Jennifer Yang:
My actions, my consequences.
With a pause, she lets the words hang in the air for effect.
Jennifer Yang:
I did go out there to Jason’s match and he did get distracted by my presence and to be very honest, I knew he would be and I didn’t care. Because I was so angry. He disrespected not just me but also everyone in this business and every single fan out there who’s done nothing but showed their love and support for what we do. Then out of nowhere, he had to go and hurt my father who’s innocent in all of this and that really crossed the line for me. I was so angry that he would string me along to such extremes.
She chokes up towards the end there, her voice thick with emotions and her eyes fill with hot tears. This is indeed a side of Jennifer that the world has never seen before but tonight, she has clearly let her guard down, her vulnerability no longer shielded by the armor that she built over the years. Perhaps Jason had torn it down. Ripped it apart and thrown it away.
Jennifer Yang:
I’m not here to make excuses. I’m sorry for causing a distraction two weeks ago. I’m sorry for allowing my anger to get the best of me. I will bear the consequences of my actions. And my actions have led me here.
A pause as she lowers her gaze, her palms pressed together. There’s a tear streaking down one cheek, then the other. She quickly wipes it off with the back of a hand.
Jennifer Yang:
And so have his.
She slowly looks up, resolve in her dark eyes.
Jennifer Yang:
Tables, no holds barred… it doesn’t matter. Tonight, it’s all about redemption. Jason, you want so much to be this greatest wrestler in your mind. Prove it. Meanwhile, I will show you that I’m not one to be pushed around by you. That I’m more than the last time we fought one on one, the one you said where you “outsmarted” me, not cheated. More than the last time you beat me near to a pulp right here in this very hallway...
The camera tilts down to where she gestures before going back up as she continues, her speech picking up pace.
Jennifer Yang:
...And shoved me down the ramp like a worthless former champion nobody!
She quickly brushes off another tear from her eyes, her cheeks reddening with more growing frustration.
Jennifer Yang:
That may be me in your eyes, Jason. But that’s not reality. Just like the image of yourself in your head. And everything else that you think justifies your evil actions. They are not a reality. Including your victory over me that you said you didn’t cheat.
Her burning gaze locks with the camera lens.
Jennifer Yang:
No matter… Tonight, we will settle this bad blood between us. No more taking shots from behind. No more snide remarks online. No more excuses. Whatever the final match type decision, we will bear the consequences. We end this, like professional wrestlers. Woman and man. Because at the end of the day, that’s who we are.
She sniffs, wiping her nose, before walking out of frame as the scene fades to black.
Dark Web Match
Tables Match
Jennifer Yang VS Jason HawkTables Match
Jason Hawk proved he’s not afraid to go any length to get what he wants, to the point that he dragged Jennifer’s father into this rivalry between the two of them. A tables match sounded like an invitation to His Dying Majesty, a chance to prove himself as the most dangerous man in MIllennium and injuring another fan favorite in the process. Jennifer never hid the fact that she’s not a fan of hardcore stipulation, but you gotta believe that she would love to return the courtesy from a few weeks ago when Jason put her through the announcer’s table during a tag team match. The match started with a classic lock up in the middle of the ring. Jennifer applied a waistlock, Hawk broke free with an elbow smash and quickly turned around, kicking the former champion’s ribs. He sent her for a run against the ropes, Yang dodged the clothesline and rebounded back with a headscissors, sending him flying across the ring. She charged at her opponent, pushing him in the corner with a dropkick and following with a high knee, dropping him on his face with a bulldog. Keeping faith to the premises, the contest was fast paced and hard hitting, the unpredictability of the former champ’s Wing Chun style resulting hard to counter for Hawk, despite this not being their first dance. An incredible combination of punches and kicks ending with a jumping spinning knee strike knocked Hawk down right under the eyes of Henry, who nodded proudly at his daughter. Jennifer rolled out of the ring and grabbed one of the many tables surrounding the ring, sliding it back in. Jason was waiting for her, kicking her head as she was entering the ring. stepping over the bottom rope, he pulled her back to her feet, suplexing her back into the ring. He followed with a knee drop before picking her up and whipping her in the corner. He then grabbed the table and placed it in the opposite corner from the one he sent Jenni in, and charged at her with a clothesline. After connecting a series of uppercuts, he went for another Irish Whip. Jenni was now against the table, and Hawk was coming at her full head of steam in the attempt to smash her head through the table with a Yakuza Kick. Yang was able to move out of the way, causing Jason to kick the wood. She moved behind his back and dropped him on the mat with a belly to back suplex. It didn’t take long for them to start fighting outside the ring. Jennifer went for a baseball slide after sending him over the top rope with a superkick at the end of yet another Wing Chun combo. Hawk moved out of the way, grabbing her leg and pulling her outside. Yang’s head bounced awkwardly against the floor, and that put a wicked smile on His Dying Majesty face. Slowly, dizzy after the impact, Yang started to pull herself up, but he wouldn’t allow her, kicking her hard in the ribs. She gave it another try, receiving another hard kick. Jason stepped back, but it wasn’t to show her any mercy. Quite the contrary, he charged at her for a punt kick. The impact of his boot to Jenni’s skull immediately knocked her out. Taking his sweet time to badmouth the fans, mister Yang in particular, Jason set up a table close to the corner, picking up the motionless former champion and laying her on top of it. He the walked back inside the ring, climbing on the top rope, ready to put an end to the match with a shooting star press. Instinctively, Jenny rolled to her side, falling on the floor before Jason would jump. One table laying against a corner, a second one outside. It was starting to get real dangerous, especially now that we were close to the ten minutes mark in a very physical match. Jennifer somehow was still into this, digging down deep and finding the strength to escape the Wings Of Time attempt and counter it into a killswitch. She started building momentum, relying mostly on her striking ability. She even connected her #BEHUMBLE (springboard wristlock cutter), dragging Jason against the table in the corner. She then stepped back, waiting for him to stand up and charging for a spear. Hawk moved out of the way, and Jenni went crashing through the table, breaking it in half. That, of course, didn’t cost her the match, but it definitely turned the tides in Jason’s favor. He launched her across the ring, following with a Yakuza corner kick. He set Jenny up on the top rope, climbing up as well. It was no longer about just winning the match, he wanted to injure the opponent and put her out of action, like he did with Raven. And do that with her father watching. Yang found the energy for one last, desperate reaction, fighting in a precarious spot with all she had left. she stunned him with a headbutt and for a moment considered a superplex through the table. Hawk poked her eye and went for a heabutt of his own. Jenni was falling, hanging on the rope and saving herself. At least for now. Jason kept hitting her until she lost equilibrium and fell backwards, hanging on Jason and dragging him down with her. They both went through the table, but Jason was declared the winner WINNER: Jason Hawk BY: Table Breaking, 10:18 |
Alyx Valero: "Hawk with a huge win tonight"
Zackary Dyson: "Hmm, you sure?"
Alyx Valero: "Dude the referee said so..."
Zackary Dyson: "Shut up and let's watch the replay"
The last moments of the match are shown on the tron. There's not a clear image, but it appears that Jason's shoulder impacted the woodden surface before Jennifer.
Zackary Dyson: "See? Told ya!"
Alyx Valero: "Yeah but it ain't changing the ref decision. Jason is still the winner of this match."
Liv Mercer:
You must be one of the luckiest guys on the Riot roster, aren’t you Smoke?
The sound of the Riot champion’s voice cuts through the empty hallway in the backstage area of the arena. There is a brief pause of silence before Liv Mercer steps into the view of the camera with her Riot championship belt wrapped around her waist. Liv looks around at her surroundings before she clears her throat, keeping both of her hands pressed up against the front plate of her Riot championship belt.
Liv Mercer:
You’re probably going to walk into this match here tonight with your ego all pumped up because you got that victory over me the last time when we fought in an Invictus Rules match. A type of match which I had never experienced before and still I put up a fight before you ended up walking away with the win. Do you really think that entitles you to MY Riot championship belt here tonight? Do you really think that because the fans voted for a submission match that it means another advantage for you? Are you really that dense?
Liv scrunches up her nose once these questions have been asked. The expression on her face shifting into one of more annoyance than anything else before she brings up one hand and waves it around above her head.
Liv Mercer:
There’s not one single person who believes in you Smoke. That one victory you have over me is the only thing that’s going to make your time on Riot relevant. Isn’t that sad? You should be grateful for me instead of wanting to take away my Riot championship so that you can drag it down along with the rest of your career. Nobody is going to back you up as Riot champion. Not when I’ve set the standard for The Liv Show from the very moment that I first stepped foot here in Millennium and I’ve only just begun.
As she is speaking, Liv takes the time to remove her Riot championship belt from around her waist, and she places it over her left shoulder with a smirk on her face. One hand rubbing over the front plate of her championship belt while she takes a few steps closer to the camera.
Liv Mercer:
Dark Web is is it for you Smoke. I will no longer allow for you to leech off me for some much needed Relevance. I will get back some form of redemption for that victory over me and I will enjoy making you tap out right there in the middle of the ring. I will enjoy seeing the broken expression on your face when it finally hits you how much you have failed to back up all of your arrogant talk. Get ready to choke Smoke.
Liv winks before she starts to laugh, shaking her head, and waving her free hand in front of the camera to make it clear that she’s done talking.
Riot Championship Match
Submission Match
Liv Mercer (C) VS SmokeSubmission Match
Smoke earned himself this opportunity at Liv’s title defeating her in an Invictus rules match at Riot in California, the last stop before Dark Web. Tonight’s match wasn’t very different from that as far as the stipulation goes, with the only way to win being via submssion. A stipulation that clearly favored the more technically versed Smoke who, it's worth reminding, already made Mercer tap out. This didn't seem to bother Liv too much though, as she walked to the ring with the same confidence as always, accompanied by her manager and boyfriend Oz Dalton. When the match started the british wrestler immediately went for the champion's arm and twisted it behind her back in a hammerlock. Liv wasted no time and reached for the ropes, forcing the break. Smoke laughed at her, inviting her to prove that she deserved that title around her waist. Liv tried to use her speed to her advantage, but every time she started to build momentum, Smoke found a way to slow the pace and keep her grounded. After catching him with a jumping knee, Liv went for a superkick, dodged by Smoke who slid behind her back and applied a full nelson. She tried to break free, but he had her locked in for good. When the Riot Champion seemed to have found a way to slide away, he lifted her and dropped her on his knee with the backbreaker he calls Puncture Wound. Wasting no time, he grabbed her legs and applied a boston crab, putting more pressure on the lower back. With a grimace of pain painted on her face, Mercer tried to reach the ropes, who seemed a million miles away. Eventually she reached them, grabbing the bottom one. Smoke fully exploited the five count before letting her go. Smoke shoved Liv in the corner, putting all his strength in that Irish Whip. The Riot Champion fell face first on the mat after the impact with the turnbuckle, immediately holding her back. He picked her up and lifted her for a powerbomb on the turnbuckle, going for a chinlock rght after making sure his knee was firmly planted on her spine. Liv made it up to her feet, getting free from his grasp with a couple of elbows to the ribs, turning around and kicking his head off with an enziguri. Having been on the receiving end of Smoke's offense for the whole first part of this match definitely took its toll on Mercer, affecting her speed and agility. But this wasn't the place or time for high flying moves. She had to beat the crap out of Smoke and eventually locking him in her Liv Lock, and that was wcactly what she was trying to do with a series of kicks until Smoke doubled over, dropping him on his head with a DDT. She tried to lock him guillottine choke, but he managed to escape before she could successfully lock him in. The action went back and forth for a few more minutes, the british wrestler targeting the opponent's back, the champion doing her best to stay away from his grasp, keeping him at bay with stiff kicks. Smoke had his best chance to win this match when he hit her with the Protect Ya Neck (Running Knee Lift), following with a backstabber. He circled around the Riot Champion like a wolf around its prey, ready to apply the Take Your Heart (Arm-Trapped STF) that gave him the win in their previous match. Oz Dalton grabbed his leg, right under the referee's eyes leaving the official no choice but to send him off. He tried to plead his case with the most ridiculous excuses, but it didn't change the decision. Not that it mattered, since this scene served its purpose. Liv was now back on her feet and connected her finishing move Stay Grounded (Inverted Stomp Facebreaker), immediately going for the LIV Lock right in the center of the ring. Smoke tried to resist, but he eventually had to tap out. WINNER: Liv Mercer (Still Champion) BY: Submission (LIV Lock), 9:57 |
Jared Idol: "And Liv retains!"
Bea Torres: "With some help from her boyfriend, sure..."
Jared Idol: "Well, you should've voted for the stipulation that wanted him banned from ringside."
Bea Torres: "I DID!!!"
Bea Torres: "With some help from her boyfriend, sure..."
Jared Idol: "Well, you should've voted for the stipulation that wanted him banned from ringside."
Bea Torres: "I DID!!!"
The scene cuts backstage as we’re outside the door of the arenas medical center. Busting through he door is Chris Constantine Jr. as he has a cell phone in hand. Nervous, CCJ checks his surroundings as he waits impatiently for the other line of the phone to pick up.
Chris Constantine Jr.:
Hey! I need a favor. My muscle is injured and it looks like he’s going to be out for a couple weeks. Maybe months...........Listen, you have any former talent in in the Los Angeles area that needs a pay day that can start today? I’m surrounded with heat and there’s a lot of people that would love to cave my face in right now if they knew Dusty wasn’t around to protect me............Perfect. Text me his number and I’ll be in contact with him........Yeah, yeah. Thanks for the help...Dad.
Chris ends the call and looks around before going back into the medical room.
The show switches to an area backstage at the Staples Center, where the Lockdown Champion, Selina Metzger, is stood in front of an MWE backdrop. Dressed in her ring attire, and with her championship belt dangling over her right shoulder, Selina gives a half-smile to the camera, before speaking.
Selina Metzger:
When I set foot in the ring this evening, I’m going to be making my second defense of the title that is currently sat on my shoulder. And after having finally seen the back of Luna, following my latest victory against her, eleven days ago, tonight I face another familiar foe, in the form of… well…
There is a shrug of the shoulders from Selina.
Selina Metzger:
I’m not sure by what name I’m supposed to refer to her. On each of the previous occasions when we’ve been opponents, she was billed as Christina Rose. However, when she became the number one contender for my title, last month at Deep In The Heart, she competed as Crystal Hilton. Now though, she is apparently going by Christina Zdunich, so… like I said, I’m not sure what I’m supposed to call her; I suppose I’ll go with Christina.
Selina pauses to adjust the belt on her shoulder.
Selina Metzger:
A week and a half ago, after having beaten Luna, I actually asked Christina who I was going to be defending the Lockdown title against here tonight - would my opponent be Crystal or Christina? To most people that might seem like a stupid question, since they’re the same person, but from what I’ve seen in the past, they’re the same person with two different attitudes, and they make for two different opponents.
She runs her free hand through her hair.
Selina Metzger:
Facing Christina is a throwback to my debut in Millennium, nearly seven months ago. I defeated her in short order, and then a few weeks later, I did so again, in an even quicker time. A couple of months later, we were opponents once more, that time in a tag match, but although, the type of match was different, the outcome certainly wasn’t; for a third time, Christina fell to Der Übermensch.
She then raises her left arm to show off a quick flex of her bicep.
Selina Metzger:
Christina seems to change her feelings towards me almost as often as she changes her name. After my second victory against her, I remember her saying on Twitter that she hated me. But then, after she became the number one contender for the Lockdown title, all of a sudden she was being friendly to me. And in the past week, with our match drawing ever nearer, she has gone back to being spiteful to me, calling me an overgrown meathead, and taking a page out of Luna’s book, by alleging that I use steroids. My skin is thick though, just like my arms and legs, so I can deal with whatever false accusations are thrown my way, no matter how incorrect they may be.
Selina lets out a small sigh.
Selina Metzger:
A few months ago, Christina, you asked me if I hated you. I don’t think I gave you a proper answer at the time, but if I had, I would’ve told you that no, I didn’t hate you. If anything, I pitied you - I pitied you because I’ve seen what you’ve accomplished elsewhere, winning numerous titles and being inducted into halls of fame. Compare that to how you’ve performed here in Millennium, and it is like looking at two different people. That’s why after I asked you whether my opponent tonight would be Crystal or Christina, I told you that I wanted Crystal Hilton. I want the woman who in the past has boasted that she has too many achievements to her name to list them all. I want to face you when at your best, and the best version of you in the ring isn’t Christina Rose, or Christina Zdunich - it’s Crystal Hilton. That’s who I hope shows up tonight. However, regardless of which version of you does show up, I only envision one outcome, and that’s me retaining the Lockdown Championship.
She takes a quick glance at her championship belt, before looking back to the camera.
Selina Metzger:
Of the different types of match that we could have potentially been competing in, I do wonder which one you would’ve preferred, Christina. A ladder match, perhaps? I know you’ve had success in those in the past, and that would of course have meant that you wouldn’t have needed to either pin me or make me submit in order to win. Instead though, it’s a two out of three falls match, which you means you need to beat me twice in one match, when prior to now, you haven’t managed to even beat me once. You see, Christina, you aren’t going to win - you can’t. This match is going to go the same way as all of the others. The only thing that remains to be seen is whether I’ll win the match in two straight falls, or whether you’ll somehow manage to force me to go the distance.
A smirk crosses Selina’s face.
Selina Metzger:
I know one of the reasons why you’re holding out hope that things are going to be different this time is because tonight we’re in Los Angeles - the city that you reside in. However, there’s one key problem with that: you aren’t the only one who calls LA home, Christina. Sure, I might not be from here originally, but then, neither are you. I’ve lived in LA for a four and a half years now, ever since arriving in the US from Germany, and it’s as much my home as it is yours. I’m sure you’ve probably got some friends out there in the crowd, but so do I - and my friends aren’t going to be left disappointed. Because I am Der Übermensch. I am Selina Metzger. And come the end our match, Christina, I will be still the Lockdown Champion.
She takes a step forward, towards the camera.
Selina Metzger:
Selina über alles.
With a familiar, confident stare on the face of Selina, the camera then cuts away.
Lockdown Championship Match
2 out of 3 falls match
Selina Metzger (C) VS Christina Zdunich2 out of 3 falls match
In the days leading up to Dark Web, Selina joked about who her opponent for the Lockdown Championship would be. Was it going to be Christina Zdunich or Crystal Hilton? Or maybe Christina Rose would be back for the occasion? But the time for jokes was now over, the title was on the line and the match was under way. A two out of three falls nonetheless. Crystal started off strong, looking determined to prove once and for all that she deserves a better consideration from both the management and the fans, who, according to her, weren’t showing the respect she deserved. Her quickness proved to be an advantage she should exploit against the stronger but slower opponent. Perfectly aware of how dangerous getting caught by the Ubermensch could be, Hilton kept herself away, constantly moving around the champion and hitting her from every angle with kicks, aiming mostly at her legs. Eventually Selina dropped on her knees, Crystal capitalized on it with a hurricanrana driver, hooking the leg for an early cover. Metzger kicked out in two with authority. Instead of sticking to the plan that worked so well for her in the opening of the match, Crystal went for a wheelbarrow bulldog, countered into a German Suplex by the Lockdown Champion. She kept the hold around the waist and went for a second one, completing the sequence with a third, bridging one. The momentum had already shifted in the champion’s favor, dominant as always and looking to make a quick work out of this challenge. Dominant as always in her pèerformance, Selina pushed Crystal in the corner and drove her shoulder in the challenger’s mid section, lifting her over the top rope and going for a super belly to belly suplex. She made the cover, only getting a two count. With her slow and methodical pace, Selina picked Crystal up and whipped her against the ropes, knocking her out with a huge discus lariat. Hilton kicked out once again, but she was falling under the champion’s offense. A kick to the gut doubled Crystal over, Selina then lifted her for a powerbomb and ran toward the croner, launching her against the turnbuckle. The Blossoming Rose bounced back after the impact and found the champion waiting for her. She lifted her over her shoulders and dropped down with the Elbe Valley Driver, securing the first fall. After the short break, the match started once again. Selina went for a lock up, eager to take advantage of the favorable moment to score the second fall. Counting on a ridiculous power advantage, The Ubermensch easily pushed Crystal back in the corner, where she hit her with some overhand chops. Selina then charged in for a clothesline, eating a kick from the challenger who then lifted herself on the middle rope and took the champion down with a dropkick. Finally getting an opening, Hilton started stomping the opponent to the ground, following with the Smell The Roses (Handspring standing moonsault) for a count of two. She kept fighting, but none of her moves seemed to affect the champ, who kicked out easily even from the Flashing Lights (Chick Kick). Starting to show some frustration, Christina climbed to the top rope, waiting for the opponent to stand up and diving to her for a tornado ddt. With an incredible feat of strength Selina was able to stop the momentum, loading her over the shoulder ready for a second Elbe Valley Driver. Somehow Crystal slipped away and rolled the champion over, leaning her foot on the rope for more leverage obtaining a count of three. Selina didn’t want to wait the thirty seconds the referee was granting her to recover between the falls. She charged at the unaware Crystal who was still gloating about the recently scored pin and broke her in half with a spear. Selina was a fury, mounting on top of the opponent and unloading a series of right hands to her face. Finally calming herself down, the Ubermensch lifted her by the throat and dropped her down with a sit-out chokebomb. Surprisingly the challenger kicked out out of instinct alone, surviving a little longer. But it was literally a matter of a couple of minutes before the unstoppable Lockdown Champion connected a second Elbe Valley Driver to retain her title. WINNER: Selina Metzger (Still Champion) BY: 2-1 Pinfall (Elbe Valley Driver), 9:23 |
Alyx Valero: "Selina is unstoppable!"
Zackary Dyson: "She truly seems. Another impressive performance by the Ubermensch."
Alyx Valero: "I wonder if there's actually anyone who can stop her..."
Zackary Dyson: "She truly seems. Another impressive performance by the Ubermensch."
Alyx Valero: "I wonder if there's actually anyone who can stop her..."
The cameras zoom down the long back hallway of the Staples Center, capturing all the little details of a show this size in motion. Techs running here and there, security keeping a watchful eye, supervisors keeping things running smoothly. In a side hallway stand the MWE Tag Team Champions, Penelope Kaplan and Jet Blanchard, dressed and ready for their upcoming Tornado Tag Team match against The Happy Few. Penny’s expression is a bit more stern than one might expect from the bubbly and bodacious blond, where Jet seems more relaxed, more of that Georgia boy shining through. Penny steps forward, lights gleaming from the title belt resting on her right shoulder and she nods before she speaks.
Penny Kaplan:
The fans have spoken, and tonight we’ve got us a Tornado Tag Team match for or MWE Championships. OMI and NEON aren’t your average wrestlers or your average team. They’re everything they want to you to believe they are, and maybe? Just a little bit more. Thing is, what they aren’t, is a surprise to us. We’ve had the chance to study and examine your team first hand in the best way possible. Singly, together with a friend, and some things are consistent. That’s what you are, that’s what The Happy Few are. Consistent.
Jet Blanchard:
And ain’t a damn thing wrong, with consistent. Show up. Do ya thing. Week in and out. Do the work set in front of you with some pride? Makes a difference. Problem we’ve got with that is, while there ain’t a thing wrong with it, we expect…
Penny moves as Jet comes up equal to her and she puts her hand on his bicep, bracing herself as she leans a bit towards the camera.
Penny Kaplan:
We demand...
Jet Blanchard:
A step. A slice. A cut above the rest. One of my best friends in this world, he likes to get under people’s skin. Tells them that their best ain’t gonna be enough to take him down. That on their best day and his worst, he’s still too much for them. Worst part is, he’s usually right but he’s gotta get that one last dig in, you know? Can’t just leave it be. So he tells these folks, they want to beat him, they can’t do their best. No, no. Can’t do their best.
He pauses and Penny steps forward, her hand dropping off his arm as his hand rises to rest on her belt-free left shoulder.
Penny Kaplan:
The best… of someone better.
Penny nods, looks to Jet a moment and he whispers something to her before she turns back to the camera.
Penny Kaplan:
I always thought that was a horrible thing to say to someone. People struggle every day. They do what they can, win or lose. They do what they can, they’re trying their best. Consistently. Leaving nothing to chance, they let the hubris come in or they think if they talk loud enough or fast enough or get dirty enough or nasty enough, that they’ll get what they want. It could happen tonight - just because we are the first champions doesn’t mean we’ll be the only ones to hold these titles.
Jet Blanchard:
Nothin’ wrong with healthy competition, y’all.
Penny Kaplan:
But we know what it is, to be champions. We’ve always known. That’s why our music is what it is, what it’s been since the beginning before we ever even had a single Number One Contender’s match to win, and then go on to win our very first championships. Right now, we are Your MWE Tag Team Champions and we are proud to be that.
Jet Blanchard:
Even if we don’t retain, we will still be your champions, because y’all… every one of you Jetpack fans, stick with us. Through the high times and the low, and ain’t one of you abandoned us when we needed ya most. So we’re doin’ this out there for you tonight.
Penny Kaplan:
We’re going to give you folks one heck of a match, and face a pair of challengers that are hungry, they’re starving for a taste of gold. But they’re gonna have to fight a fight we don’t know they have in them, to get that taste.
Jet Blanchard:
They want what every other team in Millennium wants - to dethrone Jetpack and be the champions. So let’s see if it’s them.
He winks at the camera and he and Penny head out.
MWE Tag Team Championship Match
Tornado Tag Team Match
Tornado Tag Team Match
Jetpack VS The Happy Few
The momentum was on the champions’ side after the win in the Trios match ten days ago in Salt Lake City. But if you know the Happy Few, you’d know that every time someone takes them down, they come back even stronger, more so tonight with the titles on the line. As soon as the bell rang, they charged at the champions, taking them by surprise with a series of swift combos. Strike after strike they pushed the champions to the ropes NEON dropped Penny outside with a lariat, grabbing Jet’s arm while OMI was holding his other one. They whipped to the ropes, NEON lifted him for a flapjack into a double knee facebuster from OMI who made the cover. Blanchard kicked out in two. The Happy Few came into this match with a clear strategy in mind, divide and conquer. There was always only one member of Jetpack in the ring, whether it was Penny or Jet it didn’t really make much of a difference. And it was working great, allowing OMI and NEON to keep control and methodically wearing down their opponents. The Tiny Dragon was taking care of Blanchard, hitting him with a flurry of palm strikes and knocking him down with a running roundhouse kick. OMI welcomed the other half of the MWE Tag Team champions back in the ring with a kick to the back of the head while Penny was still trying to slide back in. She shouted something in Japanese to her sister who picked up Jet and tossed him out of the ring, OMI whipped the opponent right into a middle kick from her sister. OMI hit the ropes and grabbed the back of Kaplan’s head, driving her face first on the canvas with a bulldog. At that point, NEON was already jumping on the middle rope, and from there on the top diving backwards for a perfectly timed Umeda Skyline (Best Moonsault Ever). Penelope raised her shoulder before the three, keeping the match alive. The fans started rallying behind the champions with a loud “Jetpack 4 Eva!” chant. But The Happy Few weren’t allowing them to build any momentum, keeping the numbers game to their advantage. OMI and NEON were working on Penny with the Typhoon hooking her arms behind her back while her sister was unleashing a series of knife edge chops to the female half of Jetpack. Blanchard slid back in the ring and the Tiny Dragon immediately went for him while OMI performed a beautiful tiger suplex. Jet immediately dropped down and exited under the bottom rope, leaving only the two Happy Few standing inside the ring. It turned out to be a smart decision, that allowed the champions to regroup and come up with a new strategy. And then they entered the ring, charging at the opponents and dodging their attacks, hitting the ropes on the opposite side and coming back with a forearm shot. Giving them a taste of their own medicine, they waited for NEON to stand up and knocked her right back down with a double superkick. Penny then wrapped her arms around OMI’s waist, keeping her in position for yet another superkick from Jet, right into a bridging german suplex from Kaplan, broken up by NEON. The fight sprawled both inside and outside the ring when Jet flew over the top rope taking out OMI with a somersault plancha. As the pair fought it out at ringside, NEON and Penny were trading blows. The japanese came out on top of the exchange, applying a front facelock ready to go for a suplex, or more likely for her Shatter-Shock. Penny instead surprised her with an inside cradle, almost stealing the win. The Tiny Dragon escaped the pinning predicament and quickly got back to her feet, hitting the champ with a jumping knee strike. Outside, OMI had dropped Jet on his head with a ddt, climbing now on the apron to go back into the ring to help her sister. Blanchard kipped up and stopped her by grabbing her ankle, holding onto it despite her kicking with the free leg. Eventually he managed to slide between her legs and powerbombed her to the floor, entering the ring just in time to save break to save the match for his team after NEON successfully connected the Shatter-Shock at the second attempt. The momentum was totally on Jetpack’s side with Penny and Jet teaming up against NEON who was left alone since her partner was still recovering outside. To her credit, the japanese wrestler proved to be a tough one, withstanding the champions’ attacks and kicking out from some of the best moves in their arsenal, including the Bam! (Chopblock from Jet into a bulldog from Penny) Blanchard picked an exhausted NEON up and lifted her over his shoulders in an Argentine Rack position, PenPen drove her down with a neckbreaker and made the cover. OMI was finally getting back to her feet, rushing inside the ring to try save her sister. Jet stopped her, but her intervention wasn’t necessary as NEON found the strength to, somehow, kick out once again. OMI versus Jet, Penny versus NEON. This were the pairing as the match surpassed the ten minutes mark. The Tiny Dragon looked to be on her last leg, but she was still fighting with everything she had left. Jet had OMI upside down in a vertical suplex, but the Typhoon managed to wiggle away and land behind Blanchard, kicking him out of the ring with a dropkick. She then called NEON who pushed Penny in her direction, right into a Super Cyclone (Tornado Kick). Penny was out cold, and the Arena plunged into silence as OMI was about to make the cover. Out of nowhere, Jet jumped into the ring with his Good Lord (Springboard Lariat) taking out NEON and quickly hooking her leg. The referee dropped in position and counted to three. A moment of silence followed the bell ringing, with both OMI and Jet raising their hands. After a quick talk with the referee, Rumchata Ayano announced that the match ended with a double pinfall, therefore should be considered a draw. WINNER: Draw BY: Double Pinfall (Super Cyclone/Oh Good Lord), 11:30 |
Bea Torres: "What..."
Jared Idol: "Nobody could pin the opponent.. Or actually, they both did... I think the match has been declared a draw? And Jetpack are still champions?"
Bea Torres: "It can't end like this... I'm sure Gian is gonna come out and restart the match!"
But it didn't happen. The decision left everyone unsatidfied. From Jetpack to The Few, from the fans to... Bea.
Jared Idol: "Nobody could pin the opponent.. Or actually, they both did... I think the match has been declared a draw? And Jetpack are still champions?"
Bea Torres: "It can't end like this... I'm sure Gian is gonna come out and restart the match!"
But it didn't happen. The decision left everyone unsatidfied. From Jetpack to The Few, from the fans to... Bea.
Coming down to the ring with no music playing was Brittany April. The crowd gives cheers for the former Cloud Gate Champion who looks nervous on this evening. Everyone in the Staples Center watches her give a hug to her cousin Cassidy Kane at ringside before entering the ring with a microphone in hand.
BRITTANY APRIL:
You know, the last time I was in the Staples Center, I was busy watching LeBron James play basketball.
That gets a mixed reaction from the crowd. Despite the show being in L.A. not everyone is going to love King James.
BRITTANY APRIL:
Tonight, we’ve seen some great matches, right? I know I’ve had a blast watching this show. The main event is going to be tough to watch for me as it’s my brother against one of my good friends. The Cloud Gate Title match is going to be emotional and we have so many other great matches yet to come!
Yay says the crowd.
BRITTANY APRIL:
I was set to be in the battle royal tonight but I am unable to compete. I said recently I am taking a couple of months away from the ring and it wasn’t because of a two month wrestling pregnancy.
Everyone loses their mind over a wall being broken.
BRITTANY APRIL:
My cousin at ringside, Cassidy…
The camera shows her again quickly.
BRITTANY APRIL:
She needs my help. She has leukemia and, well, I’m doing everything I can to help her combat this. That means I will be out of commission for a little while. Now you might be thinking you can take a day off from taking care of this young woman, but that’s not all I’m doing to help.
She takes a moment to collect herself and not break down in tears.
BRITTANY APRIL:
I found out that the type of treatment to aid her battle is stem cell transplant. Everyone in my family, some of our friends, we all tried to see if we closely match with Cassidy. Turns out that I was the closest and I am going to donate to her.
The crowd pops for a selfless act.
BRITTANY APRIL:
It’s the only thing I want to do right now. I want to help her fight this. I need to. She’s my best friend, and I want her to be completely healthy for what she wants to do with the rest of her life. So, thank you for your time this evening and enjoy the rest of the show.
Brittany exits the ring and stops in front of her cousin. The younger Kane is crying, staring at her cousin in a very emotional moment. Brittany gives her a giant hug before heading to the back.
Cross Brand Battle Royal
Everyone else not booked It was now time for the first ever Battle Royal in MWE’s history. Twenty competitors, from both brands, battling it out for what the General Managers referred to as “an interesting prize”. The rules were the classic, two competitors starting it out, every two minutes a new wrestler will enter the ring. Eliminations can only happen when a contender is tossed over the top rope and both feet touch the ground. When it rains, it pours. If making her professional debut in a rumble match wasn’t enough of a challenge for Lucie Callaway, Lady Luck decided to turn her back on Brytain Rollins’ young sister, who drew the number one entrance spot. When “Drain The Blood” by The Distillers blared out of the loudspeakers, the fans welcomed the pink haired girl with a round of applause, but you could tell that she was extremely nervous. Once in the ring, she looked all around, waiting to see who her first dance partner was. The waiting didn’t last long as “Choke” by Bowling For Soup blared out of the loudspeakers. The former Liberty Pro Trials Champion Brendan Callaghan wasn’t exactly an easy opponent, but it was now too late to have second thoughts. The match started and the pair locked up in the middle of the ring. Brendan used the strength and size advantage to push her close to the ropes, trying to score an early elimination but Lucie fired back with a knee to the stomach, following with a series of rapid headbutts, pushing Callaghan back to the middle of the ring. Brendan was stunned and Lucie grabbed his arm and tossed him against the ropes, sliding under him the first time and jumping over him with a leapfrog the second one, catching him with a rolling elbow on the rebound. She picked him up, Brendan countered with a jawbreaker/lariat combo, right when the ten seconds countdown started. “Swear It To The Sun” by Voodoo Johnson started playing in the Arena, causing all the fans to get on their feet for the Lonestar Alan Envy. Things didn’t go too well for him after main eventing night two of Deep In The Heart, this rumble match was his chance to prove once again that he can be considered among the best in MWE. He rushed to the ring and clubbed Brendan on the back while he was kicking Lucie in the corner. Callaghan turned around and the pair started trading blows in the middle of the ring. Envy won the exchange and whipped Brendan in the corner where Lucie was recovering. Seeing the opponent charging in, Callaway raised her boot and kicked him in the face. Dizzy, Brendan turned around right into a pop up death valley driver from the Lonestar. It was time for the fourth entrant, and it was the Riot’s rookie Jordan Ayers turn. With Brendan locked up with Envy, he took his attention on Lucie, who was just pulling herself up after having had a taste of Alan’s boots, eating a superkick from the Show Stealer. Jordan picked her up and, after a few european uppercuts, sent her against the ropes with a teep kick, sending her across the ring with a belly to belly suplex. Lucie was quickly back on her feet, ducking a clothesline from Ayers and following with a chop, and a second one. She whipped him in the corner and charged at him with a double knee, while Brendan Callaghan, who was dangerously standing on the apron, drove his shoulder in Alan’s mid section and slid back in the ring between his legs, saving himself from the elimination. On the notes of Voodo Johnson’s “Another White Lie” Dakota Lockard made his way to the ring. The former Portland Pro star entered the ring like a house on fire, delivering clothesline to whoever was still standing. Soon enough, anyone but him had been laid out. Dakota picked up Lucie and threw her over the top rope, but the young rookie was able to hang on, and roll back into the ring. Lockhard was now fighting against Envy, while Brendan was trying to suplex Ayers, ending up victim of the same move when the young rookie countered him. Lucie charged at him and hit him with a clothesline from behind, and that was when the siren buzzed, signaling the sixth entrant in this rumble match. It was the Irish Mystery turn. The masked daredevil rushed down the ring and jumped on the apron, using the top rope as a springboard to take out both Lucie and Jordan with a double dropkick. He then ducked Alan’s clothesline and hit the ropes, jumping at him for a headscissors. With Brendan taking a break sitting on the apron, Dakota was the only other competitor standing. Misteireach charged at him and wrapped his legs around his waist, getting dropped on the mat with a wheelbarrow facebuster. Envy knocked Dakota out with a right hook to the jaw, focusing then on Ayers. He worn him down with some heavy strikes, lifting him for a backbreaker. Lucie charged at Alan,interjected with a spinebuster by Lockhard. Once again the countdown started, and the crowd was buzzing in anticipation for the next entrance. There was a murmur in the crowd that grew into a louder commotion as, one-by-one, a full-choir took to the stage! All eyes turned from the action to this strange turn of events, including some very confused competitors in the ring. There was a pause … before “The Man” by The Killers kicked into life and set the choir into a full-blown dancing fit. The lights went up in flashes of purple, red, light blues and pinks and every screen throughout the Staples Center flashed images of a Miami-esque coastline created with pure neon, occasionally lighting up with the name “HEARST”. As the choir sang along, they parted to allow a purple and black Bentley convertible to drive past and down the ramp! Andrew Wilkow, dressed in ring gear, white driving gloves and a driver’s cap, was piloting the convertible, as Devin Hearst leaped up from the passenger's seat to the thunderous blend of cheers and boos from the crowd! Confetti cannons fired off, clouding the arena in pink and purple, as Hearst “surfed” his car down until it reached ringside. Hearst jumped down to the floor, stopping just short of the ring as he spied the numerous wrestlers staring him down.His brief moment of concern shifted to a devilish grin, as he snapped his fingers and yells “DREW”! With that, Andrew Wilkow carefully removed his driving gloves and hat, before stomping up to the ring and climbing over the top rope like a beast, as Hearst reclined on the hood of his car. Talk about making an entrance in style! Wilkow was just about to enter the ring when Envy capitalized on the general moment of confusion to grab Jordan Ayers and throw him over the top rope. Rumchata Ayano: Jordan Ayers has been eliminated! (Envy-1) The young rookie landed hard on his face next to Devin’s car. Hearst looked at him, murmuring a “Ouch” before turning his attention to the ring, where Wilkow was cleaning house, wiping out the poor Lucie with a running big boot. Alan seemed to be able to hold the ground against the 6’7’’ colossus, but eventually Wilkow had the best of him with a vicious headbutt. Again the countdown reached zero, it was time for the eighth entrant. The fans’ eyes were on the entrance stage, wondering who the next addition would be, and so were Devin’s. “The Man” by The Killers blasted once again out of the loudspeakers. It was Hearst’s turn, and his highly anticipated debut was welcomed by a loud pop by the twenty thousand filling the Staples Center. Devin Hearst instead kept staring at the curtain, from where, obviously, nobody came out. Between one punch and the other, Wilkow shouted “Boss!”, finally getting Devin’s attention. Smiling and shrugging his shoulders, Hearst entered the ring and started working together with Andrew, taking out the charging Mysteireach with a double clothesline, kicking Lokhard in the stomach and dropping him down with a double suplex. The former DOW pointed at Callaghan who was watching the match from outside and sent Wilkow in his direction while he was taking care of Envy. Andrew dragged Brendan back in the ring and tossed him in the corner, following with a body splash. “Monsters” by Paramore hit the speakers and the former Lockdown Champion Kate Steele entered the ring. Lucie Callaway just dodged a spinning kick from Lockhard and, after a middle kick, she planted him with the Nine Crimes, the snapmare driver she adopted from Tris Callaway. Kate targeted the young rookie, grabbing her from behind for a German Suplex. Hearst and Wilkow were taking care of Envy, using him as a punching bag. Callaghan was on the apron fighting for his life against Misteireach. Brendan ducked the right hand and answered with a kick to the head, quickly getting back into the ring, grabbing the stunned opponent and tossing him out of the ring. Misteireach hung on the top rope and pulled himself back up, wrapping his legs around Brendan’s head and dragging him out on the floor. Rumchata Ayano: “Brendan Callaghan has been eliminated!” (Misteireach-1) The Irish Man didn’t have the chance to gloat for the elimination as Lucie charged in and dropped him off the apron with a dropkick. Rumchata Ayano:”Misteireach has been eliminated!” (Lucie Callaway-1) “Forever” by Drake blared out of the PA system, Teddy Steele rushed to the ring at full speed and slid in just in time to save his wife from an elimination by the duo Hearst/Wilkow. Lockhard picked up an exhausted Lucie and planted her with a package piledriver. Alan charged at him and turned him inside out with a lariat. The fatigue started showing on some of the competitors, and things were only destined to get worse as another fresh opponent was about to be added to the mix. The Good Wrestling Boy Kory Kramp brought his energy and enthusiasm to the match, his speed becoming a lethal weapon against the worn out opponents. A springboard crossbody on Lucie, a hurricanrana to Lockhard, a Pele Kick to Envy. This was how Kory introduced himself to the LA fans, on their feet for the Human Fly. Kate Steel charged at Wilkow with a corner Yakuza Kick, stunning the big man and trying to eliminate him. She calls her husband for help, but Teddy was dealing with Hearst who kneed him in the stomach and lifted him over his shoulders and dropped him on the mat with The Comedown (Samoan Driver) Kate was still fighting with Andrew, managing to lift one of his legs over the top rope and trying now to push him over, despite him hammering her back with forearm shots. Once again she cried for help, and it was Devin who answered the call. “I got you!” He said ironically before throwing the former Lockdown Champion over the top rope. Rumchata Ayano:”Kate Steele has been eliminated!” (Devin Hearst-1) Devin checked on Wilkow, who nodded and thanked his boss with a pat on the back. Hearst then grabbed him by his arm and whipped him toward the opposite corner. Or rather toward Teddy who was just getting back to his feet. A warm reaction welcomed Tobie Nox Thorne as she rushed to the ring. The new Millennium star, having switched roster earlier in the night, was met by a flurry of right punches by Dakota Lockard. Being a proficient striker herself, thanks to the intense BJJ training she went through in the past couple of months, Tobie was able to turn things around, gaining ground kick after kick. Teddy Steele’s hopes to win the Battle royal came to an abrupt end when Hearst launched him right into an overhead released belly to belly suplex that sent The Black Sexy Teddy flying over the top rope. Rumchata Ayano:”Teddy Steele has been eliminated!” (Andrew Wilkow-1) After exchanging an high five, Andrew and Devin looked around for their next targets. Hearst sent his partner toward Lucie, while he charged at Tobie who just eliminated Dakota with a superkick. Rumchata Ayano:”Dakota Lockard has been eliminated!” (Tobie Nox Thorne-1) TNT was turned inside out by the massive clothesline from the former CWC International Champion. Lucie was fighting with all she had left against the much bigger Wilkow, while Envy just broke Kory with a spinebuster, laying down on the mat himself to catch his breath right after. That’s when “God’s Away On Business” by Tom Waits started playing and Saki appeared on the stage… with a steel chair in hand! The former Empire Extreme Champion tried to enter the ring with the foreign object, but obviously the officials stopped her, snatching the chair from her hands. Surprisingly, the first person to enter the match was still in, and she was putting on one hell of a fight against someone who was much bigger and stronger than her. Two kicks to the leg, two right hands, a spinning backfist and a jumping knee. With this impressive combo Lucie had Wilkow against the ropes, one move away from the elimination. She hit the ropes to the opposite side to gain some momentum for her final strike, but Wilkow recovered and stopped her run with a kick to the stomach, lifting her over his head in a gorilla press position and tossing her outside. Rumchata Ayano:”Lucie Callaway has been eliminated!” (Andrew Wilkow-2) ”March Of The Dead Things” by The Herbaliser hit the PA system. The Riot fans instantly recognized the young man walking to the stage as the “Die Fly” Spectre, who decided to stick around after the Junior Heavyweight Tournament. Wilkow was waiting for him, but Devin, who was trying to push Tobie over the top rope, shouted at him to go for Envy and Saki instead. What seemed a series of coincidence was starting to look more and more like a pattern. Wilkow and Hearst were going for the Millennium wrestlers only. Andrew obliged, charging at the pair and knocking them both down with a double clothesline. Kramp sent Spectre against the ropes, the master of Dead Fly style bounced back with a springboard cutter. He then grabbed the [R]evo Seminole State Champion and tossed him over the top rope, but Kory landed on the apron, ducking the right hook and doubling Spectre over with a shoulder to the stomach. He then jumped from the apron onto his back and slammed him to the mat with a Sunset Flip Powerbomb. Tobie, who in the meantime came back into the ring, planted Devin with her Leaping Complete Shot, leaning against the corner and taking a break. Prokofiev’s “Dance Of The Knights” anticipated the entrance of the Leader Of The Swayed Parade Christopher LaGarde who was making his way to the ring with no rush at all. Spectre had his back against the wall, or I should say the ropes. Kory was having the best of him when the former Elysium Pro star pulled one of his favorite tricks, spitting a black mist to the good wrestling boy’s face. With Kory blinded, it was a child’s play for Spectre to throw him over the top rope with a back body drop. Rumchata Ayano:”Kory Kramp has been eliminated!” (Spectre-1) LaGarde picked up Alan Envy who was still recovering in the corner from Saki’s Farfegmumen (Ripcord into a headbutt). He hit him with a few chops to the chest, sending him back in the corner with an European uppercut and following with a corner jumping clothesline. Tobie hit Spectre with a dropkick, delighting the fans with a standing moonsault knee drop. Saki charged at her, TNT jumped over her head with a leapfrog and caught her with a hurrincanrana after she rebounded frome the ropes. On the notes of Childish Gambino’s “Sweatpants” Trey Cole came out and went to help his friend Spectre, who was being targeted by Saki and TNT. He knocked the former [R]evo Tag Team champion down with a springboard european uppercut, rolling through and sending Saki across the ring with a springboard hurricanrana, helping Spectre back to his feet. Envy bought himself some time with a headbutt and a standing dropkick to LaGarde. Wilkow picked up Saki and tossed her over the top rope. The Singapore Mauler saved herself landing on the apron and poked Andrew’s eye before he could try and knock her down. But she couldn’t avoid Lagarde’s big boot. Rumchata Ayano:”Saki has been eliminated!” (Christopher LaGarde-1) Another Riot star joined the crowded ring. Tiny Des made her way to the ring, welcomed by the cheers of the fans. Saki didn’t take the elimination too well, fighting now with the official who was preventing her from going back into the ring. She pushed him away and picked up the chair from the floor, jumping on the apron and slamming it on the Leader Of The Swayed Parade back. Wilkow shrugged his shoulders and dropped LaGarde out of the ring with a clothesline. Rumchata Ayano:”Christopher LaGarde has been eliminated!” (Andrew Wilkow-3) “Boss, three!” shouted Wilkow, before getting pushed in the corner by a missile dropkick by Destiny, who then charged at the Appalachian Mountain Monster with a back elbow. Alan charged at her with a clothesline, dodged with a roll by the younger Figgins. Envy crashed against WIlkow, Tiny turned around and charged at him driving both knees to his face. On the opposite side of the ring, Tobie planted Trey on his head with a tilt-a-whirl ddt, kipping up and ducking a wheel kick by Specter. With a picture perfect dropkick, TNT scored her second elimination of the night. Rumchata Ayano:”Spectre has been eliminated!” (Tobie Nox Thorne-2) The joy for the remarkable accomplishment didn’t last long as Devin Hearst sneaked behind her and dropped her outside. Rumchata Ayano:”Tobie Nox Thorne has been eliminated!” (Devin Hearst-2) While fighting against Envy, Wilkow still found the time to congratulate Hearst for the elimination, before knocking the opponent down with his LARIAAAAAATTT! to the only Millennium superstar still in the ring. Something that was destined to change soon. “Radical Cut” by Arcturus blard out of the loudspeakers. The eighteenth entrant was Jacob Figgins, who immediately went to help his sister assisting her in Trey Cole’s elimination. Rumchata Ayano:”Trey Cole has been eliminated!” (Tiny Des-1 & Jacob Figgins-1) Tiny Des turned around, smiling at her brother and thanking him. Figgles nodded and clotheslined her out of the ring. Rumchata Ayano:”Tiny Des has been eliminated!” (Jacob Figgins-2) Tiny Des stared at her brother in disbelief, asking him why. He answered her question with a manic laughter, He then turned around and wrapped his arms around Devin0s waist before dropping him on his back with a German Suplex, creating an opening Alan exploited with a series to right hands to Wilkow’s face. The penultimate entrant in this Battle Royal was none other than the Hackerman himself. After costing Levi’s her first title earlier in the night, Knox was welcomed by the loudest round of boos, but he didn’t seem to care. He walked into the ring, picking fights with literally the first person he found on his way, Devin Hearst. Knox’ kicks and his freshness gave him a big advantage, and soon Hearst found himself in a dangerous position, as Knox was trying to push him over the top rope. Wilkow rushed to help his employer, knocking the Hackerman down with a running big boot. Hearst entered the ring just in time to catch Figgins’ crossbody attempt and dropping him outside Rumchata Ayano:”Jacob Figgins has been eliminated!” (Devin Hearst-3) Alan Envy was sitting in a corner, breathing heavily. Devin Hearst looked exhausted, leaning against the ropes and catching a break. Wilkow and Knox where trading punches in the middle of the ring. For the last time tonight the countdown started, the fans shouting each number on top of the lungs, speculating on who the last entrant could be. But nobody could have guessed it. A moment of shocked silence followed the moment when “Wolf Like Me” by In This Moment blared out of the PA system. The former Millennium Champion Eliza Valentine appeared on the stage, and the crowd went nuts! The tattooed woman walked down the ramp, her eyes locked to the four opponents inside the ring. Oddly enough, Knox and Wilkow stopped fighting, their attention on the woman who was now entering the ring. A kick to the gut of Knox, a series of chops to Wilkow, a superkick for Hearst, and a spear to the charging Envy., In less than thirty second Valentine was the only person standing in the ring, making a statement in her return to the company she once ruled. It was surprising how, after all this time, Alan Envy still had the strength to fight back, avoiding another elimination and planting Eliza on her head with the Envious Demise, over forty minutes after entering the match with the number 3. Wilkow made his personal mission to eliminate the Hackerman, eventually managing to roll him over the top rope. All he he had to do was to knock him off the apron now, but he missed with the right hand. Knox grabbed him by the head and dragged him on the apron, where they started trading blows in a very dangerous spot. Inevitably, they knocked each other out, thinning the herd down to three. Rumchata Ayano:”Knox and Andrew Wilkow have been eliminated!” (Knox-1; Andrew Wilkow-4) After an outstanding performance, Alan Envy’s match ended thanks to a superkick from the former Millennium Champion, who had now only Devin Hearst on her way to make history once again as the first Rumble Winner. Rumchata Ayano:”Alan Envy has been eliminated!” (Eliza Valentine-1) Devin was way over thirty minutes into the match, but he still held his ground against Eliza, lifting her for the Desperado (Throwing Released suplex). Valentine quickly got up and fought back with a headbutt and a short arm clothesline, inviting the opponent to get back on his feet and hitting him with a dropkick. Strike after strike, she pushed Hearst against the ropes. He fought back with a kick to the stomach and suplexed her out of the ring. Valentine landed on the apron, wrapping her arm around him and pulling him out. Both competitors fell outside, but it was clearly Hearst who touched the floor first with both feet. Rumchata Ayano:”Devin Hearst has been eliminated! The sole survivor and winner of the Battle Royale… Eliza Valentine!” (Eliza Valentine-2) WINNER: Eliza Valentine BY: Sole Survivor, 50:03 |
After eliminating Hearst, Eliza turns and looks across the empty ring with a triumphant smile on her face. For a moment, she just paces around the ring itself, seeming to enjoy her moment as a mixed reaction rises up from the crowd; the arguably most successful Millennium Champion in the history of the company, has always been a polarizing figure with the fans and tonight is no different. After soaking up the atmosphere, she calls for a mic, catching it with ease and a rare but very present smile.
Eliza Valentine:
It’s good to be back.
She accentuates her words with a satisfied smile; this only draws more cheers from the crowd who are happy to see the woman who carried the company from Pride to Millennium back inside the ring. Eliza nods at the cheers, smirking slightly.
Eliza Valentine:
Do you hear that Grace? That is the sound of every man, woman and child in attendance understanding EXACTLY what this means… That is the sound of the villagers, rejoicing as the knight rides into town on his steed… THAT is the sound of your oncoming downfall GvB… and you don’t even know it yet.
Eliza approaches the ropes closest to the ramp and leans on the top ones with another happy sigh.
Eliza Valentine:
See, when I left, you were nothing more than a little maggot chomping away at the fetted remains of my feed… you think because you slapped some administrative magic on old Matthews that you’re suddenly intimidating? You think, that YOU of all people, can fuck with the woman I love and there would be no recompense?
Eliza makes a slightly strained face, almost as though she can’t believe the stupidity at play.
Eliza Valentine:
So arrogant are you, in that belief that you allowed Miss. Kirilenko to hire me. Well, you know what they say about Pride, don’t you Grace?
She leaves the words hanging, the double meaning their obvious as she moves on to her next point.
Eliza Valentine:
But I’ll get to your later Grace, see… as much as your ego would love to believe otherwise. I’m not here for you, Nope. I’m here for myself and for the legacy that built this place, I’m here to defend what others have epically fucking failed at defending, our name, our honor, our right to stand at the top of the mountain, look down and laugh at those who are below us…
Ever since I left, I’ve had to watch this company be handed about like a goddamn baton, nobody at the helm, nobody ruling, nobody leading… I suppose when your leader lacks any ability it becomes hard for the rest of you to hope to have any; so consider this your warning…
Eliza pushes against the ropes and grins widely.
Eliza Valentine:
I’m back.
With that she tosses the mic into the air and turns to the cheers of the fans, a warmer welcome home than she could have ever dreamed of receiving.
Eliza Valentine:
It’s good to be back.
She accentuates her words with a satisfied smile; this only draws more cheers from the crowd who are happy to see the woman who carried the company from Pride to Millennium back inside the ring. Eliza nods at the cheers, smirking slightly.
Eliza Valentine:
Do you hear that Grace? That is the sound of every man, woman and child in attendance understanding EXACTLY what this means… That is the sound of the villagers, rejoicing as the knight rides into town on his steed… THAT is the sound of your oncoming downfall GvB… and you don’t even know it yet.
Eliza approaches the ropes closest to the ramp and leans on the top ones with another happy sigh.
Eliza Valentine:
See, when I left, you were nothing more than a little maggot chomping away at the fetted remains of my feed… you think because you slapped some administrative magic on old Matthews that you’re suddenly intimidating? You think, that YOU of all people, can fuck with the woman I love and there would be no recompense?
Eliza makes a slightly strained face, almost as though she can’t believe the stupidity at play.
Eliza Valentine:
So arrogant are you, in that belief that you allowed Miss. Kirilenko to hire me. Well, you know what they say about Pride, don’t you Grace?
She leaves the words hanging, the double meaning their obvious as she moves on to her next point.
Eliza Valentine:
But I’ll get to your later Grace, see… as much as your ego would love to believe otherwise. I’m not here for you, Nope. I’m here for myself and for the legacy that built this place, I’m here to defend what others have epically fucking failed at defending, our name, our honor, our right to stand at the top of the mountain, look down and laugh at those who are below us…
Ever since I left, I’ve had to watch this company be handed about like a goddamn baton, nobody at the helm, nobody ruling, nobody leading… I suppose when your leader lacks any ability it becomes hard for the rest of you to hope to have any; so consider this your warning…
Eliza pushes against the ropes and grins widely.
Eliza Valentine:
I’m back.
With that she tosses the mic into the air and turns to the cheers of the fans, a warmer welcome home than she could have ever dreamed of receiving.
The segment opens to find Melissa Reeves along in the ring. There's no flashy entrance, no loud music, no pyro...just a woman, a spotlight and a microphone. She looks fired up, but not angered. More just...focused, really.
Melissa Reeves:
Hello Los Angeles, Millennium Wrestling and Dark Web. Most importantly, hello Christopher.
A few of the fans cheer at the mention of LA but, equally, some boo at the mention of Kane. Melissa sarcastically waves at the camera, making it clear she's addressing him directly.
Melissa Reeves:
What a few weeks it's been, huh? Now, Christopher, I sure do hope you didn't mistake me not being here for me not paying attention. I mean, that would be stupid, right? But then again, it is you, so...
She smirks a litte. Kane's fans dislike the suggestion and she draws a few boos.
Melissa Reeves:
Yeah, I saw your attempted taunting last show, Christopher. I saw your social media behaviour. I heard your podcast. I've read all those little shots you've been taking. Seen you hiding behind others as they try to come for me too, nice! It's all top notch stuff. Like wow, what a strong champion we have! I mean, shit, I thought Nessa was bad, but...
Melissa slowly claps, sarcasm oozing from her. She's calm, though, it's a dry sarcasm.
Melissa Reeves:
So what did you expect to achieve? What exactly did you want, Christopher? My rage? My fury? My wrath?
Melissa stops to scoff, shaking her head and shrugging.
Melissa Reeves:
You'll get what I deem you to be worthy of getting, nothing else. You've taken enough from me with your lies and your fakeness, you don't get to control what goes on here anymore.
She taps her temple as she leans in closer toward the camera.
Melissa Reeves:
So let me tell you it straight; right now what you deserve is my pity.
A few fans boo, but Reeves pays no attention.
Melissa Reeves:
That's right, I pity the Millennium Champion. I pity my ex boyfriend. I pity Christopher Kane.
She laughs a little as she pauses to take in the boos.
Melissa Reeves:
Oh that's cute. You people think you know more about this situation than I do? Hmm? You think that you you can judge things? Nah, so sit the fuck down and shut up.
Those boos only increase in volume now, though some fans are definitely chanting for her rather than against her. Reeves chuckles a little.
Melissa Reeves:
There's a lot I could talk about here that would turn those that are booing right around back onto you, isn't there? You know there is, don't you Christopher? But I haven't. I haven't exposed your life to the eyes of these piranhas that circle anything they think can help them make a name for themselves. Can you say the same? No, of course not, because you have tried to use just about anything you can to gain what you think is an advantage. You sit there and you try to break me down, but you've failed. You've failed spectacularly and do you know why?
She gives it a few seconds before answering anyway.
Melissa Reeves:
It's simple really, I am unbreakable. See, you can try to make me feel worthless all you want, but I never needed you to feel my worth. You try to get inside my head, but your words fall on deaf ears.
Melissa paces a little, slow in her speech, methodical in her delivery.
Melissa Reeves:
Unlike you, I can keep my personal and professional lives separate. But you, no, you're just like so many others. You think that you can take me down with some witty tweet or remark. But what have you said, really? That I took a few days off? Well, if I was hiding it, I'd have hidden it - but then I'm not the one that walks around with secret after secret, am I? So yeah, I did take a few days off, so what? I enjoyed them, I loved them! I wasn't booked, what exactly were you crying over? All that I see here is you being a bitter little man in an attempt to try and get ahead. I mean, really, you thought THAT was a dent in my armour? How fucking desperate are you to think that? And moreover...weren't you at Disneyworld, just this week, for several days? Ohh, I see now, you're a hypocrite.
She shoves the camera back again, creating some distance.
Melissa Reeves:
Then you talk about how driven I am. I know how driven I am. EVERYONE knows how driven I am. But what about you, hmm? How long did it take you to climb to the top of the pile? Let's look at a simple fact: you took on the weakest champion in Millennium's entire history to get that title. You won, sure, but does that make you the best here? No, it does not.
Once again she shakes her head.
Melissa Reeves:
The best here isn't someone on their first ever world title reign. The best here doesn't take six years to ascend to the top of any mountain. The best isn't someone who thinks turning up to a show on their week off somehow makes them a harder worker than everyone else. I mean, really, you wanna talk work ethic? With me? When I was training and you were at home jerking off, you clown? Ridiculous. And you say I can't beat you, but I can. I know that, Christopher, because I have before - and back then I was holding back. Now you get no such luxury.
There's a brief pause as she quickly licks across her lips, thinking of her next words carefully.
Melissa Reeves:
But I get it, you have flap your lips and say your words. You think that talking nonsense on social media is what puts asses in seats and maybe, to a small degree, it does. But these people in the crowd aren't here because you posted a popcorn gif, nor are they here because you decided to attack me online, or hide behind others trying to do that for you. Nobody paid for a ticket because you cried about being a fuck up. They're here to watch me kick your ass and tear that title away from your hands. These people, just like you, know I can - because my work ethic and my pedigree is proven. Moreover, my ability to beat you is proven.
Reeves lets that sink in before continuing.
Melissa Reeves:
Of course you'll try to play that down because it's never enough, is it? It's never enough that I overcome absolutely any obstacle ever put in my way. It's never enough that no matter what I'm put through I STILL won't lay down and die, is it? There's always some idiot trying to downplay what I've achieved, or to trash me. But I outlast those motherfuckers, every single time. But I do. I do achieve, I do overcome, I do outlast.
Another brief pause, this time to slow herself and catch her breath again.
Melissa Reeves:
And that right there, that's the difference between us, Christopher. I don't give up, I don't relent, I don't back down...you, though? You can't help but give up. You gave up on how many girlfriends? You gave up on your marriage. You gave up on me. You gave up on your own damn son. The sad truth is that you give up so often, I'm not sure you even know who you are. Well let me tell you, you're a liar, a fraud and a fake. You may feel proud that you've come out, and kudos to you for it...but that doesn't erase how much hurt you've spread over the years, and it doesn't undo all the lies you've told. You may feel free, but you're still an asshole.
A few of Kane's fans boo at that, her harsh words.
Melissa Reeves:
Which leaves me to ask, Christopher; when I take my place, my rightful place, as champion here...what exactly will you be left with? Will you try moving into the forest again? Will you spend your days watching porn again? Or will you go running to those social media fakes you like to surround yourself with?
She laughs loudly.
Melissa Reeves:
I mean, just how far do you actually think THAT will that get you, hmm? Where were all of those people when you had nobody? When you needed to be picked up, rescued from that darkness inside your own head? Nowhere. It was me that picked you up, me that supported you - unconditionally, throughout everything, and my reward for that is your vitriol, your mockery and your attempts to bring me down to a level of misery that you'd feel right at home in. But here's the thing, that won't work. Not on me. So you can send as many of those idiots at me as you want but at the end of the day they're worthless to me, just like you're worthless to them. They'll come and they'll go, they'll move on to some new flavour of the month and you'll be left behind. You'll be forgotten, lost, alone and without that title you hold so dear.
The cameras show a few members of the audience, some visibly taken aback by her words.
Melissa Reeves:
And the fact of the matter is that all of that? It'll be entirely your own fault.
She smirks and shrugs, looking directly into the camera.
Melissa Reeves:
Everything that happens now is on you. You wanted to cast me out, make fun, hurt me...you wanted to try and bring me down. I gave you everything and you sat there and tried to use that against me. You expect to walk all over me, but that simply will not happen. It's funny...people used talk about how fair I am, how I fight by the rules, how I am just. Doing that, acting that way? That's exactly how I end up being trampled on by lesser talents like you. All that got me is people like you trying to walk all over me because you know that I can elevate you. People like you try to downplay me, but you know that if you're in my sights then I'm boosting your profile - and lord knows you need it. You, and others, know that MY hard work can help you look better.
She shrugs.
Melissa Reeves:
But no more.
Another brief pause before she continues.
Melissa Reeves:
So you can try to take your "high road" all you like, but at the end of the day you're only kidding yourself and anyone too naive to see through your act. The truth of this situation is that what's happened between us is just another Christopher Kane failure. It's not your first, it won't be your last, but this is not one that I'll forgive. Hell hath no fury, Christopher, and it's time that you're exposed for who you are. You're a failure as a boyfriend, you're a failure as a friend, a husband, a father and tonight I'll show the world that you're a failure as a champion too.
There's an audible gasp for some of that, and a whole lot of booing after.
Melissa Reeves:
I may have loved you before, but now? Now you're just in my way...
Melissa scoffs and drops the microphone. The spotlight follows her as she silently rolls from the ring, her music not playing. The fans are mixed for sure, with those in support of Christopher booing loudly but her own hardcore supporters trying to counteract that. For the woman herself, well, she's unfazed and simply paces away. From the look of her body language this isn't s situation she's necessarily enjoying, but it's one she's going to see through.
Melissa Reeves:
Hello Los Angeles, Millennium Wrestling and Dark Web. Most importantly, hello Christopher.
A few of the fans cheer at the mention of LA but, equally, some boo at the mention of Kane. Melissa sarcastically waves at the camera, making it clear she's addressing him directly.
Melissa Reeves:
What a few weeks it's been, huh? Now, Christopher, I sure do hope you didn't mistake me not being here for me not paying attention. I mean, that would be stupid, right? But then again, it is you, so...
She smirks a litte. Kane's fans dislike the suggestion and she draws a few boos.
Melissa Reeves:
Yeah, I saw your attempted taunting last show, Christopher. I saw your social media behaviour. I heard your podcast. I've read all those little shots you've been taking. Seen you hiding behind others as they try to come for me too, nice! It's all top notch stuff. Like wow, what a strong champion we have! I mean, shit, I thought Nessa was bad, but...
Melissa slowly claps, sarcasm oozing from her. She's calm, though, it's a dry sarcasm.
Melissa Reeves:
So what did you expect to achieve? What exactly did you want, Christopher? My rage? My fury? My wrath?
Melissa stops to scoff, shaking her head and shrugging.
Melissa Reeves:
You'll get what I deem you to be worthy of getting, nothing else. You've taken enough from me with your lies and your fakeness, you don't get to control what goes on here anymore.
She taps her temple as she leans in closer toward the camera.
Melissa Reeves:
So let me tell you it straight; right now what you deserve is my pity.
A few fans boo, but Reeves pays no attention.
Melissa Reeves:
That's right, I pity the Millennium Champion. I pity my ex boyfriend. I pity Christopher Kane.
She laughs a little as she pauses to take in the boos.
Melissa Reeves:
Oh that's cute. You people think you know more about this situation than I do? Hmm? You think that you you can judge things? Nah, so sit the fuck down and shut up.
Those boos only increase in volume now, though some fans are definitely chanting for her rather than against her. Reeves chuckles a little.
Melissa Reeves:
There's a lot I could talk about here that would turn those that are booing right around back onto you, isn't there? You know there is, don't you Christopher? But I haven't. I haven't exposed your life to the eyes of these piranhas that circle anything they think can help them make a name for themselves. Can you say the same? No, of course not, because you have tried to use just about anything you can to gain what you think is an advantage. You sit there and you try to break me down, but you've failed. You've failed spectacularly and do you know why?
She gives it a few seconds before answering anyway.
Melissa Reeves:
It's simple really, I am unbreakable. See, you can try to make me feel worthless all you want, but I never needed you to feel my worth. You try to get inside my head, but your words fall on deaf ears.
Melissa paces a little, slow in her speech, methodical in her delivery.
Melissa Reeves:
Unlike you, I can keep my personal and professional lives separate. But you, no, you're just like so many others. You think that you can take me down with some witty tweet or remark. But what have you said, really? That I took a few days off? Well, if I was hiding it, I'd have hidden it - but then I'm not the one that walks around with secret after secret, am I? So yeah, I did take a few days off, so what? I enjoyed them, I loved them! I wasn't booked, what exactly were you crying over? All that I see here is you being a bitter little man in an attempt to try and get ahead. I mean, really, you thought THAT was a dent in my armour? How fucking desperate are you to think that? And moreover...weren't you at Disneyworld, just this week, for several days? Ohh, I see now, you're a hypocrite.
She shoves the camera back again, creating some distance.
Melissa Reeves:
Then you talk about how driven I am. I know how driven I am. EVERYONE knows how driven I am. But what about you, hmm? How long did it take you to climb to the top of the pile? Let's look at a simple fact: you took on the weakest champion in Millennium's entire history to get that title. You won, sure, but does that make you the best here? No, it does not.
Once again she shakes her head.
Melissa Reeves:
The best here isn't someone on their first ever world title reign. The best here doesn't take six years to ascend to the top of any mountain. The best isn't someone who thinks turning up to a show on their week off somehow makes them a harder worker than everyone else. I mean, really, you wanna talk work ethic? With me? When I was training and you were at home jerking off, you clown? Ridiculous. And you say I can't beat you, but I can. I know that, Christopher, because I have before - and back then I was holding back. Now you get no such luxury.
There's a brief pause as she quickly licks across her lips, thinking of her next words carefully.
Melissa Reeves:
But I get it, you have flap your lips and say your words. You think that talking nonsense on social media is what puts asses in seats and maybe, to a small degree, it does. But these people in the crowd aren't here because you posted a popcorn gif, nor are they here because you decided to attack me online, or hide behind others trying to do that for you. Nobody paid for a ticket because you cried about being a fuck up. They're here to watch me kick your ass and tear that title away from your hands. These people, just like you, know I can - because my work ethic and my pedigree is proven. Moreover, my ability to beat you is proven.
Reeves lets that sink in before continuing.
Melissa Reeves:
Of course you'll try to play that down because it's never enough, is it? It's never enough that I overcome absolutely any obstacle ever put in my way. It's never enough that no matter what I'm put through I STILL won't lay down and die, is it? There's always some idiot trying to downplay what I've achieved, or to trash me. But I outlast those motherfuckers, every single time. But I do. I do achieve, I do overcome, I do outlast.
Another brief pause, this time to slow herself and catch her breath again.
Melissa Reeves:
And that right there, that's the difference between us, Christopher. I don't give up, I don't relent, I don't back down...you, though? You can't help but give up. You gave up on how many girlfriends? You gave up on your marriage. You gave up on me. You gave up on your own damn son. The sad truth is that you give up so often, I'm not sure you even know who you are. Well let me tell you, you're a liar, a fraud and a fake. You may feel proud that you've come out, and kudos to you for it...but that doesn't erase how much hurt you've spread over the years, and it doesn't undo all the lies you've told. You may feel free, but you're still an asshole.
A few of Kane's fans boo at that, her harsh words.
Melissa Reeves:
Which leaves me to ask, Christopher; when I take my place, my rightful place, as champion here...what exactly will you be left with? Will you try moving into the forest again? Will you spend your days watching porn again? Or will you go running to those social media fakes you like to surround yourself with?
She laughs loudly.
Melissa Reeves:
I mean, just how far do you actually think THAT will that get you, hmm? Where were all of those people when you had nobody? When you needed to be picked up, rescued from that darkness inside your own head? Nowhere. It was me that picked you up, me that supported you - unconditionally, throughout everything, and my reward for that is your vitriol, your mockery and your attempts to bring me down to a level of misery that you'd feel right at home in. But here's the thing, that won't work. Not on me. So you can send as many of those idiots at me as you want but at the end of the day they're worthless to me, just like you're worthless to them. They'll come and they'll go, they'll move on to some new flavour of the month and you'll be left behind. You'll be forgotten, lost, alone and without that title you hold so dear.
The cameras show a few members of the audience, some visibly taken aback by her words.
Melissa Reeves:
And the fact of the matter is that all of that? It'll be entirely your own fault.
She smirks and shrugs, looking directly into the camera.
Melissa Reeves:
Everything that happens now is on you. You wanted to cast me out, make fun, hurt me...you wanted to try and bring me down. I gave you everything and you sat there and tried to use that against me. You expect to walk all over me, but that simply will not happen. It's funny...people used talk about how fair I am, how I fight by the rules, how I am just. Doing that, acting that way? That's exactly how I end up being trampled on by lesser talents like you. All that got me is people like you trying to walk all over me because you know that I can elevate you. People like you try to downplay me, but you know that if you're in my sights then I'm boosting your profile - and lord knows you need it. You, and others, know that MY hard work can help you look better.
She shrugs.
Melissa Reeves:
But no more.
Another brief pause before she continues.
Melissa Reeves:
So you can try to take your "high road" all you like, but at the end of the day you're only kidding yourself and anyone too naive to see through your act. The truth of this situation is that what's happened between us is just another Christopher Kane failure. It's not your first, it won't be your last, but this is not one that I'll forgive. Hell hath no fury, Christopher, and it's time that you're exposed for who you are. You're a failure as a boyfriend, you're a failure as a friend, a husband, a father and tonight I'll show the world that you're a failure as a champion too.
There's an audible gasp for some of that, and a whole lot of booing after.
Melissa Reeves:
I may have loved you before, but now? Now you're just in my way...
Melissa scoffs and drops the microphone. The spotlight follows her as she silently rolls from the ring, her music not playing. The fans are mixed for sure, with those in support of Christopher booing loudly but her own hardcore supporters trying to counteract that. For the woman herself, well, she's unfazed and simply paces away. From the look of her body language this isn't s situation she's necessarily enjoying, but it's one she's going to see through.
Cloud Gate Championship Match
Falls Count Anywhere
Tiffany Tompkins (C) VS Megan RydellFalls Count Anywhere
Much more than the title was on the line tonight. To say that things became personal between Tiffany Tompkins and Megan Rydell would be the understatement of the year. Many think Meg crossed a line she shouldn’t have crossed when she exposed the Cloud Gate Champion’s past back at From The Ashes. Others would argue that there was nothing wrong with her actions and that, if anything, it’s Tiffany who should be held accountable for what happened, her lies are what lead to this unpleasant situation. Anyway, no matter whose side each and everyone of the fans were on, no matter how many of them changed their mind after hearing the champ’s version. Nobody can take away the fact that it obtained the desired effect, crushing the young champion’s spirit as her last match against The Misery proved. And even the Tiffany Tompkins who walked out of the curtains tonight wasn’t the teenage sensation that earned herself the moniker of Five Foot Deathmachine. Something was off with her, her eyes lacking that fire that distinguished the young talent. She barely looked at two of the most important figures in her life who came to the Staples Center tonight to show their support. Heather Lasiewicz and Brytain Rollins, aunt and one of the mentor of Tiffany were sitting in the front row. Rydell was already inside the ring, waiting in her corner, her eyes locked on the Android 18 and the title she was wearing around her waist. The same title the referee lifted in the air a moment later, calling both opponents to the center of the ring and signaling the timekeeper to ring the bell, getting the match under way. Megan looked down at Tiffany with the confidence of someone who knew she was already in her opponent’s head, and was determined to fully use it to her advantage. Getting on her face, Megan taunted the opponent calling her by her “real” name, to which Tiffany reacted with a right punch. Just as Megan was expecting. Rydell blocked it and landed one of her own, fighting the champion into a corner where she continued her relentless assault with more punches. Tiffany answered with a knee to the stomach, but the challenger was right back on the offense with an uppercut. She then grabbed the champion’s arm and whipped her into the opposite corner, charging in, Tompkins raised her leg but Megan was once again one step ahead, grabbing her ankle and taking her down with a dragon screw. Rydell started kicking and stomping Tiffany, pushing her under the bottom rope and outside the ring with her foot and laughing at how easily she was disposing of the Cloud Gate Champion. The stipulation chosen by the fans allowed the challenger to take her sweet time to play with Tompkins, using the outside environment to inflict more damage. She tossed her against the barricade right in front of Heather’s eyes, following with a Yakuza kick and keeping the foot pressed against Tompkins’ throat, all while sneering at her aunt, who didn’t take the bait and kept her cool. Tiffany was able to reverse an irish whip attempt, sending Megan against the steel steps. Finally getting the opening she needed, the champion grabbed the opponent by the hair and slammed her face against the steps, twice, before lifting her for a snap suplex, making the first pinfall attempt outside the ring and getting a two count. After the kick out, Tiffany went to pick her up, but Meg hit her with an elbow to the stomach and moved back into the ring, bringing the fight to a less dangerous place. All the frustration, all the personal struggle and embarrassment she had been put through, all the pain being exposed like that caused to her and her loved ones. It was all finding its outlet in this ring tonight, in every punch and kick she was delivering to the person who ruined her life. Megan was now on her knees, unable to protect herself from Tiffany’s stiff kicks to the chest. The Five Foot Deathmachine took a run against the ropes and hit her with a running big boot, hooking the leg for another pinning predicament. Rydell kicked out and tried a reaction, poking the Cloud Gate Champion in the eye and hitting her with a few forearm shots and kicks combination, finishing her sequence with a crescent kick. Still dizzy after the kick, the champion was starting to get up when Megan hit her with a shining wizard. dropping into a cover for another near fall. She then picked up Tiffany and locked her in a Muay Thai style clinch, raising her knees to the champion’s face and lifted her for a suplex. Tompkins wiggled free, landing behind Megan’s back and pushing her chest first into the corner. After a couple of shots to the back. Tiffany stepped back to gain speed for her next move. What she didn’t notice was that Megan had removed the protective pad from the top turnbuckle and when Tiff charged in, the challenger moved out of the way. Moving quickly, Megan grabs the champion by the back of her head and drives her face first against the exposed turnbuckle multiple times. The champion is now laying against the corner, a trail of blood gushing from a small cut on her forehead. Megan charged in with a jumping knee/bulldog combination, but it still wasn’t enough to keep Tiffany down. The ring wasn’t enough to contain the two young wrestlers, or their desire to tear each other apart. And neither was the area surrounding it, With a clothesline, Tiffany dropped the challenger over the barricade and reached her between the fans. Punch after punch, she forced Rydell up the stairs. driving her face first against the wall and planting her with a DDT on the concrete, making another cover. The referee counted to two before Megan kicked out, and unsuccessfully asked the two girls to bring the fight back to the ring. Rydell surprised Tiff with a kick to the knee cap, following with a running knee that took the Cloud Gate Champion down. She then grabbed a trash can and emptied the content against Tompkins, calling her, as you can easily guess, trash. Once empty, she smashed it on her head and hooked the leg. Two and three quarters, said the referee. Meg was now in full control. Just like a week ago, Tiffany seemed to be unable to handle the pressure on her, slowly crumbling under it and Rydell’s attacks. To her credit, she was making things hard for the Rainbow Chaser, refusing to stay down. Megan was starting to show signs of frustration, especially after Tiff kicked out of a spectacular moonsault performed from an elevated position. Bleeding and dizzy, Tiffany stood up and tried to fight back, but her punches were too weak to bother Rydell who easily blocked one of them and kicked the champion down the stairs. It was the barricade stopping Tiffany’s rolling a few steps below. Megan reached her and tossed her over it, looking to finish this match where it started, inside the ring, After she stepped over it, she was met by a punch to the ribs by the champion, who was desperately fighting back with her last energy, trying to turn things around. But the miracle didn’t happen, and Megan frustrated her comeback attempt with a headbutt. A familiar, very concerned face in the crowd caught Meg’s attention. Sitting in the first row was Tiffany’s friend, Coen Farrell. The same kid who tried to comfort the Cloud Gate Champion one week ago, after her loss against The Misery. A wicked smile appeared on Megan’s face as she spotted Coen. She grabbed Tiffany and pulled her up, dragging her closer to him before knocking her down with a superkick. The camera didn’t catch it, but whatever she told him must have touched some nerve. Unlike Heather before, he couldn’t stay still, standing up from his seat and tellin Megan what he exactly thought of her. And those weren’t nice words. Rydell, smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder and pushing him back into his seat. Coen popped back up, which Megan found hilarious. She was going to put him on his place once again, but he slapped her hand away. The look on Meg’s face immediately changed. A second later she hit him with a right hand. Tiffany saw the scene out of the corner of her eye, or maybe it was the “Ooooh” of surprise that followed Megan’s action. And oh boy, did that trigger the Cloud Gate Champion! Standing up on her feet, she lowered her head and charged in at full speed, launching herself on Rydell and spearing her against the barricade. Furious, Tiffany started kicking and stomping Megan, who was trying to protect herself from this unexpected flurry of offense. A knee to the side of the head stunned the challenger who was now on her knees. With fire burning her eyes, the Cloud Gate Champion connected with her Death Kick. Megan’s head bounced against the barricade, right into a second, liberating, Death Kick. Exhausted, she fell over her opponent for the pinfall, retaining her title at the end of what was probably the toughest fight of her young career. WINNER: Tiffany Tompkins (Still Champion) BY: Pinfall (Death Kick), 16:10 |
Bea Torres: "She's back! The Five Foot Death Machine is back!"
Jared Idol: "What a match! Just when it looked like we were going to crown a new champion, Tiff snapped back and turned things around."
Bea Torres: "I don't know where she found the strength..."
Alyx Valero: "I have a better question for you. Who's that guy?"
Jared Idol: "What a match! Just when it looked like we were going to crown a new champion, Tiff snapped back and turned things around."
Bea Torres: "I don't know where she found the strength..."
Alyx Valero: "I have a better question for you. Who's that guy?"
Nirvana’s “Very Ape” blares out of the PA System, The cheers of the fans overwhelm the loud music, twenty thousand people on their feet chanting and cheering the young Cloud Gate Champion’s name at the end of her toughest match to date. The referee hands the title over to the exhausted champion who stares at it with a big smile lighting up her fatigued and bruised face. At least the cut on her forehead stopped bleeding… The camera cuts to Brytain Rollins and Heather Lasiewicz, who are clapping their hands, proud of how their young protegè once again overcame the odds. But Tiffany wasn’t looking at them. When she slowly got back to her feet and secured the belt around her waist, her eyes immediately looked for those of her friend, who always stood by her side throughout the past two weeks. Coen was right there, a red mark on his cheek where Megan hit him. He smiles at Tiffany, mouthing “I knew it”, emphasizing once again the fact that he never doubted her, even when Tompkins herself started questioning her own chances to walk out of Dark Web with the title.
And then, the young champion wraps her arms around him. A little hesitant at first, caught off guard by the unexpected display of affection, Coen hugged her back.
The moment is interrupted by the heavy sound of Escape the Fate’s “The Webs we Weave” roaring through the speakers. On the tron, a large tarantula scuttles across the screen and the fans get to their feet as “SPIDER” flashes in its place.
Bea Torres:
YASSSSSSS!
Jared Idol:
THIS is a face we haven’t seen in quite some time! The first person to EVER hold that title, back when it was known as the West Coast Championship, and…. where is she?
Tiffany narrows her eyes, turning towards the stage to face this new competitor, but nobody appears. The spotlights scan out over the crowd, until it finally focuses on a figure standing in the upper level, wearing a hoodie. She slowly begins walking down the steps, pausing at the barricade. Tiffany motions for her to step in, until excited screams from behind her pose a distraction. The spotlights race to the opposite side of the arena where a young woman in an identical hoodie stands at the top of the steps, slowly walking down to the barricade, shadowed face locked on Tiffany. Tiffany looks from one to the other, trying to determine which was the actual Spider. Around the arena, several other Spider’s appear, all dressed in the same hoodie with the familiar web insignia on it. Tiffany turns each direction, facing them all, bracing herself for a fight. Finally, each of them tears off her hood, revealing… a number of small blonde women, none of them being Spider herself.
Until a startled shriek from Heather Lasiewicz snaps Tiffany back to the moment. She turns to see the real Spider, blonde hair hanging loose, her arm casually thrown around Heather’s shoulder. She smiles and waves at Tiffany, eyeing the belt over her shoulder. She reaches over the barricade, tapping it with her finger before looking Tiffany in the eyes. Before Tiffany can react, she gives a tiny wink and steps back, disappearing into the crowd and retreating to the exits as Tiffany shouts after her.
And then, the young champion wraps her arms around him. A little hesitant at first, caught off guard by the unexpected display of affection, Coen hugged her back.
The moment is interrupted by the heavy sound of Escape the Fate’s “The Webs we Weave” roaring through the speakers. On the tron, a large tarantula scuttles across the screen and the fans get to their feet as “SPIDER” flashes in its place.
Bea Torres:
YASSSSSSS!
Jared Idol:
THIS is a face we haven’t seen in quite some time! The first person to EVER hold that title, back when it was known as the West Coast Championship, and…. where is she?
Tiffany narrows her eyes, turning towards the stage to face this new competitor, but nobody appears. The spotlights scan out over the crowd, until it finally focuses on a figure standing in the upper level, wearing a hoodie. She slowly begins walking down the steps, pausing at the barricade. Tiffany motions for her to step in, until excited screams from behind her pose a distraction. The spotlights race to the opposite side of the arena where a young woman in an identical hoodie stands at the top of the steps, slowly walking down to the barricade, shadowed face locked on Tiffany. Tiffany looks from one to the other, trying to determine which was the actual Spider. Around the arena, several other Spider’s appear, all dressed in the same hoodie with the familiar web insignia on it. Tiffany turns each direction, facing them all, bracing herself for a fight. Finally, each of them tears off her hood, revealing… a number of small blonde women, none of them being Spider herself.
Until a startled shriek from Heather Lasiewicz snaps Tiffany back to the moment. She turns to see the real Spider, blonde hair hanging loose, her arm casually thrown around Heather’s shoulder. She smiles and waves at Tiffany, eyeing the belt over her shoulder. She reaches over the barricade, tapping it with her finger before looking Tiffany in the eyes. Before Tiffany can react, she gives a tiny wink and steps back, disappearing into the crowd and retreating to the exits as Tiffany shouts after her.
MWE Championship Match
Stipulation TBD
Christopher Kane (C) VS Melissa ReevesStipulation TBD
The former couple met in the middle of the ring and didn’t move a muscle, instead taking the crowd’s reactions in. Some were pro-Chris and some were pro-Melissa. Melissa greeted her ex-boyfriend with a headbutt to his chest that staggered him as she went on the offensive, peppering him with strikes that drove him into a corner. Mel kept on the attack even as the ref hit the five count. This continued for another couple of minutes as Chris wasn’t able to get really on track against his vengeful ex. She got a nearfall after a few clotheslines in the corner and a snap suplex. Kane exited the ring only to see Mel follow him. Kane got back in the ring and stomped at her getting back in to take control. Instead of wearing himself out, he worked a headlock on his ex-girlfriend. He wrenched away for quite a while, thwarting all of her attempts to break the headlock. Chris continued to work the headlock. The crowd was impressed with his ability to keep the headlock on Mel until he drove her down with a bulldog, drawing a huge ovation for finally doing something. The MWE Champion began to take over from there and used his strength to hit Mel hard with chops and elbows and got a nearfall off of a snap suplex of his own. He continued to wear down Mel over the next few minutes continuing on with the assault on his challenger. Mel fired back at numerous points with shots to his stomach but he kept cutting her off with a hard knee to the stomach or face. He gained another near fall following a bridging german suplex. Reeves rolled to the corner as Kane took a moment to think about what next. That was all Reenves needed to dropkick him in the face and seize back the momentum. Melissa used a floatover DDT followed with an elbow to gain a nearfall before going back to work to wear down the MWE Champion. She garnered a few more nearfalls to the delight of her fans and women who had just gone through a breakup themselves. Chris rolled on the apron as Mel double stomped him right in the chest. She earned another nearfall and took a moment to rest against the ropes. She tried to pick him up but the From Nowhere is what she got in response. The MWE Champion wasted little time in hitting Mel with the Omega Finale to get the three count to end the first fall! There was a brief rest period to allow both wrestlers to reset as Chris looked at his ex-girlfriend with a ring and mouthed off something about going on vacation worked well. That set off Reeves who speared him to the mat and landed blow after blow on the MWE Champion. She screams in his ear to shut the fuck up while pounding away on his head. The ref had to pull Reeves off of him but she went right back to the attack with stomps all over his body. Melissa lifts up her ex and slaps him in the face as hard as she’s ever slapped anyone. He goes into the corner and sits, Mel following with a huge corner dropkick. A second and third followed as she was well in control. Another nearfall followed as Chris was close to being completely out of it. Mel hit a giant elbow smash, spinning kick and threw him overhead with a belly to belly for another close call. Reeves didn’t show an ounce of frustration. Instead she went for the Reever Slam but Chris elbow dragged out of it. That didn’t matter to her as she caught him with the Facial Deconstructor! The easy three count followed given how she took the fight to him the second fall. Another rest period followed. The two were beginning to feel the exhaustion of the stipulation as they stood in the middle of the ring and threw elbows with one another. Chris used a little bit to go behind her and toss her with a half and half suplex to earn himself a bit more rest after that onslaught in the second fall. The two former lovers exchanged big moves back and forth through the third fall. Reeves got a nearfall with a Frankensteiner as Chris came close with the Hit By A Cyclone. They continued on this path to the delight of the Staples Center, both coming painfully close to winning or retaining. Melissa Reeves finally hit the Reever Slam and at the count of two the ref was pulled out of the ring by… SERO! He decks the ref and gets into the ring. WIth both Mel and Chris down, SERO seizes the moment by picking up Mel and destroying her back with the Kurohitsugi! With the challenger down, SERO then turns his attention to Christopher and grabs him before trying to tenderize his brain with Minaszuki! WINNER: // BY: Double KO, 13:12 |
Bea Torres: "Oh come on!"
Alyx Valero: "Why did he interfere in this match?"
Jared Idol: "I'd say the MWE championship is a bloody good reason!"
Zackary Dyson: "Hold up, there might be more to this story to be added."
Alyx Valero: "Why did he interfere in this match?"
Jared Idol: "I'd say the MWE championship is a bloody good reason!"
Zackary Dyson: "Hold up, there might be more to this story to be added."
The crowd boos as after 10 elbows, SERO stops and exits the ring. He grabs the Millennium Wrestling Enterprise Champion and rolls back into the ring. He puts a foot on Christopher Kane and looks up at Grace van Beek’s skybox, raising the championship high into the air. The Staples Center is livid as the camera cuts to a close up of Grace. The owner of MWE has a complacent smile on her face as she looks down at Panther King standing on the bodies of the two people who created her the most problems since she took over the company. SERO is staring back at her, and on this shot, Dark Web comes to an end.