Post by gvb on Sept 18, 2019 16:44:08 GMT -6
MWE Presents: Lux In Tenebris
Live from Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL.
Sunday, September 15th, 2019
A savage roar opens the show, twenty thousands fans yelling and chanting so loud that the theme song of the show, "The Light" by Disturbed could barely be heard. The darkness engulfing the Amalie Arena is pierced by the usual pyrotechnics display fired off from the entrance stage, officially kicking off the special event labelled Lux In Tenebris. After a quick panning over the capacity crowd, the camera stops on the announcer's table, introducing the new pair of commentators, Peyton Holland and Jessi Idol.
Peyton Holland:
Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Lux In Tenebris. I'm Peyton Holland...
Jessi Idol:
And I'm Jessi, your new favorite Idol.
Peyton Holland:
I'm not going to lie Jessi, I'm a bit nervous. First day on the job and we get to call an event of this magnitude? Wow...
Jessi Idol:
Yeah, tonight is quite the night, Pey. We have not one, not two but five titles on the line!
Peyton Holland:
The Chicago Way Championship in a six-way hardcore match, the Lockdown Championship between Rie Shimizu and Duke Andrews, the MWE titles with the HooligunnZ challenging the Happy Few...
Jessi Idol:
The longest reigning champion in MWE history Tiff Rollins defending her title from the assault of Kenzie Rydell and in our main event, a triple threat match for the MWE title.
Peyton Holland:
You may think that the odds are definitely not in the champion's favor, but did that ever stop Melissa Reeves?
Jessi Idol:
I don't think so... There's a lot more on tonight's card tho. Rome Endrizzi versus Kymmy Oliver, the debut of West McFadden's pupil Jake Cross taking on Cheesecake, a huge four way tag team match.
Peyton Holland:
And again, Bethany Driver and Victoria Salinas in a two on one action against Bourbon, TNT against a mystery opponent and a war between two goliaths, Pinhead and Redd Thunder.
Jessi Idol:
I'm not lying when I say that's the biggest match in MWE history...
Peyton Holland:
Ha! Good one Jessi. So we have a couple of guests here tonight... One of the fastest rising stars in skateboarding, Tampa's favorite son and Tiffany's boyfriend Coen Farrell!
The camera shows the young man sitting in the front row, with his parents next to him. All of them are wearing a Five Foot Death Kick shirt in support of the Cloud Gate Champion.
Peyton Holland:
The former world champion, Bobbi Jackson has joined us tonight as well. We know she's friend with Christopher Kane and Melissa Reeves, who will share the ring tonight in our main event. Is that the only reason why she's here?
Bobbi, sitting in the front row is all smiles tonight, taking selfies with the fans around her.
Jessi Idol:
I guess we'll see. As for the next guests.. You should know them very well...
Not too far from them, the camera spots Skylar Rayner. The blonde interviewer, known to the wrestling fans for her work in Sixth City Pro, GWA, Underground, NVR and EliteFC is sitting next to Peyton's daughter, Harper. Sky seems distracted, her eyes scanning through the crowd, looking up to the vip boxes, almost as if she was looking for something or someone. That until the three years old kid sitting next to her pulls her arm, taking her back to reality. The concerned look on her face faded into a smile, as she pulls Harper closer to her. Both of them wave their hands and blow kisses to the camera.
Peyton Holland:
Nope, never seen them before.
She jokes, laughing lightly.
Peyton Holland:
Anyway, we should get this thing started, don't you agree Jessi?
Jessi Idol:
Sure thing! First up, Rome Endrizzi versus Kymmy Oliver. This should be a good way to kick this night off!
Peyton Holland:
Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Lux In Tenebris. I'm Peyton Holland...
Jessi Idol:
And I'm Jessi, your new favorite Idol.
Peyton Holland:
I'm not going to lie Jessi, I'm a bit nervous. First day on the job and we get to call an event of this magnitude? Wow...
Jessi Idol:
Yeah, tonight is quite the night, Pey. We have not one, not two but five titles on the line!
Peyton Holland:
The Chicago Way Championship in a six-way hardcore match, the Lockdown Championship between Rie Shimizu and Duke Andrews, the MWE titles with the HooligunnZ challenging the Happy Few...
Jessi Idol:
The longest reigning champion in MWE history Tiff Rollins defending her title from the assault of Kenzie Rydell and in our main event, a triple threat match for the MWE title.
Peyton Holland:
You may think that the odds are definitely not in the champion's favor, but did that ever stop Melissa Reeves?
Jessi Idol:
I don't think so... There's a lot more on tonight's card tho. Rome Endrizzi versus Kymmy Oliver, the debut of West McFadden's pupil Jake Cross taking on Cheesecake, a huge four way tag team match.
Peyton Holland:
And again, Bethany Driver and Victoria Salinas in a two on one action against Bourbon, TNT against a mystery opponent and a war between two goliaths, Pinhead and Redd Thunder.
Jessi Idol:
I'm not lying when I say that's the biggest match in MWE history...
Peyton Holland:
Ha! Good one Jessi. So we have a couple of guests here tonight... One of the fastest rising stars in skateboarding, Tampa's favorite son and Tiffany's boyfriend Coen Farrell!
The camera shows the young man sitting in the front row, with his parents next to him. All of them are wearing a Five Foot Death Kick shirt in support of the Cloud Gate Champion.
Peyton Holland:
The former world champion, Bobbi Jackson has joined us tonight as well. We know she's friend with Christopher Kane and Melissa Reeves, who will share the ring tonight in our main event. Is that the only reason why she's here?
Bobbi, sitting in the front row is all smiles tonight, taking selfies with the fans around her.
Jessi Idol:
I guess we'll see. As for the next guests.. You should know them very well...
Not too far from them, the camera spots Skylar Rayner. The blonde interviewer, known to the wrestling fans for her work in Sixth City Pro, GWA, Underground, NVR and EliteFC is sitting next to Peyton's daughter, Harper. Sky seems distracted, her eyes scanning through the crowd, looking up to the vip boxes, almost as if she was looking for something or someone. That until the three years old kid sitting next to her pulls her arm, taking her back to reality. The concerned look on her face faded into a smile, as she pulls Harper closer to her. Both of them wave their hands and blow kisses to the camera.
Peyton Holland:
Nope, never seen them before.
She jokes, laughing lightly.
Peyton Holland:
Anyway, we should get this thing started, don't you agree Jessi?
Jessi Idol:
Sure thing! First up, Rome Endrizzi versus Kymmy Oliver. This should be a good way to kick this night off!
Singles Match
Rome Endrizzi VS Kymmy OliverAfter making his successful debut at Viva La Revolucion night one, Rome Endrizzi was set to face the loudmouth and always temible Kymmy Oliver. KO started the match with the determination of someone who wants to turn her career around, despite the losing streak she’s been in in recent times. As soon as the bell rang, she surprised Rome with a straight punch to the jaw, getting the first of many warnings from the referee for using closed fists. This gave her an early advantage she exploited by sending the rocked opponent for a run against the ropes, throwing him in the air with a high back body drop. Rome landed hard on his back, arching in pain. Oliver wasted no time in making a first cover attempt, barely getting a two out of it. She rolled him on his stomach and started stomping his back and dropping the knee on his spine, keeping the pressure on his lower back with a boston crab. Rome was quick to reach the ropes and forcing Kymmy to break the submission, obviously only after she used the full five count. After the difficult start, Rome found a way to block Kymmy’s attacks that, in fairness, were starting to become predictable. Endrizzi saw that right hook coming from a mile and ducked under it, countering with a swift back kick that doubled the former arm wrestling champion over. He then hit the ropes and charged at her, dodging a clothesline and coming back with a running jumping knee that floored the Real Kim Shady. He then went for an early cover, knowing that it was going to take a lot more to keep the 24 years old down. The fans were starting to get behind Rome, who seems to grow more and more confident with every passing minute. The New Yorker was in full control now, keeping the opponent down with a shoulder tackle every time Kymmy tried to get up to her feet. This started to frustrate Kymmy, who was no longer able to land any of her strikes. Rome almost got her down for the three with a facebuster, but just in the nick of time Kymmy raised her shoulder. She then used the ropes to help herself back to her feet, catching Endrizzi off guard with a thumb to the eye when he tried to grab her, The referee hadn’t finish scolding her for the irregular move that she was already onto the next one, dragging the opponent’s face across the top rope all the way to the nearest post, where she smashed his head against the turnbuckle. Yet another warning fell on deaf years as Oliver charged at the cornered opponent, almost trampling the poor referee who was able to move out of the way at the very last moment. And just like it happened in the first part of the match, Kymmy’s hard strikes were wearing down Rome, unable to find a counter to the barrage of rights and lefts. Also because every time he managed to build some momentum, Oliver regained control with some cheap shot, testing the referee’s patience. And it was during the umpteenth argument between the official and Kymmy that Rome tried to steal the win with a roll up, but she kicked out in two. As soon as she raised back to her feet, Roman hit her with a forearm strike, leaving her stunned and open to his series of strikes, the last one being a kick to the stomach that doubled her over. He then lifted her for a suplex and dropped her on her head with a DDT, picking up the win with the move he calls Faded Line. WINNER: Rome Endrizzi BY: Pinfall (Faded Line), 6:57 |
After not expecting to see him tonight, the fans in attendance rain down with a frenzy of boos as Devilskin’s “Start a Revolution” begins to play, and Heath Williams, alongside The Manic make their presence known. They stride along in cockiness, Heath wearing a tidy navy-blue suit, as a member of the production crew follows behind, holding something covered with a black sheet. As they reach the ring, another member of production sets up a pedestal, where the first member places the covered object.
Heath and The Manic take their place centre ring, where the second member of the production crew hands Heath a microphone, before he and his colleague exit. Heath smiles as the fans continue to boo him, still left with a sour taste in their mouths after his victory against Big Barv at A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Heath Williams:
Still feeling it, huh? Still upset that your little heroes couldn’t get the job done last month? Honestly, if you people had the ability to use a little foresight, then you wouldn’t be in this predicament. It was clear from day one, that I was going to walk out with the double-you. I am the GREATEST competitor to set foot in, not just this company, by this entire goddamn industry. I am the prime example of what a wrestler should look like, how they should act, and how they should fight. I am the penultimate example of a Champion. Yet…
Heath takes a breath of frustration, clenching his jaw and slamming his fist against his forehead.
Heath Williams:
Yet the head poncho’s at the Millennium Wrestling Enterprise headquarters have been ducking me for weeks, ignoring my demands of the championships I am well indeed entitled to. They seem to be far too busy with their little hardons for chumps like Tiff Rollins, and the ever-so cringefest comprised of one Christopher Kane. It’s chumps like them that create a bad reputation for the wrestling community, yet this company continues to hold them up on a pedestal like they’re God’s shining asshole. Well guess what, there’s only ONE God’s shining asshole around here… and that’s ME! And if MWE have trouble seeing past the light they are blessed I bestow upon them, then that’s their fault.
Heath walks over to the covered object, placing a hand on it, stroking it like it’s his beloved pet.
Heath Williams:
Therefore, I have taken the liberty to create my own title, one befitting of a true king. I now, unveil to you…
Heath yanks at the black sheet and tosses it aside, revealing a shiny championship belt, where a smug picture of himself resides on the centre plate.
Heath Williams:
THE HEATH WILLIAMS CHAMPIONSHIP!
He raises the belt high above his head, eyes closed as he soaks in the jeers that fall towards him. A smirk appears on his face that speaks nothing but total bliss. He brings the title down and holds it to his shoulder, staring at it with a sense of pride.
Heath Williams:
This Championship is the epitome of my revolution, and should, and WILL, be held to a higher regard than that of the World title. It’s the perfect belt for the perfect wrestler, and only those of the highest caliber will ever be able to be graced with having it around their waist. I know what you’re all thinking… who creates a championship that only THEY can wear? Well, I’ll tell you who… the best bad guy on the planet. That’s right, I’m not just the top heel... I AM THE APEX HEEL!
The fans let out a roaring cheer as “Ca in July” by The Bombpops hits, signalling the imminent arrival of one their favourite competitors. Sure enough, Kelsey Spencer walks out from behind the curtain, wearing a hoodie and wielding a microphone. She remains on the stage as her theme fades, smiling brightly as the fans show her support in the form of chanting her name. Her eyes soon wander to lock with Heath’s, whose left eye twitches in frustration of being interrupted by such a “lowly being”.
Kelsey Spencer:
Boy, you just love to hear yourself talk, don’t you? If you ask me … I’d say it’s time for you to shut the heck up!
Fans cheer with approval.
Kelsey Spencer:
I was in the back, watching the show … enjoying a sandwich, sipping a sodie pop, just enjoying a night of great action. And then I had to watch the two of you come out here and start spieling this nonsense about deserving to be a champion in MWE. I couldn’t listen to it anymore. I couldn’t let these people listen to it anymore. So, I decided to come on out here and give you a piece of my mind.
Her energy shifts from playful and silly to serious for a moment.
Kelsey Spencer:
You wanna talk about having what it takes to be a champion in Millennium Wrestling? How about coming out here and fighting with all your heart, no matter what the odds? Like Tiffany Rollins did at A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in defense of her Cloudgate Title?
This suggestion garners an overwhelmingly positive reaction from the crowd.
Kelsey Spencer:
You leave your soul in that ring, lay it all on the line and fight with everything you have to defeat your opponent and carry on the legacy of that championship. Top competitors like Chris Kane and Melissa Reeves know that. It takes more than just making a championship belt for yourself to earn the right to call yourself a champion.
She begins to stride down the ramp, slowly but surely.
Kelsey Spencer:
Don’t mistake my words as a way to discredit you. You’re one of the toughest wrestlers I’ve ever seen compete in that ring, and over the years, I’ve watched you grow and become even tougher. That match you had with Big Barv last month was incredible. I was glued to the monitor for every twist and turn, every big move, every impact … and I felt something.
She places her free hand on her chest.
Kelsey Spencer:
I felt my heart skip a beat. I felt that same sense of wonder I felt when I was 8-years-old, watching professional wrestling for the very first time. And after it was all said and done, after you had your hand raised in victory, I found myself wanting to know what it felt like to do battle with you in the ring.
She climbs the steel stairs, unzipping her hoodie to reveal that she’s wearing her ring gear underneath.
Kelsey Spencer:
At A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in front of Millennium fans around the world, I said I’d make my own opportunity. That’s why I’m out here to challenge you, Heath Williams, to a one-on-one match … right here! Right now!
Another pop from the audience, which brings a smirk to Spencer’s face as she stands on the apron, leaning on the top rope. Heath stands there, staring at her for a moment, flabbergasted. Once he can finally find the words, he raises the microphone to his mouth.
Heath Williams:
Kelsey, Kelsey, Kelsey… I admire your courage, and perseverance to get me in a ring with you, I truly do… but tell me something, what chance does a low-class fighter like yourself have at being able to go toe-to-toe with an elite like me? You said it yourself, you watched the match I had with Bickerton last month. That was a battle between two veterans of the business, two world renowned warriors with experience going over a decade.
Heath takes a step forward.
Heath Williams:
Here’s your reality check, Ms Spencer… you are nothing. You are but a small speck of dust in a world where dust is considered a nuisance. Dust can make a person sneeze, but with tissues and nasal spray, the effects of dust can be easily eradicated. Just like you Kelsey. If you fight me right now, you will be… eradicated. Your husband will have to live a life of tending to his handicapped wife while she lay in bed, drooling at the mouth with the inability to move, or even speak. Your children will be forced to grow up without a motherly figure they can run to when they have their first break up, who they can cry to when the family dog gets put down. Do you really want that, Kelsey? Do you really want to spend the rest of your days being drip-fed through a tube? Lying on pee-stained sheets because you weren’t able to call for Christian to bring you your bed pan?
Kelsey remains silent at first. She simply stares intensely at Heath for an extended moment. Then, she climbs between the ropes to join him and The Manic in the ring. After a deep breath, she continues speaking.
Kelsey Spencer:
It sounds to me like you’re scared. I think you’re scared because you saw my most recent MWE match, too. You saw me take Melissa Reeves to the limit in our Three Stages of Hell Match … the same Melissa Reeves who’s defending the richest prize in this promotion later on this evening. If I had to guess, you saw that match and this is your way of saying you don’t want any of this.
Fans let out a collective gasp.
Kelsey Spencer:
You think you’ve got what it takes to be a champion? Prove it. Prove it to me, prove it to the boys and girls in the back. Prove it to these fans … prove it to yourself. Put your championship on the line against me here, and prove that you’ve got what it takes to be the champion you claim you are!
Heath tilts his head with a smirk.
Heath Williams:
Melissa Reeves cashed in a case. She’s no less of a pathetic excuse for a warrior than you are. But fine, you want a shot at the title made specifically for the elites like myself? Then so be it. Your fate has been sealed.
Heath takes off his tie, suit jacket, and unbuttons his under-shirt, then hands them all, plus the Heath Williams Championship, to The Manic, who exits the ring. An official slides in, calls for the bell, and the match is now underway.
Heath Williams Championship Match
Singles Match
Heath Williams (c) VS Kelsey SpencerSingles Match
Spencer steps forward and meets her opponent toward the middle of the ring, striking him with a stiff forearm shot to the jaw. The force of the strike sends Williams staggering back just a little, which brings a cocky smirk to the face of Kelsey. Rather than capitalise on the early lead in a veteran manner, she stands back and admires her handiwork. Williams clasps his jaw for a moment, but within a split second, he’s kicking his opponent straight in the gut, saliva flying out of Spencer’s mouth upon impact. She struggles to maintain her footing as she’s reeling from the forceful kick to her midsection, holding onto it tightly with both arms. Then, Williams reaches out and takes a hold of Kelsey’s arms, twists them behind her back and locks them into position. He then immediately falls backwards, driving her skull into the canvas with a hellacious Frozen Over. The audience falls to stunned silence as Kelsey Spencer, who was arrogantly posturing mere moments ago, now lies unconscious on the ring mat. Heath rises to his feet, and stares down at her. He uses his right foot push her over onto her back, then rests it right in the middle of her stomach, which results in pinfall. The ref calls for the bell and grabs The Heath Williams Championship, before giving it back to its rightful owner. The ref raises Heath’s arms in victory. WINNER: Heath Williams (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (Frozen Over), 1:41 |
Rumchata Ayano:
Aaaaand hereeee is your winnerrrrrrrr, and STILL the Heath Williams Champion… HEAAAAATHHH WILLIAAAMSSSS!
The scene fades with an arrogant Williams staring down at Kelsey’s near-unconscious body, a smirk glued across his face.
Aaaaand hereeee is your winnerrrrrrrr, and STILL the Heath Williams Champion… HEAAAAATHHH WILLIAAAMSSSS!
The scene fades with an arrogant Williams staring down at Kelsey’s near-unconscious body, a smirk glued across his face.
Singles Match
Jacob Cross VS CheesecakeComing back from the injury suffered in the infamous trios match on the first night of the mexican Pay-per-View, Cheesecake was looking for a chance at retribution, at the expenses of the debutant Jacob Cross. Off to an aggressive start, the daughter of the late Trip Johnson connected with a quick series of right hands before grabbing Cross’ arm and whipping him against the ropes. El Vaquero used his size and power advantage to reverse the irish whip, extending his arm to knock Cheesecake down as she would rebound back. The twenty years old seemed to be one step ahead of the opponent in this circumstance, dodging the clothesline and hitting the ropes on the opposite side, jumping with her legs apart and sending Jake flying across the ring with a headscissors. Cross rolled under the bottom rope, but nowhere was safe tonight as the daredevil threw caution out of the window and, despite the recent injury that kept her on the sidelines for two months, flew over the top rope landing on Jake with a somersault plancha. The high risk move earned her a round of applause from the twenty thousand of fans filling the Amalie Arena. Ophelia wasted no time in celebration and rolled Jacob back in the ring instead, climbing on the apron and waiting for him to stand back up to a vertical position. As soon as he did, she leaped on the top rope and took him down with a springboard crossbody, holding his shoulders down for a count of two. There was a lot of curiosity surrounding Cross, whose signing with the company may have gone under the radar. His pedigree though was very impressive, having been trained by West McFadden who spoke highly of his pupil in more than one occasion. And the influence of the former [R]evo Pro tag team champion (a title West held with another young and promising Millennium superstar, Tobie Nox Thorne) showed when Jacob began throwing hands. In fairness, his technique may need some polishing if compared to his mentor, more similar to what you expect to see in a bar room fight rather than a boxing ring, but effective nonetheless. Soon enough Cheesecake found herself against the ropes, trying to protect herself from Cross’ flurry of rights and lefts. The referee was granted by the referee. with Jake showing his sportsmanship taking a step back toward the centre of the ring where he waited for the opponent. And Cheesecake charged in, only to be taken to the mat by the Cowboy with a drop toe hold. Having studied the tapes, Jake went to target the shoulder Ophelia separated two months ago with stomps and kicks, as well as putting pressure on it with some basic holds. But submissions aren’t really his strong suit, and Cheesecake manages to escape it, quickly connecting a roundhouse kick that turns off the light for Cross. The Phoenix born connected a running shooting star press before hooking the leg for another cover, only resulting in a two count. When in difficulty, Cheesecake would glance at her best friend and mentor Big Barv on the outside, looking for a word of advice, encouragement, anything really. But Bickerton wouldn’t say a word, simply staring back at her with his arms crossed on his chest, watching as Jacob Cross slowly dismantled her, obtaining another two count after picking her up over his shoulders in a fireman’s carry position and dropping her into a cross-legged neckbreaker. And right when Jake seemed ready to end this contest, carrying her on his shoulders for the 8 seconds (Rack Bomb), Cheesecake was able to slip away and send him against the turnbuckle with a dropkick. She followed up with a running back elbow, leaving Jake in stunned in the corner, unable to avoid the jumping enziguri. Jake fell down face first, rolling on his back while Ophelia was climbing to the top rope. The fans knew what was coming next, and Cheesecake herself smiled looking down at Jacob before leaping and twisting in the air for the Corkscrew Senton called Star In The Night… Missing widely. Cross moved out of the way, causing the opponent to crash on the mat. He then immediately capitalized on this by locking her in an armbar, going for what seemed to be an inevitable submission win. If it wasn’t for Big Barv entering the ring and kicking Jacob’s head, leaving the referee no choice but to disqualify Cheesecake WINNER: Jacob Cross BY: DQ, 9:11 |
Reese Kennedy stands smirking in front of the Amalie Arena, his client, The American Monster, Jacob Hammerstein is pacing behind him.
Reese Kennedy:
The Chicago Way.
"He pulls a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue."
The Chicago Way is basically a game of one-upmanship on a higher, more violent level.
And whether it's Elliott Ness crushing Al Capone and his gang or The American Monster, Jacob Hammerstein, crushing five other unfortunate souls in tonight's six-way hardcore match, the results will be the same…. destruction, bloody broken bodies, and a new kingpin standing above it all.
But don't take my word for it. Let the next Chicago Way Champion tell you.
Hammerstein steps towards the camera. He pulls his sunglasses off and tosses them to the side. Bad intentions are in his eyes.
Jacob Hammerstein:
Fuck the Chicago Way.
You hit me with a chair, I'll hit you with a baseball bat. You put me through a table, I'll throw you off the fuckin roof.
That's the Hammerstein Way!
That's how I get the Chicago Way Title! By kickin the hell out of you five assholes!
Hammerstein turns and walks away, but Kennedy is still in frame, smiling wryly.
Reese Kennedy:
You see, it comes down to one question:
What are you prepared to do?
What are you prepared to do to win the Chicago Way Title? Mr. Hammerstein is prepared to bleed five human beings dry, and to be bled dry himself.
Why?
To be The Chicago Way Champion. To be The Chicago Way Champion means you're in a class by yourself. It means you're known as the baddest individual walking the face of Millennium. It means you're…
Untouchable.
With that, Reese Kennedy turns and follows his client into The Amalie Arena
Chicago Way Championship Match
Six Person Hardcore Match
Lucie Callaway (c) VS Hammerstein VS Saki VS Andrew Wilkow VS Spider VS Kenzie GarrettSix Person Hardcore Match
Six wrestlers, no rules… There was no way this match was anything less than a clusterfuck. And it didn’t take long for things to go south, as Saki immediately left the ring to grab a kendo stick and went back to the ring, swinging it and taking down, in order, Lucie, Kenzie, Spider and Hammerstein. For the record, it took three shots to knock down Hammy. The former Empire Extreme champion then turned her attention to Andrew, who was getting back to his feet after a right hook took him off his feet. Saki swung the stick across his back, but Drew seemed to absorb the impact. Shards and pieces of wood flew all around as the singapore cane shattered on Wilkow’s back. Drew didn’t enjoy this, as you could tell but the glance he shot to his opponent before grabbing her by the throat and insulting her. In hindsight, he probably should have just lifted her and slammed her to the mat, not giving her the chance to kick him in the jewels to break free.The Kawaii Deathmachine followed with a roundhouse kick knocking the big man down, but her celebration was cut short by Lucie, who slammed the chair on his head. The champion made the cover, getting a further proof, not that it was needed, of Saki’s almost inhuman resilience, as the Singapore Mauler kicked out before the two, rendering vain Spider’s dive to make the save. Lucie Callaway was laying on the outside after being dropped on the head by Kenzie, who was now trying to defend herself from Spider’s swift kicks. Inside the ring Wilkow and Hammerstein were trading blows in a rapid right hands exchange. Hammy came out on top, rocking Drew with a couple of punches to the jaw and forearm strike in quick succession, sending him against the ropes with an irish whip, reversed by the monster of the Appalachian mountains. Fearing Wilkow’s infamous lariat, Hammerstein hooked the ropes with both arms, and stopped his momentum. This didn’t save him as Drew charged at him and knocked him over the top rope with a clothesline, ending up on the outside as well. Saki was left alone in the ring, and she took this time to set up her playground, positioning a table in the corner and bringing a couple of chairs, to cover all her basis. Out of the corner of her eyes she noticed Lucie crawling to the apron and slowly pulling herself up. Saki launched herself through the ropes with a suicide dive. Things didn’t quite go as planned as she was met by a chair shot to the head courtesy of the Chicago Way Champion, who quickly applied a front facelock on the Kawaii Deathmachine and lifted her in a suplex position, dropping her down with a brainbuster. As the time passed by, the match started to take its toll on all the competitors. Most of them were laying on the mat, in or outside the ring, trying to recover from the ridiculous amount of punishment they were putting each other through. Wilkow seemed to be the one in worst shape, motionless on what was left of a ladder that Hammerstein positioned as a bridge between the apron and the commentary table with the sole purpose of powerbombing Drew through it. Hammerstein himself looked extremely tired as he was taking on Spider, and certainly the deep cut on his scalp, a little souvenir Saki left him with a screwdriver before being knocked out with a baseball bat shot to the back of the head from the former Empire Great Lakes Champion, wasn’t helping him. His face a crimson mask, his vision clearly hindered by the blood gushing from the wound, the former Seattle Pro World Champion seemed to be doing pretty well, all things considered, tossing Spider around like a rag doll with his array of Hammerplexes. Robyn was able to counter one of those into a ddt, immediately making the cover. It seemed to be enough to keep the American Monster down and walk out with the title around her waist, but Saki was there to spoil the party for her, sliding back into the ring and breaking up the pin. Hammy rolled out of the way, resting on the apron and catching his breath, leaving the two women fighting it off. Remember those chairs Saki brought in earlier in the match? The Singapore Mauler found a good use for them when, after knocking out Spider with a Pele Kick, she unfolded all of them to create a wicked structure on top of which she dropped Robyn with a piledriver. Saki couldn’t even capitalize on her hard work and make the cover since a battered Andrew Wilkow climbed back in the ring and almost beheaded the former Empire Extreme Champion with his LARIAAAAAAT! Lucie Callaway saved her reign by breaking up the pin with a desperate drive, engaging in an uneven brawl with the much bigger man, who was easily getting the upper hand on this. Lucie, still in a world of pain a from the close encounter with a bed of thumbtacks she got dropped onto by Hammerstein’s powerslam only a few minutes ago, trickles of blood dripping down her back, ducked one of those massive right hands Wilkow was throwing at her and surprised him with a Sawed Off Shotgun (RKO) out of nowhere. Unfortunately for her, Andrew rolled out of the ring, frustrating what was a golden opportunity to retain for the youngest champion in MWE history. Lucie’s frustration was visible as she cursed her bad luck, all while Kenzie Garrett came charging at her at full speed for her running meteora. The impact would have been inevitable if it wasn’t for Hammerstein intercepting the Soulknife with the POUNCE, putting enough force in the move to send Garrett flying into the corner where Saki placed her table in the first minutes of the match, crashing through it. With Kenzie out of the equation, Hammy and Lucie were the only two left standing. The pink haired girl did her best to knock down the bloodied American Monster, stunning him with her kicks and locking him in position for the Nine Crimes (snapmare driver). But Hammerstein pushed her away, rocking her with a ripcord headbutt before connecting with his Hammersteiner (Steiner Screwdriver) picking up the win and ending Lucie’s reign as Chicago Way Champion. WINNER: HAMMERSTEIN (NEW CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (Hammersteiner), 16:38 |
As we fade from the previous piece of tonight’s entertainment, we’re presented with Bowie Kennedy backstage, biting their lip nervously.
Bowie Kennedy:
Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time… Pinhead.
The camera pans outwards, the huge goliath of a man barely able to fit in the frame. He doesn’t look at the camera, and instead keeps a watchful eye on the interviewer.
Bowie Kennedy:
Uh, Mr Pinhead, your absence within the company has been noticeable as of late, would you like to explain to the fans where you have been, and why you weren’t present during the Indecisive Rules match between Heath Williams and Big Barv last month?
Bowie extends the microphone up towards Pinhead’s mouth, and the big man swiftly grabs a hold of their arm, his giant hand almost needing to wrap around it twice.
Pinhead:
Dominique-nique-nique… this arm… reminds me of the very first twig I ever snapped… my childhood friend and I, we were sent to pick berries for the village… along the way it became a sport for us to find twigs, and whoever broke the biggest was the winner. I started with one about the size of this arm… it was broken within seconds… Dominic found one bigger, and he broke that almost as easily… then I found a very big tree branch that laid on the path before us… Dominic told me it was too big for either of us, but I refused to accept. Thus I picked up the branch and I snapped it clean in two…
Pinhead lets go of the arm, and the wide-eyed Kennedy quickly brings it back to their chest.
Bowie Kennedy:
Um… so… your absence? Is there anything you’d like to say about that…?
Pinhead:
Heath Williams was once the most powerful foe I ever battled… and now he has become an even more powerful ally… Heath Williams did not need me to be at ringside for his match. The result would always see him walking out victorious.
Bowie nods.
Bowie Kennedy:
I suppose that’s understandable, I mean, the result of the match does certainly speak for itself. Um, moving onto your match tonight… you’ll be going one-on-one with Redd Thunder, a man many believe to be just as dangerous as yourself. Do you have a game plan?
Pinhead smiles, and licks his lips, in the way a beast that has just found its next meal would. He leans forward and cocks his head.
Pinhead:
Redd Thunder… could never be… as dangerous as me…
Pinhead leans forward even further and bites at the air, then turns and walks away without another word. Bowie gulps, wipes sweat from their brow, then pulls their sleeve back to reveal a bright red mark in the shape of Pinhead’s fingers, that will surely bruise.
Singles Match
Pinhead VS Redd ThunderTwo behemoths collided in the fourth match of In Lux Tenebris, the two biggest stars in MWE squaring off for the first time. Even the referee looked intimidated when he brought the two contestants to the middle of the ring to start the match. And there was no other way this could start other than the two big men locking up in the middle of the ring, trying to overpower each other in a very evenly matched test of strength. After a long stale, Redd Thunder started losing some ground with Pinhead pushing him back toward the ropes. The masked man quickly drove his knee in the opponent’s mid-section breaking the clinch. From there he unleashed a flurry of palm strikes. The irresistible force versus the unmovable object. This saying described perfectly the situation unfolding before the MWE fans, with Redd’s strikes seemingly barely affecting Pinhead. This didn’t seem to discourage the Big Fat Luchador, who kept hitting the 385 pounder with stiff right hands until, eventually, Pinhead stumbled back. Redd tried to capitalize on this chance, but he was met with a headbutt from the giant, who quickly followed with a lariat, taking Redd down. The match was just like the fans were expecting it to be the moment it was announced. A slow paced, hard hitting contest mostly based on a pure brawling style, with little to none room for technical moves. Although both Pinhead and Redd tried to suplex each other, unsuccessfully. Nonetheless the fans were appreciating the contest, siding, needless to say, with the Thunder, as testified by the huge pop when he finally knocked down the larger opponent with a running headbutt followed by a clothesline. He even attempted a pinfall, the first of the match, resulting in just a count of one. Pinhead’s reaction was almost immediate, and came in the form of a punch to the ribs as he was starting to get up on his feet, catching Redd off guard. He then sent him in the corner and followed with a huge running splash, following with a series of ten punches to the crown of the head. Redd was down and Pinhead made the cover, obtaining a near fall. One thing nobody expected to see was Redd Thunder being lifted in the air and violently slammed on the mat with a huge spinebuster that made the whole ring shake. And still, this wasn’t enough to keep the Thunder down. Pushed by the loud cheers of the sold out crowd, Redd got back to his feet and brought the fight to Pinhead, leaving him stunned with a series of rapid fire headbutts before dropping him on his head with a kick to the stomach/ddt combination. Redd glanced at Pinhead laying flat on his back, and then at the nearby corner. Twenty thousands people got on their feet and started chanting “BIG FAT LUCHA” as the masked man climbed on the top rope, ready to hit his famous moonsault. He probably took one moment too much to soak in the adulation of the Tampa fans, allowing Pinhead to get back on his feet and reach him on top, wrapping his arms around his waist and dropped him down with a super german suplex. It was like an earthquake, over seven hundred pounds falling on the mat. And it was too much for the ring to withstand. The structure collapsed under the weight, leaving the fans in shock and awe. Pinhead and Redd where laying on the mat, and so was the referee who fell on his ass when the ring folded. Slowly pulling himself up, he eventually called for the bell, ending this match in a no contest. WINNER: N/A BY: No Contest, 8:01 |
The show comes back to a close up of the Riot General Manager, Yulia Kirilenko. The young russian is standing in the middle of the ring, rebuilt in a record time by the MWE crew. Dressed in a simple but elegant suit, Yulia has a microphone in her hand, and the serious look of someone who’s making some big announcement. She waits for the cheers to die down before finally raising the microphone to her crimson lips.
Yulia Kirilenko:
Well, that was something, right?
The reference to the events happened in the Pinhead versus Redd Thunder match triggers another round of applause from the capacity crowd.
Yulia Kirilenko:
I take you guys loved it.. And I hope you enjoyed the rest of the show as well, just like I’m sure you will love what we have in store for the rest of the night. But I guess it’s time we clear up all the clouds hanging over the future of this company.
A brief pause to create some anticipation.
Yulia Kirilenko:
As you well know, the contract that was binding MWE with MENTV, the network owned by the former CEO of Millennium Chuck Matthews, expired at the end of June. Since then, every attempt to find a new agreement failed, which lead to the unfortunate situation, or fortunate for all of those fans who enjoyed the last two shows for free,we find ourself in.
A wrestling company, especially one of this size, NEEDS a tv contract to keep a certain high standard for their product. Full disclosure, we had a lot of offers, something we definitely take pride of. It was just a matter of finding the right one, and we finally did.
Loud cheers interrupt her speech.
Yulia Kirilenko:
They say that the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t… Please welcome the owner of MWE, Grace van Beek, and the CEO of Matthews Enterprises, Chuck Matthews!
The reaction is quite cold, some circumstancial applause mostly due to the good news Yulia just gave rather than for any of the parts involved who, in fairness, never did much to earn the sympathy of the MWE fanbase. Not that Grace nor Chuck seem to care about it, walking to the ring with their head held high and the proud stride of someone who’s used to be disliked by the fans. Eventually they enter the ring, Chuck politely letting Grace be the first one to step in and following right after, taking his place at Yulia’s right while Grace stands on the opposite side.
Yulia Kirilenko:
I’m not going into details, but miss van Beek and mister Matthews were eventually able to sit down and resolve the differences, drawing up a new contract that satisfies both parties. And part of the agreement is that Chuck Matthews has the right to pick the new General Manager of Millennium.
There’s a “ooohhh” of surprise raising from the crowd. This definitely looks like Chuck once again has a saying in the company, a definite and drastic change. May it be for the better or for the worse, only time will tell. The surprising part is that Grace doesn’t look concerned at all, glancing at Yulia and Chuck and giving the lightest nod of approval.
Yulia Kirilenko:
Without further ado, allow me to introduce the new General Manager of the green brand!
With no music announcing them, a female figure appears on the stage. It takes a moment for the fans to identify her, even more to accept that what they are seeing is not some kind of joke. The former backstage interviewer Chloe Collins appears on the stage, dressed in a very professional grey suit. She makes her way down the ramp, the sold out crowd staring at her in silence while Peyton and Jessi on commentary remember the fans how Chloe used to work for the green brand in a whole different role, before quitting her job due to some "medical reasons". Nobody since then ever heard of her. Chloe steps inside the ring, greeting Yulia, Chuck and Grace in this order with a handshake, before taking her place next to the man who put her in charge of the roster, mister Matthews. She starts her speech thanking Chuck for everything he did for her, for never giving up on her even in her hardest moment and, obviously, for the opportunity he just gave her. Of course, she extends her thanking to Grace. She doesn't talk for long, but she promises that she will steer the course of the Millennium ship from the direction Gian took it. Changes, in one word, but all for the best. After this short speech, she hands the microphone back to Yulia.
Yulia Kirilenko:
Thank you Chloe, and good luck with your new job.
The blonde russian says with a smile.
Yulia Kirilenko:
I'm sure you guys are sick and tired of seeing us corporate suits talking and you'd rather watch some action... Well, this is the right place then. Enjoy the rest of the show, have a good night!
And with that said, the small group leaves the ring.
The camera cuts backstage where Bree and Teagan have gone a little old school. A chain link fence behind them in the backstage area with Bree and Teagan in matching black and white outfits. Bree has the black baseball cap while Teagan has a white one. Bree’s left pant leg is white and right is black, Teagan’s left is black while her right is white. The pair do have their sunglasses on with black ties.
Teagan takes her time to remove her sunglasses, doing it in a dramatic manner, looking to further build the moment. Once she has finished, she places them on the top of her head, making sure not to mess up her hair too much in the process. Finally, she turns her head over to where Bree is standing beside her with their backs leaning against the fence.
Teagan Gallagher:
The BreeTee Committee is here for the grand return of Millennium and we will continue to rock the tag team scene here.
Bree Smith:
Last time we were here in Tampa was….how long ago was it, Agent Tee?
Bree dramatically tries to struggle to remember what happened in their last contest so Teagan can show off her watch. Teagan makes a big show out of pulling up her arm so that she can show off her watch, tapping up against with her index finger.
Teagan Gallagher:
You know what Agent Bee? It’s been TOO long!
Bree Smith:
Indeed, Girly. But last time we were here, we picked up the tag team W. Thanks to you being awesome.
Teagan Gallagher:
Now now, it wasn’t just me out there alone getting the job done, I couldn’t have picked up the big W without my tag team partner by my side.
Teagan nudges Bree slightly with her shoulder as she is speaking.
Bree Smith:
You’re too kind, Teegs. You know I always have your back. But tonight’s card got me thinking. Of the Smith Trio here in Millennium, I’ve been picked. Both of them, Luna and Dean, are or have been a champion here in this company. But I’ve been picked out of my family and this really isn’t an opportunity I can waste. Because winning this match means we’ve defeated three tag teams in one night. Against former champions and the former contenders...it really is one big opportunity WE can’t waste.
Bree looks over to her partner to show she’s thinking of it as a We-thing. Teagan responds with a firm nod of her head as she returns Bree’s look.
Teagan Gallagher:
And WE won’t either. I bring to our team the experience of being a champion before in my career. It’s been too long since I’ve held some gold, but I have fond memories of being able to hold a title over my head and feel like I’m carrying a division to another level. That’s the drive I’m going to be bringing to the ring here tonight, because we will show every single team out there what The BreeTee Committee is all about. We have big plans after all.
Before Bree can add, we hear the footsteps of Bree’s younger sister walking by and dressed rather extravagantly for the event in a blue medi dress with a bow feature at the front. Lexie’s hair up with a rather expensive hair clip that matches her heels for the evening. The necklace she wore was definitely a head turner, catching the light just right as she walks by.
Lexie Smith:
Ugh..
The reason for Lexie’s frustration is clear to see as she is now being followed by Rebecca Dawson who is dressed in a pair of high waisted red pants along with a black lace blouse. Rebecca is practically stomping her feet with each step as she ensures that she does not lose sight of Lexie.
Rebecca Dawson:
I know that necklace is new! Just tell me who bought it for you!
Lexie Smith:
Stop following me.
Rebecca Dawson:
You’d like that, wouldn’t you?
Passing Bree and Teagan who look a little confused by it. Bree purses her lips together and looks left and then right, in her partner’s direction.
Bree Smith:
We do have big plans. We keep in great shape, Champion shape if you don’t mind me saying so, Teegs,
Bree then casually flexes her bicep to remind fans who the powerhouse in the team was. Teagan is quick to tap up against Bree’s bicep with one finger while giving the camera a very impressed expression to let the audience know they should be in awe of Bree’s muscles.
Teagan Gallagher:
And we can’t forget about those cat-like reflexes which keep us nimble inside of the ring. Always one step ahead of our opponents.
Bree makes a cat scratch for Teagan but that’s when Mimi Smith comes by from the side where Rebecca and Lexie exited. Mimi is dressed in a long plaid shirt that covers her blue sweatpants with bubblegum written down the pant leg. She looks over her shoulder as she’s followed like a celebrity by paparazzi. Following her is none other than Natalie Traeger who is holding onto her phone with both hands, clearly in the process of recording Mimi’s every step. Natalie is wearing a pink and white sundress with her long blonde platinum hair pulled back in a high ponytail.
Mimi Smith:
Stop it, Bestie.
Natalie Traeger:
This is your chance to prove you can do those handstands and whatever else you keep bragging about.
Mimi Smith:
I’ll tell Logan on you.
Natalie Traeger:
Stop making excuses!
She says before trying to snatch the camera with a little lean. Natalie saw it coming a mile away and moves it out of Mimi’s grasp. Mimi then walks off camera with Natalie still hot on her trail with every intention of catching Mimi in a lie.
Bree Smith:
Ok...weird..
Teagan Gallagher:
Must be something in the water…
Teagan responds with a little bit of a shrug, not quite sure what else to say, before they are once again interrupted by two people stepping out in front of them. This time it is the duo of Melanie Dawson and Dean Smith. Melanie is dressed to impressed as always in a beautiful deep burgundy red blouse with a black pencil skirt. Her Christian Dior heels are clicking up against the floor with each step she is taking.
Melanie Dawson:
I still say you’re wrong.
Dean Smith:
And I say you are all kinds of right.
Approving of her outfit like abercrombie model he is. Bree is heavily surprised by the comment and glancing at Teegs to check if she’s seeing this too.
Melanie Dawson:
Don’t flatter yourself.
Melanie waves her index finger back and forth at him before they both walk off towards the closet leaving Bree and Teagan even more confused about what is happening.
Teagan Gallagher:
Do I want to know what your brother is up to right now?
Bree visibly shudders.
Bree Smith:
No Teegs. No. All these interruptions though, they’re kind of like the chaos we’re going to expect tonight.
But before Bree can start her next sentence she hears the pitter-patter of Luna in some poorly picked heels when she’s on the hunt to protect her brother. Keen to outdo everyone at the event, Luna was with a fresh tan, makeup done professionally at her uncle’s salon with a dark blue milkmaid dress with a floral lace sleeves. Accompanying her is her glowing intern Holly Wakefield who is wearing a white maternity dress that features some blue and yellow flower designs across the material of her dress. Holly is keeping one hand pressed against her rather large belly now that she’s entered in her third trimester as she walks.
Holly Wakefield:
Please slow down Luna, I can’t walk that fast.
Luna Smith:
We're falling behind them. She's so NOT good for him.
Bree watches Luna step back and grab Holly’s wrist to try and speed her up as they follow trying to be stealthy and sneaky.
Bree Smith:
Ok! We’re trying to do this as a tag team and there’s just too many interruptions.
Teagan nods her head before she takes a hold of Bree by both of her shoulders, turning her around so that both partners are looking at each other.
Teagan Gallagher:
Don’t you see that this is the universe giving us a sign?
Bree Smith:
“Don’t give your family and their friends tickets to a Millennium show”, Teegs?
Teagan shakes her head.
Teagan Gallagher:
No! This is the universe helping us to prepare for all of the chaos we’re going to be dealing with inside of the ring tonight!
Bree snaps her fingers and nods while pressing two fingers to her temple. She mouths unagi to her tag team partner.
Bree Smith:
I see exactly what you mean, Teegs. We both have lived through chaos with all the Gallagher boys and Smith girls we’ve dealt with growing up. Can we say the same for Jetpack or The Mighty or Brothers McMillion?
Teagan Gallagher:
No they can’t which is why they’ll be totally unprepared once we step foot inside of that ring and clean house! Let’s go and get it done!
Teagan holds up her hand for a high five from her tag team partner, which Bree more than happily obliges, before they both walk off together with Bree giving a cautious glance off to the direction her brother headed.. The scene fading out from all the previous chaos.
Four-Way Tag Team Match
Jetpack VS Brothers McMillion VS BreeTee Committee VS The Might Now Thrive
The former MWE Tag Team Champions Jetpack, the eternal number one contenders BreeTee Committee, a team that just got back together after being forced to singes action by “surrounding circumstances”, namely the bloody feud between Christian Michaels of the McMillions and Duke Andrews, and one who, based on what emerged from twitter, may be at their last match together, at least for the foreseeable future, with good peace of Null. Four teams, and a chance to jump in front of the line for a future title shot for whichever team will come out on top. Jetpack and The Mighty Now Thrive started things off, with Kid Terra, or Cameron Grey as he goes by now taking on Jet Blanchard, delighting the fans with a very entertaining contest with the former MWE Tag Team Champion putting his foot down on the gas and immediately taking Cameron down with a headscissors. Ever since they joined the company, Jetpack seemed to be having TMNT’s number, and tonight was no different. Jet and Penny, with quick tags, were keeping a lot of pressure on Cameron, getting close to the win with a tornado DDT from Blanchard, with the pin broken up by Null, who tried to spur his partner. Getting back to his feet, Grey appeared more focused and determined, finally shaking off whatever was holding him back. He ducked a right punch from Jet, grabbing his arm and twisting it behind his back. He then began working the shoulder, slowing down the Georgia born and keeping him on the ground with a shoulder lock. The rope weren’t too far and Blanchard managed to reach them with his foot, forcing Cameron to release his hold. And as soon as he did, Jet made the tag to Penny who entered the ring and locked horns with Grey. The two started trading positions, trying to get an advantage on the opponent. And despite the former Kid Terra’s technical prowess, the experience edge allowed Penny to slide behind his back and lifting him for a released german suplex. Grey landed on his feet and caught the former Champ right in the mush with his Flame Out (Superkick). With the match set to be one fall to a finish, getting a pinfall win seemed to be a mission impossible. Bree found that out when she connected the Power Of Bree (Series of three rolling german suplexes) on Null, only for Javen to break the pin with a diving double axe handle to the ribs as she was bridging the Wolf Boy into a pinning predicament. As the referee was asking the McMillion to leave the ring, Smith hit Null with two european uppercuts and irish whipped him in her corne, following with a clothesline. Then she lifted and seated him on top of the turnbuckle, picking him up on her shoulders in an electric chair position and dropping him into a seated pin. The referee was quick to make the count but this time it was Cameron who saved his partner and the match with a low dropkick. Teagan had had enough and entered the ring, chasing Cam away with a flurry of forearm strikes. Javen joined the party and, with a dropkick, pushed Gallagher out of the ring. Bree tried to avenge her partner with a clothesline, but Javen ducked it and ran to the ropes, springing back from the middle one with a crossbody. In the meantime a dazzled Null crawled to the nearest corner, but his partner wasn’t there. It was the McMillions’ corner, and Christian Michaels gladly took the tag, entering the ring and picking up where his brother left after the referee managed to make him leave the ring. CM dragged Bree back to her feet and hit her with a series of stiff chops, wrapping his arms around her neck and dropping her down with a falling neckbreaker. The McMillions easily took control of the match, even when Bree managed to tag her partner back in. Their experience and unmatched chemistry allowing them to always stay one step ahead of the competition. And when the experience wasn’t enough, there was Javen unafraid to bend a rule or two in order to keep the edge. The referee was doing his job, warning him that eye rakes are not allowed but Simon didn’t feel like he had to listen, using that time to drop Gallagher with a ddt and hook the leg for a pinfall attempt. CM rushed inside the ring blocking Bree and preventing her to break the pin, but he couldn’t stop Jet from doing the same. As the match went on, Teegs was able to turn the tables and knock Christian down with a stiff single leg running knee. From then on, it was Tee Show, with the Irish showing off her arsenal of suplexes. Starting with a snap one, and raising the bar with a fisherman and a leg hook sitout suplex slam, this one almost giving her the win. With CM now visibly stunned, the BreeTee Committee tried to end things with the WHOOPAH! (Teagan’s exploder suplex into a codebreaker from Bree), but Javen was there to rescue his brother. Near fall after near fall, the match came to its conclusion. And, needless to say it was a chaotic one. Cameron dropped Penelope with his Null And Void (Quackendriver I), with Jet making the save. Penny stumbled in the McMillions corner, where CM took the tag and sneaked behind Grey’s shoulder, surprising him with a roll up. Bree broke up the pin, eating a back elbow from CM for her troubles. Teagan was checking on her partner who looked stunned after the vicious strike to the temple when Christian decided to be proactive and avoid further interference from the Irish girl, knocking her off the apron with a dropkick. As soon as he got back to his feet he found Cameron waiting for him with a roundhouse kick. On the apron, Null was screaming at his partner, asking him to make the tag. Cameron seemed conflicted but eventually dragged CM to his corner and made the tag, lifting the McMillion over his shoulders while Null climbed to the top rope… PACK MENTALITY! The Doomsday Canadian Destroyer connected and Null quickly made the cover, the referee got in position and started to count. A moment before the three Jet grabbed Null’s foot and pulled him out of the ring and, most importantly, away from Michaels. The disappointment was clear on Cameron’s face, moments before he dove onto Jet with a senton from the apron. Null once again entered the ring, completely unaware that Christian made the tag to his brother in the meantime. Not that he could have actually guessed, since all he could see was CM sitting in his corner and Javen laying on the floor outside, playing possum. The referee tried to warn him when he went to pick up Christian, but it was already too late. Javen had already slid into the ring behind Null’s back and quickly rolled him up, picking up the three count and a prestigious win for the McMillions. WINNER: Brothers McMillion BY: Pinfall (Schoolboy Pin), 18:10 |
Lux In Tenebris cuts backstage where Victoria Salinas is leaning against the wall of the hallway clearly still holding on to some anger from the events of MWE’s previous show. She’s normally in a far more positive mood, but that is definitely not the case tonight. Still, she has some stuff on her mind and she’s about to express it.
Victoria Salinas:
I know it’s been a while since we’ve had a show, so before I dive into this, let me show you a reminder of why I’m not in such a good mood tonight.
On cue, the show cuts to a replay of A Midsummer’s Night Dream featuring the ending moments of her match against Bethany Driver in which Robbie Bourbon got himself involved and caused a disappointing no contest for both competitors. This footage gets booed as the scene cuts back to an annoyed Victoria.
Victoria Salinas:
That was an opportunity that I was greatly looking forward to! It was a chance to prove that I can hang with the best of the best in this company. After hitting rock bottom against Kelsey Spencer, after dealing with the annoyance that was Charlie Webster, after spending the seasonal break reflecting, learning and growing from every root of my wrestling career, from my first day of training all the way up until now, I had the opportunity to get right back at it. Sure, some would say that I was thrown into the fire against the most recent challenger to the MWE World Championship, but during that entire match against Bethany, I proved that I was still one of the most clutch competitors in this business. I’ve always stated that when the stage is bigger and the lights are brighter that there’s no better wrestler than me and if I WAS thrown into the fire, I KNOW I was holding my own. With all due respect to Bethany, I’ll even go as far as saying that with the way I was wrestling in there, I would have won that match. It’s a bold thing to say, but I didn’t become the vainglorious competitor that I am today by being skittish and scared… kind of like how I had been all year prior to coming to this company…
Victoria takes a brief pause to let out a sigh.
Victoria Salinas:
But when it comes to Bethany Driver, tonight isn’t about that. We’re not opponents, we’re teammates. I admit that a handicap situation would be unfair in this instance, but despite that I am not turning down the opportunity to gain some revenge against the son of a bitch that decided to stick his nose in where it didn’t belong. Seriously, who in the hell does this guy think he is? I have no doubt that his abilities are sound, but I can tell that he’s someone who truly doesn’t have his heart in the right place when it comes to this business. When the best thing you can tell anyone is “you’re not good enough to lace my boots” then clearly, there’s no passion or desire at ALL within that wrestler. It’s obvious that by making such a vanilla, run of the mill, manufactured, statement that every wrestler and their mother has used a million times that this guy doesn’t know me… which of course, I can’t fault him for that considering I’m still semi-new here… and that he’s only in this for himself, for the glory, for every rich and every fame that comes with this business.
Victoria shakes her head before continuing.
Victoria Salinas:
People like that make me sick. I’ve dealt with my fair share of egotistical bastards like him and for all of his ability, I can say for a fact that he’s nothing special, nothing standout, nothing different, offers nothing in terms of “wow factor”... and I know this just from that contrived, manufactured bullshit he said to me. If that’s the BEST he can say to me, then his ego is clearly up his ass and it’s about time that someone pulls it out of his ass and shoves it down his throat so he can choke on it!
Victoria takes another pause, letting out a deep breath to keep herself as composed as possible.
Victoria Salinas:
I rarely get this heated, but I didn’t put in all the work that I’ve put in during Millennium’s seasonal break for the same old nonsense I’ve had to deal with all year happening again. I made a vow for things to be different and better for me when this company started going full gear again and tonight, that starts that process. So Bethany… tonight? Let’s take care of this one-dimensional, 8-bit jackass… and then once we do that… we can have ourselves a real match and see who really is more ready to challenge for the MWE World title!
Victoria turns and leaves the scene hearing some heavy cheers from the audience as the scene fades to black.
MWE Tag Team Championship Match
The Happy Few (c) VS Hooligunnz
Their unquestionable talent and a a bit of luck earned the HooligunnZ a shot at the MWE Tag Team Titles when they won the tag team turmoil match at Viva La Revolucion. And theor chance came tonight in Tampa, when they took on OMI and NEON of the Happy Few. The group has been very quiet ever since losing their leader and at the time MWE Champion SERO, who relinquished his title and quit the company without a single word. The Tag Team Champions looked unimpressed as they stood in front of their challengers, who looked confident as ever. After the usual rundown of the rules by the referee, OMI left the ring leaving her sister to start things off against Spectre. As the bell rang tho, Trey quickly turned around and entered the ring once again, distracting NEON for a second but long enough for Spectre to rock her with a stiff forearm to the jaw. He then grabbed one of her hands, Cole doing the same with the left one and pulled her in for the Full Death Experience a double wristlock knee strike. The referee ordered Cole to leave the ring, and the Father Of Finesse gladly obliged. Instead of heading to his corner, he left through the ropes on the opposite one, taking down OMI from the apron with a suicide dive. In the meantime, Spectre had climbed to the top rope, from where he jumped on the tag team champion with a beautiful shooting star press. NEON kicked out in two. The tag team champion weathered the storm, resisting another couple of pinfall attempts after a superkick from Spectre and a corner exploder suplex from Cole, who became the legal man after the tag was made. Eventually NEON found a way out of a situation that was starting to become complicated for her, landing on her feet after a released german suplex attempt and connecting with one of her own. Trey was quickly back on his feet, and NEON was waiting for him with a flurry of palm strikes that left him stunned. She threw him in her corner, where she mad the tag to her sister and together they suplexed the Hooligunn, obtaining the first near fall of their match. The fresh OMI maintained control with that style that seems to be a trademark of the Kurokawa family, a mix of puroresu and technical wrestling. After an endless series of arm drags, she started hitting Cole with a series of palm strikes, following with a spinning backfist and ending the sequence with a jumping knee, a combination she calls Eye Of The Storm. Spectre had to get in and make the save, as it seemed unlikely that his partner could kick out in time. And since he was there, he knocked OMI down with an enziguri, before going back to his corner and spur his partner who was crawling toward him. At the same time, OMI was trying to reach NEON. The two tags were made at the same time, NEON and Spectre jumped into the ring and charged at one another. NEON went for a clothesline, the Swoltergeist avoided her arm and jumped on the middle rope, catching Rio as she turned with a springboard cutter. He went for another cover, not before delighting the fans with a standing moonsault, but his efforts only gave him a two count. NEON had her chance to close the match with her Catalyst Toll (Helm Knee Strike) but Spectre had the presence of mind for leaning his foot on the ropes. The Happy Few started showing their chemistry, isolating the Die Fly and trying to break his resistance with quick tags and hard kicks. The end was nigh for the HolligunnZ as OMI was just waiting for Spectre to stand up to hit him with her Super Cyclone, the knock-out Tornado Kick nobody has ever kicked out from. And she went for it, missing the target. Spectre didn’t waste any time and literally launched himself toward his partner. Trey Cole entered the ring with a springboard dropkick, catching OMI off guard. He then quickly dragged the opponent back to his feet and dropped her face first against the turnbuckle with a move he calls Sit Yo Ass Down Boy, prelude to the 630 senton. The high risk move connected and the Father Of Finesse made the cover. picking up a shocking win for his team, with a little help from his partner who grabbed NEON’s foot preventing her from breaking up the pin. WINNER: The HooligunnZ (NEW CHAMPIONS) BY: Pinfall (Comin’ In Hot), 15:03 |
There’s quite the buzz in the air as the summer-long reign of Neon and Omi as the Millennium Tag Team Champions has just been upended! Many fans, if asked, likely would’ve predicted the hard-hitting champs to successfully defend tonight. The (now former)champs must’ve thought the same coming in; they’d been the team to finally unseat Jetpack as the champions before them. However the fresh, young team of Spectre and Trey Cole have proven here tonight the age-old edict of not counting your eggs before they hatch. On this night they have proven themselves worthy, and earned their right to be called champions! But folks this industry is one to never allow you time to rest…
Spectre and Trey are in the ring still, celebrating that hard fought win over The Happy Few. They’re coming to terms with the fact that they now represent Millennium Wrestling as the best team in the place. And just as it seems to really be setting in for them, all of a sudden their theme music is killed. Mere seconds pass before Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back In Town” is blasting over the arena’s sound system! The fans cheerings as the song heralds the arrival of Christian Michaels and Javen, The Brothers McMillion!
Peyton Holland:
Well hold the phone just a minute! We’ve got new champs celebrating in the ring, but here comes a pair of brothers that won a hell of a tag team fatal four way match just a lil while ago.
Jessi Idol:
But what are they doing out here now?
Peyton Holland:
Well they made it clear on social media this past week that their focus is locked back in on the tag team championship…
Christian Michaels and Javen have made their way onto the stage at this point. The brothers still dressed in their attire from their match, sans their shirts. Javen has a bottle of water that he uncaps and pours over his head. Meanwhile his older brother Christian has a mic in hand himself and raises it to speak.
Christian Michaels: Spectre. Trey. First off allow me to, on behalf of me and my brother, to congratulate you guys on a superb victory tonight!
The fans, and Javen, too, give the newly crowned champs a round of applause. CM nods his approval.
Christian Michaels:
That’s right! Everyone get on your feet and give these young men a round of applause! Because lemme tell ya guys if there’s anyone in this division that knows how tough Omi and Neon are? It’d be the two of us!
Michaels gestures to himself and his brother.
Christian Michaels:
So, again, congratulations on unseating them to become the NEW Millennium Wrestling Tag Team champions! But fellas the two of yawl aren’t the only ones to pick up a dubbya here tonight. Maybe ya noticed, or maybe ya didn’t cause ya was gettin ready for your match, but *we* had a pretty impressive victory ourselves tonight.
The great fans of Millennium here in Tampa applaud the brothers for their victory earlier tonight.
Christian Michaels:
In case ya did miss it; we won a fatal four-way match that saw us taking on the FIRST champs in Jetpack…
CM extends one finger of his left hand.
Christian Michaels:
...The BreeTee Committee..
A second finger extended.
Christian Michaels:
...and of course our rivals The Mighty Now Thrive.
Christian extended a third finger.
Christian Michaels:
That’s three of the best teams in, not just this company, but this industry as a whole! And when it was all said and done, when the dust settled and there was but one team standing with their arms raised? That team was us! And we talked about it on social media during the week. With the crap between myself and Duke Andrews settled for now; it’s time for the two of us to turn our attention back to getting tag team gold around our waists.
Javen leans in towards the mic at this point.
Javen:
More to the point we want those titles!
The fans roar with approval seemingly gathering where this is going.
Christian Michaels:
Exactly! So lemme tell ya right now Spectre, Trey, you couple of Hooligunnz; you boys can consider yourselves on notice. The Brothers McMillion never signed with Millennium Wrestling to be a couple solid hands to bolster the roster, we came here to take on and conquer the best tag teams in wrestling today. Sooner or later the two of us will have the honor of facing yawl for the gold, and we’ll have the honor of taking it too!
“The Boys Are Back In Town” by Thin Lizzy begins blaring over the sound system again. The fans are cheering at the potential championship match that could be coming sooner or later. And as the new champs look upon the stage a lil miffed by the interuption, CM has tucked the mic under his left arm to applaud the new champs; his brother Javen making the gesture around his waist for championship gold.
Singles Match
Tobie Nox Thorne VS TBATobie was waiting in her corner, taking the last advices and recommendations from her fiance and manager Gianluigi Vaccaro. Not knowing who her opponent is was far from an ideal situation, but the blond girl looked more than ready to take on every challenger. “Into The Nothing” by Breaking Benjamin blared out of the loudspeakers, leaving the fans puzzled. And then Rhett Adelson appeared on the stage, welcomed by a decent round of applause, a form of encouragement for the young wrestler who’s coming back to the ring after a few months away. Tobie showed her sportsmanship offering him a handshake before the match started, which Rhett accepted with a smile. And finally the match began with the two competitors locking up in the middle of the ring. Adelson quickly moved behind Tobie and rolled her up, trying to score an early win. TNT kicked out immediately, but soon she found herself with her shoulders on the mat once again. This happened a couple more times, but Tobie was never caught off guard, powering out every single time before the two. Nonetheless, Rhett pointed out with his thumb and index how close he went to the win, clearly trying to get in Tobie’s head. But the former [R]evo Pro champion maintained her calm and focus, letting Rhett spend some energy in the early going and waiting for the opportunity to take control. Sure, she took some risks like when Adelson connected his headlock driver, but eventually she found an opening to hit him with a spinning heel kick. Gian, on the outside, clapped his hands, showing his support to his girlfriend who was finally showing the talent that helped her climbing the rankings here in Millennium and earned her the spot in the main event of the last ppv, where she was the last one of team Millennium to fall against the Riot stars. Rhett immediately tried to earn back control, but Tobie seemed to be one step ahead, dodging his strikes and countering with quick kicks to the legs. She then drove her knee into his mid-section, doubling him over and hitting the ropes, planting the Californian on his head with a running DDT. Wasting no time, she climbed to the top rope, connecting a 450 splash for a count of two. A mistake from the French girl allowed Rhett to take back control. A leg trap sunset flip powerbomb almost got the job done for him, and so did the flying knee strike from the top rope that followed. TNT seemed to be in difficulty, but she still managed to turn the tides with a jawbreaker. She backed off into the corner, waiting until Rhett was in position to floor him with a shining wizard, but even that wasn’t enough to keep him down. Adelson started showing some signs of fatigue, a lack of condition due to the long time away from the ring. Nonetheless, he decided to take a risk with the Nightfall Splash, landing on Tobie’s knees. TNT quickly rolled him into a cover, getting real close to the win. But from that moment on, she dominated the opponent, eventually sealing the deal with her leaping complete shot. WINNER: Tobie Nox Thorne BY: Pinfall (Leaping Complete Shot), 8:57 |
The scene cuts backstage to Rhett Adelson sitting in his locker room where he’s unlacing his boots. He glances up and sees the camera before giving it a smile.
Rhett Adelson:
Can’t win them all I guess, huh?
Rhett let’s out a light laugh as he kicks off his boots and then stands up.
Rhett Adelson:
Yeah, I’m a bit rusty and it showed out there. But let’s not let that take away from Tobie’s victory. She’s a hell of a competitor and I can’t wait to get back into the ring with her again.
He nods confidently.
Rhett Adelson:
While I might be new here, I will make clear where my sights are set on… And that’s the Millennium Championship. I’m going to do whatever it takes to climb the mountain to get to it. No matter what happens, no matter how many times I get knocked down? I’ll continue to get back up and fight.
He steps closer to the camera.
Rhett Adelson:
And tonight? It’s one of those nights where I got knocked on my ass. When that happens? I come back even stronger, because it makes me work harder. Every failure is a learning opportunity and at the end of the day? It makes you better. So the next time you see me out there? That rust will be long gone and I’ll show you all exactly what Rhett Adelson is made of.
Rhett goes back to taking off his gear before he turns again and looks at the camera.
Rhett Adelson:
I’ve got to get undressed so… unless you want a show, I’d suggest you guys leave.
Rhett laughs lightly before the scene cuts away.
Lockdown Championship Match
Singles Match
Rie Shimizu VS Duke AndrewsSingles Match
A lot of history between these two, whose rivalry goes back to the day when Rie Shimizu came to rescue the former Lockdown Champion Rebecca Saint from Duke’s assault. This lead to the triple threat in Monterrey when RIe was crowned the new Lockdown Champion. The stipulation, as prerogative of this particular title, is up to the champion, and the young japanese wanted her defenses to be simple and fair contests, although when you step into the ring with Duke Andrews you can’t expect him not to try taking some shortcuts. And that’s exactly what happened in the first minutes of the match. Rie was controlling the operations, twisting Duke’s arm in a hammerlock. A couple of elbows to the face and Duke freed himself, taking the young opponent down with a drop toe hold that sent her neck bouncing on the middle rope. And that’s a chance Andrews couldn’t let go, pressing his knee on the back of her neck and pushing down, choking her on the rope. The referee tried to convince him to let her go, unsuccessfully. He had to threaten him with a disqualification, and obviously count up to four before the Epitome Of Perfection decided to let her go. This gave him an early advantage, allowing him to control the first part of the match where he collected a series of near falls with the purpose of wearing down the japanese wrestler. forcing her to waste energies to kick out. The plan seemed to be working, throwing the champion out of her game. After she kicked out from yet another suplex, Duke dragged her up to her feet and hit her with three chops, sending her against the ropes then and catching her with a scoop powerslam, obtaining another two count. Kato was shouting instructions in japanese to her client, and this seemed to piss off the Michigan born, who turned his attention to the manager reminding him, not in a kind way, that they are in the USA, and that he should speak American. Not only this caused the fans to rise against him, but most importantly it gave Shimizu time to recover and hit him with a jumping knee to the back. Such was the force of her strike that Duke ended up against the ropes, rebounding back right into a reverse rana from the Lockdown Champion. This was the break RIe needed to start building her offense, as always mostly based on hard kicks. Right leg, right side, a forearm to the jaw, a kick to the left shoulder and finally a kick to the midsection. This was the lightning quick sequence that put Duke in position for the Spirit Tour (bicycle axe kick), miraculously dodged at the last moment by the former Hybrid Triad Champion, who was quick to move behind the opponent’s back and drop her with a full nelson suplex while she was still off balance. The Lockdown Champion changed her approach then, starting to work the arm of the challenger, trying to weaken it before applying the Other Side’s Grasp. This allowed her to control the match and avoid Duke’s heavy rights, as well as making it more difficult and painful for him to perform any sort of lifting, thus taking away a good part of his offensive arsenal. Duke’s arm went through a lot of punishment, both in the form of stiff kicks and all sort of armbars, to the point that the veteran seemed to be on the verge of tapping out before eventually reaching the ropes with one last, desperate effort. While there, hanging on the ropes while recovering, knowing that as long as he was there he would be safe from Rie’s grasp, Duke thought it was a good idea to slap Homare. A senseless act that gave the fans another occasion to express their hatred for the American Rebel? Or one of his mind games looking to throw her off? Either way, that really pissed Shimizu off. The Lockdown Champion lost her cool and unleashed a flurry of kicks, hard and dangerous but predictable. Duke took a few blows but eventually blocked one of them, and headbutted the japanese on the bridge of the nose. He then mounted on top of her and rained down lefts and rights on her face, until the referee managed to separate the two. He went for another round, but Rie was able to trip his leg and send him flat on his back. She was looking to return the courtesy, but Andrews caught her in a submission of his own, his famous Good Night. Kato’s expert guide and the undying support of the MWE fans, combined with her prowess in submission wrestling and the lack of strength in Duke’s bad arm, allowed Rie to break free from the Hell’s Gate, but it immediately became clear that the move took a lot out of her. And Duke didn’t waste the chance, picking her up for the Andrews Effect (One WInged Angel). The fans watched in a stunned silence as the referee made the three count, crowning a new Lockdown Champion. WINNER: Duke Andrews (NEW CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (Andrews Effect), 12:23 |
As the camera cuts away from the ringside area, it picks up in one of the executive boxes overlooking the arena. Seas of people applauded and cheered, waving their signs and starting chants in between the action, eagerly awaiting the next matchup to take place. But the camera panned away from them, looking at the back of a figure in black, a pale hand shaking as they held onto a pen. They stood in front of a mahogany table, two sheets of paper resting in front of them, but their eyes stared out into the crowds.
Figure:
So many smiles, Alexa. So many smiles.
They turned their head, their features shrouded by a black hood, but the voice was clearly feminine. By her side, perched upon the armrest of a stool was a black raven, pecking away at a small chunk of meat, making short, shrill call that it repeated several times.
Figure:
I used to make people smile like that. Seems all I do is the opposite these days… But fresh starts are fresh starts. Wiley said so. A change of scenery could be what I need. New faces, new challenges, no false claims...
Her head turned towards the commentary booth, and the woman in a black hoodie and tight designer jeans leaned over to peer through the window, as if she was studying the figures running down the events of the night, their voices heard on the TV screen that played out on the other side of the room.
Figure:
No lies...
She whispered, accidently snapping the pen in two. She huffed, peeling back her hood to reveal gorgeous dark curls that cascaded down to her shoulders. She ruffled her own hair, looking back to the bird as it greedily gobbled up the raw meat.
Figure:
A day can change so many decisions… But I am not going to back down from anything. I can’t. Not now, not ever. I have chosen this path, and I will never waiver from it. If I am the only fucking person on this planet who can be honest, who can be true, who can keep a promise then I will.
Her voice was shaking as much as her hand, but she never turned fully to the camera, half turning on occasion to show diamond studs in her ears, and a slight hint of cherry, red lips. Her fingers tapped upon the table, drumming a fierce beat as she uncovered another pen, looking between the contracts.
Figure:
I’ve let too many get in the way of everything I have ever wanted. These past two years I’ve been played by a game I have had no control over… But I’m taking charge now. This is my place, my time, my life and no one is… No one is ever going to trick, manipulate or lie to me ever again. No family drama, no false claims of nepotism, no names linked to my past. It’s simple as Evol--
The pen dropped, as did a tear, clear and watery. Then another, red and bloody.
Figure:
Evolve Or Die… Oh that fucking phrase...
She turned to the raven, more of her face shown, but not all of it. She was sobbing, beautiful and pale and the eye the camera could see was a brilliant aquamarine blue, glistening in the artificial light. The drumming continued as that eye closed, and she took a few deep breaths.
Figure:
What do you think? Green? Or Orange?
She turned her head the other way, looking back to the commentary table, but as she opened her eyes, the only visible eye was instead a shining emerald, dazzling like a jewel in its socket, and the crimson tear trickled down her soft skin.
Figure:
Orange looks good on paper… Flyers and fighters, everything I have been trained in, everything I am skilled in. It suits me to a tee, and my time is free, and it sounds all me. But Green? Green could make things… very, very interesting.
She looked between the papers, taking the pen and another breath, before signing upon the document swiftly. She dropped the pen, letting out the most childlike and sweet giggle, before the emotion came again, her hands gripping the table like talons. She composed herself, picking what seemed to be a mask up from the table, placing upon her face as she turned back to the raven.
Figure:
How do I look?
She asked, her stunning face slightly covered by a stunning, dark raven’s mask. Her eyes dazzled, one green and one blue, and she wore the fakest of smiles as she posed for the creature in front of her. The raven gave out a low, gurgling croak, before flying out of the window, right over all the fans as a shriek was let out amongst the paying audience, startled by the sight of the black winged bird flying above them. The masked woman bit her lower lip, while watching her pet cause havoc.
Figure:
I just wanted… I just wanted…
She shook her head, her hands balling into fists as she gritted her teeth, pacing away from the scene, but the camera did not follow. Instead, it zoomed in on the contract that was signed. It did not show whether it was for Riot or Millennium, but it did show the name signed upon it.
Anastasia Starling.
The show cut backstage, showing a small crowd of stage hands and security members gathered right outside one of the locker rooms. A couple of paramedics arrives on the scene, obviously someone called them before the cameras started rolling. As the circle of people split to let the doctors in, we finally get a glimpse of what happened. Bethany Driver is laying on the floor, unconscious. With her match scheduled to go up next, this definitely looks like a staged attack. If there was any doubt on who the responsible could be, Robbie Bourbon is seen chuckling not too far from the crime scene. The scene now cuts to the ringside area.
Handicap Match
Robbie "MF" Bourbon VS Victoria Salinas & Bethany DriverRobbie Bourbon had the biggest smile under his mask when he walked to the ring to the loudest boos and insults the Tampa crowd was capable of. What he just did can be considered heinous, but it was undeniably effective and, in a twisted way, smart. Now he only had one opponent to take care of, that Victoria Salinas who didn’t even let the Viceroy Of Vulgar enter the ring, taking him down with a suicide dive through the ropes, such was the hatred she felt for the masked man, only aggravated by the backstage attack on Bethany Driver who was supposed to be her partner in what should have been a handicap match. The match hadn’t officially started yet, but Robbie and Victoria were already trading shots on the outside. Not the best approach Salinas could choose, against a much bigger opponent who made a name for himself for his stiff, brawling style. And unsurprisingly, Robbie had the better of this exchange, tossing Victoria against the barricades after rocking her with a series of right hands, The referee was telling him to get back in the ring so that the match could start, and Bourbon obliged, not before powerbombing the opponent on the apron. Following her inside, he went to pick her up, but the referee stopped him, saying that he won’t ring the bell until he knows for sure that Victoria is fit to continue. Cursing out loud, the Sultan Of Smacktalk took a step back, allowing Salinas to get back to her feet, with the help of the ropes. The Vainglorious one was laying against the corner, nodding at the official who was asking her if she wanted the match to start. The bell finally rang and Robbie wasted no time to charge at the opponent, squashing her in the corner with a splash. After a first part where Bourbon was dominating the opponent, obtaining a couple of very near falls with a reverse scoop slam and a perfectly executed double underhook suplex, Victoria started to come out of her shell, creating herself an opening with a sudden chick kick that caught the big man right on the temple and left him stunned. Robbie dropped on his knee, looking dizzy after the hard kick. Victoria gained some speed against the ropes and slammed him head first on the mat with a hurricanrana driver. The crowd started coming alive, chanting for the Riot star who made her first pinfall attempt after a gracious handspring moonsault. Bourbon kicked out, but it was clear now that he was in great difficulty with the quick pace imposed by Victoria. Tilt-A-Whirl ddt, corkscrew neckbreaker, a springboard buisaku knee… The canadian tried everything in her arsenal, but Robbie was simply refusing to stay down. Feeling the momentum on her side, she walked back in her corner, already savoring the prestigious submission win via Burning Victory (Headscissors armbar). Finally Robbie stood up and Victoria charged at him at full speed. Apparently, she underestimated Robbie’s resilience, running right into a spinning side slam from the masked man. And just like that, he was once again in the driver’s seat, disposing of the Vainglorious with his vast arsenal of power moves, collecting near falls after near falls. Victoria had a few moments in which she seemed to be able to turn things around, but they were quickly shut down the hard way by the Viceroy Of Vulgar. Until she connected with an enziguri out of nowhere, dropping Bourbon down like a ton of bricks. An exhausted Victoria was slowly crawling to the ropes when suddenly and apparently without a reason, loud cheers raised from the crowd. Battered and bruised, Bethany Driver was now walking down the ramp, willing to take part in the match she was scheduled to compete originally and help her partner. She climbed on the apron, extending her hand to Victoria who made the tag. And Beth unleashed her fury on Robbie, hitting him with kicks, knee strikes, forearms, literally everything she could hit him with. Her intensity set the crowd on fire, the Tampa fans were loving seeing her picking Bourbon apart and getting her revenge for the recent assaults she was victim of. And finally Miss MurderGraps connected with her The Bethany Driver (Inverted snapmare driver). Rather than going for the pin though, she glanced at her partner and, with a rare class act, she made the tag and allowed Victoria to get the final word with her Burning Desire (Springboard facebuster) WINNER: Victoria Salina & Bethany Driver BY: Pinfall (Burning Desire), 10:43 |
The tron comes to life, showing some footage recorded by the security cameras positioned outside the Amalie Arena. Despite the clip having been recorded hours prior the show, the fans still cheer at the sight of one of their favorite MWE star, the Cloud Gate Champion Tiff Rollins walking toward the entrance hand in hand with her boyfriend, Tampa’s own Coen Farrell. As they enter the building, the feed cuts to the inside as well, catching the young couple sharing a quick kiss before acknowledging the cameras and breaking the moment of intimacy, not without a slight embarrassment, especially from Tiffany who quickly turns her head to hide a light blush.
Coen Farrell:
Uh… Well, here we are… Ready for another defense Tiff?
He stutters, trying to quickly change subject, taking the unwanted attention away from the moment they just shared. Tiffany, regaining her composure, turns back to her boyfriend with a weak smile.
Tiff Rollins:
Yeah...I mean...of course. We got this!
Coen echoes her words with a nervous laughter.
Coen Farrell:
Of course we… I mean, you got this.
He scratches his head, the presence of the camera obviously making him nervous.
Coen Farrell:
You already beat her sister, which as far as I know is the more talented of the two… She can’t really be a challenge, right?
With the conversation on the task at hand, Tiff shakes her head.
Tiff Rollins:
Every match is a challenge, Coen. I can’t underestimate her, not for a second. I didn’t see her sister as a challenge until…
She takes a deep breath, remembering one of the darkest periods of not just her career but her entire life…
Tiff Rollins:
...until what she did to me...what she did to us... This isn’t gonna be easy…
Seeing how the memory of what Megan did to her when she exposed her past was still upsetting his girlfriend, Coen gently grabs both her hands.
Coen Farrell:
Hey…
His tone is soft, soothing.
Coen Farrell:
We’re over that. She can’t hurt you anymore, none of that can. She may have told the world who your mother is, who you were.. But what really matters is who you are. You are Tiffany Rollins, the Millennium Cloud Gate champion. You’re the one who keeps breaking records… Shit, you recently beat the top champion of this company too… You ARE Millennium, you are the face of this company. And you’re gonna prove it again tonight.
The words of her boyfriend resonated with the champ, who nodded in agreement. For a moment, the soothing comfort was too much, as Tiffany breaks her own character and embraces Coen with a brief hug, but as quickly as she broke it, she quickly built herself back up, backed away and psyched herself up.
Tiff Rollins:
You’re right. I can do this. This is why I fucking love you…
Obviously, it wasn’t the first time he heard her saying those words. But they are in front of the cameras now, in front of thousands of people..
Coen Farrell:
I…
He almost choked on those words, unable to take his eyes off hers.
Coen Farrell:
… I love you too and… Of course… I will always support you, I’ll always stand up and defend you…
He rolls his eyes.
Coen Farrell:
Not that you need it anyway… You’re badass and more than capable to shut people up…
At this point, it was clear he was babbling, overwhelmed by his feelings for the young Cloud Gate Champion.
Coen Farrell:
But that doesn’t change the fact that i totally would. Without hesitating.
Tiff Rollins:
You don’t have to. Not this time. I’ve got this.
He smiles at her, instinctively leaning in to kiss her lips quickly.
Coen Farrell:
As always.
And finally, the camera cuts to black, giving the young couple some deserved privacy.
Cloud Gate Championship Match
Singles Match
Tiff Rollins (c) VS Kenzie RydellSingles Match
It’s not surprising anymore, but it’s hard to get used to the thunderous ovation shaking the walls of the Amalie Arena when Nirvana’s “Very Ape” hit the loudspeakers. Certainly, the Cloud Gate Champion herself looked like she still couldn’t, visibly emotional as she made her way down the ramp, the title she won back in January wrapped around her waist. Waiting for her inside the ring, possibly a bit jealous of the reaction the fans gave the Murder Machine, was Rydell. Not Megan, the one who exposed Tiffany’s biggest but still failed to take the title away from Rollis, but Kenzie, Meg’s older sister. The PPW superstar accepted the champion’s open challenge, and looked determined to accomplish what nobody seemed able to do. Since the opening bell Kenzie showed a never seen before aggression, surprising Tiffany with a quick series of stiff forearms, launching her against the ropes. With a leapfrog, Kenzie jumped over the five foot champion, quickly turning around and connecting with a picture perfect dropkick. Rollins rolled under the rope looking to catch a break, but Kenzie was right back on her, grabbing her by the air and pulling her back on her feet. The champ found herself in a precarious position, standing on the apron and needing to defend herself from the right hands of the relentless opponent. She managed to block one of those punch, quickly connecting one of her own. She then bent forward, driving her shoulder in Rydell’s stomach. But Kenzie saw that coming, countering that move with a knee to the head, following with a rope hung ddt. After a rough start where her reign seemed to come to an end with a Diving Tornado DDT, the Little Hoss regained control with an homage to one if her mentors, that Andreas Lasiewicz that recently made his comeback in Underground’s biggest Pay Per View after a year long absence. The move in question was the Peacemaker, a running leaping high knee that sent Kenzie staring at the ceiling. She could have made the cover, but decided to invest this time to recover some energy. And when Rydell pulled herself up, holding her jaw, Tiffany charged in and extended her arm, taking the opponent down with a clothesline. And a second one, followed by a third. The Cloud Gate Champion was getting some wind behind her sails, now punishing the opponent with an endless series of knife edge chops. The cheers and chants grew in volume, and so did the intensity of her offense. Kenzie was on her knees, now at the mercy of the young champion who was kicking the crap out of her with shoot kicks to the chest, ending her sequence with a running big boot. Somehow, Kenzie managed to kick out. The clock quickly hit the 10 minute marks in what had all the credentials to become the match of the night. The back and forth, fast paced action lead to a series of very near close calls for both competitors, proving, if there was any need, that Tiffany was right when she said that Kenzie should not be underestimated. A swinging DDT almost gave the win to the champion, but the moment that caused the twenty thousands to gasp and hold their breaths happened a minute later when, out of nowhere, Kenzie connected her Undying Light (540 Tornado Kick) a move that gave her oh so many victories throughout her young career. Would tonight be the case? We will never know, since, wisely, Tiffany rolled under the near ropes and fell outside the ring. Failing to hide a certain, understandable, frustration, Kenzie followed her outside. And here she made the first mistake of what had been, until this moment, a perfect match. She distracted herself, just like her sister did a few months ago, engaging in a verbal dispute with Tiffany’s boyfriend, the promising skateboarder Coen Farrell. Unlike Megan, she didn’t hit him, but the distraction allowed Tiffany to recover and launch Rydell against the barricades. Something Tiffany had learned recently is that, when the stakes are high, you have to take some risks. And tonight was no different. Using her own body as a weapon, Rollins launched herself against the opponent with a cannonball. The referee’s count reached seven already and the young champion brought the opponent back in the ring, hooking the leg for another two count. After the little excursion outside, Tiffany was holding the reins of the match, controlling the pace and wearing down the opponents with her deadly kicks. The perception among the fans was that, just like it happened countless times in the past eight months, the champion was sailing smoothly toward another win, that would have come whenever she decided to pull the trigger and end the contest with the Death Kick. And that moment finally arrived. Kenzie was sitting right in the middle of the ring, dazed after a snap ddt, perfectly positioned for Tiffany to connect with her finisher… But she missed. At the last moment, Kenzie moved and avoided the Death Kick, quickly rolling the champ over in a pinning predicament, only getting a two count. Rydell, with a sudden burst of energy, turned the tables with a rapid striking combination culminating with a rolling wheel kick only worth another two count. Kenzie’s offense became now hammering, the Nashville born feeling like she could pull what many considered a miracle. And this hope became a conviction when she nailed Rollins with the springboard cutter called Rainbow Cutter. The crowd observed in atunned silence as the Hopebringer made the cover, succeeding where her sister failed. Or not. Just before the three, Tiff kicked out. The fans went ballistic, chanting her name over and over, understanding the moment of difficulty the young champion suddenly found herself in. Using the ropes, she got back to her feet, resting against the corner for a moment to catch her breath. Kenzie had other plans and charged at her, ending up face first against the lower turnbuckle after a drop toe hold from the champion, who fully capitalized on the occasion connecting with her Death Kick. Exhausted, Tiffany used her last energy to drag the motionless body of Kenzie away from the ropes, making the cover to retain her title. WINNER: Tiff Rollins (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (Death Kick), 14:28 |
After the bell rang, Tiff immediately grabs her title and leaves the ring, celebrating another successful defense with her boyfriend and his family, as well as some lucky fans sitting in the front row. Inside the ring Kenzie, an incredulous expression on her face, looks up at the referee. The two are arguing, apparently with no reason. Unless the replay of the last moments of the match airs on the tron, showing how, right before the three, Rydell moved her foot under the bottom rope. The referee shakes his head, admitting that from his perspective, he couldn’t see it. Kenzie then looks at her opponent, whose expression of joy had now turned in one of disappointment. Which, knowing the proud girl from Newark, is far from surprising.
Backstage now and Bowie Kennedy is running down a corridor, aiming to catch up to the newly crowned MWE Champion - Melissa Reeves - as she goes about her preparations before tonight's main event. She stops when Bowie gets close and removes her headphones, turning to the camera with a smirk and the title on her shoulder.
Bowie Kennedy
"Mel, got a second?"
Reeves shrugs, but Bowie is undeterred.
Bowie Kennedy
"Tonight sees your first title defense, a triple threat no less, against the two Chris'. What are your thoughts?"
Mel takes a second, licking over her lips before she replies.
Melissa Reeves
"Well, Bowie, first of all I don't like triple threats. That's a big thought for sure, but I'm a fighting champion. Unlike so many others - recent champions especially I have no problem defending this. You won't have Melissa Reeves dropping the gold to bail out of Millennium. I won't be a champion who sulks in the office of GvB, before departing with so little meaning that nobody appears to have actually noticed."
Bowie nods along, listening intently. Reeves raises the title into the air, showing it to the camera.
Melissa Reeves
"Now when I say I'll defend it...I do, of course, mean against people who actually deserve a crack."
Mel lowers the title now.
Bowie Kennedy
"Are you saying that your opponents tonight don't?"
Melissa Reeves
"You're kidding, right? Do you know why they're in this match? It's pity. Pity on Kane for being such an epic failure he can't win the title properly, and pity on Constantine for losing to that idiot in the first place."
She laughs.
Melissa Reeves
"A guy who spent time away and walked right back into the title picture - above even me, I'll add - without any merit at all definitely doesn't deserve a second chance. Bowie, dou know, I often get asked about Chris? Because, see, unlike him - he can't keep his mouth shut - I rarely bother to answer. Chris Kane tried to make his name off the back of dumping me and for a minute it seemed to work. Only, now? I'm here and I'm holding this title, what does he have?"
Bowie Kennedy
"It sounds a lot like you maybe hate him?"
Reeves' eyes turn steely, far more serious as she stares at Bowie.
Melissa Reeves
"Not at all, I simply won't forgive his transgressions and no matter how much he wants to always blame me, we both know who the fuck up in our relationship was. I could tell you all sorts here, Bowie, but I moved on. Quite frankly, the idea I ever cared for him is such a distant memory now that I get physically sick at the idea I ever let him close. I ignored everyone's advice and tried with him anyway, and he does nothing but blame everyone for his shortcomings. But no, I don't hate him. I feel sorry for him. He could have been so magnificent, he could have soared. Instead he flopped. And let me tell you something else, the fact is I won this title ON MERIT, thanks to something I put a lot of effort into. All he did is cry."
She shakes her head, the disbelief is clear.
Melissa Reeves
"And Constantine? He can go in the ring, sure, but he's not got the drive to deserve this opportunity. Come on, he didn't even defeat Kane! Which means there's only one clear choice of winner tonight, and it's the woman who worked for months to make sure she won this title, me. Now that it's mine? You better know it'll take a hell of a lot to pry this from my grip, more than either of these guys can give."
Looking down at the title, she smirks as her eyes find the camera again.
Bowie Kennedy
"Assuming you do win tonight, who would you like to defend the MWE Title against next?"
Mel scoffs.
Melissa Reeves
"When I win tonight... hmm, my honest pick would be Tiff Rollins. She just beat me in FFW, a hell of a match if you didn't watch it yet by the way. Anyone who can grab that W against me in a fair way, well, they have to be in the conversation in my view. There are others, some ready now and others on their way, but I welcome anyone who gets a chance on merit of their own actions."
She holds the title up one more time, before nodding to Bowie and walking away. Bowie turns to the camera and gives a little shrug before the segment ends.
MWE Championship Match
Triple Threat
Melissa Reeves (c) VS Chris Constantine Junior VS Christopher KaneTriple Threat
Three weeks ago at Midsummer Night’s Dream, Melissa Reeves accomplished HER dream, successfully cashing in the Briefcase to become the new MWE champion at the end of a long and full of obstacles path that saw her clashing against the owner of the company in more than one occasion. And cashing in on her ex-boyfriend right after he won the title for the second time must have been the icing on the cake for the Australian. Tonight marked her first defense, and the deck was already stacked. A triple threat match, just like any match involving more than one opponent, are somewhat of a nightmare for the champions, who could lose the title without being involved in the final decision. Despite all this, she walked to the ring oozing confidence, the company’s most coveted prize resting on her shoulder. Her opponents, the two men who battled for the same prize in Brooklyn, seemed more than ready to go to war and take the title from the freshly crowned champion. Or at least, Chris Constantine. Kane, instead, looked like he didn’t want to be here, a sentiment he expressed publicly in the days prior to the event. When the bell finally rang, CCJ took a step back, letting the two former lovers start the hostility. They locked up, Chris with the strength advantage pushed the MWE champion against the ropes, granting her a clean break as soon as the referee asked him to let her go. Constantine tried to steal a quick win with a schoolboy, getting kicked on the face by Mel for it. Holding his nose, Chris rolled out of the ring. This seemed to be the way Chris had prepared the match, letting his opponents wearing each other down while he takes long breaks outside or on the mat and strike out of the blue. This almost worked out for him when he planted Kane with a reverse ddt after the former MWE Champion knocked Reeves down with a wicked superkick after dodging Mel’s lariat, but Christopher raised his shoulder in time. As soon as he did, Constantine rolled out of the ring once again, but Mel had had enough of his crap, and put a stop to it with a suicide dive that took CCJ out. Olivia thought for a moment about doing something, but a glance from Mel quickly changed her mind. Reeves picked Constantine up and rolled him back in the ring, looking to capitalize on the damage she did with that dive on the outside. Instead, she ate a baseball slide from Kane, who then started taking care of Constantine. The sort of apathy Chris was showing in the first moments of the match was now gone, once the adrenaline had kicked in. The instinct of a fighter was driving him towards his goal of reconquering the MWE Championship for a third time, Stiff kicks and hard punches were really doing a number on CCJ, who couldn’t find an answer to the opponent’s offense. Kane now had him over his shoulders, and Chris was about to get Hit By A Cyclone (Fireman’s carry into a pele kick) but somehow he managed to slide away, landing behind the former Champion’s back and pushing him chest first against the turnbuckle. Before he could even think about his next move, Reeves was already on him, dropping him face first on her knee for the Facial Deconstructor. And just like that, this match would’ve been over if it wasn’t for Kane recovering in time to break the count. No love lost between Melissa and CK, and it showed in this exchange between the two lovers, especially from the champ. After a forearm smash, she whipped Kane in the corner and followed with a running jumping knee. She then climbed on the middle rope trying to connect a superplex. Christopher was fighting back, trying to break free with some punches to the ribs of his former girlfriend who was still trying to lift him. CCJ solved this situation moving between Mel’s legs and powerbombing her on the mat, dragging Kane down as well. Despite their hatred for Constantine, the fans couldn’t help but applaud the move. The cheers quickly turned in boos as he pinned the champion, who kicked out in two. Chris tried the same thing with Kane now, with the exact same outcome. Constantine slammed his fists on the mat, arguing with the referee and blaming him and his slowness for the lack of success of his move. The trio had been fighting for over fifteen minutes now, in a very intense and hard hitting contest nonetheless. Needless to say, the fatigue was starting to show, leading them to make some mistakes. Reeves, for example, missed with her Death From Above (shooting star press) and Constantine almost capitalized on this with a quick cover. It was now down to the two Chris, with the champion temporarily out of the equation, and just like before, Kane’s striking ability was what allowed him to take control, as he knocked Constantine down on his knees with a bicycle knee. The son of the legendary manager of the Dogs Of War brought one hand to his nose, motioning the opponent to stop with the other one. As the referee went to check on him, CCJ poked the former Champion in the eye and quickly jumped back on his feet, placing Chris’ head between his thighs and lifted him upside down for the American Strong Piledriver. CK was able to prevent the execution of the move countering it with a back body drop, and immediately turned around, connecting with his Omega Finale (Sliding D). There was a pop from the fans as the young man laid on top of Constantine to make the cover and claim his spot at the top of the company, but Reeves had other plans for him and her title. She grabbed him by the leg and pulled him away, locking him in the Heel Hook she calls Iron Lock. The ropes weren’t too far, and Chris struggled to reach them, trying to resist the incommensurable pain the submission was causing him. He was now literally inches away, but the pain became too much to withstand, and he tapped out. WINNER: Melissa Reeves (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Submission (Iron Lock), 18:30 |
Jessi Idol:
She did it! Mel retained the MWE Championship!
Peyton Holland:
Yeah, that was a great match, but in the end the champion was able to retain.
Jessi Idol:
... Are you ok Peyton? You seem a bit... off.
Peyton Holland:
Yeah. I'm fine... Sorry I was just lost in thought for a moment.
Jessi Idol:
Well, I can't really blame you, tonight has been a roller coaster of emotions!
Peyton Holland:
Shame it had to come to an end, huh?
Peyton tried to hide it, but the most attentive of the fans caught her sighing, almost in relief.
Peyton Holland:
But fear not, MWE is now officially back with the Homecoming Tour!
Jessi Idol:
That's right! The appointment with me and Peyton is for next Wednesday in Las Vegas!
Peyton Holland:
And before that, you can catch more MWE action this Saturday. It's going to be a Riot In Alabama, as the Orange Brand airs his first show on MENTV live from the Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa!
Jessi Idol:
Well, now it's really time to say goodbye. Thanks for joining us and goodnight!
Peyton Holland:
See ya!
She did it! Mel retained the MWE Championship!
Peyton Holland:
Yeah, that was a great match, but in the end the champion was able to retain.
Jessi Idol:
... Are you ok Peyton? You seem a bit... off.
Peyton Holland:
Yeah. I'm fine... Sorry I was just lost in thought for a moment.
Jessi Idol:
Well, I can't really blame you, tonight has been a roller coaster of emotions!
Peyton Holland:
Shame it had to come to an end, huh?
Peyton tried to hide it, but the most attentive of the fans caught her sighing, almost in relief.
Peyton Holland:
But fear not, MWE is now officially back with the Homecoming Tour!
Jessi Idol:
That's right! The appointment with me and Peyton is for next Wednesday in Las Vegas!
Peyton Holland:
And before that, you can catch more MWE action this Saturday. It's going to be a Riot In Alabama, as the Orange Brand airs his first show on MENTV live from the Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa!
Jessi Idol:
Well, now it's really time to say goodbye. Thanks for joining us and goodnight!
Peyton Holland:
See ya!