Post by gvb on Oct 16, 2019 20:03:20 GMT -6
Homecoming Tour
Millennium XLIII
Live from Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
Wednesday, October 16th, 2019
The cameras take us inside the Target Center in Minneapolis, filled to capacity with nineteen thousand cheering fans whose chants are so loud to almost cover the Millennium's theme song "When Legends Rise" by Godsmack blaring out of the loudspeakers. After the traditional pyrotechnic display going off on the stage, the camera takes us to the smiling faces of Peyton Holland and Jessi Idol, ready to call another action packed night.
Peyton Holland:
Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Millennium XLIII
Jessi Idol:
We are coming to you live from the Target Center in Minneapolis, and these fans are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
Peyton Holland:
They surely are excited and who can blame them? Did you see the matches we have in store tonight?
Jessi Idol:
The debut of Gavin Grimes, against non other than the Cloud Gate Champion herself, Tiff Rollins!
Peyton Holland:
The MWE Champion Melissa Reeves will also be in action in our main event, a triple threat match against Victoria Salinas and Bethany Driver.
Jessi Idol:
Wanna talk about champions, Pey? Duke Andrews may not be a fan favorite, not like he cares to anyway... But he holds gold here in Millennium, and that's something you gotta respect. And tonight? His title is on the line against a former champion in Kate Steele.
Peyton Holland:
You mentioned Gavin making his debut before. He's not the only new face that will step foot for the first time in a MWE ring tonight. The last Liberty CHampion Helena Noir will also introduce herself to the Millennium fans, in a match against Redd Thunder.
Jessi Idol:
Redd got rid of his mask in Portland last night, and word is a new attitude came with the loss of the legendary mask. If that's the case, things don't bode well for Helena.
Peyton Holland:
And this is not be the only change the new signee has to face tonight. I just got word by our General Manager Chloe Collins that her match against Redd is now going to be a Last One Standing.
Jessi Idol:
WHAT? WHY?
Peyton Holland:
I don't know, but if i were to guess? I'd say that Chris Constantine has something to do with this.
Jessi Idol:
Ugh...
Peyton Holland:
Anyway, it's time for the first match of the night. One half of Jetpack against One half of Nightfall Rising. Penelope Kaplan versus Donnie Keane is up next!
Singles Match
Donovan Keane VS Penelope KaplanThe opening contest of the evening was a match made on the last episode of Riot when, following Nightfall Rising’s cheap victory over her team, Penelope Kaplan confronted DK during the interview, calling him out for the dirty tactics used in the match. With both of them being tag team specialists, one of the major points of interest in this match was to see how they would do as singles competitors. Donovan Keane came strong out of the gate, two forearm strikes followed by a kick to the left side and a reverse side kick to double her over. He then jumped on her back and put her down on the mat with a Legtrap Sunset Flip Powerbomb, but Penny kicked out in two. Pulling her up by the air, he dragged her to the nearby corner and slammed her face first against the turnbuckle, spinning her around so that her back was now against the corner. Two knife edge chops, and then Donnie charged at the opponent, who sent him up and over the top rope. Keane landed on the apron, showing great alertness when he ducked her right hook and immediately driven his shoulder in her mid section. Grabbing the top rope with both hands, he then slingshotted himself over the back of the bent over opponent and landing behind her shoulders, charging at the ropes on the opposite side. PenPen abruptly stopped his momentum with a wicked clothesline that turned the member of Nightfall Rising inside out. Penelope fired the opponent in the corner, charging at him and tossed flipped him back to the center of the ring with a monkey flip. As Donnie was getting up, Penelope took a short run at him and, grabbing him by the back of his head, slammed him face first on the mat with a bulldog. The fans cheered her on as she picked the opponent up and connected with a snap suplex, floating into a lateral press and hooking the leg for a two count. Jetpack chants risen from the fans as Penny picked up another near fall after a perfectly executed Northern Lights Suplex, staying on the attack when Donnie kicked out with a series of quick kicks. DK was standing groggily after the opponent's strikes, but still managed to duck under the spinning heel kick and sprint to the ropes, taking the opponent down with a sling blade. Grabbing her by the wrist, he picked her up and twisted her arm behind her back in a Hammerlock, spinning her back into a lariat. A tiger suplex gave Donovan another near fall, but the Vegas born wasn’t able to further capitalize on that. Instead, it was Penny who regained control, lighting up his chest with a series of open hand chops and following with a front kick that doubled DK over in pain. Kaplan quickly planted him on the top of his head with a ddt but this only earned her a two count. Wasting no time, the IYHWF tag team champion went for a springboard flying knee, knocking the opponent down once again, to the same results as before. Feeling the momentum firmly on her side, Penny climbed on the top rope, jumping off for a Diving Crossbody as soon as Donnie rose back to his feet. The student of Chris Night was quick to turn around and catch her mid-flight with a superkick, turning the lights off for Penelope. Now, he was the one climbing on the top rope, taking some time to taunt the fans before jumping off for the DK Bomb (Swanton Bomb). Maybe a little too much, allowing Penny to raise her knees and quickly rolling him into a pinning predicament. The referee made the count, and Donnie kicked out. One moment after the three. WINNER: Penelope Kaplan BY: Pinfall (Roll-up), 8:36 |
Jessi Idol: "YESSSS! Penny won!"
Peyton Holland: "Last week she told Donovan that he could never beat her without cheating. I'd say that tonight she proved it."
Jessi Idol: "Justice has been made Pey! And hopefully this'll teach Donovan not to count his chicken before they hatched!"
Peyton Holland: "You wish..
Peyton Holland: "Last week she told Donovan that he could never beat her without cheating. I'd say that tonight she proved it."
Jessi Idol: "Justice has been made Pey! And hopefully this'll teach Donovan not to count his chicken before they hatched!"
Peyton Holland: "You wish..
The scene cuts backstage to Rhett Adelson walking down the halls. He’s down in his ring attire, as his match with Cheesecake is about to come up. Adelson hops up and down a bit, pumping himself up. He notices the camera and smiles at it before he begins to speak.
Rhett Adelson:
I guess I should drop a few words, huh? Well, I’m back on track obviously. I won last week, but I have to keep on with it. I have to keep building on that win and show Millennium that I'm that same guy that VPW and NPP were pushing as a star. Yeah, I’ve taken a break mostly over the last year, besides training the young ones over at Nightfall Gym, but I’ve stayed ready.
He nods confidently.
Rhett Adelson:
I know when Cheesecake is. I know that a ton of drama follows her around, I know that she can be an erratic person too. But those things? They don’t follow me around. I’m as professional as it gets and tonight? I’m going to show you all what I’m about. Cheesecake is going to see what Rhett Adelson is made of when I pin her for that three count.
He pauses and shakes his head.
Rhett Adelson:
I won’t let anything stop me from achieving my goals tonight. I have my eyes on that Millennium Championship, just like all of you do, and I’m going to earn a shot at it. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, I’m going to keep on gunning and grinding for it. No matter how many times I get knocked down, I’m going to keep on getting back up, just like a real soldier, and I will never give up.
He steps closer to the camera and points at it.
Rhett Adelson:
In just a few moments? You’re going to see exactly what I mean, Cheesecake.
He walks off, heading towards the entrance way for his match.
Rhett Adelson:
I guess I should drop a few words, huh? Well, I’m back on track obviously. I won last week, but I have to keep on with it. I have to keep building on that win and show Millennium that I'm that same guy that VPW and NPP were pushing as a star. Yeah, I’ve taken a break mostly over the last year, besides training the young ones over at Nightfall Gym, but I’ve stayed ready.
He nods confidently.
Rhett Adelson:
I know when Cheesecake is. I know that a ton of drama follows her around, I know that she can be an erratic person too. But those things? They don’t follow me around. I’m as professional as it gets and tonight? I’m going to show you all what I’m about. Cheesecake is going to see what Rhett Adelson is made of when I pin her for that three count.
He pauses and shakes his head.
Rhett Adelson:
I won’t let anything stop me from achieving my goals tonight. I have my eyes on that Millennium Championship, just like all of you do, and I’m going to earn a shot at it. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, I’m going to keep on gunning and grinding for it. No matter how many times I get knocked down, I’m going to keep on getting back up, just like a real soldier, and I will never give up.
He steps closer to the camera and points at it.
Rhett Adelson:
In just a few moments? You’re going to see exactly what I mean, Cheesecake.
He walks off, heading towards the entrance way for his match.
Singles Match
Cheesecake VS Rhett AdelsonRhett was waiting in the ring for his opponent, the controversial (and self proclaimed unbeatable) Cheesecake. Paramore's "Anklebiters" blasted through the loudspeakers, and the young Arizonian walked out of the curtain, accompanied by her BFF Big Barv. The reaction she got here in Minnesota was the same she received everywhere else, a sounding round of boos. To which she reacted with her usal class, flipping the bird to the fans. All of a sudden, the boos turned to cheers as Millennium's resident cowboy Jacob Cross came rushing down the ramp clubbing her from behind with a jumping forearm strike to the back of the head. Big Barv quickly turned 180°, seeing Cheesecake on the floor with Jacob stomping her. Coming to the rescue of his younger friend, Big Barv put his hand on Cross' shoulder and spun him around into a huge lariat. Cheesecake yelled at him to keep hitting Jake, while she slowly made it up to her feet. Then she eventually joined him in a two on one assault. And right when things were looking bad for El Vaquero, Rhett came to the rescue, literally jumping on Big Barv's back and applying a Sleeper Hold. The big man quickly free himself by bending forward and slamming Adelson back first on the ramp, but this distaction, if anything, allowed Jacob to turn the tables against Cheesecake. Big Barv once again tried to interfere, but Rhett was back up and ready to hit him with a superkick. Eventually, security came and separated the four individuals, dragging them backstage WINNER: // BY: //, 0:00 |
Peyton Holland: "Well, looks like we won't see this match tonight, Jessi."
Jessi Idol: "All hell broke loose when Jacob Cross attacked Cheesecake as she was making her way to the ring."
Peyton Holland: "For two weeks, she ducked him. I guess tonight she wasn't that lucky."
Jessi Idol: "All hell broke loose when Jacob Cross attacked Cheesecake as she was making her way to the ring."
Peyton Holland: "For two weeks, she ducked him. I guess tonight she wasn't that lucky."
Millennium returns from a commercial break backstage at the Target Center as Bobbi Jackson sits in her locker room on the leather sofa next to her girlfriend Alexa Cannon tying the laces up on her boots while she talks.
Bobbi Jackson:
This is a big match tonight hun. Hayashi is no joke. I didn't think I would get to face her here this soon. I need to be absolutely prepared for anything and everything tonight in that ring...
Alexa leans in to plant a gentle kiss on Bobbi's cheek.
Alexa Cannon:
I'm sure she's quite the opponent to have you so on edge, but when AREN'T you ready, doll?
Before Bobbi could answer there was a knock at the door. The Phoenix raises an eyebrow not expecting anyone as she kinda just shrugs at her girlfriend before yelling in the direction of the door.
Bobbi Jackson:
Come in, it's open!
After a moment or two, the locker-room door opens and Bobbi's Angels, Carmen DeVega and Giselle Anderson enter the room, closing the door behind them.
Giselle Anderson:
Hey, hun. Just thought we'd pop by and see how you're doing.
Carmen DeVega:
Show our Bobbi a little support, you know?
Bobbi's eyes go wide with surprise as she jumps out of her seat rushing at her best friends from childhood wrapping her arms around the two of them incredibly tightly in a hug.
Bobbi Jackson:
It's SO good to see you! What are you doing in Minnesota!? Did you seriously come all this way just to see me!?
The blonde asks almost in a state of shock, she can't believe they are actually here. The Angels smirk at their friend's surprise before replying.
Carmen DeVega:
Hey, you're well worth the trip!
Giselle Anderson:
We're checking out the sights while we're here, but when we saw a chance to get our hands on some tickets for the show, well I barely even needed to ask Carmen if we should.
The blonde Angel giggles a bit while Carmen nods.
Carmen DeVega:
After all, we've been your number one fans since day one.
Bobbi Jackson:
Awww...
Bobbi says trying not to get all emotional as she spins around to Alexa who is already standing now.
Bobbi Jackson:
Alexa can you believe they came all this way to see me? To see us!?
The Phoenix says clearly wanting her girlfriend to feel like she's part of this little surprise reunion. Alexa smiles as she takes Bobbi's hands in hers.
Alexa Cannon:
Considering how far I'd go for you? I absolutely believe it.
Giselle Anderson:
Awwwwww...
The Angels smile warmly at how sweetly Alexa put that. Bobbi squeezes Alexa's hand tightly and sniffs a bit staring at her with a warm smile before looking back at her Angels.
Bobbi Jackson:
So are you two excited about my match with Akemi Hayashi tonight?
Carmen DeVega:
Totally, it sounds like you two are gonna bring the house down.
Giselle nods in agreement.
Giselle Anderson:
You always shine brightest when you get to push yourself.
Bobbi Jackson:
Oh she's gonna push me alright!!
The blonde states with a loud laugh.
Bobbi Jackson:
Akemi has been wrestling even longer than I have and she's younger than me, which is crazy to think about. Plus she's also a former world champion like myself. I'm REALLY excited about it but I know it's going to be a true test for me tonight. Because if I want to eventually get my shot at Reeves these are the matches that I absolutely HAVE to win.
Alexa pats Bobbi's back.
Alexa Cannon:
We know you can do it, doll.
Carmen DeVega:
Oh absolutely, we came here to see you win.
Giselle Anderson:
And we know that we will.
Bobbi Jackson:
Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate it...
Bobbi slides her fingers out of Alexa's grip so she could open her arms wide for her girlfriend and her best friends.
Bobbi Jackson:
Come on, one big group hug before you go out and find your seats in the arena for my match?
The Angels happily step in to wrap their arms around Bobbi, Alexa joining in on the tight, warm embrace.
Bobbi Jackson:
Thank you for being here, it means the world to me!
The Bobbilicious One says hugging all three of them tightly.
Bobbi Jackson:
After I win tonight, we'll all go out and grab a bite to eat. My treat okay
Carmen DeVega:
Well in THAT case how could we possibly say no?
Carmen playfully winks while Giselle rolls her eyes a bit.
Giselle Anderson:
We would be delighted to!
Bobbi Jackson:
Sounds great, you two head on out there and I'll finish getting ready. My match is coming up soon.
Bobbi says already feeling more confident and at ease about the upcoming match now with Carmen and Giselle's presence there to make her feel calmer going into the match and just remembering to believe in herself and her own ability and the rest will take care of itself. The Angels nod and wave goodbye as they head out of the locker room shutting the door again behind them while Alexa pulls Bobbi against her tighter.
Alexa Cannon:
You are going to kick ass tonight and blow everyone's minds.
Bobbi Jackson:
Thank you, my Queen...
Bobbi rests her head on Alexa's shoulder as she pets the blonde hair of the Phoenix gently as Millennium heads back to ringside for the next match.
Bobbi Jackson:
This is a big match tonight hun. Hayashi is no joke. I didn't think I would get to face her here this soon. I need to be absolutely prepared for anything and everything tonight in that ring...
Alexa leans in to plant a gentle kiss on Bobbi's cheek.
Alexa Cannon:
I'm sure she's quite the opponent to have you so on edge, but when AREN'T you ready, doll?
Before Bobbi could answer there was a knock at the door. The Phoenix raises an eyebrow not expecting anyone as she kinda just shrugs at her girlfriend before yelling in the direction of the door.
Bobbi Jackson:
Come in, it's open!
After a moment or two, the locker-room door opens and Bobbi's Angels, Carmen DeVega and Giselle Anderson enter the room, closing the door behind them.
Giselle Anderson:
Hey, hun. Just thought we'd pop by and see how you're doing.
Carmen DeVega:
Show our Bobbi a little support, you know?
Bobbi's eyes go wide with surprise as she jumps out of her seat rushing at her best friends from childhood wrapping her arms around the two of them incredibly tightly in a hug.
Bobbi Jackson:
It's SO good to see you! What are you doing in Minnesota!? Did you seriously come all this way just to see me!?
The blonde asks almost in a state of shock, she can't believe they are actually here. The Angels smirk at their friend's surprise before replying.
Carmen DeVega:
Hey, you're well worth the trip!
Giselle Anderson:
We're checking out the sights while we're here, but when we saw a chance to get our hands on some tickets for the show, well I barely even needed to ask Carmen if we should.
The blonde Angel giggles a bit while Carmen nods.
Carmen DeVega:
After all, we've been your number one fans since day one.
Bobbi Jackson:
Awww...
Bobbi says trying not to get all emotional as she spins around to Alexa who is already standing now.
Bobbi Jackson:
Alexa can you believe they came all this way to see me? To see us!?
The Phoenix says clearly wanting her girlfriend to feel like she's part of this little surprise reunion. Alexa smiles as she takes Bobbi's hands in hers.
Alexa Cannon:
Considering how far I'd go for you? I absolutely believe it.
Giselle Anderson:
Awwwwww...
The Angels smile warmly at how sweetly Alexa put that. Bobbi squeezes Alexa's hand tightly and sniffs a bit staring at her with a warm smile before looking back at her Angels.
Bobbi Jackson:
So are you two excited about my match with Akemi Hayashi tonight?
Carmen DeVega:
Totally, it sounds like you two are gonna bring the house down.
Giselle nods in agreement.
Giselle Anderson:
You always shine brightest when you get to push yourself.
Bobbi Jackson:
Oh she's gonna push me alright!!
The blonde states with a loud laugh.
Bobbi Jackson:
Akemi has been wrestling even longer than I have and she's younger than me, which is crazy to think about. Plus she's also a former world champion like myself. I'm REALLY excited about it but I know it's going to be a true test for me tonight. Because if I want to eventually get my shot at Reeves these are the matches that I absolutely HAVE to win.
Alexa pats Bobbi's back.
Alexa Cannon:
We know you can do it, doll.
Carmen DeVega:
Oh absolutely, we came here to see you win.
Giselle Anderson:
And we know that we will.
Bobbi Jackson:
Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate it...
Bobbi slides her fingers out of Alexa's grip so she could open her arms wide for her girlfriend and her best friends.
Bobbi Jackson:
Come on, one big group hug before you go out and find your seats in the arena for my match?
The Angels happily step in to wrap their arms around Bobbi, Alexa joining in on the tight, warm embrace.
Bobbi Jackson:
Thank you for being here, it means the world to me!
The Bobbilicious One says hugging all three of them tightly.
Bobbi Jackson:
After I win tonight, we'll all go out and grab a bite to eat. My treat okay
Carmen DeVega:
Well in THAT case how could we possibly say no?
Carmen playfully winks while Giselle rolls her eyes a bit.
Giselle Anderson:
We would be delighted to!
Bobbi Jackson:
Sounds great, you two head on out there and I'll finish getting ready. My match is coming up soon.
Bobbi says already feeling more confident and at ease about the upcoming match now with Carmen and Giselle's presence there to make her feel calmer going into the match and just remembering to believe in herself and her own ability and the rest will take care of itself. The Angels nod and wave goodbye as they head out of the locker room shutting the door again behind them while Alexa pulls Bobbi against her tighter.
Alexa Cannon:
You are going to kick ass tonight and blow everyone's minds.
Bobbi Jackson:
Thank you, my Queen...
Bobbi rests her head on Alexa's shoulder as she pets the blonde hair of the Phoenix gently as Millennium heads back to ringside for the next match.
Singles Match
Bobbi Jackson VS Akemi HayashiComing off strong her win against Null two weeks ago in Sacramento, Bobbi walked into this match determined to make it double and get some momentum on her side. Focused and determined, she approached this match with the awareness that Akemi, despite the alternating fortunes in Millennium, is not someone you should take lightly, as she proved in that triple threat match against former champions as TNT and Nikki Knight on the first stop of the Homecoming Tour. The match started with the most classic of the lock ups, with Bobbi using her power advantage to force Akemi back in the corner. The referee asked for a clean break and the Rising Phoenix granted it, taking a few steps back. Hayashi rushed at her and got surprised with a drop-toe-hold takedown that sent her slamming her face on the canvas. To make things worse. as she was holding her nose and slowly getting up, Bobbi came at her with a low dropkick to the face. Wasting no time, she went to pull her back to her feet, getting caught up in Akemi’s reaction with a knee to the stomach, followed by a quick and devastating striking combination that ended with a roaring elbow. The force behind this last shot sent Bobbi against the ropes and stumbling back right into a superkick from the Japanese. The striking ability of the Danger Princess was second to none, and that was something Bobbi was learning the hard way, hammered by those hard kicks and punches. A spinning heel kick at the end of a lightning quick combination floored the Rising Phoenix, who still kicked out in two from the following pinning predicament. Akemi stomped and kicked her head, connecting three knife edge chops as the Bobbilicious stood back up to her feet. Akemi now went for a feigned clothesline, ducked by the blonde bombhell who culdn’t avoid the following back elbow. As she dropped on the knees, Akemi took a short run at the ropes and curb stomped the Rising Phoenix, making a cover right after. Peyton and Jessi at commentary were in shock when Jackson kicked out, pointing out how incredibly close to three the referee’s count was. Akemi herself seemed surprised, staring at the referee while Bobbi reached the ropes to pull herself up. The Danger Princess ran past the official and charged at the opponent, who easily sent her over the top rope. Akemi landed on the apron and tried to drive her shoulder on Bobbi’s mid section. Jackson stepped aside and hit her with a knee to the face, applying a front facelock and pulling Akemi’s torso back in the ring while her feet remained leaning on the middle rope before planting her with a rope assisted ddt. Gaining back control, Bobbi started working on the opponent’s back, lifting her for a backbreaker. Hayashi kicked out and went for the opponent with a right hook, ducked by Bobbi who then hit the Dagger with a heavy forearm strike to the lower back. The impact sent Akemi on her knees with her back arched in pain. This didn’t stop The Rising Phoenix from swinging her leg and kicking her on the back. Once, Twice and then again and again. The fans suddenly came to life, accompanying every shot with loud cheers, pushing Jackson to hit harder and faster. And she did, ending her sequence with a running dropkick to the same spot before making the cover for the one, two… NO! Akemi kicked out in the nick of time. Unfazed, Bobbi grabbed the opponent’s legs and twisted the like a pretzel, rolling her over and locking her in the Trial By Fire. Struggling, Akemi tried to push through the pain, almost reaching the salvation represented by the ropes… Only to be dragged back to the centre of the ring. Now Bobbi deepened the hold, sitting on the opponent’s lower back to apply an even bigger pressure. Too much for Akemi to handle, the Danger Princess tapped out, WINNER: Bobbi Jackson BY: Submission (Trial By Fire), 7:43 |
Jessi Idol: "Another win for Bobbi!"
Peyton Holland: "And once again via submission. Do you think she's sending a message?"
Jessi Idol: "What do you... Oh... Well, I don't know Pey, but surely she's impressing week in and week out."
Peyton Holland: "And once again via submission. Do you think she's sending a message?"
Jessi Idol: "What do you... Oh... Well, I don't know Pey, but surely she's impressing week in and week out."
There he stood, in his gear, was Christopher Kane. He chomps on a piece of gum while trying not to laugh, or explode in anger. The second generation talent appeared to be ready for his upcoming match against Kenzie Garrett.
Christopher Kane:
Failure is not an option. That’s what Kenzie Garrett said while tagging me and posting a minute long workout video. I don’t know your definition of failure, Kenz, but losing to me tonight, a guy who has been MWE Champion twice, only person in history to do it? That’s not much of a failure when I beat you tonight.
He pauses for a moment, his expression remaining the same.
Christopher Kane:
Losing to a guy who has been at the top isn’t failure. It’s progress. You’re new at this and telling me that failure isn’t an option struck a chord with me. It pissed me off a little bit. Just thinking about it is getting me a little upset and when I get upset and get in the ring? Not really all that great of news for you.
The gum is spit out onto the floor.
Christopher Kane:
How dare you think losing to a guy like me is failure. How dare you assume that this is almost a must win for you. You haven’t proven anything in this company and you got beef with someone and I really don’t care. I’m not your example to make, Kenzie. I’m not the guy you’re going to use to send a message. You want to believe that this match tonight is your way to show that failure isn’t an option. But see, that’s the thing, this is you wanting to do it.
Shake of the head.
Christopher Kane:
Do you really need to win this week or do you want to prove something to yourself. I’ve been in your shoes. Excitable, upset that someone’s started some shit with you, and you know what ends up happening? Everyone you love somehow ends up hurt. The last time I did something like that, Kenz? My ex-wife ended up in the hospital and it took me over a year to end the problem. Is that the road you want, because if you look at me like I’m the guy you want to use to prove yourself? I’m gonna put you in the fucking dirt.
Another pause for dramatic effect as the mood hasn’t changed.
Christopher Kane:
You want to compare this to failure? Consider this match your test tonight and you’re walking out with an F. I’m in a bad mood. Haven’t slept in days and I keep putting my foot in my mouth. You want to think failure isn’t an option? It is and tonight, you’re going to exercise that option when I elbow your face off.
And with that the former champion walks away.
Christopher Kane:
Failure is not an option. That’s what Kenzie Garrett said while tagging me and posting a minute long workout video. I don’t know your definition of failure, Kenz, but losing to me tonight, a guy who has been MWE Champion twice, only person in history to do it? That’s not much of a failure when I beat you tonight.
He pauses for a moment, his expression remaining the same.
Christopher Kane:
Losing to a guy who has been at the top isn’t failure. It’s progress. You’re new at this and telling me that failure isn’t an option struck a chord with me. It pissed me off a little bit. Just thinking about it is getting me a little upset and when I get upset and get in the ring? Not really all that great of news for you.
The gum is spit out onto the floor.
Christopher Kane:
How dare you think losing to a guy like me is failure. How dare you assume that this is almost a must win for you. You haven’t proven anything in this company and you got beef with someone and I really don’t care. I’m not your example to make, Kenzie. I’m not the guy you’re going to use to send a message. You want to believe that this match tonight is your way to show that failure isn’t an option. But see, that’s the thing, this is you wanting to do it.
Shake of the head.
Christopher Kane:
Do you really need to win this week or do you want to prove something to yourself. I’ve been in your shoes. Excitable, upset that someone’s started some shit with you, and you know what ends up happening? Everyone you love somehow ends up hurt. The last time I did something like that, Kenz? My ex-wife ended up in the hospital and it took me over a year to end the problem. Is that the road you want, because if you look at me like I’m the guy you want to use to prove yourself? I’m gonna put you in the fucking dirt.
Another pause for dramatic effect as the mood hasn’t changed.
Christopher Kane:
You want to compare this to failure? Consider this match your test tonight and you’re walking out with an F. I’m in a bad mood. Haven’t slept in days and I keep putting my foot in my mouth. You want to think failure isn’t an option? It is and tonight, you’re going to exercise that option when I elbow your face off.
And with that the former champion walks away.
Singles Match
E.M.P. VS HammersteinIn her second match, Erin Paige was set to face a huge challenge in the Chicago Way Champion Hammerstein. On paper, this was a one way match. The size advantage, the experience, the “killer instinct”... All thing that tipped the balance against E.M.P. who, nonetheless, tried to surprise the opponent with an aggressive start, landing a few forearm strikes that barely seemed to affect Hammerstein, who just shoved her away. Rolling back to her feet, Erin went back on the attack relying on her kicks this time. Three landed on the opponents’ flanks right above the hip, and this time it looked like Hammerstein felt them, clutching the injured area. Paige took the chance to jump with a dropkick, sending Hammy a few steps back and against the ropes, from where the Chicago Way Champion rebounded back with a big clothesline. He then grabbed Erin and pulled her by the hair and back to her feet, showing her in the corner and charging at full speed for a running splash. Then he started demolishing the young rookie with a series of hard punches to the ribs, until the referee pulled them apart. Only momentarily, since Hammerstein went right back on the attack, this time aiming for the head. Just like he did before, the referee shouted at him to let her go and started to count up to five, threatening a disqualification. He had reached the three when Hammerstein grabbed Erin’s arm and fired her in the opposite corner, going for another splash. This time though, Erin raised her boot, climbing then on the middle rope and jumping at him with a crossbody, only getting a one count. Hammerstein dominance was never questioned, despite some sporadic offense Erin was able to land in between the Hammerplexes. Too little to worry the Chicago Way Champion, who kept dismantling the opponent with his heavy attacks. Fortunately for Erin, he seemed to get bored fastly, sending her against the ropes after another brawl in the middle of the ring and intercepted her with The Pounce. Erin felt like a truck hit her and sent her flying all across the ring. Hammerstein picked her up, looking to make a big statement tonight. He took his sweet time, laughing at the booing fans as he lifted Erin in a vertical suplex position, holding her upside down while parading across the ring before dropping her on her head with the Hammersteiner (Steiner Screwdriver) for the one, two, three. WINNER: Hammerstein BY: Pinfall (Hammersteiner), 5:06 |
Jessi Idol: "That was quick."
Peyton Holland: "Too much difference between these two competitors. Erin did show some potential in her first match last week, but Hammerstein is a whole different league."
Peyton Holland: "Too much difference between these two competitors. Erin did show some potential in her first match last week, but Hammerstein is a whole different league."
Hammerstein pops up and celebrates almost as if he'd just won a championship. He draws the ire of the fans by doing a victory lap around the inner perimeter of the ring.
The referee goes to raise his hand, but is shoved away by The American Monster, who then tells Kennedy to get the microphone. Kennedy takes the microphone from the timekeeper and hands it to his client. He drops to his knees next to Paige's head.
Hammerstein:
Hey rook, did you actually think this was gonna turn out any other way than this?
The crowd boos The American Monster, who looks around, smiling at the jeering crowd.
Hammerstein:
Oh you people don't like this, huh? You all thought it was real funny when this piece of shit rookie and her buddy Kenzie mocked me and the fact that I fight to make my living and provide for my family. You all thought it was just cool as shit when Kenzie called my status as The Chicago Way Champion into question….when she said I wasn't hardcore.
The crowd breaks into a chant of "YOU'RE NOT HARDCORE! *clap clap clapclapclap*" Hammerstein's face is red and trembling with anger. Kennedy calls for his client to calm down, but his pleas go unheard. Hammerstein stands, cursing the fans as he walks the perimeter of the ring. The American Monster stops abruptly, turns and walks over to Kennedy. Hammerstein gets the Chicago Way Title from his manager and walks back over to Paige. Dropping to his knees again, he pats Erin on the head. Suddenly, he grabs her by the hair and shoves the belt in her face.
Hammerstein:
You and Kenzie think that because I carry this belt like a PROFESSIONAL WRESTLER and demand that it be defended in a PROFESSIONAL way, that I'm not hardcore.
You and Kenzie think that because I won't defend this title just because someone hops in the ring and talks shit about me, that I'm not hardcore.
Well, rook, you're both wrong, and all you people are wrong.
Not only am I hardcore, I'm the goddamn evolution of hardcore.
The crowd boos the champion as Kennedy cheers Hammerstein's proclamation. The Chicago Way Champion violently shakes Erin's head back and forth.
Hammerstein:
But I don't think you or Kenzie believe me.
Allow me to convince you.
Hammerstein pulls Paige to her feet, whips her into the ropes, and comes across, blasting her with a vicious POUNCE that sends her hard into the turnbuckles. Erin crumples in the corner, as Hammerstein leaves the ring. He starts looking under the ring, pulling out weapons, and tossing them in the ring. Kennedy starts asking him to just leave before he does something he'll get fined or suspended for, but Hammerstein moves him out of the way.
Hammerstein rolls under the bottom rope, grabbing the microphone. He walks over to the pile of weapons and forgoes a barbed wire chair for a Singapore Cane. The referee tries to stop him, but gets shoved to the mat. He pulls Paige to her feet by the hair and lays her face and chest first across the ropes. Twirling the cane in his right hand, he holds the microphone up with his left.
Hammerstein:
So, you people don't think I'm hardcore?
*WHACK!*
Hammerstein brings the cane down hard across Erin's back. The crowd groans as Page arches her back as she cries out in pain. The American Monster surveys the booing crowd, a smile on his face.
Hammerstein:
So, Erin, you don't think I'm hardcore?
*WHACK!*
Hammerstein hits Paige's back, but from the opposite angle, causing an x-shaped welt to become visible on her back. Kennedy calls out for his client to relent, but Hammerstein ignores him. The referee admonishes him, and takes a cane shot to the head for his troubles. Kennedy facepalms and pleads with Hammerstein to exit the ring, but is ignored again. The American Monster spins Erin around and she falls back across the ropes, still dazed from the POUNCE and the cane shots.
Hammerstein:
And... Kenzie….YOU don't think I'm hardcore?
He taps Erin on the forehead with the tip of the cane, then splinters it with a brutal swing to the top of her head. Paige falls to the mat clutching her head. The Chicago Way Champion grabs a chair in one hand and a handful of Paige's hair in the other. He pulls her up to a standing, although teetering, position. Hammerstein draws back with the chair, and the crowd explodes as Kenzie Garrett runs down the ramp towards the ring. The Champion kicks Paige's legs from under her and positions her head and neck in the chair.
Hammerstein:
STOP!
Stop right there, Kenzie! Stop, or I'll crush her larynx, and you'll never be able to hear her parrot your dumb ass again!
Garrett begins to call Hammerstein's bluff, but quickly realized that he's not bluffing, and takes a couple steps back from the ring. He walks over and leans against the top rope, facing Garrett.
Hammerstein:
Ya know somethin, Kenzie? You talk about how I'm ducking you, how I don't want to fight you. I've told you time and time again. Sign a contract, do it right, and you'll get your match. But you'd rather hide behind your keyboard and continue to carry on a Twitter war instead of going to war with me in the ring.
Garrett seethes outside the ring, but every time either she, or an official, makes a move towards it, Hammerstein threatens to stomp on the chair. He stands over Paige as he continues to goad Kenzie
Hammerstein:
You see this rook, Kenzie?
Green as grass. Not one real match under her belt. And yet, this rookie showed more professionalism, and better yet, more guts than you. She did it the right way. She signed the contract, she got in the ring, and she took her asskicking like a pro. And she wasn't even asking for a title match.
That's all you have to do, Kenzie. Go to the Championship Committee. Request your match. Sign the contract. Then take your asskicking like a professional.
Garrett makes a move towards the ring, and Hammerstein gets ready to stomp the chair.
Hammerstein:
Do it, goddammit! Please do it! I'll crush her goddamn windpipe!
Kennedy circles the ring and, standing between them, implores them both to stand down. He turns and walks up the ring steps, telling his client that he's made his point, and it's not worth the repercussions he'd face. To Garrett's surprise and relief, Hammerstein puts his hands up as if to say that he relents.
Hammerstein:
You're right, Reese. You're right.
He opens the chair, pulls Erin's head out, and lays it on the chair. Kennedy walks over to the side of the ring opposite Garrett and holds the ropes open for his client. Hammerstein starts to exit the ring, then stops. He turns around, a sinister grin on his face, and walks over to the barbed wire chair. Kenzie warns him against doing anything. Again, Hammerstein backs away holding both his free hand and the chair up. As he backs away, he sees Erin stirring. To the horror of the crowd, Hammerstein brings the barbed wire wrapped steel chair down on Paige's head. Her body shudders from the force of the chairshot before becoming still. Kennedy stands at ringside, a look of stunned disbelief on his face. Officials are trying to restrain Garrett as Hammerstein stands the bloody body of Erin Paige. He smiles and waves at Kenzie.
Hammerstein:
That hardcore enough for ya, Kenzie?
Hammerstein leaves the ring as Garrett storms in, a mix of rage towards The Chicago Way Champion and concern for her friend. Hammerstein walks towards the back, proud of himself and his actions, with a stunned Kennedy following behind. Paramedics rush to the ring to check on Erin, who's not moving at all. The camera shows the shocked faces of some of the fans in the first row, including the one, almost horrified, of Skylar Rayner, one of Erin's closest friends. The blonde interviewer is caressing the head of Peyton's daughter who has her face pressed against Sky's chest, turning her back to the horrific scene that just happened inside the ring. A loud round of applause accomapanies Paige as she's carried backstage on a stretcher. Kenzie leaves the ring to follow her, but the referee reminds her that her match is next. Shaking her head, Kenzie gets back inside the ring.
The referee goes to raise his hand, but is shoved away by The American Monster, who then tells Kennedy to get the microphone. Kennedy takes the microphone from the timekeeper and hands it to his client. He drops to his knees next to Paige's head.
Hammerstein:
Hey rook, did you actually think this was gonna turn out any other way than this?
The crowd boos The American Monster, who looks around, smiling at the jeering crowd.
Hammerstein:
Oh you people don't like this, huh? You all thought it was real funny when this piece of shit rookie and her buddy Kenzie mocked me and the fact that I fight to make my living and provide for my family. You all thought it was just cool as shit when Kenzie called my status as The Chicago Way Champion into question….when she said I wasn't hardcore.
The crowd breaks into a chant of "YOU'RE NOT HARDCORE! *clap clap clapclapclap*" Hammerstein's face is red and trembling with anger. Kennedy calls for his client to calm down, but his pleas go unheard. Hammerstein stands, cursing the fans as he walks the perimeter of the ring. The American Monster stops abruptly, turns and walks over to Kennedy. Hammerstein gets the Chicago Way Title from his manager and walks back over to Paige. Dropping to his knees again, he pats Erin on the head. Suddenly, he grabs her by the hair and shoves the belt in her face.
Hammerstein:
You and Kenzie think that because I carry this belt like a PROFESSIONAL WRESTLER and demand that it be defended in a PROFESSIONAL way, that I'm not hardcore.
You and Kenzie think that because I won't defend this title just because someone hops in the ring and talks shit about me, that I'm not hardcore.
Well, rook, you're both wrong, and all you people are wrong.
Not only am I hardcore, I'm the goddamn evolution of hardcore.
The crowd boos the champion as Kennedy cheers Hammerstein's proclamation. The Chicago Way Champion violently shakes Erin's head back and forth.
Hammerstein:
But I don't think you or Kenzie believe me.
Allow me to convince you.
Hammerstein pulls Paige to her feet, whips her into the ropes, and comes across, blasting her with a vicious POUNCE that sends her hard into the turnbuckles. Erin crumples in the corner, as Hammerstein leaves the ring. He starts looking under the ring, pulling out weapons, and tossing them in the ring. Kennedy starts asking him to just leave before he does something he'll get fined or suspended for, but Hammerstein moves him out of the way.
Hammerstein rolls under the bottom rope, grabbing the microphone. He walks over to the pile of weapons and forgoes a barbed wire chair for a Singapore Cane. The referee tries to stop him, but gets shoved to the mat. He pulls Paige to her feet by the hair and lays her face and chest first across the ropes. Twirling the cane in his right hand, he holds the microphone up with his left.
Hammerstein:
So, you people don't think I'm hardcore?
*WHACK!*
Hammerstein brings the cane down hard across Erin's back. The crowd groans as Page arches her back as she cries out in pain. The American Monster surveys the booing crowd, a smile on his face.
Hammerstein:
So, Erin, you don't think I'm hardcore?
*WHACK!*
Hammerstein hits Paige's back, but from the opposite angle, causing an x-shaped welt to become visible on her back. Kennedy calls out for his client to relent, but Hammerstein ignores him. The referee admonishes him, and takes a cane shot to the head for his troubles. Kennedy facepalms and pleads with Hammerstein to exit the ring, but is ignored again. The American Monster spins Erin around and she falls back across the ropes, still dazed from the POUNCE and the cane shots.
Hammerstein:
And... Kenzie….YOU don't think I'm hardcore?
He taps Erin on the forehead with the tip of the cane, then splinters it with a brutal swing to the top of her head. Paige falls to the mat clutching her head. The Chicago Way Champion grabs a chair in one hand and a handful of Paige's hair in the other. He pulls her up to a standing, although teetering, position. Hammerstein draws back with the chair, and the crowd explodes as Kenzie Garrett runs down the ramp towards the ring. The Champion kicks Paige's legs from under her and positions her head and neck in the chair.
Hammerstein:
STOP!
Stop right there, Kenzie! Stop, or I'll crush her larynx, and you'll never be able to hear her parrot your dumb ass again!
Garrett begins to call Hammerstein's bluff, but quickly realized that he's not bluffing, and takes a couple steps back from the ring. He walks over and leans against the top rope, facing Garrett.
Hammerstein:
Ya know somethin, Kenzie? You talk about how I'm ducking you, how I don't want to fight you. I've told you time and time again. Sign a contract, do it right, and you'll get your match. But you'd rather hide behind your keyboard and continue to carry on a Twitter war instead of going to war with me in the ring.
Garrett seethes outside the ring, but every time either she, or an official, makes a move towards it, Hammerstein threatens to stomp on the chair. He stands over Paige as he continues to goad Kenzie
Hammerstein:
You see this rook, Kenzie?
Green as grass. Not one real match under her belt. And yet, this rookie showed more professionalism, and better yet, more guts than you. She did it the right way. She signed the contract, she got in the ring, and she took her asskicking like a pro. And she wasn't even asking for a title match.
That's all you have to do, Kenzie. Go to the Championship Committee. Request your match. Sign the contract. Then take your asskicking like a professional.
Garrett makes a move towards the ring, and Hammerstein gets ready to stomp the chair.
Hammerstein:
Do it, goddammit! Please do it! I'll crush her goddamn windpipe!
Kennedy circles the ring and, standing between them, implores them both to stand down. He turns and walks up the ring steps, telling his client that he's made his point, and it's not worth the repercussions he'd face. To Garrett's surprise and relief, Hammerstein puts his hands up as if to say that he relents.
Hammerstein:
You're right, Reese. You're right.
He opens the chair, pulls Erin's head out, and lays it on the chair. Kennedy walks over to the side of the ring opposite Garrett and holds the ropes open for his client. Hammerstein starts to exit the ring, then stops. He turns around, a sinister grin on his face, and walks over to the barbed wire chair. Kenzie warns him against doing anything. Again, Hammerstein backs away holding both his free hand and the chair up. As he backs away, he sees Erin stirring. To the horror of the crowd, Hammerstein brings the barbed wire wrapped steel chair down on Paige's head. Her body shudders from the force of the chairshot before becoming still. Kennedy stands at ringside, a look of stunned disbelief on his face. Officials are trying to restrain Garrett as Hammerstein stands the bloody body of Erin Paige. He smiles and waves at Kenzie.
Hammerstein:
That hardcore enough for ya, Kenzie?
Hammerstein leaves the ring as Garrett storms in, a mix of rage towards The Chicago Way Champion and concern for her friend. Hammerstein walks towards the back, proud of himself and his actions, with a stunned Kennedy following behind. Paramedics rush to the ring to check on Erin, who's not moving at all. The camera shows the shocked faces of some of the fans in the first row, including the one, almost horrified, of Skylar Rayner, one of Erin's closest friends. The blonde interviewer is caressing the head of Peyton's daughter who has her face pressed against Sky's chest, turning her back to the horrific scene that just happened inside the ring. A loud round of applause accomapanies Paige as she's carried backstage on a stretcher. Kenzie leaves the ring to follow her, but the referee reminds her that her match is next. Shaking her head, Kenzie gets back inside the ring.
Singles Match
Christopher Kane VS Kenzie GarrettAfter witnessing Hammerstein decimating her friend Erin, nobody was surprised to see Kenzie being a bit off her game. And a veteran like Chris Kane would take advantage of it, taking her down with a clothesline as soon as the bell rang. He didn’t waste any time, staying on the attack and raining down right hands on the Soulknife, who was trying to fight back, catching him with a lucky shot to the jaw that stunned the former MWE Champion stopping his offense. Kenzie took the chance to slip away and find refuge outside the ring, where she could take a breath and regroup. At least until Kane hit her with a baseball slide and left the ring as well, continuing his punishment on the outside. His plan backfired when he whipped Kenzie against the steel steps, avoided by the Californian with a leap. When Chris charged at her again, he found her ready to dodge his clothesline and kick him in the abdomen with a back kick. The referee’s count reached six when Kenzie nailed the former champ with a DDT, quickly climbing on the apron and leaning into the ring just to interrupt the count. Then, she turned back toward Chris and jumped off the apron with a hurricanrana to the outside. When the action came back into the ring, Kenzie was on the driver seat, thanks to a smart use of the ring surroundings, namely the steel steps she sent Chris crashing face first onto and the ring apron she repeatedly smashed his back against. Now she was working on his arms, clearly having her submission finisher in mind. For now, she was stomping on Chris elbow, the recently surgically repaired one. Proof, if needed, that Kenzie did her homework. What she didn’t took into account before the match started was what happened earlier tonight, and how much this would affect her. Her attention was clearly elsewhere, her eyes constantly glancing at the entrance stage. Her will to end this match quickly to check on her friend lead her to inevitably make some mistakes, i.e. the missed Diving Crossbody. Kane immediately tried to capitalize on said mistake pinning her with a Magistral Cradle, kicking her head off with a Roundhouse Kick when she broke free from the pinning predicament. Christopher was showing a different attitude tonight, taunting the opponent as he kicked the crap out of her. When Kenzie tried a reaction with an overhand chop, Christopher laughed at her, and challenged her to do it again. He didn’t have to ask twice, as Garrett immediately hit him with a second chop. Kane shook his head and asked her to try a third time, only to kick her in the gut while she was charging the blow. He then grabbed the bent over opponent and threw her in the corner, sending her shoulder first against the steel post. Kenzie was still in a world of pain when he wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her for a german suplex, pinning her down for a count of two. At some point it looked like CK was just toying with her opponent. After connecting his Hit By A Cyclone (Fireman’s Carry Into Pele Kick), he didn’t go for a cover, placing his foot on Kenzie’s head and kicking it away while she was trying to reach the ropes. All while still trash talking her. On commentary Peyton Holland, who knows Chris out of the ring quite well, pointed out how strange it was to see him acting like this. Kenzie eventually reached the ropes and used them to pull herself up, only to get hit by a knee to the abdomen by the two time MWE Champion who then grabbed her wrist and fired her on the opposite side of the ring. She was able to reverse the irish whip, sending Chris against the ropes and send him on the floor with a hurricanrana. With the fans getting behind her, Kenzie started building some momentum, even getting real close to the win with the Pinball Wizard (Diving Somersault Senton). But eventually, CK regained control, once again after a crossbody attempt from the Soulknife. This time he caught her in mid air, shaking his head as he paced the ring before dropping her on his knee for a backbreaker. An half and half suplex, a suplex lift into yet another backbreaker, a chestblower.. He was teaching a lesson to the younger opponent, and seemingly enjoying doing so. Who wasn’t enjoying it was the Minneapolis crowd, who started booing Kane. And finally, he put an end to this, lifting Kenzie in an inverted suplex position and dropping her on her head for the Untitled Finale II (Gallaria). The referee got in position and made the three count. WINNER:[/ Christopher Kane BY: Pinfall (Untitled Finale), 10:09 |
Jessi Idol: "Kenzie's head was definitely not here tonight, but this doesn't take anything away from Chris win."
Peyton Holland: "You heard him Jessi. He's a two time MWE Champion, something nobody else ever accomplished. But..."
Jessi Idol: "But what?"
Peyton Holland: "I don't know.. The way he acted in that ring? That's not the Chris I know."
Jessi Idol: "Yeah, he looked a lot more aggressive..."
Peyton Holland: "You heard him Jessi. He's a two time MWE Champion, something nobody else ever accomplished. But..."
Jessi Idol: "But what?"
Peyton Holland: "I don't know.. The way he acted in that ring? That's not the Chris I know."
Jessi Idol: "Yeah, he looked a lot more aggressive..."
After the bell rang, Kenzie slowly rolled out of the ring. Chris Kane didn't go lightly on her, and she'll probably feel the effects of the beating she just went through for days to come. But that's not her concern right now. Throughout all her match, her main concern was her friend Erin's conditions. Paige looked really in a bad shape after the Hammerstein treatment, and Garrett needed to know more about her condition. Weak on her legs, she wobbled her way up the ramp, finally reaching the backsatge area. A doctor in the Gorilla position stopped her to give her a quick look, but she refused, asking him where Erin was instead.
DOCTOR:
Infirmary.
He said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. And it probably was. The infirmary's door opened the same moment Kenzie arrived there, the stretcher pushed out of it with the blonde on it strapped to a gurney and flanked by emergency personnel.
KENZIE GARRETT:
ERIN!
She rushed over, panic in her eyes and a worried tremble in her voice. The EMTs didn't let her get too close, keeping her at arm's length away from the debuting Millennium competitor. This doesn't deter Kenzie who keeps the chase, following through the hall and to the parking lot.
KENZIE GARRETT:
Stop! Wait a minute, please! That's my friend! Erin! Erin, I'm so sorry!
EMT:
Ma'am, we need you to step away from Miss Paige. We're getting ready to load her up to take her to the hospital.
KENZIE GARRETT:
Is she going to be okay?
EMT:
Ma'am, please...
KENZIE GARRETT:
Is she going to be okay?!
She asked, hysterically. The EMTs continue to board Erin in the awaiting ambulance. Kenzie reaches out for the metal bars of the stretcher, only to have it jolted away from her as Erin is boarded into the back.
EMT:
I'm sorry, Miss Garrett. But we can't disclose that information. And we can't allow anyone but family into the vehicle. You'll have to stay here.
KENZIE GARRETT:
But, I can't! You need to tell me what's going to happen to her! Erin! ERIN!
The door closes in her face. Kenzie taking a few frantic steps back, her hands waving the exhaust of the tailpipe to the vehicle out of her face while she flinches, closing her eyes tightly. The sirens begin to blare, the light circling at the top of the truck. And then, it pulls away. Out of the parking lot and onto the Minneapolis streets. Its when the fog clears that Kenzie lowers her hand. A blank expression on her face, trying to truly put together everything that has just transpired. As the seconds pass, her face changes, the wheels turning and the anger beginning to build. Her eyebrows furrow, her mouth tenses and tightens. The dark color in them seems to only deepen with intensity, Kenzie letting out a blood-curdling scream of pure frustration as her fists slam into the production crates nearby, time and time again, laying her knuckles into them.
Her knuckles are raw, Some broken, blood trailing down the back of her hand in a slow seeping river. She sinks down to her knees, on the cold asphalt. It's a presence she's become accustomed to: a camera waiting for her. It almost felt like that eery feeling of being watched. It really only finally dawns on her that the blood is gushing from her hand, making a pool on the ground beneath her, turning the pavement slightly darker even in the night sky.
KENZIE GARRETT:
You... unbelievable bastard.
She muttered out. Turning hateful, vengeful eyes to the camera, slightly obscured by long, dark, thick, brown curls.
KENZIE GARRETT:
I understand... being pissed off at me. I understand... that you're upset that I keep showing up everywhere you go, asking for a fight you're too much of a FUCKING COWARD to give me, even when YOU ASKED FOR IT!
She raked her bloody hair through her hair. It mats thanks to the stickiness of it, but that is of little consequence to The Soulknife. Every word comes out with a tremble, and they come out noticeable slower than usual. There is true thoughtfulness and effort to getting each syllable out.
KENZIE GARRETT:
But... what you did to Erin? To... what? To send a message to me that you can beat up my friend? Beating up a rookie competitor to scare me off your tail? You have crossed the fucking line, Hammerstein! This was supposed to be about vindication for me, man! Proving that I CAN be the Chicago Way Champion. I might have just lost to a two-time MWE Champion for fuck's sake but my World Championship is on your fucking shoulder, and my friend is on her way the hospital because of YOU!
She clutched her hand to the material of her shirt. Storming towards the camera, putting pressure on her bleeding hand. There would be no time to dress the wound before her match. Yet, given the seething scowl on her face, that didn't matter.
KENZIE GARRETT:
You think this is over? Like this was your magnum opus to make convince me I was wrong about you, and I should leave this chase? This NEVER needed to involved her! It was about you and me! I was here waiting - you could have cut out the middle man and got rid of your problem at the source! You could have taken me out and spared her! But, no. It's easier for you to bully the new girl, huh? It's easier for you to assault Erin beyond all means necessary because she's my friend and what happened to her could happen to me, right? Fuck that. And fuck you. YOU crossed the line in the sand! You wanted to scare me away... and what you did to Erin? Was that was your warning shot?! Huh?! ... No. No, no no no. NO! Next time, Hammerstein? When it's you and me, because that's going to fucking happen, I swear it to you! There's going to be nowhere to run. There's going to be nowhere for you to hide. No fucking paper-thin paperwork BULLSHIT excuses! The next time we meet? You had better shoot to kill.
Kenzie seethes, storming through the arena. Clutching tightly at her hand to stop the bleeding as she marched with a purpose back to her locker room.
DOCTOR:
Infirmary.
He said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. And it probably was. The infirmary's door opened the same moment Kenzie arrived there, the stretcher pushed out of it with the blonde on it strapped to a gurney and flanked by emergency personnel.
KENZIE GARRETT:
ERIN!
She rushed over, panic in her eyes and a worried tremble in her voice. The EMTs didn't let her get too close, keeping her at arm's length away from the debuting Millennium competitor. This doesn't deter Kenzie who keeps the chase, following through the hall and to the parking lot.
KENZIE GARRETT:
Stop! Wait a minute, please! That's my friend! Erin! Erin, I'm so sorry!
EMT:
Ma'am, we need you to step away from Miss Paige. We're getting ready to load her up to take her to the hospital.
KENZIE GARRETT:
Is she going to be okay?
EMT:
Ma'am, please...
KENZIE GARRETT:
Is she going to be okay?!
She asked, hysterically. The EMTs continue to board Erin in the awaiting ambulance. Kenzie reaches out for the metal bars of the stretcher, only to have it jolted away from her as Erin is boarded into the back.
EMT:
I'm sorry, Miss Garrett. But we can't disclose that information. And we can't allow anyone but family into the vehicle. You'll have to stay here.
KENZIE GARRETT:
But, I can't! You need to tell me what's going to happen to her! Erin! ERIN!
The door closes in her face. Kenzie taking a few frantic steps back, her hands waving the exhaust of the tailpipe to the vehicle out of her face while she flinches, closing her eyes tightly. The sirens begin to blare, the light circling at the top of the truck. And then, it pulls away. Out of the parking lot and onto the Minneapolis streets. Its when the fog clears that Kenzie lowers her hand. A blank expression on her face, trying to truly put together everything that has just transpired. As the seconds pass, her face changes, the wheels turning and the anger beginning to build. Her eyebrows furrow, her mouth tenses and tightens. The dark color in them seems to only deepen with intensity, Kenzie letting out a blood-curdling scream of pure frustration as her fists slam into the production crates nearby, time and time again, laying her knuckles into them.
Her knuckles are raw, Some broken, blood trailing down the back of her hand in a slow seeping river. She sinks down to her knees, on the cold asphalt. It's a presence she's become accustomed to: a camera waiting for her. It almost felt like that eery feeling of being watched. It really only finally dawns on her that the blood is gushing from her hand, making a pool on the ground beneath her, turning the pavement slightly darker even in the night sky.
KENZIE GARRETT:
You... unbelievable bastard.
She muttered out. Turning hateful, vengeful eyes to the camera, slightly obscured by long, dark, thick, brown curls.
KENZIE GARRETT:
I understand... being pissed off at me. I understand... that you're upset that I keep showing up everywhere you go, asking for a fight you're too much of a FUCKING COWARD to give me, even when YOU ASKED FOR IT!
She raked her bloody hair through her hair. It mats thanks to the stickiness of it, but that is of little consequence to The Soulknife. Every word comes out with a tremble, and they come out noticeable slower than usual. There is true thoughtfulness and effort to getting each syllable out.
KENZIE GARRETT:
But... what you did to Erin? To... what? To send a message to me that you can beat up my friend? Beating up a rookie competitor to scare me off your tail? You have crossed the fucking line, Hammerstein! This was supposed to be about vindication for me, man! Proving that I CAN be the Chicago Way Champion. I might have just lost to a two-time MWE Champion for fuck's sake but my World Championship is on your fucking shoulder, and my friend is on her way the hospital because of YOU!
She clutched her hand to the material of her shirt. Storming towards the camera, putting pressure on her bleeding hand. There would be no time to dress the wound before her match. Yet, given the seething scowl on her face, that didn't matter.
KENZIE GARRETT:
You think this is over? Like this was your magnum opus to make convince me I was wrong about you, and I should leave this chase? This NEVER needed to involved her! It was about you and me! I was here waiting - you could have cut out the middle man and got rid of your problem at the source! You could have taken me out and spared her! But, no. It's easier for you to bully the new girl, huh? It's easier for you to assault Erin beyond all means necessary because she's my friend and what happened to her could happen to me, right? Fuck that. And fuck you. YOU crossed the line in the sand! You wanted to scare me away... and what you did to Erin? Was that was your warning shot?! Huh?! ... No. No, no no no. NO! Next time, Hammerstein? When it's you and me, because that's going to fucking happen, I swear it to you! There's going to be nowhere to run. There's going to be nowhere for you to hide. No fucking paper-thin paperwork BULLSHIT excuses! The next time we meet? You had better shoot to kill.
Kenzie seethes, storming through the arena. Clutching tightly at her hand to stop the bleeding as she marched with a purpose back to her locker room.
Singles Match
Luna VS Nikki KnightThe Star Of The Night against the Canadian Knightmare. A chance for Nikki to turn things around and get a prestigious win against a former champion, an opportunity for Luna to build some momentum after months of ups and downs. Knight immediately tried to surprise her opponent with an aggressive start, kicking her in the stomach and starting a flurry of forearm strikes. But Luna wasn’t one to shy away from a striking battle, landing one of her trademark throat strikes. That single shot was a real game changer, allowing Luna to take control while Nikki was trying to catch her breath. Digging into her Krav Maga background, the former Lockdown Champion hit the opponent with some deadly striking combination, favoring the use of knees to try and cave Knight’s face in. Picking Nikki up from the mat, Luna fired her in the corner and charged at her. Knight grabbed the ropes with both hands and pulled herself up, pushing herself over Smith’s head and landing behind her, immediately jumping for a dropkick that sent the former Lockdown Champion in the corner. There she hit her with a series of kicks to the chest, firing herself up when the blonde opponent fell seating in the corner, perfectly positioned for Nikki’s Cannonball Crush. The two women were back on their feet trading chops, a plan that didn’t seem to be working as expected for Nikki who was able to turn things in her favor anyway with a knee to the guts that doubled Luna over, allowing the former Riot star to connect with her Fameasser, rolling Smith over and making the cover for a two count. Trying to make the best out of this favorable moment in the match, Nikki dragged the former Lockdown champion back to her feet and lifted her in a powerbomb position, looking to finish things early with the Knightfall (Sitout Last Ride Powerbomb). Luna had different plans for the night and started raining down punches on the top of her head until Nikki had to drop her. She immediately follows with some punches to the ribs before jumping and taking her down with a headscissors, hitting her with a dropkick right after. The pace of the match picked up now that Luna had more room for her high speed offense, making it clear to everyone why Nikki had tried to avoid it. After the Upgrade, (two knees strikes followed by an Overdrive neckbreaker), the Star Of The Night connected a beautiful springboard moonsault, making the cover for another near fall. Nikki trained to take back control, going as far as raking her eyes to get an advantage she wasn’t quite able to capitalize on. Knocking Nikki down with the Starstorm (Discus Spinning Roundhouse), Luna kept punishing Knight with a series of multiple double axe handles to the back, preventing her from getting up to her feet. After a hard kick to the ribs, The Canadian Knightmare showed some reaction when Luna was picking her up, pushing the 21 years old back and landing a couple of knife edge chops. The Star Of The Night quickly put a halt to her momentum with a front kick, following with a irish whip attempt reversed by Nikki, who then extended her arm out for a clothesline. Luna dodged and kept running towards the opposite side of the ring, coming back from the ropes with a beautiful running spanish fly. Stalking her opponent, she waited for Nikki to start getting up to turn off her lights with a roundhouse kick. There was only one thing left to seal the deal. Ascend to the top rope and dive off it with the Stardom (Sparkle Splash). WINNER: Luna BY: Pinfall (Stardom), 7:43 |
Jessi Idol: "A very close match, but Luna was the better wrestler tonight."
Peyton Holland: "Hmm, after a couple of rough months, Luna seems to be back to her high standards."
Jessi Idol: "Yeah, looks like the girl who won the Lockdown Championship on her third match in this company is back"
Peyton Holland: "And if she can keep this up, more golden opportunities will definitely come in her future."
Peyton Holland: "Hmm, after a couple of rough months, Luna seems to be back to her high standards."
Jessi Idol: "Yeah, looks like the girl who won the Lockdown Championship on her third match in this company is back"
Peyton Holland: "And if she can keep this up, more golden opportunities will definitely come in her future."
The scene opens to an apparently empty locker room. A slow golf clap can be heard from outside the shot, a clear sign that someone is indeed there. And that someone is Millenium's newest signee, Helena Noir.
Helena Noir:
Congratulations, Chris. You got the general manager to change the stipulation.
Sitting on a chair in front of the camera, clearly positioned on a tripod with no operator behind it, the tattoeed woman leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees and her chin on her clasped hands.
Helena Noir:
I'm kinda curious, how did you pull this? What did you say to convince her to make it a Last Man Standing? She doesn't look like the type you can bribe with money, or fancy dinners, or romantic weekends on some Caribbean beach...
She shrugs her shoulders.
Helena Noir:
You know what? It doesn't matter. You think you're smart, right?
The last Liberty Champion shakes her head.
Helena Noir:
You did me a favor, actually. And if you took a minute to look at my past, you'd know why.
Now that I don't have to play fair, now that I don't have to worry about the rules anymore...
Helena starts laughing, standing up and folding her chair.
Helena Noir:
You'll see.
Don't.
Blink.
Carrying the chair with her, she leaves the locker room. The show cuts to the next segment.
Helena Noir:
Congratulations, Chris. You got the general manager to change the stipulation.
Sitting on a chair in front of the camera, clearly positioned on a tripod with no operator behind it, the tattoeed woman leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees and her chin on her clasped hands.
Helena Noir:
I'm kinda curious, how did you pull this? What did you say to convince her to make it a Last Man Standing? She doesn't look like the type you can bribe with money, or fancy dinners, or romantic weekends on some Caribbean beach...
She shrugs her shoulders.
Helena Noir:
You know what? It doesn't matter. You think you're smart, right?
The last Liberty Champion shakes her head.
Helena Noir:
You did me a favor, actually. And if you took a minute to look at my past, you'd know why.
Now that I don't have to play fair, now that I don't have to worry about the rules anymore...
Helena starts laughing, standing up and folding her chair.
Helena Noir:
You'll see.
Don't.
Blink.
Carrying the chair with her, she leaves the locker room. The show cuts to the next segment.
Lockdown Championship Match
Duke's Rules: Submission Match
Duke Andrews (c) VS Kate SteeleDuke's Rules: Submission Match
Duke and Kate had one thing in common. Both picked the Submission match as their stipulation for the Lockdown title defenses. For the first time, Andrews was called to defend it and, despite the recent losing streak, she’s always one to that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Especially when it comes to a stipulation she favors. The match started with a long grappling sequence, where the two competitors traded holds for a good couple of minutes. Kate Steele had Duke now grounded in a side headlock, with the American Rebel pulling himself up to his feet and pushing her against the ropes. He went for a big boot, Steele ducked under it and grabbed his other leg, sweeping it and sending Duke flat on his chest. Grabbing his leg, she tries to lock him in a boston crab, but the Lockdown Champion kicks her away and prevent the correct execution of the maneuver. Quickly standing up, he then charged at Kate and beheaded her with a devastating lariat. Kate smartly worked on Duke’s arm, keeping him grounded and locked in a fujiwara armbar. She clearly walked into the match with a clear plan in mind, wearing the opponent down and hyperextending his elbow looking to apply the Shipwrecked, the same move she won the title with over a year ago. Duke reached the ropes with his foot, forcing the break. He started moving his arm in circles, it was obviously affecting him, a huge target for Kate’s strikes. Duke knew that as well and, from the high of his experience, tried to use this in his favor, almost offering that part of his body to Kate’s attacks, baiting her in only to duck the kick and move behind her, wrapping his arms around her neck in a sleeper hold and suplexing her. As she was stirring to get up, he gaines some speed by hitting the ropes and connected with his knee to her face for his Killshot, a true game changer in more than one occasion. And tonight was no exception. Kate never quite came back into the match, allowing Duke to work on her neck with some chokes before he eventually trapped her in his GoodNight (Hell’s Gate). Steele tapped out almost immediately. WINNER: Duke Andrews (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Submission (GoodNight), 6:51 |
Peyton Holland: "This is how you make a statement!"
Jessi Idol: "Duke really sent a message to any possible challenger tonight."
Peyton Holland: "That he did. Defense number one is in the record books for the Lockdown Champion. The question is, who's next?"
Jessi Idol: "Duke really sent a message to any possible challenger tonight."
Peyton Holland: "That he did. Defense number one is in the record books for the Lockdown Champion. The question is, who's next?"
As the show went on, Jessi and Peyton were discussing the happenings of the last match, Idol going into detail about everything that was seen and what it could possibly mean for the future, before cutting back to how lively and in form the Minneapolis crowd was tonight. As the camera panned around the audience, with signs being held up for the likes of “Big Fat Lucha”, “Rollins In The Deep” and “Reave Me Reaver”, Peyton came to comment… But suddenly stopped as music began to play over the P.A. System. It was unfamiliar, with the sound some traffic and rain seemingly playing out in the background. The commentators seemed startled by this, questioning what was going on in hushed voices. Even the fans in the audience were a little stunned, wondering why the music playing was not heavily metal or hip hop based, which traditionally announced the arrival of a member of the Millennium roster. But instead the music was slower, an electronic drumbeat giving it rhythm, and accompanied by sensual guitars and the most soothing synth accompaniment.
Voice:
Couché dans les bras de la nuit, À l'ombre de l'éclat du feu. Accroché par ce sentiment de disparition. Je veux filer avec toi. Viens me retrouver à la sortie, en secret je veux partir avec toi.
Sang the voice, smoke emitting from behind the curtain, with a delightful Parisian French accent, with the most soothing of jazz tones. Even on commentary, a breathless whisper could be heard for the romanticism behind the powerful, clear and delightfully feminine vocals. The largely male crowd seemed transfixed, eyes glued to the stage as the voice sang out to the most astounding quality, though many wondered what the hell was actually going on.
Voice:
Tu es brave dans ton amour, vouée à la compassion. Plus belle inspiration. Tu dis la vérité, sincère dans tes intentions. Ton cœur sur la main. Mon cœur dans ta main. Mon amour.
The smoke seemed to swirl around the figure who stepped out from behind the fog, long legged accented by the most killer, black high heels, decorated in the most shining of diamonds. Their left leg was bare and exposed, tantalising the audience in a long black gown, sparkling as if it was the night sky itself, and slit up the leg, almost to the hip. As they sang the most delightful tune, wolf whistles could be heard amongst the sold out crowd, so many enjoying the view of the classical figure strutting out from the mist, their womanly hips swaying almost like a hypnotic dance that could bewitch both the mind and the senses. The gown was strapless, with a plunging neckline, one that made the eyes of those who gazed upon the songstress pop out.
Voice:
Sous des milliers d'étoiles, where thought and truth divorce. Dans nos rêves, nous sommes sans complexes. Je veux filer avec toi, dans un endroit intouchable. En secret je veux partir avec toi.
There was a single line of English amongst the eloquently sung lyrics, the figure shrouding their face with a fan, that almost lit up along the entrance way, made of the dazzling feathers of a peacock. They held a microphone to their mouth, but kept their features hidden from the masses as the sultry rendition, filled with emotion, love and passion rang out amongst the normally die hard wrestling fans, the voice itself captivating everyone who both listened and bore witness. As they made their way down the ramp, fanning themselves, the people in attendance had the lights of their phones make an illuminated path along the way. Amongst those, the figure could see a single lighter, its flame going to and fro in the air, and they became seemingly fixated upon this spot, as the fan was taken away and the figure was revealed.
Anastasia Starling:
'Cause you're fearless in your love, devoted to compassion. The highest state of art… Piercing in your truth, sincere in all intention. The way you wear your heart. The way you hold my heart...
The crowd gasped as the face of Anastasia Starling was revealed, her eyes surrounded by the daintest of masks, like she had waltzed her way out from a masquerade ball, and its imagery was that of a raven. Her hips swayed as she sang now in English, fanning herself with the feathers as the Songbird finally lived up to her nickname, singing on television for the very first time. She made her way down to the ring in the most sultry of fashions, making a lap of honour around the ring, while giving the cheekest of winks to the commentary team.
Anastasia Starling:
C'est pour ça que je t'aime. Il n'y a que toi… Il n'y a que toi. Qui m'as vu comme ça, et la flamme qui est en moi.
She made a handspring flip forwards, landing perfectly upon her impossibly long heels as she continued her seductive number, biting her lower lip as she paraded around the ring. The timekeeper aided her up onto the ring steps as she continued the sensual number, her green and blues piercing the crowd by ringside.
Anastasia Starling:
Tu es brave dans ton amour, vouée à la compassion, plus belle inspiration. Et tu dis la vérité, sincère dans tes intentions. Ton cœur sur la main. Mon cœur dans ta main… J'ai mon cœur dans ta main. Mon cœur dans ta main. My fierce friend...
She held the note at the end, a breathtaking rendition of the song, her voice singing through as she strutted around the ring, her exposed leg stretching out as her glossy, cherry red lips curled up in the most alluring smile, fanning herself with the feather fan as if she was a Hollywood superstar, as the crowd rose to their feet, many of the thirstier members of the sold out crowd wolf whistling and roaring out at the top of their lungs.
Anastasia Starling:
I wanna run away tonight, just leave everything behind. Together we'll make our sweet escape
In the shadows out of sight… Like ghosts in ultraviolet…
Came her final whisper, locking eyes with the commentary team of Jessi and Peyton, before casting out to the crowd, soaking in the reaction of each and everyone of them, the smile on her face growing, though it seemed to be one of pure relief rather than the seductive ecstasy she had been channelling for the past few minutes. She almost purred down the microphone as the music slowed to a stop, only the reaction of the crowd filling the void, as those watering eyes cast around the thousands who came to watch.
Anastasia Starling:
There is such beauty in this world, this business, this sport. But for every bit of beauty that we stand across from, whether competing or watching or commentating or even interviewing, for every bit of beauty, there is the monstrous. For the most attractive lips, that speak the words of kindness and affection, those same lips speak of betrayal and hate. For the loveliest eyes ever seen, those that seek out the good, the purest good in all people…. Those eyes can look in scorn, they can look in despair, they can look at what wants to give everything and more and turn away like it doesn’t even exist.
She swayed around the ring, giving a little ballet turn as she gave the most agile and graceful of leaps across the ring, biting her lip as she peered around, looking like a little angel in black.
Anastasia Starling:
This business, this sport that we all love and care for, that we support and adore, that we love with every inch of our broken hearts... will never become obsolete. Nor will affection or adoration, whether for those that step through that curtain, or those that build the foundation of these four corners with sweat, and feeling, and brittle hand. And it is beautiful, and it is right, and it is wrong and it is a thing of the most violent and evil of monsters… For there is a filth in the beauty of it all, and there is a monstrosity amongst it all. For I have seen the great many, and I have been raised with the lesser few, and I have felt both the emotions of both in my time.
She spoke clearly and passionately, holding the microphone in one hand, as the peacock fan seemed to take turns to point at one and all, not caring who but taking its sweet time to individually pick out one and all, a salty tear coming down her elfin cheek, the emotion of her words manifesting themselves physically, her face turning to the front row of the audience
Anastasia Starling:
And I have seen the most beautiful in the entire world rip out the purest hearts without a second thought, and I have seen the monsters that they have become root with eager fingers through another’s castaways, searching to clutch onto the trash of the world like it is the greatest treasure ever known.
There was a shot of bitterness, even venom in her words as her eyes cast to the commentary table, lingering there for a second as she seemed to snarl like a beast, a far cry from the stunning and powerful voice that spoke the most uplifting of words. But that voice returned with force, turning back to the crowd, focusing on a small flame held up by a member of the crowd.
Anastasia Starling:
In this business, in this life, the beauty and the beast are one and the same. And the moment you turn your eyes away from the monster, you become much worse than they could ever be. Because the monsters are those who are willing to change the world, this life, this sport, this industry. They are the ones who will go further than anyone else to restore their own beauty, and the beauty of everything that was once pure and good and right. The monsters, beautiful in their own way, they are the ones that need to be restored, be renewed, be revived, be reclaimed and redeemed and redeemed and redeemed and redeemed and redeemed and redeemed.
She seemed to pace around as she repeated that word over and over, fanning herself as she did, growing a little feral in his movements and gestures.
Anastasia Starling:
The monster and the beauty are the same thing, two hands of the same creature. One to strike, one to invite. And this thrives through the industry… and this life… and my life… what is left of it.
She halted, pointing her fan towards the entranceway, an inferno blazing in her eyes like the most hellish of deaths as a grimace spread upon those angelic features.
Anastasia Starling:
Chris Constantine… You would call out the monster without understanding anything about them. About the names at their feet, about the gold that glistens in their name. You aim to become more monstrous with your words and jibes and insults, you aim to bring others to your cause to defend your monstrous ways and monstrous taunts and monstrous intentions and mask it as beauty without knowing that they are one and the same and everyone is to blame…
She lowered the fan, her hand trembling as another tear was shed, a look of sympathy spreading across her face and all the way through her.
Anastasia Starling:
I came here… to bring change. For me. For you. For him and her and everyone in between, and I swear this on what little worth some hold in me, and all the worth my accomplishments do… You WILL understand why I am here, you WILL understand what I am about, and you WILL feel the change that is coming to one and all… For I am a MONSTER…
And as she looked into the crowd, she gave the tiniest of shrugs, as the power in her voice disappeared, and seemingly before everyone’s eyes, she became the most innocent of girls, rocking back and forth on her heels.
Anastasia Starling:
But that doesn’t mean that what I represent and offer isn’t beautiful…
She closed her eyes, tucking the fan under her arm, as she clutched at a chain that was around her neck, one that was shrouded from view from those who watched on.
Anastasia Starling:
Evolve… Die… Transcend…
She took in a breath, before turning away, more like she was fleeing from something, never wanting to come back as a paleness overtook her, and she exited without saying another world, running to the back to likely prepare for her upcoming battle.
Voice:
Couché dans les bras de la nuit, À l'ombre de l'éclat du feu. Accroché par ce sentiment de disparition. Je veux filer avec toi. Viens me retrouver à la sortie, en secret je veux partir avec toi.
Sang the voice, smoke emitting from behind the curtain, with a delightful Parisian French accent, with the most soothing of jazz tones. Even on commentary, a breathless whisper could be heard for the romanticism behind the powerful, clear and delightfully feminine vocals. The largely male crowd seemed transfixed, eyes glued to the stage as the voice sang out to the most astounding quality, though many wondered what the hell was actually going on.
Voice:
Tu es brave dans ton amour, vouée à la compassion. Plus belle inspiration. Tu dis la vérité, sincère dans tes intentions. Ton cœur sur la main. Mon cœur dans ta main. Mon amour.
The smoke seemed to swirl around the figure who stepped out from behind the fog, long legged accented by the most killer, black high heels, decorated in the most shining of diamonds. Their left leg was bare and exposed, tantalising the audience in a long black gown, sparkling as if it was the night sky itself, and slit up the leg, almost to the hip. As they sang the most delightful tune, wolf whistles could be heard amongst the sold out crowd, so many enjoying the view of the classical figure strutting out from the mist, their womanly hips swaying almost like a hypnotic dance that could bewitch both the mind and the senses. The gown was strapless, with a plunging neckline, one that made the eyes of those who gazed upon the songstress pop out.
Voice:
Sous des milliers d'étoiles, where thought and truth divorce. Dans nos rêves, nous sommes sans complexes. Je veux filer avec toi, dans un endroit intouchable. En secret je veux partir avec toi.
There was a single line of English amongst the eloquently sung lyrics, the figure shrouding their face with a fan, that almost lit up along the entrance way, made of the dazzling feathers of a peacock. They held a microphone to their mouth, but kept their features hidden from the masses as the sultry rendition, filled with emotion, love and passion rang out amongst the normally die hard wrestling fans, the voice itself captivating everyone who both listened and bore witness. As they made their way down the ramp, fanning themselves, the people in attendance had the lights of their phones make an illuminated path along the way. Amongst those, the figure could see a single lighter, its flame going to and fro in the air, and they became seemingly fixated upon this spot, as the fan was taken away and the figure was revealed.
Anastasia Starling:
'Cause you're fearless in your love, devoted to compassion. The highest state of art… Piercing in your truth, sincere in all intention. The way you wear your heart. The way you hold my heart...
The crowd gasped as the face of Anastasia Starling was revealed, her eyes surrounded by the daintest of masks, like she had waltzed her way out from a masquerade ball, and its imagery was that of a raven. Her hips swayed as she sang now in English, fanning herself with the feathers as the Songbird finally lived up to her nickname, singing on television for the very first time. She made her way down to the ring in the most sultry of fashions, making a lap of honour around the ring, while giving the cheekest of winks to the commentary team.
Anastasia Starling:
C'est pour ça que je t'aime. Il n'y a que toi… Il n'y a que toi. Qui m'as vu comme ça, et la flamme qui est en moi.
She made a handspring flip forwards, landing perfectly upon her impossibly long heels as she continued her seductive number, biting her lower lip as she paraded around the ring. The timekeeper aided her up onto the ring steps as she continued the sensual number, her green and blues piercing the crowd by ringside.
Anastasia Starling:
Tu es brave dans ton amour, vouée à la compassion, plus belle inspiration. Et tu dis la vérité, sincère dans tes intentions. Ton cœur sur la main. Mon cœur dans ta main… J'ai mon cœur dans ta main. Mon cœur dans ta main. My fierce friend...
She held the note at the end, a breathtaking rendition of the song, her voice singing through as she strutted around the ring, her exposed leg stretching out as her glossy, cherry red lips curled up in the most alluring smile, fanning herself with the feather fan as if she was a Hollywood superstar, as the crowd rose to their feet, many of the thirstier members of the sold out crowd wolf whistling and roaring out at the top of their lungs.
Anastasia Starling:
I wanna run away tonight, just leave everything behind. Together we'll make our sweet escape
In the shadows out of sight… Like ghosts in ultraviolet…
Came her final whisper, locking eyes with the commentary team of Jessi and Peyton, before casting out to the crowd, soaking in the reaction of each and everyone of them, the smile on her face growing, though it seemed to be one of pure relief rather than the seductive ecstasy she had been channelling for the past few minutes. She almost purred down the microphone as the music slowed to a stop, only the reaction of the crowd filling the void, as those watering eyes cast around the thousands who came to watch.
Anastasia Starling:
There is such beauty in this world, this business, this sport. But for every bit of beauty that we stand across from, whether competing or watching or commentating or even interviewing, for every bit of beauty, there is the monstrous. For the most attractive lips, that speak the words of kindness and affection, those same lips speak of betrayal and hate. For the loveliest eyes ever seen, those that seek out the good, the purest good in all people…. Those eyes can look in scorn, they can look in despair, they can look at what wants to give everything and more and turn away like it doesn’t even exist.
She swayed around the ring, giving a little ballet turn as she gave the most agile and graceful of leaps across the ring, biting her lip as she peered around, looking like a little angel in black.
Anastasia Starling:
This business, this sport that we all love and care for, that we support and adore, that we love with every inch of our broken hearts... will never become obsolete. Nor will affection or adoration, whether for those that step through that curtain, or those that build the foundation of these four corners with sweat, and feeling, and brittle hand. And it is beautiful, and it is right, and it is wrong and it is a thing of the most violent and evil of monsters… For there is a filth in the beauty of it all, and there is a monstrosity amongst it all. For I have seen the great many, and I have been raised with the lesser few, and I have felt both the emotions of both in my time.
She spoke clearly and passionately, holding the microphone in one hand, as the peacock fan seemed to take turns to point at one and all, not caring who but taking its sweet time to individually pick out one and all, a salty tear coming down her elfin cheek, the emotion of her words manifesting themselves physically, her face turning to the front row of the audience
Anastasia Starling:
And I have seen the most beautiful in the entire world rip out the purest hearts without a second thought, and I have seen the monsters that they have become root with eager fingers through another’s castaways, searching to clutch onto the trash of the world like it is the greatest treasure ever known.
There was a shot of bitterness, even venom in her words as her eyes cast to the commentary table, lingering there for a second as she seemed to snarl like a beast, a far cry from the stunning and powerful voice that spoke the most uplifting of words. But that voice returned with force, turning back to the crowd, focusing on a small flame held up by a member of the crowd.
Anastasia Starling:
In this business, in this life, the beauty and the beast are one and the same. And the moment you turn your eyes away from the monster, you become much worse than they could ever be. Because the monsters are those who are willing to change the world, this life, this sport, this industry. They are the ones who will go further than anyone else to restore their own beauty, and the beauty of everything that was once pure and good and right. The monsters, beautiful in their own way, they are the ones that need to be restored, be renewed, be revived, be reclaimed and redeemed and redeemed and redeemed and redeemed and redeemed and redeemed.
She seemed to pace around as she repeated that word over and over, fanning herself as she did, growing a little feral in his movements and gestures.
Anastasia Starling:
The monster and the beauty are the same thing, two hands of the same creature. One to strike, one to invite. And this thrives through the industry… and this life… and my life… what is left of it.
She halted, pointing her fan towards the entranceway, an inferno blazing in her eyes like the most hellish of deaths as a grimace spread upon those angelic features.
Anastasia Starling:
Chris Constantine… You would call out the monster without understanding anything about them. About the names at their feet, about the gold that glistens in their name. You aim to become more monstrous with your words and jibes and insults, you aim to bring others to your cause to defend your monstrous ways and monstrous taunts and monstrous intentions and mask it as beauty without knowing that they are one and the same and everyone is to blame…
She lowered the fan, her hand trembling as another tear was shed, a look of sympathy spreading across her face and all the way through her.
Anastasia Starling:
I came here… to bring change. For me. For you. For him and her and everyone in between, and I swear this on what little worth some hold in me, and all the worth my accomplishments do… You WILL understand why I am here, you WILL understand what I am about, and you WILL feel the change that is coming to one and all… For I am a MONSTER…
And as she looked into the crowd, she gave the tiniest of shrugs, as the power in her voice disappeared, and seemingly before everyone’s eyes, she became the most innocent of girls, rocking back and forth on her heels.
Anastasia Starling:
But that doesn’t mean that what I represent and offer isn’t beautiful…
She closed her eyes, tucking the fan under her arm, as she clutched at a chain that was around her neck, one that was shrouded from view from those who watched on.
Anastasia Starling:
Evolve… Die… Transcend…
She took in a breath, before turning away, more like she was fleeing from something, never wanting to come back as a paleness overtook her, and she exited without saying another world, running to the back to likely prepare for her upcoming battle.
Singles Match
Chris Constantine Junior VS Anastasia StarlingDespite the apparent calm shown during her entrance, there was a fire burning in Ana’s heterocromia affected eyes. Chris continuous mentioning of that word didn’t go unnoticed with the former SSWA World Champion, who literally exploded out of the corner as soon as the bell rang with a shotgun dropkick that pushed Constantine back into his corner. Like a woman possessed, she launched herself at him with a corner crossbody, leaving through the rope and climbing on top of the turnbuckle, wrapping an arm around CCJ neck and nailing a spectacular Inverted Tornado DDT. The fans, even those who were calling her “monster” couldn’t help but cheer for the maneuver, even though Ana didn’t stop there, landing a picture perfect running shooting star press to make the cover. It was a very close call from Constantine, who wasn’t expecting this kind of start from the Clockwork Songbird. After the kick out, CCJ left the ring, looking to regroup. Ana wasted no time and ran to the corner, jumping on the middle one and from there on the third. A quick stroll on the top rope, showing that extraordinary sense of equilibrium coming from her early years in a circus, and then she jumped on Chris and Olivia taking out them both with a Senton. Using one of his many tricks, Chris managed to rake Ana’s eyes without the referee noticing it. Capitalizing on this moment, he started building some momentum, hard chops across her chest before sending her against the ropes and tossing her high in the air with a back body drop. A loud “oooohhh” echoed in the Arena as Anastasia landed on her feet and charged at Constantine who was quick on his reflexes and intercepted her with Lou Thesz Press, starting to rain down lefts and rights on his face. Satisfied with the punishment inflicted, he dragged her back on her feet and put her head between his legs, signaling for the American Strong Piledriver. Ana was able to resist the attempt and stood up, tossing Chris behind her back with a back body drop of her own. One quick look behind and she leaped high in the air, rotating backwards as if she was going for a standing moonsault but landing with both feet on CCJ chest with a double foot stomp. She made the cover, but the platinum blonde man powered out. Ana waited for him to get up and went for the Our Lady Peace, the spinning bicycle kick learned from her mother, Lady Magdalena. CCJ was expecting it and was able to sidestep, grabbing Ana from behind and pulled her by the hair into a backbreaker. The subsequent pinfall attempt only gave him a two count. Constantine finally seemed to have found a way to limit the opponent’s quickness, targeting her back. Another backbreaker, this time catching Ana as she rebounded back from the ropes gave him another near fall, but it was clear that the cover was mostly done just to make her spend that extra energy to kick out. Rolling her on a prone position, he wrapped her legs together and rolled on his back stretching hers across his knees in a Bow And Arrow Lock. The ropes were just within reach and Ana quickly grabbed them. This didn’t give her the break she was hoping for as Chris kept the submission until the very last moment. Clearly hurting. Starling was now using the ropes to pull herself up, while Constantine began making fun of her, slapping and pushing her face with the sole of his boot, all while insulting her and, awful decision, calling her a monster. When Ana finally got back to a vertical position, she was raging. For a moment, Junior probably second guessed his choice, regretting having pushed the Pale Winged Passerine’s button like that. Just for a moment, before she hit him with The Sweetest Nut, a hardway headbutt that left her as dazed as her opponent. Chris was stumbling back to the ropes, his hands on his front checking for blood. As he looked at his hand, he saw a red stain on his finger but it wasn’t his blood. It came from Ana’s forehead. A small trickle, nothing too serious, and nothing that would stop her from charging at him full head of steam and spear him through the ropes and on the outside. The fight kept going on the ringside Area, close to the commentator’s table where Peyton and Jessi were watching the events with a concerned look, while trying to keep their commentary on point. Chris pushed the opponent against the steel post and decided to take the count out win, heading back to the ring. Ana pulled his leg as he was climbing on the apron causing him to hit the hardest part of the ring face first. The referee had reached seven, Chris was stunned but still on his feet. Ana slowly climbed on the apron and dove with a somersault, grabbing his head and driving him on the mat with the Blockbuster she calls Angra Mainyu. The eight had just been called by the ref and Starling made it back to her feet for the cheers of the fans. At nine, she was pulling herself on the apron. Olivia literally hung on her leg, using her weight to stop the Pale Winged Passerine. And she succeded. WINNER: Draw BY: Double Countout, 14:33 |
Jessi Idol: "Not like this!"
Peyton Holland: "It was a great match between Chris and Starling, it's a real shame it ended without a clear winner."
Peyton Holland: "It was a great match between Chris and Starling, it's a real shame it ended without a clear winner."
The disappointment of the twenty thousands can be heard, in the form of loud boos. Disappointed, and frustrated, is also the best way to describe the look on Ana’s face, as she realizes that the match was over. She kicks back at Olivia, still hanging onto her leg, finally getting away from her grasp. As she turns around, she’s gnashing her teeth, seemingly on the verge to give up to that “dark side” shown that infamous night at Underground’s PPV “And Justice For All 3”. Certainly, that part of the fans chanting “MONSTER” over and over is not helping. Olivia is terrified, backing down against the commentary table. Ana seems conflicted, struggling against that monstrous instinct. Bringing her hand to her neck, she clutches at something while taking deep breaths. Her eyes scan the crowd, less hostile than the seventy-thousand plus one in the Alamodome. And apparently, this is helping her taking back control over that primal impulse. Slowly, she starts pacing back, the green and blue eyes wandering all around. And finally, she disappears backstage. Chris, who watched the whole scene without flinching, finally goes to check on his wife, who looks clearly upset.
Coen Farrell is seen walking in the backstage area of the Target Center. He’s clearly upset, frantically looking for someone. And that someone is, without the shade of a doubt, the Cloud Gate Champion Tiff Rollins, his girlfriend.
Coen Farrell:
Hey…
He asks a blonde girl. As she turns around, he immediately recognizes her as Skylar Rayner.
Skylar Rayner:
Coen! How are you?
He nods, then shakes his head
Coen Farrell:
Hey Sky… Sorry, did you see Tiffany?
The blonde interviewer doesn’t seem too bothered by the fact that he didn’t answer. Understanding that he’s in a rush, she quickly answers.
Skylar Rayner:
I did actually. She was heading that way like… i don’t know five minutes ago? Maybe seven?
Coen Farrell:
Thanks!
He says, quickly walking past her.
Skylar Rayner:
TELL HER I SAY HI!
She shouts at him. Coen walks in the direction she pointed with a quick pace, hoping to find Tiffany before she closes herself in her locker room for the usual pre match routine. And maybe he would have, if he didn’t meet a familiar face on his way. Coming back from another win, the Star Of The Night appears from around the corner, finding herself on Coen’s path.
Luna Smith:
Coen. Hola.
She quips out and takes the bottle of guava sparkling water one of the Hollie helpers brings her quickly.
Luna Smith:
Did you see my match out there?
Coen Farrell:
Yeah… Well some of it.
He quickly answers.
Coen Farrell:
I miss the first part, but I saw you won… Congratulations.
He keeps looking past her, trying to politely find a way to dismiss the former Lockdown Champion and continue on his way. Luna had other plans by accidentally stepping the direction he went as he politely tried to pass her.
Luna Smith:
Thank you… it did feel great to win. Kind of like how your competitions I bet.
She says as a question but without the tone.
Luna Smith:
And thank you for looking nice.
He freezes, wondering if he heard correctly.
Coen Farrell:
W-What?
Luna Smith:
I said thank you for dressing nicely. Half the time I come through this curtain and there's Marv with mustard down his shirt and white socks with black shoes.
Luna glances at the individual she's referencing, a loyal member of the Millennium backstage staff with everything Luna described. Coen looks at the man and a chuckle escapes his lips.
Coen Farrell:
Yeah, I don’t think I ever saw him wearing anything different… Every Wednesday, same clothes.
Once again he looks around, trying to find an excuse to get away from her and keep searching for Tiffany.
Luna Smith:
Coen?
Luna asks with a softer tone.
Coen Farrell:
Uh.. Yes?
He replies innocently.
Luna Smith:
What do you think about my look?
He had tried to avoid looking at her outfit until now. She is still wearing her ring gear, which is absolutely normal in this circumstance. But still, it’s enough to make the young skater uncomfortable.
Coen Farrell:
You… You look good.
He says, slightly blushing as he tries to take his eyes away from her. Luna smiles a bit more than she should from the compliment.
Luna Smith:
I thought so.
And that's when Luna spies the blonde girl Coen was infatuated with to put it very lightly. She opens her arms
Luna Smith:
You're very kind, hug?
He stares at her, unsure about what to do. It’s just an innocent hug, and it’s not like he has nothing to hide. Or that anyone would see him. He’s still elaborating all these things in his mind when Luna breaks the hesitation and wraps her arms around him. And finally, he hugs her back, unaware that his girlfriend is right behind him.
Tiff Rollins:
WHAT THE...
Without even finishing the sentence, a visibly upset Lockdown Champion turns on her heels and walks away.
Coen Farrell:
Tiff... WAIT!
Coen desperately chases her, leaving Luna alone. A wicked smirk appears on the former Lockdown Champion.
Last One Standing Match
Helena Noir VS Redd ThunderRedd Thunder was waiting inside the ring for his opponent, the debuting Helena Noir. At ringside, Jessi reminded that, following Chris Constantine’s request, the stipulation of the match had changed into a Last Person Standing. “Noir” by Shandon blared out of the loudspeakers, and the Minnesota fans welcomed the last Liberty Champion with a huge round of applause. Or they would have, if Helena ever came out of the curtain. The song eventually faded, leaving the crowd and commentary team wondering what was going on… Until a squeal from Olivia draw everyone’s attention to what was happening behind Redd’s back. Helena jumped the barricade with a steel chair in hand, looking to take full advantage of the sudden change of rules. Rushing into the ring, as the bell was rung, she slammed the chair on Redd’s head. The big man was down on all fours, helpless against Helena’s assault. Four, five, six shots to the back until the chair became nothing but a twisted mass of metal, and Redd was laying flat on his chest. The fans, at least the part of them who weren’t still behind Redd were cheering loudly, while Helena’s eyes found Chris Constantine wife’s. “Don’t blink” she repeated, quoting one of the tweets in their exchange. Olivia started shouting at Redd to get up, and the big man did it in time. And, boy, did he look pissed! The match saw Redd taking control thanks to his raw power, something Helena didn’t have a counter for. With a spinning backfist, he rocked the last Liberty Champion, whipping her against the ropes and throwing her in the air, slamming her on the mat with a Pop-Up Powerbomb. The count started, but Helena answered it in five. The big man was giving her no break, firing the Swedish chest first against the turnbuckle, taking a few steps back to the opposite corner ready to squash her with a body splash. With quick and expert movements, Helena removed the protective pad, throwing it out of the ring and turning around hiding the exposed turnbuckle behind her back. When Redd charged in, she stepped away, using the Thunder’s own momentum against him as he crashed hard against the steel, bouncing back right into a vicious superkick to the back of the head from Helena. That wasn’t enough to keep the Thunder down, and she was well aware of this. That’s why while the referee was doing his job and count, she left the ring to retrieve another chair from under the apron, bringing it back into the ring. Redd was back on his feet, and Olivia warned him about the chair. But Helena didn’t swing it at him this time. Instead she tossed it and when the Thunder caught it in mid air, she was already charging at him, jumping to drive her knee to his face for her Dalecarlian Horse. She hurt herself on the impact against the chair, but Redd definitely got the worse, finding himself watching the lights once again. And this time, it was harder for him to get back to his feet, barely doing so when the ref got to eight. The match was back and forth, but except for the Killamajig (Double A Spinebuster) on the chair worth a count of eight, the stipulation seemed to be favoring Helena, who could use her mastery with weapons and her past as an hardcore wrestler to her advantage. That until Chris Constantine himself walked to the ring, welcomed by the boos of the fans. CCJ slid inside the ring and charged at Helena, who welcomed him with a kick to the stomach and a snap DDT. But when she got back to her feet, Redd blindsided her with a massive right hand to the back. Chris yelled at him to pull Helena up and hold her, and the masked man obliged. Constantine then walked close to her, asking her if she was realizing now the mistake she made when she attacked Olivia and costed him his match. His monologue was only interrupted by the insulting slaps he delivered to her face. Chris now grabbed the chair from the ground, once again walking toward Helena who found herself from the frying pan into the fire. How to get out of this situation? She seemed to have a solution, spitting in Constantine’s face and hitting the Thunder down under with a mule kick. Chris swung the chair, but Noir, now free from Redd’s grasp, rolled to her left, and the chair connected to Redd’s skull. With the big man down, the referee found himself with no option but to count. Realizing what happened, Chris tried to wake up his friend, crouching next to him and shaking his motionless body. Helena put an end to his action with a running curbstomp, watching her two opponents laying down one next to the other. An expletive escaped her mouth when Redd raised up once again. With Chris now leaving the ring, Redd took back control, getting close the win in a couple of occasions with a Samoan Drop and a German Suplex from the top rope. The last Liberty Champion was barely standing now, and Constantine thought it was a good moment to get back into the ring. He and Redd took turns to kick and hit Helena with everything they got, blocking her in the corner and plain out punishing her. Until CCJ said it was enough, and nailed her on the top of her head with the American Strong Piledriver, to which Redd followed with the diving headbutt called Hyper Beam. Chris laughed at the tattoed woman laid down at his feet, and started counting alongside the referee. Helena started moving at eight, but it was too late to answer the count, and Constantine knew it. 9… 10! Yelled Chris, but his voice couldn’t be heard, covered by the ovation of the 20 thousand who came here. Helena had rolled out of the ring, using the apron to stabilize herself as the count hit nine and, shockingly, standing although wobbling before the ref could call the ten. Constantine yelled at Redd to go get her, and the masked man left the ring, finding Pinhead standing in front of him! The giant and the Thunder started brawling, and this time, considering the punishment Redd had been through up to that moment, Pinhead had an easy game coming out on top. He pushed Redd through the barricade, who obviously have up under the weight of the two behemoths. In all this, Helena was taking a breath, while Constantine was furious, watching his plan crumbling under the heavy strikes with which Pinhead was hammering Redd Thunder. Eventually the mysterious giant brought him back toward the ring, and he was about to offer his head on a silver platter to Helena when Duke Andrews came out of nowhere and stunned, literally, Pinhead with a taser. Helena went to help the giant who came to her rescue, although not with that intention, but a big boot to the side of the head from CCJ stopped her on her track. “Finish her” Chris yelled at Redd, who hit the opponent with his Giga Impact (Ripcord Knee Strike) and followed with the Brute Force Algorithm (Vertical Suplex Powerslam) to make sure she didn’t get up this time. And it worked. WINNER: Redd Thunder BY: Last Man Standing, 18:28 |
Peyton Holland: "Anything and Everything happened in this match, but in the end Redd Thunder is standing victorious:"
Jessi Idol: "Helena put on one hell of a fight tho. You gotta give her credit for that."
Peyton Holland: "Absolutely. She showed an unbelievable resilience and ability to whitstand pain. But this match was not hers to win. Chris Constantine had a plan and it played out to perfection."
The scene cuts backstage to Gavin Grimes standing in front of a camera with a cocky grin on his face. He’s already dressed down into his entrance attire for his match and he looks confident and ready.
Gavin Grimes:
I know you all expect me to talk about Melissa Reeves right now. You want to hear me talk about how I fooled her and I how I baited her into giving me a title shot. It’s like taking candy from a baby, to be honest. You got bitches like Bobbi Jackson angry, asking just who the fuck I am?
He steps closer to the camera, his demeanor changes to a more angry one as he glares into the camera.
Gavin Grimes:
I’m the guy who’s dominated in every company he’s been in over the last four years. I’m the guy who’s won championship after championship. The guy who’s going to put Millennium on another level. Ya see, now that this company ran by competent management again, I decided to join up. I never would have joined while Gianluigi was in charge, that idiot was killing this place. But I’m here to fix everything he broke.
He nods confidently before continuing on.
Gavin Grimes:
And that starts with ridding this company of Melissa Reeves. She is not a good example of a champion, she is not a person you want to keep a company alive and thriving. But me? I’m that guy. HKW Underground has thrived more than it ever has with me as the face of the company. They would never be where they are now without having Gavin Grimes there to put them on the map. The same is going to be said about Millennium. Now, let’s move on to my actual opponent, someone who actually has talent, unlike Melissa.
He chuckles slightly.
Gavin Grimes:
Tonight, I fight Tiffany Rollins. I remember putting her company, RISE, out of business. She was still green in the face back then a year ago, but now? That ain’t the case.
Grimes shook his head.
Gavin Grimes:
Tiff has started to grow up right in front of all of our eyes. She’s more confident and she’s not hiding who she is anymore. It’s something I can respect, to be honest. But respect with me makes it even harder on you, Tiff. It makes me want to go harder at you, it makes me want to grab that head of yours at drop it to the mat and nail you with The Crowning. And that? That’s exactly what I’m going to do tonight. There won’t be any Death Kicks happening tonight, nah, there will only be a coronation, when I give you the same treatment I give all of my opponents, and that’s The Crowning. See you out there, kid.
Grimes nods his head and disappears out of the frame before it cuts away.
Gavin Grimes:
I know you all expect me to talk about Melissa Reeves right now. You want to hear me talk about how I fooled her and I how I baited her into giving me a title shot. It’s like taking candy from a baby, to be honest. You got bitches like Bobbi Jackson angry, asking just who the fuck I am?
He steps closer to the camera, his demeanor changes to a more angry one as he glares into the camera.
Gavin Grimes:
I’m the guy who’s dominated in every company he’s been in over the last four years. I’m the guy who’s won championship after championship. The guy who’s going to put Millennium on another level. Ya see, now that this company ran by competent management again, I decided to join up. I never would have joined while Gianluigi was in charge, that idiot was killing this place. But I’m here to fix everything he broke.
He nods confidently before continuing on.
Gavin Grimes:
And that starts with ridding this company of Melissa Reeves. She is not a good example of a champion, she is not a person you want to keep a company alive and thriving. But me? I’m that guy. HKW Underground has thrived more than it ever has with me as the face of the company. They would never be where they are now without having Gavin Grimes there to put them on the map. The same is going to be said about Millennium. Now, let’s move on to my actual opponent, someone who actually has talent, unlike Melissa.
He chuckles slightly.
Gavin Grimes:
Tonight, I fight Tiffany Rollins. I remember putting her company, RISE, out of business. She was still green in the face back then a year ago, but now? That ain’t the case.
Grimes shook his head.
Gavin Grimes:
Tiff has started to grow up right in front of all of our eyes. She’s more confident and she’s not hiding who she is anymore. It’s something I can respect, to be honest. But respect with me makes it even harder on you, Tiff. It makes me want to go harder at you, it makes me want to grab that head of yours at drop it to the mat and nail you with The Crowning. And that? That’s exactly what I’m going to do tonight. There won’t be any Death Kicks happening tonight, nah, there will only be a coronation, when I give you the same treatment I give all of my opponents, and that’s The Crowning. See you out there, kid.
Grimes nods his head and disappears out of the frame before it cuts away.
Millennium cuts backstage where Victoria Salinas is not in the greatest of moods. Even though she and Bethany Driver were able to pick up a revenge tag team win, she’s still not feeling positive about things at the moment. She knows the cameras are on her as she leans against the wall for a few moments… letting her thoughts flow her through mind, her heart and her veins.
Victoria Salinas:
Normally, a revenge win like what Bethany and I had last time out… that would make me satisfied. And yet, this time around, that’s not the case.
Victoria pauses for a brief sigh.
Victoria Salinas:
I know exactly why that is… this match tonight. Sure, I can take a recent challenger like Bethany Driver to the limit, sure, I can go out and win a main event tag match like we did a couple of weeks back, but this main event tonight is different. This main event… it doesn’t feel hollow, but in some ways, it feel like I don’t belong in it. Melissa Reeves is a name that speaks for itself, especially since she’s the one with the world title that I covet, Bethany Driver… as I just mentioned, recently challenged for the world title a few months back. Both of these women have done more in this company than I have and even I admit that a main event like this… it may be too much, too soon in the eyes of some people. Let’s be real here… how many of you actually expect me to win this match? How many of you actually think I even DESERVE to be in a match like this? You’ve got the world champion. You’ve got a recent challenger for the world title. Then there’s me… who couldn’t even get past the second round of the briefcase tournament, who has a loss… albeit an avenged one… to Charlie fucking Webster on her record. So no… there’s really not a lot of people that think I deserve this match… let alone win it. In this match, it’s me that’s got the most to prove. In this main event, it’s ME that is widely seen as the weak link because while my accomplishments throughout my career are spread far and wide… while 12 championships total… five of them being a world title… is nothing to sneeze at… as far as HERE is concerned… I’m far and away the least accomplished of the three.
So why the hell would anyone even give me a shot to win this? Then again…
She takes another pause, but this one isn’t out of any anger. This one is more reflective… more introspective… this one cuts a little closer to her core as she remembers the exact foundations of who she is as a professional wrestler. The look in her eyes is definitely a determined one, with some frustration, no doubt… but she’s not letting it deter her from her dreams on this night.
Victoria Salinas:
...this has been, for the most part, a year to forget as far as what I’ve actually done. 2019 has probably been the most frustrating year of my career that I’ve ever had and that’s because I spent the first six months suffocating under the cloud of some bullshit in my personal life that I’m THANKFULLY well past. Not to mention that prior to coming to MWE, my career wasn’t in a place where it can grow… it was nothing but stagnation if not a slow, steady decline from the wrestler that I know I can be. The last company I wrestled for didn’t value me very well and that may have affected my confidence… but that’s in the past. If people feel that I can’t win this or that I don’t deserve this… FINE! I KNOW who I am in that ring! I KNOW what I can do! When I first started this nearly a decade ago, NOBODY expected ANYTHING out of me because I was just some NOBODY from Montana who had NOTHING! I built myself from NOTHING to be what I am today and this is something that I’ve done over and over again! I KNOW what rock bottom is like… when I experienced it earlier this year, it wasn’t the first time… but every time I hit the bottom, I come back stronger than ever and at the end of the day, when it’s all said and done… this match WILL prove that! I am DONE being the pushover that others have tried to make of me. I am THROUGH being the overlooked one around here.
I KNOW what I am, I KNOW what I can still be and even what I CAN be in the future. That Victoria that couldn’t even get past the second round of that tournament, that let herself be a pushover for the likes of wrestlers that aren’t even around anymore… she’s gone! Sorry Mel and Beth… but that’s NOT who you’re wrestling. I’m done being cheated out of what I know I am capable of like I was a few weeks ago against that chickenshit Duke Andrews! What you two are going to get is the wrestler that’s been clutch time and again over the last decade in situations like this… who wants it far more than both of you put together… who I know is still very much capable of proving that on the biggest stage under the brightest lights… there is nobody better than ME!
Vainglorious? You’re damn right it is! And tonight, the world gets a reminder of exactly what that’s all about. With the spirit of that shy girl from Montana who started out with nothing inside of me… there’s nothing you two can do to slow me down from where I know I deserve to be!
Victoria leaves the scene at that point hearing massive cheers from the crowd, showing some huge resolve in the face of adversity she’s dealt with during her entire 2019. In an instant, that scene fades to black.
Victoria Salinas:
Normally, a revenge win like what Bethany and I had last time out… that would make me satisfied. And yet, this time around, that’s not the case.
Victoria pauses for a brief sigh.
Victoria Salinas:
I know exactly why that is… this match tonight. Sure, I can take a recent challenger like Bethany Driver to the limit, sure, I can go out and win a main event tag match like we did a couple of weeks back, but this main event tonight is different. This main event… it doesn’t feel hollow, but in some ways, it feel like I don’t belong in it. Melissa Reeves is a name that speaks for itself, especially since she’s the one with the world title that I covet, Bethany Driver… as I just mentioned, recently challenged for the world title a few months back. Both of these women have done more in this company than I have and even I admit that a main event like this… it may be too much, too soon in the eyes of some people. Let’s be real here… how many of you actually expect me to win this match? How many of you actually think I even DESERVE to be in a match like this? You’ve got the world champion. You’ve got a recent challenger for the world title. Then there’s me… who couldn’t even get past the second round of the briefcase tournament, who has a loss… albeit an avenged one… to Charlie fucking Webster on her record. So no… there’s really not a lot of people that think I deserve this match… let alone win it. In this match, it’s me that’s got the most to prove. In this main event, it’s ME that is widely seen as the weak link because while my accomplishments throughout my career are spread far and wide… while 12 championships total… five of them being a world title… is nothing to sneeze at… as far as HERE is concerned… I’m far and away the least accomplished of the three.
So why the hell would anyone even give me a shot to win this? Then again…
She takes another pause, but this one isn’t out of any anger. This one is more reflective… more introspective… this one cuts a little closer to her core as she remembers the exact foundations of who she is as a professional wrestler. The look in her eyes is definitely a determined one, with some frustration, no doubt… but she’s not letting it deter her from her dreams on this night.
Victoria Salinas:
...this has been, for the most part, a year to forget as far as what I’ve actually done. 2019 has probably been the most frustrating year of my career that I’ve ever had and that’s because I spent the first six months suffocating under the cloud of some bullshit in my personal life that I’m THANKFULLY well past. Not to mention that prior to coming to MWE, my career wasn’t in a place where it can grow… it was nothing but stagnation if not a slow, steady decline from the wrestler that I know I can be. The last company I wrestled for didn’t value me very well and that may have affected my confidence… but that’s in the past. If people feel that I can’t win this or that I don’t deserve this… FINE! I KNOW who I am in that ring! I KNOW what I can do! When I first started this nearly a decade ago, NOBODY expected ANYTHING out of me because I was just some NOBODY from Montana who had NOTHING! I built myself from NOTHING to be what I am today and this is something that I’ve done over and over again! I KNOW what rock bottom is like… when I experienced it earlier this year, it wasn’t the first time… but every time I hit the bottom, I come back stronger than ever and at the end of the day, when it’s all said and done… this match WILL prove that! I am DONE being the pushover that others have tried to make of me. I am THROUGH being the overlooked one around here.
I KNOW what I am, I KNOW what I can still be and even what I CAN be in the future. That Victoria that couldn’t even get past the second round of that tournament, that let herself be a pushover for the likes of wrestlers that aren’t even around anymore… she’s gone! Sorry Mel and Beth… but that’s NOT who you’re wrestling. I’m done being cheated out of what I know I am capable of like I was a few weeks ago against that chickenshit Duke Andrews! What you two are going to get is the wrestler that’s been clutch time and again over the last decade in situations like this… who wants it far more than both of you put together… who I know is still very much capable of proving that on the biggest stage under the brightest lights… there is nobody better than ME!
Vainglorious? You’re damn right it is! And tonight, the world gets a reminder of exactly what that’s all about. With the spirit of that shy girl from Montana who started out with nothing inside of me… there’s nothing you two can do to slow me down from where I know I deserve to be!
Victoria leaves the scene at that point hearing massive cheers from the crowd, showing some huge resolve in the face of adversity she’s dealt with during her entire 2019. In an instant, that scene fades to black.
Singles Match
Gavin Grimes VS Tiff RollinsGavin’s first match in Millennium was what many would call a Dream Match, as the Cult Classic winner goes up against the Cloud Gate Champion. The bell rang and it was clear since the start that her personal life was affecting Tiff’s performance tonight. Far too easy for Gavin to take control since the first exchange, kicking Tiffany in the stomach and connecting a snap suplex. He picked the young opponent up and rocked her with an European Uppercut, before attempting an irish whip. Rollins countered it sending Gavin against the ropes, but once again the former Underworld Champion proved to be one step ahead and surprised her with a sling blade. Tiffany left the ring to regroup, but nowhere was safe for her tonight, as Gavin launched himself between the ropes and took her out right under the eyes of her mentor Andreas Lasiewicz. Gavin didn’t waste the chance to wink at him, before tossing the Cloud Gate Champion back first against the apron. A couple of chops and then he rolled her back inside the ring, climbing on the apron and from there on the top turnbuckle, turning his back on Tiffany and motioning for the King Splash (Phoenix Splash). Rollins quickly stood back to her feet and clocked him from behind with a forearm to the back. She then put the Cult Classic winner in the infamous Tree Of Woe position and started kicking him on the chest. For four times her foot shook Gavin’s ribcage, then the nineteen years old ran to the opposite corner, coming back full head of steam for a cannonball. Fearing Gavin’s speed, Tiffany knew that her best chances to win this were if she kept the self proclaimed captain of The Underground grounded. As soon as she had the chance, around the eight minute mark, she locked him in the Triangle Choke she adopted from Heather Lasiewicz, earning the applause of her numerous fans. For the first time in the match, Gavin was in actual difficulty, struggling to break free from the Cloud Gate champion’s submission hold. The more he tried to break free, even punching Tiffani’s leg with his free hand, the tighter she squeezed him, to the point that it looked like he was slowly fading. With one last, desperate effort, Gavin lifted the Five Foot Murder Machine in a one arm powerbomb position, dropping her against the turnbuckle. Tiffany bounced back after the impact right into a superkick from Grimes. Unfortunately for him, Gavin couldn’t capitalize, almost collapsing on the mat right after his foot connected to her jaw. The referee started administering a double count, reaching seven before the two competitors started stirring up and, eventually, making it back to their feet. The back and forth action went way over the ten minutes, with Gavin almost stealing the win when he caught Tiffany off guard with the Roll Up Of Doom and the Cloud Gate Champion creating herself a golden opportunity to close the match when she caught Gav with a Swinging Neckbreaker. One look at the downed opponent laying down not too far away from the corner and one at the ring post were enough to give out her intentions. She left the ring and started climbing, something you don’t see her do every day, and that could mean only one thing. The fans started cheering as Tiffany was ready to go for the Thrillkill, the Swanton Bomb taught to her by Brytain Rollins. All but one. The cameras caught Andreas shaking his head as the Cloud Gate Champion stood tall on the top rope, almost as if he was expecting what actually happened. She jumped off, and Gavin raised both his knees making her landing extremely uncomfortable. Tiff was down, a grimace of pain on her face as she arched her back, trying to get to the ropes. Her eyes were scanning through the crowd, finding the empty seat where her boyfriend was supposed to be. A stomp to the lower back caused her to scream in agony, pushing her back to the mat again, frustrating her attempt to climb back to her feet. She tried again, receiving another stomp from Grimes. The third attempt ended the same way, with Tiffany laying prone struggling to get up. Gavin was there to help her, only to whip her t the opposite corner with all his strength. The impact against the corner was so violent that the young champion fell seated in the corner, visibly suffering. Grimes took no pity and charged at her, hitting her with a shining wizard in the corner. Tiffany seemed to be out, although she tried a shy reaction while Gavin was dragging her to the center of the ring, landing two weak punches to the ribs. The Captain didn’t seem too affected by them, pulling the opponent up and returning the courtesy, before spiking her head first on the canvas with The Crowning, the headlock driver that earned him yet another win, his first one in Millennium. WINNER: Gavin Grimes BY: Pinfall (The Crowning), 14:39 |
Jessi Idol: "Tough break for Tiff tonight."
Peyton Holland: "There's no shame in losing to a multi time champion like Gavin Grimes. And to her defense, she wasn't quite in the right mindset"
Jessi Idol: "Say what you want Pey, but this is all Luna's doing. Nothing that happened in the past weeks was without a purpose."
Peyton Holland: "I agree, she took one of Tiffany's point of strength, her love for her boyfriend and used it against her."
Jessi Idol: "So many times we saw how Coen was a source of strength for the Cloud Gate Champion. Against Megan, against Kenzie... And now Luna turned him into a weak spot."
The cameras cut backstage and find Melissa Reeves sat alone with her MWE Championship. She cradles it like a baby, looking at it and not the camera.
Melissa Reeves:
Everyone who ever sets foot into the squared circle dreams of the day they can call themselves champion. One is never enough, two...three, no. It's an addiction, you're always hunting out that next fix and then, when you do have it, you're always worried about how someone will come to take it from you. That's what Gavin Grimes wants to do with this title...it's what he wants to do from me, to get his fix. But he's not alone, everyone here wants that chance and, as champion, I will always welcome the challenge. But tonight isn't about this title, is it? No, tonight sees me in a triple threat with Bethany Driver and Victoria Salinas.
Reeves looks to the camera now.
Melissa Reeves:
I could spend this time running them down, but words don't win matches. Truth is that both are good, both are capable...on their day, either is more than talented enough to pull of a big win. But this isn't their day, I'm not just any opponent; I'm the MWE Champion and the weight of expectation is on me to win tonight, despite this being a triple threat.
A thumb down from the champion.
Melissa Reeves:
For the other two, this is an amazing opportunity to measure up against the champion. But for me, it's just another day on the job. See, no matter what the result is, neither of them are going to be my opponent at the next supershow, are they? That brings me back to Gavin Grimes, victorious earlier tonight. Tiffany wasn't, perhaps, at her best but beating her is still an impressive feat. Doubly so for a guy who likes to take shortcuts or get others to hold his hand, well done on actually doing your own handiwork.
She slowly, sarcastically claps while smirking.
Melissa Reeves:
When we step into the ring Homecoming, I won't be distracted like her. I've been thinking about this challenge of yours, Gav. Your ego demands you make it, I get it. Your need for the spotlight demands you try and grab mine, I get that too. But, see, this really is my home. So you challenge me? Fine. But it only seems fair to me that you battle me in a match of my choosing.
Reeves nods and thinks for a second.
Melissa Reeves:
But what could that match be?
A wide smirk slowly creeps over her lips.
Melissa Reeves:
Yeah, yeah I got it. You and me, Reeves vs Grimes, Homecoming...TLC.
The crowd react with loud cheers
Melissa Reeves:
It's time you either step up and prove you're more than empty rhetoric...or get your ass put down and prove just how hollow your words are.
With that said, she gets up and walks away with her title in hand.
Melissa Reeves:
Everyone who ever sets foot into the squared circle dreams of the day they can call themselves champion. One is never enough, two...three, no. It's an addiction, you're always hunting out that next fix and then, when you do have it, you're always worried about how someone will come to take it from you. That's what Gavin Grimes wants to do with this title...it's what he wants to do from me, to get his fix. But he's not alone, everyone here wants that chance and, as champion, I will always welcome the challenge. But tonight isn't about this title, is it? No, tonight sees me in a triple threat with Bethany Driver and Victoria Salinas.
Reeves looks to the camera now.
Melissa Reeves:
I could spend this time running them down, but words don't win matches. Truth is that both are good, both are capable...on their day, either is more than talented enough to pull of a big win. But this isn't their day, I'm not just any opponent; I'm the MWE Champion and the weight of expectation is on me to win tonight, despite this being a triple threat.
A thumb down from the champion.
Melissa Reeves:
For the other two, this is an amazing opportunity to measure up against the champion. But for me, it's just another day on the job. See, no matter what the result is, neither of them are going to be my opponent at the next supershow, are they? That brings me back to Gavin Grimes, victorious earlier tonight. Tiffany wasn't, perhaps, at her best but beating her is still an impressive feat. Doubly so for a guy who likes to take shortcuts or get others to hold his hand, well done on actually doing your own handiwork.
She slowly, sarcastically claps while smirking.
Melissa Reeves:
When we step into the ring Homecoming, I won't be distracted like her. I've been thinking about this challenge of yours, Gav. Your ego demands you make it, I get it. Your need for the spotlight demands you try and grab mine, I get that too. But, see, this really is my home. So you challenge me? Fine. But it only seems fair to me that you battle me in a match of my choosing.
Reeves nods and thinks for a second.
Melissa Reeves:
But what could that match be?
A wide smirk slowly creeps over her lips.
Melissa Reeves:
Yeah, yeah I got it. You and me, Reeves vs Grimes, Homecoming...TLC.
The crowd react with loud cheers
Melissa Reeves:
It's time you either step up and prove you're more than empty rhetoric...or get your ass put down and prove just how hollow your words are.
With that said, she gets up and walks away with her title in hand.
Triple Threat Match
Melissa Reeves VS Bethany Driver VS Victoria SalinasAnd finally, it was main event time. Three of the best Millennium has to offer in match that, despite not being for the MWE title, may have some huge implications for the company’s main championship, projecting Victoria or Bethany right in the main event of Homecoming. Melissa Reeves obviously has other plans for that night, settle once and for all her differences with Gavin Grimes in a TLC match. The match started and the two challengers immediately took their shot at the champion, kicking Mel in the stomach at the same time, sending the MWE Champion against the ropes and waited for her with a double clothesline. Reeves saw that coming and ducked their combine move, bouncing again against the ropes and jumping at them with a crossbody that took them both down. Mel was the first back on her feet with a kip up, firing Victoria in the corner with an irish whip. She was about to charge at her when Beth grabbed her by the waist and dropped her on her back with a German Suplex, doing the same thing the MWE Champion had in mind and running towards Salinas, jumping at her with a corner back elbow. The Vainglorious moved out of the way and quickly connected with a violent kick to the chest. Reeves, now back on her feet, rushed at Victoria, who caught her with an Overhead Released Belly-To-Belly throwing her onto Beth. As expected, the contest was very fast paced and chaotic, the pinfall almost impossible to score as every attempt found the third part involved ready to break it up. Like when Reeves dropped Bethany down with the Reaver Slam (Angle Slam) but Victoria, who was outside the ring after getting hit by the Murder Graps Drive-By (Running Basement Knee Strike) grabbed Mel’s foot and dragged her outside. The two competitors started settling their difference outside, but their brawl was cut short by a rare suicide dive from Beth, She picked up Victoria and, after smashing her face on the apron, she rolled her back in the ring and climbed on the apron. Driver ducked a first right hand attempt and the following back fist, jumping back onto the apron and from there inside the ring, driving Victoria down with a Slingshot Flatliner she calls MurderGraps in Motion. It was now her turn to see her pinning predicament frustrated by Mel’s intervention. Before the ten minutes mark, Salinas had her big chance to win it, pinning the champion nonetheless after her Desire Breaker (Straightjacket Neckbreaker slam). Driver made the save in this occasion. After fifteen minutes of back and forth action, the three competitors started showing obvious signs of fatigue. Reeves decided to slow things down, locking Victoria in a Texas Cloverleaf, not before dropping Bethany on the outside with a clothesline. The submission hold was locked in, Reeves sitting deep down on the lower back of the Vainglorious, pulling her legs with all the force she had left in herself. Pushing through the pain Victoria tried to reach the ropes, but it was a long, tough way to salvation. Luckily for her, Bethany was back in the ring to break the submission with a superkick. Once again the MWE Champion proved to be one step ahead and let Salinas go, dodging the superkick and quickly grabbing Driver’s leg, locking her in the devastating Iron Lock (Heel Hook). Screaming in pain, Bethany desperately tried to break free, kicking Melissa as hard as she could with the free leg. And eventually she broke free, before too much damage could be done. With both her opponents down, this was her best opportunity to get the win. She picked up Victoria and slammed her face first against the corner a couple of times before setting her up for The Bethany Driver (Inverted Snapmare Driver). Salinas unexpectedly fought back, hitting the opponent with a couple of elbows to the back of the head and breaking free. Driver turned around and hit her with a forearm shot, answered by Salinas with one of her own. Locking up, they started trading some close distance strikes, an exchange Beth was coming out on top from. Both women were stunned, Victoria got the worst of it as she stumbled right into a Facial Deconstructor from Reeves. Still dizzy, Bethany arrived one moment too late to break it. WINNER: Melissa Reeves BY: Pinfall (Facial Deconstructor), 17:12 |
Peyton Holland:
It's over! And Melissa Reeves is your winner!
Jessi Idol:
What a match! Congratulations to all three women involved.
Peyton Holland:
And with that, our time is up.
Jessi Idol:
Unfortunately so.. Next week we'll be in Dallas for the go home show before Homecoming!
Peyton Holland:
We already know one of the match we'll see next wednesday. Jordan Parker-Kane, Alan Envy, the Southside Lonestar Championship on the line.
Jessi Idol:
I'm excited Pey! But now it's time to say goodbye. Have a good night ladies and gentlemen!