Post by gvb on Nov 4, 2019 20:21:48 GMT -6
MWE Presents: Homecoming -night 2
Live from Enterprise Arena in Chicago, IL
Sunday, November 3nd, 2019
The sight as we cut inside the Enterprise Arena is quite the eye catcher. The capacity crowd is already on their feet, cheering on anticipation for the second night of the Homecoming PPV. After "The Boys Are Back" by Dropkick Murphys blared out of the loudspeakers and a beautiful pyrotechnic display went off illuminating the entrance stage, the camera pans over the heads of the fans filling the venue to stop at ringside.
Zackary Dyson:
And we're back, ladies and gentlemen, with night two of Homecoming!
Jessi Idol:
Man, I have yet to process the all the incredible actions and emotions from yesterday...
Peyton Holland:
Well, you better brace yourself Jessi, because tonight's card has all that it takes to even top last night.
Sir Figgles:
Indeed, we might see someone dying tonight. 100 bucks says they'll be scraping up what's left of Kenzie from the Magnificent Mile tomorrow morning. You're in Zacky Boy?
Zackary Dyson:
I'm not a betting man Figgles.. But if I were, I wouldn't count out Kenzie so easily. The kid has such a big heart.
Sir Figgles:
And Hammerstein is going to rip it off her chest.
Peyton Holland:
One thing's for sure, there's no love lost between them, and the Chicago Street Fight for the Chicago Way Championship is shaping up to be one of the most brutal match in the company's history.
Jessi Idol:
No doubt about that... But I believe our main even, the TLC match for the MWE title might not be too far from it, at least in terms of intensity.
Zackary Dyson:
There's so much history between Grimes and Reeves... Tonight they'll be adding another chapter, will it be the last?
Peyton Holland:
Time will tell, Zack. All i know is that the MWE Championship won't be the only thing on the line tonight. Pride is definitely at stakes as well.
Sir Figgles:
Kinda like in the Lockdown Championship match. Can you imagine something more embarrassing than tapping out in front of all these people?
Jessi Idol:
I don't think there's anything to be ashamed of in tapping out. It's part of the game, there must be a winner and a loser. Bottom line, it all goes down to who's the better wrestler tonight.
Peyton Holland:
We're going to find out if that'll be Duke or Bobbi later tonight. But first, Null takes on Akemi Hayashi in our opening contest.
Zackary Dyson:
That's right. It's night two of Homecoming, folks. Enjoy the show.
The scene cuts to a previously recorded video at a graveyard near the arena at night where Joey Leclair is seen leaning against a gargoyle statue wearing black boots, black jeans, and a black hoodie with no design.
Joey Leclair:
Last week I made my debut of Millennium, and won the match with ease like I said I would, but to be honest with you? It was too easy, to the point where it was rather boring, and I was sitting at home thinking to myself that if this is the level of competition that Millennium has to offer than I am going run through the roster with the uttermost ease, and at that exact moment I got a text from Millennium executives stating that i have a match against E.M.P on sunday night which is the second night of Homecoming.
Joey lets out a slight smirk while his eyes remain emotionless.
Joey Leclair:
When I received that text I got excited because you see E.M.P considers herself a thrill seeker.. someone who enjoys pain, and I am sure that she is excited for this match, and I am certain that Millennium thought this was a good match on paper seeing as hurting people is my thing because I call myself the Death Dealer.
Joey lets out a long sigh, and rolls his eyes.
Joey Leclair:
They are all fools, because they don't understand what I am capable of! I have no emotion, no feelings, no regrets, no remorse. Hell I even put my own wife in icu at one point, you can say I am a sadist, a monster, a psycopath if you so please, but I do have the decency to warn others of the chaos that is about to ensue, and so I went to twitter to warn Millennium of what is going to happen, and guess what? Not only is the match still scheduled, but E.M.P replied with enthusiasm explaining how she has already survived a beat down by the hardcore champion.
Joey's eyes start gleaming with excitement as he licks his lips, and gets a sinister smile.
Joey Leclair:
What she understands is that I don't care what she has been through in the past, because I am not like any other man or woman I am wicked to the core, and if she truly thinks that she can survive than let her, but I don't plan on holding back, because tonight is a Pay-Per-View which means I need to make a statement, and that statement is that there is real evil in this world, and it doesn't come in the form of hardcore champions, Cruel Rulers, or monsters who wear mask that cry tears of red.
Joeys look of excitement turns to a cold serious stare as he points at himself with his right pointer finger.
Joey Leclair:
It comes in the form of the baddest son of a bitch in the world, and that is me the Death Dealer Joey Leclair, and after tonight when the world goes silent as E.M.P gets stretchered away to an ambulance being rushes to the hospital while being covered in her blood? They will know that what I say is true, and that they are looking at a cold blooded psychopath who is wicked to the core.
Joey reaches behind the statue and grabs his belongings, and starts heading towards the exist.
Joey Leclair:
After tonight Millennium will regret signing me, but it's too late for that... Because they took that chance, and now they will learn that all is not noir.
Joey winks as he continues walking through the graveyard until he reaches a gate, and he pulls it open, and steps through shutting it, and as it shuts he makes one final statement.
Joey Leclair:
Survive if I let you.
The video turns to static as it comes to an end.
Singles Match
Null VS Akemi Hayashi
After the success that was night one, Homecoming kicked off his second night with a match between two competitors who haven’t had the best of times recently. Ever since the split from his historic tag partner in The Mighty Now Thrive, things didn’t quite go the way he planned for Null, who still was struggling trying to pick up that first singles win that seemed to always elude him. Akemi had a good start picking up an upset win in the first match after the hiatus, but that remained the only bright note in a series of disappointing losses. For both men, this match represented the chance to steer their careers back on track at the eve of the Chinese tour, and they both were determined to take it, giving rise to a vibrant match where the high flying style of The Wolf Of All Streets put him on the driver seat in the early moments, with moves like a spectacular springboard corkscrew crossbody that took the Danger Princess off her feet. She quickly pulled herself back up to a vertical base, Null was right back on the attack sending her against the ropes with an irish whip and leapfrogging over her as she came back. Akemi continued her run, hitting the ropes once again and racing right into a step up hurricanrana from the Wolf Boy that sent her into the corner. With the momentum on his side, Null charged in with a high knee/bulldog combination, making the cover after a springboard moonsault and getting really close to pick up the win. After another headscissors takedown, Hayashi found herself once again in the corner. And just like before the Voice Of The Voiceless charged in, crushing against the japanese’s back elbow that left him stunned. The jaw hurt on impact suddenly became the last of his problems when the former BWF Mayhem World Champion introduced his masked face to the lowest turnbuckle with the corner Flatliner she calls SQUIRT!. The high impact move, although it wasn’t enough to grant her the win, was an absolute game changer, allowing the japanese to take back control and slow down the pace of the match, relying now on her striking ability to wear down the wolf boy. Null tried a reaction, connecting a series of chops across the chest pushing the opponent against the ropes. Fired up, he went to grab her to build his next offense but Akemi frustrated his attempt with a roundhouse kick that caught Null right on the side of his head, dropping him flat on the canvas. She made the cover, only getting a count of two out of it. With the match now firmly in her grasp, she went for the Grapey Marshmallow Fizz, connecting the split legged running Yakuza kick to the back of his head as he was pulling himself up after the Third Eye Closer (feigned clothesline into a back elbow). Showing great ring awareness, The Voice Of The Voiceless saved himself by putting a foot on the rope. Akemi’s disappointment was clear on her face, but she remained focus, knowing that she was just one move away from putting the opponent down for good. The Starflower will do, she thought. Null blocked the Twist Of Fate attempt, grabbing her right arm and rolling him over in a Gannosuke Clutch, keeping her down for the three count and walking away with his first singles win. WINNER: Null BY: Pinfall (Magic Clutch), 6:14 |
Zackary Dyson: "Well, look at that. I thought Akemi was going to win it, but the Voice Of The Voiceless had one last trick up his sleeve."
Sir Figgles: "The little wolf scored his first win as a single competitor tonight. Will he be able to keep the momentum going or will this be just a flash in the pan?"
Zackary Dyson: "I guess we will see about that. What I can tell you is that this is a huge boost of confidence ahead of the Chinese tour."
Sir Figgles: "The little wolf scored his first win as a single competitor tonight. Will he be able to keep the momentum going or will this be just a flash in the pan?"
Zackary Dyson: "I guess we will see about that. What I can tell you is that this is a huge boost of confidence ahead of the Chinese tour."
We cut backstage to Bowie Kennedy, who is looking around at all sides, pacing through the hallway and hurrying the cameraman along.
Bowie Kennedy:
Ladies and gents, we’re here live at MWE Homecoming, and we’re currently searching for-
Bowie stops, and squints their eyes, before pointing out in the distance.
Bowie Kennedy:
Over there! Quick! Run!
Together, Bowie and the cameraman sprint off down the hall, and the closer they get to their destination, the more obvious The Revolution becomes as they stand in front of the catering table.
Heath Williams:
Come on, management! No dog food?! We have a hungry mutt to feed!
Bowie stops, catching their breath, as Pinhead spots their arrival. He alerts Heath, who turns around.
Bowie Kennedy:
Ladies and gentlemen, we have finally found our guest at this time.
A smug smirk wipes itself across Heath’s face as he folds his arms.
Heath Williams:
Well Bowie, if you were really that eager to get a hold of me, then you could have had your people call mine.
Bowie Kennedy:
Actually, Heath… I’m here to speak with… The Mutt.
Heath frowns, as Bowie takes a knee in order to be at a level height with The Mutt, who seems to permanently be on all fours since donning the gimp suit.
Heath Williams:
Seriously? I might have understood if it were Pinhead, considering he has a steel cage match later, but The Mutt? It’s a dog! It can’t even speak!
Bowie ignores Heath’s complaints.
Bowie Kennedy:
Excuse me, Mr Mutt. The entire MWE fanbase has been buzzing since last week’s Riot, where you left behind your former identity of Duncan Watts, to shockingly take up the role of The Mutt, and betray Kelsey Spencer in the process. What do you have to say about your recent actions?
The Mutt:
Well, Bowie, it’s a long story but I’ll try to cut it short for-
Heath gives The Mutt a kick in the side, causing a yelp.
The Mutt:
Uh, I mean… woof woof.
Bowie stands, and Heath steps forward, his lips directly in front of Bowie’s microphone.
Heath Williams:
Let me make this clear, Bowie. When you approach The Revolution, you approach it’s leader first. You got that?
Bowie rolls their eyes.
Bowie Kennedy:
Fine. Can you answer my question for The Mutt?
Heath Williams:
Of course I can, Bowie. You see, The Mutt here, is deeply in love with The Manic. She’s the only woman The Mutt’s ever had a real connection with. But she isn’t interested in being with some canine furball. This isn’t BoJack Horseman where anthropomorphic beings can happily be with humans. The Manic can’t be Diane Nguyen, and The Mutt definitely cannot be Mr Peanutbutter. However, what The Mutt can do, is live to please her. And what makes The Manic happiest, is when I’m happy, therefore The Mutt will do everything within it’s power to bring me joy, thus also bringing joy to the love of it’s life. It’s really the definition of a win-win situation.
Heath puts his hands out.
Heath Williams:
But none of that matters. The Mutt made it’s decision and that’s that. No matter how sour of a taste it leaves in your mouth. I will tell you what does matter though, and that’s that tonight, I will be taking back what was stolen from me. Kelsey Spencer will feel a wrath she cannot even begin to fathom. That championship is my most prized possession! Without it, what will I embrace when I am in need of an embrace? What will I kiss before bed at night? What will I profess my love to at every single moment of every single day?!
The Manic blushes and looks at the ground, rubbing her wrist.
The Manic:
How about… me?
Heath stares at The Manic for a moment with an eyebrow raised, but quickly turns his attention back to Bowie.
Heath Williams:
I’m sick of that pathetic worm, Kelsey Spencer. She should have quit this time last month, where I crushed her in our first match. But no, for some reason, she continues to come back for more. She’s… she’s… SHE’S A STALKER! And if she fails to abide to our verbal agreement after I defeat her tonight, then I will have no issues in filing for a restraining order!
Heath sticks out his neck and stares deeply into the camera lens.
Heath Williams:
You hear that, Spencer?! You’re lucky I’m a man who likes to handle a situation myself before it goes spiralling out of my control, but mark my words, if you don’t accept this loss tonight, then I will have you treated like the petty criminal you are!
Heath’s eyes dart to the left, acknowledging an off-screen presence.
Heath Williams:
What the hell do you want, old man?
The off-screen presence becomes an on-screen one as the long time veteran Seth Iser has made his appearance and it’s rather shocking. He scowls at the faction briefly, not dressed to fight considering the professional suit he’s wearing, but he’s eyeballing Heath. Rather than let Bowie say anything he just grabs hold of the microphone he’s carrying around and with one glance in his direction without even a shove he’s able to dismiss the interviewer before the focus of his returns to Heath.
Seth Iser:
To be the agent of truth, Heath. Something you ran from in our same company based in Minnesota years ago in a different form. And quite frankly, you need a dose of reality now.
The elder statesmen of the industry is casting that probing glare of his toward Heath and this is where you can see Heath isn’t some short guy only being a couple inches shorter than the 6’5 Seth.
Seth Iser:
You unleashed every card in your hand way too quick, oh dear hero turned villain. Played them far too fast and you know better than anybody how Kelsey adapts to anything. You’re seeing it first hand. You can’t beat her the same way twice and the pool of tricks is getting empty. You’re asking yourself now what? Deep down you’re desperate, vulnerable even. And you want the physical possession of that title you created back. But you know what’ll end up happening to the thing you’ve devoted all those resources to?
Seth scowls at the empty shoulder of Heath of where the championship would lay before eyeballing the man, ignoring the rest of his stable.
Seth Iser:
It’ll be permanently ripped away from you in a bloodless coup when she’s the one victorious while you’re still trying to process what the hell happened when you can’t use one of your convoluted setups or harebrained schemes. And the very thing you’re accusing Kelsey of doing will be what you’ll become guilty of. That’s how it’s going to go. All because you can’t get out of your own way. It’s a shame really...
And after he makes that pointed declaration he just has that scowl on his face.
Seth Iser:
All that damn talent, all the championships you HAVE won in the past and you’re enslaved to a vice yet again. The never ending cycle. You’re whitewashing your talent. It was drugs in VoW along with the intoxicating feeling those fans gave you. It’s now the drug of your own ego blinding you. You might know how to play the game. Hell, you can play the game better than a lot of these kids because of how long you’ve been around...but in your words, you’re playing the villain. But me?
The elder statesman’s scarred face shows a bolt of that anger.
Seth Iser:
When what I say comes to pass...you’ll get a proper education on what has made me one of the game’s greatest rule breakers for almost eighteen years in the industry. Because I already know that day is coming and what you might do. So consider this your warning: I won’t have words next time.
The Mutt begins to growl, and Pinhead steps forward, but Heath waves them both off. The two veterans stare each other down until the scenario fades out.
Singles Match
Nikki Knight VS Tobie Nox ThorneTNT came back to active competition after the light injury that kept her off screen in the past weeks to take on Nikki Knight. You could tell by the look in her eyes right before the bell rang that she didn’t forget what happened in the Las Vegas show, when in that triple threat won by Akemi Hayashi, Nikki slapped and insulted her fiancé, the former General Manager Gianluigi Vaccaro who was back in her corner tonight. As the bell rang, Tobie walked out of her corner toward the center of the ring, but Nikki took a few steps back and leaned out of the ropes with her upper body, asking the referee to keep Thorne at distance. The former [R]evo Tag Team Champion took a couple of steps back, waiting for Nikki to get back in and meet her in the middle of the ring. The slight height advantage allowed the French girl to get some leverage in the collar and elbow tie up, muscling the opponent back against the ropes. The referee once again asked her to break it up, which she immediately did. And when she charged back at Nikki, the canadian left the ring, obviously playing mind games to the opponent. Tobie quickly got tired of it and followed her outside, starting chasing Knight around the ring. Reaching now Gian on the opposite side of the ring, she pulled him in the trajectory of his running client and fiancée. Pumping the brakes she stopped her run just in time to avoid the impact, but this distraction gave Nikki the opening to blindside her with a quick jab to the jaw. Knight fully exploited the surroundings of the ring to put herself on advantage against the opponent, tossing her against the steel steps and then into the barricades, sliding into the ring to break the referee’s count before picking Tobie up and smash her face first on the commentators table. From there, she lifted her for a suplex on the concrete and rolled her back into the ring at 6, making the cover and obtaining a count of two. The Canadian Knightmare was now in full control, getting once again close to the three count with her Chivalry Is Dead (Damage Reflex) catching the young opponent on the temple. On instinct alone, TNT kicked out, but in all honesty, things weren’t looking nice for her. Zackary on commentary raised the legit doubt that the blonde girl probably rushed her return from the injury. Almost as if she heard him and wanted to prove the commentator wrong, Tobie spiked Nikki on top of her head, countering the Knightfall (Sitout Last Ride Powerbomb) with a hurricanrana. Dizzy,Knight raised back to her feet to a hard kick to the chest from Tobie, followed by a second one and a third, this last one dodged by Nikki who could do nothing to avoid the following Enziguri. The fans chanting her name seemed to give Tobie the energy to turn the tables. Finally able to use her speed to her advantage the 23 years collected near fall after near fall with a running DDT and a 450 splash after a spinning heel kick, but in both cases Nikki kicked out. Knight almost stole the win when she surprised Tobie with an inside cradle, pulling her trunks to get more leverage and yet failing to keep TNT down for the three. Sent for a run against the ropes, Tobie came back with a basement dropkick, taking Nikki on all fours and giving Thorne the opportunity to knock her down with a superkick to the head, leaving her to lick her wounds while she left the ring, standing on the apron where she waited for Knight to get up before jumping back into the ring with a hurricanrana into a pin, obtaining the win. WINNER: TNT BY: Pinfall (Springboard Hurricanrana), 7:33 |
Peyton Holland: "Tobie's back with a win!"
Jessi Idol: "One month after the concussion suffered in her match against Tiff Rollins, the former [R]evo tag team champion is back, and she looks to be in her best shape."
Peyton Holland: "And on a mission to shut up all the doubters who think her presence in MWE has more to do with her relationship with the former General Manager rather than her skills."
Jessi Idol: "One month after the concussion suffered in her match against Tiff Rollins, the former [R]evo tag team champion is back, and she looks to be in her best shape."
Peyton Holland: "And on a mission to shut up all the doubters who think her presence in MWE has more to do with her relationship with the former General Manager rather than her skills."
“Nightmare” from Halsey hits the arena sound system, causing the rowdy Chicago crowd to hop to their feet to watch as Erin Paige made her way out from backstage. She paused for a moment, taking in the applause and cheers coming her way, a small smile spreading across her face. She descended toward the ring at a slow pace, her eyes wide as she watched the crowd whom in turn were watching her, each step filling her with pride.
She stopped as she reached ringside, her eyes now searching the crowd for two specific faces, those of her friend Skylar Raynar and her girlfriends daughter. Her smile widened when she spotted the pair waving toward her, and her happiness grew as she trotted toward them. She leaned in to hug them both, whispering a few words to the pair before removing her leather vest and handing it off to the child. Erin continued circling the ring and grabbed a microphone before sliding herself into the ring. She stood tall, waiting for the music and crowd to die down.
E.M.P.:
If I had known all it took to get people to like me, was get my ass kicked and get a week off, I’d have done it a while ago. Hammerstein put a beating on me, I’ll admit that. He’ll get it back doubly so, later tonight. And before I continue, let’s just...have a refresher of what happened, I need to prove a point. So if you will…
She lowered the microphone to let the video play. A montage of the match itself, with all the Hammerplexes, The Pounce and finally a pinfall after a Hammersteiner. The montage of the after match beatdown was worse, highlighting each attack Hammerstein laid upon her from another Pounce, to shots with a Singapore cane, to finally the sickening crack of her head being sandwiched between a chair and a striking barbed wire chair. The video ended with her bloody and battered body being taken to the back on a stretcher.
The crowd stayed relatively quiet at the end, but Erin just smiled.
E.M.P.:
The point I wanted to make, is that I’m still here after that. I took everything Hammerstein threw at me and I’m back here for more. And Joey Leclaire, my opponent for tonight? He thinks he’s going to do worse. Let me tell you, Joe, you don’t scare me and you don’t scare anyone else with your dollar store tattoos and cheap haircut. You want to talk about this being a modern Bloody Sunday, you want to be the center of attention, and overshadow this person and that person…
….But that’s not going to happen, because I’m not going to be your stepping stone. I refuse that. You want to be hardcore, you want to be badass, you want to be the tough guy, but all I see is a Yungblud with more tattoos and a bigger mouth.”
She paused for a moment, shaking her head with a smile.
E.M.P.:
So, Mr. Death Dealer, put up or shut up, and let’s just get this over with.
Erin tossed the microphone out of the ring and backed up to a corner, looking up at the entryway.
Singles Match
Joey Leclair VS E.M.P.On her third match in her career, the first after the brutal assault by Hammerstein that shelved her for two weeks, Erin Paige found herself going up against a man who claimed he didn’t came to Millennium to put on five star matches but to hurt people. Definitely not the kind of opponent you’d want to meet on your first match back after a brutal beatdown, but Paige didn’t seem too impressed by Joey or his words, as she circled around trying to lock up with him. As they did, it became clear that Leclair had no intentions on wasting his time with some technical exchange, going straight for a knee to the stomach that doubled Erin over, tossing her shoulder first into the corner right after. He grabbed that same arm that got hurt on the impact and bent it behind her back in a hammerlock, moving in front of her and driving his knee on her face before lifting her over his head with a hammerlock suplex. The impression the fans were getting in the first part of this match was that Joey was more focused on injuring and punishing the opponent rather than get the victory. Never once he went for the cover, despite E.M.P. looking in obvious difficulty against the much more experienced opponent. She was completely at his mercy, once again on her back after eating a superkick from the Death Dealer, who now picked her up and put her head between his legs, lifting her in a powerbomb position and dropping her on the turnbuckle. Leclair opened his arms wide, embracing the hatred of the Chicago fans with a smirk while E.M.P. used this time to roll out of the ring and take a breath. She used the full count, helped by the fact that her opponent didn’t try to drag her back in, allowing her to take her sweet time. As soon as she tried to pull her back in though, he hit her with a knee to the face, dragging her upper-body into the ring so that her feet were now resting on the middle rope and dropped her down with a rope hung DDT. At this point, it looked like he was just toying with Erin, looking to make another example out of her, just like he did with Teddy one week ago. But Paige didn’t come here to be a punching bag, finding the energy and pride to react. A punch to the ribs while he was dragging her up to her feet, then another. And again, a third one. Leclair bent over, clutching the ribs and Erin took a short run to the ropes coming back at him with a running big boot to the side of the head. The Death Dealer was down and E.M.P. quickly went for the cover, barely getting a count of two. The rookie started building some momentum, her offense being simple based mostly on kicks and takedown, such as the russian leg sweep that left Joey laying not too far from the corner. Paige climbed to the middle rope and jumped on him with a leg drop, once again making the cover trying to score the upset win, but Joey still had some fuel in his tank. As the minutes went by and her strikes kept coming, the fans began to believe in Erin and her chances to pick up the first win in her career. And the California born was growing more confident, spurred by the people chanting her name. After landing a couple of forearms, she went for a roundhouse kick, missing the target as Leclair ducked under her leg. Joey pushed her from behind, sending her chest first against the ropes and catching her with a vicious spinning elbow smash to the back of her head. The Death Dealer Elbow Smash lived up to his name, knocking Erin down and changing the course of the entire match. Once again Joey took control, planting the opponent on her head with the Brain Damage (brainbuster) and picking her back up, connecting with some stiff kicks to the sides and chest, concluding the sequence with a bicycle kick. It was getting hard to watch, Erin once again, helpless victim of someone who wanted to send a message. Another Death Dealer Ebow, this time connecting to Erin’s jaw seemed to be the end of this match. Joey finally made the cover and the referee started to count. One, Two, Thr… Did Erin kick out? The cheers of the fans suddenly turned into boos as the replay on the tron showed that Joey was the one pulling Erin’s shoulder’s up. He waved his finger at the fans, telling them that he was not done yet. His opponent was barely able to stand, but Leclair ruthlessly set her up for the Stygian (Vertebreaker). The crowd popped to their feet as they saw Helena Noir rushing to the ring. “What the hell are you doing?” She said using a more colorful expression as Joey had Erin upside down, ready to drop her on her neck. Joey looked at her, the history between them well documented only adding to this tense situation. Helena told him to just make the cover, instead of trying to hospitalize the young rookie, but this only seemed to convince Joey to actually perform the move. Erin capitalized on this distraction to slip away and roll Leclair on his shoulders with a quick pinning predicament that almost got her the win. But Joey kicked out and made it back to his feet before the battered opponent, hitting her with his C’est La Vie (Spinning Heel Kick) and hooking the leg for the cover, staring right into Helena’s eyes even after the referee counted to three.. WINNER: Joey Leclair BY: Pinfall (C’est La Vie), 7:17 |
Zackary Dyson: "Another impressive win for Leclair tonight."
Sir Figgles: "Yeah, despite that tattooed chick interference..."
Zackary Dyson: "That tattooed chick is the former Liberty Pro Champion Helena Noir, someone Joey Leclair knows oh so well."
Sir Figgles: "And why he did what she just did?"
Zackary Dyson: "That's a question only Helena knows the answer to."
Sir Figgles: "Yeah, despite that tattooed chick interference..."
Zackary Dyson: "That tattooed chick is the former Liberty Pro Champion Helena Noir, someone Joey Leclair knows oh so well."
Sir Figgles: "And why he did what she just did?"
Zackary Dyson: "That's a question only Helena knows the answer to."
The cameras go backstage at the Enterprise Arena in Chicago to find the tall, athletic form of Wyatt “Jet” Blanchard as he strolls alongside his tag team partner Penelope Kaplan. Tonight they'll be facing Nightfall Rising, after Jay Gallagher and Donovan Keane have annoyed them and generally been thorns in the side of Millennium's tag division since joining up with the company. Wearing some new red, white, and blue gear for tonight’s match, Pen Pen is animatedly speaking to Jet as they walk.
Penny Kaplan:
I saw it, Jet. I saw it in catering. They have Triple Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cake. It looks amazing and thing is. Thing is, that Jay Gallagher is a cake hater, and much like his namesake threatens to destroy all cake.
Jet Blanchard:
Namesake?
Penny Kaplan:
Yeah, you know, Leo Anthony Gallagher Jr. - that comedian that smashes all the fruit. Like, with a big wooden mallet. Watermelons though. And like, my Grandma said he used to be pretty famous, like, sometimes they still play his specials on Comedy Central.
Jet Blanchard:
Penny.
Penny Kaplan:
I mean I wonder if Jay had trouble getting a big wooden mallet on the plane? I imagine he’d have to stow it in the checked luggage, that’s gotta be too big for the over head bins, right? And...
Jet Blanchard:
Penny.
Penny Kaplan:
...do you think they made him pay an extra fee? Because I feel they should have, because like Kelly would say, he’s a jerk-a-doodle. Cake hater. I mean how does Donovan let him get away with that?
Jet Blanchard:
PENNY!
Penny pauses, and blinks.
Penny Kaplan:
What?
Jet Blanchard:
Pretty sure it was Donovan Keane that was blowing up the cake.
Penny Kaplan:
Oh. Well how about that? Either way that’s just terrible and we have to stop them! We can beat them again, Jet. They’re just a little lost, off the path right now. I mean it’s just awful that Chris Night is pretending they didn’t even graduate from his training school! That’s just… I can’t imagine if my trainer did that to me… but as much as I can empathize with them, we just can’t let them win tonight. The future of the marvelous catering cakes is at stake!
Jet Blanchard:
It sure is, Pen. We’re gonna show them boys a thing or two, ‘bout a thing or two.
He chuckles, steering Penny around people as the walk now at a good clip, not wanting to be late for their upcoming match.
??:
Helena! Can I have a quick word with you?
The voice is recognizable as Bowie's, even before they walk into frame chasing and quickly reaching Helena Noir as the last Liberty Champion was leaving the Arena, still limping after her match with Constantine the night before.
Bowie Kennedy:
We just saw you stepping up to stop Joey Leclair from trying to injure E.M.P. The question everyone is asking themselves right now is... Why?
The swedish slowly turns around, smiling at the interviewer.
Helena Noir:
I'll address this and every other question you may have next Wednesday, Bowie. There's someone i need to talk to, now.
She looks down at a small piece of paper in her hand. A flyer announcing the MWE Tag Team Championship. Without adding a single word, she turns on her heels and leaves, leaving Bowie with nothing but a promise of an exclusive interview.
Tag Team Match
Nightfall Rising VS Jetpack
The contest begins with Jay and Donovan struggling against the high-flying offense Penny Kaplan brings. The tags in and out keep Jay and Donovan stress while Penny starts to tire out. When she goes for her tag, Jay strikes with a running knee to the back and a rolling back elbow to her partner, as they begin to isolate Penny. Donovan and Jay send Penny into the ring post which brings Jet in and the official stops him. The Nightfall Duo use this to attack Penny together for longer with stomps and kicks. Penny finally finds an opening with a monkey flip to Jay but Donovan catches him only for Penny to land a sliding dropkick and Donovan powerbombs his own partner. With the tag to Jet, things look to pick up but after two clotheslines to Donovan, Jet’s forced out the ring. The crowd boo Jay who distracted the official and Donovan drags Penny back in by force. Nightfall Rising use their double powerbomb to leave Penny on the mat seeing the bright lights. Donovan drags her up for a suplex and then lets her crawl towards her partner before wheelbarrow suplexing her far from him. Jet tries to get the fans behind her at that point, Jay Gallagher tags into the match and silences the crowd claps with a superkick to Penny before pinning her. The referee’s hand slaps the mat twice before Penny kicks out. Jay pushes her down again and once more to try and get the pin but Penny continues kicking out. Finally she reverses the double suplex by Nightfall Rising into a kneeling neckbreaker to both of them before she makes the hot tag to Jet. He gets into the match and finally starts hitting both men, eventually sending Donovan out the ring off a snap suplex. Jay Gallagher manages to escape a suplex into a sit out cutter but his superkick gets blocked and Jet DDTs him. This sets up his Sweeter Than A Peach which would have won him the match had Donovan not put Jay’s foot on the rope from the outside and then signalled the referee. Jay and Donovan connect with a double superkick on Jet to send him into the ropes. Donovan whips Jet into Jay's knee then the pair hit their running single leg dropkick / reverse bulldog. Donovan gets the pin while Jay grabs onto Penny but Jet's able to kick out. Penny's able to get rid of Jay by lifting him over the ropes and some technical counters leaves Penny able to hit Doublemint with Jet on Donovan but he’s able to kick out. Penny leaves the ring so Donovan can be dropped by Jet’s standing side slam. He, of course, throws his hand out for Penny to tag in and the team whip Donovan into the ropes, he grabs them and double boots Jetpack away to roll onto the ropes. Jay Gallagher distracts the official while Donovan springboard double DDTs Jetpack and goes over to the corner to remove the turnbuckle pad. Donovan makes the tag then to Jay Gallagher. Following a running bulldog, Jay looks to catapult Penny but the official spots the exposed turnbuckle. Jay still launches her before the ref can say anything with Penny leaping onto the second rope and moonsaults into a double foot stomp on Jay’s chest. Breathless and stunned by the move, Jay’s brought up easily for Penny to drop him with a russian legsweep. She tags in Jet and the pair hit Lift Kit on Gallagher who goes down. Jet rolls Jay onto his back for the pin while Penny performs a spinning headscissors takedown that sees Donovan get sent through the ropes and the official counts the three. WINNER: Jetpack BY: Pinfall (Lift Kit), 10:03 |
Jessi Idol: "The cake haters have been defeated! Justice was made!"
Peyton Holland: "You really took this personally, didn't you!"
Jessi Idol: "Of course!"
Peyton Holland: "Well, regardless of your feelings toward cakes, this is another important win for the former MWE Tag Team Champions."
Jessi Idol: "Jetpack are one of the best teams in the world, you can bet they're working their way back to those titles."
Peyton Holland: "The upcoming Tag Team Tournament is certainly one way to get back in the title picture."
Peyton Holland: "You really took this personally, didn't you!"
Jessi Idol: "Of course!"
Peyton Holland: "Well, regardless of your feelings toward cakes, this is another important win for the former MWE Tag Team Champions."
Jessi Idol: "Jetpack are one of the best teams in the world, you can bet they're working their way back to those titles."
Peyton Holland: "The upcoming Tag Team Tournament is certainly one way to get back in the title picture."
The scene opens to a rather generic looking locker room, zoomed in tight and focused first on the bank of open-faced units with bags and other pieces of clothing in them. There are the barest sounds of activity from just out of sight, before a familiar voice sounds.
??:
Here we are again.
The camera pans back, finding Bethany Driver sitting on a bench and smoothing her boots over her calves before lacing them tightly into place. She checks all of her gear as she goes to make sure it fits perfectly for her upcoming match. Having something slip, bunch, or pinch mid-suplex was always decided awful.
Bethany Driver:
Not long ago I was fighting for a spot at the top of MWE, facing off against SERO for his championship. And now… well, as I said, here we are again. Shuffled back down into the midcard, locked into a series of meaningless matches with or against someone suffering from some mid-career crisis. But don’t worry, because in just a week she’s made everything right with her life and has completely turned things around. Surely she won’t spiral directly back into hours long rants about how worthless she feels if she loses, right?
The tone in Driver’s voice is sarcastic, and the look on her face tells the audience just how much of the words she spoke that she actually believes.
Bethany Driver:
I respected Victoria Salinas, at first. Before I saw the whole picture, before she showed her true colors. Now that I’ve seen the wishy-washy nature, the public self-pity, and then the mad scramble to take it all back and desperation to change the image she made for herself, that respect is gone.
With one last tug at her boots, Bethany sits up straight on the bench, hands resting on the smooth surface to either side of her for balance. She sits tall, unbent, and confident despite her recent struggles.
Bethany Driver:
“I don't know what I'll do next... I'm just tired of being trapped in mediocrity,” “I don't belong in a match like that and that proved it,” “If my career even goes on from here, this better be rock bottom,” “If I'm never going to be that wrestler again, then there's no point in going on.” … All things Victoria has had to say in recent weeks, before her “miraculous epiphany.” I haven’t won a one-on-one match here in Millennium since May, but you never saw me ready to throw in the towel.
She stands, tossing her personal towel around her neck to punctuate the point.
Bethany Driver:
Because I know that ups don’t come without downs, triumphs don’t come without setbacks, and no one gets through their career without losses, sometimes several of them in a row. I live to be in the ring, to put it all on the line and wrestle. I don’t live for wins, spotlights, or fame. That’s all icing on the cake. … Like the ice cream cake I think I’ll get after my wings to celebrate with my friends after tonight.
Reigning herself in, she doesn’t get too far sidetracked.
Bethany Driver:
Win, lose, or draw, tomorrow morning my career will still be going and I won’t have done a swan dive into the nearest pit of despair of things don’t turn out in my favor. We’ll see if the same can be said for Victoria if it’s my hand raised at the end of the match.
With a smirk, Driver squares her shoulders one last time and steps out of frame.
The Millennium Invictus Champion walks down the hallway after coming out of his locker room. Dean gets handed one of his shirts on sale to make his entrance and this time he looks at it a little deeper than his usual passing glance. Someone was bringing a fight tonight for him but circumstances had changed drastically since then. There was no mystery, and Dean finally snaps out of it when he meets the person who told him to backstage.
Just around the hall, talking to a member of the new Millennium staff about bottled water was a Chicago socialite...Melanie Dawson. She turns around when she notices Dean and her Louboutin heels click up against the floor with each step that she takes. Melanie is dressed in a dark red blouse with a pair of leather cropped pants as she glances over at Dean to take in his full appearance.
Melanie Dawson:
I hope you win tonight for convincing me to attend this show in the first place.
Dean Smith:
Is it a Dawson thing to go dark red or…?
He says just now clicking the top and her daughter’s affinity for dark red in her attire. Melanie raises one eyebrow slightly while placing a hand on her hip.
Melanie Dawson:
It is our color, don't you think?
Dean Smith:
Dawson red.
He nods agreeing with her after a brief pause of trying to pick the right reply.
Dean Smith:
You do go all out for Homecoming.
Whereas Dean was dressed in his black trunks, elbow pads and some oddly price wrestling boots, black but definitely looked far better than his usual. And the Invictus Championship obscuring some of his abs, wearing it proudly backstage.
Melanie Dawson:
You don't look too shabby yourself. Hopefully the end of the night look remains the same.
Dean Smith:
Melanie..Come on. I’ve been Mr. Invictus for the better half of a year. Zooey Jaa West won when I had zero prep time, with the amount of time I’ve spent studying, training, this title is staying with me and coming on tour.
He looks down at it, holding the top of the centreplate. Melanie’s eyes travel down to the title itself before she looks back up at Dean with a smirk on her face.
Melanie Dawson:
Such a barbaric sport, isn’t it?
Dean Smith:
You could say that. Only the brave enter it, and the best win the accolades.
Melanie Dawson:
Well, I do enjoy being the best…
The smirk that is still upon her face could easily be compared to the one her daughter uses quite often while cutting her promos. Melanie clears her throat before she places one hand on Dean’s shoulder.
Melanie Dawson:
I also appreciate the ticket as a late birthday gift.
Dean Smith:
It just came to me. You like going out, get her out.
As he relaxes the shoulder she’s resting on.
Dean Smith:
Plus I knew jewellery was a bad way to go. You’d have made something better. How’s Bex doing after her fight?
Melanie sighs as if she didn’t even want to think about it, waving her free hand around in a dismissive manner to his question.
Melanie Dawson:
That girl almost killed herself and for what? Nothing. She walked away with nothing, didn’t even walk away, she was stretchered out of the arena.
Dean Smith:
It was rough when I saw it at the Halloween party. At least she’s recovering well. But I wanted to ask you your thoughts on my opponent tonight.
Melanie removes her hand from his shoulder as she gives him a look.
Melanie Dawson:
Zooey? She’s going to get her bell rung in that ring, of course.
Dean Smith:
I knew you were smart. I’ve got a flying knee all set up to making her, and her dream of ever holding this belt, go out like a light.
He scrolls a bit more through West’s twitter feed but drops the phone back in his gym bag. Melanie gives his shoulder a reaffirming pat with a confident nod of her head.
Melanie Dawson:
That’s the spirit, make it quick too, I don’t want to endure too much of this nonsense.
Dean Smith:
I’ve got a few first round win knockouts, I’ll see what I can do about that…
He flashes her a smirk and leaves her with his bag before getting himself moving with a few guys wishing him luck in earshot of Melanie, showing Dean had earned their respect in his time in Millennium and as champion with some referring to him as champ. Melanie watches this with a smile on her face before she grabs a hold of his bag, walking off in the opposite direction to go find her seat.
Invictus Championship Match
Dean Smith (c) VS Zooey West-JaaIn her surprising debut in Tennessee, Zoey West-Jaa pulled an upset defeating the Invictus Champion in his type of match, and that’s something not many people can say. Should she repeat herself here in Chicago, she’ll be ending the longest Invictus reign and enter the history book as the first woman to hold the prize. First Round: Much like in their first encounter, Zooey relied heavily on her Muay Thai knee strikes, executed with incredible speed and pinpoint precision. Dean tried to defend himself, parrying some of them and keeping himself away from the lethal kicks she sneaked in between all those knee shots. And then he surprised her ducking a roundhouse and taking her on the mat with a sweep kick. He went for a jumping knee, dodged by Zooey with a side roll and followed with a vicious knee to the temple. Smith was down, quickly pulling himself up and getting back in the fight, although a bit dizzy. West-Jaa connected with a crane kick right to the face. Dean fell back against the corner, stunned, but still in the fight. Zooey charged in with a superman punch, once again running toward the centre of the ring and then back at him, jumping on his hips and flipping him over with a monkey flip. She waited for him to get back to his feet to charge and attempt a Yakuza kick, missing the target as Dean was able to move out of the trajectory and hit her with an elbow to the back of the head, landing his first strike moments before the end of the first round. Judges Scores Kirilenko: West-Jaa 10-8 Dyson: West-Jaa 10-9 Figgles: West-Jaa 10-8 Second Round: One thing for sure, Zooey was in great shape, and she proved it dominating the first round and part of the second. Until Dean, stealing a page from his sister Luna, landed a throat trust, immediately applying a headlock and starting a flurry of punches to the opponent’s face. When he finally let her go, Zooey fell on her knees and Dean immediately hit the ropes, slamming her face first to the mat with a bulldog. In one fluid motion, he moved in front og her, applying a front facelock and pummeling her with some knee strikes, while squeezing his strong arms around her neck. The move left her short of breath and dazed, allowing Dean to switch in position to lock her in his Choke Out, the dragon sleeper with body scissors. Zooey tried to fight back and break free with some punches on his arms, but he kept a tight hold, too tight for her to escape. Her only chance was to resist until the bell, who was a little over a minute away from ringing. And it rang, although the countdown hadn’t reached zero yet. Zooey passed out. WINNER: Dean Smith (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Submission (Choke Out), Round 2 4:53 |
Zackary Dyson: "What a fight from the Invictus Champion!"
Sir Figgles: "Despite a first round dominated by the Thai, he managed to find an opening in her defense and submit her."
Zackary Dyson: "Another challenge overcomed by the Invictus Champion.. Is there anyone who can stop him?"
Sir Figgles: "Despite a first round dominated by the Thai, he managed to find an opening in her defense and submit her."
Zackary Dyson: "Another challenge overcomed by the Invictus Champion.. Is there anyone who can stop him?"
The fans let out a cheer as Kelsey Spencer is shown on the screen. With her gear on, her wrists taped and her hair tied back, she’s ready for the all-important match with Heath Williams coming up. The object of Heath’s wrath - the Heath Williams Championship belt - is clutched in her right hand, swaying by her side as she strides down the hall of the arena. Her inscrutable gaze looks beyond the camera, as if she’s deep in thought, perhaps going over her final game plan before go time.
As the determined young Aussie gal passes by, a door just happens to open. Kelsey doesn’t seem to notice, ya know all caught up in her thoughts. So she doesn’t notice at first when her husband just so happens to walk out of the room. Christian first looks in the direction that Kelsey had just come from, then he turns the way she went and catches sight of her. He enters a light job in effort to catch up with Kelsey.
Christian Michaels:
Hey Kelse! Hold up a second babe.
Michaels calls out behind his wife. When she stops and turns to him, Christian reaches out and takes his wife’s free hand.
Christian Michaels:
How ya doin babe? Ya look like ya ready for a fight out there tonight…
He says, an obvious of concern in his voice. CM’s gaze focusing on the determined look on Kelsey’s face as they stand in the hallway.
Kelsey Spencer:
Yeah, I've gotta be. I've done a lotta things to get Heath mad lately.
She lifts the title belt into frame a little more.
Kelsey Spencer:
And he's gonna do whatever it takes to get this thing back. If I'm not ready for the fight of my life out there, I'm gonna be in some serious trouble tonight. No question.
Her voice is monotone and very matter of fact. Briefly CM let himself glance at the championship that Kelsey pilfered recently from Heath Williams. That fact in an of itself was enough to stir the man up big time. Christian hadn’t done a lot to help matters on Halloween night either.
Christian Michaels:
Yeah, erm, that’s kinda what I wanted to talk to ya about tonight babe. I mean you sure that ya don’t wanna just rethink this whole deal tonight?
Michaels feels so guilty even asking such a thing of Kelsey; he didn’t know anyone who enjoyed competition as much as his wife.
Christian Michaels:
Maybe just, ah, I dunno send him his title or something?
Kelsey cants her head to the side, almost as if she's completely perplexed by the suggestion.
Kelsey Spencer:
I know this isn't gonna be pretty, but … I really feel like this is something I've gotta do.
Her face softens a little. Her lips almost curl into a smile.
Kelsey Spencer:
I've been through some pretty messed up matches. Remember Three Stages of Hell a few months back? The Hell in a Cell against my cousin last year? I nearly died in the hospital after that one.
Her intention is clearly to bring light to the situation. To point out that this match, a standard singles match, can't possibly be more dangerous than those overly violent stipulations dictated. That may have been her intention, but her mind seems to fail her when it comes to comprehending why people worry about those they care about. She fails to understand how bringing up moments in her career where she was seriously hurt right before stepping into the ring with a dangerous opponent might upset her husband.
Christian Michaels:
Babe!
Christian says firmly in an attempt to really gather Kelsey’s attention here. He picks up on what her tone of voice was trying to do, but it had the opposite effect for him.
Christian Michaels:
Kelsey, my love...my everything, baby this match is nothing like those other situations. Ya went into those matches pretty much knowing what was in store. Heath is a whole different animal here. The guy gets off on making a dude pretend to be a dog? Likes to break people down that far mentally….He’s got that whackjob The Manic brainwashed to do any kinda bidding he wnats….Look at the lengths he’s gone to to just put all his schemes into motion and now his sights are leveled on you. He’s….Baby we ain’t exactly done a lot to keep you from being the one he’s pretty damned pissed off at..
He reaches out with both hands, rubbing them up an down Kelsey’s arms. Christian’s eyes filled with concern as he looks at his wife hoping she’ll call this one off. But Kelsey gives a nervous chuckle.
Kelsey Spencer:
Hey, don't worry about it. I know what I'm getting into, and that's why I'm doing it. Trust me, I know what I'm doing.
She gives a soft smile as she steps back, half turning to head off on her way. It's as if she knows that if she stays any longer, she may actually listen to his pleas. Let herself be talked out of it. Before she goes, she points to her chin.
Kelsey Spencer:
Remember this face…
She forces a smirk, giving a chuckle through her nose.
Kelsey Spencer:
… just in case it's not in the same condition when I come back through that curtain.
The joke may have been in poor taste, but Kelsey tried to deliver it in such a way that she wanted it to come across as a tension breaker. And, with that, Kelsey takes off on her way before Christian can even make a third attempt to talk her down from the ledge, so to speak. He’s forced to hold back any further pleas, instead having to settle for a whispered “I love you. Go get em babe”
Heath Williams Championship Match
Heath Williams (c) VS Kelsey Spencer“Start a Revolution” by Devilskin starts to play, and the fans immediately erupt into a feral stampede of jeers, as The Manic walks out, a leash in hand, The Mutt trailing behind her on all fours. They wait at the top of the ramp for a moment, as the rightful Heath Williams Champion slowly strides out, his eyes, glowing with revenge, fixated on nothing but the ring. His associates exit, due to the terms of the deal he and Kelsey Spencer made, and he continues down the ramp, the pelting of boos defunct on him. As he reaches the steel steps, he takes a knee before them, clutching at the spot on his shoulder of where his title once resided, until Spencer stole it from him. He was obviously heartbroken, and a broken heart leads to a broken mind, and a broken mind leads to destruction. He journeys up the steps, and gets into the ring, sitting in the corner with his head down. Then, as The Bombpops “CA in July” begins, Heath’s attention snaps towards the entrance way. Kelsey Spencer bursts out from behind the curtain, to an ovation from the crowd, the Heath Williams Championship sprawled comfortably across her shoulder, despite not belonging there. As she gets halfway down the ramp, her entrance is cut short, as Heath slides out underneath the bottom rope and charges towards her. Kelsey stops and braces herself, and within a second the two are trading shots, the Official calling for them to get into the ring. Heath irish whips Kelsey towards the ring, and she drops the title, right before rolling into the ring. Heath picks up his Championship and clutches it tightly, praising the heavens for it’s safe return. However, he takes too long embracing the belt, and Kelsey delivers a stern baseball slide from under the bottom rope. Heath goes stumbling back, he too dropping the title. Spencer continues the onslaught, running back and bouncing off the ropes, before performing a suicide dive between the opposite ropes, crashing into Heath with both forearms out. The two competitors go colliding with the floor, the match yet to begin. Kelsey is the first to stand, and goes over to her opponent, attempting to pull up all of his dead weight. Instead, she receives several punches to the gut, before an uppercut that sends her staggering back into the apron. Heath grabs her and rolls her into the ring, the bell finally going off, no time for introductions to be made. Without any hesitation, Williams scrambles on top of Spencer and goes for the pinfall, but only gets a one. Spencer is quick to her feet, ducking a clothesline attempt. As Williams' momentum spins him in place, Spencer fires off with a stinging knife edge chop. Then another. And another. She grasps her opponent's wrist and shoots him off the ropes, flooring him with an impressive standing dropkick. Making a cover, she too only manages to find a one count. It doesn't take long for Kelsey Spencer to bring out her puroresu strong style kicks, teeing off on the seated Heath's chest with stinging precision. The sound of the kicks echo through the arena, each strike stunning the official champion, though he remains in an upright position. Spencer winds up for a kick to the head, but Williams ducks underneath, sweeping her legs and floating over the prone Spencer to wrench in a side headlock. For all his incessant taunting on social media, one thing can be said for certain: Heath Williams has done his homework ahead of this match. Identifying a pattern in their earlier encounters where Spencer builds her momentum in quick bursts, Williams is determined to steer the match away from that. Take the wind out of Kelsey's sails. Slow her down. Keep her grounded. For the most part, that's exactly what happens. Williams dictates the pace of the match. Every time it appears that Spencer is gaining the upper hand, Williams is quick to counter. Every strike is neutralised by a rest hold. For every kick, there's a grapevine. Every headbutt is met with a headlock. Every suplex attempt, countered into a waist lock or an abdominal stretch. It's a very different pace shown by Williams… and it's working. Desperation begins to set in as Spencer tries all she can to escape from the predicament she finds herself in: a grounded body scissors, Heath's muscular legs squeezing her ribs, driving the air from her lungs. It's made even worse when Williams strays from the rules, reaching around and grabbing a handful of Kelsey's eyes and nose. It's only after a stern warning and a threat of an impending disqualification from the referee that Williams releases the illegal hold. A disqualification should result in him remaining champion, but he'd be damned if he'd allow Kelsey Spencer to hold any sort of victory over him. With the Chicago crowd solidly behind her, Spencer fights to escape. A sharp elbow catches Williams off guard as it smacks him in the jaw. Spencer crosses the arm over her body and thrusts her elbow behind her once more; this time, she catches Heath in the temple. She snaps her head back to deliver a reverse headbutt, the back of her head colliding with Williams' nose, causing him to finally release the hold. What follows is an all out assault from Spencer that has Williams struggling to keep up. A menu of moves from other wrestlers - the likes of Seth Iser, Melissa Reeves, Rebecca Saint, etc - makes for a difficult game plan to counter. Williams is at the girl's mercy as she goes to town, hitting big move after big move, looking as though she's closing in on a victory. That is, until she's caught with a sharp jab to the throat by a desperate Williams. Spencer clutches at her Adam's apple with both hands as she splutters, just in time to eat the sole of Heath's shoe, courtesy of a skull-rattling big boot. With Spencer now neutralised, the sadistic Williams leans down by her, grabs a handful of her hair and shouts into her ear. "I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE ME ALONE!" His words are filled with venom, and his actions are vile as he slams her face into the mat. Without letting go of her locks, he lifts her head once more. "YOU'RE WORTHLESS!" Again, face meets canvas. But only for a moment. "YOU’RE NOTHING!" Slam! "GIVE ME BACK MY GODDAMN TITLE AND GET THE HELL OUT OF MY LIFE YOU FILTHY WORM!" The referee has to physically restrain Williams to cease his assault. Spencer is certainly seeing stars as she stirs on the mat - a sight that appears to infuriate her foe. This girl just won't stay down, and it has his blood at boiling point. He moves to lift her, but Spencer has enough wherewithal to wrench his head back and lock in the Dragon Sleeper, a submission move utilised many a times by her husband. The pair drop to the mat as Spencer locks her legs around Heath's waist, wrenching the hold with all she has left. The crowd explode with excitement as Williams flails around, blindly trying to reach out and grab a rope. Heath's height and experience come into play. His years of wrestling have given him an instinctual sense of where he is in the ring, and his long legs allow him to hook his feet onto the bottom rope. The official informs Spencer of the rope break before administering the mandatory count, and Kelsey begrudgingly releases the submission. Both competitors are clearly feeling the effects now, after their long hard-fought battle, each laying against the canvas, trying to find the strength to find their feet. It’s not said and done yet however, as a victor is yet to be declared. Kelsey is the first to stand, backing up and resting against the corner as Heath takes to a knee. As he too climbs to his feet, Spencer charges at him, nailing him straight in the jaw with a Superkick. It doesn’t stop there however, as he grabs his wrist before he falls, pulling him into a Ripcord Knee. Williams falls spine first against the mat, and Kelsey attempts another pinfall - but only manages a 2, as Heath lifts a shoulder at the very last second. Desperation is seen in Kelsey’s eyes, but only for a moment, as the confidence finds its way home, thanks to the Chicago audience, who stands firmly at Kelsey’s side, cheering her on and showing her the support she needs. She can feel it; the love, the support, the adulation. She climbs to her feet with a valiant war cry, and as Heath too gets to his feet, she pulls him in, ready to put him away with the Deprivation DDT. However, before she can put the final nail in the coffin, The Mutt suddenly appears on the apron, garnering the attention of the Official, who gets distracted. This gives The Manic the time she needs to hop up onto the opposite apron, ride beside Kelsey. Kelsey let’s go of the DDT, tossing Williams aside, before getting up in The Manic’s face, sternly telling her that a deal’s a deal and she must leave. The only response Kelsey receives from The Manic, is a devilish grin, that without warning, spits a vast amount of green mist straight into Spencer’s eyes. The Marathon Kid, now blinded, staggers around on her heels, walking straight into Heath, who grabs her arms and sets up for Frozen Over. Though, as he’s about smash her head into the canvas, Spencer gets her arms free, and twists around, pulling Heath into a small package. The Official looks back at just the right time, and slaps his palm against the mat three times, indicating Spencer’s victory. The bell sounds to reaffirm her victory, and as it does, both The Manic and The Mutt climb into the ring, but Spencer evades them, rolling out of harm's way and rushing to the timekeepers area, only one eye open, as she grabs her newly won Championship. Her white-toothed grin beams past the green mist stained against her face, as she raises the Heath Williams Championship high above her head. WINNER: Kelsey Spencer (NEW CHAMPION) BY: Small Package, 10:21 |
Jessi Idol: "New... Heath Williams Champion? Or is it going to be renamed Kelsey Spencer Championship now?"
Peyton Holland: "I don't think she will change the name. Nothing screams revenge on the man who put her through all that wuite like carrying the title named after him."
Jessi Idol: "That's a good point... Although, to be honest, I wouldn't want my name associated with Heath..."
Peyton Holland:"Fair enough..."
Peyton Holland: "I don't think she will change the name. Nothing screams revenge on the man who put her through all that wuite like carrying the title named after him."
Jessi Idol: "That's a good point... Although, to be honest, I wouldn't want my name associated with Heath..."
Peyton Holland:"Fair enough..."
Kelsey leaps up onto the barricade, celebrating with the fans. Meanwhile, back in the ring, Heath hasn’t moved, his back flat against the canvas, a hand covering his face out of shock and frustration. He sits up, and shimmies back into the corner, rubbing a hand through his sweaty head of hair, slicking it back as he stares Spencer down aggressively. The Manic extends a hand to pull him up, but he returns the gesture by swatting her hand out of the way.
Kelsey sits on the barricade, leaning against the crowd in the first row, who celebrate alongside her. The scene fades on the Heath Williams Championship, which sits firmly on the shoulder of it’s new owner.
Homecoming fades backstage where Victoria Salinas is leaning against the wall, reflecting on things a bit as her match with Bethany Driver draws closer. Unlike before her match with Teagan Gallagher, Victoria is exuding a lot more confidence. Contrary to what most would expect out of her, her recent emotions and how hard she's openly taken setbacks considered, she's calm, cool and collective. The pressure of the moment, if there is any, is microscopic at most. She's not tense, nervous or glum. She's poised, determined and even smiling some as she begins to express her thoughts.
Victoria Salinas:
It's a homecoming for this company. Chicago is where MWE was born. But tonight? It's a homecoming for me too.
Victoria takes a pause as she continues to process her thoughts.
Victoria Salinas:
I'd be remiss to talk about that without acknowledging how I've behaved recently. Yes, I've overreacted to failure. Yes, I initially took this match as a do or die. But epiphanies? They're a wonderful thing. Now Bethany… she can talk all the shit she wants about me. She can question my psychological state of mind. She can even mock my “pity parties”. She can feel however she wants to feel about me. But there's one thing she said…
Victoria's expression turns into that of minor anger.
Victoria Salinas:
...something that… honestly… has me questioning her desire and where her heart is at in this business. Something along the lines of how I'm “just another match” to her?
Victoria isn't even that angry with this comment. In fact, she's even amused with this comment as her half-smirk indicated.
Victoria Salinas:
If I didn't know any better, I would take that as an insult. But, I get what you're saying Bethany. You're not allowing yourself to become overwhelmed by this match as I was initially. But to treat this as just another match? Did you forget how this thing between us started? Did you forget how in our last encounter, Robbie Bourbon fucked it up for both of us? Or was that “just another match” for you too? Maybe that's what this is for you, but for me, it's much more than that. No, it's not do or die. It's not all or nothing. But what it is for me is unfinished business… remember that part? Think I'd just forget the journey we've been on together? That last match? The handicap? The revenge tag match from a while ago? The triple threat that neither of us won? Does that mean nothing to you, Bethany? Because if it doesn't, maybe you don't love this as much as you claim you do. That's debatable, but what isn't is that I've got more passion for this than you do. This, for me, is partially the end of our journey, but it is also, like I said before, a homecoming for me too…
A homecoming for what vainglorious is REALLY about…
Because that's the Victoria you're going to get…
Not the pity party thrower that was scared of being past her prime…
Not the Victoria that was worrying about the consequences of losing this match.
And not the Victoria that was acting… well… kind of like YOU lately!
Victoria takes a pause and the half-smirk is gone as she goes into a more serious tone.
Victoria Salinas:
You mock me for my behavior when yours hasn’t been that much better? Look in the mirror, Bethany. You had a shot at the MWE championship, something that you know damn well I’m pushing myself very hard to attain and you dismissed it as a token shot… or at least that’s the vibe I got from you. You’re acting like you haven’t accomplished a damn thing here when you’ve accomplished more in this company than I have. You’ve had it better in this company than I have. You weren’t the one that got pinned by Melissa Reeves… I WAS. And yet, you act like this match is your “first step”. What am I to you? A stepping stone? Because as I’ve stated before, I’m DONE being a stepping stone for other people to take advantage of. Sorry, Beth… that’s NOT the Victoria you’re stepping into the ring with tonight.
You’re stepping into the ring with the small town girl who from day one has had her back against the wall… the rags-to-riches story of a small town girl who had NOTHING coming out of high school but a dream to become a wrestler, a couple of friends, and chump change that she was collecting at a local diner to even pay for wrestling school. You’re stepping into the ring with a woman who… at one point, forgot her calling… forgot what vainglorious was all about… just because she was too caught up in championships and glory and not wanting to be over the hill.
Well… I’m NOT over the hill, Bethany. I hate to break that news to you!
I’m that bitch… who defined EVERY odd thrown her way… to become the star that she’s been before and the star that I KNOW in my heart she is very capable of being again. I’m that bitch who had no business even getting to WRESTLING SCHOOL, let alone to the championships and the accolades that she’s gotten over the last decade. It’s a miracle that I even GOT to be a wrestler at ALL and I’m not saying that as a pity thing, I’m saying that for perspective… a perspective that in recent years I had lost.
I didn’t know it for years… but I abandoned… not intentionally… but still… those young ladies living in the same small towns that I grew up in… that felt like I did… that a dream could only be a dream…
I abandoned my mission of showing them that a dream can be REALITY!
Not anymore, Bethany!
Because being that inspiration to those young girls that grew up in the same, fucked up, back against the wall situation through those same hard times that I did… THAT is what “vainglorious” is all about. The success and the championships and the accolades? That will come with time because I know deep down in my heart, and I’ve ALWAYS known this, that I have ALWAYS BEEN good enough… that I’m STILL good enough… that five years from now… I’ll STILL be good enough… that as long as I believe in myself and remember why I’m doing this… I’ll ALWAYS be good enough no matter what other wrestlers, what previous companies I worked for, what douchebags I’ve dated in the past, or what any given loss wants to say or think!
And as long as I can BE that inspiration… as long as there’s always redemption for me to atone for my old mistakes I’ve made over the years… I’ll STILL be here… and I’ll STILL be successful until my body decides it can’t take it anymore.
I used to see failure… I used to see the losses…. I used to see the slumps… as the death of my career… but not anymore.
Failure… to me… is a building block for future success. And if that’s ALL this match ends up being for me, than so be it, but NOBODY in this company… not Charlie Webster… or Robbie Bourbon… or Duke Andrews… and especially as hell not YOU… get to write the definition for what I’M all about in this business.
For me, this isn’t “just another match”. Hell, it’s not even “the biggest stage under the brightest lights”. No… for me… it’s HOMECOMING for what my purpose is in this business… to be that inspirational success story for the same young ladies that struggle through their childhoods just like I did… that want that dream… that want their moment to shine and be somebody when they grow up.
THAT is who Victoria Salinas is… and win or lose?
You can’t take that away from me, Bethany.
So tell me again how this was “just another match” for you should tonight not go your way.
Victoria maintains her determination through some heavy, near-deafening cheers from the crowd as she walks away from the scene to make her final preparations for the match ahead.
Singles Match
Victoria Salinas VS Bethany DriverA rematch from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a match that Victoria had been wanting ever since their match was ruined by Robbie Bourbon’s interference. The two crossed paths multiple times in the Homecoming tour, both as tag partner and as opponents in the main event a couple of weeks ago when they shared the ring with the MWE Champion herself. The match started with the two locking up in the middle of the ring, Bethany immediately grabbing and twisting her arm, holding it as she flipped her opponent over taking the match to the ground. She tried to keep pressure on the arm, applying a shoulder lock but Victoria, being a very technical wrestler herself, managed to escape the submission, even transitioning into a hammerlock of her own. Becky swung her elbow backwards, trying to connect with her jaw but Victoria saw that coming, ducking and switching to a headlock, taking Driver to the mat. With a headstand, Driver easily escaped the hold and the two competitors found themselves face to face one to the other at the end of a technical exchange that earned them a round of applause from the hot Chicago crowd. The pace of the match definitely picked up after the slow start, punches and kicks replacing the holds as each one of the them was trying to prevail and get the upper hand in a very even contest. Two forearm strikes from Bethany were the prelude to a superkick, dodged by Salinas with a lateral movement. She quickly crouched and took the opponent off her feet with a sweep kick, going for a stomp avoided with a roll to the side by Miss MurderGraps who now pulled herself up and leaned against the ropes, sucking Vicky in and lowering the top rope as she charged in. Salinas hung on the ropes and landed on the apron, ducking a right hand from Beth and driving her shoulder through the ropes and into the mid-section of Driver. Holding her by the back of the head, she dragged her toward the corner and pushed her head against the turnbuckle. As Bethany stumbled back toward the center of the ring, Victoria climbed to the top rope, waiting for her to be in the perfect position to dive onto her with a crossbody, countered with a dropkick. The action kept going back and forth, clearly they knew each other very well and studied the opponents moves and mannerisms, making it hard for any of them to build any momentum. Things changed when Salinas surprised her opponent with a springboard Busaiku knee, making the cover for a count of two. Victoria built some more offense after that, the knee to the face clearly stunned Beth who hadn’t quite recovered from it yet. Victoria tried another cover after a straightjacket neckbreaker slam, but Driver just wasn’t staying down. Bethany eventually found a way to turn the tables right when Victoria went for the new finisher she debuted on the last Millennium show. With an incredible feat of strength, she blocked the Vanity Breaker right before Salinas could drop her down with the inverted ddt, slamming her on the canvas with a front powerslam instead. Still catching her breath, Bethany stumbled back into the corner, keeping the opponent at bay with a back elbow first and a boot to the face the second time. In an outburst of energy she exploded out of the corner knocking her down with a lariat, the first of three. After the third, she jumped and extended both feet with a dropkick. Victoria fell back and hit the lower turnbuckle with the back of her head, a nasty blow by the look of hit but nothing compared to the running knee that caught her right on the jaw. Living up her name of WrestleBeth, she put on an authentic showcase of suplexes, including the beautiful Beth-Plex (Bridging Tiger suplex) from which Victoria barely kicked out. Driver picked her up and went for her B-A-DDT, but Salinas put her weight down and dropped on her knees, preventing the execution of the double underhook ddt. When Bethany tried to pull her back to her feet, she surprised her with an inside cradle. This gave the start to a series of near falls, the two women jockeying for position and switching from a pinning predicament to another, one moment it was Bethany with her shoulders down, and then she rolled over, obtaining a near fall of her own. It kept going a little longer, ending with Salinas kicking out from one last pinning predicament. One moment too late said the referee. Veronica, in a surprising new role for her, was complaining to the referee, claiming that she kicked out in time. But the referee was adamant in his decision, claiming that it was final. Although the replay on the tron, left some room for a doubt. Shaking her head, clearly disappointed, Victoria left the ring under a shower of applause from the Chicago fans. WINNER: Bethany Driver BY: Pinfall (Roll Up), 14:29 |
Sir Figgles: "That's a bunch of malarkey!"
Zackary Dyson: "You think the ref made the wrong call? I don't know, it was a damn close one, but i believe it was three.."
Sir Figgles: "Two."
Zackary Dyson: "We'll agree to disagree then."
Zackary Dyson: "You think the ref made the wrong call? I don't know, it was a damn close one, but i believe it was three.."
Sir Figgles: "Two."
Zackary Dyson: "We'll agree to disagree then."
We cut backstage and Camari Haye appears on screen with all her natural beauty, the lights overhead reflecting off of her luscious blonde hair. She raises a microphone to her lips.
Camari Haye:
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time… Pinhead.
The camera pulls back, and the brooding force known only as Pinhead appears, staring into nothingness.
Camari Hayre:
Pinhead, earlier tonight my colleague Bowie Kennedy spoke with your cohorts, Heath Williams and The Mutt about the match with Kelsey Spencer, which we now know, Kelsey has won and earnt the right to call herself the Heath Williams Champion. What are your thoughts on this?
Pinhead:
Dominique-nique-nique… Kelsey Spencer is but a fly… the kind that will buzz around your head, until you catch it in your hands, and pull its wings off with your bare fingers… Sooner or later, Heath will pull her wings off, and take back his Championship.
Camari stares at Pinhead for a moment, an eyebrow slightly raised, as if stunted by Pinhead’s response, but unwilling to let him know the extent.
Camari Hayre:
Um, okay. Great. Thank you, Pinhead. Well, in just a few moments we will get to see your big Steel Cage match. Tell me, how do you think you will fare against the newly unmasked Redd Thunder?
Pinhead leans forward, and stares deeply into the camera.
Pinhead:
Dominique-nique-nique… There is only one thing, that can contain the rage of Pinhead… and it is not a Steel Cage.
And with that, Pinhead continues to stare into the camera for a few moments, before turning and staunching off down the hall as his theme music begins to play.
Camari Hayre:
Well, everyone, I guess we’re starting that match… NOW!
Camari smiles and the camera cuts back to the arena, where Pinhead is now coming out from behind the curtain.
Singles Match
Steel Cage Match
Pinhead VS Redd ThunderSteel Cage Match
As the french version of “Dominique” by The Singing Nun blasts throughout the Enterprise Arena, Pinhead comes marching down the ramp - his bizarre music matched with his bulking size creating such an unsettled atmosphere. As he nears the ring, he stares up at the Steel Cage hanging overhead, yet to be lowered. Jessi Idol: Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve just received word, that the cage will not be lowered until Pinhead has entered the ring. During test trials, it was determined that Pinhead CANNOT fit through the standard door of a steel cage. Peyton Holland: Yes, however it should be noted that Redd Thunder CAN fit through the door, however he must turn first, and go in sideways. Pinhead climbs the steel steps, and lifts a leg over the top rope, entering the ring in classic giant fashion. Then, the cage finally begins to lower, and he silently watches it enclose the ring around him, zero signs of intimidation. Quickly, The Singing Nun fades out, and is replaced by Celine Dion’s, “My Heart Will Go On”. The unsettled atmosphere doesn’t settle much, with the mixture of the music, and Redd making his appearance. His stature, though not quite as massive as Pinhead’s, is still vastly impressive. Peak physical condition. His entrance isn’t much different to Pinhead’s, eyes fixated on the structure before him. However, what does differentiate the two, is the amount of incoherent shouting that flies out of Redd’s mouth as he nears the cage. Once at the bottom of the ramp, he climbs the steel steps, and surely enough, turns and slips through the door sideways. Almost immediately, the match begins and within seconds the two giants are going at each other, locking up in a test of strength. They each jockey for position, a strange term for these monsters, considering they’re each at least three times the size of a jockey. It’s Pinhead who gets the upper hand though, as he irish whips Redd towards the ropes. Redd bounces back, and Pinhead puffs out his chest, allowing Redd to slam straight into him. Pinhead absorbs the force, and Redd staggers back slightly, but manages to find his footing. The two behemoths come to a standstill, but only for a moment, as they begin trading hard lefts and rights. They keep at it for some time, until Pinhead catches Redd with a stern right in the jaw that puts him on spaghetti legs. However, Redd uses this to his advantage, performing a clever drunken boxing technique, spinning on his heel and clubbing Pinhead in the nose with a powerful Spinning Back Fist. Both men fall to the mat, causing the ring to shake. Peyton Holland: Sheesh, Jessi! I think I have a case of PTSD after last month, when these two sent the ring crashing to the ground! Jessi Idol: It certainly did look like history was about to repeat itself! The competitors take a moment to lick their wounds, but within a flash they’re both on their feet, back in the scrum, battling for dominance, neither giving way. Then, out of nowhere, Redd wraps his arms around Pinhead’s waist, and tilts his back, taking Pinhead overhead with a Belly-to-Belly Suplex. He keeps a grasp, and readies himself to perform another, however this time Pinhead counters, wrapping his own arms around Redd, and using a Belly-to-Belly of his own. Like Redd before him, Pinhead attempts another, but this time it’s Redd who performs the counter, another heavy Belly-to-Belly. The two go back and forth like this several times, countering each respective suplex. In the end, Redd scores a number of seven Belly-to-Belly’s, and Pinhead eight. As the two brutes take a sabbatical on the canvas, the fans begin to cheer for what was a spectacular showing of strength and stamina. The first to show life is Thunder, and rolls across the mat, flopping his body on top of Pinhead’s. The crowd is shocked however, when Pinhead kicks out at one. Redd fires a few elbows into the side of Pinhead’s skull, then pushes himself to his feet, and runs towards the ropes. He bounces off of them, and comes flying back with a Running Senton that nearly splits his opponent in two. He goes for another pin, but only gets a two count. After two failing attempts at putting Pinhead away, Redd’s eyes sway over to the top of the cage. He begins nodding his head, as he rises to his feet and storms over to the cage wall. He locks his fingers around the mesh, pulling and giving it a shake, testing its durability. Once he’s satisfied, Redd lifts a leg onto the top rope, pushing himself up and ready to start the hike up the cage. However, Pinhead certainly has something to say about that, as he gets to his feet, runs to the ropes, rebounds, then sends all of his body weight crashing into Redd’s back. Redd’s legs give way, but before he can fall off the ropes, Pinhead wraps his arms around Redd’s waist, and nails him with a Super German Suplex, the ring making a nasty sound as they hit the mat. “HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!” The crowd chants. Peyton Holland: PTSD, Jessi! P.T.S.D! Jessi Idol: These two are playing a dangerous game, Peyton! Pinhead goes for the cover, but only manages the two and a half. This time, it’s Pinhead who turns his attention to the top of the cage. He stands up, his gaze fixated. He stays like this for a few moments, until he shakes his head with a smirk, as he turns around and stalks Redd Thunder. He backs himself up into the corner, and awaits Redd’s recovery. Redd stirs, favoring his back, which must be seething with pain at this point. As he gets to his knees, Pinhead charges in, once again wrapping his arms around Redd’s waist. However, instead of a variation of suplex, this time Pinhead lifts Redd into a seated position. He struggles for a moment, but uses it as momentum to send Redd Thunder smashing into the cage wall that aims at the entrance way with an Electric Chair. However, before Pinhead was able to let go, Redd clocked him with a hard right across the nose, busting him wide open. Redd falls from the wall and slips in behind the ropes, leaving a huge dent in his place. Meanwhile, Pinhead staggers backwards, clutching at his nose as his nostrils paint the canvas crimson. Jessi Idol: Well, Pinhead’s lucky this isn’t a First Blood match! Peyton Holland: Yep, or else Redd Thunder’s arms would be raised right now! Pinhead appears rather confused, clearly not used to the sight of his own blood. He wipes some into his hand and rubs it around with his fingers, staring at the substance very carefully, almost examining it. He smiles, and charges back towards Thunder, leaning over the ropes and reaching down. As he pulls Thunder up off the apron, “The Law”, reaches around and takes him by the scruff of his neck, dropping and forcing Pinhead’s nose into the top rope. Pinhead once again staggers back, and Redd pulls himself up, re-entering the ring. Redd comes up behind Pinhead and grabs him, twisting him around and sending him face first into the side of the cage. As Pinhead comes bouncing back, Redd goes to give it another shot, however this time, Pinhead reverses the move, and instead sends Redd into the cage wall. Like before with the Belly-to-Belly Suplexes, the two heavy-set brawlers continue like this for some time, taking turns ramming each other’s head into the steel. In the end, Pinhead’s got a score of 10 head-rams, and Redd has a score of 11, the dent in the cage now more blown out than ever. However, on Redd’s final head-ram, he grabs Pinhead and spins him around, ending the exchange with the vicious Killamajig. He goes for the cover, but to his surprise, only gets the two. He doesn’t seem too upset about not picking up the win though, as he gets straight back up and begins shouting for the cage door to be opened. He makes way, and the door is opened for him. He gets ready to step out, but his shoulders get stuck in the doorway, and halts him from proceeding further. Peyton Holland: Oh no! It looks like Thunder’s forgotten to go out sideways! Jessi Idol: And even worse, he appears to be trapped! Redd struggles, trying to push himself through with enough force. It’s no use however, he’s wedged in there tight. “RUB SOME BUTTER ON MEH,” he shouts numerous times, the Official’s outside reluctant to help, as that would be cheating. Enough time goes by for Pinhead to recover, and as he gets up, he goes straight for the cage wall. It seems to be that a climb’s on the agenda, that is until Pinhead takes the time to really scope out the severity of Redd’s conundrum. He changes his mind, and leaves the cage wall, making way over to Redd. He blasts him in the back with a few stern punches, then wraps his hands around Redd’s skull, attempting to pull him back through. After a struggle, Pinhead finally succeeds, yanking Thunder back into the ring. He twists Redd around, lifting him high into the air, about to hit The Dominique Tribute. However, as Redd’s in the air, he manages to drop down. Both men turn to face each other, and Redd kicks Pinhead in the stomach, right before lifting him into the air. Redd’s veins pop out as he struggles to keep Pinhead in position, but he manages to hold out long enough to hit the Brute Force Algorithm. He goes for the cover… ONE!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!! TWO AND A HALF!!!!!!!!! TWO AND THREE QUARTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THR- Jessi Idol: PINHEAD JUST KICKED OUT OF THE BRUTE FORCE ALGORITHM! Peyton Holland: I WOULD HAVE BEEN WILLING TO BET MY CURRENT LIVING ARRANGEMENTS THAT REDD THUNDER WAS GOING TO WIN THEN AND THERE! Redd’s frustrated, smacking the canvas with a closed up fist. He looks up at the top of the cage once more, and he knows exactly what it is he has to do. He goes over to the cage wall, and begins climbing. He takes some time making his way up, but it doesn’t matter, as the only movement Pinhead has made so far is rolling onto his stomach. Once Redd is finally up on top, he looks down at the floor on the outside, where victory awaits. However, there’s clearly an internal battle going on within his head, as he turns his attention back to Pinhead, who’s currently completely vulnerable. Redd makes his decision, climbing up onto his feet and turning to face Pinhead. Jessi Idol: Uh oh… what’s Redd thinking, Peyton?! Peyton Holland: Not entirely sure, Jessi, but he’s giving me PTSD again! With one giant leap for Redd-kind, Redd Thunder comes flying off the cage, his legs aimed straight down, an Ultimate Double Stomp ready for Pinhead down on the mat. However, at the very last second, Pinhead rolls out of the way, and Redd’s legs go crashing THROUGH the canvas. “HOLY SHIT, HOLY SHIT, HOLY SHIT!!!” “M-DUBBYA-E, M-DUBBYA-E, M-DUBBYA-E!” Pinhead gets up off of the mat, and races over to Redd, grabbing him around the waist and pulling him up out of his two leg holes. He then hits a German Suplex, followed by another, followed by another, and another, resulting in The Village, his finishing move set. He doesn’t quit there though, and readies for another, this time aimed straight at the wall the two big men have previously abused. He hits a fifth German, Redd flying into the wall. The screws come loose from the foundations of the cage, and the wall collapses down against the floor outside, Redd tumbling over, both feet hitting the ground. The bell sounds and although Redd doesn’t currently have the mental capacity to understand it, he’s won the match. WINNER: REDD Thunder BY: Cage Escaping, 11:44 |
Peyton Holland: "Well, Redd doesn't look much like a winner tonight"
Jessi Idol: "I... I'm still shocked Pinhead could lift him."
Peyton Holland: "He's not human, I'm telling you..."
Jessi Idol: "I... I'm still shocked Pinhead could lift him."
Peyton Holland: "He's not human, I'm telling you..."
The lights in the Enterprise Arena go dark and the Tron over the entrance stage lights up. The crowd in Chicago turn their attention to it as we see a pre-taped segment. Taking us to the Blue/Green bridge in Grand Rapids, Michigan sometime late in the evening. The camera cuts and then comes back in to see Bobbi Jackson moving down the walkway of the bridge. Wearing a comfy-looking red sweater and a pair of denim blue jeans. The wind blowing through her blonde hair as she speaks to the camera in front of her.
Bobbi Jackson:
They say to understand your opponent better, you should attempt to walk a mile in their shoes. Which is why I'm here, in Duke Andrew's hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The birthplace of the so-called Epitome of Perfection...Please!
The Phoenix rolls her eyes clearly not buying the hype of the Lockdown Champion's nickname.
Bobbi Jackson:
You see Duke, the two of us have been riding up and down the roads of this crazy business for the past fifteen years. But our paths have never crossed, until now...
Bobbi smirks ever so slightly as she stops walks and places a hand on the nearby rail leaning into it a bit.
Bobbi Jackson:
The difference between us though? I'm a true student of this game. I know exactly who you are. I watched you rise through the ranks of companies like ICWA and PWT. I've seen you achieve success not only as a singles competitor but as a tag team wrestler as well. Your career has been impressive Duke, and nobody can take that from you...regardless of what happens on Sunday night...your legacy will still very much be intact.
The blonde once again starts walking again, the cameraman walking backward slowly matching her pace as she continues to speak.
Bobbi Jackson:
You see the thing is Duke, I actually respect you. Sure, your jokes are corny as hell and your one-liners make my eyes want to roll into the back of my head. But when that bell rings and it's time to settle things in the ring? That's where you really shine. The same can be said for me. The problem is you don't know that. You haven't done your homework, you're going into this match extremely overconfident and it's going to bite you in the ass. I promise you that!
The Phoenix chuckles a bit as she moves some of the blonde hair out of her face. The wind continues to whip it around but you can see the serious stare from her brown eyes better now for the time being.
Bobbi Jackson:
I came to Millennium to prove myself against the best this industry has to offer. I didn't come here looking for a handout or a red carpet welcoming. I wanted to do things the right way and work my way up to the top. What I quickly realized however is that's not how things work here in Millennium. The ones with the biggest mouths get the quickest opportunities. Look no further than Grimey to know that what I'm saying is true...
Bobbi just shakes her head at the mention of Gavin Grimes name before continuing.
Bobbi Jackson:
He came right in, living off his past accomplishments and called out Melissa Reeves immediately getting himself a championship match. That's not how I wanted to do things here. I wanted to become undeniable to management and allow my win-loss record to speak for itself. Not in other companies I currently work for. Not for what I've done in my career. But what I do HERE! In Millennium! Too many people wish to coast on their past accomplishments and that's not what I'm here for...
There is frustration in the words of the Rising Phoenix but she settles herself down, taking a deep calming breath before continuing.
Bobbi Jackson:
But my time against Reeves will come. However, tonight is not that night. Because Homecoming is all about you Duke Andrews and that Lockdown Championship. Every single one of my wins here in Millennium has been by tap out. The Trial by Fire has taken down the very best this industry has to offer. Duke, you will be no different...
The blonde stops again as she turns and looks off the side of the bridge, just taking in the cool Michigan evening.
Bobbi Jackson:
You might call yourself Michigan's favorite son but whatever city I step into, I'm automatically the favorite. It makes no difference if I stand here in your hometown of Grand Rapids or in that arena Sunday night in Chicago. The result is still the same. It's just a fact of life...
Bobbi turns back to the camera and sighs softly.
Bobbi Jackson:
I'm going to give you one last warning Duke. But I'm sure by the time you see this it will already be too late to prepare any more than you already have. Because this Sunday night, at Homecoming. I'm going to take that Lockdown title from you. I'm going to tap you out in the Trial by Fire and I'm going to make you regret the fact you chose to take me so lightly. But it won't be all bad because there's going to be a glimmer of hope for you after it's all said and done. You see, a lot of people like to throw out promises in the wrestling industry so here's my promise to you.
The Phoenix grins confidently.
Bobbi Jackson:
Once I become the Lockdown Champion and it finally dawns on you what kind of competitor you stepped into the ring with? I promise you'll get the first crack at this title afterward in a rematch. But I want you to come back here to Michigan and collect your thoughts. Study my work, understand the gigantic mistake you made by overlooking me in the first place. Train harder than you ever have in your entire career and come back for another shot. I'll be waiting...
The blonde walks up to the camera and gets very close. She speaks with absolute certainty in her voice.
Bobbi Jackson:
And when it's all said and done? I'll beat you again. Sunday night Duke... You won't survive this Trial by Fire. Millennium... You're looking at the next Lockdown Champion!
Jackson walks past the camera and it turns to follow her as she continues to walk the bridge as the Tron blacks out and the lights come back on in the arena. The crowd cheers loudly for the Bobbilicious One prior to the start of the next match.
Lockdown Championship Match
Duke's rule: Submission
Duke Andrews (c) VS Bobbi JacksonDuke's rule: Submission
The confident Bobbi dared to start the match with a test of strength against Duke. Duke took what turned out to be the bait in Bobbi's plan. Bobbi turns around to cross Duke's arms over and kneels to fling Duke over onto his back. Bobbi's knee strikes rocks Duke Andrews into the ring ropes. Bobbi lights up Duke's chest with some backhand chops before the Irish whip that leads to the dropkick by Bobbi. Bobbi lands the leg drop afterwards, but Duke manages to break out the crossface she attempts to apply. Andrews endures a couple of measured punches from Bobbi before shoving Bobbi into the ring ropes. Duke looks for a spinebuster on the rebound, but Bobbi reverses into a single knee facebreaker; Bobbi connects with her spear after, and Andrews manages to get his a firm grasp of the bottom rope to break her Trial By Fire. Bobbi gets backed into the corner and prevents Andrews from landing a shoulder thrust with a well-timed knee. Duke falls to his knees from the impact and The Rising Phoenix runs past Andrews to pick up speed for Bobbi's DDT. Duke doesn't kick her off when she locks in a Boston crab, instead grabbing the ropes to force a break. Bobbi senses she's getting closer to the win. She grabs Duke and helps him to his feet in order to lay in with roundhouse kicks to the mid-section. Bobbi hits Duke with enough force to knock Andrews through the ring ropes and cause Andrews to tumble to the outside. Bobbi steps out onto the apron to stay on Duke; Bobbi flies off the apron with a flying forearm, and Duke reverses into a spinning spinebuster right in front of the fans. Duke returns Bobbi to the ring promptly and tries to finish the match off with his GoodNight hold. The crowd's reaction is electric, but there are cheers for Bobbi when she grabs the ropes. Duke picks up the pace and strings together multiple clotheslines; Bobbi falls to each one but gets back up. Bobbi ricochets off Andrews's boot and falls into the ring ropes. Duke Andrews looks to body slam Bobbi on the rebound but she slips out the back door and dazes Duke with a rising knee. Bobbi follows up on the knee by hitting her roundhouse kick. Duke Andrews is just able to kick out of the move so The Bobbi Doll retaliates with knee drop right across the back of Duke's head. Duke is then helped up by Bobbi solely so Bobbi can deliver her The Phoenix Landing (pedigree) that leaves Duke out flat on his back. Jackson steps between his legs, ready to lock him in her Trial By Fire, but Andrews is playing possum, catching her in his Good Night (Hell's Gate). Bobbi's trying her best to resist, refusing to tap out. But if her mind is strong enough to whitstand that excruciating pain, her body gives up for the lack of oxygen, and she fades out. WINNER: Duke Andrews (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Submission (Good Night), 11:19 |
Sir Figgles: "My boy Duke retains!"
Zackary Dyson: "Great performance by Bobbi, but it wasn't enough to take the title from Andrews."
Sir Figgles: "Did you see that? She seemed in control and then, a moment later, she was on her way to Dreamland"
Zackary Dyson: "Exactly, and that's what makes Duke so dangerous."
Zackary Dyson: "Great performance by Bobbi, but it wasn't enough to take the title from Andrews."
Sir Figgles: "Did you see that? She seemed in control and then, a moment later, she was on her way to Dreamland"
Zackary Dyson: "Exactly, and that's what makes Duke so dangerous."
The feed switches to the dressing room of The Chicago Way Champion, Jacob Hammerstein. While Reese Kennedy stands, a sneer on his face, the champion sits, head down, The Chicago Way Title in his lap.
Reese Kennedy:
Tonight, in the Enterprise Arena, The Chicago Way….
Hammerstein:
Shut up, Reese.
The manager looks at his client confused.
Reese Kennedy
But, Champ….
Hammerstein never raises his head, but his voice grows more forceful, more demanding.
Hammerstein:
Shut... up... Reese.
Leave.
Reese Kennedy:
Sure, Champ. Whatever you need.
Kennedy pats his client on the shoulder before leaving. The door closes behind Kennedy and the camera focuses on the Champion, whose head never raises.
Hammerstein:
From day damn one that you crossed my path, Kenzie Garrett, you've questioned me. You've questioned my heart. You've questioned my courage and my manhood. You've questioned my legitimacy as The Chicago Way Champion, and my credentials as a hardcore wrestler.
I've bled. I've sweated. I've paid the motherfucking price to be where I am today. Noone has handed me anything.
I've bled buckets. I've been burned, hung, thrown off cages and jumped off the top of six story buildings.
And none of that could keep me down.
Hammerstein runs his fingers through his raven hair.
Hammerstein:
And for all the bad things that have happened to me, I've done worse to my opponents.
So when you try to cast doubt on my legitimacy as The Chicago Way Champion, and as a hardcore wrestler, you can understand why it affects me so. That's why what happened to your little mockingbird, Erin Paige, happened. She thought she could get a pass for her disrespect, because you said the same thing.
See, you thought you could shit talk your way into a title match, instead of earning it. You tried to jump ahead of all the other deserving contenders. What about the others, you know, the ones that fought in the Chicago Way battle royal? You didn't want to do things the right way, because you're selfish. You expected to just waltz in and insult your way into a title shot.
The American Monster grips his right knee to stop its shaking.
Hammerstein:
Then you claim that what I did to Paige pushed you harder to get the title shot. But that's a bunch of your typical bullshit.
Hammerstein shakes his head and sighs.
Hammerstein:
You could've done things the proper way, went to the Championship Committee and got a title shot.
Hell, you could've went to any show I'm working, Millennium or otherwise, jumped me in the parking lot, beat my ass, and got a title shot.
But you decided to bust into my home, the one place in this world where my daughter, Zoey, should always feel safe and secure, and you turn it into a fucking house of horrors.
I'm a professional wrestler. My wife, Holly, is a professional wrestler. Reese Kennedy is part of the professional wrestling business. We know the risks involved in this sport, especially when things get personal.
But my two-year old daughter is innocent...or was. You destroyed that innocence. The wide eyed wonder with which she has viewed this world has been replaced with terror and confusion…
Hammerstein's hands shake as his voice cracks with emotion.
Hammerstein:
….She's afraid to even leave her room, because she's afraid the mean lady will break the house again.
His shaking hands are clenched into fists.
Hammerstein:
Kenzie Garrett, you wanted to push me and push me. I told you how to get a match with me, in a professional manner, but you wanted to push me to the edge, and then push me right over that edge.
Well, congratulations, you've done it, and it's gotten you a shot at The Chicago Way Title.
And as you lay on the mat….
After I carve your ass like a goddamn Thanksgiving turkey...
And when you look up through your blood-dimmed eyes, you'll see me raise this…
Hammerstein reaches under the chair and pulls out the huge cleaver. He raises it up to the camera, letting the light reflect off it before bringing it down to the point that he's staring down at it.
Hammerstein:
And you'll ask yourself one...last... question…
The Chicago Way Champion again holds up the cleaver as he finally looks up at the camera, his eyes bloodshot and full of hate.
Hammerstein:
Was it all worth it?
Chicago Way Championship Match
Chicago Street Fight
Hammerstein (c) VS Kenzie GarrettChicago Street Fight
Kenzie Garrett was dying to get her hands on Hammerstein, gnashing at her opponent while the referee raised the Chicago Way Championship match over his head. She didn’t even glance at the title, it was no longer about that. Sure, it would be a nice reward for all her effort, but her main focus, her only focus, was to hurt the man who brutalized her friend three weeks ago. Something similar could be said for the champion as well. After last week’s home invasion, retaining the title was no longer his priority, but a mere consequence of what he planned to do to his young challenger. The match started and punches began to from both competitors, but it was Hammerstein who, unsurprisingly, had the best in the exchange. Even though his closed fists rarely found their mark, part because he sacrificed accuracy in the name of raw power, part because of Kenzie’s tight guard blocking most of them. Nonetheless he had the opponent against the ropes now, still raining blows on their ribs, opening a breach in her defense and landing one shot to the jaw that rocked the Soulknife. Grabbing her by the wrist, he whipped Kenzie against the ropes, going towards her with his arm stretched out for a clothesline, ducked by Garrett who launched herself through the ropes with a suicide dive on Reese Kennedy. The fans erupted in cheers as she took out Hammerstein’s manager and flipped the bird at him. Their joy wasn’t destined to last long, as the Chicago Way Champion had left the ring and was now standing behind Kenzie. A vicious elbow to the back of the head announced her his presence, dropping her on her knees. Grabbing a handful of hair, Hammerstein tossed her against the barricade and charged at her, dropping her amongst the fans with a clothesline. The two kept fighting in the crowd, with the fans stepping aside careful not to get caught by the furious strikes the two competitors were exchanging. Kenzie grabbed a sign from one of the fans and smash it on the champ’s head. Surely it didn’t hurt him, but it allowed the challenger to connect a series of quick knee strikes. Grabbing Hammerstein by the back of his head, she drove his face against the railing, and pushed him down the stairs that lead backstage. A bit dizzy, Hammie pulled himself up and as soon as he stood back to his feet, Kenzie ran down the steps and jumped at him with a Meteora, making the cover for a count of two. The fight continued down the hallways, and the champion turned things around pushing Garrett against some production crates. The Soulknife screamed in pain as her lower back was slammed on the hard edge of the crate. A moment later, Hammerstein put one hand on her shoulder and was driving her toward some vending machines, with the clear intention of throwing her against them. Kenzie was able to raise one arm in protection just a moment before she was tossed against the glass window with such force to be put through it. The shards cut the skin on her forearm, but the instinct saved her from a far worse fate. when she fell the Chicago Way Champion yanking her hair, she grabbed one can from the machine and smashed his against the opponent’s head. Twice. And again and again until the can broke in an explosion of soda investing Hammerstein, the soft drink soaking his face and mixing up with that trickle of blood running down his face from the open wound on his forehead. The power and size advantage were Hammerstein’s greatest weapons and he used them with proficience, pushing Kenzie through a door and starting beating her up on the floor of inside the closed. What she lacked in terms of pure strength, she made up for with his eclecticism and the ability to use whatever she found within reach as a weapon. This time it was a mop she swung on his back, breaking the handle in half on the first shot. She still found a use for it, pushing the head on Hammerstein’s face causing the champion to instinctively recoil. She pulled herself back to her feet and planted him with a ddt on the door, forcing him to once again spend energy to kick out from the deep cover. Dazed, Hammerstein pulled himself back up and teetered away, followed by Kenzie who grabbed his arm to turn him around, eating a heavy forearm shot to the face for her troubles. The champ bought himself some time, leaning then against the wall after almost stumbling on his own feet, still feeling the effects of that nast DDT. Kenzie was a woman possessed and still charged at him, crashing against the elbow Hammerstein met her with. The American Monster then reached with his hand to the side of Kenzie’s head and smashed her against the wall, leaving her on her knees as he kept walking down the hallway, opening the door that lead him in the parking lot. The camera focused on Kenzie a little more as she stood up to her feet, cussing under her breath and following the champion. The parking lot looked empty. Well, aside from the dozens of cars parked as far as the eye can see. But there was no sign of Hammerstein, not until Garrett took two cautious steps forward and the Chicago Way Champion popped up from behind one of the concrete columns and ran onto her with the POUNCE, sending her flying against the truck. He mounted on top of the opponent’s chest, once again raining lefts and rights to her face. Kenzie managed to slip away, rolling under the truck to get away from Hammerstein who chased her to the other side. Blinded by the desire to finish her, he paid no attention to where she was standing. Letting out a primal scream, he charged at full speed; all Kenzie had to do was to grab the handle of the door and swing it open, and the Chicago Way champion ran right into it. The window exploded on contact with Hammy’s head Kenzie covering her face to shield it from the shards flying toward her. As the American Monster pulled back, his face was painted in crimson red, blood pouring from various cuts on his head. Some of them still had little shards of glass sticking out of them, but none of this seemed to slow down the Chicago Way Champion. If anything, he seemed to grow even madder, gnashing and growling at Kenzie. And that, combined to his red painted face, was a sight that would have scared most men. Kenzie swung her right hand for a punch, blocked by Hammerstein who charged at her and pushed her all the way against a blue sedan. A headbutt followed, and the champion lifted his challenger for a powerslam on the hood. Once Kenzie’s body fell on the floor, he made the cover, but somehow the Soulknife kicked out once again. The fight literally knew no boundaries, bringing the two contestant outside the arena, in the cold Chicago night. Hammerstein dragged Kenzie to a street lamp and drove her head against it. Stunned, Garrett rested against it, trying to catch a breath. The champ obviously had other plans, swinging his hand for a knife edge chop, ducked by the Soulkinfe. It was a miracle that Jacob’s hand didn’t break on impact, but sure it hurt like all hell. And, no doubt about it, Kenzie was going to exploit that, in the most creative and improbable ways. Starting with a bite, just because it was the first thing that came to her mind. She then twisted his arm, forcing him on his knee and bent the wrist in an unnatural way. A scream of agony echoed in the streets when she rested his hand on the sidewalk and stomped onto it. Kenzie then took a couple of steps back, allowing the champ to get on all fours and then.. Curb stomp on the concrete! Hammerstein saw her charging out of the corner of his eyes and cushioned the impact with his arm, and that gesture out of instinct saved him and his reign, allowing him to (barely) kick out. There was a little diner not too far away, and it looked like the perfect place to bring the next stage of this fight in. Hammerstein dragged her opponent toward hit launching her against one of the windows. Kenzie was able to twirl in mid air, impacting against the glass with her back rather than head first, limiting the damages suffered. Sure, her back was now a streaked in red, as blood started trickling down from the many wounds the shattered glass opened on her skin, One in particular, right under her right shoulder, seemed to be quite deep. Hammerstein showed no remorse, picking her up and Hammerplexing her through a table, sending chips and a burger flying everywhere. He was going for a cover, when Kenzie grabbed the salt shaker and tossed its content on Hammerstein wounded face. The proverbial salt on the wound, and judging by the Chicago Way Champion’s scream, it hurt just as much as you imagine. finding the energy to hit him with a hurricanrana on the diner’s checkered floor. The thud as his head hit the polished surface, leaving a red stain on it echoed in the small local. Kenzie dropped on the motionless opponent to make the cover, already tasting the sweet revenge in her mouth. The same mouth that let out a cry of pain right after the two, when Hammerstein kicked out in an unconventional, but effective way. Stabbing her with a fork on her back. Kenzie pulled away, looking at him in shock, a self explanatory “Are you crazy?” look on her face. And Hammerstein expression could be read as a clear answer. He loomed over her, a mask of blood and pain on her face, the fork threateningly in his hand, Kenzie tried to get up but she was reached by a kick to the ribs from the Chicago Way Champion that put her back on the floor. Then he kneeled beside her and planted the fork on her head, carving deep in her skull. Garrett fought back, screaming while trying to pull away. The scene was uncomfortable to watch, Hammerstein moving the fork in circles to widen and deepen the wound, from which a copious amount of blood was now gushing in a crimson waterfall. But the torture didn’t stop until Hammerstein wanted it to stop, as he managed to apply his a variation of his Python Sleeper while using the fork with surprising mastery, turning it into a lethal weapon. Perhaps it was the blood loss, Perhaps the choke hold but Kenzie was slowly passing out. And maybe she did, but the champion didn’t allow the referee to check on her, breaking the submission and dragging the Soulknife on a table, hitting his Hammersteiner (Steiner Screwdriver) to retain at the end of a gruesome match. Paramedics immediately rushed in to check on Kenzie who hadn’t move ever since. Jacob himself was barely standing as he raised the title in the air under the stunned and aghast eyes of the few attendants of the diner. WINNER: Hammerstein (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (Hammersteiner), 23:13 |
Jessi Idol: "Oh God, it's finally over"
Peyton Holland: "Yeah this was hard to watch. Kenzie poured her soul into this, but Hammerstein took it to the next level tonight."
Jessi idol: "I hope she's ok..."
Peyton Holland: "Yeah this was hard to watch. Kenzie poured her soul into this, but Hammerstein took it to the next level tonight."
Jessi idol: "I hope she's ok..."
The scene cuts backstage to Gavin Grimes standing in front of a camera. He has a t-shirt on with his likeness on it and above that, it says “The Captain”.
Gavin Grimes:
Tonight, I do what you’ve all been begging me to do. I take the Millennium Championship off that harlot, Melissa Reeves.
Gavin laughs lightly.
Gavin Grimes:
She had to run through a plethora of trash competitors to get where she’s currently at. Let me ask you this, where are the last few Millennium Champions? Right? They’re nowhere to be seen. The only champion to have consistency in this company is the Cloud Gate Champion, Tiff Rollins. Shit, she’s basically been carrying this company on her back.
He shakes his head.
Gavin Grimes:
She’s done the best she can but to be honest? She’s still too young to be doing that. You can already see the cracks when it comes to Tiff. She’s losing it, she’s breaking and eventually she’s gonna pop. But I’m here to save her from that. I’m gonna take the pressure off of her and the rest of you losers and put it squarely on my shoulders as I march Millennium Pro into glory.
He nods confidently before pointing to his shirt.
Gavin Grimes:
You see, there’s a reason I’m called The Captain. It’s because I’m a fuckin’ leader. I’m able to inspire with the shit that I do. Melissa Reeves though? Who has she inspired? Who’s respect has she truly gained? Nobody. Not like me. She wishes she could be like me. She wishes that she could beat the behemoths and legends in this sport that I have. But what has she done? Beaten people like Chris Kane, who’s heart ain’t even in it anymore? She went from beating him in the bedroom with a strap on to beating him in the ring for the championship. Pretty pathetic, if you ask me.
He shrugs again.
Gavin Grimes:
But the time has passed for emo little bitches to lead this company. It’s time for a real man to be the leader of this show and that’s me. I’m going to bring this company to unprecedented heights and you’ll all be thanking me.
He steps towards the camera and smirks.
Gavin Grimes:
Most of all? You’ll all be thanking me for taking out the trash that is Melissa Reeves. And then? I’ll take on all challengers. Doesn’t matter who the fuck wants to step up. I’ll drop you all with The Crowning, just like I’m gonna drop Mel with it tonight. Got it? Good. See y’all out there.
Gavin winks at the camera and walks out of the camera view before the scene fades.
In a darkened arena, long before the audience arrived, a lone ladder stands in the middle of the ring. Melissa Reeves sits atop it, her MWE Championship hanging just above her. She's leaning forward, her elbows against her knees, and her hood is up.
Melissa Reeves:
It's quite a few from up here, at the top.
She looks up, toward the camera, then down again.
Melissa Reeves:
But I'm never alone. There are always others looking to make this long climb, to dethrone me and take this spot. Tonight it's Gavin Grimes.
A soft chuckle sounds out from the champion.
Melissa Reeves:
It would be easy to dismiss him. He's barely a shadow of his own self, wouldn't you say? The guy I watched stand outside of the cage in Underground in a fruitless attempt to defend his ill-gotten Underworld Championship. It would be easy to suggest he's lost his cutting edge, that he's lost his ruthlessness. It would be easy to point out how I've done the exact opposite; my edge has sharpened, my armour has thickened and my ability to wage battle has only increased in the time since he and I battled in the years gone by at our former companies.
She takes a sharp inhale and smirks.
Melissa Reeves:
But when have I ever been the one taking the easy way, hmm? It isn't me using my reputation from the past to get anywhere. It's not me standing outside the cage. It's not me needing help to grab the title. It's all fine and well that Grimes wants to come thundering in here and demand himself a championship shot - when any real competitor would instead look to earn it. It's fine that Gavin wants to try and push everyone around to get his own way. Really, it is. It's even fine that he's so obsessed with me, he came here to try and take what is mine.
She looks up at the title, hanging above her still.
Melissa Reeves:
You know what amuses me, though? The guy actually thinks he goaded me. He thinks he tricked me. He thinks he's manipulated me into a match where he has the advantage. That's funny. He thinks he has the upper hand, but this isn't Vengeance. This isn't Underground. This is Millennium. This is home. This is MY yard.
Her tone grows firmer, louder too.
Melissa Reeves:
What you haven't learned, what you've never learned, is that time does not stand still Gavin. We march forward and some of us, not you, but some of us grow better. We advance, we learned, we strengthen. You can stomp around and talk about shit you did in the past, that's nice. It'll look good on your wiki page, but truth is that nobody gives a crap. Nobody cares what you did in 2017, 2016. Nobody cares and do you know why? Because it isn't what happened before that people pay to come here and watch; it's what will happen next. That's your flaw, Grimes, you're always look backward. But me? I look up. I look to where I am now and I decide that, simply, I will do whatever I must to take that seat and hold it.
She reaches up and strokes down the gold.
Melissa Reeves:
You want to know why I picked a match you feel favours you? It's the same reason I accepted your challenge. I fear nothing, I fear nobody. But here's the real kicker, the truth of it all...when my "no talent ass" beats you, when I take that title home once more, you'll be left with nothing. No excuses, no fall back, no plan B. Your arrival here will be all bluster and no substance, and in truth you deserve nothing else. You said winning this title will be like taking candy from a baby, but you forgot one thing.
Down goes her hood, the intensity in her eyes absolutely clear.
Melissa Reeves:
This "baby" bites with a lethal injection of poison.
She pulls the title down now and holds it above her head.
Melissa Reeves:
My name is Melissa Reeves - the Millennium Girl, the MWE Champion and, be under no illusions, tonight's victor...
Fade to black.
Melissa Reeves:
It's quite a few from up here, at the top.
She looks up, toward the camera, then down again.
Melissa Reeves:
But I'm never alone. There are always others looking to make this long climb, to dethrone me and take this spot. Tonight it's Gavin Grimes.
A soft chuckle sounds out from the champion.
Melissa Reeves:
It would be easy to dismiss him. He's barely a shadow of his own self, wouldn't you say? The guy I watched stand outside of the cage in Underground in a fruitless attempt to defend his ill-gotten Underworld Championship. It would be easy to suggest he's lost his cutting edge, that he's lost his ruthlessness. It would be easy to point out how I've done the exact opposite; my edge has sharpened, my armour has thickened and my ability to wage battle has only increased in the time since he and I battled in the years gone by at our former companies.
She takes a sharp inhale and smirks.
Melissa Reeves:
But when have I ever been the one taking the easy way, hmm? It isn't me using my reputation from the past to get anywhere. It's not me standing outside the cage. It's not me needing help to grab the title. It's all fine and well that Grimes wants to come thundering in here and demand himself a championship shot - when any real competitor would instead look to earn it. It's fine that Gavin wants to try and push everyone around to get his own way. Really, it is. It's even fine that he's so obsessed with me, he came here to try and take what is mine.
She looks up at the title, hanging above her still.
Melissa Reeves:
You know what amuses me, though? The guy actually thinks he goaded me. He thinks he tricked me. He thinks he's manipulated me into a match where he has the advantage. That's funny. He thinks he has the upper hand, but this isn't Vengeance. This isn't Underground. This is Millennium. This is home. This is MY yard.
Her tone grows firmer, louder too.
Melissa Reeves:
What you haven't learned, what you've never learned, is that time does not stand still Gavin. We march forward and some of us, not you, but some of us grow better. We advance, we learned, we strengthen. You can stomp around and talk about shit you did in the past, that's nice. It'll look good on your wiki page, but truth is that nobody gives a crap. Nobody cares what you did in 2017, 2016. Nobody cares and do you know why? Because it isn't what happened before that people pay to come here and watch; it's what will happen next. That's your flaw, Grimes, you're always look backward. But me? I look up. I look to where I am now and I decide that, simply, I will do whatever I must to take that seat and hold it.
She reaches up and strokes down the gold.
Melissa Reeves:
You want to know why I picked a match you feel favours you? It's the same reason I accepted your challenge. I fear nothing, I fear nobody. But here's the real kicker, the truth of it all...when my "no talent ass" beats you, when I take that title home once more, you'll be left with nothing. No excuses, no fall back, no plan B. Your arrival here will be all bluster and no substance, and in truth you deserve nothing else. You said winning this title will be like taking candy from a baby, but you forgot one thing.
Down goes her hood, the intensity in her eyes absolutely clear.
Melissa Reeves:
This "baby" bites with a lethal injection of poison.
She pulls the title down now and holds it above her head.
Melissa Reeves:
My name is Melissa Reeves - the Millennium Girl, the MWE Champion and, be under no illusions, tonight's victor...
Fade to black.
MWE Championship Match
Tables, Ladders & Chairs
Melissa Reeves (c) VS Gavin GrimesTables, Ladders & Chairs
The main event, the company’s most coveted prize on the line. Two long time rivals, whose paths have crossed multiple times throughout their careers. Gavin Grimes and Melissa Reeves are no stranger to one another, or to compete in a match with the highest stakes. Standing on opposite corners, they watched as the championship was raised over their heads, hanging twenty feet above the ring. All around it, ladders and tables and chairs as a backdrop to this epic confrontation between two of the biggest stars in this industry. The match started with Gavin making some snide comments on the MWE Champion, who shrugged them off, replying with a smirk. Far too experienced to fall this kind of mind games, Mel remained focused, circling around Gavin, waiting for him to make the first move. And Gavin did, a right hand the champion easily ducked, catching him with a punch to the ribs. This seemed to annoy Gavin more than actually hurting him, and he went for another punch. Once again Melissa dodged the blow and kicked his left leg. Proving him that she was constantly one step ahead was starting to get under his skin. A third attempt missed again, and this time Reeves kicked him in the stomach, following with a rising kick and a punching combination, alternating rights and lefts and leaving the former Cult Classic winner stunned. Reeves whipped him against the ropes and and took him down on the mat with an arm drag, putting pressure on Gavin’s shoulder. Instead of trying to wrestle his way out of it, Grimes quickly pulled himself to the ropes and touched them with his foot, forcing the break. As soon as Mel let him go, the Chosen One left the ring, and went to grab a chair, folding it and slamming it on the floor. Reeves didn’t seem intimidated taunting him to get back in the ring. Gavin slid back under the bottom rope and swung the chair, missing the target once again. A middle kick from the MWE Champion caused him to drop the chair. Melissa quickly went for a DDT but Gavin was able to block the move and push the champion back. He tried to reach the chair once again but Reeves was quicker and kicked it away, applying a side headlock. Grimes pushed her and caught her with a shoulder block when she rebounded back, leaping then over her laying body and charging at the ropes as well. Mel jumped over him with a leapfrog, catching him with a hip toss. Gavin landed on his feet and hit her with a back kick to the abdomen, glancing back at her and jumping to connect a Pele Kick. Once again he grabbed the chair that was laying close to the corner but, instead of just smashing it against the opponent’s back, he set it up between the top and middle strand in the corner, reaching back for Mel and kicking her in the ribs while she was getting up, moving then behind her and pulling her up for a german suplex attempt, blocked by the champ who then connected an elbow to Gavin’s jaw, breaking free from the waistlock. She went for another kick, blocked by Grimes who then stepped over it and hit her with a heel kick. The back and forth action went on for almost five minutes. Knowing each other so well and having shared the ring so many times, they tended to predict and counter the opponent’s move on a regular basis, making it impossible to build any sort of momentum. Melissa managed to plant the former Underworld Champion on his head with a snap DDT, using the opening she created to grab a table from outside and bringing it in, setting it up in the middle of the ring. She dragged Gavin back to his feet and slammed his head on the wooden table, moving in front of him and putting him in a side headlock, draping his arm around her neck and lifting him, with the obvious intent of suplexing him through the table. Grimes managed to put his weight down, blocking her attempt and countering with a suplex of his own. Wasting no time, he pulled her up and launched her head first against the chair he trapped between the top and middle rope so violently that the impact busted her head open. And Gavin obviously took advantage, bashing her on the open wound with a series of right hands, causing more blood to gush out of it. One last stomp to the head and then he wiped his feet next to her, retrieving one ladder from outside and setting it up in right under the title, beginning to ascent towards the MWE Championship. Gavin was now rolling on the canvas after Mel pushed the ladder down, putting an abrupt halt to his climbing. She folded that same ladder and used it as a battering ram through Grimes’ mid section, doubling him over. She then dropped down the ladder and suplexed the challenger on it, connecting a springboard leg drop before bringing another ladder into the picture. Gavin slowly made it back to his feet, two big red marks on his back where the ladder steps and his flesh collided. He had a grimace of obvious pain on his face while he looked at his opponent, already halfway toward the title. He set up the ladder next to Mel’s and, digging down deep, found the energy to climb it, reaching Mel when she reached the top and pushing her face against the steps, reopening the wound. Reeves was stunned but, from his position, Gav couldn’t reach the title. And his ladder was shaky, not giving him the stability he needed to try the jump. He needed to push the champ down off her ladder and move on that, but by the time he realized it, Reeves already recovered from the previous impact and was ready to fight back. They began trading punches in a very precarious position, especially Gavin who, in more than one occasion, almost lost balance because of the wobbly ladder. And it’s in one of these occasion while he was trying to stabilize himself that Reeves decided to end this exchange in a drastic way. A cutter from the top of the ladder and through the table below. The fans went crazy, a loud “Holy shit” chant rising while the referee went to check on their conditions after the nasty fall. Melissa might have got the best out of it, but the reckless maneuver obviously took its toll on her as well. Slowly she pulled herself up under a round of applause, limping toward the ladder with one arm on her ribs, her flank covered with a big bruise caused by the table and her face wearing the red. She didn’t look in great shape, not at all, but still way better than Gavin who hadn’t moved yet. It was her best chance to climb undisturbed, too bad her body didn’t allow her to move faster to the goal. She had reached the ladder now, when Grimes desperately grabbed her by the ankle. Showing no hesitation, she turned around and kicked him on the face, throwing some insults at him before starting to climb. Slowly, cursing with ever step she climbed as a stabbing pain spread from those injured ribs. Digging down deep, knowing this was the crucial moment of the match, Grimes pulled himself up, climbing behind Mel and clubbing her back with a forearm strike. ANd then another, slowing down and eventually stopping her climbing. Both of them were exhausted, battered and bruised making this race to the top even more dramatic. Grimes climbed on the opponent’s back, surpassing her while she was momentarily recovering after the heavy strikes on her back. He was there, one step from the title, one step from beating the long time rival. He took that step, the fans holding their breath while he grabbed the title and tried to unhook it. That’s when Melissa, with a desperate move, turned around on the ladder so that her back was now facing the steps and slid between Gavin’s legs. When he realized what was going on, he immediately let the go of the belt and began punching her head, trying to prevent her from doing what she had in mind. But he failed, as Mel powerbombed him all the way down. She looked down at the opponent, sprawled on the canvas and some people swear they saw a smile breaking through that mask of blood, sweat and pain. She turned around once again, reaching the top and retrieving the title. She sat down on top of the ladder as the bell rang, raising the MWE Championship above her head. WINNER: Melissa Reeves (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Title retrieval, 21:03 |
Zackary Dyson: "And she retained! What a match!"
Jessi Idol: "More like a war... Look at the carnage they left in the ring!"
Sir Figgles: "Certainly a worthy battle for the MWE Championship between two titans of the sport."
Peyton Holland: "I agree. And in the end, Melissa retain... Hold on, what's this?
The main event was over as Gavin Grimes sat in the middle of the ring. He had come close to winning the title but had come up short. As he sat there looking at the fans the lights went out. All of the sudden “Hear Me Now” by Framing Henley hits. The fans cheer a bit although a little confused. When the lights finally come back on Carmine “Grim” Reaper is standing at the top of the ramp. Cheers pour out of the crowd as Carmine smirks a bit.
He slowly starts to walk down to the ring. Gavin looks up at the ramp and shakes his head a bit. He slowly rises to his feet as Carmine gets into the ring. Carmine nods his head as he gets closer to Gavin. Gavin tries to hit him in the face. It connects but because he is tired it doesn’t hurt him much. Carmine then grabs him and throws him out of the ring. Carmine then walks over and asks for a mic.
Carmine “Grim” Reaper:
Surprised to see me Gavin?
Carmine laughs a bit as he shrugs his shoulders.
Carmine “Grim” Reaper:
I know the last time you saw me in this ring you kicked my ass. There is no denying that, so the past few years I sat on that and wished things could have changed. I went to Vegas to open a gym and I did damn well there but yet there was still something in the back of my head. I need to avenge a loss Gavin and that is to you.
He shook his head as Gavin is still looking at him.
Carmine “Grim” Reaper:
So I sat in the back Gavin and watched you not get the job done. I watched and I knew that you have become a failure. Something that I know I was but I’m back and I’m going to do something you can’t. And that is become a champion.
Carmine takes the mic and throws it at Gavin. The mic hits him in the face as the show goes black.