Post by gvb on Mar 5, 2020 6:21:40 GMT -6
Down Under Tour:
Millennium LIV
Live from RAC Arena in Perth
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2020
The live feed cuts inside the RAC Arena in Perth, the venue hosting the second Millennium show in the Down Under tour. "When Legends Rise" by Godsmack is blaring out of the loudspeakers, followed by an explosion of pyrotechnics on the entrance stage. The camera quickly cuts to the commentators Peyton Holland and Ambra Monroe ready to call this night of action. A quick rundown on tonight's card, focusing on the MWE Intercontinental Championship Tournament matches and the tag match between APE's own Chris Constantine Junior and Hammerstein against the team of the former MWE Champion Melissa Reeeves and Victoria Salinas. Ambra specificallly points out the possible implications this match could have, especially for the Vainglorious who, after beating Gavin Grimes, is probably having some dreams of gold. And speaking of gold, a new contender for the Cloud Gate championship will be crowned in tonight's main event, right after the confrontation between two of the new champions crowned at Big In Japan, Anastasia Starling and Bobbi Jackson.
Coincidentally, “The Phoenix" by Fall Out Boy echos throughout the arena as the MWE Lockdown Champion and Bobbi Jackson hits the stage alongside Alexa Cannon. The crowd cheers the champion loudly as she holds the title high in the air with her right hand as the fire shoots off on the stage as the two blondes make their way to the ring.
Bobbi grabs a microphone at ringside as she and Alexa get into the ring as the Rising Phoenix immediately begins to speak to the crowd.
Bobbi Jackson:
Perth how are we doing tonight!?
The audience roars with approval and it brings a big smile to Bobbi's face. She adjusts the Lockdown Championship on her shoulder as she continues to speak.
Bobbi Jackson:
I don't want to take up too much of the shows time tonight, but I do have a couple of things I want to cover and I couldn't think of a better place to talk about it than right in front of this hot crowd in the middle of the ring.
Bobbi briefly looks up to the ceiling of the arena before quickly looking back down.
Bobbi Jackson:
First I feel like I need to address the elephant in the room...That would be the sore loser known as Duke Andrews...
The crowd boos loudly at the mention of his name as Bobbi looks down at her Lockdown Championship on her shoulder and smiles at it before continuing.
Bobbi Jackson:
Everyone knew that I wasn't going to be at the show last week due to my schedule. MWE Management knew about it. The fans knew about it. Which means YOU of all people SURELY knew about it, Duke! So you running around looking for me last week when you damn well knew that I wasn't there was some of the most ridiculous cowardly shit I've seen on my TV in a really long time! I'm sure you all agree...?
The sold-out crowd in the RAC Arena cheer in approval as its clear Bobbi isn't the only one tired of Duke's bullshit. Bobbi nods in agreement with them as she keeps going.
Bobbi Jackson:
Because if Duke was REALLY looking for me, don't you think he'd be out here right now confronting me? Exactly, me too! I'm not shocked that he's nowhere to be found right now. But seriously, it's time to shut this guy up once and for all. Which brings me to our rematch...
Bobbi grins a bit as she continues.
Bobbi Jackson:
Being the new Lockdown Champion means I get to choose the match type that this title is defended in. After all of Duke's whining and complaining on social media about cheating it gave me an idea. What happens if I defend my title in a match where there are no excuses? A match where there can be no count-outs. No disqualifications. No interference! A match that can only be won by pinfall or submission. The winner of every single one of my matches will be one hundred percent clear...Inside the Phoenix Cage!!!
The blonde points up above in the arena as the crowd all looks up with her and gasp while a large beautiful looking red cage lowers down over the ring. Completely covering the ring to the floor. There is a grated roof and no door. The Phoenix motions around the cage as the crowd cheers loudly.
Bobbi Jackson:
So you see Andrews, when you step into the ring again with me for this Championship it will be the FINAL time. Because I'm going to defeat you. There isn't going to be any controversy! I'm just going to end things...once and for all! Because I want to be a fighting champion. I want to defend this Lockdown Championship proudly for all of you great fans and it all starts with taking care of Duke one more time...but before I get there...We have TONIGHT!!!
The crowd rumbles in anticipation as they already know the match that has been announced.
Bobbi Jackson:
Its Champion versus Champion against Anastasia Starling, the newly crowned Cloud Gate Champion. I'm incredibly excited for this match! Starling is one of the best MWE has to offer and I've been anticipating getting into the ring with her since I signed my contract to join the company last year. I promise everyone that we're going to steal the show tonight! I'll see you later tonight Starling!
The Phoenix beams proudly excited for the evening ahead and her newly announced match type as the cage begins to rise and Bobbi's music begins to play. Bobbi waves to the crowd as she and Alexa exit the ring as Millennium takes a quick commercial break.
In the busy, hustle and bustle of the backstage area at the RAC Arena in Perth we find “The Archangel” Jessica Lasiewicz walking down the halls with two cups of coffee in hand. A warm smile is upon her face as she walks through the halls, ignoring the noise around her, walking with a determination towards her destination; a door with “Fabulous” written on the front. The daughter of Polish wrestling legend Andreas Lasiewicz approaches the door and pushes it open. She steps inside and finds it empty. She furrows her brow out of curiosity.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Summer? Hey Summer!
Another door on the other side of this dressing room opens and Summer Collins emerges. Collins is dressed in her wrestling gear and looks ready for action tonight against Qiyara Singh and Rhett Adelson. Though the look on her face tells a different story.
Summer Collins:
Hi, Jess…
Jessica Lasiewicz:
You look down. What’s wrong?
Summer Collins:
Nothing.
The Archangel knows her friend is lying as she walks over to a bench and sits down. Jessica approaches Summer and sits down next to her. She hands Collins one of the cups of coffee.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Here, I got you some coffee.
Summer Collins:
Not a damn latte is it?
Lasiewicz smirks knowingly.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
I wouldn’t do that to you, babe. Besides, I think other people in this company have a monopoly on all of the lattes.
Summer Collins:
This is true.
The Archangel sets her coffee down and then places a comforting hand on Summer’s shoulder.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
So what’s wrong? You’re not salty over the fact that Kyle and I beat you and Neil in that gauntlet match, are you?
Summer Collins:
Oh God no!
The two Fabulous ladies share a hearty laugh.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Good, I was hoping you would be more mature than to let a little thing like that get under your skin. Besides, you should be used to losing to me by now.
Lasiewicz winks. Summer rolls her eyes.
Summer Collins:
Real funny, Jess.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Seriously though, what’s wrong?
Summer Collins:
I guess I’m still not over the fact that we lost the GCW World Tag Team Championship.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Oh come on, Summer! That match and its ending was a farce and you know it! Championship belts will come and go but you and I, we are forever. The impact we make on this sport and the tag team division will last forever because we are the best tag team in the world today. We’ve only just begun to prove that to the MWE universe. Tonight we continue to prove it against Singh and Adelson. And then we go on and face the next challengers...and the next...and the next...until we finally get what we want, our opportunity at the MWE Tag Team Championship.
Collins finally smirks.
Summer Collins:
And will it be absolutely Fabulous?
Jessica Lasiewicz:
You know it, babe!
Singles Match
Akemi Hayashi VS YUKIThe two young Japanese started strong, pushing on the gas right off the block trading swift kicks and hard strikes. The exchange was fun to watch for the fans, with the momentum switching between the two competitors, who ended the sequence with a simultaneous high kick to the head that knocked them both down. A double count started and the Danger Princess was the first one to get up, exploiting the closeness to the ropes and using them to get to a vertical base. She then dragged YUKI up to her feet and lit up her chest with some knife edge chops before sending her against the ropes. The typical sequence of drop down and leapfrog ended with Hayashi jumping for a picture perfect dropkick, followed by a quick elbow drop for a count of two. Another irish whip, but this time YUKI countered with a tilt a whirl headscisssors, sending Akemi close to the corner. As she got up, the former NOW talent charged in her direction, eating a boot to the face from Hayashi who quickly dropped her face first to the turnbuckle with her SQUIRT! The rest of the match went on a similar pattern, lightning quick action with a number of near falls, both women doing their best to get that win that could put them back on track. Akemi faked a clothesline to knock YUKI down with a back elbow but the Little Kaiju popped back to her feet with a kip up and kicked Hayashi down with a gamengiri. Feeling the momentum on her side, the nineteen years old jumped on Akemi and drove both feet to her chest with a double foot stomp, heading next to the corner. From the top, she nailed a spectacular 450 splash, but this wasn’t enough to keep the opponent down. Akemi still had some left in her tank, and brought the fight to the young opponent, missing the Grapey Marshmallow Fizz (running split-legged yakuza kick), getting caught by YUKI’s falling neckbreaker. She then grabbed the opponent’s foot and kicked her hamstring, weakening the leg with some basic holds before locking in her excruciating indian deathlock known as Rolling Thunder to obtain a submission win. WINNER: YUKI BY: Submission (Rolling Thunder), 6:51 |
Peyton Holland: "Big win for YUKI tonight. Could this be the turning point of her career?"
Ambra Monroe: "It's a first step. Nobody has ever questioned her talent, but this is a much bigger stage than NOW, and it requires a different level of intensity. We'll see if she can keep it up."
Peyton Holland: "That's true, there's a lot more pressure here. And we have seen so many talents crumbling under it already, hopefully this won't be her case."
Ambra Monroe: "It's a first step. Nobody has ever questioned her talent, but this is a much bigger stage than NOW, and it requires a different level of intensity. We'll see if she can keep it up."
Peyton Holland: "That's true, there's a lot more pressure here. And we have seen so many talents crumbling under it already, hopefully this won't be her case."
Summer Collins:
Right here, a little higher…
The voice is that of Summer Collins. We fade in to see a camera shot of an MWE logo backdrop with Summer and her tag team partner, Jessica Lasiewicz, standing out in front and center. A confident smirk is etched across Summer’s face but Jessica seems far more stoic and serious. Summer gives a thumbs up to the camera.
Summer Collins:
Fabulous! Absolutely FABULOUS!
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Aren’t we saving that for the end?
Summer Collins:
Yes, my apologies. Does perfect work?
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Much.
Collins nods her head.
Summer Collins:
Singh and Adelson, I heard you owed Fabulous for something that happened to the two of you...or more accurately, to Singh...on Riot in that Valentine’s gauntlet thing? Well allow me to correct you on something, lovebirds; if you have any beef with anyone at all it isn’t with Fabulous. With my husband Neil? Yes. With me? Maybe, because you could argue that I went along with it, but Fabulous?
The wealthier member of Fabulous shakes her head.
Summer Collins:
No, you don’t owe us a damn thing…
She holds up one finger.
Summer Collins:
...except for one thing, right Jess?
Jessica Lasiewicz:
That’s right, you owe us a good fight. What happened in that gauntlet won’t happen tonight because I promise you that Summer and I want to prove ourselves as the absolute best tag team in the world and we don’t need tricks, cheating, or chicanery to get the job done. I’ll tell you something though, if you are pissed off and want to take your frustrations out on Summer and me, then be my guest. Bring your worst. Bring out the hate, bring the anger, and unleash it against Fabulous. But most importantly, bring your best, because we ARE going to win tonight, and when we do win we do not want there to be any excuses.
Summer Collins:
Oh they cheated! They snuck up from behind us! They used the ring post!
The Archangel shakes her head.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
No, there won’t be any of that. We’re going to win because on this night we were simply better than you. On this night, and every night for that matter, we are and always will be ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!
Collins winks at the camera and then the two walk off. The scene shifts.
Tag Team Match
Fabulous VS Qiyara Singh & Rhett Adelson
The tag division in MWE is alive and well, and tonight’s match between Fabulous and the team of Qiyara and Rhett just proved it. The fans who came to Perth tonight witnessed a match that made their eyes shine, an evenly matched contest between two of the most entertaining teams in the company who could soon be next in line for a title shot, especially after their recent success at the Japanese pay-per-view, where they both defeated former tag champions. With Qiyara and Jessica starting things off, the first part of the match was a prime example of technical wrestling, a showcase of grappling ability with a long sequence of holds and counters that draw some convinced applause from the fans. Jessica and Qiyara nodded at each other at the end of it, showing mutual respect for each other ability. Then Jessica went for a right hook, ducked by Singh who caught the opponent with a snap German suplex and charged for a running high knee when the Archangel rose up to her feet. Lasiewicz sidestepped and countered with a quick inverted headlock backbreaker. Wasting no time, she tagged her partner in and Summer entered the ring, keeping the Indian girl down with a clothesline. She then began to work her neck, affecting her breathing with holds and chokes like the dragon sleeper she had her now in. An expert submissionist herself, Qiyara managed to wrestle her way out of the submission and deliver some of her Muay Thai knee strikes, before connecting a double underhook suplex and making the tag to her boyfriend. With Adelson in, the pace of the match sensibly picked up and the Nightfall graduated showed his aerial skills, shifting the momentum on his team’s side. And even when Collins made the tag, after barely kicking out from Rhett’s headlock driver, Rhett kept control, taking down Jessica with a drop-toe-hold and making sure she would stay down with a double foot stomp to the back. He sent the Archangel in the corner with an irish whip and charged at her, crashing against her elbow raised as a counter. With Adelson stunned, Jessica quickly hit him with the Our Lady Peace bicycle kick, hooking both legs for a deep cover from which Rhett managed to kick out. As Jessica picked him up, he hit her with a couple of punches to the stomach, following with some uppercuts. He tried a roundhouse kick ducked by Jessica who was quick to follow with a German suplex on the turnbuckle. Fabulous tried to capitalize on this favorable moment of the match with their In Your Dreams (Our Lady Peace from Jessica into a bridging german suplex from Collins), but Qiyara made the save. With a Pele kick Rhett created the opening and made the tag to Singh, who took it on Summer with some vicious knee to the head. Summer reacted and turned the tides with another German suplex and a scissor kick as Singh tried to get back to her feet A minute later she connected the Summer’s End sleeper hold neckbreaker, and that was the closest she could get to win the match. Back and forth the two women went until Summer climbed to the top rope. A rare thing for her, and it didn’t work too well as Qiyara caught her with her beautiful 540 hook kick, knocking her down. Singh made the tag to Rhett who jumped into the ring, right when Summer was rising up to her feet. He didn’t think twice and knocked her back down with his Explosion. Jessica didn’t run in to break up the pin, having spotted her partner’s foot under the bottom rope. But the referee didn’t, and declared Rhett and Qiyara the winners of this match. Fabulous tried to plead their case, but the official’s decision had been made already. Singh and Adelson didn’t really feel like celebrating, aware that the win they fought so hard to obtain wasn’t legitimate due to the clear mistake made by the referee. WINNER: Rhett Adelson & Qiyara Singh BY: Pinfall (Explosion), 14:01 |
Ambra Monroe: "Fabulous are not happy with the referee's call."
Peyton Holland: "I dare to say that neither Rhett and Qiyara are. This is not how they wanted to win, that's for sure."
Ambra Monroe: "Yeah, they're not ok with a tainted win, I can tell you that. But referees are humans, and sometimes they make mistakes."
Peyton Holland: "I dare to say that neither Rhett and Qiyara are. This is not how they wanted to win, that's for sure."
Ambra Monroe: "Yeah, they're not ok with a tainted win, I can tell you that. But referees are humans, and sometimes they make mistakes."
The scene cuts backstage as Chris Constantine Junior and Olivia Constantine make their way backstage. The MWE Title is strapped around Constantines waist as the two hold hands.
Chris Constantine Junior:
2020 has been a glorious year for me Olivia! First I was awarded the Mainstream Wrestler of the year by my peers. Then I went on to win two of the top prizes in the industry today. One being this MWE Title. The other being the CCW Title and being chosen as God's favorite Wrestler. Oh, and I’m one half of the Lions Road Tag Team Champions. And in the coming days I’m going to be Mainstreams Television Champion and King’s Roads World Champion. It’s going to be so hard for me to keep all these titles.
Constantine gives a chuckle and doesn’t see the table that he suddenly bumps into. A latte, that was on the edge of it, falls off and almost splashes onto the Constantines. Chris isn’t happy as he starts to cut a promo on the latte.
Chris Constantine Junior:
Who the hell leaves a latte on the table? Why not finish it? This is almost as bad as spit bottles on a Navy vessel. Olivia! Remind me to ban lattes from future shows! They’re bad for you and terrible for your teeth! If you need something to wake you up then drink some green tea!
Olivia nods her head in agreement as they step over the spill and continue to make their way down the hall.
The scene cuts backstage to Qiyara Singh and Rhett Adelson backstage, as they still recover from their hard fought match. Yara pats Rhett on the shoulder and smiles.
Qiyara Singh:
You did great out there, my love. We can keep building off of this.
Rhett sighs, he’s clearly frustrated as he glances over at Yara and shakes his head.
Rhett Adelson:
We can’t build off this one, babe. Yeah, a win is a win but it’s a tainted one.
Qiyara rubs Rhett’s back and sighs.
Qiyara Singh:
You can’t beat yourself up over something like this. These things happen all the time in wrestling but I understand your feelings on it. Summer’s foot was under the ropes and I can’t help but feel bad for them. But what can we do? It’s over.
Rhett thinks it over before shaking his head.
Rhett Adelson:
No. There’s no way this is over. We fight them again. We have to, right?
Qiyara’s eyes brighten up as she nods her head in agreement.
Qiyara Singh:
Absolutely! We owe it to Fabulous and to the fans to have a fair match with a clear winner.
Rhett smiles widely before leaning in and giving Qiyara a soft kiss.
Rhett Adelson:
You really do get me, don’t you?
Yara gives Rhett a kiss back before nodding her head.
Qiyara Singh:
We get each other. It’s what makes us such a great team.
Rhett Adelson:
Exactly!
Rhett turns toward the camera and nods.
Rhett Adelson:
As for Fabulous? We hope that you two can accept our request for a rematch. We’re not okay with tainted wins and we want you two to have the chance you deserve. So, I hope to see you two in the ring again soon.
Rhett smiles before grabbing Qiyara’s hand and the two walk away.
Singles Match
MWE Intercontinental Championship: Round two
Alan Envy VS Duke AndrewsMWE Intercontinental Championship: Round two
Alan Envy and Duke Andrews met in the middle of the ring, sharing words before the beginning of the match. Despite whatever agreement they made last week when Duke helped Alan in his match against Luna and the following attack on the former Lockdown Champion, it seemed like we were going to see a real match between the two competitors. They started things off with a test of strength, Alan quickly moving behind Duke's back to apply a waistlock... And Andrews tapped out. WINNER: Alan Envy BY: Submission (Waistlock), 0:06 |
Peyton Holland: "What a joke!"
The fans showed all their scorn for the farce they just witnessed. Duke and Alan kept mocking them shaking hands and congratulating for the "match" before Andrews asked for a microphone, formally introducing Envy as the new member of the American Pain Experience, pointing out how the Lonestar, Texas born and raised, embodies the principles APE stands up for, those every real American should embrace so that their glorious country doesn't turn into a shithole like Australia.
Ambra Monroe: "Of course he had to get there..."
The boos weren't fading down at all, but Envy didn't seem to care, grabbing the microphone and saying how proud he is to be part of the most dominant group in the history of MWE, adding that Duke and CCJ don't have to worry about the Intercontinental Championship, the tournament and the title will be his, and he'll carry the APE flag on Riot with pride. "I know you will." said Duke before addressing the Lockdown Champion Bobbi Jackson, announcing that he's invoking his rematch clause. Next Wednesday in Sydney, he will take back what's his.
Peyton Holland: "Well, you heard him, we have a title match for next week!"
Ambra Monroe: "Bobbi Jackson against Duke Andrews, this time it won't be a submission match. They will fight inside the Phoenix Cage in what will probably be the last chapter in their rialry."
The fans showed all their scorn for the farce they just witnessed. Duke and Alan kept mocking them shaking hands and congratulating for the "match" before Andrews asked for a microphone, formally introducing Envy as the new member of the American Pain Experience, pointing out how the Lonestar, Texas born and raised, embodies the principles APE stands up for, those every real American should embrace so that their glorious country doesn't turn into a shithole like Australia.
Ambra Monroe: "Of course he had to get there..."
The boos weren't fading down at all, but Envy didn't seem to care, grabbing the microphone and saying how proud he is to be part of the most dominant group in the history of MWE, adding that Duke and CCJ don't have to worry about the Intercontinental Championship, the tournament and the title will be his, and he'll carry the APE flag on Riot with pride. "I know you will." said Duke before addressing the Lockdown Champion Bobbi Jackson, announcing that he's invoking his rematch clause. Next Wednesday in Sydney, he will take back what's his.
Peyton Holland: "Well, you heard him, we have a title match for next week!"
Ambra Monroe: "Bobbi Jackson against Duke Andrews, this time it won't be a submission match. They will fight inside the Phoenix Cage in what will probably be the last chapter in their rialry."
The feed switches to the catering area where Reese Kennedy is pouring himself a cup of coffee. He takes a sip, but quickly spits it out.
Reese Kennedy:
Good God, that's rancid. Must be Dan Adan.
The Perth fans boo the manager's dishonor of Australia's oldest coffee brand. Kennedy looks at the camera, the disgusted look still on his face.
Reese Kennedy:
While Mr. Constantine and Mr. Hammerstein go over a few final strategies, I'd like to address what happened last week.
Kennedy's face is bright red, his face a mask of anger.
Reese Kennedy:
Melissa Reeves interfered in Hammerstein's first round match in the Intercontinental Title Tournament.
You might be saying, "But, Reese, she didn't attack Hammerstein. She attacked you."
Kennedy loosens his tie.
Reese Kennedy:
You're correct. And by attacking me, he drew Hammerstein out of the ring, where he was counted out, and eliminated from the tournament.
Kennedy is practically seething at this point. As if a switch is flipped, Reese's demeanor changes.
Reese Kennedy:
But the universe is kind. It has given The American Monster an opportunity to gain a little recompense.
With the great Chris Constantine, Jr. as his partner, Hammerstein will unleash a tide of violence on Melissa Reeves and her partner, Victoria Salinas, or as I like to call them, The Bush Pigs...
Kennedy adjusts his tie.
Reese Kennedy:
...the only women to make the hideous creatures you know as the women of Perth, look, well, passable.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to help plan Mr. Constantine's birthday celebration.
Kennedy turns to walk away, then stops and looks back at the camera.
Reese Kennedy:
No... you're not invited.
Hey, hold this. I gotta go find my luggage.
The manager hands the nearly full cup of coffee to the cameraman, turns, and walks away as the feed switches to the ring.
Singles Match
MWE Intercontinetal Championship: Round two
Pinhead VS Josh HollowayMWE Intercontinetal Championship: Round two
After his impressive win against Andrew Wilkow last Wednesday, the walking mountain known as Pinhead faced the second biggest man in the tournament, Josh Holloway. Working on a tight schedule, the Sovereign was back in the ring only four days after his losing effort against the Riot Champion Devin Hearst, a match that saw his knee going through a lot of punishment. Some might have had doubts about the integrity of his leg and its overall condition after Devin’s The Badlands having been kept long after the bell rang, but Josh cleared them all with a very aggressive start where, kick after kick, he chopped the big man down and eventually floored him with a running big boot to the face. The easiness with which the monster of a man kicked out, even before the two was disarming, but Holloway didn’t let this get to his head, remaining focused on the task at hand and unloading some nasty strikes on Pinhead. The member of The Revolution didn’t sit on his hands, rather using them to shove Josh away and bouncing against the ropes, lifting him like he was a lightweight and drop him down with a ring-shaking sidewalk slam. The Millennium fans should’ve been used by now to his feats of strength, but seeing him pick up a 265 pounder in a powerbomb position and launching him against the turnbuckle was almost as surprising as the fact that the ring didn’t broke down, making the following lariat that turned the 15 years veteran inside out look like the most ordinary thing. Don’t think for a second that this was a one way match though. Holloway fought back, and he with great intensity, kicking him hard and dropping the kneeled Pinhead on his head with running ddt. He even attempted a suplex, struggling to win the giant’s resistance but, eventually, lifting him and dropping him flat on his back. This took a lot out of Josh as well, as he was slow to make the cover thus allowing Pinhead to kick out in two. But surprisingly, he was in control now, his opponent stuck in the corner helpless against the Sovereign’s punches and shoulder tackles to the abdomen. Grabbing his arm with both hands, Josh tried to whip him in the opposite corner but Pinhead didn’t move at all. Holloway tried again after kicking him in the stomach but it was another vain attempt. The third time wasn’t a charm at all, and actually it ended pretty bad for the three time world champion as he was pulled into a massive headbutt from Pinhead who then ran out of the corner trampling the opponent. Josh got up to his feet and was met by another headbutt that rocked him. A second later, a giant hand clenched around his throat, making it difficult for him to breathe. He kicked his way out of the choke, but the clothesline he followed with had little to no effect to Pinhead. Again he grabbed Holloway by the throat, this time wasting no time to lift him and drop him on the canvas with a chokeslam. Somehow the Riot star kicked out but he only delayed the inevitable. A The Dominique Tribute (gutwrench powerbomb) later the match was over. WINNER: Pinhead BY: Pinfall (The Dominique Tribute), 10:07 |
Ambra Monroe: "Another one bites the dust."
Peyton Holland: "Pinhead eliminated the two men who could, barely, match him in strength. And what's shocking, he made it look easy."
Ambra Monroe: "You gotta wonder if there's anyone who can stop him."
Peyton Holland: "Either they do, or we will need a bigger MWE Intercontinental championship."
Peyton Holland: "Pinhead eliminated the two men who could, barely, match him in strength. And what's shocking, he made it look easy."
Ambra Monroe: "You gotta wonder if there's anyone who can stop him."
Peyton Holland: "Either they do, or we will need a bigger MWE Intercontinental championship."
We head backstage and find Melissa Reeves strolling down a corridor. She turns back toward the camera, with the cameraman taking cover from her sight. As the camera peeks out again, she’s standing at a door with a crowbar.
Reeves wrenches the door open and enters. The camera closes in but the door opens again before it gets there, and it again takes cover. From the vantage point given, we can see bags being thrown out into the corridor.
Suddenly Reeves appears in front of the camera and smirks, dragging it with her.
Melissa Reeves:
See this? This here is the bag of one Reese Kennedy. Yeah, that’s right, it’s all his crap. Let’s see…
She sifts through, seemingly finding a pair of panties in Reese’s bag. She shrugs and only touches it with her hand under her shirt.
Melissa Reeves:
Let’s be honest...nobody’s given these to Reese. So either he stole them or...eww, they’re his! God, I’m not even sure which is worse.
She quickly throws them aside. Looking at the next bag, she smirks as she finds a toy Harry Potter wand inside.
Melissa Reeves:
So he’s a little nerdy dork? Who knew. I can just picture Reese twirling about with this thing, pretending he’s casting spells and is a powerful sorcerer.
She sniffs it, then shudders.
Melissa Reeves:
Oh, wait, no it smells like he uses it for…
She clears her throat and drops it.
Melissa Reeves:
Nevermind.
Kneeling now, she tosses the entire content of the bags out across the floor, then kicks the stuff everywhere.
Melissa Reeves:
Reese, I told you to stay out of my way and you’ve failed. You’ve not kept your mouth shut, you even got physically involved in my match. You want to act defenceless, and you want to claim I can’t get to you, but I can. This right here? This is easy proof that I can get to your stuff. Getting to you is no harder and, much like your crap, I’ll leave you strewn out on the floor when I get to you.
She stuffs the bags themselves into the nearest garbage can.
Melissa Reeves:
See, you boys...you APE boys, you all seem to think you run Millennium. You act like you’re our overlords, barking commands and ganging up to enforce the will of CCJ. Problem is, well, I’m not much of a fan of bullies like that. I’m going to be a persistent pain in the ass. I’m going to wear you all down and then, when it suits me, I’ll be having that title rematch.
With a little shrug, she pulls the camera close.
Melissa Reeves:
You wanted war. You’ll get war.
She shoves past the camera and leaves it to focus on the littered items of Reese Kennedy’s bags on that corridor floor.
First Blood Match
Joey Leclair VS Raymond ReznikAfter his win last week against Kenzie Garrett, Reznik was looking to get some wind behind his sails with another win in a match that’s right in his wheelhouse. Against him, another man who has been on a warpath lately and left a trail of blood behind himself, Joey Leclair. Things got ugly real quick, with Reznik welcoming the Death Dealer with a flurry of punches and knocking him out of the ring with a clothesline. He then introduced Leclair to the steel steps, sending him against them with an irish whip. He then picked up the top part of them and tried to murder his opponent by throwing it against him. Luckily for him, Joey rolled out of the way, using the barricade to get up to his feet. Raymond charged at him once again with another clothesline, but this time Leclair ducked it and back body drop the Ohio born into the front row, trampling a couple of lucky fans. It wasn’t long after and Rezink was stepping over the barricade, looking for revenge. Instead, he got a chair thrown to his face and was dropped on his head with a DDT. The match went back inside the ring, or Reznik’s body did, actually. Joey? He was collecting all the chairs he could find under the ring and in the surroundings, even forcing Rumchata and the timekeeper to stand up so he could grab their chairs and throw them inside the ring, piling up with the countless others he already gathered. Finally he entered the ropes and kicked his opponent on the head, knocking him back down as he started putting the chairs to use, setting one up in the corner, creating a threatening looking structure he tried to suplex his opponent onto. Raymond fought against it, blocking the attempt and sending Leclair back in the corner with an irish whip, following with a boot to the face. He then saw the chair stuck between the middle and top rope in the near corner and launched his opponent head first against it. He then lifted the stunned Leclair over his shoulders in an electric chair position and dropped him on the chairs he previously set up. The two fighters hit each other with everything, chairs and kendo sticks included, but there was still no trace of blood. And once again they left the ring, its confines too small to contain the two men’s fury. Joey was powerbombed on the apron and almost beheaded with a big boot, but he still managed, from the ground, to take down the big man by kicking his leg as he was looming over him wielding a chair. The object slid out of reach, but the still steps were still in their proximity. Joey wore his opponent down with some kicks to the ribs and face before dragging him and smashing his head on the cold steel. barking at Ambra and Peyton to move as he climbed on top of the announcers table and, as soon as Raymond lifted his head, jumped with a curb stomp. Reznik seemed out cold and, most importantly, he had a deep cut right above his eye. WINNER: Joey Leclair BY: First Blood, 9:53 |
After the bell ring Joey walks over to the ropes nearest the announce table, and slides under the ropes walking over to the time keeper area, and grabbing a microphone before turning back around, and walking up the ring steps, and returning to the ring.
Joey Leclair:
Ever since my match at Big in Japan I have been asking what is next for Joey Leclair, and that from this point forward in my career that I am not going backwards, but forwards, and its obvious that someone backstage was listening to me, because I went from facing a Malicious woman at Big in Japan to facing a whole different type of monster tonight during my first match of this tour, and now that I stand here victorious? I know now what I want next!.
Joey walks over, and leans against the ropes facing the ramp, and stage area breathing heavy due to the exhaustion of just finishing a match, and then pushes himself off the ropes regaining his composure.
Joey Leclair:
Kenzie Garrett!
Joey pauses for a moment allowing what he just said to sink in.
Joey Leclair:
I just defeated the man who defeated you last week, and so right here right now I challenge you for your Chicago Way Championship! I mean look at it now! SoulKnife vs Death Dealer, sounds nice doesn’t it? You and I share a passion for this business that can’t be taught or bought it comes naturally, and because of that I feel like you, and I could tear the roof off of this place, but first you have to accept my challenge!.
Joey winks at the camera.
Joey Leclair:
I will be waiting for a response, please do answer soon.
Joey drops the microphone, and exits the ring heading up the ramp to head backstage as his music plays.
Millennium cuts backstage where a determined and confident Victoria Salinas is standing in front of the lockers inside of the locker room. Her presence draws a solid cheer from the audience, the second one in a row she’s gotten in Australia, and she’s maintaining quite a top-notch poise obviously still showing a hint of happiness from her win against Gavin Grimes back in Japan. With all this in front of her, she begins to express her thoughts.
Victoria Salinas:
You know… it’s a shame when people want to take your words and twist them to make their own narrative better, it truly is. Suddenly, I say the words that I did last week and I’m only in this for the “fortune and fame”, right? Unfortunately, certain people that speak those certain words are about five to nine years too late on that one. What I meant to say about the “Glory Braddock path” so to speak is that I wasn’t going to go down that road again. Essentially, I wasn’t going to cave in to my own weaknesses and insecurities just because I wasn’t getting what I wanted. I admit that there have been many instances in this company where that’s exactly what I could have done. I could have said “fuck this” and just burned bridges with every single person in the world that has rallied behind me for so long. I could have easily turned into “that bitch” again that didn’t give a crap about anyone but herself. I could have easily just given up on myself and started taking shortcuts just because things weren’t going my way for so long.
And yet…
It hasn’t happened yet.
Why? Because unlike people that DO go down that path, I AM much stronger than that. The struggles may be real, but it’s nothing debilitating and as I proved back in Japan when I beat Gavin Grimes is two things: the best way to go when your back is up against the wall is to keep on fighting no matter what happens or how hard things get… and two… that the worst of times that had been going on in my career for some time are finally over and tonight? Hey, I’m clearly making an impression and I must have caught myself on SOMEONE’S radar because holy hell, what a match we have tonight!
I’m facing Chris Constantine Jr. and Hammerstein… and yes… those two names alone are going to be tough and WOULD be tough in a one on one scenario… not like it’d stop me from beating them, mind you. But APE? Yeah… I can’t stand the bastards but I know for a fact that there’s nothing out there that says that I can’t take them… especially since tonight I am going to be teaming up with the longest reigning MWE Champion ever in Melissa Reeves… someone on the roster I have long had a respect for and if we’re being honest she’s probably the closest person I have on a roster to a real friendship. She’s not like certain “cunts that shall be named” that are no longer here that I’ve teamed up with in the past because she’s genuinely a great person to go along with her substantial wrestling ability.
I know we can get along, but I definitely know we can take them because we’re not the cowards that the two douchebags on the other side are. By the way… the way things ended in Japan as far as this company goes? Sickening… absolutely sickening.
It’s bad enough that Constantine took the backdoor way out by pinning someone that shouldn’t have even BEEN in that match to begin with… but for Duke Andrews and Reese Kennedy to get involved too? Really? Ridiculous…
Victoria takes a pause as she uses her eyes to express her disapproval of what she just described.
Victoria Salinas:
In my earlier years, I would have condoned that crap but that’s not who I am. That’s never who I’ve been at heart and that’s something I’ll never be. That’s a phase of my life that I’ve left in the dust so as far as I’m concerned, if I have an opportunity to take a stand and stab a knife into this injustice and nonsense than so be it. Let’s take that stand! In the big picture… maybe this is “none of my business”... but tonight? I’m going to MAKE IT my business! Melissa and I at the end of the day are going to show team “APE” what true dominant performers are all about…
Victoria hears cheers as she leaves the room, determined and confident to at least bring some positivity and light back into a situation that has appeared to turn dark. Shortly after she leaves, the scene fades to black.
Tag Team Match
APE (Chris Constantine Junior & Hammerstein) VS Victoria Salinas & Melissa Reeves
A palpable tension hovered over these four competitors as they got ready to commence hostilities, especially between Melissa and Hammerstein as they started the match, quickly turning it into a slugfest. The Reaver matched her opponent blow for blow, holding her own despite the size and strength difference clearly favoring the former Chicago Way champion. At least she did for a while, before Jacob connected a couple of consecutive forearms to take control, whipping Reeves against the ropes. Constantine kicked the former MWE World Champion on the lower back as soon as she hit the ropes, acting all innocent right after. The referee didn’t buy it and had some words with him, but his attention was quickly caught back by Hammerstein who was grinding Melissa’s face on the top rope. He warned the former champion as well, but as soon as he turned his back on CCJ, the MWE Champion took another cheap shot with a strike behind Mel’s head, pushing her right into a kick to the stomach and a Hammerplex from the American Monster. On the outside, Kennedy was even louder than the usual, yelling at his client and best friend to kill his opponent and make her pay for last week’s attack. The absolute dominion of Hammerstein in this first part of the match came to a sudden conclusion when Reeves moved out of the way avoiding a corner splash and began smashing his face on the top turnbuckle for a total of ten times. And when the dazed Hammerstein turned around, he ate a superkick to floor him. Melissa had already climbed to the top rope, ready to jump with her Death From Above shooting star press, but her attempt was blocked by Constantine who grabbed her foot, letting her go only when he saw his partner back to his feet and ready to take Reeves down from the top rope in a military press position and launching her across the ring. Mel made the tag and Victoria entered the ring taking Hammerstein down with a low dropkick to the leg, trying to decapitate him with a roundhouse kick. The American Monster ducked it and rolled her over with a schoolboy. lifting her in a one armed powerbomb against his turnbuckle, making the tag to CCJ in the occasion. And then they both started kicking and stomping Salinas in the corner, way longer than the canonical five seconds, to the point that the referee had to get involved to push Hammerstein out of the ring. The leader and founder of APE didn’t let this chance go to waste, choking the opponent with his boot pressed against the throat. He tried to slow down the match with chinlocks, headlocks and other rest holds, alternating them to basic suplexes and straight shots. It worked well for him, even allowing him to pick up a couple of near falls with a spinebuster and a ddt, but eventually Victoria managed to break free and imposed her rhythm, catching him with a springboard busaiku knee. She even worked together with Melissa Reeves, showing some chemistry. An eye rake to Melissa created the opening CCJ needed to make the tag and get Hammerstein back in the ring. He pummeled Mel with a flurry of heavy strikes, forearm shots and elbows mostly before launching the former MWE champion against the ropes and connecting The Pounce. Reese rejoiced at ringside, thinking that they had the match won, but Reeves wasn’t staying down. Instead, she was the one getting real close to the win with a tilt-a-whirl ddt, making the tag to Salinas right after. And together, they superkicked him right on the face. As Salinas made the cover, Reeves jumped on CCJ to prevent him from interfering. Somehow Hammerstein stayed alive, raising his shoulder in time. Victoria rallied up her fans, signaling for her Vanity Breaker. But while she was waiting for the American Monster to get up to his feet, she was blasted from behind by Duke Andrews. WINNER: Victoria Salinas & Melissa Reeves BY: DQ, 10:43 |
While Envy and Constantine were bashing the former MWE champion, Duke was kicking and stomping the crap out of Victoria. And soon the other two members of APE joined him in a three on one assault. Hammerstein was only now getting up to his feet, but it didn't look like he was going to join the brutal assault. He looked around for his manager, finally spotting him as he was looking back at Jacob with begging eyes while Melissa Reeves was grabbing him by the throat. That was enough to make the American Monster snap and leave the ring, attacking the Reaver.
Bobbi Jackson came rushing down the ramp, sliding inside the ring and going after Duke. Victoria was trying to defend herself from Envy and Consrtantine, even landing some punches and kicks before the numbers game got the best of her.
Ambra Monroe: "Hold on a second... That's..."
Peyton Holland: "Dean Smith? What is he doing here?"
Sporting an orange "Riot" shirt the former Invictus Champion was making his way through the fans, leaping over the barricade and stopping for a moment before entering the ring.
Ambra Monroe: "He's pointing Alan Envy.."
Peyton Holland: "This must be his retaliation for last week's assault on his sister Luna at the hands of those APE scum."
Peyton was right, Smith took the fight to the Lonestar, punching and kicking him away from Victoria, who was now one on one against Chris Constantine. The MWE champion looked shocked, he wasn't expecting this development at all. That moment of distraction was fatal for him, as he fell victim of the Vanity Breaker. Salinas then looked around.
Dean was taking care of Alan, Melissa and Hammerstein were brawling on the outside. She decided to help Bobbi who was holding her own against the former Lockdown champion, jumping and taking him down with a backstabber. Bobbi thanked her for the assist and turned around, climbing on the corner and taking down both Hammerstein and Kennedy with a crossbody. At the same time, Dean knocked Alan down with a knee to the jaw. All four members of APE (and Reese Kennedy) were down, forced to retreat. The three women celebrated inside the ring, asking Dean to join them. But he was already leaving the ring. This wasn't his fight, he didn't care about APE or anyone else.
It was personal to him, Alan Envy was his only target. And he wasn't done with him yet.
Bobbi Jackson came rushing down the ramp, sliding inside the ring and going after Duke. Victoria was trying to defend herself from Envy and Consrtantine, even landing some punches and kicks before the numbers game got the best of her.
Ambra Monroe: "Hold on a second... That's..."
Peyton Holland: "Dean Smith? What is he doing here?"
Sporting an orange "Riot" shirt the former Invictus Champion was making his way through the fans, leaping over the barricade and stopping for a moment before entering the ring.
Ambra Monroe: "He's pointing Alan Envy.."
Peyton Holland: "This must be his retaliation for last week's assault on his sister Luna at the hands of those APE scum."
Peyton was right, Smith took the fight to the Lonestar, punching and kicking him away from Victoria, who was now one on one against Chris Constantine. The MWE champion looked shocked, he wasn't expecting this development at all. That moment of distraction was fatal for him, as he fell victim of the Vanity Breaker. Salinas then looked around.
Dean was taking care of Alan, Melissa and Hammerstein were brawling on the outside. She decided to help Bobbi who was holding her own against the former Lockdown champion, jumping and taking him down with a backstabber. Bobbi thanked her for the assist and turned around, climbing on the corner and taking down both Hammerstein and Kennedy with a crossbody. At the same time, Dean knocked Alan down with a knee to the jaw. All four members of APE (and Reese Kennedy) were down, forced to retreat. The three women celebrated inside the ring, asking Dean to join them. But he was already leaving the ring. This wasn't his fight, he didn't care about APE or anyone else.
It was personal to him, Alan Envy was his only target. And he wasn't done with him yet.
Pre-recorded...
We open just outside in the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. It is a bright blue sky outside, indicating the pre-recorded nature of this footage. A few people are walking around in the background but for the most part the scene is empty. A few moments later Sophie O’Brian emerges into the scene from stage left. The raven-haired Irish beauty is wearing a knee length black skirt, black high heeled patent leather pumps, and a teal colored blouse. A confident gaze is etched across her lovely features.
Sophie O’Brian:
Most of you watching have certainly heard of the colloquialism “it isn’t over until the fat lady sings.”
O’Brian grins knowingly as she spins around three hundred sixty degrees, returning to once again face the camera, but to make sure everyone gets a good shot of her lovely feminine figure.
Sophie O’Brian:
I would hardly call myself “a fat lady” and I wouldn’t call my opponent tonight, Kelsey Spencer, “a fat lady” either. There will be no fat shaming from yours truly. But what does this phrase mean? It means that one should not presume to know the outcome of an event which is still in progress. More specifically, the phrase is used when a situation is or appears to be nearing its conclusion. It cautions against assuming that the current state of an event is irreversible and clearly determines how or when the event will end.
Sophie points at the camera, as if pointing at Kelsey Spencer herself.
Sophie O’Brian:
I would hope that you wouldn’t be so presumptuous of your victory in this Intercontinental Championship Tournament. Just as I am not going to look past you or any of the others remaining in this tournament. This tournament is a stacked field of impressive opposition and I know that I have my work cut out for me, and I hope you understand that you have your work cut out for you against me here tonight. As good as we both are, as talented and decorated as we both are, you can never ever count anyone out, Kelsey.
The Irish beauty nods her head.
Sophie O’Brian:
Bill Clinton earned the nickname “the comeback kid” because everyone thought he was done for politically but then he became President of the United States. Everyone thought the coalition against North Korea was done for when China entered the Korean War but the United Nations forced pushed back and fought them to a standstill. It is never EVER over until the final shot is fired, or in our case until the final bell has rung. You have to be prepared for the long haul, what you may think is going to be an easy win could turn into a long and drawn out war. This is why the United States failed in Vietnam. They did not plan for a long drawn out war.
O’Brian pats herself on the chest.
Sophie O’Brian:
I am the ultimate strategist and game planner, Kelsey. I have prepared for anything and everything you may throw in my direction and yes, I have prepared for a long drawn out battle. Tournaments are the ultimate test of endurance and my durability is second to none. What can you say about your durability? Can you honestly say that you are prepared to do battle with one of the best minds in this business today?
She motions to the arena behind her.
Sophie O’Brian:
Whether you are ready or not is irrelevant, because we WILL do battle, Spencer, and only one of us will continue our path towards the MWE Intercontinental Championship while the other is destined to fail. I’m prepared to fight a long, drawn out, total war in order to ensure my path towards ultimate victory remains clear. What about you?
Sophie walks off screen and the camera fades.
Singles Match
MWE Intercontinental Championship: Round two
Sophie O'Brien VS Kelsey SpencerMWE Intercontinental Championship: Round two
Probably the most anticipated match in the whole second round, this contest saw two of the favorite to the final win squaring off. Kelsey reached out for a handshake, granted by Sophie who took the chance to immediately twist her arm in a standing armbar. Spencer found a way to get out of it and turn it into a wrist lock of her own, twisting O’Brian’s arm and hyperextending the elbow. Even though the ropes were close, the northern irish didn’t take the easy way out, looking to wrestle her way out of the submission instead. It wasn’t easy, Kelsey was well versed in submission as well, but the pupil of the late Glenn Braddock managed to reverse the hold, at least for a brief moment before Spencer countered it once again and took her to the mat with an arm drag, putting more pressure on the shoulder and elbow with yet another hold. If the first part of the match was a display of the two proud competitors technical prowess where they tried to outdo one another, the contest saw a substantial change of pace as the minutes went by, thanks to the hometown girl. First she sent O’Brian in the corner, then she charged at her and jumped on her thighs, rolling backwards and tossing her in the middle of the ring with a monkey flip, closing this sequence with her cartwheel legdrop to pick up a two count. Sophie instead relied on a less fancy but equally effective style of offense, coming at the Australian born with lightning quick striking combinations and suplexes, obtaining a near fall with a nicely done bridging fisherman suplex. And her strikes were taking their toll on Spencer, unable to counter or dodge those relentless attacks coming at her with surgical precision. Kicks to the legs followed by one to the mid-section to double her over and a knee to the face to bring her back to a vertical base for a roaring elbow that sent Kelsey stumbling back against the ropes and rebound right into the Death Of Wisdom, Sophie’s own version of the codebreaker. It was shocking to see the 30 years old kicking out of this devastating combo, but then again Kelsey has accustomed her fans to this kind of feats. And to sudden and unexpected comebacks like the springboard roundhouse kick that completely changed the course of the match. From that moment on, Spencer was in control, coming so close to the three in several occasions. Noteworthy were the pendulum backbreaker and the blue thunder bomb that saw Sophie raising her shoulder just in the nick of time, for the desperation of the Australian fans, firmly behind the former Uncanny Socialite. Kelsey herself struggled to believe it, but instead of complaining, she pulled herself up and prepared herself to strike again, waiting for O’Brian to rise and going for a superkick as soon as she stood up. Sophie rolled over, dodging the kick that connected with the referee’s face instead. Kelsey looked legitimately concerned and apologized with the official, but he couldn’t hear her as he was laying out cold on the floor. When the shocked Spencer turned around, uncertain on what to do now, she found her opponent back to her feet and ready to blow a fireball on her face. The Scorched Earth Policy, one of the signature of the northern irish was only meant to lower her guard and allow O’Brian to connect the Ode To Braddock, just when a second official was rushing down the ramp. He entered the ring when Sophie was already making the cover, missing probably a second or two. But it didn’t matter in the end, the swinging fisherman neckbreaker gave O’Brian another win and allowed her to advance to the next round where she will meet her best friend, Glory Braddock. WINNER: Sophie O’Brian BY: Pinfall (Ode To Braddock), 13:20 |
Ambra Monroe: "What a great match."
Peyton Holland: "I feel bad for Kelsey, she was so close..."
Ambra Monroe: "That little hesitation after the incident with the referee costed her the match and the opportunity to become the first ever Intercontinental Champion."
Peyton Holland: "I feel bad for Kelsey, she was so close..."
Ambra Monroe: "That little hesitation after the incident with the referee costed her the match and the opportunity to become the first ever Intercontinental Champion."
Anastasia Starling:
It’s been ever so quiet…
Came the voice of Anastasia Starling, more of a whisper than anything else, in clearly a pre-recorded moment as she was still attired in her regular clothes. A pair of extremely tight, bedazzled jeans, her custom black leather jacket and a decorative t-shirt underneath, with an image of a songbird upon it. She sighed as she turned to the camera, a sadness in those greens and blues, but the slightest of smiles on her elfin face.
Anastasia Starling:
I hope you can forgive me for being a little on the silent side this past week. An awful lot happened on the night I returned to the ring, a night I wasn’t quite sure would ever happen. To be honest, an awful lot happened in the days, weeks and months leading up to it, but there is no need to bring all of that up. It should be common knowledge by now, and I suppose that those that don’t know, don’t need to know.
She took a seat, crossing her legs as she rocked back and forth on her chair, clearly keeping a brave face in light of the well publicized court case involving her father.
Anastasia Starling:
Big In Japan was a very special night for me. Not just for the fact that I returned to the ring, not just the fact that the MWE audience finally, finally saw the real me… But also this.
As she turned to her side, she retrieved the Cloud Gate Championship, looking sparkling and new as the light shined off of the gold, two custom plates being added to the belt bearing images of birds in flight.
Anastasia Starling:
This is the first new championship I have held in two years, and to have risen to the point of being the top rated champion on Millenium within the first six months of being here, it means the world to me. As did the match I had with Tiffany, and the achievement of ending the title reign that seemed like it would never, ever end. But many, many of you have asked why I elected not to celebrate, why I didn’t leap for joy, raise my arms in jubilation and scream and shout to the heavens.
Anastasia shook her head, taking a moment to blink as she stared at the camera.
Anastasia Starling:
That’s never been my way.
As she paused again, she stared at the gold in her hands, the title she fought long and hard for, as if the memories of everything she went through to claim the prize was fluttering in her mind.
Anastasia Starling:
I… wanted to honour what came before me, and the achievement that they had accomplished. I thought that was right and just, and despite all myself and Tiffany went through, not only in that match, but in all the moments leading up to it, I felt that we left it all in the ring that night. And in that, any pain and hardship, distrust and anger was left within those ropes.
She stroked the belt, planting a little kiss upon the plate.
Anastasia Starling:
Such pretty clouds.
At that point, she shook her head, putting the belt down as she wiped a tear from her eye.
Anastasia Starling:
It’s a tragic shame that someone would have to come along to try and ruin someone’s moment like that, what with what occurred later on that evening, something that I was unaware of after the fact. But history makes a thing of righting wrongs such as those, and we will have to see just how it plays out for a certain someone.
There seemed like there was a hint of anger in her voice, clearly in reference to what happened to Tiffany in the moments after their well received match in Japan.
Anastasia Starling:
I’ve never really celebrated my title wins. When I won the SSWA World Championship, something terrible happened to someone who was very close to me. When I won the Rebirth World Title, there was a lot of controversy over unpublished stipulations. But despite these reasons, it is not only that… because claiming this championship, winning this belt… it’s not the endgame. Winning this, despite being maybe the only good thing to happen to me in the past six months, it’s not the goal, the destination, the end… It’s just part of the journey.
Anastasia then stood, placing the belt upon her shoulder, as she outstretched her hand, almost as if it was an invitation to the audience.
Anastasia Starling:
And I’d be honoured, despite all that has been said, and done, and what I have been accused of… if you come along on this journey with me.
Ana smiled, turning to her display of ring gear, all hung up nicely in the locker room, staring at them as if she was trying to make a decision on what to wear.
Anastasia Starling:
Tonight I return to the ring against the Rising Phoenix in a Champion vs. Champion match. I always knew this match would come, seeing as that nickname of hers was my own, once upon a time. After all, I was a two time Rising Phoenix Champion back in the day, and management are fully aware of this fact. And I wish her luck tonight, I do, and I hope she brings her best. Two firebirds dancing an inferno in that ring is just the escape I need. But only one of us will burn brightly, Bobbi, and the other will be left in ashes. And I don’t intend in having my first appearance as champion go up in smoke.
As Starling mused over two outfits, one in emerald green and aquamarine halves, the other in sky blue and neon pink, she let out a sigh, reaching towards her throat, but then halting as she picked up the outfit that matched her eyes.
Anastasia Starling:
But let it be known… if anyone decides to poke their nose into my business, especially those who would even consider taunting me due to current circumstances, I’ll peck their eyes out with their own beak…
There was fire in her eyes as she said this, and then the camera cut away.
Singles Match
Champion vs Champion
Anastasia Starling VS Bobbi JacksonChampion vs Champion
Two of the new champions crowned at Big In Japan, both of them ending a record setting reign for the title they are carrying stepped in the ring tonight in Perth. Both fan favorites, the Songbird and the Rising Phoenix shared the support of the loud australian crowd, equally split between them and eager to witness what had all the earmarks to be an instant classic. The first part of the match was, surprisingly, a one way contest dominated by the Lockdown Champion. It was clear that the recent events in her personal life, namely the trial of her father and owner of The Underground Bobby B. Barabbas for his actions at the end of last December’s A Time For Wolves, when he lead an assault on Anastasia that put the Pale Winged Passerine in a coma for twenty days were affecting Starling, unable to find a counter to Bobbi’s striking combinations. This gave the Phoenix an early advantage and allowed her to control the pace of the match, grounding the Cloud Gate Champion and wearing her down with a number of submission moves, targeting specifically the back. A solid plan with the aim of locking in the Trial By Fire as well as limiting Anastasia’s movement. She was now sitting on the Songbird’s lower back in a deep camel clutch while Starling was crawling to reach the bottom rope. And eventually she grabbed it, forcing Jackson to let go of her hold. Eventually Anastasia was able to shake off the cobwebs and get her head in the game, showing off her evasion skills that helped her staying away from the fierce opponent. She rolled under Bobbi’s extended arm, dodging the clothesline and, with a back handspring, wrapped her legs around Jackson’s neck, flipping her across the ring with a headscissors. The Rising Phoenix didn’t even have time to pull herself up that Anastasia was right on the attack, leveling her with a shining wizard, continuing her run, jumping on the second rope and from there to the top one, flying backwards and landing on the Lockdown Champion with a picture perfect moonsault, only obtaining a two count out of it. Anastasia kept her foot on the gas, coming once again close to the win with her Birdie Kick (spinning capoeira kick). And just when it seemed that the momentum was firmly on her side, Bobbi turned the tables with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker after reversing the irish whip attempt. With Ana laying down, the Rising Phoenix kept targeting her lower back with a series of elbow drops. As Starling reached the ropes to pull herself up, Jackson grabbed her by the foot and tried to pull her way, eating an enziguri from the Pale Winged Passerine. Popping up to her feet as soon as Anastasia jumped over her to hit the ropes, Bobbi ran after the opponent, hitting the ropes as well. Ana stopped on her tracks and turned around to face the charging Phoenix who launched herself against the Songbird with a spear. She made the cover, but only got a two out of it. By the end of the match, the back really started bothering Anastasia, her movement slower and not as fluid as they used to be, her hand constantly reaching back on the sore area. Jackson tried to capitalize on this, inflicting more damage with some of the high impact moves in her arsenal such as a death valley driver and even a superplex, but nothing seemed to be enough to clip the Songbird’s wings. Pushing through the pain, Starling kept flying, from the top rope driving Bobbi down with her Angra Mainyu, her diving flipping neckbreaker. Jackson rolled out of the ring escaping the pin, but Ana wasn’t leaving her any room to breathe, rolling out of the ring and diving between the turnbuckles for her Transcendence DDT, planting Jackson head first on the concrete floor. Rolling the opponent back in the ring, Ana climbed to the top rope and jumped off with a 450 splash, gracefully landing on her feet when Bobbi moved out of the way and rolling through. Jackson charged for another spear, but Starling avoided the impact with a leapfrog, knocking the Lockdown Champion out with her Our Lady Peace. A quick look at the cheering fans brought a smile to her face, right before bouncing off the ropes with a running shooting star senton. The Sturnidae connected and granted Anastasia the win after a hard fought battle with a talented and determined competitor. A handshake confirmed the mutual respect between the two champions, perfect conclusion to a great match. WINNER: Anastasia Starling BY: Pinfall (Sturnidae), 12:49 |
Peyton Holland: "These two girls just put on a classic!"
Ambra Monroe: "They are champions for a reason, Peyton. They represent the best MWE has to offer, and they just proved it again tonight, if there was any need."
Peyton Holland: "True. We already know what's in Bobbi's future. As for Ana? We, as well as her, will find out next"
Ambra Monroe: "They are champions for a reason, Peyton. They represent the best MWE has to offer, and they just proved it again tonight, if there was any need."
Peyton Holland: "True. We already know what's in Bobbi's future. As for Ana? We, as well as her, will find out next"
The scene cuts backstage to Gavin Grimes standing in his locker room. He’s already dressed down into his ring gear and he has a calm, cool and collected look on his face.
Gavin Grimes:
Tonight is a big night. I go up against Luna, Miss Malice and Helena Noir. Basically, I’m fighting a bunch of bitches.
Gavin gives an innocent smirk as he shrugs.
Gavin Grimes:
But hey, just because they’re bitches doesn’t mean they can’t fight, right? Obviously they bring something to the table to be able to step into the ring with someone like yours truly. You’d think they deserve to be in this match, right?
He scoffs and rolls his eyes.
Gavin Grimes:
They don’t though. Luna is all lost potential. Miss Malice? Why do I even bother with someone with a name as dumb as that? As for Helena Noir? We all know how brutal she can be but we all also know that she comes up short as well. The revival of Liberty Pro didn’t last long with her as champ, did it? Nah, she doesn’t have credentials like I do. HKW Underground is where it’s at now because of what I’ve done. I led the way. I put it on the fucking map. That’s the star power I got.
Gavin nods confidently as he steps towards the camera.
Gavin Grimes:
Y’all here in Millennium? You haven’t even seen my true fuckin’ potential. You haven’t seen everything that I bring to the table and why is that? Because management has been holding me back. It’s been putting me up against shitty competitors with no stakes on the line. Tonight? Tonight's the night things change. It’s the night that I change the way I do things here in Millennium.
Gavin points to the camera, glaring into it.
Gavin Grimes:
Tonight I earn a shot at the Cloud Gate Championship and I’m coming for Anastasia Starling, that bratty little bitch.
He shakes his head.
Gavin Grimes:
You’ve always been one of my detractors. Maybe it’s because your dad could always rely on me, unlike you. And I’m gonna show the world why that’s the truth. I’m gonna earn this shot and I’ll be coming for you. Don’t expect to have a Tiffany Rollins type run. Nah, your run is gonna be short lived. Got it? Good.
He walks out of the frame and it cuts away.
Fatal 4-Way Match
#1 Contendership for the Cloud Gate Championship
Helena Noir VS Gavin Grimes VS Luna VS Miss Malice#1 Contendership for the Cloud Gate Championship
Peyton Holland: “Four competitors, fighting for a chance to face Anastasia Starling for the Cloud Gate Championship.” Ambra Monroe: “Luna is no stranger to the Millennium’s brand top title. In two occasions she already challenged the former champion for it, and in the last one, back at Way Of The Dragon, she faced Starling as well in a triple threat.” Peyton Holland: “You’re right, and in both occasions… WHAT A DROPKICK!” Miss Malice didn’t waste a second, striking first and hard even before the match officially went under way, pushing Noir against the corner with a shotgun dropkick. Helena’s head bounced hard against the middle protective pad and before she could process what just happened, Malice charged and jumped at her with a cannonball senton. Ambra Monroe: “Malice looks determined to capitalize on what is by far the biggest opportunity she ever had since joining Millennium, her first main event, her first chance to earn a title shot.” A flurry of stomps caught Helena in the corner, and she even tried to choke the last Liberty Champion by pushing her boot against the throat, all while Gavin and Luna were trading stiff shots. With a snapmare, she put her into a seated position in the middle of the ring and then followed with a nasty shining wizard to the back of the head. Grimes momentarily interrupted his assault on Luna to break up the pin. Peyton Holland: “Get used to scenes like this, it won’t be easy to score the decisive pinfall with two other opponents ready to break it up.” That much was clear since the first minutes. Gavin’s flying knee kick only gave him a two count because of Helena interrupting the count, and the same happened to Noir’s swinging neckbreaker, only it was Malice who broke it up in this case, right before getting caught by Luna’s Starstorm (discus spinning roundhouse). Both Helena and Grimes dove on Smith and pushed her off Malice, frustrating what could have been a clear count of three. Ambra Monroe: “The action is fast and furious, probably too much for Malice who decides to take a break.” Peyton Holland: “Catching a breath outside and let the opponents wear themselves down is usually a smart strategy, but things don’t always go as planned…” She didn’t even finish the sentence, and Luna came flying through the ropes like a projectile, knocking down Malice. Grimes and Noir instead focused on a more traditional grappling sequence with the tattooed woman bringing the fight to the canvas with a headlock takedown and switching from the lateral headlock to a frontal version, bridging over Grimes with a last chancery submission, broken up by Luna with a springboard splash from the outside, landing on top of Helena for a pinning predicament, but Noir kicked out in two. Peyton Holland: “It’s getting hard to keep track of the action already, I wouldn’t want to be on the referee’s shoes right now.” The pinning predicament kept coming, and Malice almost walked away with the win when she sneaked behind Luna’s back and rolled her over with a schoolboy pin while the former Lockdown Champion was working together with Grimes trying to keep Noir down. And as soon as Smith kicked out, the referee caught out of the corner of his eye Noir catching the Cult Classic winner with her inverted foot stomp and making the cover, only getting another near fall out of the lateral press. Gavin looked i great shape, after a series of dull performances that made some people question if he “still got it”. He was now delivering tiger suplexes to all his opponents starting with Helena, then one for Malice and last but not least one to the former Lockdown Champion. A bridging version in this case, still not enough to win the match. Luna took a long break after this, spending the next couple of minutes laying on the apron to recover while her three opponents kept fighting. Then she went back in the contest, knocking Gavin out with a jumping knee to the back of the head and catching Miss Malice with her trademark throat jab, hitting a couple of knee strikes and following with an overdrive neckbreaker. The Lipstick Timebomb joined Gavin Grimes out of the ring, leaving Luna alone to deal with the battered and bruised last Liberty Champion, resting in the corner. Smith set her up on the top rope and connected her Night Skyfall spanish fly. Peyton Holland: “Nobody is there to save Helena this time. This could be it!” Ambra Monroe: “NO! Only a two count!” Peyton Holland: “How could she kick out after everything she’s been through?” And yet, somehow, she did, raising her shoulder right before the dream. Granted, she didn’t move right after, leaving everyone wondering the same thing Peyton pointed out. Including Luna, who was out of herself. She quickly picked Helena up and whipped her in the opposite corner, charging at her for a splash or something like that. But her run was cut short by a spear from Miss Malice, followed up by a standing moonsault. Luna kicked out in two, but a moment later she was laying once again on her back courtesy of Malice’s reverse ddt over the knee. Peyton Holland: “Miss Malice is going on top, she’s ready for her top rope cannonball…” With a desperate move, Helena shook the top rope, causing the opponent to lose balance and crash down on the canvas. Noir quickly went to pick her up and dropped her on her head with a cradle ddt, right into a guillotine choke. Ambra Monroe: “That’s the Fondu Au Noir, the lethal submission that gave her so many wins and titles in her career. And now, it could give be her ticket to a Cloud Gate Championship match.” Miss Malice was struggling to breathe, Helena’s tight grasp putting a lot of pressure on her windpipe. With nowhere to go, her only hope was for someone to break the submission and make the save. But Grimes was nowhere to be seen, and Luna was only now starting to get up, looking dazed. Stumbling, she finally looked like she could make the save, but Gavin caught her from behind with the Peyton Holland: “ROLL UP OF DOOM! Gavin is going to steal one here!” The boos rained down loud as Gavin raised his hands in victory, quickly dimming down as Helena did the same thing. Peyton Holland: “Wait, what’s going on?” Ambra Monroe: “Miss Malice tapped out, I clearly saw that. The question is, did the referee see it?” Peyton Holland: “But… Was it before or after the three?” Ambra Monroe: “That’s a very good question, Peyton.” Noir and Grimes were both pleading their cases, trying to influence the referee who had now to make one of the toughest calls in his career. He took a step back, trying to shut down the two wrestlers voices as he rewatched the last moments of this match in his mind. It didn’t take him too long to come up with a decision. Or a non-decision, as he raised the hand of both competitors claiming that the three and the tap came at the same time. And the replay seemed to confirm his call. WINNER: Gavin Grimes & Helena Noir BY: Pinfall (Roll Up Of Doom) & Submission (Fondu Au Noir), 19:13 |
Peyton Holland:
We have... two winners?
Ambra Monroe:
That seems to be the case. Which raises the question, what happens to the number one contendership?
Peyton Holland:
I think there will be a rubber match between them next week?
Ambra Monroe:
That could be an option, yes.
Peyton Holland:
Well, I guess we will find out next Wednesday. From Peyton Holland
Ambra Monroe:
And Ambra Monroe, good night and see you next week in Sydney.
We have... two winners?
Ambra Monroe:
That seems to be the case. Which raises the question, what happens to the number one contendership?
Peyton Holland:
I think there will be a rubber match between them next week?
Ambra Monroe:
That could be an option, yes.
Peyton Holland:
Well, I guess we will find out next Wednesday. From Peyton Holland
Ambra Monroe:
And Ambra Monroe, good night and see you next week in Sydney.