Post by gvb on Mar 31, 2020 12:53:32 GMT -6
MWE presents: Down Under -night 2
Live from Enterprise Arena in Chicago, IL
Sunday, March 29th, 2020
For the second night we are inside the empty Enterprise Arena, just as "Fire Down Under" by Riot blares out of the louspeakers. The camera cuts to the commentators table where the three ladies of MWE welcome the fans watching at home with their best smiles while Figgles... He's heabanging to the theme song. Maynard, who has to deal with his craziness on a weekly basis facepalms while Ambra seems amused by the man in the hazmat suit. Peyton Holland lets out a long sigh before regaining her composure and greeting the fans.
Peyton Holland:
Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to night two of Down Under!
Amy Maynard:
Four more titles on the line tonight starting with the Invictus championship.
Ambra Monroe:
Liv Mercer is one of the Riot originals, having been loyal to the orange brand since day one. She was the first ever Riot champion with the longest reign before Devin's and she also has the second longest Junior Heavyweight title reign. More stats? She spent more days with a title around her waist than without.
Peyton Holland:
Tonight she has the chance to write history once again and become the first triple crown winner in MWE. It won't be easy though, Echo already proved herself when she beat Dean Smith to end his record reign.
Sir Figgles:
Taco pants.
Amy Maynard:
Fantastic. Thanks for joining us Figgles and for your precious contribution. Moving on, the MWE Tag Team Titles will be on the line as the Brothers McMillion get another shot at the gold against the BreeTee Committee.
Sir Figgles:
I'm telling you, the fact that Golden Era is not in that match is bull...
Peyton Holland:
It's going to be interesting to see them one on one, and with Christian Michaels at one hundred percent.
Ambra Monroe:
The headline match for the night is a triple threat between Anastasia Starling, Helena Noir and Gavin Grimes, with the Cloud Gate Championship on the line.
Amy Maynard:
Helena may not be in the best shape after going to war last night, but you can never count her out. And we know all about Gavin Grimes, a former world champion and one of the most dangerous men in that ring. The champion will have her work cut out for her.
Peyton Holland:
And finally, the MWE World Championship, the company top prize will be on the line in our main event. Chris Constantine Junior against Victoria Salinas... And APE is banned from ringside.
Sir Figgles:
More bull...
Ambra Monroe:
The Millennium General Manager has made it clear, if any of them shows up during the match, they will be fired on the spot.
Amy Maynard:
A drastic measure, but perhaps the only way to limit their shenanigans.
Sir Figgles:
Are you ladies done? Can I tal...
Peyton Holland:
All this and much more awaits you here at Down Under.. Without further ado, let's kick off the night!
Pre-recorded...
We open inside of a grandiose, luxurious living room. The carpet and walls are both a cream color. There is also a black leather sofa sitting a safe distance away from a fireplace, with a mantle that is gold encrusted. There is a fire burning in the fireplace, keeping the living room warm and inviting any and all to join in its warmth. A few moments later Summer Collins steps into the view from stage left. She is dressed in a tight form fitting forest green dress that hugs her every curve. Her feet are encased in tight black patent leather peep toe high heel pumps. Her long dark brown hair hangs unrestrained to shoulder length. She is carrying a glass of wine in her hand as she approaches the fireplace. She stands there a few moments to soak up its warmth before turning to face the camera.
Summer Collins:
This isn’t one of those fancy fake fireplaces that some people have nowadays. This is the real deal, a real fireplace, and yes, it is a real fire. I fondly recall memories of telling stories around the fireplace and thus when I came of age I wanted to maintain that good memory. To this day I still keep the tradition of telling stories around the fireplace alive or even just curling up around this warm fire and reading a good book. Stories of heroes and villains and many other colorful characters living their lives. Some stories can be tragic while others are comedic. It doesn’t matter, really, so long as you enjoy the story.
The beautiful, wealthy Collins walks over to the sofa and sits down.
Summer Collins:
The story of Fabulous against Rhett Adelson and Qiyara Singh began with a very controversial chapter one. It left the world wanting more because despite the victory Rhett and Singh obtained, they themselves knew just as the rest of the world knew, that the match should not have been ended. The referee missed a call, the referee in the match made a mistake, and as a result of a blown call Adelson and Singh gained a controversial win. Would they have won anyway? Who really knows? But just like any good story, the first chapter of this rivalry left everyone wanting more.
Collins pauses. A few moments later Jessica Lasiewicz emerges into the scene from stage left. The gorgeous daughter of the wrestling legend is dressed in a black little black dress that hugs her every curve in very flattering way. She is perched atop black patent leather high heel pumps. Her long black hair hangs unrestrained to shoulder length. The Archangel joins her tag team partner and best friend on the sofa, sitting down next to her.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
To the credit of Rhett and Singh, they did not want to win that way. To their credit they wanted to have a rematch to clear up the controversy from that first chapter. Thus this story was guaranteed to continue. Summer Collins would face off against Rhett Adelson one on one. Now Summer and I have fought each other almost as much as we have teamed together, so trust me when I say that I know just how good of a wrestler she is. She is unquestionably one of the very best pure technicians this sport has ever produced.
Collins chuckles.
Summer Collins:
Thanks, Jess…
Jessica Lasiewicz:
And I had no doubt of how chapter two of this story would turn out. I knew that Summer Collins would defeat Rhett Adelson and that is exactly what happened when she drove him into the mat with the Stock Market Crash. Thus chapter two of this rivalry ended with Fabulous scoring a victory. But this story was still not over.
Collins shakes her head.
Summer Collins:
Not by a longshot. It only made sense that chapter three of this epic masterpiece would continue with my tag team partner facing Rhett’s tag team partner. Predictable? Perhaps. But it made sense and made for a tremendous match. Now just as Jess bragged about me, I will now brag about her. We have indeed fought just as much as we have teamed. The vast majority of those battles have come about because of my poor judgment, my irrational obsession with trying to prove that I was better than her. Of course all I ever did was humiliate myself because every time I tried to fight her, she would whip my ass. I have never beaten Jessica Lasiewicz. And it’s not because of a lack of talent on my part. Jessica is just that good. She has wrestling running in her family. Both her mother and father are legends in this sport. I quickly realized that fighting her was not worth it. I realized that working with her was more profitable not only for me but for her as well. Together, with our forces united, we are an unstoppable force in the tag team division. And I have no shame in admitting that most of it is because of Jess.
Lasiewicz smirks.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Don’t sell yourself short, Summ. You’re just as good as me.
Summer Collins:
So imagine my surprise when Qiyara Singh managed to defeat Jessica Lasiewicz. Some may call that an upset. Some may not. I certainly considered it an upset but the more homework I did, the more research I did on our opponents, I realized that it was no upset. Qiyara Singh is indeed good. Rhett Adelson is good. Both are good and together they are amazing. Just like how together Jess and I are absolutely FABULOUS!
Collins winks at the camera.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Chapter one introduced the characters, chapter two and three gave us the rising action, and now comes chapter four, the final chapter, the climax of our story. Will we learn who really would have won on that night?
The Archangel shakes her head.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
No. That night is gone. You cannot recreate the past, you only live in the present and prepare for the future. But you can learn from the past and believe me when I say that Summer and I have learned from our mistakes, we have studied up on our opponents, and tonight we are prepared to make damn sure that we are going to leave Down Under with a victory, a victory not shrouded in controversy, a victory earned with our blood, sweat, and tears. At this point I could use one of my father’s old catchphrases and tell Singh and Adelson to come and place their bets…
Lasiewicz shakes her head.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
...but luck has nothing to do with this. Tonight Summer and I are going to win because we are the superior team, because we are the best, and because we are absolutely FABULOUS!
The scene cuts backstage to Rhett Adelson and Qiyara Singh in their locker room. Qiyara is sitting down with her eyes closed, mentally preparing for their upcoming match. Rhett is off to the side, doing push-ups to warm up his body. Rhett is the first to notice the camera and he gets up to his feet and slaps his hands together. He smiles at the camera and waves.
Rhett Adelson:
Perfect timing since our match is about to happen next. Qiyara and I get a chance to say a little something, isn’t that right, Yara?
Rhett glances back over to Qiyara and smiles as she nods in his direction now climbing up to her feet.
Qiyara Singh:
Indeed, though not too much more can be said than what already has been... We have worthy opponents, a chance to prove which team is the best, in Tornado Tag style. It is a fight we’ve been looking forward to for some time.
Rhett nods in agreement.
Rhett Adelson:
That’s right. A lot of things have led up to this moment. Qiyara and I wanted this tag match a lot sooner, but we had to deal with a few singles matches against the members of Fabulous. While that’s all fine and dandy, what we wanted was this moment tonight. We wanted a tag team match. And with it being a tornado tag match?
He places his arm over Qiyara’s shoulder and points to the camera with his other hand.
Rhett Adelson:
There won’t be any questions left unanswered for any of you. Why? Because you have to deal with me and the most lethal Indian woman in wrestling at the same exact time. Yara and I are going to go out there and we’re going to kick ass and take names and prove to Millennium and it’s fans that we are a team to be reckoned with.
There was a moment of pause between Rhett’s words as Qiyara leaned into him and smiled once more.
Qiyara Singh:
Time and time again we’ve had an uphill battle in proving that very thing. Because we represent integrity, honor, and discipline.
She gives a gentle look in Rhett’s direction before glancing back to the camera once more.
Qiyara Singh:
Yet that was our promise at the start of this. Bringing back the honor, and showcasing what true wrestling sportsmanship is all about, but this is it! This is THAT moment! Tonight at Down Under, we show exactly what it is we’ve been promising and while the arena may be empty, we will exude the essence of the thousands of fans at home as we outclass and outshine every other match of the show.
Rhett smiles and nods in agreement.
Rhett Adelson:
You took the words right out of my mouth!
He leans in and steals a quick kiss from Qiyara before glancing back at the camera.
Rhett Adelson:
All of that said? What’s most important is the fans. With everything going on in our world right now, with how dark, bleak and lonely it may seem… There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. But for now? For now the light for the wrestling fans in the world is us. It's our duty to go out to that ring and put on a show and to do it the right way.
Rhett squeezes Yara’s hand and lifts it in the air, holding their hands in front of the camera.
Rhett Adelson:
Tonight, Qiyara and I will use our bond, as a team and as a couple, to give all of you at home some kind of light. It might not be much, but even if we can make you get lost and mesmerized in our match for just one fleeting moment and forget the seriousness going on in our world, then it’ll all be worth it. We do this for all of you watching at home and don’t forget, we’re fighting this with all of you.
As their hands hold there in front of the camera for a moment they’re slowly taken back and the two smile further.
Qiyara Singh:
Stay safe, stay healthy, and enjoy the show! Our Down Under begins now and as always, we’ll see you out there.
A wink is given to the camera as she looks back to Rhett and they make their way to the ring.
Tag Team Match
Tornado Tag Team
Fabulous VS Rhett Adelson & Qiyara Singh
A rare gesture of sportsmanship marked the beginning of this match, the four competitors shaking hands before the match started in a display of the respect that they developed in the weeks leading up to this match. With no tag needed under tornado rules, the four competitors were allowed to be in the ring at the same time, to the benefit of the spectacle. Jessica and Summer tried to control the match from the get going, keeping a slow pace. Qiyara’s technical prowess and Rhett’s agility allowed them to escape from the holds they were locked in and get some offense in. They definitely spent this time in isolation training and perfecting their chemistry, as the perfectly matching striking combination they were throwing at the two girls demonstrated. Low kicks to the thighs, side push kicks and high knees to make the opponents stumble back following with jumping kicks to floor the Archangel and her partner. Everything, from the timing to the execution of these stereo Qi To Your Hearts was simply perfect. And if Rhett did a great job imitating his girlfriend trademark move, Qiyara was just as impressive when she performed a picture perfect standing shooting star press to mimic Adelson. The referee started the double count and both Collins and Lasiewicz raised their shoulders in time. The equilibrium of the match shifted when Rhett missed a moonsault, crashing and burning on the mat when Jessica rolled out of the way. The Archangel stomped him a few times and then sent him in the corner with an irish whip, charging in and driving her knee to his face. Summer was in difficulty against Singh, the indian had her now in a clinch position and was caving her face in with those dangerous Krav Maga knee strikes. Thankfully for her, Jessica pulled her fat out of the fryer grabbing Qiyara’s arm and spinning her around. A kick to the stomach doubled Singh over and set her up for a lightning spiral. Lasiewicz made the cover but Rhett broke it up before the referee could even get to two. Fabulous was now working together on Adelson, left alone by his partner who was still recovering on the mat. After taking him down with a double suplex, the two girls applied a double submission called The Power Of Two. Jessica locked him in a crippler crossface while Summer applied a boston crab. Lasiewicz was the first forced to let go when Qiyara stomped her head. Then the indian set her boyfriend free from the boston crab as well with a vicious running knee to the back of Summer’s head, quickly picking her up and following with a butterfly suplex. The referee had his work cut out for him to count all those near falls that kept coming in rapid succession. Collins made the cover on Singh after a scissors kick, Rhett grabbed her arm and, with a magistral cradle, saved Qiyara and pinned Summer’s shoulders to the mat. Here came Jessica to the rescue, breaking up the submission and suplexing Adelson with a northern lights suplex. Two seconds and Qiyara kicked her legs to break up the bridge and, grabbing her by the ankles, pulled her towards herself, flipping over into a jackknife cover. Collins made the save to her partner and pinned Singh after a Summer’s End sleeper neckbreaker, coming full circle. Qiyara kicked out and for a few seconds all four competitors remained flat on their backs, finally catching a breather after an intense 13 minutes of match. The rest of the match followed the same trend, back and forth action with neither team holding anything back. As the first signs of fatigue began showing, their attacks weren’t as pinpoint accurate as they used to be, giving up something in terms of strength as well. And in moments like this, the slightest mistake could be fatal, and Qiyara proved it on her skin. Her Singhing Off Qi missed the appointed target, probably because of a slight hesitation that gave Jessica time to move out of the way. It hit Rhett instead, catching him to the back of the head as he was ready to go for his Explosion running single leg dropkick to Summer. She barely had time to realize the mistake she inadvertently made, staring at her boyfriend in shock before joining him in Dreamland thanks to Jessica’s Pure Deformation, the Skull Crushing Finale that gave Fabulous a hard fought win WINNER: Fabulous BY: Pinfall (Pure Deformation), 15:49 |
Amy Maynard: "What a way to start the show... These two teams really killed it tonight!"
Sir Figgles: "It was..."
Amy Maynard: "What?"
Sir Figgles: "I just wanted to see if you were going to interrupt me again. As I was saying, it was a great performance from both teams. I guess the difference maker was the experience, in the end. Lasiewicz and Collins have been a team from longer than Adelson and Singh."
Amy Maynard: "Without a doubt. Do you think Fabulous are ready to go for the gold?"
Sir Figgles: "Oh absolutely... After their husbands got their rightful shot."
Sir Figgles: "It was..."
Amy Maynard: "What?"
Sir Figgles: "I just wanted to see if you were going to interrupt me again. As I was saying, it was a great performance from both teams. I guess the difference maker was the experience, in the end. Lasiewicz and Collins have been a team from longer than Adelson and Singh."
Amy Maynard: "Without a doubt. Do you think Fabulous are ready to go for the gold?"
Sir Figgles: "Oh absolutely... After their husbands got their rightful shot."
Backstage Bree Smith is accompanied by her brother as they are dressed similarly. Both have the black shorts, with Bree having BreeTee Committee Knee Pads while her brother took to the kickpads on his wrestling boots. The pair have black jackets on, Dean with a You Bring the Fight, I End It Shirt on while Bree’s got a bright BreeTee t-shirt she’s chosen to rip the sleeves off of. Her hair is tied back in a tight and taut ponytail.
Bree Smith:
Luna fought really hard last night.
Dean’s a little preoccupied as they walk down, tightening up his hands with some tape.
Bree Smith:
I think Teegs and I have got this title match. I made Javen tap out in my first Invictus Match. Thanks for the training on that one, Bro.
Bree gives her brother a slight nudge which makes Dean chuckle.
Dean Smith:
No problem. As long as I don't have to face you in the division.
Bree Smith:
It would be pretty awesome to hold the tag title with Teagan and the Invictus Title like my brother……...but I'm focusing on retaining the championship tonight. After what happened in our last/first title defence, Teegs and I will be out to prove we’re the tag team champs for a reason.
She pauses with a tight lipped expression, keen to prove herself to her family, her big brother who’d already held MWE gold.
Bree Smith:
And then you obviously need to take down Alan Envy.
Dean Smith:
OH trust me, I’m ready for him. APE in general have been running around and hurting family, now they’ll see what happens when you do just that.
Dean gives Bree his full attention while pressing the tapped fist into his other hand with some force.
Bree Smith:
Plus you’ve faced Envy plenty of times before, so you’re well-prepared.
Dean Smith:
I think tonight he’ll overtake Cole Gregory for the person I’ve had most matches against, or at least tie things up. But this time it’s a little different. He put his hands on Luna and that’s a no go. I’m going to take care of it just like when we were kids.
There’s a small, cut-throat tone to Dean’s last statement which Bree picks up on and has full on deja-vu face. Bree takes a big step to catch up to Dean who’s continued to walk while Bree was caught off-guard by the comment and tone.
Bree Smith:
Yes, Bro, but you don’t need to recklessly get suspended like you used to do back then from putting someone through a door or whatever.
Dean Smith:
Like I said. I’m going to take care of it. Good luck in your match tonight.
Which leaves Bree still as Dean parts ways, having wished her luck while holding Bree’s bicep. Bree watches Dean walk off, with his match coming up next so she pulls out her phone to see where her tag partner is to catch up.
Singles Match
Alan Envy VS Dean Smith
A one on one match against Alan Envy, a chance to, finally, avenge the beatdown he and his sister suffered at the hands of the Lonestar and the rest of APE. Dean Smith had been waiting for this moment for so long, and he showed it by charging at full speed as soon as the bell toll, taking down the Texan with a shoulder tackle. It felt like having been hit by a truck to Alan, and things got from bad to worse as Smith sat on his chest and pounded his face with lefts and rights. Dean was showing a far more aggressive side of his persona. Not the kind of competitive aggressiveness he showed in his nine months at the top of the Invictus division, but a darker shade, like his priority wasn’t to win a wrestling match but hurting the opponent instead. And he did, one of those fists connecting with Alan’s nose and causing him to bleed so badly that the ref had to ask Dean to give him a break so that he could check on his conditions. Reluctantly, Smith granted it, allowing him some time to check on the bleeding nose. But as soon as the referee gave him the green light, Dean whipped the Lonestar in the corner and followed with a big time splash, launching Envy back in the middle of the ring with a belly-to-belly suplex. After weathering the initial storm. Envy was able to take control of the match, thanks to some of the dirty trick he learned in his fifteen years career. A brawl was going on in the middle of the match and Alan came out on top, stringing together four european uppercuts to rock Smith and sending him against the ropes. Smith came back and with a Thesz press brought Alan back to the ground once again in a dangerous spot, from which he quickly pulled himself off by rolling over and switching position. Standing now on top of the former Invictus champion, he returned the courtesy with interests, pouring down punches like hail. Alan obtained a two count with his pop up death valley driver, insisting on his onslaught and firing Dean in the corner. He charged at him but Smith was already coming his way, cutting him in half with a spear. They went back and forth for a few more minutes, their strikes paradoxically seeming to grow harder with every passing minute. The Quarterbark (running bulldog followed by some trash talk -particularly colorful in this case- and a straight punch) almost put Alan away, but the member of APE eventually came back with a second wind, landing some elbows to the face and dropping the former champion with a Gordbuster. When he was slowly trying to get back up, a sliding lariat floored him once again, giving Alan another near fall. All of a sudden Dean seemed on the point of giving up, locked in Envy’s Paying Dues. The Lonestar was putting as much pressure as he was capable of in his Kajihatime, yelling at his opponent to tap out. But Smith wasn’t going to give up, too much pride at stake for him, Digging deep, he powered out of the submission, turning Alan inside out with a discus lariat. He went all out in these last moments, leaving the opponent breathless with a throat jab, moving behind him and going for a pin with a backslide driver. Alan barely kicked out but it was clear now that he was at the mercy of his opponent. The MD, the knock out flying knee that ended so many Invictus matches with a KO gave Smith another win tonight. WINNER: Dean Smith BY: Pinfall (MD), 8:16 |
Peyton Holland: "It's not the first time Dean beats Alan ENvy, but sure as hell it was the sweetest for him."
Ambra Monroe: "Revenge is a dish best served cold, as they say."
Peyton Holland: "And Smith is definitely savoring it tonight."
Ambra Monroe: "Revenge is a dish best served cold, as they say."
Peyton Holland: "And Smith is definitely savoring it tonight."
Leia LeBeau:
Pop, Six, Squish, Uh uh, Cicero, Lipschitz!
Came the sultry voice of Leia LeBeau, dressed to the nines in a stunning tribute to Velma Kelly, one of the star characters of the Broadway Hit, Chicago. Attired all in black, wearing a bob wig to complete the look, she twirled her cane as she stroked it up her never ending leg. She clicked her fingers, getting the attention of the camera, before she started speaking again to the camera.
Leia LeBeau:
When Hayley Halsey did what she did, trying to steal the spotlight from myself and my man, costing us our very first championship gold in Millennium, she made the wrong kind of enemy. For you see, what she took away from me and my man, that was just something criminal.
She span the cane again, tapping it upon her hand as she strutted about, performing a sensual little dance that could only make the heart beat faster.
Leia LeBeau:
She had it coming… She had it coming… She had it coming all along.
For some reason, as she danced, the camera panned away to what looked to be the buffet table, were a selection of beautifully designed, delicious looking cakes were on display. “Oooh Cake,” came the voice from behind the camera, obviously feminine and a little childish in nature. There was a loud tap, followed by an “Owie,” from behind the camera as it refocused on Leia, who had a look of fury on her pretty face, with the cane in her hand.
Leia LeBeau:
It wasn’t just about the championship for me. It was the bond I share with my man, and competing alongside the man who holds me in his strong arms each night, I have to say, is the most exciting and beautiful thing I have done in this show business. And that night, that match, that meant so much to me.
She looked up to the ceiling, as if the memory was running through her mind.
Leia LeBeau:
And for a girl, a stupid, wretched, ridculous little girl to get so jealous of my achievements, my success and the rocketship I am riding to the top is just… just…
She struck a pose, mimicking Hayley perfectly, done to pose and tone of voice.
Leia LeBeau:
So Ridiculous!
Even the camera woman joined in with the mockery, the view shaking slightly as a giggle could be heard.
Leia LeBeau:
So tonight, in Chicago, Illinois, this shiny toy is going to toy with you, and get a little payback for the crime that you committed. So don’t mask this with “I did it for wrestling”, don’t pretend you were “doing the sport a favour”, because you weren’t. You, Halsey, tried to ruin The Show, because you are jealous. And jealousy is a crime. One that you are going to pay for.
Leia then performed another sultry little dance, the sexy siren putting on a little show as she began singing once again, that same song from the hit musical.
Leia LeBeau:
She had it coming. She had it coming. She only had himself to blame. If you'd have been there, if you'd have seen it, I betcha you would have done the same!
As she finished, she winked at the camera, before picking up her latte that had been by her side and taking a sip. She suddenly spat it out all over the floor, a look of shock and disgust upon her face.
Leia LeBeau:
This… This isn’t my latte… This is GRAVY! Who? Who switched my latte for GRAVY?
The camera started to back away from Leia slowly, shaking as the camera woman was clearly laughing, and could be heard from behind the lens.
Leia LeBeau:
Bebe! You come back here!
The camera turned and ran as Leia began to make chase, the camera woman audibly sniggering as they cried out “Eloise! Help me!” before the scene cut away to elsewhere.
The empty ring on this PPV event features several circling spotlights before they all turn off and one bold light projects a wolf silhouette onto the ring canvas. This one is Wolf Of All Street vs The Warwolf after all.
Now they say, "Don't forget where you come from
Don't die holding on to your words
Cause you know, that you got a whole world to change
But understand who you gotta change first"
Out steps West Long to greet the homegrown crowd, the die hard MWE fans of old and new. Long walks either side of the ring pointing out to some Warwolf fans in the back and front row. Humble to be here to say the least, WL leans to the side and soaks it all in. Motioning to sprint, he fakes out and takes a confident stride down to the ring but showcases that vertical leap, passing the apron and catches the second rope. Taller than ever, Long somersaults into the ring.
With his music dying down, He’s been handed a live mic which he tests against his palm with a few taps; this signals the music to turn off.
West Long:
Tonight’s a night of two firsts for me. It’s my first PPV here in MWE.
Also tonight I’ll take on someone who’s punched in a Mighty amount of times.
He’s Thrived here, especially in this singles run. And here I always thought a wolfpack was better than a lone wolf.
But that’s what we’re here to find out yeah?
Can a 5’9”
West puts his hand flat and lowers it to roughly where Null will come up against him.
West Long:
-One hundred and sixty-five pounds of Californian speed and fury overcome this machine standing before you.
His large right hand brushes from chin to knee to introduce himself as the Hoss in this fight.
West Long:
I’m here tonight not to tell you, hang on, I misspoke.
I’m here tonight to not just tell you it won’t happen but to show you right in Millennium’s stomping grounds. Right in the home of this company. The Warwolf is here to dethrone MWE’s Wolfman within the four sides of the warzone.
Null, Wolf of All Streets. You won at Homecoming Night Two. You got that upset win right here.
Lemme tell you something. You ain’t getting any upset here against me, yeah?
You come at me with the high-flying flips and tricks.
West pauses to look right into the hardcame. Come at me was written all over his face and then he shakes his dome left to right like nah. The ‘mic-less’ hand comes up and open like a weapon of choice.
West Long:
I’ll swat you out of the air with this big hand, and that’s if I don’t chokeslam you for all these people to see.
I’m looking to strike a four in the W-Column, no matter what kind of animal MWE put in front of me.
West’s music plays again from the mid-point. He takes a small pace of the ring while waiting for Null to make his own entrance.
Singles Match
Null VS West Long
Coming into this match with some wind in his sails after the shocking win against Raymond Reznik ten days ago, the resident wolf boy was setting to face another huge challenge tonight, the undefeated powerhouse known as West Long. At first his quickness gave him a slight advantage, and he landed a few kicks to those tree sized legs, trying to knock him down with a dropkick and failing at that. West simply staggered back a couple of feet, almost shrugging off the effects of the dropkick. Null went for a wheelbarrow bulldog but Long blocked his attempt and dropped him on his face with a devastating facebuster. He picked him up and lifted off his feet, driving him in the corner with incredible strength, following with a number of short range clothesline before a belly to belly suplex launched the wolf boy in the middle of the ring. Crouching down in a three point stance, West waited for Null to get up and ran through him with a shoulder tackle. The match suddenly turned into a one way deal, too much Long’s power for the much smaller opponent, who was being tossed around like a rag doll with an array of suplexes. But the Voice Of The Voiceless never gave up, kicking out every time against any better judgement, surviving moves like a spinebuster and a fireman’s carry backbreaker. Not only that, he even found the strength to make a comeback, landing miraculously on his feet from a released belly to back suplex and taking off West’s leg with a low dropkick. With a series of kicks he seemed to create some difficulty to the big man, leaving him dizzy and exposed to a springboard cutter. It was Null’s first pinfall attempt, and it only got him a count of one. No matter hard he tried, what move he threw at West, there was no way to keep him down, not even for a two count. Only once the referee’s hand slammed on the mat for a second time before West inevitably kicked out, and that was after a springboard reverse ddt. Long regained control by the end of the match, and made it look easy. Null was trying to keep up his offense, hitting the ropes and coming back at him at full speed only to get launched in air by the Warwolf and “accompanied” to the mat with a pop-up one handed spinebuster. That hard impact against the canvas crushed any momentum Null had built, delivering the match into West’s big hands that were now raining on the former TMNT member. Sending the wolf boy against the ropes with an irish whip, Long floored him with a big boot, making the cover. To Null’s credit, he kicked out one more time, but the end was right behind the corner and it came… Point Blank. The choke lifted fireman’s carry powerslam claimed another victim. WINNER: West Long BY: Pinfall (Point Blank), 8:11 |
Amy Maynard: "Another win for the Warwolf. His streak continues."
Sir Figgles: "Man, that is one big, scary mother..."
Amy Maynard: "He's been on a path of destruction since joining Millennium, annihilating the competition. You have to wonder who, if anyone, will be able to stop him."
Night Two of the Down Under tour cuts to the entrance of the arena as Hayley Halsey is seen walking into the building. She doesn’t say a word, she doesn’t even look like she wants to say anything. She’s just laser focused on what’s ahead, in particular whatever this mysterious “Plan C” she’s advertising on the t-shirt that she’s wearing. Once she gets inside of the building, she happens to spot the cameras that are rolling and that are completely focused on her. Typically, this is what she wants but on this night, she wants none of it.
Hayley Halsey:
I’d like for you to get out of my face with that.
Cameraman:
Come on, Hayley. Don’t you have something to say? You usually do. We can talk about how the last Riot… once again… things didn’t go so well for you.
Hayley Halsey:
Sadly, last Riot could be considered an improvement.
Cameraman: But this entire Down Under experience has been so horrible for you… you know… opening matches and all that. Have you even won? When was the last time you even won one, Hayley? Kristina Spencer? Have you even won a match in 2020 at all?
Hayley doesn’t respond to any of these sudden, rapid fire questions as she keeps on walking but the camera is persistent on following her and trying to get something… anything… out of her.
Cameraman:
It’s like… you know… ever since you had that match with Leia LeBeau the first time and she completely embarrassed you that your entire career has been a whole waste of nothing. I’m just talking about what I’ve observed and all and you clearly didn’t do yourself any favors with any of your complaining and you sure as hell haven’t done yourself any favors with… well… let’s be real here… you haven’t lit the world on fire at all. Vianca may or may not have dragged you down… sure but… this is getting borderline ridiculous. It’s getting to the point where the whole Riot roster possibly sees you as a joke.
Try as the cameraman may, Hayley is not budging or showing any sort of emotion at all. She’s not taking the bait that the cameraman is trying to trap her with and she’s smart enough to know not to take it realizing that taking the bait is only going to make things worse for her than they already are.
Cameraman:
When you lose to Leia again tonight… how are you going to live with yourself? Are you going to just embrace being the biggest joke and disappointment in MWE since Carmine Reaper?
This question is what finally gets Hayley to stop walking and this does cause her to think a little bit and yet, despite that, she’s still doing the best that she can to maintain her calmness and her collectiveness. She knows that this is all just poking and prodding.
Hayley Halsey:
The only thing I am going to say about all of that is that I didn’t come here to be a joke and I am not going to be one. That being said, those that got a rise out of my temper tantrums will be very disappointed to know that I’ve already had my last one.
Cameraman:
Come on Hayley… give us some more…
Hayley Halsey:
No. I’ve said all that I need to say.
Cameraman:
But as far as your match tonight is concerned, you’re exuding far more confidence than you have any right to have…
Hayley Halsey:
That’s your opinion and you’re free to have it. All I know is, that once “Plan C” comes to fruition, every narrative you just pulled out of your ass becomes completely moot. I know what I’m doing with my career and I am not about to let someone like you bait me into giving you what you want. Sorry, but the Hayley Halsey that was toxically influenced and anchored by Vianca is gone. You’re not getting her back. You’re never getting her back. I’m confident in the future because once that future arrives, everything you just brought up? Whatever meaning it has left… it’s going to lose it all. I’m going to just focus on what I have to do and that’s that.
Cameraman:
Are you Bill Belichick’s long lost daughter or something?
Hayley just shrugs, again being cold, distant and not giving in to this TMZ style baiting that the cameraman is just trying so hard to do to her. She maintains her focus and her poise about her match coming up later acting like all the negative stuff that was brought up is no big deal at all before she disappears out of his view and causes a cue for the camera to fade to black.
Singles Match
Hayley Halsey VS Leia LeBeau
The tension was palpable between the two young women, ready to explode as soon as the match would start. Weeks of insults, zingers and interference blowing off at the sound of the bell when they finally clashed in the centre of the ring. Strikes begin to fly, at first forearms to the face but soon LeBeau switched to the kicks, immediately starting to gain ground. Before she knew it, Hayley found herself with the back against the ropes, but the flurry of kicks hitting her wasn’t slowing down at all. Leia went for an irish whip, jumping for a leg lariat when Halsey rebounded back. The Showgirl was right back to her feet, looming over the opponent and lifting her foot, preparing for a stomp barely dodged by the Heartbreaker who rolled away just in time, escaping on the apron. “Oh you tramp…” said Leia as she went to grab the opponent looking to drag her back in the ring. Instead, she ended up neck first on the bottom rope as Hayley dropped off the apron and dragged her down. The impact left Leia breathless, staggering back toward the centre of the ring holding her neck with both hands and Halsey flew back in the ring with a springboard bulldog, smashing her face first to the mat. The match was strangely hard hitting, both competitors left aside the fanciest moves in their arsenal to favor a more direct style. Halsey showed some interesting striking combinations, flooring Leia with a spinning heel kick. The Heartbreaker hooked the leg for a cover, but Leia kicked out. And when Hayley whipped her in the corner, the Jet City Woman countered it and followed with a corner dropkick. With a playful wink to the camera, she performed one of her trademark moves, the one that always draws wolf whistle by the male, and not only that, section of the fans. With a handstand, she pressed her foot against Hayley’s throat using a full count before letting go and get back to her feet. She charged at the seated opponent with a low crossbody, transitioning to the apron and climbing to the top rope. She waited there for Hayley to rise to her feet and jumped, taking her down with a Meteora. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, Showtime almost got the win out of her Seattle Slutdrop and Halsey coming just as close to the three with her float-over backbreaker. Back in the middle of the ring, the two competitors engaged in another kicks exchange, both of them too proud to give up an inch to the opponent. Eventually it was Leia who came out on top, flattening the opponent with a crane kick. She rushed into a cover, but Hayley once again kicked out in two. The match seemed to be in Leia’s control now, the Showgirl trying to put the opponent to sleep with her Sleepless In Seattle. It looked like Hayley was slowly starting to fading, the more she tried to get free, the tighter Leia was squeezing her, applying a bodyscissors and taking her down to the mat. And then Il Divo’s “My Way” blasted through the loudspeakers. Amy Maynard wondered what Neil Newman was doing here and Figgles replied that he came to save wrestling, of course. The referee tried to stop him and behind his back, Neil’s partner in crime stepped into the ring and saved Hayley from the submission, picking Leia up and knocking her out with the his Rooooolll Tide! Headlock driver. He even dragged Halsey on top of the Showgirl before disappearing out of the ring. Called by Newman, the referee turned around and made the three count, awarding the win to the Heartbreaker completely unaware of what really went down. WINNER: Hayley Halsey BY: Pinfall (Roooooolll Tide!), 9:41 |
Peyton Holland: "Was this the plan C Hayley has been talking about for weeks?"
Ambra Monroe: "Looks like..."
Hayley mocks the Showgirl, the Golden Era standing there next to her. LeBeau is trying to crawl out of the ring, still a bit dazed by the headlock driver suffered at hands of Kyle Butler. Halsey shakes her head and asks him to stop her and pick her up. Getting in her face, Hayley mocks the young girl with some heavy insults, promptly beeped by the production team. A hard slap across the face left Hayley's handprint on LeBeau's cheek but it was only the beginning of what they had in store for The Show. Halsey superkicks her in the face and then leaves her at the mercy of Newman and Butler, who wanted to add their touch with the End Of An Era. Leia's boyfriend Donovan Keane rushes to the ring, launching himself against Kyle with a springboard forearm to the back of the head. The one half of Nightfall Rising is doing his best to save his girl, knocking down Hayley with an enziguri and taking on Neil right after with a flurry of punches. A valiant effort, but the numbers game eventually get the better of him and soon he falls at hands of the trio. Leia suffers the same fate right after, joining her boyfriend on the mat with The End Of An Era. Finally satisfied Hayley, Neil and Kyle leave the ring.
Ambra Monroe: "Looks like..."
Hayley mocks the Showgirl, the Golden Era standing there next to her. LeBeau is trying to crawl out of the ring, still a bit dazed by the headlock driver suffered at hands of Kyle Butler. Halsey shakes her head and asks him to stop her and pick her up. Getting in her face, Hayley mocks the young girl with some heavy insults, promptly beeped by the production team. A hard slap across the face left Hayley's handprint on LeBeau's cheek but it was only the beginning of what they had in store for The Show. Halsey superkicks her in the face and then leaves her at the mercy of Newman and Butler, who wanted to add their touch with the End Of An Era. Leia's boyfriend Donovan Keane rushes to the ring, launching himself against Kyle with a springboard forearm to the back of the head. The one half of Nightfall Rising is doing his best to save his girl, knocking down Hayley with an enziguri and taking on Neil right after with a flurry of punches. A valiant effort, but the numbers game eventually get the better of him and soon he falls at hands of the trio. Leia suffers the same fate right after, joining her boyfriend on the mat with The End Of An Era. Finally satisfied Hayley, Neil and Kyle leave the ring.
Backstage we find the dressing room of Sophie O’Brian. The black haired Irish beauty is already dressed in her wrestling gear and is seated on a brown bench against the wall. She seems frustrated, bothered by something; and honestly, who can blame her? She was screwed out of an appearance in the Intercontinental Tournament finals because of a backstage assault. And while that does bother her, that is not what makes her the most frustrated at this present time. The individual causing her frustrations right now is her older brother, Mark O’Brian, who paces the floor like a caged lion with an enraged look upon his face.
Mark O’Brian:
This is bloody bullshit!
Sophie O’Brian:
Mark…
Mark O’Brian:
We shouldn’t stand for it!
Sophie O’Brian:
Mark! You overgrown sasquatch! Calm down before you start creating a trench with your bloody pacing back and forth!
Mark stops dead in his tracks and turns to face his sister.
Mark O’Brian:
Oh c’mon, Sophie! You know damn well who did this!
His sister shakes her head.
Sophie O’Brian:
I do not know for certain.
Mark O’Brian:
Bloody hell and you call me the idiot?! It was Melody Lennox and we both know it!
Sophie O’Brian:
I call you an idiot because you ARE an idiot, Mark. We do not know for certain that it was her.
The elder sibling growls angrily.
Mark O’Brian:
The evidence is there! She stood to gain the most from you being unable to compete! She woulda won by forfeit! And we both know Glory’s theories are bullshit! That leaves Melody as the only possible suspect!
Sophie nods her head and then stands up.
Sophie O’Brian:
I agree that our mutual friend’s theories as to the perpetrator are not very sound. I have my doubts that I would be attacked simply because Glory Braddock is my friend. Henri Black doesn’t strike me as the type to do that. He seems to be the type who would prefer to attack me face to face. And Victoria Salinas...she may not like me, she may not trust me, and hell, she may not even respect me, but I do respect her and I do believe that there is ENOUGH respect there that she would not attack me from behind.
Mark O’Brian:
So that leaves Lennox! Let me go and do the same to her! Let me beat her down the way she did you! Let me…
His sister holds a hand up to his face, thus silencing him.
Sophie O’Brian:
Silence.
He sighs and nods his head. Sophie removes her hand.
Mark O’Brian:
What do you suggest we do?
Sophie O’Brian:
First of all, you are only here because I again have procured you with a backstage pass. After this assault I admit that I need backup and I do not believe joining Glory’s group is not the best move at this time. She will always be there for me to back me up without having to officially join her alliance. I do not need to throw away any goodwill I have with this company...not yet anyway. The best course of action is to make you my official manager, bodyguard, or whatever you want to call yourself. Some sort of contract to allow you to follow me to every show, follow me to the ring at every one of my matches, so that you can watch my back in the future. And yes, I am working on getting that paperwork done.
Mark O’Brian:
What do you want to do in the meantime?
Sophie O’Brian:
Simple. I destroy Melody Lennox.
Mark arches his brow out of curiosity.
Mark O’Brian:
I thought you said Melody didn’t do it?
Sophie O’Brian:
I never said that, you fool. I said we do not know for certain. I do agree, however, that Melody is the most likely suspect. I am also very angry about this entire situation, Mark. So just in case it IS Melody...well, she will pay for her sins here tonight. If not, then I will still take out my frustrations upon her here tonight.
Singles Match
Andrew Wilkow VS Jenni Anderson
Jenni decided for an aggressive approach, charging at Devin’s hired gun and hammering at him with some forearm shots to the face that seemed to have no effect on the big man. He pretty much shrugged them off, lifting the Queenpin and muscling her in the corner where he showed her how to properly throw hands. Three right hands to the face followed by an equal number of open handed chops that resonated loudly in the empty building. With a big hip toss he launched one half of The Establishment in the middle of the ring where he tried to keep his momentum going with a jumping leg drop that missed the target as Jenni rolled out of the way and quickly back to her feet, kicking the head of the seated opponent with a buzzsaw kick that knocked him down for a count of two. The power advantage allowed Wilkow to take back control, catching Jenni’s crossbody attempt and turning it into a spinning side slam. In the most classic power versus speed clash, it was Wilkow who was having the best, using his power to grind down the opponent. First he sent her flying with a fallaway slam, then he waited until she got up to her feet to charge at her and drive his big boot to her face. He mounted on top of her to deliver some punches to the face, soon shifting to some simple but effective head slams, grabbing her by the neck and driving her head down to the canvas. An absolutely dominating performance by the Appalachian Mountain Monster who was now looking to end things early, lifting Jenni for his Country Roads. Desperate times call for desperate measures and the Queenpin had no qualms in going right for the eyes in a successful attempt to escape the jackknife powerbomb. With Wilkow momentarily blinded, Anderson tried to turn the tides, unleashing a flurry of kicks to the big man, forcing him to back down to the ropes and ending her attack with a dropkick to push him over the top rope and out of the ring. Climbing up to the top rope, Jenni jumped and planted Andrew with a tornado ddt on the floor, going back inside the ring settling for a count-out win. Except that Wilkow managed to get back in the ring before the ten. As we near the end the two competitors were circling each other warily, locking up in a clinch position with Andrew easily powering Jenni back against the ropes and tossing her in the corner. Jared Constable was restlessly pacing the ringside, trying to spur Jenni to react now that Wilkow was once again building momentum with some shoulder tackles to the stomach. It looked like he was fighting within himself, unsure if he should try to help after things didn’t work out well for him yesterday in the match between Brien Storm and the other half of The Establishment Pierce Manning. Then he climbed to the top rope, yelling insults at Wilkow while trying to push past the referee to enter the ring. Andrew didn’t take it too kindly, turning around and knocking Constable down with one single punch to the face. Jenni immediately began to untie the padding from the top rope to reveal the steel turnbuckle underneath. When Wilkow takes his attention back to her, she grabbed him by the waistband of his trunks and pulled him down while moving to the side, sending him face first against the exposed corner. The big man was stunned and Jenni quickly rolled him with a schoolboy, leaning on the middle rope with both feet to barely keep him down for the three. Needless to say, Andrew was furious, yelling at the referee and pointing at the exposed turnbuckle. Which wasn’t exposed anymore, since Jared put the paddling back in his place. WINNER: Jenni Anderson BY: Pinfall (Schoolboy Pin), 9;44 |
Amy Maynard: "Looks like tonight Jared Constable come in handy..."
Sir Figgles: "What are you on about, Amy?"
Amy Maynard: "I'm talking about the distraction that allowed Jenni to drive Wilkow against the exposed turnbuckle, and how quickly he got rid of the evidence."
Sir Figgles: "Are you trying to shed doubts on Jenni's FAIR win?"
Amy Maynard: "How much did she pay you?"
Sir Figgles: "Free lattes for a year."
Amy Maynard: "Judas."
Sir Figgles: "What are you on about, Amy?"
Amy Maynard: "I'm talking about the distraction that allowed Jenni to drive Wilkow against the exposed turnbuckle, and how quickly he got rid of the evidence."
Sir Figgles: "Are you trying to shed doubts on Jenni's FAIR win?"
Amy Maynard: "How much did she pay you?"
Sir Figgles: "Free lattes for a year."
Amy Maynard: "Judas."
The camera cuts backstage to find Echo stretching with the assistance of an equipment box. The shine of her Invictus Championship popped in the brightly lit hallway, drawing the attention of the camera more so than the champion. She paused to look over her shoulder, rolling her eyes at the invasion, but turned to face it all the same.
Echo:
Tonight is a special night. Tonight, I remove yet another thorn stuck to the bottom of my boot. I’m always, always, looking forward to the next one but this one is going to be sweeter than most.
She turned to lift the Invictus Championship and placed it on her shoulder, brushing some dust off it’s nearly pristine surface.
Echo:
Liv, the little rabbit, she tried to run. She ran, she hid, she ran some more, but at the end of the day I took her down. But that didn’t sit well with you, did it Liv? No, you decided to stick your nose where it didn’t belong. You decided to poke the bear. Mate, you pissed me off.
Echo started to walk by the camera, but quickly stopped dead in her tracks. She glanced over her shoulder, not rolling her eyes this time, but grinning.
Echo:
Tonight, Liv, I don’t have words. I’ll let my actions speak for me. Just remember, you brought this on yourself. You made the order, I’m just delivering.
She continued her walk down the hall as the camera faded off.
The camera cuts to the outside of the Enterprise Arena, taking us in the Second City’s Millennium Park as we follow the green brand’s General Manager Elsa McCarthy who’s taking a stroll outside. The location is, obviously due to the circumstances, deserted, with the sole exception of a man sitting on a bench. Wrapped in a blanket to shield himself from the cold Chicago weather and surrounded by ducks he’s throwing bread at, he would look exactly like any other old man escaping the isolation for some yard time, if it wasn’t for that familiar cane resting on the bench right next to him.
And the fact that he isn’t that old.
Yes, that’s Vincent Moretti, and this is his office for the night. Visibly suffering the cold despite the fur coat covering her and slightly confused about the reasons why Moretti would choose this as his office, Elsa makes her way through the flock of geese, glancing at them with a look of concern.
Elsa McCarthy:
I… I still don’t get why you moved your office here, Vincent. The room we set up for you is much more comfortable… And warm… And with far less birds…
For some reasons, the presence of the geese around them seems to unsettle the young General Manager. Meanwhile Vincent, with other than the blanket, is calm as can be as he delivers his best fast ball throw of bread as ducks happily start gnawing on the bread.
Vincent Moretti:
I think it’s a nice change of pace. Plus when you’re in an office setting, you get people trying to put on their best professional face for that moment. They try to...hide what they’re all about. We’re in a people industry after all. You wouldn’t want an intern with a short attention span that just wants to chase the wild life after all, right? The geese aren’t gonna harm you if you don’t provoke them. You’ll be fine lass.
Vincent then leans back on the chair with the blanket wrapped even tighter on his ankles and offers up a shrug.
Vincent Moretti:
Plus if someone pays Miss van Beek a bunch of money to say ‘Hey, can you put your office here once?’ you don’t say no, do you?
Before that question can be answered, a studious student wearing a suit approaches the two, gesturing his arms to lead in the first person to be interviewed for this position in person. The person being led in doesn’t exactly have the most professional looking disposition. He’s a college student who looked like he tried on a suit for the first time in his life. The hair is still a little unkempt, the tie is...completely mismatched. Hell, one of his pockets is sticking up. And there’s a smell that Vincent winces at for a moment as if he recognizes it right away from his past. And Vincent reaches into his makeshift desk to pull out a pen and is already making a certain note about something he recognizes.
Vincent Moretti:
This is going to be a long day…
He says that through gritted teeth. Far from impressed by the look of the first candidates, Elsa can barely hide a grimace of disgust as she scans the young student from head to toe. Vincent feels that grimace from his desk.
Elsa McCarthy:
So… Tommy, right? What makes you believe you’re the right person for this job?
Tommy:
Well, I know how to communicate with people...and I spend a lot of time with technology…
When Tommy opens his mouth, Vincent again winces from the smell as if he recognizes it. Tommy glances at the sun for a moment rubbing his eyes and letting out a groan. Vincent then turns to Elsa for a brief moment to mouth one sentence as Tommy ISN’T paying attention.
Vincent Moretti:
He’s hungover AND he smells like weed…
Tommy:
I mean a lot of time…
Vincent Moretti:
Well...how would YOU handle verbal conversations with our stars?
Tommy:
Wait, this isn’t a science class is it?
At that question, Vincent almost faceplants on his desk, barely able to contain himself. Elsa quickly picks up, smiling at the student.
Elsa McCarthy:
Sure. We will let you know, ok? Thanks for your time.
Tommy tries to say something and extend his hand to shake Elsa’s but he’s promptly dismissed by the Millennium General Manager. At this, Moretti just points to the hand sanitizer on his desk.
Elsa McCarthy:
No handshakes, did you forget the guidelines to prevent the spreading of the virus? Now go back to your place, lock yourself in and wash your hands.
Then looking past Tommy, she screams.
Elsa McCarthy:
NEXT!
The second candidate surely makes a better first impression than his predecessor. A well dressed handsome young man with a perfectly trimmed beard and a pearl white smile he instantly flaunts to Elsa. Vincent raises an eyebrow at the second person who has stepped in studying him with a far more serious expression as if he’s trying to get a read.
Vincent Moretti:
Introduce yourself, kid.
The young man only glances at Vincent for a quick moment, before turning back toward Elsa, talking directly to her.
Handsome Young Man
My name is Mark. Mark Miller. I graduated in communication and I’ve always been a fan of wrestling. Especially MWE. I personally believe, and it’s safe to say that my opinion is shared by the majority of people, that you guys are producing one, if not the best product out there. It’s a shame that so far your social media team has been… Lackluster. Starting with that Nina girl, absolutely unprofessional…
Vincent doesn’t react at the last sentence but does jot something down calmly before eyeballing the young man in question.
Vincent Moretti:
So Mark, you’re a fan of the product? Tell us directly then: favorite match you’ve witnessed? And why it is? What captivated you about our product that you seem to have such glowing praise for?
Mark:
It’s hard to pick one, honestly.
He answers because shifting his attention back to Elsa, who seems to be a bit uneasy, nervously starting to fidget with the pen. Vincent immediately picks up on this.
Mark:
What really caught my attention perhaps was one particular wrestler.. Tiff Rollins. I must admit her growth as a competitor, the way she reacted to all that happened to her.. She’s an amazing talent and the undisputed future of the company, in my opinion.
At the mention of Tiffany’s name Elsa winched, remembering how the supposed bias of the intern toward the former Cloud Gate Champion generated this situation. Vincent just twirls the pen in hand getting a read further, just narrowing his eyes.
Vincent Moretti:
And how would you handle conversations with our talent if you were ever challenged on anything? Whether you were in the wrong in the conversation or if one of our talents was in the wrong...how would you handle it? You know how various the temperaments of some of our stars are.
This question causes Mark to twitch his nose. He stares at Vincent for a little longer now, pondering his answer. Then, with the widest smile he’s capable of, he turns back to Elsa.
Mark:
I believe the best approach will be to not engage. Words, especially when written, can be the cause of unpleasant misunderstandings, and situations can degenerate quickly. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about..
Elsa sighs and nods. Vincent just lets out a shake of the head while writing his thoughts on the matter.
Mark:
I will just move on and keep promoting the product.
Vincent again is just jotting down something as if he knows the type before eyeballing Mark who...isn’t making eye contact with him in the slightest.
Vincent Moretti:
I’ve heard what I needed to. We’ll...consider it. Thank you for your time.
Vincent says that word as diplomatically as possible before glancing toward Elsa and literally sliding her the memo he wrote that’s gotten more aggressive the later the answers got. Mark ends up exiting himself and Vincent just shakes his head sternly.
Vincent Moretti:
NO MORE FOR NOW! We need a break.
And with that the door to their makeshift office closes and Vincent just sighs.
Vincent Moretti:
That vibe was creepy...it even put the ducks in a bad mood. But par for the course of what we’ve seen this weekend.
Vincent looks behind him and the ducks have retreated from the area ever since Mark made his presence known. The geese? Not so much, they’re sticking around still eyeballing Elsa occasionally.
Elsa McCarthy:
I… I don’t think this guy was that bad..
Elsa naively says, shooting worried glances at the geese.
Elsa McCarthy:
He looked professional and his resume is quite impressive.
Vincent eyeballs his younger counterpart, as if he can’t believe she hasn’t connected the dots yet.
Vincent Moretti:
Do you really want me to be FULLY honest on that one? Because to me he was far less interested in the job and more interested in trying to score with one of his bosses with how he was eyeballing you.
A shocked look appears on Elsa’s face, her cheeks, already a light shade of pink due to the cold wind grow to a brighter tone.
Elsa McCarthy:
What? I…
Unsure what to say, she just shakes her head, trying to regain the composure she momentarily lost.
Elsa McCarthy:
Are you sure?
She asks VInce, who nods back at the young colleague.
Vincent Moretti:
I was twenty-two once. That’s what a lot of guys think and do when they look at someone like that.
Elsa McCarthy:
Oh my God… That’s… Unfortunate. He was my first choice but we can’t have that, it would be a potentially disastrous situation…
Vincent leans back on his chair thinking things further and thinks it better to move on from the topic rather than leave his young colleague this uncomfortable.
Vincent Moretti:
The bad part is, he’s far from the worst we’ve seen this weekend. I’m still having some nightmares over the very first interview we had yesterday…
A light chuckle escapes the lips of the Millennium General Manager.
Elsa McCarthy:
Oh God… Do you remember that girl? The one with those glasses like coke bottles?
Vincent shakes his head cringing a little.
Vincent Moretti:
Poor girl was so nervous. Wouldn’t stop shaking. Then she started stammering things that had too much information. Learned way too much of what college kids do in this town when she spoke.
Vincent barks up a laugh thinking about something else now.
Vincent Moretti:
Remember the heavyset guy with no filter?
Elsa McCarthy:
I don’t think I ever heard someone cursing like that.. And when we simulated a potential argument with a wrestler, he completely lost it..
Elsa looks still shocked by the foul language and insults the guy dropped. That must have been a fun interview. Vincent can’t help himself and does a quick impression. Not a terrible Chicago accent for someone from Russia.
Vincent Moretti:
That motherfucker better not get within five feet of me or I’ll pimp slap the shit out of him while telling him his mother is a---
Vincent then stops himself on the last part of the ‘insult’ shaking his head.
Vincent Moretti:
...Can’t say that last word in front of a lady.
Though with the last one they at least seem like they’re in a little better spirits than they were just moments prior. He lets out a sigh but not out of agitation, he’s a little calmer now.
Vincent Moretti:
We have one more don’t we?
Elsa nods, looking at the last guy standing “outside the office”. Dark curly hair, currently busy watching and talking to the geese, the last candidate stands to attention when he hears his name being called by the Millennium General Manager.
Elsa McCarthy:
Daegan Mc… Something?
Daegan
Whoa.
He says stepping in and greeting both Elsa and Vincent with a light bow.
Daegan
That’s me.
Elsa McCarthy:
I apologize but i can’t really read your last name on the application you sent…
Daegan
Whoa. No that’s cool, it’s not really important.
Vincent Moretti:
To the point, I like that. We’ll just go with Daegan for now then. So first question: what makes you feel you’re qualified for this position?
Daegan drummed his fingers upon the table, the surprisingly tall man then brushing his long curls which half coated his face from view.
Daegan
Whoa, well…
He leaned forward, a little glint in his eyes.
Daegan
Social Media is something I specialize in, you know? I handled both the website and social accounts for a high profile health centre in California, you should see that on the resume. I have a Bachelor of Social Science from Boston City, so I know how to deal with people. Marketing and communications? That is on there as well, and you should see a few references from my former employers that can speak for my commitment and work ethic.
The man with the Boston accent leaned over, pointing his finger to one in particular as he gave a pleasant smile to Elsa.
Daegan
If you slide your eyes over that one, you should see everything you need to know.
He then leaned back, his eyes casting to each of them.
Daegan
And I have history… of dealing with sports stars, particularly in wrestling and boxing. That would be right… here.
He pointed to another section on the resume, cracking a smile at the extensive looking document. Vincent leans back on the chair briefly eyeballing the giant document on his desk but his focus is still more on trying to get a read.
Vincent Moretti:
I know we are dealing mostly with social media and online but personal interactions are just as important. So what is more important? Tone of voice, or the choice in words in terms of getting your message across?
Daegan
Both can be equally as important, words are clearly the main thing on social, but in person? Your tone can mean everything, as can your stature.
He took a very relaxed position, giving a welcoming smile as he rested his arms on the table, a slight clang being heard as he put down his right forearm.
Daegan
You’ve got to be relaxed, you’ve got to be helpful. This, to me, seems to be a position of not just promoting the product, but also the talent, which there is a lot of talent. I get the roster has egos, which company doesn’t? But managing them, promoting them and getting the best out of them for what I feel is the premier wrestling product on the planet, that is the key.
Vincent has somewhat of a coy smile thinking of a question to see if he can get a reaction out of him.
Vincent Moretti:
Do you have an answer on which ego is the biggest?
Daegan
You mean on the current roster?
Vincent Moretti:
Yes.
Daegan pondered the question for a moment, before casting his eyes to each of them.
Daegan
I don’t feel that particularly matters. Each star is an asset, and an individual. But singling out one particular person or persons for that? I wouldn’t. Each person requires dealing with differently, but at the same time, they all need promoting to benefit the business. And to be honest, I would prefer to look at the positives of each person, as opposed from the negatives. Who wants to promote a negative?
Elsa sits there in silence, literally freezing and seemingly more concerned about the geese coming closer and closer to her.
Elsa McCarthy:
I think.. This is good enough, right Vincent?
Vincent glances at the geese starting to tiptoe ever closer to her. He looks at Daegan sternly for a moment.
Vincent Moretti:
Good answer on that last question, kid. We might have to look at the paperwork just a little longer but you definitely have the job barring no snags there. Congratulations on that, you’re free to go. Now, we have to deal with a little...wildlife.
Daegan stood up, towering over six feet, but rather than offering his hand (social distancing) he took a little bow to both of them, beaming brightly.
Daegan
Whoa, thank you. Thank you. I’m committed, and I will not let you down.
His grin curled up a little, taking a step back as he seemed oblivious to the geese in the room.
Daegan
I can start whenever you require me to. Looking forward to working for you and with you.
Vincent does give out a nod but then his eyes turn more focused on the geese starting to look more aggressive toward poor Elsa.
Vincent Moretti:
Don’t...snap at them, Elsa. Or they will commit to doing something even worse than what they are right now.
Elsa seems to shrink in her fur coat, her eyes locked on the geese marching towards her.
Elsa McCarthy:
Vincent… I… Did I mention to you that I suffer from ornithophobia?
Her voice is shaking, and it’s not because of the cold. Vincent’s eyes widen for a moment when he put it all together.
Vincent Moretti:
You just...did. Now...try not to ru--
Vincent is cut off by one of the geese hoping onto his table and sniping at the bread he was feeding the ducks earlier.
Vincent Moretti:
Hey! Hey! No! Don’t get greedy!
That reprimand from the human earns Moretti getting snipped at by a tempermental goose who honks at him.
Vincent Moretti:
Ow! You’re just a terrible little goose aren’t you?
This doesn’t make Moretti friends with the other geese who are now coming in greater numbers toward everyone. When he notices that, Vincent grabs the bread with one hand and his cane on the other.
Vincent Moretti:
...Don’t run but we might want to make a tactical retreat. We’ll get through this kid. Trust me.
Elsa nods, hiding behind Vincent.
Elsa McCarthy:
Please… Make them go away, make them go away, MAKE THEM GO AWAAAYYYYY!!!
The loud shout attracts the geese even more so as they are now swarming both of them. Vincent grits his teeth when Elsa digs her hands into his shoulders instinctively. With that, Vincent does grab the bread and flings it over their head. This does work as about half of them pursue the crumbs. The others are more curious about the humans.
Vincent Moretti:
Oh...hell. Elsa...we might want to---
The geese that remain then start running toward both Elsa and Moretti as Vincent palms his cane defensively. Now three of them are pecking toward Vincent, flying up after him. Vincent swings the cane around defensively to try to shush them away.
Vincent Moretti:
It’s-uh...a little hard to swing the cane with you digging your fingers into my shoulders!
One particular goose has snuck behind both of them and delivers one peck toward the leg of young Elsa who lets out a high pitched scream in Moretti’s ear. Vincent winces at the loud noise in his ear. Instinctively she tries to kick the goose away, missing her and only turning her more aggressive. And somehow, the rest of the flock reacted the same way, honking at the duo and charging at them. Elsa is almost frozen on the spot, living her worst nightmare. After Vincent scrambles to stuff the most important paperwork inside the desk, he literally snatches her wrist for a moment.
Vincent Moretti:
Retreat, kid! Focus on my voice. Not them. You’re faster than me. Go! You don’t want to deal with this any longer right? Use your feet! Run!
Vincent literally drags Elsa so she has to start running(well hobbling since it is Moretti) as the geese are now in full pursuit of both of them. Vincent literally using all his strength he has left to help get her running on one hand while impotently swinging the cane behind him to keep the geese some distance away. But one of them pecks Vincent right where the sun doesn’t shine.
Vincent Moretti:
Ow! DAMN IT!
Elsa McCarthy:
VINCENT!
Elsa stops, turning back to check on Vincent. He’s dropped to a knee as the geese are swarming him and he’s instinctively using the cane defensively to avoid more aggressive pecks.
Vincent Moretti:
RUN! DAMN IT ELSA RUN! They’re on me right now. GO!
She hesitates, taking a step towards him. But it’s just for a moment, before her fear and a couple of geese leaving the rest of the flock to charge at her convince her to follow Vince’s advice. Turing on her heels, she runs away as fast as she can without turning back. Behind her, the geese have swarmed Moretti over him and despite the cane, it’s now a giant white ball of insanity.
Vincent Moretti:
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
And in a feathery mess, Moretti is fighting for all he’s worth swinging the cane in the giant white ball of feathers as Elsa flees from the remaining geese pursuing her.
Invictus Championship Match
Invictus Rules
Echo (c) VS Liv Mercer
Despite lacking the experience in the Invictus division, Liv looked confident enough to walk out of the Enterprise Arena as the first triple crown winner in MWE. Echo, on the other hand, had that wicked grin on her face of someone who had been waiting for a chance to beat up Mercer for a long time. First Round: And the Australian wasted no time, exploding out of the ring with the aggression that characterized her, the same aggression Yulia Kirilenko, her trainer at Chicago Fight Lab, has been trying to teach her to control and channel for months now. After a minute or so where they traded holds, Liv soon found herself backed against the corner, begged for a rope break to save herself from the flurry of punches to the ribs that Echo was delivering. But Echo had no intentions to give her any, firing her to the opposite corner and hitting a jumping knee to the face. The champion unleashed more knees, this time to the chest and ribs. Again she sent Mercer running against the ropes, charging at her and driving her shoulder in Liv’s mid section with a spear. Then the Fight Club representative began raining down lefts and rights to the face of Mercer who was now trying to protect herself and endure the onslaught, praying for the bell to save her. And it did, Echo wasn’t too happy that she couldn’t get the job done in the first round, although she ended it knowing that she had a big advantage both on the score and psychological over the challenger. Judges Scores: Moretti: Echo 10-8 Maynard: Echo 10-8 Figgins: Echo 10-8 Second Round: “Keep your head in the game”. That was the only thing Yulia had to say to Echo during the minute break between the two rounds. The Aussie really fought the perfect match in the first round with a dominating performance and all she had to do was to bring the same intensity and focus to retain her title. But, as often happened to the young champion, she complicated things. After a promising start where she kept wearing down Mercer with rapid shots, Echo grew too cocky, taking her time to taunt the “little rabbit”. A mistake that the former Riot and Junior Heavyweight champion made her pay for, surprising Echo with a headbutt to the bridge of the nose and taking her down with a headscissors. And now she had the champion right where she wanted, on the mat where she couldn’t use her power. Sure, Echo was well-versed in the technical aspects of wrestling, more so now that she was under the wing of the former Riot General Manager, but even if Echo managed to counter and reverse some holds, Mercer always kept a slight advantage, squeezing her arms around the Invictus champion’s neck while wrapping her arms around her body trying to choke her out. Echo fought back and got up to a vertical basis, quickly stepping back and slamming the opponent’s back against the corner, breaking free from the hold. But while she was still catching her breath, Mercer took her down with the Stay Grounded, trying to follow up with the Liv Lock. But the time ran out. Judges Scores: Moretti: Mercer 10-9 Maynard: Mercer 10-9 Figgins: Mercer 10-9 Final Round: Echo was fuming, not even listening to her trainer who was trying to calm her down, fearing that her fiery temper would cost her the match and the title she had worked so hard to obtain. Nothing, the blonde aussie was staring daggers at her opponent, her only thought was to knock her down quick and end the match. She charged as soon as the bell rang, delivering a running dropkick that sent Liv back in the corner. Once again the champion unleashed hell on the opponent, forearms, elbows punches… The whole she-bang. Mercer looked dazed and before she knew she was being held upside down and on the verge of being dropped on Echo’s knee with a brainbuster. She picked herself up, although wobbly on her legs, and once again had to defend herself from another onslaught. Forgetting for a moment that this wasn’t a regular match, and that this sort of actions would have costed her a point deduction, she raked the eyes of the champion. The referee didn’t miss it and immediately communicated the foul to the judges, asking that a point will be taken from the round score. Liv didn’t argue with the decision, using this opening to floor the champion with a roundhouse kick while she was still blinded. Aware that with the deduction her only chance to win the title was by ending the match before the bell, Mercer immediately went for the figure four headscissors, the Liv Lock. Echo tried to escape, but the more she tried to power out of it, the tighter Liv’s leg closed around her neck. Yulia calmly tried to guide the champion in this moment of need, reminding her that they trained for a situation like this, and that she knew how to escape. Echo stopped trying to break through the submission on her strength alone, looking for a more elaborate way to escape the submission that seemed to be working. But there was no more time, the third round was over. Judges Scores: Moretti: Draw 9-9 Maynard: Draw 9-9 Figgins: Draw 9-9 The referee raised Echo’s hand in victory, but the champion wasn’t satisfied with the outcome, knowing that , without the foul, things could have been different. WINNER: Echo (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Split Decision, Round 3; 5:00 |
Peyton Holland: "I just did the math and..."
Ambra Monroe: "Yes, without the point deduction, this would have been a draw."
Peyton Holland: "Which would have been a first in the history of the Invictus division. And, according to the rulebook, with the title on the line they would have had to go with an extra round, no time limit and knock out or submission as the only ways to finish."
Ambra Monroe: "I'm not going to lie, I would have loved to see that."
Ambra Monroe: "Yes, without the point deduction, this would have been a draw."
Peyton Holland: "Which would have been a first in the history of the Invictus division. And, according to the rulebook, with the title on the line they would have had to go with an extra round, no time limit and knock out or submission as the only ways to finish."
Ambra Monroe: "I'm not going to lie, I would have loved to see that."
Backstage we find Sophie O’Brian standing in front of a Down Under logo backdrop. The beautiful Irish grappler is dressed in her wrestling gear as she is prepared for combat. There is a silent confidence about her and a confident grin upon her face as she stares into the camera.
Sophie O’Brian:
Blindside attacks are nothing new in the history of warfare. Both ancient and modern warfare have utilized surprise attacks in order to gain an early upper hand and, in turn, the victory. The Japanese Empire utilized the strategy of blindside attack against the United States by bombing Pearl Harbor. It is there, it is always there, and it is a tool frequently utilized in war. As a student of war I do not judge anyone for utilizing this legitimate tool of war. So it may shock some of you to hear me say that I do not judge the person who utilized that tool of the surprise attack against me, taking me out of action on the night that I was to face Melody Lennox and earn my rightful spot in the Intercontinental Championship finals.
She shakes her head.
Sophie O’Brian:
No, I will not judge my attacker. Nor will I stand here and whine about how it should have been me competing for the championship. My time will come eventually. Patience is also a valuable tool in warfare and I have an abundance of patience. What you must also understand is that what happened when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor was a crime. It was a crime on a global scale, make no mistake about it. And there was a severe penalty that the Japanese Empire had to pay, first at the hands of the United States and later by the rest of the world community.
She smirks knowingly.
Sophie O’Brian:
My attacker will pay for the crime committed against me. Will she pay tonight?
She shrugs her shoulders.
Sophie O’Brian:
If the individual responsible for the assault was Melody Lennox then yes, the attacker will pay.
A chuckle escapes her lips.
Sophie O’Brian:
I find the irony rather amusing, Melody. I am the only individual giving you the benefit of a doubt. Most believe you did it and why? Because you stood to gain the most from me being unable to compete in our semi-final match. You also fit the profile of someone who would use such a tactic. You are a bratty, spoiled bitch who thinks she has to have everything handed to her on a silver bloody platter. You knew that your semi-final match against me would have been your toughest to date, especially considering how you have been coasting along oh so easily throughout your short MWE tenure. It’s almost as if everything has been made easy for you. And why? Because you’re entitled?
She shakes her head.
Sophie O’Brian:
You are entitled to nothing. You are owed nothing. Yet your personality, your actions, all of it fit the profile of someone who is desperate, desperate enough to do what is necessary to eliminate the competition. Now I admit, I am willing to give you the benefit of a doubt, but that doesn’t make me any less angry about what happened. And whether or not you actually committed this crime is irrelevant because at least for tonight I need to take my frustrations out on someone.
She points a finger at the camera.
Sophie O’Brian:
And you, Melody, make the perfect target; you are the perfect target of my rage and fury because if you are the one responsible, then tonight I take my pound of flesh. If you are not responsible then what happens? I maim and massacre another typical blonde haired stereotypical entitled brat. MWE doesn’t lose much from that.
She winks at the camera.
Sophie O’Brian:
See you in the ring.
As Killswitch Engage’s “No End in Sight” plays, Melissa Reeves emerges from behind the curtain. Without any great rush on her part, she strides to the ring and rolls inside. Once given a microphone, she waits as her music dies down.
Peyton Holland:
Whoa, whoa, Melissa is here?
Ambra Monroe:
Weird, I don’t get why since she’s not booked for this event!
Peyton Holland:
She’s the former MWE Champion, of course. I’m sure the fans want to see her.
Ambra Monroe:
Doesn’t mean she can just do whatever she wants.
Peyton Holland:
Have you not met her?
Ambra Monroe:
Point taken.
Once quietened, Melissa looks around the near silent venue and then to the camera. She raises the microphone, but then gives a little shake of her head. She’s annoyed, from the look of her face.
Melissa Reeves:
You know, with everything going on right now...it almost feels wrong to be here, doing what I love to do most. But I am here, I am ready to go - even though MWE management felt no need to book me. Which, let me take a minute to address that. This is how you treat your longest reigning MWE Champion, by not even booking her? The disrespect.
Despite her words, her tone remains fairly calm.
Melissa Reeves:
Imagine my reaction when the idiots in charge tell me I’m not needed for this grand event. Some might call that a fall from grace, but not me. Na, I don’t intend to wallow in it. I intend to do exactly what I do best - defy. So here I am, defying their lack of wanting me here, but I didn’t come here to talk to the echoes on this eerily empty place.
She walks to the side of the ring and leans against the top rope.
Melissa Reeves:
So it’s simple, here’s what I propose; I’m going to issue an open challenge and the first MWE talent who has the guts to talk out will face me...right here and right now. So, come on, let me see who dares.
The camera pans to the stage. Nobody comes out though.
Peyton Holland:
Come on, someone has to.
Ambra Monroe:
Surely…
Still nothing. Attention turns back to Reeves.
Melissa Reeves:
Nothing? Nobody?
She scoffs.
Melissa Reeves:
I came all this way to entertain the fans at home and nobody dares to-
"CA in July" by The Bombpops roars out into the empty arena and Melissa’s disdain immediately turns to a smirk. She knows, as everyone at home does, that Kelsey Spencer is on her way out.
Kelsey emerges from behind the curtain, taking a moment to lock eyes with Melissa. Her face morphs into a grin as her theme music fades out, and she raises a microphone to her mouth to speak.
Kelsey Spencer:
So, you want a match, huh? You want a match against anyone on the MWE roster who has the guts to come out here and accept your challenge? I respect that.
Still wearing a smirk, Kelsey slowly makes her way down the ramp. Melissa watches her closely, intently.
Kelsey Spencer:
I respect you, Melissa. I respect your attitude, I respect you as a wrestler, and I respect you as a former MWE Champion. I haven’t been able to get the memory of our Three Stages of Hell Match out of my mind. Since that day, I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this. A chance for me to test my limits against you one more time. This time, no special rules, no stipulations… Just a straight up one on one clash of competitors.
She finally reaches the end of the ramp, ascending the stairs and climbing between the ropes to join Reeves in the ring.
Kelsey Spencer:
This is the last night of the Down Under Tour. Now, I know certain circumstances have kept us from competing in our homeland tonight, but I know that all of the Australian MWE fans are watching from home with bated breath right now. So, what do you say we give them a little entertainment in these trying times? Let’s have ourselves a little State of Origin clash… Blues versus Maroons. New South Wales versus Queensland…
She steps forward, flashing a grin.
Kelsey Spencer:
Melissa Reeves versus Kelsey Spencer!
After a brief pause, Melissa nods.
Melissa Reeves:
You and me, right here...right now?
She smirks wide. Rather than waste more time with words, Reeves simply discards her microphone and removes her jacket. Both women are ready and eager and, it seems, about to engage in battle.
Impromptu Match
One Fall
Melissa Reeves VS Kelsey Spencer
Melissa Reeves was scheduled to face Hammerstein here in Chicago, but the sudden death of his manager Reese Kennedy and the subsequent time off requested by the former Chicago Way champion left her with no opponent. Her open challenge was picked up by Kelsey Spencer who was looking to bounce back after coming up short in her Riot Championship triple threat match and test herself against the woman that, until a month ago, was at the top of the company. The two australians started with a handshake, showing the mutual respect for each other’s ability. But that was the first and last gesture of kindness as shit got real real soon. Collar and elbow tie, quick transition to a waistlock and snap german suplex to plant Kelsey on her shoulders, keeping her down with a bridge to obtain the first near fall. Many more followed in the first part of the match where the two competitors kept upping the ante, hitting each other with every suplex imaginable almost as if they wanted to prove a point. And here came Kelsey obtaining a near fall with a bridging northern lights, Melissa doing the same off a fisherman version before the duo locked up again. A few holds were traded until Kelsey slid behind the opponent’s back to hit her Spitfire Suplex, forcing the former champion to an early retreat on the outside to regroup. “Like heck” must have thought Kelsey, a moment before launching herself through the ropes with a suicide dive. The pace remained quick in the central part of the match, but the two superstars dropped the suplexes to focus more on strikes. This style seemed to favor Reeves, who managed to build some momentum with her superior kicking ability, throwing those deadly strikes to the sides and chest of the former Uncanny Socialite, finishing her off with a rising kick. She went for a cover, finding out that it would take a lot more to keep Kelsey down. But the path was clear and the former world champion kept walking it, keeping those kicks coming to stun Spencer and pick her up for the Reaver Slam, once again putting her resilience to test. An irish whip sent Kelsey in the corner and Melissa wasted no time to come charging in. Her momentum was stopped by a boot to the face that spun her 180 degrees. Spencer was quick to lift herself on the middle rope and jump to drive her down with a diving bulldog. She popped right back up, hitting the ropes and coming back with a dropkick to the face, making the cover after the cartwheel legdrop to obtain the umpteenth near fall of this match. This was where Kelsey was the most dangerous, when she was free to run and use her speed and agility to hit the opponent with her innovative style of offense. Sure, Reeves was fast and agile as well, but she wasn’t able to match Kelsey tonight or to keep up her pace. A series of arm drags made the Reaver fly from one side of the other of the ring without giving her the chance to counter. The former champion managed to put an end to this rocking Kelsey with a spinning elbow and Mel capitalized on this opening by grabbing Spencer’s arm and bending it behind her back in an hammerlock position, planting her on top of her head with a ddt. Reeves then climbed to the top rope, ready to pull the Death From Above from her vast arsenal of moves. Kelsey blocked her attempt with a forearm to the face, stunning the former champion and climbing to the top rope as well, wrapping her legs around Mel’s head to hit a super hurricanrana. Reeves countered it, blocking her legs and falling down with a devastating powerbomb, folding Kelsey in two and putting all her bodyweight into this pinning predicament. And still it wasn’t enough to keep Spencer down. And even if the momentum was fully on Mel’s side now, with the former MWE Champion only waiting for the opportunity to finish things off with the Facial Deconstructor, Kelsey never gave up, not even when Melissa hit her version of the codebreaker. Just a millisecond before the three, Kelsey raised her shoulder, leaving Mel to look at the referee in dismay. It only lasted a second before she went back to work. Hard to say how Spencer was still on the match, barely standing on her own two feet and limiting her offense to some weak counter punches. Only her huge heart and the never give up attitude were keeping her alive in this match. Call it instinct, call it desperation, luck or whatever you want. But the Deprivation DDT that she connected out of the blue was the stroke of an ace, a real game changer, that flash in the dark that can turn the tables at any given moment. And, most importantly, enough to obtain an unexpected win, especially considering the turn the match had taken. WINNER: Kelsey Spencer BY: Pinfall (Deprivation DDT), 19:32 |
Amy Maynard: "Not bad for an impromptu match, don't you think?"
Sir Figgles: "Holy sh..."
Amy Maynard: "Hmm?"
Sir Figgles: "No censorship this time?"
Amy Maynard: "Nah, you can go..."
Sir Figgles: "Holy shit! What a match between these two, kudos to the former champion but... In the end, Riot wins."
Amy Maynard: "It's not what this was all about but you make a good point. Here's another one, Kelsey just beat the longest reigning MWE World champion, a clear win at the end of an epic battle. It's fair to say that she can stake her claims on the company's top prize?"
Sir Figgles: "I mean, technically, she could. But why, if she's going to choke out like she did last night?"
Amy Maynard: "Come on you're not being fair to her."
Sir Figgles: "Maybe. But I'm not wrong either."
Sir Figgles: "Holy sh..."
Amy Maynard: "Hmm?"
Sir Figgles: "No censorship this time?"
Amy Maynard: "Nah, you can go..."
Sir Figgles: "Holy shit! What a match between these two, kudos to the former champion but... In the end, Riot wins."
Amy Maynard: "It's not what this was all about but you make a good point. Here's another one, Kelsey just beat the longest reigning MWE World champion, a clear win at the end of an epic battle. It's fair to say that she can stake her claims on the company's top prize?"
Sir Figgles: "I mean, technically, she could. But why, if she's going to choke out like she did last night?"
Amy Maynard: "Come on you're not being fair to her."
Sir Figgles: "Maybe. But I'm not wrong either."
Seated backstage on a throne is the VIP of MWE, Melody Lennox. Her blonde hair streaked with pink, straightened and framing her pretty face. She is dressed for combat in gold gear, trimmed with white lace. Her kneepads are a black vinyl type material, reflecting the lighting from the Enterprise Arena in tandem with the glittering rhinestones on her kickpads. Disinterested, she drags an emery board along her fingernails. Blowing on them after the fact.
Melody Lennox:
I'm so over people like Sophie O'Brian.
She admires her nails, content that they were filed to sharp enough talons. Planting the emery board on the arm rest of the red upholstered throne.
Melody Lennox:
I know people are going to find some way to twist that into 'Melody! That's just PROOF you laid her out!' - to which I say... nah. Sophie O'Brian WISHES she were important enough for me to lay out. Honestly, she's barely even a blip on my radar tonight. Why would she be? She's just another one of these girls that thinks they're so much more important than they are.
Her eyes rolled, muttering under her breath.
Melody Lennox:
I hate people like that...
Again, she shifts in her throne seat. Crossing one short leg over the other and letting her idle hands tighten up the bows that are holding her pigtails.
Melody Lennox:
I understand when you're a dullard, that wrestling someone like me is probably the biggest, most defining moment of your entire life, Sophie. I get it. And I'm happy that luck of the draw has validated you in a sense that your skill level never will. But, listen sweetheart. The bravado... the 'scorched Earth' snorefest? Blah-blah-blaaaaah no one cares. I'm surprised even YOU care. How you don't put yourself to sleep when you talk is a miracle because if I'm bored of you after ten seconds, I can only imagine what a lifetime with you must be like! But, here we are. Set to have the match that I would have beat you in in Auckland two weeks ago, and let me assure you, despite EVERYTHING you've told yourself... it ain't that deep.
A bitchy smirk crossed its way over her fac.e
Melody Lennox:
Do I know who attacked you? Nope. Can I blame them for doing it? Again, nope. You're an insufferable twat, sooo... shit happens. Do I enjoy that my name is one being dragged through the mud? Absolutely not. Because attacking you before the match indicates there's something about you to be afraid of which we've established - nah. The way I see it? I should have gotten a pass. A Rydell... the absolute lowest wrestling family EVER... a joke with a punchline that's taking it's sweet time getting here to mercifully END the joke for once? THAT'S who gets to be the ringer? I'm sorry, in what WORLD was I supposed to be getting ready for someone who was already eliminated from this tournament? She was given a tremendous courtesy and I really hope she played the lottery that night because she got lucky twice. I should have been competing for the Intercontinental Championship last night, not wasting my time with some bitch nobody likes and being blamed that she got jumped BECAUSE of that tonight!
That smirk turned into a childish pout. A tantrum clearly on the brink by the way that her muscles tensed up and her eyes sliced razor thin.
Melody Lennox:
But I'm not... and I am so, so sorry for the tragic loss that MWE's ratings will suffer because of that.
Her hands each formed a half-heart. Miming the combined halves breaking.
Melody Lennox:
But like the absolute magician I am... I'm turning chicken shit into chicken salad. And I'm sure instead of thanking me for elevating Sophie onto a level where people actually care about her match enough to watch it for once because I'm in it... she's going to find some way to spin this. She's going to promise she saw me level her. She's going to try to make me the bad guy. They always do. Trust me, bitch. If I WAS the one who took you out? You wouldn't be back. Not this soon, not EVER! YOU. ARE. NOT. ON. MY. LEVEL. And since I didn't get to wrestle last night for gold like I was supposed to... I got a lot of frustration and resentment to take out. So if you want someone to blame to feed this little victim complex? You'll get it tonight.
Rising from her throne, Melody grabs hold of her ring jacket. Throwing it on over her tiny frame.
Melody Lennox:
And I don't need to jump you from behind to do it.
Straightening the coat, she pulls her pigtails free from it and gives them a sassy flip using her small hand. Storming down the hall, the camera lingering on her tiny but curvy figure.
Singles Match
Melody Lennox VS Sophie O'Brian
Melody Lennox is in the ring, waiting for her opponent to settle this thing once and for all. "Under The Graveyard" by Ozzy Osborne blared out of the loudspeakers but nobody came out. The titantron lit up and showed a scene that became quite common in recent times. Sophie O'Brian laying on the floor right outside her locker room, surrounded by the medic personnel. The only difference with the previous times is Mark's voice bellowing from behind a storage room door, accompanied by his fists slamming against the wood. One of the paramedics opened it and freed the man, who immediately went to check on Sophie. He crouched next to her, the camera capturing his words pronounced through gritted teeth. A message to Melody Lennox, the promise that she will pay for it. Inside the ring, the Villainess seemed more dumbfounded than actually scared. She didn't even gloated when the referee awarded her the win via forfeit. WINNER: Melody Lennox BY: Forfeit, 0:00 |
Sir Figgles: "I'm starting to see a pattern here."
Amy Maynard: "Do you think Melody attacked Sophie and her brother?"
Sir Figgles: "If not her, who else?"
Amy Maynard: "I don't know, I don't really know what to think."
Sir Figgles: "Thinking is overrated. Just watch the facts and draw your conclusions, like I did."
Amy Maynard: "Do you think Melody attacked Sophie and her brother?"
Sir Figgles: "If not her, who else?"
Amy Maynard: "I don't know, I don't really know what to think."
Sir Figgles: "Thinking is overrated. Just watch the facts and draw your conclusions, like I did."
The scene cuts backstage as Chris Constantine Junior sits in a metal chair. He has his hands pressed together, close to his mouth as he ponders silently to himself. News that none of the members of APE would not be able to be at ringside with him during his match just came in today and it was something that he was not expecting going into his Title match.
A very angry Olivia Constantine walls back and forth in front of Chris as she rambles about how unfair it is that she and the rest of APE aren’t able to be by Chris’s side during his title defense.
Olivia Constantine:
Who the hell do they think they are! Not letting me, your wife, be at ringside. I’m your good luck charm. I’m your inspiration! I am the First Lady of MWE! I even bought a new dress and some awesome shoes to go with it that cost thousands of your dollars! And you know how long it took to get this makeup on? Hours! We’ve been nothing but nice and professional in MWE since we first showed up. And this is how they repay us? This is how they repay our champion? Next time I see Grace I’m going to give her a piece of my mind and how unprofessional her staff has been to my husband.
The high pitch voice of the angry Oliva soon starts to die away as the camera zooms in on Constantine. The depressed and worried look on Constantine’s face soon goes away as an idea has popped in his head. Soon a sinister smile creeps across his face as the camera fades to black.
MWE Tag Team Championship Match
The BreeTee Committee (c) VS Brothers McMillion
Javen and Bree started the match for the respective teams, locking horns in the middle of the ring. It wasn’t the first time the two teams met, and they grew to know one another quite well. When Bree sent Javen against the ropes with an irish whip, he was expecting her to go for a big boot and slid under her boot, sneaking behind her and taking her down with a neckbreaker. Christian was dying to get back in the ring and do his part to get back the title they lost, in his opinion, because of him. Javen immediately tagged him in and he came at Bree with some hard chops to the chest, suplexing the powerhouse and floating right into a cover to obtain the first near fall of the match. The veteran wore Smith down with a tight headlock, resisting her attempt to break free by pushing him against the ropes. Bree then began jockeying for position, trying to get a good hold around CM’s waist to lift him and fall backwards in a back suplex. She reached her corner and gave the tag to Teagan who climbed on the top rope and from there on Bree’s shoulder, jumping off from there and take Michaels down with a crossbody, pinning him to the mat for a two count. Gallagher was now wisely slowing down the pace now, trying to extinguish that fire that Michaels had been showing so far, with the veteran coming close to regain the titles for his time with his Dragon Whap. Her technical prowess allowed her to easily ground Christian and keep him on the mat with some submission holds affecting his back and therefore his mobility. Pushing himself up on his hands, CM was able to drag himself to the ropes to escape the boston crab he had been locked in for almost a full minute now. And the effects showed when he got up to his feet and his hand reached behind on small of his back as his expression turned into a grimace of pain. He swung a punch but Gallagher ducked it and moved behind his back, jumping and placing both knees on his back as she fell down for a backstabber. The tag champion made the cover but Christian wasn’t ready to give up just yet. Twenty years in this business are something you can’t teach and a big advantage on a much younger opponent: CM used his experience to counter a back body drop with his rolling Boston crab and Bree, who up to that moment was in full control, suddenly found herself in difficulty. Smith headed to the corner, looking for a tag to break up the submission. Her strength and determination took her almost all the way, but just when she was fingertips away from Teagan, Christian dragged her away and into his corner, where Javen took the tag. CM lifted Bree in a suplex position for his brother to take her down with a crossbody, performing the move they call the Dirty South Drop. And even if Bree managed to kick out, things didn’t look too good for her or her team. Trapped in the wrong side of town, Bree was constantly being double teamed by the brothers who gave her no break, keeping the pressure with quick tags. They almost put her away with the Fastball Special, and when that failed, the connected the Catapult O-Doom, a variation of it that saw Javen taking down the blonde girl with a spear. Only the readiness of Teagan saved the Committee in this situation, as the Cat Lady was quick to enter the ring and dodge CM’s attempt to prevent her from breaking up the pinfall. The momentum shifted when Bree finally managed to catch Javen in a waistlock to connect her series of German suplexes known as The Power Of Bree. And finally, making the tag to Teagan. Gallagher entered the ring like a house on fire, meeting Javen with some knife edge chops before doubling him over with a kick to the stomach and pinning him with a leg trap sunset flip powerbomb. The pinning predicament was broken up by a sliding lariat to the back of the head from Christian Michaels. Teagan was ready to give him his share of chops as well for the interference but the veteran quickly retreated, probably because he saw his brother ready to roll Teegs over and try to pin her with a schoolboy. Close, but no cigar as the Irish born kicked out in time. The two were trading blows, and it was Javen who got the best in this exchange, setting his opponent up for The Javen Effect. Gallagher escaped the reverse twist of fate and quickly jumped to kick Javen to the side of the head. The enziguri stunned the McMillion, but didn’t knock him down. Not a problem for Teagan, who quickly connected the Gallagher’s Way exploder suplex to pick up the win and retain the titles with the assist of her partner who frustrated Christian’s attempt to interfere with a clothesline. WINNER: The BreeTee Committee BY: Pinfall (Gallagher’s Way), 16:17 |
Peyton Holland: "I guess that clears the air from any doubts now."
Ambra Monroe: "A great performance from the Brothers McMillion, but it wasn't enough to win back the titles."
Peyton Holland: "Bree and Teagan proved once again that they are, indeed, the best team in MWE today. And look at this, Christian and Javen are giving them credit."
Ambra Monroe: "Class act, these two southern gentlemen. A handshake to show the Committee the respect they definitely earned."
Ambra Monroe: "A great performance from the Brothers McMillion, but it wasn't enough to win back the titles."
Peyton Holland: "Bree and Teagan proved once again that they are, indeed, the best team in MWE today. And look at this, Christian and Javen are giving them credit."
Ambra Monroe: "Class act, these two southern gentlemen. A handshake to show the Committee the respect they definitely earned."
Anastasia Starling:
I did what I had to do… It’s what I have always done.
The voice came, soft and soothing, clearly with a European twang leaning towards well spoken English and French, the tone both sweet and intoxicating. As the camera turned the corner, it seemed to lean in, catching the sight of the Cloud Gate Champion sitting upon a bench, gazing upwards towards someone that was out of view.
Anastasia Starling:
I’m fully aware that people are going to make judgement, it’s not like they haven’t over the past seven months, whether it be a fan, colleague or even those I care for. They have all been saying I’ve lost my mind for far too long, and them repeating that so-called fact is just like water off of rocks now.
She was attired in royal purple once more, wearing a faux leather jacket adorned with fake peacock feathers, her rich purple, green and blue eyeshadow accented with dazzling jewels, looking stunning and regal in equal measure.
Anastasia Starling:
Was there a better way? You’re better than me at this?
She softly spoke to whomever she was speaking to, the other person out of sight and barely audible, but she looked up to them with watering eyes, listening intently to whatever it was they were saying.
Anastasia Starling:
It had to be done… The virus is spreading, and I can’t do this alone. I thought… I thought would I did would cure it, but it’s like wildfire. It’s everywhere I look now, and only getting worse. What was I supposed to do?
She paused for a moment, as from an open window the raven, Alexa, flew into the room and perched upon her shoulder. She turned to the bird, beaming, stroking it’s feathers as it obediently rested upon her. Starling grinned, then turned to whomever was in front of her.
Anastasia Starling:
That means a lot, it does. I knew you’d understand.
She nodded, feeding the raven small morsels of meat that she took from the table, careful to place on her gloves before doing so, the raven greedily gulpping down every single piece,
Anastasia Starling:
I knew… I just knew something else would be tried, especially given those guards and the security last week but…
She bowed her head, seemingly listening to the figure as a black gloved hand rested upon her shoulder, seemingly reassuring the Songbird as she lifted her head to the figure.
Anastasia Starling:
I understand...
The smile she gave was sweet, truthful, and she wiped the tear from her eye with the back of her hand. That black gloved hand rested upon her shoulder once more, as she absentmindedly reached up to her neck, but stopped herself at the very last minute, shaking her head.
Anastasia Starling:
What is done, is done. And I achieved what I had to achieve… Lucky for me, it still seems that I have the belief of the people.
She seemed to listen to the black gloved figure, moving her own fingers through her long curls as she adjusted them into a perfect bun, her greens and blues locked on the figure as if she was absorbing advice from them.
Anastasia Starling:
I thought I lost them, yanno? After everything I did and had to do, I… I never expected the public outcry I received. I mean… That wasn’t the aim, you know that. B-but I didn’t know they were still there. I thought they were gone, I thought they were.
She took a few deep breaths, the figure coming partially into view, coat in a black cloak and what seemed to be a katata at their side. Ana closed her eyes, listening in to what was spoken quietly into her ear.
Anastasia Starling:
I know… It’s… just nice. It reminds me that despite the silence in the business, their voices are still heard… I think it is one of the few things keeping me going.
The figure seemed to take a step back, before coming back into partial view, placing the shining Cloud Gate Championship, complete with Anastasia’s custom title plates upon it, on her shoulder. Ana stopped reaching for her throat, and instead touched the golden metal of the championship belt instead.
Anastasia Starling:
This too...
She held onto it, smiling to the figure sweetly, her angelic face lighting up.
Anastasia Starling:
This is my reminder of why I still do this… You know how close I was to making that walk. But that night, that night… It reminded me of everything that was good, and pure, and emotional and beautiful about this sport. When the bell rang, and I heard my name called out as the winner… It was like a throwback for the entire reason why I followed in these footsteps. Of my mother, my Uncle, my cousins. It might have been the only right feeling I have had these past seven months. In at least what I have done on my own back.
Ana held the belt to herself, listening in carefully to what the person said, letting out a breathless gasp as she smiled.
Anastasia Starling:
Everyone told me to celebrate, but she deserved her moment… You know that has never been my way. It’s always been the business first...
Starling shook her head again, listening in to the sword wielding stranger, taking a stand now as those words that could not be heard were understood by her, seemingly responding to them in both words and sign language.
Anastasia Starling:
I know I should have, you’re not the only person to tell me to enjoy the moment. Though you tell me more often than anyone… But how can I really enjoy this when there is so much more to do...
Starling paused, responding again but the emotion seemed to show in her eyes, attempting to dismiss whatever was just said to her, cradling the championship to her chest.
Anastasia Starling:
Don’t start that fact… It would be done if I was, but I’m not...
She nodded, cuddling up to the title belt that hung from her shoulder.
Anastasia Starling:
I’m so proud of being champion… But until this is done, until I figure this out, how can I enjoy it? And you remember my Uncle’s words? You’re not a real champion until you are able to defend what you have earned. So tonight, I have to defend it.
She turned her back on her friend, who part stepped into view, as it seemed a number of security guards began gathering around the exit to the room, as if they were working on company orders.
Anastasia Starling:
I’m well aware of Noir, and what she does and what she can do. I’d be a fool to discount that. She might be known more of her team work, but she can’t be sniffed at. She’s the wild card in all this… And I’m not 100% sure what her intentions were last time out… She might be one I can’t predict.
Ana turned back to her friend, before looking at her friend, determination shining in her eyes.
Anastasia Starling:
Look, I’ll promise to keep my emotions in check… But you know, YOU KNOW this is something I have been waiting for. You know with Gavin… You fucking know I have waited for this for too long. Papa held it back, held back and protected his golden boy. And after what has happened the past two weeks… I promise you… I’m focused… I promise you...
She smiled, honestly, taking the figure’s gloved hands in her own.
Anastasia Starling:
You’re far too good to me.
She whispered, kissing the gloved hand of the mysterious figure.
Anastasia Starling:
My focus is true, my path is set. I swear it here, I swear it now. I am stepping in there as the Cloud Gate Champion, I’m walking out there as the Cloud Gate Champion. My head isn’t in the clouds, my mind is on the game, on the truth, on myself.
She turned away from them, gathering at the doorway with the numerous guards. She seemed more comfortable this time around as she scanned their profiles.
Anastasia Starling:
And don’t worry… I’ve seen the messages, I know what they mean. I won’t be assassinated tonight.
She said, turning her back for just a moment, before she stared straight ahead, fire in her eyes and determination in her soul.
Anastasia Starling:
Time to fly...
Cloud Gate Championship Match
Triple Threat Match
Anastasia Starling (c) VS Gavin Grimes VS Helena Noir
Peyton Holland: “It’s the first title defense for Starling, and the deck seems to be already stacked against her. It’s a triple threat match, against Helena Noir and Gavin Grimes.” Ambra Monroe: “Admittedly, it still feels a bit odd not to see Tiff Rollins name when it comes to the title she held for over a year...” Peyton Holland: “Careful, an intern lost his job for this..” Ambra Monroe: “... But if there’s anyone who can walk out of the long shadow casted by the Five Foot Deathmachine and redefine the title and its legacy, that would be Anastasia.” The Pale Winged Passerine wanted that more than anything and anyone else. Sure, she grew to respect her cousin in their match at the last ppv, but that natural competitive spirit and the pride coming from knowing that she’s second to none when it comes to pure talent, were driving her to surpass Tiffany’s accomplishment, or die trying. She completely dominated the first part of the match, using her speed and athleticism to keep both opponents at bay. It was a sight for sore eyes seeing her flying from one side to the other of the ring, sending Helena rolling out of the ring with a step up enziguri and backflipping into a headscissors to take Grimes down. Up to her feet in no time, she flew over the top rope with a moonsault plancha, taking out Helena and landing on her feet. Instinctively, she thanked the fans that, at home, would be applauding her gesture with a little curtsey, jumping back on the apron and from there to the top rope to propel herself inside the ring to knock down Grimes with a springboard polish hammer. Ambra Monroe: “Let me tell you, she looks in great shape.” Peyton Holland: “I don’t think anybody can question her skills.” Helena slid back in the ring and broke up the pinning predicament before Gavin could kick out, stomping Ana on her back. Far from 100%, souvenirs from last night’s match still visible on her skin, Helena tried to slow down the pace, applying a tight headscissors to wear down the champion while Gavin rested a bit in the corner. Ana’s evasion skills are well known and documented, but no matter her efforts, she wasn’t able to escape Noir’s gasp. The last Liberty Champion seemed to always be one step ahead, digging in her cast knowledge of holds to maintain control. Gavin tried to take advantage of this prolonged battle with a superkick to the back of Helena’s head, but Ana was right there to prevent him from even making the cover. Ambra Monroe: “Two very dangerous opponents for the champion tonight, for different reasons. Helena might have gone through hell last night, but she looks in great shape, all things considered.” Peyton Holland: “Her pain tolerance and ability to recover are almost superhuman. And she has some moves in her arsenal that can turn the match around at any moment.” Ambra Monroe: “Exactly, And Grimes is always a treacherous opponent, he may sit on the sidelines for some time, but he’s always ready to strike, like a snake in the grass.” Right now the Captain was trying to build momentum, attacking Helena with a series of kicks. Anastasia? She was laying on the floor outside since when Gavin pushed her off the top rope where she was perching ready to nail Helena with one of her aerial attacks. Noir was on her knees and the former Underworld Champion seized the opportunity to hit her with the Sac-Town Kick. The tattooed woman ducked the superkick and grabbed his leg, taking him down and transitioning in one fluid movement into a knee bar. Grimes immediately screamed in pain, grasping and struggling to drag himself to the nearby ropes, holding onto them with both hands to end the excruciating pain the submission was causing. She grabbed both his legs, trying to drag him back in the middle of the ring despite him trying to resist it. Grimes hung on the middle rope for dear life while Helena held him by the feet and yanked, trying to pull him away. Unable to do so, she swung her leg to kick him in the stomach, and finally he let go of the rope. She turned around, hearing a rustle behind her shoulders. It was, obviously, the Cloud Gate Champion flying all the way from the opposite side of the ring to catch her with a hurricanrana right into a cover. Helena kicked out in two. Ambra Monroe: “Never a dull moment tonight, huh?” Peyton Holland: “These three are putting on an instant classic, no doubts about that.” Gavin Grimes was having a bad five minutes. After scoring a near fall on Helena with a running shooting star press and one on Anastasia after a well executed tiger suplex, he now found himself caught between two fires, on the receiving end of some hard kicks from both women. This painful experience ended with a Our Lady Peace from the champ who didn’t even have the chance to think about making a cover, having to defend herself from a clothesline from the charging Noir. Bending backwards, she ducked it with a beautiful bridge, but once again Helena was one step ahead, predicting it and taking Ana down with a spinning leg drop. After wearing her down with a series of knife edge chops, Helena applied an inverted facelock to Ana and looked at Grimes, only now getting up to his feet, still groggy. She charged at him and stepped on his chest to flip backwards and take Ana down with her Stay Gold shiranui, grabbing one of her leg as she at on top of the champion to make the cover. The predicament was interrupted by a shining wizard from Gav that caught the tattoeed woman right on the face, knocking her down. The Cult Classic Winner made the cover but, in this case as well, Starling was quick to break it up, wrapping her arm around his head from behind and pulling him up to plant him with an inverted ddt. A standing moonsault saw her landing on top of Grimes, who raised his shoulder in time. Peyton Holland: “They’ve been going for over fifteen minutes already, and there’s no sign that they are going to slow down anytime soon.” The action kept going back and forth for several minutes in a crescendo of emotions and near falls that would keep the fans glued to their screens. Anastasia just caught Grimes with the Pale Winged Passerine (handspring springboard stunner), setting him up for her Sturnidae. But the moment she bounced back from the ropes, she was met by a Dalecarlian Horse out of nowhere. The impact sent Ana through the ropes, leaving Helena and gavin alone in the ring. Ambra Monroe: “This is why triple threats are so dangerous for the champions. Ana could lose the title without being pinned…” Helena picked up Gavin and tried to set him up for the Fondu Au Noir, but Grimes fought back tooth and nails, elbowing his way out of it and took her down with a cutter. Peyton Holland: “This is it, this is Gavin’s chance..” Grimes climbed to the top, ready to connect perhaps the Phoenix Splash. But Anastasia was back into the match, climbing on the apron and hitting him with a couple of right hands to the face while she climbed to the second rope. With Gavin dazed, Ana jumped from that position to the top rope on the other side of the corner, soaring through the sky with a springboard spanish fly. Ambra Monroe: “You’ve gotta be kidding me, that was insane!” Helena was starting to get up, but her attempt failed when Ana kicked her in the face, hitting the ropes and connecting the running shooting star senton known as Sturnidae to retain her title. WINNER: Anastasia Starling (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (Sturnidae), 21:09 |
Ambra Monroe: "And the champion retains!"
Peyton Holland: "An incredible... WHAT THE HELL!"
While Anastasia was celebrating her hard fought victory, Gavin slides back in the ring and plants her on her head with the Crowning. The Captain picks up the Cloud Gate Championship, mocking "Birdie" and telling her that this is far from over. Helena is back to her feet, picking up on what happened and confronting Grimes about it. In all response, Gavin knocks her out with the championship standing tall over the two women and raising the title in the air.
Peyton Holland: "An incredible... WHAT THE HELL!"
While Anastasia was celebrating her hard fought victory, Gavin slides back in the ring and plants her on her head with the Crowning. The Captain picks up the Cloud Gate Championship, mocking "Birdie" and telling her that this is far from over. Helena is back to her feet, picking up on what happened and confronting Grimes about it. In all response, Gavin knocks her out with the championship standing tall over the two women and raising the title in the air.
Pre-recorded footage takes place in a wrestling ring inside of an empty high school gym at an undisclosed location. Victoria Salinas sits down on a chair overlooking the eerie, empty scene soaking it all in and reflecting on the very beginnings of her wrestling journey, beginnings that date back all the way to her high school years. Once she’s ready to speak her mind, she turns those reflections into thoughts and begins to express them.
Victoria Salinas:
Tonight? I know that the odds aren’t in my favor. I’m not selling myself short. I am done doing that nonsense. But I’m not stupid. It’s a numbers game out there. There’s really only one of me and god knows how many of APE to deal with after all. But I can tell you for a fact that this is NOT going to stop me at all! I’ve overcome WORSE odds than APE could ever hope to offer or imagine and it started during my high school years long before I ever became a wrestler or even THOUGHT about becoming a wrestler. I wasn’t one of the “cool kids” during my high school years. In fact, I was often one of the main targets of the “cool kids”. I was often the one that was bullied, I was often the one that was outcasted, I was often one of the ones whose lives were made a living hell and honestly, I had no business surviving high school unscathed. I should have been a statistic. In fact, with a lot of the shit that I dealt with… it’s a miracle that I didn’t fall into alcoholism or some sort of prescription drug addiction or fell into the wrong crowd. I used to think I was weak during those years… but in hindsight, I realize how strong I really am… to be able to overcome the worst odds I will ever overcome in my life…
That’s why APE… in comparison… I could never surrender to them or bend the knee to them.
They may THINK they’re the “cool kids” of MWE… but give it time… when this is all over… and I know that one way or another it WON’T be over tonight… they’ll be left the vacuous, empty shells of awful excuses of men that they really are… just like all of the “COOL KIDS” back during my high school years who went from homecoming and prom royalty to being broken up or divorced with three or four kids by the age of 25 while they’re working at a fucking Burger King trying to make ends meet because their dumbasses didn’t even bother to think of a future and as a result, peaked in high school.
Well, I sure as hell didn’t…
And honestly?
All the worrying that I used to do about how I was “past my peak” in my wrestling career? All of those confidence issues as a result?
They were for nothing. Because all along… I was never “past my peak”. The truth is… I haven’t even REACHED my peak.
Victoria takes a pause, taking in the moment of surprise that the fans would go through once they heard the words that she just spoke.
Victoria Salinas:
How is that possible? Ten year veteran, five world championships, the owner of the longest championship reign of a quarter of the championships I’ve ever won, experiencing the highs that I have many times over, becoming one of the most popular, decorated wrestlers of my generation… how is it even POSSIBLE that I haven’t peaked? I’ll tell you how… and this is with all due respect to most of the wrestling promotions I’ve worked for in the past…
I have never faced the level of competition that I have faced in this company. This is, undisputedly, considering how much of a journey this has been for me, the hardest climb up a company ladder that I’ve ever had.
I NEVER had that in PRW… I’m like what? One of maybe 5… 6 wrestlers from that company where my first two world championship reigns occurred out of the 30 people that were on the roster at the end that are still in this business today?
And as much as I loved GCW… for as great as the competition was… I had it too easy there… especially in the beginning of my run. Sure, world championships three to five happened there… and against game competition at that… with my third coming against a stable I alone put to bed when I took out their prized prospect and forever set the course of his career to Destination: Mediocrity by the way… speaking of overbearing factions… but I was too dominant there for my own good.
It left me underprepared for a company such as this.
It kept me sheltered for a while.
And I accept full responsibility for that because I should have branched out and challenged myself more.
How could I reach my peak when I’ve never challenged myself more than I have over the last year?
Fact is… I’m not peaking until I attain number six… and that peak IS coming…
Chris Constantine and APE WANT me to be a one-shot wonder. They WANT ME to just be a fly-by-night challenger the way Bethany Driver was… the way Melody Lennox was… the way Sophie O’Brien was… they want me to do what they did and that’s to shut the fuck up about it and sweep it under the rug, acting like it was just another night in the office.
It’s not about IF that peak is coming… it’s not about IF world title number six happens… on both counts… it’s WHEN!
I have nothing to lose but this match and in a situation like that, I’m incredibly difficult to overcome. But regardless of what happens, I’m not going away. I will keep being a thorn in their sides. I will make life HELL for them and I’m not going to stop until they’re a thing of the past. The worst thing that Chris Constantine Jr. and his pussy boys can do is delay the inevitable because unlike those names I mentioned, I’m not going to fall by the wayside. I’m NOT going to accept being a random, one-off challenger. I either take what I’ve worked so hard for or I figure out a way to come back and grind for another opportunity… it’s a win-win for me.
I’m NOT going to go back to that “mediocrity” that I had when I first got here. I’m NOT going to go back to being that wrestler that was getting beaten by the CHARLIE WEBSTERS of the fucking world. I’m NOT going to go back to being overlooked while the hot new things get handed their title shots because I won’t allow that to happen.
I’m here now… and win or lose, I’m here to say. You want to know why?
Because I’m that bitch that you need to kill to take that spotlight off of me… always have been, always will be. The only reason that the spotlight left me to begin with was because I let it happen… and God willing as long as I’m breathing I’m never allowing it to happen again… not tonight, not ever.
Victoria stands up, having gotten so much off of her chest, and she leaves the ring, and the empty high school gym she was in, with the scene fading to black afterwards.
MWE World Championship Match
Chris Constantine Junior (c) VS Victoria Salinas
Ambra Monroe: “Here we go, it’s main event time!” Amy Maynard: “Chris Constantine Junior, Victoria Salinas, the MWE World Championship on the line…” Peyton Holland: “And no Apes running around flinging crap all over this match.” Sir Figgles: “This is unfair.” Peyton Holland: “Excuse me?” Sir Figgles: “You heard me young woman. Do you have any idea how much effort and money Constantine is investing in this APE deal? How’s it fair to take away from him something he has created?” Peyton Holland: “Well, maybe if they stopped interfering in every match any of them is involved into, we wouldn’t have come to this.” Sir Figgles: “But…” Amy Maynard: “But here we are, the bell just rang, the match is officially underway!” The two competitors started circling around, Victoria testing the waters with some light kicks to the sides, blocked by Costantine with his arm. Unable to find an opening in the world champion’s guard, Victoria went for a collar and elbow tie. CCJ exploited the strength advantage to push the challenger in the corner and the referee quickly stepped up and asked him for the clean break. Constantine granted it, but of course it was just a front to have Victoria lower her guard so that he could surprise her with a chop. An old trick, and you can bet an experienced wrestler like Victoria was expecting nothing less from him. Hunkering down she ducked the chop, fighting her way out of the corner with a series of quick punches to the ribs bringing him back to the centre of the ring. A standing dropkick takes the champion down, and he quickly rolls out of the way and under the bottom rope. Peyton Holland: “The challenger definitely started with the right foot, forcing Chris to take on of the, I suspect, many breaks.” Sir Figgles: “Are you calling our World Champion a coward?” Peyton Holland: “Yes.” APE might be banned from the match, but that doesn’t mean Constantine didn’t have other tricks in his back. As Victoria reached him outside to throw him back in, he poked her eye and drove her face first on the commentator’s table. From there he whipped her back first against the apron and connected some chops to the chest, before rolling her back in the ring. A couple of elbow drops and Constantine made the cover, from which Salinas easily kicked out in two. Regardless, the MWE World Champion still complained to the referee, possibly just to put some pressure on the official. Dragging Victoria to her feet, he proceeded to whip her against the ropes, bending forward and lifted her up and over with a back body drop. With his left hand he lifted her head from the canvas to punch it with the right several times. Amy Maynard: “CCJ might not be the most gifted athlete in the company, but his simple style can be very effective.” Sir Figgles: “Who needs all those fancy flips and complicated holds when a few punches and a piledriver can get the job done?” After tossing Victoria around with a couple of suplexes, CCJ made another pinfall attempt and once again obtained a count of two. Another irish whip, this time sending the challenger in the corner where he reached her with a back elbow to the face. Even with no crowd physically present in the Arena, Chris still found a way to taunt the fans, cocklily smiling at the camera. This distraction gave Victoria the opening to connect with a forearm to the jaw, but her comeback was immediately frustrated by a knee to the guts. With a snapmare, CCJ dropped her to a seated position and drove his foot behind her shoulder blades with a soccer kick, crouching down to apply a chinlock while pressing his knee onto her spine. Ambra Monroe: “The champion is trying to control the match, not leaving Victoria much room to operate.” Salinas eventually made it back to her feet and broke out of the chinlock, delivering some stiff kicks and forearms to the champion with a lightning quick combination ended with a standing roundhouse kick. Once again Constantine hit the floor and just like he did before, he rolled out of the ring to catch a breather. Having learned the lesson from before, Victoria didn’t chase him, opting for a suicide dive to wipe him out. Peyton Holland: “Fool me once, shame on you… Fool me twice, shame on me!” Amy Maynard: “This is what she needs to do, keep the pressure on the champ, don’t leave him any room to breath and come up with one of his tricks.” Ambra Monroe: “Constantine is one of the most resourceful wrestlers in the company. Quick thinking is probably is best asset, give him a second to think and he’ll find a way to turn things in his favor.” Salinas knew that as well, and she was definitely trying to avoid that, using her speed to keep those strikes coming. CCJ tried to find shelter in the corner, but the determined challenger wasn’t giving him any more breaks, weakening him with a couple of knee strikes to the sternum before connecting with a jumping kick to the head. Down went the champion and up to the top rope climbed the challenger, diving and driving both her feet to CCJ chest with a foot stomp, trying to put him away with a deep cover. Chris kicked out in two. Never slowing down, Victoria obtained two more near falls in rapid succession, one with a springboard busaiku knee and the other off a diving tornado ddt. Sir Figgles: “Come on ref!” Amy Maynard: “By now I should know better than to ask and I’m already regretting this but… What are you on about now?” Sir Figgles: “Victoria is cheating, why is he tolerating this kind of behavior?” Amy Maynard: “What? How is she cheating?” Sir Figgles: “I don’t know yet, but I will find out.” What Victoria was actually doing now was dominating the MWE World Champion, relying one more time on a swift striking combination that left him doubled over after a back spinning kick to the stomach. Victoria hit the ropes and caught him with a running swinging neckbreaker, picking up another near fall. This series of close calls seemed to fuel Victoria rather than frustrate her, encouraging her to insist on this road that was looking very promising. More kicks reached the champion on the chest and ribs, to the point that he dropped on his knees begging for mercy. Victoria hesitated for the slightest second, and that was enough for Chris to once again go for the eyes. Ambra Monroe: “This is what I was talking about. Give him a small opening, and he’ll take it.” Popping up to his feet, CCJ leveled Salinas with a clothesline. A second one followed when she got back up right after, and this scene repeated itself a third time. Once again Salinas picked herself up, but this time the champ scooped her up and bodyslammed her to the canvas, taking a short run to the ropes to deliver a jumping knee. Pushing his forearm into her face he made the cover, but it wasn’t enough to get the win. Sir Figgles: “I’m pretty sure that was thr…” Peyton Holland: “SHUT UP FIGGINS!” Chris dragged his opponent to the corner and slammed her face on the top turnbuckle. He then headed to the next corner, grinding Salinas face on the whole length of the rope and then slammed her head against the protective pad a second time. He did the same to the two other corners as well, ignoring the referee’s warning, perfectly aware that the chances for the official to actually disqualify him for this were close to zero, especially considering that even if he did, he would have only done him a favor. For the fourth time Salinas’ head bounced against the turnbuckle, leaving the challenger dazed and with a big bruise under her right eye, due to the friction against the ropes. CCJ spun her around, putting her back first against the corner and began kicking her in the mid-section. The Vainglorious dropped down under the champion’s blows into a seated position, but the strikes kept coming catching her on the upper chest and face now. Finally the referee was able to separate them, giving Victoria a few moments to recover and catch her breath before a foot to the throat made this last task a bit more difficult. Amy Maynard: “It’s almost like CCJ read the whole rule book only to break every single one of them.” Sir Figgles: “Can’t say he’s not a student of the game…” As the fight came back to the ring, Chris grabbed Victoria’s leg and took her down with the Eagle Leg Whip, going for his Red, White And Tap Out figure four leglock. During the set up, the challenger surprised him with a quick small package and almost got away with the win. They were both back to their feet, trading blows in the middle of the ring. Their strikes may not have been as incisive as they used to be earlier in the match, and both the competitors seemed to take a little longer to recover after them, but they still went on for a couple of minutes. Constantine was getting the upper end, pushing Victoria back against the ropes with a flurry of right hands. From there he whipped her to the opposite side, running after her and turning her inside out with a kitchen sink as soon as she bounced back. The knee to the stomach apparently did more damage than Chris himself thought it would do, leaving the Vainglorious on all fours with a hand clutching her lower ribs and short of breath. Sir Figgles: “It’s over folks, pack your things, we’re going home…” Amy Maynard: “You can’t count Salinas out just yet!” Sir Figgles: “Just you watch…” Constantine had the biggest of smiles on his face as he put her head between his legs and planted her with the American Strong Piledriver. Victoria was out. Sir Figgles: “See? What did I tell you? One…” Ambra Monroe: “The ropes…” Sir Figgles: “Two and Three! Here’s your winner and still MWE World Champion Chris Constantine Junior!” Chris jumped to his feet and raised his arms in victory, despite the referee signaling that the match wasn’t over. The champion only realized it when he didn’t hear the bell ringing, turning around and seeing what made the referee interrupt his count. Victoria’s foot was under the bottom rope. Peyton Holland: “He had her there, all he had to do was to pull her away from the ropes and he would have retained..” Ambra Monroe: “It’s hard to tell if Victoria moved her leg in that position out of instinct alone or if it’s just a lucky coincidence.. But that takes nothing away from the great call the referee made.” Chris obviously didn’t agree with the decision, bringing up the fact that Victoria hadn’t move yet to plea his case. Not that it helped him, with the referee being adamant in his decision. Frustrated, the champion dragged Salinas away from the ropes and made another cover and this time the challenger kicked out in two, having had more than enough time to recover. CCJ pulled her hair to drag her up to her feet, hitting her with some knife edge chops. With the last ounce of energy, Victoria tried one last reaction, stringing together some forearms to the jaw and going for a roundhouse kick. Constantin blocked it with his arms, rocking her with a stiff elbow to the jaw that pushed her back a few feet. He charged in with a clothesline but VIctoria ducked it. Peyton Holland: “Oh no, the referee is down!” Ambra Monroe: “You know Pey, I’m not entirely sure that was accidental. I think Chris could have stopped before impacting with the official.” Constantine looked down at the referee and for a brief moment, it looked like a smirk appeared on his face. When he turned around though, Victoria was onto him and planted him with the Vanity Breaker, hooking the leg for a cover with nobody to count. It took her a moment to realize that, and when she did, she was far from happy, letting out a loud expletive that echoed in the empty arena. She tried to shake up the referee but with no success. Amy Maynard: “I think I saw someone on the stage, but it’s so dark I’m not entirely sure..” Sir Figgles: “Must be the boys coming down to right the wrong that has been perpetrated against our champion,” Ambra Monroe: “I would advise them against it, if they care about their jobs. Maybe that’s a second referee, since they broke this one?” There was, indeed, a shadow barely visible on the entrance stage, starting to walk to the ring with no rush at all. Peyton Holland: “They don’t look like a referee to me… I might be wrong but that looks like…” Heavy steps walked down the ramp, the identity of the man still concealed by the darkness engulfing the Arena. Peyton Holland: “I know that guy, I saw him in Underground, where Skylar works… That’s… BROOKFORD!” The 6’3’’ 265 pounds Problem Solver marched down the ramp and Victoria immediately took the hint. She prepared herself to welcome big man, hitting him with some punches with little to none effect. BROOKFORD pushed her against the ropes and caught her with a devastating Sitout Spinebuster. That was probably enough to get the job done but, just to be sure, he connected his Problem… Solved. dragon screw neckwhip, offering her head on a silver platter to Constantine who only had to wake up the referee from his nap and make the cover. By the time the official hit the three, BROOKFORD had already disappeared. WINNER: Chris Constantine Junior (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (Problem… Solved.), 16:40 |
Sir Figgles:
That's my boy! Justice has been made, Chris Constantine Junior is STILL our MWE World Champion. Suck it Victoria!
Amy Maynard:
Calm down, Figgles...
Sir Figgles:
They stacked the deck against him, threatened to fire his friends.. But he still won the match and retained the title despite... No, IN SPITE of everything.
Ambra Monroe:
Peyton, what can you tell us about this BROOKFORD guy?
Peyton Holland:
He refers to himself as the Problem Solver...
Amy Maynard:
He surely lived up his name tonight.
Peyton Holland:
And he won the Golden Purge a couple of months ago in Underground. A ticket he can cash in for a title match, and he's been waiting for the perfect opportunity. Why is he here? I have no idea...
Ambra Monroe:
I guess we will find out. It's all for tonight, folks. MWE comes back next saturday with a brand new episode of Riot. Good night, and thanks for joining us.
That's my boy! Justice has been made, Chris Constantine Junior is STILL our MWE World Champion. Suck it Victoria!
Amy Maynard:
Calm down, Figgles...
Sir Figgles:
They stacked the deck against him, threatened to fire his friends.. But he still won the match and retained the title despite... No, IN SPITE of everything.
Ambra Monroe:
Peyton, what can you tell us about this BROOKFORD guy?
Peyton Holland:
He refers to himself as the Problem Solver...
Amy Maynard:
He surely lived up his name tonight.
Peyton Holland:
And he won the Golden Purge a couple of months ago in Underground. A ticket he can cash in for a title match, and he's been waiting for the perfect opportunity. Why is he here? I have no idea...
Ambra Monroe:
I guess we will find out. It's all for tonight, folks. MWE comes back next saturday with a brand new episode of Riot. Good night, and thanks for joining us.