Post by gvb on Apr 9, 2020 17:11:12 GMT -6
Millennium LVIII
Live from Enterprise Arena in Chicago, IL
Wednesday, April 8th, 2020
Enforcer is walking out of the arena in a three piece black Armani suit, black vest, yellow tie, yellow pocket square, and black Armani dress shoes. Enforcer walks over to a black Mercedes GLC 300 4 matic couple. Enforcer opens the trunk and puts his luggage into the trunk. Enforcer shuts the trunk and walks over to the driver side door.
Enforcer:
I've been asked many times over the last week or so since the breaking news went through the wrestling world that I have signed with MWE why have you signed with MWE? It is quite simple. I see where this company is going and it is ascending and I want to be a part of it. So, what am I here for you may wonder but of course it is the MWE World Championship currently held by Chris Constantine Jr. Chris, I don't believe we have officially met even though both grace the ring of UWL. I am The Enforcer the pleasure is all mine. But of course a promotion just doesn't hand out World title shots to any Johnny comes lately who just debuted in the company tonight. If I know this, what are my plans for coming to MWE? The world should already know what I am about. It's been the same for twenty three years when I come to the promotions it's all about that money and gold. The money was right so I just need to hold up my end of the bargain and get some gold. Hell, I might just go down to Halsted street and get the good buddy to come get the MWE World Tag Team titles. But what I really want, what I really want is that new MWE I-C title. What standing in my way is the current champion, Ms. Megan Rydall. Ms. Rydall you can bet your pretty little ass that as long as your champion you'll be seeing more of me and the last you'll see me is winning that I-C championship from you. That's what I am about.People are probably scoffing that I have my eyes on championships already and that I should work on building my resume in MWE. Well, I guess. So be it. When I do I'll take that Cloud Gate title to get to that I-C title. Hmmm I like that plan.
Enforcer opens the driver door and hops into the the Mercedes and drives off.
Singles Match
YUKI VS EnforcerForty-two years of age and a decorated career for The Enforcer, also known as Anthony Cross, who stepped for the first inside a MWE ring tonight against YUKI. The young japanese put up the usual all heart performance even against a man twice her size. She started off strong, unleashing a series of kicks that wore down the multi-time champion, constantly moving around him to stay away from those big punches he was throwing. For a couple of minutes her plan worked well, she even managed to take him down with a sweep kick and obtaining a two count after a double foot stomp to the chest. But soon enough The Enforcer caught her with a right hand so strong that it sent YUKI spinning. He followed up with a clothesline that turned the Little Kaiju inside out, and just like that the momentum of the match had completely turned. Once The Enforcer took her speed away, it was all too easy for him to keep control using his obvious power advantage. The veteran gave the MWE fans a first look of his vast arsenal, brutalizing the young japanese with all sort of power moves, from a military press slam to a spinning spinebuster and a brainbuster in between them, obtaining a near fall with this last move. YUKI made a short comeback somewhere down the road, once again thanks to a flurry of kicks that took the big man down to the mat where she could level him with a shining wizard. Staying on the attack she was able to connect a ddt, getting another near fall after a 450 splash. But it was just a flash in the pan, a little fire that was soon extinguished by The Enforcer with a huge Mafia kick. Much like before, the last part of the match was an absolute onslaught, a display of dominance by the 42 years old, who showed that he can fly as well, leaping off the top rope with a clothesline to take out YUKI. He took his time to make an example out of the young japanese, sending a message to the entire roster. And his message was signed and sealed with the Death Penalty ddt that planted the Little Kaiju on her head, leaving her senseless in the middle of the ring for him to pin and pick up an impressive win. WINNER: The Enforcer BY: Pinfall (Death Penalty), 6:21 |
Peyton Holland: "Veni, vidi, vici. The Enforcer made quite a statement in his debut."
Ambra Monroe: "And he called his shot as well, stating pretty clearly that he has his eyes set on the IC title held by Megan Rydell"
Peyton Holland: "It's good to have dreams, but he also has a long way to go before getting a shot at her."
Ambra Monroe: "Let's say that tonight, he took a step in the right direction."
Ambra Monroe: "And he called his shot as well, stating pretty clearly that he has his eyes set on the IC title held by Megan Rydell"
Peyton Holland: "It's good to have dreams, but he also has a long way to go before getting a shot at her."
Ambra Monroe: "Let's say that tonight, he took a step in the right direction."
In a new setting, West Long is sitting in his hotel room with the morning sky visible through the drawn curtain. Long's filming on a camera and his gaze alternates to the lens and the small screen.
West clears his throat and greets the camera with a cba wave. The Warwolf sits forward on the chair he's sitting on backward.
West Long:
What's good, fans. West here from the hotel, because tonight's match is going to be a little different. I'm waiting for the gym to open, and when it is, I'll be putting all my time and focus in yeah.
I'm on a four-win streak professionally. Three and nothing in Millennium, but you already know that. You should know that if you don't, yeah. Pay attention.
Anyway, tonight I'm facing Kate Steele. If you don't know here because you're new to this company, she's been here for a very long time.
Haven't you, Kate?
West's eyes lock with the camera, and both the promo and his mannerisms shift from talking to the fans to speaking directly to Kate.
West Long:
Your husband's family has been in this business forever. You've had almost a decade in this ring, and yet I don't see you headlining tonight. I don't see you on the world title.
Now. Now that doesn't mean you haven't accomplished something.
Like I said before, yeah.
I'm grateful the playmakers back there have put me up against you for several reasons. The fact you've held a lockdown championship means you're something--or were something.
He gestures to the camera. Immediately after, he shakes his open hand towards it. The warwolf chuckles slightly.
West Long:
Nah, I'm not going to trash her title run. In fact, I respect it.
-Triple-digit days.
-Several defenses.
-Outperformed the champion prior
The left side of West's upper lip raises, and a respectful nod follows.
West Long:
As lockdown champ, you had a good three to four months. That came to an end, and a little under two years later, you find yourself against a man like myself.
I've had a couple of training days with the woman who took that belt from you yeah
I've studied up on the past fights you've had in the warzone.
You really put your all into that lockdown championship, yeah, I paid attention to it.
You think Bobbi Jackson has a spear, check the size of my shoulder
You don't want that, but who knows, the fans might see it.
As I was saying, you put your all into that lockdown bout and in that intercontinental title tournament match, but what happened?
He pauses for half a second. When he speaks next, he's louder with more energy
West Long:
What happened?
You came up empty. I won't see you with either strap in Chicago.
So what I'm circling is what this match is people.
This fight is going to be my biggest one, the best opponent I'll fight to date in Millennium Wrestling.
She's got the experience, but she's just like Akemi was. She's got too many losses weighing her down now, and I'm not a guy you pull a miracle over on.
It's not going to happen.
He sits back in his chair and speaks louder now he's away from the microphone.
West Long:
It's not going to happen! I'm going to walk in there and show Kate Steele something she's yet to see in her career -- what a genuine threat to the Lockdown champion looks like.
Singles Match
Kate Steele VS West LongIn the second match of the night West Long looked to extend his streak at the expenses of the former Lockdown Champion Kate Steele. The beginning of the match is all Long, the Warwolf quickly forcing the Steele in the corner with a flurry of forearm shots. A strong irish whip he fired Kate in the opposite corner with such force that the entire ring began shaking, while the guitarist of the band Devilition fell flat on her chest. West was right on her, looping his strong arms around her waist and lifting her so that her back was resting on his shoulder, inflicting some damage with a canadian backbreaker before dropping on his knees and trying a first cover. Steele kicked out in two and crawled onto the apron. Long reached her before she could drop on the floor and dragged her back to her feet, using all his strength to suplex her back in, despite her desperate attempt to hang onto the ropes. It looked like a one way match, another dominant performance by the Warwolf who almost ended it all with an impressive 1080 spinning scoop powerslam. Kate survived the high impact move out of instinct alone, but she never quite recovered from it. She was still dazed when Long picked her up and hit her with some european uppercuts in the corner before grabbing her arm and pulling her into a knee in the midsection that doubled her over. West gained some momentum against the ropes and kicked her head off with a running big boot that left her out on the floor. But the Warwolf didn’t go for the cover, wanting his to be a clear message to the roster and perhaps to the Lockdown champion as well. He lifted Steele over his shoulders and powerslammed her to the mat with his Point Blank, adding another notch on his belt. WINNER: West Long BY: Pinfall (Point Blank), 7:03 |
Peyton Holland: "Another one down. West Long claimed another victim."
Ambra Monroe: "Not only he keeps winning, but he does it in an impressive fashion."
Peyton Holland: "You have to start wonder if there's anyone who can stop the Warwolf."
Backstage we find the tag team duo of Summer Collins and Jessica Lasiewicz, collectively known as Fabulous. Both are dressed to compete and look ready to go but while The Archangel looks quite confident and poised, her best friend and tag team partner Summer Collins appears to be at least somewhat confused. It is as if the filthy rich heiress were trying to solve a puzzle. And in this case, it may be true.
Summer Collins:
Tell me again, Jess....
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Do we have to?
The Archangel looks somewhat annoyed with the request of her tag team partner. Summer still insists with a nod of her head.
Summer Collins:
Yes, just humor me please…
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Fine. Yes, we are in Chicago.
Summer Collins:
Chicago? As in Illinois?
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Yes, that Chicago.
Collins sighs and shakes her head.
Summer Collins:
It just doesn’t make sense. I mean, I hear what you’re saying, Jess, and it makes perfect sense to me, but it just doesn’t feel like Chicago. Y’know what this feels like?
Collins turns to face the camera. A somewhat arrogant smirk forms upon the face of Summer Collins. This is to be expected as she is the more arrogant of the two. Jessica tends to be more humble.
Summer Collins:
This feels like Japan. Specifically this feels like Yokohama, Japan. Because back in January, Jess and I made our debut in Millennium and what did we tell everyone?
Jessica Lasiewicz:
We told the world that we had united for one common goal and that was to prove that Summer and I were the single best tag team in the world. And we were not going to take the easy way out in doing so. We wanted the best competition, we wanted to take on all comers, and we said we were prepared to go through anyone and everyone in order to become MWE World Tag Team Champions. And that night, our debut, we started out on a pretty damn good note. At least, it was a good note if you consider beating former tag team champions a “good note”...
Summer Collins:
I would certainly consider it a “good note”...
The Archangel nods her head.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Here we are again, three months later, and we are facing the same team we debuted against. The Hooligunnz.
Summer Collins:
I know a great deal about money when you consider my family’s business dealings. We are successful entrepreneurs and we know money. So I can honestly tell you that the smart money would be on Fabulous picking up yet another win over The Hooligunnz and if you want proof, just watch the tape. Watch how Jess kicked Trey right into my bridging German suplex and with that perfectly executed double team, well, The Hooligunnz’s chances of winning, it just became non-existent. It became a dream. In Your Dreams…
Summer chuckles lightly.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
But if you think we’re going to take them lightly tonight you have another thing coming. The reason why Summer and I are the best tag team in the world is because we always learn, we are always looking for something to improve, we are always studying and trying to better ourselves. Summer may sound quite confident…
Summer Collins:
Oh I am VERY confident!
The Archangel rolls her eyes.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
...but neither she nor myself are taking The Hooligunnz lightly. We are prepared for another war and while we understand that this match will not be the same as the last one, we will do whatever it takes to make sure that end result is still the same...and we will make sure that the end result is absolutely Fabulous!
Jessica turns and walks off. Summer blows a kiss at the camera before walking off as well.
Tag Team Match
The HooligunnZ VS Fabulous
Fabulous have been quite on a roll since joining MWE and their name is starting to be mentioned in relation to the MWE Tag Team titles. Spectre and Trey Cole tried to stop their momentum and put themselves back in contention, and the way they started the match, imposing their quick pace from the get-go was very promising for the. With quick tags the former champions isolated Jessica in their half of the ring, wearing her down with some interesting combinations, showing their unquestionable chemistry. Summer had to rush in and make the save after her partner went through the Full Death Experience, the double wristlock knee to the face, receiving a superkick from The Swoltergeist for her troubles. As Collins rolled out of the ring, the HooligunnZ kept double teaming Lasiewicz despite the referee trying to convince Cole leave the ring. The Archangel was able to escape from a powerbomb/double knee backbreaker combination, reaching her corner and making the tag to Summer. The HooligunnZ charged at the two women, who met them with a stereo superkick. The first thing on Summer’s agenda was to slow down the pace and keep Cole grounded, which she did successfully and with ease, wearing him down with a dragon sleeper. Trey managed to find a way out of the submission and tried to reach his corner but Collins pulled him back in a waistlock and connected with a German Suplex. A tag was made, bringing Jessica Lasiewicz back in the ring. The Archangel returned all the punishment she had to endure in the first minutes of the match in spades, paying homage to Lady Magdalena with the Our Lady Peace bicycle kick. Trey survived for several minutes, in some occasions with a little help from his partner, always ready to step in and pull his fat from the fryer when Jessica planted him with her Hot Shot pedigree, or had him locked in the Torturous Destiny. But then Jessica made the tag, allowing Summer to get back in and hold Cole in a waistlock for her to superkick him. Collins used the momentum of the kick to lift suplex Trey with a bridging German, holding him down for the three while her partner made sure the Master Of The Die Fly style couldn’t make the tag in time. WINNER: Fabulous BY: Pinfall (In Your Dreams), 9:55 |
Ambra Monroe: "Three months later and nothing has changed. Fabulous once again beat The HooligunnZ"
Peyton Holland: "Is anyone surprised? Collins and Lasiewicz have been on a roll recently."
Ambra Monroe: "That's undeniable. Yet, it's still quite impressive what they constantly bring in every match. The intensity and determination should put every other team on warning. Champions included."
There is nothing special or over the top about the opening of the face. All the audience can see is BROOKFORD’s stone cold face accompanied by an all black background.
BROOKFORD:
The one question no one ever asks themselves... What did I do to deserve this.
I find it comical Victoria that you are mad at me for aledgly costing you your sixth World Championship. I won't deny I was there. I won't shy away from the fact CCJ gave me a briefcase full of cash to ensure he walked away the champion. All factually accurate. What you haven't bothered to take into account, what role did you play in this?
All I am is The Effect; there needs to be a cause to be an effect. You are that cause. This is the road you chose. You wanted to be the almighty hero looking to stand up to A.P.E. The so-called hero's journey is a predictable one, paint the other side as the villain, when things don't go your way, whine about it. Roaring rampage of revenge, rinse wash repeat. I haven't been here long enough to sip a cup of coffee, even I know when it comes to standing up to A.P.E, you need to be prepared for any and all possibilities. You weren't. You lowered your defenses. You weren't prepared for the inevitable. Most importantly, no one in the back bothered to have your back.
Not your homegirl Melissa Reaves.
Not Bobbi Jackson.
Not Kenzie Garrett.
All women who took the fight to A.P.E in the past. Where were they?
Nowhere. Cause they don't give a damn about you.
BROOKFORD pauses a moment to let that sink in.
BROOKFORD:
This is the road you chose, not me. Instead of casting blame at others for your failure, take a long cold look in the mirror. Being mad at me won't solve your problem Vicky. It won't solve the fact that you are NOT World Champion. In predictable fashion you want revenge. Won't do you any good, nothing you do changes a goddamn thing. I got paid. You are not World Champion. And you are still the same self entitled girl I knew from GCW. Ok... not exactly the same. Leopards don’t change their spots. Look, I am not criticizing. Far from it. That’s the problem with society in this day and age, people believing they are entitled shit. For you, you are running with the story I cost you your sixth World Championship? I didn’t cost you anything. You walked into Down Under with nothing. You left with nothing. The sixth World Championship wasn’t yours to begin with, plus, how do you know for certain you would have walked out champion if I didn’t show up? It is much easier to tell yourself you could have won, how big evil BROOKFORD took something from you. Not how life works Vicky. There’s that ego again. Not a criticism. Just stating facts. This is the groundhogs day story of your existence. Of most peoples existence honestly. Don’t get pissed at the hand of fate for not bending to your will.
BROOKFORD half smirks.
BROOKFORD:
I am like Anton Chigurh in that respect. I am the hand of fate. I am the man people call when they want pesky annoyances solved. Down Under I accomplished my task. Far as I’m concerned we are done. You disagree? Everyone disaress. So I am going to have to paint a very visceral reminder why when fate deals you a hand, walk away! Lick your wounds. Ask yourself how you could have prevented this. Move on. All this revenge talk will lead to a world of hurt. Fine by me. More money in the bank. What a wonderful world we live in.
BROOKFORD flashed an evil smirk as the scene cuts to static.
Tag Team Match
StripSearch VS Jetpack
In the second tag match of the night the first ever MWE Tag Team Champions Jetpack took on what, on paper, looked like an easy task for them. Zoe Rian and Kiernan Santos, collectively known as Strip Search were making their absolute debut in a baptism of fire. Jet and Zoe started things off in the ring for the respective teams. Zoe showed an out of the common speedin the early moments, getting a series of three arm drags in before taking down Blanchard with a standing dropkick. Despite having every tool in the box to match the rookie’s athleticism and probably outdo her thanks to the greater experience, Jet took a different approach and, after taking her down with a headscissors, he slowed down the pace working Zoe on the mat. He dragged the opponent in his corner and made the tag to Penelope, who entered the ring and kept wearing down Zoe with a tight headlock. Rian tried several times to get free and build up some more offense, but every time she managed to create some separation and started to throw some kicks or punches, the former champion proved to be always one step ahead, blocking her attempts and taking the fight down to the mat once again. In her corner Kiernan kept cheering on her partner who was starting to show some signs of frustration, preaching her to maintain calm. And when Zoe caught Penny with a sitout jawbreaker, Kiernan extended her hand inside the ring, calling her partner who, wisely, went for the tag. Santos and Kaplan locked horns, with the rookie quickly blocking Penny in a hammerlock. Easily the first tag champion reversed the hold but once again Kiernan quickly shifted into a different hold, wrapping her arms around PenPen’s waist and taking her down. For a couple of minutes the two women grappled, trying to outwrestle one another unsuccessfully. And when they both stood up to their feet, Penelope offered Kiernan her hand, ultimate testimony of a newly earned respect for her ability. As the match went on though, Kaplan took full control. Sure, Kiernan connected a few moves of her own, confirming to be a very interesting prospect and even getting close to the upset win when she knocked Penny down with her A.D.W. a roundhouse kick to end a striking combination. But now Jetpack seemed to have the match sewn up, doing what they do best. And that would be cutting the ring in half, preventing the opponent to reach their corner with frequent tags and performing those combined moves earned them their spot as one of the best tag teams in the world. Never one to give up, Kiernan kept on fighting, resisting their attempts to take her down and kicking out from everything they threw at her, including the Doublemint. Not only, but she even managed to stun Jet with a spinning heel kick long enough for her to reach her partner. Zoe brought her dynamism in this contest, creating more than some trouble to Blanchard who wasn’t able to contain her momentum. Before he knew, he found himself laying flat on his back after Rian’s PoleDriver (implant ddt), and who knows what could have happened if it wasn’t for Penny breaking up the pin. But much like what happened through all the match, the lack of experience costed Strip Search. Rian missed the moonsault and this gave Jet the opening he needed to call his partner back in. Penny dominated the opponent for a couple of minutes, wearing her down with some knee to the face from a clinch position and leaving her doubled over, in perfect position for the Penelope Code that gave Jetpack the win. WINNER: Jetpack BY: Pinfall (Penelope Code), 13:34 |
Peyton Holland: "A good showing from Strip Search, but not enough to beat a team like Jetpack"
Ambra Monroe: "It's the former Tag champions we are talking about, not really the new kids on the block."
Peyton Holland: "If anything, those would be Zoe and Kiernan. They came up short tonight, but they made quite an impression."
Millennium cuts to ringside where an angry, annoyed Victoria Salinas is standing in the center of the ring with a microphone. With the events that just happened, she’s letting some of that anger flow through her veins doing everything she can to keep herself composed. After taking a deep breath and letting out some of that anger, she begins to express her thoughts.
Victoria Salinas:
I don’t need to recap too much as to what happened at Down Under, but there’s no doubt that even some time later… yeah, I’m STILL pissed off. It’s obvious that going into that match, Chris Constantine Jr. and the rest of APE thought that I was just going to be some fly by night challenger and that I was going to just have my shot and whatever happened, happened and I’d just be shuttled off to the back of the line, right? Is that what they thought? Is that what this company THINKS is going to happen? I would like to hope not… but based on what I saw on Riot the other night… it’s like they want to sweep this under the rug and move on to someone else. No disrespect toward Kelsey Spencer… but if anyone should have that shot right now, it’s ME!
What happened at Down Under? Everyone knows that it’s wrong.
Everyone knows that I was screwed out of what would have been my sixth world championship and if they…. If APE… if MWE… if any wrestler in the back thinks that I’m just going to accept it and just move on, then they’re stuck on the Victoria from last year that would just stand here and eat shit. No, that Victoria is gone. If APE thinks that I’m going to be out of their hair… then they’re WRONG! Down Under wasn’t the end… no… it’s the beginning and I don’t give a damn about what I have to do to right this injustice, I don’t give a damn about who I have to go through to right this and to win that MWE World Championship but that’s exactly what I am going to do.
The Victoria that stood in this ring, in this city, took on Bethany Driver and lost that match would have just “accepted it”. She would have just let APE and this company walk all over her but sorry… I’m DONE letting people walk all over me and I’m not going to have it. For far too long, I focused far more about not ruffling feathers and not pissing anyone off more than my own career. For too long I’d been playing nice and guess what? That’s not going to happen anymore.
You’ve got recent title challenger losers… people like Melody Lennox… that just sit there and take it. You have people like that… that have their one shot and then they fade back into obscurity because they don’t show any passion whatsoever well guess what? I’m not Melody Lennox. I sure as hell am not Bethany Driver either. Unlike HER… I don’t take my fucking ball and go home whenever things don’t go my way. I went through hell in this company, more than any company I’ve ever wrestled for, more than anything that BITCH ever went through, I spent MONTHS bringing myself back from the brink… which is something that entitled bitch would know NOTHING about because instead of fighting through her “STRUGGLES”, you know what that bitch did?
She quit.
The mention of Bethany Driver and what she went through as it pertained to her further incenses her.
Victoria Salinas:
Unlike her, I’m no quitter. Unlike her, I’m not a one and done challenger that just mails it in, gives up and goes home. APE thinks that this is the end? No… this is the BEGINNING… because this whole chapter… this isn’t going to end their way. It’s going to end when I win that championship and as hard as it is for me to root for the piece of shit… I HOPE that Chris Constantine Jr. manages to hang onto that title long enough before I get my second chance… and I WILL get that second chance and I’ll raise all the hell necessary to do so… because as far as I’m concerned? I’m not going to the back of the line. I REFUSE to go to the back of the line and I’m going to do ALL that it takes to make that clear because at the end of the day, what Constantine proved?
Is that straight up?
One on one?
He can’t beat me.
He was going to rely on his buddies to do the dirty work for him… you know… before leadership grew some balls and prevented it from happening so what does the coward do? He goes with a plan B… which is to pay someone NOT affiliated with APE to do his fucking dirty work, right?
That’s what brings me to you, BROOKFORD…
Whatever helps you sleep at night, right? I get it. It’s not a personal thing. You never gave a flying fuck about me. You never cared for me one way or another… you still don’t. It’s nothing new. Even as far back as the GCW days, you never gave a damn about me. You think I’m going into this match tonight thinking that it’s a personal war between you and me? Sorry… it’s not. Maybe I shouldn’t be sorry considering that ‘business’ is what you’re after, right? You’ll still get much of my anger that I’m holding back. Hell, you may even get anger and emotion that I’ve been holding back for the better part of five years. I understand why you did what you did. It was all for a cheap paycheck. In fact, if it was me giving you that paycheck, you would have done the same thing to Constantine and I’d be world champion right now but no… that’s not me. That’s not a road I am ever walking down again. I don’t take the low road that APE does… sure as hell don’t take the low road you do. This? It’s a battle. It’s a stop along the road. It’s a chapter in the book. It’s an obstacle on my way to the world championship and that’s what you are to me.
My war isn’t with you, BROOKFORD… my war is with Chris Constantine Jr. and APE.
And if you want to call that “emotion”... if you want to see it as me “taking you lightly”... then you better get your head straight… because while my war isn’t with you… I’m going to treat you just like I would any of those bastards.
APE… you think you’re done with me.
You’re not…
Not until I right that injustice from Down Under and claim that MWE Championship! Consider tonight… a message!
Victoria slams down the microphone showcasing a little more of her anger before she leaves the ring clearly focused on getting one back in the war with APE that in her mind, had only started back at Down Under when she was screwed out of the MWE Championship by Brookford himself.
Triple Threat Match
Neal Durden VS Helena Noir VS Ashley WhitmoreThe match started with Helena taking the fight on both opponents, hitting a series of chops on Ashley and meeting Neal with some forearms to the jaw. Divided attention never play too well in the long run and soon Helena left her flank exposed to Whitmore who rocked her with an elbow to the temple. After sending Noir in the corner with and irish whip, Whitmore turned her attention on Durden who was only now getting up to his feet, taking him right back down with a roundhouse kick. She charged at the corner and jumped at Helena for a splash, but the tattooed woman caught her and slammed her down with an STO. Then she went at Neal, running at him with her arm extended for a clothesline but the Anarchist ducked it and caught her arms in a crucifix pin, obtaining only a two count. The first minutes set the pace for what has been a fast and furious match. Even Helena, who in recent times had switched to a more staid style, favoring a slower pace to wear the opponent down with her submission skills, tonight was going back to that acrobatic style of offense that characterized the first part of her career. This inevitably implied taking some risks, like when she went to the top rope for a moonsault on Neal but got pushed on the outside by Ashley instead. Whitmore then picked up the welsh and hit one of her kicking combinations, planting him on his head with a tornado ddt. She hooked the leg for a cover, but it would take a lot more than that to keep Durden down. Ashley kept the pressure on him obtaining another near fall off her diving bulldog, but only because Noir came back in the ring in time to make the save. Durden? He looked like he was a bit off his game tonight, perhaps the disappointment for coming once again so close to win single gold only to come up short in that Ultimate Submission match back at Down Under was creating some sort of psychological block he couldn’t overcome, and this was somehow holding him back. But eventually he found his footing and started building momentum with his exciting and innovative aerial offense. A superkick sent Noir over the top rope, leaving him in the ring alone with Ashley. He blocked her kick and countered with a dragon whip, following with a standing moonsault knee drop. Out of the corner of his eye, Neal spotted Helena slowly pulling herself up and he decided to dive through the ropes with a suicide dive that pushed the Revenant against the barricade. Back in the ring he went, ducking a clothesline attempt and flooring her with a springboard roundhouse kick. When Whitmore kicked out, he immediately picked her up and lifted her for a sitout double underhook powerbomb, but once again Helena was quick to break that up. The two engaged in a slugfest, hitting each other with everything they had left in the middle of the ring. Helena got the upper hand with a kick to the stomach that set Neal up for the Fade To Noir (cradle ddt into a guillotine choke), the submission that gave her so many wins in her career. Tonight though, a dazed Ashley Whitmore was there to break it, soon eating a Dalecarlian Horse for her troubles. Noir smiled, ready to pick up a win that she has been chasing for a while now. Unfortunately for her, Durden had other plans, hitting her with his Disaster Knee (ripcord jumping knee strike). Noir rolled out of the ring to avoid the pin, giving Neal the opportunity to hop on top of the turnbuckle and connect his Starlight (shooting star press) to pick up the win. WINNER: Neal Durden BY: Pinfall (Starlight), 10:10 |
Ambra Monroe: "At the end of a spectacular match, Neal is your winner."
Peyton Holland: "Exactly what he needed to get back on track after the disappointment of coming up short at the ppv."
Ambra Monroe: "Everything he accomplished to get that opportunity, from winning the ladder match at Big In Japan to beat the likes of Glory Braddock and Pinhead to get to that final, even choosing the stipulation.. Only to get pushed back to the end of the line. That must have been tough"
Peyton Holland: "He might be back to square one, but he surely started to climb back with the right foot."
In the empty, slightly eerie, arena Melissa Reeves walks out from backstage. There’s no posing, no playing, just her in a march to the ring. Once there, she takes a microphone and looks around the place.
Melissa Reeves:
Chicagooooo...how you all doing?
She gives a little smirk. There is, of course, no audience to reply.
Melissa Reeves:
Damn, so quiet. It’s like CCJ came out here.
She moves to lean against the ropes, focusing in on the camera.
Melissa Reeves:
Alright, but silly stuff aside I want to get to my point. Duke Andrews is an idiot. That’s both the single most truthful and least necessary thing I’ll say tonight. You know he is, I know he is...hell, he knows he is. So, suffice to say, it’s no surprise to anyone. Idiots, of course, do stupid things. Idiots tend to get themselves into tough situations.
She shrugs.
Melissa Reeves:
Tonight is one such situation for ol’ Dukey, because I have to face him. In truth I’m not relishing it, I’m not excited for it. Do you know why? It’s unnecessary. He’s part of that group, yes. He’s tried to hold me back, screw me over, yes. But you know what else? He’s just a lackey. He’s a pawn, a piece that holds little value in and of himself and is of little use to me.
A single finger raised, she pauses for a second.
Melissa Reeves:
But, he will serve one use. He’ll be an example to his goon boss, CCJ, of what’s coming for him. So while the poor bastard is about to get his ass whipped, I won’t be taking any enjoyment from it beyond knowing that CCJ will receive my message loud and clear. Nobody else in the entire world has a better claim to that MWE Title than I do and I will, rest assured, be back in the hunt for it.
She removes her jacket, slow, purposefully.
Melissa Reeves:
But first, Dukey. Bring me your best, son, it won’t be enough.
With that, she tosses the microphone down and turns to await his arrival.
Singles Match
Duke Andrews VS Melissa ReevesMelissa Reeves has an axe to grind with APE, that’s no secret. Ever since Constantine’s band of crooks costed her the title back at Big In Japan, the former MWE World Champion has promised that she will take them down, one by one. And while waiting for Hammerstein to come back, she had tonight the chance to get a taste of revenge on the former Lockdown Champion Duke Andrews. Forget technical feats or flipping stuff, the two went all out as soon as the bell rang, trading forearms to the face. Duke raised his knee to Mel’s stomach and pushed her against the ropes, bending forward for a back body drop. Reeves rolled on his back and landed behind him, taking him down with a russian leg sweep and following with a knee drop. Andrews rolled out of the ring to catch a break that Mel wasn’t willing to give him, hitting the ropes to jump on him with a somersault senton. The old fox was expecting it and caught her in mid air driving her back first on the apron with a nasty powerbomb. That devastating move on the outside gave him a clear advantage he exploited for several minutes, targeting Mel’s lower back with his Red Wing Stomps. Nothing fancy in Duke’s offense, he kept it simple and brutal alternating stiff kicks to all sort of backbreakers known to mankind. Feeling firmly in control, Andrews whipped the longest reigning MWE Champion against the ropes and went for a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, countered by The Reaver who, with what could be considered a magic trick, countered it with a ddt. For seven seconds, according to the referee’s count, the two were laying motionless on the mat, recovering from the fatigue of the battle. Andrews was up first, but when he went to pick up Melissa, she hit him with a couple of punches to the stomach. Once again they started trading blows, or at least Mel did as she overwhelmed Michigan’s Favorite Son with her knee strikes, forcing him in the corner. Not willing to play nice, she ignored the referee’s warning and instead whipped Andrews in the opposite corner to charge at him with the classic high knee/bulldog combination. A lot of near falls from both sides made the last part of the match a rollercoaster of emotions. Andrews saw the tough opponent kicking out from the Killshot, Mel couldn’t believe her eyes when the Epitome Of Perfection raised his shoulder in two to frustrate her cover following an awe inspiring Reaver Slam on the much bigger opponent. But she didn’t let this get to her head, using it actually as a drive to keep pushing, getting another two count after a frankensteiner. As Duke was using the ropes to pull himself up, Melissa grabbed him by the arm to drag him to the centre of the ring. He held onto the ropes, surprising her with a foot stomp that caused her to let go off his hand, which he used to poke her eyes before hitting her with a closed fist. The referee gave him a stern warning, but Andrews didn’t care about the match anymore. His goal was to give his opponent another taste of the American Pain Experience. He left the ring and grabbed a chair, slamming it across the former champion’s back, taking Mel down and keeping those shots coming. WINNER: Melissa Reeves BY: DQ, 9:56 |
Peyton Holland: "Fine, enough now Duke, you proved whatever point you wanted to prove.."
Ambra Monroe: "I don't think he's listening."
Duke kept hitting Melissa with a couple more chair shots before someone came rushing down the ramp. "Who the fuck are you?" Duke asked to the young man who was now standing in front of him, before the mysterious individual superkicked the chair in his face.
Peyton Holland: "That's Keelan Jayce, I remember him from his days in Inferno!"
Ambra Monroe: "The question is, what is he doing here?"
Peyton Holland: "For now, it looks like he saved Mel's ass.."
Ambra Monroe: "I don't think he's listening."
Duke kept hitting Melissa with a couple more chair shots before someone came rushing down the ramp. "Who the fuck are you?" Duke asked to the young man who was now standing in front of him, before the mysterious individual superkicked the chair in his face.
Peyton Holland: "That's Keelan Jayce, I remember him from his days in Inferno!"
Ambra Monroe: "The question is, what is he doing here?"
Peyton Holland: "For now, it looks like he saved Mel's ass.."
The scene opens up on the roof of the Millennium Arena at night panning around showing the entire roof until it arrives at the edge of one of the sides of the roof where Joey Leclair is seen standing on the edge staring out at the city as Aint No Grave by Hidden Citizens starts playing softly in the background as Joey steps back of the edge, and slowly turns around showing a smirk on his face when he fully faces the camera.
Joey Leclair:
At Down Under I did not lie, I played the perfect game, and I kept my promises, and filled the arena with the screams of Kenzie Garrett- Sometimes I could even feel the energy leaving her body as I left her nearly lifeless. Man, I'm telling you, that feeling for a heartless monster like me is the best feeling of Euphoria you can ever experience. But alas even though I wrestled the perfect match, and outsmarted Kenzie in every way imaginable? In a ladder match you can make no mistakes, and still one little window of chance can cost you the match. I am not going to complain, and instead I will say congratulations Kenzie Garrett you survived, but don’t get to comfortable Kenzie, because you can only run for so long until death catches up with you like a thief in the night.
Joey turns his head slightly to the sky as a raven flys by him.
Joey Leclair:
Which brings me to Anastasia Starling.
Joey pauses for a moment watching the raven fly out of view.
Joey Leclair:
When I first arrived in Millennium during the homecoming tour? I remember sitting in the locker room watching the show for the very first time, and then you came on my screen. From the moment you cut a promo to the first time I saw you wrestle? My first thought was "I like her". Don’t mistake my admiration for weakness, that admiration made you a target, someone I have to beat to establish a name for myself here in Millenium. I know very well that beating you won’t be easy! Hell you are one of the top talents so I know you won’t underestimate me, and I would be a fool to underestimate you.
Joey focuses his glaze on the camera with a serious look on his face.
Joey Leclair:
But make no mistake I cannot afford to lose to you here tonight so I am going to come after you with everything I have. I know you’r a highflier which I struggle against, but they don’t call me a prodigy for nothing, because you may dodge and counter all my moves for awhile, and you may awe the crowd with your spectacular offence, but eventually I will land a hit, and when I do? You will know true fear, and you will know that you will need to channel your dark side in order to have a chance of winning, and you will charge me with intent of hurting me, but at the end of the night I will be standing over your body while your laying on the matt unresponsive, because I have no choice, but to run through you tonight, and when you regain your sences? I want you to go to twitter, and change your twitter handle to @songbirdswalk, because tonight I rip your wings off, and you will fly no more.
Joey turns his back to the camera.
Joey Leclair:
After I destroy Anastasia? I am going to play very close attention to tonights Main Event.
Joey walks away standing on the edge of the roof once more as the scene fades to black.
The scene cuts to a close up of Millennium’s General Manager Elsa McCarthy. The young woman is smiling, reading something on the screen of her laptop inside her office. Yes, unlike her Riot counterpart, Miss van Beek’s Personal Assistant receives her guest in a well furnished room somewhere backstage in the Enterprise Arena. There’s a massive mahogany desk with a couple of chairs for talents who would seek an audience with her, a tv screen in front of a leather couch to follow the show in the most comfortable way, maybe even sipping a drink from the small cabinet.. And of course, a beautiful painting, oil on canvas, of the Diamond Princess Grace van Beek herself.
When she hears a light knock at her door, Elsa quickly hides the amused smile behind the usual stern and professional look.
Elsa McCarthy:
Yes, you may come in…
The door creaked upon, and in stepped the beautiful figure of Anastasia Starling, attired in the royal purple version of her ring gear, complete with her faux leather jacket accented by fake peacock feathers. The Pale Winged Passerine, who had silver and purple gemstones around those hypnotising greens and blues she had for eyes, turned to the door, putting up a hand as if for whoever was there not to follow, shaking her head. As she closed the door, she paced over to Elsa’s desk, keeping a short social distance as she greeted her with a curtsey instead of a handshake.
Anastasia Starling:
Ms. McCarthy…
Elsa McCarthy:
Ms. Starling… I’m surprised to see you here.
Elsa greeted the Cloud Gate Champion with a professional yet soft smile. Her expression quickly changed as she noticed that the security detail she had ruled to ensure her safety after the recent events wasn’t with her.
Elsa McCarthy:
Did something happen? Where’s your bodyguard? Oh God, I can’t believe it. Why is it so hard to find trusted security these days?
The General Manager picked up her phone, ready to contact the Head Of Security, longing for the days Ryen Riekert was in charge around here.
Anastasia Starling:
Ms. McCarthy…
But Elsa was busy getting ready to dial out to the security team, before Ana made her jolt slightly.
Anastasia Starling:
Elsa, stop!
She planted her Cloud Gate Championship, which had been proudly worn upon her shoulder, down hand on the mahogany table customised plates making a clanging sound against the wood.
Anastasia Starling:
They are outside… Some of them. A number of them I set away to look… elsewhere.
Elsa froze, staring at the Pale Winged Passerine.
Elsa McCarthy:
I… I don’t understand…
She shook her head, confused. Although, in all honesty, anyone who really knows Anastasia wouldn’t be too surprised.
Elsa McCarthy:
Ms. Starling, please. I cannot stress enough how important your safety is for our company. I know that the circumstances arisen with this pandemic may lead you to think that you have the situation under control but…
A pause, almost as if she was scared to complete her thought.
Elsa McCarthy:
Your father has proven to be… Very resourceful and creative when it comes to put his plans into motion. We can’t take any chance.
Anastasia Starling:
Careful what you say, Ms McCarthy.
She said, leaning over the desk slightly to make eye contact with the General Manager, speaking very softly, but with an added firmness to her sweet and soothing accent.
Anastasia Starling:
Comments like that on television could treat him to a field day of press reports.
She smiled, sweet but a little sad.
Anastasia Starling:
If you look at ‘official’ reports, it paints a very different picture, but more than I thought live in the bubbles they have climbed inside. And bubbles burst.
Starling sighed, gazing around the room, looking strangely disturbed as she gazed at the oil painting of Grace, the back to Elsa, seemingly fixating upon her forehead as her thumb drummed upon the desk.
Anastasia Starling:
But this protection, especially after what happened the last time I was in court for my father’s case… It doesn’t feel like protection. It feels like I’m trapped, caged. It’s… You have to understand that it is uncomfortable.
Another long moment of silence, in which Elsa tried to understand Anastasia’s point of view. Having lived close to Grace and her entourage for the past year and half, Elsa had grown accustomed to the presence of those black suits around her, and they always made her feel safe. Clearly, this wasn’t the case for the young woman sitting in front of her.
Elsa McCarthy:
I guess…
She said, not too convinced.
Elsa McCarthy:
I can tell them to be more discreet, to leave you a little more room. I’m sure that could be arranged.
Anastasia Starling:
I’m like a bird, Ms McCarthy, it’s not just what I am like in the wrestling ring. I need to fly. I need to have freedom, I need to soar through the sk--
She paused for a breath, shaking her head as she did so.
Anastasia Starling:
They are that close, I can’t breathe. Now, I know they are only following set instructions, but they are by my hotel door, they walk with me to the car for the show, they follow me around everywhere. I’m suffocating they are so close, and they are so many of them… And I know you have looked into ensuring this group are all background checked so we avoid what happened last time around.
There must have been a sore feeling for both of them with that incident, what with Elsa’s plans for keeping Starling protected from outside interference or worse going south, and for Ana being attacked by Gavin Grimes, the man she had an issue with for quite sometime.
Anastasia Starling:
But I may as well be a prisoner, locked and caged. I feel like a canary in a bird cage, being dragged down a coal mine, and I’m losing oxygen. Do you understand? I just need some breathing room.
Elsa McCarthy:
You… You want me to call them off?
Pure shock in her voice, Elsa kept looking at Ana, shaking her head vehemently.
Elsa McCarthy:
I… I don’t know if I can make this decision without consulting with miss van Beek. And she… She’s not here, she’s back in New York and I’m not even sure she’s watching. She told me she’ll be quite busy.
Not used to take decisions yet, and definitely none of this magnitude with the health and safety of one of the company’s top stars on the line, the young GM was starting to panic. Her fingers fumbling on the desk, looking for her mobile.
Anastasia Starling:
Ms… Elsa… I don’t mean completely. But they are practically acting like I am wearing them as clothing, I can feel their breath upon the back of my neck, and I can barely concentrate when it’s like that. And I’m competing tonight, and having them that close is going to be a distraction, and a distraction in this sport could be fatal. Them being so close could be more dangerous to me than someone trying to make the jump.
Starling tried to smile reassuringly, clearly sensing the uncertainty and unease of the interim General Manager.
Anastasia Starling:
Plus, I can assure you, I have my own eyes keeping watch.
Her gaze seemed to turn to just behind Elsa, but it wasn’t exactly clear why. Her words seemed to achieve the desired effect, calming down the brunette.
Elsa McCarthy:
Of course, not entirely.
She said, trying to regain her composure.
Elsa McCarthy:
I can do that, if that’s really what you want. But I’m asking you one last time to please reconsider…
She was interrupted by Anastasia making a low shrill call, as from out of nowhere, Alexa the raven flew in past Elsa’s head, landing upon Ana’s shoulder, perching herself upon it. Anastasia smiled at the bird, turning to see Elsa’s reaction. The General Manager gasped as she felt something passing close to her hair, barely holding back a scream as she realized it was Ana’s raven. She pushed back her chair though, hitting the wall behind her right under Grace’s painting, putting as much distance as physically possible between herself and Ana. Or rather, her bird.
Elsa McCarthy:
I’ll take over from here… You.. You can go now.
She was almost shaking, her ornithophobia became manifested after the last Riot episode.
Elsa McCarthy:
Thanks for your time, Anastasia.
Anastasia Starling:
That amount of distance is what I’m talking about.
She said with a slight smile, whispering to the bird as it then flew out of a nearby window, presumably the same way that it came in, easing Elsa as it went.
Anastasia Starling:
But what you felt then… That is how I feel about all this. Hope it brings some understanding, my apologies.
She made another curtsey, before slinging her belt over she shoulder, strutting off with a hypnotising shake towards to door, preparing herself for her big match with the Death Dealer.
Singles Match
Anastasia Starling VS Joey LeclairLeclair was waiting in the ring, ready to test himself against the Cloud Gate Champion. But Anastasia didn't walk out as her music hit. The reason became clear as the titantron showed that Gavin Grimes was able to get his hands on the Cloud Gate champion. Perhaps Ana was regretting the decision she took earlier that night now that Grimes launched her against the wall. Maybe asking for her security detail to be taken off didn't seem like a good idea now that the Captain was on top of her, hitting her with a sort of pipe he picked up from the floor, abandoned there by a forgetful stage hand. Luckily for Birdie, two members of security rushed to the scene and dragged Grimes away before he could seriously injure her. But the damage was done, and when Ana pulled herself up, she stumbled and fell back down on the floor. It was clear even before the doctor reached her that she was in no condition to continue. And yet, Ana said that she wanted to compete, against the physician (and everyone else's) advice. The discussion went on for almost a minute, with more people coming to the scene, including a visibly concerned Elsa. Eventually common-sense got the best of Ana and she, regretfully, accepted the fate and followed the doctor for further examination. WINNER: // BY: //, 0:00 |
Ambra Monroe: "How could Gavin go past security?"
Peyton Holland: "Anastasia asked to cut it, remember?"
Ambra Monroe: "She did, but I still find it odd he was able to strike pretty much unbothered."
Peyton Holland: "It's Gavin Grimes, quick thinking and exploiting weaknesses is what he built a career on."
Ambra Monroe: "I guess you're right."
Peyton Holland: "Anastasia asked to cut it, remember?"
Ambra Monroe: "She did, but I still find it odd he was able to strike pretty much unbothered."
Peyton Holland: "It's Gavin Grimes, quick thinking and exploiting weaknesses is what he built a career on."
Ambra Monroe: "I guess you're right."
In a rare sight, the owner of the MWE Grace van Beek decided to delight the fans with her presence. Not physically, of course. The Diamond Princess isn't one to risk walking out of her safe apartment at the 87th floor of the One57 skyscraper in New York. Regardless, even from the solitude of her self isolation in the lap of luxury, the young South African decided to appear on her show. This HAS to be something huge, right?
Grace van Beek:
I do not often intervene during the MWE shows.
She's not looking at the camera, rather offering it her best angle as she looks at the deserted city from her priviliged dominant spot over Mid-Town Manhattan.
Grace van Beek:
And that is mostly because, finally, I am utterly satisfied with the way the General Managers I appointed are running their respective shows. It takes a firm hand to steer the ship in the right direction, as well as a dose of instinct, vision and determination to chart the course and sail it. Both Mister Moretti and miss McCarthy possess these characteristics.
Finally, for the first time, Grace turns to the camera. The look on her face is dead serious.
Grace van Beek:
I am sure you can imagine my disappointment when I hear certain members of the roster complaining about their every decision, even those that do not concern them directly. Not even when they are granted what one would believe was their ultimate goal, a clear shot at the most coveted prize of the company... Not even then they are satisfied. I will never understand why you would say the things you said, Salinas. Why you would disagree with the people who deemed you worthy of competing for our World Championship. Perhaps, you thought that playing humble would have earned you sympathy amongst the fanbase. And perhaps, you actually did earn some supporters, who you unfailingly let down when you came up short against mister Constantine.
There's no inflection in her tone, her voice remains calm and determined.
Grace van Beek:
As if this was not enough, after you missed your opportunity, you had the audacity to publicly criticize mister Moretti's choice for a new contender. I shall not tell you how disrespectful that sounded to the Riot General Manager and to Kelsey Spencer.
And I shall not remind you that in no way you, or anyone else in either roster, have a say when it comes to that type of decision.
The camera closes up on her face, those cold blue eyes piercing through the screen.
Grace van Beek:
You do not call the shots in this company.
Elsa McCarthy does.
Vincent Moretti does.
Pause.
Grace van Beek:
I do.
And tonight, you will not face BROOKFORD as scheduled. Instead, your opponents will be two members of the group known as American Pain Experience. You will step in the ring with Redd Thunder and Alan Envy.
She let her announcement sink in for a few moments.
Grace van Beek:
In this company, we proud ourselves for giving everyone equal opportunities to shine, with no favoritism and no hinderings. The Management is not your enemy, unless you make it such. Let this be a lesson.
Grace turns once again away from the camera, adding one last thought before ordering it to cut to black
Grace van Beek:
Mister Brookford, do not worry. You will, of course, still be paid according to your contract.
Handicap Match
APE (REDD Thunder & Alan Envy) VS Victoria SalinasTo say that Victoria wasn’t happy with how things turned was the understatement of the year. She used this as fuel to try overcome the impossible odds, firing out of her corner and knocking Alan back with a jumping knee to the face. Unfortunately for her, it knocked him back in his corner, offering an easy tag to REDD. The big man stepped over the top rope, entering the ring where Salinas was waiting for him with a flurry of kicks to the legs. Thunder simply pushed her down to the mat, the Vainglorious rolled up and charged back it him. With ridiculous ease REDD launched her in the air and caught her for a pop up powerbomb, laying on top of her for the first near fall of the match. The big man was disposing of the opponent, manhandling her and tossing her around with some of his suplexes, obtaining another near fall with a bridging german suplex, the third of the series. Alan wanted a piece as well, asking and obtaining the tag from REDD. He entered the ring and hit Victoria with a series of chops to the chest, firing her in a neutral corner. He charged at her for a back elbow, but the Vainglorious sidestepped and quickly exploited the situation with a series of kicks to the chest. This was her unexpected opening and she was taking full advantage of it, taking down the Lonestar with a straightjacket neckbreaker slam. Salinas was showing a sense of urgency, knowing that there was no margin for error. And she made no mistakes, wearing down Alan with her strikes and knocking REDD off the apron with a dropkick, before going for a springboard busaiku knee on Envy. But simply it wasn’t enough, somehow the Texan managed to kick out before the three. Victoria charged at him, looking to connect her Vanity Breaker and hoping that REDD, who was now climbing back to the apron, wouldn’t make the save in time. But the Big Fat Lucha didn’t have to intervene at all, as Envy anticipated the opponent and pushed her up in the air for his pop up death valley driver. He could have gone for the pin, but tonight it was about sending a message for APE. He lifted her upside down in a stalling vertical suplex position and walked to his corner, where REDD took the tag. Envy “passed” Victoria over to the Thunder From Down Under who kept her a little more in that uncomfortable position before driving her all the way down with his Brute Force Algorithm, picking up the win. WINNER: APE BY: Pinfall (Brute Force Algorithm), 7:51 |
Peyton Holland: "It's over finally. In the only way this match could have ended."
Ambra Monroe: "Victoria put up a brave fight, but the numbers game got her in the end."
Peyton Holland: "REDD alone is literally twice her size and Envy is not a cruiserweight either. Not only they were two against one, they also had the size and strength advantage. Her heart alone was not enough for Salinas."
We open on a dual-screen image of MWE's very own Peyton Holland on the left side and a long-haired brunette male on the other, the words "RECORDED EARLIER" appearing in the bottom corner.
Peyton Holland:
Okay, I'm here with a special guest, the "Messiah of Metal" Dazz. Welcome!
Dazz:
Hey, thanks for having me.
Peyton Holland:
So, for the MWE fans who might not know, you've been a professional wrestler for 21 years and a musician for a little longer.
Dazz (interrupting):
Yeah but lets not run through my career highlights, that doesn't matter for this conversation.
Peyton Holland:
Right, though I will mention that you won Match of the Year for a contest you had against current MWE wrestler Glory Braddock.
A look of both surprise and amusement appears on his face, the "Messiah of Metal" chuckling in response.
Dazz:
I did but that was a long, long time ago.
Peyton Holland:
Right. Speaking of current MWE wrestlers, the world has been wanting to know since Down Under Night One...Are you the newest person to sign on the dotted line and work here?
Dazz:
And that right there is the million dollar question, Peyton. "Has Dazz signed with MWE?" Well, I can answer that by saying...Yes. But only short-term. I'd love to get inside a ring with CCJ, with Salinas, whoever on the Millenium or Riot rosters wants to step into the ring with me. Sadly, that won't be the case because I'll just be having one match against one jackass.
Peyton Holland:
Which brings me to my next question; Why were you at Down Under?
Dazz:
Okay, so I was in Chicago anyway to support my wife and a friend of ours asked if we wanted to help out local kids having a tough time in the current situation. Somehow, I was convinced to put on a squirrel costume and film some things and we happened to be at the Enterprise Arena. Next thing I know, this guy comes along and goes nuts when I ask if he's okay. Being in that costume, I couldn't defend myself and while I was advised to sue him and MWE, I chose to do things as both a man and as a professional wrestler. So I contacted Grace van Beek herself, we had a meeting with lawyers present and I signed a contract for just one match at NEXT PPV.
Peyton looks open-mouthed at the revelation, quickly composing herself while the news sinks in.
Peyton Holland:
You're of course talking about Raymond Reznik, who has made a reputation for himself here as a fighter. Do you have any thoughts about him at this time?
Dazz:
Sure, without hesitation. He's a talented fighter and a tough guy but I made a career on competing against guys like him. Ethan Andrews, Isaac Reynolds, the list goes on but I'll say this, Peyton. I won't overlook Raymond. Just because I've fought his kind before, doesn't mean I'll have an easy time. Hell, I know you have a busy time ahead of you and I'm not slacking, either. We both have a full workload of matches before our big dance but that just makes guys like us appreciate what we do just that little bit more, doesn't it? I hope you're watching, Raymond, because I want you to take a good look into my eyes. I'm not scared of you, just as you're not scared of me. This glint you see? I hope you get that same glint whenever you think about when the bell rings and we lock up for the first time, because I'll be in your territory.
He smirks towards the camera while Peyton on the other side of the screen simply nods and signs off.
Peyton Holland:
Thank you, Dazz, it's been insightful.
The image changes just slightly, as though a layer had fallen upon the screen, zooming out to reveal the image of Dazz and Peyton on a television placed upon a wooden cabinet in a backstage area. Raymond Reznik is stood watching the TV in his ring gear, arms folded across his chest and a broad grin across his features.
Raymond Reznik:
It sure has, Peyton. I'll see you at Dark Web II, "Messiah".
Chicago Way Championship Match
Falls Count Anywhere
Kenzie Garrett VS Raymond ReznikFalls Count Anywhere
Peyton Holland: “Ten days ago, Kenzie Garrett successfully defended her Chicago Way Championship in a TLC match against Joey Leclair and tonight she’s back in action against another formidable opponent in Raymond Reznik.” Ambra Monroe: “As they say, there’s no rest for the wicked.” Peyton Holland: “Both competitors have been in some intense matches at the PPV, let’s not forget Reznik was involved in the Lights Out match against Luna…” Ambra Monroe: “That will definitely be a factor in this match, that kind of matches take a lot out of someone. Just like this one will.” The bell rang and the champion immediately went for a dropkick, sending Reznik against the turnbuckle. The Soulknife charged with a double knees to the face, rolling backward and up to her feet hitting him with a back elbow this time. Taken off guard by this unexpectedly aggressive start Reznik was now laying against the corner, watching Kenzie as she started throwing chairs inside the ring. Never one to shy away from violence the Soulknife was ready to kick it up a notch already, taking one chair from the pile and setting it up right before Reznik. Taking a short run. Garrett stepped on the chair and used it to jump on Raymond with a forearm to the face, but the big man blocked her in mid air and dropped her back first on the edge of the chair. Peyton Holland: “Well, this backfired…” Raymond looked at the pile of chairs in the middle of the ring with a devious smirk on his face. He lifted Kenzie over his head in a gorilla press position and launched her back first on top of it. Arching her back in pain, Kenzie rolled under the bottom rope, trying to escape more punishment. Reznik chased her and was able to block her before she dropped on the floor outside, pulling her by the hair to pick her up and trying to drag her back in the ring. Kenzie fought back and stunned him with a kick to the head, watching him as he stumbled back to the centre of the ring. She jumped on the top rope, using it to springboard herself toward him with a meteora. Raymond surely got the worst out of it, but the landing on the pile of chairs wasn’t pleasant for Garrett either, especially for that left knee that seemed to have gotten hurt upon impact. Nonetheless, she managed to make the cover, obtaining the first near fall. Ambra Monroe: “They surely aren’t holding anything back tonight.” Peyton Holland: “If they keep this up, I don’t see this match lasting too long.” Not only they kept it up, but things got even worse once the fight took them outside. The first casualty was, no surprises, the commentators table. Reznik was laid on top of it after a spinning heel kick from Kenzie who then set up the ladder she previously rammed into his stomach. She started the climb, quickly reaching the top. Peyton Holland: “I guess we better get the hell out of here Ambra!” The two commentators had barely moved away when Kenzie jumped off the top of the ladder and twisted in mid air, landing back first on her opponent with a senton. The table collapsed under their weight, and from the debris, Garrett crawled on top of her opponent to make the cover, but the sacrifice only got a count of two. Ambra Monroe: “Close, but still not enough.” Peyton Holland: “Where is she going now?” The Chicago Way Champion grabbed a kendo stick under the ring and swung it down on him, leaving a red bruise on his back. Two more lashes left their mark on Reznik before he managed to roll away and avoid the following attempt. The cane broke in two, but Kenzie still found a use for it, trying to plant the half still in her possession in the opponent’s skull. Raymond blocked her hand, but despite him being stronger than the opponent, her position advantage was playing in her favore, the piece of wood dangerously closing in on the big man’s forehead. His survival instinct then kicked in, showing him a way out of that precarious position. All he had to do was to kick away her leg, causing her to lose balance and fall on the floor. He grabbed the broken stick and tossed it in the crowd… Well, on the empty seat where the fans were supposed to be. He then started raining down lefts and rights to her face seamlessly, leaving her no room to breathe. Ambra Monroe: “Apparently, Reznik doesn’t need any weapon. He IS the weapon.” Garrett somehow managed to push him away, stumbling to the barricade and falling over to the other side. Reznik was right behind her, chasing her up the empty rows of seats, clubbing her back in an attempt to stop her from running, receiving a mule kick from the Chicago Way champion. She took one of those paths to the backstage area, with Raymond always on her tracks. Kenzie grabbed a trash can, obviously empty, and threw it at him, but this only slowed down his march. And soon he reached her, tossing her against the wall and proceeding to kick her in the stomach several times. He then lifted her in a suplex position and dropped her down unceremoniously with a gordbuster, trying a pinning predicament that only earned him a two. Peyton Holland: “Remember guys. There’s no count out, no disqualifications and pinfalls or submission can happen anywhere in the Arena.” The two kept fighting in the hallways, with no care for the incolumity of the backstage workers. Reznik tossed Kenzie against one of them, and the champion used the same guy as a shield, hiding behind him to protect herself from the Ohio fighter. Shields can easily turn into weapons and this was the case when Kenzie, apologizing to the innocent man, pushed him against her opponent. The head bashing stunned Reznik and created an opening for the Soulknife who stepped on the wall and used it to propel herself to the opponent, hitting him with a knee to the temple. Ambra Monroe: “How is he still standing?” Peyton Holland: “I have no idea, but it looks like Kenzie is about to change that..” Kenzie unleashed a flurry of strikes before grabbing Raymond and launching him through a door that popped under his weight. He landed on the floor of the men’s restroom, but Kenzie didn’t seem to mind as she stepped in and kicked him in the face with a soccer kick. Peyton Holland: “I guess now I can scratch ‘moonsault in a toilet’ from the list of things I thought I’d never see.” The standing moonsault only gave Kenzie a count of two. She pulled her opponent back to his feet and followed with a kicking combination, trying to kick his head off with a roundhouse kick, ducked by Reznik. Coming off with a second wind, the challenger unleashed a flurry of furious of punches to the face and knees to the stomach, pushing her all the way back to one of the stalls. Another heavy punch, aiming straight to the face would have probably knocked the champion out, if she wasn’t quick to duck it. Raymond’s punch broke through the wood, leaving a hole on the door. Kenzie tried to roll him up with a schoolboy pin, but once again he kicked out in time, rolling back to his feet and turning off the lights for her with a knee to the face. He patiently waited for her to get up on her feet, looking to finish her with the Harsh Reality. Ambra Monroe: “What the…” The unmistakable sound of someone flushing the toilet came from one of the stalls, and a moment later the door opened. Peyton Holland: “That’s… That’s Dazz! I talked to him a few days ago and he said he was coming at Dark Web II...” Ambra Monroe: “I guess he decided to pay a visit to his old friend sooner.” Reznik looked like he saw a ghost, freezing at the sight of the Messiah Of Metal. It only lasted a few seconds, before he charged at the rival. The exchange between them was brutal, and it ended with the fresher man coming out on top, stringing together some stiff forearms before launching Reznik head first against the mirror. Peyton Holland: “Congrats, Raymond. You just won seven years of bad luck.” Ambra Monroe: “Somehow, that looks like the less of his problems right now.” Bleeding profusely from his head, Raymond was now an easy prey for Kenzie’s Grim Fandango. The champion made the cover to retain her title, but her eyes remained glued to the man who surely gave her a big hand tonight. WINNER: Kenzie Garrett (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (Grim Fandango), 15:08 |
Peyton Holland:
With one last turn of events in a hectic night Dazz decided to take revenge on Reznik and offered his bleeding head on a silver platter to Kenzie Garrett.
Ambra Monroe:
Something tells me Reznik won't be too happy when he wakes up.
Peyton Holland:
Not at all. I just realized that by costing him the match, Dazz just spat on a title opportunity. He already has a match against Reznik for Dark Web II, but he could have challenged him for the Chicago Way Championship...
Ambra Monroe:
I doubt he cares about the title. This seems quite personal.
Peyton Holland:
I know for a fact someone who cares about titles, one in particualar. Safe to say we will hear a lot from Victoria Salinas after the events that transpired tonight.
Ambra Monroe:
Absolutely. But even though miss van Beek's decision can definitely be considered a punishment, there's some logic behind her words.
Peyton Holland:
Anyway, our time is up, ladies and gentlemen. Don't forget to check Riot on Saturday, but make sure you come back here next Wednesday for the new episode of Millennium.
Ambra Monroe:
Good night, and stay safe.
With one last turn of events in a hectic night Dazz decided to take revenge on Reznik and offered his bleeding head on a silver platter to Kenzie Garrett.
Ambra Monroe:
Something tells me Reznik won't be too happy when he wakes up.
Peyton Holland:
Not at all. I just realized that by costing him the match, Dazz just spat on a title opportunity. He already has a match against Reznik for Dark Web II, but he could have challenged him for the Chicago Way Championship...
Ambra Monroe:
I doubt he cares about the title. This seems quite personal.
Peyton Holland:
I know for a fact someone who cares about titles, one in particualar. Safe to say we will hear a lot from Victoria Salinas after the events that transpired tonight.
Ambra Monroe:
Absolutely. But even though miss van Beek's decision can definitely be considered a punishment, there's some logic behind her words.
Peyton Holland:
Anyway, our time is up, ladies and gentlemen. Don't forget to check Riot on Saturday, but make sure you come back here next Wednesday for the new episode of Millennium.
Ambra Monroe:
Good night, and stay safe.