Post by gvb on Apr 16, 2020 17:18:59 GMT -6
Millennium LIX
Live from Enterprise Arena in Chicago, IL
Wednesday, April 15th, 2020
Just like last week, there's no pyros to open the show. Part of the limited costs politics the pandemic is imposing? It could be.. Anyway, right after the official theme song "When Legends Rise" by Godsmack fades out, we cut to the centre of the ring where Elsa McCarthy, looking stunning in that white dress is holding a microphone in her hand.
Elsa McCarthy:
Earlier this week, we held a very important meeting between myself, Vincent Moretti and miss van Beek.
She cuts straight to the point, wasting no time in formalities that would have sounded a bit odd in an empty arena.
Elsa McCarthy:
The topic of this conference call? Well, obviously we needed to address the situation regarding the MWE World Championship, and the next contender for it.
And while I completely understand Vincent's point and personally consider his pick an excellent candidate, I can't ignore that Victoria Salinas was robbed of her rightful opportunity.
She speaks calmly, but with determination. Unlike other times when she looked a bit awkward, uneasy in this role of command, the young General Manager tonight looked like she was filling those shoes just fine.
Elsa McCarthy:
"What happened last week was a one time deal that won't repeat until the behavior that prompted it will repeat." That's what miss van Beek, out of her incredible magnanimity, said about the events that unfolded last Wednesay. And she approved my motion.
I can't, and I don't want to overrule my Riot colleague. Like I said, he raised a few good points when he advocated for Kelsey Spencer as the next in line for the World Championship.. But this leads to this situation where we have two people gunning for the same title. We are currently evaluating a few options on how to proceed from here, from a double defense, one for each night, to a triple threat or a match between the two contenders to estabilish who will face Chris Constantine at Dark Web 2.
We will make sure to choose the most interesting and entertaining route for our fans.
She smiled at the camera.
Elsa McCarthy:
Thank you for your time and please, enjoy the show.
A large, black tour bus pulls up to the back entrance to the arena. The windows are tinted a dark shade and there are no markings on the outside of the bus. The air brakes hiss and the door sinks open to reveal the image of a man who’s large stature required him to move through the doorway sideways. The man known to many all over the world as The Thunder walks off of the bus and heads straight to the door. He passes interns, other wrestling talent, interviewers, and merchandise salespeople. He is seemingly ignoring everyone and everything. The camera crew struggles to keep up as The Thunder makes his way to the ring. There is no fanfare, no music, no pyro. The fans are confused themselves as the Big Fat Luchadore comes to the ring without so much as a mention or reason. He climbs into the ring and demands a microphone. Apparently, Chris Constantine paid the production guy, that would explain the standing ovation that welcomed REDD Thunder.
REDD Thunder:
Me gonna say what me need to say. Let me explain to y’all why all of y’all are stupid.
Everyone one of you watching at home is stupid. And everyone, with a few notable exceptions, in the back is stupid.
See....y’all got this idea that The Thunder is some big, dumb lug who cant think for me self or has to have someone else tell me what to do. Y’all....this is dumb. Me know exactly what me am doing, and me am gonna tell you all about it. See....The Thunder is growing tired and sick and pissy about trying to entertain people. Me come out here and deliver match after match, the best match on the card each and every night. And me happily do so because it is so easy to be the best wrassler here. Me happy to do it. But me am growing tired of you people telling me about “how bad a guy you are acting” or that “We miss the old Thunder, the happy one”
You miss the Thunder who was a laughing stock. You all laughed at me. You all pointed and laughed and tuned in each and every week to see “How much catering is he gonna eat this week” or “WOW I wonder how high that fat lard is gonna jump tonight for us”.
This fat lard ain’t jumping for no one anymore.
In fact, this fat lard is doing things his way.
The Thunder removes his mask, and most of the crowd is in shock as he throws it down
REDD Thunder:
You wanna know what me came to realize? Me realized that....there is no one in the back as strong as the Thunder. Sure, people think they might be, or they may be close. But no one, and me mean no one, comes close to matching me for power and strength.
Me also realized that me am one of, if not the toughest S.O.B. On the RIOT roster....and the Millennium roster. And probably on planet earth. Me also realized that, sure...the Thunder takes his losses here and there. But no one can ever say that its easy. The Thunder makes everyone work, and The Thunder proudly wears the target on my back. Everyone wants to come after the Bigg Redd Dogg.
Man I miss Dogs of War...
The fake crowd pops at the mention of the greatest professional wrestling stable anyone has ever witnessed. I wonder how CCJ will take this...
REDD Thunder:
Everyone wants to come after the Bigg Redd Dogg, because they think it means something. And belive me...it does. No one cares to go after some tiny scrawny jabroni or some skinny yet sexually charged thot in the ring. Becasue it don’t mean the same. But taking on The Thunder...that’s means something. That's special.
Me am a big deal.
He smiles into the camera
REDD Thunder:
Me also realized....me ain’t trying that hard.
Oh sure. Me love competing, me love wrasslin, and me love getting paid...that’s right jabronis, you stupid morons pay me to insult and destroy your favorite wrassler. But me digress. Me realized me ain’t trying that hard.
And that should scare the piss out of everyone.
Y’all can barely stop me now. And now me got the APE with me. Now me got Duke Andrews with me...and while we are two amazing wrasslers....we are gonna soon be an amazing tag team. Me haven’t been this excited about
Tag teaming with a dude since me met that one ring rat in Reno with the blue hair....
But for real yall....now that me actually am gonna try....its gonna be hell to pay. It’s gonna be like a tornado or a hurricane or an earthquake all rolled into one. It’s gonna be...
A disaster....
A Walking Disaster
You know what a disaster does? It destroys everything in its wake and ruins people’s lives. And this Walking Disaster....me am gonna make a living off of ruining people’s lives and destroying everything y'all love.
And the best part....much like a earthquake or a hurricane or a flood....ain’t a thing you can do about it. Me am just gonna come in, and ruin your day, ruin your plans, ruin your lives. Because me am The Thunder....and me am The Walking Disaster.
The thunder drops the microphone and rolls out of the ring, making his way backstage.
Tag Team Match
StripSearch VS The Steeles
After coming up short in their debut against the former MWE Tag Team Champions Jetpack, Zoe and Kiernan were back in the ring with another opportunity to prove themselves against the Steeles. Kate started off aggressively against Kiernan, forcing her against the corner and connecting with some knife edge chops. Grabbing her hand, the former Lockdown Champion whipped her in the opposite side of the ring but Santos countered it, sending Kate back first in the corner. Even though Teddy made the tag, Kiernan still charged at Kate and hit her with a body splash, getting hit in turn by a gamengiri from her husband. As she stumbled back to the centre of the ring, Teddy climbed to the top rope and dove to her with a clothesline, taking Kiernan down. Always the showboat, he kipped up and began swaying his hips in a provocative dance. Needless to say, Kiernan didn’t appreciate his moves and elbowed him right on the jaw, sending him spinning around, catching him in a waistlock and hitting a snap german suplex. Zoe was pawing, dying to get in the ring and show her skills. And Kiernan accomodated her, taking her place on the apron and watching as her partner ducked a clothesline from Teddy and took him down with a springboard crossbody, getting a near fall out of it. She kept a quick pace, trying to catch Steele off guard with moves like a back handspring cutter. But her desire to impress lead her to wanting to do too much, missing the 450 splash and crashing on the waiting canvas as Teddy rolled away and quickly tagged Kate back in. The former Lockdown Champion rushed in with a stiff kick to the ribs, causing Rian to roll in pain. Kate was showing a remarkable mean streak tonight, dropping several knee strikes to the side and ribs, as well as a number of abdominal stretches to inflict more pain to that area. The Steeles were now controlling the match, Kate made a tag and held Zoe in position for Teddy’s flurry of punches to the ribs, pursuing what clearly became their strategy to take down the rookie. The rapper lifted Zoe in a fireman’s carry position and dropped her side first on the top of the turnbuckle and insisted on the same spot with rib breaker, following with a pinfall attempt interrupted by Kiernan. Rian desperately tried a reaction, taking advantage of a slight drop of attention from Black Sexy Teddy that lowered his guard and allowed her to connect a series of forearms that rocked the man. She hit the ropes and planted him on his face with a wheelbarrow bulldog, finally getting the opening to reach the corner. Kiernan was back in and she asserted her dominance throwing Teddy around with a number of suplexes, a couple of which almost gave her the win. Strip Search’s first success in MWE was right behind the corner, and it came with the Serve & Dissect (11-41 knee to the face from Kiernan followed by Zoe’s Air Dance springboard shooting star press) with Rian making the cover while Santos kept Kate from breaking up the pin. WINNER: Strip Search BY: Pinfall (Serve & Dissect), 9:34 |
Millennium cuts to some pre-taped footage from last week that showcases how things really didn’t go right for Victoria Salinas at all… mainly the handicap match that she was thrown into out of nowhere when she was expecting to fight Brookfood and when obviously, that didn’t happen. The fact that this came on the heels of being screwed out of the MWE Championship just makes things a little bit worse for her. Once this footage from the handicap match fades, the pre-tape cuts to Victoria Salinas looking at this on a screen. She’s still in a bit of a glum mood, but she’s maintaining as strong of a resolve as possible as she begins to express her thoughts.
Victoria Salinas:
For anyone that has ever wondered why I had been so reserved prior to recently, it’s moments like that. Nobody likes being humiliated that way. My recent times where I’ve spoken out so brash wasn’t any different from the way I typically speak my mind and the way I would do so years ago. It’s humiliating moments like that… that had kept me quiet for so long. Those are the types of moments that made me crawl back into an old teenage year shell that I used to have and go into “hope and wait for the best” mode that I had been in for… wow… a long time. Last week stung, I’m not going to lie about that… but I know for a fact that last week wasn’t my most humiliating moment of my MWE career… and I especially know for a fact that last week wasn’t the most humiliating time of my wrestling career period…
It was this…
Victoria reveals a still image on a monitor of a group of herself and three other women.
Victoria Salinas:
It was joining up with three women beneath my level to start a “revolution” that fizzled out within months…
The image becomes a slideshow at this point with the next image of her being eliminated from a battle royal back in 2015 by a non-wrestler… albeit by underhanded tactics… but for Victoria this doesn’t make it much better.
Victoria Salinas:
It was that…
The next image is of Victoria helplessly hanging from a ladder while one of the women in the first picture scales the ladder and ends her 3rd world title reign.
Victoria Salinas:
It was having the worst of my five title reigns ended by a transitional champion… a one hit wonder…
The next image is of Victoria being stuffed in a crate by another wrestler in 2015 with a “Ship To Mexico” sticker slapped on it.
Victoria Salinas:
It’s that… the most humiliating moment I’ve ever had. Five years ago, I worked for a place named IWC and it was the worst experience I’ve ever had as a professional wrestler… from the “revolution” fading out… to my reputation being destroyed because I aligned myself with two nobodies and one of the biggest jokes in the company… to being called a “nobody”, a “parrot”... yeah, I took a lot of hazing and a lot of shit five years ago… that’s wrestling for you, I’m no idiot on that. Everyone takes it differently. Me, personally? Going through something so pride shattering? I slowly… very slowly… crawled back into that shell as the years went on until I left a company I considered home for years a couple of years back and it reached a point where my confidence was at an all time low…
It’s going through that humiliation that kept me quiet… that kept me in a state of “going through the motions”, holding myself back out of fear of ruffling feathers… and considering last week… it’s clear that I did ruffle feathers… and it cost me. So the question is… what do I do? What do I say? Do I just give in and accept things as they are? Do I just let APE run wild? Do I crawl back into my own shell and just go back to eating shit so I don’t ruffle any feathers? Do I go back to “waiting and hoping”? By the end of the night… you’ll have your answer. Right now… what I do know is… I overcame the worst experience I ever had in my career… and what I revealed to you? Maybe that’s what drove me to go as far as I have recently.
Victoria shuts off the monitor and walks away from the scene which ultimately results in the pre-taped footage fading to black.
Singles Match
YUKI VS EnforcerIn his second match in MWE The Enforcer looked to make a quick job out of the young japanese YUKI, manhandling the Little Kaiju with throws and suplexes. A rough start for the former NOW talent who was now picking herself up, stumbling in the middle of the ring. Relentlessly Enforcer charged at her at full speed for a devastating spear that left the young girl writhing in pain. He started stomping her to the ground, trying to crush her chest under his foot. Luckily YUKI managed to roll away quite soon, limiting the damage suffered and trying to find safety out on the apron. The Enforcer was in no mood to play, quickly grabbing YUKI by the hair and dragging her back to her feet, lifting her in a vertical suplex. Rather than dropping her down, he strutted around, showing off his strength. A first knee to the head, followed by a second and a third, until the Little Kaiju broke free. Enforcer look dazed, no matter how big you are, a flurry of knees to the head do that.. And YUKI took this chance to plant him on the canvas with a spike hurricanrana, making a first pinfall attempt that only earned her a count of one. As always YUKI showed a lot of heart to compensate the size and power disadvantage, and her agility more than her striking ability seemed to have shift the momentum of the match on her side. In a couple of occasions she took down the veteran with her stiff kicks, following with a springboard senton the first time and a 450 on the second to make the cover. In both cases, Enforcer powered out with authority, getting up to his feet more pissed than before. And as soon as he managed to catch the slippery japanese and violently dropping her on the mat with a spinning sideslam. Ground and pound he went, dropping lefts and rights so heavy on her face that it seemed like he was going to punch her through the ring. Once he was done, he deadlifted the 112 pounder without breaking a sweat right into a brainbuster, and despite being battered and bruised, YUKI still kicked out. Surprisingly enough, the young japanese had still enough left on her tank to make a come back and even coming close to the win with a double foot stomp. From the empty stands, a figure was seen approaching the ring and step over the barricade. Peyton recognized him as Vin Halstead, a former HHW World Champion. YUKI wasn't sure what to make of his presence, but her distraction costed her the match as The Enforcer was quick to plant him with the Death Penalty. WINNER: The Enforcer BY: Pinfall (Death Penalty), 7:19 |
Millennium cuts to cell phone video footage taking the audience inside the Los Angeles, California home of MWE Lockdown Champion, “The Rising Phoenix” Bobbi Jackson. She's sitting on the couch watching last week's episode of Millennium as she looks directly at the television and speaks.
Bobbi Jackson:
You know, it's funny. Even when I'm not there people aren't able to keep my name out of their mouths.
The Phoenix shakes her head a bit and looks over at her phone and smiles for the MWE faithful.
Bobbi Jackson:
But that's okay. I'm used to it. When you're a champion in this business there's always a target on your back. Whether you're present or not. Everybody wants a shot at the title. I get it...
Bobbi slightly shrugs as she leans back into the couch and looks up at the ceiling.
Bobbi Jackson:
But in this landscape, in the world we are living in right now. I question some people's priorities. Let's take West Long for example.
Bobbi leans her head to the side to face the camera again, her cheek still laying against the soft fabric of the couch she's resting on.
Bobbi Jackson:
I've seen your sub tweets directed to me. I've heard you run your mouth. It's clear what you're doing. I'm blonde, but I'm not stupid.
Bobbi places her hands on her knees and sits back up straight, looking at her phone with a serious look on her face.
Bobbi Jackson:
You're trying to make an example out of former Lockdown Champions. I get it, I see what you're doing. So far? You've been successful. Good for you!
Bobbi gives West a polite golf clap.
Bobbi Jackson:
Now don't get me wrong, I respect the fact that you're trying to earn your way to a shot at the championship, trying to go about things the right way. That's cool. I don't have an issue with that...
The blonde slightly huffs.
Bobbi Jackson:
What I DO have an issue with is the fact because you are defeating these former champions you automatically think that you're going to do the same to me. Like it's already some kind of foregone conclusion that because you can beat them, you're going to beat me. I need to drop a little dose of reality on you now...
Bobbi adjusts her seat on the couch and leans toward her cell phone, her expression stern.
Bobbi Jackson:
You started wrestling...THIS YEAR! The year 2020! A year that I think everyone can agree right now is probably one of the worst years we've had as a people over the last five decades. I've been doing this since 2004. I'm in the prime of my career right now. If you think you're gonna step into the Phoenix Cage and just bowl over me because you're built like a Greek god you have another thing coming! I have defeated bigger, I have defeated badder. In fact, I've done that in this calendar year. It's nothing new for me. So please West. Continue to rack up those wins. Continue to underestimate me. Because when the company decides that you're worthy of a shot at this title and they put you in the Phoenix Cage with me? I'm going to show you what this industry is all about! And West? You won't survive this Trial by Fire... But for now? Sincerely...?
The Phoenix clenches her fist a hint and huffs as she simply says...
Bobbi Jackson:
Good luck tonight, I'll be watching...
With that Bobbi reaches forward stops the video as the feed goes to static and Millennium returns to ringside for the next match up.
Singles Match
West Long VS LunaProbably the biggest challenge West Long had to face so far, another former Lockdown champion in Luna Smith. And the Warwolf approached it the right way, fearless although perfectly aware of how dangerous the Star Of The Night can be. Unlike the other times, he didn’t went all out since the opening bell, rather cautiously paced around her in circles. Luna tested the waters with some kicks to the legs, barely affecting the big man. Clearly intimidated by the size disadvantage and fearing the power of the big man, Luna stuck to a hit-and-run offense, focusing more on limiting the damage rather than inflicting it. Twice West was able to catch her with his dreadful punches, the first time clocking her back several steps, the second one flattening her and forcing the former champion to retreat outside. Long followed her there to bring her back in the ring, but doing so he played right in Luna’s hand. She started running around the ring, slid in always chased by the big man and out she went in the opposite side. West was deceptively fast, considering his size but he still had to give up something in terms of speed against the Star Of The Night. And soon she had put some distance between herself and the pursuer, enough to take him down as he was climbing on the apron with a suicide dive, leaving him laying on the outside. As the minutes passed, Long eventually managed to get Luna in the corner, and he was now hitting her with some stiff uppercuts, each one of them knocking the wind off her lungs. He biel tossed her all the way across the ring, but the Star Of The Night surprised everyone by landing on her feet and, when West charged at her, taking him down with a drop toe hold. Due to the closeness with the corner, the Warwolf landed face first against the lower turnbuckle. Lune tried to capitalize with a split legged moonsault, but once again West powered out. Her Krav Maga background combined with her natural speed was turning the match in her favor but, like it often happens when you face a much bigger opponent, one slight mistake and things change drastically. Granted, you can’t really say that Long catching her during the spin of her Starstorm was actually her mistake, but before she realized it, she was already flying across the ring with a fallaway slam. He pulled herself up, slowly, seeing a freight train coming her way and shoving her in the corner with a shoulder block. More tackles followed, aiming at her mid-section as she was resting against the corner, prelude to a belly to belly suplex that almost put her down for good. The Warwolf was now firmly in control, tossing Luna around like a rag doll, exactly what she had tried to avoid. Powerslams, body slams, backbreakers.. Luna went through some rough minutes and the end, coming with the Point Blank almost came like a relief. WINNER: West Long BY: Pinfall (Point Blank), 9:44 |
Elsa McCarthy is shown sitting behind a desk, pen in hand and concentrating on paperwork laid out in front of her. The office door being slammed shut makes Elsa visibly jump in fright, the pen dropping to the desk as Raymond Reznik steps closer. She looks up at him nervously, but with an authoritive tone.
Elsa McCarthy:
Can I help you?
Reznik smiles, playing with the leather gloves he's wearing and cutting an almost playful figure for one so terrifying.
Raymond Reznik:
You sure can, Ms. McCarthy. You saw what happened last week and so I'm here to ask you, politely, to give me another match for the Chicago Way championship.
Leaning back in her chair, Elsa seems less intimidated, crossing her legs and cupping both hands around her knee.
Elsa McCarthy:
I'd love to do that but I've booked you against Dazz at Dark Web II. He asked for it and I figured especially after last week, you'd want to take that out on him yourself.
A loud sigh is followed by Raymond removing his sunglasses, placing them into the pocket of his long leather coat and leaning forward onto the desk. His gaze fixes with Elsa's while his voice lowers.
Raymond Reznik:
I understand that but give me Dazz one night and Kenzie the next.
He stands upright again, an almost sarcastic expression on his face as he smirks.
Raymond Reznik:
Pretty please.
A few moments of silence pass while McCarthy sits in thought. However, an impatient Reznik breaks the silence by slamming both hands onto the desk, making the Millenium General Manager shudder in fright again, the door being heard opening and a security guard walking into view.
Security Guard:
Everything alright, ma'am?
He and Reznik stare at one another as Elsa responds to the question.
Elsa McCarthy:
I'm okay, thanks. I'll tell you what we'll do, Raymond. Your match with Dazz is going ahead but if you prove yourself tonight, maybe I'll give you another match on Night Two with Kenzie Garrett for the Chicago Way championship.
Raymond Reznik:
Prove myself?
Elsa McCarthy:
That's right.
Raymond Reznik:
Well...I guess you'll have to pay close attention but remember...Whatever happens is on you.
Reznik returns his sunglasses to the bridge of his nose, standing face to face with the security guard and smiling at him before sloping out of the office.
Singles Match
Neal Durden VS Joey LeclairIf this wasn’t the match of the night, it definitely came damn close. Neal’s success since joining MWE has seen ups and downs, but one constant in his performances, even when he came up short, is that he always delivered, confirming himself as one of the most entertaining and athletically gifted performers in the company. Tonight was no difference. Joey came out all guns ablazing, throwing quick punches and kicks at the welsh, even trying to nail him with an early Death Dealer elbow. The Anarchist dodged them, and most importantly dodged Joey’s trademark spinning elbow smash, sneaking behind him and nailing him with a reverse hurricanrana. As soon as Leclair got back up, Durden charged at him and hit a running arched big boot, knocking Joey back down and trying to put him away with his standing corkscrew moonsault. Surely, it was going to take a lot more that that to keep down someone like Joey, and Neal wasn’t one to hold back. Keeping a quick pace, playing on what notoriously has always been the Florida born Achilles’ heel, Neal hit Joey with a handspring back elbow, stunning him and eventually taking him down with a sling blade. If the first part of the match was definitely in Neal’s favor, things took a turn for the worst for him when he went for a diving crossbody and was met by the Death Dealer Elbow Smash from Joey. And now that he finally grounded the high flyer, Leclair could finally unleash all his fury with stiff closed fists that earned him a couple of warnings from the referee. He couldn’t care less, resting now Neal’s neck on the middle rope and pushing down with his knee to the back of the head. Another four count and another stern reprimand he quickly dismissed later and Joey was back on the attack, dropping Neal down with a german suplex. That suplex remained the only technical feat in a match where Joey opted for a hard hitting style, trying to take out Durden with another striking combination concluded with a bicycle kick that sent the Anarchist against the ropes, bouncing back into the spinning heel kick labelled C’est La Vie. Neal tried to avoid it, bending backward and watching Leclair’s foot passing inches away from his head, realizing how much of a close call this had been. Joey was off balance after the missed kick, and the Anarchist was quick to roll him on his shoulder and keep him down for the three. WINNER: Neal Durden BY: Pinfall (School Boy Pin), 13:20 |
Joey didn't take lightly the loss, flooring the Anarchist with a Death Dealer Elbow Smash to the back as he was celebrating. Leclair left the ring, coming back a moment later with a chair in hand, taking out his frustrations on Durden. Luckily for the Welsh, Helena Noir rushed down to the ring, kicking the chair off Joey's hands and forcing him to a strategic retreat. The last Liberty Champion offered her hand to a perplexed Neal, who eventually accepted allowing her to help him back to his feet. Neal was expecting an explanation, and so were the fans watching at home. Noir smiled, and then left the ring without saying a word.
Raymond Reznik is seen standing tall, sunglasses covering his eyes and long leather coat hanging upon his frame. Rather than the usual sickening smile, a serious expression is painted all over his face, no time for pleasantries. He speaks in as slow and methodical manner as he fights, with just as much menace lingering in his voice.
Raymond Reznik:
I get what you did, Dazz. You wanted to send me a message? Well, I got it, loud and clear. What I did to you at Down Under was nothing. You got in my way and, I admit, I over-reacted to what I thought was disrespect shown towards me. I'd just put my knee through Luna's face and was pretty high on the adrenaline. I won't apologize, though. No, an apology would be warranted if you hadn't followed up with what you did last week. See, what you did was to piss me off.
Calmly and methodically, Raymond removes the glasses to allow his bulging eyes to become visible.
Raymond Reznik:
You stuck your nose in my business without permission. You attacked me from behind like a coward and cost me a chance to become the Chicago Way champion, and for what? To show people that you still exist? To get a foot in the door at MWE? Heh. We know that last one isn't true, don't we..."Messiah"? You pissed me off and just like everybody else who pisses me off, I'm going to make you wish the thought hadn't even crossed your mind. And since you're too much of a coward, or a legend - whatever you prefer to affix to your name these days - to show up tonight and settle things man to man, I guess I'll have to allow the rage inside me to grow and to build until it consumes me. Trust me, Dazz...You'd be better facing me as I am right now than when I've had time to let the anger build, but we'll do things your way and see where that gets you.
Taking the time to pause, Reznik's features soften enough to appear slightly gleeful, his trademark grin creeping across his face once more while a finger reaches to tap at his temple.
Raymond Reznik:
But that gets me thinking. I have some pent-up aggression due to last week's unfinished business, and Elsa McCarthy wants me to "prove myself" before she gives me my rightful chance to fight Kenzie Garrett for the Chicago Way championship unimpeded by interference. I guess that means you get to experience it first-hand, huh, BROOKFORD? Granted, you've made quite the impression here in such a short time but I'd say that's thanks to you being involved with APE and their quest to keep Victoria Salinas from becoming champion.
Wait. You debuted here the same way that Dazz did, by stealing victory from the challenger in order to help the champion retain. A-ha, maybe the two of you aren't so different. Trust me, BROOKFORD, I'll treat you the same way I'll treat Dazz at Dark Web II; not as a stepping stone toward greater things because lets face it, I'm not one of those empty-headed "wrestlers" who do the bare minimum and put their opponents down in promos constantly. As you'll have seen, I take pride in being respectful to opponents until they show disrespect to me because I value the worth of the fight as it happens. I know you're a big, tough guy, BROOKFORD, and that's why I'm not reducing you as "just a lackey" as some in the industry might. I just want you to hit me with your hardest shot, and to be prepared for me to return the favor. I'm the Godzilla to your Kong and I can imagine a lot of people are interested in seeing how this fight will go.
However...Don't get distracted by APE's other plans, whatever they may be. Your focus is me, and me alone, just as you are mine. See, Elsa McCarthy is making me "prove" myself to be considered for another Chicago Way championship match and while both that and Dazz will be in my thoughts, those same thoughts are going to be situated right in the back of my head. You're not a stepping stone for me, BROOKFORD, you're the boulder that's blocking my path and - just like Sisyphus - I'll push as hard as I can until I've moved you aside. Unlike him, though, I won't fail at the last second and have to start over. I'm sure you can understand my little dilemma here, BROOKFORD. What I do to you out there is done with the utmost respect, but it has to come to pass for me to get my rightful shot at Kenzie Garrett, as well as my chance to get my hands on Dazz.
Reznik puts his sunglasses back onto his face, smiling towards the camera.
Raymond Reznik:
You'll live to fight another day, BROOKFORD. This is just business. And to Dazz, Kenzie and Elsa? Don't you dare touch that dial.
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.
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.
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.
The scene transitions to BROOKFORD backstage just finishing looking at the footage of his debut at Down Under Night 2. He has a smirk on his face.
BROOKFORD:
Actions speak louder than words don’t they? That right there is a small taste of how effective I am. When you call on me to do a job, the proof is in the pudding. Ask Annie Zellor, if you can find her, how I protected her ass in Underground when there was a national wide purge rule that allowed 24/7 access to her Bloodlust Championship. Ask Blake Mason. He hired me to deal with a student of Simon Lyman’s. Ran the smuck out the business. Ask Trenton Snow, who called on me more than once to clean up his messes.
Static fills the screen. The scene reopens with a sharply dressed man sitting behind a desk. A book shelf serves as the background.
Trenton Snow:
No one knows him better than me. BROOKFORD is the real deal. I personally scouted the man, brought him into the sport. Taught him everything he knows about doing what is best for his personal business. What I needed was a nasty bastard to ensure all my problems were solved. Boy, did BROOKFORD solve a ton of my problems. I can’t thank him enough. I am grateful to call him--
Static fills the screen.
Trenton Snow:
No one knows him better than me. BROOKFORD is the real deal. I personally scouted the man, brought him into the sport. Taught him everything he knows about doing what is best for his personal business. What I needed was a nasty bastard to ensure all my problems were solved. Boy, did BROOKFORD solve a ton of my problems. I can’t thank him enough. I am grateful to call him--
Static fills the screen.
The scene returns to BROOKFORD smirking.
BROOKFORD:
Thanks bud. I editted out the mushy crap about us being friends.Nothing personal of course.
BROOKFORD winks.
BROOKFORD:
Last week I didn’t get to have fun, I was let down, all the crap Victoria spoke; a small part of me was looking forward to seeing if she could back up everything she said. What happened was much better. Grace humiliated Victoria. Kinda jealous it wasn’t me. I wanted to do the same thing, hey, I still got paid for having the night off. Life is good.
But enough about Victoria. She wants to comitt suicide, that’s on her. Tonight I got some guy who has more than enough issues with Dazz. Could those issues spill over into Ryan and Ryan’s match? Of course. Anything is possible. I am not worried about that. I will indulge the public with the one question I keep seeing in my Twitter mentions. They ask, what if I lose? I’ve lost before. Not the end of the world. The reason why this question is interesting, I haven’t been pinned in over a full calendar year in Underground. If Ryan pins me in my debut match, what does that do for me? Does that give the MWE roster hope? Will the people on the Underground roster see me as vulnerable? It is interesting I agree. Can I keep the same level of success going in two companies at once especially with a championship match coming up at Underground’s next pay per view?
BROOKFORD strokes his chin.
BROOKFORD:
I’m not worried. Here’s why. People are always going to jump to their conclusions. They will always be prisoners of the moment. I have gone unpinned for over a full calendar year. No one is smart enough to take me seriously. One loss here will only amplify what they already feel. The opinions of others do not enter into my mind. I already got what I wanted from MWE. The salary in my contract is more than enough for me to sleep at night if Ryan somehow escapes with a win. I leveraged my streak in Underground for a bigger payday. Not gonna get paid any less if I lose. My job security is not in doubt. All the what if you lose what will people think questions would rattle some people. Not me. I got it made. So Ryan, forget about your problem will Dazz... I am one problem you need to worry about!.
BROOKFORD walks away as the scene fades to black.
Singles Match
Raymond Reznik VS BROOKFORDThere was one thing that was common between Reznik and BROOKFORD. They are both “simple men”. There’s not many things in this world they love more than a good fight. And they both found what they are looking for tonight in Chicago, in what marked the official debut of BROOKFORD in the green brand. And he surely made a great first impression, showing everyone why he went unpinned for a year in Underground. He surprised Reznik with a quick volley of strikes, quickly forcing him back against the ropes, where he weakened him with a series of chops before sending him to the opposite side of the ring with an irish whip. When Raymond rebounded back, his run was halted by a big boot to the face. The fighter from Canton, Ohio didn’t take long to shake off the cobwebs and fight back, answering punch for punch the Problem Solver in an intense exchange that surely would please the fans watching at home. Forearm after forearm, each one more stiff than the previous, each one taking a little bit more out of the opponent. But none of them was giving up a inch, standing their ground and keeping hitting one another in what had become a battle of pride. BROOKFORD’s last strike sent Reznik back a few steps, bouncing on the ropes. Raymond used the momentum to hit the big man with a heavy right hand that stunned the mercenary. Finally getting some room to maneuver Reznik hit him with a high knee to the face, but BROOKFORD still wasn’t going down. An impressive sitout spinebuster did the trick, but the big man still kicked out. As the match went on, the intensity didn’t dim down. The two competitors started trying to one-up each other, mirroring the opponent’s offense in a sort of “everything you can do, I can do better” kind of competition. And so they started, a sidewalk slam from BROOKFORD and one from Reznik, a German suplex by the self appointed next challenger for the Chicago Way Championship was answered by the same maneuver effortlessly performed by the Problem Solver. And so on, until Raymond caught BROOKFORD flush in the face with the Kneehlism (ripcord V-Trigger). The powerhouse was down, and it looked like his unpinned streak in MWE could be over before it even started. But he still kicked out, raising the shoulder before the three. He was dazed though, using the ropes and leaning against them, clutching his face and checking on his nose. And here came Reznik, hitting a cactus clothesline to knock the opponent and himself over the top rope. Raymond landed on the floor, while BROOKFORD hit the apron first and then fell on top of his opponent. The referee started to count them both out and they were quick to answer it, back on their feet at two. And immediately back on their ways, hammering one another at ringside. Steps, apron, barricades, ring post… There was no part of the surrounding environment that didn’t see either BROOKFORD or Reznik getting driven against. Not even the commentator’s table, crushed under Raymond’s weight after BROOKFORD put him through it with a powerbomb. He then tried to drag him to the ring, but he still fought back, reaching the Golden Purge winner with an elbow to the ribs and smashing his head on the apron. Before he could bring him back in the ring, the referee called for the bell, ending the match in a no contest due to the double count out. WINNER: // BY: Double Countout, 14:17 |
Enforcer and Vin Halsted are walking through the backstage area. Enforcer has cleaned up after his match and is in a silver three piece suit with a red tie and burgundy shoes.
Enforcer:
It’s very rare that you find people in this business to have your back for many years. So, when you are wrestling in one’s own backyard then you call and see what he is doing. I am sure the cretinous humanoids know that this man needs no introduction.
Vin Halsted:
When a home grown talent makes good then that talent gets treated to the royal treatment everywhere I go. This man right here called me and asked me what I have been up to. He then informed me of MWE and I told him I’m there because I am the greatest wrestler Chicago has ever produced. Just for the sake of winning the Chicago Way title so I can hang in the Hall of Halsted will be fantastic. As great as it will be to win the Chicago Way title we all know why I am here. Why do either of us sign on the dotted line and get into that ring. Money, clout, and World Championships. Enforcer told me he has his eyes on that Intercontinental title currently held by Megan Rydall. Which brings me to the MWE World Heavyweight title which is held my CCJ. Chris, you are a hell of a champion and it would be an awesome match to have two Chicago boys wrestling for the top prize in this business. I am very confident that you and I will be crossing paths for that belt you currently have in your possession.
Enforcer:
And while we are talking about World Championships. We don’t want to leave the BreeTee Committee out of the conversation because ladies Vin and myself have never been World Tag Team Champions together. Rest assured we will remedy that in MWE.
Enforcer and Vin walk towards the parking lot area.
Backstage at the Enterprise Arena in Chicago, Illinois we find the O’Brian siblings. The sister, raven haired beauty Sophie O’Brian, is dressed in her wrestling gear and appears to be deep in thought as she sits on a stool with a cup of coffee in her hand. Standing next to her is her much larger, far more powerful, and probably dumber brother Mark. Mark is dressed for a fight in denim jeans, black boots, and a white t-shirt with a black leather jacket. The look on his face tells the story of a man who wants to fight. While Mark is a man of action, it is Sophie who prefers to think things through…
Sophie O’Brian:
None of this makes any sense, Mark. It seems as if every single night I am set to compete, I end up attacked backstage...at least the two times I tried to fight Melody Lennox I was attacked. Melody’s match against that pathetic little Intercontinental Champion was even canceled because of an attack…
Sophie shakes her head.
Sophie O’Brian:
...it just doesn’t make sense.
Mark O’Brian:
It makes perfect sense ta me! Melody is responsible and ya should let me break her freaking neck!
The more sensible sibling turns and glares up at her brother.
Sophie O’Brian:
Calm down, dimwit.
Mark O’Brian:
Why?! It’s clear ta everyone out there but you who did this. It’s Lennox and ya should let me break her in half! Cause ya know I could!
Mark’s sister nods her head.
Sophie O’Brian:
Oh I know quite well what you are capable of, that is why I am saving that as an ace up my sleeve. Besides, you did cost her a match against Jenni Anderson on Riot. Isn’t that enough of a payback for you?
Mark O’Brian:
Not hardly! I wanna see blood! Besides, Jenni didn’t even pay me for the assist…
Sophie arches her brow out of curiosity.
Sophie O’Brian:
Pay you?
Mark O’Brian:
Y’know how she pays off people to win? Well she didn’t pay me shit!
Mark’s sister sighs as she stands up and gets in her brother’s face...or at least as close to in his face as she can considering he is bigger than her.
Sophie O’Brian:
Did you ask for payment? Did she ask you to help?
Mark O’Brian:
Uh...no?
Sophie smacks Mark in the back of his head
Sophie O’Brian:
Then silence you overgrown hippopotamus! If you want to break someone then follow me to the ring tonight. I’m facing Gavin Grimes and he already promised that street walking trash bag whore reject is going to be with him at ringside from now on. You should be there as well to ensure no interference from her or from this mystery person trying to attack me.
Mark O’Brian:
So ya want me to protect ya from Sarah’s interference and Melody’s interference? Got it.
Sophie O’Brian:
Sarah, yes. And if it is Melody involved in all of this, then yes, feel free to break her in half as well.
Mark snarls under his breath.
Mark O’Brian:
You’re the only one giving her the benefit of a doubt.
Sophie O’Brian:
I will readily admit that she is the most likely suspect. All evidence points to her. But something doesn’t feel right about this...any of this...this seems all too easy for it just to be her. There is something else afoot here, Mark, I am certain of it.
Mark O’Brian:
And if yer wrong?
Sophie O’Brian:
I’m never wrong. But if I am wrong, then you have my blessings to “break her in half” as you so eloquently put it. Tonight, however, I need to prepare for Gavin. Hopefully I can actually make it to the bloody ring this time.
Mark O’Brian:
Don’t ya worry, Sophie. If anyone wants to take ya out, they’ll have to get past me first!
Sophie smacks her brother in the back of his head.
Sophie O’Brian:
That isn’t difficult you overgrown baboon!
Sophie O’Brian storms off with her brother Mark in tow.
As the footage cut from a commercial for the as yet to be named supershow on the 9th of May, the camera picked up in an unexpected setting. Rather than ringside, or even in the locker room or hallways, it instead picked up in a lounge area. The room was Parisian themed, decorated with renaissance bird paintings and framed portraits of some of the most famous European names in the industry. Alongside them, there were various championship belts and trophies on display in an ornate glass cabinet, the shelves themselves stained glass in the patent of feathers, and upon those shelves were top level championship belts, such as the Phoenix Wrestling Rebirth and Rising Phoenix Titles, SSWA World Title and the GFC World Championship, as well as the coveted GFC Invitational Trophy, and the coveted CCP Queen of the Mountain trophy. As the camera panned around the room, it focused on a solitary figure, gently humming to themselves as they polished the blades on a pair of ice skates, their long and luscious curls hanging down to their shoulder. As their eyes gazed up, locking upon the screen, it was revealed that they were both different colours, one an emerald green, the other a brilliant aquamarine blue.
Anastasia Starling:
This...feels a little weird. Admittedly, the first thing I would normally be doing is apologising to the fans who can’t see me in attendance tonight, but due to strange times and tragic events, they sadly would not be able to see myself, or any of their favourites compete, and this might be the case for quite some time to come. But I at least can say, and many will join me in this sentiment, the sport isn’t going to vanish, temporarily or not, due to what is happening around the world. We are still here for you, and we are not going anywhere. This will not end us, and a united world together at this time, in spirit, is really what we need. Despite my mood, which is occasionally spoken about in a negative matter, my hope for something better still burns brightly… And I can only pray that fire in all of you burns too. Even if only a little flame.
As Anastasia spoke, she brushed back her curls, revealing quite a substantial bandage around her forehead, clearly there to cover up the wounds and bruises caused by Gavin Grimes with his attack on her prior to the last Millennium match, leaving her unable to compete in her anticipated match with the Death Dealer, Joey LeClair.
Anastasia Starling:
As you can see, and as you have heard, medical professionals wouldn’t clear me to compete tonight, as was the original intention for both myself and the company. Due to the nature of the attack on me, and a past history of head trauma, documented as you know, caution has not only been advised, but demanded. Seems getting bashed in the head as often as I have isn’t particularly good for my health, and I’ve been informed to avoid this at all given opportunities.
Starling gave a short smile, her cherry red lips curling up as she set down the skate, peering into the camera as she did so.
Anastasia Starling:
But let me say this, despite concerns of family and the few friends I still have, and some of the outcries of the New Bird Order… This is not keeping me down. Something like this will never keep me down. Ever. So while some are thinking, whispering, tweeting… A few pipe shots are a pipe dream if you think I am down, and out, and done, and gone. A message was sent, sure. But it’s a message that has tried to be forced, and one day a receipt will come that will echo out for a lifetime. Please remember, an entire mob could not keep me down, and while it was the words of one that pulled me back into this game, it’s the spirit of those who believe that keep me here.
Starling paused in her speech, taking a sip of chilled water from a nearby bottle, before removing the cardigan she was wearing, showing that underneath she was wearing a ‘Five Foot Death Kick’ t-shirt.
Anastasia Starling:
Keeping things simple, I need to make a reference to the conversation I had with Elsa McCarthy. Yes, the one where I requested breathing space with the outside security force that has been hired to keep watch over me. Now I’m not entirely sure where the miscommunication came from, but my requests were not granted in the way I intended. And why there has been a fallout, and some quite baffling comments by MWE employees, I will not hold blame with her and her instructions for what allowed Gavin Grimes to slip in and do what he did.
As Ana tapped on her shirt, there was a flapping in the background, the raven Alexa flying in from elsewhere, landing on their perch in the corner of the room by an array of pictures hanging from the wall, many of them of Ana alongside the interviewers and commentary team of the Underground. As Ana gazed upon them, she reached up to her throat, but halted herself, instead pointing towards the camera with a look of determination in her eyes.
Anastasia Starling:
There is something else happening in this industry, a different type of virus, a different type of venom that is spreading through this sport. Many of you can’t see it, fans, wrestlers, backstage staff or even management. Now I’m not saying I’m the all seeing, all believing, all knowing truth… Enough people speak about my supposed madness, and some comments are right. But I know what is going on… and I will stop this.
Starling leaned back, brushing away the ocean of magazines by her side as she got comfortable upon the L shaped sofa, as her French Bulldog leapt onto her lap. Ana smiled as she stroked his back, before peering up into the camera once more, signing off.
Anastasia Starling:
And if that means continuing this journey, and silencing a victim of this virus, whose symphony is quieter than even they believe themselves, then so be it… This will not keep me down, this will not knock me out… And Gavin Grimes, Papa’s Little Princess.... I’m going to open your eyes to the truth, open your eyes to what you have done and open your eyes to justice. Keep your eyes to the heavens… and watch me fly.
The footage suddenly went blurry, before a flash shot of a crimson red eye blazed upon the screen, the sound of a shrill call echoing in the background as the view suddenly switched to elsewhere.
Singles Match
Sophie O'Brian VS Gavin GrimesNobody attacked Sophie before the match, for a change. Something that couldn’t be taken for granted considering the bad luck she had in her last matches on Riot and the tendency showed by Gavin in the past couple of weeks. Anyway the match started and the Captain immediately showed no qualms in freely interpreting the rules, using every opening he could find to either blatantly blinding the opponent with eye pokings or straight up trying to choke her with the ropes. Most of his attempts went unnoticed as his wife and manager Sarah provided timely distractions to allow him to act unpunished. Despite Gavin’s shortcuts and cheap shots, it was a very close match, back and forth action that slightly leaned in Sophie’s favor after she caught Gavin’s springboard moonsault attempt with the Death Of Wisdom (variation of the codebreaker) It looked like Grimes could’ve kicked out in time but, just to be sure, his wife put his foot under the bottom rope and brought it to the referee’s attention. From that moment on, O’Brian kept control of the match, taking out Gavin’s most dangerous weapon, his speed, with a number of holds and submissions. Grimes tried to out-wrestle the Northern Irish, but despite his upscale ground game and having plenty of experience against technical wizards, he never really got away from her grasp, and this was infuriating him. The more his frustration grew, the easier became for Sophie to smoothly transition to a submission to the next, slowly wearing down the Cult Classic winner. She put particular attention on his right leg, eventually catching him in the grapevine ankle lock, right in the middle of the ring. Screaming in pain, Gavin tried to drag himself to the ropes, his easiest and possibly only form of salvation. Sarah was giving him strength, whispering words of encouragement that definitely played a role in pushing Grimes that extra mile and allowing him to finally break free. He wasn’t out of the woods yet though, that leg immediately becoming O’Brian’s target. A stiff kick swept him off his feet and Sophie immediately went tried to apply a figure four. Gavin fought back, resisting and catching her with a kick to the face, following with a rolling thunder clothesline that leveled the pupil of Glenn Braddock. Both competitors were showing the first signs of fatigue as this battle reached the 15 minutes mark. Grimes tried once again to speed up, hitting a tiger suplex that sent Sophie near the corner. The Belfast born sat down for a moment to recover, but there came the Chosen One at full speed to drive his shin into her face with a shining wizard. Every kick he threw drew a grimace of pain on his face, sign that O’Brian’s strategy was paying off. She noticed it and waited for her opportunity to catch him. The chance presented itself a minute later when Gavin went for the Sac-Town kick (superkick to the kneeling opponent). Sophie caught his feet and twisted the ankle, eliciting an agonizing scream from the former UnderWorld Champion. He was right in the middle of the ring, the ropes looking so far away this time. Desperate times call for desperate measures and the ever resourceful Californian hung on the referee’s shirt, yanking and sending him colliding against Sophie. The ref was down, Sophie was stunned. Grimes launched himself through the ropes to catch Mark off guard with a suicide dive, taking him down and clearing the coast for Sarah who entered the ring and hit Grimes with a spinning bicycle kick, very similar to the Our Lady Peace the MWE fans saw Anastasia Starling performing so many times. Gavin picked O’Brian up and planted her with The Crowning, shaking up the referee who, slowly, counted up to three. WINNER: Gavin Grimes BY: Pinfall (The Crowning), 18:33 |
Millennium returns from another break to catch A.P.E. Co-Founder Duke Andrews sitting on a production box in the back of the empty Enterprise Arena in Shitcago, Illinois. Wearing a light brown colored Carhartt baseball cap on his head, his white t-shirt inscribed with the State Seal of Michigan on one side, the other side of the chest reading “My Governor Is An Idiot” in a block navy font.
Duke Andrews:
See this week hasn’t been too pretty for the pretty one, yours truly. I’ve been dealing with issues back home. The same issues that we as a company, hell as an industry have to deal with on a nightly basis. No live shows. No house shows. No extra money lining my pockets. No merch money being made because you sheep watching at home are exactly there, at home. Now you see nationwide, hell world wide everyone has their opinion, and just like an asshole...or something like that.
Duke grabs the black athletic tape from next to him as he begins to wrap the tape around his left wrist.
Duke Andrews:
So not only do I have to worry about what’s going on at home, wherein my Bruce Jenner look-a-like governor is trying to force my ass to stay home. So get this, you realize if I wasn’t such a god damn upstanding honorable human, I would be sitting in my living room about 115 miles north east in Grand Rapids because that raging lunatic told me I can’t go anywhere. And now I can’t let you people down and not be here to face off with my Bigg Buddy Redd, against that whatever team of Melissa and…
Duke pauses as his rips the tape and smooths his left hand/wrist combo down as he shifts to his right.
Duke Andrews:
I still don’t know what his name is. Like I honestly...no fucking clue. But whatever. You two lovers get the opportunity to play house and tag together against the trained killers in Redd Thunder and Duke Andrews. Let me wish you well. Let me wish you all the best, just don’t take it personal when you’re being toe tagged and body bagged out of the arena tonight.
Duke smirks as he looks back up at the camera.
Duke Andrews:
And for you Simon McMillion, Christian McMillion….sons of the legendary Jeremy McMillion...lets save the history. Everyone in this business knows what I have done to you. I don’t know why you think that coming out tonight...let me telegraph how that’s going to go...you’re in the back. I’ve seen your ass already. You want payback because you feel that the business I dealt with last saturday was above and beyond. Now you’re panties are all in a twist. Remember what happened last time you got your panties twisted. Remember my knee driving through your skull?
Duke rips the tape and tosses the roll behind him, letting it bounce around off the road cart as he stands up. Showing off his new ring gear, the APE military style image on the right leg, and his name down the left side.
Duke Andrews:
That was when I liked you...That was when I cared about you. When I held your family in high regard. Now, you aint shit Christian. Stay out of my business, because I promise if you rear your ugly face tonight in my match, I’ll rearrange that thing for good.
Backstage the cameras are always rolling and this time they find none other than one of Millennium's newest recruits in Keelan Jayce. The young Aussie man is already dressed in his ring gear, as he’s making his way to the locker room area he’s stopped by an all too familiar figure in Melissa Reeves, he stops extending his hand for a moment and taking a step back before he laughs out.
Keelan Jayce:
There’s a thing about social distancing, 1.5 meters apart and all of that.
He measured obviously in a joking manner.
Keelan Jayce:
I mean I know that won’t matter much later, but i’d hate to ruin this budding romance before we’ve had the proper chance to at least get a second date. Ya know i’m talking about my foot... and your friend’s face.
There was a bit of a laugh let out before he actually closed the distance between himself and Mel giving her a quick hug and sharing in camaraderie.
Melissa Reeves:
Is that what this is, then? A budding romance? I know Cass said so, but now you’re at it too?
She gives a little giggle, partly teasing him but partly genuinely curious too.
Melissa Reeves:
Anyway, that’s for later. We’ve got a match to fight first, Duke and Redd.
Her eyes roll, just mentioning their names seems to either annoy or bore her.
Melissa Reeves:
APE, two dumb monkeys that are asking for a whipping. I assume you’re up to it…old man?
A laugh escaped him then.
Keelan Jayce:
I mean it sucks that you couldn’t find someone better, but I suppose i’m up for the task.
A jovial expression crossed his features then as he looked down touching his chin before glancing back in her direction.
Keelan Jayce:
Eh truly, i’m happy to get in the ring again, but getting to do so with you against a bunch of Apes, What more could a bloke ask for? I’ve always been a tad bit on the wild side as is. They claim to be the pain experience, I say let's see it!
The genuine excitement for sport is relevant across his features as she balls both fists up and stammers forward with a bit of a quip in his step.
Keelan Jayce:
Never exactly been one to step down from a challenge, and i’ve certainly never been one to not help a friend, so in a way this is about as good as a debut can get. Just hope you won’t be too disappointed.
He winked as he said this, knowing full well his confidence wasn’t simply for sport.
Melissa Reeves:
Good. I mean, they’re certainly a painful experience to be around, but that’s just because they’re a group of annoying idiots. But I’m confident in our abilities and I’m confident that we can do this. So confident that...let’s make a wager, yeah? Whichever of us gets the pin or submission tonight gets free drinks, courtesy of the other.
She shrugs and smiles.
Melissa Reeves:
At the proper social distance, of course.
He thought about it for a moment, as if he were actually truly thinking about it before smiling once more.
Keelan Jayce:
You’re on! Though at this rate, I already owe you about half my contract in tab. I suppose it just means we’ll be seeing a lot of one another even more then.
He grinned obviously not minding that one bit.
Keelan Jayce:
At either rate, it's going to be a bloody good time!
Melissa Reeves:
Good point. Probably for the best that it isn't actually about the drinks then, yeah? Plus I don't want to be an alcoholic anyway.
She laughs again.
Melissa Reeves:
But you're not awful company so maybe it's more about…
She doesn't expand on that point, simply deciding to gently brush by him before walking away with a smirk on her face with Keelan following behind her wondering exactly what it was she was about to say.
Tag Team Match
APE (Duke Andrews & REDD Thunder) VS Melissa Reeves & Keelan Jayce
Kaelan Jayce made his presence felt last week when he decided to help his friend and fellow Australian Melissa Reeves in her crusade against APE, saving the former MWE Champion from another beatdown by Constantine’s men. Tonight he stepped in the ring for the first time in years with the Reaver against Duke and REDD, two of the founding members of American Pain Experience. KJ showed some ring rust at first, comprehensible considering that his last match happened four years ago in Inferno Wrestling. And despite all the work he definitely put in to keep himself in shape, after a good start where he showed some unique combinations of martial art strikes and gymnastics movements, he got turned inside out from a wicked lariat by Duke, who had had enough of all that flipping and acrobatics. He immediately made the tag to his partner, dropping Keelan onto his knee with a backbreaker while the big man climbed to the top, flying off with an elbow drop. And there was the first pinfall attempt, with Jayce kicking out in two. APE surely had been working together in the past weeks, showing more chemistry than in their past experiences as a team. Quick tags allowed them to always keep a fresh man in the ring, contrary to what was happening for their opponents. KJ had a couple of opportunities to reach Mel, but once he was too slow and allowed Duke to stop him. The other one he had knocked REDD down for good with a spinning heel kick, but by the time he reached the corner, Mel was no longer there as Michigan’s Favorite Son pulled her off the apron and threw her against the barricade for good measure. Back to square one, the exhausted Aussie tried to fend off the Thunder, but he got caught with a spinning back fist and subsequently slammed down with a powerbomb. Luckily for him, Mel recovered in time to make the last minute save. Another tag for APE and now Duke was the one taking care of the debutant. It’s still not sure how but Keelan somehow found some energy to react, stunning the former Lockdown Champion with a jumping knee to the chin. And then he used his “tricking” to dodge several shots and hit the opponent with counter strikes, eventually creating the opening to make the tag. Finally the Reaver could enter the ring, hitting the Epitome Of Perfection with a spinning back elbow, continuing her run to REDD’s corner, kicking the big man off the apron. Duke came back charging, trying to club her from behind but Mel apparently had eyes in the back of the head, ducking his clothesline and quickly hitting him with a volley of strikes in the corner. Forearms, knees, kicks… Mel was a fury and she had no intentions of slowing down. She whipped him into the other corner, missing REDD making the blind tag as he climbed back on the apron. She charged at Duke with a jumping high knee, feeling REDD’s strong arms wrapping around her waist as he connected a high angle german suplex. The big man was going hard on the former champion, still clear in his mind the, according to him, lucky way she beat him in a title match months ago. His attacks were brutal and simple, straight up punches as the former champion was at the ropes. The referee convinced him to stop the onslaught threatening a disqualification and so REDD sent Mel against the ropes and up in the air for a pop up powerbomb. On her way down, Reeves countered ot with her Facial Deconstructor. The big man dropped flat on his back and the former champion made the cover. Duke reacted quicker than Keelan and managed to make the save, but the Aussie was onto him now, fighting him out of the ring. Mel climbed to the top rope to end things in style, ready to hit the Death From Above shooting star press. Out of nowhere, the unmistakable guitar riff of AC/DC’s anthem Highway To Hell blared in the empty arena. His hair were longer than the MWE fans remembered, his beard much thicker. But there was no mistake, the American Monster, the former Chicago Way Champion Hammerstein was back. He didn’t move from the stage, his appearance alone was enough of a distraction to Mel to give REDD time to take her down from the top rope into a vertical suplex position, walking to the centre of the ring before dropping her down with the Brute Force Algorithm. WINNER: APE BY: Pinfall (Brutal Force Algorithm), 17:19 |
Millennium cuts to ringside where Victoria Salinas is standing with a microphone in her hands. She’s soaking things in as her body language indicates that she’s going to be more muted than usual. Victoria is looking like someone that could very well just pack it in and just accept things as they are, no matter how much she may not like them. Looking down on the mat and taking a deep breath, she begins to express her thoughts.
Victoria Salinas:
I’ll start off by saying this. I don’t want a war with management. It was never my intention to start a war with them. My intention was simple. For months, while I’ve been here… prior to having my MWE Championship match… I had always felt like one of the most overlooked wrestlers on the roster… maybe even the most overlooked of them all. Maybe I shouldn’t have gone as far as I did… maybe I should’ve worded things better when it came to the title situation and Kelsey Spencer being granted a shot. But the truth is, I made the assumption that what happened at Down Under was suddenly going to be swept under the rug and forgotten. I assumed that things were going to go back to the way they were… you know… being left on the sidelines while all these wrestlers sign on the dotted line and get an instant title shot while I waited HOW long before I even got ONE opportunity?
And maybe it wasn’t anything personal… but things just built up. Maybe I did jump the gun. Maybe I should’ve had more confidence in leadership to do the right thing. I’ll own up to the fact that I should have handed certain things better. Considering the humiliation of last week… considering what’s happened before in my career… maybe I should just shut up… maybe I should just “let things happen”, maybe I should just “hope for the best”. I really don’t want a repeat of last week… the pride stinger that it was… maybe I SHOULD do that and just let last week be…
Victoria pauses and sighs.
Victoria Salinas:
PFFFFT!!! Yeah right!!!!!
Victoria has a laugh to herself, essentially blowing off the possibility of everything she just mentioned.
Victoria Salinas:
Yeah, my pride has been stung before… but you know what I do when that happens, I get the fuck up and I keep on fighting. Even with the WORST part of my career, I was still able to turn things around and make things happen. I’ve shown the same resolve MULTIPLE times here in MWE too! I got my revenge for the most embarrassing loss of my run here in Charlie Webster and you know what I did to that bitch? I got my revenge and I ran her out of this company and I’m DAMN PROUD OF IT because to HELL with letting ANYONE allow me to feel humiliated. To hell with ANYONE dictating how I carry myself! I KNOW who I am… and I’m not going to let Grace’s actions last week tell me otherwise. So no… I’m not starting a war with management. I’ll let them do their thing… but I’m going to do mine too!
The ONLY person in the world that gets to choose the direction of my life is ME! I meant what I said when I said that I was NOT going to allow anyone’s words or anyone’s actions dictate how I carry myself again like I had done for years… and I mean it! Brookford can have his little laugh and his stupid “I told you so moment” and as much as I don’t like the son of a bitch… there’s one thing he said that he did get right: this whole scenario with APE? I really am alone in all this. I know others have spoken out against them too, but the reason why they’ve got so much leeway is because those that speak about it… there’s no coalition there. Everyone fighting against them is too distracted with their own personal grudge that they don’t think about the bigger picture. The truth is? I really AM alone here… nothing new. I’ve always felt alone in this business, I’ve largely BEEN alone in this business, I can handle my own. And if that’s what I have to do? Then so be it!
Last week… the message was made clear that I am alone in dealing with this. I didn’t see anyone doing anything about the handicap match… but so be it.
If any of you want to join the bigger fight… by all means do so.
But me?
I’ll do what I have to do!
I’m not going to sit back and cry about last week… no, I’m going to keep fighting. I’m going to keep pushing and I don’t care who gets pissed off, I don’t care who can’t stand me… I’m going to get the job done because that’s what I do. This story does NOT end with being screwed out of the title at Down Under. This story does NOT end with APE running rampant. This story does NOT end with last week because I’m NOT going back to obscurity. I’m NOT going back to the way things were.
There’s only one way this story ends… and that’s with my sixth world championship so if all of you bastards in APE can’t stand that, then I’m standing RIGHT HERE! Come and get me!
Victoria maintains a look of anger as she looks toward the ramp.
Victoria Salinas:
Come on! Come and get me! No tricks! Just business!
Victoria looks around the building looking for any signs of APE… but of course… no response of any sort.
Victoria Salinas:
Figures. You want to do it on your terms. It doesn’t matter to me on WHOSE terms it’s done on… all that matters to me is that when the smoke settles and the dust clears… it’s all on MY terms!
A determined Victoria tosses aside the microphone before she leaves the ring. She shoves off the top half of the steel steps, revealing a lead pipe. She picks it up, walks up the ramp, still looking around for any sign of APE… to no avail. She again says “I’m standing right here! Come get me!” before she maintains her anger in her eyes, walking through the curtains and going to the back.
The scene cuts backstage as Chris is in a very heated argument with someone on the phone. Pacing back and forth in a hallway, Chris does his best not to toss his phone against a wall as he addresses the person on the other end of the phone.
Chris Constantine Junior:
Listen here you stupid intern. I don’t care how busy Grace is, you tell her that her top talent and Champion wants to talk to her right now. Alright? I’m not doing a three way fight for the MWE Title, and you can tell Grace that it ain’t happening. So have her tell the GMs of Riot and Millennium to choose one person, not two, not three, not ten, but one person to get their ass kicked by me. And if their egos can’t decide then I will and let me tell you something, I got my eye on a one legged midget wrestler in Mississippi that wrestles at a Bingo Hall that I believe deserves a title shot at yours truly. Did you get all that?......That’s yes Sir, Mr. Constantine Junior…..MWE Champion. I’ll be more than happy to relay all of that to…...hello? Hello? HELLO?!?!”
Chris pulls his phone away from his ear and notices that he was hanged up on. Grinding his teeth, Constantine slips his phone in his pocket and enters his locker room.
The show cuts backstage to the sight of none other than the newly signed Freddie Hjalmar. The Promised flashes a poised smirk, standing in front of a relatively nondescript backdrop.
Freddie Hjalmar:
This past year or so has been an interesting time for me. You see, being a second generation wrestler is a strange, testing journey. Whatever you do, or you say, you’re always used as a part of some unfair, backwards comparison to old men who don’t know when to hang them up because their ego won’t let them.
Freddie looks somewhat disgusted at the very premise, flicking aside a lock of his violet hair.
Freddie Hjalmar:
I’m villainised because I didn’t want to wait to be handed the reins. So I’m tearing it all down. Rebuilding my brand in my image - and no one is standing in my way. No family, no ego, no one. It’s mine, all mine. But as I’ve been dominating in the Underground that alone in simply not enough. I had to branch out. To spread my wings, as an egotistical little individual you’re all too familiar with would say. So I’m here, Millennium Wrestling.
He rests his scepter over his shoulder, clutching it with one hand whilst pointing down the camera lens with the other.
Freddie Hjalmar:
And when I look around? I’m not impressed. I’m actually a little disappointed. Is this what Grimes, Starling, Reeves, Durden and BROOKFORD waste their time with when they’re not being outshone by me?
The brash Canadian-Swede chuckles to himself, a dissatisfied shake of the head following.
Freddie Hjalmar:
Honestly, it makes sense, there’s not a whole lot up there with any of them. They had this whole place to themselves and I can’t see that they’ve done anything of note with it. Well now it’s too late, and it’s too damn bad for all of them. I’m not here for the competition, I’m not here for the money, and I’m damn sure not here for any of you people watching this - I’m here to etch my names in the annals. In a hundred years, when they whisper my name in reverence, they’ll say Freddie Hjalmar...and that’s where they stop.
His voice trails off to an almost silent, whisper. In awe of his own words.
Freddie Hjalmar:
There’s truly no other choice for any of you to make. When I come for your heads - kneel. I am The Promised.
Freddie reaches out with his scepter, pushing the camera off to the side before we cut elsewhere.
Freddie Hjalmar:
This past year or so has been an interesting time for me. You see, being a second generation wrestler is a strange, testing journey. Whatever you do, or you say, you’re always used as a part of some unfair, backwards comparison to old men who don’t know when to hang them up because their ego won’t let them.
Freddie looks somewhat disgusted at the very premise, flicking aside a lock of his violet hair.
Freddie Hjalmar:
I’m villainised because I didn’t want to wait to be handed the reins. So I’m tearing it all down. Rebuilding my brand in my image - and no one is standing in my way. No family, no ego, no one. It’s mine, all mine. But as I’ve been dominating in the Underground that alone in simply not enough. I had to branch out. To spread my wings, as an egotistical little individual you’re all too familiar with would say. So I’m here, Millennium Wrestling.
He rests his scepter over his shoulder, clutching it with one hand whilst pointing down the camera lens with the other.
Freddie Hjalmar:
And when I look around? I’m not impressed. I’m actually a little disappointed. Is this what Grimes, Starling, Reeves, Durden and BROOKFORD waste their time with when they’re not being outshone by me?
The brash Canadian-Swede chuckles to himself, a dissatisfied shake of the head following.
Freddie Hjalmar:
Honestly, it makes sense, there’s not a whole lot up there with any of them. They had this whole place to themselves and I can’t see that they’ve done anything of note with it. Well now it’s too late, and it’s too damn bad for all of them. I’m not here for the competition, I’m not here for the money, and I’m damn sure not here for any of you people watching this - I’m here to etch my names in the annals. In a hundred years, when they whisper my name in reverence, they’ll say Freddie Hjalmar...and that’s where they stop.
His voice trails off to an almost silent, whisper. In awe of his own words.
Freddie Hjalmar:
There’s truly no other choice for any of you to make. When I come for your heads - kneel. I am The Promised.
Freddie reaches out with his scepter, pushing the camera off to the side before we cut elsewhere.
Singles Match
Chris Constantine Junior VS Helena NoirPeyton Holland: “It’s not the first time these two meet. It was back right here in Chicago back in November, night one of Homecoming when CCJ beat the last Liberty Champion in a no count-out match.” Ambra Monroe: “A lot has changed since then, Constantine rose to the top of the company, capturing the MWE World Championship while Helena had countless ups and downs, failing to really make an impact on Millennium. Can this change tonight? A win here could skyrocket her in the title contention..” Peyton Holland: “It definitely would, with good peace of all the parts involved.” Helena was well aware of that, and determined to make the best out of this opportunity. She started off strong, swinging some stiff kicks that forced CCJ to an early retreat, backing down against the ropes. Helena immediately stopped and took a step back, inviting the champion to come fight her. He didn’t make her wait, swinging and missing with a punch and getting dropped on his knees by a kick to the back of the legs. Planting her knee to his spine, Helena applied a painful rear chinlock from which Chris got free hitting her with two elbows to the jaw after getting up to his feet. He whipped her against the ropes and got taken down with a sling blade by the former Liberty Champion who once again attacked the leg of the founding member of APE, trying to apply her excruciating stretch muffler. CCJ desperately trudged to the ropes, holding onto them while shooting a very concerned, almost scared look at the swede. Peyton Holland: “Constantine definitely remembers how it feels to be locked in the stretch muffler…” Ambra Monroe: “He almost tapped out to that move in their last match.” And Helena knew it as well, taunting him by showing him how close she was with the index and thumb held at short distance. The champion was back up to his feet, still holding on the ropes. Helena charged and he surprised her with a low bridge, heading back to the centre of the ring smiling at the camera and tapping his head with the index. Ambra Monroe: “If he was as smart as he claims, he would have noticed that Helena is still standing.” Almost as if she could read his mind, Helena saw that coming and landed on the apron, jumping on the top rope and accompanying Chris face down to the canvas with a springboard bulldog. She then began stomping his leg, around the knee area looking to weaken the spot to maximize the effects of the figure four she was about to apply. Another move Chris was quite familiar with, being his finishing maneuver. He fought back against it, furiously kicking the tattooed woman until she desisted. Peyton Holland: “It’s been mostly Helena so far, the champion seems to be in difficulty.” And he was aware, taking a break to reorganize the ideas. Or probably trying to luring Helena out of the ring, possibly exploiting the presence of his wife Olivia to distract the opponent and taking advantage. A trick Helena has seen so many times, and she didn’t buy in it. Instead, she sat on the middle rope, inviting the champion in. CCJ shook his head, entering the ring from the opposite side instead and charging at the challenger, who sent him hanging on that same rope she was sitting on with a drop toe hold, gaining some momentum with a run to the far side of the ring and hitting him with a knee to the back of the head. Ambra Monroe: “More likely, she has constantly been one step ahead of him.” Peyton Holland: “That’s fair to say. He probably underestimated Helena, and that could be big mistake.” Finally the champion turned the tides, taking advantage of a distraction provided by Olivia to gouge Helena’s eyes and taking her down with a neckbreaker slam. He went down next to her, grinding his forearm on her eyes, letting go and switching to a lateral press when the referee turned around. Helena kicked out in two, trying to get up despite her vision being undermined by Constantine’s attacks. She threw a couple of punches, missing widely and getting doubled over by a kick to the stomach by the MWE World Champion who then hammered her with a forearm to the back. Helena was down to her knees and hands, and CCJ kicked her hard on the ribs. Not once, but twice, with the second kick being so hard that it actually lifted her from the mat. Helena rolled on her back, clutching the bruised ribs. Moving slowly, feeling firmly in control, CCJ hit her with a few more stomps before standing over her, leaning down to punch her face. Ambra Monroe: “That’s brilliant, she caught him in a triangle choke!” Peyton Holland: “Never lower your guard against Noir..” Chris was in big troubles, starting to fade in the tight choke and desperately began to hit her with everything he had left, eventually breaking free. From a seated position, he crawled back toward the corner, trying to catch his breath. Helena charged and tried to kick his head off but Constantin ducked it and reached with his arm between the opponent’s legs, rolling her over with a schoolboy and sending her hitting the back of her head against the turnbuckle. He placed his foot against her throat and pushed, holding on the ropes to increase the pressure. The referee had to physically drag him away after counting up to four, waving the dq on his face as a serious option now. The champion pushed him aside, picking up Helena and hitting her with hard knife edge chops, hooking her arm and dropping her on her back with a hip toss and following with a leg drop. Peyton Holland: “Two and half! It’s going to take a lot more than this to keep down someone like Helena.” Ambra Monroe: “I think that smashing her face against the turnbuckle is a good start.” Ten times he drove her head against it before sitting her on the top rope, back turned to the middle of the ring. He climbed up to the second rope and drove her down with a back suplex, once again getting only a two. Helena fought back, getting a near fall out of an inverted stomp facebreaker after hitting the champion with a volley of kicks. CCJ pretended to be injured after that move, claiming that she chipped one of his teeth, ruining his million dollar smile. Helena didn’t care, but as she tried to pick him up, he once again hit her with an eye poke, flashing his, unsurprisingly perfect smile before planting her with the American Strong Piledriver. WINNER: Chris Constantine Junior BY: Pinfall (American Strong Piledriver), 17:31 |
Peyton Holland:
Constantine had to dig deep in his bag of tricks to beat Helena tonight. I don't think there's a single rule he hasn't broke tonight.
Ambra Monroe:
Silver lining, he didn't have his shrewdness of APEs running to the rescue.
Peyton Holland:
True, but I bet they were more than ready to come to the ring if this last attempt didn't work the way it did.
Ambra Monroe:
Quite possible. They surely keep showing an impressive unity of purpose. Which is something the opposition always lacked. Perhaps this explains why APE has been running wild ever since its formation.
Peyton Holland:
Strength in numbers.. Dean on Riot, Melissa Reeves or Victoria Salinas on Millennium.. They're all going up alone against APE, and they constantly get outnumbered. Sure, not Jayce is here, but they're still 2 against 5.
Ambra Monroe:
That's right, five now that Hammerstein is back. And he seems eager to finish business with the former MWE Champion.
Peyton Holland:
I hope you enjoyed the night, ladies and gentlemen. Millennium will be back next wednesday, always from Chicago, Illinois.
Ambra Monroe:
And don't forget to tune in this Saturday for Riot... Goodnight everyone.
Constantine had to dig deep in his bag of tricks to beat Helena tonight. I don't think there's a single rule he hasn't broke tonight.
Ambra Monroe:
Silver lining, he didn't have his shrewdness of APEs running to the rescue.
Peyton Holland:
True, but I bet they were more than ready to come to the ring if this last attempt didn't work the way it did.
Ambra Monroe:
Quite possible. They surely keep showing an impressive unity of purpose. Which is something the opposition always lacked. Perhaps this explains why APE has been running wild ever since its formation.
Peyton Holland:
Strength in numbers.. Dean on Riot, Melissa Reeves or Victoria Salinas on Millennium.. They're all going up alone against APE, and they constantly get outnumbered. Sure, not Jayce is here, but they're still 2 against 5.
Ambra Monroe:
That's right, five now that Hammerstein is back. And he seems eager to finish business with the former MWE Champion.
Peyton Holland:
I hope you enjoyed the night, ladies and gentlemen. Millennium will be back next wednesday, always from Chicago, Illinois.
Ambra Monroe:
And don't forget to tune in this Saturday for Riot... Goodnight everyone.