Post by gvb on Apr 20, 2020 4:13:14 GMT -6
Riot in Illinois III
Live from Enterprise Arena in Chicago, IL
Saturday, April 18th, 2020
The third episode of Riot from the empty Enterprise Arena opens to a shot of the commentator's table where Sir Figgles and Amy Maynard offer a quick rundown of tonight's card. Particularly interesting the two Invictus matches, with the champion Echo taking on Devin Hearst's right hand Andrew Wilkow and Pierce Manning, who won his debut match in the division against the champion herself, taking on Liv Mercer, who's still on the hunt for that title, the only one she's missing from becoming the first triple crown winner in the company history. "The Junior Heavyweight division is heating up as well", said Figgles, pointing out how Noris Cranley is not the only one who's looking to dethrone tKrissy Spencer. The Wild Card Kimberly Williams laid her eyes on the prize as well, and you can't really count Christina Lopez-Zdunich. But of course, the main point of interest is the main event and the situation surrounding the Riot Championship. Devin Hearst was pinned for the first time in months last saturday, and no controversy would change the fact. How will the champion react? Will he be able to work with Jenni Anderson? And what about Henri Black and Glory Braddock?
Sinister laughter can be heard in the dark recesses of the boiler room area. It seems empty abandoned but based upon the laughter alone we can tell that it is anything but. It isn’t long until “The Woman Scorned” Kimberly Williams steps into view from stage left. The redhead is dressed in torn denim jeans, black boots, and a black t-shirt with the word “Stabby” embroidered on the front in hot pink lettering.
Kimberly Williams:
Do you know who I am yet?
The redhead stops and turns to face the camera. Quickly she shakes her head.
Kimberly Williams:
No clue! Not yet, anyway!
She throws her head back and laughs nastily.
Kimberly Williams:
All you saw so far was another dime a dozen psychopath wanting to pick a fight. Someone even recently called me “another Harley Quinn rip off”. That would have hurt my feelings if I had any feelings to hurt. See, the old saying holds true with me; sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never ever hurt The Woman Scorned, because I have heard it all, and hell, I have felt it all, and there is absolutely no kind of pain, whether it be physical or emotional or mental, that can take me down!
She smirks.
Kimberly Williams:
I am here looking for a good fight, that’s why I’ve provoked Saki. That’s what I look forward to another good fight here tonight, this time with Tiny Des…
She waves playfully the camera.
Kimberly Williams:
…hi there, Des! Don’t disappoint me by bringing something less than your best, because I guarantee that you will be dancing with the cruelest, one of the most violent athletes in this sport today. And I am going to continue to run through the Riot Brand here on MWE, running through anyone who thinks that they can give me a good fight, and it continues with you.
Williams shakes her head.
Kimberly Williams:
It doesn’t end with you, though. I haven’t forgotten Saki and I hope Saki hasn’t forgotten me. And when I’m through with her…and you…I will run through the rest of the Riot roster. So this is me, Kimberly Williams, putting Riot on notice that pain and violence is coming your way in the form of The Woman Scorned.
Singles Match
Kimberly Williams VS Tiny DesKimberly Williams was back in a Riot ring after a “not-so-off” week off where she showed her natural predisposition at wreaking havoc attacking Saki and Krissy Spencer during their match and throwing her name in the hat for a Junior Heavyweight Championship shot. It was starting to get crowded there, with more than a few people looking to challenge the Wicked One. Including Tiny Des who, between a scuffle with Nina and the other, is trying to impress management enough to be considered for the shot. She started off strong, firing Kim against the ropes and kicking her face with a dropkick. Williams was right back on her feet and took her payback with a furious series of forearm strikes to the face, even adding some knee strikes in the mix and, why not? A headbutt as well. An onslaught only apparently… Forget that, it really was confusing and lacking a coherent strategy, but not for this any less effective. After finally knocking down Destiny with a floatover ddt, the Woman Scorned hooked the leg for the cover but Figgins kicked out in two. This was a good way to kick off the show, a fast paced contest that perfectly captured the spirit of the junior heavyweight division.. Tiny Des floored the pluri-decorated Williams, with the Leveler (counter leg lariat) interrupting the siege the Wild Card had forced her in for the past minutes. And hit by hit, she took it back, wearing down the opponent with quick and pinpoint kicks, leaving her dazed and charging at the corner, running up it and flipping backward to catch Kim in a reverse headlock and planting her on the mat with her Destiny Drop reverse ddt.. Williams kicked out of it and Des immediately begin punching her face from a mounting position. After that she went on a running senton frenzy, hitting four of them before the fifth got countered by Williams who raised her knees. Kimberly picked up her offense and whipped her in the corner, charging in with another dropkick to the face. With a snapmare, she sat Tiny Des on the canvas and kicked her in the face with her Morrigan’s Wrath (superkick). It wasn’t enough to beat the tenacious opponent, but it definitely did enough damage to allow her to hit the Shadowblade as soon as Tiny Des got back to her feet. WINNER: Kimberly Williams BY: Pinfall (Shadowblade), 7:14 |
Amy Maynard: "Another rough night for your sister."
Sir Figgles: "And this time she can't even blame Nina for that."
Amy Maynard: "She seems to miss that spark, that killer instinct..."
Sir Figgles: "She's a Figgins, that's in our DNA. Destiny just needs to unleash it. I thought she was getting there, but this is definitely a step back."
Sir Figgles: "And this time she can't even blame Nina for that."
Amy Maynard: "She seems to miss that spark, that killer instinct..."
Sir Figgles: "She's a Figgins, that's in our DNA. Destiny just needs to unleash it. I thought she was getting there, but this is definitely a step back."
Donovan Keane:
This is fucking bullshit…
Forget the happy-go-lucky and usually goofy version of Donovan Keane. The one half of Nightfall Rising was not in a good mood tonight, not by a long shot. Dressed in an Adidas tracksuit, the all-time classic black one with the three white stripes running down the sleeves and sides of pants, he was wearing a groove on the floor inside his girlfriend’s locker room, pacing back and forth nervously and cursing under his breath. Leia and her sister/agent Eloise were staring at him with a look of concern on their beautiful faces.
Donovan Keane:
The fuck is wrong with Moretti? Why did he book this crap?
As the camera panned around, Leia was stood there, dressed in all of her ring finery, the stunning Showgirl’s outfit but in Nightfall colours in tribute to her man and his best friend.
Leia LeBeau:
Donnie, sugar… I get that you’re still upset, but please calm down…
Donovan Keane:
Calm down? CALM DOWN?
He yelled, startling his girlfriend.
Donovan Keane:
How can you ask me to calm down, Leia? You see what he did to Jay…
The image of his best friend laying in a puddle of his own blood, beaten to a pulp was still persistent in Donnie’s mind. He brought his hands to his temples and started pressing the sides of his head with his fingers, rubbing in circles trying to push that hurtful memory back in the corner of his mind. Seeing this and understanding his pain and his concern, Leia walked toward him and wrapped her arms around her man.
Leia LeBeau:
What he did was vile. And cowardly.
Standing on her tiptoes, she spoke those words softly, slightly more than a whisper straight in his ear.
Leia LeBeau:
But he had to strike him from behind, he blindsided him. Tonight he won’t have this advantage, he’s stepping in the ring with The Show, face to face. And I promise he will get what he deserves. For you, for Jay.
She sounded convinced, and convincing. Determined and ready to get payback for what Miles did one week ago to her and Gallagher.
Donovan Keane:
You don’t understand…
He said shaking his head to the surprised Showgirl.
Donovan Keane:
He won’t even try to fight you, he doesn’t care. You’re walking into a slaughterhouse baby…
He pulled back from the embrace, but still held her hands in his.
Donovan Keane:
I can’t let you do this. You’re not going out there.
Leia LeBeau:
Donnie…
She tried to argue but he cut her off immediately, looking for support in her sister and agent.
Donovan Keane:
Eloise, please… Convince her…
The eldest of the three LeBeau sisters stared at him, without saying a word. Perhaps she was only now realizing that Donnie might have a point, that Asher could just attack her sister to send a message, whatever it may be, to the man he seemed to be targeting, her sister’s boyfriend.
Eloise LeBeau:
The match is booked, Donnie. I’m afraid there’s not much we can do now.
She said with sigh.
Eloise LeBeau:
But perhaps I could ask Mr Moretti to authorize your presence at ringside. I don’t think he would deny me, and you can keep a close eye on him.
Leia seemed to appreciate the idea, smiling at her sister.
Leia LeBeau
Yes please, that seems to be the best solution.
Once again she stood on her tiptoes, this time placing a soft kiss on Donnie’s lips.
Leia LeBeau:
See? Now you don’t have to worry anymore. I surely won’t, with you by my side.
Finally, for the first time, Donovan seemed to relax, even finding that smile he seemed to have lost in the past week.
Donovan Keane:
You’re right, we have nothing to worry about.
He then turned his attention to Eloise, who was already calling the General Manager.
Donovan Keane:
Put it down, Eloise. I’ll go to pay a visit to Vinny-man, there’s something else I want to ask him.
Leia’s agent did just like Donnie asked, interrupting the call. The member of Nightfall Rising gave another light kiss to the Showgirl before heading to the door.
Donovan Keane:
I got you, baby.
Smiling and winking at his girlfriend, Keane left the locker room.
We find ourselves at the backstage area and it is there where we are able to see the one and only Christina Zdunich. She doesn’t seem to be too pleased as she slowly shakes her head and keeps her eyes fixed directly into the lens of the camera.
Christina Zdunich:
Long behold it looks like this is what we have been waiting for and that’s me getting to step into the ring with the unstoppable Junior Heavyweight. At least that is what Norris Cranley will have you believe. Truth be told I have had a shot at the Junior Heavyweight championship and things didn’t necessarily go so well for me.
Christina shakes her with a disgusted expression on her face as she continues to speak.
Christina Zdunich:
I gave everything I had but it still wasn’t enough. I am tired of being used as the welcome mat for whoever wishes to come to this company. I demand I should be treated with the utmost of respect and I am going to do everything in my power to get back to that match. The chase has never been so much further away but don’t think I plan to just roll over and let Norris get the better of me.
Christina shakes his head.
Christina Zdunich:
He can ask me if it’s the best I got and he can claim whatever he wishes but I am a veteran of this sport. I have been doing this for a while and through hell or high water I will find my way back into the grand scheme of things. Anyway I will save my feelings for what I actually do in the ring. I’ll see you out there.
With that Christina angrily storms away as we go to elsewhere.
Singles Match
Norris Cranley VS Christina LopezChristina Lopez was the first to strike, hitting a dropkick off the opening bell. She couldn’t give continuity to her offense though as Cranley quickly took control, springboard stunner. He wasted no time, picking up the opponent and hitting her with a flurry of strikes. Two forearms to the face, a right kick to the leg followed by a left one, a back elbow to the jaw and finally a roundhouse kick that took Lopez down. Turning his back to her, he jumped for a standing moonsault putting the proverbial icing on the cake, but the multi-time champion raised her shoulder in time. Noris tried to end this quickly, going for an early Reset attempt but Christina blocked the ace crusher attempt and pushed him away. The rookie turned on his heels and charged, eating a calf kick by Rose. Christina went for her Smell The Roses handspring standing moonsault but she only got a two count from it. The Junior Heavyweight title had become quite an obsession for the Blossoming Rose, and being the first one to stop the Unstoppable would have looked good on her resume to stake her claim for another shot. She looked in great shape, tossing Cranley around with a series of armdrags that left Cranley a bit dizzy. She insisted, throwing wild punches at his face stunning him so that she could then go for the Flashing Lights. But he ducked the roundhouse kick, jumping and driving his knee to Lopez’ chin that sent her a few steps back. He followed up with an irish whip and caught her with a flapjack, dropping her on the top rope.Bouncing back to her feet, Christina stumbled right into a superkick from the Unstoppable, who once again got real close to the win. As the match drew to a close, both competitors were going all out. Christina went for the Mega Buster, missing the target as Cranley rolled away. Not even a minute later and it was Florida kid’s turn to go high-risk with his Sunrise Shooting Star, obtaining the same result, landing flat on his chest. Lopez rolled him up with a magistral cradle, from which the young kid barely kicked out. Christina went for another Flashing Lights roundhouse kick, once again ducked by Noris who hit his Reset out of nowhere, obtaining his third win in the company and keeping the L column empty. WINNER: Noris Cranley BY: Pinfall (Reset), 8:51 |
Amy Maynard: "Another win for the Unstoppable, who's certainly living up his name."
The match itself was amazing and the young rookie of Riot had proven why he has named himself to be the Unstoppable Junior Heavyweight. The fans have witnessed Noris Cranley transition his two-winning streak into a three-match winning streak after defeating Christina Lopez, his most challenging competitor during his up and coming chance to being Junior Heavyweight Champion. The audience has witnessed his determination to defeat anyone in his path during his rampant greed to be a champion of the Riot brand.
However, there is a shift in the environment. Noris’ usual post-match celebration has been canceled the moment he demanded a microphone. On cue, his entrance music has been dialed down to silence to allow the audience at home to hear what he has to say. Many are confused as to why the young junior heavyweight isn’t in his usual jovial mood but his look into the camera was a sign he had to vent. Heavy breaths were sounded off into the microphone before he spoke with a vengeance.
Noris Cranley:
Week after week, I step into this ring with one goal on my mind. Time and time, I have to put that goal aside to settle being on par with low tier competitors because the Riot management wants to milk the marketing persona of the “Unstoppable Junior Heavyweight”. What did they do? My debut was against Tiny Des, my last match was against Nina. They decided to use me as cannon fodder to help support the undesirable and irrelevant story of two sisters who couldn’t get to be the Disney version of Tia and Tamera?!
Noris strut around the ring rolling his eyes at the mere mention of the past two weeks. He returned to the center of the ring to continue his speech.
Noris Cranley:
But I decided it would be best to keep my mouth shut until I defeated someone with some caliber. Christina Lopez-Zdunich was the perfect moment to speak because she’s just like the rest who doesn’t know what true determination, humility and unexplained immortal potential look like. Who can see what I can see in this division? No one. No one on the Riot brand knows what the Junior Heavyweights are capable of because of the simple fact there has been no one able to carry that mantle.
Millennium Wrestling Enterprise introduced the Junior Heavyweights and with all due respect, the entire division is treated like crap but whose fault is that? It isn’t yours, MWE Universe. It’s the lack of formidable talent in the division itself. There haven’t been any breakout stars or draws that have captured your eyes, attention, and hearts. Not until I stepped in with confidence and brash brutality of my words to get everyone rattled. This woman who has to walk with her head hanging down had her chance at Kristina Spencer and she failed to play the happy-go-lucky card.
Here’s where I’ll make waves. I don’t give a flying damn about being the respectful competitor when MY division is being held captive by a quiet, boring, pathetic, and lazy champion known as Kristina Spencer!
Noris has made his point to be heard across the empty Enterprise Arena. The fans at home certainly were now more intrigued as the boy went on about his true intentions. He stood before the ropes and leaned onto them with every intention to eye the champion down who he felt was watching from the backstage area. After all, Kristina always loved the attention.
Noris Cranley:
KRISTINA SPENCER!!! You can bring your little plaything, Veronica Chandler, and you can parade around you managed to steal the Junior Heavyweight Championship from under Cheesecake’s nose with your words that meant nothing. You’ve done absolutely nothing with the championship you have other than hold it hostage for your magazine covers, photoshoots, and your terribly angled social media pictures. Do you want to be the champion? The champion of my division that I’m willing to be the face of? Well, let’s see you back up all the talk because that’s all you do, you simply talk!
Kristina. I speak for everyone in Chicago and all the Riot fans around the world when I say that I think it’s time for things to change. You are the most worthless talent to ever hold that belt that has my own name waiting to be engraved on the golden plates. Kristina Spencer, I’m challenging you for the Millennium Wrestling Entertainment Junior Heavyweight Championship!
Try talking your way out of this one, BITCH!
Noris threw the microphone down and climbed up on the second rope of an unoccupied corner to receive praise from the audience who he had won over for his challenge to Kristina Spencer. The Unstoppable Junior Heavyweight had laid down the foundation to set up what could be the most talked-about match in the division’s history. His purpose, his goals, and his confidence were the driving factors to knowing he could do it. Question is, will Kristina Spencer accept and seal her fate?
The match itself was amazing and the young rookie of Riot had proven why he has named himself to be the Unstoppable Junior Heavyweight. The fans have witnessed Noris Cranley transition his two-winning streak into a three-match winning streak after defeating Christina Lopez, his most challenging competitor during his up and coming chance to being Junior Heavyweight Champion. The audience has witnessed his determination to defeat anyone in his path during his rampant greed to be a champion of the Riot brand.
However, there is a shift in the environment. Noris’ usual post-match celebration has been canceled the moment he demanded a microphone. On cue, his entrance music has been dialed down to silence to allow the audience at home to hear what he has to say. Many are confused as to why the young junior heavyweight isn’t in his usual jovial mood but his look into the camera was a sign he had to vent. Heavy breaths were sounded off into the microphone before he spoke with a vengeance.
Noris Cranley:
Week after week, I step into this ring with one goal on my mind. Time and time, I have to put that goal aside to settle being on par with low tier competitors because the Riot management wants to milk the marketing persona of the “Unstoppable Junior Heavyweight”. What did they do? My debut was against Tiny Des, my last match was against Nina. They decided to use me as cannon fodder to help support the undesirable and irrelevant story of two sisters who couldn’t get to be the Disney version of Tia and Tamera?!
Noris strut around the ring rolling his eyes at the mere mention of the past two weeks. He returned to the center of the ring to continue his speech.
Noris Cranley:
But I decided it would be best to keep my mouth shut until I defeated someone with some caliber. Christina Lopez-Zdunich was the perfect moment to speak because she’s just like the rest who doesn’t know what true determination, humility and unexplained immortal potential look like. Who can see what I can see in this division? No one. No one on the Riot brand knows what the Junior Heavyweights are capable of because of the simple fact there has been no one able to carry that mantle.
Millennium Wrestling Enterprise introduced the Junior Heavyweights and with all due respect, the entire division is treated like crap but whose fault is that? It isn’t yours, MWE Universe. It’s the lack of formidable talent in the division itself. There haven’t been any breakout stars or draws that have captured your eyes, attention, and hearts. Not until I stepped in with confidence and brash brutality of my words to get everyone rattled. This woman who has to walk with her head hanging down had her chance at Kristina Spencer and she failed to play the happy-go-lucky card.
Here’s where I’ll make waves. I don’t give a flying damn about being the respectful competitor when MY division is being held captive by a quiet, boring, pathetic, and lazy champion known as Kristina Spencer!
Noris has made his point to be heard across the empty Enterprise Arena. The fans at home certainly were now more intrigued as the boy went on about his true intentions. He stood before the ropes and leaned onto them with every intention to eye the champion down who he felt was watching from the backstage area. After all, Kristina always loved the attention.
Noris Cranley:
KRISTINA SPENCER!!! You can bring your little plaything, Veronica Chandler, and you can parade around you managed to steal the Junior Heavyweight Championship from under Cheesecake’s nose with your words that meant nothing. You’ve done absolutely nothing with the championship you have other than hold it hostage for your magazine covers, photoshoots, and your terribly angled social media pictures. Do you want to be the champion? The champion of my division that I’m willing to be the face of? Well, let’s see you back up all the talk because that’s all you do, you simply talk!
Kristina. I speak for everyone in Chicago and all the Riot fans around the world when I say that I think it’s time for things to change. You are the most worthless talent to ever hold that belt that has my own name waiting to be engraved on the golden plates. Kristina Spencer, I’m challenging you for the Millennium Wrestling Entertainment Junior Heavyweight Championship!
Try talking your way out of this one, BITCH!
Noris threw the microphone down and climbed up on the second rope of an unoccupied corner to receive praise from the audience who he had won over for his challenge to Kristina Spencer. The Unstoppable Junior Heavyweight had laid down the foundation to set up what could be the most talked-about match in the division’s history. His purpose, his goals, and his confidence were the driving factors to knowing he could do it. Question is, will Kristina Spencer accept and seal her fate?
We go once again backstage, finding Asher Miles and Kaia Grainger walking in the hallway, heading toward the ring for Asher’s first official match. The pair seem quite relaxed and confident, from the little we can grasp of their conversation they’re not even discussing strategy, Leia LeBeau seem to be the last of their worries.
SMACK!
A baseball bat shot to the face floors Miles, dropping him down as blood pours from the possibly broken nose. Out of the blind corner comes Donovan Keane, his face like thunder.
Donovan Keane:
Exactly who I was looking for…
He says in a low and dark tone, whirling the bat in his hand. He steps over… No, he steps ONTO Asher’s body, walking over his back as he writhes in pain on the floor and pokes Kaia’s left shoulder with the tip of the bat. Her initial instinct to check on her client, but fully understanding that she was also still in harm's way as the bat lands on her shoulder. She throws her hands up almost in a surrender like pose.
Kaia Grainger:
As much as I enjoy a good American Pass Time like anybody, this is between the two of you.
Donovan Keane:
Unfortunately…
Donnie turns around and kicks Asher’s ribs. Kaia obviously looking worried, but completely immobile due to the bat’s placement.
Donovan Keane:
I doubt that this sack of shit can answer my questions now… So I thought that you could help me understand. Who are you? Who is he?
He closes in to Kaia, getting in her face and she instantly looks as if she is backing away from him although there is really nowhere that she can go.
Donovan Keane:
And what do you want from me?
Shaking her head she speaks further.
Kaia Grainger:
I’m a manager, Mr. Keane. I handle Mr. Miles business affairs and that’s it. You just attacked the only person who can answer those questions for you.
Clearly trying to diffuse the situation she continues.
Kaia Grainger:
It seems to be personal though, maybe there’s something you’re forgetting. You know how this business works.
Donovan isn’t having none of it. If she was refusing to answer, he would beat them out of her. Or rather, make her believe he would.
Donovan Keane:
You’re lying… I never met this guy until two weeks ago. He tried to poison my girl, he beat the shit out of my best friend…
She takes a step back though not far enough to be out of the bats reach.
Kaia Grainger:
Best friend huh? Those must mean something to you. . .
She trails off before shaking her head.
Kaia Grainger:
But I don’t know what you really want from me here. I don’t know his business with you, if I did I would say so.
Clearly eying the bat as those words leave her mouth.
Donovan Keane:
Come on, you’re his manager.. You want me to believe that he didn’t tell you why he picked on me?
Donovan felt someone grabbing his foot. Asher obviously, in a desperate attempt to stop him and protect his manager. Keane kicked himself free, turning around and swinging the bat on Miles with unprecedented violence. He then looked back at Kaia.
Donovan Keane:
Speak, or his debut will be in six to eight months.
She tries to put herself in between Donnie and Asher then, however foolish an action that may’ve been.
Kaia Grainger:
Alright, alright!
Clearly terrified and seeing he means business.
Kaia Grainger:
You’ve made your point. I’ll tell you what you want to know.
Whether she was serious or not had yet to be scene but she was still trying to stop whatever onslaught was going to happen next.
Kaia Grainger:
The two of you were. . .
Donovan Keane:
WHAT?
He yelled, clearly losing that little patience he may have left. But before Kaia could respond, or Donnie could threaten her further in an attempt to understand Asher’s motives, an army of men in black stormed the scene, tackling Donovan to the ground and disarming him. Once they managed to block him, easily winning the resistance he put up, Paramedics rushed in to check on Asher, asking the visibly upset Kaia to step away. Miles’ face was a crimson mask, blood still pouring from his nose. And he was lamenting pain in his ribcage area as well while they carefully loaded him on the stretcher to carry him away for further exams. The security dragged Donnie back to his feet and took him away as he was still kicking. That until he noticed Leia standing next to the General Manager Vincent Moretty, both of them had just joined the scene. The shocked look on her face as she was covering her mouth with both hands looking at this new, unexpected and dark side shown by her boyfriend seemed to calm him down.
Donovan Keane:
I… I’m sorry…
He whispered to her before they dragged him away and the scene faded.
Singles Match
Asher Miles VS Leia LeBeauWINNER: // BY: //, 0:00 |
The pre taped video opens up with Jared Constable standing on a mahogy desk. In the background is a blackboard with the word “Underestimate” chalked out on the board for the world to see.
Jared Constable:
The word of the day is UNDERESTIMATE.
Jared points behind him to the word.
Jared Constable:
Who is choosing to underestimate, who? Yulia Kirlienko is under the impression that Mr. Manning is underestimating Echo. Not at all. Has he ever downgraded the abilities of Ms Echo, if that is her real name? He can’t be accused of such an act. You, Yulia, are the guilty party here, the way you tried to spin a handmaiden's tale to dictate the narrative of Echo’s alleged superiority, shameful. Just because Echo won one round prior to Ms Mercer’s interference, somehow Echo would have won the match regardless? That is an assumption. What you failed to point out is Mr. Manning was one point behind with three judges. Three point difference. He could have just as easily made up that difference with the two rounds ahead. Your argument is he couldn’t? That is underestimating Pierce’s talents, he adapted to a set of rules he is not accustomed to, if Echo was the world killer we are led to believe she is, Mr. Manning would have had no shot. But he did have a shot, a shot that knocked Echo out... which brings me to you Ms. Mercer.
Jarad clears his throat.
Jared Constable:
You made a tweet earlier in the week stating, and I’m paraphrasing here, “I am going to show Echo how its done.” Another person who has gone out of their way to underestimate Mr. Manning. Here is your problem Ms. Mercer. In the process of getting involved in matches you have the free will to, created a problem for yourself. You created a contender for the Invictus Championship. Your shortsighted mission to get inside Echo’s head has led to a scenario where if Mr. Manning beat you tonight, guess what happens? That’s right, our esteemed General Manager will be left with no other choice than to insert Mr. Manning into the title picture. He shouldn’t need further evidence. He did beat Echo twice, as you’ll likely point out, due to your involvement. Works for us. Mr. Manning will take advantage of any opening you create.
My name is Jared Constable and I have spoken.
Jared flashes his pearly whites as the scene fades to black.
Singles Match
Invictus Rules
Pierce Manning VS Liv MercerInvictus Rules
With both competitors having their eyes set on Echo and her title, this match could be seen as a fight to determine who will be the next to challenge the Invictus Champion at Dark Web 2. First Round: In high spirits after his win ko win against the champion two weeks ago, Pierce started the first round with the same strategy that was working out so well against Echo, throwing Liv around with different variations of suplexes,dominating the first part of the round without leaving much room for Liv’s offense. After landing hard on her shoulder from a belly to belly suplex, the former Riot champion took some moments to recover in the corner, clutching the injured body part. Seeing a potential advantage, Manning grabbed her wrist and twisted her arm, but Mercer kicked him in the stomach and followed with a vicious knee lift. She landed a few more strikes, obviously kicks only to safeguard the shoulder. A quick combination that lead up to a roundhouse, this last one ducked by Manning who quickly scooped her up and bodyslammed her to the canvas, quickly going for a shoulder lock. Liv struggled for almost thirty seconds but eventually managed to wrestle her way out of it and hit one last enziguri before the round ended. Judges Scores: Moretti: Manning 10-9 Maynard: Manning 10-9 Sir Figgles: Manning 10-9 Second round: An unanimous decision awarded the first round to Pierce, and rightfully so. Whether the attack that injured the former champion’s shoulder was intentional or a lucky shot, it gave him quite an advantage he only just started to exploit. And that he did, or tried to, since the bell for the second round started, trying to find an opening in Mercer’s tight guard. It wasn’t easy, but he eventually caught her with an arm drag and quickly tried to lock in a submission. Liv slipped away and immediately picked herself up, once again ready to defend herself from the charging Manning. A drop-toe-hold took the member of The Establishment down and allowed her to connect a dropkick to the side of the face as he tried to quickly get back to his feet. With Pierce on his knees, Liv landed some hard kicks to the chest and ended her sequence with another roundhouse, this time not missing the target. With The Man(nning) down, the New Yorker looked to apply her Liv Lock, the figure four headscissors that claimed so many victims already here on Riot. A move Pierce had scouted and prepared a counter for, sneaking out of it before she could really lock it in and deadlifting the former champion for a german suplex, maintaining the waist lock for a second one, and a third suplex after that. A little more than twenty seconds to go and Manning went for the killing blow, putting everything he had left in a huge lariat that could have done a lot of damage to Mercer, if she didn’t dodge it and quickly jumped on his back applying a sleeper hold. Pierce fought, but the more he struggled to break free, the tighter Liv’s arms squeezed his neck. Until the bell signaled the end of the second round. Judges Scores: Moretti: Mercer 10-9 Maynard: Mercer 10-9 Sir Figgles: Mercer 10-9 Final Round: Five minutes left to determine the winner of this bout, and most likely Echo’s opponent at Dark Web 2. The high stakes and all the pressure this situation generated lead to an extremely cautious approach from both opponents, seemingly more interested in “not losing” rather than winning the match. With both of them aware that every mistake, even the slightest, could be fatal, not much happened for half of this third round, just some chain wrestling sequence where they both jockeyed for position and some light defensive kicks to keep the opponent away. Until Pierce saw an opening and went again for the arm. An opening that Liv offered with the sole intention of forcing him out of his defensive stance, seizing the opportunity to connect a headscissors takedown right into the Liv Lock. It took Pierce longer, but he eventually forced his way out of it. Next he hit the only person who held two titles in Riot history with a flurry of strikes, trying to tip the scale of the judges score on his side as time inexorably was running out and a decisive submission or ko started to become more and more unlikely. Feeling the same urgency. Mercer fought back with everything she had, compensating the size and strength disadvantage with a vicious headbutt that stunned the Man(ning). Some more kicks were thrown before he blocked her leg and used a dragon screw leg whip to take her to the mat, Wasting no time, he went for a cross armbreaker, barely managing to lock it in before the bell signaled the end of this close third and final round. Judges Scores: Moretti: Mercer 10-9 Maynard: Draw 9-9 Sir FIggles: Mercer 10-9 WINNER: Liv Mercer BY: Split Decision, Round 3; 5:00 |
Amy Maynard: "That was close.."
Sir Figgles: "Wouldn't have been this close if you had the courage to vote..."
Amy Maynard: "But I did?"
Sir Figgles: "How was that a draw? Were you too scared to take a side? What are you, the Switzerland?"
Amy Maynard: "I apologize to our swiss fans... And no, I just didn't see any of them really prevailing in this last round."
Sir Figgles: "Wouldn't have been this close if you had the courage to vote..."
Amy Maynard: "But I did?"
Sir Figgles: "How was that a draw? Were you too scared to take a side? What are you, the Switzerland?"
Amy Maynard: "I apologize to our swiss fans... And no, I just didn't see any of them really prevailing in this last round."
The scene picks up in the back, the rest of APE walking into the empty Enterprise Arena in Shitcago. Duke is the last in the group, wearing the exact same shirt he wore during the Millennium taping this week, a black Branded Bills ball cap with the state of Michigan on the front with the thin blue line. His arms tatted up, he slings his backpack over his right shoulder. His lifted truck in the back of the view as he stops.
Duke Andrews:
Let’s start this off with a simple nod to Riot Generous Manager Vincent Moretti. Knowing that his need for A List talent he had to pony up. I’m sure Grace doesn’t really notice, but the stacks of cash for the boys of APE was a solid touch.
Duke reaches his left hand down into his pocket and pulls out a large wad of cash showing it to the camera.
Duke Andrews:
The funny thing is, Moretti, I would’ve come in and knocked Christians head into the fifteenth row for free. But I’m never turning down money. Funny how that works, I’m being handed gobs of cash to do this, while other businesses are letting talent walk.
A simple shrug of the shoulders.
Duke Andrews:
You can yap yap yap all ya want McMillion, but you know that when we step into that ring tonight you’re little run is coming to an end. You can run roughshod over the b show all you want, but the A Team just walked in. And it doesn’t matter which pairing of the four of us you get, the end result stays the same. Get ready, son, because the American Pain Experience is going to make your life a bitch.
Duke smirks as he reaches for the door that the big Thunder is letting go of.
Duke Andrews:
And Kelsey, remember last time when you has to feed your husband ice chips, gonna need Gabby to get ready to do that for the both of you tonight.
Tag Team Match
Brothers McMillion VS APE (Alan Envy & Duke Andrews)
The history between Duke Andrews and the Brothers is well documented; they’ve been best of friends, tag partners even winning the trio titles together until the fallout they had last year. The MWE fans surely still remember the brutal match between Christian and the former Lockdown Champion when Duke almost ended the former partner’s career. They were the two who started things off, going all out from the opening bell hitting each other with a volley of strikes. The brawling style favored Andrews who rocked CM with a closed fist and then whipped him against the ropes, meeting him with a big boot. Michaels slid under his raised boot and grabbed his other foot, tripping the Epitome Of Perfection over and dropping him on his face. He quickly applied a side headlock, maintaining the hold even when Duke stood up to his feet and dragging him to his corner. Javen tagged himself in and went on the top rope, jumping on Duke’s back with a double foot stomp after Christian’s bulldog. The speed and agility of the younger brother created more than some issued to APE. First Duke barely kicked out by his tornado ddt, then after making the tag to Alan, the former Lockdown champion had to rush in to make the last minute save after the McMillion connected his Javenation (swanton bomb), keeping the match alive for his team. Alan turned the tables with a neckbreaker, obtaining the first near fall of the match. He then shoved Javen in his corner and kicked the crap out of him. Tag to Duke who did just the same, leaving the stage once again to his partner who went for a series of stomps, imitated once again by Andrews. The two members of APE kept working together, wearing Javen down with heavy strikes and combined attacks until Alan hit his pop up death valley driver for a two count. As the match drew to a conclusion, it was once again Christian Michaels and Duke Andrews who were battling it out. Flashback of their match at Viva La Revolucion when Duke almost caved Christian’s skull in with his Killshot. Michaels kicked out, trying to reach his brother in the corner. Duke grabbed his ankle and blocked him, pulling him to his feet and performing a german suplex. Coming back with a second wind, the Hearthrob suddenly turned the tides when he countered the Andrews Effect with by rolling though his legs and locking him deep into his boston crab submission, right in the middle of the ring. With nowhere to go, Duke looked like he was on the verge to tap out when Envy rescued him with a superkick to Christian’s face. Javen tried to prevent it, coming just a moment too late. He still fended the Lonestar off, pushing him back against the ropes and dropping him out of the ring with a clothesline. To make sure he wouldn’t interfere again, he jumped on him with a springboard crossbody. Inside the ring, Duke capitalized on the chaos the double interference generated to low blow his opponent behind the referee’s back and going for a second Andrews Effect, this time picking up the win. WINNER: APE BY: Pinfall (Andrews Effect), 11:33 |
As soon as the bell rang, Amy noticed Alan throwing a steel chair at Duke, grabbing one for himself as well. APE was about to do beat the hell out of the McMillions, but Kelsey rushed to the ring and chased them away, saving her husband and his brother from the vicious assault.
Amy Maynard: "Kelsey returning the courtesy from last week when the former Tag champion rescued her."
Sir Figgles: "APE has been running wild for so long because their opposition hasn't been able to coexist so far. They all talk about watching one another's back but at the end of the day? They rarely did."
Amy Maynard: "Good point. The only way to survive the American Pain Experience is not letting them play the numbers game. Kelsey has a group of people supporting her, if I were Constantine I'd start to worry."
Sir Figgles: "Mmhmm"
Amy Maynard: "Kelsey returning the courtesy from last week when the former Tag champion rescued her."
Sir Figgles: "APE has been running wild for so long because their opposition hasn't been able to coexist so far. They all talk about watching one another's back but at the end of the day? They rarely did."
Amy Maynard: "Good point. The only way to survive the American Pain Experience is not letting them play the numbers game. Kelsey has a group of people supporting her, if I were Constantine I'd start to worry."
Sir Figgles: "Mmhmm"
The scene opens to… A bear? Yes, a bear. The fighting bear depicted on the Chicago Fight Lab logo, printed on the back of Yulia Kirilenko’s leather jacket. The former Riot General manager is standing in front of her pupil, the Invictus Champion Echo.
Yulia Kirilenko:
This fight is not that different from the one against Dean. Stronger, but much slower. You know what to do. Avoid his strikes, go for the legs and, for the love of God, stay out of your own…
Echo:
I swear to Christ, if you say “head”, I’m going to take yours off.
The fiery and often dangerous Aussie huffed as she stretched with her on again, off again training partner Damian. He was helping keep her leg straight as she was sprawled out on the floor.
Echo:
If anything, he needs to stop being a giant cunt. It won’t look good when I bury him tonight.
Her words put a smile on the Russian’s face, who at the same time couldn’t help but roll her eyes. This confidence Echo always showed was a double-edged sword, and her job was to keep her with her feet on the ground. At the risk of sounding annoying.
Yulia Kirilenko:
… head.
Echo snapped her head toward Yulia, glaring at her.
Yulia Kirilenko:
Everybody in this room knows you can beat Wilkow. Just like we knew you could beat Dean. And Liv. And Manning. We also know that your worst enemy is the person who’s sprawling on this floor. Your cockiness almost costed your title match at the last pay-per-view, you let Liv in your head and that costed you the match against Pierce.
Damian briefly met Echo’s gaze and quickly looked away, not wanting to be the first person she punched in the face today.
Echo:
Liv continues to stick her nose where it doesn’t belong because she wants me to put her on the shelf. Permanently. It’s not my fault she doesn’t want to wrestle anymore but doesn’t want to just quit.
She snatched her leg away from Damian and pushed him away with her foot. She stuck her tongue out at him as she pulled herself to her feet and stared down Yulia.
Echo:
And Pierce? Pierce isn’t much more than a stupid little twat that thinks he’s great because he can pervert this division that I’m carrying on my shoulders. You go on and on about them if you want, but right now, I couldn’t care less. Maybe after tonight I’ll start the petition to put them both down next week. I don’t really care.
She looked past Yulia and spotted her title, reaching around the small Russian to retrieve it.
Echo:
You want to talk me up, then dissect everything after the fact. That’s fine. That’s what you’re here for, I get it. But sometimes, you just need to shut up.
Damian watched the scene from distance, the two women staring at one another intensely, seemingly ready to throw hands. He became quite accustomed to their heated confrontations, they were daily routine at the lab before the pandemic. And he was sure, even now, whenever the two blondes headed there for Echo’s daily training.
Yulia Kirilenko:
Fine.
She said, with a smile.
Yulia Kirilenko:
I just wanted to make sure your focus was on your opponent, and not on them. One fight at a time, that’s how we are going to do this. Wilkow tonight, and then whoever is next. It’s his first Invictus match, I don’t think it will make any difference to him. He’s going to fight it like a wrestling match, pace yourself and wait for your opportunity. Remember, you only need five seconds.
Echo raised an eyebrow as she vaguely nodded along to Yulia’s words.
Echo:
I don’t care how he’s going to fight me. He’s not going to get very far, he’s a big, stupid, needle dicked idiot.
She fastened the Invictus Championship around her waist and smiled from ear to ear.
Echo:
He thinks his size is going to matter. It won’t. Everyone taps out the same, it’s pretty goddamn simple. And he thinks he’ll be wanting to celebrate after by hitting up a ring rat? You think I’ll let that kinda shit slide?
She shook her head, then patted Yulia on hers.
Echo:
They’d leave unsatisfied anyway, so to save everyone the headache, I’ll make sure he won’t feel much like celebrating after.
Yulia Kirilenko:
You do that, and we’ll be out of here very soon, champ.
The former GM said, glancing at the title around Echo’s waist.
Yulia Kirilenko:
Just… stay away from his punches.
Echo smiled confident as always, turning on her heels and heading out of the locker room, closing the door behind her.
Yulia Kirilenko:
She got this. When she’s focused like this, she’s unstoppable.
She said to Damian, although her eyes remained on the door Echo just walked out from.
Damian Carter:
Look, I’m not gonna lie…
He walked up next to Yulia and lazily put his arm around her shoulder.
Damian Carter:
All I got outta this was ring rats.
Loosening up for a brief, rare moment, Yulia bursted out laughing, playfully pushing Damian away. The camera then cut to the next segment.
Singles Match
Invictus Rules
Echo VS Andrew WilkowInvictus Rules
Things are never easy for a champion, but this wasn’t how Echo pictured her reign. Her first defense looked more like she survived rather than beating the opponent, she lost to Manning in his first Invictus match and this started raising some doubts about her legitimacy. Tonight, she came to erase those doubts. First Round: Invictus rules or regular ones, Wilkow’s approach remained the same. Direct attacks, hard kicks and punches to inflict as much damage to end this quickly. Echo tried to follow her trainer’s advice, keeping herself away from those dangerous blows and starting to weaken his leg with kicks to knee and thigh. One of those right hands caught her to the side, doubling her over. It was a closed fist, and when Wilkow realized that he wasn’t going to be reprimanded for it and that this type of attack was perfectly legal under Invictus rules, a whole new world opened for him. With renewed enthusiasm he began throwing punches at Echo who kept backing down to avoid them. Eventually she reached the corner, having nowhere left to go. The Appalachian Mountain Monster kept hitting her and despite her best attempt at protecting herself, a few strikes actually landed. One, in particular, busted the champion open, cracking the orbital area. A knockout punch, but not for the Australian fighter who, despite the blood pouring down from the wound and painting half of her face red, fought her way out of the corner with a flurry of quick punches to the mid-section and, why not, a headbutt as well. Hard to tell who got the worse out of it, Wilkow was wobbling on his legs, visibly dazed. But the hard impact move only worsened the already pretty bad cut above the champion’s eye. Luckily for both of them, this intense first round was over. Judges Scores: Moretti: Wilkow 10-9 Maynard: Wilkow 10-9 Sir FIggles: Wilkow 10-9 Second Round: Yulia spent the entire break nursing Echo’s wound, trying to hide her concern and preaching calm. The Invictus Champion listened carefully, treasuring those words and applying them as the second round started with Wilkow exploding out of his corner trying to behead her with his LARIAAAAAATTT. Echo ducked it and doubled him over with a reverse side kick to the stomach, starting to build some momentum with kick striking combinations, punches and elbows to the face to trigger his reaction, dodging his punches and only then hitting his leg with those stiff kicks. Wilkow pushed her down, Echo rolled back up to her feet and charged for a jumping knee that pushed Hearst’s goon in the corner. The aussie ran at him but he caught her with a corner STO, mounting on top of her and pounding her face with lefts and rights, Echo defended herself covering her face with her arms, preventing further damage. Eventually the Appalachian Mountain Monster grew tired and lifted her for a chokebomb, slamming the champion on the canvas. Echo took him down with a leg sweep, and began working his knee with a leglock. Wilkow powered out of it and got up to his feet, engaging in a brawl with Echo that lasted until the end of this second round. Judges Scores: Moretti: Echo 10-9 Maynard: Echo 10-9 Sir FIggles: Echo 10-9 Final Round: Before the bell rang, Yulia told one last thing to her pupil. “Five seconds”. The same thing she kept telling her back at Big In Japan, when she ended Dean’s record reign, the time Echo needed to lock the opponent in her lethal kneebar. She only had to keep calm and wait for that opportunity, resisting the initial assault Wilkow brought. And even when he opened up the cut catching her with a discus elbow to the face after she bounced back from the ropes, she kept her cool and eventually find that opening to roll Wilkow into her kneebar submission. WINNER: Echo BY: Submission (kneebar), Round 3; 3;41 |
Amy Maynard: "The champ taking back her spot at the top of the division with a convincing performance."
Sir Figgles: "It's almost like she's born to defy odds."
Amy Maynard: "She's slowly making a name for herself for thriving in apparently impossible situations."
Sir Figgles: "It's almost like she's born to defy odds."
Amy Maynard: "She's slowly making a name for herself for thriving in apparently impossible situations."
Riot fades to some old MWE footage, in this instance, a match from night one of the Big in Japan event between Meg Rydell and Hayley Halsey… a match that would ultimately result in Megan Rydell pulling through with the victory. After that quick recap footage fades out, Hayley herself is shown looking at that old match and having a big of an amused laugh to herself. She doesn’t appear to be fazed in the slightest by that match that took place about three months ago. She’s expressing a better poise and a better confidence than she was before as she begins to express her thoughts.
Hayley Halsey:
Looking back at this? I can’t even get pissed off. Honestly. I’m not going to lie, it was frustrating as hell to lose that match and that’s going to be one of the drivers to make this a different result tonight. But… as someone who is a student of the business, one of the things I have learned lately… being part of the Glorious Golden Era… being under the tutelage of Glory Braddock… is to learn from what you’ve done wrong. I did everything right that I could possibly do from a pure wrestling standpoint… and yet… the honest truth is? I was already beaten before that match began. Was it because Megan really IS better than me? Not necessarily…
I think back to what my attitude was that night…
Hell, what WAS IT that I was doing that night?
Oh right… I was letting a certain FORMER friend of mine do some of the talking for me. I was allowing her toxic bullshit to permeate my prodigal abilities and to let my guard down. The fact is… I wasn’t going into that match focused on Megan. No. What was I doing again? Oh right… Vianca and I spent the entire time prior to the match bitching and complaining about how I was getting random matches, random opponents, constant opening matches… while other people were coming into this company and getting the red carpet treatment.
Was I focused on beating her?
No.
I was focused on calling her out for being “basic” and making fun of her retread, dime-a-dozen nonsense that comes out of her mouth considering Megan has the charisma of Ben Stein for god’s sake.
Winning the Intercontinental Championship since our last encounter DOESN’T change that.
I was focused too much on the “favoritism” and the “politics” and not so much the wrestling. That’s why you won. It had really little or nothing to do with… all that trash you talked about the last time we met where you just dismissed me as a nobody… and I know you did! I remember the exact words: “You’re nothing. You’re a nobody”.
With those five words, you… Megan Rydell… talking about being the embodiment of a champion… MINIMIZED your own victory over me. So I’m “nothing”, right? You won… so does that win even MEAN anything? According to those five words you said about me?
Nope.
Just imagine if you lost that match… how embarrassing it would have been. Hell, you’re SO predictable that I KNOW… IC title aside… you haven’t changed or evolved ONE IOTA since our last encounter. Your opinion of me hasn’t changed at all. You think you’re going to go in there with the same woman that you beat in Japan… but oh no honey… that’s not the case at all. I’m learning from the best. I’ve got the whole world ahead of me now and all I’m focused on right now is beating you and throwing myself in the thick and thin of the IC title hunt. All those words you said before? I’m going to make you regret that you ever said them. I’ll drag you to hell with me… I’ll make your life a living hell. You thought what happened to you last week was bad?
How about this “nobody” shattering that precious ego of yours, huh? I can only imagine the thought… someone “special” like you… losing to “someone like me”. Your ego can’t afford that. Your psyche would be SHATTERED if you lost to me because of how LOW you think of me.
Me personally? I got nothing to lose but this match… and I owe you some gratitude for painting that narrative for me… because I go into this cool as a cucumber, no pressure on me… all of it on you because OH MY GOD, I CAN’T AFFORD TO LOSE TO THIS NOTHING!
I’ve got the whole world to gain here… and I’m going to gain it. That’s inevitable. Beating you? It’d make me gain the world even faster! With your perception of me, there’s no way in hell you could prepare yourself for your ego, your pride, your dignity… looking SO RIDICULOUS by the time I’m done with you!
Hayley maintains her poise and her confidence, walking out of the room as the scene fades to black.
Singles Match
Meg Rydell VS Hayley HalseyAlways confident, the MWE Intercontinental Champion underestimated her opponent in the first part of the match. and almost paid for it when Hayley caught her with a tornado ddt and came this close to score the upset win. As the realization kicked in, the New Vainglorious tried to capitalize on the momentum firing Magan in the corner and squashing her with a running body splash. She connected a flurry of chops and went for another Irish whip, looking to send the Intercontinental Champion in the opposite corner. Rydell countered it and followed with a double knee to the face. Halsey fell down and Meg quickly climbed to the top rope, waiting for her to get up to connect with, perhaps, a diving blockbuster. Hayley sensed danger and rolled under the bottom rope and out of the ring. Little this mattered to Meg, who recklessly jumped backwards and took her out with a moonsault to the outside. The match continued at an oh so ridiculous (pun intended) speed and intensity, the momentum shifting back and forth between the two competitors with none of them really getting an advantage. Hayley picked up another near fall with her floatover backbreaker, Megan answered with a hurricanrana driver as a follow up to a sitout jawbreaker, making her first attempt of a cover to get a count of two. Back to their feet, the two women began trading blows in the middle of the ring, and it was Rydell who came out on top from the exchange, stringing together five forearm strikes in quick succession before flooring the opponent with her Gamengirl kick. She wasted no time getting up at height and jumping off with the Fly-Dell phoenix splash, finding nothing but the waiting canvas on her way down. Perhaps it was their urge to win, the desire to one up the other and impress, or simply the fact that rush is a bad advisor that often leads to mistakes, but the high risk moves (with the exception of that early moonsault by Megan) didn’t brought high rewards to neither one of the performers. And so Hayley wasted everything she had built, minutes of absolute dominance over the Intercontinental Champion because she tried her So Ridiculous corkscrew moonsault too soon, crashing on Meg’s raised knees. And Rydell wasn’t letting this opportunity slip, catching Hayley in a clinch position and driving her knee in her ribcage area several times, trying to pin the the bent over opponent with a sunset flip. Only a two said the referee. No wasted motions for Megan who linked together a series of kicks to the sides and head to set Halsey up for the Rydell Driver, picking up the win. WINNER: Megan Rydell BY: Pinfall (Rydell Driver), 14:09 |
Sir Figgles: "And nothing, Hayley just can't beat Rydell apparently."
Amy Maynard: "There's a reason why Megan is the Intercontinental Champion."
Sir Figgles: "Sure, because Melody Lennox thought she could sneak her way to the final but Moretti had enough of her tricks and put Megan in that match instead."
Amy Maynard: "No, I mean because..."
Sir Figgles: "Hey, what happend? Why did you froze? Are you having a stroke?"
Amy Maynard: "No, I just think... Nevermind, let's move to the next match."
Amy Maynard: "There's a reason why Megan is the Intercontinental Champion."
Sir Figgles: "Sure, because Melody Lennox thought she could sneak her way to the final but Moretti had enough of her tricks and put Megan in that match instead."
Amy Maynard: "No, I mean because..."
Sir Figgles: "Hey, what happend? Why did you froze? Are you having a stroke?"
Amy Maynard: "No, I just think... Nevermind, let's move to the next match."
Backstage in the Enterprise Arena in Chicago, Illinois we find “The British Bombshell” (and if you ask her The Best in the World) Glory Braddock. The blonde haired beauty is dressed in her royal purple catsuit style wrestling gear standing in front of a Riot logo backdrop. To her right are Neil Newman and Kyle Butler and to her left side is Hayley Hasley. This is the unit now dubbed The Glorious Golden Era, a group hell bent on restoring “nobility” and “respectability” back to professional wrestling…whatever those words mean anymore; a confident smirk is etched across The British Bombshell’s face as she gazes into the camera.
Glory Braddock:
It truly is tough to be Glory Braddock. It is tough as hell being as great as me, it is tough to carry the weight of the wrestling world upon my shoulders, but damn it someone has to. And you know, it is tough having to tell the truth but someone needs to tell the truth in this world full of lies and deceit. And lately I have been the only one telling the truth. I am the one exposing the hypocrites for who they really are as the sick, twisted, egomaniacal monsters and not the role models that professional wrestling seeks to paint them. Do you want a role model?
Braddock smirks knowingly as she motions to herself, Neil, Kyle, and Hayley.
Glory Braddock:
Look no further than The Glorious Golden Era. We do what is right regardless of it is popular or not and we tell the truth. We call it like we see it. And boy did I call it last week! Devin Hearst on his egomaniacal high horse calls out the entire locker room and then three of us come out to accept his challenge, just as I expected. And then the next logical step is the clusterfuck tag, which I expected and predicted as well. Finally, Devin got beaten in that match…just as I predicted. Now of course I would have preferred to have been the person pinning Devin but that is fine…congratulations to Henri…
The British Bombshell applauds Henri Black. It is unsure whether this is sincere or not but what we can tell is that Hayley, Neil, and Kyle are not following suit with the congratulations.
Glory Braddock:
Does that mean Henri gets first crack or will this be settled the quick, dirty, and easy way by putting all of us in a four way? Who knows where we go from here? Those questions remained unanswered but there are a few more truths, though that I can tell you. Number one, Henri has still not beaten me one on one. Keep that in mind when choosing Devin’s next challenger. Number two, I am the single best wrestler in the world today. Whether it happens because I beat Devin one on one, whether I beat Devin in a four way, or I beat the person who beats Devin, I will become the Riot Champion and there is not a damn thing anyone can do to stop me.
Glory’s confident smirk grows.
Glory Braddock:
And another truth is that here tonight, Henri Black can be guaranteed to pick up yet another victory. Thanks to me. Now don’t take that the wrong way, Black. Despite the bad blood we may have with one another, I do respect you. But more than anything else I hate losing, and I will put any differences we may have with one another tonight in order to get the job done and be victorious over Devin Hearst and Jenni Anderson. And when we are victorious and are arms are raised in victory, you can look into my eyes and you won’t have to say anything, I know what you’ll be thinking Henri. So instead I’ll just speak to you and say…
She shuts her eyes.
Glory Braddock:
…you’re welcome.
Singles Match
REDD Thunder VS Kelsey SpencerKelsey’s road to the title shot (pending the management decision awaited for this wednesday) against Constantine took her through APE. Alan Envy last week, REDD Thunder tonight. Knowing that her husband and his brother were watching her back, Spencer could focus on her opponent alone. And a fight with REDD, especially this new, more vicious version of the Thunder From Down Under that emerged early this week. Her speed gave her the advantage on the big man, allowing her to stay out of harm’s way and frustrate the opponent with some swift kicks to catch him off guard. Slowly but steadily she attacked REDD, eventually bringing him down to his knees and take aim at his chin, delivering a superkick that knocked Thunder down. She tried a cover from which REDD kicked out with authority in one. Eventually Thunder managed to catch the opponent and muscle her in the corner, where he tried to shatter her sternum with some heavy open handed chops that left the australian breathless. It was the turning point of the match, from that moment on it was all REDD dismantling the number one contender to the World Championship with some high impact moves. For example, he lifted her over his head with a gorilla press slam and let her fall on his knee. Spencer was writhing in pain on the mat, curling up and holding her ribs and midsection. He stayed on the attack with a deadlift german suplex, picking her right back up to hit three european uppercuts before sending her against the ropes and connect a pop-up powerbomb. Spencer kicked out from the pinning predicament, crawling to the ropes to help herself up. REDD grabbed her foot, she rocked him with an enziguri and tried to plant him with the Deprivation DDT, but the big man blocked the maneuver and dropped Kelsey down with a spinning backfist. It shouldn’t surprise anyone, but Kelsey eventually found a way to get back into the match, and things suddenly turned ugly for the big man as Kelsey hit a dropkick right to the face, pushing him back against the corner. She charged with a jumping knee, pushing him to the ground as she started to climb to the top rope. Redd was back on his feet and caught her with a right hand, lifting her upside down for the Brute Force Algorithm in the same fashion he did three days ago to Mel Reeves. But unlike the former World Champion, Spencer managed to slip away, falling back on her feet and quickly hitting a roundhouse kick that stunned REDD. The second attempt of a Deprivation DDT nailed him on his head, but it wasn’t enough to keep him down. Here they came, the rest of APE was making their way down the ring. The Brothers McMillion followed suit and the two teams began brawling on the outside. Kelsey tried to remain focused on the task at hand, hitting the Thunder with more kicks. With him stunned, Kelsey took a run to the ropes to hit him with a running single leg dropkick to the face but she got hit from behind by Alan Envy who quickly disposed of the battered Javen. Somehow the referee missed it, his attention being on Duke who was trying to get inside the ring despite CM clubbing his back to stop him. REDD took his APE partner assist and finished Kelsey off with the Brute Force Algorithm. WINNER: REDD Thunder BY: Pinfall (Brute Force Algorithm), 15:14 |
Amy Maynard: "Ugh, they did it again..."
Sir Figgles: "What were you saying about them being a solid unit and having each other's back all the time?"
Amy Maynard: "You agreed with me..."
Sir Figgles: "#APE4Life"
Sir Figgles: "What were you saying about them being a solid unit and having each other's back all the time?"
Amy Maynard: "You agreed with me..."
Sir Figgles: "#APE4Life"
As we cut backstage, we find the RIOT Champion in a way that almost seems impossible. Sitting in a steel folding chair, elbows rested on bent knees and chin upon folded hands, Devin Hearst sits in a locker room still decorated for his eccentric, tropical needs … but there is something different: the energy. Underneath those trademark absurdly-expensive sunglasses and the pink, flowery-shirt, the rockstar mentality is replaced with a stoic, icy stillness. Even as the camera approaches, Hearst makes no effort to look up. His concentration is entirely set upon the RIOT Championship, synonymous with his name, resting on the table before him.
Devin Hearst:
Well, it’s about damn time. I don’t think it really sinks in for most what it means to be that supreme champion that we all aim to be. Like, you want that to be the goal. No other reason to get in the game, and when you finally reach that brass ring and all those dreams start coming true, the spotlight … well, you own it. Sure, there’s other folks on the show, but the gold doesn’t lie. Neither do the numbers. When you become the center of the universe, and all the pressure comes down on you, what’s the lesson you learn, you know? Now, I sit here, ego-fueled or not, as the best RIOT Champion in the brand’s history … and I have been so god damn bored with it.
The champ removes his sunglasses, tossing them to the floor with a clatter. There’s nothing left between the viewing public and the whites of his unimpressed eyes.
Devin Hearst:
I’ve spent my entire career running over and over in my head what it would be like when I finally got to the pinnacle, and just like most expectations, I was let down entirely. I don’t know if you’ve ever thought about it, but I don’t need to be here for a living. I’m doing pretty good. Could be an ego thing, and I wouldn’t put it past me, but I step into that ring because I want competition. I want to prove a point, and so far no one has met my standard. Not Meg Rydell, not Chris Constantine, not Heath Williams or Kelsey Spencer. The only person in the game to make me break a sweat is me, and I’ve tried to satisfy that hunger by painting this big, expensive, island-themed target on my back and not a single person could take the shot. Then, you came along, Henri. I know that Glory and Jenni are shoehorned into this thing, but who cares about them? One has money. One has an undeserved ego who thinks they’re better than people who they can’t out-wrestle … but you’re different. You took the shot, and by god, you hit the mark. One, two, three, and Henri, I’ve never felt more alive!
For the first time, Devin shifts his gaze into the camera. Hi lips crack into the same grin one would see on a hungry dog.
Devin Hearst:
So now, you have my attention. I know exactly what Jenni and Glory are capable of and I’ll put whatever focus I need to keep them in-check, but it is now my ultimate goal in life to destroy you. I have a point to prove, just like you, and while the Black Sacrament is one hell of a kick and things haven’t tasted the same since you hit me with it, it’s also the flavor of the month. Hell, that running single-leg dropkick is the new superkick, and I’ve seen it enough to know the work around. Now, if you remember, you started this by giving me a gift. I’ve decided to return the favor. My gift to you .. is the Badlands. I’m going to tap you out, because I think you’re worth it. I think making the point is worth it, and if you haven’t caught on, I’ll put it bluntly out there for you: there’s only room for one Alpha on RIOT ...
Taking off his hawaiian shirt and leaving it draped over the chair, Hearst snatches up the RIOT Championship and drapes it over his shoulder.
Devin Hearst:
And it’s me.
Tag Team Match
Devin Hearst & Jenni Anderson VS Henri Black & Glory Braddock
Amy Maynard: “To say that there are a few combustible elements in this match is the understatement of the month.” Sir Figgles: “After getting robbed last week, Hearst is now forced to tag against one of the people who wants to take the title from him. How’s that fair?” Amy Maynard: “I’m curious to see how Jenni Anderson will act in this situation. Just like it will be interesting to see how Black and Braddock will coexist. There’s no love lost between them.” Sir Figgles: “They definitely didn’t start with the right foot.” Braddock and Henry were arguing on who should start while Jenni was quick to agree with Devin that the champ would kick things off. Hearst smiled as he saw the opponents arguing and took them both down with a double clothesline and since they couldn’t decide who should start, he made the decision for them, tossing Glory out of the ring and focusing on the man who pinned him last Saturday. A flurry of punches hit the Australian who tried to fight back with some strikes of his own. But he was soon overwhelmed by the champion’s aggressiveness, culminated in him lifting Henri over his shoulder and dropping him face first into the top turnbuckle, following with a kick to the face. Amy Maynard: “Devin seems a changed man, he’s not playing around tonight. And even in his promo earlier, he looked so serious.” In the ring, this translated into a newfound aggression. Even in the most violent moments as the Riot champion, like for example his blood-soaked rivalry against Megan Rydell, the Florida Shuffle always fed off those “positive vibes” as he called them, taking his time to relax and play with both crowd and opponent. All that was gone tonight, there was nothing fun in the way he was manhandling Black, looking to make him pay for the loss he made him suffer one week ago. The Blackstar managed, with a sudden headbutt, to momentarily put a stop to the champion’s assault. Hearst was stunned, but so was Henri who stumbled back and got tagged by Glory who entered the ring, smiling at her partner who was glaring at her, not at all happy by this blind tag. Sir Figgles: “I’m telling you, this team is going to implode before the end of the match” The Best In The World immediately targeted the champion’s ribs with her swift kicks. Left and right alternatively, managing to hit three before the Florida Shuffle blocked her right leg and delivered a heavy elbow strike on the knee cap. Anderson was asking to get tagged in and Hearst decided to give her what she was so eagerly desiring, dragging Glory by the foot all the way to his corner. He tagged Anderson and commanded her to get to the top rope while he left the ring, still holding Braddock by the ankle, and rested her foot on the bottom rope, holding it in position despite the British Bombshell fighting and squirming to get free. Amy Maynard: “This doesn’t look good for Braddock.” And finally the Queenpin jumped, landing with a double foot stomp on the inside part of her knee. Glory screamed and started rolling on the mat in pain, clutching at her knee. Too good a chance for Anderson who obviously put her technical skills in display trying to hyperextend and damage the knee further with a leg lock. Braddock reached the ropes and when Jenni finally let her go, obviously after having fully exploited the count, slowly picked herself up. It only lasted a moment before a vicious kick to the back of the knee took her back to the mat. The member of The Establishment tried to inflict more punishment with a figure four leglock but this time the British Bombshell fought back using her free leg to kick the opponent away and, once free, tried to crawl her way to Henri. Hearst got the tag from Jenni and he could have easily prevented Braddock from making the tag. But he didn’t. Amy Maynard: “Did he just… Intentionally stopped to allow the tag?” Sir Figgles: “He wants Black, he wants to make him tap out. He said it clearly before the match.. Jeez Amy, do you even pay attention to what happens around here?” Once again the two men were face to face. There was an intense staredown between them, before they locked horns in a clinch position. Unlike before, Hearst didn’t have that early advantage and had to struggle a little more to get the upper hand, powering the Blackstar back toward the ropes. Just when it looked like the Aussi was backed against the ropes, he quickly slipped away from Hearst’s grasp, moving behind him and connecting a snap german suplex. Surprised and amused, perhaps excited even, Devin stood back to his feet almost inviting Black to hit him again. And he did, a jumping forearm to the jaw that sent the Riot champion recoiling a few steps back. Hearst replied with a right hook to rock Henri, and from there the situation degenerated in an all out brawl. Hard punches flying back and forth between the two contenders, none of them flinching or giving up an inch under the other’s attacks. The former Dog Of War won this exchange, carrying Black over his shoulders to connect his samoan driver. Henri slipped away behind the Riot Champion and dropped him down with a backbreaker. Sir Figgles: “Look at the intensity… Man, you gotta love this!” Devin eventually connected the Desperado, Black got close to the three with his Black Diamond, both were laying on the floor after a crashed in the middle of the ring as they both went for a clothesline. Henri made the tag, Hearst wasn’t able to as Glory knocked Anderson off the apron, sparking Jared’s protest as he asked the referee to punish this unprovoked attack. Braddock couldn’t care her less, limiting herself to tell Constable to shut the hell up before hitting Hearst with a sounding punch. She tried to limit the champion’s offense applying various submission holds especially working on the neck, The champion used his size and strength advantage to power out from the sleeper hold, smashing Braddock against the turnbuckle until she lost her grasp. He caught her with a few kicks, launching her against the ropes and attempting a pop-up powerbomb, countered by the Gloria In Excelsis Deo codebreaker. Braddock got hurt as Hearst’s skull impacted on her damaged knee, wasting precious moments before making the cover, and only getting a two. Amy Maynard: “Glory almost got the win here!” Sir Figgles: “Come on, that was barely a two…” Amy Maynard: “If only she could make the cover sooner…” Sir Figgles: “But she didn’t. And now Devin is going to put her away.” Out of nowhere, Hearst lifted the Best In The World and slammed her with the Comedown (samoan driver), but Black took the joy away from him, breaking up the pin. As the referee pushed Henri out of the ring, Devin let out his frustration with a nasty kick to Glory’s head, cursing as he gave the tag to Jenni who immediately tried to capitalize by hooking the leg. Braddock kicked out in two. Glory and Jenni were settling their business, still unresolved since Big In Japan in the ring. But there was another battle going on, Devin and Henri were still shooting daggers at each other from the opposite corners. Glory hit her Beautiful Insanity pretty much out of nowhere, in a moment of the match when Jenni seemed in absolute control. After nailing her on the top of her head, Braddock climbed to the top rope and connected the London Plunge, making the cover for Hearst to break it up. Back and forth the two women went, the Queenpin taking back control after attacking that injured right knee with a chop block after countering the Glorification. She didn’t try to submit her though, going for her Adora-bomb instead and obtaining another near fall. But it was the Bad Luck Cutter that got the job done for her, or it would have if Henri didn’t make the save. Hearst took the chance to level the Blackstar before he could leave the ring, blatantly ignoring the referee and keeping those punches to the grounded opponent coming. He even applied his Badlands, his patented stretch muffler on the Aussie’s right leg, the one he used to knock him out with the Black Sacrament. The referee tried to separate the two, but he quickly had to turn his attention to the two girl, as Anderson was making the cover after hitting her Cash Advance, What the referee missed was Jared getting involved to prevent another Glorification attempt and Glory knocking him down with a punch to the jaw, distracting herself just long enough for Anderson to drop her down on her knees with a kick to the back and nail her with her version of the legdrop bulldog. WINNER: Jenni Anderson & Devin Hearst BY: Pinfall (Cash Advance), 23:11 |
Amy Maynard: "Come on Devin, the match is over, let him go!"
Despite the bell sounding, more than once, Hearst still had Black locked in his Badlands.
Sir Figgles: "He said he was going to make him tap out, and I don't think he'll let him go anytime before that. Either Henri gives up, or he'll join Tiff Rollins on the exclusive club of the "People who got their leg fucked up by Devin Hearst."
That seemed to be the case. The referee kept asking him to release the hold and even threatened to reverse the result of the match if he didn't do what he asked. But Hearst kept bending that right leg, screaming at Black to tap out. Glory left the ring, having no intentions of helping a rival. Jenni already ran backstage with Jared, fearing repercussions for their actions. Nobody was there to save Henri Black, who eventually, after two long minutes, gave up and slammed his hand on the canvas.
Finally satisfied, Devin Hearst grabbed his Riot Championship and raised it in the air. On that scene, the show cut to the end.
Despite the bell sounding, more than once, Hearst still had Black locked in his Badlands.
Sir Figgles: "He said he was going to make him tap out, and I don't think he'll let him go anytime before that. Either Henri gives up, or he'll join Tiff Rollins on the exclusive club of the "People who got their leg fucked up by Devin Hearst."
That seemed to be the case. The referee kept asking him to release the hold and even threatened to reverse the result of the match if he didn't do what he asked. But Hearst kept bending that right leg, screaming at Black to tap out. Glory left the ring, having no intentions of helping a rival. Jenni already ran backstage with Jared, fearing repercussions for their actions. Nobody was there to save Henri Black, who eventually, after two long minutes, gave up and slammed his hand on the canvas.
Finally satisfied, Devin Hearst grabbed his Riot Championship and raised it in the air. On that scene, the show cut to the end.