Post by gvb on Apr 27, 2020 2:08:39 GMT -6
Riot in Illinois IV
Live from Enterprise Arena in Chicago, IL
Saturday, April 22nd, 2020
Three Days Grace's Riot blares out in the empty Enterprise Arena, once again home of another episode of Riot, the fourth here in Chicago, the last one before Dark Web II. Amy Maynard and Jacob Figgins welcome the MWE fans watching at home, reminding them their role to determine the stipulations of most of the matches of the upcoming PPV. How? Simply by voting the polls via social media. As for tonight, they promise that this will be an explosive episode. "For one", Amy says, "I received word from Vincent Moretti's office that there's a surprise in store for the people involved in the four versus four tag team match." Figgles doesn't seem to care about it too much, saying that he's more interested to see Devin Hearst in action. The Riot champion has been showing a more vicious streak last week and that, according to the former MWE star, doesn't bode well for those who dared challenging him. But of course, the spotlights are on the main event, a trios match between APE and the team of Kelsey Spencer and the Brothers McMillion. The first time Kelsey and the MWE World Champion will square off, two weeks before their triple threat title match that will include Victoria Salinas as well. As for who the other members of APE involved in this match will be? Everyone but Hammerstein has been seen entering the Arena but they refused to reveal who will sit this one out. We can only speculate. Riot in Illinois IV is about to kick off with a match that was supposed to take place last week, Asher Miles against Leia LeBeau.
We find the parking deck near the backstage of Enterprise Arena. It is quiet, and empty of all human beings…at least for now. A few moments in and “The British Bombshell” Glory Braddock emerges into the scene from stage left. With her this evening is the woman she promised would be there for Riot; her best friend and Millennium brand superstar Sophie O’Brian. The beautiful blonde has a wide, ear to ear grin on her face and is seemingly confident about tonight, whereas Sophie O’Brian seems to be stoic and emotionless; no feeling at all whatsoever.
Glory Braddock:
I am glad you decided to come, Sophie! Even though I am not terribly fond of a city who is most known for Al Capone and the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre, I know that I can cope and tolerate being here so long as you are by my side.
The raven haired Irish beauty isn’t phased in the slightest by Glory’s praise.
Sophie O’Brian:
You seem rather pleased…that is somewhat surprising considering you are coming off of a loss to Jenni Anderson.
Braddock rolls her eyes.
Glory Braddock:
Jenni? Please, Sophie, do not be like them…the so-called “experts”…because you are better than that. Look, I have never once denied how good Jenni is. I was the first to hire her to a wrestling contract of any kind. So I recognize talent when I see it and Jenni has it. But one victory does not a career make and one career does not make you The Best in the World. Being The Best in the World is a marathon, not a spring, and throughout my career I have won fourteen world championships. I want so badly number fifteen, Sophie. And I will…eventually…because I am the best. Jenni is good, and on any given day any wrestler can win any match against anyone, no matter the odds, but she is no Glory Braddock and she never will be.
Sophie nods her head.
Sophie O’Brian:
Fair enough. What about tonight? Are you prepared for Henri Black?
Glory Braddock:
I am more than ready for Henri Black. Trust me, Sophie, I have his number.
The British Bombshell motions to Sophie.
Glory Braddock:
What about you? What are you doing here tonight? You said you wanted to talk?
Sophie O’Brian:
I suppose I could give the tired excuse of how I’m here to support my friend, but you know me better than that. While it is true I am here to support you, there is also an underlying motivation. Someone on the MWE roster is after me and I want to know who. This is becoming very personal, Gloria, and you know what happens when I start to take things personally…
Braddock’s confident outward appearance immediately changes into a more serious, stoic gaze. She does know all about Sophie. As her best friend she knows her better than anyone else. Sophie O’Brian rarely takes anything personally. For her anything that happens is just business, no matter how horrific. The few times Sophie has ever taken a grudge personally it turned out bad for the other individual.
Glory Braddock:
I see…
Sophie O’Brian:
This is unfinished business, Glory. I want to finish it.
Glory Braddock:
I agree. And may I suggest that you start your investigation with Henri Black? Neil, Kyle, Hayley, and myself all agree that he has motivation for wanting you hurt. You are my best friend and if he holds a grudge against me he may be using you to get to me.
Sophie chuckles.
Sophie O’Brian:
If you ever want me to assist you in your war with Henri Black, all you have to do is ask. I would never turn down a request from the Braddock family and you know this. You do not have to try and manipulate me into attacking him. That being said, while Henri is on my list of possible suspects he is very low on that list. Henri does not strike me as a back fighter. He seems to be as the type who would give me a fair fight.
Glory Braddock:
You underestimate Henri. You do not know him like I do.
The Irish woman nods her head.
Sophie O’Brian:
Fair enough. At least your logic seems better than my idiot brother’s…
Glory Braddock:
Mark? Where is Mark, anyway?
Sophie motions with her thumb behind her.
Sophie O’Brian:
Retrieving our bags. He’s making his muscle useful.
Glory Braddock:
Oh…but Mark suspects Melody Lennox? Melody has benefited from your attacker before. Seems like a logical suspect.
Sophie O’Brian:
Precisely. Mark’s thought process is never logical. He’s also stupid and never right about anything. If he thinks it’s Melody, it must be someone else.
Glory Braddock:
Who else is there?
Sophie sighs and shrugs her shoulders.
Sophie O’Brian:
I do not know, but when I do, there will be hell to pay.
Singles Match
Leia LeBeau VS Asher MilesA match that was scheduled for last week but couldn’t take place due to Donovan Keane’s ruthless attack on Miles. The match began with some quick back and forth shots, particularly vicious those coming from Asher who seemed out to injure his opponent, whose only crime was to be the girlfriend of the man Asher targeted for God only knows what reasons. Leia’s long legs and her hard kicks kept the young man at bay at first, but soon he managed to block one of them and take Showtime to the mat with a dragon screw leg whip. And then he mounted on top of her, starting to rain down lefts and rights to her pretty face, that wicked smile growing wider with every strike. Leia tried to protect herself covering her face with her arms while trying to squirm away. Those hard strikes kept coming, the referee could do nothing but keeping an eye on the situation and making sure Asher wouldn’t use closed fists. LeBeau raised her knee against Miles’ tailbone, pushing him off balance and rolling to the side, switching positions with Asher. Instead of returning the courtesy, she stepped back, opting for a more cautious approach. Asher was going heavy on the Jet City woman, taking advantage of the environment to maximize the damage made. He had slammed Leia’s head against the corner, tried to choke her on the ropes and now reached her on the apron where she was catching her breath, picked her up and dropped her on her head with a nasty looking ddt. He rolled her back in the ring and climbed to the top rope, jumping off with a double foot stomp. Leia moved out of the way, getting up to her feet and dodging Asher’s running big boot, sneaking behind his back and wrapping her arms around his head, applying her Sleepless in Seattle sleeper hold. A wise idea, allowing her to get that break she needed and recover while wearing down the opponent. Miles tried to break free but the Show had him locked in tightly. The only remaining option was try to power out, using the size advantage to push all the way back to the nearest corner, squashing LeBeau against it. The first time wasn’t enough to get her to release the hold, and neither the second. Third time was the charm and Miles was finally free to kick her in the face with a Pele kick before taking a run to the opposite corner and charging back at full speed. Leia raised her kick and hit him on the mush, leaving him stumbling. From the second rope, she hit the Seattle Slutdrop, but this only gave her a near fall. If Leia had several chances to put the opponent away, coming close to win the match in various occasions but most notably with a crane kick and a diving meteora, that didn’t seem to be a priority for Miles. Coming close to the ten minutes mark, he had yet to attempt a pinfall. Every time he had the momentum by his side, he just punished the Sin City Showgirl, looking to hurt her perhaps to send a message to Keane. During a little excursus outside, he repeatedly launched her against the barricades and the ring post, taking a moment to spike her on the floor with a snap ddt. And if there was still any doubt on what his true intentions were, they disappeared when he pushed the base of the steel steps inside the ring. The referee asked him, almost begged him to give up whatever idea was going through his mind, but his plead fell on deaf ears, just like his threatens to disqualify him. Asher put Leia’s head between his legs and looked to piledrive her on top of the steps. Right before starting to climb them, Miles froze, staring at some point before him like he saw a ghost. Donovan Keane was there, somehow finding his way inside the Arena despite the suspension. Miles began to laugh maniacally as Donovan jumped over the barricade. Kaia got in his way to stop him, the referee tried to discourage him from taking even a step further, while Leia took advantage of the situation and punched Asher in the crotch with her Jenny Cage, quickly rolling him up with a cradle. The referee turned and made the count. One, Two and Three, Leia walked away with the win. WINNER: Leia LeBeau BY: Pinfall (Jenny Cage), 11:27 |
What happened next is easily imaginable. Donnie pushed Grainger down to the floor and entered the ring. The referee stepped in his way and ended up on his ass as Keane shoved him away. Leia tried to calm her man, but he asked her to leave, determined to end it right here and now this thing with Miles. Asher? He seemed to welcome this, getting up to his feet and taunting Donovan, yelling at him to strike. Keane balled up his fists, reaching back and getting ready to swing…
When he was tackled from behind by a man in uniform. Coming to the ring with them was the Riot General Manager, Vincent Moretti. And he wasn’t pleased with what he just saw…
Vincent Moretti:
Donovan, that’s enough!
Vincent is bracing himself with his cane and his face looks firey and red, a contrast to the professional silver suit from the silver fox.
Vincent Moretti:
You can’t be doing that. There are certain things in place and we all know that. I understand how you feel and your desire for revenge but when you’re told that you have to take the week to be suspended, you can’t go around and do the one thing you aren’t supposed to!
There’s a long sigh as he shakes his head knowing what he’s going to do even if he really doesn’t like it.
Vincent Moretti:
There’s consequences for all actions and we can't just let you do what you please and make life hell for the guards to the staff to the other wrestlers. You’re going to have to spend the night in the local jail to cool off, Donovan. I’ve already made the arrangements in case you’d do something like this figuring you would. That’s the bad news.
Donnie stares at the General Manager in absolute shock, petrified with his mouth open. Leia is trying to change his mind, her eyes quickly moving from Moretti to her boyfriend, then to Asher and back to the general manager. Vincent just looks at the people giving him said reaction and shakes his head.
Vincent Moretti:
Good news? We’ll solve this issue at Dark Web for good. Asher, Donnie. You two are essentially going to war. He needs to settle it as a man would, I get that. That’s why it’s being made. And as for what type of match you could be wrestling in?
He pauses and there’s a frown still etched on his face as he ponders things through.
Vincent Moretti:
Well, use the time cooling off to get creative Donovan and the people can vote among the choices. However vicious or depraved you want to get in order to get the revenge you desire, I’ll greenlight it. Until then, no more. Anymore physical contact between anybody involved in this situation and again, I’ll do the same thing that I just did to Donovan. No more.
Vincent, with support of his cane, turns on his heel and directs the men in uniform to take Donovan to jail for his mandatory cooling off.
Amy Maynard:
That was quite the way to kick off this show, right Fi...
That's when Amy realizes she's sitting alone at the announcer's table.
Sir Figgles:
Are they gone?
That's the voice of her partner, but Figgles is nowhere to be seen.
Sir Figgles:
The cops I mean... Is it safe to come out?
Amy tilts her head and looks under the table, letting out a deep sigh as she finds her partner under there.
Amy Maynard:
Yes they just took Donovan away. Why are you hiding tho?
Sir Figgles:
You don't wanna know...
"Bad Guy" begins to blare over the PA system. The familiar tune is followed by an eruption of pre-recorded boos for the five feet of pure arrogance known as "The VIP of MWE." Melody Lennox appears on the stage, her face a visage of absolute frustration, marred with a little pout. Clad in a light pink tanktop, skintight leather pants which are practically a second skin on her curvaceous lower half, and black heeled boots with pink soles. Her blonde hair is in a high ponytail, dip-dyed with a flamingo pink shade. Unlike her usual pomp and circumstance, there's not a lot of song and dance. She walks steady, with a purpose. Practically stomping up the steel stairs after booking it to the ring.
Rumchata Ayano:
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome at this time, Melo-
She snatches the microphone from the hand of the ring announcer aggressively. Speaking with a bit of bass in her voice, over the tone of her theme music.
Melody Lennox:
THEY KNOW WHO I AM!
Melody glared, shooing the announcer away.
Melody Lennox:
Cut my music! CUT IT! CUT IT NOW!
As if on her command, the music cuts. Melody plants a hand onto her hip, pacing the ring. Her blue eyes are cast down to the ground, the wheels turning behind them as she gathered up her jumbled thoughts.
Melody Lennox:
I just... I cannot believe that we're still on the subject of having to talk about Sophie O'Brian. I can't. I can't think of one single person who wants to talk about that old hag of a woman, but yet here we are. That burden falling on my perfectly crafted shoulders. So that poses a very important question... why? Why do I need to waste everyone's time and mine talking about people like Sophie or Megan or just... anyone who's not yours truly, the BIGGEST signing in MWE history?!
Hearing the boos that shrouded her words, The Villainess stops to ponder just what could be causing them. When the answer strikes, her pointer finger raises as if to show she's got an idea.
Melody Lennox:
Metaphorically. Thanks for the reminder.
Her eyes rolled. Fitting a world of attitude in such a small, spiteful frame was a feat but Melody walked the walk and made it look easy.
Melody Lennox:
I have heard nothing but 'It's obvious Melody did it.' or 'It's a fact Melody did it' from that repulsive, inbred idiot, Sophie's brother... what's his name? Fucking Mark? Of course it is. How appropriate... of course he cannot see the forest for the trees and anything that requires a little bit of thought is a little too hard for an O'Brian to grasp. It's cool. I get it. Not EVERYONE can be gifted like me. And with being gifted... comes the pettiness from below. Those down here...
The blonde crouches for emphasis, her fingertips grazing just delicately inches above the canvas.
Melody Lennox:
Way, waaay down here? They're always trying to strike above. Acting above their stations, forgetting their places.
Standing back to her not-much-taller normal standing point, her lips purse into a puckering pout.
Melody Lennox:
Well if you come for me? You best not miss. But, that's the thing... see, Mark... you really did miss. You missed BIG time Mark!
Her eyes rolled again, making a face akin to just taking a bite out of a lemon. That name just leaves a foul taste on her tongue.
Melody Lennox:
I know you're simple. I can look at that pitiful face and see it. Costing me a match? That's a BIG fucking mistake. Over what? What you THINK is right?! How dare you? How dare you forget that you're one of the people down there, and the fact that I haven't knocked you back down to that spot and stomped you six feet deep is a fucking COURTESY that you should be on your knees, THANKING me for! But the more I sit and think it over, on the level of a fucking simpleton like you... I get it. Since I think we need to say things loud and repetitively for you to really grasp it? I wanna make something clear... if something seems obvious? It's usually not and you need to dig a little bit deeper because otherwise, idiots like you think you've got something and don't realize when someone as pure, sweet, and innocent as myself... is being FRAMED. Now, I've done my homework-
She interjects, quickly.
Melody Lennox:
See, my dear fool... homework is when you put in effort to educating yourself, and it usually-... y'know, nah, nevermind. Lost cause. You wouldn't get it.
The blonde shakes her head, quickly abandoning that notion.
Melody Lennox:
But, since ONE of us had to do it... I'd like to present to you something. A gift in the pursuit of not being a fucking moron with a deathwish, in favor of just having a deathwish. I present to you all... Melodyvision!
From the ceiling lowers a large, obscenely expensive flat screen. The borders of which are bedazzled in layers and rows of pink and purple rhinestones. These stones sparkle in the light of the arena as the large screen makes its way down. Amy and Jacob from their position can't see what the Villainess is about to show, and Figgles tries to point it out to Melody, and decides to do it in the form of a crowd chant.
Sir Figgles:
WE-CAN'T-SEE! WE-CAN'T-SEE! WE-CAN'T-SEE!
The frustration quickly builds on Melody's face. Cheering back at him in a taunting tone.
Melody Lennox:
Sucks-to-be-you! Sucks-to-be-you! Shut up and look on the uglier tron. This is important!
And finally, the large, bedazzled screen starts showcasing what Melody is talking about.
The first piece of footage takes us back to New Zealand, inside The Unbreakable Sanctuary. It was the night Melody Lennox was supposed to fight against Sophie O’Brian in the semifinal of the Intercontinental Championship tournament. As the camera walks the locker room area, our attention is caught by one door, slightly left ajar. The voice of the four time world champion can be heard coming from inside, deaf thud comes from inside: “Mark is that y…” before a deaf thud plunges the room in an eerie silence. A sound of footsteps can be heard coming our way, the door opens and before the camera could get a clear shot of the perpetrator, the poor guy holding it suffers the same fate as Sophie, getting knocked out flat on the floor. As he falls back, we get a glimpse of the man’s face, but the image is too shaken and blurry to get much out of it. Except that a thick beard is covering his chin.
Flash forward to Down Under, this time it’s a clip coming from a CCTV camera inside the Enterprise Arena. Mark O’Brian is standing outside his sister’s locker room when a door behind him opens, and he gets dragged inside. We hear some fighting sounds before a blonde haired woman, the ends dyed in a light shade of pink. Just like Melody’s. But, something seems off, her movements as she walks away don’t resemble those of the Villainess, and she seems to be taller than Lennox... Sophie O’Brian walks out of her locker room and gets blasted from behind with a clothesline by a mysterious assailant. He never showed his face, his back was turned to the camera the entire time. But a few more hints are revealed. Short hair, arms like trees… And a tallness way above the norm. As he disappears from the view, paramedics and staff rush to the scene, providing assistance to O’Brian.
The third clip comes straight from the parking lot, the timestamp says April 11, the night Melody was supposed to face Megan Rydell. The Intercontinental Champion is walking to the Arena, the title proudly wrapped around her waist. A few steps back, carrying her bags is… Deacon Lewis? Yes, that’s the 7’2’’ feet, 330 pounds giant that stepped in the MWE rings a few times. They stop right before the door, Megan grabbing the bags from him and telling him “You know what to do.” The big man nods, repeating the plan which pretty much consisted in simulating an attack on Rydell, who would put the blame on her opponent.
As the video comes to its end, Melody smirks coldly. Bobbing her head about in a manner that can best be described as "I told you so." Gleeful, the VIP of MWE just can't help herself.
Melody Lennox:
I tooooold you so! I told you! I told you. I told you too. I told ALL of you! I don't need help to beat an ancient woman who hasn't been important in GOD knows how long! I don't need ANYONE! You want to point fingers, Mark? Why don't you point them in the direction of the collective garbage heap known as the Rydell family? They've made it VERY clear they're pieces of shit for a long time now and maybe you'll find some similar company. But why talk about maybes when we can talk about definitives? You DEFINITIVELY refused to look deeper, didn't you? You were just COMMITTED to your ignorance! It was just asking too much of you not to be the World's Biggest Dumbass, wasn't it? Well, unfortunately for you Mark? I don't accept apologies. Not from nobodies like you, and especially not when those nobodies mess with my opportunities! MEGAN is scum who stole my opportunity to be the Intercontinental Champion. YOU stole my opportunity to get my name back into contendership because YOU couldn't be bothered to look a little deeper. You were so convinced it was me! Nobody and nothing could stop you from your allegiance you pledged to your stupidity, regardless of how many times I told you it wasn't me! And that was a mistake, just like what that walking bag of slime and trash in the shape of a human, Megan Rydell, made. Megan is a festering cesspit of awful, and she's one I'll deal with later. But you, Mark? You've got my attention now. And I hope when I break your body into pieces so it's as useless as you are, that you two get to be hospital roomies together, because I'm not going to rest until you're both fucking FOOTNOTES in the history books of MWE!
Melody tosses the mic down, making it squeal with feedback from how hard she'd thrown it to the apron. Storming towards the ropes and letting herself out of the ring in a way that's perhaps more dainty than one would come to expect from someone who willingly plays so dirty, "Bad Guy" plays again in the sound system as Melody storms her way up the ramp. The ceiling is once again opening to take Melody's expensive tron back into it, as she marches once again with purpose towards the backstage.
The Enterprise Arena in Chicago is bustling with excitement backstage. But one person doesn’t seem rather excited at all. Instead she seems rather perplexed. Pacing the floor of the backstage area is the redheaded assassin known as “The Woman Scorned” Kimberly Williams. Kimberly has a genuinely puzzled look on her face as she paces back and forth, seemingly digging her own trench as she does so.
Kimberly Williams:
Y’know, I get the whole concept of four versus four. And my opponents…Tiny Des I beat once and wouldn’t mind beating against, Saki and I still have unfinished business, Hayley Hasley may be all buddy buddy with my distant cousin but she is still annoying as fuck and wouldn’t mind gutting her, as for Noris Cranley…
The Woman Scorned shrugs her shoulders.
Kimberly Williams:
…eh, wrong place and wrong time. I don’t mind beating the hell out of any of them. So that’s no issue, but my tag team partners? I suppose I don’t have anything against them…except Melody Lennox. Something about her rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it’s the pink hair? Perhaps it’s the arrogant attitude? But you know what the real problem is?
Kimberly smirks nastily.
Kimberly Williams:
I…do not…play well…with others!
She throws her head back and cackles, almost like a witch.
Kimberly Williams:
Now my tag team partners do not need to worry about anything until after the match is over, then all bets are off. I will do my job. But my opponents had better be concerned from bell to bell because none of you have any idea what I am fully capable of and none of you know what I will do here tonight to any of you…
She winks at the camera.
Kimberly Williams:
…partner or opponent…
Singles Match
Dean Smith VS Brien StormTwo men who didn’t get many chances to shine lately, looking for an opportunity to earn the spotlights back. A test of strength to start things off saw Dean getting the upper hand, forcing Storm toward the ropes. The Favorite Worst Nightmare raised his knee to Dean’s midsection, doubling him over and throwing him out of the ring. Smith landed on the apron and blocked the right punch Brien threw in an attempt to knock him off the apron. connecting one of his own that rocks the former EIW champion. Dean steps between the ropes and hits the opponent with his Four Uppercuts And A Dreading (a series of four uppercuts followed by a rock bottom). The former Invictus Champion was unleashing hell on Storm, punching and kicking him all the way to the corner. Brien fought back once he found himself stuck against the ropes, creating some space with a couple of headbutts and dropping him against the middle turnbuckle with a reverse STO. They kept trading strikes and well timed moves, but the match remained pretty much even, until Storm picked Dean up on his shoulders and dropped him head first on his knee. From that moment on, Brien was in control, wearing Dean down with a barrage of kicks and making a cover attempt after the roundhouse, finding out that it would take a lot more to keep Smith down. The most dominant Invictus champion ever reacted to Brien’s onslaught, lifting him and hitting a backbreaker, following with a second and a third, in a sort of tribute to Dean’s sister the MWE Tag Team Champion Bree Smith. Storm tried to take back control but this time he missed the right hook as Smith ducked it and hit a backslide driver for another near fall. Finding back that confidence that characterized him during his reign, Dean hit his Quarterbark, at least the first part of it. Storm in fact dodged the punch and doubled him over with a knee to the stomach, dropping him down with an implant ddt. Even now Dean raised his shoulder in time, trying to defend himself from the opponent’s onslaught. The end was nigh, as Brien picked him up for the Unforecasted Storm. Somehow Dean slipped away, sending the Favorite Worst Nightmare turning a full 180° with a hard spinning backfist. With a kick on the hamstrings he dropped The Captain on his knees, applying a dragon sleeper and even wrapping his legs around his body to take the submission to the mat. Storm had no chance but to give up to the Choke Out. WINNER: Dean Smith BY: Submission (Choke Out), 9:11 |
Amy Maynard: "Looks like Dean Smith is finally back!"
Sir Figgles: "Huh? Where did he go?"
Amy Maynard: "I meant it as he's back to his winning ways, you goof..."
Sir Figgles: "Huh? Where did he go?"
Amy Maynard: "I meant it as he's back to his winning ways, you goof..."
Riot cuts to some pre-taped footage that takes place in an empty building located in Seattle, Washington. The only thing that’s inside is some bleachers which from a distance appear to be just as empty but as the camera zooms in closer, the viewer sees that the bleachers aren’t empty after all. There is one person sitting in them and that’s an annoyed and angry Hayley Halsey who just overlooks the empty building as if she’s grown bitter by it. The building itself is beginning to look as if there hasn’t been any maintenance done in a while. Hayley maintains her demeanor as she begins to express her thoughts.
Hayley Halsey:
The Seattle Wrestling Academy… the place where I started. This school doesn’t exist anymore. It was sold off last year because a certain selfish bitch on Millennium decided to put her career ahead of this place’s interests. This place though… is mostly known for Victoria Salinas and how she got her start here… for those of you that forgot about that rambling story of OH MY GOD, I OVERCAME SO MUCH TO EVEN BE A WRESTLER that she’s told so many times in the past. This isn’t about her though… this is about me. I’m here to reveal one of THE biggest reasons why I joined the Glorious Golden Era… I’m sitting right inside of it…
I got to learn from Victoria here every now and then… you know… when she wasn’t too busy trying to be a star all over the world and such… I learned about the honor and integrity of this business… I learned exactly what professional wrestling is supposed to be about… I learned about how to conduct myself as a true wrestler here and these are values that… don’t get me wrong… I continue to carry to this very day… otherwise, I wouldn’t be a fit for the Glorious Golden Era at all… and yet… for all of the GOOD that this place gave me…
They hamstrung me…
Hayley pauses and expresses a bitter scowl for a few seconds before she continues on.
Hayley Halsey:
Their methods made me… well… WEAK!
From them, I learned how to be a pushover! Because of this very school, I made it very easy for other promotions and other wrestlers to take advantage of me. The fact of the matter is… this school essentially “sissified” me. When I first started wrestling in the mainstream for god awful places like PHW and California Wrestling… I didn’t have a backbone at all. I was the perennial butt monkey to everyone else even when I did win two championships within my first 10 matches. By the time I got here, I got so fucking sick of it and yet… for weeks… for months…
I was being treated like that butt monkey!
All those opening matches? All the times I was being embarrassed? All of the times I was told that I wasn’t “good at wrestling? All the mockery that I took. All the times certain people were trying to bury me by refusing to mention me by name? All that without mentioning how much of a fucking cancer Vianca was… but STILL…
I HAD to do something different…
I HAD to change things up.
Progress has been made… this is fact…
But last week? Oh it was the EPITOME of why I joined the Golden Glorious Era. You know what I’m sick of though? Those fucking HACKS on commentary that make their bullshit, sarcastic, MOCKING comments about me every time I lose a match. “OH HAYLEY JUST CAN’T BEAT MEGAN LOL!”
FUCK OFF!
That’s EXACTLY why I joined the Glorious Golden Era…
That’s EXACTLY what I’m sick and tired of.
I’m TIRED of being the butt monkey around here! I’m tired of being treated like one by everyone else. The one good thing that I can say is that at least soon enough, with the best guidance that I could ever possibly have, you idiots that laughed at me… particularly that piece of shit at the commentary table… I’ll prove that I’m NOT a fucking butt monkey like CHEESECAKE… and NINA… and PINHEAD… and all these fuckers that have been written off as jokes in the past. It’s a little ridiculous that tonight, I have to team up with people that I wouldn’t team with otherwise… but so be it…
I’ll soak this up as a chance to shine… to prove that I’m done being degraded to just some also-ran with no future… because I AM the future! I AM next in line! Tonight, I take a step further into proving that! I take one more step in discarding every weakness this fucking garbage excuse of a wrestling school… and to be honest… Victoria Salinas herself because OH MY GOD, SHE HAD A FAVORITE IN HER TRAINER’S DAUGHTER… ever instilled in me!
I’ll do whatever it takes to silence EVERY piece of shit that doubts me… from Meg Rydell all the way down to that hack on commentary that ALWAYS talks shit about me like I’m fucking nobody… violent… non-violent… don’t care!
I meant what I said when I said you’re all done laughing at me… and tonight, I take another step in proving that!
Hayley abruptly gets up from the bleachers and leaves… and with the way she’s walking, she can’t get out of the building that once housed her wrestling school fast enough as she wants to be rid of some of the worst memories that made her the ‘butt monkey’ that she described herself as once being. Once she’s out of the building, the pre-recorded footage cuts out.
Four vs Four Match
Nina, Christina Lopez, Melody Lennox & Kimberly Williams VS Saki, Tiny Des, Hayley Halsey & Noris CranleyBefore the match started, Rumchata Ayano announced a surprise twist to this match. Everyone involved, barring the person who gets pinned, will be entering a eight person ladder match for the Junior Heavyweight Championship at Dark Web II. This news surely changed the entire dynamic of the match, as shown just a couple minutes in when Nina knocked down Hayley with her Viper Sting (Fedor punch) and not a single soul tried to make the save. It was no longer a tag match, it became a way less chaotic eight person match where every man was for themselves. Halsey was in serious difficulty against Nina and after barely kicking out from a bicycle kick, the New Vainglorious reached her corner and tagged Tiny Des in, showing all her disappointment to her teammates for not helping her in that moment of need. Nina welcomed this new chance to fight Destiny, the troubled history between them was well documented. And their first exchange was just as you would expect it, intense and ruthless with stiff shots being thrown from either competitor. The Snakebite came out on top, the hard she work put in at Chicago Fight Lab was paying off, her knee strikes doing a lot of damage to Destiny. Nina fired the opponent in the corner with an irish whip and charged right back in, but Figgins raised her foot to stop her run and quickly went to the top rope diving backward and connecting her springboard reverse ddt called Destiny Drop, but the acrobatic move only gave her a two count. Once she got Nina to lower her tight defense, Destiny’s speed became a formidable weapon against the former intern. When she hit the ropes to connect a running single leg dropkick to the Chicago born, Noris Cranley patted her back and took the tag. Destiny stopped on her track and accused him of trying to steal the glory from her. The Unstoppable ignored her and entered the ring but Tiny Des was out of herself, going as far as pushing her tag partner. The tension rising between the two was only defused by the referee forcing Destiny to leave the ring. Cranley could now charge at Nina, who had enough time to recover and caught him with a drop toe hold takedown. His face bounced on the canvas as Nina rolled back on her feet and stepped on his head with a curb stomp to reach her corner and give the tag to Melody Lennox. The Villainess was looking great tonight, clearing her name by the false accusations seemingly took a weight off her chest. Along with Noris they put on a jaw dropping contest with action so quick it was hard to keep track of. Athletic feats on both sides, creative evasions and quick counters… They both were taking huge risks with those quick pinning predicaments but they didn’t seem to care. Melody went for a springboard crossbody but Cranley saw it coming and caught her with a dropkick to the chest. He followed up with a running shooting star press, landing on the Truly Wicked knees and getting rolled up on his shoulders with a cradle. He managed to kick out, eating a shining wizard from the blonde girl who took a moment to gloat before attempting a springboard moonsault. Noris rolled out of the way and hit a double foot stomp to the back of Melody before climbing to the top rope for his Sunrise Shooting Star. An unexpected assist to Melody came from Nina, who shook the top rope causing the Unstoppable to lose balance and land split legged on the top of the turnbuckle. Melody slowly got up and reached him on top, hitting the beautiful Final Serenade (cyclorama). The landing wasn’t perfect and Melody wasted precious moments before being able to cover the opponent who kicked out in two. A double tag was made and it was now the turn of Kimberly Williams and Saki to get inside the ring. And shit got wild. Between headbutts, eye rakes and attempts to bite the opponent, the two crazier competitors in the ring really tested the patience of the referee. The officially finally separated them and sternly admonished both women reminding that disqualification WAS an option, and it would have costed them the spot in the ladder match. And that was enough to put the match back on the rails. Sure, neither the Wild Card nor the Singapore Mauler held back, but they played within the rules. The result was a fast paced and hard hitting contest that saw Williams almost getting the job done with her Chaos Theory corkscrew senton. A minute or so later and Saki absolutely knocked out the Woman Scorned with the Farfegnugen (ripcord headbutt). Luckily for the redhead, the ropes were close and she managed to touch them with her foot. The Kawaii Deathmachine never saw the blind tag made by Christina Lopez, and this almost costed her the match when the Blossoming Rose surprised her with a quick schoolboy pin. Saki kicked out and stunned Lopez with a knee to the face, rushing to the top rope for her Cotton Candy Kiss Of Death. Rolling forward, Lopez dodged it. causing Saki to land badly on her knees. Wasting no time, the former multi time champion dropped her on her face with a bulldog, quickly making the cover and obtaining a two. She stayed on the attack, trying to end the match with the Flashing Lights but Saki ducked the roundhouse kicked her in the stomach doubling her over and planting her on her head with a piledriver. Christina kicked out in two and the exhausted Saki went to make the tag to Hayley Halsey. Rested up, the member of the Glorious Golden Era easily controlled the match against the dazed opponent, almost getting the decisive three with her tornado ddt. Lopez was completely at her mercy, barely surviving the New Vainglorious attacks. The tables suddenly turned when she stunned Halsey with a lucky elbow shot, created that little separation that allowed her to tag Melody Lennox back in. The self proclaimed VIP of MWE was always one step ahead of Hayley. She seemed to know exactly what the Heartbreaker was thinking, easily dodging her moves and connecting with quick counter strikes. One of these counter strikes was the infamous Common Sense (front-flipping walkover one-legged scorpion kick) that knocked down Hayley. Somehow, she still kicked out, only delaying what looked like her inevitable end. Melly was stalking her, ready to finish things off with her Viola D’Amore and nothing was going to stop her from winning the match and kicking Halsey out of the title match. Except Megan Rydell walking on the ramp for an oddly timed explanation of her actions. As Lennox took her eyes off the prize to focus on the Intercontinental Champion, she was rolled on her back by Halsey who grabbed a handful of tights to secure the three count. WINNER: Hayley Halsey BY: Pinfall (Roll-Up), 19:13 |
Megan Rydell is standing on the entrance stage with a panicked look on her face. She’s dressed down in her street clothes and has the Intercontinental Championship on her shoulder. She stands there shaking her head before she looked up at the camera.
Megan Rydell:
I don’t know what to say. I’m just… I’m so…
From behind the curtain comes the towering Deacon Lewis, taking his place next to Megan.
Megan Rydell:
I’m SO thankful for Deacon here for having my back. When all of you turned away from me, when all of you constantly screwed me out of so many opportunities… It was time I deployed someone to help me decide my date.
She nodded confidently.
Megan Rydell:
Me getting fucked over goes way back to Jacob Daniels becoming the champion here when this place was Pride, and Warren Corbett interfered and cost me the match. I should’ve been the top dog here from the start but I was screwed. Then I chased after the Cloud Gate Championship for months and when I won it finally? Brit Kane was allowed to come out and fight me after I just had a tiring match, and I had the shortest Cloud Gate Championship reign of all time.
Megan scoffed and shook her head.
Megan Rydell:
And then, a referee fucked me out of the Intercontinental Championship tournament. Everyone knew this was MY tournament to win. And that’s why I had to find a way to get back into it, and that is what I did when I had Deacon here destroy Sophie, who didn’t deserve to move on, who didn’t deserve to have my place.
She pointed at herself.
Megan Rydell:
Look at me now. Look at this Championship on my shoulder! Is it not clear that I deserved this? I won it fair and square when I put myself back into the tournament. I showed that when I didn’t have someone interfering in my matches or a referee costing me a match with their negligence, that I am unstoppable. I am the future of Millennium.
She nodded confidently and continued on.
Megan Rydell:
You can hate me for what I did. You can criticize me, you can say I somehow took a shortcut but the fact of the matter is? I won all of my matches through my own skill and willpower. Go look at the tapes. I’m sorry that I didn’t sit back and let Moretti fuck me over like Chuck Matthews and the rest of the knuckleheads who used to be in charge did. I’m not letting anyone stop me from taking what is RIGHTFULLY MINE!
She held the Intercontinental Championship in front of the camera for all to see.
Megan Rydell:
And now that I have my hands on this? There isn’t a damn thing any of you can do to stop me. I will be your Intercontinental Champion of both brands. I will be the star of each show. I will be the one to carry the weight. Not Constantine. Not Sophie. Not Melody. Not Hearst. Not even Melissa Reeves, who I actually have respect for. No! It’s me. It always will be me. And if you don’t get that through your head? I’ll have Deacon here beat it into you. Got that? Good.
Meg grinned before she walked out of the scene and it cuts away.
Megan Rydell:
I don’t know what to say. I’m just… I’m so…
From behind the curtain comes the towering Deacon Lewis, taking his place next to Megan.
Megan Rydell:
I’m SO thankful for Deacon here for having my back. When all of you turned away from me, when all of you constantly screwed me out of so many opportunities… It was time I deployed someone to help me decide my date.
She nodded confidently.
Megan Rydell:
Me getting fucked over goes way back to Jacob Daniels becoming the champion here when this place was Pride, and Warren Corbett interfered and cost me the match. I should’ve been the top dog here from the start but I was screwed. Then I chased after the Cloud Gate Championship for months and when I won it finally? Brit Kane was allowed to come out and fight me after I just had a tiring match, and I had the shortest Cloud Gate Championship reign of all time.
Megan scoffed and shook her head.
Megan Rydell:
And then, a referee fucked me out of the Intercontinental Championship tournament. Everyone knew this was MY tournament to win. And that’s why I had to find a way to get back into it, and that is what I did when I had Deacon here destroy Sophie, who didn’t deserve to move on, who didn’t deserve to have my place.
She pointed at herself.
Megan Rydell:
Look at me now. Look at this Championship on my shoulder! Is it not clear that I deserved this? I won it fair and square when I put myself back into the tournament. I showed that when I didn’t have someone interfering in my matches or a referee costing me a match with their negligence, that I am unstoppable. I am the future of Millennium.
She nodded confidently and continued on.
Megan Rydell:
You can hate me for what I did. You can criticize me, you can say I somehow took a shortcut but the fact of the matter is? I won all of my matches through my own skill and willpower. Go look at the tapes. I’m sorry that I didn’t sit back and let Moretti fuck me over like Chuck Matthews and the rest of the knuckleheads who used to be in charge did. I’m not letting anyone stop me from taking what is RIGHTFULLY MINE!
She held the Intercontinental Championship in front of the camera for all to see.
Megan Rydell:
And now that I have my hands on this? There isn’t a damn thing any of you can do to stop me. I will be your Intercontinental Champion of both brands. I will be the star of each show. I will be the one to carry the weight. Not Constantine. Not Sophie. Not Melody. Not Hearst. Not even Melissa Reeves, who I actually have respect for. No! It’s me. It always will be me. And if you don’t get that through your head? I’ll have Deacon here beat it into you. Got that? Good.
Meg grinned before she walked out of the scene and it cuts away.
Triple Threat Match
Liv Mercer VS Echo VS Pierce Manning The situation around the Invictus Championship heated up in the recent weeks. Pierce Manning joined Liv Mercer in the hunt for the coveted title held by the Australian sensation who started the match in an impressing way, asserting her dominance on both opponents. A volley of strikes right off the bell caught Manning off guard and left him stunned, allowing Echo to turn around and throw the charging Mercer up and over with a back body drop. She quickly switched her focus back to Pierce who was making it up to his feet and whipped him in the corner, charging in for a clothesline. Liv followed suit, jumping with a high knee to the back of the Invictus Champion’s head but Echo, warned in time by her trainer, sidestepped. Mercer’s knee caught Manning on the face and as soon as her feet touched the ground, she was tossed to the mat by the australian with a bridging version of her german suplex that earned Echo the first nearfall of the match. The alliance Pierce and Liv put into effect to put a halt to Echo’s dominance in the opening minutes didn’t last long. As soon as they dropped her down with a double suplex and Liv tried to make the cover, Pierce broke it up and dragged the former Riot champion back to her feet, pushing her back. Liv immediately kicked him in the stomach and hit her Stay Grounded inverted stomp facebreaker, flooring the member of the Establishment. Before she could actually capitalize on that, Echo grabbed her arm and pulled her back into a lariat, barely dodged by Mercer was quick to catch the opponent for a neckbreaker slam. Echo was already back on her feet, calling Mercer that c word she loved so much and hitting her with a punch straight to the jaw. Liv answered back with one of her own, and the two of them started brawling it out until Pierce rushed in and took them both out with a double clothesline. As the match was drawing to conclusion, Manning was in control after having cleaned the ring and tossed Echo on the outside. Suplex after suplex he was wearing Liv down, his trademark rotating belly to back suplex side slam really gave the impression he had the match won, but Liv somehow kicked out. Wasting no time, the pulled her back to her feet and, after a few uppercuts, he sent her for a run against the ropes. Echo quickly entered the ring and bumped Pierce away, catching the running Mercer with her Reverb. There was the one, there was the two and then there was Manning diving in and saving the match. Pierce stomped Echo to the mat, driving his foot to the back of her head before lifting her over his shoulders for his Gory neckbreaker called TBTM. As he tried to capitalize, Liv hit him with another Stay Grounded, but only got a two out of her predicament. The reason? Jared moved his foot under the bottom rope. Everybody saw it, Constable was famous for being less than subtle in his interferences. But not the referee, who stopped his count. Liv argued with him, Oz was chasing Jared around the ring and Yulia watching them while shaking her head. In the ring, Manning resorted to one of his favorite tricks, the roll of quarters hidden in his fist to turn it into a knock out weapon. The first victim was Echo who dropped down like a ton of bricks. Liv was meant to suffer the same fate, but she went low with a kick right between The Man(ning) legs, making him eat the sole of her boot for a third and last time. WINNER: Liv Mercer BY: Pinfall (Stay Grounded), 11:20 |
Sir Figgles: "Outcheating the cheater! I love it!"
Amy Maynard: "Of course you do... You know you're supposed to be impartial, right?"
Sir Figgles: "Am I not? I didn't say that I'm cheering for Liv to take the title from Echo, which by the way I do... I just pointed out that she outsmarted the competition tonight."
Amy Maynard: "Such a shame this won't help her when she gets another shot at the Invictus championship..."
Sir Figgles: "Are you being sarcastic now?"
Amy Maynard: "Definitely."
Amy Maynard: "Of course you do... You know you're supposed to be impartial, right?"
Sir Figgles: "Am I not? I didn't say that I'm cheering for Liv to take the title from Echo, which by the way I do... I just pointed out that she outsmarted the competition tonight."
Amy Maynard: "Such a shame this won't help her when she gets another shot at the Invictus championship..."
Sir Figgles: "Are you being sarcastic now?"
Amy Maynard: "Definitely."
Video begins to play from the last Riot show and we see Noris Cranley facing off with Christina Lopez. We are shown the highlights of the match where Noris came out the winner and then we are shown some of the comments he made after the match
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!]
We then come back to the live feed where Veronica Chandler and Kristina Spencer are standing by. Veronica shakes her head in obvious disappointment as Kristina seems to not care either way
Veronica Chandler
Seriously? This goof Noris Cranley gets a win over everybodies punching bag Lopez and suddenly he thinks he deserves a shot at the title? Wow you have some nerve buddy or maybe it is just delusions of grandeur just like Cheesecake had and we all saw what happened to that bitch.
Veronica rubs Kristina’s Junior Heavyweight Title.
Veronica Chandler
Sorry buddy but i am going to have to say NO to your amusing challenge. Sorry but not sorry! Maybe one day you will impress me enough to allow you to get in the ring with Kristina in a NON Title match and if you impress me in that match I will consider your title challenge but until then you keep chucking away there sport on the Christina Lopez’s of the world.
Veronica smirks and looks at Kristina who has yet to change her expressions.
Veronica Chandler
Then there is Megan Rydell. I actually have a lot of respect for Megan as she stepped out of her sister Kenzi’s shadow and grabbed that brass ring and used to smash that glass ceiling and has made herself quite the career in this business. That is great and I applaud you for everything you have done.
Veronica gives Megan a golf clap
Veronica Chandler
However tonight Megan, that respect and a dollar will get you a bag of chips because my client is out for blood and she is going to give you a beating. Win, lose or draw Kristina so going to hurt you and hurt you bad. You may cry and you may bleed and hell you may not even walk out of the arena but regardless of what happens at least you will have had the extreme privilege of being in the ring with the GREATEST Junior Champion of all time and lived to tell the tale.
She snaps her fingers
Veronica Chandler
Let’s go
She walks off and Kristina follows her having never uttered a sound or a word
Singles Match
Krissy Spencer VS Megan RydellMegan was making her way to the ring when she was jumped by Melody Lennox who came from the empty stands to tackle her on the ramp. The Villainess was a fury, wanting to make the Intercontinental Champion pay for eliminating her in the semi-final, setting her up with false evidence and ultimately for costing her a shot at the Junior Heavyweight Championship. In such a short amount of time before Deacon came out to rescue Megan, Melody was able to do enough damage to incapacitate Rydell to compete tonight. More than the punches delivered while wearing the ridiculously big 29 carat engagement ring, it was the constant slamming of her head on the cold still that made the referee decide to call off the match to get the IC champion checked. WINNER: // BY: //, 0:00 |
Amy Maynard: "We all saw this coming..."
Sir Figgles: "Of course we did, he's 7 feet 2! It's a walking mountain, how could we possibly miss it?"
Amy Maynard: "I was referring to Melody's retaliation..."
Sir Figgles: "Who cares about that? Did you see how easily he picked up Melody? He's literally three times her, I bet he could fit her in his giant ass pocket..."
Sir Figgles: "Of course we did, he's 7 feet 2! It's a walking mountain, how could we possibly miss it?"
Amy Maynard: "I was referring to Melody's retaliation..."
Sir Figgles: "Who cares about that? Did you see how easily he picked up Melody? He's literally three times her, I bet he could fit her in his giant ass pocket..."
In a pre-recorded segment filmed in what appears to be Henri Black’s own living room, Henri is lounging on the sofa in a more casual look than he is usually seen in, wearing a black button down shirt with the collar undone and with a box labelled “props” sitting on the table in front of him.
Henri Black:
So, I had this whole elaborate dog and pony show planned out, I had actors lined up to play Jenni, Devin, Pierce and Glory, Hell even Jared was involved; he was going to be a sock puppet, and It would have been hilarious. Unfortunately one thing led to another and about halfway through filming I realised that it just wasn’t going to work and so I cancelled the whole thing and sent the actors home, and as I had sadly invested all of my effort in that idea when it fell apart I chose simply to remain silent. That won’t be happening this week, and instead of my usual reaction to these situations, namely mocking people mercilessly, I’m simply going to talk to you man to man and forget all the bells and whistles.
Henri reaches into the prop box and withdraws a handful of bells and what appears to be a coaches whistle before tossing them over his shoulder where they are promptly attacked by a large black and white cat.
Henri Black:
For over half a year Devin Hearst was the untouchable RIOT champion, every single challenger who stepped up was knocked right back down… until, that is, two weeks ago when I proved that he is indeed touchable.
Henri Black:
And now to the more recent events, Devin, you say that my Black Sacrament is the flavour of the month? Well luckily for you it is only one of the many moves in my arsenal capable of putting you down, let me give you some examples.
Henri vanishes from the screen and is replaced by footage of his match against Wilkow in New Zealand as Henri narrates.
Henri Black:
Before I show you the first option, it’s important that you understand that it’s been a very long time since somebody made me tap out, regardless of the circumstances, so maybe... just maybe I’ll return the favour and break your ankle with Memento Mori? I’m sure your buddy Wilkow can tell you exactly how agonising it is to find your ankle twisted beyond any natural angle and your knee hyperextended, sure, I don’t break it out as often as I used to but to borrow a line from you, I think you’re worth it.
The scene changes again and a visibly younger Henri is seen lifting his opponent with a vertical suplex, slingshotting them off the top rope and delivering a vicious swinging neckbreaker.
Henri Black:
Or maybe I’ll dig even deeper into by bag of tricks and bring back an old favourite, once upon a time I called this one the Antemortem, but I think maybe I should rename it the Requiem, because if I decide to bring it out of retirement I assure you Devin, all that will be left of your championship reign will be the sweet memory of what once was… and the crushing weight of what you have lost.
With the video clips ended, Henri appears once again and leans forwards with his fingers steepled and elbows on his knees.
Henri Black:
But putting everything else aside, the point is that while you may have gotten the best of me last week, and I congratulate you for that, the game has only just begun. And you so eloquently put it, you and I are going to have a lot of fun together and I’m not anywhere close to being ready to quit.
The camera focuses on Henri and then begins fading to black before one final message is heard.
Henri Black:
I hope you’re ready for round three, because trust me it’s going to be truly special. I’ll be seeing you.
Singles Match
Glory Braddock VS Henri BlackHenri Black and Glory Braddock, a rivalry that started back in November during the Way Of The Dragon tour as a showcase between two of the most interesting new signees in the orange brand, that saw them allying against the Establishment before the fallout following the formation of the Glorious Golden Era. Tonight, one week away from Dark Web II, the two rivals are both gunning for Devin Hearst’s Riot Championship. And if Henri holds a (controversial) pinfall win over the longest reigning and best champion in Riot’s history, Glory was coming from two consecutive losses, and needed this win to convince the powers that be that the Best In The World wasn’t just a moniker. She weathered the initial storm brought by the Blackstar, dodging most of the kicks he delivered until she found the opening to sweep him off his legs. And then she began working him on the mat, keeping control with her superior technique and always staying on top, swiftly and smoothly transitioning from a submission hold to the next. And although Black proved his prowess over and over again in his career, he had quite the hard time to get out of Braddock’s grasp, only succeeding after reaching the ropes. Unable to top Glory’s ground game, Henri opted for a more approach, coming back at the British Bombshell with a barrage of strikes that overwhelmed the multi-time world champion, leaving her stunned and allowing Henri to easily pick her up for a suplex into a double knee backbreaker. This wasn’t enough to keep Braddock down for the three, but it gave the Revenant a good edge he fully exploited, connecting his series of three german suplexes. Another pinning predicament and another two count for Black who stayed on the attack with an irish whip in the corner followed by a jumping knee to the face. The Best In The World countered the following bulldog attempt, pushing away the Blackstar and catching him with a superkick to the face when he charged back at her. And now that she had him where she wanted, she could go back to her original plan and work on that leg some more to take away the Black Sacrament from him. Black had been trapped in that indian deathlock for over a minute now, refusing to tap out and desperately crawling to the nearby ropes, finding his way out of the submission. Both competitors were down after a brutal exchange where Glory was getting the upper hand with a lightning quick combination of kicks to the leg and stiff forearms to the face. Henri was clearly hurting, his facial expression turning into a grimace of pain every time the Best In The World’s educated feet stroke his thigh or knee, but this didn’t stop him from swinging a nasty kick to the temple that floored the British Bombshell. And this was what lead us to this situation where the referee had to administer the double count to the two exhausted competitors. A dazed Glory eventually pulled herself up at seven, Henri did the same one second later after eventually reaching the ropes and using them to help himself up. Dragging his leg, he joined his opponent in the centre of the ring and connected his elbow to her jaw. Glory recoiled a step or two back, swinging one elbow of her own and rocking the Blackstar. His right leg almost gave up, but he stayed on his feet, ready to throw another slow, heavy punch. They kept trading blows for a little longer, both of them looking too proven to try anything different from this straight, direct shots. It wasn’t one of these shoot elbows to end the match, rather a missed one. As Glory ducked what would have probably been a fatal shot for her, she quickly moved behind Henri’s back and dropped him on his face with The Glorification (unprettier). WINNER: Glory Braddock BY: Pinfall (The Glorification), 13:37 |
Amy Maynard: "Every time these two meet in the ring, it's an instant classic."
Sir Figgles: "They're not Devin Hearsy but they're not bad either, I guess."
Amy Maynard: "Hey Figgles, remember when Henri pinned the Riot champion?"
Sir Figgles: "Then a week later he tapped out to The Badlands.. And tonight he lost to Braddock. You know how they say in this cases, Amy? Every dog has its day."
Sir Figgles: "They're not Devin Hearsy but they're not bad either, I guess."
Amy Maynard: "Hey Figgles, remember when Henri pinned the Riot champion?"
Sir Figgles: "Then a week later he tapped out to The Badlands.. And tonight he lost to Braddock. You know how they say in this cases, Amy? Every dog has its day."
Recorded Earlier…
Our scene opens up inside the study of a Las Vegas mansion. Seated behind a solid-built desk, Jenni Anderson thumbs her way through some first edition literature. Looking to the camera, she smiles, closing the book.
Jenni Anderson:
I figured I had spoken of my wealth so often, I might as well take a small opportunity to give you just a sampling of what it meant.
She grins.
Jenni Anderson:
After all, Devin Hearst has made a point to flaunt his wealth, and while his displays have been just adorable, I can assure you that the NEED to flaunt as he has is typically indicative of some… shortcomings.
Jenni laughs a bit.
Jenni Anderson:
And while he may condescend due to his Riot Championship, soon that measure of boasting will be relieved of him. You see, when I set my sights on something, I do not stop until I have it. Hell, I once bought a wrestling school in the middle of the Arizona desert just because my rival’s family owned it. I bulldozed it and built a home in that state… I’m there whenever my tours bring me through Arizona, but otherwise it’s just there. But that ought to just tell you that when I am interested in something, I do not stop until I attain it. And right now, I wish to attain the Riot Championship. And really, who’s better for that task than me?
She sits back in her ornate chair, giving the illusion of thought.
Jenni Anderson:
Glory Braddock? Please… I beat her last week - by the way, I expect a proper thank you for carrying you to that win, Devin. She wants to lead to a “Glorious Golden Era”... well, The Establishment goes beyond golden. So far beyond that you might as well consider us Platinum. Henri Black? Why? Because the little people would be happy about that? The reason they are little people is that they do not have big thoughts or big ambitions, so who cares about what THEY want? No-no… the only suitable carrier of that Championship is me.
Jenni laughs again, sitting forward as she wraps her fingers along her book.
Jenni Anderson:
So what you’re going to witness tonight is me proving it by defeating Devin Hearst. Middle of the ring. One-two-three. And after I beat him, there will be no doubt in anyone’s mind… not the fans’, not Vincent Morreti’s… not Devin Hearst’s himself… that his Riot Championship tenure has an expiration date. That date will be whenever that Championship is defended against me. The Queenpin always gets what she wants, and the Establishment ALWAYS gets its way…
Jenni curls her lips upward.
Jenni Anderson:
You can go now.
The scene cuts out.
Backstage we find Sophie O’Brian and her brother Mark hanging around in an empty dressing room watching the monitor. Sophie recently found out about her attacker and the mastermind behind it all. Despite all of this she seems stoic and calm with her head resting in her hands. Mark, by contrast, is pacing the floor like a caged lion. He is grunting and blowing steam like an angry bull ready to charge.
Mark O’Brian:
The pieces a’ shit! Just wait until I get my hands on them!
Mark rears back and punches a wall. Surprisingly he is unphased by this strike which would hurt the hand of a normal person. It also doesn’t seem to phase his sister, Sophie O’Brian, who remains calm while sitting on the stool.
Mark O’Brian:
We need to plan a retaliation! Now that we know who did this we need ta…
Finally after his ranting, Mark notices that his sister is seemingly ignoring him. Annoyed, Mark turns to his sister and growls.
Mark O’Brian:
C’mon, Sophie! We gotta strike back! We…
Sophie O’Brian:
Silence.
Mark O’Brian:
Huh?
Sophie grins a sinister, nasty smile.
Sophie O’Brian:
There will be revenge. On my time. On my terms.
Singles Match
Devin Hearst VS Jenni AndersonThe RIot champion was all business tonight, displaying once again that change in his attitude he had been sporting in the last couple of weeks. No more colorful flowers on his attire, no more Good Vibrations or fooling around with the opponents. Just… Punches. Stiff, straight shots right to Anderson’s face, and to hell with the referee and his plead to tone it down with the closed fists! The Queenpin was forced to make a first, strategic retreat on the outside, using Jared Constable as a human shield when Hearst came to get her. The spokesperson for The Establishment was terrified, staring at the Riot champion in front of him like he saw a ghost. And rightfully so, because Devin was not playing around. “Move.” said the Florida shuffle in a threatening tone. But Jared stood his ground: whether that was an act of courage to fulfill his duty and protect Jenni or simply because he was too scared to even move, no man can say. The champion had no qualms doing this the hard way and grabbed him by the collar of his jacket and launched him against the commentators’ table. As soon as he did, Jenni took him off his feet with a low dropkick to the leg, following up with a running knee to the face. Devin was down and the referee started the double count. Anderson climbed to the apron and waited for the champion to get up, diving and planting him on his head with a tornado ddt. She then headed back inside the ring and tried to convince the referee to count faster, gladly taking a count out victory. Wilkow came to check his boss, helping him back to his feet. In response, Devin pushed him away and entered the ring, receiving a kick to the head that didn’t stopped him from getting back to his feet and assaulting Jenni with more strikes. The Queenpin was struggling to find her footing in the match, barring a few isolated bursts of offence here and there to momentarily break Hearst’s siege. The champion had her in the corner and he was delivering open handed chops that echoed in the empty Arena, each one of them knocking the wind from her lungs. Hearst fired her in the opposite corner and charged in, impacting chest first against the corner as Jenni managed to go up and over his head. Landing on her feet, she charged in for a double knee to the face, rolling back and up again to connect a second and a third one. Hearst was down and Jenni climbed to the top rope, jumping and driving her feet to the champ’s chest, hooking the leg for a two count. They both had their close calls, the Queenpin barely surviving Devin’s Comedown while the champion was almost done after her Kick Me Deadly cartwheel enziguri, saving himself only thanks to his instinct that made him lift his foot and rest him on top of the nearby rope. Jenni kept control and got once again close to the win with her TrickyDT, calling Hearst to dig down deep in order to kick out a fraction of a second before the three. This obviously sparked a vehement reaction by the Queenpin who started complaining to the ref. She learned a tough lesson tonight, never take your eyes off Hearst. He grabbed her from behind in a reverse headlock and lifted her with an inverted suplex, once again aggressively wearing her down with hard kicks to connect his Desperado released suplex. By the end of the match things became hectic as Jared made his presence felt looking to buy Anderson some time, and Wilkow stepped in to stop him. The referee took his eyes off the action right when Hearst hit his Evenflow ddt. He covered her for way more than three seconds, but there was no one to make the count. And when he went to get the referee to pay attention to what was happening in the ring, Anderson low blowed and rolled him up. This time the official quickly moved in position and started the count for another near fall. Hearst was back on his feet… Well, kind of. Doubled over in pain, his hands clutching the crotch. Anderson charged for her Cash Advance, realizing too late that Hearst was just fine and sucked her in. He anticipated her with a kick to the stomach and nailed her with a second Evenflow ddt, this time for the win. WINNER: Devin Hearst BY: Pinfall (Evenflow DDT), 14:06 |
Sir Figgles: "Hold on, let's recap this a bit. Henri pinned the champion but lost a week later to Jenni Anderson. Hearst just beat Jenni who pinned Braddock last week. And Glory defeated Henri earlier tonight avenging the loss from two weeks ago... This is too complicated, I give up."
Amy Maynard: "I'm not sure what you were trying to prove.. This isn't an exact science, but it's surely the most interesting situation around the Riot Championship we've had in a while."
Amy Maynard: "I'm not sure what you were trying to prove.. This isn't an exact science, but it's surely the most interesting situation around the Riot Championship we've had in a while."
We cut backstage as we find the members of APE acting like a certain late 80s wrestling promotion. Redd Thunder is lifting weights like a mad man, Duke Andrews is chugging away at a bottle of Jack Daniels, and Alan Envy is doing a little chacha dance. It’s pure chaos as all the men are yelling at the top of their lungs. Spraying a can of Lysol, Chris Constantine Junior makes his way into the screen with a disgusted look on his face. Tossing the can off screen, Chris looks at the camera and addresses everyone watching.
Chris Constantine Junior:
Why are my fellow members of American Pain Experience acting so strange? It’s not because of the Coronavirus. It’s because we have to show up on Riot and once again lift this promotion up and get people to watch it. Ladies and gentlemen of Millennium, there’s only so much that we can do to make this show watchable. We already have a plate full making the Green Show a lot of green by putting on watchable television. It’s unfair as well that the Green Show can’t have their beloved champion show up and entrain them. You already have a champ Riot. A not good one, but you have one. But out of the generosity of my good heart, myself and the rest of APE will perform in front of you deplorables as we kick the living crap out of…..
Constantine pauses as he looks down at a flash card and does his best to read the names off of it.
Chris Constantine Junior:
Brothers McMillions & Kelsey Spencer?......Who the hell are these losers? You know what? Doesn’t matter. We’ll destroy them and go out for a steak dinner afterwords! How does that sound guys?
The rest of APE give a cheer as they follow Constantine off the set.
Kelsey Spencer:
You know, it’s taken us a while to get here. But, here we are.
Kelsey stands in the back hallway of the arena, pacing back and forth.
Kelsey Spencer:
Tonight, Riot in Illinois IV … in your main event, Kelsey Spencer and Chris Constantine Jr sharing the same ring at the same time. I heard it took a lot of convincing from Mr. Moretti to get the champ to show up tonight. And it feels like he’s always got his buddies in APE doing all the work for him. That’s okay. Personally, I don’t agree with it, but if that’s how Constantine wants to conduct his championship reign - by hiding behind those who blindly follow him - that’s his decision.
For weeks now, APE has been getting involved where they don’t belong. Anytime one of them is in a desperate situation, suddenly one or more of the other members are there to give the unfair advantage. Take last week for example. A chance for me to test my mettle against one of the biggest and most imposing competitors in all of MWE was robbed from me by the rest of American Pain Experience. It’s not just me this has happened to. It seems like it’s happened a lot since your group formed. You boys can talk all you want about being a tight unit, but let me ask you … what good’s a victory when it’s tainted? How can you be proud of any accomplishment when you hold no integrity?
She lets her words linger in the air for a moment.
Kelsey Spencer:
The MWE World Champion is very lucky to have a group of devoted individuals watching his back. But you know what? I’ve got a couple of buddies of my own. Maybe you’ve heard of them? Former MWE Tag Team Champions of the World - and one of the most renowned and celebrated units in professional wrestling today - The Brothers McMillion, Javen and Christian Michaels. We’ve always had each others’ backs, which you’ve clearly seen when we’ve evened the odds for each other against APE in recent weeks. Let me tell you, we’re more than just a run-of-the-mill trio slapped together to oppose you. We’re family. Three competitors with a strong sense of morals, and a determination to show people like you that your way’s not the right way.
So, when it comes to this tag team match tonight - this supposed “throw away” tag team match, as you poetically put it, Constantine - there will be two tightly knit units out there, each with their own set of collective tricks and techniques. But there’s one glaring difference. While all of you are dismissing and looking past us, we’re coming into tonight with one goal in mind: Showing the American Pain Experience the dangers of underestimating your opponents.
Trios Match
APE VS Brothers McMillions & Kelsey SpencerAmy Maynard: “It’s main event time, folks. The MWE World Champion Chris Constantine is in action with his APE goons against Kelsey Spencer and the former MWE Tag Team Champions, the Brothers McMillion.” Sir FIggles: “Spencer was able to work her way into a title match thanks to her connections with the Riot General Manager, good for her. But tonight she’ll get slapped in the face by reality and realize that she’s biting way more than she can chew. COnstantine is so out of her league…” Amy Maynard: “Come on, that’s not true and you know it. Mister Moretti chose her because of what she did and what she can do. She earned this shot… Or are you going to ignore that she beat the former and longest reigning MWE champion in history?” Sir Figgles: “I don’t know, are you going to ignore all the titles opportunities she already had and choked onto?” Amy Maynard: “Her history of bad luck when it comes to title matches is well documented, and she’s aware of it. But these failures never stopped her, and they don’t take away the fact that she is one of the best in Riot and MWE.” After a short discussion about who should start the match, Kelsey and Constantine were left in the ring. It was the first time these two competitors squared off, two weeks before Dark Web II where they will cross paths again in a triple threat featuring Victoria Salinas with the World Championship on the line. As for their first meeting… Well it didn’t last long since CCJ immediately tagged himself off. The disappointed look on Spencer’s face brought a big smile on Constantine’s, as he left the ring to the Thunder. Not at all intimidated by the size disadvantage, Kelsey played cat and mouse with REDD, a tactic she successfully implemented last week and that allowed her to control long portions of the match. Much like last time, her kicks to the legs brought the Thunder to his knees and she capitalized with a superkick. This time she made the tag to Christian, who made the tag to his brother. For a brief time they were all in the ring, with the brothers McMillion struggling to double suplex the 380 pounder and Kelsey jumping off the top rope with an elbow to the heart. Javen attempted an early pinfall barely getting a two. Amy Maynard: “Nice teamplay!” Sir Figgles: “Pfft.. Why whenever APE uses the numbers advantage they are painted as cheaters and horrible people but when Kelsey does it it’s called teamplay?” Amy Maynard: “Because usually APE’s attacks happen after the match has already ended?” Javen stuck to the same plan, using his speed to stay away from REDD’s punches. On the outside, Duke Andrews kept taunting Christian Michaels, reminding him of when he “killed him” in the last match they had. A way to get under Michaels’ skin, annoying him to throw him off his game. Did it work? Definitely yes. After the tag from Javen, Christian entered the ring and instead of sticking to the plan that worked so well for his partners and started to show his results, wearing down and frustrating the big man, Christian went for a full frontal attack on the big man… With disastrous effects. Sure he landed a couple of forearm shots to the face of The Law, but he left himself exposed to his counterattack. A single punch, like a boulder thrown to the Southern Heartthrob's face was all it took to change the momentum of the match. CM went down like a sack of potato under the concerned look of his wife and brother, who had to watch REDD brutalize their veteran partner. Amy Maynard: “REDD is just tossing CM around like a rag doll!” Sir Figgles: “He’s not called The Walking Disaster because it’s a cool and marketable nickname...” The poor Christian might have felt like he just walked into a hurricane. Every time he stood up to his feet, REDD would just hit another one of his suplexes and drop him again on his back. It had been like that for three minutes now, and it was starting to take a toll on the former MWE tag team champion. The pain on his lower back was pretty much constant and it was affecting his speed and mobility, making it all more difficult to attempt a comeback. He tried, fighting valiantly through the pain to create an opening with a sitout jawbreaker and stunning The Law with an enziguri, trying to reach his corner now that he had enough space. But the kick sent REDD stumbling back toward his corner, where Envy took the tag and frustrated Christian’s hopes by knocking down both Kelsey and Javen before The Southern-Fried Super Hero could make the tag. Amy Maynard: “Damn he was so close…” And now things just turned from back to worse for CM. Alan might not possess the raw power his partner does, but he had a deep knowledge of submissions he could put to use to inflict more damage to the former tag champion. Christian dragged himself to the ropes to escape the boston crab and this took a lot out of him. When Alan finally let him go, after fully exploiting the extra five seconds time, he could barely stand on his two feet, leaning against the ropes in a world of pain. But if his body seemed to be giving up, his presence of mind allowed him to duck and pull down the top rope as Alan charged in. With Envy flying out of the ring, nobody could stop CM from making the tag back to Kelsey who wasted no time and jumped over the top rope and onto the Lonestar with a somersault plancha. She landed on her feet and picked up the opponent, throwing him back in the ring attempting a pinning predicament. Envy kicked out in two. Amy Maynard: “Look at Kelsey go… This is Moretti choose her as the number one contender!” Kelsey was on fire, coming at the Iconic one with her array of kicks, even connecting a rare springboard roundhouse to floor him and set him up for the cartwheel legdrop. Constantine rushed in to break the pin and went back out just as fast as he came in. Kelsey went back to work and kept wearing down the Show Stealer, obtaining another nearfall with a running swinging neckbreaker. Envy wasn’t going to let Spencer outshine him and, after regaining control with an illegal eye rake, lift her up and slammed her to the canvas with the gordbuster. Bringing her into his corner, he made another tag to REDD and the duo started kicking and stomping Kelsey in the corner. Their combined move lasted way over the five seconds but Alan was refusing to leave the ring, asking his partner to whip Kelsey into his arm for an assisted clothesline. The referee was trying to restore order, physically putting himself between APE and Kelsey trying to get Alan to respect his authority while Kelsey crawled toward APE’s corner to help herself up to her feet with the ropes. Constantine took advantage of the fact that the referee had his back turned to choke Kelsey with the tag rope, acting all innocent as the official turned back. Sir Figgles: “Classic CCJ!” REDD Thunder was looking to put Kelsey through the same kind of hell he did Christian. Methodically and cynically, The Walking Disaster was manhandling the contender to the World Championship with suplexes and backbreakers. Kelsey though managed to land on her feet from a belly to back suplex and make the tag to a fresh Javen. The Thrillbilly immediately went for the leg of the much bigger opponent with a dropkick to the knee, following with a series of shoot kicks to the chest and a roundhouse to the head. He made the cover but once again CCJ saved his partner. Amy Maynard: “Eighteen minutes in and Constantine has yet to step in the ring, barring to break up pinfalls.” Sir Figgles: “He’s saving himself for the grand finale, why would he waste energy?” Whether that was true or not, the long awaited moment for the world champion to enter the ring had finally come. By far the freshest man in the lot, he easily dominated the last moments of this match. A series of knife edge chops to Javen’s chest followed by a snapmare and a vicious kick to the back of the head gave him a first near fall. A second one came a few moments later with a running powerslam followed by another off a snap suplex. Constantine was literally collecting two counts, keeping a constant pressure on Javen. Simon tried a shy reaction, connecting a few shots and going for a front kick, this one blocked by the world champion. Amy Maynard: “What an Enziguri! CCJ is down!” And Javen made the tag to Kelsei, finally having the chance to test herself against the MWE champion. And boy, did she look impressive! A series of arm drags and kicks of all sorts had Constantine in a bad spot already. Dazed, he was trying to get up and Kelsey was right behind him, hooking his arms and connecting the Spitfire Suplex. Envy made the save, Javen dropkicked him, REDD blasted Simon with a wicked lariat and CM knocked down the big man with his Just Like That twist of fate. Chaos ensued, a situation where APE was known to thrive. And while the referee was trying to restore order, Duke Andrews sneaked inside the ring, ready to hit the unaware Kelsey from behind. Amy Maynard: “That’s Kristina Spencer! Kelsey’s cousin is rushing to the ring!” Kelsey was probably the most surprised to see her cousin running down the ramp and entering the ring, charging at her at full speed. Out of instinct she rolled to a side, watching Kristina launching herself shoulder first into Duke’s midsection with such force that both of them went through the ropes and out on the floor. She thanked him, wondering if after that nasty fall her cousin did even hear her, quickly turning her attention back to CCJ who was getting handed his trusted brass knuckle by his wife Olivia. As soon as he turned out, Spencer kicked him in the stomach and planted him with the Deprivation DDT, picking up the win for her team thanks also to the combined effort of her partners who kept the rest of APE at bay, preventing them from breaking up the pin. WINNER: Kelsey Spencer & Brothers McMillion BY: Pinfall (Deprivation DDT), 25:27 |
Amy Maynard:
First time against the champion and she pinned him! What a performance by Kelsey and his team!
Sir Figgles:
They should be disqualified! The lesser Spencer attacked a member of APE!"
Amy Maynard:
Sure, let's pretend Duke wasn't about to attack Kelsey...
Sir Figgles:
But did he? No. You're just assuming, Amy.
Amy Maynard:
He didn't just because Krissy stopped him!
Sir Figgles:
This is why the MWE World Champion Chris Constantine Junior never comes to Riot... Shenanigans and biased commentary!
Amy Maynard:
Well, if this scene is repeated in two weeks, he won't need to. We could have the title right here on Riot every week, around Kelsey Spencer's waist.
Sir Figgles:
Keep dreaming Amy.
Amy Maynard:
We'll see. But speaking of dreaming, it's time to wish you ladies and gentlemen a good night. Be sure to catch Millennium this Wednesday and keep your eyes on our Twitter account in the next few days for updates on Dark Web II. Remember, you vote. You choose.
First time against the champion and she pinned him! What a performance by Kelsey and his team!
Sir Figgles:
They should be disqualified! The lesser Spencer attacked a member of APE!"
Amy Maynard:
Sure, let's pretend Duke wasn't about to attack Kelsey...
Sir Figgles:
But did he? No. You're just assuming, Amy.
Amy Maynard:
He didn't just because Krissy stopped him!
Sir Figgles:
This is why the MWE World Champion Chris Constantine Junior never comes to Riot... Shenanigans and biased commentary!
Amy Maynard:
Well, if this scene is repeated in two weeks, he won't need to. We could have the title right here on Riot every week, around Kelsey Spencer's waist.
Sir Figgles:
Keep dreaming Amy.
Amy Maynard:
We'll see. But speaking of dreaming, it's time to wish you ladies and gentlemen a good night. Be sure to catch Millennium this Wednesday and keep your eyes on our Twitter account in the next few days for updates on Dark Web II. Remember, you vote. You choose.