Post by gvb on Apr 30, 2020 17:04:35 GMT -6
Millennium LXI
Live from Enterprise Arena in Chicago, IL
Wednesday, April 29th, 2020
The last show before the Dark Web II comes to life inside the empty Enterprise Arena to the sound of "When Legends Rise" by Godsmack blasting out of the loudspeakers. Cutting to ringside, Peyton and Ambra welcome the audience with enthusiasm, not even try to hide their excitement for tonight's card and for the upcoming pay-per-view, remembering that while the card will be dropped in the next couple of days, never more than this time the warning "card subject to change" was true. The fans in fact will have the opportunity to decide the stipulations of most of the matches of this two nights event where all 9 titles will be on the line. Including the MWE World championship, contested in a triple threat match between Chris Constantine and the two women fighting in tonight's main event, Riot's own Kelsey Spencer and Victoria Salinas. Before it, there will be a tag team contest featuring Gavin Grimes and the Cloud Gate Champion Anastasia Starling. Or at least that's what was supposed to take place. But as pointed out by the commentators, Anastasia didn't find a partner, and she will face the pair of Gavin and Sarah Grimes all alone. A quick rundown of the other matches on the card and it was time to go backstage, where Iggy had her first guest of the night, The Dublin Messiah Roderick Kross.
The cameras were rolling as Roderick Kross with his bag hung over his shoulder was walking into the arena. The Millennium backstage interviewer Iggy ran up to him with a camera crew. They stopped Roderick in his place as he stopped and sighed.
“The Dublin Messiah” Roderick Kross:
What can I help you with my son?
Iggy:
Last week you had a dominant victory but this week you have another match against Ashley Whitmore. Do you have any thoughts going into this match or any concerns that maybe people don’t take you seriously yet?
Roderick lets out a small sigh before turning to him.
“The Dublin Messiah” Roderick Kross:
Rome wasn’t build in a day and neither will my career. I’m taking this one match at a time. It doesn’t matter who its against because the path has already been placed before me. It’s as clear as day. Ashley hasn’t done anything for awhile now and with me coming onto the scene, she doesn’t have a chance. Maybe if she joins me and joins me on the path of enlightenment, maybe I’ll go easy on her. Other than that, she is going to suffer the same fate as my last weeks opponent did.
She is going to lay face down in the middle of that ring and tap out as fast as the match began. It really doesn’t matter to me how this match starts or how it ends because the end will be the same. My arm will be raised in victory and I move one step closer to my message finally being told. Now if you excuse me, I must get ready.
Roderick smirks at the reporter and continued to walk into the facility.
Singles Match
Ashley Whitmore VS Roderick KrossRoderick Kross’ second match in Millennium was off to a rough start as Ashley surprised him with him with a volley of strikes. Intense and focused, Whitmore immediately hit Kross with a shotgun dropkick, followed by a running back elbow and a Pele kick. Kross went down and Ashley instead went up, climbing the turnbuckle ready to jump off with her Guilty As Charged to end this quickly, but the Dublin Messiah rolled under the bottom rope and on the apron. Whitmore then climbed down and joined him there on the edge of the ring, picking him up and hitting him with an open hand chop. There was a short exchange between the two competitors, trading hands in a dangerous position. Roderick kicked it up a notch with a bicycle knee that left Ashley stunned, and allowed him to drop her on her head with a nasty ddt. With a satisfied grin on his face, he picked up Ashley’s motionless body from the floor and rolled her back in the ring, hooking her leg for a pinfall predicament and getting a two count out of it. Halfway through the match and Whitmore still hadn’t fully recovered from the apron ddt, allowing Kross to maintain a strenuous control, slowing down the pace to limit the opponent’s offense. When Ashley eventually created some room to maneuver with a headbutt followed by a quick striking combination, he quickly crushed her hopes with the Inferno Water (Arn Anderson Spinebuster) taking back control. Well versed in submissions, Roderick worked on Ashley’s back, laying the groundwork for his The Blackout submission that earned him the win in his debut. Ashley fought her way through the pain, creating the conditions for a comeback and dropping Kross down with a snap reverse ddt. This gave her time to recover as both her and Roderick were now laying on the mat while the referee was administering a double count out. Both got up to a vertical basis at the same time and began tearing each other apart again with stiff shots. The Dublin Messiah sent the opponent against the ropes and missed with the clothesline, connecting a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker instead when Ash bounced back on the other side. Next came The Blackout that saw Whitmore tapping out rather quickly. WINNER: Roderick Kross BY: Submission (The Blackout), 6:49 |
Peyton Holland: "Another convincing performance by Roderick Kross"
Ambra Monroe: "Week after week, the Dublin Messiah keeps coming out here proselytizing. The question is, is this enough to make a believer out of management?"
Peyton Holland: "Time will tell, Ambra."
Ambra Monroe: "Week after week, the Dublin Messiah keeps coming out here proselytizing. The question is, is this enough to make a believer out of management?"
Peyton Holland: "Time will tell, Ambra."
The scene cuts backstage, one of the newest and quite possibly dumbest Millenium superstars was standing by with a cut up LAPD t-shirt worn proudly. Zoe Rian, pacing back and forth, wasn’t scheduled to be on the card, but the look in her eyes was one of anger. The usual joyful stoner stopped in her tracks and muttered a “fuck it” under her breath.
Zoe Rian:
I could be sitting on the couch at our shitty overpriced apartment in my underwear, eating some General Tso’s, getting ready to head out to spark up again. That was the plan until about two hours ago. That’s when my tag team partner and best friend, Kiernan, stumbled out of the bedroom like she was drunk. Only, she hasn’t had a drop of alcohol since Easter. She’s still fucked up from two assholes ruining what was one of the best nights of her life. You shoulda seen her, man. Hiding her smile all day. Trying to act business as usual. Only taking the time to be excited when she thought I wasn’t looking.
Zoe stopped to run her fingers through her hair, brushing the short tangled strands away from her face.
Zoe Rian:
At first… At first, I didn’t let it bother me. I carried on for the both of us, knowing I was going to come up short, but fuck it. I tried. I went at it alone because I know she would have. You know, after she got checked out, after she got home, she didn’t even want to watch. She was pissed off she left me alone. But she doesn’t even get to be pissed off like a normal person, getting drunk and having questionable relationships. No, she sits in bed ‘cause walking around makes her want to throw up. All because what, two literal giants are afraid of the rookies from California?
She was damn near choking back tears at this point, but they dripped from her face down to her shirt and she made no effort to wipe them away.
Zoe Rian:
Maybe, maybe I was naive to think we’d get to live out our dreams without a hiccup like this in match damn three. Maybe it was stupid to think we’d slip under the radar and get to have fun out there like we’ve been dreaming of. It’s probably ridiculous of me to take this personal when the assholes responsible probably don’t even know our names. And really, I should be laughing at how it blew up in their stupid faces because after all that they were the first ones out.
But you know what? I don’t stand up for me, for K, right now, then…
She paused, finally taking the time to run her forearm across her eyes, dragging her dark eyeliner across her face. She kept blotting at it until she felt she looked presentable enough to continue, but it wasn’t much use.
Zoe Rian:
We’re NOT jokes. We’re not pushovers. We’re not going to be walked on because we’re new, and I promise the giant assclowns and anyone else that wants to brush us off as nothing, I don’t have a problem taking a lesson I was just given to heart. We’ll cave some heads in with some crowbars.
With a huff, she shoved the cameraman to the side, stomping past him to make her way down the hall.
Bobbi Jackson is seen backstage as Millennium returns from commercial break, the MWE Lockdown Championship slung over her shoulder as she speaks directly into the cameras.
Bobbi Jackson:
So tonight I'm scheduled to team up with West Long for the first time. A man who has made it quite clear as of late that he is after my championship...
The Phoenix glances at the title on her shoulder before looking back straight ahead.
Bobbi Jackson:
Well let's see tonight how much you deserve the shot. Lets see if you can actually work together with me tonight inside that ring against Vin Halstead and Enforcer instead of obsessing over my title. Let's worry about one step at a time shall we?
Bobbi says with an honest shrug.
Bobbi Jackson:
First, we win the match. Then, if you want a shot at this title? I'll be happy to give you one. I never turn down a challenge from someone who deserves it. You have accumulated some wins as of late...so lets put a bow on that and win our tag match tonight. We'll meet in the Phoenix Cage soon enough and stand across the ring from one another...but tonight? In that ring?
Bobbi adjusts the title on her shoulder as she begins to walk down the hallway.
Bobbi Jackson:
We are partners, don't forget that. And don't try to pull any stupid stunts. I promise you'll regret it.
And with that Millennium returns to ringside for the next match.
Tag Team Match
West Long & Bobbi Jackson VS Vin Halstead & Enforcer
Enforcer and Halstead might have come up short last week in the six teams match, but they proved how dangerous they can be. And not only for the preemptive attack on Strip Search. In their time in the ring, they went toe to toe with the former MWE Tag Team champions Jetpack, even coming close to eliminate them in a couple of occasions. On the other side, the odd team of Bobbi Jackson and the undefeated West Long, who will be challenging her for the Lockdown Championship in ten days at Dark Web II. As the commentary team wondered if they will be able to coexist, the match started with with Long and Enforcer locking up in the middle of the ring in a test of strength. Each one of them was pushing with all their strength, but the stalemate didn’t break. Slowly, the Warwolf got the upper hand, forcing the opponent to crawl back a few steps. Enforcer raised his knee to West’s midsection and doubled him over, applying a front headlock and stepping back to his corner. Vin made the tag and jumped from the top of the turnbuckle with a double axe handle to the back of the Warwolf, dropping him on his knees. With frequent tags, the duo tried to wear the big man down, until Long decided he had had enough and took both of them down with a double clothesline. Bobbi Jackson was looking great tonight against Vin Halstead, her pinpoint and swift kicks finding a breach through his defense. Halstead was crumbling under her strikes, forced to kick out in the nick of time after a superkick right to the chin. Enforcer was getting restless on the apron, spurring his partner and trying to help him through this moment of difficulty, ready to get in the ring and break up the pin after he got dropped on his face by an unprettier. And when Vin finally made the tag after knocking Jackson out of her boots with a clothesline that turned the Phoenix inside out, Things weren’t so easy for the Lockdown Champion against Enforcer, the size and power difference giving the veteran too much of an advantage against her. Which, in anticipation of a match against an even bigger opponent, didn’t make it look too good for the Rising Phoenix. With ease Enforcer disposed of her, tossing her around like a rag doll and planting her on her head with a brainbuster. Somehow Jackson managed to crawl to her corner and tag Long back in. Another clash of titans in the middle of the ring between the two powerhouse, this time trading hard strikes. None of them was backing down, holding their ground despite the hard punches they hit each other with. Enforcer rocked Long with an uppercut and picked him up for a powerslam, flexing for the camera as he successfully dropped the nearly 300 pounder on the canvas. The Warwolf was quickly back to his feet and answered with another incredible feat of strength, catching him with a belly to belly suplex. He even worked together with Bobbi, the two of them performing a spinebuster/diving elbow combination on Halstead, with the Rising Phoenix making the cover and obtaining the near fall. Things got really intense by the end of the match, Halstead and Enforcer ignoring any and every rule on the book to double team Bobbi and prevent her from making the tag by taking out her partner when she finally got a break with an enziguri that rocked Vin. While she was crawling toward Long, Enforcer reached him and powerbombed him onto the hard floor outside. There seemed to be no hope for the champion, completely at the mercy of the two opponents. But then Zoe Rian came out on the stage waving a piece of paper in her hand. As she told them, it was the contract for a match, the two of them against Strip Search at Dark Web II. Jackson rolled Halstead up and picked up the win for her team, thanking Rian for the assist. WINNER: Bobbi Jackson & West Long BY: Pinfall (Schoolboy Pin), 10:12 |
Ambra Monroe: "West didn't attack Bobbi, I guess that's something."
Peyton Holland: "Bobbi's concerns were understandable, but luckily for her, the Warwolf is not the type to take that kind of advantage."
Ambra Monroe: "He probably doesn't need it, he has all the tool in the box to be a threat to the Phoenix's reign."
Peyton Holland: "And what about Zoe Rian though? It takes a lot of guts to challenge Enforcer and Halstead like that."
Ambra Monroe: "There's a thin line separating being brave from being dumb. And Rian is dancing over it."
Peyton Holland: "Bobbi's concerns were understandable, but luckily for her, the Warwolf is not the type to take that kind of advantage."
Ambra Monroe: "He probably doesn't need it, he has all the tool in the box to be a threat to the Phoenix's reign."
Peyton Holland: "And what about Zoe Rian though? It takes a lot of guts to challenge Enforcer and Halstead like that."
Ambra Monroe: "There's a thin line separating being brave from being dumb. And Rian is dancing over it."
Iggy:
Hammerstein, how are you feeling after your upset loss last week to Keelan Jayce and how has it affected your preparation for your match tonight against Helena Noir?
Hammerstein gives Iggy a sideways glance.
Hammerstein:
Upset?
You're saying my loss to Keelan Jayce was an upset? Let's get something straight. This is the MWE. It doesn't matter if you're an old lion or a young lion. If you're here, then you're one of the best this sport has to offer. There are no upsets here, only wins and losses. Keelan took advantage of an opportunity and beat me. I didn't beat myself. He beat me.
The American Monster runs his fingers through his raven hair. He rubs his bearded chin, as if contemplating his words.
Hammerstein:
As far as Helena Noir goes, she's tough as hell, and it's gonna be a good fight. But, Helena…
Hammerstein stares into the camera, his eyes growing cold.
Hammerstein:
You're looking for that one last career defining moment, something to close the book on your story.
I promise you this. If you try to do that at my expense, your story WILL NOT have a happy ending.
Hammerstein turns to go, but Iggy stops him.
Iggy:
I'd like to get your opinion on Chris Constantine's failed attempt to come to your aid last week, and if you expect a repeat this week.
The former Chicago Way Champion smiles slyly at the interviewer.
Hammerstein:
You guys sure like to stir the pot, don't you? You're trying to sow discord between me and my APE brothers, just like Melissa Reeves.
It won't work.
We're still thick as theives and dedicated to one goal: the complete and utter domination of Millennium, and...
Iggy breaks in, leaving The American Monster perturbed.
Iggy:
Speaking of Melissa Reeves, what's your response to her statement last week?
Hammerstein scratches his beard.
Hammerstein:
She tried to insinuate that I could do better than being a part of The American Pain Experience. She tried to insinuate that I'm better than The Experience.
Bullshit.
The American Pain Experience is a conglomeration of the best and brightest in Millennium. How can I do better than the best. Nice try, though, Melissa. A for effort.
Hammerstein looks at Iggy, and judging by the look on his face, he's had just about enough.
Hammerstein:
We done here?
Before Iggy can answer, Hammerstein turns and walks out of frame, leaving nothing left but to toss it back to Peyton and Ambra.
Singles Match
Kate Steele VS Freddie HjalmarHjalmar wasn’t too impressed with his opponent, a former Lockdown champion that he considers way beneath his level. And having successfully main evented the last Underground PPV only strengthened his thesis. In fairness, Kate managed to get some offense in in the opening moments of the match, thanks probably to him taking her too lightly. She delivered some unique striking combinations and knocked Hjalmar down with a spinning heel kick, but she couldn’t capitalize on it as the Promised kicked out in two, rolling out of the ring to catch a break and rethink his strategy. Kate wasn’t going to give him the courtesy, flying through the ropes with a suicide dive. Freddie countered it with an uppercut to stop Steele’s momentum, leaving her hanging on the middle rope. He climbed on the apron and hit her with one of his vicious knee strikes, dropping her on the floor. He jumped down with a double foot stomp and continued his dismantling with a suplex on the floor. As he took her back inside the ring, he made the cover, but somehow Steele kicked out. As the match went on. Hjalmar grew complacent, and this gave Kate room to make a comeback of sort, connecting a single knee facebreaker. Each kick she delivered to Freddie’s chest seemed to boost her confidence, giving her that spark she seemed to have lost. A tornado ddt gave her a count of two, a springboard leg drop took her one step closer to the three, but Freddie still kicked out with authority. And took back control, intercepting her diving crossbody with a picture perfect dropkick. Gloating, he grabbed the opponent’s hair and pulled her to her knees, resisting the two punches to the ribs she threw and relentlessly kneeing her face in. He made the cover by simply placing his foot on her chest, making it a lot easier for her to kick out just before the three. The match was firmly in his hands though, and at this point it looked like he was playing with his food here, using the opponent to make a statement. And he did, finishing her with The Thorn (bicycle knee strike) to obtain his second win. He immediately looked up to the tron to see if the creepy eye was there, smiling as he saw that everything was normal. WINNER: Freddie Hjalmar BY: Pinfall (The Thorn), 8:33 |
A loud cackle is heard as Freddie rips his arm away from the referee following his victory as he heads towards the ropes, demanding a microphone. He’s eventually given one, and as the referee exits the ring The Promised extends an arm, pointing at a reasonably dejected Kate Steele heading back up the ramp.
Freddie Hjalmar:
Is that the best this company has to offer? Is that the standard of competition I should come to expect? Nikki Knight last week, Kate Steele this week? I’m offended.
He furrows his brow, followed by a shake of the head.
Freddie Hjalmar:
That’s all there is for me? Hey, I figured it’d be pretty easy, but not this easy.
Freddie shrugs as he approaches the camera, leaning forward slightly and talking directly into it.
Freddie Hjalmar:
I know you’re probably used to people coming into wrestling companies and telling you that they’re the future of the industry. Happens maybe, once a month, right? But, inevitably, their star dies if they ever had one and they fizzle out. The super rookies who win every garbage piece of leather and tin under the sun eventually fade away into nothing. I want you to get a good look at me when I say this, and pay attention - I AM the future of this industry. It is an irrefutable fact. I am a second generation wrestler and you know what? I could’ve probably floated by on my name alone and had a very comfortable career...but I wanted more. I refuse to settle for a career of wasted potential. I changed my name. Dyed away my blonde hair. Worked harder than I’ve ever worked before to get into prime physical condition...and now, trust me, I’m taking everything. One garbage wrestler at a time that I have to go through here before management gets the message and gives me the opportunities that are owed to me.
A sly grin creeps across Hjalmar’s face as he backs up slightly, now pointing back up the ramp again, but this time addressing the Millennium roster.
Freddie Hjalmar:
There is no one...listen to me, no one, who can go toe to toe with the Promised back there in that dressing room. Not in the past, not in the present, and not in the fu--
Suddenly however, the lights flicker as Freddie’s talking into the camera...and a mannequin appears behind him with an eye painted across the face! Before Hjalmar can spin on his heels to see it however, the lights flicker again and the mannequin is gone! The Promised stares at the empty space where the mannequin was for a moment before looking around the empty arena and backing up into the corner of the ring.
Freddie Hjalmar:
...And not in the future, and whoever was messing with the lights, I’m guessing you’re the same loser who was watching me last week. So to you I say this - keep that eye nice and open and watch me decimate this roster. Watch the Promised fulfill destiny, then when that’s done, you can come find me, because I’ll be right here.
Deciding not to overstay his welcome, Freddie flips the microphone into the center of the ring and slinks under the bottom rope. As he heads back up the ramp he hesitates slightly, peering up at the tron for a moment before disappearing behind the curtain.
Singles Match
Hammerstein VS Helena NoirThe opening moments of the match were all Hammerstein’s with the American Monster unleashing hell on the last Liberty Champion. With a kick to the stomach he doubled her over and lifted her over his shoulders for a buckle bomb. Noir began hammering him with punches to the top of the head, breaking free and quickly taking him down with a flatliner, driving Hammerstein head first on the middle turnbuckle. She tried to wear him down with a neck wrench compressing the former Chicago Way champion's neck and making it harder for him to breathe regularly. But his experience and strength allowed him to get up to his feet and power out of the submission and push Helena against the ropes, raising his boot to the face of the oncoming opponent. The ground and pound style was one of Hammerstein's forte as the tattooed woman found out. From a mounting position, he dropped a series of vicious punches to her face, even grinding his forearm to her face before making the cover for a count of two. Halfway through the match, Helena had slowed down the pace of the match once again, keeping the American Monster grounded with a stretch muffler. Hammerstein dragged himself to the ropes, forcing the break. She let him go immediately, but went right back on the attack with stomps to the leg, placing his foot on the bottom rope and jumped on it, eliciting a scream of pain from the former Chicago Way champion. He had to roll out of the ring, carefully putting down his injured leg and trying to shake some feeling back in it. Noir left through the ropes as well, taking a short run on the apron and jumped with a knee to the side of the head that dropped the Arizona born on the floor. As the fight went on outside, Hammerstein regained control with a spinebuster on the concrete. This gave him an advantage once the fight was brought back into the ring, allowing the American Monster to lift the opponent for his sitout full Nelson powerbomb and trying to apply the Python Sleeper. This was Helena’s territory, the swedish born using her experience and skill to escape from the rear naked choke before Hammerstein could wrap his legs around her body. The last Liberty Champion was back on her feet before her opponent and kicked him on the chest as he was rising up. She landed a few elbows to the face and went for an irish whip, countered by Hammerstein who tried to behead her with a clothesline. Helena ducked it and took him to the mat with a sling blade, following with a shining wizard as he was trying to rise up to his feet. This almost put the former Chicago Way champion down, but Hammerstein raised his shoulders in time. Helena grabbed him in a ¾ facelock and ran up the corner turnbuckle for her Stay Gold shiranui. The American Monster caught her during the backflip and planted her with a tombstone piledriver in the middle the ring. A move that would’ve kept down most people, but not Helena, who still had enough left to kick out in two. She even created herself an opportunity to turn things around stunning the opponent with the inverted stomp facebreaker, but as she took a run to the ropes, she was hit by Hammerstein’s The Pounce. The impact sent her flying against the corner, her head bouncing awkwardly on the turnbuckle. She seemed out but, just to be sure, the American Monster sealed the deal with the Hammersteiner. WINNER: Hammerstein BY: Pinfall (Hammersteiner), 13:31 |
Peyton Holland: "A hard fought match like we expected, and in the end Hammerstein comes out on top."
Ambra Monroe: " Helena's size and style can be considered close to the former World champion. This was a good test before his match against Melissa Reeves, and he passed it with honors."
Peyton Holland: "As for Helena, we heard her last week issuing the challenge to Neal Durden and claiming it could be the last match of her career."
Ambra Monroe: "I don't know what she's going to do, if she's really retiring or what. But I don't think tonight's loss will affect her. If she really decided that Dark Web II will be her swan song, I think it's safe to say that that's where her focus is."
Ambra Monroe: " Helena's size and style can be considered close to the former World champion. This was a good test before his match against Melissa Reeves, and he passed it with honors."
Peyton Holland: "As for Helena, we heard her last week issuing the challenge to Neal Durden and claiming it could be the last match of her career."
Ambra Monroe: "I don't know what she's going to do, if she's really retiring or what. But I don't think tonight's loss will affect her. If she really decided that Dark Web II will be her swan song, I think it's safe to say that that's where her focus is."
Backstage we find the Star of the Night surrounded by pictures of herself stuck on the wall, the door of her locker room, the partition for Luna to change. Opposite each and every picture of her is a smaller picture of her opponent Neal Durden. Luna, coincidentally, explains this to Eddie who's in the room with her. Luna is dressed glamorously as always. Picture perfect make-up in case any paparazzi are around. A body hugging blue dress with a sweetheart neckline and a hint of a leopard pattern created in the dress. Her bare legs stemmed into a pair of black Versace heels that gave Luna some height though she often lived in heels. Eddie couldn't have been more opposite. A white tee with some knock around jeans. Sneakers that weren't exactly new and a ski cap.
Luna Smith:
So the article said to visualize yourself next to your opponent so you can centre your focus. Obviously I shrunk his because Neal's not me.
She lightly chuckles at the thought Neal being bigger than herself in star power.
Luna Smith:
And this will help me be the best woman I can be physically. I'll squash my opposition.
Luna directly quoting now from the article as she speaks to Eddie. His mind slightly wonders to thinking about actually squashing a shrunken Neal which leads Eddie to mutter out.
Eddie Holm:
You ever watch Honey I Shrunk the Kids? Man I wish I picked that to watch.
Luna Smith:
As I was saying…
Luna continues her train of thought. She looks around and focuses in one pair of pictures. She starts to collect her thoughts and jump back on the train, thinking out loud to Eddie.
Luna Smith:
He did win all that time ago in Japan, I blame that loss to jet lag to be honest. This time it's my time. Like it always is. My time to shine, have my hand held up and see everyone
Luna Smith:
Are these toffee muffins?
Luna says to a staff member who brings in a small tray of very tiny cupcakes that have been delicately decorated with a lindor chocolate on top. A small cloud of whipped cream on top, a beautiful drizzle of strawberry syrup on one, raspberry syrup on another and cherry syrup on another. Delicately baked and even more attention has been put into the decoration.
Luna Smith:
I can't believe they didn't get my change. I said I wanted blueberries in a non-fat parfait. Sabotage!
Luna gets tense and is about to squash the cupcakes. Her companion, Eddie, bravely steps in between Luna and her prey.
Eddie Holm:
Hey hey. Whoa. I got this.
He puts his hand on his chest and gently shuts his eyes. Eddie basically got the deal here; why Luna got annoyed. He reopens them eyes up and nods like three times towards her.
Eddie Holm:
It's not a parfait but blueberries and some non-fat yoghurt.
He retrieves from his bag the snack he had lifted for himself. Luna's tension seems to have lifted when she takes them from him.
Luna Smith:
Well I guess…thank you.
Luna then turns to the staff member who brought in the tray.
Luna Smith:
Don't let this happen again.
Staff Member:
Sorry, Ms. Smith. I'll make a note of this so it doesn't happen in the future. Allow me to take these from you.
Eddie Holm:
Let's not be so hasty chief. I mean Millennium's already been billed for them, why create more hassle with refunds. I'll take care of these. You have a good night watching the show.
Once again it's Eddie standing between someone and the tray of muffins. Luna has started to eat the treat and notices Eddie making a good point.
Luna Smith:
You should tune into my match tonight. I mean I am defeating someone who fought for the intercontinental championship in that tournament a while back. Of course you saw my brother bounce back with a win on Riot so
The staff member smiles quite wide. His jaw dropped to the floor a smidge and he tampered with his hair slightly. Eddie takes his first bite of a cupcake and goes full ego from Ratatouille in the background.
Staff Member:
Oh yes, I saw that one. Can't miss one of Dean Smith's matches
Luna Smith:
SO, AS I WAS SAYING, tonight I'LL be doing the exact same thing. I've been goldless for a while, Bree's not the only Smith girl who can look sublime with a bit of Millennium gold around my waist.
Luna says so very determined, looking at the staff member with such a look. She had about an inch on him thanks to her Versace heels. The staff member nods politely and gathers he shouldn't have tried to bond with Luna over her brother that way.
Staff Member:
I'll make sure I catch it bell to bell. Promise. Enjoy the treats….chief…
He says to Eddie but walked out like using that term didn't feel right or natural. Eddie was just coming out of his food flashback and raises a cupcake to the staff member before he left, then bites the cherry one. Gone. Food flashback two. Luna turns around to see Eddie in that sort of trance and assumes it's about her look. She flattens down her dress over her stomach and peers down.
Luna Smith:
Maybe I can treat myself to one, then I don't have to after the match as a reward for ending his little winning streak he’s got going.
She takes the strawberry syrup one and picks out the lindor chocolate which she bites into first. Luna brushes off the drop of whipped cream on the top of her lip, checks the mirror to see if it had ruined her lip line and smiles when it hadn't. The camera then zooms in on her picture and Neal's before it slowly fades to black.
Singles Match
Neal Durden VS LunaDespite the recent hot streak that includes the huge win on night one of the most recent Underground PPV against his partner both in the ring and in life Lowri Moss, Neal Durden still looked detached during his entrance. And even as the bell rang he seemed to have started the match with the wrong approach. Listless, distracted, or perhaps just not in the best shape after the match he had five days ago in Sacramento. Luna instead was in great shape and fought like she had something to prove. And perhaps, after the recent losses, that wasn’t far from truth. Going after Neal with forearm and knee strikes in rapid succession, fishing from her Krav Maga background, Luna quickly forced the welsh back against the ropes, but kept those penetrating blows with no wasted motion, each strike leading to the other in a fluid sequence the referee only momentarily stopped, giving Durden a much needed rope break. But Luna immediately grabbed his hand and whipped in the opposite side of the ring, catching him on the rebound from the ropes with a high knee that stunned the Anarchist. Peyton highlighted how Neal had yet to land a single strike, spending the first minutes of his match completely at Luna’s mercy. And now, he was down after the Starstorm (spinning roundhouse kick), kicking out in two as Luna made the cover. That near fall worked as a wake up call for Neal, who finally reacted to Luna’s unrelenting offense. She went for a spinning hook kick, Neal dodged by bending backwards and immediately popping back to his feet with a kip up, rocking the former Lockdown champion with a jumping enziguri. Luna really felt it, stumbling back and looking dizzy. With a low dropkick, Neal took out her leg and left her hanging on the middle rope, perfectly positioned for his tiger feint kick. Standing on the apron, Neal waited until she stood back to her feet and jumped in with a springboard forearm smash. This time though, Luna was prepared and shot him down with a counter superkick. The Star Of The Night then went for a moonsault but found nobody home as Durden was already back to his feet and charging with a devastating soccer kick. And almost to show her how it’s done, he performed a standing corkscrew moonsault to land on the former champion and make the cover, coming real close to the three. The match went on in a crescendo of emotions. If there was a crowd, they would have followed the lightning quick action on the edge of their seats, watching Durden flying all around and hitting the former Lockdown champion with a handspring back elbow, following with a standing shiranui. Luna was just as impressive, interjecting Neal as he was perching on the top rope with Night Skyfall (top rope spanish fly) that almost gave her the win. The pace didn’t slow down, despite both competitors were starting to tire. Luna surprised Neal with a throat strike and went for the Upgrade but he had that one scouted, blocking the second knee strike and quickly countered with a backfist. He quickly dropped to the mat and caught her with a schoolboy pin, transitioning right into a powerbomb. He used his weight to keep down the folded opponent, but Luna still kicked out. Neal waited for her to get up to lift her for his Olympic Slam, quickly climbing the turnbuckle to nail her down with his shooting star press called Starlight to defeat the Star Of The Night. WINNER: Neal Durden BY: Pinfall (Starlight), 13:06 |
Ambra Monroe: "Another win for the Anarchist."
Peyton Holland: "Luna's unlucky period continues, but tonight she was probably punching above her weight. Neal just beat his girlfriend last friday to become the new number one contender to the Underworld Championship in Underground."
Peyton Holland: "Luna's unlucky period continues, but tonight she was probably punching above her weight. Neal just beat his girlfriend last friday to become the new number one contender to the Underworld Championship in Underground."
The scene flips to the backstage area where we see Keelan Jayce warming up, hands taped he shadowboxes for a good five seconds causing the cameras to back up slightly before comes out of it rolling his neck as they zoom it close once again.
Keelan Jayce:
G’day Millennium Wrestling Enterprise! Been a while since I’ve actually gotten to address the universe of an entire company. Hope ya all at home ‘ave been enjoying the show these past few weeks as ya’ve gotten to know me slightly and of course, we all hope you’re remaining safe under this stay at home business.
There’s a warm expression on his face as he continues jumping up and down maintaining his warm up energy.
Keelan Jayce:
I’ve Never been the type to join a company, walk in and begin running my lips before I’ve taken a moment to show you all what I’m capable of. Thus far, there’s only been a few showings but I believe last week against Hammerstein brought me the momentum I needed for you to see it. A match so good that the MWE World Champion himself seemed to think he needed to come and see his mate through and while Hammerstein was man enough to refuse and want to finish his own bought, it ended being the reason he gets put down.
A shrug comes from him as he stops and grins mildly.
Keelan Jayce:
I guess its true what they say, choose your mates wisely.
He laughed as he takes hold of his wrists and rolls his hands dramatically still eyeing the camera intensely.
Keelan Jayce:
Yet this was another date, and another time. It seems tonight on the other hand I get to once again meet the American Devil in Duke Andrews... or wait was that Rebel...
He pauses as he brings his hand to his chin raising his eyebrows before he laughs again.
Keelan Jayce:
Guess he’s not the only one who can’t seem to remember names.
Shaking his head Keelan goes back to warming up slowly.
Keelan Jayce:
Yet tonight isn’t about names is it Duke? You and all of your friends have been having a lot of fun at everyone else’s expense, walking around, pretending to make the rules, acting as if one of your mates winning a championship makes all of you a god send, bloody ridiculous really. A man who has so much respect and pride for his country and yet can have zero respect for anything else.
Shaking his head he continues and laughs.
Keelan Jayce:
I’ve had people ask me why I came out the curtains a few weeks ago, and kicked that chair right into your face and it was simple really. Because you deserved it! There’s all these talks about motivations and deeds, Mel needing me to even the war against you all. I mean Crikey!
He yelled shaking his head before laughing further.
Keelan Jayce:
We all know, and we know it well that Melissa Reeves has never needed anyone’s help. She’d’ve exacted revenge for herself, and made you pay in her own way. I mean hell when has she ever needed anyone else’s help to get the job done? She’s not one of you APEs.
He laughs before he begins to hype up again.
Keelan Jayce:
It was just simply the fact that I was in the right place, at the right time. After all I’m someone who likes the extreme, enjoy it frivolously actually, and I knew that the moment I did that to you that you’d all be coming for me. Like a pack of wolves coming to attack the outsider. Typical pack mentality.
He smiled once more.
Keelan Jayce:
Truly though I’ve to say, you offered me a nice lead way into the company and tonight I do owe a thanks for the budding romance that you’ve claimed to have sponsored forming.
He paused and looked around as if he were waiting for someone to come join him, looking down the hallway for several seconds before turning back to the camera and laughing.
Keelan Jayce:
Oh you were thinking I meant Mel, heh, only in this guy’s dreams. I’d be one lucky bloke if she’d have me, but no, Mel isn’t who I mean. I’m talking about and reconnecting with this sport. I forgot just how fun it could be to go out to that ring and start soaring. For four years I’ve waited for my clearance to compete and you best believe I’m back mates.
He smiled graciously as he was becoming majorly hyped now.
Keelan Jayce:
So tonight I’m going out there and giving my all just like I always do and this time Duke, when I kick you, you’ll be feeling True Blue, and an Aussie Salute
He yell out loudly as he runs past the cameras ready to make his way to the ring.
Singles Match
Melissa Reeves VS BROOKFORDFresh off her controversial win of the North American championship at the last Underground PPV, Reeves was set to face the man who could very well be taking that title from her, the Golden Purge winner, the unpinned in over a year BROOKFORD. But this is not the Underground, this is Millennium and things are slightly different, considering the mercenary’s association with Constantine’s crew. And fearing a run in from the members of APE, something that considering her experience was highly possible, Melissa brought her fellow Australian Keelan Jayce at ringside to watch her back while she took care of the big man. A frontal attack wasn’t probably the smartest approach but it worked at first. Exploiting the element of surprise and her speed, the longest reigning MWE World Champion landed several kicks to legs and stiff elbows to the face of the Problem Solver, doubling him over with a kick to the stomach setting him up for a snap ddt. She made the first cover of the match, but the big man kicked out in one. After the rough start, BROOKFORD seemed to have Melissa all figured out. Moving deceptively quickly in that ring he dodged her strikes and countered with some hard shots to the sides. Mel pushed through for a while, landing a few more kicks but eventually had to stop as one of those hard punches to the ribs left her breathless. And BROOKFORD immediately rose to the occasion and lifted her for a sidewalk slam. Once the big man starts rolling, it gets hard for everyone to stop him. Hammer-like punches and power moves such as spinebusters and a pumphandle powerslam were doing a lot of damage to the Reaver. Not to mention how devastating a weapon BROOKFORD’s speed can become when he charged at her with a corner splash. Melissa is well known for her resilience and the ability to take a lot of punishment and she gave further proof of that tonight, kicking out from her opponent’s brainbuster. Not too long later and she was already fighting punch for punch against the much bigger opponent. BROOKFORD launched her against the corner and once again attempted a splash, but this time he ate a boot to the face. Lifting herself to the top rope, Mel jumped and took him down with a missile dropkick. The former World champion was slowly taking back control, getting a near fall after a running neckbreaker and another one following a springboard cutter. But BROOKFORD was still in the match, always kicking out in two. To nobody’s surprise, Duke Andrews decided to make his presence felt, running toward the ring and turning Keelan inside out with a clothesline as the australian born tried to stop him. Duke climbed on the apron and entered the ring, staring at Melissa who had knocked BROOKFORD down with a roundhouse kick. Just like when it seemed like they were about to get physical, Jayce entered the ring as well and hit Duke with a superkick, reminiscence of their first meeting. The referee called for the bell, declaring the match a no contest. WINNER: // BY: No Contest, 9:19 |
Keelan and Duke keep brawling, despite their match being up next. Melissa never takes her eyes off BROOKFORD, but the big man doesn’t seem interested in fighting any further. The match is over, and so is his job?
Or was it?
From the curtain emerges the slender figure of Elsa McCarthy. The Millennium General Manager tells Duke that she’s tired of the continuous interferences, and since both him and Keelan are out here already, they can as well start their match…
As a tag team contest!
Tag Team Match
Duke Andrews & BROOKFORD VS Keelan Jayce & Melissa Reeves
It was like they never stopped, the match started exactly like the previous one ended. An all-out brawl between Duke and Keelan. The direct style favored Michigan’s favorite son who had Keelan now in a neutral corner where he continued pummeling him with heavy strikes to the chest until the referee separated them. Duke only faked the clean break, sneaking in a kick to the stomach that earned him a warning from the official. He couldn’t care less, connecting a snap suplex and making a first pinfall attempt. Jayce kicked out in two. For the first minutes Duke managed, bending a few rules here and there, to limit the opponent movements, wearing him down with his ground and pound style. But when Keelan managed to get a bit of an opening and had the chance to use that unique tricking style that makes him one of the most unpredictable and fun to watch wrestlers in the company, the momentum of the match shifted completely. Using his speed to dodge Andrews’ strikes, Keelan hit him with some counter kicks and punches before dropping him down with a facebreaker. Before making the tag to Melissa, Jayce showed off his agility with the True Blue, a double foot stomp into a moonsault. Not the match she was expecting, but Mel would never turn down a chance to shut Duke’s loud mouth. Picking up where Keelan left, she bombarded the Epitome Of Perfection with an array of kicks and ddts obtaining a couple of near falls. One thing you got to give the former Lockdown champion credit for is that he is incredibly though. Despite all the punishment he took, the co-founder of APE still had the strength to stand up and fight back, picking up Melissa from her feet and launching her head first against the corner. Dazed after the impact. The Reaver couldn’t defend herself from the Red White & Blue Combo. And once she was down, Andrews insisted with the Red WIng Stomp, ending the onslaught with a jumping knee drop and making the cover, interrupted by Keelan. Again he brought the former champion back to her feet and went hit her with a couple of forbidden closed fists, setting her up for the Andrews Effect. Reeves countered it with the Facial Deconstructor, but she couldn’t capitalize. Both her and Duke were exhausted and battered, now crawling to the respective corners. Mel made the tag while Duke found nobody there for him. Seeing him approaching, BROOKFORD shook his head and jumped off the apron. Duke couldn’t believe his eyes, and the Problem Solver explained his actions with a clear gesture as he rubbed his thumb against his index and middle finger. No money, no BROOKFORD. Duke rose to his feet and turned around into a kick to the midsection by Jayce who then dropped him on his head with the XXXX (hammerlock cradle ddt) WINNER: Keelan Jayce & Melissa Reeves BY: Pinfall (XXXX), 9:42 |
Peyton Holland: "I don't know if we should actually be shocked by BROOKFORD walking out.."
Ambra Monroe: "Well... He made it clear that he doesn't fight for free. But then again, just one week ago, he didn't walk out on Anastasia."
Peyton Holland: "I think that had more to do with Gavin Grimes. They have history that has dragged on from the Underground."
Ambra Monroe: "True that, but he also has history with APE, or Constantine at least."
Peyton Holland: "Perhaps that's where his loyalty lies. Not APE as a whole but only CCJ."
Ambra Monroe: "His loyalty lies in money, and that's it."
Ambra Monroe: "Well... He made it clear that he doesn't fight for free. But then again, just one week ago, he didn't walk out on Anastasia."
Peyton Holland: "I think that had more to do with Gavin Grimes. They have history that has dragged on from the Underground."
Ambra Monroe: "True that, but he also has history with APE, or Constantine at least."
Peyton Holland: "Perhaps that's where his loyalty lies. Not APE as a whole but only CCJ."
Ambra Monroe: "His loyalty lies in money, and that's it."
MWE PRESENTS:
Dark Web II
Enterprise Arena Chicago, IL
Saturday, May 9th
Sunday, May 10th
A two-night event available EXCLUSIVELY on Pay-Per-View on MENTV
Handicap Match
Anastasia Starling VS Gavin Grimes & Sarah Grimes
The Pale Winged Passerine walked into this match alone, not at all intimidated by being outnumbered. She started the match against the Blackbird, someone she grew familiar with in her last months in Underground, although they never faced before. Starting off with a fury, Ana clearly tried to surprise the opponent with her quickness, trying to score an early win with various pinning predicaments. Mrs Grimes never got caught off guard, kicking out from each and everyone of them with ease. This strategy was obviously not working and Starling opted for a different approach instead, coming at the Whisperer with straight shots, mostly kicks but not disdaining some punches as well. A few of them hit the mark, some missed as the Blackbird managed to dodge them while waiting for her chance to catch the arm and take Ana to the mat. Yanking at her arm in a deep armbar, Sarah kept the Songbird grounded, rendering her harmless. Starling started to roll around trying to escape the tight submission, but everytime she thought she found a way out, Sarah switched her hold and frustrated her attempt. Giving credit to the opponent for her technical prowess, Starling gave up trying to escape and dragged herself to the nearby ropes, touching the bottom one with her foot when the pain on the shoulder, the same shoulder that had bothered her in the past started to become too much. As Ana massaged the injured part, the Blackbird told her “Where are they? Where are your friends?” before making the tag to Gavin. Facing Grimes seemed to trigger something in Ana, who pummeled the Chosen One with hard kicking combinations and a headscissors takedown. Gavin, with a cartwheel, landed on his feet and kicked her on the shoulder with a gamengiri kick. He then grabbed her by the wrist and twisted her arm, Starling countered with an elegant roll and a kip up, turning it into an armdrag of her own. She charged and hit him with a running single leg dropkick and followed up with a moonsault, landing on top of the Cult Classic winner and hooking the leg for a two count. The match went on and Gavin put his most vicious side in display, coming at Birdie with particularly stiff shots. Barely able to stand, Ana hit him with a desperation The Sweetest Nut, rocking both Gavin and herself with the hardway headbutt. She was the first to recover and went for the Our Lady Peace, dodged by Gavin who then hit a vicious elbow to the back of the head. Starling was on her knees, perfect position for the Sac-Town kick. It wasn’t enough to keep Birdie down. Ana was putting up a gutsy performance, not letting the almost impossible challenge discourage her. She even got real close to the upset win when she hit the ropes with a handspring and rebounded back catching Sarah in a stunner. That was when the numbers game came into play, as Gavin could enter the ring and break up the pin with nobody disturbing him. And once the two Grimes started working together as a team with frequent tags to give Ana no break, they were able to control the match without taking any further risks. Gavin would have loved to make the Cloud Gate Champion tap out in his King’s Crossface (chickenwing crossface with body scissors) but the Songbird found a way out of it. Although the shoulder was hurting like hell, you could tell that by the look on her face. Grimes knew it and he relentlessly kicked her on that same spot, eliciting a scream of pain from Starling. He took some time to inflict as much pain as possible to that opponent, perhaps trying to hurt her and get himself an advantage for their match in ten days. He stomped the shoulder, planted his heel on it and pushed down watching Ana squirming in pain. This hesitation allowed Ana to fight back, but right when she was starting to build some momentum, Gavin stopped her with a kick to gut and planted her in the middle of the ring with The Crowning. And that’s all she wrote. WINNER: Gavin Grimes & Sarah Grimes BY: Pinfall (The Crowning), 11:21 |
Ambra Monroe: "No surprises here, although Anastasia put up one hell of a fight."
Peyton Holland: "It was an impossible situation, and she truly left everything in this ring."
Ambra Monroe: "The question is, can Gavin do this again ten days from tonight? In a one on one match?"
Peyton Holland: "Hard to tell, and I think it will be interesting to see what stipulation the fans will pick. That could really tip the scale on one side or the other."
Peyton Holland: "It was an impossible situation, and she truly left everything in this ring."
Ambra Monroe: "The question is, can Gavin do this again ten days from tonight? In a one on one match?"
Peyton Holland: "Hard to tell, and I think it will be interesting to see what stipulation the fans will pick. That could really tip the scale on one side or the other."
Millennium cuts to Victoria Salinas sitting down in the studio. Only half of the studio is in the shot at the moment but nonetheless, Victoria is in a more composed, confident mood coming off of her win against Kenzie Garrett. However, despite the magnitude of the win that she got last week, she’s in a pure business mode, thinking of nothing but what’s coming up ahead for her. With much on her mind, she begins to express her thoughts.
Victoria Salinas:
The main event… something that I’ve grown used to in my career. Here’s the thing though. This match that is coming up is very personal for me. I don’t hold a thing against Kelsey Spencer… but there’s ONE thing… ONE… that I need to avenge and that was our last encounter. Yeah, it was a different time and a different place for both of us, but I have a long memory. I remember our last encounter from almost a year ago with the Battle for the Briefcase tournament… I remember losing that match… I remember how I felt…. I remember the first thing I was feeling at that point was “I don’t have it anymore”... and it sucked. In a way? I admit it… I’m still bitter over it to some degree. So yeah… this match? It’s VERY personal for me. Tonight isn’t just a victory for me… tonight is an exorcism.
Voice:
That’s quite intense…
The studio shot pans to reveal Allison Mayberry, the publicist that was talking to Victoria last week. This panning reveals that the studio is set up as if this were some sort of an exclusive interview.
Allison Mayberry:
Let me ask you this though… why so personal? What is it about that match, that encounter, that makes you feel the way you do? Why does beating Kelsey Spencer tonight amount to… well… an ‘exorcism’? What demon are we exorcising here?
Victoria Salinas:
Allison… when I got to MWE, I was a shattered woman. There was so much going on at the time. I left GCW shattered after the way things went for me at the end. To be honest, I should have never gone to Hybrid… and I’m not saying that as a knock on the company. What I’m saying is… after GCW? I should’ve given myself a break. I jumped into another company too fast and all that did was drive my confidence further into the ground. I should’ve waited to join MWE after I left Hybrid, honestly. I’d arrive refreshed and restored… and not the woman that was shattered when she first joined. Stubborn me though… rather than take a break, I kept pushing and I only went further into the ground…
Allison Mayberry:
Did your last match with Kelsey Spencer have anything to do with that?
Victoria Salinas:
Yes, honestly. It was a domino effect. That match wasn’t what started it… it was just another domino that fell. I didn’t have any confidence going into that match. I was a shell of what I was… and I’m not saying that to make excuses… but I wasn’t at my best… going through so much shit. Losing to Kelsey last time? It made my already shattered confidence even worse. It resulted in the rock bottom of the hell that I went through when I got pinned by Charlie Webster. I don’t hate her for that… but believe me, I’m determined to beat her tonight… so I can be at peace with that whole situation. Hell… I just need to beat her ONE time… ONE time to be at peace with it… even if it’s not tonight and it ends up being Dark Web II.
Allison Mayberry:
Now, you’re going to have to be very honest with me on this one because this question I’m about to ask you is going to jab you right in the nose.
Victoria Salinas:
Sure. Go ahead.
Allison Mayberry:
Did that match with her last year… when you lost to her and your confidence went further into the ground… did that have anything at all to do with how you reacted when you learned that she was being considered for the next title shot? Did that have anything to do with the way you lashed out and… as you know… got yourself in trouble?
Victoria is a bit taken aback by the question, surprised by it in a sense. She gives a slight bite to her lower lip, thinking through her answer before going through with it.
Victoria Salinas:
Yes. Yes it did. And honestly? I wasn’t the happiest person in the room when I saw the ending to that Riot main event. Normally, I’d be happy that the son of a bitch Chris Constantine got pinned… but I wasn’t. It wasn’t anything meant to be disrespectful to her… but I’m a competitor. I have a long memory just like any true competitor would. She’s pinned Constantine. I haven’t. She’s beaten Reeves. I haven’t. Funny… she’s apparently become quite a roadblock for me lately… a recurring one that’s seemingly been there my entire run here in MWE, just lingering around I suppose. But that’s why tonight is personal for me. That’s why I want to beat her… why I HAVE to beat her. I’ve got to redeem myself for that, especially since I wasn’t at my best then.
Allison Mayberry:
She IS riding a high wave of momentum considering that she JUST pinned the world champion. Does that factor into how this match is going to go, you think?
Victoria Salinas:
No.
Victoria shakes her head before she continues her response.
Victoria Salinas:
But I’ll tell you what WILL factor into this match: my confidence. It’s FAR better than it was last time around… and maybe she still wins our last match regardless of my confidence… we’ll never know that for a fact… but one thing I’m going to say is that I’m NOT letting her beat me… and I’m NOT letting her get momentum at my expense again. She doesn’t get to go into Dark Web with all the momentum in the world, I DO! She doesn’t get to be the one that wins the world title off of Chris Constantine Jr., I DO! She’s not getting the better of me again and I’ll move heaven and earth if I have to in order to ensure that she doesn’t.
Victoria stands up and with a determined look in her eye, leaves the set. Allison is left behind looking quite impressed at the attitude of her former employee during both of their GCW days as this exclusive interview fades out.
Singles Match
Kelsey Spencer VS Victoria SalinasPeyton Holland: “This is a match that had been in the General Manager’s mind for weeks now. At first, it was meant to determine who would be facing Chris Constantine at Dark Web II. And even after the decision taken with her Riot colleague to give both women a shot at the World Championship, the match remained.” Ambra Monroe: “Two careers that often traveled in parallel, first in Hybrid and then on Riot without crossing, except for one time, almost a year ago in Mexico.” Peyton Holland: “That’s right. It was June, Riot in Guerrero. The second round of the Battle For The Briefcase tournament, a No Disqualification match won by Kelsey, who advanced all the way to the final only to come up short against Melissa Reeves.” The match started with Kelsey offering a handshake. Salinas seemed to hesitate for a moment, she made no secret about how much this match meant to her, how personal this was. But she did shook the hand, and the match started. As soon as the bell rang, all the courtesy was out of the window. Victoria hit first and she hit hard, a knee to the stomach as Kelsey was going for a collar and elbow tie. Grabbing her by the back of her head, Victoria threw the opponent over the top rope, but Spencer landed on the apron. Victoria tried to knock her down with a right punch but Kel blocked it and countered with a kick to the head. The Vainglorious stumbled back to the centre of the ring turn around as Spencer flew toward her with a springboard crossbody. Ambra Monroe: “Both these competitors have grown so much in the past year. Take Kelsey, for example. Her run in the Battle For The Briefcase tournament looked almost like a Cinderella Story to many, every match she won was an unexpected, pleasant surprise. In one word, she was the underdog.” Peyton Holland: “That’s true. And Victoria was trying to rebuild her career, with a lot of ups and downs. Not many people would have put money on her fighting for the World Championship.” Ambra Monroe: “And yet here they are, both on top of their respective brands, putting out an instant classic for the fans watching at home.” The two competitors were jockeying for position as the match was taken to the mat. Kelsey swept Victoria’s leg and took her down, trying to get a good grasp of her leg to flip her over in a single leg boston crab, but Salinas used the free foot to kick her arm, causing her to lose the hold. From that position she tried to catch Spencer in a triangle choke, not quite managing to lock the opponent in and having to give up her plan when Kelsey used her position to pin both of her shoulders to the mat. The Vainglorious pushed up and kicked out, trying to get up on her feet. Before she could though, the Blue Thunder wrapped her arms around her head trying to lock her in a rear naked choke, switching into an armbar as she realized that her opponent wasn’t allowing her to. Salinas rolled over and pinned Kelsey’s shoulders down for a two count. Peyton Holland: “Nice technical exchange here.” Ambra Monroe: “They’re so evenly matched, they seem to know what the opponent is going to do even before they think about it.” Ambra’s assessment seemed utterly correct, the two competitors clearly did their homework and prepared a counter for every opponent’s move. The result was a wonderful exchange where Kelsey countered a headscissors takedown with a cartwheel, going for a german suplex that saw Victoria landing on her feet and charging at her with a spear. Spencer dodged it with a leapfrog, turning around and hitting the opponent with a dropkick. Victoria had the same idea and both opponents were down, kipping up to their feet and staring at each other. It looked like the only way any of them could get an advantage was to think out of the box and surprise the opponent with something they weren’t expecting. And Dragon Whap, the dragon whip kick “stolen” from her husband Christian Michaels served the purpose, catching Victoria off guard. Kelsey hit the grounded opponent with a series of elbow drops and her trademark cartwheel legdrop, making the cover for a count of two. As they were both back to her feet, Kelsey fired Victoria in the corner and charged in, jumping on her legs and throwing her in the middle of the ring with a monkey flip, charging and kicking her on the face with a shining wizard. Another pinning predicament resulted in another two count. Peyton Holland: “The last couple of minutes have been all Kelsey. What does Victoria need to do to take back control?” Ambra Monroe: “First thing first, she needs to find a way to stop Spencer’s momentum. And that may not be as easy as it sounds.” Kelsey had kicked into high gear, stringing together a series of suplexes; saito, tiger and a northern lights with a bridge for the closest fall so far. It was clear that this situation, the inability of finding a way to stop the opponent’s momentum was getting in Victoria’s head. She looked more nervous, frustration clearly building up… And this was playing right in Kelsey’s hand as Salinas’ strikes were now less precise and more predictable, allowing the Uncanny Socialite to easily avoid them. Salinas need to find her center, to get out of the head and regain that focus that helped her hold her own in the first part of the match. A boot to Kelsey’s face as she charged again toward the corner was the first step, a clothesline to trample her while she was still stunned another one in the right direction. And more followed, clothesline after clothesline, kick after kick, punch after punch. Victoria had found her opening and was returning everything in spades to Spencer, flooring her with a springboard busaiku knee. Peyton Holland: “And here comes the Vainglorious, finally showing what she’s capable of.” Salinas looked unstoppable, a win tonight, exorcise that loss suffered eleven months ago would be a huge confidence boost ahead of the title match. But nothing seemed to work tonight. A neckbreaker slam, the jumping Yakuza kick, a nasty roaring elbow, a bridging german suplex… Kelsey kept kicking out and coming back for more, fighting back with everything she got, including headbutts. Victoria wasn’t holding back either, catching the opponent with a jumping knee to the chin that stunned the Riot superstar. And there it was, the Vanity Breaker right in the middle of the ring. Salinas hooked the leg to make the cover but NO! Kelsey kicked out in the nick of time, leaving the Vainglorious in shock. Spencer rolled under the bottom rope trying to gain some precious seconds. When she finally recovered from the shock, Victoria went to pick up Kelsey trying to bring her back in the ring. Spencer fought back and doubled Victoria over with a shoulder to the stomach, pinning her with a slingshot sunset flip. Peyton Holland: “Only a two count! But a damn close call for Victoria.” Ambra Monroe: “What a match by the two contenders to the World Championship.” All good things must come to an end, and so did this match. And it ended in the most disappointing way, with Constantine barking at his APE friends to attack the two contenders. Victoria and Kelsey exchanged a quick look and took a run to the ropes, taking out Envy and REDD with a double suicide dive. Even if two members were down, there was still the rest of them who could do damage to CCJ’s future opponents. Duke took it out to Kelsey, Hammerstein to Victoria. WINNER: // BY: No Contest, 19:41 |
Peyton Holland: "Shocking..."
Ambra Monroe: "Hold on, Pey... This may not be the end of it!"
From behind the curtain, the Brothers McMillion rushed down the ramp, attacking Duke Andrews and taking him off Kelsey. As for Victoria? She had Melissa and Keelan watching her back and freeing her from Hammerstein's onslaught. Alan and REDD were up to their feet, taking respectively on Javen and Jayce. For the first time, APE was outnumbered as Constantine realized when Kelsey and Victoria got back to their feet. Time for a strategic retreat for the World champion who tried to back away. A double superkick to the chin from the two women who will challenge him at Dark Web II floored Chris, causing him to drop the title. Both Kelsey and Victoria looked at it, the most coveted prize in the company laying on the floor away from Constantine's motionless body.
A warning sign of what could happen at Dark Web II?
Who knows. But on this image, the show comes to an end.
Ambra Monroe: "Hold on, Pey... This may not be the end of it!"
From behind the curtain, the Brothers McMillion rushed down the ramp, attacking Duke Andrews and taking him off Kelsey. As for Victoria? She had Melissa and Keelan watching her back and freeing her from Hammerstein's onslaught. Alan and REDD were up to their feet, taking respectively on Javen and Jayce. For the first time, APE was outnumbered as Constantine realized when Kelsey and Victoria got back to their feet. Time for a strategic retreat for the World champion who tried to back away. A double superkick to the chin from the two women who will challenge him at Dark Web II floored Chris, causing him to drop the title. Both Kelsey and Victoria looked at it, the most coveted prize in the company laying on the floor away from Constantine's motionless body.
A warning sign of what could happen at Dark Web II?
Who knows. But on this image, the show comes to an end.