Post by gvb on May 10, 2020 6:35:46 GMT -6
MWE Presents: Dark Web II (night 1)
Live from Enterprise Arena in Chicago, IL
Saturday, May 9th, 2020
The show comes to life inside the, once again, empty Enterprise Arena in Chicago. The tron comes to life, showing footage of the events that lead up to tonight. Accompanying the clip is PVRIS "No Mercy", the theme song chosen for the event. As the chorus hit an explosion of colored lights illuminates the building, and even the montage of the clip becomes frantic, the images followed each other in rapid succession. As the music begins to fade, the camera takes us to the commentators table.
Peyton Holland:
Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Dark Web II!
Amy Maynard:
In these troubling times when people can't come to the shows, MWE brought the show to the fans, letting them decide the stipulation fourteen of the matches scheduled for this two nights event.
Ambra Monroe:
A show made from the fans by the fans. And let me tell you, they picked some interesting stipulations.
Sir Figgles:
These disrespectful punks! Was it that hard to click on "Lumberjack Match" for tonight's main event?
Ambra Monroe:
Apparently they prefered to lock the World Champion and his opponents in a cage, hoping it will be enough to prevent any interference.
Amy Maynard:
And that's our main event for the night, Kelsey Spencer and Victoria Salinas challenging Chris Constantine Junior for the MWE World Championship. And right before that? A match that created a lot of controversy.
Peyton Holland:
The Cloud Gate championship will be on the line, the stipulation chosen was an Inferno match... Until the MWE owner decided to add a twist.
Ambra Monroe:
This is not the place to discuss the reasons or judge the decision that has been made. But the fact of the matter is that since last night, Anastasia Starling and Gavin Grimes have been locked away right here, inside the Enterprise Arena.
Sir Figgles:
They're not coming out the same person they went in, I can tell you that. That match is going to be brutal, and I'm here for it.
Amy Maynard:
Not one but two ladder matches tonight. The first involving eight person battling for the Junior Heavyweight Championship hold by Kristina Spencer.
Peyton Holland:
The other instead sees three of the best tag teams in the business fighting for the gold. The Golden Era has been on a roll...
Sir Figgles:
ROOOOOOOOLLLLLL TIIIIIIIIDE!
Peyton Holland:
... Right. As I was saying, they've been running through the entire division, earning this shot after winning a massive six-teams elimination match. The same night, their wives beat the BreeTee Committee, forcing the General Manager to make this a triple threat.
Amy Maynard:
All this and much more on our plate tonight, including two grudge matches. Raymond Reznik taking on Dazz in a Street Fight match and Donovan Keane versus Asher Miles in MWE's first ever ambulance match.
Ambra Monroe:
Well then, let's not waste any more time and get the ball rolling. But before we kick off the show, here's a word from one of our sponsors.
The screen warps and glitches as if hijacked by an outside influence. While not an unusual sight in the world of pro-wrestling, the results are far from normal. We find ourselves on a soundstage? Like a scene fresh from the home shopping network, pumped-in applause and all, we find ourselves across the counter from the one and only RIOT Champion, Devin Hearst. Hearst grins his obnoxious grin, adjusting the tie that loosely hangs from his bare neck behind a hawaiian shirt. Resting on the counter, of course, is the prestigious RIOT Championship, and next to it a small pyramid of brightly-coloured cans.
Devin Hearst:
Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to Dark Web II, two nights of excitement built thanks to you, the Millennium fans! We’ll see titles on the line, grudge matches, and maybe a few surprises that we’ve all come to expect from our sport. Now, you’ve gone out of your way to help make the night, but I’m a fair man! So I’d like to extend an offer to you. Night one of Dark Web II is sponsored by … me! That’s right, Sandcastle, Inc. is here to take care of business and bring you our exciting new product! Bam!
Grabbing a can and slamming it on the counter in front of him, we get a close-up of “Sandstorm Energy Drink”?!
Devin Hearst:
Sandstorm, the new energy drink from your main man Dev, is guaranteed to give you the kick you need to really feel the good vibrations! What’s it made of? Who cares?! It’s got electrolytes and pure, unfiltered, tropical sun!
There’s a thumbs up and an even bigger grin. Sell it for the crowd!
Devin Hearst:
Now, every good product needs an example, right? Well, an example you’ll have. Before tonight, my personal bartender and right-hand man, Mr. Andrew Wilkow, volunteered after a … long conversation to be the personal taste-tester of Sandstorms delicious variety of flavors, and he’ll be the first to tell you that he feels like a new man, ain’t that right, Drew?!
Andrew Wilkow (Off-Screen):
DaDdy NeEdS hIs JuIcE!!!!!!! GoOd ShIiIiIiIiIiIiIiT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Devin Hearst:
And what you’re about to see, your first match of Dark Web II, are the results of that test! The reveal of the new man Drew is! A display of power and ferocity! A display of what it means to grab life by the horns and ride it into the sunset! Most importantly, the following gauntlet match and subsequent hospital bills for whatever sad saps signed up for this is sponsored by Sandstorm Energy! Sandstorm, it’s so good …
There is a world-class wink from the champion.
Devin Hearst:
You won’t believe it’s legal.
The camera cuts to an earlier recording from almost 24 hours ago. Gavin Grimes is standing in front of the room he’s to be locked in before his match for the next 24 hours. Standing next to him is his wife, Sarah Grimes. Gavin took a deep breath and exhaled before glancing over to his wife, who placed a hand on his arm and nodded.
Sarah Grimes:
You’ve done this before, Gav, and you were a much different person back then. Now? You’re stronger. Stronger than you’ve ever been. Those old demons won’t be there to haunt you anymore.
Gavin hung on every word before giving a slight smile and nodding.
Gavin Grimes:
You’re right. I got this, thanks to you and all the strength you give me. I love you.
Sarah Grimes:
I love you too.
The two kissed before security started to usher Sarah away.
Gavin Grimes:
I’ll catch you on the other side tomorrow.
Sarah disappeared out of view as Gavin looked at the door in front of him. He took one more deep breath before opening the door to the cold and dark room. Gavin stepped in before the door was closed and locked behind him. The scene then cut away.
Gauntlet Match
Andrew Wilkow VS Mystery OpponentsFirst match for Wilkow since starting that “treatment” he has been talking about for a couple of weeks now, a test wanted by his boss Devin Hearst so that Andrew could prove his worth, after a series of disappointing performances. The first opponent for the new and improved Wilkow, flaunting tonight a much more defined physique, was YUKI, the former NOW superstar. A troublesome rival to start things off, her incredible speed and agility, combined with her japanese strong style already creating some troubles to the Appalachian Mountain Monster. YUKI’s strategy was pretty simple, targeting the right arm of the much bigger opponent to take away from him his most dangerous weapon. With the opponent down, she went for a vicious soccer kick, the target being once again that right shoulder. More damage was done with a double foot stomp and Wilkow started favoring the arm. Luckily for him, he still had his kicks to defend himself and keep YUKI at bay, namely raising his 12 size boot to stop the charging opponent. Even with his left hand those strikes were quite dangerous and the Littlle Kaiju found herself in the corner as Wilkow kept pummeling him with forearms and elbows. Next he threw her to the middle of the ring with a Biel toss. The former NOW wrestler arched her back in pain and pulled herself up, turning around just in time to see Wilkow charging for his LARIAAAAT and surprise him with a flying armbar. The big man was down, trying to hang on and resist the textbook submission applied by the Japanese. Pushing through the pain, Andrew gave a display of his strength and resilience by lifting the opponent and powerbomb her to the mat, finally getting free from the hold. The right arm was bothering him, Wilkow was seen massaging it several times in the following minutes, avoiding to use it as much as possible and hitting YUKI with headbutts and kicks instead. He did use his arm to lift the Little Kaiju for his Country Roads jacknife powerbomb, winning the first round of the gauntlet with much more struggle than he would have hoped. With four more opponents to go, Wilkow’s chances to get through the whole thing looked more feeble by the minute, especially if the level of challenge will keep being as high as the one brought by Cameron. Luckily for Drew, this wasn’t the case as the second opponent was Sally Thotness, the former Instagram star turned wrestler who was featured on some Millennium shows in the past. Almost a year after her last appearance, Sally was looking good, aesthetically, a true eye candy. In the ring instead, she didn’t make much progress in all these months, bravely swinging some punches to Wilkow with little to none effect. Unlike the LARIAAAAT! Wilkow hit her with and that turned her inside out. And just like that, it was over. Goodbye Sally, thanks for coming. Two down, three left. The next challenger for Wilkow was a step up from Thotness, a more experienced opponent in Ashley Whitmore. The Perfect Score was looking for an opportunity to get back on track and show her worth, coming off strong with a volley of strikes to the legs of Wilkow. The Appalachian Mountain Monster defended himself with right handed shots, but the fast Canada born managed to dodge those and knock the big man back a few feet with a gamengiri to the side of the head. Wilkow looked dizzy, stumbling close to the ropes and eventually falling over them after a dropkick from Ashley. She then attempted to take him down with a pescado, but Drew caught her in mid air and, after driving her spine first against the ring post, bodyslammed her on the concrete floor. Exploiting the ten count in its entirety to inflict more damage with a wise and creative use of the surrounding environment, Wilkow eventually brought the fight back in the ring and made a quick cover, obtaining only a two. Ashley made a comeback in the following minutes, planting the Appalachian Mountain Monster on top of his head with a tornado ddt and coming really close to end the gauntlet with a top rope flying bulldog. But the power and size advantage once again came into play and allowed Wilkow to turn the tides of the match with a particularly stiff running big boot that caught Whitmore right on the face, busting her nose open. And while she was busy trying to stop the bleeding, he beheaded her with another LARIAAAAT! to advance to the next stage of the gauntlet. And after Ashley, the next entrance was her sister, Nikki Knight. The Canadian Knightmare imposed a quick pace since the get going to put the slower and more tired opponent through the wringer. Her tactic was working, Wilkow wasn’t able to catch her and was wasting a ton of energy trying to do so. Ducking a clothesline, Nikki hit the ropes with a cartwheel and bounced back with her Chivalry Is Dead enziguri kick. Wilkow dropped down like a ton of bricks, but he still managed to raise his shoulder before the three after she made the cover with a springboard moonsault. Nikki maintained a fairly solid advantage capitalizing on the work Cameron had done earlier, targeting Drew’s right arm. Holding him in a wristlock, Knight ran up the corner and started walking the rope, suddenly dropping on the floor outside and snapping his arm against the top rope. “Sumbitch” screamed Andrew, clutching his shoulder as Nikki climbed back up to the apron. She waited until he turned around in the perfect position for her to hit him with a precise springboard dropkick, aiming once again at his right shoulder. The big man tried to regain control, locking up with Nikki in a collar and elbow tie and bullying her in the corner, where he unleashed a series of hard knee strikes to the stomach and ribs. The referee started to count up to five, while asking Wilkow to stop his onslaught, since Nikki was at the ropes. But the big man didn’t stop, not until the official physically pushed him back, trying to impose his authority with a dq threat. In the meantime, Knight had climbed to the middle rope and as soon as the referee moved away, she leaped and grabbed Andrew’s arm, dragging it down on her knees. A low dropkick and a superkick laid Andrew flat on his back and gave her the chance to try to submit him with an armbar, but Wilkow quickly reached the ropes and saved himself. When he got back to his feet, he was fuming, literally grunting at Nikki and inviting her to try again. He didn’t have to ask twice as Nikki kicked him in the shoulder again. He shook his head no and asked to be hit again. A perplexed Knight obliged but the effect wasn’t much different from before. Wilkow floored her with a left handed punch, and then unleashed all his fury with heavy blows raining down to the Canadian’s face. He dragged her up to her feet and launched her against the ropes, picking her up for a sidewalk slam. Fully in control, he took some time to show off with a prolonged stalling suplex, before finishing her off with another Country Roads. There was anticipation to find out who the last entrant of the gauntlet will be, and the long silence after the end of his match against Nikki only built up suspense. At the commentary table, Amy and Figgles were speculating on their identity, even suggesting that it would be Hearst himself. Finally a music hit and out came… Reggie Walker. And the crowd, if there was any, went mild. An anticlimactic choice considering that the grizzled veteran, much like Sally before him, hadn’t be seen in a MWE ring for a long time. And even back then, his performances have been less than average. And while everyone, Wilkow included, was left wondering why, of all people, Reggie was being chose as his last opponent, the old man shocked the world by connecting a snap suplex to the heavyweight. It took a lot out of him, sure, and he immediately seemed to be favoring his back, but it was impressive nonetheless. And most importantly, it gave him an advantage he exploited with his old style offense, based on basic moves such knee drops and direct shots. In a last roar from his glory days, he tiredly climbed to the top rope after a ddt on the Appalachian Mountain Monster and jumped off with a diving elbow drop, but Drew kicked out in two and half. Amy realized that Walker was more likely a way to test Andrew’s psychological grip rather than his physical dominance, which he already proved by now. And up to this moment, Andrew was failing it, taking the opponent lightly and letting him take control. After a couple of minutes though, helped by the fact that Walker ran out of gas already. Wilkow came back with a second wind, manhandling the old opponent and relentlessly throwing him all the way across the ring with a fallaway slam. When he picked his old bones up, the poor Reggie realized that it was too late for him already, and that his end was coming at full speed. A freight train named Andrew Wilkow hit him with the LARIAAAATT and successfully ran through the gauntlet. WINNER: Andrew Wilkow BY: Pinfall (LARIAAAAAT), 16:16 |
Sir Figgles: "You know what, Amy? I'm sold. This Sandcastle drink is the bomb!"
Amy Maynard: "It seemed to have work well for Wilkow. What an impressive performance from the Appalachian Mountain Monster."
Amy Maynard: "It seemed to have work well for Wilkow. What an impressive performance from the Appalachian Mountain Monster."
24 Hours Ago:
Anastasia Starling:
There has to be another way… There has to be.
Came the voice of the Cloud Gate Champion, attired much more casually than her usual flashy wrestling attire, instead wearing a cut off that looked freshly printed. It wasn’t of one specific person, instead it had numerous faces on it, each one being someone who had recently supported Anastasia. From Heather Lasiewicz to her mother, Lady Magdalena, from Chris Strike to Fallon Lockhart, from Ruby and Kevin Hardaway to Eileen Amaro and Nariko Inazuma. There was also Katherine Grayson, Brendan Samuels and his fiance Astrid, the Canadian Gooses, Sophie El and GRENDEL. There was Donovan Keane and Leia, and also, Ana’s partner Synn, her friends Darcey Grove and DiDi, along with Celestia and Taylor Wheeler. There were numerous others too, but they were partly out of view, and she paired the shirt with comfortable looking jeans that gave her plenty of movement, royal purple elbow pads and matching boots, probably the only flashy things about her attire. But she was worried, clearly looking terrified, and as she turned to display her agent, Eloise on her shirt, her actual agent came into view, reaching out to softly take her by the hand as they walked, comforting Ana and not caring for social distancing.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
They are not backing down, Ana. Grace especially. Even though Grimes has done nothing but brag that this is exactly what he wanted, she’s still viewing this as a punishment to you both.
She said, walking what seemed to be the green mile towards her sentencing, and her prison. Eloise was also clearly concerned for her client, who had openly shown they were terrified of being locked away in the dark for twenty four hours. She carried on walking though, readjusting the blue winter rose she had pinned to her shirt.
Anastasia Starling:
But I didn’t do anything wrong. Not this time… I’ve made so, so many mistakes lately, but I didn’t this time.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
I know Ana, but there is nothing we can do. Just, just try to remember what everyone said before you came in here. Your mother, your step father, all your friends and Synn too. They love and respect you. I respect you. And we’re all in there with you in spirit.
As they turned the final corner, they were greeted by Elsa McCarthy, who was flanked by two burly looking security guards that towered over her.
Elsa McCarthy:
Hello, Ana.
She said politely, trying to be as calm as possible for the clearly distraught Passerine.
Elsa McCarthy:
Are you alright?
Ana shook her head meekly, her long curls hanging down to her shoulder, and the sadness in those greens and blues she called eyes was ever present.
Anastasia Starling:
Do I look alright?
She wiped her nose, biting her bottom lip as she made her bold and honest admission, her arm holding onto Cloud Gate Championship tightly.
Anastasia Starling:
I don’t want to do this.
Elsa McCarthy:
The rules have been set, Ana. If you back out, you will have to give up the Cloud Gate Championship to Gavin Grimes, forfeiting your reign. Due to the terms, you would also be released from MWE due to breaching your contract.
Anastasia's face dropped sadly, as she turned to look at her agent, searching for guidance.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
I wouldn’t feel bad if you decided to back out, Ana. And I would still represent you no matter what. But back out, and you won’t ever get the chance to shut Grimes up again. And your reputation in the industry may suffer because of it.
Anastasia Starling:
I-if you ask around, my reputation has been suffering for months.
A tear trickled from her eye, salty and clear, as she seemed to be fidgeting with something in her hand.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
What is that you are holding?
She looked down at it, opening up her palm to reveal what seemed to be a colourful coin, far different than the chain she was often seen playing with.
Anastasia Starling:
It… it’s something a homeless man gave me outside. He looked cold, so I gave him some coffee and a little money so he could get cheap lodgings for the night. He seemed so sad, but he gave me this and smiled. I’m not sure why.
Upon the coin was a picture, one of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, keeping watch over the Cowardly Lion and the sight of it seemed to confuse the Songbird. Elsa and the guards then stepped away, opening the door to her prison. It was pitch black, without a window in it, and no light entered the room at all.
Anastasia Starling:
I don’t like it in there...
She took a step back, her chest rising and falling as her skin grew paler still, obviously in the midst of a panic attack as her worst fears began to be realised.
Anastasia Starling:
I can’t…
She suddenly turned, catching Elsa off guard as she gripped the General Manager in a sudden and an unexpectedly tight hug, sobbing on her shoulder. Elsa was stunned, frozen in her spot, clearly unprepared for the unanticipated embrace from the Krakow Native. Elsa gently rested a hand on Anastasia’s back, but was further taken off guard as the security detail grabbed Starling by the shoulders pulling her away.
Elsa McCarthy:
Do not force her.
Starling squealed, tears flowing as the two guards dragged her towards the door, sobbing her little heart out as Elsa and Eloise protested the guards actions, who clearly were following instructions from higher up.
Elsa McCarthy:
I said do not force her!
Anastasia Starling:
I CAN’T DO THIS!!!
Starling screamed out as the guards pushed her into the cell, closing the door and locking it shut tight. Ana’s screams could still be heard, high pitched and crazed. Elsa took the guards aside, clearly chastising them just out of view of the camera, as a clearly shaken Eloise pressed her hand on the door.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
Ana… We’ll be right here when you get out.
And with that, the footage cut elsewhere.
We cut to the backstage area of the Enterprise Arena in a dark, quiet, and seemingly empty corner. No one is anywhere in sight...no one except for a feminine form with her back turned towards the camera. A low snicker can be heard coming from this unknown female and eventually, as she begins to speak, we recognize the voice as none other than that of newly crowned HKW Bloodlust Champion and potentially the new MWE Junior Heavyweight Champion if tonight goes her way; “The Woman Scorned” Kimberly Williams…
Kimberly Williams:
I get labeled as a run of the mill psychopath. I get labeled as a stereotypical nutcase. And not just by one person, my last several opponents have made that same mistake. All have paid the price. Two recent enemies made the mistake of categorizing me and labeling me and they paid the price for their error in judgment when I took their precious championship gold away from them.
The Woman Scorned turns around to face the camera. A devilish smile is etched across her face.
Kimberly Williams:
This “stereotype”...this “nutcase”...she has humbled the most egomaniacal toxic bitches this profession has ever produced. And I did it through sheer grit and determination. I have endured more hell than anyone else, I have had to scratch and claw to get to where I am today, whereas so many others have been handed opportunities on a silver platter. And now, after becoming a champion in the Underground, I find myself once again with the opportunity to claim championship gold. Does that make me a gold whore?
She shrugs her shoulders.
Kimberly Williams:
Who knows? What I will tell you is that I will sacrifice, I will bleed, and I will pay the price tonight in order to climb the ladder of success...rung by rung...and any other fancy ladder match catchphrases you can think of...all to become the new Junior Heavyweight Champion, all to prove that I can do this on my own and that I need no one.
Her stare becomes far more intense as she glares at the camera.
Kimberly Williams:
NO ONE! No one but me...The Woman Scorned…
The Bloodlust Champion holds up her right hand, which had been concealed for most of this segment, and reveals that she is wearing what appears to be a version of The Infinity Gauntlet. A nasty chuckle escapes her lips.
Kimberly Williams:
I wonder what it’ll feel like to get busted in the mouth by this bad boy!
Kimberly skips off.
Singles Match
Alan Envy VS Keelan JayceA Riot versus Millennium match, although APE already proved in the past that the brand boundaries don’t matter much to them. And Keelan Jayce seemed to be looking quite forward to take down another one of them. Envy broke out to an early lead, thanks mostly to a cheap shot before the bell even rang. From a clinch position, he drove his knee to Jayce’s head multiple times before switching to a well-executed butterfly suplex. Keelan promptly kipped up to his feet, showing his evasion skills to dodge a running big boot from Envy with a forward roll under his leg, backflipping into an headscissors. The tricking style was in full effect, the flips and cartwheel giving Alan a headache and making it impossible for him to catch the Australian. This unique fighting technique was not only defensive though, as Jayce used his gymnastic background to strike with unpredictable kicks and a beautiful corkscrew crossbody for an early two counts. Maybe because of this being his first pay-per-view since his comeback, maybe it was his showboating nature or an excess of confidence, but Keelan went a bit too far with his flips and was caught in mid air by Alan who quickly dropped him with a death valley driver. The Lonestar was going to make Keelan regret the day he decided to stand in their way. Ruthless stomps to the face were just the beginning of the American Pain Experience he had in store for Keelan. Envy wisely blocked the Australian in the corner where he couldn’t use his athleticism, and pounded him with punches to the ribs and elbows to the face. The relentless attacks found no opposition from the dazed aussie, clearly still feeling the effects of that Death Valley Driver. After brutalizing him with a flurry of stiff shots, Alan sat Keelan on the top of the turnbuckle and climbed up as well, connecting a superplex and floating into a cover position, obtaining a count of two. Keelan still had some fight left in him and tried to regain control, hitting Alan on his way up to his feet. A brawl followed where both competitors traded blows, none of them giving up an inch. Eventually Alan came out on top and pushed Jayce against the ropes, soon realizing the mistake he had made when Keelan ducked the clothesline and jumped on the middle rope, bouncing back right on Alan’s shoulders to drop him on top of his head with a reverse hurricanrana. It has been an intense match, and in the final moments it got even more heated with both competitors looking for that big move to put the opponent away. Alan went for his sliding lariat, but it wasn’t enough to keep Keelan down. And while the Iconic looked fatigued and short of breath, Jayce was still going, as fresh as a daisy. He came at Alan with a series of swift punches and kicks, completing the combination with a sweep kick to take him down and pin him with a standing corkscrew shooting star press. Alan kicked out but he never really came back from it. Keelan collected a couple more near falls, including one after a spectacular double rotation moonsault, until he said goodbye to his opponent and his hopes to win with the Aussie Salute, the impressive double gainer splash. Another win for Keelan Jayce, the second one in single competition, the first on a MWE Pay-Per-View. WINNER: Keelan Jayce BY: Pinfall (The Aussie Salute), 11:13 |
Peyton Holland: "The night didn't start the way APE hoped for..."
Ambra Monroe: "Definitely not. Keelan Jayce is a tough client for everyone, and he certainly proved it tonight."
Peyton Holland: "He brings something new to the table with his unique style, and nobody has figured out a way to stop him as of yet."
Ambra Monroe: "Definitely not. Keelan Jayce is a tough client for everyone, and he certainly proved it tonight."
Peyton Holland: "He brings something new to the table with his unique style, and nobody has figured out a way to stop him as of yet."
We cut backstage, where both members of Strip Search are engaged in a bit of keepaway. Zoe was stomping around carrying a crowbar, while Kiernan tried her best to snatch it away from her. In an attempt to get away, Zoe jumped on top of a crate and used her foot to push her tag partner away from her.
Kiernan Santos:
Give me the damn crowbar, Zo.
Zoe Rian:
No. I’m going to bash some heads.
Kiernan Santos:
You’ll get us disqualified.
The former member of LAPD lunged for the crowbar, only to be pushed away again. She smacked against the opposite wall with a groan.
Zoe Rian:
So I’ll BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF THEM BEFORE THE MATCH! Did your concussion DELETE YOUR FREAKING MEMORY!?
Kiernan stared blankly before shaking her head, pushing herself away from the wall.
Kiernan Santos:
My memory is just fine, ZoZo. I’m pissed off too, but I’m so proud of the way you went all out without me. I’m proud that you stood up for me, for us. I’m proud that you got us here, because without you going off, we’d probably be watching this show at home. Let’s not throw everything away by being stupid, let’s beat them right. That’d embarrass them more, don’t you think?
Zoe huffed, still clutching the crowbar tightly in her hands.
Zoe Rian:
Maybe I don’t want to embarrass them, I wanna hurt them. Big giant fuckers…
Kiernan Santos:
So, let’s be big giant fucker slayers, let’s just do it the right way. Give me the crowbar and I’ll buy the celebratory six pack.
Zoe Rian:
....Twelve pack.
The older woman smiled and held her hand out, which Zoe promptly delivered the crowbar to. She hopped off the crate and the two gave one another a quick hug.
Kiernan Santos:
Of all the people in that match, they went after us. Picking on the new girls around town, I expected that. But attacking us before a match? It’s pretty sad for a couple of big guys like Enforcer and Vin.
Zoe Rian:
And WHAT THE HELL kinda name is ‘Enforcer’? You dumb fucki-....
Kiernan put a hand over Zoe’s mouth, shaking her head “no”.
Kiernan Santos:
There’s not going to be any BS tonight, guys. We need this, and we’ll step over you to take it. Cutting you down to size isn’t going to be easy, but we’ll figure it out. Come on, Zo.
Kiernan started walking down the hall, though Zoe stayed behind. She waited a few moments before reaching for the discarded crowbar….
...only to be pulled away by her tag partner before she could pick it up.
We cut to the backstage area, where Iggy Keane is shown standing next to an Adonis-esque figure of a man; long mane flowing freely onto his shoulders, chiseled abs and sunglasses letting the audience know that the "Messiah of Metal" is in the house for night one of Dark Web II. Iggy looks the Canadian legend up and down approvingly before turning towards the camera with an enthuiastic grin.
Iggy Keane:
I'm standing here backstage with the "Messiah of Metal" himself, Dazz, and this past month in MWE has been pretty eventful.
Dazz:
Eventful?!
He interrupts Iggy and stands at a side stance to look at the person making such a statement, as if he's in disbelief.
Dazz:
That has to be a joke, right? Eventful doesn't even come close to describing everything that's happened. It started out innocently enough with a little misunderstanding, remember that? He attacked me at Down Under right in this very building and I figured we'd settle things like men. Sure, we got the jump on each other but that's how these things go. That whole "I attack you, you attack me" circle that builds into its inevitable conclusion. May I?
The "Messiah of Metal" hovers a hand near the microphone still in Iggy's hand, Keane nodding and handing it like an Olympic torch to its next bearer before sidestepping out of view. With full control of the mic, Dazz turns and steps a little closer, putting some bass in his voice.
Dazz:
You made this personal, Reznik. Attack me all you want, that's fine. I've had people pushing me around for most of my career, and I've always stepped up to look them in the eye and show that I won't back down. You took me out when I couldn't defend myself to start this whole thing, so I cost you the MWE Chicago Way championship. Fine, you came back for me after that and when you did, I hit back with the next volley. But you...
He clenches his fist in front of the camera and looks away, as though trying to hold it together and not let emotions get the better of him.
Dazz:
But then you attacked my wife.
The "Messiah of Metal" removes his sunglasses, tossing them to the ground and stepping ever so slightly closer to the camera, letting everybody see his blue eyes burning just a little with rage.
Dazz:
Yes, she's a wrestler. A tough one at that. She's been in the ring with guys your size but you didn't assault her in the ring, did you? No, Raymond, that's not your style, is it? You wanna play mind games with me? That's fine, I've done that dance before on multiple occasions and guess what? You got me. Seeing Kat laid out on our front lawn while I was working elsewhere helped you to get into my head. These aren't the eyes of a 21-year veteran, ready to compete in a technical wrestling match. I'm going to kill you.
The only reason you were never arrested for what you did is because as a couple, we decided not to press charges and have me settle this with you inside the ring. You came to our home and choked her out in the street? Well, consider tonight being me coming into your house and not leaving until you're no longer breathing. Yeah, you've impressed a lot of people in MWE and around the world but the guy called "the toughest man in MWE" will have to be put down like the rabid animal that you really are. I don't care if you're getting a kick out of this - and you probably are, knowing your type - because that just means that you won't be taking me seriously, which is gonna be detrimental to your well-being, you son of a bitch. I'll see you in the ring.
As he finishes his final few words, Dazz shoves the microphone into the cameraman, leaving a muffled sound as he walks away. The camera is swung to the left, watching Dazz walk down a hallway while Iggy can be seen taking back the microphone and looking slightly unsure as to how to react.
4 Hours Into Lockdown
The footage was dark, a night vision camera picking up the image of Anastasia Starling huddled up in the corner of the empty room. It was clear there was no light shining in, and she stared off into the vast nothingness of the room. In her hand, she was toying with the coin she was seen with before, letting the coin roll about in her fingers.
Anastasia Starling:
Was it you? Are you here with me too?
She was talking to herself, as if trying to keep herself company, as she squinted her eyes and looked at the shirt she was wearing, decorated with the faces of her friends and supporters.
Anastasia Starling:
And you’re both on here. Both of you. Wheels and Lesti. And Ghostie, and family, and Jackie and Sabs, and Mary and Morgan, and Johhnie and Elkie and Synn and...
As she poked the shirt with her index finger, she pointed out each and every person that was on the garment. But at a stage, she stopped, a sense of panic overwhelming her.
Anastasia Starling:
Someone is missing… Who is missing? Who didn’t come in here with me? Where are you? Where are you?!
Her tears started flowing there and then, as she realised someone was absent on her clothing. This led her into a sudden panic, pulling on her own hair tightly as she let out a banshee like wail, before the footage cut abruptly.
Tag Team Match
Enforcer & Vin Halstead VS Strip Search
It was Kiernan Santos who started the match, charging at Enforcer head-on. Literally. A headbutt to the sternum from the former cop, bent on revenge after the larger duo took her out before the massive six teams tag match that took place a couple of weeks ago on a Millennium episode and that forced Zoe to fight alone. Santos used her quickness to stay ahead of the bigger and slower opponent, landing some stiff strikes that left Enforcer stunned in the middle of the ring. A quick tag brought Zoe inside the ring, and the rookie team showed some of their teamwork with a superkick/spinning leg sweep combination to take the big man off his feet. And that wasn’t all, as Zoe stepped on her partner’s hands as Kiernan pushed upward, adding more height and force to her partner’s moonsault. It wasn’t enough to keep down Enforcer who got back on his feet and got hit with a few more kicks by Rian. When Zoe went for a headscissors takedown though, Enforcer blocked her legs and adjusted her in a powerbomb position. The young girl fought back with punches to the crown of the head but this didn’t stop Enforcer from walking to his corner, tag his partner in and completing the move by dropping Zoe into Vin’s double knee backbreaker. It was like a deja-vu for Rian who was reliving what she went through two weeks ago. The frequent tags between Enforcer and Halstead made it impossible for ZoZo to find a way to her corner and allowed them to double team the rookie and wear her down with high impact combined moves. Kiernan was eager to get back into the action, encouraging her partner and saving her from capitulation after a samoan drop/neckbreaker combination and a package piledriver from Halstead. The unexpected break came when Enforcer suplexed Rian and Vin caught her waist. Perhaps a miscommunication, perhaps a sudden movement from the Los Angeles born that interrupted the correct execution of the move, but Zoe was able to slip away and roll behind Vin’s back pinning him with a sunset flip. She sensed Enforcer coming to superkick her on the back of her head and quickly dropped to a side, dodging the kick that caught Vin on the face as he was trying to get up. Rian sneaked through his legs and tried to reach her partner. Enforced grabbed her ankle but this only slowed Zoe down momentarily, as she hit him with an enziguri to finally reach Kiernan. There was no stopping Santos tonight, the former cop was absolutely on fire taking down Enforcer thanks to her MMA background. She tired him down with a tight rear naked choke, from which the veteran struggled to break free, only succeeding when he pulled himself up and stumbled backwards to the corner, squashing Kiernan with his bodyweight. This was also the moment when Vin made the tag, and momentarily took back control, scoring a near fall on Santos with a second rope pedigree. Even battered, Kiernan didn’t give up, using once again her head to create some separation and start the flurry of strikes that lead to the roundhouse kick to complete the A.D.W. Halstead was down but Santos didn’t go for the cover, charging instead with the 11-41 knee strike, after making the tag to Zoe who jumped into the ring with her springboard shooting star press. Serve And DIssect, this was the name of the move that gave Strip Search their first win in MWE. WINNER: Strip Search BY: Pinfall (Serve And Dissect), 12:26 |
Amy Maynard: "They did it! Strip Search got that first win in their career and boy! Is it an impressive one!"
Sir Figgles: "Size, power and experience advantage weren't enough for Enforcer and Halstead to defeat the rookies."
Amy Maynard: "Their heart and determination helped them achieve what many will call an upset. Good job girls!"
Sir Figgles: "Size, power and experience advantage weren't enough for Enforcer and Halstead to defeat the rookies."
Amy Maynard: "Their heart and determination helped them achieve what many will call an upset. Good job girls!"
Did you miss “The Woman Scorned” Kimberly Williams? Have no fear. There is more! We cut backstage to find her skipping happily down the hall with the Infinity Gauntlet on her right hand. Williams is whistling happily without a care in the world until she spots standing, not too far away, her half-sister, “The Archangel” Jessica Lasiewicz. Kimberly waves happily towards Jessica.
Kimberly Williams:
Hi Jess!
The Woman Scorned scurries over to The Archangel. Jessica had been drinking some coffee but sets it down on a nearby table. Kimberly approaches and offers the infinity gauntlet to Jessica.
Kimberly Williams:
Wanna borrow this tonight?
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Huh?
Kimberly Williams:
The Infinity Gauntlet. If I understand this properly you can use it to wipe out half of everyone in the match. Soooooo if we do some math there’s six of you in the tag title ladder match; so Bree and Tee from The BreeTee Committee will be dusted. Then hopefully Neil will be dusted.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
KIM!
Kimberly Williams:
Well it’s either him or Kyle and I don’t think you want your husband dusted. Anyway that leaves it you and Summer against Kyle and you guys would be a shoe in!
The Archangel sighs, shakes her head, and then finally cracks a smile.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
As funny as you are, Kim, you should cut out the nonsense. People will think you’re being serious.
Kimberly Williams:
If they think I’m serious then they are the ones who need professional help. It’s all a game with me and you know it. Mind games. Seriously though, good luck tonight. I’m leaving tonight as a champion no matter what...thank you Underground...so to see us both leave tonight covered in gold, two sisters, that would be great.
The Archangel embraces Kimberly in a tight hug.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Thanks, Kim. I appreciate the support. But it will be a challenge unlike no other. I’m fighting my husband tonight.
Kimberly Williams:
Yeah, I know, but you can do this. Just remember it’s a competition. You and Kyle are both professionals.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
You sound like Summer. That’s what she keeps saying. But it still isn’t easy.
Kimberly Williams:
And it won’t be easy. No one ever said this sport was easy or fair. But Summer is still right. I mean, it isn’t like you haven’t had to do this before. Need I remind you of the time in Global Championship Wrestling’s Civil War Match when it came down to you and your father as the final two in the match and you two had to fight it out. If you can do it then, you can do it tonight. I have faith in you.
Lasiewicz smiles.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Thanks, Kim. I needed this…
The scene cuts backstage to Asher Miles standing in a dark room, with a single spotlight shining down on the man who’s called himself an Avenger and Antares. Asher had on an all black, including a long black, baggy jacket that went down to his shows. The look on his face was one that was serious, as if he was prepared for war.
Asher Miles:
Donovan Keane… Or should I say…
Asher paused and held up a finger to his lips, silencing himself.
Asher Miles:
You know what? I’ll keep that part to myself, old friend.
Asher leaned closer to the camera and winked.
Asher Miles:
You don’t think I know Donovan Keane, you think that I don’t know you but guess what? I know everything. Unlike you, who knows nothing. It’s why I was so easily able to fool you into trusting me. It’s why I was able to hurt your best friend, your girl and threaten everything that you hold dear to you.
Asher laughed and shook his head.
Asher Miles:
I’ve been able to play you every step of the way. In fact, I’ve been five steps ahead of you every single fucking time. I’ve proven time and time again, that while you might have some talent as a wrestler, you’re still a fucking idiot. And the moment shit gets real or you? You don’t know what to do with yourself. You run around like a chicken with its head cut off.
Asher rolled his eyes and shook his head again.
Asher Miles:
But hey, soon enough? Your eyes will be opened by me. I’ll show you the truth and why you deserve everything that is coming your way. Because after all, I am an Avenger. And I will avenge everyone you and your family has ever wronged. Everyone you left laid in your path of destruction.
He leaned closer to the camera again as the light above him now turned to red.
Asher Miles:
And when tonight is all said and done? Whatever dimming light you may have left? It will be extinguished and the Antares will shine brighter than any light you’ve ever seen. Believe it.
Asher walked out of the camera's frame and all that was left was the bright red light. The scene then cut away.
8 Hours Into Lockdown
Anastasia Starling:
Breathe, Birdie, breathe.
Came the voice of Starling, now curled up by the exit to the cell. She was taking long, deep breaths, her hair now looking dishevelled as she struggled with the strains of dark isolation. It was clearly ruining her as she muttered words under her breath.
Anastasia Starling:
You won’t be able to end this if you don’t breathe… He got what he wanted, you get through this and you’ll get what you want. You can do this… You can do this. You can end this with Grimes, and Bishop, and all of them… You’ll get what you want.
She seemed to be calming herself, sniffing the blue winter rose she had pinned to her shirt. But as she did so, her eyes rolled back, and the panic crept back in as she clutched her chest tightly.
Anastasia Starling:
It never mattered what you wanted...
She gasped, banging hard on the door as she began to let out that banshee like wail once more.
Anastasia Starling:
I can’t breathe! HELP! I CAN’T BREATHE!
And the feed cut once again.
Singles Match
Melody Lennox VS Mark O'BrianFor weeks Mark O’Brian accused Melody Lennox of being the one attacking his sister Sophie and costing her the spot in the Intercontinental Championship Tournament semifinal. Two weeks ago on Riot Lennox proved her innocence and unmasked Megan Rydell as the perpetrator of those assaults, acting in cahoots with Deacon Lewis. Tonight was a little shot at retribution for her against the man who was the main cause of her losing to Jenni Anderson a few weeks ago. Mark hasn’t stepped in the ring for quite some time, and despite him being a full time trainer, he showed a bit of ring rust in the opening moments. Melody used her quickness to get some offense in, landing a flurry of kicks and sending him flying across the ring with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors. As she charged in though, O’Brian caught her and slammed her to the mat with a vicious STO. His size and power advantage made up for the rustiness due to the long absence from the ring, his hard punches and knees to Melody’s midsection literally lifted the Villainess from the ground, taking a lot out of her. Mark picked her up in a powerbomb position and charged to the farthest corner, looking drop Melody against it with incredible momentum but the Truly WIcked countered it with another headscissors and sent him head first against the buckle, rolling him up with a schoolgirl pin and almost getting away with the win. Mark rallied as he was able to catch Melody off a crossbody and easily lift her over his shoulder in a gorilla press position, showing off his strength with a couple of squats before throwing her out of the ring. He rolled under the bottom rope from the opposite side, running around the ring and trampling Lennox with a clothesline. He dragged her back to her feet and whipped her against the steels steps, but Melody managed to jump over them and avoid the impact. O’Brian charged in for another clothesline but this one was ducked by the Villainess who was quick to turn around and kick Mark on the skull with her Common Sense. The Northern Irish is dazed, wobbling on his foot and perfectly positioned for Melody’s Asai Moonsault. Now the big problem the 100 pounder had to face was to pick up the much bigger opponent and roll him back in the ring, and despite her nickname “Small But Mighty”, this looked like an impossible task. She tried, but it took her a lot of effort and time, and Mark had already recovered, punching her in the ribs and launching her against the ring post. He entered the ring with his upper torso just to break the referee’s count and then went back to work on Melody, slamming her face against the steel post one more time before hitting a suplex on the hard floor. After all the punishment Mark delivered on the outside, using ring apron, barricade and every piece of furniture he could lay his eyes on and freely use without incurring in a disqualification, he threw the battered opponent back in the ring and make a cover. He looked surprised when Melody kicked out, but he went right back to the attack with more of those hard punches and elbows, lifting her off her feet and powerslamming her to the mat. Another two count. Melody wasn’t giving up, she needed this win that she has been missing for almost two months. She found that opening to turn things around, countering his gordbuster attempt into a stunner. O’Brian was quick to recover and attacked her with a right hook, dodged with a cartwheel by Melody who then kicked him in the back of the knee. Quickly moving around to stay away from those dangerous strikes and countering with swift kicks, Melody managed to take the big man to one knee, jumping over his pack and flipping over pinning him with the Off-Key Symphony (yoshi tonic), only obtaining a count of two. Feeling the momentum now on her side, she knocked him down with a shining wizard and climbed to the top rope for her Crescendo (moonsault diving foot stomp) and picked up the win. WINNER: Melody Lennox BY: Pinfall (Crescendo), 10:11 |
Peyton Holland: "And Melody got her measure of revenge."
Ambra Monroe: "It's been a complicated month for the Villainess in Riot. Between the false accusations made by Mark O'Brian and the hoops Megan Rydell jumped through to save the appearance and pursue her plan, Lennox barely had the chance to wrestle, and when she did, she ended up getting screwed over."
Peyton Holland: "Hopefully she found the closure she needed tonight with this match and will be able to bring her career back on track."
Ambra Monroe: "It's been a complicated month for the Villainess in Riot. Between the false accusations made by Mark O'Brian and the hoops Megan Rydell jumped through to save the appearance and pursue her plan, Lennox barely had the chance to wrestle, and when she did, she ended up getting screwed over."
Peyton Holland: "Hopefully she found the closure she needed tonight with this match and will be able to bring her career back on track."
Raymond Reznik can be seen smiling, clearly finding amusement in something as he sits in a backstage area, filming himself with one of MWE's cameras propped up. On what, we can't see.
Raymond Reznik:
Well well well, Messiah. I didn't think you had it in you any more. That fire. That passion. The killer instinct that made you the man you are today and influenced quite a few others in this business, from Josh Blaze to JoDee Burns and so many more in between. All it took was putting my arm around your wife's throat and squeezing until her carotid artery made her as limp and weak as you've become in recent years. Don't tell me that wedded bliss has finally turned you soft. I want the man who rolled around in barbed wire with his first wife. The man who almost lost an eye to an errant piece of table trying to prove himself to both the world and the party trick he was fooling around with in Vegas.
Remember her? Faith Diaz. Karla Kotero. Kimberly Williams. The "Harlequin of Hardcore", Ambrosia. Just four women you helped to corrupt, and yet you get sore at me for doing to your new girl what you did to others over the years? Are you still the guy who called yourself "The Antichrist" and tried to inject heroin into the veins of Glory Braddock on live television to somehow "prove" that she was a terrible role model?
Reznik smirks, shaking his head nonchalantly as he wags a finger at the camera.
Raymond Reznik:
No no no, Mr. Messiah. Don't get angry when what I did to your precious Kat is nothing compared to what you did to others. You - as Vitriol - almost nailed your former manager to a cross until you were stopped and yet what I did was too far? Priorities, Messiah. See, what I did to your wife is what you did to me by taking my victory away from Kenzie Garrett and denying me the Chicago Way championship that rightly belongs to me. It seemed like a fair trade at the time, and certainly less harmful to Katherine. I could've snapped her legs in two, but I chose to let her know what kind of a man her husband really is before I left her to sleep on that knowledge.
You got one thing right, though. MWE is my house. My domain, and I'm allowing you to set foot into it just as much as Grace Van Beek is. I guess we'll see if she has this company insured in case of a death inside the ring, if you want to kill me so badly because while I don't want to kill you, I'll do it if I have to. Say the word and I'll snap your leg off and stab you with it, no matter what stipulation we're being made to fight under. That's the good thing about tonight, Messiah. You want to kill me in revenge for what I did to your wife, and I'm more than ready to murder you for the hell of it; it's just up to the fans to choose our method of execution.
I guess they really wanted to see us bleed and tear this building apart because if they wanted a Street Fight, they'll get one. I don't care if we start in the ring or in the back, just know that I will drag you face down along 95th Street until I drown your sorry ass in the Chicago Loop if it means finally putting you out of your misery so that I can move on to tomorrow's Taipei Death Match for my rightful championship, until you got involved. I just hope that Katherine's watching so that her hypocrite husband can be exposed in front of the entire world for the man he truly is.
Raymond leans forward onto his thighs, motioning with two fingers and a stern look in his eyes.
Raymond Reznik:
Come find me, Messiah. I dare your old self to appear tonight, so that I might stand a decent challenge against the version of you that was once feared and beloved at the same time. Bring the fire of your Chaos A.D. days, the violence of your time as Vitriol, the "put yourself in harm's way" fearlessness of your Delfino period. Most of all? I want the man who stepped up to and defeated some of the all-time greats of this profession and made himself the measuring stick of professional wrestling. If I can beat that man? That's when I'll know for sure that I truly am the man to kick down the doors into the next generation of greats.
Reznik leans forward until he's now standing, slightly hunched over the camera as he reaches to cut the feed.
Backstage Veronica Chandler and Kristina Spencer are seen pacing the locker room area and Veronica does not seem too pleased. Krissy on the other hand stands silently in a corner watching her manager pace the floor
Veronica Chandler:
This is unacceptable!! How dare Millennium put you in a ladder match against 7 other undeserving people!!! Not only that but your cousin Kelsey does not even get her one on one match like she deserves! That nasty Victoria has wormed her way into Kelsey’s moment!!
This gets Krissy’s attention as she holds up her barbwire bat and smiles
Krissy Spencer:
Don’t worry about Cousin Kelsey as she will get her one on one match because I have it in good authority that Victoria will be meeting a very painful end before that match takes place.
Krissy smirks and Veronica nods affirmatively. Moments later, an oblivious Kelsey happily walks in, whistling a tune to herself. She glances at the two women and flashes a smile.
Kelsey Spencer:
Hey guys!
She goes about her merry business, sorting through the gear in her bag. While she slips her elbow pads on, her eyes wander to look at Krissy and Veronica standing silently by her.
Kelsey Spencer:
What were you guys chatting about?
Krissy Spencer:
Hey cousin we were just discussing how i am going to jump….
Veronica butts in and stares at Krissy
Veronica Chandler:
What Krissy means is she plans to jump um off that ladder and teach those 7 wannabes a lesson tonight and then we will watch you become the champion even though this place is trying to screw you over
Kelsey stares blankly for a moment, then starts laughing.
Kelsey Spencer:
The point of the match is to CLIMB the ladder, silly! Not jump off it. But what do you mean this place is trying to screw me over? I don't understand?
Krissy Spencer:
No need to lie Vee as Kelsey is a big girl. Cousin we both know you deserve to be in a one on one match for the title and that Victoria should not be in this match. I also know that you understand exactly what i need to do to ensure you get that one on one match and what i and CM need to do to ensure your long awaited title win
Krissy takes a swing with her bat and smiles at her cousin. Kelsey nervously chuckles and puts a finger safely on the end of the bat, gently pushing it towards the floor.
Kelsey Spencer:
I know you care about me, cousin, and really wanna see me win the title. I wanna win the title, but I wanna do it in a way that I can be proud of. Yeah, I'd prefer a one on one match, but Victoria's been through a lot, just like I have. I think she deserves to be in this match just as much as I do. She deserves her chance to prove what she's made of.
She motions to the bat.
Kelsey Spencer:
And if you're not taking the time to get rid of Victoria, that gives you more time to plan all the ways you can use this to whack everyone in your Ladder Match!
Krissy shakes her head and walks over to Kelsey and puts her arm around her and kisses the side of her head
Krissy Spencer:
You are far too good for this world Cousin. Just remember that when you realize this place is screwing with you all you need to do is yell out COUSIN KILL!!
Kelseys eyes get huge
Krissy Spencer:
Then I and maybe CM will be there to make things all even. As for my match? It is obvious that they know nobody in the Junior division can pin me or submit me so they made a ladder match but that still wont help because i plan to make 7 corpses tonight and send 7 souls to hell
Kelsey's smile grows as she steps forward excitedly.
Kelsey Spencer:
That's the spirit, cousin! Show them all why you're gonna be Junior Heavyweight Champ forever!
Veronica Chandler:
Now that's the spirit! *whispers* And god help Victoria if she costs Kelsey the title
Kelsey Spencer:
What was that Vee?
Vee smiles
Veronica Chandler:
Nothing, just clearing my throat is all. As i was saying tonight You two will stand tall and rule over this place
Donovan Keane:
Antares...
Leaning against the wall somewhere backstage, we find Donovan Keane still dressed in his civil clothes. A pair of black jeans and the "Dangerous Dean" shirt he promoted in the days before Dark Web II.
Donovan Keane:
That's the nickname you choose. The brightest star in the constellation of Scorpius... See? I can Google shit too.
A light chuckle escapes his lips.
Donovan Keane:
Is that what you think you are, Miles? The brightest star?
His tone is obviously ironic, he even air quotes the last words with his fingers.
Donovan Keane:
Nah fam, sorry to break it for ya but you're not a star. Even though, the nickname still kinda fits. Because what you are, buddy, is a fucking scorpion. It's like in that story my old man used to tell me, I'm sure you heard it before. The one about the scorpion and the frog, you know that one? Well, let me refresh your memory.
He runs a hand through his short hair and clears his throat, ready to tell his version of the famous fable.
Donovan Keane:
So there's this scorpion, you know? He's sitting there next to the river, doing nothing at all like the bitch he is. So one day he decides that he wants to see what's on the other side of the river, God only knows why. I mean, he lived his whole pathetic life there, and maybe he believes that just across that river there's God only knows what beautiful things. Can't really blame him to be honest. Life is kinda shitty on that side of the river...
Anyway, our scorpion really wants to go there, he heard stories about how much better things are on that side and he wants some. But he can't just jump in the river and swim to the other side no... He's too much of a pussy for that or maybe.. Maybe he can't even swim, the cunt. He knows that the moment he leaves his spot on the on the riverbank, the moment he steps out of his comfort zone and steps in those new, unknown waters, he'll just drown like the little piece of shit he is. I mean, there's a bridge somewhere, there must be one right? But our scorpion friend is a lazy fuck, he's used to get what he wants without breaking a sweat, one way or another... Hard work is not something he's used to, or something he even wants to try no... He wants everything that's on the other side but without the blood, sweat and tears that it took everyone else to get there.
Then he sees a frog and asks her to give him a ride. Against better judgement, the frog accepts, carries the little bastard on her back and takes her to the other side. And what does the scorpion do next? He stings the frog. Why? Because that's his nature.
Donovan pauses.
Donovan Keane:
See the similarities, buddy? Bet you do.
It's just you and me tonight, Asher and Donnie in for a wild ride.
A nervous chuckle escapes his lips.
Donovan Keane:
Feels like being a teenager all over again...
A female voice from off screen interrupts his thoughts.
Female Voice:
Sir, your latte is ready.
Donnie shrugs.
Donovan Keane:
I gotta leave now, but don't worry, you'll be seeing me soon enough. Before I go though, I have one last thing to say.
I'm not the frog in this story, not anymore.
I was maybe, once upon a time. In a different life. But Donnie Keane is not a stupid frog, he's a turtle. He's got a shell to protect himself from your little pathetic sting. He might be slow but he always get things done. And most importantly, your poison won't kill him.
My dear scorpion, you will never make it to the other side. I rather fucking drown and take you with me than letting you hurt someone else.
Looking confident, he winks at the camera.
Donovan Keane:
See you at the river, Antares.
And on those words, he pushes himself off the wall and walks off screen
Singles Match
Street Fight Match
Dazz VS Raymond ReznikStreet Fight Match
A little over a month ago, Raymond Reznik attacked Dazz who found himself backstage at Down Under in a squirrel costume to shoot some footage with other local wrestlers. The Messiah Of Metal then signed off for this match, the fans did the rest by picking a stipulation that, at least in theory, seemed to favor Reznik’s violent nature. Downside, this came 24 hours before the Chicago Way Championship match that will see the Ohio fighter taking on Kenzie Garrett and Joey Leclair in a brutal Taipei Death Match. And seeing how ugly Street FIght matches can turn, this could backfire for Raymond. And perhaps that was why he wasted no time, leaving the ring as soon as Strapping Young Lad’s “Relentless” hit the PA system, meeting Dazz on the entrance stage as soon as he walked out of the curtain with a punch to the face, rocking the unaware veteran and wrapping his arm around his throat, pushing him toward the edge of the stage. The Messiah Of Metal didn’t have time to take off his long leather trench coat and he was already fighting for dear life as Reznik was trying to end this quickly chokeslamming him off the stage. Clubbing the opponent’s arm, Dazz managed to break free from the choke, headbutting Reznik on the bridge of the nose to create a little bit of space between them. Little use has it been as Raymond literally launched himself into the opponent with a spear. Both of them crashed through a table beneath, sending all the production notes and technical equipment flying all around. Of course, Dazz had the worst of this although the long heavy leather trench coat he was wearing to the ring and still hadn’t had the chance to take off probably cushioned his fall. Regardless, Reznik’s fury was still forcing him on the defense, trying to parry and dodge those stiff punches that kept coming his way, all while stepping backwards. And soon he ran out of space, his back hit the barricade and he had nowhere else to go. What was worse, those heavy punches kept coming seamlessly, even more strong now that Rez had his opponent against against the proverbial wall. Desperate times call for desperate measures and Dazz went for the bald man’s eyes, raking them and finally stopping the onslaught. He applied a front facelock and lifted Raymond, suplexing him on the empty strands of the Enterprise Arena. And finally the canadian took off his coat and stepped on the barricade, leaping toward the opponent and taking him down as he rose to his feet with a clothesline. They fought through the empty seats, trading punches and, sometimes, kicks to the stomach like the one Raymond delivered to double his opponent over and smash a trash can across his back. With no fans in the Arena, the bin was pretty much empty, barring some cups of coffees consumed by the essential staff members ensuring the smooth development of the event. The can then ended on Dazz’ head, and the bicycle kick to the can must have hurt the man inside. But not quite rolling down the steps all the way to the front row. Dazz came out of the can dazed and obviously hurting, his left arm particularly seeming in bad shape. He still had the right one to defend himself from Reznik who, with no rush whatsoever, reached him down and went back to those basic, heavy fists to punish the former CWF World Champion. Once again using his head against the opponent’s brute force and ruthlessness, Dazz ducked a right hook and drove his shoulder on Reznik’s mid section, doubling him over and dropping his elbow on the spine. He then lifted him and let him fall chest first against the barricade, leaving him hanging there as he jumped to the other side and delivered a nasty kick to the side of the head. The intense fight brought the two combatants in the backstage area, brawling in the hallways using every object they found on their way to hit the opponent. Including a cup of latte Dazz snatched from Donovan Keane’s hand and threw in Reznik’s face. Poor Leia… Anyway, The Messiah Of Metal then grabbed the blinded opponent bald head and smashed it against the wall, grinding his face against it as he dragged him toward the end of the hallway. The man from Canton, Ohio, reacted with an elbow to the stomach and reached for a mop someone left against the wall there. He swung it, breaking it in half on Dazz’ skull and dropping him on his knees. A hard soccer kick to the face followed and down went the canadian, with Reznik making one of the first covers and once again getting a two count. The fight kept going until the end of the corridor, where Reznik dropkicked his opponent through the emergency exit door, sending him rolling on the Chicago concrete. Now it was a real street fight! Paying the biggest price was a red sedan as Reznik was flapjacked on its bonnet.With absolute no regard of the car, its owner or his opponent’s health, Dazz climbed on the bonnet as well and proceeded to ddt Reznik through the windshield. Raymond’s head was (obviously) bleeding, and so was Dazz’ back as he made the cover, some glass shards sticking out from his skin. Not sure how, but Reznik still had the strength to kick out. Barely, just like he was barely able to stand to his feet when Dazz picked him up. Signaling for the end, the veteran set up Reznik for his Chaos Factor (rolling cutter), but Raymond miraculously escaped it and pushed Dazz away. He came back charging at the dazed opponent, who managed to sidestep and push him against the car’s door, catching him with a hangman neckbreaker off the rebound. He was quick to make the pinfall, but it wasn’t enough to keep him down. Frustrated, bloodied and feeling the urgency to end this quickly considering the brutal match he will be into tomorrow, Reznik ripped the car’s mirror and hit Dazz with it. Several times, actually. He was still standing, wobbly on his legs and clearly stunned. And then he wrapped his strong arms around his head, compressing the neck in a sleeper hold. Dazz began losing his force, squeezed out of his body by Reznik’s Dark Fate. Not much time passed from the moment the Ohio fighter wrapped his legs around the Messiah’s body and took him down and the moment Dazz tapped out. The referee struggled a bit to convince Reznik to break the submission but eventually managed to, raising his arm in victory as the show cut back inside the arena. WINNER: Raymond Reznik BY: Submission (A Dark Fate), 16:53 |
Sir Figgles: "Thank God that wasn't my car..."
Amy Maynard: "Is this all you can think of? These two just tried to murder one another."
Sir Figgles: "You're right, sorry. I hope MWE has an insurance to cover the damage they done."
Amy Maynard: "Ugh... Speaking of damage done, Reznik will be competing tomorrow night in another brutal match, for the Chicago Way championship. How do you rate his chances?"
Sir Figgles: "Chances? I'd be surprised if he can even make it to the ring tomorrow night. Putting himself in this situation is the dumbest thing he could have done since calling himself Raymond."
Amy Maynard: "I don't think he had much of a say in that... But I have to agree with you on one thing, there's no way he will be at 100% percent tomorrow night. And considering he will enter a Taipei Deathmatch against Leclair and Garrett.. The consequences can be disastrous."
Amy Maynard: "Is this all you can think of? These two just tried to murder one another."
Sir Figgles: "You're right, sorry. I hope MWE has an insurance to cover the damage they done."
Amy Maynard: "Ugh... Speaking of damage done, Reznik will be competing tomorrow night in another brutal match, for the Chicago Way championship. How do you rate his chances?"
Sir Figgles: "Chances? I'd be surprised if he can even make it to the ring tomorrow night. Putting himself in this situation is the dumbest thing he could have done since calling himself Raymond."
Amy Maynard: "I don't think he had much of a say in that... But I have to agree with you on one thing, there's no way he will be at 100% percent tomorrow night. And considering he will enter a Taipei Deathmatch against Leclair and Garrett.. The consequences can be disastrous."
Inside her office, Elsa McCarthy is staring at the laptop, visibly concerned. On the screen, the video rolls showing a live feed from inside the detention rooms. On the left, Anastasia’s. On the right Gavin’s. Although nothing is really happening in there, if we exclude Starling seemingly on the verge of a mental background, the young General Manager can’t take her eyes off those images, not even noticing her colleague Vincent Moretti entering the room. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that even the “Good evening Elsa” barely whispered by the Riot General Manager startled her.
Elsa McCarthy:
Oh… I didn’t hear you coming in…
She quickly says trying to regain her composure. Vincent just gives her a nod not taking any offense to it. Before turning her attention to her guest, Elsa clicks on her laptop switching to a live feed of the parking lot where the battle between Dazz and Reznik just ended.
Vincent Moretti:
This...hasn’t exactly been the best of nights.
Vincent rubs the back of his head as he takes his seat on his particular desk before he eyeballs and looks at the laptop, that trusty cane still in hand. Soon his eyes jolt wide open as if he recognized something.
Vincent Moretti:
Wait. That’s…
He gasps out that line briefly before letting out a cough, his composure is fading fast.
Vincent Moretti:
SHIT! THAT’S MY RENTAL CAR! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! DAMN IT! This REALLY hasn’t been one of the better nights. WHY ME!? WHY!?
His tone is high, a little piercing, and more in line with what you expect when he was a manager rather than the general manager role he’s been in the last little while. Elsa glances over at the screen, seeing the red sedan brutalized by the two rivals. Vincent drops his cane and you see him run his hands through his silver hair, leaning on the chair, obviously not having a good time.
Elsa McCarthy:
Oh Lord…
She tries to find the words to calm down her colleague and the best she can think of is…
Elsa McCarthy:
I… I’m sure our insurance will cover all the expenses. I’m terribly sorry for this incident but at least it wasn’t your car…
Vincent lets out an elongated sigh with his head hanging back and spins on that chair of his a little bit. He’s still not feeling particularly well but at least he’s not shrieking anymore.
Vincent Moretti:
My actual car is still in the shop. That’s what I was reminded of. But...at least it’s all documented. But the show must go on…I’ll worry about that later.
And with that Vincent just straightens himself out and he’s slightly more composed than he was moments ago.
Vincent Moretti:
But now we have something to address here now don’t we? Megan’s opponent...and the whole situation that has entailed, yeah? Her opponent for this evening. And considering the nature of her championship as well...what do we have tonight?
Vincent peers at her younger counterpart with a look of curiosity.
Elsa McCarthy:
Tank… Steiner. Yeah that’s his name.
Elsa reaches inside a drawer in her desk and takes out a folder, handing it to Vincent. You see his eyes pop open for a moment presumably as the size of this man.
Elsa McCarthy:
He’s technically been under contract with MWE since December, he was one of the NOW superstars that decided to join after miss van Beek bought out the company following the tragic death of its owner… May he rest in peace.
A moment of silence follows her words.
Elsa McCarthy:
He needed some time off for personal reasons but he’s now ready to debut. Megan didn’t have an opponent so I thought this could be an interesting test for both of them…
Vincent Moretti:
Total styles clash. Is he leaning Millennium or is he still undecided?
Vincent leans back on his chair a little bit thinking for a moment after he instinctively asked that question to try to get an answer.
Elsa McCarthy:
He’s still considering his options.
Elsa quickly replies.
Elsa McCarthy:
I told him we can talk after his match, I think he’ll be a great addition to my roster, but, of course, you’re free to try to convince him to sign with Riot, if you like what he brings to the table.
Vincent Moretti:
Alright. I’m on board. I’m not the biggest fan of giving someone a title opportunity first night out but...from the standpoint of a champion this is a different kind of test. How do you prepare for someone on such short notice? Two out of three falls. We’ll see what she’s made of mentally and where Tank is at right now. There’s no way for either of them to make an excuse right out of the gate. Hope he doesn’t have any ring rust since that’ll test his wind you know. Might let both of us know what he’s truly worth yeah? That’s our semi main for night 2.
Vincent raises his eyebrow thinking about things before just instinctively asking a question.
Vincent Moretti:
Now...is there any other business this evening we need to deal with for tonight barring something else happening that’s spur of the moment?
Elsa thinks for a moment, but she seems distracted. Clearly the whole situation around the Cloud Gate Championship match is upsetting her.
Elsa McCarthy:
N-No… I can’t think of any other pressing matters.
Vincent raises his eyebrow noticing the tone and leans forward over his desk.
Vincent Moretti:
You’re leery about the Monster’s Ball.
Vincent’s voice lowers reading his counterpart.
Vincent Moretti:
We can talk about that other issue away from the camera since I think I know what’s on your mind about it. All I’ll say about it publicly is...the monster’s ball is going to be hell on everybody. I mean...everybody. But whatever concerns you have, you can let them out to me.
Vincent then turns toward the camera man in their office, more of a hint of authority creeping in but no malice at all.
Vincent Moretti:
Sir, you’re dismissed.
The scene opens in a locker room with BROOKFORD sitting down on a black steel folding chair. He is busy taping up his wrist for his submission match later on in the night. Not too long after the door can be heard to crack open. Roderick Cross walks into the scene. Done taping his wrist, BROOKFORD looks at the man he will be competing against later. He tilts his head to the side.
BROOKFORD:
Can I help you? Last I checked, a backstage brawl wasn’t one of the match options.
“The Dublin Messiah” Roderick Kross:
Honestly I just came by to see what all the hype was about. The new HKW Dynasty Champion is here before me. Man a lot has changed since the card was made. Besides that if you do want a backstage brawl, I wouldn’t mind that either.
Roderick laughed as BROOKFORD looked at him.
BROOKFORD:
Not getting paid for that.
BROOKFORD chuckles.
BROOKFORD:
As long as people are talking I don’t care what is said about me. My work speaks for itself. I am pretty excited about this submission match.. You don’t seem like a guy who plans on tapping; I’m good with that, I prefer to choke people out anyway. The adrenaline rush that comes from holding someone's life in my hand, it’s powerful. Number two on the love list. The first being money, obviously.
“The Dublin Messiah” Roderick Kross:
Who doesn’t love money. Well morons or people who don’t value their existence in this world. You’re right about that though, I won’t tap out. Honestly I don't plan on losing this match. You’re going to be a tough opponent but this match should steal the show and you and I will get paid very handsomely for it.
Roderick laughs.
“The Dublin Messiah” Roderick Kross:
First match in this company or same amount?
BROOKFORD:
I had a few scuffles already, none ended how I planned; that’s what I love about tonight, a count out can’t end this. I doubt anyone will get involved in our business. This can only end one way...
BROOKFORD stands up. It’s clear he towers his opponent by a couple inches.
BROOKFORD:
... with you passing out. All in good fun. Nothing personal right?
BROOKFORD extends his hand in a sign of good sportsmanship seeing if Rodrick will shake it.
Roderick looked up at him and smirked before shaking his hand but then he decided to headbutt him right in the face. Roderick just stood there not backing down from the massive man before him.
BROOKFORD clutches his head. He lets out a very audible grunt. Composing himself he looks at his bold opponent. Instead of scowling at the actions of “The Dublin Messiah,” BROOKFORD smiles instead.
BROOKFORD:
Know what... I like you kid. Took a set to do that.
BROOKFORD pats him on the shoulder.
BROOKFORD:
I’m gonna make the ass kicking I give you worth every penny. See you out there.
BROOKFORD nods. With nothing else left to say, BROOKFORD walks off leaving “The Dublin Messiah” in the locker room by himself.
The cameras cut to the room where Gavin Grimes is being contained and it’s now in the early morning hours, as he’s spent almost half of his time in the room. He amongst the darkness with the single red light from the camera flickering in the corner. The camera is equipped with night vision and shows him pacing up and down the floor. His fingertips trace the walls as he circles the room a couple of times. He suddenly stops and turns to face the wall, resting his head against it. He begins to breathe heavily, the room itself entirely silent save for his breathing. He then begins to speak to himself.
Gavin Grimes:
Come on Gav, you’ve got this.
He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before nodding his head.
Gavin Grimes:
You can do this. You’re strong. Stronger than her.
The feed then cut away.
Submission Match
BROOKFORD VS Roderick KrossThird match in MWE for Roderick Kross and it’s without the shadow of a doubt the greatest challenger he ever faced in his young career. Standing at six foot three and weighing 265 pounds, the newly crowned Underground Dynasty champion looked confident as always as he was ready to take it against the rookie sensation, who actually had a good start with a series of kicks to those tree sized legs. BROOKFORD went for a right hook but Kross ducked underneath it and quickly turned around to take the big man to his knees with a chop block. He then delivered more kicks, this time targeting the back and went to apply a sleeper hold wrapping his arms around BROOKFORD’s neck. It was astonishing how easily the Problem Solver escaped the submission, powering out of it and turning around with a roaring elbow that spinned Kross halfway around. In a specular way, BROOKFORD applied a sleeper hold, but it was only the starting position for a devastating suplex. And then he started doing what he does best, brutalizing the Dublin Messiah with heavy strikes to the torso and face. Kross cowered back in the corner, the referee immediately demanded a clean break that Professional Wrestling’s Biggest Problem quickly granted. Only to get cheap-shotted by Roderick with a thumb to the eye over the referee’s shoulder. Having momentarily blinded the opponent gave a temporary advantage to the Dublin Messiah. Most of his attacks were now focusing on BROOKFORD’s back, the goal clearly being weakening him to set up for the Blackout camel clutch that gave him the win against Ashley Whitmore on the last Millennium episode. After rocking him with a quick punching combination, Kross jumped and placed both knees to the back of his opponent, dragging him down into a backstabber. More punishment was delivered to the mercenary with knee drops to the back and a single leg boston crab from which the big man got out by grabbing the bottom rope with his hand. Kross kept the hold as long as he possibly could without incurring in a disqualification. charging right back in when BROOKFORD rose back to his feet. This didn’t work out the way he hoped as the New Yorker sent him flying over ropes with a back body drop. The landing on the waiting floor was quite painful for the dubliner, but not quite as getting hit by the 265 pounder’s suicide dive. And things went from bad to worse for him as BROOKFORD exploited the time at his disposal to completely shift the momentum of the match driving the opponent back first against the apron, launching him on the steel ramp with a fallaway slam and even planting him on his head with a brainbuster. Once the match was brought back inside the ring, BROOKFORD was in full control, slowing the pace with neck and choke holds aimed at wearing him down. Now in deep waters, Kross dug into the last of his reserves and found his second wind, elbowing his way out of the hold and jumping with a terrible gamengiri kick that stunned the Problem Solver. He then kept attacking him with lightning quick offense, eventually knocking him down with the Limitless Faith (V-Trigger). He ruthlessly stomped the opponent’s back and shoulders, until he decided to go for The Blackout, sitting on his back and placing both BROOKFORD’s massive arms across his thighs, cupping his hands under the chin and pulling back. For almost an entire minute he held the submission, and BROOKFORD was showing no signs of giving up. Actually, with a superhuman effort he pulled himself to his feet just to fall backwards and squash the younger opponent. A few short seconds to catch his breath and the UG Dinasty champion was back on the attack with his devastating striking combinations to set him up for the sitout full nelson atomic drop. It was only a matter of time before the big man locked the Dublin Messiah in the half-nelson choke with body-scissors he calls Lights Out. And not too long after, despite having put up a great fight, Roderick had to raise the proverbial white flag. WINNER: BROOKFORD BY: Submission (Lights Out), 10:21 |
Ambra Monroe: "I can't say I'm surprised with the outcome od this one... But probably not even BROOKFORD was probably expecting this level of competition from the rookie."
Peyton Holland: "It was certainly a great showing by the Dublin Messiah. He suffered his first loss, sure, but this doesn't take anything away from his talent."
Ambra Monroe: "Absolutely. It's just a small setback on a still promising career. The first, definitely won't be the last.. But in every loss there's a lesson to learn, something to work on and improve."
Peyton Holland: "As for BROOKFORD, he finally picks up his first win in MWE. Which, considering that we're talking about the Underground Dinasty champion, is curious, to say the least."
Ambra Monroe: "He didn't have the best of luck so far. A match cancelled, a double count out, a no contest and a single match turned into a tag team from which he intentionally walked out. But despite what the record states, he's been nothing less than impressive in every appearance."
Peyton Holland: "It was certainly a great showing by the Dublin Messiah. He suffered his first loss, sure, but this doesn't take anything away from his talent."
Ambra Monroe: "Absolutely. It's just a small setback on a still promising career. The first, definitely won't be the last.. But in every loss there's a lesson to learn, something to work on and improve."
Peyton Holland: "As for BROOKFORD, he finally picks up his first win in MWE. Which, considering that we're talking about the Underground Dinasty champion, is curious, to say the least."
Ambra Monroe: "He didn't have the best of luck so far. A match cancelled, a double count out, a no contest and a single match turned into a tag team from which he intentionally walked out. But despite what the record states, he's been nothing less than impressive in every appearance."
Dark Web cuts to an empty warehouse in some pre-recorded footage that focuses on some foreign objects and weapons. However, the most specific focus happens to be a bunch of ladders stacked on top of each other with one in particular set nearby and ready to climb. Someone is heard walking into the scene and when the camera pans, Hayley Halsey is revealed looking around the empty warehouse, taking a look at all the weapons in the building.
Hayley Halsey:
This… is disgusting…
Hayley pauses, pursing her lips and expressing a bit more disgust before she continues.
Hayley Halsey:
Dark Web… a show that enables the worst in a wrestling fan. You give the animals the vote and this is exactly what happens. You’ve got tons of matches on the card for both nights that are promoting this utter FILTH that is taking place this weekend and it really sickens me. This weekend absolutely violates the spirit of what wrestling is supposed to be about and while my colleagues in the Golden Era appreciate the idea of a ladder match… which they are going to win by the way… I’m not so keen on it.
The potential for blood…
The possibility of endangering myself…
The possibility that one of those lunatics that I’m facing may even pull a chair or a table out of their ass just to make things more violent…
The thought… it just… UGH. I can’t BEAR the thought. I was brought up to be a PURE WRESTLER… I wasn’t brought up to be some daredevil stuntman that I am SURE some of my opponents are going to be tonight. Most of those morons? They wouldn’t be able to beat me in a regular match if I were to face them one on one and I know this because… well… on the last Riot, i scored what was the biggest win of my MWE career. I surprised so many people… but don’t be surprised… I’m only showing what I’ve learned from Glory Braddock in the short time that I’ve been in the Glorious Golden Era.
I mean… really… it’s justice…
Hayley pauses and has a bit of a smirk on her face before she walks toward the ladder that’s stacked, standing next to it.
Hayley Halsey:
Melody Lennox got all the praise around here when she’s just another Lexy Come Lately and I was able to pin her so that clearly makes me very happy. I may not like the idea of a ladder match, but at the same time? So be it. Winning a match like this is going to be a nice “fuck you” to anyone that has ever mocked me, doubted me or thought that I was in over my head when I first came to this company… especially when I was going through my struggles and all of that. I don’t fear the ladder… no…
Hayley takes another pause before she grabs the ladder and begins to climb it, showcasing that she’s not afraid of the dangers of what a ladder match could bring whatsoever. She stops halfway up the ladder before continuing…
Hayley Halsey:
In fact… you want to talk about being brave? Well the honest to god truth is, I’ve got more courage than every single one of you in this match… possibly put together at that. Because for those of you that don’t remember… it was a short while ago when I joined the Glorious Golden Era…
I had to humble myself and realize that I had to do whatever it took to get ahead in this business and that’s why I joined! If any of you seven were in my shoes, none of you would have done the exact same thing because the truth is? I’m the only one of the people in this match that actually knows how this business really works. I know about the sanctity and purity of the foundations that this business was built on… I wasn’t afraid of humbling myself and realizing where my place in this business was…
...so why would I be afraid of this?
Hayley pauses once more and climbs to the top, sitting on top of the ladder before she continues once more.
Hayley Halsey:
Bottom line is?
I’m not.
And the GOLDEN… in Glorious Golden Era?
Oh it’s going to REALLY be emphasized when this weekend is over…
When the Golden Era reigns as Tag Team Champions…
When I… against all odds and expectations… reign as Junior Heavyweight Champion…
When Glory Braddock reigns as Riot Champion…
Because we are all brave souls still willing to defend a worthy cause against bastards like every one of you seven that I face tonight that bastardize and pervert what wrestling is all about…
While you? You drown yourselves on cowardice and resort to filth and chaos and turmoil to get ahead… you prostitute yourselves in bastardizing this sport with your bullshit…
Well… get ready to pay for it…
And get ready to respect me… to WORSHIP ME… as the future… the next in line… the JUNIOR… HEAVYWEIGHT… CHAMPION!
Hayley maintains a confident, stoic and serious demeanor while she sits on top of the ladder, the scene fading to black.
In the two night conclusion of a series of shows in the Enterprise Arena, night one is very important for a young individual. A young athlete, the hottest junior heavyweight currently in MWE, has been pleading and fighting for his opportunity at the MWE Junior Heavyweight Championship. Noris Cranley, known as the “Unstoppable Junior Heavyweight”, has laid claim to the division as he has said to be the one to elevate them higher than they ever have. Tonight, he has the chance to defeat seven other strong competitors and walk out of Dark Web II the new champion.
Minutes before his own match, Noris is in the hallways of the backstage area warming up for his upcoming ladder match. If this is correct, this will be the young man’s first-ever ladder match and championship opportunity. This will be his first-ever championship at the age of twenty years old making him possibly the youngest champion in MWE history. The feeling of that accomplishment will edge his name in the history of the company but tonight was about making that history happen. A camera watched him strap up his boots and prepare the hoodie over his head as he turns to face the audience.
Noris Cranley:
So this is it, ladies and gentlemen. We’re finally here. The MWE Junior Heavyweight Championship will be on the line in an eight-man ladder match where the champion herself will have nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. Every competitor in that ring, three of them I’ve beaten before, are looking to be the junior heavyweight champion but no one has the responsibility and determination that I do. From day one, I’ve set that prestigious championship belt as my ultimate goal with every intention to break records and make groundbreaking history.
And what better groundbreaking methods than a ladder match where I can climb to the top of the division and prove how much I deserve this. How much I am willing to sacrifice to make myself a true champion of the junior heavyweights. I can be the leader they need and the person to make this division more than that it is. So to everyone in the match, I hope you all have high expectations because your goals, your motivation, and your desires are nothing compared to mine. I’m the one willing to take on the best and the worst, to go outside of my box and to even go into the main event with this belt.
Tonight is my night. Tonight is the night the unstoppable junior heavyweight becomes the Unstoppable Junior Heavyweight Champion.
Noris immediately smirks and walks down the hallway preparing for the biggest change in his life yet. Walking towards his destiny of becoming the new Junior Heavyweight Champion.
Junior Heavyweight Championship Match
Ladder Match
Kristina Spencer (c) VS Noris Cranley VS Tiny Des VS Hayley Halsey VS Christina Lopez VS Nina VS Saki VS Kimberly WilliamsLadder Match
The eight wrestler looked up to the Junior Heavyweight Championship hanging above their heads. And when the bell rang, it was chaos. Nina launched herself against Tiny Des, taking Figgins down and unleashing her fury with lefts and rights. Kimberly and Saki paired up and started trading blows with such vehemence that their fight couldn’t be contained between the ropes, sprawling out of the ring. Hayley Halsey was schooling Christina Rose with a long sequence of chain wrestling that eventually put her in position to connect a snap german suplex. As all hell was breaking loose around them, Noris and Krissy were standing still in the middle of the ring, staring at one another right under the title. Cranley once again stated how Spencer didn’t deserve it, how she was dragging the title down and that it was time for the Unstoppab… She heard enough and shut him up with a forearm to the jaw. Noris felt the blow, stumbling back a few steps and bringing his hand to the jawline, rubbing it as a smile formed on his lips. Quick as ever, he jumped with a perfect dropkick to the face of the Junior Heavyweight champion, catching her off guard and flooring her. With a kip up, they both got back to their feet, locking eyes in another intense staredown… Interrupted by Kimberly running in holding a ladder horizontally, wiping out both of them. That ladder was used for anything but it’s designed purpose. Williams cleared the ring with it, taking out Christina, Hayley and Destiny in this order. She went for Nina as well, but the Chicago born dodged the ladder with a backflip, and then dropkicked it on Williams’ face. Saki, who had been laying on the outside all this time, jumped in with a springboard crossbody, getting caught in mid air by the Snakebite with a powerslam onto the ladder. Nina didn’t even have time to gloat because The Unstoppable sent her stumbling over the top rope with a calf kick, and then soared over the top rope with a corkscrew moonsault plancha, landing on his feet. Krissy Spencer, perhaps wanting to one up the young rookie, performed a beautiful springboard shooting star press to take Cranley out. Tiny Des and Saki were climbing the ladder from the opposite sides, meeting at the top where they started trading blows in an attempt to gain that edge that would allow one of them to grab the title and walk out as champions. Destiny, much to her brother surprise, got the best of the exchange and smashed Saki’s face on the top of the ladder. The impact turned off the lights for the Kawaii Deathmachine who fell on the mat below. Tiny Des climbed the last step, her hands on the title as she was reaching the snap-hook to finally retrieve it… When Noris Cranley quickly slid back in the ring and climbed the steps, taking Destiny on his shoulders and falling back with an electric chair drop. They both remained down after the fall from a considerable height, the ladder still standing in perfect position, right under the Junior Heavyweight Championship, just waiting for someone to climb and grab it. Krissy seemed to be that one, starting her ascent unhindered. Out of nowhere came Nina sliding a second ladder in and resting it obliquely against the one Spencer was climbing and using it as a ramp, running onto it and reaching the top more quickly to the champion all the way down with a ridiculous side slam, just one moment before she managed to retain. 15 minutes in and nobody was standing on their feet. The ring and its surroundings were a collage of broken ladders and broken bodies. Remember the ladder Nina ran onto to get to the top? It backfired as Halsey dropped the Viper through it with a sunset flip powerbomb. And the first one that was ever introduced was no longer usable, pretty much reduced to scrap metal after Saki put Destiny between the two sides and jumped onto it from the top rope with a suicidal senton, damaging herself as much as her opponent. Noris and Christina were still laying on the floor outside after Lopez landed on top of the Unstoppable following a climbing attempted ended with Hayley pushing the ladder and causing the ruinous fall. Who was the first to get up to her feet? Kimberly Williams. The Woman Scorned cleaned the ring off the broken ladders, kicking out a couple of opponents as well in the process and made room for a new one. She was pushing it inside the ring when Saki, with a baseball slide, pushed it on the Underground Bloodlust champion’s face. With Kim down, the Singapore Mauler grabbed the ladder and placed it in the middle of the ring. She was halfway to the top when Kimberly, bleeding from her forehead after the hard impact with the ladder, used the top rope as a springboard and knocked her down with a superman punch… WITH THE INFINITY GAUNTLET! Saki was down, dead according to Figgles who then let fly with a tirade about the powers of the Gauntlet, interrupted by Amy who brought the attention back inside the ring where Kimberly started to climb the ladder. Wearing the gauntlet wasn’t really helping and Noris could once again save the match, this time with a powerbomb to the WIld Card. Upon impact, the gem studded glove fell off her hand. Noris saw it and for a moment considered wearing it, but he was quickly hit by Krissy’s Hand Of The Wicked. Spencer once again started to climb, and this time there was nobody who could stop her. None of the participant, actually. Duke Andrews rushed down the ramp and entered the ring, grinning as he saw Spencer so close to retrieve her title. Which made APE’s revenge all the sweetest. The Epitome Of Perfection pushed the ladder and caused Kristina to fall all the way to the waiting floor outside. One of the referee checked on her and immediately called the paramedics who rushed to the scene as Duke walked backstage. Nina started crawling toward the ropes, picking herself up and pushing the ladder back in position. Her back was still hurting from the previous powerbomb, thus making her ascent extremely slow. Hayley got back to her feet and climbed next to Nina, slamming her face on the steps three times before pushing her down to the mat and continue her climbing to the top. To the Junior Heavyweight Championship. WINNER: Hayley Halsey (NEW CHAMPION) BY: Title Retrieval, 16:29 |
Sir Figgles: "Holy shit, would you look at this? We have a new Junior Heavyweight Champion! Hayley Halsey did it!"
Amy Maynard: "Not to take anything away from her, but she should thank Duke Andrews for it"
Sir Figgles: "We all should. The title is in far better hands now."
Amy Maynard: "I'll let Kristina know what you just said. Anyway, first title match and first title change!"
Sir Figgles: "And first title for the Glorious Golden Era."
Amy Maynard: "True. They all could leave Dark Web II with gold... How do you think that would change the landsacape of Riot and MWE?"
Sir Figgles: "You know, I don't ask myself that question. As much as I like them, there's no way Glory can beat Devin. Especially now that he has the power of Sandcastle energy drink on his side!"
Amy Maynard: "How much did he pay you for this?"
Sir Figgles: "Ten bucks."
Amy Maynard: "Jesus, you're awful at haggling."
Amy Maynard: "Not to take anything away from her, but she should thank Duke Andrews for it"
Sir Figgles: "We all should. The title is in far better hands now."
Amy Maynard: "I'll let Kristina know what you just said. Anyway, first title match and first title change!"
Sir Figgles: "And first title for the Glorious Golden Era."
Amy Maynard: "True. They all could leave Dark Web II with gold... How do you think that would change the landsacape of Riot and MWE?"
Sir Figgles: "You know, I don't ask myself that question. As much as I like them, there's no way Glory can beat Devin. Especially now that he has the power of Sandcastle energy drink on his side!"
Amy Maynard: "How much did he pay you for this?"
Sir Figgles: "Ten bucks."
Amy Maynard: "Jesus, you're awful at haggling."
Eloise K. LeBeau:
It’s almost time, she’ll be out soon.
Came the soft voice of Eloise K. LeBeau, the agent looking beyond stunning in a low cut business suit, pinstriped in navy blue, though the beautiful woman seemed to have a slight frown on her face. She was holding a clipboard, double checking her watch as she stood by a round table near the entrance way to the ring.
Leia LeBeau:
Eloise? Is everything okay?
Came another voice, and into view came the towering amazonian Leia, the nearly 6 foot woman standing high above her elder sibling in her heels, as she squeezed Eloise’s forearm gently,snapping her back to reality. The Show was dressed to the nines, in a sparkling long gown, that dazzled in the artificial light. By the table, there were two freshly made lattes, steam rising from them.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
Yeah… yeah I hope so.
Leia LeBeau:
You’re waiting on Anastasia coming out, aren’t you?
Eloise K. LeBeau:
I am. I’m worried about her, this was the worst possible thing they could put her through, and she was so scared when she went in. My heart breaks for her. None of this was brought up in the meeting I had with Miss McCarthy, none of it. She was completely overruled and was helpless.
Eloise passed Leia her own latte, The Show’s eyes lighting up as she received her favourite beverage, and calm seemed to come over her as she took a sip. From the looks of things, the drink was absolutely perfect.
Leia LeBeau:
So you are going to be there as soon as she leaves?
Eloise shook her head, taking a sip of her own drink.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
It’s not allowed, so no. She leaves that room, she goes right into the match. No contact with anyone. But she asked me to leave a couple of things near the entrance curtain for her. Not sure what she is planning with them, but I promised they would be there.
She motioned her eyes to the small table, and a selection of random objects were there. It wasn’t entirely clear what they were, as the camera soon moved away in the opposite direction. “Mmmm… pizza.” came the voice, the camera person reaching out to take a slice of pepperoni pizza before shuffling back to continue filming The Show and her worried agent.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
How about you though? How are you holding up?
Leia LeBeau:
I’m struggling.
Leia set down the latte, shaking her head as she closed her eyes, Eloise looking on now, not as a professional agent, but as a caring sister.
Leia LeBeau:
No, I’m more than struggling.
She opened those beautiful eyes again, staring at her sister and looking a little lost.
Leia LeBeau:
Since this Asher showed up, Donnie has been on edge. After what he did to Jay, how they ruined their chances of competing in the tag tournament, what he tried to do to me… And now Donnie is going up against him, and I’m terrified that it’s going to be him being taken away in that ambulance. It’s all I can think about.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
Leia, calm down honey.
Eloise said, taking her younger sibling by the hand as she tried to reassure her.
Leia LeBeau:
I-I’m just so scared. This isn’t just a normal match. And I’ve faced him, there is just something not right about him. Even after all the new things I picked up from the coach I was recommended, I fluked that result. If it wasn’t for Donnie, I don’t know what would have happened. And I’m scared something worse is going to happen to him.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
Donovan is a professional. You know as well as I that he has skills and all the determination to put this matter to rest. You know that better than anyone.
Leia LeBeau:
I know, I know. But none of this seems right. Him arriving out of nowhere, trying to befriend him while stabbing us in the back. He tried to poison me, Eloise. There is something about all this that just leaves me feeling sick.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
It’s a dangerous match, Leia. Everyone knows that. But have faith in your man like he does in you. And this isn’t the Leia I know. The Show is not a worrier. She’s always positive and the centre of attention. Your man is going to be just fine, and once the show is over he will be leaving the arena hand in hand with you. I know how much you like Donovan...
Leia was showing signs of tears in her eyes, ones Eloise dabbed away with a small handkerchief.
Leia LeBeau:
Eloise… I’m in love with him--
Then a voice came from behind the camera, a slightly higher pitched voice than either of the two in view, but with a very similar accent.
Voice Behind The Camera:
Ooooooh. You’ve never said that to him before.
Leia went beet red, realizing that there was not only a camera filming her, but exactly who was behind the camera.
Leia LeBeau:
Bebe… Are you filming this?
Voice Behind The Camera:
No?
The camera took a couple of steps back, before the word “yoink was heard, as a hand swiped out and snatched Leia’s latte. The camera then turned away, the camera person giggling as they ran away, Leia still heard in the background as it seemed that they tried to make chase.
Leia LeBeau:
COME BACK HERE RIGHT NOW, BEBE, YOU LITTLE DEVIL! I’M PUTTING YOU BACK IN THE BASEMENT!
Backstage in their locker room are Bree and Teagan holding their MWE Tag Team championships over their shoulders. Bree and Teagan’s ring gear for this evening resembles the Green and yellow combo from Monster’s University. Bree is wearing the Monster’s Inc hat she’s had for the better part of a decade. Her hair also features a blue and purple scrunchy that keeps her ponytail set in place.
Bree Smith:
So, Teegs. After watching my twin and her tag partner win yet another title defence… it’s back on us to show we can do one better. They had one team to handle, we’re going 120 by taking on two teams tonight.
Bree says and counts the teams on her fingers, with two fingers extended, her index and middle finger. Fans of BreeTee will know which one of her fingers she counted one of the teams they're facing tonight. Teagan nods her head as she adjusts her own baseball hat she is wearing on her head, her hair done up in two braids rather than the one ponytail.
Teagan Gallagher:
One of those teams, The Golden Era…
Teagan scrunches up her nose at the mention of the tag team that had been a thorn in their side before when they had first captured their beloved tag team championship belts.
Teagan Gallagher:
They keep thinking that they can dismiss us as the tag team champions even though we made it clear that we were one of the very best tag teams in the division when we won these babies in Japan in the first place. It’s obvious they’re jealous of what we accomplished and the only way they can make themselves feel better about it is by trying to kick us down, but are we going to take that? Is that the kind of tag team that we are?
Bree lifts her title up a bit as she raises her shoulder.
Bree Smith:
No way, Girly. We’re going to make them jealous and bitter when they see us at the top of that ladder holding these again. It’ll be sweeter than Strawberry ice cream with crushed oreos. And we’re not even the only ladder match on the show tonight. But nobody in the Junior Heavyweight match forming an alliance, Fabulous or Golden Era can really work as tandem as we can when Ladders are involved. I still remember that huge dive you did last time we were in a ladder match, You Crazy Cat.
Bree nudges her partner, the high flyer of their group and Bree like many fans, was expecting Teegs to carve out her own highlight tonight. There’s no denying the big smile that begins to form on Teagan’s face as she appears to be remembering their last ladder match.
Teagan Gallagher:
I’m thinking that I need to go even bigger tonight to show everyone what these mean to us.
Teagan holds up her tag team championship belt for Bree to tap against with her own as the confidence is clear and loud in her voice when she is speaking.
Teagan Gallagher:
Both The Golden Era and Fabulous appear to have forgotten the road we’ve taken in order to even become the tag team champions in the first place. The struggle, the bumps along the way, all of it helped forge this bond to be one of the strongest that won’t break tonight! Our tag team reign will continue to live on and we definitely won’t be crumbling like Oreos!
Bree Smith:
They’ve had it real easy, Teegs. I mean when I look at these titles, the ones we’ll have to hand over and retrieve.
Bree pulls down her championship to hold it in her hands. She gets a little lost in it, completely disregards the camera filming or giving Teegs any eye contact.
Bree Smith:
I remember all the hard fights and all the close calls we had. Each one made us stronger and I know it’ll sharpen Fabulous… and Golden Era I guess to make them better tag teams. But we’re the best right now, we’re the champions and it’s oddly fitting we’re going to walk out without these titles, because it’ll show the other teams that we’re not comfortable cookie girls, we’re hungry athletes and we’re going to defend our titles. You’ll be channelling the most aggressive cat I can think of, The Lioness. Fabulous looking, deadly when you try to take what’s hers.
And I’ll be channelling the most aggressive canine I can think of, the grey wolf. Loyal to the pack but fierce and steps up to any challenge. Fabulous woke us up with that match we had, both them and Golden Era have taken our prize and now we’re going to have to get vicious, bring out the primal, competitive urge in us to stay tag team champions tonight!
Bree says as she swings her title back up, slamming her fist into her hand quite hard to make a large smack sound as she tries to pump herself and Teagan up.
Teagan Gallagher:
We allowed them to get close enough to think that they’ll be able to take our titles, to bring in their new ear, but tonight we show them just how wrong they were to assume it was going to be that easy. The fans did us a huge favour by making it a ladder match, we’re in our element more than ever, and tonight we elevate the reign of BreeTee to the next level.
Bree Smith:
Especially because we’ll be getting to that next level. The measuring stick for tag teams all across Millennium Wrestling. No matter the bruises this match gives, the aches we’ll feel tomorrow, The teams of Summer and Jessica, those annoying guys of Golden Era, all their might, we’ll still fight, and we’ll prove we’re the reigning and defending tag team champions…
Teagan makes a fist with one hand before she taps it up against her chest, nodding her head with full confidence as she appears to be moved by Bree’s statement.
Teagan Gallagher:
That’s the BreeTee way and it’s the only way we get things done, they’ll be sorry that they even dared to doubt how serious we are as a tag team.
Bree gives her partner a big nod showing she approves of her partner getting fired up.
Bree Smith:
Let’s go get these titles over to the official, TEMPORARILY, since we’ll be taking them back home to Miami afterwards.
Teagan takes one more moment to admire her tag team championship belt before she takes a deep breath.
Teagan Gallagher:
Don’t worry, we’ll be reunited soon.
Ambulance Match
Donovan Keane VS Asher Miles“This is what must be done.” With these words, Vincent Moretti commented a match he wouldn’t have booked, if only there was any other way to settle this. But with how things escalated between Donovan Keane and Asher Miles, a violent end seemed to be the type of closure they needed. The ambulance was parked next to the entrance stage, the two men waiting inside the ring. If Asher looked perfectly calm, glacial and focused, Donovan was showing some nervousness, a lot of pressure weighing on his shoulders between the desire to avenge his tag partner and the need to keep protecting his girlfriend. Hard to tell what was going through the Nightfall Rising member mind, perhaps he was still wondering why all this was happening, why Asher was so obsessed with him. But the answers to those questions would have to wait, as the bell finally rang. Miles smirked at his opponent, steadfast, confident, firmly convinced to have a clear psychological advantage on Donovan. And perhaps he was right, he was in Donnie’s head and had proved it in these past weeks. But when you push someone to his limits, put him with his back against the wall, you shouldn’t be surprised if he fires back. And Miles was about to experience that. In one lightning quick, fluid movement, Keane dropkicked Ash back against the ropes, charging right after for a clothesline that knocked both of them out of the ring. The fight would never go back between the ropes, that seemed pretty clear as the two young men started fighting on the outside, Donnie punching the opponent in the face from a mounting position. Asher reached back with his hand, fishing something from under the ring skirt and smacking it on Donovan’s head. It was a kendo stick, and the impact instantly stopped the Nightfall Rising member offense. Donnie brought his hands to the head, checking for potential blood loss and Miles took the chance to get away from under him and quickly rise back to his feet, swinging the cane on the opponent’s back. A long red bruise formed on his skin as he crumbled to the floor, exposing himself to more lashes. Two, three, four… Miles was taking his time between one and the next, enjoying the sight of his rival suffering with a sadistic grin. The fifth swing was the one that caused the stick to shatter to pieces. Asher rolled the agonizing Keane on his back and tried to scar his face with the remaining piece of wood. Donovan blocked him with both hands as it was just a couple of inches from his face, using all his strength to block him. But Asher was in a dominant position, slowly winning Donnie’s resistance as the stick inexorably inched closer to his face. The only way out from this situation was to kick Miles right between the legs, and so he did. Asher dropped the weapon, bringing both hands to his crotch, his face a mix of surprise and pain. Getting back to his feet and moving behind him, Donnie dropped him on the hard floor with a tiger suplex. The fight slowly moved toward the ambulance as Donovan dragged the opponent across the ring, smashing his face against the post for good measures. They began walking the ramp, Miles finally recovering and punching Donnie in the abdomen, getting free from his grasp and starting a series of stiff punches. Keane fought back, trying to hold his ground against him but Miles was quick on his feet, dodging the lefts and rights Donnie was throwing and breaching through his guard with quick jabs and uppercuts, showing shades of a boxing background. Keane went for a kick to the guts, but his opponent saw it coming and caught his foot, countering with a step-over spinning kick. Down went the Nightfall kid to the cold steel ramp, Asher standing tall above him and raising his foot, driving it down to Donnie’s face with ridiculous force. Thankfully DK rolled over and avoided the impact, quickly reaching out with his hand and sweeping Asher’s legs. The tables had turned and Miles was now the one laying flat on the ramp, watching Donovan jump and twist in mid air with a standing shooting star press. There we are, finally in the vicinity of the ambulance. The two men were brawling it out on the stage, Asher’s punches dangerously pushing Keane close to the edge. One of those right hands caught Keane right on the nose, busing him open. Visibly rocked, he wiped the blood from his face with his forearm, spitting some on the floor. Seeing blood, Miles cracked once again that sinister smile and charged at him, looking to knock him off the apron with a superman punch. Donnie was one step ahead and anticipated him with a jumping knee, quickly glancing behind him. Living up to his nickname of Dangerous Donnie and showing no care for his or his opponent’s health, he leaped backwards with a spanish fly, both of them crashing on some crates below. For some long seconds nothing happened, neither of them was moving. Then Keane began to stir up, slowly getting to his feet and helping Miles to his feet, leading him toward the ambulance. He opened the backdoor and rolled Asher in, but when he tried to close him in, Miles planted the feet on the door and pushed back, driving it on Donnie’s face. After being smacked multiple times with a chair, Miles eventually managed to kick the weapon on Donovan’s face, causing him to drop it. As his opponent stumbled away from the back of the ambulance. Keane took a moment to gather himself before charging at Asher full head of steam. Always the quick thinker, Miles grabbed the door’s handle and swung it open. Donnie couldn’t avoid the collision that left him stunned and helpless against a second door shot. The mysterious Asher reached him on the other side and drove Keane’s head through the window, shattering the glass. Donnie’s face quickly turned crimson red, blood dripping down from several cuts on his head and visage. Miles didn’t take pity, closing the door on DK’s right arm, eliciting another scream of agony. As he was dragging him to the backdoor, Donovan collapsed on the floor, and Miles bursted out laughing. He left him there, barely conscious in a puddle of his own blood and reached behind the ambulance, taking out a gurney and pushing it where Donovan was, picking up the Nightfall member and laying him onto it. With the last ounce of energy, Donnie grabbed him by the throat and dragged him down, their heads just inches away. Three consecutive headbutts rocked Miles who wasn’t expecting his opponent to still have some fight left in him. But he did, Donovan was back to his feet, looking like a man possessed, kicking the opponent back against the ambulance. And he kept pounding him with hard punches to the ribs, finishing his attack with a superkick right to the chin. Asher’s head bounced against the ambulance, and he bounced down on his face. Donnie, who was now a bloody mess, ripped away the strap from the gurney and use it to whip Asher. Ten lashes, before he changed the use of it and tried to choke him out. Asher desperately pushed him back against the ambulance, getting free before too much damage was done. But as he turned around, he was met by a jumping knee that sent him a few steps back, enough for Donnie to floor him with a superkick. DK picked up Ash and placed him on the gurney, but rather than pushing him to the back of the ambulance, he left him there, turning around and jumping to grab the roof of the vehicle and pulling himself up. He promised it to his friend Cass Baumer, and there it was, the DK Bomb off the ambulance roof. The gurney collapsed under the two men’s weight, and they were laying there, motionless. If Donnie looked in a pretty bad shape, Miles wasn’t much better. His back had several bruised thanks to the lashing, and he was now bleeding from a deep cut above the eye, consequence of a particularly stiff kick from Donovan. Still, he managed to suplex him, quickly picking him up and landing some furious chops to the chest. Keane backed down, too tired now and weakened by the copious amount of blood lost to fight back. A knockout punch from Ash sent him to the floor, he tried to get up but ate the brutal Antares punt kick. That was it, Donnie was out, motionless on the floor right in front of the ambulance. All Asher had to do was to pick him up and lock him in the back of the vehicle. But his thirst for revenge wasn’t quenched yet. He went back to Donovan, grabbed a handful of hair to lift his face so that he could whisper something. And then he walked away, circling around the ambulance. Keane was slowly picking himself up, barely getting to a vertical position when Asher opened the driver’s door and turned on the engine. Keane realized what was happening but the headlights blinding him prevented him from moving. Miles pushed on the gas and ran him over, sending him flying several feet back. He then drove the ambulance next to him, cracked a smile and put him in the back of the ambulance, closing the door. WINNER: Asher Miles BY: Locked In The Ambulance, 18:36 |
Peyton Holland: "Dear Lord... Someone go check on the kid!"
Asher is crouching down, laughing maniacally as he stares at the ambulance. Paramedics rush to the scene and go to check on Donovan, right behind them Leia LeBeau comes out in tears and screaming her man's name. A member of the security is able to grab and stop her before she gets to the ambulance, literally lifting her from the ground and holding her up by the waist. She wiggles and kicks, crying to let her go. Eloise LeBeau comes out as well and, although visibly shaken, tries to calm her sister.
Who seems unfazed by all this, and actually walks on the stage with a smile on her lips, is Asher's manager Kaia Granger. She joins her client in front of the ambulance, passing next to the distraught Leia without even looking at her. She sits next to the Antares, whispering something to his ear. One of the paramedics finally comes out from the back of the ambulance, rushing to the door and sitting behind the wheel. Turning on the siren, he drives it to the closest hospital. Asher and Kaia leave the scene and only then the security let Leia go. The inconsolable woman drops on her knees, covering her face with both hands. Even her sister seems hesitant, knowing that nothing she can say could be of any help right now. And finally, the camera cuts to the next segment.
Asher is crouching down, laughing maniacally as he stares at the ambulance. Paramedics rush to the scene and go to check on Donovan, right behind them Leia LeBeau comes out in tears and screaming her man's name. A member of the security is able to grab and stop her before she gets to the ambulance, literally lifting her from the ground and holding her up by the waist. She wiggles and kicks, crying to let her go. Eloise LeBeau comes out as well and, although visibly shaken, tries to calm her sister.
Who seems unfazed by all this, and actually walks on the stage with a smile on her lips, is Asher's manager Kaia Granger. She joins her client in front of the ambulance, passing next to the distraught Leia without even looking at her. She sits next to the Antares, whispering something to his ear. One of the paramedics finally comes out from the back of the ambulance, rushing to the door and sitting behind the wheel. Turning on the siren, he drives it to the closest hospital. Asher and Kaia leave the scene and only then the security let Leia go. The inconsolable woman drops on her knees, covering her face with both hands. Even her sister seems hesitant, knowing that nothing she can say could be of any help right now. And finally, the camera cuts to the next segment.
14 hours Into Lockdown
Anastasia Starling:
You were my fire, so I burned... til' there was nothing left of me…
Came the voice of Anastasia, singing hauntingly and beautifully. She was stood up, her body pressed up against the wall. It was clear as day that even in the blackened room, tears had been pouring down her angelic face. But there was a sweet power in that singing voice of hers, and she seemed in a trance, like someone else was in the room with her.
Anastasia Starling:
I... I touched your face, I held you close... til' I could barely breathe.
Her hand reached out, as if to take someone by the hand, but there was no one there at all, and it fell loosely to her side.
Anastasia Starling:
Why... give me hope, then give me up... just to be the death of me? Save the rest of me...
She pushed herself back from the wall, the madness of isolation taking hold of her as she seemed to break into a slow dance, her hips swaying hypnotically as she ruffled up her hair. She span around the room, even performing a cartwheel in the process, as she continued to belt out the song in a stunning fashion, her sweet voice filled with jazz tones as she dished out a feast for the ears.
Anastasia Starling:
Cause I see you, but I can't feel you anymore - so go away. I need you, but I can't need you... Anymore - you hesitate...
She continued to sing, her seductive dance swirling on as she strutted her stuff in the centre of the room. Until she suddenly stopped, looking down to the floor as she shook her head. She stared up at the ceiling, biting down on her lower lip as she covered her face with her hands.
Anastasia Starling:
Nobody is taking that away, Ana. I'm still here, I'll always be…
She dropped down to the floor, sitting on her rear as she covered her face once more, turning suddenly silent as they lost themselves in their own thoughts.
The scene opens in a locker room with Neil Newman and Kyle Butler sitting on a long leather couch. Both men are looking at Ipads. The audience can only assume they are in the middle of looking at last minute footage of their opponents tonight in the ladder match. Their attention is pulled in the direction of the door. They stand up immediately. Coming into the frame is Glory Braddock. Neil and Kyle put their hands behind their back. They stand at attention like Glory is the general prepping them for war. Glory looks at the Ipads on the couch, then back at them. She nods.
Glory Braddock:
Good! That is what I like to see.
Neil Newman:
We’re leaving no stone unturned. No mistakes can afford to be made tonight. This is our second shot at the tag team titles. With the competition rising in the company because of us--
Neil looks at Kyle. Both of them nod in agreement. Neil shifts his attention back to Glory.
Neil Newman:
-- MWE management would welcome the opportunity to phase us out the picture.
Kyle Butler:
The BreeTee Committee and their gross promotion of Oreos. When did pro wrestling become about product placement? Oreos. Lattes. That’s not wrestling.
Neil shakes his head.
Neil Newman:
The comedy ends tonight, you have our word.
Glory continues to size up both men. She doesn’t offer a smile.
Glory Braddock:
All well and good. You two haven’t forgotten the other team in the match, one you know intimately. A leader's job is to make the tough decisions no one else is willing to regardless of the cost. Sacrifices must be made to clean up the sport of corruption. I agree Jessica and Summer do fight for the purity of competition like we do. They are not members of the Glorious Golden Era, you two are. They were willing to shoehorn themselves in this situation knowing you wanted BreeTee one on one. Make no mistake they will do whatever it takes to win.”
Glory looks at Kyle.
Glory Braddock:
Jessica is a product of two of the most violent competitors in the sport. A ladder match would be straight up her alley.
Glory now looks at Neil.
Glory Braddock:
Summer is a Collins. No one knows better than me how ruthless her family can be. It was her plan that led to this situation. What do you think she is willing to do to walk out champions?
Kyle and Neil look at each other briefly knowing Glory was telling the truth. Both men return their attention to Glory.
Glory Braddock:
I hope you meant it when you said you would do whatever it takes. That is what it will take to win. You are the leaders of the tag team division. Back up your words with decisive action.
Glory stretches out her arm, her hand in facing face down. Kyle places his hand on Glory’s. Neil places his hand on Kyle’s. The Golden Era look at Glory, then at each other. In unison Kyle and Neil say at the exact same time...
Neil & Kyle:
WHATEVER IT TAKES.
Satisfied, Glory smiles as the scene fades to black.
We cut to the boiler room area of the Enterprise Arena in Chicago, Illinois. We see two rather large ladders set up but no one standing anywhere near them. The camera slowly begins to pan out to get a wider shot. As the camera pans out wider and wider we eventually spot Summer Collins sitting on top of one ladder and her best friend and tag team partner “The Archangel” Jessica Lasiewicz sitting atop the other ladder. While Jessica appears stoic and emotionless, Summer in contrast appears confident with a grin upon her lovely features.
Summer Collins:
Jess and I came into MWE demanding to be given the best, the toughest competition in the tag team division. We wanted to fight the best because we know in our heart and soul that we are the best tag team. You can put us against anyone in any company and we will deliver a five star performance unlike anything you have ever seen. You can put us against anyone in any company and we will win. That’s how confident we are in our abilities. And to your credit, MWE, you did not disappoint. We fought some of the best teams in this division. Were there some rough patches? Of course. But at the end of the day we did beat them all. At the end of the day we have proven our point. And on Millennium from Chicago, we went in against the reigning Tag Team Champions, The BreeTee Committee, and we beat them. We took on YOUR very best and we beat them. That should be the talk of the tag team division. How Fabulous beat the champions. Unfortunately there was an even bigger elephant in the room, all because our husbands, The Golden Era, won a contender’s match to become the number one contenders. Did we ask for that situation?
Collins shakes her head.
Summer Collins:
No, but if you think that we’re going to turn down the golden opportunity that we’ve been after since joining this company you’re crazy. Jess and I came here to prove that we are the best and tonight, in the ladder match, we can prove that we are the best tag team by not only defeating their very best yet again but also defeating the number one contenders...our husbands...The Golden Era...
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Professional wrestling is all about competition. The PURITY of this sport is all about a battle of wills between warriors to see who is the best. Neil, Kyle, you know this just as well as we do. That’s what you’re about, right? The purity of the sport. The purity of the sport is competition and proving your superiority. That’s what Summer and I are here for as well. Hell, I would dare say that The BreeTee Committee want the same thing, even if you guys don’t necessarily like them all that much. So boys, understand that we are NOT going to back down, we are not going to show any mercy, we are going to give you our absolute best in order to become the new MWE Tag Team Champions. As for The BreeTee Committee…
The Archangel smirks.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
...I give credit where credit is due, you two are good inside that ring. You gave us a good fight. You were worthy champions, but tonight isn’t your night. Tonight belongs to Summer and me.
Summer Collins:
Neil, Kyle...BreeTee...tonight is the night where Jessica and myself finally prove our point as the absolute best tag team in wrestling. And we do it as only we can...ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!
MWE Tag Team Championship Match
Ladder Match
Ladder Match
BreeTee Committe (c) VS Fabulous VS Golden Era
Second ladder match of the night, this time two titles were hanging above the ring. The coveted MWE Tag Team Championships, up for grabs in a match with a lot of insights and possible repercussions. Starting, of course, with the delicate situation between Golden Era and Fabulous, married in life and opponents tonight. The match started, as stated by Rum, under tornado rules; no tag needed, all six members were inside the ring at the same time and things got crazy right off the opening bell. The two members of Fabulous took out the respective husbands with a standing dropkick, flooring Neil and Kyle and focusing on the tag champions. Jessica locked up with Bree and the blonde girl easily forced the Archangel in the corner where she slapped her chest with some open hand chops. Between Summer and Teagan instead, it was a nice technical exchange where both women showed off their prowess trading holds and jockeying for position for a good minute, until Collins wrapped her arms around Gallagher’s waist ready to perform a german suplex. Her husband sneaked behind her back and looped his arms around her with the same hold, lifting Summer AND Teagan with a ridiculous double-decker german suplex to both women. His tag partner saved his husband with a forearm to the back of Bree, whipping her in the opposite corner. He grabbed Jessica’s hands and threw her against the tag champion, charging at the two women piled up in the corner with a terrific shoulder tackle to Lasiewicz. “Whatever It Takes”, they repeated several times in the days leading to Dark Web II. And they were keeping faith to this promise. While taking care of Teagan, Neil barked at his partner to grab a ladder. Kyle dropped Jessica out of the ring with a clothesline and picked up one of the many ladders scattered all around. He slid it back in the ring and climbing on the apron, entering between the middle and top rope. Out of nowhere came Summer with a springboard bulldog, driving her best friend’s husband face on the steps. She then grabbed the ladder, finding herself face to face with her significant other. A brief staredown where Newman tried to convince Collins to hand him over the ladder. Bree slid back inside the ring and pushed the Golden Era member against the ladder with such force that Collins fell backward, getting crushed under the ladder weight. Not even time to get concerned about her wife’s well being for Neil who instantly got suplexed by Breeberry, who then grabbed the ladder and set it up under the titles, starting her climbing. Still a bit dizzy, Butler came back into the match, grabbing her ankle and yanking her down, meeting her with a heavy right hand. The two started brawling, while Gallagher began her ascent toward the titles, abruptly stopped when Neil introduced a second ladder to the ring and drove the top cap on her spine. Double the ladders, double the carnage. Kyle swung one of them around taking out all the other competitors including, inadvertently, his own tag partner. Apologizing with Neil, he set the ladder up and started to climb, step by step. Bree was the first up and began to do the same on the other ladder, placed right next the one Butler was on. The two began hitting one another with left punches halfway to the top, trying to knock the other down. Kyle grabbed Bree’s hair and smashed her face on the steps, stopping her climbing momentarily. He quickly tried to reach the top but Smith was already joining him there, recklessly wrapped one arm against his shoulder and hooked her leg with his, falling back with a russian legsweep. Newman grabbed a ladder and closed it, shoving it in a corner of the ring. As he turned around, he got hit with a superkick by Teagan Gallagher, who sent him spinning 180° degrees into a second superkick, this time by his own wife. The two women glanced at the ladder and the titles hanging above it, realizing how big of a chance this was. All they had to do was to take the other down and get the gold. Teegs charged at Summer who caught her with a released belly to belly suplex onto the ladder placed in the corner, breaking it in half. Collins quickly moved up the steps and would have easily took the titles if Bree didn’t push the ladder and causing her to crash on the canvas. Keeping the ladders out of the equation for a while, Golden Era put on a clinic, showing that they are, indeed, one of the best tag teams around. They dominated the competition, both taking on the oncoming opponents singularly or double teaming them with moves like the wheelbarrow facebuster/cutter combination on Summer. Jessica quickly avenged her partner with a Our Lady Peace to Neal, ducking Butler’s lariat and doubling him over with a back kick to the stomach, quickly turning around and connecting the In Your Dreams swinging fisherman neckbreaker. It was her turn to set up the ladder and try to retrieve the titles, Teagan being her only rival as she quickly started climbing on the opposite side. They met on top, starting to brawl it out until only one of them was left. Or none, actually, as they both fell down when Jessica, in one last desperate attempt to prevent Teegs from getting the titles, suplexed her all the way down. The end of the match was utter chaos. Teagan couldn’t resist jumping off a ladder that was set up completely out of position for her Tee For Two 630 splash on Kyle, Neil climbed up behind Jessica to german suplex her off the ladder, Bree powerbombed Summer on the outside through a ladder that was set up as a bridge between the apron and the announcer’s table. And just like that, it was down to two, Bree Smith and Neil Newman, a ladder between them, the titles hanging over their heads. They started climbing, less faster than before as the long battle was taking its toll, and eventually reached the top. Up there, they started battling, trading slow and heavy right hands. Newman looked like he was about to fall under Bree’s blows, but he hung on and came back with a left hand. Bree almost lost her equilibrium, causing the ladder to dangerously shake. Neil climbed another step and touched the gold, beginning to fumble with the hook to retrieve them. He resisted a punch to the ribs by the tag champion, and a second one as well. With the third, he lost his grasp but that was when his partner came to rescue, climbing a wobbly ladder and literally jumping on Bree, taking down her and the ladder in the process. Newman was quick enough to grab onto the titles as the ladder was swept under his feet, hanging onto them ten feet off the ground. All he had to do at that point was to unhook them and let himself fall. Smiling, even when he crashed on the waiting canvas. WINNER: Golden Era (NEW CHAMPIONS) BY: Title Retrieval, 17:10 |
Sir Figgles: "And that makes it two! Two titles for the Glorious Golden Era!"
Amy Maynard: "You seem particularly happy with them winning."
Sir Figgles: "Are you trying to suggest that I put money on them?"
Amy Maynard: "I don't know... Did you?"
Sir Figgles: "I may or may have not. But that's not the point..."
Amy Maynard: "And what's the point you're trying to make then?"
Sir Figgles: "ROOOOOOOLLLLLL TIIIIIIIIIIDEEEEEE!!!!"
Amy Maynard: "You seem particularly happy with them winning."
Sir Figgles: "Are you trying to suggest that I put money on them?"
Amy Maynard: "I don't know... Did you?"
Sir Figgles: "I may or may have not. But that's not the point..."
Amy Maynard: "And what's the point you're trying to make then?"
Sir Figgles: "ROOOOOOOLLLLLL TIIIIIIIIIIDEEEEEE!!!!"
Iggy stands at the interview position, smiling as the cue is given.
Iggy:
In just a few moments, the rivalry between former MWE World Champion Melissa Reeves and former Chicago Way Champion Jacob Hammerstein comes to a head. Millennium officials were going to release a poll to decide the stipulation type for this match, but Hammerstein, who had defeated Reeves in a match to determine the stipulation for their match that was to take place at the finale of our Down Under Tour, lobbied to be given the decision making power for this match. As you know, that match was postponed because of the tragic death of Hammerstein's manager, Reese Kennedy. I'd like to get your reasoning for your decision to make this a standard one fall match, Hammerstein, so if you don't mind…
Hammerstein steps into camera shot. He says nothing, but looks Iggy over and holds out his hand. Iggy realizes the meaning of the gesture and hands the microphone over. Hammerstein takes the mic, puts his hand on Iggy's shoulder, and extends his arm, moving the interviewer out of the shot.
Hammerstein:
Everybody wants to know why I didn't ask for some gimmicky match or even for that ridiculous Hammerstein's House of Fun bullshit match.
It's because Reese told me to. Before he died, he told me to beat someone of Melissa Reeves' stature in a match with gimmicks or stipulations was a cheap victory, but to beat them straight up, one on one, proved who was the better fighter. It earned the respect of the….
Hammerstein stops, gathering his thoughts. His expression turns angry.
Hammerstein:
Melissa Reeves, I am so goddamn sick and tired of hearing you go on and on about how I'm a disappointment and how I'm settling for mediocrity because I run with APE.
You talk of mediocrity, but let's look at our past. You beat me in our first match in Japan...made me tap, matter of fact. I dropped you on your head in Sydney and pinned you one, two, three.
Hammerstein rubs his chin.
Hammerstein:
That means we're even. The mighty Melissa Reeves and the mediocre Jacob Hammerstein. Tied one to one.
Tonight, it's one on one, you and me. On a night full of gimmick matches, we do it the old fashioned way. No bells. No whistles. Just us. Two fighters... fighting.
And I don't give a good goddamn what you think of me now. By the end of our match tonight, you'll see who the hell I really am.
Melissa herself walks into view, shoving Iggy aside and grabbing the microphone.
Melissa:
It’s funny, Hammer, how easily you forget your own history. 1-1? In 1v1 matches, sure, but overall I’ve beaten you twice. The fact you only selectively pick from the facts shows you’re afraid of the truth, afraid of appearing weak. But you are, you are weak.
Hammerstein:
I meant…
She puts her hand up before he can retort, cutting him off.
Melissa:
Shut up, I’m talking. Now, you ask what’s disappointing about you and I can’t tell if that’s willful ignorance or you’re genuinely stumped. Either way I’ll fill you in though. What you don’t seem to understand is that you merely scrape by where others, like me, we soar. You ‘do okay’ while I seek to achieve nothing but the very, very most I can. You’re happy riding the coattails of CCJ and his band of idiots, of being just a number. You’re an overhyped enforcer who’s gained very little for everything he’s given. CCJ uses people like you, chews ‘em up and spits ‘em out when they’ve had their use. It’s sad you can’t see that.
Hammerstein is seething, his face turning redder and redder as he turns over Melissa's words in his mind. He's on the verge of exploding, when his expression breaks. He stares intently at Reeves, then turns and walks away.
For her part, Reeves watches him go and then smirks to Iggy.
Melissa:
You see that? He has no answer. Just like later tonight he will have no answer in the ring.
She turns now toward the camera.
Melissa:
You can run, big fella, but you sure as hell can’t hide.
And then she pushes the microphone back into Iggy’s hand and walks away.
18 Hours Into Lockdown
Anastasia Starling:
I’ve done this before. I know the mental toll that it takes. You can’t handle this, little bird. You can’t handle being caged up in the dark for 24 hours with just you and your thoughts...
Came Anastasia’s broken voice, and she could be seen in the corner, rocking back and forth slowly. She seemed to be repeating words sent to her over social media by Gavin Grimes, repeating them like a mantra, over and over again.
Anastasia Starling:
I’ve done this before. I know the mental toll that it takes. You can’t handle this, little bird. You can’t handle being caged up in the dark for 24 hours with just you and your thoughts...
She said it again, clutching onto her knees as she hugged them close to herself tightly, moving to and fro, back and forth, her head buried in her knees.
Anastasia Starling:
You’re fucked… You’re fucked… You’re fucked… You’re fucked… You’re fucked…
She repeated over and over, her voice croaky and dry now, the physical and mental toil of what was happening completely destroying the Cloud Gate Champion, as she seemed barely able to function and exist in this situation. She raised her head silently, those greens and blues poking out now, peering into the abyss.
Anastasia Starling:
Shut the fuck up! 330, shut the fuck up!
She muttered, seemingly not making any sense at all, possibly even forgetting where she was in the first place. She tried to sniff the flower again, but it didn’t bring her any comfort.
Anastasia Starling:
That’s where I found the truth. That’s where I found it. I felt like I was about to fall, the room began to sway. And I could hear the sirens but I could not walk away.
She peered up again, looking lost and helpless as her eyes gazed around, trying to find something, anything to focus on in the darkness.
Anastasia Starling:
I had to do it… I had to. No one would have gotten out if I didn’t. He would have took them. He would have took all of them. I didn’t mean to cause all this, Judas. I didn’t have a choice.
She buried her head into her knees again, muttering words under her breath.
Anastasia Starling:
Shut the fuck up! 330, shut the fuck up!
Gavin appears on the screen from the room he is being held for a third time, his time inside of the room now reaching over the 20 hour threshold. He is pressed against the wall tightly. His fingers slowly tapped on the wall as he nodded his head each time he tapped, trying to keep his mind away from any dark and ugly thoughts that may be creeping in. Suddenly he slams his fists hard down on the wall and pushes away with a yell. He begins to pace in the darkness now, trying to pump himself up and now let everything get to him.
Gavin Grimes:
You’re almost there, Grimes. You almost got this. Just a little longer and that birdie’s wings are all yours to clip.
He crouched down a bit and ran his hands through his hair before keeping his hands on his head, staring down at the dark ground.
Gavin Grimes:
You’re the hunter and she’s the prey. You’re strong and she’s weak. She will burn.
The scene cut away once more.
The cameras are on Victoria Salinas in the locker room as she’s in her determined mood yet again. She knows that this is a big night for her and she’s never been one to downplay the magnitude of what’s to come. Of course, she’s in her usual no-nonsense mood when it comes to a night like this and as she sits in the locker room, reflecting on the way that things have gone for her lately, it gives the look in her eyes a little bit more of an angry determination as she begins to express her thoughts.
Victoria Salinas:
To say that last Millennium’s conclusion left a dissatisfied taste in my mouth would be a slight understatement. Sure, it was nice that a collective stood up to APE for a change, I am not going to deny that. But if you think I am satisfied with standing tall with Kelsey Spencer at the end of the show, you’re sorely mistaken because the fact of the matter is… a little satisfaction isn’t enough for me at this point in time. That’s why I don’t buy into this “Anyone but CCJ” thing that’s going around. I didn’t arrive at Millennium last week to stand with Kelsey Spencer, I arrived at that show, at that match, to stand alone because I was focused on one thing and one thing only and that’s shoving that fucking road block with her name on it the fuck out of the way but of COURSE, APE had to throw a wrench into their plans, didn’t they? They got a little bit of what they deserved when it was all said and done, but that’s not good enough for me.
For weeks, months, now, APE has been a thorn in my side. This company has had to endure one of the worst… in terms of promotion anyway… champions that they’ve ever seen. From an ability standpoint, I can’t knock Chris Constantine Jr. I never have, I never could. But the way he carries himself is completely abhorrent. He’s no champion when it comes to the way he carries himself. He’s nothing more than an overgrown child with Peter Pan syndrome and having any sort of interaction with him is useless since he just wants to resort to being your usual social media dime a dozen troll with nothing better to do. I’ve faced these fuckers a few times since they’ve formed… and you know how many times I’ve beaten them so far?
Victoria pauses to throw up a “zero” signal with her right hand before she continues.
Victoria Salinas:
Yeah… and it sickens the hell out of me. If it wasn’t Constantine paying off Brookford a couple of months ago, it was the humiliation I suffered a few weeks back. Yet, there’s Kelsey making it look SO easy when she pinned the champion on Riot not that long ago… oh and when a while back, she pinned Melissa Reeves too… so she’s got a LOT of momentum going into this thing… at least… a hell of a lot more momentum than I do. At least I was able to score a big win of my own recently when I beat another of Millennium’s champions in Kenzie Garrett but still… I didn’t come here tonight to be the third wheel. I didn’t come to Dark Web to AGAIN fall short against the two biggest roadblocks I’ve had to deal with since I’ve come to this company. No… this narrative isn’t about APE standing tall and having a laugh at the end for the upteenth time. This narrative isn’t about Kelsey Spencer being the hero that takes the championship away from APE. APE has had their time in the sun enough…
And Kelsey Spencer has had ONE too many moments of glory at MY expense and personally? Her walking out of this with the championship isn’t much better than Constantine because while she’d be BETTER than him, no doubt about that, it doesn’t make a difference as far as the outcome is concerned because either one winning means I fell short again… and the way I see it… I’ve fallen short against both of them in the past far too many times. I didn’t come here to congratulate Kelsey on winning the title because “at least she’s not Constantine”. No… HELL with that consolation prize. I’ve settled for enough consolation prizes and silver linings and every single one of you knows where that got me.
Rewind to almost a year ago… when I was losing to wrestlers at least two tiers below me…
I REFUSE to go back there again!
It’s funny…
Last year, on the night I got mine back against Charlie Webster… she was writing me off, calling for me to retire and calling me “grandma” just because I was 31. I shut her up real quick and ran her out of this company. Winning tonight would silence people like her for good… those that had written me off when nothing was going my way last year…
Bethany Driver… all the SHIT she was putting me through… calling me “just another match”... being so DESPERATE to fulfill her own ego and to boost her sorry excuse of a self-esteem that she even got on my case for being off on the day our match was supposed to happen… well tonight, I’m going to put a finality on that by showing people like HER that I’ve always been more than “just another match”...
I used to let people like THAT define who I am… when I was always the bigger person… when I was always the better wrestler… but I’m not doing that anymore… and I’m not going to let my two opponents define how successful I become in this company. They’ve had their time… or their moments at my expense…
Tonight? I not only return the favor… I become a world champion for the sixth time.
Sorry Chris… you’re about to get what you deserve in that cage… no APE… no paying off mercenaries…
Sorry Kelsey… I abhor the thought of you beating me again and I’ll reach deep into my heart to prevent that from happening.
I’ve waited far too long and been through far too much for this not to be my night… and tonight? I complete one of the greatest redemption stories this business has ever seen!
Victoria maintains her anger and determination before she stands up and leaves the locker room. She’s determined and confident, no denying that. But as the scene fades out, she also knows that her words are definitely going to cause a stir as the main event continues to draw near.
Singles Match
Hammerstein VS Melissa ReevesNo fancy stipulations, no interferences from the members of APE. No excuses. This is what Hammerstein wanted, to prove once and for all that he can beat the former MWE World Champion. His well known intensity and the name he built for himself as a stiff and ruthless competitor would intimidate most, but not Melissa Reeves. The former champion struck first with a standing dropkick right out of the gate, sending the American Monster against the ropes and swinging her leg for a wheel kick, but Hammerstein held on the ropes and avoided the impact, taking down the Reaver with a lariat. And here came into play that aggressive side of the former Chicago Way Champion, applying a side headlock to Melissa as she was rising to her feet and using his free hand to punch her face a few times before flipping her over into a seated position and kicked her on the back. No wasted motions for the American Monster who immediately locked the opponent in a chinlock while planting his knee on her spine. Reeves struggled back to her feet and freed herself with some elbows to the ribs, connecting a pele kick once Hammerstein lost his grasp. Staggering, the member of APE backed down a few steps but still stayed on his feet, until the former world champion took him down with a jumping ddt. As the action went on, Hammerstein shifted to a slow and methodical pace that allowed him to limit Melissa’s chances to make a comeback. Keeping her under constant pressure with a combination of suplexes and direct strikes, the American Monster didn’t mind using some rest holds to keep control and frustrate the former champion’s attempts to create some separation. With a headlock takedown he brought the fight onto the canvas where Melissa used her superior technique to escape the hold and immediately wrapped her legs around Hammerstein’s neck with a tight headscissors to wear him down. It didn’t take much to the former Chicago Way champion to power back to his feet lifting the opponent and driving her down with a violent powerbomb, keeping her down for just a two count. In what seemed to be her moment of major difficulty as Hammerstein went once again close to the three with a samoan drop, the australian found the opening she needed, dodging the charging 239 pounder by nimbly moving out of the ropes. Hammerstein hit the turnbuckle chest first, stumbling back toward the centre of the ring. Mel seized the moment and jumped on the top rope, using it as a springboard and catching Hammy with a neckbreaker. She kips up, not wanting to waste a single moment of what could be her opportunity to turn the tables, dropping her knee to the laying opponent three times before dragging him up to his feet and pushing him against the ropes. Hammerstein bounced and avoided the clothesline, but he couldn’t do the same on the second passage when she jumped for a leg lariat. The freshly crowned Underground North American champion didn’t rely on her suplexes like she used to, preferring ddts as her weapon of choices. Great results with much less efforts. Snap, spike and a hammerlock reverse versions all gave her near falls, but most importantly, left the dazed Hammerstein prancing around, dizzy after being planted repeatedly on top of his head. Quick as ever, Reeves jumped and hit her Facial Deconstructor, rolling Jacob on his back and hooking the leg for the cover. But it wasn’t enough to keep him down for a count of three. Reeves didn’t waste precious time to complain, getting quickly up to her feet and dragging the American Monster up as well, hitting him with a series of knife edge chops. Hammerstein took those like a champion before returning the courtesy with a particularly stiff one, judging by the painful look on Mel’s face. A second one followed, forcing the Reaver to back down a few steps, He was going for a third, but this time Reeves ducked in and kicked him on the side. Hammerstein saw it coming and blocked her foot, eating an enziguri from the longest reigning MWE champion that rocked him. Mel climbed to the top rope, diving off and catching him for a tornado ddt but Hammerstein stopped her momentum mid speed, showing off great strength to adjust her in a vertical suplex position and drill her to the mat with the Hammersteiner. He had a big smile on his face as he made the cover, a smile that quickly disappeared when Reeves kicked out. In the last minutes of the match, all restraints went out of the window. The two competitors just hit each other with everything they had. Kicks, elbows, punches, even headbutts from Hammerstein… Not much room for any technical feats, just pure brawl. Jacob was getting the upper hand but Reeves, after getting hit with a nasty roaring elbow that busted her lips open, hit the ropes and bounced back with that same wheel kick she missed in the first minutes, this time connecting to Hammerstein’s side of the head. Down the former Chicago Way Champion went, looking completely out. Reeves connected with her Death From Above and thought she had him there, but not even the shooting star press could keep Hammerstein down. He kicked out again, probably on instinct alone since he didn’t move after that. And when he slowly picked himself up, using the ropes as support, he could barely stand. Melissa nodded, apparently giving him credit for the fight he put up before finishing him with a second Facial Deconstructor. WINNER: Melissa Reeves BY: Pinfall (Facial Deconstructor), 19:37 |
Ambra Monroe: "They took each other to the limit but in the end, once again Melissa came out on top."
Peyton Holland: "An epic battle, but I think what's really interesting is what Melissa said before the match, and how it seemed to upset Hammerstein."
Ambra Monroe: "I kind of get her point, you know? And, who knows, she might have opened Jacob's eyes as well tonight."
Peyton Holland: "Time will tell, Ambra. Time will tell."
Peyton Holland: "An epic battle, but I think what's really interesting is what Melissa said before the match, and how it seemed to upset Hammerstein."
Ambra Monroe: "I kind of get her point, you know? And, who knows, she might have opened Jacob's eyes as well tonight."
Peyton Holland: "Time will tell, Ambra. Time will tell."
The scene cut to the door of the room that Gavin Grimes had been held in for the past 24 hours. Unlike the segments from before, this one is now live. The 24 hours are now up and the door of the room is opened slowly by MWE head of security, Ryen Riekert. Light from the hallway floods into the dark room and a few moments pass when none other than Gavin Grimes steps through the door. Dark circles were over Gavin’s eyes as he squinted, his eyes trying to adjust to the light. He looked up at the large Ryen Riekert, who now spoke to him.
Ryen Riekert:
It’s time for your match, Gavin. Are you good to go?
Gavin scoffed and shook his head, showing off that cocky and confident personality of his.
Gavin Grimes:
Am I good to go? Of fucking course I am. I’ve been through hell and back before and I came out on the other side just fine. I’m ready to do it again. Why? Because I was born for this shit. Because I’m the Chosen One, The Cult Classic, The fucking Captain! And simply enough? Because I’m Gavin Grimes. The best this business has to offer.
Gavin walked off out of the view as Riekert simply shook his head with a slight eye roll. The scene then cut away.
Lockdown Ends
The door finally crept open, light shining in through the darkness. Anastasia was stood up now, facing the wall. From the back of her, she looked a mess, an absolute shell of the highflying competitor that she was known for being. Ryen Riekert was there at the door, leaving it open for the Songbird to leave.
Ryen Riekert:
Starling, it’s time.
But Anastasia didn’t budge at all, her shoulders moving up and down, unclear whether she was crying again, or possibly even laughing? Ryen banging on the door hard, making her jump in her spot slightly, but she still didn’t budge at all.
Ryen Riekert:
Starling, I said it’s time. Get out of here. You’re up next.
Anastasia Starling:
Evolve…
She muttered under her breath, causing the Head of Security to raise his eyebrow at what she said.
Ryen Riekert:
What did you say?
Anastasia Starling:
Die…
She took a couple of steps backwards, before turning. She was lurching towards the door slowly, almost limping like a zombie, desperate to now reach the light as her face was shrouded by her hair. She shuffled past the security guard, almost stumbling as she exited the cell, breathing almost a sigh of relief that it was over. She bounced off of the wall as she exited, letting out a short sob, before staggering towards the entrance way, her hand swiping up something from a small round table near the entrance curtain, but the camera didn’t quite pick up what it was.
Anastasia Starling:
Transcend...
She muttered with her last breath, before the feed cut away to ringside, and the inferno that was awaiting her and Grimes.
Cloud Gate Championship Match
Inferno Match
Anastasia Starling (c) VS Gavin GrimesInferno Match
The most brutal Cloud Gate Championship match in history and arguably one of the most brutal in the company history. If the stipulation chosen by the fans wasn’t enough to put the contenders’ career in jeopardy, the events that lead up to this match pushed the owner of MWE to kick things up several notches. Peyton Holland: “Since last night, Anastasia Starling and Gavin Grimes have been locked away right here, in the Enterprise Arena, with no human contact, no food, water or light. A terrible situation meant to push the two competitors out of their comfort zone, and exacerbate their most violent and dark feelings.” Ambra Monroe: “Throughout all the night, we saw footage from their last twenty-four hours of absolute isolation, and I have to tell you, I’m concerned for their mental state. Especially Ana’s.” Peyton Holland: “Fire will be surrounding the ring, and as you can see, a platform with several weapons attached will be hanging above the competitors heads, lowering at irregular intervals to allow Starling and Grimes to retrieve one of said weapons. The match though, will only end when one of them will be set on fire.” Ambra Monroe: “That’s correct. But the time for talking is over, Grimes’ room has been opened and here comes the challenger.” Atreyu’s “The Time Is Now” blared in the empty arena and out came Gavin Grimes, apparently coming out relatively well from the 24 hours isolation. This wasn’t his first Monster’s Ball match, and perhaps the previous experience allowed him to cope with this whole situation. Or, if anything, to hide the its effect. Stepping inside the ring, Grimes looked at all those inviting weapons hanging above his head, and the kendo stick laying in the middle of the ring, available from the start. The referee invited him to go back into his corner as “Silence” by Transcend hits the loudspeakers. Contrary to her opponent, the isolation took a heavy toll on the Cloud Gate champion, walking down the ramp with wavering steps. The title lazily hanging from her shoulder, her hair all disheveled and her face obscured by those messy curls, betraying the tears spilled in what was likely a sleepless night for the Pale Winged Passerine. Grimes gloated at the sight of the emotionally distraught opponent, aware that the sudden addition to the stipulation gave him a big advantage he wouldn’t have had in different circumstances. Ambra Monroe: “Things are about to heating up in here, and not just because of the flames that will be trapping the two competitors inside the ring. Starling. Grimes. A lot more than the green brand’s most coveted prize on the line.” Peyton Holland: “Here we go, the bell finally rang and it looks like Anastasia is going for the kendo stick already.” But her movements were slower and more predictable than usual. Grimes simply put his foot down on the cane frustrating Ana’s attempt to take possession of the foreign object, using the other leg to knee her on the face. Stunned, Starling stumbled back toward the ropes brushed from the flames, feeling its heat warming her back, her hair still covering her face. Gavin merely smiled, taunting her some more, but even he took a step back as she took a step towards him, her hair whipping back to reveal her face. Peyton Holland: “Hey now.” Ambra Monroe: “Have… Have you seen her face? I know that face paint. She has painted her face up like GRENDEL!” Anastasia still looked lost and confused after all that time in the cell, but Gavin second guessed himself upon seeing her wearing the unexpected pale white and crimson face mask, not that Starling flinched from her positioning. Grimes charged with a clothesline but she rolled under his extended arm and grabbed the kendo stick, swinging it on Gavin’s side. He didn’t try to dodge it, barely flinching as the, in all fairness weak and not too convinced, strike hit him right above his hip. He accepted to take the blow just to block the cane against his body with his arm, punching Ana’s jaw with his free hand. A closed fist right on the cheek, strong enough to rock the champion who lost contact with the stick, now wielded by the Chosen One. And his strikes, unlike those of his opponent, where as strong as they were precise, each of them hitting the designed target, whether it was the arm, the midsection, the back or the side of the head. And each one of them left a red mark on the Songbird’s soft skin. Relentless, driven by a deep hatred for the opponent only amplified by the Monster’s Ball rule in place, he kept punishing the champion who was now curled on the mat. Ambra Monroe: “She needs to react somehow, or this match won’t last long.” To add insult to injury, Grimes mocked Starling as he laid down the punishment, calling her a disappointment, commending her father and his actions, insulting her friends and close ones. But it was when he repeatedly said that word, monster, that he prompted a reaction in the Songbird. Suddenly rolling on her back, she kicked Gavin’s arm so hard that the stick flew out of the ring and then, with a kick of the same force, she swept him off his feet. And a moment later she was on top of him, unleashing a rarely seen fury in the form of a rain of lefts and rights. Her movements, usually graceful and elegant, were tonight frantic and feverish, a primal wrath guiding her as she kicked and punched the Captain with a brand new and frankly quite scary aggression. Peyton Holland: “This type of match really seem to bring the worst out of the people involved.” Ambra Monroe: “And look at this, the platform is lowering down. Which means a new weapon is about to get introduced” Preceded by the sound of a siren, the structure came down. Ana looked at the weapons available as Gavin was still recovering from The Sweetest Nut headbutt. A chair, a chain, a pipe eerily similar to the one Grimes used to attack her a few weeks ago, Ana’s trusted pogo stick… They were all there amongst others. But one in particular caught Ana’s attention, and not in a pleasant way. A violin was hanging from the ceiling, a replica of a Stradivarius violin. She froze at the sight, losing precious seconds that allowed Grimes to snatch the chair from the platform and smash it against her head. The sudden and hard impact knocked Ana down, but this didn’t stop Gavin from driving the chair in her stomach. Ana coughed, rolling to the side and trying to breathe. Grimes picked her up and launched her against the ropes, but she was able to slide down to the canvas and stopping inches away from the flames. Peyton Holland: “That was a close call..” Anastasia promptly pulled herself up, charging at Grimes who swung the chair with incredible violence, missing the target as the ever agile Cloud Gate champion slid underneath it and hooked his foot with her hands, tripping him over and sending him face first on the canvas. She took the chair in her hands, pondering for a moment what to do with it before driving it across his back. Once. Twice. Three times, each of them with increasing force. Grimes was laying flat on his back, but Ana was far from done. She moved her hair away from her eyes, offering another glance of her warpaint. She unfolded the chair, picked up the challenger and sat him onto it. Taking a short step back, she closed her eyes and then pulled something out that was completely unexpected, a devastating Koppu Kick that smashed him right into the steel and onto the floor. Ambra Monroe: “That was... Sophie El’s Red Javelin?” Peyton Holland: “Another tribute to one of her closest ones. I wonder if there’s a guiding thread here.” Ana dragged Grimes toward the flames, higher and hotter with every passing minute. The Cult Classic winner drove his elbow in her guts and immediately jumped to smack her in the head with a pele kick. Too close to danger for his liking, he brought the fight back in the center of the ring, keeping the pressure on Anastasia with some stiff forearms and knee to the chest. A buzzsaw kick floored the Cloud Gate champion, who tried to reach the nearby chair with her hand. Grimes noticed it and ruthlessly stepped on her wrist, kicking the chair out of the ring with the other foot. He had a sadistic grin on his face when he stomped her hand under his boot, drawing out a scream of agony from the Pale Winged Passerine. And again the siren went off, and the roof lowered down. Peyton Holland: “Another chance for Gavin to choose the next weapon.” Ambra Monroe: “Oh no… Not that…” His choice fell on the lead pipe, apparently the same one that put Stasia out of competition for a week. He taunted the champion with it, poking her shoulder and describing her what he intended to do. And then he raised it over his head with both hands, driving it down and aiming at Ana’s head. But she rolled out of the way, pulling herself up to one knee and staring at him with a mixed look of shock and rage on her face. Again Gavin swung and again he missed as the champion performed a front flip to get out of the way. For the third time the challenger tried to hit her, but a cartwheel to the side allowed Ana to avoid the blow. Her incredible agility was keeping her safe and frustrating her opponent, who continued to attack her with the pipe but never found his mark. She didn’t miss, instead, when she kicked him on the shoulder in an attempt to disarm him. But the weapon was still in Gavin’s possession who aimed now at her stomach with another swing, this one getting really close to the target. Ana jumped back and saw the pipe passing inching away from her midsection, so close that she could feel the wind of that. But there was no time to think, Grimes was once again ready to charge in. This time she beat him to the punch, leaping and driving her knee to his face. Ambra Monroe: “This could be the opening Ana needed!” Gavin was stunned, a streamlet of blood dripping from his nose. Anastasia didn’t let the opportunity go to waste and knocked him down with a shotei palm strike. Peyton Holland: “And here’s another homage. This was one of Chris Strike’s trademark moves.” Ambra Monroe: “He was one of the most vocal on social media in the past few days. And I think this is Anastasia’s way to thank all those who supported her.” The Captain was down, the lead pipe laying next to him. Anastasia picked it up and pondered what to do with it. As he noticed how the tables had turned, Gavin started to crawl backwards, away from the armed champion who looked like she finally found a way to use the tube. Ana took her sweet time knowing that Grimes really had nowhere to go. She even let him get back to his feet, swinging his punches to keep her at bay. The Songbird dodged and ducked them with ease, eventually dropping on her knees and driving the pipe upwards, right between Grimes legs. The low blow took the challenger’s breath away, his hands instantly went to clutch his jewels and he fell to the canvas, curling up and rolling over in pain. And then she dropped the weapon, ready to change it with something else as the platform was once again lowering. Ambra Monroe: “I think I know what she’s going for next..” Easy guess, Ana went all the way to the opposite side of the ring to grab her infamous Pogo Stick. And she smiled as she put one foot on the foot rest, grabbing the handle bar and climbing up with the other foot. A couple of hops on the spot and then she was ready to go, bouncing across the ring back to her opponent, the last jump being higher and landing on Gavin’s chest, then back to the canvas always keeping balance. Ana kept happily bouncing around, in stark contrast to the mood and atmosphere of the match. She kept doing that until Grimes was back on his feet, then she jumped toward him and leaned backwards, driving the tip on his solar plexus. The Captain was once again down, and the Songbird bounced toward him once again. From the ground, Gavin kicked the stick from under her feet, causing the champion to fall face first on the mat. He kicked the Pogo into the flames, picking up the opponent and hitting her with a flurry of uppercuts, placing her head between his legs and dropping her on her head with a piledriver. Peyton Holland: “And once again the ceiling is coming down.” Showing no hesitation, Gavin immediately grabbed the violin, the replica of a Stradivarius just like the one that became a signature piece of her father, Bobby B. Barabbas. He pretended to play it around Anastasia as she was getting up to her feet, producing a horrible sound. Little mattered, as he had different plans for the instrument, such as breaking it on the Songbird’s skull. The wood shattered in a thousand pieces, cutting through Ana’s forehead. All that was left in Gavin’s hand was the neck of the violin, the strings dangling from it. This gave the challenger a wicked idea, moving behind Anastasia who was now on her knees and wrapping the strings around her neck, yanking backward to choke her out. She squirmed and struggled, trying to slide her fingers between them and her neck to alleviate some pressure. And she was able to, right before the forces started abandoning her. And she fell down to the mat, barely conscious, struggling to breathe and with red marks around her neck. Peyton Holland: “This is not looking good, Ambra.” Ambra Monroe: “Not at all.. Gavin has her down, all he needs to do now is to, literally, set her on fire.” The Captain was gloating, savoring this moment he had been waiting for for so long. Ana was on the mat, powerless, coughing as she still had trouble breathing. Grimes crouched next to her and slapped her face, saying that he was going to “grill a birdie”. And he picked her up, pushing her toward the ropes labbed by high flames. Ambra Monroe: “What in the world?” To everyone’s shock Anastasia was able to step on the middle rope and soar over the fire surrounding the ring. Sure, the landing wasn’t as perfect as she has accustomed her fans to, awkwardly landing on her shoulder rather than her feet, but she was still in the match. “Son of a bitch” Gavin said as he realized that he hadn’t won the match yet. And that he had no other choice but to take a huge risk and fly out of the ring as well, jumping over the ropes and flames with a somersault plancha, taking down the opponent in the process. It took him some moments to get back to his feet, the fatigue of this brutal match and the isolation that preceded it had taken a toll on him as well. Ana was down, fumbling with her attire and pulling out something she had hidden inside it. Grimes went to pick her up, clearly stating in a loud voice that it was time to end it. And it almost did. Feeling the opponent approaching, Ana rolled on her back, holding a lighter in front of her mouth blowing the spray of fuel through it. Grimes noticed it just in time to fall backwards, avoiding the ball of fire. They both got up to their feet, Ana doing so a moment before her opponent and seizing the opportunity to connect the Our Lady Peace spinning bicycle kick, catching Grimes right on the mush and sending him back first against the ring shoulder. Ambra Monroe: “Gavin’s arm! Look! It’s over!” As Ambra quickly noticed, Grimes’ arm went right through the flames, catching fire. A referee quickly came with an extinguisher and put him out, Ana fell on her knees, exhausted but still champion. She was handed her belt, but she simply sat there, the toil of both the match and the entire situation causing her to break down in tears as she clung onto the Cloud Gate belt, sobbing into it as her emotions finally broke her. WINNER: Anastasia Starling (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Set the opponent on fire, 25:04 |
Ambra Monroe: "She did it. She fucking did it... And pardon my French."
Peyton Holland: "One of, if not the greatest challenge she ever faced and she overcame it."
Ambra Monroe: "When she beat Tiff Rollins back in Japan, some people argued that no matter what, she would have never topped the Five Foot Deathmachine incredible reign. It'll be hard to hold onto it for a longer time, but matches like this will certainly cement Anastasia's legacy. Not only as Cloud Gate champion, but as one of the best in the business as well."
Peyton Holland: "One of, if not the greatest challenge she ever faced and she overcame it."
Ambra Monroe: "When she beat Tiff Rollins back in Japan, some people argued that no matter what, she would have never topped the Five Foot Deathmachine incredible reign. It'll be hard to hold onto it for a longer time, but matches like this will certainly cement Anastasia's legacy. Not only as Cloud Gate champion, but as one of the best in the business as well."
Dark Web cuts to a studio where Victoria Salinas is standing by with Allison Mayberry, her public relations slash media liaison of late, as they sit across the table from one another. The main event of the show is drawing closer and closer and yet, Victoria is still maintaining a demeanor that exudes confidence. She doesn’t look like someone that’s about to be rattled by the situation that she finds herself in as this exclusive interview begins.
Allison Mayberry:
So… want to talk about 2016?
The mention of 2016 brings a slight chuckle out of Victoria.
Victoria Salinas:
You see the similarities between then and now too, huh?
Allison Mayberry:
Let’s see… all the struggles that you had, confidence waning for what seemed like an eternity, you hit rock bottom, you started to climb your way back dealing with a massive roadblock that you just weren’t able to overcome and when you FINALLY did, you were finally your old self again and you became a world champion for the fourth time. Yeah, there are SO much similarities between then and now… though I doubt you’ll ever be tag team champions with Constantine or Spencer. The parallels are obvious…
Victoria Salinas:
Right… I see what you’re saying. A lot of “bad” happened to me in 2016, though it was still paradise compared to the year before that. I went from main eventing GCW’s flagship to being in an irrelevant 8 person tag team match that everyone forgot about three weeks later. There was being unable to beat a woman named Kayla Jones for an eternity then being shoehorned into the tag team division. There was sitting back and having to eat shit while someone else got promoted as the “best thing for the brand” and another became one of the most insufferable people I ever wrestled with… talented yes… but insufferable. It wasn’t until the last day of the year when I finally overcame that…
Allison Mayberry:
Want to tell the audience your candid reaction to when it was finally over?
Victoria Salinas:
Relief. It wasn’t even happiness. I was all about the destination at the time… even then. I never wanted that journey that I endured. At that time, I saw it as a burden more than anything. I HATED that I had to endure so much just to even win my 4th world title and to finally achieve “redemption”. It honestly felt less like a redemption and more of an “I’m glad this is finally over with”. All these years, I thought that not beating this particular person or having to deal with something I didn’t want in being involved in the tag team division was the biggest mistake of that year. No, my biggest mistake that year was not appreciating the journey to that world title. Once I regained it, it was back to the usual. It was all about “okay, things are back to what they should be”. I just wanted to forget that everything else before happened and just be happy that I was a world champion again…
Allison Mayberry:
And yet… you weren’t, were you?
Victoria Salinas:
No, because 2017 was basically all about doing what was expected of me. Reigning as world champion? Great. Retaining that title on the grandest stage, in the main event, biggest stage, brightest lights, doing what I had long expected myself to do? Great. Regaining the world title one more time from one of the biggest assholes I ever met and ultimately putting him away and ridding him from my life and career for good? Great. Those were all great moments… but moments I didn’t exactly enjoy because it was expected of me. Then 2018 hit, things began to unravel again and… here we are again. It makes sense now… why I wasn’t happy with winning my last two world titles: because it was expected of me, by my own self mainly, and because I never appreciated the journey. At all. I realize it now…
Allison Mayberry:
It took you having to go through a near-parallel experience when you came to MWE for you to realize it and appreciate the journey. Why do you think things have happened the way that they have?
Victoria Salinas:
Sometimes, life has a funny way of giving you a do over. This journey that I’ve experienced for the last six months… likely longer… is probably one of those things life is giving me a do over on. I didn’t appreciate the journey four years ago, but with all that’s happened, good or bad, I can definitely say that I appreciate the journey now. I used to be all about the destination and focusing on just that… all because I wanted to compensate for a rough upbringing… all because anything less than being the best was making me feel like that outcast I had been during my high school years… but I get it now. After 10 and a half years on the mainstream scene and after going through my 32nd birthday, I finally get it.
I finally understand that the journey means more than the destination. If I realized it four years ago, I wouldn’t be going through this again… but I DO realize it now. I speak my mind, I say what I say and people aren’t going to agree with how I do such a thing from time to time… but I’m not going to hold back from being me. I’m long done with that. When I win that sixth world championship, it’ll conclude not just one of the greatest redemption stories the business has ever seen, but the greatest one that MWE has ever been a witness to.
I’m beyond ready to complete the journey tonight. The odds aren’t in my favor… but when have they ever been? After all…
Victoria pauses and stands up from her seat.
Victoria Salinas:
Everyone, including myself for so long, forgets that I wasn’t even supposed to be a professional wrestler at all… let alone a five time… going on six time… world champion. So I’ve overcome the worst odds I’ll ever face in my lifetime.
This, tonight?
I know I can, and will, do the same here!
Victoria walks out of the studio, maintaining that fiercely confident determination as the exclusive interview fades out.
Backstage we find Chris Constantine Junior looking at the reflection of himself in the very shiny MWE Title. A huge smile goes across his face as he admires himself in the reflection. Chris teases his hair a little before it’s perfected.
Chris Constantine Junior:
Beautiful, isn’t it? I had to pay a lot of money to make this title and it was worth every penny. Much better than that old and crummy title that used to represent this company. It had no soul. It was boring to look at. Plus all the past holders of it were losers. But this title, this title has heart! It has soul! It screams “I am the face of a company!” So I am so honored to carry this belt around and call it mine.
Looking away from the belt, Chris loses the smile as he looks into the camera.
Chris Constantine Junior:
But people are jealous of me! People want to steal this title away and make it there’s after they’ve done nothing to deserve it. I busted my ass in this company for over a year. I bled. I cried. I did anything and everything to get my hands on this title. I deserved this belt! But what have Victoria Salinas and Kelsey Spencer done to receive this title shot? Kiss ass and pay lip service to the higher ups that want this title off me so badly. Hell, the general managers want this title off of me so badly that they rigged the match to be a steel cage match! They stole the vote from the MWL Universe that so wanted a Lumberjack match. Instead we got a boring steel cage match that no one wants to see. Well it doesn’t matter! Because I will prevail! I will overcome! And with my brothers by my side we will not lose my title!
Placing the MWE Title on his shoulder, Chris gives a shit eating grin as he stands tall in front of the camera.
Chris Constantine Junior:
Long live The American Pain Experience.
Constantine gives a wink before placing a pair of sunglasses on his face and walks off set.
MWE World Championship Match
Stipulation TBD
Chris Constantine Junior (c) VS Victoria Salinas VS Kelsey SpencerStipulation TBD
Peyton Holland: “You wanted it, and now you’re going to get it. Chris Constantine Junior, Kelsey Spencer, Victoria Salinas. One fall to a finish inside a steel cage for the company’s biggest prize.” Amy Maynard: “I personally think that a fence, as Vincent Moretti called it, is the perfect stipulation to ensure that APE doesn’t get involved. At least that’s what I, and a lot of our fans, thought when they casted their vote.” Sir Figgles: “TRAITOR! Your champion clearly asked to vote for the Lumberjack stipulation, how could you do that to him?” Ambra Monroe: “The same way I did, I guess. By clicking on Steel Cage on the poll.” Sir Figgles: “You monsters!” The tension was palpable, the eerie silence engulfing the empty arena only exacerbating the situation. All three competitors looking extremely focused, perfectly aware that this will be one of the toughest matches in their career. And finally the bell rang, Constantine taking a step back almost wanting to leave the honor to kick things off to the two women. And they literally did, with a stereo superkick right to the MWE World Champion’s face flooring him the same way they did at the end of last Millennium’s main event. Ambra Monroe: “I’ll never get tired to see this…” Kelsey and Victoria then locked up in a collar and elbow tie, Kelsey quickly shifting into a waistlock countered by Salinas with a standing switch that brought her behind the Blue Thunder’s shoulders, her arms firmly wrapped around her waist. Spencer tried to break free, sliding one hand between her body and Victoria’s arm, but the Vainglorious didn’t lose her grip and actually lifted Kelsey for a belly to back suplex. Shifting her weight forward, Kelsey countered it into a victory roll, almost catching Victoria off guard. Peyton Holland: “God, that was close.” Amy Maynard: “Kelsey’s speed is definitely something Chris and Victoria should worry about. We’ve seen her winning matches in the blink of an eye, either via quick pins or a Deprivation DDT out of nowhere.” Victoria stared at Kelsey after the kick out, a look of concern on her face. Spencer smiled, waiting for the opponent to get up to lock up once again, starting another technical exchange that brought them in the same position as before, with a much different outcome. When Victoria was trying to win Kelsey’s resistance and suplex her, she got an unexpected helt from Constantine who returned the courtesy with a superkick. Salinas used the momentum to drive Kelsey on the canvas, arching her back to pin her down with a bridge painfully broken by Constantine with an elbow drop to the abdomen. Sir FIggles: “Look at the champion go!” Being by far the less technically gifted of the three Constantine didn’t even try to outwrestle the opponents, making up for that gap with a violent streak and a wise usage of the surrounding environment. Kelsey was the first to meet the cage, launched face first against it by a catapult from the MWE champion. Rising back to her feet after a roundhouse kick from the Riot superstar, Victoria doubled CCJ over with a kick to the stomach and smashed his face against the steel wall. Chris hung onto the cage and blocked the attempt, caught her with a back elbow and drove her face against it instead, grinding her forehead against the unforgiving structure. As both opponents were down, He demanded the referee to open the door and triumphantly headed toward the win. Ambra Monroe: “If my eyes didn’t deceive me, I think Victoria got cut open.” Sir Figgles: “It doesn’t matter, CCJ is going to win this already!” Peyton Holland: “Not so fast…” Kelsey was back on her feet and ran to cover the distance that was separating her from Constantine, grabbing him from behind the head and driving his face to the canvas with a nice bulldog. The door was closed right away while Kelsey was stomping the champion into the ground. She added a couple of kicks to the ribs for good measure, watching as Chris rolled over in pain laying flat on his back. In one fluid motion, Spencer dropped the leg on his neck with her cartwheel legdrop. There was a cover, but a bleeding Victoria (Ambra saw that right) was there to break up before the champ could eventually kick out. Junior gladly took a break while the two women battled it out, the blood seemingly pushing Victoria in a more savage mode. She delivered five knife edge chops to Kelsey’s chest, leaving a big red bruise right under the neck. She whipped Spencer in the corner, following with a jumping knee to the face. She seemed ready to go for a bulldog off the corner now, but Constantine just got up to his feet and was right in front of them, still a bit dazed. Salinas then pushed Kelsey shoulder first against the world champion midsection, climbing to the second rope and jumping, driving her knee to Constantine’s face. Falling backwards, he dragged Kelsey down with him in a ddt. As a result, both opponents were down and Victoria started to climb the cage. Peyton Holland: “Both Kelsey and Chris are down. Can we see a new champion crowned right here?” Salinas was halfway up the wall and climbing quickly. But not as quickly as Kelsey who, seeing that her opponent was going to the win undisturbed, dug deep to find the energy to get to her feet and start her ascent, reaching the Vainglorious on the top. Both of them now sitting on the edge, one leg inside and one hanging out of the cage, they began trading heavy strikes. They were brawling in a precarious position and, as often happens, things turned pretty bad for both of them. Constantine started shaking the wall of the cage, throwing Victoria off balance and causing a disastrous fall inside the ring. In a desperate attempt to save herself, Salinas hung on the first thing within reach, which happened to be Spencer’s arm. Ambra Monroe: “Looks like Constantine caught the proverbial two birds with one stone.” Sir Figgles: “Come on ref, open the damn door!” CCJ couldn’t even take a step toward the door as Kelsey desperately grabbed his ankle, hanging on like her life depended on it. Chris scoffed at the annoyance, turning around and kicking her in the face with the other foot. Once, twice, three times, until Kelsey had to let him go. He then walked toward another successful defense, but this time it was Victoria who grabbed his foot. Just like before, Constantine turned around and kicked himself free. Another step brought him closer to the door, but it was the last one he could take as both women grasped one foot each, tripping him over. He still tried to drag himself toward the exit but Kelsey was up to her feet and stomped him on the spine. Salinas was up to a vertical base as well, joining Spencer in kicking the champion while he was down. Amy Maynard: “Looks like an alliance of sort has formed. And for once the numerical superiority is not favoring Constantine.” Sir Figgles: “You sound happy about this, Amy.” Ambra Monroe: “I think we all appreciate the poetic justice in this, Figgles.” Sir Figgles: “So disrespectful.” The two girls seemed to be having fun getting a little bit of revenge against the man who has been a thorn on their side for weeks, orchestrating attacks and ruining their matches. They took Chris down with a double hip toss, and while Victoria jumped with a legdrop, Kelsey hit a springboard moonsault. The partnership obviously ended the moment Kelsey hooked the leg for the cover, with Victoria immediately interrupting the count and picking up Spencer, launching her back first against the cage. Kelsey bounced back on the mat, holding her back in pain after the impact with the unforgiving skill. Salinas picked her up and hit a snap suplex, trying a cover that only gave her a count of two. Staying on the attack, the Vainglorious chained together a few suplexes before a returning Constantine floors her with a discus elbow to the side of the head. The founder and leader of APE heads to the corner and ripped the protective padding from the top turnbuckle exposing the steel part under it and picked up Kelsey, slamming her head against it multiple times. Spencer went down, sitting in the corner as blood started gushing from a wound on her forehead. The champion spotted out of the corner of his eyes Victoria rising up to her feet and turned around, receiving a right hook from the Vainglorious. He answered with one of his own, starting a slow but intense exchange. Salinas was holding her own until Constantine went for a series of rapid fire headbutts. Both look stunned at the end of it, but CCJ recovered first and threw Victoria onto Kelsey with a belly to belly suplex. Not done yet, he picked up the Montana born and set her up for the American Strong Piledriver, planting her on top of her head. Sir Figgles: “Yes! CCJ retains!” Peyton Holland: “Don’t count your chickens before they hatched, Figgles. Spencer just made the save, the match is still going!” Her face was a crimson mask and she looked out of it, but Kelsey was still able to break up the pinfall. Constantine didn’t appreciate it, raging on the Australian with hard punches to the open wound, causing more blood to gush. The champion made the cover, grinding his forearm on Kelsey’s face but this didn’t stop her from kicking out in two. Victoria had slowly recovered from the piledriver, trying to pin Constantine with a schoolgirl pin worth a two and half. They both were up to their feet, the challenger hitting a jumping Yakuza kick to send CCJ stumbling backward a few steps, enough for her to charge and catch him with her Vanity Breaker. Ambra Monroe: “What a counter from Constantine!” Amy Maynard: “I have to give him credit, turning the Vanity Breaker into a backbreaker was brilliant. But will it be enough to retain the title?” No, it wasn’t. Salinas raised her shoulder in the nick of time, and this only added to Constantine’s clear frustration. He watched his opponents laying on the mat, both of them bleeding heavily. And yet refusing to stay down. He barked something at Olivia and a moment later, REDD Thunder, Alan Envy And Duke Andrews walked down the ramp. Peyton Holland: “Well Amy, it’s time to see if the cage really is enough to prevent APE from interfering.” Halfway on the ramp, APE was assaulted from behind by The Brothers McMillion. Christian clubbing Duke with a superman punch to the back of the head, Melissa Reeves and Keelan Jayce taking on the REDD. Ambra Monroe: “Or maybe not. Plan B didn’t work out this time for Constantine.” CCJ had to come up with something else, but he didn’t have the time. As soon as he turned around, Victoria caught him in her headcissors armbar. Amy Maynard: “The Vainglorious Victory! Chris Constantine is about to tap out!” Sir Figgles: “Bullshit, he’s not!” Despite Figgles unshakable faith in the World Champion, Constantine was in agony, squirming in a desperate attempt to break free, to find that opening Victoria wasn’t giving him. The strength was abandoning him, the pain becoming almost unbearable. He fell on his knee, Salinas still yanking his arm, clung onto him. Peyton Holland: “SUPERKICK!” She was barely standing on her feet, but Kelsey just crushed Victoria’s hopes to win the match with a superkick right to the face. Constantine was free from the lethal submission, but things were about to get even worse for him. Amy Maynard: “SPITFIRE SUPLEX ONTO THE EXPOSED TURNBUCKLE! CHRIS IS OUT!” Ambra Monroe: “How could she even do that?” Kelsey glanced outside the cage, seeing the huge brawl taking place on the ramp. APE was outnumbered, but they had something the other side didn’t have. A Walking Disaster amongst their ranks. REDD alone was evening the odds, taking the worn out Melissa Reeves who clearly hadn’t fully recovered from the battle she just went through against Hammerstein and launched her against Keelan. He now took Christian off Duke and powerbombed the McMillion on the ramp. She turned her attention back in the ring, Salinas was just starting to stir up, still dizzy from the superkick. CCJ hadn’t move yet, still sitting in the corner, eyes closed, the back of his skull cracked open. Amy Maynard: “This is it, folks. The MWE World Championship could be on his way to Riot…” Victoria was standing up, Kelsey stalking her, focused as ever and aware of the importance of this moment. And she didn’t miss it, nailing the opponent with the Deprivation DDT and hooking the leg. One. Two. Three. The bell rang and an exhausted Kelsey Spencer dropped on her knees, incredulous of what just happened. She turned to the cage door already open, waiting for the referee to hand her the title she fought so hard for. Blood, sweat and tears, years of sacrifice to get to this moment. And see it ripped from her grasp. The referee on the outside never gave the title to his colleague inside the cage, handing it a dumbfounded Chris Constantine Junior who didn’t seem quite sure on what was happening. Neither did Kelsey, who looked at the referee in absolute choc. The replay on the titantron cleared up the situation. After powerbombing Christian Michaels, REDD rushed to the ring and opened the door. Kelsey hit the Deprivation DDT, Thunder grabbed the barely conscious Constantine’s hand and dragged him out of the cage, a moment before the three. It was the official at the door who called for the bell, not the one who made the count. Kelsey was desperate, while REDD helped CCJ on his way backstage. WINNER: Chris Constantine Junior (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Cage Escape, 23:14 |
Sir Figgles:
BWAHAHAHAHA
Amy Maynard:
You gotta be kidding me... He did it again. CCJ survived again.
Ambra Monroe:
I don't think he has realized it just yet.
Peyton Holland:
I doubt he even remembers his name after that blow... Anyway, by hook or by crook, he is still the MWE World Champion.
Amy Maynard:
Look at Kelsey... So close to the title and yet she walks out of the cage empty handed.
Ambra Monroe:
You can't get any closer than this, Amy. Half a second away from becoming the World Champion, can you imagine how she's feeling?
Sir Figgles:
I don't know but I feel damn good knowing that the title is still around Constantine's waist.
Peyton Holland:
Careful Figgles, Olivia might get jealous. Anyway, this is all for night one, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining us and see you tomorrow with the last part of Dark Web II. Have a good night!
BWAHAHAHAHA
Amy Maynard:
You gotta be kidding me... He did it again. CCJ survived again.
Ambra Monroe:
I don't think he has realized it just yet.
Peyton Holland:
I doubt he even remembers his name after that blow... Anyway, by hook or by crook, he is still the MWE World Champion.
Amy Maynard:
Look at Kelsey... So close to the title and yet she walks out of the cage empty handed.
Ambra Monroe:
You can't get any closer than this, Amy. Half a second away from becoming the World Champion, can you imagine how she's feeling?
Sir Figgles:
I don't know but I feel damn good knowing that the title is still around Constantine's waist.
Peyton Holland:
Careful Figgles, Olivia might get jealous. Anyway, this is all for night one, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining us and see you tomorrow with the last part of Dark Web II. Have a good night!