Post by gvb on Sept 12, 2020 16:54:28 GMT -6
MWE Presents: A Place In The Sun
Live from Enterprise Arena in Chicago, IL
Wednesday, September 9th, 2020
The cheers of the fans welcome those watching at home for the first time in months. Though limited in number, they are as loud as ever, giving a feeling and an atmosphere that’s been missing for so long. Plexiglass barriers are separating the front row from the ringside area, the same goes for the lateral seats next to the entrance ramp. Most seats have been removed, leaving a safety distance between each and every attendant, all of them wearing a MWE branded face mask that was provided at the entrance. All these necessary measures might muffle their loud chants and cheers, but they can’t curtail the enthusiasm for what promises to be a great night of action.
The first notes of “The Ecstasy Of Gold”, one of the masterpieces of the late Maestro Ennio Morricone do exactly that instead, immediately turning the cheers into boos. A reception Grace van Beek must be used to, but perhaps the young South African was expecting a sort of truce after bringing a live crowd back to the MWE shows with impressive and most likely expensive renovations to the arena owned by Chuck Matthews. “Ungrateful.” She mutters looking at the jeering fans as she walks down the ramp, surrounded as always by her personal detail led by Ryen Riekert. Elsa McCarthy and Vincent Moretti, General Managers of, respectively, Millennium and Riot are following the owner of MWE, walking a couple of steps behind the handful of men in elegant black suits, The small group eventually makes it to the ring, Ryen sits on the middle rope to allow Grace to enter more easily. He didn’t reserve Elsa and Moretti the same courtesy, followed Grace in instead, while the rest of his team was left outside, overseeing the ringside area. The two General Managers join them inside the ring right when the Diamond Princess raises the microphone to speak.
Grace van Beek:
Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome back to the Enterprise Arena. It is our pleasure to have you, the pulsating heart, the soul of MWE back where you belong, here in our house. These extraordinary times required an extraordinary effort to ensure your presence here in absolute safety and respect of the current regulations, an effort I gladly made because, let us face it, a wrestling show without you, the fans, is not the same thing.
The flattering and mellifluous words, so out of character for the usually cold owner are obviously being recited by the young owner of MWE, but her acting is particularly convincing, so much that it draws some shy applause from some of the fans in attendance.
Grace van Beek:
So many people have considered this pandemic and the subsequent lockdown period as a point zero, a moment in life to reconsider their previous decision, their new priorities and set a new course for their lives. An opportunity to start over. It was that for me, I had the chance to take a deep look at the actual state of MWE. The first thing I noticed is some redundancies in our roster, and that dead weight will be cut in the upcoming weeks.
The news of possible lay-offs, in addition to creating some tension backstage, upsets the fans afraid to lose some of their favorites. In response, even the few cheers that followed Grace words a minute ago turn into jeers.
Grace van Beek:
Other than that, everything else looked in order, with the sole exception of one particular title, who appears to have poor appeal amongst the roster. The blame cannot fall on the champion, who only recently won the not so coveted prize and has yet to defend it.
The fans begin buzzing, trying to guess what and who the owner is talking about.
Grace van Beek:
The concept behind the title is a relic from a past that luckily is a closed chapter in this company’s short yet glorious history, designed for a niche too small to be profitable in any way. I am obviously talking about the Invictus Championship, which rules are limiting the pool of talents who can, and want to access it, Thus why, from this exact moment, the Invictus Championship is officially retired.
If the disappointment is clear amongst the fans, particularly critical of the decision, sir Figgles seems particularly happy with it, plauding Grace for absolving him from his judging duties. Amy, instead, is wondering what would happen now to Pierce Manning and his rematch against Echo for what is now a defunct championship. The answer to her question comes right after as Ryen is handed a bag. The shape doesn’t leave any doubt on what’s inside, a brand new championship belt Riekert unveils to the fans, raising it in the air.
Grace van Beek:
It will be replaced by the brand new MENTV Championship, which will be defended for the first time tonight in a match between the first ever champion, Pierce Manning against Echo. I will now leave Mister Moretti the honor to explain the rules of the new title for his Riot brand.
And with that said, Grace takes a step back leaving the stage to the General Manager. Vincent, dressed nicely as he usually is, straightens his black tie with one hand while bracing himself on his walking cane with the other before he speaks.
Vincent Moretti:
Thank you Miss van Beek. Now...as for the new championship, it’s one of the oldest concepts in all of professional wrestling. Hell...in a way it’s a specific tradition that’s deeply instilled in the tradition of our very sport. There will be a specific time limit to this championship in the ring. The normal limit will be fifteen minutes. Yes...the two people wrestling for this championship every night you have fifteen minutes to prove you are the better wrestler. However in the event of someone abusing draws or a repeated occurrence of an inconclusive result...I reserve the right to remove the time limit for a pay per view title defense.
There’s a calmness despite his authority as Vincent is speaking and addressing everyone. He has everyone’s attention at the very least and he knows it.
Vincent Moretti:
I have one more fun thing added on for this however. The one criticism I’ve had of the Invictus championship was that it segregated the roster a little bit. Only a certain type of wrestler can go for that championship. Here? Everyone can. A junior heavyweight can go against someone who is more of an Ivictus styled fighter. A giant can go against a technician. Endless possibilities. But what makes this championship so important as the ultimate bridge for where you want to be?
Vincent taps on his chin briefly as a smirk is creeping onto his face. A familiar one to the sight he usually had when he wrestled. The audience is warming up to the idea of this championship at least with how Vincent is spelling it out.
Vincent Moretti:
You succeed in five championship defenses and guess what...you have the right to trade in the title for an opportunity for any other piece of gold on my brand. Whether you want to be the top Junior Heavyweight in the company or on top of the Riot Brand depending on your goal...it can be right in front of you if you win this championship and defend it through five of the most challenging defenses of your life. But...there is one little caveat I have to mention…
He does show the number five with his free hand briefly almost out of instinct. The smirk turns into a much more serious and business oriented look as the fans continue to warm up to this concept a little more with how Vincent is laying it out and again that calm, authoritative tone is still present.
Vincent Moretti:
I’m not going to count a draw as a successful defense for the champion. You didn’t beat anyone in that situation right? You retain the title, sure...but there needs to be incentive for you to wrestle your best fifteen minutes and not just play defense all match. Gotta work for that winner’s pay a little bit harder than that! Anyone in the cutline that our boss has mentioned? Working your way into this picture is one way to keep yourself to earn or even re-earn your spot. And with that out of the way...there is one more piece of business. We’d like Pierce Manning to come on down.
“I Come From Money” plays. Pierce Manning walks out on the stage. He is met by a chorus of boos. Ignoring the jeers from the crowd, Pierce walks down to the ring in his finely tailored suit. He walks up the steps, enters the ring. He approaches the Riot General Manager.
Vincent Moretti:
Now, Pierce. You are the last person to have ever held the Invictus Championship. That is both going to be a trivia question answered in the game shows later on about our great sport and something to hang your hat on for the rest of your career. Nobody will ever take that away from you even if it seems like we might be doing that in a way. Regardless of that visual we’d like you to vacate the championship you currently hold.
There’s a restlessness building among the people when they hear this and Vincent gestures for the audience to settle down a little with one hand before continuing. Pierce isn’t overly thrilled about handing over any championship no matter the reasoning but after a moment he does hand Vincent the championship. As Vincent places it over his shoulder he reaches over to grab the brand new MENTV championship.
Vincent Moretti:
In return...you my friend are the first MENTV champion. Wear it with pride and begin the chase to five. It is up to you to set the standard for everyone on the roster in what that championship can mean. And it starts with your rematch with Echo...our first television title match. You both have fifteen minutes to put your best efforts together. Good luck.
After he states that he extends the championship over to Pierce who doesn’t hesitate in grabbing the championship from his hands. As he poses with the championship the people begin to boo him instinctively. Pierce walks over to the side of the ring closest to where the time keepers station is. He motions for a microphone. The time keeper quickly hands him one. Pierce walks back to the center of the ring.
Pierce Manning:
I have one question for everyone here tonight...
Pierce raises up his brand new championship.
Pierce Manning:
WHO'S THE MAN?!
Pierce smirks as the crowd reigns boos in his general direction.
Pierce Manning:
Bet none of you saw it coming, huh? Did you enjoy the rich kid from Greenich, Connecticut getting knocked around a bit in the first couple months I was here? That’s atypical. All I hear from the media, politicians, and all you poor miserable people out there how the rich are to blame for the worlds ill. Oh, we’re selfish. We’re crooked. We should give away everything that we have worked for. I bet most of you hate my Father and the empire he built from hard work and dedication, a concept most of you out there know little about. All this schadenfreude for men and women of my ilk, as a good friend of mine would say, is protecting your hatred onto me. I have some bad news for all of you. The days where I was kicked around, stomped on for your enjoyment are officially done. I was born a success. Bred for success. A concept most of you know next to nothing about. I am living the dream. There is no man or woman in the back, including you Echo, who is going to ruin this moment.
Pierce pauses to soak in the disdain from the audience.
Pierce Manning:
A part of me is disappointed to learn the Invictus Championship is no more. Tough handing over anything you’ve worked so hard for. Grace is right, there was very little marketability in the Invictus Championship concept. If there is one man on the planet who can set the standard for the MENTV championship, I am THE MAN. By the time my reign as champion comes to an end, I will set a standard so lofty, every man and woman in the back will fail to ascend to the heights I set. When you are THE MAN, that’s what you do. Set standards. Break records. Inspire people to possibly become there best selves knowing they can’t come close to touching you. Echo. You’re good. I meant what I said to you on Twitter. You did inspire me to step up my game. However, your best will never be good enough to beat me, so, when our match is over, and I rinse, wash, repeat the result of our previous encounters, I am going to ask you, who's the man. There is only one answer...”
Pierce raises the MENTV championship in the air one last time.
Pierce Manning:
Me.
“I Come From Money” plays again. Pierce takes a moment to take at the MENTV championship as the fans continue to voice how much they don’t like him.
Singles Match
Kory Kramp VS Marcus Ali JrThe few fans who were able to get their tickets for A Place In The Sun welcomed back the Human Fly with loud cheers and chants- Well aware of what the cruiserweight can bring to the table, having enjoyed his rise on the Riot brand last year, before he had to take some time off for personal reasons. His opponent in this second debut was one half of the Bad Boyz, Marcus Ali Jr who gave him his personal welcome back with a running kick to the head while Kory was still entering the ring. The match hadn’t started yet and Marcus Ali had already the opponent in the corner, hitting him with a vicious flurry of punches to the ribs and forearms to the face. Whatever message he was trying to send to the Human Fly, both Kramp and the fans got it loud and clear, just like the boos they showered him with, Not that he cared about those, flexing his muscles and posing to taunt the already hot crowd when the referee eventually managed to separate him from Kory and stop this early massacre. The official checked on Kramp who obviously wanted to leave a different impression in his return to the company and told him to ring the bell and let the match start. And as soon as that happened, he charged at Marcus and, despite the size difference, took him down with a Thesz press, taking his sweet revenge as he poured lefts and rights to the former Angel Of Mercy. His outburst didn’t last long as Ali was soon able to switch position, mounting on top of the smaller opponent and returning the courtesy in spades. He even slammed the back of his head on the canvas a couple of times before moving away from him, giving him a mercy break. As soon as Kory tried to pick himself up, Marcus lifted him for the Thugwrench Bomb to obtain a count of two. With the fans firmly behind him, Kory slowly started reacting, finally getting some momentum in his offense that was, up to that moment, mostly sporadic counter attacks to temporarily interrupt Marcus offense. He was now successfully working him with kicks to the legs, leaving him to favor his knee as he took a short run to the ropes and took him down with a chop block. More kicks came to Marcus, this time aiming at the chest of the kneeling Bad Boy. The fans counted up to ten kicks, before Kory planted the bigger man with a hurricanrana driver. The Good Wrestling Boy earned his first near fall with a nicely executed springboard moonsault. A second close call for Marcus came when he tried to find shelter in the corner only to receive Kramp’s knees to the face, falling on his back right where Kory needed him to be to hit a second moonsault, this time a split-legged variation. Again, Ali raised his shoulder in time. The action moved out of the ring after a Kory caught the Bad Boy with his Kramped codebreaker and Marcus, to avoid getting pinned, wisely rolled under the bottom rope. The pint sized wrestler followed with a suicide dive into a tornado ddt, but Marcus was able to resist and turn it into a suplex on the steel ramp instead. Exploiting the ten count fully he brutalized the young man throwing him against the barricade and becoming the first man to use the plexiglass barrier as a way to inflict damage to the opponent, slamming his face against it. He then grabbed the Human Fly by his long curly hair and dragged him toward the ring, driving his head against the apron before, still holding him by the hair, swung him against the steel steps. Kory was barely moving at the end of the treatment, Marcus had to pick him up (without much effort) and roll him back in the ring, where he tried to put him away with a cocky cover that allowed the young man to kick out. For the next couple of minutes, Ali Jr just played with food, stringing together a series of five pendulum backbreakers, before throwing him all the way across the ring with a fallaway slam. As Kramp tried to get back to his feet, he was hit by a running bicycle knee to the face that knocked him back down. The Bad Boy wasn’t done yet tho, taunting the fans as he pointed at the downed opponent, telling them that he would punch him back into the hole he crawled out from. He spun around for his Iron Fist, but Kory instinctively dodged the discus stiff right hand and jumped, hooking his legs around Marcus’ arm to flip him over into a cover with a crucifix pin, picking up an unexpected, and considering how the match was going shocking, win. WINNER: Kory Kramp BY: Pinfall (Crucifix Pin), 9:13 |
Marcus didn't take the loss lightly, leveling Kory with a boot to the face. A series of vicious stomps followed, leaving the Human Fly laying flat on his back, motionless. The referee asked Marcus to leave, calling the medical personnel to check on the young kid. But Ali wasn't donw yet, coming back inside the ring with a steel chair. At that point the referee bravely tried to stop him, but a simple shove sent him on his ass. And then the massacre commenced, Marcus was driving the chair down on Kramp with incredible violence, taking out all his frustraion. It wasn't the doctor who came down to the rescue, the figure fastly approaching the ring was none other than Drew Dream. His mere presence was enough to chase Marcus away, allowing Drew to check on the Good Wrestling Boy. He helped Kory back too his feet and accompanied him backstage, the applause of the fans accompanying the pair.
The show switches to the dressing room of Jacob Hammerstein. He sits backwards on a steel chair, his chest resting it. Looking down, he begins taping his right fist. He looks up at the camera, a slightly amused look on his face.
Hammerstein:
Brien Storm. It's been a minute, hasn't it? You know it seems like everything has been coming full circle in my career. After years of wandering the globe fighting for the sheer joy of fighting, I'm returning to old places and seeing old faces.
The American Monster pushes back his hair, exposing his scarred forehead. He grins as he runs his fingers over the scars.
Hammerstein:
Ghosts of bloodbaths past, I guess you could say.
Brien, not everybody knows our history, so I'm gonna give them a quick little crash course.
Hammerstein clears his throat.
Hammerstein:
You tried to end my career by throwing me off the top of a cage.
You failed.
I came back and kicked your ass.
Hammerstein rubs his eyes with his thumb and forefinger.
Hammerstein:
Fast forward a bit and here we are again. It's the circle of li….no, it's the circle of me kicking your ass again.
You want to stake your claim in Millennium at my expense?
Hammerstein chuckles, shaking his head.
Hammerstein:
You couldn't get the job done then.
You can't get the job done now.
I'm coming for you, Brien…
Hammerstein looks down as he finishes taping his right fist up, and punches his left palm. He looks into the camera, his eyes full of fire.
Hammerstein:
...and all the greasy hair oil in the world won't help you get away from me when I choke your ass out.
Hammerstein stands up, tosses the chair aside, and storms out of the dressing room.
Singles Match
Hammerstein VS Brien StormHe said it at Dog Days Of Summer, he backed it up tonight. The American Monster is back, and Brien Storm was his first designated victim. Hammerstein came out of the gates with a flurry of stiff forearms that immediately backed Storm in the corner. Here Hammerstein kept punishing him with a series of knife edge chops, each one of them followed by the “Whoooooo” of the particularly vocal fans. The former Chicago Way champion’s aggression seemed to be too much to handle for Brien who, only in the first three minutes of the match, came close to the loss on at least two occasions, after a stalling Hammerplex and a ridiculous spear. It was all Jacob in this first minutes, his new found mean streak allowing him to keep an edge on the Rockstar, until Storm decided that he didn’t want to play the part of the designated victim no more, starting to fight his way out of the ropes with some punches to the ribs, finally creating himself some space to maneuver and exploiting it lifting Hammerstein and dropping him on the top rope with a flapjack. As the stunned Hammerstein stumbled around, he walked right into a cutter from the Captain, who then hooked the leg to put away the American Monster, barely getting a two count. Storm used his technique to keep Hammerstein on the mat, switching from one hold to the next with great fluidity, frustrating every attempt Jacob made to wiggle free and at the same time slowly but constantly wearing him down. The former Chicago Way champion eventually managed to get back to his feet, but a headlock takedown brought him back to canvas. This time Brien followed with some punches to the top of the head, until the referee asked him to back down. He let the opponent get back to his feet and quickly connected a picture perfect standing dropkick that sent Hammerstein back against the ropes. On the rebound, he picked him up for his Unforecasted Storm, but before he could drop him on his back and attempt the cover, the American Monster slipped away, landing behind his back and connected with a sleeper suplex. In the final moments the contest heated up after an accidentally stiff shot by Brien busted Hammerstein’s lips. The taste of his own blood in his mouth triggered the American Monster who pounded Storm with a series of forearms, and chops, and knees to the mid-section. A volley of strikes Brien had no defense against, finding himself against the ropes. Before he even realized it, his back hit the apron after Jacob’s cactus clothesline that took both men out of the ring. Now in his element, Hammerstein showed everything years of hardcore matches taught him, using the surroundings to punish Storm’s lower back with an assortment of powerbombs and suplexes, both on the apron and on the hard floor. When he brought the contest backt in the ring though, he almost fell victim to a quick cradle, barely managing to kick out before the three. The near fall seemed to give hope and energy to Brien who got some offense in obtaining more counts of two with a codebreaker and his reverse STO. But Jacob was still alive, fighting blow for blow with the Favorite Worst Nightmare and whipped him against the ropes, taking a run at them as well to launch him across the ring with The Pounce. As Brien got up, he received a kick to the side of the head for his troubles, and that was the prelude to the Hammersteiner, the American Monster finishing maneuver that granted him another win. WINNER: Hammerstein BY: Pinfall (Hammersteiner), 12:36 |
The show returns from commercial break to a pre-taped segment from earlier on in the day. The MWE Lockdown Champion, the Rising Phoenix Bobbi Jackson is shown entering the arena alongside Alexa Cannon. Before they can even get to Bobbi's locker room they are mobbed by an MWE camera crew. The two blondes stop in their tracks as Bobbi smirks a bit placing a hand on her hip while the other one rests on top of the rolling luggage bag full of her belongings that she brings to the shows.
Bobbi Jackson:
Hey there, good to see you all again. It's been too long!
The Phoenix says with a genuine laugh.
Bobbi Jackson:
I'm sure you're here to get my opinion on my opponent tonight, Atti Valentine...correct?
The camera man nods, causing the screen to also rise up and down. Bobbi's smile doesn't fade as she is more than happy to talk about her upcoming title defense later on in the evening.
Bobbi Jackson:
I will admit, when I saw the match I was a bit surprised. I don't have any history with Atti, nor do I have any type of issue with him. But hey...I don't blame anyone who wants a shot at my Lockdown Championship to come and try to take it away from me...That IS the nature of the business after all...
The blonde says with a simple shrug.
Bobbi Jackson:
I've watched your matches Atti. You're a hell of a competitor for only being in the business for about two years now. I was impressed and I look forward to stepping into the Phoenix Cage again tonight for the first time in a while to wrestle you and successfully retain my championship.
Bobbi leans down an unzips her bag and pulls out the Lockdown Championship, flipping it up over her shoulder as she pats the center plate of the shiny title.
Bobbi Jackson:
I hope you know what you're getting into Atti. I really and truly want to believe that you also did your homework. That you're ready to step into the ring with me. Because if you haven't? It's going to be a LONG night for you. I promise you that...
The Phoenix grins slightly.
Bobbi Jackson:
While I expect to have a great match with you tonight, the outcome...will be the same as before for every other opponent who has stepped inside the Phoenix Cage with me...
Bobbi takes a few steps closer the camera and simply states.
Bobbi Jackson:
You won't survive this Trial by Fire!
With that, Bobbi and Alexa dismiss themselves past the camera room and head towards the champions dressing room as MWE returns to ringside for the next match of the evening.
Kimberly Williams is happily skipping down the hall. In her hands is a stuffed penguin, the same penguin she attempted to use as a weapon at Gauntlet3 in HKW Underground...or is that Global now? Anyway, she has a wide grin on her face; some may say that this grin is due to her insanity. Others may say she is simply happy to be receiving a Junior Heavyweight Title shot tonight. Whatever the reason may be, she is happy. She seems even more thrilled when she spots her half-sister, Jessica Lasiewicz, down the hall.
Kimberly Williams:
Jessie!
Jessica meets Kimberly halfway and the two embrace in a tight hug.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Are you ready for your big night tonight?
Kimberly Williams:
Sure am! Wasley here is too!
She shows Jessica the penguin. The Archangel frowns curiously.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
You have a penguin named after your boyfriend?
Kimberly Williams:
Why not? I mean, you have a husband that actually IS a penguin.
Jessica sighs and shakes her head.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
No, he’s not a penguin.
Kimberly Williams:
Yeah, well my Wasley will prove to be far more effective tonight than Kyle is in the ring. Look…
She tosses the penguin at Jessica. The Archangel easily catches it but clearly it is heavier than it appears and she nearly drops it.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Damn! What the hell kind of stuffing is in this thing?!
Kimberly Williams:
Lead weights! If I do become MWE Junior Heavyweight Champion tonight, how funny would it be to be able to tell my opponents that they got beat by a damn penguin?!
Jessica laughs.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Where do you get these ideas, Kim?
Kimberly Williams:
It’s a family secret.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
And I AM family.
Kimberly Williams:
Then why ask?
Kimberly embraces Jessica one final time before skipping away with “Wasley” in tow.
Lockdown Championship Match
Bobbi's Rules: Phoenix Cage
Bobbi Jackson (c) VS Atti ValentineBobbi's Rules: Phoenix Cage
Second match in the company for Atti Valentine and he already found himself in the title picture, taking on the Lockdown Champion Bobbi Jackson in her match of choice, the Phoenix Cage. The red steel structure lowered on the two competitors, locking them inside as the match was about to start. Valentine tried to dictate the pace from the get going, hitting the champion with quick striking combinations. Bobbi was on the defensive, trying to dodge and duck the shots waiting for the opportunity to counterattack. And that she did, grabbing his leg to block a side kick and quickly taking him down with a dragon screw leg whip, immediately going for that leg with some kicks to the hamstring. Having scouted his debut match, Jackson was well aware how dangerous he could be if allowed to use his speed to his advantage, even in an enclosed environment like the cage. She did an excellent job in the first minutes to keep him grounded, working on his knee as well to limit his movements. She even went for an early submission, trying to lock him in a figure four leglock. But as she was twisting and bending his legs, Atti put his other foot on her rear and pushed her head first against the cage. The impact didn’t seem so terrible, but it still wounded the Lockdown champion, a trickle of blood running down her forehead. As she turned around, momentarily stunned, Atti floored her with a savate kick, hooking the leg for a first pinfall attempt that earned him a two. The Rising Phoenix’ injury was a true blessing for Valentine, changing the entire course of the match. He took back control and, showing a mean streak that must be running strong in the Valentines’ blood, inflicting more damage with direct punches to the open wound and grinding her face on the cage wall. After he was done, he added insult to injury by grabbing her red stained blonde hair and barking some insults before stomping her face into the canvas and making the cover, from which Bobbi kicked out. The match kept going with Atticus maximizing his effort, feeling the favorable moment, sending the opponent crushing once again against the cage wall with a catapult. He didn’t focus only on that open wound though, coming at the champion with everything he got including a swinging neckbreaker, a cradle ddt and a vicious knee strike to the face as she was trying to piece herself together in the corner. None of this was enough to win her resilience, as the champion kicked out from those and any other attempt, which was frustrating the long haired fighter. He brought up his complaints with the referee who swore his counting was regular and that Bobbi raised her shoulders in time. Living up to her nickname, Bobbi rose from her ashes just like the Phoenix, finding an opening when Atti missed a running single leg dropkick, connecting with the cage instead than with Bobbi’s head. At first she wrapped her legs around his neck, keeping the hold for several seconds, using this time to both wear out the opponent and recover some energy herself. Eventually Atti made it out of the submission, getting up to his feet only to get hit by a devastating combo from the champion. Kick to the left thigh, then the right one followed by a couple of quick jabs to the jaw and a discus clothesline to take him off his feet. The bombshell built some momentum with a superkick and an unprettier, but it was when she speared Atticus on the cage that she really came close to the three. Nonetheless the uncle of the former Riot Champion kept fighting, even after his head got busted open against the steel structure. He caught the champion with a Pele kick, rocking the blonde woman who stumbled back a couple of feet. After taking her down with an enziguri, he slowly climbed to the top rope, ready to take flight with the Valentine’s Day, the same move that earned him a win in his debut match. This time though, the champion raised her knees and he landed right onto them, immediately arching his back in pain. Bobbi was quick to roll him up, barely getting the three that allowed her to retain the Lockdown Championship once again. WINNER: Bobbi Jackson (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (Roll Up), 12:34 |
Battered and bruised, Bobbi hugged the title she just retained after the war with Atti Valentine. Not even a moment to catch her breath and Duke Andrews appeared on the stage, slowly clapping his hands. He didn't stay there, congratulating Bobbi for retaining and telling her that for months he watched her parading with the Lockdown championship, he watched her doing a piss poor job and being a pathetic excuse of a champion. Since she won it, the interest around the Lockdown championship dropped, and it's time for him to put an end to this disgrace, taking back his title. Without waiting for an answer, he left the area.
We see Alex Andrews pacing around backstage. She is clearly in her own head mutters things to herself.
Alex Andrews:
You can do this, Alex. You can do this...
She lets out a huge breath, trying to calm herself down.
Alex Andrews:
You might not have the best record in MWE, but that's fine, you're still finding your still finding your feet. Put that loss to Atti Valentine behind you and focus on what's in front of you. The Junior Heavyweight Championship. Opportunities like this don't come knocking every day.
Alex nods to herself as she begins to bounce up and down trying to work out some of her nerves. She closed her eyes and continues her focused breathing.
Alex Andrews:
Just have to get through oh...five other people. No biggie, no pressure here.
That comment makes her scoff to herself.
Alex Andrews::
In a TLC match. Oh boy. Michael definitely didn't teach us things like this in the Dojo. But no matter, you got this, Alex. No one is as hungry as you are. No one puts in the work like you do.
She smiles a bit as she psyches herself up.
Alex Andrews:
Just gotta be smart. Make smart decisions, take risks but nothing too large. You've seen so many of these matches growing up, now you get to show just how much grit you got, girl. People counted you out against Morgan Malice, and look what you did there. Now go out there and win your first title..
Alex sighs as she collects herself and takes a moment to look around her before grabbing a towel from her gym back and slinging it over a shoulder as she walks off down the hall.
The scene cut backstage to Atti Valentine, shortly after his match had finished with Bobbi Jackson. He was sitting down on a chair in his locker room, still in his gear. The look on his face? It wasn’t disappointment, but one of anger that was still simmering inside of him. Atti soon looked up at the camera and his eyes glared into it. He stood up from the chair and walked toward the camera before brushing his hair from his face.
Atti Valentine:
You all think that loss meant something? Bobbi and I put each other through hell out there and yeah, she might have pulled off the win but me? I got my pound of flesh.
He nodded his head and continued.
Atti Valentine:
But this? This is just the beginning. Wins? Losses? It doesn’t matter when it comes down to the destruction that I bring down on Millennium. You all forgot what a Valentine can do, you all forgot what Eliza did to anyone who stood in her path but guess what? It’s time for a Valentine to reign over all of you again.
Atti tapped the camera before a sick grin crossed over his face.
Atti Valentine:
So this is just simply a warning to all of you, that your reckoning is coming and when that day comes? You’ll know exactly what kind of day a Bloody Valentine truly is. Bet on that.
Atti nodded his head again and walked away and the scene cut out.
Junior Heavyweight Championship Match
TLC Match
Luna Smith (c) VS Leia LeBeau VS Alex Andrews VS Kristina Spencer VS Christina Zdunich VS Kimberly WilliamsTLC Match
The first defense for Luna was an absolute nightmare. Five fierce competitors, tables ladders and chairs legal and… Kimberly Williams with Wasley. The referee started a pointless argument trying to convince the Bloodlust Champion that she should leave it out of the ring in order for him to start the match. Kim shook her head, bringing the stuffed penguin in front of her face and changing the voice, having him speaking with the official.. Finally realizing that he was wasting his breath in a fight he couldn’t win, the referee started the match despite Luna still complaining about the weapon Kimberly had brought into the match. The Woman Scorned didn’t think twice before shutting her up with a Wasley to the face. And all hell broke loose then, with Christina Zdunich being the second victim of the penguin, and Alex Andrews following suit. Leia Le Beau jumped on the Bloodlust Champion’s back trying to disarm her, successfully doing so only with the help of Kristina Spencer and a steel chair swung on Williams’ face. Their alliance ended right there with Spencer swinging and missing for LeBeau’s head, The Showgirl ducked the blow with a split that drew an “OOOOOHHH” of admiration from the fans, as well as some wolf whistles from part of the crowd. As she got up to her feet, smiling at the appreciation received from the fans, she found Krissy ready to strike again. Leia though was faster, kicking the chair into the former champion’s face with a wheel kick. LeBeau was now the only one standing, the Junior Heavyweight championship hanging over her head. She slid out of the ring, grabbing a ladder and pushing it under the bottom rope. As soon as she entered the squared circle, Alex Andrews took her out with a spear, causing the showgirl to land on the ladder. As Leia was left writhing in pain, Alex set up the chair and began to climb. Halfway to the title, she felt someone grabbing her ankles and stopping her ascent. It was the veteran Christina Zdunich, who looked up to the helpless opponent shaking her head. Alex almost begged her, but in that situation there was only one possible outcome and soon the rookie fell all the way down to the canvas with a powerbomb. While all the parties involved were fighting and trying to climb the ladder that was miraculously still standing perfectly placed under the championship belt, Kimberly called herself out and began setting up a table right outside the ring. Not satisfied, she grabbed a second one and piled it on top of the first. Before heading back inside the ring, she grabbed a steel chair, adding in some chaos and violence to the already hectic action inside the ring. Kristina Spencer slammed Leia’s face on the ladder, receiving a chair shot on the back for her troubles. With two competitors down, Kimberly cleaned the ring, driving the chair into Alex mid-section that doubled her over, followed by a second shot to the back to take her down completely. The redhead was having a lot of fun, focusing next on Luna and Christina interrupting an intense exchange between the two with a shot to the head of the multi time champion. The Star Of The Night instead was kicked in the stomach and dropped on the chair with a ddt. Williams then climbed the ladder easily reaching the top. On her way she found Kristina Spencer who was quick to recover and climb the other side of the ladder, meeting on top. And while they traded blows, trying to knock one another down with stiff punches, The Show took the matter in hands and got her revenge on the two women, pushing the ladder and causing them to fall through the two tables set up on the outside. Before she could capitalize and try to retrieve the title, she was blindsided by a dropkick to the back by Christina Zdunich that sent the Boston girl face first against the steps. With the Showgirl out of the equation, the Blossoming Rose started her climb to the title. Alex Andrews entered the ring with a second ladder, setting it up next to Zdunich was climbing. With a few elbows to the side of the head, Andrews knocked the veteran down and stretched out to reach the title that was hanging over her head, slightly out of reach. The only way for her to get to it was by moving to the first ladder that was better positioned. As she did so, a chair shot to the back from Luna crushed her dreams of gold. The current champion started her ascent to retain, followed by Leia LeBeau who tired to slow her down with some strikes to the back, before hitting a german suplex from the ladder. Her landing was just as rough as Luna’s, if not more. Unfortunately for her, she fell right on top of the chair the Star Of The Night used moments before, unable to capitalize on what was a clear shot at the title, since everyone else was down. The ring and the area right outside it were an absolute mess, the kind of mess the fans love. A table was broken in half in the middle of the ring, Leia LeBeau and Luna laying between the debris after the champion hit her Night Skyfall before Leia could jump from the top rope with a frog splash. Kimberly WIlliams was laying on a ladder positioned between the middle rope and a second ladder, on top of which was Christina Lopez-Zdunich. Throwing caution out of the window, the veteran jumped from the top onto Kimberly with a swanton bomb. The risk didn’t pay off as the Woman Scorned rolled out of the way, causing Crystal to land on the cold steel that broke in half on the impact. The other fell and bounced against the ropes, barely missing Alex Andrews by a couple of inches. The rookie grabbed it and positioned it under the title, starting a slow climb due to its instability. This gave Kristina plenty of time to get up and push it, sending Andrews flying out of the ring, As if the landing itself didn’t hurt her enough, Spencer threw the broken ladder at her, burying the young girl under it. She then went to grab another ladder out of the ring and pushed it under the bottom rope. A baseball slide from Kimberly pushed the ladder on the former champion’s face, knocking her back against the barricade. Williams then quickly set it up and climbed the steps, trying to retrieve the title. As she was fumbling with the hook, she was hit by a punch to the ribs by Leia LeBeau, enough to stop The Wild Card from becoming Junior Heavyweight champion. The two women battled on top of the ladder, a very dangerous spot for both of them. One mistake and a long, hard fall will be waiting for them. The greater experience in this kind of matches gave the redhead an edge, knocking the Showgirl down a couple of steps. Again Kim’s hand grabbed the title, but Leia quickly climbed back up, hanging on the belt and swinging her leg to kick Kimberly down. Gripping on the gold, Leia now only had to remove it from the hook and let herself fall, an operation made more complicated by Luna who was using the ladder to hit her like she was a pinata. Swinging and swaying, Leia dodged a couple of shots, but the third caught her in the ribs. LeBeau hung desperately on the belt, receiving a second shot that, this time, caused her to fall. And the title with her. Unfortunately for her, she lost the grasp on it before touching the ground. The title was laying on the canvas, still within Leia’s reach. She crawled and stretched to get it, but Luna, with a grin on her face, stepped on her hand and bent down, picking up the title to be declared the winner of the match. WINNER: Luna (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Title Retrieval, 17:23 |
Pre-recorded…
The camera slowly fades in and we immediately come to view a bright sunny day in front of a large swimming pool area. As the camera pans over we can see that there is a luxurious home behind the pool along with some beach chairs. It isn’t long until “The British Bombshell” Glory Braddock steps into the frame from stage left. The beautiful blonde is wearing a purple summer sun dress and sandals. Sunglasses cover her eyes, her long blonde hair is straight and flows down to below the shoulders. Over her right shoulder sits the MWE Riot Championship and over the left shoulder sits the SCW Adrenaline Championship. A confident, almost smug, look is etched across her gorgeous features as she gazes deep into the camera.
Glory Braddock:
You know, to say that the year 2020 has been terrible would be quite the understatement. And perhaps for most of the common man and woman, 2020 has really taken its toll.
A low chuckle escapes her throat.
Glory Braddock:
Then again, I am FAR from the common woman. My name is Glory Braddock and I have said it before and I will continue to say that I am The Best in the World. You doubt me, you criticize me, you mock me for making such a bold proclamation and yet I continue to prove each and every one of you wrong inside of the squared circle, a place that I call home. So that begs the question, how has The Best in the World done in the year 2020?
The British Bombshell looks over at the MWE Riot Championship belt and then over at the SCW Adrenaline Championship belt. She smirks.
Glory Braddock:
Not too bad if I do say so myself. I am a champion in two separate companies, I own and operate my own business, I am in charge of one of the most prestigious wrestling schools in Europe. My face is all over the entire bloody world! 2020 has been very good to me, but some of that reward, some of that profit, was it jeopardy of slipping from my grasp at Dog Days of Summer. In a match of chaotic proportions, my Riot Championship was on the line and so many individuals had the opportunity to walk away with it. And yet here I stand victorious, standing tall over the critics who I yet again have proven wrong. Here I stand still the champion of the Riot brand, still the MWE Riot Champion, and most importantly still the absolute Best in the World. And I will remain that way until proven wrong.
Braddock shakes her head.
Glory Braddock:
Dean Smith, you are not the individual capable of proving me wrong. You can get on social media and post all day long about the long hours you’re putting in at the gym, because the fact is that the woman who holds the title you covet so much is superior to you in every way, shape, and form. Hell, I already beat you at Dog Days of Summer. I dropped you on your head with Glorification to pin you and retain my MWE Riot Championship. Now you and your supporters, friends, and family can cry foul all you want, you can cry for a one on one match, but the fact is that I already beat you. I pinned you in the center of the ring. So what is the point of me doing so again? I already proved that you’re not good enough to take this gold away from me.
The blonde sighs.
Glory Braddock:
Unfortunately that decision is not mine to make, that is Grace’s...or Vincent’s...but you get a chance to make your case a little stronger, don’t you? Vincent sees your dilemma, he sees that his number one contender now looks weak compared to me, so he has to give you a chance to gain some momentum. So he plucked Bree Smith and paired her with you. The problem for you, is what you and Bree do, I will always do better. I will always one-up you, and I have done so yet again.
The British Bombshell pauses. A few moments later Sophie O’Brian enters the scene from the right. Sophie’s brother, the muscular Mark O’Brian, enters from the left. The trio stand side by side by side. Glory’s grin is now ear to ear and by contrast Mark glares nastily and angrily at the camera, almost as if he were ready to kill someone. Sophie, on the other hand, appears stoic and emotionless.
Glory Braddock:
If you bother to do your homework and watch the other brand, you meathead, you will recognize these two individuals, but just in case you are as dumb as you look, allow me to make the introductions. This is Sophie O’Brian and her brother Mark. Together they are known as Total War.
Sophie O’Brian:
Greetings, Mr. and Ms. Smith, my name is Sophie O’Brian. You should know that already. My signature move is known as Ode To Braddock. Do you know why it is called that? If you think I call it that simply because of our friendship then you are sadly mistaken and do not fully grasp the depth of our relationship. Her father was a legendary wrestler, known and beloved throughout Europe as “Britain’s Best” Glenn Braddock. Glenn Braddock took my brother and I in when we needed help. He took us in and gave us the tools necessary not only to survive and defend ourselves but the knowledge to make it in this cutthroat world. Mark and myself owe everything we have to her late father. Glory, Mark, and myself graduated together as his first three students. And I would do anything for the Braddock family. Needless to say, when Gloria told me that the Glorious Golden Era needed our help, Mark and I did not ask any further questions. Sun Tzu says, “Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.”
She motions to Glory Braddock
Sophie O’Brian:
Glory treats me with the utmost respect, as a friend, as a sister. And I treat her in kind. I would gladly go to war with her and die by her side if necessary. Now the drums of war have begun to sound loudly, calling us to arms, The Glorious Golden Era needs Total War and here we are, standing by the side of the MWE Riot Champion. And that is not good for you Dean or for you Bree.
A nasty, almost malevolent grin forms on Sophie’s face.
Sophie O’Brian:
Little, naive, ignorant Bree...completely oblivious to the hell that is about to rain down upon you and Dean. The Best in the World will handle your overgrown ape of a partner while I take on the task of picking you apart piece by piece, little by little, until nothing remains of you but a whimpering little snail. Then I shall crush you under my heel.
Glory Braddock:
Some may think that with our loss of the MWE Junior Heavyweight Title and Hayley that our days are numbered. Do not confuse expansion with destruction, because what we have done is expanded our reach. We have a presence on Riot and on Millennium. The Glorious Golden Era is stronger than ever before. So watch and learn, watch as we decimate Dean and Bree before your very eyes. Watch your future unfold. Sic Semper Tyrannis…
Sophie O’Brian:
...thus always to tyrants.
The cameras come into focus and as it does we are treated to the sight of Kate Steele. She can’t help but smile as she takes a long deep breath as she looks into the lens of the camera.
Kate Steele:
You know I got some things I need to get off of my chest. The fact is I have been I MWE for a very long time. I have been around since it’s very beginning. I am the oldest member that is on the roster as far as length of being in the company. It has been a constant up and down ride filled with so many emotions while being here. I know I had a run as a Lock Down Champion which has felt amazing and since that day I haven’t really done anything but if there is one thing that I have always wanted since being in this company. It has been that of the Cloud Gate Championship.
Kate takes a long deep breath as she continues to share her heart.
Kate Steele:
It’s the title that I have always had my eyes set upon. It has been the very thing that I desperately wanted and it goes back to a time when GVB screwed me out of that championship. I hold a grudge like none other and I will never let that go. I just can’t let it go because I know it is in my destiny to finally win that title. It’s all I ever dreamed about and I won’t rest until it’s around my waist.
Kate sighs shaking her head.
Kate Steele:
I have endured through so much bloody shit of being in this company. I had to go through getting decimated by Selena… I had to get put down by Luna and Bobbi denied me of trying to win the Lock Down Championship back. It really has been me just looking down in the dumps. There never seemed to be a way out of this mess and my name is supposed to be something that is feared when it comes to wrestling. When people see me on the card I want them to go OH MY GOD it’s Kate Steele but in return… When it comes to being in MWE now a days people just go OH…It’s Kate Steele… and that really annoys me.
Kate takes a sigh as she continues to speak.
Kate Steele:
Today however I am entering into a six way match and after fighting one of my best friends in Melissa Reeves I just need to have another shot at facing her. I need to fight her so I can eventually take the championship away from her. Nobody has been deprived from winning that championship as much as I have and I need it more than you can imagine. It’s time to win the title and finally to accomplish what I am looking for. I don’t care who wishes to get in my way but it’s about time I finally win this so I can get what I want. It’s all or nothing… This will be my moment.
With that Kate continues to smile and it’s on this image that we slowly fade out on.
Parking Lot Brawl
Only way to win is by putting the opponent in the trunk of a vehicle
Topher Constantine Jr VS Khali Washington IIIOnly way to win is by putting the opponent in the trunk of a vehicle
We cut in the parking lot scene of the next fight on the card. We saw the referee, we noticed Topher Constantine pacing around with his hands buried deep in his pockets but there was no Khali Washington III. “So, Like… There’s no match?” Constantine asked as he walked closer to the referee, passing next to a white BMW The driver’s door swung open hitting Topher in the back, causing him to stumble forward and fall on his knees. KW3 jumped out of the car and hit Chris’s brother with a vicious kick to the back of the head, dropping him flat on his chest. Ruthless in this sneak assault Khali quickly dragged him back to his feet and suplexed him on the bonnet. He then jumped on as well, mounting on top of Topher and hitting him with several punches to the face, grabbing him by the neck and slamming the back of his head on the cold metal as well. Junior was visibly dazed, looking out of it already. Khali noticed it and started to drag him around the car, looking to put him in the trunk but the Chicago born clung on the side-view mirror. Khali yanked, trying to get him to lose his grip and eventually after a long struggle succeeded, ripping the mirror away in the process. The Tophster used it to hit Khali on the head, breaking free from his grasp and using the separation he created to step away, buying himself some time to recover- We didn’t see much wrestling in this match, the heated rivalry between the two men and the particular set of rules, or lack of, in place caused the two competitors to opt for a more direct style, with a lot of straight punches and kicks and a creative use of the area. Topher got the advantage when, after doubling over Khali with a kick to the stomach, he shoved him head first through the window of an SUV. When Washington re-emerged from it, he was obviously bleeding, little shards of glass still sticking out of his skin. Nonetheless he was able to block a forearm shot from Junior and hit him with a headbutt that busted his nose open, hurting himself as well in the process. Constantine was the first to recover, lifting the Bad Boy for a brainbuster on the concrete that left Khali sprawled on the floor, motionless and bleeding from the skull. Topher picked up the 234 pounder and slowly started to drag him toward the trunk. Turned out KW3 was just playing possum, miraculously recovering when they were close to the back of the car, slamming Toph’s head against it and opening the trunk. He then shoved Topher in and closed it, but the younger brother of the leader of APE blocked it with his feet and pushed upwards, opening it right on Khali’s mush. The Bad Boy spat some blood on the floor as he stumbled back, allowing Topher to get out of the trunk and take him down with a Thesz press. It was expected, perhaps inevitable, and now Topher was bleeding too. What caused it was a ddt on the front window, a move that turned the whole match in Khali’s favor after Topher almost won the match by dropping him inside the trunk of a sedan and closing it, only for Washington to grab the tire iron and use it to prevent the trunk from closing completely. But now he had the Tophster beaten, as he hadn’t move since that vicious ddt. Carrying him over his shoulder, Khali reached once again the trunk and swung it open. Topher slipped away, trying to fight back and pushing him head first against the plate. The two men traded some heavy blows, both of them knowing that this was most likely the moment where this match was decided. Constantine stringed together a series of punches and seemed to get the upper end, forcing the opponent to stumble back a few feet. With his last energy Khali surprised Constantine with the Iron Fist, the finishing move of his Bad Boyz partner Marcus Ali Jr. The discus punch shoved Topher inside the trunk that was then closed by Khali, finally getting one over the youngest Constantine. WINNER: Khali Washington III BY: Put the opponent inside the trunk, 11:07 |
The fans are buzzing as a mixed fusion sound of “Living On The Edge” by JETFIRE & Karmatek blends smoothly with “Carry the Weight” by We Came the Romans. The pair of Rhett Adelson and Qiyara Singh make their way on stage, Rhett dressed in his street clothes though his Black Cargos and Air Jordan Sneakers remain the same, a hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses adorn his face, as Qiyara wears a slim fitting strapless cocktail dress, corseted at the top and a mid thigh billowed skirt. Her hair is longer than we’ve previously seen and straightened for the occasion. The two walk hand in hand all smiles as they descend the ramp, slapping hands with the select amount of fans allowed at the venue.
As they enter the ring Rhett dips the rope down for Qiyara to enter before he follows behind her and they quickly receive a microphone. Qiyara is the first to speak.
Qiyara Singh:
Hello September Skies and dreams and blessings. It has been some time since we’ve been allowed to hold an open event like this and from the bottom of my heart, I have to truly say, it was not the same without you.
She blows a kiss to the fans in attendance before smiling further.
Qiyara Singh:
Unfortunately Rhett and I didn’t make the books for MWE’s Summer Schedule, but that didn’t stop us from coming here to see all of you and of course to let you know that despite these technicalities we’re still here and we’re training harder than ever for a full return to regularly scheduled programming.
She takes a step back to grab Rhett’s hand, before she gives him the microphone.
Rhett Adelson:
And while we have reasons for why we weren’t able to make it, don’t get it twisted and think we haven’t stayed prepared. Like Yara was saying, we’ve been training harder than ever and in fact? We’re feeling better than ever. Those MWE Tag Team Championships? They’re directly in our sights and we aren’t going to back down. Hell, we’re not going to back down from any team that stands in our way either. Yara and I have sat back enough over the last year, watching other teams stand at the top of the mountain and you know what? We’ve definitely had enough of watching. This summer has been nice and all, but the fall and winter? Those months are going to be the story of Rhett Adelson and Qiyara Singh.
Qiyara looks on with a smile and nods as Rhett hands her the microphone once again.
Qiyara Singh:
I couldn’t have said it better. We’ve had teams who try to say that we’re “kinda new” when we’ve been with the company for the past year and formed longer than at least the past two who have held the championships, we’ve garnered wins against many former champions and are one of the few teams who actually hold a win over the current reigning champions. I think you’re seeing where this is going. Our future is set in the sights, but for tonight. . . we’ve decided to join you in A Place in the Sun.
She beams brilliantly before she hands the microphone back to Rhett to let him offer his closing statements.
Rhett Adelson:
That’s right. And we’re happy to be here with all of you, the fans. Because you mean so much to Yara and I. You’re some of the driving force that pushes us forward. We wouldn’t be here without you now or ever. So we are grateful. And that’s why I have to say, we’re looking forward to giving you our absolute best. We’re not some rookie team anymore either, though there are some out there who think so, who think that we just started this team here in Millennium when we’ve been here for about a year. There’s some who don’t realize that I’ve been wrestling for over three years, almost four, and that I’ve won championships everywhere I’ve gone. There’s people here who don’t realize the fighting background Yara has, that she has mixed in with her wrestling abilities. But guess what? Soon enough? You’ll all realize just how damn good we are. No more games, no more taking backseats. Tonight is the last time Yara and I sit down and watch. After that? The world is ours.
There’s a short moment of pause as Yara once again steps closer to him this time interlocking her elbow with his as she retrieves the microphone with her free hand.
Qiyara Singh:
So to those who need to, take note, but in the mean time, we will definitely see you out here!
She offers a wink as she she goes to hand the microphone back to a staff member before she and Rhett make their exit, instead of heading back up the entrance ramp Rhett is the first over the barricade and Yara follows behind him as he helps her over, they give high fives to the fans as they walk up the arena steps towards their seats in the skybox.
(EARLIER TODAY)
West Long:
Been a while, hasn't it?
Spoken across the black screen, which opens up to an unfocused shot of West Long. He's stood in front of a stack of tires. Where's he at? The gym; his usual stomping ground. Iron clanging can be heard in the distance.
West Long:
So this match you're gonna hear me talk about is all about the Cloud Gate title. Kate Steele, Jacky Rex, Kyle, Keelan, and Freddie all got thrown into this match with me, yeah.
We're packed into this match. Six wrestlers don't leave a lot of room.
West turned and picked up a tire off the pile. He pressed it above his head with little strain, little resistance, and threw it over the camera filming him. It thudded and shook the camera.
West Long:
So expect the warwolf to throw a few of these try-hards out of the pen.
Narrow it down to two and end it quickly. That's the game plan. Pick my spot and advance. Earn that one on one match against Melissa Reeves, then finally cover up these abs with some MWE Gold.
His hands opened and gestured to his abdominal muscles; the largest man in most Millennium matches stood up straight and leaned on that pile of tires with his elbow.
West Long:
It won't be easy. Some of these people have been able to rest up all month, but-
-just like when you take time off in the gym-
you aren't in the same headspace as someone who's there religiously, yeah.
I get Millennium needs an off-season; it runs a tight ship all year round, but I can't slow down.
Like some others on the roster, I got myself into other places. I'm in that focused headspace; some of my opponents tonight just won't be.
At this point in his promo, West shrugged and rolled his shoulders. The Warwolf clapped his hands together in preparation for what's ahead of him.
West Long:
I'm not gonna waste your time either by going through each opponent systematically. They're all in this company, which means they got some talent.
They'll all have a chance against the champion in due time, yeah.
Just let me remind you it's I who's gonna be at the front of the line after tonight.
He then smirked towards the camera and backed up off-screen. West then performed a vertical leap onto the stack. Proving a danger to any high flyer who went up top in tonight's matchup. He leaped down to shake the camera again. The camera then hits the black screen.
Tag Team Match
Sophie O'Brien & Glory Braddock VS Dean Smith & Bree Smith
The fans were curious to see the reunion of Sophie O’Brian and the Riot Champion Glory Braddock, but there was no doubt they weren’t their favorite in this match, as the cheers were only for the Smiths. Especially for Bree, who started the match for her team welcomed by a huge roar of the crowd. The cheers and chants for her didn’t diminish even when Sophie took her down with a headlock after escaping the waistlock Bree had her in. If anything they grew even louder as the Northern irish was keeping her grounded with some tight holds that left her no room to escape. On her side she could count on a greater core strength that allowed her to get back to her feet and push Sophie away, finally breaking free from the headlock. O’Brian wasted no time and caught the blonde girl with a dropkick that sent her stumble backwards against the ropes. Bree then bounced back with a clothesline that turned Sophie inside out. And just like that the momentum changed, the former Tag Team champion taking the lead and wearing the veteran down with a flurry of hard chops to the chest and a series of uppercuts. She then whipped her in the corner and squashed her with a running splash, getting the tag from Dean who kept attacking the Millennium superstar with some hard kicks in the corner. The Smiths looked in control as Dean kept the pressure on Sophie with some of the power moves in his arsenal. He was taking his time, almost toying with Sophie and that was his mistake. As he was picking her up, she hit him with a couple of punches to the ribs, dropping back on her knees to stun him with a jawbreaker. He was still standing on her way, blocking her path to her best friend and partner for the night. An obstacle O’Brian removed with a flurry of kicks to the legs, forcing the big man on his knee and taking him out with a running single leg dropkick to the face. She didn’t even consider making the cover, reaching her corner instead and tagging Glory in. Almost in the same moment, Dean reached for Bree’s extended hand, rolling out of the ring to recover. Glory came in like a house on fire, immediately going at Bree with a quick kicking combination, stunning her with a jumping knee and finishing her sequence with the Gloria In Excelsis Deo codebreaker. She hooked the leg for a cover and only got a two out of it, shaking her head as she picked Smith back up and started over, relying once again on a shoot style to wear the opponent down. Working together with Sophie, they isolated the one half of the BreeTee Committee in their corner. In and out they went with quick tags and swift offense, making it impossible for the blonde girl to counter their attacks, but they even showed their undoubted chemistry with some good team maneuvers. Particularly noteworthy was the flapjack into the Death Of Wisdom that could have been the end for the Smiths if Dean didn’t manage to literally run through Braddock to break up the pin. And just when things looked bad for Bree, locked in Sophie’s Shekinah Glory (triangle choke), the former tag champion pulled the impossible and deadlifted O’Brian slamming her on the mat to break up the submission, and slowly crawling to her corner to make the much needed tag to Dean. The number one contender to the Riot championship was out here to prove all the doubters that he belonged in the title contention. Determined and focused, he brought the fight to Sophie first and Glory too after the Belfast born tagged her partner in, getting close to the win for his team in more than one occasion, with a backslide driver, his patented Quarterbark and a wicked spinning backfist. So far Braddock managed to stay in the match, but things took a turn for the worse as he made another tag to the fresh and rested Bree. Holding the Riot champion over his head in a Gorilla Press position, Dean dropped her stomach first on Bree’s knee, and the blonde rushed to make the cover only to obtain another near fall. After surviving the Reps Backbreakers, Braddock came back with a second wind, taking Bree down with a cutter out of nowhere. The Best In The World almost got the job done with the Blaze Of Glory shooting star press, but there was still some life left in Bree, as the trifecta of german suplexes known as the Power Of Bree she connected a minute later proved. Instead of bridging the last one as she usually does, she proceeded to pick up Braddock for a powerbomb after tagging her brother in. Dean climbed to the top rope, connecting his Mean Dean to Glory’s head into a sit out powerbomb from Bree. Dean then made the cover while she made sure Sophie couldn’t break it up, securing the win for her team. WINNER: Dean Smith & Bree Smith BY: Pinfall (Mean Dean into a powerbomb), 15:29 |
The scene cuts to a previously recorded vignette, Lakeside with the sunset just dwindling away over the water as Everyone’s Favorite Mate, Keelan Jayce is seen approaching. Shirtless with just a pair of swim trunks as he strides across the sand until the sunlight falls over his body and the camera zooms in.
Keelan Jayce:
Good Day, mates! Seems I’ve found me place in the sun just prior to this event of ours approaching here in the Enterprise.
He chuckled at the reference before shaking his head.
Keelan Jayce:
Don’t worry I’m not looking to make m’self a Kirk. I think We all know one delusional arse who already trying to deem himself a replacement for the Captain. After revealing his little alliance with my previous opponent at the Dog Days of Summer. Iser really deems himself a bad arse doesn’t he? When in reality, the Captain that I put away in Gavin Grimes is the only reason that sack of nothing was even able to get past me into the finals and then what happened? Mate couldn’t get the job done yet again. Have to love Elsa though, she keeps her promises and tries to please everyone.
He shrugs.
Keelan Jayce:
I have no malice towards Monroe, even with using her cheating ways to win, it is something that was expected and I dropped the ball, we’ll put that blame on me, but I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. Aligning yourself with filth is only going to tarnish any bright new changes you might’ve made, like ohhhh say changing your name and pretending like you didn’t do half of the shitty things you did. Clean slate now having the same dung piled atop it.
He gives a bewildered expression as he shakes his head, before rubbing his hands over the top of his shortly shaven hair.
Keelan Jayce:
Enough of that though shall we, Those thoughts and ramblings are for another day. I respect Monroe and what she’s doing with the MWE Intercontinental Title and shall the time come when I have an opportunity to face her for it once again, I’m going to gladly take it. Until then though, Cheers to her and her endeavors. As for what you’ll be seeing from me at a place in the sun, lets just say. . . I find it mildly displeasing, but who doesn’t want a shot at the title, even if it means I have to face the very best wrestler in the world and my beautiful lady, Melissa Reeves. Yet the variables are stacked quite oddly with this qualifier. We’ve got my fellow Aussie Jacky Rex who I’ve worked alongside before. Bloke is killer, Kyle Butler whose looking to make his own path separating from his tag team partner, but certainly a Golden Boy in his own right. Pure style and athleticism. Freddie Hjalmar who thinks he’s above everyone else, but is both speedy and technically proficient. West Long whose had one of the most impressive win streaks in Millennium in recent months and is making waves in other companies such as GEW as well. Then there’s the lovely Kate Steele who just barely missed her chance at grabbing the belt from my Melly herself.
He looks incredibly meek for a moment before shrugging.
Keelan Jayce:
Guess all I can really say to that is, there is no telling who will come out the victor in this, but I’m game to give it my best and see how it goes. Six-Way Match for the Number One Contendership, lets do this!
He lets out a chant before he runs off and the camera cuts to the vision of the sunset still lingering high above the lakeside.
The scene opens in the hallway of the Enterprise Arena. Kyle Butler can be seen what appears to be in the middle of performing jumping jacks. He is building up quite a sweet prior to his huge opportunity sometime later to become #1 contender for the Cloud Gate Championship. The camera pulls back and we see Neil Newman sitting down watching his best friend get himself warmed up. Neil has on a gold and maroon jumper. Kyle stops. Takes a deep breath. Thumps his chest a couple times.
Kyle Butler:
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Kyle screams out in excitement. Neil stands up. Approaches his friend. Pats him on the shoulder.
Neil Newman:
Remember the game plan. You got this!
Kyle turns to look at Neil.
Kyle Butler:
You sure? Are we making the right decision?
Neil nods.
Neil Newman:
Not going to lie, I was looking forward to a lengthy reign as tag team champions. Fate wasn’t on our side. The only way to grow is to take on new challenges.”
Kyle Butler:
Easy for you to say Mr. Former World Champion.
Neil Newman:
And how many years ago was that?
Kyle Butler:
Early twenty tens.
Neil Newman:
Exactly. A lifetime ago. You are not the only one with something to prove. This isn’t about me. You got this, Kyle. I believe in you.
Kyle hugs his best friend. Neil hugs him back.
Kyle Butler:
Thanks bud. I got a contendership to win.
Kyle releases the hug. He walks off screen. We are still able to hear what he has to say.
Kyle Butler:
ROLL TIDE BAY BAY!!
Neil smiles. He walks off camera as the scene fades to black.
Six-way Match
#1 Contendership for the Cloud Gate Championship
#1 Contendership for the Cloud Gate Championship
Jacky Rex Daniels vs Kyle Butler VS Keelan Jayce vs Freddie Hjalmar vs West Long vs Kate Steele
The Cloud Gate champion Melissa Reeves joined Peyton and Ambra at commentary for this match that concerned her closely. One of these six competitors will be, in fact, her next opponent at Drums In The Night, and it could very well be Keelan Jayce, the funambulist Australian she’s currently in a relationship with. They locked gaze right before the opening bell, Melissa looking concerned, probably remembering the time when she had to fight her former boyfriend Chris Kane and the toll it took on their relationship. Keelan appeared to be trying to reassure her when he got blasted from behind by Freddie Hjalmar. The Promised glanced at the champion outside to taunt her after flooring her beloved. The tension between the two was visible, dragging on from the whole situation developing in Underground. Hjalmar knew better than to get distracted in a match like this, taking his focus back inside the ring just in time to dodge a clothesline from Jacky, who quickly hit him with a back elbow to the nape. On the opposite side of the ring, West Long was being impressive as he started throwing both Kyle and Kate around with an array of suplexes. But the fans’ main focus was on Jacky and Freddie, who were continuing their rivalry with a long exchange of direct strikes. Keelan settled their difference with a double dropkick that floored them both. West Long charged at him for a spear, but the Aussie leaped over him, watching him crash in the corner. Jayce pinned him down with a schoolboy, rolling through to kick him on the side of the head, making a cover after a standing shooting star press, obtaining a two count after Kyle Butler broke up the pin. When you have six people competing for such high stakes in a one fall to a finish match things tend to be a bit chaotic, making the referee’s job even more ungrateful than it usually is. Kyle Butler was shining in one of his rare singles appearances, taking his opponents out one by one with his array of suplexes. Freddie Hjalmar tried to blindside him but the Golden Era member had eyes behind his back, quickly turning around and catching him with an overhead released belly to belly suplex throwing the Prince Of Roses out of the ring. Daniels was the one who ended this display of dominance from Kyle with his Ex-Oblivione (ripcord saito suplex) but Kate Steele was there to prevent him from winning the whole thing. The only female in this match seemed determined to gain another chance at the Cloud Gate title, going off at Jacky with her martial arts kicks. She backed him in the corner and connected a Yakuza kick but before she could do anything with it, Long lifted her for a beautiful bridging german suplex, only getting a count of two. Keelan tried to capitalize on the situation with his True Blue (double foot stomp into a standing moonsault) on the floored Daniels, but Kyle broke it up. Much like the early stage of the match, West’s power was wreaking havoc through his opponents. A clothesline almost decapitated Kate Steel, Keelan broke up the pin only to be powerbombed through the canvas and pinned, calling Kyle to a difficult diving save. Butler was able to hold his own against the powerhouse, fighting back punch for punch against the Warwolf. But in the end West was coming out on top, his raw power was too much for Kyle who began to lose ground, recoiling toward the centre of the ring. And that was when he poked the opponent’s eyes,leaving him momentarily blinded and dropping him on his head with the ROLL TIIIIIIIIIIIDE! Jacky caught Butler off guard and dropped him down with the Synesthesia, Kyle rolled under the bottom rope, saving himself from the pin. Jacky then turned his attention on Long, still laying on the mat. But too much time had passed and the big man had already recovered, raising his shoulder in two. Rex Daniels was in difficulty against the stronger opponent, but an unexpected hand came from Keelan Jayce. Working in unison, they bested the Warwolf, dropping him on the outside. The alliance was short lived as Jacky quickly put down the Australian with The Master Stroke. As he attempted a cover after the discus punch, Freddie eventually decided that he rested long enough after the belly-to-belly suplex from several minutes ago. He slammed Jacky’s face on the corner and shoved him on the outside, making the cover on Keelan and stealing the win and the right to challenge Melissa Reeves. WINNER: Freddie Hjalmar BY: Pinfall (The Master Stroke), 16:34 |
“We have been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time…”
Summer Collins steps into from stage right. The gorgeous filthy rich heiress is dressed in her ring gear and stands in front of a wall plastered with the “A Place in the Sun” poster. A confident grin is etched across her lovely features as she stares into the camera and speaks with defiance and eloquence in her voice.
Summer Collins:
Ever since we arrived here in Millennium Wrestling Enterprise myself and my good friend Jessica Lasiewicz said that we were going to take the tag team division by storm. We had served notice to the rosters of Millennium and Riot alike that we were not just a couple of pretty faces, that The Archangel and yours truly were the absolute best tag team in professional wrestling and that we would eventually become champions. Our stated purpose was to march through the division, beating the best MWE had to offer, and win the tag team gold. We were going to do this as only we can…absolutely Fabulous!
Summer chuckles. A few moments later Jessica Lasiewicz enters the scene from stage left. The Archangel is also dressed in her ring gear. She looks confident but the scowl etched upon her face seems to indicate that she is ready to kill someone.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
We have had our ups and our downs, we have been side tracked here and there, but we have nevertheless persevered. There have been things that irritate us; we could easily complain about the fact that we cannot seem to have a bloody normal match with Nightfall Rising. We could complain about how the one opportunity we have had at the world tag team championships was a triple threat ladder match, a match we had to fight our own husbands in. But we don’t make excuses. We don’t complain. Me and Summer just fight on. What we will complain about is any and every time we are used.
Summer Collins:
You can attack us from behind, we can take it. Cheat as much as you want in the match, that’s fine because quite frankly, we can cheat just as good as anyone else. But do not use us. Do not manipulate us. Respect us enough to recognize that we are more than just a tool for you to use at your behest. If you do that, then you have truly made a grave error in judgment and that is precisely what APE has done.
The Archangel seems to grow even more intense. Her eyes fill with rage.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
APE decided that they wanted the MWE Tag Team Championships, held then by Summer’s husband Neil and my husband Kyle. You could have done anything to get inside their heads, to play mind games with them, but you chose to take the cheap tactic of making things personal. You chose to use Summer and myself to send a message to them. You got deeply personal, that was mistake number one; but mistake number was the complete and total lack of respect you showed myself and Summer. So now, this is no longer about us just becoming MWE Tag Team Champions. This is about us beating the living hell out of the two of you. This is about exacting a measure of revenge and retribution from your sorry carcasses. This is about us torturing you, making you experience a level of pain that you have never experienced before.
Summer Collins:
No pun intended, of course!
Jessica Lasiewicz:
But the biggest and most intense pain we can inflict upon you two immature children is the pain of loss and that I guarantee you will happen tonight when we defeat you to become the new MWE Tag Team Champions.
Summer smirks knowingly.
Summer Collins:
Get ready to be schooled in the art of pain, little boys. See you in the ring.
Summer and Jessica turn and walk off.
MWE Tag Team Championship Match
APE (Duke Andrews & Alan Envy) VS Fabulous
This was it, the chance Jessica and Summer had been waiting for for a long time, a two on two chance against the Tag Team Champions APE, represented tonight by Alan Envy and Duke Andrews. And it was Michigan’s Favorite Son who started things off against Lasiewicz, who clearly didn’t forget how Duke and his fellow American Pain Experience member used Fabulous as a way to get under their husbands’ skin prior to their match at By Any Means. She came out of the gates showing great aggression, forcing Duke to retreat against the ropes, asking and obtaining a break from the referee who asked Jessica to step back. As soon as she did, Duke cheap-shotted her with a punch to the jaw, quickly turning the tides with a series of european uppercuts that pushed the Archangel in APE’s corner. Just like he did before, the referee asked for a clean break, and surprisingly Duke did it without questioning, only to allow his partner to choke Jessica with the tag rope while he kept the official distracted. Collins wasn’t going to take it, entering the ring to get the ref’s attention on what was going on behind his back. The young official went to stop her instead, giving more ground to APE for their shenanigans. They double teamed the poor Jessica with stomps and feet pressed against the throat as she was stuck in the corner. Alan then pinned her after a running powerslam despite no tag having been made between the members of APE, obtaining only a two count from the rookie ref who, clearly, had already lost control over the match. Despite Duke and Alan pulling every trick in the book. Jessica was still in the match, countering the Andrews Effect into a victory roll, obtaining a count of two The close call pissed off the former Lockdown champion who then swung his right arm missing the punch as Lasiewicz ducked under it, kicking the back of his leg with the first of a series of swift kicks, the last one being the Our Lady Peace, the bicycle made famous by Lady Magdalena. With Andrews down, Jessica could finally reach her corner where Summer was dying to get some action. Her first action after leaping over the top rope was preventing the opponent from making the tag, jumping on Duke’s back with a double foot stomp, using him as a platform to reach Alan with a jumping knee strike. Her focus then shifted back on Duke, locking him in a crossface chicken wing to keep him on the canvas. Andrews seened in difficulty against the technical wrestler, who kept wearing him down with a sleeper hold. In an attempt to break free from it, Andrews backed against the corner, not realizing it was the one where Lasiewicz was standing. The Archangel made the tag and used the five seconds to work with her partner, connecting the Golden Kiss Of Death (bicycle kick into a stunner). Alan Envy barely made it in time to keep the titles around his and Duke’s waist. The match seemed to be leaning heavily in Fabulous’s favor, the two girls doing what they do best and cutting the ring in half, isolating Duke first and now Alan too, wearing the Lonestar down with their quick and relentless offense. Envy though, created himself an opening when he raised his boot to the charging Jessica, catching her right on the face. As she stumbled back, he caught her in a waistlock and connected with a released german suplex that sent her against the turnbuckle, finally making the tag to Duke. The former Lockdown Champion attacked her with several stomps to the chest and face, lifting her on the top rope for a superplex. The momentum had shifted back in APE’s favor, the Epitome Of Perfection almost getting the job done with his Killshot. But Lasiewicz had nine lives, once again turning the tides and making the tag to Summer. No time to get all fancy with submissions and taking the long road to wear down the opponents, Collins opted for a more in-your-face approach, taking Andrews off guard with her surprising aggression coming in the form of stiff kicks that soon floored the Epitome Of Perfection. Envy stepped inside the ring to help his partner but Summer was ready for it, taking him down with a drop toe hold that caused Alan to headbutt his fellow APE member in the crotch. Alan was right back to his feet and ready to attack again, but as he charged he was met by a kick to the stomach by Collins, who then whipped him in her corner right into an enziguri from Jessica. This allowed her to focus on the legal opponent who just now was standing up. Not for long as she, not without a struggle, dropped him down with the Stock Market Crash making the cover as the crowd cheered for the new champions… If it wasn’t for REDD dragging her out of the ring and knocking her out with his ripcord headbutt. The match ended with a disqualification win for Fabulous, but the titles still remained in APE’s possession. WINNER: Fabulous (APE STILL CHAMPION) BY: DQ, 18:21 |
We cut backstage where MWE’s newest interviewer, Abigail Reed is standing by! She stands outside a door emblazoned with CFL Echo, a wide smile on her face.
Abigail:
Ladies and gentlemen, I’m standing by waiting to get Echo’s response on the BOMBSHELL news dropped earlier regarding the changes in her match tonight, and the Invictus division as a whole! She’ll be joining us sho-..
She’s cut off and lets out a little squeak as the door flies open, with Echo and her crew of Yulia and Damian following close behind her. Abi’s looked up at them, regaining her composure as she smiled.
Abigail:
Echo, earlier tonight we heard from Grace and Vincent that the Invictus division and championship is no more, instead being replaced by the MENTV Championship. Your relationship with Yulia, the creator of this division, has been long documented, from enemies to frenemies to training partners and friends, can I get your comments on the division that gave you your rise here on Riot being dismissed?
Echo stood quietly, not even bothering to look at the interviewer or up toward the camera. Her hands were neatly placed in her CFL hoodie, and she made no attempt to show a shred of emotion. Damian stepped in front of her, smiling down at Abigail.
Damian Carter:
Look, uh...Echo is uh...she’s got a bit of a sore throat, you know how it is. Listen, obviously we’re all a bit disappointed. The Invictus division was special to us, Echo put a lot of work into making the division shine when she was able, Yulia took a chance on bringing something unique to the world of pro wrestling. Even Manning, he seemed to take pride in it, even if he’s forever a bit of a jackass. So, yeah, it’s just a sad time all around.
Abigail looked a little displeased, pursing her lips as she nodded along.
Abigail:
And what about the crazy announcement, with the new MENTV Championship, it’s crazy cool stipulation and reward system, and the match tonight being changed to a more traditional pro wrestling setting?
Damian Carter:
It’s a great opportunity for sure, for whoever is holding onto the belt. Obviously it’s going to be Echo after tonight, but…
Echo pushed Damian out of her way and started off down the hall, Yulia quickly hustling after her. Abi and Damian watched them disappear around a corner, both sighing and shaking their heads.
Damian Carter:
It’s been a wild ride to get here, you know? We were focused on one thing, we get here tonight and it’s something completely different. Echo’s been dealing with some stuff but I’ll tell you right now, she’s focused, she’s in great shape, and we know she can beat Pierce in any kind of match. So he can go on about calling himself The Man, or whatever he wants to say about himself, but we all know what Echo would be calling him if she was able to right now. Rhymes with runt.
He paused for a minute to smile, hearing a few cheers coming from the ringside area.
Damian Carter:
And the same goes for Grace for taking away something that meant so much to Yulia and Echo. Karma is a bitch.
Damian paused as if he were going to say something else, then shook his head. He gave Abi a pat on the back and a thumbs up as he raced off after Echo and Yulia, almost slipping on the floor as he rounded the corner.
Abigail:
...And back to you at ringside. What the hell did I get mysel-...
MENTV Championship Match
Pierce Manning (c) VS EchoSomething was off with Echo, that much was clear in the pre-segment footage that aired just moments ago and it was confirmed by her slow, almost listless entrance where usually she used this moment to pump herself up and the crowd as well. But not tonight, she never looked away from her opponent and the brand new title he was flaunting, but her eyes lacked that fire that always characterized the young Australian. Behind her was her trainer and friend Yulia Kirilenko, the former Riot General Manager looking extremely worried as she walked next to the third member of the Fight Lab Chicago Entourage, Damian Carter. Her concerns find confirmation in the first moments of the match where Pierce took the lead all too easily, out-wrestling Echo without breaking a sweat. He had her now in a headlock, and despite it being a basic hold and not even that tight, the former Invictus champion couldn’t find a way out of it. She wasn’t even trying that hard, to be honest, keeping an almost passive attitude. Manning wasn’t one to let an opportunity like this slip without taking it, and he hit Echo with a couple of knees to the face before dropping her down with a saito suplex. He made a first cover but she kicked out in time. Yulia and Damian kept cheering her on, but Echo wasn’t able to shake herself off, taking a lot of punishment with Pierce getting real close to retaining with a hangman’s neckbreaker that saw Echo saving herself by placing the foot on the rope. After five minutes of absolute dominance from the opponent, Echo finally managed to get some offense in. At first it was just a couple of punches to fend him away, then she added a few knees to the stomach and eventually took him down with a clothesline. The crowd came alive in support of the blonde girl, finally building some momentum hitting the opponent with a martial arts striking combination in which was visible the influence of her trainer. This gave her the first near fall of the match, more followed as she stayed in control, showing off those wrestling skills that only partially emerged in the Invictus division. Suplexes, throws and even a powerbomb forced the MENTV champion to take a time out on the outside. Echo chased him there, finally that determination and passion seemed to be back in her as she was working to get back the title she lost at By Any Means, or the one that replaced it anyway. She found Jared Constable on her way, the assistant for The Man looking somehow intimidated by the Australian who told him to “Get the fuck out of her way”, calling him with that c word she loved to use. Jared eventually stepped away, and as soon as he did so, Pierce struck the Aussie with a punch to the jaw, shoving her shoulder first into the ring post. As the match went back inside the ring, Manning wisely kept targeting the injured shoulder, sitting Echo on the canvas and applying a painful lock on the joint. She managed to break free, pushing her opponent against the ropes and taking him down with a shoulder block. Not the brightest idea, but it worked. And then she kept her offense going with heavy hands. Manning was stunned, unable to protect himself from the following uppercuts. Echo then whipped him against the ropes, waiting for him to connect the Reverb but the champion was able to stop his momentum, hooking his arms on the ropes. Echo charged in and ate a boot to the face that sent her spinning 180, He connected with a reverse suplex but it wasn’t enough to keep Echo down. In what turned to be a back and forth final for this match, the Aussie almost took Pierce head off with the pull back lariat, but in the end it was The Man who took advantage of Echo’s distraction to set her up for the TBTM, retaining the new MENTV championship for the first time. Four more to go, as he told the camera after the referee raised his arm. Yulia helped Echo out of the ring, but the visibly disappointed wrestler pushed her away and walked backstage alone, leaving her trainers dumbfounded at ringside. WINNER: Pierce Manning (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (TBTM), 13:14 |
Iggy Keane:
Hey bro!
The Millennium interviewer is trying in vain to catch the attention of his brother, Donovan. The member of Nightfall Rising just got away from a meeting with Vincent Moretti whose office tonight consisted in a small table placed in the middle of the hallway.
Iggy Keane:
DONNIE!
Finally Donovan stops on his tracks, turning around to see his brother quickly approaching him, microphone in hand.
Donovan Keane:
Hey Iggy... Sorry I didn't hear you, I was lost in thoughts...
Iggy Keane:
Nothing new then...
His witty remark earned him a light punch on the shoulder from Donnie.
Iggy Keane:
How is Leia anyway?
A long sigh escaped Donnie's lips as he shook his head.
Donovan Keane:
Bruised, disappointed... And going through latte withdrawal.
Iggy Keane:
Jesus... But she's fine, right? That fall looked nasty.
Donovan Keane:
Yeah, she is. Like I said she's pissed for how the match ended more than anything. She literally had the title in her hands...
Iggy nodded his head, shooting a quick glance at Moretti before looking back at his brother.
Iggy Keane:
That's why you went to Vincent? To ask for a rematch?
Donovan Keane:
Oh no, I think Eloise did that already. Or is going to soon. I went for... Huh... Other stuff.
The look on Iggy face suddenly changed.
Iggy Keane:
What are you hiding behind your back Donnie? Show me that paper.
Donovan shrugged his shoulder, ignoring the request and changing subject.
Donovan Keane:
Where's Jay by the way? Don't tell me he had mexican food again and he sh...
Iggy Keane:
Show. Me.
He said extending his hand toward his brother. At this point, Donnie gave up, handing over the piece of paper. Iggy's worries just found confirmation, but this was much worse than he expected.
Iggy Keane:
UNSANCTIONED MATCH? ARE YOU FUCKING STUPID?
Donovan Keane:
Hold on, I think they didn't hear you back in Boston...
There was a bunch of stagehands staring at the two brothers, their attention obviously drawn by Iggy's yell.
Donovan Keane:
I know what I'm doing, Iggy...
Iggy Keane:
No you clearly FUCKING DON'T!
To his credit, he tried to keep the tone low. But the anger and concern got the best of him.
Iggy Keane:
Three months, Donnie. You've been on the sidelines for three months. And now you're challenging him again? In an unsanctioned match? Do you have a death wish, Donovan Keane?
Donovan Keane:
I need it, Iggy...
Iggy Keane:
No, what you need is to go back in Moretti's office and tell him you were joking. What you need to do is to stop being so selfish and think about me, about Jay, about Leia... Do you think we enjoyed seeing you suffering? Do you think it was easy?
Donovan put an arm on his shoulder but Iggy pushed it away.
Donovan Keane:
He won't stop, Iggy. He came for Leia again, he'll come for you and Jay. It has to stop and this is the only way.
Iggy Keane:
You think that becoming a martyr will stop him? Do you think that when he puts you in the hospital again...
Donovan Keane:
I won't lose.
He said looking straight in his brother's eyes.
Iggy Keane:
But what if you...
Donnie shook his head.
Donovan Keane:
Not this time, Iggy. I'm going to end this, you have to trust me. I need you, Leia, Jay, everyone... I need you to trust me, to have faith in me. This nightmare ends at "Drums In The Night", one way or another.
Iggy still looked perplexed, but the detemination and calm shown by Donnie seemed to convince him.
Iggy Keane:
You know I do, Donnie.
Donovan hugged him, and the camera cut at ringside for the main event.
Hey bro!
The Millennium interviewer is trying in vain to catch the attention of his brother, Donovan. The member of Nightfall Rising just got away from a meeting with Vincent Moretti whose office tonight consisted in a small table placed in the middle of the hallway.
Iggy Keane:
DONNIE!
Finally Donovan stops on his tracks, turning around to see his brother quickly approaching him, microphone in hand.
Donovan Keane:
Hey Iggy... Sorry I didn't hear you, I was lost in thoughts...
Iggy Keane:
Nothing new then...
His witty remark earned him a light punch on the shoulder from Donnie.
Iggy Keane:
How is Leia anyway?
A long sigh escaped Donnie's lips as he shook his head.
Donovan Keane:
Bruised, disappointed... And going through latte withdrawal.
Iggy Keane:
Jesus... But she's fine, right? That fall looked nasty.
Donovan Keane:
Yeah, she is. Like I said she's pissed for how the match ended more than anything. She literally had the title in her hands...
Iggy nodded his head, shooting a quick glance at Moretti before looking back at his brother.
Iggy Keane:
That's why you went to Vincent? To ask for a rematch?
Donovan Keane:
Oh no, I think Eloise did that already. Or is going to soon. I went for... Huh... Other stuff.
The look on Iggy face suddenly changed.
Iggy Keane:
What are you hiding behind your back Donnie? Show me that paper.
Donovan shrugged his shoulder, ignoring the request and changing subject.
Donovan Keane:
Where's Jay by the way? Don't tell me he had mexican food again and he sh...
Iggy Keane:
Show. Me.
He said extending his hand toward his brother. At this point, Donnie gave up, handing over the piece of paper. Iggy's worries just found confirmation, but this was much worse than he expected.
Iggy Keane:
UNSANCTIONED MATCH? ARE YOU FUCKING STUPID?
Donovan Keane:
Hold on, I think they didn't hear you back in Boston...
There was a bunch of stagehands staring at the two brothers, their attention obviously drawn by Iggy's yell.
Donovan Keane:
I know what I'm doing, Iggy...
Iggy Keane:
No you clearly FUCKING DON'T!
To his credit, he tried to keep the tone low. But the anger and concern got the best of him.
Iggy Keane:
Three months, Donnie. You've been on the sidelines for three months. And now you're challenging him again? In an unsanctioned match? Do you have a death wish, Donovan Keane?
Donovan Keane:
I need it, Iggy...
Iggy Keane:
No, what you need is to go back in Moretti's office and tell him you were joking. What you need to do is to stop being so selfish and think about me, about Jay, about Leia... Do you think we enjoyed seeing you suffering? Do you think it was easy?
Donovan put an arm on his shoulder but Iggy pushed it away.
Donovan Keane:
He won't stop, Iggy. He came for Leia again, he'll come for you and Jay. It has to stop and this is the only way.
Iggy Keane:
You think that becoming a martyr will stop him? Do you think that when he puts you in the hospital again...
Donovan Keane:
I won't lose.
He said looking straight in his brother's eyes.
Iggy Keane:
But what if you...
Donnie shook his head.
Donovan Keane:
Not this time, Iggy. I'm going to end this, you have to trust me. I need you, Leia, Jay, everyone... I need you to trust me, to have faith in me. This nightmare ends at "Drums In The Night", one way or another.
Iggy still looked perplexed, but the detemination and calm shown by Donnie seemed to convince him.
Iggy Keane:
You know I do, Donnie.
Donovan hugged him, and the camera cut at ringside for the main event.
Tag Team Match
APE (Chris Constantine Junior & REDD Thunder) VS Devin Hearst & Andrew Wilkow
Peyton Holland: “It’s main event time, ladies and gentlemen. The former World Champion Chris Constantine teaming up with REDD Thunder against the man who claimed stakes on the title currently held by Kelsey Spencer, Devin Hearst.” Ambra Monroe: “Obviously Hearst isn’t walking into this alone, he has his trusted goon Andrew WIlkow next to him.” Amy Maynard: “A win tonight could legitimize Hearst as a contender..” Sir Figgles: “He doesn’t need to be legitimate… Do you have an idea who you’re talking about? He’s a multi-time champion and still has the record for the longest Riot reign in history.” Obviously, it was up to REDD and Drew to kick off the match. The Sandstorm fueled freak charged at full speed against the Walking Disaster to start the hostilities between the two big men. The irresistible force met the immovable object, despite his strength and size Wilkow wasn’t able to move Thunder from his spot. He tried again, this time hitting the rope to get more speed and force under his shoulder tackle and eventually caused the big man to take a single step back. REDD invited him to try that again, and Wilkow obliged letting out a primal scream as he rushed back to the member of APE. Who hit him with one of his feared headbutts, knocking Wilkow down. Hearst facepalmed on the apron, opposite reaction to the one Constantine had, well aware of the damage the Thunder’s head could do to a human being. Wilkow, on the other hand, immediately picked himself up, cleaning up the blood that was pouring from his forehead, courtesy of the concussion making headbutt and taunted the big man, inviting him to come get some. Amy Maynard: “What the hell did I just witness? We saw before and in the past weeks what that headbutt can do, and WIlkow just shook it off like it was nothing!” The first part of the match was a ridiculously heavy hitting contest between the two super heavyweights, scattered with “Holy Shit” moments like when Wilkow lifted REDD for a spinebuster that made the whole ring shake, or when a moment later the member of APE tossed the almost three hundred pounder all the way across the ring with a fallaway slam. That was when Devin took the matter in hand, removing the sunglasses he kept on until that moment and stepping in the squared circle with REDD. The history between them is well documented, going back to the Dog Of War days. And Thunder seemed reluctant to attack his old friend, despite Constantine barking at him to hit Devin. The former Riot champion instead showed no qualms, lighting up his chest with a series of chops that caused REDD to take a few steps back. Hearst then went for an irish whip, countered by REDD who threw him high in the air, almost apologizing for it. CCJ kept shouting instructions, and in all response the Walking Disaster tagged him in. Peyton Holland: “Chris doesn’t seem too comfortable being so close to Hearst.” Ambra Monroe: “It’s no secret there’s a lot of bad blood between these two.” Hearst struck first, Chris fought back with a right punch of his own and then they began trading blows of growing intensity, It was a matter of pride, of showing who’s tougher and none of them was giving up an inch. Feeling as he was losing ground, Chris changed tactics, stomping Devin’s foot and taking him down with a sweep kick. As soon as his back touched the mat, CCJ was on top of him, raining down punches to the face. He couldn’t keep the position much longer, the size and power coming into play and allowing Hearst to switch position, returning the courtesy in spades. He then deadlifted him for a stalling suplex, floating into a cover to barely obtain a two. Sir Figgles: “Damn, that was close!” Amy Maynard: “Are we watching the same match?” Constantine was able to turn the tides, working on the ribs, notoriously a weak spot of his opponent. That was where he aimed with his kicks, lifting Devin and dropping him side first on his extended knee. Every attempt he made to pin him tho, failed miserably, only growing his frustration. He tried to drag Devin to his corner, but the former Dog Of War broke free with a closed fist to the jaw that rocked Junior. Devin went for the Comedown, but CCJ slipped away and shoved him face first in the corner, making the tag to REDD. This time The Law didn’t show Hearst the same courtesy as before, mauliing him with heavy blows to the back before stringing together a series of three suplexes. REDD then climbed to the top rope for some Big Fat Lucha, but Wilkow pushed him down, causing him to land on the apron and giving Hearst an opening for the tag. Ambra Monroe: “I never thought I would say this, but that was very clever of Wilkow.” Again the two big men went to war, Andrew taking the lead at first as REDD was still recovering from the fall outside the ring, A running big boot almost put the Thunder down, but Constantine was there to save his partner. Hearst obviously didn’t stay sitting on idle hands, entering the ring and clubbing the former MWE champion with a forearm to the face. It became a four men brawl that the referee couldn’t settle, shouting in vain at Chris and Devin to leave the ring. Not only they didn’t leave, but Duke Andrews and Alan Envy appeared on the stage, looking to turn this into a four versus two assault. The threat of a disqualification didn’t stop them as they continued their march to the ring. Suddenly a seventh figure entered the scene, towering at 6’10 for over three hundred pounds of muscles. With incredible speed he ran down the ramp, running through Duke and Envy and knocking them out with a double clothesline. Realizing that there was no way the match could continue, the referee called for the bell WINNER: // BY: Double DQ, 10:38 |
The fans were disappointed with how the match ended, without a clear winner. They seemed to enjoy though the carnage Dreadnought brought to the ring, picking up a fight against REDD and coming out on top. If that wasn't impressive enough, he lifted the Walking Disaster on his shoulders and dropped him down with the Tidal Surge (olympic slam). CCJ was now surrounded, finding himself isolated against three opponents. He mumbled something at Devin Hearst, but before he could even finishing the sentence, a running high impact lariat known as Lawgiver knocked him out. Devin completed the statement with the Night Rider (surfboard style curbsromp) on the former champion.
The show ended with the trio standing tall over the four decimated members of the American Pain Experience.
The show ended with the trio standing tall over the four decimated members of the American Pain Experience.