Post by gvb on Oct 15, 2020 17:16:57 GMT -6
Millennium LXVII
Live from Enterprise Arena in Chicago, IL
Wednesday, October 14th, 2020
The last episode of Millennium before the Three Years Anniversary show opens up, as usual, on the notes of Godsmack's "When Legends Rise" sung along by the fans who bought the few available tickets. The camera quickly takes us ringside, where Ambra and Peyton, stunning as always, give us an introduction to tonight's card.
Peyton Holland:
Good evening ladies and gentlemen to Millennium 67!
Ambra Monroe:
In ten days we will reach the three years mark since Pride Pro was founded. And a few months later, Chuck Matthews took it over and rebranded it at Millennium Pro.
Peyton Holland:
You all know how the story goes, at the first year anniversary, Grace van Beek took it over from Chuck's control, turning it into the company we know today.
Ambra Monroe:
Little we know instead about the card for this next special event. Some matches have been confirmed but most of it has been kept a secret so far. For example, who's going to challenge Melissa Reeves for the Cloud Gate Championship?
Peyton Holland:
I think that, right now, that's the last of her concern. She's stepping in the ring with Seth Iser in the main event tonight, and the two of them have a score to settle.
Ambra Monroe:
Mel is still bitter after how Seth beat her a few months ago, and some may say rightfully so. No matter what your stance in this is, you don't want to miss the rematch tonight.
Peyton Holland:
But that's not the only interesting match on tonight's card. Kyle Butler is trying to get some momentum in his singles career, and tonight he has the chance to climb the ranks as he takes on the Promised, Freddie Hjalmar.
Peyton Holland:
Freddie's former rival, Jacky Rex Daniels is also in action tonigh, taking on the Warwolf himself in a match that could be not as predictable as most may think.
Ambra Monroe:
West Long is making waves in GEW and he's definitely looking to keep the momentum going here in Millennium as well.
Peyton Holland:
All this and much more on tonight's card. So let's get the ball rolling, and what a better way to start the show than with a debut?
Ambra Monroe:
Matt Stone is quite the polarizing figure in the wrestling world, but nobody can deny his skill. Would he be able to make the same impact here as well?
Peyton Holland:
We'll find out soon, as he's in action next against Zoe Rian.
Singles Match
His debut might not have been advertised in neon lights, but Matt Stone was definitely a great signing for the green brand. Zoe Rian looked slightly intimidated by the much more experienced opponent, carefully circling around him. The cocky canadian invited her to strike first, offering her his cheek. ZoZo looked all around herself, unsure what to do. Matt insisted, tapping his index to the jaw and taunting the member of Strip Search demanding that she’d shut him up. Kiernan, and the whole world, would’ve loved nothing more than to close his big mouth and she struck with a right hook to the jaw. With a lightning quick movement, Stone blocked the punch, grabbing her arm and twisting it, taking her to the mat. Even then he kept mocking her, putting pressure on her shoulder while constantly talking trash in her ear. And he paid for it. Her life before wrestling brought a dowry of an uncommon flexibility which came in handy to kick Matt and get free from his hold. And then ZoZo, with the fans cheering on her, tried to build some momentum, landing some kicks to the sides before taking him down with a headscissors. As Stone was getting back up, Zoe leveled him with a shining wizard, laying on top of him for a cover, but he kicked out in one. It didn’t take Matt long to turn things around, once again grabbing Zoe’s right arm and bending it behind her back to lift her with a hammerlock suplex. Being the best technical wrestler in the world, according to himself, he easily controlled the match from that moment on, keeping a slow pace and alternating submission holds and suplexes, putting on a real clinic that the MWE fans could have probably appreciated if he didn’t boast so much after every move he landed, completely disrespecting the opponent. Zoe already showed her incredible resilience and her never give up attitude. Still clear in the fans’ mind that time she entered a six-way tag team match alone after her partner was attacked on the ramp and how valiantly she fought despite being pretty banged up as well. And even tonight she rose from her ashes, kicking out from the Piledriving Miss Daisy and launching her attack. Rough maybe, technically improvable and perhaps even desperate. But it was proving to be effective, those kicks worked perfectly to fend off the canadian and keep him at distance. A roundhouse kick gave Zoe the opportunity to attempt a pinfall, which she did after a beautiful springboard moonsault. But once again Matt kicked out and boy did he look annoyed! This match had gone longer than he thought he would, Zoe went closer to beat him than he thought she was capable of. And he decided to take things more seriously. His strikes became stiffer, a quick flurry of forearms to the jaw that left Rian stunned. He caught her with his S-T-Owned (running STO) but instead of going for the cover, he went for a submission, trapping the young girl in The Danger Zone. Zoe tapped rather quickly to the katahajime, but Matt didn’t break the submission. The referee told him to let her go, but he still kept the submission locked in, not caring of what he said or what the fans were thinking. He only let go when he realized Rian passed out from the choke hold. Then, cockily, he put his foot on her chest, posing with his arm raised and flaunting his arrogant smile to the jeering fans. WINNER: Matt Stone BY: Submission (The Danger Zone), 7:38 |
Peyton Holland: "A valiant effort by Zoe, but Matt was just too much for her."
Ambra Monroe: "Look at him, he won one match and he's acting like he's the world champion."
Peyton Holland: "Nobody ever thought he's humble, but we've seen what he brings to the table. And we're only scratching the surface."
Ambra Monroe: "Look at him, he won one match and he's acting like he's the world champion."
Peyton Holland: "Nobody ever thought he's humble, but we've seen what he brings to the table. And we're only scratching the surface."
Pre-recorded...
Classical music can be heard playing in the background as our scene opens in an opulent, luxurious ballroom. A glorious chandelier hangs overhead providing light for the ballroom. Standing in the center of the room with her back to the camera is a dark brown haired woman in a forest green tight form fitting dress with a hemline that stops just at the knee. She turns around to face the camera and we can immediately see that this is none other than Summer Collins, one half of the tag team duo known as Fabulous. She has a glass of wine in her hand.
Summer Collins:
They say that if you don’t learn from the mistakes of history then you are doomed to repeat them. Now that is one problem that Jess and I do not have. We have always learned from our past mistakes. We had our hand at our own individual singles careers, and sure enough we are great individually, but fighting amongst ourselves to prove who is the best? Well that did not prove to be successful for either one of us. Realizing that our rivalry was the only thing holding us back, we reunited, and together we know we can dominate in the tag team division, singles division, or any division we damn well please. Together everyone will either respect us or we will force them to respect us. Together, Jessica and I are absolutely Fabulous…
Just then Jessica Lasiewicz steps into view from stage right. She is wearing a matching tight form fitting dress with a knee length hemline, only this one is silver instead of green. Jessica’s long hair is straight and colored blonde with strawberry pink highlights. Jessica, too, has a glass of wine in her hand.
Jessica Lasiewicz
And ever since our arrival we have been consistent in MWE. Were it not for the acts of cowards Summer and I would be the MWE World Tag Team Champions this very day, for we have beaten the best and we had APE beaten until they realized just what every other team has had to learn the hard way...you cannot beat Fabulous. That is a long, hard, and very harsh lesson of history. And I am curious as to whether or not Warblade 42 has learned that lesson yet?
Summer Collins:
Valkyrie, Niko, you two ladies do remember the last time we did battle, don’t you? I mean, history is important so in case you forgot, allow your most fabulous tag team in MWE to give you and everyone else out there a brief history lesson. On night one of By Any Means, you thought you had everything well in hand. And I’ll admit, you did bring the fight. You fought us harder than any other team has fought us in MWE. But my girl here caught you napping, isn’t that right Jess?
The Archangel chuckles.
Jessica Lasiewicz
A simple inside cradle. You cracked my skull with your knee and you thought I was done, but something as simple as an inside cradle put you away.
Summer Collins:
Now I can tell you that Jess and I are always ready. We take any and all challengers seriously. We treat all opponents as deadly threats, with the respect they deserve. So you can be certain that we are prepared. You can be certain that we have also reviewed our first match and have studied what we did right and what we did wrong and I can assure you that we will not make those same mistakes again. We are definitely ready for this rematch.
Lasiewicz points a long slender finger at the camera.
Jessica Lasiewicz
Can you say the same, ladies? Is Warblade 42 ready for a rematch of what was arguably a show stealer of a tag team match at By Any Means Night 1? Ready or not, ladies, it is here, and the thing is that it doesn’t actually matter if you are ready because Summer and I are definitely ready and we are confident that our skills will take us over the finish line and will once again propel us to victory.
Summer Collins:
And when we do beat you for a second straight time, I hope that you will finally learn the lessons of history, because we definitely will. We always learn our lessons, we always get better with each match. And after this rematch concludes, Jess and I are going to be gunning for one more rematch, with APE, because we still want those tag team championships. Those belts should be ours because we are the best tag team in MWE. Tonight, we take a giant step forward in proving that fact. And that fact…
Summer and Jessica clink their glasses of wine together in a toast.
Summer and Jessica
...is absolutely Fabulous!
Summer and Jessica both take a sip of their wine in unison as the scene fades.
Tag Team Match
Fabulous VS Warblade 42
Jessica and Valkyrie started the match with the Archangel unloading a flurry of kicks and strikes to the bigger opponent. The initial offense led up to an early Our Lady Peace that knocked down the Great Dane Bitch who, much to Jessica’s surprise, kicked out in one from her pinning predicament. Valkyrie proved time and time again that she was a tough cookie, but seeing her kick out so easily from one of Jessica’s best moves was impressive nonetheless and made the daughter of the Godfather Of Wrestling question herself. No time for that when you’re in the ring with the Warmaiden Of Roskilde, and Jessica paid for it, getting turned inside out by a huge clothesline. It’s only the beginning of an absolute onslaught, Valkyrie now standing on top of Jessica and pummeling her with hard strikes. It doesn’t last too long, but the intensity of those punches has left Jessica dazed. Vee easily lifts her in a vertical suplex and heads toward her corner, where Niko makes the tag. It’s Switchover Suplex time for Warblade 42, Valkyrie hands over Lasiewicz to her partner but the Archangel slips away, landing behind Yua’s shoulders and connecting a snap german suplex straight into the turnbuckle. Vee is shocked to see that their trademark move didn’t go through, but quickly charged at Jessica, who rolled under the lariat and dove toward Collins’ extended hand, making the tag. Summer and Niko put on an absolut classic, trying to one up one another suplex after suplex. Collins stringed together three german suplexes, Niko obtained a near fall with a northern lights version only because Jessica was quick to make the save. The two teams then started trading out members, using quick tags to keep themselves fresh. It was a turbulent phase of the match, but there was order to this chaos. Despite the frantic pace, things never got out of control and both teams played this between the rules. The only difficulty for the referee was to keep track of all the pinning attempts that happened in these excitedly minutes, and there were plenty of those. The closest ones? A spear from Vee to Summer and the Golden Kiss Of Death on Niko that left Fabulous incredulous when the Blade Maiden Of Tokyo kicked out. By the end of the match, the situation is still very even, neither team has a clear advantage on the other even though Valkyrie was getting the best of Summer now, tipping the case slightly on Warblade’s side. At least until Collins landed on her feet and stumbled back into her corner after the Dane’s overhead german suplex attempt. Lasiewicz jumped over the top rope and cleaned house, taking down Valkyrie with another Our Lady Peace and knocking Niko off the apron with a forearm strike, clearing her path to the top rope from where she jumped at Valkyrie with a blockbuster. The Warmaiden Of Roskilde kicked out in two, trying to reach her corner where Niko was once again standing. Jessica grabbed her in a waistlock from behind, but the danish broke free with a couple of elbows to the face, walking toward the tag. Jessica recovered and sprinted toward Niko, delivering another bicycle kick that sent the japanese flying off the apron and against the barricade. A dropkick to the knee took down Valkyrie and then Jessica tagged her partner and Summer knew exactly what to do. Waistlock, a third Our Lady Peace to the danish born into a bridging german suplex. And just like that, it was over. WINNER: Fabulous BY: Pinfall (In Your Dreams), 17:22 |
Ambra Monroe: "Credit to both teams, they put on an amazing contest."
Peyton Holland: "I know we're just two matches in, but it'll be hard for anyone to top their performance. This could be the match of the night already."
Ambra Monroe: "And that speaks volumes about how much a win tonight meant to these teams. Even with no titles or contenderships on the line, they gave everything they had. And once again, Fabulous came out on top."
Peyton Holland: "I dare to say that you can't talk about the MWE Tag Team titles and don't consider them as contenders."
Ambra Monroe: "We know Rhett and Qiyara will challenge APE at the Anniversary, but whoever comes out on top will definitely have to deal with them soon."
Peyton Holland: "I know we're just two matches in, but it'll be hard for anyone to top their performance. This could be the match of the night already."
Ambra Monroe: "And that speaks volumes about how much a win tonight meant to these teams. Even with no titles or contenderships on the line, they gave everything they had. And once again, Fabulous came out on top."
Peyton Holland: "I dare to say that you can't talk about the MWE Tag Team titles and don't consider them as contenders."
Ambra Monroe: "We know Rhett and Qiyara will challenge APE at the Anniversary, but whoever comes out on top will definitely have to deal with them soon."
Peyton and Ambra toss it to the backstage area where A.P.E. are congregating in the catering area. As the camera crew gets closer to the group in an attempt to find out what they're plotting, the foursome go their separate ways. The camera crew seem split on who to follow, but settle on the man who brought the latest trophy to the group, MWE Lockdown Champion, Duke Andrews. The American Savage seems perturbed at first by the presence of the crew, but smiles at them smugly.
Duke Andrews:
Okay, losers. Follow me and I'll show you how a REAL Lockdown Champion rolls.
Andrews turns to walk towards his dressing room when Hammerstein comes flying in with The POUNCE, sending Duke flying into a production crate. Duke crumples to the floor, moaning and growling in pain while holding his ribs. The camera pans from Andrews over to The American Monster, who squats next to him, holding the Lockdown Title next to Duke's face. He looks down at Andrews, whose expression is a mix or rage and pain.
Jacob Hammerstein:
I choose you, Duke.
He lays the belt next to Duke, who tries to reach for it, but draws back, grasping his ribs. As Hammerstein walks away, the camera focuses on Duke, who has managed to grab the belt and is holding it close to him.
Hammerstein can be heard just before the screen is filled with officials coming to check on Duke.
Jacob Hammerstein:
See you at The Anniversary Show, Jackass.
The other members of A.P.E. arrive on the scene, furious at the attack. Constantine and Envy bark orders at the officials while Redd looks for something to throw. He turns to the camera crew and reaches towards the camera just before the screen goes black and the show cuts to ringside.
Singles Match
Saki VS Jay GallagherOn Riot last Saturday, Kimberly Williams got the win over Donovan Keane and tonight it was up to Jay to even the score for Nightfall Rising, even though he seemed all but thrilled to face the Kawaii Deathmachine, despite his tag partner trying to encourage him at ringside. The match started and Saki landed a barrage of palm strikes to the member of Nightfall Rising, clipping him with a roundhouse kick to the side of the head that sent him spinning halfway around. Stunned and with his back turned to the opponent, Jay was defenseless against her superkick to the back of the head, and immediately found himself in dire need to catch a break. Donnie noticed it and grabbed his arm, dragging him outside and trying to shake him off from this awful start. Not a single soul was surprised to see Saki throwing caution out of the window and soaring over the top rope, landing on Jay and Donnie with a spectacular corkscrew plancha. The Singapore Mauler rolled Jay back inside the ring and used the ropes to launch herself back inside the ring with a slingshot senton, hooking the leg but only getting a two. Finally Jay found his footing in the match and began showing his athletic and innovative style of offense. Saki blocked his front kick but he had the answer ready, connecting a step-over spinning kick. A standing shooting star press, a snap suplex and a sitout inverted suplex slam gave Jay an equal number of near falls, but Saki was still in this match. Gallagher grabbed her by the legs and launched her into the corner with a catapult, but the Singapore Mauler landed on the middle ropes and immediately jumped back with a double foot stomp to the chest of Gallagher. Saki stayed on him and even connected the piledriver, only obtaining a two count much to the dismay of the Nightfall Rising detractors. The crowd was actually split, half of them supporting Jay and half getting behind the former Empire Extreme Champion. And the match was just as even, none of them wanting to let their partner down and doing their best to take out the opponent. And Jay got really close to it with the Jay-Breaker, but once again Saki saved herself and raised the shoulder in the nick of time. Jay was starting to show the first signs of fatigue, the long absence from the ring clearly affecting his stamina. And Saki gained ground, taking control and keeping wearing him down with her stiff strikes. Donnie was getting nervous on the outside, trying to get involved in the match to help his partner, From distracting the referee to slowing down Saki as she was getting up to the rope for the Cotton Candy Kiss Of Death, Keane was really testing the referee’s patience. And not only his. Kimberly Williams walked out to the ring, evening the playfield. In her hands she was carrying “the fucking penguin” in Donnie’s words, her trusted stuffed animal both her and Saki used against Nightfall. Donovan didn’t wait and charged at her, dodging Wasley with a lateral roll as Williams threw it at him. He then took her down with a thesz press and started slamming the back of her head on the steel ramp with a fury we only saw from him in his matches against Asher Miles. Inside the ring, Jay was hitting Saki with a series of uppercuts in the corner. The Kawaii Deathmachine was in difficulty, but still found a way out of this situation biting Jay’s arm! The referee turned to her and warned her about a possible dq, then turned to check on Gallagher who kept shouting about needing rabies shots. The scene he was causing had the purpose of keeping the referee distracted so that Donnie could club Saki with Wasley. At that point, Gallagher grabbed the barely conscious opponent’s arm and pulled her into a fireman’s carry position, dropping her down into an overhead kick for the 1, 2, 3. WINNER: Jay Gallagher BY: Pinfall (Jay Walking), 12:00 |
Peyton Holland: "Look out, Kimberly is coming back... And she doesn't look happy!"
Jay warned his best friend just in time. Donnie turned around and hit the Woman Scorned with her own weapon of choice, her beloved Wasley decking her and dropping the stuffed penguin next to her. The duo is leaving the ring, when Donovan stops on his tracks, struck by what he thinks is a brilliant idea. Entering once again the ring, he grabs Wasley and grabs his right wing, waving goodbye at Kim. He then rolls out of the ring and reaches his partner, finally walking up the ramp. There they stops, raising the stolen penguin and holding it in air as a trophy. Saki and Kim are only know standing up, watching Nightfall Rising mocking them and leaving with Wasley. The look on their face does not bode well for Jay and Donnie....
Jay warned his best friend just in time. Donnie turned around and hit the Woman Scorned with her own weapon of choice, her beloved Wasley decking her and dropping the stuffed penguin next to her. The duo is leaving the ring, when Donovan stops on his tracks, struck by what he thinks is a brilliant idea. Entering once again the ring, he grabs Wasley and grabs his right wing, waving goodbye at Kim. He then rolls out of the ring and reaches his partner, finally walking up the ramp. There they stops, raising the stolen penguin and holding it in air as a trophy. Saki and Kim are only know standing up, watching Nightfall Rising mocking them and leaving with Wasley. The look on their face does not bode well for Jay and Donnie....
The show cuts to the dressing room of Jacob Hammerstein. The American Monster sets his bag down, takes off his black leather jacket, and tosses it to the side.
Jacob Hammerstein:
Lucie Callaway.
You had to think your comeback was gonna go differently than it has. You get tossed out of the battle royal, which was supposed to be your triumphant return. Not the surprise you were hoping for, am I right?
Then you lose to Jada Hashford in her debut. How she won is inconsequential, a win is a win is a win. So here you stand, oh for two.
I been there.
The American Monster nods his head slightly.
Jacob Hammerstein:
You must be feelin a little bit of self doubt. Did you come back too soon? Is there too much ring rust? Maybe you should have just stayed away, right?
I been there, too.
In another lifetime, I'd give you an encouraging speech, a real rah rah spirit raising speech. But in this lifetime...
Hammerstein shakes his head.
Jacob Hammerstein:
I just don't give a damn. I can't. That would imply that I trust you enough to put myself out there to attempt to reach out to you. That's just something I can't do anymore. My war against A.P.E. has taught me one thing here, and that is noone has your back. You can't depend on anyone here but yourself. I learned that the hard way, Lucie, and, because you're still young, with a bright future in this sport, I don't want you to go through the same things I have.
Hammerstein looks away from the camera.
Jacob Hammerstein:
It just leaves you feeling lonesome, on'ry, and mean.
He turns his head back towards the camera, but his head is bowed.
Jacob Hammerstein:
So when I'm out there tonight, stomping your guts out, realize that it's to help you, Lucie.
It's for your own good.
Singles Match
Hammerstein VS Lucie CallawayComing up short in her first match after the hiatus, though her loss came not without controversy, Lucie was looking to bounce back. The task she had to face wasn’t the easiest, going up against another former Chicago Way champion, the man who survived 30 other competitors to claim the battle royale at Drums In The Night and earn himself the right to challenge Duke Andrews for the Lockdown championship. Hammerstein seemed aware of what the young star can bring to the table, and the match started with them circling around, studying each other. Only a few seconds in and “The Second Amendment” by Who TF Is Justin Time blared out of the loudspeakers and the bruised Lockdown Champion Duke Andrews appeared on the stage. Hammerstein turned his attention to him just enough to allow Lucy to strike with a knee to the stomach. Callaway followed with a barrage of kicks to the chest, knocking the wind off Hammerstein and knocking him back toward his corner. With a leg lariat she took him down, and finding herself near the ropes, she went for a springboard moonsault, finding nothing but the canvas as Hammerstein moved out of the way. Duke was now standing halfway on the ramp, clapping his hands as Hammerstein was now hammering (no pun intended) his opponent in the corner with a volley of uppercuts. He threw her in the opposite corner with an irish whip and charged in with a splash. Lucie defended herself by raising her boot to his face, lifting herself up the top rope and jumping toward him with a meteora, straight into a cover. Hammerstein kicked out in two. The American Monster took back control when he caught the running opponent with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Lucie was then sent in the corner and squashed with a corner clothesline. He then climbed on the middle rope and began raining down punches to her head, keeping his eyes locked on Duke who was still on the ramp, right in front of him. Once again taking advantage of the distracted opponent, Lucie slipped between his legs and kicked his leg, causing him to lose balance and fall face first on the turnbuckle. With one quick movement, the nineteen years old girl rolled him on his shoulders with a schoolboy pin, but the number one contender for the Lockdown championship kicked out in two. The match was certainly living up to the expectations, entertaining the fans with an intense back and forth contest where both competitors had the chance to shine. Duke’s presence was clearly bothering Hammerstein, even more now that he had reached the ringside area and grabbed a chair from under the ring. After a vaguely threatening smirk at Hammerstein, Duke sat down on it. But despite this, he kept his focus on the opponent, even coming real close to the three with The Pounce. Lucy kept fighting bravely against the bigger and more experienced opponent, creating herself an opening with multiple rapid fire headbutts. Both competitors looked stunned at the end of the sequence. Lucie was the first to recover and went for her Nine Crimes, but Hammerstein pushed her away, getting free from the headlock driver. Jacob connected a second Pounce, hurling Callaway all the way across the ring. As he was going to pick her up for the Hammersteiner, his attention was once again caught by Andrews, who was now arguing with the referee after he stopped him from entering the ring. Lucie saw the opportunity and took full advantage of it, nailing Hammerstein with the Sawed Off Shotgun and making the cover. The referee stopped arguing with Andrews and turned around, starting the count. Before going, Duke still left his mark on the match, pushing Hammerstein’s foot off the bottom rope. WINNER: Lucie Callaway BY: Pinfall (Sawed Off Shotgun), 10:17 |
Ambra Monroe: "We don't know if Duke is going to choose once again the Submission Rules as the stipulation for his Lockdown defenses, but he should choose very carefully, because Hammerstein is in no mood to play."
Peyton Holland: "They've been at each other's throat for months now, and I have no doubts that the moment Duke won the title from Bobbi, Hammerstein made up his mind about which title he should go after."
Ambra Monroe: "Oh sure he did. If he was really considering going to Riot and challenge Manning, Andrews becoming Lockdown champion for a second time cleared any doubtt."
Peyton Holland: "They've been at each other's throat for months now, and I have no doubts that the moment Duke won the title from Bobbi, Hammerstein made up his mind about which title he should go after."
Ambra Monroe: "Oh sure he did. If he was really considering going to Riot and challenge Manning, Andrews becoming Lockdown champion for a second time cleared any doubtt."
On the arena screen, Melissa Reeves appears. She's dressed for battle later on, wearing a Millennium Academy shirt over her ring attire, but her mood is...she's not exactly looking joyous.
Melissa Reeves:
You know I've been waiting for this, Seth. You know it, I know it, everyone knows it.
Silence, a moment to collect thoughts.
Melissa Reeves:
But do you know why? It's not because you defeated me, that happens. It's because you felt the need to cheat to do it. For all the hype, the "renowned" Seth Iser is just another cheating lil bitch. What a joke.
Shaking her head, she burst into a brief fit of laughter.
Melissa Reeves:
This should be a classic between two veterans, but it's not gonna be. You don't deserve to stand on a pedestal like that, Mr. "I do whatever it takes". Na, what you do is take the easy road, because the fact is - and listen carefully here - when you have to take the hard road, to do things without shortcuts? Well...you can't, can you? You'd just fall by the wayside. And that, that is why you're not on a pedestal, that is why your reputation comes with a big asterick next to it, THAT is why your achievements are tainted.
She dismissvely waves toward the camera.
Melissa Reeves:
But whatever, I don't care. What should be a clash of titans is instead just a little grudge rematch, me vs the dumb bastard who thinks he can screw me over and pretend it's not going to ever have consequence. Tonight it has consequence, Seth. Suffer them.
She almost snarls that last bit, before the feed abruptly cuts.
Singles Match
Joey Leclair VS Jada HashfordJada showed a sort of vocation for chaos, both in her debut match here in MWE and in Valiant. And tonight she went one on one against the man who ruled over the hardcore division for the last five months, Joey Leclair. The Chicago Way champion wasn’t one to take any opponent lightly, and he certainly didn’t with Jada, starting the match with the same attitude as always. Hashford was taken aback by the unexpected level of violence Joey brought from the get-go, although keeping this within the limits of the rules. After some right punches, he continued with a flurry of rapid fire headbutts, the last of which caused Jada to stumble around and fall on the middle rope. He pressed his knee to her spine, pushing back and choking her on the rope. The referee started to count immediately, and Joey let the opponent go at four. He picked her up and sent her to the opposite side of the ring, waiting for her as he bent forward. Hashford hooked the ropes with her arms, avoiding the back body drop and kicking the champion hard on the chest. She quickly looped her arm around his head and dropped him down on her own back with an inverted headlock backbreaker. The Mississippi Queen was unrelenting, focusing primarily on Joey’s back. She grabbed him by his hair and slammed his face on the corner, punishing him with some shoulder tackles to the spine. Showing a decent technique, she lifted him with a german suplex, bridging into a pin but only getting a two count. Leclair left the ring, followed by Jada who didn’t think twice and speared him against the commentator’s table. Peyton and Ambra immediately left their position as soon as they saw the powerhouse lifting Joey in a powerbomb position. Leclair dropped a few fists to her head, escaping his fate and returning the courtesy pushing her all the way back against the apron. Since the referee already reached seven, Joey slid back inside the ring to interrupt the count, leaving right after and dropping heavy forearm strikes on the opponent’s chest. The count kept going, forcing Joey to enter the ring once again to restart it after he drove the opponent’s face against the post. He reached her again, Jada punched him in the gut and slammed his head against the nearby steps. Stunned, Joey leaned against the post and Hashford connected a first chop to chest. A second one followed, while the third was ducked by the Chicago Way. The sound Jada’s hand made on impact against the cold steel was almost as scary as frightening as the scream Jada let out when, a second later, he took her down and stomped her hand. The match went back inside the ropes and Jada was trying to build some momentum. Despite the injured hand, she managed to fire Joey in the corner and hit him with a running kick to the face, using her knee to choke him. After the referee tried to separate them, Jada grabbed Leclair and started to lift him for the scoop brainbuster, but Joey hit the injured hand to break free. Hashford immediately lost her grip, Joey took a step back and smashed her face with the Death Dealer Elbow. The rookie went down like a ton of bricks, but still managed to kick out from the pinning predicament. Leclair wasted no time and picked her up, raising his knee to her stomach, doubling her over and pulling the Death Trigger (sitout butterfly facebuster). WINNER: Joey Leclair BY: Pinfall (Death Trigger), 9:12 |
Peyton Holland: "Another win for Joey Leclair... I'm starting to wonder who, if anyone, can stop him."
Ambra Monroe: "He's been on a hot streak since join... What the hell?"
Jada cuts Joey's celebration short with a chair, blasting him from behind. Then she takes a good look at the Chicago Way Championship laying next to him, her lips curling into a smirk as she picks it up and lays it on top of Joey's motionless body. And eventually, she leaves the area.
Ambra Monroe: "He's been on a hot streak since join... What the hell?"
Jada cuts Joey's celebration short with a chair, blasting him from behind. Then she takes a good look at the Chicago Way Championship laying next to him, her lips curling into a smirk as she picks it up and lays it on top of Joey's motionless body. And eventually, she leaves the area.
The scene cuts backstage to Atti Valentine sitting on a chair backward, leaning his arms down on the back part of it.
Atti Valentine:
You know, I kind of took it easy when I first got here. But the more time passed? The more I became frustrated and angry. The more I got tired of seeing all of you piece of shit run amuck around here.
Atti stood up from the chair and kept his eyes on the camera.
Atti Valentine:
I can’t hold things back anymore. I can’t just keep the monsters at bay. People like Kyle Butler need to be punished. Hell, I beat the shit out of him once but he didn’t even acknowledge it.
Valentine grabs the chair and folds it before picking it up.
Atti Valentine:
The next time I get through with you? You wing be laughing shit off. None of you will.
Atti pushed past the cameras and walks away and the scene fades out.
We are now inside the office of the Millennium General Manager. Elsa is sitting behind her desk, her blue eyes going through and through the document in front of her.
Ryen Riekert:
Nervous?
The voice of the Head Of Security coming from the opposite side of the room startles the young general manager. Her reaction brought out a chuckle from the South African.
Ryen Riekert:
I take that as a yes… You don’t have to worry, Elsa. We doubled the security and...
Elsa McCarthy:
Oh no, I’m not worried about that…
She interrupts him.
Elsa McCarthy:
I know your men have everything under control and I appreciate that you are personally watching over me. I was just going through this contract, even though for just one match this could be a great signing for the company.
Riekert stands up from the couch he was sitting in and walks toward Elsa, putting a hand on her shoulder to reassure her.
Ryen Riekert:
You signed Seth Iser, and not even his manager thought you could do it. You’re better at this job than you give yourself credit for.
A beaming smile lights up her face as she looks up to the man, nodding her head slightly.
Elsa McCarthy:
Thank you. It’s just… People would think that I’m doing this only because he asked… The Royal Decree...
The mere thought of how Freddie Hjalmar had his Royal Guards deliver a parchment to the General Manager one week ago rather than talk in person makes her roll her eyes.
Ryen Riekert:
No, you’re not doing this because he asked. You’re doing it because it’s good for your brand and for the company. If that wasn’t the case, you would have torn that piece of paper to pieces and tossed it in the trash, like you did in the past with whoever made demands. And the people out there know it.
Again his words comfort and reassure the young GM. A knock at the door interrupts their conversation.
Elsa McCarthy:
Come in!
She says regaining her composure and switching back to her professional tone. The door swings open and in walks a young woman with long brunette hair, the lower half of whose face is covered by a mask, although the Welsh flag pattern on the mask is a dead giveaway as to her identity.
Elsa McCarthy:
Thanks for coming here, Ms Moss.
Elsa says clearing any doubt on her identity. An uproar follows the mention of her name, the fans clearly letting their appreciation for Lowri Moss and the surprise to see her in MWE be heard. Behind the face mask, Lowri is smiling at the reception, her eyes leave no doubt.
Elsa McCarthy:
Please, take a seat. I’m aware you have a flight to Japan to take, and I appreciate you finding time to come and meet me.
Lowri nods her head, acknowledging the GM, before then removing her mask and responding verbally.
Lowri Moss:
No problem.
After folding the mask and putting it in one of the pockets of her jeans, she takes a seat opposite Elsa.
Lowri Moss:
So, I'm assuming that you want to talk to me about what happened during the Cloud Gate title match three… or four weeks ago now, however long ago it was-- and I'm also going to assume that you didn't invite me here just to tell me that you're barring me from attending any future shows.
Elsa nods her head.
Elsa McCarthy:
Yes, what happened in September is the reason why I asked you to come here. But the thought of banning you from the shows never crossed my mind. But you interfered in a match, one where the Cloud Gate Championship was on the line. And I’m aware of the history between you and the man your actions have, in a way, damaged.
Elsa glances once again at the papers stacked on her left, then looks back at Lowri.
Elsa McCarthy:
Freddie Hjalmar asked for retribution, and as much as I don’t like the way he approached me, I think his request is fair. And I believe you will find it interesting as well. He wants you, one on one at the Three Year Anniversary in ten days.
At this point, she hands Lowri the contract she has carefully prepared. Lowri, however, is clearly taken aback by this development.
Lowri Moss
What?! He wants a match with me at your anniversary show? But he knows full well that I'm not a part of the Millennium roster-- or the Riot roster either, for that matter.
Without even so much as a glance at the contract, she continues.
Lowri Moss
If Freddie wants “retribution”--
She lets out a sigh.
Lowri Moss
If he wants a match with me, we can always have one in Underground.
Elsa smiles at her guest.
Elsa McCarthy:
I can only assume that, by challenging you here, he doesn’t risk any implication for the title he holds in Underg… Global.
Judging by the way she corrected herself and how she pronounced the last word through gritted teeth, it is clear that she is not too enthusiastic on having to use that denomination.
Elsa McCarthy:
But, on the brighter side, we can grant you a more even playing field. For example, never once we authorized the presence of his Royal Guards at ringside and as you can see here…
She turns the page and surely points at one precise line.
Elsa McCarthy:
They definitely won’t be allowed for your match.
Lowri leans forward slightly, maintaining eye contact with Elsa as she does so.
Lowri Moss
Firstly, I'm not in the least bit interested in that title of his-- it's a relic from a promotion that closed its doors over two years ago.
She gazes down at the contract and reads the part of it that Elsa is pointing to. She then looks back up at the young GM.
Lowri Moss
But now that you mention it, a properly level playing field isn't something that I've ever had in any of my previous matches with Freddie. Whether it has been him hitting me with a bat, on multiple occasions, or someone else getting involved, there has always been some fuckery that has occurred, and it has always been to his benefit and my detriment.
Elsa listens carefully to her words, a slight smile appearing on her face as Lowri begins showing some interest in her proposal.
Elsa McCarthy:
I can assure you that no one is going to be involved in your match. Just the two of you, one fall to a finish. You get your fair shot at him, he gets his chance at retribution, the MWE fans will get a main event caliber match on our biggest show of the year. It seems like something that would make everyone happy, what do you think?
There is a momentary silence while Lowri mulls things over, before she gives her answer.
Lowri Moss
Alright, fine. If Freddie really wants me to kick his arse in a different ring, then sure, I'll do it.
Elsa can barely contain the excitement. After taking a moment to recompose, she clears her throat and addresses Lowri once again.
Elsa McCarthy:
I’m glad to hear that. Now, if you don’t have any particular request, all I need is your signatures here…
She turns the page after pointing at the dotted line at the end of the first one.
Elsa McCarthy:
And one here too, thank you.
Lowri signs both pages and hands the papers back to the general manager. Standing up from her chair, the Welsh thanks Elsa and takes her leave. The match is now official, Lowri Moss will face Freddie Hjalmar in ten days at the Anniversary event.
Singles Match
Kyle Butler VS Freddie HjalmarFreddie was already in the ring, Kyle had just taken a step out of the curtain when he was pushed down the ramp, rolling halfway through it before stopping and looking at the entrance. Atti Valentine came out charging at him with a kendo stick and broke it on Butler's skull. He did't stop there, continuing to attack the Glorious Golden Era member until security finally separated the two. As they dragged him away, he shouted if he was over this as well, clearly referring to what Kyle told the General Manager after their match last week. Inside the ring, Freddie asked the referee to start the match and count Kyle out. The official refused, but still awarded him the win since Butler was definitely in no condition to fight. WINNER: Freddie Hjalmar BY: Forfait, 0:00 |
Ambra Monroe: "I feel bad fo Kyle.. He said he wasn't seeking any retibution but this didn't save him from Atti's fury."
Peyton Holland: "Sometimes you just can't run from certain things. We'll see how Butler will react to this when he wakes up."
Ambra Monroe: "And Freddie got the night off. This must be the easiest win he got in his career."
Peyton Holland: "A win without breaking a sweat and the match he asked for the Anniversary show. He can be happy with how his night went."
Ambra Monroe: "Without a doubt."
Peyton Holland: "Sometimes you just can't run from certain things. We'll see how Butler will react to this when he wakes up."
Ambra Monroe: "And Freddie got the night off. This must be the easiest win he got in his career."
Peyton Holland: "A win without breaking a sweat and the match he asked for the Anniversary show. He can be happy with how his night went."
Ambra Monroe: "Without a doubt."
A light is turned on and the camera adjusted to the brightness. The audio being played is a compilation of early commentary by Millennium's team. The light then started to dim, and the audio began to dip in quality. The light then flickered, with the audio being described as scratchy, blended, and warped.
Darkness filled the screen as the light went out. Suddenly a blue-white light is beamed in. This lit up West Long's defined torso, right arm, and shorts. West stepped forward to catch some of his face, his defining features.
West Long:
After that rumble match, how things 'turned' out, it's showing me that Millennium Wrestling is a business that's not all celebration and skateboarding while drinking champagne when your boy wins.
When I inked my name on the dotted line, I pictured around about now I'd have an MWE Strap covering some of the abs.
As you can see, yeah, that's not happened. I didn't end up the Lockdown champ; I didn't end up winning the rumble.
The Warwolf spat off to the right, attempting to get that taste of defeat from his mouth. He sighed, his torso dropped, his posture curled, and both hands grabbed a hip.
West Long:
My last match; that win proved at least I'm not going backward. I'm not losing to talent I've already beat. What it made me realize is I've slowed down.
He dipped his head at this point. A small pause passed before West spoke up again.
West Long:
Interestingly, I had to make that walk back to the showers as my opponent tonight made his entrance. He made it damn far, and I'm not gonna trash quality. Jacky Rex Daniels, under the Millennium Magnifying Glass, is a reliable workhorse in the company.
Like me, he's never held MWE Gold just yet, but I bet you he's a famished rapscallion, hungry for the gold.
So that's the reason for this fight.
When that friend you watch MENTV with asks you what's the point of this match, you tell them it's because both of us have yet to held gold, keyword yeah.
Yet.
He had pulled his head up halfway through, and the camera zoomed in slowly. The blue-lit West would begin to be lit by the dimmed light. Slowly it grew brighter, matching West's volume and confidence.
West Long:
Because that's going to be changing one way or another.
I'll see you out there, Jacky Daniels.
Singles Match
Jacky Rex Daniels VS West LongThe beginning of the match was all West as he looked to back up his words from earlier tonight. Hitting Daniels with a series of haymakers, he eventually managed to double him over, clubbing him on the back and flattening him down. The Warwolf dropped the knee to Jacky’s lower back, picking him up to his feet and kicking him on the stomach. This time he lifted him and headed to the corner, ready to drop him with a buckle bomb. With a couple of heavy punches, Jacky managed to stop the big man and slip away, throwing a couple of right hands at the stunned opponent, trying for a belly to belly suplex into the turnbuckle. Lifting the towering 300 pounder wasn’t probably the best idea Rex could come up with, and West was the one connecting the suplex in the end, throwing Jacky all the way across the ring. The Rapscallion leaned against the corner, seeing the opponent charging at him he raised his leg, kicking him on the face. He followed with a hard knee to the guts, climbing up to the top rope and jumping with a diving double foot stomp to the back of the bent forward opponent. The height advantage and the bigger reach allowed West to keep Jacky at bay in this central part of the match. With his heavy blows he caused him to stagger back a step, a distance he immediately covered grabbing his arm and pulling him into a devastating lariat. Long tried to make the cover, but Jacky powered out in two. The fans seemed shocked to see the former world champion in such difficulty against the opponent who, even though you wouldn’t tell by how he was handling the matter in the ring, was still in his rookie year. In this phase, he looked in absolute control, connecting an STO backbreaker that gave him another near fall. But the closest he got to the win was with the Boom Drop pop up one handed spinebuster. After barely kicking out, Jacky took a little break outside, recovering and trying to come up with a new strategy against the hulking opponent, since whatever he prepared before this match wasn’t working. Eventually the experience factor came into play, and Daniels turned the tides in his favor. West had lost considerable ground in the past minutes, wasting all the advantage he worked so hard for. Jacky began hitting his granitic chest with backhand chops, knocking the wind off West. After six of them he stopped, grabbing his apparently hurting hand and kicked Long in the stomach, doubling him over. He then applied a cravate around his neck and connected multiple knee strikes to the face. He hit the Warwolf with kicks and punches, knee strikes and elbow blows, even a few headbutts but the big man just wasn’t staying down. With great effort, Daniels successfully hit the Ex-Oblivione, his ripcord saito suplex. The fans were still applauding his action when the Rapscallion snapped his fingers. The Arena fell into silence, everybody knew what that gesture meant. Rex was ready to put an end to this match, waiting for the opponent to stand up to connect his Master Stroke. If you wondered where the moniker The Iron Fist comes from, ask West Long, who fell flat on his back after the discus punch caught him flush on the jaw. WINNER: Jacky Rex Daniels BY: Pinfall (The Master Stroke), 16:44 |
Ambra Monroe: "Credit where it's due, Long gave Jacky a run for his money."
Peyton Holland: "Speaking of Jacky, what is he doing now?
Peyton Holland: "Speaking of Jacky, what is he doing now?
“Cthulhu” by Gunship plays out in its eerie tones as Jacky Rex Daniels sits up, clutching at his mid-section and coughing aggressively. After a long moment of writhing in pain, Daniels stumbles to his feet and leans against the ropes. For the first time in Millennium, he seems … human. Daniels signals for a microphone and clutches it like it’s his lifeline. He seems like he can barely lift it to speak.
Jacky Rex Daniels:
That man is made out of stone, I swear. Argh, my bloody ribs! My bloody everything, really … When I started in professional wrestling, I was nobody. I was an ok student from the worst wrestling school in Australia and I thought watching kung fu movies meant I could fight like the blokes on the screens. Fists thrown, lessons learned, and I find myself co-founding a small group called the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad. I’m up there with Anna Mathews and Lisa Seldon, ready to change the world, and you know what they had to say about me? ‘Who the fuck is that guy?!’
A spike in volume and intensity is followed by a shaking stare into the camera. There’s a true rage there inside that man.
Jacky Rex Daniels:
That kind of shadow does something to a man, you know? I told the story about opening the right door, letting the right thing in, becoming everything and nothing at the same time. Being infinite and all-knowing, and who knows what the hell happened to me, but the titles kept coming in. Tag-team championships and better, world championships, but … I can’t shake the feeling that I’m still that guy people don’t know. I’m one of the originals, and nobody can name me in the Hellcats if they were paid to do so. I found the top of the mountain as The Rapscallion … but can I do it as Jacky from Kurri Kurri? I came to Millennium to teach someone a lesson, but right now I want, no, I NEED to learn a lesson myself. I need a test … SO MELISSA REEVES! You are my test! I am standing here not as some great old one or teacher, but as Jacky Rex Daniels, and next week, I’m challenging you for the Cloud Gate Championship!
Wasting no more time, Daniels spikes the microphone into the mat and rolls out of the ring, charging up the ramp with the rage of a beast.
We then return to the backstage area and we come to see a little bit of a different sight. A back view of a particular wrestler wearing a black robe bedazzled well with the words ‘Wrestling’s Greatest Mind’ on the back in that more familiar color of silver. Even if the long black hair wasn’t the biggest giveaway, the briefcase in his left hand makes his identity obvious. He then struts in that new robe turning around and it is indeed Wrestling’s Greatest Mind Seth Iser. There isn’t a cast on his left hand with a smirk etched on his face feeling pretty good about things.
Seth Iser:
The more things change the more they stay the same…
He says that with an air of amusement as he still has that confident bordering on arrogant smirk glued onto his face as he puts the briefcase down. The robe is a new thing for him though judging by the occasional appearance of his tights, he’s going with a matching black and silver variation of his wrestling attire. He’s still perfectly calm.
Seth Iser:
I knew this match would be signed the moment I clobbered you between the eyes with the cast. That was the only opening you and the referee gave me at the time and considering what I have next to me...I don’t regret that decision in the slightest. It’s what we’re paid to do after all...and if I didn’t...we’d be on opposite spots perhaps. You holding this briefcase and me chasing you...wanting to prove myself. It certainly made you travel down to some interesting roads for you now doesn’t it Miss Cloud Gate Champion.
And the smirk starts to recede on his face as whatever arrogance he was projecting is gone.
Seth Iser:
It might not be the championship you want but you went and got yourself more championship gold. I’m familiar with the gold you possess. Megan is also familiar with it considering she held it but it took a life of its own during Tiffany’s title reign and went to a whole different place when I came in and challenged for said championship. Didn’t get the result I wanted that night but...part of that allure that brought me in had it deemed worthy for someone like you to be involved even if again...it isn’t the title you initially wanted. Good to see that the title is still in strong hands you know…
He nods his head acknowledging that though there was a brief look of bitterness recounting his own defeat involving said championship well over a year ago. It was impossible to hide in that brief moment but it’s back to his neutral face.
Seth Iser:
Your title and even my briefcase really aren’t what tonight is about. Maybe a piece of it...we both want to represent our prizes and you’re not thrilled I was the reason you don’t have the briefcase...to bottomline it all, it’s pride. One of the seven deadly sins as my father always preached about when I was a troublemaking youth…
He lets out a sigh mentioning his father in that light briefly but he continues on as if nothing happened in that brief second.
Seth Iser:
But there’s a difference between it being a sin and it being legitimate and a lot of people just cherrypick what they want from said ‘book of God’ anyhow. Doesn’t change the fact that both of us have this trait in common...you might not like how I did it but I wounded your wrestler’s pride beating you. And you want to do the same thing to me just to get even. Eye or an eye. That’s all fair game in the world of wrestling...but we both know this match will have nothing in common with the last one we had.
And when he says that last sentence he twirls his left hand, void of the cast that was laboring him for a few months. His hand seems to have finally been healed enough obviously and it’s just the usual brand of tape that is far more traditional and accustomed to what he has.
Seth Iser:
I can’t exactly dot you between the eyes with a cast now can I? But what other tricks am I willing to use to stay ahead in our little game of ours? That’s for you to figure out. Round two between the woman who defined the briefcase and put her own spin on the World Title and the greatest rule breaker in the sport. There isn’t a rule I haven’t exploited in there...and I know that temptation for you might be there to try to cross the line to get by me…I say do it. Let it all go.
He lets out a light chuckle.
Seth Iser:
Fight without any restrictions or remorse. I’d do the same to you, after all. If you don’t...how we get to the destination will change...but you’ll have to deal with me getting my hand raised yet again and another threat to your championship emerging without me having to use that briefcase. I wouldn’t use the briefcase to cash in on your championship but...if you do leave that door open...the glory of gold isn’t something I’d say no to earning it the old fashioned way. I consider myself a collector of prestigious accolades at my old age. It’s part of what’s made me a whirlwind in my thirties when the mental aspect fully clicked for me. But as for that hypothetical...
And then he just has that glare etched on his face as he twirls his briefcase in hand.
Seth Iser:
We’ll cross that bridge when we get there but...you don’t fight without restrictions against me you’ll lose. And we both know it. That sinks in through even your wrestler’s pride. We both need this kind of fight anyhow...you to settle a score and me to stake another reminder of where I’m at in this company. And it’ll be so good even these idiots in Chicago will recoognize it in full.
He then shrugs briefly.
Seth Iser:
The last part might be more of a hopeful but even an old man can dream, right?
With that he just concluded his speech and walks off and the fans who heard that begin booing and hissing toward the briefcase holder as it seems like he’s coming down toward the ring to begin our main event.
Singles Match
Seth Iser VS Melissa ReevesAmbra Monroe: “What an… interesting night so far.. And we still have what promises to be an explosive main event to witness.” Peyton Holland: “There’s certainly no love lost between Iser and the Cloud Gate Champion, who didn’t quite get over the way he beat her in the first round of the Battle For The Briefcase tournament.” Ambra Monroe: “A tournament he won in the end, although he had to share the moment of glory with Neal Durden. Seth has the briefcase here tonight, lhe could use it to make this a title match and walk out with the gold.” Peyton Holland: “He surely could. But I believe his eyes are set on the World Championship. He’s known to be one to play the long game, I don’t think he’ll make a rush decision like this.” Ambra Monroe: “We’ll see what happ… Uhhh, that gotta hurt!” The bell literally just rang and Mel smacked the taste out of Seth’s mouth with a stiff right hand that caught Iser off guard. More strikes followed that first one, less hard but so quick that it forced the veteran back a few steps. She grabbed him by his wrist and went for an irish whip, but Seth reversed the maneuver and it was Mel who bounced against the ropes, ducking the clothesline and continuing her run to the opposite side, coming back with a forearm to the jaw. Seth staggered back, but when Melissa swung her arm again, he blocked it and twisted it behind her back in a hammerlock. The two competitors kept trading holds and reversals in a fine grappling sequence that, ultimately, saw Iser applying a side headlock and taking the opponent down to the mat. Peyton Holland: “Well, so far they’re living up the hype, don’t you agree?” Ambra Monroe: “We’re off to a good start, that exchange was incredible, and they’re not done yet.” Even on the ground the two kept jockeying for position, trying to get themselves in a position of advantage on the opponent. In the end, Melissa managed to lock an armbar in, targeting the same arm Seth injured a few months ago and had to protect with the cast he hit her with in their first match. Iser tried to reach for the ropes, only to surprise the opponent and rolling her up on her back. The referee started to count, but as soon as he hit two, Seth lifted the Cloud Gate Champion and slammed her into the mat with a one arm powerbomb. Melissa rolled under the bottom rope, laying on the apron to take herself away from Seth’s potential attempt to pin her. He went to grab her and pick her up, Mel just dropped off the apron causing his arm to bounce on the top rope. She then slid back in and caught him with an arm ddt, immediately locking him into another armbar. Ambra Monroe: “It looks like Mel has a clear strategy in mind tonight.” She kept targeting that arm, not only because she was hoping to capitalize on the previous injury but also to wear it down and possibly take out those dangerous strikes she knew he was capable of. And that became even more of an urgency as soon as Iser caught her with one of those deadly right hands and sent her stumble back in the corner. More forearms followed there before he fired her in the opposite corner and squashed her with a big splash. Mel fell down on the mat, Seth dragged her to the centre of the ring and dropped his elbow to her spine. He began targeting her back, using a rear chinlock with his knee, obviously, pressed on her back and a camel clutch. Reeves clawed at the canvas and eventually reached the nearby ropes. Seth eventually let her and even gave her time to get up to her feet, helping herself with the ropes, only to grab her by the waist for a german suplex. Reeves tried to hang onto them to block the attempt, but Iser was just too strong and dropped her hard on her back once again. Peyton Holland: “This is what Mel should’ve avoided. Letting Seth get the initiative, allowing him to take control.” Ambra Monroe: “A master technician and a powerhouse, that’s a dangerous combination to face, more so if they are the ones dictating the pace.” And it truly was, Mel going through some very hard times, using some of the big moves in his arsenal to steer the course of the match in his direction. Including the Pillar Of Truth, the slam that earned him a two and half. He kept attacking her back, now with a series of three knee drops before setting her up for a powerbomb. Mel was able to counter it with a headscissor that sent him hanging on the middle rope. She charged and kneed him in the back of the head, moving on the apron and kicking him right to the side of the head. The big man was now stunned, stumbling toward the center of the ring. Mel nailed him with a springboard tornado ddt but only got a two count. Peyton Holland: “A close call for Iser here.” The first one of many that followed, now that the Reaver had the momentum in her favor. The pace picked up, Melissa kept hitting him with those swift and always on target kicks, moving quickly around him to stay away from his reach. And when she wore him down enough, she pulled out the big guns, showing some of the ddt variations she mastered throughout her years and picked up just as many near falls. Notable ones were the spike ddt and the floatover version. She even tried to put him down with some high flying maneuvers like a beautiful 450 splash but nothing seemed to be enough to keep him down. And slowly but steadily, Seth was now starting to gain ground, using his head and not in a metaphorical way. Heabutt after headbutt he fought his way out of the corner where Mel had stuck him in, adding some uppercuts to his offense before sending the champ against the ropes and leveling her with a big boot. Peyton Holland: “We’re almost twenty minutes into this match and none of them is giving up an inch.” Ambra Monroe: “No title on the line tonight, but something probably much more important for them. Pride is at stake, Mel wants to prove she can beat him and Seth that his win last time wasn’t a fluke.” Peyton Holland: “Or that he only beat her because he used the cast as a weapon.” It was once again Seth time to shine. Pendulum backbreaker, spinebusters and various submissions, all leading up to the pop-up powerbomb that changed the match. Peyton Holland: “She got him with the Facial Deconstructor! This is it!” Ambra Monroe: “She’s being too slow to make the cover, literally dragging herself on top of him.” Peyton Holland: “One… Two… Thre…. NO! He kicked out!” Seth raised his shoulders in time and the match went on. Both battered and bruised the two competitors traded slow and heavy strikes in the middle of the ring, in what became a battle of will. None of them wanted to give up but their bodies were being pushed to the limit. The impression was that the slightest mistake, the smallest distraction that allowed the opponent to hit one big move could be fatal. Melissa made a mistake, miscalculating the Death From Above and landing flat on the canvas. Seth capitalized on it to pick her up and hit the Deprivation DDT. In a rare mistake from the ringmaster, he made the cover too close to the ropes, and Mel was able to reach the bottom one with her foot. Ambra Monroe: “Great ring awareness from the champion here.” Seth was clearly frustrated, probably more at himself than anything. Nonetheless, he picked himself together and prepared for the next part of offense. Three jabs and a discus clothesline gave him another near fall, after which he sent Mel in the corner and started kicking her chest. He lifted her on the top rope, climbing up for a superplex. Reeves desperately fought back with headbutts and punches to the ribs, eventually managing to knock him down. Dizzy, Seth stumbled around, eventually turning in Mel’s direction. And at that point she jumped, catching him with a diving Facial Deconstructor, sealing the win at the end of an hard fought battle. WINNER: Melissa Reeves BY: Pinfall (Facial Deconstructor), 22:37 |
Ambra Monroe:
She did it, Melissa Reeves just beat Seth Iser at the end of a grueling battle.
Peyton Holland:
Another classic between two veterans, and this time The Reaver is the one standing victorious.
Ambra Monroe:
And what about Jacky's challenge? Is she going to accept it?
The Cloud Gate champion rolled out of the ring, giving one last look at her opponents before placing the title on her shoulder and heading backstage. The fans were chanting her name as she stopped on the ramp, raising her title high above her head and soaking in their adulation, well deserved after the titanic challenge she just overcame. She then motioned at one of the cameras to come forward and get a close look on the Cloud Gate Championship.
Melissa Reeves:
I know you are watching, Jacky. I hope you paid attention, because that's what you're getting at the Three Year Anniversary. See you in ten days.
She did it, Melissa Reeves just beat Seth Iser at the end of a grueling battle.
Peyton Holland:
Another classic between two veterans, and this time The Reaver is the one standing victorious.
Ambra Monroe:
And what about Jacky's challenge? Is she going to accept it?
The Cloud Gate champion rolled out of the ring, giving one last look at her opponents before placing the title on her shoulder and heading backstage. The fans were chanting her name as she stopped on the ramp, raising her title high above her head and soaking in their adulation, well deserved after the titanic challenge she just overcame. She then motioned at one of the cameras to come forward and get a close look on the Cloud Gate Championship.
Melissa Reeves:
I know you are watching, Jacky. I hope you paid attention, because that's what you're getting at the Three Year Anniversary. See you in ten days.