Post by gvb on Dec 4, 2020 17:42:51 GMT -6
Millennium LXXII
Live from Enterprise Arena in Chicago, IL
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020
Backstage in the training room, Bree's currently rage bench pressing a few discs on the bar, while Teagan is doing some pacing back and forth while mumbling underneath her breath, no doubt still feeling annoyed by what happened during her match at the last show. Bree's wearing a newer BreeTee design with one long leg and one short leg, covered by a protective knee pad, kickpad and boots. A checkered style pattern on both sides of her hips as the design gives an illusion to some tear, as Bree often got called Hulk, she attributed that in her ring gear like many wrestlers do with hidden meanings. Her top was a white tank top, die hard vibes as it was nearing Christmas and she even had an Oreo taped to the back of it in the design.
Bree Smith:
This time they won't get one over us, Teegs. We've seen they're not going to leave it all out in the ring.
Teagan stops her pacing long enough to turn towards her tag team partner, in a showing of their unagi she’s also wearing the same kind of pants, but her white tanktop also features the black silhouette of a cat’s ears and whiskers. Her blonde hair has been tied back in a messy bun with some brand new cat ears resting on the top of her head.
Teagan Gallagher:
You need to avenge what happened to me Bree, that bag of quarters to my face cannot be a hit I’ve taken in vain! Karen needs to pay!
Bree then puts her barbell on the rack and sits up. She catches the towel thrown to her to wipe up, and the equipment before taking a few discs off in case Teagan wanted to take a turn.
Bree Smith:
I can't really see any signs of where they got you last week. Could be there but you're covering it up with something.
Teagan pulls out a compact as she takes a moment to look at herself through the mirror having no doubt applied a generous amount of concealer to cover any bruises on her face.
Teagan Gallagher:
And thank goodness that I did or else Jase was going to make a personal visit during this show.
We can hear what sounds like a staff member introducing the training room to someone, as they walk in we find that it is Clyde Eldon Jr. As the tension rises in the room rather quickly as Bree and Teagan both jump to attention seemingly ready for any sort of sneak attack that may come. Clyde at first snarls at Teagan, then turning to Bree he suddenly seems a bit more flustered. The staff members tries to apologize realizing he just walked these rivals into each other but Clyde musters up the first words.
Clyde Eldon Jr:
Um hi Bree…
Struggling with eye contact with her he instead turns his attention to snarling at Teagan to try to hide his bashfulness.
Bree Smith:
Um, hello….
She keeps her back straight but folds her arms.
Bree Smith:
Awful brave of you to step into a room with Teegs after what you did to her last Wednesday…
Teagan immediately snarls back at Clyde wise to the way he’s been staring at her tag team partner as she takes a protective step in front of Bree.
Teagan Gallagher:
You keep your eyes off my tag team partner! I’m watching you!
Clyde throws his hands up in a defensive manner almost immediately.
Clyde Eldon Jr:
Listen...all that happened was that...I…
Struggling to find his words a bit while trying to explain, until the door opens once again to find Karen Eldon walking into the room. At first too busy on her phone. As she looks up her expression turns to anger rather quickly.
Karen Eldon:
Figured these two would be back here trying to two on one sneak attack you. Are you ok Clyde?
Before he can even answer she continues.
Karen Eldon:
Now stay away from my son. It’s me you have to worry about tonight you ugly pathetic little loser.
Getting up in her face the unfortunate staff member that made the mistake of bringing these two teams together doing his best to keep them apart.
Bree Smith:
"Loser"? Let me tell you something. You're going to see why I'm the powerhouse of this tag team dream team. But sure, tick me off and make it worse for yourself.
As Bree has to have both arms hooked by two security guards coming in to keep the two teams apart much to the protest of Teagan who demands they free Bree at once.
Bree Smith:
You're lucky security is here. Lucky.
Pushing away as she backs towards the exit of the room Karen smirks.
Karen Eldon:
Oh sweetie we’ll see later won’t we? Oh and Teagan, your face is healing well from those quarters.
Karen winks as security manages to hold Teagan back from getting after her as Karen goes. Clyde is left staring at Bree until he snaps out of it, backing towards the exit to leave as Bree turns to Teagan to calm her down, tensions escalating between these two teams.
Singles Match
Kiernan Santos w/ Zoe Rian VS Clyde Eldon JrBoth competitors were looking to keep the good momentum going after their wins last week. Kiernan in tag competition as her and Zoe defeated the team of Kory Kramp and Drew Dream. Clyde instead was successful in singles action against Teagna Gallagher, although his mother played a big part in it. Santos tried to use her technical background against the opponent, but CEJ blocked the waistlock takedown and powered out of it, breaking the hold around his waist and firing Kiernan against the ropes. As she bounced back, he threw her in the air with a back body drop. Santos landed hard on the canvas, immediately arching her back in pain. Clyde took a run toward her and squashed her with a senton, but Kiernan kicked out in time. Eldon picked the opponent up and went for a kick to the stomach, blocked by Santos who took him to the mat with a dragon screw leg whip, going for a single leg boston crab right after. CEJ quickly reached the ropes. After the first evenly matched part Clyde kicked into high gear and began to use his speed to his advantage, forcing Kiernan on the back foot. With a quick flurry of punches he backed Kiernan in the corner and proceeded to hit her with five shoulder tackles. He then took her to the mat with a snapmare and connected a missile dropkick from the second rope to the back of her head. A little ground and pound followed in his relentless attack, ended with a shining wizard that flattened the member of Strip Search. Once again CEJ climbed to the middle turnbuckle and jumped off for the diving headbutt, obtaining another near fall. Zoe on the outside was both cheering on her partner and insulting the “fat kid” as she liked to call Clyde, CEJ wasn’t letting her presence distract him, but he remained focused on Kiernan instead. The policewoman was starting to build momentum using some swift striking combination to keep him at bay. Santos with a bridging german suplex almost got the win, but Clyde kicked out in time. The match went on, the member of Strip Search missed the roundhouse kick and got pulled down with a backstabber by Eldon. Clyde was ready for the For You Dad spear. Before he sprinted, ZoZo blurted out a “Your mom’s a…” (you can figure out the rest). The distraction worked this time, Clyde turned around for a moment. Enough for Kiernan to hit him with the 11-41 and secure the win. WINNER: Kiernan Santos BY: Pinfall (11-41), 8:56 |
The scene cuts backstage to Atti Valentine. He’s in a dark room, sitting down on a chair with a light shining down on him as he looks at the floor.
Atti Valentine:
Leclair…
Atti pauses for a moment before looking up at the camera.
Atti Valentine:
I’ve grown tired of this back and forth between you and I. You know what? It’s time to end it. It’s time to end you.
He stands up from the chair and moves closer to the camera, his icy eyes glaring into it.
Atti Valentine:
So I’m going to keep this short and simple. I’m challenging you to a match. Doesn’t matter what kind of match. I just want you in that ring so that I can use you to teach a lesson to the rest of this roster. That lesson is? Don’t ever fucking cross me.
He points to himself.
Atti Valentine:
Because there will always be hell to pay and blood to spill. I guess you can say that when I get my hands on you? It’ll be a bloody Valentine.
The scene goes black and cuts away.
Singles Match
Karen Eldon VS Bree Smith w/ Teegan GallagherIn the second match of the night, Karen Eldon took on Bree, accompanied to the ring by her tag partner Teegan who surely didn’t forget what happened one week ago during her match against Clyde. From the get going Karen complained to the referee and tried to get him to send away Gallagher, who she deemed as an unnecessary distraction even though the former tag team champion was minding her own business. And perhaps Eldon should have been more worried about Bree, who quickly took her down with a clothesline. Smith wasn’t leaving anything to chance, giving Eldon no room to breathe. Karen was stuck in the corner until Bree launched her in the opposite one, charging in for another clothesline. She was met by a boot to the face from Karen that left her momentarily stunned. The 37 years old charged at her but Bree tossed her in the air and caught her with a pop up powerbomb. Karen landed on her feet from Bree’s attempted german suplex and pushed against her back, shoving Smith chest first into the corner. As the member of the BreeTee Committee stumbled back, Eldon rolled her up getting a count of two. Karen popped up to her feet and hit Bree with a dropkick as the blonde girl was getting up. Karen tried to wear her out with a rear chinlock but Smith powered out of it, lifting the matriarch of the Eldon family over her shoulders in a fireman’s carry position, dropping her down with a neckbreaker. She hooked the leg for the cover but all she got out of it was a two count. Bree kept punishing Karen with the backbreaker reps, each one of them cheered by Teagan at ringside. After six of those, Bree just launched the opponent across the ring with a fallaway slam. Eldon almost got the win with the swinging neckbreaker, but Bree kicked out even despite Karen using the ropes for leverage. There were no rules Eldon wasn’t willing to bend to walk out with the win tonight. She choked Bree in the corner, pressing her boot against her throat and ignored rope breaks anytime she attempted a submission. Despite all that, Bree was still in this match, grabbing Karen’s head and smashing it against the protective padding covering the top turnbuckle ten times, as excitedly highlighted by the fans and Teagan as well. Smith attempted a german suplex but Eldon desperately hung on the padding, ripping it from the corner when the powerhouse finally managed to lift her. Karen popped up to her feet before the referee could put it back into place and pushed Bree head first against it. The collision against the exposed turnbuckle opened a wound right over her eyebrow and while the referee was checking on Smith, Karen left the ring and reached for her purse. Teagan reached her and tried to stop her, snatching the purse while Karen was fishing for something inside it. Needless to say, its content flew everywhere, scattered all over the floor outside. The referee turned around and saw Teagan holding the purse and Karen laying on the floor, her hands covering her face. He instantly called for the disqualification, no matter how hard Teegs was pleading her innocence. WINNER: Karen Eldon BY: Disqualification, 10:14 |
We see a beautiful feminine figure with her back turned towards the camera. She is wearing black leather pants, black boots, and a black leather jacket. Her long blonde hair with pink highlights indicates that this must be “The Archangel” Jessica Lasiewicz. The setting is typical for a Lasiewicz promo; a dark, ominous lighting in a boiler room.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
I am The Archangel. That is who I am, that is my duty, that is my responsibility. But what is an Archangel? Abrahamic religions speak of many archangels, but I will speak of three that Christianity specifically focuses on. First there is Raphael, the archangel of divine healing. He is often called upon to heal physical ailments or illnesses. My friends, my family, those whom I trust, if they have earned my respect then they need only call on me and I shall assist them. Just as Singh and Rhett, who have earned the respect of Fabulous, had our assistance when they needed it.
Then there is the Archangel Gabriel. He is the divine messenger who delivers messages from the throne of God to humanity. Myself and Summer Collins have time and again delivered message after message to the tag team division here in MWE. We have taken your best and we have beaten them. We deserve the tag team title opportunity, not a group of simpleton thugs like The Bad Boys...emphasis on boys...and we will have our opportunity come hell or high water.
And finally there is the archangel I identify with the most, The Archangel Michael. He is the defender and protector, the leader of the angelic army of God. He fights for justice on the spiritual realm while I fight for justice inside the squared circle.
Lasiewicz turns around and we can see the look of rage etched across her face. The Archangel shakes her head.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
No more. Justice is no longer what Summer and I fight for. Now we fight for revenge. And you are no longer dealing with someone who models herself after the qualities of The Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. I am taking my cues now from a once and former archangel who lusts for blood, destruction, and the desire to rain hell upon this earth.
She chuckles lightly.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Did you know Lucifer used to be an archangel? Marcus...you and your ilk are nothing but thugs. Common street thugs with no sense of humanity whatsoever. So why should I treat you as humanity if you do not respect it yourselves? I shall treat you as the thugs that you are and whenever I see fit, whenever I decide the time is appropriate, myself and Summer will come calling, The Morning Star will come calling, and you will experience a pain unlike any other. This is no longer business, this isn’t even personal, this just me wanting to end your pathetic existence in this company, this is me wanting to put you out of your misery and do all of the fans a favor by wiping you off the face of the professional wrestling universe.
She points a finger at the camera.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
You have written your own end, Naughty Children, and it will come at the hand of Fabulous. Dobranoc…
Singles Match
Dustin Douglas VS Kory KrampAn uneven matchup, at least on papers. A 5’2’’, 144 pounds kid against a 6’3’’ 290 pounds monster. And reality, unfortunately for Kory, reflected perfectly what the tale of the tape suggested. It was a massacre, plain and simple from the get going. Douglas still had a huge chip on his shoulder from Duke’s attack last week, and he took it out on the Good Wrestling Boy, hammering at him with heavy blows in the corner. The referee stepped in to break it up, giving Kramp a small room to breathe before Dusty would launch him almost all the way across the ring with a Biel toss. Kory slowly picked himself up, bright red bruises on his chest courtesy of Dustin’s stiff chops, his hair a mess of curls in front of his eyes. And yet, he noticed the big man charging at full speed and anticipated him with a low dropkick to the knee, taking out his leg and sending him flat on his stomach on the canvas, Kory jumped with a double foot stomp onto the spine before rolling Douglas on his back and attempting a pinfall after a springboard moonsault. One second later he was flying a few feet away as the Murder Train kicked out with authority. Kory had some good momentum halfway through the match, connecting some good moves like the split-legged moonsault after a step-up enziguri, but it was literally a short break in Douglas’ domination. Soon the Murder Train restored the natural order of things, catching Kramp with a huge samoan drop. The Human Fly was quickly back to a vertical position but he was met by a flurry of palm strikes that left him stunned in the middle of the ring, defenseless against the Hyper Beam (spinning back fist). Dustin connected with a running senton, not even trying to pin Kramp but rolling him on his chest instead and hitting the Big Bang Attack (deadlift german suplex). With Kramp flat on his back and barely moving you would think the Big Nasty would just hooking the leg and make the cover. Instead, he applied the anaconda vise called King Kai Clutch for an almost instant tap out. WINNER: Dustin Douglas BY: Submission (King Kai Clutch), 8:34 |
We then go to the quiet part of the arena, up top to the rafters where it seems like we have someone ready to talk. That someone being the veteran of the sport in Seth Iser. The man is dressed in his wrestling attire, the long black and white tights, a different combination than the norm for him as well as that black trench coat and the gleam of that knee brace done in white. He has a frown etched on his face as he’s just sitting on a steel chair contemplating his thoughts.
Seth Iser:
Neal...what am I gonna do with you…
He muses that out loud almost as if he sounds disappointed when he says that. The stern veteran lets out a sigh as he mutters that coldly and his face is contorted with that look of disgust.
Seth Iser:
It’s almost like looking in a mirror at a portion of your old self. You have a kid with a lot of natural talent...and whether he wants to believe it or not, he does. The way he blends an element of aerial artistry in the ring can be quite awe inspiring and then there’s that darker side that we all have that he can bring out. But a certain thing is just...ringing in my brain…just nagging the hell out of me...and again...just looking at my older self.
A shake of the head from the veteran as he lets out a sigh and lowers his head for a brief moment.
Seth Iser:
You say you’re done in the first of the year...and you’re so...flippant about it. Flippant about the sport it feels like. Just that nonchalant attitude...could say you have a death wish...like you’d actually want Lowri and your fans grieving you after some act of bravery in the ring but I know the type a little better than that, brother. And to tell the truth to you in front of the entire world...that kind of attitude when I see it in young guys in the long run...it’s one of the biggest pet peeves I have about kids in the industry.
He closes his eyes for a moment as if he’s still suppressing something.
Seth Iser:
Kids today...either they are entitled brats who you want to roll out the red carpet for just showing up in the industry...or they have this daredevil attitude of not caring what the future ramifications are of doing something. Sometimes both. Neal falls more of that daredevil attitude...wanting to chase that thrill sometimes. And as much as I know I infuriated you with what I did early in the year on my path to the FGA Title going through you...I think deep down...this would be one hell of a note for you to go out on if this were it for you! That’s part of why you wanted to take my money away. Make me...mend that wound. It’s a blaze of glory that could be talked about for eternity considering what they’ve written about my rivalries with Owen and Slater just to name a couple...but...but…
And this is where Seth’s face darkens and you really see the anger start to come out.
Seth Iser:
You aren’t learning from my mistakes!
There’s more of a yell to that line as Seth balls his left fist tightly.
Seth Iser:
Look at the early portion of my career Neal! I wrestled in glass, barbed wire...nails. You name the sadistic object of destruction I probably was involved in it! And there wasn’t a fight or a risk I wasn’t willing to take...my bank account needed it and damn it I didn’t think I’d be wrestling tomorrow. Who knew if there was? But...if you learn from the past mistakes...there IS a tomorrow. A long term plan...a longer career. A chance to...make money for a decade or more if you really play it right...and though I didn’t learn that until a little later...I learned that despite my youthful mistakes but Neal...you obviously are ignoring that lesson…
Seth taps his forehead with his left hand lightly even if it’s still balled up in that fist as he takes another breath.
Seth Iser:
Why didn’t you at least learn that from ME damn it!? You have raw talent that someone like me could only DREAM of having with how you can defy gravity and your own fear and you want to piss it all away!? Piss away the chance to become the star you COULD be if you fully applied yourself and got rid of that attitude? There’s nothing that frustrates a teacher...a coach...anyone more than wasted talent. And I’m afraid for all the tag success...for the briefcase you hold...for the hell we’re about to go through potentially...you might waste that talent and the industry would be robbed of a genuine superstar. And it’d be a god damned shame…because I really don’t want to be that guy to you.
He sighs yet again as he reaches behind him with his right hand and grabs the briefcase that he has. One of two briefcases running around.
Seth Iser:
Really, I don’t...but with how you set my cast on fire...and the depths we started to go to with Last Man Standing...I’m afraid we’re genuinely running out of options. It’ll be hell for all of us...but I’ll teach you that sometimes you have to do what’s right for yourself even if it’s deemed selfish just to preserve a long term career. To make sure you can become the star you can be. It isn’t worth giving the fans that one moment they talk about until the next death defying moment if you can’t make a living the way you could with your health five years from now.
And then there’s that calmness coming in from Seth as he states all that.
Seth Iser:
But...I’ll have to beat that lesson into you one way or another. It’ll be hell for both of us though...because I know your kind. I was your kind...until my priorities changed. But you’re not the only one...who hasn’t learned from my mistakes.
He finally relaxes his face slightly as he leans back.
Seth Iser:
Talking about you, Duke. Don’t worry, I’ve heard a lot of what you said through social media...but that doesn't mean a damn thing in our sport. Not compared to what you can say in front of a camera with the entire viewing world seeing what you’re saying after all…
There’s a hint of that calmer demeanor starting to come back in as he’s starting that.
Seth Iser:
We don’t hang out but I know you well enough...heard a lot about you from second hand knowledge...seen some of your actions. But when you look back at my career...and one of the lessons that could be learned. Early in my career a group was defined to me...down in Vegas. Met Moretti there...was quite a Family if you will. But overtime...people knew I was my own person. I have my own legacy. But you’re old enough now where people start asking those questions about you as well. What is your legacy, Duke?
There is a pause from Iser as he just lets that question hang in there for a moment before he continues.
Seth Iser:
When you turned on Christian the way you did...I understood it. I probably understood that moment better than anyone else in the locker room. You say it was part of people changing...and that’s the truth. Just not in the way you think it was. You wanted to be looked at as your own man and not associated with him...not to be compared with him or Javen or anyone else. I did that once myself...ended up winning a world title...but Duke…you fell into that trap one more time…you let history repeat itself. And...you did it to yourself. That’s the hell of it.
He shakes his head in genuine disappointment.
Seth Iser:
They should think of the titles you’ve won in the past. Hell...think of you as the only two time Lockdown Champion which is an accomplishment. Yet...that’s not the first thing they view you as. They view you as a groupie. Whether you were with Christian and Javen...or APE today. They view you as part of a group. And that’s the kind of stigma that can be so hard to break...and given your talents? You should be in Constantine’s spot...and that’s a shame in it’s own right. But...if you want to know the difference between us? You’ll learn it when the bell rings. It’s such a small thing...the difference between not maximizing your talent...and being me.
And then he stands up, all six foot five of him with that briefcase in hand as he takes a step toward the camera.
Seth Iser:
Maybe you can teach Dreadnought after you give him the licks he deserves for what he did to Nina...but that’s not what tonight is about. As long as you’re in a group and that’s your main legacy...you’re a pretender to being the top villain you crave to be...especially in comparison to the greatest rule breaker in professional wrestling today. And I’ll show you that difference.
And with that last statement Seth then grips the briefcase a little tighter before walking off from the view of the camera ready to go.
Singles Match
Neal Durden VS Lucie CallawayNeal comes down to the ring with a slight weight on his shoulders. The Anarchist pauses at the ring steps and steps up each one a little slower than he usually does. Once Durden is in the ring, Lucie is out next. Callaway picks up a ton of speed and easily slides into the ring. Durden is waiting in the corner with a tight grip of either rope as Lucie leaps onto the second rope in the opposite corner like a pro. Luce poses a little ahead of the contest and expertly backflips off the top rope, onto her feet, and turns to face Lucie for this upcoming contest. Lucie and Neal go big right at the get go, exchanging offense very quickly. Arm drags, hurricanrana 1-count pinfalls, dropkicks, before Lucie slows the pace down with an octopus stretch hold instead of a headscissors takedown. Neal looks to fade completely, but it's too early days for Neal to fade. Neal manages to escape the hold and Callaway winds up snapmared. A dropkick to the back of Neal's head gives Callaway an early two count, but gives Lucie the advantage. she whips Neal into the corner, then lands a running forearm before shooting Neal out the corner. Lucie scales the corner quickly, but not quick enough because Neal superkicks her foot. Luce loses her balance in a bad way and smacks the apron back first before falling to the floor. she's in pain and has no idea where she's at; then Neal comes flying out the ring with a picture perfect triangle plancha. Lucie quickly gets sent back into the ring and Lucie easily lands his Tiger Suplex on Callaway. It gets a two count so Neal is forced to resort to a suplex; then connect with his Simple Twist of Fate. Still it's not enough to put away Callaway. Lucie gets put back in the corner, yet catches the speedy corner dropkick by Neal and catapults Neal into the corner. What should have been head trauma winds up being a moonsault out the corner onto Lucie, who just manages to kick out. At this point in the match, Neal strings together a headscissors takedown, a rope slingshot suplex, and a running corkscrew neckbreaker; yet Callaway kicks out. Lucie jawbreakers to turn the tables on Neal, thinks frankensteiner but its Neal countering into a facebuster that sets up his Tiger Suplex on Callaway. Lucie still stirs, so Neal's missile dropkick completely disorientates Lucie here; allowing Neal to perform his Simple Twist of Fate with no reversal. Neal almost wins the match there had Lucie not got the rope break. Like a good sport, Neal backs away but thought he should have had the win there. he measures Callaway and goes for a straight kick, Lucie catches it, spins Neal around, ducks the spinning kick Neal attempts and pele kicks Neal right on the temple. Neal is disorientated and Lucie easily strikes back with his Nine Crimes. Neal now gets the rope break and Lucie drags Neal to the middle of the ring. Neal attempts to hoist Neal up for some move, only Neal lands behind. Neal shoves Lucie into the ropes and catches Lucie with a dropsault! Lucie is easy-pickings now for Neal's Starlight, only she counters! Neal didn't expect it and is taken aback by it. Reverse Frankensteiner. Neal wobbles on his feet, as an exhausted Lucie quickly lands her Simple Twist of Fate and prays for an end with a one-armed cover. There's one, there's two, but Durden hangs on to keep fighting. Neal and Lucie are on the top rope, with Lucie looking to perform a superplex. Neal fights out of it and lands a sunset flip powerbomb with a bridging pinfall. The official is right there for the pin with one, two, but Lucie beats the third slap of the mat. Luce avoids a running spinning wheel kick and handsprings off the ropes for a leaping cutter! Durden reverses with a lungblower to the top of the back. It appears Callaway is struggling to get the air back into her lungs, meanwhile Neal completes a second rope moonsault splash. Neal plants Lucie with a satellite DDT, and senses he can win this match now. Durden forces himself through the exhaustion of the match to connect with the final move of the match; his Starlight! he hooks the outside leg of Luce, and the official slaps the mat three times to count the decisive pinfall on this match. Durden rolls onto his back with the match won. WINNER: Neal Durden BY: Pinfall (Starlight), 14:36 |
And cue the scene in gorilla with Duke and Envy standing there. Duke sporting a sleeveless black t-shirt, the APE logo on the front, the military helmet and half chewed cigar in black and white. His half of the MWE Tag Team championship draped over his right shoulder.
Duke Andrews:
Tonight is the night where I get something I’ve been wanting for about three years now. Ever since I met the guy, I knew he was a world class, bonafied…”
Alan Envy:
Prick
Duke holds up his right index finger as if he was signaling the cymbal being hit.
Duke Andrews:
Bingo. But his pal Moronetti hasn’t allowed it. Hasn’t given me that so i just tucked it away in my back pocket and continued on with life. Much how is conservatives do. When we don’t get our way, we pull ourselves up by the bootstraps, and go on with our lives. We don’t bitch and moan, cry and protest…”
Alan Envy:
And we damn sure don’t interfere with other peoples matches.”
Duke turns his body to face Alan with an approving nod.
Duke Andrews:
Funny you should say that Alan, because I’m promising you that for the first time I get to knock the smug look off that wild animals face, the match will end with Duke Andrews picking up a win via disqualification. Now why would I think that?
Positive at this point management isn’t liking this promo from APE, but facts are facts.
Duke Andrews:
Could it be that there is not one lunatic but two that want a piece of me so they can elevate their own stock? Should I just stand on the ramp and wait for Dusty to come and take a swing at me with my back turned? Maybe I should just wait and allow that over steroid ridden freak Dread to come and hit me with a stick like he did to Nina.
Duke pauses as his face shows the annoyance.
Duke Andrews:
But hey, it’s not like I can forecast this and alert Elsa and Moronetti and Grace and everyone else what is going to happen. And when it does, then by golly we can all be shocked that it happened! This is wrestling 101, the go home show before the pay per view and this is what happens. So Seth, let’s dance for as long as we get, we can two step, and save the date for another time.
Duke turns and fist bumps Alan.
Duke Andrews:
I got this, maybe come make the save.
As Alan leaves the screen Dukes music “The Second Amendment” by Who TF is Justin Time? begins to play.
Duke Andrews:
There’s over thirty years of experience in this match. Should be a barn burner, but unfortunately the fans at home won’t get that. I ain’t nervous!
Singles Match
Seth Iser VS Duke AndrewsFor three years Duke had been waiting for this chance to face Seth Iser, three years leading into three minutes of match. The two competitors had barely the time to trad a few hard strikes in the initial exchange, won by Iser who then sent Andrews against the ropes. The veteran missed the clotheslin and got caught with a forearm to the jaw by the Epitome Of Perdection. The impact left Iser stunned and allowed Duke to scoop him up and drop him into the canvas with an impressive body slam. Then, just like Duke predicted, Dreadnought came out looking for revenge. And he was not alone. The Murder Train Dustin Douglas was there with him, the two behemoth of Sandstorm Inc marching to the ring where Duke was waiting for them. No hesitation from the Sandstorm guys, not even when Seth stood up next to Duke, ready to take on them. Dustin took on Iser, Dread jumped on Andrews. Alan Envy came to help his partner, and just like that Sandstorm was outnumbered. Not for long as Andrew Wilkow and Sports Guy entered the ring as well, for a massive four on three brawl after the match ended, needless to say, in a No Contest. The security came out in force, but there was no way they could enter the ring already crowded with seven grown men swinging punches lefts and rights. They simply waited, holding back the men that were tossed out of the ring and preventing them to get back in. Alan first, Seth right after. And last was Duke, kicked under the bottom rope by Dreadnought after he hit him with the Tidal Surge. As the security escorted the three men backstage, Sandstorm Inc celebrated in the ring with a toast, obviously with Devin Hearst's (in)famous energy drink. WINNER: // BY: No Contest, 3:13 |
We cut inside Elsa's office, the young General Manager was watching the final parts of the brawl that the match between Seth Iser and Duke Andrews became.
Elsa McCarthy:
Right now, I should have been out there... The plan was to come out after this match to make an announcement regarding our next PPV, Coup De Grâce... But as you can see, things don't always go as planned...
She let out a soft sigh, on her screen the four members of Sandstorm Inc, none of them signed to the green brand and one not even on MWE payroll, celebrating after ruining a potenital show stealer.
Elsa McCarthy:
Never a dull moment around here...
She commented briefly.
Elsa McCarthy:
Anyway, I guess I'll have to do it from here. Almost six months ago, at By Any Means, we witnessed the final of the Battle Of The Briefcase, the most important tournament of the year for the greatest reward. A Briefcase that not only can be cashed in at any time for a shot at any title... But it gives the holder the power to change the stipulation of ANY match. Both Nessa Wall and Melissa Reeves, the previous winners, had successfully cashed in the Briefcase to claim our world title.
Elsa took a short pause.
Elsa McCarthy:
This year, we have two briefcases out there, since the final match between Seth Iser and Neal Durden didn't have a clear winner. This situation has created a stalemate; as you can imagine, none of them will ever take the chance to cash in the briefcase they fought so hard to obtain only to see the other using their to change the stupulation and screw them out of their opportunity.
Another sigh followed her words.
Elsa McCarthy:
Something that has already been attempted by one of them. So, at Coup De Grâce, Neal Durden and Seth Iser will face once again and this time... It will be inside a Hell In A Cell.
The news she just broke out aroused the enthusiasm amongst the fans. It would have been interesting to see how Seth and Neal reacted to the news but the recent turn of events made that impossible.
Elsa McCarthy:
At the end of the match, only ONE briefcase will keep their power and benefits intact. The other one can still be used for an instant shot at ANY title, barring the MWE World Title. Good luck gentlemen... May the best man win.
And with that, she sat back behind her desk while the camera cut elsewhere.
Trios Match
Royal Guard & Freddie Hjalmar VS Jacky Rex Daniels & Melissa Reeves & Keelan Jayce
The match began with Keelan Jayce taking on Porter. Too fast and agile for the Royal Guard, Keelan controlled the first minutes, delighting the fans with a spectacular handspring enziguri. He tagged her girlfriend in, the two of them lifting Freddie’s goon and dropping him down with a double suplex. Hjalmar wasn’t too happy with how the match started and he yelled at Hammond to “do something”. The second bodyguard entered the ring and broke up the cover attempt Melissa made, throwing her in the corner and, ignoring the referee’s warning, charging in and squashing her with a splash. Melissa was still recovering against the corner on the wrong side of town when a second splash, this one from the legal man Porter, crushed her into the turnbuckle. Freddie made the tag and entered the ring, delivering a flurry of kicks and backhand chops to the Cloud Gate champion. Wrapping his arms around her head in a front facelock, he dragged Mel to the middle of the ring and planted her on her head with a brainbuster. He hooked the leg for the cover and both Jacky and Keelan rushed in to break it up, with Daniels being the faster of the two and making the save. Escaping from Freddie’s clutches, Mel managed to reach her corner and allow Daniels to step in. The Rapscallion was more than happy to take his measure of revenge on the Grand Prince Of Wrestling, coming at him with a combination of swift strikes, the last one being a vicious headbutt that dropped Hjalmar on his ass. The Promised had had enough, crawling backward to his corner. Hammond entered the ring and went straight for the former Rebellion World Champion, locking up with him in a classic collar and elbow tie. The powerhouse forced Jacky against the ropes, pretending like he was going to grant a clean break but going for a right hand chop instead. An expert competitor such as Jacky saw it coming and ducked the blow. The missing shot caused Hammond to lose balance and end up against the ropes. A clothesline from Daniels sent the Royal Guard crashing on the floor outside. Jacky went for a baseball slide but Hammond dodged it and dragged him on the floor. Porter went to help his partner, but Melissa and Keelan stepped up to face him. Freddie ran around the ring and blasted the Reaver from behind with a clothesline. Porter knocked Keelan down with a heavy punch and the trio then focused on Daniels, with Hjalmar directing operations and the Royal Guards doing the heavy work, connecting a double chokeslam on the apron on the Rapscallion. The only real team in this match was taking the Lion's share in this one, quickly wearing down Jacky with their combined moves, including the catapult lariat. Mel and Keelan stepped in to save their partner, immediately joined by the other two opponents. Amidst the chaos that ensued, Jacky managed to give himself a bit of a breathing, rolling away from the action and recovering. When the referee finally restored order and Hammond went to pick up Daniels, he was ready for it, kicking the opponent and planting him on his face with the Wild Blue Yonder. A double tag was made, bringing Keelan and Freddie in the ring. And if at first the HKW Global champion had the best of his opponent with the spinning roundhouse kick, as minutes passed Keelan managed to turn the tides. Exciting to watch as ever, the Aussie sensation was too quick and unpredictable for Hjalmar, who soon enough got dropped on his head with Keelan’s XXXX (hammerlock ddt). Porter made the last minute save and the match continued. Not for Freddie though, who had had enough and after obtaining the tag, left the ring telling Porter and Hammond to deal with this. None of his opponents seemed too happy with it, but the Grand Prince had spoken, and his guards seemed cool with it and ready to obey. They fought valiantly, taking on their opponents no matter who stepped up. But the numbers game eventually caught up on them, and Hammond fell victim of Mel’s Facial Deconstruction. Porter tried to save his partner one more time, but he was flattened by Jacky’s Iron Fist. The referee counted one two three, declaring the Australian team the winners of the match. WINNER: Melissa Reeves, Keelan Jayce & Jacky Rex Daniels BY: Pinfall (Facial Deconstructor), 18:37 |
Voiceover:
The final event of the year...
The titantron lights up, showing black and white flash-images of some MWE superstars fighting. It's hard to place when and where those matches happened, and in some occasions even to distinguish who the wrestlers involved are, the clips are too short and they scroll to fast to really understand what's going on in them. But there's a recurring element in this quick montage. Blood, purposely left in its original red color.
Voiceover:
Eighteen wrestlers...
The clip finally slows down, allowing the audience to recognize some of the people involved in those grueling figths. Familiar faces for the MWE fans like Nina, Leia LeBeau, Helena Noir, Joey Leclair, Echo... And other who have been in a MWE ring in only one occasion, like The Crimson Baroness and Ramsay Bodach. The most haedcore fans would have probably guessed by now what this is all about.
Voiceover:
Six different locations...
The clip shows fragments from six triple threat matches, each of them held under different hardcore stipulations in six different venues.
Voiceover:
One big reward...
The next part of the clip brings us inside the Elimination Chamber, the infernal structure placed inside the Enterprise Arena, the last match of the MWE exclusive event known as Red Line. A match that saw Kenzie Garrett coming out victorious and receiving a title shot and a cash prize. On the last frame, the chamber is gone, and so is the former Chicago Way champion. All that's left is the ring, the canvas soaked in the blood of the six warriors that fought in one of the most punishing matches in the sport. The camera focuses on one particular blood stain, a straight line painted most likely when someone was dragged on the canvas.
Voiceover:
Red Line II. Exclusively on MENTV on December 30th.
MWE Championship Match
Triple Threat Match
Triple Threat Match
Kelsey Spencer (c) VS Devin Hearst VS Chris Constantine Junior
Peyton Holland: “What a night this has been.. And what better way to end it than a World Title match?” Ambra Monroe: “It’s a bit uncommon to have a match like this on a weekly show, especially on the last Millennium before the Coup De Grâce.” Peyton Holland: “I talked to Kelsey briefly before the show, and she looked determined and focused as always. She also said that she doesn’t trust either one of his opponents, but she came prepared.” Ambra Monroe: “I spotted the Brothers McMillion earlier in the catering area, ready to step in if Sandstorm Inc and APE try anything funny.” The match started, and to nobody’s surprise, Constantine took his way out of the ropes. Kelsey glared at him for a moment before turning her attention back to Hearst. It was already too late to avoid the former Riot’s champion clothesline. The leader of Sandstorm Inc was taking no chance tonight, going in heavy from the very first moments. A barrage of closed fists that the referee had no way to stop forced the champion in a corner. Kelsey tried to defend, hiding her head behind her arms raised in protection. By doing this, she left her sides open, and Hearst’s punches moved there, pummeling at the floating ribs. Peyton Holland: “Hearst is just relentless tonight. He’s not slowing down one bit, he’s not showing signs that he could stop anytime soon.” An unexpected help for Kelsey came from Constantine who sneaked back inside the ring and launched Devin over the top rope, adding some colorful insults as the former Dog Of War fell on the waiting floor outside. Constantine sent the champion across the ring with an irish whip. As Kelsey hit the opposite turnbuckle, she immediately arched her back in pain. Still, she managed to move away when CCJ charged at full speed, leaving him nothing but the turnbuckle to crash onto. Just as quickly as she moved out of the way, Spencer rolled Constantine and pinned him with a schoolboy, but the founder of APE raised his shoulder in time. Ambra Monroe: “I think Kelsey’s best strategy tonight is playing into this rivalry between her two opponents, let them tear each other apart and pick up what’s left.” Peyton Holland: “You’re not wrong, but I don’t see the champ going that route” Maybe she wouldn’t do it intentionally, but Spencer gladly spent some extra time on the mat after Devin’s powerbomb, watching as Constantine and Hearst were fighting. Her break only lasted until Chris hit the former Riot champion with a knee to the guts, lifting him for a suplex and dropping him on the mat with a falcon arrow. Seeing her reign in danger, the Australian popped up to her feet and dove in to break up the count at two. She then took the fight to Constantine, landing a few swift kicks that left CCJ dazed. She took a run against the ropes but when she bounced back, she ran right into a big boot from Hearst. The President of Sandstorm picked her up and launched her shoulder first into Constantine, doubling the long time rival over and lifting him for his Desperado throwing suplex, launching him on top of Kelsey. After pushing Constantine away and sending him rolling out of the ring, Hearst hooked Spencer’s leg for another cover, but the champion stayed alive. Ambra Monroe: “Another impressive performance by Devin Hearst tonight.” Peyton Holland: “If he can keep this intensity, he won’t even need the plan B, whatever it may be.” Needless to say, after the commentators praised Devin’s dominant performance, the former champion began losing ground as Kelsey made her comeback. The World Champion had, obviously, the support of the fans cheering loudly on her as she came back from this moment of great difficulty. She nailed Devin with a tilt-a-whirl ddt, springing back to her feet with a kip up while Constantine charged at her. She barely avoided the lariat, bending backwards Matrix style to duck Junior’s clothesline. She superkicked him, pushing him back in the corner. Devin tried to hit her with a cheap shot but Kelsey seemed to have eyes behind her head too, squatting down to avoid Hearst’ right hook. The champion jumped and wrapped her legs around Dev’s head for a reverse hurricanrana. After the cartwheel legdrop Kelsey made the cover but Constantine was back to his feet and blocked it with a stomp to the back of the head. Peyton Holland: “Never a dull moment in this match, back and forth action and the momentum that just keeps swinging back and forth between the three fighters.” It was Constantine’s time to shine, the former champion was looking determined to take back the lost crown. And, for a change, he was relying on his skills alone to do it. No Olivia at ringside, no APE jumping on the opponents for him tonight. And the result was, he was fighting his best match in MWE. He dropped Kelsey down with a neckbreaker, showing a certain presence of mind when he caught Hearst with a back elbow and hit him with a vintage powerslam followed by a running legdrop. Chris was getting fired up, every move he connected seemed to build his confidence even more. To the point where he attempted to lock his Red White and Tapout on Kelsey. The World champion was ready to counter it, placing her foot on Chris’ rear as he pivoted to execute the submission maneuver and pushed CCJ into Devin’s bif boot. With the leader of APE sprawled on the canvas, it was back to Kelsey and Devin again. Peyton Holland: “Chris is down, Hearst is favoring his ribs.. Kelsey has to capitalize on this moment, this could be her greatest opportunity to retain.” Spencer stayed on the attack, focusing on Hearst’s ribs with a number of knee drop after taking him down with a backbreaker. Twice she came this close to win, with a roundhouse kick and with the Deprivation DDT. This last one particularly seemed to throw Kel into despair when Hearst kicked out just a millisecond before the three. Her best move wasn’t enough, and that brought back the memories of all their past matches, all the times Kelsey failed to beat who, up to the Anniversary, could have been considered her white whale. Slowly, Hearst got up to his feet, barely able to stand up. CCJ was still laying on his chest, but knowing him he was just probably playing possum. And in fact, all of a sudden Chris popped up to his feet, suddenly feeling much better. He did so when Devin caught Kelsey in a straightjacket position, looking to suplex her. Or was he… Ambra Monroe: “What the hell is going on?” Hearst wasn’t trying to suplex the World champion, he was simply holding her still for Constantine. The former world champion had a smirk on his face as he started punching Kelsey in the ribs and on the face, under a shower of boos from the fans. Peyton Holland: “This doesn’t look like the momentary alliance that sometimes naturally happens in triple threat matches… It’s a beatdown!” The two switched positions, Constantine now holding Kelsey while Hearst pummeled her. Christian Michaels and Javen came out through the curtain, but they were quickly blocked by the rest of Sandstorm Inc. Seth Iser walked out to help the Brothers McMillion and stop what was happening inside the ring to Kelsey. But even with the veteran there, the three of them were still outnumbered against Dreadnought, Dusty, Wilkow and Sports Guy, and they couldn’t save Kelsey from her fate. Chris hit the American Strong Piledriver and took a step back, letting Devin connect the Night Rider (surfboard-style curbstomp). Devin then rolled the champion on her back and made the cover, while Constantine watched him and… Applauded him. WINNER: Devin Hearst (NEW MWE WORLD CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (Night Rider), 21:37 |
The boos are deafening, even with a reduced-presence crowd. So loud do they roar that “The Man” by The Killers can barely be heard as Hearst leaps from the pinning position, a look of sheer, unfiltered and purely evil joy across his face. As the referee goes to raise Hearst’s hand he is shoved away as Chris Constantine Jr. takes his place, handing the MWE World Championship over to the Big Boss and raising his hand! Hearst’s face goes manic with glee as he clutches the world championship to his chest and falls to his knees, cackling like a mad man as one by one, the rest of Sandstorm, Inc.: Andrew Wilkow, Dreadnought, Dustin Douglas, and even ol’ Sports Guy roll down the ramp to join their boss in the ring. It’s only when the full-force of Sandstorm, Inc. has gathered that Hearst and Constantine embrace like brothers!
Hearst snatches a microphone from ringside and launches his new world title into the air for the world to see!
Devin Hearst:
Yo Ryker, I did iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit! WOO! God damn does this feel …. does this feel right! Alright, alright, story time, kiddos. Bring it all in. Couple years ago there was some guy out of Hell’s Kitchen who just wanted to make it big in the wrestling game and didn’t have much to guide him, but one day, boys and girls, that guy was taken up by a wonderful man that showed him the ways of the ring, but more importantly, the ways of business. The lessons that man taught the guy from Hell’s Kitchen and his new brothers opened the world up like a fairy tale, and soon that guy had everything he needed. He had the world … in the palm of his hand. Now, families do fight. They fight like dogs, man, but they remain family nonetheless, and that guy now with the world in his hand made a promise to the man that gave him everything: that he would guard that man’s son, show him the ways of the world just as the man had done for him, and bring him right to the mountain top where they would all be together. Have you figured out the ending, y’all? Do ya know the twist? THIS -
Hearst drapes his arms across Constantine’s shoulders, holding the World Title up for the camera to drink in.
Devin Hearst:
THIS IS THE MOUNTAIN TOP! To see professional wrestling as a business of honor is naive and the thoughts of children. This business is exactly that: a business! The strong and smart rise and the rest of you struggle, dancing to the tune, and we played that tune like an air of absolute maestros, eh Chris? Chris Constantine Sr. gave me the tools to be everything I am today, and like a real damn family, we came together to make the dream happen. A real dream. Everything falling in place, piece by piece: APE, the brand war, the eventual building of hope with a loss for your dear champion Kel kel before we put her down like a dog on free TV just for that extra bit of salt in the wounds! So take it in, Millennium! Like it or not, Rev RIOT is now REV MILLENNIUM!
Devlin laughs it up with the other guys as Chris takes the microphone and addresses the crowd.
Chris Constantine Junior:
In this industry you can look at things two ways! Pride! And Money! And ladies and gentlemen, like my old man always said, Pride doesn’t pay your mortgage and Pride doesn’t keep the lights on at your house. Devin and I, we could have gone back and forth and beaten the shit out of one another from Japan to Germany for the next ten years and done alright for ourselves with some nice pay days, but the dead brain cells and the medical bills would have added up and folks, that’s just bad for our business. So to make the most bang for our buck so that we can have a fat and plum nest egg when we retire, we worked together and we played you all just so we could have this moment right here and right now!
Slapping the MWE Title, Chris points a finger at the entrance ramp and raises his voice as he addresses the roster in the back.
Chris Constantine Junior:
So to all you simpletons in the back, look at what’s before you right now in this ring! We have an army! We have the muscle! We have the brains! We have the money! We own MWE. We are the face of MWE! And there isn’t a damn thing anyone can do about it! So either bow down and kiss our feet! Or prepare to get your face stopped in because after tonight, nothing is ever going to be the same again!
To emphasize the point, Devin snaps his fingers, and in an instant the rest of Sandstorm, Inc. is on the former champion like a pack of dogs, each man grabbing a limb before launching Kelsey as solid 15ft in the air, before crashing into a heap on the mat! Devin pushes the crumpled Spencer out to the ringside floor with his foot like a piece of trash before leaping back, grabbing the microphone once again, and roaring like the beast he had become.
Devin Hearst:
The giant is no longer sleeping! The machine no longer cares what the cogs have to say! You can try to fight the system, say we won’t own you too, but the truth is Chris and I have owned you all from the start. Now it’s time to reap the crop. You hear that boys?! It’s time to eat! So you remember this night, and when they ask you who runs MWE, you tell them AAAALLLLLL HAAAAAAIIIIIIILLLLLLLL … SAND! STORM! INC!
Spiking the microphone, Hearst drops to the mat in the most relaxed Burt Reynolds position he could find, confetti cannons firing off all over the arena and pyro in excessive amounts blasting off on the ramp, as Constantine Jr takes center stage with him, a billion dollar grin across his face and fists raised in victory, as the rest of Sandstorm, Inc. forms rank around them both. The final shot of the night, with the MWE World Championship raised high over his head, is of Devin staring directly into the camera, leaving the fans at home with one chilling fact:
The devil was real, and he had won the top prize the MWE had to offer. Nothing would be the same.