Post by gvb on Dec 19, 2020 19:34:34 GMT -6
MWE Presents: Coup De Grâce Pre-Show (night 1)
Live from Enterprise Arena in Chicago, IL
Saturday, December 19th, 2020
Faith is standing backstage of the arena, knowing that this is the biggest night not just of her career, but her whole life; she seems a little less confident than normal. Dressed ready for the match, in her full wrestling gear she seems to be doing her best to shake off the nerves that are creeping in. Only a second or two passes before her friend and fellow academy student Olly approaches. Faith appears to immediately relax at the sight of her best friend, even though he supports both face and her opponent it’s clear that she feels far more confident with him at her side. She turns to face Olly and smiles once again before exhaling and letting her body relax them.
Faith Savell:
Hey!
Faith reaches out to hug her friend before pulling back and bouncing on her toes, wanting to keep her muscles warm.
Faith Savell:
Thanks for being here, I know you have a lot to prepare for with your big match tomorrow, so it means all the more to me that you’re here to support me. I saw my mum and dad before and they’re really hyped, there’s no way I can let them down now. I know I’ve had a shot of the championship before but this just feels different, it feels like for the first time in my life I’m truly ready. Like, this is my absolute destiny and I’m supposed to be here tonight to leave with that championship. I know not everyone in the academy likes me, I don’t even care. I’ve been working too long and too hard, to let this opportunity slip through my fingers. I know what a challenge Tiana is and I know what she can do, but she hasn’t seen me at full strength yet and that’s gonna work to my advantage.
Olly smiles at his friend, placing both hands on her shoulders.
Olly:
Breathe, Princess. Breathe..
He speaks in a soothing tone of voice, trying to calm the visibly nervous contender down.
Olly:
You made it so far, you’re one step away from finally being the Gold Star, on the biggest stage you could ever dream of. Last thing you want is to let your emotions take over now and ruin what you’ve been working so hard for.
Olly takes Faith’s hand and walks with her to some production crates, motioning at her to sit down as he takes place next to her.
Olly:
You busted your ass, and mine, all week. You’re ready to take on Tiana and even though it won’t be easy, I know you can beat her. Last time you were so close, and if it wasn’t for Dez stepping in business that weren’t his, you could have as well won the Gold Star there and then,
Faith Savell:
You’re right and once I’m out there? I know all the nerves will melt away.
She tilts her head a little and laughs.
Faith Savell:
I bet you never thought I could get us going any harder before this week huh? We’re BOTH ready now and I’m going to go out there and remind the wrestling world just what a Savell is capable of.
The young man chuckles.
Olly:
No shit, after what you put me through this past week? There’s nothing Dez can do to make me say "I Quit". I already survived hell with you, this match with him will look like a walk in the park in comparison.
Despite the jokes and laughs he’s sharing with Faith, you can see that confidence and determination in his eyes when he speaks about his match scheduled for tomorrow night.
Olly:
You’re going to make them proud, Princess. Tiana is amazing, but tonight is your night, I can feel it.
He tilts his head so that he looks straight in her eyes when pronouncing those words. Faith looks back into the face of her best friend as a confident smile moves across her lips. For a moment she doesn’t say anything before finally breaking their shared gaze with a nod.
Faith Savell:
You’re right, this is my night and what’s royalty without some gold to highlight my perfect complexion?
The joking is tinged with a remembered confidence and she leans in and kisses Olly softly on the cheek.
Faith Savell:
For luck.
Olly:
You don’t need luck.
Olly replies after a few seconds where none of them moved. He then jumps off the crate and offers both hands to Faith to help her climb down.
Olly:
Come on now, Princess. It’s time to go out there and show the world what Faith Savell is capable of.
The Academy Pre-Show Match
Gold Star Match
Tiana Petrova-Hammond (c) VS Faith SavellGold Star Match
The Gold Star represents the highest accolade in The Academy, MWE’s developmental show. The American-Russian martial artist Tiana Petrova-Hammond has won it on the very first show and held onto it for two months, dominating the competition. Her only loss happened in a tag match two weeks ago, but she quickly bounced back beating the person who pinned her, Millie Smith. Faith Savell didn’t have an almost perfect run like her opponent, and the last time they went one on one, Tiana retained the title. Both competitors were brought to the middle of the ring by the official, who quickly ran down the rules of the contest. Despite their attempts to hide it, they both were visibly nervous, and it couldn’t be otherwise as they both were about to make their debut in front of a live (although limited) crowd. The bell rang and, despite the tension and the rivalry between them, Tiana extended her hand and wished luck to her opponent. Faith accepted and shook it with a smile, starting to pace around the Gold Star, trying to stay out of her reach. Not only Tiana was a feared striker in fact, but her ground game was just as formidable. She tried to grab Faith’s leg but they young Savell stepped back and kicked her shoulder with the other leg. She then twisted the arm behind her back in a hammerlock, Tiana quickly countered locking Faith in the same hold, bending her elbow and yanking. The challenger dug her heels in and kept trying until she wrestled her way out of it, switching into a headlock and taking Tiana down to the canvas. They kept jockeying for position for a couple more minutes and when at the end of it they both stood up, they received a loud round of applause by the fans who undoubtedly appreciated what they had just seen. If the first part of this match was a wonderful showcase of the contestant’s technical abilities, halfway through it Tiana’s kicks shifted the momentum in the Gold Star’s side. Her rapid fire shots and combinations earned her the praises of the commentary team, positively impressed by her technique. But most importantly, they were tearing apart Faith, connecting hard on her ribs and chest, leaving her short-winded and doubled over in pain. She hit her with a high knee and connected an incredible spinning back elbow to the jaw, knocking Faith down. The champion looked to retain with a deep cover, hooking both legs but somehow Savell kicked out again. Faith tried a comeback in the following minutes, but the momentum she was building came to an abrupt end with a knee to the face. Savell stumbled back, checking her nose for potential bleeding but luckily for her, that wasn’t the case. Petrova-Hammond went for a roundhouse kick, but the challenger ducked under it and connected a snap german suplex to the champion. She kept the waistlock and went for a second one, this time a released version of the move. Picking the champion up, Faith backed her against the ropes with some knife edge chops and then fired her across the ring with an irish whip. On the rebound, she jumped and hit a leg lariat to take the champion down. Savell took a step back and pointed her finger to Tiana who was slowly getting up. She charged in with a shining wizard, but Petrova-Hammond ducked it and grabbed her leg to apply an ankle lock! Savell was in a world of pain, locked in the temible submission that already gave the Gold Star a few wins back in the Academy. Digging down deep, Faith tried to drag herself toward the ropes, slowly making her way there but Tiana pulled her back to the middle of the ring. Too stubborn to give up, the young Savell tried once again to reach the ropes despite the excruciating pain she was being put through, and this time she reached them. That leg became Tiana’s focus for the next minutes, the Gold Star looking for a chance to apply another submission that would most likely force the challenger to tap out. Faith realized it and wisely exploited that to her advantage, leaving a bit of an opening to bait the champion in. And when Tiana went to grab that leg, she rocked her with a knee to the head and quickly planted her on her head with a spike ddt, only getting a two count. A minute later and the challenger came this close to the win with a neckbreaker, but Tiana put her foot on the bottom rope showing great ring awareness. Well over the fifteen minutes mark, and none of them was slowing down, despite the evident signs of fatigue. Another exchange seemed to tip the scale in Tiana’s favor, but Faith was able to duck the right punch and put her head under the Gold Star’s arm, wrapping her arms around her waist and flipping backwards performing a flawless Northern Lights suplex, bridging into a pin from which Tiana wasn’t able to kick out in time. WINNER: Faith Savell (NEW GOLD STAR) BY: Pinfall (Northern Lights Suplex), 18:14 |
A huge roar followed the sound of the bell. The fans had spent all the match cheering for both competitors, a fifty/fifty split crowd enjoying every moment of an amazing contest between two of the hottest prospect in The Academy and in wrestling as well.
Ambra Monroe: "Wow..."
Peyton Holland: "I told you these kids were amazing."
Ambra Monroe: "What a match and what a way to kick the night off! Faith Savell did it at the end of an incredible match!"
Peyton Holland: "For two months, Tiana absolutely raised the bar in The Academy, standing out amongst the other students with her incredible performances and work ethic."
Ambra Monroe: "And I think this is all the evidence you need to support this thesis. Look at this."
At first it was Olly, followed by the other students. And then the Academy personnel, from the Principal to the Team Leaders and the trainers. Next was every single person in the Arena. One by one they all stood to their feet when Tiana finally rose up, exhausted, sore and visibly emotional. Faith was clapping her hands as well, looking at the friend she just beat. The new Gold Star extended her hand to the predecessor. Tiana glanced at the hand, then at Faith and finally at the Gold Star championship around her waist. Although her disappointment for losing the title was clear, Tiana shook Faith's hand and said something to the young Savell. There was a brief dialogue between the two, one the cameras couldn't catch. But at the end of it, the two young women briefly hugged in the middle of the ring. Tiana then rolled out of the ring, leaving Faith to her celebration.
Ambra Monroe: "Wow..."
Peyton Holland: "I told you these kids were amazing."
Ambra Monroe: "What a match and what a way to kick the night off! Faith Savell did it at the end of an incredible match!"
Peyton Holland: "For two months, Tiana absolutely raised the bar in The Academy, standing out amongst the other students with her incredible performances and work ethic."
Ambra Monroe: "And I think this is all the evidence you need to support this thesis. Look at this."
At first it was Olly, followed by the other students. And then the Academy personnel, from the Principal to the Team Leaders and the trainers. Next was every single person in the Arena. One by one they all stood to their feet when Tiana finally rose up, exhausted, sore and visibly emotional. Faith was clapping her hands as well, looking at the friend she just beat. The new Gold Star extended her hand to the predecessor. Tiana glanced at the hand, then at Faith and finally at the Gold Star championship around her waist. Although her disappointment for losing the title was clear, Tiana shook Faith's hand and said something to the young Savell. There was a brief dialogue between the two, one the cameras couldn't catch. But at the end of it, the two young women briefly hugged in the middle of the ring. Tiana then rolled out of the ring, leaving Faith to her celebration.
MWE Presents: Coup De Grâce (night 1)
Live from Enterprise Arena in Chicago, IL
Saturday, December 19th, 2020
A sword is dangling over the entrance, half of its blade is Millennium Green, the other half Riot's shade of orange. The stage itself is set to look like a battlefield, two armies of knights staring at each other from the two sides and the the entrance ramp being the no man's land where the conflict is bound to happen. Pop Evil's "Let The Chaos Reign" blasts out of the loudspeakers. The tron shows the highlights of the weeks leading up to this moment, the last Pay-per-View of the year. The fans are overly excited, there's a lot on their plate tonight and the appetizer, the incredible match between two of the top prospects of the Academy surely warmed up the atmosphere.
The camera pans over the excited crowd, stopping for a moment on the group of students of the Academy sitting in the front row. Amongst them is Tiff Rollins, the former Cloud Gate champion who recently joined the Academy to begin a path that should bring her back on the green brand. "Hopefully soon." Amy Maynard says at commentary, taking the chance to praise the work that Gianluigi Vaccaro, Lady Magdalena, Michael Ali and all the trainers are putting in to create the future of MWE and of this business. Peyton extends the praise to the students, those who competed before, those who competed tomorrow and all the others who surely will have their chance to shine in a near future. She also reiminds that the Academy shows are available on MENTV.
After the obvious and well deserved plug-in to the developmental brand, the four commentators run down tonight's card. Five titles on the line, the Chicago Way championship, the MENTV championship, Melissa Reeves' Cloud Gate championship, the five way match for the Junior Heavyweight title and of course the main event, four teams competing for the Tag Team Titles.
Ambra then speaks about the Hell In A Cell match between Neal Durden and Seth Iser, reminding what's at stakes and that Seth Iser had a grueling match a few days ago in Australia.
After debating about the veteran's conditions, they cut to the first segment of the night.
A clip recorded a couple of hours before Coup De Grâce pre-show was now airing, showing Nina's arrival to the Enterprise Arena. Hre fiancée Camari Hayre and her young son Owain were accompanying the former intern, the three of them wearing matching snake skin pattern facemask. A small crowd of fans called the Chicago born over, asking her to sign them an autograph. Nina obliged with no hesitation signing their notebook and one of the guys' shirt.
Nina:
Just remember guys, if I see these for sale on the internet tomorrow, I'll find you.
She said in a half-threatening half-joking tone, thanking the fans as she headed back to her family. A few steps and they met Abigail Brooke, Riot's backstage interviewer.
Abi Brooke:
Nina! Can I get a quick word with you about your match tonight?
Nina glanced over at Camari and nodded her head, telling her fianceée that this would only take a minute, and she'll be back to them.
Nina:
Of course, Abi. Shoot!
The interviewer cleared her throat and spoke her first question.
Abi Brooke:
Later tonight you'll step in the ring with four other competiors in a Junior Heavyweight championship 5-way match...
Nina:
What an absolute clusterfuck.
She commented taking the young interviewer off guard.
Nina:
See, I beat Luna and earned my title shot right? I was supposed to face her at the Anniv3rsary, in a match featuring the Moulin Rouge reject as well. But then shit happened and I woke up two days later in an hospital bed.
The Viper made a brief pause.
Nina:
I woke up and found out that Leia wasted her shot, and Luna was still champion. That means I'm next in line, right? That I will have my one on one shot at the champion, wouldn't you agree?
Abigail tried to answer her question but Nina cut her off.
Nina:
And look at this mess. Three other people are standing in my way to become champion. If i could accept that maybe LeBeau deserves another shot, what has Miles done to be here tonight? Why Legion is even being considered when all she's done since joining is fucking up the match at the Anniversary?
Abi Brooke:
I guess Vincent thinks that they all have a claim..
Once again the interviewer is interrupted by the Snakebite.
Nina:
I'm not blaming Vince for this. I can see why he added these people to my match. This is all Luna's fault. A true champion would have sorted this mess out already, a true champion wouldn't have walked out on a match like she did with Asher, a true champion wouldn't have needed a freak to save her ass, and a true champion would have already put the demon chick in her place for messing with her.
Luna is none of that. We saw it in her reign as Lockdown champion, we saw it in her desperate chase of the Cloud Gate champion, we saw how low she's willing to stoop to compensate for her lack of talent. But don't worry MWE, I'm going to fix your problem tonight.
I don't run from fights, I ain't afraid to break a fingernail or ruin my hair. I'm the champion MWE needs, and tonight I came here to collect what should have been mine back in October.
You could tell that Abi would have loved to ask something else, but Nina had other plans. As soon as she finished her last sentence, she left the scene, leaving Abi standing in front of the camera alone.
Handicap Match
Dustin Douglas VS Drew Dream & Kory KrampNot one but two opponents to beat for Dustin Douglas to keep his streak alive. The member of Sandstorm Inc didn’t seem too concerned as he walked to the ring, that big cocky smile plastered on his face. But his confidence came with a plan, attacking the two opponents before the match officially started with a double clothesline. He picked Kory up and lifted him over his head in a gorilla press position, throwing him with ridiculous ease out of the ring and against the commentator’s table. He then allowed Dream to get up so that the referee could order for the bell to ring, and as soon as it did he swept Drew away with a massive shoulder tackle that sent him flying into the corner. Drew was sitting there trying to regroup when he was squashed by Douglas’ cannonball senton. The Big Nasty didn’t seem too affected by the loud boos that were showering him. He actually taunted the fans, flipping them the bird before grabbing Drew’s foot and dragging him away from the ropes, laying on top of him for cover. Kory Kramp entered the ring and broke the pinfall predicament. Dustin imposed a staid pace to the match, taking his time to put Drew through the grinder. The only time he picked up the pace by sending Dream against the ropes and catching him with a Samoan Drop he gave Kory the chance to tag himself in. And the Good Wrestling Boy entered the ring with a vengeance, looking to get his pound of Dusty’s flesh for the defeat from two weeks ago and the attack before the match. His speed allowed him to move around the big man, patiently taking him down with kicks to the legs. It took him A LOT of those, but eventually he took him down to one knee. Then he kicked him in the face with a step up enziguri and pinned him with a standing moonsault but Douglas powered out in two. Kory’s next attack was a running crossbody, not the smartest idea against someone twice your size. The Murder Train caught him in mid-air and spinned around before slamming him into the canvas. Drew Dream saved his partner. Finally Drew and Kramp started using the numbers game to get the best of the big man. Quick tags and swift strikes gave Douglas no break, keeping constant pressure on him. Kory’s sliced bread #2 was followed by Drew’s shooting star press, but Douglas kicked out once again. The duo tried to keep up the fast pace and hit Dustin with double team maneuvers, but the Murder Train couldn’t be stopped. When Kory charged to him in the corner for a running elbow, the Big Nasty raised his boot to the face and knocked him down. Dream went for a second one but Douglas exploded out of the corner and speared him into the canvas. The referee was trying to restore order, and both Kory and Drew would have loved nothing more than leaving the ring and escaping from the onslaught. But Douglas didn’t seem to care about who the real opponent was and just beat them up both. A savate kick to Kory, a flurry of open palm strikes to Drew. And german suplexes for all. The legal man, Drew Dream, slowly stood up only to get knocked down again by the Hyper Beam (spinning back fist). The Murder Train then lifted Kramp and dropped him onto Drew with the Giga Impact (high angle rock bottom), pinning the piled up opponents to obtain the win, making a HUGE statement. WINNER: Dustin Douglas BY: Pinfall (Giga Impact), 9:27 |
Sir Figgles: "Can't stop the Murder Train, you fools! Chooo chooooo!"
Amy Maynard: "Gotta say that was impressive. He beat not one but two competitors."
Sir Figgles: "And The Streak lives on. I'm telling you, nobody can beat the Big Nasty. Nobody can stop Sandstorm Inc."
Amy Maynard: "Gotta say that was impressive. He beat not one but two competitors."
Sir Figgles: "And The Streak lives on. I'm telling you, nobody can beat the Big Nasty. Nobody can stop Sandstorm Inc."
Backstage we head on night one of the amazing Coup De Grâce pay-per-view. Where we find ourselves looking at Karen Eldon dressed to the nines. Not scheduled to compete until day two, we find her inspecting her nails while apparently here at the event to watch the show. Coming into frame with a half drinken Mountain Dew is Clyde, her son. Shaking his head as he finishes a strong sip of Mountain Dew.
Clyde Eldon Jr:
Can’t believe they got all these loser tag teams in the main event tonight, we should be the ones fighting for Tag Team gold. Not these clowns in the main event.
While seeming to somewhat agree Karen does seem to be taking a much more mature approach to this.
Karen Eldon:
Listen we will get our opportunity. They want us to prove ourselves. We’ll show that tomorrow when we finally get rid of these annoying little girls that we are facing.
Bree, as she wasn't dressed to compete, wore a Monster's University Hat backwards with her blonde hair down, no scrunchie in sight. Wearing some lightly distressed black jeans, with a navy blue and white raglan long sleeve shirt, featuring a retro coca cola logo, and Bree with a brand new pair of basketball shoes with vibrant blue laces.
Bree Smith:
"Annoying"? I hope you're not talking about the BreeTee Committee…
She says looking over her shoulder, and tosses her water bottle behind her back upwards. She then pivots on her heels to spin around and snatch it out of the air, with just a quick spotted glance. While Karen seems less than impressed, Clyde watches on in awe.
Bree Smith:
Although when we win, maybe that'll bree annoying to you and Strip Search. Especially since all those teams in action tonight, they'll bree looking for some new challengers and The BreeTee Committee have experience in capturing the tag team gold here in Millennium in fact.
Rolling her eyes as Clyde manages a little friendly wave to Bree, Karen scoffs at her statement.
Karen Eldon:
That also means you also have experience in losing the Tag Team belts as well. You had your time and that is in the past now, we are the future. And we are going to beat you tomorrow and prove we are the number one contenders. Then you can bree on your way out of my life for good.
Bree Smith:
You’re not anywhere near the contendership. You had to take a cheap win both times against Teegs and I. Whoever wins those tag team titles tonight are going to need serious competitions. And that’s yo, bro.
Karen looks her over annoyed with her seeming ready to take a cheap shot at any moment. However just as we can see Karen’s arm about to spring forward for a slap Teagan steps into frame to back up her partner causing Karen to back down.
Karen Eldon:
You two aren’t worth my time…
Suddenly willing to cower Karen turns to leave, Clyde is enthralled with Bree to notice. As Karen turns to go however she bumps right into Strip Search, Zoe and Kiernan. Zoe gives a little smirk, as Karen swings her purse but Zoe catches it as Kiernan then gives Karen a shove. Karen bumps into Clyde causing him to spill his Mountain Dew onto Bree. Before he can apologize all hell breaks loose as the three teams start to brawl with one another. Quickly security comes in to break things up. Trying to drag the three teams apart from one another this having been building the past several weeks. The three teams are pulled apart, each of them shouting out threats along the way. As they are a day away from finally being able to settle all this.
Tag Team Match
Bad Boyz (Dré Angelo & Karib Trinidad) VS Warblade 42
Valkyrie didn’t even flinch at Karib’s taunts before the match started and when he challenged her to a test of strength, she accepted it without thinking twice. And she held her own against him, even getting the upper hand at some point. And that was when Trinidad drove his knee into her midsection, doubling her over and following with a clubbing blow to the head that dropped Vee on her hands and knees. He kept the insults coming, grabbing her by the hair to force her to look up to him and then kicked her hard on the ribs. This earned him a warning from the ref, of course the reason wasn’t the stiff kick but the hair pull. He blatantly ignored what the official just said and grabbed Valkyrie’s blonde locks to drag her up. The Warmaiden Of Roskilde delivered a few punches to the ribcage, followed by some hard european uppercuts and an irish whip to send him into the corner. Her splash attempt was intercepted by an elbow to the face, and it was Trinidad who had the chance to strike again, opting for an aerial assault in the form of a double axe handle to the top of the head. Dré continued his partner’s work and hammered Valkyrie in the corner with quick boxing combinations. Both teams were showing great chemistry tonight, using quick tags to get that advantage to swing the course of the match in their favor. But the contest remained very even, the near falls kept coming for each team. If Warblade 42 hat the closest one with their patented Switchover Suplex, the Bad Boyz had them beat in the quantity department. And even now they were the ones in control as Angelo scooped Niko up and slammed her down while Karib made the jump from the top rope with his Empire State Disaster (diving double foot stomp). Trinidad tossed the Blade Maiden Of Tokyo around with a series of german suplexes. He was at his fourth, but this one was blocked by Niko who broke free with a well placed elbow to the jaw and rocked him with a Pele kick. Before making the tag to Valkyrie she landed a few more shoot kicks to the Bad Boy, finishing him with a standing dropkick. A double tag brough Valkyrie and Angelo inside the ring. Both entered quickly, both charged at the opponent but only one was standing after their first encounter. The Great Dane Bitch launched herself shoulder first against the opponent, breaking him in half with a spear. From a mounting position the Omega trainer started pounding Dré with punches, but the skilled former MMA fighter managed to catch her in a triangle choke! Long moments passed as Valkyrie unsuccessfully tried to escape the submission, until she decided to get out of it the hard way, lifting the man and powerbombing him on the mat. As she was trying to catch her breath, Dré grabbed him in a headlock and dragged him in his corner. Karib made the tag, waiting until his partner was done hammering Vee with muay-thai knees to the stomach that left her doubled over. At that point, Trinidad jumped and caught the bent over opponent with the Black Horizon, dropping her on her head and obtaining the three count, thanks also to his partner preventing Niko from breaking it up. WINNER: Bad Boyz BY: Pinfall (Black Horizon), 10:05 |
Peyton Holland: "Score one for the Bad Boyz."
Ambra Monroe: "Impressive win for Dré and Karib tonight. But, no offense to Warblade 42, Khali and Marcus will be facing a much tougher task later tonght."
Peyton Holland: "No kidding, the other Bad Boyz will be competing in our main event, facing three other teams with the gold on the line."
Ambra Monroe: "Fabulous, Rhett & Qiyara and the tag champions, Alan Envy and Chris Constantine Junior. Not exactly slouches."
Peyton Holland: "Do you think Dré and Karib will get involved?"
Ambra Monroe: "Physically? I doubt it. But they can alway offer a distraction."
Ambra Monroe: "Impressive win for Dré and Karib tonight. But, no offense to Warblade 42, Khali and Marcus will be facing a much tougher task later tonght."
Peyton Holland: "No kidding, the other Bad Boyz will be competing in our main event, facing three other teams with the gold on the line."
Ambra Monroe: "Fabulous, Rhett & Qiyara and the tag champions, Alan Envy and Chris Constantine Junior. Not exactly slouches."
Peyton Holland: "Do you think Dré and Karib will get involved?"
Ambra Monroe: "Physically? I doubt it. But they can alway offer a distraction."
The scene opens with Neil Newman in a darkened room sitting on a wooden stool. The hood from the black hoodie he is wearing is covering his face. His icy cold sky blue eyes stand out.
Neil Newman:
Hello Alex...
We exist in a society that has lost sight of the big picture. This journey that we have been on has transpired for a reason. I choose not to defeat you in our first one-on-one encounter... for a reason. And that reason is simple. Beating you would not have accomplished anything. One and done. I move on. Climb the ladder. What’s the point in all that, hm? I don’t want to move on. I... want to help you. Everything that I have seen, from our first one on one match, to our tag match, to you standing up to the best wrestler on the planet, Glory Braddock. You showed me beyond a shadow of a reasonable doubt I haven’t wasted my time.
But to borrow a quote from a famous movie, we are in the End Game now.
Neil sits in silence. No smirking. His icy stare intensifies.
Neil Newman:
A count out won’t save you.
I will settle for nothing less than absolute victory. Just like the last time we shared the ring during the tag team match, my aim, my goal, is to tap you out.
I want to see if you have learned ANYTHING over the course of our interactions. You’ve been through adversity kid. Not once have you come out on the other side standing tall against me. Part of me hopes you do overcome your teacher. I won’t make it easy, Alex. What kind of teacher would I be if I didn’t make you earn it.
Neil takes a deep breath.
Neil Newman:
2021 could be your year. All depends on your performance. Winning matters, Alex. Show me you’re good enough to overcome this Collegiate All American in Greco Roman Wrestling. Prove to me you have what it takes to out wrestle a former World Champion. Tag team champion. A GCW Hall of Famer. I believe you have it in you.
Come on, SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT!!.
Neil Newman smirks as the scene fades to black.
Singles Match
Morag Bean VS Jada HashfordFans were buzzing over the debut of Morag Bean, the young scottish credited to form the group known as Sword Born along with her bodyguard, the gargantuan Meera Makara and Figgles’ daughter Ash Fi. The newcomer didn’t take long to inflame the crowd, charging headfirst to Jada. Like, literally, surprising the Backwoods Braggart with a running headbutt. Hashford was down and Morag literally jumped on her, pouring down hard punches to her face. Jada rolled through and found herself on top of Bean, returning the punches with interests. The two kept rolling over and trading shots and position until the ring inevitably ended and they winded up on the floor outside. Finally the let each other go, Morag let out an animal-like cry as she charged once again toward Jada. The Mississippi Queen simply stepped aside and used Morag’s own momentum to push her against the steel steps. A deaf thud echoed in the arena as her shoulder connected with the cold steel, her face writhing in an expression of pain as her hand clutched that injured shoulder. Like a shark smelling blood, Jada focused on that, grabbing Morag and shoving her into the ring post, obviously shoulder first. One more time she slammed her arm against the pole before finally shoving Morag back inside the ring and locking her into an armbar. Morag managed to shift her position and pin Hashford, who kicked out in two. As the match continued, Morag turned the tables and took control in an unorthodox way, biting the opponent’s face. A gesture that the referee and the fans condemned and that earned her a stern warning from the official. She shrugged her shoulders and went back on the attack, hitting Hashford with a flurry of right hands. She sent the Backwoods Braggart against the ropes and took out her leg with a low dropkick to the knee and followed with a shining wizard. She quickly hooked the leg and made the cover, but Jada raised her shoulder in time. There was nothing fancy in Bean’s style of offense, just pure aggression and stiff shots using every part of her body, head included. A style similar to Jada’s, who held her own against the scottish and almost got the three after a shoulder breaker. Morag’s left arm was starting to really bother her, more so now that Jada kept targeting it with kicks and holds. The match moved once again on the outside where the Mississippi Queen tried to maximize the damage by tossing her against the barricade and repeatedly stomping her shoulder. She stopped when Meera walked toward her, Jada staring up right in the eyes of the towering bodyguard not at all intimidated by her imposing presence. This gave Morag time to regroup and push Jada all the way against the apron, the edge of the ring driven against her lower back. Morag followed with some knife edge chops before starting to slam Jada’s head against the apron. The referee reached nine with his count out, but the Scot didn’t seem interested about winning the match anymore. She kept assaulting Hashford, taking the double count-out draw. WINNER: // BY: Double Count-Out, 10:13 |
Morag didn't stop after the bell rang, attacking Jada and invitng Meera to join in. The duo beat the Mississippi Queen up until the referee threatened to reverse his decision, but not before Makara put Hashford through a table Mora had set up.
Amy Maynard: "That's one way to make an impact in your debut."
Sir Figgles: "She was hanging out Fi, did you expect anything less than batshit crazy from her?"
Amy Maynard: "You... Are raising a good point. We'll see what the future holds for Morag Bean, while I can tell you what Jada's future holds. A quick visit to the doctor's office."
Amy Maynard: "That's one way to make an impact in your debut."
Sir Figgles: "She was hanging out Fi, did you expect anything less than batshit crazy from her?"
Amy Maynard: "You... Are raising a good point. We'll see what the future holds for Morag Bean, while I can tell you what Jada's future holds. A quick visit to the doctor's office."
The scene opens up inside of dingy little building, an industrial type building that every somewhat large city has in the outskirts. There, inside the building, has a ring and other exercise equipment scattered around the pavement. Sitting on the apron of the ring is Alex Andrews, her demeanor a bit more sullen than her usual. She looks up at the camera, her face becoming a bit more stern.
Alex Andrews:
It hasn't been the best of times for me as of late, has it? It really hasn't, but I am trying. That seems to the story of my life so far. "She's a good hand, and she tries hard, but it only gets her so far. She doesn't have that killer instinct. She has potential but hasn't realized it yet". And you know what? All valid points. I get the criticism, I do. But I'm more than simply a "good hand". I'm young and inexperienced, sure, but I'm also the hardest worker on the room.
Alex sighs and shakes her head, brushing her hair back from her face with both hands and begins speaking again.
Alex Andrews:
So, all of this has been a test, has it, Neil? Are you having fun sneering at me, looking down at me with a patronising tone, telling me "I'm doing well so far" in one breath and then telling me I'm going to give up again in the next? Is this enjoyable for you, batting me around and belittling me, all for "tough love?". All of this to toughen me up?
She lets out an almost growl as she speaks.
Alex Andrews:
Guess what? Mission accomplished, Neil. I get it. You want me to get mean. You'll get just that. You want me to come at you full force? Yeah, you're going to get it. You're going to get all you can handle and more. Because I've had it. I'm done being nice about it. I'm done trying to win your favor and get sneered at for my efforts. So, when I get into that ring with you, I'm going to knock you silly. This is me taking a stand against you and your smug attitude. And I won't be the one giving up, trust me. I'll leave that privilege to you. This will end with my boot upside your skull, I guarantee you. Because I won't be stopped, not when you've given me so much motivation coming into this. Be careful what you wish for, Neil, you might just get it.
Alex lets out a small chuckle and just hops off the apron and slowly walks away, the scene fading to black.
Singles Match
Alex Andrews VS Neil NewmanThe match started with the two competitors locking up in the center of the ring. Naturally Newman had the strength advantage and pushed Alex back in the corner, where the referee was forced to intervene for a break. Neil let her go immediately only to swing for the fence with a knife edge chop, a predictable cheap shot ducked by Andrews who grabbed his legs and took him down, mounting on top of him for some good ole ground and pound. It didn’t take long before Neil managed to push her away and get up to his feet. Alex went to lock up once again but this time she quickly switched behind Neil’s and tried to connect a german suplex. Always one step ahead, Newman blocked the attempt and connected with a back elbow to the jaw, forcing her to release the waistlock. As soon as she did, he grabbed her arm and bent forward, flipping her on her back with a hip toss. He jumped and drove his leg across the chest, making a cover and obtaining a near fall. Newman went to pick Alex up after a back body drop, but Andrews pulled him in with a roll-up, almost getting the upset win with it. They both got up to their feet at the same time and the rookie ducked a clothesline from the Golden Era member and popped up with a dropkick that sent Newman bounce against the ropes and right into an STO backbreaker. Focusing on the leg and spine, she applied a texas cloverleaf, sitting deep on his back putting a lot of pressure on Newman, who managed to reach the ropes anyway. Alex was giving him no break, hammering at Neil’s lower back with several clubbing forearms. She went for her patented Rainmaker but Neil was able to duck it and catch the rookie with a half-nelson suplex. He didn’t even give her time to get up, sprinting toward her and bashing her skull with a vicious knee strike. As Neil picked her up, Andrews looked dazed and the scoop brainbuster he planted her with surely didn’t help. She was still able to kick out and block the following belly-to-belly suplex attempt with a headbutt, but she seemed to have had the worst of the collision. Newman recovered faster than she did and floored her with a stiff clothesline. It was all Neil in the final minutes of the match, the veteran wisely slowed down the pace and kept the young rookie grounded with various holds. Almost wanting to show her up and teaching her how it’s done, he applied the same submission she tried earlier in the match, the Texas cloverleaf. Alex looked in big trouble after she struggled to drag herself to the ropes only for Neil to drag her back in the middle of the ring and sit back down on her back. Newman kept taunting her, saying that she should tap out. The referee checked constantly on her, the look on her face and the groans of pain painting an accurate picture of how close to the limit Andrews was. But she didn’t give up, feeding on the energy of the fans cheering on her to claw her way to the ropes one more time, finally grabbing them and forcing the opponent to break the submission. Newman kept her locked in for five extra seconds, fully exploiting the referee’s count. The official gave him a stern warning, and Alex took that time to roll out of the ring and catch a break, resting on the apron. Neil dragged her up and tried to suplex her back inside the ring but Andrews grabbed hold of the ropes and blocked the attempt. She then jumped off the apron, dragging Neil’s arm down and causing it to bounce on the top rope. She targeted the shoulder with kicks and an armbreaker, even jumping on it with a double foot stomp. Grabbing that same wrist, she surprised him with a mouse trap pin, obtaining an unexpected yet deserved win against the more experienced wrestler. WINNER: Alex Andrews BY: Pinfall (Mouse Trap Pin), 11:25 |
Peyton Holland: "I guess we just witnessed the upset of the night, Ambra!"
Ambra Monroe: "The rookie just beat the veteran, who could have guessed?"
Peyton Holland: "Hold up, what's going on now?"
Neil Newman was up to his feet, getting in the face of the young rookie who didn't flinch at all. The referee tried to defuse a potentially explosive situation, but his words fell on deaf ears. Neil stared at Alex for a few seconds, looking like he could strike at any moment. And Andrews was most definitely ready to fight back, should Newman tonight. But that wasn't necessary, Neil simply leaned in and whispered something in her ear. The cameras couldn't catch it, but it surely left Alex surprised, staring at the opponent who was now leaving the ring.
Ambra Monroe: "The rookie just beat the veteran, who could have guessed?"
Peyton Holland: "Hold up, what's going on now?"
Neil Newman was up to his feet, getting in the face of the young rookie who didn't flinch at all. The referee tried to defuse a potentially explosive situation, but his words fell on deaf ears. Neil stared at Alex for a few seconds, looking like he could strike at any moment. And Andrews was most definitely ready to fight back, should Newman tonight. But that wasn't necessary, Neil simply leaned in and whispered something in her ear. The cameras couldn't catch it, but it surely left Alex surprised, staring at the opponent who was now leaving the ring.
The video feed cuts to a static like screen. Through the static, a whistle could be heard. The whistling continues for a moment before it suddenly stops.
??:
Your time has arrived. Welcome to your nightmare. Welcome to… Your bloody Valentine.
Blood pours down the feed until it’s completely covered. The feed then goes black for a few moments before it comes back to a shot of a ladder. The camera follows up the ladder until a pair of black boots are seen. The camera keeps going up until we see Atti Valentine sitting on top of the ladder, a lit cigarette in his mouth as he stares off in the distance.
Atti Valentine:
Joey Leclair… This TLC match will be the death of you. The death of the so-called ‘death-dealer.’
Atti took a drag from the cigarette before he slowly blew the smoke from his lips.
Atti Valentine:
You have no idea what I’m capable of. You’ve got no idea what these hands have done. The crimes they’ve committed. These hands? They will always be bloodied.
Atti holds his free hand out and glances down at his palm and shakes his head.
Atti Valentine:
Her blood? It might not be there physically anymore but I still see it when I look down at my hands. That memory? That dark night? It will always remain. And as much pain as it was, as badly as it all hurt? I still fight on. But the only thing that can keep me sane at this point… is hurting people. Getting blood on these guilty hands of mine… It’s one of the only things that help me sleep at night.
He takes another hit from the cigarette before tossing it to the ground.
Atti Valentine:
Joey… You mentioned your Chicago Way Championship like it means anything to me. You want to know why I’m going to take that championship? I’m taking it because it’s going to make you feel pain. You’re going to feel worthless when I take it from you because it’s what you base your personality on. It’s all you are and I’m going to take it all from you and the only person dealing out death tonight will be me. The death of your career is tonight and there is nothing you can do to stop it.
He nods confidently.
Atti Valentine:
I’m going to rip you apart and break your bones, Joey. And when I leave you in a pile of your own blood? Then and only then will I climb each step of this ladder and then reach up and steal away your dreams. This is one Valentine you will never forget. I promise.
Atti jumps off the ladder and when the camera pans down to the floor, Atti has now disappeared. The scene cuts away.
We now cut backstage to a room that’s lit up with red lights. Standing in the middle of it is Asher Miles, The Antares, and next to him is the one known as the Lightbringer, Kaia Grainger. A few moments passed before Asher began to speak.
Asher Miles:
I embarked on a mission here with Kaia by my side at the beginning of this year. I was here to avenge my past. Avenge the leftover pain I was feeling. But now that’s all gone. My mission now is to become the best damn wrestler I can be and to do that? I have to start climbing the ladder. I started that with Luna but she got DQ’d and continues to dodge me. Now somehow Nina, Leia and that giant fuck are in this match between us for the Junior Heavyweight Championship. What a cluster fuck, am I right?
Asher chuckled as he glanced over to Kaia. She nods along gracefully, while seeming resting off to his side in her sparkling thigh-length dress.
Kaia Grainger:
It seems no matter what you do or where you go, similar theatrics take place. People getting in the way of lofty goals and trying to stop the inevitable by less-than-stellar tact. Its a noble ambition, certainly creates appealing entertainment, but in the end its been seen time and again that those who avoid fate, typically find it faster.
A small smile crept upon her face then as she spoke further.
Kaia Grainger:
Asher has been denied a lot of things in his life, you would think trying to deny him further would be ill-advised and yet. . . trials for a moon sake. A frivolous pity.
She then pouts slightly before laughing, shaking her head to let Asher continue further.
Asher Miles:
Kaia is exactly right. Every turn in my life I’ve been denied or cast aside. I’ve been spurned and forgotten about and that’s exactly what Luna is trying to do here. Even this morning, she tried to say I wouldn’t be in this match but here I am.
Asher held his arms out in the air.
Asher Miles:
As proven time and time again, you can beat me down, you can try and destroy me but at the end of the day? I’m a burning star that can’t be killed. I’m a flame that will last forever and tonight? I’m going to burn brighter than ever before when I become the Junior Heavyweight Champion.
Adamantly Kaia smiled, and nodded accordingly.
Kaia Grainger:
There really isn’t much more that needs to be said then that. These others have had their shots. The showgirl while talented, hasn’t really taken the initiative to continually earn her spot. Nina? Save for continually failing to steal the belt doesn’t really have all that much to brag about, much less does she deserve a shot at the belt. Legion? A queenslayer. . . maybe, but even the slayers can’t deny the essence of a burning star. Let’s face facts here, there is only one person in this entire bought who deserves the shot and only one who deserves to strip that belt away from the hands of greed and he goes by . . Antares!
She of course is indicating the name she gave him, before she continues further.
Kaia Grainger:
And it will be my privilege to watch Asher show each and every one of you just how its done!
Asher grins and nods before looking back to the camera and peering into it.
Asher Miles:
The time for words are over now. It’s time for action, which is what I prefer. You’ve all witnessed the destruction I can cause. Tonight will be no different. My flames will burn brighter than ever before and I will engulf all three of my opponents with the fire I bring. And then? I’ll be your Junior Heavyweight Champion. Enjoy.
Asher and Kaia nod at each other and begin to walk away as the scene fades out.
Chicago Way Championship Match
TLC Match
Joey Leclair (c) VS Atti ValentineTLC Match
Tables, Ladders and Chairs were surrounding the ring, the Chicago Way Championship was hanging above the ring and Joey Leclair and Atti Valentine were ready for the battle. At the sound of the bell Atti jumped and connected a dropkick that sent the champion out of the ring. Atti grabbed the top rope and jumped over it with a pescado, changing his trajectory in mid flight when he noticed that Leclair stepped away, landing on the apron. Joey tried to take out his legs with a clothesline but Valentine jumped and quickly kicked him on the face. He then went from a senton from the apron but Leclair caught him in mid air and powerbombed him through a table. The fans were on their feet already, the match had already started but the level of intensity and violence were up to 11 already. As Valentine was squirming through the debris, a sharpnel of the broken table sticking out of his arms, Joey collecte a few chairs and tossed them over the top rope, creating a big stack of chairs in the middle of the ring. He picked up Atti and rolled him under the bottom rope, leaving his head hanging out. He then dropped a few elbows to the chest and a guillotine legdrop before entering the ring and dragging him up to his feet. Joey removed the piece of table from Atticus’ arm causing more blood to pour out of the lacerated skin and then, using that same sharpnel, he stabbed the man’s shoulder. He tried to end things quickly with a powerbomb onto the pile of chairs, but Atti countered it with a spike hurricanrana. Ladders came into play later in the match, with the champion trying to slide one inside the ring only to have it driven into his chest with a baseball slide from Atticus who then grabbed that same ladder and took it in the middle of the ring. He kicked away the chairs to clear some space under the title to set it up and start his climbing. Leclair entered the ring with a chair and slammed it on Atti’s back, stopping his ascent. He then dropped the weapon on the canvas and picked Valentine on his shoulders in an electric chair position and dropped down into a seated position, driving the challenger neck first onto it. It was Joey’s chance to try to reach the title, and the Death Dealer began to climb up, slowly but steadily, holding his ribs in pain. Atti picked himself up and started climbing on the opposite side. The two met on top, starting to trade punches on the wobbly ladder. It could end in only one way, with both of them falling from the ladder. Joey crashed through a table while Atti wasn’t that lucky, finding nothing to mitigate his fall toward the waiting floor. The fans were expecting blood from these two and both the champion and the challenger made sure their thirst was quenched. Atti thought he already paid his tribute in blood early in the match when a big chunk of wood embedded in his arm, but Joey clearly didn’t think that was enough and gave the long haired man a dye job, painting his hair red with a skull-cracking chair shot. He returned the courtesy a minute later when he blocked Leclair’s foot and dragged him down, slamming his head on the steps until the champion started bleeding. Atti then brought a table in the ring and set Joey onto it. He then climbed the ladder and recklessly jumped off it, landing on Leclair with the Bloody Valentine swanton bomb. The table crashed under their combined weights, leaving Joey laying motionless through the rubble. Atticus instead rose to his feet and started making his way up, and he had almost reached the title when Joey grabbed his ankle. Nothing that a couple of kicks to the head couldn’t fix, and now that Leclair was once again laying flat on his back, nothing and no one could stop Atticus from retrieving the Chicago Way championship. WINNER: Atti Valentine (NEW CHICAGO WAY CHAMPION) BY: Title Retrieval, 14:22 |
Amy Maynard: "New champ! The longest Chicago Way championship reign has come to an end, Atti Valentine is the new champion!"
Sir Figgles: "After an year, a Valentine is once again holding gold in MWE. Too bad we have to settle with the lesser one."
Amy Maynard: "Are you seriously insulting Atticus after witnessing what he can do? I don't think that's the smartest idea, Fig."
Sir Figgles: "Haha, but I'm not even a wrestler, that loser can't touch me!"
Amy Maynard: "That didn't stop Echo from kicking me in the face two weeks ago, you think it would stop Atti?"
Sir Figgles: "..."
Sir Figgles: "After an year, a Valentine is once again holding gold in MWE. Too bad we have to settle with the lesser one."
Amy Maynard: "Are you seriously insulting Atticus after witnessing what he can do? I don't think that's the smartest idea, Fig."
Sir Figgles: "Haha, but I'm not even a wrestler, that loser can't touch me!"
Amy Maynard: "That didn't stop Echo from kicking me in the face two weeks ago, you think it would stop Atti?"
Sir Figgles: "..."
Voice:
Coup de grâce, otherwise known as the killshot.
As the voice rips across the airwaves an almost revoltingly bright screen flickers to life in the backdrop before forming a circular ring, illuminated by LED panels as to the left the ravishing Qiyara Singh steps into the frame, her voice now highlighted as the one we were hearing.
Qiyara Singh:
Quite fitting a name to describe Night One’s Main Event. With the penultimate decision of the night deciding just who will emerge your Tag Team Champions, under elimination rules. Some teams have already made their claims of victory, but Elimination rules are such tricky things, but we made a vow after the Summer was done and we’ve yet to let up on our goal.
She pauses.
Qiyara Singh:
See we know that Fabulous have rightfully earned their spot, and the Bad Boyz as much as we’d like to dislike them are also very credible athletes. Then you have Chris Constantine Jr and Alan Envy who currently possess the titles who will lie, cheat, and betray anything and everyone for a corrective sum. Then there is us. An international team defined by two very different people who somehow found a sparkling connection that has yet to fade over the past year. We’ve evolved, we’ve grown, and quite frankly we’re tired of sitting by while someone else continually takes possession of what should rightfully be ours.
Rhett Adelson steps into the frame now, wearing his ring tights, a hoodie and fighting gloves on his hands. He looked ready for war as he peered into the camera.
Rhett Adelson:
The odds are stacked against us again, aren’t they? At least, that’s what most would say. But in this elimination tag match? The people who were constantly getting involved and ruining our chances at gold? They’re all in that ring at once. There’s no more excuses. Yara and I are ready for war, we’re ready to take on anything and everything thrown our way.
Rhett nods confidently as he points to the camera.
Rhett Adelson:
So the tag champs? Bad Boyz? Fabulous? None of you stand a chance tonight. Yara and I have been working for this moment for fifteen months. We’ve had it slip through our fingers time and time again but it’s time this drought ends. It’s time that Qiyara and I win the championships that have been stolen away from us through shady bullshit time and time again. There’s nothing that can stop us now. Not one damn thing, I’m that confident.
Pausing as to not interrupt him Qiyara steps a little closer now, nearing the gap between her and Rhett ever so slightly before she herself reveals her own get up, a black and gold number, fighting gloves adorning her own hands, and her hair tied back tight.
Qiyara Singh:
As you should be.
She said acknowledging Rhett’s last statement.
Qiyara Singh:
As should everyone watching this now. No longer will the team of Adelson-Singh be denied what is rightfully ours. The champions have had their chance to show that they could uphold these championships with the grace and dignity they deserve and yet each time they go out there they simply make a mockery of the belts. They bring no honor or respect to them because they are simply touting them as props. Another to the collection so that the next fight they have they can do it all over again. Floating from one team or group to the next in hopes of remaining in the hierarchy of MWE. Its an ambitious gold, but no longer will the tag titles be held as your captors.
She was shaking her head now.
Qiyara Singh:
The Bad Boyz offer a very similar tact in their demeanor and we’ve seen what they can do first hand, but if we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times. Those type of tactics may work in what you call your urban warfare, but in the real art of war they’re simply . . . inadequate.
A striking smirk came to her features there, especially since it was so unusual for her to undermine anyone.
Qiyara Singh:
As for the girls of Fabulous, I respect you, but this isn’t about respect. We’ve met once before and ultimately you were the victors of that series. Its time to prove to you as much as the other two teams just who you’re facing. You’ve wanted to fight the best team in the world, you’ve said it multiple times, well tonight you get to do just that.
She pauses briefly.
Qiyara Singh:
When you’ve fought the kind of battles we both have in life, these types of matches go beyond just pure sport, they go beyond tactics and strategy. They elicit a performance that comes from the heart and the spirit that exists inside and there isn’t a team in the world that can outshine us when it comes to that.
Rhett stood next to Qiyara now and grabbed her hand, holding it tightly in his.
Rhett Adelson:
Qiyara and I have been through it all together. Some of the stories I could tell? You wouldn’t believe. While that’s fine and all? The one thing you can believe in, is Qiyara Singh and Rhett Adelson becoming the Millennium Tag Team Champions.
He nods confidently.
Rhett Adelson:
While these teams are solid? They don’t have the connection and the chemistry that we have. They haven’t been putting in the work together like we have and most of all? They haven’t stared down the barrel of a kill shot together and came out the other side of it and survived like we have.
He glances over to Yara and smiles widely.
Rhett Adelson:
There isn’t anyone I’d rather be in this fight with. And I know that tonight will be ours. Finally.
Qiyara gave him an affirmative smile of her own, before she reached out her hand to take his. There wasn’t much need to say anything else as they interlocked momentarily the bright illuminating light that had been exemplifying their frames disappeared. Behind them, the ring light began to spin changing color into a burnt orange as a burning flame erupted around it, spinning uncontrollably.
As these words popped onto the screen.
Om Namah Shivaya
. . .
I honor that which I become
Six Pack Challenge Match
#1 Contendership for the MENTV Championship?
Andrew Wilkow VS Brien Storm VS Jay Gallagher VS Tank Steiner VS Liv Mercer VS Dean Smith#1 Contendership for the MENTV Championship?
Six competitors fighting for a shot at the MENTV championship, for the right to be the final opponent in Pierce Manning’s reign or the first on in Donovan Keane’s. Jay Gallagher looked particularly thrilled at the prospect of challenging his tag team partner, and he did everything he could to hold up his part, starting the match hot with a J-Kick to Storm’s face. He then crouched on top of him and began punching his face, yelling that he wasn’t even the real “Captain”. Dean and Liv were rekindling their rivalry trading shots while Tank Steiner had Wilkow in the corner, the most dangerous place in the world when you’re in the ring with the Austrian Hulk. The first chop came so sudden and thunderous that everyone’s attention turned to the pair. The other fighters froze on the spot, staring at Tank as he raised his hand and dropped a second one on Wilkow’s already reddened chest. Liv took this chance to kick Dean between the legs and apply an inverted headlock, running up the corner and flipping backward with a shiranui, but Smith kicked out in two. Storm capitalized on the situation as well, hitting Jay with a throat strike and taking him down with a drop toe hold, leaving him hanging on the middle rope. Taking a sprint to the opposite side he hit Gallagher with a knee to the back of the head, using that same knee to push his neck down against the rope. Three chops later Wilkow decided he had had enough of Tank and heabutted the Austrian sensation, staggering him. He followed with some heavy punches, each one of them pushing the 340 pounder one step back. And then Drew did something a few people can brag about having accomplished. Body-slamming Tank Steiner. After the impressive feat of strength, the fired up Wilkow kicked Brian on the side of the head as he was charging at Jay once again. Not satisfied, the Sandstorm Inc. member sprinted toward the corner and squashed both Dean and the poor Mercer, who was already being kicked down by Smith. If there’s one thing that can make enemies work together that’s the need to take out a bigger threat. Liv and Dean were teaming up against Wilkow, who had dominated the past minutes while Jay and Brien were tearing Tank Steiner apart, working on his previously injured knee. But if Smith and Mercer’s partnership was successful and resulted in them throwing Wilkow out of the ring, the alliance between Gallagher and Storm was a lot more fragile, and it ended when Brien tried to pin Jay with a flash roll-up. The two had an argument after that, settled by Tank with a double clothesline that turned both of them inside out. The former Invictus champion Dean Smith didn’t hesitate to take on Herr Steiner with a flurry of forearms to the jaw. Liv instead stayed put in the corner, saving her energy and watching the events unfolding. When the brawl between the two men ended with Tank tossing Dean out of the ring, she hit the big man from behind with a chop block, taking him down to his knees. A superkick to the back of the head might be enough to keep him down, she thought, but Jay deprived her of the chance to find out by diving on top of her and interrupting the count. Wilkow was back in full force after downing a couple of Cherry Limeade Sandstorm Energy™. He knocked the opponent down one after the other like he was swatting flies with clothesline and kicks, proving once again that this is, without a doubt, the ONLY energy drink you ever need. Even Tank fell under his blows, even though in his defense it took him more than one strike to drop him down. But once he was there Wilkow tried his hand with a jumping elbow drop, laying on top of Steiner after that for what could’ve been a three if it wasn’t for Liv Mercer. In the far corner, away from the action, an Unforecasted Storm battered Dean, but Brien wasn’t quick enough to capitalize on his finisher and fell victim of Gallagher’s Jay Walking (fireman’s carry to overhead kick) He made the cover, but Tank Steiner hooked him in a waistlock and connected a deadlift german suplex into the corner. Wilkow had just annihilated Liv with the Country Roads powerbomb and he was now once again facing Tank Steiner. The fight between the two behemoths ended rather quickly with a kick to the balls/LARIAAAAAAAAAAAT combination by Wilkow. Dean came flying in from out of nowhere and hit him with a knee to the skull, but the impact of the Mean Dean sent Andrew out of the ring. Smith focused his attention on Storm then, trapping him the Choke Out. The Favorite Worst Nightmare gave up, tapping out to the dragon sleeper. WINNER: Dean Smith BY: Submission (Choke Out), 14:20 |
Peyton Holland: "And we have a new number one contender to the MENTV championship!"
Ambra Monroe: "The former Invictus champion just earned himself a shot at the title that, de facto, replaced the championship he held for longer than anyone else."
Peyton Holland: "I guess we can say he's coming full circle then. The question is, who will he face? Is he going to be the last obstacle on Pierce's road to the Riot championship? Or will he be the first one on Donovan Keane's?"
Ambra Monroe: "It won't be long before we find out now."
Leia LeBeau:
And it all comes down to this. The biggest stage, the brightest lights, the greatest show on earth.
The Show, wearing an extravagant Vegas inspired outfit in royal purple with images of spotlights and neon signs upon it, sat down on a luxurious sofa with her head in her hands. By her side was the very regal jacket, slightly oversized, that she had grown accustomed to wearing on the way to the ring. She seemed a little jittery, unlike her usual overconfident self, and continued talking to herself as she prepared for her gigantic match.
Leia LeBeau:
You have this, sugar. After everything that has happened this year, this is your moment. No one here to cheat your chance, no one here to hold you back. You’re in there alone, no excuses.
She whipped her long hair back, her face a pretty picture and dazzling with glitter. She took in a deep breath, before clutching her stomach, a stunned look upon her face.
Leia LeBeau:
I think… I think I’m going to be sick. I’m going to be sick.
She leapt up, looking like she was going to run to the bathroom. But as she did, she was halted by her older sibling and agent, Eloise K. LeBeau. The agent, looking amazing in a figure hugging black dress, handed her a latte, The Show’s favourite choice of beverage and Leia gulped it down in mere seconds.
Leia LeBeau:
Thank you, Eloise.
Leia breathed a sigh of relief, a little colour coming back to her cheeks as she nodded towards her agent.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
I was wondering when those nerves were going to kick in, Leia. You’ve been overly quiet.
Leia LeBeau:
You could say the same thing yourself.
Eloise nodded, not answering with words, looking more focused on her client\sister than anything else, rubbing her back as she tried to help her relax.
Leia LeBeau:
How is everything? You know, with you know what?
Eloise K. LeBeau:
We can talk about that later. Tonight is all about you. You’ve been waiting too long for this.
Eloise responded quietly, Leia giving her a short nod in response.
Leia LeBeau:
Do you… ever feel that everything you have done has been building to one moment? Like everything you have done before is just one episode after another, building to the grand finale of the season?
Eloise K. LeBeau:
More often than you can believe. Drink.
Leia took another big gulp of her latte, finishing off the boiling hot beverage, then she sat the cup down upon a nearby table.
Leia LeBeau:
A year ago I was just a silly Showgirl, trying to steal a little of that spotlight for myself, not really caring how I did it. Now? Now after all I’ve experienced, all I have been through… I just want to do it right. But I’m not sure I’m ready for it. And I’m not like this, ever. I don’t understand it.
Eloise rested a hand on her sister’s shoulder.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
Look, Leia. It’s okay to have nerves going into a match like this. You’ve been spending so long waiting for this opportunity, and the hours you have put into training over the past few months is quite frankly mind blowing.
Leia looked up to the ceiling, taking in her agent’s words as they gave them their support.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
You’ve done everything you possibly can to prepare for this. And the nerves? It just shows what this means to you. And what it means to everyone around you. To me, to Donnie, to all of your friends.
Eloise gave her a slight smile, as the sister’s made eye contact.
Eloise K. LeBeau:
Nerves just mean that it’s real. A friend taught me that one, and that rings so true here.
Leia paused, rubbing her sister’s shoulder after she said that. There was a moment of silence, as she slipped on her jacket.
Leia LeBeau:
Do you think he’d be proud of me?
Eloise K. LeBeau:
Without a doubt. And he’d say you were beautiful.
Eloise wiped a tear away from her sister’s eye, before she picked up her top hat, sitting it upon Leia’s head. The Showgirl smiled, bright and bold, before she swayed towards the door. A voice cried out “Good luck, Sissy” from behind the camera, Leia turning with a nod to the camera, before readjusting her hat.
Leia LeBeau:
It’s Showtime.
She said to herself, before pacing out of the room, now twirling her cane as she went out to try and win her very first wrestling championship.
Junior Heavyweight Championship Match
5-Way Match
Luna Smith (c) VS Asher Miles VS Legion VS Leia LeBeau VS Nina5-Way Match
The champion was the last one to enter the match, and she did it accompanied by four of her trusted Holly’s Helpers. None of her opponents were happy to see the four guys walking out with the Star Of The Night, with Nina being by far the most vocal and the most colorful in her complaints. The referee tried to calm them down but he could barely hold the Snakebite when the four helpers began searching under the ring and pulling out every weapon from under it. At that point the referee addressed Luna and asked her what the hell was this all about and the champion candidly admitted that they were making sure nobody could hurt her with an illegal object. “And that no disgusting snakes are hiding under the ring.” She added, shooting a glance at Nina. Tables, chairs, a fire extinguisher, a ladder, pipes and kendo sticks… They were all piled up against the barricade with the Helpers guarding them. Leia looked relieved by the fact that Jackie, Nina’s pet python, wasn’t there. Luna finally “authorized” the match to start, the referee turned around and called for the bell to sound. And unsurprisingly, as soon as it did, everybody charged at Luna, direct consequences of her actions from tonight and the weeks leading up to this event. Kicks and punches and forearms and stomps rained down on Luna who curled up on the floor trying to protect herself, until one of the helpers dragged her out. Always the quickest to react, the sneaky Nina tried to steal the win with a schoolboy pin on Leia, but Asher turned around and broke up the predicament. It was an hectic match, and it couldn’t be otherwise with five wrestlers involved. Well, four since Luna was taking an extended break on the outside. Leia had Nina on her knees and was enjoying every single one of the Show Kicks she was rattling the Viper’s ribcage with. Asher was stealing the show with his high-flying attacks, until a crossbody attempt was countered with a superkick from Legion. The Antares was slowly getting up, seeing out of the corner of his eye that the former Asylum champion was ready to charge at him for her Icy Death. He rolled to his side, barely dodging the running big boot and moving behind her back connecting a tiger suplex. Miles made the cover but Luna stomped him on the back of the head and tossed him out, picking up Legion and kicking her head off with the Starstorm (discus roundhouse kick). LeBeau picked a different but very effective way to keep the match alive, a hard kick to the Star Of The Night’s ribs. The Showgirl reached the champion with her boxing combo, forcing Luna in the corner. Once she had her there, she pressed her boot on Smith’s neck with the handstand foot choke. She had her now exactly where she wanted her, perfectly positioned for the Jet City Jive. Leia went to the opposite corner and charged, but Legion got in her way, spitting some black mist on the Showgirl’s face, stopping her on her tracks and momentarily blind her. She then picked her up on her shoulders and dropped her down in an F-5 motion with the Ronin’s Blade, hooking the leg for the cover. Both Asher and Nina desperately dove in and managed to interrupt the referee’s count. Leia was sitting on the apron, trying to wipe off the mist off her eyes and face. But inside the ring the match was still going, the champion was dominating Legion and set her up for her Dark Side Of Luna in the corner while Asher was kicking Nina, or trying to.The Viper was just too fast and she managed to dodge those kicks, once again showing her outstanding evasion skills and how dangerous and unpredictable her counters were. Rolling under Miles’ leg she ducked the roundhouse kick and grabbed the Antares’ support leg, applying her Leg Constrictor sambo calf crusher. Luna was on the top rope, ready to jump for the Stardom (sparkle splash) that could give her the win when she saw Asher in agony, trapped in Nina’s submission maneuver. Nobody could tell if he was going to resist long enough for her to jump and get the three count. After a brief but potentially fatal hesitation she jumped on Nina with a double foot stomp, forcing her to break the submission. Even on one leg Asher kept fighting, and he almost walked out with the title after planting Luna on her head with a ddt and making the cover with the Red Star shooting star press. Almost at the same time Nina knocked Leia down with The Sting (sambo casting punch) but she couldn’t capitalize on it, having to break up Asher’s pinning predicament instead. She took out the frustration for the missed opportunity on Miles, stopping only when Legion grabbed her shoulder and forced her to turn around. Her quick reflexes allowed her to miraculously avoid the fireball Legion threw at her face, but the dazed Asher wasn’t as lucky. The Red Star went down in a burst of flames, Nina quickly connected a second devastating The Sting, this time on Legion and floored her. Luna started fumbling with her ring gear, reaching for a brass knuckle inside her top and using it to punch the Viper in the face. She put so much strength in that last desperate punch that she lost balance and fell on her hands and knees. Before she could get up, Leia jumped off the top rope and dropped the champion on her face with a diving Seattle Slutdrop, rolling her on her back and hooking the leg. Here came the referee making the count. One.. Two.. Thr… No! Luna kicked out in the nick of time. Leia was in shock but she didn’t let this get to her, pulling herself up and spotting Nina laying against the turnbuckle in the corner.. JET CITY JIVE connected! This had to be it, right? LeBeau made the cover, sure that she would finally fulfill her dream.. But an exhausted Asher was able to push her off the Viper at the last moment. Desperation started kicking in the Showgirl, it looked like the Gods Of Wrestling were against her tonight. Everyone was down, barely moving, except her and Legion who was slowly getting up. The Showgirl raised her eyes to the sky, closing them for a moment as if she was sending up a prayer, or asking for someone’s intercession. And then she sprinted, hitting Legion with a running enziguri, a perfect rendition of Prince Kamijo’s Aristocrat Symphony. And this time, nothing and nobody could get between her and the Junior Heavyweight Championship. WINNER: Leia LeBeau (NEW JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (Aristocrat Symphony), 17:13 |
Amy Maynard: "I know I'm supposed to be impartial but... YES! She did it! Leia is finally the NEW JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!"
Sir Figgles: "What's with all this excitement, Amy? Did you bet on her winning?"
Amy Maynard: "No... Did you?"
Sir Figgles: "Shut up!"
Amy Maynard: "I'm just happy for Leia, she's come so close to the title for months and tonight she made it hers. She's also Mia's favorite wrestler so that helps too, I guess."
Sir Figgles: "What's with all this excitement, Amy? Did you bet on her winning?"
Amy Maynard: "No... Did you?"
Sir Figgles: "Shut up!"
Amy Maynard: "I'm just happy for Leia, she's come so close to the title for months and tonight she made it hers. She's also Mia's favorite wrestler so that helps too, I guess."
We find ourselves backstage in the VIP room of Megan Monroe and Pierce Manning once again. They are sitting at a table with, of course, some kind of fancy wine in front of them. There are also festive Christmas decorations on the table but most importantly, in front of them are their Intercontinental and MENTV Championships. Megan took a sip of her drink before glancing over at the camera.
Megan Monroe:
Can you believe it, Pierce? On night two of Coupe De Grâce, I have to defend MY Intercontinental Championship against two unworthy opponents. But what’s even worse is the atrocity of tonight. The fact that you have to defend your MENTV Championship against someone as unworthy as Donovan Keane. What a joke.
Pierce is staring at his wine not bothering to touch the glass. His eyes are brimming with a cold intensity the audience is rarely privy too.
Pierce Manning:
As long as tonight is the final chapter of my interactions with Donovan Keane it’ll be worth it. I want to...
The MENTV Champion stops himself from completing his thought, becoming self aware that whatever he is going to say will be picked up by the camera filming this. He sighs. Rubbing the temple of his forward he collected his thoughts enough to continue.
Pierce Manning:
Pinning him tonight puts him in my rearview mirror. That is what’s important. Whoever wins the number one contender match will be victim number five. Henri or Glory can hand me my Riot Championship.
Megan places her hand over Pierce’s and held it tightly as she looks over at him with a devilish grin.
Megan Monroe:
Not only will you earn the shot you rightfully deserve at the Riot Championship, but you beating the living hell out of Donovan will always help close a horrible, horrible chapter of my life. And that means everything to me. It’s why I’m so blessed to have a man like you, one that not only stands side by side with me but also defends me, and I’d do the same for you.
She leans in and gives Pierce a kiss on the cheek.
Megan Monroe:
All of that being said, I can’t wait for us to celebrate your big win when the night is over.
Pierce’s cold gaze on the wine glass softened as he listened to Megan’s words. He relaxes a bit and smiles.
Pierce Manning:
I hate Donovan with an ever loving passion! It has taken everything in me not to drive that bastard's head through a car window. Or worse. Much worse. Part of me wishes this match was no disqualification so I can send him to the hospital where he belongs. But I need to keep my cool. Getting disqualified doesn’t help me. Gives him more rope for another shot and the last thing I want is for him to become a singles champion in this company at my expense. He goes on and on and on about being 2-0 against me. The thought of him holding the MENTV Championship over my head too?
Pierce grits his teeth.
Pierce Manning:
Not a fucking chance. He is NOT walking out with everything I worked so hard for. I won’t allow him to get away with every vile thing he’s said about you. I won’t let you down. I can’t.
Pierce kisses Megan.
??:
Good. Keep that intensity.
The incoming voice comes from a man entering the VIP room and it has that familiar rasp to it. The elder statesman of professional wrestling, Seth Iser, has now lumbered into the area and he looks as if he’s seen some better days. He’s changed into his ring attire but bandages abound from the various lacerations due to barbed wire, his hand is taped up a little more than usual and there’s a bandage done in the style of a bandana almost to keep the wound on his forehead from spewing open. But he’s addressing Pierce first.
Seth Iser:
You have twenty minutes. Use every second if you have to in order to get the job done. But keep a clear head. You don’t want to get too emotional and then boom...you’re ensnared in a sunset flip or a small package and that’s all it takes. You’re the veteran of the two of you. Let him make that mistake rather than you. Moretti keeps talking about you having the potential to go even higher. I happen to agree. Prove his investment in you right.
Pierce takes a moment to absorb Seth’s every word. He responds with a simple nod.
Pierce Manning:
I will. Thanks.
There’s a nod of acknowledgement from one veteran to the other returning that before he eyeballs his student.
Seth Iser:
Triple threat tomorrow for you. I don’t know what shape I’ll be in tomorrow so I’ll say the speel now. You have to do the same thing Pierce is going to do tonight and defend that championship with all the pride you’re gaining for your last name. You have a masterful tactician in Sophie who is almost on par with me when it comes to dirty tricks and Keelan Jayce who...while talented just takes things too damn personally. Two completely different opponents…
He taps his bearded chin for a moment as he contemplates this.
Seth Iser:
Keep your eyes on Sophie in particular. She’ll do anything to take that gold away and she’s clever. That plays into a triple threat you know. It isn’t always the most athletic or the biggest or the baddest who wins that. It’s the person who creates their own luck by being the smartest. If you want your reign to truly be eternal, you’ll outsmart one of the more dangerous minds in the game and teach Keelan a lesson on the ruthlessness it takes to be a champion here.
Megan listened intently to Seth before slowly nodding in agreement.
Megan Monroe:
I’ve watched Sophie since I beat her before when I became the IC Champion and I’ve seen her grow. But during that time? So have I. I’m ready for whatever dangerous game she’s ready to play and as for Keelan?
Megan let out a laugh as she shook her head.
Megan Monroe:
He not only takes things too personal out there but he also is too hesitant because he’s afraid to bleed thanks to his physical defects. I’m not afraid to take advantage of that or any other situation that appears in front of me and that? That I learned from you, Seth. I will find my openings and I will take them and use them to my gain and advantage until I successfully defend the Intercontinental Championship.
There’s a stern nod from the veteran as he states that.
Seth Iser:
Good. Pierce can remind you of anything needed for Night two.
He pauses for a moment as he has that stern expression as he contemplates things.
Seth Iser:
Because there’s a damn good chance both Neal and I aren’t walking out of that cell tonight. But whatever price I need to pay to get the job done...I’ll gladly do it. Especially since Neal has made it a point to be an enemy of mine. We both have our own...demons to work through in that god forsaken structure. It’s going to be hell. We’re going to lose matches at the end of our careers. Hell, one bad fall...it might be it.
There’s that frown etched on his face as he chews that point forward.
Seth Iser:
But as bad as I feel now...I’d feel sick to my god damned stomach if I don’t heal this wound. Not the physical ones etched on my body...but the blow to my pride Neal has put on me. And I damn sure won’t let him have the power to change any damned match he pleases. That’d be bad for all three of us, honestly because a man who seems like he doesn’t give a shit with a weapon like that? It’s like a nuclear bomb and everyone would get caught in the crossfire.
Again that frown as he addresses the two of them but rather than a sigh, that old familiar confidence is seeping in. The adrenaline is aiding in his movement slightly and masking the pain.
Seth Iser:
Heaven for the climate...hell for the company as Twain said...a company of demons. But there isn’t a demon I’m unwilling to vanquish to teach Neal a lesson in wrestling and to put the three of us in the position we need to be going forward. I already accepted the damn price I’ll pay for it later. But it’ll make any planning easier for all of us if I’m the one in control of that briefcase...and then knock on wood...the benefit of being on both shows as World Champion down the line. So we all know our objectives.
With a smirk on his face, Pierce nods.
Pierce Manning:
One hundred perfect.
Pierce goes to grab his MENTV Championship. His eyes linger on the gold plating for a couple seconds before he looks at Seth.
Pierce Manning:
The three most important people in this company are standing in this room. They can talk about Hearst and Constantine's masterplan all they want. Glory and Henri can fight until the end of time for all I care. Keelan, Sophie, they’ll have no choice but to embrace failure. I’ll admit I don’t get why Neal calls himself the King of Failures, it doesn’t matter how beat up you are, you got this. Megan got this. And tonight, so do I. We close 2020 the winners that we are. 2021, MWE has seen nothing yet.
Megan leaned forward and grabbed her Intercontinental Championship and placed it on her shoulder. She looked around at Pierce and then at Seth before looking over at the camera, her gaze becoming a bit more serious than before.
Megan Monroe:
I can only echo what these two amazing competitors have said. The present AND future of Millennium is currently in this room. Sophie and Keelan are talented but they can’t elevate this championship like I can. Donovan had NO business being in a match with Pierce… AndNeal? Neal is a man who needs to be stopped but the only person that can do it is standing before us right now… It’s Seth Iser. We’ve seen him put down crazed competitors before time and time again, just like he did to my former mentor, Blyss Lockhart. And tonight? The results will be the same.
Megan finished speaking before grabbing her glass of wine, raising it in the air and then taking a drink as Seth and Pierce nodded in agreement. The scene then faded away as the three competitors continued to speak.
MENTV Championship Match
Pierce Manning (c) VS Donovan KeaneDonovan Keane entered the ring wearing a Leia LeBeau’s shirt, celebrating his girlfriend who just won the Junior Heavyweight championship moments ago. And he would have loved nothing more than doubling the gold with a win against Pierce, after taking him to a time limit draw a few weeks ago. Tonight he had five more minutes to get the job done, and that made him feel good about his chances. But his mood quickly changed after Manning’s aggressive start. Donnie ducked a couple of right hooks but he was surprised by a knee to the liver that doubled him over in pain. Pierce hooked both arms in a butterfly hold and lifted him upside down, dropping him shoulder first on his knee. He made the quick cover but Keane raised his shoulder in time. Donnie was down, clutching the aching shoulder when Pierce loomed over him, trying to apply a Texas cloverleaf. Using his legs Keane pushed him away, getting up to his feet just in time to duck a clothesline with a shoulder roll, putting some distance between himself and the champion. Manning charged again, this time right into a back elbow from the challenger who then attempted a running hurricanrana, countered into a powerbomb by the MENTV champion. A quick glance at the clock, even though we were not even five minutes in, and Pierce made the cover, but Keane kicked out in time. As the time passed, Donovan found more space to maneuver and finally used his superior speed and agility to dictate the pace of the match. The turning point for him was once again the Donnie Cutter, the handspring variation that was so hard to foresee for the opponents. Wasting no time he jumped and planted both feets on the champion’s chest. He picked him up and threw him in the corner, going for a monkey flip that launched Pierce back in the middle of the ring. Showing off a bit, Keane kipped up and faced the corner jumping on the middle rope and bouncing on the top one, leaping off and twisting in mid-air with a corkscrew moonsault. He landed right on top of the MENTV champion and hooked the leg, but Pierce kicked out in two. Not only flips and kicks for the kids from Las Vegas who gave a taste of his technical skills with a dragon suplex. He then went for another moonsault, this time from a standing position but Pierce raised his knees and protected himself. Time passed and we reached the fifteen minutes mark and it was still a broadly balanced match. Both competitors had their chance to win the match. Donnie with the Keane-plex, Pierce with the hangman neckbreaker. If this was a regular MENTV title match, it would have ended once again in a draw, but the Riot General Manager Vincent Moretti granted five more minutes for this bout. Manning found himself in the corner after a shotgun dropkick from the challenger who then started slamming his hand on the canvas rallying the crowd behind him. With the fans’ support, Donnie charged at full speed and connected a running uppercut. Pierce slid down to a seated position and Keane took the chance to hit the ropes and connect with a nasty knee strike to the side of the head. He dragged the opponent in the middle of the ring by his feet, but he was caught with an inside cradle from the always dangerous MENTV champion, who only obtained a two out of this. Pierce was ready for his TBTM gory neckbreaker but Keane slipped out of it and almost walked away with the gold with a backslide. Manning kicked out and met Donnie with a bicycle kick that sent Keane against the ropes and back into a spinning spinebuster. Pierce made the cover, using the middle rope for more leverage and managing to keep the challenger down for the three, stopping the clock with less than one minute to go. WINNER: Pierce Manning (STILL MENTV CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (Spinning Spinebuster), 19:12 |
Ambra Monroe: "Defense number four is in the books for Pierce."
Peyton Holland: "And we know who his last defense will be against."
Ambra Monroe: "It's going to be Manning versus Smith, no matter how much Donovan is complaining."
Peyton Holland: "He's making a good point, Pierce's feet were on the rope, everybody saw that. Barring the one person that should have seen it and could have changed the outcome."
Peyton Holland: "And we know who his last defense will be against."
Ambra Monroe: "It's going to be Manning versus Smith, no matter how much Donovan is complaining."
Peyton Holland: "He's making a good point, Pierce's feet were on the rope, everybody saw that. Barring the one person that should have seen it and could have changed the outcome."
Melissa Reeves is chilling out backstage, sitting alone with her baseball bat. She’s wearing her ring gear, ready to go at any moment, with one of her merch shirts over the top and that partially obscures her face.
Melissa Reeves:
So this is it, yeah? Coup de Grace, the first night of a two headed event.
She slowly takes a breath in, eyes downward.
Melissa Reeves:
Got a triple threat coming up, for this title right her.
Reeves slaps her tummy, clearly knocking against the gold of her Cloud Gate championship.
Melissa Reeves:
Part of me feels like this isn’t the title I should be in the mix for tonight, but it is and I’m not about to give it up easily. Now Jacky? Ah, I have no issue with Jacky, not really. I see him as a hungry competitor, a worthy opponent. We aren’t friends, sure, but I have a healthy professional respect for anyone who wants to challenge the right way.
She shakes her head and thumps the bat on the ground once.
Melissa Reeves:
Now let’s contrast that with Freddie, shall we? In fact, why bother? There’s a whole history of his actions that speaks loud enough for me. He’s a diaper wearing crybaby bitch, who needs his hand holding at every turn. I’m sure by now you all know that if there’s one thing I despise, it’s people who can’t get it done on their own. From Sero here to Aphrodite in UG, I’ve always rebuked anyone that takes handouts as a shortcut. I just… I can’t be bothered with people like that.
She looks up now.
Melissa Reeves:
But this industry is rife with them. You’ll never find another prominent walk of life where so many cut corners so freely. It’s disgusting, but it’s oh so predictable too. Which means that for all of his pretending, Freddie doesn’t stand out at all - frankly amazing, given he has a name to rely on and some modicum of skill beneath it all. But all that is forgotten because he can’t apply himself properly, because he’s a lazy bitch. Just another, one of so many.
Sitting forward, she brings the title from her waist to her knee, letting it sit in view.
Melissa Reeves:
Another unworthy contender looking to dethrone me. Another roadblock for Jacky to have to traverse for his fair shot at me. A triple threat can go any which way, we all know I don’t even have to be involved to lose the title. But one thing is for sure, I won’t be taking any handouts to gain the upperhand. Be warned, boys, I’m going out there to keep this title. You can dream of your glory moment...or in Freddie’s case, you can dream of the moment your goons hold your hand so hard to manage to actually achieve something for the first time. But they’re just that, they're fantasies.
She stands now, title and bat in hand, eyes level with the camera.
Melissa Reeves:
This is the real world though, boys, and here? Well, here I’m the champion for a goddamn reason. So bring me your best, show me what you can do, and don’t come crying to me when it isn’t enough.
Reeves uses the end of the bat to push the camera away a step, then moves by to end the segment.
Cloud Gate Championship Match
Three Way Dance
Melissa Reeves (c) VS Freddie Hjalmar VS Jacky Rex DanielsThree Way Dance
171 days. That’s how long Melissa Reeves has been MWE Cloud Gate champion. Sure, the 396 days Tiff Rollins has spent with the title around her waist are a long way to go, but it’s still the second longest reign ever. Tonight she faced her hardest challenge to date, facing two men she’s grown quite familiar with, Jacky Rex Daniels and Freddie Hjalmar. With elimination rules in place, it was no surprise to see Freddie trying to avoid the fight, leaving the ring and hiding behind the Royal Guards. Melissa launched herself through the ropes, taking out Hammond and Porter but not Freddie, who dragged her up to her feet and slammed her against the barricade. The Rapscallion let out a maniacal laugh and reached them outside grabbing Freddie’s hair while he was stomping Melissa to the ground and pulled his head back, wrapping his arm around it and lifting him for a reverse suplex. Jacky then dragged the champion back to her feet and whipped her against the ring post. Mel was able to put her arm in front of her face and cushion the impact. Hjalmar literally jumping at Daniels and blasting him with a forearm to the face bought her some time to recover from the rough start, turning around and leaning back against the post breathing heavily as she watched the challengers going at it. Her break didn’t last long since Freddie was quick to duck a punch and drive the australian on his face with a flatliner. He missed the backhand chop to Mel though, catching the steel post instead. His head suffered the same fate as his hand, getting slammed against the pole twice before the Cloud Gate champion decided to take the match back inside the ring, making a first pinfall attempt on Freddie for a count of two. Jacky joined them between the ropes and he easily took control hitting a missile dropkick to Mel’s back and pushing her against the Promised, killing two birds with one stone. At first he focused on Reeves with a couple of knee drops, giving Freddie time to recover. But after the champion took herself out of trouble by rolling under the bottom rope once he connected the Ex-Oblivione ripcord saito suplex. The Grand Prince was sitting in the corner, playing possum until the very last moment, until Jacky was within reach. And he kicked him on the right knee, forcing him down as he pulled himself up and kicked him on the chest instead. Freddie went up to the top rope and jumped on Jacky with a Meteora, but the Rapscallion was far from done. The champion slid back in the ring behind Freddie’s back and tossed him into the turnbuckle with a snap german suplex. She then kicked Daniels in the stomach as soon as he picked himself up, dropping him on his head with a snap ddt. She thought this was enough but the former Rebellion World champion kicked out in two. After a few minutes on the back foot Daniels came back with a second wind, taking Melissa down with the Blue Wild Yonder. Freddie tried to sneak up behind him and take him out with a school boy pin, but Jacky kicked out once again. He then took the Promised down with an arm drag, grabbing the hand Hjalmar injured early in the match against the ring post and snapped his fingers! The sound it made was horrible, but it was quickly covered by Freddie’s scream. That wasn’t even the worst pain he felt to the hand, since moments later Daniels jumped with a double foot stomp on it. Melissa watched the Iron Fist tearing Freddie apart from afar, catching her breath and taking a well deserved break. The hand was in a bad shape and using it to punch Jacky in the face probably wasn’t the smartest idea, even though it bought Freddie some time. He exploited that opening to land a few swift kicks that rocked the australian, leaving him groggy in the middle of the ring. He went for The Thorn but he was caught with a bicycle kick from Jacky who then hoisted him up on his shoulders and dropped him down with the Synesthesia. And just like that, Freddie was out. Wasting no time the Cloud Gate champion charged in and smacked Daniels with a running single leg dropkick, but couldn’t keep him down long enough. She followed through with kicks and knee strikes and punches, using another one of her ddt, a floatover version to drop him down. The champion looked to fly, climbing up to the top rope for the Death From Above shooting star press perhaps. Daniels though was quickly back on his feet and he launched himself against the ropes, causing the Reaver to lose balance and fall back in the ring. He went for a running knee right after, catching Mel on the side of the head. Grabbing her wrist, he pulled her up right into a saito suplex, but the following cover only earned him a two. The match kept the fans on the edge of their seats with numerous false finals. The challenger had the champion in position for a second Synesthesia but Mel slipped away and wrapped her arms around his waist, pushing him against the ropes and pinning his shoulders down with an O’Connor roll. Jacky kicked out but as soon as he got back to his feet he was met by a knee lift/Facial Deconstructor combo. Reeves hooked the legs once again but Daniels shockingly raised his shoulder in time. Mel tried her best to put him down but nothing seemed to work. Actually, it was Jacky who almost hit the jackpot with The Master Stroke, but he hit the discus punch too close to the ropes and Mel saved herself by resting her foot on the bottom one. The match seemed to be going in Jacky’s favor now, the challenger kept wearing down the champion and went for a second Master Stroke. Mel’s quick reflexes allowed her to dodge it and counter with the Reaver Slam, followed by the Death From Above. There was another cover, One, Two and… Nothing. Jacky kicked out again. Mel looked desperate, watching the opponent and wondering what she needed to do to keep him down. She pushed him in the corner and hardly sat him on the top rope. She climbed up as well looking to perform a superplex but there was still some fight left in Jacky, and he began to headbutt the Cloud Gate champion until he knocked her down. All those headshots took their toll on the Rapscallion who looked dazed as he slowly stood up in an unstable balance over the top rope. Quicker than him was Mel who pulled herself together and jumped on the middle rope, using it to reach Jacky up on top and catch him with a super Facial Deconstructor. There was no way Jacky could’ve kicked out from that too, the match was over and Melissa Reeves had successfully defended her title one more time. WINNER: Melissa Reeves (STILL CLOUD GATE CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (Facial Deconstructor), 19:56 |
Amy Maynard: "Another successful defense in the books for Melissa Reeves."
Sir Figgles: "Great, can't wait to hear her bitching about it."
Amy Maynard: "Why would she?"
Sir Figgles: "What do I know? Ask her, she's always complaining about something!"
Amy Maynard: "She's familiar with Freddie, it was reasonable to expect some form of interference from the Royal Guards... It didn't happen, all the better don't you think?"
Sir Figgles: "She was making excuses..."
Amy Maynard: "Excuses she won't need. 172 days, the second longest Cloud Gate championship reign and the longest World championship reign. Numbers don't lie, Figgles."
Sir Figgles: "Great, can't wait to hear her bitching about it."
Amy Maynard: "Why would she?"
Sir Figgles: "What do I know? Ask her, she's always complaining about something!"
Amy Maynard: "She's familiar with Freddie, it was reasonable to expect some form of interference from the Royal Guards... It didn't happen, all the better don't you think?"
Sir Figgles: "She was making excuses..."
Amy Maynard: "Excuses she won't need. 172 days, the second longest Cloud Gate championship reign and the longest World championship reign. Numbers don't lie, Figgles."
As the show cuts elsewhere, a camera catches sight of Lowri Moss standing in one of the corridors backstage at the Enterprise Arena, the first time that she has been seen on camera in MWE since the events of night one of Anniv3rsary. Dressed casually, the Welsh superstar is looking at something on her mobile phone, when she is approached by the Riot General Manager, Vincent Moretti. Vincent, dressed in a suit as per usual, is leaning on that cane of his, but his face betrays the fact that he obviously has a bit on his mind.
Vincent Moretti:
Hello Lowri. Good of you to join us.
Lowri looks up from her phone, smiling politely as she responds to the GM.
Lowri Moss:
Oh… hi.
She quickly places her phone in one of her pockets.
Lowri Moss:
I'm just here to support Neal, as I’m sure you could probably guess, but I… errr… I’ve stepped away for a moment to give him some time to himself, to get his mind in the right place for his match with Seth.
Vincent nods his head briefly as he stews that over, his hands are in his pockets.
Vincent Moretti:
I understand that feeling in a way. Just the opposite rooting interest on that one from a personal standpoint. But I can’t help but worry what those two can and probably will end up doing to one another inside that cell. One of the few structures I never wrestled in back in my day, but I know what it brings out of people.
He shakes his head as he went down that rabbithole instinctively.
Vincent Moretti:
As much as they aren’t my roster in this company, I hope they both survive the experience…
Lowri nods her head, agreeing with that sentiment.
Lowri Moss:
Me too.
She lets out a sigh.
Lowri Moss:
Neal has only been in a match of this type once before, and although it was over three years ago, the memories of it are still clear in my mind: watching everything that he endured during the match, the brutality and the violence of it, then seeing him get put through the roof of the cell, being sat by the side of his hospital bed afterwards, just waiting to see that he was going to be okay-- I really don’t want to have to go through all that again.
Vincent rubs his temple thinking about the possibilities.
Vincent Moretti:
The problem is I can’t deny that some of that might happen again for both of them. Even if I want to. I’ve already put the reservations in the hospital ahead of time because Seth has a similar story the last time he was in the cell. Went through the roof… and the ring. Broke a bone in his foot and a couple ribs… out of work for a few months… especially with a young daughter at the time. That was… not a good couple of months.
He cringes for a moment before just shaking his head.
Vincent Moretti:
It might be… better for both of us to talk about something else here. We have our worries about the careers of others, but we also have our own to worry about.
Again the former manager rubs his temple for a moment, but at least some of the anxiety that was on his face is better hidden.
Vincent Moretti:
You have an offer on the table for the company and for a choice in brand. As much as I take pride in helping others grow, you are someone I would kick myself over if I missed out on you without giving it a fair shot at it. Too damn talented in singles and tags both. If I was building a wrestling company from the ground up, you’d be one of the pillars I’d want for the company. You would have an entire roster chasing you as much as you are chasing the ultimate goal of being your best wrestler and your best self. We both know your chops get even better fast in that kind of setting. You got a big taste of that with your HKW North American title run and oh boy if you get by Cordy what might end up happening on that front.
His face finally lightens slightly, it seems he is looking forward to that particular match as an outsider now.
Vincent Moretti:
I’m not asking for a decision now obviously. We both have too much shit to worry about at this point in time. But we both know the difference between chasing something and being chased. You’d be getting everyone’s best shot because you’re Lowri Moss. You get through the other end of that kind of competition… well, you know what that entails at this point. But if it wasn’t obvious, the offer is on the table to join my brand.
Lowri takes a couple of seconds to digest everything that Vincent just said, before responding.
Lowri Moss:
Well, firstly, I appreciate your kind words. However… I’m not really looking to join another promotion right now, not in the current circumstances, with everything I’ve got on my plate at the moment in FGA, and in Underground.
She runs a hand through her hair, as she continues.
Lowri Moss:
But… rather than just rejecting your offer out of hand, I’m willing to at least do you the courtesy of discussing it further with you, so… how about I come pay you a visit at the first Riot of the New Year, and we can talk about this in more detail then?
Vincent nods his head not giving a commitment either way on how he might feel but he does have a light smile break through the mask.
Vincent Moretti:
Alright, that sounds like a deal to me. But until then… let’s try to enjoy the show as best we can, shall we?
Now it is Lowri’s turn to nod her head once more.
Lowri Moss:
Agreed.
Moretti extends his hand forward for a handshake. After considering it for a second, the Welsh superstar shakes his hand and the two then go on their opposite tracks.
Hell In A Cell Match
Neal Durden VS Seth IserPeyton Holland: “The Hell In A Cell, one of the most unforgiving and punishing structures in this industry. A cage designed to end the fiercest rivalries, once and for all. And that makes it the perfect environment for the last chapter between these competitors.” Ambra Monroe: “Three Stages Of Hell weren’t enough back in June to determine a clear winner, and that’s the reason for this match. After tonight, only one of them will be holding the Briefcase, and the chance to change any match stipulation as they see fit on top of an instant title shot at any title in the company.” Peyton Holland: “The loser instead will only have a granted title shot at any time, for any title barring the MWE World championship.” Amy Maynard: “How do you feel these rumors of Neal retiring on January 1st will affect this match?” Peyton Holland: “If you watched Underground’s last PPV And Justice For All 4 you certainly noticed that Neal’s attitude was almost dismissive. But he still fought till the end, and I expect him to do the same tonight. If this will be his last match for the company, he surely wouldn’t want to go out with a loss. And what better way to go than depriving a long time rival of a World Title opportunity?” Ambra Monroe: “One final act of defiance from the Anarchist, in spite to his opponent and the company. I can see him doing his.” Peyton Holland: “Well, we’re about to find out. The Hell In A Cell is underway!” Durden had the same stance he showed in Underground as the match started. Hands behind his back and that look of someone who’s all out of fucks to give on his face. And that seemed to piss off Seth who, after asking him what he was doing in a less than polite way, swung his taped right hand for a big punch. Neal easily ducked that one and the followings, only increasing the frustration of Wrestling’s Greatest Mind. Missing with his punches, Iser then went for a kick to the stomach, finding Neal unprepared and doubling him over. He followed with a couple of uppercuts then he sent him in the corner and squashed him with a running splash. Ambra Monroe: “Whatever Neal is doing, it’s clearly not working.” Peyton Holland: “Seth didn’t come here to play, and with the war he’s been into a few days ago in IYHWF, he has all the interest to end this quickly.” Ambra Monroe: “He’s still wearing the wounds of that war. The right hand, those bandages on his back hiding the signs of his close encounter with a barbed-wire board… He’s facing a far from 100% Seth Iser, he should take full advantage of this situation.” Peyton Holland: “He may not have that advantage for much longer, Seth is fishing for a chair..” Seth entered the ring with the chair and swung it at Neal, missing the target. Durden finally took the offensive, taking a shot at Iser’s scarred back. The grizzled veteran let out a groan of pain and turned around to take another chair shot, dodged by Neal just like the previous one. This time though the self-proclaimed King Of Failure didn’t go for the back, kicking Seth’s right hand instead and causing him to drop the chair. “Son of a…” Seth cursed at his opponent clutching his hand in pain. Before he could finish the sentence, Neal hit him with another kick to the side, and an enziguri that rocked Iser. Kicking the chair in position, the welshman dropped Seth onto it with a jumping DDT, trying a pinfall right after but only obtaining a two. Ambra Monroe: “This is what Neal has to do. Stay quick on his feet, target Seth’s injuries and don’t let the veteran catch him.” That wasn’t the case as Neal set up the chair and stepped onto it to jump at Seth for some aerial attack but Iser caught him in mid-air and trashed the anarchist, slamming him onto the chair, his back hitting the top rail first. The steel chair folded under the impact, turning into a shapeless heap of metal. Neal rolled around in agony, his back arched and his hand reaching behind to that big bruise across his back. Iser watched him writhing in pain but rather than striking the iron while it’s hot, he left the ring, brought out a table from underneath it and slid it back inside the ring, setting said table up. He then picked up Neal and grabbed him by the throat. Ambra Monroe: “He’s going to chokeslam him through the table, Neal has to do something, and he must do it soon.” A kick to the balls was Neal’s answer to get free from Seth’s grasp before the veteran could drive him through the table. With the big man on his knees, Neal unleashed a flurry of kicks to the man's chest before he planted him on his face with a hurricanrana driver. The following cover only gave him a two count, but that didn’t slow down Durden. He dragged Seth up to his feet and unleashed a flurry of kicks and punches, pushing him all the way back to the ropes. Then he took a few steps back and sprinted, but once again the veteran proved to be one step ahead of him and tossed him over the rope with a back body drop. The fight poured on the outside with Seth leaving the ring and picking up Neal from the floor, throwing him head first against the cage. With his methodical pace he walked to the welshman who was leaning against the fence and slammed his head against it several times, until the steel structure cut through his skin. Blood started gushing from his forehead but that only seemed to throw Seth into a frenzy. He grinded Neal’s face against the fence, lacerating his cheek as well. And he did that right in front of his girlfriend Lowri Moss’ eyes. When he went for a big boot though, Neal moved out of the way leaving the veteran kicking the cage. Of course Neal took full advantage of the situation and pulled out a chair from under the ring and used it to abuse that leg with several shots. For the last one he raised Seth’s foot on the steel steps and drove the chair down on his ankle, causing the Deity Of Destruction to groan in pain. Ambra Monroe: “Add the ankle to the list of Seth’s injuries.” Peyton Holland: “Neal isn’t doing too well either, that cut on his head looks deeper than it usually seemed to be. His face is becoming a crimson mask.” Ambra Monroe: “This is a war, Peyton. They knew it, we knew it. And I have a feeling the worst is yet to come.” Seth started pacing the space between the cage and the ring, trying to shake some feeling back inside his leg and testing how it’ll hold up. Neal of course was looking to capitalize on it but a backfist from the FGA World Champion kept him away. Slowly but steadily Seth’s limping became more evident even though the leg was still hurting. He had reached the door of the cage and opened it, stepping outside of the diabolical structure. Durden, still dizzy from the previous shot, chased his opponent. He had just stopped bleeding but the nasty impact with the door kicked by Iser while Neal was running through it busted him open once again. Seth grabbed him and unceremoniously tossed him against the barricade, dragging him to where Lowri was sitting to make sure she could watch closely as he launched her boyfriend against the cage. With cat-like reflexes the Anarchist grabbed onto the cage and climbed up until, more or less, halfway. He launched himself from there hitting Iser with a dropkick that sent him crashing hard against the barricade. The tides had turned once again and the welshman was now giving Seth a taste of his own medicine, pushing his head against the fence and grinding it as he dragged him along the side of the cage. Peyton Holland: “I have a really bad feeling about this, Ambra…” The two kept fighting outside the cage, Neal connecting with a ddt on the steel ramp that left him with the problem to pick up the dead-weight veteran. A few seconds of vain attempts passed, giving Seth some time to recover and get up on his own will, blocking a punch from Durden and rocking him with one of his own. The two kept trading punches, the momentum of the fight took them in front of the commentary’s table. Neal connected a high kick to the side of the head, Seth replied with a low one to the crotch, returning the courtesy from earlier. Wasting no time, Seth pushed Neal’s head between his legs and hoisted him up in a powerbomb position, this time successfully putting the Anarchist through a table. The commentator’s one. Peyton Holland: “I told you…” Not sure where he found it, but Neal still had some energy left in his tank, enough to catch Iser with the Disaster Knee. The fans cheered loudly as Durden, exhausted after knocking down the man with the ripcord knee strike started pulling himself up. He looked up to the roof of the cage, Lowri was the first one to guess what he was thinking and shook her head, begging him to stop. But Neal didn’t listen, or perhaps he didn’t hear her, her voice drowned in the noise the fans were making as he started to climb the Cell. What could be heard instead, picked up by the camera zooming on his face was Seth saying “You crazy son of a bitch…” The veteran shook his head before starting to climb as well, reaching the roof at the same moment Neal did. Ambra Monroe: “There’s no way this is going to end well…” Peyton Holland: “Watching Seth climbing I had a feeling he COULD have stopped Durden, but decided to follow him in this crazy deed.” Ambra Monroe: “They’ve been putting each other through a lot and it wasn’t enough. I can see them thinking there’s only one way this can be settled.” And up on top they were, trading blows in one of the most dangerous spots they’ve been in their careers. On a few occasions they tested the resilience of that roof, Seth was the first to try to put Neal through it with a bodyslam. Durden’s attempt with the Olympic slam got a lot closer though, leaving the roof shaking after almost collapsing under Seth’s weight. Third time’s a charm and the roof opened up under Seth’s back when Neal powerbombed the Deity. It was a long fall to canvas, barely slowed by the table Seth positioned earlier in the match. The table pretty much exploded, wood shards flying everywhere while Seth stayed there, motionless. This left Neal with the issue of having to get back in the ring to make the pin, and the welshman seemed to have figured out the fastest and most spectacular way. Ambra Monroe: “He can’t be…” Peyton Holland: “He is… STARLIGHT FROM THE TOP OF THE CELL! This has to be over!” The veteran instinct kicked in and Seth was able to raise his knees. Neal almost bounced off them once he landed chest first from the shooting star press, immediately curling up in pain. Seth was the first on his feet, and despite all the pain he was feeling, despite the bleeding from the head and back, the injured hand and leg, he dug deep to find enough energy to drag Neal up one last time. Ambra Monroe: “The Black Magic! Neal is done there’s no kicking out from this, not after everything he went through. Neal’s body twitched after Seth planted him into the canvas with his tombstone piledriver. The nuke option, the final solution when he wants to take no chance. And this was the perfect occasion, Durden had gone through a lot of punishment in this match and always came back. But not this time. WINNER: Seth Iser BY: Pinfall (Black Magic), 25:33 |
Peyton Holland: "I'm speechless..."
Ambra Monroe: "Neal hasn't moved since the piledriver, Seth... He barely did. Here come the paramaedics to check on both competitors."
Peyton Holland: "We knew this was going to be brutal but damnit!"
Ambra Monroe: "The stakes couldn't be higher, they both know what that briefcase mean. And it's still in the hands of Wrestling's Greatest Mind."
Peyton Holland: "If I were Devin Hearst, I'd start watching my back. Not tomorrow, since I doubt Seth will be in shape to try a cash in, but surely the World Champion has a huge target on his back, and one of the most dangerous hunters on his tail."
Ambra Monroe: "Technically he already has people watching his back.. But then again, the briefcase can be cashed in at any time..."
Peyton Holland: "Like I said, he better grow a pair of eyes behind his back."
Ambra Monroe: "There's probably a Sandstorm Energy™ flavor that can do that..."
Ambra Monroe: "Neal hasn't moved since the piledriver, Seth... He barely did. Here come the paramaedics to check on both competitors."
Peyton Holland: "We knew this was going to be brutal but damnit!"
Ambra Monroe: "The stakes couldn't be higher, they both know what that briefcase mean. And it's still in the hands of Wrestling's Greatest Mind."
Peyton Holland: "If I were Devin Hearst, I'd start watching my back. Not tomorrow, since I doubt Seth will be in shape to try a cash in, but surely the World Champion has a huge target on his back, and one of the most dangerous hunters on his tail."
Ambra Monroe: "Technically he already has people watching his back.. But then again, the briefcase can be cashed in at any time..."
Peyton Holland: "Like I said, he better grow a pair of eyes behind his back."
Ambra Monroe: "There's probably a Sandstorm Energy™ flavor that can do that..."
We open backstage to the dressing room for the collective group known as Fabulous. Summer Collins sits in a comfortable leather chair with her legs crossed. She seems confident and unconcerned. Her tag team partner and good friend Jessica Lasiewicz, on the other hand, is pacing and has been pacing for quite some time. The Archangel is definitely upset about something and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that it has something to do with the tag team championship match looming ahead of them tonight at Coup De Grace. Summer, however, is not having any of it.
Summer Collins:
Jess, babe, you should really slow it down. You’ll create a moat.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
A moat? So you have jokes heading into tonight’s title match?
Summer Collins:
Just trying to instill some positivity into your otherwise negative mood tonight, babe.
The Archangel stops her pacing and turns to face Summer. The rage and intensity is clear in her eyes. It almost frightens Summer but she is used to this by now.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
We have our third MWE Tag Team Championship Match since our arrival.
Summer Collins:
Has it been three already? More or less...
Jessica Lasiewicz:
And we have lost each and every time!
Summer Collins:
Not true. APE got disqualified so we beat them already. Pesky little rules about titles not changing hands on a disqualification or count out. And if I recall our first was a ladder match so we didn’t get pinned.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Not the point! The point is we have been proclaiming ourselves to be the best since our arrival and we have been putting down each and every team that has been placed before us. Yet when the championship opportunity was presented before us we failed to deliver. And while it is great to have another chance to become champions, this match involves three other teams. And two of those teams are known for their thuggish behavior, utilizing gang warfare to their advantage, willing to cheat to get what they want.
Collins sighs and shakes her head.
Summer Collins:
I do hope this is going somewhere, Jess, I would like to meditate before our match.
The Archangel jerks Summer to her feet by her shirt collar.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Meditate on this; we are facing seemingly insurmountable odds and we could have eliminated some of that problem had you not stopped me from crippling Dre Angelo!
Collins smiles sheepishly at Jessica.
Summer Collins:
Let me down, Jess. Please?
The Archangel nods and releases her grip. Summer nods her head.
Summer Collins:
You’re right, I could have let you break his leg, but had you done that there is a chance Moretti or even Grace herself wouldn’t have let us compete in this title match tonight. What makes us a perfect team is that we complete one another. You have the sheer intensity and emotion that I do not have and I have the strategy and cunning of a criminal mastermind that you do not have. See, I agree with you, it is time that we take the gloves off and do whatever it takes to bring home the gold. Tonight we win by any means necessary. That path to victory started on Riot.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
What are you talking about?
Summer Collins:
Crippling Dre would have prevented him from interfering on behalf of his fellow Bad Boys, but it possibly would have got us kicked out of the match and ruined our title shot. All you needed to do was go just far enough to scare the shit out of him the rest of The Bad Boys. That’s what you did. You let them know that we meant business, you let them know just how far we were willing to go, and that’s all you needed to do. I stopped you because you didn’t need to go any farther that night. As far as APE goes, CCJ and Alan Envy won’t be able to utilize the rules to their advantage the way they did the last time we battled them.
The Archangel furrows her brow out of curiosity.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
What do you mean?
Summer Collins:
This is an elimination match. If you are eliminated you won’t leave as the champions. So my guess...and I admit I am not entirely sure of this...but my guess is that this is either no DQ and no count out, or that the titles can change hands on a disqualification or count out. If they get DQd early on, if they get counted out, they are eliminated and new champions are guaranteed.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
What about Qiraya Singh and Rhett Adelson? They’ve been more than respectful to us and I respect them.
Summer Collins:
You’re right, but only ONE team can leave with the gold. If push comes to shove we have to be willing to shove them off a cliff. Are you ready to do that tonight, Jess?
The Archangel grins devilishly.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
You know it!
Summer Collins:
Great. Then tonight we finally fulfill our promise to make the MWE tag team division and its championships absolutely FABULOUS!
MWE Tag Team Championship Match
Elimination Rules
Elimination Rules
Chris Constantine Junior & Alan Envy (c) VS Bad Boyz (Khali Washington III & Marcus Ali Jr) VS Fabulous VS Rhett Adelson & Qiyara Singh
Peyton Holland: “Night one is coming to an end, but before we go off air, we have one last match for you. And what a match this will be!” Amy Maynard: “Four teams, elimination rules, one goal. The MWE Tag Team titles. This is going to be MADNESS.” Ambra Monroe: “APE, or what’s left of them anyway, are officially the longest reigning champions in MWE history, having surpassed another stable that dominated last year, The Happy Few.” Sir Figgles: “Chris and Alan, as now members of Sandstorm Inc, are going to dominate the tag division for 2021 too. Mark my words.” Amy Maynard: “Don’t put that evil on us, Figgles. If we’re lucky, either Fabulous or Rhett & Qiyara will walk out of here tonight with the gold and we can finally restore some prestige in these titles.” It was two members of the teams Amy just mentioned that started the match. Qiyara and Summer kicked things off with a handshake, before locking up in the most classic collar and elbow tie. Evenly matched in terms of strength, they found themselves in an initial stalemate, until Summer slipped behind Singh’s back and used a waistlock takedown. Keeping her arms around the Indian’s waist, Collins rolled on her back and lifted her hips, bridging backward into a pinning combination. Qi kicked out in one and quickly stood up to her feet. Faster than the opponent in this task, she kicked her between the chest and left shoulder as she was getting up, grabbing the wrist of the same hand and twisting it, taking the member of Fabulous down to the mat. She bent the elbow and kept her arm pinned down, hitting it with a couple of elbow drops. Summer eventually managed to pick herself up and push Qiyara against the ropes, catching her with a snap overhead belly to belly suplex on the rebound. Peyton Holland: “Here’s the first tag of the match, and the Archangel enters the ring.” Ambra Monroe: “Solid strategy by Fabulous here. With a match that could go for a long time, it’s very important to keep themselves fresh.” Sir Figgles: “Then starting the match was a dumb move to begin with. You want to avoid getting in the ring for as long as possible, let the other fight and wear each other out and then pick up what’s left of them.” Jessica Lasiewicz was focused and determined as always, but without a doubt less aggressive than she was on her last match, when she attempted to break Dré Angelo’s leg. That was until Qiyara blocked her attempt to lock her in the crossface chickenwing and escaped toward the closest corner, which happened to be the one the Bad Boyz were standing in. Her expression completely changed as Marcus Ali Jr entered the ring.Letting out a savage roar, the Archangel charged at the opponent and knocked him down with the Our Lady Peace bicycle kick. Khali was right there and broke up the pin, saving his partner at least for now. Pure hatred could be seen in Jessica’s eyes as she kept hitting Ali with incredible aggression, even receiving a warning from the referee for trying to choke him on the ropes. Amy Maynard: “I’m telling you, this side of Jessica is scary.” Ali rolled under the ropes and onto the apron, slowly getting up to his feet. Jessica didn’t want to give him any chance to recover and tried to knock him off the apron with a yakuza kick, missing the target as Khali wisely pulled him down off the apron and out of harm’s way. As Jessica found herself in the uncomfortable position of having her right foot on the top rope, Marcus took out her left one as well, causing her to fall flat on her back. He then grabbed both legs setting her up so that her neck was right under the rope and fell backwards as to perform a catapult. The impact was tremendous and Lasiewicz immediately started coughing, rolling back in the ring writhing in agony. Marcus tried to capitalize with a quick cover, but Lasiewicz kicked out. Things were looking bad for Jessica now, especially when the Bad Boyz began working together. Marcus lifted her with a chokeslam dropping Jessica on Khali’s knee, but his pinfall attempt was interrupted by Summer. Peyton Holland: “That catapult was surely a game changer.” Ambra Monroe: “You can say a lot of things about the Bad Boyz and their attitude, but you can’t question their craftiness.” Jessica really needed a tag right now, but when she managed to create some separation and reached APE’s corner, both Alan and Chris left their position. Washington connected the rolling deadlift german suplex, taking the Archangel back to the middle of the ring. He let her get up to her feet and went for the Drive-By Spear but Jessica miraculously leaped over him and he crashed in his corner. Marcus immediately tagged himself, running after Lasiewicz and stopping her before she could reach her corner. He sent her to the opposite side of the ring with an irish whip, but Jessica grabbed the ropes and stopped her momentum. She then turned to her right, spotting Chris Constantine right within reach and momentarily distracted and tagged him in. Sir Figgles: “That’s not fair, Chris wasn’t even paying attention!” Constantine stepped inside the ring and tried to talk his way out of this, with the referee and his opponent. None of them was really listening but the former World Champion's long list of excuses made Ali lower his guard enough for CCJ to poke his eyes and level him with a clothesline. Constantine then worked him on the ground with several stomps before he dragged him up and attempted a body slam. Marcus blocked the attempt and broke free with an elbow to the side of the face. Slowly Marcus gained control with multiple pendulum backbreakers, leaving him in pain as he made the tag to his partner. Washington was back in the match and toyed with the former MWE World Champion for a couple of minutes. An excess of confidence he paid for as CCJ slipped away from his grasp and made the tag to Alan. Sir Figgles: “Look at Alan, he’s all business tonight!” Amy Maynard: “If you ask him, that’s his default setting. Isn’t that the excuse he pulled for his disgraceful betrayal on Duke two weeks ago?” Envy looked in rare shape tonight, more focused than he had been in weeks. He brought the fight to the Texas Thug, going straight for his ribs with some stiff shots. He even dropped him on his knee with a rib breaker, but that wasn’t enough to keep him down. Knee strikes, knife edge chops and even headbutts kept the Khali on the back foot, even though Washington had a good chance to eliminate APE with his twisting spinebuster, finding CCJ ready to make the save. KW3 picked him up and went for an irish whip, reversed by Alan who shocked the fans with an impressive pop-up death valley driver on the big man. This time, he didn’t make the cover, heading to his corner instead. The two members of Sandstorm Inc slowly walked over Khali who just made it up to his feet. Grabbing one arm each they whipped him in the corner and… Envious Demise! ON CHRIS CONSTANTINE JUNIOR! Sir Figgles: “What the fuck did just happen?” Amy Maynard: “Alan turned on Constantine! He turned on Sandstorm Inc! Two weeks after he turned on Duke Andrews! What is even going on?” Alan surely didn’t stay there to answer the questions that surely the commentators and fans as well wanted to ask. He looked at his former ally, laying flat on his back and spat on him before leaving the ring. The other six opponents, the referee and the fans all watched him in disbelief as he left the ring. Khali was the first to snap out of it and hook CCJ’s leg, scoring the near fall and eliminating the champions first. Ambra Monroe: “I still can’t believe what we just saw.. The tag team champions imploded and just eliminated themselves!” Peyton Holland: “We will be ending the night with new Tag Team champions, that’s for sure now.. The question still remains though. Who will they be?” Rhett Adelson entered the ring, finally making his presence felt in this match. Far more fresh and rested than his opponent, he easily took control of the match with his speed and agility. After ducking Khali’s clothesline, he kept running toward the opposite side of the ring, jumping on the middle rope and kicking him on the head with a springboard enziguri. Keeping a quick pace, Rhett connected a moonsault knee drop but the spectacular move was only worth a two count. Khali caught him with the State Of Emergency discus clothesline and sent him in the corner, but he was met with a boot to the face by Rhett who then lifted himself up and sat on the top rope. Before he could prepare himself to jump, Khali hit him with a running uppercut and took him on his shoulders in a fireman’s carry position, lifting him higher over his head in a gorilla press, dropping him and causing him to land on his extended knee. Going back to their quick tags strategy, the Bad Boyz isolated Rhett and scored some near falls on him, but the California born wasn’t giving up. Peyton Holland: “Great counter by Rhett, and now he has an open highway to make the tag!” Nobody was in Rhett’s way and the Cali kid reached his girlfriend who was craving to get back in the ring. The fans roared as she started swinging those kicks in a very familiar combination. A low kick to the thigh, a side push kick and a high knee. As Marcus stumbled back, Qiyara ended her sequence with a jumping kick to the chest. Ambra Monroe: “Qi To Your Heart! Here comes to cover, one, two… NO! He kicked out!” Marcus survived and kept fighting, fending Qiyara off with some quick punches as he tried to recover, The two were just trading blows now and even though Singh was more rested than the opponent, his heavy strikes allowed him to catch up, wearing down the indian rather quickly. Leaving her stunned with a right hook, he charged at the ropes and hit her with a running bicycle kick, knocking her on her back. Marcus made the cover but Qiyara raised her shoulders in time. They kept going for a few more minutes, both of them getting close to the three on at least one occasion. Qiyara with a nasty running high knee at the end of the umpteenth muay thai combination, Marcus with a top rope belly to belly suplex. The ending came out of the blue when Qi ducked Ali’s clothesline and knocked Khali off the apron with the 540 spinning hook kick. Marcus waited for her to turn around and struck with the Iron Fist (discus punch). Sir Figgles: “That’s it, Qiyara is out cold!” Amy Maynard: “Wait, what is Rhett doing?” Nobody had noticed it but the referee. Adelson took the tag when Singh hit the ropes and therefore he was the legal man, not Qiyara who was laying flat on her back. And before Marcus could make the cover, Rhett jumped and rolled him on his shoulders with a crucifix pin, eliminating the Bad Boyz from the match. Peyton Holland: “They did it! It’s down to two teams no…. OUCH!” Ali didn’t take the elimination well and he murdered Rhett with a clothesline. Before the referee managed to convince him to leave the ring, the Bad Boy added in a few stomps to the head of the downed Adelson. Ambra Monroe: “Another vicious attack from the Bad Boyz. This is not looking good for Rhett and Qiyara now.” Summer didn’t look too happy with the turn things took as she entered the ring and saw both their opponents laying down. After a momentarily indecision she made the cover on Rhett, but the man kicked out. Picking him up, she hit the Money Clip stunner but once again Adelson raised his shoulder. She shoved him in the corner, and delivered a few hard chops. Rhett fired back and dropped her down with a chin breaker, climbing on the top rope for a 450 splash that almost gave his team the win. Qiyara asked for the tag and even though she wasn’t in a much better shape than her partner, Rhett tagged her in. Singh faced her bravely, and her pinpoint kicks surely took their toll on Collins. But eventually Summer managed to regain control, getting Jessica involved for the Golden Kiss Of Death (Jessica’s bicycle kick into Summer’s stunner.) An exhausted Rhett made the last minute save, but he couldn’t do the same when, moments later, Lasiewicz hit the Pure Deformation, holding Qiyara down for the three. Fabulous finally did it, they were the new MWE Tag Team Champions. WINNER: Fabulous (NEW MWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS) BY: Pinfall (Pure Deformation), 28:44 |
Peyton Holland:
This is it! We have new Tag Team Champions!
Ambra Monroe:
What a match! Fabulous came out victorious in the end, but I wonder if they still would've without that attack on Rhett."
Peyton Holland:
There's no way we can know that.
Amy Maynard:
I'm still shocked by what happened earlier in the match. Alan Envy turned on Sandstorm one week after he turned on Duke Andrews.
Sir Figgles:
I know, I'm so disappointed.. I liked him, it's a shame he's going to be destroyed soon enough. Just like his buddy Duke. I'm going to miss them.
Peyton Holland:
What you guys should not miss, instead, is night two of Coupe De Grâce. Tune in tomorrow for another amazing night of action.
Amy Maynard:
Good night everyone!
This is it! We have new Tag Team Champions!
Ambra Monroe:
What a match! Fabulous came out victorious in the end, but I wonder if they still would've without that attack on Rhett."
Peyton Holland:
There's no way we can know that.
Amy Maynard:
I'm still shocked by what happened earlier in the match. Alan Envy turned on Sandstorm one week after he turned on Duke Andrews.
Sir Figgles:
I know, I'm so disappointed.. I liked him, it's a shame he's going to be destroyed soon enough. Just like his buddy Duke. I'm going to miss them.
Peyton Holland:
What you guys should not miss, instead, is night two of Coupe De Grâce. Tune in tomorrow for another amazing night of action.
Amy Maynard:
Good night everyone!