Post by gvb on Jan 21, 2021 20:35:28 GMT -6
Millennium LXXIV
Live from Enterprise Arena in Chicago, IL
Wednesday, January 20th, 2021
Things come into focus and as they do we are treated to the sight of Kate Steele. She looks different as she has an upset expression on her face. She can’t help but run her hands through her long blonde hair. She chuckles as she looks deeply into the lens of the camera.
Kate Steele:
Long behold what is going on MWE… It seems to me that once again I am put right back down into opening the show. This is getting so bloody annoying. I don’t know what MWE sees out of me but one thing I definitely am not is a curtain jerker. You can save that image for some sorry scrub that isn’t fit to come down to the ring and get stuff done. When it comes to me however I know for a fact that I am a star. I know that I am worthy of being in the main event and through hell or high water I will one day become the Cloud Gate Champion…
Kate smirks as she continues to speak.
Kate Steele:
What does that mean exactly?! It means I will go through anybody placed in my way. I will beat down everybody and anybody and I am tired of the disrespect. MWE needs to give me my proper respect or else I feel like I am going to flip out… Even when I do go out there and I win… The commentators don’t give me my proper respect… It’s not like they say Oh Kate won! It’s more on the lines of OH… Kate actually won… Wouldn’t you feel that is bullshit?! From my eyes I would feel that way and it’s very sickening…
Kate shakes her head as she speaks some more.
Kate Steele:
Now this week I get to step into the ring with Morag Bean… Just based from her tweets alone she doesn’t seem to have the slightest of a clue. You can’t just send a tweet saying that you get to beat up an English girl and you are proud of it. To be blunt I am half English and Half Scottish. So we are basically the same. You would only be beating up a feel country woman so show me more class than that. You can run your mouth about what you plan to do but I doubt you will have it in your abilities to get one over on me.
Kate shrugs her shoulders.
Kate Steele:
One can only be a punching bag for so long but there comes a time where she will be respected. For me that time happens to be now. You all will respect me and I will be damn if I let somebody named Morag just flat out beat me when I am trying to prove something it would be all for nothing. I know I am better than what I have been. I didn’t become a lockdown Champion through luck. It took a lot of skill and what needs to happen is I simply have to showcase that I am good enough. I need to show that I have the power and when pushed I have all of the ability to become something.
Kate points at the camera.
Kate Steele:
Morag you can say whatever you wish but tonight… I plan to do whatever it takes to win. I will beat you and I will continue showcasing why I should be given a chance… Let’s rock out shall we?!
With that Kate turns her nsoe up as we go elsewhere.
Singles Match
Kate Steele VS Morag BeanMorag came to the ring accompanied, as always by her bodyguard, the huge indian Meera Makara. The bell rang and the two women moved around in circles. Steele took her eyes off Morag for a moment and that was enough for the Scot to blast her with a forearm strike to the jaw. She continued the attack with stiff shots to the midsection, Kate responded with a headbutt that stunned Morag, leaving her open to a clothesline from Steele, who waited until the opponent rose back to her feet to connect a standing dropkick. She followed with some mat based offense, asserting her dominance in this first part of the match with several submission holds with particular attention to the left arm. As Ambra quickly pointed out, she was laying in the groundwork for the Shipwrecked, a seated version of the fujiwara armbar she had Bean locked in now. For now though, Morag reached the ropes with her foot and forced the break. The middle part of the match was not for fine palates like the first minutes where Kate showcased her technical prowess. Now it was all Morag, which meant a whole lot of punches and kicks, elbows and knees… But mostly punches. Stiff right hands and occasional closed fists that the referee missed or decided to ignore. Either way, she had Kate in the corner now, right where she wanted her and could easily control her with sharp knee strikes to the abdomen before dropping the former Lockdown champion on her head with a rope hung ddt. Morag climbed to the top rope and jumped for her A75 top rope senton, but she missed the target and landed on her back instead. Kate was quick to take advantage with a springboard moonsault, obtaining another near fall. Steele insisted with those martial art kicks, backing the opponent against the ropes. She then fired her against the ropes and went for a big boot on the rebound, but Kate slid under her leg and caught her with a backstabber. Steele bounced on her knees and arched her back in pain, but still was able to kick out from the following pinning predicament. Desperate times call for desperate measure and Morag bit the opponent’’s face when Kate was starting to come back after a period dominated by the Scotswoman, who then booted the opponent through the ropes and out of the ring. The referee obviously confronted Bean about her unconventional tactics, and the Cannibal Queen did her best to keep him occupied while Meera threateningly approached Kate, grabbing her by the throat and lifted her for a chokeslam. The jeers for the illegal actions turned into a roar as Jada Hashford came running down the ramp with a steel chair in hand and hit Makara flat on the back. The colossal indian had to let the opponent go, the sound of the chair on her back finally got the referee’s attention on what was happening on the outside, where the Mississippi Queen was brutalizing Morag’s bodyguard, getting her payback for last week’s attack. Bean went to say something to the Backwoods Braggart, taking her eyes off the opponent who climbed up to the top of the turnbuckle. Jada suddenly stopped the onslaught and pointed at Kate, causing Morag to turn around right when she jumped for the SIlence Is Golden (top rope blockbuster). Steele made the cover and picked up her first win after a couple of months long losing streak. WINNER: Kate Steele :BY: Pinfall (Silence Is Golden), 8:21 |
“A Viking Warrior Queen, modern day. In her own words, tougher than a Norse, and more poetic…”
A longshot of a Viking longship, sailing down a river crewed by a number of men and women, at the captains helm, stood none other than Valkyrie, clad in chainmail and leather armour.
“A Samurai warrior maiden, one who sought to follow the footsteps of the legendary Tomoe Gozen.”
A close up view of Niko Yua, in traditional samurai armour with a half Demon mask covering the lower half of her face.
“Forgotten to Millenium Wrestlings history… until today. When the two forces from history make their dramatic return to the ring to resu-”
Valkyrie:
Enough of the dramatic crap!
A record scratch suddenly sounded as the camera did a gilligan cut to the backstage area, with the modern day Valkyrie and Niko standing in their familiar entrance gear over their ring attires, Niko in a purple and black Furisode kimono and Valkyrie in the dark purple trenchcoat.
Niko Yua:
We’ve been quiet for a long time, but you can bet you’re asses that Warblade 42 is back!
Valkyrie:
We’re not going to blow up anything like our good friend Herr Steiner. Not tonight at least anyway.
Niko Yua:
Unless you count Karen’s ego.
Valkyrie:
And personality.
Niko Yua:
What personality?
Valkyrie:
Exactly.
Niko Yua:
And her son's stamina, we blowing that up?
Valkyrie:
We’ll run circles around the little shit.
Niko Yua:
Fucking right.
The two chuckled, they were on the same page.
Valkyrie:
See, there’s a reason for this, because yes, we have fallen down the couch of MWE, we don’t plan on simply laying down and letting you get the win. We’ve decided to follow through and get back to the track.
Niko Yua:
A hard walked track that started for us a decade ago. Three hours drive north out of Tokyo, then a three hour hike to the Dojo in the mountains. Two hours if you’re a Dane who could haul ass with long legs.
Valkyrie shot a wink to the camera at that comment.
Valkyrie:
We learnt as a team in a hard way, you fight like the bitch opposite you owes you money and you have to break their legs.
Niko: And we know a thing about breaking legs, I’d be surprised if Karen can tell her ass from her elbow. But we have been studying you.
Valkyrie:
And pray that if you cheat us, remember to run, because if we catch you, the beating you’ll endure will see you bleed.
Niko: See you soon.
Four Way Match
Micaela VS Jimmy Scrivens VS West Long VS Melody LennoxThe fatal four way match turned into a triple threat when Michaela refused to enter the ring and “dance to the machine’s tune”. Something people have seen her and her ROTTEN friends do in Liberty Pro already, so this really didn’t come as a surprise. The referee took note and started the contest as a three way deal. Jimmy and Melody immediately ganged up to attack the bigger man, West Long. The Warwolf totally expected this and for a while was able to keep the two opponents at bay, knocking down Scrivens with a big boot and swatting off Lennox with a palm strike as she charged at him with a running crossbody. Eventually though the numbers game caught up on him, all they needed was to coordinate their attack a bit more to take the big man down to one knee and knock him down with a perfectly timed double superkick. The alliance was extremely short lived, ending in the exact moment when Melody laid on top of Long and attempted the cover, barely obtaining a count of one before Scrivens stomped her head and interrupted it. He dragged the Villainess up to her feet and pushed her back in the corner with a shotgun dropkick. A stomp to West who was starting to stir and Scrivens charged at Melody, using a monkey flip to throw her on top of Long, killing two birds with one stone. But the following pinning predicament on either of them only gave him two near falls. As the minutes went by, the power of Long came into play and turned the momentum in his favor. After getting rid of Jimmy by unceremoniously gorilla pressing him out of the ring, the Warwolf focused on Lennox, easily lifting her for his release german suplex. Slightly dazed, Mel pulled herself up only to be turned inside out by the big man’s lariat. He picked her up again and hit her with a headbutt that sent the woman stumbling back against the ropes. With his low and controlled pace he stepped toward her, already thinking at his next move. Jimmy sneaked up on him with a chop block, taking the man to his knee and driving his face into the canvas with a bulldog. He then rolled the Warwolf on his back and tried to apply a figure four leglock, but before he could even start to lock that in, Melody rolled him from behind, even bridging back to make it even harder for him to kick out. But there was West, diving in and breaking up the pinning predicament. Melody was by far the more experienced in this match, and one who wouldn’t shy away from taking shortcuts to get things her way. She caught West with a low blow and while the big man was there recovering from the sudden hit and the earlier fatigue, she kicked Jimmy’s side twice and fired him into the corner, charging in for a running splash. After the impact, she transitioned herself on the apron and climbed the turnbuckle, jumping over Jimmy and taking West down with a missile dropkick. She popped up to her feet with a kip up, turning around to focus back on Scrivens and finding the young man standing in front of her. He hoisted her up on his feet, for the Lion’s Roar but Melody slipped away and immediately pinned him with the Downbeat, a baseball slide with a bridge to make it almost impossible to kick out. Luckily for him, West was there and broke up the count. He quickly picked Melody up and slammed her on the mat with the Point Blank (fireman’s carry powerslam), doing the same to Jimmy as well, only with a chokeslam lift and t dropping him onto the Wicked one. He then made the cover on both of them, obtaining a three count even though, in fairness, Melody’s foot was on the rope. WINNER: West Long BY: Pinfall (Point Blank), 10:32 |
Heading backstage we get to see Karen Eldon fixing her ring gear pulling it up a slight bit. As whatever poor backstage interviewer has been pushed to the side to make way for her to hold the microphone herself. Not with her are her kids. Both Clyde and Erika left out of this as the clearly most vocal member of the Eldon Family is ready to let her issues be known.
Karen Eldon:
You know last week was a disgrace to this business....I am barely healed from the attack I suffered at the hands of that little loser Rhett. All because he and his wife saw the writing on the wall. I told them all week they were going to fail beating me just like their marriage will eventually fail as well. So he took it out on me, using my very own purse against me. A purse I bring to ringside just in case my son needs a band aid. Just in case someone in the crowd falls ill and needs medicine. I think about others when I bring that purse down and he uses it against me! And now look at what he did…
Pointing at her face, the cameraman at first tries to pan in. But unable to see what she is pointing at Karen forces him to get even closer until the camera is right up on her. On her face is the tiniest of cuts, the rest of her face having had time to heel.
Karen Eldon:
He should be fined, he should be fired. But nope instead this company seems to have it out for me. My son and I have run through this division. Tag team after tag team have fallen. And yet they still try to hold me back. Why? Because for some reason I have become the most envied women in this sport? The fans dislike me for being great. The wrestlers in the back hate me. Sandstorm hates me because I am taking their shine. The kids at the Academy hate me because I say it like it is. I have become the most hated woman in this company…
Shaking her head not seeming too upset by this fact, never one to shy away from a bit of controversy.
Karen Eldon:
So now they have my son and I going against another tag team. As if we haven’t done more than enough to warrant our title shot. But I get it having us win the belts on this show doesn’t make sense, it’s better to save us for a big PPV. So tonight? We are going to beat this clown show of a team we are facing. But then? We are coming for those belts. And Summer don’t think I didn’t hear all the words you had to say on Riot. I heard every last one. You two are the tag team champions. But you have spread yourself way too thin. You are wrestling here, there, everywhere. As for Clyde and I? We have one goal and one goal only, to take those belts off those fabulous little waists of yours.
Stopping for a moment to allow herself to get a bit closer to the camera now.
Karen Eldon:
As you said you don’t have to beat us to keep the belts. Unfortunately for you, you couldn’t if you tried. You aren’t fabulous, you are truly unexceptional. And we’ll prove that as soon as we get our hands on the two of you. Tune in sweetie.
Waving to the camera as she walks past on her way to the ring as usual stopping just long enough to grab the aforementioned purse as she gets ready for her next contest.
Tag Team Match
Warblade 42 VS The Eldon Family
Like it or not, Karen makes a good point when she says that her and her son have been on a hot streak, running through the entire tag division. Not the most technically gifted, the fastest nor the strongest, the Eldon Family always managed to make the best of situations, beating former champions and contenders and quickly climbing the ranks of the tag division. Tonight they had to face Warblade 42, a team looking to turn to a new leaf in 2021 and establish themselves in the MWE tag division. Valkyrie was the chosen one for her team taking on Clyde Eldon who was dressed in a black and white Under Armor gear that reminded of the one the Bad Boyz had been seen wearing. He cockily challenged Vee to a test of strength, quickly realizing the mistake he made as the powerhouse pushed him back toward the ropes. He hit her with a knee to the stomach and locked her in a front facelock, stepping toward his corner. Karen entered the ring and raked Valkyrie’s back. She followed with a hair pull backbreaker, holding Vee on her knee while Clide jumped from the second rope with a legdrop. Karen then made the cover and obtained a two count. The Eldons did a good job keeping Vee away from her partner and wearing her down with rapid tags to keep the fresh man in, until Valkyrie decided she had had enough and turned them both inside out with a double clothesline. Karen, who just made the tag and therefore wasn’t the legal person anymore, was launched over the top rope for a rough landing on the concrete floor, while her soon was dragged up to his feet and whipped in the corner with all the strength she was capable of. The Big Dane Batch rocked him with a running back elbow and made the tag to Niko, who kept lashing out on the young kid with her shoot kicks. One of those caught CEJ right between the shoulder blades after Niko sat him down with a snapmare. The impact echoed in the Enterprise Arena, and so did Clyde’s scream of pain as he arched his back. By doing so, he exposed his chest to an equally hard kick, the third one instead caught him on the side of the head and knocked him down. Clyde raised a shoulder one moment before the three. Karen’s landing was much worse than it looked, the woman seemed to be favoring the right shoulder. Peyton noted that, even if the landing per se wasn’t particularly bad, it probably added to a previous injury suffered last week. Regardless of that, Clyde was now pretty much isolated against Warblade 42. He was doing a good job at surviving, kicking out of a powerbomb from Vee and their Switchover Suplex, but he barely got any notable offense in. And right after the ten minutes mark, Niko hit him with a running meteora and hooked the legs, but as soon as the referee’s hand hit the mat a second time, the Blade Maiden of Tokyo was dragged out of the ring by Karen who even slammed the Japanes’s head on the apron. Valkyrie looked for instant revenge for her partner but the matriarch ran away. Vee chased her around the ring and back in, but a For You Dad spear from Clyde cut her in half. CEJ made the cover, getting laughed at by the fans who, unlike him, had realized that Valkyrie wasn’t the legal competitors. The referee was trying to explain it too, but the kid was still on top of Valkyrie for a lateral press. Was he oblivious? Was he that dazed lost track of what happened less than a minute ago? Or was he just buying time for her mother to hit Niko with the purse once the japanese made it to the apron? Because that was what happened , and after eliminating the evidence, Karen called her son. Niko was laying on the apron and Clyde pulled her in through the second and top rope, holding up for a rope hung ddt. Valkyrie tried to make the save but she arrived a moment too late. WINNER: The Eldon Family BY: Pinfall (Rope Hung DDT), 11:08 |
We come backstage where we see Matt Stone standing by in a special interview area designed just for him and not a corner of the hallway he’s blocked off and decorated with a chair, a lamp and a camera. That would just be silly, so stop spreading those rumours! In this special Matt Stone interview area, the star of the show...Matt Stone, you’ve heard of him! Anyway, he’s standing by.
Matt Stone:
Before we get into this week where I’m stepping into the ring with that weirdo Jacky I just have a question for Mr. Hearst, CEO and Owner of Sandstorm Energy. Just one simple question and we can move on, okay? Can Dreadnaught do anything right? Legitimate question for you mister CEO, not only does the big brute lose to me and while we’ve been nothing but cordial to each other I’m sure you would have liked to see an official Sandstorm employee advance in the tournament, but after losing to me, he decides in his infinite wisdom to get involved in the main event and costs Constantine his spot in the tournament too! I was looking forward to testing myself against a past and future champion in CCJ but because of your hired goon, and that’s all he is is a goon at this point, I don’t get to do that, instead I’m facing Rexy Jack Daniels, or at least that’s what his name should be cause everytime I see him he looks like he’s recovering from an all night bender.
Matt sighs and reaches off screen and retrieves a bottle of water.
Matt Stone:
You know what clears a headache? Water. You know what washes sand out from those horrible places it finds itself after a fun time on the beach? That’s right, water. I came out here all excited about Sandstorm energy last week and proved that I’m better than the people who work for it but I didn’t get a call. I didn’t get a text, an email or a DM. Oh no, I guess I didn’t do enough to impress, not like Dreadnaught apparently, so it’s whatever, you know? I came here to win matches, win championships or in this case? Win tournaments. Some cash on the side would have been nice but I’m still living off my BLAST energy contracts from years ago so I’m going to focus on wrestling. You know what’s best for wrestling boys and girls? It’s not energy drinks, it’s water.
Matt takes a sip of the water, letting out a refreshed ‘ah’ afterwards.
Matt Stone:
Nothing can quench a thirst or recover your energy better than fresh, not-for-profit water and it’s on the back of this and this alone that I’ll be stepping into the ring with the Mad King and dethroning his chances at advancing in this tournament. I went through the tape of each tournament match over the last two shows cause I believe in preparation and I gotta say Im liking my chances. Sure Jacky can be hard to predict, even genius in his simplicity in the ring but I’m not going to let him get in my head. I’ve waited too long and come too far already to be undone by someone who should be coming to the ring in a straight jacket. I’m here to win this tournament and there’s way a lunatic who cheated to win last week is going to SHUT ME UP!
With that, Matt finishes the water and leaves the sanctity of his special interview area.
Singles Match
Atti Valentine VS LunaThe two competitors met in the middle of the ring, circling around and studying one another. Luna was the first to strike, aiming at Atii's throat with a sudden jab, followed by a number of Krav Maga knees that backed the Chicago Way champion against the ropes. From there Luna whipped him on the opposite side and ducked Atticus' clothesline. They both bounced against the ropes and charged at one another, meeting in the middle of the ring when Luna pulled a beautiful running spanish fly out of nowhere. She went to make the cover but as soon as she dropped on top of Atti's body, she popped back up on her feet, a look of pure terror in her eyes. The reason? Lucie Callaway is standing on the stage, the same sledgehammer she threatened Luna with one week ago in her hand. With a slow pace, the former Chicago Way champion walks down the aisle, while inside the ring Luna is panicking, asking the referee to do something. But the official, obviously, can only tell Lucie to stand up, not that it sorted any effect.. Lucie was at ringside now, right in front of Luna... Who turned around and run away, disappearing over the barricade and through the crowd. WINNER: Atti Valentine BY: Count Out, 2:06 |
The following Standout presentation is brought to you by: Sandstorm Energy Drinks. For more information, stay tuned.
A series of picture to picture footage floats on the screen, showing different facets of freestyle wrestling. Takedowns, pins, suplexes. All performed by the same man. A loud boisterous voice shouts things like: Passion, Intelligence, Excellence… as the scenes flow until this man is left alone in the middle of the wrestling mat, his hands raised in victory. As this man turns around, the scene fades into a very comfy room.
A nice chair sits in the middle and in it sits a tall man who was just watching the same video package we were watching; with the same voiceover and all. As the video ends, the man stands up revealing himself to be none other than “The Standout” Mitchell Price. “The pride of Velva, North Dakota” smirks at the camera and puts both of his hands inside his leather jacket’s pockets. He hangs his head and looks up sideways towards the camera as he speaks.
Mitchell Price:
P.I.E… the three letters that drive my whole career. Passion, Intelligence, Excellence. Three words that exemplify who The Standout is inside the squared circle. Three words that match who The Standout is outside the squared circle. Three words many of you don’t seem to actually understand.
Price gets his right hand out of the pocket in his jacket and points up as he puts his head back straight and looks towards the camera.
Mitchell Price:
My first outing as a contracted Millennium wrestler, went as smoothly as you might’ve thought. Me being the superior wrestler; with the superior background and all. Sure, many others, and I’m sure my opponent that night might agree with them… might think I stole a victory; that it was all a fluke; but my answer to that is a simple question -- was it really?
Was it really a fluke? Or was it a case where P.I.E kicked in and my opponent simply didn’t have a clue how to answer it. Passion, Intelligence, Excellence. I had more Passion than my opponent, I was Excellent inside that ring that night and ultimately I was more Intelligent than my opponent that night; meaning I could CAPITALIZE on the opportunities that presented themselves to me.
The Standout doesn’t move from the place he’s standing; he simply puts his right hand back inside his pocket and shrugs as he continues talking.
Mitchell Price:
P.I.E is also applicable to my opponent. The man Dustin Douglas is a freight train that exudes passion; that’s why he was so magnanimous about giving you guys a match last week… when he could’ve just taken the night off. But his passion about the industry was the thing that drove his heart of hearts towards actually realizing that the fans deserved better than just a no show, as his scheduled opponent that time around did. He knew that he was above Alan Envy; he knew that Sandstorm Energy Drinks are for those with a fighting spirit and he took it to heart and gave you a match. But you’re so ungrateful that you saw it as him being a prick… what a shame.
But I understand you, Dustin. Passion; Intelligence; Excellence. After that show of passion for the industry he was intelligent enough to capitalize on an opponent that could’ve taken him by surprise… because unlike his no show opponent… Dustin did train for a match, he did his research and the opponent was changed at the last second; meaning he didn’t have time to prepare for a new challenge. But it didn’t matter… no, ladies and gentlemen… because Sandstorm Energy Drinks are also for those with the keen intelligence and acumen to actually seize the opportunity and understand the environment and be excellent in any opportunity. Just as my opponent was against that new opponent, finishing him in just under a minute or so. That my friends… that’s P.I.E if I ever seen one.
Price gets both of his hands and claps them exactly one time as he seems to congratulate Dustin Douglas for his Riot performance.
Mitchell Price:
Now… I know and understand what might happen. When two men who are cut from the same cloth fight each other; and they both show the same grit; magic can happen. Magic as in the new flavor of Sandstorm Energy Drinks available for a limited time only and if you use promo code: Standout you’ll get 1 dollar off any purchase a hundred dollars or more!
Magic that cannot be matched… so, I hope all of you kick back, relax, grab your favourite Sandstorm Energy Drink; because tonight, you’ll experience a Standout Match for the ages.
Earlier in the night, Melissa Reeves arrives at the arena where she’s received by fans asking for her autograph and a MWE camera crew. The Cloud Gate Champion is happy enough to sign, but takes the opportunity to talk to the camera.
Melissa Reeves:
You see this? Gotta love the Millennium fans. Through thick and thin they stick by you, no matter the weather or the location.
Signing a last couple of items, she steps away and focuses on the camera only.
Melissa Reeves:
I know what everyone’s thinking about tonight’s match...can I work with Hammerstein? Historically, we don’t get along, that’s true. He’s not even commented on this match prior to today, either, he’s so focused on matters elsewhere.
She shakes her head.
Melissa Reeves:
So we got a pair of singles champions against the tag champs. What could go wrong, right?
A sigh.
Melissa Reeves:
Whatever, I’m going to pull my weight and do my part. Hammy better do his, that’s all I can say.
A momentary annoyed look is soon replaced with a smile as she turns back to her fans.
Singles Match
Sandstorm Energy Heavyweight Tournament
Dustin Douglas VS Mitchell PriceSandstorm Energy Heavyweight Tournament
The Standout versus the Murder Train was the first quarter final of the Sandstorm Energy™ Heavyweight tournament. Mitchell Price impressed in his debut, and not so much for the upset win against Duke Andrews which came with the aid of Sandstorm Inc, but for what he showed in the ring, a top notch athlete with an impressive amateur background he displayed tonight as well, even against a bigger opponent like Dusty. Mitchell wasn’t leaving Douglas any room to move, fighting a flawless first part of the match. He applied a waistlock and took the Big Nasty down, switching to a front facelock, putting pressure on his neck and throat and limiting his breathing. Despite that, Douglas slowly stood up to his feet, but he was immediately met by some hard knees to the face. When Price let go of the facelock, Dustin looked dazed and bleeding from his busted nose. Mitchell went for the running boot to the chest, pushing Sandstrom Inc member against the ropes, from which he bounced back with a big lariat, catching the Standout off guard and leveling him to the floor. Dustin tried to punch him on the face but Mitchell caught him with a triangle choke. Once again Douglas was in trouble until he dug deep to find the strength to lift the All American and powerbomb him on the mat. The Murder Train seemed to have finally regained control after he countered an Irish whip and hit and caught Pierce with a samoan drop. And from that moment on it was the good old Dusty’s match the MWE fans grew so accustomed to. Stiff shots and an array of suplexes and throws, including the deadlift German known as Big Bang Attack. Mitchell quickly took back control though, ducking the Hyper Beam spinning backfist and dropping Dustin’s arm on his knees with a double knee armbreaker. Douglas was clutching his arm, which became the target of Price’s attacks, whether they’d be stomps or submission attempts. Mitchell showed off his technical prowess, his power and he even gave the fans a glimpse of his great athleticism, connecting with a diving moonsault and lending perfectly on top of the Big Nasty, hooking the leg for another near fall. The final part kept the fans on the edge of their seats, a lot of false finals as each competitor pulled out the big guns. Mitchell gave the people in attendance a heart attack when he connected an Olympic Slam on the 290 pounder, getting this close to a shocking win. But Douglas stayed alive and less than a minute later he was the one who almost got the job done with the King Kai Bomb (running powerbomb). The Standout, showing great ring awareness, raised his boot to the bottom rope and survived. At least for a little longer. In the following couple of minutes, Dustin had absolute control, attempting a submission of his own with a rolling armbreaker, countered by Mitchell who slipped free. Price tried a comeback, but a savate kick from the Murder Train killed his second wind and sent him against the ropes, bouncing back into the Giga Impact (high angle rock bottom). WINNER: Dustin Douglas BY: Pinfall (Giga Impact), 12:20 |
While episode LXXIX of Millennium is taking place at the Enterprise Arena we got a shot from earlier in the day. The Bad Boyz have taken the opportunity with their night off from in-ring action, to have a chill night at their penthouse suite at a downtown Chicago hotel. A shirtless Marcus Ali Jr sporting black & white UA basketball shorts is on his iPhone, clearly focused on whatever text conversation he's in, with Omari Johnson sitting close to him waiting to continue his conversation with the leader of The Bad Boyz. Khalil Washington III & Dré Angelo are sitting on the couch, eyes focused on the massive 80 inch television screen on the wall. Meanwhile the man formerly known as The Masked Angel is in the kitchen making a club sandwich. As Marcus finishes up his phone conversation, Dré Angelo and Khalil Washington III jump out of their seats and fist bump each other. They have just won an online team exhibition game on the PlayStation 5. Marcus smiles and places his phone on the table in front of him as he looks at Omari Johnson, who seems to be a bit uncomfortable where he sits, in front of the guy and amongst the men who tormented him and his sister during the long summer.
Marcus Ali Jr:
So, .....where were we?
Omari Johnson:
I was thanking you for the opportunity. It means a whole lot to me.
Marcus laughs and he shakes his head.
Marcus Ali Jr:
Good to see you are appreciative. Now I need you more at my side, so you can learn a few things.
A knock on the door is heard, Omari immediately turns back and looks at the door, he looks back at Marcus.
Marcus Ali Jr:
So what are you waiting for? Go get it!!!
Omari takes his order and immediately gets up and approaches the door. He opens it and in walks Clyde Eldon Jr holding on to a few packs of potato chips and a six pack of Heineken Beer. Omari stood in shock not knowing what to do or say as Erika Eldon walked in holding a homemade cake.
Clyde Eldon Jr:
Hey fellas. Brought you this cake. Celebrate that win you all had on Riot.
While the guys do seem excited about the cake. There is a bit of a hush considering Marcus lost his match.
Clyde Eldon Jr:
They did you dirty Marcus. Not sure why Omari helped the other guys out but not you...
Turning the tables on Omari, to save himself from the situation. Erika sets the cake down, blushing and smiling as she waves at Marcus. By the time Clyde made his way in Omari had already returned to his seat. Eager to continue his chat with The Boss of The Bad Boyz. Clyde's straight forward statement has placed Omari in a bad spotlight in front all of The Bad Boyz, the second generation wrestler Marcus Ali Jr stares in Clyde's direction, but looking pass to see his blushing sister. Meanwhile a defensive Omari stands up from his seated position, looking at Clyde, not so happy with Eldon Jr's attempt to toss him under the bus.
Omari Johnson:
Who the hell do you think.....
Sensing the rising tension, and this being The Bad Boyz night off, Marcus stood up.
Marcus Ali Jr:
Sit your ass down.
Simultaneously with that statement, Marcus shoves Omari roughly back to his seated position. But just as fast the bold Omari dares to stand right back up.
Omari Johnson:
But Marcus, this fool is not even one of us.
Ali Jr slightly towering over Omari looks down at him.
Marcus Ali Jr:
What did I tell you?
Suddenly his voice goes soft, but even more seriously as if heavy consequences are about to follow.
Marcus Ali Jr:
....I said sit the fuck down.
Omari's eyes drop to the ground and he quickly takes a seat, at the same time mumbling "Sorry". Marcus takes his attention off of Omari and walks forward towards Clyde's direction. Almost completely ignoring him Marcus places his hand on Clyde's shoulder as he stands next to him.
Marcus Ali Jr:
Take a seat Junior.
Marcus has not taken his eyes off Clyde Eldon Jr's sister. He walks up to a nervous looking Erika.
Marcus Ali Jr:
Thanks for the cake.
Erika Eldon:
Hope you enjoy eating my cake.
Not realizing how her words might be construed a different way. Meanwhile Clyde is trying to make friends hands a beer over to Dre' and then sets one beside Khalil who still doesn't show him much more love. Erika hoping to impress Marcus with the cake, her outfit clearly way more than just walking around hotel attire. Fuming in anger and disdain, but knowing his place after Marcus, his once tormentor, ordered him to sit down, Omari stared at Clyde.
Marcus Ali Jr:
I'm glad you made it, your brother didn't give you any trouble tagging along right.
She quickly swings her head side by side, as Marcus smiles.
Marcus Ali Jr:
Good! …..So Ummm, I'm sitting over there, you want to join? Have a drink, a snack, hang with The Bad Boyz? I mean tonight is Fun Night.
Instead of letting his sister answer, Clyde does so for her.
Clyde Eldon Jr:
Actually we got a match tonight. So she needs to get back with me to help carry our bags and what not. But just wanted to come by and see how you all were doing. See how my buddies are.
Clyde looks around the room, smiling. Holding up his beer for a cheers. Erika still has not taken her eyes off Marcus.
Marcus Ali Jr:
Good luck with your match.
He steps away from Erika and walks up to Clyde.
Marcus Ali Jr:
Tell you what Junior, ......I'll drop by at Enterprise Arena.
He turns and winks at Erika and looks back at Eldron Jr with a smile. Thinking this is a sign of respect Clyde smiles.
Clyde Eldon Jr:
Sweet see you then!
Clyde gives Marcus an awkward knuckle bump. As the rest of the crew gives him a cold shoulder. He leaves as Erika waves, which gets. a much better response as they head on their way. Khalil Washington III walks up to Marcus.
Khalil Washington III:
What the hell Marcus?! Omari may have been our whipping boy, but the kid is right. He ain't one of us.
Marcus smiles as he turns and looks at Khalil.
Marcus Ali Jr:
I think you need to lower your tone.
Khalil Washington III:
I think you need to keep your dick in your pants.
Marcus steps up to Khalil.
Marcus Ali Jr:
You want to say that again?
Khalil Washington III:
Bro I'm just saying, don't let that girl cloud your judgment.
Marcus smiles and shakes his head.
Marcus Ali Jr:
First of all, Clyde will learn his place. I assure you all that. Secondly Erika ain't a bad judgment, actually I have full control of this shit.
Marcus taps Khalil on his shoulder.
Marcus Ali Jr:
Gotta go, enjoy yourselves.
Khalil nods and does his special fist bumps, handshake with Marcus.
Khalil Washington III:
You need me there?!
Marcus Ali Jr:
I'm cool. Omari!!!!! Let's go. Khalil, you in charge. Now don't burn down the penthouse.
Omari awkwardly gets up and walks up to Marcus.
Marcus Ali Jr:
You okay?!
Omari nods.
Marcus Ali Jr:
Wait here, gotta change. I'll be back in a minute.
Marcus heads toward the bedroom as the scene fades.
We then go to something that’s obviously not taped anywhere near the city of Chicago. In fact, the brief shot of the home near the mountains is a clear give away on that front before we get a shot of a man in what looks to be his office. It’s a sight the Millennium fans have seen once before when he was addressing then Cloud Gate Champion Tiff. The plaque of all the championships he’s won has been updated to include the FGA World Title and the briefcases he’s won in 2020. And as he leans back on his office chair we see a clear view of Seth Iser, still dressed to the nines even for this particular spot in that three piece black and blue suit, and he has a stern look on his face.
Seth Iser:
A wrestler...above anything else, wants to do one thing no matter how they’re feeling. And that is get in the ring and...well, wrestle. The fact that I haven’t competed in a wrestling ring in 2021 so far is enough to be agitating. If I was a younger person...hell, when I was that younger wrestler, I didn’t have any patience for waiting everything out. It’d be on to the next one going a hundred miles an hour. We also didn’t have the kind of knowledge about the human body and what toll everything takes then that we do now. That’s a constantly evolving thing and something that can’t be in stasis forever.
He leans back on that chair of his with a smirk etched on his face.
Seth Iser:
That kind of rushing thing is one of the easier mistakes someone can make anyway. It makes a sprain worse...worsens a crack of a bone into a break. Hell, you can tear something else up entirely trying to compensate and work around what’s already banged up. Seen it way too often. Fact is...my doctor did clear me. I feel pretty good. But...after what happened with hell in a cell...Elsa’s not rushing to clear me right now.
And though he isn’t happy about this by the frown that’s on his face it lacks the hostility of his normal glare as he seems more contemplative rather than anything else.
Seth Iser:
Don’t know how much of this she wants shared, but whether you like me or hate me...don’t give a damn which, I have a duty to tell the truth in my spot. But I understand her position as to why. It was already a risk considering what I did in Australia before I got in the cell...then Neal did what he did…not learn from my mistakes and you saw what happened. I paid the price even with the victory. And to bottomline it all...it’s still a business.
And then there’s the arrogant smirk creeping back in for a brief moment.
Seth Iser:
There isn’t a wrestler like me on the planet...and with the briefcase in my hand to boot...I’m an investment that’s worth protecting.
It vanishes briefly as he shakes his head as he continues to maul his point over.
Seth Iser:
But like the medical field...wrestling itself isn’t something where you can afford to be on stasis. Nobody ever is in this industry...it changes all of us and certain things in the ring change with it. You change your perspective with what you learn obviously but there are some things that won’t change. And I guess I’m the old school sort in that I like working for my money. It feels more gratifying that way...so I made a suggestion and well...it passed through.
And then there’s that glare. The kind of glare you put where you want to keep someone in line and considering he’s both a parent and a runner of a wrestling school it’s a well practiced one.
Seth Iser:
I’m your third commentator next week for Millennium. Don’t worry, just because I get a better view doesn’t mean you won’t get nothing out of it either. Think of me as your wrestling mentor for the evening...where you can listen back and hear more of a critique on what’s going on...what you could’ve done, or a tactic you might have been ready for if you prepared properly. I’m not going to half ass my job, after all. I’ve been in the office preparing for all of this you know. Though if you're Sandstorm Inc...knowing what I have...you're probably a little unnerved or nervous right now.
And with a neutral look he just scowls at the camera briefly.
Seth Iser:
You should be.
And with that the veteran tilts his head to the side.
Seth Iser:
But it won't be about them. Hell, that job isn't really about me. But it might be a more regular thing on and off going forward if Elsa really wants it to be. But as for next week? Class is in session...happy learning kids.
And with that he reaches over and grabs the briefcase that holds so much power as a slight reminder of what he might still do behind the desk with a chuckle before we fade from this view.
The camera picks up on Duke Andrews walking through the backstage area on a mission. Certainly not pleased with being left off this card, but also furious over what happened with Alan Envy at the hands of Sandstorm.
He stops and looks at the door in front of him. Not a knock. Not a question of asking to come in. He kicked the door in and stepped inside.
Duke Andrews:
Listen, I ain’t here for fun and games. I’m going to tell you how this is going to go.”
He wasn’t dressed for a match, more or less for an ass beating. His cowboy boots sure classed up Elsa McCarthey’s office. His ripped jeans and his black t-shirt that still sported the original #ape logo.
Elsa looked up disgusted at Duke for barging into her office but he silenced her with his hand in the air as he walked towards her desk.
Duke Andrews:
You know I ain’t ever been a fan of the person who has sat behind this desk. Whether it was you, Chloe, or whoever was in charge before then. But what you have to understand, you can try and keep me wrangled, but it ain’t gonna happen.
Duke paused briefly before turning and pacing in her office.
Duke Andrews:
For the longest time the brass of this company has been two faced. Condemning the actions of APE as we did what we wanted, but not souring at the idea of Grace interjecting over and over to get her way. And once again, this position of power that you have, is being revealed as a joke. But I’m here to give you a heads up. You have one week.
Duke stops and stares her directly in the eye.
Duke Andrews:
You have one week to give me what i want. I don’t care if it’s Douglas, Wilkow, Pussy Boy Jr, or Dev himself. I’m giving you until the next Millennium to give me a match or I’ll do what you know I’m capable of doing. I’ll leave them all laying.
Duke smirked. Running his hand over his mouth and pulling a hair from his lips. Clearly a beard hair.
Duke Andrews:
I told Karen Eldon to shave.
He winked at the camera.
Duke Andrews:
You have your warning. Either give me what I want. Or I’ll ruin your show. Be better than Moretti.
Duke didn’t give Elsa a chance to reply before walking out of her office. Looking at Alan before nodding his head and the two leave the screen. Envy stops and looks back at Elsa.
Duke Andrews:
If you think APE was uncontrollable….you keep allowing Shitstain Inc to do what they want too, you won't believe what I will fucking do. And believe me when I say this…..they got nothing on me when it comes to creating mayhem. They took my master course.
Envy soon joins Duke as Elsa shifted uncomfortably in her chair as they both exit the room
Singles Match
Sandstorm Energy Heavyweight Tournament
Jacky Rex Daniels VS Matt StoneSandstorm Energy Heavyweight Tournament
The bell rang and Jacky immediately went on the offensive, looking to scrap that cocky grin away from his face and make quick work out of the Abominable Showman. The aggressive start, coming mostly in the form of hard punches to the face, put the canadian on the back foot from the get go. As soon as he had the chance, which means when he got knocked off his feet by a spinning backfist, Stone rolled out of the ring and asked for a time-out. Daniels seemed keen to grant him some space, not chasing him outside with the risk, almost a certainty, to fall in one of his many tricks. Instead he waited inside the ring, perfectly aware that, sooner rather than later since the referee’s count already reached five, Stone would have to come to him. And when he did, walking the steps to the apron and stepping through the ropes, Jacky welcomed him back in with a kick to the side of the head. Stone fell back inside the ring, and Jacky immediately picked him up and lifted him in a suplex position, making Matt bounce on the top rope before completing the move and slamming him on the mat. Jacky floated into a cover and obtained the first near fall of the match. After that, he remained on the attack, using his vast knowledge of submissions to stay on top of the Straight Shooter. Jacky went for an early Synesthesia attempt, but Matt countered it with an eye rake, avoiding what could have been a quick and humbling loss. The former face of Blast! energy stumbled into the corner, trying to regroup. Jacky though wasn’t giving him any time to recover, turning around and charging in with a running splash. Stone moved away at the last moment and Daniels hit the empty corner instead. Matt then decided to introduce Jacky’s face to the top turnbuckle, slamming it against the top of it for a total of ten times, in his intentions. In reality, he was stopped at nine by a sharp elbow to the pit of the stomach. Jacky quickly turned around and flattened Stone with a clothesline. Back and forth they went, trading punches in the middle of the ring in a long and heated sequence. Matt was the one coming out on top of it, once again thanks to one of his many tricks. And then he quickly moved behind the Rapscallion’s back, looping his arm around Jacky’s throat and dropping on his knees, dragging the former Rebellion World Champion down sprawled onto his back. The Abominable Showman tried to apply his patented submission move, The Danger Zone, but being the technical wizard he is, Jacky had no problems escaping the Katahajime attempt. By the end of the match, both competitors looked extremely tired. This had been an exhausting match for both of them, and it had been dragging on for over fifteen minutes now. Things were still extremely even, none of them managed to tip the scale in their favor, or to gain any consistent momentum. Both of them, though, had at least one very near fall, oddly enough with the same move: The Master Stroke. Matt Stone in fact wasn’t new to this kind of shenanigans, stealing the opponent’s move was quite common for the Abominable Showman, always trying to add insult to injury. This time, Being A Douche (that’s how he calls this habit) didn’t pay off: the only result he obtained was to piss Jacky further off, and moments later, the Rapscallion showed him how it was done, knocking out the canadian. Unfortunately for him, the ropes were too close and the referee spotted Matt’s foot on the bottom rope. The match continued and Sandstorm made their presence felt. While Dreadnought distracted everyone by coming down to the ring with his baton in hand and threatening Matt for insulting him earlier in the night, Chris Constantine sneaked up on Jacky and punched him on the back of the head with the Sandstorm custom brass knuckles. Daniels was down, and Stone rushed to the cover, calling the referee who was busy trying to hold Dreadnought back. As soon as the three was counted, Matt rolled out of the ring and ran from Dreadnought who just shrugged his shoulders, not at all interested in pursuing him or getting any sort of revenge. Instead, he waited for CCJ to finish insulting Daniels and the two members of Sandstorm Inc left the ringside area. WINNER: Matt Stone BY: Pinfall (Brass knuckles punch to the back of the head), 17:11 |
“The following has been paid for by Collins Incorporated, promising to bring you an energy drink far superior to that crap currently being sold by Sandstorm!”
Classical piano music is heard. Eventually we fade into the scene of a luxurious living room area, with mostly white walls that seem to be unstained and perfect. The carpeting is a light brown color, almost like sand, and there is a warm fireplace nearby. A few moments later Summer Collins steps into view from stage left. She beautiful wealthier member of Fabulous is dressed in a fancy little black dress and black patent leather heels. She has her MWE World Tag Team Championship belt draped over her right shoulder. A confident if not smug smirk is etched across her lovely face.
Summer Collins:
MWE management truly knows how to book a card. They know who their true headliners are, they know who their moneymakers are, they know the stars of the show really are. They also know who just runs off at the mouth. They know who just makes noise but does little else. Take The Eldons for instance...you can shout at the top of your lungs about how you run this tag team division and maybe some idiots will actually believe you but most see through your talk as just that. Talk. It’s just nonsensical shouting. And just because you keep repeating it doesn’t make it true. So go on, talk about how you run this division and how this is your tag team division. But let’s look a couple of facts.
She holds up one finger.
Summer Collins:
Fact number one, you are on the early card for Millennium. You are basically curtain jerking with Warblade 42. But that’s ok, everyone needs their place and your place is that of a couple of curtain jerkers.
She holds up a second finger.
Summer Collins:
Then there’s fact number two and fact number two is draped over is draped over my shoulder; the MWE World Tag Team Championship. If you ran the tag team division then why aren’t you the champions? Oh, that’s right, you’re not good enough. If you ran this division why aren’t you in the main event? The answer to that is because the main event is already filled with REAL stars...myself, Jessica Lasiewicz, an absolutely FABULOUS combination...and of course our opposition, Melissa Reeves and Hammerstein.
And now it’s time for another arrival; “The Archangel” Jessica Lasiewicz emerges from stage right. The Archangel is dressed similar to her tag team partner, only her dress is pink, matching her hair color. Jessica also has her MWE World Tag Team Championship title belt draped over her right shoulder.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
I always look forward to a challenge. And to be honest, you don’t get a bigger challenge than when you face a couple of champions. The Cloud Gate Champion and the Lockdown Champion are teaming up and whether you like them or not you cannot deny their ability inside the ring. You don’t become champions, you do not win championship gold by being lucky, despite what some uninformed morons try to say. And if you want to beat a champion you have to bring your best and you cannot afford to make any mistakes. Needless to say, we understand the challenge we are faced with as we face Hammerstein and Reeves.
She pats her tag title belt. Summer does so as well.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
But understand that they aren’t the only champions in this champions extravaganza. Hammerstein and Reeves are tasked with the challenge of having to beat the team that can honestly say that they are the best tag team in MWE right now. And we can say that because we are the MWE World Tag Team Champions. We can say that because we have fought every tag team that has been put before us and we have beaten them all in our climb up the mountain. But there’s one other advantage Summer and I have, and that’s the fact that this is a TAG TEAM MATCH…
The Archangel smirks devilishly.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
...I would think that the world TAG TEAM champions would be favored in a TAG TEAM match. Am I right, Summer?
Summer Collins:
You are most certainly right, Jess. So anyone who is thinking of challenging us in the future, anyone who decides to get froggy, you may want to watch what happens in the Millennium main event. Watch Jess and myself make some magic with Reeves and Hammerstein. Tonight’s Champions Extravaganza just got absolutely FABULOUS!
The scene fades.
The show switches to the dressing room of The MWE Lockdown Champion, The American Monster Jacob Hammerstein. He sits on a steel chair, his head bowed and the title resting on his lap.
Hammerstein:
Can two great singles wrestlers defeat a great tag team? I don't know, but that's the situation I find myself in.
The Lockdown Champion scratches his jaw as he contemplates what he should say next. He shrugs his shoulders.
Hammerstein:
It's no secret that Melissa Reeves and I aren't besties. We have history that's hard to just forget. Can I trust her to break up the pin if Fabulous gets me down? Can she trust me to not smash her in the back of the head with a steel chair when she least expects it?
Hammerstein smiles slyly, a hint of bad intentions in his eyes. He looks down, almost ashamed of the thoughts running through his head, and sighs.
Hammerstein:
I don't know if I can trust her. But she can trust me. I want to do things differently now. I'm not leanin' on anybody else to help me out. I'm tryin' to do things the right way. That's what helped me win….and keep...this belt.
The American Monster holds the Lockdown Championship up to the camera.
Hammerstein:
So, I ask again, can two great singles wrestlers defeat a great tag team? When the two singles wrestlers are Melissa Reeves and myself, the answer is a resounding and violent yes.
Hammerstein stands up, the title hanging at his side, and looks into the camera.
Hammerstein:
Fabulous, I hope you're ready to get your asses handed to you by The MWE Cloud Gate Champion, Melissa Reeves and YOUR MWE Lockdown Champion, The American Monster Jacob Hammerstein.
Hammerstein begins to walk away, then stops. He sighs before turning back to the camera, a solemn look on his face.
Hammerstein:
One more thing. Melissa, should you try any funny business….short-arm me on the tag….walk out on me….or cheap shot me. If you double-cross me in any way, shape, or form, I will not hesitate to stomp your fuckin' brains out, you savvy?
With that, the Lockdown Champion turns, setting the title on his left shoulder, and walks out of his dressing room.
Tag Team Match
Champions Extravaganza
Champions Extravaganza
Fabulous VS Melissa Reeves & Hammerstein
Peyton Holland: “What an eventful night this has been. We saw Matt Stone and Dustin Douglas advancing to the semi-finals of the Tournament, we saw the Eldons continuing their rise with another controversial win… And now, it’s time for our main event.” Ambra Monroe: “A match that’s dipped in gold, the tag team champions Fabulous taking on the Cloud Gate champion Melissa Reeves and the Lockdown champion Hammerstein.” Peyton Holland: “A showcase of some of the best Millennium has to offer.. I have to ask you though, do you think Fabulous are the clear favorite in this one? Or could Mel and Hammerstein beat the tag team champions?” Ambra Monroe: “That’s a very good question, Peyton. Fabulous have a huge advantage, they are an actual tag team and have a chemistry you obviously can’t expect from two people who team up for the very first time. But Reeves and Hammerstein are world class competitors, it’s not going to be a walk in the park for the champions.” That part was clear from the very first minutes where Hammerstein dominated Summer Collins. The Lockdown champion was hitting hard as always, those open hand chops echoing in the Enterprise Arena. Collins was then launched against the ropes and slammed down on the mat with a quick scoop powerslam, but the first pinfall attempt only resulted in a two count. Hammerstein tagged Reeves in and the Cloud Gate champion introduced herself to Summer with a few knee drops before sitting her up and connecting a hard kick to the back. The tag champion was still screaming in pain when Mel pushed her back on the mat and jumped on her chest with a double foot stomp, followed by a second pinfall attempt from which she kicked out once again in two. Peyton Holland: “Not quite the start we were expecting…” Ambra Monroe: “Melissa and Jacob are doing what we usually see Fabulous doing. Quick tags to stay fresh, constant pressure on the opponent to keep them as far as possible from their partner.” They even found the time for some simple but extremely effective tag team moves, like a Doomsday Device where Hammerstein was holding Collins on his shoulders while Mel performed the diving clothesline from the top rope. Jessica had to intervene to save her partner in this case, and immediately tried to encourage her with a round of applause, rallying the fans behind her in this endeavour. Truth be told, the crowd was pretty much split in the middle, some die-hard fans of the American Monster and the usual supporters of the Cloud Gate champion were evening the score, at least in terms of cheers. Inside the ring, instead, it was still all Hammerstein and Melissa, at least until Collins surprised Reeves with a jawbreaker, buying herself enough time to make the tag to Jessica. Ambra Monroe: “Lasiewicz is on fire tonight, she’s really giving hell to the Reaver.” The Archangel was an absolute fury, unleashing a series of swift kicks to knock Melissa down. She even had one for Hammerstein, who was just watching the events from the apron, an Our Lady Peace that sent the Lockdown champion flying on the hard floor below. More kicks were in store for Mel, too fast and precise for her to avoid. This second flurry left her groggy in the center of the ring, unable to counter Jessica’s teardrop suplex. Hammerstein didn’t take the bicycle kick to the face too kindly and when he entered the ring to break up the pinning predicament, he did so with the intent of taking his measure of revenge on the Archangel. The stomp to the head was harder than the necessary, and the American Monster didn’t stop there, assaulting Lasiewicz with some ground and pound punches. The referee tried his best to restore order, but Hammerstein didn’t listen to him, continuing the onslaught until Summer took the matters in hand and attacked the Lockdown champion. Peyton Holland: “Well, Hammerstein certainly isn’t going easy tonight..” Ambra Monroe: “That’s just how he’s wired, always pushing.” This whole situation played right in Mel’s hand, giving her time to recover. She decided to play possum though, staying on the mat even after the referee managed to convince Summer and Hammerstein to leave the ring. Lasiewicz, completely unaware, dragged Mel up to her feet and that was when the Cloud Gate champion struck, connecting with her patented codebreaker. Peyton Holland: “Facial Deconstructor out of nowhere! And now this just might be over!” Reeves made the cover, Hammerstein ran back into the ring hitting his Pounce on Summer who was trying to make the save. Lasiewicz kicked out at the very last moment, and Reeves couldn’t believe her eyes. It lasted one moment, then the former World champion was back on the attack, looking to exploit the moment and end the match. After a flurry of kicks, she went for the Reaver Slam but Jessica slipped away and stumbled back toward the ropes, allowing Summer to make the tag. Collins was determined to make up for the first part of the match and assaulted Mel with a flurry of punches and elbows, doubling her over with a back kick to the stomach setting her up for the scissors kick, worth another count of two. Then she changed strategy, opting for a submission based offense to slow down the pace and limit Mel’s offense. Ambra Monroe: “This is very smart of Collins. Keep Mel grounded, give her partner time to recover to exploit their experience as a team in the final part of the contest. Once again Ambra was spot on with her assumption. Collins gave her partner the chance to recover and then Fabulous started doing Fabulous things, cutting the ring in half and holding Reeves hostage in their half of the ring. They showed some of the perfectly timed combinations that brought them to the top of the tag division, including the Golden Kiss Of Death on Melissa that called Hammerstein to a complicated last minute save. And even after the American Monster entered the ring after the tag, Fabulous kept control. Hammerstein found himself trapped in the Power Of Two (Boston crab/crippler crossface combination) until his partner made the save. Peyton Holland: “The momentum of the match completely shifted now, and it looks like Fabulous has this in their pockets.” Ambra Monroe: “Their chemistry… Wait a second, is that Karen Eldon? What is she doing here?” Karen walked out on the stage, and she wasn’t alone. Her son and tag team partner was there too, and the duo walked down the ramp, stopping midway. Jessica’s attention shifted to the Eldon Family advancing toward them, despite Summer calling her attention on someone else sneaking inside the ring behind her back. Peyton Holland: “And that’s Marcus Ali of the Bad Boyz! What’s going on here?” Jessica turned around and so did Hammerstein who was the chosen victim of Ali’s Iron Fist (discus punch). The Lockdown champion went down and the referee called for the disqualification. WINNER: Hammerstein & Melissa Reeves BY: DQ, 23:38 |
And then it was chaos. Karen walked toward the MWE tag team titles and took one of them to give it a closer look. Jessica and Summer had something to tell Karen, but on their way to ringside, they were flattened by a double clothesline to the back from Marcus Ali who joined Karen and Clyde, setting his eyes on Hammerstein's Lockdown championship. The American Monster was furious, picking up a chair from under the ring and charging at Ali, who made the wise choice and followed the Eldons on their strategic retreat. Jacob launched the chair toward Marcus, missing him by a mere inch.
The camera cut to Melissa Reeves, watching the trio run away after ruining the main event. She sighed and shook her head, and that close-up on the Cloud Gate champion was the last image of the night.