Post by gvb on Jan 28, 2021 20:51:10 GMT -6
Millennium LXXV
Live from Enterprise Arena in Chicago, IL
Wednesday, January 27th, 2021
The camera pans over the crowd gathered inside the Enterprise Arena, the fans seem excited for the stacked card of tonight and so are Peyton Holland and Ambra Monroe on commentary. The main reason was, of course the match between Melissa Reeves and Lowri Moss, one that had the MWE fans buzzing since it was announced. Of course the main event between the World Champion Devin Hearst and Duke Andrews was quite a big deal as well, with Michigan's Favorite Son clearly gunning for Sandstorm Inc's leader and his precious title. Peyton announces that they will have a special guest at the announcers' desk for the main event. Who? The only way to find out is to stay tuned.
They quickly go through the rest of the card, the match between the four semi-finalists of the Sandstorm Energy™ Heavyweight Championship promises to be an explosive one too, just like the trios match featuring the Tag champions and the Lockdown champion against the Eldons and Marcus Ali Jr.
But now, it's time for the first match of the night. "Into The Fire" by Asking Alexandria starts playing out of the loudspeakers. The Chicago Way champion is making is way to the ring, and he's not in a good mood.
They quickly go through the rest of the card, the match between the four semi-finalists of the Sandstorm Energy™ Heavyweight Championship promises to be an explosive one too, just like the trios match featuring the Tag champions and the Lockdown champion against the Eldons and Marcus Ali Jr.
But now, it's time for the first match of the night. "Into The Fire" by Asking Alexandria starts playing out of the loudspeakers. The Chicago Way champion is making is way to the ring, and he's not in a good mood.
No DQ Match
Morag Bean VS Atti ValentineIn the opening contest, Atti Valentine didn’t seem too excited to face Morag Bean. Before the match even started, he stared at her bodyguard, the towering Meera Makara in a threatening way. The bell started and Morag jumped on Valentine, taking advantage of his distraction to land the first strikes. Atti didn’t take long to catch up and fight back, blasting the Scot with a hard uppercut that sent her stumbling back. Morag charged right back at him, he sidestepped and she headed fast toward the ropes, jumping and twisting in mid air for a springboard dropkick. Atticus’ quick reflexes came into play and the Chicago Way champion caught her in mid air with a dropkick to the chest. Five knee drops later, the last one with a high jump to inflict more damage, he attempted the first pinfall attempt, but he only obtained a two count out of it. In a brawl, Atti had no problems imposing himself on the smaller girl. But the Cannibal Queen showed how she earned the moniker and went to bite the man’s face. He managed to push her back, which gave the referee the chance to give her a stern warning, but Bean didn’t seem to care. She took Atti down with a dropkick to the knee and followed with a shining wizard, even performing a standing moonsault to put herself in position to attempt a pinfall and earn the first two count of her match. More followed, mostly with roll-ups and cradles she used to take the mane off guard, but Valentine always kicked out. showing great presence of mind even in a moment where he struggled to get any offense in. Morag bit him once again, just because, and then floored him with a roundhouse kick. But even now, she failed to keep him down for the three. Trying to capitalize on the favorable moment, Morag landed a flurry of right punches and then charged at Atti, running into a savate kick from the blonde long haired man that knocked her down. And from that moment on, it was all Atti. Pissed off by turn of events in a match he thought he’d dominate, Valentine was now punishing the opponent, throwing all his best moves to the scot. He threw her in the corner and speared her. As soon as she slipped into a seated position, he smashed her face with a running knee strike. He dragged her toward the centre of the ring, setting her up not too far from the corner before nailing her with a 450 splash to obtain another near fall. Next he planted Morag with an elevated ddt and climbed up to the top again, this time seemingly intending to go for the Bloody Valentine. Meera blocked his leg, he kicked her away and this pissed off giant Indian was going for revenge, not caring that it could have gotten Bean disqualified. Jada Hashford came running down the ramp and went straight for Makara, who planted her with a spinebuster. Atti finally jumped, but Morag moved out of the way and he crashed onto the mat. The referee’s attention was on the two women and he didn’t notice Morag retrieving her cane, ready to strike the Chicago Way champion with it. Kate Steele, who just joined the party, called the ref’s attention just when Bean was about to strike the unaware champion. Too late for Mora to stop, the moment her cane hit Atti’s skull and cracked it open, the official had no chance but to call for the bell. WINNER: Atti Valentine BY: DQ, 8:03 |
Peyton Holland: "Someone should check on the champ!"
Peyton's concern was misplaced. In no time, Atti was up on his feet, checking his head and noticing the bleeding. He looked around, spotting Morag fighting with Kate and Jada beating up Makara. When all pieces fell into place and it clicked to him, the look on his face changed. With his Into The Fire running single leg dropkick he wiped out Steele, planting Mora on her head with the lifting ddt. He then left the ring and grabbed his title, smashing it on Jada's face and then using it to knock Meera down as well. Now that everyone had been laid out, Atti left the scene.
Peyton's concern was misplaced. In no time, Atti was up on his feet, checking his head and noticing the bleeding. He looked around, spotting Morag fighting with Kate and Jada beating up Makara. When all pieces fell into place and it clicked to him, the look on his face changed. With his Into The Fire running single leg dropkick he wiped out Steele, planting Mora on her head with the lifting ddt. He then left the ring and grabbed his title, smashing it on Jada's face and then using it to knock Meera down as well. Now that everyone had been laid out, Atti left the scene.
The first match of the night now completed we head to the back where we find Karen Eldon deep in her phone. More than likely writing a scathing review of whatever restaurant she went to earlier. Dressed to the nines in a Oscar de la Renta purple dress and matching Jimmy Choo heels. Too deep into her phone to even notice if anyone is coming her way. Suddenly she bumps into someone. Both of them on their phones and about to tear whatever misfortunate person on the other end. But as Karen looks up she finds that it is Summer Collins. The two sharing a momentary pause as they collect themselves.
Karen Eldon:
Watch where you are going…Oh and nice dress, didn’t know that style was back in…
Rolling her eyes dismissing Summer as she looks her outfit over which just so happens to be a fancy sleeveless forest green dress with a hemline that stops just at the knee. Collins sports a smug grin.
Summer Collins:
Shows what you know. This is the latest style and, to be honest, an absolutely Fabulous dress. Only the best for a Collins. If you would have done your homework then you might have known this.
The two are locked in a fiery staredown, as they look at each other, looking for the next thing to pick apart.
Karen Eldon:
I actually like those heels, very simple and look cheap, well I mean affordable for someone your taste. Oh and they work great for a girl of such a short stature like yourself.
Summer Collins:
Cheap? Please. These heels are worth more than your education. Then again, that’s not saying much since it’s doubtful you have any. Not much going on in that head of yours, is there?
Karen Eldon:
That is rich coming from you of all people. But enough about your knock off attire. Let’s talk about those tag team titles. First you and Jessica lose your match last week, real bummer by the way. Then your husband ends up finding out he’s the sidekick of their tag team. Been a bad week hasn’t it hun? I regret to inform you it’s only going to get worse tonight and eventually when I take that belt off your shoulder.
Pointing at the belt that Summer is currently holding on her shoulder, seeming to really be pushing it out to really rub it in Karen’s face.
Summer Collins:
Believe whatever delusions you want, it’s fine by me. It is all propaganda and everyone knows it, including you, but if you actually believe your own hype then you truly are an idiot. But I don’t think you’re that stupid. I know how your type thinks because we are not all that different. In another time, another place, and were it not for this tag title getting in between us, we could have been allies at the least if not friends. But we both want this and we’re both willing to do anything to get it. You’re smart, you know how to use the rules to your advantage, I respect that, but as I have warned you over and over again, I know every dirty trick in the book. Most of those chapters in that book were written by me. This can end with us having a great match, a show stealer if I’m not being too cliche, or it can end with me and Jessica walking over your beaten, broken, bodies. Either way it ends with Jess and myself retaining the tag titles.
Collins chuckles lightly.
Summer Collins:
Remember one other thing...Karen...you can negotiate with me. I am a businesswoman first and foremost and I have no problem being diplomatic if the situation serves, but Jessica? She’d just as soon take you out. I’ve held her back so far, but the more you run your mouth the less willing I am to continue holding her back. So watch yourself and be careful of who you provoke.
Karen Eldon:
Big words but they don’t scare me. My son and I have been rolling through this tag team division. One by one. Nobody has stood a chance, yet. And yeah I don’t care how I have to win, but I win. As for us being friends in another life? That doesn’t have to be the case. I am a respectful woman and when my son and I beat you? I have no problem putting it all in the past and having you come over to my place and toasting a glass of the finest wine you have ever tasted. Because after we take those belts there won’t be anything holding you back from admitting your place. Beneath me. One classy girl to another. As for your friend? I appreciate you keeping her on a leash.
Summer Collins:
That’s the problem, we are too much alike, Karen. You will do whatever it takes to become champion and I will do whatever it takes to remain champion. Sometimes my methods are questionable but I don’t care and that’s why you should be worried. You very well could become champions someday, but to do so you have to beat us. In order for me to remain champion Jess and I do not have to beat you.
Collins snickers nastily.
Summer Collins:
So maybe I’ll just take the monster off of her leash and see what happens? Good luck.
Summer walks off with a smug, confident smirk on her face Karen having the exact same smug look on her face as she goes, both ready to knock it off the other’s later tonight.
We cut backstage where we see Jimmy Scrivens standing around in a locker room. He’s wearing his street clothes and he doesn’t look all too happy as he looks at the camera.
Jimmy Scrivens:
This is stupid. Why do I even have to be here? What’s the point of me joining this company if they aren’t going to give me matches? I’m not here to wrestle every so often, give others a chance, whatever. Screw that. I’m here to wrestle. Plain and simple. Give me opponents, give me matches, let me give the world the gift of watch the wrestling masterclass I put on every time I step into that ring
Jimmy smirks as he looks at the camera with a cocky look on his face. He nods his head as he continues.
Jimmy Scrivens:
I know what people are going to say. ‘Oh but Jimmy, you lost last week, what are you talking about’. Yeah, yeah, yeah, get it all out. I lost my second match ever, in a match where I was wrestling against three different idiots at the same time. There’s no skill involved in that. I swear pro wrestling has some dumb ideas. What can you get out of a four-person match? What good comes from it? Wrestling is a beautiful sport, a visual masterpiece. But you make it a shitshow like that? You just get me, trying my best to showcase my talents, but getting blindsided by one of the random others that are just out of eyeshot. That’s not wrestling, that’s just luck. The winner of those matches isn’t the best, it’s the luckiest. So yeah, I lost. Big whoop. Put me in the ring against any of those three one on one, and I beat them straight up. No ifs ands or buts.
He looks around the room again, trying to calm himself down a little. He takes a deep breath before looking back at the camera.
Jimmy Scrivens:
So yeah. I’m done talking about last week. Was all set to move on to this week but oh look at that, no match for Jimmy. Come on Millenium. You signed me. Let me wrestle. Give me a match. I don’t care who it’s against, just give me a match every week. These people want, no, deserve, to see me wrestle. And you’re depriving them of that. For shame, Millennium, for shame.
Another glance around the room, and then it seems like an idea forms in Jimmy’s head. He looks at the camera closely, making eye contact with anyone watching.
Jimmy Scrivens:
In fact, I’m not going to just sit here and do nothing about it. I won’t let Millenium take away people’s right to see wrestling perfection tonight. So I challenge anyone, any single wrestler here who’s backstage. Come wrestle me right now. We’ll walk down to that ring and put on a show for everyone watching. And I’ll show everyone in this company just how good I am. So I’m going to walk on out of this locker room and head down the hall. Whoever is up for the challenge, meet me there.
With that, Jimmy pushes past the camera and walks out of his locker room and down the hallways as we fade out.
Singles Match
Luna VS Mitchell PriceThe Star Of The Night looked concerned as she stepped in the ring with The Standout. Not only because of the size of her opponent, but because of what happened in the recent weeks too. Even when the match started, she kept glancing out of the ring, ready to run at the first sight of Lucie Callaway. With her attention divided, it was too easy for Price to behead her with a clothesline and toss her around for the first minutes of the contest. An endless array of suplexes, the whole range the All American was capable of. Belly to back, German, Saito, Gutwrench, and even a northern lights bridged into a pin. Luna was dazed after being tossed around like a rag doll, but she managed to stay alive, kicking out from the pinning predicament and rolling out of the ring. This big man could fly though, and he didn’t hesitate throwing himself through the ropes and wipe Luna out with a suicide dive. Exploiting the ten count, he kept hitting her with stiff punches and elbows, driving her back first against the edge of the ring before rolling her inside the ring. He then entered it as well and went on top, looking for a diving moonsault. A thing of beauty, even more impressive coming from a man that size, but still it found nobody home. The missing dive surely took its toll on the Standout and opened a world of opportunities for the former Junior Heavyweight and Lockdown champion. Her Krav Maga background came into play with those knee strikes and throat jabs that allowed the Star Of The Night to turn the tides in her favor. She tried to put the man down with her trademark moves, the Upgrade (two knees strikes and an overdrive neckbreaker) and the Starstorm, but nothing was keeping Mitchell down. She was now stalking the man, waiting for him to get up to his feet. That was when she spotted Lucie on the ramp. In all fairness, the former Chicago Way champion had been there for a while now, but Luna was too focused on the match to notice it. Either way, as soon as she saw her, she did the same thing she did last week, running away terrified. WINNER: Mitchell Price BY: Count-Out, 7:02 |
Ambra Monroe: "I can't say I'm Luna's biggest fan, but I don't envy her right now."
Peyton Holland: "You know what they say, you reap what you sow..."
Ambra Monroe: "That's true, but this is the second time she has to forfeit a match because of Lucie threatening her."
Peyton Holland: "I guess she needs to find a way to deal with this, because I don't see Callaway letting go anytime soon."
Peyton Holland: "You know what they say, you reap what you sow..."
Ambra Monroe: "That's true, but this is the second time she has to forfeit a match because of Lucie threatening her."
Peyton Holland: "I guess she needs to find a way to deal with this, because I don't see Callaway letting go anytime soon."
The scene opens with Kyle Butler sitting on a bench inside the locker room he is in. He is taping his wrist up for his huge (not pointless), tag team match later tonight. Doesn’t take long for Neil Newman to walk in. He takes a seat next to Kyle. He pats him on the shoulder.
Neil Newman:
Ready for tonight, bud?
Kyle sighs as he continues to adjust the tape on his wrist the way he wants it.
Kyle Butler:
“Ever get that feeling of punching someone in the face and being done with it?”
Neil Newman:
All the time.
Kyle looks at Neil caught off by his response.
Kyle Butler:
Really? All the time?
Neil Newman:
Don’t worry about it. My cross to bare. I’m not doing anything tonight obviously. If you want me to get rid of Matt Stone, I can sub in for him. Card subject to change--
Neil nudges Kyle. The Alabama born wrestler chuckles before shaking his head.
Kyle Butler:
I appreciate it man, nah. That’ll only cause more problems. The way his ego works he’ll create some grand conspiracy about me being afraid of him. Accusing me of wanting the spotlight to myself. Don’t know where this guy gets off. I am a professional. Tolerating him for one night is the least I can do.
Neil shrugs.
Neil Newman:
Eh, the offer still stands. Imagine what a statement it would make if we both teach him a lesson like the good ole days when you, me and Glory were roughing up the roster, letting them know that The Glorious Golden Era wasn’t to be trifled with.”
Kyle Butler:
Those days were fun. Man, we’re better than that. We are the example professional wrestling needs, unlike Sandstorm Inc who uses this sport to pad their wallet. They know nothing about respect. We can’t sink to their level. I agree the Matt Stone’s of the world need to be humbled, I got this.
Neil tosses his hands up.
Neil Newman:
Ok. Fine. I’ll do my best to behave. No promises. Tonight won’t be all bad. I can keep an eye on Tank.
Kyle raises his eyebrow.
Kyle Butler:
Why him?
Neil Newman:
He beat Alex, undermining all the work I put into building her up. Don’t get why she fell to him. Whatever, once he isn’t obligated to this tournament I am going to show Alex that Tank is beatable.
Kyle rubs his chin.
Kyle Butler:
I’ll let you know how he stacks up when I am done carrying Matt Stone. Haha. That was mean right?
Neil Newman:
Nope, you are the best wrestler in this match. Show’em how it’s done.
Neil stands up. He pats Kyle on the shoulder and walks off. Kyle closes his eyes in an effort to clear his mind as the scene fades.
Tag Team Match
Matt Stone & Kyle Butler VS Dustin Douglas & Tank Steiner
This was a recipe for disaster. Put one of the most strenuous opponents to Sandstorm and put him against the last remaining member of the faction in this tournament. On the other side, put two men who clearly don’t like one another and whose paths have crossed recently in a triple threat match to crown the number one contender for the Lockdown championship. Everyone was expecting this to implode before it even started but, if anything, the four men came to an agreement on who should start for the respective teams. Tank Steiner said something about not trusting turning his back to Dustin and took his place on the apron, and at that point Matt Stone was more than happy to let his partner deal with the Murder Train. He was right to do so, Douglas looked dominant as ever, greeting Butler with a flurry of open palm strikes before dropping him on the mat with a bodyslam. Not a good start for Kyle, who only managed to attempt a comeback with some knee strikes to the abdomen and an impressive saito suplex to the super-heavyweight. Aside from that, Douglas remained in absolute control, coming close to the win with a running knee strike. Showing a good attitude towards team working, he extended his hand toward Tank, except then he took it away at the last moment, laughing at the Austrian and telling him that he had things under control. Not quite, since Butler began punching the Big Nasty’s ribs until he doubled him over and connected a running swinging neckbreaker. He then went to make the tag to Matt, but the Abominable Showman refused it until he was sure Douglas made the tag to Tank Steiner, identifying him as the lesser of two evils. Matt charged at the Austrian, but he crashed into a brick wall. Technically, it was Das Boot, but the result was the same. Stone was flat on his back and Tank was bouncing back from the ropes to squash him with a senton. Putting their differences aside and working together, Stone and Butler managed to get the best of the Austrian Hulk, even combining their efforts to suplex the big man. Stone also hit him with the C-c-c-c Combo Breaker but even after that Tank kicked out with authority. This surely lasted longer than anyone thought it would be, but things were bound to go south. And they did when Matt Stone refused to get the tag and face Dustin, abandoning his partner in the clutches of the Murder Train. Kyle yelled at him, and when it was clear that Matt didn’t want to fight Douglas at all, he turned around right into the Giga Impact. All that was left to do now was making the cover and pick up the win. WINNER: Dusty Douglas & Tank Steiner BY: Pinfall (Giga Impact), 11:27 |
Peyton Holland: "Eleven minutes and twenty-seven seconds. That's eleven minutes and twenty-six seconds longer than I thought this match lasted"
Ambra Monroe: "Yeah, it's shocking they were able to coexist for so long."
Peyton Holland: "Anyway, the Sandstorm tournament comes back next wednesday with the two semifinals right here on Millennium. In a week, Matt Stone won't be able to run from Dustin Douglas, if he wants to win the whole thing, he has to go through the Murder Train."
Ambra Monroe: "Which of course means that Kyle Butler will go one on one against Tank Steiner. What a mathc that will be!"
Ambra Monroe: "Yeah, it's shocking they were able to coexist for so long."
Peyton Holland: "Anyway, the Sandstorm tournament comes back next wednesday with the two semifinals right here on Millennium. In a week, Matt Stone won't be able to run from Dustin Douglas, if he wants to win the whole thing, he has to go through the Murder Train."
Ambra Monroe: "Which of course means that Kyle Butler will go one on one against Tank Steiner. What a mathc that will be!"
Backstage we find Sophie O’Brian, flanked by her large, built, older brother Mark O’Brian. Sophie is dressed in her wrestling gear and is wearing a hooded coat as well. The hood is pulled up over her head, making it hard to see her face.
Sophie O’Brian:
Albert Einstein said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results. On that same token, my trainer, the man whom I admire the most and whom saved my life, Glenn Braddock, taught me never to surrender and never ever to give in. So the answer to the first and obvious question is no, I am NOT insane. Things have clearly not gone the way I had hoped that they would since my arrival in MWE.
Sophie is clearly agitated, upset, as she holds up her fingers.
Sophie O’Brian:
At one point I was this close to becoming MWE World Champion. Only to be screwed over. Then management put me in an Intercontinental Title Tournament where I should have and would have become champion had it not been for Megan Monroe screwing me over. Now for the sake of my good friend, the daughter of my mentor, I tried to go about doing things the right way. But did the general manager of Millennium or her boss ever make things right? Did Megan ever get anything other than a slap on the wrist? Hell, I don’t think she even got that. I thought my business with that pathetic Monroe brasser was finished and quite honestly, I was happy to move on past her and focus on someone more worthy of my time and attention, but then apparently they had space to fill out of thin air to face her again in a triple threat at Coup De Grace. And now here again, as January comes to a close, I am plucked out of thin air to fill some space. To be an opponent for Melody Lennox.
Mark O’Brian cracks his knuckles. His sister remains stoic and cold as she glares into the camera.
Sophie O’Brian:
When it comes to pure technical wrestling and submission abilities you need not look any further than right here to find one of the best in the world. Now I will not go as far as to arrogantly call myself THE best in the world as my friend does, but I think I can honestly say that I am right up there with the best. Yet I am randomly being placed against Lennox? Once again, management isn’t using me properly. They are not using me to my fullest potential. I am capable of far more…
The Northern Irish native sneers.
Sophie O’Brian:
...or perhaps I should say, I am capable of far worse? Those who pay attention, who are intelligent, will never overlook anyone. So if Melody has any inkling of a brain in that head of hers then she will take heed of the threat I made at Coupe De Grace. Remember my words, I am done playing by the rules. I am finished doing what’s right. In other words, I am done trying to do things the Braddock way. From now on I do things the Sophie O’Brian way and if that means breaking a few spirits, a few bones, and a few hearts along the way then so be it. If that means bathing in the blood of my enemies then I shall do just that. The Sophie O’Brian way is simply this...by any means necessary.
Sophie smirks knowingly.
Sophie O’Brian:
Insanity truly is doing things the same way and expecting different results. And as I said, I am not insane. So I am going to do things a new way, MY way, and that means starting now you can expect casualties every single time I step into the ring. No longer will I look like a fool. No longer will I be anyone’s patsy. I will no longer be space filler. I am Sophie O’Brian and I am going to wreak havoc over anyone who stands in my way, starting tonight with Melody Lennox.
Backstage in the dressing room of the MWE World Tag Team Champions, Summer Collins and Jessica Lasiewicz, better known as Fabulous, we see one half of the Fabulous duo (see what I did there?) pacing the floors anxiously. This is “The Archangel” Jessica Lasiewicz. She is already dressed in her ring gear and is ready to go. She has been in a foul mood all day as she waits on her tag team partner and friend, Summer Collins to arrive. The wait isn’t much longer as the door to the dressing room opens and Summer Collins enters. Collins looks at Jessica and chuckles.
Summer Collins:
Careful, sweetie. You’re going to create a moat.
The Archangel stops, turns, and glares at Summer.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Do you think this is funny?
Summer Collins:
Yes, you are kind of funny, to be perfectly honest. You’re clearly overreacting to this entire situation.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
We have been disrespected by those Eldon clowns right and left, that alone is enough to piss me off, but then they decide to rope The Bad Boys back into this whole situation? We were done with them. Our business with them was finished. But now here we are again with those thugs sticking their noses in our business. You keep telling me to be patient but Summer, I am running out of patience.
Summer grins nastily.
Summer Collins
Y’know, babe, I have said it over and over again, what makes us so great is that not only do we have contrasting styles but we have contrasting personalities. You want to unleash hell and I get that. You are angry, I get that too. But sometimes you have to rein in that anger and listen to me, because people like The Eldons, as annoying as they are, those are my kind of people. I think on their level.
Lasiewicz rolls her eyes.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Maybe that’s why I broke your leg a few years ago?
Summer Collins
Probably. Point is I know every dirty trick in the book, Jess. And as a strategist I know when is the time to be patient and when is the time to act. And tonight is the time to act.
The Archangel raises an eyebrow out of curiosity.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
What do you mean?
Summer Collins
Do I have to spell it out for you, babe? Whatever evil, devious, thoughts are going through that absolutely FABULOUS head of yours, have at it! Have fun! Break some bones, shed some blood, whatever else it is that you do, do it!
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Now wait a sec, December 6 Riot you told me to hold back. You told me not to break Dre Angelo’s leg. I could have crippled his ass but you stopped me. Now you’re not going to stop me?
Summer Collins
Like I said, I am a strategist who knows every dirty trick in the book. If you had crippled a member of the Bad Boys then we would have been punished and possibly lost our opportunity at the tag titles. But now we ARE the tag team champions. We already have what we want. And if you cripple Marcus...or one of the Eldons...well that just helps us, it cannot hurt us. They’ve been warned time and time again by both you and me that they are walking on thin ice, they have been warned that they are provoking an angry grizzly bear. They have not heeded our warnings. So now the time has come to remind the Bad Boys why involving themselves in our affairs is a bad idea and formally introduce the Eldons to professional wrestling by beating the ever living crap out of them. And I sincerely doubt Hammerstein would disagree with my tactic. In fact, he might thoroughly enjoy hurting them. He has just as much reason to get revenge against them as we do.
Summer places a hand on Jessica’s shoulder.
Summer Collins
So what is it that they say in showbusiness?
The Archangel and Summer lock eyes. Immediately Jessica knows what she is thinking.
Jessica Lasiewicz:
Let’s break a leg.
Summer Collins
That sounds absolutely FABULOUS!
Singles Match
Sophie O'Brian VS Melody LennoxMelody started the match off quickly, looking to impose her pace from the get going, but Sophie blasted her with a hard knee to the face. Lennox was momentarily rocked and O’Brian unleashed a flurry of knife edge chops to the chest, forcing her back against the ropes. She then whipped the Villainess all the way across the ring and waited for her to come back from the rebound to send her flying over her head with a back body drop. Mel’s agility came into play here and the blonde landed perfectly on her feet. Well, almost perfectly, stumbling lightly but quickly regaining her balance, turning around just in time to duck the clothesline matrix-style. She took a moment too long gloating and taunting Sophie for dodging her attacks and paid for it, getting reached by a quick punch to the jaw that caused her to stagger back. Once again O’Brian went for a clothesline but Melody dropped down with a split and avoided impact, causing Sophie to continue her run against the ropes, bouncing against them and coming back toward Lennox who flipped backward and wrapped her legs around Sophie’s head, sending her on the mat with a head scissors. With a kip up the Wicked One was back on her feet, taking a short run toward the opponent to hit her with a low dropkick to the face. After weathering the initial storm, Sophie took control of the match, finally managing to knock Melody down with an enziguri and keeping her grounded from that moment on. We saw several holds, and yet those were nothing but a minor part of the Belfast born technician. Lennox was in difficulty against her ground game, unable to escape the intricate submission holds the Total War locked her in. Most of them weren’t painful and would unlikely force the Tiny But Mighty to tap out but the inability to use her own set of skills definitely increased her frustration. Desperate times call for desperate measures and Melody wasn’t one to shy away from taking the low road to get things her way. Pulling Sophie’s hair was the easiest way to escape the rear chinlock, and she didn’t stop yanking at them until Sophie let her go, not caring in the slightest about the referee telling her to let go. Mel obtained a count of two with the Common Sense (front-flipping walkover one-legged scorpion kick), Sophie got the same outcome after the Death Of Wisdom codebreaker. As the minutes went by, the two women really pushed on the gas and went all out in the attempt to walk out of this one with the win. Melody showed some submissions of her own with the hoverboard lock completed with stomps to the head, but Sophie didn’t submit nor stayed down. O’Brian instead pulled off some moves we rarely saw from her, like a corkscrew neckbreaker and an implant ddt. But every attempt to make the pin saw Melody kicking out in two. If you think I’m joking when I saw the northern Irish was going out of her way to find something that would keep Melody down, you should see her climbing to the top rope after planting the opponent on her head. If it wasn’t uncharted territory for her, it definitely was something she hadn’t done in a long time, and the way she struggled to find balance up there confirmed the theory. Mel, instead, had cat-like agility and quickly reached the opponent on the top rope, wrapping her arms around her for the Final Serenade (Cyclorama). O’Brian tried to resist, the two women lost balance and fell ruinously on the outside. A fall like that after taking each other to the limit for over fifteen minutes made it very difficult for either of them to get up. Mel was the first to stir, but the ref had reached eight already. She pulled her up with the help of the steel steps and seemed like she could make it, but Sophie grabbed her ankle and slowed down. Lennox eventually entered the ring but the referee had just counted the ten. WINNER: Draw BY: Double Count-Out, 16:10 |
Melody was furious, yelling at the referee and DEMANDING that he'd change his decision. But of course, that wasn't going to happen. Frustrated, she looked at Sophie who was just about to get up on her feet. Melody then launched herself through the ropes with a suicide dive... Into the Scorched Earth Policy!
O'Brian smirked at the hard camera and left, leaving her opponent attended by the paramedics.
O'Brian smirked at the hard camera and left, leaving her opponent attended by the paramedics.
Jacob Hammerstein stands beside his dressing room door. He looks to be in a surly mood.
HAMMERSTEIN:
I apologize if I seem a little off and not my usual bubbly self. Late night feedings and diaper changes for twin boys who already are too much like their old man has me a little frazzled, if you will.
But I'm not here to talk of the domestic bliss at The Hammerstein Hacienda. I'm here to ponder something that's been weighing on my mind since last week.
I'm not really sure why a coward like Marcus Ali, Jr. thinks he can interfere in my matches, cheap shot me and walk away unscathed.
The American Monster scratches his head, then has an AH-HAH! moment.
HAMMERSTEIN:
I got it! It's because he's a coward AND a dumbass. I know, Jr., I know you're a big bad boxer man, and, yeah, that Iron Fist of yours hurt like hell, and made my dentist smile. But you see, Jr., you could have a goddamn actual fist of iron, but you can't put me down and keep me down.
Hammerstein rubs his jaw, grins, and shakes his head.
HAMMERSTEIN:
You had your chance, Jr.
You had your chance to really make a big impression on me...and you fucked it up, Jr.
Did you think a punch was gonna be enough, Jr.? I've fought, and beat some of the toughest this company has. As Chicago Way Champion, I fought in some of the most violent matches this company has ever put on. And, hell, my chosen match as Lockdown Champion is a goddamn dog collar match. And you seriously believe you can end me with a fucking punch?
The Lockdown Champion shakes his head.
HAMMERSTEIN:
Again, coward AND dumbass. But you ain't the only one in this match. The Eldon Family is right there with you in the parade of the matching morons. You two are gonna have a fabulous time gettin your asses handed to ya by….well, Fabulous.
The American Monster facepalms at his accidental bad play on words. He dials his focus back in as he addresses his partners, The MWE Tag Team Champions.
HAMMERSTEIN:
Ladies, you two earned my respect when we fought last week, and it's my honor to be your partner this week.
With that being said, pull your goddamn weight, or I'll kick your asses, too.
Hammerstein turns and walks into his dressing room, slamming the door behind him.
The six wrestlers were inside the ring, but before the match started, Elsa McCarthy appeared on the screen, demanding the attention of the six competitors since she's sure they will find what she was about to say very interesting.
She addressed Karen and Marcus telling them that she considered their requests to get title shots at the next PPV. And that she believes they don't have ground to ask for such things. She won't let anyone force their way in the title picture but, if they win their match tonight, then she'll be more than happy to give them what they have been asking for.
"Good luck." She wished to the six wrestlers involved.
She addressed Karen and Marcus telling them that she considered their requests to get title shots at the next PPV. And that she believes they don't have ground to ask for such things. She won't let anyone force their way in the title picture but, if they win their match tonight, then she'll be more than happy to give them what they have been asking for.
"Good luck." She wished to the six wrestlers involved.
Trios Match
The Eldon Family & Marcus Ali Jr. VS Fabulous & Hammerstein
Who started the match? All six of them! Such was the hatred between them that they jumped at each other’s throat without even waiting for the bell. Hammerstein went at Marcus, Summer charged at Clyde while Jessica was chasing Karen outside the ring. The matriarch of the Eldon Family in fact saw what was happening and quickly rolled out of the ring, trying to stay away from Lasiewicz. After two complete laps around the ring, she reentered and ran into a clothesline from the Lockdown champion who, after throwing Ali out of the ring, was heading to his corner. Summer and Clyde were still going though, but the roles had reversed and the kid somehow was in control, delivering hard chops to the tag champion’s chest who was now laying against the ropes. Following a cactus clothesline, both of them fell on the floor and the referee could finally ring the bell, finding himself making a quick first count after Jessica obliterated Karen with the Our Lady Peace. Marcus managed to sneak back in and save Eldon from a quick loss. The match went on, tags were frequent with the two tag teams playing well together and exploiting their strengths, the incredible chemistry and experience for the tag team champions and the resourcefulness for the Eldons. Then Hammerstein and Ali entered the match, and there were no more tags for several minutes. Just two men battling in the middle of the ring, hitting each other with their hardest strikes, throwing their bodies around with suplexes and slams and all in all trying to end the other. Hammerstein looked particularly ferocious tonight, using his head as a weapon to rock Marcus and drop him down with a burning hammer. Karen returned her partner the courtesy from earlier in the match, making sure she was as far as possible from the American Monster when he stood up and stared holes through her. Channeling his darkest side, Hammy removed the protective padding from the top turnbuckle in his corner and was about to smash Marcus’ face against it. The referee tried to stop him when he was dragging Ali toward it, threatening to disqualify his team. Jessica didn’t seem to care, shrugging her shoulders and inviting him to do it, her eyes never leaving Karen across the ring. Luckily, cooler heads prevailed, meaning that Collins tagged herself in and asked Hammerstein to hoist Ali over his shoulder so she could jump on him with a crossbody, but the combined move was only worth a two count. In the final moments of the match, it pretty much became a tag match between Fabulous and the Eldons, with Hammerstein and Marcus just ignoring everything and everyone and battling on the outside. The ended up on the ramp, and that only made the landing even harder for them. Inside the ring though, Jessica was barely able to hold her most aggressiveness, that scary Lasiewicz side that sometimes resurfaces when she gets pushed. Tonight she managed to keep that in check somehow, thanks mostly to Summer keeping her calm and preventing her from taking Karen’s head off. Being the voice of reason didn’t play out well for Collins. She might have saved Marcus from getting his head smashed against the exposed turnbuckle earlier, but a shotgun dropkick from Karen sent her against that same spot. Before Jessica could make the tag, Clyde dragged her down off the apron and speared her on the outside. This allowed his manager to slap the barely standing Collins and follow with a running knee, knocking the tag champion down and making the cover for the three count. WINNER: The Eldon Family & Marcus Ali Jr. BY: Pinfall (Can I Speak To Your Manager?), 14:44 |
Ambra Monroe: "... They did it..."
Peyton Holland: "And just like that, we have two matches booked for Domino Effect. Fabulous against The Eldon Family for the tag titles and Marcus Ali Jr against Hammerstein for the Lockdown championship."
Ambra Monroe: "Speaking of them... Where are they?"
Neither Hammy nor ALi were on the stage anymore. The answer came soon after as the camera showed them crashed through the wreckage of the production table. How did they got there? A replay showed Hammerstein pouncing the Bad Boy off the edge of the stage with such force that he winded up suffering the same fate. Paramedics came to the scene and the camera cut to the next segment.
Peyton Holland: "And just like that, we have two matches booked for Domino Effect. Fabulous against The Eldon Family for the tag titles and Marcus Ali Jr against Hammerstein for the Lockdown championship."
Ambra Monroe: "Speaking of them... Where are they?"
Neither Hammy nor ALi were on the stage anymore. The answer came soon after as the camera showed them crashed through the wreckage of the production table. How did they got there? A replay showed Hammerstein pouncing the Bad Boy off the edge of the stage with such force that he winded up suffering the same fate. Paramedics came to the scene and the camera cut to the next segment.
The Cloud Gate Champion, Melissa Reeves, appears on the arena screen and directly addresses the camera. On her shoulder sits said title, and she’s wearing a Lowri Moss shirt over her ring gear.
Melissa Reeves
Lowri, Lowri, Lowri...what is occurring? That’s how you start these things, isn’t it? See, I know that well enough because I know you. It’s been over two years since our first encounter, back in the Cult Classic. Two years since you got my respect, and that’s the truth of it.
Reeves takes a few moments to let the crowd cheer for Moss, before she continues.
Melissa Reeves
But respect only goes so far, doesn’t it? Respect means I’ve prepared for you, prepared hard, even with my birthday coming up I’ve allowed no distraction. Respect means I’m aware of what you’ll bring, of how hard you’ll go. But respect gets left in the back when we walk out, Lowri. Once we’re in that ring, it’s war. Once we’re out there we’ll give each other our best, we will put on an absolute barnstormer and we will make sure everyone remembers the time we met once again.
She’s hyped, it’s clear to see and relatively rare these days.
Melissa Reeves
But make no mistake, when the dust settles I’ll be the one standing tall. I didn’t come this far to see myself lose to you, Lowri, and that’s not disrespect. You beat most you’re put against, but I’m unwilling to be just another. We’ve drawn, I’ve beaten you, I’ve never been beaten by you and I intend to keep that record straight.
Adjusting the title at her shoulder, Mel laughs a little.
Melissa Reeves
Maybe that’s why you jumped at this, a chance to redeem it. Maybe that’s why I’m who they used to entice you. But this isn’t Underground, I’m not the newbie in the company. This is Millennium, my home, the place where I’m the longest reigning MWE Champion and the current Cloud Gate Champion. My achievements here are probably second to none and all told, this place is home.
She points and the camera turns, picking up on a huge poster of Reeves herself hanging over the arena entrance. It pans back and finds her looking up at the same poster momentarily.
Melissa Reeves
But don’t twist it. I welcome the challenge, I truly do, and we all know you’ll be a big step up from the likes of Freddie. And that’s it, that’s all I have to say. No more bull, no more chatter, just a straight up battle between us. I’ll see you out there.
End scene.
Singles Match
Melissa Reeves VS Lowri MossLowri Moss potentially joining MWE has been one of the major talking points in the past weeks, ever since Elsa McCarthy made her move and offered the Welsh a match against the Cloud Gate champion Melissa Reeves. A lot of history between them, not without some peaks of tension at some point last year but it all seemed to be water under the bridge now. Further proof, they shook hands before the match started. And then they began to circle and locked up with a collar and elbow tie, Melissa getting the slight advantage but Moss quickly switched into a twisting wristlock. Mel twisted and twirled, looking to escape the hold, even rolling on the mat to try get out of it. She eventually succeeded and grabbed Lowri’s arm, bending it in a hammerlock and connecting with a suplex. The Welsh quickly pulled herself up and caught the charging Reaver with a japanese arm drag, keeping the hold and controlling the opponent on the ground. Once again Reeves found herself struggling to escape the arm lock, deciding to go for the nearby ropes instead. As she got up to her feet, she was welcomed by her share of the round of applause the fans tributed to both women. Both Mel and Lowri were proficient strikers, and they were very well aware of the opponent’s ability. It was clear in their exchange how careful they were not to expose themselves to the opponent’s counterattacks. The dodges were far more frequent than the landed blows, proof that they were very familiar to each other’s moveset. The standoff was resolved by Moss’ question mark kick that caught the Reaver right on the side of her head. Lowri took advantage of the stunned opponent to unleash a volley of forearm strikes and push Mel back toward the corner. A vicious bicycle knee strike put the Cloud Gate champion in the corner, Moss stayed on the attack and went for the Scarlet Barrage, a flurry of alternated rapid fire knife edge chops and forearm smash. She was still delivering those hard strikes when Reeves blocked them and delivered a quick headbutt. Lowri stumbled back, and the champion threw her against the corner with an uranage. The final part of this contest saw the two contenders going all out. No more playing safe, that “fear” of getting caught with an out-of-nowhere counter became just a memory. Lowri drew the fans on their feet with the Severn Bridge (Tiger suplex transitioned into a Bridging double chickenwing) but the shout of joy of the Welsh supporters died in their throats when Melissa kicked out in the nick of time. The other half of the fans, those who were supporting the Cloud Gate champion, let out all their frustration when Lowri kicked out of the Facial Deconstructor. So close to the three that even Melissa looked in disbelief at the referee. The champion obtained another near fall with the Reaver Slam, the Welsh Dragon answered with a cradle piledriver, but once again Mel raised her shoulder in time. A hammerlock inverted ddt from the Australian left Lowri sprawled on the mat. Melissa climbed to the top rope and went for the Death From Above shooting star press. Call it awareness, call it instinct but Lowri, despite looking completely out, was able to raise her knee to counter the champion’s high risk move. Lowri rolled her over up but, perhaps due to the fatigue and tiredness, wasn’t quite able to complete the cradle. As a result, both their shoulders were on the mat when the referee counted the three. The draw left the two contenders disappointed, but they still shook hands. The fans instead, appreciated the contest and greeted the two fighters with a standing ovation. WINNER: Draw BY: Double Pinfall, 26:18 |
Peyton Holland: "I thought she had her this time"
Ambra Monroe: "Another draw, once again Lowri wasn't able to beat Melissa."
Peyton Holland: "Moss is one of the best wrestlers in the world and yet... Even she seems to have found her white whale."
Ambra Monroe: "Another draw, once again Lowri wasn't able to beat Melissa."
Peyton Holland: "Moss is one of the best wrestlers in the world and yet... Even she seems to have found her white whale."
-Previously Recorded-
The camera is blank, brief static, and blank again.
“Location: Top Secret”
Green lettering appears on the screen before a small warehouse is shown. Nothing out of the ordinary. Pretty normal except for the location. Smack dab in the middle of nowhere.
A black SUV appears as the camera pans in to see the drivers side window down slightly. And then another. Blacked out, windows, wheels, everything. MURDERED.
The second vehicle stops and the door opens. The brown cowboy boots almost a dead giveaway as Duke Andrews stepped out. The first vehicle door opens and it’s Alan Envy.
Envy sporting a fake mustache and big Ray abandon sunglasses. Duke sporting a mullet wig.
Alan Envy:
I thought you said incognito?
Duke Andrews:
I wore my Alan Envy pants.
Dukes pants were extra snug and tight. Both men looked down.
Alan Envy:
Why are you bringing a summer sausage with you?
Duke Andrews:
All natural bud. Ask Ms. Eldon.”
A simple shrug as Envy hands over a white lab coat to Duke as the two begin to walk towards the building. Slipping the coats on, Duke pulls a clipboard out.
Andrews: “let’s hope this isn’t a complete set up”
After a slight hike, they approach the door, “Employee Only” written in what looks to be second grade hand writing.
Alan Envy:
They at least gave Dusty a job here.
Duke knocks once before pulling the door open.
Duke Andrews:
FDA for the annual inspection!
Not a soul around as Duke shrugs his shoulders before he and Envy walk into the building. The metal vat of liquid sitting to the side with stairs that go to the top. A nod of approval from both of the two “FDA Agents” as they walk towards the stairs.
Alan Envy:
Did you hear that?
The faint sound of a goat screaming is heard.
Duke Andrews:
Wilkow must be around. Needs to release his stress somehow.
Alan Envy:
Poor goat
“EXCUSE ME! YOU CAN’T BE HERE!”
Duke turns on his heel and shoved the clipboard into the pimple faced kids face. A clear clip art image of the FDA logo on the back.
Alan Envy:
Official Business!
Duke Andrews:
Chris Constantine and Devin Hearst know we are here.
Alan Envy:
Let’s go.
And back to the stairs they went. The smell of the building resembled a barnyard, or Dustin Douglas’ gear bag. Putrid smells coming from the mixing areas.
Duke had reached into his back pocket and retrieved his can of Grizzly and quickly slapped a dip in his lip as they made it to the top.
Duke Andrews:
I mean, did you expect anything different from this place?
Alan Envy:
They don’t even hide what’s going in here.
A point to the other side of the large room showed a sign that just read HGH in glowing letters.
The two continued to walk across the metal walk way before stopping at the center of the vat. The coloring a glowing green color.
Duke Andrews:
I can feel the HGH just entering my body through my pores.
Alan Envy:
I can see why Junior didn’t let this touch his lips.
Duke leans over and spits down into the vat. His chew spit hits the liquid and immediately dissolves.
Duke Andrews:
Whoa.
You can hear the sound of a zip.
Alan Envy:
I think we should hurry.
There was a looming sense of being watched. Duke looks up and sees a security camera pointing at the two.
Duke Andrews:
Fuck it.
He blew a kiss into the camera as he unzips.
Alan Envy:
Damn, you were being serious. It’s like a third leg.
The two men begin relieving themselves into the product and they had plenty to give. They spent the night going through 5 cases of beer to get ready for this occasion.
Alan Envy:
Damn this shit is cold.
Duke looks at Envy then down and gets startled almost falling off the platform at the sight. Now he knew why people were envious of Envy. Andrews finally controls himself trying not to look again to see if what he saw was really real
The sound is then heard of the two emptying their bladders into the mix of Sandstorm Energy.
Duke Andrews:
I am feeling like Wilkow. I think I’m absorbing this shit through my stream!
“BREACH! BREACH! SECURITY BREACH!”
Alan Envy:
Shit.
Andrews: “The kiss was too much!
Alan Envy:
Dammit I told you to not be too sexy!!
The two began to quickly descend down the stairs and back to the floor. People rushing from everywhere
Alan Envy:
Well here we go.
Alan grabbed the first guy that rushed the two and monkey tossed him to the side. Slow motion as Duke reached crossbody and pulled two tasers out, his white lab coat flying as he stuns the next person coming his way.
Tossing one to Alan as they began to retreat to the door.
Duke Andrews:
Shit tastes like piss!
Alan Envy:
Finally they can call this garbage all natural. You wanna know what the best part is? I did research. They have to bottle this shit to sell or they will not meet their quota for the month!!
Singles Match
Duke Andrews VS Devin HearstPeyton Holland: “Duke Andrews has been gunning for Sandstorm Inc for months, and after Constantine’s betrayal, he made taking them down his life mission.” Ambra Monroe: “We saw him storming in Elsa’s office last week, and even though the General Manager has confirmed that this match was already scheduled, the Epitome Of Perfection at the end of the day got exactly what he wanted.” Peyton Holland: “The MWE World Championship will not be on the line tonight, but nonetheless, matches like this always have huge implications, as our guest commentator can confirm. Seth Iser: “Every match is a match where you can either put a contender behind you, or create a whole new mess for yourself. Hearst can’t overlook Duke at all or he’ll pay for it.” The match started with Hearst placing his hands behind his back and inviting Duke to hit him. A bold strategy, and a way to get in the former Lockdown champion’s head. Andrews hesitated, smelling a trap but Devin insisted, pushing his buttons, saying that he knows Duke wants to do it and this might be his only chance, because in a minute, he’s going to make him regret stepping up against Sandst… He went down with a thud, Andrews hitting him with the stiffest punch, catching the champion on the jaw and flooring him. Peyton Holland: “Ask and you shall receive…” Ambra Monroe: “I don’t think this played out the way he planned it.” Seth Iser: “Never leave your head open against someone who can throw a quick right.” Andrews wasn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth, and he surely wasn’t letting the chance to hit Hearst when he was down go to waste. He grabbed the bottom rope with both hands to get better stability and stomped the World champion into the canvas, stopping only after the referee literally pulled him back. For far too long he blatantly ignored his requests to stop, going well over the five seconds count. He threatened him with a dq, not wanting things to spiral out of control this early. But it all seemed in vain as Duke shoved the referee aside and pushed his knee to the back of the leader of Sandstorm, pressing his neck and throat on the middle rope. Once again the referee started to count, this time Duke let the opponent go at four. Hearst eventually was back on his feet, coughing and catching his breath as he brought both hands to the neck. This left him open to a couple of knife edge chops anticipating the irish whip. As the champion bounced back, he ran right into a shoulder block from Duke. Devin faltered, but he didn’t go down. And that seemed to frustrate Michigan’s Favorite Son who charged for a clothesline. That was what Hearst was expecting, ducking under the opponent’s stretched arm and quickly turning around to catch him on the rebound from the ropes with an atomic drop and a lariat of his own. Seth Iser: “That’s an anticipation counter. Comes from knowing tendencies.” Once again the two competitors locked horns in the middle of the ring, Hearst raised his knee into Duke’s mid section and lifted him for a suplex. Hearst’s pressure was constant, pushing Duke in the corner with a series of uppercuts and, once there, mounting on the second rope from which he hit him with the classical ten punches at turnbuckle. Only nine of them hit before Andrews managed to push the champion down and, when Devin charged toward him, defended himself with a boot to the face.That only bought him a few seconds as Hearst was back again on the attack, relentlessly went back on the attack, returning the courtesy with a hard kick to the chest. With a snapmare, Hearst sat Duke down on the mat and followed with a soccer kick to the spine. The back was being put through a lot with the champion jumping onto it with a double foot stomp before rolling him on his back and making the cover for another close call. Peyton Holland: “What do you think of the champion’s strategy so far?” Seth Iser: “Brawling a little more than I thought he would. Wonder if he’s letting his emotion get the best of him.” No love lost between them, the two rivals were firing on all cylinders, trading strikes without holding anything back. Duke’s Red White & Blue combo knocked Devin back against the ropes, his eyes staring off into space, seemingly out on his feet. Andrews followed with a dragon screw neck whip, and immediately dropped on top of the World champion, hooking both legs as he made the cover, but with the ropes so close, all Devin had to do to stay alive was to reach out with his arm and grab the bottom rope. Ambra Monroe: “Great ring awareness here, but that was a close call for the champ.” Seth Iser: “I don’t think Duke is entirely trying to win right now as much as he’s trying to send a message. Normally if he were trying to win he’d take the extra two seconds to pull the man to the center of the ring.” As the match continued, Hearst regained control with a roaring elbow and planted the rocked former Lockdown champion on the mat with a spinebuster. From that moment on he kept working on the opponent’s back, really putting him through the grinder with several variations of backbreakers and throws including, of course, the Comedown (samoan driver). He didn’t make many pinfall attempts in this phase, looking more focused on just wearing the opponent down and frustrate every attempt of a comeback before Andrews could really build any sort of momentum like when he blocked a buckle bomb attempt with quick punches to the head and then just slammed his face into the corner. With Duke stunned like that, the leader of Sandstorm hit some forearm strikes to the lower back before going with a high angle german suplex. Andrews, for the first time since the match started, was in great difficulty, crawling at the ropes to help himself up to his feet, but leaving himself exposed to Devin’s stomps and elbow drops. Hearst dragged him up and went for another belly to back suplex, but Andrew grabbed a hold of the ropes and blocked him. Swinging his head back, he broke free off the waist lock and stunned the world champion, managing to bust his nose open in the process. He followed up with a quick volley of strikes, pushing him back to the centre of the ring where he planted him with the Crossroads leghook reverse STO. There was another cover attempt, but the champion kicked out in time. Peyton Holland: “Seth, I never had the chance to ask.. How did you feel when you saw what happened in the match between Devin and Kelsey? Would you have done something if you didn’t got injured in the Hell In A Cell? Seth Iser: “In words I can use on television, I’ll just state that Devin would be the one in a hospital bed. Now let’s get back to our jobs.” Things got even more intense in the end, as Duke almost got the win with the Killshot (V-Trigger knee). Hearst raised his shoulder at the very last moment, and Andrews couldn’t believe it. It was a definite three for him and he brought up his case with the referee, who stood by his decision, firmly rejecting any accusation of favoring the champion or counting too slow. Ending the pointless argument with the official, Andrews set the World champion up for the Andrews Effect but Devin once again used his fists to punch his way out of it and land behind the opponent’s back, perfectly positioned for a releasing german suplex that threw Duke against the corner. Hearst was clearly stunned, not yet fully recovered from the devastating knee strikes from a minute ago. He took a moment to regroup, giving the man time to recover as well. Duke was on the ropes, literally. And Hearst sent him out of the ring with the Yakuza kick. Ambra Monroe: “Wait, where are you going, Seth?” Seth Iser: “Seeing how Devin plays his cards.” The grizzled veteran answered, removing his headset and picking up his briefcase. Hearst noticed his movements and while Seth was heading toward the ring announcer, possibly to announce his cash in, Hearst called for backups and Seth motioned at Rumchata to stop. Peyton Holland: “Is he cashing in or not?” Ambra Monroe: “He… was but now not anymore? Maybe he’s just testing waters…” Not too long after, Sandstorm Inc was out in full force, surrounding Seth. The veteran looked at them and… smiled? Hearst’s attention was on Seth, he didn’t notice Duke re-entering the ring behind him. Iser then turned to Rumchata and nodded. Not even time for anyone to ask themselves if Seth was really cashing in the briefcase despite everything and the ring announcer spoke. Rumchata Ayano: “Seth Iser used the power of his briefcase to make this a NO DISQUALIFICATION MATCH!” As soon as the announcement was made, Duke hit the World champion with a low blow and followed with a second Killshot! The match would’ve been over if CHris Constantine didn’t pull the referee out, stopping him from counting the three. Dreadnought and Dustin entered the ring, the Murder Train bringing in a table and setting it up while Dread lifted Duke for the Tidal Wave… THROUGH THE TABLE! Ambra Monroe: “Look there, that’s Alan Envy! And Jacky! And Tank Steiner!” Peyton Holland: “Yeah but it’s still four versus fiv.. Is that BROOKFORD?” All hell broke loose, the fans went ballistic as BROOKFORD joined the battle, armed with a steel chair. Bodies were flying everywhere, chair shots echoed through the Arena as Steiner and Envy retrieved one each and began hitting everything that was moving. And amidst the chaos, Seth grinned, picking up his briefcase and heading backstage. Passing in front of the announcers’ desk, he whispered “Have fun”. And out he was. The element of surprise and the great equaliser in the steel chairs gave the opposing force the advantage. Duke was stalking Devin, waiting for him to get up to connect the Andrews Effect on the steel chair. He made the cover, and this time it was a full three count. WINNER: Duke Andrews BY: Pinfall (Andrews Effect), 29:19 |
Peyton and Ambra were still commenting on what just happened when BROOKFORD put Constantine through the table with a powerbomb. The two commentators kept talking, but their voices couldn't be heard. The show ended like that, an all out brawl in and out of the ring. Andrews managed to reach the timekeeper's table and grab the World title, using it to knock Hearst down.