Post by Staff on Dec 16, 2018 10:32:31 GMT -5
The cameramen are constantly lurking backstage. It’s less that they’re expecting a scene to unfold and more that they’re constantly taping, waiting for something to happen organically. At least, that’s what we’d like you, the fan, to think.
The camera man huffs and puffs as he makes his way towards a scene unfolding ‘organically’. Right next to craft services, not surprisingly, is Willie Pete. He’s drinking a mineral water, talking to Brad Stokes. Well, more like Brad Stokes is talking ‘at’ Willie Pete more than ‘to’ him. Willie’s either mesmerized by what Brad is saying, or completely off in a lala land as Brad enjoys the sound of his own voice.
Willie takes a big swig of water, possibly hoping to eventually use a potty break as an excuse to part ways with Brad.
“Blah blah blah, then blah blah blah! Let me tell you, blah blah blah, then a steel chair, blah blah blah! It was different back in my blah blah blah” is all Willie hears as Brad reminisces about his own pointless and random shit.
Then, Willie cranes his neck as he realizes he’s being watched. It’s her. His opponent. In response to seeing her, Willie knee-jerk spits the mineral water out, dousing Brad. Willie, all while maintaining eye contact with his opponent, no-look grabs a handful of nearby napkins and dabs Brad’s shirt and eventually face. Willie finally just pushes past Brad and walks towards her.
As Willie walks away, Brad accosts him, “My shirt you blah blah blah! I can’t believe this blah blah blah! Blah blah you think you are? Blah blah BLAH!”
Now Willie is merely feet away from his opponent - Brodie.
Brodie stands towards the back of the room, pressed against the wall and surrounded by the shadows, she holds a shiny red apple in her hand, turning it over as she watches her opponent approach; she had been taking in his interaction with the old fool, her plans for him had not yet come to fruition and so, instead, she had turned her attentions back to Willie.
As he stood closer to her, a smile curved on her lips. She extended the arm where her hand held the Apple, it was as though she was offering him a bite, cocking her head to the side as she awaited his action.
Willie knows fully that this is not simply an act of food-sharing and likely has a much more daunting meaning behind it, but in an attempt to keep things light, his gaze shifts from the apple, to Brodie’s eyes as he cops a much more debonaire (as debonaire as he can be) expression.
“Ah yes, the apple. Many stories involve the apple. From the student who cannot capture the apple from his master’s grip, to the forbidden fruit.” He nods, “Seriously though, if there was a bobbing for apples competition and I wasn’t invited, that’s a serious let down!”
Brodie didn’t immediately respond, her eyes still locked on his form as though she were studying his movements, a light smile pulled at the corner of her lips. She enjoyed when they tried to understand her motives; like little rats in a maze, blinding coursing around the path and hitting dead end after dead end.
“It’s just an apple.” Her tone was long and drawn out, she pulled from wall and shoved the apple into his chest, stepping around him carefully, each step measured as she moved. “Not a trick, not a spell… Just a piece of fruit, no interpretation needed.” She paused directly behind him, lifting her hand to dance her fingers down the top few vertebra of his spine as she spoke. “You, are human, you require food for energy, to be at your best… right?”
Willie inspects the apple, legitimately checking for moisture to prove whether or not his initial impression that it was, in fact, a prize as result of an apple bobbing contest. Relief washes over him like a cool wave as he confirms that it is not moist nor shows any proof of having been bitten and pulled out of a tub of water. He rubs one side of the apple against his shirt and takes a big bite, not really caring how it looks as he eats the apple in front of her.
He points one index finger at her from the hand holding the apple, and says between bites, “You’re fucking awesome. I hope you know that. But here’s the bitch of the whole ordeal we find ourselves in - Vanessa Byrne is pitting us against each other. Wants you to eat my face like I’m some kind of Boston Pizza appie and in turn wants me to, well, use my whole catalogue of super awesome moves to take the fight out of you,” he takes another bite of the apple and speaks around it, “I don’t like it.”
His eyes are unwavering as he takes in Brodie, carefully inspecting her muscle tone, then lips, then eyes. Contrary to what his persona says about him, he does his homework.
She steps up close to him, almost leaning into him as she stares back into his eyes, tilting her head to the side with a smile.”and yet, we find ourselves in a position to test the beast… Win or lose, she will not have a victory when it comes to tonight… just a soldier or two, falling at her feet.” She inhales deeply, taking in his scent mixed with the apple, her tongue running over her bottom lip, wetting it. “Inside the ring, that’s a different matter, but she hopes to see us growl and fight; for one of us to take a limb as a prize...but you, my dear, sweet, ignorant friend… you have a much higher purpose than to be just another example.”
She doesn’t step back, instead she leans up onto her toes and looks him over with a swift nod. “A much higher purpose indeed.”
Willie could be enticed, in fact, he feels like it might even be the right thing to do. Brodie, you see, is quite intoxicating. For Willie, the fact that she could comfort him in one breath and kill him in the next is just the kind of excitement he lives for. Then again, she just called him ignorant and it takes him back a bit. All of this thought stays hidden behind a crunching apple and wild eyes.
“I KNOW, right? If I were just another example, I’d be in Vanessa’s office right now kissing her feet and that would be totally...gross,” for a moment he catches the scent of her breath and for those of you unfamiliar pheromones, there’s a certain scent cast by a woman’s breath, and to avoid too much detail as to what it means, Willie recognizes it, but chooses to ignore it, “Brodie, despite the fact that nearly every word coming out of your mouth is decidedly ambiguous, I like the cut of your jib.”
The apple has been chewed clean and like a small animal carcass, it’s tossed over Willie’s shoulder, directly into a nearby trash can. She watches him toss the core into the trash can, her eyes travelling back to his with another smile, closing the gap she brushes her lips over his, a brief movement, fallin back on her heels, she starts to retreat towards the shadows.
“Hm. Intriguing indeed…” as she talks, she does so as though she’s discussing him with some other entity, one only she can see. When she reaches the wall, she presses back against it, her eyes having never wavered from his during the whole movement. “Tonight will be quite the event.”
Willie has already gotten more than he bargained for. Regardless of what happens next, he feels satisfied with his first meeting with this dangerous woman. He nods knowingly, “We’ve punched our ticket, now it’s time to take the ride.”
The camera man huffs and puffs as he makes his way towards a scene unfolding ‘organically’. Right next to craft services, not surprisingly, is Willie Pete. He’s drinking a mineral water, talking to Brad Stokes. Well, more like Brad Stokes is talking ‘at’ Willie Pete more than ‘to’ him. Willie’s either mesmerized by what Brad is saying, or completely off in a lala land as Brad enjoys the sound of his own voice.
Willie takes a big swig of water, possibly hoping to eventually use a potty break as an excuse to part ways with Brad.
“Blah blah blah, then blah blah blah! Let me tell you, blah blah blah, then a steel chair, blah blah blah! It was different back in my blah blah blah” is all Willie hears as Brad reminisces about his own pointless and random shit.
Then, Willie cranes his neck as he realizes he’s being watched. It’s her. His opponent. In response to seeing her, Willie knee-jerk spits the mineral water out, dousing Brad. Willie, all while maintaining eye contact with his opponent, no-look grabs a handful of nearby napkins and dabs Brad’s shirt and eventually face. Willie finally just pushes past Brad and walks towards her.
As Willie walks away, Brad accosts him, “My shirt you blah blah blah! I can’t believe this blah blah blah! Blah blah you think you are? Blah blah BLAH!”
Now Willie is merely feet away from his opponent - Brodie.
Brodie stands towards the back of the room, pressed against the wall and surrounded by the shadows, she holds a shiny red apple in her hand, turning it over as she watches her opponent approach; she had been taking in his interaction with the old fool, her plans for him had not yet come to fruition and so, instead, she had turned her attentions back to Willie.
As he stood closer to her, a smile curved on her lips. She extended the arm where her hand held the Apple, it was as though she was offering him a bite, cocking her head to the side as she awaited his action.
Willie knows fully that this is not simply an act of food-sharing and likely has a much more daunting meaning behind it, but in an attempt to keep things light, his gaze shifts from the apple, to Brodie’s eyes as he cops a much more debonaire (as debonaire as he can be) expression.
“Ah yes, the apple. Many stories involve the apple. From the student who cannot capture the apple from his master’s grip, to the forbidden fruit.” He nods, “Seriously though, if there was a bobbing for apples competition and I wasn’t invited, that’s a serious let down!”
Brodie didn’t immediately respond, her eyes still locked on his form as though she were studying his movements, a light smile pulled at the corner of her lips. She enjoyed when they tried to understand her motives; like little rats in a maze, blinding coursing around the path and hitting dead end after dead end.
“It’s just an apple.” Her tone was long and drawn out, she pulled from wall and shoved the apple into his chest, stepping around him carefully, each step measured as she moved. “Not a trick, not a spell… Just a piece of fruit, no interpretation needed.” She paused directly behind him, lifting her hand to dance her fingers down the top few vertebra of his spine as she spoke. “You, are human, you require food for energy, to be at your best… right?”
Willie inspects the apple, legitimately checking for moisture to prove whether or not his initial impression that it was, in fact, a prize as result of an apple bobbing contest. Relief washes over him like a cool wave as he confirms that it is not moist nor shows any proof of having been bitten and pulled out of a tub of water. He rubs one side of the apple against his shirt and takes a big bite, not really caring how it looks as he eats the apple in front of her.
He points one index finger at her from the hand holding the apple, and says between bites, “You’re fucking awesome. I hope you know that. But here’s the bitch of the whole ordeal we find ourselves in - Vanessa Byrne is pitting us against each other. Wants you to eat my face like I’m some kind of Boston Pizza appie and in turn wants me to, well, use my whole catalogue of super awesome moves to take the fight out of you,” he takes another bite of the apple and speaks around it, “I don’t like it.”
His eyes are unwavering as he takes in Brodie, carefully inspecting her muscle tone, then lips, then eyes. Contrary to what his persona says about him, he does his homework.
She steps up close to him, almost leaning into him as she stares back into his eyes, tilting her head to the side with a smile.”and yet, we find ourselves in a position to test the beast… Win or lose, she will not have a victory when it comes to tonight… just a soldier or two, falling at her feet.” She inhales deeply, taking in his scent mixed with the apple, her tongue running over her bottom lip, wetting it. “Inside the ring, that’s a different matter, but she hopes to see us growl and fight; for one of us to take a limb as a prize...but you, my dear, sweet, ignorant friend… you have a much higher purpose than to be just another example.”
She doesn’t step back, instead she leans up onto her toes and looks him over with a swift nod. “A much higher purpose indeed.”
Willie could be enticed, in fact, he feels like it might even be the right thing to do. Brodie, you see, is quite intoxicating. For Willie, the fact that she could comfort him in one breath and kill him in the next is just the kind of excitement he lives for. Then again, she just called him ignorant and it takes him back a bit. All of this thought stays hidden behind a crunching apple and wild eyes.
“I KNOW, right? If I were just another example, I’d be in Vanessa’s office right now kissing her feet and that would be totally...gross,” for a moment he catches the scent of her breath and for those of you unfamiliar pheromones, there’s a certain scent cast by a woman’s breath, and to avoid too much detail as to what it means, Willie recognizes it, but chooses to ignore it, “Brodie, despite the fact that nearly every word coming out of your mouth is decidedly ambiguous, I like the cut of your jib.”
The apple has been chewed clean and like a small animal carcass, it’s tossed over Willie’s shoulder, directly into a nearby trash can. She watches him toss the core into the trash can, her eyes travelling back to his with another smile, closing the gap she brushes her lips over his, a brief movement, fallin back on her heels, she starts to retreat towards the shadows.
“Hm. Intriguing indeed…” as she talks, she does so as though she’s discussing him with some other entity, one only she can see. When she reaches the wall, she presses back against it, her eyes having never wavered from his during the whole movement. “Tonight will be quite the event.”
Willie has already gotten more than he bargained for. Regardless of what happens next, he feels satisfied with his first meeting with this dangerous woman. He nods knowingly, “We’ve punched our ticket, now it’s time to take the ride.”
The scene opens up to a panning shot of the Royal Arena as people continue to file into their seats. Once the camera has made a full rotation, it pauses over the stage before zooming down the stage, up and over the ring, and finally settling on the Valor Pro announce team of The Othello Brothers.
Laurence Othello: Welcome everyone to The Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark to Blitz#6 live on Fite TV, I am Laurence Othello, and to my left is my brother and tag team partner, Kenneth Othello...
Ken nods, and tips a fake hat to the camera.
LO: And Ken, what in the world did we just witness?
Kenneth Othello: Well, Laurence, I do believe our opening bout just gave each other a smooch, but I certainly didn't see any warmth in that lip lock.
LO: At least on the part of Brodie. Man, she might as well be handing out the kiss of death after all the carnage she caused last show.
KO: She's a black widow for sure, but I don't have time to think about that right now. My girl Vannah White is somewhere in the building, and she's going to rub bodies later against our Apex Champion, Elina Cartel!
LO: Um....I'm pretty sure that isn't what they are going to be doing. Elina and Vannah have had harsh words back and forth on Twitter ever since this match was announced, and we're going to find out if that was all luck last week, or is Vannah White here to play.
KO: Oh, she can play with me anytime, Laur.
LO: Moving right along before we get a lawsuit, we also have triple threat action here tonight between Dakota Jennings, Roxi Johnson, and Siberia Zombie that is sure to be a barn burner.
KO: Damn right. Each of these ladies has something to prove in this one, and triple threats always bring with them a certain element of excitement.
LO: And lest we not forget that the UnYielding Championship is on the line when Cross Recoba defends against Zack Fantana, but that's not even the kicker.
KO: Nope, how about Zachariah Krahe as the special guest referee?
LO: I don't know how that's going to work, Ken. Recoba orchestrated this entire UnYielding Championship fiasco way back at 7 Pillars, paying Krahe to eliminate Zack Fantana for some personal vendetta, and then turn around and win the tournament only to sell the belt to Cross. THEN, he turns his back on Cross, and just when it couldn't get anymore convoluted, here comes Fantana with a steel chair to lay both men out in a vicious attack.
KO: God, I love wrestling...
LO: Indeed, which a better segue I could not find, as we have a match in our Main Event, that quite frankly, could headline any PPV in any promotion..
KO: That's right! Cosmo Cooper goes one on one with Brennan Devlin for the title of the True 'Face of Wrestling', and Laur, these two guys hate each other.
LO: Can't deny there is some high tension between those two ever since Cooper came into the promotion touting that he was the best of the best. Brennan Devlin has issues some real fighting words this week, and it will be interesting to see if he will be able to back those up when these two meet.
KO: And don't forget, your favorite Journalist is in the building tonight, and he'll be interviewing Davy Blossom after that heinous attack on Elegance during his grudge match with Roxi Johnson.
LO: Oh please, that was no heinous attack. Elegance had already been ejected from ringside, but came back down to try and cause more of a distraction to Johnson who simply got out of the way at the right time. If Davy wants to blame anyone for this mess, he should look no farther than the mirror.
KO: Brother-of-mine, we are never going to agree on this one, but how about I present an olive branch. We wouldn't really be the best analysts in the wrestling industry if we didn't at least mention the match we had just before the show went live.
LO: That's right folks, Lenny Grant took on Rex Rumble in a Dark Match, but we still had the cameras rolling so that we could give you a taste of what to expect from the newcomer.
KO: What about it, Bro. Flipping the Script style?
LO: Why Not! Let's get to that footage!
Laurence Othello: Welcome everyone to The Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark to Blitz#6 live on Fite TV, I am Laurence Othello, and to my left is my brother and tag team partner, Kenneth Othello...
Ken nods, and tips a fake hat to the camera.
LO: And Ken, what in the world did we just witness?
Kenneth Othello: Well, Laurence, I do believe our opening bout just gave each other a smooch, but I certainly didn't see any warmth in that lip lock.
LO: At least on the part of Brodie. Man, she might as well be handing out the kiss of death after all the carnage she caused last show.
KO: She's a black widow for sure, but I don't have time to think about that right now. My girl Vannah White is somewhere in the building, and she's going to rub bodies later against our Apex Champion, Elina Cartel!
LO: Um....I'm pretty sure that isn't what they are going to be doing. Elina and Vannah have had harsh words back and forth on Twitter ever since this match was announced, and we're going to find out if that was all luck last week, or is Vannah White here to play.
KO: Oh, she can play with me anytime, Laur.
LO: Moving right along before we get a lawsuit, we also have triple threat action here tonight between Dakota Jennings, Roxi Johnson, and Siberia Zombie that is sure to be a barn burner.
KO: Damn right. Each of these ladies has something to prove in this one, and triple threats always bring with them a certain element of excitement.
LO: And lest we not forget that the UnYielding Championship is on the line when Cross Recoba defends against Zack Fantana, but that's not even the kicker.
KO: Nope, how about Zachariah Krahe as the special guest referee?
LO: I don't know how that's going to work, Ken. Recoba orchestrated this entire UnYielding Championship fiasco way back at 7 Pillars, paying Krahe to eliminate Zack Fantana for some personal vendetta, and then turn around and win the tournament only to sell the belt to Cross. THEN, he turns his back on Cross, and just when it couldn't get anymore convoluted, here comes Fantana with a steel chair to lay both men out in a vicious attack.
KO: God, I love wrestling...
LO: Indeed, which a better segue I could not find, as we have a match in our Main Event, that quite frankly, could headline any PPV in any promotion..
KO: That's right! Cosmo Cooper goes one on one with Brennan Devlin for the title of the True 'Face of Wrestling', and Laur, these two guys hate each other.
LO: Can't deny there is some high tension between those two ever since Cooper came into the promotion touting that he was the best of the best. Brennan Devlin has issues some real fighting words this week, and it will be interesting to see if he will be able to back those up when these two meet.
KO: And don't forget, your favorite Journalist is in the building tonight, and he'll be interviewing Davy Blossom after that heinous attack on Elegance during his grudge match with Roxi Johnson.
LO: Oh please, that was no heinous attack. Elegance had already been ejected from ringside, but came back down to try and cause more of a distraction to Johnson who simply got out of the way at the right time. If Davy wants to blame anyone for this mess, he should look no farther than the mirror.
KO: Brother-of-mine, we are never going to agree on this one, but how about I present an olive branch. We wouldn't really be the best analysts in the wrestling industry if we didn't at least mention the match we had just before the show went live.
LO: That's right folks, Lenny Grant took on Rex Rumble in a Dark Match, but we still had the cameras rolling so that we could give you a taste of what to expect from the newcomer.
KO: What about it, Bro. Flipping the Script style?
LO: Why Not! Let's get to that footage!
A clip of Rex Rumble already in the ring, when Lenny Grant appears at the top of the stage to the sounds of 'Menace of Society' by Locust Grove. He makes his way to the ring, followed by the bulldozer like Pombiie, to a mixed reaction, and once at ringside he hops up onto the apron, and enters the ring in a no-nonsense manner. Before he's even got his feet under him, Rex Rumble rushes past the referee and nails him with an ax handle that sends him crashing into the corner. From there three quick left jabs, and a leading right has Grant laid up early.
LO: As you can see folks, Rex Rumble took advantage before the match could even begin, and had Lenny Grant on the ropes.
KO: Yeah, but I don't even think he did it because he wanted the advantage, but he was so hyped up during his entrance that he just couldn't wait any longer. Guy looked like he was on Meth or something.
LO: Or Something...
A shot of Rumble pulling grant out of the corner, and nailing him with a short arm clothesline before quickly slipping to the outside and scaling the turnbuckles. Grant is already halfway to his feet when Rumble steps off the turnbuckles rather than leaps, smashing him back down to the canvas with another ax handle. Rumble then grabs his belt buckle, and spins slowly while nodding and twirling his finger above his head. As if fueled by gasoline, Rumble hops back up to the top rope, points both fingers into the air, and then dives off for a heavy looking elbow drop. Grant, however, not having received enough punishment to stay down quickly skedaddles out of the way, and Rex impacts hard off the mat.
LO: And this folks, is where things took a turn for Rumble, with Lenny Grant quickly capitalizing on the mistake.
Another clip, this time Rumble back on his feet but wobbly after the crash landing, and Grant rushes him, taking his head off with a Yakuza kick. Rumble's head appears to be on a bobble, but he still manages to come up quickly, and walks right into a belly to belly suplex. Grant pops up, this time leaving Rumble clutching at his spine against the mat, and the crowd gives a few more cheers than before as he cuts into a front flip leg drop that crushes Rumble's skull into the mat. Grant makes a cover, but Rumble manages to get out at two and a half.
KO: Grant was having a really great showing here, but when he tried to put Rumble away, the lunatic windigo turned the tables with a big uppercut that knocked Lenny loopy.
LO: Yeah, and he followed it up with a scoop slam, followed by spinning boot to the forehead that seemed to painfully stretch the skin of Grant's face.
A scene of Rumble holding two neon gloves together, and 'Wooooo'ing out to the audience, before stepping out to try and climb the turnbuckles once again. He gets halfway up and stop to make some disparaging remarks to Pombiie who looks on at him quizzically, no one know if the Brazilian actually understands a word of English. He turns his attention back to Grant just in time to find that his opponent has recovered, and reaches up to grab him by the crotch and the bottom of his chest, and sends him sailing off the top to crash in the center of the ring. Rumble amazingly gets back to his feet quickly, and that's when he runs right into a spinning chop to the neck that appears to paralyze him for a moment. While stunned, Grant takes the opportunity to tuck his head between his legs, sends him up in a high powerbomb position, but on the way down drops below him with both knee's angled to catch Rumble's spine on his descent.
LO: Lenny Grant calls that move 'Granted', and it definitely granted him a victory here tonight in this sold out Copenhagen crowd!
KO: Yeah, real good debut for Grant, but I'm more interested in this Pombiie guy! He's as wide as a barn, yet he's the one on the outside of the ring...
LO: I don't know, Ken. I'm just glad that he didn't get involved in the match, and it certainly didn't look like he needed to, as Lenny Grant had this one cinched up.
KO: Well folks, we're ready for the live action to kick off, and our first bout is between the two folks we saw at the open of the show. Willie Pete and Brodie go one on one, next!
LO: As you can see folks, Rex Rumble took advantage before the match could even begin, and had Lenny Grant on the ropes.
KO: Yeah, but I don't even think he did it because he wanted the advantage, but he was so hyped up during his entrance that he just couldn't wait any longer. Guy looked like he was on Meth or something.
LO: Or Something...
A shot of Rumble pulling grant out of the corner, and nailing him with a short arm clothesline before quickly slipping to the outside and scaling the turnbuckles. Grant is already halfway to his feet when Rumble steps off the turnbuckles rather than leaps, smashing him back down to the canvas with another ax handle. Rumble then grabs his belt buckle, and spins slowly while nodding and twirling his finger above his head. As if fueled by gasoline, Rumble hops back up to the top rope, points both fingers into the air, and then dives off for a heavy looking elbow drop. Grant, however, not having received enough punishment to stay down quickly skedaddles out of the way, and Rex impacts hard off the mat.
LO: And this folks, is where things took a turn for Rumble, with Lenny Grant quickly capitalizing on the mistake.
Another clip, this time Rumble back on his feet but wobbly after the crash landing, and Grant rushes him, taking his head off with a Yakuza kick. Rumble's head appears to be on a bobble, but he still manages to come up quickly, and walks right into a belly to belly suplex. Grant pops up, this time leaving Rumble clutching at his spine against the mat, and the crowd gives a few more cheers than before as he cuts into a front flip leg drop that crushes Rumble's skull into the mat. Grant makes a cover, but Rumble manages to get out at two and a half.
KO: Grant was having a really great showing here, but when he tried to put Rumble away, the lunatic windigo turned the tables with a big uppercut that knocked Lenny loopy.
LO: Yeah, and he followed it up with a scoop slam, followed by spinning boot to the forehead that seemed to painfully stretch the skin of Grant's face.
A scene of Rumble holding two neon gloves together, and 'Wooooo'ing out to the audience, before stepping out to try and climb the turnbuckles once again. He gets halfway up and stop to make some disparaging remarks to Pombiie who looks on at him quizzically, no one know if the Brazilian actually understands a word of English. He turns his attention back to Grant just in time to find that his opponent has recovered, and reaches up to grab him by the crotch and the bottom of his chest, and sends him sailing off the top to crash in the center of the ring. Rumble amazingly gets back to his feet quickly, and that's when he runs right into a spinning chop to the neck that appears to paralyze him for a moment. While stunned, Grant takes the opportunity to tuck his head between his legs, sends him up in a high powerbomb position, but on the way down drops below him with both knee's angled to catch Rumble's spine on his descent.
LO: Lenny Grant calls that move 'Granted', and it definitely granted him a victory here tonight in this sold out Copenhagen crowd!
KO: Yeah, real good debut for Grant, but I'm more interested in this Pombiie guy! He's as wide as a barn, yet he's the one on the outside of the ring...
LO: I don't know, Ken. I'm just glad that he didn't get involved in the match, and it certainly didn't look like he needed to, as Lenny Grant had this one cinched up.
KO: Well folks, we're ready for the live action to kick off, and our first bout is between the two folks we saw at the open of the show. Willie Pete and Brodie go one on one, next!
Winner of the Match: Lenny Grant
Othello Rating: ***
We cut backstage at the Royal Arena. Dakota Jennings is spotted warming up in the corridor ahead of her match against Siberia Zombie and Roxi Johnson. She lifts a leg onto the travel container and reaches down, looking to stretch out her leg muscles. She looks up and into the distance, clearly focused on ensuring the Jennesis gets the win in her match.
Cross Recoba appears in shot behind her, the VPW UnYielding belt draped over his shoulder. He goes to turn back but we see Dakota recognise the scent of her ex as her facial expression goes from curious to certainty.
Dakota Jennings: Cross, either say what you’re going to say or pass!
Cross Recoba: Look, Red, we both said things we didn’t mean in Arizona…
Dakota’s face is now adorned with a scowl.
Dakota Jennings: You told me I liked being a trophy girlfriend, Cross, explain that one!
Cross Recoba: You called yourself a trinket! You know how to get under my skin, it’s a good thing in that you should know it means I care what you think but right then? That was the worst timing imaginable, I’ve spent the last two weeks going from one press junket to the next, when I’ve not been on them I’ve been holed up preparing for Fantana…
Jennings features lightened up as he spoke. She turned round only to see that thing as she had described the title.
Dakota Jennings: You’ve got your mistress with you, I see?
Cross Recoba: As long as I have it I have to defend it at every show, you know that. Look, can we watch the main event together and talk?
Dakota hesitated; her pride of equal size to that of Recoba’s. She let a half smile form.
Dakota Jennings: We’ll see, after what Fantana did to you at the last Blitz you might be easier to find with the doctor - I don’t want that to happen but look out for yourself out there.
Cross saw her half-smile and raised her a full-on grin.
Cross Recoba: Relax, ‘Kota, I know what I’ve got to do out there, I’ll make sure I give Zack his receipt for Berlin. So, it’s a maybe? I can work with a maybe, meet you in catering after my ma-
The VPW UnYielding Champion stops mid-sentence as Jennings’ face drops. The hand he feels around his waist tells him exactly what just happened. A blonde woman steps between them wearing an outfit that shows off her figure. She speaks in a Danish accent.
Danish Woman: Come oooooonnn, Cross. I still need to go through make-up, you can catch up with your friend another time.
The blonde drags him out of shot while the camera stays on the raging face of Dakota.
Cross Recoba appears in shot behind her, the VPW UnYielding belt draped over his shoulder. He goes to turn back but we see Dakota recognise the scent of her ex as her facial expression goes from curious to certainty.
Dakota Jennings: Cross, either say what you’re going to say or pass!
Cross Recoba: Look, Red, we both said things we didn’t mean in Arizona…
Dakota’s face is now adorned with a scowl.
Dakota Jennings: You told me I liked being a trophy girlfriend, Cross, explain that one!
Cross Recoba: You called yourself a trinket! You know how to get under my skin, it’s a good thing in that you should know it means I care what you think but right then? That was the worst timing imaginable, I’ve spent the last two weeks going from one press junket to the next, when I’ve not been on them I’ve been holed up preparing for Fantana…
Jennings features lightened up as he spoke. She turned round only to see that thing as she had described the title.
Dakota Jennings: You’ve got your mistress with you, I see?
Cross Recoba: As long as I have it I have to defend it at every show, you know that. Look, can we watch the main event together and talk?
Dakota hesitated; her pride of equal size to that of Recoba’s. She let a half smile form.
Dakota Jennings: We’ll see, after what Fantana did to you at the last Blitz you might be easier to find with the doctor - I don’t want that to happen but look out for yourself out there.
Cross saw her half-smile and raised her a full-on grin.
Cross Recoba: Relax, ‘Kota, I know what I’ve got to do out there, I’ll make sure I give Zack his receipt for Berlin. So, it’s a maybe? I can work with a maybe, meet you in catering after my ma-
The VPW UnYielding Champion stops mid-sentence as Jennings’ face drops. The hand he feels around his waist tells him exactly what just happened. A blonde woman steps between them wearing an outfit that shows off her figure. She speaks in a Danish accent.
Danish Woman: Come oooooonnn, Cross. I still need to go through make-up, you can catch up with your friend another time.
The blonde drags him out of shot while the camera stays on the raging face of Dakota.
LO: Well that will certainly put Recoba in the doghouse if he was really hoping to get Dakota Jennings back.
KO: You say that like it's a question. Dakota Jennings is a dime piece, and is the perfect arm candy for the UnYielding Champion.
LO: Well she also happens to be a talented wrestler, and was smart enough to see him for exactly what he is!
KO: What, rich? Handsome? A winner?
LO: Whatever. You can be a fanboy on your own time, as we have a match to call...
Ring Announcer: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission...
The upbeat sounds of Taylor Swift's 'Shake It Off' fills the arena, and the fans regard the stage in a mixed reaction as Willie Pete stumbles through the curtain. He wears a toothy grin as he rubs his shoulder, still feeling the effects from his dumpster dive earlier in the week with Zachariah Krahe, but he still manages to throw his arms over his head in premature victory as he pauses at the top of the ramp to awkwardly roll his hips to the music.
Ring Announcer: Introducing first, standing at five foot nine and weighting in at 189 pounds, hailing from Shaniko, Oregon....This is WILLLIEEE PEEETTTTEEEE!!
Willie continues jamming to the music as he makes his way down to the ramp, the fans not being able to refrain from laughing considering how ridiculous he appears. When he reaches ringside, he grabs the ring apron, and attempts a twerk that looks more like a sea lion trying to beach itself on the shore. When the speaking part of the song starts, he flashes up a hand and perfectly mouths the words while strutting up the steps and finally into the ring.
LO: Ummm.....
KO: What he said...
Willies party in the ring is abruptly cut off by the haunting intro of 'Viktoria Modesta' by Prototype filling the arena. When the lyrics finally kick in, Brodie bursts through the curtain wearing a leather jacket and her trademark loud hair flowing out behind her. She stops at the top of the ramp and starts pacing back and forth, all the while staring down at the ring with malicious intent. Despite her new direction, the fans still react with a huge ovation as the announcer tells her particulars..
Ring Announcer: And introducing his opponent, standing at five foot eleven and weighing in at 150 pounds, hailing from Manhattan, New York.....she is the 'Submission Machine'...BROODDDIIEEEE!!!
She starts her stalk down to the ring, mouthing off at Willie Pete long before she's close enough to hear what she has to say. She reaches ringside, leaping up onto the apron, and then slips through the ropes to stalk right towards her opponent. Diego Santiago jumps in her path, and she pauses, shaking free from her jacket and tossing it to the outside as she backs up, telling the ref to go ahead and ring the bell. Meanwhile, Pete stares across at Brodie with a mock surprised expression, lips drawn up in an 'O' quickly followed by a grin.
LO: Pete seems playful considering the transformation we've seen in Brodie ever since the 7 Pillars Gauntlet Match several weeks ago...
KO: Yeah, she's dove right off the deep end, if you ask me. But you got to admit, her tactics as of late have been......effective.
LO: If by tactics, you mean trying to permanently injure members of our roster, namely Siberia Zombie and Zachariah Krahe, then you'd be correct.
KO: They may not be in this match, but something tells me they are never very far from Brodie's mind, and if that is the case, Willie Pete might just get some residual violence as a result despite that little smooch at the start of the show.
LO: Well, it's not like Pete didn't go out of his way to wind the woman up by approaching her in the first place, but either way we're about to find out, cause Santiago just called for the bell!
Brodie and Willie begin a slow circle of one another, each step bringing them closer and closer to a meeting in the center of the ring. Finally they tie up, and Brodie quickly reaches back to take Pete by the wrist, spinning through with the arm into a dragon twist. Pete slaps at his shoulder in response, but doesn't get a chance to give any counter before Brodie spins under his arm to torque it unnaturally with another twist. Pete lets out a gasp of discomfort, but he doesn't stay compromised for long, diving forward into a front roll that sees him unwind his arm while getting to his feet, and reaching with his free arm to grab Brodie's wrist, and turning it in kind with a dragon twist of his own. Brodie doesn't even sell the move before a right hand sends Pete stumbling back into the ropes, abandoning the hold in surprise.
LO: Brodie wading in on Pete now, and he just barely has enough time to get his hands up before she starts laying into him with right hands.
KO: Brodie actually has the height advantage here, meaning she's got a longer reach, which is helping to hold Willie at bay...Man, she's vicious.
Brodie sneaks a few of those punches through the man's defenses, and once she's sure he's dazed, she grabs him by the wrist and goes to throw him to the opposite side. Willie, however, reverses and sends Brodie instead, and when she thunders back towards him he spins into a discus clothesline that nearly takes her head off. He pops up with a toothy grin, but doesn't get a chance to feel good about the move, as Brodie is already trying to make it to her feet. Willie quickly gets a gust of speed and leaps high into the air tucking his knees into his chest just before thrusting straight down into a double stomp onto Brodie's spine. The move sends her crashing face first down into the canvas, and Willie is quick to roll her over and go for a pin.
1...
LO: Brodie not even allowing a two count before kicking out, and Pete is helping her to her feet so that he can toss her back towards the ropes. Brodie returns again, and this time Pete catches her coming in with a clothesline, or else he would have, if Brodie hadn't instinctively latched on the arm, running both of them around in circles until forcing Willie down to the mat. She's trying to grapevine his arm now so that she can apply that submission she's been using for the past few weeks!
KO: If she gets that thing locked in it's over, but it looks like Pete may have scouted it, cause he's fighting like a dog to keep it from happening!
Pete eventually gets his arm free, and quickly rolls across the canvas until he's under the rope to the outside. He shakes his head 'No' at Brodie from ringside, leaving the woman frustrated and maybe even a little impressed. A fan in the front row says something disparaging about the Submission Machine, and Willie turns around, taking exception to the comment. The two begin to bicker, and Brodie rolls her eyes, stepping out onto the ring apron to await the verbal conflict to end. Willie, with what appears to be the last word, turns back towards the ring when he's taken completely by surprise as Brodie rushes across the ring apron and then cuts a somersault that wipes the man out.
LO: Brodie with an off the apron dive, and is already back on her feet, yanking Willie up and throwing him back into the ring!
KO: Pete knows better than to take his eyes off this wacko for an instance! She's crazy!
LO: I don't know how crazy she is, but she's definitely different, as Willie stumbles up to his feet and into a corner. Brodie with a full head of steam and Just Crushes Him In The Corner With A Clothesline!
Brodie follows the clothesline up by spinning so that she's right beside Willie, hooks him around the head, and takes off running into a bulldog that spikes his face off the center of the ring. Brodie quickly rolls him over onto his back, and hooks the leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: Pete out at two, and Brodie just pulled him up to a seated position, and worked her arm under his into a chicken wing, and uses her other hand to take the wrist and pull it down even further into some sort of modified submission hold!
KO: Yeah, and it must be doing the job too, cause Pete just cried out in pain and is trying to drag them to the ropes!
It takes three really big bursts of strength, but Pete does manage to get himself to the ropes for a break, except Brodie isn't breaking. Santiago admonishes her, and starts a five count, and just when it looks like he might have to call it, Brodie releases the hold, kicking with her feet to push Willie right through the bottom and middle rope to land unceremoniously on the concrete below. She rolls right out after him, grabbing the ring apron for support, and then unmercifully laying the boots to the shoulder she just tried to pry from its socket.
LO: Brodie is relentless here, as she pulls Pete back to his feet, only to whip him towards the steel barricade! Pete throws his hands out in front of him, able to put on the brakes, and here comes Brodie in right behind him!
KO: HE MOVED AT THE LAST SECOND, AND SHE JUST WENT CHEST FIRST INTO THE GUARDRAIL!!
LO: Pete now with a fistful of hair, and his eyes are crazed as he slams her face first down into the top of the steel!
KO: Pete is like a man possessed, dragging Brodie back to the apron and throwing her headfirst back into the ring.
Pete slides in behind her, coming up to his feet and dropping an elbow right down into the center of her spine. Brodie grimaces as she crawls towards the interior of the ring, but Pete is there to grab her by the ankle, and flip her over onto her back. He grabs the other leg now, and commences to laying in stomps directly to her midsection, finishing it off with a headbutt to the pelvis.
KO: Did....DID HE JUST HEADBUTT HER CROTCH!
LO: I believe the forehead struck the pelvis bone, but that does put his face in about the right region...
KO: What the F....
Ken can't finish the thought before Brodie is sent sailing out of the ring right in front of the announce table, and both men come to their feet to get away if need be as Pete comes out to join her once again. Willie snatches Brodie up, a wildness in his eyes, as he takes her by the wrist and flings her towards the announce table. She careens into the table, flipping up onto its surface, and then rolls to end up landing among the Othello's feet. Willie stalks around the table, laughing a maniacally at the brother announce team as he pulls Brodie back up, and leads her back towards the ring. Santiago is up to a count of seven when Pete tosses Brodie back in, and hops up onto the apron, but instead of getting in the ring he starts to scale the nearby corner instead.
LO: Willie Pete has lost it out here....
KO: Dude never had it to begin with, brother-of-mine!
Brodie uses the ropes to pull herself up to her feet at about the same time that Pete has made it to the top, and when she see's him, she gives him a bloody grin before shaking the rope in which he stands. Willie's expression goes from crazy to quite concerned as he looses his balance and comes down crotch first to straddle the top turnbuckle. The sudden impact obviously shocks him, as his eyes close tight while his mouth hangs wide open. Brodie wipes the trickle of blood from her mouth, still grinning, as she climbs up to the second to join him. She slams her skull against his several times before forcing him to stand back up on the top. She extends his arm out to the side, and then falls backwards pulling him with her, throwing her knee's up at the last second to catch him with a top rope arm breaker. Upon impact, Willie cries out in pain, jumping to his feet and running around the ring holding his injured limb, before collapsing to the mat.
LO: Brodie may have just broke Pete's arm with that move, and now she's the one with a different expression!
KO: She looks like she's just found lunch! But I don't know if Pete can continue, man. Santiago is talking to him now, and he's really concerned about that arm and the way it's just dangling there...
Brodie doesn't seem to care too much as she stalks over, shoving the referee out of the way so that she can drop a knee right down onto his shoulder. She bounces so that she comes back up to her feet, and reaches down to grab him by the wrist and yank him towards the center of the ring. Pete puts up a struggle, but a few swift kicks to the injury puts her in complete control. She stretches the arm out on the canvas, holding it in place with her boot, before leaping high into the air and driving her knee right down into the elbow joint. Pete comes up off the mat on instinct, clutching at the arm and falling back into the closest corner for support. Brodie watches him like a cat whose found a bird, and she slowly makes her approach for the kill.
LO: Brodie has Pete in a real bad way, and now she's just stalking the man....Wait! Pete just flashed a boot out to her midsection! Another one! Brodie's doubled over!
KO: I guess the attack on her gut was more serious than we thought, cause this just gave Pete a moment of reprieve.
LO: That, or it just GAVE HIM A MOMENT TO DO THIS!
Pete steps out of the corner, and despite the pain, manages to double under hook Brodie's arms before lifting her up and dropping straight back into a piledriver. The fans all 'Ooooo' as Brodie's skull impacts off the canvas, compressing her neck up into her spine in an awkward angle. Pete uses his good arm to shove Brodie onto her back, and simply lays his back across her for the cover.
1...
2...
Thre-Suddenly Pete finds his arms caught, one by Brodie's arm, the other by her legs, and he's reversed into a crucifix pin.
1...
2...
LO: Thre-NO! Pete kicks out, and he's already scooting away from Brodie in surprise!
KO: Well, wouldn't you be. I mean, damn! He just dumped her on her head, and she's still clawing for the win!
LO: I'd not underestimate Brodie for all of the Euro's in the World's Bank, brother-of-mine.
KO: Obviously Pete knows that now, as he's calling for her to get up. Unfortunately, it appears the most she can manage is sitting back into the corner..
LO: That appears to work for Pete too, as he takes a running go and DRIVES HIS KNEE RIGHT INTO HER TRAPPED SKULL!!!
Brodie's eyes roll into the back of her head as Pete quickly drags her by the leg towards the center of the ring, and then drops on top of her with a more proper cover, hooking the leg.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! My God, I thought that was it for sure!
KO: Pete did too by the expression on his face, and he's arguing a little bit with Santiago as he comes to his feet about just how close that really was.
LO: Santiago maintains that it was only two, and Pete just shrugged, looking down at Brodie as if he isn't sure what else to do...
Willie continues to walk around the ring, until a light bulb goes off, and he lifts his hand up to his face like a pointed gun, staring at it like he's certifiable. He then points the hand gesture gun at Brodie, and pulls the fake trigger, nodding his head in excitement for what he's about to pull off. He steps over and pulls a very limp Brodie up to her knees, and then her feet, tucking her head between his legs. He wraps his arms around her waist, and moves to lift her up into powerbomb position when she comes alive with sudden fists down into his head. The struggle knocks Willie off balance, and he stumbles around the ring trying to regain his balance, but it's already too late.
LO: These two are about to take a nasty spill, and OH! BRODIE JUST MANAGED TO SWING DOWN OFF OF PETE, BUT SHE CAUGHT HIS ARM ON THE WAY DOWN! HE'S FACE DOWN ON THE CANVAS, AND SHE JUST LOCKED IN THE CROSSFACE SUBMISSION!
KO: Pete is coming unglued, but she's got him all pretzeled up!
Indeed Brodie has the arm trapped, her arms wrapped around Willie's head, and she is torquing with every ounce of strength she has to try and pry the mans head from his shoulders. The fans are all on their feet as Santiago drops down in front of Pete, asking if he submits, but he says 'No', albeit a screaming in pain sort of 'No'. Brodie is like a pit bull as Pete pulls and grasps at the canvas to try and make it to the ropes, flopping around like a fish while she continues to maintain control of the hold. After a good solid minute, his thrashing has slowed considerably, and his hand barely hovers over the mat before flopping down. Santiago checks the arm, lifting it just for it to flop back down. He signals one to the time keeper.
LO: Willie Pete only has two more chances to show some life, or this thing is over.
KO: And the ref checks a second time, and again the dude is lifeless!
LO: One more time...and it's ove...WAIT! Pete stopped the hand from dropping at the last second, and Brodie looks incensed! SHE'S GOING TO TEAR HIS HEAD OFF!
Brodie puts her knee into the canvas, and yanks back on the arm while simultaneously pulling Pete's head back in a grotesque position, yet he somehow manages with one final pull at the canvas to reach out and finger the bottom rope. Santiago hops up and calls for a break, but Brodie shakes her head no, viciously retaining the hold as Pete cries out in pain. The Ref starts a five count, and just when it looks like we are going to have a repeat of Blitz#5, Brodie releases the hold, coming up to her feet in pure venom. The crowd actually boo's as she stalks back and forth in the ring like a caged animal, sometimes cocking her head to the side as if she's hearing a voice of a person that isn't there.
LO: Santiago checking on Willie Pete, who looks like he's about ready to pass out, and Brodie is taking a book out of a horror novel!
KO: I told you that woman was crazy! She's got a hard on for everyone in this promotion, as has been evidenced on Twitter, but she's not just talking. She really intends to burn them all down!
Willie Pete manages to get to his feet, leaning heavily against the ropes, and he releases his injured shoulder long enough to wave the referee off. Santiago looks concerned, but signals for the two to continue. The minute she gets the signal Brodie rushes at Pete, who ducks his head and back body drops her right up and over the top rope. Brodie somehow manages to grab the ropes on her way over, and twists in the air to land safely on the ring apron. It takes only a moment for Willie to turn back around and realize that his prey is safe and sound, and he rushes in to try and dislodge her from her narrow footing. Brodie, however, expecting this reaction, takes the time to grab for Pete's injured arm before dropping down to the floor herself, driving it down across the top rope with all of her weight. Pete's face is awash with pain as he clutches at the shoulder, stumbling back towards the center of the ring.
LO: Pete should have let the ref call this one to fight another day, and Brodie back into the ring as quick as a cat....AND SHE JUST TOOK HIM BACK DOWN TO THE MAT INTO ANOTHER CROSSFACE!!
KO: Pete is scrambling to get away, but he's got nowhere to go...they are dead center of the ring!
LO: This isn't good. He's risking serious injury here. He should just tap.
Despite the analyst's opinions, Willie refuses to tap, instead fading much the same as he did before. This time, he is nowhere near the ropes, and there is no chance of a break even if he were to somehow get another burst of adrenaline. The ref lifts his arm for one...two....and on the third flop, he signals for the bell, and calls for the break.
Ring Announcer: And the winner of this match via knock out....BRODIEEEE!!
Even with the announcement being made Brodie retains the hold, and now Santiago pleads with her to let go, threatening to reverse the decision. From out of nowhere Siberia Zombie appears in the ring after a belly slide, rushing in on the unaware Brodie to send a stiff boot down into the back of her head. This breaks the hold, and Brodie scrambles to her feet to try and figure out this new attacker. Upon seeing Zombie, she snarls in rage, but that rage is met with a super kick that sends her venom right back down her throat. Zombie drops down on top of Brodie in a mounted position, and starts unloading with piston like right hands.
LO: Zombie Out To Save Pete In The Nick Of Time, And Gaining Some Measure Of Retribution On Brodie For Last Show!
KO: I don't know that Pete had a whole lot do with it, Brother-of-Mine, but her actions here tonight might have just saved him from shoulder surgery.
LO: Security is rushing the ring now to pull Zombie off of Brodie, and she looks fired up here as she's pulled to the opposite end of the ring. God help Dakota Jennings and Roxi Johnson later tonight!
KO: Yeah, and now they're having to restrain Brodie as well! Good God, it's turned into a war zone out here!
LO: Well, while security straightens this mess out and medical staff attend to Willie Pete, lets check in with the camera crews in the back. I'm sure they've found something...
KO: You say that like it's a question. Dakota Jennings is a dime piece, and is the perfect arm candy for the UnYielding Champion.
LO: Well she also happens to be a talented wrestler, and was smart enough to see him for exactly what he is!
KO: What, rich? Handsome? A winner?
LO: Whatever. You can be a fanboy on your own time, as we have a match to call...
Ring Announcer: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission...
The upbeat sounds of Taylor Swift's 'Shake It Off' fills the arena, and the fans regard the stage in a mixed reaction as Willie Pete stumbles through the curtain. He wears a toothy grin as he rubs his shoulder, still feeling the effects from his dumpster dive earlier in the week with Zachariah Krahe, but he still manages to throw his arms over his head in premature victory as he pauses at the top of the ramp to awkwardly roll his hips to the music.
Ring Announcer: Introducing first, standing at five foot nine and weighting in at 189 pounds, hailing from Shaniko, Oregon....This is WILLLIEEE PEEETTTTEEEE!!
Willie continues jamming to the music as he makes his way down to the ramp, the fans not being able to refrain from laughing considering how ridiculous he appears. When he reaches ringside, he grabs the ring apron, and attempts a twerk that looks more like a sea lion trying to beach itself on the shore. When the speaking part of the song starts, he flashes up a hand and perfectly mouths the words while strutting up the steps and finally into the ring.
LO: Ummm.....
KO: What he said...
Willies party in the ring is abruptly cut off by the haunting intro of 'Viktoria Modesta' by Prototype filling the arena. When the lyrics finally kick in, Brodie bursts through the curtain wearing a leather jacket and her trademark loud hair flowing out behind her. She stops at the top of the ramp and starts pacing back and forth, all the while staring down at the ring with malicious intent. Despite her new direction, the fans still react with a huge ovation as the announcer tells her particulars..
Ring Announcer: And introducing his opponent, standing at five foot eleven and weighing in at 150 pounds, hailing from Manhattan, New York.....she is the 'Submission Machine'...BROODDDIIEEEE!!!
She starts her stalk down to the ring, mouthing off at Willie Pete long before she's close enough to hear what she has to say. She reaches ringside, leaping up onto the apron, and then slips through the ropes to stalk right towards her opponent. Diego Santiago jumps in her path, and she pauses, shaking free from her jacket and tossing it to the outside as she backs up, telling the ref to go ahead and ring the bell. Meanwhile, Pete stares across at Brodie with a mock surprised expression, lips drawn up in an 'O' quickly followed by a grin.
LO: Pete seems playful considering the transformation we've seen in Brodie ever since the 7 Pillars Gauntlet Match several weeks ago...
KO: Yeah, she's dove right off the deep end, if you ask me. But you got to admit, her tactics as of late have been......effective.
LO: If by tactics, you mean trying to permanently injure members of our roster, namely Siberia Zombie and Zachariah Krahe, then you'd be correct.
KO: They may not be in this match, but something tells me they are never very far from Brodie's mind, and if that is the case, Willie Pete might just get some residual violence as a result despite that little smooch at the start of the show.
LO: Well, it's not like Pete didn't go out of his way to wind the woman up by approaching her in the first place, but either way we're about to find out, cause Santiago just called for the bell!
Brodie and Willie begin a slow circle of one another, each step bringing them closer and closer to a meeting in the center of the ring. Finally they tie up, and Brodie quickly reaches back to take Pete by the wrist, spinning through with the arm into a dragon twist. Pete slaps at his shoulder in response, but doesn't get a chance to give any counter before Brodie spins under his arm to torque it unnaturally with another twist. Pete lets out a gasp of discomfort, but he doesn't stay compromised for long, diving forward into a front roll that sees him unwind his arm while getting to his feet, and reaching with his free arm to grab Brodie's wrist, and turning it in kind with a dragon twist of his own. Brodie doesn't even sell the move before a right hand sends Pete stumbling back into the ropes, abandoning the hold in surprise.
LO: Brodie wading in on Pete now, and he just barely has enough time to get his hands up before she starts laying into him with right hands.
KO: Brodie actually has the height advantage here, meaning she's got a longer reach, which is helping to hold Willie at bay...Man, she's vicious.
Brodie sneaks a few of those punches through the man's defenses, and once she's sure he's dazed, she grabs him by the wrist and goes to throw him to the opposite side. Willie, however, reverses and sends Brodie instead, and when she thunders back towards him he spins into a discus clothesline that nearly takes her head off. He pops up with a toothy grin, but doesn't get a chance to feel good about the move, as Brodie is already trying to make it to her feet. Willie quickly gets a gust of speed and leaps high into the air tucking his knees into his chest just before thrusting straight down into a double stomp onto Brodie's spine. The move sends her crashing face first down into the canvas, and Willie is quick to roll her over and go for a pin.
1...
LO: Brodie not even allowing a two count before kicking out, and Pete is helping her to her feet so that he can toss her back towards the ropes. Brodie returns again, and this time Pete catches her coming in with a clothesline, or else he would have, if Brodie hadn't instinctively latched on the arm, running both of them around in circles until forcing Willie down to the mat. She's trying to grapevine his arm now so that she can apply that submission she's been using for the past few weeks!
KO: If she gets that thing locked in it's over, but it looks like Pete may have scouted it, cause he's fighting like a dog to keep it from happening!
Pete eventually gets his arm free, and quickly rolls across the canvas until he's under the rope to the outside. He shakes his head 'No' at Brodie from ringside, leaving the woman frustrated and maybe even a little impressed. A fan in the front row says something disparaging about the Submission Machine, and Willie turns around, taking exception to the comment. The two begin to bicker, and Brodie rolls her eyes, stepping out onto the ring apron to await the verbal conflict to end. Willie, with what appears to be the last word, turns back towards the ring when he's taken completely by surprise as Brodie rushes across the ring apron and then cuts a somersault that wipes the man out.
LO: Brodie with an off the apron dive, and is already back on her feet, yanking Willie up and throwing him back into the ring!
KO: Pete knows better than to take his eyes off this wacko for an instance! She's crazy!
LO: I don't know how crazy she is, but she's definitely different, as Willie stumbles up to his feet and into a corner. Brodie with a full head of steam and Just Crushes Him In The Corner With A Clothesline!
Brodie follows the clothesline up by spinning so that she's right beside Willie, hooks him around the head, and takes off running into a bulldog that spikes his face off the center of the ring. Brodie quickly rolls him over onto his back, and hooks the leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: Pete out at two, and Brodie just pulled him up to a seated position, and worked her arm under his into a chicken wing, and uses her other hand to take the wrist and pull it down even further into some sort of modified submission hold!
KO: Yeah, and it must be doing the job too, cause Pete just cried out in pain and is trying to drag them to the ropes!
It takes three really big bursts of strength, but Pete does manage to get himself to the ropes for a break, except Brodie isn't breaking. Santiago admonishes her, and starts a five count, and just when it looks like he might have to call it, Brodie releases the hold, kicking with her feet to push Willie right through the bottom and middle rope to land unceremoniously on the concrete below. She rolls right out after him, grabbing the ring apron for support, and then unmercifully laying the boots to the shoulder she just tried to pry from its socket.
LO: Brodie is relentless here, as she pulls Pete back to his feet, only to whip him towards the steel barricade! Pete throws his hands out in front of him, able to put on the brakes, and here comes Brodie in right behind him!
KO: HE MOVED AT THE LAST SECOND, AND SHE JUST WENT CHEST FIRST INTO THE GUARDRAIL!!
LO: Pete now with a fistful of hair, and his eyes are crazed as he slams her face first down into the top of the steel!
KO: Pete is like a man possessed, dragging Brodie back to the apron and throwing her headfirst back into the ring.
Pete slides in behind her, coming up to his feet and dropping an elbow right down into the center of her spine. Brodie grimaces as she crawls towards the interior of the ring, but Pete is there to grab her by the ankle, and flip her over onto her back. He grabs the other leg now, and commences to laying in stomps directly to her midsection, finishing it off with a headbutt to the pelvis.
KO: Did....DID HE JUST HEADBUTT HER CROTCH!
LO: I believe the forehead struck the pelvis bone, but that does put his face in about the right region...
KO: What the F....
Ken can't finish the thought before Brodie is sent sailing out of the ring right in front of the announce table, and both men come to their feet to get away if need be as Pete comes out to join her once again. Willie snatches Brodie up, a wildness in his eyes, as he takes her by the wrist and flings her towards the announce table. She careens into the table, flipping up onto its surface, and then rolls to end up landing among the Othello's feet. Willie stalks around the table, laughing a maniacally at the brother announce team as he pulls Brodie back up, and leads her back towards the ring. Santiago is up to a count of seven when Pete tosses Brodie back in, and hops up onto the apron, but instead of getting in the ring he starts to scale the nearby corner instead.
LO: Willie Pete has lost it out here....
KO: Dude never had it to begin with, brother-of-mine!
Brodie uses the ropes to pull herself up to her feet at about the same time that Pete has made it to the top, and when she see's him, she gives him a bloody grin before shaking the rope in which he stands. Willie's expression goes from crazy to quite concerned as he looses his balance and comes down crotch first to straddle the top turnbuckle. The sudden impact obviously shocks him, as his eyes close tight while his mouth hangs wide open. Brodie wipes the trickle of blood from her mouth, still grinning, as she climbs up to the second to join him. She slams her skull against his several times before forcing him to stand back up on the top. She extends his arm out to the side, and then falls backwards pulling him with her, throwing her knee's up at the last second to catch him with a top rope arm breaker. Upon impact, Willie cries out in pain, jumping to his feet and running around the ring holding his injured limb, before collapsing to the mat.
LO: Brodie may have just broke Pete's arm with that move, and now she's the one with a different expression!
KO: She looks like she's just found lunch! But I don't know if Pete can continue, man. Santiago is talking to him now, and he's really concerned about that arm and the way it's just dangling there...
Brodie doesn't seem to care too much as she stalks over, shoving the referee out of the way so that she can drop a knee right down onto his shoulder. She bounces so that she comes back up to her feet, and reaches down to grab him by the wrist and yank him towards the center of the ring. Pete puts up a struggle, but a few swift kicks to the injury puts her in complete control. She stretches the arm out on the canvas, holding it in place with her boot, before leaping high into the air and driving her knee right down into the elbow joint. Pete comes up off the mat on instinct, clutching at the arm and falling back into the closest corner for support. Brodie watches him like a cat whose found a bird, and she slowly makes her approach for the kill.
LO: Brodie has Pete in a real bad way, and now she's just stalking the man....Wait! Pete just flashed a boot out to her midsection! Another one! Brodie's doubled over!
KO: I guess the attack on her gut was more serious than we thought, cause this just gave Pete a moment of reprieve.
LO: That, or it just GAVE HIM A MOMENT TO DO THIS!
Pete steps out of the corner, and despite the pain, manages to double under hook Brodie's arms before lifting her up and dropping straight back into a piledriver. The fans all 'Ooooo' as Brodie's skull impacts off the canvas, compressing her neck up into her spine in an awkward angle. Pete uses his good arm to shove Brodie onto her back, and simply lays his back across her for the cover.
1...
2...
Thre-Suddenly Pete finds his arms caught, one by Brodie's arm, the other by her legs, and he's reversed into a crucifix pin.
1...
2...
LO: Thre-NO! Pete kicks out, and he's already scooting away from Brodie in surprise!
KO: Well, wouldn't you be. I mean, damn! He just dumped her on her head, and she's still clawing for the win!
LO: I'd not underestimate Brodie for all of the Euro's in the World's Bank, brother-of-mine.
KO: Obviously Pete knows that now, as he's calling for her to get up. Unfortunately, it appears the most she can manage is sitting back into the corner..
LO: That appears to work for Pete too, as he takes a running go and DRIVES HIS KNEE RIGHT INTO HER TRAPPED SKULL!!!
Brodie's eyes roll into the back of her head as Pete quickly drags her by the leg towards the center of the ring, and then drops on top of her with a more proper cover, hooking the leg.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! My God, I thought that was it for sure!
KO: Pete did too by the expression on his face, and he's arguing a little bit with Santiago as he comes to his feet about just how close that really was.
LO: Santiago maintains that it was only two, and Pete just shrugged, looking down at Brodie as if he isn't sure what else to do...
Willie continues to walk around the ring, until a light bulb goes off, and he lifts his hand up to his face like a pointed gun, staring at it like he's certifiable. He then points the hand gesture gun at Brodie, and pulls the fake trigger, nodding his head in excitement for what he's about to pull off. He steps over and pulls a very limp Brodie up to her knees, and then her feet, tucking her head between his legs. He wraps his arms around her waist, and moves to lift her up into powerbomb position when she comes alive with sudden fists down into his head. The struggle knocks Willie off balance, and he stumbles around the ring trying to regain his balance, but it's already too late.
LO: These two are about to take a nasty spill, and OH! BRODIE JUST MANAGED TO SWING DOWN OFF OF PETE, BUT SHE CAUGHT HIS ARM ON THE WAY DOWN! HE'S FACE DOWN ON THE CANVAS, AND SHE JUST LOCKED IN THE CROSSFACE SUBMISSION!
KO: Pete is coming unglued, but she's got him all pretzeled up!
Indeed Brodie has the arm trapped, her arms wrapped around Willie's head, and she is torquing with every ounce of strength she has to try and pry the mans head from his shoulders. The fans are all on their feet as Santiago drops down in front of Pete, asking if he submits, but he says 'No', albeit a screaming in pain sort of 'No'. Brodie is like a pit bull as Pete pulls and grasps at the canvas to try and make it to the ropes, flopping around like a fish while she continues to maintain control of the hold. After a good solid minute, his thrashing has slowed considerably, and his hand barely hovers over the mat before flopping down. Santiago checks the arm, lifting it just for it to flop back down. He signals one to the time keeper.
LO: Willie Pete only has two more chances to show some life, or this thing is over.
KO: And the ref checks a second time, and again the dude is lifeless!
LO: One more time...and it's ove...WAIT! Pete stopped the hand from dropping at the last second, and Brodie looks incensed! SHE'S GOING TO TEAR HIS HEAD OFF!
Brodie puts her knee into the canvas, and yanks back on the arm while simultaneously pulling Pete's head back in a grotesque position, yet he somehow manages with one final pull at the canvas to reach out and finger the bottom rope. Santiago hops up and calls for a break, but Brodie shakes her head no, viciously retaining the hold as Pete cries out in pain. The Ref starts a five count, and just when it looks like we are going to have a repeat of Blitz#5, Brodie releases the hold, coming up to her feet in pure venom. The crowd actually boo's as she stalks back and forth in the ring like a caged animal, sometimes cocking her head to the side as if she's hearing a voice of a person that isn't there.
LO: Santiago checking on Willie Pete, who looks like he's about ready to pass out, and Brodie is taking a book out of a horror novel!
KO: I told you that woman was crazy! She's got a hard on for everyone in this promotion, as has been evidenced on Twitter, but she's not just talking. She really intends to burn them all down!
Willie Pete manages to get to his feet, leaning heavily against the ropes, and he releases his injured shoulder long enough to wave the referee off. Santiago looks concerned, but signals for the two to continue. The minute she gets the signal Brodie rushes at Pete, who ducks his head and back body drops her right up and over the top rope. Brodie somehow manages to grab the ropes on her way over, and twists in the air to land safely on the ring apron. It takes only a moment for Willie to turn back around and realize that his prey is safe and sound, and he rushes in to try and dislodge her from her narrow footing. Brodie, however, expecting this reaction, takes the time to grab for Pete's injured arm before dropping down to the floor herself, driving it down across the top rope with all of her weight. Pete's face is awash with pain as he clutches at the shoulder, stumbling back towards the center of the ring.
LO: Pete should have let the ref call this one to fight another day, and Brodie back into the ring as quick as a cat....AND SHE JUST TOOK HIM BACK DOWN TO THE MAT INTO ANOTHER CROSSFACE!!
KO: Pete is scrambling to get away, but he's got nowhere to go...they are dead center of the ring!
LO: This isn't good. He's risking serious injury here. He should just tap.
Despite the analyst's opinions, Willie refuses to tap, instead fading much the same as he did before. This time, he is nowhere near the ropes, and there is no chance of a break even if he were to somehow get another burst of adrenaline. The ref lifts his arm for one...two....and on the third flop, he signals for the bell, and calls for the break.
Ring Announcer: And the winner of this match via knock out....BRODIEEEE!!
Even with the announcement being made Brodie retains the hold, and now Santiago pleads with her to let go, threatening to reverse the decision. From out of nowhere Siberia Zombie appears in the ring after a belly slide, rushing in on the unaware Brodie to send a stiff boot down into the back of her head. This breaks the hold, and Brodie scrambles to her feet to try and figure out this new attacker. Upon seeing Zombie, she snarls in rage, but that rage is met with a super kick that sends her venom right back down her throat. Zombie drops down on top of Brodie in a mounted position, and starts unloading with piston like right hands.
LO: Zombie Out To Save Pete In The Nick Of Time, And Gaining Some Measure Of Retribution On Brodie For Last Show!
KO: I don't know that Pete had a whole lot do with it, Brother-of-Mine, but her actions here tonight might have just saved him from shoulder surgery.
LO: Security is rushing the ring now to pull Zombie off of Brodie, and she looks fired up here as she's pulled to the opposite end of the ring. God help Dakota Jennings and Roxi Johnson later tonight!
KO: Yeah, and now they're having to restrain Brodie as well! Good God, it's turned into a war zone out here!
LO: Well, while security straightens this mess out and medical staff attend to Willie Pete, lets check in with the camera crews in the back. I'm sure they've found something...
Sitting on top of a crate backstage Lenny was going through some papers before looking up and seeing the camera crew approaching. He takes the his glasses from his face and smiles, placing the papers beside him.
LENNY GRANT: Well that was easy wasn't it?
He laughs.
LENNY GRANT: I’m sorry Rex. I just proved my point to you. You're really not going to be anything around here. Now don't take that in a mean way. Just take it as criticism and maybe...just maybe you'll wake up one day and say you know what, I love wrestling but maybe the ring isn't where I belong.
He grabs the papers from beside him.
LENNY GRANT: So I brought some applications for ya. This one right here is for a referee position. You out this bad boy in and you could be well on your way to start that training.
He tosses the paper on the floor.
LENNY GRANT: And this one right here. It’s for a janitorial position. Like when streamers and shit get everywhere you go out there and clean it up. That's hazardous and safety does matter.
Tosses the paper.
LENNY GRANT: If you wanna use your eyes then this right here is for if you wanna be a talent scout. Much like I was. Because like I said maybe there is another route for you in this business. It's just not lasting in the ring with Valor’s Own newborn baby that's gonna shake things up around here. I showed somewhat of what I’m capable of doing and right now I just want more.
Lenny looks off into the distance at a couple of stagehands having themselves a conversation.
LENNY GRANT: And that's what I’m going to get at the next show because see me Rex I already put in my app. I know where I belong. That's right here my boy.
He hops down from the crate.
LENNY GRANT: See you all next show.
He walks off leaving on app to trail in the air, the camera following as it slowly trails to the floor. As the cameras fade out they fade to the app that reads 'Valor Pro saviour’ that's been filled out by Lenny Grant.
LENNY GRANT: Well that was easy wasn't it?
He laughs.
LENNY GRANT: I’m sorry Rex. I just proved my point to you. You're really not going to be anything around here. Now don't take that in a mean way. Just take it as criticism and maybe...just maybe you'll wake up one day and say you know what, I love wrestling but maybe the ring isn't where I belong.
He grabs the papers from beside him.
LENNY GRANT: So I brought some applications for ya. This one right here is for a referee position. You out this bad boy in and you could be well on your way to start that training.
He tosses the paper on the floor.
LENNY GRANT: And this one right here. It’s for a janitorial position. Like when streamers and shit get everywhere you go out there and clean it up. That's hazardous and safety does matter.
Tosses the paper.
LENNY GRANT: If you wanna use your eyes then this right here is for if you wanna be a talent scout. Much like I was. Because like I said maybe there is another route for you in this business. It's just not lasting in the ring with Valor’s Own newborn baby that's gonna shake things up around here. I showed somewhat of what I’m capable of doing and right now I just want more.
Lenny looks off into the distance at a couple of stagehands having themselves a conversation.
LENNY GRANT: And that's what I’m going to get at the next show because see me Rex I already put in my app. I know where I belong. That's right here my boy.
He hops down from the crate.
LENNY GRANT: See you all next show.
He walks off leaving on app to trail in the air, the camera following as it slowly trails to the floor. As the cameras fade out they fade to the app that reads 'Valor Pro saviour’ that's been filled out by Lenny Grant.
**********
Elsewhere backstage, preparing for an on-air interview with one of Valor Pro Wrestling newest and hottest commodities Vannah White. She is wearing a pair of jeans with a white t shirt that has the hashtag #ProjectDelete written on it in black letters. Once her likeness appears on the titantron for the live crowd they immediately erupt in an applause while she's smilingly warmly at Emily Burlingame.
Emily Burlingame: Vannah, thank you so much for joining me here tonight! First things first, how does this all feel?
She retains her smile as she nods her head left to right ever so softly.
Vannah White: It's amazing. The fans, the atmosphere -- the talent? The talent and level of competition you get here at Valor Pro Wrestling simply cannot be matched anywhere else! Ms. Byrne has made the transition to Valor an effortless process and has made me feel welcome here. It's an absolute honor of mine to be able to compete here for you all tonight!
The live crowd gives Vannah a huge pop.
Vannah White: Tonight I will be taking on Elina Cartel one on one. I've been granted an opportunity to prove myself against a Valor Pro champion with an undefeated streak in singles competition and I plan to make the most of it. I know the fans in attendance and those watching at home want to see us go out there and put it all on the line, not for us to get into the ring and lie down with or for each other...
Right then and there, she stops, pauses and thinks about it while laughter is heard from inside the arena.
Vannah White: Okay, well that would be a totally different Pay Per View and it would definitely air on the PlayBoy Channel instead of something classy like Fite Tv.
Vannah gives the producer and execs backstage a little wink of the eye while Emily Burlingame smiles clearly captivated by her guest.
Emily Burlingame: Vannah, we have heard you state your dissatisfaction on how Cross Recoba won the UnYielding championship at Blitz #5, can you expand on your feelings for your fans?
Vannah White: Of course, anything for my fans. However, rather than just trash Cross which would be the easiest thing to do --- let's talk about Krahe. I mean, he undoubtedly did fight tooth and nail to win the UnYielding championship only for him to lie down for some cash like a cheap hooker. I'm not here to knock anyone's profession but if money was his motivation, he could have made ten fold more cash then whatever Cross paid him to take a fall if he had any idea how to market himself as a champion. Unfortunately, as talented as the roster is the work ethic around here leaves much more to be desired. And so, Krahe took the pay off because simply put, he's lazy and can't be bothered to put any work in.
Emily Burlingame: Those are some harsh words for the former UnYeilding Champion. Anything about Cross Recoba?
Vannah White: You see things are a little complicated... we have mutual friends. I have already made my feelings known about Cross Recoba and his unsavory antics but I would prefer not to use this platform to rehash such feelings at this time.
Vannah White's decision to shy away from the question does draw some ire from some fans and cools what was a white hot crowd in her favor. Emily however is determined to obtain the soundbyte necessary to push for a raise in the near future.
Emily Burlingame: Surely for your fans you can tell us how you truly feel? I mean, isn't Cross just as much to blame for all this than anyone else!?
Before, Vannah can answer the question... Dakota Jennings walks into the frame, propped up right behind her back causing the live crowd to stir with anticipation.
Dakota Jennings: Vannah, why don't you go ahead and just tell these people the truth...
Her voice creeps up on Vannah, who flinches almost down to her knees. She spins around and realizes it's Dakota Jennings.
Vannah White: Uh, hey Kota!?
Dakota Jennings wanting to somewhat ease the tensions wraps her arms around Vannah White like a big sister would.
Dakota Jennings: Girl, I know you have been holding back about your true feelings on Cross because you didn't want to offend me and risk our friendship. I want you to know that I truly appreciate it but you don't have to hold back anymore, Vannah... I don't have to hold back anymore.
As Dakota Jennings smiles, a look of relief washes over Vannah White's face and her demeanor changes completely.
Vannah: Thank god you finally dumped that loser, it's about TIME! Do you know how LONG I have been waiting for this moment? Literally, the moment I met you I knew you were too good for that jerkoff! I promise you, Kota... life is going to be SO much better without him. I am soooooo proud of you!
The fans inside the arena erupts in cheers as the two embrace each other with a hug. With the coast now clear, Vannah turns her focus back to Emily Burlingame.
Vannah White: You want to know how I really feel about Cross Recoba?
The valor faithful start a ''YES'' chant, as her focus narrows and she looks directly into the camera.
Vannah White: Cross Recoba is a spineless, cowardly manchild who has just about enough money to buy whatever his black heart desires in this world and yet still manages to fall just a few cents short of being a decent human being!
Fuck you Cross Recoba!
Emily is shocked and even Dakota recoils at Vannah's choice of colorful language, most importantly she can hardly believe it herself! The crowd is white hot again as Vannah covers her mouth in dismay while Dakota just laughs it off.
Dakota Jennings: So... did you get it all out?
As the laughter the two shared dials down and the smiles fade, Vannah makes her intentions crystal clear to Dakota Jennings.
Vannah White: Kota, you might be done with Cross but I am JUST getting started.
Kota nods in acknowledgement before Vannah spins around on her heels and walk away leaving Emily Burlingame behind. Kota sticks around long enough to give her a sympathetic nudge on her shoulder before she takes off to catch up with Vannah off screen as the cameras return to ringside.
She retains her smile as she nods her head left to right ever so softly.
Vannah White: It's amazing. The fans, the atmosphere -- the talent? The talent and level of competition you get here at Valor Pro Wrestling simply cannot be matched anywhere else! Ms. Byrne has made the transition to Valor an effortless process and has made me feel welcome here. It's an absolute honor of mine to be able to compete here for you all tonight!
The live crowd gives Vannah a huge pop.
Vannah White: Tonight I will be taking on Elina Cartel one on one. I've been granted an opportunity to prove myself against a Valor Pro champion with an undefeated streak in singles competition and I plan to make the most of it. I know the fans in attendance and those watching at home want to see us go out there and put it all on the line, not for us to get into the ring and lie down with or for each other...
Right then and there, she stops, pauses and thinks about it while laughter is heard from inside the arena.
Vannah White: Okay, well that would be a totally different Pay Per View and it would definitely air on the PlayBoy Channel instead of something classy like Fite Tv.
Vannah gives the producer and execs backstage a little wink of the eye while Emily Burlingame smiles clearly captivated by her guest.
Emily Burlingame: Vannah, we have heard you state your dissatisfaction on how Cross Recoba won the UnYielding championship at Blitz #5, can you expand on your feelings for your fans?
Vannah White: Of course, anything for my fans. However, rather than just trash Cross which would be the easiest thing to do --- let's talk about Krahe. I mean, he undoubtedly did fight tooth and nail to win the UnYielding championship only for him to lie down for some cash like a cheap hooker. I'm not here to knock anyone's profession but if money was his motivation, he could have made ten fold more cash then whatever Cross paid him to take a fall if he had any idea how to market himself as a champion. Unfortunately, as talented as the roster is the work ethic around here leaves much more to be desired. And so, Krahe took the pay off because simply put, he's lazy and can't be bothered to put any work in.
Emily Burlingame: Those are some harsh words for the former UnYeilding Champion. Anything about Cross Recoba?
Vannah White: You see things are a little complicated... we have mutual friends. I have already made my feelings known about Cross Recoba and his unsavory antics but I would prefer not to use this platform to rehash such feelings at this time.
Vannah White's decision to shy away from the question does draw some ire from some fans and cools what was a white hot crowd in her favor. Emily however is determined to obtain the soundbyte necessary to push for a raise in the near future.
Emily Burlingame: Surely for your fans you can tell us how you truly feel? I mean, isn't Cross just as much to blame for all this than anyone else!?
Before, Vannah can answer the question... Dakota Jennings walks into the frame, propped up right behind her back causing the live crowd to stir with anticipation.
Dakota Jennings: Vannah, why don't you go ahead and just tell these people the truth...
Her voice creeps up on Vannah, who flinches almost down to her knees. She spins around and realizes it's Dakota Jennings.
Vannah White: Uh, hey Kota!?
Dakota Jennings wanting to somewhat ease the tensions wraps her arms around Vannah White like a big sister would.
Dakota Jennings: Girl, I know you have been holding back about your true feelings on Cross because you didn't want to offend me and risk our friendship. I want you to know that I truly appreciate it but you don't have to hold back anymore, Vannah... I don't have to hold back anymore.
As Dakota Jennings smiles, a look of relief washes over Vannah White's face and her demeanor changes completely.
Vannah: Thank god you finally dumped that loser, it's about TIME! Do you know how LONG I have been waiting for this moment? Literally, the moment I met you I knew you were too good for that jerkoff! I promise you, Kota... life is going to be SO much better without him. I am soooooo proud of you!
The fans inside the arena erupts in cheers as the two embrace each other with a hug. With the coast now clear, Vannah turns her focus back to Emily Burlingame.
Vannah White: You want to know how I really feel about Cross Recoba?
The valor faithful start a ''YES'' chant, as her focus narrows and she looks directly into the camera.
Vannah White: Cross Recoba is a spineless, cowardly manchild who has just about enough money to buy whatever his black heart desires in this world and yet still manages to fall just a few cents short of being a decent human being!
Fuck you Cross Recoba!
Emily is shocked and even Dakota recoils at Vannah's choice of colorful language, most importantly she can hardly believe it herself! The crowd is white hot again as Vannah covers her mouth in dismay while Dakota just laughs it off.
Dakota Jennings: So... did you get it all out?
As the laughter the two shared dials down and the smiles fade, Vannah makes her intentions crystal clear to Dakota Jennings.
Vannah White: Kota, you might be done with Cross but I am JUST getting started.
Kota nods in acknowledgement before Vannah spins around on her heels and walk away leaving Emily Burlingame behind. Kota sticks around long enough to give her a sympathetic nudge on her shoulder before she takes off to catch up with Vannah off screen as the cameras return to ringside.
KO: Oh Yeah, I heard. Ungrateful, winy, bit...
LO: WHOA, THERE KENNETH! No need for that kind of talk. Besides, I'm more interested in Vannah White's shout out in all of that, especially since she'll have her hands full with Elina Cartel later on tonight.
KO: Well, Vannah should probably stick to vlogging and stay out of other people's personal business, but what do I know?
LO: Good question! But now we're going to get a chance to see if Dakota Jennings can come out here and do what needs to be done against two women who have experienced one another before, where she hasn't.
KO: Yeah, lets get this show on the road. Generic Ring Announcer, take it away.
Ring Announcer: The following contest is a Triple Threat Match, and is scheduled for one fall or submission...
'Survival' by Eminem's familiar guitar riff fills the Royal Arena, and just as the hook of the song finishes it's mantra and Eminem starts his lyrical genius, Dakota Jennings breaks through the curtain among flashing purple lights. Her head bobs with the beat of the song, pausing at the top of the ramp to throw one hand pointing to the heavens, while regarding the cheering crowd with a confident smile. The arm drops at her side as she starts down to the ring with swagger.
Ring Announcer: Introducing first, standing at five foot six and weighting in at 115 pounds, hailing from Scottsdale, Arizona...She is DAKOTA JENNNNINNGGSSS!!
Kota bypasses the steps to hop up on the ring apron, and looks out at the crowd, calling out confidently the front row as her body moves to the music. She slips through the ropes to enter the ring, and quickly takes the far corners second turnbuckle, pointing out at the crowd only further hyping them up.
LO: Dakota Jennings had some trouble with the unorthodox Willie Pete, who stole the victory by pinning her with his feet on the ropes for leverage, but that doesn't seem to have taken any wind out of her sails here tonight in Copenhagen!
KO: Yeah, I heard the ref straight up apologized after watching the replay, but General Manager, Vanessa Byrne, told her there were no take backs in professional wrestling.
LO: Still a damn shame, but she has a chance to rectify that loss here tonight against two ladies who have their own redemption story to write...
'The Touch' by Stan Bush cuts Laurence off from anymore proverbs, and the sound of the 80's brings the crowd to its feet, as it is a prelude to who will be coming out next. Roxi Johnson bursts through the curtain and the ovation is deafening as Valor Pro's resident Super Hero runs out to the left side with a fist pump, and then to the right. Finally she comes to the center of the stage, and she runs in place as she points down to the ring...
Ring Announcer: And introducing her opponent, standing at five foot six and weighting in at 132 pounds, hailing from Tampa, Florida....she is everyone's favorite Super Hero...ROXI JOHNNSSSOONNN!!
As soon as the announcement is made, Roxi takes off into a sprint down to the ring, belly sliding right under the bottom rope to slide into the center of the ring. She pops up to her feet, and leaps up into the second rope of the opposite corner, pumping her fist with the music, an entire arena pumping theirs right back at her.
KO: This chick has got a following like no other here in Valor Pro, but that hasn't kept her from having some set backs in the squared circle.
LO: Maybe so, Ken, but I'm pretty sure that's what everyone loves about her. She's a ring general. She isn't going to let those setbacks get the best of her!
KO: Well, we're about to find out if she can pick up some momentum here tonight.
The sound of wind blows through the arena, and then the marching beat of Wanli by Hyukoh spills over the PA System. Just as the riffs begin out steps Siberia Zombie wearing a silk robe with two warring dragons snaking across it, and she doesn't even pause at the top of the stage as she continues to march along with the beat of the song down the ramp.
Ring Announcer: And making her way to the ring, standing at five foot six and weighting in at 130 pounds, hailing from Siberia, Russia....she is 'The Siberian Buzzsaw' SIBERIA ZOMBIEEEE!!!
Zombies march leads her to the steps at ringside, taking them two at a time to end up on the apron, and then climbing the ropes to stand on the second, her arms out at her side with an intense stare down at her opponents. She eventually steps up to the top, and hops down inside of the ring, flicking her shoulders which sends the silk floating down to the mat as she takes a fighting stance where she stands.
LO: Siberia Zombie looks like she's ready to go, and after gaining some retribution against Brodie earlier tonight, I think she's brimming with confidence.
KO: You mean that sneak attack on Brodie, right?
LO: Tit for tat, Laur. Brodie nearly tried to tear Zombie's arm from her shoulder last show, and if it hadn't been for security, she may have succeeded. I think that Zombie has simply had enough of the former artists crap, and it all seems to stem from this weird triangle affair with Zachariah Krahe.
KO: Got to admit, that dude's got some strange taste in ladies. Zombie will kick your face off, and Brodie will take your arm. I don't know which of those turns me on more...
Laurence regards his brother, tag partner, and fellow analyst with a sidelong glance, but doesn't get an opportunity to respond before Diego Santiago calls for the bell. The ladies all exchange glances from their respective corners for a moment, but it's Zombie who finally starts the action, by making a B-Line straight at Roxi. Johnson rushes to meet her, and the two end up by the ropes closes to the ramp, hammering away with right hands. Just when it looks like Zombie is about to employ some fancy footwork, Dakota Jennings comes flying in, throwing both feet out into a front dropkick, one foot for each of her opponents. The move surprises Johnson and Siberia, who both fall back into the ropes and right through the middle to painfully crash against the concrete floor.
LO: There for a second, I thought we were going to get a reboot from Blitz#1, when Roxi and Siberia battled for the #1 Contendership to the now defunct Monarch Championship, but they didn't have the Kota factor in that match!
KO: Yeah, and Jennings looks like she's about ready to do something death defying, as she is begging that Zombie and Roxi get to their feet.
The two ladies that were ejected to the outside eventually oblige, and Jennings rushes the opposite ropes for spring only to thunder back across the ring and fly through the ropes into a suicide dive that wipes everyone out. The fans cheer wildly as Dakota comes up to her feet, and reaches down to get Johnson to her feet so that she can get her back in the ring. She hops up onto the ring apron to follow her back in, but she's taken aback when Zombie manages to grab her by the ankle before she can make it. With a violent yank backwards Jennings is pulled from the ring apron awkwardly, eating the side of the ring on her way down. She clutches at her face in pain as Zombie is the one to make it back into the ring.
LO: Huge dive from Jennings, but she didn't get a chance to capitalize as she got Roxi back in the ring only for Zombie to help her face meet the ring apron!
KO: Now Johnson is back up, but she doesn't even get a chance to get her where-with-all before Zombie is on her with martial arts like strikes that drive her back into the corner!
Zombie has Roxi hemmed up with quick jabs, hooking rights, and surprise knee's. Finally, she drapes the woman's arms over either side of the ropes, and takes a wide stance in front of her, holding her fists at midsection height. From there she performs what can only be described as a succession of rapid fire piston like rights and lefts into Roxi's abdomen, each shot causing her to sink lower, and lower in the corner. Finally, she takes a few steps back to the center of the ring, and charges forwards dropping her shoulder for a spear right into the corner.
LO: Zombie with a full head of steam, but ROXI MOVED AND SIBERIA JUST WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE ROPES TO STRIKE HER SHOULDER ON THE STEEL RING POST!!
KO: If I'm not mistaken, that's the shoulder that Brodie targeted last show! Not a good sign for the Siberian Buzzsaw!
LO: Roxi Johnson his holding her midsection after that barrage she just took and is focused on Siberia. She doesn't see Dakota Jennings getting into the ring behind her!
Roxi dislodges Siberia from between the ropes, Zombie obviously injured the way she's protecting the shoulder, so she has no clue when Dakota comes barreling across the ring and dives, crushing both women into the corner with a big splash. Zombie drops down to a seated position against the bottom turnbuckle, while Roxi stumbles backwards, allowing Jennings to hook her around the midsection and take her down to the mat in a devastating release German suplex. She quickly scrambles to make a cover, and Santiago drops to make the count.
1...
2...
LO: Johnson kicks out at two, but Dakota is in full control here as she comes back to her feet, and spies Zombie over in the corner. Gets a full head of steam, and DOUBLE KNEE'S TO THE FACE FOR ZOMBIE!!
KO: This girl is on fire, as she turns her attention back to Roxi who just made it back to her feet over by the ropes. Here she comes with a full head of steam, BUT ROXI JOHNSON JUST BACK BODY DROPPED HER RIGHT OVER THE ROPES TO THE CONCRETE BELOW!
LO: Nasty spill for Dakota Jennings, and Roxi now making her way to the nearby corner and starting to climb. She's all the way up now, and Jennings is getting to her feet...ROXI COMES OFF WITH A FLYING CLOTHESLINE THAT WIPES HER OUT!
The fans at this point haven't touched their seats as they all stand in unison, cheering wildly. Roxi manages to her feet, and she pulls Dakota up with her, rolling her back inside the ring. Just as she's about to climb in after her, she's taken completely by surprise by a baseball slide drop kick from Zombie out of nowhere. Johnson hit's the steel guard rail at ringside ribs first, and slides down to her knee's in pain, while Zombie pulls herself up by use of the ropes. She's definitely favoring her busted shoulder, but she looks determined as Dakota Jennings rises in front of her. Zombie charges towards her target, and Jennings barely gets turned around before she's sent crashing back to the mat with a flying hip bump.
LO: Jennings lying in the center of the ring, and Zombie falls back into the ropes for some spring, coming back now with a High Jumping Knee Drop Straight Down Into Dakota's Face!
KO: What is it with Zombie? That's the second time she's tried to rearrange this beautiful girls face!
LO: I don't know, Ken. Why don't you get up there and ask her?
Kenneth Othello looks up into the ring where Zombie is now giving a war cry to the gods, and he shakes his head in answer as the woman comes back up to her feet, and takes a side fighting stance begging for Jennings to get to her feet. Eventually she does so, and as soon as she's in position, Zombie slides forward into a super kick. Unfortunately for her, Dakota manages to her her hands up and catches her foot, and without missing a beat steps over her caught leg and twists into a spinning heel kick that sends Zombie crashing to the mat. Dakota is quick to her feet, and she reaches down to pull Zombie up when she's completely shocked by a sudden inside cradle pin from her downed prey.
1...
2...
LO: Kick out by Jennings who is up quickly in frustration, but Zombie is quick on the draw as well...OH! Dakota Jennings Just Took Her Head Off With A Running Mafia Kick To the Face!
KO: She's looking really proud of herself after that one, but she better pay attention behind her, cause Roxi Johnson is scaling the turnbuckles!
Sure enough, Roxi has made it all the way to the top, yelling out to get Dakota's attention. Jennings turns back just in time to see Roxi come soaring off the top with a missle drop kick that sends her crashing to the mat. Johnson quickly scrambles over for a cover..
1...
2...
The pin is broken up by Siberia Zombie, who simply rolled over to their area, and sent a mule kick into Roxi's rib cage. Roxi gives a tell of her own, clutching at the ribs that were injured before by the guard rail, and Siberia takes notice as she pulls the woman up and sends her off the ropes to the far side. Roxi returns like a bat out of hell, and Siberia lets out a warriors yell before charging in and burying her knee in her abdomen for a knee lift. Roxi cuts a complete front flip to land on her back, but she's already halfway to her feet still clutching her ribs. Zombie starts forwards to inflict more damage, when she's suddenly yanked backwards by Dakota Jennings into a schoolboy pin.
1...
2...
It's Roxi's turn now to break up the pin, diving across the ring to bring an ax handle smash down across Jenning's shoulder blades. Dakota rears up from the strike, obviously feeling the effects, but more frustrated by the interference in her business. She turns to face Roxi who goes to boot her in the gut, but Dakota manages to catch her foot as well, yanks her forward trapping the leg, and then takes her over into a snap exploder suplex.
LO: Good God! This action has been intense, with near fall after near fall.
KO: Damn right, and we've seen here tonight exactly why a triple threat is so dangerous. It's damn near impossible to get a pin when you have another opponent lurking around to break it up.
Jennings starts to go for a cover after the suplex, but notices that Zombie is already back on her feet and in motion. She just barely gets out of the way of a running football like punt kick that would have took her head off, and while the woman is off balance, slips her head under her arm, and lifts her up for a side suplex. Zombie, however, see's the move coming, and uses the momentum to roll right off her shoulder to end up behind her. She hooks her around the waist to go for a German suplex of her own, when Roxi appears suddenly behind her, hooking her around the waist as well. Suddenly all three women pitch backwards, resulting in Dakota Jennings being release to slam to the mat awkwardly on the back of her neck and shoulders, then Zombie, and finally Roxi, who takes Siberia's lower body crashing right on top of her head.
LO: OH MY GOD! Triple German Suplex has left all three ladies down in the ring, and Diego Santiago has no other choice but to start a ten count!
KO: That's what you call a trifecta move, Laur.
Diego reaches the count of six when Roxi Johnson shoves Zombie off of her, slowly sitting up, and then rolling the rest of the way up to her feet. Jennings, having landed close to the ropes, uses them to help herself, and turns around just in time to see Roxi Johnson charging right for her. Quickly Dakota sits down, dragging the top rope with her, and Roxi Johnson goes sailing over to the concrete below. She pulls herself back up, and turns around to spy Zombie making her way to her feet, and she takes off in that direction only to walk into a super kick that snaps her head back. Zombie stumbles, holding her shoulder, and then collapses to land on top of the laid out Jennings. Diego drops for the count.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Dakota Jennings Kicked Out At The Last Second, and she did it without having to be saved! That shows you her grit and determination in this match!
KO: Yeah, but she's definitely feeling that one, and this gives Zombie a real opportunity to put the woman away!
Zombie gets to her feet, and she pulls Dakota up with her, double underhooking her arms, and then spinning around in backslide position. Just then, from out of nowhere, Roxi returns to the match with a missle drop kick right from the top rope that catches Zombie right in the chest. This sends her reeling backwards, but in the compromising position that her arms are locked with Dakota's, it turns it into a backslide pin in favor of the native from Scottsdale, Arizona. Santiago drops to make the count.
1...
2...
Roxi grabs Zombie by the ankle and yanks her out of the pinning predicament, and stomps her across the back of the head for good measure.
LO: Roxi Johnson breaks up the pin with a nasty shot to Zombie to boot, no pun intended, and now she turns around to forearm smash a rising Jennings back into the ropes.
KO: Roxi sends Dakota to the far side, and Zombie has just enough time to look up and float over onto her stomach, forcing Dakota to leap over before hitting the ropes for a return.
LO: Zombie stays down, and this time Roxi drops down beside her, and Dakota makes a double jump now, momentum not slowing, hitting off the ropes again!
This time when Dakota returns both Roxi and Siberia have popped to their feet, and she's leap frogged by Roxi and then Zombie, sending her into the ropes for a fourth time. Both women land and spin around to face the oncoming traffic. When Jennings returns Zombie ducks her head, catching her with a back body drop that cuts her a flip that see's her land right onto Roxi Johnson who catches her in a powerbomb position. Jennings, however, quickly swings her body around and sends Roxi crashing into Zombie with a modified head scissor take over. The momentum sends Zombie falling into the middle ropes, draping her arms and chest across the cable. Roxi is momentarily sent to her hands and knees after collision, and Dakota takes this opportunity to hit the ropes again for spring, and step up onto Roxi's back for height before leaping off to crash down across Zombie's shoulders, hanging her out to dry.
LO: Dakota Jennings showing some real ring savy there, as Zombie clutches at her throat. Roxi back in an upright position, and Dakota right back in on her with a hard front kick to the chest that takes her down to her knee's!
KO: These fans just came up to their feet for what Kota's signaling with that look out to the crowd.
Cheers erupt as Jennings rares back with her left foot, and then sends rapid fire shin kicks into Roxi's chest, the fans counting along as she goes. Finally, with Roxi dazed, Jennings takes a step back for a big wind up kick, but instead is grabbed from behind by Zombie, and sent crashing face first to the mat in a reverse STO. Jennings cradles her face as she rolls towards the ropes and out to the floor. Zombie turns back to Roxi, still in position, and she takes a martial arts like stance before going for her own version of the roundhouse finish to the series. Roxi, however, manages to duck, and comes up to slip her head under Siberia's arm, lifting her up, and then driving her back down into a side suplex that rattles the ring. Both women lay there for a moment sucking wind, before Roxi starts struggling back up to her feet.
LO: SO much action in such a short amount of time...man, these triple threats are insane.
KO: Yeah, and Roxi looks like she's in prime position to capitalize while she's got one on the inside, and the other on the outside.
Roxi rallies the crowd as she pumps her fist into the air, and then approaches the near corner with a stutter step before leaping into a split legged bounce off the top into a beautiful moonsault down on Zombie!
LO: SUPER HERO PRESS! AND HERE'S THE COVER!!
1...
2...
LO: Thre-NO! Dakota Jennings with the break via a Rolling Plancha back into the ring across Roxi's back! Roxi coming up holding her spine as Dakota comes rushing in and OH! ENZIGURI RIGHT OFF THE SKULL!
KO: Damn, Roxi's eyes just rolled into the back of her head, and Dakota not wasting anytime....She just pulled her over to the far corner, and is on her way to the top!
Dakota quickly hops up to the top and from her perch the fans come to their feet as she points heavenward, knowing something special is about to happen. And something special indeed is on the menu, as the woman takes flight in a breath taking 450 splash that crushes Roxi Johnson into the mat.
LO: JENNISIS TO ROXI!! AND OH MY GOD!! NO SOONER DID SHE HIT IT, BUT THERE'S ZOMBIE WITH A LOW DROP KICK THAT SENDS HER RIGHT THROUGH THE ROPES TO THE OUTSIDE!
KO: ZOMBIE WITH A COVER!
1...
2...
3!!!
LO: Oh My God! You talk about stealing one. She's been taking lessons from Zachariah Krahe!
KO: Win's a win, Laur, and she pulled that magic trick right out the hat. You gotta believe that Dakota Jennings is going to be extra saucy after this one.
Ring Announcer: And the winner of the match via pinfall....'THE SIBERIAN BUZZSAW' SIBERIA ZOMMBBIEEE!!!
Dakota Jennings pulls herself up at ringside, and she stares into the ring in disbelief as Zombie's hand is raised. Roxi removes herself from the ring holding her midsection painfully while slapping the apron in frustration. Suddenly a blur passes by both and belly slides into the ring, and when she pops up the Submission Machine is zeroed in on the winner of the match. Zombie barely has enough time to turn around before she's blasted into the corner by Brodie, viciously laying the boots into her prey's midsection until she slides down to a seated position. From there, she switches the point of her attack to the shoulder, angling her stomps right down on Zombie's limb.
LO: GOOD GOD WE'VE GOT A REPEAT, BUT IN REVERSE!
KO: Brodie hit that ring like a bat out of hell, and Roxi Johnson and Dakota Jennings didn't even get the chance to take in everything that's just happened here...and now Security is rushing the ring!
LO: These two are dead set on killing each other before they ever make it to Equinox, and I'm telling you right now this is not going to bode well with our lead Booker!
KO: Security finally pulling Brodie off of Zombie, but now the Siberian Buzzsaw is coming up, and she looks fit to be tied! She's launching herself into security to get at Brodie!
LO: We're going to need more guys out here, Jesus!
Security that was supposed to be working the crowd quickly abandon their posts after receiving word in their ear pieces, and they jump the guard rail to rush the ring. Once inside half pile onto the bucking Brodie, and the other half tackle the biting Zombie.
LO: Folks, it looks like we may have reestablished some order out here, but we're running low at this rate on bodies we can put between these two.
KO: Yeah, and while we allow them to do their job and clean up this mess, let's head to the back to see what the cameras have picked up. We'll be back in a few...
The camera switches to Rex Rumble, sweating profusely despite his match being long since over, and clutching his injured back thanks to Lenny Grant’s ‘Granted’ finisher. He is stalking around like a caged animal in one of the Royal Arena’s hallways, his eyes darting here and there even though there doesn’t appear to be anyone around.
“Nothing means nothing...yeah….Lenny Grant got lucky….HE GOT LUCKY!! Got distracted by that other guy at ringside...yeah….LOOKED LIKE A RHINOCEROS..YEAH!”
The sound of approaching footsteps sends Rex on red alert, and he pauses, cocking his head to the side like a velociraptor from Jurassic Park. He spins around towards the footsteps, dialed up all the way to nine, and screams his epitaph out to the ether.
“WHOSE SNEAKING AROUND ABOUT ME?!? CAN’T YOU SEE I’M PHILOSOPHIZING!! MEANING OF LIFE, YEAH!!”
The sound of a lighter flickering from a darkened doorway heralded the sudden illumination of Zachariah Krähe. Who for all intents and purposes looks as if he had just woken up from a Sunday nap. The sharp contrast between the two men's energy was blatantly obvious, as Krähe lazily lights his cigarette, and then steps into the light.
“Yo…” That was it. A one word greeting offered in the most lackadaisical voice Rex has possibly ever heard.
Their eyes lock and the silence stretches for moments that seem to feel like hours to Rex judging by his near instant reaction. Frozen there, eyes wide, breathing heavily despite the lack of activity between them, Rex finally grabs his belt buckle, and flashes a neon gloved finger towards Krahe.
“You’re that guy who sold his championship to that other guy, yeah…...Rex Rumble can not be bought, Yeah. He isn’t on discount! FULL PRICE! YEAH!”
Rather than looking insulted a slow cheshire grin stretches the corners of Krähe's mouth.
“Of course you aren't Rex. It's honestly one of things I admire about you. Why from the first time I saw you I thought to myself-” He pauses for a moment in his smooth speech, ensuring that he has Rex's full attention. “Self, that right there is a man...A man that can't be bought.”
He punctuates this last bit with his cigarette and a nod of his head. Almost as if to the beat of a song. His grin more subtle as he notices Rex nodding along with him. It was a bit more theatrical than usual...at least for him, but you always had to know how to work your audience.
“So there was never any question in my mind about not being able to buy you, Sir. No, the question I asked myself is...What could I do to help this man?”
Rex looks Krahe up and down, narrows his eyes, and then slowly lets his pointing finger drop to his side. He begins to pace side to side, making small little arcs, and then he starts nodding as if he just heard an answer to a question he’s been waiting on for sometime.
“Want to help Rex Rumble, do you? Yeah…..well ever since coming overseas I’ve had a real hard time finding a McDonalds…..BIG MAC! YEAH!”
Rex nods his head knowingly, holding his hand up to the side of his face with his pinky extended.
“You help Rex Rumble find that, and we’ll get along just fine….YEAH!”
Krähe blinks for a moment, before smothering a chuckle. Without any hesitation he nods his head in earnest agreement. “Tell you what Rex after the show we will go find you a Big Mac, and while we do that we can talk about the different opportunities that could present themselves to you in the future. For instance-”
He blew out a plume of smoke and tilted his head slightly as if in thought.
“Have you ever considered what a Twitter account could do for your personal platform?”
Rex stares blankly at Krahe, his hand once again slowly drifting down to his side. He looks left, then right, and then takes a step towards Krahe, getting in whispering distance.
“You mean like a ring rat? A Twitter? Of course I consider it...every show, yeah, but these ladies over here don’t shave….yeah….DISGUSTING! YEAH!”
The last comes out in an explosion, and the close proximity causes Krahe’s cigarette smoke to billow every which way.
Krähe opens his mouth as if to say something, and then closes it again, biting his lower lip while tilting his head down. Mentally he was repeating his ABCs backwards in his head to keep from laughing. He used the slight tearing of the eyes this caused to his own advantage when he turns his gaze back towards Rex. The effect created the illusion that Rex's words had filled him with emotion.
“Friend...Twitter will let people all over the world hear what Rex has to say, and that includes plenty of ring rats. In fact you will find Twitter chalk full of them. Why they've even created weekly holidays to promote nearly nude pictures of themself...You could say it's like the Golden Corral of female promiscuity.”
His voice deepens near the end as if parting with some secret information meant for Rex's ears alone.
“And Rex.. I know that they would be awfully eager to have a real man like you around.”
Rex takes a step back, the gears obviously grinding, and finally a cryptic smile crosses his face. One in which doesn’t necessarily fit the occasion, but whatever.
“Mmmmm...I do like me some Golden Corral, yeah….”
With that, Rex nods in rapid succession, and then brings his arm back at his side dramatically, before slow extending his hand with palm spread like the greatest handshake that the world has ever seen. Krähe doesn't waste a moment in gripping the man's hand, careful to maintain that fine line between manly handshake and challenge. After all these were the situations that hand sanitizer was created for. The two eventually release the handshake way more intensely than any handshake should ever be released, and both take off in opposite directions as the camera cuts back to ringside.
“Nothing means nothing...yeah….Lenny Grant got lucky….HE GOT LUCKY!! Got distracted by that other guy at ringside...yeah….LOOKED LIKE A RHINOCEROS..YEAH!”
The sound of approaching footsteps sends Rex on red alert, and he pauses, cocking his head to the side like a velociraptor from Jurassic Park. He spins around towards the footsteps, dialed up all the way to nine, and screams his epitaph out to the ether.
“WHOSE SNEAKING AROUND ABOUT ME?!? CAN’T YOU SEE I’M PHILOSOPHIZING!! MEANING OF LIFE, YEAH!!”
The sound of a lighter flickering from a darkened doorway heralded the sudden illumination of Zachariah Krähe. Who for all intents and purposes looks as if he had just woken up from a Sunday nap. The sharp contrast between the two men's energy was blatantly obvious, as Krähe lazily lights his cigarette, and then steps into the light.
“Yo…” That was it. A one word greeting offered in the most lackadaisical voice Rex has possibly ever heard.
Their eyes lock and the silence stretches for moments that seem to feel like hours to Rex judging by his near instant reaction. Frozen there, eyes wide, breathing heavily despite the lack of activity between them, Rex finally grabs his belt buckle, and flashes a neon gloved finger towards Krahe.
“You’re that guy who sold his championship to that other guy, yeah…...Rex Rumble can not be bought, Yeah. He isn’t on discount! FULL PRICE! YEAH!”
Rather than looking insulted a slow cheshire grin stretches the corners of Krähe's mouth.
“Of course you aren't Rex. It's honestly one of things I admire about you. Why from the first time I saw you I thought to myself-” He pauses for a moment in his smooth speech, ensuring that he has Rex's full attention. “Self, that right there is a man...A man that can't be bought.”
He punctuates this last bit with his cigarette and a nod of his head. Almost as if to the beat of a song. His grin more subtle as he notices Rex nodding along with him. It was a bit more theatrical than usual...at least for him, but you always had to know how to work your audience.
“So there was never any question in my mind about not being able to buy you, Sir. No, the question I asked myself is...What could I do to help this man?”
Rex looks Krahe up and down, narrows his eyes, and then slowly lets his pointing finger drop to his side. He begins to pace side to side, making small little arcs, and then he starts nodding as if he just heard an answer to a question he’s been waiting on for sometime.
“Want to help Rex Rumble, do you? Yeah…..well ever since coming overseas I’ve had a real hard time finding a McDonalds…..BIG MAC! YEAH!”
Rex nods his head knowingly, holding his hand up to the side of his face with his pinky extended.
“You help Rex Rumble find that, and we’ll get along just fine….YEAH!”
Krähe blinks for a moment, before smothering a chuckle. Without any hesitation he nods his head in earnest agreement. “Tell you what Rex after the show we will go find you a Big Mac, and while we do that we can talk about the different opportunities that could present themselves to you in the future. For instance-”
He blew out a plume of smoke and tilted his head slightly as if in thought.
“Have you ever considered what a Twitter account could do for your personal platform?”
Rex stares blankly at Krahe, his hand once again slowly drifting down to his side. He looks left, then right, and then takes a step towards Krahe, getting in whispering distance.
“You mean like a ring rat? A Twitter? Of course I consider it...every show, yeah, but these ladies over here don’t shave….yeah….DISGUSTING! YEAH!”
The last comes out in an explosion, and the close proximity causes Krahe’s cigarette smoke to billow every which way.
Krähe opens his mouth as if to say something, and then closes it again, biting his lower lip while tilting his head down. Mentally he was repeating his ABCs backwards in his head to keep from laughing. He used the slight tearing of the eyes this caused to his own advantage when he turns his gaze back towards Rex. The effect created the illusion that Rex's words had filled him with emotion.
“Friend...Twitter will let people all over the world hear what Rex has to say, and that includes plenty of ring rats. In fact you will find Twitter chalk full of them. Why they've even created weekly holidays to promote nearly nude pictures of themself...You could say it's like the Golden Corral of female promiscuity.”
His voice deepens near the end as if parting with some secret information meant for Rex's ears alone.
“And Rex.. I know that they would be awfully eager to have a real man like you around.”
Rex takes a step back, the gears obviously grinding, and finally a cryptic smile crosses his face. One in which doesn’t necessarily fit the occasion, but whatever.
“Mmmmm...I do like me some Golden Corral, yeah….”
With that, Rex nods in rapid succession, and then brings his arm back at his side dramatically, before slow extending his hand with palm spread like the greatest handshake that the world has ever seen. Krähe doesn't waste a moment in gripping the man's hand, careful to maintain that fine line between manly handshake and challenge. After all these were the situations that hand sanitizer was created for. The two eventually release the handshake way more intensely than any handshake should ever be released, and both take off in opposite directions as the camera cuts back to ringside.
“Bad Moon Rising” by CCR hits and Brad Stokes struts out to the top of the ramp wearing his customary leather jacket, sunglasses, and makes a broad display of revealing his custom made t-shirt for this episode: Mr. Brad Moon Rising it reads, and it’s a mock up image of Brad Stokes made to look like the iconic image of Jim Morrison - more of a testament to the fact Brad likely doesn’t understand the lyrics to any of the songs he chooses and thinks L.A Woman by the Doors features lyrics about him.
He smirks, chewing gum and on his way down the ramp spits it at one of the fans who takes offense. Brad laughs, takes another stick of gum from his pocket and begins chewing it, only to repeat the slight further down the aisle. He does this four times before making it into the ring with an already pissed off string of fans booing.
Brad Stokes: Shut the hell up.
He cackles. The music dies down leaving only the displeasure of the fans.
BS: Good evening, salutations, felications, feliz navidad and well wishes to everyone not currently making me wish I wasn’t in Denmark right now hahaha.
The crowd boos. Brad doesn’t care. He paces confidently.
BS: Welcome to night 2 of the Brad Stokes experience. I’ll be your tour guide on the experience, Brad Stokes. You unlucky few who paid to watch this here wrestling show are just going to have to wait while the rest of my adoring fans see me in all my splendor and glory.
He opens his arms and struts for a minute to a chorus of boos.
BS: They told me after the last time when I demolished Brennan whatshisnamelin in the ring that apparently they set up some chairs for me and my guest, but who do they think they’re fooling, huh? Brad Stokes doesn’t need chairs. All Brad Stokes needs is one mic like I was Nas.
Brad laughs. No one in Denmark knows what the hell he’s talking about.
BS: Big surprise you idiot polish people wouldn’t understand the words of the GREAT NASIR BIN OLU DARA JONES, so I’ll spare you the rest of my spiele in favor of bringing the next unlucky son of a bitch out here. Who is it, huh?
He lifts a cue card from the breast pocket of his leather jacket and reads.
BS: Davy Bosoms. Haha. Yeah. Great. Come on out here, Davy Breasts. You and your bosoms. Let’s let the people get a good look at you while the Stokesy teaches you a thing or two.
Brad laughs.
The crowd prepares themselves for the piano ballad of Michael Nyman’s “The Heart Asks Pleasure First.” However, it’s a different melody that slowly croons out of the PA system.
“Moonlight Sonata” is the song we hear instead. Out from the curtain, with their faces matching the somber overtones of Beethoven’s melancholy are Davy Blossom and Elegance.
As for Elegance’s expression, we’re not sure if it’s a result of the music or the fact that she is currently being pushed in a solid gold wheelchair by her husband. Much like Regina George at prom, she looks as radiant as she can be while wearing a neck brace, metal headgear, a large plaster cast with intricate vines and roses as decorative paint on her left leg, sling around her arm, and a portable IV pumping liquid into her veins.
Blossom is doing his best to guide the wheelchair and the pump simultaneously, stopping abruptly at the ramp. He breaks his forlorn demeanor and shouts angrily toward the back, asking for assistance. After a few moments…
...no one shows up. He grunts and gingerly guides the chair and the infusion pump as carefully as possible down the ramp, coming extremely close to letting go of both before finally reaching the bottom.
They make their way down to ringside, acting oblivious to the negative reactions from the audience. Once within reach of the squared circle, Davy positions Elegance’s wheelchair dead center to camera side, then glances up at Stokes who is growing somewhat impatient. In spite of this, however, the Marigold Mat Maestro gestures to him with a single finger, asking him to hold on for a second.
With that, Blossom runs at full sprint (very difficult to do in leather tobacco-colored wing tip shoes and auburn-colored slim-fit dress slacks) back up the entrance corridor and up the ramp through the curtain.
BS: What the hell are you doing…?
Blossom emerges once again, only this time holding a leash. Trotting out alongside him is an adorable little Pomeranian dog. Brad looks terrified.
However, a few fans as well as Brad Stokes quickly recognize that canine to not be as adorable as most think it is. The snow white terror is none other than Gary, Brennan Devlin’s Cerberus in disguise. Of course, he is not barking fire and brimstone, but rather prancing at pace with Davy as he brings him down to Elegance, carefully placing the dog on her lap before making his way up the metal stairs to enter the ring.
BS: You just leave that mutt right where it is, son, or else we’re gonna have a problem.
Brad rolls up his sleeves, ready for a real fight now. Davy, in turn, is a bit perplexed. While he’s not quite fond of Stokes’ tough-talk and matching tough-jacket, this is not the encounter one would expect when two perceived rulebreakers meet for the first time. Therefore, Blossom diffuses the situation as best as possible.
Davy Blossom: Ah, monsieur, the canine is merely present from its kennelled quarters to serve as protection to my muse whilst I engage in this civil expose. As I’m sure you can agree, Mr. Stokes, the security arrangements in this organization are quite beggarly.
Brad stares blankly at Davy, clearly hung up on some of the words Davy had just used.
BS: What did you just call me, you sack of shit?! Huh? You come down here… to my ring… in god knows wherever the hell we are… with your sick mom and your attack dog, and you think I don’t know what’s going on here, huh?
Brad nods in silent, angry agreement with himself. The fans are noisy enough to let you know there’s some definite energy in the room. After a moment…
BS: No, seriously, what the hell is going on here, what the hell happened to you guys?
Davy drops a quizzical look, not certain about the quick change in time signature. Nonetheless, he shrugs it off.
DB: I suspect the tension of your travel may not have quite waned, Mr. Stokes. Alas, let me reassure you that the presence of Gary means you no harm. For you see, behind those hallowed walls that house this forum in which we entertain lurks the presence of one
Roxangela Johnson. After the foray from the previous act of Blitzkrieg, I shant be to ignore any premonition that she may throw caution once more to the winds of the high seas and BRUTALLY ambush my dove once more.
Stokes appears ready to interject, like he understands what’s happening. He doesn’t. But unfortunately the ego he stands next to is of similar gigantic size to his own. Blossom continues on his tangent.
DB: With time, her cuts will coalesce and her bruises be washed back to reveal her flawless pearl complexion. And with time, I shall extract my methodical abrasions and crash down upon Roxi with the hammer to SMITHEREEN her muscle and soul, splattering it upon the canvas as if it were a Picasso masterpiece. But I stand before you today to address not Mademoiselle Johnson. I stand before you, here in the vast frozen ivory grounds of Copenhagen, to address Valour Professional Wrestling as a whole.
Brad is nodding along with Davy the whole time. Blinking periodically, checking to see if his earpiece is working. He’s not wearing one.
DB: Many have snickered far from earshot at my defeats thus far in competition. Ye, there have been many a tribulation, much like the great Holger Danske’s battles whilst being forced upon him the mark of Charlemagne. However, my vow to the citizens of this nation and to VPW is that I shall fail in conquest over the Burmands of the roster no longer. The blinded eye and utter mistreatment of moi and mi belle has placed flint to kindling, and the flames shall not be extinguished until every last bit of Vanessa Byrne’s earth hast been scorched. And then, THEN, all shall bend the knee so that the seal of the Flower is emblazoned upon your armor.
Brad looks out at the crowd… then to Davy, nodding like he gets it. He doesn’t get it.
BS: Yeah? Yeah? Well, you see, the thing is… I happen to have received word from a little birdie named Brodie--
Davy looks confused. Brodie, as in the Brodie backstage? Brad is right up in his face, without much time left to consider.
BS: that you two are the problem with this wrestling company.
DB: My dearest, Bradley, I--
BS: Shut the hell up, you Shakespearean Twink. She said a ton of stuff, my future ex-wife Brodie did, most of which I didn’t understand, but I got the jist. And the jist is… YOU”RE GOING DOWN!!! SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS!
Without warning Brad hauls off a haymaker aimed right at Davy’s head. For the first time in his life, Davy, almost by second nature, makes it look effortless, as he catches Brad’s arm and judo arm drags Brad up and over, sending him skidding across the ring to the outside at the wheels of Elegance who proceeds to use her remaining energy to roll her wheelchair, and the gold-plated metal stirrup foot rests into him repeatedly where he lays. The entire scene is anticlimactic, and rather pathetic. With a raised eyebrow, Davy steps out of the ring, sauntering back down the steps towards his beloved Elegance, stepping over Brad Stokes’ body and wheels his beloved back up the ramp whence they came.
He smirks, chewing gum and on his way down the ramp spits it at one of the fans who takes offense. Brad laughs, takes another stick of gum from his pocket and begins chewing it, only to repeat the slight further down the aisle. He does this four times before making it into the ring with an already pissed off string of fans booing.
Brad Stokes: Shut the hell up.
He cackles. The music dies down leaving only the displeasure of the fans.
BS: Good evening, salutations, felications, feliz navidad and well wishes to everyone not currently making me wish I wasn’t in Denmark right now hahaha.
The crowd boos. Brad doesn’t care. He paces confidently.
BS: Welcome to night 2 of the Brad Stokes experience. I’ll be your tour guide on the experience, Brad Stokes. You unlucky few who paid to watch this here wrestling show are just going to have to wait while the rest of my adoring fans see me in all my splendor and glory.
He opens his arms and struts for a minute to a chorus of boos.
BS: They told me after the last time when I demolished Brennan whatshisnamelin in the ring that apparently they set up some chairs for me and my guest, but who do they think they’re fooling, huh? Brad Stokes doesn’t need chairs. All Brad Stokes needs is one mic like I was Nas.
Brad laughs. No one in Denmark knows what the hell he’s talking about.
BS: Big surprise you idiot polish people wouldn’t understand the words of the GREAT NASIR BIN OLU DARA JONES, so I’ll spare you the rest of my spiele in favor of bringing the next unlucky son of a bitch out here. Who is it, huh?
He lifts a cue card from the breast pocket of his leather jacket and reads.
BS: Davy Bosoms. Haha. Yeah. Great. Come on out here, Davy Breasts. You and your bosoms. Let’s let the people get a good look at you while the Stokesy teaches you a thing or two.
Brad laughs.
The crowd prepares themselves for the piano ballad of Michael Nyman’s “The Heart Asks Pleasure First.” However, it’s a different melody that slowly croons out of the PA system.
“Moonlight Sonata” is the song we hear instead. Out from the curtain, with their faces matching the somber overtones of Beethoven’s melancholy are Davy Blossom and Elegance.
As for Elegance’s expression, we’re not sure if it’s a result of the music or the fact that she is currently being pushed in a solid gold wheelchair by her husband. Much like Regina George at prom, she looks as radiant as she can be while wearing a neck brace, metal headgear, a large plaster cast with intricate vines and roses as decorative paint on her left leg, sling around her arm, and a portable IV pumping liquid into her veins.
Blossom is doing his best to guide the wheelchair and the pump simultaneously, stopping abruptly at the ramp. He breaks his forlorn demeanor and shouts angrily toward the back, asking for assistance. After a few moments…
...no one shows up. He grunts and gingerly guides the chair and the infusion pump as carefully as possible down the ramp, coming extremely close to letting go of both before finally reaching the bottom.
They make their way down to ringside, acting oblivious to the negative reactions from the audience. Once within reach of the squared circle, Davy positions Elegance’s wheelchair dead center to camera side, then glances up at Stokes who is growing somewhat impatient. In spite of this, however, the Marigold Mat Maestro gestures to him with a single finger, asking him to hold on for a second.
With that, Blossom runs at full sprint (very difficult to do in leather tobacco-colored wing tip shoes and auburn-colored slim-fit dress slacks) back up the entrance corridor and up the ramp through the curtain.
BS: What the hell are you doing…?
Blossom emerges once again, only this time holding a leash. Trotting out alongside him is an adorable little Pomeranian dog. Brad looks terrified.
However, a few fans as well as Brad Stokes quickly recognize that canine to not be as adorable as most think it is. The snow white terror is none other than Gary, Brennan Devlin’s Cerberus in disguise. Of course, he is not barking fire and brimstone, but rather prancing at pace with Davy as he brings him down to Elegance, carefully placing the dog on her lap before making his way up the metal stairs to enter the ring.
BS: You just leave that mutt right where it is, son, or else we’re gonna have a problem.
Brad rolls up his sleeves, ready for a real fight now. Davy, in turn, is a bit perplexed. While he’s not quite fond of Stokes’ tough-talk and matching tough-jacket, this is not the encounter one would expect when two perceived rulebreakers meet for the first time. Therefore, Blossom diffuses the situation as best as possible.
Davy Blossom: Ah, monsieur, the canine is merely present from its kennelled quarters to serve as protection to my muse whilst I engage in this civil expose. As I’m sure you can agree, Mr. Stokes, the security arrangements in this organization are quite beggarly.
Brad stares blankly at Davy, clearly hung up on some of the words Davy had just used.
BS: What did you just call me, you sack of shit?! Huh? You come down here… to my ring… in god knows wherever the hell we are… with your sick mom and your attack dog, and you think I don’t know what’s going on here, huh?
Brad nods in silent, angry agreement with himself. The fans are noisy enough to let you know there’s some definite energy in the room. After a moment…
BS: No, seriously, what the hell is going on here, what the hell happened to you guys?
Davy drops a quizzical look, not certain about the quick change in time signature. Nonetheless, he shrugs it off.
DB: I suspect the tension of your travel may not have quite waned, Mr. Stokes. Alas, let me reassure you that the presence of Gary means you no harm. For you see, behind those hallowed walls that house this forum in which we entertain lurks the presence of one
Roxangela Johnson. After the foray from the previous act of Blitzkrieg, I shant be to ignore any premonition that she may throw caution once more to the winds of the high seas and BRUTALLY ambush my dove once more.
Stokes appears ready to interject, like he understands what’s happening. He doesn’t. But unfortunately the ego he stands next to is of similar gigantic size to his own. Blossom continues on his tangent.
DB: With time, her cuts will coalesce and her bruises be washed back to reveal her flawless pearl complexion. And with time, I shall extract my methodical abrasions and crash down upon Roxi with the hammer to SMITHEREEN her muscle and soul, splattering it upon the canvas as if it were a Picasso masterpiece. But I stand before you today to address not Mademoiselle Johnson. I stand before you, here in the vast frozen ivory grounds of Copenhagen, to address Valour Professional Wrestling as a whole.
Brad is nodding along with Davy the whole time. Blinking periodically, checking to see if his earpiece is working. He’s not wearing one.
DB: Many have snickered far from earshot at my defeats thus far in competition. Ye, there have been many a tribulation, much like the great Holger Danske’s battles whilst being forced upon him the mark of Charlemagne. However, my vow to the citizens of this nation and to VPW is that I shall fail in conquest over the Burmands of the roster no longer. The blinded eye and utter mistreatment of moi and mi belle has placed flint to kindling, and the flames shall not be extinguished until every last bit of Vanessa Byrne’s earth hast been scorched. And then, THEN, all shall bend the knee so that the seal of the Flower is emblazoned upon your armor.
Brad looks out at the crowd… then to Davy, nodding like he gets it. He doesn’t get it.
BS: Yeah? Yeah? Well, you see, the thing is… I happen to have received word from a little birdie named Brodie--
Davy looks confused. Brodie, as in the Brodie backstage? Brad is right up in his face, without much time left to consider.
BS: that you two are the problem with this wrestling company.
DB: My dearest, Bradley, I--
BS: Shut the hell up, you Shakespearean Twink. She said a ton of stuff, my future ex-wife Brodie did, most of which I didn’t understand, but I got the jist. And the jist is… YOU”RE GOING DOWN!!! SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS!
Without warning Brad hauls off a haymaker aimed right at Davy’s head. For the first time in his life, Davy, almost by second nature, makes it look effortless, as he catches Brad’s arm and judo arm drags Brad up and over, sending him skidding across the ring to the outside at the wheels of Elegance who proceeds to use her remaining energy to roll her wheelchair, and the gold-plated metal stirrup foot rests into him repeatedly where he lays. The entire scene is anticlimactic, and rather pathetic. With a raised eyebrow, Davy steps out of the ring, sauntering back down the steps towards his beloved Elegance, stepping over Brad Stokes’ body and wheels his beloved back up the ramp whence they came.
INTERMISSION
LO: ........
KO: Well, he did it again.
LO: Why the hell do we employ this guy? He never gets through an interview without some fist fight breaking out, and he doesn't even know the product!
KO: I hear he has some dirt on Vanessa Byrne, and she can't fire him.
LO: Must be something...but anyways....on with the show.
Ring Announcer: The following non-title contest is scheduled for one fall or submission...
Clapping fills the arena as 'Shooting Stars' by Bag Raiders hits over the PA system. Just as the beat drops Vannah White steps through the curtain, award winning smile glowing out over the audience followed by a wave. The fans come to their feet in ovation as she pulls out her phone, recovered after being stolen in Rome, and presses record. A live shot of her appears on the two large screens on either side of her, and she stars down to the ramp, pausing to feature her more vocal fans in the live feed.
Ring Announcer: Making her way to the ring first, standing at five foot six and weighting in at 125 pounds, hailing from London, England.....She is 'The Queen Without A Crown'....VANNAH WHITTTEEE!!!
Vannah reaches the ringside area and makes a full rotation around the ring, chatting it up with fans and high five those who offer it. She reaches the steps once more, and this time climbs them to slip into the ring, twirling around to end by blowing a kiss to the crowd. She then kisses the camera of the phone, and winks before pushing the stop button, and passing the phone out to one of the techs at ringside.
LO: Vannah White had a huge pinfall at the last show over Brennan Devlin which led her team to victory, and now she is in a one on one contest with the Apex Champion! I don't think anyone can deny that this girl has made an impact!
KO: No doubt, and I'd like to make some impact of my own with Vannah White!
LO: Easy, Tiger. A man your age would probably keel over if you ever had the chance.
KO: It'd be worth it...
Kenneth Othello's chauvinism is cut off abruptly with the sound of 80's futuristic beats, as ‘Machines’ by Giorgio Moroder fill the Royal Arena. The fans turn their attention from the beauty in the ring to the beauty about to appear. Elina Cartel comes barreling out of the curtain, the Apex Championship snugly around her waist. She seems jazzed up as she comes to a stop at the top of the ramp, and puts a hand over her eyes, scanning the roaring crowd. She nods with a smile before making her way down the ramp, reaching down to slap a few hands as she goes.
Ring Announcer: and her opponent, standing at 5 foot 5, and weighting in at 115 pounds...Hailing from Los Angeles, California...she is the current Apex Champion.....'The Inescapable' ELINA CARRRTEELLL!!
Upon reaching ringside she gets a stutter step to roll into the ring, and then pops up, making her way to the far corner and hopping to the second with hands raised over her head. She continues to bob her head to the beat of the music as she unstraps the Apex Championship, and holds it high over her head. Elina doesn't even seem to acknowledge Vannah White, who crosses her arms over her chest, and watches the display.
LO: The Apex Champion has rocked this crowd here tonight, and they are more than ready for some more Valor action!
KO: Yeah, but did you notice the snub? She still hasn't even looked across at her opponent, and Vannah White is watching this a little perturbed.
LO: Yeah, I do believe that win last week really bolstered her confidence, and although I know she respect the Apex Champion, I do believe she's taken exception to that respect not being returned.
As Elina passes the Apex Championship to the time keeper through the ropes, she regards Vannah White for the first time, and furrows her brow at her expression. A tight smile crosses her lips as she steps to the center of the ring, beckoning Vannah to join her. Caputo puts a warning hand between the ladies, but Elina assures her with a dismissive wave she has no ill intent, just before extending her hand to the new comer.
LO: Wow! With the war of words we've seen on Twitter between these two, I wouldn't have bet on this, but it looks like our Apex Champion is wanting to start this contest off with some class.
KO: Yeah, and it stinks. The only way to get respect in that squared circle is if you beat it out of your opponent. Forget this sissy stuff!
LO: Kenneth Eugene Othello! I'm surprised at you! Don't you believe in sportsmanship?
KO: First of all, don't you ever mention my middle name again on air. Second off, sportsmanship, schwartsmanship. I want to see some action...
Vannah stares down at the extended hand, and then glances out at the crowd, appearing to be a bit nervous. Most of the fans cheer the offer, but some of them are screaming 'No', and Vannah seems a bit undecided on accepting the olive branch. Finally, she sighs, closes her eyes and nods her head, offering her trademark smile and takes Elina's hand. The two ladies give a shake, and the fans cheer at their release, as the two begin to circle at the sound of the bell.
LO: See, was that so bad?
KO: Whatever...
Elina and Vannah lock up in the center of the ring, and Elina almost immediately performs a go behind, putting her boot into the back of Vannah's leg forcing her down to one knee. She swiftly steps forwards and hooks White in a headlock, grinding the woman's head between her arms and body. Vannah reaches out, struggling against the hold, but when she finds no such 'out', she forces her right arm into the space where her head is currently trapped, and forces herself back up to her feet, pushing to reverse the headlock with a top wrist lock. Vannah manages to push hard enough against Elina so that she now stands at the side of her, forcing her arm back. The way their arms are now intertwined, the movement causes Elina to start to fall backward, but instead of going down to the mat, she arches her back and uses her head to stop herself from hitting the mat. Elina appears compromised here, exuding some precious energy and showing massive upper neck strength to keep the bridge in place, when she suddenly starts to slowly rise up matrix style, forcing Vannah to take a few steps back. Finally the two woman are nearly face to face, arms still locked, when in a burst of strength Elina is able to force Vannah right back into the head lock.
LO: Some fine chain wrestling at the start of this contest, as Elina is now back in control of the head...Vannah realizes the top wrist lock isn't going to work, so now she's pushing Elina into the ropes, and just sent her off.
KO: Elina on her way back now and delivers a bull rushing shoulder tackle that sends Vannah crashing to the mat. The two women exchange a glance before Elina hits off the ropes, but Vannah floats over onto her stomach forcing her to hop over her....
LO: Elina on her way back now, and Vannah just ducked her head for a back body....But Elina leaps over top of her with a sunset flip! Vannah is windmilling with her arms to try to keep from going over, but Elina reaches up with her legs to hook her around the shoulders, and takes her down to the mat!
1...
2...
KO: Reversal there as White throws both feet forwards rocking Elina onto her back with Vannah sitting on her with legs hooked!
1...
2...
Before the ref can even raise her arm for three, Elina hooks Vannah around the chest and bridges out of the pin. Even more impressive is the strength of her next move, as she forces Vannah and herself up to their feet, keeping her arms locked, spinning her around to where now they are back to back, while hooking her arms and taking her down into a backslide pin.
1...
2...
White kicks her legs backwards breaking the pin and ending up on her feet, as Elina quickly rises only to walk right into a high standing drop kick from Vannah. Cartel crashes to the mat with such force that she all but nearly bounces back up to her feet, and when Vannah rushes her, she catches her with a high standing drop kick of her own. Both women quickly roll to opposite corners, come up to a knee, and stare across at the other while rubbing their jaws. The fans come to their feet with cheers, applauding the fine display they had just witnessed.
LO: It would appear we have a stalemate in that first round of action, with both women perhaps having a little more respect for the other than before they started. Elina is up now, and she's rolling her shoulders, before the two women begin circling once more...
KO: Collar and elbow tie up in the center of the ring again, and this time they are jockeying with one another for position....it appears that they are pretty evenly matched in size and strength, as every time Elina pushes Vannah back, White fights right back.
Both women remain locked, pushing against one another, testing the other woman's strength and endurance until they've managed to end up on the ropes, where they roll along them until finally coming into the corner. It's Elina that ends up on top, shoving Vannah against the turnbuckles, and Caputo has to wedge herself between the two before Cartel finally untangles herself and backs off with her hands up. Vannah watches the clean break cautiously, nodding when Elina gets to the center of the ring, and indicates that she's ready to go.
LO: Clean break from Elina Cartel, but that's to be expected from the reigning Apex Champion. She is a class act.
KO: Whatever! She had Vannah in a compromising situation, and should have took advantage of it. I mean, if these two ladies keep being so nice to one another, we'll never have a finish to this match!
Despite Kenneth Othello's objections, the two ladies circle once more, before moving in to tie up again. This time it's White with the go behind switch, snatching Elina's arm as she does, and bringing it painfully up into a deep hammerlock. Elina slaps at her shoulder to steady it, obviously in discomfort, and begins reaching behind, through her legs, any which way to get out of the hold. Vannah doesn't relent, however, and re-positions so that there's no where for Elina to go. Finally, with no other recourse, Cartel fires a back elbow into White's face. The first one doesn't release the hold, but the second one does...and Elina takes off into the ropes in front of her for some spring so that when she comes back she can catch her opponent with a clothesline.
LO: Vannah strikes the mat hard on that one, but is already trying to get to her feet. Cartel quick to hook her around the head as she comes up, and takes her back down to the mat with a snap suplex!
KO: Now we've got the ball rolling. I told you they couldn't play grab ass forever!
Elina pops up after the move, and Vannah is a little slower on the uptake this time, clutching at her spine as she rises. Elina waits until she's in the perfect position, and then falls back into the ropes for some spring, stepping back out to the center of the ring to hook White around the head for a swinging neck breaker that torques the head from the shoulders before crashing down to the mat. Vannah cradles her neck and shoulders, while Elina rolls her over onto her back, and hooks the leg for a pin attempt.
1...
2...
LO: Vannah out at two, and Cartel lifts her up, and locks in a rear naked choke. Looks like the Apex Champion is ready to slow this thing down a bit...
KO: Yeah, and she's been focusing on the head from the start of the match, although this is the first time she's had some moves set up to actually do damage. Basically, she is going to stop the supply of air getting to the lungs, while at the same time cutting off the blood from reaching the brain.
LO: Vannah was struggling pretty hard to get out of it when it was first applied, but she's not looking too good now.
Elina viciously rag dolls White for a second, purposefully choking up on the hold. (No pun intended!) Vannah reaches out towards the ropes, but her eyes have grown glassy, and her breathing is labored as the hold lives up to it's namesake. One of her arms drops to her side as Caputo continues to ask for the submission, but in spite of it, she still shakes her head 'No'. Just when it looks like the other arm is going to drop, she suddenly comes alive, and in one huge burst of energy manages to jolt forward and end up on one knee. Elina, however, doesn't release the hold, instead moving higher up onto Vannah's back so that now all of her weight is on top of her. If that wasn't bad enough, she slips her legs over top of Vannah's thighs, and traps her in a grapevine around the midsection as well.
LO: I thought for a minute there that Vannah White was going to get out of this thing by sheer will power alone, but Elina Cartel is putting some of that Jun Fan Kung-Fu to work for her.
KO: Jew Fan Who?
LO: It's a type of martial art's, Ken. In the Wing Chun Style.
KO: If you say so. Looks to me like she's just choking her out!
Laurence doesn't bother trying to explain any further as Vannah starts to lurch forwards, having been locked into the hold for nearly a whole three minutes now. Considering brain damage occurs at the one minute mark with a lack of blood flow to the brain, it's no surprise when the referee gets in close to try and ascertain if Vannah is still conscious or not. Suddenly Vannah comes alive once more, thrashing and pushing against the canvas until she makes it to her feet, carrying Elina up in tow. Cartel appears a little surprised by the sudden burst, and is unable to change tactics as Vannah kicks both feet out from under her and crushes the Apex Champion into the mat. The hold is essentially broken, and Vannah rolls away from her attacker, choking and sputtering while taking in much needed oxygen.
LO: Unorthodox counter from White, but effective. Elina appears to be a little stunned. It looked like the back of her head struck the canvas first in that fall...
KO: Yeah, she looks a little loopy, but she's still getting to her feet first while Vannah is still trying to catch her breath...
Vannah has crawled all the way over into the far corner, and has pulled herself partially to her feet. She is still bent over trying to breath when Elina catches sight of her after the bad spill. She snarls before taking off into a sprint right for the woman, leaping into the air to crush her in the corner with a splash. Unfortunately for her, Vannah sees the flash of movement at the perfect moment, and quickly uses the ropes to pull herself out of the way. Elina crashes chest and face first into the turnbuckles, and stumbles wobbly back towards the center of the ring. White takes this opportunity to spring into action, running right past Elina and leaping into the air as she does while hooking her around the head to take her crashing down into a modified sling blade neck breaker.
LO: Vannah with a big move there, buying herself more time to recover after that choke hold, but it looks like she's already moving on to the next thing.
KO: Vannah might be green to the business, but she understands that you can't have a wrestler the caliber of Elina Cartel down on the mat and take time to catch a rest. She's got to capitalize, brother-of-mine!
Where Elina landed is relatively close to the corner she crashed in, and that is exactly where Vannah White goes, turning to face the Apex Champion while hopping to the second. The crowd come to their feet in cheers and she flashes them a weak, but still gorgeous smile, before pretending to take a snapshot of Elina Cartel just before she leaps out into the ether to come crashing down into a thunderous leg drop.
LO: GOOD GOD! That leg drop from the second looked like it separated Elina Cartel's head from her shoulders, and now Vannah White is hooking the leg for the cover!
1...
2...
KO: THRE-NO! Cartel rolls the shoulder on a LONG two count!
Vannah falls back, sucking in much need air, while running her hands through her well kept hair. Elina, the ring general, rolls over onto her stomach so that another pin can not be attempted, but she's clutching her neck in a tell that damage has been done. After a moment, Vannah sits up, shaking her head in disbelief before rising all the way to her feet. She stares down at the Apex Champion in what could be an expression of respect, before taking a few steps back, and begging for her to get up. Elina miraculously answers the call, albeit slowly, but eventually manages to find her feet near the corner all of this drama had been unfolding in. Vannah comes in from behind her, and reaches over her shoulders for her chin, and it's obvious she's looking for #Hash Tag. Even through her haze, Elina instantly realizes she's about to be in trouble, and before Vannah can fall back into the backstabber portion of the move, her hands flash up to grasp her wrists, and she thrusts herself forward onto her knee's in front of the corner. The sudden shift in direction sends Vannah White stumbling over the champion's body, face first into the middle turnbuckle!
LO: Vannah White Just Ate The Turnbuckle Pad, and folks, beneath that thin strip of cloth is a steel cable that helps to hold the ropes up. That might have been a game changer!
KO: Not only that, but Elina Cartel is messing with Vannah White's money maker! I mean, she's got followers to think about! She can't go messing up her face!
The Apex Champion continues to rub at the back of her neck with one hand, while using the other to help Vannah up into the corner. Now, finding a new focus, she fires in a chop that rings out through the arena. Then another! Finally she takes White by the wrist, and leads her out of the corner to send her to the other side, but to everyone's surprise Vannah reverses to send Elina instead. Cartel rushes the corner without showing any signs of stopping, when she leaves her feet and catches the second rope, spring-boarding into a spin that turns into a cross body that takes Vannah White to the canvas. She manages to remain on top for the cover.
1...
2...
LO: Vannah White kicks out just after two, and Elina looks to be fired up, as she pulls Vannah up to a seated position and then thunders into the ropes for some spring....OH! Low Drop Kick Takes Vannah White's Head Off!
KO: Cartel quickly cinching in another pin!
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! White just barely gets the shoulder off the canvas, and Elina is back up and looking out at this crowd for support, and boy is she getting it! They are deafening here at Royal Arena for the Apex Champion!
Elina swiftly makes her way towards the nearest corner, all previous afflictions melting away due to adrenaline. She slips out to the ring apron, and starts the climb up the turnbuckles until coming to a perched position on the very top. She faces the ring now and her downed opponent, signaling to the crowd as she comes up to her feet. They respond in anticipation, all eyes watching as Elina sails off the top into a 180 degree spin that she turns into a leg drop as she lands, crashing the limb right down across Vannah White's chest!
LO: OH MY!! Vannah White's leg drop was impressive, but Elina Cartel just showed her how to deliver it in style!
KO: Elina looks like she might have took some of that impact on her spine, but she's still got the where with all to go for the cover, and I believe this one might be over!
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO!! VANNAH WHITE ROLLED THE SHOULDER! Good God! I can't believe this, and neither can Cartel, who now gives White the disbelieving stare she received earlier.
KO: I think there might be some respect mingled in with that disbelief, Laur.
LO: No doubt about it. These two ladies are putting on all the stops for the Valor Pro audience here tonight in Copenhagen!
The fans are electric as Elina gets to her feet, and now it's her turn to beg for her opponent to get to hers. Vannah is moving slower than usual as she first rolls over onto her stomach, and then rises slowly to her hands and knee's. She eventually does make it to her feet, and Elina charges into motion with her devastating 540 degree gyro crescent kick, Eclipse. Vannah White, despite being dazed, see's her eminent demise in the motions, and at the last second manages to drop where she stands so that the foot sails harmlessly over her head. Elina is off balance from not connecting, and this gives Vannah the opportunity she needs to explode from underneath with a clothesline that takes both ladies off their feet. Carmen Caputo stares down at the women, who appear to be spent, and she see's no other alternative than to start a 10 count.
LO: Both of these women have been phenomenal tonight, and although the action started off slow with a feeling out process, there is no denying that as the match has progressed it appeared as if both were getting better and better.
KO: You know, I take back what I said earlier about the hand shake. Hell, I respect these two, and would love to shake either of their hands....that is, if there is anything left over from here to shake!
Both ladies begin to stir at the count of six, and they crawl towards opposite ends of the ring to use the ropes to pull themselves up by the count of nine. With both on their feet, Caputo signals that the match shall resume, and both ladies stare across at each other beleaguered by the performance thus far. Finally, it's Vannah who tears out of the corner, rushing at Elina who drops down to her bum while simultaneously pulling down the top rope. Vannah careens over her to take a nasty spill to the outside, and Elina shakes her head before rolling out to follow.
LO: Elina pulling Vannah up now, and goes to roll her back in the ring, but Vannah puts her hands out in front of her, and elbows her in the gut. Another one, and now she has Elina by the back of the head, and slams it down on the ring apron.
KO: Claws have come out, Laur.
LO: Oh, I think they've been out, Ken. Elina has stumbled her way all the way over to lean against the ring post, and HERE COMES VANNAH---CARTEL MOVED!
White spirals down to the mat after striking the steel post with her shoulder, and Cartel slides into the ring to break the ref's count, rolling right back out for it to start anew. Vannah has to use the ring apron to get back to her feet, and she slowly turns around, leaning heavily against the post that just caused her so much damage. Cartel, seeing her dazed opponent, loads up her right foot, and commits to another attempt at Eclipse. Just as she's halfway through the spin, however, Vannah drops, much as she did earlier, only this time there is a steel ring post there instead of empty air. Cartel's foot and ankle strikes the post with a loud 'PING' and everyone at ringside winces as she screams out in pain. The sudden mood change causes the ref to abandon her count, and she actually comes outside to check on Elina who clutches at her ankle.
LO: Vannah is looking on wide eyed, and Caputo is out there checking on the Apex Champion, and Ken.....I think she might have just broke her foot, or her ankle, or something..
KO: Yeah, that didn't sound good at all.
LO: White is actually trying to check on her now, but Caputo is signaling for to get back in the ring, and that's where she's going.
Vannah slips under the bottom rope, and then comes up to her feet, leaning against the top rope with what looks like an expression of concern. Caputo calls for medical to start making their way to the ring, but Elina instinctively starts shaking head 'No', signaling that she was going to continue as is.
LO: I don't know how wise this is. It appears that Cartel is going to try and continue this match, but....
KO: That's why she's Champion, Laur. She has something to prove here tonight, and she intends on seeing it through.
LO: I guess so, Ken, but at what cost.
Elina manages to get back on her one good foot, and hops over to the ring apron, where she drags herself back in under the bottom rope. Vannah White gives her a wide berth, still wearing a concerned expression, when Elina finally rises, using the corner for stability. She yells something at her opponent, and then signals with her fists to come on. Vannah tentatively makes her way towards the champion, and Elina hobbles painfully out to meet her. Just then Elina dives at Vannah into an awkward cross body which takes the woman down to the mat, but she manages to roll through with the maneuver into a pin, tying up her legs as well.
1...
2...
3!!!
Elina kicks out, but after the three, and Vannah quickly rolls to the outside as Cartel comes up to her one foot and argues with the referee. Caputo simply shakes her head 'No', and holds up a three, before hanging through the ropes to confer with the announcer.
Ring Announcer: And the winner of this match via pinfall, VANNNNAAHH WHIIITTEEEE!!
LO: Huge win for Vannah White here, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm more concerned about the fate of our Apex Champion!
KO: She seems really ticked at Caputo right now, but she's barely able to stand after that incident with the post. She's lucky that Vannah didn't target that injury, as she'd be justified in doing so.
LO: It appears to me that Cartel's pride got in the way of this one. She should have let medics take a look at her before trying to continue this thing.
KO: Well either way, Vannah White just got this victory, as Caputo slips outside to raise her hand. Hell, she looks as shocked as the rest of us.
LO: Well folks, we'll get back with you on the Apex Champion's condition if we hear anything, but for right now lets head backstage to see what's going on?
KO: Well, he did it again.
LO: Why the hell do we employ this guy? He never gets through an interview without some fist fight breaking out, and he doesn't even know the product!
KO: I hear he has some dirt on Vanessa Byrne, and she can't fire him.
LO: Must be something...but anyways....on with the show.
Ring Announcer: The following non-title contest is scheduled for one fall or submission...
Clapping fills the arena as 'Shooting Stars' by Bag Raiders hits over the PA system. Just as the beat drops Vannah White steps through the curtain, award winning smile glowing out over the audience followed by a wave. The fans come to their feet in ovation as she pulls out her phone, recovered after being stolen in Rome, and presses record. A live shot of her appears on the two large screens on either side of her, and she stars down to the ramp, pausing to feature her more vocal fans in the live feed.
Ring Announcer: Making her way to the ring first, standing at five foot six and weighting in at 125 pounds, hailing from London, England.....She is 'The Queen Without A Crown'....VANNAH WHITTTEEE!!!
Vannah reaches the ringside area and makes a full rotation around the ring, chatting it up with fans and high five those who offer it. She reaches the steps once more, and this time climbs them to slip into the ring, twirling around to end by blowing a kiss to the crowd. She then kisses the camera of the phone, and winks before pushing the stop button, and passing the phone out to one of the techs at ringside.
LO: Vannah White had a huge pinfall at the last show over Brennan Devlin which led her team to victory, and now she is in a one on one contest with the Apex Champion! I don't think anyone can deny that this girl has made an impact!
KO: No doubt, and I'd like to make some impact of my own with Vannah White!
LO: Easy, Tiger. A man your age would probably keel over if you ever had the chance.
KO: It'd be worth it...
Kenneth Othello's chauvinism is cut off abruptly with the sound of 80's futuristic beats, as ‘Machines’ by Giorgio Moroder fill the Royal Arena. The fans turn their attention from the beauty in the ring to the beauty about to appear. Elina Cartel comes barreling out of the curtain, the Apex Championship snugly around her waist. She seems jazzed up as she comes to a stop at the top of the ramp, and puts a hand over her eyes, scanning the roaring crowd. She nods with a smile before making her way down the ramp, reaching down to slap a few hands as she goes.
Ring Announcer: and her opponent, standing at 5 foot 5, and weighting in at 115 pounds...Hailing from Los Angeles, California...she is the current Apex Champion.....'The Inescapable' ELINA CARRRTEELLL!!
Upon reaching ringside she gets a stutter step to roll into the ring, and then pops up, making her way to the far corner and hopping to the second with hands raised over her head. She continues to bob her head to the beat of the music as she unstraps the Apex Championship, and holds it high over her head. Elina doesn't even seem to acknowledge Vannah White, who crosses her arms over her chest, and watches the display.
LO: The Apex Champion has rocked this crowd here tonight, and they are more than ready for some more Valor action!
KO: Yeah, but did you notice the snub? She still hasn't even looked across at her opponent, and Vannah White is watching this a little perturbed.
LO: Yeah, I do believe that win last week really bolstered her confidence, and although I know she respect the Apex Champion, I do believe she's taken exception to that respect not being returned.
As Elina passes the Apex Championship to the time keeper through the ropes, she regards Vannah White for the first time, and furrows her brow at her expression. A tight smile crosses her lips as she steps to the center of the ring, beckoning Vannah to join her. Caputo puts a warning hand between the ladies, but Elina assures her with a dismissive wave she has no ill intent, just before extending her hand to the new comer.
LO: Wow! With the war of words we've seen on Twitter between these two, I wouldn't have bet on this, but it looks like our Apex Champion is wanting to start this contest off with some class.
KO: Yeah, and it stinks. The only way to get respect in that squared circle is if you beat it out of your opponent. Forget this sissy stuff!
LO: Kenneth Eugene Othello! I'm surprised at you! Don't you believe in sportsmanship?
KO: First of all, don't you ever mention my middle name again on air. Second off, sportsmanship, schwartsmanship. I want to see some action...
Vannah stares down at the extended hand, and then glances out at the crowd, appearing to be a bit nervous. Most of the fans cheer the offer, but some of them are screaming 'No', and Vannah seems a bit undecided on accepting the olive branch. Finally, she sighs, closes her eyes and nods her head, offering her trademark smile and takes Elina's hand. The two ladies give a shake, and the fans cheer at their release, as the two begin to circle at the sound of the bell.
LO: See, was that so bad?
KO: Whatever...
Elina and Vannah lock up in the center of the ring, and Elina almost immediately performs a go behind, putting her boot into the back of Vannah's leg forcing her down to one knee. She swiftly steps forwards and hooks White in a headlock, grinding the woman's head between her arms and body. Vannah reaches out, struggling against the hold, but when she finds no such 'out', she forces her right arm into the space where her head is currently trapped, and forces herself back up to her feet, pushing to reverse the headlock with a top wrist lock. Vannah manages to push hard enough against Elina so that she now stands at the side of her, forcing her arm back. The way their arms are now intertwined, the movement causes Elina to start to fall backward, but instead of going down to the mat, she arches her back and uses her head to stop herself from hitting the mat. Elina appears compromised here, exuding some precious energy and showing massive upper neck strength to keep the bridge in place, when she suddenly starts to slowly rise up matrix style, forcing Vannah to take a few steps back. Finally the two woman are nearly face to face, arms still locked, when in a burst of strength Elina is able to force Vannah right back into the head lock.
LO: Some fine chain wrestling at the start of this contest, as Elina is now back in control of the head...Vannah realizes the top wrist lock isn't going to work, so now she's pushing Elina into the ropes, and just sent her off.
KO: Elina on her way back now and delivers a bull rushing shoulder tackle that sends Vannah crashing to the mat. The two women exchange a glance before Elina hits off the ropes, but Vannah floats over onto her stomach forcing her to hop over her....
LO: Elina on her way back now, and Vannah just ducked her head for a back body....But Elina leaps over top of her with a sunset flip! Vannah is windmilling with her arms to try to keep from going over, but Elina reaches up with her legs to hook her around the shoulders, and takes her down to the mat!
1...
2...
KO: Reversal there as White throws both feet forwards rocking Elina onto her back with Vannah sitting on her with legs hooked!
1...
2...
Before the ref can even raise her arm for three, Elina hooks Vannah around the chest and bridges out of the pin. Even more impressive is the strength of her next move, as she forces Vannah and herself up to their feet, keeping her arms locked, spinning her around to where now they are back to back, while hooking her arms and taking her down into a backslide pin.
1...
2...
White kicks her legs backwards breaking the pin and ending up on her feet, as Elina quickly rises only to walk right into a high standing drop kick from Vannah. Cartel crashes to the mat with such force that she all but nearly bounces back up to her feet, and when Vannah rushes her, she catches her with a high standing drop kick of her own. Both women quickly roll to opposite corners, come up to a knee, and stare across at the other while rubbing their jaws. The fans come to their feet with cheers, applauding the fine display they had just witnessed.
LO: It would appear we have a stalemate in that first round of action, with both women perhaps having a little more respect for the other than before they started. Elina is up now, and she's rolling her shoulders, before the two women begin circling once more...
KO: Collar and elbow tie up in the center of the ring again, and this time they are jockeying with one another for position....it appears that they are pretty evenly matched in size and strength, as every time Elina pushes Vannah back, White fights right back.
Both women remain locked, pushing against one another, testing the other woman's strength and endurance until they've managed to end up on the ropes, where they roll along them until finally coming into the corner. It's Elina that ends up on top, shoving Vannah against the turnbuckles, and Caputo has to wedge herself between the two before Cartel finally untangles herself and backs off with her hands up. Vannah watches the clean break cautiously, nodding when Elina gets to the center of the ring, and indicates that she's ready to go.
LO: Clean break from Elina Cartel, but that's to be expected from the reigning Apex Champion. She is a class act.
KO: Whatever! She had Vannah in a compromising situation, and should have took advantage of it. I mean, if these two ladies keep being so nice to one another, we'll never have a finish to this match!
Despite Kenneth Othello's objections, the two ladies circle once more, before moving in to tie up again. This time it's White with the go behind switch, snatching Elina's arm as she does, and bringing it painfully up into a deep hammerlock. Elina slaps at her shoulder to steady it, obviously in discomfort, and begins reaching behind, through her legs, any which way to get out of the hold. Vannah doesn't relent, however, and re-positions so that there's no where for Elina to go. Finally, with no other recourse, Cartel fires a back elbow into White's face. The first one doesn't release the hold, but the second one does...and Elina takes off into the ropes in front of her for some spring so that when she comes back she can catch her opponent with a clothesline.
LO: Vannah strikes the mat hard on that one, but is already trying to get to her feet. Cartel quick to hook her around the head as she comes up, and takes her back down to the mat with a snap suplex!
KO: Now we've got the ball rolling. I told you they couldn't play grab ass forever!
Elina pops up after the move, and Vannah is a little slower on the uptake this time, clutching at her spine as she rises. Elina waits until she's in the perfect position, and then falls back into the ropes for some spring, stepping back out to the center of the ring to hook White around the head for a swinging neck breaker that torques the head from the shoulders before crashing down to the mat. Vannah cradles her neck and shoulders, while Elina rolls her over onto her back, and hooks the leg for a pin attempt.
1...
2...
LO: Vannah out at two, and Cartel lifts her up, and locks in a rear naked choke. Looks like the Apex Champion is ready to slow this thing down a bit...
KO: Yeah, and she's been focusing on the head from the start of the match, although this is the first time she's had some moves set up to actually do damage. Basically, she is going to stop the supply of air getting to the lungs, while at the same time cutting off the blood from reaching the brain.
LO: Vannah was struggling pretty hard to get out of it when it was first applied, but she's not looking too good now.
Elina viciously rag dolls White for a second, purposefully choking up on the hold. (No pun intended!) Vannah reaches out towards the ropes, but her eyes have grown glassy, and her breathing is labored as the hold lives up to it's namesake. One of her arms drops to her side as Caputo continues to ask for the submission, but in spite of it, she still shakes her head 'No'. Just when it looks like the other arm is going to drop, she suddenly comes alive, and in one huge burst of energy manages to jolt forward and end up on one knee. Elina, however, doesn't release the hold, instead moving higher up onto Vannah's back so that now all of her weight is on top of her. If that wasn't bad enough, she slips her legs over top of Vannah's thighs, and traps her in a grapevine around the midsection as well.
LO: I thought for a minute there that Vannah White was going to get out of this thing by sheer will power alone, but Elina Cartel is putting some of that Jun Fan Kung-Fu to work for her.
KO: Jew Fan Who?
LO: It's a type of martial art's, Ken. In the Wing Chun Style.
KO: If you say so. Looks to me like she's just choking her out!
Laurence doesn't bother trying to explain any further as Vannah starts to lurch forwards, having been locked into the hold for nearly a whole three minutes now. Considering brain damage occurs at the one minute mark with a lack of blood flow to the brain, it's no surprise when the referee gets in close to try and ascertain if Vannah is still conscious or not. Suddenly Vannah comes alive once more, thrashing and pushing against the canvas until she makes it to her feet, carrying Elina up in tow. Cartel appears a little surprised by the sudden burst, and is unable to change tactics as Vannah kicks both feet out from under her and crushes the Apex Champion into the mat. The hold is essentially broken, and Vannah rolls away from her attacker, choking and sputtering while taking in much needed oxygen.
LO: Unorthodox counter from White, but effective. Elina appears to be a little stunned. It looked like the back of her head struck the canvas first in that fall...
KO: Yeah, she looks a little loopy, but she's still getting to her feet first while Vannah is still trying to catch her breath...
Vannah has crawled all the way over into the far corner, and has pulled herself partially to her feet. She is still bent over trying to breath when Elina catches sight of her after the bad spill. She snarls before taking off into a sprint right for the woman, leaping into the air to crush her in the corner with a splash. Unfortunately for her, Vannah sees the flash of movement at the perfect moment, and quickly uses the ropes to pull herself out of the way. Elina crashes chest and face first into the turnbuckles, and stumbles wobbly back towards the center of the ring. White takes this opportunity to spring into action, running right past Elina and leaping into the air as she does while hooking her around the head to take her crashing down into a modified sling blade neck breaker.
LO: Vannah with a big move there, buying herself more time to recover after that choke hold, but it looks like she's already moving on to the next thing.
KO: Vannah might be green to the business, but she understands that you can't have a wrestler the caliber of Elina Cartel down on the mat and take time to catch a rest. She's got to capitalize, brother-of-mine!
Where Elina landed is relatively close to the corner she crashed in, and that is exactly where Vannah White goes, turning to face the Apex Champion while hopping to the second. The crowd come to their feet in cheers and she flashes them a weak, but still gorgeous smile, before pretending to take a snapshot of Elina Cartel just before she leaps out into the ether to come crashing down into a thunderous leg drop.
LO: GOOD GOD! That leg drop from the second looked like it separated Elina Cartel's head from her shoulders, and now Vannah White is hooking the leg for the cover!
1...
2...
KO: THRE-NO! Cartel rolls the shoulder on a LONG two count!
Vannah falls back, sucking in much need air, while running her hands through her well kept hair. Elina, the ring general, rolls over onto her stomach so that another pin can not be attempted, but she's clutching her neck in a tell that damage has been done. After a moment, Vannah sits up, shaking her head in disbelief before rising all the way to her feet. She stares down at the Apex Champion in what could be an expression of respect, before taking a few steps back, and begging for her to get up. Elina miraculously answers the call, albeit slowly, but eventually manages to find her feet near the corner all of this drama had been unfolding in. Vannah comes in from behind her, and reaches over her shoulders for her chin, and it's obvious she's looking for #Hash Tag. Even through her haze, Elina instantly realizes she's about to be in trouble, and before Vannah can fall back into the backstabber portion of the move, her hands flash up to grasp her wrists, and she thrusts herself forward onto her knee's in front of the corner. The sudden shift in direction sends Vannah White stumbling over the champion's body, face first into the middle turnbuckle!
LO: Vannah White Just Ate The Turnbuckle Pad, and folks, beneath that thin strip of cloth is a steel cable that helps to hold the ropes up. That might have been a game changer!
KO: Not only that, but Elina Cartel is messing with Vannah White's money maker! I mean, she's got followers to think about! She can't go messing up her face!
The Apex Champion continues to rub at the back of her neck with one hand, while using the other to help Vannah up into the corner. Now, finding a new focus, she fires in a chop that rings out through the arena. Then another! Finally she takes White by the wrist, and leads her out of the corner to send her to the other side, but to everyone's surprise Vannah reverses to send Elina instead. Cartel rushes the corner without showing any signs of stopping, when she leaves her feet and catches the second rope, spring-boarding into a spin that turns into a cross body that takes Vannah White to the canvas. She manages to remain on top for the cover.
1...
2...
LO: Vannah White kicks out just after two, and Elina looks to be fired up, as she pulls Vannah up to a seated position and then thunders into the ropes for some spring....OH! Low Drop Kick Takes Vannah White's Head Off!
KO: Cartel quickly cinching in another pin!
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! White just barely gets the shoulder off the canvas, and Elina is back up and looking out at this crowd for support, and boy is she getting it! They are deafening here at Royal Arena for the Apex Champion!
Elina swiftly makes her way towards the nearest corner, all previous afflictions melting away due to adrenaline. She slips out to the ring apron, and starts the climb up the turnbuckles until coming to a perched position on the very top. She faces the ring now and her downed opponent, signaling to the crowd as she comes up to her feet. They respond in anticipation, all eyes watching as Elina sails off the top into a 180 degree spin that she turns into a leg drop as she lands, crashing the limb right down across Vannah White's chest!
LO: OH MY!! Vannah White's leg drop was impressive, but Elina Cartel just showed her how to deliver it in style!
KO: Elina looks like she might have took some of that impact on her spine, but she's still got the where with all to go for the cover, and I believe this one might be over!
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO!! VANNAH WHITE ROLLED THE SHOULDER! Good God! I can't believe this, and neither can Cartel, who now gives White the disbelieving stare she received earlier.
KO: I think there might be some respect mingled in with that disbelief, Laur.
LO: No doubt about it. These two ladies are putting on all the stops for the Valor Pro audience here tonight in Copenhagen!
The fans are electric as Elina gets to her feet, and now it's her turn to beg for her opponent to get to hers. Vannah is moving slower than usual as she first rolls over onto her stomach, and then rises slowly to her hands and knee's. She eventually does make it to her feet, and Elina charges into motion with her devastating 540 degree gyro crescent kick, Eclipse. Vannah White, despite being dazed, see's her eminent demise in the motions, and at the last second manages to drop where she stands so that the foot sails harmlessly over her head. Elina is off balance from not connecting, and this gives Vannah the opportunity she needs to explode from underneath with a clothesline that takes both ladies off their feet. Carmen Caputo stares down at the women, who appear to be spent, and she see's no other alternative than to start a 10 count.
LO: Both of these women have been phenomenal tonight, and although the action started off slow with a feeling out process, there is no denying that as the match has progressed it appeared as if both were getting better and better.
KO: You know, I take back what I said earlier about the hand shake. Hell, I respect these two, and would love to shake either of their hands....that is, if there is anything left over from here to shake!
Both ladies begin to stir at the count of six, and they crawl towards opposite ends of the ring to use the ropes to pull themselves up by the count of nine. With both on their feet, Caputo signals that the match shall resume, and both ladies stare across at each other beleaguered by the performance thus far. Finally, it's Vannah who tears out of the corner, rushing at Elina who drops down to her bum while simultaneously pulling down the top rope. Vannah careens over her to take a nasty spill to the outside, and Elina shakes her head before rolling out to follow.
LO: Elina pulling Vannah up now, and goes to roll her back in the ring, but Vannah puts her hands out in front of her, and elbows her in the gut. Another one, and now she has Elina by the back of the head, and slams it down on the ring apron.
KO: Claws have come out, Laur.
LO: Oh, I think they've been out, Ken. Elina has stumbled her way all the way over to lean against the ring post, and HERE COMES VANNAH---CARTEL MOVED!
White spirals down to the mat after striking the steel post with her shoulder, and Cartel slides into the ring to break the ref's count, rolling right back out for it to start anew. Vannah has to use the ring apron to get back to her feet, and she slowly turns around, leaning heavily against the post that just caused her so much damage. Cartel, seeing her dazed opponent, loads up her right foot, and commits to another attempt at Eclipse. Just as she's halfway through the spin, however, Vannah drops, much as she did earlier, only this time there is a steel ring post there instead of empty air. Cartel's foot and ankle strikes the post with a loud 'PING' and everyone at ringside winces as she screams out in pain. The sudden mood change causes the ref to abandon her count, and she actually comes outside to check on Elina who clutches at her ankle.
LO: Vannah is looking on wide eyed, and Caputo is out there checking on the Apex Champion, and Ken.....I think she might have just broke her foot, or her ankle, or something..
KO: Yeah, that didn't sound good at all.
LO: White is actually trying to check on her now, but Caputo is signaling for to get back in the ring, and that's where she's going.
Vannah slips under the bottom rope, and then comes up to her feet, leaning against the top rope with what looks like an expression of concern. Caputo calls for medical to start making their way to the ring, but Elina instinctively starts shaking head 'No', signaling that she was going to continue as is.
LO: I don't know how wise this is. It appears that Cartel is going to try and continue this match, but....
KO: That's why she's Champion, Laur. She has something to prove here tonight, and she intends on seeing it through.
LO: I guess so, Ken, but at what cost.
Elina manages to get back on her one good foot, and hops over to the ring apron, where she drags herself back in under the bottom rope. Vannah White gives her a wide berth, still wearing a concerned expression, when Elina finally rises, using the corner for stability. She yells something at her opponent, and then signals with her fists to come on. Vannah tentatively makes her way towards the champion, and Elina hobbles painfully out to meet her. Just then Elina dives at Vannah into an awkward cross body which takes the woman down to the mat, but she manages to roll through with the maneuver into a pin, tying up her legs as well.
1...
2...
3!!!
Elina kicks out, but after the three, and Vannah quickly rolls to the outside as Cartel comes up to her one foot and argues with the referee. Caputo simply shakes her head 'No', and holds up a three, before hanging through the ropes to confer with the announcer.
Ring Announcer: And the winner of this match via pinfall, VANNNNAAHH WHIIITTEEEE!!
LO: Huge win for Vannah White here, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm more concerned about the fate of our Apex Champion!
KO: She seems really ticked at Caputo right now, but she's barely able to stand after that incident with the post. She's lucky that Vannah didn't target that injury, as she'd be justified in doing so.
LO: It appears to me that Cartel's pride got in the way of this one. She should have let medics take a look at her before trying to continue this thing.
KO: Well either way, Vannah White just got this victory, as Caputo slips outside to raise her hand. Hell, she looks as shocked as the rest of us.
LO: Well folks, we'll get back with you on the Apex Champion's condition if we hear anything, but for right now lets head backstage to see what's going on?
We cut backstage and see Recoba once more, the VPW UnYielding Champion much unchanged from when we saw him earlier - the belt still over his jacket shoulder, the only difference being the blonde Danish girl from earlier is absent, presumed still in wardrobe or make-up. He steps outside the locker room but before he can raise his phone to his ear he is pounced upon by an unknown individual wearing a 'Fantansy' T-shirt underneath a flannel jacket and a pimply grin. He places a hand against the wall in what could be read as a chummy or intimidating, but considering the way the kid is marking out right now, Cross went with pathetic instead.
Unknown: Say, Champ! Got time for an exclusive WrestleTalk Radio's roving report with Chad Jones?
Cross rolled his eyes. Somewhere a marketing department was missing their superannuated intern.
Cross Recoba: Sure, why not grant it to Fantana’s biggest ‘stan’?
Chad ignores the insult and piles right in with the questioning.
Chad Jones: Fantana fans want to know, have you put your money to good use and kept that belt clean and shiny for the champion-elect, Zack Fantana?
The eye-roll this time was off the charts. Recoba bats away Jones' arm before replying.
Cross Recoba: Look, let’s talk about your man, Fantana, shall we?
He bridges the gap between the two of them, each step he tightens a grip around the flannel sleeve of the super mark's jacket.
Cross Recoba: He seems to think he can play off the two sides to his advantage. Those rumors of him visiting Krähe in the hospital didn’t come out of nowhere did they? He can spend all the time talking about how I lack credibility and respect but how far do those words fly when one day he’s bringing gifts to atone for his actions and the next he’s accusing the referee and myself of having a deal?
Jones can be seen to be growing increasingly uncomfortable.
Cross Recoba: How about we look at the mental state of your idol? He’s going into the biggest match he’s had in this company and he says he has snapped? Think about it, how do you think the showman is going to fare in a street fight? How is he going to measure up to me when it comes to operating in those gray areas? The best thing you can hope for is it’s his last desperate plea to become sellable to a market of Edgelords!
Cross pushes Jones away with disdain as he releases the grip on his wrist.
Cross Recoba: I wouldn’t worry though, that would actually be semi-logical and he seems to have lost all contact with that side of his brain. He thinks I targeted him for a specific reason when the answer is much simpler, I chose the match that bored me the most to intervene in. Call me a fan proxy for that night. My job tonight is much more straight-forward, I’m going out there to get a win for the good of the company and, to be precise, the good of its ratings and profits. So, when we get down to the nuts and bolts of it - your champion-elect is dead in the water, he might have heard that I’ve retired a move I’ve put countless opponents away with but do you think I’d do that if it was going to weaken me? The only way he’s walking out with that belt is to resort to the tactics he’s decided are my stock and trade inside that ring. Sound like a smart approach? Let me spell out a much simpler eventuality for him - I’m going to clip his wings from the minute that bell goes. Say bye-bye to the Flight of Fantasy, the 540 kick, but most importantly - wave goodbye to Lucid Dreams. After all that, come find me and tell me again how he’s your champion-elect…
Recoba walks off camera leaving Chad Jones gormless in his wake.
Meanwhile Zack Fantana was roaming the halls in another lonesome hallway with signs pointing towards gorilla when Emily Burlingame caught up to him in the lobby. Ever the intrepid reporter, she brought a camera crew in tow.
EB: Zack, we are just moments away from Cross Recoba’s first title defense after his victory at Blitz 5-
Zack laughed and continued to walk.
ZF: Oh, are we still calling that stunt in Munich a victory? At best, it was a transaction. At worst, it’s a blow to the legitimacy of our sport.
EB: Is there any truth to the rumor that you visited Zachariah Krähe in the hospital after your assault in Munich?
Zack stopped in his tracks.
ZF: There may be some truth to-
EB: Actually, we have the exclusive footage.
An LED screen seemingly materializes out of the woodwork playing security footage of Zack’s hospital visitation. In the footage, he’s seen walking the hallways with a yellow balloon floating over his shoulder and into a room.
ZF: Oh. You’re really putting that FiteTV money to work, huh? Okay.
EB: It appears that you brought him a card.
Emily shoved the microphone closer to Zack’s chin.
ZF: You know, Brad just talks to me. I don’t need you coming around with your big dick energy and your gotcha journalism right before my title fight.
EB: Can you explain what was inside?
ZF: Inside?
EB: Inside the card, yes. Was there anything inside the card?
ZF: I don’t know. My shame? My disappointment that I had to stoop to the level of all of the idiots that run amok on this show just to recoup an opportunity that was stolen from me two months ago?
EB: So no offer?
ZF: Offer? If you actually believe that I attempted to buy Krähe off, Cross has done more damage to the company than I thought. All I did was check that Zach was still breathing and express my wishes for his full recovery. Don’t mistake that for an apology and certainly don’t mistake that for a bribe. I am not Cross Recoba. So why don’t you just relax? You’ve scooped a simple hospital visit, not Valor Pro’s next big scandal.
The microphone remained.
ZF: I mean, you do get that I’m trying to restore the integrity of the UnYielding Championship, don’t you?
EB: These questions have to be asked. And I’m here to uphold the integrity of the sport, too. We both want the same things.
Zack scoffed.
ZF: Your story will be in the ring. I hope you cover it with the same enthusiasm.
With that, he stepped aside and pushed forward to the entrance ramp.
Unknown: Say, Champ! Got time for an exclusive WrestleTalk Radio's roving report with Chad Jones?
Cross rolled his eyes. Somewhere a marketing department was missing their superannuated intern.
Cross Recoba: Sure, why not grant it to Fantana’s biggest ‘stan’?
Chad ignores the insult and piles right in with the questioning.
Chad Jones: Fantana fans want to know, have you put your money to good use and kept that belt clean and shiny for the champion-elect, Zack Fantana?
The eye-roll this time was off the charts. Recoba bats away Jones' arm before replying.
Cross Recoba: Look, let’s talk about your man, Fantana, shall we?
He bridges the gap between the two of them, each step he tightens a grip around the flannel sleeve of the super mark's jacket.
Cross Recoba: He seems to think he can play off the two sides to his advantage. Those rumors of him visiting Krähe in the hospital didn’t come out of nowhere did they? He can spend all the time talking about how I lack credibility and respect but how far do those words fly when one day he’s bringing gifts to atone for his actions and the next he’s accusing the referee and myself of having a deal?
Jones can be seen to be growing increasingly uncomfortable.
Cross Recoba: How about we look at the mental state of your idol? He’s going into the biggest match he’s had in this company and he says he has snapped? Think about it, how do you think the showman is going to fare in a street fight? How is he going to measure up to me when it comes to operating in those gray areas? The best thing you can hope for is it’s his last desperate plea to become sellable to a market of Edgelords!
Cross pushes Jones away with disdain as he releases the grip on his wrist.
Cross Recoba: I wouldn’t worry though, that would actually be semi-logical and he seems to have lost all contact with that side of his brain. He thinks I targeted him for a specific reason when the answer is much simpler, I chose the match that bored me the most to intervene in. Call me a fan proxy for that night. My job tonight is much more straight-forward, I’m going out there to get a win for the good of the company and, to be precise, the good of its ratings and profits. So, when we get down to the nuts and bolts of it - your champion-elect is dead in the water, he might have heard that I’ve retired a move I’ve put countless opponents away with but do you think I’d do that if it was going to weaken me? The only way he’s walking out with that belt is to resort to the tactics he’s decided are my stock and trade inside that ring. Sound like a smart approach? Let me spell out a much simpler eventuality for him - I’m going to clip his wings from the minute that bell goes. Say bye-bye to the Flight of Fantasy, the 540 kick, but most importantly - wave goodbye to Lucid Dreams. After all that, come find me and tell me again how he’s your champion-elect…
Recoba walks off camera leaving Chad Jones gormless in his wake.
**********
Meanwhile Zack Fantana was roaming the halls in another lonesome hallway with signs pointing towards gorilla when Emily Burlingame caught up to him in the lobby. Ever the intrepid reporter, she brought a camera crew in tow.
EB: Zack, we are just moments away from Cross Recoba’s first title defense after his victory at Blitz 5-
Zack laughed and continued to walk.
ZF: Oh, are we still calling that stunt in Munich a victory? At best, it was a transaction. At worst, it’s a blow to the legitimacy of our sport.
EB: Is there any truth to the rumor that you visited Zachariah Krähe in the hospital after your assault in Munich?
Zack stopped in his tracks.
ZF: There may be some truth to-
EB: Actually, we have the exclusive footage.
An LED screen seemingly materializes out of the woodwork playing security footage of Zack’s hospital visitation. In the footage, he’s seen walking the hallways with a yellow balloon floating over his shoulder and into a room.
ZF: Oh. You’re really putting that FiteTV money to work, huh? Okay.
EB: It appears that you brought him a card.
Emily shoved the microphone closer to Zack’s chin.
ZF: You know, Brad just talks to me. I don’t need you coming around with your big dick energy and your gotcha journalism right before my title fight.
EB: Can you explain what was inside?
ZF: Inside?
EB: Inside the card, yes. Was there anything inside the card?
ZF: I don’t know. My shame? My disappointment that I had to stoop to the level of all of the idiots that run amok on this show just to recoup an opportunity that was stolen from me two months ago?
EB: So no offer?
ZF: Offer? If you actually believe that I attempted to buy Krähe off, Cross has done more damage to the company than I thought. All I did was check that Zach was still breathing and express my wishes for his full recovery. Don’t mistake that for an apology and certainly don’t mistake that for a bribe. I am not Cross Recoba. So why don’t you just relax? You’ve scooped a simple hospital visit, not Valor Pro’s next big scandal.
The microphone remained.
ZF: I mean, you do get that I’m trying to restore the integrity of the UnYielding Championship, don’t you?
EB: These questions have to be asked. And I’m here to uphold the integrity of the sport, too. We both want the same things.
Zack scoffed.
ZF: Your story will be in the ring. I hope you cover it with the same enthusiasm.
With that, he stepped aside and pushed forward to the entrance ramp.
LO: Well, the moment of truth is upon us. No more words, only actions. Who will be leave here tonight the UnYielding Champion?
KO: Better question, is who is Zachariah Krahe going to favor in this match?
LO: I don't understand what sort of sick and twisted enjoyment that management gets out of finally granting Zack Fantana a chance to get his hands on Cross Recoba, and then turn around and make that man the special guest referee.
KO: Ain't for us to understand, Laur, but it is our job to witness it, so G.R.A., spit that beautiful bean footage!
Ring Announcer: The following contest is set for one fall or submission, and is for the UNYIELDING CHAMPIONSHIP!!
'Beat The Devil's Tatoo' by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club hits over the PA System, and the fans come alive with a mixed reaction as Zachariah Krahe steps out onto the stage. The first ever and former UnYielding Champion has seen better days as his left arm is nod longer in a sling, but he sports the bruises and abrasions from his attack at the hands of Zack Fantana last show all over his body. His expression doesn't beg for any sympathy, more so a mixture of amusement and apathy, which is probably due to the pain it would cause his busted lip and swollen eye if he tried. As the fans continue their mixed reaction, he tugs at the zebra stripes he's wearing for the occasion with a wincing grin.
Ring Announcer: Making his way to the ring, the first ever and former UnYielding Champion, the special guest referee for this contest, ZACHARIAH KRAHHEEE!!
Zach reaches ringside and climbs the steps, slipping through the ropes and making a B-line right for the far corner where he turns and plops back into it casually. The fans continue their spattering of boos and cheers as Krahe waits for the two other competitors to make it to the ring.
KO: Zachariah Krahe is showing some wear and tear from the previous shows out here tonight, and you got to wonder if that will play a factor in his ability to call it down the middle.
LO: Call it down the middle? We'll be lucky if Krahe doesn't sell the win to the highest bidder!
KO: That's a little uncalled for, don't you think, Laur? I mean, he did kick Recoba right in the mommy daddy button after he did the J.O.B.
LO: Yeah, that reinforces my faith one hundred percent, Ken.
Franz Ferdinand's lead vocals hits the PA System, singing the opening stanza of Lucid Dreams, and the fans come to their feet. As the song builds to the beats the lights across the stage being flash along with the beats, and suddenly come to a stop as Fantana bursts through the curtain to a huge ovation. He pauses to nod confidently at the crowd, stalking down to the ring without his usual fanfare, all business.
Ring Announcer: Introducing first, the challenger, standing at six foot and weighting in at 205 pounds, hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania....He is the leader of Fantanasy, this is ZACK FANTANNAAAA!!!
Zack reaches ringside and runs right past the ring steps to hop up on the apron, spinning around so that he's now dangling across the top rope. The fans chant his name which seems to only hype him up even further as he swings his left leg into the ring, followed by the right. He pauses to stare across the ring at Krahe, who hasn't moved, indifferently checking his fingernails. Zack shakes his head in confusion as he stalks over to the corner, takes the second rope, and throws his hands up over his head to more applause.
LO: Zack Fantana looks ready to fight here tonight, and did you see that glance he cut Krahe?
KO: He better stayed focused on the task at hand, cause Cross Recoba's no joke, and he's got champion's advantage.
LO: We'll just have to see about that..
'Turn To Stone' by Joe Walsh spills it's bluesy opening into the arena, and just as the lyrics kick in Cross Recoba steps out onto the stage, the UnYielding Championship glittering around his waist, and a lovely model on his arm. He unconsciously reaches up with his left hand to stroke the crucifix around his neck, while at the same time using the right to sweep his shag hair cut out of his face. He looks down into the ring and flashes a devilish grin, glancing over at his valet with a nod before making his way down to the ring.
Ring Announcer: And his opponent, standing at five foot ten and weighting in at 230 pounds, hailing from New York, New York....He is the UnYielding Champion....'THE FOX' CROSS RECOBBBBAAAA!!
Cross pauses as he reaches ringside, grinning at the two men in the ring, allowing his attention to be broken so that he can tell one of the more vocal members of the audience 'Luk munden fisse', mildly translated 'Shut your pussy mouth'. The fans at ringside are enraged as he just cockily laughs, directing his beautiful sidekick towards the time keepers table before climbing the steps and then wiping his feet on the ring apron and slipping through the ropes. He comes to a stop in his corner, removing the championship and folding it so it fits in the crux of his arm. He looks from Fantana to Krahe, and finally back to Fantana before lifting the championship by the strap in his direction. Fantana chuckles, obviously irritated, and stares down at the mat for a couple of seconds, before tearing across the ring and cutting Recoba in half with a spear!
LO: SPEAR BY FANTANA, AND HE FOLLOWS UP WITH MOUNTED PUNCHES RIGHT DOWN INTO RECOBA'S JAW!
KO: What the hell!?! This match hasn't even started yet! Where is the damn referee?
LO: Krahe's is still just leaning in the corner, seemingly unconcerned. Fantana dragging Recoba up to his feet and tossing him in the corner, lighting him up with a chop! Another one! ANOTHER ONE!
KO: Get in there and do something Krahe! Hasn't he earned a five count!
LO: Maybe so, but Cross' chest is lit up like Christmas in front of this Danish crowd, and now Fantana shoots him to the other side right towards Krahe!
Zachariah Krahe abandons his spot in the far corner so that Recoba can strike the turnbuckles hard, and then slump down to his knee's in front of them clutching his back. For the first time, it appears that Krahe is now paying attention, and he shrugs his shoulders with a wince and signals for the bell as he moves to the opposite corner to scoop up the championship and hand it to the timekeeper through the ropes. Fantana watches him go by intensely, but doesn't dwell on him long before turning his attention back to Cross. He gets a full head of steam before throwing his boot out to catch Recoba square in the face, snapping him back into the corner from his knee's to a seated position. The fans are going nuts as he circles the ring, calling out for their support, before taking off into a low drop kick that crushes Cross between the turnbuckle and Fantana's feet. Fantana makes like he's going to pull Recoba out of the corner for a cover, but the wily Fox quickly slips under the bottom rope to the outside, waving off the match and retrieving his title from the time keeper before he was even able to sit down with it.
LO: It looks like Cross Recoba is done here, and he's rounding around ringside towards the ramp! Zack Fantana just dropped down out behind Cross, and ZACHARIAH KRAHE JUST DROPPED DOWN IN FRONT OF HIM! HE'S SHAKING HIS HEAD NO!
KO: What's with this Ref! Just count the man out!
LO: Hell no! Zachariah Krahe is getting redemption points here by not letting Cross Recoba just slink away, and now Fantana has the champion by a fist full of hair, and just ran him face first into the steel ring post!
Recoba's skull spins off the steel and he stumbles to the concrete, still half trying to make an escape on his hands and knee's. Fantana rounds the corner and snatches him by another hand full of hair, and yanks him up, talking smack the way every person in the crowd wishes they could, and he runs with him in tow to attempt to crash his skull off the steps. 'The Fox' however gets his foot out in front of himself first, blocking the momentum, and then reaching up and jamming his thumb right into Fantana's eye. Fantana abandons Cross, momentarily blinded, and this is all the time the desperate champion needs to haul off and kick him square between the legs. Zack's eyes bulge out of his head as he instantly clutches his crotch, mouth hanging wide open in shock and pain on his way down to his knee's.
LO: That was a blatant low blow by the champion! Where's the referee at?
KO: He's just staring at the results blankly, and now he's shaking his head and he just thumbed for Cross to get it back into the ring.
LO: God damn it! He looks like he's out here to hitchhike, not referee a match! But he's allowing Cross to get Fantana up and into the ring, and now is following him in to make the pin attempt!
1...
Krahe pauses, momentarily distracted by his fingernails again. Recoba screams at him to count, and this seems to wake him up, and he nods reassuringly.
2...
Fantana's shoulder comes off the mat at two, and Cross Recoba pops up in a flash and Krahe does the same to meet him in the center of the ring. The two are nose to nose now as Cross points his finger up into his face and demands that he respect the champion, while Krahe softly laughs at him.
LO: Apparently this whole situation is just one big joke to Krahe...He is going to allow illegal actions, but is also not going to make the pin either. Great officiating.
KO: Well, maybe there's more to it than that. Maybe Krahe just wants to see these two guys eliminate each other. Maybe he's trying to out fox 'The Fox'.
LO: Either way this has created a huge time gap here, and Fantana is getting much needed time to recover after that low blow. You can see he's made it to his hands and knee's, and OH! HE JUST PULLED CROSS DOWN INTO A SCHOOL BOY PIN AND KRAHE IS THERE TO COUNT!
KO: 1..2..THRE-NO! Cross kicked out, and he's right back up and furious! Did you see how fast that count was? What the hell is Zachariah Krahe's deal?
LO: I don't know. I think the only person who may be able to answer that is Zacharkah Krahe himself..
Cross chews Zach out some more, but the catalyst of this entire situation rolls his eyes and appears to be getting sleepy with a yawn. Seeing that he is getting no where, Cross shakes his head in disgust, and turns his attention back to Fantana who has manged to get to his feet over in the corner. He rushes the man with a hard right fist to the temple that rocks him back, and now it's Recoba's turn to light Fantana up with chops. The sadistic sound of flesh meeting flesh rings out in the arena, and every time it does the fans wince a little more. Finally, he hooks him by the arm and sends him to the opposite side. Cross tries to follow him in, but Fantana leaps up to the second rope, stopping his momentum, and launches himself backwards to clip Recoba on the jaw with his elbow. Fantana still gingerly guards his aching crotch as he gets back to his feet, and he's surprised at how quick Recoba has recovered, already up to his as well.
LO: Fantana rushes at Recoba after that slingshot back elbow, but Recoba ducks his clothesline, forcing him to bounce off the ropes instead...and WALKS RIGHT INTO A TILT-A-WHIRL BACK BREAKER!!
KO: Zack's clutching at his spine, and even Krahe winced after the impact from that one! Cross not going for a cover, instead opting to pull Fantana back to his feet only to hook him around the waist and Nail Him With Another Back Breaker!
LO: Zack's spine looks pretty well busted here, and you gotta believe Cross is softening him up for his patented submission, Garibaldi's Guillotine!
Recoba snaps up to his feet as Fantana still clutches at his lower back, and Cross smirks out at the booing crowd before pulling Zack up to his feet and sending him towards the ropes. Zack returns, and Cross lowers his head only for Zack to stop short with a football like punt to the champions face that sends him back upright. Zack falls back into the ropes once more for spring, and barrels back at Cross, but unfortunately 'The Fox' is ready for him, taking him back down to the mat with a Double A like Spine Buster! Cross floats over and hooks the leg, and Krahe drops down to deliver a more even count this time.
1...
2...
LO: THR-Fantana kicked out at two and a half, and Cross looks annoyed as he holds up his fingers at Krahe for three. Zachariah having none of it, flashing two right in Recoba's face.
KO: Well at least this time it looked like the count was in cadence. Maybe that means Krahe is going to start actually officiating this match correctly.
LO: Either way, Recoba is hovering over Fantana now, and just shoved him over onto his side with the toe of his boot...and Football Punted Him Right In The Kidneys!
KO: That's going to smart in the morning.
Fantana's face is awash with pain as he rolls away from Recoba to try and find an escape, but before he can reach the ropes Cross is on him, stomping away with abandon. Krahe watches the vicious assault, and shakes his head, but doesn't interfere in the result. Finally, Cross reaches down and snatches Fantana up by the hair of the head, leading him face first into the top turnbuckle of the closest turnbuckle. He spins the challenger around, and lifts him up to sit on the top rope, following him by climbing to the second. He signals to the jeering crowd before hooking Fantana around the head, and then draping Zack's arm over his own. He moves to go for a superplex, but Fantana manages to hook the ropes with his boots preventing himself from being taken over. Cross tries again, and the same result. Cross untangles himself from the man, but it's Zack who reaches up and fires a forearm right into his jaw. Then another. And another.
LO: Cross Recoba is teetering on the second rope, and OH! Zack Fantana just headbutted him to crash to the canvas below. Fantana now, stepping up to the top rope, and the fans are on their feet as he LAUNCHES HIMSELF INTO A CORKSCREW SOMERSAULT LEG DRO....RECOBA MOVED!! RECOBA MOVED!! Fantana finds nothing but empty mat!
KO: Coming down on his tailbone like that, I promise you did no favors for his spine! And as Zack gets up to his feet, Recoba gets him by the waistband and the back of the head, and tosses him through the ropes to the unforgiving concrete outside!
LO: Cross grins now, pointing to Krahe to start the count...but Krahe's not moving. Hell, he's not even paying attention! He's chatting with a member of our ringside audience!
Cross stalks over to Krahe, and spins him around by the arm, getting all up in his face. Krahe doesn't back down as he argues with 'The Fox', pulling at his referee shirt, and reminding him of who the boss of the ring is on this night. The two bicker back and forth for a moment, before Cross gives Krahe a shove which knocks him back into the corner. The fans all 'Oooooooo' as Krahe's expression goes from amused to borderline homicidal, his cold gray eyes cutting a whole through Cross Recoba. He snaps out of the corner, and Cross reflexively puts his dukes up in defense, but Krahe stops short, and then points to the outside where Zack Fantana is pulling himself up by use of the ring apron. Recoba looks from Krahe to Fantana, and then back to Krahe, and he flashes the referee a devious grin before falling into the nearby ropes for spring, and rushing towards the side where Zack Fantana was now standing.
LO: Cross Recoba is coming in hot, and HE LEAPS OVER THE ROPES FOR A MILLION LIRA, BUT FANTANA MOVED!! Cross lands on his feet in front of him, and Zack boots him in the midsection, hooks him around the head, and LIFTS HIM INTO A BRAINBUSTER RIGHT DOWN ONTO HIS KNEE!!
KO: Fantana calls that move 'The Reverie', and it has been very effective in his time here at Valor Pro.
LO: Yeah, but both men are down on the outside now, and the referee is looking on concerned, but not going for a count...
Indeed, Zachariah Krahe has no intention of this match ending in a double count out. Instead, he slips to the outside as well, gets Fantana to his feet, and then rolls him into the ring. The fans all cheer the move. He then turns his attention to Cross, pulling the dazed champion to his feet, and rolling him back in as well. The fans all boo at this. Finally, he looks to both men from where he stands on the ground, shrugs, and flips the ring apron up, searches for a minute under the ring, and then comes back out with a steel chair. The fans are absolutely electric, but in a negative way, as Krahe carries himslef and the chair back into the ring.
LO: SEE! I knew it! What a bastard!
KO: I don't know, Laur. I mean, he did take a pretty awful whipping at the hands of Zack Fantana with one of those last show. Maybe this is retribution time.
LO: Whatever! That was after he bum rushed him and eliminated him from the 7 Pillars Gauntlet Match. It was also after he basically laid down and sold the UnYielding Championship to Cross Recoba!
Zach stands indifferently in the center of the ring, wielding the steel folding chair, and watching as both Cross Recoba and Zack Fantana pull themselves up to their feet on opposite sides of the ring. Both challenger and champion notice the scene almost immediately, and both show a bit of concern as Krahe regards either man. Then The Catalyst flashes a grin, tosses the chair right there in the center of the ring, and takes a few steps back, indicating that the two should continue the match by waving his arms in front of him. Now the fans are back on his side, nearly coming unglued in the Royal Arena.
KO: What the....so he's not going to clobber them?
LO: Doesn't appear so. He just tossed the chair in the ring, and told them to get at it! Will wonders never cease.
KO: This guy...I don't know, but I think I'm starting to like the way he officiates!
Cross and Zack both stare at one another from across the ring, every once in awhile glancing down at the steel chair that sits there like an invitation. Recoba licks his lips, and suddenly springs into motion, making a dive for the chair and actually getting his hands on it. Unfortunately, Zack is there too, but he didn't dive. Instead, he puts his boot right on the seat, preventing Cross from being able to pick it up. Cross from this position on his knee's looks up at Fantana, and starts shaking his head 'No', while Zack flashes a devious smile, and nods his head 'Yes'. Just then, Fantana wades in, lefts and rights reigning down on Recoba's head. The champion tries to cover up, but Zack gets him to his feet and fires in chop after chop until it looks like Cross Recoba might literally bleed as the 'Knife Edge' nick name entails.
LO: Zack Fantana is fired up here, and these two have completely abandoned the offered chair for a more primeval method of dealing with their problems!
KO: By dealing with their problems, you must mean Zack Fantana beating the holy hell out of Cross Recoba!
Krahe watches on intently as Fantana roars at Cross, who is being held up only by the ropes, his chest a shade of red that is wholly unnatural on the human body. Zack gets Cross by the wrist and sends him to the opposite side, only for him to bounce back and run right into a springboard round house kick that takes his head off. Fantana doesn't stop there, literally running in place to get some momentum, and then rushing the ropes to springboard once again into a near perfect lionsault. He impacts off Recoba, and then hooks his leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Recoba's out, Krahe counted fair, and Fantana doesn't even seem perturbed. He's already got Cross back up and just kicked the chair into position for something, pulls his head back into a guillotine choke, and SNAPS DOWN TO THE MAT FOR AN INVERTED DDT ON THE STEEL!
KO: Damn! And he goes for another cover here...
1...
2...
LO: THRE-And Cross out at a very long two count, but Krahe is still saying he got the shoulder up! Fantana is looking a little flustered here, and after the punishment that's been dealt out, it's easy to see why. I mean, what do these two have to do to put the other away?
KO: I don't know, but it looks like Fantana is searching his options!
Fantana stares down at Recoba who is cradling the back of his skull, looks to the chair, looks to Krahe, and then looks out at the fans who are all on their feet in excitement. Finally, bolstered by the ovation he receives, he nods his head having arrived at a decision. He pulls Cross back up to his feet while simultaneously kicking the chair so that it slides out of the way. He spins the champion around, and hooks him around the waist, looking to take him over with a belly to back suplex. What he's actually looking for is his finisher, Sleep Apnea, however when he releases Cross and drops to his back to deliver the lumbar check, he is in shock as Cross jumps with the momentum and uses it to complete a back flip that sees him land on his feet at Zack's head.
LO: AMAZING REVERSAL FROM CROSS RECOBA! I've never seen anything like it!
KO: Yeah, and apparently neither has Zack Fantana, who rolls quickly to his feet BUT CROSS IS THERE WITH A VILE CHAIR SHOT THAT JUST THUNDERED THROUGH OUT THIS ARENA!!
In the split second it had taken Fantana to roll up to an upright position, Recoba managed to reach down and get hold of the chair, winding it up at about the same time Zack turned to face him. And boy did he let him have it. Recoba is wobbily with the chair in hand, but he still manages a slight smile as he stares down at the challenger, who appears to be unconscious on the mat. He casually tosses the chair to the side which sends it skittering out of the ring, and points to Krahe, and then to Fantana, before dropping down to hook the leg. Krahe shakes his head in disappointment, especially since he was the one who introduced the chair in the first place, but eventually shrugs and drops to make the count.
1...
2...
THREe-NO!
LO: OH MY GOD! I can't believe it! And neither can Cross Recoba! He is absolutely livid! He's all up in Krahe's face now, but Zachariah has almost a jovial grin on his face as he reminds him not to touch the referee!
KO: Man....this dude is having a meltdown! He's kicking the bottom rope, and sweeping his feet in front of Krahe like he's at a baseball game arguing with an umpire!
The fans begin a 'Llorar bebe' chant, which translates to 'Cry Baby', and this causes the usually calculating 'Fox' to flip even more. Finally, realizing he isn't going to get anywhere with Krahe, he turns a laser focus back to Zack Fantana. The look on his face is pure malice as he stalks over to the downed man, and reaches down to grab him by the legs. He chokes up until he has both ankles tucked under his arms, and moves to try and flip him over onto his front into Garibaldi's Guillotine! At that moment, Zack Fantana comes alive, his legs becoming like eels as they fight and thrash to prevent from being turned into the deadly submission.
LO: Fantana is doing everything in his power here to keep from being turned, because of Cross gets this locked, it's over!
KO: No one's ever broke Garibaldi's Guillotine, Laur. It's a death sentence to a match!
Suddenly Fantana manages to get one leg free, and he snaps it up so that it catches Cross right in the face. Recoba still maintains a hold one leg, and as he reaches to get the other one back under control, he's met with another stiff shot right under his jaw. This causes 'The Fox' to abandon the hold, stumbling back into the ropes in a daze. Fantana swings both legs up and over his head into a roll that ends with him on his feet, and Recoba rushes at him about the same time Zack commits to a gallop. Both men meet in the center of the ring with a double cross body that sends one man flying down hard onto his side, and the other one spinning away to crash on his front. Both men lay lifelessly in the positions they landed sucking in much needed air, leaving Krahe to mimic the famous 'Home Alone' pose with both palms on either sides of his cheeks.
LO: Krahe looks as stunned as this capacity crowd, and quite frankly, I don't know where these guys are getting it from.
KO: This is for the title, Laur. Cross will do just about anything to keep it, and Zack is going to do any thing to get it. Simple as that.
Both men take some time before they start moving, and Krahe never bothers with the ten count that we've seen from the other officials tonight, instead, opting to take a rest in the corner much to crowds chagrin. Finally Cross starts to move, slowly crawling to the ropes so that he can use them to get to his feet. Fantana, in the same vein comes up to one knee in the center of the ring, and looks up to spy the UnYielding champion clutching his ribs. He pushes off the knee to get to his feet and stutter steps into a sprint right for Recoba, but it's the champion who manages to hook the top rope and swing both legs up to catch Fantana square in the face.
LO: Unbelievably these two still have fight in them, as Fantana is rocked back to the center of the ring after that impromptu stop by Recoba's boots. Recoba now coming out and scoops him up into a tombstone position...But Fantana Kicking His Legs AND IT'S FORCING RECOBA TO FALL BACKWARDS!
KO: Fantana landed on his feet, and just hoisted Recoba up in position instead...NO! Wait....Recoba's kicking his feet now, and HE'S REVERSING THE POSITION AGAIN!
Each one of these reversals has brought the men dangerously towards the ropes, and this time when Fantana begins to kick, his feet touch the top rope and when he slides over this time, the ropes prevent Cross going with him, causing a separation between the two men. Cross pins around to meet a shoulder block through the ropes that catches him right in the gut. Cross doubles over, the impact forcing him to take several steps back towards the center of the ring. Just then, Fantana springboards up to the top rope, and comes flying off for a forearm smash, but Recoba see's it coming, and answers with a high drop kick that sends Zack crashing to the mat!
LO: Unbelievable counter to Zack's Flight of Fantasy by Cross Recoba! And Cross just scrambled over to hook the leg!
KO: And Krahe is in position to make the count!
1...
2...
THREe-NO!
LO: Fantana still finding the guts to kick out, and Recoba now beating the mat out of frustration.
Recoba shoots Zachariah a scathing glance before shoving up to his feet, and grabbing Fantana by the legs once more. Again, Fantana comes alive, kicking with everything that he's worth to keep from being put in Cross' dread hold. Recoba cinches up on the legs, however, getting a good grip, and just when it looks like he's about to turn Fantana, Zack somehow manages to reach up and grab him by the tights, and pulls him forwards enough to hook him around the head, and take him over into a sloppy small package.
1...
2...
LO: Cross out at two, but both men are up to their feet as quickly as they can be after such a grueling match, and both send right fists careening off their skulls!
KO: Both men got rocked by those shots, but here comes Cross with another one! Zack ducked it, slips his head under his arm and lifts him for a side suplex, BUT CROSS ROLLS THROUGH!
LO: Recoba behind Zack now, and hooks him around the waist, running him into the ropes to try and go for a rolling pin, but Fantana able to hook the top rope to prevent from being pulled down.
KO: The bounce from the ropes shook Cross loose, and he rolled straight back and through back up to his feet...Fantana approaching, and OH! Walked right into a chop! Another one! He's rocking him all the way back into the corner!
Both men are battered and tired as they reach the corner, but it's Recoba who has Fantana on the ropes in this instance. He fires in a few more vicious chops before taking Zack by the wrist, and sending him to the other side. It's a surprise to all when Fantana reverses it, Irish whipping Recoba hard into the turnbuckles instead. Fantana rushes in to capitalize, but again, Cross manages to get his boots up and Fantana walks right into them, spinning him around in a daze. Cross hops up to the second, and leaps off to land on the back of Zack's shoulders in reverse frankensteiner position, but Fantana suddenly pitches forwards. Recoba, feeling the shift beneath him, goes with the momentum into a victory roll pin, but is stopped short when Zack drops straight down, trapping his legs and all of his weight right onto Cross' shoulders. Krahe, surprised, but not for long, drops to make the count.
1...
2...
3!!!
LO: OH MY GOD! WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!
KO: Damn belt is cursed! Krahe won it, lost in his first defense. Cross won it, and lost in his first defense! My prediction, Fantana has the belt for two weeks!
Zack falls off to the side as Cross sits up in absolute shock, shaking his head 'No' as Krahe receives the belt from the time keeper, and then places it in Fantana's arms.
Ring Announcer: And the winner of this match via pinfall.....and YOUR NEW UNYIELDING CHAMPION....ZACK FANTANNNNAAAAA!!
The announcement seems to make the realization that he's no longer champion actually real, and Cross pulls himself to his feet, and immediately accuses Krahe of a fast count. The catalyst simply grins in Recoba's face before bailing out of the ring, and starts making his way to the back. Recoba, in such shock, turns to take his frustrations out on Fantana, but much to his chagrin, the new champion had already left the ring and was literally hanging out with his adoring public, having hopped the barricade to celebrate with the fans. Cross' jaw sets, and his eyes narrow as he follows the champion's ascent into the rafters, and he takes just a moment to flip off the Danish crowd before jumping down out of the ring to make his way to the back.
LO: Well, we have a new champion, Ken?
KO: Yeah, and do you think that's going to put this thing to rest between these three guys?
LO: Probably not, because I just received word from the back that Zack Fantana's first title defense will be against the man who just counted his victory pin.
KO: Oh shit! See, I bet that's been Krahe's game all along!
LO: What? That makes no sense. If he wanted the championship, then he would have just defended it against Recoba in the first place. Seems an awfully long way around just to get a title opportunity for a belt he's already held.
KO: Not the championship, dummy, but Fantana...Beat the hell out of him one night, act like their pals the other. Notice how he's the one that fed the chair into this match?
LO: Don't expect me to try and figure out Zachariah Krahe's motives. All I know for sure is that he may have taken a few liberties early on in this match, but in the end he fell more into a rhythm of fairness, and in the end, we have a new champion.
KO: Bet that Cross Recoba don't feel like it's fair.
LO: And I'm sure this won't be the last we hear of Cross Recoba and the UnYielding Championship, either.
KO: Wait..I just got word from the back that Emily Burlingame has caught up with Zachariah Krahe, let's get back there for some answers!
KO: Better question, is who is Zachariah Krahe going to favor in this match?
LO: I don't understand what sort of sick and twisted enjoyment that management gets out of finally granting Zack Fantana a chance to get his hands on Cross Recoba, and then turn around and make that man the special guest referee.
KO: Ain't for us to understand, Laur, but it is our job to witness it, so G.R.A., spit that beautiful bean footage!
Ring Announcer: The following contest is set for one fall or submission, and is for the UNYIELDING CHAMPIONSHIP!!
'Beat The Devil's Tatoo' by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club hits over the PA System, and the fans come alive with a mixed reaction as Zachariah Krahe steps out onto the stage. The first ever and former UnYielding Champion has seen better days as his left arm is nod longer in a sling, but he sports the bruises and abrasions from his attack at the hands of Zack Fantana last show all over his body. His expression doesn't beg for any sympathy, more so a mixture of amusement and apathy, which is probably due to the pain it would cause his busted lip and swollen eye if he tried. As the fans continue their mixed reaction, he tugs at the zebra stripes he's wearing for the occasion with a wincing grin.
Ring Announcer: Making his way to the ring, the first ever and former UnYielding Champion, the special guest referee for this contest, ZACHARIAH KRAHHEEE!!
Zach reaches ringside and climbs the steps, slipping through the ropes and making a B-line right for the far corner where he turns and plops back into it casually. The fans continue their spattering of boos and cheers as Krahe waits for the two other competitors to make it to the ring.
KO: Zachariah Krahe is showing some wear and tear from the previous shows out here tonight, and you got to wonder if that will play a factor in his ability to call it down the middle.
LO: Call it down the middle? We'll be lucky if Krahe doesn't sell the win to the highest bidder!
KO: That's a little uncalled for, don't you think, Laur? I mean, he did kick Recoba right in the mommy daddy button after he did the J.O.B.
LO: Yeah, that reinforces my faith one hundred percent, Ken.
Franz Ferdinand's lead vocals hits the PA System, singing the opening stanza of Lucid Dreams, and the fans come to their feet. As the song builds to the beats the lights across the stage being flash along with the beats, and suddenly come to a stop as Fantana bursts through the curtain to a huge ovation. He pauses to nod confidently at the crowd, stalking down to the ring without his usual fanfare, all business.
Ring Announcer: Introducing first, the challenger, standing at six foot and weighting in at 205 pounds, hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania....He is the leader of Fantanasy, this is ZACK FANTANNAAAA!!!
Zack reaches ringside and runs right past the ring steps to hop up on the apron, spinning around so that he's now dangling across the top rope. The fans chant his name which seems to only hype him up even further as he swings his left leg into the ring, followed by the right. He pauses to stare across the ring at Krahe, who hasn't moved, indifferently checking his fingernails. Zack shakes his head in confusion as he stalks over to the corner, takes the second rope, and throws his hands up over his head to more applause.
LO: Zack Fantana looks ready to fight here tonight, and did you see that glance he cut Krahe?
KO: He better stayed focused on the task at hand, cause Cross Recoba's no joke, and he's got champion's advantage.
LO: We'll just have to see about that..
'Turn To Stone' by Joe Walsh spills it's bluesy opening into the arena, and just as the lyrics kick in Cross Recoba steps out onto the stage, the UnYielding Championship glittering around his waist, and a lovely model on his arm. He unconsciously reaches up with his left hand to stroke the crucifix around his neck, while at the same time using the right to sweep his shag hair cut out of his face. He looks down into the ring and flashes a devilish grin, glancing over at his valet with a nod before making his way down to the ring.
Ring Announcer: And his opponent, standing at five foot ten and weighting in at 230 pounds, hailing from New York, New York....He is the UnYielding Champion....'THE FOX' CROSS RECOBBBBAAAA!!
Cross pauses as he reaches ringside, grinning at the two men in the ring, allowing his attention to be broken so that he can tell one of the more vocal members of the audience 'Luk munden fisse', mildly translated 'Shut your pussy mouth'. The fans at ringside are enraged as he just cockily laughs, directing his beautiful sidekick towards the time keepers table before climbing the steps and then wiping his feet on the ring apron and slipping through the ropes. He comes to a stop in his corner, removing the championship and folding it so it fits in the crux of his arm. He looks from Fantana to Krahe, and finally back to Fantana before lifting the championship by the strap in his direction. Fantana chuckles, obviously irritated, and stares down at the mat for a couple of seconds, before tearing across the ring and cutting Recoba in half with a spear!
LO: SPEAR BY FANTANA, AND HE FOLLOWS UP WITH MOUNTED PUNCHES RIGHT DOWN INTO RECOBA'S JAW!
KO: What the hell!?! This match hasn't even started yet! Where is the damn referee?
LO: Krahe's is still just leaning in the corner, seemingly unconcerned. Fantana dragging Recoba up to his feet and tossing him in the corner, lighting him up with a chop! Another one! ANOTHER ONE!
KO: Get in there and do something Krahe! Hasn't he earned a five count!
LO: Maybe so, but Cross' chest is lit up like Christmas in front of this Danish crowd, and now Fantana shoots him to the other side right towards Krahe!
Zachariah Krahe abandons his spot in the far corner so that Recoba can strike the turnbuckles hard, and then slump down to his knee's in front of them clutching his back. For the first time, it appears that Krahe is now paying attention, and he shrugs his shoulders with a wince and signals for the bell as he moves to the opposite corner to scoop up the championship and hand it to the timekeeper through the ropes. Fantana watches him go by intensely, but doesn't dwell on him long before turning his attention back to Cross. He gets a full head of steam before throwing his boot out to catch Recoba square in the face, snapping him back into the corner from his knee's to a seated position. The fans are going nuts as he circles the ring, calling out for their support, before taking off into a low drop kick that crushes Cross between the turnbuckle and Fantana's feet. Fantana makes like he's going to pull Recoba out of the corner for a cover, but the wily Fox quickly slips under the bottom rope to the outside, waving off the match and retrieving his title from the time keeper before he was even able to sit down with it.
LO: It looks like Cross Recoba is done here, and he's rounding around ringside towards the ramp! Zack Fantana just dropped down out behind Cross, and ZACHARIAH KRAHE JUST DROPPED DOWN IN FRONT OF HIM! HE'S SHAKING HIS HEAD NO!
KO: What's with this Ref! Just count the man out!
LO: Hell no! Zachariah Krahe is getting redemption points here by not letting Cross Recoba just slink away, and now Fantana has the champion by a fist full of hair, and just ran him face first into the steel ring post!
Recoba's skull spins off the steel and he stumbles to the concrete, still half trying to make an escape on his hands and knee's. Fantana rounds the corner and snatches him by another hand full of hair, and yanks him up, talking smack the way every person in the crowd wishes they could, and he runs with him in tow to attempt to crash his skull off the steps. 'The Fox' however gets his foot out in front of himself first, blocking the momentum, and then reaching up and jamming his thumb right into Fantana's eye. Fantana abandons Cross, momentarily blinded, and this is all the time the desperate champion needs to haul off and kick him square between the legs. Zack's eyes bulge out of his head as he instantly clutches his crotch, mouth hanging wide open in shock and pain on his way down to his knee's.
LO: That was a blatant low blow by the champion! Where's the referee at?
KO: He's just staring at the results blankly, and now he's shaking his head and he just thumbed for Cross to get it back into the ring.
LO: God damn it! He looks like he's out here to hitchhike, not referee a match! But he's allowing Cross to get Fantana up and into the ring, and now is following him in to make the pin attempt!
1...
Krahe pauses, momentarily distracted by his fingernails again. Recoba screams at him to count, and this seems to wake him up, and he nods reassuringly.
2...
Fantana's shoulder comes off the mat at two, and Cross Recoba pops up in a flash and Krahe does the same to meet him in the center of the ring. The two are nose to nose now as Cross points his finger up into his face and demands that he respect the champion, while Krahe softly laughs at him.
LO: Apparently this whole situation is just one big joke to Krahe...He is going to allow illegal actions, but is also not going to make the pin either. Great officiating.
KO: Well, maybe there's more to it than that. Maybe Krahe just wants to see these two guys eliminate each other. Maybe he's trying to out fox 'The Fox'.
LO: Either way this has created a huge time gap here, and Fantana is getting much needed time to recover after that low blow. You can see he's made it to his hands and knee's, and OH! HE JUST PULLED CROSS DOWN INTO A SCHOOL BOY PIN AND KRAHE IS THERE TO COUNT!
KO: 1..2..THRE-NO! Cross kicked out, and he's right back up and furious! Did you see how fast that count was? What the hell is Zachariah Krahe's deal?
LO: I don't know. I think the only person who may be able to answer that is Zacharkah Krahe himself..
Cross chews Zach out some more, but the catalyst of this entire situation rolls his eyes and appears to be getting sleepy with a yawn. Seeing that he is getting no where, Cross shakes his head in disgust, and turns his attention back to Fantana who has manged to get to his feet over in the corner. He rushes the man with a hard right fist to the temple that rocks him back, and now it's Recoba's turn to light Fantana up with chops. The sadistic sound of flesh meeting flesh rings out in the arena, and every time it does the fans wince a little more. Finally, he hooks him by the arm and sends him to the opposite side. Cross tries to follow him in, but Fantana leaps up to the second rope, stopping his momentum, and launches himself backwards to clip Recoba on the jaw with his elbow. Fantana still gingerly guards his aching crotch as he gets back to his feet, and he's surprised at how quick Recoba has recovered, already up to his as well.
LO: Fantana rushes at Recoba after that slingshot back elbow, but Recoba ducks his clothesline, forcing him to bounce off the ropes instead...and WALKS RIGHT INTO A TILT-A-WHIRL BACK BREAKER!!
KO: Zack's clutching at his spine, and even Krahe winced after the impact from that one! Cross not going for a cover, instead opting to pull Fantana back to his feet only to hook him around the waist and Nail Him With Another Back Breaker!
LO: Zack's spine looks pretty well busted here, and you gotta believe Cross is softening him up for his patented submission, Garibaldi's Guillotine!
Recoba snaps up to his feet as Fantana still clutches at his lower back, and Cross smirks out at the booing crowd before pulling Zack up to his feet and sending him towards the ropes. Zack returns, and Cross lowers his head only for Zack to stop short with a football like punt to the champions face that sends him back upright. Zack falls back into the ropes once more for spring, and barrels back at Cross, but unfortunately 'The Fox' is ready for him, taking him back down to the mat with a Double A like Spine Buster! Cross floats over and hooks the leg, and Krahe drops down to deliver a more even count this time.
1...
2...
LO: THR-Fantana kicked out at two and a half, and Cross looks annoyed as he holds up his fingers at Krahe for three. Zachariah having none of it, flashing two right in Recoba's face.
KO: Well at least this time it looked like the count was in cadence. Maybe that means Krahe is going to start actually officiating this match correctly.
LO: Either way, Recoba is hovering over Fantana now, and just shoved him over onto his side with the toe of his boot...and Football Punted Him Right In The Kidneys!
KO: That's going to smart in the morning.
Fantana's face is awash with pain as he rolls away from Recoba to try and find an escape, but before he can reach the ropes Cross is on him, stomping away with abandon. Krahe watches the vicious assault, and shakes his head, but doesn't interfere in the result. Finally, Cross reaches down and snatches Fantana up by the hair of the head, leading him face first into the top turnbuckle of the closest turnbuckle. He spins the challenger around, and lifts him up to sit on the top rope, following him by climbing to the second. He signals to the jeering crowd before hooking Fantana around the head, and then draping Zack's arm over his own. He moves to go for a superplex, but Fantana manages to hook the ropes with his boots preventing himself from being taken over. Cross tries again, and the same result. Cross untangles himself from the man, but it's Zack who reaches up and fires a forearm right into his jaw. Then another. And another.
LO: Cross Recoba is teetering on the second rope, and OH! Zack Fantana just headbutted him to crash to the canvas below. Fantana now, stepping up to the top rope, and the fans are on their feet as he LAUNCHES HIMSELF INTO A CORKSCREW SOMERSAULT LEG DRO....RECOBA MOVED!! RECOBA MOVED!! Fantana finds nothing but empty mat!
KO: Coming down on his tailbone like that, I promise you did no favors for his spine! And as Zack gets up to his feet, Recoba gets him by the waistband and the back of the head, and tosses him through the ropes to the unforgiving concrete outside!
LO: Cross grins now, pointing to Krahe to start the count...but Krahe's not moving. Hell, he's not even paying attention! He's chatting with a member of our ringside audience!
Cross stalks over to Krahe, and spins him around by the arm, getting all up in his face. Krahe doesn't back down as he argues with 'The Fox', pulling at his referee shirt, and reminding him of who the boss of the ring is on this night. The two bicker back and forth for a moment, before Cross gives Krahe a shove which knocks him back into the corner. The fans all 'Oooooooo' as Krahe's expression goes from amused to borderline homicidal, his cold gray eyes cutting a whole through Cross Recoba. He snaps out of the corner, and Cross reflexively puts his dukes up in defense, but Krahe stops short, and then points to the outside where Zack Fantana is pulling himself up by use of the ring apron. Recoba looks from Krahe to Fantana, and then back to Krahe, and he flashes the referee a devious grin before falling into the nearby ropes for spring, and rushing towards the side where Zack Fantana was now standing.
LO: Cross Recoba is coming in hot, and HE LEAPS OVER THE ROPES FOR A MILLION LIRA, BUT FANTANA MOVED!! Cross lands on his feet in front of him, and Zack boots him in the midsection, hooks him around the head, and LIFTS HIM INTO A BRAINBUSTER RIGHT DOWN ONTO HIS KNEE!!
KO: Fantana calls that move 'The Reverie', and it has been very effective in his time here at Valor Pro.
LO: Yeah, but both men are down on the outside now, and the referee is looking on concerned, but not going for a count...
Indeed, Zachariah Krahe has no intention of this match ending in a double count out. Instead, he slips to the outside as well, gets Fantana to his feet, and then rolls him into the ring. The fans all cheer the move. He then turns his attention to Cross, pulling the dazed champion to his feet, and rolling him back in as well. The fans all boo at this. Finally, he looks to both men from where he stands on the ground, shrugs, and flips the ring apron up, searches for a minute under the ring, and then comes back out with a steel chair. The fans are absolutely electric, but in a negative way, as Krahe carries himslef and the chair back into the ring.
LO: SEE! I knew it! What a bastard!
KO: I don't know, Laur. I mean, he did take a pretty awful whipping at the hands of Zack Fantana with one of those last show. Maybe this is retribution time.
LO: Whatever! That was after he bum rushed him and eliminated him from the 7 Pillars Gauntlet Match. It was also after he basically laid down and sold the UnYielding Championship to Cross Recoba!
Zach stands indifferently in the center of the ring, wielding the steel folding chair, and watching as both Cross Recoba and Zack Fantana pull themselves up to their feet on opposite sides of the ring. Both challenger and champion notice the scene almost immediately, and both show a bit of concern as Krahe regards either man. Then The Catalyst flashes a grin, tosses the chair right there in the center of the ring, and takes a few steps back, indicating that the two should continue the match by waving his arms in front of him. Now the fans are back on his side, nearly coming unglued in the Royal Arena.
KO: What the....so he's not going to clobber them?
LO: Doesn't appear so. He just tossed the chair in the ring, and told them to get at it! Will wonders never cease.
KO: This guy...I don't know, but I think I'm starting to like the way he officiates!
Cross and Zack both stare at one another from across the ring, every once in awhile glancing down at the steel chair that sits there like an invitation. Recoba licks his lips, and suddenly springs into motion, making a dive for the chair and actually getting his hands on it. Unfortunately, Zack is there too, but he didn't dive. Instead, he puts his boot right on the seat, preventing Cross from being able to pick it up. Cross from this position on his knee's looks up at Fantana, and starts shaking his head 'No', while Zack flashes a devious smile, and nods his head 'Yes'. Just then, Fantana wades in, lefts and rights reigning down on Recoba's head. The champion tries to cover up, but Zack gets him to his feet and fires in chop after chop until it looks like Cross Recoba might literally bleed as the 'Knife Edge' nick name entails.
LO: Zack Fantana is fired up here, and these two have completely abandoned the offered chair for a more primeval method of dealing with their problems!
KO: By dealing with their problems, you must mean Zack Fantana beating the holy hell out of Cross Recoba!
Krahe watches on intently as Fantana roars at Cross, who is being held up only by the ropes, his chest a shade of red that is wholly unnatural on the human body. Zack gets Cross by the wrist and sends him to the opposite side, only for him to bounce back and run right into a springboard round house kick that takes his head off. Fantana doesn't stop there, literally running in place to get some momentum, and then rushing the ropes to springboard once again into a near perfect lionsault. He impacts off Recoba, and then hooks his leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Recoba's out, Krahe counted fair, and Fantana doesn't even seem perturbed. He's already got Cross back up and just kicked the chair into position for something, pulls his head back into a guillotine choke, and SNAPS DOWN TO THE MAT FOR AN INVERTED DDT ON THE STEEL!
KO: Damn! And he goes for another cover here...
1...
2...
LO: THRE-And Cross out at a very long two count, but Krahe is still saying he got the shoulder up! Fantana is looking a little flustered here, and after the punishment that's been dealt out, it's easy to see why. I mean, what do these two have to do to put the other away?
KO: I don't know, but it looks like Fantana is searching his options!
Fantana stares down at Recoba who is cradling the back of his skull, looks to the chair, looks to Krahe, and then looks out at the fans who are all on their feet in excitement. Finally, bolstered by the ovation he receives, he nods his head having arrived at a decision. He pulls Cross back up to his feet while simultaneously kicking the chair so that it slides out of the way. He spins the champion around, and hooks him around the waist, looking to take him over with a belly to back suplex. What he's actually looking for is his finisher, Sleep Apnea, however when he releases Cross and drops to his back to deliver the lumbar check, he is in shock as Cross jumps with the momentum and uses it to complete a back flip that sees him land on his feet at Zack's head.
LO: AMAZING REVERSAL FROM CROSS RECOBA! I've never seen anything like it!
KO: Yeah, and apparently neither has Zack Fantana, who rolls quickly to his feet BUT CROSS IS THERE WITH A VILE CHAIR SHOT THAT JUST THUNDERED THROUGH OUT THIS ARENA!!
In the split second it had taken Fantana to roll up to an upright position, Recoba managed to reach down and get hold of the chair, winding it up at about the same time Zack turned to face him. And boy did he let him have it. Recoba is wobbily with the chair in hand, but he still manages a slight smile as he stares down at the challenger, who appears to be unconscious on the mat. He casually tosses the chair to the side which sends it skittering out of the ring, and points to Krahe, and then to Fantana, before dropping down to hook the leg. Krahe shakes his head in disappointment, especially since he was the one who introduced the chair in the first place, but eventually shrugs and drops to make the count.
1...
2...
THREe-NO!
LO: OH MY GOD! I can't believe it! And neither can Cross Recoba! He is absolutely livid! He's all up in Krahe's face now, but Zachariah has almost a jovial grin on his face as he reminds him not to touch the referee!
KO: Man....this dude is having a meltdown! He's kicking the bottom rope, and sweeping his feet in front of Krahe like he's at a baseball game arguing with an umpire!
The fans begin a 'Llorar bebe' chant, which translates to 'Cry Baby', and this causes the usually calculating 'Fox' to flip even more. Finally, realizing he isn't going to get anywhere with Krahe, he turns a laser focus back to Zack Fantana. The look on his face is pure malice as he stalks over to the downed man, and reaches down to grab him by the legs. He chokes up until he has both ankles tucked under his arms, and moves to try and flip him over onto his front into Garibaldi's Guillotine! At that moment, Zack Fantana comes alive, his legs becoming like eels as they fight and thrash to prevent from being turned into the deadly submission.
LO: Fantana is doing everything in his power here to keep from being turned, because of Cross gets this locked, it's over!
KO: No one's ever broke Garibaldi's Guillotine, Laur. It's a death sentence to a match!
Suddenly Fantana manages to get one leg free, and he snaps it up so that it catches Cross right in the face. Recoba still maintains a hold one leg, and as he reaches to get the other one back under control, he's met with another stiff shot right under his jaw. This causes 'The Fox' to abandon the hold, stumbling back into the ropes in a daze. Fantana swings both legs up and over his head into a roll that ends with him on his feet, and Recoba rushes at him about the same time Zack commits to a gallop. Both men meet in the center of the ring with a double cross body that sends one man flying down hard onto his side, and the other one spinning away to crash on his front. Both men lay lifelessly in the positions they landed sucking in much needed air, leaving Krahe to mimic the famous 'Home Alone' pose with both palms on either sides of his cheeks.
LO: Krahe looks as stunned as this capacity crowd, and quite frankly, I don't know where these guys are getting it from.
KO: This is for the title, Laur. Cross will do just about anything to keep it, and Zack is going to do any thing to get it. Simple as that.
Both men take some time before they start moving, and Krahe never bothers with the ten count that we've seen from the other officials tonight, instead, opting to take a rest in the corner much to crowds chagrin. Finally Cross starts to move, slowly crawling to the ropes so that he can use them to get to his feet. Fantana, in the same vein comes up to one knee in the center of the ring, and looks up to spy the UnYielding champion clutching his ribs. He pushes off the knee to get to his feet and stutter steps into a sprint right for Recoba, but it's the champion who manages to hook the top rope and swing both legs up to catch Fantana square in the face.
LO: Unbelievably these two still have fight in them, as Fantana is rocked back to the center of the ring after that impromptu stop by Recoba's boots. Recoba now coming out and scoops him up into a tombstone position...But Fantana Kicking His Legs AND IT'S FORCING RECOBA TO FALL BACKWARDS!
KO: Fantana landed on his feet, and just hoisted Recoba up in position instead...NO! Wait....Recoba's kicking his feet now, and HE'S REVERSING THE POSITION AGAIN!
Each one of these reversals has brought the men dangerously towards the ropes, and this time when Fantana begins to kick, his feet touch the top rope and when he slides over this time, the ropes prevent Cross going with him, causing a separation between the two men. Cross pins around to meet a shoulder block through the ropes that catches him right in the gut. Cross doubles over, the impact forcing him to take several steps back towards the center of the ring. Just then, Fantana springboards up to the top rope, and comes flying off for a forearm smash, but Recoba see's it coming, and answers with a high drop kick that sends Zack crashing to the mat!
LO: Unbelievable counter to Zack's Flight of Fantasy by Cross Recoba! And Cross just scrambled over to hook the leg!
KO: And Krahe is in position to make the count!
1...
2...
THREe-NO!
LO: Fantana still finding the guts to kick out, and Recoba now beating the mat out of frustration.
Recoba shoots Zachariah a scathing glance before shoving up to his feet, and grabbing Fantana by the legs once more. Again, Fantana comes alive, kicking with everything that he's worth to keep from being put in Cross' dread hold. Recoba cinches up on the legs, however, getting a good grip, and just when it looks like he's about to turn Fantana, Zack somehow manages to reach up and grab him by the tights, and pulls him forwards enough to hook him around the head, and take him over into a sloppy small package.
1...
2...
LO: Cross out at two, but both men are up to their feet as quickly as they can be after such a grueling match, and both send right fists careening off their skulls!
KO: Both men got rocked by those shots, but here comes Cross with another one! Zack ducked it, slips his head under his arm and lifts him for a side suplex, BUT CROSS ROLLS THROUGH!
LO: Recoba behind Zack now, and hooks him around the waist, running him into the ropes to try and go for a rolling pin, but Fantana able to hook the top rope to prevent from being pulled down.
KO: The bounce from the ropes shook Cross loose, and he rolled straight back and through back up to his feet...Fantana approaching, and OH! Walked right into a chop! Another one! He's rocking him all the way back into the corner!
Both men are battered and tired as they reach the corner, but it's Recoba who has Fantana on the ropes in this instance. He fires in a few more vicious chops before taking Zack by the wrist, and sending him to the other side. It's a surprise to all when Fantana reverses it, Irish whipping Recoba hard into the turnbuckles instead. Fantana rushes in to capitalize, but again, Cross manages to get his boots up and Fantana walks right into them, spinning him around in a daze. Cross hops up to the second, and leaps off to land on the back of Zack's shoulders in reverse frankensteiner position, but Fantana suddenly pitches forwards. Recoba, feeling the shift beneath him, goes with the momentum into a victory roll pin, but is stopped short when Zack drops straight down, trapping his legs and all of his weight right onto Cross' shoulders. Krahe, surprised, but not for long, drops to make the count.
1...
2...
3!!!
LO: OH MY GOD! WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!
KO: Damn belt is cursed! Krahe won it, lost in his first defense. Cross won it, and lost in his first defense! My prediction, Fantana has the belt for two weeks!
Zack falls off to the side as Cross sits up in absolute shock, shaking his head 'No' as Krahe receives the belt from the time keeper, and then places it in Fantana's arms.
Ring Announcer: And the winner of this match via pinfall.....and YOUR NEW UNYIELDING CHAMPION....ZACK FANTANNNNAAAAA!!
The announcement seems to make the realization that he's no longer champion actually real, and Cross pulls himself to his feet, and immediately accuses Krahe of a fast count. The catalyst simply grins in Recoba's face before bailing out of the ring, and starts making his way to the back. Recoba, in such shock, turns to take his frustrations out on Fantana, but much to his chagrin, the new champion had already left the ring and was literally hanging out with his adoring public, having hopped the barricade to celebrate with the fans. Cross' jaw sets, and his eyes narrow as he follows the champion's ascent into the rafters, and he takes just a moment to flip off the Danish crowd before jumping down out of the ring to make his way to the back.
LO: Well, we have a new champion, Ken?
KO: Yeah, and do you think that's going to put this thing to rest between these three guys?
LO: Probably not, because I just received word from the back that Zack Fantana's first title defense will be against the man who just counted his victory pin.
KO: Oh shit! See, I bet that's been Krahe's game all along!
LO: What? That makes no sense. If he wanted the championship, then he would have just defended it against Recoba in the first place. Seems an awfully long way around just to get a title opportunity for a belt he's already held.
KO: Not the championship, dummy, but Fantana...Beat the hell out of him one night, act like their pals the other. Notice how he's the one that fed the chair into this match?
LO: Don't expect me to try and figure out Zachariah Krahe's motives. All I know for sure is that he may have taken a few liberties early on in this match, but in the end he fell more into a rhythm of fairness, and in the end, we have a new champion.
KO: Bet that Cross Recoba don't feel like it's fair.
LO: And I'm sure this won't be the last we hear of Cross Recoba and the UnYielding Championship, either.
KO: Wait..I just got word from the back that Emily Burlingame has caught up with Zachariah Krahe, let's get back there for some answers!
Zachariah Krahe sauntered through Gorilla and made his way down the hallway to exit the arena after the stunning turn of events from moments ago, when VPW Correspondent, Emily Burlingame, jumps in front of him followed by the camera that first picked him up.
"Mr. Krahe, we all just witnessed Zack Fantana become the new UnYielding Champion, and you were the one to count the pin. Now we've received word that you are his first title defense at the next show! Since the inception of the title, you have been at the epicenter of this unfolding melodrama, and this reporter has to ask, what is your endgame out of all of this?"
Krähe rocks back on his heels, eyebrows raising slightly in surprise, and with a slow whistle he shoves his hands in pant pockets.
“No shit, they're giving me the next shot at the title?” A slow lazy smile spreads across his lips. “Well now that is rather interesting. Looks like I'll have the chance to take my time now that I'm not on the clock…”
He trailed off at the end, his head cocked to the side slightly as he scratched his chin.
“Although, this does put me in a bit of a tricky spot. I could enjoy myself and go all out, but then if I win...I'd be stuck with the damn title again.”
Emily regards Krahe with a curt expression, “And the endgame?”
He looks back at her, as if he had already forgotten she was there.
“My endgame? Do I really look like a man with a plan?”
His words said one thing, but his wink and smart ass grin said something else. Emily never had the chance to find out what, as he took the opportunity to slip past her.
“Excuse me, I have to see a man about a Big Mac.”
As Krahe passed Emily followed him with her eyes, and unconsciously reached up to caress her neck. When she turns back to the camera she wears a coy smile, and then realizing she’s still on air, becomes a proper professional, nodding to the camera.
“Back to you gents at ringside.”
"Mr. Krahe, we all just witnessed Zack Fantana become the new UnYielding Champion, and you were the one to count the pin. Now we've received word that you are his first title defense at the next show! Since the inception of the title, you have been at the epicenter of this unfolding melodrama, and this reporter has to ask, what is your endgame out of all of this?"
Krähe rocks back on his heels, eyebrows raising slightly in surprise, and with a slow whistle he shoves his hands in pant pockets.
“No shit, they're giving me the next shot at the title?” A slow lazy smile spreads across his lips. “Well now that is rather interesting. Looks like I'll have the chance to take my time now that I'm not on the clock…”
He trailed off at the end, his head cocked to the side slightly as he scratched his chin.
“Although, this does put me in a bit of a tricky spot. I could enjoy myself and go all out, but then if I win...I'd be stuck with the damn title again.”
Emily regards Krahe with a curt expression, “And the endgame?”
He looks back at her, as if he had already forgotten she was there.
“My endgame? Do I really look like a man with a plan?”
His words said one thing, but his wink and smart ass grin said something else. Emily never had the chance to find out what, as he took the opportunity to slip past her.
“Excuse me, I have to see a man about a Big Mac.”
As Krahe passed Emily followed him with her eyes, and unconsciously reached up to caress her neck. When she turns back to the camera she wears a coy smile, and then realizing she’s still on air, becomes a proper professional, nodding to the camera.
“Back to you gents at ringside.”
Ring Announcer: Ladies and Gentleman, this is your Main Event of the evening, and is a Grudge Match scheduled for one fall or submission.....
'Lifted' by CL hit's over the PA System about the time that gold lights begin to flash along with the finger snaps across the stage. The fans are already on their feet by the time Cosmo Cooper comes tearing through the curtain, one hand holding his hat on while the other one is placed over his crotch. He comes to a stop right before the ramp, running in place, before stopping in a perfect pose, head snapping up with a confident grin. The hand on his hat flashes out and the hat goes sailing into the crowd, as he hypes them up with a few hand gestures before striding down the ramp.
Ring Announcer: Making his way to the ring....standing at six foot two and weighting in at 232 pounds....hailing from Santa Rosa, California...He is the #1 Contender to the Apex Champion, the General Managers 'Champion of Choice'....'THE GRAPS JESUS' COSMO COOOOOPPPPPEERRRR!!
Cosmo reaches ringside, and veers to the right and falls back into the ring barricade nodding as those lucky enough to be so close all clamor to touch the superstar. He takes an offered alcoholic beverage from one of the fans, takes a sip, then laughs just before taking the steps two at a time and swinging himself through the ropes into the ring.
LO: Cosmo Cooper has taken the Valor Pro fans by storm, everyone on their feet to see the man that Vanessa Byrne says is the true 'Face of Wrestling'!
KO: And rightfully so, Laur. I mean, this guy has been everywhere and done everything, and now he's right here in VPW ready to do a little more. I mean, the General Manager really knew what she was doing when she signed this guy, and tonight, its all about bragging rights, as the title of 'The Face of Wrestling' is on the line.
LO: Maybe so, Ken, but I don't believe that Brennan Devlin is going to relinquish that nick name so readily. Devlin, in his own right, is a superstar who has multiple titles under his belt, including an extensive career at Boardwalk, and thus far as been an active member of the Valor Pro faithful, here since the fed's inception.
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. 'Scandroid' by Salvation Code fills the arena, the lights around the stage pulsing blindingly fast when the first robotic voice kicks in. Pyro suddenly flashes, and out of the smoke slinks Brennan Devlin, his head held high in confidence, a cocky grin on his face as he stops at the top of the stage. He runs his fingers down his chest, and then flashes his hands out to his sides soaking in the mixed reaction he receives.
Ring Announcer: And his opponent, standing at six foot one and weighting in at 230 pounds...hailing from San Andreas, California....'THE FACE OF WRESTLING' BRENNAN DEVLINNNN!!!
Devlin's arms drop to his side as he saunters down to the ring, jawing at the fans, pointing at himself as he tells them that he's the best in the world. Finally, reaching ringside, he pauses to look up into the ring for the first time at his opponent, and the tone changes as he becomes much more serious. He hops up onto the ring apron, springs over the top rope, and comes to a dead stop, just staring at Cosmo who continues to regard him with an obnoxious grin.
KO: Can't believe it...I think I heard some cheers mixed in with those boo's...
LO: Well, I can. Brennan Devlin might be a cocky shit, but the man is one of the most talented people to ever step foot in that squared circle, and this is a Dream Match on any stage, but it's happening right here live on Fite TV!
KO: Man, you really can feel the electricity in this one, as Caputo checks with both superstars, and there's the bell!
Both men step out to the center of the ring, getting all up in their personal spaces, talking shit. Devlin lets Cosmo know that he's the best in the world, and Cooper just laughs, indicating to the crowd, 'Is this guy serious...' Just then, a stream of spit leaves Brennan's mouth, and the glob finds its way right into Cosmo's face. Cooper's eyes go wide in shock as the fans all come to their feet with a collective, 'Oooooooooo'. The look of shock is quickly replaced with rage as Cosmo comes in swinging with a right, but Devlin ducks it, hooking him under the arm and lifting straight up into a side suplex. Devlin rolls right through with the move to land behind Devlin, and he clubs him from behind which sends him stumbling towards the ropes. Cooper follows him right in with three more right hands, and then hooks him by the hand to send him to the far side. Devlin returns and walks right into a high standing drop kick that see's Cosmo's boots impact right off his face.
LO: Devlin thunders to the mat after that beautiful drop kick, but he's right back up, and Cosmo is there to meet him...pushing him back into the ropes, and sending him off one more time!
KO: Devlin on his way back now, but this time he ducks a clothesline attempt, and bounces back once more...Cosmo goes for a front kick, but Devlin baseball slides under it, and comes right back up to drop kick Cosmo in the back....
LO: Cosmo thrown sprawling forwards, and OH! Comes down chest first across the ropes, and Devlin already up and bouncing off the far side, and HANGS COSMO OUT TO DRY BY CRUSHING HIS THROAT DOWN ON THE MIDDLE ROPE!
Cosmo comes up gasping for air and clutching his throat, and Devlin shoves him into the corner and quickly hops to the second rope trapping him there. He looks out at the crowd, who uncharacteristically cheer him on, and he nods as he pushes Cooper's head back with a fistful of hair, and he starts hammering down anvil like right hands into his unprotected skull. The fans count along with the blows, and they get all the way up to five before Cooper manages to free his arms, hooks Brennan by the hips, and walks him right out of the corner into a thunderous sit down powerbomb. He doesn't even attempt a cover, more concerned with crawling on top of the man, and delivering some hard fists of his own.
LO: Cooper with some unregistered shots as a receipt to Devlin from earlier, and now finally has him back on his feet. He's pushing him back into the ropes, and sends him off once again...God, these guys are going a hundred miles an hour!
KO: Knew it would be like that as Devlin makes his way back and Cosmo ducks the head to go for a back body drop, but Brennan just rolls right across his back to end up behind him...
LO: Continues his momentum to bounce of the ropes, and....COSMO JUST SIDE STEPPED HIM, HOOKS HIM AROUND THE BACK OF THE HEAD AND RUNS HIM RIGHT UP AND OVER TO THE CONCRETE BELOW!!
Brennan clutches at his spine from where he hit the unforgiving floor after such an unceremonious exit, and Cooper wastes no time slipping out of the ring after him. Just as Devlin gets to his feet Cooper has a fist full of hair, leading him head first into the steel ring steps. He bounces his skull off the steps one more time before back peddling until he's all the way at the opposite ring post. Devlin slowly turns to sit on the step, a trickle of blood making its way down his forehead from the meeting of flesh and steel. The fans come to their feet as Cosmo tears across the ringside area towards Devlin, closing the gap quickly. At the last possible second, Brennan throws himself out of the way, and it's Cosmo's turn to meet the steel. His knee strikes first, and he cuts a flip over the steps to land painfully against the concrete on the other side.
LO: Devlin grinning now as he gets back to his feet, wiping that bit of blood away as he makes his way to Cosmo. Caputo's up to a count of seven as he tosses Cooper back in the ring.
KO: Brennan looks like a cat as he slinks into the ring after him, rolling him towards the center to make a pin!
1..
2..
LO: Cosmo out at two, but he's still holding onto that knee that struck the steps, and Brennan Devlin has zeroed in on it like a missile lock!
Devlin mouths some disparaging remarks at Cooper as he takes the injured leg by the ankle, and gives it a hard yank which causes Cosmo to come alive in pain. He sends a few stiff boots right to the man's hamstring which has Cooper scooting across the mat to try and reach the ropes, but before he can get there, Devlin pulls him by the leg back to the center of the ring, dropping an elbow right into the insertion of the knee. Cosmo cries out from the impact, but Devlin is right back up to do it again. Then again. THEN AGAIN, until finally on the fifth devastating elbow, he pulls the ankle back trapping it behind his own for a leg lock. He rocks back and forth, putting torque on Cooper's knee, and the man lets everyone know how uncomfortable it is by yelling out in pain and falling back to the mat. The ref drops to make a count...
1...
2...
LO: Cooper sat back up at two, but that just goes to show how badly that knee must be injured. That was a pretty sick splatter out here at ringside, and Devlin has done nothing but take full advantage.
KO: Can you blame him? Brennan Devlin is doing what anyone would do if they were in this situation and wanted to win. You take advantage of any weakness your opponent shows, and Cosmo Cooper has injured that left knee!
Brennan abandons the leg lock, and drags Cooper over to the ropes, holding his ankle in place on the bottom rope with his boot. Suddenly he uses the other foot to spring off the second, and brings his body crashing down on the injured knee. Cooper cries out, grabbing at his knee as he scoots away from the ropes. Devlin flashes the crowd a grin, and this time there are more boo's than cheers as he turns his attentions back to his opponent. As Devlin reaches for Cosmo's leg he's caught in the temple with a few right hands that send him stumbling back, but a swift kick to the kneecap ceases any further resistance. With control of the leg once more, Brennan drags Cosmo towards the corner, dropping down and slipping to the outside while still pulling at the 'Graps Jesus'. Cosmo, realizing what is to come, starts to frantically claw to try and get to the safety of the ring, but Devlin reaches in to send a few well placed shots to the knee that causes Cooper to grab at the injured leg once more. With a final yank, Devlin has him right where he wants him straddling the ring post, and he blusters to the crowd as he winds up and sends the leg crashing into the steel. Cosmo's eyes bulge out of his head as he searches for feeling in his knee, desperate to get away, but in so much pain he's unable.
LO: It looks like the ref might need to call this one, Ken. Cosmo Cooper has a serious leg injury here, and I don't know if he can continue.
KO: If there's one thing I know about Cosmo Cooper, its that he didn't become multi-time champion in multiple companies by giving up because of a boo-boo. He won't allow it!
LO: Yeah, but if he can't walk for the next few shows after this one, what good is he going to be to the company if he's a #1 Contender laid up on the shelf.
KO: That's why we're having this match, Laur. Who is the true 'Face of Wrestling'?
Devlin has sufficiently pissed of the crowd by jawing at them while Cosmo finds himself operating on one leg. Finally, Brennan comes back over to the ring post, grabbing Cooper's leg once more just when it looked like he might get out of reach. Brennan shakes his head 'No' devilishly, and pulls Cosmo back into straddling position around the post. This time, he takes both legs, and signals to the crowd that he's about to crotch him against the steel. The ref admonishes, but Brennan doesn't seem to care as he starts to yank back, but before he gets the chance, Cosmo suddenly yanks his legs up to his chest, pulling Devlin face first into the post. Brennan snaps back, going down to one knee, clutching at his forehead that is now awash with crimson.
LO: Brennan Devlin had already tasted steel once before and got a little gash, but this time he is completely busted open!
KO: And just when you were about ready to sell Cosmo Cooper short.
LO: I wasn't trying to sell him short, Ken, I was just pointing out that his knee might be compromised, and by how much trouble he's having getting back to his feet, I believe I was right.
Indeed it looks like Cosmo's left leg is worthless, but he still manages it, and as Devlin stands back up, the entire arena is shocked when Cooper grabs hold of the top rope, and springs himself up and over into a daredevil like rolling senton that wipes out his opponent. Both men are down now, and Caputo has no other choice but to start a ten count.
LO: What a move from Cosmo, but I don't know how wise that was as he's still clutching his knee....The ref is at a count of 6, and neither man is getting to their feet with any expediency.
KO: Maybe not, but it looks like Devlin is going to make it first...and yes, he rolled in at a count of 8.
LO: Yeah, but Cosmo now pulling himself up by use of the apron, and the ref at 9.......He's not going to ma....HE'S IN! GOOD GOD! Right as she was about to count him out.
Devlin stares over at Cooper in disbelief, but then a vicious wave seems to wash over him as he stalks over and jerks 'The Graps Jesus' up to his feet. As soon as Cosmo's up, however, he suddenly comes alive, tossing both of Devlin's hands out to the side, and driving in wicked right hands that rock 'The Face of Wrestling'. The fans get to their feet as Cosmo manages to punch Brennan all the way to the ropes, and he shouts a war cry as he shoots him to the other side. As Devlin rebounds, Cooper ambles out to the center of the ring, and catches him with a belly to belly release suplex that nearly sends Brennan out the other side of the ring upon impact. Cosmo scoots up to his feet once more, and he looks fired up as he begs for Devlin to do the same. After a few seconds, Brennan obliges, and Cooper takes off in a stumbling run, his left leg giving out every other step. He still somehow manages to make the leap up onto the shoulders of Devlin, rocking backwards and spiking Brennan's skull off the canvas with a reverse hurricanrana.
LO: LEELA BOMB!!
KO: Watch it now...that's a sore subject with the Coop Man.
LO: Regardless, that's the name of the move, and Cosmo's scrambling over to make a cover!
1...
2...
LO: Thre-NO! Good God, that was a mili-second!
KO: Yeah, and Cosmo can't believe it...he's just sitting there against Brennan's body like...."What the hell do I have to do to put this guy away"!
Cosmo hangs his head and chuckles, and then slowly makes his way back up to his feet. He stutter steps his way over to the corner while Devlin remains out in the center of the ring. He ambles out onto the ring apron, and the ref starts telling him to get it back in the ring, but that is his intention as he creeps up the turnbuckles to end up perched on the top. He slowly rises to a standing position, and he looks out at the cheering crowd, urging him to do it. He signals to them that it's all for them, just before taking flight into a beautiful shooting star press. Unfortunately, he's taken too much time, as Devlin rolls out of the way at the last second leaving only hard canvas.
KO: HOT DAMN! Cosmo just crashed and burned on that one!
LO: Yeah, and did you see...He went right back to the injured knee! That was not good, not good at all for 'The Graps Jesus'...
KO: And now a bloodied Brennan Devlin just pulled himself up over at the ropes, and he's draped across the top with a devious grin. No, Laur, this is NOT good for Cosmo Cooper!
Devlin wipes blood and sweat from his face as he approaches Cooper who is still huddled up clutching his injured limb, and he reaches down to get a fistful of hair to assist him back to his feet. He screams some derogatory comments into Cosmo's face before dropping him straight back onto his knee into a back breaker, and then lifts him back up to drop him with a thunderous reverse STO. Cooper clutches the back of his head as Devlin goes for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: Thr-Cosmo out at two and a half, and Devlin not even blinking an eye, pulling Cooper up and shoves him in the corner.
KO: Devlin now laying Cosmo's injured leg up onto the middle rope, and just Stomping The Hell Out Of It!
LO: Cosmo in a lot of pain here, and the referee is admonishing. She's started a five count....and he cuts it off right at 4, and goes right back to stomping! Another count...and again cuts it off right before she's ready to throw the match out, but the damage has been done. Cosmo gets his leg off the rope, and it immediately buckles. Did you see that?
KO: Sure did, and Devlin and the referee are having a pow-wow and he's indicating he'll cut it out. Fat chance of that!
Brennan pulls Cooper out a bit only to slip his head under his arm and lift him up so that he now sits on the top rope. Devlin pulls himself up to stand on the second in front of Cosmo, and drives in a few hard right hands before hooking him around the head. He stands there for a moment, mocking the booing crowd, and then drapes Cooper's arm over his neck. Just as he attempts the superplex, Cosmo manages to loop his good leg through the middle turnbuckle, preventing Devlin from taking him over. Devlin leans back now, appearing a little frustrated now, and just when he's about to fire in another right, Cosmo answers with a headbutt that has him teetering on the second. Cosmo gives him another, and another, but instead of letting Devlin fall backwards, he hooks him around the midsection and gets himself up to where he's now standing on the top rope. The fans watch on in awe as he musters a massive amount of strength to lift Devlin so that he's now standing on the top as well. He gets a little bounce from the rope before leaping off the top with Brennan in tow, somehow spinning in the air and releasing in some awkward, but devastating, belly to belly from the top.
LO: OH MY GOD! THE ROOF HAS JUST BLOWN OFF THIS PLACE, AND FOR GOOD REASON!
KO: Brennan Devlin is dead!
LO: We have been in this business for thirty years, and I swear to you folks, I have NEVER seen anything like that before in my life.
KO: It was crazy, but it's left both guys laid out in the ring. I mean, where do you go from there?
LO: God almighty, just cover the man. Brennan Devlin is done!
The ref checks on both men, and not getting any response, she shakes her head and starts the count. At the count of five, Cooper begins to stir, and by the time seven comes around he isn't trying to get to his feet, but instead is simply crawling/pulling himself towards his opponent. Finally, just before she can make the ten, he flops over so that his arm is draped over Devlin's chest.
1...
2...
THRE-If the roof hadn't blown off before, it did now, as Devlin just sneaks the shoulder up at the very last possible nanosecond. Cosmo looks like he might cry as he falls off of Brennan, grabbing at his injured limb with one hand, as the other one rests over his anguished face. And that's when the chant starts...
THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME!
LO: I...I'm speechless. I don't even know what to say at this point.
KO: I do. These two guys are going to have to commit murder to get a win here tonight. Nuff Said!
The chant continues as Cosmo sits up, resting his arm on his knee, and looking out at the crowd. All are on their feet applauding while continuing the mantra, and he nods with a slight chuckle, pulling himself to his feet. He turns to face Devlin, who is sluggishly getting to his hands and knee's, and raises his hands out in front of him as if this will somehow help the man get back to his feet. Devlin eventually makes it, stutter stepping right into a waiting Cooper, who scoops him up into tombstone position. The action instinctively causes Brennan to come alive, and he kicks with his feet and pushes against Cosmo's knees which throws the 'Graps Jesus' off balance. Finally he manages to slip over Cosmo's shoulder to land behind him, and right when Cooper spins around to face him, he's hooked around the head and taken to the canvas with Devlin's famous cutter.
LO: FACE OFF!! COOPER'S HEAD JUST SPIKED INTO THE CANVAS, But...But Devlin's unable to go for the cover! We have a double down again!
KO: Dude, I don't know if I can watch anymore of this match. My butt hole draws up every time these guys hit a move!
Caputo stares down at both men in concern, as neither is moving after the devastating finisher, and she finds herself in the unenviable position of starting another ten count. Just when it appears that it's about to be over, Devlin manages to push himself up just long enough to fall back down with his arm draped across Cooper. Caputo drops for the count.
1...
2...
THREe-NO!
LO: HOW?!? How in the hell did Cosmo Cooper kick out?
Ken answers his brother by brushing his papers right off the side of his portion of the desk, bringing a hand up to run across his face in disbelief. Even the referee looks exhausted, pushing herself over into the corner so she can sit with her back against the turnbuckles. The chant picks up once again, and all in attendance are on their feet. Devlin raises his head off the mat to look over at Cooper, in a look of utter defiance, starts crawling towards the ropes to help him get to his feet. By the time he's there, and he's up, Cooper has managed to get to his hands and knee's, and Brennan indicates with a stomp of his Boot for what is about to happen next. He rushes forwards with everything left in him, and leaps high into the air to go for a curb stomp, but much to his surprise, Cooper rolls out of the way and manages to narrowly avoid the devastating move.
LO: Cooper back to his feet, and Devlin comes running right back in, but COSMO TILT-A-WHIRLS HIM UP, AND SPIKES HIM WITH THE CRATER MAKER TOMBSTONE!!
KO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! And...and Cooper's just lying there. These two have took so much out of each other there's nothing left, Laur! I'm telling you....
Caputo is back in the same predicament she's been in at least two other times in this match, and she finds herself faltering out of amazement, but eventually starting the ten count. Again, she's just about at the count of ten, when she pauses, staring out at the Danish crowd. They are all on their feet, pleading for the match to continue despite the agony that's been put on display for the last thirty minutes, and Caputo hesitates for a few seconds longer than she probably should, before finally holding up all ten fingers. The bell sounds, and like a relief, the fans finally fall back in their seats with a gasp.
Ring Announcer: Due to the inability for either competitor to reach the call of the referee's ten count, this match is a DRAW!!!
There are a few boo's from the audience, but for the most part the fans give a respectful clap as Caputo checks on either man. Cooper manages to move first, rolling towards the ropes so that he can slide under the bottom. With some effort he's able to sit up on the apron, and he moves to painfully scoot off, making it to the bottom of the ramp before stumbling down to his knee's sucking wind. Devlin, with the aide of Caputo, get's to a seated position, and then he shoves her off so that he can runs his fingers through his hair in frustration. He cuts a scathing glance out at ringside where Cooper has now risen, and made it halfway up the ramp. He stops, hands on hips, and turns back towards the ring to regard Devlin with much the same intense stare. After what seems like forever, Cooper finally lets out a laugh, shrugs his shoulders, and starts backing up the ramp towards the stage. Devlin continues staring daggers, gripping the top of his head before moving to make his own exit.
LO: Folks...from everything we've just seen go down here tonight between Cosmo Cooper and Brennan Devlin, I think it's safe to say that this isn't over.
KO: Hell, Laur, it might not ever be over. We used to joke about Devlin and Fantana doing this dance for eternity, but these two guys.....Good God!
LO: Indeed, Ken. I think that just about sums it all up...wait just a minute.....I just got word in my headset. Elina Cartel, the Apex Champion, has broken her ankle and fractured her Cuboid and Navicular bones in her foot. She's....She....WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN SHE'S GOING TO BE OUT FOR FOUR TO SIX MONTHS!?!
KO: WHAT?!?!
LO: That's what they just said.....but she's got a title defense at Equinox!
KO: Are you saying we have a #1 Contendor, but no Champion?
LO: It looks that way....folks, they are winding us up. We're out of time. Stay tuned to ValorPro.com for more information as we receive it, and thank you for joining us for this episode of Blitz!
KO: I am Kenneth Othello, and this is my brother, Laurence Othello, and...
The Othello Brothers: This is the Othello Brothers, signing off!
KO: WHAT?!?!
LO: That's what they just said.....but she's got a title defense at Equinox!
KO: Are you saying we have a #1 Contendor, but no Champion?
LO: It looks that way....folks, they are winding us up. We're out of time. Stay tuned to ValorPro.com for more information as we receive it, and thank you for joining us for this episode of Blitz!
KO: I am Kenneth Othello, and this is my brother, Laurence Othello, and...
The Othello Brothers: This is the Othello Brothers, signing off!