Post by silentpartner on Jan 12, 2019 9:39:40 GMT -5
Sunday January 27th, 2019
From The Ice Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia
Black Blackman’s entrance to the ring was, in a word, eventful. Francis Ford Cuppola accompanied Black Blackman draped in the Irish flag, which seemed to really piss Black Blackman off since he’s German, and let Francis know his displeasure very loudly, but in German, and Francis looked incredibly impressed and pleased with Black Blackman’s fury, oblivious that it was directed at him. Andrew Vilar, for his part, entered the ring quickly, and determined.
Vilar bolted out of the gate at the bell, very quickly going to work on Black Blackman’s spine landing a series of back body drops to wind the angry German martial artist. For every response Blackman mustered, Vilar had a much better answer to the German’s offense. Quick martial arts strikes were blocked and redirected by Andrew Vilar and turned into immaculate and creative offensive counters, tie ups and submissions that seemed to confound Blackman’s more traditional combat sensibilities, all while Cuppola shouted nonsense at ringside.
Blackman did manage to gain an upper hand into the fifth minute of the contest, landing a series of palm strikes that caught Vilar unawares and backed him into a corner. Blackman looked primed to set Vilar onto the turnbuckle for a top-rope samoan drop but Vilar turned the tables, sliding out at the last second and turning Blackman’s surprised expression ever darker as Vilar carried Blackman across the ring and bucklebombed him into the opposite corner!
Blackman’s offense melted away shortly thereafter, clearly favoring his back as Vilar dropped knees, worked clutches and crossfaces a few more times before locking Blackman into a sharpshooter in the middle of the ring! It didn’t take long for the angry German martial artist to concede defeat! Vilar celebrated his first win in Valor Pro, a well-earned, and impressive victory that earned him a sizable ovation from the capacity crowd in St. Petersburg some of whom walked out of tonight’s show with an Andy Vilar t-shirt.
Vilar bolted out of the gate at the bell, very quickly going to work on Black Blackman’s spine landing a series of back body drops to wind the angry German martial artist. For every response Blackman mustered, Vilar had a much better answer to the German’s offense. Quick martial arts strikes were blocked and redirected by Andrew Vilar and turned into immaculate and creative offensive counters, tie ups and submissions that seemed to confound Blackman’s more traditional combat sensibilities, all while Cuppola shouted nonsense at ringside.
Blackman did manage to gain an upper hand into the fifth minute of the contest, landing a series of palm strikes that caught Vilar unawares and backed him into a corner. Blackman looked primed to set Vilar onto the turnbuckle for a top-rope samoan drop but Vilar turned the tables, sliding out at the last second and turning Blackman’s surprised expression ever darker as Vilar carried Blackman across the ring and bucklebombed him into the opposite corner!
Blackman’s offense melted away shortly thereafter, clearly favoring his back as Vilar dropped knees, worked clutches and crossfaces a few more times before locking Blackman into a sharpshooter in the middle of the ring! It didn’t take long for the angry German martial artist to concede defeat! Vilar celebrated his first win in Valor Pro, a well-earned, and impressive victory that earned him a sizable ovation from the capacity crowd in St. Petersburg some of whom walked out of tonight’s show with an Andy Vilar t-shirt.
Winner: Andrew Vilar by pinfall, (7:32)
Fallon Lockhart is outside the arena, dressed in her full SKELLICORN onesie she has a huge smile on her face as she’s surrounded by fans. Set up beside her is an industrial cotton candy machine, producing huge stick of rainbow cotton candy, which she is handing out to the fans while posing for selfies with them, she waves the camera man over and holds out a giant rainbow cotton candy shaped like a flower.
Fallon: when I was in japan, I went to this rly cool place that did cotton candy just like this n I thought to myself, one day, I gotta share an experience just like this with all the people who make me smile as big as the cotton candy did…
She waves to the machine, laughing some as the camera man takes her offering. A young fan runs up to give her a hug and Fallon swoops down to return the sign of affection. Fallon: n now, here I am, gettin to do just that with all u guys n I couldn’t be happier! Last show, I was super focused on settin someone to rights n I didn’t rly get to celebrate my birthday with u all like I had hoped, so this is my delayed celebration with all of u.
She takes a piece of cotton candy and pops it in her mouth with a happy sigh.
Fallon: Life is sweet when we’re sweet to eachother n that is what I wanna remind everyone of tonite. See, me n Danny, we get to open the show, a huge stage in front of all u adoring fans here n at home; n sure, the victory, gettin that win here tonite? That’d make my celebration all the sweeter, it’s what I want n it’s what I am settin out to do…
She pauses to hand out some more cotton candy to fans, some are already wearing her shirts and this brings an even bigger smile to the ting firecrackers face.
Fallon: BUT what is more important is that we remember even in our down moments, even when we’re in the mist of sayin goodbyes n takin huge leaps of faith, there are still moments in between that are so so sweet. See, Danny was right, I do work all over n lately I been in demand, somethin I rly didn’t ever expect to happen so fast… n I can see why he thinks that maybe when I say this match is everythin to me, I don’t mean the same everythin he does…
Stealing another piece of cotton candy, she lets out a happy squeak as the sweet treat melts on her tongue and she soaks up the excited atmosphere.
Fallon: But a few nights ago, I said goodbye to the place that made me, I stepped out on my own n I came here to prove myself, to show myself that I can do this without the safety net, n tonight is make or break for me in that way, tonite is what will help me see if I’m rly ready, if I can actually, rly do this… n well of that ain’t everythin then I just don’t know what is, ya know? So, Danny, me n u are gonna go out there n we are gonna make the fans experience at this show all the sweeter, we are gonna show everybody how u don’t need to be angry or mean to get things done. I might be sore, I might be a lil wonky, but I am ready for this n I know for darn sure ur ready too!
With that, she turns back to the fans, taking in their warmth and letting the positivity flow through her, knowing that it’ll be a huge part of what drives her in her match.
“England’s Most Glamorous Export” Alexis Terry showed up with more than a few fans pleased to see her. Leela Watts looked equally at home in front of the hot crowd that recognized both of these women from their stints in other renowned companies. Both women matched lock ups, and neither seemed to have a definitive plan for how to start this thing, with Leela Watts gaining the early upper hand relying on a quick attack, lots of spring boards and aerial attacks that Alexis Terry seemed unprepared for.
Leela kept up the pressure, buoyed by her early success in the match, but that turned against her quickly as Alexis Terry’s ring general status kicked in, at first catching a jumping kick from Leela Watts and turning it into a side kick of her own that packed some serious wallop to it. Alexis Terry was prepared and ready to kick off her Valor Pro career proving just why her name still belongs on the hall of fame roster of past notable federations.
Leela Watts was no push over, however. She kicked out after a patented Alexis Terry superkick that seemed to have the veteran stunned and arguing with the ref about faulty three counts. But Terry’s displeasure didn’t get under her skin for too long. She kept right at work, managing to avoid the brunt of Leela’s aerial assault and turning much of that effort into opportunities for Alexis to showcase her brawling style.
By the eighth minute, the grind seemed to wear down Leela Watts, and Alexis Terry landed the superkick that definitively grounded Leela Watts. From there, with an absolutely smug, but still glamorously fantastic grin from Alexis Terry, she finished Leela Watts off with a small package driver and soaked up the fan’s applause all the way up the ramp.
Leela kept up the pressure, buoyed by her early success in the match, but that turned against her quickly as Alexis Terry’s ring general status kicked in, at first catching a jumping kick from Leela Watts and turning it into a side kick of her own that packed some serious wallop to it. Alexis Terry was prepared and ready to kick off her Valor Pro career proving just why her name still belongs on the hall of fame roster of past notable federations.
Leela Watts was no push over, however. She kicked out after a patented Alexis Terry superkick that seemed to have the veteran stunned and arguing with the ref about faulty three counts. But Terry’s displeasure didn’t get under her skin for too long. She kept right at work, managing to avoid the brunt of Leela’s aerial assault and turning much of that effort into opportunities for Alexis to showcase her brawling style.
By the eighth minute, the grind seemed to wear down Leela Watts, and Alexis Terry landed the superkick that definitively grounded Leela Watts. From there, with an absolutely smug, but still glamorously fantastic grin from Alexis Terry, she finished Leela Watts off with a small package driver and soaked up the fan’s applause all the way up the ramp.
Winner: Alexis Terry by pinfall (9:46)
You’re drawn again to a dark room, how it is we’re able to find these rooms would be a mystery, if you were to think too much about it. But instead you focus on the dark room, pitch black and empty, no sounds come from the outside. Just a dark, empty room with a single bare bulb that swings from the ceiling. As the light clicks on it illuminates a single patch in the room; a plain metal chair sits in the middle of the room, playing host to the Submission Machine herself, Brodie.
Her lips remain sewn tightly shut, dried blood still lingers around the sights of the stitching, but there is no sign of a struggle around her handiwork, she sits, perfectly still and calm, her eyes bright and alert are focused on the camera, which allows you to stare back at her.
From within the shadows comes a low, booming voice.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.”
The gentle tone of the butcher rings out, seemingly from within the shadows themselves, there is no sign of him, no movement in the darkness beyond the chair, just his voice, reciting these words.
Brodie lifts her hand, her fingers tracing along the marked lines of the stitches on her lips, her nails dig into her bottom lip, pressing down with some force, curving her nail around a center stitch she tugs. Not a whimper, not a sound as with her bare hands she begins to tear the stitches from her mouth.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.”
As she pulls all the stitches out, she tosses the blood covered thread to the floor, those Scarlett lips, now running fresh with the blood of her own cause, turn to a smirk.
“Amen.”
Her lips remain sewn tightly shut, dried blood still lingers around the sights of the stitching, but there is no sign of a struggle around her handiwork, she sits, perfectly still and calm, her eyes bright and alert are focused on the camera, which allows you to stare back at her.
From within the shadows comes a low, booming voice.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.”
The gentle tone of the butcher rings out, seemingly from within the shadows themselves, there is no sign of him, no movement in the darkness beyond the chair, just his voice, reciting these words.
Brodie lifts her hand, her fingers tracing along the marked lines of the stitches on her lips, her nails dig into her bottom lip, pressing down with some force, curving her nail around a center stitch she tugs. Not a whimper, not a sound as with her bare hands she begins to tear the stitches from her mouth.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.”
As she pulls all the stitches out, she tosses the blood covered thread to the floor, those Scarlett lips, now running fresh with the blood of her own cause, turn to a smirk.
“Amen.”
Admittedly, Allison Sullivan wasn’t quite sure what to make of NovaCaine to start this off. She danced her way down to the ring, as promised, but NovaCaine, the wily veteran, looked a confusing combination of prepared and almost disinterested, like he wasn’t willing to show Sullivan the respect she felt she deserved. She unleashed at the sound of the bell on account of NovaCaine’s apparent disrespect, getting the Cancer of Professional Wrestling on his toes early, backing him into the corner and laying into him with shoulder blocks, backhanded chops and knee thrusts that put a quick end to NovaCaine’s early smugness and set him on defence.
Sullivan wasted no time impressing with her speed, which was on full display. She danced around NovaCaine’s punches. She darted, bobbed and weaved and seemed to hit him three times for every strike he threw that sailed harmlessly past her. But, what she made up for in speed, NovaCaine more than made up for in precision. As Allison Sullivan laid into him with strikes, he hit like a mack truck that seemed to stagger the smaller competitor repeatedly. After a few back and forths, Sullivan became increasingly more reluctant to let loose on the veteran ring competitor.
Sullivan’s offence became more scattered the more often it gotten dispersed by a hard-hitting strike or suplex from NovaCaine, who, Sullivan became to realize, wasn’t quite as aloof as he let on. After a third time being lured in close to learn that NovaCaine isn’t afraid of an eye gouge or two, or three, when the referee isn’t looking, Sullivan is angry but also shielding a wounded eye. This is all the opening NovaCaine needs to follow up with some brutal offence. A super kick to the spine. A spear. And in a few power suplexes and slams later and novaCaine is in the driver’s seat.
Ever the taunting, smarmy jerk, NovaCaine taunts a winded and wounded Allison Sullivan as the veteran goes to work keeping her from utilizing her speed before finishing her with not one, but two pop-up powerbombs for seeming emphasis at his displeasure for being booked in what constitutes a dark match! After the three count NovaCaine refuses to let the referee raise his hand, instead glaring into the crowd, then down at Allison Sullivan then rolls his way out of the ring to collect his paycheque.
Sullivan wasted no time impressing with her speed, which was on full display. She danced around NovaCaine’s punches. She darted, bobbed and weaved and seemed to hit him three times for every strike he threw that sailed harmlessly past her. But, what she made up for in speed, NovaCaine more than made up for in precision. As Allison Sullivan laid into him with strikes, he hit like a mack truck that seemed to stagger the smaller competitor repeatedly. After a few back and forths, Sullivan became increasingly more reluctant to let loose on the veteran ring competitor.
Sullivan’s offence became more scattered the more often it gotten dispersed by a hard-hitting strike or suplex from NovaCaine, who, Sullivan became to realize, wasn’t quite as aloof as he let on. After a third time being lured in close to learn that NovaCaine isn’t afraid of an eye gouge or two, or three, when the referee isn’t looking, Sullivan is angry but also shielding a wounded eye. This is all the opening NovaCaine needs to follow up with some brutal offence. A super kick to the spine. A spear. And in a few power suplexes and slams later and novaCaine is in the driver’s seat.
Ever the taunting, smarmy jerk, NovaCaine taunts a winded and wounded Allison Sullivan as the veteran goes to work keeping her from utilizing her speed before finishing her with not one, but two pop-up powerbombs for seeming emphasis at his displeasure for being booked in what constitutes a dark match! After the three count NovaCaine refuses to let the referee raise his hand, instead glaring into the crowd, then down at Allison Sullivan then rolls his way out of the ring to collect his paycheque.
Winner: NovaCaine by Pinfall (10:00)
Backstage Danny Rizzo bursts forth from his locker room, knocking the door open a bit harder than he had intended to so that it slammed hard against the wall. Freezing in place, he winced as the door rebounded and then peeked around to see if it had done any damage to the wall. Thankfully it hadn’t, but as he took his next step forward he stepped squarely on the lace of a boot that he had forgotten to tie as securely as he should have.
DR: Dang it!
Muttering under his breath he knelt down and deftly his hands went to work securing the lace before he even noticed that cameras were on him. Clearly he was a bit nervous, but he had been a bit nervous before his match on the eighth episode of Blitz and at the end of the day he had prevailed. Once the lace was securely tied down, he stood back up erect and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath of air into his lungs and letting it out slowly.
DR: You got this, Danny. It’s fine. You got this. It’s just the first match on the biggest show you’ve ever performed on. It’s only hundreds of thousands of people watching. It’s only thousands of people in attendance with their eyes squarely on you, looking to you to start things off with a bang. No big deal. Totally no big deal.
In the midst of him talking to himself, Danny finally realized that the camera’s were on him and froze momentarily, offering a nervous smile to show his discomfort. In an effort to resolve the butterflies that were swirling, Danny cleared his throat a few times and pursed his lips before finally directly addressing the crowd.
DR: Hey everyone. Guess you kinda just got a glimpse of what things are like when the camera’s aren’t on us. Or, at least, when we think the camera’s aren’t. But listen. I might be nervous, but if anyone else here tonight tried to tell you that they weren’t nervous I think they’d be lying to you. I mean nobody wants to go out there and fall flat on their faces. Even the guys that get their rocks off by bullying others, you know? We want to do good for you. I definitely want to do good for you. And it means a lot to me that I get the opportunity to try.
Nodding his head, he felt his nerves starting to ease and himself getting into a bit of a rhythmn.
DR: I’ve got a tough opponent tonight. You all know her. It’s going to be a real test of my skill and I can’t promise that I’m going to walk out of here with a victory. But I’ll tell you all the same thing that I told her, I’m going to do my best. I’m going to give it all I’ve got, and that’s all any of us can do. That’s what life is really about. Finding what we love, what we’re passionate about, and throwing ourselves into it full bore without hesitation. I promise you all tonight, and always, that that is exactly what I’ll do. And with you guys at my back.
He paused for half a heartbeat.
DR: And with you guys cheering me on.
A smile filled his expression once more, this time much more reassured.
DR: I’ll rise to the occasion. No. We’ll do it. Together.
Without another word, Danny’s gaze turned from the camera’s that were on him down the hallway, and his feet quickly took him in that direction, on his way to his match.
Footsteps in the dark echo into the night, getting louder, and louder. A point of light appears on the screen, and as the camera view moves closer and closer the point of light takes on a shape. The view moves closer, and closer and now it can be seen that it’s a championship belt. The footsteps can now be heard to be two distinct pairs, while the view continues to move in until now the belt is recognizable as the Apex Championship. It hangs there in the center of the screen sparkling as audio suddenly cuts into the feed.
“Cosmo Cooper is here everyone, and Vanessa Byrne has made a huge power play by bringing the Graps Jesus to Valor Pro Wrestling”
“Brennan Devlin has stepped up to the plate for the Valor Pro Faithful as an unlikely mouthpiece for the locker room, and he says that Byrne has abused her power.”
“Brennan Devlin and Cosmo Cooper have put on a classic here tonight, but neither man was able to reach the referee’s ten count! We have a DRAW!”
“Elina Cartel has been injured, and she is forced to vacate the Apex Championship! Are you saying that we are without a champion? Who will face Cooper at Equinox?”
“Vanessa Byrne just handed the Apex Championship to Cosmo Cooper, and named him her Champion of Choice!...WAIT…THAT’S BRENNAN DEVLIN!”
The audio abruptly cuts out on that last line, and the footsteps are so loud that they feel like they could be right beside you. Suddenly there’s silence, and the view of the championship pulls back to reveal the profile of Cosmo Cooper and Brennan Devlin staring at one another with the Apex Championship looming between them. In Unison they speak…
“I AM THE TRUE FACE OF WRESTLING”
The Apex Championship glows white hot and engulfs both men until their gone, the belt is gone, and all that remains is a sun, which transitions into the Equinox Logo flashing up on the screen.
“Cosmo Cooper is here everyone, and Vanessa Byrne has made a huge power play by bringing the Graps Jesus to Valor Pro Wrestling”
“Brennan Devlin has stepped up to the plate for the Valor Pro Faithful as an unlikely mouthpiece for the locker room, and he says that Byrne has abused her power.”
“Brennan Devlin and Cosmo Cooper have put on a classic here tonight, but neither man was able to reach the referee’s ten count! We have a DRAW!”
“Elina Cartel has been injured, and she is forced to vacate the Apex Championship! Are you saying that we are without a champion? Who will face Cooper at Equinox?”
“Vanessa Byrne just handed the Apex Championship to Cosmo Cooper, and named him her Champion of Choice!...WAIT…THAT’S BRENNAN DEVLIN!”
The audio abruptly cuts out on that last line, and the footsteps are so loud that they feel like they could be right beside you. Suddenly there’s silence, and the view of the championship pulls back to reveal the profile of Cosmo Cooper and Brennan Devlin staring at one another with the Apex Championship looming between them. In Unison they speak…
“I AM THE TRUE FACE OF WRESTLING”
The Apex Championship glows white hot and engulfs both men until their gone, the belt is gone, and all that remains is a sun, which transitions into the Equinox Logo flashing up on the screen.
Suddenly the camera view pulls back from the logo, and it's revealed that it is being broadcast from a big screen above the stage set up within The Ice Palace. The scene transitions into a panning shot of the arena as the roaring Russian crowd come to their feet for pyro that shoots off all along the stage. When the amazing fireworks show ends, the camera pans around for a view from the top of the stage overlooking the ring. The view quickly rushes down the ramp towards the ring, moves just in time to go over the top rope, scans the canvas, and then off on the other side to come to rest on everyone's favorite commentators...
Laurence Othello: Welcome everyone to the Ice Palace here in St. Petersburg, Russia for our second big Pay-Per-View Event....EQUINOX! I am Laurence Othello, and the man to my right is my brother from another mother, my former tag team partner, and resident color commentator, Kenneth Othello! Ken....wow, just wow! We had some exciting things on that Pre-Show, but we are about to embark on one of the biggest shows of the night, and this Russian crowd appears to be PRIMED for some Valor Pro Action!
Kenneth Othello: No doubt about it, Laur, big wins for some of the newer members of the roster, but let's take a look at what we've got in store for us here tonight! I'm talking about a New Apex Champion being decided by the two men we saw just moments ago in our opening crawl.....Brennan Devlin versus Cosmo Cooper!
LO: No doubt this is a much anticipated match up for Valor Pro's top prize, as these two have been at each others throats since GM, Vanessa Byrne, brought Cosmo into the company and named him one of her 'Champions of Choice'. That did not sit well with Devlin!
KO: Nor should it have. We're talking about The Face of Wrestling here, a guy whose been in all the places Cosmo has been and then some, and a day one Valor Pro Faithful. He's got a trophy case just as big as Coopers, and even if it did take him longer to achieve it, he also carries the veteran experience into this match as a guy who can still go like he's ten years younger!
LO: I'm not denying that Brennan Devlin has all the qualifications of a champion, but you have to admit, Cosmo Cooper managed to do in three years what it's taken Devlin an entire career to do, not to mention it's pretty obvious that when it comes to Ego's, Devlin is on top of the mountain.
KO: Hey, I'm not going to knock either one of these guys. Truth is, they are just about the same damn person just from different backgrounds. I can't wait to see how all of this plays out, but I'm betting by the end of it I'm going to need a pacemaker, cause damn if these guys didn't about give me a heart attack the last time they went one on one...
LO: And if that's not worth the price of admission, how about a triple threat ladder match for the UnYielding Championship? Cross Recoba puts his title on the line against Zachariah Krahe and Zack Fantana!
KO: Lead Booker, Dugan Callahan, says this is it for awhile for these three, so the stakes couldn't be higher. The man who walks out of this one will be the UnYielding Champion that will carry the belt to some new competition, while the other two have to go back to the well to earn their opportunities.
LO: Right, but one has to believe after everything that Cross Recoba has done concerning this title, that the other two men will stop at nothing to make sure that he isn't it.
KO: Whatever, Laur. Cross Recoba is the man that brought fire to this title. If it wasn't for him, do you think that this match would have the same clout? I don't think so.
LO: We'll just have to see what Zack Fantana and Zachariah Krahe have to say about that later on tonight. Speaking of the UnYielding Championship though, we have two women that are going to go head to head in a bitter grudge match to determine the person that will face whoever the champion is on Blitz #9!
KO: Brodie and Siberia have been tearing it up over the past several months, with Brodie trying to rip Zombie's arm from her socket, and Zombie trying to make Brodie eat teeth. The main factor in this match for me though, is crazy!
LO: I have to agree. We've already heard from Brodie in the Pre-Show where apparently she removed stitches from her mouth that were sewn together previously in the week on one of her promos. Um....that was disgusting.
KO: Damn Right It Was Disgusting! That bitch is crazy, and I truly fear for Siberia Zombie here tonight. I know the Buzzsaw is in her home country, and she's tough as nails, no doubt, but Damn! That ain't right. And who the hell was that talking in the background sounding like some road show carnie? I can't take this kind of shit, Laur. I just can't.
LO: Calm down, Ken. Let's cross that bridge when we come to it, cause we have a grudge match of a different kind. One involving gardening, Ken!
KO: This is absolutely ridiculous. Folks, if you didn't notice in the panning shot of the arena, there is a pen full of mud and dirt hooked to a Semi sitting off the side of us with a front end loader with about twenty kilo's of manure in it.
LO: That's right, and Roxi Johnson or Davy Blossom are going to buried under it when they go head to head in a Flowerbed Grudge Match! Have you ever heard of a match like this before?
KO: Hell No! Whoever thought this shit up should be shot! I just hope none of that stuff spills out anywhere near us, cause I've got a weak stomach, Laur. You know that...just....keep it away from me.
LO: Well I know one match you're going to be excited for; Neo Tokyo takes on Hashtag Trendsetters here tonight, and I predict it's going to be a barn burner.
KO: Oh, now that right there....oh...that can get as near to me as they want!
LO: Ah, I can smell the harassment suits coming now...
KO: Nah man, that's the bullshit over there....seriously, Vannah, Dakota, Tokyo....Call me!
LO: Control yourself man! So what did you think of that New Kids On The Block fatal four way we had at Blitz#8?
KO: It was pretty damn good. Already seen two of them compete here tonight in the Pre-Show, so I assume your alluding to our opening bout here tonight between Danny Rizzo and Fallon Lockhart.
LO: That would be the one.
KO: I think it'll be great if these two kids can get past which of them is more forthright and sweet. I want to see venom here, but I already know I'm in store for wholesome content.
LO: Well in my opinion, that's a breath of fresh air, but instead of talking about it let's get to the action...
Kenneth Othello: No doubt about it, Laur, big wins for some of the newer members of the roster, but let's take a look at what we've got in store for us here tonight! I'm talking about a New Apex Champion being decided by the two men we saw just moments ago in our opening crawl.....Brennan Devlin versus Cosmo Cooper!
LO: No doubt this is a much anticipated match up for Valor Pro's top prize, as these two have been at each others throats since GM, Vanessa Byrne, brought Cosmo into the company and named him one of her 'Champions of Choice'. That did not sit well with Devlin!
KO: Nor should it have. We're talking about The Face of Wrestling here, a guy whose been in all the places Cosmo has been and then some, and a day one Valor Pro Faithful. He's got a trophy case just as big as Coopers, and even if it did take him longer to achieve it, he also carries the veteran experience into this match as a guy who can still go like he's ten years younger!
LO: I'm not denying that Brennan Devlin has all the qualifications of a champion, but you have to admit, Cosmo Cooper managed to do in three years what it's taken Devlin an entire career to do, not to mention it's pretty obvious that when it comes to Ego's, Devlin is on top of the mountain.
KO: Hey, I'm not going to knock either one of these guys. Truth is, they are just about the same damn person just from different backgrounds. I can't wait to see how all of this plays out, but I'm betting by the end of it I'm going to need a pacemaker, cause damn if these guys didn't about give me a heart attack the last time they went one on one...
LO: And if that's not worth the price of admission, how about a triple threat ladder match for the UnYielding Championship? Cross Recoba puts his title on the line against Zachariah Krahe and Zack Fantana!
KO: Lead Booker, Dugan Callahan, says this is it for awhile for these three, so the stakes couldn't be higher. The man who walks out of this one will be the UnYielding Champion that will carry the belt to some new competition, while the other two have to go back to the well to earn their opportunities.
LO: Right, but one has to believe after everything that Cross Recoba has done concerning this title, that the other two men will stop at nothing to make sure that he isn't it.
KO: Whatever, Laur. Cross Recoba is the man that brought fire to this title. If it wasn't for him, do you think that this match would have the same clout? I don't think so.
LO: We'll just have to see what Zack Fantana and Zachariah Krahe have to say about that later on tonight. Speaking of the UnYielding Championship though, we have two women that are going to go head to head in a bitter grudge match to determine the person that will face whoever the champion is on Blitz #9!
KO: Brodie and Siberia have been tearing it up over the past several months, with Brodie trying to rip Zombie's arm from her socket, and Zombie trying to make Brodie eat teeth. The main factor in this match for me though, is crazy!
LO: I have to agree. We've already heard from Brodie in the Pre-Show where apparently she removed stitches from her mouth that were sewn together previously in the week on one of her promos. Um....that was disgusting.
KO: Damn Right It Was Disgusting! That bitch is crazy, and I truly fear for Siberia Zombie here tonight. I know the Buzzsaw is in her home country, and she's tough as nails, no doubt, but Damn! That ain't right. And who the hell was that talking in the background sounding like some road show carnie? I can't take this kind of shit, Laur. I just can't.
LO: Calm down, Ken. Let's cross that bridge when we come to it, cause we have a grudge match of a different kind. One involving gardening, Ken!
KO: This is absolutely ridiculous. Folks, if you didn't notice in the panning shot of the arena, there is a pen full of mud and dirt hooked to a Semi sitting off the side of us with a front end loader with about twenty kilo's of manure in it.
LO: That's right, and Roxi Johnson or Davy Blossom are going to buried under it when they go head to head in a Flowerbed Grudge Match! Have you ever heard of a match like this before?
KO: Hell No! Whoever thought this shit up should be shot! I just hope none of that stuff spills out anywhere near us, cause I've got a weak stomach, Laur. You know that...just....keep it away from me.
LO: Well I know one match you're going to be excited for; Neo Tokyo takes on Hashtag Trendsetters here tonight, and I predict it's going to be a barn burner.
KO: Oh, now that right there....oh...that can get as near to me as they want!
LO: Ah, I can smell the harassment suits coming now...
KO: Nah man, that's the bullshit over there....seriously, Vannah, Dakota, Tokyo....Call me!
LO: Control yourself man! So what did you think of that New Kids On The Block fatal four way we had at Blitz#8?
KO: It was pretty damn good. Already seen two of them compete here tonight in the Pre-Show, so I assume your alluding to our opening bout here tonight between Danny Rizzo and Fallon Lockhart.
LO: That would be the one.
KO: I think it'll be great if these two kids can get past which of them is more forthright and sweet. I want to see venom here, but I already know I'm in store for wholesome content.
LO: Well in my opinion, that's a breath of fresh air, but instead of talking about it let's get to the action...
Ring Announcer: The following contest is a singles match set for one fall or submission....
The electronic sounds of 'Lionhearted' by Porter Robinson ft. Urban Cone reverberate through the arena, and the lights start flashing along with the beat. Smoke fills the entrance way, and an an explosion of confetti Fallon Lockhart skips out onto the stage to a loud ovation from the crowd. She regards the fans with a sweet smile, pausing at the top of the ramp to take in the capacity crowd with hands clasped in front of her chest. She pats her heart with a grin, and then begins her skip down to the ring.
Ring Announcer: Introducing first, making her way to the ring standing at four foot ten and weighing in at 115 pounds, hailing from Miami, Florida....she is 'The Skellicorn' FALLON LOCKHAARRTTT!!
When Fallon reaches ringside she stutter steps and slides into the ring, popping up in the center and spinning around several times before rushing a corner and quickly bounds up to the top with a wide happy grin. The fans return the smile by putting their hands on their foreheads like unicorn horns, and dip and sway with her music.
LO: She only made her debut last show, and Fallon Lockhart already has a huge following here in Valor Pro Wrestling! She is sort of infectious, isn't she Ken?
KO: That's a word for it, I guess. I mean, that petite little thing could infect me anytime!
LO: I...I don't even know why I try with you sometimes.
Laurence Othello's lamentation is interjected upon by the heavy start to 'A Warriors Call' by Volbeat, and at "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!" Danny Rizzo rips through the curtain using his hands to try and lift the crowd out of their seats. He takes to one side of the stage jumping up and down, and then to the other, pumping a fist as the song breaks into 'Fight, Fight, Fight'. He finally comes to a stop at the top of the ramp, points down at the ring, and grins excitedly before taking off into a sprint.
Ring Announcer: And making his way to the ring, standing at five foot eleven and 202 pounds, hailing from Dayton, Ohio.....This Is DANNY RIZZZOOOO!!
Before the announcement comes to an end Danny has slid right into the ring, rushing a neutral corner and taking the second turnbuckle while beating his chest and letting out a warrior yell. The Russian fans explode in a cheer, returning his pumping fist towards the ring. He drops down and turns to face his opponent, a little rose coming into his cheek as he scratches his beard.
LO: Danny Rizzo seems to have his own following after that big win on Blitz#8 in his debut! Although, with the action we've already seen, these fans are already in a fever pitch. It will be interesting to see how this plays out since these two kids seem to be just happy to be here.
KO: I know, right. It's kind of sickening. Danny Rizzo would score major points here if he'd just rush in on Lockhart and nail her with a cheap shot.
LO: Well, it doesn't look like that's going to happen, as the two just met in the middle of the ring and shook hands, and Santiago just called for the bell...
Kenneth Othello looks disgusted at the show of sportsmanship as Rizzo and Lockhart begin to circle one another. The two go to lock up, but Fallon is as quick as a hiccup when she slips under his waiting arms, and ends up behind him. Danny turns around and immediately walks into a judo like throw from Fallon, using leverage and her own opponents weight to send him to the mat. He pops up quickly, and again is sent hurtling to the mat. Rizzo springs up, a look of frustration on his face, but he's lost sight of Fallon who has hit the ropes for momentum, and comes sailing in with a cross body that takes him back down to the mat. She remains on top for a cover, but before the ref can even get a one count, Rizzo powerfully kicks out, sending the much smaller Lockhart flying across the ring.
LO: Danny Rizzo looks a little perturbed as he gets back to his feet, but Fallon is already rushing right back in...
KO: Boy looks like he's out of his element here, and the girl is just having her way with him!
Danny posts up to try and catch Fallon again, but this time she changes tactics, instead, leaping up and hooking him around the head in a headscissors and, twists in the air to send him sprawling forwards. The momentum causes him to stumble, and he trips up to fall chest first across the middle rope. Fallon doesn't miss a beat, leaping up to the second turnbuckle of the corner to his left, and then springing right up and over the top rope to come crashing down across the back of his head with a leg drop! Danny clutches the back of his head as he bounces back to the center of the ring, and Fallon, who landed on her feet on the outside quickly scrambles in to hook the leg.
1...
LO: TW-NO! Not even a two count before Danny kicks out, and Fallon is back up on her feet and heading to the ropes for spring.....God...she's like a whirlwind in there!
KO: Yeah, but Danny managed to float over onto his stomach forcing Lockhart to leap over him and continue on to the other side...
LO: Fallon on her way back now, and Danny just got to his feet, and BIG RIGHT HAND JUST LEVELED LOCKHART!!
Fallon bumps off the mat, and starts back peddling with her feet while holding her jaw. She looks up in surprise at Rizzo only to find he's as shocked as she is. He looks from her to his closed fist, then back to her, before letting his hand drop to his side and shaking his head in apology. He offers her a hand to get back to her feet, and after a moment she warily takes it. He helps her up, and the fans clap for the gesture, as he steps back and signals for them to continue.
KO: Are...are you freakin' kidding me right now?
LO: What? He wants this to be a legit wrestling match, and doesn't think it should resort to fist-o-cuffs. That's a class act if you ask me.
KO: Well nobodies asking, Laur.
Now that both are back on their feet they begin to circle again, and this time they lock up in the center of the ring. Fallon moves for a go behind, but as soon as she clasps her hand in the waistlock, Rizzo grabs her wrists and muscles her arms apart. He deftly drops down to one knee into a fireman's carry that flips her over to land flat on her back. It's Fallon's turn to pop up quickly, but when she does she walks right into headlock takeover that puts her back on the mat. Rizzo retains the hold, and squeezes against her skull to try and force the submission.
LO: This is a real compromising position here for Fallon, as Danny has all of his weight on the woman's upper body and complete control of the head. It's going to take some doing for her to worm her way out of this, or try and get him back to his feet to find an escape.
KO: Yeah, she's so short that she can't even grapevine his head to try and reverse it.
Danny continues to grind on Lockhart's skull when she wraps her arms around his waist, and then rolls violently to her right, bringing him across her body to end up flush on his shoulders. Diego deftly hits the mat to make the count.
1...
2...
LO: Rizzo rocked back over, but that momentary momentum shift allow Fallon to get in a position where she's now on her knee's, and she is using her leg strength to force him to his feet.
KO: Got him there too, Laur...pushing him back into the ropes, and forces him to abandon the hold as he's sent to the other side...
Danny hits off the ropes and comes sailing back as Fallon rushes out to meet him. Just when it looks like they are about to collide, Fallon jumps beside and behind as he passes, hooking him through the legs and pulling him down into a schoolboy pin.
1...
2...
LO: Rizzo out at two, and already back on his feet, but Fallon is already there and leaping up onto his shoulders for a hurrican...OH MY GOD! THUNDEROUS POWERBOMB JUST DESTROYED HER!
KO: Now this kid is getting it. You can't play with the kid gloves on forever. Rizzo with a hook of the leg!
1...
2...
LO: THRE-KICK OUT! God, that was close, and Fallon now cradling the back of her head as Rizzo reaches down to help her to her feet. I don't think they're going to just lock up this time, Ken.
KO: Hey, these are all legal wrestling holds and maneuvers. If he isn't willing to hit her, then he's going to have to out wrestle her, especially considering his specialty is striking!
Rizzo hooks Lockhart around the waist, and in a lightening fast snap gut-wrench suplexes her hard to the canvas. He comes up to his feet and hits off the ropes for some momentum, returning to drop a heavy leg drop right down across her head. Fallon pushes him away as he goes for a cover, and she rolls towards the ropes to try and find some escape.
LO: I believe Fallon's bell is still rung after that powerbomb from Rizzo, and he's now following her over to the ropes, and just pulled her up to send her to the other side!
KO: Rizzo coming out to the center of the ring to meet her with a clothesline, but Fallon ducked while grabbing his arm as she went, and just swung up in a crucifix!
LO: She's pulling with all of her might to get him to fall back into the pin, BUT RIZZO JUST SWUNG HIMSELF FORWARD AND FALLON WENT FLYING OVER HIS HEAD TO CRASH AGAINST THE CANVAS!
Fallon's face is etched in pain as she rolls towards the ropes again, this time slipping under the bottom rope to the apron. Rizzo follows her over, reaching over the top rope to help guide her back to a standing position. He hooks her around the head to attempt to suplex her back in the ring, but when he gets her up in the air she manages to twist so that she lands on her feet behind him. She hooks him around the waist and pushes him so that his chest bumps the rope, and the spring backwards allows her to take him back down to the mat into a rolling pin. She sits upon his hamstrings as Santiago drops to make the count.
1...
2...
A quick push to Fallon's rear sends her lower body out and she lands on her shoulders at the same time Rizzo sits up to trap them to the mat while grabbing the back of her legs.
1...
2...
Fallon kicks with both feet which knocks Rizzo onto his back, and she keeps both of his legs hooked a she rises up to sit on his chest for a pin.
1...
2...
Rizzo rocks forwards again so that now Fallon's pinned, but she rocks right back so that now he's pinned, and so on and so on until they've made a complete circuit around the ring and about six pin attempts. The fans cheer for both competitors as they quickly come up to their feet, and Danny rushes in on Fallon, who drops to the side and takes him face first to the mat with a drop toe hold. She's up quickly and hitting off the ropes just as he comes up to his knee's, but before he can push off both of her feet find his face in a falling drop kick.
LO: Rizzo snapped back down to the mat after that dropkick which was essentially Fallon Lockhart throwing her whole body behind her feet!
KO: Yeah, she's a firecracker for sure, but I still say one of these two is going to have to get down and dirty to put the other away. It's just a question of which one will get there first!
Fallon waits for Rizzo to get partially to his feet before rushing towards the ropes behind him for some spring. When she barrels back he's completely vertical, and she leaps into the air to catch his head as she flies by and takes him face first to the mat in a bulldog. She quickly gets back to her feet, runs back to the ropes, leaps to the second, and springboards into a twisting senton that puts all of her weight crashing down onto Rizzo's spine. She nudges him over onto his back for a pin.
1...
2...
LO: THR-NO! Rizzo out at two and a half, and Fallon is looking around the ring for what else she might try.
KO: Well, playing by the rules is tough Laur. That's why i don't do it.
Fallon decides to help Rizzo up to his feet, and pushes him back into a corner where she buries a few shoulder thrusts into his abdomen. Partially doubled over now, she stands in front of him and hooks him around the head, snapmaring him over to land in a seated position in the center of the ring. She hops up to the second now, takes aim, and then flies off with a busaiku knee strike that catches him right in the back of his skull. Danny writhes on the canvas cradling the back of his head, as The Skellicorn quickly hooks his leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! That was a nasty shot to the back of the head to Rizzo, and he looks out of it. Fallon is making her way to the ring apron, and scaling the turnbuckles....looks like some high risk offense is inbound!
KO: All I know is that girl has been on fire ever since she came into the promotion, and she doesn't look to be stopping here tonight!
LO: Fallon has reached the high risk district, and now standing at her full height. This capacity crowd is on their feet for whatever it is she's about to attempt.....
KO: She takes flight into a CORKSCREW SHOOTING STAR PRESS!!
LO: BUT NOBODIES HOME!!
Rizzo manages to roll far out of the way as Lockhart crashes and burns painfully on the empty canvas. She holds her chest in concern as she comes up to her feet, and when she turns back towards Rizzo, he's there with a running spin wheel kick that sends her crashing back to the mat. Fallon is already trying to rise, and Rizzo pumps his fist to the crowd to try and get them excited. It works, as they return the gesture to him just as Lockhart gets to her feet. Danny rushes in to deliver a low drop kick that knocks Fallon's right knee out from under her, and as she's now helplessly kneeling, Rizzo comes back in to finish the combo with a step up shining wizard right to the back of her skull!
LO: Nasty combo there, and I believe he calls that the Black Rose!
KO: Whatever he calls it, the move is effective! Fallon Lockhart appears to be out as he goes for the cover!
1...
2...
THREe-NO! Fallon manages to roll her shoulder at the last minute, and Rizzo can't believe it, even questioning the ref who assures him it was only two. He shakes his head, running his fingers through his hair, and finally settles in a corner to strategize. As if a light bulb just went off in his head, he nods, and pulls one leg back so that his toe is tapping off the canvas. He begs Fallon to rise, and as she begins to do so, his head bobs forward in a nod of excitement.
LO: This crowd is on their feet for what they are expecting to be a big time finisher here, Ken. Do you think he's contemplating The Warriors Call?
KO: That Kinshasa Knee would definitely bring him one step closer to victory.
LO: Fallon has made it back to her feet, but is facing the opposite direction....slowly she turns, and Here Comes Danny....He Commits To The Move, BUT FALLON DUCKS IT!
KO: Rizzo lands on the other side, and turns around to go for it again, but instead RUNS RIGHT INTO A HURRICANRANA!
LO: Danny is back on his feet, and turns right into a waiting Fallon who gets a good running jump, hooks him around the head, and SPIKES HIS SKULL INTO THE CANVAS WITH A TORNADO DDT!!
Both competitors are laid out on the mat sucking wind when Santiago if forced to start his ten count. The fans are split, some cheering for The Skellicorn, and others cheering for the newcomer Danny Rizzo. Either way, the action has been fast and furious, and more than that....clean, and the fans show their support for both competitors as the count continues to climb. Just at the count of seven Fallon slowly starts to drag herself over to Danny, and just barely drapes her arm over him at the count of nine. Santiago drops for the cover.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Danny Rizzo's left shoulder shot off the canvas at the last possible second, and now Fallon is slowly trying to get back to her feet...
KO: Rizzo rolling now towards the ropes, and is using them to pull himself up...Fallon sees him and rushes in, but he ducks his head at the last second and commits to back body dropping her over the top rope....NO! Fallon was able to grab the rope on her way over, and twisted around to land safely on the ring apron!
LO: Danny has no idea! He's trying to shake the cobwebs, turns back around, and Fallon springboards to the top rope, and COMES FLYING OFF WITH A SUPER CLOTHESLINE!
KO: BUT DANNY DUCKS IT! Fallon rolls through up to her feet, and turns around right to a boot to the midsection, and now Danny hooks her around the head to lift her up into the air for a vertical suplex...BUT FALLON TWISTS AROUND AND LANDS BEHIND HIM! Danny spins around, and walks right into a small package!
1...
2...
3!!!
Danny kicks out, and comes up to his feet ready to continue, but when the referee calls for the bell he looks crestfallen. Fallon gets up in much the same way, but when she see's the bell, she grins and turns towards the cheering crowd throwing her hands up over her head in victory.
KO: Was that a three?
LO: Santiago is saying it was, and as we look at this replay you can clearly see now in slow motion that it was indeed a three count...
KO: Damn, within milliseconds, but I guess that's why Fallon is dangerous. She's quick as a whip!
Ring Announcer: and the winner of this match by pinfall.....THE SKELLICORN....FALLLON LOOOCCCCKKKHHHAAARRRTTT!
Fallon takes a turnbuckle and continues to celebrate as Danny falls against the ropes running his hand down his face to try and shake free the disappointment. When Fallon hops down and turns to take another corner, she notices Rizzo's expression of self doubt, and her own celebration comes to a creeping halt. She puts her hands on her hips, and almost as if kicking the dirt on the pitchers mound, makes her way over to Danny and places both hands on either of his shoulders. Danny and Fallon exchange some unheard words, and she offers up a smile and a nod before taking a step back to the center of the ring and extending her hand. Danny finds a smile, despite himself, and steps out and takes Fallon's offered handshake, and then lifts her wrist in the air and points across to her. He nods his head in appreciation towards her, and then slips out of the ring to head to the back.
LO: These two kids put it all on the line out here tonight, and were able to still conduct themselves with class and integrity after the match. Man, that makes me actually have hope for the future of this company.
KO: What a bunch of lame asses...
LO: KEN!?!
KO: You're right about the killer match part, but to hell with all of these niceties...I want to see some people getting RAW out here!
LO: Well I'm betting you'll get your fill of that later on in the night, but for right now I say we get on with the show. I hear that Emily Burlingame has caught up with Team Hashtag Trendsetters!
The scene rolls into Backstage, and Emily Burlingame is standing on set with a microphone in hand. As the camera slowly pans out, the crowd begins to stir and ultimately settles into a chorus of cheers as Vannah White and Dakota Jennings are revealed to be standing right next to her. Vannah smiles anxiously as she waits her turn while Dakota looks like she rather be in the ring at the moment.
Emily Burlingame: Tonight, I am here with Vannah White and Dakota Jennings who revealed that they were forming a tag team last week during a segment of where there's stoke there's fire...
Dakota Jennings: Really Emily? You don't think the Valor Pro Wrestling faithful who spent their hard earned money to order Equinox all know this already?
Dakota rolls her eyes before Emily turns to Vannah who is much more sympathetic to her cause.
Vannah White: It's nothing personal, Em... Dakota is just really excited to go out there and make our debuts as a tag team for the very first time. See, despite this being our professional debut this night has actually been months in the making and we both have been deprived of an opportunity to perform as a unit for both of our fan bases.
Emily nods her head seemingly persuaded by the explanation provided to her but slowly shifts her body weight towards Dakota Jennings.
Emily Burlingame: So what made you settle on the name... #trendsetters? Dakota, I mean... what trends have you actually started?
Emily's prodding of the bear, has Dakota Jennings shooting darts through her skull as she stiffens up and clenches her fist, again Vannah interjects.
Vannah White: ... Dakota Jennings has joined me as an equal partner with the ultimate goal of ushering in a NEW tag team division here in Valor Pro Wrestling. You've all read the essay I published to Valor Pro Wrestling signed with the signatures of hundreds of fans wanting to see this happen and now at Equinox we along with Neo Tokyo is going to put on a showcase that will highlight that tag team wrestling can be done at the highest levels. By the end of tonight? We plan to make Tag Team Wrestling the new trend here in Valor Pro.
Emily once again nods along with Vannah White while the crowd watching at home gives her a huge pop. Again though, Emily shifts her focus back to Dakota Jennings seemingly taking an issue with her posture.
Emily Burlingame: And that all sounds great ladies but aren't trends, just trends? Do we really want to turn tag team wrestling into a hot trend, Ms. Jennings?
This is enough to set Dakota off, who now steps up and stands adjacent to Emily. Vannah puts a hand on Emily's shoulder as Dakota rips the microphone from Emily's hand.
Dakota Jennings: Brad Stokes has made it a #trend to get his ass kicked every time he does one of his stupid little in ring interviews until Vannah intervened last week. If you don't get out of my face and stop asking me these stupid questions, I'll start a new #tend out of you. How does... #JusticeforEmily sound? Ding. I can hear my twitter notifications ringing in my head as we speak..
Emily is quick to back down and puts her hands up in the air in a non threatening manner, meanwhile Dakota Jennings throws a friendly nod of confirmation towards Vannah's general direction.
Dakota Jennings: I'll meet you by the curtains, we're up next.
Without as much as a goodbye, Dakota Jennings walks off on the interview leaving Vannah alone with Emily Burlingame. Despite all that has occurred, Vannah is still all smiles while Emily clutches her arm for dear life.
Vannah White: Look, Dakota can't stand your guts - sure but I personally enjoy your style of questioning.
Emily grins.
Emily Burlingame: Really? I mean, Zack Fantana...
Vannah White: I know, I know. I definitely think there's a place for you in Valor Pro and I personally think you're a true journalists, journalist. I really respect that. As for Dakota? I think maybe there's benefit in all of us if we show her a little more understanding, a little more patience and maybe a wee bit less criticism? I mean, she did go through a pretty rough break up with Cross... can you imagine how much she is going through right now?
Emily seems to resonate with Vannah here. In fact, she's so convinced by it that she seems to change her tune entirely.
Emily Burlingame: Hey, I'm sorry Vannah... maybe I did go a little too hard on her. I am just trying to do my job and ask the questions that Valor Pro Wrestling fans around the world wants answers to. Do you think I could go apologize to her?
Vannah White casually nods her head.
Vannah White: No, it's okay. I'll tell you what... when we go out there and put on a show for all the AMAZING Valor Pro Wrestling fans out here tonight and change tag team wrestling here at Valor Pro? You'll be our very first interview and you'll get our hottest take. How does that sound?
Emily Burlingame: Really!? That's amazing, thank you so much!
A delighted Emily hugs Vannah around the waist as tight as she possibly could. The fact that Vannah has seemingly won over the hard ball interviewer of Valor Pro seems to gain her even more favor from the white hot live crowd. The scene backstage fades as we head back to ringside.
The electronic sounds of 'Lionhearted' by Porter Robinson ft. Urban Cone reverberate through the arena, and the lights start flashing along with the beat. Smoke fills the entrance way, and an an explosion of confetti Fallon Lockhart skips out onto the stage to a loud ovation from the crowd. She regards the fans with a sweet smile, pausing at the top of the ramp to take in the capacity crowd with hands clasped in front of her chest. She pats her heart with a grin, and then begins her skip down to the ring.
Ring Announcer: Introducing first, making her way to the ring standing at four foot ten and weighing in at 115 pounds, hailing from Miami, Florida....she is 'The Skellicorn' FALLON LOCKHAARRTTT!!
When Fallon reaches ringside she stutter steps and slides into the ring, popping up in the center and spinning around several times before rushing a corner and quickly bounds up to the top with a wide happy grin. The fans return the smile by putting their hands on their foreheads like unicorn horns, and dip and sway with her music.
LO: She only made her debut last show, and Fallon Lockhart already has a huge following here in Valor Pro Wrestling! She is sort of infectious, isn't she Ken?
KO: That's a word for it, I guess. I mean, that petite little thing could infect me anytime!
LO: I...I don't even know why I try with you sometimes.
Laurence Othello's lamentation is interjected upon by the heavy start to 'A Warriors Call' by Volbeat, and at "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!" Danny Rizzo rips through the curtain using his hands to try and lift the crowd out of their seats. He takes to one side of the stage jumping up and down, and then to the other, pumping a fist as the song breaks into 'Fight, Fight, Fight'. He finally comes to a stop at the top of the ramp, points down at the ring, and grins excitedly before taking off into a sprint.
Ring Announcer: And making his way to the ring, standing at five foot eleven and 202 pounds, hailing from Dayton, Ohio.....This Is DANNY RIZZZOOOO!!
Before the announcement comes to an end Danny has slid right into the ring, rushing a neutral corner and taking the second turnbuckle while beating his chest and letting out a warrior yell. The Russian fans explode in a cheer, returning his pumping fist towards the ring. He drops down and turns to face his opponent, a little rose coming into his cheek as he scratches his beard.
LO: Danny Rizzo seems to have his own following after that big win on Blitz#8 in his debut! Although, with the action we've already seen, these fans are already in a fever pitch. It will be interesting to see how this plays out since these two kids seem to be just happy to be here.
KO: I know, right. It's kind of sickening. Danny Rizzo would score major points here if he'd just rush in on Lockhart and nail her with a cheap shot.
LO: Well, it doesn't look like that's going to happen, as the two just met in the middle of the ring and shook hands, and Santiago just called for the bell...
Kenneth Othello looks disgusted at the show of sportsmanship as Rizzo and Lockhart begin to circle one another. The two go to lock up, but Fallon is as quick as a hiccup when she slips under his waiting arms, and ends up behind him. Danny turns around and immediately walks into a judo like throw from Fallon, using leverage and her own opponents weight to send him to the mat. He pops up quickly, and again is sent hurtling to the mat. Rizzo springs up, a look of frustration on his face, but he's lost sight of Fallon who has hit the ropes for momentum, and comes sailing in with a cross body that takes him back down to the mat. She remains on top for a cover, but before the ref can even get a one count, Rizzo powerfully kicks out, sending the much smaller Lockhart flying across the ring.
LO: Danny Rizzo looks a little perturbed as he gets back to his feet, but Fallon is already rushing right back in...
KO: Boy looks like he's out of his element here, and the girl is just having her way with him!
Danny posts up to try and catch Fallon again, but this time she changes tactics, instead, leaping up and hooking him around the head in a headscissors and, twists in the air to send him sprawling forwards. The momentum causes him to stumble, and he trips up to fall chest first across the middle rope. Fallon doesn't miss a beat, leaping up to the second turnbuckle of the corner to his left, and then springing right up and over the top rope to come crashing down across the back of his head with a leg drop! Danny clutches the back of his head as he bounces back to the center of the ring, and Fallon, who landed on her feet on the outside quickly scrambles in to hook the leg.
1...
LO: TW-NO! Not even a two count before Danny kicks out, and Fallon is back up on her feet and heading to the ropes for spring.....God...she's like a whirlwind in there!
KO: Yeah, but Danny managed to float over onto his stomach forcing Lockhart to leap over him and continue on to the other side...
LO: Fallon on her way back now, and Danny just got to his feet, and BIG RIGHT HAND JUST LEVELED LOCKHART!!
Fallon bumps off the mat, and starts back peddling with her feet while holding her jaw. She looks up in surprise at Rizzo only to find he's as shocked as she is. He looks from her to his closed fist, then back to her, before letting his hand drop to his side and shaking his head in apology. He offers her a hand to get back to her feet, and after a moment she warily takes it. He helps her up, and the fans clap for the gesture, as he steps back and signals for them to continue.
KO: Are...are you freakin' kidding me right now?
LO: What? He wants this to be a legit wrestling match, and doesn't think it should resort to fist-o-cuffs. That's a class act if you ask me.
KO: Well nobodies asking, Laur.
Now that both are back on their feet they begin to circle again, and this time they lock up in the center of the ring. Fallon moves for a go behind, but as soon as she clasps her hand in the waistlock, Rizzo grabs her wrists and muscles her arms apart. He deftly drops down to one knee into a fireman's carry that flips her over to land flat on her back. It's Fallon's turn to pop up quickly, but when she does she walks right into headlock takeover that puts her back on the mat. Rizzo retains the hold, and squeezes against her skull to try and force the submission.
LO: This is a real compromising position here for Fallon, as Danny has all of his weight on the woman's upper body and complete control of the head. It's going to take some doing for her to worm her way out of this, or try and get him back to his feet to find an escape.
KO: Yeah, she's so short that she can't even grapevine his head to try and reverse it.
Danny continues to grind on Lockhart's skull when she wraps her arms around his waist, and then rolls violently to her right, bringing him across her body to end up flush on his shoulders. Diego deftly hits the mat to make the count.
1...
2...
LO: Rizzo rocked back over, but that momentary momentum shift allow Fallon to get in a position where she's now on her knee's, and she is using her leg strength to force him to his feet.
KO: Got him there too, Laur...pushing him back into the ropes, and forces him to abandon the hold as he's sent to the other side...
Danny hits off the ropes and comes sailing back as Fallon rushes out to meet him. Just when it looks like they are about to collide, Fallon jumps beside and behind as he passes, hooking him through the legs and pulling him down into a schoolboy pin.
1...
2...
LO: Rizzo out at two, and already back on his feet, but Fallon is already there and leaping up onto his shoulders for a hurrican...OH MY GOD! THUNDEROUS POWERBOMB JUST DESTROYED HER!
KO: Now this kid is getting it. You can't play with the kid gloves on forever. Rizzo with a hook of the leg!
1...
2...
LO: THRE-KICK OUT! God, that was close, and Fallon now cradling the back of her head as Rizzo reaches down to help her to her feet. I don't think they're going to just lock up this time, Ken.
KO: Hey, these are all legal wrestling holds and maneuvers. If he isn't willing to hit her, then he's going to have to out wrestle her, especially considering his specialty is striking!
Rizzo hooks Lockhart around the waist, and in a lightening fast snap gut-wrench suplexes her hard to the canvas. He comes up to his feet and hits off the ropes for some momentum, returning to drop a heavy leg drop right down across her head. Fallon pushes him away as he goes for a cover, and she rolls towards the ropes to try and find some escape.
LO: I believe Fallon's bell is still rung after that powerbomb from Rizzo, and he's now following her over to the ropes, and just pulled her up to send her to the other side!
KO: Rizzo coming out to the center of the ring to meet her with a clothesline, but Fallon ducked while grabbing his arm as she went, and just swung up in a crucifix!
LO: She's pulling with all of her might to get him to fall back into the pin, BUT RIZZO JUST SWUNG HIMSELF FORWARD AND FALLON WENT FLYING OVER HIS HEAD TO CRASH AGAINST THE CANVAS!
Fallon's face is etched in pain as she rolls towards the ropes again, this time slipping under the bottom rope to the apron. Rizzo follows her over, reaching over the top rope to help guide her back to a standing position. He hooks her around the head to attempt to suplex her back in the ring, but when he gets her up in the air she manages to twist so that she lands on her feet behind him. She hooks him around the waist and pushes him so that his chest bumps the rope, and the spring backwards allows her to take him back down to the mat into a rolling pin. She sits upon his hamstrings as Santiago drops to make the count.
1...
2...
A quick push to Fallon's rear sends her lower body out and she lands on her shoulders at the same time Rizzo sits up to trap them to the mat while grabbing the back of her legs.
1...
2...
Fallon kicks with both feet which knocks Rizzo onto his back, and she keeps both of his legs hooked a she rises up to sit on his chest for a pin.
1...
2...
Rizzo rocks forwards again so that now Fallon's pinned, but she rocks right back so that now he's pinned, and so on and so on until they've made a complete circuit around the ring and about six pin attempts. The fans cheer for both competitors as they quickly come up to their feet, and Danny rushes in on Fallon, who drops to the side and takes him face first to the mat with a drop toe hold. She's up quickly and hitting off the ropes just as he comes up to his knee's, but before he can push off both of her feet find his face in a falling drop kick.
LO: Rizzo snapped back down to the mat after that dropkick which was essentially Fallon Lockhart throwing her whole body behind her feet!
KO: Yeah, she's a firecracker for sure, but I still say one of these two is going to have to get down and dirty to put the other away. It's just a question of which one will get there first!
Fallon waits for Rizzo to get partially to his feet before rushing towards the ropes behind him for some spring. When she barrels back he's completely vertical, and she leaps into the air to catch his head as she flies by and takes him face first to the mat in a bulldog. She quickly gets back to her feet, runs back to the ropes, leaps to the second, and springboards into a twisting senton that puts all of her weight crashing down onto Rizzo's spine. She nudges him over onto his back for a pin.
1...
2...
LO: THR-NO! Rizzo out at two and a half, and Fallon is looking around the ring for what else she might try.
KO: Well, playing by the rules is tough Laur. That's why i don't do it.
Fallon decides to help Rizzo up to his feet, and pushes him back into a corner where she buries a few shoulder thrusts into his abdomen. Partially doubled over now, she stands in front of him and hooks him around the head, snapmaring him over to land in a seated position in the center of the ring. She hops up to the second now, takes aim, and then flies off with a busaiku knee strike that catches him right in the back of his skull. Danny writhes on the canvas cradling the back of his head, as The Skellicorn quickly hooks his leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! That was a nasty shot to the back of the head to Rizzo, and he looks out of it. Fallon is making her way to the ring apron, and scaling the turnbuckles....looks like some high risk offense is inbound!
KO: All I know is that girl has been on fire ever since she came into the promotion, and she doesn't look to be stopping here tonight!
LO: Fallon has reached the high risk district, and now standing at her full height. This capacity crowd is on their feet for whatever it is she's about to attempt.....
KO: She takes flight into a CORKSCREW SHOOTING STAR PRESS!!
LO: BUT NOBODIES HOME!!
Rizzo manages to roll far out of the way as Lockhart crashes and burns painfully on the empty canvas. She holds her chest in concern as she comes up to her feet, and when she turns back towards Rizzo, he's there with a running spin wheel kick that sends her crashing back to the mat. Fallon is already trying to rise, and Rizzo pumps his fist to the crowd to try and get them excited. It works, as they return the gesture to him just as Lockhart gets to her feet. Danny rushes in to deliver a low drop kick that knocks Fallon's right knee out from under her, and as she's now helplessly kneeling, Rizzo comes back in to finish the combo with a step up shining wizard right to the back of her skull!
LO: Nasty combo there, and I believe he calls that the Black Rose!
KO: Whatever he calls it, the move is effective! Fallon Lockhart appears to be out as he goes for the cover!
1...
2...
THREe-NO! Fallon manages to roll her shoulder at the last minute, and Rizzo can't believe it, even questioning the ref who assures him it was only two. He shakes his head, running his fingers through his hair, and finally settles in a corner to strategize. As if a light bulb just went off in his head, he nods, and pulls one leg back so that his toe is tapping off the canvas. He begs Fallon to rise, and as she begins to do so, his head bobs forward in a nod of excitement.
LO: This crowd is on their feet for what they are expecting to be a big time finisher here, Ken. Do you think he's contemplating The Warriors Call?
KO: That Kinshasa Knee would definitely bring him one step closer to victory.
LO: Fallon has made it back to her feet, but is facing the opposite direction....slowly she turns, and Here Comes Danny....He Commits To The Move, BUT FALLON DUCKS IT!
KO: Rizzo lands on the other side, and turns around to go for it again, but instead RUNS RIGHT INTO A HURRICANRANA!
LO: Danny is back on his feet, and turns right into a waiting Fallon who gets a good running jump, hooks him around the head, and SPIKES HIS SKULL INTO THE CANVAS WITH A TORNADO DDT!!
Both competitors are laid out on the mat sucking wind when Santiago if forced to start his ten count. The fans are split, some cheering for The Skellicorn, and others cheering for the newcomer Danny Rizzo. Either way, the action has been fast and furious, and more than that....clean, and the fans show their support for both competitors as the count continues to climb. Just at the count of seven Fallon slowly starts to drag herself over to Danny, and just barely drapes her arm over him at the count of nine. Santiago drops for the cover.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Danny Rizzo's left shoulder shot off the canvas at the last possible second, and now Fallon is slowly trying to get back to her feet...
KO: Rizzo rolling now towards the ropes, and is using them to pull himself up...Fallon sees him and rushes in, but he ducks his head at the last second and commits to back body dropping her over the top rope....NO! Fallon was able to grab the rope on her way over, and twisted around to land safely on the ring apron!
LO: Danny has no idea! He's trying to shake the cobwebs, turns back around, and Fallon springboards to the top rope, and COMES FLYING OFF WITH A SUPER CLOTHESLINE!
KO: BUT DANNY DUCKS IT! Fallon rolls through up to her feet, and turns around right to a boot to the midsection, and now Danny hooks her around the head to lift her up into the air for a vertical suplex...BUT FALLON TWISTS AROUND AND LANDS BEHIND HIM! Danny spins around, and walks right into a small package!
1...
2...
3!!!
Danny kicks out, and comes up to his feet ready to continue, but when the referee calls for the bell he looks crestfallen. Fallon gets up in much the same way, but when she see's the bell, she grins and turns towards the cheering crowd throwing her hands up over her head in victory.
KO: Was that a three?
LO: Santiago is saying it was, and as we look at this replay you can clearly see now in slow motion that it was indeed a three count...
KO: Damn, within milliseconds, but I guess that's why Fallon is dangerous. She's quick as a whip!
Ring Announcer: and the winner of this match by pinfall.....THE SKELLICORN....FALLLON LOOOCCCCKKKHHHAAARRRTTT!
Fallon takes a turnbuckle and continues to celebrate as Danny falls against the ropes running his hand down his face to try and shake free the disappointment. When Fallon hops down and turns to take another corner, she notices Rizzo's expression of self doubt, and her own celebration comes to a creeping halt. She puts her hands on her hips, and almost as if kicking the dirt on the pitchers mound, makes her way over to Danny and places both hands on either of his shoulders. Danny and Fallon exchange some unheard words, and she offers up a smile and a nod before taking a step back to the center of the ring and extending her hand. Danny finds a smile, despite himself, and steps out and takes Fallon's offered handshake, and then lifts her wrist in the air and points across to her. He nods his head in appreciation towards her, and then slips out of the ring to head to the back.
LO: These two kids put it all on the line out here tonight, and were able to still conduct themselves with class and integrity after the match. Man, that makes me actually have hope for the future of this company.
KO: What a bunch of lame asses...
LO: KEN!?!
KO: You're right about the killer match part, but to hell with all of these niceties...I want to see some people getting RAW out here!
LO: Well I'm betting you'll get your fill of that later on in the night, but for right now I say we get on with the show. I hear that Emily Burlingame has caught up with Team Hashtag Trendsetters!
The scene rolls into Backstage, and Emily Burlingame is standing on set with a microphone in hand. As the camera slowly pans out, the crowd begins to stir and ultimately settles into a chorus of cheers as Vannah White and Dakota Jennings are revealed to be standing right next to her. Vannah smiles anxiously as she waits her turn while Dakota looks like she rather be in the ring at the moment.
Emily Burlingame: Tonight, I am here with Vannah White and Dakota Jennings who revealed that they were forming a tag team last week during a segment of where there's stoke there's fire...
Dakota Jennings: Really Emily? You don't think the Valor Pro Wrestling faithful who spent their hard earned money to order Equinox all know this already?
Dakota rolls her eyes before Emily turns to Vannah who is much more sympathetic to her cause.
Vannah White: It's nothing personal, Em... Dakota is just really excited to go out there and make our debuts as a tag team for the very first time. See, despite this being our professional debut this night has actually been months in the making and we both have been deprived of an opportunity to perform as a unit for both of our fan bases.
Emily nods her head seemingly persuaded by the explanation provided to her but slowly shifts her body weight towards Dakota Jennings.
Emily Burlingame: So what made you settle on the name... #trendsetters? Dakota, I mean... what trends have you actually started?
Emily's prodding of the bear, has Dakota Jennings shooting darts through her skull as she stiffens up and clenches her fist, again Vannah interjects.
Vannah White: ... Dakota Jennings has joined me as an equal partner with the ultimate goal of ushering in a NEW tag team division here in Valor Pro Wrestling. You've all read the essay I published to Valor Pro Wrestling signed with the signatures of hundreds of fans wanting to see this happen and now at Equinox we along with Neo Tokyo is going to put on a showcase that will highlight that tag team wrestling can be done at the highest levels. By the end of tonight? We plan to make Tag Team Wrestling the new trend here in Valor Pro.
Emily once again nods along with Vannah White while the crowd watching at home gives her a huge pop. Again though, Emily shifts her focus back to Dakota Jennings seemingly taking an issue with her posture.
Emily Burlingame: And that all sounds great ladies but aren't trends, just trends? Do we really want to turn tag team wrestling into a hot trend, Ms. Jennings?
This is enough to set Dakota off, who now steps up and stands adjacent to Emily. Vannah puts a hand on Emily's shoulder as Dakota rips the microphone from Emily's hand.
Dakota Jennings: Brad Stokes has made it a #trend to get his ass kicked every time he does one of his stupid little in ring interviews until Vannah intervened last week. If you don't get out of my face and stop asking me these stupid questions, I'll start a new #tend out of you. How does... #JusticeforEmily sound? Ding. I can hear my twitter notifications ringing in my head as we speak..
Emily is quick to back down and puts her hands up in the air in a non threatening manner, meanwhile Dakota Jennings throws a friendly nod of confirmation towards Vannah's general direction.
Dakota Jennings: I'll meet you by the curtains, we're up next.
Without as much as a goodbye, Dakota Jennings walks off on the interview leaving Vannah alone with Emily Burlingame. Despite all that has occurred, Vannah is still all smiles while Emily clutches her arm for dear life.
Vannah White: Look, Dakota can't stand your guts - sure but I personally enjoy your style of questioning.
Emily grins.
Emily Burlingame: Really? I mean, Zack Fantana...
Vannah White: I know, I know. I definitely think there's a place for you in Valor Pro and I personally think you're a true journalists, journalist. I really respect that. As for Dakota? I think maybe there's benefit in all of us if we show her a little more understanding, a little more patience and maybe a wee bit less criticism? I mean, she did go through a pretty rough break up with Cross... can you imagine how much she is going through right now?
Emily seems to resonate with Vannah here. In fact, she's so convinced by it that she seems to change her tune entirely.
Emily Burlingame: Hey, I'm sorry Vannah... maybe I did go a little too hard on her. I am just trying to do my job and ask the questions that Valor Pro Wrestling fans around the world wants answers to. Do you think I could go apologize to her?
Vannah White casually nods her head.
Vannah White: No, it's okay. I'll tell you what... when we go out there and put on a show for all the AMAZING Valor Pro Wrestling fans out here tonight and change tag team wrestling here at Valor Pro? You'll be our very first interview and you'll get our hottest take. How does that sound?
Emily Burlingame: Really!? That's amazing, thank you so much!
A delighted Emily hugs Vannah around the waist as tight as she possibly could. The fact that Vannah has seemingly won over the hard ball interviewer of Valor Pro seems to gain her even more favor from the white hot live crowd. The scene backstage fades as we head back to ringside.
LO: Well, Vannah White is making people's night already, and she hasn't even made it out in front of this live crowd!
KO: I'm glad that Emily Burlingame is the only journalist that gets the exclusive. It's not like there aren't any other journalists in the promotion that might want to talk to Vannah White about....things.
LO: You're talking about yourself aren't you, Ken?
KO: I'm just saying....
Ring Announcer: The following contest is a Tag Match scheduled for one fall or submission...
The clapping beginning of ''Shooting Stars" by Bag Raiders hit's over the PA System, and the lights around the stage start flashing along with the beat of the song. The fans all come to their feet and clap with the rhythm just as Vannah White rushes out onto stage, pausing at the top of the ramp to soak in the cheers from her adoring audience. She flashes her trademark smile, and walks halfway down the ramp before coming to a stop just as her music fades out and the opening riffs of 'Survival' by Eminem hit's over the PA System, and the fans turn from Vannah to the stage that flashes a bright light just as the lyrics kick in. When the lights go down Dakota is standing center stage, staring up at her one hand pointing skyward. Her head slowly tilts down to her partner along with the finger until she's pointing right at her. A grin comes over her face as the fans send a wave of cheers her way as she starts down the ramp. Upon reaching Vannah, the two share a hug, which sends the male fans wild, and the two slaps hands as they continue down to ringside.
Ring Announcer: Introducing first, making their way to the ring at a combined weight of 240 pounds, they are DAKOTA JENNINNNGGGSSS.....VANNAH WHIITTTEEE.....THE HASHTAG TRENDSETTERSSS!!!
Vannah continues slapping hands with fans as Dakota breaks away and leaps up onto the apron, and swings herself into the ring. Vannah eventually makes it to the steps and climbs them, slipping between the ropes to join her partner. They point to opposite corners, and the two take them by leaping to the second, and watching the crowd go wild as Dakota points to the sky and roars, and Vannah flashes her grin, and waves out to the fans that hold up signs just for her.
LO: Well, these two made headlines on 'Where there's Stokes, there's Fire' last Blitz, and also laid out a challenge to Neo Tokyo, our first official tag team in the promotion.
KO: How can you worry about the details at a time like this. Do you not see that delectable flesh that just entered the ring!?!
LO: Can you not just focus on the action instead of turning everything that these two into smut?
KO: Is that a trick question?
Before Laurence can chastise further, 'Neo Tokyo' by Scandroid hits over the PA system with it's techno sound as the lights go dim, and different colored strobes go off around the arena. Mist rises from the stage, and then a stream of pyro that looks like sparks from a welding project shoot into the sky. From beneath the stage a platform rises, and standing at it's center, back to back, stands Brooklyn Light and Iota Psi! Brooklyn wears a red leather jacket decorated with chains, and on her right hand is a glove with matching studs across the knuckles. Psi on the other hand has what appears to be a cybernetic left arm, and a right leg to match. Both women have on shades that pulse with the beat of the song. Immediately the entrance resonates with the fans that come to their feet with cheers, and the two women play up to the ovation by pushing their glasses up over their heads, and making their way down the ramp.
Ring Announcer: Introducing their opponents, weighting in at a combined weight of 245 pounds and hailing from the year 2020....This is Brooklyn Light....Iota Psi.....NEO TOKYOOOOO!!!!
When they reach ringside, Brooklyn hops up onto the apron for flash photography as Psi marches up the steps and slips into the ring. Brooklyn soon joins her, and both step to the center of the ring where Light drops down with her hands out at her side, and Psi raises her robotic fist skyward. Both women look up as the strobe lights stop, and one single beam shines down to illuminate the two beauties in the ring.
LO: Neo Tokyo, much like their opponents, have taken Valor Pro by storm ever since coming into the promotion, have helped to ignite what was otherwise a one team tag division.
KO: We still only have three tag teams, Laur. I mean, I think we need at least six to call it a 'Tag Division'...
LO: Stranger things have happened, Ken, and all I'm trying to point out is that with Hashtag Trendsetters and Neo Tokyo now bringing attention to the Tag Team Scene, we could see an opportunity to grow that division.
KO: Well, both teams have definitely mentioned that over the past few weeks in preparation for their match. Talking all this niceness at one another about how excited they are about to be in this match. Thank God for Dakota Jennings. She basically called bullshit, and said she's going to cave in someone's skull no matter how much she likes their fancy entrance!
LO: Well, that remains to be seen....but right now, we have four competitors standing center of the ring while the ref goes over the rules, and...look a there...
KO: Oh God...
Vannah White extends her hand towards Brooklyn Light, and then looks over at Dakota Jennings who gives her a sidelong glance of incredulity. Vannah gives her an encouraging look, and finally Dakota rolls her eyes before thrusting her hand out as if it's a chore towards Iota. Neo Tokyo take in the cheers for this sign of respect, looking out at the crowd for instruction before grinning, and returning the handshakes. The two teams retreat back to their respective corners, and it's decided that Brooklyn Light will start for Tokyo while Dakota Jennings assures Vannah she will get this done for the Trendsetters. Both women turn back to the center of the ring as their partners step to the apron, and the referee calls for the bell as they begin to circle.
LO: Brooklyn and Dakota lock up center of the ring, and both are jockeying for position.....Light appears to be getting the upper hand, pushing Dakota back into a neutral corner. Ref is calling for a release, and Brooklyn does so cleanly. Let me guess, you don't like it.
KO: She should have bopped her one! Handshakes followed by clean breaks equals boring, Laur.
LO: Whatever. Dakota and Brooklyn back in the center of the ring again with another tie up, and this time its Jennings with the burst of strength, forcing Light back into the corner. Ref again calling for a break, BUT OH! Dakota backed off, but suckered Light into a false sense of safety by nailing her with a right hand. Vannah doesn't appear to appreciate that behavior, but Dakota just told her to chill, and OH! European Uppercut rocks Brooklyn back into the same corner.
Dakota is quick to follow up with shin kicks right to Light's gut that drive the woman into the turnbuckles, and she follows the combo with a surprise spinning back elbow that catches her right in the jaw. Brooklyn shoves past Dakota to get out of the corner, but Jennings follows close behind as she clubs her across the shoulders by the ropes. A few more clubs bring Brooklyn to her knees, and Dakota backs up a few steps before rushing right back in with a knee right to Light's temple. Her head bounces off the middle rope, and she falls to the mat so she can quickly roll to the outside to cause separation.
LO: Dakota following Light right out despite the objections of the referee and her tag partner! Brooklyn turns to face Dakota, and catches a boot to her midsection for her trouble which doubles her over. Dakota now hooks her around the head, and she's not going to try and DDT her right here on the concrete is she?
KO: Now this is what I'm talking about.....awwww....Brooklyn managed to drives some forearms into Dakota's ribs to break up the party, and now just tossed her back into the ring.
LO: Light following Dakota back in, and helps her the rest of the way up to push back into the ropes, and send to the other side.
Dakota bounces off the ropes and before she has time to react, Brooklyn is there with a high standing drop kick that sends her crashing down to the mat. Light quickly leaps on her for a cover, but before the count of one Dakota has already kicked out. She seems angry about the quick cover this early on as she comes up, but it doesn't save her from walking into a Japanese arm drag from Brooklyn. She pops up, and walks right into another one, and on the third pop up she looks like she might find a third, but quickly puts on the breaks and back peddles away from the woman to reassess the situation. The fans cheer for Brooklyn as the woman offers her opponent a smile which seems to only fuel that disgruntled fire building in Dakota.
LO: Jennings and Light circling each other again after that little wrestling lesson from the Cyberpunkette, and Dakota looks pretty determined. They go for another lock up, but NO! Dakota cuts it off with a knee lift to Brooklyn's gut, immediately followed by a snap mare.
KO: Light is in a seated position in the center of the ring, and Dakota just flashed by her to hit off the ropes....LOW DROP KICK RIGHT TO THE FACE!
LO: Light snaps down to the canvas, and Dakota now with the quick cover, grinding her elbow into the woman's face to boot....
1...
LO: Only a count of one, but I think Dakota knew that....she's just trying to make a statement to Neo Tokyo. Man, she is really different after her break up with Cross Recoba.
KO: Yeah, and I love it. It's no surprise that Recoba has taken notice and been trying to get her to talk to him on Twitter. There's something hot about a chick who can look that good while still taking no prisoners...
LO: Well, we're about to find out what her tag team partner can do, as Dakota just dragged Brooklyn Light by the hair of the head over to her corner, and tagged in Vannah White!
Vannah enters the ring after the tag, and gives Dakota a chastising look before helping Brooklyn up to her feet. It's at that moment Brooklyn shoves Vannah's hands away, and drives a boot into her midsection doubling her over. Brooklyn quickly hooks her around the head and lands a snap suplex that takes everyone by surprise. Dakota is already trying to get back into the ring when Diego Santiago cuts her off, reminding her of the tag she had just made. Light quickly scrambles to her feet, and steps over her to corner where she tags in Iota Psi, and The Cyborg leaps right over the top rope into the ring and goes straight for a recovering Vannah. She grips her around the waist as she comes up, and delivers a German Suplex into a bridge which the has referee quickly drop for the count.
1...
2...
LO: Kick out by White at two, but the distraction with her tag team partners antics has cost her here as Neo Tokyo is now in complete control.
KO: You see what I'm saying, Laur. Being nice doesn't mean shit out here, and Dakota Jennings gets that. Vannah White better get on board, or she's going to cost her team the victory!
Iota slips over to a neutral corner and hops up to the second turnbuckle, signaling for Vannah White to get back to her feet. She eventually does, and when she turns in that direction she's caught with a flying spin wheel kick that sends her back down. Iota pops back up to her feet immediately after landing, and rushes past Vannah to the ropes, leaps to the second for some spring, and spins into a corkscrew leg drop that crushes the woman's skull right into the mat. The fans are on their feet as Iota goes for another cover...
1...
2...
LO: THR-NO! Vannah kicks out, and Dakota Jennings was halfway in the ring, but has since retreated when she realized her partner was going to get out of it.
KO: Vannah not looking so hot out here, as Iota pulls her up into a seated position and locks in a deep chin lock.
Vannah reaches out for her tag partner, but she's way too far away being center of the ring, and she begins to rock side to side until finally getting to her knee's, forcing Iota up to her feet. Eventually Vannah gets to hers, and a few sharp elbows to the gut forces Iota to release the hold. From there, Vannah hits off the ropes, but when she comes back she is quickly dropped face first to the canvas with a drop toe hold from Psi, who quickly floats over and locks her head into a front face lock. As Vannah tries to push up from this, Iota switches her stance so that White's chin now rests on her shoulder, and she abruptly sits down into a short stunner. Vannah, not being completely vertical, doesn't take the full brunt, but it's enough to cause her teeth to clamp together, and she holds her jaw as Iota pops up, and catches her with a falling clothesline to take her back down to the mat.
LO: Iota Psi is putting on a clinic here as she just popped over to her corner and tagged in Brooklyn. Light into the ring now as Vannah gets to her feet still holding her lower jaw, and Brooklyn rushes right in and CATCHES HER WITH A SLING BLADE THAT SNAPS HER BACK DOWN TO THE MAT!
KO: Vannah has had zero offense here, and has been completely on the defense. Quite frankly, I don't like her style, but I'm a little surprised. I mean, we're talking about the woman who has a win over the likes of Brennan Devlin, Cross Recoba, and Elina Cartel....
LO: Yeah, but to be honest, Neo Tokyo has just been out tag teaming them, Laur. They are a unit, while Dakota Jennings and Vannah White, despite being close personal friends, are two very individual wrestlers.
Vannah is lifted by Brooklyn back to a sitting position, and it's her turn to apply the chin lock her partner so expertly applied earlier. This time, however, considerable damage has been done to Vannah, and Brooklyn pushes her all the way down to the mat and places her body directly onto her shoulders so that her weight makes it even harder to breathe. Dakota bounces around on the outside, urging Vannah to get over there and make a tag, and despite the fans being Neo Tokyo fans as well, begin clap along with Jenning's bounces to give White motivation. The cheers appear to be working, as Vannah somehow manages to push up enough so that she's now on her hands and knee's, but Brooklyn simply hops onto her back, making the process of actually getting up that much more difficult. White, however, shows another burst of strength as she shoves up to her feet while Brooklyn retains the hold. Light yanks Vannah's head down to her side to try and grind her skull against her body, but she's suddenly surprised when Vannah lifts her right up into the air, and then swiftly drops straight down into a side suplex that breaks the hold.
LO: This is the moment that Vannah needs here to get over and tag in her partner, if she can just recover long enough to do so...and she's crawling to try and get there, but Brooklyn Light is already at her corner and makes the tag...
KO: Here comes Iota Psi, and she just caught hold of Vannah's ankle, pulling her back to the center of the ring away from her corner.....WAIT! Vannah rolls over onto her back, and just sent her free boot flashing up right into Psi's face!
LO: That breaks the hold on her ankle, and now Vannah rolls back over and gets her knee in under her, and SPRINGS OVER TO MAKE THE TAG TO DAKOTA!
Jennings comes into the ring hot, but Iota rushes out to meet her with a clothesline that is ducked by Dakota. When Iota spins around she's caught with a European uppercut that sends her sprawling into the ropes, and when she bounces back she's caught right in the gut with a boot, and then taken to the mat with a sick DDT. Dakota pops up, and instead of following up rushes right in at Brooklyn Light and nails her with a high jumping knee that ejects her from the ring apron and sends her soaring to crash against the steel guard rail. She looks satisfied as she turns her attention back to Psi who struggles to her feet after the DDT, and Dakota slips her head under her arm and hooks her around the midsection in a waistlock before taking her over into a northern lights suplex with a bridge.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Iota Psi out at two and a half, and Dakota pulls her back up to her feet so that she can send her off the ropes...
KO: Psi on her way back now, and Dakota Leaps up and catches her around the head with a headscissors, and THEN SNAPS AROUND WITH A HURRICANRANA THAT SPIKES HER HEAD OFF THE MAT!
LO: Dakota quickly following up with a hook of both legs!
1...
2...
LO: THREe-BROOKLYN LIGHT WITH THE BOOT TO THE BACK OF DAKOTA'S HEAD BREAKS UP THE COUNT! AND HERE COME'S VANNAH!
Vannah rushes in to meet Brooklyn in the center of the ring, and fists fly between the two women as Santiago condemns them both at a safe distance. Finally it's Light who begins to get the upper hand, driving Vannah back into the corner so that she's now leaning against the ropes. Vannah suddenly grabs Brooklyn by her arm, and spins her around, diving out of the way just in time for Dakota Jennings to take Light's head off with a clothesline, subsequently dumping her right up and over the top rope to the concrete floor below. Vannah stares at Dakota in shock, and the woman shrugs with an apologetic grin. Vannah blows her bangs out of her face, and both women turn back to the ring just in time to see Iota Psi barreling down on them like a freight train. Both women manage to duck their heads at the last second, and send Iota soaring over the top rope with a back body drop to crash land on her partner on the outside.
LO: The Trendsetter's have cleared the ring, and Dakota just barked some order to Vannah, and dropped to her hands and knee's in front of the ropes....
KO: I'll be damned. We're about to see a tag team move from the two...
Vannah quickly hits the opposite side ropes for some spring, and rushes back to the other side, leaping up so that she pivots off of Dakota's back, and then commits to a rolling senton over the top rope and out onto Neo Tokyo who had just gotten back to their feet. Three out of the four competitors are down on the outside when Dakota swings out, grabs up Brooklyn Light, and tosses her back in, quickly following so she can hook the leg.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Brooklyn got the shoulder up at the last second, and Dakota Jennings looks pissed as she gets to her feet and begs for the woman to get up.
Brooklyn only partially obliges, instead making it to her knees, which satisfies Jenning's fine. She opens up on the woman with shin kicks right to her chest which have her rocking back and forth like a sea buoy, and the fans count along with her strikes all the way up to nine....when they all do a 'Whooooaaaaa' as Dakota winds up to try and take the woman's head off. The kick is clearly meant for Light's skull, but she ducks under it at the last minute, and Dakota's boot sails harmlessly overhead. She continues to spin through so she can come back to face Brooklyn, but she's caught completely unaware when Light springs to her feet and catches her with a massive reverse Russian leg sweep that shakes the ring.
KO: GOOD GOD! She just drove that girl into the mat!
LO: Yeah, but now they are both down, and crawling towards their corners....Vannah and Psi have recovered, and are waiting...man, this action is fast and furious.
KO: Great description, Laur, cause I can't get past all the curves in that ring right now!
Laurence Othello rolls his eyes at his brother as both of the legal women get closer and closer to their partners. At the same time that Light tags in Iota Psi, Jennings tags in Vanna White, and both women tear into the ring on a mission. Iota Psi throws up her boot for a mafia kick, but Vannah rolls underneath it, and comes up on the other side, and when Light spins around she walks right into a small package from Vannah.
1...
2...
LO: THR-NO! Iota out at two and a half, but I think that small package surprised her as both women come up at the same time, and now Psi with a roundhouse, but again White ducks it, snakes her arm between Iota's legs, and PULLS HER DOWN INTO A SCHOOLBOY PIN!
1...
2...
KO: THR-NO! Iota out again before the three, and popping up, a look of frustration on her face! She tries to tear Vannah's head off with a clothesline, but White ducks it, hooks the arm, swings up to hook the other arm with a grapevine, and DRAGS PSI DOWN INTO A CRUCIFIX PIN!
1...
2...
LO: THR-NO! Vannah can't seem to hold Iota down, and each one of these quick succession pins seems to be building the ire in The Cyborg! Psi moves like shes going to throw another clothesline, and Vannah moves to duck, but OH! Iota changed directions and spun around with a clubbing blow to the back of White's head that sends her sprawling forwards to land throat first on the middle rope!
KO: Iota Psi now hitting off the other side for some spring, and rushes back in and goes for a sitting senton while Vannah's still draped across that middle rope....VANNAH MOVED AND PSI JUST CRASHED AND BURNED ON THE OUTSIDE!
Before Vannah can pursue her opponent to the outside to get her back in the ring, a flash of movement passes by her on the ring apron, and Dakota Jennings cannonballs off the ring apron to come crashing down onto Iota Psi who bares the brunt of it across her midsection. Psi clutches her gut, the wind being driven out of her, and Dakota looks pretty satisfied with herself when she turns around to get cut in half by a spear from Brooklyn Light. The two women roll around on the floor firing in shots at one another, when Vannah exits the ring and tries to pull Brooklyn off of her partner. A stray back elbow catches White in the jaw, and she stumbles back right into Iota Psi, tripping over the woman to land with the back of her smacking the concrete floor hard. She clutches at the back of her skull at the same time that Dakota manages to get one of her boots between her and Brooklyn, and she shoves the woman off her, giving her enough time to get back to her feet.
LO: Action has spilled to the outside here, and Brooklyn Light and Dakota Jennings, not the legal women, are squaring off while Vannah White and Iota Psi, who are the legal women, are in danger of being counted out!
KO: Brooklyn rushes in for another spear, BUT DAKOTA JENNINGS JUST LEAP FROGGED HER AND SHE COLLIDES SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE STEEL RING POST!
LO: And look, Jennings running over to Vannah and helping her up, and just shoved her in the ring. Now she’s backing off and letting the ref continue her count on Iota Psi….
KO: Yeah, but Iota is already pulling herself up by use of the apron at seven…I think she’s going to make it….THAT IS IF DAKOTA LET’S HER!
LO: Dakota Jennings rushing in at Iota Psi, AND DROP TOE HOLD FROM IOTA TO JENNINGS SENDS HER FACE FIRST DOWN INTO THE STEEL STEPS ON THAT SIDE OF THE RING!
KO: And Iota is scrambling up and just barely shoots into the ring before the count of ten!
LO: Both legal women struggling to their feet, but Vannah’s up first…here she comes in at Iota Psi, but PSI CATCHES HER WITH A SPINEBUSTER THAT RATTLES THE RING!
While the two women in the ring continue their struggle, Dakota clutches at her face and blindly crawls along the ring to what she thinks is her corner. She reaches out to try and find the ring apron, but instead gets her hands on something solid. She uses it to push up to her feet, and when she looks down, sees that she is in Neo Tokyo’s corner, and in her hand is one of Iota Psi’s cybernetic props used during their entrance. When she looks into the ring, she sees that her partner has just been locked into a submission by The Cyborg.
LO: Iota Psy now tying Vannah up into a submission, and I do believe that’s a headscissors neck lock…
KO: That’s the move Iota used back when she was in singles competition! She’s put many an opponent away with that move!
LO: Well she has it solidly locked in, and Vannah is crying out in pain with nowhere to go for an escape!
KO: LOOK! Dakota Jennings just slid into the ring…and what the hell is that she has in her hand?
LO: It’s one of the set pieces for Neo Tokyo’s entrance…I think that’s Iota Psi’s cybernetic leg!
KO: OH! Dakota just rushed in and stomped on the back of Psi’s head to break that submission, and Iota pops off the mat to face this new attacker, but Jennings has that prop locked and loaded to take her head off!
At the sight of her own cybernetic leg, Iota begs off from engaging with Jennings, who looks ready to use the makeshift weapon. The Referee steps in front of her and warns her, but this doesn’t seem to do anything for Jennings, who snarls a retort and dares Iota to try something further. It’s at that moment that Vannah has recovered enough to see the standoff going on around her, and she gets to her feet and steps beside the referee to reason with her partner.
LO: Well, Vannah is at least trying to talk some sense into Dakota, who just shakes her head in disdain but finally relents…holding her hands up and backs off to placate the referee…
KO: Uh-Oh…Brooklyn Light just got in the ring, and she’s been down since colliding with the ring post…she doesn’t know what’s going on, and JUST RUSHED AT JENNINGS!
Dakota see’s the attack coming, and on instinct chokes up on the cybernetic leg and swings like a baseball player coming up to bat. The prop impacts off Brooklyn Light’s skull, and she goes down in a heap clutching at her head, as the referee quickly turns around and calls for the bell. Both Dakota and Vannah looks stunned, and Jennings quickly tosses the prop to the outside and moves to engage the referee. Santiago shakes his head no, and waves his hands in front of him to say there was no debate.
LO: That’s a damn shame! These two teams were neck and neck here tonight until Dakota Jennings brought that weapon into the ring.
KO: Whatever, Laur. Maybe Neo Tokyo should think better about putting their toys away before the match starts if they don’t want their opponents to use them to bash their skulls in…
Ring Announcer: And the winners of this match due to Disqualification….NEO TOKYOOO!
LO: Iota Psi is at her partner’s side, and Brooklyn Light is still clutching the side of her head after that blatant attack.
KO: Come On! Blatant? Dakota Jennings was backing off, and that hot head Brooklyn Light came in and tried to jump her! Dakota just reacted like anyone else would have done with a cybernetic leg in their hand!
LO: Yeah, and it cost the Trendsetters the match! I would have personally really liked to have seen what would have happened if the match had been allowed to continue.
KO: Well, that’s what rematches are for. I’m sure Neo Tokyo would love to have another crack at these two if for no other reason than retribution.
LO: You know, Dakota Jennings has said recently that this is who she really is, it’s who she has always been. Quite frankly, I don’t buy it. The Dakota that first showed up in Valor Pro wouldn’t have condoned this sort of behavior. She’s changed.
KO: And you know what, Laur, for the better! Dakota Jennings came into this promotion on the arm of Cross Recoba, and immediately people put her down as just being a sidekick. When she and Vannah White became a team, people just automatically assumed she was just transitioning into hers. Dakota warned these people! She told them, if you give me half a chance, I’ll bash your skull in…and that’s exactly what she did!
LO: Well this being a change for the better is debatable, but it’s true that she did warn them. I just don’t know that I like this change, and I’m sure Vannah doesn’t appreciate it either as the two of them make their way up the ramp.
KO: How about something we can agree on. Neo Tokyo may have gotten the technical win here, but Dakota Jennings made a statement. No more Miss Nice Girl anymore, and if Neo Tokyo or Vannah White can’t hang with that, then they best get to stepping…
LO: I don't know that I agree with that either, but we need to move on. Let’s check in the back to see if we have any movement from the other Valor Pro faithful. I’d check in catering, there’s always something going on there….
Krähe didn't typically hang out in catering, but tonight he was on a mission. He had a job that needed to be done, and only one man in this entire company that he trusted enough to do it. That man was currently loitering over the cheese platter. The sight causes a genuine smile to tug at the corners of Krähe's mouth. He makes his way over to the table, and just manages to wipe the amusement off his face.
“Hey man, loading up on more ammo?”
Rex jumps at the voice, spinning around, fist raring back with a cheese cube cocked and loaded. His wild eyes search the face of the former UnYielding Champion, and he gives a genuine grin, slowly bringing the cheese cube around to pop into his mouth.
“Deliciously Dangerous, that’s my motto, YEAH!”
Rex grabs two or three more cheese cubes from the tray before turning his attention back to Krahe, eyebrow suddenly raising.
“Something tell me this isn’t just a social visit, yeah...the wheels a churning in the brain of the Misfit Champion, and he’s come seeking the culinary expertise of the only man in Valor Pro to know that these little things can be used as a weapon...YEAH!”
Krähe nods his head along with his words, and it was no struggle to keep a straight face, as everything Rex said was eerily right on point. On one hand Krähe truly saw it as a disservice that so many people underestimated this man mostly because he just didn't quite fit the mold. On the other hand he suspected that Rex was fully aware, but did not care. At the end of the day it was Rex's unique qualities and skill set that made him perfect for the job.
“Rex as usual you're sharp as a shar pei poodle. I have a job my friend, and there is no one else but you I trust to do it.”
Rex’s face suddenly falls serious, and he conspiratorially leans in extremely close. So close that Zach can almost taste his cheese laden breath.
“Listen brother,” he says in a comically gruff whisper, “There was only one time with a dog, and it was on a dare…...I’m not doing that again, NO WAY, NO HOW, YEAH!”
Krähe blinks, his mind desperately trying to process this latest tibet of information, before he resolutely shakes his head. Some things can't be unheard, but tonight after the show he sure as hell was going to try.
“No man, there are no animals involved in the making of this pay per view. It's bad enough the Pandora shit went down. Can you imagine dealing with PETA?”
Rumble’s face sours at the mention of PETA, and wags his finger in Krähe’s face.
“I’m not into that either, brother. That shit ain’t real bread….it’s just sourdough, YEAH!”
This time Krähe didn't even bother, he just rolled with it.
“Your damn straight it is, so what do you say my cheese flinging amigo...Are you up for the job?”
Rex starts to answer, but pauses, a look of confusion crossing his face.
“Job? What job?”
The question has Krähe grinning like the cheshire that stole the tarts. He glances around them as if ensuring that no one was trying to listen in.
“I need you too…”
A sudden commotion between Black Blackman and Brad Stokes over the last donut drowns out Krähe's words. When it was all said and done Krähe rocked back on his heels, still grinning while his friend processed his request.
“So, you want Rex to cause a little dischord, a LITTLE CHAOS! YEAH!”
He nods eagerly, a scheming grin rolling over his expression.
“It would be the Unkempt Hero’s pleasure, DIG IT!”
Before Krahe can say another word, Rexi darts out of the scene just as Black Blackman strikes Stokes across the face in the background, screaming German insults and shoving the donut into his mouth. Krähe took that as his que to exit stage left, knowing Rex would find him when the job was done.
KO: I'm glad that Emily Burlingame is the only journalist that gets the exclusive. It's not like there aren't any other journalists in the promotion that might want to talk to Vannah White about....things.
LO: You're talking about yourself aren't you, Ken?
KO: I'm just saying....
Ring Announcer: The following contest is a Tag Match scheduled for one fall or submission...
The clapping beginning of ''Shooting Stars" by Bag Raiders hit's over the PA System, and the lights around the stage start flashing along with the beat of the song. The fans all come to their feet and clap with the rhythm just as Vannah White rushes out onto stage, pausing at the top of the ramp to soak in the cheers from her adoring audience. She flashes her trademark smile, and walks halfway down the ramp before coming to a stop just as her music fades out and the opening riffs of 'Survival' by Eminem hit's over the PA System, and the fans turn from Vannah to the stage that flashes a bright light just as the lyrics kick in. When the lights go down Dakota is standing center stage, staring up at her one hand pointing skyward. Her head slowly tilts down to her partner along with the finger until she's pointing right at her. A grin comes over her face as the fans send a wave of cheers her way as she starts down the ramp. Upon reaching Vannah, the two share a hug, which sends the male fans wild, and the two slaps hands as they continue down to ringside.
Ring Announcer: Introducing first, making their way to the ring at a combined weight of 240 pounds, they are DAKOTA JENNINNNGGGSSS.....VANNAH WHIITTTEEE.....THE HASHTAG TRENDSETTERSSS!!!
Vannah continues slapping hands with fans as Dakota breaks away and leaps up onto the apron, and swings herself into the ring. Vannah eventually makes it to the steps and climbs them, slipping between the ropes to join her partner. They point to opposite corners, and the two take them by leaping to the second, and watching the crowd go wild as Dakota points to the sky and roars, and Vannah flashes her grin, and waves out to the fans that hold up signs just for her.
LO: Well, these two made headlines on 'Where there's Stokes, there's Fire' last Blitz, and also laid out a challenge to Neo Tokyo, our first official tag team in the promotion.
KO: How can you worry about the details at a time like this. Do you not see that delectable flesh that just entered the ring!?!
LO: Can you not just focus on the action instead of turning everything that these two into smut?
KO: Is that a trick question?
Before Laurence can chastise further, 'Neo Tokyo' by Scandroid hits over the PA system with it's techno sound as the lights go dim, and different colored strobes go off around the arena. Mist rises from the stage, and then a stream of pyro that looks like sparks from a welding project shoot into the sky. From beneath the stage a platform rises, and standing at it's center, back to back, stands Brooklyn Light and Iota Psi! Brooklyn wears a red leather jacket decorated with chains, and on her right hand is a glove with matching studs across the knuckles. Psi on the other hand has what appears to be a cybernetic left arm, and a right leg to match. Both women have on shades that pulse with the beat of the song. Immediately the entrance resonates with the fans that come to their feet with cheers, and the two women play up to the ovation by pushing their glasses up over their heads, and making their way down the ramp.
Ring Announcer: Introducing their opponents, weighting in at a combined weight of 245 pounds and hailing from the year 2020....This is Brooklyn Light....Iota Psi.....NEO TOKYOOOOO!!!!
When they reach ringside, Brooklyn hops up onto the apron for flash photography as Psi marches up the steps and slips into the ring. Brooklyn soon joins her, and both step to the center of the ring where Light drops down with her hands out at her side, and Psi raises her robotic fist skyward. Both women look up as the strobe lights stop, and one single beam shines down to illuminate the two beauties in the ring.
LO: Neo Tokyo, much like their opponents, have taken Valor Pro by storm ever since coming into the promotion, have helped to ignite what was otherwise a one team tag division.
KO: We still only have three tag teams, Laur. I mean, I think we need at least six to call it a 'Tag Division'...
LO: Stranger things have happened, Ken, and all I'm trying to point out is that with Hashtag Trendsetters and Neo Tokyo now bringing attention to the Tag Team Scene, we could see an opportunity to grow that division.
KO: Well, both teams have definitely mentioned that over the past few weeks in preparation for their match. Talking all this niceness at one another about how excited they are about to be in this match. Thank God for Dakota Jennings. She basically called bullshit, and said she's going to cave in someone's skull no matter how much she likes their fancy entrance!
LO: Well, that remains to be seen....but right now, we have four competitors standing center of the ring while the ref goes over the rules, and...look a there...
KO: Oh God...
Vannah White extends her hand towards Brooklyn Light, and then looks over at Dakota Jennings who gives her a sidelong glance of incredulity. Vannah gives her an encouraging look, and finally Dakota rolls her eyes before thrusting her hand out as if it's a chore towards Iota. Neo Tokyo take in the cheers for this sign of respect, looking out at the crowd for instruction before grinning, and returning the handshakes. The two teams retreat back to their respective corners, and it's decided that Brooklyn Light will start for Tokyo while Dakota Jennings assures Vannah she will get this done for the Trendsetters. Both women turn back to the center of the ring as their partners step to the apron, and the referee calls for the bell as they begin to circle.
LO: Brooklyn and Dakota lock up center of the ring, and both are jockeying for position.....Light appears to be getting the upper hand, pushing Dakota back into a neutral corner. Ref is calling for a release, and Brooklyn does so cleanly. Let me guess, you don't like it.
KO: She should have bopped her one! Handshakes followed by clean breaks equals boring, Laur.
LO: Whatever. Dakota and Brooklyn back in the center of the ring again with another tie up, and this time its Jennings with the burst of strength, forcing Light back into the corner. Ref again calling for a break, BUT OH! Dakota backed off, but suckered Light into a false sense of safety by nailing her with a right hand. Vannah doesn't appear to appreciate that behavior, but Dakota just told her to chill, and OH! European Uppercut rocks Brooklyn back into the same corner.
Dakota is quick to follow up with shin kicks right to Light's gut that drive the woman into the turnbuckles, and she follows the combo with a surprise spinning back elbow that catches her right in the jaw. Brooklyn shoves past Dakota to get out of the corner, but Jennings follows close behind as she clubs her across the shoulders by the ropes. A few more clubs bring Brooklyn to her knees, and Dakota backs up a few steps before rushing right back in with a knee right to Light's temple. Her head bounces off the middle rope, and she falls to the mat so she can quickly roll to the outside to cause separation.
LO: Dakota following Light right out despite the objections of the referee and her tag partner! Brooklyn turns to face Dakota, and catches a boot to her midsection for her trouble which doubles her over. Dakota now hooks her around the head, and she's not going to try and DDT her right here on the concrete is she?
KO: Now this is what I'm talking about.....awwww....Brooklyn managed to drives some forearms into Dakota's ribs to break up the party, and now just tossed her back into the ring.
LO: Light following Dakota back in, and helps her the rest of the way up to push back into the ropes, and send to the other side.
Dakota bounces off the ropes and before she has time to react, Brooklyn is there with a high standing drop kick that sends her crashing down to the mat. Light quickly leaps on her for a cover, but before the count of one Dakota has already kicked out. She seems angry about the quick cover this early on as she comes up, but it doesn't save her from walking into a Japanese arm drag from Brooklyn. She pops up, and walks right into another one, and on the third pop up she looks like she might find a third, but quickly puts on the breaks and back peddles away from the woman to reassess the situation. The fans cheer for Brooklyn as the woman offers her opponent a smile which seems to only fuel that disgruntled fire building in Dakota.
LO: Jennings and Light circling each other again after that little wrestling lesson from the Cyberpunkette, and Dakota looks pretty determined. They go for another lock up, but NO! Dakota cuts it off with a knee lift to Brooklyn's gut, immediately followed by a snap mare.
KO: Light is in a seated position in the center of the ring, and Dakota just flashed by her to hit off the ropes....LOW DROP KICK RIGHT TO THE FACE!
LO: Light snaps down to the canvas, and Dakota now with the quick cover, grinding her elbow into the woman's face to boot....
1...
LO: Only a count of one, but I think Dakota knew that....she's just trying to make a statement to Neo Tokyo. Man, she is really different after her break up with Cross Recoba.
KO: Yeah, and I love it. It's no surprise that Recoba has taken notice and been trying to get her to talk to him on Twitter. There's something hot about a chick who can look that good while still taking no prisoners...
LO: Well, we're about to find out what her tag team partner can do, as Dakota just dragged Brooklyn Light by the hair of the head over to her corner, and tagged in Vannah White!
Vannah enters the ring after the tag, and gives Dakota a chastising look before helping Brooklyn up to her feet. It's at that moment Brooklyn shoves Vannah's hands away, and drives a boot into her midsection doubling her over. Brooklyn quickly hooks her around the head and lands a snap suplex that takes everyone by surprise. Dakota is already trying to get back into the ring when Diego Santiago cuts her off, reminding her of the tag she had just made. Light quickly scrambles to her feet, and steps over her to corner where she tags in Iota Psi, and The Cyborg leaps right over the top rope into the ring and goes straight for a recovering Vannah. She grips her around the waist as she comes up, and delivers a German Suplex into a bridge which the has referee quickly drop for the count.
1...
2...
LO: Kick out by White at two, but the distraction with her tag team partners antics has cost her here as Neo Tokyo is now in complete control.
KO: You see what I'm saying, Laur. Being nice doesn't mean shit out here, and Dakota Jennings gets that. Vannah White better get on board, or she's going to cost her team the victory!
Iota slips over to a neutral corner and hops up to the second turnbuckle, signaling for Vannah White to get back to her feet. She eventually does, and when she turns in that direction she's caught with a flying spin wheel kick that sends her back down. Iota pops back up to her feet immediately after landing, and rushes past Vannah to the ropes, leaps to the second for some spring, and spins into a corkscrew leg drop that crushes the woman's skull right into the mat. The fans are on their feet as Iota goes for another cover...
1...
2...
LO: THR-NO! Vannah kicks out, and Dakota Jennings was halfway in the ring, but has since retreated when she realized her partner was going to get out of it.
KO: Vannah not looking so hot out here, as Iota pulls her up into a seated position and locks in a deep chin lock.
Vannah reaches out for her tag partner, but she's way too far away being center of the ring, and she begins to rock side to side until finally getting to her knee's, forcing Iota up to her feet. Eventually Vannah gets to hers, and a few sharp elbows to the gut forces Iota to release the hold. From there, Vannah hits off the ropes, but when she comes back she is quickly dropped face first to the canvas with a drop toe hold from Psi, who quickly floats over and locks her head into a front face lock. As Vannah tries to push up from this, Iota switches her stance so that White's chin now rests on her shoulder, and she abruptly sits down into a short stunner. Vannah, not being completely vertical, doesn't take the full brunt, but it's enough to cause her teeth to clamp together, and she holds her jaw as Iota pops up, and catches her with a falling clothesline to take her back down to the mat.
LO: Iota Psi is putting on a clinic here as she just popped over to her corner and tagged in Brooklyn. Light into the ring now as Vannah gets to her feet still holding her lower jaw, and Brooklyn rushes right in and CATCHES HER WITH A SLING BLADE THAT SNAPS HER BACK DOWN TO THE MAT!
KO: Vannah has had zero offense here, and has been completely on the defense. Quite frankly, I don't like her style, but I'm a little surprised. I mean, we're talking about the woman who has a win over the likes of Brennan Devlin, Cross Recoba, and Elina Cartel....
LO: Yeah, but to be honest, Neo Tokyo has just been out tag teaming them, Laur. They are a unit, while Dakota Jennings and Vannah White, despite being close personal friends, are two very individual wrestlers.
Vannah is lifted by Brooklyn back to a sitting position, and it's her turn to apply the chin lock her partner so expertly applied earlier. This time, however, considerable damage has been done to Vannah, and Brooklyn pushes her all the way down to the mat and places her body directly onto her shoulders so that her weight makes it even harder to breathe. Dakota bounces around on the outside, urging Vannah to get over there and make a tag, and despite the fans being Neo Tokyo fans as well, begin clap along with Jenning's bounces to give White motivation. The cheers appear to be working, as Vannah somehow manages to push up enough so that she's now on her hands and knee's, but Brooklyn simply hops onto her back, making the process of actually getting up that much more difficult. White, however, shows another burst of strength as she shoves up to her feet while Brooklyn retains the hold. Light yanks Vannah's head down to her side to try and grind her skull against her body, but she's suddenly surprised when Vannah lifts her right up into the air, and then swiftly drops straight down into a side suplex that breaks the hold.
LO: This is the moment that Vannah needs here to get over and tag in her partner, if she can just recover long enough to do so...and she's crawling to try and get there, but Brooklyn Light is already at her corner and makes the tag...
KO: Here comes Iota Psi, and she just caught hold of Vannah's ankle, pulling her back to the center of the ring away from her corner.....WAIT! Vannah rolls over onto her back, and just sent her free boot flashing up right into Psi's face!
LO: That breaks the hold on her ankle, and now Vannah rolls back over and gets her knee in under her, and SPRINGS OVER TO MAKE THE TAG TO DAKOTA!
Jennings comes into the ring hot, but Iota rushes out to meet her with a clothesline that is ducked by Dakota. When Iota spins around she's caught with a European uppercut that sends her sprawling into the ropes, and when she bounces back she's caught right in the gut with a boot, and then taken to the mat with a sick DDT. Dakota pops up, and instead of following up rushes right in at Brooklyn Light and nails her with a high jumping knee that ejects her from the ring apron and sends her soaring to crash against the steel guard rail. She looks satisfied as she turns her attention back to Psi who struggles to her feet after the DDT, and Dakota slips her head under her arm and hooks her around the midsection in a waistlock before taking her over into a northern lights suplex with a bridge.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Iota Psi out at two and a half, and Dakota pulls her back up to her feet so that she can send her off the ropes...
KO: Psi on her way back now, and Dakota Leaps up and catches her around the head with a headscissors, and THEN SNAPS AROUND WITH A HURRICANRANA THAT SPIKES HER HEAD OFF THE MAT!
LO: Dakota quickly following up with a hook of both legs!
1...
2...
LO: THREe-BROOKLYN LIGHT WITH THE BOOT TO THE BACK OF DAKOTA'S HEAD BREAKS UP THE COUNT! AND HERE COME'S VANNAH!
Vannah rushes in to meet Brooklyn in the center of the ring, and fists fly between the two women as Santiago condemns them both at a safe distance. Finally it's Light who begins to get the upper hand, driving Vannah back into the corner so that she's now leaning against the ropes. Vannah suddenly grabs Brooklyn by her arm, and spins her around, diving out of the way just in time for Dakota Jennings to take Light's head off with a clothesline, subsequently dumping her right up and over the top rope to the concrete floor below. Vannah stares at Dakota in shock, and the woman shrugs with an apologetic grin. Vannah blows her bangs out of her face, and both women turn back to the ring just in time to see Iota Psi barreling down on them like a freight train. Both women manage to duck their heads at the last second, and send Iota soaring over the top rope with a back body drop to crash land on her partner on the outside.
LO: The Trendsetter's have cleared the ring, and Dakota just barked some order to Vannah, and dropped to her hands and knee's in front of the ropes....
KO: I'll be damned. We're about to see a tag team move from the two...
Vannah quickly hits the opposite side ropes for some spring, and rushes back to the other side, leaping up so that she pivots off of Dakota's back, and then commits to a rolling senton over the top rope and out onto Neo Tokyo who had just gotten back to their feet. Three out of the four competitors are down on the outside when Dakota swings out, grabs up Brooklyn Light, and tosses her back in, quickly following so she can hook the leg.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Brooklyn got the shoulder up at the last second, and Dakota Jennings looks pissed as she gets to her feet and begs for the woman to get up.
Brooklyn only partially obliges, instead making it to her knees, which satisfies Jenning's fine. She opens up on the woman with shin kicks right to her chest which have her rocking back and forth like a sea buoy, and the fans count along with her strikes all the way up to nine....when they all do a 'Whooooaaaaa' as Dakota winds up to try and take the woman's head off. The kick is clearly meant for Light's skull, but she ducks under it at the last minute, and Dakota's boot sails harmlessly overhead. She continues to spin through so she can come back to face Brooklyn, but she's caught completely unaware when Light springs to her feet and catches her with a massive reverse Russian leg sweep that shakes the ring.
KO: GOOD GOD! She just drove that girl into the mat!
LO: Yeah, but now they are both down, and crawling towards their corners....Vannah and Psi have recovered, and are waiting...man, this action is fast and furious.
KO: Great description, Laur, cause I can't get past all the curves in that ring right now!
Laurence Othello rolls his eyes at his brother as both of the legal women get closer and closer to their partners. At the same time that Light tags in Iota Psi, Jennings tags in Vanna White, and both women tear into the ring on a mission. Iota Psi throws up her boot for a mafia kick, but Vannah rolls underneath it, and comes up on the other side, and when Light spins around she walks right into a small package from Vannah.
1...
2...
LO: THR-NO! Iota out at two and a half, but I think that small package surprised her as both women come up at the same time, and now Psi with a roundhouse, but again White ducks it, snakes her arm between Iota's legs, and PULLS HER DOWN INTO A SCHOOLBOY PIN!
1...
2...
KO: THR-NO! Iota out again before the three, and popping up, a look of frustration on her face! She tries to tear Vannah's head off with a clothesline, but White ducks it, hooks the arm, swings up to hook the other arm with a grapevine, and DRAGS PSI DOWN INTO A CRUCIFIX PIN!
1...
2...
LO: THR-NO! Vannah can't seem to hold Iota down, and each one of these quick succession pins seems to be building the ire in The Cyborg! Psi moves like shes going to throw another clothesline, and Vannah moves to duck, but OH! Iota changed directions and spun around with a clubbing blow to the back of White's head that sends her sprawling forwards to land throat first on the middle rope!
KO: Iota Psi now hitting off the other side for some spring, and rushes back in and goes for a sitting senton while Vannah's still draped across that middle rope....VANNAH MOVED AND PSI JUST CRASHED AND BURNED ON THE OUTSIDE!
Before Vannah can pursue her opponent to the outside to get her back in the ring, a flash of movement passes by her on the ring apron, and Dakota Jennings cannonballs off the ring apron to come crashing down onto Iota Psi who bares the brunt of it across her midsection. Psi clutches her gut, the wind being driven out of her, and Dakota looks pretty satisfied with herself when she turns around to get cut in half by a spear from Brooklyn Light. The two women roll around on the floor firing in shots at one another, when Vannah exits the ring and tries to pull Brooklyn off of her partner. A stray back elbow catches White in the jaw, and she stumbles back right into Iota Psi, tripping over the woman to land with the back of her smacking the concrete floor hard. She clutches at the back of her skull at the same time that Dakota manages to get one of her boots between her and Brooklyn, and she shoves the woman off her, giving her enough time to get back to her feet.
LO: Action has spilled to the outside here, and Brooklyn Light and Dakota Jennings, not the legal women, are squaring off while Vannah White and Iota Psi, who are the legal women, are in danger of being counted out!
KO: Brooklyn rushes in for another spear, BUT DAKOTA JENNINGS JUST LEAP FROGGED HER AND SHE COLLIDES SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE STEEL RING POST!
LO: And look, Jennings running over to Vannah and helping her up, and just shoved her in the ring. Now she’s backing off and letting the ref continue her count on Iota Psi….
KO: Yeah, but Iota is already pulling herself up by use of the apron at seven…I think she’s going to make it….THAT IS IF DAKOTA LET’S HER!
LO: Dakota Jennings rushing in at Iota Psi, AND DROP TOE HOLD FROM IOTA TO JENNINGS SENDS HER FACE FIRST DOWN INTO THE STEEL STEPS ON THAT SIDE OF THE RING!
KO: And Iota is scrambling up and just barely shoots into the ring before the count of ten!
LO: Both legal women struggling to their feet, but Vannah’s up first…here she comes in at Iota Psi, but PSI CATCHES HER WITH A SPINEBUSTER THAT RATTLES THE RING!
While the two women in the ring continue their struggle, Dakota clutches at her face and blindly crawls along the ring to what she thinks is her corner. She reaches out to try and find the ring apron, but instead gets her hands on something solid. She uses it to push up to her feet, and when she looks down, sees that she is in Neo Tokyo’s corner, and in her hand is one of Iota Psi’s cybernetic props used during their entrance. When she looks into the ring, she sees that her partner has just been locked into a submission by The Cyborg.
LO: Iota Psy now tying Vannah up into a submission, and I do believe that’s a headscissors neck lock…
KO: That’s the move Iota used back when she was in singles competition! She’s put many an opponent away with that move!
LO: Well she has it solidly locked in, and Vannah is crying out in pain with nowhere to go for an escape!
KO: LOOK! Dakota Jennings just slid into the ring…and what the hell is that she has in her hand?
LO: It’s one of the set pieces for Neo Tokyo’s entrance…I think that’s Iota Psi’s cybernetic leg!
KO: OH! Dakota just rushed in and stomped on the back of Psi’s head to break that submission, and Iota pops off the mat to face this new attacker, but Jennings has that prop locked and loaded to take her head off!
At the sight of her own cybernetic leg, Iota begs off from engaging with Jennings, who looks ready to use the makeshift weapon. The Referee steps in front of her and warns her, but this doesn’t seem to do anything for Jennings, who snarls a retort and dares Iota to try something further. It’s at that moment that Vannah has recovered enough to see the standoff going on around her, and she gets to her feet and steps beside the referee to reason with her partner.
LO: Well, Vannah is at least trying to talk some sense into Dakota, who just shakes her head in disdain but finally relents…holding her hands up and backs off to placate the referee…
KO: Uh-Oh…Brooklyn Light just got in the ring, and she’s been down since colliding with the ring post…she doesn’t know what’s going on, and JUST RUSHED AT JENNINGS!
Dakota see’s the attack coming, and on instinct chokes up on the cybernetic leg and swings like a baseball player coming up to bat. The prop impacts off Brooklyn Light’s skull, and she goes down in a heap clutching at her head, as the referee quickly turns around and calls for the bell. Both Dakota and Vannah looks stunned, and Jennings quickly tosses the prop to the outside and moves to engage the referee. Santiago shakes his head no, and waves his hands in front of him to say there was no debate.
LO: That’s a damn shame! These two teams were neck and neck here tonight until Dakota Jennings brought that weapon into the ring.
KO: Whatever, Laur. Maybe Neo Tokyo should think better about putting their toys away before the match starts if they don’t want their opponents to use them to bash their skulls in…
Ring Announcer: And the winners of this match due to Disqualification….NEO TOKYOOO!
LO: Iota Psi is at her partner’s side, and Brooklyn Light is still clutching the side of her head after that blatant attack.
KO: Come On! Blatant? Dakota Jennings was backing off, and that hot head Brooklyn Light came in and tried to jump her! Dakota just reacted like anyone else would have done with a cybernetic leg in their hand!
LO: Yeah, and it cost the Trendsetters the match! I would have personally really liked to have seen what would have happened if the match had been allowed to continue.
KO: Well, that’s what rematches are for. I’m sure Neo Tokyo would love to have another crack at these two if for no other reason than retribution.
LO: You know, Dakota Jennings has said recently that this is who she really is, it’s who she has always been. Quite frankly, I don’t buy it. The Dakota that first showed up in Valor Pro wouldn’t have condoned this sort of behavior. She’s changed.
KO: And you know what, Laur, for the better! Dakota Jennings came into this promotion on the arm of Cross Recoba, and immediately people put her down as just being a sidekick. When she and Vannah White became a team, people just automatically assumed she was just transitioning into hers. Dakota warned these people! She told them, if you give me half a chance, I’ll bash your skull in…and that’s exactly what she did!
LO: Well this being a change for the better is debatable, but it’s true that she did warn them. I just don’t know that I like this change, and I’m sure Vannah doesn’t appreciate it either as the two of them make their way up the ramp.
KO: How about something we can agree on. Neo Tokyo may have gotten the technical win here, but Dakota Jennings made a statement. No more Miss Nice Girl anymore, and if Neo Tokyo or Vannah White can’t hang with that, then they best get to stepping…
LO: I don't know that I agree with that either, but we need to move on. Let’s check in the back to see if we have any movement from the other Valor Pro faithful. I’d check in catering, there’s always something going on there….
“Hey man, loading up on more ammo?”
Rex jumps at the voice, spinning around, fist raring back with a cheese cube cocked and loaded. His wild eyes search the face of the former UnYielding Champion, and he gives a genuine grin, slowly bringing the cheese cube around to pop into his mouth.
“Deliciously Dangerous, that’s my motto, YEAH!”
Rex grabs two or three more cheese cubes from the tray before turning his attention back to Krahe, eyebrow suddenly raising.
“Something tell me this isn’t just a social visit, yeah...the wheels a churning in the brain of the Misfit Champion, and he’s come seeking the culinary expertise of the only man in Valor Pro to know that these little things can be used as a weapon...YEAH!”
Krähe nods his head along with his words, and it was no struggle to keep a straight face, as everything Rex said was eerily right on point. On one hand Krähe truly saw it as a disservice that so many people underestimated this man mostly because he just didn't quite fit the mold. On the other hand he suspected that Rex was fully aware, but did not care. At the end of the day it was Rex's unique qualities and skill set that made him perfect for the job.
“Rex as usual you're sharp as a shar pei poodle. I have a job my friend, and there is no one else but you I trust to do it.”
Rex’s face suddenly falls serious, and he conspiratorially leans in extremely close. So close that Zach can almost taste his cheese laden breath.
“Listen brother,” he says in a comically gruff whisper, “There was only one time with a dog, and it was on a dare…...I’m not doing that again, NO WAY, NO HOW, YEAH!”
Krähe blinks, his mind desperately trying to process this latest tibet of information, before he resolutely shakes his head. Some things can't be unheard, but tonight after the show he sure as hell was going to try.
“No man, there are no animals involved in the making of this pay per view. It's bad enough the Pandora shit went down. Can you imagine dealing with PETA?”
Rumble’s face sours at the mention of PETA, and wags his finger in Krähe’s face.
“I’m not into that either, brother. That shit ain’t real bread….it’s just sourdough, YEAH!”
This time Krähe didn't even bother, he just rolled with it.
“Your damn straight it is, so what do you say my cheese flinging amigo...Are you up for the job?”
Rex starts to answer, but pauses, a look of confusion crossing his face.
“Job? What job?”
The question has Krähe grinning like the cheshire that stole the tarts. He glances around them as if ensuring that no one was trying to listen in.
“I need you too…”
A sudden commotion between Black Blackman and Brad Stokes over the last donut drowns out Krähe's words. When it was all said and done Krähe rocked back on his heels, still grinning while his friend processed his request.
“So, you want Rex to cause a little dischord, a LITTLE CHAOS! YEAH!”
He nods eagerly, a scheming grin rolling over his expression.
“It would be the Unkempt Hero’s pleasure, DIG IT!”
Before Krahe can say another word, Rexi darts out of the scene just as Black Blackman strikes Stokes across the face in the background, screaming German insults and shoving the donut into his mouth. Krähe took that as his que to exit stage left, knowing Rex would find him when the job was done.
LO: Looks like Zachariah Krahe is already scheming here tonight in St. Petersburg....
KO: Well, he must not really want it done if he's trusting that idiot with the task!
LO: Come on, Ken, Rex Rumble is a stand up guy. Like he said, it was only one time with a dog...
KO: Laurence...stop....I'm going to throw up. Just....generic ring announcer, let's get on with the show...
Ring Announcer: The following contest is a Flowerbed Grudge Match, and the first person to bury their opponent in the manure and dirt at ringside will be declared the winner!!
The Touch' by Stan Bush fills the arena, and the fans go absolutely bonkers. A pink flood light fills the entrance to illuminate the smoke that has appeared on the stage, and Roxi Johnson bursts through the curtain to a huge ovation. She whips her hair around, and throws her fist into the air in a superman pose that shows off her 'Super Hero Roxi' Batman edition T-shirt. She nods in determination before making her way down to the ring, slapping as many fans on either aisle as she can.
Ring Announcer: Introducing first, making her way to the ring from Tampa, Florida..She stands at five foot six, and weighs in at 132 pounds....She is Valor Pro's resident Superhero....ROXI JOHNSONNNN!!
Roxi hops up onto the ring apron, and then all the way to the top rope where she rests on her knee while whipping her hair which seems to send the fans into a frenzy. Finally, she springs down into the ring, and does a running in place jog, ready to put this confrontation with her nemesis behind her with a victory.
LO: This thing has been brewing since before 7 Pillars, and hasn't always worked out for Davy Blossom, but I'll tell you this....he has been persistent in trying to piss this lady off, and I'm pretty sure he's succeeded.
KO: Roxi Johnson already has a win over Davy, but that also resulted in Elegance getting manhandled. I'm sorry, Laur, but there's no excuse for that. Elegance is a delicate treasure, and should never be involved in any kind of physical abuse!
LO: Physical Abuse?!? Are you kidding me? She continues to stick her nose in Blossom's matches, and puts herself in that danger every time. Besides, in that encounter, it wasn't Roxi's fault that Elegance was on the ring apron. If she knows what's good for her, she'll stay out of this encounter, or there could be more collateral damage!
Before Kenneth Othello can retort, the opening chords of 'The Heart Asks Pleasure First' by Michael Nyman cuts him off, and he excitedly observes the entrance way along with everyone else. Their reaction isn't quite as enthusiastic as his, however, as boos fill the arena. From the curtain first comes Elegance, wearing a silver sequin gown and a tiara of jewels upon her golden head. She pauses at the top of the stage, and holds her white gloved hands to her side as if she were presenting royalty. The curtain shifts aside, and out steps Davy Blossom, in a complete head to toe hazmat suit. Flowers have been embroidered up the sides, and the hood is currently pulled back to reveal his beaming face. The crowd is actually stunned into silence, but only for a moment, as their boo's suddenly turn to jeers of laughter. Even Roxi, who was dead serious moments before, finds herself chuckling at the ridiculousness of it all. Davy shakes his head 'No' in annoyance, and Elegance reaches up to cover his ears, scolding nearby fans as they make their way down the ramp.
Ring Announcer: (Hehehe)...Introducing her opponent..(haha)....Being led to the ring by his valet, Elegance...(hahahahaha)...standing at six foot two, and weighing in at 230 pounds....(ahem)...hailing from Sausalito, California...HE is The Titan Of The Tuberose, The Purveyor Of The Pansy, The Belfast of Bergenia, but most notably....THE DEWDROP OF WRESTLING.....DAVY BLOSSSSOOMMM!
The Ring Announcer cuts her mic so that it stifles her laughter before exiting the ring, while Davy and Elegance confer on the outside of the ring, staring over at the nearby fence that contains the flowerbed and the front end loader. Elegance ensures Davy of her confidence, and he nods, brushing his lips against hers before turning to climb the steps into the ring the ring. He slips through the ropes, keeping a wary eye on Roxi Johnson, but is wholly distracted by the jeers he continues to get from the crowd. Finally, he lifts his chin into the air, brushes them all aside with a wave of his hand.
LO: Are....are you serious?
KO: What? Davy has taken precautions here....he can't be sullied by...by whatever that is in the front end loader. God, it smells awful!
LO: You know exactly what that is, Ken. We were here earlier today and watched them bring all of this in! Folks, there is a 20x20 fence full of potting soil and dirt, with a front end loader with it's arm hanging over the center with about 20 kilos of manure. All these two have to do is incapacitate their opponent, and pull the lever to bury their opponent. The first person to bury the other is the winner.
KO: God, it's barbaric! Who thinks this shit up?
LO: I would assume it being a Flowerbed match and all, and with Davy's pension for catchy flower based nicknames, that management saw it as a fitting end to this rivalry considering everything he's put Roxi through.
KO: Oh yeah, well what if Roxi loses? Do you not think that would be the ultimate humiliation here tonight? The superhero covered in bull crap?!?
LO: That could be the case, but we're about to find out...cause Caputo just signaled for the bell and exited the ring to stand by the front end loader! It's all or nothing here tonight for these two!
Roxi still looks bemused as Davy stays in the corner close to the steps, looking completely irritated by the jeers he's receiving from the crowd. He kicks the bottom rope, and yells at various members of the crowd to 'Shut Up', forcing Elegance to climb up on the ring apron and cover his ears again. She looks completely disgusted with this crowd, and pulls his head into her bosom to block out their disparaging chants. Finally she pushes him back, and indicates for him to find his focus, and he nods with a look of determination as she slips back down to the floor. He turns to face Roxi, and walks right into a dropkick that sends him sprawling back into the corner in surprise.
LO: Roxi Johnson looks like she's had just about enough of this stalling tactic, and now climbs up to the second and rocks Davy's head back.....this capacity crowd is on their feet chanting for her to do it, and she obliges with fists right into the mans unprotected skull!
KO: This is a travesty! She can't treat him like this! He's The Dewdrop of Wrestling!
LO: Be that as it may, the fans are chanting right along....7..8...9...10!!
Roxi drops down and takes a step back, while Davy steps out of the corner with his dukes up, looking completely punch drunk. He takes a wild swing nowhere near Roxi before taking a Ric Flair like face bump to the canvas. Elegance is beside herself on the outside, as Roxi reaches down to grab the hood of his hazmat suit, and yanks back hard, effectively choking the man. Davy's tongue sticks out of his mouth like Jabba The Hutt, while his eyes bulge out of his skull. Roxi continues tugging at the hood until the vinyl fabric eventually rips, the seams splitting down the sides as she pulls it free, exposing Davy's naked back. Thankfully he has his flowered tights on underneath as she continues to grab a new hold, and rip until the suit is completely stripped from his body. The fans howl with laughter as she tosses the destroyed hazmat gear out at Elegance, who manages to get out of the way, and screams in utter outrage.
LO: Davy Blossom has been completely taken out of his element here, and thank God he had his gear on under that suit!
KO: This isn't right, Laur! Roxi Johnson had no right to embarrass him like this!
LO: I'm pretty sure that Davy was an embarrassment before Roxi Johnson got involved here, and I say he's getting what he deserves after everything he's put her through!
KO: Whatever! Davy has crawled over to the opposite corner and is helping himself back up, and here comes Johnson for some more!
Davy looks completely disillusioned as Roxi approaches him, but that doesn't stop him from reaching up and digging his fingers right into her eyes, and raking down to momentarily blind the superhero. Roxi recoils, stumbling into the nearby ropes, and Davy tears out of the corner, getting her in a headlock while also hooking the top rope. With her head trapped between the rope and his body, he drags her across it's length, ripping the side of her face with a nasty burn. He releases her when they come to the other corner, and she slumps into it clutching her face, giving him ample time to grab the top rope and start laying in unanswered boots to her midsection.
LO: Davy Blossom has already started with the cheap tactics here, stomping away at Roxi Johnson until she's pushed down into a seated position, and now placing the sole of his boot on her throat and choking the life right out of her!
KO: That's right! Tit-For-Tat, Laur! She thought she could come out here and treat him like a fool, and now she's getting her just deserts!
LO: I don't see how you can say that, Ken! Roxi Johnson has been the epitome of patience with these two, trying to let the thing go, and fighting to keep her position in the company under the duress they've caused! Yet they have not relented in trying to tarnish this woman's reputation, and she's ready to end this once and for all!
KO: Well, she isn't going to end anything from the position she's in right now, and it's completely legal in this match, so I don't want to hear any of your excuses!
Davy seems satisfied with the way he's ground Roxi down into the mat, and he finally relents, leaving her to choke and sputter to try and take in some precious air. He turns his attention now to the crowd that was so eager to jeer him, and he grins obnoxiously before delivering a regal bow that results in an outcry of boo's. He chuckles, waving the crowd off, while Elegance proudly claps for her obnoxious husband. He turns back to where he left Roxi to find that she's made it partially back to her feet. With delight he pulls her up by the chin, lifting it up so that he can fire in a devastating chop that lights up her chest through her gear. He follows that up with three more thunderous chops that echo through the arena, before taking her by the wrist and whipping her to the far side.
LO: Roxi strikes the turnbuckles hard and stumbles out of the corner....And Here Comes Davy With A MASSIVE CLOTHESLINE That Takes Her Head Off!
KO: I knew it was only a matter of time before this would happen, Laur. You can only push a man so far!
LO: No one has been pushed in this entire altercation than Roxi Johnson, who is now being pulled up to her feet and peppered with left jabs. God, even his punches are arrogant!
Roxi's head snaps back from the jabs being planted on her chin, and after five successful lands, Davy winds up and swings hard with his right. Much to his surprise Roxi ducks the move and his momentum spins him around so that his back is to her. She quickly steps forward, placing her head under his arm, showing a feat of strength by lifting the much larger man into the air and falling straight down to the canvas in a side suplex. Davy clutches the back of his head as he stumbles up to his feet, but Roxi is already there with a falling front drop kick that sends him sailing back into the nearby corner. Roxi hops up and rushes right in with a splash, crushing Davy into the turnbuckles. He plops down onto his rear, with his back leaning against the bottom, and Johnson leaps up to the second for some spring, throws her entire body out while holding onto the top rope, and then brings both boots swinging back in to slam into his chest. She lands on her shoulders, but is already rolling back up to her feet and springs forward with another low drop kick that catches Davy right in the face.
LO: A series of fast paced moves there from Roxi has Davy scrambling to get away! He just ducked down and under the bottom rope to the outside to try and get some distance, but Roxi is going right up the turnbuckles to the top....Elegance is trying to warn Davy, but he turns around JUST IN TIME TO GET WIPED OUT FROM A MOONSAULT TO THE OUTSIDE!!
KO: I can't believe this! She's trying to kill herself just for the opportunity to kill him!
Roxi gets to her feet a little woozy after the landing, but Davy is completely laid out at her feet, and the fans cheer her own as she reaches down to get him back to his feet. Just at that moment, Elegance rounds the corner to rush in on Roxi, but Johnson must have felt her presence, cause she turns abruptly from Davy to confront the woman. Elegance skitters to a stop, falling back on her rump in shock, holding a pair of gloved hands out in front of her to beg Roxi off. The Superhero nods her head and mouths some words to Elegance, while behind her, Davy rises up like a demon. He reaches out and get's Roxi by a fistful of hair and by the back of her pants, and twirls her around, away from Elegance, and into head first into the steps on the other side. The top of Roxi's skull crashes into the steel with a loud clang, and she clutches the top of her head as she curls up in a fetal position.
KO: That's right, Davy! Get her! Protect your woman!
LO: You know, Elegance wouldn't need protecting if she kept herself out of these contests, but I already know what to expect out of these two, so I don't even try anymore. It's disgusting.
KO: Whatever! Any man would be lucky to have a woman like Elegance in their corner, but that's impossible. She's one of a kind, and she's Davy Blossom's!
Davy helps Elegance back to her feet, and the two turn evil smiles on Roxi Johnson who claws at the steps to get back to her feet, her hair matted in blood from a gash in the top of her head thanks to the steel. Elegance urges Davy on as he confidently strides over to Roxi, plunging his fingers into her wet hair to get a grip, yanks her head back, and then drives her face first into the top step. Her face bounces off the steel, and Davy keeps her upright to present her dazed expression to the crowd who lay on the boo's for his mistreatment of their hero. He only grins, dragging her around the steps so that he can whip her into the steel barrier.
LO: Johnson just hit the barrier hard, and here comes Davy....NO! WAIT! ROXI DROPPED HER HEAD AND JUST BACK BODY DROPPED DAVY INTO THE FRONT ROW!
KO: OH NO! She can't do that! Davy is the upper crust of society, and these people are peasants! Look at this vermin.....they are pouring their snacks and drinks all over the poor man!
LO: Hahaha....well Davy Blossom is drenched here at ringside as he spits and sputters to try and get over the guardrail.....AND OH MY GOD! ROXI JOHNSON JUST DROVE HER HIP INTO DAVY'S UPPER BODY AS HE WAS HANGING OVER THE GUARD RAIL! SHE'S CRUSHING HIM!
Elegance screams as Roxi pulls back, letting Davy fall to the concrete by the guard rail. She brushes her hair back, and upon finding blood on her hand, a look of rage washes over her face. She reaches down to get Davy back on his feet, and sends him sailing towards the steel steps. Now covered in beer, cola, and popcorn butter, Davy slips halfway there, and instead of impacting with his body, he crashes face first into the steps instead. When he manages to pull himself up, a trickle of blood now snakes down his forehead and forks at his nose.
LO: Davy Blossom has been busted open, and Roxi just pulled him up by his ears, and IS BANGING HIS SKULL OFF THE TOP STEP REPEATEDLY!
KO: AHHH! SHE CAN'T DO THIS! CAPUTO! GET IN THERE AND STOP THIS!\
LO: No DQ, remember! They can do whatever it takes to bury their opponent, and you gotta believe this is going a long way for Roxi Johnson to secure a victory!
By the time Roxi is done, the trickle has turned into a river, and Davy sputters to get blood out of his mouth thanks to a crimson mask. Roxi acknowledges her cheering fans with a nod, pointing towards the fenced in flowerbed, and the roof nearly comes off the building. She starts to lead Davy that way, but in her path is Elegance, hands held out in front of her, begging for her to please reconsider. Roxi shakes her head 'No', and indicates for the woman to get out of the way, but instead she slowly gets down on knee, and then both, and continues to beg with tears in her eyes. Roxi snarls a retort, and pulls Davy along anyways. The distraction, however, is all the time Davy needs, as he wraps both arms around Roxi's midsection and shoves her hard to strike the ring apron chest first. Roxi clutches her chest in surprise, as Davy grabs her from behind and does so again!
LO: God Damn It! Elegance should have been barred from ringside! It doesn't matter who he faces, every time she manages to cause a distraction that turns it all around!
KO: That is what I've been trying to tell you, Laur. She is a credit to humanity, and her loyalty knows no boundaries. She is one hell of a woman!
LO: She's a cheat, and so is Davy Blossom, and they aren't the upper crust of society! They are it's underbelly, and I, along with all of these fans, are sick of it!
Rather than try to get Roxi over near the flowerbed, Davy tosses her back into the ring where she continues to clutch her chest and writhe upon the canvas. Elegance gets to her feet and rushes to his side, reaching into her purse, and producing a lacy doily. He uses it to wipe his face free from the blood that flows, and then tries to stem some of it from the gash in his forehead. With the doily now turned into a bloody rag, he tosses it to the side, and hops up onto the apron and back into the ring. Roxi has managed to get up to one knee, but before she can get completely vertical, Davy steps in and hooks her around the head, spiking her skull off the canvas with a short DDT.
LO: Davy pops up after that DDT, and...oh God, not this again!
KO: This is the worlds greatest knee drop, Laur! Watch how he holds it til all of the air is sucked out of the room.....I mean, we should count along to the seconds that go into this maneuver!
LO: Well, the leg has been extended for about twenty seconds here....And he finally drops it straight down into Roxi's skull! God, he's such an ass!
Davy seems extremely pleased with himself as Roxi gets to her feet clutching her skull and stumbles back into the nearby corner. He dismisses the boo's with a wave of his hand, while using the other to wipe some more blood from his wound. He steps over to the corner and lifts Roxi's chin, laying in another chop that thunders through out the arena. Much to his surprise, Roxi fires a chop right back in return, but a swift Knee lift into her gut cuts off anymore momentum, and he drags her to the center of the ring where he tucks her head between his legs for what appears to be a powerbomb. He hooks her around the midsection and lifts her up so that she's now sitting on his chest, but Roxi comes alive once there, driving right hands down into the man's skull. Elegance protests on the outside, but to no avail, as Davy becomes off balance and falls straight back, Roxi riding him down to crush his chest into the mat.
LO: Roxi with a reversal to that powerbomb attempt by Davy, and she's back on her feet while he's prone on the mat. Here she goes towards the ropes....Springboards Off The Second INTO A TAKE FLIGHT!
KO: SHE JUST CRUSHED HIM WITH ALL OF HER WEIGHT!
LO: Yeah, and now she's back up, and she looks like she's ready to end this thing! Pointing to the flowerbed once again!
Roxi pulls Davy up to his feet, and grabs him by the back of his head before running him straight for the side of the ring where the flowerbed has been erected. When they reach the ropes she tosses him right up and over the top where he crashes to the concrete, and she follows him out to land right beside him. Elegance tries to rush over and plead with Johnson some more, but a threatening strike from the superhero sends Elegance back peddling, and Roxi pulls Davy to his feet and starts leading him towards the wooden fencing.
LO: Roxi Johnson is ready to put Davy away here, and finally get some long awaited justice!
KO: This isn't justice, Laur. This is injustice! Davy Blossom doesn't deserve this! He's a dapper man, not a field hand!
LO: Well, Roxi just reached the flowerbed, and she just leaned Davy up against the wooden fence....She's taking a few steps back now and looks like she's going to clothesline him over...WAIT A MINUTE!
KO: YES! ELEGANCE FROM BEHIND JUST LEAPED ONTO ROXI'S BACK! SHE'S GOT HER IN A CHOKE HOLD!
Roxi stumbles and bucks to try and get free, but Elegance holds on for dear life, trying to choke the woman who was going to defile her man. Davy, looking worse for wear, see's the mayhem in front of him, and moves to try and intercede, but somehow Roxi manages to lean back and flash a boot out to catch him right in the face. Davy bumps to the concrete floor, but the momentum shift backwards allows Elegance to get a better hold on the choke, and it takes Roxi down to her knees as the blonde bombshell screams in rage.
LO: Roxi is in real trouble here, and Elegance is latched on like a leech. At least Davy is down, so maybe she can deal with these idiots one at a time.
KO: Oh that's rich, Laur. You're calling Davy and Elegance idiots when they are pulling off the most ingenious upset in the history of Valor Pro!
LO: This thing isn't over, and Look! Roxi Johnson has managed to get back to her feet!
Elegance is still in tow, and her added weight to Johnson forces the superhero to stumble forward until she is right at the wooden fencing that contains the dark soil of the flowerbed. She grips the top rung to help stay upright, but the difficulty to breath is apparent as her face begins to turn a shade of purple. Suddenly Roxi reaches back and gets a handful of Elegance's blond hair in both fists, and she throws her body forward while simultaneously pulling, and Elegance is sent hurtling into a front flip that sees her land with a disgusting splat in the mud and muck.
KO: OH. MY. GOD!
LO: HAHA! ELEGANCE IS IN THE FLOWERBED AND THE TIARA IS OFF! She looks more like a milk maid than a princess!
KO: This...this isn't right, Laur! She's not in this match!
LO: Oh yes she is! She's been in every match that Davy Blossom has had since he arrived here, so it's only fitting she share some of his fate!
KO: Wait! What is Roxi Johnson doing...she's....she's moving over to that front end loader! NO! She Can't Do This!
Elegance hasn't noticed anything other than the fact that she is now covered in wet soil and mud, and real tears trickle down her dirty cheeks as she screams in abhorrence. She finally looks over to see Roxi Johnson standing by the front end loader, her hand on the switch, a satisfied gleam in her eye. Elegance slowly looks up where the basket containing the manure is poised directly over her, and she shakes her head vehemently 'No', fresh tears springing from her eyes as she begs a stalwart Roxi Johnson. Suddenly Davy is over the fence, and in the flowerbed with Elegance, and he pumps his hands out in front of him, begging Roxi to reconsider.
LO: Roxi has the Blossoms at her mercy, and Davy is begging her now....wait...what is he doing....
KO: Oh My God! He's directing Elegance to get out, and....and he's laying down! HE'S SACRIFICING HIMSELF FOR HIS BELOVED!
LO: Oh would you give me a break.....This capacity crowd is watching all of this in delight, and Roxi Johnson just smirked....and she's nodding! Elegance is pleading, but Davy just pointed emphatically that she get out!
Elegance gives a wistful look to her husband, but does as he asks, slipping out through the middle rungs of the wooden fence. Just then he moves as if he's going to try and get out of the deal, but Roxi's hand is quicker, the lever dumping its foul contents down onto The Dewdrop of Wrestling. Forty Kilos, roughly eighty eight pounds, come crashing down in a splat, the weight of which force the partially rising Davy back down into the muck where he is completely buried. Caputo calls for the bell with one hand, while holding her nose with the other!
Ring Announcer: The winner of the Flowerbed Grudge Match.....'SUPERHERO' ROXI JOHNSON!
Roxi lets her head fall back in a huge sigh of relief as the fans explode in cheers, those close enough to the woman patting her on the back and shoulders for her effort. Elegance's tears fall down ruddy mud covered cheeks as she slips back into the flowerbed, staining her gloved hands even further trying to dig out her husband. Roxi walks back to the ring, where she celebrates her victory by going to each corner and jumping to the second turnbuckle, pointing out at the crowd, and acknowledging her love for them as they pour out their adulation.
LO: Huge win here tonight for Roxi Johnson, who can finally rest easy knowing that this chapter of her story here in Valor Pro is over!
KO: I can't believe you're okay with this, Laur! I mean....Davy Blossom made the ultimate sacrifice to save his beloved, and you act as if they are the villains!
LO: Once again, I fail to see how the Blossom's getting their just deserts for their deceit and cheating ways isn't anything but justice. They got exactly what they deserved!
Kenneth Othello just shakes his head in disbelief as Elegance continues scooping mounds of manure away. Finally, she uncovers Davy's face, and he turns to his side, coughing up mucus mingled with poo. The fans laugh in delight, and she doesn't even bother fighting back, instead trying to help Davy out of the muck. Roxi watches from the ring with a shake of her head, but this one not in disbelief, but what almost looks like pity. She takes in a deep breath and regains her smile, exiting the ring and slapping hands as she makes her way up the ramp to the back. Meanwhile back in the flowerbed, Davy is mostly uncovered now, and Elegance tries to help pull him to his feet, but he slips in the muck dragging her back down into the pile with him. This brings about a new round of tears, and the two are completely unraveled by the time they manage to get to their feet and navigate their way out of the disgusting flowerbed.
KO: I still can't believe this...poor Davy! Poor Elegance! I sure hope they don't get any infections from that manure! I mean...Davy was busted open before being buried!
LO: I doubt it, Ken, but who can say?
KO: This could only take place in Russia. Not only are they meddling in U.S. Elections, but they condone this sort of behavior against the upper crust! Damn Commies!
LO: Uhh, Easy there, Ken! We are guests in this country, and I'd hate to think of being detained because of something as stupid as your love of Davy Blossom and Elegance. How about we get them to the back to get hosed off, and we'll take a look at what's happening backstage...
KO: Well, he must not really want it done if he's trusting that idiot with the task!
LO: Come on, Ken, Rex Rumble is a stand up guy. Like he said, it was only one time with a dog...
KO: Laurence...stop....I'm going to throw up. Just....generic ring announcer, let's get on with the show...
Ring Announcer: The following contest is a Flowerbed Grudge Match, and the first person to bury their opponent in the manure and dirt at ringside will be declared the winner!!
The Touch' by Stan Bush fills the arena, and the fans go absolutely bonkers. A pink flood light fills the entrance to illuminate the smoke that has appeared on the stage, and Roxi Johnson bursts through the curtain to a huge ovation. She whips her hair around, and throws her fist into the air in a superman pose that shows off her 'Super Hero Roxi' Batman edition T-shirt. She nods in determination before making her way down to the ring, slapping as many fans on either aisle as she can.
Ring Announcer: Introducing first, making her way to the ring from Tampa, Florida..She stands at five foot six, and weighs in at 132 pounds....She is Valor Pro's resident Superhero....ROXI JOHNSONNNN!!
Roxi hops up onto the ring apron, and then all the way to the top rope where she rests on her knee while whipping her hair which seems to send the fans into a frenzy. Finally, she springs down into the ring, and does a running in place jog, ready to put this confrontation with her nemesis behind her with a victory.
LO: This thing has been brewing since before 7 Pillars, and hasn't always worked out for Davy Blossom, but I'll tell you this....he has been persistent in trying to piss this lady off, and I'm pretty sure he's succeeded.
KO: Roxi Johnson already has a win over Davy, but that also resulted in Elegance getting manhandled. I'm sorry, Laur, but there's no excuse for that. Elegance is a delicate treasure, and should never be involved in any kind of physical abuse!
LO: Physical Abuse?!? Are you kidding me? She continues to stick her nose in Blossom's matches, and puts herself in that danger every time. Besides, in that encounter, it wasn't Roxi's fault that Elegance was on the ring apron. If she knows what's good for her, she'll stay out of this encounter, or there could be more collateral damage!
Before Kenneth Othello can retort, the opening chords of 'The Heart Asks Pleasure First' by Michael Nyman cuts him off, and he excitedly observes the entrance way along with everyone else. Their reaction isn't quite as enthusiastic as his, however, as boos fill the arena. From the curtain first comes Elegance, wearing a silver sequin gown and a tiara of jewels upon her golden head. She pauses at the top of the stage, and holds her white gloved hands to her side as if she were presenting royalty. The curtain shifts aside, and out steps Davy Blossom, in a complete head to toe hazmat suit. Flowers have been embroidered up the sides, and the hood is currently pulled back to reveal his beaming face. The crowd is actually stunned into silence, but only for a moment, as their boo's suddenly turn to jeers of laughter. Even Roxi, who was dead serious moments before, finds herself chuckling at the ridiculousness of it all. Davy shakes his head 'No' in annoyance, and Elegance reaches up to cover his ears, scolding nearby fans as they make their way down the ramp.
Ring Announcer: (Hehehe)...Introducing her opponent..(haha)....Being led to the ring by his valet, Elegance...(hahahahaha)...standing at six foot two, and weighing in at 230 pounds....(ahem)...hailing from Sausalito, California...HE is The Titan Of The Tuberose, The Purveyor Of The Pansy, The Belfast of Bergenia, but most notably....THE DEWDROP OF WRESTLING.....DAVY BLOSSSSOOMMM!
The Ring Announcer cuts her mic so that it stifles her laughter before exiting the ring, while Davy and Elegance confer on the outside of the ring, staring over at the nearby fence that contains the flowerbed and the front end loader. Elegance ensures Davy of her confidence, and he nods, brushing his lips against hers before turning to climb the steps into the ring the ring. He slips through the ropes, keeping a wary eye on Roxi Johnson, but is wholly distracted by the jeers he continues to get from the crowd. Finally, he lifts his chin into the air, brushes them all aside with a wave of his hand.
LO: Are....are you serious?
KO: What? Davy has taken precautions here....he can't be sullied by...by whatever that is in the front end loader. God, it smells awful!
LO: You know exactly what that is, Ken. We were here earlier today and watched them bring all of this in! Folks, there is a 20x20 fence full of potting soil and dirt, with a front end loader with it's arm hanging over the center with about 20 kilos of manure. All these two have to do is incapacitate their opponent, and pull the lever to bury their opponent. The first person to bury the other is the winner.
KO: God, it's barbaric! Who thinks this shit up?
LO: I would assume it being a Flowerbed match and all, and with Davy's pension for catchy flower based nicknames, that management saw it as a fitting end to this rivalry considering everything he's put Roxi through.
KO: Oh yeah, well what if Roxi loses? Do you not think that would be the ultimate humiliation here tonight? The superhero covered in bull crap?!?
LO: That could be the case, but we're about to find out...cause Caputo just signaled for the bell and exited the ring to stand by the front end loader! It's all or nothing here tonight for these two!
Roxi still looks bemused as Davy stays in the corner close to the steps, looking completely irritated by the jeers he's receiving from the crowd. He kicks the bottom rope, and yells at various members of the crowd to 'Shut Up', forcing Elegance to climb up on the ring apron and cover his ears again. She looks completely disgusted with this crowd, and pulls his head into her bosom to block out their disparaging chants. Finally she pushes him back, and indicates for him to find his focus, and he nods with a look of determination as she slips back down to the floor. He turns to face Roxi, and walks right into a dropkick that sends him sprawling back into the corner in surprise.
LO: Roxi Johnson looks like she's had just about enough of this stalling tactic, and now climbs up to the second and rocks Davy's head back.....this capacity crowd is on their feet chanting for her to do it, and she obliges with fists right into the mans unprotected skull!
KO: This is a travesty! She can't treat him like this! He's The Dewdrop of Wrestling!
LO: Be that as it may, the fans are chanting right along....7..8...9...10!!
Roxi drops down and takes a step back, while Davy steps out of the corner with his dukes up, looking completely punch drunk. He takes a wild swing nowhere near Roxi before taking a Ric Flair like face bump to the canvas. Elegance is beside herself on the outside, as Roxi reaches down to grab the hood of his hazmat suit, and yanks back hard, effectively choking the man. Davy's tongue sticks out of his mouth like Jabba The Hutt, while his eyes bulge out of his skull. Roxi continues tugging at the hood until the vinyl fabric eventually rips, the seams splitting down the sides as she pulls it free, exposing Davy's naked back. Thankfully he has his flowered tights on underneath as she continues to grab a new hold, and rip until the suit is completely stripped from his body. The fans howl with laughter as she tosses the destroyed hazmat gear out at Elegance, who manages to get out of the way, and screams in utter outrage.
LO: Davy Blossom has been completely taken out of his element here, and thank God he had his gear on under that suit!
KO: This isn't right, Laur! Roxi Johnson had no right to embarrass him like this!
LO: I'm pretty sure that Davy was an embarrassment before Roxi Johnson got involved here, and I say he's getting what he deserves after everything he's put her through!
KO: Whatever! Davy has crawled over to the opposite corner and is helping himself back up, and here comes Johnson for some more!
Davy looks completely disillusioned as Roxi approaches him, but that doesn't stop him from reaching up and digging his fingers right into her eyes, and raking down to momentarily blind the superhero. Roxi recoils, stumbling into the nearby ropes, and Davy tears out of the corner, getting her in a headlock while also hooking the top rope. With her head trapped between the rope and his body, he drags her across it's length, ripping the side of her face with a nasty burn. He releases her when they come to the other corner, and she slumps into it clutching her face, giving him ample time to grab the top rope and start laying in unanswered boots to her midsection.
LO: Davy Blossom has already started with the cheap tactics here, stomping away at Roxi Johnson until she's pushed down into a seated position, and now placing the sole of his boot on her throat and choking the life right out of her!
KO: That's right! Tit-For-Tat, Laur! She thought she could come out here and treat him like a fool, and now she's getting her just deserts!
LO: I don't see how you can say that, Ken! Roxi Johnson has been the epitome of patience with these two, trying to let the thing go, and fighting to keep her position in the company under the duress they've caused! Yet they have not relented in trying to tarnish this woman's reputation, and she's ready to end this once and for all!
KO: Well, she isn't going to end anything from the position she's in right now, and it's completely legal in this match, so I don't want to hear any of your excuses!
Davy seems satisfied with the way he's ground Roxi down into the mat, and he finally relents, leaving her to choke and sputter to try and take in some precious air. He turns his attention now to the crowd that was so eager to jeer him, and he grins obnoxiously before delivering a regal bow that results in an outcry of boo's. He chuckles, waving the crowd off, while Elegance proudly claps for her obnoxious husband. He turns back to where he left Roxi to find that she's made it partially back to her feet. With delight he pulls her up by the chin, lifting it up so that he can fire in a devastating chop that lights up her chest through her gear. He follows that up with three more thunderous chops that echo through the arena, before taking her by the wrist and whipping her to the far side.
LO: Roxi strikes the turnbuckles hard and stumbles out of the corner....And Here Comes Davy With A MASSIVE CLOTHESLINE That Takes Her Head Off!
KO: I knew it was only a matter of time before this would happen, Laur. You can only push a man so far!
LO: No one has been pushed in this entire altercation than Roxi Johnson, who is now being pulled up to her feet and peppered with left jabs. God, even his punches are arrogant!
Roxi's head snaps back from the jabs being planted on her chin, and after five successful lands, Davy winds up and swings hard with his right. Much to his surprise Roxi ducks the move and his momentum spins him around so that his back is to her. She quickly steps forward, placing her head under his arm, showing a feat of strength by lifting the much larger man into the air and falling straight down to the canvas in a side suplex. Davy clutches the back of his head as he stumbles up to his feet, but Roxi is already there with a falling front drop kick that sends him sailing back into the nearby corner. Roxi hops up and rushes right in with a splash, crushing Davy into the turnbuckles. He plops down onto his rear, with his back leaning against the bottom, and Johnson leaps up to the second for some spring, throws her entire body out while holding onto the top rope, and then brings both boots swinging back in to slam into his chest. She lands on her shoulders, but is already rolling back up to her feet and springs forward with another low drop kick that catches Davy right in the face.
LO: A series of fast paced moves there from Roxi has Davy scrambling to get away! He just ducked down and under the bottom rope to the outside to try and get some distance, but Roxi is going right up the turnbuckles to the top....Elegance is trying to warn Davy, but he turns around JUST IN TIME TO GET WIPED OUT FROM A MOONSAULT TO THE OUTSIDE!!
KO: I can't believe this! She's trying to kill herself just for the opportunity to kill him!
Roxi gets to her feet a little woozy after the landing, but Davy is completely laid out at her feet, and the fans cheer her own as she reaches down to get him back to his feet. Just at that moment, Elegance rounds the corner to rush in on Roxi, but Johnson must have felt her presence, cause she turns abruptly from Davy to confront the woman. Elegance skitters to a stop, falling back on her rump in shock, holding a pair of gloved hands out in front of her to beg Roxi off. The Superhero nods her head and mouths some words to Elegance, while behind her, Davy rises up like a demon. He reaches out and get's Roxi by a fistful of hair and by the back of her pants, and twirls her around, away from Elegance, and into head first into the steps on the other side. The top of Roxi's skull crashes into the steel with a loud clang, and she clutches the top of her head as she curls up in a fetal position.
KO: That's right, Davy! Get her! Protect your woman!
LO: You know, Elegance wouldn't need protecting if she kept herself out of these contests, but I already know what to expect out of these two, so I don't even try anymore. It's disgusting.
KO: Whatever! Any man would be lucky to have a woman like Elegance in their corner, but that's impossible. She's one of a kind, and she's Davy Blossom's!
Davy helps Elegance back to her feet, and the two turn evil smiles on Roxi Johnson who claws at the steps to get back to her feet, her hair matted in blood from a gash in the top of her head thanks to the steel. Elegance urges Davy on as he confidently strides over to Roxi, plunging his fingers into her wet hair to get a grip, yanks her head back, and then drives her face first into the top step. Her face bounces off the steel, and Davy keeps her upright to present her dazed expression to the crowd who lay on the boo's for his mistreatment of their hero. He only grins, dragging her around the steps so that he can whip her into the steel barrier.
LO: Johnson just hit the barrier hard, and here comes Davy....NO! WAIT! ROXI DROPPED HER HEAD AND JUST BACK BODY DROPPED DAVY INTO THE FRONT ROW!
KO: OH NO! She can't do that! Davy is the upper crust of society, and these people are peasants! Look at this vermin.....they are pouring their snacks and drinks all over the poor man!
LO: Hahaha....well Davy Blossom is drenched here at ringside as he spits and sputters to try and get over the guardrail.....AND OH MY GOD! ROXI JOHNSON JUST DROVE HER HIP INTO DAVY'S UPPER BODY AS HE WAS HANGING OVER THE GUARD RAIL! SHE'S CRUSHING HIM!
Elegance screams as Roxi pulls back, letting Davy fall to the concrete by the guard rail. She brushes her hair back, and upon finding blood on her hand, a look of rage washes over her face. She reaches down to get Davy back on his feet, and sends him sailing towards the steel steps. Now covered in beer, cola, and popcorn butter, Davy slips halfway there, and instead of impacting with his body, he crashes face first into the steps instead. When he manages to pull himself up, a trickle of blood now snakes down his forehead and forks at his nose.
LO: Davy Blossom has been busted open, and Roxi just pulled him up by his ears, and IS BANGING HIS SKULL OFF THE TOP STEP REPEATEDLY!
KO: AHHH! SHE CAN'T DO THIS! CAPUTO! GET IN THERE AND STOP THIS!\
LO: No DQ, remember! They can do whatever it takes to bury their opponent, and you gotta believe this is going a long way for Roxi Johnson to secure a victory!
By the time Roxi is done, the trickle has turned into a river, and Davy sputters to get blood out of his mouth thanks to a crimson mask. Roxi acknowledges her cheering fans with a nod, pointing towards the fenced in flowerbed, and the roof nearly comes off the building. She starts to lead Davy that way, but in her path is Elegance, hands held out in front of her, begging for her to please reconsider. Roxi shakes her head 'No', and indicates for the woman to get out of the way, but instead she slowly gets down on knee, and then both, and continues to beg with tears in her eyes. Roxi snarls a retort, and pulls Davy along anyways. The distraction, however, is all the time Davy needs, as he wraps both arms around Roxi's midsection and shoves her hard to strike the ring apron chest first. Roxi clutches her chest in surprise, as Davy grabs her from behind and does so again!
LO: God Damn It! Elegance should have been barred from ringside! It doesn't matter who he faces, every time she manages to cause a distraction that turns it all around!
KO: That is what I've been trying to tell you, Laur. She is a credit to humanity, and her loyalty knows no boundaries. She is one hell of a woman!
LO: She's a cheat, and so is Davy Blossom, and they aren't the upper crust of society! They are it's underbelly, and I, along with all of these fans, are sick of it!
Rather than try to get Roxi over near the flowerbed, Davy tosses her back into the ring where she continues to clutch her chest and writhe upon the canvas. Elegance gets to her feet and rushes to his side, reaching into her purse, and producing a lacy doily. He uses it to wipe his face free from the blood that flows, and then tries to stem some of it from the gash in his forehead. With the doily now turned into a bloody rag, he tosses it to the side, and hops up onto the apron and back into the ring. Roxi has managed to get up to one knee, but before she can get completely vertical, Davy steps in and hooks her around the head, spiking her skull off the canvas with a short DDT.
LO: Davy pops up after that DDT, and...oh God, not this again!
KO: This is the worlds greatest knee drop, Laur! Watch how he holds it til all of the air is sucked out of the room.....I mean, we should count along to the seconds that go into this maneuver!
LO: Well, the leg has been extended for about twenty seconds here....And he finally drops it straight down into Roxi's skull! God, he's such an ass!
Davy seems extremely pleased with himself as Roxi gets to her feet clutching her skull and stumbles back into the nearby corner. He dismisses the boo's with a wave of his hand, while using the other to wipe some more blood from his wound. He steps over to the corner and lifts Roxi's chin, laying in another chop that thunders through out the arena. Much to his surprise, Roxi fires a chop right back in return, but a swift Knee lift into her gut cuts off anymore momentum, and he drags her to the center of the ring where he tucks her head between his legs for what appears to be a powerbomb. He hooks her around the midsection and lifts her up so that she's now sitting on his chest, but Roxi comes alive once there, driving right hands down into the man's skull. Elegance protests on the outside, but to no avail, as Davy becomes off balance and falls straight back, Roxi riding him down to crush his chest into the mat.
LO: Roxi with a reversal to that powerbomb attempt by Davy, and she's back on her feet while he's prone on the mat. Here she goes towards the ropes....Springboards Off The Second INTO A TAKE FLIGHT!
KO: SHE JUST CRUSHED HIM WITH ALL OF HER WEIGHT!
LO: Yeah, and now she's back up, and she looks like she's ready to end this thing! Pointing to the flowerbed once again!
Roxi pulls Davy up to his feet, and grabs him by the back of his head before running him straight for the side of the ring where the flowerbed has been erected. When they reach the ropes she tosses him right up and over the top where he crashes to the concrete, and she follows him out to land right beside him. Elegance tries to rush over and plead with Johnson some more, but a threatening strike from the superhero sends Elegance back peddling, and Roxi pulls Davy to his feet and starts leading him towards the wooden fencing.
LO: Roxi Johnson is ready to put Davy away here, and finally get some long awaited justice!
KO: This isn't justice, Laur. This is injustice! Davy Blossom doesn't deserve this! He's a dapper man, not a field hand!
LO: Well, Roxi just reached the flowerbed, and she just leaned Davy up against the wooden fence....She's taking a few steps back now and looks like she's going to clothesline him over...WAIT A MINUTE!
KO: YES! ELEGANCE FROM BEHIND JUST LEAPED ONTO ROXI'S BACK! SHE'S GOT HER IN A CHOKE HOLD!
Roxi stumbles and bucks to try and get free, but Elegance holds on for dear life, trying to choke the woman who was going to defile her man. Davy, looking worse for wear, see's the mayhem in front of him, and moves to try and intercede, but somehow Roxi manages to lean back and flash a boot out to catch him right in the face. Davy bumps to the concrete floor, but the momentum shift backwards allows Elegance to get a better hold on the choke, and it takes Roxi down to her knees as the blonde bombshell screams in rage.
LO: Roxi is in real trouble here, and Elegance is latched on like a leech. At least Davy is down, so maybe she can deal with these idiots one at a time.
KO: Oh that's rich, Laur. You're calling Davy and Elegance idiots when they are pulling off the most ingenious upset in the history of Valor Pro!
LO: This thing isn't over, and Look! Roxi Johnson has managed to get back to her feet!
Elegance is still in tow, and her added weight to Johnson forces the superhero to stumble forward until she is right at the wooden fencing that contains the dark soil of the flowerbed. She grips the top rung to help stay upright, but the difficulty to breath is apparent as her face begins to turn a shade of purple. Suddenly Roxi reaches back and gets a handful of Elegance's blond hair in both fists, and she throws her body forward while simultaneously pulling, and Elegance is sent hurtling into a front flip that sees her land with a disgusting splat in the mud and muck.
KO: OH. MY. GOD!
LO: HAHA! ELEGANCE IS IN THE FLOWERBED AND THE TIARA IS OFF! She looks more like a milk maid than a princess!
KO: This...this isn't right, Laur! She's not in this match!
LO: Oh yes she is! She's been in every match that Davy Blossom has had since he arrived here, so it's only fitting she share some of his fate!
KO: Wait! What is Roxi Johnson doing...she's....she's moving over to that front end loader! NO! She Can't Do This!
Elegance hasn't noticed anything other than the fact that she is now covered in wet soil and mud, and real tears trickle down her dirty cheeks as she screams in abhorrence. She finally looks over to see Roxi Johnson standing by the front end loader, her hand on the switch, a satisfied gleam in her eye. Elegance slowly looks up where the basket containing the manure is poised directly over her, and she shakes her head vehemently 'No', fresh tears springing from her eyes as she begs a stalwart Roxi Johnson. Suddenly Davy is over the fence, and in the flowerbed with Elegance, and he pumps his hands out in front of him, begging Roxi to reconsider.
LO: Roxi has the Blossoms at her mercy, and Davy is begging her now....wait...what is he doing....
KO: Oh My God! He's directing Elegance to get out, and....and he's laying down! HE'S SACRIFICING HIMSELF FOR HIS BELOVED!
LO: Oh would you give me a break.....This capacity crowd is watching all of this in delight, and Roxi Johnson just smirked....and she's nodding! Elegance is pleading, but Davy just pointed emphatically that she get out!
Elegance gives a wistful look to her husband, but does as he asks, slipping out through the middle rungs of the wooden fence. Just then he moves as if he's going to try and get out of the deal, but Roxi's hand is quicker, the lever dumping its foul contents down onto The Dewdrop of Wrestling. Forty Kilos, roughly eighty eight pounds, come crashing down in a splat, the weight of which force the partially rising Davy back down into the muck where he is completely buried. Caputo calls for the bell with one hand, while holding her nose with the other!
Ring Announcer: The winner of the Flowerbed Grudge Match.....'SUPERHERO' ROXI JOHNSON!
Roxi lets her head fall back in a huge sigh of relief as the fans explode in cheers, those close enough to the woman patting her on the back and shoulders for her effort. Elegance's tears fall down ruddy mud covered cheeks as she slips back into the flowerbed, staining her gloved hands even further trying to dig out her husband. Roxi walks back to the ring, where she celebrates her victory by going to each corner and jumping to the second turnbuckle, pointing out at the crowd, and acknowledging her love for them as they pour out their adulation.
LO: Huge win here tonight for Roxi Johnson, who can finally rest easy knowing that this chapter of her story here in Valor Pro is over!
KO: I can't believe you're okay with this, Laur! I mean....Davy Blossom made the ultimate sacrifice to save his beloved, and you act as if they are the villains!
LO: Once again, I fail to see how the Blossom's getting their just deserts for their deceit and cheating ways isn't anything but justice. They got exactly what they deserved!
Kenneth Othello just shakes his head in disbelief as Elegance continues scooping mounds of manure away. Finally, she uncovers Davy's face, and he turns to his side, coughing up mucus mingled with poo. The fans laugh in delight, and she doesn't even bother fighting back, instead trying to help Davy out of the muck. Roxi watches from the ring with a shake of her head, but this one not in disbelief, but what almost looks like pity. She takes in a deep breath and regains her smile, exiting the ring and slapping hands as she makes her way up the ramp to the back. Meanwhile back in the flowerbed, Davy is mostly uncovered now, and Elegance tries to help pull him to his feet, but he slips in the muck dragging her back down into the pile with him. This brings about a new round of tears, and the two are completely unraveled by the time they manage to get to their feet and navigate their way out of the disgusting flowerbed.
KO: I still can't believe this...poor Davy! Poor Elegance! I sure hope they don't get any infections from that manure! I mean...Davy was busted open before being buried!
LO: I doubt it, Ken, but who can say?
KO: This could only take place in Russia. Not only are they meddling in U.S. Elections, but they condone this sort of behavior against the upper crust! Damn Commies!
LO: Uhh, Easy there, Ken! We are guests in this country, and I'd hate to think of being detained because of something as stupid as your love of Davy Blossom and Elegance. How about we get them to the back to get hosed off, and we'll take a look at what's happening backstage...
The first thing to tip Zack off that something wasn't quite right in the world was the sound of rolling stones "Sympathy for the Devil" playing through his open dressing room door.
It was really no surprise that he found Zachariah Krähe waiting for him with an unopened bottle of saki beside him. He glanced up from a worn out copy of Don Quixote with a grin, before politely setting it aside.
“There you are. I've been meaning to have this bottle delivered to you, but I never got around to it. Figured, now would be as good a time as any.” He stood up with a lazy stretch, obviously feeling right at home in the enemies camp, but honestly Krähe had a gift for making himself comfortable just about anywhere.
Fantana approached the bench and collected the bottle from Krähe’s side before looking it over.
“Isn’t it traditionally champagne?”
Fantana scanned the label once more before looking at Zachariah.
“But that’s okay. Flattered though I may be that you’re prepared to christen me the new UnYielding Champion, I’d just as soon you didn’t smash this over my head.”
Zack delicately placed the bottle back onto the bench before stepping backward.
“No, you keep it,” Zack said, crossing his arms and tilting his head at the camera. “Wouldn’t want to give Cross another excuse to sling mud."
Krähe tilted his head to the side slightly with a mischievous smile.
"Everyone in this fed slings mud like a bunch of monkies throwing shit. Did you know that when monkies smile it's actually a show of aggression?” Krähe pauses and shakes his head with a chuckle.
“Anyways...I never said it was for you Zack...I hear you have roommates now. I'm sure after living with you they could use a drink." His words lacked any real malicious bite seemingly more amused than anything. He was obviously unaffected by Zack's words likely chalking it up to what Krähe would call his “winning personality”.
"I do have something for you though it isn't likely to mean much to you...I made you a promise for the last time I faced Cross, and I didn't keep it. I let my own headspace and anger get in the way. I hold myself accountable for my promises even if they mean nothing to those they are given to. So you have my apology...It doesn't change what happened in the past, but tonight you will be getting the best of me.” He shrugged his shoulders carelessly, but his expression was serious.
“Again I don't expect this to mean anything to, but believe it or not I’m looking forward to meeting you in the ring again...Even if that means having to share space with Cross."
“Working on step nine already? I think you may have skipped a few,” Fantana suggested, eyeballing the bottle of sake that still remained on the bench. “And I appreciate the sentiment and all, but trust that I wasn’t watching that match with bated breath over any promises made.”
Zack walked over to his duffle bag and unzipped it, organizing the gear he’d be wearing later that evening.
“That’s not to say I didn’t wasn’t on the edge of my seat watching the championship match at Blitz, because I was. It’s not often that the sequel is better than the original, but Recoba vs. Krahe II was. You know, Cross’s work rate improves significantly when he doesn’t have one hand inside his wallet.”
Zack chuckled, though the grin on his face left as quickly as it came. He lifted his head from his gear to look Krahe in the eye.
“You, I haven’t had any doubts over since Rome. You’ll show up if you want to, and it seems you do now. I’m glad you’ve come around, because the UnYielding Championship deserves a lot better than Cross Recoba. Alas, taking it away from him has always been a DIY project for me, so your apology for the loss, while dearly appreciated, is not necessary."
About half way through Zack's reply Krähe developed a sudden interest in his watch, and made no effort to hide it.
"Zack, you really are a asshole, but you're an honorable...almost likeable uptight asshole, and that I can respect." He spaces his last words, as if keeping them in time with his watch. The last word coinciding with a knock on the door. That had the mischievous grin painting his face once more.
"I'll get that Zack old buddy, I was just leaving anyways." He made his way to the door, and opened it theatrically with a look of mock surprise.
"Woah that's a lot of flowers and balloons. I wonder if it violates fire code." He stepped to the side and let the parade of flowers march into the room with jonty salute.
"See you in the ring Zack!" Krähe was gone with an amused chuckle, leaving Zack to be buried in flowers, and last but not least a giant smiley face ballon with the words "Get well soon BFF!" written in black marker.
As Krahe's laugh echoed down the hallway, the balloon floated over to meet Zack face-to-face and its expression was juxtaposed by Zack's own.
“Whose side are you on?”
He shook his head and brushed the flowers off of his gear, before turning back to find the balloon still looking over his shoulder. Pulling a needle from his bag, he pricked the balloon and sent it sputtering around the room before returning to the task at hand.
It was really no surprise that he found Zachariah Krähe waiting for him with an unopened bottle of saki beside him. He glanced up from a worn out copy of Don Quixote with a grin, before politely setting it aside.
“There you are. I've been meaning to have this bottle delivered to you, but I never got around to it. Figured, now would be as good a time as any.” He stood up with a lazy stretch, obviously feeling right at home in the enemies camp, but honestly Krähe had a gift for making himself comfortable just about anywhere.
Fantana approached the bench and collected the bottle from Krähe’s side before looking it over.
“Isn’t it traditionally champagne?”
Fantana scanned the label once more before looking at Zachariah.
“But that’s okay. Flattered though I may be that you’re prepared to christen me the new UnYielding Champion, I’d just as soon you didn’t smash this over my head.”
Zack delicately placed the bottle back onto the bench before stepping backward.
“No, you keep it,” Zack said, crossing his arms and tilting his head at the camera. “Wouldn’t want to give Cross another excuse to sling mud."
Krähe tilted his head to the side slightly with a mischievous smile.
"Everyone in this fed slings mud like a bunch of monkies throwing shit. Did you know that when monkies smile it's actually a show of aggression?” Krähe pauses and shakes his head with a chuckle.
“Anyways...I never said it was for you Zack...I hear you have roommates now. I'm sure after living with you they could use a drink." His words lacked any real malicious bite seemingly more amused than anything. He was obviously unaffected by Zack's words likely chalking it up to what Krähe would call his “winning personality”.
"I do have something for you though it isn't likely to mean much to you...I made you a promise for the last time I faced Cross, and I didn't keep it. I let my own headspace and anger get in the way. I hold myself accountable for my promises even if they mean nothing to those they are given to. So you have my apology...It doesn't change what happened in the past, but tonight you will be getting the best of me.” He shrugged his shoulders carelessly, but his expression was serious.
“Again I don't expect this to mean anything to, but believe it or not I’m looking forward to meeting you in the ring again...Even if that means having to share space with Cross."
“Working on step nine already? I think you may have skipped a few,” Fantana suggested, eyeballing the bottle of sake that still remained on the bench. “And I appreciate the sentiment and all, but trust that I wasn’t watching that match with bated breath over any promises made.”
Zack walked over to his duffle bag and unzipped it, organizing the gear he’d be wearing later that evening.
“That’s not to say I didn’t wasn’t on the edge of my seat watching the championship match at Blitz, because I was. It’s not often that the sequel is better than the original, but Recoba vs. Krahe II was. You know, Cross’s work rate improves significantly when he doesn’t have one hand inside his wallet.”
Zack chuckled, though the grin on his face left as quickly as it came. He lifted his head from his gear to look Krahe in the eye.
“You, I haven’t had any doubts over since Rome. You’ll show up if you want to, and it seems you do now. I’m glad you’ve come around, because the UnYielding Championship deserves a lot better than Cross Recoba. Alas, taking it away from him has always been a DIY project for me, so your apology for the loss, while dearly appreciated, is not necessary."
About half way through Zack's reply Krähe developed a sudden interest in his watch, and made no effort to hide it.
"Zack, you really are a asshole, but you're an honorable...almost likeable uptight asshole, and that I can respect." He spaces his last words, as if keeping them in time with his watch. The last word coinciding with a knock on the door. That had the mischievous grin painting his face once more.
"I'll get that Zack old buddy, I was just leaving anyways." He made his way to the door, and opened it theatrically with a look of mock surprise.
"Woah that's a lot of flowers and balloons. I wonder if it violates fire code." He stepped to the side and let the parade of flowers march into the room with jonty salute.
"See you in the ring Zack!" Krähe was gone with an amused chuckle, leaving Zack to be buried in flowers, and last but not least a giant smiley face ballon with the words "Get well soon BFF!" written in black marker.
As Krahe's laugh echoed down the hallway, the balloon floated over to meet Zack face-to-face and its expression was juxtaposed by Zack's own.
“Whose side are you on?”
He shook his head and brushed the flowers off of his gear, before turning back to find the balloon still looking over his shoulder. Pulling a needle from his bag, he pricked the balloon and sent it sputtering around the room before returning to the task at hand.
LO: You know, you could say that Zachariah Krahe has a lot to do with this next match...
KO: Yeah, it stems all the way back to 7 Pillars, kind of like him and Fantana...only, these two ladies have different sentiments towards The Catalyst methinks.
LO: Honestly, I don't know anymore. At first it seemed like Krahe and Zombie were in a flirtatious scene of annoyance, and then Brodie entered the picture and the two definitely had some sort of sparks....and now, Brodie thinks that one of the ways to really hurt Krahe is to hurt Zombie....like....she's some sort of appetizer before the main course.
KO: Hey, don't ask me to explain it, Laur, I'm just saying they have some sentiments...
LO: Well, this one is sure to be one hell of a ride considering all of the altercations over the past several months, so generic ring announcer, take it away....
Ring Announcer: The following contest is an I Quit Match, where the winner will go on to face the UnYielding Champion decided later on tonight at Blitz#9!!
'Viktoria Modesta' by Prototype fills the arena as light blue flashing lights strobe across the stage. After a few moments for the music to cue up, Brodie appears through the curtain, her loud hair pushed back from her serious face. The fans give a mixed reaction for the Submission Machine as she pauses at the top of the stage, cocking her head at the side to hear some unseen instruction. She nods, her face screwing up into a snarl as she stalks down the ramp towards the ring.
Ring Announcer: Making her way to the ring, standing at five foot eleven and weighting in at 150 pounds, she hails from Manhattan, New York.......'THE SUBMISSION MACHINE' BRODDIIEEE!!
Brodie reaches ringside and rolls beneath the bottom rope to pop up to her feet, and she paces back and forth, yanking her leather jacket free and tossing it to ringside before turning her dark gaze towards the stage to await her opponent.
LO: Brodie looks eager for this confrontation, and why shouldn't she be. She's made her intentions clear towards Siberia Zombie from the very first Blitz after 7 Pillars where she attacked the woman backstage, and then got disqualified in their match after she tried to rip her arm from her socket with her Finality Crossface!
KO: Yeah, and not to mention she's transitioned more and more into one who flew over the cuckoo's nest! Despite lead booker, Dugan Callahan, trying to keep these two ladies separated, nothing seems to have worked, and now they are going to battle it out in what is slated as their final chapter here in Valor Pro. Winner take all.
The lights dim in the arena as the sound of wind sweeps over the PA system followed by the marching of soldiers as Wanli by Hyukoh begins. As the song marches on, stage lights begin flashing along with the steps, and when the opening chords hit Siberia Zombie bursts through the curtain wearing a silk robe with dueling dragons locked in combat displayed across it's back. She doesn't pause, she doesn't acknowledge the fans who have come to their feet. Instead, her eyes remain fixed on Brodie in the ring, and she marches down the ramp with determination on her face.
Ring Announcer: And her opponent, making her way to the ring from Siberia, Russia....Standing at five foot six and weighing in at 130 pounds, she is the SIBERIAN BUZZSAW....SIBERIA ZOMBIEEE!!
The crowd goes absolutely nuts for their countryman as Siberia sheds the robe before reaching ringside, and breaks into a gallop before hitting the ring under the bottom rope. She pops up and goes right for Zombie, and the fans come completely unglued as the two women meet in the center of the ring, trading right hands.
LO: We thought this one might breakdown early, but it's already started! Caputo just signaled for the bell, as shots are fired back and forth between both women!
KO: I don't know that Brodie want's to try and go toe to toe with the striker Zombie, but I'm certainly not going to be the one to tell her that!
LO: Where Zombie will probably come away from a straight brawl, it's on the mat that Brodie is most dangerous! But I have to admit, she's holding her own pretty well right here in the center of the ring!
The fists continue to fly, but it's Zombie who deftly steps back from one of those fateful swings, avoiding Brodie's fist, and instead laying in a lightening like thigh kick that lifts her leg painfully off the canvas. The switch in tactic not only surprises Brodie, but hurts, as evidenced by her expression, and she's only given more pain when Zombie's rapid fire kicks to the thigh send her searching for an escape in the nearby ropes. Zombie doesn't relent, however, snatching Brodie's leg and pulling her back to the center of the ring by her ankle. Brodie is forced to hop, and a single leg takedown sends her down to the mat, and Zombie quickly snaps her elbow down into the inner thigh area causing Brodie some discomfort. She doesn't allow this for long, bringing her other leg up to her chest, and sending her foot to slam into Siberia's face several times until she finally abandons the leg.
LO: Zombie stumbling away clutching her jaw as Brodie regains her feet, and follows her in with some hard clubbing blows across Siberia's shoulders. Has her knocked all the way into the corner now, and she's just teeing off with forearm shots to the woman's jaw!
KO: This is like some sort of role reversal here, Laur! Siberia Zombie took Brodie to the mat, and now Brodie's jamming her up with strikes! I told you this shit was crazy!
Brodie lays in a particularly hard forearm to Siberia's skull, and then takes her by the wrist and whips her to the other side, following closely behind. Zombie reaches out in front of her before she can reach the corner, grabbing the top rope, hopping to the bottom rope for spring, and then throws her entire lower body back and out so that Brodie runs safely beneath her. She lands behind the Submission Machine, and when she turns around, she's caught flush with a low spinning back kick that catches her right in the gut. This doubles her over, and Zombie follows up with a high knee lift that sprawls her back into the corner. Zombie wades in now, rights and lefts, fists and kicks that leave Brodie no recourse but to try and cover up rather than respond.
LO: Siberia now living up to her nickname, The Siberian Buzzsaw, as she picks Brodie apart in the corner with devastating but accurate strikes!
KO: Oh yeah! Zombie knows how to hit you, and where! She's really got Brodie hemmed up here!
Brodie's head snaps back from a front kick that sneaks it's way past her defenses, and she slumps down to a seated position against the bottom turnbuckle. Zombie switches to stomps that look like she's trying to find the insides of Brodie's chest, before finally falling back a few steps, and rushing back in with a dropkick that crushes the woman against the buckle! Zombie comes to her feet to wild cheers, as Brodie grabs the ropes and pulls herself underneath to the outside where she clutches at her midsection.
LO: Zombie has Brodie on the ropes, and is looking to put some separation between her and the Siberian Buzzsaw....Zombie watching her closely, and now rushing the opposite side of the ring to get some spring from the ropes....returns now at full speed...
KO: BASEBALL SLIDE...NO! Brodie moved at the last second, and Siberia passed right under the rope with nothing to stop her momentum to land on the floor in front of her, AND HUGE CLOTHESLINE FROM BRODIE TAKES HER HEAD OFF!!
Siberia clutches her skull after the stiff maneuver, and Brodie reaches down and pulls Zombie up to her feet by a fistful of hair. She slams her skull off the ring apron, and then leads her right over to the post, wrenching her left arm behind her in a hammerlock, and then shoves her shoulder first into the steel!
LO: OH! Zombie recoiling after that, grabbing at her shoulder...but Brodie just yanked her arm back awkwardly, and OH! SLAMS IT OFF THE POST ONE MORE TIME!
KO: Now we're getting somewhere! Brodie is softening her up for that submission of hers, and once it's locked on it's all but over.
Brodie moves in to get a hold of Zombie's arm, but a surprise kick to her knee sends her momentarily into a kneeling position, giving Zombie enough time to roll back into the ring. Brodie gets to her feet and looks absolutely enrages as she hops up onto the apron, but it's Zombie who rushes in on her with a dropkick that sends her soaring off the side of the ring to crash into the steel barricade ribs first. Brodie clutches at her side in pain, shaking her head at being taken so unaware, and looks up just in time to see Zombie perched on the top rope, sailing off into a double ax handle aimed for Brodie's head.
LO: ZOMBIE COMING TO CRASH DOWN ONTO BRODIE! NO! BRODIE MOVED!! ZOMBIE JUST CRASHED CHEST FIRST INTO THE STEEL!
KO: Brodie now stomping away at the fallen Siberia, and just yanks her off the floor and tosses her back in the ring!
Brodie follows in closely, grabbing Siberia's left arm and stretching it out beside her, before dropping double knee's right down into her elbow joint. Zombie jerks her arm back to her side, writhing on the mat in pain as Brodie goes for the arm again. The Siberian Buzzsaw clasps her hands, trying to prevent Brodie from gaining control, but a swift knee drop into her shoulder causes her to lose her grasp, and Brodie tears the arm free to extend it once more. Another set of knees to the joint, and Zombie clutches at her arm while rolling quickly to the other side of the ring to create distance.
LO: Brodie following Zombie over and stops her from reaching the bottom rope. I think Zombie's just trying to create some separation between the two after that horrific crash and burn on the outside!
KO: It doesn't help that Brodie is trying to systematically destroy the woman's left arm, either. It's excruciating watching this woman work!
Brodie manages Zombie to her feet, and pushes her back into a corner while still holding onto that arm, wrapping it around the top rope, and then putting her boot on the second, and pulling back as far as she can to try and separate the forearm right from the elbow joint. Zombie cries out in pain, struggling against her, and it takes a series of right hands to Brodie's skull to finally make her let go. Zombie wrings out her arm while Brodie wipes a trickle of blood from her lower lip, and then moves to go right back on the attack. As she approaches she's surprised with double boots to the chest by Zombie, which send her sprawling back to the canvas. She rolls with the momentum to come up to her feet, and rushes in now, but another pair of double boots, this time to the face, send her crashing to the canvas. Zombie, still concerned about her arm, hops up to the second turnbuckle, and then leaps off, bringing both knee's up into her chest before thrusting them down into a double stomp that crushes Brodie's chest into the canvas.
LO: Nasty looking double stomp by Zombie, but man, I'm really concerned about her arm. Every time she tries something, you can tell that it's bothering her, and whats worse is that Brodie knows it too!
KO: Yeah, you usually don't want to have such a big tell in a match like this, but quite frankly, we already knew from previous experiences that this would be Brodie's mode of attack, so I guess it doesn't really matter.
LO: Well, Brodie is clutching her midsection now as she gets to her feet, and Zombie is positioned right behind her....Hooks Her Around The Midsection, AND RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX SENDS BRODIE CRASHING TO THE MAT!
KO: Man, she folded up like an accordion! We've been so focused on the damage done to Zombie's arm, but can you imagine how Brodie's ribs feel now after being dumped like that!
Indeed, Brodie is clutching her midsection as she uses the ropes to help herself up, and when she turns around she has no time to react to the fast approaching Zombie, who throws her foot out in front of her momentum and nails Brodie right in the face with a Yakuza Kick. The impact sends Brodie right up and over the top rope to land hard against the concrete, and Zombie gets a home country reaction as she signals to the crowd that more is coming. She steps out onto the apron, and backs all the way up until she's stopped by the post. As Brodie finds her feet, Zombie takes off in a sprint across the apron, and when she turns around she catches a barrel roll like sentan that wipes out both women.
LO: Good God! Zombie is clutching her arm after that landing, but Brodie is writing on the floor holding her guts in after the full weight of Siberia crushed her into the concrete floor!
KO: Yeah, that was a nasty spill, and I don't know who took the worst of it. Zombie is trying to get to her feet, but man, pain is etched on her face. I believe her elbow impacted off the floor when she landed.
Zombie shakes and wrings out the injured limb, reaching down with the other to help Brodie get up to her feet. Suddenly Brodie latches onto Siberia's midsection, and her feet churn like an engine, driving her spine first into the steel ring post. Zombies face is awash with pain as Brodie takes a step back, and then rushes forwards again, throwing her own boot forward, but this time right into the injured shoulder which clanks off the steel post. Zombie cries out, but is immediately silenced with a right hand, and Brodie tosses her back into the ring. She is snarling now as she hops up onto the apron, and starts to climb up to the top turnbuckle of one of the corners.
LO: Brodie on her way up, which to be honest is a little surprising since she has Zombie hurting on the mat...but I guess this is the time to go all out if there ever was one!
KO: Brodie perched on top, and she just stood to her full height, holds her hands out at her sides....man, these fans are having none of it! Siberia is their hometown hero!
LO: I don't think it's much going to matter, Ken....AS BRODIE SAILS FORWARDS INTO A DIVING HEADBUTT...RIGHT DOWN ONTO ZOMBIE'S INJURED SHOULDER!!
Zombie bucks against the canvas, grabbing at her injury, and screaming something out in Russian. Brodie holds the back of her neck, the impact causing her some discomfort as well, but a dark grin comes over her face when she observes the damage done to Siberia. The Siberian Buzzsaw claws to get to her feet, and when she turns back towards Brodie she is caught by the arm, and Brodie begins to spin her around the center of the ring, forces her to the mat while trapping the arm.
LO: BRODIE GOING FOR THE FINALITY CROSSFACE, AND SIBERIA IS GOING CRAZY TO TRY AND KEEP IT FROM BEING LOCKED IN!
KO: She has to get control of the head for the move to be effective, and Zombie is making that difficult as she shakes every which way but loose!
LO: Zombie dragging her and Brodie towards the ropes, but Brodie will not relent, and those ropes don't mean a damn thing.....Brodie now driving elbows into Zombie's spine to slow the resistence...AND SHE'S GOT IT LOCKED IN!!
KO: OH Baby! Zombie's not going to be able to survive this!
Caputo drops to the mat in front of Zombie so she can take her submission, but the woman can be heard screaming 'NO' through Brodie's hands. The Submission Machine doesn't relent, letting out her own visceral scream, as she continually repositions her hands to choke up further and further. Zombie continues clawing at the mat with her free hand, and eventually she even makes it to the bottom rope which she grasps onto, but Caputo warns her that there is no break, only submission, and Zombie drops the cable in lieu of trying to pry Brodie's hands apart.
LO: Zombie is in a terrible position here, and even if she can get out of it somehow, the longer she's in it, the more damage is being done to that shoulder and arm joint.
KO: Yeah, and Brodie has her head torqued back in an unnatural angle, wreaking havoc on that shoulder area. I just don't see how she'll be the same after this if she doesn't give it up.
LO: Well, Zombie just managed to pull one of Brodie's fingers free, and...What is she doing? She just shoved the finger into her mouth...Is she?
KO: SHE'S BITING HER!! ZOMBIE'S GOING TO GNAW BRODIE'S FINGER OFF TO GET OUT OF THIS HOLD!
Brodie's face furrows from one of determined viciousness to sudden pain, as Zombie clamps her jaws down across the lone finger she was able to pry loose. Caputo looks stunned as blood begins to spill out the sides of Zombie's mouth, but she doesn't relent, continuing to chomp down. Finally, Brodie has had enough, releasing the hold and banging her fist off the back of Zombie's skull until the woman finally lets go. Brodie rolls up to her feet, looking down at her mangled finger, and clear teeth marks can be seen around torn flesh. If there weren't voices in her head before, there are now, as she shakes her head vehemently, talking to herself as she paces back and forth, occasionally turning a dangerous gaze to Zombie who lays limp on the canvas holding her damaged limb.
LO: Zombie may have found a way out of the crossface, but I tell you what.....Brodie looks like she has freakin' snapped!
KO: Yeah, this chick has done gone loco here, and what's she doing, Laur.....Don't be coming over here you crazy Bit--
Brodie stalks past the announce booth with her hand still in an upright position to try and stem the blood flowing down her forearm from her mangled finger. She uses her good hand to shove the time keeper right out of his seat, and then folds the steel chair up so that she can easily transport it back to the ring.
LO: The proverbial business has just picked up here, as Brodie is now armed with a steel chair, and is making her way back inside where Zombie is just now on her hands and knee's.
KO: Yeah, this isn't good for Siberia, and now Brodie is clanking that chair against the mat, and just waiting on Siberia to get to her feet so she can clobber her!
It takes a few seconds, but Siberia eventually obliges, using the ropes to regain her feet. She wipes Brodie's blood away from her lips as she slowly turns to search for her opponent. The minute she's in position, Brodie tears across the ring with the steel chair already cocked and loaded, and she pulls the trigger, swinging for the fences to take Siberia's head off. The only problem is, Siberia manages not to be where the chair is heading, and the swing goes wild, sending Brodie off balance with nothing to impact off of. When she turns around, a superkick finds the seat of the chair which sends it flying violently back into the Submission Machine's face and she crumples to the ground as the steel chair skids across the canvas.
LO: Zombie with a huge opportunity here to do some damage of her own as Brodie eats steel! Man, this match has got me on the edge of my seat!
KO: I can tell you one thing, I expected a lot out of this one, but I NEVER expected to see someone almost get their finger bit off! These chicks are mental!
Both women struggle to their feet, but Siberia is up first, and she looks over to the steel chair. A dark cloud seems to fall over her as she stalks over and scoops up the weapon, waiting for Brodie who has finally made it to her feet to get into position. She winds up the chair and lets out a warriors cry which brings the fans to their feet in anticipation, but just when it looks like she's going to drop the Submission Machine, she catches herself. Shaking her head 'No', and tossing the chair off to the side, almost seeming disappointed in herself. Brodie stares at her wide eyed, and instead of understanding her face screams rage as she rushes right for her.
LO: I don't know what that was all about, but apparently Siberia Zombie is not going to take the cheap way to victory here tonight, despite the fact that if the roles were reversed, we've already seen that Brodie would have taken her head off!
KO: And that's why Brodie is on the offensive here, but she's so enraged she's just swinging wildly, and Zombie is blocking punches and kicks in the center of the ring. Damned if she doesn't almost seem more centered now that she's decided not to use the chair.
Indeed Zombie deflects the blows with a master's grace, while Brodie almost seems like something else has taken over the drivers seat. Finally, a wild swing goes wide, and it's Zombie who delivers a open palm thrust that knocks Brodie backwards for a moment, only for her to wade right back in with a vicious snarl. Immediately there are thigh kicks that meet her, each one buckling her base and tripping her up. Finally Siberia moves in with a straight kick to the gut that doubles Brodie over, and follows up with an ax kick that crashes down on the back of her skull and sends her slamming face first to the mat. Brodie pushes up to sit on her knee's, when Zombie unloads with kick after kick to the chest, earning her name of the Siberian Buzzsaw! The fans count along until the reach the count of ten, and then she spins around, takes aim, and delivers a roundhouse kick right to Brodie's temple that has her eyes rolling into the back of her head as she falls back to the canvas.
LO: GOOD GOD! Zombie just took her freaking head off, and she's calling for Caputo to ask if she's ready to give it up....
KO: Fat chance of that man, Brodie is tough as nails, and even if she had reached her limit, I don't know that she'd give in just to spite Zombie..
When Caputo turns to Zombie and shakes her head ‘No’, Siberia wears a resolute expression when she moves to hover over Brodie, and begins to drop knee’s right into her unprotected skull. The fans begin to count along with this as well, but she isn’t going for a number, instead trying to put the woman in unconsciousness. Finally, looking exhausted, she steps back and directs Caputo to ask her again.
LO: Siberia has Brodie grounded here, and man…those knee’s right to her head were brutal, but I can see from here she’s still mouthing ‘No’ to the referee!
KO: I’m telling you, Ken. She’s going to have to put a bullet in her to make her give up. There is a difference in being tough, and being so deranged that you aren’t aware of limits. Somewhere deep down, from everything I’ve ever seen from the woman, she might be getting off on this!
LO: Be that as it may, it has Siberia showings signs of frustration, as she now pulls Brodie up, who can barely stand, and moves to send her off the ropes.
Brodie bounces off the other side, and comes rushing back in at Zombie who is poised to deliver a superkick, but when the kick comes, much to everyone’s surprise, Brodie manages to duck under Siberia’s boot, which leaves the woman off balance. When she regains her balance, she turns to rush at her opponent once more, but instead is met with a thunderous chair shot that sends her crashing to the mat!
LO: BRODIE WAS ABLE TO SCOOP THAT CHAIR UP AS SHE DUCKED THE SUPERKICK, AND SHE JUST BLASTED SIBERIA ZOMBIE!
KO: Well, you were right, Laur….Zombie should have used the chair, cause Brodie sure as hell will….
Brodie stumbles around the ring, flashing a bloody smile to the booing crowd as she steps around to stand over Zombie, who clutches at the top of her damaged skull. Brodie reaches down and extends Zombie’s arm, slides it through the folding chair like a clunky accessory, and then looks back out at the crowd pointing down at their hero in disdain.
LO: Oh God…don’t tell me she’s going to do this….She’s going to try and break the woman’s arm!
KO: Oh…she’s going to do this, CAUSE SHE JUST DID!
Brodie stomps down on the seat of the chair, which essentially works like a modified clamp, and Siberia comes alive with pain trying to retreat, but being cut off by the Submission Machine. Several more stomps follow, and then the unthinkable. Brodie drops down beside Siberia with the chair still in place, and traps the chair with a leg scissors while hooking Zombie around the head, and cranking back into the Finality Crossface.
LO: OH MY GOD! SHE HAS THE FINALITY CROSSFACE LOCKED IN, AND ZOMBIE’S ARM IS STILL TRAPPED IN THAT CHAIR!
KO: HOT DAMN! THIS IS BRUTAL!
Zombie screams in pain as Brodie relentlessly rocks her arms back to try and rip her head from her shoulders. Caputo has dropped down in front of her, and almost looks like she wants Zombie to give in so she can stop watching this brutality. Zombie continues to scream, but her head shakes ‘No’, until finally, the screams die off, and her head goes limp. Caputo’s eyes get as wide as saucers, and she checks the woman’s arm which falls limply to the canvas.
LO: I think Zombie is out here….she’s passed out from the pain….and Caputo’s checking a second…and a third….IT’S OVER!
KO: Yeah, but she didn’t say ‘I Quit’!
LO: KEN…SHE’S UNCONCIOUS! She can’t say anything!
Caputo calls for the bell, and then immediately returns to Brodie to plead with the woman to release the hold. Brodie just stares at her, her bloody maniacal smile like a horror movie come to life. The bell rings several more times as the carnage to Zombie continues, but almost as if receiving some silent instruction, Brodie abruptly releases the hold and pushes up to her feet. She stares out at the crowd with that same bloody grin, and raises one hand in victory as the Russian fans shower her in boos.
Ring Announcer: And the winner of this match by knockout…..THE SUBMISSION MACHINE….BRODDDIIEEE!!
Brodie stalks around the ring for a few more moments, soaking in the condemnation of the crowd as if it were cheers, while medical staff enter the ring to attend to Siberia Zombie. Brodie doesn’t even cast a final glance back at Siberia, as if to say that their business was concluded, as she exits the ring and makes her way to the back.
LO: After months of back and forth between these two, I think Brodie’s focus now moves on to the future, while Zombie has to live in this reality where her career may be cut short thanks to this woman.
KO: Yeah, it was about as brutal as it gets. I mean….Brodie almost got her finger gnawed off for Christ’s sake. And then what she did here with the chair to Zombie’s shoulder….forget about it!
LO: Well the medical team has gotten that chair off of Siberia’s arm, and God, look at the bruising that’s already starting to show across the shoulder.
KO: What’s insane, is it looks like Siberia has come to…and she’s pushing the med staff away. She’s going to leave on her own power!
It takes her a minute, but Zombie manages to roll to the ropes and under the bottom so that it’s an easy drop to her feet. She leans against the apron for a long time, a look of disappointment mingled in pain on her face. Her arm is recoiled deeply at her side, and her shoulder is held up by her other hand. It’s the unconditional love and cheers from the crowd that finally cause her to look up, and she offers a weak smile to them as she makes her way up the ramp.
LO: Even in defeat these fans still love Siberia Zombie, especially here in her home country. I’m just glad she’s able to make it out of this situation alive!
KO: No doubt! But Laur, I’m hearing we got a camera in the back that has eyes on Cosmo Cooper. Let’s check it out…
KO: Yeah, it stems all the way back to 7 Pillars, kind of like him and Fantana...only, these two ladies have different sentiments towards The Catalyst methinks.
LO: Honestly, I don't know anymore. At first it seemed like Krahe and Zombie were in a flirtatious scene of annoyance, and then Brodie entered the picture and the two definitely had some sort of sparks....and now, Brodie thinks that one of the ways to really hurt Krahe is to hurt Zombie....like....she's some sort of appetizer before the main course.
KO: Hey, don't ask me to explain it, Laur, I'm just saying they have some sentiments...
LO: Well, this one is sure to be one hell of a ride considering all of the altercations over the past several months, so generic ring announcer, take it away....
Ring Announcer: The following contest is an I Quit Match, where the winner will go on to face the UnYielding Champion decided later on tonight at Blitz#9!!
'Viktoria Modesta' by Prototype fills the arena as light blue flashing lights strobe across the stage. After a few moments for the music to cue up, Brodie appears through the curtain, her loud hair pushed back from her serious face. The fans give a mixed reaction for the Submission Machine as she pauses at the top of the stage, cocking her head at the side to hear some unseen instruction. She nods, her face screwing up into a snarl as she stalks down the ramp towards the ring.
Ring Announcer: Making her way to the ring, standing at five foot eleven and weighting in at 150 pounds, she hails from Manhattan, New York.......'THE SUBMISSION MACHINE' BRODDIIEEE!!
Brodie reaches ringside and rolls beneath the bottom rope to pop up to her feet, and she paces back and forth, yanking her leather jacket free and tossing it to ringside before turning her dark gaze towards the stage to await her opponent.
LO: Brodie looks eager for this confrontation, and why shouldn't she be. She's made her intentions clear towards Siberia Zombie from the very first Blitz after 7 Pillars where she attacked the woman backstage, and then got disqualified in their match after she tried to rip her arm from her socket with her Finality Crossface!
KO: Yeah, and not to mention she's transitioned more and more into one who flew over the cuckoo's nest! Despite lead booker, Dugan Callahan, trying to keep these two ladies separated, nothing seems to have worked, and now they are going to battle it out in what is slated as their final chapter here in Valor Pro. Winner take all.
The lights dim in the arena as the sound of wind sweeps over the PA system followed by the marching of soldiers as Wanli by Hyukoh begins. As the song marches on, stage lights begin flashing along with the steps, and when the opening chords hit Siberia Zombie bursts through the curtain wearing a silk robe with dueling dragons locked in combat displayed across it's back. She doesn't pause, she doesn't acknowledge the fans who have come to their feet. Instead, her eyes remain fixed on Brodie in the ring, and she marches down the ramp with determination on her face.
Ring Announcer: And her opponent, making her way to the ring from Siberia, Russia....Standing at five foot six and weighing in at 130 pounds, she is the SIBERIAN BUZZSAW....SIBERIA ZOMBIEEE!!
The crowd goes absolutely nuts for their countryman as Siberia sheds the robe before reaching ringside, and breaks into a gallop before hitting the ring under the bottom rope. She pops up and goes right for Zombie, and the fans come completely unglued as the two women meet in the center of the ring, trading right hands.
LO: We thought this one might breakdown early, but it's already started! Caputo just signaled for the bell, as shots are fired back and forth between both women!
KO: I don't know that Brodie want's to try and go toe to toe with the striker Zombie, but I'm certainly not going to be the one to tell her that!
LO: Where Zombie will probably come away from a straight brawl, it's on the mat that Brodie is most dangerous! But I have to admit, she's holding her own pretty well right here in the center of the ring!
The fists continue to fly, but it's Zombie who deftly steps back from one of those fateful swings, avoiding Brodie's fist, and instead laying in a lightening like thigh kick that lifts her leg painfully off the canvas. The switch in tactic not only surprises Brodie, but hurts, as evidenced by her expression, and she's only given more pain when Zombie's rapid fire kicks to the thigh send her searching for an escape in the nearby ropes. Zombie doesn't relent, however, snatching Brodie's leg and pulling her back to the center of the ring by her ankle. Brodie is forced to hop, and a single leg takedown sends her down to the mat, and Zombie quickly snaps her elbow down into the inner thigh area causing Brodie some discomfort. She doesn't allow this for long, bringing her other leg up to her chest, and sending her foot to slam into Siberia's face several times until she finally abandons the leg.
LO: Zombie stumbling away clutching her jaw as Brodie regains her feet, and follows her in with some hard clubbing blows across Siberia's shoulders. Has her knocked all the way into the corner now, and she's just teeing off with forearm shots to the woman's jaw!
KO: This is like some sort of role reversal here, Laur! Siberia Zombie took Brodie to the mat, and now Brodie's jamming her up with strikes! I told you this shit was crazy!
Brodie lays in a particularly hard forearm to Siberia's skull, and then takes her by the wrist and whips her to the other side, following closely behind. Zombie reaches out in front of her before she can reach the corner, grabbing the top rope, hopping to the bottom rope for spring, and then throws her entire lower body back and out so that Brodie runs safely beneath her. She lands behind the Submission Machine, and when she turns around, she's caught flush with a low spinning back kick that catches her right in the gut. This doubles her over, and Zombie follows up with a high knee lift that sprawls her back into the corner. Zombie wades in now, rights and lefts, fists and kicks that leave Brodie no recourse but to try and cover up rather than respond.
LO: Siberia now living up to her nickname, The Siberian Buzzsaw, as she picks Brodie apart in the corner with devastating but accurate strikes!
KO: Oh yeah! Zombie knows how to hit you, and where! She's really got Brodie hemmed up here!
Brodie's head snaps back from a front kick that sneaks it's way past her defenses, and she slumps down to a seated position against the bottom turnbuckle. Zombie switches to stomps that look like she's trying to find the insides of Brodie's chest, before finally falling back a few steps, and rushing back in with a dropkick that crushes the woman against the buckle! Zombie comes to her feet to wild cheers, as Brodie grabs the ropes and pulls herself underneath to the outside where she clutches at her midsection.
LO: Zombie has Brodie on the ropes, and is looking to put some separation between her and the Siberian Buzzsaw....Zombie watching her closely, and now rushing the opposite side of the ring to get some spring from the ropes....returns now at full speed...
KO: BASEBALL SLIDE...NO! Brodie moved at the last second, and Siberia passed right under the rope with nothing to stop her momentum to land on the floor in front of her, AND HUGE CLOTHESLINE FROM BRODIE TAKES HER HEAD OFF!!
Siberia clutches her skull after the stiff maneuver, and Brodie reaches down and pulls Zombie up to her feet by a fistful of hair. She slams her skull off the ring apron, and then leads her right over to the post, wrenching her left arm behind her in a hammerlock, and then shoves her shoulder first into the steel!
LO: OH! Zombie recoiling after that, grabbing at her shoulder...but Brodie just yanked her arm back awkwardly, and OH! SLAMS IT OFF THE POST ONE MORE TIME!
KO: Now we're getting somewhere! Brodie is softening her up for that submission of hers, and once it's locked on it's all but over.
Brodie moves in to get a hold of Zombie's arm, but a surprise kick to her knee sends her momentarily into a kneeling position, giving Zombie enough time to roll back into the ring. Brodie gets to her feet and looks absolutely enrages as she hops up onto the apron, but it's Zombie who rushes in on her with a dropkick that sends her soaring off the side of the ring to crash into the steel barricade ribs first. Brodie clutches at her side in pain, shaking her head at being taken so unaware, and looks up just in time to see Zombie perched on the top rope, sailing off into a double ax handle aimed for Brodie's head.
LO: ZOMBIE COMING TO CRASH DOWN ONTO BRODIE! NO! BRODIE MOVED!! ZOMBIE JUST CRASHED CHEST FIRST INTO THE STEEL!
KO: Brodie now stomping away at the fallen Siberia, and just yanks her off the floor and tosses her back in the ring!
Brodie follows in closely, grabbing Siberia's left arm and stretching it out beside her, before dropping double knee's right down into her elbow joint. Zombie jerks her arm back to her side, writhing on the mat in pain as Brodie goes for the arm again. The Siberian Buzzsaw clasps her hands, trying to prevent Brodie from gaining control, but a swift knee drop into her shoulder causes her to lose her grasp, and Brodie tears the arm free to extend it once more. Another set of knees to the joint, and Zombie clutches at her arm while rolling quickly to the other side of the ring to create distance.
LO: Brodie following Zombie over and stops her from reaching the bottom rope. I think Zombie's just trying to create some separation between the two after that horrific crash and burn on the outside!
KO: It doesn't help that Brodie is trying to systematically destroy the woman's left arm, either. It's excruciating watching this woman work!
Brodie manages Zombie to her feet, and pushes her back into a corner while still holding onto that arm, wrapping it around the top rope, and then putting her boot on the second, and pulling back as far as she can to try and separate the forearm right from the elbow joint. Zombie cries out in pain, struggling against her, and it takes a series of right hands to Brodie's skull to finally make her let go. Zombie wrings out her arm while Brodie wipes a trickle of blood from her lower lip, and then moves to go right back on the attack. As she approaches she's surprised with double boots to the chest by Zombie, which send her sprawling back to the canvas. She rolls with the momentum to come up to her feet, and rushes in now, but another pair of double boots, this time to the face, send her crashing to the canvas. Zombie, still concerned about her arm, hops up to the second turnbuckle, and then leaps off, bringing both knee's up into her chest before thrusting them down into a double stomp that crushes Brodie's chest into the canvas.
LO: Nasty looking double stomp by Zombie, but man, I'm really concerned about her arm. Every time she tries something, you can tell that it's bothering her, and whats worse is that Brodie knows it too!
KO: Yeah, you usually don't want to have such a big tell in a match like this, but quite frankly, we already knew from previous experiences that this would be Brodie's mode of attack, so I guess it doesn't really matter.
LO: Well, Brodie is clutching her midsection now as she gets to her feet, and Zombie is positioned right behind her....Hooks Her Around The Midsection, AND RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX SENDS BRODIE CRASHING TO THE MAT!
KO: Man, she folded up like an accordion! We've been so focused on the damage done to Zombie's arm, but can you imagine how Brodie's ribs feel now after being dumped like that!
Indeed, Brodie is clutching her midsection as she uses the ropes to help herself up, and when she turns around she has no time to react to the fast approaching Zombie, who throws her foot out in front of her momentum and nails Brodie right in the face with a Yakuza Kick. The impact sends Brodie right up and over the top rope to land hard against the concrete, and Zombie gets a home country reaction as she signals to the crowd that more is coming. She steps out onto the apron, and backs all the way up until she's stopped by the post. As Brodie finds her feet, Zombie takes off in a sprint across the apron, and when she turns around she catches a barrel roll like sentan that wipes out both women.
LO: Good God! Zombie is clutching her arm after that landing, but Brodie is writing on the floor holding her guts in after the full weight of Siberia crushed her into the concrete floor!
KO: Yeah, that was a nasty spill, and I don't know who took the worst of it. Zombie is trying to get to her feet, but man, pain is etched on her face. I believe her elbow impacted off the floor when she landed.
Zombie shakes and wrings out the injured limb, reaching down with the other to help Brodie get up to her feet. Suddenly Brodie latches onto Siberia's midsection, and her feet churn like an engine, driving her spine first into the steel ring post. Zombies face is awash with pain as Brodie takes a step back, and then rushes forwards again, throwing her own boot forward, but this time right into the injured shoulder which clanks off the steel post. Zombie cries out, but is immediately silenced with a right hand, and Brodie tosses her back into the ring. She is snarling now as she hops up onto the apron, and starts to climb up to the top turnbuckle of one of the corners.
LO: Brodie on her way up, which to be honest is a little surprising since she has Zombie hurting on the mat...but I guess this is the time to go all out if there ever was one!
KO: Brodie perched on top, and she just stood to her full height, holds her hands out at her sides....man, these fans are having none of it! Siberia is their hometown hero!
LO: I don't think it's much going to matter, Ken....AS BRODIE SAILS FORWARDS INTO A DIVING HEADBUTT...RIGHT DOWN ONTO ZOMBIE'S INJURED SHOULDER!!
Zombie bucks against the canvas, grabbing at her injury, and screaming something out in Russian. Brodie holds the back of her neck, the impact causing her some discomfort as well, but a dark grin comes over her face when she observes the damage done to Siberia. The Siberian Buzzsaw claws to get to her feet, and when she turns back towards Brodie she is caught by the arm, and Brodie begins to spin her around the center of the ring, forces her to the mat while trapping the arm.
LO: BRODIE GOING FOR THE FINALITY CROSSFACE, AND SIBERIA IS GOING CRAZY TO TRY AND KEEP IT FROM BEING LOCKED IN!
KO: She has to get control of the head for the move to be effective, and Zombie is making that difficult as she shakes every which way but loose!
LO: Zombie dragging her and Brodie towards the ropes, but Brodie will not relent, and those ropes don't mean a damn thing.....Brodie now driving elbows into Zombie's spine to slow the resistence...AND SHE'S GOT IT LOCKED IN!!
KO: OH Baby! Zombie's not going to be able to survive this!
Caputo drops to the mat in front of Zombie so she can take her submission, but the woman can be heard screaming 'NO' through Brodie's hands. The Submission Machine doesn't relent, letting out her own visceral scream, as she continually repositions her hands to choke up further and further. Zombie continues clawing at the mat with her free hand, and eventually she even makes it to the bottom rope which she grasps onto, but Caputo warns her that there is no break, only submission, and Zombie drops the cable in lieu of trying to pry Brodie's hands apart.
LO: Zombie is in a terrible position here, and even if she can get out of it somehow, the longer she's in it, the more damage is being done to that shoulder and arm joint.
KO: Yeah, and Brodie has her head torqued back in an unnatural angle, wreaking havoc on that shoulder area. I just don't see how she'll be the same after this if she doesn't give it up.
LO: Well, Zombie just managed to pull one of Brodie's fingers free, and...What is she doing? She just shoved the finger into her mouth...Is she?
KO: SHE'S BITING HER!! ZOMBIE'S GOING TO GNAW BRODIE'S FINGER OFF TO GET OUT OF THIS HOLD!
Brodie's face furrows from one of determined viciousness to sudden pain, as Zombie clamps her jaws down across the lone finger she was able to pry loose. Caputo looks stunned as blood begins to spill out the sides of Zombie's mouth, but she doesn't relent, continuing to chomp down. Finally, Brodie has had enough, releasing the hold and banging her fist off the back of Zombie's skull until the woman finally lets go. Brodie rolls up to her feet, looking down at her mangled finger, and clear teeth marks can be seen around torn flesh. If there weren't voices in her head before, there are now, as she shakes her head vehemently, talking to herself as she paces back and forth, occasionally turning a dangerous gaze to Zombie who lays limp on the canvas holding her damaged limb.
LO: Zombie may have found a way out of the crossface, but I tell you what.....Brodie looks like she has freakin' snapped!
KO: Yeah, this chick has done gone loco here, and what's she doing, Laur.....Don't be coming over here you crazy Bit--
Brodie stalks past the announce booth with her hand still in an upright position to try and stem the blood flowing down her forearm from her mangled finger. She uses her good hand to shove the time keeper right out of his seat, and then folds the steel chair up so that she can easily transport it back to the ring.
LO: The proverbial business has just picked up here, as Brodie is now armed with a steel chair, and is making her way back inside where Zombie is just now on her hands and knee's.
KO: Yeah, this isn't good for Siberia, and now Brodie is clanking that chair against the mat, and just waiting on Siberia to get to her feet so she can clobber her!
It takes a few seconds, but Siberia eventually obliges, using the ropes to regain her feet. She wipes Brodie's blood away from her lips as she slowly turns to search for her opponent. The minute she's in position, Brodie tears across the ring with the steel chair already cocked and loaded, and she pulls the trigger, swinging for the fences to take Siberia's head off. The only problem is, Siberia manages not to be where the chair is heading, and the swing goes wild, sending Brodie off balance with nothing to impact off of. When she turns around, a superkick finds the seat of the chair which sends it flying violently back into the Submission Machine's face and she crumples to the ground as the steel chair skids across the canvas.
LO: Zombie with a huge opportunity here to do some damage of her own as Brodie eats steel! Man, this match has got me on the edge of my seat!
KO: I can tell you one thing, I expected a lot out of this one, but I NEVER expected to see someone almost get their finger bit off! These chicks are mental!
Both women struggle to their feet, but Siberia is up first, and she looks over to the steel chair. A dark cloud seems to fall over her as she stalks over and scoops up the weapon, waiting for Brodie who has finally made it to her feet to get into position. She winds up the chair and lets out a warriors cry which brings the fans to their feet in anticipation, but just when it looks like she's going to drop the Submission Machine, she catches herself. Shaking her head 'No', and tossing the chair off to the side, almost seeming disappointed in herself. Brodie stares at her wide eyed, and instead of understanding her face screams rage as she rushes right for her.
LO: I don't know what that was all about, but apparently Siberia Zombie is not going to take the cheap way to victory here tonight, despite the fact that if the roles were reversed, we've already seen that Brodie would have taken her head off!
KO: And that's why Brodie is on the offensive here, but she's so enraged she's just swinging wildly, and Zombie is blocking punches and kicks in the center of the ring. Damned if she doesn't almost seem more centered now that she's decided not to use the chair.
Indeed Zombie deflects the blows with a master's grace, while Brodie almost seems like something else has taken over the drivers seat. Finally, a wild swing goes wide, and it's Zombie who delivers a open palm thrust that knocks Brodie backwards for a moment, only for her to wade right back in with a vicious snarl. Immediately there are thigh kicks that meet her, each one buckling her base and tripping her up. Finally Siberia moves in with a straight kick to the gut that doubles Brodie over, and follows up with an ax kick that crashes down on the back of her skull and sends her slamming face first to the mat. Brodie pushes up to sit on her knee's, when Zombie unloads with kick after kick to the chest, earning her name of the Siberian Buzzsaw! The fans count along until the reach the count of ten, and then she spins around, takes aim, and delivers a roundhouse kick right to Brodie's temple that has her eyes rolling into the back of her head as she falls back to the canvas.
LO: GOOD GOD! Zombie just took her freaking head off, and she's calling for Caputo to ask if she's ready to give it up....
KO: Fat chance of that man, Brodie is tough as nails, and even if she had reached her limit, I don't know that she'd give in just to spite Zombie..
When Caputo turns to Zombie and shakes her head ‘No’, Siberia wears a resolute expression when she moves to hover over Brodie, and begins to drop knee’s right into her unprotected skull. The fans begin to count along with this as well, but she isn’t going for a number, instead trying to put the woman in unconsciousness. Finally, looking exhausted, she steps back and directs Caputo to ask her again.
LO: Siberia has Brodie grounded here, and man…those knee’s right to her head were brutal, but I can see from here she’s still mouthing ‘No’ to the referee!
KO: I’m telling you, Ken. She’s going to have to put a bullet in her to make her give up. There is a difference in being tough, and being so deranged that you aren’t aware of limits. Somewhere deep down, from everything I’ve ever seen from the woman, she might be getting off on this!
LO: Be that as it may, it has Siberia showings signs of frustration, as she now pulls Brodie up, who can barely stand, and moves to send her off the ropes.
Brodie bounces off the other side, and comes rushing back in at Zombie who is poised to deliver a superkick, but when the kick comes, much to everyone’s surprise, Brodie manages to duck under Siberia’s boot, which leaves the woman off balance. When she regains her balance, she turns to rush at her opponent once more, but instead is met with a thunderous chair shot that sends her crashing to the mat!
LO: BRODIE WAS ABLE TO SCOOP THAT CHAIR UP AS SHE DUCKED THE SUPERKICK, AND SHE JUST BLASTED SIBERIA ZOMBIE!
KO: Well, you were right, Laur….Zombie should have used the chair, cause Brodie sure as hell will….
Brodie stumbles around the ring, flashing a bloody smile to the booing crowd as she steps around to stand over Zombie, who clutches at the top of her damaged skull. Brodie reaches down and extends Zombie’s arm, slides it through the folding chair like a clunky accessory, and then looks back out at the crowd pointing down at their hero in disdain.
LO: Oh God…don’t tell me she’s going to do this….She’s going to try and break the woman’s arm!
KO: Oh…she’s going to do this, CAUSE SHE JUST DID!
Brodie stomps down on the seat of the chair, which essentially works like a modified clamp, and Siberia comes alive with pain trying to retreat, but being cut off by the Submission Machine. Several more stomps follow, and then the unthinkable. Brodie drops down beside Siberia with the chair still in place, and traps the chair with a leg scissors while hooking Zombie around the head, and cranking back into the Finality Crossface.
LO: OH MY GOD! SHE HAS THE FINALITY CROSSFACE LOCKED IN, AND ZOMBIE’S ARM IS STILL TRAPPED IN THAT CHAIR!
KO: HOT DAMN! THIS IS BRUTAL!
Zombie screams in pain as Brodie relentlessly rocks her arms back to try and rip her head from her shoulders. Caputo has dropped down in front of her, and almost looks like she wants Zombie to give in so she can stop watching this brutality. Zombie continues to scream, but her head shakes ‘No’, until finally, the screams die off, and her head goes limp. Caputo’s eyes get as wide as saucers, and she checks the woman’s arm which falls limply to the canvas.
LO: I think Zombie is out here….she’s passed out from the pain….and Caputo’s checking a second…and a third….IT’S OVER!
KO: Yeah, but she didn’t say ‘I Quit’!
LO: KEN…SHE’S UNCONCIOUS! She can’t say anything!
Caputo calls for the bell, and then immediately returns to Brodie to plead with the woman to release the hold. Brodie just stares at her, her bloody maniacal smile like a horror movie come to life. The bell rings several more times as the carnage to Zombie continues, but almost as if receiving some silent instruction, Brodie abruptly releases the hold and pushes up to her feet. She stares out at the crowd with that same bloody grin, and raises one hand in victory as the Russian fans shower her in boos.
Ring Announcer: And the winner of this match by knockout…..THE SUBMISSION MACHINE….BRODDDIIEEE!!
Brodie stalks around the ring for a few more moments, soaking in the condemnation of the crowd as if it were cheers, while medical staff enter the ring to attend to Siberia Zombie. Brodie doesn’t even cast a final glance back at Siberia, as if to say that their business was concluded, as she exits the ring and makes her way to the back.
LO: After months of back and forth between these two, I think Brodie’s focus now moves on to the future, while Zombie has to live in this reality where her career may be cut short thanks to this woman.
KO: Yeah, it was about as brutal as it gets. I mean….Brodie almost got her finger gnawed off for Christ’s sake. And then what she did here with the chair to Zombie’s shoulder….forget about it!
LO: Well the medical team has gotten that chair off of Siberia’s arm, and God, look at the bruising that’s already starting to show across the shoulder.
KO: What’s insane, is it looks like Siberia has come to…and she’s pushing the med staff away. She’s going to leave on her own power!
It takes her a minute, but Zombie manages to roll to the ropes and under the bottom so that it’s an easy drop to her feet. She leans against the apron for a long time, a look of disappointment mingled in pain on her face. Her arm is recoiled deeply at her side, and her shoulder is held up by her other hand. It’s the unconditional love and cheers from the crowd that finally cause her to look up, and she offers a weak smile to them as she makes her way up the ramp.
LO: Even in defeat these fans still love Siberia Zombie, especially here in her home country. I’m just glad she’s able to make it out of this situation alive!
KO: No doubt! But Laur, I’m hearing we got a camera in the back that has eyes on Cosmo Cooper. Let’s check it out…
Cosmo was alone. Per usual backstage we see him sitting on an equipment bench quite alone. Nobody was around him as he had his fingers intertwined between his knees as he stared down at the floor. Shrugging his shoulders, he stared at one spot on the floor
COOPER: What the fuck do you want me to say? People sent me what Brennan said. They showed me what he said about my grandmother and it wasn’t anything that I didn’t predict he would say… but I understand why. He’s scared. For the first time in his life he knows he is stepping into the ring with someone who has every single advantage over him. And people think that I am going to go in and try to kill him because of what he said.
Cooper shook his head.
COOPER: No. I expected it out of him. I expected the sophomoric humor. I expect him to not show an ounce of how he’s changed as a person in the last six years he’s been doing this. The same tired talk. The same tired narrative… and now it’s finally going to catch up to him. I don’t need to talk back. I’ll do my talking when I raise that title at the end of the night, and then?
Cosmo spat the floor.
COOPER: You can drown in all of the shit you talked.
He pushed himself from the equipment box and walked away.
COOPER: What the fuck do you want me to say? People sent me what Brennan said. They showed me what he said about my grandmother and it wasn’t anything that I didn’t predict he would say… but I understand why. He’s scared. For the first time in his life he knows he is stepping into the ring with someone who has every single advantage over him. And people think that I am going to go in and try to kill him because of what he said.
Cooper shook his head.
COOPER: No. I expected it out of him. I expected the sophomoric humor. I expect him to not show an ounce of how he’s changed as a person in the last six years he’s been doing this. The same tired talk. The same tired narrative… and now it’s finally going to catch up to him. I don’t need to talk back. I’ll do my talking when I raise that title at the end of the night, and then?
Cosmo spat the floor.
COOPER: You can drown in all of the shit you talked.
He pushed himself from the equipment box and walked away.
Ring Announcer: The following contest is a Triple Threat Ladder Match for the UNYIELDING CHAMPIONSHIP!
The lights dim in the arena and a silver spotlight illuminates the entrance way which fills with smoke as 'Beat The Devil's Tatoo' by BRMC hit's over the PA System. The crowd gives a mixed reaction to Zachariah Krahe as he strolls out from behind the curtain, the smoke and silver light giving off the illusion that he's walking in moonlight. He's wearing leather pants and a white wife beater, and a pair of ornate biker boots. He pauses at the top of the stage to regard the fans with a lazy smile, when from out of nowhere, Rex Rumble appears to ruin his smooth entrance. Krahe's eyebrow's go up, and as Rex whispers something in his ear, a cheshire grin spreads across his face. He nods to the wild eyed maniac, and Rumble disappears once again, only to return with Cross Recoba's titanium cane. He passes it off to Krahe to a torrid of cheers, and he acknowledges the crowd with a tip of his neon cowboy hat before disappearing again. Krahe can't contain his mirth, as he chokes up on the cane, and then starts his way down to the ring.
Ring Announcer: Introducing first, making his way to the ring from Hell, Michigan, he stands at six foot three and weights in at 242 pounds...He is a former two time VPW UnYielding Champion, 'THE CATALYST' ZACHARIAH KRAHHHEEE!!
Krahe reaches ringside, and spots a group of oddly dressed fans in the front row. He saunters over, allowing the trio to take a selfie with him, and then takes one last drag from the cigarette before removing it from his mouth and placing it in the girls with a wink. With that, he turns and hops up onto the apron, swinging himself into the ring in one fluid motion, and takes a corner where he casually rests against the turnbuckles stroking the cane.
KO: Now what the hell was that?
LO: Looks like that meeting of the minds earlier between Krahe and Rumble was a little more mischief orchestrated by the Catalyst. I mean, flowers and balloons to Fantana, stealing Cross Recoba's cane. Seems like one sure fire way to mess with your opponents heads to me!
KO: It's larceny is what it is! That cane probably cost more than Zachariah Krahe's HOUSE!
LO: Come on, Ken. You're telling me that you don't see the genius of this? He's working them before they've even stepped foot in the ring...
KO: Yeah, we'll see how worked he is when Cross Recoba gets out here!
The entire mood changes when 'Lucid Dreams' cries out over the arena, and the fans all come to their feet in an explosion of cheers. Zack Fantana needs no pyro, instead bursting through the curtain to rush out onto the stage in a confident strut. He pauses at the edge of the ramp, body rocking with the music, as he does a slow turn with his hands over his eyes so he can see the entirety of the capacity crowd that is now chanting his name. Once making a full rotation he gives a curt point toward the ring, and a coy grin comes over his face as he begins to strut down the ramp.
Ring Announcer: And making his way to the ring, he stands at six foot and weights in at 205 pounds...Hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania....He is a former VPW UnYielding Champion, and the Leader of FANTANASY...ZACK FANTANAAAA!!
Zack has made it halfway down the ramp when Cross Recoba appears rushing in from behind, the UnYielding Championship raised to nail Fantana in the back. The belt smacks him square in the back of the head, sending him stumbling down to the steel ramp, and the fans give outcry to the treachery as Cross uses the belt to whip Fantana!
LO: Cross Recoba has laid Zack Fantana out on the ramp, and now is wearing the man out with the championship belt! What a son of a..
KO: Genius! This guy is a genius! He isn't even giving Zack Fantana a chance to enter this match, leaving only Zachariah Krahe to deal with as the night goes on!
LO: Speaking of Krahe, he just seemed to notice when the lights came up to full that something's going on. He's rushing out of the ring with Recoba's cane in hand!
Krahe sprints up the ramp to where Recoba still has Fantana compromised, but 'The Fox' hears the crowd reaction, and instinctively spins around with the belt to try and take Krahe's head off. Zach ducks the move, however, and when Cross spins back to face him he walks right into his own cane to the midsection which doubles him over. Krahe quickly abandons the cane, double underhooks his arms, and then slams straight down to the steel with Recoba's skull getting the worst of it.
LO: CATALYST DDT TO RECOBA!! And look at this.....the match hasn't even officially started, and Krahe has both men laid out at his feet!
KO: Oh No....and LOOK! Cross is busted open already!
Recobe reaches up to free flowing blood from a gash in his hairline thanks to the DDT on the steel grating. Krahe takes a moment to survey all the damage, and then as if on the hustle, scoops up the UnYielding title and takes off back towards the ring. He tosses the belt up to Caputo, and then makes a B-line right for one of the ladders lying around ringside. By the time Caputo has the belt fastened to the lift, Krahe already has one end of the ladder angled into the ring, and he's pushing for all he's worth to get the other in. When the title is hoisted up to the appropriate height, the lead referee signals for the bell.
KO: What in the hell does Caputo think she's doing? She can't start this match!
LO: And why not?
KO: Because two thirds of the participants haven't even made it into the ring yet, including the freakin' CHAMPION!
LO: Well, it looks like it's her prerogative, and Zachariah Krahe is joining the ladder he brought into the ring to get it set up...
KO: This is a damn travesty! Come on Cross!
Krahe lifts the ladder, and opens it up, locking the leg bars in place. He then adjusts it to where it's directly under the hanging belt, and starts to frantically climb the twenty feet. The fans are on their feet in excitement, not really believing that the match could end so abruptly. Their fears are unwarranted as Zack Fantana rushes onto the scene, leaping up to the apron, and then springing to the top and soar to amazingly land on the other side of the ladder. The cheers are nearly fanatical as he scrambles to the top to meet Krahe, who is waiting on him.
LO: We're not thirty seconds into this match being official and we've already got two titans battling it out on top of the ladder! Fantana and Krahe trading rights and lefts, and OH! Fantana with a knife edge chop, followed by another!
KO: Krahe is teetering on his half of the ladder, and Zack is unrelenting....OH! A short punch from Krahe to Zack's throat ceases the attack, and Krahe just bounces his skull off the top of the ladder. Zack just dropped two rungs!
While all of the focus is on the action in the ring, a bloodied Cross Recoba has managed to claw up to his feet, and he casts his glance towards the ring where his championship is in jeopardy. He haphazardly stumbles down the ramp, blood still pouring from the open wound on top of his head. He pauses just long enough to grab one of the smaller ladders, an eight footer, and slides into the ring before following it in. Neither of the men battling at the top of the large ladder notice him until he picks up the eight footer, still closed, and brings it crashing up between the legs of the ladder they are on. This results in the locks helping support the ladder to fold in, and Krahe and Fantana both looked down panicked, clinging to the now unstable steel beneath them to keep from falling the dangerous distance. Cross drops his ladder, and instead steps up to grab their ladder by either leg, pushing with all he's worth while both men try and work their way down the unstable structure. They make it halfway before Cross manages to tip the ladder over, and looks of shock come over their face as they are dislodged in mid-flight and both are hot-shotted across the top rope, which snaps them back hard to the canvas. The ladder bounces of the rope, and teeters back in Recoba's direction, who catches it, and proceeds to start setting it up again under the championship.
LO: Our first tumble of the night off the ladder, and now it's a bloodied champion who has control of the twenty foot ladder!
KO: Yeah, he might be able to get up there before the other two recover, but...he's moving awfully slow. He's lost a lot of blood here, and we're only about three minutes into this thing!
Recoba is forced to pause as he rounds the ladder to climb it, reaching up with one hand to try and wipe blood away from his eyes, while the other grips a rung of the ladder to help keep him upright. Finally, after precious time has ellapsed, he slowly starts the trek up the side of the ladder. Already, Fantana and Krahe are stirring, clawing at the ropes to try and regain their base. Recoba makes it halfway up when Fantana gets vertical, and he steps over woozily to grab Recoba by the back of his tights. Cross looks back through gritted teeth, and tries to kick at Fantana to shake him loose, but Zack manages to dodge the blows, even stepping up onto the ladder itself to put him out of position. With another step it brings him up to Recoba's waist, and he slips his head between the mans legs, lifts so that it forces Cross to loose his grip on the ladder, and then falls back in a nasty elevated electric chair drop!
LO: GOOD GOD CROSS RECOBA JUST GOT IMPACTED OFF THE CANVAS WITH THAT ONE!!
KO: Yeah, but LOOK! Krahe is coming over, and he just grabbed Zack Fantana by the back of his tights and his head, and tossed him right through the ropes to the concrete floor!
LO: Krahe now turning his attention to Recoba, and there were heated words this past week about his feelings for the UnYielding Champion! Krahe said that he wasn't just going to take the championship, but he was going to ensure that Cross Recoba was bumped all the way back to the bottom rung of the promotion!
Krahe pulls Recoba to his feet, and shoves him back into the nearby corner, rights and lefts coming to meet his unprotected face. The blows push Cross further and further into the turnbuckles until he begins to slide down, and finally falls into a seated position against the bottom, which forces Krahe to change tactics, and grab the top rope so he can stomp a mudhole in Recoba's chest! Meanwhile, Fantana finds his feet on the outside, and rather than engage with the two in the ring, he circles around to grab hold of one of the fifteen foot ladders. He hops up onto the ring apron, and pulls the ladder up so that it rests against the top rope, and then guides it along until the top slides between two of the rungs midway up the twenty foot ladder that still stands in the center of the ring.
LO: Zack Fantana is using the ladders like an erector set in the ring, and now he is gripping the top rope and springs up...AND IS USING THE ONE LADDER LIKE A PLATFORM TO THE ONE UNDER THE CHAMPIONSHIP!! He's already halfway there!
KO: Yeah, but that sudden outburst from the crowd just tipped Krahe off, and he looks back and is now aware of how this match is about to slip through his fingers!
Krahe quickly abandons Cross, who clutches at his battered chest in the corner as he continues to bleed, while Zachariah starts up the unplatformed side of the twenty foot ladder. Zack has already reached a sweet spot at the top, and his fingers paw at the championship just as Krahe scales up and buries a fist right in his gut. The blow causes Fantana to abandon the championship for a moment in lieu of doubling over, and Krahe continues firing in shots, giving him time to join him all the way at the top. An errant blow meant for Fantana's skull is suddenly ducked, and the off balance Krahe is met with right hands from Fantana that cause him to loose his footing.
LO: Krahe hanging precariously off the ladder now, and Fantana is.....is he speed bag punching Krahe with both fists?
KO: Sure as hell looks like it, Laur!
The Russian crowd are on their feet with cheers and laughter as Fantana's fist continue to roll off of Krahe's head. Despite the comedy of it, the repeated impacts have an effect, and Krahe falls one more rung down the ladder and looks dazed. Fantana, seeing this, reaches down and hooks Krahe around the head with is arm, while grabbing at a handful of jeans at his side while pulling him up to where they are level again.
LO: Oh no...Don't tell me he's going to do what I think he's going to do!
KO: Think about this Zack! It's going to hurt both of you!
The crowd is absolutely electric, and despite commentary's warning, Fantana yanks up and back, and both men go crashing to the ladder platform in an epic superplex from the top of the other.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! THEY ARE BROKEN IN HALF!
KO: And Recoba just sat there and watched it all, and he's now pulling himself to his feet by use of the ropes!
Recoba looks incensed as he comes up to a vertical base, watching as both men roll off the ladder they just painfully landed on and hit the mat on opposite sides of it. He steps past the erect ladder, and grabs the platform that Fantana had set up with the other, pulling it free and shoving it outside of the ring to clatter to the floor. Much to everyone's surprise, instead of trying to take this opportunity with both men down, he knocks the supports out from under the twenty foot ladder, and folds it up...lifts it, and carries it over to the far corner to put it in a leaning position.
LO: Cross Recoba has rearranged the furniture to his liking, and now turns his attention to the two men who still haven't gotten up after that nasty superplex to the steel!
KO: Look's like Krahe is first up on the list for continued pain, as Cross pulls him to his feet, and WHIPS HIM HARD RIGHT TOWARDS THE LADDER!
Krahe strikes the steel hard, bouncing away while clutching his back, only for Recoba to rush right in and take his head off with a massive clothesline! Krahe hits the canvas and on instinct starts rolling towards the ropes until he falls right off the edge of the ring to the floor below. Cross now turns his attention to Fantana, a snarl coming over his face as he jerks the man up to his feet, and then proceeds to Irish whip him towards the ladder as well. Fantana, however, before crashing at the ladder, leaps at it, landing safely on one of the middle rungs and springboarding backwards, twisting in mid air to catch the incoming Recoba with a cross body that crushes him into the mat!
LO: Zack Fantana with huge match presence there with that reversal, and he now see's that Zachariah Krahe is already getting to his feet on the outside.....He hits off the opposite ropes for spring, thunders across the ring, and SUICIDE DIVE THROUGH THE ROPES TO WIPE OUT KRAHE!
KO: Yeah, but both of them are down now...and Cross is already moving to get back up....smart man, he's going after the ladder....
LO: Uh..yeah, but he's not setting it up.....he's climbing it. What the hell is he doing?
KO: I don't know...but he's more than halfway up, and Krahe and Fantana are both getting to their feet on the outside...Oh No! CROSS!
LO: A MILLION LIRA DROPKICK FROM OFF THE LADDER DOWN ONTO BOTH KRAHE AND FANTANA, and now all three men in this match are down on the outside!
After several seconds have passed, Cross slowly crawls over to the steps to help get himself to his feet. By the time he turns around to face his opponents, Krahe is by the guardrail doing the same thing, and Zack is leaned up against the ring apron. All three men exchange glances, and then Fantana and Krahe's eyes meet, and a nod is exchanged. Both heads snap towards Recoba, whose eyes grow wide with shock, and hands flash out in front of him begging them off.
LO: Are we about to see an alliance between Zachariah Krahe and Zack Fantana?!?
KO: There are no alliances in a triple threat! It's every man for himself! THIS ISN'T FAIR, LAUR!
LO: Be that as it may, Cross Recoba just took off into a sprint and Fantana is giving pursuit, while Krahe just took off in the opposite direction to cut him off!
Recoba, realizing he's being boxed in, makes a sudden dash towards the ring, sliding in under the bottom rope and quickly getting to his feet. One one side of the ring, Zack Fantana hops up onto the ring apron, while on the opposite side, it's Krahe. Recoba's head shakes comically back and forth, putting an open palm in either man's direction, and trying his best to speak reason. As Fantana and Krahe both deftly slip into the ring, all of the times that Recoba had low blowed, beat down, or otherwise used every underhanded tactic in the book springs to mind in the St. Petersburg crowd, and they come alive when the two men rush in with fists a flying to beat down the current UnYielding Champion.
KO: This isn't RIGHT! It's a MUGGING!
LO: I think it's justice! Cross Recoba has made Zack Fantana's life a living hell ever since coming into this promotion, and although Zachariah Krahe has done some questionable things, he has proven that he is a man of his word, even if we don't always agree with it. Quite frankly, Cross Recoba has stolen from both of them just by being the snake in the grass that he is!
KO: Whatever! The Fox is an entrepreneur and a thinking man's wrestler! It's not his fault that Krahe got so butt hurt about being called a sell out after doing just that when he laid down after 7 Pillars, and Zack Fantana should have taken Recoba's interference as a God send! He has NEVER been more popular and loved than he is right now, and that's partially thanks to the foil that Cross Recoba provided him! And...and now just look at them!
Cross has been absolutely decimated in the ring between the violent punches from Krahe, and the savage boots by Fantana. Finally, with their work completed, the two men look at one another and give one last directive before this treaty between them is finished. Get this garbage out of the ring. Both men scoop the battered champion up to his feet, and with a running go toss him right up and over the top rope to crash on the concrete floor with a sickening thud.
LO: Well, that's that for Cross Recoba, and now the two men have returned to the center of the ring where they begin to circle....
KO: Are you kidding me? After all of that, they are just going to proceed with a good ole' fashioned wrestling match? GIVE ME A BREAK!
The two lock up in the center of the ring, and Zack performs a quick go behind on Krahe, but it is immediately answered with a back elbow that begs him off. When Fantana comes back in he's met with a sucker punch of a right hand that sends him sprawling back into one of the corners. Krahe wades in like he does, the familiar sight of rights and lefts lighting Zack up, but rather than be trapped like many of the times before, Fantana answers back with chops for every other hit, and manages to fight his way out. The two brawl all the way back to the center of the ring where they trade punches for chops, until finally a knee lift to Zack's gut cuts him off, and Krahe sends him towards the ropes.
LO: Fantana on his way back now and he ducks a discus clothesline attempt from Krahe and follows on through for another bounce....coming back a second time, and Krahe goes for a back elbow, but again Fantana ducks it. Krahe standing his ground in the center of the ring, and Fantana Baseball Slides Through His Legs To End Up Behind Him!
KO: Krahe spins around, and HIGH STANDING DROP KICK CATCHES HIM RIGHT IN THE FACE!
Krahe crashes to the canvas, but Fantana is right on him, pulling him up and pushing him into the ropes to send him off this time. When Krahe returns from the ropes, Fantana is there to meet him with a leaping headscissors, and a hurricanrana that spikes Zachariah's skull off the canvas. Fantana comes up on fire, and the fans are on their feet right along with him as he nods his head in build up. He makes his way over towards one of the corners, steps out onto the apron, and begins to climb to the top.
LO: Zack Fantana in control here, and he has momentum on his side....he may be looking to finish Zachariah Krahe off so he can set up that ladder and claim his prize!
KO: Well, he's perched up there, and we know he has high risk in his blood. Could we be about to see Lucid Dreams!
LO: I believe so, as Fantana stands at his full height, salutes the crowd...AND OH! FANTANA JUST BEAMED IN THE MIDSECTION BY A LADDER AND SENT CRASHING TO THE CONCRETE FLOOR ALL THE WAY FROM THE TOP!
KO: It's RECOBA! He's back up, and got another ladder in play on the outside!
Recoba looks a mess, struggling as he tosses the ladder he used to dislodge Fantana to the side, and reaching under the ring to produce what looks to be a short step ladder. He pushes it under the bottom rope, and joins Krahe in the ring, who slowly makes it up to his hands and knee's. Recoba rolls in, and gets to his feet while simultaneously scooping up the step ladder. He grips it much like someone would a steel chair, and before Krahe can make it to his feet, brings it crashing down into his spine. The Catalyst falls to the mat clutching his arched spine in pain, and Recoba walks right past him towards a corner, hopping up to the second with step ladder in two. Sitting on the top rope, he waits patiently for Krahe to roll over onto his back, and then leaps off with the step ladder high over his head, and brings it crashing down across Zachariah's head and chest.
LO: GOOD GOD! CROSS RECOBA WAS TRYING TO DECAPITATE THE CATALYST!
KO: Now that's ingenious use of a ladder! And LOOK! One of those rungs caught Krahe right in the forehead! Now it's his turn to bleed like a stuck pig!
Krahe sits up clutching his skull, blood oozing between his fingers from an open wound caused by the steel. Cross stalks around the ring like a rooster, a bloody mess himself, and the fans pour out their disdain in boo's and jeers. The Fox just laughs, tossing the step ladder out of the ring, and stepping over to the corner where the twenty foot ladder still remains leaning. He takes the ladder and muscles it out to the center of the ring, and proceeds to set it up under the championship despite the outcry of the crowd. With a deep breath, he places a boot on the first rung, and begins to make his ascent.
LO: Cross Recoba is uncontested in the ring at this time, Zachariah Krahe down on the mat, and Fantana down on the outside....don't tell me this bastard is going to retain!
KO: Why do you say it like that, Laur? This man has done nothing but use the rules of this match to get ahead here, and I think he's a great UnYielding champion!
LO: He's a villain, Ken! After everything he's put these two men through in the past several months, quite frankly, I'd rather have either one of them take home the gold than have to watch this insufferable man retain! If he wins here tonight, we'll never hear the end of it!
KO: Well, he's almost there, and there's nothing you can do about it!
LO: Not me....BUT MAYBE ZACK FANTANA, WHO JUST POPPED UP ON THE RING APRON! Fantana now leaps up to the top rope, AND FLIGHT OF FANTASY FOREARM TO CROSS RECOBA! Both men crash to the mat, and the ladder is left teetering in the center of the ring!
Recoba clutches the back of his skull from his fall to the canvas, while Zack grabs the bottom rung of the ladder to steady himself as he pushes up to his feet. He looks up at the championship, and the fans cheer wildly as he takes his first few steps up the ladder. Meanwhile, Krahe has managed to crawl all the way over to the opposite side where he was just biding his time, but now, seeing Fantana make his move, starts pulling himself up his side of the ladder. The two men meet at the top, much the same as they did at the start of this match, but the right hands they deliver to dislodge the other are much weaker, and delivered with exhausted fists.
LO: Fantana and Krahe trading blows, and it looks like any minute now one of these men is going to fall from the top of this ladder....
KO: Yeah, but look! Recoba is pulling himself up over by the ropes, and he's getting back in this thing!
LO: I can't believe it! Cross Recoba is climbing up the side of the ladder that Zack Fantana is on, and HE JUST YANKED FANTANA DOWN TO CRASH AGAINST THE MAT!
KO: Cross stepping up now to replace him, and he just got a fistful of Krahe's hair, and bounced his skull off the top rung! OH! Does it again!
Krahe looks punch drunk as Cross pulls at him to get him all the way to the top, and in a seated position on the top of the ladder. With both of Krahe's legs now on his side, he hooks them with both arms, locking them behind his knee's, and then headbutts the man in the face causing him to fall back, his back being stretched across the top of the ladder in a grotesque modified version of Recoba's standing Boston Crab.
LO: ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME!
KO: CROSS RECOBA HAS LOCKED IN GARIBALDI'S GUILLOTINE ON TOP OF THE FREAKING LADDER!
LO: And Zachariah Krahe's back is being ravaged across the top of that steel, and Cross is really hamming it up, screaming for Krahe to tap! God, if he lets Krahe go from this position the fall might break his damn neck!
Krahe cries out in pain as Cross continues to obnoxiously demand his submission, while the crowd, despite hating Cross, are on their feet in excitement to see what happens next. While Krahe is being stretched to the max, Fantana has already pulled himself up. He quickly steps around to the side of the ladder where Krahe is essentially upside down, and begins to climb up and around the man. Cross starts shaking his head 'No', realizing that if he lets go of Krahe, then he will also fall backwards as he is leaned back away from the ladder with both of his arms occupied with Zachariah's legs. Fantana grins, leap frogs over the top rung of the ladder, and catches Cross Recoba with a leg lariat that forces him free from the ladder. Both men come crashing down to the mat far below, with all of Fantana's weight landing right on top of Recoba. Despite having the UnYielding champion to land on, Fantana clutches at his lower back, his tailbone taking much of the impact.
LO: GOD ALMIGHTY! Cross Recoba might have internal injuries after that! And Zack Fantana might have to where a butt pad for the next several months!
KO: Yeah, but look at the top of the ladder.....
When Fantana nailed Cross with the leg lariat, Cross never fully let go of Krahe's legs, helping to catapult the Catalyst back to a seated position on the top rung of the ladder. From that position he stares down at the current UnYielding Champion, and a former UnYielding Champion, both down on the mat. With blood pouring from his wound, his eyes slowly lift up to the championship that is just fingertips away, and with shaky exhausted arms he lifts his hands up to clutch at the strap and pull it free. The fans come to their feet, some in surprise, some in adulation, and those who still can't get past 7 Pillars and love for Zack Fantana, with boo's. Krahe doesn't seem to hear any of it, staring down at the championship belt as the bell sounds, and the ring announcer calls out.
Ring Announcer: And the winner of this match, and NEW UNYIELDING CHAMPION.......ZACHARIAH KRAHE!!
Fantana stares up at the sight in shock, and then shakes his head in disbelief considering it was he who took out Cross, just for the other man to take advantage and gain the championship. Cross Recoba, on the other hand, looks completely washed out, and medical trainers rush down to the ring to check on The Fox. Krahe atop the ladder can't help but chuckle, and finally looks up to acknowledge this crowd, lifting the championship above his head for all the misfits in the audience.
LO: Zachariah Krahe has done it, and is now a three time UnYielding Champion!
KO: I...Damn that Zack Fantana!
LO: What?!?
KO: That fool just had to take out Cross Recoba, and now look.....it's cost them both!
LO: Maybe so, but Zachariah Krahe lived up to his nick name in this one. In a way, its sort of fitting. He was the catalyst for this whole issue over the title, going all the way back to 7 Pillars, and now he's the one to put the finish on this chapter here at Equinox.
KO: Well, when you put it like that....
LO: But folks, we're not done...not by a long shot. The Apex Championship will be decided next!
Krahe continues to celebrate atop the ladder as Recoba is helped out by the medical staff. Fantana makes it all the way to the top of the ramp until turning to look back at the ring one final time, hands on his hip and disappointment on his face. Finally he just shrugs and shakes his head before exiting the ring. The camera gets another shot of Krahe clutching the belt to his chest as he climbs down the ladder.
The lights dim in the arena and a silver spotlight illuminates the entrance way which fills with smoke as 'Beat The Devil's Tatoo' by BRMC hit's over the PA System. The crowd gives a mixed reaction to Zachariah Krahe as he strolls out from behind the curtain, the smoke and silver light giving off the illusion that he's walking in moonlight. He's wearing leather pants and a white wife beater, and a pair of ornate biker boots. He pauses at the top of the stage to regard the fans with a lazy smile, when from out of nowhere, Rex Rumble appears to ruin his smooth entrance. Krahe's eyebrow's go up, and as Rex whispers something in his ear, a cheshire grin spreads across his face. He nods to the wild eyed maniac, and Rumble disappears once again, only to return with Cross Recoba's titanium cane. He passes it off to Krahe to a torrid of cheers, and he acknowledges the crowd with a tip of his neon cowboy hat before disappearing again. Krahe can't contain his mirth, as he chokes up on the cane, and then starts his way down to the ring.
Ring Announcer: Introducing first, making his way to the ring from Hell, Michigan, he stands at six foot three and weights in at 242 pounds...He is a former two time VPW UnYielding Champion, 'THE CATALYST' ZACHARIAH KRAHHHEEE!!
Krahe reaches ringside, and spots a group of oddly dressed fans in the front row. He saunters over, allowing the trio to take a selfie with him, and then takes one last drag from the cigarette before removing it from his mouth and placing it in the girls with a wink. With that, he turns and hops up onto the apron, swinging himself into the ring in one fluid motion, and takes a corner where he casually rests against the turnbuckles stroking the cane.
KO: Now what the hell was that?
LO: Looks like that meeting of the minds earlier between Krahe and Rumble was a little more mischief orchestrated by the Catalyst. I mean, flowers and balloons to Fantana, stealing Cross Recoba's cane. Seems like one sure fire way to mess with your opponents heads to me!
KO: It's larceny is what it is! That cane probably cost more than Zachariah Krahe's HOUSE!
LO: Come on, Ken. You're telling me that you don't see the genius of this? He's working them before they've even stepped foot in the ring...
KO: Yeah, we'll see how worked he is when Cross Recoba gets out here!
The entire mood changes when 'Lucid Dreams' cries out over the arena, and the fans all come to their feet in an explosion of cheers. Zack Fantana needs no pyro, instead bursting through the curtain to rush out onto the stage in a confident strut. He pauses at the edge of the ramp, body rocking with the music, as he does a slow turn with his hands over his eyes so he can see the entirety of the capacity crowd that is now chanting his name. Once making a full rotation he gives a curt point toward the ring, and a coy grin comes over his face as he begins to strut down the ramp.
Ring Announcer: And making his way to the ring, he stands at six foot and weights in at 205 pounds...Hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania....He is a former VPW UnYielding Champion, and the Leader of FANTANASY...ZACK FANTANAAAA!!
Zack has made it halfway down the ramp when Cross Recoba appears rushing in from behind, the UnYielding Championship raised to nail Fantana in the back. The belt smacks him square in the back of the head, sending him stumbling down to the steel ramp, and the fans give outcry to the treachery as Cross uses the belt to whip Fantana!
LO: Cross Recoba has laid Zack Fantana out on the ramp, and now is wearing the man out with the championship belt! What a son of a..
KO: Genius! This guy is a genius! He isn't even giving Zack Fantana a chance to enter this match, leaving only Zachariah Krahe to deal with as the night goes on!
LO: Speaking of Krahe, he just seemed to notice when the lights came up to full that something's going on. He's rushing out of the ring with Recoba's cane in hand!
Krahe sprints up the ramp to where Recoba still has Fantana compromised, but 'The Fox' hears the crowd reaction, and instinctively spins around with the belt to try and take Krahe's head off. Zach ducks the move, however, and when Cross spins back to face him he walks right into his own cane to the midsection which doubles him over. Krahe quickly abandons the cane, double underhooks his arms, and then slams straight down to the steel with Recoba's skull getting the worst of it.
LO: CATALYST DDT TO RECOBA!! And look at this.....the match hasn't even officially started, and Krahe has both men laid out at his feet!
KO: Oh No....and LOOK! Cross is busted open already!
Recobe reaches up to free flowing blood from a gash in his hairline thanks to the DDT on the steel grating. Krahe takes a moment to survey all the damage, and then as if on the hustle, scoops up the UnYielding title and takes off back towards the ring. He tosses the belt up to Caputo, and then makes a B-line right for one of the ladders lying around ringside. By the time Caputo has the belt fastened to the lift, Krahe already has one end of the ladder angled into the ring, and he's pushing for all he's worth to get the other in. When the title is hoisted up to the appropriate height, the lead referee signals for the bell.
KO: What in the hell does Caputo think she's doing? She can't start this match!
LO: And why not?
KO: Because two thirds of the participants haven't even made it into the ring yet, including the freakin' CHAMPION!
LO: Well, it looks like it's her prerogative, and Zachariah Krahe is joining the ladder he brought into the ring to get it set up...
KO: This is a damn travesty! Come on Cross!
Krahe lifts the ladder, and opens it up, locking the leg bars in place. He then adjusts it to where it's directly under the hanging belt, and starts to frantically climb the twenty feet. The fans are on their feet in excitement, not really believing that the match could end so abruptly. Their fears are unwarranted as Zack Fantana rushes onto the scene, leaping up to the apron, and then springing to the top and soar to amazingly land on the other side of the ladder. The cheers are nearly fanatical as he scrambles to the top to meet Krahe, who is waiting on him.
LO: We're not thirty seconds into this match being official and we've already got two titans battling it out on top of the ladder! Fantana and Krahe trading rights and lefts, and OH! Fantana with a knife edge chop, followed by another!
KO: Krahe is teetering on his half of the ladder, and Zack is unrelenting....OH! A short punch from Krahe to Zack's throat ceases the attack, and Krahe just bounces his skull off the top of the ladder. Zack just dropped two rungs!
While all of the focus is on the action in the ring, a bloodied Cross Recoba has managed to claw up to his feet, and he casts his glance towards the ring where his championship is in jeopardy. He haphazardly stumbles down the ramp, blood still pouring from the open wound on top of his head. He pauses just long enough to grab one of the smaller ladders, an eight footer, and slides into the ring before following it in. Neither of the men battling at the top of the large ladder notice him until he picks up the eight footer, still closed, and brings it crashing up between the legs of the ladder they are on. This results in the locks helping support the ladder to fold in, and Krahe and Fantana both looked down panicked, clinging to the now unstable steel beneath them to keep from falling the dangerous distance. Cross drops his ladder, and instead steps up to grab their ladder by either leg, pushing with all he's worth while both men try and work their way down the unstable structure. They make it halfway before Cross manages to tip the ladder over, and looks of shock come over their face as they are dislodged in mid-flight and both are hot-shotted across the top rope, which snaps them back hard to the canvas. The ladder bounces of the rope, and teeters back in Recoba's direction, who catches it, and proceeds to start setting it up again under the championship.
LO: Our first tumble of the night off the ladder, and now it's a bloodied champion who has control of the twenty foot ladder!
KO: Yeah, he might be able to get up there before the other two recover, but...he's moving awfully slow. He's lost a lot of blood here, and we're only about three minutes into this thing!
Recoba is forced to pause as he rounds the ladder to climb it, reaching up with one hand to try and wipe blood away from his eyes, while the other grips a rung of the ladder to help keep him upright. Finally, after precious time has ellapsed, he slowly starts the trek up the side of the ladder. Already, Fantana and Krahe are stirring, clawing at the ropes to try and regain their base. Recoba makes it halfway up when Fantana gets vertical, and he steps over woozily to grab Recoba by the back of his tights. Cross looks back through gritted teeth, and tries to kick at Fantana to shake him loose, but Zack manages to dodge the blows, even stepping up onto the ladder itself to put him out of position. With another step it brings him up to Recoba's waist, and he slips his head between the mans legs, lifts so that it forces Cross to loose his grip on the ladder, and then falls back in a nasty elevated electric chair drop!
LO: GOOD GOD CROSS RECOBA JUST GOT IMPACTED OFF THE CANVAS WITH THAT ONE!!
KO: Yeah, but LOOK! Krahe is coming over, and he just grabbed Zack Fantana by the back of his tights and his head, and tossed him right through the ropes to the concrete floor!
LO: Krahe now turning his attention to Recoba, and there were heated words this past week about his feelings for the UnYielding Champion! Krahe said that he wasn't just going to take the championship, but he was going to ensure that Cross Recoba was bumped all the way back to the bottom rung of the promotion!
Krahe pulls Recoba to his feet, and shoves him back into the nearby corner, rights and lefts coming to meet his unprotected face. The blows push Cross further and further into the turnbuckles until he begins to slide down, and finally falls into a seated position against the bottom, which forces Krahe to change tactics, and grab the top rope so he can stomp a mudhole in Recoba's chest! Meanwhile, Fantana finds his feet on the outside, and rather than engage with the two in the ring, he circles around to grab hold of one of the fifteen foot ladders. He hops up onto the ring apron, and pulls the ladder up so that it rests against the top rope, and then guides it along until the top slides between two of the rungs midway up the twenty foot ladder that still stands in the center of the ring.
LO: Zack Fantana is using the ladders like an erector set in the ring, and now he is gripping the top rope and springs up...AND IS USING THE ONE LADDER LIKE A PLATFORM TO THE ONE UNDER THE CHAMPIONSHIP!! He's already halfway there!
KO: Yeah, but that sudden outburst from the crowd just tipped Krahe off, and he looks back and is now aware of how this match is about to slip through his fingers!
Krahe quickly abandons Cross, who clutches at his battered chest in the corner as he continues to bleed, while Zachariah starts up the unplatformed side of the twenty foot ladder. Zack has already reached a sweet spot at the top, and his fingers paw at the championship just as Krahe scales up and buries a fist right in his gut. The blow causes Fantana to abandon the championship for a moment in lieu of doubling over, and Krahe continues firing in shots, giving him time to join him all the way at the top. An errant blow meant for Fantana's skull is suddenly ducked, and the off balance Krahe is met with right hands from Fantana that cause him to loose his footing.
LO: Krahe hanging precariously off the ladder now, and Fantana is.....is he speed bag punching Krahe with both fists?
KO: Sure as hell looks like it, Laur!
The Russian crowd are on their feet with cheers and laughter as Fantana's fist continue to roll off of Krahe's head. Despite the comedy of it, the repeated impacts have an effect, and Krahe falls one more rung down the ladder and looks dazed. Fantana, seeing this, reaches down and hooks Krahe around the head with is arm, while grabbing at a handful of jeans at his side while pulling him up to where they are level again.
LO: Oh no...Don't tell me he's going to do what I think he's going to do!
KO: Think about this Zack! It's going to hurt both of you!
The crowd is absolutely electric, and despite commentary's warning, Fantana yanks up and back, and both men go crashing to the ladder platform in an epic superplex from the top of the other.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! THEY ARE BROKEN IN HALF!
KO: And Recoba just sat there and watched it all, and he's now pulling himself to his feet by use of the ropes!
Recoba looks incensed as he comes up to a vertical base, watching as both men roll off the ladder they just painfully landed on and hit the mat on opposite sides of it. He steps past the erect ladder, and grabs the platform that Fantana had set up with the other, pulling it free and shoving it outside of the ring to clatter to the floor. Much to everyone's surprise, instead of trying to take this opportunity with both men down, he knocks the supports out from under the twenty foot ladder, and folds it up...lifts it, and carries it over to the far corner to put it in a leaning position.
LO: Cross Recoba has rearranged the furniture to his liking, and now turns his attention to the two men who still haven't gotten up after that nasty superplex to the steel!
KO: Look's like Krahe is first up on the list for continued pain, as Cross pulls him to his feet, and WHIPS HIM HARD RIGHT TOWARDS THE LADDER!
Krahe strikes the steel hard, bouncing away while clutching his back, only for Recoba to rush right in and take his head off with a massive clothesline! Krahe hits the canvas and on instinct starts rolling towards the ropes until he falls right off the edge of the ring to the floor below. Cross now turns his attention to Fantana, a snarl coming over his face as he jerks the man up to his feet, and then proceeds to Irish whip him towards the ladder as well. Fantana, however, before crashing at the ladder, leaps at it, landing safely on one of the middle rungs and springboarding backwards, twisting in mid air to catch the incoming Recoba with a cross body that crushes him into the mat!
LO: Zack Fantana with huge match presence there with that reversal, and he now see's that Zachariah Krahe is already getting to his feet on the outside.....He hits off the opposite ropes for spring, thunders across the ring, and SUICIDE DIVE THROUGH THE ROPES TO WIPE OUT KRAHE!
KO: Yeah, but both of them are down now...and Cross is already moving to get back up....smart man, he's going after the ladder....
LO: Uh..yeah, but he's not setting it up.....he's climbing it. What the hell is he doing?
KO: I don't know...but he's more than halfway up, and Krahe and Fantana are both getting to their feet on the outside...Oh No! CROSS!
LO: A MILLION LIRA DROPKICK FROM OFF THE LADDER DOWN ONTO BOTH KRAHE AND FANTANA, and now all three men in this match are down on the outside!
After several seconds have passed, Cross slowly crawls over to the steps to help get himself to his feet. By the time he turns around to face his opponents, Krahe is by the guardrail doing the same thing, and Zack is leaned up against the ring apron. All three men exchange glances, and then Fantana and Krahe's eyes meet, and a nod is exchanged. Both heads snap towards Recoba, whose eyes grow wide with shock, and hands flash out in front of him begging them off.
LO: Are we about to see an alliance between Zachariah Krahe and Zack Fantana?!?
KO: There are no alliances in a triple threat! It's every man for himself! THIS ISN'T FAIR, LAUR!
LO: Be that as it may, Cross Recoba just took off into a sprint and Fantana is giving pursuit, while Krahe just took off in the opposite direction to cut him off!
Recoba, realizing he's being boxed in, makes a sudden dash towards the ring, sliding in under the bottom rope and quickly getting to his feet. One one side of the ring, Zack Fantana hops up onto the ring apron, while on the opposite side, it's Krahe. Recoba's head shakes comically back and forth, putting an open palm in either man's direction, and trying his best to speak reason. As Fantana and Krahe both deftly slip into the ring, all of the times that Recoba had low blowed, beat down, or otherwise used every underhanded tactic in the book springs to mind in the St. Petersburg crowd, and they come alive when the two men rush in with fists a flying to beat down the current UnYielding Champion.
KO: This isn't RIGHT! It's a MUGGING!
LO: I think it's justice! Cross Recoba has made Zack Fantana's life a living hell ever since coming into this promotion, and although Zachariah Krahe has done some questionable things, he has proven that he is a man of his word, even if we don't always agree with it. Quite frankly, Cross Recoba has stolen from both of them just by being the snake in the grass that he is!
KO: Whatever! The Fox is an entrepreneur and a thinking man's wrestler! It's not his fault that Krahe got so butt hurt about being called a sell out after doing just that when he laid down after 7 Pillars, and Zack Fantana should have taken Recoba's interference as a God send! He has NEVER been more popular and loved than he is right now, and that's partially thanks to the foil that Cross Recoba provided him! And...and now just look at them!
Cross has been absolutely decimated in the ring between the violent punches from Krahe, and the savage boots by Fantana. Finally, with their work completed, the two men look at one another and give one last directive before this treaty between them is finished. Get this garbage out of the ring. Both men scoop the battered champion up to his feet, and with a running go toss him right up and over the top rope to crash on the concrete floor with a sickening thud.
LO: Well, that's that for Cross Recoba, and now the two men have returned to the center of the ring where they begin to circle....
KO: Are you kidding me? After all of that, they are just going to proceed with a good ole' fashioned wrestling match? GIVE ME A BREAK!
The two lock up in the center of the ring, and Zack performs a quick go behind on Krahe, but it is immediately answered with a back elbow that begs him off. When Fantana comes back in he's met with a sucker punch of a right hand that sends him sprawling back into one of the corners. Krahe wades in like he does, the familiar sight of rights and lefts lighting Zack up, but rather than be trapped like many of the times before, Fantana answers back with chops for every other hit, and manages to fight his way out. The two brawl all the way back to the center of the ring where they trade punches for chops, until finally a knee lift to Zack's gut cuts him off, and Krahe sends him towards the ropes.
LO: Fantana on his way back now and he ducks a discus clothesline attempt from Krahe and follows on through for another bounce....coming back a second time, and Krahe goes for a back elbow, but again Fantana ducks it. Krahe standing his ground in the center of the ring, and Fantana Baseball Slides Through His Legs To End Up Behind Him!
KO: Krahe spins around, and HIGH STANDING DROP KICK CATCHES HIM RIGHT IN THE FACE!
Krahe crashes to the canvas, but Fantana is right on him, pulling him up and pushing him into the ropes to send him off this time. When Krahe returns from the ropes, Fantana is there to meet him with a leaping headscissors, and a hurricanrana that spikes Zachariah's skull off the canvas. Fantana comes up on fire, and the fans are on their feet right along with him as he nods his head in build up. He makes his way over towards one of the corners, steps out onto the apron, and begins to climb to the top.
LO: Zack Fantana in control here, and he has momentum on his side....he may be looking to finish Zachariah Krahe off so he can set up that ladder and claim his prize!
KO: Well, he's perched up there, and we know he has high risk in his blood. Could we be about to see Lucid Dreams!
LO: I believe so, as Fantana stands at his full height, salutes the crowd...AND OH! FANTANA JUST BEAMED IN THE MIDSECTION BY A LADDER AND SENT CRASHING TO THE CONCRETE FLOOR ALL THE WAY FROM THE TOP!
KO: It's RECOBA! He's back up, and got another ladder in play on the outside!
Recoba looks a mess, struggling as he tosses the ladder he used to dislodge Fantana to the side, and reaching under the ring to produce what looks to be a short step ladder. He pushes it under the bottom rope, and joins Krahe in the ring, who slowly makes it up to his hands and knee's. Recoba rolls in, and gets to his feet while simultaneously scooping up the step ladder. He grips it much like someone would a steel chair, and before Krahe can make it to his feet, brings it crashing down into his spine. The Catalyst falls to the mat clutching his arched spine in pain, and Recoba walks right past him towards a corner, hopping up to the second with step ladder in two. Sitting on the top rope, he waits patiently for Krahe to roll over onto his back, and then leaps off with the step ladder high over his head, and brings it crashing down across Zachariah's head and chest.
LO: GOOD GOD! CROSS RECOBA WAS TRYING TO DECAPITATE THE CATALYST!
KO: Now that's ingenious use of a ladder! And LOOK! One of those rungs caught Krahe right in the forehead! Now it's his turn to bleed like a stuck pig!
Krahe sits up clutching his skull, blood oozing between his fingers from an open wound caused by the steel. Cross stalks around the ring like a rooster, a bloody mess himself, and the fans pour out their disdain in boo's and jeers. The Fox just laughs, tossing the step ladder out of the ring, and stepping over to the corner where the twenty foot ladder still remains leaning. He takes the ladder and muscles it out to the center of the ring, and proceeds to set it up under the championship despite the outcry of the crowd. With a deep breath, he places a boot on the first rung, and begins to make his ascent.
LO: Cross Recoba is uncontested in the ring at this time, Zachariah Krahe down on the mat, and Fantana down on the outside....don't tell me this bastard is going to retain!
KO: Why do you say it like that, Laur? This man has done nothing but use the rules of this match to get ahead here, and I think he's a great UnYielding champion!
LO: He's a villain, Ken! After everything he's put these two men through in the past several months, quite frankly, I'd rather have either one of them take home the gold than have to watch this insufferable man retain! If he wins here tonight, we'll never hear the end of it!
KO: Well, he's almost there, and there's nothing you can do about it!
LO: Not me....BUT MAYBE ZACK FANTANA, WHO JUST POPPED UP ON THE RING APRON! Fantana now leaps up to the top rope, AND FLIGHT OF FANTASY FOREARM TO CROSS RECOBA! Both men crash to the mat, and the ladder is left teetering in the center of the ring!
Recoba clutches the back of his skull from his fall to the canvas, while Zack grabs the bottom rung of the ladder to steady himself as he pushes up to his feet. He looks up at the championship, and the fans cheer wildly as he takes his first few steps up the ladder. Meanwhile, Krahe has managed to crawl all the way over to the opposite side where he was just biding his time, but now, seeing Fantana make his move, starts pulling himself up his side of the ladder. The two men meet at the top, much the same as they did at the start of this match, but the right hands they deliver to dislodge the other are much weaker, and delivered with exhausted fists.
LO: Fantana and Krahe trading blows, and it looks like any minute now one of these men is going to fall from the top of this ladder....
KO: Yeah, but look! Recoba is pulling himself up over by the ropes, and he's getting back in this thing!
LO: I can't believe it! Cross Recoba is climbing up the side of the ladder that Zack Fantana is on, and HE JUST YANKED FANTANA DOWN TO CRASH AGAINST THE MAT!
KO: Cross stepping up now to replace him, and he just got a fistful of Krahe's hair, and bounced his skull off the top rung! OH! Does it again!
Krahe looks punch drunk as Cross pulls at him to get him all the way to the top, and in a seated position on the top of the ladder. With both of Krahe's legs now on his side, he hooks them with both arms, locking them behind his knee's, and then headbutts the man in the face causing him to fall back, his back being stretched across the top of the ladder in a grotesque modified version of Recoba's standing Boston Crab.
LO: ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME!
KO: CROSS RECOBA HAS LOCKED IN GARIBALDI'S GUILLOTINE ON TOP OF THE FREAKING LADDER!
LO: And Zachariah Krahe's back is being ravaged across the top of that steel, and Cross is really hamming it up, screaming for Krahe to tap! God, if he lets Krahe go from this position the fall might break his damn neck!
Krahe cries out in pain as Cross continues to obnoxiously demand his submission, while the crowd, despite hating Cross, are on their feet in excitement to see what happens next. While Krahe is being stretched to the max, Fantana has already pulled himself up. He quickly steps around to the side of the ladder where Krahe is essentially upside down, and begins to climb up and around the man. Cross starts shaking his head 'No', realizing that if he lets go of Krahe, then he will also fall backwards as he is leaned back away from the ladder with both of his arms occupied with Zachariah's legs. Fantana grins, leap frogs over the top rung of the ladder, and catches Cross Recoba with a leg lariat that forces him free from the ladder. Both men come crashing down to the mat far below, with all of Fantana's weight landing right on top of Recoba. Despite having the UnYielding champion to land on, Fantana clutches at his lower back, his tailbone taking much of the impact.
LO: GOD ALMIGHTY! Cross Recoba might have internal injuries after that! And Zack Fantana might have to where a butt pad for the next several months!
KO: Yeah, but look at the top of the ladder.....
When Fantana nailed Cross with the leg lariat, Cross never fully let go of Krahe's legs, helping to catapult the Catalyst back to a seated position on the top rung of the ladder. From that position he stares down at the current UnYielding Champion, and a former UnYielding Champion, both down on the mat. With blood pouring from his wound, his eyes slowly lift up to the championship that is just fingertips away, and with shaky exhausted arms he lifts his hands up to clutch at the strap and pull it free. The fans come to their feet, some in surprise, some in adulation, and those who still can't get past 7 Pillars and love for Zack Fantana, with boo's. Krahe doesn't seem to hear any of it, staring down at the championship belt as the bell sounds, and the ring announcer calls out.
Ring Announcer: And the winner of this match, and NEW UNYIELDING CHAMPION.......ZACHARIAH KRAHE!!
Fantana stares up at the sight in shock, and then shakes his head in disbelief considering it was he who took out Cross, just for the other man to take advantage and gain the championship. Cross Recoba, on the other hand, looks completely washed out, and medical trainers rush down to the ring to check on The Fox. Krahe atop the ladder can't help but chuckle, and finally looks up to acknowledge this crowd, lifting the championship above his head for all the misfits in the audience.
LO: Zachariah Krahe has done it, and is now a three time UnYielding Champion!
KO: I...Damn that Zack Fantana!
LO: What?!?
KO: That fool just had to take out Cross Recoba, and now look.....it's cost them both!
LO: Maybe so, but Zachariah Krahe lived up to his nick name in this one. In a way, its sort of fitting. He was the catalyst for this whole issue over the title, going all the way back to 7 Pillars, and now he's the one to put the finish on this chapter here at Equinox.
KO: Well, when you put it like that....
LO: But folks, we're not done...not by a long shot. The Apex Championship will be decided next!
Krahe continues to celebrate atop the ladder as Recoba is helped out by the medical staff. Fantana makes it all the way to the top of the ramp until turning to look back at the ring one final time, hands on his hip and disappointment on his face. Finally he just shrugs and shakes his head before exiting the ring. The camera gets another shot of Krahe clutching the belt to his chest as he climbs down the ladder.
The view of Krahe climbing down the ladder shifts to that on a screen, mounted on a wall inside of the temporary office of VPW General Manager Vanessa Byrne. Across the mahogany desk sits Dugan Callahan, both of them watch the match end.
Dugan Callahan: Looks like the kids have earned their paychecks tonight, eh? Hell of a match. Glad it’s over…
Vanessa Byrne tweaks an eyebrow with a smirk and lights a slim cigarette, blowing the smoke casually into the air.
Vanessa Byrne: As long as the seats are full, Dugan.
She mutes the screen without looking at it, turning to face the man she’s known much of her life.
Vanessa Byrne: Which brings us to the small matter of what comes next. Thoughts?
Dugan’s eyebrow shoots up comically, but he doesn’t immediately respond with anything other than pouring himself some of the brown liquid sitting on the desk. He raises his glass and takes a sip, knowing that her gaze is still on him, and after a sigh he turns his attention back to the boss.
Dugan Callahan: Well, there’s always that Lethal Lottery idea…
It’s a faint scoff she breathes her nose amid the menthol smoke, leaning back with a half-hearted snicker.
Vanessa Byrne: Leave it up to divine providence for these fools not to somehow mess things up? I don’t think so.
She puffed gingerly on the cigarette and eyed Dugan with consideration.
Vanessa Byrne: And we still don’t have a lead into the U.S. So we stay international for now.
She thought aloud, her eyes drifting to the essay penned by Vannah White on her desk.
Vanessa Byrne: What about tag teams?
Dugan chuckles a bit, noticing the essay after her eyes lingers over it. He had read the document himself, and while agreeing with the assessment for today’s wrestling scene, tag teams had meant a completely different thing back in his day.
Dugan Callahan: Well, we’ve got three of them.
Byrne’s eyebrows furrow in mock frustration at the man, and he waves her off with another sip of his drink before continuing.
Dugan Callahan: But we could do a tournament. They seem to be popular in all the other places. Anyone that’s a legit tag team is automatically entered….anyone that isn’t….
He grins conspiratorially.
Dugan Callahan: Lethal Lottery....
There is a gleam in her eyes as she exhales minty smoke once more with a vague chuckle.
Vanessa Byrne: Why, Mister Callahan, I thought being the bad cop was my job?
Another drag of the cigarette before she excitedly butts the cigarette out into an ornate crystal ashtray.
Vanessa Byrne: You read my mind, darling. It’s perfect. They can either partner up… or let fate do it. And we have our next super show all lined up. “Tag Team Titans” or something equally asinine for the masses to chew on.
Dugan Callahan: When do you want to go into production?
Vanessa eyed him, both of them, as per usual, on the same wavelength.
Vanessa Byrne: As soon as heavenly possible. How about by next Blitz?
Dugan chuckles, but nods, finishing the brown liquid in his glass and setting it on the table in front of him. He moves to stand up, and adds just before exiting.
Dugan Callahan: I guess I better get started.
A smirk creeps onto her lips as she leans back in her seat, shifting in the leather executive’s chair towards the projection television screen and presses unmute on the remote in anticipation of the Main Event.
Dugan Callahan: Looks like the kids have earned their paychecks tonight, eh? Hell of a match. Glad it’s over…
Vanessa Byrne tweaks an eyebrow with a smirk and lights a slim cigarette, blowing the smoke casually into the air.
Vanessa Byrne: As long as the seats are full, Dugan.
She mutes the screen without looking at it, turning to face the man she’s known much of her life.
Vanessa Byrne: Which brings us to the small matter of what comes next. Thoughts?
Dugan’s eyebrow shoots up comically, but he doesn’t immediately respond with anything other than pouring himself some of the brown liquid sitting on the desk. He raises his glass and takes a sip, knowing that her gaze is still on him, and after a sigh he turns his attention back to the boss.
Dugan Callahan: Well, there’s always that Lethal Lottery idea…
It’s a faint scoff she breathes her nose amid the menthol smoke, leaning back with a half-hearted snicker.
Vanessa Byrne: Leave it up to divine providence for these fools not to somehow mess things up? I don’t think so.
She puffed gingerly on the cigarette and eyed Dugan with consideration.
Vanessa Byrne: And we still don’t have a lead into the U.S. So we stay international for now.
She thought aloud, her eyes drifting to the essay penned by Vannah White on her desk.
Vanessa Byrne: What about tag teams?
Dugan chuckles a bit, noticing the essay after her eyes lingers over it. He had read the document himself, and while agreeing with the assessment for today’s wrestling scene, tag teams had meant a completely different thing back in his day.
Dugan Callahan: Well, we’ve got three of them.
Byrne’s eyebrows furrow in mock frustration at the man, and he waves her off with another sip of his drink before continuing.
Dugan Callahan: But we could do a tournament. They seem to be popular in all the other places. Anyone that’s a legit tag team is automatically entered….anyone that isn’t….
He grins conspiratorially.
Dugan Callahan: Lethal Lottery....
There is a gleam in her eyes as she exhales minty smoke once more with a vague chuckle.
Vanessa Byrne: Why, Mister Callahan, I thought being the bad cop was my job?
Another drag of the cigarette before she excitedly butts the cigarette out into an ornate crystal ashtray.
Vanessa Byrne: You read my mind, darling. It’s perfect. They can either partner up… or let fate do it. And we have our next super show all lined up. “Tag Team Titans” or something equally asinine for the masses to chew on.
Dugan Callahan: When do you want to go into production?
Vanessa eyed him, both of them, as per usual, on the same wavelength.
Vanessa Byrne: As soon as heavenly possible. How about by next Blitz?
Dugan chuckles, but nods, finishing the brown liquid in his glass and setting it on the table in front of him. He moves to stand up, and adds just before exiting.
Dugan Callahan: I guess I better get started.
A smirk creeps onto her lips as she leans back in her seat, shifting in the leather executive’s chair towards the projection television screen and presses unmute on the remote in anticipation of the Main Event.
Main Event
LO: Did I hear what I think I just heard?
KO: Sounds like a bunch of singles wrestlers are probably about to get pissed off....cause they are going to get Lethal Lottoed into partnerships with strangers!
LO: So we're going to finally have Chimera Tag Champions...and at the next big super show! I guess Neo Tokyo and The Trendsetters were right! They are going to start the tag revolution here in Valor Pro.
KO: Well lets not count our chickens before they hatch....cause we've got an Apex Championshp match to think about...Generic Ring Announcer, Give me them particulars...
Ring Announcer: The following contest is your Main Event of the evening, and is a Last Man Standing Match for the APEX CHAMPIONSHIP!!
'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 when a burst of gold pyro fires off on either side of the stage, and 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 the General Managers 'Champion of Choice'....'THE GRAPS JESUS' COSMO COOOOOPPPPPEERRRR!!
Cooper reaches ringside and falls back into the guard rails in his usual way, the fans all clamoring to pat him on the back and cheer him on. He laughs and pushes off the steel to run and leap up onto the apron, vaulting over the ropes to enter the ring and drops to one knee, throwing his hands over his head and talking mad shit.
LO: I think it's fair to say that these fans love Cosmo Cooper!
KO: And what's not to love, Laur. The guy is a Champion of Choice for a reason, and here tonight he could go on to take another top prize to add to his already outstanding collection..
LO: Maybe so, but the man he faces will not make that task easy, because he wants this just as bad, if not more so.
'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!!!
Brennan stares down from the stage with an arrogant grin, dusting his shoulder off before starting his strut down to the ring. A fan at ringside holds up a sign that says 'Cosmo Cooper for Life' and Brennan snatches it out of his hands, and rips it up in front of him, throwing the bits of paper back in the fans face. This brings a boo from the crowd, and Devlin shrugs it off with a laugh, before hopping up onto the ring apron, and then leaping over the top rope to land smoothly on the second rope, throwing his hands out at his side once more and jawing at the Russian crowd.
LO: Brennan Devlin has said that Vanessa Byrne has created a conspiracy here by bringing in this new talent and just handing them opportunities, while those who have been loyal to the company from day one have been overlooked and undervalued. I can't say that I completely disagree with him, Ken.
KO: Maybe so, but at the end of the day what Mrs. Byrne has done here is created a hostile work environment, which is exactly what a wrestling promotion should feel like. She stirred the pot, and by my recollection, has succeeded in lighting a fire under some of those who had grown complacent because they were the first.
LO: I'll be honest, Ken, I think Brennan Devlin is a lot of things, but complacent isn't one of them. I think in many ways, Cosmo and Devlin have a lot more in common than they do differences, and that has lent to the obvious friction between them. This may not be a contest of wills, but instead of egos.
KO: True story, but it looks like all the pleasantries are over, and we're about to get the chance to find out!
Caputo gets the signal from both men that they are ready in their respective corners, and she signals for the bell. 'Ding, Ding'. The two men step out and begin to circle, their usual jovial personalities replaced by a laser focused intensity on the other. By the time they finally lock up, the electricity in the arena is palpable, and even such a simple start brings a pop from the crowd. Both men jockey for position, pushing, pulling, and shoving to try and get the upper hand. Eventually it's Devlin who manages to pull Cooper into a side headlock, and he grinds his skull between his body and arm. Cooper takes a second to search for an escape, but eventually reaches up to get a fistful of hair that forces Devlin back to the ropes. Finally, Cooper pushes off hard, sending Devlin to the other side. Cooper is quick to meet him in the center of the ring with a shoulder tackle that sends him crashing to the mat. The two exchange a brief glance just before Cooper angles off to the side to get some spring off the ropes, but Devlin floats over onto his stomach which forces Cosmo to leap over him and continue on towards the ropes.
LO: Fast paced start to this match, and both of these men in impeccable shape. Cosmo on his way back now, and Devlin shows his athleticism by leap frogging over the man. Cooper on his way back, and Devlin's back is to him...and a Blind Leap Frog allows Cosmo to pass on to the other side once again!
KO: Damn fool is like a jumping bean, but Cooper coming back one more time, and Devlin motions like he's going to do it again, but at the last second Drops To His Back and Delivers a HUGE Monkey Flip that sends Cosmo flying!
Cosmo crashes to the mat on the other side of the ring but is quickly up, running right into a snap arm drag from Devlin. He pops back up, and runs right into another one. He's up quickly, but this time doesn't run headlong in, forcing Devlin to rush him. He's caught with a hip toss from Cooper for his trouble, and much like the Graps Jesus, is back to his feet immediately after. He walks right into a headlock takeover from Cosmo, but doesn't stay in it long, reaching up with his legs for a headscissors that forces Cooper out of the headlock. Cosmo rocks his knee's up to his chest, and kips up right out of the hold, and both men put distance between them to stare across at one another. The fans come to their feet clapping and cheering while the two continue their death glare.
LO: A very conventional, back and forth wrestling match taking place here, Ken, and I'll be honest, I'm a little surprised. I expected them to try and kill each other right out of the gate with all the heat that's built up over the past several months..
KO: It's a feeling out process, Laur. The rules might be Last Man Standing, but this goes far beyond a match, and back to the original beef. Who is the Face of Wrestling? Which of these men really is the Best? They are showing off right now, proving that they are tit-for-tat, but it's only a matter of time before the tension boils over.
Cosmo breaks the stare down with a chuckle, making a few jibes to the crowd before stepping out to the center of the ring. Devlin doesn't appear to appreciate the words, moving right out to meet the man. The two men get nose to nose, and Cosmo indicates that the monkey flip from earlier was a nice touch, if not a bit grade school. Devlin mocks Cosmo's kip up out of the headscissors, saying something to the effect that he imagines that's how Cosmo gets up off the toilet. The camera inches in, the mic picking up some of the exchange.
Brennan Devlin: Yeah, look at the big man. You know, that sort of shit is probably the reason Leela dropped your ass.
Cooper's dumbstruck for a moment, eyes going wide before a rage washes over his face. A right hand flashes out to land an open palm slap right to Devlin's face. The Face of Wrestling's head snaps to the side, and he chuckles a bit, reaching up to touch his cheek. He looks back to Cooper, and mouths 'Must've struck a nerve', causing Cosmo to swing wild again. This time, however, Devlin ducks, hooking Cosmo around the waist and running him right towards the ropes. Cosmo's chest bounces off the ropes, allowing Brennan to pull him back into a rolling pin despite there being no pinfalls in the match. Even so, Cosmo kicks out, coming up quickly to get tagged by a high standing drop kick from Devlin right to his face. Cooper crashes down to the mat, but again, can't seem to stay down as he's right back up.
LO: Devlin wading in with right hands on Cosmo, dazing the man back into the ropes where he takes him by the wrist and sends him to the other side.
KO: Cooper on his way back now, and Devlin is there to meet him with a clothesline, but Cosmo ducks and follows through. Coming back again, and DEVLIN WITH A SUPER KICK!
LO: NO! COOPER FRONT ROLLED UNDER IT TO COME OUT ON THE OTHER SIDE! Devlin turns around and, OH! PELE KICK sends him sailing back to drape himself across the top rope!
KO: Cosmo is up in the center of the ring, and here comes Devlin....TILT-A-WHIRL BACK BREAKER FROM COOPER! God, that has to be murder to Devlin's spine.
Devlin clutches at his back as Cooper moves back up to his feet, pushing Devlin over onto his side with the tip of his boot, and then just soccer punts him right in the kidneys. Devlin cries out in pain, crawling towards the ropes, but Cooper grabs him by the ankle, pulling him back to the center of the ring so that he can drop an elbow into his lower back. He follows up with another one. Then one more for good measure, before pulling Devlin up to his feet, and Irish whipping him into the far corner. Devlin strikes the turnbuckles hard, and he recovers just in time to see Cosmo Cooper rushing in, launching himself into a huge splash that crushes him between the turnbuckles.
LO: Cosmo in full control here, as he pulls Devlin out of the corner, hooks him around the head, and delivers a snap suplex hard down to the canvas. I believe he's found his target, and is unrelenting with the devastation to Devlin's lower back.
KO: That's a smart strategy in a match like this too, Laur. If you take out the spine, it creates difficulty in lifting your opponent for any real power moves, and also limits their ability to get back to their feet to answer that ten count.
Cosmo helps Devlin up to his feet, and hooks him around the side, lifting him up into a side slam position before thundering him spine first down across his knee. Instead of letting his body slide off the back breaker, Cooper keeps him across his knee, putting one hand on his opponents thigh, and the other on his chin, pushing against the two so that Brennan's lower back is forced to bend in an unnatural position. Devlin cries out in pain as Cosmo continues to torque on his lower back, finally shoving him off of his knee in satisfaction when he feels like its time to move on. He helps Devlin to his feet, before sending him stumbling back into the corner with a right hand.
LO: Cosmo looks pretty confident as he approaches Devlin in the corner, and OH! Devlin with a straight kick right to Cooper's knee! Another one, and Cooper is backing off a bit, and here comes Devlin!
KO: Right hands finding their mark across Cooper's skull, and then a sweeping kick to the back of Cooper's thigh nearly takes him down to the canvas!
Brennan follows up the kicks with three more, pausing to massage his aching back, but just when Cooper looks like he's ready to come back in, delivers a low drop kick that sends him sprawling chest first to the mat. Devlin is up quickly, reigning stomps down onto Cooper. Slowly, but surely, he works the stomps from the upper back down to the left thigh and knee joint before reaching down and lifting the leg up off the canvas by the ankle, and then driving it kneecap first back down into the hard surface. Cooper recoils, rolling for the ropes, but Devlin is right behind him, dropping a knee across his throat in what would normally be an illegal choke.
LO: If I'm not mistaken the focus of Brennan's attack is the same leg that he targeted when these two went one on one at Blitz#6. I don't think that's a coincidence, Ken.
KO: Yeah, in their first encounter that leg looked pretty wobbly, and those sort of injuries don't just go away. Especially if you consider the fact that Cosmo Cooper has been active all over the place representing Valor Pro, never giving it the proper time to heal.
Devlin abandons the choke, opting to go back to the leg instead, placing it across the bottom rope before stepping up to the second only to drop his tailbone directly down into the knee joint. Cosmo howls, but Devlin uses the sole of his boot to hold the leg in place, and does it again to cause further damage. Cosmo scoots across the canvas in an attempt to escape, but Devlin is already there, grabbing the leg despite the defensive kicks with the other foot to try and beg him off. A few kicks to the back of the hamstring ceases anymore protest, and Devlin grins out at the crowd before choking up on the leg, and then dropping straight back into a DDT like move that sends a shock-wave straight to the knee.
LO: Now it's Devlin in full control, and he's using as sound a strategy as Cosmo did. You take the legs out, and there's no way for Cooper to answer the ten count!
KO: Yeah, and LOOK! Now he's slapping on a figure four, slap dab in the middle of the ring! Not that it matters...no pinfall, submission, count outs, or disqualifications. Basically The Face of Wrestling can keep this hold on forever, and there's nothing Cooper can do about it!
Indeed Devlin wrenches back on the hold, Cosmo literally shooting forward to make futile swipes at his opponent before falling back to the mat while shoving his hands in his face to try and block out the pain. Devlin uses his arms to push his body higher in the air, putting more pressure on that injured knee, and Cooper claws at his face while screaming 'No'. But Caputo isn't there to even ask him, instead watching the action intently for her chance to execute the ten count. It doesn't appear that Devlin is anywhere near ready for that, as he instead takes pleasure in the compromising position he has Cooper. Cosmo takes in a deep breath while lying against the mat, and finally digs his elbows into the canvas to try and push himself towards the ropes.
KO: He needs to try and reverse this, cause those ropes aren't going to help him here, Laur.
LO: Maybe he has something else in mind. He must, cause he's getting closer and closer to that bottom rope.
After being in the figure four for almost a full minute and a half, Cosmo finally reaches the ropes, and much to the announcers credit, when he grabs hold there is no break from the ref. Instead, he uses the ropes to pull himself right underneath, and in another push, he falls right off the ring apron yanking Devlin forward so he's choked against the middle rope. At the same time, however, while the hold is still applied, the pressure put on the now upside down Cosmo is tremendous, and the pain comes out in an audible echo that chills the arena. Finally, finding himself compromised as well, Devlin unhooks his legs from Coopers, and the Graps Jesus falls the short distance onto the back of his head and shoulders to the floor.
LO: Ingenious way of getting out of the Figure Four, but God, at what costs? While he was upside down like that hanging out of the ring, the pressure to the knee joint must have been unbearable!
KO: No doubt! And Devlin now rubbing his throat, but rolling out to join Cooper! Now things are about to break down, I just feel it!
Devlin reaches down for a fistful of hair and pulls Cosmo, who is hobbling now, to his feet. He yanks the man's head back to slam his skull off the edge of the ring apron, but Cosmo places his hands out in front of him, preventing his head from being thrown forward. He responds with an elbow to Devlin's gut, quickly grabs a fistful of hair in return, and it's Brennan's skull that bounces off the apron instead. Devlin recoils clutching his face, but cooper stumbles in behind him getting another handful of hair to run him face first into the steel guard rail in front of them. Devlin falls almost to a seated position against the guard rail, and cooper grabs him by the ears and proceeds to bounce the back of his skull against the steel. The fans come to their feet in cheers, counting along until the count of ten, when Cooper pulls him to his feet and tosses him back into the ring.
LO: Cooper follows Devlin in, but it's obvious his knee is killing him as he hobbles up to his feet...Brennan slow to rise, clutching the back of his head, and HERE COMES COOPER WITH A SWINGING NECK BREAKER THAT SENDS HIM CRASHING TO THE MAT!
KO: Both men seem a little out of it after that one, and Caputo checking on them both and now starting a count....reaches a three before Cooper sits up and waves her off. This one ain't done, Laur! Not by a long shot!
Cooper manages to his feet, massaging his knee to try and get the blood circulating again. After a moment he steps out to the center of the ring where he left Devlin, and pulls the man to his feet before pushing him into the ropes only to send him to the other side. Devlin comes rushing back in and Cooper goes for a belly to belly release suplex, but to everyone's amazement The Face of Wrestling rolls right through it into a front flip, landing on his feet. When Cooper gets back to a vertical position, he's surprised with a super kick for his troubles that nearly takes his head off!
LO: Devlin with a HUGE super kick, but ultimately falls to his knee's in exhaustion. These two have been going at it hard since the beginning of this match, and it doesn't look like there is an end in sight, Ken!
KO: Damn right, we barely got a count of three before they were back on their feet waving it off.
Devlin wipes sweat from his brow as he pushes up to his feet, turning to survey Cosmo, who lays prone against the canvas. He bends down to get a fistful of hair, and that's when Cosmo's foot flashes up like lightening to catch him right in the temple. Devlin stumbles away to lean against the nearby corner, as Cosmo slowly makes his way gingerly back up. Devlin notices and comes rushing out of the corner with a clothesline, but Cosmo ducks it, and when he turns around, it's his turn to check his teeth as a super kick is driven into his jaw.
LO: GOOD GOD! It's tit-for-tat with these two, as it's Cosmo's turn to try and catch his breath...Devlin already rolling towards the ropes, however, and Cosmo shakes his head in disbelief as he chases him down...
Devlin makes it to the ring apron, but is caught by Cosmo reaching over the top rope and pulling him to his feet by a handful of hair. He lays in a few hard right hands to Devlin's skull, and then hooks him around the head to try and suplex him back into the ring. Devlin, however, manages to lace his right leg through the bottom rope, preventing Cooper from being able to pull him over. After two more attempts, Cosmo abandons the head in frustration, and just as he's about to fire in another right, Devlin hooks the top rope, and his foot flashes up in a modified Pele kick that catches Cooper right in the side of his skull. The move sends him stumbling towards the center of the ring, and Devlin grips the top rope with both hands before springboarding to the top...
LO: BRENNAN DEVLIN WITH A SPRINGBOARD FLYING FOREARM! NO! COOPER ANSWERS RIGHT BACK WITH A HIGH DROP KICK THAT CATCHES HIM IN MID AIR! GOD ALMIGHTY!
KO: What we're seeing here, Laur, is a fucking highlight real of spot after spot. These two guys might as well be the same god damn person, they're just that good!
The fans agree, as they come to their feet and a chant spreads out across the arena.
Despite the chants, Caputo has reached a five count by the time that Cooper begins to get to one knee. Eventually he pushes all the way up to turn an exhausted glance towards Devlin who, much to his chagrin, is pulling himself up by use of the ropes. Cosmo curses under his breath as he moves to meet the man, but is surprised by a sudden chop that stops him in his tracks. His chest is on fire, but that doesn't keep him from laying in a chop of his own into the center of Brennan's chest cavity that reverberates throughout the arena. Brennan answers right back, followed by a receipt from Cooper, and before anyone can believe it, the two men are slicing the air for flesh to flesh contact that makes the entire crowd grimace.
LO: I can't believe this! Just when it looks like both men are dead, here they are in the middle of the ring with a chop battle!
KO: Yeah, but it looks like Cooper's coming out on top! Chopping Devlin right into the corner!
Both men's chests are beat red and turning purple at the edges, but Cosmo gets in one final crescendo of a super chop that knocks the breath out of Brennan. He slips his head under The Face of Wrestling's arm, and lifts him up so that he's sitting across the top rope, stepping up to the second to follow. He looks out at the crowd, some still chanting, others just cheering loud as they can, and he offers a weak smile before hooking Devlin around the head, and draping the mans arm around his. He gets a handful of tights and pulls for a superplex, but Devlin manages to hook his legs through the ropes to prevent from being pulled over. Cooper tries again, but finds no quarter, and rabbit like punches directly into his ribs from Brennan makes him think twice about the move. Before he can untangle himself, however, it's Devlin who has a handful of tights, lifting Cosmo up into a vertical suplex position while precariously still sitting on the top turnbuckle.
LO: OH MY LORD, Cooper is in a dangerous position...if Devlin falls back, someone might die...
KO: OH SHIT! THAT'S WORSE! DEVLIN JUST PITCHED COSMO FORWARD TO CROTCH HIM ACROSS THE TOP ROPE!
Cosmo straddles the top rope with an open mouth of shock and pain, as Devlin tiredly chuckles at the Graps Jesus' fate. He brings his feet back around so that he can stand on the second ropes, and then mouths something disparaging as he leaps forward to take Cosmo's head off with a clothesline. Cooper is sent sailing feet over head to crash to the canvas near the ropes, and Devlin is left lying on his back after the move, sucking wind. Caputo steps over and begins her count, but after a moment, Devlin sits up and waves her off.
LO: Devlin apparently not done here with Cosmo, pulling the man to his feet and sending him off the ropes.....Cooper on his way back now, and just barely managed to duck a back elbow....coming back again, and Brennan drops the head for a back body drop, but Cosmo rolls right over his back to land behind him.
KO: Devlin turns around, boot to the midsection doubles him over, double under-hook....BUTTERFLY BACK BREAKER!
Devlin scoots across the canvas clutching at his lower back after the awkward impact to his spine off of Cooper's knee. Cosmo runs his fingers through his hair to get it out of his face, stepping over and reaching down to get Devlin up. One he has him, he grabs him by the scruff of the neck and the seat of the pants, and then runs him right towards the farthest corner. Just when he's about to get there he pushes down and releases, sending Brennan skidding across the mat, right under the bottom rope, only to crash rib first with a sickening thud against the ring post. The fans are on their feet as Cooper more falls out of the ring to land on the floor rather than hops down.
LO: That was such a nasty ending for Devlin, who may have just broke some ribs after that impact with the steel!
KO: No doubt, he isn't looking so good, and Cooper just stepped around to the ring post...what is he doing?
LO: OH GOD! HE'S TRYING TO BREAK THE MAN IN HALF!
Cosmo grabs Brennan by the leg, and then by one of his arms, places his own boot on the post, and pulls on both with everything he's got. Devlin's cries go out into the Ice Palace as his lower back and rib cage are unmercifully stretched by the steel ring post. Cooper calls out to him, letting him know to stay down if he doesn't want more, and after a good long moment, finally releases his grip and indicates the ref should start counting.
LO: A real vicious streak being shown from Cosmo Cooper, whose showing this capacity crowd that he did not come to St. Petersburg to lose!
KO: Damn right, and Caputo is up to a five count now, and Devlin is still writhing against the ring post! I don't think he'll get up from this!
Caputo's count continues to climb, 7, 8, 9...Just when it looks like Devlin may be ended, he grabs the ring post and pulls himself out onto the floor, somehow managing to stay on his feet. Cosmo stares wide eyed at the man, amazement and frustration brewing into the perfect storm. His jaw sets as he steps over to Devlin, tossing the man back into the ring, and then hopping up onto the apron with new determination. He starts to ascend the turnbuckles, but he's surprised again when he sees Brennan roll from their end of the ring to the other, pausing to rest safely near the ropes. Cosmo looks furious as he hops down from the top, stalking across the ring after his prey. He reaches down to pull Devlin up and drag him to the center of the ring, and that is when The Face of Wrestling surprises him for a third time, tossing his hands away and jamming a thumb right into his eye. Cosmos recoils, stumbling around the ring blindly, leaving Brennan to make a mad dash for the ropes in front of him.
LO: Brennan Devlin spring-boarding off the middle rope after that cheap shot to Cosmo, and bounces back into a perfect moonsault...OH MY GOD! COOPER CAUGHT HIM IN TOMBSTONE POSITION!!!
KO: CRATER MAKER!!!
Everyone is stunned into silence as Devlin's skull bounces off the canvas, while the rest of his body flails out to eventually find their way there as well. Cosmo falls off to the side of him face down on the mat, breathing heavily and unresponsive. Caputo checks both men, and seeing no signs of life, starts her count.
LO: This is almost a repeat of the last time they met, but this time whoever reaches their feet first will be the new Apex Champion!
KO: Lord knows that no matter who wins here tonight, they both put in a monstrous effort here in Russia!
Caputo reaches a count of six when Cosmo finally pushes up to one knee, and at seven is up on his feet to fall into the ropes for support. Eight comes and goes, but suddenly at nine Brennan gets up to a knee, and just as she's about to flash all ten fingers, he shoves off to stutter step upright. Cosmo watches all of this in utter disbelief, and he almost looks emotional as he buries his face in his arm. Devlin stumbles right into the ropes, bounces off, and then drops to both knee's shaking his head 'No' to no one in particular. Cooper, after his moment, steps away from the rope and makes his way over to Devlin who hasn't moved from his knee's. He reaches down to take the man on either side of the head, and forces him to his feet. This takes a few tries, but he finally accomplishes getting him upright, but Devlin's forehead is buried in Cosmo's chest, seemingly the only thing holding him up. Cosmo grips him by the shoulders, and shoves him back to go back to the well one more time, and that's when it happens. Quick as a cat, almost as if you could've missed it if you blinked, Devlin leaps into the air and hooks Cooper around the head on the way down for a massive cutter that smashes his face into the canvas.
LO: GOD ALMIGHTY! FACE OFF! I...I can't take anymore, Ken! They're undoing my Just For Men hair job out here!
KO: They.....I....
Both men lay completely prone again, and even Caputo looks like she's struggling to watch the car crash that has become this match. She shakes her head before starting the count, but keeps a steady even pace despite the fact that every member of the audience is screaming 'Mercy'. Halfway there Devlin's head lifts off the canvas, but immediately falls back to its resting place as the count drones on. By the time she's at eight, Devlin has clawed his way over to one of the corners, and is walking his way up to his knee's with his hands. What he can't see, is that on the opposite side, so is Cooper. Nine. Again, last minute saviors, somehow both men pull themselves to their feet, and spin around so that their backs are in the corner. Slowly they lift their heads to stare across at each other, and clear hatred can be seen on their faces as they bad mouth each other.
LO: Unbelievably, these two men are on their feet along with this capacity crowd, AND HERE THEY GO!
KO: Both men rushing out of their respective corners, and Cosmo ducks the clothesline attempt from Devlin, stops short, Brennan turns around and Cosmo goes for a drop kick but it's swatted away...
LO: Cooper back up as quick as he can, and FACE OFF! MY GOD THAT HAS TO BE IT!
Cooper is face down in the canvas while Devlin sits there, shaking his head. He looks over at Cosmo, up at Caputo, and down at himself before rolling towards the outside of the ring. Caputo steps up to start a count, as Devlin lands on the floor, flipping the ring skirt up, and starting to rummage around under the ring.
LO: Caputo is counting Cosmo down, but it doesn't look like Brennan believes that will be enough, and why would he? I mean, We've seen a Crater Maker, two Face Offs, and before all of that one of the most fast paced, back and forth contests I've ever witnessed!
KO: I'm not going to lie, Laur. After everything these two have been through out here, I don't see how there could be much more. The Referee is up to a count of six, and Cooper hasn't moved. He could be counted out right here...
Caputo continues her slow trek to ten, and despite booing Devlin for the majority of this match, the crowd pops when he pulls a black steel folding chair out from under the ring. He tosses the chair into the ring, and doesn't seem to be finished despite the count reaching eight, deciding to double down on the move. Chair after chair appears, each one being shoved into the ring, some chairs pushing the others further and further in. When he is finally finished, he looks up to find that the count has stopped, and Cosmo Cooper is clutching to the top rope on the opposite side to keep himself upright. Fifteen chairs litter the landscape of the ring, and his jaw sets as he climbs up onto the apron to rejoin the dance. One of the chairs thrown in lays at Cosmo's feet, and he tentatively scoops it up as Brennan swings his foot and body through the middle rope. Before he can make it all the way in, Cooper flings the chair in that direction, and the sound of steel clattering against bone can be heard along with a collective 'Oooooo' from the crowd.
LO: Devlin loaded the ring up with chairs, and it may have just backfired on him there! His foot is hung up in the ropes after being startled by that thrown chair, and now Cosmo has another one in hand and is loading up!
KO: No, no, it's ok! Devlin just got free, AND GOT WAFFLED ACROSS HIS SPINE WITH STEEL!
Devlin arches unnaturally as if hit with a taser, his mouth hanging open as he falls to his knee's. Another wind up from Cooper slams across Devlin's back, and it sends him sprawling forward with a thud. Cooper now, with what appears to be an unseen will to survive, brings the chair high over head and proceeds to bring the chair down across the back and shoulders of his opponent again and again until even the crowd calls out for mercy.
LO: Good God! Cosmo Cooper has just worn out Brennan Devlin with a steel chair that The Face of Wrestling introduced to this match, and just look at it. All mangled, and broken....and I'm talking about the chair. Those whelps on Devlin's back where steel met flesh look a lot worse!
KO: Jesus....I mean....these guys are going to kill each other. This has got be it. It just has to be!
Cosmo lets the contorted chair fall from his fingers on top of Devlin, and he starts scooping up fresh chairs, and tossing them onto The Face of Wrestling. Before all is said and done, Brennan is buried under a mound of steel, and Cooper falls back into a corner exhausted, signaling that Caputo should start her count. She collects herself after the horror she just witnessed with the chair, and the crowd counts along with her as she begins.
LO: The Graps Jesus has essentially buried Devlin here, which is as much metaphor as statement at this point, and Caputo's count is quickly approaching ten.
KO: Oh. My. God! Are you seeing this?
LO: Oh No. Just...just stay down!
At the count of seven the pile of steel chairs becomes unsettled, falling off of one another as Brennan Devlin pushes up to his hands and knee's. At eight he raises up to where he's sitting on his feet, and grabs a chair, burying the legs into the mat. At nine he leans forwards on the chair, and just as she is about to reach ten pushes off to come up to his feet. The roar of the crowd is deafening as Cosmo's eyes nearly bug out of his head, shaking in denial at what he's just witnessed. Devlin looks out on his feet, but he IS on his feet, and Caputo runs a hand over her face before signaling they should continue and hugging herself as she takes a step back.
KO: I know we're repeating ourselves at this point, but How?
LO: You've got me, Ken. I can't believe it, but here it is all the same.
Cosmo's shock falls away, and he takes a haggard step towards Brennan who is still trembling while gripping the chair to stay vertical. Just about the time that Cooper reaches out to direct the man, the steel chair flashes out to meet his gut, and he recoils, clutching his midsection. This offers Devlin the perfect target, and he lifts the chair and swings it high to slam against Cooper's lower spine. The action leaves Devlin wobbly, and he stumbles, which causes the aim of the chair to be off when it strikes Cosmo right in his hips, which sends him sprawling forwards right through the ropes to the concrete outside.
LO: Cosmo fell right here in front of us, and Devlin just abandoned the chair and fell to his knee's....Both these men are absolutely spent, but somehow they are still going.
KO: The will to win, Laur. Their egos won't let them stay down!
LO: Maybe so, but at what cost? These two men will never be the same after this encounter? They can't be?
KO: Uh....Laur...
LO: Not to mention, at this point, whoever wins will be the champion, but it's been evidenced here tonight that they are both two of the very best in the world. If this rivalry continues, how much farther can it actually be pushed?
KO: Uh...LAUR!
LO: I mean, I'm exhausted and all I've done is called the match. I can't even imagine what these two are feeling right now...
KO: LAUR!
Kenneth Othello shoves his brother to the side, as he dives in the opposite direction. Cooper sails across the announce table, wiping out the office chairs the two were sitting in, and comes to an eventual stop underneath their desk. Devlin stalks haphazardly around the table, reaching down and pulling Cooper up so that he can roll him up onto the desk, firing in piston like rights to his skull to keep him in place. After he's satisfied his prey won't be wandering off, he stumbles back towards the ring, gets up on the apron and begins to climb to the top rope.
LO: Is...is this thing still on?
KO: I can hear you, let's hope the production truck can do the same...
LO: Cosmo Cooper is laid across our desk, and Brennan Devlin just reached the top turnbuckle.....come on, Devlin. Think about this! You're going to take just as much punishment as Cooper!
Devlin, perched on the top, stares down at his opponent, and then out at the roaring crowd who have abandoned the concept of Heel and Baby and instead embraced the fact that these two have transcended. He brings his hands up to run through his drenched hair, and flicks his fingers out at the side before yelling, "I AM THE TRUE FACE OF WRESTLING!" With that, he leaps, hanging in the air for what seems like forever, and then rapidly speeding up in his descent until driving his elbow into Cosmo's chest, the table exploding beneath the weight of both. Through the splinters and obliterated wood lay two broken men, and a capacity crowd on their feet in awe.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY, THEY ARE SHATTERED!
KO: I...I think I'm done, Laur. This kind of shit is going to give me a heart attack.
The sound of one can barely be heard calling from the ring, and everyone is brought back to reality that this match is technically still going. Caputo's voice rings out six more times before either man begins to stir. At the eight mark the men are clawing across the concrete towards the ring, and when nine comes, hands reach up to grip the apron. Just as TEN is about to escape her mouth, their bodies rise on wobbly legs, and the arena nearly comes apart with the ovation.
LO: The toll has been paid, and the tax applied, yet both men still refuse to give in. Cooper and Devlin now crawling into the ring, side by side, separating just enough to pull themselves up by use of the ropes.
The two men turn towards one another, and a right hand flashes out to Devlin from Cooper that sends him teetering back. His momentum suddenly pitches forward with a right hand of his own that sends Cooper stumbling off to the side. When the Graps Jesus turns back around, he does so loaded with another heavy right that impacts off of Devlin's skull, driving him all the way to the ropes which bounce him back in that direction. Devlin's spring leads him into another right of his own, but much to everyone's surprise, Cooper ducks it. The punch drunk action leaves both men off balance, and just when it looks like they are going to go down, they both turn back towards each other with dueling superkicks that inexplicably find their marks!
LO: Cosmo and Brennan back down to the canvas, sprawled out with nowhere to go....My God! They could barely stand!
KO: After everything they've put each other through, those guys need to go out and get a beer together. You can only go this far if you love each other or you hate each other, and I'm starting to think that they love to hate!
LO: It's true, Ken. After witnessing a war like this, you have to believe that a mutual respect has bridged between the two men. It's like two war veterans meeting to discuss the battle they just came through...
KO: Laur...are you seeing this....they...they aren't getting up!
LO: Oh My God! Caputo at a count of nine....neither man is moving.....we're going to have a repeat of Blitz#6!!!
Caputo's hands flash all ten fingers, and the crowd comes alive at the prospect. Neither man has moved, and Caputo now signals to the time keeper that they are in sudden death.
LO: The Referee at a count of ten, which means the first person to reach their feet will be the NEW Apex Champion!
KO: Yeah, but which one will it be?
For the first time since the night began the crowd dies down, and there is almost silence in the arena. The two men lay there unmoving for a long while before suddenly there is a twitch from one of them. Devlin's head raises off the canvas, but when he puts his hand out to find solid ground, it finds a left over steel chair instead, which slides out from under him sending him back face down into the mat. Cosmo, on the other side, raises up to a seated position, just sitting there, taking in breaths and bleeding from cuts and bruises all over his body. Brennan gives it one more try, and this time is able to push up to his hands and knees, eventually raising up to sit on his feet in exhaustion. Cosmo rolls to one side, coming up to his knees, but the path has brought him face to face with Devlin, causing him to drop back and sit on his feet as well. The two men, mouths open sucking in air, stare at each other warily. Cooper reaches up weakly with a right hand that clips Devlin, rocking him back. Devlin runs a shaky hand through his hair, and then pops Cooper on the jaw with a right of his own.
LO: Are you kidding me....these guys are going to duke it out til the bitter end! Don't they realize that the first person to their feet can end this thing!
KO: You know what, Laur, at this point I'm sold. Let them fight forever!
Suddenly Devlin gets a spurt of energy, and he reaches out and grabs Cooper by a fistful of hair to pull him forward, and then starts driving in right hands in rapid fire succession. He lets go, and moves to try and shove up to his feet, but Cosmo leans forward violently, nailing him with a headbutt that catches him right in the nose. Devlin falls back a bit, clutching at his face, and Cooper moves to get to his feet. Devlin grabs Cooper by his tights, abandoning his wounds in favor of saving the match for himself, and yanks Cooper firmly back into position onto his knee's. The two men exchange another exhausted glance, unheard insults being muttered to one another so that only they can hear. Finally, Devlin moves in to swing another right, but at the last minute Cooper leans far back allowing Brennan's fist to pass harmlessly within an inch of him. The move causes Devlin to go off balance and he has to put both hands out in front of him or he would be face down in the canvas. And that's the moment that Cooper leans back in, puts both hands on the back of Devlin, and shoves up to his feet. He takes about three steps before collapsing back to the canvas, but three steps is all either of them needed.
LO: OH MY GOD!
KO: CAPUTO'S CALLING FOR THE BELL!
LO: COSMO COOPER'S DONE IT!
Ring Announcer: And the winner of this match, and the NEW APEX CHAMPION.....COSMO COOOPPPPEERRR!!
Pyro shoots off along the entrance, and confetti begins to rain down from the ceiling as Caputo steps over to place the Apex Championship in front of Cooper. Devlin still on his hands and knee's lowers his head in disbelief, and then looks over his shoulder at the still down Cooper and yells out, "I STILL FUCKED HER TO DEATH", before lowering himself the rest of the way down so he can lie against the mat. As the celebration amongst the fans continues, it becomes obvious that there is going to be no celebration in the ring, as Medical Staff come rushing down to ringside, and enter the ring to attend to both men who appear to be out.
LO: Cosmo Cooper is our new Apex Champion, but man....the war these two saw here tonight will have lasting ramifications for these two men's careers.
KO: No doubt, and I'm telling you, Laur, I don't know if you can squeeze anymore blood from the stone than we saw spilled here tonight, but I got this sneaking suspicion that it still isn't over between these two.
LO: Well, they have certainly been playing a game of cat and mouse with the win column, but Cosmo just picked up the first definitive one here tonight, yet I know what you're saying. I feel like this thing could have went the other way on a different night at a different place. It's so hard to tell with these two, because they know each other like the back of their hands. They are two sides of the same coin.
KO: I just hope there will be a next time, Laur. It isn't looking good as medical continues to work on these two, and I'm not sure they are going to make it out on their own power. It's a damn shame for them to have overcome so much, and not even be able to enjoy it.
LO: True enough, but I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to celebrate on Blitz#9, cause we are out of.....say what? You've got something developing in the back....
KO: Then get back there! Go! Go! Go!
The camera switches to a scene of the parking garage of the Ice Palace, and Zachariah Krahe steps out into the cold Siberian night with duffel-bag in hand wearing a warm looking black trench coat, the Unyielding Championship slung over his shoulder. The air around him is brisk, and he can see his breath as he makes his way through the parking garage towards his car. Out of habit he slips his fingers into his inside front pocket and produces a pre-rolled cigarette and plops it into his mouth at the same time he hears a swoosh behind him. He stops dead in his tracks, the hairs standing on the back of his neck as he methodically peers over his shoulder. His day job has taught him that the muffled sounds of silence usually come with the intent of malice, but seeing nothing and hearing nothing further, he resumes his trek to his car. A flick of his lighter has the cigarette lit, and he takes in a drag just when another swoosh catches his attention.
This time he spins in that direction, duffle-bag and championship hitting the ground, hands up ready to defend himself. At the far end of the parking garage a figure stands in the shadows under a busted lamplight, and his eyes narrow to try and place the outline. The sudden words startle even him, a man who prides himself at being unshaken, or at least keeping that information hidden to himself.
"Aitsu o tsukamaero"
He tenses at the gruff command, his eyes rolling to his left and to his right in anticipation of attack. Unfortunately for him, he doesn't have eyes in the back of his head. A heavy forearm clubs him from behind, and the force of it sends him sprawling to the oil stained concrete floor. He manages to roll over onto his back in an attempt to get up, but boots already begin to reign down on him, and they are joined by another pair. Hard rubber soles meet soft tender flesh, and Krahe has no other choice but to try and cover his head, leaving other parts exposed for the vultures now picking his bones. A football like punt to his gut sends an explosion of air from his gaping mouth, his eyes crossing from the pain now shooting up his abdomen. Hands grip him under his arms and he's yanked up to his knees, the appendages pinned behind him so that there is no escape with no leverage on his side.
The first fist to his jaw feels like a lead hammer, and despite his nature to fight back against the odds, it rings his bell to the point that real concern creeps up his spine. The second blow is higher up, blasting across his cheekbone, and he feels warm blood explode from under packed meat that shouldn't be dislodged in such a way. One of his hands falls free, but his head is yanked back by a fistful of his hair, but the view is still confusing, as the garage lights cast an ambient view of the hulking figure in front of him. Three short, but savage, punches pepper his forehead from this angle, and he feels the stitches from the wounds he had earned previously in the night to earn his championship give way to another gush of crimson.
Spots border his vision, and almost completely overtake him when a hard driven knee finds itself buried in his left cheek, the inside flesh slicing across his back teeth painfully. Finally, a barking order comes from that gruff voice again, and the fist meant to break open another part of his face stops within an inch of making impact.
"Jūbun'na!"
The fist instead opens up, and the palm mushes his forehead backwards as simultaneously the hands holding him from behind release him. He tumbles unceremoniously to the floor, choking on blood, but amazingly still crawling as if to give some response to these attackers. Boots can be heard padding along from some distance until they finally arrive in front of Krahe, who reaches up weakly so that he can identify this menace. Instead, he's nudged by a steel toed boot in the shape of a skull onto his back, where after this attack and his previous ladder match, he finally comes to a rest. A hand reaches down beside him and lifts the still lit cigarette Krahe had dropped during the attack and the camera follows the view of it as it travels past black jeans, a black leather jacket, and finally comes to rest on full lips. The person takes a deep drag before a pillow of smoke pours out, and as the scene slowly pulls back Aokigahara Zombie steps into frame, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Come on, Mr. Krahe. You can take it. Siberia did say you are special.... Regards from the Zombie Clan."
Aoki pulls the cigarette from his lips, and places it back into Krahe's mouth, where it hangs precariously on the edge. When he rises back to his full height Fukushima and Kowloon Zombie are standing on either side of him. Both are covered in the UnYielding Champion's blood, and look like something straight out of a horror movie in contrast to the cool steely eyed Aokigahara. The three give a curt nod to their downed victim, before slowly turning to walk away. Their boots continue to sound into the night as the camera comes to rest on a shot of the unconscious Zachariah Krahe. The Valor Pro logo flashes at the bottom, then Fite TV, and then fade to black.
KO: Sounds like a bunch of singles wrestlers are probably about to get pissed off....cause they are going to get Lethal Lottoed into partnerships with strangers!
LO: So we're going to finally have Chimera Tag Champions...and at the next big super show! I guess Neo Tokyo and The Trendsetters were right! They are going to start the tag revolution here in Valor Pro.
KO: Well lets not count our chickens before they hatch....cause we've got an Apex Championshp match to think about...Generic Ring Announcer, Give me them particulars...
Ring Announcer: The following contest is your Main Event of the evening, and is a Last Man Standing Match for the APEX CHAMPIONSHIP!!
'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 when a burst of gold pyro fires off on either side of the stage, and 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 the General Managers 'Champion of Choice'....'THE GRAPS JESUS' COSMO COOOOOPPPPPEERRRR!!
Cooper reaches ringside and falls back into the guard rails in his usual way, the fans all clamoring to pat him on the back and cheer him on. He laughs and pushes off the steel to run and leap up onto the apron, vaulting over the ropes to enter the ring and drops to one knee, throwing his hands over his head and talking mad shit.
LO: I think it's fair to say that these fans love Cosmo Cooper!
KO: And what's not to love, Laur. The guy is a Champion of Choice for a reason, and here tonight he could go on to take another top prize to add to his already outstanding collection..
LO: Maybe so, but the man he faces will not make that task easy, because he wants this just as bad, if not more so.
'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!!!
Brennan stares down from the stage with an arrogant grin, dusting his shoulder off before starting his strut down to the ring. A fan at ringside holds up a sign that says 'Cosmo Cooper for Life' and Brennan snatches it out of his hands, and rips it up in front of him, throwing the bits of paper back in the fans face. This brings a boo from the crowd, and Devlin shrugs it off with a laugh, before hopping up onto the ring apron, and then leaping over the top rope to land smoothly on the second rope, throwing his hands out at his side once more and jawing at the Russian crowd.
LO: Brennan Devlin has said that Vanessa Byrne has created a conspiracy here by bringing in this new talent and just handing them opportunities, while those who have been loyal to the company from day one have been overlooked and undervalued. I can't say that I completely disagree with him, Ken.
KO: Maybe so, but at the end of the day what Mrs. Byrne has done here is created a hostile work environment, which is exactly what a wrestling promotion should feel like. She stirred the pot, and by my recollection, has succeeded in lighting a fire under some of those who had grown complacent because they were the first.
LO: I'll be honest, Ken, I think Brennan Devlin is a lot of things, but complacent isn't one of them. I think in many ways, Cosmo and Devlin have a lot more in common than they do differences, and that has lent to the obvious friction between them. This may not be a contest of wills, but instead of egos.
KO: True story, but it looks like all the pleasantries are over, and we're about to get the chance to find out!
Caputo gets the signal from both men that they are ready in their respective corners, and she signals for the bell. 'Ding, Ding'. The two men step out and begin to circle, their usual jovial personalities replaced by a laser focused intensity on the other. By the time they finally lock up, the electricity in the arena is palpable, and even such a simple start brings a pop from the crowd. Both men jockey for position, pushing, pulling, and shoving to try and get the upper hand. Eventually it's Devlin who manages to pull Cooper into a side headlock, and he grinds his skull between his body and arm. Cooper takes a second to search for an escape, but eventually reaches up to get a fistful of hair that forces Devlin back to the ropes. Finally, Cooper pushes off hard, sending Devlin to the other side. Cooper is quick to meet him in the center of the ring with a shoulder tackle that sends him crashing to the mat. The two exchange a brief glance just before Cooper angles off to the side to get some spring off the ropes, but Devlin floats over onto his stomach which forces Cosmo to leap over him and continue on towards the ropes.
LO: Fast paced start to this match, and both of these men in impeccable shape. Cosmo on his way back now, and Devlin shows his athleticism by leap frogging over the man. Cooper on his way back, and Devlin's back is to him...and a Blind Leap Frog allows Cosmo to pass on to the other side once again!
KO: Damn fool is like a jumping bean, but Cooper coming back one more time, and Devlin motions like he's going to do it again, but at the last second Drops To His Back and Delivers a HUGE Monkey Flip that sends Cosmo flying!
Cosmo crashes to the mat on the other side of the ring but is quickly up, running right into a snap arm drag from Devlin. He pops back up, and runs right into another one. He's up quickly, but this time doesn't run headlong in, forcing Devlin to rush him. He's caught with a hip toss from Cooper for his trouble, and much like the Graps Jesus, is back to his feet immediately after. He walks right into a headlock takeover from Cosmo, but doesn't stay in it long, reaching up with his legs for a headscissors that forces Cooper out of the headlock. Cosmo rocks his knee's up to his chest, and kips up right out of the hold, and both men put distance between them to stare across at one another. The fans come to their feet clapping and cheering while the two continue their death glare.
LO: A very conventional, back and forth wrestling match taking place here, Ken, and I'll be honest, I'm a little surprised. I expected them to try and kill each other right out of the gate with all the heat that's built up over the past several months..
KO: It's a feeling out process, Laur. The rules might be Last Man Standing, but this goes far beyond a match, and back to the original beef. Who is the Face of Wrestling? Which of these men really is the Best? They are showing off right now, proving that they are tit-for-tat, but it's only a matter of time before the tension boils over.
Cosmo breaks the stare down with a chuckle, making a few jibes to the crowd before stepping out to the center of the ring. Devlin doesn't appear to appreciate the words, moving right out to meet the man. The two men get nose to nose, and Cosmo indicates that the monkey flip from earlier was a nice touch, if not a bit grade school. Devlin mocks Cosmo's kip up out of the headscissors, saying something to the effect that he imagines that's how Cosmo gets up off the toilet. The camera inches in, the mic picking up some of the exchange.
Brennan Devlin: Yeah, look at the big man. You know, that sort of shit is probably the reason Leela dropped your ass.
Cooper's dumbstruck for a moment, eyes going wide before a rage washes over his face. A right hand flashes out to land an open palm slap right to Devlin's face. The Face of Wrestling's head snaps to the side, and he chuckles a bit, reaching up to touch his cheek. He looks back to Cooper, and mouths 'Must've struck a nerve', causing Cosmo to swing wild again. This time, however, Devlin ducks, hooking Cosmo around the waist and running him right towards the ropes. Cosmo's chest bounces off the ropes, allowing Brennan to pull him back into a rolling pin despite there being no pinfalls in the match. Even so, Cosmo kicks out, coming up quickly to get tagged by a high standing drop kick from Devlin right to his face. Cooper crashes down to the mat, but again, can't seem to stay down as he's right back up.
LO: Devlin wading in with right hands on Cosmo, dazing the man back into the ropes where he takes him by the wrist and sends him to the other side.
KO: Cooper on his way back now, and Devlin is there to meet him with a clothesline, but Cosmo ducks and follows through. Coming back again, and DEVLIN WITH A SUPER KICK!
LO: NO! COOPER FRONT ROLLED UNDER IT TO COME OUT ON THE OTHER SIDE! Devlin turns around and, OH! PELE KICK sends him sailing back to drape himself across the top rope!
KO: Cosmo is up in the center of the ring, and here comes Devlin....TILT-A-WHIRL BACK BREAKER FROM COOPER! God, that has to be murder to Devlin's spine.
Devlin clutches at his back as Cooper moves back up to his feet, pushing Devlin over onto his side with the tip of his boot, and then just soccer punts him right in the kidneys. Devlin cries out in pain, crawling towards the ropes, but Cooper grabs him by the ankle, pulling him back to the center of the ring so that he can drop an elbow into his lower back. He follows up with another one. Then one more for good measure, before pulling Devlin up to his feet, and Irish whipping him into the far corner. Devlin strikes the turnbuckles hard, and he recovers just in time to see Cosmo Cooper rushing in, launching himself into a huge splash that crushes him between the turnbuckles.
LO: Cosmo in full control here, as he pulls Devlin out of the corner, hooks him around the head, and delivers a snap suplex hard down to the canvas. I believe he's found his target, and is unrelenting with the devastation to Devlin's lower back.
KO: That's a smart strategy in a match like this too, Laur. If you take out the spine, it creates difficulty in lifting your opponent for any real power moves, and also limits their ability to get back to their feet to answer that ten count.
Cosmo helps Devlin up to his feet, and hooks him around the side, lifting him up into a side slam position before thundering him spine first down across his knee. Instead of letting his body slide off the back breaker, Cooper keeps him across his knee, putting one hand on his opponents thigh, and the other on his chin, pushing against the two so that Brennan's lower back is forced to bend in an unnatural position. Devlin cries out in pain as Cosmo continues to torque on his lower back, finally shoving him off of his knee in satisfaction when he feels like its time to move on. He helps Devlin to his feet, before sending him stumbling back into the corner with a right hand.
LO: Cosmo looks pretty confident as he approaches Devlin in the corner, and OH! Devlin with a straight kick right to Cooper's knee! Another one, and Cooper is backing off a bit, and here comes Devlin!
KO: Right hands finding their mark across Cooper's skull, and then a sweeping kick to the back of Cooper's thigh nearly takes him down to the canvas!
Brennan follows up the kicks with three more, pausing to massage his aching back, but just when Cooper looks like he's ready to come back in, delivers a low drop kick that sends him sprawling chest first to the mat. Devlin is up quickly, reigning stomps down onto Cooper. Slowly, but surely, he works the stomps from the upper back down to the left thigh and knee joint before reaching down and lifting the leg up off the canvas by the ankle, and then driving it kneecap first back down into the hard surface. Cooper recoils, rolling for the ropes, but Devlin is right behind him, dropping a knee across his throat in what would normally be an illegal choke.
LO: If I'm not mistaken the focus of Brennan's attack is the same leg that he targeted when these two went one on one at Blitz#6. I don't think that's a coincidence, Ken.
KO: Yeah, in their first encounter that leg looked pretty wobbly, and those sort of injuries don't just go away. Especially if you consider the fact that Cosmo Cooper has been active all over the place representing Valor Pro, never giving it the proper time to heal.
Devlin abandons the choke, opting to go back to the leg instead, placing it across the bottom rope before stepping up to the second only to drop his tailbone directly down into the knee joint. Cosmo howls, but Devlin uses the sole of his boot to hold the leg in place, and does it again to cause further damage. Cosmo scoots across the canvas in an attempt to escape, but Devlin is already there, grabbing the leg despite the defensive kicks with the other foot to try and beg him off. A few kicks to the back of the hamstring ceases anymore protest, and Devlin grins out at the crowd before choking up on the leg, and then dropping straight back into a DDT like move that sends a shock-wave straight to the knee.
LO: Now it's Devlin in full control, and he's using as sound a strategy as Cosmo did. You take the legs out, and there's no way for Cooper to answer the ten count!
KO: Yeah, and LOOK! Now he's slapping on a figure four, slap dab in the middle of the ring! Not that it matters...no pinfall, submission, count outs, or disqualifications. Basically The Face of Wrestling can keep this hold on forever, and there's nothing Cooper can do about it!
Indeed Devlin wrenches back on the hold, Cosmo literally shooting forward to make futile swipes at his opponent before falling back to the mat while shoving his hands in his face to try and block out the pain. Devlin uses his arms to push his body higher in the air, putting more pressure on that injured knee, and Cooper claws at his face while screaming 'No'. But Caputo isn't there to even ask him, instead watching the action intently for her chance to execute the ten count. It doesn't appear that Devlin is anywhere near ready for that, as he instead takes pleasure in the compromising position he has Cooper. Cosmo takes in a deep breath while lying against the mat, and finally digs his elbows into the canvas to try and push himself towards the ropes.
KO: He needs to try and reverse this, cause those ropes aren't going to help him here, Laur.
LO: Maybe he has something else in mind. He must, cause he's getting closer and closer to that bottom rope.
After being in the figure four for almost a full minute and a half, Cosmo finally reaches the ropes, and much to the announcers credit, when he grabs hold there is no break from the ref. Instead, he uses the ropes to pull himself right underneath, and in another push, he falls right off the ring apron yanking Devlin forward so he's choked against the middle rope. At the same time, however, while the hold is still applied, the pressure put on the now upside down Cosmo is tremendous, and the pain comes out in an audible echo that chills the arena. Finally, finding himself compromised as well, Devlin unhooks his legs from Coopers, and the Graps Jesus falls the short distance onto the back of his head and shoulders to the floor.
LO: Ingenious way of getting out of the Figure Four, but God, at what costs? While he was upside down like that hanging out of the ring, the pressure to the knee joint must have been unbearable!
KO: No doubt! And Devlin now rubbing his throat, but rolling out to join Cooper! Now things are about to break down, I just feel it!
Devlin reaches down for a fistful of hair and pulls Cosmo, who is hobbling now, to his feet. He yanks the man's head back to slam his skull off the edge of the ring apron, but Cosmo places his hands out in front of him, preventing his head from being thrown forward. He responds with an elbow to Devlin's gut, quickly grabs a fistful of hair in return, and it's Brennan's skull that bounces off the apron instead. Devlin recoils clutching his face, but cooper stumbles in behind him getting another handful of hair to run him face first into the steel guard rail in front of them. Devlin falls almost to a seated position against the guard rail, and cooper grabs him by the ears and proceeds to bounce the back of his skull against the steel. The fans come to their feet in cheers, counting along until the count of ten, when Cooper pulls him to his feet and tosses him back into the ring.
LO: Cooper follows Devlin in, but it's obvious his knee is killing him as he hobbles up to his feet...Brennan slow to rise, clutching the back of his head, and HERE COMES COOPER WITH A SWINGING NECK BREAKER THAT SENDS HIM CRASHING TO THE MAT!
KO: Both men seem a little out of it after that one, and Caputo checking on them both and now starting a count....reaches a three before Cooper sits up and waves her off. This one ain't done, Laur! Not by a long shot!
Cooper manages to his feet, massaging his knee to try and get the blood circulating again. After a moment he steps out to the center of the ring where he left Devlin, and pulls the man to his feet before pushing him into the ropes only to send him to the other side. Devlin comes rushing back in and Cooper goes for a belly to belly release suplex, but to everyone's amazement The Face of Wrestling rolls right through it into a front flip, landing on his feet. When Cooper gets back to a vertical position, he's surprised with a super kick for his troubles that nearly takes his head off!
LO: Devlin with a HUGE super kick, but ultimately falls to his knee's in exhaustion. These two have been going at it hard since the beginning of this match, and it doesn't look like there is an end in sight, Ken!
KO: Damn right, we barely got a count of three before they were back on their feet waving it off.
Devlin wipes sweat from his brow as he pushes up to his feet, turning to survey Cosmo, who lays prone against the canvas. He bends down to get a fistful of hair, and that's when Cosmo's foot flashes up like lightening to catch him right in the temple. Devlin stumbles away to lean against the nearby corner, as Cosmo slowly makes his way gingerly back up. Devlin notices and comes rushing out of the corner with a clothesline, but Cosmo ducks it, and when he turns around, it's his turn to check his teeth as a super kick is driven into his jaw.
LO: GOOD GOD! It's tit-for-tat with these two, as it's Cosmo's turn to try and catch his breath...Devlin already rolling towards the ropes, however, and Cosmo shakes his head in disbelief as he chases him down...
Devlin makes it to the ring apron, but is caught by Cosmo reaching over the top rope and pulling him to his feet by a handful of hair. He lays in a few hard right hands to Devlin's skull, and then hooks him around the head to try and suplex him back into the ring. Devlin, however, manages to lace his right leg through the bottom rope, preventing Cooper from being able to pull him over. After two more attempts, Cosmo abandons the head in frustration, and just as he's about to fire in another right, Devlin hooks the top rope, and his foot flashes up in a modified Pele kick that catches Cooper right in the side of his skull. The move sends him stumbling towards the center of the ring, and Devlin grips the top rope with both hands before springboarding to the top...
LO: BRENNAN DEVLIN WITH A SPRINGBOARD FLYING FOREARM! NO! COOPER ANSWERS RIGHT BACK WITH A HIGH DROP KICK THAT CATCHES HIM IN MID AIR! GOD ALMIGHTY!
KO: What we're seeing here, Laur, is a fucking highlight real of spot after spot. These two guys might as well be the same god damn person, they're just that good!
The fans agree, as they come to their feet and a chant spreads out across the arena.
Eto Kruto! (This is Awesome!) Eto Kruto! Eto Kruto! Eto Kruto!
Despite the chants, Caputo has reached a five count by the time that Cooper begins to get to one knee. Eventually he pushes all the way up to turn an exhausted glance towards Devlin who, much to his chagrin, is pulling himself up by use of the ropes. Cosmo curses under his breath as he moves to meet the man, but is surprised by a sudden chop that stops him in his tracks. His chest is on fire, but that doesn't keep him from laying in a chop of his own into the center of Brennan's chest cavity that reverberates throughout the arena. Brennan answers right back, followed by a receipt from Cooper, and before anyone can believe it, the two men are slicing the air for flesh to flesh contact that makes the entire crowd grimace.
LO: I can't believe this! Just when it looks like both men are dead, here they are in the middle of the ring with a chop battle!
KO: Yeah, but it looks like Cooper's coming out on top! Chopping Devlin right into the corner!
Both men's chests are beat red and turning purple at the edges, but Cosmo gets in one final crescendo of a super chop that knocks the breath out of Brennan. He slips his head under The Face of Wrestling's arm, and lifts him up so that he's sitting across the top rope, stepping up to the second to follow. He looks out at the crowd, some still chanting, others just cheering loud as they can, and he offers a weak smile before hooking Devlin around the head, and draping the mans arm around his. He gets a handful of tights and pulls for a superplex, but Devlin manages to hook his legs through the ropes to prevent from being pulled over. Cooper tries again, but finds no quarter, and rabbit like punches directly into his ribs from Brennan makes him think twice about the move. Before he can untangle himself, however, it's Devlin who has a handful of tights, lifting Cosmo up into a vertical suplex position while precariously still sitting on the top turnbuckle.
LO: OH MY LORD, Cooper is in a dangerous position...if Devlin falls back, someone might die...
KO: OH SHIT! THAT'S WORSE! DEVLIN JUST PITCHED COSMO FORWARD TO CROTCH HIM ACROSS THE TOP ROPE!
Cosmo straddles the top rope with an open mouth of shock and pain, as Devlin tiredly chuckles at the Graps Jesus' fate. He brings his feet back around so that he can stand on the second ropes, and then mouths something disparaging as he leaps forward to take Cosmo's head off with a clothesline. Cooper is sent sailing feet over head to crash to the canvas near the ropes, and Devlin is left lying on his back after the move, sucking wind. Caputo steps over and begins her count, but after a moment, Devlin sits up and waves her off.
LO: Devlin apparently not done here with Cosmo, pulling the man to his feet and sending him off the ropes.....Cooper on his way back now, and just barely managed to duck a back elbow....coming back again, and Brennan drops the head for a back body drop, but Cosmo rolls right over his back to land behind him.
KO: Devlin turns around, boot to the midsection doubles him over, double under-hook....BUTTERFLY BACK BREAKER!
Devlin scoots across the canvas clutching at his lower back after the awkward impact to his spine off of Cooper's knee. Cosmo runs his fingers through his hair to get it out of his face, stepping over and reaching down to get Devlin up. One he has him, he grabs him by the scruff of the neck and the seat of the pants, and then runs him right towards the farthest corner. Just when he's about to get there he pushes down and releases, sending Brennan skidding across the mat, right under the bottom rope, only to crash rib first with a sickening thud against the ring post. The fans are on their feet as Cooper more falls out of the ring to land on the floor rather than hops down.
LO: That was such a nasty ending for Devlin, who may have just broke some ribs after that impact with the steel!
KO: No doubt, he isn't looking so good, and Cooper just stepped around to the ring post...what is he doing?
LO: OH GOD! HE'S TRYING TO BREAK THE MAN IN HALF!
Cosmo grabs Brennan by the leg, and then by one of his arms, places his own boot on the post, and pulls on both with everything he's got. Devlin's cries go out into the Ice Palace as his lower back and rib cage are unmercifully stretched by the steel ring post. Cooper calls out to him, letting him know to stay down if he doesn't want more, and after a good long moment, finally releases his grip and indicates the ref should start counting.
LO: A real vicious streak being shown from Cosmo Cooper, whose showing this capacity crowd that he did not come to St. Petersburg to lose!
KO: Damn right, and Caputo is up to a five count now, and Devlin is still writhing against the ring post! I don't think he'll get up from this!
Caputo's count continues to climb, 7, 8, 9...Just when it looks like Devlin may be ended, he grabs the ring post and pulls himself out onto the floor, somehow managing to stay on his feet. Cosmo stares wide eyed at the man, amazement and frustration brewing into the perfect storm. His jaw sets as he steps over to Devlin, tossing the man back into the ring, and then hopping up onto the apron with new determination. He starts to ascend the turnbuckles, but he's surprised again when he sees Brennan roll from their end of the ring to the other, pausing to rest safely near the ropes. Cosmo looks furious as he hops down from the top, stalking across the ring after his prey. He reaches down to pull Devlin up and drag him to the center of the ring, and that is when The Face of Wrestling surprises him for a third time, tossing his hands away and jamming a thumb right into his eye. Cosmos recoils, stumbling around the ring blindly, leaving Brennan to make a mad dash for the ropes in front of him.
LO: Brennan Devlin spring-boarding off the middle rope after that cheap shot to Cosmo, and bounces back into a perfect moonsault...OH MY GOD! COOPER CAUGHT HIM IN TOMBSTONE POSITION!!!
KO: CRATER MAKER!!!
Everyone is stunned into silence as Devlin's skull bounces off the canvas, while the rest of his body flails out to eventually find their way there as well. Cosmo falls off to the side of him face down on the mat, breathing heavily and unresponsive. Caputo checks both men, and seeing no signs of life, starts her count.
LO: This is almost a repeat of the last time they met, but this time whoever reaches their feet first will be the new Apex Champion!
KO: Lord knows that no matter who wins here tonight, they both put in a monstrous effort here in Russia!
Caputo reaches a count of six when Cosmo finally pushes up to one knee, and at seven is up on his feet to fall into the ropes for support. Eight comes and goes, but suddenly at nine Brennan gets up to a knee, and just as she's about to flash all ten fingers, he shoves off to stutter step upright. Cosmo watches all of this in utter disbelief, and he almost looks emotional as he buries his face in his arm. Devlin stumbles right into the ropes, bounces off, and then drops to both knee's shaking his head 'No' to no one in particular. Cooper, after his moment, steps away from the rope and makes his way over to Devlin who hasn't moved from his knee's. He reaches down to take the man on either side of the head, and forces him to his feet. This takes a few tries, but he finally accomplishes getting him upright, but Devlin's forehead is buried in Cosmo's chest, seemingly the only thing holding him up. Cosmo grips him by the shoulders, and shoves him back to go back to the well one more time, and that's when it happens. Quick as a cat, almost as if you could've missed it if you blinked, Devlin leaps into the air and hooks Cooper around the head on the way down for a massive cutter that smashes his face into the canvas.
LO: GOD ALMIGHTY! FACE OFF! I...I can't take anymore, Ken! They're undoing my Just For Men hair job out here!
KO: They.....I....
Both men lay completely prone again, and even Caputo looks like she's struggling to watch the car crash that has become this match. She shakes her head before starting the count, but keeps a steady even pace despite the fact that every member of the audience is screaming 'Mercy'. Halfway there Devlin's head lifts off the canvas, but immediately falls back to its resting place as the count drones on. By the time she's at eight, Devlin has clawed his way over to one of the corners, and is walking his way up to his knee's with his hands. What he can't see, is that on the opposite side, so is Cooper. Nine. Again, last minute saviors, somehow both men pull themselves to their feet, and spin around so that their backs are in the corner. Slowly they lift their heads to stare across at each other, and clear hatred can be seen on their faces as they bad mouth each other.
LO: Unbelievably, these two men are on their feet along with this capacity crowd, AND HERE THEY GO!
KO: Both men rushing out of their respective corners, and Cosmo ducks the clothesline attempt from Devlin, stops short, Brennan turns around and Cosmo goes for a drop kick but it's swatted away...
LO: Cooper back up as quick as he can, and FACE OFF! MY GOD THAT HAS TO BE IT!
Cooper is face down in the canvas while Devlin sits there, shaking his head. He looks over at Cosmo, up at Caputo, and down at himself before rolling towards the outside of the ring. Caputo steps up to start a count, as Devlin lands on the floor, flipping the ring skirt up, and starting to rummage around under the ring.
LO: Caputo is counting Cosmo down, but it doesn't look like Brennan believes that will be enough, and why would he? I mean, We've seen a Crater Maker, two Face Offs, and before all of that one of the most fast paced, back and forth contests I've ever witnessed!
KO: I'm not going to lie, Laur. After everything these two have been through out here, I don't see how there could be much more. The Referee is up to a count of six, and Cooper hasn't moved. He could be counted out right here...
Caputo continues her slow trek to ten, and despite booing Devlin for the majority of this match, the crowd pops when he pulls a black steel folding chair out from under the ring. He tosses the chair into the ring, and doesn't seem to be finished despite the count reaching eight, deciding to double down on the move. Chair after chair appears, each one being shoved into the ring, some chairs pushing the others further and further in. When he is finally finished, he looks up to find that the count has stopped, and Cosmo Cooper is clutching to the top rope on the opposite side to keep himself upright. Fifteen chairs litter the landscape of the ring, and his jaw sets as he climbs up onto the apron to rejoin the dance. One of the chairs thrown in lays at Cosmo's feet, and he tentatively scoops it up as Brennan swings his foot and body through the middle rope. Before he can make it all the way in, Cooper flings the chair in that direction, and the sound of steel clattering against bone can be heard along with a collective 'Oooooo' from the crowd.
LO: Devlin loaded the ring up with chairs, and it may have just backfired on him there! His foot is hung up in the ropes after being startled by that thrown chair, and now Cosmo has another one in hand and is loading up!
KO: No, no, it's ok! Devlin just got free, AND GOT WAFFLED ACROSS HIS SPINE WITH STEEL!
Devlin arches unnaturally as if hit with a taser, his mouth hanging open as he falls to his knee's. Another wind up from Cooper slams across Devlin's back, and it sends him sprawling forward with a thud. Cooper now, with what appears to be an unseen will to survive, brings the chair high over head and proceeds to bring the chair down across the back and shoulders of his opponent again and again until even the crowd calls out for mercy.
LO: Good God! Cosmo Cooper has just worn out Brennan Devlin with a steel chair that The Face of Wrestling introduced to this match, and just look at it. All mangled, and broken....and I'm talking about the chair. Those whelps on Devlin's back where steel met flesh look a lot worse!
KO: Jesus....I mean....these guys are going to kill each other. This has got be it. It just has to be!
Cosmo lets the contorted chair fall from his fingers on top of Devlin, and he starts scooping up fresh chairs, and tossing them onto The Face of Wrestling. Before all is said and done, Brennan is buried under a mound of steel, and Cooper falls back into a corner exhausted, signaling that Caputo should start her count. She collects herself after the horror she just witnessed with the chair, and the crowd counts along with her as she begins.
LO: The Graps Jesus has essentially buried Devlin here, which is as much metaphor as statement at this point, and Caputo's count is quickly approaching ten.
KO: Oh. My. God! Are you seeing this?
LO: Oh No. Just...just stay down!
At the count of seven the pile of steel chairs becomes unsettled, falling off of one another as Brennan Devlin pushes up to his hands and knee's. At eight he raises up to where he's sitting on his feet, and grabs a chair, burying the legs into the mat. At nine he leans forwards on the chair, and just as she is about to reach ten pushes off to come up to his feet. The roar of the crowd is deafening as Cosmo's eyes nearly bug out of his head, shaking in denial at what he's just witnessed. Devlin looks out on his feet, but he IS on his feet, and Caputo runs a hand over her face before signaling they should continue and hugging herself as she takes a step back.
KO: I know we're repeating ourselves at this point, but How?
LO: You've got me, Ken. I can't believe it, but here it is all the same.
Cosmo's shock falls away, and he takes a haggard step towards Brennan who is still trembling while gripping the chair to stay vertical. Just about the time that Cooper reaches out to direct the man, the steel chair flashes out to meet his gut, and he recoils, clutching his midsection. This offers Devlin the perfect target, and he lifts the chair and swings it high to slam against Cooper's lower spine. The action leaves Devlin wobbly, and he stumbles, which causes the aim of the chair to be off when it strikes Cosmo right in his hips, which sends him sprawling forwards right through the ropes to the concrete outside.
LO: Cosmo fell right here in front of us, and Devlin just abandoned the chair and fell to his knee's....Both these men are absolutely spent, but somehow they are still going.
KO: The will to win, Laur. Their egos won't let them stay down!
LO: Maybe so, but at what cost? These two men will never be the same after this encounter? They can't be?
KO: Uh....Laur...
LO: Not to mention, at this point, whoever wins will be the champion, but it's been evidenced here tonight that they are both two of the very best in the world. If this rivalry continues, how much farther can it actually be pushed?
KO: Uh...LAUR!
LO: I mean, I'm exhausted and all I've done is called the match. I can't even imagine what these two are feeling right now...
KO: LAUR!
Kenneth Othello shoves his brother to the side, as he dives in the opposite direction. Cooper sails across the announce table, wiping out the office chairs the two were sitting in, and comes to an eventual stop underneath their desk. Devlin stalks haphazardly around the table, reaching down and pulling Cooper up so that he can roll him up onto the desk, firing in piston like rights to his skull to keep him in place. After he's satisfied his prey won't be wandering off, he stumbles back towards the ring, gets up on the apron and begins to climb to the top rope.
LO: Is...is this thing still on?
KO: I can hear you, let's hope the production truck can do the same...
LO: Cosmo Cooper is laid across our desk, and Brennan Devlin just reached the top turnbuckle.....come on, Devlin. Think about this! You're going to take just as much punishment as Cooper!
Devlin, perched on the top, stares down at his opponent, and then out at the roaring crowd who have abandoned the concept of Heel and Baby and instead embraced the fact that these two have transcended. He brings his hands up to run through his drenched hair, and flicks his fingers out at the side before yelling, "I AM THE TRUE FACE OF WRESTLING!" With that, he leaps, hanging in the air for what seems like forever, and then rapidly speeding up in his descent until driving his elbow into Cosmo's chest, the table exploding beneath the weight of both. Through the splinters and obliterated wood lay two broken men, and a capacity crowd on their feet in awe.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY, THEY ARE SHATTERED!
KO: I...I think I'm done, Laur. This kind of shit is going to give me a heart attack.
The sound of one can barely be heard calling from the ring, and everyone is brought back to reality that this match is technically still going. Caputo's voice rings out six more times before either man begins to stir. At the eight mark the men are clawing across the concrete towards the ring, and when nine comes, hands reach up to grip the apron. Just as TEN is about to escape her mouth, their bodies rise on wobbly legs, and the arena nearly comes apart with the ovation.
LO: The toll has been paid, and the tax applied, yet both men still refuse to give in. Cooper and Devlin now crawling into the ring, side by side, separating just enough to pull themselves up by use of the ropes.
The two men turn towards one another, and a right hand flashes out to Devlin from Cooper that sends him teetering back. His momentum suddenly pitches forward with a right hand of his own that sends Cooper stumbling off to the side. When the Graps Jesus turns back around, he does so loaded with another heavy right that impacts off of Devlin's skull, driving him all the way to the ropes which bounce him back in that direction. Devlin's spring leads him into another right of his own, but much to everyone's surprise, Cooper ducks it. The punch drunk action leaves both men off balance, and just when it looks like they are going to go down, they both turn back towards each other with dueling superkicks that inexplicably find their marks!
LO: Cosmo and Brennan back down to the canvas, sprawled out with nowhere to go....My God! They could barely stand!
KO: After everything they've put each other through, those guys need to go out and get a beer together. You can only go this far if you love each other or you hate each other, and I'm starting to think that they love to hate!
LO: It's true, Ken. After witnessing a war like this, you have to believe that a mutual respect has bridged between the two men. It's like two war veterans meeting to discuss the battle they just came through...
KO: Laur...are you seeing this....they...they aren't getting up!
LO: Oh My God! Caputo at a count of nine....neither man is moving.....we're going to have a repeat of Blitz#6!!!
Caputo's hands flash all ten fingers, and the crowd comes alive at the prospect. Neither man has moved, and Caputo now signals to the time keeper that they are in sudden death.
LO: The Referee at a count of ten, which means the first person to reach their feet will be the NEW Apex Champion!
KO: Yeah, but which one will it be?
For the first time since the night began the crowd dies down, and there is almost silence in the arena. The two men lay there unmoving for a long while before suddenly there is a twitch from one of them. Devlin's head raises off the canvas, but when he puts his hand out to find solid ground, it finds a left over steel chair instead, which slides out from under him sending him back face down into the mat. Cosmo, on the other side, raises up to a seated position, just sitting there, taking in breaths and bleeding from cuts and bruises all over his body. Brennan gives it one more try, and this time is able to push up to his hands and knees, eventually raising up to sit on his feet in exhaustion. Cosmo rolls to one side, coming up to his knees, but the path has brought him face to face with Devlin, causing him to drop back and sit on his feet as well. The two men, mouths open sucking in air, stare at each other warily. Cooper reaches up weakly with a right hand that clips Devlin, rocking him back. Devlin runs a shaky hand through his hair, and then pops Cooper on the jaw with a right of his own.
LO: Are you kidding me....these guys are going to duke it out til the bitter end! Don't they realize that the first person to their feet can end this thing!
KO: You know what, Laur, at this point I'm sold. Let them fight forever!
Suddenly Devlin gets a spurt of energy, and he reaches out and grabs Cooper by a fistful of hair to pull him forward, and then starts driving in right hands in rapid fire succession. He lets go, and moves to try and shove up to his feet, but Cosmo leans forward violently, nailing him with a headbutt that catches him right in the nose. Devlin falls back a bit, clutching at his face, and Cooper moves to get to his feet. Devlin grabs Cooper by his tights, abandoning his wounds in favor of saving the match for himself, and yanks Cooper firmly back into position onto his knee's. The two men exchange another exhausted glance, unheard insults being muttered to one another so that only they can hear. Finally, Devlin moves in to swing another right, but at the last minute Cooper leans far back allowing Brennan's fist to pass harmlessly within an inch of him. The move causes Devlin to go off balance and he has to put both hands out in front of him or he would be face down in the canvas. And that's the moment that Cooper leans back in, puts both hands on the back of Devlin, and shoves up to his feet. He takes about three steps before collapsing back to the canvas, but three steps is all either of them needed.
LO: OH MY GOD!
KO: CAPUTO'S CALLING FOR THE BELL!
LO: COSMO COOPER'S DONE IT!
Ring Announcer: And the winner of this match, and the NEW APEX CHAMPION.....COSMO COOOPPPPEERRR!!
Pyro shoots off along the entrance, and confetti begins to rain down from the ceiling as Caputo steps over to place the Apex Championship in front of Cooper. Devlin still on his hands and knee's lowers his head in disbelief, and then looks over his shoulder at the still down Cooper and yells out, "I STILL FUCKED HER TO DEATH", before lowering himself the rest of the way down so he can lie against the mat. As the celebration amongst the fans continues, it becomes obvious that there is going to be no celebration in the ring, as Medical Staff come rushing down to ringside, and enter the ring to attend to both men who appear to be out.
LO: Cosmo Cooper is our new Apex Champion, but man....the war these two saw here tonight will have lasting ramifications for these two men's careers.
KO: No doubt, and I'm telling you, Laur, I don't know if you can squeeze anymore blood from the stone than we saw spilled here tonight, but I got this sneaking suspicion that it still isn't over between these two.
LO: Well, they have certainly been playing a game of cat and mouse with the win column, but Cosmo just picked up the first definitive one here tonight, yet I know what you're saying. I feel like this thing could have went the other way on a different night at a different place. It's so hard to tell with these two, because they know each other like the back of their hands. They are two sides of the same coin.
KO: I just hope there will be a next time, Laur. It isn't looking good as medical continues to work on these two, and I'm not sure they are going to make it out on their own power. It's a damn shame for them to have overcome so much, and not even be able to enjoy it.
LO: True enough, but I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to celebrate on Blitz#9, cause we are out of.....say what? You've got something developing in the back....
KO: Then get back there! Go! Go! Go!
This time he spins in that direction, duffle-bag and championship hitting the ground, hands up ready to defend himself. At the far end of the parking garage a figure stands in the shadows under a busted lamplight, and his eyes narrow to try and place the outline. The sudden words startle even him, a man who prides himself at being unshaken, or at least keeping that information hidden to himself.
"Aitsu o tsukamaero"
He tenses at the gruff command, his eyes rolling to his left and to his right in anticipation of attack. Unfortunately for him, he doesn't have eyes in the back of his head. A heavy forearm clubs him from behind, and the force of it sends him sprawling to the oil stained concrete floor. He manages to roll over onto his back in an attempt to get up, but boots already begin to reign down on him, and they are joined by another pair. Hard rubber soles meet soft tender flesh, and Krahe has no other choice but to try and cover his head, leaving other parts exposed for the vultures now picking his bones. A football like punt to his gut sends an explosion of air from his gaping mouth, his eyes crossing from the pain now shooting up his abdomen. Hands grip him under his arms and he's yanked up to his knees, the appendages pinned behind him so that there is no escape with no leverage on his side.
The first fist to his jaw feels like a lead hammer, and despite his nature to fight back against the odds, it rings his bell to the point that real concern creeps up his spine. The second blow is higher up, blasting across his cheekbone, and he feels warm blood explode from under packed meat that shouldn't be dislodged in such a way. One of his hands falls free, but his head is yanked back by a fistful of his hair, but the view is still confusing, as the garage lights cast an ambient view of the hulking figure in front of him. Three short, but savage, punches pepper his forehead from this angle, and he feels the stitches from the wounds he had earned previously in the night to earn his championship give way to another gush of crimson.
Spots border his vision, and almost completely overtake him when a hard driven knee finds itself buried in his left cheek, the inside flesh slicing across his back teeth painfully. Finally, a barking order comes from that gruff voice again, and the fist meant to break open another part of his face stops within an inch of making impact.
"Jūbun'na!"
The fist instead opens up, and the palm mushes his forehead backwards as simultaneously the hands holding him from behind release him. He tumbles unceremoniously to the floor, choking on blood, but amazingly still crawling as if to give some response to these attackers. Boots can be heard padding along from some distance until they finally arrive in front of Krahe, who reaches up weakly so that he can identify this menace. Instead, he's nudged by a steel toed boot in the shape of a skull onto his back, where after this attack and his previous ladder match, he finally comes to a rest. A hand reaches down beside him and lifts the still lit cigarette Krahe had dropped during the attack and the camera follows the view of it as it travels past black jeans, a black leather jacket, and finally comes to rest on full lips. The person takes a deep drag before a pillow of smoke pours out, and as the scene slowly pulls back Aokigahara Zombie steps into frame, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Come on, Mr. Krahe. You can take it. Siberia did say you are special.... Regards from the Zombie Clan."
Aoki pulls the cigarette from his lips, and places it back into Krahe's mouth, where it hangs precariously on the edge. When he rises back to his full height Fukushima and Kowloon Zombie are standing on either side of him. Both are covered in the UnYielding Champion's blood, and look like something straight out of a horror movie in contrast to the cool steely eyed Aokigahara. The three give a curt nod to their downed victim, before slowly turning to walk away. Their boots continue to sound into the night as the camera comes to rest on a shot of the unconscious Zachariah Krahe. The Valor Pro logo flashes at the bottom, then Fite TV, and then fade to black.