Post by silentpartner on May 6, 2019 10:51:12 GMT -5
Allison Sullivan comes down to the ring to a torrid of boo's as she dances her way arrogantly into the squared circle. When the lights dim and Kingsley Solomon enters, the fans aren't sure what to do, so he receives a mixed reaction as he methodically enters the ring. His Guy Fawkes mask peers across at Sullivan, who doesn't seem too impressed, and the referee calls for the bell so that the action can begin. The two lock up in the center of the ring, and Solomon quickly shoots into a toe pick that sends Allison sprawling, and from there dominates her on the mat with various holds. First a Front Face Lock, transitioned into a Head Lock, and then a float behind into a Hammerlock. Allison seems flustered until she's able to move them both back to their feet, and then cuts a sharp elbow into the side of Kingsley's skull to break the hold.
From there Allison fires in a variety of kicks and punches, ending the assault by dropping Solomon with a drop kick, and then immediately committing to a Split turned into a Leg Drop. She tries for a cover, but it's short lived, and she opts to pulling the man up and throwing him into the nearby corner. Allison backs up some distance and then charges right for Kingsley, vaulting into a Somersault Back Hand Spring Elbow that would have been devastating if it had met it's mark. Unfortunately for her it doesn't, as Kingsley quickly pulls himself out of the way and catches her with a Russian Leg Sweep for her trouble.
Solomon is quick to take to the skies, bounding up the ropes, and waiting for Allison to rise before diving off with a Snap Hurricanrana that spikes her skull off the canvas. He scrambles for a cover that only sees two and a half, but wastes little time coming to his feet and making comment to the crowd that it was time for them to finalize their bets. As Allison struggles to get back to her feet, he comes in from behind her, burying a forearm into her kidneys which arches her back. He bends down and pulls her up into Torture Wrack position, and then snaps her forwards into an Inverted Death Valley Driver he likes to call the Joker's Wild. A hook of the leg, and a three count later, Kingsley Solomon makes short work of Sullivan in his debut.
From there Allison fires in a variety of kicks and punches, ending the assault by dropping Solomon with a drop kick, and then immediately committing to a Split turned into a Leg Drop. She tries for a cover, but it's short lived, and she opts to pulling the man up and throwing him into the nearby corner. Allison backs up some distance and then charges right for Kingsley, vaulting into a Somersault Back Hand Spring Elbow that would have been devastating if it had met it's mark. Unfortunately for her it doesn't, as Kingsley quickly pulls himself out of the way and catches her with a Russian Leg Sweep for her trouble.
Solomon is quick to take to the skies, bounding up the ropes, and waiting for Allison to rise before diving off with a Snap Hurricanrana that spikes her skull off the canvas. He scrambles for a cover that only sees two and a half, but wastes little time coming to his feet and making comment to the crowd that it was time for them to finalize their bets. As Allison struggles to get back to her feet, he comes in from behind her, burying a forearm into her kidneys which arches her back. He bends down and pulls her up into Torture Wrack position, and then snaps her forwards into an Inverted Death Valley Driver he likes to call the Joker's Wild. A hook of the leg, and a three count later, Kingsley Solomon makes short work of Sullivan in his debut.
Winner Via Pinfall: Kingsley Solomon
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Only On THE BATTLEGROUND NETWORK!
Matt King steps out onto the stage to a mixed reaction, but he doesn't seem to mind as he makes his way down to the ring and rolls under the bottom rope. He pops up and boxes the air, pausing long enough to throw both arms over his head as his name is announced. When Leela Watts comes out on stage its a different story, and the fans go wild as she skips down to the ring slapping hands as she goes. Upon reaching ringside she offers a brief glance up at the ring at the man awaiting her arrival, and she bristles a little as he never takes his eyes off her. Leela shrugs off the disconcerted feeling and continues hyping up the fans, posing and smiling as her music fades.
When the bell sounds, the two competitors square off in the ring, and it's obvious by King's stance that he isn't looking to tie up. Both fists are raised in the air as he dances back and forth, and Leela watches all of this warily as they get closer and closer. She's forced to put her own dukes up when they get within striking distance as Matt opens up with left jabs that send her scuttling back. He continues to press her, pushing her all the way back into the corner, and he moves in with a massive right hand that Leela deftly ducks out of the way of. When King spins back around to face her he's caught off guard by a High Standing Drop Kick that sends him sprawling against the turnbuckles, and Leela quickly moves in, hopping to the second ropes to hammer right hands down into his skull.
King only takes about four of these shots before gripping Leela by the legs and walking her out away from the corner only to drop her crotch first across his knee for an Inverted Atomic Drop. He doesn't stop there, picking her up and dropping her again, again, and again until finally turning her loose so that she falls to the canvas clutching her lower abdomen. King doesn't stop there, dropping down on Leela who covers up to try and protect herself from bomb like Elbows targeting her face. A few of the blows find their way through, and after a second King pulls a dazed Watts up to her feet. He gets a fistful of her hair, rares back, and delivers a spine tingling Headbutt that sends her stumbling back to a seated positioned, followed by a Running Shotgun Dropkick.
After only getting a two count, Matt seems a little miffed, pulling Leela up to her feet and then shooting her off the ropes to the far side. She returns with a full head of steam and he is taken completely unaware as she takes to the skies with a High Cross Body that drops him down for a pin. King kicks out with authority at two, and the momentum carries Leela all the way to her feet where she bounds towards the ropes as he rises. She leaps up to the second to springboard into a twist, catching Matt around the head as she does for a Tornado DDT that leaves him laying flat against the mat. She hooks the leg this time for the cover, but only gets a two and a half.
Leela is quick to go to the top, and once perched, signals to the crowd before diving off with a Frog Splash. At the last second King brings both knee's up to his chest, and Leela impacts across them hard, clutching at her ribs as she rolls around on the mat. Matt gets to his feet with a sneer, pulling Leela to her feet so that he can hook her around the head, lift her up, and then drop incredibly fast into a Brain Buster. The crowd grasps as he floats over after the Death Row, and hooks Leela's leg for a decided 1, 2, 3! King pops up after the win, and throws his arm over his head as the stunned crowd slowly come to their feet in applause. He grins back at Watts, who quickly rolls for the bottom rope and to the outside clutching the back of her head, before taking the second turnbuckle and calling for more adulation.
When the bell sounds, the two competitors square off in the ring, and it's obvious by King's stance that he isn't looking to tie up. Both fists are raised in the air as he dances back and forth, and Leela watches all of this warily as they get closer and closer. She's forced to put her own dukes up when they get within striking distance as Matt opens up with left jabs that send her scuttling back. He continues to press her, pushing her all the way back into the corner, and he moves in with a massive right hand that Leela deftly ducks out of the way of. When King spins back around to face her he's caught off guard by a High Standing Drop Kick that sends him sprawling against the turnbuckles, and Leela quickly moves in, hopping to the second ropes to hammer right hands down into his skull.
King only takes about four of these shots before gripping Leela by the legs and walking her out away from the corner only to drop her crotch first across his knee for an Inverted Atomic Drop. He doesn't stop there, picking her up and dropping her again, again, and again until finally turning her loose so that she falls to the canvas clutching her lower abdomen. King doesn't stop there, dropping down on Leela who covers up to try and protect herself from bomb like Elbows targeting her face. A few of the blows find their way through, and after a second King pulls a dazed Watts up to her feet. He gets a fistful of her hair, rares back, and delivers a spine tingling Headbutt that sends her stumbling back to a seated positioned, followed by a Running Shotgun Dropkick.
After only getting a two count, Matt seems a little miffed, pulling Leela up to her feet and then shooting her off the ropes to the far side. She returns with a full head of steam and he is taken completely unaware as she takes to the skies with a High Cross Body that drops him down for a pin. King kicks out with authority at two, and the momentum carries Leela all the way to her feet where she bounds towards the ropes as he rises. She leaps up to the second to springboard into a twist, catching Matt around the head as she does for a Tornado DDT that leaves him laying flat against the mat. She hooks the leg this time for the cover, but only gets a two and a half.
Leela is quick to go to the top, and once perched, signals to the crowd before diving off with a Frog Splash. At the last second King brings both knee's up to his chest, and Leela impacts across them hard, clutching at her ribs as she rolls around on the mat. Matt gets to his feet with a sneer, pulling Leela to her feet so that he can hook her around the head, lift her up, and then drop incredibly fast into a Brain Buster. The crowd grasps as he floats over after the Death Row, and hooks Leela's leg for a decided 1, 2, 3! King pops up after the win, and throws his arm over his head as the stunned crowd slowly come to their feet in applause. He grins back at Watts, who quickly rolls for the bottom rope and to the outside clutching the back of her head, before taking the second turnbuckle and calling for more adulation.
Winner Via Pinfall: Matt King
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
HIGH OCTANE WRESTLING
The Moon Child Julie Miri and the Galactic Princess Indi Rhyder teed off with some impressive chain wrestling that showcased either women’s incredibly vast gifts of technical wrestling. Julie Miri came out on top early, gaining some traction in the match after connecting a sudden fisherman’s suplex transitioned into a reverse kneeling jawbreaker that looked to put Indi Rhyder on the defensive. Julie Miri stalked Indi, managing to stay one step ahead of the Butterfly with a series of stiff shots, followed by incredibly proficient rest holds that kept Indi Rhyder struggling to keep pace.
Indi’s luck shifted mid match when Julie Miri attempted a missile dropkick and paused just a second too long on the top rope, giving Indi a chance to gather her bearings and deftly avoid the attempted dropkick and capitalize on the fallen Miri with a set of stomps and then a figure four that signalled the Revolution Pro Champion that this match wasn’t going to be easy. Obviously rusty, Indi Rhyder seemed to be shaking off that rust with each successive move, gaining momentum with swift exchange of arm drags and hip throws to counter a surging Julie Miri before Indi Rhyder pulled out an impressive meteora that set the crowd on its feet!
Indi, firmly in the driver’s seat, kept Julie dizzy with an array of fantastically executed aerial moves before signalling it was time to go up top for her starship pain finisher! But it was Julie’s turn to surprise Indi, dodging the high risk attempt and going on an offensive tear that turned the tide in Julie’s favor. Indi looked stunned as Julie unloaded a string of offence capped off her patented slingshot suplex off the ropes that looked to put Indi away for good!
A near fall later, and Julie looked to show some signs of frustration but she kept her head in check, setting Indi onto the top turnbuckle, looking for a superplex to definitively set the Galactic Princess down for the count but Indi kicked Julie away and knocked her down with a Phoenix Dragonrana Indi calls the head over heels that got the fan’s buzzing! A three count later, and Indi found herself with her arm raised in victory in what was easily one of the hardest fought matches of the night!
MAIN SHOWIndi’s luck shifted mid match when Julie Miri attempted a missile dropkick and paused just a second too long on the top rope, giving Indi a chance to gather her bearings and deftly avoid the attempted dropkick and capitalize on the fallen Miri with a set of stomps and then a figure four that signalled the Revolution Pro Champion that this match wasn’t going to be easy. Obviously rusty, Indi Rhyder seemed to be shaking off that rust with each successive move, gaining momentum with swift exchange of arm drags and hip throws to counter a surging Julie Miri before Indi Rhyder pulled out an impressive meteora that set the crowd on its feet!
Indi, firmly in the driver’s seat, kept Julie dizzy with an array of fantastically executed aerial moves before signalling it was time to go up top for her starship pain finisher! But it was Julie’s turn to surprise Indi, dodging the high risk attempt and going on an offensive tear that turned the tide in Julie’s favor. Indi looked stunned as Julie unloaded a string of offence capped off her patented slingshot suplex off the ropes that looked to put Indi away for good!
A near fall later, and Julie looked to show some signs of frustration but she kept her head in check, setting Indi onto the top turnbuckle, looking for a superplex to definitively set the Galactic Princess down for the count but Indi kicked Julie away and knocked her down with a Phoenix Dragonrana Indi calls the head over heels that got the fan’s buzzing! A three count later, and Indi found herself with her arm raised in victory in what was easily one of the hardest fought matches of the night!
Winner: Indi Rhyder by Pinfall
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Only On THE BATTLEGROUND NETWORK!
The fans exploded when they saw the most popular superhero in professional wrestling bound out from behind the curtain and give them a huge acknowledgment. Roxi Johnson stormed down to the ring full of energy, an energy that carried right into the opening of the match against Katya Djurdjevic. Roxi was on a mission early, knocking Katya around the ring with a stunning aerial assault loaded with springboard kicks and elbows and even a tilt a whirl backbreaker. Roxi looked ready to put this one away early.
But Katya stormed back, surprising Roxi with a kip up hurricanrana then going on a tear you wouldn’t expect from a woman in her second match here in Valor Pro. Roxi found herself trapped in the corner getting splashed by a surging Katya shortly before she unleashed a flurry of boxing combos that Roxi struggled with, but Roxi is one of, if not the most experienced ring generals in the business today, and just as Katya looked to land the felling blow, Roxi blocked a punch and fought right back, driving Katya down to the canvas with an arm drag and fluidly locked in an armbar that clearly had Katya reeling in pain and struggling to escape!
Roxi looked invigorated after letting Katya up, and squaring off with her once more, this time relying on a much firmer base and weight advantage to throw Katya around with expert jiu jitsu training that reminded everyone watching, including Katya just who Roxi Johnson is, and why she’s so revered in the squared circle.
With Roxi squarely in control, Katya pulled out a desperation Eat Defeat that stunned the crowd and Roxi Johnson. Katya went for the cover, but Roxi refused to allow the three count. She fought back much to Katya’s surprise, first landing a series of impressive knee strikes before knocking Katya senseless with a springboard lionsault into a standing Katya that ignited the crowd! Roxi covered, and looked to put this one away but Katya kicked out at the last second.
These two women, clearly fighting well past the 15 minute point looked to be pouring their all into this fight, but Katya pulled out a devastating, but desperate quick release vertical suplex dropped into a double knee backbreaker and dropped down for the cover and eventual three count. Katya squeeked by just barely with a victory in this one! True to her word, after Roxi is able to get back to her feet, she offers her hand to Katya, who takes it respectfully. The crowd cheers wildly.
But Katya stormed back, surprising Roxi with a kip up hurricanrana then going on a tear you wouldn’t expect from a woman in her second match here in Valor Pro. Roxi found herself trapped in the corner getting splashed by a surging Katya shortly before she unleashed a flurry of boxing combos that Roxi struggled with, but Roxi is one of, if not the most experienced ring generals in the business today, and just as Katya looked to land the felling blow, Roxi blocked a punch and fought right back, driving Katya down to the canvas with an arm drag and fluidly locked in an armbar that clearly had Katya reeling in pain and struggling to escape!
Roxi looked invigorated after letting Katya up, and squaring off with her once more, this time relying on a much firmer base and weight advantage to throw Katya around with expert jiu jitsu training that reminded everyone watching, including Katya just who Roxi Johnson is, and why she’s so revered in the squared circle.
With Roxi squarely in control, Katya pulled out a desperation Eat Defeat that stunned the crowd and Roxi Johnson. Katya went for the cover, but Roxi refused to allow the three count. She fought back much to Katya’s surprise, first landing a series of impressive knee strikes before knocking Katya senseless with a springboard lionsault into a standing Katya that ignited the crowd! Roxi covered, and looked to put this one away but Katya kicked out at the last second.
These two women, clearly fighting well past the 15 minute point looked to be pouring their all into this fight, but Katya pulled out a devastating, but desperate quick release vertical suplex dropped into a double knee backbreaker and dropped down for the cover and eventual three count. Katya squeeked by just barely with a victory in this one! True to her word, after Roxi is able to get back to her feet, she offers her hand to Katya, who takes it respectfully. The crowd cheers wildly.
Winner: Katya Djurdjevic
The Big Screen above the ring flashes to life, and the scene opens up to the mid-spring sun shining down on a well-kept backyard. Under the spreading new leaves of a large maple tree, a wrestling ring that looks as if it’s seen better days is set up. In the center of this ring are two people- a tall, strapping fellow with neatly brushed back blonde hair, gentle blue eyes, and the build of a classical athlete, and a smaller, scrappier looking individual with steely green eyes, red hair sticking from beneath a well-work New York Mets ballcap. A pair of silver plated belts are secured to the ropes behind them, but the details etched on the plating are hard to make out from this distance.
MIKE MCGUIRE: We’d like to take a moment to get acquainted with ya. This big fella right here? This is Bishop Church. Technical wizard, submission magician, and the best partner a guy could ask for.
The man raises his eyebrow but quizzical expression fades into a slight smile.
BISHOP CHURCH: And this is Mike.
There is a bit of dead air as the two look at each other. The question of “And?” hangs in the air as he looks directly in the camera.
BISHOP CHURCH: Mike McGuire.
MIKE MCGUIRE: I punch people in the face.
BISHOP CHURCH: And we are …
TOGETHER: N...S...F...W.
BISHOP CHURCH: And some of you? You may have heard of us. Some of you? Not so much. Simply put, we are the epitome of tag team wrestling.
Church pauses. He hitches a thumb over his shoulder directed towards the out of focus belts.
BISHOP CHURCH: And we know any past accolades don’t matter.
Mike shakes their head, adjusting the brim of their cap.
MIKE MCGUIRE: What we are or were in the champ department? That’s old news as far as Valor’s concerned. What Valor should be concerned with is that we are bringing with us a focused dedication to tag team wrestling. That’s our wheelhouse. That’s what we do and that’s who we are.
BISHOP CHURCH: Back when this all of this started, there was a perception that we had to combat. That we were trying to make up for lost time. That we weren’t worthy. And now?
He chuckles at the upcoming notion.
BISHOP CHURCH: That after one bad night - the magic is gone. That isn’t the case. This isn’t about redemption. It’s about taking what is ours.
MIKE MCGUIRE: Tag team excellence is coming to Valor, and all you other teams out there, the slapped together collabs of people, the fuckin’ mimes, the undead… heh. You best start preparing. See ya soon.
Grinning, Mike waves to the camera while Bishop gives a stoic nod for a sign-off, the picture shifting to the Blitz Show Banner.
MIKE MCGUIRE: We’d like to take a moment to get acquainted with ya. This big fella right here? This is Bishop Church. Technical wizard, submission magician, and the best partner a guy could ask for.
The man raises his eyebrow but quizzical expression fades into a slight smile.
BISHOP CHURCH: And this is Mike.
There is a bit of dead air as the two look at each other. The question of “And?” hangs in the air as he looks directly in the camera.
BISHOP CHURCH: Mike McGuire.
MIKE MCGUIRE: I punch people in the face.
BISHOP CHURCH: And we are …
TOGETHER: N...S...F...W.
BISHOP CHURCH: And some of you? You may have heard of us. Some of you? Not so much. Simply put, we are the epitome of tag team wrestling.
Church pauses. He hitches a thumb over his shoulder directed towards the out of focus belts.
BISHOP CHURCH: And we know any past accolades don’t matter.
Mike shakes their head, adjusting the brim of their cap.
MIKE MCGUIRE: What we are or were in the champ department? That’s old news as far as Valor’s concerned. What Valor should be concerned with is that we are bringing with us a focused dedication to tag team wrestling. That’s our wheelhouse. That’s what we do and that’s who we are.
BISHOP CHURCH: Back when this all of this started, there was a perception that we had to combat. That we were trying to make up for lost time. That we weren’t worthy. And now?
He chuckles at the upcoming notion.
BISHOP CHURCH: That after one bad night - the magic is gone. That isn’t the case. This isn’t about redemption. It’s about taking what is ours.
MIKE MCGUIRE: Tag team excellence is coming to Valor, and all you other teams out there, the slapped together collabs of people, the fuckin’ mimes, the undead… heh. You best start preparing. See ya soon.
Grinning, Mike waves to the camera while Bishop gives a stoic nod for a sign-off, the picture shifting to the Blitz Show Banner.
"For The Glory" by All Good Things blares across the PA system while the camera shifts up to the main banner displayed at the top of the screen, and then to a sweeping shot of the ICC Durban Arena. Pyro begins firing off across the stage, and the fans come to their feet at the sight of themselves on the big screen, cheering wildly and holding up their signs. One reads, "BRODIE/COOPER, MONSTER/CHAMPION", while another has "Dakota Jennings is my role model", and still another says "Save us from ourselves Brennan Devlin!". Spiral Effect, Superhero Roxi, Danny Rizzo, Leela Watts, and Berlin Anderson T-Shirts permeate the crowd, when suddenly the camera view shifts to one overlooking the ring. The camera zooms down the ramp, rises up over the top rope, through the ring, and finally drops down to settle on the announce booth where The Othello Brothers await with excited expressions.
Laurence Othello: Welcome everyone to the ICC Durban Arena, Durban, South Africa for another episode of Blitz!
Kenneth Othello: That's right, and I am Kenneth Othello, alongside my brother, tag partner, and colleague...Laurence Othello, and what a show we have here for you tonight!
LO: No doubt, Ken....ALL the titles are on the line, and we're introducing a new on here tonight in the Unleashed belt!
KO: Technically Spiral introduced it last show, nimrod...
LO: Yeah, yeah....but before we get into the rundown of the main show, let's speak on what we just saw....NSFW, Bishop Church & Mike McGuire have officially signed with Valor Pro, and it sounds like they have their sights set on Chimera Tag Gold!
KO: Yeah, these two guys are considered Tag Team excellence across many circles, and it should spice things up for whoever walks away as our Chimera Tag Team Champions here tonight!
LO: That's right, Ken, because the team of Cross Recoba and Dakota Jennings will square off with some combination of The Zombie Clan here tonight, and I hear it will be Kowloon and Fukushima this time!
KO: Well, according to sources, The Clan let Dakota Jennings decide the pairing on Twitter, which means they could be in for a swerve if The Zombie Clan decides to switch tactics later on.
LO: Either way, I'm curious to see how Recoba and Jennings do as a tag team. I mean, the couple thing aside, do you really think they'll mesh well in the ring?
KO: I have no doubts, Laur. Cross Recoba is The Fox, and Dakota Jennings is The Firecracker! Together, I have no doubt they can pull this off tonight.
LO: There you have it folks, Ken's calling it. Me on the other hand, I think it's The Zombie Clan all the way. They have been dominant since arriving in the company, and their Leader, Aokigahara Zombie, already holds a win over Cross Recoba.
KO: Whatever! That was a fluke! Cross was probably preoccupied thinking about the fact that he didn't receive an Apex Title shot after defeating the Champion the show before...
LO: Ok, fine...what about Berlin Anderson versus Danny Rizzo? You've been saying for months now that Rizzo doesn't have what it takes to make it, but as he pointed out last show by throwing a microphone at your head, he not only made it....He's the UnYielding Champion!
KO: That fool is lucky that Caputo was on his side, cause he wouldn't have been if she could do her damn job!
LO: I'll admit that wasn't the ending any of us wanted for that match, but Dakota Jennings should have never put her hands on the Senior Official!
KO: You can only be pushed so far, Laur, and Dakota had reached her limit! Caputo short changed her on the count, and then when she took exception, actually caused the end of the match in Rizzo's favor!
LO: I'll have you recall that Caputo paid severely for that altercation. We're lucky we even have her here to call the action tonight after what Jennings did!
KO: Well maybe she'll do a better job for Berlin Anderson, as he's another one of these fan favorite types. Should be interesting to find out which of these lame ducks gets the crowd more worked up.
LO: Do you see any contrast of styles being an issue? Berlin is a high flyer, while Rizzo is more of a technical striker...
KO: Yeah, but the problem in saying that Berlin Anderson is just a high flyer is like saying that Danny Rizzo is a pretty good guy. The sun shines out the UnYielding Champion's ass, and Berlin Anderson does things with his environment that damn near no one else does.
LO: True enough, but speaking of where the sun shines....Thoughts on the Main Event?
KO: Cosmo Cooper?
LO: He takes on one of the most dangerous competitors that has ever stepped foot in Valor Pro, and she has put the locker room on notice that this is her time and there will be no pretenders involved...
KO: Yeah, you forgot unstable, Laur. Brodie is a few cards short of a full deck, and I think Cosmo is a smart enough champion to exploit that to its fullest.
LO: How about the fact that it's in a steel cage? If Brodie locks in the Finality Crossface, there's no where for Cosmo to escape...
KO: That's definitely a possibility, but that's only IF Brodie gets the chance. Don't count out Vanessa Byrne's Champion of Choice just yet.
LO: I would never count out someone the caliber of Cosmo Cooper, but I'm just saying.....Brodie may well control the narrative here. I mean, the environment is everything she could have hoped for with the Apex Championship on the line.
KO: Well, where there's a will, there's a way, and I don't think anyone can ever discount the possibility of a Brennan Devlin appearance...
LO: He will be coming out later on tonight on "Where There's Stokes, There's Fire" with Brad Stokes. Hopefully Brad can find out what Devlin's plans are after that defeat to Brodie last show...
KO: I'd think that was obvious, Laur. He's going to want whoever wins this Main Event tonight!
LO: Don't you think there are other folks in line that might take exception to that thinking?
KO: To hell with everyone else. We're talking about Brennan F'n Devlin, The Face of Wrestling!
LO: Maybe one of those who would take exception to it is in our opening bout tonight. Last show, Spiral took Brad Stokes to task, and brought back the Unleashed Championship, a belt that he never lost with an Ultraviolent past....
KO: How could he know that Vanessa Byrne would jump all over the opportunity to add another belt to the echelon!
LO: Anyone that knows Byrne knows she doesn't look a gift horse in the mouth, and now the Unleashed Championship is officially sanctioned by Valor Pro. Interesting, considering the style of matches this title provides should probably be unsanctioned...
KO: Haha, I love it! Guaranteed to see some blood tonight, and with Spiral, there's no telling what he has planned for Caroline O'Hara Burchill!
LO: Need I remind you that Caroline was once called the Red Queen for a reason?
KO: Maybe a long time ago, but now she's gone soft. I actually kind of miss that Caroline...
LO: Well, you might get a chance to see that side of her here in a few minutes, but first, let's head backstage and see who we see...
Laurence Othello: Welcome everyone to the ICC Durban Arena, Durban, South Africa for another episode of Blitz!
Kenneth Othello: That's right, and I am Kenneth Othello, alongside my brother, tag partner, and colleague...Laurence Othello, and what a show we have here for you tonight!
LO: No doubt, Ken....ALL the titles are on the line, and we're introducing a new on here tonight in the Unleashed belt!
KO: Technically Spiral introduced it last show, nimrod...
LO: Yeah, yeah....but before we get into the rundown of the main show, let's speak on what we just saw....NSFW, Bishop Church & Mike McGuire have officially signed with Valor Pro, and it sounds like they have their sights set on Chimera Tag Gold!
KO: Yeah, these two guys are considered Tag Team excellence across many circles, and it should spice things up for whoever walks away as our Chimera Tag Team Champions here tonight!
LO: That's right, Ken, because the team of Cross Recoba and Dakota Jennings will square off with some combination of The Zombie Clan here tonight, and I hear it will be Kowloon and Fukushima this time!
KO: Well, according to sources, The Clan let Dakota Jennings decide the pairing on Twitter, which means they could be in for a swerve if The Zombie Clan decides to switch tactics later on.
LO: Either way, I'm curious to see how Recoba and Jennings do as a tag team. I mean, the couple thing aside, do you really think they'll mesh well in the ring?
KO: I have no doubts, Laur. Cross Recoba is The Fox, and Dakota Jennings is The Firecracker! Together, I have no doubt they can pull this off tonight.
LO: There you have it folks, Ken's calling it. Me on the other hand, I think it's The Zombie Clan all the way. They have been dominant since arriving in the company, and their Leader, Aokigahara Zombie, already holds a win over Cross Recoba.
KO: Whatever! That was a fluke! Cross was probably preoccupied thinking about the fact that he didn't receive an Apex Title shot after defeating the Champion the show before...
LO: Ok, fine...what about Berlin Anderson versus Danny Rizzo? You've been saying for months now that Rizzo doesn't have what it takes to make it, but as he pointed out last show by throwing a microphone at your head, he not only made it....He's the UnYielding Champion!
KO: That fool is lucky that Caputo was on his side, cause he wouldn't have been if she could do her damn job!
LO: I'll admit that wasn't the ending any of us wanted for that match, but Dakota Jennings should have never put her hands on the Senior Official!
KO: You can only be pushed so far, Laur, and Dakota had reached her limit! Caputo short changed her on the count, and then when she took exception, actually caused the end of the match in Rizzo's favor!
LO: I'll have you recall that Caputo paid severely for that altercation. We're lucky we even have her here to call the action tonight after what Jennings did!
KO: Well maybe she'll do a better job for Berlin Anderson, as he's another one of these fan favorite types. Should be interesting to find out which of these lame ducks gets the crowd more worked up.
LO: Do you see any contrast of styles being an issue? Berlin is a high flyer, while Rizzo is more of a technical striker...
KO: Yeah, but the problem in saying that Berlin Anderson is just a high flyer is like saying that Danny Rizzo is a pretty good guy. The sun shines out the UnYielding Champion's ass, and Berlin Anderson does things with his environment that damn near no one else does.
LO: True enough, but speaking of where the sun shines....Thoughts on the Main Event?
KO: Cosmo Cooper?
LO: He takes on one of the most dangerous competitors that has ever stepped foot in Valor Pro, and she has put the locker room on notice that this is her time and there will be no pretenders involved...
KO: Yeah, you forgot unstable, Laur. Brodie is a few cards short of a full deck, and I think Cosmo is a smart enough champion to exploit that to its fullest.
LO: How about the fact that it's in a steel cage? If Brodie locks in the Finality Crossface, there's no where for Cosmo to escape...
KO: That's definitely a possibility, but that's only IF Brodie gets the chance. Don't count out Vanessa Byrne's Champion of Choice just yet.
LO: I would never count out someone the caliber of Cosmo Cooper, but I'm just saying.....Brodie may well control the narrative here. I mean, the environment is everything she could have hoped for with the Apex Championship on the line.
KO: Well, where there's a will, there's a way, and I don't think anyone can ever discount the possibility of a Brennan Devlin appearance...
LO: He will be coming out later on tonight on "Where There's Stokes, There's Fire" with Brad Stokes. Hopefully Brad can find out what Devlin's plans are after that defeat to Brodie last show...
KO: I'd think that was obvious, Laur. He's going to want whoever wins this Main Event tonight!
LO: Don't you think there are other folks in line that might take exception to that thinking?
KO: To hell with everyone else. We're talking about Brennan F'n Devlin, The Face of Wrestling!
LO: Maybe one of those who would take exception to it is in our opening bout tonight. Last show, Spiral took Brad Stokes to task, and brought back the Unleashed Championship, a belt that he never lost with an Ultraviolent past....
KO: How could he know that Vanessa Byrne would jump all over the opportunity to add another belt to the echelon!
LO: Anyone that knows Byrne knows she doesn't look a gift horse in the mouth, and now the Unleashed Championship is officially sanctioned by Valor Pro. Interesting, considering the style of matches this title provides should probably be unsanctioned...
KO: Haha, I love it! Guaranteed to see some blood tonight, and with Spiral, there's no telling what he has planned for Caroline O'Hara Burchill!
LO: Need I remind you that Caroline was once called the Red Queen for a reason?
KO: Maybe a long time ago, but now she's gone soft. I actually kind of miss that Caroline...
LO: Well, you might get a chance to see that side of her here in a few minutes, but first, let's head backstage and see who we see...
Had the security team been told differently, they would have lead him out in handcuffs. The man, whose name we will never know, was staggering. He slouched as he staggered, not in a lazy way, more a representation of years of menial labor ravaging his once strong back. He was in the twilight of his sixties and the clothes he wore upon his back looked as ancient as his face. His hair is what stood out the most. His wiry silver hair burst outwards from his skull like an unkempt tumbleweed. His face was rough like wrinkled leather left out in the sun for days which left his pigment a light washed out brown. His eyes were asymmetrical in that one was wide with a dark brown almost black iris and the other was pure white with only light swirls of grey and blue to give it character.
He was rambling demonstratively as he staggered; he was holding a recently balled up piece of paper in his hand. His long intelligible conversation seemed to be going on in the direction of someone beside him or perhaps someone else off outside of the established point of view. Incredible secrets or the mutterings of a broken man, things which would be left unknown. He turned, staring blankly into the distance as his hands worked independently to open the balled up piece of paper. He glanced at the paper and squinted which sent his free hand blindly checking his pockets until he freed a pair of worn out reading glasses from a ratty breast pocket. He carefully put the glasses on and wet his lips.
He spoke a moment, but his voice was as course as his face. A reminder of the toll tobacco and alcohol take on the throat. He cleared his throat in one jolting cough. After clearing his throat, he began to speak, “I’ve been invited here today to speak on behalf of Jack Dempsey,” he let out another cough, clearing his throat further, “He would have liked to have attended tonight, but is,” he squints to read the word, “Otherwise engaged.”
For a moment, he looked up away from the paper in his hands and looked as if he were waiting for a prompt, or muse, or any distraction from the attention he felt thrust upon him. He swallowed hard and returned to his reading, “For those of you competing tonight on Blitz fifteen, you will likely ignore the following, but Jack is “cool” with that. Each of you follow a different path and each of your lives will result in it’s own unique fate. What will unite all of you is the fact that...” He squinted at the words as he paused, seemingly resistant to continue.
He scoffed and suggested, “This mother fucker should read this himself.”
He shook his head as he remembered the money burning a hole in his jacket pocket, reminding him why he was there. He also remembered the suite reserved for him at the Durban Hilton with all expenses paid. He reveled a yellow grin. “What will unite all of you is the fact that very soon, Jack Dempsey is going to kick the living shit out of each one of you. After he’s done that, he’s going to do it again. He will,” he stifled laughter, “Fucking kill you.”
He let out a wheezy laugh and continued, “With all of that said, he wishes you all a fine evening and looks forward to breaking your wills soon,” he squinted, analysing a word, “Preferably...at Blitz sixteen. Also, he wishes to give a “shout out” to the Afrikaners of South Africa who he believes are the “best at” racism.”
With that said, he took a deep breath, crumpled up the paper and let it fall onto the floor. He turned to his right and muttered something and returned to his conversation with, no one as he lumbered away.
He was rambling demonstratively as he staggered; he was holding a recently balled up piece of paper in his hand. His long intelligible conversation seemed to be going on in the direction of someone beside him or perhaps someone else off outside of the established point of view. Incredible secrets or the mutterings of a broken man, things which would be left unknown. He turned, staring blankly into the distance as his hands worked independently to open the balled up piece of paper. He glanced at the paper and squinted which sent his free hand blindly checking his pockets until he freed a pair of worn out reading glasses from a ratty breast pocket. He carefully put the glasses on and wet his lips.
He spoke a moment, but his voice was as course as his face. A reminder of the toll tobacco and alcohol take on the throat. He cleared his throat in one jolting cough. After clearing his throat, he began to speak, “I’ve been invited here today to speak on behalf of Jack Dempsey,” he let out another cough, clearing his throat further, “He would have liked to have attended tonight, but is,” he squints to read the word, “Otherwise engaged.”
For a moment, he looked up away from the paper in his hands and looked as if he were waiting for a prompt, or muse, or any distraction from the attention he felt thrust upon him. He swallowed hard and returned to his reading, “For those of you competing tonight on Blitz fifteen, you will likely ignore the following, but Jack is “cool” with that. Each of you follow a different path and each of your lives will result in it’s own unique fate. What will unite all of you is the fact that...” He squinted at the words as he paused, seemingly resistant to continue.
He scoffed and suggested, “This mother fucker should read this himself.”
He shook his head as he remembered the money burning a hole in his jacket pocket, reminding him why he was there. He also remembered the suite reserved for him at the Durban Hilton with all expenses paid. He reveled a yellow grin. “What will unite all of you is the fact that very soon, Jack Dempsey is going to kick the living shit out of each one of you. After he’s done that, he’s going to do it again. He will,” he stifled laughter, “Fucking kill you.”
He let out a wheezy laugh and continued, “With all of that said, he wishes you all a fine evening and looks forward to breaking your wills soon,” he squinted, analysing a word, “Preferably...at Blitz sixteen. Also, he wishes to give a “shout out” to the Afrikaners of South Africa who he believes are the “best at” racism.”
With that said, he took a deep breath, crumpled up the paper and let it fall onto the floor. He turned to his right and muttered something and returned to his conversation with, no one as he lumbered away.
OPENING BOUT
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission, and is a No Disqualification Match for the UNLEASHED CHAMPIONSHIP....
"Hard White" by Nicki Minaj hits over the PA system and the lights flash along with the beat as Caroline O'Hara Burchill steps out from the curtain, coming to a pause at the top of the stage. The crowd reacts with a mixed reaction as she peers out at them, many more cheers mingled in than there were last show. She nods, sniffs the air, and then smiles as she takes off in a confident stride down the ramp.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at five foot four and weighing in at 120 pounds, hailing from Sydney, Australia....She is THE NEW CLASSIC....CAROLINE O'HARA BURCHILL!!
Caroline reaches ringside and whips herself around the guardrail and then charges up the steps, swinging herself through the ropes and into the ring where she throws both arms over her head. The fans react positively as she stalks back and forth in the ring before settling into the far corner to await her opponent.
LO: Caroline O'Hara Burchill has come out her for a fight, and this is a chance for her to take the Unleashed Championship off of Spiral in his first title defense in quite some time.
KO: I don't know if he realized that Vanessa Byrne would jump on the chance to declare the Unleashed Title an official Valor Pro championship, but it didn't take her long to take the words he spoke on Where There's Stokes, There's Fire literally.
LO: Yes, and that serves him right after what he did to poor Brad.
KO: Whoa...wait a minute. Just a few shows back you hated that guy...
LO: Well, he's had a change of heart. Found a new faith...
KO: He worships Zack Fantana...
LO: Um.....
They don't get to continue the conversation as War Drums bang out into the arena, followed by a guitar riff as 'Counting Bodies Like Sheep (The Pale King Remix)' by A Perfect Circle fills the speakers. The lights dim and the stage lights flash white with the beat as Spiral steps stoically out onto the stage with the Unleashed Championship tucked into the crux of his arm. The crowd give a mixed reaction as he stares casually out at the crowd as if they are beneath him, his eyes finally settling on the ring. His jaw sets just before he steps off the stage and onto the ramp, making his way methodically towards the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing her opponent, standing at six foot three and weighting in at 205 pounds, hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark...He is the current UNLEASHED CHAMPION...'THE PALE KING' SPIRRRAALLL!!
A statuesque coldness surrounds the man as he reaches ringside and climbs the steps onto the apron, swinging into the squared circle in an easy fluid motion that belies a serpents grace. He steps to the center of the ring, his eyes burrowing holes into Caroline as he lifts the Unleashed title slowly in her direction. With a snap of his wrist he tosses the belt to the referee, and begins to stalk back and forth as if impatient for the bell.
LO: This man is an enigma more than a wrestler, and I fear for what he might try to do to Caroline out here...
KO: Trust me, Laur, don't worry about Caroline. She might be doing this whole fan favorite thing, but there's still a Killer Queen in there somewhere. Maybe Spiral's just the man to draw it back out of her...
LO: I guess we'll find out, cause there's the bell...
Caroline bristles and looks ready to lock up when Spiral, no expression, dips between the ropes to the outside and lifts the ring apron to look under the ring. The fans come to their edge of their seat to see what he finds, as he searches with one hand, and then brings it back out gripping a steel chair. Caroline watches all of this as The Pale King flips the apron back down, and hops up onto the ring apron with chair in hand. Burchill suddenly goes into motion, charging across the ring, and Spiral brings the chair up defensively on instinct as she commits to a Dropkick to the seat which sends the other end recoiling back into Sprial's face. He flies off the apron and smacks on the concrete as the chair clangs across the floor until resting close to the guardrail.
LO: Spiral was looking to start this match, under Hardcore Rules, with a weapon and that has completely backfired on him!
KO: And now Caroline is out on the apron as Spiral gets back to his feet...
Burchill charges along the side of the apron, dropping down to her knee while the other knee flashes out to catch Spiral in the face, sending him back down to the concrete as she slides past. Caroline steps down to the floor and pulls Spiral to his feet only to toss him under the bottom rope back into the ring. She follows him in as he rises to his hands and knee's, and Caroline takes this opportunity to step over his body, and then lock in a standing Arm Bar. Spiral shakes his head vehemently as he forces his knee further under him, and then pushes up causing Caroline to drop back to the wrist or lose control of the arm. Spiral brings his free arm to bear with a fist aimed right at the woman's head, but Burchill ducks it, snatches the arm as it passes, and crosses both arm around Spiral's neck and chest while falling back and leg scissoring his midsection!
LO: The Technical Masterpiece that is Caroline O'Hara Burchill has Spiral in a compromised submission where she is essentially choking him with his own arms!
KO: It's a leverage move Laur, and pulling him down to the canvas and leg scissoring his abdomen keeps Spiral from being able to easily maneuver into any kind of reversal or escape...
The fans come to their feet as Spiral is asked by Santiago if he wants to continue, and it's obvious by the lack of bell that he has said 'Yes'. Spiral uses his much larger frame to rock back and forth, eventually getting his legs under him. He pushes off the mat, rolling over Caroline, who remains locked into the hold, so that he is know on his knee's, Burchill latched onto his back. Through brute force strength he gets up to one foot, and then the other, and lifts himself and the woman off the mat. Caroline remains glued to him, pulling back even further on the man's arms to choke him further, and in that moment Spiral does stumble, but doesn't go down. Finally, he straightens up the best he can, and back peddles with some momentum to crush Caroline against the turnbuckles of the closest corner.
LO: Spiral ramming Caroline into the corner has momentarily broken her hold on him, and now Spiral is keeping her trapped there...firing in back elbows to the side of the woman's head!
KO: Spiral spins around now, and HIGH KNEE LIFT buried into Burchill's midsection...and ANOTHER has her damn near pushed up between the turnbuckles!
Spiral takes a step back with Caroline sitting on the middle turnbuckle, and Tee's off with a devastating right hand that sends the woman tumbling down to the mat. She quickly rolls under the ropes to the outside to create separation, but Spiral slips through the middle ropes in pursuit. Caroline is clutching her jaw and walking along the side of the ring apron when Spiral comes in from behind with a shove, sending the woman careening face first into the steel ring post. She whips around the post to fall the floor on the other side, and when she looks up, blood pours from a fresh gash in her hair line.
LO: Caroline O'Hara Burchill busted open in the early goings of this match, and Spiral coming in from behind like a man posessed...
KO: Pulls Caroline up to her feet, and IRISH WHIPS HER SPINE FIRST INTO THE STEEL BARRICADE!
LO: Burchill slumped across the barrier and HERE COMES SPIRAL WITH A LARIAT...NO!! CAROLINE DUCKS HER HEAD AND BACK BODY DROPS SPIRAL RIGHT INTO THE FRONT ROW!!
The fans scatter as Spiral slams into their seats, and Caroline rubs at her lower back where she had struck the steel. Blood still pours from her forehead, but that doesn't deter her from stepping over to the rising Spiral. She hooks him behind the back of the head, and then drops straight down onto her knee's, bringing his jaw right down across the top of the steel barricade for a modified Jaw Breaker. Spiral's head snaps back and he falls to the floor once more, and Caroline surprises everyone when she reaches through the rungs of the barricade to grab hold of his arm and snakes it through the opening. From there she slips into a Fujiwara Arm Breaker, Spiral's arm being hyper-extended against the steel.
LO: GOOD GOD! I'VE NEVER SEEN THE LIKE!
KO: SHE'S GOT THE CHAMPION'S ARM TIED UP IN AN ARM BREAKER THROUGH THE STEEL BARRICADE!
LO: Spiral is crying out in pain, an unusual site for the usually hard faced man, but it's understandable....Caroline might just break his arm here!
KO: Yeah, but he can't even submit...they aren't in the ring! She's just putting the hurt on him for later!
LO: Wait a minute...what does Spiral have....his hand has closed around something, and OH! HE JUST USED A FAN'S PROSTHETIC LEG TO KICK CAROLINE IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD TO BREAK THE HOLD!
KO: Damn, I've seen it all now....
Spiral disentangles his arm from the barricade and clutches his shoulder as he rises, Caroline grabbing the back of her head as she turns to face him. She charges in at him, but he puts his boot up on the barrier and gives it a sharp shove which sends it sliding out to meet Caroline in the midsection. She doubles over the top of the barricade as Spiral steps up to approach her, hooking her around the head, and then lifting her up into a Suplex position. The fans scatter, expecting him to fall back into the crowd, but instead he gives Caroline a toss outwards and she comes crashing down front first against the cold concrete. Spiral shakes his injured arm to get some feeling back in it before hopping the guard rail and moving in on his opponent.
LO: I don't feel good about this for Caroline O'Hara Burchill, as Spiral now has that look in his eye as he pulls the woman to her feet.....scoops her up into his arms and holds her there across his chest.....AND RUNS HER SPINE FIRST INTO THE STEEL RING POST!
KO: HE DIDN'T LET GO, LAUR! HE'S GOING TO DO IT AGAIN!! AND AGAIN!!
LO: Burchill is just limp in his arms as he tosses her back to the floor, and now the Unleashed Champion just looming over the woman like a wraith..
KO: I think he could put her away if he wanted to, but he's trying to send a message here. He wants to end this woman's career, and make VPW Management notice!
LO: Well I think he's just a sick individual who enjoys putting people through hell, and...what's he doing now?
Spiral flips up the ring apron, and rummages around in the dark until finding what he wants. The fans give a pop despite their dislike for the man when he pulls out a table, but he doesn't stop there as he searches for something else. Finally finding it, he pulls a large burlap sack out from under the ring, and sets it under the bottom turnbuckle of the nearby corner. He proceeds to get the table set up on the outside, looking back from time to time to keep eyes on his opponent. Caroline has finally managed to make it over to the time keepers table, and is pulling herself up to her feet just as Spiral finishes up his set up. The champion steps towards the challenger with purpose, and he reaches out to grab her by the shoulder to spin her around, but when he does he's clocked right upside the head with the time keeper's bell. The dull 'RINGGGGG' reverberates throughout the arena, and the fans explode with cheers as Spiral falls back to a seated position on the floor. Caroline nods to the crowd before diving forwards and clipping Spiral once again right across his noggin, sending out anuther dull 'RING'.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! CAROLINE BURCHILL JUST CLOBBERED SPIRAL WITH THE TIME KEEPER'S RING BELL!!
KO: Talk about setting your alarm, Laur! He just had his bell rung, literally!
LO: Be that as it may, it appears that Spiral is out, but the 120 pound Burchill is going to have a hell of a time moving the 205 pound champion back into the ring...
KO: Yeah, it's taking everything in her power to drag him over back by the ring....
Burchill eventually gets Spiral about as far as she can go before having to try and heave him up onto the apron. She gets her head under his arm, and gets him halfway up to lean him against the apron, and then works her way under his legs to push him the rest of the way up. With a shove she gets him under the bottom rope, and then slides under herself, scrambling over to make a tired pin.
1...
2...
LO: THR-NO! Spiral out at two and a half, and you gotta believe if she had been able to pin him immediately afterwards this one would have been over.
KO: Getting him back in the ring has tuckered Burchill out, as she gets to her feet to contemplate what to do next...
Caroline takes position over into the corner, leaning heavily against the turnbuckles, sucking wind. She watches as Spiral slowly sits up, and just when he's in position, she tears out of the corner, delivering a football like punt that damn near takes his head off. Spiral snaps back down to the mat, and Caroline quickly covers, this time hooking the leg deep.
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! SPIRAL JUST BARELY GOT THE SHOULDER UP AFTER THAT NASTY DESTROYER KICK FROM BURCHILL!!
KO: Caroline's looking a little frustrated now as she pushes up to her feet...she thought that was it, and is now looking a little more determined to maybe use some of the toys at ringside to put Spiral away if the more conventional means won't do it!
Caroline slips to the outside, and flips the ring apron herself, but it's the call from a fan behind her that has her turning around. The fan offers up his aluminum crutch, and Caroline smiles sweetly, asking if he's sure. The fans erupt when he tosses the medical instrument to her, and Caroline chuckles a bit before sliding back into the ring with her new weapon.
LO: Are you kidding me?
KO: Hahaha, there's the Red Queen!
LO: Well, I mean, why not? Spiral used a fan's prosthetic leg without asking. At least this fan willing offered his medical instrument to be used...
KO: There you go, Laur! Get into the spirit of things!
Spiral struggles up to his feet as Caroline saddles up just behind him, crutch cocked back and ready to strike. Spiral stumbles around in that direction, and Burchill pulls the trigger, swinging for the fences, but most poetically at Sprial's face. The Unleashed Champion's eyes go wide, and he instinctively ducks under the crutch as it whizzes by over head, and when he comes up he buries his boot in Caroline's midsection to double her over. He then steps up to hook her around the head, and then snaps back into a DDT that sends the crutch skittering out of her hands and under the bottom rope to the floor. Spiral sits up after the impact with a hand still pressed to his jaw from some of the offense he's taken at the hands of Burchill, but eventually he does push up to his feet. The fans boo, but he pays them no mind, instead making his way over to the corner where he had deposited his burlap sack.
LO: Spiral now with that sack, and you gotta wonder what devious exploits he has hidden beneath the cloth...
KO: Oh, I figure we're about to find out, Laur!
Spiral looks out at the sea of South African's with a grin as he sinks his hand down into the bag, and when his hand emerges it sparkles like diamonds. A buzz goes through the arena as he allows the handful of thumbtacks to fall to the canvas, and then upturns the bag, spilling out it's ominous contents. Thousands of thumbtacks now litter this corner of the ring and Spiral spreads them out further with his boot before turning his gaze back to Caroline. The fans begin to boo again as he stalks over and helps the woman the rest of the way up to her feet, positions her so that her back is to that corner, and then opens up with right hands square to her skull. The blood from the cut in her hairline is broken open anew with each strike, and blood begins to cascade down her face once more.
LO: Caroline O'Hara Burchill is a bloody mess, and each one of those overhand rights are driving her closer and closer to those thumbtacks....I don't think it's any secret what Spiral intends to do here!
KO: Caroline in perfect position now, and SPIRAL SCOOPS HER UP FOR A SLAM...NO! CAROLINE KICKING AND CLAWING...SLIDES DOWN HIS BACK, AND JUST SHOVED HIM HARD FROM BEHIND TO HIT CHEST FIRST AGAINST THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!
LO: OH MY GOD! CAROLINE STEPS IN AND GETS TWO FISTFULS OF SPIRAL'S HAIR.....AND JUST SNAPPED HIM DOWN TO THE CANVAS INTO THE THUMBTACKS!!
KO: AHHH!! SPIRAL IS A HUMAN PIN CUSHION!!!
The fans explode as Caroline tries to wipe blood out of her eyes before proceeding to step over to the corner, hop up to sit on the top turnbuckle while placing her feet on the second ropes, and then dives off into a Double Stomp down across Spiral's chest that grinds him even further into the canvas, and subsequently the thumbtacks. He cries out in pain as he is ravaged by a hundred prickles, cuts, and gashes, and he rolls over to try and crawl out of the mess he created, only to find that thumbtacks are every place he tries to get a handhold. He eventually gets out of the majority of the tacks, with several of them sticking out of various places on his body. He finally collapses to the mat, eyes shut tightly to try and drive out the pain. Caroline doesn't give him that reprieve, however, as she rolls him over onto his back and hooks his leg deep.
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! Somehow Spiral is still alive in this thing, and Caroline can't believe it. I mean...if there was anything that would have put him away, I thought it would have been that!
KO: This is one tough bastard. Sick, but tough!
Spiral rolls back over onto his stomach and crawls until he's reached the opposite corner from the tacks, Caroline watching all the while in stunned disbelief. Her face screws up into one of determination, and she gets to her feet to welcome the champion as soon as he turns around with a Running Drop Kick that crushes him against the turnbuckles. Spiral comes stumbling out, and again Caroline hops to the second turnbuckle facing the ring, begging for Spiral to turn back in her direction. When he eventually does so, she dives off to hook him around the head for her patented Tornado DDT, but when she spins him around to plant him with the move, Spiral somehow puts on the breaks, lifts straight up while pushing Caroline out, and then catches her around the throat for a Choke Slam that rattles the ring.
LO: Crazy Reversal there by Spiral, taking Caroline from her Tornado DDT into a Chokeslam variant...and now the Unleashed Champion is snatching Caroline up, tucks her head between his legs, and LIFTS HER UP INTO POWERBOMB POSITION.....
KO: HE'S NOT GOING TO PLANT HER IN THE RING....HE'S RUNNING TO THE EDGE OF THE ROPES AND RELEASES HER TO COME CRASHING DOWN THROUGH THE TABLE SET UP AT RINGSIDE EARLIER BEFORE!!
LO: GOOD GOD! CAROLINE O'HARA BURCHILL MIGHT HAVE A BROKEN SPINE!
Spiral breathes heavily, obviously in pain thanks to the hundreds of thumbtacks in his body, but it doesn't stop him from exiting the ring after his prey. He pulls Caroline out of the wreckage of the table and then tosses her under the bottom rope back into the ring. He slides in after her, and rolls her out to the center of the ring before dropping over her for a cover.
1...
2...
KO: THREE-NO!! MY GOD! HOW DID SHE KICK OUT AFTER THAT!
LO: I don't know, but Spiral looks pissed! Caroline O'Hara Burchill is proving why she is tough as they come, but it seems to have incensed the enigma known as Spiral!
Spiral pops up and yanks Caroline up with him, and without missing a beat he spins her around, hooks her through the legs from behind, and pulls her up into a torture wrack position. From there he lifts the woman up and out, and as she comes back down he throws his knee up to catch her in the back of the head with a nasty looking strike.
LO: SPIRAL EFFECT! AND CAROLINE IS ROLLING AROUND ON THE MAT CLUTCHING THE BACK OF HER HEAD!
KO: YEAH, WELL SPIRAL JUST DROPPED DOWN FOR A COVER, AND THIS TIME HE HOOKS THE LEG DEEP!
1...
2...
3!!!
LO: And there you have it folks! Caroline O'Hara Burchill put up a valiant effort, but Spiral would not be denied!
KO: Yeah, I mean, he took a beating to do it though. Nailed with the time keeper's bell, had his arm damn near ripped from his body, and then those thumbtacks....ewww
LO: No doubt, but at the end of the day, Spiral gets the victory for surviving this match.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of this match via pinfall....AND STILL UNLEASHED CHAMPION.....SPIRALLLLL!!!
Spiral snatches his belt from the referee with a snarl, staring down at Caroline O'Hara Burchill, who still cradles the back of her head but is moving towards the ropes to exit. He gives the crowd a cold and unforgiving look, before turning to make his own exit. Just as he reaches the ropes, however, he drops to one knee and just rests for a minute, shaking his head at the effort that he just had to exert against Burchill. He looks up to watch as the woman makes her way gingerly up the ramp, and he grabs the top rope to pull himself up to his feet, and then thrusts the Unleashed Championship over his head in her direction. The fans boo unmercifully as Spiral allows a dark smile to cross his lips before he tucks through the ropes, and starts to exit himself. The scene then cuts backstage.
"Hard White" by Nicki Minaj hits over the PA system and the lights flash along with the beat as Caroline O'Hara Burchill steps out from the curtain, coming to a pause at the top of the stage. The crowd reacts with a mixed reaction as she peers out at them, many more cheers mingled in than there were last show. She nods, sniffs the air, and then smiles as she takes off in a confident stride down the ramp.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at five foot four and weighing in at 120 pounds, hailing from Sydney, Australia....She is THE NEW CLASSIC....CAROLINE O'HARA BURCHILL!!
Caroline reaches ringside and whips herself around the guardrail and then charges up the steps, swinging herself through the ropes and into the ring where she throws both arms over her head. The fans react positively as she stalks back and forth in the ring before settling into the far corner to await her opponent.
LO: Caroline O'Hara Burchill has come out her for a fight, and this is a chance for her to take the Unleashed Championship off of Spiral in his first title defense in quite some time.
KO: I don't know if he realized that Vanessa Byrne would jump on the chance to declare the Unleashed Title an official Valor Pro championship, but it didn't take her long to take the words he spoke on Where There's Stokes, There's Fire literally.
LO: Yes, and that serves him right after what he did to poor Brad.
KO: Whoa...wait a minute. Just a few shows back you hated that guy...
LO: Well, he's had a change of heart. Found a new faith...
KO: He worships Zack Fantana...
LO: Um.....
They don't get to continue the conversation as War Drums bang out into the arena, followed by a guitar riff as 'Counting Bodies Like Sheep (The Pale King Remix)' by A Perfect Circle fills the speakers. The lights dim and the stage lights flash white with the beat as Spiral steps stoically out onto the stage with the Unleashed Championship tucked into the crux of his arm. The crowd give a mixed reaction as he stares casually out at the crowd as if they are beneath him, his eyes finally settling on the ring. His jaw sets just before he steps off the stage and onto the ramp, making his way methodically towards the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing her opponent, standing at six foot three and weighting in at 205 pounds, hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark...He is the current UNLEASHED CHAMPION...'THE PALE KING' SPIRRRAALLL!!
A statuesque coldness surrounds the man as he reaches ringside and climbs the steps onto the apron, swinging into the squared circle in an easy fluid motion that belies a serpents grace. He steps to the center of the ring, his eyes burrowing holes into Caroline as he lifts the Unleashed title slowly in her direction. With a snap of his wrist he tosses the belt to the referee, and begins to stalk back and forth as if impatient for the bell.
LO: This man is an enigma more than a wrestler, and I fear for what he might try to do to Caroline out here...
KO: Trust me, Laur, don't worry about Caroline. She might be doing this whole fan favorite thing, but there's still a Killer Queen in there somewhere. Maybe Spiral's just the man to draw it back out of her...
LO: I guess we'll find out, cause there's the bell...
Caroline bristles and looks ready to lock up when Spiral, no expression, dips between the ropes to the outside and lifts the ring apron to look under the ring. The fans come to their edge of their seat to see what he finds, as he searches with one hand, and then brings it back out gripping a steel chair. Caroline watches all of this as The Pale King flips the apron back down, and hops up onto the ring apron with chair in hand. Burchill suddenly goes into motion, charging across the ring, and Spiral brings the chair up defensively on instinct as she commits to a Dropkick to the seat which sends the other end recoiling back into Sprial's face. He flies off the apron and smacks on the concrete as the chair clangs across the floor until resting close to the guardrail.
LO: Spiral was looking to start this match, under Hardcore Rules, with a weapon and that has completely backfired on him!
KO: And now Caroline is out on the apron as Spiral gets back to his feet...
Burchill charges along the side of the apron, dropping down to her knee while the other knee flashes out to catch Spiral in the face, sending him back down to the concrete as she slides past. Caroline steps down to the floor and pulls Spiral to his feet only to toss him under the bottom rope back into the ring. She follows him in as he rises to his hands and knee's, and Caroline takes this opportunity to step over his body, and then lock in a standing Arm Bar. Spiral shakes his head vehemently as he forces his knee further under him, and then pushes up causing Caroline to drop back to the wrist or lose control of the arm. Spiral brings his free arm to bear with a fist aimed right at the woman's head, but Burchill ducks it, snatches the arm as it passes, and crosses both arm around Spiral's neck and chest while falling back and leg scissoring his midsection!
LO: The Technical Masterpiece that is Caroline O'Hara Burchill has Spiral in a compromised submission where she is essentially choking him with his own arms!
KO: It's a leverage move Laur, and pulling him down to the canvas and leg scissoring his abdomen keeps Spiral from being able to easily maneuver into any kind of reversal or escape...
The fans come to their feet as Spiral is asked by Santiago if he wants to continue, and it's obvious by the lack of bell that he has said 'Yes'. Spiral uses his much larger frame to rock back and forth, eventually getting his legs under him. He pushes off the mat, rolling over Caroline, who remains locked into the hold, so that he is know on his knee's, Burchill latched onto his back. Through brute force strength he gets up to one foot, and then the other, and lifts himself and the woman off the mat. Caroline remains glued to him, pulling back even further on the man's arms to choke him further, and in that moment Spiral does stumble, but doesn't go down. Finally, he straightens up the best he can, and back peddles with some momentum to crush Caroline against the turnbuckles of the closest corner.
LO: Spiral ramming Caroline into the corner has momentarily broken her hold on him, and now Spiral is keeping her trapped there...firing in back elbows to the side of the woman's head!
KO: Spiral spins around now, and HIGH KNEE LIFT buried into Burchill's midsection...and ANOTHER has her damn near pushed up between the turnbuckles!
Spiral takes a step back with Caroline sitting on the middle turnbuckle, and Tee's off with a devastating right hand that sends the woman tumbling down to the mat. She quickly rolls under the ropes to the outside to create separation, but Spiral slips through the middle ropes in pursuit. Caroline is clutching her jaw and walking along the side of the ring apron when Spiral comes in from behind with a shove, sending the woman careening face first into the steel ring post. She whips around the post to fall the floor on the other side, and when she looks up, blood pours from a fresh gash in her hair line.
LO: Caroline O'Hara Burchill busted open in the early goings of this match, and Spiral coming in from behind like a man posessed...
KO: Pulls Caroline up to her feet, and IRISH WHIPS HER SPINE FIRST INTO THE STEEL BARRICADE!
LO: Burchill slumped across the barrier and HERE COMES SPIRAL WITH A LARIAT...NO!! CAROLINE DUCKS HER HEAD AND BACK BODY DROPS SPIRAL RIGHT INTO THE FRONT ROW!!
The fans scatter as Spiral slams into their seats, and Caroline rubs at her lower back where she had struck the steel. Blood still pours from her forehead, but that doesn't deter her from stepping over to the rising Spiral. She hooks him behind the back of the head, and then drops straight down onto her knee's, bringing his jaw right down across the top of the steel barricade for a modified Jaw Breaker. Spiral's head snaps back and he falls to the floor once more, and Caroline surprises everyone when she reaches through the rungs of the barricade to grab hold of his arm and snakes it through the opening. From there she slips into a Fujiwara Arm Breaker, Spiral's arm being hyper-extended against the steel.
LO: GOOD GOD! I'VE NEVER SEEN THE LIKE!
KO: SHE'S GOT THE CHAMPION'S ARM TIED UP IN AN ARM BREAKER THROUGH THE STEEL BARRICADE!
LO: Spiral is crying out in pain, an unusual site for the usually hard faced man, but it's understandable....Caroline might just break his arm here!
KO: Yeah, but he can't even submit...they aren't in the ring! She's just putting the hurt on him for later!
LO: Wait a minute...what does Spiral have....his hand has closed around something, and OH! HE JUST USED A FAN'S PROSTHETIC LEG TO KICK CAROLINE IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD TO BREAK THE HOLD!
KO: Damn, I've seen it all now....
Spiral disentangles his arm from the barricade and clutches his shoulder as he rises, Caroline grabbing the back of her head as she turns to face him. She charges in at him, but he puts his boot up on the barrier and gives it a sharp shove which sends it sliding out to meet Caroline in the midsection. She doubles over the top of the barricade as Spiral steps up to approach her, hooking her around the head, and then lifting her up into a Suplex position. The fans scatter, expecting him to fall back into the crowd, but instead he gives Caroline a toss outwards and she comes crashing down front first against the cold concrete. Spiral shakes his injured arm to get some feeling back in it before hopping the guard rail and moving in on his opponent.
LO: I don't feel good about this for Caroline O'Hara Burchill, as Spiral now has that look in his eye as he pulls the woman to her feet.....scoops her up into his arms and holds her there across his chest.....AND RUNS HER SPINE FIRST INTO THE STEEL RING POST!
KO: HE DIDN'T LET GO, LAUR! HE'S GOING TO DO IT AGAIN!! AND AGAIN!!
LO: Burchill is just limp in his arms as he tosses her back to the floor, and now the Unleashed Champion just looming over the woman like a wraith..
KO: I think he could put her away if he wanted to, but he's trying to send a message here. He wants to end this woman's career, and make VPW Management notice!
LO: Well I think he's just a sick individual who enjoys putting people through hell, and...what's he doing now?
Spiral flips up the ring apron, and rummages around in the dark until finding what he wants. The fans give a pop despite their dislike for the man when he pulls out a table, but he doesn't stop there as he searches for something else. Finally finding it, he pulls a large burlap sack out from under the ring, and sets it under the bottom turnbuckle of the nearby corner. He proceeds to get the table set up on the outside, looking back from time to time to keep eyes on his opponent. Caroline has finally managed to make it over to the time keepers table, and is pulling herself up to her feet just as Spiral finishes up his set up. The champion steps towards the challenger with purpose, and he reaches out to grab her by the shoulder to spin her around, but when he does he's clocked right upside the head with the time keeper's bell. The dull 'RINGGGGG' reverberates throughout the arena, and the fans explode with cheers as Spiral falls back to a seated position on the floor. Caroline nods to the crowd before diving forwards and clipping Spiral once again right across his noggin, sending out anuther dull 'RING'.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! CAROLINE BURCHILL JUST CLOBBERED SPIRAL WITH THE TIME KEEPER'S RING BELL!!
KO: Talk about setting your alarm, Laur! He just had his bell rung, literally!
LO: Be that as it may, it appears that Spiral is out, but the 120 pound Burchill is going to have a hell of a time moving the 205 pound champion back into the ring...
KO: Yeah, it's taking everything in her power to drag him over back by the ring....
Burchill eventually gets Spiral about as far as she can go before having to try and heave him up onto the apron. She gets her head under his arm, and gets him halfway up to lean him against the apron, and then works her way under his legs to push him the rest of the way up. With a shove she gets him under the bottom rope, and then slides under herself, scrambling over to make a tired pin.
1...
2...
LO: THR-NO! Spiral out at two and a half, and you gotta believe if she had been able to pin him immediately afterwards this one would have been over.
KO: Getting him back in the ring has tuckered Burchill out, as she gets to her feet to contemplate what to do next...
Caroline takes position over into the corner, leaning heavily against the turnbuckles, sucking wind. She watches as Spiral slowly sits up, and just when he's in position, she tears out of the corner, delivering a football like punt that damn near takes his head off. Spiral snaps back down to the mat, and Caroline quickly covers, this time hooking the leg deep.
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! SPIRAL JUST BARELY GOT THE SHOULDER UP AFTER THAT NASTY DESTROYER KICK FROM BURCHILL!!
KO: Caroline's looking a little frustrated now as she pushes up to her feet...she thought that was it, and is now looking a little more determined to maybe use some of the toys at ringside to put Spiral away if the more conventional means won't do it!
Caroline slips to the outside, and flips the ring apron herself, but it's the call from a fan behind her that has her turning around. The fan offers up his aluminum crutch, and Caroline smiles sweetly, asking if he's sure. The fans erupt when he tosses the medical instrument to her, and Caroline chuckles a bit before sliding back into the ring with her new weapon.
LO: Are you kidding me?
KO: Hahaha, there's the Red Queen!
LO: Well, I mean, why not? Spiral used a fan's prosthetic leg without asking. At least this fan willing offered his medical instrument to be used...
KO: There you go, Laur! Get into the spirit of things!
Spiral struggles up to his feet as Caroline saddles up just behind him, crutch cocked back and ready to strike. Spiral stumbles around in that direction, and Burchill pulls the trigger, swinging for the fences, but most poetically at Sprial's face. The Unleashed Champion's eyes go wide, and he instinctively ducks under the crutch as it whizzes by over head, and when he comes up he buries his boot in Caroline's midsection to double her over. He then steps up to hook her around the head, and then snaps back into a DDT that sends the crutch skittering out of her hands and under the bottom rope to the floor. Spiral sits up after the impact with a hand still pressed to his jaw from some of the offense he's taken at the hands of Burchill, but eventually he does push up to his feet. The fans boo, but he pays them no mind, instead making his way over to the corner where he had deposited his burlap sack.
LO: Spiral now with that sack, and you gotta wonder what devious exploits he has hidden beneath the cloth...
KO: Oh, I figure we're about to find out, Laur!
Spiral looks out at the sea of South African's with a grin as he sinks his hand down into the bag, and when his hand emerges it sparkles like diamonds. A buzz goes through the arena as he allows the handful of thumbtacks to fall to the canvas, and then upturns the bag, spilling out it's ominous contents. Thousands of thumbtacks now litter this corner of the ring and Spiral spreads them out further with his boot before turning his gaze back to Caroline. The fans begin to boo again as he stalks over and helps the woman the rest of the way up to her feet, positions her so that her back is to that corner, and then opens up with right hands square to her skull. The blood from the cut in her hairline is broken open anew with each strike, and blood begins to cascade down her face once more.
LO: Caroline O'Hara Burchill is a bloody mess, and each one of those overhand rights are driving her closer and closer to those thumbtacks....I don't think it's any secret what Spiral intends to do here!
KO: Caroline in perfect position now, and SPIRAL SCOOPS HER UP FOR A SLAM...NO! CAROLINE KICKING AND CLAWING...SLIDES DOWN HIS BACK, AND JUST SHOVED HIM HARD FROM BEHIND TO HIT CHEST FIRST AGAINST THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!
LO: OH MY GOD! CAROLINE STEPS IN AND GETS TWO FISTFULS OF SPIRAL'S HAIR.....AND JUST SNAPPED HIM DOWN TO THE CANVAS INTO THE THUMBTACKS!!
KO: AHHH!! SPIRAL IS A HUMAN PIN CUSHION!!!
The fans explode as Caroline tries to wipe blood out of her eyes before proceeding to step over to the corner, hop up to sit on the top turnbuckle while placing her feet on the second ropes, and then dives off into a Double Stomp down across Spiral's chest that grinds him even further into the canvas, and subsequently the thumbtacks. He cries out in pain as he is ravaged by a hundred prickles, cuts, and gashes, and he rolls over to try and crawl out of the mess he created, only to find that thumbtacks are every place he tries to get a handhold. He eventually gets out of the majority of the tacks, with several of them sticking out of various places on his body. He finally collapses to the mat, eyes shut tightly to try and drive out the pain. Caroline doesn't give him that reprieve, however, as she rolls him over onto his back and hooks his leg deep.
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! Somehow Spiral is still alive in this thing, and Caroline can't believe it. I mean...if there was anything that would have put him away, I thought it would have been that!
KO: This is one tough bastard. Sick, but tough!
Spiral rolls back over onto his stomach and crawls until he's reached the opposite corner from the tacks, Caroline watching all the while in stunned disbelief. Her face screws up into one of determination, and she gets to her feet to welcome the champion as soon as he turns around with a Running Drop Kick that crushes him against the turnbuckles. Spiral comes stumbling out, and again Caroline hops to the second turnbuckle facing the ring, begging for Spiral to turn back in her direction. When he eventually does so, she dives off to hook him around the head for her patented Tornado DDT, but when she spins him around to plant him with the move, Spiral somehow puts on the breaks, lifts straight up while pushing Caroline out, and then catches her around the throat for a Choke Slam that rattles the ring.
LO: Crazy Reversal there by Spiral, taking Caroline from her Tornado DDT into a Chokeslam variant...and now the Unleashed Champion is snatching Caroline up, tucks her head between his legs, and LIFTS HER UP INTO POWERBOMB POSITION.....
KO: HE'S NOT GOING TO PLANT HER IN THE RING....HE'S RUNNING TO THE EDGE OF THE ROPES AND RELEASES HER TO COME CRASHING DOWN THROUGH THE TABLE SET UP AT RINGSIDE EARLIER BEFORE!!
LO: GOOD GOD! CAROLINE O'HARA BURCHILL MIGHT HAVE A BROKEN SPINE!
Spiral breathes heavily, obviously in pain thanks to the hundreds of thumbtacks in his body, but it doesn't stop him from exiting the ring after his prey. He pulls Caroline out of the wreckage of the table and then tosses her under the bottom rope back into the ring. He slides in after her, and rolls her out to the center of the ring before dropping over her for a cover.
1...
2...
KO: THREE-NO!! MY GOD! HOW DID SHE KICK OUT AFTER THAT!
LO: I don't know, but Spiral looks pissed! Caroline O'Hara Burchill is proving why she is tough as they come, but it seems to have incensed the enigma known as Spiral!
Spiral pops up and yanks Caroline up with him, and without missing a beat he spins her around, hooks her through the legs from behind, and pulls her up into a torture wrack position. From there he lifts the woman up and out, and as she comes back down he throws his knee up to catch her in the back of the head with a nasty looking strike.
LO: SPIRAL EFFECT! AND CAROLINE IS ROLLING AROUND ON THE MAT CLUTCHING THE BACK OF HER HEAD!
KO: YEAH, WELL SPIRAL JUST DROPPED DOWN FOR A COVER, AND THIS TIME HE HOOKS THE LEG DEEP!
1...
2...
3!!!
LO: And there you have it folks! Caroline O'Hara Burchill put up a valiant effort, but Spiral would not be denied!
KO: Yeah, I mean, he took a beating to do it though. Nailed with the time keeper's bell, had his arm damn near ripped from his body, and then those thumbtacks....ewww
LO: No doubt, but at the end of the day, Spiral gets the victory for surviving this match.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of this match via pinfall....AND STILL UNLEASHED CHAMPION.....SPIRALLLLL!!!
Spiral snatches his belt from the referee with a snarl, staring down at Caroline O'Hara Burchill, who still cradles the back of her head but is moving towards the ropes to exit. He gives the crowd a cold and unforgiving look, before turning to make his own exit. Just as he reaches the ropes, however, he drops to one knee and just rests for a minute, shaking his head at the effort that he just had to exert against Burchill. He looks up to watch as the woman makes her way gingerly up the ramp, and he grabs the top rope to pull himself up to his feet, and then thrusts the Unleashed Championship over his head in her direction. The fans boo unmercifully as Spiral allows a dark smile to cross his lips before he tucks through the ropes, and starts to exit himself. The scene then cuts backstage.
Berlin Anderson is in a backstage hallway, head down, breathing in a concentrated manner, palms braced against each other. Clearly, he's having a quiet moment to try to focus for his title match later tonight. His gaze raises to a raven-haired woman that is almost keeping watch in a way, too-big dark eyes focused on their surroundings.
BERLIN: Does it feel like the air should be crackling, or is it just me?
The question has his companion looking down at him, brow faintly raising before she responds, her words lilting with a subtle Irish accent.
?: I’d say something about it being the electricity between us playing up again, anam, but you need to keep your focus on your match tonight.
...and a subtle smirk that is reserved for Berlin, and Berlin alone. It draws his own version in echo, that grave seriousness eased a little.
BERLIN: And maybe too public. But I'm obsessing on this title shot. Though, I mean, who wouldn't be. Didn't expect it to be like this, somehow.
Pale, slender fingers that bear the tell-tale stains of india ink gently ruffle the pink mohawk atop his head.
?: I was the same way in PCW when the Underground Championship was on the line, so maybe obsession is the right urge to chase? But you’re not as at home in those darker waters as I am.
BERLIN: It's a less reflexive place for me...
'... but not uncomfortable,' is left unsaid. For her, it doesn't need to be. For others, that side of his nature can be left to surprise if it's not suspected. He takes a deep breath and eases it back out slowly.
BERLIN: Brenna... tell me a story?
The words themselves sound like something a child would say, but his tone isn't that at all. It's a request, but from an adult perhaps stretched a little thin at the moment. Encircling his shoulders with her arm, Brenna Gordon clears her throat subtly.
BRENNA: Once upon a time--because it wouldn’t be a story worth telling if it didn’t start out like that--there was a prince who could walk the tightropes that tie all worlds and places together. He saw attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. He watched the c-beams glitter…
She trails off as a full smile abruptly creases the corners of his eyes in recognition of this speech.
BERLIN: ... near the Tannhäuser Gate.
That smile is a relief, one that Brenna decides could do with some strengthening and shoring up about its edges.
BRENNA: Anyway, on one of his traipses along the tightrope… it turned into the rail along the balcony of a cheap hotel. That is where he found the princess that had been banished from the sea and, after he signed a contract to Valor Pro, she found herself doing much the same.
Berlin’s smile turns into a full-on grin at that news, an arm moving to wrap around the small of her back. His mood lifted, he’s leading Brenna onward and out of the shot… and she who is Born of Myth is content to be pulled along by his current.
BERLIN: Does it feel like the air should be crackling, or is it just me?
The question has his companion looking down at him, brow faintly raising before she responds, her words lilting with a subtle Irish accent.
?: I’d say something about it being the electricity between us playing up again, anam, but you need to keep your focus on your match tonight.
...and a subtle smirk that is reserved for Berlin, and Berlin alone. It draws his own version in echo, that grave seriousness eased a little.
BERLIN: And maybe too public. But I'm obsessing on this title shot. Though, I mean, who wouldn't be. Didn't expect it to be like this, somehow.
Pale, slender fingers that bear the tell-tale stains of india ink gently ruffle the pink mohawk atop his head.
?: I was the same way in PCW when the Underground Championship was on the line, so maybe obsession is the right urge to chase? But you’re not as at home in those darker waters as I am.
BERLIN: It's a less reflexive place for me...
'... but not uncomfortable,' is left unsaid. For her, it doesn't need to be. For others, that side of his nature can be left to surprise if it's not suspected. He takes a deep breath and eases it back out slowly.
BERLIN: Brenna... tell me a story?
The words themselves sound like something a child would say, but his tone isn't that at all. It's a request, but from an adult perhaps stretched a little thin at the moment. Encircling his shoulders with her arm, Brenna Gordon clears her throat subtly.
BRENNA: Once upon a time--because it wouldn’t be a story worth telling if it didn’t start out like that--there was a prince who could walk the tightropes that tie all worlds and places together. He saw attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. He watched the c-beams glitter…
She trails off as a full smile abruptly creases the corners of his eyes in recognition of this speech.
BERLIN: ... near the Tannhäuser Gate.
That smile is a relief, one that Brenna decides could do with some strengthening and shoring up about its edges.
BRENNA: Anyway, on one of his traipses along the tightrope… it turned into the rail along the balcony of a cheap hotel. That is where he found the princess that had been banished from the sea and, after he signed a contract to Valor Pro, she found herself doing much the same.
Berlin’s smile turns into a full-on grin at that news, an arm moving to wrap around the small of her back. His mood lifted, he’s leading Brenna onward and out of the shot… and she who is Born of Myth is content to be pulled along by his current.
RING ANNOUNCER: The following Tag Match is scheduled for one fall or submission, and is for THE CHIMERA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS....
The lights dim and a red line appears on the Big Screen above the stage, and when the opening screech of 'Vicious' by Halestorm hits over the PA System, the red line pulses like a heartbeat. Dakota Jennings bursts through the curtain wearing one of her '100 Proof Redhead Bombshell' T-shirt, steel chair in tow. The fans send up a loud chant of boo's as she stops at the top of the stage and thrusts the chair into the air. On the seat is the face of Danny Rizzo, which sends the fans into even more of a tizzy. Red lips part into a wicked smile as she keeps the chair aloft, stalking down the ramp towards the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at five foot six and weighting in at 115 pounds, she hails from Scottsdale, Arizona.......DAKOTA JENNINNGGGSSS!!
Dakota reaches ringside and tosses the Chair in over the top rope as she takes the steps, and then steps through the ropes to step to the center of the ring where she throws both hands up, middle finger swinging around to the booing crowd. She spins around, ending in a laugh, before picking up the chair, opening it up, and having a seat as her music is replaced by 'Turn To Stone' by Joe Walsh. The lights change from red to a single white spot light that illuminates the stage just as Cross Recoba steps out, his titanium cane with a golden lion's head handle in one hand, touching the crucifix around his neck with the other. The crowd responds with a chorus of boo's for The Fox while Cross uses the handle of the cane to push his shag hair cut from his face, flicking his head back confidently as he grins out at the audience obnoxiously. He holds up the cane that has caused so much trouble in the past to an even more venomous response from the fans, and he begins down the ramp still holding it aloft.
RING ANNOUNCER: And her partner, standing at five foot ten and weighting in at 230 pounds, hailing from New York, New York...He is the former UnYielding Champion, 'THE FOX' CROSS RECOBBBAAA!!
Recoba reaches ringside and holds the lions head handle of the cane up to his lips and kisses it for luck. He sets the cane to rest against the ring steps, and then climbs them up onto the apron, and with a wipe of his feet slips between the ropes. He pops up with both hands out at his side, walking forward as if putting his glory on display, and delivers an over exaggerated bow that causes the fans to crow even louder in disdain. Cross stands to his full height and smirks, stepping over to Dakota who watches all this with a sly smile.
LO: If ever there were two people in this promotion that could elicit such a hateful response from the crowd, it would have to be the two currently in the ring.
KO: That's cause these people are idiots, Laur! That's a real power couple they are booing!
LO: I have to admit, the two of them as an item is one thing, but now that Dakota has turned the corner on her malevolent nature, I'm not so sure that the world is ready for these two to be bad together...
KO: Maybe not, but it's happening here tonight. Only thing is....whoever comes through the curtain next to represent The Zombie Clan are as equally B.A.D. BAD!
The arena goes dark and the lights pulse white at the sound of marching zombies that appear on the big screen above the stage. After a moment Kowloon Zombie bursts through the curtain larger than life with one of the Chimera Tag Belts thrown over his shoulder, and he pauses at the top of the stage to flex his muscles when Fukushima slips out in front of him from out of nowhere with her Tag Title around her waist. Her horror like makeup streaks down her face, and she carries herself down the ramp in a rickety sort of way that gives everyone in the arena pause. Kowloon belts out a laugh and starts stalking down after her, stopping from time to time to show his bicep off to a fan.
RING ANNOUNCER: And their opponents, weighting in at a combined weight of 407 pounds, and hailing from Fukushima, Japan and Hong Kong, China respectively, they are THE CHIMERA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS....FUKUSHIMA ZOMBIE...KOWLOON ZOMBIE....THE ZOMBIE CLAN!
Fuki reaches the ringside area, and quickly flashes into the ring, coming up to one knee with her head bent to the side and staring wide eyed at Cross and Dakota. Recoba rolls his eyes in Dakota's direction, and she just smirks, indicating that she's going to keep Fukushima's neck bent at that angle permanently. Kowloon leaps from the floor to the apron, and then steps quickly through the ropes, coming to stand behind his smaller partner, placing both fists on his hips and thrusting out his chest.
LO: Looks like Fukushima and Kowloon have been tapped this time around to defend the Chimera Tag Team Championships! I had heard that Vanessa Byrne was going to allow The Zombie Clan this stipulation, but I don't know if that doesn't give the opposing teams a disadvantage.
KO: Well, not knowing who to prepare for is a definite issue for the opposing team, so Yeah, you could say that's a disadvantage..
LO: Why do you keep repeating everything I just said...
KO: Because I can put it into terms that the Valor Pro Faithful can understand, now hush....the bell just rang!
Cross and Dakota defer with one another for a moment as Kowloon pats Fukushima on the back and takes his place on the apron in their corner. Cross nods at something Dakota says, and steps through the ropes, while Jennings turns her gaze towards Fuki. The two women begin to circle, coming closer and closer to the center of the ring before moving in to lock up. Before that can occur, however, Dakota drives a High Knee Lift into Fuki's abdomen followed up by a vicious right hand that sends the woman down to one knee. From there the Arizona native grabs Fuki from behind the back of the head, and drives several knees into the woman's face, until finally stepping back and giving her a shove that sends her down to the canvas. Kowloon watches on with a bit of concern from the apron, shouting words of encouragement to Fuki for her to get into the fight.
LO: Dakota Jennings effectively stopping any Zombie Momentum short in the start of this match, and has now cut the ring in half, putting her body in the path of Fukushima's corner...
KO: Hard stomps right down into the back of the woman's head as she tries to rise, and now Dakota getting her to her feet and just whips her hard into the neutral corner...
Jennings rushes in on Fuki with a screaming charge, nailing the woman with a stiff clothesline that crushes her against the turnbuckles, and sends her down to a seated position. Kota takes a step back and reaches down to grab Fuki by the ankles to drag her out away from the corner, but Fuki instinctively grabs the middle ropes to prevent herself from being moved. Dakota smirks, and with a sudden jerk, pulls the Zombie so hard that her body lifts high into the air, forcing her to let go of the rope only to come crashing spine first to the mat. Fuki grabs at her back as Dakota steps up beside her and Drops an Elbow dead center of her chest before grabbing her leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: NO! Fukushima with a kick out, and now Dakota is pulling her back up and just SLAMS her face first into the top turnbuckle of the corner they've been working out of.
KO: Dakota Jennings has taken complete control of this match, and is now opening up on Fukushima with shoot like kicks that has the woman reeling!
Kick after Kick find their mark, and Fukushima looks dazed as Jennings drags her out of the corner, hooks her around the head while draping Fuki's arm over her own shoulders, and then Snap Suplexes her down to the center of the ring. Dakota floats over and the referee drops for a count, but instead of a pin cradles Fuki's skull and starts hammering in right hands down into the woman's unprotected face! Fukushima kicks and struggles, but Dakota holds her firm, and as the strikes continue to pour in the resistance comes less and less. Finally, she hops up and yanks the woman to her feet with her, dragging her over to an awaiting Cross Recoba and makes the tag. The Fox comes in quickly, and while Dakota holds Fuki up by pinning her arms behind her back, Cross takes the opportunity to throw in some unprotected jabs until the referee finally gets Kota out of the ring.
LO: You know, these two are already dangerous as singles competitors, but seeing them out here as a tag team, especially now that it seems that their on the same page in regards of how to treat people, they are damn near scary.
KO: Dakota Jennings just needed that nudge over the edge, and she got that at Allegiance when Vannah White tried to interfere with her strategy. Since then, it's only natural that Kota has been on the upswing as of late.
LO: And what about Recoba?
KO: Beat the Apex Champion didn't he?
LO: Thanks to interference from Brennan Devlin.
KO: You see, Laur, that's your problem. A wins a win, homie, and trying to paint it as anything else doesn't do you any favors.
Cross pushes Fuki up against the center of the ropes, and then winds up to strike with a thunderous Chop that echoes through the arena. The fans 'Wooooo' as he winds up and delivers another, and another still, before taking Fuki by the wrist and whipping her to the opposite side. The Zombie rebounds off the rope as Cross rushes out to meet her, a Knee Lift embedding itself in Fuki's gut with such impact that the woman cuts a front flip before landing flat on her back. She struggles to get to her feet, and Cross rushes the ropes for spring, coming back to catch her around the head with a Swinging Neck Breaker that rattles the ring. He quickly scrambles in to hook the leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Fukushima out at two and half, but my Lord she's been put to the screws by this team of Jennings and Recoba....
KO: Rekota...
LO: What?
KO: That's the name of their team. They said so on Twitter.
LO: That's just....whatever...
Recoba sneers over at Kowloon as he points down at Fuki and goads the big man to come into the ring. Santiago promptly rushes over to stop him, and as the two argue, Dakota comes into the ring without a tag. She and Cross hook Fuki around the head, and then lift the woman up in Suplex position, but instead of falling back, they rush forward, dropping her gut first down across the top rope. Fuki lets out a cry of pain as she pushes off to land on the apron clutching her gut, and Cross and Dakota share a brief kiss before sliding right into Super Kicks in Stereo!
LO: GOOD GOD! FUKUSHIMA ZOMBIE WAS JUST EJECTED FROM THE RING APRON TO CRASH AGAINST THE GUARDRAIL THANKS TO A SUPERKICK COMBO FROM JENNINGS AND RECOBA!
KO: Hell Yeah, and that kiss was hot too!
Kowloon is nearly beside himself, but realizes he isn't helping by holding the referee up so he exits the ring and points to the double teaming in the ring. By the time Santiago turns his attention back to the action, Fukushima is on the outside leaned up against the steel barricade in pain, Jennings is back out on the apron in her corner, and Cross Recoba gives him an innocent shoulder shrug from the center of the ring. The fans boo unmercifully as The Fox smirks out at them, and as Fukushima starts to stumble back towards the ring, he takes off for the opposite side to rebound off the ropes, and then charges back across the ring, leaping right over the top rope to nail the woman with a Diving Drop Kick that sends them both crashing to the concrete.
LO: A MILLION LIRA TO FUKUSHIMA!
KO: HOT DAMN! This team is on fire!
Cross comes up to his feet, but it's obvious the dive took a toll. He grabs up Fukushima and tosses her back into the ring, sliding in after her to quick crawl into a hook of the leg and a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Fukushima just barely got her shoulder off the mat, and Kowloon looks like he's about to have a heart attack on the ring apron!
KO: No doubt, they just almost lost the Chimera Tag Team Championships!
Recoba gets to his feet in a bit of frustration, but quickly falls back to his corner and tags his partner's hand. Dakota comes into the ring hot, her face screwed up into a scowl, and grabs the top rope for leverage as she opens up with Mudhole Stomps down into Fuki's prone body. Eventually she tires of this, opting to pull the woman up to her knee's, and then nods out to the booing crowd before firing in shoot kicks that has the woman bobbing back and forth like a punching bag. At about the ten mark, she falls back into a martial arts like stance, and fires off a kick aimed right at the back of Fukushima's head. To everyone's surprise Fuki falls forward and they watch as Kota's foot sails harmlessly over Fuki's head. The miss causes Jennings to go off balance, and while she's facing slightly away from The Zombie, she surprises everyone again when she rises up and locks Dakota into a quick Full Nelson, and even quicker snaps backwards into a Full Nelson Suplex. The back of Dakota's head and shoulders slam off the canvas while the rest of her folds up like an accordion, leaving both women momentarily down on the mat.
LO: HUGE move for Fukushima there as she desperately needs to make it over to her corner for a tag...
KO: Yeah, and Kowloon looks ready for it too.....but does she have enough left to get there? Right now she's just laying lifelessly on the canvas beside Dakota...
The Referee, along with everyone else, watches on with bated breath as Fuki slowly begins to crawl towards her corner. Unfortunately for her, Dakota Jennings does much the same, but towards the extended arm of Cross Recoba. Both women, inch by inch, come closer to their respective partners, but it's Fuki with a leap that tags Kowloon first. The big man comes into the ring just as Dakota slaps palms with Recoba, and The Fox thunders into the ring with a collision course in mind. And he gets it, but in the form of a charging lariat from Kowloon that literally turns him inside out before he crashes to the mat.
LO: Recoba back up to his feet, BUT TURNS RIGHT BACK INTO ANOTHER MASSIVE LARIAT!
KO: HEY! He can't do that to The Fox!
LO: If that's how you feel...then you're really going to hate this!
Cross comes up to his feet, but Kowloon is already there, and he plants one hand on the man's inner thigh, while the other wraps around his throat, and a look of sheer terror fills Recoba's face as he's hoisted high into the air over Kowloon's head. Dakota, who has pulled herself up on the ring apron, shakes her head 'No', slipping through the ropes into the ring to rush in and try and save her partner. Instead, Kowloon pitches Recoba forward like a projectile, and he inadvertently takes out his own partner with a Cross Body!
LO: Kowloon Zombie in the ring like a one man wrecking crew, and Dakota Jennings and Cross Recoba helping each other back to their feet by the ropes...AND HERE COMES KOWLOON WITH A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE THAT SENDS THEM UP AND OVEr THE TOP ROPE TO CRASH AND BURN ON THE CONCRETE FLOOR!
KO: This big bastard is a menace! Come on referee, do your job!
LO: You certainly didn't having any qualms when Cross and Dakota were double teaming Fukushima, and Kowloon is the actual legal man in the contest!
Kowloon steps through the ropes and drops down in front of Dakota and Cross as they rise to their feet, and he grabs one by the back of the head while doing the same to the other, and brings them both crashing together to butt heads. He releases Dakota who falls off to the side, and then scoops Cross up onto his shoulder and tosses him through the middle and top rope back into the ring. Kowloon hops up onto the ring apron as Cross pushes up to his feet, and The Fox rushes the nearby corner on that side, hops up to the second turnbuckle, and then springboards to twist in mid air that nails Kowloon with a Drop Kick. The big man hits the apron, but instead of falling to the floor, rolls under the bottom rope back into the ring.
LO: Cross Recoba buying himself a little time there with that springboard drop kick, but now both men are coming to their feet....Here comes Cross...
KO: AND KOWLOON CATCHES HIM WITH A RING RATTLING SPINE BUSTER FOR HIS EFFORTS! This ain't right, Laur!
LO: Right or wrong, Kowloon just put his massive frame across Recoba's chest for a pin....
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! DAKOTA JENNINGS DIVING INTO THE RING FOR A SAVE! And now Kowloon coming up to his feet, AND HERE COMES FUKUSHIMA WITH A SPEAR ON KOTA!
Kowloon reaches down and pulls Recoba up off the canvas while the referee's attention are on Fukushima and Dakota who are rolling around on the canvas trading shots. Seeing the distraction, Cross takes this opportunity to bring his forearm up between Kowloon's legs, and the Zombie clutches at his nether regions in shock and surprise as he teeters over to the canvas. Recoba barks at Santiago as he moves in and hooks the leg for a cover. The referee turns his attention back to the two legal competitors, and seeing whats happened, rushes into a sliding count.
1...
2...
KO: THREE-NO! FUKI BREAKS FREE FROM JENNINGS AND SHOVES CROSS OFF HER FELLOW ZOMBIE!
LO: She saves the match for her team, but Jennings is poised behind her...Fukushima turns around and boot to the midsection doubles her over....KOTA WITH A HOOK OF THE ARMS...
KO: JENNESIS!!! SAY GOOD NIGHT FUKUSHIMA!!!
LO: Dakota has Fuki over onto her back and into a cover, and the referee is waving it off....
KO: What the hell?! NOT AGAIN! Somebody get a referee out here that knows what they are doing...
LO: He does know what he's doing. They aren't legal, Ken!
Jennings fires up to her feet and gets right in the referee's face as the two begin to bicker about the legality of the call. Meanwhile, Cross gets to his feet and lifts Kowloon's massive legs into the air by the ankles, looks out at the booing crowd with a grin, and then drives his boot down into the man's crotch for another low blow. Kowloon cries out in pain as he grabs at himself, but instead of letting loose his legs, Cross instead chokes up, and moves to turn the big man over into his dreaded submission hold.
LO: Cross Recoba almost has Kowloon turned into it....AND THERE IT IS!
KO: GARIBALDI'S GUILLOTINE!
LO: Kowloon is crying out in pain, gripping at his hair to keep from tapping, and Dakota Jennings just grabbed the referee by the scruff of his neck and turned him to see what's going on....She'd better watch herself....the last time she put hands on a referee it cost her!
KO: Whatever! She's just trying to get the idiot to pay attention and do his job!
LO: Be that as it may, Santiago just gave her a warning, but he is moving in to accept the submission....wait....LOOK!
KO: KOTA! BEHIND YOU!
Fukushima slowly rises, still dazed after taking the unprettier moments ago, but realizes her partner is in trouble. Jennings watches on as Kowloon is on the edge of tapping, urging Cross to sit farther back and snap The Zombie's spine in half, when suddenly she's accosted from behind by Fuki. The Wraith gets two fistfuls of Kota's hair, and rushes her forwards, colliding skull first with Cross Recoba, who after the impact loses his grip on Kowloon's legs. The big man flops to the mat clutching at his spine as Cross is sent stumbling to the mat, Dakota falling right on top of him seconds later. The two lovers scramble to get to their feet, but just as they look up Fukushima charges them. Much to everyone's surprise Kota and Cross duck their heads, and send the woman soaring over the top rope and out of the ring with a Back Body Drop that see's her smack off the concrete floor with a sickening 'THUD'.
LO: GOOD LORD! DID YOU SEE THE ELEVATION OF THAT!
KO: To hell with elevation....Did you hear how she hit the floor?
LO: Dakota and Cross seem pretty pleased with themselves after that one, but they seem to have forgotten there's another Zombie in the ring with them, and he's in a three point stance.....
KO: OH NO! DON'T TURN AROUND GUYS!
LO: EXPLODING DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE DROPS BOTH MEMBERS OF REKOTA TO THE CANVAS! My God, he took their heads off...
The three competitors left in the ring lie in a heap sucking wind and disoriented while on the outside Fukushima lay unmoving after having landed in such unceremonious fashion. Santiago looks at the carnage, shaking his head, and then does the only thing that he knows to do...
LO: The referee starting a ten count, and man...I don't know if anyone in this match can go any further...
KO: Come on Rekota! You guys got this! Think about what's at stake...the Chimera Tag Team Championships!
Kowloon Zombie starts a slow crawl towards the nearby ropes at the count of five, and by seven has pulled himself up to his feet. Only problem is, so has Cross Recoba on the other side of the ring, and upon seeing this, Kowloon lets out a war cry and charges right for him. Recoba's eyes go as wide as saucers as the big man comes at him like a locomotive, and it takes quick thinking to drop down suddenly, taking the top rope with him. Kowloon tumbles to the outside, but he lands on his feet, and he spins around to grab an unsuspecting Cross by both his ankles and yanks them out from under him. Recoba face plants to the mat, and Kowloon yanks him beneath the bottom rope to the outside where he smacks against the concrete floor. Meanwhile, on the other side of the ring, Fukushima has managed to her feet and see's the fight going on opposite of her. She starts to make her way around when a whistle from behind her draws her attention, and she has a split second to react as Dakota Jennings comes sailing off the ring apron to catch her around the head with both legs, and delivering a nasty hurricanrana that spikes Fuki's skull off the floor.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! FUKUSHIMA MIGHT BE DONE FOR AFTER THAT IT CAME FROM SCOTTSDALE!
KO: THAT WAS SICK!
LO: Jennings pushing up to her feet, and that move took something out of her as well as she stumbles her way to where Kowloon is assaulting her man!
KO: The Zombie just tossed Recoba back in the ring, and...HAHA! Cross just grabbed Santiago and placed him in front of Kowloon as he gets up on the ring apron...
LO: That slime! Can we not have one contest where the referee isn't put in harms way?!?
KO: Santiago now admonishing Cross.....LOOK OUT FOR JENNINGS!
The crack of steel rings throughout the arena, and just as Santiago is about to turn around to find out where it came from, Cross grabs him by the scruff of the shirt to draw his attention. Behind them is Kowloon Zombie, draped across the top rope in agony after taking a chair shot to the spine from The Firecracker, Dakota Jennings. Seeing that cross has the referee well in hand, she winds up and this time brings the chair in like a baseball bat, catching Kowloon right in the knee which causes him to topple to the apron clutching the new injured limb. Jennings smirks as she tosses the chair up under the ring while the fans boo, and she gives the man a shove until he's under the bottom rope back into the ring. Cross quickly sidesteps the confused referee, and rushes in to make a quick pin. Santiago, none-the-wiser, drops down to make the count.
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! FUKUSHIMA SOMEHOW MADE IT BACK INTO THE RING FOR A DIVING SAVE, AND NOW DAKOTA JENNINGS LOOKS FIT TO BE TIED!
Jennings thunders into the ring, but Fukushima catches her coming in with a boot to the midsection, and then takes her by the wrist to whip to her own corner. Dakota slams into the turnbuckles, and Fukushima turns back to address Cross, but finds that The Fox is already on his feet to deliver a chop that sends her stumbling back. He moves in with another one, another one, and another still, before Irish Whipping her towards the opposite ropes. Kowloon pulls himself up by those ropes just in time to see Fukushima incoming, and he manages to scoop the woman up on her way, spins around, and then tosses her right at Cross. The incoming improvised Missle Drop Kick catches Recoba dead center of the chest, and he is sent flying back into his own corner, where the resounding smack of a tag on his shoulder rings out. Dakota fires into the ring as Fuki recovers from being thrown, and as she turns into her is caught with a Diving Forearm that sends her crashing to the mat where she immediately rolls for the outside!
KO: Crazy succession of back and forth still happening between these two teams, but now Dakota is in the ring with Kowloon Zombie, who looks at least moderately recovered from those chairs....
LO: She's still watching Fuki move to the outside, but here comes Kowloon...SUPERKICK FROM OUT OF NOWHERE TAKES HIS HEAD OFF!
KO: CORRECTION, LAUR....DKO!
Zombie doesn't go down but instead falls all the way back into the ropes where he bounces back in a stumbling manner. Cross suddenly appears beside Dakota despite the referee's objection, and he bends down to scoop the large man up onto his shoulder with the help of Dakota. Once in place, Cross jumps the best he can with the added weight into a twisting Tombstone, and then quickly shoots out of the ring as Dakota drops down to hook the leg.
LO: OH MY GOD! UP ALL NIGHT IN DAKOTA! THEY ARE GOING TO DO IT!
1...
2...
3!!!
The fans boo unmercifully as Dakota falls off of Kowloon with a look of disgust, but she's soon joined by Recoba who has already snatched the Chimera Tag Championships off the time keepers table. She looks up at her beau with an excited grin, starting to nod as Cross pulls her to her feet.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winners of the match....AND NEW CHIMERA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS.....DAKOTA JENNINGS AND CROSS RECOBAAAA!!!
Cross and Dakota hug in the center of the ring, and then Cross hands Dakota one of the belts with a sardonic grin. They both turn to address the unhappy crowd as they thrust the belts skyward, but then The Fox notices Aokigahara and Siberia Zombie rushing down the ramp from the back, and he grabs Dakota by the hand and rushes her for the ropes. Jennings, not understanding, looks back to see the Zombies, and it almost seems like she's trying to resist as Recoba insistently drags her along until they both get to the outside. Aoki & Siberia belly slide into the ring and jump up, soon joined by a haggered looking Fukushima, while Kowloon gets to his knee's clutching the top of his head.
LO: The rest of The Zombie Clan taking exception to this victory in light of all the cheating, and Aoki is talking some major trash as he kicks around the ring...
KO: Those asshats have no business being out here to reign on the Rekota parade! They earned those Chimera Tag Championship's fair and square!
LO: Are you kidding me....there were low blows, chair shots, and a multitude of spots where The Zombie's were double teamed. That isn't right!
KO: Then go cry them a river, Laur, cause we got new Chimera Tag Champs regardless of what you, these fans, or The Zombie Clan have to say about it!
Dakota Jennings grips her Chimera Tag Championship with one white knuckled hand while the other waves the rest of The Zombie Clan to come meet her on the ramp, where it is taking everything Cross Recoba has to hold The Firecracker back. Suddenly “Lady Venom” by Swollen Members hits the speaker system, and slowly every head turns towards the stage to view the sight of Vanessa Byrne regally pushing past the curtain in a professional looking pantsuit with a microphone already in her hand. She regards the new Chimera Tag Team Champions with a cold smile, bringing her hands up to offer a mock clap. The Zombies settle down in the ring, Aoki looking confused, throwing his arms up on the top rope to lean against them with his head cocked to the side. Dakota Jennings and Cross Recoba share in his confusion, both clutching at the belts that they had just won moments ago. Byrne's slow clap comes to an end, and the hand holding the microphone raises it to her lips.
VANESSA BYRNE: Quite the showing....nothing that I haven't come to expect out of you two....
She pauses, starting to pace the stage in annoyance.
VANESSA BYRNE: Mrs. Jennings, over the course of several short months, you've cost me a Superstar in Vannah White, you've cost me the medical bills of two more in Leela Watts and Danny Rizzo, and after the last show, you've even cost me a Senior Official for a Main Event that made history for this company. All because you can't seem to keep your hands to yourself, or at least off of those that you aren't sanctioned to bury....
The fans cheer at that remark, and Dakota's nose curls as she spits out some disparaging remark that the camera's don't pick up. Cross tries to settle her down, but a scathing glance from the Ginger Bombshell has him throwing his hands up and shrugging. Vanessa watches all of this, a slight smirk coming to her lips before bringing the mic back up to speak.
VANESSA BYRNE: In light of the current situation and your victory here tonight, that makes you one of MY champions, so that puts me in a bit of a tight spot. We are only more Blitz away before our first big Pay-Per-View on HOTV and Battleground Network, so if I suspend you for your actions last Blitz against Senior Official Caputo, that knocks me out of a possible championship match on that card.
Dakota smirks, and says something along the lines of 'Suspend This' followed by a bird leveled in Byrne's direction. This actually causes Byrne to chuckle, nodding her head in a knowing way.
VANESSA BYRNE: Oh yes, quite the Firecracker you are, but here's the business...I'm the boss, whether you or anyone else likes it or not, and I'm out here tonight to put you on notice. Being the reasonable businesswoman I am, I'm not going to jeopardize my card by suspending you. I'm not going even to fine you...
The fans boo at this as Dakota throws her hands out at her sides as if to say, "Then What?", her Chimera Tag Title bouncing around. Again Cross shakes his head, trying to whisper some reason into the woman, but she's not having any of it. By Vanessa Byrne's sudden icy stare, neither is she.
VANESSA BYRNE: No suspensions. No fines. For now. But the minute you lose those Chimera Tag Team Titles, I'll do you one better....I'm going to terminate you!
The fans explode at the news as Dakota drops back a step, stunned, while Byrne drops the mic and 'Lady Venom' hits back over the PA System. In the ring the Zombie Clan guffaw at the news, making noose innuendos as if Dakota had just hung herself. Meanwhile, on the ramp, Recoba shakes his head, trying to console Jennings who still seems speechless. Suddenly her face screws up in defiance, and she starts power walking to the back leaving Recoba to watch in wonder before following. The scene then cuts backstage.
The lights dim and a red line appears on the Big Screen above the stage, and when the opening screech of 'Vicious' by Halestorm hits over the PA System, the red line pulses like a heartbeat. Dakota Jennings bursts through the curtain wearing one of her '100 Proof Redhead Bombshell' T-shirt, steel chair in tow. The fans send up a loud chant of boo's as she stops at the top of the stage and thrusts the chair into the air. On the seat is the face of Danny Rizzo, which sends the fans into even more of a tizzy. Red lips part into a wicked smile as she keeps the chair aloft, stalking down the ramp towards the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at five foot six and weighting in at 115 pounds, she hails from Scottsdale, Arizona.......DAKOTA JENNINNGGGSSS!!
Dakota reaches ringside and tosses the Chair in over the top rope as she takes the steps, and then steps through the ropes to step to the center of the ring where she throws both hands up, middle finger swinging around to the booing crowd. She spins around, ending in a laugh, before picking up the chair, opening it up, and having a seat as her music is replaced by 'Turn To Stone' by Joe Walsh. The lights change from red to a single white spot light that illuminates the stage just as Cross Recoba steps out, his titanium cane with a golden lion's head handle in one hand, touching the crucifix around his neck with the other. The crowd responds with a chorus of boo's for The Fox while Cross uses the handle of the cane to push his shag hair cut from his face, flicking his head back confidently as he grins out at the audience obnoxiously. He holds up the cane that has caused so much trouble in the past to an even more venomous response from the fans, and he begins down the ramp still holding it aloft.
RING ANNOUNCER: And her partner, standing at five foot ten and weighting in at 230 pounds, hailing from New York, New York...He is the former UnYielding Champion, 'THE FOX' CROSS RECOBBBAAA!!
Recoba reaches ringside and holds the lions head handle of the cane up to his lips and kisses it for luck. He sets the cane to rest against the ring steps, and then climbs them up onto the apron, and with a wipe of his feet slips between the ropes. He pops up with both hands out at his side, walking forward as if putting his glory on display, and delivers an over exaggerated bow that causes the fans to crow even louder in disdain. Cross stands to his full height and smirks, stepping over to Dakota who watches all this with a sly smile.
LO: If ever there were two people in this promotion that could elicit such a hateful response from the crowd, it would have to be the two currently in the ring.
KO: That's cause these people are idiots, Laur! That's a real power couple they are booing!
LO: I have to admit, the two of them as an item is one thing, but now that Dakota has turned the corner on her malevolent nature, I'm not so sure that the world is ready for these two to be bad together...
KO: Maybe not, but it's happening here tonight. Only thing is....whoever comes through the curtain next to represent The Zombie Clan are as equally B.A.D. BAD!
The arena goes dark and the lights pulse white at the sound of marching zombies that appear on the big screen above the stage. After a moment Kowloon Zombie bursts through the curtain larger than life with one of the Chimera Tag Belts thrown over his shoulder, and he pauses at the top of the stage to flex his muscles when Fukushima slips out in front of him from out of nowhere with her Tag Title around her waist. Her horror like makeup streaks down her face, and she carries herself down the ramp in a rickety sort of way that gives everyone in the arena pause. Kowloon belts out a laugh and starts stalking down after her, stopping from time to time to show his bicep off to a fan.
RING ANNOUNCER: And their opponents, weighting in at a combined weight of 407 pounds, and hailing from Fukushima, Japan and Hong Kong, China respectively, they are THE CHIMERA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS....FUKUSHIMA ZOMBIE...KOWLOON ZOMBIE....THE ZOMBIE CLAN!
Fuki reaches the ringside area, and quickly flashes into the ring, coming up to one knee with her head bent to the side and staring wide eyed at Cross and Dakota. Recoba rolls his eyes in Dakota's direction, and she just smirks, indicating that she's going to keep Fukushima's neck bent at that angle permanently. Kowloon leaps from the floor to the apron, and then steps quickly through the ropes, coming to stand behind his smaller partner, placing both fists on his hips and thrusting out his chest.
LO: Looks like Fukushima and Kowloon have been tapped this time around to defend the Chimera Tag Team Championships! I had heard that Vanessa Byrne was going to allow The Zombie Clan this stipulation, but I don't know if that doesn't give the opposing teams a disadvantage.
KO: Well, not knowing who to prepare for is a definite issue for the opposing team, so Yeah, you could say that's a disadvantage..
LO: Why do you keep repeating everything I just said...
KO: Because I can put it into terms that the Valor Pro Faithful can understand, now hush....the bell just rang!
Cross and Dakota defer with one another for a moment as Kowloon pats Fukushima on the back and takes his place on the apron in their corner. Cross nods at something Dakota says, and steps through the ropes, while Jennings turns her gaze towards Fuki. The two women begin to circle, coming closer and closer to the center of the ring before moving in to lock up. Before that can occur, however, Dakota drives a High Knee Lift into Fuki's abdomen followed up by a vicious right hand that sends the woman down to one knee. From there the Arizona native grabs Fuki from behind the back of the head, and drives several knees into the woman's face, until finally stepping back and giving her a shove that sends her down to the canvas. Kowloon watches on with a bit of concern from the apron, shouting words of encouragement to Fuki for her to get into the fight.
LO: Dakota Jennings effectively stopping any Zombie Momentum short in the start of this match, and has now cut the ring in half, putting her body in the path of Fukushima's corner...
KO: Hard stomps right down into the back of the woman's head as she tries to rise, and now Dakota getting her to her feet and just whips her hard into the neutral corner...
Jennings rushes in on Fuki with a screaming charge, nailing the woman with a stiff clothesline that crushes her against the turnbuckles, and sends her down to a seated position. Kota takes a step back and reaches down to grab Fuki by the ankles to drag her out away from the corner, but Fuki instinctively grabs the middle ropes to prevent herself from being moved. Dakota smirks, and with a sudden jerk, pulls the Zombie so hard that her body lifts high into the air, forcing her to let go of the rope only to come crashing spine first to the mat. Fuki grabs at her back as Dakota steps up beside her and Drops an Elbow dead center of her chest before grabbing her leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: NO! Fukushima with a kick out, and now Dakota is pulling her back up and just SLAMS her face first into the top turnbuckle of the corner they've been working out of.
KO: Dakota Jennings has taken complete control of this match, and is now opening up on Fukushima with shoot like kicks that has the woman reeling!
Kick after Kick find their mark, and Fukushima looks dazed as Jennings drags her out of the corner, hooks her around the head while draping Fuki's arm over her own shoulders, and then Snap Suplexes her down to the center of the ring. Dakota floats over and the referee drops for a count, but instead of a pin cradles Fuki's skull and starts hammering in right hands down into the woman's unprotected face! Fukushima kicks and struggles, but Dakota holds her firm, and as the strikes continue to pour in the resistance comes less and less. Finally, she hops up and yanks the woman to her feet with her, dragging her over to an awaiting Cross Recoba and makes the tag. The Fox comes in quickly, and while Dakota holds Fuki up by pinning her arms behind her back, Cross takes the opportunity to throw in some unprotected jabs until the referee finally gets Kota out of the ring.
LO: You know, these two are already dangerous as singles competitors, but seeing them out here as a tag team, especially now that it seems that their on the same page in regards of how to treat people, they are damn near scary.
KO: Dakota Jennings just needed that nudge over the edge, and she got that at Allegiance when Vannah White tried to interfere with her strategy. Since then, it's only natural that Kota has been on the upswing as of late.
LO: And what about Recoba?
KO: Beat the Apex Champion didn't he?
LO: Thanks to interference from Brennan Devlin.
KO: You see, Laur, that's your problem. A wins a win, homie, and trying to paint it as anything else doesn't do you any favors.
Cross pushes Fuki up against the center of the ropes, and then winds up to strike with a thunderous Chop that echoes through the arena. The fans 'Wooooo' as he winds up and delivers another, and another still, before taking Fuki by the wrist and whipping her to the opposite side. The Zombie rebounds off the rope as Cross rushes out to meet her, a Knee Lift embedding itself in Fuki's gut with such impact that the woman cuts a front flip before landing flat on her back. She struggles to get to her feet, and Cross rushes the ropes for spring, coming back to catch her around the head with a Swinging Neck Breaker that rattles the ring. He quickly scrambles in to hook the leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Fukushima out at two and half, but my Lord she's been put to the screws by this team of Jennings and Recoba....
KO: Rekota...
LO: What?
KO: That's the name of their team. They said so on Twitter.
LO: That's just....whatever...
Recoba sneers over at Kowloon as he points down at Fuki and goads the big man to come into the ring. Santiago promptly rushes over to stop him, and as the two argue, Dakota comes into the ring without a tag. She and Cross hook Fuki around the head, and then lift the woman up in Suplex position, but instead of falling back, they rush forward, dropping her gut first down across the top rope. Fuki lets out a cry of pain as she pushes off to land on the apron clutching her gut, and Cross and Dakota share a brief kiss before sliding right into Super Kicks in Stereo!
LO: GOOD GOD! FUKUSHIMA ZOMBIE WAS JUST EJECTED FROM THE RING APRON TO CRASH AGAINST THE GUARDRAIL THANKS TO A SUPERKICK COMBO FROM JENNINGS AND RECOBA!
KO: Hell Yeah, and that kiss was hot too!
Kowloon is nearly beside himself, but realizes he isn't helping by holding the referee up so he exits the ring and points to the double teaming in the ring. By the time Santiago turns his attention back to the action, Fukushima is on the outside leaned up against the steel barricade in pain, Jennings is back out on the apron in her corner, and Cross Recoba gives him an innocent shoulder shrug from the center of the ring. The fans boo unmercifully as The Fox smirks out at them, and as Fukushima starts to stumble back towards the ring, he takes off for the opposite side to rebound off the ropes, and then charges back across the ring, leaping right over the top rope to nail the woman with a Diving Drop Kick that sends them both crashing to the concrete.
LO: A MILLION LIRA TO FUKUSHIMA!
KO: HOT DAMN! This team is on fire!
Cross comes up to his feet, but it's obvious the dive took a toll. He grabs up Fukushima and tosses her back into the ring, sliding in after her to quick crawl into a hook of the leg and a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Fukushima just barely got her shoulder off the mat, and Kowloon looks like he's about to have a heart attack on the ring apron!
KO: No doubt, they just almost lost the Chimera Tag Team Championships!
Recoba gets to his feet in a bit of frustration, but quickly falls back to his corner and tags his partner's hand. Dakota comes into the ring hot, her face screwed up into a scowl, and grabs the top rope for leverage as she opens up with Mudhole Stomps down into Fuki's prone body. Eventually she tires of this, opting to pull the woman up to her knee's, and then nods out to the booing crowd before firing in shoot kicks that has the woman bobbing back and forth like a punching bag. At about the ten mark, she falls back into a martial arts like stance, and fires off a kick aimed right at the back of Fukushima's head. To everyone's surprise Fuki falls forward and they watch as Kota's foot sails harmlessly over Fuki's head. The miss causes Jennings to go off balance, and while she's facing slightly away from The Zombie, she surprises everyone again when she rises up and locks Dakota into a quick Full Nelson, and even quicker snaps backwards into a Full Nelson Suplex. The back of Dakota's head and shoulders slam off the canvas while the rest of her folds up like an accordion, leaving both women momentarily down on the mat.
LO: HUGE move for Fukushima there as she desperately needs to make it over to her corner for a tag...
KO: Yeah, and Kowloon looks ready for it too.....but does she have enough left to get there? Right now she's just laying lifelessly on the canvas beside Dakota...
The Referee, along with everyone else, watches on with bated breath as Fuki slowly begins to crawl towards her corner. Unfortunately for her, Dakota Jennings does much the same, but towards the extended arm of Cross Recoba. Both women, inch by inch, come closer to their respective partners, but it's Fuki with a leap that tags Kowloon first. The big man comes into the ring just as Dakota slaps palms with Recoba, and The Fox thunders into the ring with a collision course in mind. And he gets it, but in the form of a charging lariat from Kowloon that literally turns him inside out before he crashes to the mat.
LO: Recoba back up to his feet, BUT TURNS RIGHT BACK INTO ANOTHER MASSIVE LARIAT!
KO: HEY! He can't do that to The Fox!
LO: If that's how you feel...then you're really going to hate this!
Cross comes up to his feet, but Kowloon is already there, and he plants one hand on the man's inner thigh, while the other wraps around his throat, and a look of sheer terror fills Recoba's face as he's hoisted high into the air over Kowloon's head. Dakota, who has pulled herself up on the ring apron, shakes her head 'No', slipping through the ropes into the ring to rush in and try and save her partner. Instead, Kowloon pitches Recoba forward like a projectile, and he inadvertently takes out his own partner with a Cross Body!
LO: Kowloon Zombie in the ring like a one man wrecking crew, and Dakota Jennings and Cross Recoba helping each other back to their feet by the ropes...AND HERE COMES KOWLOON WITH A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE THAT SENDS THEM UP AND OVEr THE TOP ROPE TO CRASH AND BURN ON THE CONCRETE FLOOR!
KO: This big bastard is a menace! Come on referee, do your job!
LO: You certainly didn't having any qualms when Cross and Dakota were double teaming Fukushima, and Kowloon is the actual legal man in the contest!
Kowloon steps through the ropes and drops down in front of Dakota and Cross as they rise to their feet, and he grabs one by the back of the head while doing the same to the other, and brings them both crashing together to butt heads. He releases Dakota who falls off to the side, and then scoops Cross up onto his shoulder and tosses him through the middle and top rope back into the ring. Kowloon hops up onto the ring apron as Cross pushes up to his feet, and The Fox rushes the nearby corner on that side, hops up to the second turnbuckle, and then springboards to twist in mid air that nails Kowloon with a Drop Kick. The big man hits the apron, but instead of falling to the floor, rolls under the bottom rope back into the ring.
LO: Cross Recoba buying himself a little time there with that springboard drop kick, but now both men are coming to their feet....Here comes Cross...
KO: AND KOWLOON CATCHES HIM WITH A RING RATTLING SPINE BUSTER FOR HIS EFFORTS! This ain't right, Laur!
LO: Right or wrong, Kowloon just put his massive frame across Recoba's chest for a pin....
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! DAKOTA JENNINGS DIVING INTO THE RING FOR A SAVE! And now Kowloon coming up to his feet, AND HERE COMES FUKUSHIMA WITH A SPEAR ON KOTA!
Kowloon reaches down and pulls Recoba up off the canvas while the referee's attention are on Fukushima and Dakota who are rolling around on the canvas trading shots. Seeing the distraction, Cross takes this opportunity to bring his forearm up between Kowloon's legs, and the Zombie clutches at his nether regions in shock and surprise as he teeters over to the canvas. Recoba barks at Santiago as he moves in and hooks the leg for a cover. The referee turns his attention back to the two legal competitors, and seeing whats happened, rushes into a sliding count.
1...
2...
KO: THREE-NO! FUKI BREAKS FREE FROM JENNINGS AND SHOVES CROSS OFF HER FELLOW ZOMBIE!
LO: She saves the match for her team, but Jennings is poised behind her...Fukushima turns around and boot to the midsection doubles her over....KOTA WITH A HOOK OF THE ARMS...
KO: JENNESIS!!! SAY GOOD NIGHT FUKUSHIMA!!!
LO: Dakota has Fuki over onto her back and into a cover, and the referee is waving it off....
KO: What the hell?! NOT AGAIN! Somebody get a referee out here that knows what they are doing...
LO: He does know what he's doing. They aren't legal, Ken!
Jennings fires up to her feet and gets right in the referee's face as the two begin to bicker about the legality of the call. Meanwhile, Cross gets to his feet and lifts Kowloon's massive legs into the air by the ankles, looks out at the booing crowd with a grin, and then drives his boot down into the man's crotch for another low blow. Kowloon cries out in pain as he grabs at himself, but instead of letting loose his legs, Cross instead chokes up, and moves to turn the big man over into his dreaded submission hold.
LO: Cross Recoba almost has Kowloon turned into it....AND THERE IT IS!
KO: GARIBALDI'S GUILLOTINE!
LO: Kowloon is crying out in pain, gripping at his hair to keep from tapping, and Dakota Jennings just grabbed the referee by the scruff of his neck and turned him to see what's going on....She'd better watch herself....the last time she put hands on a referee it cost her!
KO: Whatever! She's just trying to get the idiot to pay attention and do his job!
LO: Be that as it may, Santiago just gave her a warning, but he is moving in to accept the submission....wait....LOOK!
KO: KOTA! BEHIND YOU!
Fukushima slowly rises, still dazed after taking the unprettier moments ago, but realizes her partner is in trouble. Jennings watches on as Kowloon is on the edge of tapping, urging Cross to sit farther back and snap The Zombie's spine in half, when suddenly she's accosted from behind by Fuki. The Wraith gets two fistfuls of Kota's hair, and rushes her forwards, colliding skull first with Cross Recoba, who after the impact loses his grip on Kowloon's legs. The big man flops to the mat clutching at his spine as Cross is sent stumbling to the mat, Dakota falling right on top of him seconds later. The two lovers scramble to get to their feet, but just as they look up Fukushima charges them. Much to everyone's surprise Kota and Cross duck their heads, and send the woman soaring over the top rope and out of the ring with a Back Body Drop that see's her smack off the concrete floor with a sickening 'THUD'.
LO: GOOD LORD! DID YOU SEE THE ELEVATION OF THAT!
KO: To hell with elevation....Did you hear how she hit the floor?
LO: Dakota and Cross seem pretty pleased with themselves after that one, but they seem to have forgotten there's another Zombie in the ring with them, and he's in a three point stance.....
KO: OH NO! DON'T TURN AROUND GUYS!
LO: EXPLODING DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE DROPS BOTH MEMBERS OF REKOTA TO THE CANVAS! My God, he took their heads off...
The three competitors left in the ring lie in a heap sucking wind and disoriented while on the outside Fukushima lay unmoving after having landed in such unceremonious fashion. Santiago looks at the carnage, shaking his head, and then does the only thing that he knows to do...
LO: The referee starting a ten count, and man...I don't know if anyone in this match can go any further...
KO: Come on Rekota! You guys got this! Think about what's at stake...the Chimera Tag Team Championships!
Kowloon Zombie starts a slow crawl towards the nearby ropes at the count of five, and by seven has pulled himself up to his feet. Only problem is, so has Cross Recoba on the other side of the ring, and upon seeing this, Kowloon lets out a war cry and charges right for him. Recoba's eyes go as wide as saucers as the big man comes at him like a locomotive, and it takes quick thinking to drop down suddenly, taking the top rope with him. Kowloon tumbles to the outside, but he lands on his feet, and he spins around to grab an unsuspecting Cross by both his ankles and yanks them out from under him. Recoba face plants to the mat, and Kowloon yanks him beneath the bottom rope to the outside where he smacks against the concrete floor. Meanwhile, on the other side of the ring, Fukushima has managed to her feet and see's the fight going on opposite of her. She starts to make her way around when a whistle from behind her draws her attention, and she has a split second to react as Dakota Jennings comes sailing off the ring apron to catch her around the head with both legs, and delivering a nasty hurricanrana that spikes Fuki's skull off the floor.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! FUKUSHIMA MIGHT BE DONE FOR AFTER THAT IT CAME FROM SCOTTSDALE!
KO: THAT WAS SICK!
LO: Jennings pushing up to her feet, and that move took something out of her as well as she stumbles her way to where Kowloon is assaulting her man!
KO: The Zombie just tossed Recoba back in the ring, and...HAHA! Cross just grabbed Santiago and placed him in front of Kowloon as he gets up on the ring apron...
LO: That slime! Can we not have one contest where the referee isn't put in harms way?!?
KO: Santiago now admonishing Cross.....LOOK OUT FOR JENNINGS!
The crack of steel rings throughout the arena, and just as Santiago is about to turn around to find out where it came from, Cross grabs him by the scruff of the shirt to draw his attention. Behind them is Kowloon Zombie, draped across the top rope in agony after taking a chair shot to the spine from The Firecracker, Dakota Jennings. Seeing that cross has the referee well in hand, she winds up and this time brings the chair in like a baseball bat, catching Kowloon right in the knee which causes him to topple to the apron clutching the new injured limb. Jennings smirks as she tosses the chair up under the ring while the fans boo, and she gives the man a shove until he's under the bottom rope back into the ring. Cross quickly sidesteps the confused referee, and rushes in to make a quick pin. Santiago, none-the-wiser, drops down to make the count.
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! FUKUSHIMA SOMEHOW MADE IT BACK INTO THE RING FOR A DIVING SAVE, AND NOW DAKOTA JENNINGS LOOKS FIT TO BE TIED!
Jennings thunders into the ring, but Fukushima catches her coming in with a boot to the midsection, and then takes her by the wrist to whip to her own corner. Dakota slams into the turnbuckles, and Fukushima turns back to address Cross, but finds that The Fox is already on his feet to deliver a chop that sends her stumbling back. He moves in with another one, another one, and another still, before Irish Whipping her towards the opposite ropes. Kowloon pulls himself up by those ropes just in time to see Fukushima incoming, and he manages to scoop the woman up on her way, spins around, and then tosses her right at Cross. The incoming improvised Missle Drop Kick catches Recoba dead center of the chest, and he is sent flying back into his own corner, where the resounding smack of a tag on his shoulder rings out. Dakota fires into the ring as Fuki recovers from being thrown, and as she turns into her is caught with a Diving Forearm that sends her crashing to the mat where she immediately rolls for the outside!
KO: Crazy succession of back and forth still happening between these two teams, but now Dakota is in the ring with Kowloon Zombie, who looks at least moderately recovered from those chairs....
LO: She's still watching Fuki move to the outside, but here comes Kowloon...SUPERKICK FROM OUT OF NOWHERE TAKES HIS HEAD OFF!
KO: CORRECTION, LAUR....DKO!
Zombie doesn't go down but instead falls all the way back into the ropes where he bounces back in a stumbling manner. Cross suddenly appears beside Dakota despite the referee's objection, and he bends down to scoop the large man up onto his shoulder with the help of Dakota. Once in place, Cross jumps the best he can with the added weight into a twisting Tombstone, and then quickly shoots out of the ring as Dakota drops down to hook the leg.
LO: OH MY GOD! UP ALL NIGHT IN DAKOTA! THEY ARE GOING TO DO IT!
1...
2...
3!!!
The fans boo unmercifully as Dakota falls off of Kowloon with a look of disgust, but she's soon joined by Recoba who has already snatched the Chimera Tag Championships off the time keepers table. She looks up at her beau with an excited grin, starting to nod as Cross pulls her to her feet.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winners of the match....AND NEW CHIMERA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS.....DAKOTA JENNINGS AND CROSS RECOBAAAA!!!
Cross and Dakota hug in the center of the ring, and then Cross hands Dakota one of the belts with a sardonic grin. They both turn to address the unhappy crowd as they thrust the belts skyward, but then The Fox notices Aokigahara and Siberia Zombie rushing down the ramp from the back, and he grabs Dakota by the hand and rushes her for the ropes. Jennings, not understanding, looks back to see the Zombies, and it almost seems like she's trying to resist as Recoba insistently drags her along until they both get to the outside. Aoki & Siberia belly slide into the ring and jump up, soon joined by a haggered looking Fukushima, while Kowloon gets to his knee's clutching the top of his head.
LO: The rest of The Zombie Clan taking exception to this victory in light of all the cheating, and Aoki is talking some major trash as he kicks around the ring...
KO: Those asshats have no business being out here to reign on the Rekota parade! They earned those Chimera Tag Championship's fair and square!
LO: Are you kidding me....there were low blows, chair shots, and a multitude of spots where The Zombie's were double teamed. That isn't right!
KO: Then go cry them a river, Laur, cause we got new Chimera Tag Champs regardless of what you, these fans, or The Zombie Clan have to say about it!
Dakota Jennings grips her Chimera Tag Championship with one white knuckled hand while the other waves the rest of The Zombie Clan to come meet her on the ramp, where it is taking everything Cross Recoba has to hold The Firecracker back. Suddenly “Lady Venom” by Swollen Members hits the speaker system, and slowly every head turns towards the stage to view the sight of Vanessa Byrne regally pushing past the curtain in a professional looking pantsuit with a microphone already in her hand. She regards the new Chimera Tag Team Champions with a cold smile, bringing her hands up to offer a mock clap. The Zombies settle down in the ring, Aoki looking confused, throwing his arms up on the top rope to lean against them with his head cocked to the side. Dakota Jennings and Cross Recoba share in his confusion, both clutching at the belts that they had just won moments ago. Byrne's slow clap comes to an end, and the hand holding the microphone raises it to her lips.
VANESSA BYRNE: Quite the showing....nothing that I haven't come to expect out of you two....
She pauses, starting to pace the stage in annoyance.
VANESSA BYRNE: Mrs. Jennings, over the course of several short months, you've cost me a Superstar in Vannah White, you've cost me the medical bills of two more in Leela Watts and Danny Rizzo, and after the last show, you've even cost me a Senior Official for a Main Event that made history for this company. All because you can't seem to keep your hands to yourself, or at least off of those that you aren't sanctioned to bury....
The fans cheer at that remark, and Dakota's nose curls as she spits out some disparaging remark that the camera's don't pick up. Cross tries to settle her down, but a scathing glance from the Ginger Bombshell has him throwing his hands up and shrugging. Vanessa watches all of this, a slight smirk coming to her lips before bringing the mic back up to speak.
VANESSA BYRNE: In light of the current situation and your victory here tonight, that makes you one of MY champions, so that puts me in a bit of a tight spot. We are only more Blitz away before our first big Pay-Per-View on HOTV and Battleground Network, so if I suspend you for your actions last Blitz against Senior Official Caputo, that knocks me out of a possible championship match on that card.
Dakota smirks, and says something along the lines of 'Suspend This' followed by a bird leveled in Byrne's direction. This actually causes Byrne to chuckle, nodding her head in a knowing way.
VANESSA BYRNE: Oh yes, quite the Firecracker you are, but here's the business...I'm the boss, whether you or anyone else likes it or not, and I'm out here tonight to put you on notice. Being the reasonable businesswoman I am, I'm not going to jeopardize my card by suspending you. I'm not going even to fine you...
The fans boo at this as Dakota throws her hands out at her sides as if to say, "Then What?", her Chimera Tag Title bouncing around. Again Cross shakes his head, trying to whisper some reason into the woman, but she's not having any of it. By Vanessa Byrne's sudden icy stare, neither is she.
VANESSA BYRNE: No suspensions. No fines. For now. But the minute you lose those Chimera Tag Team Titles, I'll do you one better....I'm going to terminate you!
The fans explode at the news as Dakota drops back a step, stunned, while Byrne drops the mic and 'Lady Venom' hits back over the PA System. In the ring the Zombie Clan guffaw at the news, making noose innuendos as if Dakota had just hung herself. Meanwhile, on the ramp, Recoba shakes his head, trying to console Jennings who still seems speechless. Suddenly her face screws up in defiance, and she starts power walking to the back leaving Recoba to watch in wonder before following. The scene then cuts backstage.
DANNY RIZZO: Everyone has been asking me…
Just as the scene bursts to life Danny Rizzo’s voice cuts through and rings in the ears of those watching. He’s dressed for battle already against Berlin Anderson, a man who had started off on quite the roll. It would be a daunting task to defend his championship on this evening, but it was a task he had every intention of rising to.
DANNY RIZZO: What’s it feel like to be a champion? And I’ll be quite honest with you, it’s not anywhere near as glamorous as it’s made out to be. Carrying this championship is hard. It’s a burden. A heavy weight upon my shoulders, but it’s a responsibility that I carry with respect. Because what this championship stands for, the legacy that it carries, doesn’t just lie with me but with all of those who have held it before me. Zachariah Krahe, Cross Recoba, Zack Fantana and Brodie put their bodies on the line week in and week out for this championship. There’s no denying that those are four names whose shoes are quite large and difficult to fill.
He had managed to find a somewhat secluded backstage and there he had set a steel chair down and taken a seat in it, folding his right foot up so that it rested across his left knee as his head gently laid upon the wall behind him. His eyes were closed, but he spoke as though he knew the cameras were rolling.
DANNY RIZZO: It’s a burden. But it’s not one that I would trade for anything in the world. Because to go out there in front of all of you, with this..
Rizzo’s fingers tapped on the gold around his waist.
DANNY RIZZO: Is a privilege. It’s a privilege to get to walk in the footsteps of those who carried this championship before me, and to push myself to do better. It’s an honor to call myself a champion in this company of extraordinarily gifted wrestlers. And it is one that I promise you I will never take for granted.
Slowly, a smile curls his top lip upward a bit and he can’t help but chuckle to himself softly.
DANNY RIZZO: Somewhere out there Ken Othello is resisting the urge to vomit right now. And that’s fine. Ken doesn’t have to like me. Berlin doesn’t have to like me. But what they’re both going to do, whether they want to or not, is respect me. Deep down I think Ken does already. Berlin, though? Who knows. By the time tonight is over, though, Berlin will as well. He’ll have no choice but to do so when he gets an up close and personal view…
Eyes open, Danny stares directly into the camera that was focused on him.
DANNY RIZZO: Of my rise.
His gaze lingers on the camera until eventually the scene fades back to ringside.
Just as the scene bursts to life Danny Rizzo’s voice cuts through and rings in the ears of those watching. He’s dressed for battle already against Berlin Anderson, a man who had started off on quite the roll. It would be a daunting task to defend his championship on this evening, but it was a task he had every intention of rising to.
DANNY RIZZO: What’s it feel like to be a champion? And I’ll be quite honest with you, it’s not anywhere near as glamorous as it’s made out to be. Carrying this championship is hard. It’s a burden. A heavy weight upon my shoulders, but it’s a responsibility that I carry with respect. Because what this championship stands for, the legacy that it carries, doesn’t just lie with me but with all of those who have held it before me. Zachariah Krahe, Cross Recoba, Zack Fantana and Brodie put their bodies on the line week in and week out for this championship. There’s no denying that those are four names whose shoes are quite large and difficult to fill.
He had managed to find a somewhat secluded backstage and there he had set a steel chair down and taken a seat in it, folding his right foot up so that it rested across his left knee as his head gently laid upon the wall behind him. His eyes were closed, but he spoke as though he knew the cameras were rolling.
DANNY RIZZO: It’s a burden. But it’s not one that I would trade for anything in the world. Because to go out there in front of all of you, with this..
Rizzo’s fingers tapped on the gold around his waist.
DANNY RIZZO: Is a privilege. It’s a privilege to get to walk in the footsteps of those who carried this championship before me, and to push myself to do better. It’s an honor to call myself a champion in this company of extraordinarily gifted wrestlers. And it is one that I promise you I will never take for granted.
Slowly, a smile curls his top lip upward a bit and he can’t help but chuckle to himself softly.
DANNY RIZZO: Somewhere out there Ken Othello is resisting the urge to vomit right now. And that’s fine. Ken doesn’t have to like me. Berlin doesn’t have to like me. But what they’re both going to do, whether they want to or not, is respect me. Deep down I think Ken does already. Berlin, though? Who knows. By the time tonight is over, though, Berlin will as well. He’ll have no choice but to do so when he gets an up close and personal view…
Eyes open, Danny stares directly into the camera that was focused on him.
DANNY RIZZO: Of my rise.
His gaze lingers on the camera until eventually the scene fades back to ringside.
Featuring: Brennan Devlin
“Lucid Dreams” by Franz Ferdinand hits the speakers and the crowd erupts.
This is Zack Fantana’s music.
Oh man is he here?!
HE’S BACK!!!
It’s the Album Version, by the way, not the live version. Brad Stokes made a bolded note to include that in the transcript of this show for some reason. The Brad, as he is sometimes referred, steps onto the ramp and bows his head as if praying before making his way down to the ring looking ever more like he has a new lease on life. He’s got that happy go lucky swagger no one has seen on the face of Brad Stokes before.
Once inside the ring Brad is energetic, with a bounce in his step, he fishes his microphone out of his jacket pocket and Zack Fantana’s music fades out. Brad takes a seat in one of the seats set up in the center of the ring next to two empty chairs, which Brad takes a double-take at before grinning from ear to ear in the crowd.
Brad Stokes: HELLO TURBAN!
A lot of boos. Brad’s confused.
As he puts on his reading glasses and spies one of the signs for the arena and realizes it’s actually Durban, Brad cringes heartily and moves on.
BS: You all know me, I’m Brad Stokes.
A light applause brings a smile to Brad’s face. He removes his reading glasses to look cooler.
BS: Before we start I’d like to say a prayer, if I might?
What?
BS: You know, bless the following interview segment. I realized too late during my last time out against Spiral that I hadn’t properly blessed the proceedings. Lights please?
The lights dim. Lighter flames, candles, and chinese lanterns appear in the crowd as Brad bows his head.
BS: Our Fantana… who art in heaven… thy Fantanasy come, thy various finishing moves be done… in undercard matches as they are performed in main event matches. Give us this our bi-weekly interview segment, and forgive us everytime we accidentally call the place Turban when it’s actually Durban. I know not what I do, Fantana. Amen.
The lights come up, Brad crosses his chest with an overly complicated F, his other hand wiping a tear from his eye.
BS: Whew. Was slain in the spirit there for a second.
Brad catches his breath.
BS: but we’re back folks! Just in time, too, for, you see, tonight we have a special guest. He’s likely the man who’s featured most often on these segments next to Our Lord and Savior Fantana himself…
Before Brad could continues, “Resurrection by Erection” by Powerwolf began to blare though the building as Brennan Devlin wandered onto the stage. Devlin stood there for a moment and was soon joined by a never-before-seen on Valor Pro Wrestling television woman, a beautiful blonde, whom he’d interacted with on Twitter recently… His… agent? Seeing the blonde, Brad had to cross himself with the F once more. Devlin walked alongside of the woman to the ring, eventually getting in where he would give Brad a blank look…
BS: *ahem* hello, friend Devlin. The church of Fantana welcomes you and your…. Sister???… to the ring?
Brad looks hopeful at the incredibly well-endowed blonde woman at Brennan’s side, sitting cross legged in a stylish mini dress and crushed velvet thigh high boots.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: She’s not my sister.
Agent Orange: I’m his agent.
She says coldly. Brad looks hurt.
BS: That’s dumb. With a body like that you could-- wait…
Brad has to snap back into sobriety.
BS: No… that Brad is dead. There is only Bradley now.
He brightens after a crisp drink of cold water and another ten Hail Fantanas.
BS: SO! Tell me, Brennan, what have you been up to since we last saw you choke horribly in the ring?
He crosses himself again. It’s a long road to recovery.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: I haven’t choked. There’ve been setbacks, sure, but every empire loses a few battles here and there on the way to winning the war. You’ll see, and soon.
BS: Right. How soon?
Brad prods. Agent Orange, so goes the name, gives Brennan a gentle, encouraging pat on the hand before locking eyes with Brad seemingly taming the proverbial lion.
AO: Brennan just needed time to catch his second wind, Brad. I’d think a man like you would understand that?
BS: Second? Ha. You mean ninety-ninth wind! Dude loses more matches than I lose battle raps. And believe me, I’ve lost plenty.
AO: Brennan Devlin plays the long game. Which is more than can be said for the roster of Valor Pro. Going from match to match, hoping to string together a win to validate themselves for another week. Fall down nine times, get up ten. That’s Brennan’s motto.
She land Brennan share a confident grin. Brad blows a denigrating raspberry.
BS: Your beautiful mouthpiece here can’t convince me of SHIT. How on earth will you recover, Brennan? I mean.. Just contracting a hot blonde-- erm… agent… whatever.. Pretend like she’s your mother, Brad. She’s a nun.
Another F cross on his chest.
BS: You’ve been claiming this lost the battle not the war B.S. for ages. Fans wanna know if you can actually throw down when it comes to it. You lost to Brodie, you lost to Cosmo… what’s next for the Face of Wrestling, huh?
BRENNAN DEVLIN: And in between I’ve went everywhere else and been a success, I went to 4 Corners and took their Cup thing by storm. Cosmo came here and got a belt handed off to him almost for being most-known for losing to Genie! Basically, I’m saying my outside efforts when compared to Cosmo’s when he came back make me a top contender, as well as the wins I /do/ have under my belt. I want Cosmo’s title..
Another loving pat on the hand from Agent Orange.
AO: Brennan’s the only competitor in this company who can equal, and outmatch Cosmo pound for pound and everyone in this company and beyond know it. We saw that clear as day in their fight for the Apex Championship. Cosmo escaped that match. Not the other way around. Being the last man standing is the equivalent of drawing the longest straw. It was luck. A fluke. Sure, Cosmo’s talented, but there’s not a person in this industry who doesn’t revere the Devlin brand. While Cosmo Cooper thirsts for validation on twitter, Brennan is learning new tricks by the day. Next time, Brennan wants a legitimate contest with the paper champ. Plain and simple, and he’s been training and preparing for when that day comes.
Brad looks a little stunned. He has to check his notecards.
BS: R-really? … you actually did all that, Brennan? The 4 Corners thing… the training montages, and… damn okay… I admit I’m a little impressed right now, which has nothing to do with the fact a hot blonde told me to think that.
Another F cross across his chest
BS: so… alright… you want another shot at the Apex Championship. What happens if Brodie defeats Cosmo tonight, huh? That’s not exactly unthinkable given the tear little miss Adams Family’s been on since arriving in this company, including, I might add, through you. What then?
BRENNAN DEVLIN: Then I kill Brodie.
Brad looks expectant, tapping his fingers on his knee, awaiting the rest of the sentence that… isn’t to come. He checks his watch. Shit. He’s got more time to fill. He looks from Brennan’s agent, Talia Orange, to Brennan then….
BS: ….. Okay… kill her how?
BRENNAN DEVLIN: Well, you see, you know what I did to Cosmos grandma, right?
Brennan’s agent rolls her eyes at him. Brad looks back at his notes. He puts on his reading glasses.
BS: Let’s see… it says here you forked her. Dear god you forked a person? Seriously? Not even old Brad, Before Fantana, could fork a person.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: He is a Nazi piece of shit, but no, I’m going to fuck her to death, obviously.
Brad clears his throat.
BS: Ahem.. Can we say that on teevee?
He looks to a production assistant. There’s a shrug of a reply.
BS: I don’t know if you can use language like that here in Turban, Brennan.
The crowd boos.
BS: I mean Durban. Dammit. For fuck sakes Fantana knows I’m trying here people.
AO: Shut up.
BS: Okay.
AO: What does it matter what Brennan’s going to do? Must you make Brennan repeat himself into infinity like a Brodie promo? You can look to the past all you want. Sure, Brennan doesn’t have the best record in Valor Pro, but the past is the past. And, previously, quite frankly, he didn’t have me to help keep him focused. Isn’t that right, Brennan?
She winks at him.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: She raises a good point. Listen, you can say what you want about my record, and most reasonable people can say it was mostly stupid tag matches with shitty partners that hindered it. Yes. But I’m not here to tell all of those people saying that they’re right. The fact is - there’s no one left but me to go for the Apex Championship, no one worthy. You can choose to look at the past all you want, but I am still the future.
Brad blinks a few times in confusion.
BS: Well… that’s… that’s, what, your closing catchphrase, huh? Just like that? You think you can end MY show whenever you want?
He glares at Brennan.
BD: Yes.
Then shifts his eyes to AO who nods affirmatively at him.
BS: Well then. What about my catchphrase, huh? This is my show. I decide when it’s over.
AO: Typically, your show ends with you getting your ass beaten, but Brennan has been advised not to kill you.
Brad’s stumped.
BS: … well shit. It’s tradition, though. Seriously?
Brennan looks innocently at Brad. Brad looks dismayed to the ring crew.
BS: For real? Is this like the first time I’m going to end one of these shows without somebody kicking my ass?
The crowd looks quite positive about this. Even the Othello Brothers, quiet and attentive give him the thumbs up. Brad is nonplussed.
BS: No fucking way.
He leans back in his chair, speechless.
AO: Well, we’re going to be leaving now.
Brennan gives a perfunctory nod at Brad as he escorts his agent out of the ring nd up the ramp.
BS: This is bullshit, folks. The segment can’t end like this.
In some way, it may just be Brad’s PTSD not allowing him to have a moment of peace to close out the interview segment. Brad is uncomfortable.
In a sudden fit, Brad stands up and starts removing his jacket and unbuttoning his shirt collar.
BS: Alright, one of you fans get down here and kick my ass.
The crowd is speechless. In the ring, Brad is riled up, taking off his shirt now, even undoing his belt, (which for those Bradophiliacs out there, is a pretty damn big deal) but before he can carry through with his ill-advised desire to fight a fan, ring security comes charging down to restrain Brad. It takes seven men to hold him back. It’s quite the fight. Brad looks completely satisfied.
BS: Thank you ladies and gentleman and good night! Enjoy the rest of the show!
Security escorts him out of the building.
This is Zack Fantana’s music.
Oh man is he here?!
HE’S BACK!!!
It’s the Album Version, by the way, not the live version. Brad Stokes made a bolded note to include that in the transcript of this show for some reason. The Brad, as he is sometimes referred, steps onto the ramp and bows his head as if praying before making his way down to the ring looking ever more like he has a new lease on life. He’s got that happy go lucky swagger no one has seen on the face of Brad Stokes before.
Once inside the ring Brad is energetic, with a bounce in his step, he fishes his microphone out of his jacket pocket and Zack Fantana’s music fades out. Brad takes a seat in one of the seats set up in the center of the ring next to two empty chairs, which Brad takes a double-take at before grinning from ear to ear in the crowd.
Brad Stokes: HELLO TURBAN!
A lot of boos. Brad’s confused.
As he puts on his reading glasses and spies one of the signs for the arena and realizes it’s actually Durban, Brad cringes heartily and moves on.
BS: You all know me, I’m Brad Stokes.
A light applause brings a smile to Brad’s face. He removes his reading glasses to look cooler.
BS: Before we start I’d like to say a prayer, if I might?
What?
BS: You know, bless the following interview segment. I realized too late during my last time out against Spiral that I hadn’t properly blessed the proceedings. Lights please?
The lights dim. Lighter flames, candles, and chinese lanterns appear in the crowd as Brad bows his head.
BS: Our Fantana… who art in heaven… thy Fantanasy come, thy various finishing moves be done… in undercard matches as they are performed in main event matches. Give us this our bi-weekly interview segment, and forgive us everytime we accidentally call the place Turban when it’s actually Durban. I know not what I do, Fantana. Amen.
The lights come up, Brad crosses his chest with an overly complicated F, his other hand wiping a tear from his eye.
BS: Whew. Was slain in the spirit there for a second.
Brad catches his breath.
BS: but we’re back folks! Just in time, too, for, you see, tonight we have a special guest. He’s likely the man who’s featured most often on these segments next to Our Lord and Savior Fantana himself…
Before Brad could continues, “Resurrection by Erection” by Powerwolf began to blare though the building as Brennan Devlin wandered onto the stage. Devlin stood there for a moment and was soon joined by a never-before-seen on Valor Pro Wrestling television woman, a beautiful blonde, whom he’d interacted with on Twitter recently… His… agent? Seeing the blonde, Brad had to cross himself with the F once more. Devlin walked alongside of the woman to the ring, eventually getting in where he would give Brad a blank look…
BS: *ahem* hello, friend Devlin. The church of Fantana welcomes you and your…. Sister???… to the ring?
Brad looks hopeful at the incredibly well-endowed blonde woman at Brennan’s side, sitting cross legged in a stylish mini dress and crushed velvet thigh high boots.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: She’s not my sister.
Agent Orange: I’m his agent.
She says coldly. Brad looks hurt.
BS: That’s dumb. With a body like that you could-- wait…
Brad has to snap back into sobriety.
BS: No… that Brad is dead. There is only Bradley now.
He brightens after a crisp drink of cold water and another ten Hail Fantanas.
BS: SO! Tell me, Brennan, what have you been up to since we last saw you choke horribly in the ring?
He crosses himself again. It’s a long road to recovery.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: I haven’t choked. There’ve been setbacks, sure, but every empire loses a few battles here and there on the way to winning the war. You’ll see, and soon.
BS: Right. How soon?
Brad prods. Agent Orange, so goes the name, gives Brennan a gentle, encouraging pat on the hand before locking eyes with Brad seemingly taming the proverbial lion.
AO: Brennan just needed time to catch his second wind, Brad. I’d think a man like you would understand that?
BS: Second? Ha. You mean ninety-ninth wind! Dude loses more matches than I lose battle raps. And believe me, I’ve lost plenty.
AO: Brennan Devlin plays the long game. Which is more than can be said for the roster of Valor Pro. Going from match to match, hoping to string together a win to validate themselves for another week. Fall down nine times, get up ten. That’s Brennan’s motto.
She land Brennan share a confident grin. Brad blows a denigrating raspberry.
BS: Your beautiful mouthpiece here can’t convince me of SHIT. How on earth will you recover, Brennan? I mean.. Just contracting a hot blonde-- erm… agent… whatever.. Pretend like she’s your mother, Brad. She’s a nun.
Another F cross on his chest.
BS: You’ve been claiming this lost the battle not the war B.S. for ages. Fans wanna know if you can actually throw down when it comes to it. You lost to Brodie, you lost to Cosmo… what’s next for the Face of Wrestling, huh?
BRENNAN DEVLIN: And in between I’ve went everywhere else and been a success, I went to 4 Corners and took their Cup thing by storm. Cosmo came here and got a belt handed off to him almost for being most-known for losing to Genie! Basically, I’m saying my outside efforts when compared to Cosmo’s when he came back make me a top contender, as well as the wins I /do/ have under my belt. I want Cosmo’s title..
Another loving pat on the hand from Agent Orange.
AO: Brennan’s the only competitor in this company who can equal, and outmatch Cosmo pound for pound and everyone in this company and beyond know it. We saw that clear as day in their fight for the Apex Championship. Cosmo escaped that match. Not the other way around. Being the last man standing is the equivalent of drawing the longest straw. It was luck. A fluke. Sure, Cosmo’s talented, but there’s not a person in this industry who doesn’t revere the Devlin brand. While Cosmo Cooper thirsts for validation on twitter, Brennan is learning new tricks by the day. Next time, Brennan wants a legitimate contest with the paper champ. Plain and simple, and he’s been training and preparing for when that day comes.
Brad looks a little stunned. He has to check his notecards.
BS: R-really? … you actually did all that, Brennan? The 4 Corners thing… the training montages, and… damn okay… I admit I’m a little impressed right now, which has nothing to do with the fact a hot blonde told me to think that.
Another F cross across his chest
BS: so… alright… you want another shot at the Apex Championship. What happens if Brodie defeats Cosmo tonight, huh? That’s not exactly unthinkable given the tear little miss Adams Family’s been on since arriving in this company, including, I might add, through you. What then?
BRENNAN DEVLIN: Then I kill Brodie.
Brad looks expectant, tapping his fingers on his knee, awaiting the rest of the sentence that… isn’t to come. He checks his watch. Shit. He’s got more time to fill. He looks from Brennan’s agent, Talia Orange, to Brennan then….
BS: ….. Okay… kill her how?
BRENNAN DEVLIN: Well, you see, you know what I did to Cosmos grandma, right?
Brennan’s agent rolls her eyes at him. Brad looks back at his notes. He puts on his reading glasses.
BS: Let’s see… it says here you forked her. Dear god you forked a person? Seriously? Not even old Brad, Before Fantana, could fork a person.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: He is a Nazi piece of shit, but no, I’m going to fuck her to death, obviously.
Brad clears his throat.
BS: Ahem.. Can we say that on teevee?
He looks to a production assistant. There’s a shrug of a reply.
BS: I don’t know if you can use language like that here in Turban, Brennan.
The crowd boos.
BS: I mean Durban. Dammit. For fuck sakes Fantana knows I’m trying here people.
AO: Shut up.
BS: Okay.
AO: What does it matter what Brennan’s going to do? Must you make Brennan repeat himself into infinity like a Brodie promo? You can look to the past all you want. Sure, Brennan doesn’t have the best record in Valor Pro, but the past is the past. And, previously, quite frankly, he didn’t have me to help keep him focused. Isn’t that right, Brennan?
She winks at him.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: She raises a good point. Listen, you can say what you want about my record, and most reasonable people can say it was mostly stupid tag matches with shitty partners that hindered it. Yes. But I’m not here to tell all of those people saying that they’re right. The fact is - there’s no one left but me to go for the Apex Championship, no one worthy. You can choose to look at the past all you want, but I am still the future.
Brad blinks a few times in confusion.
BS: Well… that’s… that’s, what, your closing catchphrase, huh? Just like that? You think you can end MY show whenever you want?
He glares at Brennan.
BD: Yes.
Then shifts his eyes to AO who nods affirmatively at him.
BS: Well then. What about my catchphrase, huh? This is my show. I decide when it’s over.
AO: Typically, your show ends with you getting your ass beaten, but Brennan has been advised not to kill you.
Brad’s stumped.
BS: … well shit. It’s tradition, though. Seriously?
Brennan looks innocently at Brad. Brad looks dismayed to the ring crew.
BS: For real? Is this like the first time I’m going to end one of these shows without somebody kicking my ass?
The crowd looks quite positive about this. Even the Othello Brothers, quiet and attentive give him the thumbs up. Brad is nonplussed.
BS: No fucking way.
He leans back in his chair, speechless.
AO: Well, we’re going to be leaving now.
Brennan gives a perfunctory nod at Brad as he escorts his agent out of the ring nd up the ramp.
BS: This is bullshit, folks. The segment can’t end like this.
In some way, it may just be Brad’s PTSD not allowing him to have a moment of peace to close out the interview segment. Brad is uncomfortable.
In a sudden fit, Brad stands up and starts removing his jacket and unbuttoning his shirt collar.
BS: Alright, one of you fans get down here and kick my ass.
The crowd is speechless. In the ring, Brad is riled up, taking off his shirt now, even undoing his belt, (which for those Bradophiliacs out there, is a pretty damn big deal) but before he can carry through with his ill-advised desire to fight a fan, ring security comes charging down to restrain Brad. It takes seven men to hold him back. It’s quite the fight. Brad looks completely satisfied.
BS: Thank you ladies and gentleman and good night! Enjoy the rest of the show!
Security escorts him out of the building.
We find Cosmo Cooper already in match mode. He sits with his ring gear on and his Apex Championship laid in front of him on the floor. He refuses to take his eyes off of it with his hands folded between his knees. Taking the bottle of water beside him, he dumps it on his head and then pushes his hair away from his eyes before he looks up to the wall that sits just in front of the equipment box he sits on.
COOPER: “All I’ve ever wanted is to be the guy… to earn that title… to be THE champion of a company. I knew I could do it. I bet on myself when the title was going to be handed to me… and I won. Fair and square. No strings attached. Now that reign is under fire. I’ve worked so hard carrying this Apex Championship across the world. I’ve stepped into places nobody in this company would go… and I’ve won… but that doesn’t mean I get to keep this belt.”
He ran his fingertips across the wet facing of the championship.
COOPER: “I know Brodie, and I know this company. I know someone is going to be dying to get involved to continue to keep getting title shots they don’t deserve. But when that cage lowers and the door is locked. Brodie is going to find out that she isn’t dealing with the prom king or the pretty boy. She’s dealing with a bully and she’s locked on MY playground. For a long time I wanted to be the hero that people make me out to be, but Valor has made me realize that it doesn’t matter if I’m the meanest mother fucker or the nicest… they’re going to come for me. I welcome it. But I can’t welcome it if I don’t win tonight.”
Cosmo put a finger down.
COOPER: “Tonight defies my legacy as Apex Champion. Win? I can live with whatever happens after that. Lose? Well, the last thing you’ll catch me doing is disappearing and pretending it never happened like some people. But it won’t be the same. I’ve put everything into this moment, and I’ve let distractions and my own fear keep me from what I can become in Valor… so this is the tipping point. Am I a protected pretender? Or am I the fighting champion. I suffered my first loss here, even if it was gifted to Cross. It happened.”
Cooper nodded, pushing his wet hair back out of his face.
COOPER: “Whatever fate has decided. Tonight deserves to be the two best wrestlers in Valor. The two people who have beaten the other shitty, toxic, loser who wants to be involved in this match. I hope it remains between Brodie and I… because I don’t think Valor will like the consequences if it isn’t.”
With that, Cosmo stands up and walks away without giving us another word. Ready for what will define his Apex reign.
COOPER: “All I’ve ever wanted is to be the guy… to earn that title… to be THE champion of a company. I knew I could do it. I bet on myself when the title was going to be handed to me… and I won. Fair and square. No strings attached. Now that reign is under fire. I’ve worked so hard carrying this Apex Championship across the world. I’ve stepped into places nobody in this company would go… and I’ve won… but that doesn’t mean I get to keep this belt.”
He ran his fingertips across the wet facing of the championship.
COOPER: “I know Brodie, and I know this company. I know someone is going to be dying to get involved to continue to keep getting title shots they don’t deserve. But when that cage lowers and the door is locked. Brodie is going to find out that she isn’t dealing with the prom king or the pretty boy. She’s dealing with a bully and she’s locked on MY playground. For a long time I wanted to be the hero that people make me out to be, but Valor has made me realize that it doesn’t matter if I’m the meanest mother fucker or the nicest… they’re going to come for me. I welcome it. But I can’t welcome it if I don’t win tonight.”
Cosmo put a finger down.
COOPER: “Tonight defies my legacy as Apex Champion. Win? I can live with whatever happens after that. Lose? Well, the last thing you’ll catch me doing is disappearing and pretending it never happened like some people. But it won’t be the same. I’ve put everything into this moment, and I’ve let distractions and my own fear keep me from what I can become in Valor… so this is the tipping point. Am I a protected pretender? Or am I the fighting champion. I suffered my first loss here, even if it was gifted to Cross. It happened.”
Cooper nodded, pushing his wet hair back out of his face.
COOPER: “Whatever fate has decided. Tonight deserves to be the two best wrestlers in Valor. The two people who have beaten the other shitty, toxic, loser who wants to be involved in this match. I hope it remains between Brodie and I… because I don’t think Valor will like the consequences if it isn’t.”
With that, Cosmo stands up and walks away without giving us another word. Ready for what will define his Apex reign.
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission, and is for THE UNYIELDING CHAMPIONSHIP....
The lights dim low as 'Hourglass' by A Perfect Circle hits over the PA System, and out steps Berlin Anderson wearing a velvet burgundy overcoat with tails, and a pair of leather pants with red straps crisscrossing down their sides. He pauses at the top of the stage as the fans begin to cheer, and he lowers the rose colored glasses he's wearing to peer out at the crowd. He pushes them back up and straightens up, smoothing out his jacket, and checking his rooster style haircut before making his way down to the ring with a confident grin.
Ring Announcer: Introducing third, standing at five foot eleven and weighing in at 182 pounds, hailing from Ash Tree Lane, this is....THE PERPETUAL MOTION MACHINE....BERLIN ANDERSOOONNN!!
Anderson reaches ringside and hops up onto the apron, then walks along it to climb up to the second turnbuckle to stare out at the cheering crowd. He grins, shaking free from his overcoat to allow it to fall to the ground, and then lowers his shades once more before peeling them from his face to send them hurtling into the crowd. A group of overzealous fans reach for the sky to take home their very own keepsake from the show as Berlin leaps the rest of the way over the top rope to land in the ring.
LO: Berlin Anderson has come quite a long way in only four matches, remaining undefeated to now challenge for the UnYielding Championship!
KO: Only four matches, but one was against Zack Fantana in his last showing, another against Fallon Lockhart in her last showing, and just recently against Julie Miri and Roxi Johnson....I'd say that's quite the resume.
LO: Uh....I pretty much just said the same thing, Ken.
KO: Yeah, but I said it better...
Before Laurence Othello can give a rebuttal the opening drums of 'A Warrior's Call' by Volbeat strikes across the capacity crowd and they all turn to the stage to see Danny Rizzo rip through the curtain right at "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!" He pauses for a moment to pat the UnYielding Championship that sits snugly around his waist, before he takes off for 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 bounces up and down 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.....He is the UNYIELDING CHAMPION...This Is DANNY RIZZZOOOO!!
Before the announcement even has a chance to 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 fans respond favorably, loudly cheering 'Fight! Fight! Fight!' in his direction, and he drops to the mat unhooking the strap from around his waist at the same time. He drops down and looks over at Berlin Anderson, who is warming up in his corner.
LO: Danny Rizzo has equally been on a high, not only becoming UnYielding Champion, but also successfully defending it last show against Dakota Jennings.
KO: Yeah, yeah...that was a screwjob if I ever saw one!
LO: I have to admit, the end did have more than it's fair share of controversy, but some could say that Jennings got exactly what she deserved by putting her hands on the referee in the first place. I'm not so sure the same could be said for how she handled that situation after the match...
KO: Haha, Caputo got exactly what she deserved! If she had disqualified 'Kota, fine...but she didn't. Instead she caused the woman to get tripped up, and then added icing to the cake by counting the pin!
LO: Yeah, well that was last show, and this is now...and there goes the bell!
Berlin and Danny circle in the center of the ring before locking up in a collar and elbow in which Danny immediately pulls Anderson into a Side Headlock. As he grinds Berlin's skull between his arm and body, the Perpetual Motion Machine is already looking for a way out of it, finally settling on pulling Danny towards the ropes to send him to the opposite side. Danny hits off the ropes and bounces back towards Berlin who moves out to the center of the ring, and bowls over him with a Shoulder Tackle. Berlin looks up from his back at Rizzo in surprise, and as Danny moves to the side to hit off the ropes once more he flips in that direction onto his front, forcing the champion to hop over him or be tripped. Danny continues to the other side, and Berlin pops up to his feet, and as Rizzo comes back at him he leap frogs right over the man as he continues his momentum to the other side. Anderson lands just as Rizzo is on his way back once more, and he leaps high once again, Danny passing under him to keep on going. He lands once more with Rizzo hitting off the ropes to catapult back at Berlin, and he leaps again, but this time not as high, and lands right on Danny's thighs when he reaches him, rocking backwards to send him flying with a Monkey Flip.
LO: Action is fast and furious here as the champion hits off the canvas and bounces back up to his feet...he comes rushing right back in and walks into a Japanese Arm Drag! Rizzo back up and right into another!
KO: Danny needs to pace himself against this guy! It might be the first time he's encountered anyone that's just as fast, if not faster!
LO: Rizzo a little slower to get to his feet and Anderson is already there to take him by the wrist and push him into the ropes, and now shoots him to the other side!
Danny hits off the ropes and Berlin rushes to meet him in the center of the ring with a High Cross Body, but Danny drops into a baseball slide leaving Anderson to crash chest first to the mat. He pops up quickly, and when he turns around, walks right into a Running Yakuza Kick that takes his head off!
LO: Big shot from Rizzo to Anderson, and he is already working the man back up to his feet, and EUROPEAN UPPERCUT SENDS HIM STUMBLING INTO THE NEARBY CORNER!
KO: Danny comes wading in with rights and lefts, and Berlin is trying to cover up, but some of those shots are getting through....this is not where he wants to be with Rizzo!
LO: No doubt, Berlin doesn't do well when trapped as it takes away that unorthodox offense!
Anderson manages to block one of the punches, but he's surprised with a swift knee to the gut that doubles him over. Danny pulls him out of the corner by his arm, but instead of whipping him to the other side, he feeds the arm between Anderson's legs, and then sends him crashing to the canvas in front of the corner with a Pump Handle Slam! Danny comes up quick and hops over Berlin and then up to the second turnbuckle while gripping the top rope, and springs out to land a short Elbow Drop that caves in Berlin's chest. He quickly hooks the leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Anderson out at two and a half, but a quick succession of power moves and strikes has the aerial artist grounded, and now the Champion pulling him back up to his feet!
KO: Rizzo now whipping Berlin hard to the opposite side, and he just barely has enough time to turn his body so that he strikes the turnbuckles spine first....Anderson stumbling his way out of the corner off the impact, and DANNY BARRELS IN WITH A SPINNING HEEL KICK RIGHT TO THE FACE!
LO: Berlin is back on the mat, and Danny scrambles to hook the leg!
1...
2...
KO: THRE-NO! Another two count, and now Rizzo looks determined to finish this one early...
Danny comes up to his feet amid a torrent of cheers, and he nods to the crowd in acknowledgement before pulling Anderson up as well. He pushes Berlin back into the corner he had just struck, and takes him by the wrist, giving him a long lead before whipping him to the other side with velocity. Danny rushes in to follow from behind, but much to his and everyone else's surprise, Anderson leaps and walks right up the turnbuckles, cutting a back flip to land safely behind Rizzo. Danny has to put on the breaks or hit the turnbuckles himself, and when he spins around he's met with a Running Drop Kick that crushes him into the corner. Like lightening Berlin is back on his feet and he rushes the corner, committing to an awkward Cross Body that see him soar between the middle and top rope to catch Danny in the abdomen. He pushes himself out of the ring and onto the apron as Danny stumbles out clutching his midsection, and with an incredible vertical leap, hops to the top rope, and dives off with a Leg Lariat from behind that he follows all the way down into a modified Famasser!
LO: GOOD GOD! Moments ago Berlin Anderson was down on the canvas for a near fall, and just that quick he's on the offense!
KO: I don't even know what to call what he just did, but it drove Danny Rizzo face first into the canvas, and now it's Berlin with a pin!
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Danny out at two and a half, and Berlin pulls him up into a seated position before taking off towards the ropes....coming back now with a full head of steam, and SLIDING CLOTHESLINE TAKES DANNY BACK TO THE MAT!
KO: He isn't done...back on his feet, hops over Danny so that he's facing away....STANDING MOONSAULT RIGHT INTO A HOOK OF THE LEG!
1...
2...
LO: THRE-KICK OUT! Danny back out, but Berlin is back in motion....pulls Danny up to his feet, and Irish Whips him into the ropes!
Danny rebounds realizing he needs to do something to turn the tide, so he lunges for a Clothesline, but watches helplessly as Berlin Anderson baseball slides right between his legs to avoid it. He puts on the brakes and spins around, and the fans watch on in awe as Berlin remains low, placing both hands on the canvas, and delivers a Mule Kick to Danny's gut, doubling him over. Berlin swings his legs underneath him and falls to his back, bringing both feet up into the air to catch Danny around the head with his ankles, and then commits to an incredible spin off his head like a break dancer that sends Danny into a front flip before landing on the mat!
LO: I...I don't know what that was!
KO: Some sort of head scissor spin, but whatever it was, it was effective!
LO: Danny getting to his feet in the corner, and Berlin comes galloping right for him...BIG SPLASH! NO!
KO: RIZZO WITH A LEAPING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT JUST SENT ANDERSON CRASHING TO THE MAT!
Both men suck wind on the canvas, but Danny realizing this is his opportunity to regain control, pushes up to his feet a second before Berlin. He boots the man in the gut to double him over, tucks his head between his legs, and then lifts him up into Powerbomb position. Instead of dropping him right there to the canvas, however, he turns towards the corner and tosses the man with force towards it for a devastating Buckle Bomb that sends the crowd into a gasp.
LO: GOOD GOD! DANNY RIZZO MAY HAVE JUST BROKEN BERLIN ANDERSON'S SPINE!
KO: AND HE AIN'T DONE LAUR!
Berlin clutches at his lower spine in obvious pain as he stumbles out of the corner, and Danny promptly leaps up to the second turnbuckle from behind him, leaping off to hook his head as he passes by for a Bulldog. Berlin's head strikes the canvas, and Danny wastes little time pushing him over onto his shoulders for a pin.
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! Berlin got the shoulder up at the last possible second, and Danny is looking at the referee holding up three fingers, but he's being waved off!
KO: I don't think anyone here can believe that sequence didn't lead to a win, but Berlin is showing his toughness here in this UnYielding Championship Match!
Danny hits the mat in frustration, but pushes up to his feet none-the-less, staring down at his opponent with a newfound respect. Instead of pulling Anderson up to continue his offense, he steps over to the opposite corner, leaning against the turnbuckle and begging that Berlin rise. Eventually the Perpetual Motion Machine begins to do so, and just when he's in the position Rizzo wants him, Danny charges out of the corner on a one way path to his opponent. Berlin looks up just in time to see Danny commit to a Low Drop Kick that takes his knee out from under him to a kneeling position, followed up by a Shining Wizard that sends him crumpling to the mat.
LO: BLACK ROSE!
KO: And Danny with the cover!!
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! MY GOD IT WAS SO CLOSE!
KO: I...I don't know, Laur. I think that was a three....
LO: Well Caputo is having to explain it to Danny, who is damn near beside himself! He, like most of this arena, are stunned!
KO: In the meantime, Berlin Anderson is crawling his way towards the far corner to try and get back to his feet...
Danny turns his attention back to Anderson, and watches as he grabs haphazardly at the ropes to try and pull himself vertical. One he's up, he flops over onto his back to rest against the turnbuckles just in time to see Danny Rizzo coming at him like a bat out of hell. Both of Berlin's feet flash up at the last second and plant themselves squarely into Danny's onrushing face, sending the man stumbling back a step. Danny recovers, and rushes in a second time, but is surprised when Berlin slips between the ropes out of the way and he crashes chest first into the top turnbuckle at the same time that Berlin uses the middle rope like a see saw to boot Danny right in the back of the head. As Berlin swings his legs out to join him on the apron, Danny takes a stuttering step back, and Anderson hooks him around the head, turns with him, and then sits down into a Hangman's Neck Breaker that see's the back of Rizzo's head snap off the top rope on the way down.
LO: GOD ALMIGHTY! ANDERSON MAY HAVE JUST BROKEN DANNY RIZZO'S NECK!
KO: That certainly doesn't do it any good!
LO: Danny's flopping around the ring clutching the back of his head, and Berlin just leaped up to the apron, UP TO THE TOP....DIVING SENTON STRAIGHT DOWN ONTO THE UNYIELDING CHAMPION!
KO: Berlin just sitting in the middle of the ring where he landed sucking wind and rubbing at his spine....damage has been done, and he can't follow up...
LO: No...he's scooting back now, and just drapes his body across Rizzo while hooking the leg....
1...
2...
KO: THREE-NO! DANNY HOOKS BERLIN'S ARM WITH HIS LEGS, AND REVERSES INTO A CRUCIFIX PIN!
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! Anderson kicks out at the last second, and now both men are down beside one another....My God...what a contest!
KO: Caputo is checking on both, and she's got no other choice but to start a count!
The referee reaches a four count, and the two competitors start grappling with the mat to push up to their feet. They come up at the same time at the count of seven, and it's Berlin who strikes out with a pop to the jaw that sends Danny stumbling back a step, but then he moves back in with one of his own. The fans begin to do an 'Ooooo' and 'Aaaaaa' chant as the two men trade slugs in the center of the ring, but it's Rizzo, with his MMA background, that gives him the edge as one strike to many sends Berlin begging off towards the ropes. Danny takes him by the wrist and shoots him to the opposite side, stepping out to catch him with something as he comes back, but Berlin baseball slides beneath his legs, popping up behind him. He moves to try and engage Danny in a waistlock, but before he can really commit, Danny snaps his feet out from under him to land on his back, sending one foot to pop Berlin in the face!
LO: PELE KICK SURPRISES BERLIN! The eccentric superstar now falling back into the ropes once more, stumbles back to Danny who scuttles to his feet and Double Leg Take Down, chokes up behind the knee's, and SLING SHOT TOWARDS THE OPPOSITE SIDE ROPES!
KO: DANNY'S INTENTIONS WERE TO SEND BERLIN OVER THE TOP ROPE, BUT ANDERSON MANAGES TO LAND ON IT! WHAT THE HELL?!? HE'S LIKE A CAT!
LO: Danny turning to see his handy work, and MOONSAULT FROM BERLIN SENDS BOTH MEN DOWN TO THE CANVAS! BERLIN LANDS ON TOP OF DANNY AND GRABS BOTH LEGS IN THE PROCESS FOR A PIN!!
1...
2...
KO: THREE-NO! Danny somehow kicking out at the last second, and it's like these two have a second win....scrambling to their feet, and here comes Berlin DIVING BACK IN FOR A FOREARM...
LO: DANNY DUCKS OUT OF THE WAY! Berlin back up to his feet, AND EATS DANNY'S SHIN FOR HIS EFFORT!
KO: THE WARRIORS CALL!!!
LO: Danny scrambling over to hook the leg...
1...
2...
3!!!
The bell sounds and Danny falls off of Berlin with his hands in his hair, shaking his head. When Caputo brings him the UnYielding belt he pops up to his feet and allows her to lift his arm in victory, and then he stumbles towards the nearby corner, falling into it clutching the belt to his chest with an excited grin on his face.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of this match via pinfall....AND STILL UNYIELDING CHAMPION.....THE RISEN....DANNY RIZZZOOOO!!
Berlin Anderson rolls towards the ropes, slips under the bottom, and stands beside the ring for a second with his head lowered. His fist pounds the ring apron in frustration as Danny continues to celebrate, taking one of the turnbuckles to hold the title high over head to a chorus of cheers. Suddenly an arm wraps around Berlin's shoulder, and his head snaps up to see Brenna Gordon standing beside him in a comforting gesture. The two lock yes and she offers a reassuring smile, and Berlin nods, allowing himself to be led to the back. Over her shoulder Brenna offers a completely different look for the UnYielding Champion as he continues to celebrate.
LO: If looks could kill, eh, Ken?
KO: We don't know that much about Brenna Gordon, or her relationship with Berlin Anderson, but the two conversed earlier in the night about being on the same path, and I guess this is it.
LO: Yeah, but she doesn't seem to have Berlin's same good nature about her. One could surmise if he weren't around, she could be a proper villain.
KO: Whatever, man! There are no heroes and villains in this game, just opportunities, and Danny Rizzo held onto his for one more show. Maybe it will take a Brenna Gordon, someone with a little different view of the world, to bring ole' Danny to bare.
LO: Either way, tonight, Rizzo is once again victorious, and is still our UnYielding Champion!
The camera catches one more close up shot of Danny's happy face as he celebrates with the fans before cutting backstage.
The lights dim low as 'Hourglass' by A Perfect Circle hits over the PA System, and out steps Berlin Anderson wearing a velvet burgundy overcoat with tails, and a pair of leather pants with red straps crisscrossing down their sides. He pauses at the top of the stage as the fans begin to cheer, and he lowers the rose colored glasses he's wearing to peer out at the crowd. He pushes them back up and straightens up, smoothing out his jacket, and checking his rooster style haircut before making his way down to the ring with a confident grin.
Ring Announcer: Introducing third, standing at five foot eleven and weighing in at 182 pounds, hailing from Ash Tree Lane, this is....THE PERPETUAL MOTION MACHINE....BERLIN ANDERSOOONNN!!
Anderson reaches ringside and hops up onto the apron, then walks along it to climb up to the second turnbuckle to stare out at the cheering crowd. He grins, shaking free from his overcoat to allow it to fall to the ground, and then lowers his shades once more before peeling them from his face to send them hurtling into the crowd. A group of overzealous fans reach for the sky to take home their very own keepsake from the show as Berlin leaps the rest of the way over the top rope to land in the ring.
LO: Berlin Anderson has come quite a long way in only four matches, remaining undefeated to now challenge for the UnYielding Championship!
KO: Only four matches, but one was against Zack Fantana in his last showing, another against Fallon Lockhart in her last showing, and just recently against Julie Miri and Roxi Johnson....I'd say that's quite the resume.
LO: Uh....I pretty much just said the same thing, Ken.
KO: Yeah, but I said it better...
Before Laurence Othello can give a rebuttal the opening drums of 'A Warrior's Call' by Volbeat strikes across the capacity crowd and they all turn to the stage to see Danny Rizzo rip through the curtain right at "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!" He pauses for a moment to pat the UnYielding Championship that sits snugly around his waist, before he takes off for 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 bounces up and down 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.....He is the UNYIELDING CHAMPION...This Is DANNY RIZZZOOOO!!
Before the announcement even has a chance to 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 fans respond favorably, loudly cheering 'Fight! Fight! Fight!' in his direction, and he drops to the mat unhooking the strap from around his waist at the same time. He drops down and looks over at Berlin Anderson, who is warming up in his corner.
LO: Danny Rizzo has equally been on a high, not only becoming UnYielding Champion, but also successfully defending it last show against Dakota Jennings.
KO: Yeah, yeah...that was a screwjob if I ever saw one!
LO: I have to admit, the end did have more than it's fair share of controversy, but some could say that Jennings got exactly what she deserved by putting her hands on the referee in the first place. I'm not so sure the same could be said for how she handled that situation after the match...
KO: Haha, Caputo got exactly what she deserved! If she had disqualified 'Kota, fine...but she didn't. Instead she caused the woman to get tripped up, and then added icing to the cake by counting the pin!
LO: Yeah, well that was last show, and this is now...and there goes the bell!
Berlin and Danny circle in the center of the ring before locking up in a collar and elbow in which Danny immediately pulls Anderson into a Side Headlock. As he grinds Berlin's skull between his arm and body, the Perpetual Motion Machine is already looking for a way out of it, finally settling on pulling Danny towards the ropes to send him to the opposite side. Danny hits off the ropes and bounces back towards Berlin who moves out to the center of the ring, and bowls over him with a Shoulder Tackle. Berlin looks up from his back at Rizzo in surprise, and as Danny moves to the side to hit off the ropes once more he flips in that direction onto his front, forcing the champion to hop over him or be tripped. Danny continues to the other side, and Berlin pops up to his feet, and as Rizzo comes back at him he leap frogs right over the man as he continues his momentum to the other side. Anderson lands just as Rizzo is on his way back once more, and he leaps high once again, Danny passing under him to keep on going. He lands once more with Rizzo hitting off the ropes to catapult back at Berlin, and he leaps again, but this time not as high, and lands right on Danny's thighs when he reaches him, rocking backwards to send him flying with a Monkey Flip.
LO: Action is fast and furious here as the champion hits off the canvas and bounces back up to his feet...he comes rushing right back in and walks into a Japanese Arm Drag! Rizzo back up and right into another!
KO: Danny needs to pace himself against this guy! It might be the first time he's encountered anyone that's just as fast, if not faster!
LO: Rizzo a little slower to get to his feet and Anderson is already there to take him by the wrist and push him into the ropes, and now shoots him to the other side!
Danny hits off the ropes and Berlin rushes to meet him in the center of the ring with a High Cross Body, but Danny drops into a baseball slide leaving Anderson to crash chest first to the mat. He pops up quickly, and when he turns around, walks right into a Running Yakuza Kick that takes his head off!
LO: Big shot from Rizzo to Anderson, and he is already working the man back up to his feet, and EUROPEAN UPPERCUT SENDS HIM STUMBLING INTO THE NEARBY CORNER!
KO: Danny comes wading in with rights and lefts, and Berlin is trying to cover up, but some of those shots are getting through....this is not where he wants to be with Rizzo!
LO: No doubt, Berlin doesn't do well when trapped as it takes away that unorthodox offense!
Anderson manages to block one of the punches, but he's surprised with a swift knee to the gut that doubles him over. Danny pulls him out of the corner by his arm, but instead of whipping him to the other side, he feeds the arm between Anderson's legs, and then sends him crashing to the canvas in front of the corner with a Pump Handle Slam! Danny comes up quick and hops over Berlin and then up to the second turnbuckle while gripping the top rope, and springs out to land a short Elbow Drop that caves in Berlin's chest. He quickly hooks the leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Anderson out at two and a half, but a quick succession of power moves and strikes has the aerial artist grounded, and now the Champion pulling him back up to his feet!
KO: Rizzo now whipping Berlin hard to the opposite side, and he just barely has enough time to turn his body so that he strikes the turnbuckles spine first....Anderson stumbling his way out of the corner off the impact, and DANNY BARRELS IN WITH A SPINNING HEEL KICK RIGHT TO THE FACE!
LO: Berlin is back on the mat, and Danny scrambles to hook the leg!
1...
2...
KO: THRE-NO! Another two count, and now Rizzo looks determined to finish this one early...
Danny comes up to his feet amid a torrent of cheers, and he nods to the crowd in acknowledgement before pulling Anderson up as well. He pushes Berlin back into the corner he had just struck, and takes him by the wrist, giving him a long lead before whipping him to the other side with velocity. Danny rushes in to follow from behind, but much to his and everyone else's surprise, Anderson leaps and walks right up the turnbuckles, cutting a back flip to land safely behind Rizzo. Danny has to put on the breaks or hit the turnbuckles himself, and when he spins around he's met with a Running Drop Kick that crushes him into the corner. Like lightening Berlin is back on his feet and he rushes the corner, committing to an awkward Cross Body that see him soar between the middle and top rope to catch Danny in the abdomen. He pushes himself out of the ring and onto the apron as Danny stumbles out clutching his midsection, and with an incredible vertical leap, hops to the top rope, and dives off with a Leg Lariat from behind that he follows all the way down into a modified Famasser!
LO: GOOD GOD! Moments ago Berlin Anderson was down on the canvas for a near fall, and just that quick he's on the offense!
KO: I don't even know what to call what he just did, but it drove Danny Rizzo face first into the canvas, and now it's Berlin with a pin!
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Danny out at two and a half, and Berlin pulls him up into a seated position before taking off towards the ropes....coming back now with a full head of steam, and SLIDING CLOTHESLINE TAKES DANNY BACK TO THE MAT!
KO: He isn't done...back on his feet, hops over Danny so that he's facing away....STANDING MOONSAULT RIGHT INTO A HOOK OF THE LEG!
1...
2...
LO: THRE-KICK OUT! Danny back out, but Berlin is back in motion....pulls Danny up to his feet, and Irish Whips him into the ropes!
Danny rebounds realizing he needs to do something to turn the tide, so he lunges for a Clothesline, but watches helplessly as Berlin Anderson baseball slides right between his legs to avoid it. He puts on the brakes and spins around, and the fans watch on in awe as Berlin remains low, placing both hands on the canvas, and delivers a Mule Kick to Danny's gut, doubling him over. Berlin swings his legs underneath him and falls to his back, bringing both feet up into the air to catch Danny around the head with his ankles, and then commits to an incredible spin off his head like a break dancer that sends Danny into a front flip before landing on the mat!
LO: I...I don't know what that was!
KO: Some sort of head scissor spin, but whatever it was, it was effective!
LO: Danny getting to his feet in the corner, and Berlin comes galloping right for him...BIG SPLASH! NO!
KO: RIZZO WITH A LEAPING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT JUST SENT ANDERSON CRASHING TO THE MAT!
Both men suck wind on the canvas, but Danny realizing this is his opportunity to regain control, pushes up to his feet a second before Berlin. He boots the man in the gut to double him over, tucks his head between his legs, and then lifts him up into Powerbomb position. Instead of dropping him right there to the canvas, however, he turns towards the corner and tosses the man with force towards it for a devastating Buckle Bomb that sends the crowd into a gasp.
LO: GOOD GOD! DANNY RIZZO MAY HAVE JUST BROKEN BERLIN ANDERSON'S SPINE!
KO: AND HE AIN'T DONE LAUR!
Berlin clutches at his lower spine in obvious pain as he stumbles out of the corner, and Danny promptly leaps up to the second turnbuckle from behind him, leaping off to hook his head as he passes by for a Bulldog. Berlin's head strikes the canvas, and Danny wastes little time pushing him over onto his shoulders for a pin.
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! Berlin got the shoulder up at the last possible second, and Danny is looking at the referee holding up three fingers, but he's being waved off!
KO: I don't think anyone here can believe that sequence didn't lead to a win, but Berlin is showing his toughness here in this UnYielding Championship Match!
Danny hits the mat in frustration, but pushes up to his feet none-the-less, staring down at his opponent with a newfound respect. Instead of pulling Anderson up to continue his offense, he steps over to the opposite corner, leaning against the turnbuckle and begging that Berlin rise. Eventually the Perpetual Motion Machine begins to do so, and just when he's in the position Rizzo wants him, Danny charges out of the corner on a one way path to his opponent. Berlin looks up just in time to see Danny commit to a Low Drop Kick that takes his knee out from under him to a kneeling position, followed up by a Shining Wizard that sends him crumpling to the mat.
LO: BLACK ROSE!
KO: And Danny with the cover!!
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! MY GOD IT WAS SO CLOSE!
KO: I...I don't know, Laur. I think that was a three....
LO: Well Caputo is having to explain it to Danny, who is damn near beside himself! He, like most of this arena, are stunned!
KO: In the meantime, Berlin Anderson is crawling his way towards the far corner to try and get back to his feet...
Danny turns his attention back to Anderson, and watches as he grabs haphazardly at the ropes to try and pull himself vertical. One he's up, he flops over onto his back to rest against the turnbuckles just in time to see Danny Rizzo coming at him like a bat out of hell. Both of Berlin's feet flash up at the last second and plant themselves squarely into Danny's onrushing face, sending the man stumbling back a step. Danny recovers, and rushes in a second time, but is surprised when Berlin slips between the ropes out of the way and he crashes chest first into the top turnbuckle at the same time that Berlin uses the middle rope like a see saw to boot Danny right in the back of the head. As Berlin swings his legs out to join him on the apron, Danny takes a stuttering step back, and Anderson hooks him around the head, turns with him, and then sits down into a Hangman's Neck Breaker that see's the back of Rizzo's head snap off the top rope on the way down.
LO: GOD ALMIGHTY! ANDERSON MAY HAVE JUST BROKEN DANNY RIZZO'S NECK!
KO: That certainly doesn't do it any good!
LO: Danny's flopping around the ring clutching the back of his head, and Berlin just leaped up to the apron, UP TO THE TOP....DIVING SENTON STRAIGHT DOWN ONTO THE UNYIELDING CHAMPION!
KO: Berlin just sitting in the middle of the ring where he landed sucking wind and rubbing at his spine....damage has been done, and he can't follow up...
LO: No...he's scooting back now, and just drapes his body across Rizzo while hooking the leg....
1...
2...
KO: THREE-NO! DANNY HOOKS BERLIN'S ARM WITH HIS LEGS, AND REVERSES INTO A CRUCIFIX PIN!
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! Anderson kicks out at the last second, and now both men are down beside one another....My God...what a contest!
KO: Caputo is checking on both, and she's got no other choice but to start a count!
The referee reaches a four count, and the two competitors start grappling with the mat to push up to their feet. They come up at the same time at the count of seven, and it's Berlin who strikes out with a pop to the jaw that sends Danny stumbling back a step, but then he moves back in with one of his own. The fans begin to do an 'Ooooo' and 'Aaaaaa' chant as the two men trade slugs in the center of the ring, but it's Rizzo, with his MMA background, that gives him the edge as one strike to many sends Berlin begging off towards the ropes. Danny takes him by the wrist and shoots him to the opposite side, stepping out to catch him with something as he comes back, but Berlin baseball slides beneath his legs, popping up behind him. He moves to try and engage Danny in a waistlock, but before he can really commit, Danny snaps his feet out from under him to land on his back, sending one foot to pop Berlin in the face!
LO: PELE KICK SURPRISES BERLIN! The eccentric superstar now falling back into the ropes once more, stumbles back to Danny who scuttles to his feet and Double Leg Take Down, chokes up behind the knee's, and SLING SHOT TOWARDS THE OPPOSITE SIDE ROPES!
KO: DANNY'S INTENTIONS WERE TO SEND BERLIN OVER THE TOP ROPE, BUT ANDERSON MANAGES TO LAND ON IT! WHAT THE HELL?!? HE'S LIKE A CAT!
LO: Danny turning to see his handy work, and MOONSAULT FROM BERLIN SENDS BOTH MEN DOWN TO THE CANVAS! BERLIN LANDS ON TOP OF DANNY AND GRABS BOTH LEGS IN THE PROCESS FOR A PIN!!
1...
2...
KO: THREE-NO! Danny somehow kicking out at the last second, and it's like these two have a second win....scrambling to their feet, and here comes Berlin DIVING BACK IN FOR A FOREARM...
LO: DANNY DUCKS OUT OF THE WAY! Berlin back up to his feet, AND EATS DANNY'S SHIN FOR HIS EFFORT!
KO: THE WARRIORS CALL!!!
LO: Danny scrambling over to hook the leg...
1...
2...
3!!!
The bell sounds and Danny falls off of Berlin with his hands in his hair, shaking his head. When Caputo brings him the UnYielding belt he pops up to his feet and allows her to lift his arm in victory, and then he stumbles towards the nearby corner, falling into it clutching the belt to his chest with an excited grin on his face.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of this match via pinfall....AND STILL UNYIELDING CHAMPION.....THE RISEN....DANNY RIZZZOOOO!!
Berlin Anderson rolls towards the ropes, slips under the bottom, and stands beside the ring for a second with his head lowered. His fist pounds the ring apron in frustration as Danny continues to celebrate, taking one of the turnbuckles to hold the title high over head to a chorus of cheers. Suddenly an arm wraps around Berlin's shoulder, and his head snaps up to see Brenna Gordon standing beside him in a comforting gesture. The two lock yes and she offers a reassuring smile, and Berlin nods, allowing himself to be led to the back. Over her shoulder Brenna offers a completely different look for the UnYielding Champion as he continues to celebrate.
LO: If looks could kill, eh, Ken?
KO: We don't know that much about Brenna Gordon, or her relationship with Berlin Anderson, but the two conversed earlier in the night about being on the same path, and I guess this is it.
LO: Yeah, but she doesn't seem to have Berlin's same good nature about her. One could surmise if he weren't around, she could be a proper villain.
KO: Whatever, man! There are no heroes and villains in this game, just opportunities, and Danny Rizzo held onto his for one more show. Maybe it will take a Brenna Gordon, someone with a little different view of the world, to bring ole' Danny to bare.
LO: Either way, tonight, Rizzo is once again victorious, and is still our UnYielding Champion!
The camera catches one more close up shot of Danny's happy face as he celebrates with the fans before cutting backstage.
She stands in Valour Pro’s Hall of Champions, a towel draped over her shoulder. Each VPW crown is represented by an elaborate plaque, the newly joined Unleashed Championship being the most recent fixture.
The beginnings of each title’s story have been etched -- the details from the three bouts earlier in the night already being added -- but each plaque bears much space to be filled. Awaiting more clashes worthy of VPW folklore.
Katya Djurdjevic eyes every plaque for a good while, rolling a few thoughts over in her mind. With a lick of her lips, her fingers begin to trace each name on the plaques, beginning with the Apex crown.
Katya Djurdjevic: Boy, oh boy, wrestling fans! Tonight sees a super decked out card for you all things considered. All four VPW titles are on the line. All four matches on the card are for Valor gold - two firsts for the company. And I gotta say, they are some beautiful titles. You think so too, right? I bet they’re right up there for some of the best you’ve ever seen. And watching the contests for them really compels you to reach out and take one for yourself.
A silver of a smirk appears on her features.
Katya Djurdjevic: From the start, I knew I wanted to join a less established company. I wanted to be part of building up a company’s story. Its prestige. Its divisions. My father used to always speak of how important it was for him to find something to build. And I want to build a story for you. For you to look back and speak of what drama, what emotion you witnessed when it comes to the stories I told within Valor Pro’s hallowed halls.
Katya’s gaze locks on us and she smiles cryptically.
Katya Djurdjevic: I believe I can certainly be a factor in its story. And I think you guys always appreciate someone who can shake things up. And I came in the mood to do just that. The time is coming where I’ll be duking it out on the main shows. Keep your eyes peeled, wrestling fans. I’ll be giving you some awesome twists real soon.
She raps the plaque with her knuckles and leaves us to a wide shot of the plaques.
The beginnings of each title’s story have been etched -- the details from the three bouts earlier in the night already being added -- but each plaque bears much space to be filled. Awaiting more clashes worthy of VPW folklore.
Katya Djurdjevic eyes every plaque for a good while, rolling a few thoughts over in her mind. With a lick of her lips, her fingers begin to trace each name on the plaques, beginning with the Apex crown.
Katya Djurdjevic: Boy, oh boy, wrestling fans! Tonight sees a super decked out card for you all things considered. All four VPW titles are on the line. All four matches on the card are for Valor gold - two firsts for the company. And I gotta say, they are some beautiful titles. You think so too, right? I bet they’re right up there for some of the best you’ve ever seen. And watching the contests for them really compels you to reach out and take one for yourself.
A silver of a smirk appears on her features.
Katya Djurdjevic: From the start, I knew I wanted to join a less established company. I wanted to be part of building up a company’s story. Its prestige. Its divisions. My father used to always speak of how important it was for him to find something to build. And I want to build a story for you. For you to look back and speak of what drama, what emotion you witnessed when it comes to the stories I told within Valor Pro’s hallowed halls.
Katya’s gaze locks on us and she smiles cryptically.
Katya Djurdjevic: I believe I can certainly be a factor in its story. And I think you guys always appreciate someone who can shake things up. And I came in the mood to do just that. The time is coming where I’ll be duking it out on the main shows. Keep your eyes peeled, wrestling fans. I’ll be giving you some awesome twists real soon.
She raps the plaque with her knuckles and leaves us to a wide shot of the plaques.
MAIN EVENT
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is your MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING, and is a Steel Cage match for THE APEX CHAMPIONSHIP....
'Prototype' by Viktoria Modesta hits over the system and as the first stanza of "I'm The Pro, I'm The Pro, I'm The Prototype' kicks in Brodie bursts through the curtain out onto the stage to a mixed, but loud, reaction. She stalks back and forth on the stage, her head already shaking 'No' as the steel cage begins to descend from the arena lights. Suddenly she comes to a dead stop in the center of the stage and slowly turns her head towards the ring where she stares down at the lowering cage, and her eyes narrow to slit as red lips part over white teeth. With a snarl she stalks down the ramp, leaving a cloud of smoke from the fog machines behind her.
RING ANNOUNCER: And making her way to the ring, standing at five foot eleven and weighing 150 pounds, hailing from Manhattan, New York....She is a former UnYielding Champion, and the CURRENT #1 CONTENDER TO THE APEX CHAMPIONSHIP...THE SUBMISSION MACHINE...BROODDDIEEE!!
Brodie rolls under the bottom rope into the ring, pops up, and steps to the center of the ring where she stares up at the cage in contempt. It continues it's descent as she continues to circle around the edges of the ring, her movements like an animal about to be confined.
LO: This is the moment we've all been waiting for, Brodie versus Cosmo is NOW!
KO: That girl is about ready to come unglued here, and unfortunately Cosmo Cooper is about to be locked up with her in about three miles of chain link fence!
LO: This will no doubt be one of Cooper's most formidable title defenses of his career, and you got to believe despite his devil may care attitude, he's got butterflies coming into this one.
KO: I don't know if a guy like Cosmo gets butterflies, Laur. He is the Apex...
On cue the lights dim and the familiar finger snaps from 'Lifted' by CL come over the speakers. Stage lights begin flashing gold and silver, converging on the stage where Cosmo Cooper is already standing, baseball cap covering his head that is staring down at the steel. The Apex Championship sits snugly around his waist, and the South African crowd goes nuts at the sight of him. After a few moments he allows his head to lift, and he looks out at the crowd under the brim of his hat with a confident grin before reaching up and taking it by the brim, and sends it into the crowd like a discus. Fans clammer to get hold of the keepsake as Cosmo starts his trek down the ramp.
RING ANNOUNCER: And introducing his opponent, standing at six foot two and weighting in at 232 pounds....hailing from Santa Rosa, California...He is the General Managers Champion of Choice, and THE REIGNING APEX CHAMPION, THE GRAPS JESUS, COSMO COOOPPPEERRRR!!
Cosmo reaches ringside and steps around to the corner of the ring where the steps reside, and falls back into the guardrail where the front row fans all pat him on the back while he nods, looking up into the ring at Brodie with a grin. The Submission Machine bristles, and she stalks in that direction, forcing the referee to intercept her. After a second he pops off the rail and up the steps, springboarding over the top rope into the ring and spins around, leaping up to the second turnbuckle while simultaneously peeling the title from his waist and hoisting it with one hand triumphantly into the air. He gets a huge pop just as the steel cage drops low enough to obscure his vision. He drops down from the turnbuckle and hands the championship off so that Caputo can lift it for all the crowd to see. With a thud the cage hits the sides of the ring apron, and ring attendants begin to batten it down to the ring posts.
LO: Cosmo Cooper with his first Apex title defense tonight, and as you can see it will take place in this Steel Cage!
KO: And against a wild woman who will stop at nothing to put Cooper on the shelf. The title is just a consolation prize.
LO: Brodie has called him a pretender since entering the promotion, and everyone else she's called that are either no longer here, or are already in her rear view. Tonight is the night, if there ever was one, and Cosmo Cooper doesn't look to be backing down one bit...
KO: Damn straight, and with that sound of the bell, this colossal showdown is underway!
Cosmo steps out to the center of the ring with his hands out at his sides as if to say, "Well, we're here.." as Brodie glares at him with baleful eyes. Suddenly she's in motion, bolting out of the corner and going for a Double Chop. Cosmo ducks out of the way, and when Brodie swings around to face him she brings both hands up to catch a Superkick that was coming straight for her face. She pushes forward while still maintaining hold of Cooper's foot, using one of her legs to step behind his to trip him up and send him down to his back. Before she can try and do anything further, Cosmo brings that foot to bare, striking out with a stiff kick that loosens her hold on the other and sends her back a step. He manages to yank his foot free from her grasp completely, and sends both boots into Brodie's chest, snapping her down to the mat. Both scramble to their feet at the same time, Cooper coming in for a Lariat that Brodie ducks, and he continues on to the ropes for momentum.
LO: Fast and furious action right out of the gate, and you gotta believe that this is the way it was always going to be!
KO: No rest for the wicked, as Cooper comes rushing back at Brodie who FINDS THAT DOUBLE CHOP FROM EARLIER SENDING HIM CRASHING TO THE MAT!
LO: Brodie on the attack, dropping an elbow, but Cooper as quick as a cat rolls out of the way and up to his feet...
KO: Here comes Brodie in pursuit, and COOPER DUCKS OUT OF THE WAY AND GETS A HOLD OF THE BACK OF HER HEAD TO RUN HER FACE FIRST TOWARDS THE STEEL!
Brodie throws her boot up at the last second and it catches the middle rope which puts on the brakes and prevents her from striking the steel mesh. Sharp elbows to Cooper's ribs causes him to beg off, and she reverses the hold, now trying to slam Cooper's head off the cage wall. Cooper gets both hands out in front of him to grip the fencing, and Brodie abandons trying to slam his head off the steel and switches to a Go Behind into a Waist Lock. She pulls with all she's got but Cosmo retains hold of the cage, and a back elbow to the side of her head sends her stumbling back. Cosmo spins around and rushes in, but is surprised by a hip toss that takes him to the mat. He's already halfway to his feet when Brodie wades in with clubbing blows to the back of his head and shoulders, and when he pushes up fully she switches to right hands that drop him all the way back into the ropes.
LO: Brodie takes Cosmo by the wrist and sends her off, NO! Reversal! Brodie hit's off the opposite side and coming back now, and Cosmo steps out to meet her WITH A LIGHTENING FAST POWER SLAM! He stays ontop of her for the cover...
1...
2...
KO: NO! Kick out at two, and Brodie already working her way to her feet, but Cosmo has her..and CHOP! Another one! ANOTHER ONE, and Brodie is knocked back into the corner...
Cosmo lifts Brodie's chin, and then fires in another chop that echoes throughout the arena and elicits a 'Wooooo' from the crowd. Cosmo snickers and winds up to do it again, but suddenly Brodie comes fighting out of the corner with right hands, surprising Cosmo and driving him back to the center of the ring. After five open shots, he manages to raise his arm in the path of one of the vicious strikes to block it, and fires in one of his own. Brodie, however ducks it, slipping behind him and pushing her head under his arm to lift him up in a burst of strength and then drops straight down into a Side Suplex. Brodie spins up to her knee to find Cosmo already trying to push up to his, and as he does she steps over her his torso, taking his left arm in the process, and locks on a Standing Arm Bar.
LO: Cosmo grabbing at his shoulder now as Brodie torque's his arm and elbow!
KO: Man we aren't even five minutes in and she's already on the game plan! Cosmo needs to keep her away from his arm at all costs or he could be the FORMER Apex Champion...
Brodie continues to yank up and back on the champ's arm, but he plants his boot on the mat, and forces himself up causing Brodie to release the Arm Bar and fall back to the wrist to keep him tied up in an Arm Twist. Cosmo slaps his shoulder again in discomfort and then commits to a front roll that unwinds his arm at the same time coming up to his feet, and then spins under Brodie to reverse the hold. Brodie doesn't stay in the Arm Twist long before breaking it off with a stiff forearm shot to Cooper that sends him falling back against the ropes. Brodie charges in with a Knee Lift to his gut, and then takes the same arm she'd been working and runs it over the top and through the middle rope for leverage. She places a boot up on the cage and yanks hard on the arm, and Cosmo cries out before firing a right hand that begs her off. He uncoils himself from the ropes, and when Brodie charges back in to try and press the advantage, throws his boot up to catch her in the face. She stumbles back to the center of the ring, and Cosmo charges away from the cage wall to nail her with a Spin Wheel Kick that takes her head off!
LO: Brodie taken unceremoniously to the mat with that kick, and Cosmo back up to his feet...AND JUMPING SENTON LANDS SQUARELY ACROSS BRODIE CRUSHING HER INTO THE MAT!
KO: Cosmo spins around and hooks the leg!
1...
2...
LO: NO! Brodie out at two again, and now Cosmo yanks her up and hooks her around the head....SUPLEX TO THE HEART OF THE CANVAS!
KO: Cosmo sitting on his knee's now beside Brodie, and he's got that confident look on his face...
Cosmo pushes up to his feet as Brodie rolls over and pushes up to her knee's. He waits til she lifts up and then sends a Shoot Kick into her chest, followed by another with the opposite foot to her shoulder blades. The fans come to their feet as he alternates feet to send kick after kick, turning her into a whipping post that has her bobbing back and forth like a sea buoy. The fans count along with the shots all the way up to ten, at which point Cosmo takes a step back, measures with his hands like a director filming a movie, and then sends a Roundhouse Kick right into the back of Brodie's head. Her eyes roll into the back of her head as her body trembles like a snake being charmed just before crumpling to the mat.
LO: Cosmo looking out at the crowd with a grin, and now points towards the door! He's going to walk out on her!
KO: Well he's got her down and out on the canvas, seems as perfect a time as any to make an escape, though it feels a little anticlimactic for my taste.
LO: Cooper is no fool. He knows how dangerous Brodie can be, and he knows that she's left bodies and careers in her path of destruction to this moment. If he can win this match quickly without being on the receiving end of that, then that's what he will do!
Caputo signals for Santiago on the outside to start undoing the chain that holds the cage door in place, and the referee has the padlock free in a moment and the door swings open. Cooper saunters on over to the corner, and slips one leg through the ropes to the limited space on the apron, and then the other. Just as it looks like he is about to walk out of this match free and clear, the fans erupt, and he realizes that something is amiss. Just as he takes a step out onto the steps in a hurried attempt to be free of the cage, he's caught from behind by Brodie, who literally came up to her feet and leaped to the second turnbuckle from inside the ring to snatch him by the hair of the head. She yanks his head back and applies a Dragon Sleeper, and then drops down off the turnbuckle to land on her feet, bending Cooper's neck and spine unnaturally across the top turnbuckle and rope.
LO: MY GOD SHE'S GOING TO BREAK HIS NECK!
KO: I KNEW IT WAS TOO EARLY TO TRY AND ESCAPE! WHAT'D I TELL YOU!
Brodie continue's to take steps back, each one painfully dragging Cooper further and further back into the ring over the top rope. Just as the back of his legs reach the ropes, and the cage door is closed and secured, she roars and snaps straight down to drive the back of Cooper's skull into the mat with an inverted DDT!
LO: GOOD LORD!
KO: That one right there is a wake up call for anyone who doesn't take this woman seriously!
Brodie swings her body around to where she is now sitting on Cooper's chest, and starts reigning down forearm's directly into his skull. Cooper tries to cover up, but from this position it's difficult to get any leverage, and Brodie is relentless as she continues her vicious assault. Finally Brodie comes up to her feet, and like a woman possessed grabs the nearby top rope and starts stomping away at the downed champion. When Cooper comes to a point where he is offering little to no resistance, she grabs him under the arms and struggles to drag him to the center of the ring where she promptly drops a knee right down into his left shoulder.
LO: Brodie right back to work on the left arm and shoulder of Cooper after that beat down, and now she has pulled the arm away from the body...and DROPS A KNEE RIGHT INTO THE ELBOW JOINT!
KO: It's like those shoot kicks from earlier woke up something inside her, and she's been programmed to dismantle the champ!
Brodie buries her knee into Cosmo's shoulder, and then laces her fingers through his hand, torquing back on his wrist at the same time she pulls up on his arm to lock it into another variation of an Arm Bar. Cosmo comes a live in pain, his legs kicking at the mat, and he reaches out towards the ropes despite the fact that wouldn't call for a break. Brodie's expression never changes, a permanent scowl on her face as she manipulates the fingers, eliciting a new pain filled reaction from the champion. Eventually Cosmo is able to pull himself towards the ropes, and there, using leverage and size to his advantage, manages to force himself up to break the hold, leaving only his wrist and fingers in Brodie's clutches. A savage right hand from the champion sends Brodie stumbling back, and he follows up with a boot to her midsection that doubles her over. Before anyone can even realize what he's going to do next, he grabs her by the back of the tights and neck, and then runs her forwards into the Steel Cage.
LO: THE TOP OF BRODIE'S SKULL JUST MET STEEL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THIS MATCH!
KO: Yeah, and the way she hit sent an impact all the way down her neck into her spine!
Brodie cradles the top of her head as she dislodges from the ropes and as she tries to straighten up Cosmo delivers a Dropkick square to her shoulders that sends her hurtling forward towards the cage wall, this time face first. Brodie's forehead slam's off the cage and she stumbles back, only to find Cosmo behind her with a Waist Lock, lifting her up and back into a devastating German Release Suplex.
LO: BRODIE FOLDED UP LIKE AN ACCORDION AFTER THAT MOVE!
KO: And now Cosmo is poised to strike...Brodie struggling to sit up, and COOPER WITH A RUNNING BOOT SENDS HER THUNDERING BACK DOWN TO THE MAT! Cooper drops for a cover...
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Brodie out at two and a half, and the cocky grin from Cooper is gone, replaced with a look of deadly determination!
It's Cosmo's turn to mount Brodie, pinning the woman's shoulders with his knee's so she can't defend herself, and starts driving Palm Thrusts right down into her face. One of these catches her right on the nose and results in blood pouring out like a faucet before she's able to throw both feet up into the air to catch his next strike, and sits forward driving him forwards into a pinning situation.
1...
2...
KO: Cosmo out quickly, and already back up to his feet, but BRODIE EXPLODES FROM HER KNEE'S INTO COSMO'S MIDSECTION WITH A SHOULDER THRUST!
LO: The champion begging off for a section, clutching his abdomen, which gives Brodie time regain her feet.....and she just reached up and see's where she's bleeding from the nose...Uh-Oh!
KO: BRODIE ALL OVER COSMO WITH RIGHTS AND LEFTS, HAS HIM HEMMED UP AGAINST THE ROPES....Grabs him by the ears with both hands, AND SHE'S BANGING THE BACK OF HIS SKULL OFF THE STEEL CAGE!
Brodie rattles the side of the cage wall with Cooper's skull as she relentlessly uses the steel to her advantage. With Cooper dazed, she pulls him out from the ropes, slips her head under his arm and snaps him over into a Northern Lights Suplex into a Bridge for a pin.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Cooper kicks out before the three, and now Brodie back up to her feet only to bury her knee into the back of his head! Just grinding his face into the mat!
KO: Brodie's pulling out all the stops here, as she lets up and stomps down into Cooper's skull....now she's making her way over to the corner...
Brodie turns to face the ring and her downed opponent, and leaps up to a seated position on the top rope. Grabbing the sides of the cage, she helps herself all the way to the top turnbuckle, and as Cooper rolls over onto his back clutching his skull, she leaps into a breathtaking dive that has the fans coming out of their seats. Cooper manages to look up just in time to see Brodie incoming, but can't get out of the way as she drives her own skull down into the shoulder she had been working over. Cooper kicks and flops on the canvas, grabbing at his injured limb, while Brodie lies there for a moment, trying to recover from the violent dive that did just as much damage to her as it did to her opponent.
LO: HUGE DIVING HEADBUTT FROM THE TOP FROM BRODIE! And right to that injured shoulder too...
KO: Yeah, but at what cost? Both of them are down now, and Cooper's made it all the way over to the ropes. He's using them to pull himself up to his feet...
Cooper, surprisingly, is the first to his feet, but the effort causes him to stumble and fall back into the nearby corner to stay upright. In the meantime, Brodie pushes up to her feet, and seeing Cooper in obvious discomfort and holding his shoulder, takes off in a spring in that direction. Cooper manages to grab hold of the top rope and pull himself out of the way, but Brodie throws her boot up to catch on the middle turnbuckle, putting on the brakes. She spins around to face the champion, and with his good hand he plants it firmly onto her chest with a thunder chop that knocks her all the way back against the turnbuckles. He fires in with two more, and then takes her by the wrist and sends her hurtling across the ring to the opposite side! Brodie manages to turn at the last second so that her spine crashes against the turnbuckles, but the impact sends her stumbling out into the waiting arms of Cooper, who sends her flying...
LO: RELEASE BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX FROM ONE END OF THE RING TO THE OTHER! GOD WHAT IMPACT!
KO: Brodie hit so hard that she came up to her feet and fell into the corner she was just in when she was getting chopped...
LO: And now here comes Cooper with a full head of steam, and BIG SPLASH CRUSHES BRODIE!
KO: Cooper steps out of the way and Brodie stumbling backwards towards the center of the ring....Cooper twists around and leaps up to the second turnbuckle.....TORPEDO HEADBUTT COLLIDES WITH BRODIE'S CHEST AND BOTH CRASH TO THE MAT!
LO: Cooper landed on top of Brodie, and now doggedly hooks the leg!
1...
2...
KO: THREe-NO! Brodie barely got the shoulder off the mat, and Cooper is looking up at the referee in complete disbelief!
LO: These fans are all on their feet thinking the same thing, Ken, and Cooper now looking around and realizing, maybe a pin isn't the best strategy here...
Cooper gets to his feet and looks down at the challenger, shaking his head in frustration. He doesn't take long, however, stepping over to the ropes to grab the cage wall beyond, and starts to climb. When he reaches the top rope the fans cheer, and he reaches up the cage even higher, starting his careful trek up the cage wall. Just as he reaches up to grab hold of the edge at the top, Brodie comes up to one knee, and seeing how far he's gotten snarls while willing herself up to her feet. Cooper hoists himself up just about the time that Brodie grabs onto the cage, frantically making her way up the ropes the same way he did. She manages to use some spring once reaching the top to reach up and grab his boot just as he swings the other leg up so that he's now sitting on the top of the cage. Cosmo looks down to find Brodie holding onto his ankle for dear life with both hands, and he tries kicking his foot free.
LO: Cosmo Cooper in a compromised position ontop of the cage, and Brodie has latched onto his foot like a pit bull!
KO: Cooper trying to slide his way off to the outside wall of the cage, but all that's doing is lifting Brodie higher...and she's using her feet to climb up there....AND NOW SHE JUST SWUNG A LEG UP TO CATCH THE EDGE...
LO: Cooper realizes he's not going to escape, and now settles himself as Brodie comes up to join him...AND RIGHT HAND SENDS HER TEETERING BACK TOWARDS THE RING!
KO: Another one! Another one! AND BRODIE JUST RAKED COSMO ACROSS THE EYES! AHHH! HE'S BLIND UP THERE!
One hand covers his eyes while the other blindly tries to keep hold of the top of the cage, while Brodie scoots herself closer to Cooper. She hooks him around the head and grabs him by the tights, and the fans come to their feet as she manages to worm her knee under her and then gets to her feet. When she almost slips the entire arena gasps, but she gets her foot back under her precariously standing on the small beam that holds the top of the cage together. She pulls with all she's worth, and when Cosmo joins her in a standing position, both competitors wobble sending the arena into another panic. Finally, she grabs his arm, and drapes it over her neck, before moving to try and Superplex him back into the ring. Cosmo, however, being the bigger of the two, manages to halt the momentum, and lifts Brodie a good three feet off the beam instead. The woman kicks the air, forcing Cosmo to put her back down or risk plummeting over the edge. With both feet firmly back on the beam, Brodie begins driving rabbit like punches into the champions ribs. Cosmo accepts the punishment in favor of untangling himself from Brodie, but when she sends a boot into his knee and his foot snaps off the edge, he latches back onto her. This gives her the opportunity to turn to where she's facing the ring, his head firmly under her arm, and every person in the arena takes in a deep breath in anticipation...
LO: NO! SHE'S NOT GOING TO....AHHHH!!
KO: OH MY GOD! BRODIE JUST LEAPED FROM THE CAGE BACK INTO THE RING AND PULLED COSMO WITH HER INTO A BULLDOG!!
The entire arena goes ballistic as both competitors impact off the canvas, bounce away from each other, and then lie lifelessly in the center of the ring. Caputo looks on wide eyed, while Santiago's fingers grip at his blonde hair on the outside by the door, everyone captivated by shock.
LO: Now how in the hell do you capitalize after something like that? I mean, good Lord, Brodie just saved the match, but she may have killed herself in the process!
KO: Yeah, and there aren't any count outs here, Laur.
LO: I don't think that matters....I mean, if neither one of these competitors can continue, I don't think you can have a conclusion to this match regardless of the lack of rules...
KO: Well, one things for sure, that was the damnedest thing I've ever seen!
For several seconds after the initial fall, neither competitor is able to do much of anything but writhe on the canvas, but eventually Brodie rolls over onto her stomach and begins crawling her way towards Cooper. With a dramatic arm raised into the air she flops it down across him, and Caputo drops for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! MY GOD! I THOUGHT THAT WAS IT!
KO: Me and you both, Laur, but Cosmo got the shoulder up at the last possible nanosecond, and this match continues!
Brodie gets onto her side and it's obvious she's in pain as she starts to push up to her feet. Cooper slow crawls towards the nearby corner, managing to grab hold of the middle turnbuckle to push up and fall forwards so that the top rope can help hold him up. Brodie stutter steps around the ring before making her way in that direction, but when she grabs for Cooper he surprises her with a back elbow that begs her off, almost sending her down to the mat. This gives him just enough time to spin around to where his back is now against the turnbuckles, and when Brodie comes in at him again he flashes a boot out to catch her in the midsection. She doubles over holding her ribs, and Cooper suddenly pounces right up and over her, grabbing her hips on the way to drag her down into a Sunset Flip Pin.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Brodie gets the shoulder up before the count of three, and now both competitors struggling back to their feet....
KO: Brodie with a swing at Cooper, but he ducks it...boot to Brodie's midsection to double her over, tuck of the head...AND SIT OUT POWERBOMB DRIVES HER INTO THE CANVAS!
LO: He scootches up and retains hold of her legs for the cover!
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! Once again Brodie just barely able to get out as the referee's hand comes down, and Cooper just fell back exhausted...These two have done just about everything that a person can do to get the 'W', and I'm not sure there's much more left in the tank.
Cosmo turns over onto his stomach, and begins to crawl towards the cage door, signaling for Santiago to go ahead and get it open, which he does. Cosmo reaches the corner about the time that Brodie pulls herself up by use of the ropes, and upon seeing his close proximity to the exit, she charges right for him. She drops down into a Baseball Slide, drifting in right beside him to trap one arm with her legs, while his other arm reaches to grab the door frame. He is suddenly aware of his predicament as her hands lock under his chin, and snap his neck painfully back, the move bringing the crowd to their feet.
LO: FINALITY CROSSFACE!
KO: SHE LITERALLY SLID INTO APPLY IT, WITH COSMO LITERALLY FINGERTIPS FROM THE OPEN CAGE DOOR!
LO: They are right there by the ropes, and they are definitely hindering the full extension of the submission, but Brodie does have it locked in, and she is screaming into the ether to try and get the man to submit!
Cosmo grabs at the ropes, the apron, anything with his free hand in an attempt to get free, but to no avail. Finally, he grabs the edge of the cage door frame once more, and with a heave hoists himself forward, putting Brodie's neck right up against the bottom rope while she continues to crank back. He pulls once more, and this time Brodie's neck arches back in much the same fashion as Cooper's thanks to the rope. She finds herself choked, but refuses to relinquish her hold. With another heave she has no choice but to let go, so she lets loose of the leg lock around his arm too, rolling across his legs to grab him by the ankles and willfully drags him away from the corner. The cage door shuts as Cosmo flips over onto his back, and shoves Brodie off of him with his feet, turning to make another quick scramble for the door. Brodie recovers and rushes back in, leaping into the air and delivering a Double Stomp down onto the champion's spine to stop his efforts.
LO: The door is secured once again, and this match continues as Brodie pulls Cooper up and then JUDO THROWS HIM OVER HER SHOULDER BACK TO THE MAT, AND SHE'S GOING FOR IT AGAIN!
KO: IF SHE LOCKS THIS IN IT'S OVER!
Cooper fights with everything he's worth and manages to get out of her grasp, pushing up to get to his feet just as she blasts him from behind with a Double Sledgehammer that sends him crashing face first into the steel cage. She stalks in from behind him before he can even recover, getting a fistful of his hair, and begins dragging his face across the chain links of steel. Cooper lets out a cry as his face is peeled across the unforgiving metal, and blood begins to open up on various spots on his forehead. Brodie snarls as the attack comes to a stop only for her to rare back and send a forearm into the back of his head that bounces his forehead off the steel and busts him open further. Cosmo stumbles back away from the cage wall, and Brodie gives him some lead before posting up and taking him into a Waist Lock, and then delivers a German Suplex that folds the champion up in the center of the ring.
LO: GOD ALMIGHTY! How can they take anymore?
KO: I don't know, Brother-O-Mine, but Brodie is staring out at the time keepers table at the Apex Championship, and with Cosmo down it looks like she's going to make her own attempt to escape the cage!
Brodie stalks over to the corner closest to that side of the ring, and starts to climb. When she gets to the top turnbuckle, she laces her fingers through the cage, and starts the arduous climb up the cage. Being smaller than Cosmo, it takes more hand and foot holds, and so the process is slow but steady. Just as one hand reaches the top Cosmo sits up off the mat, running his hand over a face that is now painted in crimson. He looks up to see where Brodie is, and forces himself sluggishly to his feet to pursue. Just as she's about to hoist herself up to the very top, Cosmo surprises everyone by getting a running go before leaping to the top, and then springing right up beside the Submission Machine. Brodie looks over at him fury, but it's all for naught, as Cosmo gets a fistful of her hair and drives her face first into the steel cage. He repeats the move four more times, until Brodie is as bloodied as he is, and then hooks his legs through hers, and pitching backwards towards the ring.
LO: ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME!
KO: SIDE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP OFF THE SIDE OF THE CAGE, SENDING BOTH COMPETITORS BACK INTO HELL!
Brodie and Cosmo lay side by side, arms and legs still intertwined, and they look like car crash victims splayed out on the canvas. The arena is in shock as Caputo steps over to check on them, and then with a shrug, backs off to wait along with everyone else for their eventual continuation of this exciting contest. It takes several moments before the two are able to move, and they disentangle themselves before beginning to crawl towards the closest cage wall near them. Blind hands reach for chain link before finally getting hold, and both competitors somehow manage to make it to their feet. They stumble away from the cage with their backs to each other, mouths open, in a daze. It isn’t until the reach the center when they bump into each other that either comes alive.
LO: Cosmo and Brodie spin around each other, and Cooper with a stray right hand…
KO: BRODIE DUCKS IT AND HOOKS THE ARM, DOING EVERYTHING IN HER POWER TO TRY AND FORCE COOPER BACK DOWN TO THE MAT FOR ANOTHER FINALITY CROSSFACE!
LO: COOPER FIGHTING LIKE HELL, RIGHT HANDS BOUNCING OFF BRODIE’S SKULL…AND NOW GETS A FISTFUL OF HAIR, AND DRIVES HER FACE FIRST INTO THE UNFORGIVING STEEL!
Brodie’s head bounces off the cage wall, but Cooper doesn’t let go, pulling her back to rush her once more to taste metal. This time Brodie stumbles back, blood pouring down from a gash in her forehead, and Cooper hits off the ropes, leaps into the air, and levels her with a Superman Punch! His elbows draw into his sides, fists clenched, and he cocks his head skyward to let out a primal roar that has the fans on their feet.
LO: Cosmo Cooper feeding off the electricity provided by this capacity crowd, and he reaches down with new fire in his belly to put Brodie away!
KO: Pulls the Submission Machine up, and scoops her up on his shoulder…AND IT’S BRODIE WHOSE ALIVE NOW, KICKING WITH EVERYTHING SHE HAS TO GET AWAY FROM COOPER!
LO: BRODIE SLIDING DOWN COOPER’S BACK, HE SPINS AROUND….BUTTERFLY KICK!
Cooper’s eyes flutter into the back of his head as he crumples to the mat, a bloodied Brodie falling on top of him.
1…
2…
LO: THREE-NO! MY GOD! HOW?!
KO: I…don’t know anymore!
Brodie lays there bleeding until she finally chances a glance back at the cage door. It seems inviting as she makes the arduous effort of turning her body in that direction, digging her elbows and knees into the mat to drag herself towards the corner. When she gets within five feet of the door, Santiago starts undoing the chain that binds it, and at four feet it swings open to freedom. She inches closer and closer until she’s clear the bottom rope with her shoulders, and she just manages to grab hold of the top step when something latches onto her ankle.
LO: Cooper just barely grasping at Brodie’s ankle, and she has spun around now like a rabid animal, throwing her other boot right into Cooper’s face…..AND SHE BREAKS FREE!
KO: BRODIE’S BODY IS HALFWAY OUT ONTO THE STEPS, BUT COOPER DIVES AND NOW GRABS HOLD AGAIN!
Cooper somehow manages to push up to his feet, and with three large steps backwards drags Brodie back into the interior of the ring, but before the door can close he lets go and makes a dive for the corner!
LO: NOW IT’S COOPER HALFWAY OUT UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE, AND BRODIE RUSHES IN AND LEAPS TO THE SECOND TURNBUCKLE LIKE SHE DID BEFORE!
KO: AHHH! SHE’S MANAGED TO GET TWO FISTFULS OF COOPER’S HAIR, AND HE CAN’T GET LOOSE!
In the melee Cooper brings his legs under the bottom rope, and places them in the door frame to try and push up to his feet to take off some of the pressure being produced by his hair being pulled out at the roots. Slowly but surely he gets there, and he spins to bury a forearm into Brodie’s gut that sends her dangerously close to tumbling over. She never lets loose, however, and Cooper lets out a surprising yelp while reaching up to get a handful of hers.
LO: Cooper trying to ram Brodie’s head into the top of the steel ring post, but they are in such an awkward position he can’t get the leverage.
KO: Yeah, and BRODIE JUST STEPPED UP TO THE TOP ROPE AND BROUGHT A KNEE INTO COOPER’S FACE!
LO: OH MY GOD THEY ARE BOTH TIPPING OVER!
Cooper falls back from the sudden smack to his face which in turn pulls Brodie from the top rope to slide painfully down the chain links of the cage wall to land just in front of him. She has never let loose of his hair, but he now grabs the door frame of the cage door and pushes with all his might so that he can just fall back and end this. Brodie with a snarl lets loose with one hand to reach around and grab the Cage Door, and much to Cooper’s surprise brings it swinging around to slam into his back. He pitches forwards to slam into the doorframe, but before he can fall in either direction the door slams again thanks to Brodie, using both hands to try and cut Cosmo Cooper in half.
LO: MY GOD! COOPER WAS ABOUT TO FALL TO THE OUTSIDE, BUT BRODIE’S HOLDING HIM UP WITH THE CAGE DOOR!
KO: SHE’S GOING TO CUT HIM IN HALF, LAUR! LOOK AT HER FACE!
Indeed, Brodie’s face is screwed up into one of rage, pulling with all her might against the chain link to put more pressure on Cooper’s spine, while pinning his chest against the doorframe. The hand that is inside the cage flops around, looking for something, anything to grab to help him get out of this painful predicament. Suddenly it finds Brodie’s face, and the woman shakes her head violently while leaning as far back as she can with the ropes in her way. Cooper finally finds her ear, grasping it with his fingers, while his thumb darts around like some videogame pro searching for the eye. When he finally finds it, he presses forward, illiciting a scream from Brodie, he violently yanks against the door dredging up a cry of pain from Cooper.
LO: GOD ALMIGHTY! STOP THIS THING! THEY’RE GOING TO KILL ONE ANOTHER!
Suddenly Cooper’s hand rares back from Brodie’s face, and like a snake strike his palm thrusts forward to strike her right in her injured eye socket. Brodie slides down the ropes to a seated position, her feet pushing the door out of her grasp, allowing Cosmo to fall out to land with a thud on the concrete. The bell sounds, but no one in the arena makes a sound, their breath held in by what they’ve just witnessed. It isn’t until the announcement is made that any life returns to South Africa.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of this match by escape of the cage……AND STILL APEX CHAMPION….COSMOOOO COOOOPPPEERRR!
A red eye peers out of Brodie’s skull at the crowd, possibily a busted blood vessel giving her a visceral look, and she lets out a wail of frustration before falling back against the ropes unconscious. On the floor Cooper lays motionless, a red indention from the cage door striped on his spine, and along his chest, already turning shades of purple.
LO: I…I don’t know what to say right now.
KO: They damn near killed each other. Definitely maimed each other…
LO: You know, tomorrow morning, Cosmo Cooper is going to be conscious, probably in some local hospital bed, but he’s going to have his phone on him, and he’ll no doubt tweet something about how he knew this would happen….
KO: Yeah?
LO: And when he does that, I won’t believe him.
KO: Maybe so, but he won the match, and is still our Apex Champion.
LO: It was a matter of inches, Ken.
KO: I don’t care what it was, I’m just glad this is over…Lord knows if either one of them will be good to go by next Blitz…
LO: One things for sure, I don’t think anyone watching our program tonight can say they didn’t get their money’s worth, cause this was the damndest thing I’ve ever seen.
KO: True that, and folks, I know it seems like say that a lot, but maybe it’s cause every time we think we have things figured out, the superstars of Valor Pro do something to upturn the whole thing.
LO: But right now I hear we’ve got Cross Recoba standing by to make comment on tonight’s events. Should be interesting…
KO: Rekota came out huge as new Chimera Tag Team Champs, and you gotta believe he watched this one along with the rest of the roster…
LO: Between him and Devlin, no doubt the vultures will be circling…
The camera focuses on Brodie as EMT’s hold up a flashlight into her busted eye, then switches to Cooper being loaded up on a gurney with the Apex Championship laid across his waist. Low rumbles and conversation pass between the fans as the camera then cuts backstage.
'Prototype' by Viktoria Modesta hits over the system and as the first stanza of "I'm The Pro, I'm The Pro, I'm The Prototype' kicks in Brodie bursts through the curtain out onto the stage to a mixed, but loud, reaction. She stalks back and forth on the stage, her head already shaking 'No' as the steel cage begins to descend from the arena lights. Suddenly she comes to a dead stop in the center of the stage and slowly turns her head towards the ring where she stares down at the lowering cage, and her eyes narrow to slit as red lips part over white teeth. With a snarl she stalks down the ramp, leaving a cloud of smoke from the fog machines behind her.
RING ANNOUNCER: And making her way to the ring, standing at five foot eleven and weighing 150 pounds, hailing from Manhattan, New York....She is a former UnYielding Champion, and the CURRENT #1 CONTENDER TO THE APEX CHAMPIONSHIP...THE SUBMISSION MACHINE...BROODDDIEEE!!
Brodie rolls under the bottom rope into the ring, pops up, and steps to the center of the ring where she stares up at the cage in contempt. It continues it's descent as she continues to circle around the edges of the ring, her movements like an animal about to be confined.
LO: This is the moment we've all been waiting for, Brodie versus Cosmo is NOW!
KO: That girl is about ready to come unglued here, and unfortunately Cosmo Cooper is about to be locked up with her in about three miles of chain link fence!
LO: This will no doubt be one of Cooper's most formidable title defenses of his career, and you got to believe despite his devil may care attitude, he's got butterflies coming into this one.
KO: I don't know if a guy like Cosmo gets butterflies, Laur. He is the Apex...
On cue the lights dim and the familiar finger snaps from 'Lifted' by CL come over the speakers. Stage lights begin flashing gold and silver, converging on the stage where Cosmo Cooper is already standing, baseball cap covering his head that is staring down at the steel. The Apex Championship sits snugly around his waist, and the South African crowd goes nuts at the sight of him. After a few moments he allows his head to lift, and he looks out at the crowd under the brim of his hat with a confident grin before reaching up and taking it by the brim, and sends it into the crowd like a discus. Fans clammer to get hold of the keepsake as Cosmo starts his trek down the ramp.
RING ANNOUNCER: And introducing his opponent, standing at six foot two and weighting in at 232 pounds....hailing from Santa Rosa, California...He is the General Managers Champion of Choice, and THE REIGNING APEX CHAMPION, THE GRAPS JESUS, COSMO COOOPPPEERRRR!!
Cosmo reaches ringside and steps around to the corner of the ring where the steps reside, and falls back into the guardrail where the front row fans all pat him on the back while he nods, looking up into the ring at Brodie with a grin. The Submission Machine bristles, and she stalks in that direction, forcing the referee to intercept her. After a second he pops off the rail and up the steps, springboarding over the top rope into the ring and spins around, leaping up to the second turnbuckle while simultaneously peeling the title from his waist and hoisting it with one hand triumphantly into the air. He gets a huge pop just as the steel cage drops low enough to obscure his vision. He drops down from the turnbuckle and hands the championship off so that Caputo can lift it for all the crowd to see. With a thud the cage hits the sides of the ring apron, and ring attendants begin to batten it down to the ring posts.
LO: Cosmo Cooper with his first Apex title defense tonight, and as you can see it will take place in this Steel Cage!
KO: And against a wild woman who will stop at nothing to put Cooper on the shelf. The title is just a consolation prize.
LO: Brodie has called him a pretender since entering the promotion, and everyone else she's called that are either no longer here, or are already in her rear view. Tonight is the night, if there ever was one, and Cosmo Cooper doesn't look to be backing down one bit...
KO: Damn straight, and with that sound of the bell, this colossal showdown is underway!
Cosmo steps out to the center of the ring with his hands out at his sides as if to say, "Well, we're here.." as Brodie glares at him with baleful eyes. Suddenly she's in motion, bolting out of the corner and going for a Double Chop. Cosmo ducks out of the way, and when Brodie swings around to face him she brings both hands up to catch a Superkick that was coming straight for her face. She pushes forward while still maintaining hold of Cooper's foot, using one of her legs to step behind his to trip him up and send him down to his back. Before she can try and do anything further, Cosmo brings that foot to bare, striking out with a stiff kick that loosens her hold on the other and sends her back a step. He manages to yank his foot free from her grasp completely, and sends both boots into Brodie's chest, snapping her down to the mat. Both scramble to their feet at the same time, Cooper coming in for a Lariat that Brodie ducks, and he continues on to the ropes for momentum.
LO: Fast and furious action right out of the gate, and you gotta believe that this is the way it was always going to be!
KO: No rest for the wicked, as Cooper comes rushing back at Brodie who FINDS THAT DOUBLE CHOP FROM EARLIER SENDING HIM CRASHING TO THE MAT!
LO: Brodie on the attack, dropping an elbow, but Cooper as quick as a cat rolls out of the way and up to his feet...
KO: Here comes Brodie in pursuit, and COOPER DUCKS OUT OF THE WAY AND GETS A HOLD OF THE BACK OF HER HEAD TO RUN HER FACE FIRST TOWARDS THE STEEL!
Brodie throws her boot up at the last second and it catches the middle rope which puts on the brakes and prevents her from striking the steel mesh. Sharp elbows to Cooper's ribs causes him to beg off, and she reverses the hold, now trying to slam Cooper's head off the cage wall. Cooper gets both hands out in front of him to grip the fencing, and Brodie abandons trying to slam his head off the steel and switches to a Go Behind into a Waist Lock. She pulls with all she's got but Cosmo retains hold of the cage, and a back elbow to the side of her head sends her stumbling back. Cosmo spins around and rushes in, but is surprised by a hip toss that takes him to the mat. He's already halfway to his feet when Brodie wades in with clubbing blows to the back of his head and shoulders, and when he pushes up fully she switches to right hands that drop him all the way back into the ropes.
LO: Brodie takes Cosmo by the wrist and sends her off, NO! Reversal! Brodie hit's off the opposite side and coming back now, and Cosmo steps out to meet her WITH A LIGHTENING FAST POWER SLAM! He stays ontop of her for the cover...
1...
2...
KO: NO! Kick out at two, and Brodie already working her way to her feet, but Cosmo has her..and CHOP! Another one! ANOTHER ONE, and Brodie is knocked back into the corner...
Cosmo lifts Brodie's chin, and then fires in another chop that echoes throughout the arena and elicits a 'Wooooo' from the crowd. Cosmo snickers and winds up to do it again, but suddenly Brodie comes fighting out of the corner with right hands, surprising Cosmo and driving him back to the center of the ring. After five open shots, he manages to raise his arm in the path of one of the vicious strikes to block it, and fires in one of his own. Brodie, however ducks it, slipping behind him and pushing her head under his arm to lift him up in a burst of strength and then drops straight down into a Side Suplex. Brodie spins up to her knee to find Cosmo already trying to push up to his, and as he does she steps over her his torso, taking his left arm in the process, and locks on a Standing Arm Bar.
LO: Cosmo grabbing at his shoulder now as Brodie torque's his arm and elbow!
KO: Man we aren't even five minutes in and she's already on the game plan! Cosmo needs to keep her away from his arm at all costs or he could be the FORMER Apex Champion...
Brodie continues to yank up and back on the champ's arm, but he plants his boot on the mat, and forces himself up causing Brodie to release the Arm Bar and fall back to the wrist to keep him tied up in an Arm Twist. Cosmo slaps his shoulder again in discomfort and then commits to a front roll that unwinds his arm at the same time coming up to his feet, and then spins under Brodie to reverse the hold. Brodie doesn't stay in the Arm Twist long before breaking it off with a stiff forearm shot to Cooper that sends him falling back against the ropes. Brodie charges in with a Knee Lift to his gut, and then takes the same arm she'd been working and runs it over the top and through the middle rope for leverage. She places a boot up on the cage and yanks hard on the arm, and Cosmo cries out before firing a right hand that begs her off. He uncoils himself from the ropes, and when Brodie charges back in to try and press the advantage, throws his boot up to catch her in the face. She stumbles back to the center of the ring, and Cosmo charges away from the cage wall to nail her with a Spin Wheel Kick that takes her head off!
LO: Brodie taken unceremoniously to the mat with that kick, and Cosmo back up to his feet...AND JUMPING SENTON LANDS SQUARELY ACROSS BRODIE CRUSHING HER INTO THE MAT!
KO: Cosmo spins around and hooks the leg!
1...
2...
LO: NO! Brodie out at two again, and now Cosmo yanks her up and hooks her around the head....SUPLEX TO THE HEART OF THE CANVAS!
KO: Cosmo sitting on his knee's now beside Brodie, and he's got that confident look on his face...
Cosmo pushes up to his feet as Brodie rolls over and pushes up to her knee's. He waits til she lifts up and then sends a Shoot Kick into her chest, followed by another with the opposite foot to her shoulder blades. The fans come to their feet as he alternates feet to send kick after kick, turning her into a whipping post that has her bobbing back and forth like a sea buoy. The fans count along with the shots all the way up to ten, at which point Cosmo takes a step back, measures with his hands like a director filming a movie, and then sends a Roundhouse Kick right into the back of Brodie's head. Her eyes roll into the back of her head as her body trembles like a snake being charmed just before crumpling to the mat.
LO: Cosmo looking out at the crowd with a grin, and now points towards the door! He's going to walk out on her!
KO: Well he's got her down and out on the canvas, seems as perfect a time as any to make an escape, though it feels a little anticlimactic for my taste.
LO: Cooper is no fool. He knows how dangerous Brodie can be, and he knows that she's left bodies and careers in her path of destruction to this moment. If he can win this match quickly without being on the receiving end of that, then that's what he will do!
Caputo signals for Santiago on the outside to start undoing the chain that holds the cage door in place, and the referee has the padlock free in a moment and the door swings open. Cooper saunters on over to the corner, and slips one leg through the ropes to the limited space on the apron, and then the other. Just as it looks like he is about to walk out of this match free and clear, the fans erupt, and he realizes that something is amiss. Just as he takes a step out onto the steps in a hurried attempt to be free of the cage, he's caught from behind by Brodie, who literally came up to her feet and leaped to the second turnbuckle from inside the ring to snatch him by the hair of the head. She yanks his head back and applies a Dragon Sleeper, and then drops down off the turnbuckle to land on her feet, bending Cooper's neck and spine unnaturally across the top turnbuckle and rope.
LO: MY GOD SHE'S GOING TO BREAK HIS NECK!
KO: I KNEW IT WAS TOO EARLY TO TRY AND ESCAPE! WHAT'D I TELL YOU!
Brodie continue's to take steps back, each one painfully dragging Cooper further and further back into the ring over the top rope. Just as the back of his legs reach the ropes, and the cage door is closed and secured, she roars and snaps straight down to drive the back of Cooper's skull into the mat with an inverted DDT!
LO: GOOD LORD!
KO: That one right there is a wake up call for anyone who doesn't take this woman seriously!
Brodie swings her body around to where she is now sitting on Cooper's chest, and starts reigning down forearm's directly into his skull. Cooper tries to cover up, but from this position it's difficult to get any leverage, and Brodie is relentless as she continues her vicious assault. Finally Brodie comes up to her feet, and like a woman possessed grabs the nearby top rope and starts stomping away at the downed champion. When Cooper comes to a point where he is offering little to no resistance, she grabs him under the arms and struggles to drag him to the center of the ring where she promptly drops a knee right down into his left shoulder.
LO: Brodie right back to work on the left arm and shoulder of Cooper after that beat down, and now she has pulled the arm away from the body...and DROPS A KNEE RIGHT INTO THE ELBOW JOINT!
KO: It's like those shoot kicks from earlier woke up something inside her, and she's been programmed to dismantle the champ!
Brodie buries her knee into Cosmo's shoulder, and then laces her fingers through his hand, torquing back on his wrist at the same time she pulls up on his arm to lock it into another variation of an Arm Bar. Cosmo comes a live in pain, his legs kicking at the mat, and he reaches out towards the ropes despite the fact that wouldn't call for a break. Brodie's expression never changes, a permanent scowl on her face as she manipulates the fingers, eliciting a new pain filled reaction from the champion. Eventually Cosmo is able to pull himself towards the ropes, and there, using leverage and size to his advantage, manages to force himself up to break the hold, leaving only his wrist and fingers in Brodie's clutches. A savage right hand from the champion sends Brodie stumbling back, and he follows up with a boot to her midsection that doubles her over. Before anyone can even realize what he's going to do next, he grabs her by the back of the tights and neck, and then runs her forwards into the Steel Cage.
LO: THE TOP OF BRODIE'S SKULL JUST MET STEEL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THIS MATCH!
KO: Yeah, and the way she hit sent an impact all the way down her neck into her spine!
Brodie cradles the top of her head as she dislodges from the ropes and as she tries to straighten up Cosmo delivers a Dropkick square to her shoulders that sends her hurtling forward towards the cage wall, this time face first. Brodie's forehead slam's off the cage and she stumbles back, only to find Cosmo behind her with a Waist Lock, lifting her up and back into a devastating German Release Suplex.
LO: BRODIE FOLDED UP LIKE AN ACCORDION AFTER THAT MOVE!
KO: And now Cosmo is poised to strike...Brodie struggling to sit up, and COOPER WITH A RUNNING BOOT SENDS HER THUNDERING BACK DOWN TO THE MAT! Cooper drops for a cover...
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Brodie out at two and a half, and the cocky grin from Cooper is gone, replaced with a look of deadly determination!
It's Cosmo's turn to mount Brodie, pinning the woman's shoulders with his knee's so she can't defend herself, and starts driving Palm Thrusts right down into her face. One of these catches her right on the nose and results in blood pouring out like a faucet before she's able to throw both feet up into the air to catch his next strike, and sits forward driving him forwards into a pinning situation.
1...
2...
KO: Cosmo out quickly, and already back up to his feet, but BRODIE EXPLODES FROM HER KNEE'S INTO COSMO'S MIDSECTION WITH A SHOULDER THRUST!
LO: The champion begging off for a section, clutching his abdomen, which gives Brodie time regain her feet.....and she just reached up and see's where she's bleeding from the nose...Uh-Oh!
KO: BRODIE ALL OVER COSMO WITH RIGHTS AND LEFTS, HAS HIM HEMMED UP AGAINST THE ROPES....Grabs him by the ears with both hands, AND SHE'S BANGING THE BACK OF HIS SKULL OFF THE STEEL CAGE!
Brodie rattles the side of the cage wall with Cooper's skull as she relentlessly uses the steel to her advantage. With Cooper dazed, she pulls him out from the ropes, slips her head under his arm and snaps him over into a Northern Lights Suplex into a Bridge for a pin.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Cooper kicks out before the three, and now Brodie back up to her feet only to bury her knee into the back of his head! Just grinding his face into the mat!
KO: Brodie's pulling out all the stops here, as she lets up and stomps down into Cooper's skull....now she's making her way over to the corner...
Brodie turns to face the ring and her downed opponent, and leaps up to a seated position on the top rope. Grabbing the sides of the cage, she helps herself all the way to the top turnbuckle, and as Cooper rolls over onto his back clutching his skull, she leaps into a breathtaking dive that has the fans coming out of their seats. Cooper manages to look up just in time to see Brodie incoming, but can't get out of the way as she drives her own skull down into the shoulder she had been working over. Cooper kicks and flops on the canvas, grabbing at his injured limb, while Brodie lies there for a moment, trying to recover from the violent dive that did just as much damage to her as it did to her opponent.
LO: HUGE DIVING HEADBUTT FROM THE TOP FROM BRODIE! And right to that injured shoulder too...
KO: Yeah, but at what cost? Both of them are down now, and Cooper's made it all the way over to the ropes. He's using them to pull himself up to his feet...
Cooper, surprisingly, is the first to his feet, but the effort causes him to stumble and fall back into the nearby corner to stay upright. In the meantime, Brodie pushes up to her feet, and seeing Cooper in obvious discomfort and holding his shoulder, takes off in a spring in that direction. Cooper manages to grab hold of the top rope and pull himself out of the way, but Brodie throws her boot up to catch on the middle turnbuckle, putting on the brakes. She spins around to face the champion, and with his good hand he plants it firmly onto her chest with a thunder chop that knocks her all the way back against the turnbuckles. He fires in with two more, and then takes her by the wrist and sends her hurtling across the ring to the opposite side! Brodie manages to turn at the last second so that her spine crashes against the turnbuckles, but the impact sends her stumbling out into the waiting arms of Cooper, who sends her flying...
LO: RELEASE BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX FROM ONE END OF THE RING TO THE OTHER! GOD WHAT IMPACT!
KO: Brodie hit so hard that she came up to her feet and fell into the corner she was just in when she was getting chopped...
LO: And now here comes Cooper with a full head of steam, and BIG SPLASH CRUSHES BRODIE!
KO: Cooper steps out of the way and Brodie stumbling backwards towards the center of the ring....Cooper twists around and leaps up to the second turnbuckle.....TORPEDO HEADBUTT COLLIDES WITH BRODIE'S CHEST AND BOTH CRASH TO THE MAT!
LO: Cooper landed on top of Brodie, and now doggedly hooks the leg!
1...
2...
KO: THREe-NO! Brodie barely got the shoulder off the mat, and Cooper is looking up at the referee in complete disbelief!
LO: These fans are all on their feet thinking the same thing, Ken, and Cooper now looking around and realizing, maybe a pin isn't the best strategy here...
Cooper gets to his feet and looks down at the challenger, shaking his head in frustration. He doesn't take long, however, stepping over to the ropes to grab the cage wall beyond, and starts to climb. When he reaches the top rope the fans cheer, and he reaches up the cage even higher, starting his careful trek up the cage wall. Just as he reaches up to grab hold of the edge at the top, Brodie comes up to one knee, and seeing how far he's gotten snarls while willing herself up to her feet. Cooper hoists himself up just about the time that Brodie grabs onto the cage, frantically making her way up the ropes the same way he did. She manages to use some spring once reaching the top to reach up and grab his boot just as he swings the other leg up so that he's now sitting on the top of the cage. Cosmo looks down to find Brodie holding onto his ankle for dear life with both hands, and he tries kicking his foot free.
LO: Cosmo Cooper in a compromised position ontop of the cage, and Brodie has latched onto his foot like a pit bull!
KO: Cooper trying to slide his way off to the outside wall of the cage, but all that's doing is lifting Brodie higher...and she's using her feet to climb up there....AND NOW SHE JUST SWUNG A LEG UP TO CATCH THE EDGE...
LO: Cooper realizes he's not going to escape, and now settles himself as Brodie comes up to join him...AND RIGHT HAND SENDS HER TEETERING BACK TOWARDS THE RING!
KO: Another one! Another one! AND BRODIE JUST RAKED COSMO ACROSS THE EYES! AHHH! HE'S BLIND UP THERE!
One hand covers his eyes while the other blindly tries to keep hold of the top of the cage, while Brodie scoots herself closer to Cooper. She hooks him around the head and grabs him by the tights, and the fans come to their feet as she manages to worm her knee under her and then gets to her feet. When she almost slips the entire arena gasps, but she gets her foot back under her precariously standing on the small beam that holds the top of the cage together. She pulls with all she's worth, and when Cosmo joins her in a standing position, both competitors wobble sending the arena into another panic. Finally, she grabs his arm, and drapes it over her neck, before moving to try and Superplex him back into the ring. Cosmo, however, being the bigger of the two, manages to halt the momentum, and lifts Brodie a good three feet off the beam instead. The woman kicks the air, forcing Cosmo to put her back down or risk plummeting over the edge. With both feet firmly back on the beam, Brodie begins driving rabbit like punches into the champions ribs. Cosmo accepts the punishment in favor of untangling himself from Brodie, but when she sends a boot into his knee and his foot snaps off the edge, he latches back onto her. This gives her the opportunity to turn to where she's facing the ring, his head firmly under her arm, and every person in the arena takes in a deep breath in anticipation...
LO: NO! SHE'S NOT GOING TO....AHHHH!!
KO: OH MY GOD! BRODIE JUST LEAPED FROM THE CAGE BACK INTO THE RING AND PULLED COSMO WITH HER INTO A BULLDOG!!
The entire arena goes ballistic as both competitors impact off the canvas, bounce away from each other, and then lie lifelessly in the center of the ring. Caputo looks on wide eyed, while Santiago's fingers grip at his blonde hair on the outside by the door, everyone captivated by shock.
LO: Now how in the hell do you capitalize after something like that? I mean, good Lord, Brodie just saved the match, but she may have killed herself in the process!
KO: Yeah, and there aren't any count outs here, Laur.
LO: I don't think that matters....I mean, if neither one of these competitors can continue, I don't think you can have a conclusion to this match regardless of the lack of rules...
KO: Well, one things for sure, that was the damnedest thing I've ever seen!
For several seconds after the initial fall, neither competitor is able to do much of anything but writhe on the canvas, but eventually Brodie rolls over onto her stomach and begins crawling her way towards Cooper. With a dramatic arm raised into the air she flops it down across him, and Caputo drops for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! MY GOD! I THOUGHT THAT WAS IT!
KO: Me and you both, Laur, but Cosmo got the shoulder up at the last possible nanosecond, and this match continues!
Brodie gets onto her side and it's obvious she's in pain as she starts to push up to her feet. Cooper slow crawls towards the nearby corner, managing to grab hold of the middle turnbuckle to push up and fall forwards so that the top rope can help hold him up. Brodie stutter steps around the ring before making her way in that direction, but when she grabs for Cooper he surprises her with a back elbow that begs her off, almost sending her down to the mat. This gives him just enough time to spin around to where his back is now against the turnbuckles, and when Brodie comes in at him again he flashes a boot out to catch her in the midsection. She doubles over holding her ribs, and Cooper suddenly pounces right up and over her, grabbing her hips on the way to drag her down into a Sunset Flip Pin.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Brodie gets the shoulder up before the count of three, and now both competitors struggling back to their feet....
KO: Brodie with a swing at Cooper, but he ducks it...boot to Brodie's midsection to double her over, tuck of the head...AND SIT OUT POWERBOMB DRIVES HER INTO THE CANVAS!
LO: He scootches up and retains hold of her legs for the cover!
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! Once again Brodie just barely able to get out as the referee's hand comes down, and Cooper just fell back exhausted...These two have done just about everything that a person can do to get the 'W', and I'm not sure there's much more left in the tank.
Cosmo turns over onto his stomach, and begins to crawl towards the cage door, signaling for Santiago to go ahead and get it open, which he does. Cosmo reaches the corner about the time that Brodie pulls herself up by use of the ropes, and upon seeing his close proximity to the exit, she charges right for him. She drops down into a Baseball Slide, drifting in right beside him to trap one arm with her legs, while his other arm reaches to grab the door frame. He is suddenly aware of his predicament as her hands lock under his chin, and snap his neck painfully back, the move bringing the crowd to their feet.
LO: FINALITY CROSSFACE!
KO: SHE LITERALLY SLID INTO APPLY IT, WITH COSMO LITERALLY FINGERTIPS FROM THE OPEN CAGE DOOR!
LO: They are right there by the ropes, and they are definitely hindering the full extension of the submission, but Brodie does have it locked in, and she is screaming into the ether to try and get the man to submit!
Cosmo grabs at the ropes, the apron, anything with his free hand in an attempt to get free, but to no avail. Finally, he grabs the edge of the cage door frame once more, and with a heave hoists himself forward, putting Brodie's neck right up against the bottom rope while she continues to crank back. He pulls once more, and this time Brodie's neck arches back in much the same fashion as Cooper's thanks to the rope. She finds herself choked, but refuses to relinquish her hold. With another heave she has no choice but to let go, so she lets loose of the leg lock around his arm too, rolling across his legs to grab him by the ankles and willfully drags him away from the corner. The cage door shuts as Cosmo flips over onto his back, and shoves Brodie off of him with his feet, turning to make another quick scramble for the door. Brodie recovers and rushes back in, leaping into the air and delivering a Double Stomp down onto the champion's spine to stop his efforts.
LO: The door is secured once again, and this match continues as Brodie pulls Cooper up and then JUDO THROWS HIM OVER HER SHOULDER BACK TO THE MAT, AND SHE'S GOING FOR IT AGAIN!
KO: IF SHE LOCKS THIS IN IT'S OVER!
Cooper fights with everything he's worth and manages to get out of her grasp, pushing up to get to his feet just as she blasts him from behind with a Double Sledgehammer that sends him crashing face first into the steel cage. She stalks in from behind him before he can even recover, getting a fistful of his hair, and begins dragging his face across the chain links of steel. Cooper lets out a cry as his face is peeled across the unforgiving metal, and blood begins to open up on various spots on his forehead. Brodie snarls as the attack comes to a stop only for her to rare back and send a forearm into the back of his head that bounces his forehead off the steel and busts him open further. Cosmo stumbles back away from the cage wall, and Brodie gives him some lead before posting up and taking him into a Waist Lock, and then delivers a German Suplex that folds the champion up in the center of the ring.
LO: GOD ALMIGHTY! How can they take anymore?
KO: I don't know, Brother-O-Mine, but Brodie is staring out at the time keepers table at the Apex Championship, and with Cosmo down it looks like she's going to make her own attempt to escape the cage!
Brodie stalks over to the corner closest to that side of the ring, and starts to climb. When she gets to the top turnbuckle, she laces her fingers through the cage, and starts the arduous climb up the cage. Being smaller than Cosmo, it takes more hand and foot holds, and so the process is slow but steady. Just as one hand reaches the top Cosmo sits up off the mat, running his hand over a face that is now painted in crimson. He looks up to see where Brodie is, and forces himself sluggishly to his feet to pursue. Just as she's about to hoist herself up to the very top, Cosmo surprises everyone by getting a running go before leaping to the top, and then springing right up beside the Submission Machine. Brodie looks over at him fury, but it's all for naught, as Cosmo gets a fistful of her hair and drives her face first into the steel cage. He repeats the move four more times, until Brodie is as bloodied as he is, and then hooks his legs through hers, and pitching backwards towards the ring.
LO: ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME!
KO: SIDE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP OFF THE SIDE OF THE CAGE, SENDING BOTH COMPETITORS BACK INTO HELL!
Brodie and Cosmo lay side by side, arms and legs still intertwined, and they look like car crash victims splayed out on the canvas. The arena is in shock as Caputo steps over to check on them, and then with a shrug, backs off to wait along with everyone else for their eventual continuation of this exciting contest. It takes several moments before the two are able to move, and they disentangle themselves before beginning to crawl towards the closest cage wall near them. Blind hands reach for chain link before finally getting hold, and both competitors somehow manage to make it to their feet. They stumble away from the cage with their backs to each other, mouths open, in a daze. It isn’t until the reach the center when they bump into each other that either comes alive.
LO: Cosmo and Brodie spin around each other, and Cooper with a stray right hand…
KO: BRODIE DUCKS IT AND HOOKS THE ARM, DOING EVERYTHING IN HER POWER TO TRY AND FORCE COOPER BACK DOWN TO THE MAT FOR ANOTHER FINALITY CROSSFACE!
LO: COOPER FIGHTING LIKE HELL, RIGHT HANDS BOUNCING OFF BRODIE’S SKULL…AND NOW GETS A FISTFUL OF HAIR, AND DRIVES HER FACE FIRST INTO THE UNFORGIVING STEEL!
Brodie’s head bounces off the cage wall, but Cooper doesn’t let go, pulling her back to rush her once more to taste metal. This time Brodie stumbles back, blood pouring down from a gash in her forehead, and Cooper hits off the ropes, leaps into the air, and levels her with a Superman Punch! His elbows draw into his sides, fists clenched, and he cocks his head skyward to let out a primal roar that has the fans on their feet.
LO: Cosmo Cooper feeding off the electricity provided by this capacity crowd, and he reaches down with new fire in his belly to put Brodie away!
KO: Pulls the Submission Machine up, and scoops her up on his shoulder…AND IT’S BRODIE WHOSE ALIVE NOW, KICKING WITH EVERYTHING SHE HAS TO GET AWAY FROM COOPER!
LO: BRODIE SLIDING DOWN COOPER’S BACK, HE SPINS AROUND….BUTTERFLY KICK!
Cooper’s eyes flutter into the back of his head as he crumples to the mat, a bloodied Brodie falling on top of him.
1…
2…
LO: THREE-NO! MY GOD! HOW?!
KO: I…don’t know anymore!
Brodie lays there bleeding until she finally chances a glance back at the cage door. It seems inviting as she makes the arduous effort of turning her body in that direction, digging her elbows and knees into the mat to drag herself towards the corner. When she gets within five feet of the door, Santiago starts undoing the chain that binds it, and at four feet it swings open to freedom. She inches closer and closer until she’s clear the bottom rope with her shoulders, and she just manages to grab hold of the top step when something latches onto her ankle.
LO: Cooper just barely grasping at Brodie’s ankle, and she has spun around now like a rabid animal, throwing her other boot right into Cooper’s face…..AND SHE BREAKS FREE!
KO: BRODIE’S BODY IS HALFWAY OUT ONTO THE STEPS, BUT COOPER DIVES AND NOW GRABS HOLD AGAIN!
Cooper somehow manages to push up to his feet, and with three large steps backwards drags Brodie back into the interior of the ring, but before the door can close he lets go and makes a dive for the corner!
LO: NOW IT’S COOPER HALFWAY OUT UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE, AND BRODIE RUSHES IN AND LEAPS TO THE SECOND TURNBUCKLE LIKE SHE DID BEFORE!
KO: AHHH! SHE’S MANAGED TO GET TWO FISTFULS OF COOPER’S HAIR, AND HE CAN’T GET LOOSE!
In the melee Cooper brings his legs under the bottom rope, and places them in the door frame to try and push up to his feet to take off some of the pressure being produced by his hair being pulled out at the roots. Slowly but surely he gets there, and he spins to bury a forearm into Brodie’s gut that sends her dangerously close to tumbling over. She never lets loose, however, and Cooper lets out a surprising yelp while reaching up to get a handful of hers.
LO: Cooper trying to ram Brodie’s head into the top of the steel ring post, but they are in such an awkward position he can’t get the leverage.
KO: Yeah, and BRODIE JUST STEPPED UP TO THE TOP ROPE AND BROUGHT A KNEE INTO COOPER’S FACE!
LO: OH MY GOD THEY ARE BOTH TIPPING OVER!
Cooper falls back from the sudden smack to his face which in turn pulls Brodie from the top rope to slide painfully down the chain links of the cage wall to land just in front of him. She has never let loose of his hair, but he now grabs the door frame of the cage door and pushes with all his might so that he can just fall back and end this. Brodie with a snarl lets loose with one hand to reach around and grab the Cage Door, and much to Cooper’s surprise brings it swinging around to slam into his back. He pitches forwards to slam into the doorframe, but before he can fall in either direction the door slams again thanks to Brodie, using both hands to try and cut Cosmo Cooper in half.
LO: MY GOD! COOPER WAS ABOUT TO FALL TO THE OUTSIDE, BUT BRODIE’S HOLDING HIM UP WITH THE CAGE DOOR!
KO: SHE’S GOING TO CUT HIM IN HALF, LAUR! LOOK AT HER FACE!
Indeed, Brodie’s face is screwed up into one of rage, pulling with all her might against the chain link to put more pressure on Cooper’s spine, while pinning his chest against the doorframe. The hand that is inside the cage flops around, looking for something, anything to grab to help him get out of this painful predicament. Suddenly it finds Brodie’s face, and the woman shakes her head violently while leaning as far back as she can with the ropes in her way. Cooper finally finds her ear, grasping it with his fingers, while his thumb darts around like some videogame pro searching for the eye. When he finally finds it, he presses forward, illiciting a scream from Brodie, he violently yanks against the door dredging up a cry of pain from Cooper.
LO: GOD ALMIGHTY! STOP THIS THING! THEY’RE GOING TO KILL ONE ANOTHER!
Suddenly Cooper’s hand rares back from Brodie’s face, and like a snake strike his palm thrusts forward to strike her right in her injured eye socket. Brodie slides down the ropes to a seated position, her feet pushing the door out of her grasp, allowing Cosmo to fall out to land with a thud on the concrete. The bell sounds, but no one in the arena makes a sound, their breath held in by what they’ve just witnessed. It isn’t until the announcement is made that any life returns to South Africa.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of this match by escape of the cage……AND STILL APEX CHAMPION….COSMOOOO COOOOPPPEERRR!
A red eye peers out of Brodie’s skull at the crowd, possibily a busted blood vessel giving her a visceral look, and she lets out a wail of frustration before falling back against the ropes unconscious. On the floor Cooper lays motionless, a red indention from the cage door striped on his spine, and along his chest, already turning shades of purple.
LO: I…I don’t know what to say right now.
KO: They damn near killed each other. Definitely maimed each other…
LO: You know, tomorrow morning, Cosmo Cooper is going to be conscious, probably in some local hospital bed, but he’s going to have his phone on him, and he’ll no doubt tweet something about how he knew this would happen….
KO: Yeah?
LO: And when he does that, I won’t believe him.
KO: Maybe so, but he won the match, and is still our Apex Champion.
LO: It was a matter of inches, Ken.
KO: I don’t care what it was, I’m just glad this is over…Lord knows if either one of them will be good to go by next Blitz…
LO: One things for sure, I don’t think anyone watching our program tonight can say they didn’t get their money’s worth, cause this was the damndest thing I’ve ever seen.
KO: True that, and folks, I know it seems like say that a lot, but maybe it’s cause every time we think we have things figured out, the superstars of Valor Pro do something to upturn the whole thing.
LO: But right now I hear we’ve got Cross Recoba standing by to make comment on tonight’s events. Should be interesting…
KO: Rekota came out huge as new Chimera Tag Team Champs, and you gotta believe he watched this one along with the rest of the roster…
LO: Between him and Devlin, no doubt the vultures will be circling…
The camera focuses on Brodie as EMT’s hold up a flashlight into her busted eye, then switches to Cooper being loaded up on a gurney with the Apex Championship laid across his waist. Low rumbles and conversation pass between the fans as the camera then cuts backstage.
The camera focuses on Cross Recoba, fresh from a shower, hair styled, shaved, and wearing a tailored suit. He has one of the Chimera Tag Team Championships slung over his shoulder, and looks to be waiting on his girlfriend and co-champion, Dakota Jennings. OFF SCREEN, VPW Interviewer, Emily Burlingame asks him about the outcome of his tag team match tonight and what they had just witnessed in the Main Event.
RECOBA: Before I answer your question I’d like to—
Recoba’s eyes dart away and a split second later the camera spins around violently, sweeping side to side and up and down. Burlingame’s voice is picked up on the microphone in the struggle.
BURLINGAME: Hey! What the hell do you think you’re doing?!
The camera stabilizes and angles down. We see a hand clenched around the operator’s Steadicam harness, dragging him against his will through the backstage area. The camera pans up the arm’s shirt sleeve to the shoulder then higher to focus on a head of gray hair. A second later the man turns his head and we see his face and his eyes angled back. It’s none other than SPIRAL.
SPIRAL: Apologies, Mr. Recoba but I need this more than you.
The camera turns right and catches Emily Burlingame running to catch up to Spiral. She points a finger in the UNLEASHED Champion’s face and yells.
BURLINGAME: Stop right there! Let him go this instant!
Spiral’s free hand darts out and snatches Burlingame by the collar while still dragging the camera operator with the other. He turns his fist, tightening the material around Burlingame’s neck until it cuts off the blood and turns the interviewer’s face red. She tries to scream but all we hear are her desperate breaths, squealing like air escaping a balloon.
SPIRAL: You look tired, Burlingame. Have a seat!
Without missing a step Spiral flings the reporter across his body. Burlingame flies through the air and crashes into a ten foot tall stack of folding chairs on a flat dolly. The clang of steel chairs crashing down on Burlingame is loud enough to peak the camera’s microphone and cause a loud squawk of distortion.
OPERATOR: OH MY GOD!
Spiral, still dragging the operator by his harness, looks back as they continue through the backstage area.
SPIRAL: Oh, don’t lose your nerve yet, pal-o-mine. What’s your name?
OPERATOR: Uh…Sam. Sam Foster.
SPIRAL: Well, Mr. Foster, don’t lose your nerve yet. We’re about to go on adventure.
FOSTER: I don’t want to go on an adventure! Please, just take the camera. You don’t need me!
SPIRAL: Unfortunately for you, Mr. Foster, while I am a man of many talents, cameraman is not a skill I have ever needed to master. Cheer up, bucko. After tonight, you’re going to be a star.
The camera tracks left and right to show that they’ve entered the arena loading dock. Ahead are a dozen trucks and vans used to haul the production equipment needed to put Blitz on the air. There are several workers in VPW shirts scattering away from Spiral as he marches through the workzone.
FOSTER: Someone help!
SPIRAL: Pay no attention to this man. He is sick with fever from a mosquito bite or maybe it was that sandwich he ate that was made by the guy who definitely didn’t wash his hands after going to the bathroom.
The workers move away quickly, ducking behind vehicles and forklifts for cover. Spiral looks back at Foster and flashes a very Spiral-like smile.
SPIRAL: Here we go, boyo.
He marches Foster up a set of metal stairs which lead into the back of a tractor trailer. The camera adjusts for the sudden change in brightness and we see that we’re in the broadcast truck. A half dozen crew members are already out of their chairs, having witnessed the carnage on rows of HD monitors which line the left side of the room.
SPIRAL: You look like a man in charge.
He marches Foster forward to a man in his fifties, black, with a shaved head and a neatly trimmed goatee. The badge hanging from his lanyard says DUNN, S., and under it the word DIRECTOR.
DUNN: What’s the meaning of this?
SPIRAL: The meaning? (Laughs hysterically) Just like a director to try and inject a storyline when it’s not needed. I just wanted a tour of VPW’s fancy video production truck. Is it true that it cost over five million dollars?
DUNN: Something like that…
SPIRAL: And it's completely mobile with no need for hardline connections?
DUNN: Yes…all the cameras connect to the truck through wireless IP. We control all aspects of the show through internet protocol. It’s cutting edge.
SPIRAL: So if I were to drive off with this trailer right now, it would keep on broadcasting everything this camera sees.
Dunn’s eyes go wide. He starts to protest but Spiral pushes past him, pulling Foster through the narrow walkway, shoving other crew members out of the way and sending them flying over consoles. He leads the camera toward a side door at the other end of the trailer. Before stepping out he turns and looks back over the crew.
SPIRAL: Join us on our little trip if you like…or run. I recommend run.
The crews flees in a panic in the other direction and out the back of the tractor trailer. The camera jerks as Spiral pulls on Foster’s harness and spins around to point over the Pale King’s shoulder as they walk along the side of the truck. He yanks the passenger door open then turns to Foster.
SPIRAL: You first.
FOSTER: Why do you need me?! Just take the truck!
SPIRAL: And who’s gonna document this wonderful occasion? Don’t worry. If you survive you’ll probably get fired.
FOSTER: But I like my job!
Foster gets shoved up the step and into the cab. The video feed cuts out for a few seconds but the microphone is still picking up audio. The other door is heard opening and the pneumatic driver’s seat hisses as weight presses into it. A beat later the video is back on. The camera lifts up over the dashboard and points toward an open gate and the traffic rushing back and forth on the street just beyond. It then turns left to Spiral who reaches up and yanks on the trunk horn.
SPIRAL: Breaker one-nine this here’s the Rubber Duck. Ya got a copy on me, Pigpen?
He turns his eyes to Foster and stares at him with a wild look and a jigsaw grin.
FOSTER: Oh, uhh…ten-four?
Spiral honks the horn again.
SPIRAL: Looks like we got us a CONVOY.
He shifts the truck into gear and hits the gas. The truck lurches forward and roars into the street and turns left, nearly tipping over from the speed. Spiral cackles as the semi smashes into a church bus on Stalwart Street, sending it careening into a line of parked cars.
FOSTER: Oh my…God!
Spiral drives to the next block and spins the wheel, turning the flat-faced Volvo onto Mesinga Rd. With a big straight-away ahead, he grabs the gear shift and hits the clutch. The transmission grinds as he works to get it into next gear, then hits the gas. The truck lurches forward and speeds toward the beach.
SPIRAL: Let’s sing a song, Foster.
FOSTER: What? No! Let’s just pull over and let me out. I’m sure we can explain away that church bus as an accident.
SPIRAL: (singing) If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands!
Silence. He shoots a look at the camera operator. He reaches over, past the camera lens, and grabs ahold of Foster. He’s screaming into the microphone and the camera is jerking around as he tries to get away. But Spiral seizes him and the camera stops still.
SPIRAL: (SINGING LOUDLY) IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT CLAP YOUR HANDS.
FOSTER: I can’t clap! I’m holding the camera!
SPIRAL: Say CLAP. (SINGING EVEN MORE LOUDLY) IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT CLAP YOUR HANDS.
FOSTER: Clap clap…
SPIRAL: (SINGING) IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT CLAP YOUR HANDS.
The camera turns forward just as the semi-truck blasts through the center of a roundabout.
FOSTER: Oh god! CLAP-CLAP!
The truck roars across grass and asphalt, then blows through a second roundabout before turning right, tires squealing, and aiming the grill of its diesel engine toward the ocean. The camera flips back to Spiral, bouncing up and down on the hydraulic seat, his mouth contorted into a harlequin smile and a his ice-blue eyes flayed open with absolute madness.
SPIRAL: (SINGING) IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT…
The camera swings forward just as the truck drives over a cement divider with a loud thunk, followed immediately by the trailer axles. People run away as the Volvo darts down the boardwalk and heads for the pier.
SPIRAL: (SINGING) …THEN YOUR FACE WILL SURELY SHOW IT…
A gate stretches across the pier with a CLOSED sign hanging on it. The truck blows through it, rendering it into scraps of metal and plastic which flutter off into the ocean breeze. The camera turns and we see Foster’s hand working on the door handle…
SPIRAL: (SINGING) IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT CLAP YOUR HANDS.
FOSTER: CLAP CLAP!
He screams the last words as the door finally comes open. He jumps out and lands hard on the boardwalk. The video feed breaks up into blocks of color and then freezes. We hear Foster crying from the pain but also moving to get up. The video feed returns and the camera points to the ocean just as the semi-truck and trailer speeds off the pier and flies through the air for several seconds before plummeting into the crystal blue water. People are screaming all around and many of them are now running down the pier. The trailer, having detached from the semi-truck, is still floating on the water.
A man comes to help Foster up.
HELPFUL MAN: You okay, bru?
FOSTER: Yeah, yeah, just some scrapes and bruises I think. Oh my god…
HELPFUL MAN: I know, right?! It’s crazy, bru!
FOSTER: No, no. OH MY GOD.
The video feed is starting to break up, but despite the digital noise it picks up Spiral pulling himself up onto the pier, having escaped the crash at the last second. He finds Foster and immediately stumbles into a run after him, catching him within a second. He grabs the camera and angles it on his face. Static builds. The microphone struggles to pick up the audio as the trailer begins to sink in the background.
SPIRAL: (softly) If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet…
The video feed blacks out. The last remnants of a signal escaping the sinking production trailer are captured by the microphone with the quality of a dying ham radio.
SPIRAL: If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet…
SIGNAL LOST. STATIC.
RECOBA: Before I answer your question I’d like to—
Recoba’s eyes dart away and a split second later the camera spins around violently, sweeping side to side and up and down. Burlingame’s voice is picked up on the microphone in the struggle.
BURLINGAME: Hey! What the hell do you think you’re doing?!
The camera stabilizes and angles down. We see a hand clenched around the operator’s Steadicam harness, dragging him against his will through the backstage area. The camera pans up the arm’s shirt sleeve to the shoulder then higher to focus on a head of gray hair. A second later the man turns his head and we see his face and his eyes angled back. It’s none other than SPIRAL.
SPIRAL: Apologies, Mr. Recoba but I need this more than you.
The camera turns right and catches Emily Burlingame running to catch up to Spiral. She points a finger in the UNLEASHED Champion’s face and yells.
BURLINGAME: Stop right there! Let him go this instant!
Spiral’s free hand darts out and snatches Burlingame by the collar while still dragging the camera operator with the other. He turns his fist, tightening the material around Burlingame’s neck until it cuts off the blood and turns the interviewer’s face red. She tries to scream but all we hear are her desperate breaths, squealing like air escaping a balloon.
SPIRAL: You look tired, Burlingame. Have a seat!
Without missing a step Spiral flings the reporter across his body. Burlingame flies through the air and crashes into a ten foot tall stack of folding chairs on a flat dolly. The clang of steel chairs crashing down on Burlingame is loud enough to peak the camera’s microphone and cause a loud squawk of distortion.
OPERATOR: OH MY GOD!
Spiral, still dragging the operator by his harness, looks back as they continue through the backstage area.
SPIRAL: Oh, don’t lose your nerve yet, pal-o-mine. What’s your name?
OPERATOR: Uh…Sam. Sam Foster.
SPIRAL: Well, Mr. Foster, don’t lose your nerve yet. We’re about to go on adventure.
FOSTER: I don’t want to go on an adventure! Please, just take the camera. You don’t need me!
SPIRAL: Unfortunately for you, Mr. Foster, while I am a man of many talents, cameraman is not a skill I have ever needed to master. Cheer up, bucko. After tonight, you’re going to be a star.
The camera tracks left and right to show that they’ve entered the arena loading dock. Ahead are a dozen trucks and vans used to haul the production equipment needed to put Blitz on the air. There are several workers in VPW shirts scattering away from Spiral as he marches through the workzone.
FOSTER: Someone help!
SPIRAL: Pay no attention to this man. He is sick with fever from a mosquito bite or maybe it was that sandwich he ate that was made by the guy who definitely didn’t wash his hands after going to the bathroom.
The workers move away quickly, ducking behind vehicles and forklifts for cover. Spiral looks back at Foster and flashes a very Spiral-like smile.
SPIRAL: Here we go, boyo.
He marches Foster up a set of metal stairs which lead into the back of a tractor trailer. The camera adjusts for the sudden change in brightness and we see that we’re in the broadcast truck. A half dozen crew members are already out of their chairs, having witnessed the carnage on rows of HD monitors which line the left side of the room.
SPIRAL: You look like a man in charge.
He marches Foster forward to a man in his fifties, black, with a shaved head and a neatly trimmed goatee. The badge hanging from his lanyard says DUNN, S., and under it the word DIRECTOR.
DUNN: What’s the meaning of this?
SPIRAL: The meaning? (Laughs hysterically) Just like a director to try and inject a storyline when it’s not needed. I just wanted a tour of VPW’s fancy video production truck. Is it true that it cost over five million dollars?
DUNN: Something like that…
SPIRAL: And it's completely mobile with no need for hardline connections?
DUNN: Yes…all the cameras connect to the truck through wireless IP. We control all aspects of the show through internet protocol. It’s cutting edge.
SPIRAL: So if I were to drive off with this trailer right now, it would keep on broadcasting everything this camera sees.
Dunn’s eyes go wide. He starts to protest but Spiral pushes past him, pulling Foster through the narrow walkway, shoving other crew members out of the way and sending them flying over consoles. He leads the camera toward a side door at the other end of the trailer. Before stepping out he turns and looks back over the crew.
SPIRAL: Join us on our little trip if you like…or run. I recommend run.
The crews flees in a panic in the other direction and out the back of the tractor trailer. The camera jerks as Spiral pulls on Foster’s harness and spins around to point over the Pale King’s shoulder as they walk along the side of the truck. He yanks the passenger door open then turns to Foster.
SPIRAL: You first.
FOSTER: Why do you need me?! Just take the truck!
SPIRAL: And who’s gonna document this wonderful occasion? Don’t worry. If you survive you’ll probably get fired.
FOSTER: But I like my job!
Foster gets shoved up the step and into the cab. The video feed cuts out for a few seconds but the microphone is still picking up audio. The other door is heard opening and the pneumatic driver’s seat hisses as weight presses into it. A beat later the video is back on. The camera lifts up over the dashboard and points toward an open gate and the traffic rushing back and forth on the street just beyond. It then turns left to Spiral who reaches up and yanks on the trunk horn.
SPIRAL: Breaker one-nine this here’s the Rubber Duck. Ya got a copy on me, Pigpen?
He turns his eyes to Foster and stares at him with a wild look and a jigsaw grin.
FOSTER: Oh, uhh…ten-four?
Spiral honks the horn again.
SPIRAL: Looks like we got us a CONVOY.
He shifts the truck into gear and hits the gas. The truck lurches forward and roars into the street and turns left, nearly tipping over from the speed. Spiral cackles as the semi smashes into a church bus on Stalwart Street, sending it careening into a line of parked cars.
FOSTER: Oh my…God!
Spiral drives to the next block and spins the wheel, turning the flat-faced Volvo onto Mesinga Rd. With a big straight-away ahead, he grabs the gear shift and hits the clutch. The transmission grinds as he works to get it into next gear, then hits the gas. The truck lurches forward and speeds toward the beach.
SPIRAL: Let’s sing a song, Foster.
FOSTER: What? No! Let’s just pull over and let me out. I’m sure we can explain away that church bus as an accident.
SPIRAL: (singing) If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands!
Silence. He shoots a look at the camera operator. He reaches over, past the camera lens, and grabs ahold of Foster. He’s screaming into the microphone and the camera is jerking around as he tries to get away. But Spiral seizes him and the camera stops still.
SPIRAL: (SINGING LOUDLY) IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT CLAP YOUR HANDS.
FOSTER: I can’t clap! I’m holding the camera!
SPIRAL: Say CLAP. (SINGING EVEN MORE LOUDLY) IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT CLAP YOUR HANDS.
FOSTER: Clap clap…
SPIRAL: (SINGING) IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT CLAP YOUR HANDS.
The camera turns forward just as the semi-truck blasts through the center of a roundabout.
FOSTER: Oh god! CLAP-CLAP!
The truck roars across grass and asphalt, then blows through a second roundabout before turning right, tires squealing, and aiming the grill of its diesel engine toward the ocean. The camera flips back to Spiral, bouncing up and down on the hydraulic seat, his mouth contorted into a harlequin smile and a his ice-blue eyes flayed open with absolute madness.
SPIRAL: (SINGING) IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT…
The camera swings forward just as the truck drives over a cement divider with a loud thunk, followed immediately by the trailer axles. People run away as the Volvo darts down the boardwalk and heads for the pier.
SPIRAL: (SINGING) …THEN YOUR FACE WILL SURELY SHOW IT…
A gate stretches across the pier with a CLOSED sign hanging on it. The truck blows through it, rendering it into scraps of metal and plastic which flutter off into the ocean breeze. The camera turns and we see Foster’s hand working on the door handle…
SPIRAL: (SINGING) IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT CLAP YOUR HANDS.
FOSTER: CLAP CLAP!
He screams the last words as the door finally comes open. He jumps out and lands hard on the boardwalk. The video feed breaks up into blocks of color and then freezes. We hear Foster crying from the pain but also moving to get up. The video feed returns and the camera points to the ocean just as the semi-truck and trailer speeds off the pier and flies through the air for several seconds before plummeting into the crystal blue water. People are screaming all around and many of them are now running down the pier. The trailer, having detached from the semi-truck, is still floating on the water.
A man comes to help Foster up.
HELPFUL MAN: You okay, bru?
FOSTER: Yeah, yeah, just some scrapes and bruises I think. Oh my god…
HELPFUL MAN: I know, right?! It’s crazy, bru!
FOSTER: No, no. OH MY GOD.
The video feed is starting to break up, but despite the digital noise it picks up Spiral pulling himself up onto the pier, having escaped the crash at the last second. He finds Foster and immediately stumbles into a run after him, catching him within a second. He grabs the camera and angles it on his face. Static builds. The microphone struggles to pick up the audio as the trailer begins to sink in the background.
SPIRAL: (softly) If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet…
The video feed blacks out. The last remnants of a signal escaping the sinking production trailer are captured by the microphone with the quality of a dying ham radio.
SPIRAL: If you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet…
SIGNAL LOST. STATIC.