Blitz #19, Streaming Live on HOTV & Battleground Network!
Jul 15, 2019 10:21:05 GMT -5
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Post by silentpartner on Jul 15, 2019 10:21:05 GMT -5
"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 Coliseo La Tortuga. Pyro begins firing off across the stage, and the Chilean fans come to their feet at the sight of themselves on the big screen, cheering wildly and holding up their signs. One reads, "ZOMBIE VICE SQUAD; SAVE US", while another has "DJURDJEVIC IS UNYIELDING", and still another says "COSMO COOPER IS THE APEX, AND I'M HIS BETA!!". Danny Rizzo, Rekota, Indi Rhyder, 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 another night of Valor Pro Wrestling! Welcome everyone to BLITZ!
KENNETH OTHELLO: I am Kenneth Othello, and my intro man here is Laurence Othello, and together we are...
TOGETHER: THE OTHELLO BROTHERS!
LO: We come to you tonight from Telcuahano, Chile and these Chilean fans have been ready ever since seeing the top notch action last night on Flipping The Script!
KO: No doubt! The French Mime Assassins laid out Berlin Anderson, and Black Blackman is going to star in a new blockbuster movie!
LO: Allegedly..
KO: That damn Francis can't seem to keep his camp in order any longer. I mean....what is with that guy?
LO: I don't know...Can you imagine if anyone ever gave him something important to run?
KO: I shudder at the thought. But anyways, we also saw our first real look at Moxie James, who wowed the fans with some aerial tricks that were enough to put Maurice Yensman away.
LO: I think it goes without saying that was a pretty hard fought battle. Yensman doesn't have anything to be ashamed of, other than his entire nature and being.
KO: I don't know...I think he's kind of growing on me.
LO: Of course he is. We also saw a pretty good match up between Rex Rumble and David Scott, the latter of which came out victorious with a vicious piledriver.
KO: I'm glad those are making a comeback.
LO: And of course...our Main Event ended up being a fantastic bout between Indi Rhyder and Danny Rizzo!
KO: Yeah, and not to worry fans, The Risen is STILL the UnYielding Champ!
LO: I don't think they were worried about it, Ken.
KO: Never can tell. Either way, Danny has established himself as the pecking order for that title, doing only what Cosmo Cooper has done with the Apex.
LO: Speaking of Cooper, he'll be on Where There's Stokes, There's Fire to discuss the Chris Callum situation, and also Vanessa Byrne will be joining him to make a big announcement about their upcoming match!
KO: That should be good, if Stokes doesn't forget which country we're in again.
LO: In our Main Event tonight, we have Chimera Tag Team Champions, Rekota, putting their titles on the line against NSFW, and remember...if Rekota loses tonight, Dakota Jennings will be fired!
KO: Ugh! Don't remind me. Either way, it ain't going to happen. The Fox and The Firecracker are going to put those two NSFW fools on blast.
LO: I don't know...after their win over Zombie Vice Squad, I'm thinking they might have the momentum needed to go all the way.
KO: You know whose going all the way, Laur? Chris Callum! All the way to an Apex Title shot against Cosmo Cooper!
LO: You're right, but before he can get there, he has unfinished business with Brodie.
KO: Not according to Callum. He basically said this week that this is only a grudge match cooked up in her head because of the events a few weeks ago. His focus is on the Apex, and if he has to beat the snot out of Brodie to get there, then so be it.
LO: I'm here to tell you that Brodie is not a woman to be trifled with. She's one of the hardest hitting most dangerous competitors in our business, and they don't call her The Submission Machine for nothing.
KO: Hey, I'm not doubting Brodie's credentials. I'm just saying, she's one shy of a full six pack, and Callum is a thinking man's wrestler.
LO: Do you really believe he's going to keep his goon squad out of this?
KO: Sure. He wants to prove that he's the real deal, and he is going to show everyone tonight why he doesn't need them.
LO: If you say so. Moving on, we have a really interesting Unleashed Championship match scheduled here tonight.
KO: Yeah, it pits Zombie versus Zombie. Hrm, I wonder if they ever confuse people when they order takeout or try and book flights?
LO: They have first names, Ken.
KO: Oh yeah! So Kowloon Zombie earned this opportunity during the Rite of Kings Battle Royal, and that very same night Aokigahara Zombie became the Unleashed Champion.
LO: Now these two will go head to head in a Lumberjack Match where the lumberjacks are the rest of The Zombie Clan!
KO: Talk about a family feud. Feud. See, there's your segue...
LO: Gee, thanks! Katya Djurdjevic, right off the heels of one of her most crushing defeats at the hand of Danny Rizzo last week, will be taking on Alexis Terry, one of Chris Callum's cast offs coming into to try and unsettle Cosmo Cooper.
KO: Djurdjevic has helped Cooper out of some tough spots in the past, and you have to wonder...now that Riley Savell has applied for a managers license here in VPW, how she feels about Katya sniffing so much around her man?
LO: I'm pretty sure whatever Cosmo and Katya have going on is a mark of respect. Stop trying to turn everything dirty, Ken.
KO: But I'm so good at it....
LO: I'm more interested to find out if Alexis Terry will fare any better against Djurdjevic after taking it to the Apex Champion last show. Certainly Aspen Chaud hopes so.
KO: Do you think a win here could get the band back together. Maybe Callum will have a change of heart.
LO: I don't know, but I can tell you this...I think we should find out, cause Valor Fans...that match is up next!
LAURENCE OTHELLO: Welcome everyone to another night of Valor Pro Wrestling! Welcome everyone to BLITZ!
KENNETH OTHELLO: I am Kenneth Othello, and my intro man here is Laurence Othello, and together we are...
TOGETHER: THE OTHELLO BROTHERS!
LO: We come to you tonight from Telcuahano, Chile and these Chilean fans have been ready ever since seeing the top notch action last night on Flipping The Script!
KO: No doubt! The French Mime Assassins laid out Berlin Anderson, and Black Blackman is going to star in a new blockbuster movie!
LO: Allegedly..
KO: That damn Francis can't seem to keep his camp in order any longer. I mean....what is with that guy?
LO: I don't know...Can you imagine if anyone ever gave him something important to run?
KO: I shudder at the thought. But anyways, we also saw our first real look at Moxie James, who wowed the fans with some aerial tricks that were enough to put Maurice Yensman away.
LO: I think it goes without saying that was a pretty hard fought battle. Yensman doesn't have anything to be ashamed of, other than his entire nature and being.
KO: I don't know...I think he's kind of growing on me.
LO: Of course he is. We also saw a pretty good match up between Rex Rumble and David Scott, the latter of which came out victorious with a vicious piledriver.
KO: I'm glad those are making a comeback.
LO: And of course...our Main Event ended up being a fantastic bout between Indi Rhyder and Danny Rizzo!
KO: Yeah, and not to worry fans, The Risen is STILL the UnYielding Champ!
LO: I don't think they were worried about it, Ken.
KO: Never can tell. Either way, Danny has established himself as the pecking order for that title, doing only what Cosmo Cooper has done with the Apex.
LO: Speaking of Cooper, he'll be on Where There's Stokes, There's Fire to discuss the Chris Callum situation, and also Vanessa Byrne will be joining him to make a big announcement about their upcoming match!
KO: That should be good, if Stokes doesn't forget which country we're in again.
LO: In our Main Event tonight, we have Chimera Tag Team Champions, Rekota, putting their titles on the line against NSFW, and remember...if Rekota loses tonight, Dakota Jennings will be fired!
KO: Ugh! Don't remind me. Either way, it ain't going to happen. The Fox and The Firecracker are going to put those two NSFW fools on blast.
LO: I don't know...after their win over Zombie Vice Squad, I'm thinking they might have the momentum needed to go all the way.
KO: You know whose going all the way, Laur? Chris Callum! All the way to an Apex Title shot against Cosmo Cooper!
LO: You're right, but before he can get there, he has unfinished business with Brodie.
KO: Not according to Callum. He basically said this week that this is only a grudge match cooked up in her head because of the events a few weeks ago. His focus is on the Apex, and if he has to beat the snot out of Brodie to get there, then so be it.
LO: I'm here to tell you that Brodie is not a woman to be trifled with. She's one of the hardest hitting most dangerous competitors in our business, and they don't call her The Submission Machine for nothing.
KO: Hey, I'm not doubting Brodie's credentials. I'm just saying, she's one shy of a full six pack, and Callum is a thinking man's wrestler.
LO: Do you really believe he's going to keep his goon squad out of this?
KO: Sure. He wants to prove that he's the real deal, and he is going to show everyone tonight why he doesn't need them.
LO: If you say so. Moving on, we have a really interesting Unleashed Championship match scheduled here tonight.
KO: Yeah, it pits Zombie versus Zombie. Hrm, I wonder if they ever confuse people when they order takeout or try and book flights?
LO: They have first names, Ken.
KO: Oh yeah! So Kowloon Zombie earned this opportunity during the Rite of Kings Battle Royal, and that very same night Aokigahara Zombie became the Unleashed Champion.
LO: Now these two will go head to head in a Lumberjack Match where the lumberjacks are the rest of The Zombie Clan!
KO: Talk about a family feud. Feud. See, there's your segue...
LO: Gee, thanks! Katya Djurdjevic, right off the heels of one of her most crushing defeats at the hand of Danny Rizzo last week, will be taking on Alexis Terry, one of Chris Callum's cast offs coming into to try and unsettle Cosmo Cooper.
KO: Djurdjevic has helped Cooper out of some tough spots in the past, and you have to wonder...now that Riley Savell has applied for a managers license here in VPW, how she feels about Katya sniffing so much around her man?
LO: I'm pretty sure whatever Cosmo and Katya have going on is a mark of respect. Stop trying to turn everything dirty, Ken.
KO: But I'm so good at it....
LO: I'm more interested to find out if Alexis Terry will fare any better against Djurdjevic after taking it to the Apex Champion last show. Certainly Aspen Chaud hopes so.
KO: Do you think a win here could get the band back together. Maybe Callum will have a change of heart.
LO: I don't know, but I can tell you this...I think we should find out, cause Valor Fans...that match is up next!
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
OPENING BOUT
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission....
Purple lights begin to flash on the stage as 'Kiss My Lips' by DEV ft. Fabolous starts over the PA system. When the lights converge on the center stage Alexis Terry is already there, her head tilted upward in a regal manner and a confident expression on her face. Aspen Chaud steps out beside Alexis, and the two share a knowing glance while the fans boo loudly. Alexis shakes her head to drive the noise out of her mind, and the duo start a power walk down to the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Aspen Chaud...standing at five foot five and weighting in at 118 pounds, hailing from Newcastle, England.....She is ENGLAND'S MOST GLAMOROUS EXPORT.....ALEXIS TERRRRYYY!!!
Terry pauses to throw her hand up at jeering crowd, rolling her eyes before climbing the steps to slip between the ropes into the ring. While Chaud takes up a spot on the other side of the ring, Alexis throws both hands out at her side as if putting herself on display, talking smack all the way as the boos continue to pour in. She laughs mockingly at the crowd, stepping over to the far corner and leaning against the ropes to chat with her companion.
LO: Alexis Terry is out here with Aspen Chaud, but once again no Chris Callum, and this time no Zack Burton either. Trouble in paradise?
KO: Stop throwing shade, Laur. Chris Callum has his hands full with Brodie tonight, not to mention probably plotting against Cooper. You can't expect him to take notice of everything his subordinates are doing. That's what he has Aspen Chaud for!
LO: I don't think Alexis would appreciate being called a Callum subordinate, and I'm not so sure that it isn't Aspen whose the glue that's holding this fragile alliance together.
KO: Whatever. If you are going to second guess The Eternal, you can do it without my commentary.
LO: You're shutting up? YOU PROMISE?!?
Before Kenneth Othello can respond the lights dim and purple bulbs flash as "Warriors" by Papa Roach hit's over the PA System. The lights converge on the center of the stage and standing there is Katya Djurdjevic with one hand pointing to the sky. The crowd goes absolutely nuts as she makes her way down the ramp, slapping hands, and pausing for photo-ops. She only manages to get halfway towards the ring before the announcer decides to go ahead with the particulars.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing her opponent, standing at five foot nine and weighing in at 126 pounds, hailing from Moscow, Russia...She is The Straight Line Demon.....KATYA DURDJEVICCCC!!!!
Katya finally reaches ringside and leaps onto the apron, vaulting herself over the top rope. She quickly steps up to the second turnbuckle of the closest turnbuckle, and again points heavenward while nodding along with her music. Alexis Terry watches her, obviously unimpressed, as she buffs her nails on her outfit and checks them to make sure they are shining.
LO: Alexis Terry doesn't appear to be taking Katya Djurdjevic very seriously, and I would view that as a mistake considering everything we've seen out of the Straight Line Demon!
KO: Oh, don't you worry, when that bell sounds Terry will be all business. I guarantee it.
LO: Be that as it may, we saw Katya eject Alexis from the ring during last show's Main Event, coming down for a much needed save for Cosmo Cooper.
KO: Yeah, sticking her nose in business where it doesn't belong, sort of like Alexis for trying to get that match in the first place.
LO: That's what Callum alluded to anyways. I would have thought he would be glad that the person he brought in essentially as a 'Hit Man' on Cooper would soften The Apex up before their eventual confrontation.
KO: Maybe that's cause you don't understand, Laur. Callum doesn't want Cooper softened up. He wants to get in his head, sure, but he knows that he can beat him when the time comes straight up.
LO: That remains to be seen as the ref just called for the bell, and this match is now underway!
Aspen Chaud slams both of her balled fists onto the mat which catches The Straight Line Demon’s attention for a split second. This allows Terry to come in with a sharp right jab! The shot rocks the rookie sensation and she stumbles back into the ropes. Alexis takes off at her full speed ahead amongst boos throughout but, Djurdjevic ducks the clothesline attempt while simultaneously using both hands to pull the top rope down with her own weight! Alexis falls out of the ring unable to stop. She bounces off the apron and ends up at Aspen’s feet on the outside. The crowd pops for Katya leading her to back up into the center of the ring to call for Terry to “bring it”.
LO: Alexis uses a distraction by Chaud from the opening bell only to have it backfire almost immediately.
KO: Terry remains on the outside of the ring discussing strategy with Aspen while the referee’s count reaches three.
Djurdjevic tires of waiting for Terry and quickly slides out of the ring which prompts Alexis to slide back in to mock the rookie. Katya slides back into the ring quickly while Terry attempts a superkick after Djurdjevic gets back to her feet! Miss! Katya ducks the attempt then counters by wrapping both arms around Alexis as she spins around for an atomic drop! Djurdjevic whips herself into the ropes across the ring from the stunned Alexis looking for a running hurricanrana but as soon as she bounces off the ropes her feet are pulled from beneath her!
LO: Aspen Chaud!
KO: She literally pulled Katya’s feet from underneath her! The referee was out of position so she will also get away with it.
Chaud’s unexpected trip causes Djurdjevic to fall face first onto the mat in violent fashion. She reveals a puffy right eye that appears to start to blacken already as she rises up off the mat. Katya gets up off the mat only to be caught from behind by England’s Most Glamorous Export in a chin lock! Djurdjevic’s eyes widen as Terry twists her head with a sinister grin across her face that sours the crowd. Katya is in the center of the ring but begins to scoot right using her heavier frame to move both women closer to the ropes. Alexis attempts to halt this by twisting The Straight Line Demon’s head with even more torque.
KO: Djurdjevic is in real trouble! She needs a rope break and she needs it now.
LO: Who’s to say that Terry won’t try to twist Katya’s head completely off if given the opportunity?
KO: Brutal. She wants to win here tonight after the loss last week. Alexis came here tonight to hurt Djurdjevic.
The crowd waits in true anticipation as Katya slowly creeps closer to the ropes. She lunges at last for the bottom rope and ends up with a handful of freedom. The referee comes in to break the hold leading Alexis to continue to twist the head of her foe to work the neck and spine beyond limits it has evolved to bend. The referee begins his count but Terry refuses to listen until a count of four! The referee warns her up and down but she appears to have no interest.
LO: Terry continues to hug the fringe of what constitutes disqualification and what does not.
KO: The referee’s stern warning allowed Djurdjevic to get to both feet.
Djurdjevic and Alexis both run at each other full speed ahead from across the ring with Katya nailing the charging Terry with a Lou Thesz press that ends up on the mat with mounted punches! The Straight Line Demon uses her fists to paint a picture of pain across the face of Alexis Terry! Djurdjevic rolls to her feet. England’s Most Glamorous Export stumbles to one knee briefly before Kayta strikes out with forearm strikes! One after another until Djurdjevic takes hold of Terry’s right arm to pull her in for a discus clothesline! The crowd pops for Katya, who rushes over to the ropes! She scales the turnbuckles to end up perched on the top facing back out at Terry, who remains in a daze of sorts. Djurdjevic wants to hit a springboard clothesline but just as she leaps off, someone tugs at her left ankle causing a crash landing on the unforgiving canvas! The referee was checking on a groaning Alexis and missed Aspen’s deceit!
KO: Aspen Chaud continues to be a thorn in the side of The Straight Line Demon in this one!
Djurdjevic hits the mat face first which leads to Terry to stumble alongside her. She reaches down to roll over her heavier opponent to hook a leg!
1…
2…
LO: Kick out by Djurdjevic! She stays alive in this one!
KO: Aspen Chaud can’t believe it on the outside but Katya is already back on her feet!
Both women reach their feet at the same time which shocks both Alexis and Aspen. Terry takes off at Djurdjevic for a wicked lariat! She follows up quickly by cradling up the head of The Straight Line Demon for a snap DDT! Alexis bounces back up to her feet and makes a mad dash for the closest corner. She glides through the ropes and ends up out on the apron. Terry climbs the turnbuckles from the apron by one of her boot strings gets caught in the bottom turnbuckle which hinders her ability to climb on up to the top. She pulls at her right foot, desperately trying to free the string which prompts Aspen to come over to help from the outside. All the while, Katya reaches her feet and immediately takes off at Chaud, who stands on the outside floor while reaching up to help free Alexis’s boot lace. Aspen gets blasted in the face by both heels of the sliding Djurdjevic! The violent drop kick sends Chaud to the outside floor in spectacular fashion. Katya never stops moving and gets to both feet on the apron after rolling under the bottom rope. Djurdjevic gets on the second turnbuckle directly behind Terry, who freezes. Flashes throughout capture the german suplex from the second turnbuckle forever! Both women hit the apron in a thud that can be heard in the seventh row! Katya and Alexis end up on the on the outside floor after slamming off the apron! The crowd explodes with cheers while all three women are now down on the outside of the ring.
KO: DID YOU SEE THAT! Djurdjevic calls that the Dreadbringer and now we all know why!
LO: Amazing maneuver but it hurt Katya as well. She landed on her spine that Alexis has already softened up prior.
KO: Djurdjevic stirs first! The referee’s count has reached four!
LO: FIVE! Six…
KO: This will end with a double disqualification if someone does not break the count!
LO: SEVEN! Eight…
Djurdjevic stumbles to her feet and quickly cradles up her opponent, Alexis Terry! She stumbles toward the ring while still holding onto Terry as the referee’s count reaches nine. Katya quickly rolls her into the ring a second before the ref can make a count of ten. She follows in behind as the count is broken. Alexis ends up on her belly but Djurdjevic quickly rolls her over to make a cover!
1…
2…
KO: KICK OUT BY Alexis! So close. I thought the rookie had her there.
LO: These two women continue to fight on with neither giving an inch. Aspen continues to struggle on the outside after the drop kick from The Straight Line Demon while England’s Most Glamorous Export continues to outfox the former Buffalo Blizzards superstar!
The right eye of Katya Djurdjevic is now obviously black and swollen now. She gets back to her feet quickly to face down Alexis Terry. Katya rushes at her but Terry counters with a roaring elbow! The violent shot rocks Djurdjevic briefly allowing Terry to cradle her up, looking for a piledriver! Alexis piledrives Katya’s head into the mat to further put the hurt on Djurdjevic’s neck and spine! Terry wants to pin but decides against it fairly quickly. She wants to end this one, right now. England’s Most Glamorous Export quickly rushes over to the ropes with moonsault on the brain. Katya continues to lie on the mat on her back. She holds her neck but does not move otherwise. Aspen mocks the crowd from the outside while Alexis gets to the top rope. She taunts the crowd as well before leaping off aiming for The Straight Line Demon! The moonsault is picture perfect other than Djurdjevic rolling out of the way at the last possible moment leading Alexis to crash and burn on the canvas! Katya rolls completely out of the ring to catch her bearings while Terry rolls around the ring holding her midriff.
KO: Alexis wanted to end this one early but fails in epic fashion.
LO: Djurdjevic continues to be a step ahead in this one but the outside interference continues to halt any momentum she’s able to build.
Aspen Chaud approaches Katya as the rookie reaches both feet on the outside. The referee is checking on Alexis inside the ring while Aspen and Katya begin conversing with harsh words. Terry manages to get to her feet to notice the two arguing on the outside. Terry stumbles back into the ropes to slingshot herself across the ring full speed ahead! She dives between the top and middle ropes just as Aspen takes an unexpected step in front of Djurdjevic, who can see the charging Alexis! Katya ducks out of the way but it’s too late for Chaud, who gets nailed from behind from her flying friend! The two women bounce into the security barrier with real force! The impact nearly knocks Aspen senseless and leaves Alexis slumped up against the barrier in a daze. The crowd gets worked up a bit by the Straight Line Demon before she pulls Terry up to both feet before irish whipping her back into the ring!
KO: These two have fought one hell of a battle! Blitz Nineteen has lived up to expectations in this commentators honest opinion.
LO: Both women want to win but Aspen Chaud is still down leaving this one even now.
Alexis ends up on her back looking up at the bright lights as her opponent gets back to her feet above Terry, who reaches over to roll up Djurdjevic into a pin out of nowhere!
1…
2…
KO: KICK OUT by Djurdjevic at two! These pin attempts are getting closer and closer with each one. A nearfall out of nowhere for England’s Most Glamorous Export!
LO: It was close but now both women are back to their feet! What a match!
Terry comes flying in with a wild elbow that Katya ducks then counters with a right hook of her own! The shot sends Alexis to one knee which allows Djurdjevic to scoop Alexis up into a powerslam! The crowd pops as she hurries over to the closest corner. Katya climbs up onto the second turnbuckle then extends both arms out from her body to perform a moonsault! She hooks a leg!
1…
The referee stops his count when he notices Aspen Chaud on the apron about to come through the ropes. This completely frustrates The Straight Line Demon drops the leg of her opponent and gets up quickly to face Aspen at the ropes. The referee continues to warn Chaud while behind all of them, Alexis Terry slips up behind Djurdjevic! She rolls her up from behind out of nowhere! The pin catches the rookie completely off guard!
1…
Kick out! Katya quickly kicks out then rolls to her feet as does Alexis Terry! Both women come flying in looking for a clothesline!
KO: Double Clothesline! Both women are now down!
LO: As is, Aspen Chaud. The referee comes in to begin his count.
The two women both lie on their backs clutching at their throats. The crowd let out a collective groan on impact due to the violent nature of the double clothesline. The referee continues his count while both women continue to writhe in real pain on the canvas. The neck of The Straight Line Demon has already been damaged from the opening bell but she is the first to stir. The crowd pops!
LO: The referee’s has reached a count of six.
KO: Seven! Will they make it to their feet this time!? They have been through hell here tonight already.
Alexis rolls over onto her belly to begin to push herself up. Djurdjevic slowly does the same and they both slowly begin to push themselves up off the mat in pure desperation now.
LO: Nine. The referee continues to count… Will they…
Both women hit their feet before the count of ten can be made then charge at one another! The women begin throwing punches almost immediately upon reaching each other. The crowd explodes in chants for the fan favorite, Djurdjevic. Unfortunately for her it isn't she who comes out the better in the contest, being rocked back further and further with each shot towards the nearest corner. With her back pressed against the turnbuckles, Alexis Terry presses her advantage, driving in a back elbow that sends Katya slumping down. With that she takes a few steps back to the center of the ring, measures her opponent, and then rushes forward only to catch a back elbow that drops her down to the canvas. Terry scrambles to try and get up to her feet, and in doing so allows Katya to hook her from behind and push her forward before bringing her heaving backwards in a nasty German Suplex.
LO: Alexis Terry folded up like an accordion, and now Katya Djurdjevic is feeding off this crowd to head towards the top...
KO: Aspen Chaud circling around, screaming for Alexis to get to her feet as Katya gets perched on the turnbuckles facing away from the ring....
LO: AND THERE SHE GOES! THUNDERING SKIES!
KO: Aspen back up on the ring apron, and KATYA JUST DOVE AT THE WOMAN AND SHE LEAPS TO AVOID THE COLLISION!
LO: Katya rushing back over to Alexis and slides in to hook the leg for a pin...
1...
2...
3!!!
Katya quickly scoots out of the ring as Aspen enters, livid at the turn of events as she stalks the ring and curses at the gods. Katya watches warily as the referee joins her outside and lifts her arm in victory while Alexis pushes up to a seated position, still clutching at her midsection.
Ring Announcer: And the winner of this contest via pinfall, KATYA DJURDJEVIC!
LO: Djurdjevic standing tall once again, proving that her defeat last Blitz at the hands of Danny Rizzo hasn't taken any of her resolve at all. Matter of fact, I think it may have reinforced it.
KO: Yeah, and meanwhile Terry has lost again, leaving us all to wonder what Chris Callum must be thinking in the back...
LO: I don't know, Ken. I don't think Callum cares. He's said as much earlier this week in his comments to Brodie. He is 100% focused on the Apex Champion.
KO: Regardless, Djurdjevic has put herself back on the right track by not taking her eyes off the bigger picture, a feat that belies her understanding of the business...
Katya backs up the ramp as the fans cheer her, Aspen & Alexis shooting daggers as they watch her go. She pauses at the top of the ramp and gives the crowd a genuine smile and a wave before the scene cuts to commercial.
Purple lights begin to flash on the stage as 'Kiss My Lips' by DEV ft. Fabolous starts over the PA system. When the lights converge on the center stage Alexis Terry is already there, her head tilted upward in a regal manner and a confident expression on her face. Aspen Chaud steps out beside Alexis, and the two share a knowing glance while the fans boo loudly. Alexis shakes her head to drive the noise out of her mind, and the duo start a power walk down to the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Aspen Chaud...standing at five foot five and weighting in at 118 pounds, hailing from Newcastle, England.....She is ENGLAND'S MOST GLAMOROUS EXPORT.....ALEXIS TERRRRYYY!!!
Terry pauses to throw her hand up at jeering crowd, rolling her eyes before climbing the steps to slip between the ropes into the ring. While Chaud takes up a spot on the other side of the ring, Alexis throws both hands out at her side as if putting herself on display, talking smack all the way as the boos continue to pour in. She laughs mockingly at the crowd, stepping over to the far corner and leaning against the ropes to chat with her companion.
LO: Alexis Terry is out here with Aspen Chaud, but once again no Chris Callum, and this time no Zack Burton either. Trouble in paradise?
KO: Stop throwing shade, Laur. Chris Callum has his hands full with Brodie tonight, not to mention probably plotting against Cooper. You can't expect him to take notice of everything his subordinates are doing. That's what he has Aspen Chaud for!
LO: I don't think Alexis would appreciate being called a Callum subordinate, and I'm not so sure that it isn't Aspen whose the glue that's holding this fragile alliance together.
KO: Whatever. If you are going to second guess The Eternal, you can do it without my commentary.
LO: You're shutting up? YOU PROMISE?!?
Before Kenneth Othello can respond the lights dim and purple bulbs flash as "Warriors" by Papa Roach hit's over the PA System. The lights converge on the center of the stage and standing there is Katya Djurdjevic with one hand pointing to the sky. The crowd goes absolutely nuts as she makes her way down the ramp, slapping hands, and pausing for photo-ops. She only manages to get halfway towards the ring before the announcer decides to go ahead with the particulars.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing her opponent, standing at five foot nine and weighing in at 126 pounds, hailing from Moscow, Russia...She is The Straight Line Demon.....KATYA DURDJEVICCCC!!!!
Katya finally reaches ringside and leaps onto the apron, vaulting herself over the top rope. She quickly steps up to the second turnbuckle of the closest turnbuckle, and again points heavenward while nodding along with her music. Alexis Terry watches her, obviously unimpressed, as she buffs her nails on her outfit and checks them to make sure they are shining.
LO: Alexis Terry doesn't appear to be taking Katya Djurdjevic very seriously, and I would view that as a mistake considering everything we've seen out of the Straight Line Demon!
KO: Oh, don't you worry, when that bell sounds Terry will be all business. I guarantee it.
LO: Be that as it may, we saw Katya eject Alexis from the ring during last show's Main Event, coming down for a much needed save for Cosmo Cooper.
KO: Yeah, sticking her nose in business where it doesn't belong, sort of like Alexis for trying to get that match in the first place.
LO: That's what Callum alluded to anyways. I would have thought he would be glad that the person he brought in essentially as a 'Hit Man' on Cooper would soften The Apex up before their eventual confrontation.
KO: Maybe that's cause you don't understand, Laur. Callum doesn't want Cooper softened up. He wants to get in his head, sure, but he knows that he can beat him when the time comes straight up.
LO: That remains to be seen as the ref just called for the bell, and this match is now underway!
Aspen Chaud slams both of her balled fists onto the mat which catches The Straight Line Demon’s attention for a split second. This allows Terry to come in with a sharp right jab! The shot rocks the rookie sensation and she stumbles back into the ropes. Alexis takes off at her full speed ahead amongst boos throughout but, Djurdjevic ducks the clothesline attempt while simultaneously using both hands to pull the top rope down with her own weight! Alexis falls out of the ring unable to stop. She bounces off the apron and ends up at Aspen’s feet on the outside. The crowd pops for Katya leading her to back up into the center of the ring to call for Terry to “bring it”.
LO: Alexis uses a distraction by Chaud from the opening bell only to have it backfire almost immediately.
KO: Terry remains on the outside of the ring discussing strategy with Aspen while the referee’s count reaches three.
Djurdjevic tires of waiting for Terry and quickly slides out of the ring which prompts Alexis to slide back in to mock the rookie. Katya slides back into the ring quickly while Terry attempts a superkick after Djurdjevic gets back to her feet! Miss! Katya ducks the attempt then counters by wrapping both arms around Alexis as she spins around for an atomic drop! Djurdjevic whips herself into the ropes across the ring from the stunned Alexis looking for a running hurricanrana but as soon as she bounces off the ropes her feet are pulled from beneath her!
LO: Aspen Chaud!
KO: She literally pulled Katya’s feet from underneath her! The referee was out of position so she will also get away with it.
Chaud’s unexpected trip causes Djurdjevic to fall face first onto the mat in violent fashion. She reveals a puffy right eye that appears to start to blacken already as she rises up off the mat. Katya gets up off the mat only to be caught from behind by England’s Most Glamorous Export in a chin lock! Djurdjevic’s eyes widen as Terry twists her head with a sinister grin across her face that sours the crowd. Katya is in the center of the ring but begins to scoot right using her heavier frame to move both women closer to the ropes. Alexis attempts to halt this by twisting The Straight Line Demon’s head with even more torque.
KO: Djurdjevic is in real trouble! She needs a rope break and she needs it now.
LO: Who’s to say that Terry won’t try to twist Katya’s head completely off if given the opportunity?
KO: Brutal. She wants to win here tonight after the loss last week. Alexis came here tonight to hurt Djurdjevic.
The crowd waits in true anticipation as Katya slowly creeps closer to the ropes. She lunges at last for the bottom rope and ends up with a handful of freedom. The referee comes in to break the hold leading Alexis to continue to twist the head of her foe to work the neck and spine beyond limits it has evolved to bend. The referee begins his count but Terry refuses to listen until a count of four! The referee warns her up and down but she appears to have no interest.
LO: Terry continues to hug the fringe of what constitutes disqualification and what does not.
KO: The referee’s stern warning allowed Djurdjevic to get to both feet.
Djurdjevic and Alexis both run at each other full speed ahead from across the ring with Katya nailing the charging Terry with a Lou Thesz press that ends up on the mat with mounted punches! The Straight Line Demon uses her fists to paint a picture of pain across the face of Alexis Terry! Djurdjevic rolls to her feet. England’s Most Glamorous Export stumbles to one knee briefly before Kayta strikes out with forearm strikes! One after another until Djurdjevic takes hold of Terry’s right arm to pull her in for a discus clothesline! The crowd pops for Katya, who rushes over to the ropes! She scales the turnbuckles to end up perched on the top facing back out at Terry, who remains in a daze of sorts. Djurdjevic wants to hit a springboard clothesline but just as she leaps off, someone tugs at her left ankle causing a crash landing on the unforgiving canvas! The referee was checking on a groaning Alexis and missed Aspen’s deceit!
KO: Aspen Chaud continues to be a thorn in the side of The Straight Line Demon in this one!
Djurdjevic hits the mat face first which leads to Terry to stumble alongside her. She reaches down to roll over her heavier opponent to hook a leg!
1…
2…
LO: Kick out by Djurdjevic! She stays alive in this one!
KO: Aspen Chaud can’t believe it on the outside but Katya is already back on her feet!
Both women reach their feet at the same time which shocks both Alexis and Aspen. Terry takes off at Djurdjevic for a wicked lariat! She follows up quickly by cradling up the head of The Straight Line Demon for a snap DDT! Alexis bounces back up to her feet and makes a mad dash for the closest corner. She glides through the ropes and ends up out on the apron. Terry climbs the turnbuckles from the apron by one of her boot strings gets caught in the bottom turnbuckle which hinders her ability to climb on up to the top. She pulls at her right foot, desperately trying to free the string which prompts Aspen to come over to help from the outside. All the while, Katya reaches her feet and immediately takes off at Chaud, who stands on the outside floor while reaching up to help free Alexis’s boot lace. Aspen gets blasted in the face by both heels of the sliding Djurdjevic! The violent drop kick sends Chaud to the outside floor in spectacular fashion. Katya never stops moving and gets to both feet on the apron after rolling under the bottom rope. Djurdjevic gets on the second turnbuckle directly behind Terry, who freezes. Flashes throughout capture the german suplex from the second turnbuckle forever! Both women hit the apron in a thud that can be heard in the seventh row! Katya and Alexis end up on the on the outside floor after slamming off the apron! The crowd explodes with cheers while all three women are now down on the outside of the ring.
KO: DID YOU SEE THAT! Djurdjevic calls that the Dreadbringer and now we all know why!
LO: Amazing maneuver but it hurt Katya as well. She landed on her spine that Alexis has already softened up prior.
KO: Djurdjevic stirs first! The referee’s count has reached four!
LO: FIVE! Six…
KO: This will end with a double disqualification if someone does not break the count!
LO: SEVEN! Eight…
Djurdjevic stumbles to her feet and quickly cradles up her opponent, Alexis Terry! She stumbles toward the ring while still holding onto Terry as the referee’s count reaches nine. Katya quickly rolls her into the ring a second before the ref can make a count of ten. She follows in behind as the count is broken. Alexis ends up on her belly but Djurdjevic quickly rolls her over to make a cover!
1…
2…
KO: KICK OUT BY Alexis! So close. I thought the rookie had her there.
LO: These two women continue to fight on with neither giving an inch. Aspen continues to struggle on the outside after the drop kick from The Straight Line Demon while England’s Most Glamorous Export continues to outfox the former Buffalo Blizzards superstar!
The right eye of Katya Djurdjevic is now obviously black and swollen now. She gets back to her feet quickly to face down Alexis Terry. Katya rushes at her but Terry counters with a roaring elbow! The violent shot rocks Djurdjevic briefly allowing Terry to cradle her up, looking for a piledriver! Alexis piledrives Katya’s head into the mat to further put the hurt on Djurdjevic’s neck and spine! Terry wants to pin but decides against it fairly quickly. She wants to end this one, right now. England’s Most Glamorous Export quickly rushes over to the ropes with moonsault on the brain. Katya continues to lie on the mat on her back. She holds her neck but does not move otherwise. Aspen mocks the crowd from the outside while Alexis gets to the top rope. She taunts the crowd as well before leaping off aiming for The Straight Line Demon! The moonsault is picture perfect other than Djurdjevic rolling out of the way at the last possible moment leading Alexis to crash and burn on the canvas! Katya rolls completely out of the ring to catch her bearings while Terry rolls around the ring holding her midriff.
KO: Alexis wanted to end this one early but fails in epic fashion.
LO: Djurdjevic continues to be a step ahead in this one but the outside interference continues to halt any momentum she’s able to build.
Aspen Chaud approaches Katya as the rookie reaches both feet on the outside. The referee is checking on Alexis inside the ring while Aspen and Katya begin conversing with harsh words. Terry manages to get to her feet to notice the two arguing on the outside. Terry stumbles back into the ropes to slingshot herself across the ring full speed ahead! She dives between the top and middle ropes just as Aspen takes an unexpected step in front of Djurdjevic, who can see the charging Alexis! Katya ducks out of the way but it’s too late for Chaud, who gets nailed from behind from her flying friend! The two women bounce into the security barrier with real force! The impact nearly knocks Aspen senseless and leaves Alexis slumped up against the barrier in a daze. The crowd gets worked up a bit by the Straight Line Demon before she pulls Terry up to both feet before irish whipping her back into the ring!
KO: These two have fought one hell of a battle! Blitz Nineteen has lived up to expectations in this commentators honest opinion.
LO: Both women want to win but Aspen Chaud is still down leaving this one even now.
Alexis ends up on her back looking up at the bright lights as her opponent gets back to her feet above Terry, who reaches over to roll up Djurdjevic into a pin out of nowhere!
1…
2…
KO: KICK OUT by Djurdjevic at two! These pin attempts are getting closer and closer with each one. A nearfall out of nowhere for England’s Most Glamorous Export!
LO: It was close but now both women are back to their feet! What a match!
Terry comes flying in with a wild elbow that Katya ducks then counters with a right hook of her own! The shot sends Alexis to one knee which allows Djurdjevic to scoop Alexis up into a powerslam! The crowd pops as she hurries over to the closest corner. Katya climbs up onto the second turnbuckle then extends both arms out from her body to perform a moonsault! She hooks a leg!
1…
The referee stops his count when he notices Aspen Chaud on the apron about to come through the ropes. This completely frustrates The Straight Line Demon drops the leg of her opponent and gets up quickly to face Aspen at the ropes. The referee continues to warn Chaud while behind all of them, Alexis Terry slips up behind Djurdjevic! She rolls her up from behind out of nowhere! The pin catches the rookie completely off guard!
1…
Kick out! Katya quickly kicks out then rolls to her feet as does Alexis Terry! Both women come flying in looking for a clothesline!
KO: Double Clothesline! Both women are now down!
LO: As is, Aspen Chaud. The referee comes in to begin his count.
The two women both lie on their backs clutching at their throats. The crowd let out a collective groan on impact due to the violent nature of the double clothesline. The referee continues his count while both women continue to writhe in real pain on the canvas. The neck of The Straight Line Demon has already been damaged from the opening bell but she is the first to stir. The crowd pops!
LO: The referee’s has reached a count of six.
KO: Seven! Will they make it to their feet this time!? They have been through hell here tonight already.
Alexis rolls over onto her belly to begin to push herself up. Djurdjevic slowly does the same and they both slowly begin to push themselves up off the mat in pure desperation now.
LO: Nine. The referee continues to count… Will they…
Both women hit their feet before the count of ten can be made then charge at one another! The women begin throwing punches almost immediately upon reaching each other. The crowd explodes in chants for the fan favorite, Djurdjevic. Unfortunately for her it isn't she who comes out the better in the contest, being rocked back further and further with each shot towards the nearest corner. With her back pressed against the turnbuckles, Alexis Terry presses her advantage, driving in a back elbow that sends Katya slumping down. With that she takes a few steps back to the center of the ring, measures her opponent, and then rushes forward only to catch a back elbow that drops her down to the canvas. Terry scrambles to try and get up to her feet, and in doing so allows Katya to hook her from behind and push her forward before bringing her heaving backwards in a nasty German Suplex.
LO: Alexis Terry folded up like an accordion, and now Katya Djurdjevic is feeding off this crowd to head towards the top...
KO: Aspen Chaud circling around, screaming for Alexis to get to her feet as Katya gets perched on the turnbuckles facing away from the ring....
LO: AND THERE SHE GOES! THUNDERING SKIES!
KO: Aspen back up on the ring apron, and KATYA JUST DOVE AT THE WOMAN AND SHE LEAPS TO AVOID THE COLLISION!
LO: Katya rushing back over to Alexis and slides in to hook the leg for a pin...
1...
2...
3!!!
Katya quickly scoots out of the ring as Aspen enters, livid at the turn of events as she stalks the ring and curses at the gods. Katya watches warily as the referee joins her outside and lifts her arm in victory while Alexis pushes up to a seated position, still clutching at her midsection.
Ring Announcer: And the winner of this contest via pinfall, KATYA DJURDJEVIC!
LO: Djurdjevic standing tall once again, proving that her defeat last Blitz at the hands of Danny Rizzo hasn't taken any of her resolve at all. Matter of fact, I think it may have reinforced it.
KO: Yeah, and meanwhile Terry has lost again, leaving us all to wonder what Chris Callum must be thinking in the back...
LO: I don't know, Ken. I don't think Callum cares. He's said as much earlier this week in his comments to Brodie. He is 100% focused on the Apex Champion.
KO: Regardless, Djurdjevic has put herself back on the right track by not taking her eyes off the bigger picture, a feat that belies her understanding of the business...
Katya backs up the ramp as the fans cheer her, Aspen & Alexis shooting daggers as they watch her go. She pauses at the top of the ramp and gives the crowd a genuine smile and a wave before the scene cuts to commercial.
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RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is set for one fall or submission, and is a Handicap Match for THE UNLEASHED CHAMPIONSHIP!
Aokigahara Zombie walks out with a rolling suitcase followed by Fukushima. He is clearly bandaged up in some parts of the body but is otherwise not worse for wear.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by Fukushima Zombie, standing at five foot ten and weighting in at 230 pounds, he hails from Yamanashi, Japan and is the current UNLEASHED CHAMPION...AOKIGAHARA ZOMBBBIIIEEE!!
He seems to be in his element here. Aokigahara goes in and takes out various weapons and toys from his bag and from under the ring to sprawl them out in the ring. Fukushima waits outside and looks to the entrance for Kowloon and Siberia.
LO: No flashy entrances, no real fanfare. Aokigahara looks like he's all business here.
KO: Yeah, maybe it's a Zombie thing. When they take on each other there isn't any need for the theatrics.
LO: I don't know, but one thing is for sure, there's a definite shift in the tone of this programming now that some of those weapons have been thrown into the ring...
Kowloon and Siberia, same as Aoki and Fuki, walk out together as a team and Siberia talks to Kowloon the whole way down to the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: and introducing the challenger, standing at five foot eleven and weighting in at 275 pounds, hailing from Hong Kong, China....he is one half of The Zombie Vice Squad, KOWLOON ZOMBBBIEEE!
He nods at Siberia and she waits outside with Fukushima. Aokigahara holds the ropes open for Kowloon and he cautiously accepts. Kowloon looks around at the rings filled with bamboo swords, chairs, and other assorted weapons but just kicks some to the side.
LO: This will be an interesting match up. We have someone in the ring as the challenger for a belt that follows Hardcore rules, but isn't much for Hardcore wrestling in general...
KO: Yeah, and we have an Unleashed Champion who just so happens to be one of the best there is at Death Match styles.
LO: Important to note that again, no fancy entrances. No real pageantry. Just straight to business for these two, and the referee concurs as she just signaled for the bell.
The bell rings and Aokigahara immediately goes for a light tube. Aokigahara swings wildly at Kowloon but Kowloon manages to doge each blow. Aokigahara kicks him in the stomach and grabs the light tube with both hands to break it across Kowloon’s back but Kowloon manages to get up and get a hold of his wrists. The test of strength ensues with neither man getting the upper hand until Kowloon starts to push Aokigahara back. The light tube is almost at Aokigaharas face when he stops and struggling and smiles at Kowloon. Aokigahara rears back and headbutts Kowloon through the light tube connecting with skin, bone, and glass. Kowloon retreats back to the corner wiping furiously at his head. He leans down and Siberia checks for a cut and wipes glass from his hair. Aokigahara claps then gets on his knees and put his hands behind his back. He motions for the foreign objects in the ring for Kowloon to use.
KO: This guy is crazy....how the hell do you prepare for that?
LO: Beats me...hit him with something? But it doesn't look to me like Kowloon is taking the bait...INSTEAD HE RUSHES FORWARD AND DELIVERS A THRUST KICK THAT NEARLY TAKES AOKIGAHARA'S HEAD OFF!
KO: Now Kowloon hovering over Aoki, wraps those bear like arms around him, and DEAD LIFT GERMAN SUPLEX!
LO: He's not letting go, Ken! ANOTHER ONE! AND ANOTHER! AOKIGAHARA IS BEING TAKEN TO TASK!
KO: Kowloon finally letting go and pulls Aoki to his feet, wraps his arms around from the front, and BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEXES HIM TO CRUSH HIM INTO THE MAT! THERE'S THE HOOK OF A LEG!
1...
LO: Amazingly, Aoki out at one there, but Kowloon is exerting that strength advantage in the early goings of this match.
KO: That's why Aoki really needs to find one of these weapons he brought into the ring and crack the big goof over the head with it!
Kowloon grabs Aokigahara by the waist and deadlifts him up but Aoki starts punching him in the face. Kowloon falls back onto the ropes then just chucks Aokigahara over them to get rid of him. Aokigahara falls to the floor. Siberia rushes over to him but so does Fukushima. They stare at each other for a moment in a stalemate. Fukushima doesn’t take her eyes off Siberia as she helps Aokigahara back into the ring. Kowloon rushes at him but Aokigahara trips him up with a Drop Toe Hold making him hit the middle turnbuckle. Aokigahara grabs a bat wrapped in barbed wire and holds it against Kowloon’s head. He scrapes it across Kowloon’s forehead opening him up.
LO: OH THAT'S SICK!
KO: No doubt...and what about our Lumberjacks. I guess they are only here to make sure the action stays in the ring...
LO: That's what lumberjacks are for.
Aokigahara now jumps up on the middle rope and boots Kowloon on the upper back sending him reeling to the outside. Siberia runs over but Aokigahara throws the bat in her way. Fukushima kicks Kowloon a number of times then, with great effort, whips him against the barricade. Kowloon crumples to the ground and stares at her in disbelief. Fukushima gets surprised and bows in apology. She runs away as Siberia shoos her away and helps Kowloon up and into the ring.
LO: Well...scratch that.
KO: HAHA! You never know what's going on when The Zombie Clan is involved. I mean, hell, they'll throw you off of a building for bad mouthing one of them, but then try and tear each other a new a-hole just for giggles.
LO: I'm not sure it works like that, but certainly, they are unorthodox.
KO: That's a slander to unorthodoxy!
In the meantime, Aokigahara has laid out some thumbtacks on the mat and Kowloon refuses to step forward. Aokigahara howls out loud and drops down to roll on them himself. Kowloon shakes his head but goes to stomp at Aokigahara on the ground onto the thumbtacks. He whips Aokigahara to the corner and runs at him to hit a Running Mafia Kick as Aokigahara bounces off. Kowloon grabs Aokigahara head and yells something unintelligible at him then instructs Siberia and Fukushima to bring something into the ring. They oblige and get a table from the under the ring to throw it inside.
KO: Ok, wait....I thought Fukushima was only helping Aoki?
LO: I don't think that's how it works...
KO: I'm confused.
LO: Join the club...
Kowloon sets the table up and picks Aokigahara up. He holds him in a brainbuster position for a long while and even showboats a little by placing his free hand at his waist. Kowloon then smashes Aokigahara through the table with a Stalling Vertical Suplex. He mounts Aokigahara and hits him with some fists and slaps. He stops suddenly when Aokigahara jabs him on the leg with a shiv. Kowloon crawls back.
LO: GOD ALMIGHTY! IT'S LIKE A PRISON FIGHT!
KO: Nah, prison fights aren't this entertaining!
Aokigahara stands with a sinister smirk and blood coming out of his nose and mouth and thumbtacks stuck to his body. Siberia checks Kowloon’s thigh in the edge of the ring as Aokigahara runs at him and hits him in the head with a Running Knee. He motions for Fukushima to set something up in the corner. Aokigahara grabs Kowloon’s legs and pulls him away from the ropes. He swings Kowloon around by the leg until Kowloon’s body lifts up from the mat. Aokigahara swings him around and around many times and approaches the corner where he stops Kowloon’s momentum by swinging him into a bundle of light tubes. The glass shatters all around him and he rolls out. This time Fukushima contains herself and lets him get a breather. Aokigahara threatens to step outside and Siberia wraps her arms around his leg. Fukushima gets on the apron to stop him as well.
LO: GOOD LORD! Kowloon has been cut to ribbons thanks to that innovative use of light tubes, and now, FINALLY, the other Zombie Clan members are trying to talk some sense into Aoki by holding him back.
KO: Yeah, Kowloon looks the worse for wear after that exchange, and Aoki doesn't look like he's prepared to let these two get in the way of his prey...
Aokigahara stares at Fuki and Siberia, then suddenly spits blood at Fukushima’s face then jerks his leg away from Siberia. Like a man possessed he grabs Kowloon by the hair and stands him up. He yells in his face and slaps him a few times. Kowloon answers back with a punch to the face. Aokigahara beckons him forward and Kowloon keeps punching him and picks him up into a Torture Rack. Kowloon then paces towards the ring post and spikes Aokigahara into it. He lets Aokigahara crumple to the ground. He advances on him but Siberia and Fukushima stand in between them. Kowloon nods and goes back into the ring.
KO: What the hell? Whose side are these two on here?
LO: I think the simple answer is that they are on the side of The Zombie Clan. Despite all of their competitive natures, they don't want to see anyone destroyed in this match up....well...Aoki might. I'm not really sure what that guy is thinking half the time.
KO: Who does?
Aokigahara is slow to rise but does so after a few moments. He paces around the ring smiling at Kowloon then slides in. Kowloon is on him, but Aokigahara gets a single leg takedown. Aokigahara wraps himself around Kowloon with a Crossface Chickenwing. The ref waits for Kowloon’s submission but he refuses. Kowloon powers up to his feet. Aokigahara is about to lose the hold but he pulls tight one last time to hit a Crossface Chickenwing Suplex spiking Kowloon on his head.
LO: JESUS! Kowloon with a disgusting landing after that suplex from Aoki, and now lies on the mat with a pool of blood forming around his head...
KO: Yeah, and Aoki doesn't seem to care much...he's going for that case he brought down to the ring!
The crowd grimaces as Aoki takes out some barbed wire and wraps it around his arm. Kowloon gets up slowly and Aokigahara runs at him to hit him with a barbed wire assisted lariat. Kowloon drops down from the hit holding his chest. Aokigahara swings his arm around and waits to hit Kowloon with another. Kowloon gets up in the corner with the help of the ropes. Aokigahara runs at him but Kowloon stops him in his tracks with a Head Vise. Kowloon squeezes Aokigahara’s head and disables him. He turns to pin Aokigahara against the turnbuckles. Aokigahara starts climbing the corner to get away but Kowloon follows. They get up to the top and sway in position. Siberia and Fukushima stand under them on the floor hoping to catch them if they fall. Kowloon instead gains his balance by letting go of Aokigahara’s head and wrapping them around his neck and body. He lifts Aokigahara up and slams him into the ring from the top with a Superplex. Thumbtacks and glass go flying as Aokigahara bounces on the mat from the throw.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY, KOWLOON AND AOKIGAHARA ZOMBIE MAY HAVE JUST BROKEN EACH OTHER IN HALF!
KO: That was a hell of a throw, and both men are down now barely moving...Jesus....
LO: I know the Unleashed Championship is supposed to be a hardcore title, but I just don't know that it's worth it. The risk of injury in normal match conditions is already considerable, but when you start introducing these various weapons...I mean...how are they expected to compete in two weeks?
KO: From everything I've seen thus far, I don't know that they will....
LO: Well Kowloon is starting to move...and he's crawling over to Aoki...and DRAPES THE ARM FOR A COVER!
1...
2...
KO: THREe!NO! Aoki gets the shoulder up, BUT HE ALSO GOT THAT BARB WIRE WRAPPED ARM AND HAND UP INTO KOWLOON'S FACE! AHH!
LO: AOKIGAHARA ZOMBIE HAS JAMMED HIS BARBED WIRED FINGERS DOWN THE GULLET OF KOWLOON FOR THE ITAI CLAW!
Blood pours from Kowloon’s lips and he tries to get away. It is no use as Aokigahara screams in his face. Kowloon clutches at Aokigahara’s arm ignoring the barbed wire in a desperate attempt to get free but he starts going weak. Aokigahara pushes Kowloon over and down onto the mat. Kowloon passes out in pain and the ref calls the match.
KO: I....I don't even have words for that. It's already bad enough when another man jams his fingers down your throat, but to do it with barbwire...
LO: Well thankfully this one is over, and I guess we found out who is the most hardcore out of all The Zombie Clan...
KO: I don't remember asking anyone that question.
LO: Me either, but regardless this was a blood bath and pretty close to one of the damnedest things I've ever seen.
Siberia and Fukushima rush to the ring to see to Kowloon. Aokigahara carefully takes his fingers away and helps them.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of this match via submission, and STILL THE UNLEASHED CHAMPION....AOKIGAHARA ZOMBIE!
Kowloon comes to after a few moments. He sees Aokigahara nodding at him with the Unleashed Title around his waist. Kowloon looks away in shame but Aokigahara grabs him stands him up into a hug. Siberia and Fukushima help them out as they all walk to the back together.
KO: So they are all just back to normal?
LO: I guess so. The family that fights together, stays together?
KO: Ummm....
Aokigahara Zombie walks out with a rolling suitcase followed by Fukushima. He is clearly bandaged up in some parts of the body but is otherwise not worse for wear.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by Fukushima Zombie, standing at five foot ten and weighting in at 230 pounds, he hails from Yamanashi, Japan and is the current UNLEASHED CHAMPION...AOKIGAHARA ZOMBBBIIIEEE!!
He seems to be in his element here. Aokigahara goes in and takes out various weapons and toys from his bag and from under the ring to sprawl them out in the ring. Fukushima waits outside and looks to the entrance for Kowloon and Siberia.
LO: No flashy entrances, no real fanfare. Aokigahara looks like he's all business here.
KO: Yeah, maybe it's a Zombie thing. When they take on each other there isn't any need for the theatrics.
LO: I don't know, but one thing is for sure, there's a definite shift in the tone of this programming now that some of those weapons have been thrown into the ring...
Kowloon and Siberia, same as Aoki and Fuki, walk out together as a team and Siberia talks to Kowloon the whole way down to the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: and introducing the challenger, standing at five foot eleven and weighting in at 275 pounds, hailing from Hong Kong, China....he is one half of The Zombie Vice Squad, KOWLOON ZOMBBBIEEE!
He nods at Siberia and she waits outside with Fukushima. Aokigahara holds the ropes open for Kowloon and he cautiously accepts. Kowloon looks around at the rings filled with bamboo swords, chairs, and other assorted weapons but just kicks some to the side.
LO: This will be an interesting match up. We have someone in the ring as the challenger for a belt that follows Hardcore rules, but isn't much for Hardcore wrestling in general...
KO: Yeah, and we have an Unleashed Champion who just so happens to be one of the best there is at Death Match styles.
LO: Important to note that again, no fancy entrances. No real pageantry. Just straight to business for these two, and the referee concurs as she just signaled for the bell.
The bell rings and Aokigahara immediately goes for a light tube. Aokigahara swings wildly at Kowloon but Kowloon manages to doge each blow. Aokigahara kicks him in the stomach and grabs the light tube with both hands to break it across Kowloon’s back but Kowloon manages to get up and get a hold of his wrists. The test of strength ensues with neither man getting the upper hand until Kowloon starts to push Aokigahara back. The light tube is almost at Aokigaharas face when he stops and struggling and smiles at Kowloon. Aokigahara rears back and headbutts Kowloon through the light tube connecting with skin, bone, and glass. Kowloon retreats back to the corner wiping furiously at his head. He leans down and Siberia checks for a cut and wipes glass from his hair. Aokigahara claps then gets on his knees and put his hands behind his back. He motions for the foreign objects in the ring for Kowloon to use.
KO: This guy is crazy....how the hell do you prepare for that?
LO: Beats me...hit him with something? But it doesn't look to me like Kowloon is taking the bait...INSTEAD HE RUSHES FORWARD AND DELIVERS A THRUST KICK THAT NEARLY TAKES AOKIGAHARA'S HEAD OFF!
KO: Now Kowloon hovering over Aoki, wraps those bear like arms around him, and DEAD LIFT GERMAN SUPLEX!
LO: He's not letting go, Ken! ANOTHER ONE! AND ANOTHER! AOKIGAHARA IS BEING TAKEN TO TASK!
KO: Kowloon finally letting go and pulls Aoki to his feet, wraps his arms around from the front, and BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEXES HIM TO CRUSH HIM INTO THE MAT! THERE'S THE HOOK OF A LEG!
1...
LO: Amazingly, Aoki out at one there, but Kowloon is exerting that strength advantage in the early goings of this match.
KO: That's why Aoki really needs to find one of these weapons he brought into the ring and crack the big goof over the head with it!
Kowloon grabs Aokigahara by the waist and deadlifts him up but Aoki starts punching him in the face. Kowloon falls back onto the ropes then just chucks Aokigahara over them to get rid of him. Aokigahara falls to the floor. Siberia rushes over to him but so does Fukushima. They stare at each other for a moment in a stalemate. Fukushima doesn’t take her eyes off Siberia as she helps Aokigahara back into the ring. Kowloon rushes at him but Aokigahara trips him up with a Drop Toe Hold making him hit the middle turnbuckle. Aokigahara grabs a bat wrapped in barbed wire and holds it against Kowloon’s head. He scrapes it across Kowloon’s forehead opening him up.
LO: OH THAT'S SICK!
KO: No doubt...and what about our Lumberjacks. I guess they are only here to make sure the action stays in the ring...
LO: That's what lumberjacks are for.
Aokigahara now jumps up on the middle rope and boots Kowloon on the upper back sending him reeling to the outside. Siberia runs over but Aokigahara throws the bat in her way. Fukushima kicks Kowloon a number of times then, with great effort, whips him against the barricade. Kowloon crumples to the ground and stares at her in disbelief. Fukushima gets surprised and bows in apology. She runs away as Siberia shoos her away and helps Kowloon up and into the ring.
LO: Well...scratch that.
KO: HAHA! You never know what's going on when The Zombie Clan is involved. I mean, hell, they'll throw you off of a building for bad mouthing one of them, but then try and tear each other a new a-hole just for giggles.
LO: I'm not sure it works like that, but certainly, they are unorthodox.
KO: That's a slander to unorthodoxy!
In the meantime, Aokigahara has laid out some thumbtacks on the mat and Kowloon refuses to step forward. Aokigahara howls out loud and drops down to roll on them himself. Kowloon shakes his head but goes to stomp at Aokigahara on the ground onto the thumbtacks. He whips Aokigahara to the corner and runs at him to hit a Running Mafia Kick as Aokigahara bounces off. Kowloon grabs Aokigahara head and yells something unintelligible at him then instructs Siberia and Fukushima to bring something into the ring. They oblige and get a table from the under the ring to throw it inside.
KO: Ok, wait....I thought Fukushima was only helping Aoki?
LO: I don't think that's how it works...
KO: I'm confused.
LO: Join the club...
Kowloon sets the table up and picks Aokigahara up. He holds him in a brainbuster position for a long while and even showboats a little by placing his free hand at his waist. Kowloon then smashes Aokigahara through the table with a Stalling Vertical Suplex. He mounts Aokigahara and hits him with some fists and slaps. He stops suddenly when Aokigahara jabs him on the leg with a shiv. Kowloon crawls back.
LO: GOD ALMIGHTY! IT'S LIKE A PRISON FIGHT!
KO: Nah, prison fights aren't this entertaining!
Aokigahara stands with a sinister smirk and blood coming out of his nose and mouth and thumbtacks stuck to his body. Siberia checks Kowloon’s thigh in the edge of the ring as Aokigahara runs at him and hits him in the head with a Running Knee. He motions for Fukushima to set something up in the corner. Aokigahara grabs Kowloon’s legs and pulls him away from the ropes. He swings Kowloon around by the leg until Kowloon’s body lifts up from the mat. Aokigahara swings him around and around many times and approaches the corner where he stops Kowloon’s momentum by swinging him into a bundle of light tubes. The glass shatters all around him and he rolls out. This time Fukushima contains herself and lets him get a breather. Aokigahara threatens to step outside and Siberia wraps her arms around his leg. Fukushima gets on the apron to stop him as well.
LO: GOOD LORD! Kowloon has been cut to ribbons thanks to that innovative use of light tubes, and now, FINALLY, the other Zombie Clan members are trying to talk some sense into Aoki by holding him back.
KO: Yeah, Kowloon looks the worse for wear after that exchange, and Aoki doesn't look like he's prepared to let these two get in the way of his prey...
Aokigahara stares at Fuki and Siberia, then suddenly spits blood at Fukushima’s face then jerks his leg away from Siberia. Like a man possessed he grabs Kowloon by the hair and stands him up. He yells in his face and slaps him a few times. Kowloon answers back with a punch to the face. Aokigahara beckons him forward and Kowloon keeps punching him and picks him up into a Torture Rack. Kowloon then paces towards the ring post and spikes Aokigahara into it. He lets Aokigahara crumple to the ground. He advances on him but Siberia and Fukushima stand in between them. Kowloon nods and goes back into the ring.
KO: What the hell? Whose side are these two on here?
LO: I think the simple answer is that they are on the side of The Zombie Clan. Despite all of their competitive natures, they don't want to see anyone destroyed in this match up....well...Aoki might. I'm not really sure what that guy is thinking half the time.
KO: Who does?
Aokigahara is slow to rise but does so after a few moments. He paces around the ring smiling at Kowloon then slides in. Kowloon is on him, but Aokigahara gets a single leg takedown. Aokigahara wraps himself around Kowloon with a Crossface Chickenwing. The ref waits for Kowloon’s submission but he refuses. Kowloon powers up to his feet. Aokigahara is about to lose the hold but he pulls tight one last time to hit a Crossface Chickenwing Suplex spiking Kowloon on his head.
LO: JESUS! Kowloon with a disgusting landing after that suplex from Aoki, and now lies on the mat with a pool of blood forming around his head...
KO: Yeah, and Aoki doesn't seem to care much...he's going for that case he brought down to the ring!
The crowd grimaces as Aoki takes out some barbed wire and wraps it around his arm. Kowloon gets up slowly and Aokigahara runs at him to hit him with a barbed wire assisted lariat. Kowloon drops down from the hit holding his chest. Aokigahara swings his arm around and waits to hit Kowloon with another. Kowloon gets up in the corner with the help of the ropes. Aokigahara runs at him but Kowloon stops him in his tracks with a Head Vise. Kowloon squeezes Aokigahara’s head and disables him. He turns to pin Aokigahara against the turnbuckles. Aokigahara starts climbing the corner to get away but Kowloon follows. They get up to the top and sway in position. Siberia and Fukushima stand under them on the floor hoping to catch them if they fall. Kowloon instead gains his balance by letting go of Aokigahara’s head and wrapping them around his neck and body. He lifts Aokigahara up and slams him into the ring from the top with a Superplex. Thumbtacks and glass go flying as Aokigahara bounces on the mat from the throw.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY, KOWLOON AND AOKIGAHARA ZOMBIE MAY HAVE JUST BROKEN EACH OTHER IN HALF!
KO: That was a hell of a throw, and both men are down now barely moving...Jesus....
LO: I know the Unleashed Championship is supposed to be a hardcore title, but I just don't know that it's worth it. The risk of injury in normal match conditions is already considerable, but when you start introducing these various weapons...I mean...how are they expected to compete in two weeks?
KO: From everything I've seen thus far, I don't know that they will....
LO: Well Kowloon is starting to move...and he's crawling over to Aoki...and DRAPES THE ARM FOR A COVER!
1...
2...
KO: THREe!NO! Aoki gets the shoulder up, BUT HE ALSO GOT THAT BARB WIRE WRAPPED ARM AND HAND UP INTO KOWLOON'S FACE! AHH!
LO: AOKIGAHARA ZOMBIE HAS JAMMED HIS BARBED WIRED FINGERS DOWN THE GULLET OF KOWLOON FOR THE ITAI CLAW!
Blood pours from Kowloon’s lips and he tries to get away. It is no use as Aokigahara screams in his face. Kowloon clutches at Aokigahara’s arm ignoring the barbed wire in a desperate attempt to get free but he starts going weak. Aokigahara pushes Kowloon over and down onto the mat. Kowloon passes out in pain and the ref calls the match.
KO: I....I don't even have words for that. It's already bad enough when another man jams his fingers down your throat, but to do it with barbwire...
LO: Well thankfully this one is over, and I guess we found out who is the most hardcore out of all The Zombie Clan...
KO: I don't remember asking anyone that question.
LO: Me either, but regardless this was a blood bath and pretty close to one of the damnedest things I've ever seen.
Siberia and Fukushima rush to the ring to see to Kowloon. Aokigahara carefully takes his fingers away and helps them.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of this match via submission, and STILL THE UNLEASHED CHAMPION....AOKIGAHARA ZOMBIE!
Kowloon comes to after a few moments. He sees Aokigahara nodding at him with the Unleashed Title around his waist. Kowloon looks away in shame but Aokigahara grabs him stands him up into a hug. Siberia and Fukushima help them out as they all walk to the back together.
KO: So they are all just back to normal?
LO: I guess so. The family that fights together, stays together?
KO: Ummm....
The scene opens to a makeshift office somewhere backstage seemingly near the loading dock. There is a desk, a monitor, and several papers lying about the room along with a few chairs. Occupying the comfy office chair behind the desk is General Manager, Vanessa Byrne, and in front of the desk in a much less comfortable chair is one of VPW's Lawyers, John Harmon. The two are already engaged in a conversation when the camera drops in and picks up the audio.
JOHN HARMON: Listen, Mrs. Byrne, we have to go over these notes and you need to deliver these lines exactly as they are written during your deposition in Louisiana.
Byrne scoffed at the mention of the Bayou State, and shakes her head irritably.
VANESSA BYRNE: It's absolutely ludicrous that I even have to entertain this phony lawsuit. The man has no case.
JOHN HARMON: While normally I'd agree with you, we have it on good authority that Spiral has some key character witnesses to corroborate his story of conspiracy on your part.
VANESSA BYRNE: The only conspiracy here, Mr. Harmon, is that Keystone Financial is not supporting me in this outlandish slander.
JOHN HARMON: Ma'am...that's why I'm here. Keystone Financial just wants to get to the bottom of all of this so that they can put it all behind us and we can continue to deliver a bi-weekly lucrative product.
VANESSA BYRNE: By to the bottom of this, do you mean settlement?
She asked the question with incredulity in her voice, but her eyes couldn't hide the rage that she even had to ask it. Harmon slunk back a bit, taking a big gulp of air before responding.
JOHN HARMON: That all depends on how the preliminary court proceedings go in New Orleans.
Byrne sits forward now with a cool demeanor that could frost your bones, and just as she's about to say something further the door to the office bursts open and a sweaty wide eyed Producer enters the frame. Both Byrne and Harmon raise their eyebrows at the intrusion, but Vanessa gives a wave of her hand for the man to be out with it.
PRODUCER: There's been another attack...
VANESSA BYRNE: WHAT?
PRODUCER: It's Siberia and Fukushima Zombie.....Aoki and Kowloon were still in the trainers room getting stitched up, but it took place in their dressing room.
Harmon and Byrne glanced at one another with a knowing glare, and the General Manager pushed up from her desk and rounded it towards the door.
VANESSA BYRNE: Show us.
The clipped order was received, and the Producer quickly led the lawyer and the GM through the backstage halls towards the locker rooms, all the while being followed by the camera man. When they reached the Zombie Clan's door it was already open, and Medical Staff and Security at already swarmed into the room. She and Harmon paused at the doorway and peered in to see Fukushima and Siberia laying face up on the concrete being tended to, while the walls, the floors, the ceiling were all covered in Spiral like shapes. Byrne's rage could hardly be contained as she cut her eyes to the lawyer, and leaned in so that only he could hear. (And of course the camera)
VANESSA BYRNE: And you want to negotiate with this terrorist?
The producer suddenly butted into the conversation pointing at his watch.
PRODUCER: Mrs. Byrne, you're on next...
She cut a glance at the producer, then her gaze returned to the lawyer who looked completely bewildered by all that he had just seen. She shakes her head in disgust before seeming to transform right in front of his very eyes. Her eyes go soft, a smile comes over her face, and she pulls her dress so that it removes any unwanted stress wrinkles. She regards the man once again, but this time in a completely different light.
VANESSA BYRNE: If you'll excuse me, Mr. Harmon, I have a show to run and a segment to drop in on....we can discuss this later.
And before giving him a chance to respond, she turns and follows the producer who begins handing her notes towards the gorilla position for Where There's Stokes, There's Fire.
JOHN HARMON: Listen, Mrs. Byrne, we have to go over these notes and you need to deliver these lines exactly as they are written during your deposition in Louisiana.
Byrne scoffed at the mention of the Bayou State, and shakes her head irritably.
VANESSA BYRNE: It's absolutely ludicrous that I even have to entertain this phony lawsuit. The man has no case.
JOHN HARMON: While normally I'd agree with you, we have it on good authority that Spiral has some key character witnesses to corroborate his story of conspiracy on your part.
VANESSA BYRNE: The only conspiracy here, Mr. Harmon, is that Keystone Financial is not supporting me in this outlandish slander.
JOHN HARMON: Ma'am...that's why I'm here. Keystone Financial just wants to get to the bottom of all of this so that they can put it all behind us and we can continue to deliver a bi-weekly lucrative product.
VANESSA BYRNE: By to the bottom of this, do you mean settlement?
She asked the question with incredulity in her voice, but her eyes couldn't hide the rage that she even had to ask it. Harmon slunk back a bit, taking a big gulp of air before responding.
JOHN HARMON: That all depends on how the preliminary court proceedings go in New Orleans.
Byrne sits forward now with a cool demeanor that could frost your bones, and just as she's about to say something further the door to the office bursts open and a sweaty wide eyed Producer enters the frame. Both Byrne and Harmon raise their eyebrows at the intrusion, but Vanessa gives a wave of her hand for the man to be out with it.
PRODUCER: There's been another attack...
VANESSA BYRNE: WHAT?
PRODUCER: It's Siberia and Fukushima Zombie.....Aoki and Kowloon were still in the trainers room getting stitched up, but it took place in their dressing room.
Harmon and Byrne glanced at one another with a knowing glare, and the General Manager pushed up from her desk and rounded it towards the door.
VANESSA BYRNE: Show us.
The clipped order was received, and the Producer quickly led the lawyer and the GM through the backstage halls towards the locker rooms, all the while being followed by the camera man. When they reached the Zombie Clan's door it was already open, and Medical Staff and Security at already swarmed into the room. She and Harmon paused at the doorway and peered in to see Fukushima and Siberia laying face up on the concrete being tended to, while the walls, the floors, the ceiling were all covered in Spiral like shapes. Byrne's rage could hardly be contained as she cut her eyes to the lawyer, and leaned in so that only he could hear. (And of course the camera)
VANESSA BYRNE: And you want to negotiate with this terrorist?
The producer suddenly butted into the conversation pointing at his watch.
PRODUCER: Mrs. Byrne, you're on next...
She cut a glance at the producer, then her gaze returned to the lawyer who looked completely bewildered by all that he had just seen. She shakes her head in disgust before seeming to transform right in front of his very eyes. Her eyes go soft, a smile comes over her face, and she pulls her dress so that it removes any unwanted stress wrinkles. She regards the man once again, but this time in a completely different light.
VANESSA BYRNE: If you'll excuse me, Mr. Harmon, I have a show to run and a segment to drop in on....we can discuss this later.
And before giving him a chance to respond, she turns and follows the producer who begins handing her notes towards the gorilla position for Where There's Stokes, There's Fire.
Featuring: Vanessa Byrne & Cosmo Cooper
It’s that time again!
The name Brad Stokes sounds over the speaker system fifty times like some DJ were scratching it over a wicked cool hip hop beat.
Brad Stokes-- wikka wikka-- Brad Stokes wikki-wikki-Brad Stokes.
And the camera pans over the excited capacity crowd, awaiting the man they know, if not truly love.
It goes on like this for a while before the music dies down.
Where’s Brad?
The crowd is up in arms with this travesty of a segment when “Lifted” by CL hits and it’s like all the crap is rewarded with a vision of the Apex Champion coming down to the ring to rescue the segment. He bears the Apex Championship as he strides into the ring with a microphone looking more than a little annoyed.
Cosmo Cooper: Cut my music and let’s get this over with.
The music dies down.
Cosmo Cooper: I was scheduled to come down here once more for a meeting with Brad Stokes, but big surprise, dude won’t show, and as has been the usual story for me in this company, I gotta do it all by myself--
Just then, on the big screen over the entrance, appears Brad Stokes’ face as he sits back and looks into the camera.
Brad Stokes: Hey… Hey Cosmo. Up here.
Cosmo rolls his eyes.
Brad Stokes: I know that you’re upset that it looks like I’ve no-showed--
Brad sniffs because he’s back on his cocaine habit.
Brad Stokes: But I’m just hiding out, bruh. That’s it. After my little detour in Columbia it turns out I’m wanted by some federales so I can’t leave the country. But that doesn’t mean I can’t be there with you in spirit!
Cosmo Cooper: Nobody cares about this, Brad. These people are here to watch wrestling.
There’s a pop from the crowd.
Cosmo Cooper: They’re here to watch me put this stupid vendetta Chris Callum has with me down for good.
Brad Stokes: Oh yeah? Shit. I just met with Callum last week--
Cosmo Cooper: Yeah, I know, bud. But I’m not out here to validate you, or whatever fragile notion of justice Chris Callum is carrying with him into this company. Let’s face facts: I’ve bled this company. I’ve sweat this company everywhere I go. Chris Callum shows up on his summer break to try to take his pound of flesh from me? You and everyone else in the back may line right up to give him what he wants… but I’m done with it.
Cosmo is determined, his jaw set on his face as he confidently paces the ring collecting his thoughts.
Brad Stokses: Okay, listen, Cosmo.
Brad looks nervous all of a sudden, like he’s worried authorities have learned his location… close call.
Brad Stokes: I gotta make this brief. They may be tracing this transmission. I’ve been in this business a long time, Cosmo. I’m gonna say that for every titanic struggle I’ve ever witnessed it’s like a yin and a yang, man. You need--
Cosmo cuts him off.
Cosmo Cooper: You know? I’ve looked over my past opponents in Valor. People who you would call my top rivals, and I’ve realized something. You’re right, Brad. No matter how much I hated them, no matter how much I wanted to put them in the fucking dirt… I did need them. Deep down. I needed them. I needed Devlin because beating him made me a top guy. I needed Brodie, she showed me how to dig deep for what I want… and I needed to beat her to prove I was the best in Valor… because her record would show she was the best. But then I look at Chris… and I see a shell of what he was years ago.
Cooper paused
Cosmo Cooper: We already know that. We already know he isn’t as strong, nor as motivated. We already know his gang isn’t as powerful as it once was as noticed by Alexis Terry’s terrible run here in Valor so far or Zack Burton literally just showing up to… stand there and look menacing and nothing really of note. This match isn’t about me proving myself to Chris, or Chris proving himself to… himself. It’s about Callum realizing one thing. I never needed Chris Callum. I never needed him to get over. I never needed him to become champion. I never needed him to become a name. Because if Chris was REALLY in my corner? I would have gotten pushed to the CWC Championship, but no. HE kept me right there in GCW, tucked away in my own little corner. Feeding me every nobody who went along like I was his little side show circus act.
Cosmo turned his attention towards hard camera.
Cosmo Cooper: I never needed Chris Callum. Chris Callum needed me. Callum needs me to get enough motivation to get back into the main event. Callum needed ME to make GCW the most successful company in the CWC. Callum wanted me because he wanted to own the brand of Cosmo Cooper… I’ve tried to talk with him. I’ve tried to reason with him… so I guess I’ll just have to shut him up the only way I know how.
Cooper turns as if he is headed towards the back to do just that.
Brad Stokes: Nice. Go kick his ass, Cosmo! Let’s end this--
Just then, Lady Venom by Swollen Members hits.
Brad Stokes: Aw, dammit.
The crowd is on its feet as Vanessa Byrne stalks calmly down the ramp eyeing Cosmo with a knowing smirk and a lot of possessive pride. She glides up the ring steps and into the ring making it all look effortless and practiced all at once. The music dies down.
Vanessa Byrne: I know what you’re thinking.
The crowd calms.
Vanessa Byrne: You want it all right now, don’t you?
She eyes Cosmo suggestively.
Brad Stokes: Is-is that innuendo, or were you talking about--
Vanessa Byrne: Oh, cut the damn Brad Stokes feed, will you?
Brad looks devastated shortly before the audio-visual crew cuts the screen, and Brad’s transmission immediately. Vanessa grins ever wider.
Vanessa Byrne: Cosmo, I can appreciate your mindset.
She’s doing a thoughtful methodical circle of Cosmo.
Vanessa Byrne: I can appreciate all the long… hard… work you’ve put in to this company. Did you realize that in one month Valor Pro will have existed for one year? The majority of that time you’ve been our… no… MY Apex Champion.
The crowd pops as the manager of the company runs a finger gently up the abs of Cosmo.
Vanessa Byrne: We couldn’t have made it this far without you, my champion. Since you signed on the dotted line you’ve turned Valor Pro Wrestling into what it is leading up to this eventful anniversary, as the company all others aspire to be. Because of you, Cosmo Cooper, Valor Pro Wrestling no longer books no-name halls. Valor Pro Wrestling fills stadiums and arenas.
The crowd in this very arena pops loudly at the mere mention of themselves.
Vanessa Byrne: Now I know that you want nothing more than to remove that one little monkey from your back. I know that you’re here tonight in Chile not to tell everyone what you think of Chris Callum… but to SHOW everyone.
The crowd pops. Cosmo looks ready and willing to face Callum.
Vanessa Byrne: But you’ll have to wait.
There’s some boos.
Vanessa Byrne: Not long, you cretins. If you haven’t been following my little speech here, you could be forgiven for not realizing where all this is headed. And that’s to London, England. In one month. To face Chris Callum in the O2 Arena for the Apex Championship at Valor Pro’s anniversary Pay-Per View: Honor Bound.
The crowd pops loud at this. Vanessa smiles proudly after this announcement. Cosmo nodding his head with approval.
Vanessa Byrne: Until then, let’s redirect your energy into something more worthwhile, hmmm?
It’s innuendo, sure. But who knows, right? With that announcement made, “Lifted” by CL hits and both Vanessa and Cosmo make their way to the back.
The name Brad Stokes sounds over the speaker system fifty times like some DJ were scratching it over a wicked cool hip hop beat.
Brad Stokes-- wikka wikka-- Brad Stokes wikki-wikki-Brad Stokes.
And the camera pans over the excited capacity crowd, awaiting the man they know, if not truly love.
It goes on like this for a while before the music dies down.
Where’s Brad?
The crowd is up in arms with this travesty of a segment when “Lifted” by CL hits and it’s like all the crap is rewarded with a vision of the Apex Champion coming down to the ring to rescue the segment. He bears the Apex Championship as he strides into the ring with a microphone looking more than a little annoyed.
Cosmo Cooper: Cut my music and let’s get this over with.
The music dies down.
Cosmo Cooper: I was scheduled to come down here once more for a meeting with Brad Stokes, but big surprise, dude won’t show, and as has been the usual story for me in this company, I gotta do it all by myself--
Just then, on the big screen over the entrance, appears Brad Stokes’ face as he sits back and looks into the camera.
Brad Stokes: Hey… Hey Cosmo. Up here.
Cosmo rolls his eyes.
Brad Stokes: I know that you’re upset that it looks like I’ve no-showed--
Brad sniffs because he’s back on his cocaine habit.
Brad Stokes: But I’m just hiding out, bruh. That’s it. After my little detour in Columbia it turns out I’m wanted by some federales so I can’t leave the country. But that doesn’t mean I can’t be there with you in spirit!
Cosmo Cooper: Nobody cares about this, Brad. These people are here to watch wrestling.
There’s a pop from the crowd.
Cosmo Cooper: They’re here to watch me put this stupid vendetta Chris Callum has with me down for good.
Brad Stokes: Oh yeah? Shit. I just met with Callum last week--
Cosmo Cooper: Yeah, I know, bud. But I’m not out here to validate you, or whatever fragile notion of justice Chris Callum is carrying with him into this company. Let’s face facts: I’ve bled this company. I’ve sweat this company everywhere I go. Chris Callum shows up on his summer break to try to take his pound of flesh from me? You and everyone else in the back may line right up to give him what he wants… but I’m done with it.
Cosmo is determined, his jaw set on his face as he confidently paces the ring collecting his thoughts.
Brad Stokses: Okay, listen, Cosmo.
Brad looks nervous all of a sudden, like he’s worried authorities have learned his location… close call.
Brad Stokes: I gotta make this brief. They may be tracing this transmission. I’ve been in this business a long time, Cosmo. I’m gonna say that for every titanic struggle I’ve ever witnessed it’s like a yin and a yang, man. You need--
Cosmo cuts him off.
Cosmo Cooper: You know? I’ve looked over my past opponents in Valor. People who you would call my top rivals, and I’ve realized something. You’re right, Brad. No matter how much I hated them, no matter how much I wanted to put them in the fucking dirt… I did need them. Deep down. I needed them. I needed Devlin because beating him made me a top guy. I needed Brodie, she showed me how to dig deep for what I want… and I needed to beat her to prove I was the best in Valor… because her record would show she was the best. But then I look at Chris… and I see a shell of what he was years ago.
Cooper paused
Cosmo Cooper: We already know that. We already know he isn’t as strong, nor as motivated. We already know his gang isn’t as powerful as it once was as noticed by Alexis Terry’s terrible run here in Valor so far or Zack Burton literally just showing up to… stand there and look menacing and nothing really of note. This match isn’t about me proving myself to Chris, or Chris proving himself to… himself. It’s about Callum realizing one thing. I never needed Chris Callum. I never needed him to get over. I never needed him to become champion. I never needed him to become a name. Because if Chris was REALLY in my corner? I would have gotten pushed to the CWC Championship, but no. HE kept me right there in GCW, tucked away in my own little corner. Feeding me every nobody who went along like I was his little side show circus act.
Cosmo turned his attention towards hard camera.
Cosmo Cooper: I never needed Chris Callum. Chris Callum needed me. Callum needs me to get enough motivation to get back into the main event. Callum needed ME to make GCW the most successful company in the CWC. Callum wanted me because he wanted to own the brand of Cosmo Cooper… I’ve tried to talk with him. I’ve tried to reason with him… so I guess I’ll just have to shut him up the only way I know how.
Cooper turns as if he is headed towards the back to do just that.
Brad Stokes: Nice. Go kick his ass, Cosmo! Let’s end this--
Just then, Lady Venom by Swollen Members hits.
Brad Stokes: Aw, dammit.
The crowd is on its feet as Vanessa Byrne stalks calmly down the ramp eyeing Cosmo with a knowing smirk and a lot of possessive pride. She glides up the ring steps and into the ring making it all look effortless and practiced all at once. The music dies down.
Vanessa Byrne: I know what you’re thinking.
The crowd calms.
Vanessa Byrne: You want it all right now, don’t you?
She eyes Cosmo suggestively.
Brad Stokes: Is-is that innuendo, or were you talking about--
Vanessa Byrne: Oh, cut the damn Brad Stokes feed, will you?
Brad looks devastated shortly before the audio-visual crew cuts the screen, and Brad’s transmission immediately. Vanessa grins ever wider.
Vanessa Byrne: Cosmo, I can appreciate your mindset.
She’s doing a thoughtful methodical circle of Cosmo.
Vanessa Byrne: I can appreciate all the long… hard… work you’ve put in to this company. Did you realize that in one month Valor Pro will have existed for one year? The majority of that time you’ve been our… no… MY Apex Champion.
The crowd pops as the manager of the company runs a finger gently up the abs of Cosmo.
Vanessa Byrne: We couldn’t have made it this far without you, my champion. Since you signed on the dotted line you’ve turned Valor Pro Wrestling into what it is leading up to this eventful anniversary, as the company all others aspire to be. Because of you, Cosmo Cooper, Valor Pro Wrestling no longer books no-name halls. Valor Pro Wrestling fills stadiums and arenas.
The crowd in this very arena pops loudly at the mere mention of themselves.
Vanessa Byrne: Now I know that you want nothing more than to remove that one little monkey from your back. I know that you’re here tonight in Chile not to tell everyone what you think of Chris Callum… but to SHOW everyone.
The crowd pops. Cosmo looks ready and willing to face Callum.
Vanessa Byrne: But you’ll have to wait.
There’s some boos.
Vanessa Byrne: Not long, you cretins. If you haven’t been following my little speech here, you could be forgiven for not realizing where all this is headed. And that’s to London, England. In one month. To face Chris Callum in the O2 Arena for the Apex Championship at Valor Pro’s anniversary Pay-Per View: Honor Bound.
The crowd pops loud at this. Vanessa smiles proudly after this announcement. Cosmo nodding his head with approval.
Vanessa Byrne: Until then, let’s redirect your energy into something more worthwhile, hmmm?
It’s innuendo, sure. But who knows, right? With that announcement made, “Lifted” by CL hits and both Vanessa and Cosmo make their way to the back.
Backstage before his match, the camera spots Chris Callum putting on wrist tape. He is sitting in the hallway on a tech crate when he is approached by Aspen Chaud and Zack Burton. He rolls his eyes as she begins to speak.
ASPEN CHAUD: Are you still planning to do this alone?
Callum ignores her, ripping the tape with his teeth.
ASPEN CHAUD: What happens when she goes insane and hurts you? She doesn’t care about winning she just cares about pain. Do you think Cosmo is going to run down and save you?
When he says nothing, Aspen sighs loudly.
ASPEN CHAUD: We’re stronger together Chris? Why can’t you just admit that? Why do you have to go on some sort of soul searching… right now of all times?
Callum lifts his head, setting the tape aside.
CHRIS CALLUM: I’m good enough to do it without you. If you show up, I’ll send you packing the hard way.
The two lock eyes for a moment. It is a tense moment. Finally, Aspen gives in and exits the scene. Burton turns away, but then goes back to Callum. He speaks to Callum sincerely.
ZACK BURTON: I believe in you boss.
Callum smiles, and Burton exits.
Prototype' by Viktoria Modesta hits over the PA 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 talking to herself until finally coming to a stop dead center and turning her one eye towards the ring. She brings a gloved left fist up to her face, and as if being urged on by something ethereal she stalks down the ramp in that direction, the fans starting to build behind her just by the energy she exudes.
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 THE SUBMISSION MACHINE...BROODDDIEEE!!
Brodie rolls under the bottom rope into the ring, pops up, and pauses for a moment to cast her cyclops eye out at the buzzing crowd. She head snaps around to the neutral corner and steps over to begin stretching across the ropes while keeping an eye on the entrance for her opponent.
LO: Brodie coming to the ring with intensity as we're sure she's ready to doll out the pain to Callum after their brief partnership from Blitz#17!
KO: You'd think she'd understand. I mean, Chris Callum can't be concerned with her when he's got the Apex Championship on his mind. She's collateral damage.
LO: I'd like to hear you say that to the Submission Machine's face.
KO: I'm fine sitting right here from the safety of our announce booth, thank you very much. Besides, Callum is about to rearrange that face in a few anyways...
The lights dim once again to shut off the announce team as the opening riffs of "Villain" by Skarlett Riot hits over the PA System. Lights flash around the entrance with the beat of the song, and the curtain pushes back and Chris Callum saunters out onto the stage. He pauses at the top of the ramp as the boos pour onto him, and he closes his eyes, lifting his head to soak in the disdain. When his eyes open his head tilts down to stare down into the ring at Brodie, who stalks in the center watching him right back. A determined expression comes over him as he takes his first steps down the ramp towards the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: And making his way to the ring, standing at six foot and weighting in at 180 pounds, hailing from Berkeley, California...He is the #1 Contender for the Apex Championship, THE ETERNAL, CHRIS CALLUUMMMM!
Callum reaches ringside and rounds to take the steps up to the apron where he starts to swing his leg through the ropes, but then pauses as Brodie bristles as if ready to attack. The referee intercedes and Callum enters the ring, rolling his shoulders to get the kinks out as he keeps an eye on the Submission Machine.
LO: Well, I guess Callum was true to his word....no Aspen Chaud.
KO: He just wants to do this on his own. He's showing the world that he doesn't need an entourage. He certainly didn't need one at Rite of Kings when he took out half the roster in the Battle Royal that earned him the #1 Contendership!
LO: True enough, but I don't know....I just can't get over the feeling that there is more to all of this than Chris Callum suddenly deciding he needs to go it alone.
KO: Well, it's like he said. Aspen has sort of taken the ball out of his court by introducing all of these other factors, and it's not about that. It's about his desire to dethrone and debase Cosmo Cooper, one on one, and other people getting involved spoils that for him.
LO: Maybe. Callum would certainly be farther along in that goal with a victory here tonight considering that Brodie's goal for the past several months was to destroy Cosmo Cooper. That's one less obstetrical in his way to that one on one confrontation at Honor Bound. That is...if he can get it done.
KO: Well, we're going to find out right now, cause the bell just sounded and these two are already circling....
The two competitors lock up in the center of the ring, where Brodie does a swift go behind into a Waist Lock on Callum. He searches for an out, but being almost the same height Brodie manages to hang on, and instead he resorts to a back elbow that connects right in her temple. The shock of the blow causes her to let go, but as Chris spins around to face her she is suddenly enraged, and delivers a sledgehammer like blow to his chest that knocks him back into the ropes. He springs forwards and she swings for another one, but this time he ducks it and continues on to the opposite side. Springing back a second time Brodie stands ready but is bowled over with a Shoulder Tackle from Callum that sends her to the mat. The two exchange a brief glance before The Eternal falls into the ropes while Brodie quickly flips over onto her stomach in his direction, forcing him to leap over her or be tripped. As Callum returns Brodie leaps to her feet and catches him coming in with a Hip Toss, but to everyone's astonishment he manages to flip right through it to land safely on his feet. He spins with a forearm ready to strike, but Brodie manages to catch his arm coming in and sends him snapping to the mat with a Release Arm Drag. Callum is back up on his feet in a flash, and feeds right into another lightening fast Arm Drag. Up one more time, Brodie snarls as she wades in on the man, this time rights and lefts driving him back into the corner.
LO: Brodie is extremely aggressive in the early goings, and she has The Eternal all hemmed up...
KO: She isn't giving him a chance to breathe, Laur! That isn't right!
LO: What would you have her do? Give him a rest period? Give me a break!
Brodie hammers at Callum unmercifully until the man slumps so that his arms hitting the ropes are the only thing holding him up, and then she falls back a step before charging forward only to run face first into Chris' upturned boot. The blow causes Brodie to back off for a moment while Callum rubs his jaw, and just when the woman looks like she's about to approach again, he tears out of the corner and nails her with a Big Boot that nearly takes her head off. As she hits the mat the crowd begin to boo Callum, and he shrugs, still rubbing his jaw as Brodie finds the ropes and uses them to get to her feet. He steps over and grabs her by the wrist to whip her to the far side, and as she returns he steps into her with a massive Spinning Spine Buster that rattles the ring. Brodie clutches at her back, but is forced to the mat as Callum hooks the leg for a pin.
1...
2...
KO: THRE-NO! Brodie with a kick out at two and a half, but that Spine Buster probably took her out of alignment!
LO: You think?!? Brodie is giving up thirty pounds here to Callum, and he now just flipped her over onto her stomach...and...what's he got planned here?
KO: Looks like he's about to go surfing to me!
Callum places both of his feet into the insertion of Brodie's knees and then slaps her sides which cause her arms to reach back, which he readily grabs hold of. With a rocking motion, Brodie slowly lifts up off the mat, rolls forward again, and then as Chris falls she is lifted into the air into a painful Surfboard Submission. Callum lowers and extends his legs a few time to put as much pressure on Brodie's legs as possible, and the fans grimace as the woman appears to have no escape. It gets even worse when Callum pulls her arms farther back, damn near bending her in half, and then somehow manages to worm his right arm around her throat, locking her into a Japanese Sleeper while still having her legs hooked in the Surfboard. Brodie lets out a cry as she's torqued backwards, and her now free hands reach for the air looking for an escape.
LO: Brodie is in a bad way here, and surprisingly early in this match as Chris Callum keeps her tied up like a pretzel!
KO: That's one way to take some of the bark out of her bite, eh Laur?
LO: Oh, I believe there's plenty of fight still left in this lady, I'm just not sure she's going to be able to get out of this hold...
Brodie continues to fight but her movements have become sluggish and eventually her arms go limp at her sides. The Ref steps in and checks her wrist, and it flops lifelessly to the mat. He checks one more time, and now a buzz can be heard in the crowd as it does much the same. Finally, he goes for a third, but just as it looks like her arm may drop she suddenly comes alive, reaching back with her arms to dig into Callum's eyes. The Eternal cries out at the intrusion to his vision, and suddenly releases the hold and scooting away while rubbing at his sockets. Brodie falls to the mat and breathes deeply, clawing towards the ropes desperately.
KO: Well that's one way to get out of the hold...
LO: Brodie knows a little something about eye injuries thanks to that epic Cage Match she and Cooper had before Rite of Kings, and now Callum is blindly on his feet as The Submission Machine paws at the ropes to do the same.
KO: Callum finally back to his senses it seems, and just spotted Brodie across the ring from him....Charges in....TO A BACK BODY DROP OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE CONCRETE FLOOR!
Callum's thigh slaps the unforgiving concrete with a slap and he grimaces as he quickly gets to his feet and tries to walk the stinger off. He turns back towards the ring just in time to see Brodie Suicide Dive through the top and middle rope like a missile that drops him back to the floor. Brodie uses the apron to help herself up, and the fans cheer as she pulls Callum up like a woman possessed. With two fistfuls of hair she rushes Chris face first into the Steel Ring Post, and he hits with such impact that he spins around it to fall prone on the other side. Brodie stalks around the post and helps him to his feet once more, heeding the count by tossing him under the bottom rope and following.
LO: Brodie is vicious here as he pulls Callum up to his hands and knees, places her knee on the back of his head...AND DROPS STRAIGHT DOWN SO THAT HE STRIKES THE CANVAS FACE FIRST!
KO: Brodie stays down with Callum and just flipped to sitting position beside him....HERE SHE GOES!
LO: BRODIE FIGHTING TO GET THE FINALITY CROSSFACE ON CALLUM WHO HAS COME ALIVE TO TRY AND PREVENT IT!
KO: Callum able to get his arm free and tucked under him, and now a frustrated Brodie just lept up onto his back AND IS FOREARMING HIM RIGHT IN THE BACK OF THE SKULL!
Each blow causes Callum's forehead to bounce off the canvas, but eventually he bucks The Submission Machine off of him and struggles up to his feet back into the corner. Brodie charges in right after him, nailing him with a Running Shoulder Thrust that jams him into the turnbuckles uncomfortably. She fires off a few hard right hands before slipping her head under his arm, and lifting him into a sitting position on the top turnbuckle. She joins him by stepping up to the second, and Chris manages to fire in a few rights of his own to try and throw her off balance. It almost works, but a well placed Headbutt to his already smarting nose thanks to the Knee Smash from earlier has him dazedly bobbing across the top. Brodie, seeing that he is no longer giving resistance, hooks him around the head and then lifts him off the turnbuckle and back into a massive Superplex that rattles the ring. Both superstars clutch at their lower spines, but it's Brodie who manages to roll onto Callum for a pin.
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! Callum kicks out just barely before the three, and Brodie coming up to her elbows shaking her head....and what the hell is she doing here? Didn't he say for her to stay in the back?
KO: Finally! Come on down here, Aspen! Your boy needs help!
Aspen Chaud gets assaulted with boos from the crowd as she stalks down the ramp towards ringside, but she doesn't seem to pay it any attention. She leaps right up onto the apron to which The Ref makes his way over and starts to argue with her to get down while Brodie struggles up to her feet thanks to the ropes. Her head snaps up at the sound of Aspen's voice, and her lip curls into a snarl as she rushes to that side of the ring to try and grab at the woman. Aspen expertly drops to the floor with a wicked grin, goading Brodie who looks like she might go out after her. She never gets the chance, however, as Callum hooks her from behind around the waist and nails a vicious German Suplex that sees her fold up like an accordion.
LO: God damn it! I knew this was all bullshit!
KO: Uh...I don't know man. Do you see the way Callum is looking at Chaud? Wha...NO! DON'T DO THAT, CHRIS! YOU'VE GOT THIS MATCH UNDER CONTROL!
Chris Callum rolls away from Brodie to under the bottom rope and all the way to the floor where he steps up to Aspen Chaud and points his finger emphatically towards the entrance with a seething expression on his face. Aspen holds both of her hands up in front of him, trying to reason with him, but the man is having none of it, demanding that she take herself to the back. Finally, with some trepedition, Aspen agrees with a nod and starts her way up the ramp to the back, all the while jeering at the crowd about "If he doesn't want my help, then to hell with it." Callum sighs heavily, seeming relieved, and turns back toward the ring only to take a baseball slide to the chest that sends him like a shot gun blast back into the steel barricade.
LO: GOD ALMIGHTY! ASPEN CHAUD'S INTERFERENCE HAS BACKFIRED HERE! SHE SHOULD HAVE JUST STAYED IN THE BACK!
KO: I don't get it man. She's just out here to try and ensure that Chris is successful, and he basically sent her packing.
LO: I'm not one to jump on anyone's bandwagon, but maybe Chris Callum really does want to do this one his own. Maybe he did make a mistake by bringing in Chaud, Burton, and Terry. Either way, that decision has cost him control of this match up.
Brodie slips the rest of the way under the bottom rope, but she's rubbing the back of her neck as she does so thanks to that German from earlier. Callum lays against the barricade like someone whose just been tasered, chest jutted out, mouth open in shock. Brodie takes this opportunity to lay in a chop that echoes through the arena, bring forth a 'Woooooo' from all of the fans. She fires in another one, and this time Chris Callum shoves past her and grabs onto the apron, walking along the side to try and get some distance. Brodie won't allow it as she stalks over and gets two more fistfuls of hair, and makes to do what she did earlier with the steel ring post. Much to her surprise Callum throws his boot up to plant against the ring post, putting a sudden halt to their progress. Suddenly he spins out of her clutches, going low to grab her by the back of her knees and sweeps her feet out from under her. The back of Brodie's head smacks the concrete hard, and Callum retains hold of her legs as he chokes up just before falling back to catapult her face first into the ring post instead.
LO: GOOD LORD! BRODIE JUST SENT HURTLING AT THE RING POST, AND I COULD HEAR THE RINGING FROM HERE!
KO: Callum now pulling himself back up, and...uh...I think Brodie's busted open!
LO: This is not good for the Submission Machine who is right out here in front of us trying to get to her feet, but here come's Callum and he just tossed her back inside!
Callum rolls in after Brodie, getting up to his feet to beckon her to hers. There is a buzz in the air as he nods along with her comply to his call, but before she can get completely vertical he yanks her head down to tuck it between his legs, lifts her up, and then crashes her to the mat with a Spin Out Powerbomb. The fans go electric as he grabs hold of one of her legs, and yanks back for a cover.
1...
2...
KO: THREE!NO! Good God that was close, and Chris Callum thinks so as well...asking the referee who is waving him off at two. Callum looks determined here as he pulls Brodie up and gets her in a Waistlock from behind....could we see it?
LO: Callum lifting her up for the Chris-Cross, BUT BRODIE HOOKS CALLUM AROUND THE HEAD TO COUNTER INTO A BULLDOG!
The fans go ballistic as Brodie crawls away from Callum, who looks a little stunned at the reversal of his finisher, but shakes his head emphatically as he watches Brodie crawl towards the ropes. He pops up to his feet and grabs the woman by the ankle just before she makes it, and drags her out to the center of the ring onto her back while grabbing the other one. He holds her legs aloft in the air and talks some trash right down at the thrashing woman, and then delivers a heel stomp straight down into her lower abdomen that has her coughing for air.
KO: This crowd is uncertain on what to think as Chris Callum and Brodie are putting on a violent display in this one....Callum now choking up on Brodie's legs, and IT LOOKS LIKE IF ONE FINISH DOESN'T WORK, THEN THE OTHER ONE WILL!
LO: CALLUM GOING FOR THE KING'S WRATH SUBMISSION, BUT BRODIE IS FIGHTING LIKE HELL TO GET OUT OF IT....OH! SHE GOT A LEG FREE AND IS DRIVING RAPID FIRE KICKS INTO CALLUM'S CHEST! AND FINALLY KNOCKS HIM FREE!
KO: Brodie scrambling up to her feet, and Callum charges right back in with a LariatNO! BRODIE HOOKED THE ARM AND SPINS CALLUM AROUND, DROPS HIM TO THE CANVAS, AND SHE HAS IT LOCKED IN!
LO: FINALITY CROSSFACE HAS CHRIS CALLUM CRYING OUT IN PAIN AND BRODIE IS CLAMPED ON THE ETERNAL LIKE A PITBULL!
Callum digs into the mat with his free hand to drag him and Brodie towards the ropes, but The Submission Machine doesn't make it easy for him as she digs her feet into the mat to halt the process. Suddenly unable to pull them any further, Chris instead tucks the arm under his body and rolls, pulling Brodie along with him over into an impromptu pin while she continues to maintain the submission.
1...
2...
LO: Brodie just forced herself out of that pin by rolling through while maintaining the Finality Crossface, but that does put Chris Callum closer to the ropes....
KO: Yeah, but....Callum has been trapped for some time, each second bringing about more agonizing pain...
Callum's palm hesitates over the canvas, and just when it looks like he might tap he lets out a roar of pain and grabs at the canvas once more to give another heave towards the ropes. This time he's close enough, but upon seeing that her prey is about to reach safe harbor, Brodie releases the Crossface and instead reverts to unprotected forearm shots right to the back of Callum's skull. Chris does his best to try and tuck his head, and quickly rolls to exit the ring under the bottom rope. Brodie reaches her feet just as he escapes to the outside, and she steps through the ropes to stand on the apron, begging for him to turn towards her. The fans rise as she runs the length of the apron and vaults herself into a Somersault Senton right at Callum, but then gasp as The Eternal throws himself out of the way and she strikes the concrete floor with a resounding splat.
LO: CRASH AND BURN FOR BRODIE THERE!
KO: Callum is rubbing his shoulder and still seems a bit out of it after the Finality, but now he's coming around...
LO: Chris just helped Brodie to her feet and shoots her back into the ring, following her in and now pushing her over for a cover...
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! A near fall there, but Brodie able to roll the shoulder at the last second...
KO: What's it going to take, Laur? These two have steadily beat the hell out of each other, locked each other in submissions, and now are sucking wind. I don't think they can take much more...
LO: I agree, but it will be the one who has just that last bit of oomph in the gas tank that will secure victory as long as it stays a one on one contest.
KO: Really? That's your answer? The one with the last bit of gas in the tank? Well no shit!
LO: HEY!
The announcer's continue to argue over stating the obvious, while in the ring Chris Callum stands up and stares down at Brodie wondering the same thing. Eventually he reaches down to pull the woman to her feet, when Brodie surprises him by coming alive and grabbing him by the arm, spinning him to try and take him back down to the canvas. Callum shakes his head 'No' emphatically as they go round and round, and is able to put on the brakes and pulls his arm free. The sudden release sends Brodie into the ropes, and when she springs back he ducks his head for a Back Body Drop. Instead of sending her up and over, however, he hooks her by the back of the knee's on her way, and then brings her crashing back down to the mat in a vicious version of the Alabama Slam!
LO: GOD ALMIGHTY! CHRIS CALLUM MAY HAVE JUST BROKEN BRODIE IN HALF!
KO: YEAH, AND HE KNOWS IT! HE'S GOT THE LEG HOOKED HERE!
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT!
KO: NOBODY CAN, LAUR! THESE FANS NEARLY BLEW THE ROOF OFF THE BUILDING AFTER THAT NEARFALL!
LO: Callum now beating his fist into the mat, and now up in The Ref's face asking for three but getting waved off at two.
KO: Brodie just barely able to roll over onto her stomach, and good Lord....she's crawling towards the ropes.
Callum looks over at Brodie in disbelief, a snarl coming over his features as she stalks over to step in front of the woman, cutting off her path. Brodie grabs at his ankles and then his knees as she moves to try and rise up off the canvas. The Eternal shakes his head, a calm slowly washing over him as he reaches down to pull the woman the rest of the way to her feet. Just then Brodie hooks him around the head while lacing a leg through his, drops backwards and pulls him into a Small Package so sudden that even The Ref hesitates before dropping for the count.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Callum kicks out emphatically there, and is already back on his feet and PLANTS A BOOT RIGHT INTO THE SIDE OF BRODIE'S SKULL!
KO: That moment back there where Callum almost looked like he had a measure of respect for the woman is out the window now as he yanks her up and Irish Whips her to the ropes...
LO: Brodie springing back now and Callum steps forwards to catch her in a Tilt-A-Whirl Back Bre-NO! BRODIE SPUN ALL THE WAY THROUGH IT TO LAND ON HER FEET! CALLUM STILL HAS ONE OF HER ARMS AND PULLS HER IN FOR A SHORT ARM CLOTHESLINE, BUT BRODIE DUCKS IT!
KO: AHHH! BRODIE WITH A BOOT TO CALLUM'S MIDSECTION AND PLANTS HIM WITH A DDT!
Brodie and Callum lie side by side, both sucking wind, both looking worse for wear after the brutal back and forth they've inflicted in this contest. The Ref steps up to start a count, but Brodie waves him off, slowly but surely making her way to her feet. She steps over to the ropes and slips out to the apron just before staring a climb up the turnbuckles. The fans watch on with bated breath once she's perched, and she holds both hands out to her side before leaping high into the air only to come crash landing down on Callum's left shoulder with a Diving Headbutt. Callum flops around on the canvas clutching at the injured limb while Brodie grabs at her skull after the death defying dive.
LO: BRODIE NAILED THE HEADBUTT, BUT SHE MAY HAVE DONE JUST AS MUCH DAMAGE TO HERSELF AS TO CALLUM!
KO: She's scooting across the mat towards The Eternal, and raises one hand in the air only to flop down across his chest....The Ref is there for the pin!
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! MY GOD! HOW DO THEY KEEP DOING THAT!
KO: I DON'T KNOW, BUT THERE ISN'T GOING TO BE ANYTHING LEFT OF EITHER OF THEM IF THIS THING DOESN'T END SOON!
This time both competitors remain down unable to continue, and The Ref starts his count while the fans cheer on both competitors. It starts as a murmur, but then eventually takes on a life of it's own as the crowd gets further and further into a chant.
LO: The fans are letting both Brodie & Callum know exactly what they think of their efforts here, and at this point I'm not so sure that these two won't do just that!
KO: That's a novel idea, Laur, but Chris Callum has Cosmo Cooper to think about, and if he wants to be Apex Champion he really needs to find a way to either put Brodie away, or get out of this match.
LO: Are you suggesting that he disqualify himself or bail?
KO: I'm just saying he needs to prioritize what's really important to him. Sure, a win over Brodie would be great, but she is a career ender. Win or lose, she is going to put the hurt on any opponent that she comes up against, and right now, Chris Callum is sitting on prime real estate here in Valor Pro.
LO: No one is denying that, but if The Ref's count gets any higher, you might just get your wish.
Seven! Brodie plants her hands on the canvas while Callum rolls over onto his side. Eight! Brodie does a push up to get her knee's under her while Callum rolls himself up to one knee. Nine! Brodie lifts up to one knee as well, and the two have a moment where they lock eyes. Te-Both competitors push up to their feet looking ragged and tired, but they share a nod that, even if this is the end of them, there will be a winner. The fans respond in kind for the two of them with a resounding cheer and applause.
LO: Right hand by Callum knocks Brodie back, but she stumbles forwards right into one of her own!
KO: Callum rocked, but he re-centers and fires off again!
LO: Brodie falling back into the ropes and bounces back WITH A DOUBLE SLEDGEHAMMER TO THE CHEST THAT DROPS CALLUM WHERE HE STANDS!
The crowd are completely invested, sitting on the edge of their seats, as Chris Callum struggles to get back up after the knock out blow. Brodie, equally as winded, places both hands on her knee's and hunches over trying to find the will to continue. As Callum rolls onto his stomach and claws to get to the ropes for leverage, Brodie's one eye locks onto him, and she shakes her head as he pulls himself to his feet. With a running go she charges in with a shocking Crossbody that takes both competitors up and over the top rope to the concrete below to a gasp from the crowd.
LO: MY GOD! WHAT WILL THESE TWO NOT DO TO EACH OTHER!
KO: It's like Callum said earlier this week, he was going to try and destroy Brodie on his way to the Apex, and Brodie....well she set her own flesh on fire to show her determination!
That gloved hand slaps against the ring apron as she pulls herself back to her feet. She looks tiredly down at Callum and gets a fistful of hair to try and hoist him up to his. Callum suddenly knocks her hand away, getting a fistful of his own, and runs with her in tow down the length of the ring until sending her spiraling up and over the announce table. Papers, laptops, and Othello's clatter out of the way as she passes, landing on the other side. Callum takes a moment to collect himself and then climbs up onto the table only to reach down and pull Brodie up to her feet. It's his turn for a shock when the woman throws his hands away, firing in a right hand that nearly has him teetering off the makeshift scaffold. She takes the short step up to one of the announcer's chairs and then all the way up onto the table, where she grips Callum by the throat and rares back to fire in another punch. Before she can, however, Callum brings his knee up into her gut forcing her to release her hold, clutching at her midsection as she doubles over in pain. The Eternal looks out at the crowd a bruised mess, a cut over his eye trickling blood down the right side of his face. He grabs Brodie by the head and tucks her head, lifts her up onto his shoulders, and commences to deliver a Sit Down Powerbomb that sends splintered table in every direction.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! CHRIS CALLUM AND BRODIE ARE DONE! THEIR FINISHED!
KO: CALLUM JUST POWERBOMBED BRODIE THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!
LO: These fans are beside them selves as the referee starts a count in the ring, and Ken...I...I just don't see how they get up after that.
KO: Who in the hell says that they can?
The referee's count drones on, getting all the way up to six before Callum even stirs to attempt to drag himself out of the rubble. At seven Brodie stirs as well, while Callum has crawled halfway to the ring while the fans spur on the superstars to make it. Eight see's Brodie get out of the rubble, crawling on her belly towards the ring while Callum reaches up and grabs the apron. Nine, Callum gets on his feet and turns to look over his shoulder where Brodie has just reached the halfway mark across the floor. He takes a step forward as if he wants to try to get her back in the ring for the decisive victory, but as the referee's hands are about to come back up for Ten, he instead dives under the bottom rope to the interior of the ring where he lies on his back and sucks wind. The referee calls for the bell, and the fans are stunned as they watch Brodie finally reach the ring apron, but too late to save the match.
LO: Folks, I'm not sure what more we could have asked for out of these two, but I'm pretty sure neither of them wanted it to end this way.
KO: Maybe not, but maybe it's for the best, Laur. I mean....what more could they really have done?
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of this match via Count Out, CHRIS CALLUM!
The referee allows Chris a moment to get to his feet by use of the ropes, and the man stumbles forward to a new sign of respect from the fans. The referee moves to try and lift his arm, but he jerks his hand away and falls forward to lean against the top rope exhausted. Brodie finally reaches her feet, and equally as exhausted, stares with her one eye up into the ring at The Eternal. She strikes the apron with her fist, and then rests her head against her forearm for a few minutes while Callum stumbles his way towards the ropes to make an exit.
LO: Chris Callum won this match, but I seriously doubt that he'll be the same after this encounter. The same could go for Brodie, who literally lost just by a few seconds.
KO: A wins a win, Laur, and Callum can take that victory and the statement that he stood toe to toe with one of Valor Pro's most dangerous competitors as momentum going right in to his Apex Championship match.
LO: Which we know will be on August 25th, live from London, England when Valor Pro presents their Birthday Bash, Honor Bound!
KO: Nice plug, Laur.
LO: I thought so.
KO: Well folks, we've got more Valor Pro action ahead in our Main Event, but first, let's see what the challengers have to say...
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 THE SUBMISSION MACHINE...BROODDDIEEE!!
Brodie rolls under the bottom rope into the ring, pops up, and pauses for a moment to cast her cyclops eye out at the buzzing crowd. She head snaps around to the neutral corner and steps over to begin stretching across the ropes while keeping an eye on the entrance for her opponent.
LO: Brodie coming to the ring with intensity as we're sure she's ready to doll out the pain to Callum after their brief partnership from Blitz#17!
KO: You'd think she'd understand. I mean, Chris Callum can't be concerned with her when he's got the Apex Championship on his mind. She's collateral damage.
LO: I'd like to hear you say that to the Submission Machine's face.
KO: I'm fine sitting right here from the safety of our announce booth, thank you very much. Besides, Callum is about to rearrange that face in a few anyways...
The lights dim once again to shut off the announce team as the opening riffs of "Villain" by Skarlett Riot hits over the PA System. Lights flash around the entrance with the beat of the song, and the curtain pushes back and Chris Callum saunters out onto the stage. He pauses at the top of the ramp as the boos pour onto him, and he closes his eyes, lifting his head to soak in the disdain. When his eyes open his head tilts down to stare down into the ring at Brodie, who stalks in the center watching him right back. A determined expression comes over him as he takes his first steps down the ramp towards the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: And making his way to the ring, standing at six foot and weighting in at 180 pounds, hailing from Berkeley, California...He is the #1 Contender for the Apex Championship, THE ETERNAL, CHRIS CALLUUMMMM!
Callum reaches ringside and rounds to take the steps up to the apron where he starts to swing his leg through the ropes, but then pauses as Brodie bristles as if ready to attack. The referee intercedes and Callum enters the ring, rolling his shoulders to get the kinks out as he keeps an eye on the Submission Machine.
LO: Well, I guess Callum was true to his word....no Aspen Chaud.
KO: He just wants to do this on his own. He's showing the world that he doesn't need an entourage. He certainly didn't need one at Rite of Kings when he took out half the roster in the Battle Royal that earned him the #1 Contendership!
LO: True enough, but I don't know....I just can't get over the feeling that there is more to all of this than Chris Callum suddenly deciding he needs to go it alone.
KO: Well, it's like he said. Aspen has sort of taken the ball out of his court by introducing all of these other factors, and it's not about that. It's about his desire to dethrone and debase Cosmo Cooper, one on one, and other people getting involved spoils that for him.
LO: Maybe. Callum would certainly be farther along in that goal with a victory here tonight considering that Brodie's goal for the past several months was to destroy Cosmo Cooper. That's one less obstetrical in his way to that one on one confrontation at Honor Bound. That is...if he can get it done.
KO: Well, we're going to find out right now, cause the bell just sounded and these two are already circling....
The two competitors lock up in the center of the ring, where Brodie does a swift go behind into a Waist Lock on Callum. He searches for an out, but being almost the same height Brodie manages to hang on, and instead he resorts to a back elbow that connects right in her temple. The shock of the blow causes her to let go, but as Chris spins around to face her she is suddenly enraged, and delivers a sledgehammer like blow to his chest that knocks him back into the ropes. He springs forwards and she swings for another one, but this time he ducks it and continues on to the opposite side. Springing back a second time Brodie stands ready but is bowled over with a Shoulder Tackle from Callum that sends her to the mat. The two exchange a brief glance before The Eternal falls into the ropes while Brodie quickly flips over onto her stomach in his direction, forcing him to leap over her or be tripped. As Callum returns Brodie leaps to her feet and catches him coming in with a Hip Toss, but to everyone's astonishment he manages to flip right through it to land safely on his feet. He spins with a forearm ready to strike, but Brodie manages to catch his arm coming in and sends him snapping to the mat with a Release Arm Drag. Callum is back up on his feet in a flash, and feeds right into another lightening fast Arm Drag. Up one more time, Brodie snarls as she wades in on the man, this time rights and lefts driving him back into the corner.
LO: Brodie is extremely aggressive in the early goings, and she has The Eternal all hemmed up...
KO: She isn't giving him a chance to breathe, Laur! That isn't right!
LO: What would you have her do? Give him a rest period? Give me a break!
Brodie hammers at Callum unmercifully until the man slumps so that his arms hitting the ropes are the only thing holding him up, and then she falls back a step before charging forward only to run face first into Chris' upturned boot. The blow causes Brodie to back off for a moment while Callum rubs his jaw, and just when the woman looks like she's about to approach again, he tears out of the corner and nails her with a Big Boot that nearly takes her head off. As she hits the mat the crowd begin to boo Callum, and he shrugs, still rubbing his jaw as Brodie finds the ropes and uses them to get to her feet. He steps over and grabs her by the wrist to whip her to the far side, and as she returns he steps into her with a massive Spinning Spine Buster that rattles the ring. Brodie clutches at her back, but is forced to the mat as Callum hooks the leg for a pin.
1...
2...
KO: THRE-NO! Brodie with a kick out at two and a half, but that Spine Buster probably took her out of alignment!
LO: You think?!? Brodie is giving up thirty pounds here to Callum, and he now just flipped her over onto her stomach...and...what's he got planned here?
KO: Looks like he's about to go surfing to me!
Callum places both of his feet into the insertion of Brodie's knees and then slaps her sides which cause her arms to reach back, which he readily grabs hold of. With a rocking motion, Brodie slowly lifts up off the mat, rolls forward again, and then as Chris falls she is lifted into the air into a painful Surfboard Submission. Callum lowers and extends his legs a few time to put as much pressure on Brodie's legs as possible, and the fans grimace as the woman appears to have no escape. It gets even worse when Callum pulls her arms farther back, damn near bending her in half, and then somehow manages to worm his right arm around her throat, locking her into a Japanese Sleeper while still having her legs hooked in the Surfboard. Brodie lets out a cry as she's torqued backwards, and her now free hands reach for the air looking for an escape.
LO: Brodie is in a bad way here, and surprisingly early in this match as Chris Callum keeps her tied up like a pretzel!
KO: That's one way to take some of the bark out of her bite, eh Laur?
LO: Oh, I believe there's plenty of fight still left in this lady, I'm just not sure she's going to be able to get out of this hold...
Brodie continues to fight but her movements have become sluggish and eventually her arms go limp at her sides. The Ref steps in and checks her wrist, and it flops lifelessly to the mat. He checks one more time, and now a buzz can be heard in the crowd as it does much the same. Finally, he goes for a third, but just as it looks like her arm may drop she suddenly comes alive, reaching back with her arms to dig into Callum's eyes. The Eternal cries out at the intrusion to his vision, and suddenly releases the hold and scooting away while rubbing at his sockets. Brodie falls to the mat and breathes deeply, clawing towards the ropes desperately.
KO: Well that's one way to get out of the hold...
LO: Brodie knows a little something about eye injuries thanks to that epic Cage Match she and Cooper had before Rite of Kings, and now Callum is blindly on his feet as The Submission Machine paws at the ropes to do the same.
KO: Callum finally back to his senses it seems, and just spotted Brodie across the ring from him....Charges in....TO A BACK BODY DROP OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE CONCRETE FLOOR!
Callum's thigh slaps the unforgiving concrete with a slap and he grimaces as he quickly gets to his feet and tries to walk the stinger off. He turns back towards the ring just in time to see Brodie Suicide Dive through the top and middle rope like a missile that drops him back to the floor. Brodie uses the apron to help herself up, and the fans cheer as she pulls Callum up like a woman possessed. With two fistfuls of hair she rushes Chris face first into the Steel Ring Post, and he hits with such impact that he spins around it to fall prone on the other side. Brodie stalks around the post and helps him to his feet once more, heeding the count by tossing him under the bottom rope and following.
LO: Brodie is vicious here as he pulls Callum up to his hands and knees, places her knee on the back of his head...AND DROPS STRAIGHT DOWN SO THAT HE STRIKES THE CANVAS FACE FIRST!
KO: Brodie stays down with Callum and just flipped to sitting position beside him....HERE SHE GOES!
LO: BRODIE FIGHTING TO GET THE FINALITY CROSSFACE ON CALLUM WHO HAS COME ALIVE TO TRY AND PREVENT IT!
KO: Callum able to get his arm free and tucked under him, and now a frustrated Brodie just lept up onto his back AND IS FOREARMING HIM RIGHT IN THE BACK OF THE SKULL!
Each blow causes Callum's forehead to bounce off the canvas, but eventually he bucks The Submission Machine off of him and struggles up to his feet back into the corner. Brodie charges in right after him, nailing him with a Running Shoulder Thrust that jams him into the turnbuckles uncomfortably. She fires off a few hard right hands before slipping her head under his arm, and lifting him into a sitting position on the top turnbuckle. She joins him by stepping up to the second, and Chris manages to fire in a few rights of his own to try and throw her off balance. It almost works, but a well placed Headbutt to his already smarting nose thanks to the Knee Smash from earlier has him dazedly bobbing across the top. Brodie, seeing that he is no longer giving resistance, hooks him around the head and then lifts him off the turnbuckle and back into a massive Superplex that rattles the ring. Both superstars clutch at their lower spines, but it's Brodie who manages to roll onto Callum for a pin.
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! Callum kicks out just barely before the three, and Brodie coming up to her elbows shaking her head....and what the hell is she doing here? Didn't he say for her to stay in the back?
KO: Finally! Come on down here, Aspen! Your boy needs help!
Aspen Chaud gets assaulted with boos from the crowd as she stalks down the ramp towards ringside, but she doesn't seem to pay it any attention. She leaps right up onto the apron to which The Ref makes his way over and starts to argue with her to get down while Brodie struggles up to her feet thanks to the ropes. Her head snaps up at the sound of Aspen's voice, and her lip curls into a snarl as she rushes to that side of the ring to try and grab at the woman. Aspen expertly drops to the floor with a wicked grin, goading Brodie who looks like she might go out after her. She never gets the chance, however, as Callum hooks her from behind around the waist and nails a vicious German Suplex that sees her fold up like an accordion.
LO: God damn it! I knew this was all bullshit!
KO: Uh...I don't know man. Do you see the way Callum is looking at Chaud? Wha...NO! DON'T DO THAT, CHRIS! YOU'VE GOT THIS MATCH UNDER CONTROL!
Chris Callum rolls away from Brodie to under the bottom rope and all the way to the floor where he steps up to Aspen Chaud and points his finger emphatically towards the entrance with a seething expression on his face. Aspen holds both of her hands up in front of him, trying to reason with him, but the man is having none of it, demanding that she take herself to the back. Finally, with some trepedition, Aspen agrees with a nod and starts her way up the ramp to the back, all the while jeering at the crowd about "If he doesn't want my help, then to hell with it." Callum sighs heavily, seeming relieved, and turns back toward the ring only to take a baseball slide to the chest that sends him like a shot gun blast back into the steel barricade.
LO: GOD ALMIGHTY! ASPEN CHAUD'S INTERFERENCE HAS BACKFIRED HERE! SHE SHOULD HAVE JUST STAYED IN THE BACK!
KO: I don't get it man. She's just out here to try and ensure that Chris is successful, and he basically sent her packing.
LO: I'm not one to jump on anyone's bandwagon, but maybe Chris Callum really does want to do this one his own. Maybe he did make a mistake by bringing in Chaud, Burton, and Terry. Either way, that decision has cost him control of this match up.
Brodie slips the rest of the way under the bottom rope, but she's rubbing the back of her neck as she does so thanks to that German from earlier. Callum lays against the barricade like someone whose just been tasered, chest jutted out, mouth open in shock. Brodie takes this opportunity to lay in a chop that echoes through the arena, bring forth a 'Woooooo' from all of the fans. She fires in another one, and this time Chris Callum shoves past her and grabs onto the apron, walking along the side to try and get some distance. Brodie won't allow it as she stalks over and gets two more fistfuls of hair, and makes to do what she did earlier with the steel ring post. Much to her surprise Callum throws his boot up to plant against the ring post, putting a sudden halt to their progress. Suddenly he spins out of her clutches, going low to grab her by the back of her knees and sweeps her feet out from under her. The back of Brodie's head smacks the concrete hard, and Callum retains hold of her legs as he chokes up just before falling back to catapult her face first into the ring post instead.
LO: GOOD LORD! BRODIE JUST SENT HURTLING AT THE RING POST, AND I COULD HEAR THE RINGING FROM HERE!
KO: Callum now pulling himself back up, and...uh...I think Brodie's busted open!
LO: This is not good for the Submission Machine who is right out here in front of us trying to get to her feet, but here come's Callum and he just tossed her back inside!
Callum rolls in after Brodie, getting up to his feet to beckon her to hers. There is a buzz in the air as he nods along with her comply to his call, but before she can get completely vertical he yanks her head down to tuck it between his legs, lifts her up, and then crashes her to the mat with a Spin Out Powerbomb. The fans go electric as he grabs hold of one of her legs, and yanks back for a cover.
1...
2...
KO: THREE!NO! Good God that was close, and Chris Callum thinks so as well...asking the referee who is waving him off at two. Callum looks determined here as he pulls Brodie up and gets her in a Waistlock from behind....could we see it?
LO: Callum lifting her up for the Chris-Cross, BUT BRODIE HOOKS CALLUM AROUND THE HEAD TO COUNTER INTO A BULLDOG!
The fans go ballistic as Brodie crawls away from Callum, who looks a little stunned at the reversal of his finisher, but shakes his head emphatically as he watches Brodie crawl towards the ropes. He pops up to his feet and grabs the woman by the ankle just before she makes it, and drags her out to the center of the ring onto her back while grabbing the other one. He holds her legs aloft in the air and talks some trash right down at the thrashing woman, and then delivers a heel stomp straight down into her lower abdomen that has her coughing for air.
KO: This crowd is uncertain on what to think as Chris Callum and Brodie are putting on a violent display in this one....Callum now choking up on Brodie's legs, and IT LOOKS LIKE IF ONE FINISH DOESN'T WORK, THEN THE OTHER ONE WILL!
LO: CALLUM GOING FOR THE KING'S WRATH SUBMISSION, BUT BRODIE IS FIGHTING LIKE HELL TO GET OUT OF IT....OH! SHE GOT A LEG FREE AND IS DRIVING RAPID FIRE KICKS INTO CALLUM'S CHEST! AND FINALLY KNOCKS HIM FREE!
KO: Brodie scrambling up to her feet, and Callum charges right back in with a LariatNO! BRODIE HOOKED THE ARM AND SPINS CALLUM AROUND, DROPS HIM TO THE CANVAS, AND SHE HAS IT LOCKED IN!
LO: FINALITY CROSSFACE HAS CHRIS CALLUM CRYING OUT IN PAIN AND BRODIE IS CLAMPED ON THE ETERNAL LIKE A PITBULL!
Callum digs into the mat with his free hand to drag him and Brodie towards the ropes, but The Submission Machine doesn't make it easy for him as she digs her feet into the mat to halt the process. Suddenly unable to pull them any further, Chris instead tucks the arm under his body and rolls, pulling Brodie along with him over into an impromptu pin while she continues to maintain the submission.
1...
2...
LO: Brodie just forced herself out of that pin by rolling through while maintaining the Finality Crossface, but that does put Chris Callum closer to the ropes....
KO: Yeah, but....Callum has been trapped for some time, each second bringing about more agonizing pain...
Callum's palm hesitates over the canvas, and just when it looks like he might tap he lets out a roar of pain and grabs at the canvas once more to give another heave towards the ropes. This time he's close enough, but upon seeing that her prey is about to reach safe harbor, Brodie releases the Crossface and instead reverts to unprotected forearm shots right to the back of Callum's skull. Chris does his best to try and tuck his head, and quickly rolls to exit the ring under the bottom rope. Brodie reaches her feet just as he escapes to the outside, and she steps through the ropes to stand on the apron, begging for him to turn towards her. The fans rise as she runs the length of the apron and vaults herself into a Somersault Senton right at Callum, but then gasp as The Eternal throws himself out of the way and she strikes the concrete floor with a resounding splat.
LO: CRASH AND BURN FOR BRODIE THERE!
KO: Callum is rubbing his shoulder and still seems a bit out of it after the Finality, but now he's coming around...
LO: Chris just helped Brodie to her feet and shoots her back into the ring, following her in and now pushing her over for a cover...
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! A near fall there, but Brodie able to roll the shoulder at the last second...
KO: What's it going to take, Laur? These two have steadily beat the hell out of each other, locked each other in submissions, and now are sucking wind. I don't think they can take much more...
LO: I agree, but it will be the one who has just that last bit of oomph in the gas tank that will secure victory as long as it stays a one on one contest.
KO: Really? That's your answer? The one with the last bit of gas in the tank? Well no shit!
LO: HEY!
The announcer's continue to argue over stating the obvious, while in the ring Chris Callum stands up and stares down at Brodie wondering the same thing. Eventually he reaches down to pull the woman to her feet, when Brodie surprises him by coming alive and grabbing him by the arm, spinning him to try and take him back down to the canvas. Callum shakes his head 'No' emphatically as they go round and round, and is able to put on the brakes and pulls his arm free. The sudden release sends Brodie into the ropes, and when she springs back he ducks his head for a Back Body Drop. Instead of sending her up and over, however, he hooks her by the back of the knee's on her way, and then brings her crashing back down to the mat in a vicious version of the Alabama Slam!
LO: GOD ALMIGHTY! CHRIS CALLUM MAY HAVE JUST BROKEN BRODIE IN HALF!
KO: YEAH, AND HE KNOWS IT! HE'S GOT THE LEG HOOKED HERE!
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT!
KO: NOBODY CAN, LAUR! THESE FANS NEARLY BLEW THE ROOF OFF THE BUILDING AFTER THAT NEARFALL!
LO: Callum now beating his fist into the mat, and now up in The Ref's face asking for three but getting waved off at two.
KO: Brodie just barely able to roll over onto her stomach, and good Lord....she's crawling towards the ropes.
Callum looks over at Brodie in disbelief, a snarl coming over his features as she stalks over to step in front of the woman, cutting off her path. Brodie grabs at his ankles and then his knees as she moves to try and rise up off the canvas. The Eternal shakes his head, a calm slowly washing over him as he reaches down to pull the woman the rest of the way to her feet. Just then Brodie hooks him around the head while lacing a leg through his, drops backwards and pulls him into a Small Package so sudden that even The Ref hesitates before dropping for the count.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Callum kicks out emphatically there, and is already back on his feet and PLANTS A BOOT RIGHT INTO THE SIDE OF BRODIE'S SKULL!
KO: That moment back there where Callum almost looked like he had a measure of respect for the woman is out the window now as he yanks her up and Irish Whips her to the ropes...
LO: Brodie springing back now and Callum steps forwards to catch her in a Tilt-A-Whirl Back Bre-NO! BRODIE SPUN ALL THE WAY THROUGH IT TO LAND ON HER FEET! CALLUM STILL HAS ONE OF HER ARMS AND PULLS HER IN FOR A SHORT ARM CLOTHESLINE, BUT BRODIE DUCKS IT!
KO: AHHH! BRODIE WITH A BOOT TO CALLUM'S MIDSECTION AND PLANTS HIM WITH A DDT!
Brodie and Callum lie side by side, both sucking wind, both looking worse for wear after the brutal back and forth they've inflicted in this contest. The Ref steps up to start a count, but Brodie waves him off, slowly but surely making her way to her feet. She steps over to the ropes and slips out to the apron just before staring a climb up the turnbuckles. The fans watch on with bated breath once she's perched, and she holds both hands out to her side before leaping high into the air only to come crash landing down on Callum's left shoulder with a Diving Headbutt. Callum flops around on the canvas clutching at the injured limb while Brodie grabs at her skull after the death defying dive.
LO: BRODIE NAILED THE HEADBUTT, BUT SHE MAY HAVE DONE JUST AS MUCH DAMAGE TO HERSELF AS TO CALLUM!
KO: She's scooting across the mat towards The Eternal, and raises one hand in the air only to flop down across his chest....The Ref is there for the pin!
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! MY GOD! HOW DO THEY KEEP DOING THAT!
KO: I DON'T KNOW, BUT THERE ISN'T GOING TO BE ANYTHING LEFT OF EITHER OF THEM IF THIS THING DOESN'T END SOON!
This time both competitors remain down unable to continue, and The Ref starts his count while the fans cheer on both competitors. It starts as a murmur, but then eventually takes on a life of it's own as the crowd gets further and further into a chant.
"FIGHT FOREVER! FIGHT FOREVER! FIGHT FOREVER!"
LO: The fans are letting both Brodie & Callum know exactly what they think of their efforts here, and at this point I'm not so sure that these two won't do just that!
KO: That's a novel idea, Laur, but Chris Callum has Cosmo Cooper to think about, and if he wants to be Apex Champion he really needs to find a way to either put Brodie away, or get out of this match.
LO: Are you suggesting that he disqualify himself or bail?
KO: I'm just saying he needs to prioritize what's really important to him. Sure, a win over Brodie would be great, but she is a career ender. Win or lose, she is going to put the hurt on any opponent that she comes up against, and right now, Chris Callum is sitting on prime real estate here in Valor Pro.
LO: No one is denying that, but if The Ref's count gets any higher, you might just get your wish.
Seven! Brodie plants her hands on the canvas while Callum rolls over onto his side. Eight! Brodie does a push up to get her knee's under her while Callum rolls himself up to one knee. Nine! Brodie lifts up to one knee as well, and the two have a moment where they lock eyes. Te-Both competitors push up to their feet looking ragged and tired, but they share a nod that, even if this is the end of them, there will be a winner. The fans respond in kind for the two of them with a resounding cheer and applause.
LO: Right hand by Callum knocks Brodie back, but she stumbles forwards right into one of her own!
KO: Callum rocked, but he re-centers and fires off again!
LO: Brodie falling back into the ropes and bounces back WITH A DOUBLE SLEDGEHAMMER TO THE CHEST THAT DROPS CALLUM WHERE HE STANDS!
The crowd are completely invested, sitting on the edge of their seats, as Chris Callum struggles to get back up after the knock out blow. Brodie, equally as winded, places both hands on her knee's and hunches over trying to find the will to continue. As Callum rolls onto his stomach and claws to get to the ropes for leverage, Brodie's one eye locks onto him, and she shakes her head as he pulls himself to his feet. With a running go she charges in with a shocking Crossbody that takes both competitors up and over the top rope to the concrete below to a gasp from the crowd.
LO: MY GOD! WHAT WILL THESE TWO NOT DO TO EACH OTHER!
KO: It's like Callum said earlier this week, he was going to try and destroy Brodie on his way to the Apex, and Brodie....well she set her own flesh on fire to show her determination!
That gloved hand slaps against the ring apron as she pulls herself back to her feet. She looks tiredly down at Callum and gets a fistful of hair to try and hoist him up to his. Callum suddenly knocks her hand away, getting a fistful of his own, and runs with her in tow down the length of the ring until sending her spiraling up and over the announce table. Papers, laptops, and Othello's clatter out of the way as she passes, landing on the other side. Callum takes a moment to collect himself and then climbs up onto the table only to reach down and pull Brodie up to her feet. It's his turn for a shock when the woman throws his hands away, firing in a right hand that nearly has him teetering off the makeshift scaffold. She takes the short step up to one of the announcer's chairs and then all the way up onto the table, where she grips Callum by the throat and rares back to fire in another punch. Before she can, however, Callum brings his knee up into her gut forcing her to release her hold, clutching at her midsection as she doubles over in pain. The Eternal looks out at the crowd a bruised mess, a cut over his eye trickling blood down the right side of his face. He grabs Brodie by the head and tucks her head, lifts her up onto his shoulders, and commences to deliver a Sit Down Powerbomb that sends splintered table in every direction.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! CHRIS CALLUM AND BRODIE ARE DONE! THEIR FINISHED!
KO: CALLUM JUST POWERBOMBED BRODIE THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!
LO: These fans are beside them selves as the referee starts a count in the ring, and Ken...I...I just don't see how they get up after that.
KO: Who in the hell says that they can?
The referee's count drones on, getting all the way up to six before Callum even stirs to attempt to drag himself out of the rubble. At seven Brodie stirs as well, while Callum has crawled halfway to the ring while the fans spur on the superstars to make it. Eight see's Brodie get out of the rubble, crawling on her belly towards the ring while Callum reaches up and grabs the apron. Nine, Callum gets on his feet and turns to look over his shoulder where Brodie has just reached the halfway mark across the floor. He takes a step forward as if he wants to try to get her back in the ring for the decisive victory, but as the referee's hands are about to come back up for Ten, he instead dives under the bottom rope to the interior of the ring where he lies on his back and sucks wind. The referee calls for the bell, and the fans are stunned as they watch Brodie finally reach the ring apron, but too late to save the match.
LO: Folks, I'm not sure what more we could have asked for out of these two, but I'm pretty sure neither of them wanted it to end this way.
KO: Maybe not, but maybe it's for the best, Laur. I mean....what more could they really have done?
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of this match via Count Out, CHRIS CALLUM!
The referee allows Chris a moment to get to his feet by use of the ropes, and the man stumbles forward to a new sign of respect from the fans. The referee moves to try and lift his arm, but he jerks his hand away and falls forward to lean against the top rope exhausted. Brodie finally reaches her feet, and equally as exhausted, stares with her one eye up into the ring at The Eternal. She strikes the apron with her fist, and then rests her head against her forearm for a few minutes while Callum stumbles his way towards the ropes to make an exit.
LO: Chris Callum won this match, but I seriously doubt that he'll be the same after this encounter. The same could go for Brodie, who literally lost just by a few seconds.
KO: A wins a win, Laur, and Callum can take that victory and the statement that he stood toe to toe with one of Valor Pro's most dangerous competitors as momentum going right in to his Apex Championship match.
LO: Which we know will be on August 25th, live from London, England when Valor Pro presents their Birthday Bash, Honor Bound!
KO: Nice plug, Laur.
LO: I thought so.
KO: Well folks, we've got more Valor Pro action ahead in our Main Event, but first, let's see what the challengers have to say...
Black screen. The iconic opening to ‘Dream On’, here performed by rock band Blacktop Mojo, is heard as some slightly grainy black and white footage courtesy of the team’s previous promotion fades in, projected on a wall.
Every time that I look in the mirror
All these lines on my face getting clearer
The past is gone, it went by like dusk to dawn
Isn't that the way, everybody's got the dues in life to pay, yeah
A young man with wild blue eyes is atop a ladder. NSFW are on their knees on the mat, but will themselves to their feet and rush forward. They knock the ladder over, but not before the man grabs tenaciously to a pair of suspended golden belts. Church and McGuire try desperately to pull him off their property, but somehow, he gets the belts undone from their tether, grinning madly as he plummets to the canvas.
The audio is muffled with crackles and pops as the ring announcer proclaims- “Here are your winners AND NEEEEEWWWW…” the audio fades as Mike looks on distraught. Church is stone faced, but his arms crossed over his chest indicate his feelings to those who are keen.
Mike McGuire and Bishop Church shake hands with their victorious opponents, though the air is somewhat disingenuous on their part. The win was a fluke and their titles were lost to a team of dubious worth. Still, they exit with grace, for what no one in the audience, the company, or even NSFW themselves know at that moment is the final time. The picture blurs on a shot of the two leaving the arena before the show even ended, bags slung over slumped shoulders.
I know nobody knows
Where it comes and where it goes
I know it's everybody sins
You got to lose to know how to win
The picture then flickers and blooms in full color as NSFW shows up on the scene in Valor Pro, starting off strong taking the fight fearlessly to Berlin Anderson and Brenna Gordon. The mysterious mohawked man and his cold, haughty companion have little regard and less respect for the newcomers, but their arrogance is their downfall as a hard fought battle is over with a Cherry Bomb and the count of three. This victory gives them a golden ticket to the Chimera Tag Team Championships at Rite of Kings, but their high spirits are brought crashing back down to earth in Cairo courtesy of ReKota with the assistance of a handily wielded chair, cutting the picture to black...
Sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter and sing for the tear
Sing with me, it's just for today
Maybe tomorrow the good Lord will take you away...
….And then the video bursts to life once more with Mike McGuire’s trademark haymaker crushing Dakota Jennings to the mat, the Firecracker being pinned for three. Flash forward to last week- NSFW in the ring with inaugural Chimera champions Zombie Vice Squad. Highlights from the match are seen- Mike’s Rubbernecker to Kowloon, Bishop’s massive belly-to-belly suplex, the Flight of Icarus, and finally, Mike mustering up a KFS to put Siberia away.
Dream on, dream on, dream on
Dream yourself a dream come true
Dream on, dream on, dream on
Dream until your dream come true…
Finally, a cut of opponents both familiar and not, from here and there, all falling to the Cherry Bomb, the Flight of Icarus, the Bishop Takes Queen, the Batter Up, Motherfucker!. Many are faced. All fall down. Their movements are fluid, their synchronization so seamless it’s almost as if they can read each other’s minds. This montage fades out as a single still shot fades in- the challengers back to back, staring head on, intent and focused.
Dream on, dream on
Dream on, dream on
Dream on, dream on
Dream on…
As Matt James’ vocals fade out, two other voices can be heard, one after the other.
MCGUIRE: We’re not here for redemption.
CHURCH: We’re here to take what’s ours.After his match, we once again see Chris Callum walking backstage. Aspen is waiting for him.
CHRIS CALLUM: Are you going to congratulate me?
Aspen folded her arms.
ASPEN CHAUD: Congratulations. You risked your career stepping into the ring with a psychopath before your title match.
Callum could barely contain his laughter. He shook his head.
CHRIS CALLUM: You’re so upset… because I proved I can do it without you.
Aspen’s face was beginning to turn red.
CHRIS CALLUM: Tonight, I didn’t risk anything. I have nothing to lose. And I gained respect from all of those people in the stands, all of the wrestlers in the back, and for myself. It’s a good feeling and I haven’t felt it in a while.
He began to leave Aspen with a smile, but she stopped him.
ASPEN CHAUD: If you cut me out of this now, after all I’ve done for you, you’re no better than Cosmo Cooper.
Callum lifted his head to the air and turned back towards her.
CHRIS CALLUM: Maybe Cosmo has a point. You gotta move on. But I’m still gonna take his title, and I don’t need you to do that.
Aspen smiled. She moved in close.
ASPEN CHAUD: You think you can prove Cosmo wrong. I know I can prove you wrong.
She turned and left him. She watched her go, with some fear in his eyes.
Every time that I look in the mirror
All these lines on my face getting clearer
The past is gone, it went by like dusk to dawn
Isn't that the way, everybody's got the dues in life to pay, yeah
A young man with wild blue eyes is atop a ladder. NSFW are on their knees on the mat, but will themselves to their feet and rush forward. They knock the ladder over, but not before the man grabs tenaciously to a pair of suspended golden belts. Church and McGuire try desperately to pull him off their property, but somehow, he gets the belts undone from their tether, grinning madly as he plummets to the canvas.
The audio is muffled with crackles and pops as the ring announcer proclaims- “Here are your winners AND NEEEEEWWWW…” the audio fades as Mike looks on distraught. Church is stone faced, but his arms crossed over his chest indicate his feelings to those who are keen.
Mike McGuire and Bishop Church shake hands with their victorious opponents, though the air is somewhat disingenuous on their part. The win was a fluke and their titles were lost to a team of dubious worth. Still, they exit with grace, for what no one in the audience, the company, or even NSFW themselves know at that moment is the final time. The picture blurs on a shot of the two leaving the arena before the show even ended, bags slung over slumped shoulders.
I know nobody knows
Where it comes and where it goes
I know it's everybody sins
You got to lose to know how to win
The picture then flickers and blooms in full color as NSFW shows up on the scene in Valor Pro, starting off strong taking the fight fearlessly to Berlin Anderson and Brenna Gordon. The mysterious mohawked man and his cold, haughty companion have little regard and less respect for the newcomers, but their arrogance is their downfall as a hard fought battle is over with a Cherry Bomb and the count of three. This victory gives them a golden ticket to the Chimera Tag Team Championships at Rite of Kings, but their high spirits are brought crashing back down to earth in Cairo courtesy of ReKota with the assistance of a handily wielded chair, cutting the picture to black...
Sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter and sing for the tear
Sing with me, it's just for today
Maybe tomorrow the good Lord will take you away...
….And then the video bursts to life once more with Mike McGuire’s trademark haymaker crushing Dakota Jennings to the mat, the Firecracker being pinned for three. Flash forward to last week- NSFW in the ring with inaugural Chimera champions Zombie Vice Squad. Highlights from the match are seen- Mike’s Rubbernecker to Kowloon, Bishop’s massive belly-to-belly suplex, the Flight of Icarus, and finally, Mike mustering up a KFS to put Siberia away.
Dream on, dream on, dream on
Dream yourself a dream come true
Dream on, dream on, dream on
Dream until your dream come true…
Finally, a cut of opponents both familiar and not, from here and there, all falling to the Cherry Bomb, the Flight of Icarus, the Bishop Takes Queen, the Batter Up, Motherfucker!. Many are faced. All fall down. Their movements are fluid, their synchronization so seamless it’s almost as if they can read each other’s minds. This montage fades out as a single still shot fades in- the challengers back to back, staring head on, intent and focused.
Dream on, dream on
Dream on, dream on
Dream on, dream on
Dream on…
As Matt James’ vocals fade out, two other voices can be heard, one after the other.
MCGUIRE: We’re not here for redemption.
CHURCH: We’re here to take what’s ours.After his match, we once again see Chris Callum walking backstage. Aspen is waiting for him.
CHRIS CALLUM: Are you going to congratulate me?
Aspen folded her arms.
ASPEN CHAUD: Congratulations. You risked your career stepping into the ring with a psychopath before your title match.
Callum could barely contain his laughter. He shook his head.
CHRIS CALLUM: You’re so upset… because I proved I can do it without you.
Aspen’s face was beginning to turn red.
CHRIS CALLUM: Tonight, I didn’t risk anything. I have nothing to lose. And I gained respect from all of those people in the stands, all of the wrestlers in the back, and for myself. It’s a good feeling and I haven’t felt it in a while.
He began to leave Aspen with a smile, but she stopped him.
ASPEN CHAUD: If you cut me out of this now, after all I’ve done for you, you’re no better than Cosmo Cooper.
Callum lifted his head to the air and turned back towards her.
CHRIS CALLUM: Maybe Cosmo has a point. You gotta move on. But I’m still gonna take his title, and I don’t need you to do that.
Aspen smiled. She moved in close.
ASPEN CHAUD: You think you can prove Cosmo wrong. I know I can prove you wrong.
She turned and left him. She watched her go, with some fear in his eyes.
MAIN EVENT
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission, and is for THE CHIMERA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS!
The house lights dim. Green and orange lights pulse with the opening of Papa Roach’s ‘Renegade Music’, the tron remaining black- and then flashing the words with the music
‘BUT NOTHING CHANGES
UNTIL THE PEOPLE GET LOUD!’
RING ANNOUNCER: Making their way to the ring, at a combined weight of 400 pounds, Mike McGuire and Bishop Church, N ...S ...F ...W!
Mike is in the ring bouncing back and forth to either side of the ring multiple times before John finally climbs up the ring steps. They meet in the middle of the ring and look to the crowd. With Bishop two steps behind, they both pose by standing on the second rope each with a fist raised titles in the air.
LO: NSFW earned this opportunity by defeating The Zombie Vice Squad last show, and the show before that Mike McGuire picked up a victory over Dakota Jennings. I'd say that enough to give them another shot...
KO: You failed to mention in that match against Jennings that they cheated.
LO: I didn't see any cheating except for out of Mrs. Jennings...
KO: Come On, Laur! If Vanessa Byrne hadn't come out and unjustly restarted the match, none of that would have ever happened. Obviously those two are in cahoots with the boss.
LO: Uh....she restarted the match because Dakota Jennings tried to pull a fast one on the official to get McGuire unjustly disqualified.
KO: Whatever. Apparently we can just restart matches whenever they don't go the way Byrne wants...
Laurence Othello doesn't get the chance to respond before the lights in the arena cut out as a static noise. The static changes to the muted bass notes and snare drum for Royal Blood’s Out of the Black. The video screen flashes in time with the beat from darkness to a golden background with the word ‘ReKota’ written in blood red. Dakota Jennings comes out as alternate red and gold pyros shoot from the stage. The screen now reads ‘THE FOX AND THE FIRECRACKER’. Dakota wears a smile as the crowd meet her with jeers. The red of her one shouldered chiffon dress matches the red on the screen. She motions to the entrance as Cross Recoba steps out, no such attire for him. He steps to her, Silver Lionhead cane in hand and Chimera belt emblazoned around his waist. He embraces her before twirling her away and uses the cane to unhook her dress revealing her ring attire. Her VPW Chimera Title now revealed proudly around her waist. As the music settles down into the verse they walk arm in arm to the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: And their opponents, at a combined weight of 345 pounds, they are the current CHIMERA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS...Dakota Jennings...Cross Recoba.....REKOTAAA!!
The fans continue to boo as they reach ringside, Dakota hopping up on the ring apron as Cross rests his cane against the steps before climbing them. The two enter the ring, and Dakota stares across the ring at NSFW with a Cheshire like grin as Cross leans against the turnbuckles, confident that they are going to come out on top.
LO: Cross Recoba looks awfully confident for a man who went to a draw last show against Indi Rhyder...
KO: It wasn't a loss.
LO: Well, it wasn't a win.
KO: You know, you've had a vendetta against these two since before they won the Chimer Tag straps, and I just don't get it.
LO: What's to get? These two are underhanded, cheaters, and altogether despicable.
KO: Why? Cause they don't follow your rules? Cause they don't fit into the box you want to place them in? These two are strategic geniuses who have kept themselves at the forefront of everyone's mind despite a few setbacks that would have derailed anyone else in their careers.
LO: Oh yeah, they've been at the forefront alright. Of sneak attacks, chair shots, and every dirty trick under the book. I personally hope they get dealt a lesson here tonight, because I don't believe NSFW will fall for the same tactics again.
KO: I guess we'll find out, cause there's the bell...
Dakota and Cross confer with one another in their corner while McGuire steps through the ropes to the apron while Bishop Church waits to see which of the champions will start. Jennings eventually steps through the ropes and Recoba turns his glance towards Church with a sly smile. The two men begin to circle and then move in to lock up and The Fox quickly slips behind Church in a Waist Lock, but the big man smirks as he tries to take him off his feet, instead reaching down between his legs to grab Cross by the ankle and yank his footing out from under him with a Heel Pick. He spins around while retaining hold of the ankle into a Heel Hook, but Cross scrambles towards the ropes and latches on forcing Bishop to release the hold. With hands held high Church backs off at Caputo's warning, giving Recoba a chance to pop to his feet to stare balefully across the ring at the challenger. The two engage in another collar and elbow tie up when Church moves into the go behind this time, hooking up a Waist Lock, and then lifts Cross right off his feet and slams him to the mat onto his front with authority. Church quickly leaps to the other side of the man and drops low to hook him in a Side Head Lock, but The Fox is quick to start working both men back to their feet. Cross forces Church back into the ropes and sends him to the far side only to get toppled with a massive Shoulder Tackle that sends the Chimera Tag Champion to the mat, a roll through, and then dumps right through the middle and bottom rope to the outside of the ring where he lands on his feet.
LO: Cross Recoba is livid now as he slaps the mat in frustration, and these fans are really giving him a hard time as Dakota Jennings now drops down off the apron and steps over to console her partner.
KO: Who does that big oaf think he is? These are the Chimera Tag Team Champions! He can't treat them like that!
LO: I think he thinks that he is the challenger for those very titles, and quite frankly hasn't done anything wrong but out wrestle Cross Recoba.
KO: You speak blasphemy! No one out wrestles Cross Recoba.
LO: You must have missed the number eight in his loss column.
KO: Shut up, Laurence!
LO: Well Rekota are finally back up on the apron, and Recoba is waving for the referee to get Bishop Church back....though I don't think the challenger was actually trying to get into Recoba's space...
KO: You can never be too sure. Cross is just being cautious, giving fair warning.
LO: Recoba finally back in the ring now, and the two men are circling once again....moving in for a lock up, and NO! Right there, you see! Recoba cuts Church off with a knee lift to the gut!
KO: Genius!
Cross follows the knee lift by bringing the point of his elbow down across the back of Bishop's head, and then fires in right hands to the exposed jaw that rocks the big man back into the ropes. He drives in another knee lift so that Church sits partially on the middle rope just before taking him by the wrist and shooting him to the far side. Or he would, but Church is able to reverse midway through, and it's Cross that attacks the ropes to spring back at breakneck speed. Bishop steps forward to meet Cross with a lariat but Recoba baseball slides right between his legs, flips over to grab church by both his ankles and rips them out from under him so that he slams face first to the mat. Recoba is up quickly as Church is already starting to rise, and he shifts to hit off the side ropes for spring only to come back and catch the man with a Swinging Neck Breaker that drops him to the canvas.
LO: Nice swinging neck breaker by Cross Recoba, who doesn't bother with a cover as he comes up to his feet and drops an elbow into the man's sternum, then another, and Then Another!
KO: Recoba's fired up now as he hits off the ropes for spring and then stops short right above Church's shoulders for a delayed Knee Drop right down into his forehead!
LO: Church clutching at his head as he comes up off the mat and is immediately met by Cross with a THUNDEROUS Chop!
KO: Wooooo! Lighting him up now with another. And another! AND ANOTHER! God almighty, Bishop Church's chest is lit up like Christmas!
Cross chops Church all the way back into Rekota's corner where he promptly makes a tag to Jennings who slips into the ring only to pick up where Cross left off. Grabbing the top rope, The Firecracker snarls at Church before driving her boot into his midsection repeatedly with Mudhole Stomps that eventually drop him all the way down to a seated position against the corner. She turns her back on the man to walk towards Mike McGuire to give them a piece of her mind, and when Mike moves as if he might come in after her the referee rushes over to halt his progress. All the while, back in Rekota's corner, Cross has dropped off the apron and is using his cane to choke the living daylights out of Bishop Church. He relents just about the time that the referee has finished up with Mike, and all Caputo sees is Dakota Jennings pulling Bishop up out of the corner and along the ropes to shoot him off to the other side.
LO: And thus it's already begun...
KO: What are you talking about?
LO: Rekota and their cheap shots.
KO: Nothing cheap about it, Laur. It's strategy. And now Church springs off the ropes back at Dakota Jennings, and BIG Roundhouse Kick to the gut drops him to his knees...
LO: AND JENNINGS RIGHT INTO SHOOT KICKS TO THE MAN'S CHEST KNOCKING HIM AROUND LIKE A SEA BUOY!
KO: Jennings reaching the end of this Combo, and drops back for a knock out punt....BUT CHURCH MANAGED TO DUCK UNDER IT, LIFTS UP OFF THE GROUND INTO A GERMAN SUPLEX!
LO: Both competitors down on the mat, and Mike McGuire is bouncing up and down in NSFW's corner with hand extended...
Bishop Church holds his inflamed chest with one hand while clawing with the other to bring him closer to his corner, while Dakota Jennings clutches the back of her skull thanks to the impact from the German. Unfortunately for NSFW, Dakota gets to her feet first, and at the sight of Church within reach of his partner she quickly rushes across the ring and dives into a forearm shot right to McGuire that ejects them from their corner down to the concrete floor. The threat of a tag now thwarted, she turns her attention to stomping the devil out of Bishop who does his best to cover up as the woman seems possessed. After a moment she reaches down and pulls Church up to his feet and drags him by the hair of the head over to the ropes where she places a boot in the back of his knee to force him to stoop, and then puts all of her body against his shoulders to force his throat down across the middle rope where he's choked. The referee admonishes her before starting a count, and at four and three quarters Jennings finally backs off while Church grips at his throat. Backing up to the center of the ring with the referee's attention, Bishop doesn't get long before Cross Recoba rushes along that side of the apron and throws his boot into the side of the man's head knocking him back into the ring.
LO: Once again, Rekota is using underhanded double team tactics to great effect in this contest.
KO: Whatever. Ref's back on the action now as Dakota comes back over and pulls McGuire back up, and there's a tag out to Recoba.
LO: Cross in the ring alongside Jennings, and they take Church by either wrist and whip him to the far side.....Bishop on his way back now and CROSS LIFTS HIM UP FOR A SPINE BUSTER WHILE DAKOTA COMES IN WITH A SPIN WHEEL KICK TO THE MUSH ON HIS WAY DOWN!
KO: Dakota just rolled out of the ring, and now Recoba is hooking the leg!
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! McGuire launches themselves across the ring to break up the pin causing a near fall, and now the referee is working to get McGuire out of the ring....what the?
KO: Cross just clapped really hard, and Dakota Jennings is back in as he quickly exits!
LO: That wasn't a tag....but the referee is allowing it cause she didn't see it! Come On!
KO: What can I tell you, Laur? McGuire should have stayed out of the ring...
Bishop Church looks worse for wear as Jennings steps over him and grabs his left arm and extends it while hooking it with one of her into a Standing Arm Bar while using the other to grate the point of her elbow into his face. Church grimaces at the pressure being placed on his shoulder and neck while McGuire slaps the top turnbuckle and stomps his foot in rhythm. The fans respond with a clap, and before you know it the entire arena is humming with the sound. Bishop Church seems to feed off the energy as he rocks his body with the sound, all the while Dakota Jennings shaking her head and spitting venom at the fans. Eventually he manages to roll his body up to a knee and then up to hunched over position on his feet as Dakota does all she can to maintain the hold. He reaches out his free hand towards his partner who is more than willing to receive, and Jennings, deciding it was time to put an end to this comeback, suddenly releases the hold and charges right for NSFW's corner. This time, however, McGuire blocks her wild swing with one hand, while driving a right fist of his own into her jaw. This sends Dakota stumbling into a spin back towards Church who wraps both arms around her waist, trapping her arms, and delivers a ring rattling Belly to Belly Suplex!
LO: BIG MOVE THERE FROM CHURCH, AND NOW CHALLENGER AND CHAMPION ARE LAID OUT IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!
KO: Tell these fans to quiet down, Laur! Bishop Church has taken a beating here from the get go, and the likelihood of him making it to his corner for a tag is minimal...
Dakota Jennings seems a little jarred after the high impact move, and she slowly crawls towards her corner where Recoba is waiting with outstretched hand while staring across the ring at McGuire. Church rolls over onto his stomach, and then pushes up to his hands and knees, his head down as sweat drips from the end of his nose. He looks up to see his partner ready to receive him, the hand there for the taking if he could just muster up the strength to get there. On the other side of the ring Dakota falls forward and slaps Recoba's hand, and The Fox quickly slips through the ropes to charge for the downed Church. Just before he can reach him, the big man digs in with one foot and launches himself at his corner, stretching out his six foot five frame with hand extended. When Bishop's hand desparately finds McGuire's, the roof nearly blows off the building as the fans go nuts. Recoba continues his pursuit despite the fact, but when he reaches their corner McGuire slingshots himself into the ring with a clothesline that drops The Fox where he stands!
LO: As you were saying?
KO: Shut up! Recoba back up to his feet and McGuire with left jabs that rock him back into the ropes, and now takes him by the wrist and shoots him to the opposite side...
LO: Reversed! McGuire now hitting off the ropes as Recoba lowers his head for a Back Body...BUT MCGUIRE GETS TWO FISTFULS OF HAIR AND YANKS CROSS DOWN TO THE CANVAS TO SLAM ONTO THE BACK OF HIS SKULL!
KO: Ahhh! This is terrible! Recoba scrambling up to his feet, and McGuire with a Back Elbow sends him stumbling back first into the ropes...springs forwards INTO A LOUS THESZ PRESS FOLLOWED BY PISTON LIKE RIGHT HANDS!
LO: Oh no! Here comes Dakota Jennings and she runs right for McGuire...WHO STOPS PUNCHING LONG ENOUGH TO CATCH HER WITH A FIREMAN'S CARRY THAT SENDS HER FLIPPING TO THE MAT!
KO: McGuire leaps up off of Recoba as Jennings gets back to her feet near the ropes....AND CLOTHESLINES HER UP AND OVER TO THE OUTSIDE! DISQUALIFY THEM!
LO: FOR WHAT?
KO: RECKLESS ABANDON!
The fans are still in a frenzy as Mike turns their attention back to Cross who slowly rises in the center of the ring, admittedly a little stunned. McGuire nods their head just before rushing the man, leaping forward with a spinning Shoulder Tackle that drops Recoba back to the mat. Mike is back up to hit off the ropes, moving back in on their prey with a lightening fast leg drop. As The Bronx Brawler comes back to their feet they pull Cross up with them, hooks him around the head, and Snap Suplexes him back down to the mat followed by a float over pin.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Recoba kicks out at two and a half, but Dakota Jennings just rolled back into the ring and is going right for Mike McGuire...AND IS CUT OFF BY BISHOP CHURCH AND A RELEASE BELLY TO BELLY!
KO: HEY! GET THAT BIG GOOF OUT OF THERE!
LO: I'm pretty sure he was responding to her illegal interference, thank you very much!
Mike McGuire yanks Cross up off the mat and grips him by the scuff of his neck, and then feeds him right at a waiting Bishop Church who delivers a Big Boot that nearly takes the Chimera Tag Champ's head off. McGuire quickly steps over and allows Church to manhandle them up onto his shoulders, turns, and Powerbombs them directly down onto the downed Recoba. The Fox's eyes bulge out of his head at the impact and his mouth hangs agape trying to find breath that isn't there when McGuire spins around to make the cover as Church moves to exit through the ropes.
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Dakota Jennings was still technically in the ring just laid out after that Belly to Belly from Church, but she still managed to flip over and launch herself into McGuire to break up what looked like a victory for NSFW!
KO: Stop preambling for these two! They haven't won anything!
LO: Yet! Can't you feel it, Ken? Change is in the air!
Kenneth Othello sulks as Dakota Jennings is forced out of the ring by the referee, and Mike McGuire steps over to his corner and tags in Bishop Church. Church comes into the ring and signals for Mike once more, and they rush right at him only to be shoved to the mat. Bishop reaches down and hooks Mike by the legs, and then Sling Shots him up and over down into a splash that crushes Recoba into the mat.
LO: A MODIFIED VERSION OF THE BISHOP TAKES QUEEN AND MIKE STAYS ON FOR THE COVER WHILE CHURCH BAILS UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE!
1...
2...
KO: THREE!YES! DAKOTA IN THE RING TO BREAK IT UP AT THE LAST SECOND!
LO: Mike pops up in response AND GETS PUT RIGHT BACK DOWN WITH A SUPERKICK FROM JENNINGS!
KO: DKO MKI!
LO: YEAH BUT JENNINGS LOOKS UP JUST IN TIME TO TAKE A RUNNING KNEE SMASH RIGHT TO THE FACE FROM BISHOP CHURCH!
KO: HE CAN'T BE IN THE RING!
LO: WELL NEITHER CAN SHE!
KO: The only good thing out of all of this is that Recoba has managed back up to his feet and he just yanked Church by the arm to spin him around and up onto his shoulder...UP ALL NIGHT IN DAKOTA!
LO: And Cross Recoba just fell on top of Bishop for the cover, but he's not the legal man and Caputo is trying to tell him that...
Recoba remains chest to chest with Church for a moment longer before looking up to the referee who is waving him off. He shakes his head in disbelief and in frustration pushes off of Bishop to turn and drop down over McGuire. This time the ref drops and makes the count...
1...
2...
KO: THREe-NO! McGuire able to roll the shoulder there, and this thing continues.
LO: Recoba now pulling McGuire up to their feet and scoops them up onto his shoulder, BUT MCGUIRE COMES ALIVE TO SLIP RIGHT IN BEHIND HIM!
KO: Recoba spins around and KNOCKED FOR SIX TO THE FOX'S JAW!
Recoba's eyes roll into the back of his head as he takes two steps back and then falls, hitting the middle rope, and McGuire lunges forwards to try and prevent The Fox from tumbling right through the ropes. They are unsuccessful and Cross bounces off the apron and then down to the concrete floor while Mike McGuire sits there leaning against the middle rope while driving their fists into the side of their head in frustration.
LO: Well, McGuire laid out Recoba, who is the legal man, but unfortunately in the wrong direction...
KO: Yeah, and now Mike is helping Bishop Church up to his feet....They don't see Dakota getting to her feet behind them....AND HERE SHE COMES...
LO: RIGHT UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE THANKS TO A DOUBLE BACK BODY DROP FROM NSFW!
Dakota crashes down beside her beau with a slap of the concrete as pain and shock spreads over her face. The two turn towards one another and paw at the apron to try and help each other up to their feet, when Bishop Church lifts up Mike McGuire in a Gorilla Press, and then proceeds to toss them out of the ring into a Cross Body down onto Rekota. All three competitors are wiped out as Bishop Church slips out of the ring and yanks Recoba up only to shoot him back into the ring just before helping his own partner up and rolling them in as well.
KO: That should have been a count out, but instead Bishop Church once again getting involved illegally.
LO: He's saving this match up by making sure that the two legal participants are back in the ring instead of the contest ending in a false finish. I don't think you can call that illegal.
KO: Perhaps you haven't evaluated my delusional status correctly, Laur. I do what I want!
Laurence Othello rolls his eyes as Bishop Church rejoins his corner and holds his hand out to try and urge his partner to make the tag. Mike slowly but surely starts crawling that way, but as they pass by Cross Recoba they are surprised to find their progress impeded by Recoba grabbing at their ankle. Mike tries to kick free, but The Fox is tenacious, as he pushes and half drags the smaller Mike across the mat towards his corner. Recoba even manages to get to his feet, easing the process, but just as Dakota Jennings pulls herself back up onto the apron to be tagged, Mike rolls onto his back, plants their boot on Recoba's Buttocks, and shoves him forward to run head long into The Firecracker. Their heads clank and Recoba stumbles backwards right into a Schoolboy Pin by McGuire!
LO: MCGUIRE HAS RECOBA PINNED....wait a minute! Why isn't Caputo counting?
KO: Because when Cross collided with Dakota she's counting that as a tag! Recoba is no longer the legal man!
LO: ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME!
It is not, in fact, a joke, as Caputo waves off the pin and Recoba eventually kicks out. Mike McGuire pushes up to his feet in confusion, questioning the referee, who points outside of the ring where Dakota Jennings is struggling to get to her feet. McGuire's eyes roll and they shrug, falling back tiredly to their corner where they tag in their partner. Church, instead of coming into the ring, drops down off the apron and jogs around ringside until surprising Jennings by grabbing her by the seat of the pants and chucking her into the ring. Jennings gets to her feet as Bishop slides in, and stomps the back of his head to halt his progress. As Church rises Dakota hooks him around the head for a cutter, but she never gets to drop as Church puts on the brakes and tosses the woman out from him. He gets clobbered by a forearm to the back by a recovered Recoba, which draws Mike McGuire right back into the ring.
LO: McGuire trading hands with Recoba, and they are NOT the legal men, while Dakota Jennings works her way back up to her feet thanks to that reprieve from her partner...
KO: Church reaching out to grab Dakota, OH! Dakota with a knee strike that snaps Bishop back into the ropes, and he bounces back....DAKOTA WITH AN INCREDIBLE LEAP TO CATCH HIM AROUND THE HEAD, AND IT CAME FROM SCOTTSDALE!
LO: Mike with a handful of Recoba's hair, and RUNS HIM FACE FIRST INTO THE NEAREST CORNER! McGuire now dumping Recoba out of the ring, but his partner is being pinned by the other half of Rekota in the center of the ring!
1...
2...
KO: THREE!NO! MCGUIRE WITH A SAVE! DAMN IT!
LO: The referee is demanding that McGuire get out of the ring, and they are complying...hands up....WHOA! JENNINGS JUST LAUNCHED HERSELF AT MCGUIRE! THESE TWO ARE HAMMERING AWAY, AND THE REFEREE IS CAUGHT BETWEEN THEM!
Caputo eventually gets free and admonishes the two as they roll along the ropes until settling in a corner, a maelstrom of fists and feet to try and establish dominance. Meanwhile, Bishop Church gets woozily to his feet in the center of the ring, and he has to shake his head to try and get rid of the cobwebs. Just then Dakota Jennings grabs Mike by the waistband and falls backwards, sending them painfully face first into the top turnbuckle of the corner they had been fighting. Jennings gets back to her feet and sees the wobbly Bishop Church, and she charges at the man only to run right into a knee strike that spins her around back towards Mike. McGuire rubs their jaw just before springing forward with a Haymaker like fist that sends Dakota shattering to the mat.
LO: BATTER UP! MCGUIRE STUMBLED RIGHT INTO THE ASSURING ARMS OF HIS PARTNER AFTER THE FORCE OF THE BLOW, AND CHURCH DIRECTS MCGUIRE TOWARDS RECOBA AS HE DROPS TO HOOK THE LEG OF JENNINGS!
KO: AHHH! RECOBA TRYING TO GET BACK INTO THE RING BUT MCGUIRE HAS CUT HIM OFF....
1...
2...
3!!!
LO: THEY DID IT!
KO: NOOOOOO!!!
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winners of this match via pinfall, and YOUR NEW CHIMERA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS....MIKE MCGUIRE....BISHOP CHURCH....NSFW!
Church rolls off of Dakota to lay on the mat beside her, his right hand coming up to his brow as the announcement echoes through the arena. McGuire falls back from Cross, who had made it halfway into the ring under the bottom rope, and falls to their knees to take in the moment. The Fox stares into the ring and shakes his head in disappointment, making his way around ringside where he reaches in to grab his girlfriend by the wrist and pull her from the wreckage. Dakota starts to stir the moment his hand finds hers, and he has to help keep her up after the nasty striking combo that is NSFW's finisher. Bishop gets to his feet and the referee hands him one of the belts, and he stares down at as his partner is handed theirs. Mike grabs hold of one of the ropes and lifts up, a huge grin on their face as the outpouring of support from the fans washes over them. Slowly they turn towards their partner who is caught up in the moment as much as they are, and Mike makes a mad dash towards Bishop, leaping into his arms as the two hug in the center of the ring.
LO: Well, Ken, it happened. Rekota couldn't cheat their way out of this one.
KO: SHUT UP, LAUR! You don't have to be so smug about it. I have to give credit where credit is due....NSFW came out and had a game plan, and they dethroned the champions. This time!
LO: Will there be a next time?
KO: What do you mean?
LO: Well, General Manager Vanessa Byrne said that the minute Dakota Jennings lost her half of the championships that she was gone...
KO: No....she didn't mean it. Come on, that's not fair!
As if she could hear them, Dakota Jennings pushes away from Cross Recoba from where he had led her up the ramp, and stares wild eyed at the man in a moment of real shock and trepidation. Just then 'Lady Venom' by Swollen Members hits the PA System and the fans explode at what they know this to mean. Dakota starts shaking her head vehemently as Vanessa Byrne pushes past the curtain with microphone in hand. The General Manager of VPW seems to be almost exuding satisfaction as she raises the microphone to her lips.
VANESSA BYRNE: I told you that this day would come, Mrs. Jennings, and it has finally arrived...
NSFW pause their celebration in the ring to look at the top of the stage and watch the proceedings as Cross Recoba steps forwards to try and speak some reason. All he gets for his efforts is a finger to the lips from Byrne, and a dangerous look before she continues.
VANESSA BYRNE: Mrs. Jennings, I would be lying if I said that this gives me no pleasure, but......YOU ARE FIRED!
The crowd pops huge while Recoba has a bit of a meltdown, gesturing wildly with his hands, and shaking his head as Byrne allows a smile to pull at the corner of her lips. Kota falls back a step from the news, and even though she knew it was coming, it still comes as a shock which is evident by the expression on her face. All of a sudden her face screws up into one of rage, and she launches herself forwards only to be caught by the Security Officers she didn't see coming in from behind her up the ramp. Cross raises his eyebrows at this when he turns to find his girlfriend completely subdued by about ten brawny men wearing VPW security shirts, and he doesn't even know how to respond as she is carted forward past Byrne towards the back. Vanessa gives the crowd a wink before turning to follow, and Recoba is left with no other choice but to try and catch up to the goons hauling his girlfriend off kicking and screaming.
LO: As you were saying?
KO: WHAT THE FUC-
LO: No, no, Kenneth. We can't resort to that.
KO: I.....I can't believe this. Dakota Jennings is no longer a Valor Pro employee!
LO: All I can say is don't cross the boss right now, cause she has been on one hell of a tear...
KO: Now I know why Spiral has been going after her so hard. This is a miscarriage of justice, Laur!
LO: Watch it Ken....or you could be next.
Kenneth Othello goes stark white and falls back into his chair with no further comment as NSFW resume their celebration, moving out to slap hands with the roaring crowd just before the cameras cut to the back.
The calls of reassurance from Cross Recoba are drowned out by the violent and screams of Dakota Jennings as she kicks, flails, and tries anything to break free from her security escort down the hallway. Vanessa Byrne has made her way in front of the procession, and Dakota calls her every word under the sun as she leads them towards a door at the end of the hall with a red 'EXIT' sign hanging above it. When Byrne reaches the door she gives the push bar a shove and holds it open as the security team now half carries, half drags, Jennings through the hall and out the door. There they give the woman a hefty toss that sees her land firmly on her rump about ten feet away from the door. They quickly move to come back inside, and just as Dakota gets to her feet and charges the door, it's Vanessa Byrne who grabs hold of the handle and slams it shut. Recoba is left standing there utterly bewildered as Byrne passes by followed by the security, the sounds of his girlfriend on the other side banging against the steel door before the scene cuts to the Battleground Network logo, the HOTV log, the VPW log, and then to black.