Post by silentpartner on Jul 29, 2019 10:21:16 GMT -5
CHURCH: Want to do this? Not one to not fight but this is all new territory.
Bishop’s tone implicated that he wasn’t referring to War Games itself.
MCGUIRE: I’ve been thinking about it. Part of me wants to say no. But…
The Bronx Brawler runs their fingers through their hair, shaking it out with a sigh before tucking their Mets cap on.
MCGUIRE: ...number one, it wouldn’t be fair to leave Katya in the fuckin’ lurch. She didn’t do nothin’ to us to deserve that. And two… heh. Do you know how pissed the old man would be if I ducked out of a fight just because some fuck is being an asshole?
Church nods.
CHURCH: Right. Doesn’t mean we bow and scrape to His Highness either.
MCGUIRE: Exactly. We show up and fight, but we do it on our own fuckin’ terms. He wants more from us than that, he’s got till go time to man up and fuckin’ apologize.
The big man ties off the knot and stands up. He notices the camera man.
CHURCH: Had your fill? Maybe ask first?
The camera backs out, just missing being hit by a wadded up sock lobbed at him from the redhead. But before it cuts to black, just barely heard...
CHURCH: … probably should close the door.
"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 Marcanazinho. Pyro begins firing off across the stage, and the Brazillian fans come to their feet at the sight of themselves on the big screen, cheering wildly and holding up their signs. The starkest difference between this and every other arena are the two rings sitting side by side in the center of the arena floor, a giant steel cage dangling above the two structures by thick chains. There are a multitude of signs in the audience, one reading "TEAM COSMO", while another says "THE ETERNAL WILL BE THE APEX", and another still says "DJURDJEVIC FAN CLUB". T-shirts permeate the crowd for superstars such as Danny Rizzo, David Scott, The Zombie Clan, Brodie, and NSFW, while there is one fan who is even dressed up as Maurice Yensman, complete with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. The camera view shifts suddenly to one overlooking the two rings. The camera zooms down the ramp, rises up over the top ropes of ring one, 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 a very special episode of Blitz, as we come to you live from Marcanazinho in the beautiful Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!
KENNETH OTHELLO: Oh son, I can't hardly wait! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURANCE!
LO: HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENNETH!
KO: And if you didn't know already, when we two get together we are...
TOGETHER: THE OTHELLO BROTHERS!
LO: Tonight we are proud to present to you the 20th episode of Blitz, and the one year anniversary for the program!
KO: Our real birthday bash will take place at our next big PPV, Honor Bound, which is a short two weeks away from The O2 Arena in London, England, but tonight.....WE GO TO WAR!
LO: That's right, Ken....As you can see we have a little different a set up here on the arena floor as we have two rings with giant steel cage above ready to be lowered for our Main Event of the evening, War Games!
KO: Two teams are going head to head in this hellish match, one captained by Chris Callum with the likes of Danny Rizzo, Kaven Drell, and Cross Recoba in his corner...
LO: While the other team is captained by The Apex, Cosmo Cooper, and he'll be leading the team of Katya Djurdjevic and our new Chimera Tag Team Champions, NSFW, into battle!
KO: Yeah, and it already sounds like there might be trouble in paradise. There was some inflammatory remarks on Twitter that could spell the end of Team Apex!
LO: Sure, but the egos going into Callum's team could spell out just as much trouble for them.
KO: And of course this is all a prelude to Callum & Cooper having a huge Apex Title Match at Honor Bound where we will finally see the match of the century!
LO: True, but we'll get to see them go one on one for at least three minutes here tonight as they will be the two starting off War Games! After that, I anticipate all hell will break loose!
KO: God, I can't hardly wait!
LO: But before that, Ken, we've got a Valor Pro Throwback Match!
KO: That's right, these two feuded for the better part of three months back at the start of the promotion with Zachariah Krahe at the center of the dispute...
LO: That's why they gave him the moniker 'The Catalyst', but he is no longer with the company, and now these two will go one on one just for the pleasure of the Valor Pro Faithful!
KO: It's always a hell of a fight when The Submission Machine meets The Siberian Buzzsaw, and I am ready to see how this chapter goes down.
LO: Speaking of going down, have you heard anything about the legal hot water that went down in New Orleans? Valor Pro Wrestling, along with General Manager, Vanessa Byrne, were in Louisiana District Court to settle the lawsuit disputes raised by The Pale King, Spiral.
KO: I don't know what happened, but I've got it on good authority that Spiral is officially in the building tonight, and that he and Vanessa Byrne are going to have another confrontation on Where There's Stokes, There's Fire!
LO: The last time those two were together it ended with Aoki getting hands on his Unleashed Championship during the scuffle, and Byrne doubling down on her firing of Spiral.
KO: Totally unfair.
LO: I don't know. He did wreck an extremely expensive production truck.
KO: Either way, it will be nice to possibly put this legal trouble behind us. I've been concerned ever since it started.
LO: In action later tonight is the enigmatic Indi Rhyder, and she'll be taking on Berlin Anderson!
KO: Hey! He's finally off the Opening Bout! I wonder if that means Byrne finally sees something in him again?
LO: No idea, but he'll be taking on the Galactic Princess fresh off her loss to UnYielding Champion, Danny Rizzo, so I'm sure she wants to prove her way back into the title picture.
KO: Lots of folks gunning for Rizzo as of late...
LO: No doubt! Speaking of gunners, David Scott has been mowing down the competition in recent weeks.
KO: Yeah, and he'll be facing a familiar face here at Blitz when he goes one on one with Moxie James who he previously met in a Fatal Four Way on Flipping The Script.
LO: No doubt that will be speed versus smash mouth wrestling.
KO: I'm sure someone would appreciate smashing in the mouth of at least one of our participants in the Opening Bout.
LO: You must be talking about Maurice Yensman. I though you liked him?
KO: Verdicts still out. Ultimately it could depend on tonight's performance against England's Most Glamorous Export, Alexis Terry!
LO: Terry has taken back to back losses, but that was also against some stiff competition. One being The Apex, Cosmo Cooper, and the other against Katya Djurdjevic who had a lot to prove to the audience after her loss to Rizzo the previous show.
KO: Yeah, but I wouldn't count Alexis out of anything. She's cagey, and it wouldn't surprise me if Aspen Chaud didn't make the difference in this one.
LO: Well, we can stop speculating, cause guess what time it is...
KO: Oh Yeah! Let's start the show!
LAURENCE OTHELLO: Welcome everyone to a very special episode of Blitz, as we come to you live from Marcanazinho in the beautiful Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!
KENNETH OTHELLO: Oh son, I can't hardly wait! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURANCE!
LO: HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENNETH!
KO: And if you didn't know already, when we two get together we are...
TOGETHER: THE OTHELLO BROTHERS!
LO: Tonight we are proud to present to you the 20th episode of Blitz, and the one year anniversary for the program!
KO: Our real birthday bash will take place at our next big PPV, Honor Bound, which is a short two weeks away from The O2 Arena in London, England, but tonight.....WE GO TO WAR!
LO: That's right, Ken....As you can see we have a little different a set up here on the arena floor as we have two rings with giant steel cage above ready to be lowered for our Main Event of the evening, War Games!
KO: Two teams are going head to head in this hellish match, one captained by Chris Callum with the likes of Danny Rizzo, Kaven Drell, and Cross Recoba in his corner...
LO: While the other team is captained by The Apex, Cosmo Cooper, and he'll be leading the team of Katya Djurdjevic and our new Chimera Tag Team Champions, NSFW, into battle!
KO: Yeah, and it already sounds like there might be trouble in paradise. There was some inflammatory remarks on Twitter that could spell the end of Team Apex!
LO: Sure, but the egos going into Callum's team could spell out just as much trouble for them.
KO: And of course this is all a prelude to Callum & Cooper having a huge Apex Title Match at Honor Bound where we will finally see the match of the century!
LO: True, but we'll get to see them go one on one for at least three minutes here tonight as they will be the two starting off War Games! After that, I anticipate all hell will break loose!
KO: God, I can't hardly wait!
LO: But before that, Ken, we've got a Valor Pro Throwback Match!
KO: That's right, these two feuded for the better part of three months back at the start of the promotion with Zachariah Krahe at the center of the dispute...
LO: That's why they gave him the moniker 'The Catalyst', but he is no longer with the company, and now these two will go one on one just for the pleasure of the Valor Pro Faithful!
KO: It's always a hell of a fight when The Submission Machine meets The Siberian Buzzsaw, and I am ready to see how this chapter goes down.
LO: Speaking of going down, have you heard anything about the legal hot water that went down in New Orleans? Valor Pro Wrestling, along with General Manager, Vanessa Byrne, were in Louisiana District Court to settle the lawsuit disputes raised by The Pale King, Spiral.
KO: I don't know what happened, but I've got it on good authority that Spiral is officially in the building tonight, and that he and Vanessa Byrne are going to have another confrontation on Where There's Stokes, There's Fire!
LO: The last time those two were together it ended with Aoki getting hands on his Unleashed Championship during the scuffle, and Byrne doubling down on her firing of Spiral.
KO: Totally unfair.
LO: I don't know. He did wreck an extremely expensive production truck.
KO: Either way, it will be nice to possibly put this legal trouble behind us. I've been concerned ever since it started.
LO: In action later tonight is the enigmatic Indi Rhyder, and she'll be taking on Berlin Anderson!
KO: Hey! He's finally off the Opening Bout! I wonder if that means Byrne finally sees something in him again?
LO: No idea, but he'll be taking on the Galactic Princess fresh off her loss to UnYielding Champion, Danny Rizzo, so I'm sure she wants to prove her way back into the title picture.
KO: Lots of folks gunning for Rizzo as of late...
LO: No doubt! Speaking of gunners, David Scott has been mowing down the competition in recent weeks.
KO: Yeah, and he'll be facing a familiar face here at Blitz when he goes one on one with Moxie James who he previously met in a Fatal Four Way on Flipping The Script.
LO: No doubt that will be speed versus smash mouth wrestling.
KO: I'm sure someone would appreciate smashing in the mouth of at least one of our participants in the Opening Bout.
LO: You must be talking about Maurice Yensman. I though you liked him?
KO: Verdicts still out. Ultimately it could depend on tonight's performance against England's Most Glamorous Export, Alexis Terry!
LO: Terry has taken back to back losses, but that was also against some stiff competition. One being The Apex, Cosmo Cooper, and the other against Katya Djurdjevic who had a lot to prove to the audience after her loss to Rizzo the previous show.
KO: Yeah, but I wouldn't count Alexis out of anything. She's cagey, and it wouldn't surprise me if Aspen Chaud didn't make the difference in this one.
LO: Well, we can stop speculating, cause guess what time it is...
KO: Oh Yeah! Let's start the show!
The lights dim and purple bulbs flash as "Warriors" by Papa Roach hits 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. Sitting on the stage before her side is her newly won trophy - the whopping Beach Bash Cup. The crowd goes absolutely nuts as she makes her way down the ramp carrying her prize, slapping hands, and pausing for photo-ops. Katya reaches ringside, and casually saunters around the double squared circle setup, running her hand along the canvas. A ringside official takes the five foot tall trophy into the ring on Katya’s behalf. The crowd roars when her enormous green eyes turn skyward, studying the immense cage built to encompass the twin rings. War Games, arguably the biggest main event in Valor Pro history, draws ever closer. The girl soon 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. Hopping down, the Russian calls for a microphone and is quickly appeased. She stands by her trophy at the ring’s centre.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: “Hello, my friendly friends.”
The Russian girl gets a hearty pop in return from the Brazilian crowd. Over her ring gear, Katya wears a simple black Valor Pro tee, and a fitting straw hat. Looking out to the crowd, Katya sees fellow straw hat wearing fans peppered throughout the audience and the view makes her smile.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: “It’s been a while since I’ve spoken to you guys on Blitz. And on this, Blitz 20, the Blitz anniversary show, it only feels appropriate to say something I've been meaning to tell you all for a while now. You guys have really welcomed me here in Valor. From the beginning, you’ve made me feel like I’m part of the family, have followed my every move from the moment I set foot here, and gave me this canvas to put on grand, flashy performances that dazzle and wow you. Wherever I go, I know the Valor fandom think of me. A place where someone still thinks about you; that's a place you can call home. Valor Pro is home.”
There are stirrings of cheers as Katya pats the Valor logo on her shirt.
KATYA DJURDJEVC: And I will defend my home wherever I go and honour it the best I can. And that's all because of you and this wonderful company. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
The lively crowd gives a great shout and it makes the girl smile.
KATYA DJURDJEVC: You're in for a real treat. Tonight’s card is a feast for your eyes. Tonight… you, yes, you, the beautiful people of Rio de Janeiro …”
The crowd pops at the mention of their home.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: “For the first time on Blitz, you’re gonna see David Scott duke it out with Moxie James.”
The fans cheer the two Valor newcomers who have been making waves on Flipping The Script.
KATYA DJURDJEIVC: “You’re gonna see Indi Rhyder and Berlin Anderson come to blows.”
A very loud pop for two of the most popular stars under the Valor banner, and Katya paces the ring, a small smile on her face.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: “You’re gonna see Brodie and Siberia Zombie tear each other apart one more time…”
There’s a mixed but deafening reaction to those two names. The anticipation is clearly very high for the two Valor stalwarts meeting again.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: “And best of all… tonight sees Valor's biggest ever main event... War Games!”
That announcement brings the loudest cheer of them all. Katya smirks at the crowd.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: “But that’s not why I’m out here. I’m here to address another elephant in the room. One month ago, I had my rematch for the UnYielding Championship. And despite my efforts, I did not leave Columbia the champion. Danny Rizzo did.”
The cheers very quickly descend to boos at the name of Valor’s record-breaking UnYielding champion. Katya nods. Once the crowd settles, she continues.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: “I know. I let a lot of people down that day. I didn’t get the job done at the second time of asking. My undefeated run came to an end, and I apologized for not taking my chance. But I declared I’m still shooting for another shot at the UnYielding championship. Ever since then people have been asking me 'Why, Katya? Why are you so fixated on getting another shot? Is it for validation? Revenge?’ Some people think I should just move on. If this was for any other title, perhaps I would. It would be very easy for me to do so. Not to toot my own horn, but I've done a good job getting my name out there. Just these past few weeks you've seen me compete at Ana Hayden's Death Graps… and Cosmo’s Beach Bash Brawl.”
At that, Katya hefts her Beach Bash Cup high into the air to a massive ovation. Still taken aback by the extent of her rapidly climbing popularity in Valor, she smiles bashfully as she sets her prize down to the canvas.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: “And you know me and my tourneys. This month, you'll see me enter the sister tournament of the Young Guns Cup -- the Rookie X Cup. And I’ll be hunting for tag team glory as well. Competing in 4CW’s Bad Company and FGA’s Dynamic Duos.
There’s a lot of opportunities out there. But none of them glimmer as brightly as the UnYielding title. This is more than just me looking for revenge. This is bigger than Danny Rizzo. This is about the title that matters most to me in the world. The UnYielding championship. Doesn't matter who the champion is. I want to win that title at all costs. You wanna know why?”
Pause. The crowd listens attentively as Katya unhurriedly paces the ring.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: It’s because I’ve found something worth clashing for. I believe the UnYielding title is a little special. I expect greater things out of the UnYielding division than any other here in Valor. Because it is my honest belief that the UnYielding title is the championship that will most influence Valor’s fortunes. It could very well be that… everyone else in the back has not grasped the full scale of the UnYielding championship. And with “Two-Faced” Danny pining for the Apex title, it’s clear he hasn’t either. People might mock me for gunning so hard for the UnYielding title… but when they finally realize its true worth, it’ll be too late. I will win the UnYielding championship and you’ll all see it bloom right before your eyes. And everyone else will follow the marker I’ll set. Because that is the title that can transcend all others in the hands of the right person. I might have failed twice, but if I can surpass Danny Rizzo on a bigger stage… I can bring my vision to fruition. Honour Bound... on that stage I want to defeat “Two-Faced” Danny Rizzo. And tonight… I stake my claim. Rizzo might not think the main event for the Blitz Anniversary Show matters… but I do. I'm up for every match because every match matters. Mark my words, Valor’s first ever War Games will be a spectacle that will live long in the memory... I'll make doubly sure of that. Count on it.”
With that, Katya’s music hits and the crowd cheers the Russian starlet. She takes her cup and rather than take her leave, brings it round to fans at ringside. Smiling wide, she takes photos with them and the cup, letting them touch it and hold it, taking her time with many of them.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: “Hello, my friendly friends.”
The Russian girl gets a hearty pop in return from the Brazilian crowd. Over her ring gear, Katya wears a simple black Valor Pro tee, and a fitting straw hat. Looking out to the crowd, Katya sees fellow straw hat wearing fans peppered throughout the audience and the view makes her smile.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: “It’s been a while since I’ve spoken to you guys on Blitz. And on this, Blitz 20, the Blitz anniversary show, it only feels appropriate to say something I've been meaning to tell you all for a while now. You guys have really welcomed me here in Valor. From the beginning, you’ve made me feel like I’m part of the family, have followed my every move from the moment I set foot here, and gave me this canvas to put on grand, flashy performances that dazzle and wow you. Wherever I go, I know the Valor fandom think of me. A place where someone still thinks about you; that's a place you can call home. Valor Pro is home.”
There are stirrings of cheers as Katya pats the Valor logo on her shirt.
KATYA DJURDJEVC: And I will defend my home wherever I go and honour it the best I can. And that's all because of you and this wonderful company. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
The lively crowd gives a great shout and it makes the girl smile.
KATYA DJURDJEVC: You're in for a real treat. Tonight’s card is a feast for your eyes. Tonight… you, yes, you, the beautiful people of Rio de Janeiro …”
The crowd pops at the mention of their home.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: “For the first time on Blitz, you’re gonna see David Scott duke it out with Moxie James.”
The fans cheer the two Valor newcomers who have been making waves on Flipping The Script.
KATYA DJURDJEIVC: “You’re gonna see Indi Rhyder and Berlin Anderson come to blows.”
A very loud pop for two of the most popular stars under the Valor banner, and Katya paces the ring, a small smile on her face.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: “You’re gonna see Brodie and Siberia Zombie tear each other apart one more time…”
There’s a mixed but deafening reaction to those two names. The anticipation is clearly very high for the two Valor stalwarts meeting again.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: “And best of all… tonight sees Valor's biggest ever main event... War Games!”
That announcement brings the loudest cheer of them all. Katya smirks at the crowd.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: “But that’s not why I’m out here. I’m here to address another elephant in the room. One month ago, I had my rematch for the UnYielding Championship. And despite my efforts, I did not leave Columbia the champion. Danny Rizzo did.”
The cheers very quickly descend to boos at the name of Valor’s record-breaking UnYielding champion. Katya nods. Once the crowd settles, she continues.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: “I know. I let a lot of people down that day. I didn’t get the job done at the second time of asking. My undefeated run came to an end, and I apologized for not taking my chance. But I declared I’m still shooting for another shot at the UnYielding championship. Ever since then people have been asking me 'Why, Katya? Why are you so fixated on getting another shot? Is it for validation? Revenge?’ Some people think I should just move on. If this was for any other title, perhaps I would. It would be very easy for me to do so. Not to toot my own horn, but I've done a good job getting my name out there. Just these past few weeks you've seen me compete at Ana Hayden's Death Graps… and Cosmo’s Beach Bash Brawl.”
At that, Katya hefts her Beach Bash Cup high into the air to a massive ovation. Still taken aback by the extent of her rapidly climbing popularity in Valor, she smiles bashfully as she sets her prize down to the canvas.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: “And you know me and my tourneys. This month, you'll see me enter the sister tournament of the Young Guns Cup -- the Rookie X Cup. And I’ll be hunting for tag team glory as well. Competing in 4CW’s Bad Company and FGA’s Dynamic Duos.
There’s a lot of opportunities out there. But none of them glimmer as brightly as the UnYielding title. This is more than just me looking for revenge. This is bigger than Danny Rizzo. This is about the title that matters most to me in the world. The UnYielding championship. Doesn't matter who the champion is. I want to win that title at all costs. You wanna know why?”
Pause. The crowd listens attentively as Katya unhurriedly paces the ring.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: It’s because I’ve found something worth clashing for. I believe the UnYielding title is a little special. I expect greater things out of the UnYielding division than any other here in Valor. Because it is my honest belief that the UnYielding title is the championship that will most influence Valor’s fortunes. It could very well be that… everyone else in the back has not grasped the full scale of the UnYielding championship. And with “Two-Faced” Danny pining for the Apex title, it’s clear he hasn’t either. People might mock me for gunning so hard for the UnYielding title… but when they finally realize its true worth, it’ll be too late. I will win the UnYielding championship and you’ll all see it bloom right before your eyes. And everyone else will follow the marker I’ll set. Because that is the title that can transcend all others in the hands of the right person. I might have failed twice, but if I can surpass Danny Rizzo on a bigger stage… I can bring my vision to fruition. Honour Bound... on that stage I want to defeat “Two-Faced” Danny Rizzo. And tonight… I stake my claim. Rizzo might not think the main event for the Blitz Anniversary Show matters… but I do. I'm up for every match because every match matters. Mark my words, Valor’s first ever War Games will be a spectacle that will live long in the memory... I'll make doubly sure of that. Count on it.”
With that, Katya’s music hits and the crowd cheers the Russian starlet. She takes her cup and rather than take her leave, brings it round to fans at ringside. Smiling wide, she takes photos with them and the cup, letting them touch it and hold it, taking her time with many of them.
OPENING BOUT
LO: Katya looks ready for later tonight, and she's issuing the gauntlet once again to Danny Rizzo!
KO: Yeah, but she's already lost in two encounters...what's a third going to prove?
LO: Any given sunday, Brother-O-Mine. It could be her time.
KO: Well right now it's someone else's time, so let's get to it.
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission....
"Hold The Line" by Toto's piano opening starts and Maurice Yensman saunters on the stage, cigarette already burning in his mouth. Maurice wears a huge smug grin lifting his arms out at his sides as if to say, "I'm Here!". The crowd boos and if he minds he doesn't let it show, waving them off to bebop down the ramp towards the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at six foot and weighting in at 219 pounds, hailing from New York, New York...He is MAURICE YENSMAANNNN!!
Yensman reaches ringside and comes to a sudden stop, his mouth dropping open so that the cigarette falls to the floor at his feet as he stares at the fan dressed up as him in the front row. He runs his fingers through his hair, and a sudden look of discontent crosses his features as he makes a B-line right for the fan. The fan, in a very Maurice like fashion, puffs out his chest as the fans begin to now laugh and jeer, the image of the confrontation appearing on the big screen above the stage. The real Maurice glares at the fan, and says something along the lines there's only one real Yensman, to which the fan mimics him in every way. Maurice stomps the floor and throws his hands up, demanding that the fan stop imitating him. The fan repeats the actions until Maurice finally has had enough and open hand slaps the fan across the face. The crowd boos as the fan looks on in confusion, and then enrage the fan tries to jump the barricade. Maurcie commences to attack the fan with clubbing blows, dragging him halfway across the guard rail until security rushes in and pulls the two apart.
LO: What the hell?
KO: Guy obviously doesn't like being impersonated...
LO: But it's a sign of flattery....
KO: Apparently not in New York, but security seems to have the situation in hand, so maybe we can get back to business.
Just then 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 while the fans boo loudly. Alexis shakes her head to drive the noise out of her mind, and then starts a power walk down to the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing his opponent, 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 the jeering crowd, rolling her eyes before climbing the steps to slip between the ropes into 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 leans against the rope and casts an unimpressed glance at her opponent. Maurice watches all of this, then looks out at the crowd and gives a shrug while making the hand gesture for honking boobies. Most fans boo, but a few laugh as the commentators chime back in.
LO: Well, Alexis Terry still regards the fans in the most respectful way possible.
KO: I hear your sarcasm, Laur, and it isn't appreciated. And if you want to talk about respect, how about Maurcie Yensman there being an asshat towards a female?
LO: I don't agree with that either. I mean...essentially, you have two people here who are more than willing to use undesirable tactics, which makes them sort of perfect for each other.
KO: I doubt they'd agree with that, but I guess we'll find out, cause there's the bell...
Maurice saunters out to the center of the ring with his hands on his hips, obviously amused by something. Alexis rolls her eyes and steps out to join him and the two come face to face, both of them with smug expressions. Yensman gives a sly grin before saying something about there being no need to fight when they could....letting the statement trail off as his hands move from his hips to hers. Terry's eyes go wide for a moment in surprise but that is quickly replaced with a lip curl of disgust and an open hand slap right across the New Yorker's face. Yensman falls back shocked, and before he can react Alexis is all over him with right hands that knock him back into the ropes where she delivers a European Uppercut that lifts him off his feet.
LO: Well that cheeky exchange Yensman tried on Terry just backfired, as she lights into him with another uppercut!
KO: What an idiot! Now Terry sends him off the ropes to the far side and steps out to meet him with a clothesline on his return, but Maurice ducks under it on his way back...
LO: Terry looking for a back elbow on the second time through, but again Yensman deftly dodges and keeps his momentum towards the ropes once again...
KO: Terry now posted up just to try and get hands on the guy...AND SPEAR!
LO: CORRECTION! LIBERTY SPEAR!
KO: Yensman pulling Terry up off the canvas and lifts her up on his shoulders......THROWS HER UP AND BRINGS HER FACE FIRST DOWN INTO HIS KNEE!
LO: EMPIRE STATE OF MIND!!
KO: THERE'S A COVER!
1...
2...
3!!!
LO: I can not believe this....Alexis looked like she was going to destroy the man, and with some juking and jiving he knocked her right out of contention with TWO moves!
KO: Yeah, but they were some pretty good moves, Laur!
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of this match via pinfall......MAURICE YENSMAN!!!
Yensman gets to his feet and clutches his jaw where Alexis had slugged him while England's Most Glamorous Export sits up in utter disbelief at the announcement, a red welt forming over her left eye from the impact of the GTS. Yensman points to his wrist at the referee, and begrudgingly Santiago grips it and lifts it into the air. Alexis rolls out of the ring and slaps the apron in frustration and the fans boo at her as she waves them off on her way up the ramp to the back. Yensman continues to celebrate stupidly in the ring, taking to the middle turnbuckle of the far corner and calling for beers from the stands. When none come he shakes his head discordantly and drops down to make his way to the outside and to the back.
LO: Well, Alexis Terry has already announced that this would be her last match in Valor Pro Wrestling, but who in the hell would have thought it would end like this.
KO: I certainly didn't, Laur. Like you said, she went right at Yensman and just got caught by surprise. It happens.
LO: Either way we wish Alexis Terry all the luck in her future endeavors, but right now here are a few words from our sponsors.
KO: Yeah, but she's already lost in two encounters...what's a third going to prove?
LO: Any given sunday, Brother-O-Mine. It could be her time.
KO: Well right now it's someone else's time, so let's get to it.
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission....
"Hold The Line" by Toto's piano opening starts and Maurice Yensman saunters on the stage, cigarette already burning in his mouth. Maurice wears a huge smug grin lifting his arms out at his sides as if to say, "I'm Here!". The crowd boos and if he minds he doesn't let it show, waving them off to bebop down the ramp towards the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at six foot and weighting in at 219 pounds, hailing from New York, New York...He is MAURICE YENSMAANNNN!!
Yensman reaches ringside and comes to a sudden stop, his mouth dropping open so that the cigarette falls to the floor at his feet as he stares at the fan dressed up as him in the front row. He runs his fingers through his hair, and a sudden look of discontent crosses his features as he makes a B-line right for the fan. The fan, in a very Maurice like fashion, puffs out his chest as the fans begin to now laugh and jeer, the image of the confrontation appearing on the big screen above the stage. The real Maurice glares at the fan, and says something along the lines there's only one real Yensman, to which the fan mimics him in every way. Maurice stomps the floor and throws his hands up, demanding that the fan stop imitating him. The fan repeats the actions until Maurice finally has had enough and open hand slaps the fan across the face. The crowd boos as the fan looks on in confusion, and then enrage the fan tries to jump the barricade. Maurcie commences to attack the fan with clubbing blows, dragging him halfway across the guard rail until security rushes in and pulls the two apart.
LO: What the hell?
KO: Guy obviously doesn't like being impersonated...
LO: But it's a sign of flattery....
KO: Apparently not in New York, but security seems to have the situation in hand, so maybe we can get back to business.
Just then 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 while the fans boo loudly. Alexis shakes her head to drive the noise out of her mind, and then starts a power walk down to the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing his opponent, 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 the jeering crowd, rolling her eyes before climbing the steps to slip between the ropes into 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 leans against the rope and casts an unimpressed glance at her opponent. Maurice watches all of this, then looks out at the crowd and gives a shrug while making the hand gesture for honking boobies. Most fans boo, but a few laugh as the commentators chime back in.
LO: Well, Alexis Terry still regards the fans in the most respectful way possible.
KO: I hear your sarcasm, Laur, and it isn't appreciated. And if you want to talk about respect, how about Maurcie Yensman there being an asshat towards a female?
LO: I don't agree with that either. I mean...essentially, you have two people here who are more than willing to use undesirable tactics, which makes them sort of perfect for each other.
KO: I doubt they'd agree with that, but I guess we'll find out, cause there's the bell...
Maurice saunters out to the center of the ring with his hands on his hips, obviously amused by something. Alexis rolls her eyes and steps out to join him and the two come face to face, both of them with smug expressions. Yensman gives a sly grin before saying something about there being no need to fight when they could....letting the statement trail off as his hands move from his hips to hers. Terry's eyes go wide for a moment in surprise but that is quickly replaced with a lip curl of disgust and an open hand slap right across the New Yorker's face. Yensman falls back shocked, and before he can react Alexis is all over him with right hands that knock him back into the ropes where she delivers a European Uppercut that lifts him off his feet.
LO: Well that cheeky exchange Yensman tried on Terry just backfired, as she lights into him with another uppercut!
KO: What an idiot! Now Terry sends him off the ropes to the far side and steps out to meet him with a clothesline on his return, but Maurice ducks under it on his way back...
LO: Terry looking for a back elbow on the second time through, but again Yensman deftly dodges and keeps his momentum towards the ropes once again...
KO: Terry now posted up just to try and get hands on the guy...AND SPEAR!
LO: CORRECTION! LIBERTY SPEAR!
KO: Yensman pulling Terry up off the canvas and lifts her up on his shoulders......THROWS HER UP AND BRINGS HER FACE FIRST DOWN INTO HIS KNEE!
LO: EMPIRE STATE OF MIND!!
KO: THERE'S A COVER!
1...
2...
3!!!
LO: I can not believe this....Alexis looked like she was going to destroy the man, and with some juking and jiving he knocked her right out of contention with TWO moves!
KO: Yeah, but they were some pretty good moves, Laur!
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of this match via pinfall......MAURICE YENSMAN!!!
Yensman gets to his feet and clutches his jaw where Alexis had slugged him while England's Most Glamorous Export sits up in utter disbelief at the announcement, a red welt forming over her left eye from the impact of the GTS. Yensman points to his wrist at the referee, and begrudgingly Santiago grips it and lifts it into the air. Alexis rolls out of the ring and slaps the apron in frustration and the fans boo at her as she waves them off on her way up the ramp to the back. Yensman continues to celebrate stupidly in the ring, taking to the middle turnbuckle of the far corner and calling for beers from the stands. When none come he shakes his head discordantly and drops down to make his way to the outside and to the back.
LO: Well, Alexis Terry has already announced that this would be her last match in Valor Pro Wrestling, but who in the hell would have thought it would end like this.
KO: I certainly didn't, Laur. Like you said, she went right at Yensman and just got caught by surprise. It happens.
LO: Either way we wish Alexis Terry all the luck in her future endeavors, but right now here are a few words from our sponsors.
Or at least it starts to cut backstage the scene suddenly begins to glitch. The Battleground Network and HOWtv feeds die out as an unknown third party hijacks the feed from both major league streams. The glitchy SMPTE color bars or television test screen with an inverted cross fills the screen when a terrifying female scream can be heard before complete darkness consumes the screen. The hijacked feed then comes in to complete focus to show what appears to be a large dark body of water.
The camera view appears to moving fast across the water that shines in the moonlight. Suddenly a drone comes into view that has a Fury Studios logo across the top. The camera filming the drone is also one. A small island can be made out in the far distance as the drones travel fast in that direction. A large fire can be seen on a plateau between the cliffs of the small island. Ilha da Queimada Grande, also known as Snake Island, off the coast of Brazil in the Atlantic Ocean.
Brazil law forbids anyone from visiting this island at any time. This island is considered one of the most dangerous in the entire world. There are said to be five snakes for every meter. It is estimated between two to four thousand snakes call this small island home. Golden lancehead vipers inhabit this island and this particular type are five times as poisonous as the ones on the mainland in Brazil.
Another military grade drone can be made out as the two filming cross the island, heading straight for the fire. This lone drone appears to sweeping the perimeter of the island in search of the Brazillian navy.
The two that continue to film come up on the fire to find a silhouette of an unknown individual standing directly in front of the blaze. The fire throws embers into the night as the drones begin to focus on the unknown individual. They creep closer to adjust even further to reveal the person to have long crimson hair. The cameras on the drones strain further to show the individual’s jacket to have what appears to be faces sewn into it.
The fire burns bright but upon further inspection reveals snakes all around. The only bare spot is where the fire burns brightest. The snakes are mere feet from it and the individual. The drones come in even closer to hover as the unknown person slowly turns around to reveal themselves to the world. Tommy Crimson stands among this unfolding spectacle of his own making with a sly grin.
TOMMY CRIMSON: It’s been a year since I have graced your chosen screens. I could have came there to that arena and talked into a microphone like most of the asshole wrestlers will tonight but no… I decided to come here.
The snakes crawl all over but away from The Fury and large fire. One of the most dangerous snakes in the world comes in close to strike at Crimson’s left wrestling boot! Miss! Tommy doesn’t even flinch but rather stares back into the camera. The cold look of a man with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
THE FURY: I wanted to come here to begin this proverbial mind fuck with a bang. I’m not much on foreplay because time is money.
Crimson walks around the perimeter of the large fire. Tommy speaks to his drones as he does so.
THE FURY: I’ve come to spread my influence throughout. I will exploit any weakness that any of you have. I will take full advantage of any insecurities or shortcomings that you suffer from. I will take you to a place, where comfort and familiarity are just words that don’t really mean anything. A place void of mercy.
Tommy comes back around the fire. He turns his back to the two drones once more. The infamous human skin ring jacket on full display now from the bright light of the blaze. Faces made to look like fallen foes hold the stitches of leather together. There are now twice as many snakes as before that have arrived. Not an ounce of fear is shown by Crimson as he speaks to the cameras with his back to them now. Crimson continues to directly speak to Valor Pro’s roster.
THE FURY: I’ve been champion all over the world in major and small promotions. Who cares? It means dick here and now. I don’t need past achievements to validate myself when I am as good as I am. I will do anything to anyone to further myself along in this company. I’ll put any of you down in order to leapfrog you. Another wrestlers well being is of little concern to a man such as myself. I’ve got no fuck’s to give.
Tommy slowly turns around to face the camera. The orange hue from the fire washes over his face as he does this. Crimson faces the drones.
THE FURY: The Detroit Devil has arrived, Valor. You may think you can hang, but only from a rope at this point. I murder all that’s good.
The snakes begin to crawl away from each other near the fire and Crimson suddenly. They leave a small path that Tommy uses to make his escape. The screen begins to glitch once more. The screaming female can be heard once more as the FURYStudios logo flashes across the screen. Its followed by the inverted cross across the glitchy tv test screen. Suddenly Battleground Network regains full control of the Blitz broadcast, and cuts back to ringside.
The camera view appears to moving fast across the water that shines in the moonlight. Suddenly a drone comes into view that has a Fury Studios logo across the top. The camera filming the drone is also one. A small island can be made out in the far distance as the drones travel fast in that direction. A large fire can be seen on a plateau between the cliffs of the small island. Ilha da Queimada Grande, also known as Snake Island, off the coast of Brazil in the Atlantic Ocean.
Brazil law forbids anyone from visiting this island at any time. This island is considered one of the most dangerous in the entire world. There are said to be five snakes for every meter. It is estimated between two to four thousand snakes call this small island home. Golden lancehead vipers inhabit this island and this particular type are five times as poisonous as the ones on the mainland in Brazil.
Another military grade drone can be made out as the two filming cross the island, heading straight for the fire. This lone drone appears to sweeping the perimeter of the island in search of the Brazillian navy.
The two that continue to film come up on the fire to find a silhouette of an unknown individual standing directly in front of the blaze. The fire throws embers into the night as the drones begin to focus on the unknown individual. They creep closer to adjust even further to reveal the person to have long crimson hair. The cameras on the drones strain further to show the individual’s jacket to have what appears to be faces sewn into it.
The fire burns bright but upon further inspection reveals snakes all around. The only bare spot is where the fire burns brightest. The snakes are mere feet from it and the individual. The drones come in even closer to hover as the unknown person slowly turns around to reveal themselves to the world. Tommy Crimson stands among this unfolding spectacle of his own making with a sly grin.
TOMMY CRIMSON: It’s been a year since I have graced your chosen screens. I could have came there to that arena and talked into a microphone like most of the asshole wrestlers will tonight but no… I decided to come here.
The snakes crawl all over but away from The Fury and large fire. One of the most dangerous snakes in the world comes in close to strike at Crimson’s left wrestling boot! Miss! Tommy doesn’t even flinch but rather stares back into the camera. The cold look of a man with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
THE FURY: I wanted to come here to begin this proverbial mind fuck with a bang. I’m not much on foreplay because time is money.
Crimson walks around the perimeter of the large fire. Tommy speaks to his drones as he does so.
THE FURY: I’ve come to spread my influence throughout. I will exploit any weakness that any of you have. I will take full advantage of any insecurities or shortcomings that you suffer from. I will take you to a place, where comfort and familiarity are just words that don’t really mean anything. A place void of mercy.
Tommy comes back around the fire. He turns his back to the two drones once more. The infamous human skin ring jacket on full display now from the bright light of the blaze. Faces made to look like fallen foes hold the stitches of leather together. There are now twice as many snakes as before that have arrived. Not an ounce of fear is shown by Crimson as he speaks to the cameras with his back to them now. Crimson continues to directly speak to Valor Pro’s roster.
THE FURY: I’ve been champion all over the world in major and small promotions. Who cares? It means dick here and now. I don’t need past achievements to validate myself when I am as good as I am. I will do anything to anyone to further myself along in this company. I’ll put any of you down in order to leapfrog you. Another wrestlers well being is of little concern to a man such as myself. I’ve got no fuck’s to give.
Tommy slowly turns around to face the camera. The orange hue from the fire washes over his face as he does this. Crimson faces the drones.
THE FURY: The Detroit Devil has arrived, Valor. You may think you can hang, but only from a rope at this point. I murder all that’s good.
The snakes begin to crawl away from each other near the fire and Crimson suddenly. They leave a small path that Tommy uses to make his escape. The screen begins to glitch once more. The screaming female can be heard once more as the FURYStudios logo flashes across the screen. Its followed by the inverted cross across the glitchy tv test screen. Suddenly Battleground Network regains full control of the Blitz broadcast, and cuts back to ringside.
LO: Um...did he just jack our television feeds?
KO: I think so, but more importantly....who was that?
LO: No idea, but....snake island....eww.
KO: There are some places in the world that should just be nuked. Speaking of nuclear, that's the situation we're about to head into in this next match.
LO: Nice segue...
KO: I thought so.
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission....
The lights go down and white light engulfs the entrance as smoke pours out onto the stage as "Cradle to the Grave" by Five Finger Death Punch's slow intro starts over the PA System. Just as the lyrics kick in David Scott steps through the curtain wearing a sleeveless jean jacket with 'Battle Born' embroidered on the back and a black hood that is covering his head. He receives a mixed reaction as he comes to a pause at the top of the stage, his taped fists coming together in front of him, the right punching into the other. From there he tosses the hood back and makes his way down the ramp towards the two rings in no particular hurry.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at six foot and weighting 230 pounds, hailing from Orange County, California....He is THE BATTLE BORN, DAVID SCOTTTTT!!
Scott reaches the ringside area and turns to use the steps up onto the apron of the ring to the right and then swings into the squared circle, where he delivers a one/two punching combo before peeling out of his jacket and stepping to the nearest corner to climb the second turnbuckle. He beats his own chest hard before throwing both fists into the air. Some cheer, some boo, a happy medium for the brooding looking superstar.
LO: David Scott has finally made it to Blitz, and the fans seem to be half and half on his arrival.
KO: Well at least there won't be any complaints out of these two about being on the 'B Show' for awhile.
LO: Whatever. Flipping The Script has hosted the likes of Danny Rizzo at this point, and so I think it's a safe bet that it isn't the B-Show any longer.
KO: Either way, I'm looking forward to see if either of them conduct themselves any differently on the 'Big Stage'.
LO: If you don't shut up with that mess, I'm liable to find another partner in crime...
Before Kenneth Othello can make any further snide comment, “you should see me in a crown” by Billie Eilish's cryptic intro comes across the PA System and Moxie James bursts through the curtain and stop at the top of the ramp, cocking her hip to the side while her hand rests upon it. She's wearing a black singlet with a red long coat over top, and a Cat-In-The-Hat like hat but in Black and Red on top of her head. The fans giver her a bigger ovation than they did for David Scott, and she gives a grin and a wink to the camera as she starts down the ramp towards the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: And his opponent, standing at five foot seven and weighting in at 137 pounds, hailing from Los Angeles, California...She is MOXXXIEEE JAMESSSSS!
Moxie reaches ringside and leaps to the apron, hooking the top rope with her arm while kicking a leg out that she swings through the ropes as she enters the ring. She turns to the corner closest to the ramp and hops to the second turnbuckle where she flips the top hat out into the crowd who scramble for the keepsake while she watches with amusement. She then drops down and lets the long coat fall from her shoulders as she now takes in the sight of David Scott staring at her from across the ring.
LO: Moxie James was successful against Maurice Yensman on the last Flipping The Script, and now she faces the man that won the Fatal Four Way she was apart of during her debut.
KO: Two totally different styles here. It should be interesting to see how it goes...
LO: I agree, though just looking at both of them, the obvious size advantage goes to David Scott.
KO: No doubt. He's got Moxie by about C-note, but the bell just rang and we'll see what she can do against it...
David wastes little time before he takes off at James, who does the same thing. Scott is aiming for a shoulder block but Moxie ducks low to slide between The Fighter’s legs! David turns swiftly to catch a vicious headbutt from Moxie James! The crowd pops slightly as she hits the larger Scott with another headbutt!
KO: Moxie used her speed to catch Battle Born completely off guard!
David bounces up against the ropes just enough to slingshot him forward slightly back at James, who catches him in the face with a shotgun dropkick! Scott falls through the ropes and ends up inside the second ring completely disoriented now.
LO: Moxie continues this vicious offensive onslaught.
KO: That fatal four way has been burned into her memory at this point. She knows she will need to keep her foot on the gas.
Moxie peers up after she glides through the ropes to end up in the other ring. She can see the cage overhead for the main event later tonight. This brief break in concentration costs her as the still jarred Scott kicks her in the gut out of nowhere! David then cradles her head for a wicked snap DDT! He remains on the mat alongside her after impact.
KO: Scott with the counter!
LO: Both wrestlers are still down. I believe that was a reflex by a veteran in trouble to stall the offense of Moxie James.
James stirs just as David does. Moxie rolls to her still shaking her head a bit while Scott is still on his knees. Moxie hits the ropes quickly after taking notice of this. She slingshots forward at David for a swinging neckbreaker in the center of the ring! James hooks a leg!
..1
LO: Kick out! James continues to impress in the early goings of this one!
Scott gets to his feet quickly after breaking up the pin. Moxie makes a streak to the closest corner. The crowd pops after James reaches the top turnbuckle in the corner. Scott swings around but is too late to stop the incoming shooting star DDT! The maneuver wows the crowd and David appears taken completely off guard by this younger wrestlers speed and agility.
KO: Moxie continues to use her speed to stay one step ahead in this one. She appears to want to keep The Fighter at a distance.
LO: A fighter will thrive in a fight like this in close quarters.
KO: That’s true. Moxie has done her homework on Scott but never count out Battle Born.
LO: I wouldn’t ever dream of it.
Scott rolls over onto his side before sitting up near the corner to shock James, who charges at him once again! David moves out of the way at the last possible moment but catches his charging opponent with a drop toe hold! Moxie falls face first into the middle turnbuckle in the corner! The violent lick draws blood which works a bit of ire within the crowd.
KO: Scott countered with a drop toe hold that has had a violent effect. He draws first blood.
Moxie hits the mat flat on her back. David Scott reaches his feet only to fall alongside James to hook a leg!
...1
...2
LO: Kick out at two by Moxie James!
KO: It will take more than a busted nose to keep her down. Scott has slowed her offense to a stand still now.
James rolls to her feet only to be caught by The Fighter! Scott twists her arm until he ends up directly behind Moxie. He twists back around for a short arm lariat! David bounces back up to hover above James, who ends up flat on her back once more. Scott stomps her face! A woman in the front row gasps at the violent nature of the stomp onto the female but Battle Born pays that little if no mind. He stomps down her once more with a vicious heel to the already bloody face of Moxie! James rolls onto her side for any defense but Scott simply falls down alongside her to quickly lock in a crossface! Moxie’s eyes widen as the realization of her ring position sets in. Dead center.
KO: David Scott is now in complete control of this match! The Fighter has her locked in a cross face in the center of the ring!
LO: Moxie cannot reach the ropes.
Scott grapevines the maneuver by wrapping his legs around James to apply even more pressure. Battle Born wants to end this match up right here, right now. James is in somewhat of a daze but digs her nails into the canvas then slowly pulls forward. Moxie then thrashes about briefly before regaining her composure to dig in once more. Scott’s eyes close as he pulls back even more to get the tap out he’s searching for.
LO: Moxie continues to pull both wrestlers toward the safety of that bottom rope!
KO: James refuses to tap but the damage done to her lower back is evident. She’s clinging to life here but there is no quit in her.
LO: You may have spoke too soon!
James continues to pull herself and her attached opponent at a slow rate. The weight of Scott may be too much for her to overcome. She thrashes out once more in desperation, now mere inches from the bottom rope. The Fighter continues applying pressure until the referee comes over to raise the right hand of Moxie James before dropping it flat on the mat!
KO: James may be out.
LO: The referee will lift her hand two more times before he calls it.
The ref then takes hold of the same hand before dropping it flat on the mat once more. David Scott has the hold applied with his hands clasped together out front, palms out. The blood from Moxie’s busted noses oozes slightly between the clasped fingers of The Fighter in a most gruesome manner.
LO: That’s two! This could be it, ladies and gentlemen.
KO: The Moxie fans here do not want to see a third drop.
James’s right hand is lifted up off the mat again by the referee before being dropped once more. The moment before her hand can hit the mat, Moxie comes to life! She then lunges forward like never before to grasp hold of the bottom rope. The ref comes in to break the hold which David Scott does immediately.
KO: I thought David had this one won.
LO: Moxie never gave up! She pulled herself to them with a larger wrestler draped down her back.
The referee separates the two wrestlers and sends each to a different corner before resuming the match. Moxie falls on the mat in the corner then stumbles back up to the ropes that divide the two rings. David Scott charges at her to continue his momentum but just as he approaches her, James falls down while simultaneously pulling down the top rope! Scott spills over into the other ring with nothing to break his fall. Moxie stumbles back to her feet while favoring her neck still. Scott is still down and the fall over the ropes may have agitated his right knee. The Fighter attempts in vain to not show this to his opponent. James quickly heads to the corner closest to David. She leaps up on the middle turnbuckle to boost herself on up to the top. Moxie stays perched quietly up high patiently waiting for Scott to rise. The Fighter slowly gets back to his feet while still facing away from James. Scott turns slowly leading his opponent to leap off the top to roaring cheers only for David to leap up to catch her with a violent knee to the face! The counter rocks Moxie completely! Scott drops down alongside her to attempt a pin, prompting James to roll out of the ring.
KO: Ouch! Moxie was looking for a diving neckbreaker but finds the left knee cap of Battle Born instead. What a counter by The Fighter. Moxie James continues to hit a brick wall in David Scott.
LO: Scott wants to win and will do anything inside the rules to do just that. The wrath of Battle Born is being waged here tonight. James continues to take these hard shots to the head, over and over. How much can any wrestler take?
The referee begins his count on Moxie, who gathers herself alongside the apron. She carefully reaches up to take hold of the ropes to pull herself up. Scott allows her to get back in the ring before coming at her. James takes off at David to catch him with a running arm drag! The maneuver puts Battle Born on his back while Moxie holds onto his arm through it all. She then begins to stomp down on the exposed rib cage of The Fighter! He writhes in real pain while she puts heel to ribs over and over. David reaches over to take hold of the ropes which brings the referee in to break it up. Moxie obliges immediately and heads for the opposite corner away from Scott. He pulls himself up off the mat before heading to the corner across the ring from James.
LO: Moxie with the running arm drag to swing the momentum!
KO: Scott saves himself by getting into the ropes but he took damage to the ribs.
LO: It shows too in the manner he’s holding that arm closer to his body.
The ref resumes action, leading both wrestlers to come right at each other! Moxie puts everything she’s got into a running forearm smash that hit its mark! This causes David to bend over slightly leading James to take hold of him around the neck with her back up against him. She then takes off running at the corner and uses her speed and agility to leap up on the bottom rope to bounce onto the middle turnbuckle to flip herself completely over for a picture perfect shiranui! The maneuver pancakes The Fighter on the mat! The crowd pops as she then looks to go for a pin but the veteran Scott rolls out of the ring to escape.
KO: Did you see that!? What a beautiful shiranui!
LO: Moxie continues to fight on in this one with unrelenting give.
KO: Scott needed a moment on the outside but what is James doing now?
Moxie positions herself at the ropes directly across from where David is on the outside of the ring. She then takes off to bounce off the ropes to slingshot herself forward full speed ahead! James flies across the ring then leaps up on the middle rope to do a complete twirl in the air to land on the suspecting David Scott on the outside of the ring!
KO: SMOKE ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM!
LO: The tornillo is a crowd pleaser! What a maneuver!
Moxie quickly attempts to lift David up but struggles a bit at first. She uses all her strength to put him up on the apron then roll him on into the ring. She quickly slides in right behind but has to roll The Fighter over onto his back which takes precious time. Moxie makes sure to hook the right leg for a pin!
...1
…2
LO: Kick out by The Fighter! Wow, that was a close one!
KO: I’ll say. I thought Moxie James had him. These two continue to tear it up for these fans. That was the closest pinfall thus far.
James hits the ropes as soon as she gets to her feet to continue to use her speed but Scott meets her in the center of the ring! He cradles her up for a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker that causes people in the front row to wince. Moxie writhes in pain on the mat holding her lower back after the brutal maneuver but manages to get back to a vertical base quickly somehow. She staggers back right into the awaiting arms of The Fighter, who delivers a ring rattling release german suplex!
KO: Scott continues to punish James.
LO: She can dish it out and take it as well, Kevin. This match has proven that so far.
David pulls up James to position her in the corner before delivering a knife edge chop! The sound of pain echoes throughout. Scott takes a step back to lean in with another chop that causes Moxie to slump in the corner. David backs away from her quickly. He reverses until his back touches the corner directly across from James. The Fighter then takes off full speed across the ring looking for a splash and getting some real air only for James to move out of the way at the last possible moment! Miss! Battle Born hits ribs first across the top rope which further adds to his pain and displeasure. He hits a knee directly in front of the corner while Moxie slingshots off the ropes on the opposite side of the ring! She comes flying in fast with a big boot! Scott’s body does a complete turn from the impact to his jaw before he hits flat on his back on the mat.
LO: Moxie looks to take complete control of this one after dodging the big splash in the corner!
KO: She needs to stay on the attack if she hopes to keep this legend of the business down.
Moxie hurries to the corner closest to Scott. She scales the turnbuckles to position herself directly above her downed opponent. James leaps off with flashes throughout capturing the double foot stomp forever! Moxie quickly hooks the right leg of David Scott!
...1
KO: ROPE BREAK!
LO: David Scott put his left foot onto the bottom rope in order to break the count.
KO: Veteran awareness.
LO: Exactly.
James quickly gets back to her feet. She approaches the stunned Battle Born with caution but he leaps up suddenly to catch her with a solid elbow across the bridge of her nose! The shot agitates the already busted nose further leading it to bleed once more. Moxie turns away from her opponent to wipe the blood from her face only to be grappled up into an exploder suplex in the corner! Moxie’s neck bends forward after she slams back first into the middle turnbuckle! David quickly crawls over to her to hook a leg for a pin!
...1
…2
LO: Kick out by Moxie James at two and three quarters! Wow, that was close!
KO: These two continue to impress in this match. Moxie refuses to quit while David may be willing to die to win.
Moxie rolls beneath the bottom rope and off the side of the apron. She ends up on the outside floor still in a bit of a daze. David attempts to catch her but fails. He then gets to his feet but can’t believe it when he notices James pull herself up using the apron. The crowd goes wild!
KO: What is David thinking?
LO: He keeps looking at the ropes behind him. Uh-oh…
James pulls herself up using the apron just as Scott bounces off the ropes to come flying in her direction. Moxie doesn’t realize David approaching what so ever. Scott dives through the ropes for a suicide dive but does not stick the landing! Both wrestlers end up wiped out on the outside floor. The referee begins his count while the crowd begins to chant in unison.
LO: Folks, we got a do or die situation here where both competitors are down on the outside, and the referee just reached a count of three...
KO: That suicide dive did neither of these two any favors, but that's been David Scott's whole thing as of late. He said he was here to hurt Moxie, and apparently doesn't care what he does to himself in the process.
LO: Well Santiago is at a count of six now, and Scott managed to get over to the guard rail and pull himself up....Moxie clawing at the apron, and Oh...look....here comes David to help her back up and into the ring.
KO: What a gentleman!
LO: Not likely, as Scott comes back into the ring and has criss-crossed Moxie's legs....looks like he might be going for a submission here. An STF?
KO: He calls that the Absolute Zero, but Moxie is pushing and kicking with her feet to keep him from pulling forward to hook the arm and neck....
Moxie eventually gets free enough to roll over onto her back to prevent the hold from being locked in, and Scott retains her legs as he gets to his feet, spreads them, and then drives his boot into her lower abdomen. With the air knocked free of her lungs he rolls her back over to attempt the submission again, however Moxie struggles and fights until she gets one leg free. Swinging over onto her back once again, David scrambles after her to try and regain control of the leg, but instead takes a wicked boot square to the jaw. Before he knows whats hit him he takes another, another, and another until finally losing control of the other leg and stumbling back clutching his lower face. Moxie manages to get to her feet gingerly, still feeling the effects of the punishment from before, but when Scott rushes back at her with a lariat she is able to dodge out of the way. She rushes the ropes in front of her as Scott spins back around, and he is taken completely by surprise when she springboards back at him only to hook him around the head and float through with a 720 DDT!
LO: TALK TO GOD FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!
KO: MOXIE IS CINCHING UP ON THE LEG FOR A PIN!
1...
2...
3!!!
David Scott kicks out but not before the three count, and Moxie finds herself quickly scooting towards the ropes to vacate the ring as the man rises to his feet clutching the top of his head. If looks could kill, Moxie would have dropped dead, and Scott makes a B-line for the ropes as if to follow. He pauses there at the ropes, his face twisted in rage before he lets out an exploitive deletive, and then turns to head the opposite way out of the ring and towards the ramp. Moxie watches all of this wide eyed, and then bursts out with a nervous relieved laugh as the fans cheer for her win. She slaps a few hands before retrieving her had and placing it sloppily on her head and hops back into the ring to celebrate.
RING ANNOUNCER: and the winner of the match via pinfall.....MOXIE JAMES!!
LO: Moxie James came out here with a lot to prove against a very dangerous opponent in David Scott, and she did just that.
KO: Any given Sunday, Laur. We all thought Scott had Moxie right where he wanted her, and then bam...out of nowhere. I don't know if this business is finished between these two.
LO: They are technically one and one with this win from James here tonight. Could we see these two face off one more time to find out who gets the next push in Valor?
KO: Who knows man. All I know for sure is that tonight, Moxie James walks away the victor, so she ought to enjoy that. Who knows how long that feeling will last.
The camera focuses in on Moxie as she parades around the ring in her top hat, clapping along with the fans, before cutting somewhere backstage.
KO: I think so, but more importantly....who was that?
LO: No idea, but....snake island....eww.
KO: There are some places in the world that should just be nuked. Speaking of nuclear, that's the situation we're about to head into in this next match.
LO: Nice segue...
KO: I thought so.
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission....
The lights go down and white light engulfs the entrance as smoke pours out onto the stage as "Cradle to the Grave" by Five Finger Death Punch's slow intro starts over the PA System. Just as the lyrics kick in David Scott steps through the curtain wearing a sleeveless jean jacket with 'Battle Born' embroidered on the back and a black hood that is covering his head. He receives a mixed reaction as he comes to a pause at the top of the stage, his taped fists coming together in front of him, the right punching into the other. From there he tosses the hood back and makes his way down the ramp towards the two rings in no particular hurry.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at six foot and weighting 230 pounds, hailing from Orange County, California....He is THE BATTLE BORN, DAVID SCOTTTTT!!
Scott reaches the ringside area and turns to use the steps up onto the apron of the ring to the right and then swings into the squared circle, where he delivers a one/two punching combo before peeling out of his jacket and stepping to the nearest corner to climb the second turnbuckle. He beats his own chest hard before throwing both fists into the air. Some cheer, some boo, a happy medium for the brooding looking superstar.
LO: David Scott has finally made it to Blitz, and the fans seem to be half and half on his arrival.
KO: Well at least there won't be any complaints out of these two about being on the 'B Show' for awhile.
LO: Whatever. Flipping The Script has hosted the likes of Danny Rizzo at this point, and so I think it's a safe bet that it isn't the B-Show any longer.
KO: Either way, I'm looking forward to see if either of them conduct themselves any differently on the 'Big Stage'.
LO: If you don't shut up with that mess, I'm liable to find another partner in crime...
Before Kenneth Othello can make any further snide comment, “you should see me in a crown” by Billie Eilish's cryptic intro comes across the PA System and Moxie James bursts through the curtain and stop at the top of the ramp, cocking her hip to the side while her hand rests upon it. She's wearing a black singlet with a red long coat over top, and a Cat-In-The-Hat like hat but in Black and Red on top of her head. The fans giver her a bigger ovation than they did for David Scott, and she gives a grin and a wink to the camera as she starts down the ramp towards the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: And his opponent, standing at five foot seven and weighting in at 137 pounds, hailing from Los Angeles, California...She is MOXXXIEEE JAMESSSSS!
Moxie reaches ringside and leaps to the apron, hooking the top rope with her arm while kicking a leg out that she swings through the ropes as she enters the ring. She turns to the corner closest to the ramp and hops to the second turnbuckle where she flips the top hat out into the crowd who scramble for the keepsake while she watches with amusement. She then drops down and lets the long coat fall from her shoulders as she now takes in the sight of David Scott staring at her from across the ring.
LO: Moxie James was successful against Maurice Yensman on the last Flipping The Script, and now she faces the man that won the Fatal Four Way she was apart of during her debut.
KO: Two totally different styles here. It should be interesting to see how it goes...
LO: I agree, though just looking at both of them, the obvious size advantage goes to David Scott.
KO: No doubt. He's got Moxie by about C-note, but the bell just rang and we'll see what she can do against it...
David wastes little time before he takes off at James, who does the same thing. Scott is aiming for a shoulder block but Moxie ducks low to slide between The Fighter’s legs! David turns swiftly to catch a vicious headbutt from Moxie James! The crowd pops slightly as she hits the larger Scott with another headbutt!
KO: Moxie used her speed to catch Battle Born completely off guard!
David bounces up against the ropes just enough to slingshot him forward slightly back at James, who catches him in the face with a shotgun dropkick! Scott falls through the ropes and ends up inside the second ring completely disoriented now.
LO: Moxie continues this vicious offensive onslaught.
KO: That fatal four way has been burned into her memory at this point. She knows she will need to keep her foot on the gas.
Moxie peers up after she glides through the ropes to end up in the other ring. She can see the cage overhead for the main event later tonight. This brief break in concentration costs her as the still jarred Scott kicks her in the gut out of nowhere! David then cradles her head for a wicked snap DDT! He remains on the mat alongside her after impact.
KO: Scott with the counter!
LO: Both wrestlers are still down. I believe that was a reflex by a veteran in trouble to stall the offense of Moxie James.
James stirs just as David does. Moxie rolls to her still shaking her head a bit while Scott is still on his knees. Moxie hits the ropes quickly after taking notice of this. She slingshots forward at David for a swinging neckbreaker in the center of the ring! James hooks a leg!
..1
LO: Kick out! James continues to impress in the early goings of this one!
Scott gets to his feet quickly after breaking up the pin. Moxie makes a streak to the closest corner. The crowd pops after James reaches the top turnbuckle in the corner. Scott swings around but is too late to stop the incoming shooting star DDT! The maneuver wows the crowd and David appears taken completely off guard by this younger wrestlers speed and agility.
KO: Moxie continues to use her speed to stay one step ahead in this one. She appears to want to keep The Fighter at a distance.
LO: A fighter will thrive in a fight like this in close quarters.
KO: That’s true. Moxie has done her homework on Scott but never count out Battle Born.
LO: I wouldn’t ever dream of it.
Scott rolls over onto his side before sitting up near the corner to shock James, who charges at him once again! David moves out of the way at the last possible moment but catches his charging opponent with a drop toe hold! Moxie falls face first into the middle turnbuckle in the corner! The violent lick draws blood which works a bit of ire within the crowd.
KO: Scott countered with a drop toe hold that has had a violent effect. He draws first blood.
Moxie hits the mat flat on her back. David Scott reaches his feet only to fall alongside James to hook a leg!
...1
...2
LO: Kick out at two by Moxie James!
KO: It will take more than a busted nose to keep her down. Scott has slowed her offense to a stand still now.
James rolls to her feet only to be caught by The Fighter! Scott twists her arm until he ends up directly behind Moxie. He twists back around for a short arm lariat! David bounces back up to hover above James, who ends up flat on her back once more. Scott stomps her face! A woman in the front row gasps at the violent nature of the stomp onto the female but Battle Born pays that little if no mind. He stomps down her once more with a vicious heel to the already bloody face of Moxie! James rolls onto her side for any defense but Scott simply falls down alongside her to quickly lock in a crossface! Moxie’s eyes widen as the realization of her ring position sets in. Dead center.
KO: David Scott is now in complete control of this match! The Fighter has her locked in a cross face in the center of the ring!
LO: Moxie cannot reach the ropes.
Scott grapevines the maneuver by wrapping his legs around James to apply even more pressure. Battle Born wants to end this match up right here, right now. James is in somewhat of a daze but digs her nails into the canvas then slowly pulls forward. Moxie then thrashes about briefly before regaining her composure to dig in once more. Scott’s eyes close as he pulls back even more to get the tap out he’s searching for.
LO: Moxie continues to pull both wrestlers toward the safety of that bottom rope!
KO: James refuses to tap but the damage done to her lower back is evident. She’s clinging to life here but there is no quit in her.
LO: You may have spoke too soon!
James continues to pull herself and her attached opponent at a slow rate. The weight of Scott may be too much for her to overcome. She thrashes out once more in desperation, now mere inches from the bottom rope. The Fighter continues applying pressure until the referee comes over to raise the right hand of Moxie James before dropping it flat on the mat!
KO: James may be out.
LO: The referee will lift her hand two more times before he calls it.
The ref then takes hold of the same hand before dropping it flat on the mat once more. David Scott has the hold applied with his hands clasped together out front, palms out. The blood from Moxie’s busted noses oozes slightly between the clasped fingers of The Fighter in a most gruesome manner.
LO: That’s two! This could be it, ladies and gentlemen.
KO: The Moxie fans here do not want to see a third drop.
James’s right hand is lifted up off the mat again by the referee before being dropped once more. The moment before her hand can hit the mat, Moxie comes to life! She then lunges forward like never before to grasp hold of the bottom rope. The ref comes in to break the hold which David Scott does immediately.
KO: I thought David had this one won.
LO: Moxie never gave up! She pulled herself to them with a larger wrestler draped down her back.
The referee separates the two wrestlers and sends each to a different corner before resuming the match. Moxie falls on the mat in the corner then stumbles back up to the ropes that divide the two rings. David Scott charges at her to continue his momentum but just as he approaches her, James falls down while simultaneously pulling down the top rope! Scott spills over into the other ring with nothing to break his fall. Moxie stumbles back to her feet while favoring her neck still. Scott is still down and the fall over the ropes may have agitated his right knee. The Fighter attempts in vain to not show this to his opponent. James quickly heads to the corner closest to David. She leaps up on the middle turnbuckle to boost herself on up to the top. Moxie stays perched quietly up high patiently waiting for Scott to rise. The Fighter slowly gets back to his feet while still facing away from James. Scott turns slowly leading his opponent to leap off the top to roaring cheers only for David to leap up to catch her with a violent knee to the face! The counter rocks Moxie completely! Scott drops down alongside her to attempt a pin, prompting James to roll out of the ring.
KO: Ouch! Moxie was looking for a diving neckbreaker but finds the left knee cap of Battle Born instead. What a counter by The Fighter. Moxie James continues to hit a brick wall in David Scott.
LO: Scott wants to win and will do anything inside the rules to do just that. The wrath of Battle Born is being waged here tonight. James continues to take these hard shots to the head, over and over. How much can any wrestler take?
The referee begins his count on Moxie, who gathers herself alongside the apron. She carefully reaches up to take hold of the ropes to pull herself up. Scott allows her to get back in the ring before coming at her. James takes off at David to catch him with a running arm drag! The maneuver puts Battle Born on his back while Moxie holds onto his arm through it all. She then begins to stomp down on the exposed rib cage of The Fighter! He writhes in real pain while she puts heel to ribs over and over. David reaches over to take hold of the ropes which brings the referee in to break it up. Moxie obliges immediately and heads for the opposite corner away from Scott. He pulls himself up off the mat before heading to the corner across the ring from James.
LO: Moxie with the running arm drag to swing the momentum!
KO: Scott saves himself by getting into the ropes but he took damage to the ribs.
LO: It shows too in the manner he’s holding that arm closer to his body.
The ref resumes action, leading both wrestlers to come right at each other! Moxie puts everything she’s got into a running forearm smash that hit its mark! This causes David to bend over slightly leading James to take hold of him around the neck with her back up against him. She then takes off running at the corner and uses her speed and agility to leap up on the bottom rope to bounce onto the middle turnbuckle to flip herself completely over for a picture perfect shiranui! The maneuver pancakes The Fighter on the mat! The crowd pops as she then looks to go for a pin but the veteran Scott rolls out of the ring to escape.
KO: Did you see that!? What a beautiful shiranui!
LO: Moxie continues to fight on in this one with unrelenting give.
KO: Scott needed a moment on the outside but what is James doing now?
Moxie positions herself at the ropes directly across from where David is on the outside of the ring. She then takes off to bounce off the ropes to slingshot herself forward full speed ahead! James flies across the ring then leaps up on the middle rope to do a complete twirl in the air to land on the suspecting David Scott on the outside of the ring!
KO: SMOKE ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM!
LO: The tornillo is a crowd pleaser! What a maneuver!
Moxie quickly attempts to lift David up but struggles a bit at first. She uses all her strength to put him up on the apron then roll him on into the ring. She quickly slides in right behind but has to roll The Fighter over onto his back which takes precious time. Moxie makes sure to hook the right leg for a pin!
...1
…2
LO: Kick out by The Fighter! Wow, that was a close one!
KO: I’ll say. I thought Moxie James had him. These two continue to tear it up for these fans. That was the closest pinfall thus far.
James hits the ropes as soon as she gets to her feet to continue to use her speed but Scott meets her in the center of the ring! He cradles her up for a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker that causes people in the front row to wince. Moxie writhes in pain on the mat holding her lower back after the brutal maneuver but manages to get back to a vertical base quickly somehow. She staggers back right into the awaiting arms of The Fighter, who delivers a ring rattling release german suplex!
KO: Scott continues to punish James.
LO: She can dish it out and take it as well, Kevin. This match has proven that so far.
David pulls up James to position her in the corner before delivering a knife edge chop! The sound of pain echoes throughout. Scott takes a step back to lean in with another chop that causes Moxie to slump in the corner. David backs away from her quickly. He reverses until his back touches the corner directly across from James. The Fighter then takes off full speed across the ring looking for a splash and getting some real air only for James to move out of the way at the last possible moment! Miss! Battle Born hits ribs first across the top rope which further adds to his pain and displeasure. He hits a knee directly in front of the corner while Moxie slingshots off the ropes on the opposite side of the ring! She comes flying in fast with a big boot! Scott’s body does a complete turn from the impact to his jaw before he hits flat on his back on the mat.
LO: Moxie looks to take complete control of this one after dodging the big splash in the corner!
KO: She needs to stay on the attack if she hopes to keep this legend of the business down.
Moxie hurries to the corner closest to Scott. She scales the turnbuckles to position herself directly above her downed opponent. James leaps off with flashes throughout capturing the double foot stomp forever! Moxie quickly hooks the right leg of David Scott!
...1
KO: ROPE BREAK!
LO: David Scott put his left foot onto the bottom rope in order to break the count.
KO: Veteran awareness.
LO: Exactly.
James quickly gets back to her feet. She approaches the stunned Battle Born with caution but he leaps up suddenly to catch her with a solid elbow across the bridge of her nose! The shot agitates the already busted nose further leading it to bleed once more. Moxie turns away from her opponent to wipe the blood from her face only to be grappled up into an exploder suplex in the corner! Moxie’s neck bends forward after she slams back first into the middle turnbuckle! David quickly crawls over to her to hook a leg for a pin!
...1
…2
LO: Kick out by Moxie James at two and three quarters! Wow, that was close!
KO: These two continue to impress in this match. Moxie refuses to quit while David may be willing to die to win.
Moxie rolls beneath the bottom rope and off the side of the apron. She ends up on the outside floor still in a bit of a daze. David attempts to catch her but fails. He then gets to his feet but can’t believe it when he notices James pull herself up using the apron. The crowd goes wild!
KO: What is David thinking?
LO: He keeps looking at the ropes behind him. Uh-oh…
James pulls herself up using the apron just as Scott bounces off the ropes to come flying in her direction. Moxie doesn’t realize David approaching what so ever. Scott dives through the ropes for a suicide dive but does not stick the landing! Both wrestlers end up wiped out on the outside floor. The referee begins his count while the crowd begins to chant in unison.
LO: Folks, we got a do or die situation here where both competitors are down on the outside, and the referee just reached a count of three...
KO: That suicide dive did neither of these two any favors, but that's been David Scott's whole thing as of late. He said he was here to hurt Moxie, and apparently doesn't care what he does to himself in the process.
LO: Well Santiago is at a count of six now, and Scott managed to get over to the guard rail and pull himself up....Moxie clawing at the apron, and Oh...look....here comes David to help her back up and into the ring.
KO: What a gentleman!
LO: Not likely, as Scott comes back into the ring and has criss-crossed Moxie's legs....looks like he might be going for a submission here. An STF?
KO: He calls that the Absolute Zero, but Moxie is pushing and kicking with her feet to keep him from pulling forward to hook the arm and neck....
Moxie eventually gets free enough to roll over onto her back to prevent the hold from being locked in, and Scott retains her legs as he gets to his feet, spreads them, and then drives his boot into her lower abdomen. With the air knocked free of her lungs he rolls her back over to attempt the submission again, however Moxie struggles and fights until she gets one leg free. Swinging over onto her back once again, David scrambles after her to try and regain control of the leg, but instead takes a wicked boot square to the jaw. Before he knows whats hit him he takes another, another, and another until finally losing control of the other leg and stumbling back clutching his lower face. Moxie manages to get to her feet gingerly, still feeling the effects of the punishment from before, but when Scott rushes back at her with a lariat she is able to dodge out of the way. She rushes the ropes in front of her as Scott spins back around, and he is taken completely by surprise when she springboards back at him only to hook him around the head and float through with a 720 DDT!
LO: TALK TO GOD FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!
KO: MOXIE IS CINCHING UP ON THE LEG FOR A PIN!
1...
2...
3!!!
David Scott kicks out but not before the three count, and Moxie finds herself quickly scooting towards the ropes to vacate the ring as the man rises to his feet clutching the top of his head. If looks could kill, Moxie would have dropped dead, and Scott makes a B-line for the ropes as if to follow. He pauses there at the ropes, his face twisted in rage before he lets out an exploitive deletive, and then turns to head the opposite way out of the ring and towards the ramp. Moxie watches all of this wide eyed, and then bursts out with a nervous relieved laugh as the fans cheer for her win. She slaps a few hands before retrieving her had and placing it sloppily on her head and hops back into the ring to celebrate.
RING ANNOUNCER: and the winner of the match via pinfall.....MOXIE JAMES!!
LO: Moxie James came out here with a lot to prove against a very dangerous opponent in David Scott, and she did just that.
KO: Any given Sunday, Laur. We all thought Scott had Moxie right where he wanted her, and then bam...out of nowhere. I don't know if this business is finished between these two.
LO: They are technically one and one with this win from James here tonight. Could we see these two face off one more time to find out who gets the next push in Valor?
KO: Who knows man. All I know for sure is that tonight, Moxie James walks away the victor, so she ought to enjoy that. Who knows how long that feeling will last.
The camera focuses in on Moxie as she parades around the ring in her top hat, clapping along with the fans, before cutting somewhere backstage.
There's tension between Rizzo and Drell that hasn't been witnessed before as the two sit staring at each other in momentary silence. Rizzo, bearing his infamous "Risen" t-shirt has the UnYielding Championship wrapped around his waist. Drell, in his usual garb, wears a sleeveless t-shirt with his initial emblazoned in red, and little white words encircling it that read "Kill Drell" over and over and over again. Two friends who have had each others backs, or well, at least Drell has had Danny's back for weeks now seem to be on the brink of arguing when Danny finally opens up with a question, though the tone of his voice is measured and calm.
DANNY RIZZO: What the hell was that, Kav?
Drell, unflinchingly, offers up an innocent smiles that belies the rest of his body language. It's a sharp contrast to how he carries himself and one that would be found humorous by anyone who wasn't Danny Rizzo in that very moment.
KAVEN DRELL: What do you mean, Daniel?
DANNY RIZZO: You know what I mean. You know what the hell I'm talking about. Don't get cute with me right now.
KAVEN DRELL: You could be talking about any number of things. But I assume you're speaking of my words leading up to this match, yes? And you decided to wait until now to bring this up?
Rizzo grits his teeth in annoyance, but there's clearly something that bothered him about what his friend had had to say. Drell's point was well made, though. There match was but a few moments away and this was not the best moment to have this discussion. Danny looked to speak but Drell raised his finger and cut him off.
KAVEN DRELL: Rest assured, Daniel. I have your best interests at heart as I have from the moment I walked in the door of this monstrosity of a wrestling company. You have it in you to lead. You have it in you to be at the forefront of this team. That is what you want, isn't it? The rise to fame and glory. Your t-shirt says so. Have I not been here to guide you on a path that protects you from those who would take advantage of you? Don't worry, Danny. When tonight is done, win, lose or draw. All will be well. I give you my word.
Drell extends his hand and, for the time being, it's enough to placate Danny who reaches out and accepts the handshake. The two pull themselves upward to a standing position and Danny brings the handshake in for a hug before slapping his friend on the chest and nodding at him, exiting the room and, presumably, heading off to prepare to make his entrance at the Valor Pro anniversary show.
Kaven, however, lingers behind, a sinister smile curling his lip upward as he stares at the place where his friend had just exited.
"One spark... two spark..."
And as the scene fades the words "let it burn" echo in a whisper.
DANNY RIZZO: What the hell was that, Kav?
Drell, unflinchingly, offers up an innocent smiles that belies the rest of his body language. It's a sharp contrast to how he carries himself and one that would be found humorous by anyone who wasn't Danny Rizzo in that very moment.
KAVEN DRELL: What do you mean, Daniel?
DANNY RIZZO: You know what I mean. You know what the hell I'm talking about. Don't get cute with me right now.
KAVEN DRELL: You could be talking about any number of things. But I assume you're speaking of my words leading up to this match, yes? And you decided to wait until now to bring this up?
Rizzo grits his teeth in annoyance, but there's clearly something that bothered him about what his friend had had to say. Drell's point was well made, though. There match was but a few moments away and this was not the best moment to have this discussion. Danny looked to speak but Drell raised his finger and cut him off.
KAVEN DRELL: Rest assured, Daniel. I have your best interests at heart as I have from the moment I walked in the door of this monstrosity of a wrestling company. You have it in you to lead. You have it in you to be at the forefront of this team. That is what you want, isn't it? The rise to fame and glory. Your t-shirt says so. Have I not been here to guide you on a path that protects you from those who would take advantage of you? Don't worry, Danny. When tonight is done, win, lose or draw. All will be well. I give you my word.
Drell extends his hand and, for the time being, it's enough to placate Danny who reaches out and accepts the handshake. The two pull themselves upward to a standing position and Danny brings the handshake in for a hug before slapping his friend on the chest and nodding at him, exiting the room and, presumably, heading off to prepare to make his entrance at the Valor Pro anniversary show.
Kaven, however, lingers behind, a sinister smile curling his lip upward as he stares at the place where his friend had just exited.
"One spark... two spark..."
And as the scene fades the words "let it burn" echo in a whisper.
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission...
'Karma Chameleon' by the Culture Club hits over the PA System, and Indi Rhyder skips out onto the stage to a pretty big ovation. She places her hand over her eyes to peer out at the crowd, a smile placed upon her lips. She turns to give the camera a wink as she passes on by down the ramp, slapping hands as she goes.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at five foot five and weighting in at 130 pounds, hailing from Los Angeles, California....She is THE GALACTIC PRINCESS, INDI RHYDDEERRR!!
As she reaches ringside she makes a dash across the front row with one hand extended for high fives, and then turns abruptly to leap up onto the ring apron, and then hops up to the second rope from the outside. She repeats the hand motion, covering her eyes to take in the capacity crowd with a grin, and then hops over the top rope to land safely in the ring. She moves to the far corner and starts stretching along the ropes to await her opponent.
LO: Man, the people really love Indi Rhyder!
KO: Yeah, she's a fan favorite round these parts.
LO: Well, she's got a really good attitude about everything, even in defeat, and she's proven that she can hang with the best of them.
KO: Alright, stop drooling, Laur.
LO: What in the hell are you talking about?
KO: Lets just say if your vibe gets much more positive over Indi Rhyder you're going to put a hole in your pants.
Laurence Othello's eyes go wide but before he can respond the lights dim low as 'Hourglass' by A Perfect Circle hits over the PA System, and out steps Berlin Anderson wearing a velvet burgundy overcoat with tails, and a pair of leather pants with red straps crisscrossing down their sides. He pauses at the top of the stage as the fans begin to cheer, and he lowers the rose colored glasses he's wearing to peer out at the crowd. He pushes them back up and straightens, smoothing out his jacket, and checking his rooster style haircut before making his way down to the ring with a confident grin.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing her opponent, standing at five foot eleven and weighing in at 182 pounds, hailing from Ash Tree Lane, this is....THE PERPETUAL MOTION MACHINE, BERLIN ANDERSOOONNN!!
Anderson reaches ringside and hops up onto the apron, then walks along it to climb up to the second turnbuckle to stare out at the cheering crowd. He grins, shaking free from his overcoat to allow it to fall to the ground, and then lowers his shades once more before peeling them from his face to send them hurtling into the crowd. A group of overzealous fans reach for the sky to take home their very own keepsake from the show as Berlin leaps the rest of the way over the top rope to land in the ring. He immediately takes note of Indi, and gives her a nod before stretching out on the ropes.
LO: Berlin has found himself tangled up with Camp Cuppola as of late, and this is his first appearance in some time not facing The Mimes or Blackman on the Opening Bout of Flipping The Script...
KO: Well, when you say it like that, it does kind of sound like the B-Show.
LO: HEY!
KO: I'm just saying. Anyways, this is probably like a breath of fresh air for Berlin, and it will be interesting to see how these similar styles clash against one another.
LO: Very true. Both of these superstars are aerial experts, and speed is the key to their domain. I do believe due to the weight difference Indi probably has a one up on Berlin.
KO: Yeah, but that size difference works both ways. Berlin can toss her for farther.
LO: I guess we'll just have to see how this shapes up as there goes the bell...
Rhyder and Berlin meet in the center of the ring. They share a brief hand slap in a show of respect. The crowd loves the sportsmanship and responds to it immediately.
LO: These competitors both have respect for one another.
The referee comes in to call for the bell to begin the match up. The two wrestlers circle one another briefly before lunging forward to lock up in the center of the ring! The larger Anderson gains the advantage with a sudden hip toss! Indi leaps back to both feet from flat on her back! She then takes off toward the ropes that separate the two rings to slingshot back at Berlin, who cartwheels out of the way at the last possible moment!
KO: Unorthodox counter to say the least! The agility of both of these wrestlers already on full display.
Rhyder and Anderson circle each other once more. They pounce at the same time with Indi catching Berlin with a wicked step up enziguri! Anderson hits both knees leading Indi to hit the ropes just behind him to come back for a bulldog in the center of the ring! Rhyder hooks a leg!
1…
LO: Kick out by Berlin Anderson at one!
KO: These two are full speed ahead all the time.
Berlin rolls to his feet after kicking out. He gets to his feet just as Rhyder does. Anderson quickly catches her with a big forearm strike! The shot sends Indi back. The separation gives Berlin the room for a picture perfect spinning heel kick! The heel of the Perpetual Motion Machine hits flush on the jaw of The Butterfly! She falls to the canvas in a pile which leads Berlin to fall down alongside her quickly to hook a leg!
1…
KO: Kick out by The Butterfly! Rhyder took a hard lick in that exchange.
Both wrestlers bounce off the mat to come face to face once more! Anderson feint’s with a left but nails Rhyder with a malicious right hook! The shot sends Indi into the ropes that divide the two rings. The Butterfly uses the ropes to pull herself up only to see a charging Berlin coming right at her! Anderson feints a enziguri only to catch Indi with a head scissor takedown that tosses her over the ropes and into the other ring.
LO: What a maneuver! Did you see that?!
KO: These two are as agile as they come in this sport.
Berlin remains in the opposite ring but has plans to join his opponent in the other. He takes the top rope in his hands to get a good drip while he waits. Rhyder staggers to her feet then slowly turns around leading Anderson to pull himself up on the top rope using his cat like agility to springboard off at Indi! Berlin is looking for a forearm strike but Rhyder rolls out of the way! Miss! Anderson turns around to catch a sling blade from the charging Indi Rhyder! She then rushes over to the corner in a flash to scale the turnbuckles closest to Berlin.
KO: Indi Rhyder wants to take this one to the air.
LO: The speed of these two is truly mesmerizing.
Anderson rolls to his feet facing away from Indi on the top turnbuckle. Berlin turns slowly leading Rhyder to leap off looking for a flying thrust kick but Anderson does a backflip out of the way! Miss! Indi lands on her feet and continues moving to bounce off the ropes on the opposite side of the ring. She whips herself back at Berlin looking for a spear! She hits him flush but he shuffles his feet and cradles her head to turn the spear into a DDT!
1..
Berlin pushes Indi off! The maneuver ended up with her on top of him that led to a count of one. Rhyder appears completely dazed leading Anderson to take his time getting back to a vertical base. Indi uses these precious moments to gather herself by sitting up. Berlin stands up to hover above The Butterfly, who reaches out with both hands for a double leg take down! Anderson quickly rolls over onto his belly to push himself up only to be caught by Rhyder! She quickly hooks on a figure four leg lock!
LO: Indi has locked in one of her signature maneuvers! Berlin has looked strong thus far in this match but now he’s desperately trying to reach the safety of the bottom rope!
Rhyder applies more and more pressure! Desperation sets in for The Perpetual Motion Machine! He slowly digs into the back and attempts to back into the ropes leading The Butterfly to apply even more pressure looking for a tap. Anderson shakes the referee off refusing to tap.
KO: Rhyder continues to do real damage to the legs of Berlin Anderson.
Anderson reaches out flat on his back toward the bottom rope with one last lunge!
LO: GOT IT!
KO: The referee comes in to break the hold!
The ref sends each wrestler to a different corner before resuming the match! Berlin takes off running at Indi for a crossbody in the center of the ring! The maneuver robs her of all the air in her lungs. Rhyder remains on the mat while Anderson gets back to his feet. He works the crowd briefly before running at the ropes closest to Indi. Berlin performs a picture perfect lionsault! The crowd remains split on these two favorites while The Perpetual Motion Machine gets to the turnbuckles in the corner. He leaps up on the middle turnbuckle to bounce on up to the top. Berlin faces out at Indi, who remains flat on her back. Anderson leaps off looking for a diving senton but Rhyder rolls out of the way at the last possible moment!
LO: Miss! That could change the complexion of this match completely!
KO: Rhyder continues to counter this unorthodox style any way she can.
Anderson holds his lower back on the mat while writhing in pain after the miss. Indi immediately gets up to rush over to her fallen opponent. The smaller Rhyder struggles to get the larger Berlin back on his feet. She manages to do so this then hold on tight to his right hand. She carefully climbs the ropes while simultaneously continuing to hold the right hand of Anderson. She uses her amazing balance to rope walk before leaping down for a wicked chop!
LO: Indi has taken control now!
KO: She continues to impress in this match up as does Berlin but something’s gotta give, Right?
LO: Indeed.
Anderson stumbles a bit after the high impact chop leading Rhyder to irish whip him toward the corner across the ring! Berlin turns to hit back first across the top turnbuckle in the corner! Rhyder remains in the other corner briefly working the crowd before taking off full speed ahead at Berlin! She hits him with a huge splash in the corner that causes Anderson to fall forward onto the canvas after impact. She quickly rolls him over before heading to the closest corner in a mad dash.
KO: Indi wants to take to the air!
LO: Both of these wrestlers are well known for their high flying capabilities. Either one can take control of any match up by utilizing their respective aerial repertoire.
Berlin suddenly pops up to catch Indi off guard! Before she can even react, Anderson has leapt up on the middle turnbuckle in the same corner! The two begin swapping punches up on the turnbuckles. Rhyder throws a wild elbow that Anderson dodges only to throw an elbow back that hits its mark! The violent shot knocks Indi off the top turnbuckle and onto the apron! She takes a hard fall and ends up on the outside floor on her side.
KO: Rhyder is down on the outside floor! The referee begins his count while Berlin gathers himself inside the ring.
LO: Not for long!
Indi somehow gets to her feet on the outside. She’s still dazed a bit while Anderson bounces off the ropes to come flying across the ring directly at Rhyder! He goes for a baseball slide that Indi side steps! She takes hold of him as he comes by to use his own forward momentum to pull him all the way out of the ring! Indi goes for a left hook but Berlin ducks it to counter with a solid uppercut! The punch dazes Indi. Anderson quickly rolls her back into the ring.
LO: These two have put on a clinic here tonight. Amazing wrestling from two fan favorites. This crowd is completely riled up! They love it!
KO: Indi may be in real trouble. Berlin may have some air in his immediate future.
Anderson gets up on the apon but patiently waits for Rhyder to get to both feet. He clutches the top ropes in both hands tightly. Rhyder turns around slowly leading Berlin to leap up on the top rope to springboard off for double knees to the shoulders of The Butterfly! The maneuver drives Indi to the mat with the weight of her opponent that rattles the ring. Berlin reaches back with both arms to pull up the legs of Rhyder from behind for an unorthodox pin!
1…
2…
KO: Kick out at two and a half! This crowd is PUMPED!
Berlin can’t believe she kicked out. The referee holds up two fingers in Anderson’s direction to assure him. Indi uses this precious time to stagger back to a vertical base behind Berlin. Anderson is looking at the referee when she comes up from behind to grapple him into a standing headlock! She shuffles her feet a bit to to transition the maneuver into a side headlock. Indi twists the head of The Perpetual Motion Machine only for him to counter by taking hold of her around the waist and lifting her back into a german suplex on the mat! Both wrestlers remain on the mat to catch their breath while the crowd continues to go wild throughout.
LO: Indi and Berlin remain down. Such a grueling match for these two and the pace has been extraordinary thus far.
KO: Indi and Berlin both stir as the referee begins the double count!
LO: Who will make it their feet first?
Rhyder and Anderson both roll over and slowly push themselves off the mat. Indi gets to her feet first and catches the unsuspecting with a granby roll on the canvas!
1..
LO: Kick out by Berlin!
KO: Indi is already back to her feet!
Rhyder wastes no time getting back up to find her second wind. Berlin gets up to both knees only to catch a vicious chop across the throat from Indi! The shot robs Anderson of his ability to breath momentarily. He clutches desperately at his throat while Rhyder rushes over to the corner in a full speed dash! She scales the turnbuckles to end up facing out on the top. Indi waits for her opponent to panic in real time. Berlin tries to regain his breath and stands up. He begins to catch it as he turns around only to see Indi dive off to perform a complete flip onto his shoulders in a seated position for the Cool Rhyder!
KO: COOL RHYDER! That could be it!
LO: Indi hooks a leg!
1…
2…
LO: Kick out by Berlin Anderson at two and three quarters! Wow! What a match this has been, Kevin. These two came to FIGHT!
KO: That was close. Indi nearly had a pinfall victory right there.
Rhyder gets back to her feet quickly but Berlin does as well! This catches Indi off guard which allows Anderson to run at her for a clothesline! The maneuver is at the ropes which causes both wrestlers to fall over the top rope to bounce off the apron! Both wrestlers end up on the outside floor. The referee begins his count while Indi and Berlin struggle to get up.
KO: Both competitors are down on the outside floor! The referee has begun his count that now reaches three.
LO: This match has tested each of these talented wrestlers and this crowd has responded with real support.
KO: The crowd appears to be split right down the middle on these two. Half are for Indi while the other half stands behind The Perpetual Motion Machine.
The two wrestlers stir as the ref’s count reaches six. The urgency for each wrestler to get back in the ring begins to peak as a count of seven is declared. Berlin suddenly staggers to one knee as the referee calls out eight. He quickly reaches over to take hold of his opponent to irish whip her back into the ring beneath the bottom rope to break the count!
KO: Anderson saves the match!
Berlin gets back to his feet inside the ring to find Indi at his feet, flat on her back. He quickly performs a standing moonsault that hits the mark! Anderson rolls to his feet while Rhyder stays down on the mat. Berlin heads for the corner like a man possessed. His sole focus now is on the corner closest to the fallen Indi. He bounces up onto the middle turnbuckle to get up on the top.
LO: The Perpetual Motion Machine is perched up high but does not take the leap?
KO: He appears to be waiting for Indi get up. Patiently stalking her like a predator would its prey.
The Butterfly suddenly stirs on the mat while her opponent uses his hands to almost motion her back up from the top turnbuckle. Indi slowly gets to one knee before standing back up and turning slowly around which leads Berlin to leap off for a picture perfect slingshot DDT that drives Rhyder’s head into the mat with real force! Anderson quickly crawls over to cradle up a leg for a pin!
1..
2..
KO: Kick out by The Butterfly!
LO: The Perpetual Motion Machine has pulled out all the stops here tonight!
KO: A look of pure frustration just crossed his face. That was very telling of his current mindset.
LO: Indi missed it but he appears to be frustrated or sure. This match has been balls to the wall since the opening bell.
Anderson appears flustered but nevertheless continues on. He stands up only to be rolled up into a pin from behind by Indi out of nowhere!
1…
2…
KO: Kick out at the last possible second by The Perpetual Motion Machine!
LO: He took his eyes off the ball for a split second and Rhyder nearly made him pay the price for it.
Indi gets back to her feet still in a bit of a daze. She ends up a few feet away from her opponent, Berlin. Rhyder takes off full speed ahead looking for a spear but catches a spinning wheel kick instead! The shot sends up back into the ropes which leads Anderson to head for the corner fast. He quickly climbs the turnbuckles to get back to where he feels most comfortable, the top. Rhyder gathers herself quickly then charges into the corner after Berlin, who turns around to face out on the top only to find Indi! They begin swapping punches up high once more! Anderson gets the upper hand with a sharp left to Indi’s rib cage! She folds over and he cradles her up!
LO: What is he doing!?
KO: I believe he is thinking superplex but headed in the wrong direction.
LO: Oh, no!
Berlin hoists up the smaller Indi while simultaneously standing up to superplex Rhyder off the top turnbuckle to the outside floor!
KO: OH MY GOD! DID YOU SEE THAT!?!
LO: I did! They both may be hurt after that.
Both wrestlers remain down on the outside after the high impact maneuver. Berlin took just as much of a hard bump as Indi on the way down. Rhyder and Anderson do not move as the crowd goes wild to will the two on.
LO: The referee has started a ten count while both competitors struggle to crawl towards the ropes for aide....
KO: Yeah, but he's already up to five, and neither one of them have made it...
LO: Berlin finally there, and he's coming up on spaghetti legs...
KO: Indi on the other side...is she going to beat the ten?!?
Just as the referee is about to count her out Indi yanks on the top rope to pull herself up to her feet, but she immediately sits down on the middle rope completely exhausted. Berlin turns to see this and shakes his head before starting a trot in that direction to go on the attack. Just as Berlin launches himself into what looks to be a flying forearm, Indi hooks the top rope with both arms and uses it to swing both feet up so that The Perpetual Motion Machine eats a face full of boot. Berlin snaps back but starts coming up quickly and just as he comes vertical Indie pushes against the ropes for spring and leaps up onto his chest, spins so that she's now sitting on his shoulders, and twists herself backwards to deliver a Poison Spike Rana that drives Berlin's skull into the mat and sends the fans absolutely mad.
LO: HEAD OVER HEELS FROM INDI RHYDER, AND SHE IS NOW SHOOTING THE HALF!
KO: THERE'S THE HOOK OF THE LEG!
1...
2...
3!!!
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of the match via pinfall.....INDI RHYDER!!
LO: Indi Rhyder with a big win here tonight, and Berlin Anderson has to be worried what this will mean for his future employment here with the company considering how the GM has been treating him as of late.
KO: I don't want to jump the gun, but I think Vanessa Byrne has more things to worry about than Berlin Anderson at the moment. I mean...Spiral is returning to VPW television tonight!
LO: True, and that will be up in a matter of moments, bur right now let's watch Indi Rhyder take her moment of glory!
Indi grins out at the fans as she climbs up to the top rope and excitedly waves as her music plays in the background. She drops down and allows the referee to lift her hand in victory, and just as she's about to turn to exit the ring she see's Berlin Anderson leaned up the ropes holding the top of his head. She gives a resigned sigh before marching right up to the man only to thrust her hand forwards in a sign of respect. Berlin looks up a little groggy after the hard landing, but then offers a weak smile of his own before giving the hand a good shake. The fans cheer as Berlin slips out of the ring to head to the back while Indi slaps hands at ringside. The camera focuses on Indi Rhyder, Galactic Princess, one more time before cutting backstage.
'Karma Chameleon' by the Culture Club hits over the PA System, and Indi Rhyder skips out onto the stage to a pretty big ovation. She places her hand over her eyes to peer out at the crowd, a smile placed upon her lips. She turns to give the camera a wink as she passes on by down the ramp, slapping hands as she goes.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at five foot five and weighting in at 130 pounds, hailing from Los Angeles, California....She is THE GALACTIC PRINCESS, INDI RHYDDEERRR!!
As she reaches ringside she makes a dash across the front row with one hand extended for high fives, and then turns abruptly to leap up onto the ring apron, and then hops up to the second rope from the outside. She repeats the hand motion, covering her eyes to take in the capacity crowd with a grin, and then hops over the top rope to land safely in the ring. She moves to the far corner and starts stretching along the ropes to await her opponent.
LO: Man, the people really love Indi Rhyder!
KO: Yeah, she's a fan favorite round these parts.
LO: Well, she's got a really good attitude about everything, even in defeat, and she's proven that she can hang with the best of them.
KO: Alright, stop drooling, Laur.
LO: What in the hell are you talking about?
KO: Lets just say if your vibe gets much more positive over Indi Rhyder you're going to put a hole in your pants.
Laurence Othello's eyes go wide but before he can respond the lights dim low as 'Hourglass' by A Perfect Circle hits over the PA System, and out steps Berlin Anderson wearing a velvet burgundy overcoat with tails, and a pair of leather pants with red straps crisscrossing down their sides. He pauses at the top of the stage as the fans begin to cheer, and he lowers the rose colored glasses he's wearing to peer out at the crowd. He pushes them back up and straightens, smoothing out his jacket, and checking his rooster style haircut before making his way down to the ring with a confident grin.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing her opponent, standing at five foot eleven and weighing in at 182 pounds, hailing from Ash Tree Lane, this is....THE PERPETUAL MOTION MACHINE, BERLIN ANDERSOOONNN!!
Anderson reaches ringside and hops up onto the apron, then walks along it to climb up to the second turnbuckle to stare out at the cheering crowd. He grins, shaking free from his overcoat to allow it to fall to the ground, and then lowers his shades once more before peeling them from his face to send them hurtling into the crowd. A group of overzealous fans reach for the sky to take home their very own keepsake from the show as Berlin leaps the rest of the way over the top rope to land in the ring. He immediately takes note of Indi, and gives her a nod before stretching out on the ropes.
LO: Berlin has found himself tangled up with Camp Cuppola as of late, and this is his first appearance in some time not facing The Mimes or Blackman on the Opening Bout of Flipping The Script...
KO: Well, when you say it like that, it does kind of sound like the B-Show.
LO: HEY!
KO: I'm just saying. Anyways, this is probably like a breath of fresh air for Berlin, and it will be interesting to see how these similar styles clash against one another.
LO: Very true. Both of these superstars are aerial experts, and speed is the key to their domain. I do believe due to the weight difference Indi probably has a one up on Berlin.
KO: Yeah, but that size difference works both ways. Berlin can toss her for farther.
LO: I guess we'll just have to see how this shapes up as there goes the bell...
Rhyder and Berlin meet in the center of the ring. They share a brief hand slap in a show of respect. The crowd loves the sportsmanship and responds to it immediately.
LO: These competitors both have respect for one another.
The referee comes in to call for the bell to begin the match up. The two wrestlers circle one another briefly before lunging forward to lock up in the center of the ring! The larger Anderson gains the advantage with a sudden hip toss! Indi leaps back to both feet from flat on her back! She then takes off toward the ropes that separate the two rings to slingshot back at Berlin, who cartwheels out of the way at the last possible moment!
KO: Unorthodox counter to say the least! The agility of both of these wrestlers already on full display.
Rhyder and Anderson circle each other once more. They pounce at the same time with Indi catching Berlin with a wicked step up enziguri! Anderson hits both knees leading Indi to hit the ropes just behind him to come back for a bulldog in the center of the ring! Rhyder hooks a leg!
1…
LO: Kick out by Berlin Anderson at one!
KO: These two are full speed ahead all the time.
Berlin rolls to his feet after kicking out. He gets to his feet just as Rhyder does. Anderson quickly catches her with a big forearm strike! The shot sends Indi back. The separation gives Berlin the room for a picture perfect spinning heel kick! The heel of the Perpetual Motion Machine hits flush on the jaw of The Butterfly! She falls to the canvas in a pile which leads Berlin to fall down alongside her quickly to hook a leg!
1…
KO: Kick out by The Butterfly! Rhyder took a hard lick in that exchange.
Both wrestlers bounce off the mat to come face to face once more! Anderson feint’s with a left but nails Rhyder with a malicious right hook! The shot sends Indi into the ropes that divide the two rings. The Butterfly uses the ropes to pull herself up only to see a charging Berlin coming right at her! Anderson feints a enziguri only to catch Indi with a head scissor takedown that tosses her over the ropes and into the other ring.
LO: What a maneuver! Did you see that?!
KO: These two are as agile as they come in this sport.
Berlin remains in the opposite ring but has plans to join his opponent in the other. He takes the top rope in his hands to get a good drip while he waits. Rhyder staggers to her feet then slowly turns around leading Anderson to pull himself up on the top rope using his cat like agility to springboard off at Indi! Berlin is looking for a forearm strike but Rhyder rolls out of the way! Miss! Anderson turns around to catch a sling blade from the charging Indi Rhyder! She then rushes over to the corner in a flash to scale the turnbuckles closest to Berlin.
KO: Indi Rhyder wants to take this one to the air.
LO: The speed of these two is truly mesmerizing.
Anderson rolls to his feet facing away from Indi on the top turnbuckle. Berlin turns slowly leading Rhyder to leap off looking for a flying thrust kick but Anderson does a backflip out of the way! Miss! Indi lands on her feet and continues moving to bounce off the ropes on the opposite side of the ring. She whips herself back at Berlin looking for a spear! She hits him flush but he shuffles his feet and cradles her head to turn the spear into a DDT!
1..
Berlin pushes Indi off! The maneuver ended up with her on top of him that led to a count of one. Rhyder appears completely dazed leading Anderson to take his time getting back to a vertical base. Indi uses these precious moments to gather herself by sitting up. Berlin stands up to hover above The Butterfly, who reaches out with both hands for a double leg take down! Anderson quickly rolls over onto his belly to push himself up only to be caught by Rhyder! She quickly hooks on a figure four leg lock!
LO: Indi has locked in one of her signature maneuvers! Berlin has looked strong thus far in this match but now he’s desperately trying to reach the safety of the bottom rope!
Rhyder applies more and more pressure! Desperation sets in for The Perpetual Motion Machine! He slowly digs into the back and attempts to back into the ropes leading The Butterfly to apply even more pressure looking for a tap. Anderson shakes the referee off refusing to tap.
KO: Rhyder continues to do real damage to the legs of Berlin Anderson.
Anderson reaches out flat on his back toward the bottom rope with one last lunge!
LO: GOT IT!
KO: The referee comes in to break the hold!
The ref sends each wrestler to a different corner before resuming the match! Berlin takes off running at Indi for a crossbody in the center of the ring! The maneuver robs her of all the air in her lungs. Rhyder remains on the mat while Anderson gets back to his feet. He works the crowd briefly before running at the ropes closest to Indi. Berlin performs a picture perfect lionsault! The crowd remains split on these two favorites while The Perpetual Motion Machine gets to the turnbuckles in the corner. He leaps up on the middle turnbuckle to bounce on up to the top. Berlin faces out at Indi, who remains flat on her back. Anderson leaps off looking for a diving senton but Rhyder rolls out of the way at the last possible moment!
LO: Miss! That could change the complexion of this match completely!
KO: Rhyder continues to counter this unorthodox style any way she can.
Anderson holds his lower back on the mat while writhing in pain after the miss. Indi immediately gets up to rush over to her fallen opponent. The smaller Rhyder struggles to get the larger Berlin back on his feet. She manages to do so this then hold on tight to his right hand. She carefully climbs the ropes while simultaneously continuing to hold the right hand of Anderson. She uses her amazing balance to rope walk before leaping down for a wicked chop!
LO: Indi has taken control now!
KO: She continues to impress in this match up as does Berlin but something’s gotta give, Right?
LO: Indeed.
Anderson stumbles a bit after the high impact chop leading Rhyder to irish whip him toward the corner across the ring! Berlin turns to hit back first across the top turnbuckle in the corner! Rhyder remains in the other corner briefly working the crowd before taking off full speed ahead at Berlin! She hits him with a huge splash in the corner that causes Anderson to fall forward onto the canvas after impact. She quickly rolls him over before heading to the closest corner in a mad dash.
KO: Indi wants to take to the air!
LO: Both of these wrestlers are well known for their high flying capabilities. Either one can take control of any match up by utilizing their respective aerial repertoire.
Berlin suddenly pops up to catch Indi off guard! Before she can even react, Anderson has leapt up on the middle turnbuckle in the same corner! The two begin swapping punches up on the turnbuckles. Rhyder throws a wild elbow that Anderson dodges only to throw an elbow back that hits its mark! The violent shot knocks Indi off the top turnbuckle and onto the apron! She takes a hard fall and ends up on the outside floor on her side.
KO: Rhyder is down on the outside floor! The referee begins his count while Berlin gathers himself inside the ring.
LO: Not for long!
Indi somehow gets to her feet on the outside. She’s still dazed a bit while Anderson bounces off the ropes to come flying across the ring directly at Rhyder! He goes for a baseball slide that Indi side steps! She takes hold of him as he comes by to use his own forward momentum to pull him all the way out of the ring! Indi goes for a left hook but Berlin ducks it to counter with a solid uppercut! The punch dazes Indi. Anderson quickly rolls her back into the ring.
LO: These two have put on a clinic here tonight. Amazing wrestling from two fan favorites. This crowd is completely riled up! They love it!
KO: Indi may be in real trouble. Berlin may have some air in his immediate future.
Anderson gets up on the apon but patiently waits for Rhyder to get to both feet. He clutches the top ropes in both hands tightly. Rhyder turns around slowly leading Berlin to leap up on the top rope to springboard off for double knees to the shoulders of The Butterfly! The maneuver drives Indi to the mat with the weight of her opponent that rattles the ring. Berlin reaches back with both arms to pull up the legs of Rhyder from behind for an unorthodox pin!
1…
2…
KO: Kick out at two and a half! This crowd is PUMPED!
Berlin can’t believe she kicked out. The referee holds up two fingers in Anderson’s direction to assure him. Indi uses this precious time to stagger back to a vertical base behind Berlin. Anderson is looking at the referee when she comes up from behind to grapple him into a standing headlock! She shuffles her feet a bit to to transition the maneuver into a side headlock. Indi twists the head of The Perpetual Motion Machine only for him to counter by taking hold of her around the waist and lifting her back into a german suplex on the mat! Both wrestlers remain on the mat to catch their breath while the crowd continues to go wild throughout.
LO: Indi and Berlin remain down. Such a grueling match for these two and the pace has been extraordinary thus far.
KO: Indi and Berlin both stir as the referee begins the double count!
LO: Who will make it their feet first?
Rhyder and Anderson both roll over and slowly push themselves off the mat. Indi gets to her feet first and catches the unsuspecting with a granby roll on the canvas!
1..
LO: Kick out by Berlin!
KO: Indi is already back to her feet!
Rhyder wastes no time getting back up to find her second wind. Berlin gets up to both knees only to catch a vicious chop across the throat from Indi! The shot robs Anderson of his ability to breath momentarily. He clutches desperately at his throat while Rhyder rushes over to the corner in a full speed dash! She scales the turnbuckles to end up facing out on the top. Indi waits for her opponent to panic in real time. Berlin tries to regain his breath and stands up. He begins to catch it as he turns around only to see Indi dive off to perform a complete flip onto his shoulders in a seated position for the Cool Rhyder!
KO: COOL RHYDER! That could be it!
LO: Indi hooks a leg!
1…
2…
LO: Kick out by Berlin Anderson at two and three quarters! Wow! What a match this has been, Kevin. These two came to FIGHT!
KO: That was close. Indi nearly had a pinfall victory right there.
Rhyder gets back to her feet quickly but Berlin does as well! This catches Indi off guard which allows Anderson to run at her for a clothesline! The maneuver is at the ropes which causes both wrestlers to fall over the top rope to bounce off the apron! Both wrestlers end up on the outside floor. The referee begins his count while Indi and Berlin struggle to get up.
KO: Both competitors are down on the outside floor! The referee has begun his count that now reaches three.
LO: This match has tested each of these talented wrestlers and this crowd has responded with real support.
KO: The crowd appears to be split right down the middle on these two. Half are for Indi while the other half stands behind The Perpetual Motion Machine.
The two wrestlers stir as the ref’s count reaches six. The urgency for each wrestler to get back in the ring begins to peak as a count of seven is declared. Berlin suddenly staggers to one knee as the referee calls out eight. He quickly reaches over to take hold of his opponent to irish whip her back into the ring beneath the bottom rope to break the count!
KO: Anderson saves the match!
Berlin gets back to his feet inside the ring to find Indi at his feet, flat on her back. He quickly performs a standing moonsault that hits the mark! Anderson rolls to his feet while Rhyder stays down on the mat. Berlin heads for the corner like a man possessed. His sole focus now is on the corner closest to the fallen Indi. He bounces up onto the middle turnbuckle to get up on the top.
LO: The Perpetual Motion Machine is perched up high but does not take the leap?
KO: He appears to be waiting for Indi get up. Patiently stalking her like a predator would its prey.
The Butterfly suddenly stirs on the mat while her opponent uses his hands to almost motion her back up from the top turnbuckle. Indi slowly gets to one knee before standing back up and turning slowly around which leads Berlin to leap off for a picture perfect slingshot DDT that drives Rhyder’s head into the mat with real force! Anderson quickly crawls over to cradle up a leg for a pin!
1..
2..
KO: Kick out by The Butterfly!
LO: The Perpetual Motion Machine has pulled out all the stops here tonight!
KO: A look of pure frustration just crossed his face. That was very telling of his current mindset.
LO: Indi missed it but he appears to be frustrated or sure. This match has been balls to the wall since the opening bell.
Anderson appears flustered but nevertheless continues on. He stands up only to be rolled up into a pin from behind by Indi out of nowhere!
1…
2…
KO: Kick out at the last possible second by The Perpetual Motion Machine!
LO: He took his eyes off the ball for a split second and Rhyder nearly made him pay the price for it.
Indi gets back to her feet still in a bit of a daze. She ends up a few feet away from her opponent, Berlin. Rhyder takes off full speed ahead looking for a spear but catches a spinning wheel kick instead! The shot sends up back into the ropes which leads Anderson to head for the corner fast. He quickly climbs the turnbuckles to get back to where he feels most comfortable, the top. Rhyder gathers herself quickly then charges into the corner after Berlin, who turns around to face out on the top only to find Indi! They begin swapping punches up high once more! Anderson gets the upper hand with a sharp left to Indi’s rib cage! She folds over and he cradles her up!
LO: What is he doing!?
KO: I believe he is thinking superplex but headed in the wrong direction.
LO: Oh, no!
Berlin hoists up the smaller Indi while simultaneously standing up to superplex Rhyder off the top turnbuckle to the outside floor!
KO: OH MY GOD! DID YOU SEE THAT!?!
LO: I did! They both may be hurt after that.
Both wrestlers remain down on the outside after the high impact maneuver. Berlin took just as much of a hard bump as Indi on the way down. Rhyder and Anderson do not move as the crowd goes wild to will the two on.
LO: The referee has started a ten count while both competitors struggle to crawl towards the ropes for aide....
KO: Yeah, but he's already up to five, and neither one of them have made it...
LO: Berlin finally there, and he's coming up on spaghetti legs...
KO: Indi on the other side...is she going to beat the ten?!?
Just as the referee is about to count her out Indi yanks on the top rope to pull herself up to her feet, but she immediately sits down on the middle rope completely exhausted. Berlin turns to see this and shakes his head before starting a trot in that direction to go on the attack. Just as Berlin launches himself into what looks to be a flying forearm, Indi hooks the top rope with both arms and uses it to swing both feet up so that The Perpetual Motion Machine eats a face full of boot. Berlin snaps back but starts coming up quickly and just as he comes vertical Indie pushes against the ropes for spring and leaps up onto his chest, spins so that she's now sitting on his shoulders, and twists herself backwards to deliver a Poison Spike Rana that drives Berlin's skull into the mat and sends the fans absolutely mad.
LO: HEAD OVER HEELS FROM INDI RHYDER, AND SHE IS NOW SHOOTING THE HALF!
KO: THERE'S THE HOOK OF THE LEG!
1...
2...
3!!!
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of the match via pinfall.....INDI RHYDER!!
LO: Indi Rhyder with a big win here tonight, and Berlin Anderson has to be worried what this will mean for his future employment here with the company considering how the GM has been treating him as of late.
KO: I don't want to jump the gun, but I think Vanessa Byrne has more things to worry about than Berlin Anderson at the moment. I mean...Spiral is returning to VPW television tonight!
LO: True, and that will be up in a matter of moments, bur right now let's watch Indi Rhyder take her moment of glory!
Indi grins out at the fans as she climbs up to the top rope and excitedly waves as her music plays in the background. She drops down and allows the referee to lift her hand in victory, and just as she's about to turn to exit the ring she see's Berlin Anderson leaned up the ropes holding the top of his head. She gives a resigned sigh before marching right up to the man only to thrust her hand forwards in a sign of respect. Berlin looks up a little groggy after the hard landing, but then offers a weak smile of his own before giving the hand a good shake. The fans cheer as Berlin slips out of the ring to head to the back while Indi slaps hands at ringside. The camera focuses on Indi Rhyder, Galactic Princess, one more time before cutting backstage.
The scene opens as two figures boldly strut through the Marcanazinho to a thunderous reception from the crowd. Game faces on, and fully decked out in their ring gear, Cosmo Cooper and Katya Djurdjevic roll out their shoulders and necks, fully dialed in as War Games draws near. The fan favourites share a small joke that gets them chuckling, keeping them at ease for the monumental task ahead. The cheers only escalate when the duo halts. They stand outside the locker room bearing an “NSFW” nameplate. Cosmo scoffs, but settles into a poker-face when Katya gently elbows him. Katya steps forth to rap the door and smiles patiently as they wait.
Mike McGuire: C’mon in.
The two tag team champions are sitting on the bench beside each other, belts perched on their shoulders. Mike smiles at Katya, but both they and their partner go stonefaced when they see who she brought with her. Gritting their teeth behind tightly drawn lips, they nod to the young woman.
Mike McGuire: Hey, Katya.
Not fazed by the apparent discord between the outfit, Katya beams at the tag champions, keen on emitting good vibes to everyone in the room. She greets each of them cordially, hugging them and then high fiving them both simultaneously.
Katya Djurdjevic: Hey, you two! Keeping those titles shined up real nice I see. Looking good.
Mike McGuire: Thanks. You ain’t lookin’ half bad yourself.
The Bronx Brawler can’t help but shoot Katya a cheeky sort of grin, though it fades quickly. Their fingers idly smooth over the black armband around their bicep.
Katya glances at Cosmo, then back to NSFW with a quick wink to Mike as she smirks.
Mike McGuire: So what brings you here, beautiful? Last minute strategy?
Katya Djurdjevic: Something like that…
Katya eyes her three partners for the evening.
Katya Djurdjevic: I know things were a little... tense... with you guys a few days back, but I also know you’re all professionals who take pride in their work. We’re all about to go to war together in just a few short minutes against Chris, Cross, Danny and Kaven. We require trust going into something like this or we’ll get worse than decimated. I trust all you guys. I just want to be sure you guys are cool with each other.
She spoke to both parties privately about the apparent spat privately. She had hoped things would have smoothed over since then, but seeing Cosmo & McGuire and Church’s reactions at this meeting spoke volumes.
Cosmo Cooper: Yeah, we’re cool.
But Cosmo was looking at her and not McGuire and Church. He glanced back over to the tag team and crossed his arms like a sullen child as he examined his fingernails or anything else he could not to make small talk with the tag team.
Mike McGuire: As cucumbers.
The redhead seemed to be following the same tack as the Apex, as was their partner- Church’s only contribution was a curt nod.
Mike McGuire: We’ve thought this over. And it wouldn’t be fair to the people, our own fuckin’ sensibilities, or you to give anything less than 100%. We know how to be team players. That… heh. That’s kind of our fuckin’ thing. So don’t worry, Katya. We’ll be out there and we’ll tear shit up like we always do.
Katya pinches the bridge of her nose in disbelief. Her face is painted with genuine concern as her eyes flicker between the three grown men. She tries to decide if it’s remotely reasonable for things to go ahead like this. Once again, their opponents flash through her mind. She offers a sweet smile to McGuire and Church as she taps Cosmo on the shoulder, gesturing to the other side of the locker room.
Katya Djurdjevic: A moment if you please.
Katya lowers her voice when she and Cosmo come to a stop. She leans in close to him, putting a hand to his shoulder.
Katya Djurdjevic: Look, I get it, Twinkle Toes. It’s hard to get on with people in a sport like this. Especially here. There’s a lot of asses in this place. A lot of asses. There are so many asses I’ve gotta kick, I’m gonna need a list just to keep track of them all. But those two? They’re not asses. Hand on my heart. And I think you know that too. I’m not saying you have to like them, or appease anyone... just… just try to be less combative, y’know? You’re wrestling all over the place with that schedule of yours. You’ve got enough enemies as it is. In fact… if you’re a lil chill with them, more people might have your back. Honestly, Cosmo didn’t like to be told what to do or take anything from anyone. His body language changed as he placed his hands on his hips, lowering his head and looking down to his toes in the flip flops he wore. Taking a deep breath, he nodded for a moment… knowing Katya was indeed correct as hard as that was for him to agree with. Cooper turned back to the tag team.
Cosmo Cooper: Look guys, I’m on edge with this Callum stuff. We go way back and… it matters to me that we win this… but I know it matters a lot to you guys too. Whatever it takes out there, okay?
With that, Cosmo put his fist out for them to tap. Mike looked at the barefooted blonde, then their partner.
Bishop Church: Okay.
Mike McGuire: Yep. We’re good.
The two of them return the gesture, the three sets of knuckles tapping together. Katya claps her hands together, looking rather giddy at this turn of events. She meets the trio of her fists with her own, beaming ear to ear.
Katya Djurdjevic: Awesome! We’ve got this.
Mike McGuire: C’mon in.
The two tag team champions are sitting on the bench beside each other, belts perched on their shoulders. Mike smiles at Katya, but both they and their partner go stonefaced when they see who she brought with her. Gritting their teeth behind tightly drawn lips, they nod to the young woman.
Mike McGuire: Hey, Katya.
Not fazed by the apparent discord between the outfit, Katya beams at the tag champions, keen on emitting good vibes to everyone in the room. She greets each of them cordially, hugging them and then high fiving them both simultaneously.
Katya Djurdjevic: Hey, you two! Keeping those titles shined up real nice I see. Looking good.
Mike McGuire: Thanks. You ain’t lookin’ half bad yourself.
The Bronx Brawler can’t help but shoot Katya a cheeky sort of grin, though it fades quickly. Their fingers idly smooth over the black armband around their bicep.
Katya glances at Cosmo, then back to NSFW with a quick wink to Mike as she smirks.
Mike McGuire: So what brings you here, beautiful? Last minute strategy?
Katya Djurdjevic: Something like that…
Katya eyes her three partners for the evening.
Katya Djurdjevic: I know things were a little... tense... with you guys a few days back, but I also know you’re all professionals who take pride in their work. We’re all about to go to war together in just a few short minutes against Chris, Cross, Danny and Kaven. We require trust going into something like this or we’ll get worse than decimated. I trust all you guys. I just want to be sure you guys are cool with each other.
She spoke to both parties privately about the apparent spat privately. She had hoped things would have smoothed over since then, but seeing Cosmo & McGuire and Church’s reactions at this meeting spoke volumes.
Cosmo Cooper: Yeah, we’re cool.
But Cosmo was looking at her and not McGuire and Church. He glanced back over to the tag team and crossed his arms like a sullen child as he examined his fingernails or anything else he could not to make small talk with the tag team.
Mike McGuire: As cucumbers.
The redhead seemed to be following the same tack as the Apex, as was their partner- Church’s only contribution was a curt nod.
Mike McGuire: We’ve thought this over. And it wouldn’t be fair to the people, our own fuckin’ sensibilities, or you to give anything less than 100%. We know how to be team players. That… heh. That’s kind of our fuckin’ thing. So don’t worry, Katya. We’ll be out there and we’ll tear shit up like we always do.
Katya pinches the bridge of her nose in disbelief. Her face is painted with genuine concern as her eyes flicker between the three grown men. She tries to decide if it’s remotely reasonable for things to go ahead like this. Once again, their opponents flash through her mind. She offers a sweet smile to McGuire and Church as she taps Cosmo on the shoulder, gesturing to the other side of the locker room.
Katya Djurdjevic: A moment if you please.
Katya lowers her voice when she and Cosmo come to a stop. She leans in close to him, putting a hand to his shoulder.
Katya Djurdjevic: Look, I get it, Twinkle Toes. It’s hard to get on with people in a sport like this. Especially here. There’s a lot of asses in this place. A lot of asses. There are so many asses I’ve gotta kick, I’m gonna need a list just to keep track of them all. But those two? They’re not asses. Hand on my heart. And I think you know that too. I’m not saying you have to like them, or appease anyone... just… just try to be less combative, y’know? You’re wrestling all over the place with that schedule of yours. You’ve got enough enemies as it is. In fact… if you’re a lil chill with them, more people might have your back. Honestly, Cosmo didn’t like to be told what to do or take anything from anyone. His body language changed as he placed his hands on his hips, lowering his head and looking down to his toes in the flip flops he wore. Taking a deep breath, he nodded for a moment… knowing Katya was indeed correct as hard as that was for him to agree with. Cooper turned back to the tag team.
Cosmo Cooper: Look guys, I’m on edge with this Callum stuff. We go way back and… it matters to me that we win this… but I know it matters a lot to you guys too. Whatever it takes out there, okay?
With that, Cosmo put his fist out for them to tap. Mike looked at the barefooted blonde, then their partner.
Bishop Church: Okay.
Mike McGuire: Yep. We’re good.
The two of them return the gesture, the three sets of knuckles tapping together. Katya claps her hands together, looking rather giddy at this turn of events. She meets the trio of her fists with her own, beaming ear to ear.
Katya Djurdjevic: Awesome! We’ve got this.
Confrontation: Vanessa Byrne & Spiral
The house lights go down, and for a brief moment there is nothing. Until, on the big screen, we see the familiar face of Brad stokes pull his hand from a camera lens to reveal him in closeup. He looks bleary eyed, wearing a black hoodie pulled low, and a beard. This is a man who’s evidently been in hiding on the lamb or something. He whispers apprehensively.
Brad Stokes: Hey, everybody. It is I, Brad, son of Dad, brother to Murad, son of--
But that’s it. Her voice cuts through his like a hot knife through butter.
…: That’s enough, Mr. Stokes. Your services, such as they are, won’t be needed any further. You’re fired.
Swollen Members’ Lady Venom hits and Vanessa Byrne seemingly wills the house lights on.
Brad Stokes: What? Wait, I--
She dismisses him with a wave of her hand as she stalks down the ramp without looking back like she were commanding a catwalk. With a surprised, taken aback look, Brad watches his camera feed cut out and the screens shut off much to everyone’s consternation. She’s a woman on a mission as she steps up into the ring already gripping a microphone. She cues the audio department to cut her music. Ms. Byrne looks slightly more no-nonsense tonight than usual.
Vanessa Byrne: Alright. As many of you astute observers may have determined, Brad Stokes is, once again, no longer employed by Valor Pro Wrestling.
There’s at least a detectable hint of loss in small pockets of the crowd.
Vanessa Byrne: For those of you who care, I need to make one thing absolutely clear. While some in the back, and possibly some of you out here, may disagree with my methods, everything I have done, I have done to further the development of Valor Pro Wrestling. Any time I’m forced to play my hand and fire someone, it has been for the good of the company. While you fans may latch yourselves onto anyone of the innumerable superstars Valor Pro Wrestling has had the pleasure of working with over this past year, ultimately when it comes to business decisions that further the business of Valor Pro Wrestling, I have made nothing but sound decisions. Would any of you in the crowd, or those watching at home disagree that this company is a force to be reckoned with in this industry?
There’s a raucous approval from the crowd.
Vanessa Byrne: Would anyone argue that since day one, this company, it’s programming, it’s merchandise, it’s product has gotten better with each passing event?
Another raucous, soaring note of approval from the audience. Vanessa smirks to herself before inhaling pensively.
Vanessa Byrne: I'm responsible for this company's success. However…
Eagle-eyed viewers at home may spot her swallow uncomfortably, hidden behind a practiced swipe of her hair from her eyes.
Vanessa Byrne: Some of my decisions, while I stand by each and every one of them, aren’t always in the long-term best interest of this company.
This doesn’t look particularly easy for a woman who’s never wrong to spit out… She licks dry lips.
Vanessa Byrne: I can be the bigger person and admit when I'm wrong. And therefore--
The steady drum march of “Counting Bodies Like Sheep” (The Pale King Remix) by A Perfect Circle turns all eyes to the entrance. Vanessa sets her jaw and watches the entrance as none other than Spiral steps onto the ramp in a well-tailored suit. He smirks from the top of the ramp down into the ring at her. The crowd is on its feet. They haven’t seen Spiral in ages. He takes a moment to stand and savor his own arrival before he begins a slow, methodical procession down the ramp toward the ring. Followed close behind him, with a briefcase in hand, is VPW Attorney John Harmon. Vanessa inhales sharply as she watches them stride up the steps and into the ring. The music cuts as the crowd is on its feet. It’s a staredown in the ring. Spiral looking smugly into Vanessa’s eyes… until she angrily looks away. Spiral seems satisfied.
Vanessa Byrne: Spiral--
Spiral: Uh, uh.
Not many have interrupted Ms. Byrne, none with as much confidence as Spiral stands across from her with. Vanessa is supremely irritated and working hard not to show it.
Spiral: Before you apologize to me, I’d like to take a moment to stick a dog’s face in the mess it made.
That one really pissed her off. You can feel her fuming up in the nosebleed section.
Spiral: I told you. I told you long ago what was going to happen. But you, in your dubious wisdom disregarded my vision for this company, and chose to lock horns with me. You chose to do battle. First… you withheld my pay.
Vanessa can’t help but smirk proudly at this fact.
Vanessa Byrne: And you--
Spiral: I’m not finished. You will stand there, and I will speak, and until I’m finished you will keep. Your mouth. Closed.
The crowd is surprised. Stunned even. Vanessa typically has full control of these appearances. Spiral has wrested that from her.
Spiral: Where was I? Right. You withheld my pay. You made me wrestle for free. I was more than happy to compete in this company, Vanessa. I even brought my Unleashed Championship into active competition of my own free will, all in order to help further the Valor brand. But that wasn’t enough for you, was it? So I sued you. I sued this company for withholding pay which was rightfully mine for services rendered.
Vanessa folds her arms, clearly wanting him to speed this up.
Spiral: In response, you chose to use my title as leverage against me as we navigated a lawsuit you could have easily settled. You’ve been a very bad girl, Vanessa. You needed to be in control. You needed to bring a dog to heel. You had to lock horns with me, didn’t you, Vanessa?
He comes to stand right in front of her, looking down at her expectantly, offering her an opening to respond. She rolls her eyes avoiding returning his gaze.
Vanessa Byrne: That’s enough. You’ve had your fun.
Spiral: Not remotely. You came down here with yet another attempt at exercising your power by firing poor Mr. Stokes, may he rest in peace, all because you know you no longer hold the upper hand when it comes to me. And now, watching you, the venerable Vanessa Byrne stand there in a corner with nothing to back you up is only the beginning of my fun. I told you from the very beginning what was going to happen, and instead of listening to me, you defied my warnings and now, you stand here about to admit you were wrong, you are about to do that thing Vanessa Byrne doesn’t do: tuck your tail between your legs because you have lost a lawsuit you chose to prolong, and reinstating me completely to active competition for Valor Pro Wrestling, and you are going to smile as you do so.
Vanessa Byrne: You’re pushing your luck.
Spiral: Am I? Admit what I’ve just said is true.
The crowd is a din of frenetic, curious, nervous, awkward energy as Vanessa leans on her backfoot.
Vanessa Byrne: Alright. You’re reinstated to active competition in Valor Pro Wrestling. Happy?
The crowd pops. Spiral enjoys the moment of crowd approval before looking back at Vanessa.
Spiral: Not entirely. You haven’t admitted everything I asked you to.
The crowd is rather enjoying this moment. Not so much for Vanessa.
Vanessa Byrne: Alright. You’ve also been cleared of any charges associated with your wanton destru--
Spiral: Uh uh.
Vanessa angrily changes her tone.
Vanessa Byrne: You’ve been cleared with any charges associated with the alleged Production Truck incident a month ago.
Spiral looks satisfied.
Spiral: Good girl.
He turns from her like he’s dismissed her.
Vanessa Byrne: Don’t you dare think you can talk down to me. You’re reinstated so long as you follow the guidelines laid out by Valor Pro. Do you understand?
Spiral stops where he stands.
Spiral: You are not the creator of those rules, Vanessa Byrne. Merely the enforcer of those rules. Do you understand that?
He turns to face her once more. Vanessa stands her ground.
Vanessa Byrne: Sure, sure, fine fine. Whatever you say, but know that from this day forward, I--
Spiral: In fact--
He cuts her off once more. Vanessa is beyond irritated now.
Spiral: You need to realize that this company which has been entrusted to you is bigger than you. That the power you hold is not absolute, but has been vested to you. You need to realize that you’ve lost your little battle of will with me. And there’s only one way to do that.
He tilts his head to look her eye to eye as John Harmon, the attorney who has, up till now, been waiting patiently for Spiral to conclude his little show, opens up his briefcase and reveals a legal document which he presents to Vanessa. She steadily diverts her attention from Spiral to the document being handed to her.
Vanessa Byrne: What is this? What’s the meaning of all this? You better pray that--
Spiral raises his voice to silence hers.
Spiral: This is a legal missive and directive from the Board of Directors of Keystone Financial, the financial backers of Valor Pro Wrestling, informing you of their second thoughts about entrusting you to run their company.
Vanessa Byrne: What?
Vanessa snatches the document out of John Harmon’s hand and begins to furiously read it. Spiral straightens and smiles as he watches her face turn stone cold and white as chalk.
A beat.
Vanessa Byrne: I’m being fired?
She’s shocked. The crowd is shocked. Everyone’s shocked except, of course, Spiral.
Spiral: Knight takes Queen.
He gloats sternly, staring down her as she seethes.
Spiral: You have my permission to go now.
Vanessa Byrne: Firing ME? On Valor Pro’s Anniversary show? A show that I helped plan. A milestone this company wouldn’t have reached without my guiding hand?
Spiral: Afraid so.
Vanessa looks crossly up at Spiral who towers over her.
Vanessa Byrne: YOU are not the one to speak to me. This comes from the board of--
Spiral: No. I am merely the enforcer of their wishes. And you need to recognize that this company, this enterprise you helped construct is bigger than you. Perhaps while you collect severance you can ruminate on these truths.
He grins so smarmily she could almost stuff her fist in his face. She fumes and seethes before she recognizes how humiliated she must look right now. Smoothing her hands over her dress, biting back any further anger she shifts uncomfortably and looks at John Harmon.
Vanessa Byrne: Fine. So be it. But pray tell who on earth are you going to find to replace me, hmmm? Who could possibly run this company any better than I could, hmmm?
John Harmon finally speaks.
John Harmon: Actually, we have found your replacement. And he’s right up there.
The spotlight shines on the top of the ramp where all eyes turn to reveal…
Francis Ford Cuppola standing aloof. Know that scene in Pulp Fiction with John Travolta waiting for Uma Thurman and being confused... it's a little like that. Vanessa blinks incredulously.
Vanessa Byrne: What, you mean behind the idiot?
John Harmon: Idiot? No, no, that’s him! He's the guy.
Vanessa Byrne: HIM? Francis Ford Cuppola?? He's the guy you hired to run Valor Pro Wrestling instead of me?
Spiral smirks as Francis makes his way down the ring with his entourage in tow, the Mimes, Mr. Mississagi, Rodney, shaking hands with expectant audience members all the way to the ring and up into it to stand.
Francis Ford Cuppola: Hey, hey!
Spiral looks at Francis with a gleam
Vanessa Byrne: Oh my god…
Francis Ford Cuppola: Sorry I’m late. I had to attend the reading of a will. I stayed to the very end only to discover that I received nothing.
He gives a little ‘shucks’ of his arm.
Francis Ford Cuppola: Brought the Experience.
He points with his thumb behind him at the entourage known now officially as The Experience. Vanessa is stunned.
Vanessa Byrne: You can’t be serious.
Spiral is smug. Regarding Francis with an eye toward all the future possibilities that come with having a man like this running the company.
Spiral: Perfect, isn’t he?
Francis is sliding his fingers along the ring ropes.
Francis Ford Cuppola: What are these made of, plastic?
Brad Stokes: Hey, everybody. It is I, Brad, son of Dad, brother to Murad, son of--
But that’s it. Her voice cuts through his like a hot knife through butter.
…: That’s enough, Mr. Stokes. Your services, such as they are, won’t be needed any further. You’re fired.
Swollen Members’ Lady Venom hits and Vanessa Byrne seemingly wills the house lights on.
Brad Stokes: What? Wait, I--
She dismisses him with a wave of her hand as she stalks down the ramp without looking back like she were commanding a catwalk. With a surprised, taken aback look, Brad watches his camera feed cut out and the screens shut off much to everyone’s consternation. She’s a woman on a mission as she steps up into the ring already gripping a microphone. She cues the audio department to cut her music. Ms. Byrne looks slightly more no-nonsense tonight than usual.
Vanessa Byrne: Alright. As many of you astute observers may have determined, Brad Stokes is, once again, no longer employed by Valor Pro Wrestling.
There’s at least a detectable hint of loss in small pockets of the crowd.
Vanessa Byrne: For those of you who care, I need to make one thing absolutely clear. While some in the back, and possibly some of you out here, may disagree with my methods, everything I have done, I have done to further the development of Valor Pro Wrestling. Any time I’m forced to play my hand and fire someone, it has been for the good of the company. While you fans may latch yourselves onto anyone of the innumerable superstars Valor Pro Wrestling has had the pleasure of working with over this past year, ultimately when it comes to business decisions that further the business of Valor Pro Wrestling, I have made nothing but sound decisions. Would any of you in the crowd, or those watching at home disagree that this company is a force to be reckoned with in this industry?
There’s a raucous approval from the crowd.
Vanessa Byrne: Would anyone argue that since day one, this company, it’s programming, it’s merchandise, it’s product has gotten better with each passing event?
Another raucous, soaring note of approval from the audience. Vanessa smirks to herself before inhaling pensively.
Vanessa Byrne: I'm responsible for this company's success. However…
Eagle-eyed viewers at home may spot her swallow uncomfortably, hidden behind a practiced swipe of her hair from her eyes.
Vanessa Byrne: Some of my decisions, while I stand by each and every one of them, aren’t always in the long-term best interest of this company.
This doesn’t look particularly easy for a woman who’s never wrong to spit out… She licks dry lips.
Vanessa Byrne: I can be the bigger person and admit when I'm wrong. And therefore--
The steady drum march of “Counting Bodies Like Sheep” (The Pale King Remix) by A Perfect Circle turns all eyes to the entrance. Vanessa sets her jaw and watches the entrance as none other than Spiral steps onto the ramp in a well-tailored suit. He smirks from the top of the ramp down into the ring at her. The crowd is on its feet. They haven’t seen Spiral in ages. He takes a moment to stand and savor his own arrival before he begins a slow, methodical procession down the ramp toward the ring. Followed close behind him, with a briefcase in hand, is VPW Attorney John Harmon. Vanessa inhales sharply as she watches them stride up the steps and into the ring. The music cuts as the crowd is on its feet. It’s a staredown in the ring. Spiral looking smugly into Vanessa’s eyes… until she angrily looks away. Spiral seems satisfied.
Vanessa Byrne: Spiral--
Spiral: Uh, uh.
Not many have interrupted Ms. Byrne, none with as much confidence as Spiral stands across from her with. Vanessa is supremely irritated and working hard not to show it.
Spiral: Before you apologize to me, I’d like to take a moment to stick a dog’s face in the mess it made.
That one really pissed her off. You can feel her fuming up in the nosebleed section.
Spiral: I told you. I told you long ago what was going to happen. But you, in your dubious wisdom disregarded my vision for this company, and chose to lock horns with me. You chose to do battle. First… you withheld my pay.
Vanessa can’t help but smirk proudly at this fact.
Vanessa Byrne: And you--
Spiral: I’m not finished. You will stand there, and I will speak, and until I’m finished you will keep. Your mouth. Closed.
The crowd is surprised. Stunned even. Vanessa typically has full control of these appearances. Spiral has wrested that from her.
Spiral: Where was I? Right. You withheld my pay. You made me wrestle for free. I was more than happy to compete in this company, Vanessa. I even brought my Unleashed Championship into active competition of my own free will, all in order to help further the Valor brand. But that wasn’t enough for you, was it? So I sued you. I sued this company for withholding pay which was rightfully mine for services rendered.
Vanessa folds her arms, clearly wanting him to speed this up.
Spiral: In response, you chose to use my title as leverage against me as we navigated a lawsuit you could have easily settled. You’ve been a very bad girl, Vanessa. You needed to be in control. You needed to bring a dog to heel. You had to lock horns with me, didn’t you, Vanessa?
He comes to stand right in front of her, looking down at her expectantly, offering her an opening to respond. She rolls her eyes avoiding returning his gaze.
Vanessa Byrne: That’s enough. You’ve had your fun.
Spiral: Not remotely. You came down here with yet another attempt at exercising your power by firing poor Mr. Stokes, may he rest in peace, all because you know you no longer hold the upper hand when it comes to me. And now, watching you, the venerable Vanessa Byrne stand there in a corner with nothing to back you up is only the beginning of my fun. I told you from the very beginning what was going to happen, and instead of listening to me, you defied my warnings and now, you stand here about to admit you were wrong, you are about to do that thing Vanessa Byrne doesn’t do: tuck your tail between your legs because you have lost a lawsuit you chose to prolong, and reinstating me completely to active competition for Valor Pro Wrestling, and you are going to smile as you do so.
Vanessa Byrne: You’re pushing your luck.
Spiral: Am I? Admit what I’ve just said is true.
The crowd is a din of frenetic, curious, nervous, awkward energy as Vanessa leans on her backfoot.
Vanessa Byrne: Alright. You’re reinstated to active competition in Valor Pro Wrestling. Happy?
The crowd pops. Spiral enjoys the moment of crowd approval before looking back at Vanessa.
Spiral: Not entirely. You haven’t admitted everything I asked you to.
The crowd is rather enjoying this moment. Not so much for Vanessa.
Vanessa Byrne: Alright. You’ve also been cleared of any charges associated with your wanton destru--
Spiral: Uh uh.
Vanessa angrily changes her tone.
Vanessa Byrne: You’ve been cleared with any charges associated with the alleged Production Truck incident a month ago.
Spiral looks satisfied.
Spiral: Good girl.
He turns from her like he’s dismissed her.
Vanessa Byrne: Don’t you dare think you can talk down to me. You’re reinstated so long as you follow the guidelines laid out by Valor Pro. Do you understand?
Spiral stops where he stands.
Spiral: You are not the creator of those rules, Vanessa Byrne. Merely the enforcer of those rules. Do you understand that?
He turns to face her once more. Vanessa stands her ground.
Vanessa Byrne: Sure, sure, fine fine. Whatever you say, but know that from this day forward, I--
Spiral: In fact--
He cuts her off once more. Vanessa is beyond irritated now.
Spiral: You need to realize that this company which has been entrusted to you is bigger than you. That the power you hold is not absolute, but has been vested to you. You need to realize that you’ve lost your little battle of will with me. And there’s only one way to do that.
He tilts his head to look her eye to eye as John Harmon, the attorney who has, up till now, been waiting patiently for Spiral to conclude his little show, opens up his briefcase and reveals a legal document which he presents to Vanessa. She steadily diverts her attention from Spiral to the document being handed to her.
Vanessa Byrne: What is this? What’s the meaning of all this? You better pray that--
Spiral raises his voice to silence hers.
Spiral: This is a legal missive and directive from the Board of Directors of Keystone Financial, the financial backers of Valor Pro Wrestling, informing you of their second thoughts about entrusting you to run their company.
Vanessa Byrne: What?
Vanessa snatches the document out of John Harmon’s hand and begins to furiously read it. Spiral straightens and smiles as he watches her face turn stone cold and white as chalk.
A beat.
Vanessa Byrne: I’m being fired?
She’s shocked. The crowd is shocked. Everyone’s shocked except, of course, Spiral.
Spiral: Knight takes Queen.
He gloats sternly, staring down her as she seethes.
Spiral: You have my permission to go now.
Vanessa Byrne: Firing ME? On Valor Pro’s Anniversary show? A show that I helped plan. A milestone this company wouldn’t have reached without my guiding hand?
Spiral: Afraid so.
Vanessa looks crossly up at Spiral who towers over her.
Vanessa Byrne: YOU are not the one to speak to me. This comes from the board of--
Spiral: No. I am merely the enforcer of their wishes. And you need to recognize that this company, this enterprise you helped construct is bigger than you. Perhaps while you collect severance you can ruminate on these truths.
He grins so smarmily she could almost stuff her fist in his face. She fumes and seethes before she recognizes how humiliated she must look right now. Smoothing her hands over her dress, biting back any further anger she shifts uncomfortably and looks at John Harmon.
Vanessa Byrne: Fine. So be it. But pray tell who on earth are you going to find to replace me, hmmm? Who could possibly run this company any better than I could, hmmm?
John Harmon finally speaks.
John Harmon: Actually, we have found your replacement. And he’s right up there.
The spotlight shines on the top of the ramp where all eyes turn to reveal…
Francis Ford Cuppola standing aloof. Know that scene in Pulp Fiction with John Travolta waiting for Uma Thurman and being confused... it's a little like that. Vanessa blinks incredulously.
Vanessa Byrne: What, you mean behind the idiot?
John Harmon: Idiot? No, no, that’s him! He's the guy.
Vanessa Byrne: HIM? Francis Ford Cuppola?? He's the guy you hired to run Valor Pro Wrestling instead of me?
Spiral smirks as Francis makes his way down the ring with his entourage in tow, the Mimes, Mr. Mississagi, Rodney, shaking hands with expectant audience members all the way to the ring and up into it to stand.
Francis Ford Cuppola: Hey, hey!
Spiral looks at Francis with a gleam
Vanessa Byrne: Oh my god…
Francis Ford Cuppola: Sorry I’m late. I had to attend the reading of a will. I stayed to the very end only to discover that I received nothing.
He gives a little ‘shucks’ of his arm.
Francis Ford Cuppola: Brought the Experience.
He points with his thumb behind him at the entourage known now officially as The Experience. Vanessa is stunned.
Vanessa Byrne: You can’t be serious.
Spiral is smug. Regarding Francis with an eye toward all the future possibilities that come with having a man like this running the company.
Spiral: Perfect, isn’t he?
Francis is sliding his fingers along the ring ropes.
Francis Ford Cuppola: What are these made of, plastic?
Spiral gleams.
Spiral: Who better to run this company than a man with a clear vision, and unassailable decision-making abilities.
Vanessa eyes him, then narrows her eyes at Spiral.
Vanessa Byrne: I know exactly--
Vanessa eyes him, then narrows her eyes at Spiral.
Vanessa Byrne: I know exactly--
To her complete dismay, Vanessa finds her microphone has been cut off.
Spiral: Unfortunately, since you’re no longer employed by Valor Pro Wrestling, you are no longer entitled to speak on these airwaves. All we need now is a cane to whisk you off into nothingness.
It’s grim in its finality. She stands there as “Counting Bodies Like Sheep” (The Pale King Remix) by A Perfect Circle hits… and Spiral clasps Francis on the back and ushers him and his entourage, and John Harmon up the ramp.
Spiral: Unfortunately, since you’re no longer employed by Valor Pro Wrestling, you are no longer entitled to speak on these airwaves. All we need now is a cane to whisk you off into nothingness.
It’s grim in its finality. She stands there as “Counting Bodies Like Sheep” (The Pale King Remix) by A Perfect Circle hits… and Spiral clasps Francis on the back and ushers him and his entourage, and John Harmon up the ramp.
Siberia Zombie is shown on screen in a shot from earlier in the show. A cameraman is shooting her secretly from around the corner of a hallway. It looks like she is still in her street clothes carrying around her luggage. She looks to see if anyone is there and the cameraman ducks behind the corner for cover. He peeks out and watches her again as she takes out her phone. She dials a number and puts the phone to her ear. She waits a few moments with the person on the other end not answering.
SIBERIA: Damn. Well, this is pathetic message number fifty-five or so. Still not missing anything. I am going at this again. Looking at the past when I should be looking towards the future. I don’t know why I still keep thinking about you but when it was us it was just us. There was no family and no title and no boss. All that came crashing down pretty fast didn’t it? I was too naive to think it would be any different. Well, now it’s all coming back again. I’m going to face that person again. I made the claim that it is not about you. It’s really about me. I need to put that chapter away for good and take the bookmark out of those pages. I have to be honest, however. I admit that I’m fighting for you but I need to defeat her for myself. Anyway. I hope you are well.
She ends the call and closes her eyes before going into her locker room to get ready.
SIBERIA: Damn. Well, this is pathetic message number fifty-five or so. Still not missing anything. I am going at this again. Looking at the past when I should be looking towards the future. I don’t know why I still keep thinking about you but when it was us it was just us. There was no family and no title and no boss. All that came crashing down pretty fast didn’t it? I was too naive to think it would be any different. Well, now it’s all coming back again. I’m going to face that person again. I made the claim that it is not about you. It’s really about me. I need to put that chapter away for good and take the bookmark out of those pages. I have to be honest, however. I admit that I’m fighting for you but I need to defeat her for myself. Anyway. I hope you are well.
She ends the call and closes her eyes before going into her locker room to get ready.
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission....
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 rings. 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 of ring one, 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 is coming off of a count out loss to Chris Callum last show, but what a match they had!
KO: Yeah, Callum was able to get back into the ring to just barely beat the ten count, but Brodie took it to the guy just about as much as anyone could.
LO: And now we are sure to have a classic as Brodie will take on someone that she is very familiar with in Siberia Zombie.
KO: How many times have these two actually went head to head, Laur?
LO: Three or four times I think...
KO: They have definitely put together a body of work for the ages. Only difference this time around is that Zachariah Krahe isn't at the bottom of this one.
The sound of wind blows through the arena, and then the marching beat of Wanli by Hyukoh spills over the PA System. Just as the riffs begin out steps Siberia Zombie wearing her trademark silk robe with two warring dragons snaking across it, and she doesn't even pause at the top of the stage as she continues to march along with the beat of the song down the ramp.
Ring Announcer: And making her way to the ring, standing at five foot six and weighting in at 130 pounds, hailing from Siberia, Russia...Representing The Zombie Clan, THE SIBERIAN BUZZSAW.....SIBERIA ZOMBIEEEE!!!
Zombies march leads her to the steps at ringside, taking them two at a time to end up on the apron, and then climbing the ropes to stand on the second, her arms out at her side with an intense stare out at the cheering crowd. She eventually steps up to the top, and hops down inside of the ring, flicking her shoulders which sends the silk floating down to the mat as she stares across the ring at Brodie who glares right back with fists clenched.
LO: Last show we saw Zombie versus Zombie when Aoki defended his Unleashed Championship against Kowloon, and it appeared that the violence that took place in that match was just Sunday Dinner for the Zombie Clan.
KO: No doubt, and I'm sure this match right here is going to be like icing on the cake with the way these two ladies are staring down one another.
LO: Notice that Brodie didn't just rush in like she's want to do in other match scenarios. She knows what it feels like to be tossed into The Siberian Buzzsaw.
KO: That or she's calculating on how fast she can lock in the Finality Crossface and prove just why she's called The Submission Machine.
LO: Well that's enough with the nick names and monikers, lets get this show on the road...
The bell rings and the two women stand across from one another in their respective corners before finally nodding in what can only be a sign of respect. They circle briefly and then lock up in the center of the ring, and it's Brodie who shoots the go behind into a Waist Lock. Siberia grips at the woman's wrists but after finding no break she whips down to a knee into a type of Arm Drag that sends Brodie tumbling over and back up to her feet. Brodie charges in and Siberia catches her with a Japanese Arm Drag to which she pops right back up and walks into another. As both women come up again, Siberia is a tad quicker and she clamps on a headlock to which Brodie is already directing her towards the ropes for a break. She pushes Siberia off the ropes to the other side, and as Siberia returns she drops down to force the woman to hop over her or be tripped. On Siberia's way back Brodie leaps to her feet and clams her fists together to drop the oncoming woman with a double sledgehammer like blow.
LO: Action is fast and furious out of the gate, and what a hit by Brodie to Siberia, who is already pushing back to her feet...
KO: Brodie with a knee lift into Siberia's abdomen, followed by an elbow to the back of her skull, and now has her by the scruff of the neck only to SLAM her head first into the top turnbuckle of the nearest corner!
LO: Brodie is lowered as she drives her shoulder into Zombie's midsection repeatedly, just jamming her up in the corner.
KO: Yeah, that will do you ribs no favors.
Brodie completes her final Shoulder Thrust and rises up to take Siberia by the wrist and leads her out quite a bit before letting go to whip her to the opposite corner. Siberia turns just in the nick of time to slam spine first against the turnbuckles and she stumbles out massaging her lower back as Brodie tears across the ring and takes her head off with a clothesline! Brodie quickly drops for a cover as The Ref is hard pressed to keep up with the action.
1...
2...
LO: KICK OUT! Siberia pulled up into a seated position, and Brodie traps the left arm behind her right leg while cranking on her neck in the opposite directly. What do you call that, Ken?
KO: Painful, Laur.
LO: You're such a big help. All I know for sure is that Brodie is known for targeting two areas during her matches, the shoulder and the neck, because her finisher tends to bring about a certain Finality.
KO: You're proud of yourself for that one, aren't you?
LO: Pretty much.
Brodie continues to wrench on Siberia's neck with the arm trapped, and the Zombie lets out a yelp of pain. Eventually Siberia shifts onto her side and pushes up to a knee, forcing Brodie to release the arm and come to a standing position while still putting torque on her neck. Siberia laces her hand through Brodie's legs while reaching up with the other to hook her on the shoulder, and then leans her shoulders into her body giving her leverage enough to lift her off the mat into a Fireman's Take Over. Brodie slams on the mat and she quickly scrambles to her feet, turning around just in time to catch a Shoot style Kick to the chest that drops her back against the ropes. Siberia wades in now, doing what a Buzzsaw does, palm thrusts, closed fists, and feet striking in lightening like speed as Brodie tries her best to cover up. A sudden shift on her back foot sends siberia into a twirl, and she catches Brodie square in the jaw with a Spinning Back Fist that sends the woman up and over the top rope and out to the floor.
LO: Things have taken a turn for Brodie who controlled much of the opening bell, and now Siberia slips through the ropes to the outside to join her.
KO: These Zombies and their extremes...that's not just relegated to Aoki you know?
LO: Oh, I know, cause we've seen it. Siberia now has Brodie up on her feet and moves to whip her towards the steel barricade, BUT NO! BRODIE REVERSES!
KO: Siberia approaching the steel like a locomotive, and LEAPS UP TO LAND ON THE GUARD RAIL! Brodie was following her in, but....
LO: ASAI MOONSAULT WIPES BOTH LADIES OUT!
Siberia grabs at the ring apron to pull herself to her feet while Brodie still writhes on the ground. She reaches down and pulls the woman up to her feet and at the count of six tosses her under the bottom rope and back into the ring. Siberia follows quickly as Brodie pushes up to her hands and knee's, and the Buzzsaw steps over while taking the arm, and then spins through and leaps over her back, dragging her down into a Lucha style pin!
1...
2...
KO: THRE-NO! Brodie out at two and a half, and Siberia is already back on her feet and poised to strike...
LO: Brodie getting to her knee's, and OH! SHOOT KICK RIGHT TO HER CHEST! ANOTHER ONE! AND SIBERIA ZOMBIE IS LIGHTING HER UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!
KO: Brodie bobbing back and forth like a sea buoy, and now drops back to wind up....ROUND HOUSE KICK TO THE FA-NO!
LO: Brodie ducks under the kick, and rises up to trap Siberia's leg against her chest.....T-BONE SUPLEX SENDS HER HALFWAY ACROSS THE RING!
Zombie slams against the mat to an 'ooooo' from the crowd, the back of her legs catching the ropes so that she lands awkwardly on her shoulder. She grabs at the ropes right in front of her to help her up to her feet, and her free hand instinctively grabs at the injury. It doesn't go unnoticed. Before she has any chance to react Brodie reaches the ropes and performs a short leap over the top to land on the apron, grabs the injured arm and drags it across the rope and then drops from the apron to hang Siberia out to dry. The Zombie cries out in pain as she recoils back to the center of the ring to clutch at her shoulder, giving Brodie enough time to slide back in and rush in from behind her.
LO: Brodie with a full nelson, OVER INTO A SUPLEX THAT DRIVES THE BACK OF SIBERIA'S SKULL AND SHOULDERS INTO THE MAT!
KO: SHE KEPT THE BRIDGE!
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! Siberia powers out at the last second, comes up to her feet only to drop back against the ropes....AND BRODIE EXPLODES INTO A SUPLEX THAT SENDS HER UP AND OVER FROM ONE RING TO THE OTHER!
Siberia lands unceremoniously in the other ring and flops out onto her back clutching her shoulder in pain as Brodie never misses a beat, heading straight for the closest corner in her ring and starting to climb. Upon reaching her perch she stands to her full height and her hands go out to her sides, the crowd coming to their feet as she leaps forwards into a Diving Headbutt. At the last possible second, however, Siberia rolls out of the way and Brodie crashes and burns face first into the canvas. The Ref slips through the ropes to join them in the other ring, and has to start a count as neither of the ladies make a move to get to their feet.
LO: The last time we saw Brodie her match against Chris Callum ended in a count out and it would be a shame to have a repeat...
KO: Yeah, but in that match Callum was able to get into the ring. Neither one of these ladies are responding, and we're at a five!
The count rolls on and at seven Siberia finally manages up to a knee. At eight, Brodie paws at the ropes to try and find a hand hold and some help getting herself vertical. By nine, Siberia pushes up and rolls the shoulder several times, and just as the referee moves to flash 'Ten' Brodie yanks herself up by use of the top rope. Brodie turns to face Siberia who immediately charges right at the woman, but Brodie surprises her when she drops down and takes the top rope with her. As The Zombie trips over she realizes that there is no outside to fall to and the ropes of Ring One impede her momentum, instead stopping her short and forcing her down between the two ropes. She quickly gets to her feet, but just as she does Brodie grabs her by the scruff of the neck and runs her forward between the ropes to slam her face first into one of the steel ring posts joining the two rings. Or she would, if Siberia didn't get her foot up in time to halt the momentum, and in doubly surprise move reverses Brodie's hold on her head by getting one of her own and driving The Submission Machine face first into the top turnbuckle of that corner.
LO: Even in such an odd environment as two rings, these women know each other so well!
KO: Well they have faced each other a time or two, or ten! Brodie stumbles back after going face first into the turnbuckle, and look at Siberia! She's climbing for the top...
LO: Yeah, but Brodie just charged forward...LEAPS TO THE SECOND ROPE AND BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEXES SIBERIA ZOMBIE BACK INTO THE RING!
KO: GOOD GOD! SIBERIA BOUNCED ABOUT FOUR TIMES BEFORE FINALLY COMING TO A STOP OVER IN THE OPPOSITE CORNER!
LO: Brodie laying there catching her breath, but not for long...already rolling over onto her stomach and fast crawling over to hook the leg!
1...
2...
KO: THREE! NO! MY GOD! It was a matter of millimeters that the referee's hand didn't hit the mat for three!
LO: Brodie is as shocked as the rest of us, and she now is looking at her hands in frustration...
KO: Oh...she's talking to herself, Laur! This won't end well!
Brodie pushes off the canvas while simultaneously getting a fistful of Siberia's hair in a rage. She yanks the woman off the canvas and in the same motion hooks her around the arm, and begins to swing her around while trying to force her onto her stomach for what everyone knows is coming. The bans buzz as the two women continue to spin, Siberia refusing to go down, but Brodie unrelenting. Suddenly Siberia throws her foot out and it trips Brodie so that the woman springs into a somersault roll, back up to her feet, but reverses the hold on the arm. Siberia gives that arm a yank which pulls Brodie back in close, and with a short hop drives her knee right under the woman's jaw. The blow sends Brodie stumbling back into the ropes and as she bounces back Siberia turns to the side, and fires in a Superkick that takes Brodie's head off so literally that she cuts a back flip to land on her stomach.
LO: Siberia with two big hits there but she just dropped to her knee....man, this type of match with these types of competitors takes so much out of you.
KO: No doubt! These two ladies have paid the price to be two of the top superstars in this business, and they are paying the price tonight against each other one more time!
Siberia slowly scoots her way over to Brodie and rolls her over onto her back, and just when she does, The Submission Machine hooks that arm and drags Siberia over her to land on her stomach. A lightening fast re-position of Brodie's hips, and Siberia's arm is trapped in a leglock, while Brodie clasp her hands around the woman's chin and rips backwards.
LO: FINALITY CROSSFACE! JUST LIKE THAT THE TIDE HAS SHIFTED AGAIN!
KO: BRODIE HAS SIBERIA MIDDLE OF THE RING, AND THE ZOMBIE IS CRYING OUT IN PAIN AS HER SHOULDER AND NECK ARE TORN APART!
Siberia's hand hovers over the canvas as Brodie continues to rip and torque at her neck in an unnatural angle from her shoulders. Siberia instead of tapping slaps the mat and digs in with her fingernails, pulling her and Brodie towards the closest set of ropes. Another claw brings them closer, and Brodie seeing this, shakes her head defiantly and digs her feet into the mat to add to the pressure being applied to the neck. This puts a halt to Siberia's advance, and she shakes her head no as The Ref sits in front of her and asks for her submission. Just then, Siberia reaches up to grab at Brodie's hands, and finding that she is unable to yank them free, instead pushes them down closer to her mouth. Brodie lets out a cry of pain, and it isn't until the camera zooms in that anyone can see what is going on.
LO: OH MY GOD!
KO: IT'S A REPEAT OF EQUINOX!
LO: SIBERIA ZOMBIE IS GNAWING ON ONE OF BRODIE'S FINGERS!
KO: AND BRODIE IS TRYING TO KEEP THE FINALITY CROSSFACE LOCKED IN, BUT THIS MAKE'S THINGS DIFFICULT!
After a few more seconds Brodie drops the submission and yanks her finger free, blood pouring from the mangled appendage as she clasps to stem the flow. Siberia's head lolls on the mat, her undamaged hand reaching up to grip at her ravaged shoulder. When she rolls onto her back her lips are red from Brodie's blood, and she spits what looks to be bits of meet onto the canvas.
KO: Aww hell no!
LO: That is nasty...
KO: I...I just don't know what's wrong with this family. When they aren't trying to jam their fingers down people's throats, they are taking bites out of others...
LO: Either way it's bought Siberia a brief respite, and she now starts clawing her way towards those ropes, but this time just to try and make it to her feet!
Siberia reaches the ropes and pulls herself halfway up when she turns to find Brodie barreling in on her, face screwed up in rage. She slams into the Zombie with a knee lift that drives Siberia through the middle and top rope and out to the floor. Brodie holds her bleeding hand above her heart as she steps through the ropes onto the apron, and signals for Siberia to get to her feet. The fans come to theirs just as Siberia complies, and Brodie runs the length of the apron to leap off into a Rolling Senton. Unfortunately for her, Brodie dives back into the ring as she does so, and The Submission Machine finds nothing but unforgiving concrete to catch her when she lands.
KO: Siberia dodged a big bullet there, and now rolls back out to the floor....Brodie trying to get to her feet but clutching at her spine...
LO: Can you blame her...she just ate that concrete full on thanks to that miss, and SIBERIA ZOMBIE WITH A SHOOT KICK RIGHT INTO BRODIE'S KIDNEYS!
Brodie's back arches completely back and her mouth opens in pain as her knee's buckle and she finds herself falling upon them. Siberia takes a step back, and with a running go fires in a soccer like kick to the same spot that topples Brodie over, but everyone hears the woman as she whimpers in pain. Siberia says something in Russian to the front row who cheer her own, while others in the crowd call for Brodie to tear her apart. The Zombie pulls Brodie up to her feet and then shoots her back into the ring, sliding in and popping up, still showing tenderness to her injured shoulder. As Brodie gets to her hands and knee's Siberia charges in with another Soccer Kick, this one to her ribs, and the impact sends Brodie flipping onto her back, the wind knocked out of her. Siberia now reaches down and grabs both wrists and lifts them up, looking out at the crowd and with a wild eyed and blood stained grin, she lifts her right boot off the canvas and starts firing it straight down into Brodie's skull repeatedly.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! SIBERIA IS TRYING TO KILL THE WOMAN!
KO: THOSE ARE UNPROTECTED SHOTS, LAUR! EACH STOMP SENDS THE BACK OF BRODIE'S HEAD INTO THE MAT!
LO: Well thank God Siberia finally looks to be tiring out...but Jesus! She must have nailed her ten to twelve times....
KO: Well, maybe this will be it...cause she just dropped and hooked the leg...
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! MY GOD, WHAT DO THEY HAVE TO DO?!?
KO: I don't know anymore....kill each other?
LO: Well Siberia looks fit to be tied, and that's unlike her. She's usually cool, calm, and collected.
KO: What can I say, Laur. Brodie brings this side out of people. You saw what happened between her and Cosmo, or even last show, against Chris Callum.
LO: Be that as it may, Siberia just pulled Brodie up and pulled her head between her legs....
KO: This could be it. Aibidzi Calling!
Siberia pulls Brodie up into Powerbomb position but instead lets her slide down her back while she hooks her arms into a Gory Special. She throws the woman up and out while releasing the arms, but just as she's about to sit down, Brodie swings forward between her legs, reversing the move into a Sunset Flip Powerbomb which she remains in for a pin!
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Siberia kicks out at the last nanosecond, and now both women are lying on the mat tangled up just trying to breathe!
KO: Tit-for-Tat, Brother-O-Mine! I'm telling you...one of them is going to have to commit homicide!
LO: After everything we've witnessed here, you may be right, but regardless, the referee just started another ten count...
At five both women begin to stir, and by six they are clawing at the mat to try and make it to the ropes. At seven they are halfway to their feet, and just at nine they've made it. They stand across the ring from one another at the ropes, and Siberia rolls her aching shoulder as Brodie shakes her head to get rid of the cobwebs. They slowly make their way out to the center of the ring, picking up speed at the halfway mark, and reaching each other at a gallop. Siberia tries for a wild roundhouse kick off her back foot, but Brodie ducks under it and loops in behind with a Waist Lock which she quickly abandons to latch onto the arm. She positions herself as to try and force Siberia to the mat as she has many times before, but Siberia begins running round in circles to disorient her. Round and round they go until finally Brodie looses her grip and Siberia is sent hurtling towards the ropes. She bounces back and Brodie laces her fingers to swing her fists like a sledgehammer, but Siberia ducks under it and when The Submisison Machine turns around she walks right into a devastating Superkick.
LO: BIG KICK FROM SIBERIA BUT BRODIE IS AMAZINGLY STILL ON HER FEET....
KO: What the heck man? How'd she do that...
LO: I don't know, but here comes Siberia with another kick, NO! BRODIE HOOKS HER AROUND THE HEAD AND DRAGS HER TO THE MAT FOR A SMALL PACKAGE!
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! REVERSAL! SIBERIA ROLLED AND TURNED IT!
1...
2...
3!!!
The bell rings just as Brodie kicks out, and both women separate hastily to stare across the ring at one another as the crowd watches on in confusion. Caputo stares at the two women for a moment, and then steps over to where Siberia is kneeling and lifts her arm to signify her as the winner.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of this match via pinfall......SIBERIA ZOMBIE!!
Brodie stares across the ring and shakes her head in disdain as she pitches through the ropes to the outside. Siberia leans forward to rest her head against the canvas for a moment, taking in breath as the fans give a mixed reaction to the finish.
LO: You talk about back and forth, fraction of a second action...
KO: Yeah, neither woman appeared to have the upper hand hear, and I'm not so sure that's the definitive ending that Siberia wanted after all this time.
LO: Usually a wins a win in most people's books, but The Zombie Clan tend to view things a tad differently.
KO: No doubt. They are a bunch of weirdos.
LO: I don't know that I'd go that far....
KO: Last show Aokigahara stuck a filthy barbwire layered set a fingers down Kowloon's throat to retain the Unleashed Championship! And they are supposed to be family!
LO: Yeah...ok....I guess that's a fair point. Well folks, don't go anywhere, because our exciting Main Event is up next and it's sure to be one hell of a ride!
The camera focuses on Siberia as she finally pushes up off the canvas and bows to the audience just before cutting backstage.
That’s where Bryan Williams comes in.
We see Bryan chilling backstage, no crazy rooster mask or bloodied baseball bat. No dirty jeans, or letter jacket to accompany him. Bryan is dressed to celebrate a professional event such as this. Suit and tie, hair actually maintained. Bryan looks ready for business. He sits on some backstage equipment, one of those various crates we always see full of whatever. Production equipment probably, but it’s not important right now. What is important is Bryan’s demeanour, he’s calm. A smile forms on his face, as the camera slowly inches closer. It stops, putting Bryan right into frame. Without effort on his cue, Bryan speaks.
Bryan Williams: Hello Valor. It’s nice to see all of you here in Brazil. Beautiful country, and on top of that you get to host some great Valor history tonight!
Bryan smirks, his body weight shifting on the random equipment crate under him.
BW: You know, I really had been debating on if I should join the ranks of Valor Pro Wrestling some time now. Unfortunately I waited too long, and now twenty episodes of Blitz have just passed by. It’s okay though! Because I’ve made my decision.
Obviously he’s gearing up to something here.
BW: I’m here now, I’ve signed the contract. I want to be apart of this roster, it’s been too long since I’ve experienced actual competition. Running around and doing these one-off shows is fun, makes for a decent payday too. It isn’t fulfilling though. It isn’t what I should be doing. I should be preparing myself week after week to go up against active competition.
Bryan hops down from the equipment, standing tall in the center of the frame.
BW: Sure, I could stand here and give you some silly lines. Hype myself in a crazy way, but most of you already know me. I don’t need to stand here, shovel in hand, ready to dig a grave for everyone on this roster. I don’t need to threaten anyone here, or proclaim what my intentions are.
Bryan pauses, briefly. He smiles.
BW: I don’t need to do any of that, because all of you already know what I’m capable of. You know what I can do, and you know of the talent I possess. So let’s not worry about that right now. Enjoy the show! Live in the moment that is Blitz number twenty!
His smile fades, becoming more stern. A stoic Bryan stands there, staring into the camera. No video glitches, no dimming lights. No sudden costume changes.
Just Bryan.
BW: You can prepare for what’s coming after tonight. I will give you that much.
Just like that, he’s smiling again. Bryan nods, walking away from the scene as we cut away to the Main Event.
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 rings. 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 of ring one, 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 is coming off of a count out loss to Chris Callum last show, but what a match they had!
KO: Yeah, Callum was able to get back into the ring to just barely beat the ten count, but Brodie took it to the guy just about as much as anyone could.
LO: And now we are sure to have a classic as Brodie will take on someone that she is very familiar with in Siberia Zombie.
KO: How many times have these two actually went head to head, Laur?
LO: Three or four times I think...
KO: They have definitely put together a body of work for the ages. Only difference this time around is that Zachariah Krahe isn't at the bottom of this one.
The sound of wind blows through the arena, and then the marching beat of Wanli by Hyukoh spills over the PA System. Just as the riffs begin out steps Siberia Zombie wearing her trademark silk robe with two warring dragons snaking across it, and she doesn't even pause at the top of the stage as she continues to march along with the beat of the song down the ramp.
Ring Announcer: And making her way to the ring, standing at five foot six and weighting in at 130 pounds, hailing from Siberia, Russia...Representing The Zombie Clan, THE SIBERIAN BUZZSAW.....SIBERIA ZOMBIEEEE!!!
Zombies march leads her to the steps at ringside, taking them two at a time to end up on the apron, and then climbing the ropes to stand on the second, her arms out at her side with an intense stare out at the cheering crowd. She eventually steps up to the top, and hops down inside of the ring, flicking her shoulders which sends the silk floating down to the mat as she stares across the ring at Brodie who glares right back with fists clenched.
LO: Last show we saw Zombie versus Zombie when Aoki defended his Unleashed Championship against Kowloon, and it appeared that the violence that took place in that match was just Sunday Dinner for the Zombie Clan.
KO: No doubt, and I'm sure this match right here is going to be like icing on the cake with the way these two ladies are staring down one another.
LO: Notice that Brodie didn't just rush in like she's want to do in other match scenarios. She knows what it feels like to be tossed into The Siberian Buzzsaw.
KO: That or she's calculating on how fast she can lock in the Finality Crossface and prove just why she's called The Submission Machine.
LO: Well that's enough with the nick names and monikers, lets get this show on the road...
The bell rings and the two women stand across from one another in their respective corners before finally nodding in what can only be a sign of respect. They circle briefly and then lock up in the center of the ring, and it's Brodie who shoots the go behind into a Waist Lock. Siberia grips at the woman's wrists but after finding no break she whips down to a knee into a type of Arm Drag that sends Brodie tumbling over and back up to her feet. Brodie charges in and Siberia catches her with a Japanese Arm Drag to which she pops right back up and walks into another. As both women come up again, Siberia is a tad quicker and she clamps on a headlock to which Brodie is already directing her towards the ropes for a break. She pushes Siberia off the ropes to the other side, and as Siberia returns she drops down to force the woman to hop over her or be tripped. On Siberia's way back Brodie leaps to her feet and clams her fists together to drop the oncoming woman with a double sledgehammer like blow.
LO: Action is fast and furious out of the gate, and what a hit by Brodie to Siberia, who is already pushing back to her feet...
KO: Brodie with a knee lift into Siberia's abdomen, followed by an elbow to the back of her skull, and now has her by the scruff of the neck only to SLAM her head first into the top turnbuckle of the nearest corner!
LO: Brodie is lowered as she drives her shoulder into Zombie's midsection repeatedly, just jamming her up in the corner.
KO: Yeah, that will do you ribs no favors.
Brodie completes her final Shoulder Thrust and rises up to take Siberia by the wrist and leads her out quite a bit before letting go to whip her to the opposite corner. Siberia turns just in the nick of time to slam spine first against the turnbuckles and she stumbles out massaging her lower back as Brodie tears across the ring and takes her head off with a clothesline! Brodie quickly drops for a cover as The Ref is hard pressed to keep up with the action.
1...
2...
LO: KICK OUT! Siberia pulled up into a seated position, and Brodie traps the left arm behind her right leg while cranking on her neck in the opposite directly. What do you call that, Ken?
KO: Painful, Laur.
LO: You're such a big help. All I know for sure is that Brodie is known for targeting two areas during her matches, the shoulder and the neck, because her finisher tends to bring about a certain Finality.
KO: You're proud of yourself for that one, aren't you?
LO: Pretty much.
Brodie continues to wrench on Siberia's neck with the arm trapped, and the Zombie lets out a yelp of pain. Eventually Siberia shifts onto her side and pushes up to a knee, forcing Brodie to release the arm and come to a standing position while still putting torque on her neck. Siberia laces her hand through Brodie's legs while reaching up with the other to hook her on the shoulder, and then leans her shoulders into her body giving her leverage enough to lift her off the mat into a Fireman's Take Over. Brodie slams on the mat and she quickly scrambles to her feet, turning around just in time to catch a Shoot style Kick to the chest that drops her back against the ropes. Siberia wades in now, doing what a Buzzsaw does, palm thrusts, closed fists, and feet striking in lightening like speed as Brodie tries her best to cover up. A sudden shift on her back foot sends siberia into a twirl, and she catches Brodie square in the jaw with a Spinning Back Fist that sends the woman up and over the top rope and out to the floor.
LO: Things have taken a turn for Brodie who controlled much of the opening bell, and now Siberia slips through the ropes to the outside to join her.
KO: These Zombies and their extremes...that's not just relegated to Aoki you know?
LO: Oh, I know, cause we've seen it. Siberia now has Brodie up on her feet and moves to whip her towards the steel barricade, BUT NO! BRODIE REVERSES!
KO: Siberia approaching the steel like a locomotive, and LEAPS UP TO LAND ON THE GUARD RAIL! Brodie was following her in, but....
LO: ASAI MOONSAULT WIPES BOTH LADIES OUT!
Siberia grabs at the ring apron to pull herself to her feet while Brodie still writhes on the ground. She reaches down and pulls the woman up to her feet and at the count of six tosses her under the bottom rope and back into the ring. Siberia follows quickly as Brodie pushes up to her hands and knee's, and the Buzzsaw steps over while taking the arm, and then spins through and leaps over her back, dragging her down into a Lucha style pin!
1...
2...
KO: THRE-NO! Brodie out at two and a half, and Siberia is already back on her feet and poised to strike...
LO: Brodie getting to her knee's, and OH! SHOOT KICK RIGHT TO HER CHEST! ANOTHER ONE! AND SIBERIA ZOMBIE IS LIGHTING HER UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!
KO: Brodie bobbing back and forth like a sea buoy, and now drops back to wind up....ROUND HOUSE KICK TO THE FA-NO!
LO: Brodie ducks under the kick, and rises up to trap Siberia's leg against her chest.....T-BONE SUPLEX SENDS HER HALFWAY ACROSS THE RING!
Zombie slams against the mat to an 'ooooo' from the crowd, the back of her legs catching the ropes so that she lands awkwardly on her shoulder. She grabs at the ropes right in front of her to help her up to her feet, and her free hand instinctively grabs at the injury. It doesn't go unnoticed. Before she has any chance to react Brodie reaches the ropes and performs a short leap over the top to land on the apron, grabs the injured arm and drags it across the rope and then drops from the apron to hang Siberia out to dry. The Zombie cries out in pain as she recoils back to the center of the ring to clutch at her shoulder, giving Brodie enough time to slide back in and rush in from behind her.
LO: Brodie with a full nelson, OVER INTO A SUPLEX THAT DRIVES THE BACK OF SIBERIA'S SKULL AND SHOULDERS INTO THE MAT!
KO: SHE KEPT THE BRIDGE!
1...
2...
LO: THREE-NO! Siberia powers out at the last second, comes up to her feet only to drop back against the ropes....AND BRODIE EXPLODES INTO A SUPLEX THAT SENDS HER UP AND OVER FROM ONE RING TO THE OTHER!
Siberia lands unceremoniously in the other ring and flops out onto her back clutching her shoulder in pain as Brodie never misses a beat, heading straight for the closest corner in her ring and starting to climb. Upon reaching her perch she stands to her full height and her hands go out to her sides, the crowd coming to their feet as she leaps forwards into a Diving Headbutt. At the last possible second, however, Siberia rolls out of the way and Brodie crashes and burns face first into the canvas. The Ref slips through the ropes to join them in the other ring, and has to start a count as neither of the ladies make a move to get to their feet.
LO: The last time we saw Brodie her match against Chris Callum ended in a count out and it would be a shame to have a repeat...
KO: Yeah, but in that match Callum was able to get into the ring. Neither one of these ladies are responding, and we're at a five!
The count rolls on and at seven Siberia finally manages up to a knee. At eight, Brodie paws at the ropes to try and find a hand hold and some help getting herself vertical. By nine, Siberia pushes up and rolls the shoulder several times, and just as the referee moves to flash 'Ten' Brodie yanks herself up by use of the top rope. Brodie turns to face Siberia who immediately charges right at the woman, but Brodie surprises her when she drops down and takes the top rope with her. As The Zombie trips over she realizes that there is no outside to fall to and the ropes of Ring One impede her momentum, instead stopping her short and forcing her down between the two ropes. She quickly gets to her feet, but just as she does Brodie grabs her by the scruff of the neck and runs her forward between the ropes to slam her face first into one of the steel ring posts joining the two rings. Or she would, if Siberia didn't get her foot up in time to halt the momentum, and in doubly surprise move reverses Brodie's hold on her head by getting one of her own and driving The Submission Machine face first into the top turnbuckle of that corner.
LO: Even in such an odd environment as two rings, these women know each other so well!
KO: Well they have faced each other a time or two, or ten! Brodie stumbles back after going face first into the turnbuckle, and look at Siberia! She's climbing for the top...
LO: Yeah, but Brodie just charged forward...LEAPS TO THE SECOND ROPE AND BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEXES SIBERIA ZOMBIE BACK INTO THE RING!
KO: GOOD GOD! SIBERIA BOUNCED ABOUT FOUR TIMES BEFORE FINALLY COMING TO A STOP OVER IN THE OPPOSITE CORNER!
LO: Brodie laying there catching her breath, but not for long...already rolling over onto her stomach and fast crawling over to hook the leg!
1...
2...
KO: THREE! NO! MY GOD! It was a matter of millimeters that the referee's hand didn't hit the mat for three!
LO: Brodie is as shocked as the rest of us, and she now is looking at her hands in frustration...
KO: Oh...she's talking to herself, Laur! This won't end well!
Brodie pushes off the canvas while simultaneously getting a fistful of Siberia's hair in a rage. She yanks the woman off the canvas and in the same motion hooks her around the arm, and begins to swing her around while trying to force her onto her stomach for what everyone knows is coming. The bans buzz as the two women continue to spin, Siberia refusing to go down, but Brodie unrelenting. Suddenly Siberia throws her foot out and it trips Brodie so that the woman springs into a somersault roll, back up to her feet, but reverses the hold on the arm. Siberia gives that arm a yank which pulls Brodie back in close, and with a short hop drives her knee right under the woman's jaw. The blow sends Brodie stumbling back into the ropes and as she bounces back Siberia turns to the side, and fires in a Superkick that takes Brodie's head off so literally that she cuts a back flip to land on her stomach.
LO: Siberia with two big hits there but she just dropped to her knee....man, this type of match with these types of competitors takes so much out of you.
KO: No doubt! These two ladies have paid the price to be two of the top superstars in this business, and they are paying the price tonight against each other one more time!
Siberia slowly scoots her way over to Brodie and rolls her over onto her back, and just when she does, The Submission Machine hooks that arm and drags Siberia over her to land on her stomach. A lightening fast re-position of Brodie's hips, and Siberia's arm is trapped in a leglock, while Brodie clasp her hands around the woman's chin and rips backwards.
LO: FINALITY CROSSFACE! JUST LIKE THAT THE TIDE HAS SHIFTED AGAIN!
KO: BRODIE HAS SIBERIA MIDDLE OF THE RING, AND THE ZOMBIE IS CRYING OUT IN PAIN AS HER SHOULDER AND NECK ARE TORN APART!
Siberia's hand hovers over the canvas as Brodie continues to rip and torque at her neck in an unnatural angle from her shoulders. Siberia instead of tapping slaps the mat and digs in with her fingernails, pulling her and Brodie towards the closest set of ropes. Another claw brings them closer, and Brodie seeing this, shakes her head defiantly and digs her feet into the mat to add to the pressure being applied to the neck. This puts a halt to Siberia's advance, and she shakes her head no as The Ref sits in front of her and asks for her submission. Just then, Siberia reaches up to grab at Brodie's hands, and finding that she is unable to yank them free, instead pushes them down closer to her mouth. Brodie lets out a cry of pain, and it isn't until the camera zooms in that anyone can see what is going on.
LO: OH MY GOD!
KO: IT'S A REPEAT OF EQUINOX!
LO: SIBERIA ZOMBIE IS GNAWING ON ONE OF BRODIE'S FINGERS!
KO: AND BRODIE IS TRYING TO KEEP THE FINALITY CROSSFACE LOCKED IN, BUT THIS MAKE'S THINGS DIFFICULT!
After a few more seconds Brodie drops the submission and yanks her finger free, blood pouring from the mangled appendage as she clasps to stem the flow. Siberia's head lolls on the mat, her undamaged hand reaching up to grip at her ravaged shoulder. When she rolls onto her back her lips are red from Brodie's blood, and she spits what looks to be bits of meet onto the canvas.
KO: Aww hell no!
LO: That is nasty...
KO: I...I just don't know what's wrong with this family. When they aren't trying to jam their fingers down people's throats, they are taking bites out of others...
LO: Either way it's bought Siberia a brief respite, and she now starts clawing her way towards those ropes, but this time just to try and make it to her feet!
Siberia reaches the ropes and pulls herself halfway up when she turns to find Brodie barreling in on her, face screwed up in rage. She slams into the Zombie with a knee lift that drives Siberia through the middle and top rope and out to the floor. Brodie holds her bleeding hand above her heart as she steps through the ropes onto the apron, and signals for Siberia to get to her feet. The fans come to theirs just as Siberia complies, and Brodie runs the length of the apron to leap off into a Rolling Senton. Unfortunately for her, Brodie dives back into the ring as she does so, and The Submission Machine finds nothing but unforgiving concrete to catch her when she lands.
KO: Siberia dodged a big bullet there, and now rolls back out to the floor....Brodie trying to get to her feet but clutching at her spine...
LO: Can you blame her...she just ate that concrete full on thanks to that miss, and SIBERIA ZOMBIE WITH A SHOOT KICK RIGHT INTO BRODIE'S KIDNEYS!
Brodie's back arches completely back and her mouth opens in pain as her knee's buckle and she finds herself falling upon them. Siberia takes a step back, and with a running go fires in a soccer like kick to the same spot that topples Brodie over, but everyone hears the woman as she whimpers in pain. Siberia says something in Russian to the front row who cheer her own, while others in the crowd call for Brodie to tear her apart. The Zombie pulls Brodie up to her feet and then shoots her back into the ring, sliding in and popping up, still showing tenderness to her injured shoulder. As Brodie gets to her hands and knee's Siberia charges in with another Soccer Kick, this one to her ribs, and the impact sends Brodie flipping onto her back, the wind knocked out of her. Siberia now reaches down and grabs both wrists and lifts them up, looking out at the crowd and with a wild eyed and blood stained grin, she lifts her right boot off the canvas and starts firing it straight down into Brodie's skull repeatedly.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! SIBERIA IS TRYING TO KILL THE WOMAN!
KO: THOSE ARE UNPROTECTED SHOTS, LAUR! EACH STOMP SENDS THE BACK OF BRODIE'S HEAD INTO THE MAT!
LO: Well thank God Siberia finally looks to be tiring out...but Jesus! She must have nailed her ten to twelve times....
KO: Well, maybe this will be it...cause she just dropped and hooked the leg...
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! MY GOD, WHAT DO THEY HAVE TO DO?!?
KO: I don't know anymore....kill each other?
LO: Well Siberia looks fit to be tied, and that's unlike her. She's usually cool, calm, and collected.
KO: What can I say, Laur. Brodie brings this side out of people. You saw what happened between her and Cosmo, or even last show, against Chris Callum.
LO: Be that as it may, Siberia just pulled Brodie up and pulled her head between her legs....
KO: This could be it. Aibidzi Calling!
Siberia pulls Brodie up into Powerbomb position but instead lets her slide down her back while she hooks her arms into a Gory Special. She throws the woman up and out while releasing the arms, but just as she's about to sit down, Brodie swings forward between her legs, reversing the move into a Sunset Flip Powerbomb which she remains in for a pin!
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Siberia kicks out at the last nanosecond, and now both women are lying on the mat tangled up just trying to breathe!
KO: Tit-for-Tat, Brother-O-Mine! I'm telling you...one of them is going to have to commit homicide!
LO: After everything we've witnessed here, you may be right, but regardless, the referee just started another ten count...
At five both women begin to stir, and by six they are clawing at the mat to try and make it to the ropes. At seven they are halfway to their feet, and just at nine they've made it. They stand across the ring from one another at the ropes, and Siberia rolls her aching shoulder as Brodie shakes her head to get rid of the cobwebs. They slowly make their way out to the center of the ring, picking up speed at the halfway mark, and reaching each other at a gallop. Siberia tries for a wild roundhouse kick off her back foot, but Brodie ducks under it and loops in behind with a Waist Lock which she quickly abandons to latch onto the arm. She positions herself as to try and force Siberia to the mat as she has many times before, but Siberia begins running round in circles to disorient her. Round and round they go until finally Brodie looses her grip and Siberia is sent hurtling towards the ropes. She bounces back and Brodie laces her fingers to swing her fists like a sledgehammer, but Siberia ducks under it and when The Submisison Machine turns around she walks right into a devastating Superkick.
LO: BIG KICK FROM SIBERIA BUT BRODIE IS AMAZINGLY STILL ON HER FEET....
KO: What the heck man? How'd she do that...
LO: I don't know, but here comes Siberia with another kick, NO! BRODIE HOOKS HER AROUND THE HEAD AND DRAGS HER TO THE MAT FOR A SMALL PACKAGE!
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! REVERSAL! SIBERIA ROLLED AND TURNED IT!
1...
2...
3!!!
The bell rings just as Brodie kicks out, and both women separate hastily to stare across the ring at one another as the crowd watches on in confusion. Caputo stares at the two women for a moment, and then steps over to where Siberia is kneeling and lifts her arm to signify her as the winner.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of this match via pinfall......SIBERIA ZOMBIE!!
Brodie stares across the ring and shakes her head in disdain as she pitches through the ropes to the outside. Siberia leans forward to rest her head against the canvas for a moment, taking in breath as the fans give a mixed reaction to the finish.
LO: You talk about back and forth, fraction of a second action...
KO: Yeah, neither woman appeared to have the upper hand hear, and I'm not so sure that's the definitive ending that Siberia wanted after all this time.
LO: Usually a wins a win in most people's books, but The Zombie Clan tend to view things a tad differently.
KO: No doubt. They are a bunch of weirdos.
LO: I don't know that I'd go that far....
KO: Last show Aokigahara stuck a filthy barbwire layered set a fingers down Kowloon's throat to retain the Unleashed Championship! And they are supposed to be family!
LO: Yeah...ok....I guess that's a fair point. Well folks, don't go anywhere, because our exciting Main Event is up next and it's sure to be one hell of a ride!
The camera focuses on Siberia as she finally pushes up off the canvas and bows to the audience just before cutting backstage.
The scene cuts to an area of our venue here in Rio de Janeiro. The Maracanãzinho, something I totally copied and pasted into here, has been seeing some great action all night long. A fantastic setting for this Blitz anniversary show. But it needs something else.
That’s where Bryan Williams comes in.
We see Bryan chilling backstage, no crazy rooster mask or bloodied baseball bat. No dirty jeans, or letter jacket to accompany him. Bryan is dressed to celebrate a professional event such as this. Suit and tie, hair actually maintained. Bryan looks ready for business. He sits on some backstage equipment, one of those various crates we always see full of whatever. Production equipment probably, but it’s not important right now. What is important is Bryan’s demeanour, he’s calm. A smile forms on his face, as the camera slowly inches closer. It stops, putting Bryan right into frame. Without effort on his cue, Bryan speaks.
Bryan Williams: Hello Valor. It’s nice to see all of you here in Brazil. Beautiful country, and on top of that you get to host some great Valor history tonight!
Bryan smirks, his body weight shifting on the random equipment crate under him.
BW: You know, I really had been debating on if I should join the ranks of Valor Pro Wrestling some time now. Unfortunately I waited too long, and now twenty episodes of Blitz have just passed by. It’s okay though! Because I’ve made my decision.
Obviously he’s gearing up to something here.
BW: I’m here now, I’ve signed the contract. I want to be apart of this roster, it’s been too long since I’ve experienced actual competition. Running around and doing these one-off shows is fun, makes for a decent payday too. It isn’t fulfilling though. It isn’t what I should be doing. I should be preparing myself week after week to go up against active competition.
Bryan hops down from the equipment, standing tall in the center of the frame.
BW: Sure, I could stand here and give you some silly lines. Hype myself in a crazy way, but most of you already know me. I don’t need to stand here, shovel in hand, ready to dig a grave for everyone on this roster. I don’t need to threaten anyone here, or proclaim what my intentions are.
Bryan pauses, briefly. He smiles.
BW: I don’t need to do any of that, because all of you already know what I’m capable of. You know what I can do, and you know of the talent I possess. So let’s not worry about that right now. Enjoy the show! Live in the moment that is Blitz number twenty!
His smile fades, becoming more stern. A stoic Bryan stands there, staring into the camera. No video glitches, no dimming lights. No sudden costume changes.
Just Bryan.
BW: You can prepare for what’s coming after tonight. I will give you that much.
Just like that, he’s smiling again. Bryan nods, walking away from the scene as we cut away to the Main Event.
LO: Wow...Bryan Williams is looming somewhere backstage to view our Main Event!
KO: Does that mean he's here in Valor Pro?
LO: Looks like...
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is your Main Event of the evening, and is the WAR GAMES MATCH! The rules are as follows....Chris Callum and Cosmo Cooper will start the match while their team mates are locked inside the two cages on either side of the stage. At three minute intervals the buzzer will sound, and a random competitor from one of the teams will be allowed to exit the cage and enter the ring. The match will not officially begin until all competitors have entered the two rings. From there, pinfall or submissions is the only way to win the match for your team...
"For The Glory" by All Good Things hits over the PA System and the Super Cage begins to lower with technicians surrounding ringside to guide and lock it into place. Meanwhile, on the stage, Carmen Caputo and Diego Santiago stand by the two cages on either side of the stage with the doors open. The two referee's watch along with everyone else nervously until through the curtain steps Danny Rizzo and Kaven Drell. Danny has the UnYielding Championship tucked in the crux of his arm, and he gives Santiago a patronizing glance as he reaches for the title. He shoves past the referee and thrusts the belt into the air above his head as he and Kaven are drowned out by boo's. He shakes his head in disgust and then kisses the face plate of the belt before handing it over, and he and Drell step into the cage. Recoba comes out next carrying his titanium cane, and he regards the two men already lounging at the back of the cage with a sardonic grin as he uses the handle to lift his shag haircut out of his eyes. He steps to the center of the stage and flips around to reveal the words 'Justice For Dakota' embroidered on his tights bringing loud boos from the crowd. The fans continue to jeer as he joins his teammates, keeping some distance between them by hanging closer to the door. Santiago closes the door and then secures it with a thick chain and a padlock, and the three men inside watch the man carefully as he backs away and crosses his arms in front of them.
LO: So there you have it folks, the men standing beside Chris Callum in this fight have been secured, and quite frankly....they don't look too happy about it.
KO: Would you be if you were locked up in a freakin' shark tank?
LO: Probably not, especially considering the occupants. I mean, Cross Recoba has proven time and again that he will do anything and everything, including paying people off, to get ahead in this business. Meanwhile, Danny Rizzo and Kaven Drell have put a stranglehold on the UnYielding Title picture with no end in sight. Those are some rough customers if you ask me.
KO: Newsflash, Laur, no one did.
The music continues to play as Katya Djurdjevic steps out onto the stage and the tone changes to that of a huge ovation. Katya has dark war paint under each eye, and she casts a glance at Danny who rolls his eyes at the sight. Drell sneers at her as she passes by, and she waves to all the fans excitedly before stepping into her own confinement. Soon after NSFW, Mike McGuire and Bishop Church push through the curtain, the Chimera Tag Team Championships slung over their shoulders. Cross Recoba bristles as they step past his cage to thrust the titles into the air, and Mike gives him a wink and a grin as they join Katya, who greets them with high fives. The second cage is shut and secured by Caputo, who follows suit with Santiago's behavior from earlier.
LO: Well, now both of our teams are out here. All we're missing are our team captains.
KO: Listen, Cosmo might be a captain, but Chris Callum is a full blown General, and he's going to lead these guys to victory just like he has with other less grateful talent.
LO: I take it you're referencing Cooper?
KO: Exactly.
LO: We'll just have to see what The Apex has to say about that.
The lights dim and 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 at the cage being put through it's final tighten on the two rings, and then he glances to the left and right of him at the two cages holding his teammates and opponents. He shakes his head slightly as if amused, and then starts his way down the ramp towards War Games.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, 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 steps right up to the steel, gripping the fencing with both hands and giving it a shake. He nods as he rounds the corner and climbs the steps which have been moved right in front of the door. He passes through the entry and slips through the ropes to step into the ring, and wastes little time moving to the center where he slips through another set of ropes to end up in Ring Two.
LO: Callum already putting as much distance between himself and the door that Cosmo will enter. Think that speaks anything about his strategy heading into their big title match at Honor Bound?
KO: Don't be an idiot. He moved over there so that Cosmo has to come to him, the same way that Cooper has always had to go to him back in the day to get any of the clout he enjoys today.
LO: Man, you really are a mark for this guy aren't you.
KO: I don't know who mark is, but I sure as hell like Callum's chances!
The two announcers are cut off when the familiar finger snaps of 'Lifted' by CL fill the arena. Stage lights begin flashing gold and silver, converging on the stage where Cosmo Cooper is already standing, baseball cap covering his head that is staring down at the steel. The Apex Championship sits snugly around his waist, and the Brazilian crowd goes nuts at the sight of him. After a few moments he allows his head to lift, and he looks out at the crowd under the brim of his hat at the crowd. His head tilts to the left where Recoba, Rizzo, and Drell burn holes into the Apex Champion, and then to his right where Katya claps while NSFW shout words of encouragement.
RING ANNOUNCER: And introducing her opponent, standing at six foot two and weighting in at 232 pounds....hailing from Santa Rosa, California...He is the General Managers Champion of Choice, and THE REIGNING APEX CHAMPION, THE GRAPS JESUS, COSMO COOOPPPEERRRR!!
With the announcements out of the way, Cosmo's eyes finally fall upon the structure at the bottom of the ramp within, and his lip curls at the sight of Callum. With a flip of his hat out to the crowd, he doesn't even bother to see where it lands before peeling the Apex Championship from around his waist and rushing down the ramp towards the ring. Callum readies himself in the center of the ring, egging Cosmo on by holding his hands out in front of him and waving his fingers back to himself. Cooper rounds the ringside area at breakneck speed and clamors up the steps into the ring and crosses Ring One only to vault over the top rope to land in Ring Two across from Callum. As The Ref pushes the door to the cage closed and secures it with a cross bar, Cosmo and Callum clash in the center of the ring with right hands aimed right for the skull. The entire arena nearly pops the roof off the building as the two bulls hammer away at each other in the center of Ring Two, neither man willing to give an inch.
LO: WAR GAMES IS UNDERWAY, AND CALLUM AND COOPER HAVE ALREADY STARTED WITH THE OPENING VOLLEYS, FAST AND FURIOUS!
KO: Callum now gaining the upper hand, and he just got a fistful of hair and is RUNNING HIM FACE FIRST TOWARDS THE CAGE!
LO: NO! COOPER THROWS HIS BOOT UP TO STOP THE MOMENTUM! GETS A HANDFUL OF CALLUM AND MOVES TO SLAM HIM FACE FIRST INTO THE STEEL MESH!
KO: Callum able to stop the momentum the same way, and now the two men are brawling across the ropes all the way into the far corner....OH! COOPER SPINS CALLUM AROUND TO LEAN AGAINST THE TURNBUCKLES....CHOP!
LO: But Callum fires right back with a chop of his own, and now the two men are lighting each other up!
KO: OH! Sudden Knee Lift into Cooper's gut from Callum, and now a measured right hand that sends the Apex Champion stumbling back towards the center of the ring.
LO: Here comes Callum with a lariat.....RIGHT INTO A BACK BODY DROP THAT SENDS HIM CRASHING TO THE MAT!
KO: Callum back to his feet and here comes Cooper with a lariat of his own, BUT CALLUM DROPS TO HIS SIDE INTO A DROP TOE HOLD THAT SENDS COOPER CRASHING FACE FIRST DOWN INTO THE CANVAS!
LO: Callum now climbing up onto Cooper as he rolls onto his back, and is hammering away at the champion as he tries to put up his hands to defend....
Callum scores some good shots before Cooper effectively gets his arms in front of him to block, and he responds by bringing his knee up into Callum's ribs repeatedly, eventually knocking him to the side. The two men roll up to their feet and Cooper moves in with another chop, but this time The Eternal ducks it and continues towards the ropes for momentum. He rebounds and walks right into a back elbow that drops him flat, but as Cooper moves in to drop the elbow he finds nothing but canvas as Callum shifts out of the way. Cosmo scrambles to his feet but is met by right hands by an already vertical Callum and the blows knock him back towards the ropes. Callum grabs him by the wrist and sends him to the opposite side, rushing out to meet the champion with a lariat as he returns. Cooper hits the mat hard, but as Callum reaches down to jerk him back up he's tagged in the side of his skull by one of Cosmo's feet. Callum staggers back as Cooper kips up to his feet, immediately sidestepping in for a Superkick. Callum, however, catches the incoming foot and spins him around so that he can hook him from behind, and attempts a side suplex. Cosmo floats through the lift to roll over onto his feet behind Callum, gets a handful of the Eternal's hair, and rushes forwards into a modified Bulldog/Face Crusher. A loud 'Buzz' cuts through the arena, and the stage goes dark as two flood lights illuminate the cages opposite from one another. Cooper pays no mind to that as he Callum rises and he delivers a chop that knocks Chris into the corner.
LO: Cooper proceeds to chop the snot out of Chris Callum, but I believe we've reached the three minute mark and another superstar will be released to join the match, but for which team!
KO: I don't know, but those lights are starting to pulsate over the cages...
They continue to do so as Cooper continues lighting Callum up, when suddenly the light over Cooper's team goes dark, leaving Callum's team in the light. The referee quickly steps in and undoes the lock, while Kaven Drell and Danny Rizzo step forward, discussing which one of them should go down. Before either man can make a move for the door they are shoved to the side and Cross Recoba dashes through the opening, and he is halfway down the ramp before either realize what just happened.
LO: This doesn't look good for Cooper as Callum's team has picked up The Fox, Cross Recoba...
KO: Yeah, and his teammates didn't look to keen on him just taking center stage like that either...
Recoba reaches ringside and instead of going straight for the door pauses to flip the apron up and search for something under the ring. When he emerges he holds in his hands a steel chair with the words 'The Firecracker' on it, and the fans boo as he calls for the door to the cell to be open. The sudden shift in the audience clues Cooper in and he delivers a final chop to Callum that sends the Eternal falling down the turnbuckles to a seated position in the corner. He spins to see Recoba entering Ring One with the steel chair, and just as he steps to the center of Ring Two to meet him The Fox tosses the chair up and over the ropes so that Cosmo has to catch it or be struck. Recoba never stops his momentum, rushing right for the ropes, leaps over and clears both, and lands a dropkick to the chair which flies back and slams into Cooper's face. Both man and chair clatter to the mat as the crowd go nuts.
LO: A MILLIONA LIRA TO A STEEL CHAIR THAT FOUND COOPER'S FACE!
KO: Normally Recoba does that from inside the ring to the outside, but since there's no outside he got creative!
LO: And it appears to have worked as he now has Cooper up in the other far corner and is hammering away!
KO: Recoba now grabbing the top rope for leverage, and is just delivering mud hole like stomps into the center of Cooper's chest!
With each boot the Apex gets lower and lower against the corner until he's finally in a seated position taking the punishment. Over in the corner to the side, Chris Callum pulls himself to his feet, chest beat red from the chops he received earlier. With a snarl he stalks over to where Cooper is being pummeled, grabs Cross by the should and shoves him out of the way and resumes the beat down with mud hole stomps of his own. Recoba stares at Chris Callum in disbelief as The Eternal stomps away at the Apex Champion, and wicked determination crosses his face. This time its he that grabs Callum by the shoulder and spins the man round to face him, and the two come nose to nose to a huge pop from the crowd.
LO: There's already trouble in paradise!
KO: Cross Recoba has claimed for some time that he is the 'True' Apex Champion after that steal from Cooper at Rite of Kings!
LO: Sure, and just because Cross Recoba says it doesn't make it true. At the end of the day, Cooper picked up the victory there despite who delivered the killing blow, and that is the mark of a thinking man's champion.
KO: Well if Cooper is so damn smart, how did he find himself in this situation where these two guys look ready to beat the hell out of each other just for the chance of knocking his block off?
LO: I don't know, why don't you ask him, as he pulls himself up to their feet thanks to the distraction and LEAPS TO THE SECOND ROPE TO FLY OUT OF THE CORNER WITH A PAIR OF CLOTHESLINES FOR EACH OF THEM!
The three men hit the mat at the same time, but Cooper manages to roll through back up to his feet. He is quickly followed by Callum and Recoba, who temporarily put their tension on hold to deal with the threat of The Apex. Recoba and Callum rush in at Cooper, but to their surprise, the champion performs and incredible split legged jump and the two run right under him as he lands behind them. Recoba is the first to spin around and he gets caught with a right hand that sends him stumbling away, while Cooper redirects into a back elbow that catches Callum right in the jaw when he approaches.
LO: My God! Cooper is fighting for his life in there against these two, but...well...there it is.
KO: Recoba went low and tied up the legs, and Callum went high and toppled him over, and now these two have him right where they want him.
LO: Yeah, like a couple of jackals just picking the Apex Champion apart...both men back on their feet now and are stomping away at Cosmo in the center of the ring!
The loud Buzz goes off again but this time there is no need for the lights as we know that someone from Cooper's team will come next. As the ref unlocks the cage, Katya and NSFW, having at some point already had this conversation, nod to one another as Mike McGuire blows past the door when it opens. The fans cheer wildly as the Chimera Tag Champion rushes down the ramp towards the ring, and upon getting to ringside swings around the corner and through the cage door. Callum gives Recoba a nudge towards the newcomer in Ring One as he continues to stomp at Cooper, and The Fox gives him a demeaning look before begrudgingly turning to answer the threat. Mike crosses Ring One in record time, but just as they are about to pass through the ropes into Ring Two, Recoba rushes in and sends his boot up into the middle rope, crotching Mike with the steel cable.
LO: OUCH! That is not good for Cooper's team as Callum stays glued to Cooper, and now Recoba drags Mike into the ring with them and starts clubbing them across the spine!
KO: Recoba in control sets Mike up against the ropes, and CHOP! ANOTHER ONE! LORD HE'S LIGHTING MCGUIRE UP!
LO: Recoba now falling back a step and comes rushing in for a clothesline, BUT MCGUIRE DUCKS THEIR HEAD AND SENDS RECOBA FROM ONE RING TO THE OTHER WITH A BACK BODY DROP!
Recoba slams against the mat of Ring One and clutches his lower back as McGuire takes a second to shake the cobwebs. Looking over and seeing Cooper hemmed all the way up against the steel cage while Callum uses his boot to choke him, McGuire rushes in with fists-a-flying. Callum is lambasted from behind and before he can even register that he's being hit is forced over into the corner where Mike really opens up with one-two punch combos that knock The Eternal silly. This gives Cooper a much needed chance to catch his breath as he pulls himself up gingerly by the ropes. Recoba in Ring One does the same, still massaging his lower back, and looks over to the other ring to see what's happening. Seeing Callum being taken apart by McGuire, Recoba slowly makes his way towards the ropes, or he would if Cosmo Cooper didn't launch out of the corner with a running go and dive over the top ropes like missile that sends The Fox crashing to the mat.
LO: TORPEDO HEADBUTT FROM ONE RING TO THE OTHER! A little payback for that Million Lira and the chair from earlier!
KO: That doesn't do the Callum group any favors, as McGuire now pulls Callum away from the corner AND PLANTS HIM IN THE CENTER OF THE RING WITH A DDT!
McGuire crawls on top of Callum and continues to hammer away as Cooper gets to his feet and pulls Cross along with him. A fiery chop sends The Fox backpedaling to the far ropes near the cage door, and Cooper follows him in with another one that rings through out the arena. He takes Recoba by the wrist and Irish Whips him to the far side but when Cross reaches the ropes, he surprises everyone by baseball sliding beneath both to end up in Ring Two. He quickly scrambles to his feet and tackles McGuire off of Callum, giving the Bronx Brawler a taste of their own medicine. Callum moves to get to his feet just in time to see Cooper springboard to the top rope and dive out towards him, and the entire arena is stunned when he leaves his own feet to catch Cooper in the gut with a dropkick. Cosmo crashes and burns, and Callum pushes himself over into the between corner to sit and catch his breath. The loud 'Buzz' returns, and he nods, happy with how this is all turning out.
LO: That sound means that another of Callum's team will enter the fray, and it looks like it's going to be Danny Rizzo...
KO: Rizzo wasting no time as he rushes down the ramp towards ringside, and doesn't even use the stairs! Just vaulted right through the middle and bottom rope and rolled up to his feet....and now he's heading to Ring Two!
LO: Cooper pushing up to his feet as Danny clears the ropes, and HERE HE COMES WITH A SPEAR TO THE MAT AND NOW CRADLING COOPER'S HEAD WITH PISTON LIKE RIGHT HANDS!
KO: The UnYielding Champion is all over The Apex, and Callum now pulling himself up in the corner and is stepping that way...
Callum isn't about to let anyone do to Cosmo what he wants to get done himself, so when he reaches Rizzo he gives the man a shove with his boot that knocks him loose from The Apex. Rizzo quickly snaps up to his feet and he and Callum engage in another nose to nose confrontation the way that he and Recoba had before. The two men do some jawing as Cosmo crawls towards the ropes when suddenly things are interrupted by a oncoming Recoba who was just Irish Whipped from the corner that he and McGuire had been brawling in. Rizzo and Callum post up at the intrusion and Recoba slams into them and then crashes to the canvas as if taking a double shoulder tackle. He looks up at the two men in complete dismay, and they look up from him just in time for Danny to take a knee strike that sends him one way, while Cosmo flies in with a kick that knocks Callum the other. Callum falls back against the ropes and Cooper continues his momentum with a running lariat that dumps Callum up and over the top ropes into Ring One. Cooper is quick to follow him through the ropes, leaving Recoba to get to his feet and grab McGuire from behind and pull them off of Rizzo. Danny rubs at his jaw hanging onto the ropes for support as Recoba delivers a devastating German Suplex to Mike that folds them up like an accordion. The 'Buzz' rings through the arena, and the fans come to their feet as Katya Djurdjevic looks to be chomping at the bit at her cage door.
LO: The referee gets the door open and there goes Katya like a bullet down the ramp, and the referee's just pulled the cage door open just in time for her to take the steps and slip into the ring...AND IS IMMEDIATELY CUT OFF BY CALLUM!
KO: Callum is beating the snot out of Katya while Cosmo clutches at his lower regions...DID CALLUM LOW BLOW COSMO...wait....what the hell is he doing?
LO: He just kicked the door open before the referee could secure it.....AND HE JUST TOSSED KATYA THROUGH THE ROPES TO LAND ROUGHLY AGAINST THE STEEL STEPS! MY GOD!
KO: Well, she was in the match...
LO: Chris Callum now turning his attention to Cosmo, and he has the man all to himself in Ring One!
Cooper is slow to rise, still holding his groin area, when Callum steps in and lifts the man to sit on his chest, and then proceeds to drive him into the mat with a Spin Out Powerbomb. The back of Cosmos head slams off the canvas, and while Cooper clutches at his aching skull, Callum sits up beside him, watching his former friend and colleague with a certain level of disdain. His eyes flit over to Ring Two to watch as Recoba holds Mike McGuire up in a Full Nelson, while the technical striker, Rizzo, opens up with body shots to the ribs. His head then lolls over to the door where he sees Katya starting to get to her feet and try to re-enter, and he sighs heavily before pushing up to his feet and heading in that direction. Just as he reaches over the top rope to get a handful of the woman's hair, she thrusts herself forward through the middle and top rope to drive her shoulder into The Eternal's gut. Callum clutches his midsection, but as he tries to regain control she does it again and this time he lets go of her completely. Katya steps inside the cage, but still outside the ropes, and pulls Callum so that he drapes across the top rope where the open door still hangs. She reaches around the corner outside the cage and gets a hold of the steel mesh of the door, and brings it swinging shut with force so that it clips Callum across the top of his head. Callum recoils clutching at his skull, the referee's quickly taking this opportunity to secure the cage door, and Djurdjevic quickly starts to climb to the top turnbuckle.
LO: Katya now on top of the corner where the door is, and Callum is still stumbling around clutching the top of his head....AND COOPER IS BACK UP BEHIND HIM!
KO: DID YOU SEE THAT! COOPER JUST GAVE KATYA A NOD! THIS IS A CONSPIRACY!
LO: COOPER WITH A SPINNING LEG SWEEP AS KATYA DIVES INTO A CROSS BODY!! AND GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! THEY MAY HAVE JUST DRIVEN CALLUM THROUGH THE RING!
KO: Yeah, but that didn't go unnoticed, and here comes Danny Rizzo and Cross Recoba to even the odds!
Danny slips through the ropes easily enough, but as Recoba goes he finds himself being held back by Mike McGuire who clings to his leg. He tries to shake the tag champ loose, but Mike tenaciously holds on, even managing up to their feet and pulling Cross away from the ropes on one leg. Recoba leaps into an Inzuguri, but Mike is wise to the tactic and ducks under so that Recoba lands face first on the mat. He scrambles up quickly and just as he turns is met with a boot to the midsection, and a Swinging Neck Breaker with enough torque it damn near turned into a Crossroads.
LO: RUBBERNECKER FROM MCGUIRE TO RECOBA!
KO: Yeah, and meanwhile Danny got a shot in on Cooper from behind and followed on through to tackle Katya...those two are now brawling over near the cage door!
The loud 'Buzz' rings through the arena and all eyes turn towards the stage where the final member of Team Callum steps through the door. He gives Bishop Church a smug grin as he passes by and down the ramp to ringside where he stops to pull the apron up and search under the ring.
LO: Drell looks to have the same mindset as Recoba, as if this mayhem going on in the ring wasn't enough!
KO: Wait! What does he have? HE JUST PULLED OUT TWO TABLES!
LO: What the hell?
Drell drags the tables over to the steps leading up into the cage, but pauses at seeing Danny and Katya trading blows in the corner. He steps up and places a boot on the cage which prevents the referee from closing it back, while at the same time he hooks Katya by the arms from behind, leaving her defenseless as Danny wades in with dangerous rights and lefts. Danny delivers a haymaker like right hand just before he's yanked away from behind by Cosmo Cooper, who spins him around and nails him with a Spin Wheel Kick. Danny hits the mat holding his mush, but before Cooper can do anything further, Chris Callum gets a fistful of hair from behind and rushes him forwards so that he goes face first into the steel mesh of the cage. He places his knee into Cosmo's back to hold him in place, and begins dragging his face across the steel like a cheese grater, and Cosmo cries out in pain as his forehead gets shredded open.
LO: Cosmo Cooper in a bad way, but Drell now has those tables shoved into the ring, and he just entered with the door being shut behind him...
KO: Kaven helping Danny up to his feet as KATYA RUSHES IN AND DIVES INTO A DOUBLE LARIAT THAT TAKES BOTH MEN DOWN!
LO: Over in Ring Two McGuire just whipped Recoba into the ropes and he's coming back now as Mike lowers his head...RECOBA PUTS ON THE BRAKES, TUCKS THEIR HEAD BETWEEN HIS LEGS, AND PILEDRIVER INTO THE HEART OF THE CANVAS!
KO: Back in Ring One Katya has Danny up and whips him into the far corner....comes rushing in and HANDSTAND BACK ELBOW CATCHES HIM FLUSH ON THE JAW!
LO: Danny drops to a seated position against the bottom turnbuckle, and she rushes back out towards Kaven Drell, pops up and hooks him around the head with her legs...HURRICANRANA WHIPS HIM RIGHT INTO THE CORNER TO CRASH AGAINST DANNY RIZZO!
KO: Katya taking a few steps back to do something else while those two are piled into the corner...AND WALKS RIGHT INTO CHRIS CALLUM!
LO: WHO GRABS HER BY THE HAIR OF THE HEAD AND RUNS HER FACE FIRST INTO THE STEEL CAGE LIKE HE DID COSMO MOMENTS AGO!
'Buzz!' The crowd goes nuts as the final participant to the match barrels out of the cage that had been holding him and Bishop Church sprints down the ramp towards the ring. As the cage door opens Callum turns to look just as Church leaps over the steps to the apron and swings into the ring through the ropes. Callum rushes at Bishop to cut him off but he bowls right through him with a charging Shoulder Tackle that sends him crashing to the mat, and doesn't stop there, moving all the way to the interior of the cage to Ring Two to join his partner, McGuire. While the mad rush that had been taking place in Ring One, Recoba had managed to gain the upper hand on Mike thanks to an eye rake, and was now proceeding to chop the snot out of them over in the corner. As soon as he hears movement in their otherwise unoccupied ring, he spins and charges at the unknown danger. And ends up running headlong into a ready Bishop Church who delivers an unbelievable Belly to Belly Suplex from Ring Two all the way over into Ring One where everyone scatters to get out of the way.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! CROSS WAS SENT FLYING FROM ONE RING TO THE OTHER AND HE DAMN NEAR CLIPPED HIS FEET ON THE TOP OF THE CAGE!
KO: That idiot can't do that to The Fox!
LO: NSFW now reunited, and what the hell is Bishop Church doing? He just Gorilla Pressed his own partner above his head!
KO: OH SHIT!
Church rushes at the edge of the ropes of their ring and launches McGuire through the air to come crashing down on the cluster of individuals amassed in Ring One, which included everyone but Drell and Rizzo who were still piled up in the corner. Bishop looks satisfied if not a bit concerned for his fellow tag champ, but when he steps through the ropes to join him he's suddenly cut off by the UnYielding Champion and his cohort. Drell and Rizzo club Church down, keeping him trapped between the ropes of Ring One and Ring Two. Eventually Rizzo leaps over the top ropes of both rings to end up in Ring Two, and the two men take Church by the wrists and whip him at breakneck speed towards the steel ring posts that comprise the corners of two rings. Bishop strikes the posts chest first with enough velocity that he snaps down onto the seam created by the two rings, and as everyone knows...the apron is the hardest part of the ring.
LO: MY LORD! BISHOP CHURCH'S CHEST MAY HAVE JUST BEEN CAVED IN!
KO: Yeah, and Kaven Drell just turned around and grabbed up Katya Djurdjevic and sent her through the ropes into Ring Two where Rizzo is waiting!
LO: Drell moving to join them but he just got blasted from behind by Mike McGuire who pulls him out away from the ropes, and A KNOCKED FOR SIX HAYMAKER SENDS HIM FLIPPING UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPES INTO THE OTHER RING!
KO: McGuire now checking on his partner as Callum and Cooper get up to their feet standing over a Recoba rising to his knee's...WHAT THE HELL?!?
LO: CROSS RECOBA JUST SENT HIS FOREARMS UP BETWEEN THE LEGS OF BOTH MEN!
KO: He must be confused, Laur! That Belly to Belly followed by McGuire being launched into him made him forget that Chris Callum is his partner...
LO: I don't think he forgot a damn thing. I think he knows that Chris Callum came into this company and became the #1 Contender in his very first night, and Cross Recoba takes exception to him getting that chance over him!
KO: Well, I can get behind that.
LO: Well I can't! Chris Callum for all of his disparaging words for Cooper and his reasons for being here earned that opportunity in the Rite of Kings Battle Royal, and Cross Recoba is just jealous cause in the same night he has some notion that he got robbed!
As the announcers continue to debate, both Callum and Cooper clutch at their nether regions as Recoba rises between them. With a shove Callum goes down to the mat, and Cross lifts Cooper's chin to fire in a vicious right hand that sends him stumbling back into the ropes. Recoba follows him in with an echoing chop followed by another, and then he whips him towards the ropes. Cooper returns and Cross turns to his side to catch him coming in with a Tilt-A-Whirl Back Breaker that has The Apex arching his back like he just got tased. The Fox pushes up and grins down at Callum who still grips at his groin, and mouths something unheard along the lines of 'This is how you get it done'.
Meanwhile, in Ring Two, Katya rises to her feet after taking a vicious Yakuza Kick from Danny when she was thrown into the ring by Drell. Moments after that Drell had landed uncerimoniously beside her, and Rizzo had dragged the man off to the side. Now Rizzo watches intently as she comes to her feet and then charges forwards, dropping into a Basement Dropkick that takes her knee out from under her and sends her low, only to hop to his feet, hit off the ropes, and nail her with a Shining Wizard that nearly takes her head off!
LO: BLACK ROSE! THIS COULD BE IT! RIZZO JUST HOOKED THE LEG!
Caputo outside the cage bends down to get a better view of the pin, and begins clapping above her head loudly.
1...
2...
KO: THRE-NO! MIKE MCGUIRE JUST PLOWED INTO THE RING FROM OUT OF NOWHERE AND BROKE UP THE PIN!
LO: McGuire now hammering away at Danny Rizzo, BUT HERE COMES KAVEN DRELL WITH A SLEDGE HAMMER BLOW FROM BEHIND!
KO: This ain't good for McGuire, as they pull him around and knock him into the far corner...and now both men taking turns driving hard shots into McGuire's skull!
Recoba pulls the bloody Apex Champion to his feet as Callum has finally pulled himself to a corner so that he can use the Turnbuckles to help him get to his feet. With a running go he slams Cooper's skull of the cage once again, the impact sending him bouncing down to the canvas, and for the first time since they had been brought in he notices the tables lodged between the ropes and the cage. The Fox sends a grin out to the booing audience who are torn between watching the action in Ring One or Ring Two, and he reaches over the ropes to pull the tables up and over into the ring. He takes one table and sets it up in the same corner as the door to the cage, leaving the other one lying off to the side. He then turns around just in time to take a stiff right hand from Chris Callum that topples him right up and over that table into the corner. Callum yanks the table out of the way and grabs Recoba on either side of his head by his ears and screams something into his face before driving his own skull forward into Cross' nose. Recoba recoils as he's let go to drop to one knee clutching at his face, where blood begins to seep through his hands. Callum turns to watch as Cosmo groggily uses the table to pull himself to his feet, and he rounds the surface to grab the champion and pull him away.
LO: Things are getting hecktic in Ring One as partners battle it out for the right to destroy Cosmo Cooper, and now Callum just lifted him up into Alabama Slam position to put him through that table...BUT COSMO IS KICKING HIS FEET AND PULLING WITH HIS HANDS ON CALLUM'S CALVES....
KO: SUNSET FLIP INTO A PIN!
1...
2...
LO: NO! Callum kicks out, and now both men scrambling to get up to their feet....Callum with a swing, but Cooper ducks it...continues on to the ropes...AND SUPERMAN PUNCH DROPS CALLUM!
KO: Cooper finally gets in some offense now that he's not being double teamed, BUT HERE COMES RECOBA WHO GOES LOW WITH A CHOP BLOCK THAT TAKES OUT COSMO'S LEGS!
In Ring Two Rizzo and Drell shoot McGuire off the ropes at the same time Katya Djurdjevic gets to her feet. She see's the oncoming NSFW member and her eyes go wide at the eminent collision, and as if on instinct springs into the air to leap frog the man. Drell and Rizzo glance at one another just before rushing out at Katya with a double clothesline, but they surprised again when Katya performs a split allowing their locked arms to pass harmlessly overhead. The two men come face to face with a rebounding Mike McGuire who leaves their feet to nail them with a double clothesline of their own while Djurdjevic scrambles to get out of the way when they all crash to the canvas. Bishop Church, finally recovered after his ordeal with the twin ring posts, steps into the ring and a deep blue bruise on either side of his chest tells the story of steel and flesh. Katya and Mike both get up to their feet, and as they do so Djurjedvic looks over to Ring One where she sees that Cross Recoba is moving Cosmo Cooper over into the corner and lifting him to sit on the top turnbuckle. She also notices Chris Callum getting up to his feet and stumbling that way, and she points this out to her two partners.
LO: Katya see's what's coming for the Apex Champion if his team doesn't intervene, and all three are heading that way....wait a minute.....NSFW STARTED TO STEP THROUGH, TOOK ANOTHER LOOK AT COOPER, AND THEY JUST BACKED OFF!
KO: Katya is turned around with her arms out at her sides as Callum steps up to join Recoba on the second rope...and these two are trying to Superplex Cosmo through this table, but The Apex has his legs hooked around the ropes!
LO: It's well documented that NSFW and Cooper had some unfriendly comments for one another on Twitter, and still earlier tonight they discussed being owed an apology by the champion...
KO: Well, I guess that's one way of going about it.
LO: Katya just abandoned NSFW who turned back to Rizzo and Drell with right hands, AND WHAT THE HELL IS KATYA DOING!
KO: SHE JUST RAN TO THE CORNER AND TURNED HERSELF....SHE'S HANGING ONTO RECOBA AND CALLUM'S RESPECTIVE LEGS...OH MY GOD! THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN!
LO: BUT TO WHO?!?!
Like a building that has been set for demolition the cracks in the plan unfold; First, Cosmo's legs get wrenched free from the ropes with the added pressure. Second, the two men doing the wrenching are forced back at a rate of speed they hadn't anticipated thanks to Katya's pull. Three, a table isn't designed for four people to go through it, so when the impact comes it splinters into a million peaces. Four, the fans go absolutely ballistic along with everyone else.
LO: CHRIST ALMIGHTY THE HALF THE FREAKIN' MATCH JUST DESTROYED ITSELF!
KO: DUDE! THAT USED TO BE A TABLE! WHERE DID IT GO?
LO: NOTHING LEFT BUT THE FRAME, WHICH I'M PRETTY SURE KATYA DJURDJEVIC FELL ON DURING THE CARNAGE DOWNWARDS!
NSFW look over their shoulders to inspect the impact they just overheard, giving Drell and Rizzo enough time to reach out and get a rake to the eyes when they turn back around. Church and McGuire both stagger out of their corners blindly, bumping into each other and spinning with a right hand cocked but stopping just in the nick of time. The Chimera Tag Team Champion's turn back to their opponents as Kaven and Danny charge out of their respective corners with an attack, or at least they would have, if NSFW didn't both drop their shoulders and send the men flying with Back Body Drops that see them criss-cross each other before crashing to the ring. McGuire peels off to pull up Rizzo while Church does the same with Drell, and the two partners pull them back to the center of the ring where they perform a scoop slam in stereo. With Drell and Rizzo lying side by side smarting after being pitched down onto their spines, Mike gives Bishop a smirk before lowering their head while Bishop tucks it between their legs and lifts them up only to Powerbomb them down onto the two opponents.
LO: CHERRY BOMB FROM NSFW ONTO BOTH DRELL & RIZZO, AND NOW THEY ARE PINNING THE TWO MEN IN TOGETHER!
KO: AND EVERYONE ELSE IS STILL LAID OUT THANKS TO THAT CATASTROPHE OF A LANDING!
1...
2...
KO: THREE!NO! Both men kicked out just in the nick of time!
In Ring One the four competitors stir, Katya clutching at her ribs while the rest to them at their spines. Djurdjevic is the first to her feet, followed closely by Recoba and Callum. Cosmo does manage to crawl his way over to the far corner to try and use the ropes for leverage, but Katya doesn't wait for the odds to even before rushing at the ropes, hitting a springboard and a twist to try and take the two men off their feet. Instead, they manage to catch her, the two staring at one another with Katya held between them. They give a reluctant nod before tossing her up and switching positions so that she now rests on their shoulders, and then rush forwards towards Ring Two. They stop at the ropes and launch Katya like a lawn dart to crash into NSFW as they rise just after getting the near fall on Rizzo and Drell. All three are sent crashing to the mat to join their opponents, while Callum and Recoba turn their eyes back onto a now risen Cooper.
LO: This spells trouble for The Apex Champion if these two are finally on the same page, cause he already looks wobbly after that last exchange.
KO: Bottom line, the more damage done to Cosmo in this match makes Chris Callum's job that much easier at Honor Bound. You gotta believe that's in the back of his mind!
LO: Maybe so, BUT THAT ISN'T STOPPING HIM FROM GRIPPING RECOBA BY THE BACK OF THE HEAD AND RUNNING HIM FACE FIRST INTO THE STEEL CAGE...
KO: AHHH! AND NOW HE JUST RAN HIM TOWARDS THE ROPES AND THE OTHER RING....AND DUMPS HIM UP AND OVER!
LO: And now look at this....Chris Callum and Cosmo Cooper are left one on one again in Ring One, while the rest of the match is piled up in Ring Two....
KO: Just the way he....WAIT! CALLUM TURNED BACK AROUND AND WALKED RIGHT INTO A SUPERKICK FROM COOPER!
Callum snaps down to the canvas and Cooper loses his balance after the blow, falling flat to his stomach and sucking in much needed air. Both men remain down as the action picks back up over in Ring Two. All of the competitors with the exception of Recoba begin to pull themselves to their feet on opposite ends of the ring, and the fans begin to stir at the obvious outcome. Katya along with NSFW give each other a nod as Kaven Drell and Danny Rizzo stand firm, ready for anything. All of a sudden all hell breaks loose. Kaven Drell launches himself at Mike McGuire and Bishop Church, who quickly gain the numbers and turn the man into the corner where all three scrap and brawl. Katya and Danny run headlong into one another, fists flying, but it's Danny who eventually gets the upper hand to knock Djurdjevic over into the opposite corner of her teammates. With a scoop he has her up on his shoulder and moves to toss her up for a Snake Eyes against the top Turnbuckle, but instead Katya manages to catch the ropes which allows her to land with her legs on either side of Danny's shoulders. She suddenly drops her hold on the rope and tucks herself forwards into a roll while simultaneously locking her ankles behind Danny's head which sends him hurtling face first into the turnbuckle instead.
LO: Danny Rizzo just got out maneuvered there by Katya, and she spins him around....BOOT TO THE FACE FOLLOWED BY A DROP BACKWARDS!
KO: DEATHBLOW!!
LO: Recoba is still down....NSFW have Kaven Drell hemmed up in the opposite corner....Cooper and Callum are just starting to stir in Ring One, but they are only concerned about tearing each other apart.....This could be it, Ken!
KO: Katya has herself back up now and Danny's laid out on the canvas.....what is she doing?
LO: OH MY! SHE'S GOING TO THE TOP!
KO: You don't think....
LO: I don't know...but it could be the end of her career if she does!
Katya reaches the top rope and stands, realizing that if she makes a short leap she can grip the top of the cage with her hands. She does so as the arena goes absolutely nuts, and she begins to take a trek backwards so that she is now dangling over a still prone Danny Rizzo. With a swing of her legs she brings them up, her shoulders rotating so that her feet pass under her, and then she releases the top of the cage as she completes the rotation, dropping the twenty feet into an Inverted Shooting Star Press that sees her crash against Danny's body.
LO: OH! MY! GOD!
KO: THUNDERING SKIES FROM THE TOP OF THE CAGE!
LO: KATYA DJURDJEVIC HAS EFFECTIVELY PUT HERSELF AND THE UNYIELDING CHAMPION OUT OF THIS MATCH!
KO: HOW THE HELL ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO CONTINUE OUT OF THAT?!?
LO: WHAT DID I JUST SAY, KEN! THEY ARE DONE!
The room is pure electricity as the fans echo off the stadium while Katya Djurdjevic and Danny Rizzo lie side by side on the canvas unmoving. NSFW, having heard the loud slam behind them turns to look, and McGurie's eyebrow raises at the sight and he shares a brief glance at his partner before turning back to Kaven Drell. Just as they do so, Drell grips the top rope for leverage and flashes both boots straight up in front of him which catches both Bishop Church and Mike McGuire low in their abdomen. As the Chimera Tag Team Champions clutch at their guts and bend forward, Drell pushes up to the second rope, and in no wasted motion, leaps forwards to hook them around the heads on his way down, spiking them with dual Impact DDT's!
LO: JESUS CHRIST! KAVEN DRELL JUST HIT NOT ONE, BUT TWO STILLBORN'S ON THE CHIMERA TAG CHAMPS!
KO: Can't say I've ever seen that happen all at once, but by God, Drell pulled it off!
LO: Yeah, but everyone in this match is exhausted and beaten up....and this is crazy. Now that all the participants in Ring Two are down.....look whose finally back up on their feet!
Cosmo Cooper and Chris Callum groggily stare across Ring One at the other, both men tired, bruised, and one of them bloody. Cooper calls something out to Callum, and The Eternal responds by beckoning with his hands, and the two men lurch out to the center of the ring where they both answer with a pair of right hands. The two icons fall back away from each other, hit off the ropes, and then spring forwards into a pair of clotheslines that both find their mark. The collision sends the men down to crash against the canvas, but upon landing they are both already rolling slowly to their feet. Cosmo lays into Callum with a chop, but Callum answers right back. One after the other the two men blast each other, neither giving an inch. Callum drops to his knees after one of the unforgiving chops, but chops right back from underneath, dropping Cosmo to his. The two men continue to battle from their knee's dead center of the ring.
LO: The champion and the challenger are beating the holy hell out of each other, meanwhile Kaven Drell has pushed Bishop Church over onto his back and is calling for the referee on that side of the cage....
1...
2...
KO: THREe-KICK OUT! Church gets out and now Drell is looking over at Mike McGuire....and shoots the half and hooks the leg deep!
1...
2...
LO: THREe-KICK OUT! Kaven Drell looks fit to be tied as he pushes up to his feet, and oh look.....Cross Recoba is getting up as well.
KO: Yeah, but The Fox doesn't look to good...
LO: Indeed, that last meeting with the steel cage thanks to his own partner has busted him open...what is he doing?
KO: OH! He see's the way out of this match, Brother-O-Mine! He just found the chair he brought into the ring earlier! It had slid under the bottom rope over by the cage wall, and no one has bothered to mess with it since!
LO: Oh come on! There's no call for this...The match is already brutal enough inside the chain link fence!
KO: All's fair in love and war, and this is war!
Recoba points to Mike McGuire and Kaven Drell shrugs his shoulders and pulls the Chimera Tag Champ to their feet. Shoving Mike back into the corner, he then pulls Bishop Church up to his feet and leads him to the other corner where he slams his head off the top turnbuckle! The Fox chokes up on the chair and raises it high above his head as he moves in on a defenseless McGuire, or is he? As Cross is about to bring the chair crashing down on his skull, Mike throws a boot into his gut that stops his momentum. He then fires in another, and another until Cross has completely lowered the chair down to his side so that Mike can grab hold of it. The two men wrestle with the chair for a moment, and Kaven Drell seeing the exchange, shakes his head in disbelief at Recoba's incompetence before abandoning Church to get matters back under control. Just when he gets close enough to intervene, McGuire suddenly lets loose of the chair and it whistles through the air before making contact with something, signaling a loud 'CLANG'. Recoba's eyes go wide as he slowly pulls the chair down to see who he had hit, and it's in enough time to see Drell's eyes roll into the back of his head as he falls prone to the canvas.
LO: MY GOD! THAT TIME THE DOUBLE CROSS WAS INADVERTENT! I THINK!
KO: OF COURSE IT WAS, LAUR! AHHH! BISHOP CHURCH JUST CHARGED OUT OF THAT CORNER AND NAILED RECOBA WITH A RUNNING KNEE!
LO: RECOBA DROPS THE CHAIR AND SWINGS AROUND RIGHT INTO A KNOCKED FOR SIX!
KO: BATTER UP!!
Recoba doesn't immediately go down, rather he dumbly stumbles around the ring with glassy eyes. NSFW look to one another confusedly, and then back to Recoba who continues to stutter step to the center of the ring. Over in the corner where the Thundering Skies off the cage had happened earlier, Katya Djurdjevic comes to her feet in a daze herself. Through weak eyes she looks out to see the strange shifting dance Recoba does in the center of the ring, and in a matter of fact fashion, she crosses the distance, puts her boot into his face, and then snaps down to the canvas while holding his arms. The impact sends Recoba slamming down to the canvas, and Katya scoots over so that she can get a hook of the leg for the pin.
1...
2...
Danny Rizzo, like coming back from the dead, flips over onto a hands and knee's position and tries to launch himself that way, but NSFW leap over Katya and cut him off just as the ref claps loudly for....
3!!!
The fans erupt as Katya falls off a bloody Recoba to lie beside him in a heap, as NSFW claps onto one another to keep each other upright. Over in the other ring Callum & Cooper, still on their knees, have relegated to just staring at each other when the bell sounds. Both men's arms feel like lead, but somehow, someway it doesn't stop Callum from slowly lifting his hand, and bringing lightly across Cooper's blood stained chest. Cooper grimaces, equally as weak, and much the same his hand lolls upwards and then plops down onto Callum's bright crimson chest. They both sit there for a few moments longer, breaths coming in shallow gasps when Katya Djurdjevic enters the ring and slides in next to Cosmo, placing a wary hand on his shoulder and shaking her head no, and then the announcer's voice comes across the loud speakers.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winners of this War Games.....COSMO COOPER, KATAY DJURDJEVIC, AND NSFW!!
Callum doesn't miss a beat, shaking his head as if none of it matters, reaching out and landing another weak chop. This wakes Cosmo up and he pushes Katya away from him so that he can deliver another of his own. Katya watches on in concern as the cage begins to ascend, and NSFW celebrate their victory in the other ring. The two men begin to breathe faster, almost as if realizing that Valor Officials will be down soon to break up their party, and that they have been through hell and back and probably won't be able to prevent it from happening. Seething they slowly rise and bloody, broken, and bleeding they tear right into each other with right hands as if restarting the match all over again. Djurdjevic backs up in dismay, this being one of the biggest wins of her career after coming home from Cooper's Beach Bash with the Cup of that event, but now watching it devolve between these two egos.
LO: I can't believe this....After everything these competitors have been through here tonight, Chris Callum and Cosmo Cooper won't let it die!
KO: Never, Laur! This is a blood feud. These guys were friends. They were mentor and student. And now....they are bitter enemies! All for one thing! One prize that stands above all the others!
LO: To claim that they are The Apex of this industry!
The cage passes the ropes and a group of VPW security swarm into the ring, half going for the challenger and the other half going for the champion. With the security is Riley Savall who enters the ring and tries to reason with Cosmo as the two men continue to clamor violently to get at one another. Eventually they are pulled apart to opposite ends of the ring. During the melee Danny Rizzo collects his UnYielding Championship and is soon joined by Kaven Drell who balefully look back into the ring at the fallen Recoba. Katya soon joins NSFW into the ring to celebrate over his prone body, and the fans begin to cheer as the focus is put back onto them, and not The Eternal and The Apex being carted off to the back along separate routes along the rampway.
LO: Well folks....I don't think there's anything I could add to what we just witnessed.
KO: A picture is worth a thousand words, and if this is a picture of things to come.....God help us come Honor Bound!
LO: That's right folks! Just two short weeks away we will be coming to you live from London, England and the O2 Arena!
KO: Tickets are already sold out for the event, so we can tell you now this will be Valor Pro's biggest show of all time.
LO: So far!
KO: Of course.
LO: Well folks, we are out of....what? You found him? Why?
KO: Who are they talking about?
LO: They....they caught up with Brad Stokes.
KO: Why?
LO: I just asked that. Hold on....lets cut to the production truck.
The camera focuses on Katya, McGuire, and Church in the ring still celebrating before cutting hard to the scene of a pub somewhere in downtown Rio De Janeiro....
KO: Does that mean he's here in Valor Pro?
LO: Looks like...
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is your Main Event of the evening, and is the WAR GAMES MATCH! The rules are as follows....Chris Callum and Cosmo Cooper will start the match while their team mates are locked inside the two cages on either side of the stage. At three minute intervals the buzzer will sound, and a random competitor from one of the teams will be allowed to exit the cage and enter the ring. The match will not officially begin until all competitors have entered the two rings. From there, pinfall or submissions is the only way to win the match for your team...
"For The Glory" by All Good Things hits over the PA System and the Super Cage begins to lower with technicians surrounding ringside to guide and lock it into place. Meanwhile, on the stage, Carmen Caputo and Diego Santiago stand by the two cages on either side of the stage with the doors open. The two referee's watch along with everyone else nervously until through the curtain steps Danny Rizzo and Kaven Drell. Danny has the UnYielding Championship tucked in the crux of his arm, and he gives Santiago a patronizing glance as he reaches for the title. He shoves past the referee and thrusts the belt into the air above his head as he and Kaven are drowned out by boo's. He shakes his head in disgust and then kisses the face plate of the belt before handing it over, and he and Drell step into the cage. Recoba comes out next carrying his titanium cane, and he regards the two men already lounging at the back of the cage with a sardonic grin as he uses the handle to lift his shag haircut out of his eyes. He steps to the center of the stage and flips around to reveal the words 'Justice For Dakota' embroidered on his tights bringing loud boos from the crowd. The fans continue to jeer as he joins his teammates, keeping some distance between them by hanging closer to the door. Santiago closes the door and then secures it with a thick chain and a padlock, and the three men inside watch the man carefully as he backs away and crosses his arms in front of them.
LO: So there you have it folks, the men standing beside Chris Callum in this fight have been secured, and quite frankly....they don't look too happy about it.
KO: Would you be if you were locked up in a freakin' shark tank?
LO: Probably not, especially considering the occupants. I mean, Cross Recoba has proven time and again that he will do anything and everything, including paying people off, to get ahead in this business. Meanwhile, Danny Rizzo and Kaven Drell have put a stranglehold on the UnYielding Title picture with no end in sight. Those are some rough customers if you ask me.
KO: Newsflash, Laur, no one did.
The music continues to play as Katya Djurdjevic steps out onto the stage and the tone changes to that of a huge ovation. Katya has dark war paint under each eye, and she casts a glance at Danny who rolls his eyes at the sight. Drell sneers at her as she passes by, and she waves to all the fans excitedly before stepping into her own confinement. Soon after NSFW, Mike McGuire and Bishop Church push through the curtain, the Chimera Tag Team Championships slung over their shoulders. Cross Recoba bristles as they step past his cage to thrust the titles into the air, and Mike gives him a wink and a grin as they join Katya, who greets them with high fives. The second cage is shut and secured by Caputo, who follows suit with Santiago's behavior from earlier.
LO: Well, now both of our teams are out here. All we're missing are our team captains.
KO: Listen, Cosmo might be a captain, but Chris Callum is a full blown General, and he's going to lead these guys to victory just like he has with other less grateful talent.
LO: I take it you're referencing Cooper?
KO: Exactly.
LO: We'll just have to see what The Apex has to say about that.
The lights dim and 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 at the cage being put through it's final tighten on the two rings, and then he glances to the left and right of him at the two cages holding his teammates and opponents. He shakes his head slightly as if amused, and then starts his way down the ramp towards War Games.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, 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 steps right up to the steel, gripping the fencing with both hands and giving it a shake. He nods as he rounds the corner and climbs the steps which have been moved right in front of the door. He passes through the entry and slips through the ropes to step into the ring, and wastes little time moving to the center where he slips through another set of ropes to end up in Ring Two.
LO: Callum already putting as much distance between himself and the door that Cosmo will enter. Think that speaks anything about his strategy heading into their big title match at Honor Bound?
KO: Don't be an idiot. He moved over there so that Cosmo has to come to him, the same way that Cooper has always had to go to him back in the day to get any of the clout he enjoys today.
LO: Man, you really are a mark for this guy aren't you.
KO: I don't know who mark is, but I sure as hell like Callum's chances!
The two announcers are cut off when the familiar finger snaps of 'Lifted' by CL fill the arena. Stage lights begin flashing gold and silver, converging on the stage where Cosmo Cooper is already standing, baseball cap covering his head that is staring down at the steel. The Apex Championship sits snugly around his waist, and the Brazilian crowd goes nuts at the sight of him. After a few moments he allows his head to lift, and he looks out at the crowd under the brim of his hat at the crowd. His head tilts to the left where Recoba, Rizzo, and Drell burn holes into the Apex Champion, and then to his right where Katya claps while NSFW shout words of encouragement.
RING ANNOUNCER: And introducing her opponent, standing at six foot two and weighting in at 232 pounds....hailing from Santa Rosa, California...He is the General Managers Champion of Choice, and THE REIGNING APEX CHAMPION, THE GRAPS JESUS, COSMO COOOPPPEERRRR!!
With the announcements out of the way, Cosmo's eyes finally fall upon the structure at the bottom of the ramp within, and his lip curls at the sight of Callum. With a flip of his hat out to the crowd, he doesn't even bother to see where it lands before peeling the Apex Championship from around his waist and rushing down the ramp towards the ring. Callum readies himself in the center of the ring, egging Cosmo on by holding his hands out in front of him and waving his fingers back to himself. Cooper rounds the ringside area at breakneck speed and clamors up the steps into the ring and crosses Ring One only to vault over the top rope to land in Ring Two across from Callum. As The Ref pushes the door to the cage closed and secures it with a cross bar, Cosmo and Callum clash in the center of the ring with right hands aimed right for the skull. The entire arena nearly pops the roof off the building as the two bulls hammer away at each other in the center of Ring Two, neither man willing to give an inch.
LO: WAR GAMES IS UNDERWAY, AND CALLUM AND COOPER HAVE ALREADY STARTED WITH THE OPENING VOLLEYS, FAST AND FURIOUS!
KO: Callum now gaining the upper hand, and he just got a fistful of hair and is RUNNING HIM FACE FIRST TOWARDS THE CAGE!
LO: NO! COOPER THROWS HIS BOOT UP TO STOP THE MOMENTUM! GETS A HANDFUL OF CALLUM AND MOVES TO SLAM HIM FACE FIRST INTO THE STEEL MESH!
KO: Callum able to stop the momentum the same way, and now the two men are brawling across the ropes all the way into the far corner....OH! COOPER SPINS CALLUM AROUND TO LEAN AGAINST THE TURNBUCKLES....CHOP!
LO: But Callum fires right back with a chop of his own, and now the two men are lighting each other up!
KO: OH! Sudden Knee Lift into Cooper's gut from Callum, and now a measured right hand that sends the Apex Champion stumbling back towards the center of the ring.
LO: Here comes Callum with a lariat.....RIGHT INTO A BACK BODY DROP THAT SENDS HIM CRASHING TO THE MAT!
KO: Callum back to his feet and here comes Cooper with a lariat of his own, BUT CALLUM DROPS TO HIS SIDE INTO A DROP TOE HOLD THAT SENDS COOPER CRASHING FACE FIRST DOWN INTO THE CANVAS!
LO: Callum now climbing up onto Cooper as he rolls onto his back, and is hammering away at the champion as he tries to put up his hands to defend....
Callum scores some good shots before Cooper effectively gets his arms in front of him to block, and he responds by bringing his knee up into Callum's ribs repeatedly, eventually knocking him to the side. The two men roll up to their feet and Cooper moves in with another chop, but this time The Eternal ducks it and continues towards the ropes for momentum. He rebounds and walks right into a back elbow that drops him flat, but as Cooper moves in to drop the elbow he finds nothing but canvas as Callum shifts out of the way. Cosmo scrambles to his feet but is met by right hands by an already vertical Callum and the blows knock him back towards the ropes. Callum grabs him by the wrist and sends him to the opposite side, rushing out to meet the champion with a lariat as he returns. Cooper hits the mat hard, but as Callum reaches down to jerk him back up he's tagged in the side of his skull by one of Cosmo's feet. Callum staggers back as Cooper kips up to his feet, immediately sidestepping in for a Superkick. Callum, however, catches the incoming foot and spins him around so that he can hook him from behind, and attempts a side suplex. Cosmo floats through the lift to roll over onto his feet behind Callum, gets a handful of the Eternal's hair, and rushes forwards into a modified Bulldog/Face Crusher. A loud 'Buzz' cuts through the arena, and the stage goes dark as two flood lights illuminate the cages opposite from one another. Cooper pays no mind to that as he Callum rises and he delivers a chop that knocks Chris into the corner.
LO: Cooper proceeds to chop the snot out of Chris Callum, but I believe we've reached the three minute mark and another superstar will be released to join the match, but for which team!
KO: I don't know, but those lights are starting to pulsate over the cages...
They continue to do so as Cooper continues lighting Callum up, when suddenly the light over Cooper's team goes dark, leaving Callum's team in the light. The referee quickly steps in and undoes the lock, while Kaven Drell and Danny Rizzo step forward, discussing which one of them should go down. Before either man can make a move for the door they are shoved to the side and Cross Recoba dashes through the opening, and he is halfway down the ramp before either realize what just happened.
LO: This doesn't look good for Cooper as Callum's team has picked up The Fox, Cross Recoba...
KO: Yeah, and his teammates didn't look to keen on him just taking center stage like that either...
Recoba reaches ringside and instead of going straight for the door pauses to flip the apron up and search for something under the ring. When he emerges he holds in his hands a steel chair with the words 'The Firecracker' on it, and the fans boo as he calls for the door to the cell to be open. The sudden shift in the audience clues Cooper in and he delivers a final chop to Callum that sends the Eternal falling down the turnbuckles to a seated position in the corner. He spins to see Recoba entering Ring One with the steel chair, and just as he steps to the center of Ring Two to meet him The Fox tosses the chair up and over the ropes so that Cosmo has to catch it or be struck. Recoba never stops his momentum, rushing right for the ropes, leaps over and clears both, and lands a dropkick to the chair which flies back and slams into Cooper's face. Both man and chair clatter to the mat as the crowd go nuts.
LO: A MILLIONA LIRA TO A STEEL CHAIR THAT FOUND COOPER'S FACE!
KO: Normally Recoba does that from inside the ring to the outside, but since there's no outside he got creative!
LO: And it appears to have worked as he now has Cooper up in the other far corner and is hammering away!
KO: Recoba now grabbing the top rope for leverage, and is just delivering mud hole like stomps into the center of Cooper's chest!
With each boot the Apex gets lower and lower against the corner until he's finally in a seated position taking the punishment. Over in the corner to the side, Chris Callum pulls himself to his feet, chest beat red from the chops he received earlier. With a snarl he stalks over to where Cooper is being pummeled, grabs Cross by the should and shoves him out of the way and resumes the beat down with mud hole stomps of his own. Recoba stares at Chris Callum in disbelief as The Eternal stomps away at the Apex Champion, and wicked determination crosses his face. This time its he that grabs Callum by the shoulder and spins the man round to face him, and the two come nose to nose to a huge pop from the crowd.
LO: There's already trouble in paradise!
KO: Cross Recoba has claimed for some time that he is the 'True' Apex Champion after that steal from Cooper at Rite of Kings!
LO: Sure, and just because Cross Recoba says it doesn't make it true. At the end of the day, Cooper picked up the victory there despite who delivered the killing blow, and that is the mark of a thinking man's champion.
KO: Well if Cooper is so damn smart, how did he find himself in this situation where these two guys look ready to beat the hell out of each other just for the chance of knocking his block off?
LO: I don't know, why don't you ask him, as he pulls himself up to their feet thanks to the distraction and LEAPS TO THE SECOND ROPE TO FLY OUT OF THE CORNER WITH A PAIR OF CLOTHESLINES FOR EACH OF THEM!
The three men hit the mat at the same time, but Cooper manages to roll through back up to his feet. He is quickly followed by Callum and Recoba, who temporarily put their tension on hold to deal with the threat of The Apex. Recoba and Callum rush in at Cooper, but to their surprise, the champion performs and incredible split legged jump and the two run right under him as he lands behind them. Recoba is the first to spin around and he gets caught with a right hand that sends him stumbling away, while Cooper redirects into a back elbow that catches Callum right in the jaw when he approaches.
LO: My God! Cooper is fighting for his life in there against these two, but...well...there it is.
KO: Recoba went low and tied up the legs, and Callum went high and toppled him over, and now these two have him right where they want him.
LO: Yeah, like a couple of jackals just picking the Apex Champion apart...both men back on their feet now and are stomping away at Cosmo in the center of the ring!
The loud Buzz goes off again but this time there is no need for the lights as we know that someone from Cooper's team will come next. As the ref unlocks the cage, Katya and NSFW, having at some point already had this conversation, nod to one another as Mike McGuire blows past the door when it opens. The fans cheer wildly as the Chimera Tag Champion rushes down the ramp towards the ring, and upon getting to ringside swings around the corner and through the cage door. Callum gives Recoba a nudge towards the newcomer in Ring One as he continues to stomp at Cooper, and The Fox gives him a demeaning look before begrudgingly turning to answer the threat. Mike crosses Ring One in record time, but just as they are about to pass through the ropes into Ring Two, Recoba rushes in and sends his boot up into the middle rope, crotching Mike with the steel cable.
LO: OUCH! That is not good for Cooper's team as Callum stays glued to Cooper, and now Recoba drags Mike into the ring with them and starts clubbing them across the spine!
KO: Recoba in control sets Mike up against the ropes, and CHOP! ANOTHER ONE! LORD HE'S LIGHTING MCGUIRE UP!
LO: Recoba now falling back a step and comes rushing in for a clothesline, BUT MCGUIRE DUCKS THEIR HEAD AND SENDS RECOBA FROM ONE RING TO THE OTHER WITH A BACK BODY DROP!
Recoba slams against the mat of Ring One and clutches his lower back as McGuire takes a second to shake the cobwebs. Looking over and seeing Cooper hemmed all the way up against the steel cage while Callum uses his boot to choke him, McGuire rushes in with fists-a-flying. Callum is lambasted from behind and before he can even register that he's being hit is forced over into the corner where Mike really opens up with one-two punch combos that knock The Eternal silly. This gives Cooper a much needed chance to catch his breath as he pulls himself up gingerly by the ropes. Recoba in Ring One does the same, still massaging his lower back, and looks over to the other ring to see what's happening. Seeing Callum being taken apart by McGuire, Recoba slowly makes his way towards the ropes, or he would if Cosmo Cooper didn't launch out of the corner with a running go and dive over the top ropes like missile that sends The Fox crashing to the mat.
LO: TORPEDO HEADBUTT FROM ONE RING TO THE OTHER! A little payback for that Million Lira and the chair from earlier!
KO: That doesn't do the Callum group any favors, as McGuire now pulls Callum away from the corner AND PLANTS HIM IN THE CENTER OF THE RING WITH A DDT!
McGuire crawls on top of Callum and continues to hammer away as Cooper gets to his feet and pulls Cross along with him. A fiery chop sends The Fox backpedaling to the far ropes near the cage door, and Cooper follows him in with another one that rings through out the arena. He takes Recoba by the wrist and Irish Whips him to the far side but when Cross reaches the ropes, he surprises everyone by baseball sliding beneath both to end up in Ring Two. He quickly scrambles to his feet and tackles McGuire off of Callum, giving the Bronx Brawler a taste of their own medicine. Callum moves to get to his feet just in time to see Cooper springboard to the top rope and dive out towards him, and the entire arena is stunned when he leaves his own feet to catch Cooper in the gut with a dropkick. Cosmo crashes and burns, and Callum pushes himself over into the between corner to sit and catch his breath. The loud 'Buzz' returns, and he nods, happy with how this is all turning out.
LO: That sound means that another of Callum's team will enter the fray, and it looks like it's going to be Danny Rizzo...
KO: Rizzo wasting no time as he rushes down the ramp towards ringside, and doesn't even use the stairs! Just vaulted right through the middle and bottom rope and rolled up to his feet....and now he's heading to Ring Two!
LO: Cooper pushing up to his feet as Danny clears the ropes, and HERE HE COMES WITH A SPEAR TO THE MAT AND NOW CRADLING COOPER'S HEAD WITH PISTON LIKE RIGHT HANDS!
KO: The UnYielding Champion is all over The Apex, and Callum now pulling himself up in the corner and is stepping that way...
Callum isn't about to let anyone do to Cosmo what he wants to get done himself, so when he reaches Rizzo he gives the man a shove with his boot that knocks him loose from The Apex. Rizzo quickly snaps up to his feet and he and Callum engage in another nose to nose confrontation the way that he and Recoba had before. The two men do some jawing as Cosmo crawls towards the ropes when suddenly things are interrupted by a oncoming Recoba who was just Irish Whipped from the corner that he and McGuire had been brawling in. Rizzo and Callum post up at the intrusion and Recoba slams into them and then crashes to the canvas as if taking a double shoulder tackle. He looks up at the two men in complete dismay, and they look up from him just in time for Danny to take a knee strike that sends him one way, while Cosmo flies in with a kick that knocks Callum the other. Callum falls back against the ropes and Cooper continues his momentum with a running lariat that dumps Callum up and over the top ropes into Ring One. Cooper is quick to follow him through the ropes, leaving Recoba to get to his feet and grab McGuire from behind and pull them off of Rizzo. Danny rubs at his jaw hanging onto the ropes for support as Recoba delivers a devastating German Suplex to Mike that folds them up like an accordion. The 'Buzz' rings through the arena, and the fans come to their feet as Katya Djurdjevic looks to be chomping at the bit at her cage door.
LO: The referee gets the door open and there goes Katya like a bullet down the ramp, and the referee's just pulled the cage door open just in time for her to take the steps and slip into the ring...AND IS IMMEDIATELY CUT OFF BY CALLUM!
KO: Callum is beating the snot out of Katya while Cosmo clutches at his lower regions...DID CALLUM LOW BLOW COSMO...wait....what the hell is he doing?
LO: He just kicked the door open before the referee could secure it.....AND HE JUST TOSSED KATYA THROUGH THE ROPES TO LAND ROUGHLY AGAINST THE STEEL STEPS! MY GOD!
KO: Well, she was in the match...
LO: Chris Callum now turning his attention to Cosmo, and he has the man all to himself in Ring One!
Cooper is slow to rise, still holding his groin area, when Callum steps in and lifts the man to sit on his chest, and then proceeds to drive him into the mat with a Spin Out Powerbomb. The back of Cosmos head slams off the canvas, and while Cooper clutches at his aching skull, Callum sits up beside him, watching his former friend and colleague with a certain level of disdain. His eyes flit over to Ring Two to watch as Recoba holds Mike McGuire up in a Full Nelson, while the technical striker, Rizzo, opens up with body shots to the ribs. His head then lolls over to the door where he sees Katya starting to get to her feet and try to re-enter, and he sighs heavily before pushing up to his feet and heading in that direction. Just as he reaches over the top rope to get a handful of the woman's hair, she thrusts herself forward through the middle and top rope to drive her shoulder into The Eternal's gut. Callum clutches his midsection, but as he tries to regain control she does it again and this time he lets go of her completely. Katya steps inside the cage, but still outside the ropes, and pulls Callum so that he drapes across the top rope where the open door still hangs. She reaches around the corner outside the cage and gets a hold of the steel mesh of the door, and brings it swinging shut with force so that it clips Callum across the top of his head. Callum recoils clutching at his skull, the referee's quickly taking this opportunity to secure the cage door, and Djurdjevic quickly starts to climb to the top turnbuckle.
LO: Katya now on top of the corner where the door is, and Callum is still stumbling around clutching the top of his head....AND COOPER IS BACK UP BEHIND HIM!
KO: DID YOU SEE THAT! COOPER JUST GAVE KATYA A NOD! THIS IS A CONSPIRACY!
LO: COOPER WITH A SPINNING LEG SWEEP AS KATYA DIVES INTO A CROSS BODY!! AND GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! THEY MAY HAVE JUST DRIVEN CALLUM THROUGH THE RING!
KO: Yeah, but that didn't go unnoticed, and here comes Danny Rizzo and Cross Recoba to even the odds!
Danny slips through the ropes easily enough, but as Recoba goes he finds himself being held back by Mike McGuire who clings to his leg. He tries to shake the tag champ loose, but Mike tenaciously holds on, even managing up to their feet and pulling Cross away from the ropes on one leg. Recoba leaps into an Inzuguri, but Mike is wise to the tactic and ducks under so that Recoba lands face first on the mat. He scrambles up quickly and just as he turns is met with a boot to the midsection, and a Swinging Neck Breaker with enough torque it damn near turned into a Crossroads.
LO: RUBBERNECKER FROM MCGUIRE TO RECOBA!
KO: Yeah, and meanwhile Danny got a shot in on Cooper from behind and followed on through to tackle Katya...those two are now brawling over near the cage door!
The loud 'Buzz' rings through the arena and all eyes turn towards the stage where the final member of Team Callum steps through the door. He gives Bishop Church a smug grin as he passes by and down the ramp to ringside where he stops to pull the apron up and search under the ring.
LO: Drell looks to have the same mindset as Recoba, as if this mayhem going on in the ring wasn't enough!
KO: Wait! What does he have? HE JUST PULLED OUT TWO TABLES!
LO: What the hell?
Drell drags the tables over to the steps leading up into the cage, but pauses at seeing Danny and Katya trading blows in the corner. He steps up and places a boot on the cage which prevents the referee from closing it back, while at the same time he hooks Katya by the arms from behind, leaving her defenseless as Danny wades in with dangerous rights and lefts. Danny delivers a haymaker like right hand just before he's yanked away from behind by Cosmo Cooper, who spins him around and nails him with a Spin Wheel Kick. Danny hits the mat holding his mush, but before Cooper can do anything further, Chris Callum gets a fistful of hair from behind and rushes him forwards so that he goes face first into the steel mesh of the cage. He places his knee into Cosmo's back to hold him in place, and begins dragging his face across the steel like a cheese grater, and Cosmo cries out in pain as his forehead gets shredded open.
LO: Cosmo Cooper in a bad way, but Drell now has those tables shoved into the ring, and he just entered with the door being shut behind him...
KO: Kaven helping Danny up to his feet as KATYA RUSHES IN AND DIVES INTO A DOUBLE LARIAT THAT TAKES BOTH MEN DOWN!
LO: Over in Ring Two McGuire just whipped Recoba into the ropes and he's coming back now as Mike lowers his head...RECOBA PUTS ON THE BRAKES, TUCKS THEIR HEAD BETWEEN HIS LEGS, AND PILEDRIVER INTO THE HEART OF THE CANVAS!
KO: Back in Ring One Katya has Danny up and whips him into the far corner....comes rushing in and HANDSTAND BACK ELBOW CATCHES HIM FLUSH ON THE JAW!
LO: Danny drops to a seated position against the bottom turnbuckle, and she rushes back out towards Kaven Drell, pops up and hooks him around the head with her legs...HURRICANRANA WHIPS HIM RIGHT INTO THE CORNER TO CRASH AGAINST DANNY RIZZO!
KO: Katya taking a few steps back to do something else while those two are piled into the corner...AND WALKS RIGHT INTO CHRIS CALLUM!
LO: WHO GRABS HER BY THE HAIR OF THE HEAD AND RUNS HER FACE FIRST INTO THE STEEL CAGE LIKE HE DID COSMO MOMENTS AGO!
'Buzz!' The crowd goes nuts as the final participant to the match barrels out of the cage that had been holding him and Bishop Church sprints down the ramp towards the ring. As the cage door opens Callum turns to look just as Church leaps over the steps to the apron and swings into the ring through the ropes. Callum rushes at Bishop to cut him off but he bowls right through him with a charging Shoulder Tackle that sends him crashing to the mat, and doesn't stop there, moving all the way to the interior of the cage to Ring Two to join his partner, McGuire. While the mad rush that had been taking place in Ring One, Recoba had managed to gain the upper hand on Mike thanks to an eye rake, and was now proceeding to chop the snot out of them over in the corner. As soon as he hears movement in their otherwise unoccupied ring, he spins and charges at the unknown danger. And ends up running headlong into a ready Bishop Church who delivers an unbelievable Belly to Belly Suplex from Ring Two all the way over into Ring One where everyone scatters to get out of the way.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! CROSS WAS SENT FLYING FROM ONE RING TO THE OTHER AND HE DAMN NEAR CLIPPED HIS FEET ON THE TOP OF THE CAGE!
KO: That idiot can't do that to The Fox!
LO: NSFW now reunited, and what the hell is Bishop Church doing? He just Gorilla Pressed his own partner above his head!
KO: OH SHIT!
Church rushes at the edge of the ropes of their ring and launches McGuire through the air to come crashing down on the cluster of individuals amassed in Ring One, which included everyone but Drell and Rizzo who were still piled up in the corner. Bishop looks satisfied if not a bit concerned for his fellow tag champ, but when he steps through the ropes to join him he's suddenly cut off by the UnYielding Champion and his cohort. Drell and Rizzo club Church down, keeping him trapped between the ropes of Ring One and Ring Two. Eventually Rizzo leaps over the top ropes of both rings to end up in Ring Two, and the two men take Church by the wrists and whip him at breakneck speed towards the steel ring posts that comprise the corners of two rings. Bishop strikes the posts chest first with enough velocity that he snaps down onto the seam created by the two rings, and as everyone knows...the apron is the hardest part of the ring.
LO: MY LORD! BISHOP CHURCH'S CHEST MAY HAVE JUST BEEN CAVED IN!
KO: Yeah, and Kaven Drell just turned around and grabbed up Katya Djurdjevic and sent her through the ropes into Ring Two where Rizzo is waiting!
LO: Drell moving to join them but he just got blasted from behind by Mike McGuire who pulls him out away from the ropes, and A KNOCKED FOR SIX HAYMAKER SENDS HIM FLIPPING UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPES INTO THE OTHER RING!
KO: McGuire now checking on his partner as Callum and Cooper get up to their feet standing over a Recoba rising to his knee's...WHAT THE HELL?!?
LO: CROSS RECOBA JUST SENT HIS FOREARMS UP BETWEEN THE LEGS OF BOTH MEN!
KO: He must be confused, Laur! That Belly to Belly followed by McGuire being launched into him made him forget that Chris Callum is his partner...
LO: I don't think he forgot a damn thing. I think he knows that Chris Callum came into this company and became the #1 Contender in his very first night, and Cross Recoba takes exception to him getting that chance over him!
KO: Well, I can get behind that.
LO: Well I can't! Chris Callum for all of his disparaging words for Cooper and his reasons for being here earned that opportunity in the Rite of Kings Battle Royal, and Cross Recoba is just jealous cause in the same night he has some notion that he got robbed!
As the announcers continue to debate, both Callum and Cooper clutch at their nether regions as Recoba rises between them. With a shove Callum goes down to the mat, and Cross lifts Cooper's chin to fire in a vicious right hand that sends him stumbling back into the ropes. Recoba follows him in with an echoing chop followed by another, and then he whips him towards the ropes. Cooper returns and Cross turns to his side to catch him coming in with a Tilt-A-Whirl Back Breaker that has The Apex arching his back like he just got tased. The Fox pushes up and grins down at Callum who still grips at his groin, and mouths something unheard along the lines of 'This is how you get it done'.
Meanwhile, in Ring Two, Katya rises to her feet after taking a vicious Yakuza Kick from Danny when she was thrown into the ring by Drell. Moments after that Drell had landed uncerimoniously beside her, and Rizzo had dragged the man off to the side. Now Rizzo watches intently as she comes to her feet and then charges forwards, dropping into a Basement Dropkick that takes her knee out from under her and sends her low, only to hop to his feet, hit off the ropes, and nail her with a Shining Wizard that nearly takes her head off!
LO: BLACK ROSE! THIS COULD BE IT! RIZZO JUST HOOKED THE LEG!
Caputo outside the cage bends down to get a better view of the pin, and begins clapping above her head loudly.
1...
2...
KO: THRE-NO! MIKE MCGUIRE JUST PLOWED INTO THE RING FROM OUT OF NOWHERE AND BROKE UP THE PIN!
LO: McGuire now hammering away at Danny Rizzo, BUT HERE COMES KAVEN DRELL WITH A SLEDGE HAMMER BLOW FROM BEHIND!
KO: This ain't good for McGuire, as they pull him around and knock him into the far corner...and now both men taking turns driving hard shots into McGuire's skull!
Recoba pulls the bloody Apex Champion to his feet as Callum has finally pulled himself to a corner so that he can use the Turnbuckles to help him get to his feet. With a running go he slams Cooper's skull of the cage once again, the impact sending him bouncing down to the canvas, and for the first time since they had been brought in he notices the tables lodged between the ropes and the cage. The Fox sends a grin out to the booing audience who are torn between watching the action in Ring One or Ring Two, and he reaches over the ropes to pull the tables up and over into the ring. He takes one table and sets it up in the same corner as the door to the cage, leaving the other one lying off to the side. He then turns around just in time to take a stiff right hand from Chris Callum that topples him right up and over that table into the corner. Callum yanks the table out of the way and grabs Recoba on either side of his head by his ears and screams something into his face before driving his own skull forward into Cross' nose. Recoba recoils as he's let go to drop to one knee clutching at his face, where blood begins to seep through his hands. Callum turns to watch as Cosmo groggily uses the table to pull himself to his feet, and he rounds the surface to grab the champion and pull him away.
LO: Things are getting hecktic in Ring One as partners battle it out for the right to destroy Cosmo Cooper, and now Callum just lifted him up into Alabama Slam position to put him through that table...BUT COSMO IS KICKING HIS FEET AND PULLING WITH HIS HANDS ON CALLUM'S CALVES....
KO: SUNSET FLIP INTO A PIN!
1...
2...
LO: NO! Callum kicks out, and now both men scrambling to get up to their feet....Callum with a swing, but Cooper ducks it...continues on to the ropes...AND SUPERMAN PUNCH DROPS CALLUM!
KO: Cooper finally gets in some offense now that he's not being double teamed, BUT HERE COMES RECOBA WHO GOES LOW WITH A CHOP BLOCK THAT TAKES OUT COSMO'S LEGS!
In Ring Two Rizzo and Drell shoot McGuire off the ropes at the same time Katya Djurdjevic gets to her feet. She see's the oncoming NSFW member and her eyes go wide at the eminent collision, and as if on instinct springs into the air to leap frog the man. Drell and Rizzo glance at one another just before rushing out at Katya with a double clothesline, but they surprised again when Katya performs a split allowing their locked arms to pass harmlessly overhead. The two men come face to face with a rebounding Mike McGuire who leaves their feet to nail them with a double clothesline of their own while Djurdjevic scrambles to get out of the way when they all crash to the canvas. Bishop Church, finally recovered after his ordeal with the twin ring posts, steps into the ring and a deep blue bruise on either side of his chest tells the story of steel and flesh. Katya and Mike both get up to their feet, and as they do so Djurjedvic looks over to Ring One where she sees that Cross Recoba is moving Cosmo Cooper over into the corner and lifting him to sit on the top turnbuckle. She also notices Chris Callum getting up to his feet and stumbling that way, and she points this out to her two partners.
LO: Katya see's what's coming for the Apex Champion if his team doesn't intervene, and all three are heading that way....wait a minute.....NSFW STARTED TO STEP THROUGH, TOOK ANOTHER LOOK AT COOPER, AND THEY JUST BACKED OFF!
KO: Katya is turned around with her arms out at her sides as Callum steps up to join Recoba on the second rope...and these two are trying to Superplex Cosmo through this table, but The Apex has his legs hooked around the ropes!
LO: It's well documented that NSFW and Cooper had some unfriendly comments for one another on Twitter, and still earlier tonight they discussed being owed an apology by the champion...
KO: Well, I guess that's one way of going about it.
LO: Katya just abandoned NSFW who turned back to Rizzo and Drell with right hands, AND WHAT THE HELL IS KATYA DOING!
KO: SHE JUST RAN TO THE CORNER AND TURNED HERSELF....SHE'S HANGING ONTO RECOBA AND CALLUM'S RESPECTIVE LEGS...OH MY GOD! THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN!
LO: BUT TO WHO?!?!
Like a building that has been set for demolition the cracks in the plan unfold; First, Cosmo's legs get wrenched free from the ropes with the added pressure. Second, the two men doing the wrenching are forced back at a rate of speed they hadn't anticipated thanks to Katya's pull. Three, a table isn't designed for four people to go through it, so when the impact comes it splinters into a million peaces. Four, the fans go absolutely ballistic along with everyone else.
LO: CHRIST ALMIGHTY THE HALF THE FREAKIN' MATCH JUST DESTROYED ITSELF!
KO: DUDE! THAT USED TO BE A TABLE! WHERE DID IT GO?
LO: NOTHING LEFT BUT THE FRAME, WHICH I'M PRETTY SURE KATYA DJURDJEVIC FELL ON DURING THE CARNAGE DOWNWARDS!
NSFW look over their shoulders to inspect the impact they just overheard, giving Drell and Rizzo enough time to reach out and get a rake to the eyes when they turn back around. Church and McGuire both stagger out of their corners blindly, bumping into each other and spinning with a right hand cocked but stopping just in the nick of time. The Chimera Tag Team Champion's turn back to their opponents as Kaven and Danny charge out of their respective corners with an attack, or at least they would have, if NSFW didn't both drop their shoulders and send the men flying with Back Body Drops that see them criss-cross each other before crashing to the ring. McGuire peels off to pull up Rizzo while Church does the same with Drell, and the two partners pull them back to the center of the ring where they perform a scoop slam in stereo. With Drell and Rizzo lying side by side smarting after being pitched down onto their spines, Mike gives Bishop a smirk before lowering their head while Bishop tucks it between their legs and lifts them up only to Powerbomb them down onto the two opponents.
LO: CHERRY BOMB FROM NSFW ONTO BOTH DRELL & RIZZO, AND NOW THEY ARE PINNING THE TWO MEN IN TOGETHER!
KO: AND EVERYONE ELSE IS STILL LAID OUT THANKS TO THAT CATASTROPHE OF A LANDING!
1...
2...
KO: THREE!NO! Both men kicked out just in the nick of time!
In Ring One the four competitors stir, Katya clutching at her ribs while the rest to them at their spines. Djurdjevic is the first to her feet, followed closely by Recoba and Callum. Cosmo does manage to crawl his way over to the far corner to try and use the ropes for leverage, but Katya doesn't wait for the odds to even before rushing at the ropes, hitting a springboard and a twist to try and take the two men off their feet. Instead, they manage to catch her, the two staring at one another with Katya held between them. They give a reluctant nod before tossing her up and switching positions so that she now rests on their shoulders, and then rush forwards towards Ring Two. They stop at the ropes and launch Katya like a lawn dart to crash into NSFW as they rise just after getting the near fall on Rizzo and Drell. All three are sent crashing to the mat to join their opponents, while Callum and Recoba turn their eyes back onto a now risen Cooper.
LO: This spells trouble for The Apex Champion if these two are finally on the same page, cause he already looks wobbly after that last exchange.
KO: Bottom line, the more damage done to Cosmo in this match makes Chris Callum's job that much easier at Honor Bound. You gotta believe that's in the back of his mind!
LO: Maybe so, BUT THAT ISN'T STOPPING HIM FROM GRIPPING RECOBA BY THE BACK OF THE HEAD AND RUNNING HIM FACE FIRST INTO THE STEEL CAGE...
KO: AHHH! AND NOW HE JUST RAN HIM TOWARDS THE ROPES AND THE OTHER RING....AND DUMPS HIM UP AND OVER!
LO: And now look at this....Chris Callum and Cosmo Cooper are left one on one again in Ring One, while the rest of the match is piled up in Ring Two....
KO: Just the way he....WAIT! CALLUM TURNED BACK AROUND AND WALKED RIGHT INTO A SUPERKICK FROM COOPER!
Callum snaps down to the canvas and Cooper loses his balance after the blow, falling flat to his stomach and sucking in much needed air. Both men remain down as the action picks back up over in Ring Two. All of the competitors with the exception of Recoba begin to pull themselves to their feet on opposite ends of the ring, and the fans begin to stir at the obvious outcome. Katya along with NSFW give each other a nod as Kaven Drell and Danny Rizzo stand firm, ready for anything. All of a sudden all hell breaks loose. Kaven Drell launches himself at Mike McGuire and Bishop Church, who quickly gain the numbers and turn the man into the corner where all three scrap and brawl. Katya and Danny run headlong into one another, fists flying, but it's Danny who eventually gets the upper hand to knock Djurdjevic over into the opposite corner of her teammates. With a scoop he has her up on his shoulder and moves to toss her up for a Snake Eyes against the top Turnbuckle, but instead Katya manages to catch the ropes which allows her to land with her legs on either side of Danny's shoulders. She suddenly drops her hold on the rope and tucks herself forwards into a roll while simultaneously locking her ankles behind Danny's head which sends him hurtling face first into the turnbuckle instead.
LO: Danny Rizzo just got out maneuvered there by Katya, and she spins him around....BOOT TO THE FACE FOLLOWED BY A DROP BACKWARDS!
KO: DEATHBLOW!!
LO: Recoba is still down....NSFW have Kaven Drell hemmed up in the opposite corner....Cooper and Callum are just starting to stir in Ring One, but they are only concerned about tearing each other apart.....This could be it, Ken!
KO: Katya has herself back up now and Danny's laid out on the canvas.....what is she doing?
LO: OH MY! SHE'S GOING TO THE TOP!
KO: You don't think....
LO: I don't know...but it could be the end of her career if she does!
Katya reaches the top rope and stands, realizing that if she makes a short leap she can grip the top of the cage with her hands. She does so as the arena goes absolutely nuts, and she begins to take a trek backwards so that she is now dangling over a still prone Danny Rizzo. With a swing of her legs she brings them up, her shoulders rotating so that her feet pass under her, and then she releases the top of the cage as she completes the rotation, dropping the twenty feet into an Inverted Shooting Star Press that sees her crash against Danny's body.
LO: OH! MY! GOD!
KO: THUNDERING SKIES FROM THE TOP OF THE CAGE!
LO: KATYA DJURDJEVIC HAS EFFECTIVELY PUT HERSELF AND THE UNYIELDING CHAMPION OUT OF THIS MATCH!
KO: HOW THE HELL ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO CONTINUE OUT OF THAT?!?
LO: WHAT DID I JUST SAY, KEN! THEY ARE DONE!
The room is pure electricity as the fans echo off the stadium while Katya Djurdjevic and Danny Rizzo lie side by side on the canvas unmoving. NSFW, having heard the loud slam behind them turns to look, and McGurie's eyebrow raises at the sight and he shares a brief glance at his partner before turning back to Kaven Drell. Just as they do so, Drell grips the top rope for leverage and flashes both boots straight up in front of him which catches both Bishop Church and Mike McGuire low in their abdomen. As the Chimera Tag Team Champions clutch at their guts and bend forward, Drell pushes up to the second rope, and in no wasted motion, leaps forwards to hook them around the heads on his way down, spiking them with dual Impact DDT's!
LO: JESUS CHRIST! KAVEN DRELL JUST HIT NOT ONE, BUT TWO STILLBORN'S ON THE CHIMERA TAG CHAMPS!
KO: Can't say I've ever seen that happen all at once, but by God, Drell pulled it off!
LO: Yeah, but everyone in this match is exhausted and beaten up....and this is crazy. Now that all the participants in Ring Two are down.....look whose finally back up on their feet!
Cosmo Cooper and Chris Callum groggily stare across Ring One at the other, both men tired, bruised, and one of them bloody. Cooper calls something out to Callum, and The Eternal responds by beckoning with his hands, and the two men lurch out to the center of the ring where they both answer with a pair of right hands. The two icons fall back away from each other, hit off the ropes, and then spring forwards into a pair of clotheslines that both find their mark. The collision sends the men down to crash against the canvas, but upon landing they are both already rolling slowly to their feet. Cosmo lays into Callum with a chop, but Callum answers right back. One after the other the two men blast each other, neither giving an inch. Callum drops to his knees after one of the unforgiving chops, but chops right back from underneath, dropping Cosmo to his. The two men continue to battle from their knee's dead center of the ring.
LO: The champion and the challenger are beating the holy hell out of each other, meanwhile Kaven Drell has pushed Bishop Church over onto his back and is calling for the referee on that side of the cage....
1...
2...
KO: THREe-KICK OUT! Church gets out and now Drell is looking over at Mike McGuire....and shoots the half and hooks the leg deep!
1...
2...
LO: THREe-KICK OUT! Kaven Drell looks fit to be tied as he pushes up to his feet, and oh look.....Cross Recoba is getting up as well.
KO: Yeah, but The Fox doesn't look to good...
LO: Indeed, that last meeting with the steel cage thanks to his own partner has busted him open...what is he doing?
KO: OH! He see's the way out of this match, Brother-O-Mine! He just found the chair he brought into the ring earlier! It had slid under the bottom rope over by the cage wall, and no one has bothered to mess with it since!
LO: Oh come on! There's no call for this...The match is already brutal enough inside the chain link fence!
KO: All's fair in love and war, and this is war!
Recoba points to Mike McGuire and Kaven Drell shrugs his shoulders and pulls the Chimera Tag Champ to their feet. Shoving Mike back into the corner, he then pulls Bishop Church up to his feet and leads him to the other corner where he slams his head off the top turnbuckle! The Fox chokes up on the chair and raises it high above his head as he moves in on a defenseless McGuire, or is he? As Cross is about to bring the chair crashing down on his skull, Mike throws a boot into his gut that stops his momentum. He then fires in another, and another until Cross has completely lowered the chair down to his side so that Mike can grab hold of it. The two men wrestle with the chair for a moment, and Kaven Drell seeing the exchange, shakes his head in disbelief at Recoba's incompetence before abandoning Church to get matters back under control. Just when he gets close enough to intervene, McGuire suddenly lets loose of the chair and it whistles through the air before making contact with something, signaling a loud 'CLANG'. Recoba's eyes go wide as he slowly pulls the chair down to see who he had hit, and it's in enough time to see Drell's eyes roll into the back of his head as he falls prone to the canvas.
LO: MY GOD! THAT TIME THE DOUBLE CROSS WAS INADVERTENT! I THINK!
KO: OF COURSE IT WAS, LAUR! AHHH! BISHOP CHURCH JUST CHARGED OUT OF THAT CORNER AND NAILED RECOBA WITH A RUNNING KNEE!
LO: RECOBA DROPS THE CHAIR AND SWINGS AROUND RIGHT INTO A KNOCKED FOR SIX!
KO: BATTER UP!!
Recoba doesn't immediately go down, rather he dumbly stumbles around the ring with glassy eyes. NSFW look to one another confusedly, and then back to Recoba who continues to stutter step to the center of the ring. Over in the corner where the Thundering Skies off the cage had happened earlier, Katya Djurdjevic comes to her feet in a daze herself. Through weak eyes she looks out to see the strange shifting dance Recoba does in the center of the ring, and in a matter of fact fashion, she crosses the distance, puts her boot into his face, and then snaps down to the canvas while holding his arms. The impact sends Recoba slamming down to the canvas, and Katya scoots over so that she can get a hook of the leg for the pin.
1...
2...
Danny Rizzo, like coming back from the dead, flips over onto a hands and knee's position and tries to launch himself that way, but NSFW leap over Katya and cut him off just as the ref claps loudly for....
3!!!
The fans erupt as Katya falls off a bloody Recoba to lie beside him in a heap, as NSFW claps onto one another to keep each other upright. Over in the other ring Callum & Cooper, still on their knees, have relegated to just staring at each other when the bell sounds. Both men's arms feel like lead, but somehow, someway it doesn't stop Callum from slowly lifting his hand, and bringing lightly across Cooper's blood stained chest. Cooper grimaces, equally as weak, and much the same his hand lolls upwards and then plops down onto Callum's bright crimson chest. They both sit there for a few moments longer, breaths coming in shallow gasps when Katya Djurdjevic enters the ring and slides in next to Cosmo, placing a wary hand on his shoulder and shaking her head no, and then the announcer's voice comes across the loud speakers.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winners of this War Games.....COSMO COOPER, KATAY DJURDJEVIC, AND NSFW!!
Callum doesn't miss a beat, shaking his head as if none of it matters, reaching out and landing another weak chop. This wakes Cosmo up and he pushes Katya away from him so that he can deliver another of his own. Katya watches on in concern as the cage begins to ascend, and NSFW celebrate their victory in the other ring. The two men begin to breathe faster, almost as if realizing that Valor Officials will be down soon to break up their party, and that they have been through hell and back and probably won't be able to prevent it from happening. Seething they slowly rise and bloody, broken, and bleeding they tear right into each other with right hands as if restarting the match all over again. Djurdjevic backs up in dismay, this being one of the biggest wins of her career after coming home from Cooper's Beach Bash with the Cup of that event, but now watching it devolve between these two egos.
LO: I can't believe this....After everything these competitors have been through here tonight, Chris Callum and Cosmo Cooper won't let it die!
KO: Never, Laur! This is a blood feud. These guys were friends. They were mentor and student. And now....they are bitter enemies! All for one thing! One prize that stands above all the others!
LO: To claim that they are The Apex of this industry!
The cage passes the ropes and a group of VPW security swarm into the ring, half going for the challenger and the other half going for the champion. With the security is Riley Savall who enters the ring and tries to reason with Cosmo as the two men continue to clamor violently to get at one another. Eventually they are pulled apart to opposite ends of the ring. During the melee Danny Rizzo collects his UnYielding Championship and is soon joined by Kaven Drell who balefully look back into the ring at the fallen Recoba. Katya soon joins NSFW into the ring to celebrate over his prone body, and the fans begin to cheer as the focus is put back onto them, and not The Eternal and The Apex being carted off to the back along separate routes along the rampway.
LO: Well folks....I don't think there's anything I could add to what we just witnessed.
KO: A picture is worth a thousand words, and if this is a picture of things to come.....God help us come Honor Bound!
LO: That's right folks! Just two short weeks away we will be coming to you live from London, England and the O2 Arena!
KO: Tickets are already sold out for the event, so we can tell you now this will be Valor Pro's biggest show of all time.
LO: So far!
KO: Of course.
LO: Well folks, we are out of....what? You found him? Why?
KO: Who are they talking about?
LO: They....they caught up with Brad Stokes.
KO: Why?
LO: I just asked that. Hold on....lets cut to the production truck.
The camera focuses on Katya, McGuire, and Church in the ring still celebrating before cutting hard to the scene of a pub somewhere in downtown Rio De Janeiro....
VOICE: I did everything I could!
Though the local pub was packed with folks catching the end of the Valor Pro anniversary show, no one dared sit within snotting distance of the man at the bar whom was openly weeping into the neck of a bottle of Michelob Ultra. The other patrons within the pub did not speak his language, but it was all too clear that this man was going through something real. Bradley Stokes was an ugly crier in any language.
BRAD STOKES: Everything!
Stokes pounded on the bartop, shaking glasses across the length of the bar.
BRAD STOKES: To the letter!
Brad pounded on the bar again, drawing looks of derision from across the room as he continued to talk to no one in particular.
BRAD STOKES: And how has He rewarded me for my service?
Brad shook his head and glugged down the last of his Michelob Ultra and quickly called for another. As the bartender warily approached with a fresh bottle, Brad grabbed him by the collar and pulled him closer to whisper in his ear.
BRAD STOKES: Why is it… do you think… that bad things happen to good people?
The bartender pulled back.
BARTENDER: Tu ta com cheiro de mijo, senhor.
Brad smiled stupidly.
BRAD STOKES: Well, when you put it that way... I guess you have a point.
Shortly after Brad had burped out the end of that thought, he became distracted by the fresh bottle of Michelob Ultra and released the bartender from his clutches.
BRAD STOKES: Lord, I want to believe again. I just need to know that you’re here with me. I just need a sign.
Almost immediately, a bright light shone in Brad’s periphery. He mumbled something incoherent and fell to his knees.
BRAD STOKES: Is this it? Is this the sign?
The door swung closed, blocking off the street lights again, and once more, Brad was all alone with his only fleeting faith beside him. As Brad crawled on his hands and knees back to his spot, the patron who’d just stepped into the bar lifted him onto his feet and assisted him back to his barstool.
BARTENDER: Noite dificil?
TOURIST: You can say that again, pal.
The American sat down in the stool beside Brad’s with a beleaguered sigh.
TOURIST: One virgin daiquiri please.
The tourist soon found Brad leering at him.
BRAD STOKES: Is it… is it really you?
The American nodded as Brad waved his hand toward him, though he was too inebriated to have much of a depth perception and couldn’t seem to connect.
TOURIST: It’s me.
The tourist took a small sip from his virgin daiquiri as he put his fingertips in line with Brad’s. A look of surprised washed over Brad’s face, and then disappointment.
BRAD STOKES: I just don’t get it, Zack buddy. I was a devout Fantanite. I followed your commandments.
Never one to lean heavily on religious undertones to push his message, the man who’d thrice died and been resurrected on an Easter Sunday scoffed.
ZACK FANTANA: Brad.
Bradley continued to explain between sips of beer.
BRAD STOKES: I did everything you taught me and it wasn’t enough.
ZACK FANTANA: Brad.
BRAD STOKES: It wasn’t enough!
Unintelligible garble as Brad’s upper lip gets hung up on the collar of the bottle of Michelob Ultra.
ZACK FANTANA: Brad!
Sullenly, Brad stopped mumbling and looked up from his beer, into Zack’s eyes.
ZACK FANTANA: I’m here now. It’s okay.
Though Zack beckoned Brad toward his open bosom, it quickly became clear that Brad would be reluctant to appease him. Had he become a nonbeliever in the time Zack had been away?
ZACK FANTANA: Brad, I’m going to make this right.
Hardly in the position to take the high ground, Brad still managed a condescending tone in his response.
BRAD STOKES: Well, you couldn’t do it before, Zack.
ZACK FANTANA: I know, Brad. They really called my bluff and I'm sorry.
Brad scoffed.
BRAD STOKES: So how are you gonna do it now?
ZACK FANTANA: Brad.
Zack nodded toward another figure inside the famously dim lit pub.
ZACK FANTANA: I have an apostle now.
Brad squinted at the door and, as the footsteps grew louder, gasped. Just as the camera is about to swing to see who it is the screen cuts to the Battleground Network, then to the VPW Logo, and then to black.
Though the local pub was packed with folks catching the end of the Valor Pro anniversary show, no one dared sit within snotting distance of the man at the bar whom was openly weeping into the neck of a bottle of Michelob Ultra. The other patrons within the pub did not speak his language, but it was all too clear that this man was going through something real. Bradley Stokes was an ugly crier in any language.
BRAD STOKES: Everything!
Stokes pounded on the bartop, shaking glasses across the length of the bar.
BRAD STOKES: To the letter!
Brad pounded on the bar again, drawing looks of derision from across the room as he continued to talk to no one in particular.
BRAD STOKES: And how has He rewarded me for my service?
Brad shook his head and glugged down the last of his Michelob Ultra and quickly called for another. As the bartender warily approached with a fresh bottle, Brad grabbed him by the collar and pulled him closer to whisper in his ear.
BRAD STOKES: Why is it… do you think… that bad things happen to good people?
The bartender pulled back.
BARTENDER: Tu ta com cheiro de mijo, senhor.
Brad smiled stupidly.
BRAD STOKES: Well, when you put it that way... I guess you have a point.
Shortly after Brad had burped out the end of that thought, he became distracted by the fresh bottle of Michelob Ultra and released the bartender from his clutches.
BRAD STOKES: Lord, I want to believe again. I just need to know that you’re here with me. I just need a sign.
Almost immediately, a bright light shone in Brad’s periphery. He mumbled something incoherent and fell to his knees.
BRAD STOKES: Is this it? Is this the sign?
The door swung closed, blocking off the street lights again, and once more, Brad was all alone with his only fleeting faith beside him. As Brad crawled on his hands and knees back to his spot, the patron who’d just stepped into the bar lifted him onto his feet and assisted him back to his barstool.
BARTENDER: Noite dificil?
TOURIST: You can say that again, pal.
The American sat down in the stool beside Brad’s with a beleaguered sigh.
TOURIST: One virgin daiquiri please.
The tourist soon found Brad leering at him.
BRAD STOKES: Is it… is it really you?
The American nodded as Brad waved his hand toward him, though he was too inebriated to have much of a depth perception and couldn’t seem to connect.
TOURIST: It’s me.
The tourist took a small sip from his virgin daiquiri as he put his fingertips in line with Brad’s. A look of surprised washed over Brad’s face, and then disappointment.
BRAD STOKES: I just don’t get it, Zack buddy. I was a devout Fantanite. I followed your commandments.
Never one to lean heavily on religious undertones to push his message, the man who’d thrice died and been resurrected on an Easter Sunday scoffed.
ZACK FANTANA: Brad.
Bradley continued to explain between sips of beer.
BRAD STOKES: I did everything you taught me and it wasn’t enough.
ZACK FANTANA: Brad.
BRAD STOKES: It wasn’t enough!
Unintelligible garble as Brad’s upper lip gets hung up on the collar of the bottle of Michelob Ultra.
ZACK FANTANA: Brad!
Sullenly, Brad stopped mumbling and looked up from his beer, into Zack’s eyes.
ZACK FANTANA: I’m here now. It’s okay.
Though Zack beckoned Brad toward his open bosom, it quickly became clear that Brad would be reluctant to appease him. Had he become a nonbeliever in the time Zack had been away?
ZACK FANTANA: Brad, I’m going to make this right.
Hardly in the position to take the high ground, Brad still managed a condescending tone in his response.
BRAD STOKES: Well, you couldn’t do it before, Zack.
ZACK FANTANA: I know, Brad. They really called my bluff and I'm sorry.
Brad scoffed.
BRAD STOKES: So how are you gonna do it now?
ZACK FANTANA: Brad.
Zack nodded toward another figure inside the famously dim lit pub.
ZACK FANTANA: I have an apostle now.
Brad squinted at the door and, as the footsteps grew louder, gasped. Just as the camera is about to swing to see who it is the screen cuts to the Battleground Network, then to the VPW Logo, and then to black.