Post by silentpartner on Sept 23, 2018 12:29:09 GMT -5
The scene opens to a camera view of the hall, an inaudible howl coming from somewhere in the complex. The camera begins rolling forward, and the grunts, scuffles, and noises of a conflict fill the audio as the camera goes farther and farther down the corridor. Words ring out into the emptiness, "You Owe Me"...."You Owe Me"......."YOU OWE ME!!" Spoken like a mantra, getting louder and louder as the camera approaches the end of the hall. Finally, turning the corner, the cause of the commotion.
Siberia Zombie is splayed out on the floor, arm tucked between Brodie's legs, head being torqued back at a gruesome angle by a locked in crossface. Zombie cries out in pain while Brodie continues to pull back in an awkward direction, the neck bending in ways that it shouldn't. All the while, the wild colored hair falls down around her pale face, her eyes dark and devoid of mercy, almost manic in their determination to break the other woman in half. Her mantra never falters, never stops, even when security comes rushing around the corner to grab hold of her and try and break her death grip. It takes three grown men to finally pull her off, Zombies face striking the concrete with a thud, her shoulders going limp as the rest of her writhes in discomfort. Brodie is dragged down the hall as the medical trainer rushes into the scene to check on the fallen Siberian Buzzsaw, and the words continue to echo through the hallway, this time at a scream.
Siberia Zombie is splayed out on the floor, arm tucked between Brodie's legs, head being torqued back at a gruesome angle by a locked in crossface. Zombie cries out in pain while Brodie continues to pull back in an awkward direction, the neck bending in ways that it shouldn't. All the while, the wild colored hair falls down around her pale face, her eyes dark and devoid of mercy, almost manic in their determination to break the other woman in half. Her mantra never falters, never stops, even when security comes rushing around the corner to grab hold of her and try and break her death grip. It takes three grown men to finally pull her off, Zombies face striking the concrete with a thud, her shoulders going limp as the rest of her writhes in discomfort. Brodie is dragged down the hall as the medical trainer rushes into the scene to check on the fallen Siberian Buzzsaw, and the words continue to echo through the hallway, this time at a scream.
YOU OWE ME!
YOU OWE ME!
YOU OWE ME!
The scene suddenly switches to a sweeping shot of the capacity crowd that has filled Olympiahalle, finally coming to settle on the announce table of the Othello Brothers. Laurence looks stunned, as Kenneth shakes his head in dismay before opening the show.
Kenneth Othello: Welcome everyone to an action filled episode of Blitz, where we come to you live for the first time on Fite TV. No more recaps for us, and apparently that comes with its own consequences!
Laurence Othello: My god, what a way to open the show! Brodie has snapped, and she has taken her words from Twitter on the road here tonight, laying waste to Siberia Zombie before we could even get into the intro!
KO: Man, and those two ladies have a date later on in the show, but I'm not sure that Zombie will make it.
LO: Neither am I. Who knows how long that hold was applied before the camera picked it up!
KO: Indeed, but we can't focus on this all night, because we've got an action packed show with three superstars making their debuts!
LO: And what superstars they are, Ken! Cosmo Cooper and Vannah White appeared in Rome at 7 Pillars, and the excitement generated from their arrival was obviously by design, as Vanessa Byrne went on record as saying that these were her 'Champions of Choice'!
KO: Yeah, and that didn't sit well with two members of our roster, Brennan Devlin and Elina Cartel.
LO: Well I don't blame them! I mean, Elina Cartel had a fantastic match with Ace Devereux to become the first ever Apex Champion! She unified the Monarch and Gladiator Championships for God's sake! Yet Vanessa Byrne tried to play that off as second fiddle to what she had brewing up.
KO: On top of all that, Brennan Devlin was served up a screw job finish in the Gauntlet Match for the UnYielding Championship thanks to some genius tactics initiated by Zachariah Krahe. He went almost postal at the end of their encounter, but had reason to do so again when Cooper basically called him a bargain basement version of himself!
LO: Speaking of the UnYielding Championship, it will be put on the line against none other than Cross Recoba, the man who paid for Zachariah Krahe to eliminate Zack Fantana from the gauntlet! But the thing that is on everybody's mind is the note revealed at the start of 7 Pillars laying out the details of that plot. What does he mean about a second part of the deal?
KO: He could have been talking about the championship match they are having later tonight, as I've heard rumors in the back that say that Krahe is the one who asked for Recoba to be his first title defense.
LO: That slimy bastard! Are you kidding me? Not only did he pay for another man to carry out his own personal vendetta against Zack Fantana, but now he's buying title matches?
KO: Sounds like genius to me, but lets not forget that Zack Fantana is not scheduled for action here tonight thanks to Zachariah Krahe. The man might have taken some shortcuts to achieve his goals, but he's obviously a man of his words, as he honored his commitments to Cross Recoba.
LO: It all makes me sick, Ken. I, and the rest of the Valor faithful, want to see real competition. Not people being bought and sold like politicians!
KO: Speak for yourself, Laur. But speaking of buying and selling, Davy Blossom and Elegance need to sell their Cupid costumes back to whoever sold it to them, cause it was ineffective at 7 Pillars.
LO: Later on tonight Roxi Johnson is going to finish what she started with those two at the PPV, and will hopefully get some semblance of justice!
KO: And what about our opening match? Willie Pete takes on Dakota Jennings, and I've got to say......I don't know about this guy.
LO: He does seem to be operating a few bricks shy of an oven.
KO: Dakota Jennings had an impressive showing at 7 Pillars, but how do you prepare for a nut job like Pete?
LO: I don't know. I just hope he doesn't bring anymore pocket sand to the table.
KO: Speaking of Dakota Jennings, let's take a look at this prerecorded footage from earlier in the day, shall we.
Unknown Hack: Dakota! Are you ready for Willie Pete?
Dakota Jennings: I’m more than ready for Willie Pete, he seems like quite the talented young man, but the fact remains that he is not getting in the way of a mentally prepared Dakota Jennings. If I can face down the larger Davy Blossom AND his little jezebel of a manager, with a brick in her bag, no less, and get the win, then Willie Pete has got to start asking questions of himself. I strongly suggest that you ask Willie the same question and see how he answers…
Cross Recoba: Guys, come on, you got all the soundbites you needed this week, right?
Unknown Hack #2: Dakota! Will you be at ringside for Cross’ big match tonight?
Dakota and Cross try to head to the entrance but each question visibly causes Dakota to lean into Recoba, nearly shuddering as she does so. Turning ever so slightly to respond, she smiles as Cross then saves her from the trouble.
Cross Recoba: She’s welcome to be but you heard her, she’s focusing on her match!
Cross manages to push past the first wave. Dakota spots a fan near the entrance door wearing her new Excelsior MMA t-shirt and pulls a pen from her clutch bag. She walks over, the confidence creeping back into her as she speaks to her.
Dakota Jennings: Hey, sweetie. That is a cool t-shirt! I can sign it if you want? Of course, if you don’t want to get marker pen on it, maybe you have an autograph book?
The little girl smiles, reaching into her backpack and is about to speak but is cut off as she opens her mouth.
Unknown Hack #3: Is there any truth in the rumors you’ve been approached by Playboy for…
The girl’s mother rushes her out of danger before Dakota can speak, but not before Cross steps in between the hack and Jennings. He opens the door and ushers Dakota through before turning to the pack.
Cross Recoba: Okay! For one, show some respect, it’s rude to address a woman by her first name. What’s next, do you want to know how much she weighs? Miss Jennings has answered everything she’s going to before her match, I’ll take one more question before I’m heading inside to join her. I suggest you make it a good one.
He turns to the last journalist and rips his press pass off and leans in.
Cross Recoba: If I catch you within fifty feet of either of us, I’ll have you wishing you could work your way back up to writing the obituaries for the local paper of whatever bumfuck hole you crawled out from.
Cross flashes a pearly white smile back to the throng and points to a raised hand.
Journalist: Cross, what can you tell us about your strategy ahead of what some might say is the biggest match of your career?
Cross laughs.
Cross Recoba: Look, I’m not going to give away trade secrets. It’s a twenty-four-hour news cycle now, go hunt down Vannah White. She’ll probably even tell you what game she’ll be streaming when she gets back from the arena tonight! … That’s your lot, folks.
The camera cuts away as Recoba enters the arena, Dakota waiting for him with a kiss.
Dakota Jennings: I don’t know why I let them get to me like that, Cross. Thank you, Willie Pete is gonna feel what that hack bastard should have felt. Why is it that I feel no darn pressure when I’m in that ring?
Cross Recoba: Babe, ninety percent of the match is won before the bell even rings. You’ve put the work in, you’ll get the win. The journalists? They’ll be easier to deal with when you get on a winning streak!
Dakota Jennings: I get that, I’m just not used to all this limelight, that’s all, it’s just jitters. I’ll get over it. I did it last week in Rome and I can do it again, here. When I’m in the ring, it’ll be fine.
Kenneth Othello: Welcome everyone to an action filled episode of Blitz, where we come to you live for the first time on Fite TV. No more recaps for us, and apparently that comes with its own consequences!
Laurence Othello: My god, what a way to open the show! Brodie has snapped, and she has taken her words from Twitter on the road here tonight, laying waste to Siberia Zombie before we could even get into the intro!
KO: Man, and those two ladies have a date later on in the show, but I'm not sure that Zombie will make it.
LO: Neither am I. Who knows how long that hold was applied before the camera picked it up!
KO: Indeed, but we can't focus on this all night, because we've got an action packed show with three superstars making their debuts!
LO: And what superstars they are, Ken! Cosmo Cooper and Vannah White appeared in Rome at 7 Pillars, and the excitement generated from their arrival was obviously by design, as Vanessa Byrne went on record as saying that these were her 'Champions of Choice'!
KO: Yeah, and that didn't sit well with two members of our roster, Brennan Devlin and Elina Cartel.
LO: Well I don't blame them! I mean, Elina Cartel had a fantastic match with Ace Devereux to become the first ever Apex Champion! She unified the Monarch and Gladiator Championships for God's sake! Yet Vanessa Byrne tried to play that off as second fiddle to what she had brewing up.
KO: On top of all that, Brennan Devlin was served up a screw job finish in the Gauntlet Match for the UnYielding Championship thanks to some genius tactics initiated by Zachariah Krahe. He went almost postal at the end of their encounter, but had reason to do so again when Cooper basically called him a bargain basement version of himself!
LO: Speaking of the UnYielding Championship, it will be put on the line against none other than Cross Recoba, the man who paid for Zachariah Krahe to eliminate Zack Fantana from the gauntlet! But the thing that is on everybody's mind is the note revealed at the start of 7 Pillars laying out the details of that plot. What does he mean about a second part of the deal?
KO: He could have been talking about the championship match they are having later tonight, as I've heard rumors in the back that say that Krahe is the one who asked for Recoba to be his first title defense.
LO: That slimy bastard! Are you kidding me? Not only did he pay for another man to carry out his own personal vendetta against Zack Fantana, but now he's buying title matches?
KO: Sounds like genius to me, but lets not forget that Zack Fantana is not scheduled for action here tonight thanks to Zachariah Krahe. The man might have taken some shortcuts to achieve his goals, but he's obviously a man of his words, as he honored his commitments to Cross Recoba.
LO: It all makes me sick, Ken. I, and the rest of the Valor faithful, want to see real competition. Not people being bought and sold like politicians!
KO: Speak for yourself, Laur. But speaking of buying and selling, Davy Blossom and Elegance need to sell their Cupid costumes back to whoever sold it to them, cause it was ineffective at 7 Pillars.
LO: Later on tonight Roxi Johnson is going to finish what she started with those two at the PPV, and will hopefully get some semblance of justice!
KO: And what about our opening match? Willie Pete takes on Dakota Jennings, and I've got to say......I don't know about this guy.
LO: He does seem to be operating a few bricks shy of an oven.
KO: Dakota Jennings had an impressive showing at 7 Pillars, but how do you prepare for a nut job like Pete?
LO: I don't know. I just hope he doesn't bring anymore pocket sand to the table.
KO: Speaking of Dakota Jennings, let's take a look at this prerecorded footage from earlier in the day, shall we.
We see a clip outside the Olympiahalle from earlier in the day. We hear a car door shut as a scoop of muckrackers rises in decibels.Out walks Cross Recoba, wearing a Gieves & Hawkes grey wool houndstooth suit, he smiles for the cameras as he takes the hand of Dakota. She steps into shot and the intensity of the flashes increases as she smiles demurely in her halter-style Roland Mouret gown.
Unknown Hack: Dakota! Are you ready for Willie Pete?
Dakota Jennings: I’m more than ready for Willie Pete, he seems like quite the talented young man, but the fact remains that he is not getting in the way of a mentally prepared Dakota Jennings. If I can face down the larger Davy Blossom AND his little jezebel of a manager, with a brick in her bag, no less, and get the win, then Willie Pete has got to start asking questions of himself. I strongly suggest that you ask Willie the same question and see how he answers…
Cross Recoba: Guys, come on, you got all the soundbites you needed this week, right?
Unknown Hack #2: Dakota! Will you be at ringside for Cross’ big match tonight?
Dakota and Cross try to head to the entrance but each question visibly causes Dakota to lean into Recoba, nearly shuddering as she does so. Turning ever so slightly to respond, she smiles as Cross then saves her from the trouble.
Cross Recoba: She’s welcome to be but you heard her, she’s focusing on her match!
Cross manages to push past the first wave. Dakota spots a fan near the entrance door wearing her new Excelsior MMA t-shirt and pulls a pen from her clutch bag. She walks over, the confidence creeping back into her as she speaks to her.
Dakota Jennings: Hey, sweetie. That is a cool t-shirt! I can sign it if you want? Of course, if you don’t want to get marker pen on it, maybe you have an autograph book?
The little girl smiles, reaching into her backpack and is about to speak but is cut off as she opens her mouth.
Unknown Hack #3: Is there any truth in the rumors you’ve been approached by Playboy for…
The girl’s mother rushes her out of danger before Dakota can speak, but not before Cross steps in between the hack and Jennings. He opens the door and ushers Dakota through before turning to the pack.
Cross Recoba: Okay! For one, show some respect, it’s rude to address a woman by her first name. What’s next, do you want to know how much she weighs? Miss Jennings has answered everything she’s going to before her match, I’ll take one more question before I’m heading inside to join her. I suggest you make it a good one.
He turns to the last journalist and rips his press pass off and leans in.
Cross Recoba: If I catch you within fifty feet of either of us, I’ll have you wishing you could work your way back up to writing the obituaries for the local paper of whatever bumfuck hole you crawled out from.
Cross flashes a pearly white smile back to the throng and points to a raised hand.
Journalist: Cross, what can you tell us about your strategy ahead of what some might say is the biggest match of your career?
Cross laughs.
Cross Recoba: Look, I’m not going to give away trade secrets. It’s a twenty-four-hour news cycle now, go hunt down Vannah White. She’ll probably even tell you what game she’ll be streaming when she gets back from the arena tonight! … That’s your lot, folks.
The camera cuts away as Recoba enters the arena, Dakota waiting for him with a kiss.
Dakota Jennings: I don’t know why I let them get to me like that, Cross. Thank you, Willie Pete is gonna feel what that hack bastard should have felt. Why is it that I feel no darn pressure when I’m in that ring?
Cross Recoba: Babe, ninety percent of the match is won before the bell even rings. You’ve put the work in, you’ll get the win. The journalists? They’ll be easier to deal with when you get on a winning streak!
Dakota Jennings: I get that, I’m just not used to all this limelight, that’s all, it’s just jitters. I’ll get over it. I did it last week in Rome and I can do it again, here. When I’m in the ring, it’ll be fine.
Eminem’s “Survival” breaks onto the speaker and Dakota Jennings strides down the ramp looking every bit the determined combatant.
Ring Announcer: The following contest is scheduled for ONE fall.
LO: Dakota Jennings making her way to the ring.
KO: You’d never know to look at her that she’s not just some piece of arm candy hanging off Cross Recoba.
LO: I really don’t think she appreciates that inaccurate assessment, Ken.
KO: Then she needs to change mine and anyone else’s mind who might have assessed her as a trophy girlfriend, Laur.
LO: Fair enough, I suppose.
Ring Announcer: Making her way to the ring by way of Scottsdale, Arizona… she is...Dakota… JENNINGS!
With Dakota Jennings safely in the ring warming up with some shadow punches, “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift hits and out comes Willie Pete with bandages wrapped around his head with some visible blisters and obvious bubbling of skin on his forehead.
RING ANNOUNCER: And her opponent….
KO: Uh…
Ring Announcer: Coming to the ring courtesy of Shaniko, Oregon… Willie… PETE!
Willie Pete smiles warmly to the assembled fans at the guard rails, lifting an arm as though to acknowledge his introduction but stops it half way, instead, to itch vaguely at one of the bandages wrapping gauze around one burned ear.
LO: Get a load of Vincent Van Gogh, haha!
KO: What in the hell happened to him?
LO: Got burned with Espresso.
KO: Just now?!
LO: In a recent promotional.
KO: Should he be cleared to wrestle?
LO: Apparently he is.
Willie Pete seems no worse for wear, in spite of his third degree burns. He stalks up the ring steps and locks eyes on Dakota Jennings who is, similarly, unsure of what to make of the man’s injuries.
LO: Diego Santiago is checking the combatants. And the ring bell and we’re cleared to wrestle.
Santiago steps aside and the bell signals either competitor to get moving, but Dakota looks hesitant to attack Willie Pete.
KO: In all other circumstances I might disagree, but I’m not in disagreement with Dakota Jennings here. The man’s got pus-filled scabs all over his face.
LO: But he’s here to wrestle. Some aloe vera and he’s good to go.
Willie Pete locks up with a reluctant Dakota Jennings and the two jockey for position before Dakota deftly and narrowly slips out of an attempted headlock from Willie Pete and kicks him in the back, more like a shove off to generate some distance.
LO: Willie Pete, whether intentionally or not, seems to be making Dakota Jennings think twice about wanting anything to do with him.
Once more they circle one another, Dakota gradually looking more comfortable as Willie Pete makes facial expressions seemingly in an attempt to psyche her out.
KO: Unorthodox man, Willie Pete.
LO: He’s definitely not your typical wrestler.
Willie Pete suddenly rushes Dakota where she stands only to find ‘kota swiftly dodging the man’s attempt at sa tie-up, grabs both arms and ends up behind him swiftly dropping Willie Pete to his knees in a reverse butterfly choke!
LO: God damn that was smooth!
KO: Nicely done. Dakota Jennings might be worth something more than Cross Recoba’s bank balance, after all.
LO: Worth a hell of a lot more you ask me.
Willie Pete is in pain as Dakota applies the pressure on his neck, resting on her backside and planting the soles of her boots firmly into Pete’s back she keeps the hold locked in sharply as Diego Santiago checks on Willie Pete.
LO: This could be one and done, fans. Willie Pete is caught in quite the predicament.
Dakota has the hold on tight, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that Willie Pete isn’t going to submit. Moments of pressure longer before Dakota releases Willie Pete and is back on her feet.
KO: Some fire in Dakota Jennings. That’s what I like to see.
LO: I don’t think she’s earned even half of the skepticism she gets, Ken.
KO: Still remains to be seen.
Willie Pete is up on all fours but Dakota slams a kick into his side to drop him back down and she takes a mounted position on his back and traps Willie Pete with a reverse butterfly camel clutch!
LO: Another impressive submission!
KO: Not gonna last, look.
Indeed, Willie Pete is utilizing his weight advantage to bring himself back to his knees and upwards, forcing Dakota to let go. She’s swiftly ducking a swinging backhand from Willie Pete and slams a kick into his midsection and looks to catch Willie Pete with a swift facebuster but Willie Pete reverses it into a snap suplex pinning combo!
LO: Reversal there by Willie Pete!
1…
KO: Kickout before 2.
LO: Nicely done. Dakota’s going to have to earn this one.
KO: Nice to see some life there by Willie Pete.
LO: I’m sure that hurts like hell, with the burns and all.
KO: He’s a fighter. A healer. He’s a great many things to a great many people.
LO: It’s his second match.
KO: He’s a go-getter.
Dakota is on her feet but it’s Willie Pete’s turn to evade a dangerous looking set of strikes and drops ‘kota with a wicked lariat. All business, Willie Pete drops an elbow into the middle of Dakota’s spine and claps on a cross face submission as if to attempt to outdo Dakota Jennings.
LO: Dakota and Willie Pete looking to outwrestle one another here tonight.
Dakota is driving to her knees and wrenching elbows into Willie Pete, forcing him to let go and she whips Willie Pete with a grounded judo toss she transfers easily into an armbar but can’t keep hold of Willie Pete who rolls free and under the ropes!
KO: I’m liking the back and forth. These two came to win tonight. Willie Pete’s gotta not be liking those burns though, right about now.
LO: I’d think not.
Dakota catches her breath in the ring while Willie Pete does the same on the outside but Dakota doesn’t ease off the gas long as she rushes Willie and slams a suicide senton into him hat sends the crowd popping!
LO: Nice high risk that pays off in spades for Dakota Jennings! Both she and Willie Pete are down on the outside.
KO: Pleasantly surprised with both these two so far. Looks like Cross Recoba taught his girlfriend pretty well.
LO: You’re not going to drop that when talking about Dakota Jennings, are you, Ken?
KO: Not until I’m satisfied with her performance.
LO: When will that be?
KO: Haven’t decided.
LO: Gods sakes, this woman has already proven to the fans she’s legit.
KO: Not me.
Dakota is on her feet as Diego Santiago administers the ring out count. She grabs Willie Pete by the hair and rolls him in to the ring, following hot on his heels onto the apron and leap over the ropes looking for vaulting moonsault but Willie gets his knees up and Dakota immediately regrets the attempt.
LO: Willie Pete with a devastating response to Dakota’s offense there.
KO: He got her right in the exposed midsection. Gonna be out of breath for a little while.
Willie Pete is winded, too, but not as much as Dakota. He grabs her and swings her up to her feet only to plant her back down to the canvas with a double underhook piledriver!
LO: And the cover by Willie Pete! This could be it!
1..
2…
LO: Thre--NO!
KO: Close call.
LO: Very close. Dakota barely got her shoulders up there.
Willie fixes his bandages, clearly uncomfortable from his burns, he drags Dakota back to her feet only for ‘kota to deck him with a gut shot then downs him with a leg sweep. And she’s not done. Dakota, with a burst of energy is back to her feet and bounding for the ropes. On the rebound she plants a flawless leg drop down onto Willie Pete’s neck and it’s her turn to hook a leg for a cover!
1…
2..
LO: Thr--Another kickout! Dakota Jennings is looking every bit like a laser-guided missile looking to win this thing here tonight.
KO: I’ll give credit where it’s due, she’s no slouch. She has come down here looking for a victory and every move she’s made so far has set her squarely on the path to cementing the W against Willie Pete.
Dakota drags Willie Pete to his feet and slams a series of stiff shots off his face, like she were now instead of avoiding his burns, capitalizing on them which seems to light a fire under Willie Pete who snaps a knife edge chop into Dakota’s upper body that staggers the smaller combatant.
LO: Stiff shots all around!
Willie follows up with a strong-arm of a lariat but Dakota counters it expertly with a float over DDT and a cover!
1…
2..
Thr--
LO: Willie Pete just barely got the shoulder up!
KO: Dakota thinks she had that one.
LO: I don’t blame her. Everyone thought she had that.
Dakota takes exception to Diego Santiago’s count, and tells him to his face with enough time to allow Willie Pete to hook the back of her ring gear and roll her up for a swift schoolboy to a stunned crowd!
LO: Willie Pete with a quick roll-up!
1..
2..
THR--!
KO: Just barely missed the three there!
LO: Willie Pete is proving to be a resourceful competitor.
Dakota is up and glaring at Willie Pete who is slowly rising to his feet as well. IN a flurry of action Willie rushes Dakota and swings a lifting knee for Dakota’s jaw but she dodges it, swings around behind him and slams Willie Pete down with an impressively handled back body drop into bridging pin!
1..
2…
Thr--NO!!
LO: Willie Pete got his shoulders up by less than an inch there!
Dakota isn’t done, using Willie Pete’s own effort to struggle his way to his feet, she keeps a handle on him and aims another back body drop only Willie Pete manages to roll through, surprising Dakota! Before she can lift up, Willie Pete makes the cover! Diego Santiago slides in to make the count and doesnt see Willie Pete using the ropes for leverage!
LO: Willie Pete’s using the ropes!
1…
2..
3!!!
“Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift hits and Willie Pete bounces to his feet triumphantly while Dakota is immediately arguing with the official.
KO: Didn’t see the dirty pin.
LO: Willie Pete stole that!
KO: Doesn’t matter. Win’s a win!
Ring Announcer: Here is your winner… Willie… PETE!
Willie Pete slides out of the ring while Dakotas turns her glare on him watching him back his way up the ramp making pretend kissy faces at her. Dakota looks furious.
KO: Willie Pete ekes out a win tonight against Dakota Jennings.
LO: That’s cheap.
KO: Not sure he meant to do it like that. But it’s a fantastic teachable moment for Dakota Jennings.
LO: How? That was a cheap pin, and the second Diego Santiago sees the tape he’s gonna regret the decision to cal that match.
KO: It was his call to make. And Dakota Jennings has a long walk to think about how she’s going to respond to that loss.
LO: And we’re going backstage to catch up with Willie Pete after that victory. Maybe catch some thoughts from him.
Ring Announcer: The following contest is scheduled for ONE fall.
LO: Dakota Jennings making her way to the ring.
KO: You’d never know to look at her that she’s not just some piece of arm candy hanging off Cross Recoba.
LO: I really don’t think she appreciates that inaccurate assessment, Ken.
KO: Then she needs to change mine and anyone else’s mind who might have assessed her as a trophy girlfriend, Laur.
LO: Fair enough, I suppose.
Ring Announcer: Making her way to the ring by way of Scottsdale, Arizona… she is...Dakota… JENNINGS!
With Dakota Jennings safely in the ring warming up with some shadow punches, “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift hits and out comes Willie Pete with bandages wrapped around his head with some visible blisters and obvious bubbling of skin on his forehead.
RING ANNOUNCER: And her opponent….
KO: Uh…
Ring Announcer: Coming to the ring courtesy of Shaniko, Oregon… Willie… PETE!
Willie Pete smiles warmly to the assembled fans at the guard rails, lifting an arm as though to acknowledge his introduction but stops it half way, instead, to itch vaguely at one of the bandages wrapping gauze around one burned ear.
LO: Get a load of Vincent Van Gogh, haha!
KO: What in the hell happened to him?
LO: Got burned with Espresso.
KO: Just now?!
LO: In a recent promotional.
KO: Should he be cleared to wrestle?
LO: Apparently he is.
Willie Pete seems no worse for wear, in spite of his third degree burns. He stalks up the ring steps and locks eyes on Dakota Jennings who is, similarly, unsure of what to make of the man’s injuries.
LO: Diego Santiago is checking the combatants. And the ring bell and we’re cleared to wrestle.
Santiago steps aside and the bell signals either competitor to get moving, but Dakota looks hesitant to attack Willie Pete.
KO: In all other circumstances I might disagree, but I’m not in disagreement with Dakota Jennings here. The man’s got pus-filled scabs all over his face.
LO: But he’s here to wrestle. Some aloe vera and he’s good to go.
Willie Pete locks up with a reluctant Dakota Jennings and the two jockey for position before Dakota deftly and narrowly slips out of an attempted headlock from Willie Pete and kicks him in the back, more like a shove off to generate some distance.
LO: Willie Pete, whether intentionally or not, seems to be making Dakota Jennings think twice about wanting anything to do with him.
Once more they circle one another, Dakota gradually looking more comfortable as Willie Pete makes facial expressions seemingly in an attempt to psyche her out.
KO: Unorthodox man, Willie Pete.
LO: He’s definitely not your typical wrestler.
Willie Pete suddenly rushes Dakota where she stands only to find ‘kota swiftly dodging the man’s attempt at sa tie-up, grabs both arms and ends up behind him swiftly dropping Willie Pete to his knees in a reverse butterfly choke!
LO: God damn that was smooth!
KO: Nicely done. Dakota Jennings might be worth something more than Cross Recoba’s bank balance, after all.
LO: Worth a hell of a lot more you ask me.
Willie Pete is in pain as Dakota applies the pressure on his neck, resting on her backside and planting the soles of her boots firmly into Pete’s back she keeps the hold locked in sharply as Diego Santiago checks on Willie Pete.
LO: This could be one and done, fans. Willie Pete is caught in quite the predicament.
Dakota has the hold on tight, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that Willie Pete isn’t going to submit. Moments of pressure longer before Dakota releases Willie Pete and is back on her feet.
KO: Some fire in Dakota Jennings. That’s what I like to see.
LO: I don’t think she’s earned even half of the skepticism she gets, Ken.
KO: Still remains to be seen.
Willie Pete is up on all fours but Dakota slams a kick into his side to drop him back down and she takes a mounted position on his back and traps Willie Pete with a reverse butterfly camel clutch!
LO: Another impressive submission!
KO: Not gonna last, look.
Indeed, Willie Pete is utilizing his weight advantage to bring himself back to his knees and upwards, forcing Dakota to let go. She’s swiftly ducking a swinging backhand from Willie Pete and slams a kick into his midsection and looks to catch Willie Pete with a swift facebuster but Willie Pete reverses it into a snap suplex pinning combo!
LO: Reversal there by Willie Pete!
1…
KO: Kickout before 2.
LO: Nicely done. Dakota’s going to have to earn this one.
KO: Nice to see some life there by Willie Pete.
LO: I’m sure that hurts like hell, with the burns and all.
KO: He’s a fighter. A healer. He’s a great many things to a great many people.
LO: It’s his second match.
KO: He’s a go-getter.
Dakota is on her feet but it’s Willie Pete’s turn to evade a dangerous looking set of strikes and drops ‘kota with a wicked lariat. All business, Willie Pete drops an elbow into the middle of Dakota’s spine and claps on a cross face submission as if to attempt to outdo Dakota Jennings.
LO: Dakota and Willie Pete looking to outwrestle one another here tonight.
Dakota is driving to her knees and wrenching elbows into Willie Pete, forcing him to let go and she whips Willie Pete with a grounded judo toss she transfers easily into an armbar but can’t keep hold of Willie Pete who rolls free and under the ropes!
KO: I’m liking the back and forth. These two came to win tonight. Willie Pete’s gotta not be liking those burns though, right about now.
LO: I’d think not.
Dakota catches her breath in the ring while Willie Pete does the same on the outside but Dakota doesn’t ease off the gas long as she rushes Willie and slams a suicide senton into him hat sends the crowd popping!
LO: Nice high risk that pays off in spades for Dakota Jennings! Both she and Willie Pete are down on the outside.
KO: Pleasantly surprised with both these two so far. Looks like Cross Recoba taught his girlfriend pretty well.
LO: You’re not going to drop that when talking about Dakota Jennings, are you, Ken?
KO: Not until I’m satisfied with her performance.
LO: When will that be?
KO: Haven’t decided.
LO: Gods sakes, this woman has already proven to the fans she’s legit.
KO: Not me.
Dakota is on her feet as Diego Santiago administers the ring out count. She grabs Willie Pete by the hair and rolls him in to the ring, following hot on his heels onto the apron and leap over the ropes looking for vaulting moonsault but Willie gets his knees up and Dakota immediately regrets the attempt.
LO: Willie Pete with a devastating response to Dakota’s offense there.
KO: He got her right in the exposed midsection. Gonna be out of breath for a little while.
Willie Pete is winded, too, but not as much as Dakota. He grabs her and swings her up to her feet only to plant her back down to the canvas with a double underhook piledriver!
LO: And the cover by Willie Pete! This could be it!
1..
2…
LO: Thre--NO!
KO: Close call.
LO: Very close. Dakota barely got her shoulders up there.
Willie fixes his bandages, clearly uncomfortable from his burns, he drags Dakota back to her feet only for ‘kota to deck him with a gut shot then downs him with a leg sweep. And she’s not done. Dakota, with a burst of energy is back to her feet and bounding for the ropes. On the rebound she plants a flawless leg drop down onto Willie Pete’s neck and it’s her turn to hook a leg for a cover!
1…
2..
LO: Thr--Another kickout! Dakota Jennings is looking every bit like a laser-guided missile looking to win this thing here tonight.
KO: I’ll give credit where it’s due, she’s no slouch. She has come down here looking for a victory and every move she’s made so far has set her squarely on the path to cementing the W against Willie Pete.
Dakota drags Willie Pete to his feet and slams a series of stiff shots off his face, like she were now instead of avoiding his burns, capitalizing on them which seems to light a fire under Willie Pete who snaps a knife edge chop into Dakota’s upper body that staggers the smaller combatant.
LO: Stiff shots all around!
Willie follows up with a strong-arm of a lariat but Dakota counters it expertly with a float over DDT and a cover!
1…
2..
Thr--
LO: Willie Pete just barely got the shoulder up!
KO: Dakota thinks she had that one.
LO: I don’t blame her. Everyone thought she had that.
Dakota takes exception to Diego Santiago’s count, and tells him to his face with enough time to allow Willie Pete to hook the back of her ring gear and roll her up for a swift schoolboy to a stunned crowd!
LO: Willie Pete with a quick roll-up!
1..
2..
THR--!
KO: Just barely missed the three there!
LO: Willie Pete is proving to be a resourceful competitor.
Dakota is up and glaring at Willie Pete who is slowly rising to his feet as well. IN a flurry of action Willie rushes Dakota and swings a lifting knee for Dakota’s jaw but she dodges it, swings around behind him and slams Willie Pete down with an impressively handled back body drop into bridging pin!
1..
2…
Thr--NO!!
LO: Willie Pete got his shoulders up by less than an inch there!
Dakota isn’t done, using Willie Pete’s own effort to struggle his way to his feet, she keeps a handle on him and aims another back body drop only Willie Pete manages to roll through, surprising Dakota! Before she can lift up, Willie Pete makes the cover! Diego Santiago slides in to make the count and doesnt see Willie Pete using the ropes for leverage!
LO: Willie Pete’s using the ropes!
1…
2..
3!!!
“Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift hits and Willie Pete bounces to his feet triumphantly while Dakota is immediately arguing with the official.
KO: Didn’t see the dirty pin.
LO: Willie Pete stole that!
KO: Doesn’t matter. Win’s a win!
Ring Announcer: Here is your winner… Willie… PETE!
Willie Pete slides out of the ring while Dakotas turns her glare on him watching him back his way up the ramp making pretend kissy faces at her. Dakota looks furious.
KO: Willie Pete ekes out a win tonight against Dakota Jennings.
LO: That’s cheap.
KO: Not sure he meant to do it like that. But it’s a fantastic teachable moment for Dakota Jennings.
LO: How? That was a cheap pin, and the second Diego Santiago sees the tape he’s gonna regret the decision to cal that match.
KO: It was his call to make. And Dakota Jennings has a long walk to think about how she’s going to respond to that loss.
LO: And we’re going backstage to catch up with Willie Pete after that victory. Maybe catch some thoughts from him.
Things are heated backstage as Willie Pete walks the back hallway. He’s sweaty and nearly beet red. He’s just been through a hell of a match with Dakota Jennings. He stops by craft services and grabs a bottle of water, rolls the cap off, and downs one bottle without even stopping. He grabs another and downs it half way.
WP: Ah, now I have to pee.
His eyes dart around, looking for a bathroom, but suddenly they go wide and wild as they lock on none other than Krähe, the UnYielding Champion.
WP: Wow, he really does look UnYielding!
Then, under his breath, he mutters:
WP: Of a person or their behavior-unlikely to be swayed; resolute.
Willie Pete tosses the bottle of water over his shoulder and doesn’t notice that it knocks over a stack of soda bottles behind him. There’s a huge crash of soda cans and a rush of craft services reps rush to the aid of the falling (Pepsi) product placement. Willie walks towards Krähe.
With a big toothy grin on his face, Willie Pete approaches the champion.
WP: HEY! Krähe! Wow! Starstruck! How’s it going, man?
Krähe had already curiously looked over his shoulder at the sound of chaos suddenly erupting behind him. His eyes settling on Willie Pete just before he heard the greeting. Cold grey eyes took in every detail before crinkling slightly in wary amusement.
His head cocked to the side slightly the way a bird might while observing something new and shiny. One scarred hand moved to adjust the belt he had thrown over his bad shoulder.
The comment of anyone being starstruck over him didn't overly impress or flatter him, though neither did it annoy him in anyway. In the end he chose to only acknowledge the comment with a nod, and ignore it completely otherwise.
Krähe: It goes, and sometimes it's gone. Willie Pete right, or do you prefer just Pete?
WP: Wow. Deep.
Willie shifts gears, knowing that he’s in the presence of someone who may or may not listen to a lot of ‘The Cure’ on a regular basis. His eyes narrow and his posture turns much more apathetic.
WP: Willie’s fine. It’s a joke, my name, you know. I’m Willie Pete because I burn like white phosphorus. Nothing will put me out-I have to be removed, like with a knife. Very violent.
Now that Willie’s properly taken the air out of the room, a random staffer walks by nonchalantly, much to the shagrin of WP. Willie grabs him by the scruff of his neck.
WP: Don’t you recognize who this is? You don’t just walk-by this guy. You show respect. He’s the UnYielding Champion!
Willie shoves the guy away and turns back to Krähe who already looks like his interest is about to escape the grips of the earth’s atmosphere. Willie claps his hands.
WP: SO! That’s a nice Championship belt. What’s that, a one size fits all? I’m a slim size 34. Just curious, you know, how that’d fit. I don’t have a login for that curious cat thing, so I have to ask face to face.
Krähe's eyebrows rose slightly at the man's antics, and for the life of him he couldn't explain why he found Willie far more amusing than annoying. That didn't mean he trusted the man, if anything it made him a bit more wary, but it did mean that he had no distinct urge to crush the man's trachea either.
His questions had a slow smile tugging one corner of his mouth up into a lazy grin.
Krähe: Can't say I fully understand the point of the curious cat thing either. I'm much fonder of the straightforward approach myself.
With a quick tug he pulled the belt off his shoulder and handed it out to Willie.
Krähe: Here try it on, but don't run with it. Typically I wouldn't give two fucks, but tonight I have big plans for this belt.
Willie’s taken aback a bit by Krähe’s willingness to hand over the title. He takes the title into his hands.
WP: Oh wow! Really? That’s so nice of you! Oh! It’s heavy isn’t it?
Willie pulls out a measuring tape and offers one side of the strap to Krähe. He holds it for Willie, with a raised eyebrow, as Willie measures it. He then puts the measuring tape away and hands the title back to Krähe. Willie pulls out a pen and his notebook and makes some notations.
WP: I sketched both the UnYielding and Apex titles, just needed to get measurements. I don’t think the Apex title will fit me, since, like, Cartel is thin as a reed. Anyway, good luck against Dakota’s cool casino running boyfriend. I’m hoping he gets to explain his loss to Krähe to all of his dapper friends!
Krähe took the belt back with an easy nod and a chuckle, before lazily slinging it back of his shoulder. There was something about Pete that he couldn't help but like. This was a man that would put on a show one way or another.
Krähe: Oh, he’ll have a few things to chew on by the end of it, and so will everyone else.
Ignoring the no smoking sign behind him, Krähe pulled out one of his rolled cigarettes and tucked it between his lips. It took him only a moment to light up and exhale to the side.
Krähe: You know have a feeling you and I'll be running into each other again...sooner rather than later. In the meantime I'd keep an extra eye open now that you've caught Brodie's attention. Non like most people in this business her bite is actually worse than her bark, but then that's a large part of her appeal.
He grinned up at him through the smoke, as he shifted to the right to make his way down the hallway.
Krähe: Later…
Willie fans away the smoke as Krähe walks off, wondering how he can have such great cardio, considering he smokes filterless cigarettes.
WP: Ah, now I have to pee.
His eyes dart around, looking for a bathroom, but suddenly they go wide and wild as they lock on none other than Krähe, the UnYielding Champion.
WP: Wow, he really does look UnYielding!
Then, under his breath, he mutters:
WP: Of a person or their behavior-unlikely to be swayed; resolute.
Willie Pete tosses the bottle of water over his shoulder and doesn’t notice that it knocks over a stack of soda bottles behind him. There’s a huge crash of soda cans and a rush of craft services reps rush to the aid of the falling (Pepsi) product placement. Willie walks towards Krähe.
With a big toothy grin on his face, Willie Pete approaches the champion.
WP: HEY! Krähe! Wow! Starstruck! How’s it going, man?
Krähe had already curiously looked over his shoulder at the sound of chaos suddenly erupting behind him. His eyes settling on Willie Pete just before he heard the greeting. Cold grey eyes took in every detail before crinkling slightly in wary amusement.
His head cocked to the side slightly the way a bird might while observing something new and shiny. One scarred hand moved to adjust the belt he had thrown over his bad shoulder.
The comment of anyone being starstruck over him didn't overly impress or flatter him, though neither did it annoy him in anyway. In the end he chose to only acknowledge the comment with a nod, and ignore it completely otherwise.
Krähe: It goes, and sometimes it's gone. Willie Pete right, or do you prefer just Pete?
WP: Wow. Deep.
Willie shifts gears, knowing that he’s in the presence of someone who may or may not listen to a lot of ‘The Cure’ on a regular basis. His eyes narrow and his posture turns much more apathetic.
WP: Willie’s fine. It’s a joke, my name, you know. I’m Willie Pete because I burn like white phosphorus. Nothing will put me out-I have to be removed, like with a knife. Very violent.
Now that Willie’s properly taken the air out of the room, a random staffer walks by nonchalantly, much to the shagrin of WP. Willie grabs him by the scruff of his neck.
WP: Don’t you recognize who this is? You don’t just walk-by this guy. You show respect. He’s the UnYielding Champion!
Willie shoves the guy away and turns back to Krähe who already looks like his interest is about to escape the grips of the earth’s atmosphere. Willie claps his hands.
WP: SO! That’s a nice Championship belt. What’s that, a one size fits all? I’m a slim size 34. Just curious, you know, how that’d fit. I don’t have a login for that curious cat thing, so I have to ask face to face.
Krähe's eyebrows rose slightly at the man's antics, and for the life of him he couldn't explain why he found Willie far more amusing than annoying. That didn't mean he trusted the man, if anything it made him a bit more wary, but it did mean that he had no distinct urge to crush the man's trachea either.
His questions had a slow smile tugging one corner of his mouth up into a lazy grin.
Krähe: Can't say I fully understand the point of the curious cat thing either. I'm much fonder of the straightforward approach myself.
With a quick tug he pulled the belt off his shoulder and handed it out to Willie.
Krähe: Here try it on, but don't run with it. Typically I wouldn't give two fucks, but tonight I have big plans for this belt.
Willie’s taken aback a bit by Krähe’s willingness to hand over the title. He takes the title into his hands.
WP: Oh wow! Really? That’s so nice of you! Oh! It’s heavy isn’t it?
Willie pulls out a measuring tape and offers one side of the strap to Krähe. He holds it for Willie, with a raised eyebrow, as Willie measures it. He then puts the measuring tape away and hands the title back to Krähe. Willie pulls out a pen and his notebook and makes some notations.
WP: I sketched both the UnYielding and Apex titles, just needed to get measurements. I don’t think the Apex title will fit me, since, like, Cartel is thin as a reed. Anyway, good luck against Dakota’s cool casino running boyfriend. I’m hoping he gets to explain his loss to Krähe to all of his dapper friends!
Krähe took the belt back with an easy nod and a chuckle, before lazily slinging it back of his shoulder. There was something about Pete that he couldn't help but like. This was a man that would put on a show one way or another.
Krähe: Oh, he’ll have a few things to chew on by the end of it, and so will everyone else.
Ignoring the no smoking sign behind him, Krähe pulled out one of his rolled cigarettes and tucked it between his lips. It took him only a moment to light up and exhale to the side.
Krähe: You know have a feeling you and I'll be running into each other again...sooner rather than later. In the meantime I'd keep an extra eye open now that you've caught Brodie's attention. Non like most people in this business her bite is actually worse than her bark, but then that's a large part of her appeal.
He grinned up at him through the smoke, as he shifted to the right to make his way down the hallway.
Krähe: Later…
Willie fans away the smoke as Krähe walks off, wondering how he can have such great cardio, considering he smokes filterless cigarettes.
LO: Willie Pete is taking measurements of the championships?
KO: Seems so. Maybe he plans on getting one of his own soon.
LO: Well, after that hard fought match with Dakota Jennings in our opening bought, he just might.
KO: This next match is going to be interesting. This is the first time these two have officially faced one another, and it's already been dubbed a grudge match.
LO: The problems caused by Davy Blossom and his valet Elegance caused to Roxi Johnson have been well documented, although Roxi did manage to turn the tables at 7 Pillars when the two tried to shoot her with a freakin' arrow.
KO: It was Cupid's arrow, Laur. Davy just wants to spread the love.
LO: Oh give me a break, and give me the particulars of this match generic ring announcer....
Ring Announcer: The following contest is a grudge match set for one fall or submission....
"The Heart Asks Pleasure First" by Michael Nyman sends its haunting melody through the arena, and the fans are automatically on their feet in boo's. Flashing lights on stage strobe on and off, making the entire area look like diamonds glittering in the ether, just before Elegance appears in a silver evening gown and white gloves. She affectionately positions her hands like a game show hostess about to reveal the big prize, and Davy Blossom steps through the curtain wearing a gentelman's jacket and tall top hat. He casts a regal profile as he turns his nose up in the air to the jeering crowd, offering his arm to Elegance who takes it, before gracefully making his way down the ramp.
Ring Announcer: Making his way to the ring first, accompanied by his valet, Elegance, he stands at six foot two and weights in at 230 pounds, hailing from Sausilito, California.....He is 'The Dewdrop of Wrestling', 'Everyone's Favorite Flower', 'The Honey Drizzled Over A Warm Muffin On A Brisk Connecticut Morning"......
The ring announcer pauses, a confused look on her face, causing Davy to pause on the ramp and insist that she continue...
Ring Announcer: 'The Diamond In The Rough', 'Cupid's Favorite Son'....DAVY BLOSSSOMMMM!
Davy's egotistical smile draws even more boos as he reaches ringside and helps elegance up the steps before joining her on the apron. He lifts the middle rope while holding the bottom down with his boot to allow her to slip into the ring, and then she does the same by sitting on the middle, and lifting the top. Davy brings both hands up to his lips, and blows kisses to the crowd who respond with absolute hatred.
LO: Did....Did he refer to himself as breakfast food from Connecticut?
KO: I think so, Laur. He's not only wholesome, but delicious.
LO: What the...
Laurence doesn't get the chance to finish that thought as "The Touch" by Stan Bush hits over the PA System. The fans are on their feet once again, but this time they are in cheers as pink and purple lights flash across the stage, and Roxi Johnson sprints past the curtain, running in place at the top of the stage while pointing out at the crowd who blow the roof off the building. She has on a new T-Shirt that has Johnson in a superman flight pose, with 'Super Hero Roxi' written to take the form of skyscrapers in the background.
Ring Announcer: And his opponent, making her way to the ring from Tampa, Florida....standing at five foot six and weighting in at 132 pounds.....She is 'SUPER HERO' ROXI JOHNSONNNNN!!!
Roxi takes off into a sprint to the ring, belly sliding under the bottom rope, and popping up to stalk right towards Davy and Elegance who both retreat into the corner. The referee, Diego Santiago, steps in front of her, and she spits out some fiery words before turning back to her own corner, takes the second rope, and sends the capacity crowd into a frenzy.
LO: Roxi Johnson has come here for a fight, Ken, and I don't know that anything can hold her back.
KO: Maybe so, Laur, but I wouldn't ever count out Davy Blossom. He is fighting for the honor of the beautiful lady in his corner.
LO: I'm not convinced that Blossom knows the first thing about honor, but I guess we're about to find out cause there's the bell.
Elegance and Davy continue to have conference over in the corner, while on the other side of the ring Roxi Johnson stalks back and forth, growing more and more impatient. Santiago steps over to the duo and indicates that Elegance must vacate the ring, but Davy holds up a finger to stall him, and continues his conversation. The Ref's frustration can be seen, but Roxi Johnson looks about ready to implode by the time Elegance finally slips through the ropes and drops down to ringside. Davy turns back to regard Roxi with a snarky smirk, using his hand to dismiss her by shooing her away. The ref signals for the two to go at it, and to Davy's surprise, Roxi closes the distance very quickly and throws a front drop kick that sends him sprawling back into the corner he was just conferring in.
KO: That isn't fair! Davy wasn't ready...
LO: Wasn't ready! The match has been officially started for a full minute now, and Roxi Johnson is hot at the late start. She's got Davy hemmed up, and is firing wicked chops into the mans bare chest!
Now that Davy's chest is legit lit up, Roxi takes him by the wrist and sends him to the opposite corner, but he reverses at the last second, sending her instead. He tries to follow her in, but she uses her momentum to run right up the ropes, and deliver a corkscrew splancha that see's her wipe Blossom out. After impacting with the mat, he quickly rolls until he's under the rope and on the outside, while Roxi Johnson kips up signaling to the adoring crowd that she is through playing.
LO: Roxi Johnson just shook Davy Blossom, and he's already outside getting coddled by Elegance. What a coward.
KO: He's no coward! He's a gentleman, and isn't used to be treating like the hired help. Roxi Johnson should control herself, and give Davy the respect he deserves.
LO: This guy has made Roxi's life a living hell since his arrival, forcing her to constantly require eyes in the back of her head. She's here on a mission to put a stop to this.
KO: Whatever...wait...what is she doing...No! NO!
LO: ROXI JOHNSON JUST TOOK A RUNNING GO AND DOVE RIGHT THROUGH THE ROPES IN A SUICIDE DIVE THAT JUST TOOK OUT BOTH DAVY AND ELEGANCE!
The crowd is in a frenzy as Roxi gets back to her feet, pulling Blossom up with her. She fires in a right hand, and then another that sends him stumbling back into the guard rail, and she gets a full head of steam as she barrels right for him with a clothesline. Unfortunately for her, at the last second Davy ducks his head, and sends her right into the front row with a back body drop. He still seems dazed as he wobbly makes his way back over to Elegance to help the woman to her feet, and to check on her.
KO: I can't believe Roxi Johnson would do this. Elegance is an innocent valet, and a lady should never be treated in such a way.
LO: The only lady I see in this match is Roxi Johnson, and the crowd is helping her to her feet after that crash landing. She hops the guardrail, and is on her way back over to this gruesome twosome!
Roxi comes up behind Davy Blossom and reaches out to grab him by the shoulder, but when she does he quickly spins and steps out of the way to reveal Elegance with a perfume bottle that she sprays right up into the woman's face. Roxi falls back in surprise, flailing around blindly to keep her attackers at bay. Santiago jumps down out of the ring, and he furiously points at the bottle, then to Davy and Elegance, and starts to call for the bell. Johnson cuts him off, still rubbing at her eyes, but she shakes her head 'No' and he reluctantly complies, but not before pointing at Elegance, and giving the universal signal that she is 'OUTTA HERE'.
KO: What?! That isn't fair!
LO: Oh Yes it is! Finally, some justice! The Ref just ejected Elegance from this match!
KO: Davy's trying to plead their case, but Santiago isn't having any of it. He's threatening to disqualify them if she doesn't go. Elegance now is talking with Davy, and he's nodding his head to whatever she's saying.....there she goes! This just isn't right!
LO: It's the first right thing I've seen so far in this match. Elegance is out of here!
Elegance makes her way towards the ramp, screaming at raucous fans as she goes, and Davy watches in disbelief, and a look of rage comes across his face as he gets back in the ring. Roxi has made it to the other side of the ring, still having trouble with her eyes, as Santiago signals for them to have at it once again. It's Blossom's turn to close the distance, driving in a knee lift into Roxi's midsection. Roxi leans forward holding her gut, and Davy drives the back of his elbow down across the back of her head, and then starts clubbing her across the shoulders until she finally drops to her knee's. He takes a few steps back, and then rushes forward, throwing his boot out to strike Roxi right in the side of the head which sends her all the way to the mat.
KO: Davy Blossom is trying to eviscerate Roxi Johnson here, and now has straddled her and is just firing right hands down into her skull.
LO: Davy does appear to be especially vicious now that Elegance has been sent to the back. Apparently her absence has sent him over the edge.
Blossom finally gets to his feet to stand over a dazed Roxi Johnson, and the fans boo as he yanks her up to her feet by the hair of her head. He sends her off the ropes, and as she returns, he ducks his head for another back body drop. This time, however, Roxi uses her momentum to roll right across his back to end up behind him, and when he spins around to catch her he runs right into a boot to the midsection, and then a snap swinging neck breaker. Both competitors are laid out in the center of the ring, as the referee starts a 10 count.
LO: Roxi Johnson with a beautiful neck breaker there, but she is still rubbing at her eyes, and just took a clubbing beating at the hands of Blossom.
KO: That's right, she can't capitalize on the move, and that is going to be a problem if she can't pull herself together.
LO: Well, it's not like she hasn't been trying. It's kind of hard when you were essentially double teamed, and then had a foreign object used on you. I just hope she can get back on track!
Roxi does eventually sit up, and the burning in her eyes is obvious as they have become puffy and red. She gets to her feet at about the same time Davy does, and she goes to grab him by the head, but he flashes out a fist into her midsection that pauses her attempt. She tries again, but Davy fires in another shot. Then another. This time he moves up to her face, driving her back into the ropes before sending her to the opposite side. Roxi bounces back, and Davy rushes her with a clothesline, but she manages to dodge the move, continuing her momentum back into the ropes. Davy comes to a stop, and spins around to charge back in Roxi's direction when he's caught by a surprise cross body that sends him crashing to the mat with her full body weight crushing him. She hooks the leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: Davy out at two, but Roxi is rolling now, back on her feet and hitting the ropes for spring to come back with a high double leg drop!
KO: Damn! She rolls right back up to her feet, hops over davy, and SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE SECOND FOR A TAKE FLIGHT!
LO: The lionsault finds it's mark, and she is hooking the leg for another cover! 1...2....THR-NO!
KO: Davy just barely managed to get out before the three, but Roxi isn't phased by the kick out. She's got him back up to his feet, and just planted him in the center of the ring with a body slam!
LO: Roxi showing her own strength there, considering Davy has her by a hundred pounds.
The fans are on their feet when Roxi slips to the ring apron, and starts to climb the far turnbuckle. Once perched, she watches in frustration as Davy starts rolling to the opposite side of the ring as if he knew that this would be the end if she landed whatever she was going to go for. Suddenly Elegance appears, running down the ramp to ringside, coming over to Davy's side of the ring to check on him. Santiago hops out of the ring to intercept the woman, and the two have an argument as she gives every excuse in the world as to how Davy needs her. He isn't having any of it, forcing her back towards the ramp. Meanwhile, in the ring, Roxi has hopped down from the top, and steps over to Davy who has partially gotten to his feet. She nails him with another loud chop, and then another that causes him to try and escape through the ropes. She shakes her head, denying him the chance by grabbing him by the waist of his tights, and yanking him back into the ring. Just as she does, he spins around, and nails her with a glass perfume bottle he had received from Elegance before the referee caught up with her.
LO: THAT SON OF A BITCH!
KO: Damn! Roxi is out in the ring, and Davy just tossed the bottle out to ringside. I'm surprised that thing didn't bust with how hard he nailed her.
LO: These fans feel exactly like I do right now. I'll be surprised if there's not a riot after this one!
Davy salutes Elegance who now wears a sweet smile, agreeing with the referee, and pointing him back towards the ring as she exits. Blossom drops down and covers Roxi arrogantly, waiting on the ref to come in and give him his victory. Santiago looks a little confused, jogging back to the ring, and slipping back inside. The fans are all booing, pointing to the other end of the ring, and Santiago pauses....not going for the pin, but walking over to the direction their pointing. He immediately see's the perfume bottle, and turns back to Davy Blossom, who is vehemently protesting and demanding that he count the three. In the meantime, Roxi Johnson has begun to stir, getting up to her feet on the opposite side of the ring and looking furious.
KO: This whole thing is rigged! What does Santiago think he's doing!
LO: He's trying to maintain some order in this chaos created by Elegance and Davy! And...I can't believe this....The bitch is back at ringside, but Santiago doesn't see her cause he's tied up with Blossom. Elegance just hopped up on the ring apron, and got Roxi by the hair!
KO: OH! JOHNSON JUST NAILED HER WITH A FIST TO THE JAW! YOU CAN'T TREAT A LADY LIKE THAT!
LO: Yeah, and she didn't even let her hit the ground! She's keeping her up on the ring apron, and is wearing her out!
Davy notices the commotion, and his eyes go wide at the sight of his beloved getting trampled by the Super Hero. He pushes past Santiago, and rushes Johnson from behind, but she hears him coming, suddenly moving so that Davy slams right into Elegance, sending her sprawling painfully to the concrete. Davy stumbles back in shock, and that is when Roxi Johnson runs right past him, springboards off the second, and nails him square in the face with a devastating disaster kick.
LO: RAY OF HOPE! Roxi Johnson with the cover!
1...
2...
3!!!
KO: This is a travesty!
LO: No, this is JUSTICE! Roxi Johnson has overcome all of the odds here, and has prevented Davy Blossom and Elegance from pulling off this farse of a contest! I mean, the referee could have thrown this one out a dozen times, but Johnson wouldn't let him, knowing that she could come out victorious with wit and unbelievable character!
Ring Announcer: and the winner of this contest by pinfall, SUPER HERO ROXI JOHNSONNNN!!!
The victory is bitter sweet for Roxi as she falls back into the ropes, skull throbbing and eyes burning, but she allows the ref to raise her hand in victory as the fans go absolutely nuts. Blossom rolls to the outside clutching his face, and crawls over to Elegance who is still out on the floor. He looks completely distraught that his lady luck has been compromised in such a way, and he waves desperately for the medics to come and assist him. Meanwhile, Roxi takes to the second rope in the corner, throwing her hands over her head and shaking her head in relief as the fans show their support for their favorite super hero.
LO: Big win here for Roxi Johnson, but something tells me that Davy Blossom isn't going to let this thing go.
KO: Well would you if your lover were mistreated so unjustly?
LO: Ken, I don't even know what to say to you. This whole thing was absolutely uncalled for, and Davy Blossom and Elegance got their just deserts.
Roxi Johnson vacates the ring, and makes her way to the back as Medics work to place Elegance on a stretcher. Wicked glances are exchanged between Blossom and Johnson as she passes, and he can be seen vowing revenge as the stretcher is lifted, and carried out along the side area beside the ramp and the guardrails. Johnson reaches the top of the stage, and gives a final wave to the crowd before slipping behind the curtain.
KO: Well, Laur, I guess you and I are just going to have to disagree on this situation, but I think we'll both be on the same page when it comes to this next part of the show...
LO: No doubt, Ken. Brad Stokes is back in the news folks, having joined VPW's correspondent team, and he's up next. Who do you think he'll be interviewing?
KO: Does it matter? It'll probably end in a fist fight...
LO: Yeah, he does tend to bring that out in people...
KO: Seems so. Maybe he plans on getting one of his own soon.
LO: Well, after that hard fought match with Dakota Jennings in our opening bought, he just might.
KO: This next match is going to be interesting. This is the first time these two have officially faced one another, and it's already been dubbed a grudge match.
LO: The problems caused by Davy Blossom and his valet Elegance caused to Roxi Johnson have been well documented, although Roxi did manage to turn the tables at 7 Pillars when the two tried to shoot her with a freakin' arrow.
KO: It was Cupid's arrow, Laur. Davy just wants to spread the love.
LO: Oh give me a break, and give me the particulars of this match generic ring announcer....
Ring Announcer: The following contest is a grudge match set for one fall or submission....
"The Heart Asks Pleasure First" by Michael Nyman sends its haunting melody through the arena, and the fans are automatically on their feet in boo's. Flashing lights on stage strobe on and off, making the entire area look like diamonds glittering in the ether, just before Elegance appears in a silver evening gown and white gloves. She affectionately positions her hands like a game show hostess about to reveal the big prize, and Davy Blossom steps through the curtain wearing a gentelman's jacket and tall top hat. He casts a regal profile as he turns his nose up in the air to the jeering crowd, offering his arm to Elegance who takes it, before gracefully making his way down the ramp.
Ring Announcer: Making his way to the ring first, accompanied by his valet, Elegance, he stands at six foot two and weights in at 230 pounds, hailing from Sausilito, California.....He is 'The Dewdrop of Wrestling', 'Everyone's Favorite Flower', 'The Honey Drizzled Over A Warm Muffin On A Brisk Connecticut Morning"......
The ring announcer pauses, a confused look on her face, causing Davy to pause on the ramp and insist that she continue...
Ring Announcer: 'The Diamond In The Rough', 'Cupid's Favorite Son'....DAVY BLOSSSOMMMM!
Davy's egotistical smile draws even more boos as he reaches ringside and helps elegance up the steps before joining her on the apron. He lifts the middle rope while holding the bottom down with his boot to allow her to slip into the ring, and then she does the same by sitting on the middle, and lifting the top. Davy brings both hands up to his lips, and blows kisses to the crowd who respond with absolute hatred.
LO: Did....Did he refer to himself as breakfast food from Connecticut?
KO: I think so, Laur. He's not only wholesome, but delicious.
LO: What the...
Laurence doesn't get the chance to finish that thought as "The Touch" by Stan Bush hits over the PA System. The fans are on their feet once again, but this time they are in cheers as pink and purple lights flash across the stage, and Roxi Johnson sprints past the curtain, running in place at the top of the stage while pointing out at the crowd who blow the roof off the building. She has on a new T-Shirt that has Johnson in a superman flight pose, with 'Super Hero Roxi' written to take the form of skyscrapers in the background.
Ring Announcer: And his opponent, making her way to the ring from Tampa, Florida....standing at five foot six and weighting in at 132 pounds.....She is 'SUPER HERO' ROXI JOHNSONNNNN!!!
Roxi takes off into a sprint to the ring, belly sliding under the bottom rope, and popping up to stalk right towards Davy and Elegance who both retreat into the corner. The referee, Diego Santiago, steps in front of her, and she spits out some fiery words before turning back to her own corner, takes the second rope, and sends the capacity crowd into a frenzy.
LO: Roxi Johnson has come here for a fight, Ken, and I don't know that anything can hold her back.
KO: Maybe so, Laur, but I wouldn't ever count out Davy Blossom. He is fighting for the honor of the beautiful lady in his corner.
LO: I'm not convinced that Blossom knows the first thing about honor, but I guess we're about to find out cause there's the bell.
Elegance and Davy continue to have conference over in the corner, while on the other side of the ring Roxi Johnson stalks back and forth, growing more and more impatient. Santiago steps over to the duo and indicates that Elegance must vacate the ring, but Davy holds up a finger to stall him, and continues his conversation. The Ref's frustration can be seen, but Roxi Johnson looks about ready to implode by the time Elegance finally slips through the ropes and drops down to ringside. Davy turns back to regard Roxi with a snarky smirk, using his hand to dismiss her by shooing her away. The ref signals for the two to go at it, and to Davy's surprise, Roxi closes the distance very quickly and throws a front drop kick that sends him sprawling back into the corner he was just conferring in.
KO: That isn't fair! Davy wasn't ready...
LO: Wasn't ready! The match has been officially started for a full minute now, and Roxi Johnson is hot at the late start. She's got Davy hemmed up, and is firing wicked chops into the mans bare chest!
Now that Davy's chest is legit lit up, Roxi takes him by the wrist and sends him to the opposite corner, but he reverses at the last second, sending her instead. He tries to follow her in, but she uses her momentum to run right up the ropes, and deliver a corkscrew splancha that see's her wipe Blossom out. After impacting with the mat, he quickly rolls until he's under the rope and on the outside, while Roxi Johnson kips up signaling to the adoring crowd that she is through playing.
LO: Roxi Johnson just shook Davy Blossom, and he's already outside getting coddled by Elegance. What a coward.
KO: He's no coward! He's a gentleman, and isn't used to be treating like the hired help. Roxi Johnson should control herself, and give Davy the respect he deserves.
LO: This guy has made Roxi's life a living hell since his arrival, forcing her to constantly require eyes in the back of her head. She's here on a mission to put a stop to this.
KO: Whatever...wait...what is she doing...No! NO!
LO: ROXI JOHNSON JUST TOOK A RUNNING GO AND DOVE RIGHT THROUGH THE ROPES IN A SUICIDE DIVE THAT JUST TOOK OUT BOTH DAVY AND ELEGANCE!
The crowd is in a frenzy as Roxi gets back to her feet, pulling Blossom up with her. She fires in a right hand, and then another that sends him stumbling back into the guard rail, and she gets a full head of steam as she barrels right for him with a clothesline. Unfortunately for her, at the last second Davy ducks his head, and sends her right into the front row with a back body drop. He still seems dazed as he wobbly makes his way back over to Elegance to help the woman to her feet, and to check on her.
KO: I can't believe Roxi Johnson would do this. Elegance is an innocent valet, and a lady should never be treated in such a way.
LO: The only lady I see in this match is Roxi Johnson, and the crowd is helping her to her feet after that crash landing. She hops the guardrail, and is on her way back over to this gruesome twosome!
Roxi comes up behind Davy Blossom and reaches out to grab him by the shoulder, but when she does he quickly spins and steps out of the way to reveal Elegance with a perfume bottle that she sprays right up into the woman's face. Roxi falls back in surprise, flailing around blindly to keep her attackers at bay. Santiago jumps down out of the ring, and he furiously points at the bottle, then to Davy and Elegance, and starts to call for the bell. Johnson cuts him off, still rubbing at her eyes, but she shakes her head 'No' and he reluctantly complies, but not before pointing at Elegance, and giving the universal signal that she is 'OUTTA HERE'.
KO: What?! That isn't fair!
LO: Oh Yes it is! Finally, some justice! The Ref just ejected Elegance from this match!
KO: Davy's trying to plead their case, but Santiago isn't having any of it. He's threatening to disqualify them if she doesn't go. Elegance now is talking with Davy, and he's nodding his head to whatever she's saying.....there she goes! This just isn't right!
LO: It's the first right thing I've seen so far in this match. Elegance is out of here!
Elegance makes her way towards the ramp, screaming at raucous fans as she goes, and Davy watches in disbelief, and a look of rage comes across his face as he gets back in the ring. Roxi has made it to the other side of the ring, still having trouble with her eyes, as Santiago signals for them to have at it once again. It's Blossom's turn to close the distance, driving in a knee lift into Roxi's midsection. Roxi leans forward holding her gut, and Davy drives the back of his elbow down across the back of her head, and then starts clubbing her across the shoulders until she finally drops to her knee's. He takes a few steps back, and then rushes forward, throwing his boot out to strike Roxi right in the side of the head which sends her all the way to the mat.
KO: Davy Blossom is trying to eviscerate Roxi Johnson here, and now has straddled her and is just firing right hands down into her skull.
LO: Davy does appear to be especially vicious now that Elegance has been sent to the back. Apparently her absence has sent him over the edge.
Blossom finally gets to his feet to stand over a dazed Roxi Johnson, and the fans boo as he yanks her up to her feet by the hair of her head. He sends her off the ropes, and as she returns, he ducks his head for another back body drop. This time, however, Roxi uses her momentum to roll right across his back to end up behind him, and when he spins around to catch her he runs right into a boot to the midsection, and then a snap swinging neck breaker. Both competitors are laid out in the center of the ring, as the referee starts a 10 count.
LO: Roxi Johnson with a beautiful neck breaker there, but she is still rubbing at her eyes, and just took a clubbing beating at the hands of Blossom.
KO: That's right, she can't capitalize on the move, and that is going to be a problem if she can't pull herself together.
LO: Well, it's not like she hasn't been trying. It's kind of hard when you were essentially double teamed, and then had a foreign object used on you. I just hope she can get back on track!
Roxi does eventually sit up, and the burning in her eyes is obvious as they have become puffy and red. She gets to her feet at about the same time Davy does, and she goes to grab him by the head, but he flashes out a fist into her midsection that pauses her attempt. She tries again, but Davy fires in another shot. Then another. This time he moves up to her face, driving her back into the ropes before sending her to the opposite side. Roxi bounces back, and Davy rushes her with a clothesline, but she manages to dodge the move, continuing her momentum back into the ropes. Davy comes to a stop, and spins around to charge back in Roxi's direction when he's caught by a surprise cross body that sends him crashing to the mat with her full body weight crushing him. She hooks the leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: Davy out at two, but Roxi is rolling now, back on her feet and hitting the ropes for spring to come back with a high double leg drop!
KO: Damn! She rolls right back up to her feet, hops over davy, and SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE SECOND FOR A TAKE FLIGHT!
LO: The lionsault finds it's mark, and she is hooking the leg for another cover! 1...2....THR-NO!
KO: Davy just barely managed to get out before the three, but Roxi isn't phased by the kick out. She's got him back up to his feet, and just planted him in the center of the ring with a body slam!
LO: Roxi showing her own strength there, considering Davy has her by a hundred pounds.
The fans are on their feet when Roxi slips to the ring apron, and starts to climb the far turnbuckle. Once perched, she watches in frustration as Davy starts rolling to the opposite side of the ring as if he knew that this would be the end if she landed whatever she was going to go for. Suddenly Elegance appears, running down the ramp to ringside, coming over to Davy's side of the ring to check on him. Santiago hops out of the ring to intercept the woman, and the two have an argument as she gives every excuse in the world as to how Davy needs her. He isn't having any of it, forcing her back towards the ramp. Meanwhile, in the ring, Roxi has hopped down from the top, and steps over to Davy who has partially gotten to his feet. She nails him with another loud chop, and then another that causes him to try and escape through the ropes. She shakes her head, denying him the chance by grabbing him by the waist of his tights, and yanking him back into the ring. Just as she does, he spins around, and nails her with a glass perfume bottle he had received from Elegance before the referee caught up with her.
LO: THAT SON OF A BITCH!
KO: Damn! Roxi is out in the ring, and Davy just tossed the bottle out to ringside. I'm surprised that thing didn't bust with how hard he nailed her.
LO: These fans feel exactly like I do right now. I'll be surprised if there's not a riot after this one!
Davy salutes Elegance who now wears a sweet smile, agreeing with the referee, and pointing him back towards the ring as she exits. Blossom drops down and covers Roxi arrogantly, waiting on the ref to come in and give him his victory. Santiago looks a little confused, jogging back to the ring, and slipping back inside. The fans are all booing, pointing to the other end of the ring, and Santiago pauses....not going for the pin, but walking over to the direction their pointing. He immediately see's the perfume bottle, and turns back to Davy Blossom, who is vehemently protesting and demanding that he count the three. In the meantime, Roxi Johnson has begun to stir, getting up to her feet on the opposite side of the ring and looking furious.
KO: This whole thing is rigged! What does Santiago think he's doing!
LO: He's trying to maintain some order in this chaos created by Elegance and Davy! And...I can't believe this....The bitch is back at ringside, but Santiago doesn't see her cause he's tied up with Blossom. Elegance just hopped up on the ring apron, and got Roxi by the hair!
KO: OH! JOHNSON JUST NAILED HER WITH A FIST TO THE JAW! YOU CAN'T TREAT A LADY LIKE THAT!
LO: Yeah, and she didn't even let her hit the ground! She's keeping her up on the ring apron, and is wearing her out!
Davy notices the commotion, and his eyes go wide at the sight of his beloved getting trampled by the Super Hero. He pushes past Santiago, and rushes Johnson from behind, but she hears him coming, suddenly moving so that Davy slams right into Elegance, sending her sprawling painfully to the concrete. Davy stumbles back in shock, and that is when Roxi Johnson runs right past him, springboards off the second, and nails him square in the face with a devastating disaster kick.
LO: RAY OF HOPE! Roxi Johnson with the cover!
1...
2...
3!!!
KO: This is a travesty!
LO: No, this is JUSTICE! Roxi Johnson has overcome all of the odds here, and has prevented Davy Blossom and Elegance from pulling off this farse of a contest! I mean, the referee could have thrown this one out a dozen times, but Johnson wouldn't let him, knowing that she could come out victorious with wit and unbelievable character!
Ring Announcer: and the winner of this contest by pinfall, SUPER HERO ROXI JOHNSONNNN!!!
The victory is bitter sweet for Roxi as she falls back into the ropes, skull throbbing and eyes burning, but she allows the ref to raise her hand in victory as the fans go absolutely nuts. Blossom rolls to the outside clutching his face, and crawls over to Elegance who is still out on the floor. He looks completely distraught that his lady luck has been compromised in such a way, and he waves desperately for the medics to come and assist him. Meanwhile, Roxi takes to the second rope in the corner, throwing her hands over her head and shaking her head in relief as the fans show their support for their favorite super hero.
LO: Big win here for Roxi Johnson, but something tells me that Davy Blossom isn't going to let this thing go.
KO: Well would you if your lover were mistreated so unjustly?
LO: Ken, I don't even know what to say to you. This whole thing was absolutely uncalled for, and Davy Blossom and Elegance got their just deserts.
Roxi Johnson vacates the ring, and makes her way to the back as Medics work to place Elegance on a stretcher. Wicked glances are exchanged between Blossom and Johnson as she passes, and he can be seen vowing revenge as the stretcher is lifted, and carried out along the side area beside the ramp and the guardrails. Johnson reaches the top of the stage, and gives a final wave to the crowd before slipping behind the curtain.
KO: Well, Laur, I guess you and I are just going to have to disagree on this situation, but I think we'll both be on the same page when it comes to this next part of the show...
LO: No doubt, Ken. Brad Stokes is back in the news folks, having joined VPW's correspondent team, and he's up next. Who do you think he'll be interviewing?
KO: Does it matter? It'll probably end in a fist fight...
LO: Yeah, he does tend to bring that out in people...
The scene opens up to several disorienting flashes reminiscent of our favorite celebrities. The rapid fire continues as the photographer scores several head shots, Vannah being a natural strikes various different posses along the way and knows exactly how to work the crowd.
''Oh yes baby, purrrfect hold that pose!''
Several more clicks later, Vannah throws a smile and respective head nod towards the photographer and steps off the set where she's immediately approached by her manager Brian.
Brian McPhee: Brilliant, Vannah! These shots are going to be AMAZING, I can't wait to submit these to Byrne and the rest of the Valor Pro Team.
Vannah however, didn't seem to share the same enthusiasm about the shoot if her eye roll was any indication.
Vannah White: Brian, this is our third photo shoot this week! I mean, at first... I thought they just needed a couple head shots for the Valor Pro Wrestling website roster page but now I am wondering if they are using me to sell a magazine or a Christmas catalog for their merchandising. Plus, I haven't seen a pretty penny for any of it.
In attempt to defuse the situation, Brian extends his arms out in an attempt to score a hug -- it backfires as Vannah White crosses her arms and raises her eyebrows.
Vannah White: What the heck did you tell or sell Vanessa Byrne when you met with her? You never did tell me how you managed to secure the deal, I...
Brian interjects and instead wraps his arm around her.
Brian McPhee: Listen, your the most attractive and marketable female Valor Pro Wrestling has to offer. Well, Kota is pretty hot too BUT your single and that makes everyone else think that they have a shot. So, let's just ride this out, play along and everything will fall into place as you wish.
Vannah sighs and unwraps herself from Brian displaying her satisfaction with him. For a second she glances back at the photography set and then back at Brian.
Vannah White: Fine. I'll play along, for now. However, if me and Cos enjoy a successful debut that puts my foot in the door then we are going to have a conversation with Ms. Byrne to reestablish her expectations.
Brian McPhee: As you wish, Vannah...
With a nod, Vannah White away from Brian McPhee in order to help select the shots that would be submitted to Ms. Byrne and Valor Pro Wrestling.
''Oh yes baby, purrrfect hold that pose!''
Several more clicks later, Vannah throws a smile and respective head nod towards the photographer and steps off the set where she's immediately approached by her manager Brian.
Brian McPhee: Brilliant, Vannah! These shots are going to be AMAZING, I can't wait to submit these to Byrne and the rest of the Valor Pro Team.
Vannah however, didn't seem to share the same enthusiasm about the shoot if her eye roll was any indication.
Vannah White: Brian, this is our third photo shoot this week! I mean, at first... I thought they just needed a couple head shots for the Valor Pro Wrestling website roster page but now I am wondering if they are using me to sell a magazine or a Christmas catalog for their merchandising. Plus, I haven't seen a pretty penny for any of it.
In attempt to defuse the situation, Brian extends his arms out in an attempt to score a hug -- it backfires as Vannah White crosses her arms and raises her eyebrows.
Vannah White: What the heck did you tell or sell Vanessa Byrne when you met with her? You never did tell me how you managed to secure the deal, I...
Brian interjects and instead wraps his arm around her.
Brian McPhee: Listen, your the most attractive and marketable female Valor Pro Wrestling has to offer. Well, Kota is pretty hot too BUT your single and that makes everyone else think that they have a shot. So, let's just ride this out, play along and everything will fall into place as you wish.
Vannah sighs and unwraps herself from Brian displaying her satisfaction with him. For a second she glances back at the photography set and then back at Brian.
Vannah White: Fine. I'll play along, for now. However, if me and Cos enjoy a successful debut that puts my foot in the door then we are going to have a conversation with Ms. Byrne to reestablish her expectations.
Brian McPhee: As you wish, Vannah...
With a nod, Vannah White away from Brian McPhee in order to help select the shots that would be submitted to Ms. Byrne and Valor Pro Wrestling.
“Bad Moon Rising” by CCR plays onto the speakers. No one is quite sure what to make of it. Out strolls a face familiar to many in the wrestling world, but perhaps not as familiar to the fledgling fans of Valor Pro ere in Munich, Brd Stokes. Former color commentary for the Alpha Wrestling Empire and Fight 2 Win, clad in a leather jacket and sunglasses, Brad’s done this before. He strolls down to the ring jawing at some fans before making his way up the ring steps and hops into the ring where a hastily arranged setup of chairs. He grabs a microphone and paces while the fans die down.
Brad Stokes: Hello all you Muscovites.
A raucous boo emanates from the crowd as Brad stands there with a shit-eating grin seemingly unaware of the city he’s in.
BS: Now--
There’s a louder, and more prolonged boo than he was anticipating and Brad loses his cool.
BS: Shuttup. I’m talking. I’m not Davy Blossom, you’re going to listen to whatever I have to say and you’re going to actually learn a thing or two, understand?
Grudgingly, with a remaining din of disapproval, the fans do just that.
BS: That’s better. My name, as if I need to tell you, has been etched onto this business long before most of you were wearing one of those ten-gallon, stupid Russian hats, but allow me to remind you just who I am… I was the voice of the Alpha Wrestling Empire… the voice of Fight 2 Win, and I was… THE VOICE OF SAIGON.
He ends that sentence with aplomb, expecting a far greater cheer than he’s currently getting. Brad shrugged it off.
BS: Now… I’ve come here at the request of Ms. Burns--
A member of the ring staff calls out the correct name to him. Brad strains to hear.
BS: Victor? Vishnevsky… Vivica… something. Whatever. I’m here because the fine folks at whatever this company’s called realized they needed to fill space in between the opening credits and closing credits, and recognized the wrestling wasn’t cutting it, so they turned to me, BRAD MOON RISING, Brad Stokes to liven this junkheap up with an interview or two with some of the so-called “talent” of this joint. No gimmicks. No marketing. Just Mono a Brad-o with some chump. So let’s get right down to it. My first guest is a man who needs to be introduced seriously cause no one knows who the hell he is--
Brad squints at the piece of biographical information he has typed out.
BS: ...he is the self-described ‘Fascist’ of Wrestling.
He stops himself and frowns.
BS: Okay. His words not mine ladies and gents, when he gets down here we’ll ask him what the hell his problem is… BRENNAN… DEVLIN!
Before long there was silence, but that silence was filled with the tune of ‘Salvation Code’ by Scandroid soon after. Soon, Brennan Devlin walked out onto the stage in a white jacket with no shirt underneath and pink pants. Across the back of the jacket, crudely painted on it read ‘FUCK COSMO’, either a threat or a promise of sexual activity, with Brennan it could have gone either way. Soon, Devlin arrived at ringside and found his way into the ring, through the ropes, and in the center, he went. He glared at Stokes, clearly unamused with what he had said earlier. His music slowly began to fade away, leaving Devlin standing across from the man with cheers and jeers coming from all over the arena towards the both of them. He then acquired himself a microphone, and soon he began to speak.
Brennan Devlin: What, Brad? What? Get on with it already, I’ve got work to do tonight and you? This little circus? It’s pretty much a waste of my time..
They’re standing there in spite of the seating arrangements. Brad looks offended. Glaring Devlin down, looking him over from head to toe as the the fans die down.
BS: You come down here… to my ring… dressed like that before your big match tonight against I don’t give a HOOT who it is, and let me just ask you right now…
He looks at the Cosmo shirt.
BS: What the hell does SPACE have to do with anything, brother?! Huh?
Brad is right in Devlin’s face like he’s been waiting a long time to confront the man he formerly ran commentary for.
Brennan Devlin: Dressed like this? Like a million bucks, you mean? Also, it’s about Cosmo… Cosmo Cooper. The ‘wrestler’ and I use that term loosely, that I’m facing tonight. Vannah White’s there too but, ehh, you get the point.
Brennan looked around, a bit confused.
Brennan Devlin: Have you like, looked at the card or anything? Or the roster… or like, any media surrounding this place?
Brad laughs right in Devlin’s face.
BS: Looked at it? I AM THE ROSTER, Devlin. You know that. Face it. With me here, whatever silly little antics you could pull off are in my shadow now! Remember back in Fight 2 Win when I made you look nine point five times better than you actually are? WELL FORGET ALL THAT.
He’s really in Devlin’s face here, for better or worse.
BS: Besides, I’d hardly think beating up on the Wheel of Fortune chick is gonna do anything for your sagging career. Why aren’t you in the big time, huh? Instead of slumming it down here against nobodies?
Brennan let out a yawn as Brad moved up in his face as if he didn’t really care much what he did.
Brennan Devlin: We doing this again? The whole Brennan’s in the small time bullshit?
He paused for a moment and looked around at the crowd, all of whom giving a mixed reaction at the moment.
Brennan Devlin: I’d rather slum it than sell my soul and become the same as everyone else in the ‘big league’, and you know what else, Brad? I am the big league, where I go? That’s the majors in this business and because I’m here in Valor? That means this is major league and it’s best you, Cosmo, or whoever the fuck else get used to it.
He spoke up, getting right back up in Brad’s face and poking against his chest repeatedly as if he were telling him off, which he was! Brad, for his part looked out into the crowd with a “get a load of this guy’ expression.
BS: Is that so? Alright, alright.
Brad seemed to cede some ground, stepping back and considering.
BS: So, it’s been a hot minute since I met the MAN… Brennan Devlin. Somethings have changed. Some things haven’t changed. You’re here now… in… what, Valor? You got goals, I hope? Something more than dressing like a punk, and looking like a punk, and acting like a punk?
Brad’s back in Brennan’s face again.
Brennan Devlin: Look who found his balls!
Brennan laughed as he waved Brad off as if it were all a joke.
Brennan Devlin: The goal in the present is simple. Send Cosmo Cooper crying back to where he came from. Long term, the goals always the same, championship gold. But you’re… well, not a smart man, but I assume you grasp the basic concept of wrestling enough to figure that out. Now, I know you think you’re playing the whole I’m a big man sorta game, but, you step up in my face again and I’ll show you why you shouldn’t. You’re literally the worst Brad I know and I have no problem making you the most concussed Brad I know, too.
Brad looks increasingly unimpressed.
BS: Is that so?
He looks down Brennan in a fierce staredown.
BS: I’m already the most discussed man you know, Devlin. No problem there. Even if you WON championship gold? I’d still be the most discussed man you know. You know why? Because between the two of us, I’m the true innovator of this business. See this shirt?
He opens his jacket to reveal a screenprint of Devlin’s face with the words BRENNAN SUCKS on it.
BS: I was wearing THIS before you even THOUGHT of wearing that shirt. So while you’ve been playing paddy cake with Cosby Cooper… I’ve been preparing for our little meet and greet to see what you’re really made of. And I gotta tell you… the answer is NOT MUCH.
Brennan sighed as he heard Brad’s words, shaking his head.
Brennan Devlin: That shirt’s pretty terrible, you’re pretty terrible too, and you know what, Brad?
BS: Do I know what? Asking me dumb questions now, Devli…
Out of nowhere, Devlin dropped him with the Face Off, which of course was a cutter. Brad dropped to the mat like a sack of potatoes as the crowd went wild.
Brennan Devlin: I was going to warn you that there was one of those in your future but… too late now, oh well. Toodles, Brad.
He mockingly waved down at him as “Salvation Code” began to play.
Brad Stokes: Hello all you Muscovites.
A raucous boo emanates from the crowd as Brad stands there with a shit-eating grin seemingly unaware of the city he’s in.
BS: Now--
There’s a louder, and more prolonged boo than he was anticipating and Brad loses his cool.
BS: Shuttup. I’m talking. I’m not Davy Blossom, you’re going to listen to whatever I have to say and you’re going to actually learn a thing or two, understand?
Grudgingly, with a remaining din of disapproval, the fans do just that.
BS: That’s better. My name, as if I need to tell you, has been etched onto this business long before most of you were wearing one of those ten-gallon, stupid Russian hats, but allow me to remind you just who I am… I was the voice of the Alpha Wrestling Empire… the voice of Fight 2 Win, and I was… THE VOICE OF SAIGON.
He ends that sentence with aplomb, expecting a far greater cheer than he’s currently getting. Brad shrugged it off.
BS: Now… I’ve come here at the request of Ms. Burns--
A member of the ring staff calls out the correct name to him. Brad strains to hear.
BS: Victor? Vishnevsky… Vivica… something. Whatever. I’m here because the fine folks at whatever this company’s called realized they needed to fill space in between the opening credits and closing credits, and recognized the wrestling wasn’t cutting it, so they turned to me, BRAD MOON RISING, Brad Stokes to liven this junkheap up with an interview or two with some of the so-called “talent” of this joint. No gimmicks. No marketing. Just Mono a Brad-o with some chump. So let’s get right down to it. My first guest is a man who needs to be introduced seriously cause no one knows who the hell he is--
Brad squints at the piece of biographical information he has typed out.
BS: ...he is the self-described ‘Fascist’ of Wrestling.
He stops himself and frowns.
BS: Okay. His words not mine ladies and gents, when he gets down here we’ll ask him what the hell his problem is… BRENNAN… DEVLIN!
Before long there was silence, but that silence was filled with the tune of ‘Salvation Code’ by Scandroid soon after. Soon, Brennan Devlin walked out onto the stage in a white jacket with no shirt underneath and pink pants. Across the back of the jacket, crudely painted on it read ‘FUCK COSMO’, either a threat or a promise of sexual activity, with Brennan it could have gone either way. Soon, Devlin arrived at ringside and found his way into the ring, through the ropes, and in the center, he went. He glared at Stokes, clearly unamused with what he had said earlier. His music slowly began to fade away, leaving Devlin standing across from the man with cheers and jeers coming from all over the arena towards the both of them. He then acquired himself a microphone, and soon he began to speak.
Brennan Devlin: What, Brad? What? Get on with it already, I’ve got work to do tonight and you? This little circus? It’s pretty much a waste of my time..
They’re standing there in spite of the seating arrangements. Brad looks offended. Glaring Devlin down, looking him over from head to toe as the the fans die down.
BS: You come down here… to my ring… dressed like that before your big match tonight against I don’t give a HOOT who it is, and let me just ask you right now…
He looks at the Cosmo shirt.
BS: What the hell does SPACE have to do with anything, brother?! Huh?
Brad is right in Devlin’s face like he’s been waiting a long time to confront the man he formerly ran commentary for.
Brennan Devlin: Dressed like this? Like a million bucks, you mean? Also, it’s about Cosmo… Cosmo Cooper. The ‘wrestler’ and I use that term loosely, that I’m facing tonight. Vannah White’s there too but, ehh, you get the point.
Brennan looked around, a bit confused.
Brennan Devlin: Have you like, looked at the card or anything? Or the roster… or like, any media surrounding this place?
Brad laughs right in Devlin’s face.
BS: Looked at it? I AM THE ROSTER, Devlin. You know that. Face it. With me here, whatever silly little antics you could pull off are in my shadow now! Remember back in Fight 2 Win when I made you look nine point five times better than you actually are? WELL FORGET ALL THAT.
He’s really in Devlin’s face here, for better or worse.
BS: Besides, I’d hardly think beating up on the Wheel of Fortune chick is gonna do anything for your sagging career. Why aren’t you in the big time, huh? Instead of slumming it down here against nobodies?
Brennan let out a yawn as Brad moved up in his face as if he didn’t really care much what he did.
Brennan Devlin: We doing this again? The whole Brennan’s in the small time bullshit?
He paused for a moment and looked around at the crowd, all of whom giving a mixed reaction at the moment.
Brennan Devlin: I’d rather slum it than sell my soul and become the same as everyone else in the ‘big league’, and you know what else, Brad? I am the big league, where I go? That’s the majors in this business and because I’m here in Valor? That means this is major league and it’s best you, Cosmo, or whoever the fuck else get used to it.
He spoke up, getting right back up in Brad’s face and poking against his chest repeatedly as if he were telling him off, which he was! Brad, for his part looked out into the crowd with a “get a load of this guy’ expression.
BS: Is that so? Alright, alright.
Brad seemed to cede some ground, stepping back and considering.
BS: So, it’s been a hot minute since I met the MAN… Brennan Devlin. Somethings have changed. Some things haven’t changed. You’re here now… in… what, Valor? You got goals, I hope? Something more than dressing like a punk, and looking like a punk, and acting like a punk?
Brad’s back in Brennan’s face again.
Brennan Devlin: Look who found his balls!
Brennan laughed as he waved Brad off as if it were all a joke.
Brennan Devlin: The goal in the present is simple. Send Cosmo Cooper crying back to where he came from. Long term, the goals always the same, championship gold. But you’re… well, not a smart man, but I assume you grasp the basic concept of wrestling enough to figure that out. Now, I know you think you’re playing the whole I’m a big man sorta game, but, you step up in my face again and I’ll show you why you shouldn’t. You’re literally the worst Brad I know and I have no problem making you the most concussed Brad I know, too.
Brad looks increasingly unimpressed.
BS: Is that so?
He looks down Brennan in a fierce staredown.
BS: I’m already the most discussed man you know, Devlin. No problem there. Even if you WON championship gold? I’d still be the most discussed man you know. You know why? Because between the two of us, I’m the true innovator of this business. See this shirt?
He opens his jacket to reveal a screenprint of Devlin’s face with the words BRENNAN SUCKS on it.
BS: I was wearing THIS before you even THOUGHT of wearing that shirt. So while you’ve been playing paddy cake with Cosby Cooper… I’ve been preparing for our little meet and greet to see what you’re really made of. And I gotta tell you… the answer is NOT MUCH.
Brennan sighed as he heard Brad’s words, shaking his head.
Brennan Devlin: That shirt’s pretty terrible, you’re pretty terrible too, and you know what, Brad?
BS: Do I know what? Asking me dumb questions now, Devli…
Out of nowhere, Devlin dropped him with the Face Off, which of course was a cutter. Brad dropped to the mat like a sack of potatoes as the crowd went wild.
Brennan Devlin: I was going to warn you that there was one of those in your future but… too late now, oh well. Toodles, Brad.
He mockingly waved down at him as “Salvation Code” began to play.
LO: Well, you can always tell when Brad Stokes makes a debut on Blitz, because it usually ends with a knuckle sandwich.
KO: No doubt about it, but Brennan Devlin had some good points going into his upcoming match later on tonight. I don't know that I would want to be our two newcomers right about now.
LO: Yeah, and speaking of not wanting to be in a predicament, how about our next match up? These two ladies have already met once tonight, and as a result of that confrontation, I'm not so sure that Siberia Zombie will make it out here.
KO: I guess we'll have to find out, cause our generic ring announcer has taken front and center in the ring.
Ring Announcer: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission....
'Viktoria Modesta' by Prototype fills the arena as light blue flashing lights strobe across the stage. After a few moments for the music to cue up, Brodie appears through the curtain, her loud hair pushed back from her serious face. The fans still come to their feet regardless of her demeanor, and she acknowledges them with a nod of her head before making her way down to the ring.
Ring Announcer: Making her way to the ring, standing at five foot eleven and weighting in at 150 pounds, she hails from Manhattan, New York.......'THE SUBMISSION MACHINE' BRODDIIEEE!!
Brodie reaches ringside and rolls beneath the bottom rope to pop up to her feet, and she paces back and forth, not even removing her black leather jacket in preparation for the upcoming match. There are people in the German crowd who call out to her in their language, and she acknowledges them with a glance, but her focus is clear as she stares back up at the stage.
LO: This is a different kind of Brodie we're seeing here tonight, and after that backstage attack on Siberia Zombie, I'm not so sure I like it.
KO: What, can't stand for one of your favorites to have an edge? The girl is pissed, and she blames Siberia for some reason or another.
LO: Oh, I think you know that the reason is Zachariah Krahe. The man has put a spell on these ladies or something, cause Brodie is furious with anything that he touches. Have you seen them going back and forth on twitter. It's some sick, twisted, morbid flirtation that I'm not sure Freud could figure out.
KO: Maybe so, and normally I'd say there isn't anything that these two couldn't figure out in the ring, but unfortunately, I'm starting to think that Zombie isn't going to make it. Maybe that backstage attack was worse than we initially thought.
LO: Well, it sure as hell didn't look pleasant.
Suddenly 'Wanli' by Hyukoh hits over the PA system, and Brodie's head snaps up to the top of the stage, her breathing steadily getting faster as her anger boils over. Nothing happens for several moments as the opening riffs blare through the arena, but the stage remains empty. In the ring Brodie peals her leather jacket off, spitting something at referee, Diego Santiago, as she tosses it over the ropes to the ring attendant. Just then the curtain parts and out steps Siberia Zombie, the crowd popping huge. The look on her face is one of restrained anger as she doesn't waste time with any fanfare, rather stalking straight for ringside. Brodie beckons her to come get some, and about midways down the ramp Siberia breaks into a sprint, and belly slides into the ring. She's up in an instance as Brodie rushes in to nail her with a spear. Siberia, however, brings her knee up in time to catch Brodie right in the face. Brodie hits the mat, but rises up to her knee's, to which shes greeted with a roundhouse kick square to the jaw that sends her back down to the mat.
LO: Diego Santiago has already lost control of this one, as he tries to get Siberia back long enough to check on Brodie...
KO: She just signaled that it's a go, and folks we are on our way!
LO: Brodie back on her feet now, but she's dazed, and HERE COMES SIBERIA!
Zombies is all fists, feet, and knee's as she wades into Brodie with lightening fast strikes that knock the woman all the way back into the corner. Brodie, having nowhere else to go, does her best to cover up for some protection, but a well placed uppercut rocks her head back violently. Siberia takes this opportunity to grab hold of the top rope, and drive in rapid fire shin kicks right to Brodie's chest that rock the woman all the way down to a seated position. Finally, Zombie takes a few steps away, letting out a warrior's cry that brings the fans to their feet, before rushing back at Brodie and driving both knee's right into her face. Brodie's eyes roll into the back of her head as she limply falls forwards to the mat.
LO: GOOD GOD!
KO: Brodie is out!
LO: This is Siberia's chance, but she's not going for the cover! She just dropped down on top of the woman and is hammering away into the back of her skull!
KO: Damn, Santiago, get in there and break this up!
The referee tries to do just that, but is shoved inadvertently shoved away before finding a vantage point where he isn't going to get hit with a stray elbow. Finally, hooking his arms around Siberia's chest, he yanks her free, and pushes her to a neutral corner. She finally calms for a moment, and wipes sweat from her brow as she stalks on that side of the ring while the ref checks on Brodie who tries to get up, stumbles, and then drops back to a knee. Finally, after a nod from Brodie, he signals for the two to resume, but warns Zombie.
LO: Zombie and Brodie circling now, and both go for a lock up....they are jockeying for position.....OH! Brodie takes Zombie over with an arm drag, retaining her hold on the arm, and putting her into an armbar!
KO: Yeah, but Zombie was wise to the hold, already forcing back up to their feet...A few well placed shots to Brodie's face forces her to let loose, and it's Zombies turn to take Brodie by the wrist and walks her into a Dragon Twist. Another one. And another, OH! This time bringing her foot around in the process to kick the woman in the face and take her down to the canvas.
LO: Is it just me, Ken, or is Zombie favoring that left shoulder.
KO: Well wouldn't you, Laur? I mean, Brodie did try to rip it from her body earlier tonight.
Brodie is already back up to her feet when Zombie pushes her into the ropes, and then sends her off. Brodie bounces back, and Zombie rushes her, leaving her feet and spinning so that her hips strike the woman square on. The hip attack is successful in theory, but somewhere in the momentum Brodie manages to reach out and hook Siberia around the neck, locking in a coquina clutch. When the impact from the hips knocks them backwards, Brodie drags Zombie down along with her, grapevining her body with her legs.
LO: BRODIE HAS ZOMBIE LOCKED UP AGAIN!
KO: That coquina clutch is no joke. Remember that time in Japan against Terry Hero? Guy damn near crushed my windpipe!
LO: Well Brodie is looking to do the same to Zombie right here tonight, and the move caught the Siberian Buzzsaw completely by surprise!
Siberia struggles heavily against the move, reaching to the sky for some unseen force to help her. Eventually she manages to get to her side, and she uses her own legs to push her and the proverbial 'monkey on her back' towards the ropes. After what feels like forever, she finally manages to finger the bottom rope, but when the referee calls for the break, Brodie remains locked in. Siberia appears a little panicked, reaching out with her other hand to grab the rope as well. The referee starts his five count, but before he can finish it, Zombie gives a great heave and pulls herself forward, along with Brodie, and both women tumble out of the ring. The full weight of Zombie crashes down on top of Brodie, which causes the hold to be broken.
KO: Sure didn't look like Brodie was going to release that hold. She's lucky that Zombie was just trying to find some relief, because she probably would have got disqualified.
LO: I just can't believe that Zachariah Krahe is at the center of this storm. I mean, what is it about the guy that could drive these two women so far over the edge?
KO: I get it, but you wouldn't understand, Laur. You're just a basic sort of guy.
LO: Hey...what the hell is that supposed to mean?
Zombie pulls herself up by use of the apron, but it's obvious the coquina clutch has taken much out of her, if not the turmoil from earlier in the night. Brodie starts to rise beside her, but Zombie gets a fist full of hair, and drives her face first into the hard part of the ring apron. The fans are on their feet for both women, seeming to be evenly split on who they want to succeed. With a shove Brodie is sent back into the ring, and Zombie follows her in. As she crawls to the middle of the ring she gets halfway to her feet when Zombie hooks her around the middle, and delivers a gutwrench suplex which she rolls through, pulls Brodie up again, and then slams her back to the mat with another.
LO: Rolling gutwrench suplexes from Zombie, and she may be back on her way.
KO: Yeah, but she looks exhausted. Everything that's happened this evening has contributed, and I'm not so sure her state of mind was that great to begin with given what happened at the end of 7 Pillars.
LO: Maybe so, but she's beckoning that Brodie get back to her feet, which the woman is currently trying to do.
Brodie is up, but facing the opposite direction from Zombie. Zombie nods, the crowds chants winding her up. Finally, Brodie half turns, half stumbles in her direction, and Zombie spins into a backfist that looks like it may dislodge her head from her shoulders. Or it would, if Brodie hadn't caught that arm, continues the spin, and drags Zombie to the mat to lock on a crossface at the same time that she grapevines the limb.
LO: BRODIE HAS THE CROSSFACE LOCKED BACK IN! Good God, it's the same move she used to decimate Zachariah Krahe's arm at 7 Pillars, and the same move she used earlier tonight on Zombie!
KO: Damn, I don't think the neck is supposed to bend like that....
LO: This move essentially cuts off oxygen, separates the neck muscles from the shoulder muscles, and hyper-extends the arm all at the same time!
KO: Zombie, having already been locked into this once tonight, is obviously hurting. She may need to tap here, or be put on the shelf.
LO: I just can't imagine Zombie tapping. I think she'd pass out first!
That looks like exactly what Zombie is about to do as her gyrating hand slowly drops lower and lower to the mat before coming limply to a rest. Santiago drops down to one knee, and points to the time keeper to get ready as he lifts the arm once and it drops. He signals one, and then does the test again. The arm drops lifelessly to the mat. Two. On the third attempt Zombie's hand is inches from the mat before it stops in a hover, and then begins to shake violently. The fans come alive in support, and the woman starts kicking with her legs, and clawing with her free arm to reach the ropes. Brodie shakes her head 'No', denying the fact that she is being dragged along for the ride. Finally, with the aide of the crowds cheers, Zombie's hand reaches out and she snatches the bottom rope. The Ref hovers over Brodie, calling for the break, but Brodie screams, yanking back even harder.
LO: BRODIE ISN'T LETTING UP! The Ref is threatening her.....up to a four count....five....trying to reason with her...NO! HE'S CALLING IT!
KO: Damn, I guess Zombie will win this one after all!
LO: I don't know if you'd call this winning, Ken! Brodie still isn't releasing the hold, and Santiago is starting to panic.
The bell rings repeatedly through out the arena, but this seems to only drive Brodie on, snarling something into Zombie's ear as the woman's free arm falls limply to the canvas. Finally, seeing that he isn't getting anywhere, Santiago beckons for help from the back. After a few more excruciating moments, three bulky security emerge, jogging to ringside. The try and reason with Brodie who refuses, until finally two of them manage to get her around the waist and legs and force her to free the hold. They pull her out of the ring and get her up onto the ramp before letting go, and blocking the path back to the ring. The trainer hastily enters the ring from the time keepers booth, and checks on Zombie who is barely moving while Brodie stalks the ramp like a caged animal, just waiting for a slip up in the human barricade so she can finish what she started.
LO: This is absolute pandemonium out here! Security and trainers rushing the scene, we've got a woman down, and another one that looks like she's lost it!
KO: Just another Sunday night in Valor Pro, eh Laur?
LO: God, I hope not. Well it looks like security has managed to corral Brodie to the top of the stage, and Siberia is being helped to her feet by trainers, but look at her arm! It's just dangling there.
Ring Announcer: The winner of this match via Disqualification.......SIBERIA ZOMBIEEE!!
Brodie stares daggers down into the ring as Siberia is helped over to the ropes. Zombie shoves the trainer back, and returns the intense gaze to her opponent before finally Brodie storms past the curtain to backstage. The fans cheer as Zombie refuses any further aide, which forces her to gingerly get down off the ring apron. She keeps her arm tucked to her side as she ambles up the ramp, shaking her head in disappointment.
LO: Well Zombie may have technically picked up the 'W' here, but it certainly isn't the way that she wanted it, and quite frankly, she looks like the walking wounded after this bizarre attack by Brodie.
KO: Man, all I know is that Zachariah Krahe has some mad skills to have riled these two up to the point they are ready to murder each other.
LO: Yeah, well that is some skills that we could do without....wait a second.....I'm getting word from the back. There's another confrontation going on back there.....WITH BRODIE!
KO: Damn, Laur. Get us a camera back there!
LO: I'm trying....they are cutting into the feed now!
KO: No doubt about it, but Brennan Devlin had some good points going into his upcoming match later on tonight. I don't know that I would want to be our two newcomers right about now.
LO: Yeah, and speaking of not wanting to be in a predicament, how about our next match up? These two ladies have already met once tonight, and as a result of that confrontation, I'm not so sure that Siberia Zombie will make it out here.
KO: I guess we'll have to find out, cause our generic ring announcer has taken front and center in the ring.
Ring Announcer: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission....
'Viktoria Modesta' by Prototype fills the arena as light blue flashing lights strobe across the stage. After a few moments for the music to cue up, Brodie appears through the curtain, her loud hair pushed back from her serious face. The fans still come to their feet regardless of her demeanor, and she acknowledges them with a nod of her head before making her way down to the ring.
Ring Announcer: Making her way to the ring, standing at five foot eleven and weighting in at 150 pounds, she hails from Manhattan, New York.......'THE SUBMISSION MACHINE' BRODDIIEEE!!
Brodie reaches ringside and rolls beneath the bottom rope to pop up to her feet, and she paces back and forth, not even removing her black leather jacket in preparation for the upcoming match. There are people in the German crowd who call out to her in their language, and she acknowledges them with a glance, but her focus is clear as she stares back up at the stage.
LO: This is a different kind of Brodie we're seeing here tonight, and after that backstage attack on Siberia Zombie, I'm not so sure I like it.
KO: What, can't stand for one of your favorites to have an edge? The girl is pissed, and she blames Siberia for some reason or another.
LO: Oh, I think you know that the reason is Zachariah Krahe. The man has put a spell on these ladies or something, cause Brodie is furious with anything that he touches. Have you seen them going back and forth on twitter. It's some sick, twisted, morbid flirtation that I'm not sure Freud could figure out.
KO: Maybe so, and normally I'd say there isn't anything that these two couldn't figure out in the ring, but unfortunately, I'm starting to think that Zombie isn't going to make it. Maybe that backstage attack was worse than we initially thought.
LO: Well, it sure as hell didn't look pleasant.
Suddenly 'Wanli' by Hyukoh hits over the PA system, and Brodie's head snaps up to the top of the stage, her breathing steadily getting faster as her anger boils over. Nothing happens for several moments as the opening riffs blare through the arena, but the stage remains empty. In the ring Brodie peals her leather jacket off, spitting something at referee, Diego Santiago, as she tosses it over the ropes to the ring attendant. Just then the curtain parts and out steps Siberia Zombie, the crowd popping huge. The look on her face is one of restrained anger as she doesn't waste time with any fanfare, rather stalking straight for ringside. Brodie beckons her to come get some, and about midways down the ramp Siberia breaks into a sprint, and belly slides into the ring. She's up in an instance as Brodie rushes in to nail her with a spear. Siberia, however, brings her knee up in time to catch Brodie right in the face. Brodie hits the mat, but rises up to her knee's, to which shes greeted with a roundhouse kick square to the jaw that sends her back down to the mat.
LO: Diego Santiago has already lost control of this one, as he tries to get Siberia back long enough to check on Brodie...
KO: She just signaled that it's a go, and folks we are on our way!
LO: Brodie back on her feet now, but she's dazed, and HERE COMES SIBERIA!
Zombies is all fists, feet, and knee's as she wades into Brodie with lightening fast strikes that knock the woman all the way back into the corner. Brodie, having nowhere else to go, does her best to cover up for some protection, but a well placed uppercut rocks her head back violently. Siberia takes this opportunity to grab hold of the top rope, and drive in rapid fire shin kicks right to Brodie's chest that rock the woman all the way down to a seated position. Finally, Zombie takes a few steps away, letting out a warrior's cry that brings the fans to their feet, before rushing back at Brodie and driving both knee's right into her face. Brodie's eyes roll into the back of her head as she limply falls forwards to the mat.
LO: GOOD GOD!
KO: Brodie is out!
LO: This is Siberia's chance, but she's not going for the cover! She just dropped down on top of the woman and is hammering away into the back of her skull!
KO: Damn, Santiago, get in there and break this up!
The referee tries to do just that, but is shoved inadvertently shoved away before finding a vantage point where he isn't going to get hit with a stray elbow. Finally, hooking his arms around Siberia's chest, he yanks her free, and pushes her to a neutral corner. She finally calms for a moment, and wipes sweat from her brow as she stalks on that side of the ring while the ref checks on Brodie who tries to get up, stumbles, and then drops back to a knee. Finally, after a nod from Brodie, he signals for the two to resume, but warns Zombie.
LO: Zombie and Brodie circling now, and both go for a lock up....they are jockeying for position.....OH! Brodie takes Zombie over with an arm drag, retaining her hold on the arm, and putting her into an armbar!
KO: Yeah, but Zombie was wise to the hold, already forcing back up to their feet...A few well placed shots to Brodie's face forces her to let loose, and it's Zombies turn to take Brodie by the wrist and walks her into a Dragon Twist. Another one. And another, OH! This time bringing her foot around in the process to kick the woman in the face and take her down to the canvas.
LO: Is it just me, Ken, or is Zombie favoring that left shoulder.
KO: Well wouldn't you, Laur? I mean, Brodie did try to rip it from her body earlier tonight.
Brodie is already back up to her feet when Zombie pushes her into the ropes, and then sends her off. Brodie bounces back, and Zombie rushes her, leaving her feet and spinning so that her hips strike the woman square on. The hip attack is successful in theory, but somewhere in the momentum Brodie manages to reach out and hook Siberia around the neck, locking in a coquina clutch. When the impact from the hips knocks them backwards, Brodie drags Zombie down along with her, grapevining her body with her legs.
LO: BRODIE HAS ZOMBIE LOCKED UP AGAIN!
KO: That coquina clutch is no joke. Remember that time in Japan against Terry Hero? Guy damn near crushed my windpipe!
LO: Well Brodie is looking to do the same to Zombie right here tonight, and the move caught the Siberian Buzzsaw completely by surprise!
Siberia struggles heavily against the move, reaching to the sky for some unseen force to help her. Eventually she manages to get to her side, and she uses her own legs to push her and the proverbial 'monkey on her back' towards the ropes. After what feels like forever, she finally manages to finger the bottom rope, but when the referee calls for the break, Brodie remains locked in. Siberia appears a little panicked, reaching out with her other hand to grab the rope as well. The referee starts his five count, but before he can finish it, Zombie gives a great heave and pulls herself forward, along with Brodie, and both women tumble out of the ring. The full weight of Zombie crashes down on top of Brodie, which causes the hold to be broken.
KO: Sure didn't look like Brodie was going to release that hold. She's lucky that Zombie was just trying to find some relief, because she probably would have got disqualified.
LO: I just can't believe that Zachariah Krahe is at the center of this storm. I mean, what is it about the guy that could drive these two women so far over the edge?
KO: I get it, but you wouldn't understand, Laur. You're just a basic sort of guy.
LO: Hey...what the hell is that supposed to mean?
Zombie pulls herself up by use of the apron, but it's obvious the coquina clutch has taken much out of her, if not the turmoil from earlier in the night. Brodie starts to rise beside her, but Zombie gets a fist full of hair, and drives her face first into the hard part of the ring apron. The fans are on their feet for both women, seeming to be evenly split on who they want to succeed. With a shove Brodie is sent back into the ring, and Zombie follows her in. As she crawls to the middle of the ring she gets halfway to her feet when Zombie hooks her around the middle, and delivers a gutwrench suplex which she rolls through, pulls Brodie up again, and then slams her back to the mat with another.
LO: Rolling gutwrench suplexes from Zombie, and she may be back on her way.
KO: Yeah, but she looks exhausted. Everything that's happened this evening has contributed, and I'm not so sure her state of mind was that great to begin with given what happened at the end of 7 Pillars.
LO: Maybe so, but she's beckoning that Brodie get back to her feet, which the woman is currently trying to do.
Brodie is up, but facing the opposite direction from Zombie. Zombie nods, the crowds chants winding her up. Finally, Brodie half turns, half stumbles in her direction, and Zombie spins into a backfist that looks like it may dislodge her head from her shoulders. Or it would, if Brodie hadn't caught that arm, continues the spin, and drags Zombie to the mat to lock on a crossface at the same time that she grapevines the limb.
LO: BRODIE HAS THE CROSSFACE LOCKED BACK IN! Good God, it's the same move she used to decimate Zachariah Krahe's arm at 7 Pillars, and the same move she used earlier tonight on Zombie!
KO: Damn, I don't think the neck is supposed to bend like that....
LO: This move essentially cuts off oxygen, separates the neck muscles from the shoulder muscles, and hyper-extends the arm all at the same time!
KO: Zombie, having already been locked into this once tonight, is obviously hurting. She may need to tap here, or be put on the shelf.
LO: I just can't imagine Zombie tapping. I think she'd pass out first!
That looks like exactly what Zombie is about to do as her gyrating hand slowly drops lower and lower to the mat before coming limply to a rest. Santiago drops down to one knee, and points to the time keeper to get ready as he lifts the arm once and it drops. He signals one, and then does the test again. The arm drops lifelessly to the mat. Two. On the third attempt Zombie's hand is inches from the mat before it stops in a hover, and then begins to shake violently. The fans come alive in support, and the woman starts kicking with her legs, and clawing with her free arm to reach the ropes. Brodie shakes her head 'No', denying the fact that she is being dragged along for the ride. Finally, with the aide of the crowds cheers, Zombie's hand reaches out and she snatches the bottom rope. The Ref hovers over Brodie, calling for the break, but Brodie screams, yanking back even harder.
LO: BRODIE ISN'T LETTING UP! The Ref is threatening her.....up to a four count....five....trying to reason with her...NO! HE'S CALLING IT!
KO: Damn, I guess Zombie will win this one after all!
LO: I don't know if you'd call this winning, Ken! Brodie still isn't releasing the hold, and Santiago is starting to panic.
The bell rings repeatedly through out the arena, but this seems to only drive Brodie on, snarling something into Zombie's ear as the woman's free arm falls limply to the canvas. Finally, seeing that he isn't getting anywhere, Santiago beckons for help from the back. After a few more excruciating moments, three bulky security emerge, jogging to ringside. The try and reason with Brodie who refuses, until finally two of them manage to get her around the waist and legs and force her to free the hold. They pull her out of the ring and get her up onto the ramp before letting go, and blocking the path back to the ring. The trainer hastily enters the ring from the time keepers booth, and checks on Zombie who is barely moving while Brodie stalks the ramp like a caged animal, just waiting for a slip up in the human barricade so she can finish what she started.
LO: This is absolute pandemonium out here! Security and trainers rushing the scene, we've got a woman down, and another one that looks like she's lost it!
KO: Just another Sunday night in Valor Pro, eh Laur?
LO: God, I hope not. Well it looks like security has managed to corral Brodie to the top of the stage, and Siberia is being helped to her feet by trainers, but look at her arm! It's just dangling there.
Ring Announcer: The winner of this match via Disqualification.......SIBERIA ZOMBIEEE!!
Brodie stares daggers down into the ring as Siberia is helped over to the ropes. Zombie shoves the trainer back, and returns the intense gaze to her opponent before finally Brodie storms past the curtain to backstage. The fans cheer as Zombie refuses any further aide, which forces her to gingerly get down off the ring apron. She keeps her arm tucked to her side as she ambles up the ramp, shaking her head in disappointment.
LO: Well Zombie may have technically picked up the 'W' here, but it certainly isn't the way that she wanted it, and quite frankly, she looks like the walking wounded after this bizarre attack by Brodie.
KO: Man, all I know is that Zachariah Krahe has some mad skills to have riled these two up to the point they are ready to murder each other.
LO: Yeah, well that is some skills that we could do without....wait a second.....I'm getting word from the back. There's another confrontation going on back there.....WITH BRODIE!
KO: Damn, Laur. Get us a camera back there!
LO: I'm trying....they are cutting into the feed now!
The scene switches to a dimly lit area of the arena with a single light source shining down right on the spot where Brodie is stalking back and forth along the wall. Security is still blocking her path, which indicates that must be the direction towards the gorilla position. The wild haired Submission Machine is muttering to herself under her breath, almost appearing to be in a hyped up trance, when a gruff voice tears down the hallway to break up the scene.
Dugan Callahan: God damn, girl! What in the hell are you doing out there?
The surly lead Booker and sometimes trainer for Valor Pro stalks past his beefy security, a cigar half hanging out of his mouth, and half a glass of bourbon on the rocks clanking around in his left hand. He looks flabbergasted when Brodie's eyes flash up to his, and her lip snarls back in response.
Brodie: Making an example out of a weak, pathetic excuse for competition.
Brodie stalks forward and pulls the cigar from his lips, taking a puff for herself and locking her eyes on his.
Brodie: Words, it’s all just fucking words to them... No follow through, no real... lust for it. You think I care, about what column my little tally goes in for this week? In the grand scheme of this, in all of it, surely you... are not so blind as to think I care for wins or losses.
She pulls back and looks at the cigar in her hand, arching a brow as the embers start to fade.
Brodie: Do you know what happens to a fire, if it is not tended to, if it isn’t fed?
Dugan regarded the young woman for a moment in silence, his wheels turning at the question. He saw a good bit of his younger self when he looked her over, remembering a time that he had bloodied megastar Terry Hero for no other reason than to remind him he was only as good as the person standing across from him allowed him to be.
Dugan: Sure, I get it. But keep in mind the same thing happens when you've run out of logs in the woodpile, if you get my drift.
He takes a swig from the glass in hand, savors the burn, and then taps his chin.
Dugan: You see, there is a time and a place for everything, and this is a business. I know right now that doesn't much matter to you, but it will someday. I'm thinking we've got another PPV coming up in January, and this sort of thing needs the right stage to play out. So how about I guarantee you and Zombie get that chance in a Submission Match. Hell, I'll stoke the fire a little myself...the winner will become the new #1 Contender for the UnYielding Championship. In the meantime, however, we're going to keep a few logs on the woodpile if that suits you.
She hesitates, mulling over his proposition, taking another puff of the stolen cigar. Her eyes dart up and down the hallway for a moment as she weighs up her options before nodding her head.
Brodie: Fine... But if I get bored, if the challenge is found to be lacking...
She takes his hand, palm up and then places her own on top, pressing the lit tip of the cigar down into her bare palm, the flesh makes a soft hissing sound at the initial singe and her hand resting on his means he can feel the force that she stuns the cigar into her own skin.
Brodie: Fire goes out.
Without even so much as a flinch she drops the now out cigar at his feet and turns on her heels, pushing her way through security to slink back into the shadows down the hallway. Dugan watches her exit, and lets out a soft chuckle before taking another swig of his drink.
Dugan: I believe I like that girl....
Krähe’s mouth hung open slightly as he watched the monitor that came standard for every wrestler's dressing room.
Catching himself he quickly closed it once more. He glances to his side with his eyebrows still raised in slight surprise. One of the hands pointed to the screen that Brodie had once graced.
“She is a very angry woman.”
A husky chuckle filled the room followed by a smokey melodic voice that brought to mind those sultry jazz singers from the golden age.
“To be fair you do inspire rather...strong emotions in others. Often those of the violent variety. I personally take it as part of your charm.” The camera moves to reveal Lady Munin lounging on a nearby couch.
Her perfectly toned pale gold legs crossed just so, to keep her form fitting red skirt from riding up. Her long dark hair framing the exotic elegance of her face, and brushing the shoulders of her vintage scoop neck top.
He looks her over for a moment with a pensive look. For all that she looked like a beautiful Japanese doll, from the top of her head to the red soles of her shiny black stilettos, he knew just how ruthless she was. There was a beast behind that pretty mask, and it was likely why they connected to each other. That connection being a rarity for either of them.
“Was that even a compliment?” He asked with a slightly incredulous tone.
She smiled up a him with toxic sweetness.
“Well, it wasn't an insult per say...I think that it will be interesting to see how this all turns out.” Her voice was a perfect match to that smile, and it had him rolling his eyes.
“You would find it interesting...Sure you don't want to walk down to the ring with me for a front row seat?” He asks this carelessly enough, but her answer actually has his full attention. It seems even Krähe searches for answers on occasion.
Munin on the other hand simply snags a bottle of Moscato, and takes her time pouring it into a teacup of all things.
“No.”
Krähe looks at her expectantly, but soon realizes no more words are forthcoming. The uncharacteristic beginnings of a frustrated meltdown are almost comical coming from Krähe.
“Just no? That's it, just no?” His voice didn't raise so much, but the potential was there, and it had Munin looking over at him with amusement.
“Do you need me to hold your hand Krähe?” Her words were light and teasing, but they were like cold water reigning his reactions back in.
“No, I don't need you to hold my hand, but you have been fairly hands off...which isn't exactly like you.” Shrugging his shoulders, he turned his attention back to the screen.
“There is a time and a place for everything. When the time comes you will find me very invested, but until then I will relax here...watching as everything unfolds.” She paused to take a sip of her wine, and turned her attention to the screen as well.
“Oh the webs we weave.” A small mona lisa smile teases at the corners of her lips, as they both fell silent watching the screen.
Dugan Callahan: God damn, girl! What in the hell are you doing out there?
The surly lead Booker and sometimes trainer for Valor Pro stalks past his beefy security, a cigar half hanging out of his mouth, and half a glass of bourbon on the rocks clanking around in his left hand. He looks flabbergasted when Brodie's eyes flash up to his, and her lip snarls back in response.
Brodie: Making an example out of a weak, pathetic excuse for competition.
Brodie stalks forward and pulls the cigar from his lips, taking a puff for herself and locking her eyes on his.
Brodie: Words, it’s all just fucking words to them... No follow through, no real... lust for it. You think I care, about what column my little tally goes in for this week? In the grand scheme of this, in all of it, surely you... are not so blind as to think I care for wins or losses.
She pulls back and looks at the cigar in her hand, arching a brow as the embers start to fade.
Brodie: Do you know what happens to a fire, if it is not tended to, if it isn’t fed?
Dugan regarded the young woman for a moment in silence, his wheels turning at the question. He saw a good bit of his younger self when he looked her over, remembering a time that he had bloodied megastar Terry Hero for no other reason than to remind him he was only as good as the person standing across from him allowed him to be.
Dugan: Sure, I get it. But keep in mind the same thing happens when you've run out of logs in the woodpile, if you get my drift.
He takes a swig from the glass in hand, savors the burn, and then taps his chin.
Dugan: You see, there is a time and a place for everything, and this is a business. I know right now that doesn't much matter to you, but it will someday. I'm thinking we've got another PPV coming up in January, and this sort of thing needs the right stage to play out. So how about I guarantee you and Zombie get that chance in a Submission Match. Hell, I'll stoke the fire a little myself...the winner will become the new #1 Contender for the UnYielding Championship. In the meantime, however, we're going to keep a few logs on the woodpile if that suits you.
She hesitates, mulling over his proposition, taking another puff of the stolen cigar. Her eyes dart up and down the hallway for a moment as she weighs up her options before nodding her head.
Brodie: Fine... But if I get bored, if the challenge is found to be lacking...
She takes his hand, palm up and then places her own on top, pressing the lit tip of the cigar down into her bare palm, the flesh makes a soft hissing sound at the initial singe and her hand resting on his means he can feel the force that she stuns the cigar into her own skin.
Brodie: Fire goes out.
Without even so much as a flinch she drops the now out cigar at his feet and turns on her heels, pushing her way through security to slink back into the shadows down the hallway. Dugan watches her exit, and lets out a soft chuckle before taking another swig of his drink.
Dugan: I believe I like that girl....
Krähe’s mouth hung open slightly as he watched the monitor that came standard for every wrestler's dressing room.
Catching himself he quickly closed it once more. He glances to his side with his eyebrows still raised in slight surprise. One of the hands pointed to the screen that Brodie had once graced.
“She is a very angry woman.”
A husky chuckle filled the room followed by a smokey melodic voice that brought to mind those sultry jazz singers from the golden age.
“To be fair you do inspire rather...strong emotions in others. Often those of the violent variety. I personally take it as part of your charm.” The camera moves to reveal Lady Munin lounging on a nearby couch.
Her perfectly toned pale gold legs crossed just so, to keep her form fitting red skirt from riding up. Her long dark hair framing the exotic elegance of her face, and brushing the shoulders of her vintage scoop neck top.
He looks her over for a moment with a pensive look. For all that she looked like a beautiful Japanese doll, from the top of her head to the red soles of her shiny black stilettos, he knew just how ruthless she was. There was a beast behind that pretty mask, and it was likely why they connected to each other. That connection being a rarity for either of them.
“Was that even a compliment?” He asked with a slightly incredulous tone.
She smiled up a him with toxic sweetness.
“Well, it wasn't an insult per say...I think that it will be interesting to see how this all turns out.” Her voice was a perfect match to that smile, and it had him rolling his eyes.
“You would find it interesting...Sure you don't want to walk down to the ring with me for a front row seat?” He asks this carelessly enough, but her answer actually has his full attention. It seems even Krähe searches for answers on occasion.
Munin on the other hand simply snags a bottle of Moscato, and takes her time pouring it into a teacup of all things.
“No.”
Krähe looks at her expectantly, but soon realizes no more words are forthcoming. The uncharacteristic beginnings of a frustrated meltdown are almost comical coming from Krähe.
“Just no? That's it, just no?” His voice didn't raise so much, but the potential was there, and it had Munin looking over at him with amusement.
“Do you need me to hold your hand Krähe?” Her words were light and teasing, but they were like cold water reigning his reactions back in.
“No, I don't need you to hold my hand, but you have been fairly hands off...which isn't exactly like you.” Shrugging his shoulders, he turned his attention back to the screen.
“There is a time and a place for everything. When the time comes you will find me very invested, but until then I will relax here...watching as everything unfolds.” She paused to take a sip of her wine, and turned her attention to the screen as well.
“Oh the webs we weave.” A small mona lisa smile teases at the corners of her lips, as they both fell silent watching the screen.
The scene shifts, and we see Cosmo Cooper walking towards the gorilla position. He has a strut about him, his flat-bill is turned backwards. He already has his fighting shorts on for the match ahead. The shirt he wears literally just has his face on it with a surprised, goofy look. As he walks, he begins chatting towards the camera in front of him.
COOPER: Valor?! Whattttssss up? Last time you saw me? I proceeded to make the biggest debut in this company’s short history. And tonight? I plan on backing up everything I said last week. Tag match or not? I plan on shining. It’s what I’ve done since I stepped foot in this business. Since I was at the top of the rankings in AWE. Since I won a title in Monkey Business. Since I won the Ace’s High title in Monkey business. The tag titles in 4CW. The Medal of Honor in XHW… the list goes on and on, and while the title of the company changes? There is one constant…”
He pointed two thumbs into his chest.
COOPER: Cosmo. Cosmo Cooper… and I….
Suddenly, he stops dead. Up on a raised equipment box was the Undisputed Apex Championship that belongs to Elina Cartel. Cosmo completely forgot what he was saying and began admiring the championship. Reaching a hand out to touch it. There’s a moment of hesitation as instinctively, he knows he’s being watched. Just out of the reach of his peripheral vision stands Elina Cartel, the owner of the championship.
CARTEL: By all means, touch it. It’s as foreign to me as it is to you.
Before he can say a word or move a muscle, she hoists up the championship belt and extends it towards him. It’s so close that he can see his own reflection in the gold plating. Cosmo stared at it for a moment, taken aback that she was just offering it up--or that she was standing there. Cosmo shook his head and then looked back to her.
COOPER: Nah, I mean. No offense. But heard it’s bad luck to do that… I’ll be sure to hoist it when I win it.
He nodded towards the title back in her direction.
COOPER: Do you just go… handing your titles to anyone backstage?
Cosmo crossed his arms. She let out a soft laugh, maintaining eye contact as she slung the championship over her shoulder.
CARTEL: Touching and holding are two different types of embraces, dear. To answer your question, I hand nothing over. However, for those captivated, I do allow them an opportunity to touch it.
She slowly runs her fingers across the main plate of the championship, showing her teeth as she does so.
CARTEL: The visual is pleasing, but the tactile, makes it so much more tangible. Memorable. And to you, I must pose a question, when you see something you want, or something pleasing to the eye, do you always reach out, ready to touch it, without first asking permission?
Cosmo stared at her like she was some prophet from the street who had just told him the world was ending. He waved his hand.
COOPER: What in the fuck are you actually talking about? Anyway, it just caught my eye. I just wanted to… check it out. That was all. I keep my hands to myself, thank you very much.
He smirked.
COOPER: Or I’m asked -to- touch. That is usually the case more often than not… and I think that title belt? She’s not asking for a touch. She’s asking me to hold her… but in due time.
Cosmo looked her over and then made a sweeping motion with his hand.
COOPER: What is your like… story anyway. What is a small, odd thing like you doing in a place like this?
Before she even started talking he seemed uninterested and pulled out his phone. She watched his eyes dart away from her, to his phone. She paid careful attention to his pupils as they responded to the bright blue light. Despite his overt display of disinterest, she spoke.
CARTEL: Mine is a story best left unspoken, my dear. As are all stories destined to fall upon deaf ears.
She realizes she’s lost him completely and feels herself force a smirk.
CARTEL: You may very well have a valid point, when you and your tag team partner shame me for not ‘promoting’ Valor Pro via a device, much like the one you hold in your hand… It must be fascinating.
She turned to step away, but hesitated a moment, turning back.
CARTEL: Cosmo, if I may be so bold to call you by your first name - you may see me as a meaningless speed bump standing between you and ‘hoisting ‘this championship, but if you are listening - hear this: That piece of technology in your hand enhances your life greatly, but it can also diminish it. Diminish it by taking away those quiet moments to articulate a new thought or idea - to day dream - perhaps it may even draw your attention away from the answer to the pain you feel inside. The pain you discuss so passively, yet wear on your sleeve. Farewell.
For a moment, Elina felt quite foolish. She grit her teeth, knowing she was moments away from being the butt of a joke, but she shook it off. She finally decided to grin as she walked away from him as he still stared at his phone.
Cosmo looked up to retort, but she had gone. Looking around, he lifted up a cup sitting on a nearby table to see if she had perhaps hidden there. When she hadn’t, he shrugged and walked off in another direction.
COOPER: Valor?! Whattttssss up? Last time you saw me? I proceeded to make the biggest debut in this company’s short history. And tonight? I plan on backing up everything I said last week. Tag match or not? I plan on shining. It’s what I’ve done since I stepped foot in this business. Since I was at the top of the rankings in AWE. Since I won a title in Monkey Business. Since I won the Ace’s High title in Monkey business. The tag titles in 4CW. The Medal of Honor in XHW… the list goes on and on, and while the title of the company changes? There is one constant…”
He pointed two thumbs into his chest.
COOPER: Cosmo. Cosmo Cooper… and I….
Suddenly, he stops dead. Up on a raised equipment box was the Undisputed Apex Championship that belongs to Elina Cartel. Cosmo completely forgot what he was saying and began admiring the championship. Reaching a hand out to touch it. There’s a moment of hesitation as instinctively, he knows he’s being watched. Just out of the reach of his peripheral vision stands Elina Cartel, the owner of the championship.
CARTEL: By all means, touch it. It’s as foreign to me as it is to you.
Before he can say a word or move a muscle, she hoists up the championship belt and extends it towards him. It’s so close that he can see his own reflection in the gold plating. Cosmo stared at it for a moment, taken aback that she was just offering it up--or that she was standing there. Cosmo shook his head and then looked back to her.
COOPER: Nah, I mean. No offense. But heard it’s bad luck to do that… I’ll be sure to hoist it when I win it.
He nodded towards the title back in her direction.
COOPER: Do you just go… handing your titles to anyone backstage?
Cosmo crossed his arms. She let out a soft laugh, maintaining eye contact as she slung the championship over her shoulder.
CARTEL: Touching and holding are two different types of embraces, dear. To answer your question, I hand nothing over. However, for those captivated, I do allow them an opportunity to touch it.
She slowly runs her fingers across the main plate of the championship, showing her teeth as she does so.
CARTEL: The visual is pleasing, but the tactile, makes it so much more tangible. Memorable. And to you, I must pose a question, when you see something you want, or something pleasing to the eye, do you always reach out, ready to touch it, without first asking permission?
Cosmo stared at her like she was some prophet from the street who had just told him the world was ending. He waved his hand.
COOPER: What in the fuck are you actually talking about? Anyway, it just caught my eye. I just wanted to… check it out. That was all. I keep my hands to myself, thank you very much.
He smirked.
COOPER: Or I’m asked -to- touch. That is usually the case more often than not… and I think that title belt? She’s not asking for a touch. She’s asking me to hold her… but in due time.
Cosmo looked her over and then made a sweeping motion with his hand.
COOPER: What is your like… story anyway. What is a small, odd thing like you doing in a place like this?
Before she even started talking he seemed uninterested and pulled out his phone. She watched his eyes dart away from her, to his phone. She paid careful attention to his pupils as they responded to the bright blue light. Despite his overt display of disinterest, she spoke.
CARTEL: Mine is a story best left unspoken, my dear. As are all stories destined to fall upon deaf ears.
She realizes she’s lost him completely and feels herself force a smirk.
CARTEL: You may very well have a valid point, when you and your tag team partner shame me for not ‘promoting’ Valor Pro via a device, much like the one you hold in your hand… It must be fascinating.
She turned to step away, but hesitated a moment, turning back.
CARTEL: Cosmo, if I may be so bold to call you by your first name - you may see me as a meaningless speed bump standing between you and ‘hoisting ‘this championship, but if you are listening - hear this: That piece of technology in your hand enhances your life greatly, but it can also diminish it. Diminish it by taking away those quiet moments to articulate a new thought or idea - to day dream - perhaps it may even draw your attention away from the answer to the pain you feel inside. The pain you discuss so passively, yet wear on your sleeve. Farewell.
For a moment, Elina felt quite foolish. She grit her teeth, knowing she was moments away from being the butt of a joke, but she shook it off. She finally decided to grin as she walked away from him as he still stared at his phone.
Cosmo looked up to retort, but she had gone. Looking around, he lifted up a cup sitting on a nearby table to see if she had perhaps hidden there. When she hadn’t, he shrugged and walked off in another direction.
LO: A little banter exchanged between Cosmo and the Apex Champion before they make their way to the ring, eh, Ken?
KO: Yeah, and not without a second to spare, as the announcer just made it into the ring...
Ring Announcer: The following contest is a tag team match and is scheduled for one fall or submission....
'Shooting Stars' by Bag Raiders fills the arena, and just as the beat kicks in Vannah White appears at the top of the stage with an award winning smile and a friendly wave. The fans come alive at the sight of the YouTube Vlogger, recognizing her from her many videos. Word of her Valor Pro debut had increased the numbers of her subscribers, and many seemed to be in the audience, with one fan even holding up a sign that read, 'Vannah White, please click the subscribe button' with an arrow pointing down at his crotch.
Ring Announcer: Making her way to the ring, standing at five foot six and weighting in at 125 pounds...hailing from London, England....She is 'The Queen Without A Crown'....VANNAH WHITTTEEE!!!
Vannah makes her way down the ramp, waving at fans, and stopping for a few selfies before eventually making it to ringside. She climbs the steps and enters the squared circle, twirling around and raising a fist over her head while blowing kisses to those at ringside.
LO: This crowd is already hot for Vannah White, this being her first appearance since the Division. Interestingly enough, she had a feud with Cross Recoba while there, and also knows his girlfriend, Dakota Jennings.
KO: Laur, could you be quiet with the facts. Vannah's blowing us a kiss.
LO: I'm pretty sure that's for the fans, Ken.
KO: Oh, a man can dream!
The sound of snapping fingers fill the arena as 'Lifted' by CL hits over the PA System. The fans come alive as the music and gold lights flashing around the arena signal the arrival of Cosmo Cooper. Cosmo appears through the curtain in a smooth glide, shoulders bouncing to his theme music, pulling his hat down low and pointing down to the ring. When he comes to a stop he looks up with a confident grin, winking to the camera as he passes by down the ramp.
Ring Announcer: And her tag partner, standing at six foot two and weighting in at 225 pounds...hailing from Santa Rosa, California...He is the 'Graps Jesus' COSMO COOOPPPPEERRR!
Cosmo leaps up onto the ring apron and turns towards the crowd, still a swagger in his step as he holds his hand out in front of him like he's at the helm of his own ship, before reaching up and ripping the cap off his head and sending it out into the jubilant crowd. He gives a cocky grin before sliding into the ring, pauses to take in Vannah White while fingering his chin, the grin returns as he rushes the turnbuckles to end up on the second rope with his fists in the air to a standing ovation.
LO: Folks, when we say that Cosmo is over, we mean he is O-V-E-R!
KO: No doubt, the anticipation to see him in action over the past two weeks since his arrival at 7 Pillars has been through the roof. This fool damn near broke the website!
LO: Definitely a big time player, but that doesn't change the fact that still has to prove that he can go toe to toe with our Valor Pro faithful.
KO: Come on, Laur. Dude is smoother than glass, and Vanessa Byrne has personally vouched for him. How can he not life up to the hype?
Just then the lights go out in the arena, and 'Scandroid' by Salvation Code's robotic voice speaks out to the audience. As the songs digital beat kicks in, strobes flash at the top of the stage and when the lyrics kick in, Brennan Devlin appears in the midst looking like a black and white picture show. The lights suddenly stop, and a loud bang of pyro goes off behind him as he tears forward, cocksure walk and all. He heckles fans as he makes his way down the ramp, and they heckle him right back, leaving him with a sarcastic grin on his face.
Ring Announcer: And their opponents, making his way to the ring first.....standing at six foot one and weighting in at 230 pounds...hailing from San Andreas, California....He is 'The Face Of Wrestling' BRENNAN DEVLINNNN!!
Devlin halts his jovial march to ringside, and regards his two opponents in the ring with a more serious tone. Resolved to make a point here tonight, Devlin leaps up to the ring apron, takes a corner while still on the outside and throws both thumbs into his chest before extending them towards Cosmo and Vannah pointing down. Cosmo and Brennan have already started jawing at each other when they are cut off by the sounds of the 80's, ‘Machines’ by Giorgio Moroder filling the arena. All three of them turn to regard the stage as purple, blue, and orange lights dance along the digital score. Smoke pillows out of the entrance way, creating an illusory scene when someone appears in the fog. As some of the mist lifts, Elina Cartel can be seen standing at its center, her head bowed and the Apex Championship gleaming from around her waist. Suddenly her head snaps up, and the crowd goes nuts as she acknowledges them with a nod and starts her march down to the ring.
Ring Announcer: And his partner, standing at five foot five and weighting in at 115 pounds...Coming to us from Los Angeles, California.....She is THE APEX CHAMPION......"The Neo Retro Space Empress" ELINA CARTELLLL!!
The champion reaches ringside and rolls in under the bottom rope, popping up and finding a corner where she leaps to the top rope, rips the strap free from behind her, and thrusts the championship up into the air to a thunderous applause. She flashes a determined smile at the crowd before dropping down, and placing the championship in a safe place in her corner.
LO: Folks, Elina Cartel has carried herself with poise and grace all through her Monarch Title reign, and now she is the pinnacle of our promotion, the Apex Champion! I can not wait to see how this tag match unfolds here tonight, cause the best is really on offer in this one.
KO: Yeah, but how well are they all going to get along? I mean, Vannah White and Cosmo were lumped together because of status, and Elina and Brennan seem to have a common cause in stopping these invaders flat, but everyone knows that if Brennan Devlin got a chance to be Apex Champion he'd probably turn on Elina in a heartbeat. Matter of fact, I'm pretty sure she's aware of that as well.
LO: Maybe under normal circumstance, Ken, but these two have something to prove after all of the heated words exchanged over the course of these past few weeks. I'm pretty sure that Devlin is as focused on Cosmo as he is on any championship.
KO: Well, it would be a big win for him, but I guess we're about to find out who is going to come out on top, cause there's the bell and this one is underway.
Both teams remain in the ring for a moment eyeing each other, but eventually, Cosmo breaks from his serious face to a jovial one, nudging Vannah White forwards to start before slipping out to their corner. Brennan and Elina have a hushed conversation in theirs, until finally Elina nods, and indicates the floor is Brennan's as she slips between the ropes. Devlin takes in a deep breath before starting to circle with White, who looks to be a tad bit uncomfortable with being the one to start. A few words of encouragement from Cosmo seems to bolster her spirits, and when the two lock up she is quick to capitalize directly into a headlock. She chokes up on the hold as Devlin looks for a way to escape, but finding none, he pushes her into the ropes to send her off. She returns quickly, and runs right into a shoulder tackle that sends her crashing to the mat. The two exchange a brief glance before Brennan attacks the ropes for spring, but Vannah floats onto her stomach, forcing him to hop over her and continue to the other side. Devlin makes his return, when Vannah pops up to her feet, and into a high drop kick that catches Brennan right in the chest. He stumbles back into the ropes, and before he can realize what's happening Vannah has delivered a clothesline that sends him up and over.
LO: Devlin lands on his feet there, but he doesn't appear to be happy to be upstaged this early in the match, as he stalks around ringside in frustration.
KO: He better look out for whose behind him!
Cosmo takes it upon himself to drop down from his corner, sneak up behind Devlin, and gesticulate in a mocking manner before grabbing the man by the scruff of the neck and the seat of his pants, and chucks him back into the ring under the bottom rope. Devlin is up in a heartbeat, turned to face Cosmo, and he points down at the man while delivering furious remarks. Cosmo rattles his fingers out in front of him in mock fright as the crowd laugh. Suddenly Brennan is taken down from behind by Vannah into a roll up pin, and he finds himself compromised again as the ref drops for the count.
1...
2...
KO: Devlin out at two, and he's back up but he just ran right into a hip toss by Vannah White. She hits off the far ropes for some spring, but this time it's Devlin who floats onto his stomach forcing her to leap over him. On her way back now...AND SHE JUST WALKED INTO A SUPER KICK THAT TOOK HER HEAD OFF!!
LO: Good God! Devlin standing over the woman now, shaking his hand in front of his face, and....did he just say, 'Take a Selfie of that, Bitch'?
KO: Sure sounded like it! And for the first time since his debut at 7 Pillars, Cosmo looks a little concerned.
Indeed Cosmo pushes his hair back out of his face, and reaches out for a tag, but Brennan Devlin just smirks at him as he reaches down and yanks White up by the hair of the head. He mouths something disparaging into her face, and then runs full blast towards a neutral corner where he slams her skull off the top turnbuckle. Spinning her around, he lays in a vicious chop, and then another. He grins over at Cosmo, and does a little showboat gyrations of his own towards Vannah White before snap maring her out of the corner, hopping to the second, and diving off to drive his knee right into the back of the woman's skull.
LO: Vannah White clutching the back of her head, and man, that was a vicious angle for the neck to snap forward.
KO: Yeah, and look at Brennan Devlin go...strutting around the ring like a peacock!
LO: He does seem to enjoy some measure of control here after finding his footing.
Devlin helps Vannah up by use of her hair once more, and pushes her into the ropes only to send her to the far side. She springs back and he catches her in a tilt-a-whirl, but is surprised when she hooks him around the head and takes him down with a head scissors take over. Devlin is back up quickly, but so is Vannah, and she ducks his clothesline attempt, sending a back kick into his gut that doubles him over. Quickly rushing the ropes for some spring, she returns and runs right into a snap powerslam that leaves Brennan on top for the pin.
1...
2...
LO: Thre-Vannah out after a very long two count, and I believe the obvious size advantage is playing out here.
KO: That's funny, cause I was going to say it was the inexperience. She got a nice head-scissor takeover there, but Devlin hadn't taken enough damage. She should have followed that back kick to the gut with something stunning right out the gate, but instead she went to the ropes to attempt something, and he caught her quite deftly with a power move.
LO: True story, Ken. But Devlin has her yanked up again by the hair, and Caputo is getting onto him for this unnecessary roughness...but there's a tag, and now we're about to see what our Apex Champion, Elina Cartel can do!
Elina ignores Devlin's offer to double team White as she takes the woman by the wrist, and throws her off the ropes. When Vannah returns, Elina is coiled to strike, exploding with a spinning back elbow that sends White crashing to the mat. She quickly sneaks over for a pin, but Vannah manages to get out just before 2. Elina is quick to yank her opponent up, but not by the hair, and apply a perfectly executed rear naked choke. Vannah comes alive at being put in the submission, reaching out desperately with panic in her eyes, allowing Elina to sit down in under her, and grapevine her around the midsection. Elina rocks back, tightening up on the choke, and Vannah flails uselessly into the air for awhile before her arms grow sluggish, and begin to fade.
LO: This isn't looking good for White and Cooper, as Elina Cartel has Vannah pretty much settled into the center of the ring.
KO: Yeah, that girl is going out....not looking good at all.
LO: The ref checking Vannah now, and it appears she isn't responding.....he lifts the arm, and it drops to the canvas.
KO: Does it again, and it drops a second time. One more time, and this one is over...
LO: And this one is fini-NO! Wait! White is alive! She's managed to roll onto her stomach, but that just adds Elina's weight to her....I'm not so sure how smart that was.
KO: Yeah, but what choice did she have. She couldn't crawl to the ropes in the position she was in.....Wait a minute....Are you seeing this?
LO: Damn right, but I'm not believing it!
Vannah White has managed to push up to her hands and knee's despite Elina Cartel essentially riding her back, choking her out. Then she gets a foot underneath her, and with a great heave manages to get up to her feet. Elina stays latched on, torquing up on the hold the best she can, causing the already exhausted Vannah White to stumble blindly around the ring. Finally, either on instinct or just luck, Vannah back peddles as fast as she can, and rams Elina spine first into one of the corners. It just so happened to be the corner she needed, as Cosmo Cooper taps her on the shoulder for the tag.
KO: Hot damn, here we go. Cosmo just got into the ring, and peeled Vannah out of the way, and he goes for a right hand on Cartel, but NO! She blocked it, and now she fires back with forearm smashes right into his jaw!
LO: She's got him rocked back now, he's stumbling, and she just rushed the ropes and launches off the second with a springboard moonsault...OH MY GOD!
KO: HE JUST CAUGHT HER IN MID AIR AND DROPPED INTO A TOMBSTONE!
LO: CRATER MAKER! CRATER MAKER! Oh my God, I can't believe this is already about to be over that quick!
Elina is laid out in front of Cosmo, who is still on his knee's behind her. He rubs his jaw, looks out at the crowd with a slight smirk, shrugs and goes for a pin. Or at least he would have, if Brennan Devlin hadn't rushed in the ring and took his head off with a running boot to the face.
LO: Good God! Devlin may have just broke Cosmo's nose, and now Caputo is forcing him back out of the ring.....but he just saved this match for his team with that. You gotta believe that Elina would have been finished.
KO: We'll never know, Laur, but right now she is starting to stir as Cosmo picks his face up off the mat...and both competitors are slow to get to their feet...
Cosmo is up first, and the spot right above his left eye is already puffing up from that nasty boot to his face from Devlin. He shoots the man a scathing look, but he's already back on the outside of his corner, and just gives him a smooching expression. He knows he doesn't have time for revenge as Elina has managed to her feet by use of the ropes right across from him. He barrels across the ring and goes for a clothesline, but is surprised when Elina ducks down and back body drops him over the top rope. Cosmo crashes to the concrete with a thud, but he's already coming up to his feet when he looks up just in time to see Elina Cartel springboard up and over the top rope into a front flip sentan. She crashes down on Cooper, wiping them both out, and the ref starts a ten count while both wallow around on the concrete floor.
KO: It's amazing to me that Cartel can manage any offense after what she just took moments ago! God almighty, that Crater Maker was devastating!
LO: Indeed it was, Ken, but she isn't the Apex Champion for nothing. Tough as nails and full of fire is Elina Cartel.
The ref has made it to six when Cosmo starts pulling himself up by use of the ring apron despite being on the receiving end of the last bout of action. Elina is rising, and he helps her the rest of the way only to toss her head first under the bottom rope, and back into the ring. He follows suit, but she is already getting to her feet, and just as he's about to match her, she throws both feet out to catch him in the face with a falling front drop kick. Cooper falls back through the ropes to the concrete floor once again, but this time it's obvious that some of Elina's faculty is returning as she steps over to the closest corner, scales to the top, and just as he gets to his feet, dives off with an ax handle that sends him crashing back down to the concrete.
LO: The crowd is on their feet now as Cartel pulls Cooper up to his feet, and sends him back into the ring.
KO: She's up on the ring apron now, calling for him to get to his feet, and he's obliging him for all the good it's going to do...
LO: Elina hops up to the top rope, and springboards off, HOOKING COOPER AROUND THE HEAD FOR A THUNDEROUS FRANKENSTEINER! She managed to hook one of his legs for a pin!
KO: 1...2....NO! Cooper manages to power out, and Elina is nodding her head now. It looks like she's back in the game!
Cartel is on her feet now, poised behind Cooper, and begging him to get to his feet. The fans are on their feet as he slowly manages it, his bell obviously rung after the frankensteiner. He slowly searches for his opponent, turning to face her just as she launches into her Eclipse 540 degree kick. Cosmo, however, leaps back, avoiding the impact, and as Elina comes to a landing he moves in suddenly, hooks her around the waist, and sends her sailing across the ring with a massive belly-to-belly release suplex. Elina crashes to the canvas on the other side of the ring, and the pain is evident as she clutches at her lower spine.
LO: Man is this ever see-saw, as both have hit some major moves here, but it looks like Cosmo has managed to get back in the drivers seat.
KO: Yeah, but he narrowly missed an Eclipse from Cartel, and that would have put him on his butt for sure.
Cosmo spins around as he gets to his feet, and stumbles over to yank Elina up to hers. He pushes her back into the ropes, and sends her to the other side. As she returns he goes for a discus elbow smash, but Elina manages to duck it, following through for another round with the ropes. This time she springs back, and Cosmo leaps into the air to catch her with a roundhouse kick, but Elina dives into a roll, avoiding the blow to come back up to her feet in front of him. She takes a swing of her own, but Cooper manages to duck it, even off balance from the awkward landing after the roundhouse, and manages to hook his head under her arm, lifting her up for a side suplex. Elina, however, uses the shift in momentum to roll through so that she lands behind him, hooking him around the waist and using her lower center of gravity to force him towards the ropes. His chest hits the top, and they both bounce backwards, Elina pulling him down into a roll up pin. Caputo doesn't even get a chance to count as Cooper uses his size advantage to kick out, sending Cartel sprawling forwards. He is quick to his feet, but Elina is already barreling back towards him when she goes for another front drop kick. This time Cooper has the move scouted, and he catches her feet as they come, yanking them apart and sitting straight down into a vicious powerbomb. The fans are stunned as Elina rolls backwards despite the impact, no selling the bomb, and springing up so that she can nail Cooper with a step up Enzuguri as he tried to get to his feet.
LO: BOTH COMPETITORS ARE OUT!
KO: Did you see how Cartel rolled right up after that powerbomb! That had to be on instinct, but now she's sucking wind on the canvas beside Cooper.
LO: Good God, what an exchange between these two. We knew it would be like this, Ken. There's just too much talent in one place, and I don't know that the squared circle can handle it.
KO: Well, the referee has started a ten count, and both competitors are crawling towards their respective corners.....could we see it?
LO: Oh yeah, brother-of-mine, I think we're about to get the proverbial 'HOT TAG'!
True to form, Cosmo manages a leaping tag to a waiting Vannah White, while on the other side of the ring Elina reaches up and slaps the hand of Devlin. Both competitors thunder into the ring on a collision course with one another in the center of the mat. Devlin launches himself at Vannah with a flying forearm, but much to his surprise, she uses her own momentum to baseball slide under the move. Devlin manages to tuck when he strikes the canvas, rolling back up to his feet, and spinning on his heel to try and disarm whatever she's about to launch at him. He's a split second too late, however, as Vannah catches him with a Lous Thesz press that takes him down to the canvas. Her fists are already flying by the time Devlin realizes he is on his back, and he does his best to cover up but to no avail.
LO: VANNAH WHITE IS LAYING INTO BRENNAN DEVLIN!
KO: Yeah, I think she took him by surprise there....but he just reached up with his legs and managed to hook one of her arms, and yanked her down to the mat while he sits up, putting her into a pinning predicament!
LO: She's out at a quick 2 count, and both are on their way to their feet...Brennan goes for a swing, but Vannah ducks it....dropping down and hooking him between the legs for a schoolboy pin!
KO: It's Brennan's turn to get out at 2, and both of them are back up and OH! DEVLIN WITH A FACE OFF!
LO: Good God it's over! Hooking the leg for the cover!
1...
2...
KO: Thre-COOPER OUT OF NOWHERE WITH A SAVE!
LO: Devlin rolls over on top of Cooper, and now the two men are brawling all over the ring!
KO: Caputo's trying to get Devlin to let her get Cooper out of the ring, but he's not having any of it!
The referee tries to break the two men up in vain, as both manage to get to their feet, fists and feet flying at vital areas to try and gain an advantage. Finally, Devlin catches Cooper in the jaw which knocks him back into a neutral corner, and Devlin wades in with a chop, followed by another one. Suddenly, Cooper reaches out and gets a fist full of Devlin's hair, spinning him so that now he's trapped in the corner, and starts lighting him up with chops. All the while, Caputo admonishes and yells at Cooper to get out of the ring, giving Vannah White enough time to pull herself up into the corner opposite the melee.
LO: Caputo is one step away of throwing this thing out, and that would be a damn shame.
KO: I say let them go! Who gives a crap about the rules!
LO: I don't know if I'd go that far, but Cooper seems to realize that he's about to cost his team the match, cause he just dumped to the outside and his holding his hands up in compliance....AND OH!
KO: VANNAH WHITE JUST CAME ACROSS THE RING WITH A SPEAR THAT JUST ROCKED BRENNAN DEVLIN IN THE CORNER!
Devlin clutches his midsection in pain and surprise, stumbling out towards the center of the ring as Vannah clutches her neck and shoulders after the bold move she just performed. Seeing her opportunity though, she shakes her head through the pain, stepping out behind the man and grasping both of his shoulders as she falls into a backstabber. Brennan is taken by surprise again, pain filling his spine, but scene isn't over, as White pushes with both of her legs, flipping Devlin over onto his stomach while she rolls through locking him into a deep camel clutch.
LO: VANNAH WHITE WITH THE #HASH TAG ON DEVLIN!
KO: Yeah, and he's a long way from the ropes. Despite the size advantage, this is an awkward position as she has all of her weight on his back, and is using it to try and rip his head from his neck!
Brennan cries out in pain as he swings his arms around, trying to get out of the hold, but Vannah has the clutch in deep. Caputo rests right in front of him, asking him if he wants to give it up, but he vehemently screams 'No' despite his hand hovering over the canvas to tap. Out of nowhere Elina appears on the ring apron, and she leaps to the top, dropping straight down with an elbow right across the back of Vannah's head, breaking up the submission. Vannah clutches at her skull as Elina quickly tries to make an exit, but Cooper is back in the ring, and he leaps right over Caputo to nail Elina from behind which sends her sailing through the ropes to the outside. Cooper doesn't give the referee time to admonish him as he follows Cartel out, picking her up and sending her plummeting across ringside into the steel barricades on the far side. He moves to follow up as Vannah gets to her feet still clutching her head, a little confused at what just happened.
LO: It's mayhem on the outside with Cooper and Cartel, while Vannah White looks like she isn't sure whats going on!
KO: That's the inexperience I was talking about earlier. She just caught sight of what's happening on the outside, and got distracted!
LO: Yeah, and that's giving Brennan Devlin time to get to his feet behind her!
KO: Devlin's back is wracked with pain, but the look on his face says that he is one pissed off dude..
Vannah throws her hands out at her side at the carnage going on outside the ring, and turns back to what was supposed to be a down opponent. Instead she comes face to face with a fuming Brennan Devlin, who boots the woman in the stomach, doubling her over, and hooks her around the head for a snap DDT to the canvas. Vannah clutches at her skull for a second time as Devlin rolls her over onto her back for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: Thre-WAIT! Was that a three? No! Caputo's telling Devlin it was a two, and he looks like he's about to have a conniption!
KO: I tell you what, man, Vannah is proving that she is one tough little bird.
LO: No joke, but I don't know if anything can save her from what Brennan Devlin has planned next. He's standing off to the side of her now, begging for her to get up, while stomping his foot against the mat....I think he's looking for a little Face Time.
Meanwhile, on the outside, Cooper and Cartel have managed to brawl all the way over to Cosmo's corner, and just when it looks like Cartel is going to get the upper hand, he manages to sneak in an eye gauge that reverses the momentum. A fistful of hair, and a meeting with the steel ring steps later, Cartel is clutching her face, while Cooper notices whats going on in the ring for the first time. He sneaks up onto the ring apron behind Devlin, and just as Vannah makes it to her hands and knee's, and it looks like Brennan is about to strike, Cosmo gets a handful of hair as he takes off into motion, yanking him hard down to the canvas. Devlin is surprised more than hurt, and he quickly manages to get back to his feet, just as Cosmo uses the middle rope to pull himself forward into an awkward looking headbutt/spear into Devlin's already aching midsection. Devlin clutches at his gut in pain, falling back, right into the waiting arms of Vannah White, who pulls him into a roll up pin. Cosmo rolls back to the outside, giving Caputo no excuse not to make the count.
1...
2...
3!!!
KO: They've done it! The Champions of Choice have done it!
LO: I can't believe it! I mean, this was a five star match folks, but Cosmo Cooper and Vannah White have left victorious over the Valor Pro Faithful!
KO: Yeah, but I'm not sure this is done...
Ring Announcer: And the winners of the match by pinfall, VANNAH WHITE AND COSMO COOPERRRR!!
Devlin clutches at his midsection, already back up to his knee's, a mixture of disarray, disgust, and shock on his face as the announcement is made. Vannah has already rolled to the outside, and she rests against the guard rail, the fans patting her on the back and clambering to get a selfie with the sensation that made the pinfall. Cosmo, on the opposite end of ringside, grins up at Brennan Devlin, giving him a wink which sends Devlin up to his feet despite the pain. Suddenly and out of nowhere, Cooper is given a shove from behind, which sends him chest first into the hard part of the ring apron. Before he knows what is happening, he is being shoved under the bottom rope into the ring, and when he pops up to see the perpetrator, Elina Cartel stands defiantly at ringside. A nasty scrape is already reddening across her forehead from the steel steps she met thanks to the man, and she allows her own smirk as Cooper starts jawing his usual diatribe down at her. He doesn't realize the smirk is because Brennan Devlin is poised to strike, and when she points behind Cooper, and the man turns around, that's exactly what happens.
LO: FACE OFF TO COOPER!!
KO: Yeah, and lights out for the Graps Jesus! Now Brennan all up in the man's face, telling him that he doesn't look like the best now. HEY! Brennan....I don't think he can hear you!
LO: Regardless of this display, it doesn't change the fact that Vannah and Cosmo won this match.
Just then, 'Lady Venom' by Swollen Members strikes the PA System, and all eyes dart up to the stage where Vanessa Byrne appears dressed in an evening gown that draws every eye in the place to her. The distraction gives Vannah White the chance she needs to reach into the ring and pull Cosmo to the outside, while Devlin steps to the ropes closes to the ramp, staring up at the General Manager. Elina tosses the Apex Championship over shoulder as she joins him on the ring apron, warily giving the GM a suspicious eye. Cosmo has recovered enough to get around on his own, and he slides his arm off of Vannah's shoulders, as they both stare up at the ramp. This entire time, Vanessa has been applauding them, but her hands finally come to a stop now that she see's that she has their full attention. From somewhere behind her a tech appears with a mic, and then disappears just as quickly while she brings it up to her lips.
Vanessa Byrne: Well, well, well.
KO: Yeah, and not without a second to spare, as the announcer just made it into the ring...
Ring Announcer: The following contest is a tag team match and is scheduled for one fall or submission....
'Shooting Stars' by Bag Raiders fills the arena, and just as the beat kicks in Vannah White appears at the top of the stage with an award winning smile and a friendly wave. The fans come alive at the sight of the YouTube Vlogger, recognizing her from her many videos. Word of her Valor Pro debut had increased the numbers of her subscribers, and many seemed to be in the audience, with one fan even holding up a sign that read, 'Vannah White, please click the subscribe button' with an arrow pointing down at his crotch.
Ring Announcer: Making her way to the ring, standing at five foot six and weighting in at 125 pounds...hailing from London, England....She is 'The Queen Without A Crown'....VANNAH WHITTTEEE!!!
Vannah makes her way down the ramp, waving at fans, and stopping for a few selfies before eventually making it to ringside. She climbs the steps and enters the squared circle, twirling around and raising a fist over her head while blowing kisses to those at ringside.
LO: This crowd is already hot for Vannah White, this being her first appearance since the Division. Interestingly enough, she had a feud with Cross Recoba while there, and also knows his girlfriend, Dakota Jennings.
KO: Laur, could you be quiet with the facts. Vannah's blowing us a kiss.
LO: I'm pretty sure that's for the fans, Ken.
KO: Oh, a man can dream!
The sound of snapping fingers fill the arena as 'Lifted' by CL hits over the PA System. The fans come alive as the music and gold lights flashing around the arena signal the arrival of Cosmo Cooper. Cosmo appears through the curtain in a smooth glide, shoulders bouncing to his theme music, pulling his hat down low and pointing down to the ring. When he comes to a stop he looks up with a confident grin, winking to the camera as he passes by down the ramp.
Ring Announcer: And her tag partner, standing at six foot two and weighting in at 225 pounds...hailing from Santa Rosa, California...He is the 'Graps Jesus' COSMO COOOPPPPEERRR!
Cosmo leaps up onto the ring apron and turns towards the crowd, still a swagger in his step as he holds his hand out in front of him like he's at the helm of his own ship, before reaching up and ripping the cap off his head and sending it out into the jubilant crowd. He gives a cocky grin before sliding into the ring, pauses to take in Vannah White while fingering his chin, the grin returns as he rushes the turnbuckles to end up on the second rope with his fists in the air to a standing ovation.
LO: Folks, when we say that Cosmo is over, we mean he is O-V-E-R!
KO: No doubt, the anticipation to see him in action over the past two weeks since his arrival at 7 Pillars has been through the roof. This fool damn near broke the website!
LO: Definitely a big time player, but that doesn't change the fact that still has to prove that he can go toe to toe with our Valor Pro faithful.
KO: Come on, Laur. Dude is smoother than glass, and Vanessa Byrne has personally vouched for him. How can he not life up to the hype?
Just then the lights go out in the arena, and 'Scandroid' by Salvation Code's robotic voice speaks out to the audience. As the songs digital beat kicks in, strobes flash at the top of the stage and when the lyrics kick in, Brennan Devlin appears in the midst looking like a black and white picture show. The lights suddenly stop, and a loud bang of pyro goes off behind him as he tears forward, cocksure walk and all. He heckles fans as he makes his way down the ramp, and they heckle him right back, leaving him with a sarcastic grin on his face.
Ring Announcer: And their opponents, making his way to the ring first.....standing at six foot one and weighting in at 230 pounds...hailing from San Andreas, California....He is 'The Face Of Wrestling' BRENNAN DEVLINNNN!!
Devlin halts his jovial march to ringside, and regards his two opponents in the ring with a more serious tone. Resolved to make a point here tonight, Devlin leaps up to the ring apron, takes a corner while still on the outside and throws both thumbs into his chest before extending them towards Cosmo and Vannah pointing down. Cosmo and Brennan have already started jawing at each other when they are cut off by the sounds of the 80's, ‘Machines’ by Giorgio Moroder filling the arena. All three of them turn to regard the stage as purple, blue, and orange lights dance along the digital score. Smoke pillows out of the entrance way, creating an illusory scene when someone appears in the fog. As some of the mist lifts, Elina Cartel can be seen standing at its center, her head bowed and the Apex Championship gleaming from around her waist. Suddenly her head snaps up, and the crowd goes nuts as she acknowledges them with a nod and starts her march down to the ring.
Ring Announcer: And his partner, standing at five foot five and weighting in at 115 pounds...Coming to us from Los Angeles, California.....She is THE APEX CHAMPION......"The Neo Retro Space Empress" ELINA CARTELLLL!!
The champion reaches ringside and rolls in under the bottom rope, popping up and finding a corner where she leaps to the top rope, rips the strap free from behind her, and thrusts the championship up into the air to a thunderous applause. She flashes a determined smile at the crowd before dropping down, and placing the championship in a safe place in her corner.
LO: Folks, Elina Cartel has carried herself with poise and grace all through her Monarch Title reign, and now she is the pinnacle of our promotion, the Apex Champion! I can not wait to see how this tag match unfolds here tonight, cause the best is really on offer in this one.
KO: Yeah, but how well are they all going to get along? I mean, Vannah White and Cosmo were lumped together because of status, and Elina and Brennan seem to have a common cause in stopping these invaders flat, but everyone knows that if Brennan Devlin got a chance to be Apex Champion he'd probably turn on Elina in a heartbeat. Matter of fact, I'm pretty sure she's aware of that as well.
LO: Maybe under normal circumstance, Ken, but these two have something to prove after all of the heated words exchanged over the course of these past few weeks. I'm pretty sure that Devlin is as focused on Cosmo as he is on any championship.
KO: Well, it would be a big win for him, but I guess we're about to find out who is going to come out on top, cause there's the bell and this one is underway.
Both teams remain in the ring for a moment eyeing each other, but eventually, Cosmo breaks from his serious face to a jovial one, nudging Vannah White forwards to start before slipping out to their corner. Brennan and Elina have a hushed conversation in theirs, until finally Elina nods, and indicates the floor is Brennan's as she slips between the ropes. Devlin takes in a deep breath before starting to circle with White, who looks to be a tad bit uncomfortable with being the one to start. A few words of encouragement from Cosmo seems to bolster her spirits, and when the two lock up she is quick to capitalize directly into a headlock. She chokes up on the hold as Devlin looks for a way to escape, but finding none, he pushes her into the ropes to send her off. She returns quickly, and runs right into a shoulder tackle that sends her crashing to the mat. The two exchange a brief glance before Brennan attacks the ropes for spring, but Vannah floats onto her stomach, forcing him to hop over her and continue to the other side. Devlin makes his return, when Vannah pops up to her feet, and into a high drop kick that catches Brennan right in the chest. He stumbles back into the ropes, and before he can realize what's happening Vannah has delivered a clothesline that sends him up and over.
LO: Devlin lands on his feet there, but he doesn't appear to be happy to be upstaged this early in the match, as he stalks around ringside in frustration.
KO: He better look out for whose behind him!
Cosmo takes it upon himself to drop down from his corner, sneak up behind Devlin, and gesticulate in a mocking manner before grabbing the man by the scruff of the neck and the seat of his pants, and chucks him back into the ring under the bottom rope. Devlin is up in a heartbeat, turned to face Cosmo, and he points down at the man while delivering furious remarks. Cosmo rattles his fingers out in front of him in mock fright as the crowd laugh. Suddenly Brennan is taken down from behind by Vannah into a roll up pin, and he finds himself compromised again as the ref drops for the count.
1...
2...
KO: Devlin out at two, and he's back up but he just ran right into a hip toss by Vannah White. She hits off the far ropes for some spring, but this time it's Devlin who floats onto his stomach forcing her to leap over him. On her way back now...AND SHE JUST WALKED INTO A SUPER KICK THAT TOOK HER HEAD OFF!!
LO: Good God! Devlin standing over the woman now, shaking his hand in front of his face, and....did he just say, 'Take a Selfie of that, Bitch'?
KO: Sure sounded like it! And for the first time since his debut at 7 Pillars, Cosmo looks a little concerned.
Indeed Cosmo pushes his hair back out of his face, and reaches out for a tag, but Brennan Devlin just smirks at him as he reaches down and yanks White up by the hair of the head. He mouths something disparaging into her face, and then runs full blast towards a neutral corner where he slams her skull off the top turnbuckle. Spinning her around, he lays in a vicious chop, and then another. He grins over at Cosmo, and does a little showboat gyrations of his own towards Vannah White before snap maring her out of the corner, hopping to the second, and diving off to drive his knee right into the back of the woman's skull.
LO: Vannah White clutching the back of her head, and man, that was a vicious angle for the neck to snap forward.
KO: Yeah, and look at Brennan Devlin go...strutting around the ring like a peacock!
LO: He does seem to enjoy some measure of control here after finding his footing.
Devlin helps Vannah up by use of her hair once more, and pushes her into the ropes only to send her to the far side. She springs back and he catches her in a tilt-a-whirl, but is surprised when she hooks him around the head and takes him down with a head scissors take over. Devlin is back up quickly, but so is Vannah, and she ducks his clothesline attempt, sending a back kick into his gut that doubles him over. Quickly rushing the ropes for some spring, she returns and runs right into a snap powerslam that leaves Brennan on top for the pin.
1...
2...
LO: Thre-Vannah out after a very long two count, and I believe the obvious size advantage is playing out here.
KO: That's funny, cause I was going to say it was the inexperience. She got a nice head-scissor takeover there, but Devlin hadn't taken enough damage. She should have followed that back kick to the gut with something stunning right out the gate, but instead she went to the ropes to attempt something, and he caught her quite deftly with a power move.
LO: True story, Ken. But Devlin has her yanked up again by the hair, and Caputo is getting onto him for this unnecessary roughness...but there's a tag, and now we're about to see what our Apex Champion, Elina Cartel can do!
Elina ignores Devlin's offer to double team White as she takes the woman by the wrist, and throws her off the ropes. When Vannah returns, Elina is coiled to strike, exploding with a spinning back elbow that sends White crashing to the mat. She quickly sneaks over for a pin, but Vannah manages to get out just before 2. Elina is quick to yank her opponent up, but not by the hair, and apply a perfectly executed rear naked choke. Vannah comes alive at being put in the submission, reaching out desperately with panic in her eyes, allowing Elina to sit down in under her, and grapevine her around the midsection. Elina rocks back, tightening up on the choke, and Vannah flails uselessly into the air for awhile before her arms grow sluggish, and begin to fade.
LO: This isn't looking good for White and Cooper, as Elina Cartel has Vannah pretty much settled into the center of the ring.
KO: Yeah, that girl is going out....not looking good at all.
LO: The ref checking Vannah now, and it appears she isn't responding.....he lifts the arm, and it drops to the canvas.
KO: Does it again, and it drops a second time. One more time, and this one is over...
LO: And this one is fini-NO! Wait! White is alive! She's managed to roll onto her stomach, but that just adds Elina's weight to her....I'm not so sure how smart that was.
KO: Yeah, but what choice did she have. She couldn't crawl to the ropes in the position she was in.....Wait a minute....Are you seeing this?
LO: Damn right, but I'm not believing it!
Vannah White has managed to push up to her hands and knee's despite Elina Cartel essentially riding her back, choking her out. Then she gets a foot underneath her, and with a great heave manages to get up to her feet. Elina stays latched on, torquing up on the hold the best she can, causing the already exhausted Vannah White to stumble blindly around the ring. Finally, either on instinct or just luck, Vannah back peddles as fast as she can, and rams Elina spine first into one of the corners. It just so happened to be the corner she needed, as Cosmo Cooper taps her on the shoulder for the tag.
KO: Hot damn, here we go. Cosmo just got into the ring, and peeled Vannah out of the way, and he goes for a right hand on Cartel, but NO! She blocked it, and now she fires back with forearm smashes right into his jaw!
LO: She's got him rocked back now, he's stumbling, and she just rushed the ropes and launches off the second with a springboard moonsault...OH MY GOD!
KO: HE JUST CAUGHT HER IN MID AIR AND DROPPED INTO A TOMBSTONE!
LO: CRATER MAKER! CRATER MAKER! Oh my God, I can't believe this is already about to be over that quick!
Elina is laid out in front of Cosmo, who is still on his knee's behind her. He rubs his jaw, looks out at the crowd with a slight smirk, shrugs and goes for a pin. Or at least he would have, if Brennan Devlin hadn't rushed in the ring and took his head off with a running boot to the face.
LO: Good God! Devlin may have just broke Cosmo's nose, and now Caputo is forcing him back out of the ring.....but he just saved this match for his team with that. You gotta believe that Elina would have been finished.
KO: We'll never know, Laur, but right now she is starting to stir as Cosmo picks his face up off the mat...and both competitors are slow to get to their feet...
Cosmo is up first, and the spot right above his left eye is already puffing up from that nasty boot to his face from Devlin. He shoots the man a scathing look, but he's already back on the outside of his corner, and just gives him a smooching expression. He knows he doesn't have time for revenge as Elina has managed to her feet by use of the ropes right across from him. He barrels across the ring and goes for a clothesline, but is surprised when Elina ducks down and back body drops him over the top rope. Cosmo crashes to the concrete with a thud, but he's already coming up to his feet when he looks up just in time to see Elina Cartel springboard up and over the top rope into a front flip sentan. She crashes down on Cooper, wiping them both out, and the ref starts a ten count while both wallow around on the concrete floor.
KO: It's amazing to me that Cartel can manage any offense after what she just took moments ago! God almighty, that Crater Maker was devastating!
LO: Indeed it was, Ken, but she isn't the Apex Champion for nothing. Tough as nails and full of fire is Elina Cartel.
The ref has made it to six when Cosmo starts pulling himself up by use of the ring apron despite being on the receiving end of the last bout of action. Elina is rising, and he helps her the rest of the way only to toss her head first under the bottom rope, and back into the ring. He follows suit, but she is already getting to her feet, and just as he's about to match her, she throws both feet out to catch him in the face with a falling front drop kick. Cooper falls back through the ropes to the concrete floor once again, but this time it's obvious that some of Elina's faculty is returning as she steps over to the closest corner, scales to the top, and just as he gets to his feet, dives off with an ax handle that sends him crashing back down to the concrete.
LO: The crowd is on their feet now as Cartel pulls Cooper up to his feet, and sends him back into the ring.
KO: She's up on the ring apron now, calling for him to get to his feet, and he's obliging him for all the good it's going to do...
LO: Elina hops up to the top rope, and springboards off, HOOKING COOPER AROUND THE HEAD FOR A THUNDEROUS FRANKENSTEINER! She managed to hook one of his legs for a pin!
KO: 1...2....NO! Cooper manages to power out, and Elina is nodding her head now. It looks like she's back in the game!
Cartel is on her feet now, poised behind Cooper, and begging him to get to his feet. The fans are on their feet as he slowly manages it, his bell obviously rung after the frankensteiner. He slowly searches for his opponent, turning to face her just as she launches into her Eclipse 540 degree kick. Cosmo, however, leaps back, avoiding the impact, and as Elina comes to a landing he moves in suddenly, hooks her around the waist, and sends her sailing across the ring with a massive belly-to-belly release suplex. Elina crashes to the canvas on the other side of the ring, and the pain is evident as she clutches at her lower spine.
LO: Man is this ever see-saw, as both have hit some major moves here, but it looks like Cosmo has managed to get back in the drivers seat.
KO: Yeah, but he narrowly missed an Eclipse from Cartel, and that would have put him on his butt for sure.
Cosmo spins around as he gets to his feet, and stumbles over to yank Elina up to hers. He pushes her back into the ropes, and sends her to the other side. As she returns he goes for a discus elbow smash, but Elina manages to duck it, following through for another round with the ropes. This time she springs back, and Cosmo leaps into the air to catch her with a roundhouse kick, but Elina dives into a roll, avoiding the blow to come back up to her feet in front of him. She takes a swing of her own, but Cooper manages to duck it, even off balance from the awkward landing after the roundhouse, and manages to hook his head under her arm, lifting her up for a side suplex. Elina, however, uses the shift in momentum to roll through so that she lands behind him, hooking him around the waist and using her lower center of gravity to force him towards the ropes. His chest hits the top, and they both bounce backwards, Elina pulling him down into a roll up pin. Caputo doesn't even get a chance to count as Cooper uses his size advantage to kick out, sending Cartel sprawling forwards. He is quick to his feet, but Elina is already barreling back towards him when she goes for another front drop kick. This time Cooper has the move scouted, and he catches her feet as they come, yanking them apart and sitting straight down into a vicious powerbomb. The fans are stunned as Elina rolls backwards despite the impact, no selling the bomb, and springing up so that she can nail Cooper with a step up Enzuguri as he tried to get to his feet.
LO: BOTH COMPETITORS ARE OUT!
KO: Did you see how Cartel rolled right up after that powerbomb! That had to be on instinct, but now she's sucking wind on the canvas beside Cooper.
LO: Good God, what an exchange between these two. We knew it would be like this, Ken. There's just too much talent in one place, and I don't know that the squared circle can handle it.
KO: Well, the referee has started a ten count, and both competitors are crawling towards their respective corners.....could we see it?
LO: Oh yeah, brother-of-mine, I think we're about to get the proverbial 'HOT TAG'!
True to form, Cosmo manages a leaping tag to a waiting Vannah White, while on the other side of the ring Elina reaches up and slaps the hand of Devlin. Both competitors thunder into the ring on a collision course with one another in the center of the mat. Devlin launches himself at Vannah with a flying forearm, but much to his surprise, she uses her own momentum to baseball slide under the move. Devlin manages to tuck when he strikes the canvas, rolling back up to his feet, and spinning on his heel to try and disarm whatever she's about to launch at him. He's a split second too late, however, as Vannah catches him with a Lous Thesz press that takes him down to the canvas. Her fists are already flying by the time Devlin realizes he is on his back, and he does his best to cover up but to no avail.
LO: VANNAH WHITE IS LAYING INTO BRENNAN DEVLIN!
KO: Yeah, I think she took him by surprise there....but he just reached up with his legs and managed to hook one of her arms, and yanked her down to the mat while he sits up, putting her into a pinning predicament!
LO: She's out at a quick 2 count, and both are on their way to their feet...Brennan goes for a swing, but Vannah ducks it....dropping down and hooking him between the legs for a schoolboy pin!
KO: It's Brennan's turn to get out at 2, and both of them are back up and OH! DEVLIN WITH A FACE OFF!
LO: Good God it's over! Hooking the leg for the cover!
1...
2...
KO: Thre-COOPER OUT OF NOWHERE WITH A SAVE!
LO: Devlin rolls over on top of Cooper, and now the two men are brawling all over the ring!
KO: Caputo's trying to get Devlin to let her get Cooper out of the ring, but he's not having any of it!
The referee tries to break the two men up in vain, as both manage to get to their feet, fists and feet flying at vital areas to try and gain an advantage. Finally, Devlin catches Cooper in the jaw which knocks him back into a neutral corner, and Devlin wades in with a chop, followed by another one. Suddenly, Cooper reaches out and gets a fist full of Devlin's hair, spinning him so that now he's trapped in the corner, and starts lighting him up with chops. All the while, Caputo admonishes and yells at Cooper to get out of the ring, giving Vannah White enough time to pull herself up into the corner opposite the melee.
LO: Caputo is one step away of throwing this thing out, and that would be a damn shame.
KO: I say let them go! Who gives a crap about the rules!
LO: I don't know if I'd go that far, but Cooper seems to realize that he's about to cost his team the match, cause he just dumped to the outside and his holding his hands up in compliance....AND OH!
KO: VANNAH WHITE JUST CAME ACROSS THE RING WITH A SPEAR THAT JUST ROCKED BRENNAN DEVLIN IN THE CORNER!
Devlin clutches his midsection in pain and surprise, stumbling out towards the center of the ring as Vannah clutches her neck and shoulders after the bold move she just performed. Seeing her opportunity though, she shakes her head through the pain, stepping out behind the man and grasping both of his shoulders as she falls into a backstabber. Brennan is taken by surprise again, pain filling his spine, but scene isn't over, as White pushes with both of her legs, flipping Devlin over onto his stomach while she rolls through locking him into a deep camel clutch.
LO: VANNAH WHITE WITH THE #HASH TAG ON DEVLIN!
KO: Yeah, and he's a long way from the ropes. Despite the size advantage, this is an awkward position as she has all of her weight on his back, and is using it to try and rip his head from his neck!
Brennan cries out in pain as he swings his arms around, trying to get out of the hold, but Vannah has the clutch in deep. Caputo rests right in front of him, asking him if he wants to give it up, but he vehemently screams 'No' despite his hand hovering over the canvas to tap. Out of nowhere Elina appears on the ring apron, and she leaps to the top, dropping straight down with an elbow right across the back of Vannah's head, breaking up the submission. Vannah clutches at her skull as Elina quickly tries to make an exit, but Cooper is back in the ring, and he leaps right over Caputo to nail Elina from behind which sends her sailing through the ropes to the outside. Cooper doesn't give the referee time to admonish him as he follows Cartel out, picking her up and sending her plummeting across ringside into the steel barricades on the far side. He moves to follow up as Vannah gets to her feet still clutching her head, a little confused at what just happened.
LO: It's mayhem on the outside with Cooper and Cartel, while Vannah White looks like she isn't sure whats going on!
KO: That's the inexperience I was talking about earlier. She just caught sight of what's happening on the outside, and got distracted!
LO: Yeah, and that's giving Brennan Devlin time to get to his feet behind her!
KO: Devlin's back is wracked with pain, but the look on his face says that he is one pissed off dude..
Vannah throws her hands out at her side at the carnage going on outside the ring, and turns back to what was supposed to be a down opponent. Instead she comes face to face with a fuming Brennan Devlin, who boots the woman in the stomach, doubling her over, and hooks her around the head for a snap DDT to the canvas. Vannah clutches at her skull for a second time as Devlin rolls her over onto her back for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: Thre-WAIT! Was that a three? No! Caputo's telling Devlin it was a two, and he looks like he's about to have a conniption!
KO: I tell you what, man, Vannah is proving that she is one tough little bird.
LO: No joke, but I don't know if anything can save her from what Brennan Devlin has planned next. He's standing off to the side of her now, begging for her to get up, while stomping his foot against the mat....I think he's looking for a little Face Time.
Meanwhile, on the outside, Cooper and Cartel have managed to brawl all the way over to Cosmo's corner, and just when it looks like Cartel is going to get the upper hand, he manages to sneak in an eye gauge that reverses the momentum. A fistful of hair, and a meeting with the steel ring steps later, Cartel is clutching her face, while Cooper notices whats going on in the ring for the first time. He sneaks up onto the ring apron behind Devlin, and just as Vannah makes it to her hands and knee's, and it looks like Brennan is about to strike, Cosmo gets a handful of hair as he takes off into motion, yanking him hard down to the canvas. Devlin is surprised more than hurt, and he quickly manages to get back to his feet, just as Cosmo uses the middle rope to pull himself forward into an awkward looking headbutt/spear into Devlin's already aching midsection. Devlin clutches at his gut in pain, falling back, right into the waiting arms of Vannah White, who pulls him into a roll up pin. Cosmo rolls back to the outside, giving Caputo no excuse not to make the count.
1...
2...
3!!!
KO: They've done it! The Champions of Choice have done it!
LO: I can't believe it! I mean, this was a five star match folks, but Cosmo Cooper and Vannah White have left victorious over the Valor Pro Faithful!
KO: Yeah, but I'm not sure this is done...
Ring Announcer: And the winners of the match by pinfall, VANNAH WHITE AND COSMO COOPERRRR!!
Devlin clutches at his midsection, already back up to his knee's, a mixture of disarray, disgust, and shock on his face as the announcement is made. Vannah has already rolled to the outside, and she rests against the guard rail, the fans patting her on the back and clambering to get a selfie with the sensation that made the pinfall. Cosmo, on the opposite end of ringside, grins up at Brennan Devlin, giving him a wink which sends Devlin up to his feet despite the pain. Suddenly and out of nowhere, Cooper is given a shove from behind, which sends him chest first into the hard part of the ring apron. Before he knows what is happening, he is being shoved under the bottom rope into the ring, and when he pops up to see the perpetrator, Elina Cartel stands defiantly at ringside. A nasty scrape is already reddening across her forehead from the steel steps she met thanks to the man, and she allows her own smirk as Cooper starts jawing his usual diatribe down at her. He doesn't realize the smirk is because Brennan Devlin is poised to strike, and when she points behind Cooper, and the man turns around, that's exactly what happens.
LO: FACE OFF TO COOPER!!
KO: Yeah, and lights out for the Graps Jesus! Now Brennan all up in the man's face, telling him that he doesn't look like the best now. HEY! Brennan....I don't think he can hear you!
LO: Regardless of this display, it doesn't change the fact that Vannah and Cosmo won this match.
Just then, 'Lady Venom' by Swollen Members strikes the PA System, and all eyes dart up to the stage where Vanessa Byrne appears dressed in an evening gown that draws every eye in the place to her. The distraction gives Vannah White the chance she needs to reach into the ring and pull Cosmo to the outside, while Devlin steps to the ropes closes to the ramp, staring up at the General Manager. Elina tosses the Apex Championship over shoulder as she joins him on the ring apron, warily giving the GM a suspicious eye. Cosmo has recovered enough to get around on his own, and he slides his arm off of Vannah's shoulders, as they both stare up at the ramp. This entire time, Vanessa has been applauding them, but her hands finally come to a stop now that she see's that she has their full attention. From somewhere behind her a tech appears with a mic, and then disappears just as quickly while she brings it up to her lips.
Vanessa Byrne: Well, well, well.
She smirks a cheshire grin, looking down to the ring first to Cosmo... her eyes gleaming, then to Vannah... like a pleased school mistress, before her eyes fall on Devlin and Cartel, her expression turning one to stone cold seriousness.
VB: I told you. I told you. What did I say the very first time you all saw me at a Valor Pro show? I told you that your efforts that very first show were not good enough, and I raised the bar. I made you all work harder than you thought you could. And here we are, now, some six shows into the young life of the federation I am building from the ground up, and I bet you can't guess why I'm here once more?
She looks positively beguiling, listening a moment as the fans cheer and boo in a nondescript chorus.
VB: I brought to these fans two wrestlers worthy of their time. Who don't need me to set a bar for them, they set it for themselves, and each one of you. And they show up, just as I intended, on their first match here and claim victory over two supposed bright spots on my roster. And what do you have to say for yourselves, hmmm? Elina? Brennan? What could you two possibly say now to prove to me, or anyone watching that you deserve to be anywhere NEAR the top of the pile, huh? The answer is simple. You don't.
The fans boo, more her, than what she's saying. Vanessa stands at the top of the ramp with that shit-eating smirk, staring down at Elina and Brennan like this were a lecture.
VB: Devlin, for all your talk, the only thing you're good at is beating up retired wrestlers. You, like Brad Strokes, are just one of my many regrettable signing decisions, it would seem, made all the more noticeably disappointing with each passing match. Be glad I'm still signing your paycheque. Dismissed.
Devlin jaws angrily, looking to Elina then others in the crowd as Vanessa looks on.
LO: D-did Vanessa Byrne just fire Brennan Devlin?
KO: I think that's what 'dismissed' means, Laur.
VB: No. I'm not firing you, Brennan. You're under contract. But you are on thin ice, Mr. Face of Wrestling. You don't have any laurels to rest on, and no title to challenge for. So I'll make you defend the one thing that seems to truly matter to you. Your self-prescribed title is going to be on the line at the next Blitz. Face of Wrestling? Say hello to your next opponent... the NEW Face of Wrestling, Cosmo Cooper.
The crowd roars as Vanessa looks proudly on Cosmo Cooper.
LO: Big announcement. Cosmo Cooper and Brennan Devlin will be facing off at the next show for... what... a nickname match?
Devlin is upset but Vanessa Byrne isn't done. Her attention falls, now, on Elina Cartel.
VB: And you, my lovely, do have a title. And you're going to be defending it.
The crowd roars louder, dying down so Vanessa can finish.
VB: At Valor Pro's next Pay Per View Event in St. Petersburgh, Equinox, you're going to face my very own Cosmo Cooper for that title you seem to not think too highly of, Ms. Cartel. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Her smirk grows, looking with a scowl at Devlin and Elina to a softened, prideful smile on Vannah and Cosmo to whom she blows a playful kiss and strides her way backstage to the roar of the crowd.
KO: Incredible. We have a name for our next Pay Per View. Equinox.
LO: And we have a marquee matchup to look forward to! But, Ken, has Cosmo earned this? I mean this was his first match.
KO: Vanessa Byrne seems to think so. I would not want to be the locker room when they realize Vanessa's putting Cosmo and Vannah at the front of the line ahead of so many worthy competitors.
LO: I'm pretty sure Vanessa Byrne is demonstrating an unhealthy liking of our two most recent signings. And I don't like it.
KO: Cream always rises to the top, Laur.
KO: Yeah, well, while it's rising to the top, and these four competitors make their way backstage we have a massive title match next. Let's get ready for it.
Ring Announcer: The following contest is your Main Event of the evening, is scheduled for one fall or submission, and is for the UNYIELDING CHAMPIONSHIP!!
'Turn To Stone' by Joe Walsh hits over the PA System and the fans immediately come alive with negative energy as gold lights flash over head, eventually coming together to highlight the top of the stage. At the lights center stands Cross Recoba, who doesn't appear to notice the boos being thrown in his direction. He pushes his shag haircut from his eyes, right hand unconsciously touching the crucifix he wears around his neck. Finally, he looks up with an arrogant smile and starts making his way down the ramp which sends the crowd into another fit.
Ring Announcer: Making his way to the ring, standing at five foot ten and weighting in at 230 pounds, hailing from New York, New York.....He is 'The Fox' CROSS RECOBBBAAAA!!
Recoba reaches ringside and pauses to take in a few of the more raucous fans at ringside with a disgusted expression, before making his way up the steps and into the squared circle. Once inside he steps to the center of the ring and runs his fingers with both hands down his chest to his waist with an arrogant grin, and then turns serious before flicking his fingers off of his chin at the crowd in insult.
LO: Cross Recoba inciting this German crowd who are more than willing to share what they think of him. This guy might incite a riot here tonight...
KO: That's a skill, Laur. Cross is the kind of guy who knows exactly what to do to pull a reaction from this crowd, and from everything we've seen from him thus far in Valor Pro, he's hedged his bets here tonight.
LO: Yeah, and that's exactly what I'm afraid of.
The announce team are suddenly cut off by the sounds of 'Beat the Devil’s Tattoo' by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club filling the arena. The haunting melody draws the attention of the crowd, and just as the cryptic lyrics begin, Zachariah Krahe pushes through the curtain. His left arm is heavily taped and held up by a sling, while in his right hand dangles the UnYielding Championship held down at his side by the strap. The fans reactions are split between boo's and cheers as the enigmatic superstar pauses at the top of the stage to search the crowd as if looking for someone specific. After a moment, he gives a Cheshire like grin and starts down the ramp, the championship dragging behind him.
Ring Announcer: And his opponent, standing at six foot three and weighting in at 232 pounds, hailing from Hell, Michigan.....He is the winner of the 7 Pillars of Rome Gauntlet Match, and the current UnYielding Champion.....ZACHARIAH KRAHEEE!!
Krahe reaches ringside and hops up onto the ring apron, coming up by use of the ropes only to stare across the ring at his opponent with dark eyes. After a moment, he slips between the ropes, and with little fanfare falls back into the nearest corner, his gaze never leaving Recoba.
LO: Well so far so good here, if the expression on Krahe's face is genuine, it looks like he's come to fight!
KO: How the hell is he supposed to do that? Do you not see his arm in a sling? That injury is thanks in most part to Brodie, but was capitalized on by the last two opponents in the 7 Pillars Gauntlet match, resulting in what we've been told is a separated shoulder and severe tendon damage.
LO: Either way, Zachariah Krahe has shown up here tonight in Munich rather than forfeit, so it looks like he'll be doing battle hurt.
KO: The ref is checking with Krahe now, and he just nodded and handed over the championship. I guess you're right, Laur.
LO: There's the bell, Laur. I guess we're all about to find out!
The two men step to the center of the ring from their neutral corners and come face to face, nose to nose. Recoba and Krahe exchange some banter that can't be picked up by the audio, but the intensity of their conversation starts to escalate before finally they step back to begin the match. Or so that's how it appears, just before Cross Recoba flashes a grin that can only be akin to the devil, and Krahe gives a shrug with his one good shoulder. Slowly Zachariah drops to one knee, then the other, until finally he rolls safely onto his back. The fans, announce team, and referee are stunned as Cross approaches tentatively at first, but upon seeing there will be no resistance, quickly flashes down for a cover. The fans finally find their tongues as they vehemently boo the scene in front of them, and referee Caputo stares down at them, still in shock.
LO: ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME!
KO: Dude had a plan, and damned if he isn't going to get away with it.
LO: This isn't right, Ken! God damn it, disqualify them both.
KO: Fraid not, Laur. No one has to like it, but Cross Recoba just bought himself a championship!
Caputo is still in shock when Cross spits some sort of insult up at her, and demands that she make the count. This seems to bring her back to reality, and she looks at the two men in disgust, before reluctantly dropping beside them to make the count.
1...
2...
3!!!
LO: God almighty, I hate him. This is the biggest farce that I have ever seen, and is unbecoming even for Cross Recoba.
KO: Correct yourself, brother-o-mine, UnYielding Champion, Cross Recoba.
LO: That son of a bitch is no champion of mine! Champions stand their ground and earn their accolades, and this guy didn't do that. No, he just bought it like this was some sort of auction house!
KO: And what about Zachariah Krahe? I'd say his motivations just crystallized right here before us tonight. It was bad enough how he won the belt, but can you imagine how the other participants in the gauntlet must feel now? He pulled off the biggest upset in our business only to sell it out to the highest bidder, and that was 'The Fox' Cross Recoba!
LO: The whole damn thing makes me sick.
While the announce team comes to grips with what has just happened, Cross Recoba clutches the UnYielding Championship to his chest as if he just won the Olympics, dodging the trash that is now being thrown into the ring. He calls for a microphone as Zachariah Krahe leans into his corner, an indifferent expression on his face at the reaction he is receiving. Once the mic is in hand, Cross steps to the ring arrogantly, lifting it to his mouth which is turned up into a wicked smile.
Cross Recoba: And now the fun begins…
Recoba’s smile now has a matching laugh.
Cross Recoba: You see this is the dawn of a Golden Age for Valor Pro Wrestling, you not only get to see me every week, but you get to tell your friends that you were right when you told them that Cross Recoba is THE BOX OFFICE SMASH of VPW!
The crowd, already upset at the farcical ending to the main event increase the fervor of their booing as Recoba continues to crow.
Cross Recoba: This era will be defined by a simple three step concept….ONE! Conquer! Mason Jones found that out last week, now he’s too afraid to even be on the same continent as me! Two! Counter! You think I got here without something upstairs? Lastly, Cheque! Because what did you see tonight? That when it comes down to it even the best that VPW has to offer can be paid off like a cheap who-
Fans and announcers alike are left in surprised shock as Zachariah Krahe slowly removes his boot from between Cross Recoba's legs. The shock of the move sent the microphone flying out of Cross' hands, and Krahe snatches it out of midair as Recoba crumples to his knees holding his crotch. The new UnYielding Champion shakily looks up at Krahe, who stares down at him, wearing a satisfied expression as he lifts the microphone to his lips.
Zachariah Krahe: Cross....I might take your money for a job, but that certainly doesn't mean that I can be bought....
With that, Krahe jams the hard end of the microphone down into Recoba's skull, sending the man fully down to the mat. The fans, not sure which way they should go, err on the side of caution and give a mixed reaction as Krahe steps over top of Recoba and starts laying in blows with his good arm.
KO: That slimy double crossing swindler!
LO: Are you freakin' kidding me?!? This is the first thing Zachariah Krahe has done tonight to make me believe there is hope for us yet!
KO: Whatever. The man had one job, and had to screw it up for the new UnYielding Champion.
LO: Last I checked, he did that job, Ken. As much as I despise it, Cross Recoba is the UnYielding Champion, and now he's getting a taste of some well deserved medicine for all of the scheming it took to achieve that.
KO: OH SHIT!!
LO: AND NOW HE'S GOING TO GET A LITTLE MORE THAN HE BARGAINED FOR! ZACK FANTANA IS ON HIS WAY TO THE RING, AND HE ISN'T ALONE! HE'S BROUGHT A STEEL CHAIR AS HIS PLUS ONE!
The pop that Fantana gets is tremendous, and it signals Zachariah Krahe that something isn't right. He steps off of Cross at about the same time Zack hits the ring, and turns just in time to take a thunderous chair shot to the skull. Krahe stumbles around the ring, steel chair still wrapped around his cranium, giving Zack the opportunity to step to the side and nail the chair with a superkick which in turn slams off of Krahe's face and sends him crashing to the canvas. Zack sends a few stomps down into the chair for good measure before removing it from Krahe's skull, revealing a crimson mask where Zachariah's face should be. Fantana spins the chair around to use the side that isn't so caved in, and brings it crashing down across Krahe's bad arm and shoulder. Steel rings out against bone, and Krahe lets out a painful yelp as Fantana continues his barrage over and over again.
LO: ZACK FANTANA IS WEARING ZACHARIAH KRAHE OUT WITH THAT CHAIR!
KO: Yeah, and adding even more torment to that injured arm of his. There is one good thing about all of this though....it's giving Cross Recoba a chance to escape.
Recoba sneakily crawls underneath the bottom rope despite still feeling the effects of the low blow from earlier. He starts edging his way along the ring apron, trying to keep himself hidden as Fantana continues to waylay Zachariah Krahe with the chair. Just as he reaches the edge of the stairs he believes that he's made it, and he starts to make a dash for the ramp. He would have made it too, if Zack Fantana hadn't dropped down out of the ring right in his path still wielding the now battered chair. Cross slowly starts back peddling, begging Zack off, all the while clutching up on the UnYielding Championship. Suddenly he surges forwards with the belt cocked to deliver a blow, but Fantana will not be denied, ducking under the attempted cheap shot, and delivering a steel chair across Recoba's spine as he passes by. Recoba strikes the concrete hard, but still continues towards the ramp on his hands and knee's. Zack wields the chair now so that the rounded back is pointed down, and he drives the steal down into Recoba's spine, halting his escape.
LO: ZACK FANTANA IS BEATING THE HELL OUT OF CROSS RECOBA WITH THAT CHAIR!
KO: Doesn't he know that Cross is the new UnYielding Champion! Where is the respect?
LO: Oh, Zack Fantana knows who the champion is, and he knows exactly why he was denied his chance to be the one holding the belt at 7 Pillars! This, my brother, is called JUSTICE!
Fantana is out of breath when he brings the chair down for about the tenth time across Cross' spine, 'The Fox' no longer offering any resistance as he lays limp on the floor. Zack tosses the chair off to the side, and scoops up the UnYielding Title, staring down at the belt before looking up for the first time to notice the jubilant German crowd. The fans are on their feet, a 'Fantana' chant echoing throughout the building, and a wave of satisfaction fills the man as he closes his eyes and soaks it all in. Finally, he looks down at the championship one more time, before tossing it down on the prone Cross Recoba. He nods to the crowd as he backs up the ramp, surveying the devastation left in his wake. Despite the display of violence he manages a chuckle, the crowds reaction more accolades than he's ever received. He gives a final wave before disappearing behind the curtain.
LO: Zack Fantana stands tall here on Blitz#5 in the aftermath of 7 Pillars, as EMT's are now at ringside to check on Zachariah Krahe and Cross Recoba. Who knows what lasting effects this attack will have on those two men after tonight!
KO: Yeah, yeah..Zack Fantana got some measure of revenge here tonight, but that doesn't change the fact that he isn't the champion. That falls to Cross Recoba, who admittedly, doesn't look too championship worthy right now, but is the man who will leave here with the title! And what about Zachariah Krahe? He was just a man trying to do a job, and now look at him. He deserves hazard pay after all this!
LO: Sorry to burst your bubble, Ken, but I don't think Munich and the rest of the Valor Pro faithful sympathize with these two. It should be interesting to see what happens as a result, though.
KO: Wait...I'm getting word in my headset....
LO: Why aren't I hearing anything...
KO: Cause you aren't as important as I am, Laur.....whoa....Brad Stokes has caught up with Zack Fantana in the backstage area, and apparently there is a big announcement about the next show.....
LO: Well then get cameras rolling back there....what are they waiting for....
Brad Stokes leans against the wall looking cool in his leather jacket, with kleenex wadded up his nose to stop the bleeding from earlier when Devlin dropped him, when a determined Zack Fantana blows by, hot off his impromptu in-ring appearance just now.
Brad Stokes: ZACK!
Brad hurries to catch up with Fantana, fixing his hair as he does.
BS: My main man! HAHA! Put ‘er there!
He offers his hand but Fantana’s brisk pace urges Stokes to continuously catch up.
BS: Alright! SWEET! The Fantana! Fantanaman himself. How long has it been, huh? I bet you missed your main man the Stokesy, am I right?
Brad is fangirling.
Zack, clearly in a hurry, takes note of the time on his cellular device. He, of course, knew many Stokes, none of which he’d necessarily refer to as his ‘main man the Stokesy’, mostly because that was the verbiage of a sociopath. Zack reluctantly broke stride to turn around and address his adoring fan, hoping he wouldn’t live to regret it.
ZF: Oh, Brad, it’s you.
Even saying that, he wasn’t certain. Zack could’ve sworn Brad was a drone the last time he’d seen him, but no one would ever know now that the F2W archives had been expunged from the Internet.
He shakes his hand just to be sure that he’s real.
ZF: It’s been a minute. What are you doing here, man?
Brad had to breathe. Wide-eyed and strung out, especially after the night he'd already had sparring with Brennan Devlin, Brad looked ready to cry.
BS: Did-didn't you see me out there? I kicked the shit out of Brennan Devlin for you, man.
Brad Stokes: ZACK!
Brad hurries to catch up with Fantana, fixing his hair as he does.
BS: My main man! HAHA! Put ‘er there!
He offers his hand but Fantana’s brisk pace urges Stokes to continuously catch up.
BS: Alright! SWEET! The Fantana! Fantanaman himself. How long has it been, huh? I bet you missed your main man the Stokesy, am I right?
Brad is fangirling.
Zack, clearly in a hurry, takes note of the time on his cellular device. He, of course, knew many Stokes, none of which he’d necessarily refer to as his ‘main man the Stokesy’, mostly because that was the verbiage of a sociopath. Zack reluctantly broke stride to turn around and address his adoring fan, hoping he wouldn’t live to regret it.
ZF: Oh, Brad, it’s you.
Even saying that, he wasn’t certain. Zack could’ve sworn Brad was a drone the last time he’d seen him, but no one would ever know now that the F2W archives had been expunged from the Internet.
He shakes his hand just to be sure that he’s real.
ZF: It’s been a minute. What are you doing here, man?
Brad had to breathe. Wide-eyed and strung out, especially after the night he'd already had sparring with Brennan Devlin, Brad looked ready to cry.
BS: Did-didn't you see me out there? I kicked the shit out of Brennan Devlin for you, man.
Zack looked vague and disinterested.
ZF: Must've missed that.
BS: Haha! I tried calling, Zack. How come you never write me? I mean I got out of the bunker and then F2W went belly up and then nothing. For months. It's like you didn't think to contact me and tell me you were alright. How do you think that makes me feel you son of a filthy bitch, huh?
Brad was right up in Zack's face now raring with the intensity of a man confronting his hero and being overcome.
BS: I oughtta sock you in the mouth, you know that? I had to fly all the way to wherever the hell we currently are and get a job with whatever the hell company this is just so I could see you.
While initially taken aback by Brad’s intensity, Zack managed to keep his composure as Brad’s face reddened. He calmly placed his palm on Brad’s shoulder.
ZF: Brad, you follow me on twitter.
Brad was about to start up again but Zack cut him off, taking care to repeat Brad’s name to assure him that he was being heard.
ZF: But you deactivated, Brad. I know, Brad. But Brad, that’s not on me. You know the business. 99% of networking is done via twitter.com. You know this. And Brad, I haven’t done paper mail since... well, you remember Benny Stevens, don’t you, Brad?
He noticed Brad was settling down a bit. Finding it safe to take his hand off Brad’s shoulder, Zack thumbed through his phone and then presented the screen to Brad.
ZF: But how about this, Brad? I’ll give you my number if we can just end this conversation right now. Because, you see, Brad, I’ve done a thing tonight that’s likely going to ruffle a few feathers and I can’t be shooting the shit in catering right now. Do you understand? I guess what I’m saying, Brad, is that I need a 10 second car.
Zack paused as Brad’s brow creased.
ZF: Or any car, really. What are you driving tonight? A Honda Accord, a Kia Picanto, anything will do.
It was a moment of deep introspection for Brad Stokes. Head lowered, heart welling with emotion. Sure as color commentary for the AWE and F2W Brad was, in his own mind at least, the most impartial human that ever lived, but even then he’d favored Fantana’s brand of being Zack Fantana. Fighting back tears of joy at this seeming acceptance from his hero Brad lifted his head, full of energy.
BS: I stole the sound guy’s car keys, Zack. He’s driving a Mini. Now I was gonna sell it, or at least lend it to my son Tad so he’d get caught with it, but you know what? A voice deep down inside my headphones told me that a higher purpose would direct me what to do. And that voice wasn’t wrong.
He looked upon Zack, a man his junior by at least a decade as though he were, instead, a father figure and clapped him on the shoulder.
BS: Let’s get you out of here, man.
Zack smiled as Bradley dangled the Mini keys in front of him.
ZF: As getaway vehicles go, it’s a bit on the nose, but alright, man, let’s Italian Job our way out of here.
With that, Zack began to power walk his way toward the parking lot as inconspicuous as possible with Brad hopping along behind giddily. No one was coming after Zack or Brad, at least not right now, barring maybe the owner of that Mini. In fact, several of the parking lot attendants told the pair to ‘have a nice evening’ as they made their way to the vehicle.
ZF: Finally.
Both men hopped into the car with Brad taking the wheel and pulling out of the parking spot and up to the gate, presenting the pay stub that he found on the dash to the booth attendant. The boom gate slowly rose above the vehicle.
ZF: Go.
BS: You sure?
ZF: Yeah.
The camera zoomed in from the rear window as the two held hands as the Mini puttered out of the lot at sub-8 kph speeds and into the distance. The scene cuts back to a confused Othello Brothers.
Brad was right up in Zack's face now raring with the intensity of a man confronting his hero and being overcome.
BS: I oughtta sock you in the mouth, you know that? I had to fly all the way to wherever the hell we currently are and get a job with whatever the hell company this is just so I could see you.
While initially taken aback by Brad’s intensity, Zack managed to keep his composure as Brad’s face reddened. He calmly placed his palm on Brad’s shoulder.
ZF: Brad, you follow me on twitter.
Brad was about to start up again but Zack cut him off, taking care to repeat Brad’s name to assure him that he was being heard.
ZF: But you deactivated, Brad. I know, Brad. But Brad, that’s not on me. You know the business. 99% of networking is done via twitter.com. You know this. And Brad, I haven’t done paper mail since... well, you remember Benny Stevens, don’t you, Brad?
He noticed Brad was settling down a bit. Finding it safe to take his hand off Brad’s shoulder, Zack thumbed through his phone and then presented the screen to Brad.
ZF: But how about this, Brad? I’ll give you my number if we can just end this conversation right now. Because, you see, Brad, I’ve done a thing tonight that’s likely going to ruffle a few feathers and I can’t be shooting the shit in catering right now. Do you understand? I guess what I’m saying, Brad, is that I need a 10 second car.
Zack paused as Brad’s brow creased.
ZF: Or any car, really. What are you driving tonight? A Honda Accord, a Kia Picanto, anything will do.
It was a moment of deep introspection for Brad Stokes. Head lowered, heart welling with emotion. Sure as color commentary for the AWE and F2W Brad was, in his own mind at least, the most impartial human that ever lived, but even then he’d favored Fantana’s brand of being Zack Fantana. Fighting back tears of joy at this seeming acceptance from his hero Brad lifted his head, full of energy.
BS: I stole the sound guy’s car keys, Zack. He’s driving a Mini. Now I was gonna sell it, or at least lend it to my son Tad so he’d get caught with it, but you know what? A voice deep down inside my headphones told me that a higher purpose would direct me what to do. And that voice wasn’t wrong.
He looked upon Zack, a man his junior by at least a decade as though he were, instead, a father figure and clapped him on the shoulder.
BS: Let’s get you out of here, man.
Zack smiled as Bradley dangled the Mini keys in front of him.
ZF: As getaway vehicles go, it’s a bit on the nose, but alright, man, let’s Italian Job our way out of here.
With that, Zack began to power walk his way toward the parking lot as inconspicuous as possible with Brad hopping along behind giddily. No one was coming after Zack or Brad, at least not right now, barring maybe the owner of that Mini. In fact, several of the parking lot attendants told the pair to ‘have a nice evening’ as they made their way to the vehicle.
ZF: Finally.
Both men hopped into the car with Brad taking the wheel and pulling out of the parking spot and up to the gate, presenting the pay stub that he found on the dash to the booth attendant. The boom gate slowly rose above the vehicle.
ZF: Go.
BS: You sure?
ZF: Yeah.
The camera zoomed in from the rear window as the two held hands as the Mini puttered out of the lot at sub-8 kph speeds and into the distance. The scene cuts back to a confused Othello Brothers.
LO: What the F---
KO: Easy Brother!
LO: Yeah, yeah, I know...but still.....WTF? Brad Stokes had the chance to get a word with Zack Fantana after what he just did, and....nothing.
KO: Yeah, and what about the big announcement....he didn't even get it out.
LO: God damn it. He just drove away with him like some fanboy!
KO: Well folks, what Brad failed to mention to Fantana, is that he will have an UnYielding Championship opportunity on the very next Blitz!
LO: That's right, Ken, and not only that...like icing on the cake, Zachariah Krahe is going to be the special guest referee.
KO: How is that going to work?
LO: Probably about as good as a Brad Stokes interview.
KO: Ooooo Burn! But seriously, this show....I don't know, brother-of-mine, it has set up more questions than answers. Brodie and Zombie have a date at Equinox in January in an 'I Quit' match. We have a new UnYielding Champion who now finds a target painted on his back by the man he screwed over, and the man who helped him do it. We have a war brewing between our General Manager's 'Champions of Choice' and our Valor Pro Faithful. Not to mention we have Lady Munin lurking somewhere backstage, and where she goes, usually trouble follows...
LO: Certainly didn't get any resolutions out of that. We now know that Cosmo Cooper will challenge Elina Cartel for the Apex Championship at Equinox, but I don't think Brennan Devlin's done with the 'Graps Jesus' either. Not to mention Vannah White, who pulled off the win here tonight. No end in the spotlight for her after this show.
KO: Well, luckily all we have to do is call the action, Laur. Let's leave the clean up of this mess to more capable hands.
LO: I couldn't agree more, Ken. Folks, we hope you've enjoyed the show, and that you'll join us in two weeks when Blitz comes to you life from the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark.
KO: I am Kenneth Othello...
LO: And I am Laurence Othello....
Othello Brothers: And we are the Othello Brothers, wishing you a great night!
KO: Easy Brother!
LO: Yeah, yeah, I know...but still.....WTF? Brad Stokes had the chance to get a word with Zack Fantana after what he just did, and....nothing.
KO: Yeah, and what about the big announcement....he didn't even get it out.
LO: God damn it. He just drove away with him like some fanboy!
KO: Well folks, what Brad failed to mention to Fantana, is that he will have an UnYielding Championship opportunity on the very next Blitz!
LO: That's right, Ken, and not only that...like icing on the cake, Zachariah Krahe is going to be the special guest referee.
KO: How is that going to work?
LO: Probably about as good as a Brad Stokes interview.
KO: Ooooo Burn! But seriously, this show....I don't know, brother-of-mine, it has set up more questions than answers. Brodie and Zombie have a date at Equinox in January in an 'I Quit' match. We have a new UnYielding Champion who now finds a target painted on his back by the man he screwed over, and the man who helped him do it. We have a war brewing between our General Manager's 'Champions of Choice' and our Valor Pro Faithful. Not to mention we have Lady Munin lurking somewhere backstage, and where she goes, usually trouble follows...
LO: Certainly didn't get any resolutions out of that. We now know that Cosmo Cooper will challenge Elina Cartel for the Apex Championship at Equinox, but I don't think Brennan Devlin's done with the 'Graps Jesus' either. Not to mention Vannah White, who pulled off the win here tonight. No end in the spotlight for her after this show.
KO: Well, luckily all we have to do is call the action, Laur. Let's leave the clean up of this mess to more capable hands.
LO: I couldn't agree more, Ken. Folks, we hope you've enjoyed the show, and that you'll join us in two weeks when Blitz comes to you life from the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark.
KO: I am Kenneth Othello...
LO: And I am Laurence Othello....
Othello Brothers: And we are the Othello Brothers, wishing you a great night!