Post by silentpartner on Aug 25, 2019 13:26:03 GMT -5
“Quiet, quiet, quiet…”
The arena was dark and a voice echoed out through it. Though soon the lights flashed on and Brennan Devlin sat in a chair in the center of the ring, the familiar ‘agent’ of Brennan Devlin, Agent Orange in a chair nearby. Outside of the ring, it was surrounded, flanked with members of ‘Devlin Security’.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: “If you don’t silence yourselves, this show does not need to carry on. I’ll have the lights flipped off and we’ll just end it right here, right now. So once again, quiet…”
The fans continued to be belligerent until finally, the lights went black again. The crowd seemed to hate this even more as the cheers grew more hateful. Soon, Brennan’s annoyed face was illuminated by the lights returning on as he stood up and leaned against the ropes.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: “You’re booing me? Me? I saved you from that farce of a main event at Honor Bound. I saved you from two idiots whose only goal to hug each other to death. Did you hear any of the build up to that? Their interactions on Twitter? Huggyface this, kissy face that. Excuse me while I fucking barf. You should be thanking me, you should be thanking me for saving this company from a hundred years of a championship reign where Cosmo treated it like the least important belt he had.”
Brennan twirled the microphone around in his hand as he wandered back and forth in the ring, listening to the boos from the crowd.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: “Instead, all of you vilify me…You boo me, you pick fools like Cosmo Cooper over me… I wanted to stop being the face of this business, I wanted to be faceless because I didn’t want to represent any of you or this company any longer! You were at fault, all of you made me question who I am but I will never do that again. For the first time since coming to Valor Pro Wrestling, I have a complete understanding, a complete grasp of who and what I am.”
He paused as he glared out into the crowd, his black jacket and leopard print pants making quite the fashion statement, though the crowd didn’t care for more than just his fashion choices.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: “I’ve been playing by the rules of everyone else for far too long, I’ve allowed myself to be pulled to the level of people lesser than me… I’ve let my opponents, people in the back and all of you define me. I was Faceless because of all of you but in that pit of despair, I found who I was again. I found something larger than life and I don’t just mean my dong.
I found Brennan Devlin.
I found a man renowned for being the best on the microphone, in the ring, wherever he may be. I found the face of this business. It took some moments of literal hell, it took questioning if Brennan Devlin was still as good as I claimed him to be, but I finally managed to attain clarity that I did not have upon coming to this company.”
He took the blame for mistakes, and even some failures, but had every intention of moving forward from that.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: “Everyone kept wanting an explanation for Honor Bound and my best answer is, why not? I do what I want, when I want. Like I demanded this opening segment, I walked down to the ring flanked by my security, not for my protection, but all of yours. I go where I want, appear where I want, affect the outcome of what I want. And here’s a spoiler, Chris Callums probably going to whine about me a few segments from now. Try to disprove some things I said, pretend to do some fact checking, cry his sissy little eyes out about how Brennan said some mean things. That’s a wounded animal, someone threatened, someone scared of what is coming to him. You’ve never finished, never succeeded in anything for the long term, Chris, you know it, I know it. It all fizzles out just before the end and you’ll conveniently let that point go rather than own it and try to do different. You are the best right now, nobody can take that claim away from you as long as you hold that championship.”
The fans continued to pour hatred upon him as he just gave a smug grin.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: “Spoilers though, spoilers everybody, we got some spoilers! So cover your ears if you don’t want to hear what’s gonna happen on the season finale of Valor Pro. I am going to become the Apex Champion in the not too far off future, it is not a matter of ‘if’. It is a matter of ‘when’.”
Soon before he could finish, some members of the crowd leaped over the barricade only for Holliday Sinclair, Freight Train and Brad Medicine of Devlin Security to begin wailing on the man with batons.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: “Get him the fuck out of here! This is my show, mine, from now on, I will come out here and hold it hostage if I fucking want and you will like it!”
Holliday and the rest of Devlin Security kept wailing on the gentleman as arena security attempted to get him out of the building. The fans soon breaking into a ‘FUCK YOU DEVLIN’ chant as he offered them a smile.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: “I ruined Cosmo and Chris’s little dream match and.. I’m not stopping there.”
Soon, “Deranged” by Coheed and Cambria began to play throughout the arena as Devlin helped Agent Orange out of her seat and the two celebrated. All the while a convoy of Devlin Security t-shirt clad people surrounded while they exited the ring. The scene slowly fades into the Blitz#21 Main Banner....
The arena was dark and a voice echoed out through it. Though soon the lights flashed on and Brennan Devlin sat in a chair in the center of the ring, the familiar ‘agent’ of Brennan Devlin, Agent Orange in a chair nearby. Outside of the ring, it was surrounded, flanked with members of ‘Devlin Security’.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: “If you don’t silence yourselves, this show does not need to carry on. I’ll have the lights flipped off and we’ll just end it right here, right now. So once again, quiet…”
The fans continued to be belligerent until finally, the lights went black again. The crowd seemed to hate this even more as the cheers grew more hateful. Soon, Brennan’s annoyed face was illuminated by the lights returning on as he stood up and leaned against the ropes.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: “You’re booing me? Me? I saved you from that farce of a main event at Honor Bound. I saved you from two idiots whose only goal to hug each other to death. Did you hear any of the build up to that? Their interactions on Twitter? Huggyface this, kissy face that. Excuse me while I fucking barf. You should be thanking me, you should be thanking me for saving this company from a hundred years of a championship reign where Cosmo treated it like the least important belt he had.”
Brennan twirled the microphone around in his hand as he wandered back and forth in the ring, listening to the boos from the crowd.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: “Instead, all of you vilify me…You boo me, you pick fools like Cosmo Cooper over me… I wanted to stop being the face of this business, I wanted to be faceless because I didn’t want to represent any of you or this company any longer! You were at fault, all of you made me question who I am but I will never do that again. For the first time since coming to Valor Pro Wrestling, I have a complete understanding, a complete grasp of who and what I am.”
He paused as he glared out into the crowd, his black jacket and leopard print pants making quite the fashion statement, though the crowd didn’t care for more than just his fashion choices.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: “I’ve been playing by the rules of everyone else for far too long, I’ve allowed myself to be pulled to the level of people lesser than me… I’ve let my opponents, people in the back and all of you define me. I was Faceless because of all of you but in that pit of despair, I found who I was again. I found something larger than life and I don’t just mean my dong.
I found Brennan Devlin.
I found a man renowned for being the best on the microphone, in the ring, wherever he may be. I found the face of this business. It took some moments of literal hell, it took questioning if Brennan Devlin was still as good as I claimed him to be, but I finally managed to attain clarity that I did not have upon coming to this company.”
He took the blame for mistakes, and even some failures, but had every intention of moving forward from that.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: “Everyone kept wanting an explanation for Honor Bound and my best answer is, why not? I do what I want, when I want. Like I demanded this opening segment, I walked down to the ring flanked by my security, not for my protection, but all of yours. I go where I want, appear where I want, affect the outcome of what I want. And here’s a spoiler, Chris Callums probably going to whine about me a few segments from now. Try to disprove some things I said, pretend to do some fact checking, cry his sissy little eyes out about how Brennan said some mean things. That’s a wounded animal, someone threatened, someone scared of what is coming to him. You’ve never finished, never succeeded in anything for the long term, Chris, you know it, I know it. It all fizzles out just before the end and you’ll conveniently let that point go rather than own it and try to do different. You are the best right now, nobody can take that claim away from you as long as you hold that championship.”
The fans continued to pour hatred upon him as he just gave a smug grin.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: “Spoilers though, spoilers everybody, we got some spoilers! So cover your ears if you don’t want to hear what’s gonna happen on the season finale of Valor Pro. I am going to become the Apex Champion in the not too far off future, it is not a matter of ‘if’. It is a matter of ‘when’.”
Soon before he could finish, some members of the crowd leaped over the barricade only for Holliday Sinclair, Freight Train and Brad Medicine of Devlin Security to begin wailing on the man with batons.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: “Get him the fuck out of here! This is my show, mine, from now on, I will come out here and hold it hostage if I fucking want and you will like it!”
Holliday and the rest of Devlin Security kept wailing on the gentleman as arena security attempted to get him out of the building. The fans soon breaking into a ‘FUCK YOU DEVLIN’ chant as he offered them a smile.
BRENNAN DEVLIN: “I ruined Cosmo and Chris’s little dream match and.. I’m not stopping there.”
Soon, “Deranged” by Coheed and Cambria began to play throughout the arena as Devlin helped Agent Orange out of her seat and the two celebrated. All the while a convoy of Devlin Security t-shirt clad people surrounded while they exited the ring. The scene slowly fades into the Blitz#21 Main Banner....
"For The Glory" by All Good Things blares across the PA system while the camera shifts up to the main banner displayed at the top of the screen, and then to a sweeping shot of the Scotiabank Arena. Pyro begins firing off across the stage, and the Toronto fans come to their feet at the sight of themselves on the big screen, cheering wildly and holding up their signs. There are a multitude of signs in the audience, one reading "I STILL BELIEVE IN THE COOP!", while another says "THE ETERNAL IS THE NEW APEX", and another still says "DEVLIN FOR PRESIDENT". T-shirts permeate the crowd for superstars such as Danny Rizzo, David Scott, The Zombie Clan, Brodie, NSFW, Katya Djurdjevic, Bryan Williams, and Fantanasy, with many more holding up Canadian flags. The camera view shifts suddenly to one overlooking the two rings. The camera zooms down the ramp, rises up over the top rope, through the ring, and finally drops down to settle on the announce booth where The Othello Brothers await with excited expressions.
LAURENCE OTHELLO: Welcome everyone to the Scotiabank Arena here in beautiful downtown Toronto, Canada for another episode of Blitz! Hey, Ken, we finally made it! North America!
KENNETH OTHELLO: Don't I know it! I'm going to end up putting on weight if we stay up North for much longer. I've been to Tim Horton's like twelve times this week.
LO: I'm sure our General Manager, Francis Ford Cuppola, is excited to be here. I hear he loves maple syrup!
KO: Who doesn't?!?
LO: Well folks, we have a jam packed show scheduled for you here tonight, with a Main Event that is sure to tantalize even the most stringent of wrestling fans. Especially considering what happened at the end of Honor Bound during the Apex Title match between Chris Callum and Cosmo Cooper...
KO: Well he's already shown his face here tonight, and he looks ready to rumble! Brennan Devlin has returned to Valor Pro!
LO: Yes, and he did so at the expense of the two men just mentioned when he interfered in their epic encounter to hit a Face Off on Cooper, who subsequently lost the title to Callum seconds later.
KO: The Eternal already has his number, Laur. Don't try and thrust that conspiracy off on Devlin's shoulders!
LO: It's no conspiracy, Ken. Devlin told the world that Cosmo Cooper would forever be linked to Brennan Devlin, and even after a few months absence, he made that statement a reality at Honor Bound.
KO: And now Chris Callum is ready to destroy him for it. I don't get it, Laur. Chris should be on top of the world. I mean...he's The Apex now.
LO: I don't know how many more times I can say this; That match was about more than just titles to those two men. This was about finding out which of them was the best. Which one of them would go the distance. It was a match of a lifetime whose storybook ending was ruined by Brennan Devlin. Callum has a right to be pissed.
KO: Great segue, Laur, cause another person who got their dreams dashed at Honor Bound was Katya Djurdjevic! Thanks to Danny Rizzo, she can't vie for the UnYielding Championship until he loses it, which judging by his track record, isn't anytime soon!
LO: Well he could lose it here tonight against his next challenger, Moxie James, who won a Fatal Four Way for that right at Honor Bound. What do you think of that?
KO: I think she should leave those top hats she wears in the back, and put on her game face for this one, cause The Risen ain't going to be playing no cat and mouse games.
LO: eh, you might be right, but the fans sure do seem to have gotten behind her in recent weeks, and she did take out the likes of David Scott, Indi Rhyder, and Bryan Williams to earn this opportunity.
KO: Whatever, Laur. I predict we see another Rizzo victory before all is said and done.
LO: Well before we find that out, we'll finally get to hear from Roman Novack after the vicious assault by Brodie during their match at Honor Bound. We've seen Brodie flip her lid before, but she really seems to hate this guy...
KO: I can't believe I'm saying this, because the guy isn't even here anymore, but it all stems from Zachariah Krahe.
LO: The resemblance and mannerisms are uncanny, aren't they.
KO: It's like their twins, and Brodie can't stand either one of them.
LO: You gotta believe that she will be in attendance here tonight for when Novack speaks his mind to the world. I predict poor Brad is going to be caught in the middle of that mess.
KO: Speaking of being caught in the middle, how about Indi Rhyder raising the ire of my man, Cross Recoba?
LO: Once again folks, On Honor Bound we saw Cross Recoba, who wasn't even supposed to be at the venue, savagely attack Indi Rhyder while she was trying to watch the rest of the program.
KO: Don't say it like that. We all know what she did a couple of shows back! She embarrassed The Fox, and he doesn't forget!
LO: What's crazy about this is that she didn't even beat him. It was just a draw, but after all the shit he talked before their encounter, I guess that really stuck in his craw.
KO: And now he gets to do something about it! It's not like the match before that doesn't have it's own share of drama...
LO: Indeed, we'll see a Triple Threat match that serves as a companion to the one we had on Flipping The Script, where three different tag teams will have representatives going all out for supremacy!
KO: My money is on The Zombie Clan. They put the exclamation point on the end of the Chimera Tag Title Match at Honor Bound with that beat down, and sent a pretty clear message that they don't care who the champs are, cause they are next in line!
LO: That remains to be seen, as I predict the winner of this match could help determine that very question. However, if the tag champs pick up the victory, you have to figure they'll be able to pick whoever they want to face.
KO: Let's not count our chickens before they hatch, Laur, and just see what happens.
LO: Speaking of, there's a rooster in our midst, and his name is Bryan Williams.
KO: You need to apologize for that pun. I can see that you were proud of it, but no...
LO: Anyways, Williams and David Scott participated in that Fatal Four Way, and by the end we saw Scott get pinned by Moxie while Williams tried to get into the ring to break it up just a second too late. Now these two will go head to head, and I'm sure tensions will be high.
KO: Williams has got to be annoyed at Scott for not kicking out, and David wants nothing more than to shut the guy up so that he can try and recover from two losses in a row.
LO: There's a lot on the line on this episode of Blitz, and I say we start the action off right now.
KO: I second that motion! Generic Ring Announcer....take it away!
LAURENCE OTHELLO: Welcome everyone to the Scotiabank Arena here in beautiful downtown Toronto, Canada for another episode of Blitz! Hey, Ken, we finally made it! North America!
KENNETH OTHELLO: Don't I know it! I'm going to end up putting on weight if we stay up North for much longer. I've been to Tim Horton's like twelve times this week.
LO: I'm sure our General Manager, Francis Ford Cuppola, is excited to be here. I hear he loves maple syrup!
KO: Who doesn't?!?
LO: Well folks, we have a jam packed show scheduled for you here tonight, with a Main Event that is sure to tantalize even the most stringent of wrestling fans. Especially considering what happened at the end of Honor Bound during the Apex Title match between Chris Callum and Cosmo Cooper...
KO: Well he's already shown his face here tonight, and he looks ready to rumble! Brennan Devlin has returned to Valor Pro!
LO: Yes, and he did so at the expense of the two men just mentioned when he interfered in their epic encounter to hit a Face Off on Cooper, who subsequently lost the title to Callum seconds later.
KO: The Eternal already has his number, Laur. Don't try and thrust that conspiracy off on Devlin's shoulders!
LO: It's no conspiracy, Ken. Devlin told the world that Cosmo Cooper would forever be linked to Brennan Devlin, and even after a few months absence, he made that statement a reality at Honor Bound.
KO: And now Chris Callum is ready to destroy him for it. I don't get it, Laur. Chris should be on top of the world. I mean...he's The Apex now.
LO: I don't know how many more times I can say this; That match was about more than just titles to those two men. This was about finding out which of them was the best. Which one of them would go the distance. It was a match of a lifetime whose storybook ending was ruined by Brennan Devlin. Callum has a right to be pissed.
KO: Great segue, Laur, cause another person who got their dreams dashed at Honor Bound was Katya Djurdjevic! Thanks to Danny Rizzo, she can't vie for the UnYielding Championship until he loses it, which judging by his track record, isn't anytime soon!
LO: Well he could lose it here tonight against his next challenger, Moxie James, who won a Fatal Four Way for that right at Honor Bound. What do you think of that?
KO: I think she should leave those top hats she wears in the back, and put on her game face for this one, cause The Risen ain't going to be playing no cat and mouse games.
LO: eh, you might be right, but the fans sure do seem to have gotten behind her in recent weeks, and she did take out the likes of David Scott, Indi Rhyder, and Bryan Williams to earn this opportunity.
KO: Whatever, Laur. I predict we see another Rizzo victory before all is said and done.
LO: Well before we find that out, we'll finally get to hear from Roman Novack after the vicious assault by Brodie during their match at Honor Bound. We've seen Brodie flip her lid before, but she really seems to hate this guy...
KO: I can't believe I'm saying this, because the guy isn't even here anymore, but it all stems from Zachariah Krahe.
LO: The resemblance and mannerisms are uncanny, aren't they.
KO: It's like their twins, and Brodie can't stand either one of them.
LO: You gotta believe that she will be in attendance here tonight for when Novack speaks his mind to the world. I predict poor Brad is going to be caught in the middle of that mess.
KO: Speaking of being caught in the middle, how about Indi Rhyder raising the ire of my man, Cross Recoba?
LO: Once again folks, On Honor Bound we saw Cross Recoba, who wasn't even supposed to be at the venue, savagely attack Indi Rhyder while she was trying to watch the rest of the program.
KO: Don't say it like that. We all know what she did a couple of shows back! She embarrassed The Fox, and he doesn't forget!
LO: What's crazy about this is that she didn't even beat him. It was just a draw, but after all the shit he talked before their encounter, I guess that really stuck in his craw.
KO: And now he gets to do something about it! It's not like the match before that doesn't have it's own share of drama...
LO: Indeed, we'll see a Triple Threat match that serves as a companion to the one we had on Flipping The Script, where three different tag teams will have representatives going all out for supremacy!
KO: My money is on The Zombie Clan. They put the exclamation point on the end of the Chimera Tag Title Match at Honor Bound with that beat down, and sent a pretty clear message that they don't care who the champs are, cause they are next in line!
LO: That remains to be seen, as I predict the winner of this match could help determine that very question. However, if the tag champs pick up the victory, you have to figure they'll be able to pick whoever they want to face.
KO: Let's not count our chickens before they hatch, Laur, and just see what happens.
LO: Speaking of, there's a rooster in our midst, and his name is Bryan Williams.
KO: You need to apologize for that pun. I can see that you were proud of it, but no...
LO: Anyways, Williams and David Scott participated in that Fatal Four Way, and by the end we saw Scott get pinned by Moxie while Williams tried to get into the ring to break it up just a second too late. Now these two will go head to head, and I'm sure tensions will be high.
KO: Williams has got to be annoyed at Scott for not kicking out, and David wants nothing more than to shut the guy up so that he can try and recover from two losses in a row.
LO: There's a lot on the line on this episode of Blitz, and I say we start the action off right now.
KO: I second that motion! Generic Ring Announcer....take it away!
OPENING BOUT
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is set for one fall or submission.....
he lights go down and white light engulfs the entrance as smoke pours out onto the stage when "Cradle to the Grave" by Five Finger Death Punch's slow intro starts over the PA System. Just as the lyrics kick in David Scott steps through the curtain wearing a sleeveless jean jacket with 'Battle Born' embroidered on the back and a black hood that is covering his head. He receives a mixed reaction as he comes to a pause at the top of the stage, his taped fists coming together in front of him, the right punching into the other. From there he tosses the hood back and makes his way down the ramp towards the ring in no particular hurry.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at six foot and weighting 230 pounds, hailing from Orange County, California....He is THE BATTLE BORN, DAVID SCOTTTTT!!
Scott reaches the ringside area and turns to use the steps up onto the apron of the ring and then swings into the squared circle, where he delivers a one/two punching combo before peeling out of his jacket and stepping to the nearest corner to climb the second turnbuckle. He beats his own chest hard before throwing both fists into the air. Some cheer, some boo, but he doesn't seem to care as he stretches along the ropes all business.
LO: David Scott has had a rough time with Moxie James as of late, getting put down twice now by the newcomer.
KO: Yeah, but he's not likely to forget it either. I see another collision between those two before it's over with.
LO: We'll have to wait and see, cause I predict he's going to have his hands full here tonight with Bryan Williams!
Speak of the devil...The lights go out again but this time an 80's style synthesized pulse pushes over the speakers and neon pink, green, and yellow lights flash all over the smoky stage. Suddenly all of the lights converge and at the center of the stage is Bryan Williams, kneeling with his head down and wearing the famed Rooster mask over his head. He slowly rises like The Terminator and stares down the ramp towards the ring at his opponents, but when the musics main repetitive theme kicks in and he steps forward with a cocky yell as the lights come back to full. He navigates the ramp with a dangerous gait to his step while the fans go nuts at the appearance of the star.
RING ANNOUNCER: And making his way to the ring, standing at six foot two and weighting in at 192 pounds, hailing from New York, New York, he is BRYAN WILLIAAAMMSSS!
Bryan reaches ringside and leaps up to the apron, staring into the ring as all eyes are now on him. The blank expression from the mask is unsettling as he swings through the ropes to the interior, and then immediately grabs the only unoccupied corner to leap to the top rope and rip the Rooster mask off for the cheering crowd. As he descends he glances over at his opponent, who is staring daggers into him looking ready to get started right now.
LO: Bryan Williams didn't fare as he'd hoped at Honor Bound as well, but he did his damndest to try and break up the victory pin against Scott.
KO: Fate didn't help him that night, and by the way David Scott is staring at him, I doubt if it'll help him tonight either.
LO: We'll just have to see as these two veterans look ready to go..
The referee comes between the two men who stare each other down from across the ring. The ref then calls for the bell to get this singles match underway!
LO: Here we go!
Scott and Williams lock in a grapple in the center of the ring as the bell echoes throughout. The heavier David gets the upper hand then manages to irish whip Bryan into the ropes! Battle Born then hits the ropes on the opposite side. The two men meet in the center of the ring with Scott hitting a big time sunset flip on Williams! David holds through the maneuver for a pin!
…1
KO: Kick out by Williams at 1!
Bryan rolls out of the ring after kicking out of the pin.
LO: Where is he going?
KO: Bryan needs a moment.
David gets up to come at the ropes leading Williams to leap up on the apron to wrap both arms around the back of Scott’s neck! Bryan then leaps back off the apron to pull David down across the top rope throat first! Battle Born bounces back into a seated position, which allows Bryan Williams to slide back into the ring. He then slides back in to end up hovering above the still seated Scott. Bryan backs into the ropes to get a running go. He then flies at the Fighter looking for a bicycle kick but David leaps up to catch the right leg of Williams! Scott then holds onto it tight before kicking out the left leg of Bryan! This causes Williams to fall flat on his back and momentarily rob him of all his air. This brief opening allows Scott to apply a figure four leglock!
KO: Battle Born has got Williams locked in a figure four but they are near the ropes!
LO: Veteran move on Scott’s part. He wants to put the hurt on Williams sticks to slow that speed a bit.
The two men end up facing each other with Bryan grimacing in pain. Scott continues while Bryan looks over to see the ropes are close. He then digs his nails into the mat while gathering himself. Williams slowly begins to pull himself closer to the safety of the bottom rope. Battle Born tries to fight this off with more pressure but Bryan lunges sideways to take hold of the ropes! The referee comes in to break up the hold.
KO: Williams gets to the ropes to break the hold but how much damage has been done?
The two men are sent to opposite corners before the referee resumes this one. Scott smells blood in the water and charges right at Bryan! Williams takes a step forward to catch the charging David with a brutal european uppercut! The maneuver rocks Battle Born, who stumbles backwards. Bryan quickly rushes over to catch Scott bending over. Williams dips low to catch David across his back. He then uses his core strength on the larger Scott for a fireman’s carry into a neckbreaker across the now extended left knee of Bryan Williams!
LO: What is he doing?
Williams does not go for a pin but instead looks over at the closest corner.
KO: I think Bryan has other plans.
Williams climbs up on the turnbuckles while Scott recovers on the mat. Bryan reaches the top in a blur before facing back out into the ring at Battle Born, who leaps up just as Williams dives off! Bryan was wanting to hit a double footstomp but catches a stiff punch into the gut while in mid air instead! Williams stumbles forward leading Scott to catch him from behind with an atomic drop!
KO: David Scott is rolling now! He’s Alive!
LO: Williams wanted a home run but it cost him in the long run.
Bryan gets thrown into the corner from behind by David Scott suddenly! Williams turns before hitting back first against the corner. He ends up facing back out into the ring only now slumped over a bit. Scott lines himself up in the corner directly across the ring before taking off at full speed at Williams for a wicked Yakuza kick! David’s right leg gets tangled up in the corner but he’s thinking pin while pulling his leg free. Scott turns just in time to see Bryan roll beneath the bottom rope and out of the ring completely.
LO: Williams rolls out of the ring before David could make the pin.
KO: Scott looks frustrated after this realization.
Battle Born looks at Bryan on the outside. Williams hits a knee on the outside floor which leads Scott to approach the ropes. He grips the top rope in each hand. David then pulls himself over the top rope to launch himself at Bryan, who moves out of the way at the last possible second!
KO: Scott misses!
LO: OUCH! That had to hurt.
David rolls around on the outside floor holding his midsection while Williams reaches his feet. Scott somehow reaches his feet also only to be irish whipped into the ring post by Bryan! David hits the steel post full speed ahead! He turns after the impact to trip backwards over the ring steps! Williams grins at his work before slowly approaching David once more.
LO: Williams enjoyed that!
KO: You have to admire a man who loves his work.
The referee’s count has began and is currently at three. Williams notices this and quickly rolls beneath the bottom rope to break the count before rolling back out. David begins to stir on his back and trying to get back to a vertical base. Bryan rushes over to Scott just in time to catch him standing up. Williams then rolls David back into the ring. Bryan follows close behind. He quickly gets back to his feet to hover above Battle Born, who remains flat on his back. Williams leaps up into the air to bring a knee down across the throat of David Scott! The Fighter’s eyes widen as his ability to breath is stolen from him in an instance. Bryan quickly hooks a leg!
…1
...2
KO: Kick out by David Scott! Whew, I thought Williams had him dead to right there.
LO: Scott could not breath but still manages to get a shoulder up.
KO: I’m starting to think these two guys may hate one another.
LO: It’s starting to look that way, for sure.
Bryan leaps to his feet to gain the advantage on Scott, who counters with a kick to the side of Williams kneecap!
LO: Charlie horse!
Williams falls to one knee which allows Scott to rise. David takes two steps back away from Bryan before coming back full speed to catch him with a swinging neckbreaker that rattles the entire ring. Battle Born then gets back to his feet to find Williams laid out on the mat. David reaches down to grapple up Bryan, who counters with an eye poke! The referee was behind Scott and missed the illegal poke completely.
KO: Oh man! Bryan just tried to put the eye of Scott out.
LO: Williams will do anything to win and notice he waited for the moment to do that.
KO: Yes, while the referee was out of position. Veteran move.
LO: Still illegal.
The referee sends Williams to a corner while he checks on David’s eye. Bryan uses this distraction to remove the top turnbuckle padding! He unties it from behind then tosses it to the outside floor before turning around to face back out. Bryan stands in front of the exposed turnbuckle to hide it from the referee’s view. The ref steps in to resume the match after David protests to continue.
LO: Williams will do anything to win this match. I believe that now.
KO: He wants to finish off Scott by any means. The loss at Honor Bound haunts him like a ghost still.
Scott rubs his eye in order to get it to focus. Williams grins briefly before charging at David with a dropkick in the corner! Scott falls forward leading Bryan to look over at the exposed turnbuckle. David begins to stand up only to get irish whipped into the far exposed corner turnbuckle! Scott turns his body just before impact with causes the exposed metal to dig into the skin of his broad back. Bryan laughs while Scott falls forward to hit a knee. A cut across his back now begins to bleed. Williams takes off full speed at David again! Scott moves out of the way to trip up Williams with a drop toe hold! Bryan falls face first into the exposed turnbuckle!
KO: Oh my god! That plan backfired big time.
LO: Both men are down but now the referee realizes this cushion on the turnbuckle was removed.
Scott hit the mat while moving away, still in a slight daze. The referee rushes to put a cushion on the turnbuckle. A VPW ring grip comes in with a new one to help. Meanwhile, David realizes what has happened and quickly crawls across the canvas to pin Bryan Williams! Battle Born pushes both of Williams shoulders flush against the mat while the crowd screams the three count. Scott realizes the referee is still repairing the exposed turnbuckle. The ref turns to see the pin and hits the mat alongside both wrestlers to make his count!
…1
…2
KO: Kick out by Bryan Williams!
LO: Williams has a gash across his forehead and Scott is bleeding badly from his back.
KO: The mat has been stained with blood in the opener! I believe David Scott is furious now.
LO: Scott believes he would have won if the referee had made that count.
Both wrestlers end up on their backs after the kick out looking up at the bright lights. Bryan wipes the blood from his eyes while Scott attempts to get back up.
LO: Both men are down leading the referee to start his count.
The referee counts until both men stagger to their feet at the same time! They immediately begin swapping blows with Scott attempting to take hold of Bryan around the neck. The blood causes him to lose his grip and allowing Williams to scoop him up as he flies past him. Bryan hoists up his heavier opponent into an exploder german suplex!
KO: Williams counters after an assist from his own blood.
LO: Brutal.
Williams leaps to his feet but staggers a bit. He aligns himself in the corner across from Scott, who gets up on his hands and knees. Bryan waits patiently for Battle Born to get up on one knee before streaking across the ring right at him! The ensuing bicycle kick nearly takes David’s head off! He turns after impact to land flat on his back. Bryan looks over at the turnbuckles before racing over to them. He climbs up on the middle one to boost himself up to the top. Bryan turns to face out at David Scott before taunting a bit. Williams leaps off looking for an elbow drop but Scott counters by raising both knees up at the last possible moment!
LO: Crash and burn! Williams went for it all and paid the price for it on that exchange.
KO: These two men have tried to kill each other since they got out here.
LO: They both want a win after the loss at Honor Bound. It shows.
Both men remain on the mat. David attempts to recover from the brutal bicycle kick while Williams rolls around holding his ribs in pain. The referee comes in to count.
KO: If they don’t get up this could be a double disqualification.
LO: I highly doubt either man wants that.
The referee’s count reaches three before either man even attempts to get up. Scott appears to still be in a fog while Williams ribs could be injured. Bryan rolls to his left to end up on one knee while David pushes himself up off the mat slowly. The referee’s count continues and reaches six before Scott manages to reach one knee. Bryan reaches over to take hold of the ropes to assist in pulling himself back to his feet. David staggers to his feet on the other side of the ring. The count is broken by both men but that was too close for comfort for either man.
KO: They both made it up!
LO: Scott and Williams have taken real damage throughout this one. They both may leave here tonight with permanent scars to mark this occasion.
David looks at Williams, who mocks him from across the ring. The anger inside boils over leading Battle Born to charge at Bryan! Williams shuffles his feet to move but to no avail. Scott clotheslines him over the top rope! Williams takes hold of David as he falls over to bring David along for the ride! Both men hit the apron in a loud thud that hurts even the commentators. Scott and Bryan end up alongside one another on the outside floor.
LO: They are both down again! This match has taken its toll on both of these men. They have lashed out at one another with legitimate hatred.
KO: The referee has begun his count. This could be a double count out and I am not sure if they will make it back up this time. Bryan and David were lucky to make it up before.
Bryan and Scott shake their heads on the floor. Both men ended up flat on their backs and both continue to bleed. As the count drags on both men grab at the apron to pull themselves up, and just when it looks like Williams is going to make it back inside, a stiff hard boot from Scott cuts him off and sends him back to the floor. Now at the count of eight, Scott reaches up to grip the ropes and pull himself through to save the match, but finds that something has latched onto his foot. David looks down and finds much to his dismay, Williams has hold of his leg and refuses to let go. Matter of fact, at nine, a hard yank drops Scott back to the floor and as both men rise to strike one another, the referee finally yells out 'Ten'. Both men come to a pause in their attempts to maim one another to look up at the referee in bewilderment while the fans all boo at the anticlimactic outcome.
LO: Well, that sucked.
KO: Yeah, I don't like it much myself.
LO: Scott just leaped up to the apron to argue with the referee, and Williams just waved the whole thing off and is walking out of here.
KO: These guys put on a decent match in the beginning, but if you can't deliver in the end sometimes everyone loses.
LO: Total waste of time...
RING ANNOUNCER: Because neither man could answer the ten count, they have both been disqualified, resulting in a Draw!
The crowd boo's even louder as Williams disappears through the curtain, and Scott finally drops down from the apron to stalk up the ramp in frustration. The camera crews obviously don't want to focus on the disappointed crowd for too long, so they quickly shift to backstage.
he lights go down and white light engulfs the entrance as smoke pours out onto the stage when "Cradle to the Grave" by Five Finger Death Punch's slow intro starts over the PA System. Just as the lyrics kick in David Scott steps through the curtain wearing a sleeveless jean jacket with 'Battle Born' embroidered on the back and a black hood that is covering his head. He receives a mixed reaction as he comes to a pause at the top of the stage, his taped fists coming together in front of him, the right punching into the other. From there he tosses the hood back and makes his way down the ramp towards the ring in no particular hurry.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at six foot and weighting 230 pounds, hailing from Orange County, California....He is THE BATTLE BORN, DAVID SCOTTTTT!!
Scott reaches the ringside area and turns to use the steps up onto the apron of the ring and then swings into the squared circle, where he delivers a one/two punching combo before peeling out of his jacket and stepping to the nearest corner to climb the second turnbuckle. He beats his own chest hard before throwing both fists into the air. Some cheer, some boo, but he doesn't seem to care as he stretches along the ropes all business.
LO: David Scott has had a rough time with Moxie James as of late, getting put down twice now by the newcomer.
KO: Yeah, but he's not likely to forget it either. I see another collision between those two before it's over with.
LO: We'll have to wait and see, cause I predict he's going to have his hands full here tonight with Bryan Williams!
Speak of the devil...The lights go out again but this time an 80's style synthesized pulse pushes over the speakers and neon pink, green, and yellow lights flash all over the smoky stage. Suddenly all of the lights converge and at the center of the stage is Bryan Williams, kneeling with his head down and wearing the famed Rooster mask over his head. He slowly rises like The Terminator and stares down the ramp towards the ring at his opponents, but when the musics main repetitive theme kicks in and he steps forward with a cocky yell as the lights come back to full. He navigates the ramp with a dangerous gait to his step while the fans go nuts at the appearance of the star.
RING ANNOUNCER: And making his way to the ring, standing at six foot two and weighting in at 192 pounds, hailing from New York, New York, he is BRYAN WILLIAAAMMSSS!
Bryan reaches ringside and leaps up to the apron, staring into the ring as all eyes are now on him. The blank expression from the mask is unsettling as he swings through the ropes to the interior, and then immediately grabs the only unoccupied corner to leap to the top rope and rip the Rooster mask off for the cheering crowd. As he descends he glances over at his opponent, who is staring daggers into him looking ready to get started right now.
LO: Bryan Williams didn't fare as he'd hoped at Honor Bound as well, but he did his damndest to try and break up the victory pin against Scott.
KO: Fate didn't help him that night, and by the way David Scott is staring at him, I doubt if it'll help him tonight either.
LO: We'll just have to see as these two veterans look ready to go..
The referee comes between the two men who stare each other down from across the ring. The ref then calls for the bell to get this singles match underway!
LO: Here we go!
Scott and Williams lock in a grapple in the center of the ring as the bell echoes throughout. The heavier David gets the upper hand then manages to irish whip Bryan into the ropes! Battle Born then hits the ropes on the opposite side. The two men meet in the center of the ring with Scott hitting a big time sunset flip on Williams! David holds through the maneuver for a pin!
…1
KO: Kick out by Williams at 1!
Bryan rolls out of the ring after kicking out of the pin.
LO: Where is he going?
KO: Bryan needs a moment.
David gets up to come at the ropes leading Williams to leap up on the apron to wrap both arms around the back of Scott’s neck! Bryan then leaps back off the apron to pull David down across the top rope throat first! Battle Born bounces back into a seated position, which allows Bryan Williams to slide back into the ring. He then slides back in to end up hovering above the still seated Scott. Bryan backs into the ropes to get a running go. He then flies at the Fighter looking for a bicycle kick but David leaps up to catch the right leg of Williams! Scott then holds onto it tight before kicking out the left leg of Bryan! This causes Williams to fall flat on his back and momentarily rob him of all his air. This brief opening allows Scott to apply a figure four leglock!
KO: Battle Born has got Williams locked in a figure four but they are near the ropes!
LO: Veteran move on Scott’s part. He wants to put the hurt on Williams sticks to slow that speed a bit.
The two men end up facing each other with Bryan grimacing in pain. Scott continues while Bryan looks over to see the ropes are close. He then digs his nails into the mat while gathering himself. Williams slowly begins to pull himself closer to the safety of the bottom rope. Battle Born tries to fight this off with more pressure but Bryan lunges sideways to take hold of the ropes! The referee comes in to break up the hold.
KO: Williams gets to the ropes to break the hold but how much damage has been done?
The two men are sent to opposite corners before the referee resumes this one. Scott smells blood in the water and charges right at Bryan! Williams takes a step forward to catch the charging David with a brutal european uppercut! The maneuver rocks Battle Born, who stumbles backwards. Bryan quickly rushes over to catch Scott bending over. Williams dips low to catch David across his back. He then uses his core strength on the larger Scott for a fireman’s carry into a neckbreaker across the now extended left knee of Bryan Williams!
LO: What is he doing?
Williams does not go for a pin but instead looks over at the closest corner.
KO: I think Bryan has other plans.
Williams climbs up on the turnbuckles while Scott recovers on the mat. Bryan reaches the top in a blur before facing back out into the ring at Battle Born, who leaps up just as Williams dives off! Bryan was wanting to hit a double footstomp but catches a stiff punch into the gut while in mid air instead! Williams stumbles forward leading Scott to catch him from behind with an atomic drop!
KO: David Scott is rolling now! He’s Alive!
LO: Williams wanted a home run but it cost him in the long run.
Bryan gets thrown into the corner from behind by David Scott suddenly! Williams turns before hitting back first against the corner. He ends up facing back out into the ring only now slumped over a bit. Scott lines himself up in the corner directly across the ring before taking off at full speed at Williams for a wicked Yakuza kick! David’s right leg gets tangled up in the corner but he’s thinking pin while pulling his leg free. Scott turns just in time to see Bryan roll beneath the bottom rope and out of the ring completely.
LO: Williams rolls out of the ring before David could make the pin.
KO: Scott looks frustrated after this realization.
Battle Born looks at Bryan on the outside. Williams hits a knee on the outside floor which leads Scott to approach the ropes. He grips the top rope in each hand. David then pulls himself over the top rope to launch himself at Bryan, who moves out of the way at the last possible second!
KO: Scott misses!
LO: OUCH! That had to hurt.
David rolls around on the outside floor holding his midsection while Williams reaches his feet. Scott somehow reaches his feet also only to be irish whipped into the ring post by Bryan! David hits the steel post full speed ahead! He turns after the impact to trip backwards over the ring steps! Williams grins at his work before slowly approaching David once more.
LO: Williams enjoyed that!
KO: You have to admire a man who loves his work.
The referee’s count has began and is currently at three. Williams notices this and quickly rolls beneath the bottom rope to break the count before rolling back out. David begins to stir on his back and trying to get back to a vertical base. Bryan rushes over to Scott just in time to catch him standing up. Williams then rolls David back into the ring. Bryan follows close behind. He quickly gets back to his feet to hover above Battle Born, who remains flat on his back. Williams leaps up into the air to bring a knee down across the throat of David Scott! The Fighter’s eyes widen as his ability to breath is stolen from him in an instance. Bryan quickly hooks a leg!
…1
...2
KO: Kick out by David Scott! Whew, I thought Williams had him dead to right there.
LO: Scott could not breath but still manages to get a shoulder up.
KO: I’m starting to think these two guys may hate one another.
LO: It’s starting to look that way, for sure.
Bryan leaps to his feet to gain the advantage on Scott, who counters with a kick to the side of Williams kneecap!
LO: Charlie horse!
Williams falls to one knee which allows Scott to rise. David takes two steps back away from Bryan before coming back full speed to catch him with a swinging neckbreaker that rattles the entire ring. Battle Born then gets back to his feet to find Williams laid out on the mat. David reaches down to grapple up Bryan, who counters with an eye poke! The referee was behind Scott and missed the illegal poke completely.
KO: Oh man! Bryan just tried to put the eye of Scott out.
LO: Williams will do anything to win and notice he waited for the moment to do that.
KO: Yes, while the referee was out of position. Veteran move.
LO: Still illegal.
The referee sends Williams to a corner while he checks on David’s eye. Bryan uses this distraction to remove the top turnbuckle padding! He unties it from behind then tosses it to the outside floor before turning around to face back out. Bryan stands in front of the exposed turnbuckle to hide it from the referee’s view. The ref steps in to resume the match after David protests to continue.
LO: Williams will do anything to win this match. I believe that now.
KO: He wants to finish off Scott by any means. The loss at Honor Bound haunts him like a ghost still.
Scott rubs his eye in order to get it to focus. Williams grins briefly before charging at David with a dropkick in the corner! Scott falls forward leading Bryan to look over at the exposed turnbuckle. David begins to stand up only to get irish whipped into the far exposed corner turnbuckle! Scott turns his body just before impact with causes the exposed metal to dig into the skin of his broad back. Bryan laughs while Scott falls forward to hit a knee. A cut across his back now begins to bleed. Williams takes off full speed at David again! Scott moves out of the way to trip up Williams with a drop toe hold! Bryan falls face first into the exposed turnbuckle!
KO: Oh my god! That plan backfired big time.
LO: Both men are down but now the referee realizes this cushion on the turnbuckle was removed.
Scott hit the mat while moving away, still in a slight daze. The referee rushes to put a cushion on the turnbuckle. A VPW ring grip comes in with a new one to help. Meanwhile, David realizes what has happened and quickly crawls across the canvas to pin Bryan Williams! Battle Born pushes both of Williams shoulders flush against the mat while the crowd screams the three count. Scott realizes the referee is still repairing the exposed turnbuckle. The ref turns to see the pin and hits the mat alongside both wrestlers to make his count!
…1
…2
KO: Kick out by Bryan Williams!
LO: Williams has a gash across his forehead and Scott is bleeding badly from his back.
KO: The mat has been stained with blood in the opener! I believe David Scott is furious now.
LO: Scott believes he would have won if the referee had made that count.
Both wrestlers end up on their backs after the kick out looking up at the bright lights. Bryan wipes the blood from his eyes while Scott attempts to get back up.
LO: Both men are down leading the referee to start his count.
The referee counts until both men stagger to their feet at the same time! They immediately begin swapping blows with Scott attempting to take hold of Bryan around the neck. The blood causes him to lose his grip and allowing Williams to scoop him up as he flies past him. Bryan hoists up his heavier opponent into an exploder german suplex!
KO: Williams counters after an assist from his own blood.
LO: Brutal.
Williams leaps to his feet but staggers a bit. He aligns himself in the corner across from Scott, who gets up on his hands and knees. Bryan waits patiently for Battle Born to get up on one knee before streaking across the ring right at him! The ensuing bicycle kick nearly takes David’s head off! He turns after impact to land flat on his back. Bryan looks over at the turnbuckles before racing over to them. He climbs up on the middle one to boost himself up to the top. Bryan turns to face out at David Scott before taunting a bit. Williams leaps off looking for an elbow drop but Scott counters by raising both knees up at the last possible moment!
LO: Crash and burn! Williams went for it all and paid the price for it on that exchange.
KO: These two men have tried to kill each other since they got out here.
LO: They both want a win after the loss at Honor Bound. It shows.
Both men remain on the mat. David attempts to recover from the brutal bicycle kick while Williams rolls around holding his ribs in pain. The referee comes in to count.
KO: If they don’t get up this could be a double disqualification.
LO: I highly doubt either man wants that.
The referee’s count reaches three before either man even attempts to get up. Scott appears to still be in a fog while Williams ribs could be injured. Bryan rolls to his left to end up on one knee while David pushes himself up off the mat slowly. The referee’s count continues and reaches six before Scott manages to reach one knee. Bryan reaches over to take hold of the ropes to assist in pulling himself back to his feet. David staggers to his feet on the other side of the ring. The count is broken by both men but that was too close for comfort for either man.
KO: They both made it up!
LO: Scott and Williams have taken real damage throughout this one. They both may leave here tonight with permanent scars to mark this occasion.
David looks at Williams, who mocks him from across the ring. The anger inside boils over leading Battle Born to charge at Bryan! Williams shuffles his feet to move but to no avail. Scott clotheslines him over the top rope! Williams takes hold of David as he falls over to bring David along for the ride! Both men hit the apron in a loud thud that hurts even the commentators. Scott and Bryan end up alongside one another on the outside floor.
LO: They are both down again! This match has taken its toll on both of these men. They have lashed out at one another with legitimate hatred.
KO: The referee has begun his count. This could be a double count out and I am not sure if they will make it back up this time. Bryan and David were lucky to make it up before.
Bryan and Scott shake their heads on the floor. Both men ended up flat on their backs and both continue to bleed. As the count drags on both men grab at the apron to pull themselves up, and just when it looks like Williams is going to make it back inside, a stiff hard boot from Scott cuts him off and sends him back to the floor. Now at the count of eight, Scott reaches up to grip the ropes and pull himself through to save the match, but finds that something has latched onto his foot. David looks down and finds much to his dismay, Williams has hold of his leg and refuses to let go. Matter of fact, at nine, a hard yank drops Scott back to the floor and as both men rise to strike one another, the referee finally yells out 'Ten'. Both men come to a pause in their attempts to maim one another to look up at the referee in bewilderment while the fans all boo at the anticlimactic outcome.
LO: Well, that sucked.
KO: Yeah, I don't like it much myself.
LO: Scott just leaped up to the apron to argue with the referee, and Williams just waved the whole thing off and is walking out of here.
KO: These guys put on a decent match in the beginning, but if you can't deliver in the end sometimes everyone loses.
LO: Total waste of time...
RING ANNOUNCER: Because neither man could answer the ten count, they have both been disqualified, resulting in a Draw!
The crowd boo's even louder as Williams disappears through the curtain, and Scott finally drops down from the apron to stalk up the ramp in frustration. The camera crews obviously don't want to focus on the disappointed crowd for too long, so they quickly shift to backstage.
With roles reversed from yesterday, Bishop Church stands up from the steel chair.
BISHOP CHURCH: Okay, it’s time.
McGuire watches on from their own chair.
MIKE MCGUIRE: Hope you do better than I did. Fucking Benny.
The redhead snorts, obviously put out from their loss the night previous. John shrugs, going towards the doorway. He leaves the Chimera belt behind with Mike.
BISHOP CHURCH: What happens ... happens.
MIKE MCGUIRE: I know.
They stand up, reverently setting the Chimeras aside and moving towards their partner, reaching out and squeezing his hands.
MIKE MCGUIRE: Hey. I'm right back here, ok? I'll be watching everything, just like you did for me.
BISHOP CHURCH: Yeah.
Church takes a deep breath, opens the door, and leaves Mike behind.
BISHOP CHURCH: Okay, it’s time.
McGuire watches on from their own chair.
MIKE MCGUIRE: Hope you do better than I did. Fucking Benny.
The redhead snorts, obviously put out from their loss the night previous. John shrugs, going towards the doorway. He leaves the Chimera belt behind with Mike.
BISHOP CHURCH: What happens ... happens.
MIKE MCGUIRE: I know.
They stand up, reverently setting the Chimeras aside and moving towards their partner, reaching out and squeezing his hands.
MIKE MCGUIRE: Hey. I'm right back here, ok? I'll be watching everything, just like you did for me.
BISHOP CHURCH: Yeah.
Church takes a deep breath, opens the door, and leaves Mike behind.
The feed transitions to a show outside of the Scotiabank Arena and finds Zack Fantana just as he emerges from the production truck. Stopping immediately upon spying the camera man, Fantana takes a step backward and opens the door a crack too.
ZACK FANTANA: And it better be the album version this time, so help me, God.
He closes the door and begins to descend the stairs again, finally acknowledging Emily Burlingame at the foot of the steps.
ZACK FANTANA: Hello Emily.
Emily is a bit surprised by the friendly greeting. Zack had always been a bit hostile around her.
EMILY BURLINGAME: Hello Zack.
He attempts to brush by her without any further conversation.
EMILY BURLINGAME: May I ask what were you doing in the production truck?
Zack stops, casually looking over his shoulder.
ZACK FANTANA: Just sitting in on my biweekly production meeting with the boys.
EMILY BURLINGAME: You’ve been holed up in there for what seems like hours.
ZACK FANTANA: We had much to discuss.
Zack slowly descends the steps, dusting his hands off as he goes.
EMILY BURLINGAME: And it doesn’t have anything to do with the Zombie Clan assaulting you at Honor Bound?
ZACK FANTANA: Huh?
Zack scoffs, pulling on a mouthguard from his bag.
ZACK FANTANA: Not at all. Why?
Emily shrugged, certain he knew why.
ZACK FANTANA: The Zombies and I go way back. I’m practically their brethren now. I’m sure that won’t happen again.
EMILY BURLINGAME: I seem to recall you aiding and abetting Zachariah Krahe as he kidnapped Aokigahara Zombie several months ago.
Zack laughs unconvincingly.
ZACK FANTANA: Oh, Emily. Those days are long gone. I’m a new man with a new record. We’ve moved past such things.
Zack begins to walk away from the third degree personified.
EMILY BURLINGAME: Oh, Zack?
A generous man, Fantana turns around again.
EMILY BURLINGAME: Where is Benny today?
ZACK FANTANA: He couldn't make it.
EMILY BURLINGAME: He was just here yesterday.
ZACK FANTANA: Yeah, his dad picked him up for a dentist appointment.
Zack begins to walk away again.
ZACK FANTANA: But don’t you worry about me. I’m going to be just fine.
Fantana makes his way toward the ramp, putting on a brave face in the midst of the first stocky Asian man he sees along the way.
ZACK FANTANA: And it better be the album version this time, so help me, God.
He closes the door and begins to descend the stairs again, finally acknowledging Emily Burlingame at the foot of the steps.
ZACK FANTANA: Hello Emily.
Emily is a bit surprised by the friendly greeting. Zack had always been a bit hostile around her.
EMILY BURLINGAME: Hello Zack.
He attempts to brush by her without any further conversation.
EMILY BURLINGAME: May I ask what were you doing in the production truck?
Zack stops, casually looking over his shoulder.
ZACK FANTANA: Just sitting in on my biweekly production meeting with the boys.
EMILY BURLINGAME: You’ve been holed up in there for what seems like hours.
ZACK FANTANA: We had much to discuss.
Zack slowly descends the steps, dusting his hands off as he goes.
EMILY BURLINGAME: And it doesn’t have anything to do with the Zombie Clan assaulting you at Honor Bound?
ZACK FANTANA: Huh?
Zack scoffs, pulling on a mouthguard from his bag.
ZACK FANTANA: Not at all. Why?
Emily shrugged, certain he knew why.
ZACK FANTANA: The Zombies and I go way back. I’m practically their brethren now. I’m sure that won’t happen again.
EMILY BURLINGAME: I seem to recall you aiding and abetting Zachariah Krahe as he kidnapped Aokigahara Zombie several months ago.
Zack laughs unconvincingly.
ZACK FANTANA: Oh, Emily. Those days are long gone. I’m a new man with a new record. We’ve moved past such things.
Zack begins to walk away from the third degree personified.
EMILY BURLINGAME: Oh, Zack?
A generous man, Fantana turns around again.
EMILY BURLINGAME: Where is Benny today?
ZACK FANTANA: He couldn't make it.
EMILY BURLINGAME: He was just here yesterday.
ZACK FANTANA: Yeah, his dad picked him up for a dentist appointment.
Zack begins to walk away again.
ZACK FANTANA: But don’t you worry about me. I’m going to be just fine.
Fantana makes his way toward the ramp, putting on a brave face in the midst of the first stocky Asian man he sees along the way.
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is a TRIPLE THREAT Match and is scheduled for one fall or submission...
The sound of wind blows through the arena, and then the marching beat of Wanli by Hyukoh spills over the PA System as Zombies shamble forwards on the big screen above the stage. Just as the riffs begin out steps Siberia Zombie wearing her trademark silk robe with two warring dragons snaking across it and she doesn't even pause at the top of the stage as she continues to march along with the beat of the song down the ramp.
Ring Announcer: Introducing first, standing at five foot six and weighting in at 130 pounds, hailing from Siberia, Russia...Representing The Zombie Clan, THE SIBERIAN BUZZSAW.....SIBERIA ZOMBIEEEE!!!
Zombies march leads her to the steps at ringside, taking them two at a time to end up on the apron, and then she climbs the ropes to stand on the second turnbuckle, her arms out at her side with an intense stare out at the cheering crowd. She eventually steps up to the top, and hops down inside of the ring, flicking her shoulders which sends the silk floating down to the mat as she stares across the ring. She stalks over to the far corner, turns, and makes ready for her opponent.
LO: Siberia Zombie to the ring all business and I'm guessing looking to make an example out of her opponents here tonight.
KO: We saw Kowloon on Flipping The Script yesterday, and he looked impressive. A win here for Siberia could possibly ensure they are the next team to vie for the Tag Team Championships.
LO: I don't know that she can count her chickens before they hatch, Ken. The other two folks in this match have a serious bone to pick with her after what happened at Honor Bound.
Suddenly 'Lucid Dreams' by Franz Ferdinand blares over the PA and the aforementioned 'Pop' is tremendous as Zack Fantana pushes through the curtain. He looks up with a genuine smile for the London crowd but is carrying a steel chair, which is a little out of place for his character. He stares down at the ring where Siberia is and when she steps forwards to glare back, he spins around towards the curtain with the chair upturned only to find that no one is there. Finally he nods, turning back towards the ramp where he starts his way towards the ring.
Ring Announcer: Making his way to the ring, standing at six foot even and weighting in at 205 pounds, hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...He is the YOUR FANTANASY.....ZACK FANTANNNAAAA!!!
Zack gets a running go at the bottom of the ramp and leaps to the apron to slip through the ropes while coming nearly face to face with Siberia Zombie who steps out to meet him. The two stare at one another intensely while Fantana chokes up on the chair still in his possession. Finally, perhaps as a sign of respect, Siberia steps back and out of Zack's way so that he can fully enter the ring. Fantana keeps a leery eye on the Zombie as he passes to take a turnbuckle and throw the chair over his head to a grand ovation.
LO: A little tension there between Siberia and Zack, and why wouldn't there be? It was The Zombie Clan who reigned havoc down after the Chimera Tag Team Championship match at Honor Bound!
KO: No doubt, but Siberia still seems to have that sense of honor about her. You saw she allowed Zack to pass so he could play it up to these morons. And what about him? A little paranoid isn't he?
LO: Again, why wouldn't he be? Do I need to state the reasons?
KO: Nah, that's alright. I think we get it.
’Kashmir’ by Led Zepplin starts playing and the house lights turn off and green lasers pulse to the rhythm of the guitar...and out comes Bishop Church. His expression is stoic as he appears on the top of the ramp way. Each step is deliberate and in tune. His silhouette slinks down towards to the ring side area only occasionally highlighted by green light.
Announcer: And finally, making his way to the ring, standing at six foot five and weighting in at 255 pounds, he is one half of the CHIMERA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS AND N ... S ... F ... W, they call him BISHOP CHURCCCHHH!
Church slowly climbs up the steps and enters the ring. He looks towards the hard camera side and as the song escalates, he raises one fist into the air. The house lights come on as his music fades out to the approval of the crowd.
LO: Bishop Church and his NSFW partner, Mike McGuire, successfully defended the Chimera Tag Team Championships against the team of Zack Fantana and Benny Stevens, but both teams were immediately jumped by the Zombie Clan afterwards.
KO: Yeah, and that came after that insane Unleashed Championship match between Aokigahara and Spiral. Siberia's the only one out here right now, but I wonder if the rest of the clan might make an appearance.
LO: No idea, but right now everyone seems to be anxiously awaiting the bell. I theorize that we're going to have trouble following the action here...
The referee calls for the bell to start the match.
DING!
The three wrestlers measure each other up before Fantana tosses the chair to the side and comes in with a kick to Siberia out of nowhere! She bends over leading Fantana to take two steps back before charging back at her! Zombie quickly shuffles her feet and adjusts for a wicked judo throw! Zack bounces back to his feet to face Siberia but both turn too late to see Bishops double clothesline!
KO: They took their eyes off the big man and he makes them pay!
Church continues his momentum by grappling up Zack up off the mat. Bishop balls up his right fist to punch Fantana but Zombie ends up behind Church on her hands and knees. Zack pushes Bishop back leading him to trip backwards over Siberia, who quickly rolls the big man up after he hits the mat!
...1
LO: Broken up by Fantana!
Zack breaks up the pin almost immediately. Siberia rolls to her feet to come nose to nose with Fantana, who catches her flush in the face with a discus elbow smash! The violent shot sends Zombie back into the awaiting arms of Bishop Church! The big man quickly applies a rear chin lock that gets Siberia down to one knee. Fantana hits the ropes on the opposite side of the ring to shoot across the ring in a streak! Zack gets to his two opponents to step up on the extended knee of Siberia to enziguri kick Bishop in the face!
KO: Did you see that!?
LO: Wow, what a maneuver by Fantana, who is rolling now!
The violent shot sends Bishop through the ropes then crashing onto the apron. He ends up on the outside floor with Fantana admiring his work at the ropes before turning around slowly to catch a superkick from Siberia Zombie! The solid shot sends Fantana flat on his back, where Siberia hooks a leg for a pin!
…1
...2
Zombie gets pulled off Fantana by Church!
LO: Bishop saves the match from outside the ring!
KO: He and Zombie are going at it now!
Siberia and Church immediately begin swapping blows on the outside of the ring while Zack puts together what's just transpired inside the ring. Fantana leaps back to his feet after briefly regathering himself. He then hurries to the corner closest to his opponents, who continue to fist fight on the outside! Siberia gets grappled up suddenly by Church, who then irish whips her into the security barrier! Zombie crashes into the solid barrier with real velocity to bounce off into the floor. Bishop then turns to find Fantana, who is now perched up high waiting for Church to turn towards him. Zack leaps off the top turnbuckle to fly at Church for a crowd pleasing blockbuster!
KO: These three came to fight! Fantana catches Bishop with a blockbuster from the top rope to the outside floor!
LO: Yeah, but that aerial assault did some damage to Zack as well.
KO: That it did. Siberia is stirring!
Zombie makes it up first. Church and Fantana struggle on the floor. Siberia quickly leaps in the ring. Zack and Bishop then follow closely behind at a much slower pace. Siberia catches Bishop with vicious stomp as soon as Church rolls back into the ring! Zombie continues to rain down stomps to soften up the midsection of the big man. Church raises up to push Siberia back away from him suddenly! She falls back into the ropes while Bishop falls back to the mat still in a bit of a daze. Fantana swoops in to hook a leg! Zombie continues her momentum after bouncing off the ropes to catch Zack with a dropkick to the face to halt the pin before a count of one!
KO: Siberia breaks up the pin attempt by Zack!
LO: Fantana catches a two heeled drop kick to the face!
Siberia rushes to the corner! She leaps up on the middle turnbuckle to boost herself on up to the tip top. Church staggers to his feet suddenly in the corner directly in front of Siberia, who leaps off for a crossbody! The larger Bishop catches her out of the air! He then falls back while simultaneously slinging Zombie back over his head for a brutal counter!
LO: Siberia was rolling but Church counters by snatching her right out of the air!
KO: All three of these wrestlers want to win this match up.
Zack stumbles up after using the ropes to assist. Fantana stands facing away from Bishop, who captures him from behind! The eyes of Fantanasy widen as he is lifted up into the air for a german suplex from the big man, who holds through the maneuver to keep his grip on Zack. Church then stands up again with his arms still tightly around Fantana for another violent german suplex that he releases this time! Bishop then falls down alongside Zack to quickly hook a leg!
...1
…
KO: Broken up by Siberia Zombie!
Church gets up to face down Siberia while Zack rolls beneath the bottom rope to end up out on the apron. Zombie hits Bishop in the face leading him to deliver a right hook back at her! They fight while Fantana gets to his feet on the apron. Zombie nails a slouching Bishop with a solid elbow to send him into the ropes! Zack leaps up on the top rope from the apron then springboards off at Church for a forearm smash! The sudden shot from the two hundred pounder sends the larger Bishop through the ropes and to the outside floor.
KO: Flight of Fantasy!
Zack watches Church hit the floor before turning around to notice the charging Siberia Zombie! She comes in fast aiming for what at first looks like a hurricanrana but Zombie rather locks in an octopus hold that wows the crowd!
LO: Wow! Did you see the way she twirled her body to end up locking that hold in! Fantana has nowhere to go!
KO: They are in the center of the ring! Will he tap!?
The referee comes in close to watch for a tap which Zack assures will never come. This causes Zombie to pull back with all she’s got! Pain creeps across Fantana’s face in the form of a foretelling grimace. Zack tries to take a step but Siberia just tries harder to pull his arm out of socket leading Fantana to simply fall back! The larger Zack breaks the hold then rolls over to hold his now sore right shoulder.
KO: Siberia wants this win and was willing to rip that arm off to do so in my best estimation.
LO: Zombie wants to win to prove her team deserves to be vying for the Chimera Tag Team Championships.
Bishop begins to stir on the outside while Fantana gets up slowly. Zombie remains in a bit of a fog as Zack hovers above her now. He jumps up into the air to come down with double knees onto Siberia! Fantanasy then reaches down to grapple up Zombie back to a vertical base. He whips Siberia into the ropes to catch her with a crowd pleasing tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! He quickly hooks a leg after impact!
...1
…2
LO: Broken up by Bishop Church!
Zack leaps to his feet to face down the big man. He takes off right at Church, who back body drops Fantana over the top rope to a crash landing on the outside floor! The maneuver causes the crowd to pop which works up the big man even further. He turns his sights to Siberia.
KO: These two have an ax to grind as well.
Zombie stumbles up into the awaiting arms of Bishop, who cradles her up for a vertical suplex! Church holds Siberia up into the air for a moment before falling straight back! The impact rattles the entire ring. Bishop quickly hooks a leg for a pin!
…1
Zack Fantana pulls Church out of the ring and off Siberia! This breaks the pin and Fantana hammers Bishop on the outside after he stands up alongside Zack! Fantanasy quickly traps up Church’s arms for a swinging neckbreaker on the outside floor!
LO: Fantana gains the upper hand on the outside with an arm trap swinging neckbreaker that was beautifully executed.
KO: They both took their eyes off Zombie though!
Fantana gets back to his feet quickly to leap up on the apron. He talks back at Church before getting back in the ring. Zack turns too late to see Siberia charging at him full speed ahead! She dives through the ropes to spear Fantana off the apron and both wrestlers land on top of Bishop on the outside! All three wrestlers are now down.
KO: What a spear! Siberia catches Fantana not looking with that one.
LO: Amazing offensive display by Zombie but all three wrestlers took damage from that exchange. Now they are struggling on the outside floor.
Church somehow gets back to his feet first. Siberia is close behind with Fantana pulling up the rear. Bishop rolls into the ring to get back to his feet while Zombie gives chase. Church catches her before she can get back to her feet. He cradles her up looking for another suplex when Zack spills into the ring right in front of Bishop. The crowd goes wild as Church reaches down to cradle up Fantana’s head also…
LO: Uh-oh! What is Bishop thinking here?
KO: I believe he wants to suplex them both!
Church then uses all the strength in his body to attempt to lift both wrestlers into the air. Siberia and Zack use a leg to hook the back of each of Bishops calf muscles! This blocks his attempt to suplex and they use his failure and a double team to vertical suplex Bishop instead!
KO: Siberia and Zack worked together on that exchange to halt the big man’s offense!
LO: Now they are about to turn on one another!
The two wrestlers jaw at each other briefly before exchanging punches! They battle back and forth in the center of the ring before Fantana gets taken to the mat with a sudden hip toss by the smaller Zombie! Siberia reaches down to take hold of the right wrist of Zack Fantana. She helps him back up only to irish whip him into the ropes! Fantanasy bounces off the ropes on the opposite side of the ring to come flying back at Siberia, who misses the clothesline attempt! Fantana bounces off the ropes to slingshot back for a picture perfect pele kick! The kick knocks Zombie flat on her back, where Zack hits a standing moonsault! Fantana then quickly rolls Siberia up for a pin!
…1
LO: Broken up by Bishop Church!
Zack gets up looking for a fight with Church only to be cradled up for a DDT! The maneuver drives Fantana’s face into the mat with real velocity! Bishop quickly hooks a leg.
...1
…2
KO: Broken up by Siberia Zombie!
Siberia quickly follows up by racing to the closest corner. Church gets up after the pinbreak to look for the culprit, who broke it up. Zombie scales the turnbuckles to end up on the top, facing out into the ring. Bishop turns to face her leading Siberia to leap off to catch him with double knees in the chest! Zombie rides him to the ring for a violent impact only to be pushed off by Zack! Zombie falls off to the side while Fantana hooks a leg of the big man for a pin!
...1
…2
KO: Kick out by Bishop Church!
LO: Wow! What a match these three are having here tonight.
KO: They each want a win for their respective teams.
LO: That’s true.
Zombie and Fantana begin jawing at one another again. Zack gets right up in her face but turns to see a charging Bishop Church out of nowhere! Church hits Fantana with a solid clothesline that nearly turns him inside out. Bishop quickly gets back to his feet only to catch a sling blade from a charging Siberia Zombie! The crowd pops as she leaps to her feet to be the only one left standing after the exchange.
LO: Siberia continues to impress in this one. She can almost taste a shot at the tag team titles.
Zombie quickly rushes over to Church. She bends down to attempt to get the larger wrestler to his feet and doesn’t see Fantana has gotten up. He charges across the ring to catch the unsuspecting Siberia with a shining wizard! The shot to her temple leaves a small gash that begins to bleed.
KO: Zombie has been busted open!
LO: That shining wizard looked violent from over here. I can only imagine how it tasted up close and personal like that.
Fantana quickly hooks a leg without realizing that Church is back on his feet!
…1
KO: Stomped out by Bishop Church!
LO: He doesn’t look done either.
Bishop continues to stomp down on Zack even after breaking up the pin! Fantana rolls left then right to cover up without any real success. Church continues as Siberia leaps up on his back! Bishop continues to stomp down on Fantana while the dazed Zombie tries to choke the big man out while hanging off his back!
LO: What a match! None of these three superstars will give an inch in this one. It’s anyone's game at this point.
KO: Something has to give!
Suddenly Bishop can’t breathe from being choked. He stops stomping Zack to fall straight back! Church smashes the smaller Siberia between he and the canvas to break the hold. Bishop raises up to hold his throat briefly before getting back to his feet.
KO: All three wrestlers are down inside the ring.
LO: Fantana is stirring near the corner.
Zack stumbles to his feet with his sights solely on Bishop Church. Church gets up slowly by using the ropes. Fantana takes off full speed ahead at him for a flying forearm that sends the larger Church over the top rope but he grabs hold of Fantana at the last second! Both men spill out over the top rope to hit the apron hard. Zack and Bishop end up on the outside floor in somewhat of a daze while Siberia remains in the ring all alone now.
LO: Siberia remains in the ring and has now made it back to both feet.
KO: Zombie appears to have a plan but I don’t know what it is. Look at that expression…
Fantana and Church slowly get up off the outside floor. They are both in a daze after the fall onto the apron but immediately start to swap blows anyway. Siberia watches this from inside the ring intently. She suddenly takes off across the ring full speed ahead! Zombie dives through the ropes for a tope suicida to both Church and Fantana! Zombie lands awkwardly on her ankle. All three wrestlers end up down on the outside.
KO: All three wrestlers are now down! What a fight!
LO: Someone has to get back into the ring! Who will make it to their feet first. All three wrestlers have worn each other down during this spectacle.
Siberia slowly works her way up to her feet, but she now has a visible limp now thanks to her wild dive. She reaches down to try and get Fantana on his feet with some mild success, and manages to push him back into the ring under the bottom rope. Just as she's about to join him, however, the bad ankle is suddenly snagged and when she looks back she see's Bishop Church holding her from entering the ring. She tries to kick at the man, but he manages to stay just out of range while still holding her ankle, rising up so that she's half on the apron, and now precariously hanging suspended on the edge. Suddenly the two lock eyes, and Church zeros in on the discomfort on her face at having this particular limb held aloft. Like a surgeon finding a scalpel, Church chokes up on his hold, turning it into an Ankle Lock as she hangs screaming from the ropes.
LO: BISHOP CHURCH HAS SIBERIA HEMMED UP IN A SUBMISSION MOVE, BUT IT'S OUTSIDE ON THE APRON!
KO: Yeah, but if he softens that ankle up she sure as hell can't try for any more dives like that, and certainly will make her less susceptible to breaking up any pins!
LO: Church is wrenching away as Siberia cries out in pain, and now he's moving further away from the ring.....she's being suspended right above the floor as she tries to maintain her grip on the ropes!
Church grits his teeth and with a yank Siberia's grip breaks and she falls face first to the concrete as he continues to work her ankle like it's a twist top soda. She is no longer able to cry out in pain as it appears that the sudden blow to her head may have knocked her unconscious, and realizing that he doesn't want to go too far the Chimera Tag Champ releases the hold to allow her leg to join the rest of her body on the floor. He then grabs the ropes himself and hoists himself up onto the apron, and then through the ropes to a Zack Fantana who has just pulled himself up on the other side of the ring. Church closes the gap between them with a speed that belies his size and leaps towards Fantana with his knee raised for a strike, but the wily veteran deftly dodges out of the way and Bishop has to put both hands out to grab the rope before toppling back out of the ring. When he turns around Fantana is already perched on the second rope in the closest corner, and leaps out to nail him with a Missle Dropkick that drops him to the mat.
LO: Fantana in motion now moving to pull Church away from the ropes, and OH! CHURCH WITH A SCHOOLBOY PIN FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!
1...
2...
KO: THREE!NO! Fantana kicks out, and both men struggling to their feet...Fantana with a wild swing and Church ducks it!
LO: Slips in behind Fantana...RELEASE GERMAN SUPLE..WHAT THE!
KO: FANTANA FLIPPED ALL THE WAY THROUGH TO LAND ON HIS FEET! He just ran past Bishop whose trying to get back to his feet and catch him...Springboard off the middle...
LO: AND SPINS BACK AROUND TO CATCH THE INCOMING CHIMERA TAG CHAMP WITH A FLIGHT OF FANTASY FOREARM!
KO: ZACK'S GOT THE LEG HOOKED!
1...
2...
3!!!
The camera focuses on Zack as he falls off of Church in relief, but then paranoia kicks back in and he quickly rolls for the ropes closest to the ramp. Once outside he looks over to Siberia sitting on the ring steps off to the side of him clutching her ankle, and he looks behind him just to make sure no Zombie Clan members are coming to get him. Church sits up in the center of the ring looking a little dejected, but he shrugs and shakes his head before rolling out of the ring himself to head to the back.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of the match via pinfall....ZACK FANTANA!!
Zack now realizing that he's on the outside with both of the people he had just been at war with looks from Church to Siberia, and then rushes the ring to belly slide back inside. Church watches this with another shake of his head as he makes for the ramp to exit, and Siberia tests her ankle as she watches the Chimera Tag Team Champion with a grimace on her face.
LO: Zack Fantana picked up the victory, but damn if he doesn't look squirrly out here after everything that happened at Honor Bound.
KO: Hey! You have to keep your head on a swivel, man. I get it.
LO: I bet you do, but the fans are going nuts for Fantana, who joins his partner, Benny Stevens in dual wins over single members of the Chimera Tag Team Champions.
KO: I wonder if this will make NSFW decide that they deserve a title shot, or because this isn't in the confines of Tag Team Wrestling it doesn't count.
LO: I don't know what NSFW is thinking, but I bet it will go a long way in the minds of the booking committee.
KO: Oh, you mean that one guy in the back with the whiskey breath and cigars.
LO: That would be the one...
Fantana looks around the building now that his opponents have finally disappeared, and he nods his head with a slight smile as the fans cheer him on. The camera focuses on Zack as he salutes the Toronto crowd before exiting the ring himself, and then cuts backstage.
The sound of wind blows through the arena, and then the marching beat of Wanli by Hyukoh spills over the PA System as Zombies shamble forwards on the big screen above the stage. Just as the riffs begin out steps Siberia Zombie wearing her trademark silk robe with two warring dragons snaking across it and she doesn't even pause at the top of the stage as she continues to march along with the beat of the song down the ramp.
Ring Announcer: Introducing first, standing at five foot six and weighting in at 130 pounds, hailing from Siberia, Russia...Representing The Zombie Clan, THE SIBERIAN BUZZSAW.....SIBERIA ZOMBIEEEE!!!
Zombies march leads her to the steps at ringside, taking them two at a time to end up on the apron, and then she climbs the ropes to stand on the second turnbuckle, her arms out at her side with an intense stare out at the cheering crowd. She eventually steps up to the top, and hops down inside of the ring, flicking her shoulders which sends the silk floating down to the mat as she stares across the ring. She stalks over to the far corner, turns, and makes ready for her opponent.
LO: Siberia Zombie to the ring all business and I'm guessing looking to make an example out of her opponents here tonight.
KO: We saw Kowloon on Flipping The Script yesterday, and he looked impressive. A win here for Siberia could possibly ensure they are the next team to vie for the Tag Team Championships.
LO: I don't know that she can count her chickens before they hatch, Ken. The other two folks in this match have a serious bone to pick with her after what happened at Honor Bound.
Suddenly 'Lucid Dreams' by Franz Ferdinand blares over the PA and the aforementioned 'Pop' is tremendous as Zack Fantana pushes through the curtain. He looks up with a genuine smile for the London crowd but is carrying a steel chair, which is a little out of place for his character. He stares down at the ring where Siberia is and when she steps forwards to glare back, he spins around towards the curtain with the chair upturned only to find that no one is there. Finally he nods, turning back towards the ramp where he starts his way towards the ring.
Ring Announcer: Making his way to the ring, standing at six foot even and weighting in at 205 pounds, hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...He is the YOUR FANTANASY.....ZACK FANTANNNAAAA!!!
Zack gets a running go at the bottom of the ramp and leaps to the apron to slip through the ropes while coming nearly face to face with Siberia Zombie who steps out to meet him. The two stare at one another intensely while Fantana chokes up on the chair still in his possession. Finally, perhaps as a sign of respect, Siberia steps back and out of Zack's way so that he can fully enter the ring. Fantana keeps a leery eye on the Zombie as he passes to take a turnbuckle and throw the chair over his head to a grand ovation.
LO: A little tension there between Siberia and Zack, and why wouldn't there be? It was The Zombie Clan who reigned havoc down after the Chimera Tag Team Championship match at Honor Bound!
KO: No doubt, but Siberia still seems to have that sense of honor about her. You saw she allowed Zack to pass so he could play it up to these morons. And what about him? A little paranoid isn't he?
LO: Again, why wouldn't he be? Do I need to state the reasons?
KO: Nah, that's alright. I think we get it.
’Kashmir’ by Led Zepplin starts playing and the house lights turn off and green lasers pulse to the rhythm of the guitar...and out comes Bishop Church. His expression is stoic as he appears on the top of the ramp way. Each step is deliberate and in tune. His silhouette slinks down towards to the ring side area only occasionally highlighted by green light.
Announcer: And finally, making his way to the ring, standing at six foot five and weighting in at 255 pounds, he is one half of the CHIMERA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS AND N ... S ... F ... W, they call him BISHOP CHURCCCHHH!
Church slowly climbs up the steps and enters the ring. He looks towards the hard camera side and as the song escalates, he raises one fist into the air. The house lights come on as his music fades out to the approval of the crowd.
LO: Bishop Church and his NSFW partner, Mike McGuire, successfully defended the Chimera Tag Team Championships against the team of Zack Fantana and Benny Stevens, but both teams were immediately jumped by the Zombie Clan afterwards.
KO: Yeah, and that came after that insane Unleashed Championship match between Aokigahara and Spiral. Siberia's the only one out here right now, but I wonder if the rest of the clan might make an appearance.
LO: No idea, but right now everyone seems to be anxiously awaiting the bell. I theorize that we're going to have trouble following the action here...
The referee calls for the bell to start the match.
DING!
The three wrestlers measure each other up before Fantana tosses the chair to the side and comes in with a kick to Siberia out of nowhere! She bends over leading Fantana to take two steps back before charging back at her! Zombie quickly shuffles her feet and adjusts for a wicked judo throw! Zack bounces back to his feet to face Siberia but both turn too late to see Bishops double clothesline!
KO: They took their eyes off the big man and he makes them pay!
Church continues his momentum by grappling up Zack up off the mat. Bishop balls up his right fist to punch Fantana but Zombie ends up behind Church on her hands and knees. Zack pushes Bishop back leading him to trip backwards over Siberia, who quickly rolls the big man up after he hits the mat!
...1
LO: Broken up by Fantana!
Zack breaks up the pin almost immediately. Siberia rolls to her feet to come nose to nose with Fantana, who catches her flush in the face with a discus elbow smash! The violent shot sends Zombie back into the awaiting arms of Bishop Church! The big man quickly applies a rear chin lock that gets Siberia down to one knee. Fantana hits the ropes on the opposite side of the ring to shoot across the ring in a streak! Zack gets to his two opponents to step up on the extended knee of Siberia to enziguri kick Bishop in the face!
KO: Did you see that!?
LO: Wow, what a maneuver by Fantana, who is rolling now!
The violent shot sends Bishop through the ropes then crashing onto the apron. He ends up on the outside floor with Fantana admiring his work at the ropes before turning around slowly to catch a superkick from Siberia Zombie! The solid shot sends Fantana flat on his back, where Siberia hooks a leg for a pin!
…1
...2
Zombie gets pulled off Fantana by Church!
LO: Bishop saves the match from outside the ring!
KO: He and Zombie are going at it now!
Siberia and Church immediately begin swapping blows on the outside of the ring while Zack puts together what's just transpired inside the ring. Fantana leaps back to his feet after briefly regathering himself. He then hurries to the corner closest to his opponents, who continue to fist fight on the outside! Siberia gets grappled up suddenly by Church, who then irish whips her into the security barrier! Zombie crashes into the solid barrier with real velocity to bounce off into the floor. Bishop then turns to find Fantana, who is now perched up high waiting for Church to turn towards him. Zack leaps off the top turnbuckle to fly at Church for a crowd pleasing blockbuster!
KO: These three came to fight! Fantana catches Bishop with a blockbuster from the top rope to the outside floor!
LO: Yeah, but that aerial assault did some damage to Zack as well.
KO: That it did. Siberia is stirring!
Zombie makes it up first. Church and Fantana struggle on the floor. Siberia quickly leaps in the ring. Zack and Bishop then follow closely behind at a much slower pace. Siberia catches Bishop with vicious stomp as soon as Church rolls back into the ring! Zombie continues to rain down stomps to soften up the midsection of the big man. Church raises up to push Siberia back away from him suddenly! She falls back into the ropes while Bishop falls back to the mat still in a bit of a daze. Fantana swoops in to hook a leg! Zombie continues her momentum after bouncing off the ropes to catch Zack with a dropkick to the face to halt the pin before a count of one!
KO: Siberia breaks up the pin attempt by Zack!
LO: Fantana catches a two heeled drop kick to the face!
Siberia rushes to the corner! She leaps up on the middle turnbuckle to boost herself on up to the tip top. Church staggers to his feet suddenly in the corner directly in front of Siberia, who leaps off for a crossbody! The larger Bishop catches her out of the air! He then falls back while simultaneously slinging Zombie back over his head for a brutal counter!
LO: Siberia was rolling but Church counters by snatching her right out of the air!
KO: All three of these wrestlers want to win this match up.
Zack stumbles up after using the ropes to assist. Fantana stands facing away from Bishop, who captures him from behind! The eyes of Fantanasy widen as he is lifted up into the air for a german suplex from the big man, who holds through the maneuver to keep his grip on Zack. Church then stands up again with his arms still tightly around Fantana for another violent german suplex that he releases this time! Bishop then falls down alongside Zack to quickly hook a leg!
...1
…
KO: Broken up by Siberia Zombie!
Church gets up to face down Siberia while Zack rolls beneath the bottom rope to end up out on the apron. Zombie hits Bishop in the face leading him to deliver a right hook back at her! They fight while Fantana gets to his feet on the apron. Zombie nails a slouching Bishop with a solid elbow to send him into the ropes! Zack leaps up on the top rope from the apron then springboards off at Church for a forearm smash! The sudden shot from the two hundred pounder sends the larger Bishop through the ropes and to the outside floor.
KO: Flight of Fantasy!
Zack watches Church hit the floor before turning around to notice the charging Siberia Zombie! She comes in fast aiming for what at first looks like a hurricanrana but Zombie rather locks in an octopus hold that wows the crowd!
LO: Wow! Did you see the way she twirled her body to end up locking that hold in! Fantana has nowhere to go!
KO: They are in the center of the ring! Will he tap!?
The referee comes in close to watch for a tap which Zack assures will never come. This causes Zombie to pull back with all she’s got! Pain creeps across Fantana’s face in the form of a foretelling grimace. Zack tries to take a step but Siberia just tries harder to pull his arm out of socket leading Fantana to simply fall back! The larger Zack breaks the hold then rolls over to hold his now sore right shoulder.
KO: Siberia wants this win and was willing to rip that arm off to do so in my best estimation.
LO: Zombie wants to win to prove her team deserves to be vying for the Chimera Tag Team Championships.
Bishop begins to stir on the outside while Fantana gets up slowly. Zombie remains in a bit of a fog as Zack hovers above her now. He jumps up into the air to come down with double knees onto Siberia! Fantanasy then reaches down to grapple up Zombie back to a vertical base. He whips Siberia into the ropes to catch her with a crowd pleasing tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! He quickly hooks a leg after impact!
...1
…2
LO: Broken up by Bishop Church!
Zack leaps to his feet to face down the big man. He takes off right at Church, who back body drops Fantana over the top rope to a crash landing on the outside floor! The maneuver causes the crowd to pop which works up the big man even further. He turns his sights to Siberia.
KO: These two have an ax to grind as well.
Zombie stumbles up into the awaiting arms of Bishop, who cradles her up for a vertical suplex! Church holds Siberia up into the air for a moment before falling straight back! The impact rattles the entire ring. Bishop quickly hooks a leg for a pin!
…1
Zack Fantana pulls Church out of the ring and off Siberia! This breaks the pin and Fantana hammers Bishop on the outside after he stands up alongside Zack! Fantanasy quickly traps up Church’s arms for a swinging neckbreaker on the outside floor!
LO: Fantana gains the upper hand on the outside with an arm trap swinging neckbreaker that was beautifully executed.
KO: They both took their eyes off Zombie though!
Fantana gets back to his feet quickly to leap up on the apron. He talks back at Church before getting back in the ring. Zack turns too late to see Siberia charging at him full speed ahead! She dives through the ropes to spear Fantana off the apron and both wrestlers land on top of Bishop on the outside! All three wrestlers are now down.
KO: What a spear! Siberia catches Fantana not looking with that one.
LO: Amazing offensive display by Zombie but all three wrestlers took damage from that exchange. Now they are struggling on the outside floor.
Church somehow gets back to his feet first. Siberia is close behind with Fantana pulling up the rear. Bishop rolls into the ring to get back to his feet while Zombie gives chase. Church catches her before she can get back to her feet. He cradles her up looking for another suplex when Zack spills into the ring right in front of Bishop. The crowd goes wild as Church reaches down to cradle up Fantana’s head also…
LO: Uh-oh! What is Bishop thinking here?
KO: I believe he wants to suplex them both!
Church then uses all the strength in his body to attempt to lift both wrestlers into the air. Siberia and Zack use a leg to hook the back of each of Bishops calf muscles! This blocks his attempt to suplex and they use his failure and a double team to vertical suplex Bishop instead!
KO: Siberia and Zack worked together on that exchange to halt the big man’s offense!
LO: Now they are about to turn on one another!
The two wrestlers jaw at each other briefly before exchanging punches! They battle back and forth in the center of the ring before Fantana gets taken to the mat with a sudden hip toss by the smaller Zombie! Siberia reaches down to take hold of the right wrist of Zack Fantana. She helps him back up only to irish whip him into the ropes! Fantanasy bounces off the ropes on the opposite side of the ring to come flying back at Siberia, who misses the clothesline attempt! Fantana bounces off the ropes to slingshot back for a picture perfect pele kick! The kick knocks Zombie flat on her back, where Zack hits a standing moonsault! Fantana then quickly rolls Siberia up for a pin!
…1
LO: Broken up by Bishop Church!
Zack gets up looking for a fight with Church only to be cradled up for a DDT! The maneuver drives Fantana’s face into the mat with real velocity! Bishop quickly hooks a leg.
...1
…2
KO: Broken up by Siberia Zombie!
Siberia quickly follows up by racing to the closest corner. Church gets up after the pinbreak to look for the culprit, who broke it up. Zombie scales the turnbuckles to end up on the top, facing out into the ring. Bishop turns to face her leading Siberia to leap off to catch him with double knees in the chest! Zombie rides him to the ring for a violent impact only to be pushed off by Zack! Zombie falls off to the side while Fantana hooks a leg of the big man for a pin!
...1
…2
KO: Kick out by Bishop Church!
LO: Wow! What a match these three are having here tonight.
KO: They each want a win for their respective teams.
LO: That’s true.
Zombie and Fantana begin jawing at one another again. Zack gets right up in her face but turns to see a charging Bishop Church out of nowhere! Church hits Fantana with a solid clothesline that nearly turns him inside out. Bishop quickly gets back to his feet only to catch a sling blade from a charging Siberia Zombie! The crowd pops as she leaps to her feet to be the only one left standing after the exchange.
LO: Siberia continues to impress in this one. She can almost taste a shot at the tag team titles.
Zombie quickly rushes over to Church. She bends down to attempt to get the larger wrestler to his feet and doesn’t see Fantana has gotten up. He charges across the ring to catch the unsuspecting Siberia with a shining wizard! The shot to her temple leaves a small gash that begins to bleed.
KO: Zombie has been busted open!
LO: That shining wizard looked violent from over here. I can only imagine how it tasted up close and personal like that.
Fantana quickly hooks a leg without realizing that Church is back on his feet!
…1
KO: Stomped out by Bishop Church!
LO: He doesn’t look done either.
Bishop continues to stomp down on Zack even after breaking up the pin! Fantana rolls left then right to cover up without any real success. Church continues as Siberia leaps up on his back! Bishop continues to stomp down on Fantana while the dazed Zombie tries to choke the big man out while hanging off his back!
LO: What a match! None of these three superstars will give an inch in this one. It’s anyone's game at this point.
KO: Something has to give!
Suddenly Bishop can’t breathe from being choked. He stops stomping Zack to fall straight back! Church smashes the smaller Siberia between he and the canvas to break the hold. Bishop raises up to hold his throat briefly before getting back to his feet.
KO: All three wrestlers are down inside the ring.
LO: Fantana is stirring near the corner.
Zack stumbles to his feet with his sights solely on Bishop Church. Church gets up slowly by using the ropes. Fantana takes off full speed ahead at him for a flying forearm that sends the larger Church over the top rope but he grabs hold of Fantana at the last second! Both men spill out over the top rope to hit the apron hard. Zack and Bishop end up on the outside floor in somewhat of a daze while Siberia remains in the ring all alone now.
LO: Siberia remains in the ring and has now made it back to both feet.
KO: Zombie appears to have a plan but I don’t know what it is. Look at that expression…
Fantana and Church slowly get up off the outside floor. They are both in a daze after the fall onto the apron but immediately start to swap blows anyway. Siberia watches this from inside the ring intently. She suddenly takes off across the ring full speed ahead! Zombie dives through the ropes for a tope suicida to both Church and Fantana! Zombie lands awkwardly on her ankle. All three wrestlers end up down on the outside.
KO: All three wrestlers are now down! What a fight!
LO: Someone has to get back into the ring! Who will make it to their feet first. All three wrestlers have worn each other down during this spectacle.
Siberia slowly works her way up to her feet, but she now has a visible limp now thanks to her wild dive. She reaches down to try and get Fantana on his feet with some mild success, and manages to push him back into the ring under the bottom rope. Just as she's about to join him, however, the bad ankle is suddenly snagged and when she looks back she see's Bishop Church holding her from entering the ring. She tries to kick at the man, but he manages to stay just out of range while still holding her ankle, rising up so that she's half on the apron, and now precariously hanging suspended on the edge. Suddenly the two lock eyes, and Church zeros in on the discomfort on her face at having this particular limb held aloft. Like a surgeon finding a scalpel, Church chokes up on his hold, turning it into an Ankle Lock as she hangs screaming from the ropes.
LO: BISHOP CHURCH HAS SIBERIA HEMMED UP IN A SUBMISSION MOVE, BUT IT'S OUTSIDE ON THE APRON!
KO: Yeah, but if he softens that ankle up she sure as hell can't try for any more dives like that, and certainly will make her less susceptible to breaking up any pins!
LO: Church is wrenching away as Siberia cries out in pain, and now he's moving further away from the ring.....she's being suspended right above the floor as she tries to maintain her grip on the ropes!
Church grits his teeth and with a yank Siberia's grip breaks and she falls face first to the concrete as he continues to work her ankle like it's a twist top soda. She is no longer able to cry out in pain as it appears that the sudden blow to her head may have knocked her unconscious, and realizing that he doesn't want to go too far the Chimera Tag Champ releases the hold to allow her leg to join the rest of her body on the floor. He then grabs the ropes himself and hoists himself up onto the apron, and then through the ropes to a Zack Fantana who has just pulled himself up on the other side of the ring. Church closes the gap between them with a speed that belies his size and leaps towards Fantana with his knee raised for a strike, but the wily veteran deftly dodges out of the way and Bishop has to put both hands out to grab the rope before toppling back out of the ring. When he turns around Fantana is already perched on the second rope in the closest corner, and leaps out to nail him with a Missle Dropkick that drops him to the mat.
LO: Fantana in motion now moving to pull Church away from the ropes, and OH! CHURCH WITH A SCHOOLBOY PIN FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!
1...
2...
KO: THREE!NO! Fantana kicks out, and both men struggling to their feet...Fantana with a wild swing and Church ducks it!
LO: Slips in behind Fantana...RELEASE GERMAN SUPLE..WHAT THE!
KO: FANTANA FLIPPED ALL THE WAY THROUGH TO LAND ON HIS FEET! He just ran past Bishop whose trying to get back to his feet and catch him...Springboard off the middle...
LO: AND SPINS BACK AROUND TO CATCH THE INCOMING CHIMERA TAG CHAMP WITH A FLIGHT OF FANTASY FOREARM!
KO: ZACK'S GOT THE LEG HOOKED!
1...
2...
3!!!
The camera focuses on Zack as he falls off of Church in relief, but then paranoia kicks back in and he quickly rolls for the ropes closest to the ramp. Once outside he looks over to Siberia sitting on the ring steps off to the side of him clutching her ankle, and he looks behind him just to make sure no Zombie Clan members are coming to get him. Church sits up in the center of the ring looking a little dejected, but he shrugs and shakes his head before rolling out of the ring himself to head to the back.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of the match via pinfall....ZACK FANTANA!!
Zack now realizing that he's on the outside with both of the people he had just been at war with looks from Church to Siberia, and then rushes the ring to belly slide back inside. Church watches this with another shake of his head as he makes for the ramp to exit, and Siberia tests her ankle as she watches the Chimera Tag Team Champion with a grimace on her face.
LO: Zack Fantana picked up the victory, but damn if he doesn't look squirrly out here after everything that happened at Honor Bound.
KO: Hey! You have to keep your head on a swivel, man. I get it.
LO: I bet you do, but the fans are going nuts for Fantana, who joins his partner, Benny Stevens in dual wins over single members of the Chimera Tag Team Champions.
KO: I wonder if this will make NSFW decide that they deserve a title shot, or because this isn't in the confines of Tag Team Wrestling it doesn't count.
LO: I don't know what NSFW is thinking, but I bet it will go a long way in the minds of the booking committee.
KO: Oh, you mean that one guy in the back with the whiskey breath and cigars.
LO: That would be the one...
Fantana looks around the building now that his opponents have finally disappeared, and he nods his head with a slight smile as the fans cheer him on. The camera focuses on Zack as he salutes the Toronto crowd before exiting the ring himself, and then cuts backstage.
Siberia Zombie hurriedly walks along a lonely corridor backstage, a little beleaguered after the triple threat ordeal from earlier in the night. She looks behind her to make sure nobody is following her and darts into a sort of large storage area. She sighs at this moment of solace and sits on a crate, closing her eyes to focus on her breathing and keep it at a slow and steady pace. After a few moments, she shakes and her breathing becomes labored. Her breath comes out in a cold vapor in front of her mouth. She visibly shakes. The shot zooms out and Tokyo Zombie flashes into view standing next to her in all his monk-ly greatness. He turns his head slowly in her direction and slams his staff into the ground. He disappears when it hits and the rings at the top of it jingle. Siberia opens her eyes quickly at the sound and looks around the area. She seems troubled as she leaves.
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is a GRUDGE Match set for one fall or submission...
'Karma Chameleon' by the Culture Club hits over the PA System, and Indi Rhyder skips out onto the stage to a pretty big ovation. She leaps back and forth along the stage, a huge bubbly smile placed upon her lips. She turns to give the camera a wink as she passes on by down the ramp, slapping hands as she goes.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at five foot five and weighting in at 130 pounds, hailing from Los Angeles, California....She is THE GALACTIC PRINCESS, INDI RHYDDEERRR!!
As she reaches ringside she makes a dash across the front row with one hand extended for high fives, and then turns abruptly to leap up onto the ring apron, and then hops up to the second rope from the outside. She waves at the capacity crowd with a grin, and then hops over the top rope to land safely in the ring. She moves to the far corner and starts stretching along the ropes to await her opponent.
LO: Indi Rhyder had a tough break at Honor Bound when it appeared she may have injured her ankle during the Fatal Four Way that saw Moxie James earn her spot against Rizzo tonight, but in the end she seemed genuinely happy for her friend which was nice to see.
KO: What a rube. She should have been furious that she wasn't the one going on to an UnYielding Title shot!
LO: What she should be furious about is that her opponent here tonight, Cross Recoba, viciously attacked her while she tried to enjoy the rest of the show. What a slime...
KO: Whatever. This girls going to get some swift justice for what happened a few Blitz's back, and then we'll see what's what!
'Turn To Stone' by Joe Walsh fills the arena as the lights dim and a single spot light illuminates the stage. Out from the curtain steps Cross Recoba, a titanium cane with a golden lion's head handle in one hand, touching the crucifix with the other. The crowd responds with a chorus of boo's for The Fox while Cross uses the handle of the cane to push his shag hair cut from his face, flicking his head back confidently as he grins out at the audience obnoxiously. He holds up the cane that has caused so much trouble in the past to an even more venomous response from the fans, and he begins down the ramp still holding it aloft.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at five foot ten and weighting in at 230 pounds, hailing from New York, New York...He is THE FOX...CROSS RECOBBBAAA!!
Recoba reaches ringside and holds the lions head handle of the cane up to his lips and kisses it for luck. He sets the cane to rest against the ring steps, and then climbs them up onto the apron, and with a wipe of his feet slips between the ropes. He pops up with both hands out at his side, walking forward as if putting his glory on display, and delivers an over exaggerated bow that causes the fans to crow even louder in disdain. Cross stands to his full height and smirks over at Indi Rhyder who shakes her head in disgust.
LO: He really does represent everything that's wrong in this industry.
KO: What the hell are you talking about, Laur? He's a national treasure in at least four different countries! What a gem!
LO: A gem that has done nothing but deceive, cheat, lie, and try and buy his way out of every situation he's face with. It makes me sick.
KO: We aren't going to have another episode like we did at Honor Bound are we Laurence?
LO: I admit, I may have got a little carried away after Danny Rizzo did what he did to Katya, but I wasn't wrong either.
KO: Sure, keep telling yourself that, Bud. Luckily the bell just rang, so you're saved...
A fan screams out for Indi and the superstar acknowledges her with a wave, which is all the distraction The Fox needs to move in for an early advantage. Or so he thought, as she turns back just in time to sidestep him as he rushes in to try and blindside her. Cross puts on the brakes and spins back around only to get nailed with a High Standing Dropkick that sends him hurtling into the nearby corner like a shotgun blast! Cross stumbles out as Indi regains her feet and catches the dazed Superstar with something akin to a Hip Toss or Judo Throw that sends him down to the mat on his back. He immediately scrambles up while Indi falls back into the ropes for some spring, and he barely has his footing when she vaults back at him into a High Cross Body that sends him down to the mat with her ontop for a pin.
1...
LO: Only a one count there in the early goings, and Indi has turned up the speed quite adeptly to avoid any shenanigans from Cross Recoba!
KO: Yeah, he needs to get some solid footing if he's going to shut this pinball down!
Recoba and Indi come up at relatively the same time and Cross steps forwards into a lariat to try and catch the Galactic Princes, but she manages to duck underneath at the last second to end up behind him and hooks him into a Waist Lock before pushing him towards the ropes. His chest hits the top and it bounces them back, allowing Indi to use the momentum to drag him down to the mat and roll through with a Rolling Pin.
1...
2...
LO: Another decisive kick out by Recoba, and Indi has him on the run...
KO: Come on, Fox! Cut her off!
Again the two superstars make it to their feet, and Recoba tries to do just that with another grab for Indi, but again she manages to get out of the way. She falls to her side as he lunges in, tangles her legs up with his, and sends him sprawling face first to the mat with a Drop Toe Hold. This time, however, Indi is up first as Cross checks his nose after the landing, and she rushes the ropes for spring as he rises up to his knees. He hast just enough time to shake his head 'No' before Indi is launched back at him and she leaves her feet for a Low Dropkick that snaps him back down to the canvas. Indi quickly scrambles to her feet and hops over Cross to rush the ropes once more, this time leaping up to the second to springboard into a Moonsault that lands perfectly to crush Recoba into the canvas for another cover!
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Two and a half there for Indi, and each one of these kick outs from Recoba are coming later and later.
KO: Well it's not his fault! She won't stand still long enough for him to do anything!
LO: Sounds to me like a great strategy from the Galactic Princess!
Indi gains her feet and poises herself in a position just outside of Recoba's field of vision as he groggily tries to get back to his. He turns towards her in time to see her rushing at him, and he turns his body at the last second to catch her coming in with a Tilt-A-Whirl, but before he can drop into the Back Breaker, Indi hooks both legs around his head and sends him flipping across the ring with a Head Scissors instead. Cross skids across the mat, and instead of trying to get back to his feet just keeps on pushing against the canvas until he's slipped under the bottom rope and right out of the ring. He slams his hands down on the apron in frustration, and when one of the fans at ringside starts chiding him he turns to spit in their general direction. The fan response is immense, booing him for everything they are worth while providing a distraction for Indi, who climbs the turnbuckles closest to him from inside the ring.
LO: Recoba is jawing with the Valor Pro Faithful instead of paying attention to Indi Rhyder, and she's perched on the top rope ready to fly...
KO: What the hell is he doing! It's like his head isn't in the game! He knows how important this is....I mean...he's the one who attacked her and called her out!
LO: Well, Recoba finally turning back towards the ring and INDI TAKES FLIGHT!
KO: AND RECOBA DODGES OUT OF THE WAY! INDI RHYDER FOUND NOTHING BUT GRAVITY AND CONCRETE!
LO: That doesn't bode well for Indi, as Cross stands over and chuckles...and now what's he doing?
Cross leaps up onto the apron and the camera picks up a few words for Rhyder as he moves to slip back into the ring.
CROSS RECOBA: You wanna fly, bitch? Let's fly!
With that he takes up a position in the middle of the ring and waits for Indi to start clamoring up to her feet after the nasty spill. Just as she gets her feet under her Cross rushes the opposite side ropes for spring and thunders back across the ring to leap clear over the top rope and extend both feet into a Drop Kick that slams Indi Rhyder back down to the floor.
LO: A MILLION LIRA TO RHYDER!
KO: And Cross damn near landed halfway on his feet after impact, and is jerking her up....and IRISH WHIP INTO THE STEEL BARRICADE!
LO: This is no man's land for Indi, and now Cross scooping the young woman up onto his shoulder....AND SNAKE EYES DOWN ACROSS THE TOP OF THE STEEL!
Indi clutches at her face as Recoba arrogantly crows at the audience about their Intergalactic Hero before peeling her off the floor and tossing her back into the ring. He quickly follows suit only to roll her to the center of the ring where he puts body to body and hooks her leg deep.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Indi out after a long two count, and now Cross up to his feet....Only to drop a Rolling Knee right down across the woman's forehead!
KO: Indi is flopping around like a wounded duck after that shot, and couple that with the snake eyes across the barricade, she might be looking at a concussion!
LO: She certainly doesn't need anymore unprotected shots to the head, but knowing Cross Recoba that's exactly what she's going to receive!
Cross yanks his opponent up off the mat and lays in a thunderous chop that sends Indi falling back into the ropes. She bounces back right into another one, this one sending her all the way back down to the mat. Recoba laughs as he reaches down and pulls the woman up by the hair of the head and pushes her into the ropes while grasping her wrist so he can shoot her off to the other side. As she returns he steps to the center and posts up to catch her coming back in a Side Slam position, but instead drops forward into a Back Breaker across his knee. He doesn't immediately let her fall to the mat, but instead keeps her lower back positioned across his knee and places the palm of one hand on her thigh, and the other just under her chin, pushing down with both to stretch her unmercifully. Indi cries out while the fans boo, and eventually Recoba shoves her down to the mat and quickly moves in for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Indi just barely out after that devastating Back Breaker, and to be honest this is where the size advantage is starting to play a factor.
KO: Yeah, I have to give her credit. She really used her speed in the early goings to take Recoba out of his game, but when he took it outside and slowed it down, now he's the one in the drivers seat!
Recoba pulls Indi up from the mat and drags her over to the nearest corner where he promptly lays in a chop that would have certainly taken her off her feet if she didn't have the turnbuckles behind her to keep her up. He takes her by the wrist and Irish Whips her across the ring only to follow closely behind to crush her with a splash the minute she hits, but much to his surprise Indi runs up the turnbuckles to cut a back flip that allows her to land safely behind Cross as he puts on the brakes to avoid smashing the turnbuckles himself. He whips around on a dime, but Indi is already in motion, stepping up and off of his hip only to swing her other leg around so that her knee catches him right in the head. This sends Cross stumbling to the right towards the ropes, and Indi grabs the top rope to spring over it out to the apron, and as Cross dangles there she rushes along its length to catch him with a cutter that Hot Shots him throat first across the taped steel cable. Recoba clutches at his throat as he stumbles back, and Indi gives an apologetic look to the crowd for using such a tactic before leaping up onto the apron to grip the top rope one more time.
KO: Recoba is fighting for air now, and INDI SPRINGS UP TO THE TOP ROPE AND CUTS A FRONT FLIP INTO A SEATED SENTON THAT SENDS CROSS CRASHING DOWN TO THE MAT!
LO: COOL RHYDER! AND INDI GRABS HIS LEGS BEHIND HER FOR A COVER!
1...
2...
KO: THREE!NO! Oh! Thank God! Recoba kicked out...
LO: You know, your obsession with this guy is sort of unhealthy.
KO: Whatever! He and I just happen to understand the finer things in life, Laur. Your ilk wouldn't understand.
Laurence Othello rolls his eyes as Indi gets to her feet, a little dejected after having someone kick out of her go-to-moves but the cheering crowd lifts her spirits. With their help she finds a newfound determination, and she nods her head curtly before stepping over the ropes to slip between them to the apron and then heads up to the top turnbuckle. Once there she looks down at the laid out Fox before her and she nods out at the crowd for reassurance before crossing her heart and leaping into a magnificent spin that sees the back of her legs hit the top rope to send her body into a tantalizing corkscrew spin that ends in the form of a Senton. Unfortunately, before she can complete the rotation, Recoba manages to roll towards the corner and out of the way, and the hard canvas is the recepient that cushions her fall.
LO: KHARMIC TRIP, BUT RECOBA WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY!
KO: Recoba now struggling to get to his feet as Indi grabs at her spine and does the same...
Recoba watches Indi warily from the corner and as the young woman reaches her feet, he steps out and grabs her by the elbow from behind, spins her around right into a scoop up onto his shoulder. Indi, having scouted this move earlier in the week, furiously kicks her feet and pushes with her hands until finally managing to slide down Recobas back to land behind him. She hooks him with a Waist Lock and moves to push him against the ropes like she did earlier in the contest, but this time, Recoba grabs her hands that are firmly clasped at his gut, and wrenches her arms apart before she can get the momentum. He spins around keeping hold of both of her wrists which forces him to duck under both of their arms causing them to Kris-Cross, and then runs past her causing her own arms to zip line her down to the mat in a type of Hangman's Neckbreaker!
LO: Innovative move by Recoba there to put Indi down, and now he's moving back to his feet and pulling her back up...WAIT! SMALL PACKAGE BY INDI!
KO: AHH! SHE CAN'T DO THAT!
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! MY GOD! That was a nanosecond away from a three count, and Indi Rhyder just about stole one out from under Cross Recoba!
KO: Yeah, but Recoba looks pissed now....back on his feet and just stomping away on Rhyder!
The Fox uncharacteristically looses his cool, stomping away at the Galactic Princess in a rage over what he considered her insolent behavior. Finally, with Rhyder thoroughly pummeled, Cross yanks her up off the canvas and scoops her up again, only this time instead of trying to scoot down his back she leaps with his lift allowing her to halfway cartwheel right out of his hands to land on her feet beside him. Cross turns in that direction, and BAM! Walks right into a Superkick from Indi that sends The Fox falling back into the ropes only to spring back in her direction with a Superkick of his own. Indi snaps down to the canvas as Cross hits his knee's beside her, and both take a moment to suck wind as the referee starts at ten count.
LO: These two have run the gambit, between speed and power, and everything in-between!
KO: It's true, and as the referee's count drones on it looks like they are both going to reach their feet to break it!
Both superstars get vertical at about the same time but it's Cross that launches himself at Indi, but the Galactic Princies ducks under and rushes for the ropes behind him. She springs back and ducks under a Back Elbow aimed right at her face to continue her momentum to the ropes in front. She springs back a second time and Cross looks ready for her but she proves him wrong when she baseball slides between his open legs to end up behind him. Cross spins around, and Indi falls backwards while her legs fly upwards catching him square in the face with a Pele Kick! Cross drops to one knee in surprise, but pushes up a second later just in time to catch an incoming Spinning Wheel kick from a charging Indi. Cross hits the mat, and Indi rises to rush the ropes once more, leaping up to the second to springboard into a spin that ends up being a Leg Drop down across Recoba's throat! She quickly grabs his leg and pulls it up for a pin!
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Recoba still able to roll the shoulder to break the three count, and Indi is back in motion. It's almost as if she slows down she knows that she might give Recoba back the advantage!
KO: I don't know, but it's hard to keep eyes on her...she's now climbing back up to the top rope facing the crowd, looking back to see when Recoba is going to get to his feet...
LO: Well she won't have to wait long because The Fox is already halfway there, and he just took a few steps in that direction...AND INDI SOARS BACK INTO A BEAUTIFUL ASAI MOONSAULT!
KO: RECOBA CAUGHT HER ON THE WAY DOWN...
LO: UP ALL NIGHT IN DAKOTA! MY GOD! I THINK HE MAY HAVE SPIKED HER SKULL THROUGH THE MAT!
Recoba falls forward in a moment of instinct mingled with desperation onto Indi, and even manages to grab for her legs to try and ensure that she won't be able to get her shoulders up.
1...
2...
3!!!
LO: That's it! Cross Recoba has done it, but I don't care what he says. This wasn't a walk in the park! Indi Rhyder took him to his limits here tonight!
KO: Yeah, Yeah...I'm just glad its over. I thought for a second one of them was going to blow a lung!
Recoba falls off of Indi and rolls towards the ropes where he pulls himself up to wipe sweat from his brow. The Fox does indeed look blown up, but how he could he not after running such a fast paced intense match.
RING ANNOUNCER: and the winner of the match via pinfall....CROSS RECOBA!
Cross steps out to the center of the ring as Indi rolls out under the bottom rope to take a moment out on the apron, and he demands that the referee lift his arm in victory. The Ref gives him a shake of the head but does as asked, and after Recoba feels that he's paraded enough, he yanks his hand away and threatens the referee with an upturned fist. The Ref quickly exits the ring and Recoba laughs before throwing his hands up over his head to a chorus of boo's.
LO: What a real gem, this guy.
KO: Damn right, Laur! Recoba has righted a wrong here tonight with this victory, and I bet that means he'll be able to finally get this albatrose off his back and get back into the title picture.
LO: Yeah, but which one? As of right now he has issues across three different scenes; The Chimera Tag, The UnYielding, and The Apex.
KO: I say flip a coin...
LO: That's only two sided, Ken...
KO: Oh shut up!
The camera focuses on Cross Recoba as he continues to play into the booing crowd, while Indi slaps a few hands despite being disappointed by the loss, and then the scene cuts backstage.
'Karma Chameleon' by the Culture Club hits over the PA System, and Indi Rhyder skips out onto the stage to a pretty big ovation. She leaps back and forth along the stage, a huge bubbly smile placed upon her lips. She turns to give the camera a wink as she passes on by down the ramp, slapping hands as she goes.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at five foot five and weighting in at 130 pounds, hailing from Los Angeles, California....She is THE GALACTIC PRINCESS, INDI RHYDDEERRR!!
As she reaches ringside she makes a dash across the front row with one hand extended for high fives, and then turns abruptly to leap up onto the ring apron, and then hops up to the second rope from the outside. She waves at the capacity crowd with a grin, and then hops over the top rope to land safely in the ring. She moves to the far corner and starts stretching along the ropes to await her opponent.
LO: Indi Rhyder had a tough break at Honor Bound when it appeared she may have injured her ankle during the Fatal Four Way that saw Moxie James earn her spot against Rizzo tonight, but in the end she seemed genuinely happy for her friend which was nice to see.
KO: What a rube. She should have been furious that she wasn't the one going on to an UnYielding Title shot!
LO: What she should be furious about is that her opponent here tonight, Cross Recoba, viciously attacked her while she tried to enjoy the rest of the show. What a slime...
KO: Whatever. This girls going to get some swift justice for what happened a few Blitz's back, and then we'll see what's what!
'Turn To Stone' by Joe Walsh fills the arena as the lights dim and a single spot light illuminates the stage. Out from the curtain steps Cross Recoba, a titanium cane with a golden lion's head handle in one hand, touching the crucifix with the other. The crowd responds with a chorus of boo's for The Fox while Cross uses the handle of the cane to push his shag hair cut from his face, flicking his head back confidently as he grins out at the audience obnoxiously. He holds up the cane that has caused so much trouble in the past to an even more venomous response from the fans, and he begins down the ramp still holding it aloft.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at five foot ten and weighting in at 230 pounds, hailing from New York, New York...He is THE FOX...CROSS RECOBBBAAA!!
Recoba reaches ringside and holds the lions head handle of the cane up to his lips and kisses it for luck. He sets the cane to rest against the ring steps, and then climbs them up onto the apron, and with a wipe of his feet slips between the ropes. He pops up with both hands out at his side, walking forward as if putting his glory on display, and delivers an over exaggerated bow that causes the fans to crow even louder in disdain. Cross stands to his full height and smirks over at Indi Rhyder who shakes her head in disgust.
LO: He really does represent everything that's wrong in this industry.
KO: What the hell are you talking about, Laur? He's a national treasure in at least four different countries! What a gem!
LO: A gem that has done nothing but deceive, cheat, lie, and try and buy his way out of every situation he's face with. It makes me sick.
KO: We aren't going to have another episode like we did at Honor Bound are we Laurence?
LO: I admit, I may have got a little carried away after Danny Rizzo did what he did to Katya, but I wasn't wrong either.
KO: Sure, keep telling yourself that, Bud. Luckily the bell just rang, so you're saved...
A fan screams out for Indi and the superstar acknowledges her with a wave, which is all the distraction The Fox needs to move in for an early advantage. Or so he thought, as she turns back just in time to sidestep him as he rushes in to try and blindside her. Cross puts on the brakes and spins back around only to get nailed with a High Standing Dropkick that sends him hurtling into the nearby corner like a shotgun blast! Cross stumbles out as Indi regains her feet and catches the dazed Superstar with something akin to a Hip Toss or Judo Throw that sends him down to the mat on his back. He immediately scrambles up while Indi falls back into the ropes for some spring, and he barely has his footing when she vaults back at him into a High Cross Body that sends him down to the mat with her ontop for a pin.
1...
LO: Only a one count there in the early goings, and Indi has turned up the speed quite adeptly to avoid any shenanigans from Cross Recoba!
KO: Yeah, he needs to get some solid footing if he's going to shut this pinball down!
Recoba and Indi come up at relatively the same time and Cross steps forwards into a lariat to try and catch the Galactic Princes, but she manages to duck underneath at the last second to end up behind him and hooks him into a Waist Lock before pushing him towards the ropes. His chest hits the top and it bounces them back, allowing Indi to use the momentum to drag him down to the mat and roll through with a Rolling Pin.
1...
2...
LO: Another decisive kick out by Recoba, and Indi has him on the run...
KO: Come on, Fox! Cut her off!
Again the two superstars make it to their feet, and Recoba tries to do just that with another grab for Indi, but again she manages to get out of the way. She falls to her side as he lunges in, tangles her legs up with his, and sends him sprawling face first to the mat with a Drop Toe Hold. This time, however, Indi is up first as Cross checks his nose after the landing, and she rushes the ropes for spring as he rises up to his knees. He hast just enough time to shake his head 'No' before Indi is launched back at him and she leaves her feet for a Low Dropkick that snaps him back down to the canvas. Indi quickly scrambles to her feet and hops over Cross to rush the ropes once more, this time leaping up to the second to springboard into a Moonsault that lands perfectly to crush Recoba into the canvas for another cover!
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Two and a half there for Indi, and each one of these kick outs from Recoba are coming later and later.
KO: Well it's not his fault! She won't stand still long enough for him to do anything!
LO: Sounds to me like a great strategy from the Galactic Princess!
Indi gains her feet and poises herself in a position just outside of Recoba's field of vision as he groggily tries to get back to his. He turns towards her in time to see her rushing at him, and he turns his body at the last second to catch her coming in with a Tilt-A-Whirl, but before he can drop into the Back Breaker, Indi hooks both legs around his head and sends him flipping across the ring with a Head Scissors instead. Cross skids across the mat, and instead of trying to get back to his feet just keeps on pushing against the canvas until he's slipped under the bottom rope and right out of the ring. He slams his hands down on the apron in frustration, and when one of the fans at ringside starts chiding him he turns to spit in their general direction. The fan response is immense, booing him for everything they are worth while providing a distraction for Indi, who climbs the turnbuckles closest to him from inside the ring.
LO: Recoba is jawing with the Valor Pro Faithful instead of paying attention to Indi Rhyder, and she's perched on the top rope ready to fly...
KO: What the hell is he doing! It's like his head isn't in the game! He knows how important this is....I mean...he's the one who attacked her and called her out!
LO: Well, Recoba finally turning back towards the ring and INDI TAKES FLIGHT!
KO: AND RECOBA DODGES OUT OF THE WAY! INDI RHYDER FOUND NOTHING BUT GRAVITY AND CONCRETE!
LO: That doesn't bode well for Indi, as Cross stands over and chuckles...and now what's he doing?
Cross leaps up onto the apron and the camera picks up a few words for Rhyder as he moves to slip back into the ring.
CROSS RECOBA: You wanna fly, bitch? Let's fly!
With that he takes up a position in the middle of the ring and waits for Indi to start clamoring up to her feet after the nasty spill. Just as she gets her feet under her Cross rushes the opposite side ropes for spring and thunders back across the ring to leap clear over the top rope and extend both feet into a Drop Kick that slams Indi Rhyder back down to the floor.
LO: A MILLION LIRA TO RHYDER!
KO: And Cross damn near landed halfway on his feet after impact, and is jerking her up....and IRISH WHIP INTO THE STEEL BARRICADE!
LO: This is no man's land for Indi, and now Cross scooping the young woman up onto his shoulder....AND SNAKE EYES DOWN ACROSS THE TOP OF THE STEEL!
Indi clutches at her face as Recoba arrogantly crows at the audience about their Intergalactic Hero before peeling her off the floor and tossing her back into the ring. He quickly follows suit only to roll her to the center of the ring where he puts body to body and hooks her leg deep.
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Indi out after a long two count, and now Cross up to his feet....Only to drop a Rolling Knee right down across the woman's forehead!
KO: Indi is flopping around like a wounded duck after that shot, and couple that with the snake eyes across the barricade, she might be looking at a concussion!
LO: She certainly doesn't need anymore unprotected shots to the head, but knowing Cross Recoba that's exactly what she's going to receive!
Cross yanks his opponent up off the mat and lays in a thunderous chop that sends Indi falling back into the ropes. She bounces back right into another one, this one sending her all the way back down to the mat. Recoba laughs as he reaches down and pulls the woman up by the hair of the head and pushes her into the ropes while grasping her wrist so he can shoot her off to the other side. As she returns he steps to the center and posts up to catch her coming back in a Side Slam position, but instead drops forward into a Back Breaker across his knee. He doesn't immediately let her fall to the mat, but instead keeps her lower back positioned across his knee and places the palm of one hand on her thigh, and the other just under her chin, pushing down with both to stretch her unmercifully. Indi cries out while the fans boo, and eventually Recoba shoves her down to the mat and quickly moves in for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Indi just barely out after that devastating Back Breaker, and to be honest this is where the size advantage is starting to play a factor.
KO: Yeah, I have to give her credit. She really used her speed in the early goings to take Recoba out of his game, but when he took it outside and slowed it down, now he's the one in the drivers seat!
Recoba pulls Indi up from the mat and drags her over to the nearest corner where he promptly lays in a chop that would have certainly taken her off her feet if she didn't have the turnbuckles behind her to keep her up. He takes her by the wrist and Irish Whips her across the ring only to follow closely behind to crush her with a splash the minute she hits, but much to his surprise Indi runs up the turnbuckles to cut a back flip that allows her to land safely behind Cross as he puts on the brakes to avoid smashing the turnbuckles himself. He whips around on a dime, but Indi is already in motion, stepping up and off of his hip only to swing her other leg around so that her knee catches him right in the head. This sends Cross stumbling to the right towards the ropes, and Indi grabs the top rope to spring over it out to the apron, and as Cross dangles there she rushes along its length to catch him with a cutter that Hot Shots him throat first across the taped steel cable. Recoba clutches at his throat as he stumbles back, and Indi gives an apologetic look to the crowd for using such a tactic before leaping up onto the apron to grip the top rope one more time.
KO: Recoba is fighting for air now, and INDI SPRINGS UP TO THE TOP ROPE AND CUTS A FRONT FLIP INTO A SEATED SENTON THAT SENDS CROSS CRASHING DOWN TO THE MAT!
LO: COOL RHYDER! AND INDI GRABS HIS LEGS BEHIND HER FOR A COVER!
1...
2...
KO: THREE!NO! Oh! Thank God! Recoba kicked out...
LO: You know, your obsession with this guy is sort of unhealthy.
KO: Whatever! He and I just happen to understand the finer things in life, Laur. Your ilk wouldn't understand.
Laurence Othello rolls his eyes as Indi gets to her feet, a little dejected after having someone kick out of her go-to-moves but the cheering crowd lifts her spirits. With their help she finds a newfound determination, and she nods her head curtly before stepping over the ropes to slip between them to the apron and then heads up to the top turnbuckle. Once there she looks down at the laid out Fox before her and she nods out at the crowd for reassurance before crossing her heart and leaping into a magnificent spin that sees the back of her legs hit the top rope to send her body into a tantalizing corkscrew spin that ends in the form of a Senton. Unfortunately, before she can complete the rotation, Recoba manages to roll towards the corner and out of the way, and the hard canvas is the recepient that cushions her fall.
LO: KHARMIC TRIP, BUT RECOBA WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY!
KO: Recoba now struggling to get to his feet as Indi grabs at her spine and does the same...
Recoba watches Indi warily from the corner and as the young woman reaches her feet, he steps out and grabs her by the elbow from behind, spins her around right into a scoop up onto his shoulder. Indi, having scouted this move earlier in the week, furiously kicks her feet and pushes with her hands until finally managing to slide down Recobas back to land behind him. She hooks him with a Waist Lock and moves to push him against the ropes like she did earlier in the contest, but this time, Recoba grabs her hands that are firmly clasped at his gut, and wrenches her arms apart before she can get the momentum. He spins around keeping hold of both of her wrists which forces him to duck under both of their arms causing them to Kris-Cross, and then runs past her causing her own arms to zip line her down to the mat in a type of Hangman's Neckbreaker!
LO: Innovative move by Recoba there to put Indi down, and now he's moving back to his feet and pulling her back up...WAIT! SMALL PACKAGE BY INDI!
KO: AHH! SHE CAN'T DO THAT!
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! MY GOD! That was a nanosecond away from a three count, and Indi Rhyder just about stole one out from under Cross Recoba!
KO: Yeah, but Recoba looks pissed now....back on his feet and just stomping away on Rhyder!
The Fox uncharacteristically looses his cool, stomping away at the Galactic Princess in a rage over what he considered her insolent behavior. Finally, with Rhyder thoroughly pummeled, Cross yanks her up off the canvas and scoops her up again, only this time instead of trying to scoot down his back she leaps with his lift allowing her to halfway cartwheel right out of his hands to land on her feet beside him. Cross turns in that direction, and BAM! Walks right into a Superkick from Indi that sends The Fox falling back into the ropes only to spring back in her direction with a Superkick of his own. Indi snaps down to the canvas as Cross hits his knee's beside her, and both take a moment to suck wind as the referee starts at ten count.
LO: These two have run the gambit, between speed and power, and everything in-between!
KO: It's true, and as the referee's count drones on it looks like they are both going to reach their feet to break it!
Both superstars get vertical at about the same time but it's Cross that launches himself at Indi, but the Galactic Princies ducks under and rushes for the ropes behind him. She springs back and ducks under a Back Elbow aimed right at her face to continue her momentum to the ropes in front. She springs back a second time and Cross looks ready for her but she proves him wrong when she baseball slides between his open legs to end up behind him. Cross spins around, and Indi falls backwards while her legs fly upwards catching him square in the face with a Pele Kick! Cross drops to one knee in surprise, but pushes up a second later just in time to catch an incoming Spinning Wheel kick from a charging Indi. Cross hits the mat, and Indi rises to rush the ropes once more, leaping up to the second to springboard into a spin that ends up being a Leg Drop down across Recoba's throat! She quickly grabs his leg and pulls it up for a pin!
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Recoba still able to roll the shoulder to break the three count, and Indi is back in motion. It's almost as if she slows down she knows that she might give Recoba back the advantage!
KO: I don't know, but it's hard to keep eyes on her...she's now climbing back up to the top rope facing the crowd, looking back to see when Recoba is going to get to his feet...
LO: Well she won't have to wait long because The Fox is already halfway there, and he just took a few steps in that direction...AND INDI SOARS BACK INTO A BEAUTIFUL ASAI MOONSAULT!
KO: RECOBA CAUGHT HER ON THE WAY DOWN...
LO: UP ALL NIGHT IN DAKOTA! MY GOD! I THINK HE MAY HAVE SPIKED HER SKULL THROUGH THE MAT!
Recoba falls forward in a moment of instinct mingled with desperation onto Indi, and even manages to grab for her legs to try and ensure that she won't be able to get her shoulders up.
1...
2...
3!!!
LO: That's it! Cross Recoba has done it, but I don't care what he says. This wasn't a walk in the park! Indi Rhyder took him to his limits here tonight!
KO: Yeah, Yeah...I'm just glad its over. I thought for a second one of them was going to blow a lung!
Recoba falls off of Indi and rolls towards the ropes where he pulls himself up to wipe sweat from his brow. The Fox does indeed look blown up, but how he could he not after running such a fast paced intense match.
RING ANNOUNCER: and the winner of the match via pinfall....CROSS RECOBA!
Cross steps out to the center of the ring as Indi rolls out under the bottom rope to take a moment out on the apron, and he demands that the referee lift his arm in victory. The Ref gives him a shake of the head but does as asked, and after Recoba feels that he's paraded enough, he yanks his hand away and threatens the referee with an upturned fist. The Ref quickly exits the ring and Recoba laughs before throwing his hands up over his head to a chorus of boo's.
LO: What a real gem, this guy.
KO: Damn right, Laur! Recoba has righted a wrong here tonight with this victory, and I bet that means he'll be able to finally get this albatrose off his back and get back into the title picture.
LO: Yeah, but which one? As of right now he has issues across three different scenes; The Chimera Tag, The UnYielding, and The Apex.
KO: I say flip a coin...
LO: That's only two sided, Ken...
KO: Oh shut up!
The camera focuses on Cross Recoba as he continues to play into the booing crowd, while Indi slaps a few hands despite being disappointed by the loss, and then the scene cuts backstage.
In the back, we find Chris Callum - alone, once again. He polishes the Apex Championship with great care, and then he notices the camera. He turns, places the title on his shoulder, and then speaks bluntly.
CHRIS CALLUM: I’ve always heard it is lonely at the top. I’ve been at the top at plenty points in my career, but I’ve got to admit, it’s never felt like this. In Galveston I always has Aspen. In the CWC I had a legion of promoters at my beck and call. But here I’m all alone, and I wonder sometimes if I’m the only one. Despite being the Apex I’m still the black sheep of Valor. The one all of you look up to and hope to someday beat… but the one all of you are too afraid to mention. I haven’t decided if I think that’s just all of you paying the proper respect to me, or if you don’t bother punching up because you know you can’t knock me down.
Callum leans against the back wall.
CHRIS CALLUM: And then there’s Brennan Devlin. Too stupid to know his place. Too cocky to be afraid. He ruins the main event of Honor Bound and then, in his first week officially back with Valor, is granted the opening spot on Blitz and the main event. After months and months of Cosmo Cooper and I battling it out to decide who the best man in this company is, the first show where I hold this title from start to finish is headlined by Brennan Devlin. A man who has done nothing. A man no one fears. A man who is sorely out of his league when he steps into the ring with me. He is now the star of the night.
He shakes his head.
CHRIS CALLUM: How many more times are promoters going to try to spin this guy as a star? It failed in ACE. It failed in CWC. Failed in 4CW. Hell, it’s failed here in Valor before. Brennan Devlin has been exposed time and time again, and I’m tired of watching the same trainwreck every time he decided to step back into the ring. Tonight I’m going to end it.
Callum nods as he steps forward once again, adjusting the title.
CHRIS CALLUM: I don’t mind the company choosing to hide my camera time in the middle of the show. I don’t mind not being given the celebration ceremony that I deserve. It’s their world, and I’m just living it. I don’t need the pomp and circumstance because I have this… the Apex Championship… and everyone knows what I’m capable of.
He smiled.
CHRIS CALLUM: So tonight I’m not going into this match with anything to prove. This episode of Blitz is housekeeping to me. Take Brennan Devlin out back, put a bullet in his brain, and then sleep tight knowing that this farm is safe from whatever bullshit comeback he thinks this will be.
A beat.
CHRIS CALLUM: Everyone will rejoice. Then, maybe, I’ll have some friends.
After a smile, we fade to black and crash back to the ring.
CHRIS CALLUM: I’ve always heard it is lonely at the top. I’ve been at the top at plenty points in my career, but I’ve got to admit, it’s never felt like this. In Galveston I always has Aspen. In the CWC I had a legion of promoters at my beck and call. But here I’m all alone, and I wonder sometimes if I’m the only one. Despite being the Apex I’m still the black sheep of Valor. The one all of you look up to and hope to someday beat… but the one all of you are too afraid to mention. I haven’t decided if I think that’s just all of you paying the proper respect to me, or if you don’t bother punching up because you know you can’t knock me down.
Callum leans against the back wall.
CHRIS CALLUM: And then there’s Brennan Devlin. Too stupid to know his place. Too cocky to be afraid. He ruins the main event of Honor Bound and then, in his first week officially back with Valor, is granted the opening spot on Blitz and the main event. After months and months of Cosmo Cooper and I battling it out to decide who the best man in this company is, the first show where I hold this title from start to finish is headlined by Brennan Devlin. A man who has done nothing. A man no one fears. A man who is sorely out of his league when he steps into the ring with me. He is now the star of the night.
He shakes his head.
CHRIS CALLUM: How many more times are promoters going to try to spin this guy as a star? It failed in ACE. It failed in CWC. Failed in 4CW. Hell, it’s failed here in Valor before. Brennan Devlin has been exposed time and time again, and I’m tired of watching the same trainwreck every time he decided to step back into the ring. Tonight I’m going to end it.
Callum nods as he steps forward once again, adjusting the title.
CHRIS CALLUM: I don’t mind the company choosing to hide my camera time in the middle of the show. I don’t mind not being given the celebration ceremony that I deserve. It’s their world, and I’m just living it. I don’t need the pomp and circumstance because I have this… the Apex Championship… and everyone knows what I’m capable of.
He smiled.
CHRIS CALLUM: So tonight I’m not going into this match with anything to prove. This episode of Blitz is housekeeping to me. Take Brennan Devlin out back, put a bullet in his brain, and then sleep tight knowing that this farm is safe from whatever bullshit comeback he thinks this will be.
A beat.
CHRIS CALLUM: Everyone will rejoice. Then, maybe, I’ll have some friends.
After a smile, we fade to black and crash back to the ring.
Featuring: Roman Novack
The house lights dim. The Mass of the Angels fills the speaker system. The figure at the top of the ramp is wearing hooded robes, holding a silver chalice that is full of some liquid, probably water(?). As the ramp is illuminated by candlelight, the figure descends towards the ring, periodically dipping his fingers into the water in the chalice and flicking it onto fans who appear to be immediately slain in the spirit and saying “blessed be Fantana”.
It’s Brad Stokes, of course. Even without revealing the face under the hood there’s no one else who would make an entrance like this. He brings himself steadily up the ring steps, careful not to spill any of his holy water as he climbs through the ropes and proceeds to “bless” each corner of the ring before setting the chalice of holy water down in the middle of the ring and bows his head.
BRAD STOKES: Yea, tho I walk in the valley in the shadow of the Franchise… I shall fear no finishing maneuvers…
Still cloaked, the lights come up and the hooded Brad Stokes remains in deep prayer over the holy water before slowly bringing a microphone ip to his still shrouded face. The crowd dies down.
BRAD STOKES: In this, the year of Fantana, three hundred and sixty-nine--
At this number, Brad snickers, before he continues.
BRAD STOKES: It was said unto him, goeth thou forth into all the arenas and stadiums upon the Valor Pro wrestling tour and bless them and be a light upon them. Glory, hallelujah. In nomine Zackus… et Fantana... Amen.
The house lights come up. Still the hood remains in place. Brad’s head is bowed.
BRAD STOKES: Before we begin tonight’s proceedings, I’d like you all to turn in your Fantana Hymnals located beneath your chairs to page 47, that’s the New Promotional Materials, not the Old, or the DEAD AWE Scrolls… you’ll see that in chapter twelve, verse eighty-six--
From the crowd, a small contingent of fans voice their displeasure. It’s sunday… this is no day for a church service! A collective BOO, if you will. Brad raises his voice.
BRAD STOKES: The power of Fantana compels you! Alright? That’s it. That’s all I gotta say and you know what you did.
Brad glares into the crowd a moment before rushing for his holy water, dipping his fingers in the chalice and flicking it into the stands. One is heard to remark that the “water” smells like vinegar. Brad calms himself, fixing his hood to remain atop his head.
BRAD STOKES: I know, you all thought you were going to go another week without seeing my face after they fired me not once… not twice… but damn I’ve lost count now…
Brad lets these words hang in the air, pregnant with emotional heft and gravitas.
BRAD STOKES: And you were right.
The fans are confused. Slowly, Brad lifts his head, and pulls back the hood to reveal…. Roman Novack? The crowd is summarily confused by what they see. The voice of Brad Stokes… but the face of Roman Novack???
BRAD STOKES: It was ME, Austin, Texas… it was ME all along, ahahahahaha.
We’re in Toronto. The fans are still incredibly confused.
BRAD STOKES: The old Brad Stokes… with his outer ugliness to reflect the worn out, mottled soul that he was needed to be replaced by a new and improved version of himself. After my rebirth, and rehiring by the company, I invested all of my new signing bonus into cosmetic surgery on my face to better reflect who I am now, in the service of Fantana.
The crowd is still really confused, this guy is nuts.
BRAD STOKES: It is said in the sacred Promos that no one like Zack Fantana exists, and that to make any graven images, or idols of the man is forbidden. So, what I did… was I found the next best Zach to resemble, in order to do Zack’s work. Yes… you all remember Zachariah Krahe. THAT is who I had my plastic surgeon model my new face after.
Brad smiles, and damn it’s bizarre. It’s Zach Krahe in there, only it’s not, it’s Brad Stokes!
BRAD STOKES: Now let’s see the wrestlers of this company pick a fight with me, huh? Hahaha. Let’s bring the unlucky SOB out here who’s going to deal with the new and improved me, huh? Bring whoever it is out here!
“Kings Never Die” by Eminem plays and Novack, accompanied by his assistant, Ayla Lang, make their way to the ring. Despite both being impeccably dressed to designer bourgeoisie standards, his assistant is toting a bat wrapped in barb wire.
Novack, ever the gentleman, holds the ropes, to allow Lang to enter the ring first before following suit. They both approach Stokes, and it’s startling. It’s like looking in a mirror. Both Stokes and Novack do that mirror thing where they’re both touching their own faces, but it’s like they’re reflections of each other.
BRAD STOKES: Well that’s weird…
ROMAN NOVACK: I was thinking the exact same thing--
The music that hits next has everyone on their feet. “Prototype” by Viktoria Modesta hits, and Brodie strides out like she’s ready to kill someone, staring daggers into the ring. Both Stokes and Novack, spitting images of each other, look on as the Submission Machine slides into the ring and glares at them both.
BRAD STOKES: Uh….
You can hear her growling without a microphone, which is promptly thrown to her. Brodie stalks the ring a moment before growling once more…
BRODIE: Enough of this FARCE.
Brad looks concerned, and a mite turned on, but that’s just who he is. Novack stands his ground.
ROMAN NOVACK: Farce?
He chuckles softly.
ROMAN NOVACK: You know, Brodie--from the moment you set eyes on me, babydoll--you’ve been giving me the stink eye. People say I look like someone you lost--someone you had unfinished business with--and I get that, baby, that’s a hard pill to swallow. You set your heart on something--and poof--gone.
Brodie looks set to kill him all over again. Brad is nodding.
BRAD STOKES: Yeah. Same. Me too. Everything he just said I’m feeling too.
It must be frustrating for Brodie to see TWO men resembling the one she really wants to kill. A frustrated and angered look, too, crosses Novack’s face before he continues.
ROMAN NOVACK: This whole lovers quarrel thing you had with Krahe wasn’t my doing--but you made it really fucking personal the moment you decided you wanted to stomp my stardom to dust. That’s just not my bag, doll. I’m a big leaguer out of the ring--sweetheart--and no broad is going to diminish my shine because she’s a little one flew over the cuckoo's nest. You may have a high amount of Valor importance as far as these people are concerned--but to me--you’re a hunker. This little game you want to play--we can play it all night, sweetheart. We can play it all day--all week--all goddamn year if it takes that--but when it’s said and done hacking me off is a one way ticket to Endsville. You’re the original loser, Brodie--and it looks like it’s about to rain.
There’s a commotion in the crowd. Louder than a din, a lot of people are on their feet. The energy in the ring is palpable as Brodie licks her teeth. She lifts the microphone to her lips.
BRODIE: You don’t talk the talk… you don’t..
Even as Brodie is speaking the crowd noise is starting to drown her out. It’s disconcerting. Brad’s the first one to focus his eyes on the top of the ramp.
BRAD STOKES: Okay, that’s really weird…
A frown creeps on his face. Brodie is seething contemptuously. Slowly Roman Novack and Ayla Lang follow Brad’s gaze up to the ramp where, sitting indian style with cigarette smoke wafting illegally into the air… is a VERY familiar, smirking face.
…: Well isn’t this familiar?
Slowly, Brodie turns to see what everyone else is stunned into silence at…
Zachariah Krahe sits up at the top of the ramp. You could hear a pin drop in that moment.
In the ring, Brad Stokes is looking at Roman Novack… then feeling his own face… then looking up at Zach Krahe and it’s dawning on him that there are currently three men who all look the same in the arena right now. Awkward silence is the death of this type of industry and Brad chuckles nervously.
BRAD STOKES: uh… but… which… haha… which is the REAL Zach Krahe, heh heh heh. Let’s all do the Spider-Man meme--
Brodie is glaring speechless up at Zach Krahe who winks at her before ashing out the cigarette.
BRODIE: You….
Slowly, Zachariah Krahe, the real one, stands, his eyes never leaving the ring.
ZACHARIAH KRAHE: Be seein’ you real soon, darlin’.
And off he disappears into the back. Brodie looks on after him before angrily slipping out of the ring and up the ramp into the back, presumably to follow him, leaving Brad in the ring Novack and Ayla.
BRAD STOKES: Well that’s awkward.
Novack is just as stunned. This was definitely not the expected outcome.
BRAD STOKES: Just gonna point out that plastic surgery doesn’t come cheap. I spent my entire signing bonus trying to look like that guy and now there’s like three people who look like him and I’m having buyer’s remorse. What the heck am I supposed to do now?
Roman Novack is in no mood. He glares at Brad. Brad flinches, expecting Novack or Ayla to hit him, he looks especially wearily at Ayla's bat. They don’t. Instead, they make their way out of the ring towards the back… and this segment… just ended in the most confusing way possible, didn’t it?
It’s Brad Stokes, of course. Even without revealing the face under the hood there’s no one else who would make an entrance like this. He brings himself steadily up the ring steps, careful not to spill any of his holy water as he climbs through the ropes and proceeds to “bless” each corner of the ring before setting the chalice of holy water down in the middle of the ring and bows his head.
BRAD STOKES: Yea, tho I walk in the valley in the shadow of the Franchise… I shall fear no finishing maneuvers…
Still cloaked, the lights come up and the hooded Brad Stokes remains in deep prayer over the holy water before slowly bringing a microphone ip to his still shrouded face. The crowd dies down.
BRAD STOKES: In this, the year of Fantana, three hundred and sixty-nine--
At this number, Brad snickers, before he continues.
BRAD STOKES: It was said unto him, goeth thou forth into all the arenas and stadiums upon the Valor Pro wrestling tour and bless them and be a light upon them. Glory, hallelujah. In nomine Zackus… et Fantana... Amen.
The house lights come up. Still the hood remains in place. Brad’s head is bowed.
BRAD STOKES: Before we begin tonight’s proceedings, I’d like you all to turn in your Fantana Hymnals located beneath your chairs to page 47, that’s the New Promotional Materials, not the Old, or the DEAD AWE Scrolls… you’ll see that in chapter twelve, verse eighty-six--
From the crowd, a small contingent of fans voice their displeasure. It’s sunday… this is no day for a church service! A collective BOO, if you will. Brad raises his voice.
BRAD STOKES: The power of Fantana compels you! Alright? That’s it. That’s all I gotta say and you know what you did.
Brad glares into the crowd a moment before rushing for his holy water, dipping his fingers in the chalice and flicking it into the stands. One is heard to remark that the “water” smells like vinegar. Brad calms himself, fixing his hood to remain atop his head.
BRAD STOKES: I know, you all thought you were going to go another week without seeing my face after they fired me not once… not twice… but damn I’ve lost count now…
Brad lets these words hang in the air, pregnant with emotional heft and gravitas.
BRAD STOKES: And you were right.
The fans are confused. Slowly, Brad lifts his head, and pulls back the hood to reveal…. Roman Novack? The crowd is summarily confused by what they see. The voice of Brad Stokes… but the face of Roman Novack???
BRAD STOKES: It was ME, Austin, Texas… it was ME all along, ahahahahaha.
We’re in Toronto. The fans are still incredibly confused.
BRAD STOKES: The old Brad Stokes… with his outer ugliness to reflect the worn out, mottled soul that he was needed to be replaced by a new and improved version of himself. After my rebirth, and rehiring by the company, I invested all of my new signing bonus into cosmetic surgery on my face to better reflect who I am now, in the service of Fantana.
The crowd is still really confused, this guy is nuts.
BRAD STOKES: It is said in the sacred Promos that no one like Zack Fantana exists, and that to make any graven images, or idols of the man is forbidden. So, what I did… was I found the next best Zach to resemble, in order to do Zack’s work. Yes… you all remember Zachariah Krahe. THAT is who I had my plastic surgeon model my new face after.
Brad smiles, and damn it’s bizarre. It’s Zach Krahe in there, only it’s not, it’s Brad Stokes!
BRAD STOKES: Now let’s see the wrestlers of this company pick a fight with me, huh? Hahaha. Let’s bring the unlucky SOB out here who’s going to deal with the new and improved me, huh? Bring whoever it is out here!
“Kings Never Die” by Eminem plays and Novack, accompanied by his assistant, Ayla Lang, make their way to the ring. Despite both being impeccably dressed to designer bourgeoisie standards, his assistant is toting a bat wrapped in barb wire.
Novack, ever the gentleman, holds the ropes, to allow Lang to enter the ring first before following suit. They both approach Stokes, and it’s startling. It’s like looking in a mirror. Both Stokes and Novack do that mirror thing where they’re both touching their own faces, but it’s like they’re reflections of each other.
BRAD STOKES: Well that’s weird…
ROMAN NOVACK: I was thinking the exact same thing--
The music that hits next has everyone on their feet. “Prototype” by Viktoria Modesta hits, and Brodie strides out like she’s ready to kill someone, staring daggers into the ring. Both Stokes and Novack, spitting images of each other, look on as the Submission Machine slides into the ring and glares at them both.
BRAD STOKES: Uh….
You can hear her growling without a microphone, which is promptly thrown to her. Brodie stalks the ring a moment before growling once more…
BRODIE: Enough of this FARCE.
Brad looks concerned, and a mite turned on, but that’s just who he is. Novack stands his ground.
ROMAN NOVACK: Farce?
He chuckles softly.
ROMAN NOVACK: You know, Brodie--from the moment you set eyes on me, babydoll--you’ve been giving me the stink eye. People say I look like someone you lost--someone you had unfinished business with--and I get that, baby, that’s a hard pill to swallow. You set your heart on something--and poof--gone.
Brodie looks set to kill him all over again. Brad is nodding.
BRAD STOKES: Yeah. Same. Me too. Everything he just said I’m feeling too.
It must be frustrating for Brodie to see TWO men resembling the one she really wants to kill. A frustrated and angered look, too, crosses Novack’s face before he continues.
ROMAN NOVACK: This whole lovers quarrel thing you had with Krahe wasn’t my doing--but you made it really fucking personal the moment you decided you wanted to stomp my stardom to dust. That’s just not my bag, doll. I’m a big leaguer out of the ring--sweetheart--and no broad is going to diminish my shine because she’s a little one flew over the cuckoo's nest. You may have a high amount of Valor importance as far as these people are concerned--but to me--you’re a hunker. This little game you want to play--we can play it all night, sweetheart. We can play it all day--all week--all goddamn year if it takes that--but when it’s said and done hacking me off is a one way ticket to Endsville. You’re the original loser, Brodie--and it looks like it’s about to rain.
There’s a commotion in the crowd. Louder than a din, a lot of people are on their feet. The energy in the ring is palpable as Brodie licks her teeth. She lifts the microphone to her lips.
BRODIE: You don’t talk the talk… you don’t..
Even as Brodie is speaking the crowd noise is starting to drown her out. It’s disconcerting. Brad’s the first one to focus his eyes on the top of the ramp.
BRAD STOKES: Okay, that’s really weird…
A frown creeps on his face. Brodie is seething contemptuously. Slowly Roman Novack and Ayla Lang follow Brad’s gaze up to the ramp where, sitting indian style with cigarette smoke wafting illegally into the air… is a VERY familiar, smirking face.
…: Well isn’t this familiar?
Slowly, Brodie turns to see what everyone else is stunned into silence at…
Zachariah Krahe sits up at the top of the ramp. You could hear a pin drop in that moment.
In the ring, Brad Stokes is looking at Roman Novack… then feeling his own face… then looking up at Zach Krahe and it’s dawning on him that there are currently three men who all look the same in the arena right now. Awkward silence is the death of this type of industry and Brad chuckles nervously.
BRAD STOKES: uh… but… which… haha… which is the REAL Zach Krahe, heh heh heh. Let’s all do the Spider-Man meme--
Brodie is glaring speechless up at Zach Krahe who winks at her before ashing out the cigarette.
BRODIE: You….
Slowly, Zachariah Krahe, the real one, stands, his eyes never leaving the ring.
ZACHARIAH KRAHE: Be seein’ you real soon, darlin’.
And off he disappears into the back. Brodie looks on after him before angrily slipping out of the ring and up the ramp into the back, presumably to follow him, leaving Brad in the ring Novack and Ayla.
BRAD STOKES: Well that’s awkward.
Novack is just as stunned. This was definitely not the expected outcome.
BRAD STOKES: Just gonna point out that plastic surgery doesn’t come cheap. I spent my entire signing bonus trying to look like that guy and now there’s like three people who look like him and I’m having buyer’s remorse. What the heck am I supposed to do now?
Roman Novack is in no mood. He glares at Brad. Brad flinches, expecting Novack or Ayla to hit him, he looks especially wearily at Ayla's bat. They don’t. Instead, they make their way out of the ring towards the back… and this segment… just ended in the most confusing way possible, didn’t it?
ONLY ON THE BATTLEGROUND NETWORK!
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is scheduled for one fall or submission, and is for THE UNYIELDING CHAMPIONSHIP!
“you should see me in a crown” by Billie Eilish's cryptic intro comes across the PA System and Moxie James bursts through the curtain and stop at the top of the ramp, cocking her hip to the side while her hand rests upon it. She's wearing a black singlet with a red long coat over top, and a Cat-In-The-Hat like hat but in Black and Red on top of her head. The fans giver her a big ovation and she gives a grin and a wink to the camera as she starts down the ramp towards the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at five foot seven and weighting in at 137 pounds, hailing from Los Angeles, California...She is MOXXXIEEE JAMESSSSS!
Moxie reaches ringside and leaps to the apron, hooking the top rope with her arm while kicking a leg out that she swings through the ropes as she enters the ring. She turns to the corner closest to the ramp and hops to the second turnbuckle where she flips the top hat out into the crowd who scramble for the keepsake while she watches with amusement. She then drops down and lets the long coat fall from her shoulders as she prepares for her opponent.
LO: Moxie James won a hard fought battle in the Fatal Four Way match at Honor Bound to earn this opportunity here tonight, pinning David Scott for the privilege as Bryan Williams watched on.
KO: Yeah, she's been on quite the roll after her getting the Spiral treatment in her debut, but later redeemed herself by winning every other match she's been contracted for.
LO: It should be a good match, and a different challenge for Rizzo, whose held a stranglehold on the UnYielding Title by any means necessary.
The opening drums of 'A Warrior's Call' by Volbeat strikes across the capacity crowd and they all turn to the stage to see Danny Rizzo rips through the curtain right at "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!" He pauses for a moment to pat the UnYielding Championship that sits snugly around his waist, and shakes his head as the boos reign down upon him from the capacity crowd. This is usually the part where he makes his way down the ramp, but instead lingers at the top of the stage, reaching behind himself to produce a microphone tucked in the back of his belt. Danny stares down at the ring where Moxie James begins to move back and forth anxiously, keeping her eyes on him and nervously anticipating an ambush. Danny chuckles, lifting the microphone to his lips as he prepares to address the crowd.
DANNY RIZZO: Man. The twenty-first episode of Blitz. Months have passed since I was naive, walking into that ring against Brodie thinking that the support and love of the fans was all I would ever need. My how the landscape has changed since then. Gone are the days went the UnYielding championship belt was passed around like a hot potato. Gone are the days of The Apex, who took his ball and went scurrying home after one Brennan Devlin robbery. Watching everything that has happened unfold at Honor Bound and in the days afterward has made me take stock of things. You know, I said that I was looking forward to facing someone who had actually earned a shot at my championship rather than continuing to have to put someone like Katya, a woman who never earned anything in her life and has constantly been handed chance after chance just so she would shut the hell up, in her place.
There’s a pause, a few heartbeats pass by as Danny raises his hand to his mouth while his expression simultaneously twists into one of thoughtfulness. Those moments pass by quickly and Danny quickly resumes addressing Moxie and the crowd.
DANNY RIZZO: And do you know what I realized, Moxie? What I’ve come to know over the past few months? It’s that this championship belt...
Rizzo unhooks the glittering belt from around his waist with his free hand and holds it up into the air as a prop, while keeping the microphone raised. For dramatic effect he lets the rhetorical question hang on the air with the beginning of his answer.
DANNY RIZZO: It means nothing.
Almost as if in slow motion his fingers relinquish their grasp on the belt and it crashes to the ground. The moment it makes its impact time seems to speed back up and Rizzo continues his address.
DANNY RIZZO: It’s little more than a prop. A physical representation of the one who bears it. It’s not the belt that is UnYielding, but rather it is the champion who is. Or, rather, should be. And what I’ve come to know is that that championship belt is beneath me. I’ve given it relevance. I’ve given it purpose. I’ve made it meaningful because when it was held by me, NOBODY could take it from me.
The entirety of the Toronto crowd is silent, stunned by the proclamation that they’ve just witnessed the UnYielding champion make.
DANNY RIZZO: Ah, yes, did you catch that Moxie? I said was. Because as of this moment I am officially relinquishing the UnYielding Championship. I’ve heard it said on multiple occasions that it is the man that makes the belt, and not the other way around. I am THE UnYielding one. The Risen. The man who was never supposed to have a moment like this. The man who was never even supposed to make it this far and I will continue to be the man who goes above and beyond what anyone says or thinks I’m capable of. I will continue to rise.
Rizzo chuckles to himself as further shock washes over the crowd.
DANNY RIZZO: Every single UnYielding champion to follow me will always be measured up to how I carried that belt. Can they be the next Danny Rizzo? Will they be unwavering in their defense of it as he was? But most of all, I will forever be the only UnYielding champion whose reign came to an end because they chose for it to, rather than having it torn from their hands in defeat. I’m sorry to do this to you, Moxie, I really am. You earned your shot and fate placed you in an unfortunate position. It put you in a place where you came face to face with a moment, and a man, much bigger than you ever could dream of being.
There’s a moment of realization that washes over Danny as he dangles his words out there tauntingly toward Moxie James.
DANNY RIZZO: Speaking of dreams… I know somewhere, whether it’s in the back or from another one of those shitty hotel photoshoots you’re so keen on. I warned you that I would take your dream and drive a knife through its heart. That I would put it to the sword and finish it off for good. Your fate. The continuation of your dream, lies solely in my hands. You’ve spent months preaching to the world how you would take the UnYielding championship from me and raise it to new heights. After Honor Bound, as valiantly as you fought in pursuit of your dream, I showed you to be incapable of doing what was necessary to stand in my shoes. But I am not a cruel man, in spite of how the world might hate me. I am not an uncaring man, despite what many of the fans here tonight may believe.
No longer is his attention focused on Moxie, who one might expect was standing in the ring watching all of this unfold with a genuine look of displeasure on her face.
DANNY RIZZO: You see because tonight the Dreamkiller because the Dream giver. I give you back your dream, Katya. I grant you permission to continue. With me out of the way you can FINALLY achieve what you set out to do. But you’ll do so with the knowledge that neither you, nor anyone else, could rise to the moment and take that belt from me. You may call yourself the UnYielding Champion at some point in the future but forever it will eat at the back of your mind that you were only able to do so because I decided to move on to something bigger. Something better. The pursuit of something higher. You will continue to be relevant only because I allow it.
A sneer finds its way etched into his expression as he continues to stare directly into the camera, as if having a face to face conversation with the former UnYielding challenger herself.
DANNY RIZZO: Fight for the scraps of what I’ve left behind. Fight for something that you can point to, something that you can show to your friends, your family, and your loved ones to validate yourself. And while you’re doing that, I will continue my rise. Even as others carry my championship into the future the world will still see me as the one true UnYielding one. But this is about more than just being The Risen. It’s about more than just being The UnYielding. Now, Moxie. Now, Katya. Now, everyone else in the back. Now, everyone watching here in Toronto and around the world, I turn my attention to Chris Callum. I turn my attention to Brennan Devlin. I turn my attention to making a single thought, one singular idea, an absolute undeniable fact.
Again, to build suspense, Danny pauses for a few beats of one’s heart to build suspense.
DANNY RIZZO: Brennan Devlin has never been one to overcome. When he fails, as he has so often in his career, he disappears for weeks and months on end until he can find the perfect moment to steal the spotlight from another, only to fall short of his promises when the lights are shining the brightest and all the cards are on the table.
Another pause before he continues.
DANNY RIZZO: Chris Callum is a man who won a lottery ticket and skipped right to the front of the line. A jack of all trades who has never seen this company as anything more than a means to put Cosmo in his place. And now that Cosmo is gone, can we really expect Chris to hang around? Really? A man who surrounds himself with quitters and flakes? Oh, but I hope you do. I hope you stay, Chris. I hope you keep that Apex title wrapped around your waist. Because when I get there. And I climb into that ring with you. It won’t matter who is in the ring with us. It won’t matter who is at ringside.
One, final pause, Danny drags the moment out.
DANNY RIZZO: Every single man, woman and child watching around the world will know that I am Valor Pro, as I stand at its Apex.
Tossing the microphone over his head, Danny offers Moxie a sarcastic wave as his music hits over the speakers once more. Soft laughter rumbles from deep within him as he takes one step backward. And then another. And then a third before finally disappearing from sight, leaving the UnYielding championship laying on the ramp with Moxie James staring, her face a mask of uncertainty and irritation. Even the fans are left unsure of whether to cheer or to boo, stunned at what has just happened. Yet even as they sit stunned, a few lighters ignite and are held high in the air. There aren’t many, but there are enough speckles of firelight around the building to be noticed.
LO: Um...what the hell just happened?
KO: Danny Rizzo just dropped the UnYielding Championship is what happened! AND he's calling Chris Callum out!
LO: But what about Moxie James? She earned this opportunity, does that make her the champion...
KO: I don't know, technically this was a forfeit....I guess...
LO: While Moxie James paces the ring trying to get answers from the referee, we'll focus on trying to get some answers for you as well...Can we cut to the back for a few?
As if the production crew was ahead of him, the scene cuts backstage.
“you should see me in a crown” by Billie Eilish's cryptic intro comes across the PA System and Moxie James bursts through the curtain and stop at the top of the ramp, cocking her hip to the side while her hand rests upon it. She's wearing a black singlet with a red long coat over top, and a Cat-In-The-Hat like hat but in Black and Red on top of her head. The fans giver her a big ovation and she gives a grin and a wink to the camera as she starts down the ramp towards the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at five foot seven and weighting in at 137 pounds, hailing from Los Angeles, California...She is MOXXXIEEE JAMESSSSS!
Moxie reaches ringside and leaps to the apron, hooking the top rope with her arm while kicking a leg out that she swings through the ropes as she enters the ring. She turns to the corner closest to the ramp and hops to the second turnbuckle where she flips the top hat out into the crowd who scramble for the keepsake while she watches with amusement. She then drops down and lets the long coat fall from her shoulders as she prepares for her opponent.
LO: Moxie James won a hard fought battle in the Fatal Four Way match at Honor Bound to earn this opportunity here tonight, pinning David Scott for the privilege as Bryan Williams watched on.
KO: Yeah, she's been on quite the roll after her getting the Spiral treatment in her debut, but later redeemed herself by winning every other match she's been contracted for.
LO: It should be a good match, and a different challenge for Rizzo, whose held a stranglehold on the UnYielding Title by any means necessary.
The opening drums of 'A Warrior's Call' by Volbeat strikes across the capacity crowd and they all turn to the stage to see Danny Rizzo rips through the curtain right at "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!" He pauses for a moment to pat the UnYielding Championship that sits snugly around his waist, and shakes his head as the boos reign down upon him from the capacity crowd. This is usually the part where he makes his way down the ramp, but instead lingers at the top of the stage, reaching behind himself to produce a microphone tucked in the back of his belt. Danny stares down at the ring where Moxie James begins to move back and forth anxiously, keeping her eyes on him and nervously anticipating an ambush. Danny chuckles, lifting the microphone to his lips as he prepares to address the crowd.
DANNY RIZZO: Man. The twenty-first episode of Blitz. Months have passed since I was naive, walking into that ring against Brodie thinking that the support and love of the fans was all I would ever need. My how the landscape has changed since then. Gone are the days went the UnYielding championship belt was passed around like a hot potato. Gone are the days of The Apex, who took his ball and went scurrying home after one Brennan Devlin robbery. Watching everything that has happened unfold at Honor Bound and in the days afterward has made me take stock of things. You know, I said that I was looking forward to facing someone who had actually earned a shot at my championship rather than continuing to have to put someone like Katya, a woman who never earned anything in her life and has constantly been handed chance after chance just so she would shut the hell up, in her place.
There’s a pause, a few heartbeats pass by as Danny raises his hand to his mouth while his expression simultaneously twists into one of thoughtfulness. Those moments pass by quickly and Danny quickly resumes addressing Moxie and the crowd.
DANNY RIZZO: And do you know what I realized, Moxie? What I’ve come to know over the past few months? It’s that this championship belt...
Rizzo unhooks the glittering belt from around his waist with his free hand and holds it up into the air as a prop, while keeping the microphone raised. For dramatic effect he lets the rhetorical question hang on the air with the beginning of his answer.
DANNY RIZZO: It means nothing.
Almost as if in slow motion his fingers relinquish their grasp on the belt and it crashes to the ground. The moment it makes its impact time seems to speed back up and Rizzo continues his address.
DANNY RIZZO: It’s little more than a prop. A physical representation of the one who bears it. It’s not the belt that is UnYielding, but rather it is the champion who is. Or, rather, should be. And what I’ve come to know is that that championship belt is beneath me. I’ve given it relevance. I’ve given it purpose. I’ve made it meaningful because when it was held by me, NOBODY could take it from me.
The entirety of the Toronto crowd is silent, stunned by the proclamation that they’ve just witnessed the UnYielding champion make.
DANNY RIZZO: Ah, yes, did you catch that Moxie? I said was. Because as of this moment I am officially relinquishing the UnYielding Championship. I’ve heard it said on multiple occasions that it is the man that makes the belt, and not the other way around. I am THE UnYielding one. The Risen. The man who was never supposed to have a moment like this. The man who was never even supposed to make it this far and I will continue to be the man who goes above and beyond what anyone says or thinks I’m capable of. I will continue to rise.
Rizzo chuckles to himself as further shock washes over the crowd.
DANNY RIZZO: Every single UnYielding champion to follow me will always be measured up to how I carried that belt. Can they be the next Danny Rizzo? Will they be unwavering in their defense of it as he was? But most of all, I will forever be the only UnYielding champion whose reign came to an end because they chose for it to, rather than having it torn from their hands in defeat. I’m sorry to do this to you, Moxie, I really am. You earned your shot and fate placed you in an unfortunate position. It put you in a place where you came face to face with a moment, and a man, much bigger than you ever could dream of being.
There’s a moment of realization that washes over Danny as he dangles his words out there tauntingly toward Moxie James.
DANNY RIZZO: Speaking of dreams… I know somewhere, whether it’s in the back or from another one of those shitty hotel photoshoots you’re so keen on. I warned you that I would take your dream and drive a knife through its heart. That I would put it to the sword and finish it off for good. Your fate. The continuation of your dream, lies solely in my hands. You’ve spent months preaching to the world how you would take the UnYielding championship from me and raise it to new heights. After Honor Bound, as valiantly as you fought in pursuit of your dream, I showed you to be incapable of doing what was necessary to stand in my shoes. But I am not a cruel man, in spite of how the world might hate me. I am not an uncaring man, despite what many of the fans here tonight may believe.
No longer is his attention focused on Moxie, who one might expect was standing in the ring watching all of this unfold with a genuine look of displeasure on her face.
DANNY RIZZO: You see because tonight the Dreamkiller because the Dream giver. I give you back your dream, Katya. I grant you permission to continue. With me out of the way you can FINALLY achieve what you set out to do. But you’ll do so with the knowledge that neither you, nor anyone else, could rise to the moment and take that belt from me. You may call yourself the UnYielding Champion at some point in the future but forever it will eat at the back of your mind that you were only able to do so because I decided to move on to something bigger. Something better. The pursuit of something higher. You will continue to be relevant only because I allow it.
A sneer finds its way etched into his expression as he continues to stare directly into the camera, as if having a face to face conversation with the former UnYielding challenger herself.
DANNY RIZZO: Fight for the scraps of what I’ve left behind. Fight for something that you can point to, something that you can show to your friends, your family, and your loved ones to validate yourself. And while you’re doing that, I will continue my rise. Even as others carry my championship into the future the world will still see me as the one true UnYielding one. But this is about more than just being The Risen. It’s about more than just being The UnYielding. Now, Moxie. Now, Katya. Now, everyone else in the back. Now, everyone watching here in Toronto and around the world, I turn my attention to Chris Callum. I turn my attention to Brennan Devlin. I turn my attention to making a single thought, one singular idea, an absolute undeniable fact.
Again, to build suspense, Danny pauses for a few beats of one’s heart to build suspense.
DANNY RIZZO: Brennan Devlin has never been one to overcome. When he fails, as he has so often in his career, he disappears for weeks and months on end until he can find the perfect moment to steal the spotlight from another, only to fall short of his promises when the lights are shining the brightest and all the cards are on the table.
Another pause before he continues.
DANNY RIZZO: Chris Callum is a man who won a lottery ticket and skipped right to the front of the line. A jack of all trades who has never seen this company as anything more than a means to put Cosmo in his place. And now that Cosmo is gone, can we really expect Chris to hang around? Really? A man who surrounds himself with quitters and flakes? Oh, but I hope you do. I hope you stay, Chris. I hope you keep that Apex title wrapped around your waist. Because when I get there. And I climb into that ring with you. It won’t matter who is in the ring with us. It won’t matter who is at ringside.
One, final pause, Danny drags the moment out.
DANNY RIZZO: Every single man, woman and child watching around the world will know that I am Valor Pro, as I stand at its Apex.
Tossing the microphone over his head, Danny offers Moxie a sarcastic wave as his music hits over the speakers once more. Soft laughter rumbles from deep within him as he takes one step backward. And then another. And then a third before finally disappearing from sight, leaving the UnYielding championship laying on the ramp with Moxie James staring, her face a mask of uncertainty and irritation. Even the fans are left unsure of whether to cheer or to boo, stunned at what has just happened. Yet even as they sit stunned, a few lighters ignite and are held high in the air. There aren’t many, but there are enough speckles of firelight around the building to be noticed.
LO: Um...what the hell just happened?
KO: Danny Rizzo just dropped the UnYielding Championship is what happened! AND he's calling Chris Callum out!
LO: But what about Moxie James? She earned this opportunity, does that make her the champion...
KO: I don't know, technically this was a forfeit....I guess...
LO: While Moxie James paces the ring trying to get answers from the referee, we'll focus on trying to get some answers for you as well...Can we cut to the back for a few?
As if the production crew was ahead of him, the scene cuts backstage.
A high pitched frightened female scream can be heard throughout. The solid black screen then flashes the Fury Studios logo suddenly. A room comes into focus. The walls are covered with newspaper clippings. A large window allows the bright rays of sunshine in. A large eighties floor model tv sits prominently in the center of the room with no doors. The floor is covered with a large map. It’s of the wrestling territories all over the world. From Nevada to Japan. The clippings and map are stained a deep brown from age. The newspaper plastered over the walls tell the complete story of Tommy Crimson’s life. The death of his mother and state funded execution of his father nearly twenty years later for her murder. Missing person posters from the papers of Dawn also cover the walls. The large window allows all of this to come to “light”.
Out of nowhere, a concrete block shatters the large window suddenly! In a flash, Tommy Crimson leaps up on the window seal from outside of the room. The sun shining in blocks any view out of the window to give away the location. The Fury leaps down to put both feet down on the map. Tommy’s red hair almost glows from the sunlight. He wears his infamous in-ring jacket. The stitched faces haunt the entire scene. Crimson holds something in his right hand which appears to be some sort of rope. He begins to slowly undo it to reveal it to be a roll of fuse. The Fury begins at the Florida part of the map on the floor to unroll the fuse out. He carefully places it along the different territories while cameras film from every corner of the large room with no doors.
THE FURY: I am the last great showman in this business. I put so much time and thought into my process that my creative energy envelopes all those around me. I do all of this while being one of the most hated people on the planet.
Crimson continues to fish out the fuse while speaking to the Valor Pro universe directly. He walks around the old floor model television.
THE FURY: I thrived in the golden era of this business. I’ve survived through it all, while the FWLnet’s and fWo’s are no more. I’ve forged my own path and left the bodies of those who stood in my way all over. Left to rot and collect flies.
Tommy smiles a bit after this comment while still undoing the fuse. He finally reaches the end of the roll to end up directly in front of the floor model television. The camera angle comes in from behind to show Crimson squat down directly in front of the tv. Crimson works on it with his back to the camera until he finishes. Tommy then stands up and slowly turns around to walk across the room. He carefully steps over the concrete block he broke the window with. Crimson ends up at the Florida side of the map where the other end of the fuse is. The camera now films The Fury with the television over his right shoulder in the background. The screen suddenly glitches on to show the Valor Pro Wrestling logo glitching. The fuse leads right into a panel on the side of the tv. Tommy reaches down and takes up the end of the fuse. He retrieves a zippo lighter from his pocket then quickly strikes it to create a flame. Crimson holds it in one hand and the fuse in the other while slowly bringing his gaze to the camera directly in front of him.
THE FURY: Fuck it.
Crimson lights the fuse then drops it. The fuse burns bright on the Florida portion of the map that covers the entire floor. “OCW” reads proudly on the sunshine state. A place where Tommy began his career. The camera pans close to show the fuse burn small holes in the map as it goes. It burns away from Florida and toward Memphis, where Crimson was a champion for years. The now defunct Impulse Wrestling logo comes into focus before the fuse burns past it. Crimson begins to speak as the camera continues to follow the map toward Illinois.
THE FURY: I’ve always been a trailblazer. Copied often yet never duplicated.
Tommy watches as the fuse continues to burn along the map. It passes past Michigan which was fEar domain in the early 2000s. Crimson continues to walk alongside it until it reaches Nevada, Sin City’s domain.
THE FURY: I’ve wrestled where I was not wanted before. I heard the whispers in the back about Crimson, that he will do this or he won’t do that. Imagine that your peers want you gone because you are the best they have ever seen. That kind of fear can make people do just about anything. Rather than fold or bitch and moan about it, I smashed them all. That’s exactly what I will do here in Valor Pro.
The Fury grins as he walks away from the fuse as it burns toward Union Battleground’s domain. A bloody handprint covers this area of map, but is quickly burned away by the sparks from the fuse. The camera pans close while Tommy disappears from the room out of view. The words of The Fury continue as the fuse draws closer and closer to the tv with the glitching Valor Pro logo on the screen.
THE FURY: No doors were ever opened for me in wrestling. I still made it. I will not stop until I’ve personally skull fucked every half assed hero in Valor. Consider yourselves all warned slash doomed. I’ll never stop.
The fuse burns up into the side panel of the floor television suddenly. The entire tv explodes in a spectacular blast! The pieces fly in every direction as the map on the floor burns away to reveal a brand new floor with something written all over it. Names of all the different people defeated by Tommy Crimson down through history. The camera feed glitches to an inverted cross briefly before returning back to Blitz.
Out of nowhere, a concrete block shatters the large window suddenly! In a flash, Tommy Crimson leaps up on the window seal from outside of the room. The sun shining in blocks any view out of the window to give away the location. The Fury leaps down to put both feet down on the map. Tommy’s red hair almost glows from the sunlight. He wears his infamous in-ring jacket. The stitched faces haunt the entire scene. Crimson holds something in his right hand which appears to be some sort of rope. He begins to slowly undo it to reveal it to be a roll of fuse. The Fury begins at the Florida part of the map on the floor to unroll the fuse out. He carefully places it along the different territories while cameras film from every corner of the large room with no doors.
THE FURY: I am the last great showman in this business. I put so much time and thought into my process that my creative energy envelopes all those around me. I do all of this while being one of the most hated people on the planet.
Crimson continues to fish out the fuse while speaking to the Valor Pro universe directly. He walks around the old floor model television.
THE FURY: I thrived in the golden era of this business. I’ve survived through it all, while the FWLnet’s and fWo’s are no more. I’ve forged my own path and left the bodies of those who stood in my way all over. Left to rot and collect flies.
Tommy smiles a bit after this comment while still undoing the fuse. He finally reaches the end of the roll to end up directly in front of the floor model television. The camera angle comes in from behind to show Crimson squat down directly in front of the tv. Crimson works on it with his back to the camera until he finishes. Tommy then stands up and slowly turns around to walk across the room. He carefully steps over the concrete block he broke the window with. Crimson ends up at the Florida side of the map where the other end of the fuse is. The camera now films The Fury with the television over his right shoulder in the background. The screen suddenly glitches on to show the Valor Pro Wrestling logo glitching. The fuse leads right into a panel on the side of the tv. Tommy reaches down and takes up the end of the fuse. He retrieves a zippo lighter from his pocket then quickly strikes it to create a flame. Crimson holds it in one hand and the fuse in the other while slowly bringing his gaze to the camera directly in front of him.
THE FURY: Fuck it.
Crimson lights the fuse then drops it. The fuse burns bright on the Florida portion of the map that covers the entire floor. “OCW” reads proudly on the sunshine state. A place where Tommy began his career. The camera pans close to show the fuse burn small holes in the map as it goes. It burns away from Florida and toward Memphis, where Crimson was a champion for years. The now defunct Impulse Wrestling logo comes into focus before the fuse burns past it. Crimson begins to speak as the camera continues to follow the map toward Illinois.
THE FURY: I’ve always been a trailblazer. Copied often yet never duplicated.
Tommy watches as the fuse continues to burn along the map. It passes past Michigan which was fEar domain in the early 2000s. Crimson continues to walk alongside it until it reaches Nevada, Sin City’s domain.
THE FURY: I’ve wrestled where I was not wanted before. I heard the whispers in the back about Crimson, that he will do this or he won’t do that. Imagine that your peers want you gone because you are the best they have ever seen. That kind of fear can make people do just about anything. Rather than fold or bitch and moan about it, I smashed them all. That’s exactly what I will do here in Valor Pro.
The Fury grins as he walks away from the fuse as it burns toward Union Battleground’s domain. A bloody handprint covers this area of map, but is quickly burned away by the sparks from the fuse. The camera pans close while Tommy disappears from the room out of view. The words of The Fury continue as the fuse draws closer and closer to the tv with the glitching Valor Pro logo on the screen.
THE FURY: No doors were ever opened for me in wrestling. I still made it. I will not stop until I’ve personally skull fucked every half assed hero in Valor. Consider yourselves all warned slash doomed. I’ll never stop.
The fuse burns up into the side panel of the floor television suddenly. The entire tv explodes in a spectacular blast! The pieces fly in every direction as the map on the floor burns away to reveal a brand new floor with something written all over it. Names of all the different people defeated by Tommy Crimson down through history. The camera feed glitches to an inverted cross briefly before returning back to Blitz.
MAIN EVENT
LO: Welcome back, folks, so this is what we know...
KO: Which isn't much!
LO: Right. During Tommy Crimson's message backstage, Lead Booker for Valor Pro Wrestling, Dugan Callahan, came out onto the stage and scooped up the UnYielding Championship and took it to the back.
KO: To which Moxie James quickly exited the ring and made a B-Line in pursuit...
LO: And for now that's all we know. No official announcement, no real direction, nothing.
KO: So I guess we're going to move on with the show considering this next mach is one people have been talking about since Honor Bound.
LO: And since Generic Ring Announcer is in the ring, I say we let them take it away...
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is a singles match scheduled for one fall or submission, and is YOUR MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING!
The lights dim as the opening riffs of "Villain" by Skarlett Riot hits over the PA System. Lights flash around the entrance with the beat of the song, and the curtain pushes back and Chris Callum saunters out onto the stage wearing the Apex Championship around his waist. He pauses at the top of the ramp and to his surprise there are more cheers than boos, and he closes his eyes, lifting his head while finger tapping the face plate of the title. When his eyes open his head tilts down to stare down at the ring and a wave of determination accompanies him as he stalks down the ramp.
RING ANNOUNCER: Making his way to the ring, standing at six foot and weighting in at 180 pounds, hailing from Berkeley, California...He is the #1 Contender for the Apex Championship, THE ETERNAL, CHRIS CALLUUMMMM!
Callum reaches ringside and rounds to take the steps up to the apron where he starts to swing his leg through the ropes, but then pauses to regard the crowd with a nod. Despite the majority, there are a few fans out in the crowd that scream for Cooper, die hard fans who want the return of their king. Callum doesn't seem to hear it as he slips into the ring, and bounces up and down as he stares back up at the stage in anticipation.
LO: Much like his expression when going up against Cooper at Honor Bound, Chris Callum is all business. He said as much in his promos this week that he is going to break Brennan Devlin for ruining his and Cooper's moment.
KO: Whatever. This guys really surprises me, Laur. I mean, he came in here with a game plan when he first arrived with Aspen Chaud; Destroy Cosmo Cooper. And then somewhere along the way he found Jesus or something, and now it's all about proving himself to the world and himself.
LO: Well, I think he proved a whole heck of a lot at Honor Bound in that epic showdown between the two, but the whole point was stolen out from under him when Brennan Devlin interfered.
KO: Thank God for Devlin, you know? I mean...at least when he hates a guy he HATES a guy...
And just like that the lights go completely out as 'Deranged' by Coheed and Cambria hits over the PA System. The song plays in the darkness as cell phones and lighters light up the arena so that it now looks like a star field. Just as the chorus kicks in, The lights come back to full with a strobe effect and standing on the top of the stage is Brennan Devlin wearing an leather orange coat, hands out at his side, head lowered so that his stringy blonde hair streams onto his chest. Suddenly the head snaps up and he lets out a loud yell before taking his first step onto the ramp, his expression peeling back into a huge joker like grin.
RING ANNOUNCER: And introducing his opponent, standing at six foot one and weighting in at 230 pounds, hailing from the fifth dimension....He is THE FACE OF WRESTLING....BRENNAN DEVVVLINNN!!
The fans boo loudly as Brennan reaches the bottom of the ramp and rushes around a ring post only to leap up onto the apron and slide across it to the middle. He grabs the top rope and yanks himself to his feet, sitting there bouncing across the top rope with the shoulders as he jaws with the fans in the front row. Eventually he swings his leg through, then the other, and steps to the center of the ring where he comes to a stop to stare over at the intense Callum. He whistles comically and steps into the corner across from his opponent, chuckling all the while as he slips out of the jacket.
LO: Well...Brennan Devlin is back, arrogant as ever.
KO: Sound more excited, Laur! IT'S BRENNAN DEVLIN!
LO: Yeah, well, we'll see how excited Devlin is after Callum gets his hands on him...
KO: DOESN'T LOOK LIKE HE'S GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT LONG! CALLUM JUST CHARGED ACROSS THE RING TO CLOSE THE GAP, AND HERE THEY GO!
Brennan just barely has enough time to bring his hands up to protect his face as Callum dives on him, knocking him back into the nearby corner where he opens up with rights and lefts as the referee frantically calls for the bell. As the 'DING' rings out into the arena Devlin starts firing back, fighting his way out of the corner as both men get their licks in and end up trading blows in the middle of the ring. Suddenly Devlin ducks under one of Callum's blows and hooks him around the waist to end up behind him in a waistlock. He pushes the man towards the ropes where Chris hits chest first to bounce back while Brennan tries to drag him into a rolling pin. Callum, however, hooks the top rope with his arms so that Devlin slams to the mat empty handed instead. Brennan rolls through and back up to his feet just in time to duck under Callum's incoming Clothesline, and The Eternal continues to the opposite ropes to spring back. On his return he ducks under a Back Elbow attempt from The Face of Wrestling, only to hit off the ropes one more time and get caught short with a Hip Toss. Callum is able to put on the brakes, blocking the attempt while floating over to hook Brennan under his arm to attempt the same. The block continues, both men floating in front of the other, each time bringing them closer and closer to the ropes. Finally they reach them and with no further area to go, Devlin ends the reversals by reaching up and dragging his fingers painfully against Callum's eyes.
LO: The action has been fast and furious, Callum not even waiting for the bell and now suffering the underhanded tactics of one Brennan Devlin!
KO: Oh! That's underhanded, but trying to get the jump on the guy wasn't? Give me a break, Laur!
LO: Be that as it may, Callum falls back into the nearby corner trying to feel his way around, and here comes Devlin WITH A THUNDEROUS CHOP!
KO: Callum's chest on fire as Devlin winds up to deliver another one, BUT THE ETERNAL SLIPS OUT OF THE WAY AND ANSWERS WITH A CHOP OF HIS OWN!
LO: Chris Callum not allowing himself to be cornered, but in immediate response Devlin jams a thumb in his eye and sends him blindly stumbling back. Come on ref, get in there!
In answer Caputo dresses Devlin down, but The Face of Wrestling sidesteps her and follows Callum out to the center of the ring with a grin. Hard right hands drive The Eternal back into the ropes and Brennan takes him by the wrist to shoot him to the opposite side. Callum rebounds and Devlin steps out to the center of the ring to raise his knee for a Kitchen Sink Knee Lift, but Callum deftly leaps over the upturned leg, twists in mid air to lace his arm through Brennan's legs on his descent, and then drags the man down to the mat into a Schoolboy Pin!
1...
2...
LO: Big kick out from Devlin sends Callum faltering back against the ropes, and here he comes again to stay on his opponent but Brennan ducks the clothesline!
KO: Callum spins around, and SUPERKICK!NO! CALLUM CAUGHT DEVLIN'S BOOT....TOSSES IT TO THE SIDE AND SETS DEVLIN INTO A SPIN, AND...
LO: FINALLY CATCHES THAT CLOTHESLINE WHICH TURNS DEVLIN INSIDE OUT!
Devlin hits the mat and immediately clamors to get to his feet despite the impact, and Callum gets a fistful of his blonde locks only to run him right towards the ropes closest to the ramp to send him up and over to the concrete floor below. The referee calls for the champion to keep it in the ring, but he doesn't seem interested as he slips through the ropes. Devlin suddenly pops up from the floor before Callum can make it all the way through, and with both hands sweeps one leg out from under him so that he lands abruptly on the ring apron. After that he grabs the closest wrist and ankle and yanks him off the apron to splat against the concrete floor. He proceeds to grab hold of the apron for leverage, and reigns down stomp after stomp onto The Eternal.
LO: Good God! This has been like a street fight more than a match, and now Brennan Devlin is mugging Chris Callum on the outside!
KO: I'm telling you, Laur, Brennan wasn't joking! He's found that killer instinct he's been searching for his entire Valor Pro career, and now that he's back....EVERYONE is going to pay the price!
LO: You may be right, Ken, as Devlin finally pauses to listen to the referee's count which is up to seven. He's pulling Callum up now..BUT WAIT! CALLUM WITH A HANDFUL OF THE FRONT OF DEVLIN'S TIGHTS, AND HE YANKS HIM FORWARDS TO COLLIDE STERNUM FIRST WITH THE STEEL RING STEPS!
KO: HEY! HE CAN'T DO THAT SORT OF THING! HE'S THE CHAMPION!
Devlin clutches at his gut as he falls away from the steps to hit his knees while Callum uses the apron to pull himself the rest of the way up. He quickly rolls halfway into the ring to break the count, but immediately rolls right back out to continue his pursuit. Devlin manages to come up to his feet just as Callum rushes in from behind him only to grab a fistful of hair and rushes him face first into the nearby steel barricade! The fans cheer loudly as Callum drags him away from that, and after looking around to gain his barrings, hooks him around the head and promptly Suplexes him down onto the elevated steel ramp leading to the stage above.
LO: IT'S PANDEMONIUM OUT HERE!
KO: Chris Callum has lost his mind! He's in clear violation of the rules! Disqualify him ref!
LO: I don't think you're going to get any sympathy from the referee after those blatant eye gouges by Devlin, but such damage this early on in the contest is most definitely going to come into play later on in the match!
KO: Devlin clutching at his front and his back as Callum leads him back towards the ring, and OH! Plants him face first into the apron before shoving him under the bottom rope!
LO: Callum still keeping Devlin's head just under the rope, and repositioning him so that he's staring up at the lights...and OH! DROPS AN ELBOW STRAIGHT DOWN ACROSS HIS WINDPIPE!
Devlin bucks under the sudden attack to his oxygen supply, getting himself free of the ropes and back into the ring where he stumbles up to his feet. He's soon joined by Callum, who steps in from behind to the side of him, hooks him around the neck and laces his leg through Brennans, and then falls straight back into a wicked Russian Leg Sweep. Callum disentangles himself, and then floats over to hook the leg for the cover.
1...
2...
KO: Kick out at two, and Callum doesn't look perturbed in the slightest! I think he's enjoying this!
LO: If you had the biggest match of your career tainted by interference from an egotist and manipulator, wouldn't you enjoy getting some measure of revenge?
KO: Whatever...Callum now nudging Devlin over onto his stomach, steps over him, and oh no!
LO: Camel Clutch! After that shot to the gut thanks to the steps, and that suplex on the steel ramp, this move right here may just split the Face of Wrestling in half!
Chris cinches up on his laced fingers under Brennan's chin, both arms draped over his thighs while he pops a squat and wrenches back on Devlin's lower back. Devlin lets out a cry of pain that elicits a slight smile from Callum as he torques even further just to watch the pain etched across Brennan's face increase. The referee is poised right in front of the Face of Wrestling to accept a submission, but despite the audible painful escapes they are accompanied by a firm 'No'. Devlin, however, is in a predicament. With his arms being effectively taken away from him and all of the champion's weight centered on his spine, he has no real way of making it to the ropes or reversing the hold. Callum, knowing this, takes great effort in keeping himself rooted to the center of the ring and not allowing any wriggle room. As the seconds tick by into a full minute, Brennan looks in desperate straights.
LO: Brennan Devlin is on the verge of tapping out here as he has now been locked in the Camel Clutch for nearly a minute and thirty seconds and Chris Callum is showing no signs of budging...
KO: No doubt...dude has it locked in, but Good. As much as I hate to say this, I don't think it will be much longer...
LO: The referee is checking with Devlin...and I don't think he's responding....she's checking his hand, and his wrist just flopped down to Callum's thigh! She's holding up one finger!
KO: She checks him again....and there's two! One more and this one's over!
LO: And here's the moment of truth, and it's don..NO! Devlin's hand is poised in the air now, and despite having an arena of fans booing him, God Almighty, I think it's just fueling him!
KO: WHOA! He's bucking around now, trying to get his knee's in under him, but Callum is adamantly staying in position...
LO: Brennan Devlin like a bronco trying to throw his rider, and...OH! He got one knee under him....and there's the other, now pushing with his legs to force Callum to have to stand...
KO: Callum realizes he's losing the submission so he let's go and takes a few steps back...AND RUNNING KNEE STRIKE RIGHT TO THE BACK OF BRENNAN'S SKULL!
LO: Devlin falls face first to the canvas and I'm not so sure he didn't just get knocked out!
KO: Callum rolling Devlin over onto his back and hooking his leg for good measure!
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Devlin with a last ditch kick out there, and now Callum is showing a few signs of frustration...
KO: Well he's had full control of this match ever since they went outside in the beginning, and he looks ready to put Devlin away...
Callum gets to his feet and pulls Devlin along with him and then thrusts his shoulder into the man's stomach before hoisting him up into the air. He catches the back of his legs as Devlin slides down behind him, and the fans all come to their feet knowing what The Eternal has planned. It's a surprise to everyone when the battered Devlin starts frantically kicking his feet and pulling against the back of Callum's legs, so much so that Chris looses grip of him and he hits the mat in a front roll back to his feet. Callum is obvious caught off guard considering the state The Face had just been in, so that when he spins around to face him his unprotected jaw is an easy target for the Superkick that follows. Both men clatter down to the mat and the referee looks on with the same bewilderment as everyone else.
LO: That Superkick came out of desperation, but at the most significant time possible as Callum was poised to put The Face of Wrestling away!
KO: Yeah, and now both guys struggling to get to their feet...Devlin posted up against the ropes while Callum's holding his jaw in the center of the ring.
LO: But the Eternal spies his prey and here he comes rushing in on Brennan...WHO DROPS DOWN AND PULLS THE TOP ROPE WITH HIM!
KO: CALLUM TUMBLES FULL SPEED RIGHT OVER THE ROPES TO LAND SICKLY ON THE CONCRETE BELOW!
The fans are out of their minds at this point as Callum grabs at the apron to get back to his feet while Brennan watches closely from the interior of the ring, still trying to catch his breath. Chris grabs the middle rope and hoists himself back up onto the apron, but before he make his way back into the ring Devlin springs into action, charging across the ring and launching himself into a spear that sees him go through the ropes and both men crash into the floor. The fans on that side of the ring grimace as the two men sickeningly smack off the concrete.
LO: Devlin using his whole body as a weapon there for that devastating spear through the ropes!
KO: He needs to be careful. If he takes too much damage himself he can't follow up!
LO: This new Devlin is throwing caution to the wind as he is now working his way back up to his feet, and now has a fistful of Callum's hair to guide him up as well!
The referee calls for both men to get back into the ring, but Devlin flashes his trademark grin and flips her off with his free hand just before running Chris Callum face first into the closest Ring Post. Callum spins around the steel column only to fall on the other side of the ring as Devlin follows devilishly behind.
KO: Uh...Laur...I don't like how close they are to us!
LO: I don't know what you're talking about. I've already vacated the area!
Kenneth Othello looks to his left and his eyes go wide as he sees his brother backed all the way up to the time keepers table. Ken quickly scrambles out of his seat just as Chris Callum sails across the announce table to slam into the chairs which slam against the barricade. Devlin lets out a cat call to the booing crowd with a grin before grabbing an unopened bottle of water off the desk, twists off the caps, and guzzles it. As the champion pulls himself to his feet Devlin spews the contents right into his face causing him to spit and sputter while falling back, getting tripped up by the announcer's chairs. Finally away from the table, Callum stumbles his way back towards the ring but Devlin slips in behind him to drive a knee in his back that sends him running headlong into the ring apron.
LO: The referee all over Devlin to get this thing back in the ring, and already up to a count of eight....and now Devlin is finally complying...pulling Callum up and tossing him back into the ring.
KO: Brennan following him in and getting him to his feet so he can prop him in the corner, and GOD ALMIGHTY! WHAT A CHOP!
LO: All that seemed to do is wake Callum up as he stumbles out of the corner to fall to his knees clutching at his reddened chest!
KO: Devlin now hops up to the second turnbuckle...measures Callum...AND LOW MISSLE DROPKICK RIGHT TO THE SKULL!
LO: Devlin quickly shoots the half and hooks the leg!
1...
2...
KO: THR-NO! Callum out at two and a half, and Devlin shrugs as he pulls the man up and pushes him back into the ropes only to shoot him to the other side!
LO: Callum on his way back now and GET'S CAUGHT WITH A SNAP POWERSLAM DOWN TO THE CANVAS! DEVLIN RETAINS HOLD OF THE LEG FOR ANOTHER PIN ATTEMPT!
1...
2...
KO: THREE!NO! Callum out, but just barely. Each one of these big power moves followed by a pin attempt is going to drain the man's stamina.
LO: No doubt about it, but Brennan Devlin is signaling to the crowd with a salute and heading out to the apron so he can go all the way to the top!
Devlin gets perched on the top rope and smirks down at Callum who still seems a little out of it thanks to that powerslam moments ago. Brennan shrugs at the booing crowd and dives high into the air for a picture perfect elbow drop, but as he descends on his landing he watches helplessly as The Eternal quickly rolls out of the way. Devlin slams off the mat and bounces with the impact, clutching at his side as he kicks his feet in the air in pain.
LO: Crash and burn for Devlin there, and Callum now clawing towards the ropes to try and regain his feet...
KO: Devlin is trying to get to his feet as well, but Callum's beat him up....Brennan turns to face him and boot to the midsection doubles him over...Callum feeding his left arm through his legs, AND PUMP HANDLE SLAM DROPS BRENNAN IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!
LO: It's Callum's turn to hook the leg...
1...
2...
KO: THREE!NO! Devlin gets out with a shoulder roll, and Callum now just crawling on top of the man and UNLOADING!
LO: Shot after shot to Callum trying to tear Brennan Devlin apart, and we knew it was going to be like this...I mean..you had to know!
KO: All I know for sure is the referee is all over Callum to let Devlin up, but he's not listening....he's in danger of getting himself disqualified...
The Eternal beats on Devlin like a man possessed and finally Caputo has had enough. She starts over to the edge of the ropes to signal for the bell and Callum quickly scrambles to his feet to intercept her. He holds both hands up as she dresses the man down, and he nods and agrees to heed her warning next time to keep the match from being thrown out. Finally she nods, and turns to point to the time keeper to signal that the match is still on while Callum heads back over to Devlin to try and pull him up off the canvas. It is all the distraction that The Face of Wrestling needs to bury his forearm right between Callum's legs and into his crotch.
LO: LOW BLOW! TURN AROUND REF!
KO: She just did but Devlin's already down on the mat playing up the pummeling he just took while Chris Callum duck walks across the ring....and GOES DOWN FACE FIRST!
LO: Damn it! I realize that Callum was just in danger of being disqualified, but anyone could understand his venom right now towards the man in the ring! But that was BLATANT misconduct from Devlin!
KO: Oh please! Get over yourself, Laur. Devlin is a survivor, and he knows exactly what he needs to do here to put an exclamation point on his return!
Callum cradles his nether regions when Devlin lifts his head to look around the ring conspiratorially. He has a huge bruise forming under his right eye and a cut over his left, all thanks to that beating he had just received, but even that can't contain the grin on his face as he lays back, and then miraculously kips up to his feet. The building shakes with the outpouring of boo's as Devlin throws both hands out at his side and cockily approaches the edge of the ropes, completely proud of himself for his part. But the cocksure grin fades to something more dangerous when he turns his attention back to Chris Callum, and he steps over to the Apex Champion to get him on his feet.
LO: Devlin now shoves Callum back into the corner, and OH! Those chops are not getting any easier, Ken!
KO: Nor should they! Devlin is paying The Eternal back for that beating by lighting up his entire chest like Christmas!
LO: And now he just slipped his head under the mans arm and is lifting him up to sit on the top turnbuckle as he joins him on the second...this is never good!
KO: Brennan hooks Chris around the head and it looks like he's going for a Superplex, but Callum has crossed his feet under the turnbuckle to keep from being pulled over...AHHH!!
LO: CHRIS CALLUM LIFTS DEVLIN UP INSTEAD, AND JUST DROPPED HIM CROTCH FIRST ACROSS THE TOP ROPE!
KO: HE CAN'T DO THAT! DISQUALIFY HIM!
LO: Tit-For-Tat, isn't that what you're all saying, and now it's Devlin whose face is turned into a giant 'O'!
Devlin winces in pain as he grabs hold of the top rope for fear that he may fall over, while Callum tiredly looks over at him from his position on the top turnbuckle. Devlin looks up at the man with that pained expression and starts shaking his head 'No' as Callum stands up on the second and then takes that extra step to the top. The fans blow the roof off the places as Callum gives Brennan a mocking nod before leaping forwards into a clothesline that flips Devlin completely upside down and off the top rope to land awkwardly on his chest along the edge of the ring.
LO: CALLUM BRINGS DEVLIN BACK INTO THE RING THE HARD WAY, AND NOW THE ETERNAL IS BACK ON HIS FEET AND HE'S LOOKING TO END IT!
KO: The Champion pulls Devlin up to his feet and hooks him from behind to drag him to the center of the ring, and LIFTS HIM UP FOR THE CHRIS CROSS!
LO: YEAH! BUT DEVLIN KICKS WITH BOTH FEET TO GET LOOSE, LEAPS INTO THE AIR TO TRY AND GRAB CALLUM AROUND THE HEAD FOR A FACE OFF!
KO: BUT CALLUM PUSHED DEVLIN AWAY! Brennan hit's the mat hard, and is groggily getting to his feet...here comes the champion...
LO: CHRIS CROSS RATTLES THE RING WITH DEVLIN'S FACE!
KO: CALLUM ROLLING WITH DEVLIN TO GET HIM ON HIS BACK, AND JUST SITS BACK WHILE PULLING HIS LEGS UP!
1...
2...
3!!!
LO: GOOD GOD! What a match!
KO: I can't believe this crap, man! I mean...this was supposed to be Devlin's night!
LO: Well it's not like the man didn't give a good accounting of himself! I mean, this match had it all. I'd even go so far as to say it rests right there with Callum/Cooper!
Chris Callum gets to his feet and accepts the referee lifting his hand in victory just as he hands him the Apex Championship. He holds the title aloft and the fans cheer, but his gaze remains on Brennan Devlin, almost as if the victory didn't hold any meaning for him.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of the match via pinfall.....THE APEX CHAMPION...CHRIS CALLUM!!
Callum closes his eyes and shakes his head for a moment in contemplation, and when they open again there is a fire behind them. Devlin has had enough time to start the arduous task of trying to push up to his hands and knees after tasting defeat so that he can exit, but Callum thunders in with a Soccer Like Kick that sends the man spinning over onto his back.
LO: Uh-Oh!
KO: Yeah, look at your Apex Champion now! Kicking a man after he's already beat him...
LO: As if Devlin hasn't done the same thing a million times in his career.
KO: Oh, look at that! The high and mighty finally scaling back on the rule that two wrongs don't make a right!
LO: Look...I just know how personal this has been for Chris Callum, and he's just finding it hard to restrain himself from letting those feelings out. I'm sure he'll do the right thing...
But even as Laurence Othello is saying it he suddenly realizes that isn't the case, cluing into what the fans are thinking as they begin to boo their Apex Champion. Callum doesn't seem to hear them. He doesn't hear anyone as he hovers over Devlin, shoving the belt in his face and talking some mad trash just outside of the cameras audio. Suddenly he lays the belt out on the canvas, and gets a handful of Devlin's hair, dragging him so that his face is inches above the title lying on the mat. With a viciousness Callum drives Devlin's face down into the plate that bares his name, again and again until a clear line of blood begins to pool from Devlin's forehead. Finally he releases his grip of hair, standing over Devlin as he lay face down on the championship. Callum's breaths come in heavier and heavier, like a locomotive picking up steam, but instead of heading to a destination he's building for this moment. His right foot lifts high into the air and he hovers it right over the back of Brennan Devlin's head and his intentions to Curb Stomp the man is obvious despite the roaring den of the capacity crowd. And just then, the lights in the arena plummet into darkness.
LO: What the...are we still on the air?
KO: What's going on!
LO: I don't know, but look....out in the crowd.....lighters and cell phones are going up like stars in the night sky...
The lights suddenly come back up and Chris Callum is standing there with a look of confusion over his face, having back all the way up into a corner to get in a defensive stance. Devlin is still face down on the title belt, but at the top of the ramp stands Kaven Drell with a wicked grin on his face. His hands clap together as the fans now turn their ire in his direction, and Callum takes a step out of the corner towards the ropes closest to the ramp. The Champion is obviously in no mood for this interruption, indicating with his hands that Drell can come on down and receive some of the same, when suddenly he lurches forwards to flip right up and over the top rope and crash on the concrete outside.
LO: DANNY RIZZO CAME THROUGH THE CROWD AND JUMPED CALLUM FROM BEHIND AND JUST TOPPLED HIM RIGHT OVER THE TOP ROPE!
KO: AND KAVEN DRELL IS LOVING IT! HE JUST KEEPS ON CLAPPING!
LO: Rizzo sliding out to grab Callum whose halfway up to his feet, and GETS HIM BY THE SCRUFF OF THE NECK ONLY TO RUN HIM HEAD FIRST INTO THE STEEL RING STEPS!
KO: Callum might have been pissed at Devlin, but he's no where near full capacity after the fight that those two just had! Danny Rizzo has chosen his moment, and he's having his way with the Apex Champion!
LO: Rizzo now separating the steps and hoisting the top portion over his head...Callum barely able to get to his feet...AND DANNY RIZZO JUST TOOK HIS FREAKIN HEAD OFF WITH THE STEEL!
Danny tosses the top steps off to the side as Callum looks up into the camera to reveal that he too has now been busted wide open. His face quickly turns into a crimson mask as Danny moves in to do more damage, but is suddenly surrounded by men in Security vests who tackle the man and pin him next to the ring apron. All the while Kaven Drell continues his clapping, his dark laughter echoing through the arena from some unseen source. As Danny is pulled away and EMT's rush down to the ring to check on both Callum and Devlin, he kicks and flails to try and get free to continue his work. The camera manages to pick up some of his screams.
DANNY RIZZO: I TOLD YOU! I TOLD THEM ALL! COSMO NEVER FACED ME! KATYA GOT DESTROYED! I AM UNYIELDING, CHRIS! I AM FUCKING UNYIELDING!
Security carts the mad man away along the path beside the ramp to the production area as Kaven finally pauses his claps and with a final laugh disappears behind the curtain. EMT's help Devlin out of the ring as one of the officials rushes the Apex Title over to Callum who is being treated on the other side.
LO: MY GOD! VALOR PRO WRESTLING HAS TURNED INTO A WAR ZONE!
KO: You ain't kidding, Laur! Devlin wants the Apex! Danny wants the Apex! Anyone else coming out of the wood work?
LO: I don't know...but did you see Danny Rizzo's eyes? Jesus...he was like a madman! He and Kaven Drell are dangerous!
KO: No doubt, and I don't know about you, but it looks to me like their movement is growing...
LO: OH, I noticed, and it's downright insanity!
KO: What..what was that? Hey, Laur! Just got word, we might have some more stuff going down backstage! Moxie James is storming towards the Production Truck as we speak...
LO: Then what the hell are we waiting for! Someone get us a feed!
KO: Which isn't much!
LO: Right. During Tommy Crimson's message backstage, Lead Booker for Valor Pro Wrestling, Dugan Callahan, came out onto the stage and scooped up the UnYielding Championship and took it to the back.
KO: To which Moxie James quickly exited the ring and made a B-Line in pursuit...
LO: And for now that's all we know. No official announcement, no real direction, nothing.
KO: So I guess we're going to move on with the show considering this next mach is one people have been talking about since Honor Bound.
LO: And since Generic Ring Announcer is in the ring, I say we let them take it away...
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is a singles match scheduled for one fall or submission, and is YOUR MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING!
The lights dim as the opening riffs of "Villain" by Skarlett Riot hits over the PA System. Lights flash around the entrance with the beat of the song, and the curtain pushes back and Chris Callum saunters out onto the stage wearing the Apex Championship around his waist. He pauses at the top of the ramp and to his surprise there are more cheers than boos, and he closes his eyes, lifting his head while finger tapping the face plate of the title. When his eyes open his head tilts down to stare down at the ring and a wave of determination accompanies him as he stalks down the ramp.
RING ANNOUNCER: Making his way to the ring, standing at six foot and weighting in at 180 pounds, hailing from Berkeley, California...He is the #1 Contender for the Apex Championship, THE ETERNAL, CHRIS CALLUUMMMM!
Callum reaches ringside and rounds to take the steps up to the apron where he starts to swing his leg through the ropes, but then pauses to regard the crowd with a nod. Despite the majority, there are a few fans out in the crowd that scream for Cooper, die hard fans who want the return of their king. Callum doesn't seem to hear it as he slips into the ring, and bounces up and down as he stares back up at the stage in anticipation.
LO: Much like his expression when going up against Cooper at Honor Bound, Chris Callum is all business. He said as much in his promos this week that he is going to break Brennan Devlin for ruining his and Cooper's moment.
KO: Whatever. This guys really surprises me, Laur. I mean, he came in here with a game plan when he first arrived with Aspen Chaud; Destroy Cosmo Cooper. And then somewhere along the way he found Jesus or something, and now it's all about proving himself to the world and himself.
LO: Well, I think he proved a whole heck of a lot at Honor Bound in that epic showdown between the two, but the whole point was stolen out from under him when Brennan Devlin interfered.
KO: Thank God for Devlin, you know? I mean...at least when he hates a guy he HATES a guy...
And just like that the lights go completely out as 'Deranged' by Coheed and Cambria hits over the PA System. The song plays in the darkness as cell phones and lighters light up the arena so that it now looks like a star field. Just as the chorus kicks in, The lights come back to full with a strobe effect and standing on the top of the stage is Brennan Devlin wearing an leather orange coat, hands out at his side, head lowered so that his stringy blonde hair streams onto his chest. Suddenly the head snaps up and he lets out a loud yell before taking his first step onto the ramp, his expression peeling back into a huge joker like grin.
RING ANNOUNCER: And introducing his opponent, standing at six foot one and weighting in at 230 pounds, hailing from the fifth dimension....He is THE FACE OF WRESTLING....BRENNAN DEVVVLINNN!!
The fans boo loudly as Brennan reaches the bottom of the ramp and rushes around a ring post only to leap up onto the apron and slide across it to the middle. He grabs the top rope and yanks himself to his feet, sitting there bouncing across the top rope with the shoulders as he jaws with the fans in the front row. Eventually he swings his leg through, then the other, and steps to the center of the ring where he comes to a stop to stare over at the intense Callum. He whistles comically and steps into the corner across from his opponent, chuckling all the while as he slips out of the jacket.
LO: Well...Brennan Devlin is back, arrogant as ever.
KO: Sound more excited, Laur! IT'S BRENNAN DEVLIN!
LO: Yeah, well, we'll see how excited Devlin is after Callum gets his hands on him...
KO: DOESN'T LOOK LIKE HE'S GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT LONG! CALLUM JUST CHARGED ACROSS THE RING TO CLOSE THE GAP, AND HERE THEY GO!
Brennan just barely has enough time to bring his hands up to protect his face as Callum dives on him, knocking him back into the nearby corner where he opens up with rights and lefts as the referee frantically calls for the bell. As the 'DING' rings out into the arena Devlin starts firing back, fighting his way out of the corner as both men get their licks in and end up trading blows in the middle of the ring. Suddenly Devlin ducks under one of Callum's blows and hooks him around the waist to end up behind him in a waistlock. He pushes the man towards the ropes where Chris hits chest first to bounce back while Brennan tries to drag him into a rolling pin. Callum, however, hooks the top rope with his arms so that Devlin slams to the mat empty handed instead. Brennan rolls through and back up to his feet just in time to duck under Callum's incoming Clothesline, and The Eternal continues to the opposite ropes to spring back. On his return he ducks under a Back Elbow attempt from The Face of Wrestling, only to hit off the ropes one more time and get caught short with a Hip Toss. Callum is able to put on the brakes, blocking the attempt while floating over to hook Brennan under his arm to attempt the same. The block continues, both men floating in front of the other, each time bringing them closer and closer to the ropes. Finally they reach them and with no further area to go, Devlin ends the reversals by reaching up and dragging his fingers painfully against Callum's eyes.
LO: The action has been fast and furious, Callum not even waiting for the bell and now suffering the underhanded tactics of one Brennan Devlin!
KO: Oh! That's underhanded, but trying to get the jump on the guy wasn't? Give me a break, Laur!
LO: Be that as it may, Callum falls back into the nearby corner trying to feel his way around, and here comes Devlin WITH A THUNDEROUS CHOP!
KO: Callum's chest on fire as Devlin winds up to deliver another one, BUT THE ETERNAL SLIPS OUT OF THE WAY AND ANSWERS WITH A CHOP OF HIS OWN!
LO: Chris Callum not allowing himself to be cornered, but in immediate response Devlin jams a thumb in his eye and sends him blindly stumbling back. Come on ref, get in there!
In answer Caputo dresses Devlin down, but The Face of Wrestling sidesteps her and follows Callum out to the center of the ring with a grin. Hard right hands drive The Eternal back into the ropes and Brennan takes him by the wrist to shoot him to the opposite side. Callum rebounds and Devlin steps out to the center of the ring to raise his knee for a Kitchen Sink Knee Lift, but Callum deftly leaps over the upturned leg, twists in mid air to lace his arm through Brennan's legs on his descent, and then drags the man down to the mat into a Schoolboy Pin!
1...
2...
LO: Big kick out from Devlin sends Callum faltering back against the ropes, and here he comes again to stay on his opponent but Brennan ducks the clothesline!
KO: Callum spins around, and SUPERKICK!NO! CALLUM CAUGHT DEVLIN'S BOOT....TOSSES IT TO THE SIDE AND SETS DEVLIN INTO A SPIN, AND...
LO: FINALLY CATCHES THAT CLOTHESLINE WHICH TURNS DEVLIN INSIDE OUT!
Devlin hits the mat and immediately clamors to get to his feet despite the impact, and Callum gets a fistful of his blonde locks only to run him right towards the ropes closest to the ramp to send him up and over to the concrete floor below. The referee calls for the champion to keep it in the ring, but he doesn't seem interested as he slips through the ropes. Devlin suddenly pops up from the floor before Callum can make it all the way through, and with both hands sweeps one leg out from under him so that he lands abruptly on the ring apron. After that he grabs the closest wrist and ankle and yanks him off the apron to splat against the concrete floor. He proceeds to grab hold of the apron for leverage, and reigns down stomp after stomp onto The Eternal.
LO: Good God! This has been like a street fight more than a match, and now Brennan Devlin is mugging Chris Callum on the outside!
KO: I'm telling you, Laur, Brennan wasn't joking! He's found that killer instinct he's been searching for his entire Valor Pro career, and now that he's back....EVERYONE is going to pay the price!
LO: You may be right, Ken, as Devlin finally pauses to listen to the referee's count which is up to seven. He's pulling Callum up now..BUT WAIT! CALLUM WITH A HANDFUL OF THE FRONT OF DEVLIN'S TIGHTS, AND HE YANKS HIM FORWARDS TO COLLIDE STERNUM FIRST WITH THE STEEL RING STEPS!
KO: HEY! HE CAN'T DO THAT SORT OF THING! HE'S THE CHAMPION!
Devlin clutches at his gut as he falls away from the steps to hit his knees while Callum uses the apron to pull himself the rest of the way up. He quickly rolls halfway into the ring to break the count, but immediately rolls right back out to continue his pursuit. Devlin manages to come up to his feet just as Callum rushes in from behind him only to grab a fistful of hair and rushes him face first into the nearby steel barricade! The fans cheer loudly as Callum drags him away from that, and after looking around to gain his barrings, hooks him around the head and promptly Suplexes him down onto the elevated steel ramp leading to the stage above.
LO: IT'S PANDEMONIUM OUT HERE!
KO: Chris Callum has lost his mind! He's in clear violation of the rules! Disqualify him ref!
LO: I don't think you're going to get any sympathy from the referee after those blatant eye gouges by Devlin, but such damage this early on in the contest is most definitely going to come into play later on in the match!
KO: Devlin clutching at his front and his back as Callum leads him back towards the ring, and OH! Plants him face first into the apron before shoving him under the bottom rope!
LO: Callum still keeping Devlin's head just under the rope, and repositioning him so that he's staring up at the lights...and OH! DROPS AN ELBOW STRAIGHT DOWN ACROSS HIS WINDPIPE!
Devlin bucks under the sudden attack to his oxygen supply, getting himself free of the ropes and back into the ring where he stumbles up to his feet. He's soon joined by Callum, who steps in from behind to the side of him, hooks him around the neck and laces his leg through Brennans, and then falls straight back into a wicked Russian Leg Sweep. Callum disentangles himself, and then floats over to hook the leg for the cover.
1...
2...
KO: Kick out at two, and Callum doesn't look perturbed in the slightest! I think he's enjoying this!
LO: If you had the biggest match of your career tainted by interference from an egotist and manipulator, wouldn't you enjoy getting some measure of revenge?
KO: Whatever...Callum now nudging Devlin over onto his stomach, steps over him, and oh no!
LO: Camel Clutch! After that shot to the gut thanks to the steps, and that suplex on the steel ramp, this move right here may just split the Face of Wrestling in half!
Chris cinches up on his laced fingers under Brennan's chin, both arms draped over his thighs while he pops a squat and wrenches back on Devlin's lower back. Devlin lets out a cry of pain that elicits a slight smile from Callum as he torques even further just to watch the pain etched across Brennan's face increase. The referee is poised right in front of the Face of Wrestling to accept a submission, but despite the audible painful escapes they are accompanied by a firm 'No'. Devlin, however, is in a predicament. With his arms being effectively taken away from him and all of the champion's weight centered on his spine, he has no real way of making it to the ropes or reversing the hold. Callum, knowing this, takes great effort in keeping himself rooted to the center of the ring and not allowing any wriggle room. As the seconds tick by into a full minute, Brennan looks in desperate straights.
LO: Brennan Devlin is on the verge of tapping out here as he has now been locked in the Camel Clutch for nearly a minute and thirty seconds and Chris Callum is showing no signs of budging...
KO: No doubt...dude has it locked in, but Good. As much as I hate to say this, I don't think it will be much longer...
LO: The referee is checking with Devlin...and I don't think he's responding....she's checking his hand, and his wrist just flopped down to Callum's thigh! She's holding up one finger!
KO: She checks him again....and there's two! One more and this one's over!
LO: And here's the moment of truth, and it's don..NO! Devlin's hand is poised in the air now, and despite having an arena of fans booing him, God Almighty, I think it's just fueling him!
KO: WHOA! He's bucking around now, trying to get his knee's in under him, but Callum is adamantly staying in position...
LO: Brennan Devlin like a bronco trying to throw his rider, and...OH! He got one knee under him....and there's the other, now pushing with his legs to force Callum to have to stand...
KO: Callum realizes he's losing the submission so he let's go and takes a few steps back...AND RUNNING KNEE STRIKE RIGHT TO THE BACK OF BRENNAN'S SKULL!
LO: Devlin falls face first to the canvas and I'm not so sure he didn't just get knocked out!
KO: Callum rolling Devlin over onto his back and hooking his leg for good measure!
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Devlin with a last ditch kick out there, and now Callum is showing a few signs of frustration...
KO: Well he's had full control of this match ever since they went outside in the beginning, and he looks ready to put Devlin away...
Callum gets to his feet and pulls Devlin along with him and then thrusts his shoulder into the man's stomach before hoisting him up into the air. He catches the back of his legs as Devlin slides down behind him, and the fans all come to their feet knowing what The Eternal has planned. It's a surprise to everyone when the battered Devlin starts frantically kicking his feet and pulling against the back of Callum's legs, so much so that Chris looses grip of him and he hits the mat in a front roll back to his feet. Callum is obvious caught off guard considering the state The Face had just been in, so that when he spins around to face him his unprotected jaw is an easy target for the Superkick that follows. Both men clatter down to the mat and the referee looks on with the same bewilderment as everyone else.
LO: That Superkick came out of desperation, but at the most significant time possible as Callum was poised to put The Face of Wrestling away!
KO: Yeah, and now both guys struggling to get to their feet...Devlin posted up against the ropes while Callum's holding his jaw in the center of the ring.
LO: But the Eternal spies his prey and here he comes rushing in on Brennan...WHO DROPS DOWN AND PULLS THE TOP ROPE WITH HIM!
KO: CALLUM TUMBLES FULL SPEED RIGHT OVER THE ROPES TO LAND SICKLY ON THE CONCRETE BELOW!
The fans are out of their minds at this point as Callum grabs at the apron to get back to his feet while Brennan watches closely from the interior of the ring, still trying to catch his breath. Chris grabs the middle rope and hoists himself back up onto the apron, but before he make his way back into the ring Devlin springs into action, charging across the ring and launching himself into a spear that sees him go through the ropes and both men crash into the floor. The fans on that side of the ring grimace as the two men sickeningly smack off the concrete.
LO: Devlin using his whole body as a weapon there for that devastating spear through the ropes!
KO: He needs to be careful. If he takes too much damage himself he can't follow up!
LO: This new Devlin is throwing caution to the wind as he is now working his way back up to his feet, and now has a fistful of Callum's hair to guide him up as well!
The referee calls for both men to get back into the ring, but Devlin flashes his trademark grin and flips her off with his free hand just before running Chris Callum face first into the closest Ring Post. Callum spins around the steel column only to fall on the other side of the ring as Devlin follows devilishly behind.
KO: Uh...Laur...I don't like how close they are to us!
LO: I don't know what you're talking about. I've already vacated the area!
Kenneth Othello looks to his left and his eyes go wide as he sees his brother backed all the way up to the time keepers table. Ken quickly scrambles out of his seat just as Chris Callum sails across the announce table to slam into the chairs which slam against the barricade. Devlin lets out a cat call to the booing crowd with a grin before grabbing an unopened bottle of water off the desk, twists off the caps, and guzzles it. As the champion pulls himself to his feet Devlin spews the contents right into his face causing him to spit and sputter while falling back, getting tripped up by the announcer's chairs. Finally away from the table, Callum stumbles his way back towards the ring but Devlin slips in behind him to drive a knee in his back that sends him running headlong into the ring apron.
LO: The referee all over Devlin to get this thing back in the ring, and already up to a count of eight....and now Devlin is finally complying...pulling Callum up and tossing him back into the ring.
KO: Brennan following him in and getting him to his feet so he can prop him in the corner, and GOD ALMIGHTY! WHAT A CHOP!
LO: All that seemed to do is wake Callum up as he stumbles out of the corner to fall to his knees clutching at his reddened chest!
KO: Devlin now hops up to the second turnbuckle...measures Callum...AND LOW MISSLE DROPKICK RIGHT TO THE SKULL!
LO: Devlin quickly shoots the half and hooks the leg!
1...
2...
KO: THR-NO! Callum out at two and a half, and Devlin shrugs as he pulls the man up and pushes him back into the ropes only to shoot him to the other side!
LO: Callum on his way back now and GET'S CAUGHT WITH A SNAP POWERSLAM DOWN TO THE CANVAS! DEVLIN RETAINS HOLD OF THE LEG FOR ANOTHER PIN ATTEMPT!
1...
2...
KO: THREE!NO! Callum out, but just barely. Each one of these big power moves followed by a pin attempt is going to drain the man's stamina.
LO: No doubt about it, but Brennan Devlin is signaling to the crowd with a salute and heading out to the apron so he can go all the way to the top!
Devlin gets perched on the top rope and smirks down at Callum who still seems a little out of it thanks to that powerslam moments ago. Brennan shrugs at the booing crowd and dives high into the air for a picture perfect elbow drop, but as he descends on his landing he watches helplessly as The Eternal quickly rolls out of the way. Devlin slams off the mat and bounces with the impact, clutching at his side as he kicks his feet in the air in pain.
LO: Crash and burn for Devlin there, and Callum now clawing towards the ropes to try and regain his feet...
KO: Devlin is trying to get to his feet as well, but Callum's beat him up....Brennan turns to face him and boot to the midsection doubles him over...Callum feeding his left arm through his legs, AND PUMP HANDLE SLAM DROPS BRENNAN IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!
LO: It's Callum's turn to hook the leg...
1...
2...
KO: THREE!NO! Devlin gets out with a shoulder roll, and Callum now just crawling on top of the man and UNLOADING!
LO: Shot after shot to Callum trying to tear Brennan Devlin apart, and we knew it was going to be like this...I mean..you had to know!
KO: All I know for sure is the referee is all over Callum to let Devlin up, but he's not listening....he's in danger of getting himself disqualified...
The Eternal beats on Devlin like a man possessed and finally Caputo has had enough. She starts over to the edge of the ropes to signal for the bell and Callum quickly scrambles to his feet to intercept her. He holds both hands up as she dresses the man down, and he nods and agrees to heed her warning next time to keep the match from being thrown out. Finally she nods, and turns to point to the time keeper to signal that the match is still on while Callum heads back over to Devlin to try and pull him up off the canvas. It is all the distraction that The Face of Wrestling needs to bury his forearm right between Callum's legs and into his crotch.
LO: LOW BLOW! TURN AROUND REF!
KO: She just did but Devlin's already down on the mat playing up the pummeling he just took while Chris Callum duck walks across the ring....and GOES DOWN FACE FIRST!
LO: Damn it! I realize that Callum was just in danger of being disqualified, but anyone could understand his venom right now towards the man in the ring! But that was BLATANT misconduct from Devlin!
KO: Oh please! Get over yourself, Laur. Devlin is a survivor, and he knows exactly what he needs to do here to put an exclamation point on his return!
Callum cradles his nether regions when Devlin lifts his head to look around the ring conspiratorially. He has a huge bruise forming under his right eye and a cut over his left, all thanks to that beating he had just received, but even that can't contain the grin on his face as he lays back, and then miraculously kips up to his feet. The building shakes with the outpouring of boo's as Devlin throws both hands out at his side and cockily approaches the edge of the ropes, completely proud of himself for his part. But the cocksure grin fades to something more dangerous when he turns his attention back to Chris Callum, and he steps over to the Apex Champion to get him on his feet.
LO: Devlin now shoves Callum back into the corner, and OH! Those chops are not getting any easier, Ken!
KO: Nor should they! Devlin is paying The Eternal back for that beating by lighting up his entire chest like Christmas!
LO: And now he just slipped his head under the mans arm and is lifting him up to sit on the top turnbuckle as he joins him on the second...this is never good!
KO: Brennan hooks Chris around the head and it looks like he's going for a Superplex, but Callum has crossed his feet under the turnbuckle to keep from being pulled over...AHHH!!
LO: CHRIS CALLUM LIFTS DEVLIN UP INSTEAD, AND JUST DROPPED HIM CROTCH FIRST ACROSS THE TOP ROPE!
KO: HE CAN'T DO THAT! DISQUALIFY HIM!
LO: Tit-For-Tat, isn't that what you're all saying, and now it's Devlin whose face is turned into a giant 'O'!
Devlin winces in pain as he grabs hold of the top rope for fear that he may fall over, while Callum tiredly looks over at him from his position on the top turnbuckle. Devlin looks up at the man with that pained expression and starts shaking his head 'No' as Callum stands up on the second and then takes that extra step to the top. The fans blow the roof off the places as Callum gives Brennan a mocking nod before leaping forwards into a clothesline that flips Devlin completely upside down and off the top rope to land awkwardly on his chest along the edge of the ring.
LO: CALLUM BRINGS DEVLIN BACK INTO THE RING THE HARD WAY, AND NOW THE ETERNAL IS BACK ON HIS FEET AND HE'S LOOKING TO END IT!
KO: The Champion pulls Devlin up to his feet and hooks him from behind to drag him to the center of the ring, and LIFTS HIM UP FOR THE CHRIS CROSS!
LO: YEAH! BUT DEVLIN KICKS WITH BOTH FEET TO GET LOOSE, LEAPS INTO THE AIR TO TRY AND GRAB CALLUM AROUND THE HEAD FOR A FACE OFF!
KO: BUT CALLUM PUSHED DEVLIN AWAY! Brennan hit's the mat hard, and is groggily getting to his feet...here comes the champion...
LO: CHRIS CROSS RATTLES THE RING WITH DEVLIN'S FACE!
KO: CALLUM ROLLING WITH DEVLIN TO GET HIM ON HIS BACK, AND JUST SITS BACK WHILE PULLING HIS LEGS UP!
1...
2...
3!!!
LO: GOOD GOD! What a match!
KO: I can't believe this crap, man! I mean...this was supposed to be Devlin's night!
LO: Well it's not like the man didn't give a good accounting of himself! I mean, this match had it all. I'd even go so far as to say it rests right there with Callum/Cooper!
Chris Callum gets to his feet and accepts the referee lifting his hand in victory just as he hands him the Apex Championship. He holds the title aloft and the fans cheer, but his gaze remains on Brennan Devlin, almost as if the victory didn't hold any meaning for him.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of the match via pinfall.....THE APEX CHAMPION...CHRIS CALLUM!!
Callum closes his eyes and shakes his head for a moment in contemplation, and when they open again there is a fire behind them. Devlin has had enough time to start the arduous task of trying to push up to his hands and knees after tasting defeat so that he can exit, but Callum thunders in with a Soccer Like Kick that sends the man spinning over onto his back.
LO: Uh-Oh!
KO: Yeah, look at your Apex Champion now! Kicking a man after he's already beat him...
LO: As if Devlin hasn't done the same thing a million times in his career.
KO: Oh, look at that! The high and mighty finally scaling back on the rule that two wrongs don't make a right!
LO: Look...I just know how personal this has been for Chris Callum, and he's just finding it hard to restrain himself from letting those feelings out. I'm sure he'll do the right thing...
But even as Laurence Othello is saying it he suddenly realizes that isn't the case, cluing into what the fans are thinking as they begin to boo their Apex Champion. Callum doesn't seem to hear them. He doesn't hear anyone as he hovers over Devlin, shoving the belt in his face and talking some mad trash just outside of the cameras audio. Suddenly he lays the belt out on the canvas, and gets a handful of Devlin's hair, dragging him so that his face is inches above the title lying on the mat. With a viciousness Callum drives Devlin's face down into the plate that bares his name, again and again until a clear line of blood begins to pool from Devlin's forehead. Finally he releases his grip of hair, standing over Devlin as he lay face down on the championship. Callum's breaths come in heavier and heavier, like a locomotive picking up steam, but instead of heading to a destination he's building for this moment. His right foot lifts high into the air and he hovers it right over the back of Brennan Devlin's head and his intentions to Curb Stomp the man is obvious despite the roaring den of the capacity crowd. And just then, the lights in the arena plummet into darkness.
LO: What the...are we still on the air?
KO: What's going on!
LO: I don't know, but look....out in the crowd.....lighters and cell phones are going up like stars in the night sky...
The lights suddenly come back up and Chris Callum is standing there with a look of confusion over his face, having back all the way up into a corner to get in a defensive stance. Devlin is still face down on the title belt, but at the top of the ramp stands Kaven Drell with a wicked grin on his face. His hands clap together as the fans now turn their ire in his direction, and Callum takes a step out of the corner towards the ropes closest to the ramp. The Champion is obviously in no mood for this interruption, indicating with his hands that Drell can come on down and receive some of the same, when suddenly he lurches forwards to flip right up and over the top rope and crash on the concrete outside.
LO: DANNY RIZZO CAME THROUGH THE CROWD AND JUMPED CALLUM FROM BEHIND AND JUST TOPPLED HIM RIGHT OVER THE TOP ROPE!
KO: AND KAVEN DRELL IS LOVING IT! HE JUST KEEPS ON CLAPPING!
LO: Rizzo sliding out to grab Callum whose halfway up to his feet, and GETS HIM BY THE SCRUFF OF THE NECK ONLY TO RUN HIM HEAD FIRST INTO THE STEEL RING STEPS!
KO: Callum might have been pissed at Devlin, but he's no where near full capacity after the fight that those two just had! Danny Rizzo has chosen his moment, and he's having his way with the Apex Champion!
LO: Rizzo now separating the steps and hoisting the top portion over his head...Callum barely able to get to his feet...AND DANNY RIZZO JUST TOOK HIS FREAKIN HEAD OFF WITH THE STEEL!
Danny tosses the top steps off to the side as Callum looks up into the camera to reveal that he too has now been busted wide open. His face quickly turns into a crimson mask as Danny moves in to do more damage, but is suddenly surrounded by men in Security vests who tackle the man and pin him next to the ring apron. All the while Kaven Drell continues his clapping, his dark laughter echoing through the arena from some unseen source. As Danny is pulled away and EMT's rush down to the ring to check on both Callum and Devlin, he kicks and flails to try and get free to continue his work. The camera manages to pick up some of his screams.
DANNY RIZZO: I TOLD YOU! I TOLD THEM ALL! COSMO NEVER FACED ME! KATYA GOT DESTROYED! I AM UNYIELDING, CHRIS! I AM FUCKING UNYIELDING!
Security carts the mad man away along the path beside the ramp to the production area as Kaven finally pauses his claps and with a final laugh disappears behind the curtain. EMT's help Devlin out of the ring as one of the officials rushes the Apex Title over to Callum who is being treated on the other side.
LO: MY GOD! VALOR PRO WRESTLING HAS TURNED INTO A WAR ZONE!
KO: You ain't kidding, Laur! Devlin wants the Apex! Danny wants the Apex! Anyone else coming out of the wood work?
LO: I don't know...but did you see Danny Rizzo's eyes? Jesus...he was like a madman! He and Kaven Drell are dangerous!
KO: No doubt, and I don't know about you, but it looks to me like their movement is growing...
LO: OH, I noticed, and it's downright insanity!
KO: What..what was that? Hey, Laur! Just got word, we might have some more stuff going down backstage! Moxie James is storming towards the Production Truck as we speak...
LO: Then what the hell are we waiting for! Someone get us a feed!
The scene cuts into a power walking Moxie James as she storms up the production truck steps and blasts open the side door with one powerful kick. The camera gets a shot of the interior that appears to be a mobile office for the VPW brass, including General Manager, Francis Ford Cuppola, who sits behind a desk, Rodney P., his assistant who looks alarmed at this intrusion, and Lead Booker, Dugan Callahan, who has in the crook of his arm the UnYielding Title belt. Dugan sighs heavily and shakes his head as Moxie storms right into the office, past the other two men, and slams her fists on the desk causing Francis to startle a bit.
MOXIE JAMES: WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!?
Francis looks at her as though she were interrupting a very important meeting. He turns back to Dugan.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: This is exactly what I’m saying, Dagwood. There’s far too much barging going on around here. I can’t stand barging, right Rod?
He looked to Rod who seemed dulled by any ridiculous thing Francis had to say anymore.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Rod knows. If we removed all the entrances and exits from all the rooms we’d have a lot less barging, and I think everyone would be a hell of a lot happier.
He looked to Dugan who returned his gaze blankly. Francis was startled suddenly as he noticed Moxie was still standing there.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: You’re still here? Wear a bell, Michelle? Hahah. My rapping is improving.
Francis chuckled and looked back to Dugan who still stared back blankly. Finally, Dugan looked over to Moxie and held his hands in the air as if to say, ‘pump the brakes.’
DUGAN CALLAHAN: Look, no one could have seen that coming, but I’ve already come up with an idea that should be amenable.
Moxie takes her hands on the desk and turns her gaze to Callahan while crossing them over her chest expectantly. Callahan continues to nod while glancing from time to time over at Rodney.
DUGAN CALLAHAN: Well you see, we’ve been open for a year since Honor Bound, and that allows for us to start thinking about the future and doing annual shows. We got one coming up that we did last year where we were in a similar predicament, so I say we just recreate the magic…
MOXIE JAMES: What the hell are you talking about old man?
Dugan takes the slight in stride and shrugs his shoulders before continuing.
DUGAN CALLAHAN: A 7 Pillars Gauntlet Match to determine the NEW UnYielding Champion!
Moxie stares holes through him while Rodney lifts his hand up to his chin in contemplation.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Great! It’s settled then! Who’s up for some soft serve ice cream? I spent some of our production budget on a soft serve machine. It’s right over here.
He gets up and demonstrates how they hollowed out one of the editing suites to make room for the soft serve ice cream machine. Francis fires it up and looks giddily over at Dugan and Moxie. Rodney closes his eyes as if to shut out the absurdity. Moxie shakes her head at the entire scene, and then turns her dark eyes back to Dugan with an exasperated expression.
MOXIE JAMES: And what the hell does that mean for me, exactly?
DUGAN CALLAHAN: That means that since you won the opportunity to face the champion, then you’ll be our guaranteed 7th participant in the match. Think about that for just a minute. Whoever makes it to the end to face you will have potentially gone through six other matches. You’ll have the clear advantage.
Moxie starts to respond but is cut off by a cup of the soft service ice cream being held under her nose.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Turn that frown upside down, clown?
Francis eats some of his delicious ice cream with a widening smile.
MOXIE JAMES: WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!?
Francis looks at her as though she were interrupting a very important meeting. He turns back to Dugan.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: This is exactly what I’m saying, Dagwood. There’s far too much barging going on around here. I can’t stand barging, right Rod?
He looked to Rod who seemed dulled by any ridiculous thing Francis had to say anymore.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Rod knows. If we removed all the entrances and exits from all the rooms we’d have a lot less barging, and I think everyone would be a hell of a lot happier.
He looked to Dugan who returned his gaze blankly. Francis was startled suddenly as he noticed Moxie was still standing there.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: You’re still here? Wear a bell, Michelle? Hahah. My rapping is improving.
Francis chuckled and looked back to Dugan who still stared back blankly. Finally, Dugan looked over to Moxie and held his hands in the air as if to say, ‘pump the brakes.’
DUGAN CALLAHAN: Look, no one could have seen that coming, but I’ve already come up with an idea that should be amenable.
Moxie takes her hands on the desk and turns her gaze to Callahan while crossing them over her chest expectantly. Callahan continues to nod while glancing from time to time over at Rodney.
DUGAN CALLAHAN: Well you see, we’ve been open for a year since Honor Bound, and that allows for us to start thinking about the future and doing annual shows. We got one coming up that we did last year where we were in a similar predicament, so I say we just recreate the magic…
MOXIE JAMES: What the hell are you talking about old man?
Dugan takes the slight in stride and shrugs his shoulders before continuing.
DUGAN CALLAHAN: A 7 Pillars Gauntlet Match to determine the NEW UnYielding Champion!
Moxie stares holes through him while Rodney lifts his hand up to his chin in contemplation.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Great! It’s settled then! Who’s up for some soft serve ice cream? I spent some of our production budget on a soft serve machine. It’s right over here.
He gets up and demonstrates how they hollowed out one of the editing suites to make room for the soft serve ice cream machine. Francis fires it up and looks giddily over at Dugan and Moxie. Rodney closes his eyes as if to shut out the absurdity. Moxie shakes her head at the entire scene, and then turns her dark eyes back to Dugan with an exasperated expression.
MOXIE JAMES: And what the hell does that mean for me, exactly?
DUGAN CALLAHAN: That means that since you won the opportunity to face the champion, then you’ll be our guaranteed 7th participant in the match. Think about that for just a minute. Whoever makes it to the end to face you will have potentially gone through six other matches. You’ll have the clear advantage.
Moxie starts to respond but is cut off by a cup of the soft service ice cream being held under her nose.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: Turn that frown upside down, clown?
Francis eats some of his delicious ice cream with a widening smile.
FRANCIS FORD CUPPOLA: He does it again. Another amazing rhyme from C-upps.
while the others just blankly stare in silence. It’s an anticlimactic ending to an incredible announcement, as the scene fades to the VPW logo, then the Battleground Network logo, and then finally to black.