Post by silentpartner on Sept 22, 2019 13:00:12 GMT -5
The scene opens to the sound of boots striking concrete as two men shuffle down a hallway in the backstage area.
RICHARD: What do you mean Zack Fantana should be in his locker room? If he knows you’re paying him a visit, wouldn’t he make sure to be there? Wait, Zachariah...Fantana does know we’re coming, right?
The camera swings around to see Zachariah Krahe as he shoots the ex-pastor a bright guileless smile that instantly puts the man at ease.
KRAHE: Yes. Well, he knows I’m going to visit him at some point. The man isn’t an idiot Dicky.
Richard stops in the middle of the hallway with his mouth slightly ajar and a gallon jug of water almost falling from his sweaty hand.
RICHARD: So he doesn’t know we are coming at all!
KRAHE: Oh yee of little faith. It’s true we don’t know for sure if Fantana knows we are coming or not, but we don’t know that he doesn’t know for sure either. I mean the man has a religion built around him now. Have some faith.
Krahe glances to his side and stops, realizing that his nervous companion is not keeping up with him. He looks back an exasperated look, which prompts Richard to renew his grip on the jug, and hurry along to Krahe’s side.
RICHARD: Why didn’t you just tell the man we were coming?
KRAHE: Because then I would be ninety percent sure he wouldn’t be in his dressing room, rather than ninety percent sure he is.
This answer did not reassure Richard at all.
RICHARD: Can you at least tell me why I’m carrying around this jug?
KRAHE: No. Now be quiet, or he might hear us coming.
A whimper from Richard has Krahe rolling his eyes.
KRAHE: No judgement here, but for someone that was a morally corrupt drunk in a music pastor’s closet you sure do worry about societal propriety.
RICHARD: Zachariah, I am a Canadian before all else. Showing up unannounced is rude.
Krahe doesn’t bother to argue with that logic, as it actually made a lot of sense, but...
ZACHARIAH: Stop calling me Zachariah, and be quiet.
They continue in silence, until they finally stop at a door that looks like any other door, except this door’s number is 523. The locker room of the one and only...Zack Fantana. Richard gulps, and rubs one sweaty palm against his pant leg, while Krahe smirks and knocks on the door. “Come in,” the voice beckons from inside. Krahe wastes little time, opening the door only to find Zack Fantana with a leg outstretched on the bench.
ZACK FANTANA: You got the stuff?
Krahe pauses, allowing Fantana to elaborate before butting in.
ZACK FANTANA: Wanna know the secret, Ben? ‘Icy to dull the pain.’ Sure, everybody knows that part, but what everybody might not know is that the hot relaxes it away.
Zack hesitates upon receiving no reaction for that little factoid. Stevens would reply, maybe even thank him for his knowledge, and yet… nothing. Fantana pivots on the bench to find Zachariah Krahe in his doorway. He sighs.
ZACK FANTANA: I suppose I should welcome you back.
No one was quite sure whether he was welcoming Krahe back to VPW or his locker room. Zack measuredly stands up from the bench, noticing that Krahe still held the door.
ZACK FANTANA: If you’re about to wheel in someone bound and gagged on a chair, Krahe, so help me God--
Krahe nods once and suddenly Richard steps into the room with a nervous smile. Fantana measures him with his eyes.
ZACK FANTANA: Well, it’s not Aoki.
Zack let his guard down a bit.
ZACK FANTANA: Just a different sex pervert.
Richard’s smile dissipates as Zack continues to get dressed.
ZACK FANTANA: Dare I ask?
Krahe wiggles his eyebrows.
KRAHE: I dunno, dare you? Relaxe Zack, Richard isn't here for sex. I hear you now have your own personal Robin, so I reached into the depths of my heart, and found you an Albert. Well-
Krahe pushes Richard further into the room.
KRAHE: Actually his name is Richard, Dicky for short. He use to be an embezzling, whoring, music pastor. Now he’s looking to turn his life around, and I thought to myself, who better to put a man on the moral road to redemption than Zack Fantana? I mean, I know I joked about you and a cross, but I never thought you’d become a virtual messiah.
Krahe grins, and takes the water jug from Richard's now limp hand.
KRAHE: Look we brought you water to turn into wine.
ZACK FANTANA: Thank you, I’m parched.
Zack collects the water jug from Krahe’s hand and uncaps it before turning his attention to Richard.
ZACK FANTANA: Quite the résumé you’ve got there, Rich. But I suppose you’re right, Krahe.
He takes a swig of water, having forgotten the point of the jug entirely.
ZACK FANTANA: If anyone can redeem him, it’s me. I’ve a history of rehabilitating the debaucherous.
Zack smiles.
ZACK FANTANA: Do you know the story of how Ben Stevens broke his d--
Zack is once again interrupted, this time by the arrival of the very man he was about to speak of. Benny Stevens doesn’t even knock on the door before walking in. The men in the room observe as he slowly opens the door with his back turned to them, clearly oblivious to both Krahe and Richard’s presence. He closes the door and proceeds to drop his gym bag on the floor, goes to one of his knees and begins to search the bag’s contents.
BENNY STEVENS: Sorry for the delay, man… I got the stuff, like you requested. I just have to-
He spends seconds in silence, trying to find what he was looking for. Stevens is not exactly known for keeping his stuff well-organized. Funnily enough, the men in the room abstain from saying anything at all - probably on purpose, judging by the amused look on their faces.
BENNY STEVENS: I swear nobody could’ve predicted the ending of that match, though… I mean, woah, buddy. Am I right?
Benny lets out a laugh, finally finding weird the fact that he was getting absolutely no reaction from The Fantanasy.
BENNY STEVENS: So you ain’t gonna-.
He finally turns his head just to realize that the three men were silently watching him all the time. Benny immediately gets back up to his feet and studies Krahe, then Richard. He points at both, back and forth, and speaks the following to Zack.
BENNY STEVENS: Brad send these dudes too? Man, I’m telling you… You gotta cut that man out. He ain’t-.
Stevens pauses once he pays attention to Krahe’s face. He finally recognizes him.
BENNY STEVENS: Oh… It’s you! You know, I’m surprised the man beside you ain’t tied up and-.
ZACK FANTANA: We’re on the second page of the script now.
Benny just has a shit-eating grin on.
BENNY STEVENS: Fourth wall in shambles, my good bud Zack.
Benny, then, crosses his arms - obviously, he was not expecting their presence especially after a tiresome match.
BENNY STEVENS: So what exactly are we doing here, boys?
Fantana sighs exhaustively.
ZACK FANTANA: Our best.
He circles past Benny’s gym bag, snatching the Icy Hot pain relieving balm from within. He turns to Richard.
ZACK FANTANA: Allow me to introduce to you, the final product of the rehabilitation, gentlemen.
Zack places his hand on Benny’s shoulder, prompting a furrowed brow from the VCO.
ZACK FANTANA: This could be you, Richard.
Even the sex pervert Richard seemed uncertain whether Zack was being acerbic.
ZACK FANTANA: If you just… believe.
Zack then nods at the offering plate casually laying by his bag.
ZACK FANTANA: Donations are welcome, of course.
Richard looks at Benny, Zack, and then the offering plate. Now Richard was by no means a genius, but having embezzled money from a church, for more years than he cared to admit, he was by no means an idiot either.
Krähe sees the look of skepticism, and knew if he didn't do something fast he would miss his chance completely. Quick as a snake he snatches up the discarded jug of water.
KRAHE: Let us not forget the wine! Dicky,I have it on the good word of Brad Stokes that Zack Fantana can in fact turn water into wine, or at least some form of alcohol.
Proud of his quick thinking he shoves the jug towards Zack. There has to be a bottle of some kind of alcohol in this locker room. Benny nudges Zack with his elbow and chuckles.
BENNY STEVENS: Imagine taking what Brad says seriously... I can't relate.
The Daredevil simply shrugs.
BENNY STEVENS: Oh, well, let us witness the so-called miracle of Mr. Fantanasy. After all, my brethren, the gospel of Fanthology shant-.
Once again, he pauses and looks up while rubbing his chin. Clearly, the man hasn't been reading the book of daily devotions written by none other than Brad Stokes.
BENNY STEVENS: Nevermind…
Zack smiles anxiously, having been cornered.
ZACK FANTANA: Of course.
He circles back toward Krahe, collecting the jug from his hands.
ZACK FANTANA: My hour has not yet come.
His eyes darted back and forth as he stalled, and then finally settled on the door.
ZACK FANTANA: You’re late, Aoki.
Benny bristles, turning to the door, and Richard follows suit, taking lead from Benny and perhaps unsure of the imminent threat himself. Krahe merely watches as Fantana reaches inside the mini-fridge behind him, swapping the jug of water out for a bottle of Welch’s grape juice that Brad had set aside for a sacramental ceremony after the show. The Wedding at Cana, it was not, but if he knew anything about Zack Fantana, it would be a near-rhyme. Fantana swiftly rips the label from the bottle. It clings to his thumb momentarily but by the time Benny and Richard have returned to the room, Zack is able to shake it from his hand. A short-winded Benny gestured toward the hallway.
BENNY STEVENS: That wasn’t Aoki.
ZACK FANTANA: Oh? It must have been someone else’s murder grandpa.
Zack casually took a swig from the bottle and then tossed it to Richard before clicking his tongue. Krahe's body tenses with the effort it takes not to laugh at Zack's miracle, but he manages to pull it together for Richard. He offers the hesitant man an encouraging smile, that seems to bolster him enough to take a small sip. Richard’s eyes widen with something that oddly looks like fear. His frightened gaze jerks towards Benny, then Zack, and finally rests on Krahe with desperation. With slow careful movements Richard screws the cap on the container of juice, and clears his throat. He opens his mouth, then closes it again, as though trying to decide what to do. The other men look on expectantly as he numbly passes the container to Benny.
RICHARD: Uh...Z-Zachariah, can I s-speak to you for a moment?
There's a pause in the room, before Krahe shrugs his shoulders, and follows the ex pastor to a corner of the room.
KRAHE: You ok Dicky? I know this might be overwhelming, but isn't it exciting? Zack Fantana is welcoming you into his flock with open arms. We need to celebrate, your new life is about to be-
Richard chooses this moment to interrupt Krahe in a very un-Richard like manner.
RICHARD: Zachariah, we need to get out of this room immediately.
This was the complete opposite of what Krahe was expecting to hear, and the uncharacteristic look of befuddlement on The Catalyst’s face was truly priceless.
KRAHE: What?
Richard nods decisively, like he’s never been more sure of anything in his life.
RICHARD: Zachariah, he didn't turn water into wine. He turned it into juice, grape juice.
Richard gives a fugitive look over his shoulder, and drops his voice into a whisper.
RICHARD: I think that Zack Fantana is actually...the Antichrist.
Krahe continues to blinks at the pale man before him, realizing that he believes his words completely. The situation is so absurd that he can’t even laugh through his shock. This was bad, he could feel his perfect plan slipping through his fingers...Like grape juice.
KRAHE: What? No, Dicky listen-
Richard shakes his head in denial, unwilling to hear any well intentioned arguments.
RICHARD: No Zachariah, I know now what I’m supposed to do, and I’ll not be tempted from my path. You dragged me up from the gutter my life had become, punished me for my sins, and gave me the chance to have a new life. I will devote my life to being of service to you until this debt is repaid.
Now it’s Krahe's turn to wear a look of horror.
KRAHE: Ooooh no. Nononono.
Krahe abruptly grabs a hold of Richard and drags him back to Zack and Benny who were listening to the entire exchange.
KRAHE: Fantana, fix this. Tell him that I'm in no way shape or form a path of moral redemption. Show him your incentive packet.
He looked between the two men expectantly, somewhat desperately. They had to have an incentive package right? Benny lets out a sigh before muttering the following under his breath.
BENNY STEVENS: Great, that's all we fuckin' need after a tough match. A lunatic... And another lunatic.
It's obvious that what he said could be heard by all - considering that they're all standing next to each other. Benny realizes that once everyone just stares at him, Richard still appalled.
Benny clears his throat.
BENNY STEVENS: My good bud Zack, please fix this. I need to chill and-.
He points at Krahe.
BENNY STEVENS: I'm pretty sure this man has a match soon. Wouldn't you rather be talking strategy with Indi?
Zack manages to speak before Krahe could answer that question.
ZACK FANTANA: Let me make sure I heard this right.
Fantana was in the midst of collecting the incentive package from his bag when he suddenly stopped. Something was eating at him. He turns to Richard.
ZACK FANTANA: You’ve acknowledged my power.
Zack nonchalantly closed the refrigerator door behind him with his left foot.
ZACK FANTANA: Seen what I can do for people. Heard their testimonials. And you’ve still chosen Zachariah Krahe as your shepherd in these trying times?
Fantana had nearly choked on that last sentence.
ZACK FANTANA: I mean, he’s come a long way since doing business with Cross Recoba, but…
Zack pauses.
ZACK FANTANA: This isn’t about his jawline, is it?
Richard’s knees quake as he mutters his response.
RICHARD: I think you’re the Antichrist.
To Richard’s surprise, Zack almost seems amused.
ZACK FANTANA: Fanti-Christ, that’s a good one. Benny, write that one down for Brad.
BENNY STEVENS: I believe he called you the Anti-Christ, Zack.
Richard nods to confirm, his words yet escaping him. Zack’s eyes widen.
ZACK FANTANA: I know the grape juice was sugar free, Rich, but let’s not overreact.
Richard’s eyes widen once more.
RICHARD: Sugar free! Oh, now Zack that’s just unnatural. Listen fellows, it’s not that I don’t appreciate the offer, but-
That’s the last thing Zachariah Krahe hears, as he slips out the door. He’s almost sorry that can’t stay to watch it all unravel, but the night isn’t getting any younger, and he has a match to win. One hand reaches to trace the line of his own jaw, as he disappears down the hallway.
RICHARD: What do you mean Zack Fantana should be in his locker room? If he knows you’re paying him a visit, wouldn’t he make sure to be there? Wait, Zachariah...Fantana does know we’re coming, right?
The camera swings around to see Zachariah Krahe as he shoots the ex-pastor a bright guileless smile that instantly puts the man at ease.
KRAHE: Yes. Well, he knows I’m going to visit him at some point. The man isn’t an idiot Dicky.
Richard stops in the middle of the hallway with his mouth slightly ajar and a gallon jug of water almost falling from his sweaty hand.
RICHARD: So he doesn’t know we are coming at all!
KRAHE: Oh yee of little faith. It’s true we don’t know for sure if Fantana knows we are coming or not, but we don’t know that he doesn’t know for sure either. I mean the man has a religion built around him now. Have some faith.
Krahe glances to his side and stops, realizing that his nervous companion is not keeping up with him. He looks back an exasperated look, which prompts Richard to renew his grip on the jug, and hurry along to Krahe’s side.
RICHARD: Why didn’t you just tell the man we were coming?
KRAHE: Because then I would be ninety percent sure he wouldn’t be in his dressing room, rather than ninety percent sure he is.
This answer did not reassure Richard at all.
RICHARD: Can you at least tell me why I’m carrying around this jug?
KRAHE: No. Now be quiet, or he might hear us coming.
A whimper from Richard has Krahe rolling his eyes.
KRAHE: No judgement here, but for someone that was a morally corrupt drunk in a music pastor’s closet you sure do worry about societal propriety.
RICHARD: Zachariah, I am a Canadian before all else. Showing up unannounced is rude.
Krahe doesn’t bother to argue with that logic, as it actually made a lot of sense, but...
ZACHARIAH: Stop calling me Zachariah, and be quiet.
They continue in silence, until they finally stop at a door that looks like any other door, except this door’s number is 523. The locker room of the one and only...Zack Fantana. Richard gulps, and rubs one sweaty palm against his pant leg, while Krahe smirks and knocks on the door. “Come in,” the voice beckons from inside. Krahe wastes little time, opening the door only to find Zack Fantana with a leg outstretched on the bench.
ZACK FANTANA: You got the stuff?
Krahe pauses, allowing Fantana to elaborate before butting in.
ZACK FANTANA: Wanna know the secret, Ben? ‘Icy to dull the pain.’ Sure, everybody knows that part, but what everybody might not know is that the hot relaxes it away.
Zack hesitates upon receiving no reaction for that little factoid. Stevens would reply, maybe even thank him for his knowledge, and yet… nothing. Fantana pivots on the bench to find Zachariah Krahe in his doorway. He sighs.
ZACK FANTANA: I suppose I should welcome you back.
No one was quite sure whether he was welcoming Krahe back to VPW or his locker room. Zack measuredly stands up from the bench, noticing that Krahe still held the door.
ZACK FANTANA: If you’re about to wheel in someone bound and gagged on a chair, Krahe, so help me God--
Krahe nods once and suddenly Richard steps into the room with a nervous smile. Fantana measures him with his eyes.
ZACK FANTANA: Well, it’s not Aoki.
Zack let his guard down a bit.
ZACK FANTANA: Just a different sex pervert.
Richard’s smile dissipates as Zack continues to get dressed.
ZACK FANTANA: Dare I ask?
Krahe wiggles his eyebrows.
KRAHE: I dunno, dare you? Relaxe Zack, Richard isn't here for sex. I hear you now have your own personal Robin, so I reached into the depths of my heart, and found you an Albert. Well-
Krahe pushes Richard further into the room.
KRAHE: Actually his name is Richard, Dicky for short. He use to be an embezzling, whoring, music pastor. Now he’s looking to turn his life around, and I thought to myself, who better to put a man on the moral road to redemption than Zack Fantana? I mean, I know I joked about you and a cross, but I never thought you’d become a virtual messiah.
Krahe grins, and takes the water jug from Richard's now limp hand.
KRAHE: Look we brought you water to turn into wine.
ZACK FANTANA: Thank you, I’m parched.
Zack collects the water jug from Krahe’s hand and uncaps it before turning his attention to Richard.
ZACK FANTANA: Quite the résumé you’ve got there, Rich. But I suppose you’re right, Krahe.
He takes a swig of water, having forgotten the point of the jug entirely.
ZACK FANTANA: If anyone can redeem him, it’s me. I’ve a history of rehabilitating the debaucherous.
Zack smiles.
ZACK FANTANA: Do you know the story of how Ben Stevens broke his d--
Zack is once again interrupted, this time by the arrival of the very man he was about to speak of. Benny Stevens doesn’t even knock on the door before walking in. The men in the room observe as he slowly opens the door with his back turned to them, clearly oblivious to both Krahe and Richard’s presence. He closes the door and proceeds to drop his gym bag on the floor, goes to one of his knees and begins to search the bag’s contents.
BENNY STEVENS: Sorry for the delay, man… I got the stuff, like you requested. I just have to-
He spends seconds in silence, trying to find what he was looking for. Stevens is not exactly known for keeping his stuff well-organized. Funnily enough, the men in the room abstain from saying anything at all - probably on purpose, judging by the amused look on their faces.
BENNY STEVENS: I swear nobody could’ve predicted the ending of that match, though… I mean, woah, buddy. Am I right?
Benny lets out a laugh, finally finding weird the fact that he was getting absolutely no reaction from The Fantanasy.
BENNY STEVENS: So you ain’t gonna-.
He finally turns his head just to realize that the three men were silently watching him all the time. Benny immediately gets back up to his feet and studies Krahe, then Richard. He points at both, back and forth, and speaks the following to Zack.
BENNY STEVENS: Brad send these dudes too? Man, I’m telling you… You gotta cut that man out. He ain’t-.
Stevens pauses once he pays attention to Krahe’s face. He finally recognizes him.
BENNY STEVENS: Oh… It’s you! You know, I’m surprised the man beside you ain’t tied up and-.
ZACK FANTANA: We’re on the second page of the script now.
Benny just has a shit-eating grin on.
BENNY STEVENS: Fourth wall in shambles, my good bud Zack.
Benny, then, crosses his arms - obviously, he was not expecting their presence especially after a tiresome match.
BENNY STEVENS: So what exactly are we doing here, boys?
Fantana sighs exhaustively.
ZACK FANTANA: Our best.
He circles past Benny’s gym bag, snatching the Icy Hot pain relieving balm from within. He turns to Richard.
ZACK FANTANA: Allow me to introduce to you, the final product of the rehabilitation, gentlemen.
Zack places his hand on Benny’s shoulder, prompting a furrowed brow from the VCO.
ZACK FANTANA: This could be you, Richard.
Even the sex pervert Richard seemed uncertain whether Zack was being acerbic.
ZACK FANTANA: If you just… believe.
Zack then nods at the offering plate casually laying by his bag.
ZACK FANTANA: Donations are welcome, of course.
Richard looks at Benny, Zack, and then the offering plate. Now Richard was by no means a genius, but having embezzled money from a church, for more years than he cared to admit, he was by no means an idiot either.
Krähe sees the look of skepticism, and knew if he didn't do something fast he would miss his chance completely. Quick as a snake he snatches up the discarded jug of water.
KRAHE: Let us not forget the wine! Dicky,I have it on the good word of Brad Stokes that Zack Fantana can in fact turn water into wine, or at least some form of alcohol.
Proud of his quick thinking he shoves the jug towards Zack. There has to be a bottle of some kind of alcohol in this locker room. Benny nudges Zack with his elbow and chuckles.
BENNY STEVENS: Imagine taking what Brad says seriously... I can't relate.
The Daredevil simply shrugs.
BENNY STEVENS: Oh, well, let us witness the so-called miracle of Mr. Fantanasy. After all, my brethren, the gospel of Fanthology shant-.
Once again, he pauses and looks up while rubbing his chin. Clearly, the man hasn't been reading the book of daily devotions written by none other than Brad Stokes.
BENNY STEVENS: Nevermind…
Zack smiles anxiously, having been cornered.
ZACK FANTANA: Of course.
He circles back toward Krahe, collecting the jug from his hands.
ZACK FANTANA: My hour has not yet come.
His eyes darted back and forth as he stalled, and then finally settled on the door.
ZACK FANTANA: You’re late, Aoki.
Benny bristles, turning to the door, and Richard follows suit, taking lead from Benny and perhaps unsure of the imminent threat himself. Krahe merely watches as Fantana reaches inside the mini-fridge behind him, swapping the jug of water out for a bottle of Welch’s grape juice that Brad had set aside for a sacramental ceremony after the show. The Wedding at Cana, it was not, but if he knew anything about Zack Fantana, it would be a near-rhyme. Fantana swiftly rips the label from the bottle. It clings to his thumb momentarily but by the time Benny and Richard have returned to the room, Zack is able to shake it from his hand. A short-winded Benny gestured toward the hallway.
BENNY STEVENS: That wasn’t Aoki.
ZACK FANTANA: Oh? It must have been someone else’s murder grandpa.
Zack casually took a swig from the bottle and then tossed it to Richard before clicking his tongue. Krahe's body tenses with the effort it takes not to laugh at Zack's miracle, but he manages to pull it together for Richard. He offers the hesitant man an encouraging smile, that seems to bolster him enough to take a small sip. Richard’s eyes widen with something that oddly looks like fear. His frightened gaze jerks towards Benny, then Zack, and finally rests on Krahe with desperation. With slow careful movements Richard screws the cap on the container of juice, and clears his throat. He opens his mouth, then closes it again, as though trying to decide what to do. The other men look on expectantly as he numbly passes the container to Benny.
RICHARD: Uh...Z-Zachariah, can I s-speak to you for a moment?
There's a pause in the room, before Krahe shrugs his shoulders, and follows the ex pastor to a corner of the room.
KRAHE: You ok Dicky? I know this might be overwhelming, but isn't it exciting? Zack Fantana is welcoming you into his flock with open arms. We need to celebrate, your new life is about to be-
Richard chooses this moment to interrupt Krahe in a very un-Richard like manner.
RICHARD: Zachariah, we need to get out of this room immediately.
This was the complete opposite of what Krahe was expecting to hear, and the uncharacteristic look of befuddlement on The Catalyst’s face was truly priceless.
KRAHE: What?
Richard nods decisively, like he’s never been more sure of anything in his life.
RICHARD: Zachariah, he didn't turn water into wine. He turned it into juice, grape juice.
Richard gives a fugitive look over his shoulder, and drops his voice into a whisper.
RICHARD: I think that Zack Fantana is actually...the Antichrist.
Krahe continues to blinks at the pale man before him, realizing that he believes his words completely. The situation is so absurd that he can’t even laugh through his shock. This was bad, he could feel his perfect plan slipping through his fingers...Like grape juice.
KRAHE: What? No, Dicky listen-
Richard shakes his head in denial, unwilling to hear any well intentioned arguments.
RICHARD: No Zachariah, I know now what I’m supposed to do, and I’ll not be tempted from my path. You dragged me up from the gutter my life had become, punished me for my sins, and gave me the chance to have a new life. I will devote my life to being of service to you until this debt is repaid.
Now it’s Krahe's turn to wear a look of horror.
KRAHE: Ooooh no. Nononono.
Krahe abruptly grabs a hold of Richard and drags him back to Zack and Benny who were listening to the entire exchange.
KRAHE: Fantana, fix this. Tell him that I'm in no way shape or form a path of moral redemption. Show him your incentive packet.
He looked between the two men expectantly, somewhat desperately. They had to have an incentive package right? Benny lets out a sigh before muttering the following under his breath.
BENNY STEVENS: Great, that's all we fuckin' need after a tough match. A lunatic... And another lunatic.
It's obvious that what he said could be heard by all - considering that they're all standing next to each other. Benny realizes that once everyone just stares at him, Richard still appalled.
Benny clears his throat.
BENNY STEVENS: My good bud Zack, please fix this. I need to chill and-.
He points at Krahe.
BENNY STEVENS: I'm pretty sure this man has a match soon. Wouldn't you rather be talking strategy with Indi?
Zack manages to speak before Krahe could answer that question.
ZACK FANTANA: Let me make sure I heard this right.
Fantana was in the midst of collecting the incentive package from his bag when he suddenly stopped. Something was eating at him. He turns to Richard.
ZACK FANTANA: You’ve acknowledged my power.
Zack nonchalantly closed the refrigerator door behind him with his left foot.
ZACK FANTANA: Seen what I can do for people. Heard their testimonials. And you’ve still chosen Zachariah Krahe as your shepherd in these trying times?
Fantana had nearly choked on that last sentence.
ZACK FANTANA: I mean, he’s come a long way since doing business with Cross Recoba, but…
Zack pauses.
ZACK FANTANA: This isn’t about his jawline, is it?
Richard’s knees quake as he mutters his response.
RICHARD: I think you’re the Antichrist.
To Richard’s surprise, Zack almost seems amused.
ZACK FANTANA: Fanti-Christ, that’s a good one. Benny, write that one down for Brad.
BENNY STEVENS: I believe he called you the Anti-Christ, Zack.
Richard nods to confirm, his words yet escaping him. Zack’s eyes widen.
ZACK FANTANA: I know the grape juice was sugar free, Rich, but let’s not overreact.
Richard’s eyes widen once more.
RICHARD: Sugar free! Oh, now Zack that’s just unnatural. Listen fellows, it’s not that I don’t appreciate the offer, but-
That’s the last thing Zachariah Krahe hears, as he slips out the door. He’s almost sorry that can’t stay to watch it all unravel, but the night isn’t getting any younger, and he has a match to win. One hand reaches to trace the line of his own jaw, as he disappears down the hallway.
"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 Belle Center arena. Pyro begins firing off across the stage, and the Montreal 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 "RIZZO/CALLUM - Nuff' Said", while another says "Krahe/Munin For The Primaries!", and another still says "NSFW Are My Heroes". T-shirts permeate the crowd for superstars such as The Zombie Clan, Brodie, Fantanasy, Katya Djurdjevic, Indi Rhyder, and Moxie James, 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 another exciting episode of Blitz, coming to you LIVE from the Belle Center in Montreal, Canada!
KENNETH OTHELLO: Do you think these folks know who we are by now?
LO: If not, then why don't you do the honors...
KO: Alrighty...I am Kenneth Othello, and this is my partner and brother, Laurence Othello, and together we are...
TOGETHER: THE OTHELLO BROTHERS!
LO: Folks we have a huge show for you tonight that could very well shape the future for our next PPV coming up in November, but first we have to discuss the happenings of yesterday's Flipping The Script.
KO: Damn right, if you missed it, we saw the debut of an impressive Gia Van Zant and the re-debut of fan favorite Leela Watts.
LO: Both were successful in those matches while Kaven Drell went on to absolutely destroy poor Rex Rumble.
KO: Put that fool through a flaming table!
LO: But more explosive than that was our Main Event where Kowloon Zombie took on the returning Lady Munin, and that matched ended in a No Contest when Siberia Zombie came from the back! She and the Lady got into a brawl, and at first it looked like Kowloon Zombie and Zachariah Krahe were trying to break it up, but tempers flared and those two began brawling as well.
KO: Thankfully Security was able to get the two teams apart, but not before taking their own lumps. I'm pretty sure one of those guys got kicked right off the ramp!
LO: Which leads us to our Main Event here tonight...
KO: How so?
LO: Well, Zachariah Krahe has already had a scuffle with Zombie Clan, and everyone knows that he and Munin are partners in crime and how she feels about them...and tonight he'll be involved in a tag match where he takes on Fukushima Zombie and Cross Recoba alongside Indi Rhyder.
KO: Yeah, and everyone in this match has had some sort of beef at some point or another. Indi and Cross. Zach and Cross. Zombie and Cross. It's kind of a mess, and I don't think it's designed to fix anything either.
LO: No, but what it will do is determine a match for next show where the winner will go on to face their partner here tonight to decide the coveted #5 spot in the 7 Pillars Gauntlet Match!
KO: That's right, and we got even more 7 Pillars drama unfolding on this show.
LO: Another possible preview of The Gauntlet will happen just before our Main when Katya Djurdjevic goes one on one with Moxie James.
KO: Number one versus Number Seven spot. A match that might not even occur at the PPV!
LO: And if that isn't enough to wet your pallet, how about Danny Rizzo and Chris Callum being in the same ring to sign a contract for an Apex Championship match on Where There's Stokes, There's Fire?
KO: After last Blitz's Main Event, make mine a double. I can't wait for The Risen to drop that smarmy Eternal on his ass!
LO: Whoa! When did you become a Chris Callum critic?
KO: I don't know..I just don't like it. It was a story of hope. He dropped Aspen Chaud and all of his cohorts to try and redeem his career against Cosmo Cooper, and it just made me lose some respect for him. Where is the guy that would do whatever it takes, by hook or by crook?
LO: Um...Firstly, I don't think that there's any doubt that Chris Callum will do whatever it takes. That's just the kind of man he is. Second, what is so wrong with wanting to prove something to yourself and everyone else and knowing that you have to do it on your own?
KO: Whatever. You wouldn't get it. All I know is that Danny Rizzo did what Cooper couldn't. What Devlin couldn't. He went toe to toe with Callum and didn't get put down like The Eternal said he would. Instead, he took the guy to his limit.
LO: I can't deny that, but at the end of the day, with the Championship on the line the drama couldn't be higher for this match up!
KO: Speaking of drama, how about Fantanasy and the Chimera Tag Team Champs?
LO: Benny and Zack do seem to have the ability to create drama, don't they?
KO: So much so that it got Siberia Zombie dropped on her head by the saintly Bishop Church. That was a pleasant shock on my part.
LO: I don't know how pleasant it was for Siberia. I think NSFW have finally decided to stop allowing people to try and take advantage of their good nature, which is in good part because of Bishop Church. He's the grounded one of the duo.
KO: What are you trying to say? Mike McGuire is a hot head?
LO: Uh...that's self admitted and proclaimed by Mike McGuire.
KO: Ok, you got me there. What do you think will happen when those two teams meat once again tonight? Do you think the titles not being on the line will play any factor?
LO: For NSFW, no...but Fantanasy. I don't know. Fantana & Stevens are not prone to cheat for no reason, but they are also very opportunistic and if there was ever a time to take an early advantage in their upcoming match at the PPV, now is it.
KO: Interesting. That's something we can both agree too.
LO: And before we get to that, we have an opening bout that should get everyone's blood pumping, an Unleashed Championship #1 Contenders Match between Frenzy and The Fury!
KO: This is a Grudge Match as much as it is to determine a #1 Contender. These two guys don't like each other, and this will be the second time they come face to face.
LO: Last time Tommy Crimson took the victory, but that was in part due to Frenzy's strategy of Cat and Mouse.
KO: Agreed, but this time I feel like he's going to be much more straight forward, which means we could see it go the other way.
LO: Well, we could sit here and debate it, or we could just get on with the show..
KO: Excellent Idea, Laurence. Takes us Backstage so we can get to the action!
LAURENCE OTHELLO: Welcome everyone to another exciting episode of Blitz, coming to you LIVE from the Belle Center in Montreal, Canada!
KENNETH OTHELLO: Do you think these folks know who we are by now?
LO: If not, then why don't you do the honors...
KO: Alrighty...I am Kenneth Othello, and this is my partner and brother, Laurence Othello, and together we are...
TOGETHER: THE OTHELLO BROTHERS!
LO: Folks we have a huge show for you tonight that could very well shape the future for our next PPV coming up in November, but first we have to discuss the happenings of yesterday's Flipping The Script.
KO: Damn right, if you missed it, we saw the debut of an impressive Gia Van Zant and the re-debut of fan favorite Leela Watts.
LO: Both were successful in those matches while Kaven Drell went on to absolutely destroy poor Rex Rumble.
KO: Put that fool through a flaming table!
LO: But more explosive than that was our Main Event where Kowloon Zombie took on the returning Lady Munin, and that matched ended in a No Contest when Siberia Zombie came from the back! She and the Lady got into a brawl, and at first it looked like Kowloon Zombie and Zachariah Krahe were trying to break it up, but tempers flared and those two began brawling as well.
KO: Thankfully Security was able to get the two teams apart, but not before taking their own lumps. I'm pretty sure one of those guys got kicked right off the ramp!
LO: Which leads us to our Main Event here tonight...
KO: How so?
LO: Well, Zachariah Krahe has already had a scuffle with Zombie Clan, and everyone knows that he and Munin are partners in crime and how she feels about them...and tonight he'll be involved in a tag match where he takes on Fukushima Zombie and Cross Recoba alongside Indi Rhyder.
KO: Yeah, and everyone in this match has had some sort of beef at some point or another. Indi and Cross. Zach and Cross. Zombie and Cross. It's kind of a mess, and I don't think it's designed to fix anything either.
LO: No, but what it will do is determine a match for next show where the winner will go on to face their partner here tonight to decide the coveted #5 spot in the 7 Pillars Gauntlet Match!
KO: That's right, and we got even more 7 Pillars drama unfolding on this show.
LO: Another possible preview of The Gauntlet will happen just before our Main when Katya Djurdjevic goes one on one with Moxie James.
KO: Number one versus Number Seven spot. A match that might not even occur at the PPV!
LO: And if that isn't enough to wet your pallet, how about Danny Rizzo and Chris Callum being in the same ring to sign a contract for an Apex Championship match on Where There's Stokes, There's Fire?
KO: After last Blitz's Main Event, make mine a double. I can't wait for The Risen to drop that smarmy Eternal on his ass!
LO: Whoa! When did you become a Chris Callum critic?
KO: I don't know..I just don't like it. It was a story of hope. He dropped Aspen Chaud and all of his cohorts to try and redeem his career against Cosmo Cooper, and it just made me lose some respect for him. Where is the guy that would do whatever it takes, by hook or by crook?
LO: Um...Firstly, I don't think that there's any doubt that Chris Callum will do whatever it takes. That's just the kind of man he is. Second, what is so wrong with wanting to prove something to yourself and everyone else and knowing that you have to do it on your own?
KO: Whatever. You wouldn't get it. All I know is that Danny Rizzo did what Cooper couldn't. What Devlin couldn't. He went toe to toe with Callum and didn't get put down like The Eternal said he would. Instead, he took the guy to his limit.
LO: I can't deny that, but at the end of the day, with the Championship on the line the drama couldn't be higher for this match up!
KO: Speaking of drama, how about Fantanasy and the Chimera Tag Team Champs?
LO: Benny and Zack do seem to have the ability to create drama, don't they?
KO: So much so that it got Siberia Zombie dropped on her head by the saintly Bishop Church. That was a pleasant shock on my part.
LO: I don't know how pleasant it was for Siberia. I think NSFW have finally decided to stop allowing people to try and take advantage of their good nature, which is in good part because of Bishop Church. He's the grounded one of the duo.
KO: What are you trying to say? Mike McGuire is a hot head?
LO: Uh...that's self admitted and proclaimed by Mike McGuire.
KO: Ok, you got me there. What do you think will happen when those two teams meat once again tonight? Do you think the titles not being on the line will play any factor?
LO: For NSFW, no...but Fantanasy. I don't know. Fantana & Stevens are not prone to cheat for no reason, but they are also very opportunistic and if there was ever a time to take an early advantage in their upcoming match at the PPV, now is it.
KO: Interesting. That's something we can both agree too.
LO: And before we get to that, we have an opening bout that should get everyone's blood pumping, an Unleashed Championship #1 Contenders Match between Frenzy and The Fury!
KO: This is a Grudge Match as much as it is to determine a #1 Contender. These two guys don't like each other, and this will be the second time they come face to face.
LO: Last time Tommy Crimson took the victory, but that was in part due to Frenzy's strategy of Cat and Mouse.
KO: Agreed, but this time I feel like he's going to be much more straight forward, which means we could see it go the other way.
LO: Well, we could sit here and debate it, or we could just get on with the show..
KO: Excellent Idea, Laurence. Takes us Backstage so we can get to the action!
Deep in the guts of the Belll Center, one of the bright lights of Valor Pro Wrestling is completing her pre-match routine. Nimble and fleet-footed, she draws a wave of cheers and whistling from the audience.
Winding her left arm, Valor’s Most Beloved Daughter Katya Djurdjevic is ready for a hard contest.
She grimaces at the irregular stabs of pain shooting through her shoulder, but appears satisfied enough.
She was grateful she was competing at all.
Speculation was rife amongst fans surrounding Katya's fitness. But the Straight Line Demon has been quietly recovering from Brodie’s brutal assault at Blitz 22.
And the Canadian crowd is electric at seeing the girl they’ve watched grow this past year is in solid condition.
She bounces on the spot, rolling out her shoulders. The Russian star eyes the approaching camera. Her features soften and she smiles a smile that makes one’s soul shine.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: Hellooooooo, my friendly friends. Goodness gracious. What a road you've been on. A long road full of drama and twists. And now the cycle restarts. We're on the road back to where it all began. We're almost back at Valor's first ever supershow - 7 Pillars.
The crowd roars and it brings a twinkle to Katya's eye.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: And it was there that jewel in Valor's crown was revealed. The UnYielding championship main evented the first ever Valor supershow. It main evented over the Apex championship. And it main evented several shows since then.. and all who have possessed it since have been major players in Valor's tale. The UnYielding Crown is only for those beyond ordinary. Those who challenge the sun. A place for a peerless warrior to emerge and become a symbol of excellence. Because it's the one title that can see its champion have TENS of defences. Some didn't see that, but I do. It's time we restore the UnYielding championship back to its former glory. To SURPASS its former glories. And we start right here in my second home of Montreal, Canada.
The name drop earns a cheap pop for the former Empire interviewer.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: Y'know I quite like how the board is set right now. For much of my time in Valor, I’ve been a leaf riding the wind. Going wherever it takes me. And we’ve seen the results of that.
She flexes her left arm.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: Bad things happen when you're not in control of your destiny. Now, I'm not gonna go on some Vendetta against Brodie. I've beaten her before and I can beat her again. I'd like to think she'll be at her best again sooner rather than later. We'll dance then. In the meantime though, I'm duking it out with the #1 contender for the UnYielding title. A vacant title. One I can claim by defending my spot in the 7 Pillars gauntlet.
Katya half smiles.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: You might say that I'm treating every match here on out like I am already Katya the UnYielding. Because thats the mindset I'll require to crush 6 opponents consecutively. So believe the hype. Moxie James and I will clash again at 7 Pillars. And I'll mame sure I get the W both times. Just watch.
With a smile, Katya heads out.
Winding her left arm, Valor’s Most Beloved Daughter Katya Djurdjevic is ready for a hard contest.
She grimaces at the irregular stabs of pain shooting through her shoulder, but appears satisfied enough.
She was grateful she was competing at all.
Speculation was rife amongst fans surrounding Katya's fitness. But the Straight Line Demon has been quietly recovering from Brodie’s brutal assault at Blitz 22.
And the Canadian crowd is electric at seeing the girl they’ve watched grow this past year is in solid condition.
She bounces on the spot, rolling out her shoulders. The Russian star eyes the approaching camera. Her features soften and she smiles a smile that makes one’s soul shine.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: Hellooooooo, my friendly friends. Goodness gracious. What a road you've been on. A long road full of drama and twists. And now the cycle restarts. We're on the road back to where it all began. We're almost back at Valor's first ever supershow - 7 Pillars.
The crowd roars and it brings a twinkle to Katya's eye.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: And it was there that jewel in Valor's crown was revealed. The UnYielding championship main evented the first ever Valor supershow. It main evented over the Apex championship. And it main evented several shows since then.. and all who have possessed it since have been major players in Valor's tale. The UnYielding Crown is only for those beyond ordinary. Those who challenge the sun. A place for a peerless warrior to emerge and become a symbol of excellence. Because it's the one title that can see its champion have TENS of defences. Some didn't see that, but I do. It's time we restore the UnYielding championship back to its former glory. To SURPASS its former glories. And we start right here in my second home of Montreal, Canada.
The name drop earns a cheap pop for the former Empire interviewer.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: Y'know I quite like how the board is set right now. For much of my time in Valor, I’ve been a leaf riding the wind. Going wherever it takes me. And we’ve seen the results of that.
She flexes her left arm.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: Bad things happen when you're not in control of your destiny. Now, I'm not gonna go on some Vendetta against Brodie. I've beaten her before and I can beat her again. I'd like to think she'll be at her best again sooner rather than later. We'll dance then. In the meantime though, I'm duking it out with the #1 contender for the UnYielding title. A vacant title. One I can claim by defending my spot in the 7 Pillars gauntlet.
Katya half smiles.
KATYA DJURDJEVIC: You might say that I'm treating every match here on out like I am already Katya the UnYielding. Because thats the mindset I'll require to crush 6 opponents consecutively. So believe the hype. Moxie James and I will clash again at 7 Pillars. And I'll mame sure I get the W both times. Just watch.
With a smile, Katya heads out.
The cameraman goes down a lonely hallway. Childlike giggling is heard coming from a room at the far end of this passageway and the cameraman proceeds slowly as if showing caution. The caution becomes extreme when the lights start to flicker. Unintelligible Japanese makes it through some of the giggling. The cameraman seems to find this voice familiar as he speeds up and turns into the room.
When he does all he is able to capture is a white foot going into a television screen and Fukushima Zombie sitting in front of the screen. She waves goodbye to the screen as the images on it goes to static. She turns to the cameraman and ignores him like a good heavily recorded subject. She gets up and walks out of the room and down the hallway. Before she turns the corner she gives the cameraman a glance beckoning him to follow her. The lights flicker more as she does. He follows and she leads him down a few more dark passages until the clanging of rings is heard followed by the stomping of a staff on the ground. She ducks into a room and when the cameraman turns in he finds it is a utility closet.
Fukushima faces him and the visage of Tokyo Zombie flickers on and off with the lights. Everything shakes in the room and all the electrical equipment and wires fall from the shelves. Fukushima giggles and whispers loudly.
FUKUSHIMA ZOMBIE: He’s here.
When he does all he is able to capture is a white foot going into a television screen and Fukushima Zombie sitting in front of the screen. She waves goodbye to the screen as the images on it goes to static. She turns to the cameraman and ignores him like a good heavily recorded subject. She gets up and walks out of the room and down the hallway. Before she turns the corner she gives the cameraman a glance beckoning him to follow her. The lights flicker more as she does. He follows and she leads him down a few more dark passages until the clanging of rings is heard followed by the stomping of a staff on the ground. She ducks into a room and when the cameraman turns in he finds it is a utility closet.
Fukushima faces him and the visage of Tokyo Zombie flickers on and off with the lights. Everything shakes in the room and all the electrical equipment and wires fall from the shelves. Fukushima giggles and whispers loudly.
FUKUSHIMA ZOMBIE: He’s here.
OPENING BOUT
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is set for on fall or submission, and will determine the #1 CONTENDER TO THE UNLEASHED CHAMPIONSHIP...
The arena is cast into darkness as the piano intro for Lux Aeterna by Megaraptor hit's over the PA System. The big screen above the stage begins to crackle before becoming a sheet of static and symbols appear with the an upside down cross and the message 'Believe In Yourself'.
The arena is cast into darkness as the piano intro for Lux Aeterna by Megaraptor hit's over the PA System. The big screen above the stage begins to crackle before becoming a sheet of static and symbols appear with the an upside down cross and the message 'Believe In Yourself'.
This flashing light is all that illuminates the stage and as the fans eyes adjust they see Tommy Crimson standing in it's center shrouded by an eerie mist. He's wearing a long red trenchcoat to match his stringy red hair over black leather pants and a sleeveless skin tight mesh shirt with the upside down cross embroidered dead center of his chest. The fans begin to boo the theatrical entrance but The Fury doesn't seem to care as he strides through the mist and makes his way down the ramp.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at six foot two and weighting in at 186 pounds, hailing from Detroit, Michigan...He is THE FURY, TOMMY CRIMMSSSOONNN!!
Tommy reaches the bottom of the ramp and turns to his left to take the ring steps to the apron, swinging into the ring, and then leaping up to the second turnbuckle of the closest turnbuckle. The flashing lights from the big screen make each of Tommy's motions look like a spectral image. He thrusts his arms out at his sides and when the screen goes dark and the lights come back to full he's staring heavenward while his arms remain at his sides to form a human cross.
LO: Well..uh...that was something.
KO: Theatrical! I like it!
LO: I'm just wondering how his contract was affected by the elaberate ring entrance request.
KO: Who cares, Laur. What's the point of having a bunch of money when you can come out to the ring in style.
LO: I suppose, but the man coming next also has a unique style, so we'll just have to see how they clash.
The lights only dim this time as the hard intro to Redemption by Shadows Fall blares through the arena. The lights on the stage flash white like a strobe and Frenzy bursts through the curtain wearing his trademark mask and hissing out at the crowd. He pauses at the top of the stage to let his oddly colored eyes to stare down at Tommy Crimson before roaring and rushing down the ramp.
RING ANNOUNCER: And introducing his opponent, standing at six foot and weighting in at 213 pounds, hailing from Electric City, Washington...He is FRENZZZYYY!!
Frenzy belly slides into the ring and remains on his stomach as he slithers to the center of the ring to stare at Tommy Crimson, his tongue flickering as if tasting the air. Suddenly he leaps to his feet and rushes the far corner where he leaps to land on the second turnbuckle and throws both arms out at his sides as he leans forwards to suspend himself over the crowd. The fans boo him but it only seems to fuel him as he leaps from the turnbuckle to spin in the air and land directly in front of it to face his opponent.
LO: Frenzy and Crimson have went toe to toe on one other occasions on Flipping The Script Episode#4 and we saw Crimson come out on top in that scenario in a very competitive match.
KO: Yeah, it really felt like it could have went either way, but that night Crimson had the right stuff. We'll have to see if he can make magic strike twice.
LO: And this is for a pretty lucrative opportunity for one of the two men as the winner will be declared the #1 Contender to the Unleashed Championship.
KO: Yeah, and considering both of these guys enjoy the macabre that should be a title they would covet.
LO: That being said, I'm interested to see if either of them can contain themselves to the confines of a normal match in order to even make it that far.
KO: Well, we're about to find out cause there's the bell!
The bell echoes throughout leading both wrestlers to run straight at one another! Crimson attempts a running clothesline but Frenzy ducks it completely! Tommy stumbles into the ropes but quickly regains his balance to turn into a stiff kick from Frenzy! Then another! Frenzy then catches Tommy on the chin with a spinning knee! The shot floors The Fury leading Frenzy to hook a leg!
1…
KO: Kick out by The Fury at one!
LO: Frenzy has hit the ground running in this one. Tommy is a seasoned veteran but Frenzy doesn’t seem to care.
Frenzy leaps to his feet then bends over to cradle up Crimson, who patiently waits until Frenzy blocks the ref’s view to deliver an eye poke through the right eye hole of the mask! Frenzy stumbles backwards attempting to regain his sight only to have Tommy take hold of his mask and twist it completely, leaving Frenzy essentially blind. The Fury then delivers a back hand chop across the throat of his opponent!
LO: OUCH! Crimson has made a career of catching referee’s out of position so he can cheat.
KO: That’s a harsh assessment.
Tommy quicking delivers another chop before Frenzy can get his mask readjusted! He regains his sight just as Crimson approaches. Frenzy quickly kicks Tommy in the gut then nearly DDT’s The Fury out of his wrestling boots! He then looks for a pin but Crimson quickly rolls out of the ring.
KO: Veteran move by The Fury. He just needs a moment.
LO: Give me a break, that was desperation to escape.
Crimson attempts to gather himself on the outside while Frenzy hits the ropes on the opposite side of the ring, facing out at Tommy. Frenzy takes off full speed across the ring to dive through the ropes to nail Crimson with a picture perfect suicide dive. Tommy gets pushed toward the entrance ramp while Frenzy lands on both feet.
LO: Did you see that!? Frenzy nearly shoved Crimson back up the ramp!
The Fury quickly gets to his hands and knees while Frenzy approaches slowly from behind. He notices Crimson is lined up with the corner of the ramp. Frenzy takes off running at the still crouching Tommy Crimson for a wicked shining wizard to the back of the head! The violent kick sends The Fury’s head forward to catch flush on the corner of the ramp. Tommy hits on the top of his head then goes limp.
KO: Crimson may be knocked out cold. Frenzy just tried to kill him and should be disqualified.
LO: That was not illegal. There is no way to prove Frenzy knew that would be the eventual outcome. The referee is counting inside the ring.
KO: Yeah, and he’s now at a count of five.
Frenzy admires the carnage before turning. The camera pans to show Frenzy headed for the ring when a figure pops up over his right shoulder. Crimson’s face is now covered in blood from a gash on the top of his head. The referee counts reaches at when Tommy catches Frenzy from behind to roll him into the ring! Crimson follows close but still wobbles a bit from the hard lick.
KO: Crimson has popped his bleeding cherry on Blitz here tonight.
LO: WHAT!?
KO: He’s bleeding profusely from his fucking head, Laurence. He’s bleeding all over the place while none of us know where he’s been.
LO: Touche.
Crimson rises to his feet after both men break the count. Tommy wipes the blood from his eyes to show the dark circles. The Fury looks ominous with his face covered in his own blood. The referee checks on him but Crimson assures he can continue. Frenzy comes flying in to deliver a stiff kick! The another! Frenzy then begins to hammer Tommy in the top of his head to keep the wound from shutting.
KO: These two men hate each other.
LO: Frenzy came here tonight to prove himself. He wants a shot at that Unleashed championship.
KO: You think Crimson doesn’t?
LO: Who knows what that freak wants.
Crimson suddenly knees Frenzy in the gut! Then uses an array of forearm shots to send his opponent back into the ropes, where Frenzy gets tangled up. Frenzy is still in a bit of a daze from the prior forearm blasts. He ends up sitting on the middle rope looking out into the crowd trying to get untangled. Tommy rushes at him from behind to hit the mat low as he comes in for a sliding snap german suplex! The Fury ends up on both feet on the outside of the ring after the beautiful maneuver. Crimson continues to bleed from the top of his head as he leaps up on the apron from the outside floor. Frenzy stumbles to his feet while Tommy scales the turnbuckle from the apron. Crimson ends up facing out into the ring before diving off the catch Frenzy with a blockbuster! Tommy quickly hooks a leg!
…1
…2
LO: Kick out by Frenzy!
KO: Crimson appears frustrated by that one.
Tommy sits up after the kick out to wipe the blood back away from his eyes. This mats down his red mop. The Fury is slow to get back to his feet leading Frenzy to strike! He leaps up to both feet to catch Crimson flush on the jaw with a spinning heel kick! The shot sends Crimson flat on his back. Frenzy says something inaudible to Tommy before heading for the closest corner.
KO: Did he say he was going to end this?
LO: That’s what I thought I heard. This capacity crowd hates both of these men and this negative response attests to that. It’s loud.
Frenzy gets to the corner in a hurry. He quickly climbs up on the middle turnbuckle to boost himself up top. Crimson comes alive on the mat suddenly! He quickly stumbles to both feet before turning to face Frenzy, who leaps off to capture Tommy up in a crowd pleasing tornado DDT! The maneuver spikes Crimson’s head on the mat. Frenzy then hooks a leg!
...1
...2
..
KO: Kick out at two and three thirds! Wow! I thought Frenzy was going on to face the Unleashed Champion right there!
LO: That was close. Frenzy is arguing the count with the referee.
KO: Look at this replay. Crimson clearly gets a shoulder up before a count of three.
The replay shows the undeniable evidence but so close. Crimson gets to his feet looking like he’s been to war. Frenzy continues to argue his case while Tommy approaches slowly. Crimson shoves Frenzy from behind into the ropes! Frenzy bounces off to slingshot back at Crimson, who aims for a knee to the gut but misses! Frenzy hits the ropes on the opposite side of the ring to come directly back at Tommy, who catches him for a standing moonsault fall away slam!
LO: What a maneuver!
KO: Both men remain down! This match could end in a double count out.
LO: Then what?
Frenzy gets to his feet first with Crimson weakened a bit more from his blood loss. Frenzy is no better for wear as he makes his way to the closest corner once more. He climbs the turnbuckles slow aiming to put Tommy away in this one. Frenzy gets to the top turnbuckle and turns to face out only to find Crimson in his face, standing on the middle turnbuckle! Before Frenzy can react, Crimson leaps up to catch him with a frankensteiner off the top! Crimson then quickly goes for a pin after impact.
...1
...2
KO: Frenzy stays alive with a kick out! These two men refuse to give an inch either way. This is only the first match of the night folks!
LO: Crimson appears frustrated once more. Frustration continues to play a vital role in this match up. A theme, if you will.
Crimson hits the mat with a ball fist in a display of frustration. Frenzy rolls out of the ring to catch a breather with this slight opening. Tommy leaps back up to his feet with blood still trickling down his face. The menacing expression that crosses his face is telling. Tommy takes off running toward Frenzy on the outside. Frenzy appears to be in a daze as Crimson front flips over the top rope right at Frenzy, who moves! Miss! Frenzy bends down to mock Tommy while he writhes in pain on the outside floor.
LO: Wow, The Fury misses and pays the price for it. Frenzy needs to act right now while Crimson is down.
KO: This has become personal. Fast.
Frenzy begins stomping down on Crimson with vicious stomp after stomp. The referee begins his count inside the ring while Frenzy continues to stomp down on Tommy, who rolls to avoid with no success.
KO: Those stomps are violent. I can almost feel my own ribs cracking from simply watching.
LO: The referee continues to count. His count reaches five!
Crimson reaches up to catch Frenzy’s foot as he attempts another stomp! Tommy then twist his ankle to bring Frenzy onto the floor alongside him. The two men then begin fighting from their knees. Matching lick for lick in a battle of supremacy on the outside floor. The referee counts seven and Frenzy punches Tommy in the crotch with all he’s got! Being down on their knees, the referee’s view is obscured completely by the apron.
LO: OUCH! Frenzy is just as nasty as Crimson. They both are willing to cheat to win. That’s very evident in this one.
KO: That had to hurt. Crimson just fell over.
The referee counts eight leading Frenzy to cradle up Crimson before rolling him back into the ring. Frenzy rolls in right behind him. He rises to both feet to hover above Tommy Crimson. The Fury struggles on the mat when Frenzy bends down to take hold of each of Crimson’s arms. He then begins to stomp down on Tommy’s face with real malice!
KO: The Flattening! Frenzy wants to put Crimson away. The tables have turned since that accidental low blow.
LO: Accidental? Are you kidding me?
KO: No.
Frenzy releases his hold on the lifeless Tommy before dropping alongside him. He pins Crimson looking to win this one.
...1
...2
KO: Kick out by The Fury! Can you believe it!?
LO: I cannot.
Frenzy rolls over onto his belly in complete disbelief. He believed he had Crimson dead to rights. Frenzy goes to push himself up only to get caught from behind by The Fury! Tommy locks in the crossface in the center of the ring. Frenzy’s eyes widen as he realizes the serious predicament he has found himself in. The bright lights above glisten off Crimson’s blood covered face.
LO: Tommy Crimson has the crossface locked in and Frenzy has nowhere to go! Will he tap!?
KO: I don’t even know how Crimson can see at this point. Frenzy was slow to get back to his feet and pays the price for letting off the gas for a moment.
LO: What is Crimson screaming at him?
KO: It sounds like he’s telling Frenzy to just fucking give up but this crowd is amped up and loud.
Crimson continues to apply more and more pressure while Frenzy quickly digs into the mat with both free hands. Tommy just leans back further wanting to break Frenzy’s head free from his shoulders. Frenzy continues to crawl forward to pull both men closer and closer toward the safety of the bottom rope.
LO: Tommy wants this win. Both men do because of the punishment they have taken. Will there be anything left for Zombie to face?
KO: That’s a great question because Crimson has bled all over the place. He’s a few quarts low for sure.
Frenzy pulls himself and Tommy closer to the bottom rope before lunging for it!
KO: Got it! Frenzy gets a rope break without a second to spare.
Frenzy gets up but obviously favoring his neck now. Crimson held the submission for awhile and the effects continue to linger. Tommy gets to his feet to find a charging Frenzy coming directly at him! Frenzy nails Crimson in the face with a step up enziguri that pops throughout. Crimson hits the mat hard flat on his back. Frenzy rushes over to the ropes rather than go for the pin.
LO: Frenzy decides against the pin to instead go for it all.
KO: Crimson may be knocked out. Did you see the impact of that enziguri?
Frenzy gets out on the apron to face back in at the ring. He clutches the top rope in both hands tightly, thinking springboard of unknown variation. Crimson finally stirs on the mat slightly. Frenzy continues to wait like a predator circling injured prey.
KO: Frenzy is showing the patience of a veteran tonight.
LO: He has impressed me thus far against a man who has previously defeated him. That match was not for a shot at the Unleashed Championship however.
The Fury stumbles slowly back to his feet in a thick daze. Frenzy continues to wait on the apron for Crimson to slowly turn towards him. When Tommy does this, Frenzy leaps up on the top rope to springboard off at Crimson looking for a superman punch! Tommy leaps up out of nowhere to counter with a codebreaker! The crowd lets out a collective gasp at the suddenness of the counter!
LO: Both men are down but did you see that counter!? Crimson looked dead in the water but put knees to Frenzy’s face to halt his momentum completely!
KO: Crimson and Frenzy are both still down. The referee comes in to begin his count.
CROWD: This-is-Awesome! This-Is-Awesome!
KO: That it is.
LO: Ref's up to a count of six and neither man has moved...Wait...Tommy is starting to stir.
At eight Crimson manages to roll towards the ropes for assistance and just before ten pulls himself to his feet. He's beleaguered thanks to the physicality of the contest, but when he looks up to see Frenzy pushing up to his feet his demeanor changes to one of determination. Just as he moves off the ropes to go on the attack, however, Frenzy surprises him by rushing right at him. The Fury deftly sidesteps out of the way as Frenzy flies past, leaps up to the second rope for a springboard and swings his left leg around looking for his patented disaster kick.
LO: MADNESS RESTS...NO! CRIMSON DUCKED UNDER IT!
KO: Frenzy lands but is off balance, and HERE COMES CRIMSON IN FROM BEHIND, SPINS HIM AROUND, AND SIT OUT FACEBUSTER!
LO: Tommy scrambling back up to his feet and starting to climb the nearest corner....Frenzy is laid out like a prize in the center of the ring....GODBOOKED SENTON DOWN ONTO FRENZY!
KO: THERE'S THE COVER!
1...
2...
3!!!
LO: There you have it, folks! Tommy Crimson has a date with Aokigahara Zombie in the near future for the Unleashed Championship!
KO: And I guess that seals it who the better man is...Tommy Crimson put the nail in Frenzy's coffin here tonight.
LO: No doubt, but one has to wonder....how will Tommy handle potentially going up against one of the most terrifying names in the business, especially when it comes to deathmatch wrestling?
KO: This dude? I figure he'll hold up just fine considering what we've seen here tonight.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of the match via pinfall....TOMMY CRIMSON!
Crimson falls against the ropes while allowing the referee to lift his arm, his eyes still trained on Frenzy who begins to roll towards the ropes to exit the ring. The Enigma is clutching at his ribs as he passes under the bottom rope and he takes a few steps before falling to his knees in pain. Tommy watches all of this with a sneer and then steps to the edge of the ring to make a few clipped comments down at the superstar before turning and stepping up to the second turnbuckle to take on a chorus of boo's from the fans. Crimson just laughs maniacally as he drops down from the turnbuckle and swings through the ropes to land on the outside closest to the stage. The camera zooms in on him as he backs up the ramp, playing up to the negativity from the crowd, just before cutting backstage.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at six foot two and weighting in at 186 pounds, hailing from Detroit, Michigan...He is THE FURY, TOMMY CRIMMSSSOONNN!!
Tommy reaches the bottom of the ramp and turns to his left to take the ring steps to the apron, swinging into the ring, and then leaping up to the second turnbuckle of the closest turnbuckle. The flashing lights from the big screen make each of Tommy's motions look like a spectral image. He thrusts his arms out at his sides and when the screen goes dark and the lights come back to full he's staring heavenward while his arms remain at his sides to form a human cross.
LO: Well..uh...that was something.
KO: Theatrical! I like it!
LO: I'm just wondering how his contract was affected by the elaberate ring entrance request.
KO: Who cares, Laur. What's the point of having a bunch of money when you can come out to the ring in style.
LO: I suppose, but the man coming next also has a unique style, so we'll just have to see how they clash.
The lights only dim this time as the hard intro to Redemption by Shadows Fall blares through the arena. The lights on the stage flash white like a strobe and Frenzy bursts through the curtain wearing his trademark mask and hissing out at the crowd. He pauses at the top of the stage to let his oddly colored eyes to stare down at Tommy Crimson before roaring and rushing down the ramp.
RING ANNOUNCER: And introducing his opponent, standing at six foot and weighting in at 213 pounds, hailing from Electric City, Washington...He is FRENZZZYYY!!
Frenzy belly slides into the ring and remains on his stomach as he slithers to the center of the ring to stare at Tommy Crimson, his tongue flickering as if tasting the air. Suddenly he leaps to his feet and rushes the far corner where he leaps to land on the second turnbuckle and throws both arms out at his sides as he leans forwards to suspend himself over the crowd. The fans boo him but it only seems to fuel him as he leaps from the turnbuckle to spin in the air and land directly in front of it to face his opponent.
LO: Frenzy and Crimson have went toe to toe on one other occasions on Flipping The Script Episode#4 and we saw Crimson come out on top in that scenario in a very competitive match.
KO: Yeah, it really felt like it could have went either way, but that night Crimson had the right stuff. We'll have to see if he can make magic strike twice.
LO: And this is for a pretty lucrative opportunity for one of the two men as the winner will be declared the #1 Contender to the Unleashed Championship.
KO: Yeah, and considering both of these guys enjoy the macabre that should be a title they would covet.
LO: That being said, I'm interested to see if either of them can contain themselves to the confines of a normal match in order to even make it that far.
KO: Well, we're about to find out cause there's the bell!
The bell echoes throughout leading both wrestlers to run straight at one another! Crimson attempts a running clothesline but Frenzy ducks it completely! Tommy stumbles into the ropes but quickly regains his balance to turn into a stiff kick from Frenzy! Then another! Frenzy then catches Tommy on the chin with a spinning knee! The shot floors The Fury leading Frenzy to hook a leg!
1…
KO: Kick out by The Fury at one!
LO: Frenzy has hit the ground running in this one. Tommy is a seasoned veteran but Frenzy doesn’t seem to care.
Frenzy leaps to his feet then bends over to cradle up Crimson, who patiently waits until Frenzy blocks the ref’s view to deliver an eye poke through the right eye hole of the mask! Frenzy stumbles backwards attempting to regain his sight only to have Tommy take hold of his mask and twist it completely, leaving Frenzy essentially blind. The Fury then delivers a back hand chop across the throat of his opponent!
LO: OUCH! Crimson has made a career of catching referee’s out of position so he can cheat.
KO: That’s a harsh assessment.
Tommy quicking delivers another chop before Frenzy can get his mask readjusted! He regains his sight just as Crimson approaches. Frenzy quickly kicks Tommy in the gut then nearly DDT’s The Fury out of his wrestling boots! He then looks for a pin but Crimson quickly rolls out of the ring.
KO: Veteran move by The Fury. He just needs a moment.
LO: Give me a break, that was desperation to escape.
Crimson attempts to gather himself on the outside while Frenzy hits the ropes on the opposite side of the ring, facing out at Tommy. Frenzy takes off full speed across the ring to dive through the ropes to nail Crimson with a picture perfect suicide dive. Tommy gets pushed toward the entrance ramp while Frenzy lands on both feet.
LO: Did you see that!? Frenzy nearly shoved Crimson back up the ramp!
The Fury quickly gets to his hands and knees while Frenzy approaches slowly from behind. He notices Crimson is lined up with the corner of the ramp. Frenzy takes off running at the still crouching Tommy Crimson for a wicked shining wizard to the back of the head! The violent kick sends The Fury’s head forward to catch flush on the corner of the ramp. Tommy hits on the top of his head then goes limp.
KO: Crimson may be knocked out cold. Frenzy just tried to kill him and should be disqualified.
LO: That was not illegal. There is no way to prove Frenzy knew that would be the eventual outcome. The referee is counting inside the ring.
KO: Yeah, and he’s now at a count of five.
Frenzy admires the carnage before turning. The camera pans to show Frenzy headed for the ring when a figure pops up over his right shoulder. Crimson’s face is now covered in blood from a gash on the top of his head. The referee counts reaches at when Tommy catches Frenzy from behind to roll him into the ring! Crimson follows close but still wobbles a bit from the hard lick.
KO: Crimson has popped his bleeding cherry on Blitz here tonight.
LO: WHAT!?
KO: He’s bleeding profusely from his fucking head, Laurence. He’s bleeding all over the place while none of us know where he’s been.
LO: Touche.
Crimson rises to his feet after both men break the count. Tommy wipes the blood from his eyes to show the dark circles. The Fury looks ominous with his face covered in his own blood. The referee checks on him but Crimson assures he can continue. Frenzy comes flying in to deliver a stiff kick! The another! Frenzy then begins to hammer Tommy in the top of his head to keep the wound from shutting.
KO: These two men hate each other.
LO: Frenzy came here tonight to prove himself. He wants a shot at that Unleashed championship.
KO: You think Crimson doesn’t?
LO: Who knows what that freak wants.
Crimson suddenly knees Frenzy in the gut! Then uses an array of forearm shots to send his opponent back into the ropes, where Frenzy gets tangled up. Frenzy is still in a bit of a daze from the prior forearm blasts. He ends up sitting on the middle rope looking out into the crowd trying to get untangled. Tommy rushes at him from behind to hit the mat low as he comes in for a sliding snap german suplex! The Fury ends up on both feet on the outside of the ring after the beautiful maneuver. Crimson continues to bleed from the top of his head as he leaps up on the apron from the outside floor. Frenzy stumbles to his feet while Tommy scales the turnbuckle from the apron. Crimson ends up facing out into the ring before diving off the catch Frenzy with a blockbuster! Tommy quickly hooks a leg!
…1
…2
LO: Kick out by Frenzy!
KO: Crimson appears frustrated by that one.
Tommy sits up after the kick out to wipe the blood back away from his eyes. This mats down his red mop. The Fury is slow to get back to his feet leading Frenzy to strike! He leaps up to both feet to catch Crimson flush on the jaw with a spinning heel kick! The shot sends Crimson flat on his back. Frenzy says something inaudible to Tommy before heading for the closest corner.
KO: Did he say he was going to end this?
LO: That’s what I thought I heard. This capacity crowd hates both of these men and this negative response attests to that. It’s loud.
Frenzy gets to the corner in a hurry. He quickly climbs up on the middle turnbuckle to boost himself up top. Crimson comes alive on the mat suddenly! He quickly stumbles to both feet before turning to face Frenzy, who leaps off to capture Tommy up in a crowd pleasing tornado DDT! The maneuver spikes Crimson’s head on the mat. Frenzy then hooks a leg!
...1
...2
..
KO: Kick out at two and three thirds! Wow! I thought Frenzy was going on to face the Unleashed Champion right there!
LO: That was close. Frenzy is arguing the count with the referee.
KO: Look at this replay. Crimson clearly gets a shoulder up before a count of three.
The replay shows the undeniable evidence but so close. Crimson gets to his feet looking like he’s been to war. Frenzy continues to argue his case while Tommy approaches slowly. Crimson shoves Frenzy from behind into the ropes! Frenzy bounces off to slingshot back at Crimson, who aims for a knee to the gut but misses! Frenzy hits the ropes on the opposite side of the ring to come directly back at Tommy, who catches him for a standing moonsault fall away slam!
LO: What a maneuver!
KO: Both men remain down! This match could end in a double count out.
LO: Then what?
Frenzy gets to his feet first with Crimson weakened a bit more from his blood loss. Frenzy is no better for wear as he makes his way to the closest corner once more. He climbs the turnbuckles slow aiming to put Tommy away in this one. Frenzy gets to the top turnbuckle and turns to face out only to find Crimson in his face, standing on the middle turnbuckle! Before Frenzy can react, Crimson leaps up to catch him with a frankensteiner off the top! Crimson then quickly goes for a pin after impact.
...1
...2
KO: Frenzy stays alive with a kick out! These two men refuse to give an inch either way. This is only the first match of the night folks!
LO: Crimson appears frustrated once more. Frustration continues to play a vital role in this match up. A theme, if you will.
Crimson hits the mat with a ball fist in a display of frustration. Frenzy rolls out of the ring to catch a breather with this slight opening. Tommy leaps back up to his feet with blood still trickling down his face. The menacing expression that crosses his face is telling. Tommy takes off running toward Frenzy on the outside. Frenzy appears to be in a daze as Crimson front flips over the top rope right at Frenzy, who moves! Miss! Frenzy bends down to mock Tommy while he writhes in pain on the outside floor.
LO: Wow, The Fury misses and pays the price for it. Frenzy needs to act right now while Crimson is down.
KO: This has become personal. Fast.
Frenzy begins stomping down on Crimson with vicious stomp after stomp. The referee begins his count inside the ring while Frenzy continues to stomp down on Tommy, who rolls to avoid with no success.
KO: Those stomps are violent. I can almost feel my own ribs cracking from simply watching.
LO: The referee continues to count. His count reaches five!
Crimson reaches up to catch Frenzy’s foot as he attempts another stomp! Tommy then twist his ankle to bring Frenzy onto the floor alongside him. The two men then begin fighting from their knees. Matching lick for lick in a battle of supremacy on the outside floor. The referee counts seven and Frenzy punches Tommy in the crotch with all he’s got! Being down on their knees, the referee’s view is obscured completely by the apron.
LO: OUCH! Frenzy is just as nasty as Crimson. They both are willing to cheat to win. That’s very evident in this one.
KO: That had to hurt. Crimson just fell over.
The referee counts eight leading Frenzy to cradle up Crimson before rolling him back into the ring. Frenzy rolls in right behind him. He rises to both feet to hover above Tommy Crimson. The Fury struggles on the mat when Frenzy bends down to take hold of each of Crimson’s arms. He then begins to stomp down on Tommy’s face with real malice!
KO: The Flattening! Frenzy wants to put Crimson away. The tables have turned since that accidental low blow.
LO: Accidental? Are you kidding me?
KO: No.
Frenzy releases his hold on the lifeless Tommy before dropping alongside him. He pins Crimson looking to win this one.
...1
...2
KO: Kick out by The Fury! Can you believe it!?
LO: I cannot.
Frenzy rolls over onto his belly in complete disbelief. He believed he had Crimson dead to rights. Frenzy goes to push himself up only to get caught from behind by The Fury! Tommy locks in the crossface in the center of the ring. Frenzy’s eyes widen as he realizes the serious predicament he has found himself in. The bright lights above glisten off Crimson’s blood covered face.
LO: Tommy Crimson has the crossface locked in and Frenzy has nowhere to go! Will he tap!?
KO: I don’t even know how Crimson can see at this point. Frenzy was slow to get back to his feet and pays the price for letting off the gas for a moment.
LO: What is Crimson screaming at him?
KO: It sounds like he’s telling Frenzy to just fucking give up but this crowd is amped up and loud.
Crimson continues to apply more and more pressure while Frenzy quickly digs into the mat with both free hands. Tommy just leans back further wanting to break Frenzy’s head free from his shoulders. Frenzy continues to crawl forward to pull both men closer and closer toward the safety of the bottom rope.
LO: Tommy wants this win. Both men do because of the punishment they have taken. Will there be anything left for Zombie to face?
KO: That’s a great question because Crimson has bled all over the place. He’s a few quarts low for sure.
Frenzy pulls himself and Tommy closer to the bottom rope before lunging for it!
KO: Got it! Frenzy gets a rope break without a second to spare.
Frenzy gets up but obviously favoring his neck now. Crimson held the submission for awhile and the effects continue to linger. Tommy gets to his feet to find a charging Frenzy coming directly at him! Frenzy nails Crimson in the face with a step up enziguri that pops throughout. Crimson hits the mat hard flat on his back. Frenzy rushes over to the ropes rather than go for the pin.
LO: Frenzy decides against the pin to instead go for it all.
KO: Crimson may be knocked out. Did you see the impact of that enziguri?
Frenzy gets out on the apron to face back in at the ring. He clutches the top rope in both hands tightly, thinking springboard of unknown variation. Crimson finally stirs on the mat slightly. Frenzy continues to wait like a predator circling injured prey.
KO: Frenzy is showing the patience of a veteran tonight.
LO: He has impressed me thus far against a man who has previously defeated him. That match was not for a shot at the Unleashed Championship however.
The Fury stumbles slowly back to his feet in a thick daze. Frenzy continues to wait on the apron for Crimson to slowly turn towards him. When Tommy does this, Frenzy leaps up on the top rope to springboard off at Crimson looking for a superman punch! Tommy leaps up out of nowhere to counter with a codebreaker! The crowd lets out a collective gasp at the suddenness of the counter!
LO: Both men are down but did you see that counter!? Crimson looked dead in the water but put knees to Frenzy’s face to halt his momentum completely!
KO: Crimson and Frenzy are both still down. The referee comes in to begin his count.
CROWD: This-is-Awesome! This-Is-Awesome!
KO: That it is.
LO: Ref's up to a count of six and neither man has moved...Wait...Tommy is starting to stir.
At eight Crimson manages to roll towards the ropes for assistance and just before ten pulls himself to his feet. He's beleaguered thanks to the physicality of the contest, but when he looks up to see Frenzy pushing up to his feet his demeanor changes to one of determination. Just as he moves off the ropes to go on the attack, however, Frenzy surprises him by rushing right at him. The Fury deftly sidesteps out of the way as Frenzy flies past, leaps up to the second rope for a springboard and swings his left leg around looking for his patented disaster kick.
LO: MADNESS RESTS...NO! CRIMSON DUCKED UNDER IT!
KO: Frenzy lands but is off balance, and HERE COMES CRIMSON IN FROM BEHIND, SPINS HIM AROUND, AND SIT OUT FACEBUSTER!
LO: Tommy scrambling back up to his feet and starting to climb the nearest corner....Frenzy is laid out like a prize in the center of the ring....GODBOOKED SENTON DOWN ONTO FRENZY!
KO: THERE'S THE COVER!
1...
2...
3!!!
LO: There you have it, folks! Tommy Crimson has a date with Aokigahara Zombie in the near future for the Unleashed Championship!
KO: And I guess that seals it who the better man is...Tommy Crimson put the nail in Frenzy's coffin here tonight.
LO: No doubt, but one has to wonder....how will Tommy handle potentially going up against one of the most terrifying names in the business, especially when it comes to deathmatch wrestling?
KO: This dude? I figure he'll hold up just fine considering what we've seen here tonight.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winner of the match via pinfall....TOMMY CRIMSON!
Crimson falls against the ropes while allowing the referee to lift his arm, his eyes still trained on Frenzy who begins to roll towards the ropes to exit the ring. The Enigma is clutching at his ribs as he passes under the bottom rope and he takes a few steps before falling to his knees in pain. Tommy watches all of this with a sneer and then steps to the edge of the ring to make a few clipped comments down at the superstar before turning and stepping up to the second turnbuckle to take on a chorus of boo's from the fans. Crimson just laughs maniacally as he drops down from the turnbuckle and swings through the ropes to land on the outside closest to the stage. The camera zooms in on him as he backs up the ramp, playing up to the negativity from the crowd, just before cutting backstage.
Deep within the bowels of the Bell Center, Benny Stevens saunters into the Dead End Friends locker room to find Zack Fantana engrossed in a book.
BENNY STEVENS: What are you reading? Another of Brad’s daily devotionals? For fuck sake, I hope not...
Zack doesn’t respond, too absorbed in the book to engage in idle chatter.
BENNY STEVENS: Umm… Hello?
Benny waves his hand in front of Zack’s face.
BENNY STEVENS: What are you doing, man?
Zack turns the page and briefly looks at Stevens.
ZACK FANTANA: Just some light reading.
Benny sits down on the sofa beside Zack. He begins to sift through the pile of books on the table in front of him, each carrying the sigil of Oprah’s Book Club. There are books by Tony Robbins, books by Malcolm Gladwell, and at the top, a book titled “Girl, Stop Apologizing”, its binding creased several times over, indicating that it was one Zack had read on more than one occasion.
BENNY STEVENS: I see what you’re doing.
Benny pulls the book from Zack’s hands. He reads the title, “Power in Vulnerability”, and cackles.
BENNY STEVENS: You’re trying to hide this from Brad so Fanthology doesn’t go up in flames. Smart move, man. Smart move.
ZACK FANTANA: What?
BENNY STEVENS: I mean, I’m just saying, you wouldn’t catch Jesus reading a self-help book.
ZACK FANTANA: Jesus had a more supportive inner cir--
Zack pauses to reconsider.
ZACK FANTANA: I’m just bettering myself as a human being.
Fantana snatches the book back out of Benny’s hands.
BENNY STEVENS: So you figured the perfect moment to do that would be minutes before our tag match?
ZACK FANTANA: Yeah, man, it’s called cramming.
BENNY STEVENS: Cramming? For what?
ZACK FANTANA: Cramming for the tag match. Ugh. How are you not getting this?
Zack sighs and places his book on the table, downturned so he would not lose his spot.
ZACK FANTANA: We got called out, Benny. Called out by the gatekeepers of tag team wrestling yet again.
BENNY STEVENS: Wowie wow wow... Not again!
Stevens throws the books onto the floor. He was really chewing the scenery.
ZACK FANTANA: Okay, well, those are rentals.
Benny pays him no mind.
BENNY STEVENS: They can’t keep getting away with this!
Zack alots some time for Benny’s cooldown.
BENNY STEVENS: This is-... Actually, tell me, Zack, what did we do wrong this time?
ZACK FANTANA: I’m afraid that it’s more about what we didn’t do, Benny.
Benny furrows his brow, while Zack crosses his legs, easing into storytelling mode.
ZACK FANTANA: You see, Benny, we didn’t react to that first loss the right way.
BENNY STEVENS: And what is the ‘right way’, Zack?
ZACK FANTANA: That’s precisely what I’m trying to figure out.
Zack begins to read again, but Benny swiftly cuts him off.
BENNY STEVENS: Nah, hold on. You mean I shouldn’t have opened up about how much it sucked to lose in my debut?
ZACK FANTANA: Exactly. You’ve got to bury that shit.
Benny shakes his head. He slides his hand through his hair - back and forth. The Daredevil is showing minor signs of frustration.
BENNY STEVENS: Guess I shouldn’t have talked about how powerful Mike’s punch was either.
ZACK FANTANA: No, sir.
BENNY STEVENS: So what about Bishop’s ankle hold, man? That shit had me limping for days. Come on, I even asked Ash to hook us up with the best physical therapy people in London… You remember that, right?
ZACK FANTANA: Of course. And all of it was highly unprofessional.
Benny folds his arms.
BENNY STEVENS: Well, how about you? I guess you should have never admitted that the only viable path we had to getting another Chimera title shot was through the Zombie Vice Squad?
ZACK FANTANA: Well, let’s not point fingers.
BENNY STEVENS: Seriously though, how is any of that ‘pretending’ the match didn’t happen?
ZACK FANTANA: I don't know, Benny. NSFW didn't really do much elaborating on that thought.
BENNY STEVENS: Okay, so, God forbid, we do happen to lose tonight, how do we respond in a way that befits a tag team in the Chimera division?
ZACK FANTANA: Well, based on the precedent set by NSFW…
Zack pauses to refer to his copious notes on the matter.
ZACK FANTANA: We would be to go radio silent for a full two weeks and then maybe mention the loss in passing on the next show when we’re ready to face the world again. Our golden shower joke takes utmost priority, but we can maybe figure in the remarks on the match somewhere later on the agenda, before the timely dig at the guy who left the company a few months ago.
Benny nods for a moment while looking up, taking his time to process the information.
BENNY STEVENS: Ah, yes, true fighting champions, they are.
Benny raises his eyebrows momentarily before snapping his fingers, then looks at Zack.
BENNY STEVENS: Well, then we should just take advantage of that strategy… I mean, clearly, they’re still mad at something that Cosmo Cooper did and-.
Benny immediately looks to the camera and smiles.
BENNY STEVENS: Cosmo Cooper.
Silence.
Benny then turns his attention to Zack, whom appears to be clueless as to what Benny is trying to achieve.
BENNY STEVENS: Just making sure they aren’t 100% going into this match, my good bud Zack. Psychological warfare tactics. All you’ve gotta do is mention the name of that man and piss can be seen leaking down John’s and Mike’s legs.
Benny looks at the camera one more time.
BENNY STEVENS: And that’s a joke related to pee. It’s funny, right? Funny.
Benny lets out an obviously fake laugh - which is actually kind of funny given the fact that his whole facial expression is stern, except the laugh which sounds methodical.
BENNY STEVENS: Hey, we call this move the Golden Puddle Maker… Very funny, huh!?
Once again, the fake laugh - this one is longer and more intense than the previous.
Zack does nothing but grab the bridge of his nose with his left index finger and thumb, eyes closed. The cringe is real.
ZACK FANTANA: Benny, please stop.
Benny actually laughs this time. He taps his partner’s shoulder.
BENNY STEVENS: Come on, we gotta use their own weapons when addressing them. On top of that, you must agree with every single thing I do and say, or else they might claim that we are contradicting ourselves again-.
ZACK FANTANA: I’m still waiting for the full story there too.
BENNY STEVENS: So am I, my friendo… So am I. But that’s what NSFW consist of, anyway. Empty words. It’s all about saying some vague bullshit, but never actually explaining what it’s supposed to mean.
ZACK FANTANA: You mean to say I’ve been wasting all this time trying to disseminate their life lessons?
Benny nods, prompting Zack to toss the final book onto the floor.
ZACK FANTANA: You know what, Ben? I read…
Fantana looks at all the books littering the floor.
ZACK FANTANA: ...in one of these books that one should let go of the things that one cannot control. However, there is one thing we can do that the gatekeepers of tag team wrestling can’t spin, so let’s go out there tonight and leave no doubt that this is our division.
Benny looks more determined than ever after that speech.
BENNY STEVENS: Now that’s what I’m talking about… We are kicking those fuckin’ gates down to take over what’s meant to be ours!
He raises his fist for a bump.
BENNY STEVENS: Dead End Friends!
ZACK FANTANA: Two Bored Assholes?
BENNY STEVENS: Two Bored Assholes!
The action was reciprocated by Zack. They bump fists and make their way out into the hall leading towards gorilla...
Somewhere in the backstage area voices can be heard throughout of various Valor Pro employees. The camera pans down a long hallway that leads to one of the nursing stations of the large sports complex. Emily Burlingame walks past the camera quickly with her heels clicking on the tile floor.
EMILY BURLINGAME: I believe he’s in here.
Emily pushes the door to the nurse's station open. She holds a microphone in hand as the opening door reveals Tommy Crimson sitting in a folding chair. The Valor Pro traveling doctor hovers behind The Fury holding a curved needle. The doctor slowly dips the needle into Crimson’s skin to slowly begin sewing his flesh back together. Burlingame gags a bit at the graphic nature of this unfolding scene but holds it together like a true professional.
EMILY BURLINGAME: Mr. Crimson? Can I ask you a few questions.
Tommy looks straight ahead with dried blood all over his face. He does not wince or give any facial expression as the doctor continues to sew him up.
THE FURY: I hate you.
Emily brushes this aside with an awkward smile then continues.
EMILY BURLINGAME: You defeated Frenzy to earn a shot at the Unleashed Championship at 7 Pillars. Do you believe you can defeat Aokigahara Zombie?
Crimson sneers at the very mention of the champions name. He pauses for a moment while the doctor continues to sew the wound back together on the top of Tommy’s head. The gash flaps wiggle slightly as the doctor pulls the stitches tout. The Fury almost seems to savor the pain.
THE FURY: I did not respect my first two opponents. Neither were worthy to share a ring with the likes of me. Zombie is different. The numbers are not in my favor. I remain a man all alone with no friends. Yet, there are more fuckin’ zombies in this place than on the walking dead. Still… I’ll take that strap.
Emily continues to probe.
EMILY BURLINGAME: You are undefeated so far in Valor. Now I ask you…
Crimson reaches up to snatch the microphone from Emily before pushing her aside. All of this sudden movement causes the doctor to miss his stitch. Crimson still does not even as much as wince with the pain inducing mistake.
THE FURY: Zombie will be my toughest task to date in Valor Pro. I know what he’s capable of and how dangerous he can be. I started in this business doing deathmatches in 2001. Once I became a main draw, I stopped ripping my body to shreds for dimes to wrestle for real dollars. That’s the way this business works, yet Aokigahara bucks this trend. That fact alone proves he’s different. I like it.
Crimson continues to get sewn up while talking into the camera. The needle curves into the flesh in graphic detail. This leads small children out in the crowd, looking up at the screen, to look away in utter terror slash disgust. The Valor Pro cameras pan over the crowd to show these reactions in real time before cutting back to Tommy.
THE FURY: The truth is, I believe I am the best alive. The tales I weave put asses in seats, week in and week out. Top Earner Status. Imagine, if you possibly could, being a thirteen time World Champion still willing to earn your way in a new company. That’s what sets me apart from the rest.
The doctor slowly pulls the needle through to finish the final stitch. Crimson grins knowing that Zombie will no doubt rip every single one out. Tommy then looks into the lens while realizing that Aokigahara versus Crimson could main event half the promotions still in existence.
THE FURY: I survive, adapt, thrive. I’m hated here in Valor Pro in the back. The sourness can almost be seen emanating from these wrestlers in a haze of jealous rage. That resentment is the very weakness I can exploit, mindf☆ck, then manipulate. Zombie will be no different.
The Fury stands up as the doctor finishes to take off his bloody shirt and tosses it into the face of Burlingame, who still hovers around the cameraman. She shrieks leading Tommy to laugh before ending the interview.
BENNY STEVENS: What are you reading? Another of Brad’s daily devotionals? For fuck sake, I hope not...
Zack doesn’t respond, too absorbed in the book to engage in idle chatter.
BENNY STEVENS: Umm… Hello?
Benny waves his hand in front of Zack’s face.
BENNY STEVENS: What are you doing, man?
Zack turns the page and briefly looks at Stevens.
ZACK FANTANA: Just some light reading.
Benny sits down on the sofa beside Zack. He begins to sift through the pile of books on the table in front of him, each carrying the sigil of Oprah’s Book Club. There are books by Tony Robbins, books by Malcolm Gladwell, and at the top, a book titled “Girl, Stop Apologizing”, its binding creased several times over, indicating that it was one Zack had read on more than one occasion.
BENNY STEVENS: I see what you’re doing.
Benny pulls the book from Zack’s hands. He reads the title, “Power in Vulnerability”, and cackles.
BENNY STEVENS: You’re trying to hide this from Brad so Fanthology doesn’t go up in flames. Smart move, man. Smart move.
ZACK FANTANA: What?
BENNY STEVENS: I mean, I’m just saying, you wouldn’t catch Jesus reading a self-help book.
ZACK FANTANA: Jesus had a more supportive inner cir--
Zack pauses to reconsider.
ZACK FANTANA: I’m just bettering myself as a human being.
Fantana snatches the book back out of Benny’s hands.
BENNY STEVENS: So you figured the perfect moment to do that would be minutes before our tag match?
ZACK FANTANA: Yeah, man, it’s called cramming.
BENNY STEVENS: Cramming? For what?
ZACK FANTANA: Cramming for the tag match. Ugh. How are you not getting this?
Zack sighs and places his book on the table, downturned so he would not lose his spot.
ZACK FANTANA: We got called out, Benny. Called out by the gatekeepers of tag team wrestling yet again.
BENNY STEVENS: Wowie wow wow... Not again!
Stevens throws the books onto the floor. He was really chewing the scenery.
ZACK FANTANA: Okay, well, those are rentals.
Benny pays him no mind.
BENNY STEVENS: They can’t keep getting away with this!
Zack alots some time for Benny’s cooldown.
BENNY STEVENS: This is-... Actually, tell me, Zack, what did we do wrong this time?
ZACK FANTANA: I’m afraid that it’s more about what we didn’t do, Benny.
Benny furrows his brow, while Zack crosses his legs, easing into storytelling mode.
ZACK FANTANA: You see, Benny, we didn’t react to that first loss the right way.
BENNY STEVENS: And what is the ‘right way’, Zack?
ZACK FANTANA: That’s precisely what I’m trying to figure out.
Zack begins to read again, but Benny swiftly cuts him off.
BENNY STEVENS: Nah, hold on. You mean I shouldn’t have opened up about how much it sucked to lose in my debut?
ZACK FANTANA: Exactly. You’ve got to bury that shit.
Benny shakes his head. He slides his hand through his hair - back and forth. The Daredevil is showing minor signs of frustration.
BENNY STEVENS: Guess I shouldn’t have talked about how powerful Mike’s punch was either.
ZACK FANTANA: No, sir.
BENNY STEVENS: So what about Bishop’s ankle hold, man? That shit had me limping for days. Come on, I even asked Ash to hook us up with the best physical therapy people in London… You remember that, right?
ZACK FANTANA: Of course. And all of it was highly unprofessional.
Benny folds his arms.
BENNY STEVENS: Well, how about you? I guess you should have never admitted that the only viable path we had to getting another Chimera title shot was through the Zombie Vice Squad?
ZACK FANTANA: Well, let’s not point fingers.
BENNY STEVENS: Seriously though, how is any of that ‘pretending’ the match didn’t happen?
ZACK FANTANA: I don't know, Benny. NSFW didn't really do much elaborating on that thought.
BENNY STEVENS: Okay, so, God forbid, we do happen to lose tonight, how do we respond in a way that befits a tag team in the Chimera division?
ZACK FANTANA: Well, based on the precedent set by NSFW…
Zack pauses to refer to his copious notes on the matter.
ZACK FANTANA: We would be to go radio silent for a full two weeks and then maybe mention the loss in passing on the next show when we’re ready to face the world again. Our golden shower joke takes utmost priority, but we can maybe figure in the remarks on the match somewhere later on the agenda, before the timely dig at the guy who left the company a few months ago.
Benny nods for a moment while looking up, taking his time to process the information.
BENNY STEVENS: Ah, yes, true fighting champions, they are.
Benny raises his eyebrows momentarily before snapping his fingers, then looks at Zack.
BENNY STEVENS: Well, then we should just take advantage of that strategy… I mean, clearly, they’re still mad at something that Cosmo Cooper did and-.
Benny immediately looks to the camera and smiles.
BENNY STEVENS: Cosmo Cooper.
Silence.
Benny then turns his attention to Zack, whom appears to be clueless as to what Benny is trying to achieve.
BENNY STEVENS: Just making sure they aren’t 100% going into this match, my good bud Zack. Psychological warfare tactics. All you’ve gotta do is mention the name of that man and piss can be seen leaking down John’s and Mike’s legs.
Benny looks at the camera one more time.
BENNY STEVENS: And that’s a joke related to pee. It’s funny, right? Funny.
Benny lets out an obviously fake laugh - which is actually kind of funny given the fact that his whole facial expression is stern, except the laugh which sounds methodical.
BENNY STEVENS: Hey, we call this move the Golden Puddle Maker… Very funny, huh!?
Once again, the fake laugh - this one is longer and more intense than the previous.
Zack does nothing but grab the bridge of his nose with his left index finger and thumb, eyes closed. The cringe is real.
ZACK FANTANA: Benny, please stop.
Benny actually laughs this time. He taps his partner’s shoulder.
BENNY STEVENS: Come on, we gotta use their own weapons when addressing them. On top of that, you must agree with every single thing I do and say, or else they might claim that we are contradicting ourselves again-.
ZACK FANTANA: I’m still waiting for the full story there too.
BENNY STEVENS: So am I, my friendo… So am I. But that’s what NSFW consist of, anyway. Empty words. It’s all about saying some vague bullshit, but never actually explaining what it’s supposed to mean.
ZACK FANTANA: You mean to say I’ve been wasting all this time trying to disseminate their life lessons?
Benny nods, prompting Zack to toss the final book onto the floor.
ZACK FANTANA: You know what, Ben? I read…
Fantana looks at all the books littering the floor.
ZACK FANTANA: ...in one of these books that one should let go of the things that one cannot control. However, there is one thing we can do that the gatekeepers of tag team wrestling can’t spin, so let’s go out there tonight and leave no doubt that this is our division.
Benny looks more determined than ever after that speech.
BENNY STEVENS: Now that’s what I’m talking about… We are kicking those fuckin’ gates down to take over what’s meant to be ours!
He raises his fist for a bump.
BENNY STEVENS: Dead End Friends!
ZACK FANTANA: Two Bored Assholes?
BENNY STEVENS: Two Bored Assholes!
The action was reciprocated by Zack. They bump fists and make their way out into the hall leading towards gorilla...
Somewhere in the backstage area voices can be heard throughout of various Valor Pro employees. The camera pans down a long hallway that leads to one of the nursing stations of the large sports complex. Emily Burlingame walks past the camera quickly with her heels clicking on the tile floor.
EMILY BURLINGAME: I believe he’s in here.
Emily pushes the door to the nurse's station open. She holds a microphone in hand as the opening door reveals Tommy Crimson sitting in a folding chair. The Valor Pro traveling doctor hovers behind The Fury holding a curved needle. The doctor slowly dips the needle into Crimson’s skin to slowly begin sewing his flesh back together. Burlingame gags a bit at the graphic nature of this unfolding scene but holds it together like a true professional.
EMILY BURLINGAME: Mr. Crimson? Can I ask you a few questions.
Tommy looks straight ahead with dried blood all over his face. He does not wince or give any facial expression as the doctor continues to sew him up.
THE FURY: I hate you.
Emily brushes this aside with an awkward smile then continues.
EMILY BURLINGAME: You defeated Frenzy to earn a shot at the Unleashed Championship at 7 Pillars. Do you believe you can defeat Aokigahara Zombie?
Crimson sneers at the very mention of the champions name. He pauses for a moment while the doctor continues to sew the wound back together on the top of Tommy’s head. The gash flaps wiggle slightly as the doctor pulls the stitches tout. The Fury almost seems to savor the pain.
THE FURY: I did not respect my first two opponents. Neither were worthy to share a ring with the likes of me. Zombie is different. The numbers are not in my favor. I remain a man all alone with no friends. Yet, there are more fuckin’ zombies in this place than on the walking dead. Still… I’ll take that strap.
Emily continues to probe.
EMILY BURLINGAME: You are undefeated so far in Valor. Now I ask you…
Crimson reaches up to snatch the microphone from Emily before pushing her aside. All of this sudden movement causes the doctor to miss his stitch. Crimson still does not even as much as wince with the pain inducing mistake.
THE FURY: Zombie will be my toughest task to date in Valor Pro. I know what he’s capable of and how dangerous he can be. I started in this business doing deathmatches in 2001. Once I became a main draw, I stopped ripping my body to shreds for dimes to wrestle for real dollars. That’s the way this business works, yet Aokigahara bucks this trend. That fact alone proves he’s different. I like it.
Crimson continues to get sewn up while talking into the camera. The needle curves into the flesh in graphic detail. This leads small children out in the crowd, looking up at the screen, to look away in utter terror slash disgust. The Valor Pro cameras pan over the crowd to show these reactions in real time before cutting back to Tommy.
THE FURY: The truth is, I believe I am the best alive. The tales I weave put asses in seats, week in and week out. Top Earner Status. Imagine, if you possibly could, being a thirteen time World Champion still willing to earn your way in a new company. That’s what sets me apart from the rest.
The doctor slowly pulls the needle through to finish the final stitch. Crimson grins knowing that Zombie will no doubt rip every single one out. Tommy then looks into the lens while realizing that Aokigahara versus Crimson could main event half the promotions still in existence.
THE FURY: I survive, adapt, thrive. I’m hated here in Valor Pro in the back. The sourness can almost be seen emanating from these wrestlers in a haze of jealous rage. That resentment is the very weakness I can exploit, mindf☆ck, then manipulate. Zombie will be no different.
The Fury stands up as the doctor finishes to take off his bloody shirt and tosses it into the face of Burlingame, who still hovers around the cameraman. She shrieks leading Tommy to laugh before ending the interview.
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is a non-title tag match scheduled for one fall or submission...
The lights dim and the single chord intro to 'Black Bull' by FOALS comes across the PA. The lights flash with the repeated chord and just as the song starts in on the lyrics Benny Stevens bursts through the curtain doing a high step as Zack Fantana trails in behind him. Both are wearing matching gear this time around of the bright pink variety, and the scene elicits some cat calls from the crowd. They come to a stop at the top of the stage as Benny drops to one knee and does an obnoxious bicep pose while Zack stands behind him with his hand covering his eyes so that he can peer out at the cheering crowd. Benny suddenly pops up and starts strutting down to the ring as Zack gives a shoulder shrug at his over the top partner and follows.
RING ANNOUNCER: Making their way to the ring, at a combined weight of 403 pounds, BENNY STEVENS....ZACK FANTANA....FANTANASYYYYY!!!
At the bottom of the ramp Benny takes off into a run and leaps up onto the ring apron only to front flip into the ring while Zack takes the stares and then springs over as well. Benny has already ran to the far corner where he's taken the second turnbuckle and jukes his shoulders to the music, and Zack takes the corner opposite him to peer back out at the crowd once again and then nod at their approving return. Both men drop down and convene in the corner to watch the stage and converse about the upcoming strategy.
LO: Fantanasy has been on a roll as of late, winning two Triple Threat Matches consisting of a combination of tag partners, and then last week hedging out The Zombie Vice Squad to secure themselves a match at 7 Pillars against the Chimera Tag Champs.
KO: Yeah, they've been pretty impressive, but so far this is a team that they haven't been able to peg down in NSFW.
LO: They also looked intimidating at the end of last show as Benny and Zack made a hasty exit while Siberia Zombie got driven into the canvas thanks to Bishop Church, and I have to say, I was shocked.
KO: Yeah, Church is usually the level headed one of the group, but I guess seeing his partner take a Fantana to the face thanks to The Zombie's was more than he could handle.
Speaking of the Champions...The house lights dim. Green and orange lights pulse with the opening of Papa Roach’s ‘Renegade Music’, the tron remaining black- and then flashing the words with the music
The pulsing lights intensify, accompanied by green and orange lasers, the screen flashing NSFW’s logo as Bishop Church and Mike McGuire appear in the entryway to a rousing ovation, sharing fistbumps with the fans by the barriers as they make their way to the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: Now on their way to the ring, at a combined weight of 400 pounds, the CHIMERA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! MIKE MCGUIRE...BISHOP CHURCH...N ...S ...F ...W!
Fantanasy has bailed out of the ring as Mike does his customary bouncing back and forth to either side multiple times before John finally climbs up the ring steps. They meet in the middle of the ring and look to the crowd. With Bishop two steps behind, they both pose by standing on the second rope, titles raised in the air. When they descend, however, there isn't the usual fan interactions as they look laser focused on their opponents.
LO: An intense Chimera Tag Team Champions in this contest, which makes sense considering they feel that they have been the butt of Fantanasy's joke ever since the team arrived.
KO: I think that's exactly what Fantanasy wanted. Just look at these two, they look pissed.
LO: I'm not so uncertain they don't have a right to be. They are the champions here and have been leveled with many assumptions since coming into the company despite having proven themselves time and time again.
KO: That comes with the territory, Laur. Sensitivity to comments and dismissals made by your rivals isn't going to keep you champions long.
LO: That...or it motivates you to break everyone that comes against you.
KO: Either way, the bell just sounded and it's on!
KO: Stevens and Fantana are wearing matching bright pink gear. They appear to be working as a team better and better each and every week.
LO: The Dead End Friends have become a legitimate threat to NSFW over the past month.
KO: NSFW are a complete team and it will take one just as cohesive to dethrone Mike and Bishop.
Stevens and McGuire will start this one. The two immediately charge at one another! They begin swapping punches in the middle of the ring for a fast start. Mike catches Benny with a sharp right that causes him to stagger backwards. McGuire uses the opening to sling Stevens into the ropes with an irish whip! Benny comes flying back to counter the clothesline attempt with a ring rattling spinebuster!
LO: Dead End Friends strike first!
Stevens quickly moves to get atop of McGuire. He then begins to drop down vicious mounted elbow shots! Mike quickly attempts to cover up with little success. Benny finally rises up to free McGuire but shuffles alongside them for a standing moonsault! Mike holds up their knees at the last possible moment to counter!
KO: Ouch! McGuire counters with knees that halt Stevens momentum.
LO: Benny wanted to use his weight advantage there but crashed and burned instead.
Mike quickly gets up to their feet after the counter. Benny rolls around briefly calling out in pain before stumbling up to one knee. McGuire comes up from behind Stevens as he slowly stands up. Mike leaps up on Benny’s back from behind to apply a sleeper! Both of Stevens eyes widen as McGuire locks the hold on while dangling off the back of their larger opponent.
LO: McGuire has applied an unorthodox sleeper hold!
KO: Stevens could be in trouble here.
McGuire latches on even tighter as Benny stumbles toward Fantana in the corner. Mike tightens her grip around Stevens throat wanting to put him to sleep. Benny hits both knees allowing McGuire’s feet to touch the ground flush again. Stevens reaches out at Fantana, who does the same.
KO: Benny wants to make a tag but McGuire will have none of it.
Benny appears to start to fade while Fantana reaches out toward his partner while simultaneously stomping on the apron to stir the Dead End Friends faithful. Stevens eyes close while McGuire relentless aims to achieve a technical knockout victory. Benny comes alive suddenly! Stevens rises to both feet but Mike does not release the hold. They get hoisted back into the air now dangling off their opponents back again. Stevens rushes over to the corner in a burst of energy to climb up on the bottom rope and up to the middle turnbuckle before leaping straight back! Benny hits the mat with his full weight to squash McGuire between he and the unforgiving canvas to break the hold!
LO: What an unorthodox counter but nevertheless, Stevens is free!
KO: Fantana still wants a tag as does Church.
LO: Both men are reaching as far out into the ring as they possibly can.
Stevens gets to his hands and knees while still shaking the effects of the sleeper off. McGuire crawls toward Bishop in a daze. Benny gets to both feet to quickly lunge at Zack, who tags into the match! The crowd gets riled as Bishop also receives a tag from McGuire! Both men hit the ring in a hurry. Fantana gets the upper hand with a slingblade on Bishop! Church hits the mat but quickly gets back to his feet to catch a charging Zack with a picture perfect overhead belly to belly suplex! Bishop quickly goes for a pin!
...1
KO: Kick out by Fantanasy!
Bishop grins a bit as he rushes back to his feet only to find Zack already standing! Church comes in looking for an elbow but Fantana ducks it! Fantanasy then counters arm trap swinging neckbreaker! Fantana leaps to his feet then rushes over to the ropes. He taunts Mike briefly before scaling the turnbuckles closest to Church.
LO: Fantana is taking this fight to the air!
Zack and Mike jaw back and forth which allows Church to strike! Bishop leaps up then charges at the corner! Fantana can see this out of the corner of his eye leading to an early leap that Church halts with a violent mid air uppercut!
KO: Did you see the way Fantana’s head buckled? That was violent.
Mike reaches for a tag and Bishop obliges. McGuire rushes through the ropes while Fantana lies flat on his back. Bishop cradles up his own partner suddenly then powerbombs Mike onto a helpless Zack Fantana! Benny watches on from the corner while clutching the top rope into both hands. Mike goes to hook a leg leading Stevens to leap up onto the top rope to springboard off at McGuire as they pull back Fantana’s right leg to push both shoulders flush against the mat. Benny drops a springboard elbow that wows the Canadian crowd to break up the pin immediately!
KO: Did you see that!? Stevens saw that pin coming and reacted to break it up. Zack and Benny are in the zone as a team right now and NSFW can see that.
LO: The champions titles are not on the line tonight but they will be soon.
Fantana rolls to his feet as does Mike while the referee rushes both Church and Benny back to their respective corners. McGuire rushes at Zack, who catches them for a wicked tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! Fantana hooks a leg! Mike and Zack end up near the Dead End Friends corner. Benny reaches out for a tag and receives one!
LO: Tag made! Here comes Stevens!
Stevens glides through the ropes while Zack grapples up Mike. Benny comes in to nail them with a brutal elbow to the back of the head! Fantana then cradles them up while Stevens slides directly in front of them with both knees up leading to Fatana to powerbomb McGuire onto the knees of Benny!
KO: Newton’s LAW! That might be it!
Stevens quickly shuffles over to hook the leg of the champion.
...1
…2
LO: Broken up by Bishop Church! These two have become a cohesive unit over the past few weeks.
KO: The champions look like they may need to regroup here after that exchange.
McGuire rolls out of the ring after Church breaks up the pin. The referee rushes Bishop and Fantana to their corners while Mike slides back into the ring. Stevens turns to notice this and charges full speed at them! The Daredevil comes in hot aiming for a forearm smash but McGuire shuffles their feet to hit a knee to counter with a drop toe hold! The unexpected counter causes Benny to eat the mat face first with no extended arms to break the fall whatsoever.
KO: Benny has a busted mouth now. I hope he doesn’t get any of Crimson’s blood from earlier in those wounds.
LO: Our crew does an immaculate job with Ajax. Stevens just realized McGuire drew first blood.
KO: He doesn’t realize that they are making their way over to Bishop for a tag though!
McGuire tags in Bishop, who charges through the ropes. Church hoists up his partner high into the air. Benny gets up slowly while Bishop approaches holding his partner ready to throw them like a missile. Stevens stands up then turns just in time to see Bishop toss Mike right at him! Benny ducks near the ropes leading McGuire’s clothesline to miss him but nail Fantana in the corner, mere feet from Benny!
KO: The champions continue to show why they hold the straps. Bishop just used Mike as a human missile and it misses but still hits. Amazing.
LO: Both Fantana and McGuire end up on the outside floor. NSFW’s teamwork continues to drive their success in this company. Dead End Friends threaten that reign like it’s never been threatened before.
Fantana and McGuire bounce off the apron leaving Stevens and Church all alone to fight it out inside the squared circle. Stevens turns around just in time to catch a face full of boot from the charging Bishop! The shot sends Benny to the mat but he refuses to stay down. He rises up only to be grappled up from behind in a rear chin lock by the champion!
LO: The champions have taken control of this one.
KO: Stevens has nowhere to go. They are in the center of the ring. The ropes may as well be in Asia.
Bishop tries to twist off Stevens head from behind. He continues to torque the neck of the challenger to the right with all he’s got. Fantana crawls up on the apron to see what's transpring inside the ring. Benny attempts to escape which leads Church to drop a knee in the center of his back before applying more pressure to the chin lock. Zack leaps up on the apron then pulls himself up using the ropes for assistance. Fantana then leaps up onto the top rope to springboard off directly at Bishop Church for a roundhouse kick to break the hold! Stevens falls forward while Bishop lands flat on his back. Benny attempts to go for a pin but McGuire yanks at Bishop from the outside to halt this completely.
KO: Fantana repays the favor for Stevens with that amazing springboard roundhouse kick.
LO: These two teams are putting on a real show here tonight. McGuire comes in to pull her dazed partner from danger while the Dead End Friends regain control.
Stevens watches as NSFW regroups on the outside. Benny rushes over to tag in Fantana before pointing at the unsuspecting champions. Zack nods in agreement leading Stevens to take off across the ring directly at NSFW on the outside! Benny dives through the ropes but Mike leaps up out of nowhere to catch him in mid air diving with a huge knee to the face! Zack looks on in complete disbelief at the counter.
LO: What a counter by McGuire! They saw Benny coming but even Church is shocked by that outcome.
Zack walks over to the ropes to check on Stevens leading Church to rush up to pull Fantana’s feet from beneath him! Bishop then slides into the ring and rushes over to tag in his partner, Mike McGuire. The Daredevil remains down on the outside essentially turning this into a two on one affair for now. Fantana hit the back of his head hard on impact and remains in a bit of a daze. Bishop stomps him in the face to push him back down flat on the mat. McGuire scales the turnbuckle from the apron to end up facing out into ring at Zack. Mike dives off to perform a picture perfect flying headbutt that hits its mark. McGuire hooks a leg for a pin!
...1
...2
KO: Broken up by Benny Stevens! How did he muster that up after that violent knee counter!?
LO: Benny came here to win tonight like the rest of these wrestlers and refuses to quit. What a match this has been. What a show this is turning out to be!
Stevens remains down but attempts to get back to his corner after breaking up the near pinfall. Fantana rolls around on the mat in pain after the flying headbutt while McGuire rolls to their feet. Mike walks over to her fallen foe and bends down over Fantana, who reaches up to slap McGuire across the face! This sends Mike back to give Zack some room. Fantana rolls to his feet to hook Mike’s head for a brainbuster onto an extended knee!
LO: These teams are going back and forth with neither giving an inch.
KO: Fantana may regret not going for the pin after that.
LO: It appears that he may have other plans.
Fantana walks over to the closest corner and works the crowd a bit before climbing up on the middle turnbuckle. Zack then boosts himself up to the top before calling for Lucid Dreams! This riles the crowd throughout as Fantana leaps off looking for his finishing maneuver but McGuire rolls out of the way at the last possible moment! Zack misses!
KO: Miss! If Fantana hits that, this one is over.
LO: But he misses and this one will continue but now both wrestlers are down. They need to make a tag.
Zack ends up flat on his belly while Mike continues to feel the effects of Fantana’s brainbuster. Both Bishop and Stevens reach for a tag in opposite corners. The wrestlers crawl towards their corners in a slow methodical crawl while the referee begins her count.
LO: McGuire and Fantana have got to make a tag! Who will make it first?!
KO: Mike appears to have the advantage but Zack is picking up speed. Both wrestlers took some hard licks on that last exchange. The ref’s count reaches four.
Mike reaches up at Church, who uses his long arms to accept the tag while Fantana lunges at Stevens in the opposite corner.
KO: TAGS MADE!
LO: Here comes the fresh men, Benny and Church!
Both men hit the ring running. Stevens and Bishop begin swapping blows as soon as they reach each other in the center of the ring. They swap lefts and rights until the larger Church gains the upper hand with a solid shot to send Benny back into the ropes! Stevens hits the ropes then gets slingshot forward back at Bishop, who goes for a clothesline but Benny ducks it completely! Stevens hits the ropes on the opposite side of the ring to come flying back at the champion. Church attempts another clothesline but misses again! Benny picks up real speed as he bounces off the ropes behind his opponent. Bishop turns just in time to catch a dropkick to his right knee cap! The shot sends him to one knee. Benny quickly gets to his feet and dashes through the ropes and out onto the apron. He spins around to grasp the top rope into both hands before leaping up onto it in a single bound to springboard off at Bishop from behind for a wicked bulldog! The maneuver drives the big man into the mat face first.
LO: Stevens continues to impress in this one.
KO: This aerial show has been amazing from both teams really. McGuire has been up top already tonight as well.
Benny ends up out from Church but crawls alongside him slowly to make a pin!
...1
KO: Broken up by Mike McGuire! That was quick!
LO: Stevens attempted the pin near the NSFW corner and McGuire reacts immediately.
Bishop quickly rolls out of the ring to show the savvy of a ring tested veteran. McGuire follows closely behind while Fantana leaps off the apron to approach NSFW on the outside floor. The champions and Zack begin jawing back and forth while Stevens watches from inside the ring. Suddenly McGuire has had enough and hammers Fantana in the jaw! The crowd gets riled while Church begins to approach the stunned Fantana alongside their partner. Stevens has seen enough and hits the ropes on the opposite side of the ring from NSFW and Zack. Benny flies across the ring and this time dives over the top rope to fly over at the champions and Fantana! Benny hits the outside floor hard after impact but takes out everyone! The referee begins her count inside the ring while everyone on the outside floor attempts to clear the cobwebs.
LO: The referee has began her count and everyone is down.
KO: This could end in a double count out if neither team can make it back in the ring.
The referee's count drones on as Benny pushes up to his hands and knees and starts crawling towards the guardrail for some support. He gets the rest of the way to his feet only to look over and see Bishop Church doing the same a few feet away. Stevens rubs his shoulder and then shrugs before charging right at the man who is trying to shake the cobwebs. Apparently they get shook right in the nick of time as Church suddenly steps forwards into Benny to catch him coming in with a High Release Belly to Belly Suplex. Benny is sent with such momentum that he clears the crowd at the corners of the guardrail that meets ringside and side entrance, and when he finally comes down it's with a rattling thud against the steel ramp.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! STEVENS JUST GOT SENT FLYING LIKE A JET PLANE!
KO: That shit was so crazy that the ref even stopped counting...she's just staring there in disbelief!
LO: In the meantime Fantana and McGuire are back on their feet, and McGuire moving in with a hard right hand...BUT ZACK DUCKS IT!
KO: SUPERKICK TAKES MCGUIRE'S HEAD OFF!
LO: Zack now trying to get them back on their feet, but doesn't see Bishop Church coming in from behind him...
Fantana pulls Mike up to their feet and props them against the ring apron before trying to push them back into the ring but is blasted from behind by Church who tosses Zack under the bottom rope instead. Church helps support Mike for a second until they can get their barrings, and then steps back when they move to get back in the ring. It's then that they notice that Fantana has rolled back out on the opposite side, and the Chimera Tag Champions look to one another as if thinking the same thing. They separate, making their way around the ringside area on opposite sides from one another, both approaching Zack to catch him in a vice. Fantana clutches the back of his head where he was clubbed but notices Church first, and then Mike. He looks back to the safety of the ring and then at the ramp where his partner is finally starting to get back to their feet, though grabbing at their lower back in pain. The option is clear, strength in numbers. So Zack takes off up the ramp to grab up Benny and turn his attention towards the incoming Tag Team Champions.
LO: The #1 Contenders are on the ramp and they are being hedged in by The Champions....NSFW RUSHING IN ON THEM, AND NOW WE HAVE A WAR!
KO: FISTS ARE FLYING AND I'M NOT SURE WHAT EXACTLY IS HAPPENING! DON'T THEY REALIZE THAT THEY ARE STILL IN A MATCH!
LO: Tempers have flared over the past several weeks since Fantanasy's return to action and now they are spilling over here!
Out of the four competitors, Bishop Church is by far the largest, and his fists hold just a little more weight over Stevens and Fantana. The battle eventually leads the quartet all the way up onto the stage area where Mike manages to get a fistful of Fantana's hair and then runs him face first into one of the steel pillars holding up the Big Screen above the entrance. The screen wobbles and fans scream as Benny manages to duck one of Bishop's massive lariat attempts only to deliver a Basement Dropkick to his knee. Bishop grabs at the back of his leg in anguish as Benny rises and skips a Superkick right off the man's lowered chin. Church hits the steel floor dangerously close to the edge and Benny seems pretty pleased with himself until he turns right into a nasty Haymaker from McGuire.
LO: KNOCKED FOR SIX!
KO: Benny goes down in a heap beside McGuire's tag partner, but they better watch out!
LO: ZACK FANTANA FROM BEHIND....SLEEP APNEA ONTO MIKE MCGUIRE!!
KO: All four are momentarily down again, but Zack is starting to.....oh damn? Was that the bell?
LO: Seems so. I think Caputo is throwing the match out...
RING ANNOUNCER: This match has been deemed a No Contest because the referee was unable to maintain control of the match. BOTH TEAMS HAVE BEEN DISQUALIFIED!
KO: Well what the hell, Man? This didn't settle a damn thing!
LO: I'm pretty sure it only exacerbated an already volatile situation!
Zack gets back to his feet and looks around in bewilderment at the sound of the bell continuing to sound. When he looks back Bishop Church is starting to rise, and a look of annoyance crosses the Fantanical leaders face. He stalks forwards only to get his leg caught by McGuire which causes him to stumble. He walks right into Bishop's grasp which catches him around the throat. Zack gasps for air as Mike rises behind to try and direct traffic and the Chimera Tag Team Champions look off the edge of the stage to the production tables down below. Bishop and Mike's eyes meet and there seems to be some unheard conversation as they turn Zack's body to dangle on the edge of a fifteen foot drop. Suddenly, seeing his partner in grave danger, Steven's pounces to his feet and rushes to his aid. Unfortunately, rather than get Zack out of NSFW's clutches, this only manages to cause everyone to become unstable and the next thing you know...
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! BOTH CHALLENGERS AND CHAMPIONS JUST WENT OVER THE SIDE OF THE STAGE!
KO: I...I THINK THEY MIGHT BE REALLY HURT OUT HERE GUYS! WE PROBABLY NEED MEDICAL!
LO: You think? Mike McGuire, Bishop Church, Zack Fantana, and Benny Stevens just fell fifteen feet with nothing but tables and electrical equipment to break their fall. I'd say they are going to require medical equipment...
A camera manages to get an overhead view of the wreckage, and sure enough there are four bodies strewn along the concrete floor littered with broken tables and equipment. The crowd are still hushed into silence as the Big Screen above the stage shows a replay of the fall again and again, and EMT's rush into the area to try and assess the damage to the competitors.
KO: What do you think this means for the title bout?
LO: I have no idea, but something tells me we're going to have an added stipulation somewhere in all this.
KO: Oh goodie, gimmicks!
LO: You say that, but this is the type of rivalry where someone get's hurt. If not all of them, like we've just seen here tonight!
KO: Yeah, but God Damn if it doesn't make great Television!
Laurence regards his brother somberly as the camera catches one more glimpse of the four superstars being loaded onto stretchers before cutting backstage.
The lights dim and the single chord intro to 'Black Bull' by FOALS comes across the PA. The lights flash with the repeated chord and just as the song starts in on the lyrics Benny Stevens bursts through the curtain doing a high step as Zack Fantana trails in behind him. Both are wearing matching gear this time around of the bright pink variety, and the scene elicits some cat calls from the crowd. They come to a stop at the top of the stage as Benny drops to one knee and does an obnoxious bicep pose while Zack stands behind him with his hand covering his eyes so that he can peer out at the cheering crowd. Benny suddenly pops up and starts strutting down to the ring as Zack gives a shoulder shrug at his over the top partner and follows.
RING ANNOUNCER: Making their way to the ring, at a combined weight of 403 pounds, BENNY STEVENS....ZACK FANTANA....FANTANASYYYYY!!!
At the bottom of the ramp Benny takes off into a run and leaps up onto the ring apron only to front flip into the ring while Zack takes the stares and then springs over as well. Benny has already ran to the far corner where he's taken the second turnbuckle and jukes his shoulders to the music, and Zack takes the corner opposite him to peer back out at the crowd once again and then nod at their approving return. Both men drop down and convene in the corner to watch the stage and converse about the upcoming strategy.
LO: Fantanasy has been on a roll as of late, winning two Triple Threat Matches consisting of a combination of tag partners, and then last week hedging out The Zombie Vice Squad to secure themselves a match at 7 Pillars against the Chimera Tag Champs.
KO: Yeah, they've been pretty impressive, but so far this is a team that they haven't been able to peg down in NSFW.
LO: They also looked intimidating at the end of last show as Benny and Zack made a hasty exit while Siberia Zombie got driven into the canvas thanks to Bishop Church, and I have to say, I was shocked.
KO: Yeah, Church is usually the level headed one of the group, but I guess seeing his partner take a Fantana to the face thanks to The Zombie's was more than he could handle.
Speaking of the Champions...The house lights dim. Green and orange lights pulse with the opening of Papa Roach’s ‘Renegade Music’, the tron remaining black- and then flashing the words with the music
‘BUT NOTHING CHANGES
UNTIL THE PEOPLE GET LOUD!’
The pulsing lights intensify, accompanied by green and orange lasers, the screen flashing NSFW’s logo as Bishop Church and Mike McGuire appear in the entryway to a rousing ovation, sharing fistbumps with the fans by the barriers as they make their way to the ring.
RING ANNOUNCER: Now on their way to the ring, at a combined weight of 400 pounds, the CHIMERA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! MIKE MCGUIRE...BISHOP CHURCH...N ...S ...F ...W!
Fantanasy has bailed out of the ring as Mike does his customary bouncing back and forth to either side multiple times before John finally climbs up the ring steps. They meet in the middle of the ring and look to the crowd. With Bishop two steps behind, they both pose by standing on the second rope, titles raised in the air. When they descend, however, there isn't the usual fan interactions as they look laser focused on their opponents.
LO: An intense Chimera Tag Team Champions in this contest, which makes sense considering they feel that they have been the butt of Fantanasy's joke ever since the team arrived.
KO: I think that's exactly what Fantanasy wanted. Just look at these two, they look pissed.
LO: I'm not so uncertain they don't have a right to be. They are the champions here and have been leveled with many assumptions since coming into the company despite having proven themselves time and time again.
KO: That comes with the territory, Laur. Sensitivity to comments and dismissals made by your rivals isn't going to keep you champions long.
LO: That...or it motivates you to break everyone that comes against you.
KO: Either way, the bell just sounded and it's on!
KO: Stevens and Fantana are wearing matching bright pink gear. They appear to be working as a team better and better each and every week.
LO: The Dead End Friends have become a legitimate threat to NSFW over the past month.
KO: NSFW are a complete team and it will take one just as cohesive to dethrone Mike and Bishop.
Stevens and McGuire will start this one. The two immediately charge at one another! They begin swapping punches in the middle of the ring for a fast start. Mike catches Benny with a sharp right that causes him to stagger backwards. McGuire uses the opening to sling Stevens into the ropes with an irish whip! Benny comes flying back to counter the clothesline attempt with a ring rattling spinebuster!
LO: Dead End Friends strike first!
Stevens quickly moves to get atop of McGuire. He then begins to drop down vicious mounted elbow shots! Mike quickly attempts to cover up with little success. Benny finally rises up to free McGuire but shuffles alongside them for a standing moonsault! Mike holds up their knees at the last possible moment to counter!
KO: Ouch! McGuire counters with knees that halt Stevens momentum.
LO: Benny wanted to use his weight advantage there but crashed and burned instead.
Mike quickly gets up to their feet after the counter. Benny rolls around briefly calling out in pain before stumbling up to one knee. McGuire comes up from behind Stevens as he slowly stands up. Mike leaps up on Benny’s back from behind to apply a sleeper! Both of Stevens eyes widen as McGuire locks the hold on while dangling off the back of their larger opponent.
LO: McGuire has applied an unorthodox sleeper hold!
KO: Stevens could be in trouble here.
McGuire latches on even tighter as Benny stumbles toward Fantana in the corner. Mike tightens her grip around Stevens throat wanting to put him to sleep. Benny hits both knees allowing McGuire’s feet to touch the ground flush again. Stevens reaches out at Fantana, who does the same.
KO: Benny wants to make a tag but McGuire will have none of it.
Benny appears to start to fade while Fantana reaches out toward his partner while simultaneously stomping on the apron to stir the Dead End Friends faithful. Stevens eyes close while McGuire relentless aims to achieve a technical knockout victory. Benny comes alive suddenly! Stevens rises to both feet but Mike does not release the hold. They get hoisted back into the air now dangling off their opponents back again. Stevens rushes over to the corner in a burst of energy to climb up on the bottom rope and up to the middle turnbuckle before leaping straight back! Benny hits the mat with his full weight to squash McGuire between he and the unforgiving canvas to break the hold!
LO: What an unorthodox counter but nevertheless, Stevens is free!
KO: Fantana still wants a tag as does Church.
LO: Both men are reaching as far out into the ring as they possibly can.
Stevens gets to his hands and knees while still shaking the effects of the sleeper off. McGuire crawls toward Bishop in a daze. Benny gets to both feet to quickly lunge at Zack, who tags into the match! The crowd gets riled as Bishop also receives a tag from McGuire! Both men hit the ring in a hurry. Fantana gets the upper hand with a slingblade on Bishop! Church hits the mat but quickly gets back to his feet to catch a charging Zack with a picture perfect overhead belly to belly suplex! Bishop quickly goes for a pin!
...1
KO: Kick out by Fantanasy!
Bishop grins a bit as he rushes back to his feet only to find Zack already standing! Church comes in looking for an elbow but Fantana ducks it! Fantanasy then counters arm trap swinging neckbreaker! Fantana leaps to his feet then rushes over to the ropes. He taunts Mike briefly before scaling the turnbuckles closest to Church.
LO: Fantana is taking this fight to the air!
Zack and Mike jaw back and forth which allows Church to strike! Bishop leaps up then charges at the corner! Fantana can see this out of the corner of his eye leading to an early leap that Church halts with a violent mid air uppercut!
KO: Did you see the way Fantana’s head buckled? That was violent.
Mike reaches for a tag and Bishop obliges. McGuire rushes through the ropes while Fantana lies flat on his back. Bishop cradles up his own partner suddenly then powerbombs Mike onto a helpless Zack Fantana! Benny watches on from the corner while clutching the top rope into both hands. Mike goes to hook a leg leading Stevens to leap up onto the top rope to springboard off at McGuire as they pull back Fantana’s right leg to push both shoulders flush against the mat. Benny drops a springboard elbow that wows the Canadian crowd to break up the pin immediately!
KO: Did you see that!? Stevens saw that pin coming and reacted to break it up. Zack and Benny are in the zone as a team right now and NSFW can see that.
LO: The champions titles are not on the line tonight but they will be soon.
Fantana rolls to his feet as does Mike while the referee rushes both Church and Benny back to their respective corners. McGuire rushes at Zack, who catches them for a wicked tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! Fantana hooks a leg! Mike and Zack end up near the Dead End Friends corner. Benny reaches out for a tag and receives one!
LO: Tag made! Here comes Stevens!
Stevens glides through the ropes while Zack grapples up Mike. Benny comes in to nail them with a brutal elbow to the back of the head! Fantana then cradles them up while Stevens slides directly in front of them with both knees up leading to Fatana to powerbomb McGuire onto the knees of Benny!
KO: Newton’s LAW! That might be it!
Stevens quickly shuffles over to hook the leg of the champion.
...1
…2
LO: Broken up by Bishop Church! These two have become a cohesive unit over the past few weeks.
KO: The champions look like they may need to regroup here after that exchange.
McGuire rolls out of the ring after Church breaks up the pin. The referee rushes Bishop and Fantana to their corners while Mike slides back into the ring. Stevens turns to notice this and charges full speed at them! The Daredevil comes in hot aiming for a forearm smash but McGuire shuffles their feet to hit a knee to counter with a drop toe hold! The unexpected counter causes Benny to eat the mat face first with no extended arms to break the fall whatsoever.
KO: Benny has a busted mouth now. I hope he doesn’t get any of Crimson’s blood from earlier in those wounds.
LO: Our crew does an immaculate job with Ajax. Stevens just realized McGuire drew first blood.
KO: He doesn’t realize that they are making their way over to Bishop for a tag though!
McGuire tags in Bishop, who charges through the ropes. Church hoists up his partner high into the air. Benny gets up slowly while Bishop approaches holding his partner ready to throw them like a missile. Stevens stands up then turns just in time to see Bishop toss Mike right at him! Benny ducks near the ropes leading McGuire’s clothesline to miss him but nail Fantana in the corner, mere feet from Benny!
KO: The champions continue to show why they hold the straps. Bishop just used Mike as a human missile and it misses but still hits. Amazing.
LO: Both Fantana and McGuire end up on the outside floor. NSFW’s teamwork continues to drive their success in this company. Dead End Friends threaten that reign like it’s never been threatened before.
Fantana and McGuire bounce off the apron leaving Stevens and Church all alone to fight it out inside the squared circle. Stevens turns around just in time to catch a face full of boot from the charging Bishop! The shot sends Benny to the mat but he refuses to stay down. He rises up only to be grappled up from behind in a rear chin lock by the champion!
LO: The champions have taken control of this one.
KO: Stevens has nowhere to go. They are in the center of the ring. The ropes may as well be in Asia.
Bishop tries to twist off Stevens head from behind. He continues to torque the neck of the challenger to the right with all he’s got. Fantana crawls up on the apron to see what's transpring inside the ring. Benny attempts to escape which leads Church to drop a knee in the center of his back before applying more pressure to the chin lock. Zack leaps up on the apron then pulls himself up using the ropes for assistance. Fantana then leaps up onto the top rope to springboard off directly at Bishop Church for a roundhouse kick to break the hold! Stevens falls forward while Bishop lands flat on his back. Benny attempts to go for a pin but McGuire yanks at Bishop from the outside to halt this completely.
KO: Fantana repays the favor for Stevens with that amazing springboard roundhouse kick.
LO: These two teams are putting on a real show here tonight. McGuire comes in to pull her dazed partner from danger while the Dead End Friends regain control.
Stevens watches as NSFW regroups on the outside. Benny rushes over to tag in Fantana before pointing at the unsuspecting champions. Zack nods in agreement leading Stevens to take off across the ring directly at NSFW on the outside! Benny dives through the ropes but Mike leaps up out of nowhere to catch him in mid air diving with a huge knee to the face! Zack looks on in complete disbelief at the counter.
LO: What a counter by McGuire! They saw Benny coming but even Church is shocked by that outcome.
Zack walks over to the ropes to check on Stevens leading Church to rush up to pull Fantana’s feet from beneath him! Bishop then slides into the ring and rushes over to tag in his partner, Mike McGuire. The Daredevil remains down on the outside essentially turning this into a two on one affair for now. Fantana hit the back of his head hard on impact and remains in a bit of a daze. Bishop stomps him in the face to push him back down flat on the mat. McGuire scales the turnbuckle from the apron to end up facing out into ring at Zack. Mike dives off to perform a picture perfect flying headbutt that hits its mark. McGuire hooks a leg for a pin!
...1
...2
KO: Broken up by Benny Stevens! How did he muster that up after that violent knee counter!?
LO: Benny came here to win tonight like the rest of these wrestlers and refuses to quit. What a match this has been. What a show this is turning out to be!
Stevens remains down but attempts to get back to his corner after breaking up the near pinfall. Fantana rolls around on the mat in pain after the flying headbutt while McGuire rolls to their feet. Mike walks over to her fallen foe and bends down over Fantana, who reaches up to slap McGuire across the face! This sends Mike back to give Zack some room. Fantana rolls to his feet to hook Mike’s head for a brainbuster onto an extended knee!
LO: These teams are going back and forth with neither giving an inch.
KO: Fantana may regret not going for the pin after that.
LO: It appears that he may have other plans.
Fantana walks over to the closest corner and works the crowd a bit before climbing up on the middle turnbuckle. Zack then boosts himself up to the top before calling for Lucid Dreams! This riles the crowd throughout as Fantana leaps off looking for his finishing maneuver but McGuire rolls out of the way at the last possible moment! Zack misses!
KO: Miss! If Fantana hits that, this one is over.
LO: But he misses and this one will continue but now both wrestlers are down. They need to make a tag.
Zack ends up flat on his belly while Mike continues to feel the effects of Fantana’s brainbuster. Both Bishop and Stevens reach for a tag in opposite corners. The wrestlers crawl towards their corners in a slow methodical crawl while the referee begins her count.
LO: McGuire and Fantana have got to make a tag! Who will make it first?!
KO: Mike appears to have the advantage but Zack is picking up speed. Both wrestlers took some hard licks on that last exchange. The ref’s count reaches four.
Mike reaches up at Church, who uses his long arms to accept the tag while Fantana lunges at Stevens in the opposite corner.
KO: TAGS MADE!
LO: Here comes the fresh men, Benny and Church!
Both men hit the ring running. Stevens and Bishop begin swapping blows as soon as they reach each other in the center of the ring. They swap lefts and rights until the larger Church gains the upper hand with a solid shot to send Benny back into the ropes! Stevens hits the ropes then gets slingshot forward back at Bishop, who goes for a clothesline but Benny ducks it completely! Stevens hits the ropes on the opposite side of the ring to come flying back at the champion. Church attempts another clothesline but misses again! Benny picks up real speed as he bounces off the ropes behind his opponent. Bishop turns just in time to catch a dropkick to his right knee cap! The shot sends him to one knee. Benny quickly gets to his feet and dashes through the ropes and out onto the apron. He spins around to grasp the top rope into both hands before leaping up onto it in a single bound to springboard off at Bishop from behind for a wicked bulldog! The maneuver drives the big man into the mat face first.
LO: Stevens continues to impress in this one.
KO: This aerial show has been amazing from both teams really. McGuire has been up top already tonight as well.
Benny ends up out from Church but crawls alongside him slowly to make a pin!
...1
KO: Broken up by Mike McGuire! That was quick!
LO: Stevens attempted the pin near the NSFW corner and McGuire reacts immediately.
Bishop quickly rolls out of the ring to show the savvy of a ring tested veteran. McGuire follows closely behind while Fantana leaps off the apron to approach NSFW on the outside floor. The champions and Zack begin jawing back and forth while Stevens watches from inside the ring. Suddenly McGuire has had enough and hammers Fantana in the jaw! The crowd gets riled while Church begins to approach the stunned Fantana alongside their partner. Stevens has seen enough and hits the ropes on the opposite side of the ring from NSFW and Zack. Benny flies across the ring and this time dives over the top rope to fly over at the champions and Fantana! Benny hits the outside floor hard after impact but takes out everyone! The referee begins her count inside the ring while everyone on the outside floor attempts to clear the cobwebs.
LO: The referee has began her count and everyone is down.
KO: This could end in a double count out if neither team can make it back in the ring.
The referee's count drones on as Benny pushes up to his hands and knees and starts crawling towards the guardrail for some support. He gets the rest of the way to his feet only to look over and see Bishop Church doing the same a few feet away. Stevens rubs his shoulder and then shrugs before charging right at the man who is trying to shake the cobwebs. Apparently they get shook right in the nick of time as Church suddenly steps forwards into Benny to catch him coming in with a High Release Belly to Belly Suplex. Benny is sent with such momentum that he clears the crowd at the corners of the guardrail that meets ringside and side entrance, and when he finally comes down it's with a rattling thud against the steel ramp.
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! STEVENS JUST GOT SENT FLYING LIKE A JET PLANE!
KO: That shit was so crazy that the ref even stopped counting...she's just staring there in disbelief!
LO: In the meantime Fantana and McGuire are back on their feet, and McGuire moving in with a hard right hand...BUT ZACK DUCKS IT!
KO: SUPERKICK TAKES MCGUIRE'S HEAD OFF!
LO: Zack now trying to get them back on their feet, but doesn't see Bishop Church coming in from behind him...
Fantana pulls Mike up to their feet and props them against the ring apron before trying to push them back into the ring but is blasted from behind by Church who tosses Zack under the bottom rope instead. Church helps support Mike for a second until they can get their barrings, and then steps back when they move to get back in the ring. It's then that they notice that Fantana has rolled back out on the opposite side, and the Chimera Tag Champions look to one another as if thinking the same thing. They separate, making their way around the ringside area on opposite sides from one another, both approaching Zack to catch him in a vice. Fantana clutches the back of his head where he was clubbed but notices Church first, and then Mike. He looks back to the safety of the ring and then at the ramp where his partner is finally starting to get back to their feet, though grabbing at their lower back in pain. The option is clear, strength in numbers. So Zack takes off up the ramp to grab up Benny and turn his attention towards the incoming Tag Team Champions.
LO: The #1 Contenders are on the ramp and they are being hedged in by The Champions....NSFW RUSHING IN ON THEM, AND NOW WE HAVE A WAR!
KO: FISTS ARE FLYING AND I'M NOT SURE WHAT EXACTLY IS HAPPENING! DON'T THEY REALIZE THAT THEY ARE STILL IN A MATCH!
LO: Tempers have flared over the past several weeks since Fantanasy's return to action and now they are spilling over here!
Out of the four competitors, Bishop Church is by far the largest, and his fists hold just a little more weight over Stevens and Fantana. The battle eventually leads the quartet all the way up onto the stage area where Mike manages to get a fistful of Fantana's hair and then runs him face first into one of the steel pillars holding up the Big Screen above the entrance. The screen wobbles and fans scream as Benny manages to duck one of Bishop's massive lariat attempts only to deliver a Basement Dropkick to his knee. Bishop grabs at the back of his leg in anguish as Benny rises and skips a Superkick right off the man's lowered chin. Church hits the steel floor dangerously close to the edge and Benny seems pretty pleased with himself until he turns right into a nasty Haymaker from McGuire.
LO: KNOCKED FOR SIX!
KO: Benny goes down in a heap beside McGuire's tag partner, but they better watch out!
LO: ZACK FANTANA FROM BEHIND....SLEEP APNEA ONTO MIKE MCGUIRE!!
KO: All four are momentarily down again, but Zack is starting to.....oh damn? Was that the bell?
LO: Seems so. I think Caputo is throwing the match out...
RING ANNOUNCER: This match has been deemed a No Contest because the referee was unable to maintain control of the match. BOTH TEAMS HAVE BEEN DISQUALIFIED!
KO: Well what the hell, Man? This didn't settle a damn thing!
LO: I'm pretty sure it only exacerbated an already volatile situation!
Zack gets back to his feet and looks around in bewilderment at the sound of the bell continuing to sound. When he looks back Bishop Church is starting to rise, and a look of annoyance crosses the Fantanical leaders face. He stalks forwards only to get his leg caught by McGuire which causes him to stumble. He walks right into Bishop's grasp which catches him around the throat. Zack gasps for air as Mike rises behind to try and direct traffic and the Chimera Tag Team Champions look off the edge of the stage to the production tables down below. Bishop and Mike's eyes meet and there seems to be some unheard conversation as they turn Zack's body to dangle on the edge of a fifteen foot drop. Suddenly, seeing his partner in grave danger, Steven's pounces to his feet and rushes to his aid. Unfortunately, rather than get Zack out of NSFW's clutches, this only manages to cause everyone to become unstable and the next thing you know...
LO: GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! BOTH CHALLENGERS AND CHAMPIONS JUST WENT OVER THE SIDE OF THE STAGE!
KO: I...I THINK THEY MIGHT BE REALLY HURT OUT HERE GUYS! WE PROBABLY NEED MEDICAL!
LO: You think? Mike McGuire, Bishop Church, Zack Fantana, and Benny Stevens just fell fifteen feet with nothing but tables and electrical equipment to break their fall. I'd say they are going to require medical equipment...
A camera manages to get an overhead view of the wreckage, and sure enough there are four bodies strewn along the concrete floor littered with broken tables and equipment. The crowd are still hushed into silence as the Big Screen above the stage shows a replay of the fall again and again, and EMT's rush into the area to try and assess the damage to the competitors.
KO: What do you think this means for the title bout?
LO: I have no idea, but something tells me we're going to have an added stipulation somewhere in all this.
KO: Oh goodie, gimmicks!
LO: You say that, but this is the type of rivalry where someone get's hurt. If not all of them, like we've just seen here tonight!
KO: Yeah, but God Damn if it doesn't make great Television!
Laurence regards his brother somberly as the camera catches one more glimpse of the four superstars being loaded onto stretchers before cutting backstage.
We cut backstage to where Indi Rhyder is chilling with her camper, she looks up at the camera and offers a big smile as she waves.
Indi: What’s up friends and fans? It’s shaping up to be quite a night now isn’t it? I just wanted to catch up with you all and say hi. Thanks for all your support so far and I promise our adventures are just beginning!
The large hulking dog She affectionately calls her hell hound has somehow come along for the ride and he pads out of the camper to rest at her side.
Indi: these last few shows have been only the beginning and the welcome I’ve gotten from everyone has just been amazing so I wanted to take this time to show my gratitude! Me and the mutt have a hundred more adventures planned we are gonna take you all on! Now I won’t hold up the show any longer. Have fun buds and remember to always reach for the stars!
Indi: What’s up friends and fans? It’s shaping up to be quite a night now isn’t it? I just wanted to catch up with you all and say hi. Thanks for all your support so far and I promise our adventures are just beginning!
The large hulking dog She affectionately calls her hell hound has somehow come along for the ride and he pads out of the camper to rest at her side.
Indi: these last few shows have been only the beginning and the welcome I’ve gotten from everyone has just been amazing so I wanted to take this time to show my gratitude! Me and the mutt have a hundred more adventures planned we are gonna take you all on! Now I won’t hold up the show any longer. Have fun buds and remember to always reach for the stars!
Backstage is bustling with activity. Valor crew are racing down the hallways to get where they need to be and doing their best to keep the show running smoothly from start to finish. Standing off to the side from all this traffic was none other than Leela Watts and Kaven Drell. Leela was leaning against one of the giant boxes usually reserved for equipment to be stored in when Valor traveled from one show to the next. She chewed on the inside of her cheek as for a moment the two stood in silence. Leela sighed as she broke the silence.
Leela Watts: “I don’t know what to do… Really. I’m starting to wonder if I can even exist in a company where someone I’m dating or have dated is working. That’s not exactly a lot of people either but somehow. Just every time I get caught up in what they are doing. I mean… not that I don’t want to be supportive. Not that I don’t care about Danny succeeding and Chris has an excellent point too. He’s the reason I’m here. He believed in me when nobody else did and elevated me to a level I wasn’t sure I could ever possibly achieve and so early on in my career. This is such a mess and not what I wanted.”
Leela put her hands on her head and ran them back through her head. Drell nodded his head. It’s a different side of him than the one the fans are normally given a glimpse of but perhaps that’s for the best. Perhaps it will even fuel his movement to a greater extent.
Kaven Drell: “You owe no one anything but as long as you sit back and allow them to dictate to you what you can and cannot do, or who you can and cannot be, then you’ll never be free to become what you can be. Look at Danny. Look at where he was before I came along. Before I opened his eyes. Let me do the same for you, Leela. You can exist in a world where you are romantically involved with a peer, but only if you break the chains that the machine will try to hold you down with.”
Leela looked down at her hands clasped together in front of her. She was fidgeting with her nails. Unsure of really what to say. She nodded her head obviously agreeing with Kaven to an extent.
Leela Watts: “You’re right. I need to stop letting other people put me in this box. Telling me where my line in the sand should be. I keep saying I’m going to be different. I keep saying this time is going to be different and then? It’s not. It’s not because of me not being talented enough. It’s not because someone is obviously more talented. I truly think people know my heart is so big that they can easily manipulate me to play within their lines. This stuff between Danny and Chris? I love Danny. I will support him no matter what. Chris has been a great friend to me and its nice to see him wrestling and succeeding. Knowing he can truly do it all and understands every aspect of wrestling, but me being in the middle is that really fair to me?”
Shaking his head, Kaven sighed at her.
Kaven Drell: “Where you fail to see truth is in what you see in Chris Callum. He is no friend of yours. Where has he been in your struggles? Do you not see who he always showed allegiance to? It wasn’t you. It was Cosmo. You were but a pawn in his scheming. Yes, your heart is big but so is your mind. Use it and see truth. You are neither arm candy to Danny nor are you a side course to the dreams of Chris Callum. You are bigger than either of them, if only you let yourself blossom and I am here to help see that through.”
Taking a step toward her, Kaven began to raise his hand in her direction until the UnYielding one, Danny Rizzo, appeared on the scene looking between the two of them.
Danny Rizzo: “Everything good here?”
Leela looked at Kaven for a long pause before turning to Danny placing a smile on her face as she tucked a bit of hair behind her ear.
Leela Watts: “Of course. Everything is great. Just talking about stuff going on around here. Speaking of which. You look great tonight babe.”
Nodding his head in appreciation, Danny looked her over as well.
Danny Rizzo: “Thanks, beautiful. So do you. Are you ready to go or…?”
There’s a moment's pause where tension lingers in the air. Kaven Drell looks ready to pounce and Danny seems to hesitate, as if expecting to need to defend himself at any point in time. All of it fades, though, as Kaven finishes reaching out for Leela, whom he pulls closer to him, placing a kiss upon her lips.
Kaven Drell: “Remember what I said.”
He gives her a long look before turning his attention over to Rizzo, who doesn’t seem to be bothered by what has unfolded in front of him at all.
Danny Rizzo: “Okay. Kaven, while we’re out there try not to set anyone on fire, okay. Jesus the whole let it burn thing is a metaphor, we don’t actually want to set people on fire.”
Rizzo holds his hand out for Leela to take as Kaven studies him with a wry smirk etched into his expression.
Kaven Drell: “It worked, didn’t it?”
Leela couldn’t help but giggle but she put a hand over her mouth to cover it up. She shrugged and nodded her head to Danny. She then took his outstretched hand in hers.
Leela Watts: “Kaven has a point. It did work.”
Leela then looked over at Kaven and placed her free hand on his shoulder and rubbed his arm.
Leela Watts: “Oh but sweetie Danny has a point too. It’s really not nice to set people on fire and I don’t want you to be detained in Canada.... Away from me. So try to behave for a few minutes.”
Leela dropped her hand and gave Kaven a small wink before waving at him as she let Danny lead her to the ring. As the two walked away Kaven Drell continued to stare at them, watching them as they went with a twinkle in his eye. Once they were out of earshot he turned away, the steady gaze that he had been wearing turning into something much more sinister before he turned and disappeared from the sight of the camera crew.
Leela Watts: “I don’t know what to do… Really. I’m starting to wonder if I can even exist in a company where someone I’m dating or have dated is working. That’s not exactly a lot of people either but somehow. Just every time I get caught up in what they are doing. I mean… not that I don’t want to be supportive. Not that I don’t care about Danny succeeding and Chris has an excellent point too. He’s the reason I’m here. He believed in me when nobody else did and elevated me to a level I wasn’t sure I could ever possibly achieve and so early on in my career. This is such a mess and not what I wanted.”
Leela put her hands on her head and ran them back through her head. Drell nodded his head. It’s a different side of him than the one the fans are normally given a glimpse of but perhaps that’s for the best. Perhaps it will even fuel his movement to a greater extent.
Kaven Drell: “You owe no one anything but as long as you sit back and allow them to dictate to you what you can and cannot do, or who you can and cannot be, then you’ll never be free to become what you can be. Look at Danny. Look at where he was before I came along. Before I opened his eyes. Let me do the same for you, Leela. You can exist in a world where you are romantically involved with a peer, but only if you break the chains that the machine will try to hold you down with.”
Leela looked down at her hands clasped together in front of her. She was fidgeting with her nails. Unsure of really what to say. She nodded her head obviously agreeing with Kaven to an extent.
Leela Watts: “You’re right. I need to stop letting other people put me in this box. Telling me where my line in the sand should be. I keep saying I’m going to be different. I keep saying this time is going to be different and then? It’s not. It’s not because of me not being talented enough. It’s not because someone is obviously more talented. I truly think people know my heart is so big that they can easily manipulate me to play within their lines. This stuff between Danny and Chris? I love Danny. I will support him no matter what. Chris has been a great friend to me and its nice to see him wrestling and succeeding. Knowing he can truly do it all and understands every aspect of wrestling, but me being in the middle is that really fair to me?”
Shaking his head, Kaven sighed at her.
Kaven Drell: “Where you fail to see truth is in what you see in Chris Callum. He is no friend of yours. Where has he been in your struggles? Do you not see who he always showed allegiance to? It wasn’t you. It was Cosmo. You were but a pawn in his scheming. Yes, your heart is big but so is your mind. Use it and see truth. You are neither arm candy to Danny nor are you a side course to the dreams of Chris Callum. You are bigger than either of them, if only you let yourself blossom and I am here to help see that through.”
Taking a step toward her, Kaven began to raise his hand in her direction until the UnYielding one, Danny Rizzo, appeared on the scene looking between the two of them.
Danny Rizzo: “Everything good here?”
Leela looked at Kaven for a long pause before turning to Danny placing a smile on her face as she tucked a bit of hair behind her ear.
Leela Watts: “Of course. Everything is great. Just talking about stuff going on around here. Speaking of which. You look great tonight babe.”
Nodding his head in appreciation, Danny looked her over as well.
Danny Rizzo: “Thanks, beautiful. So do you. Are you ready to go or…?”
There’s a moment's pause where tension lingers in the air. Kaven Drell looks ready to pounce and Danny seems to hesitate, as if expecting to need to defend himself at any point in time. All of it fades, though, as Kaven finishes reaching out for Leela, whom he pulls closer to him, placing a kiss upon her lips.
Kaven Drell: “Remember what I said.”
He gives her a long look before turning his attention over to Rizzo, who doesn’t seem to be bothered by what has unfolded in front of him at all.
Danny Rizzo: “Okay. Kaven, while we’re out there try not to set anyone on fire, okay. Jesus the whole let it burn thing is a metaphor, we don’t actually want to set people on fire.”
Rizzo holds his hand out for Leela to take as Kaven studies him with a wry smirk etched into his expression.
Kaven Drell: “It worked, didn’t it?”
Leela couldn’t help but giggle but she put a hand over her mouth to cover it up. She shrugged and nodded her head to Danny. She then took his outstretched hand in hers.
Leela Watts: “Kaven has a point. It did work.”
Leela then looked over at Kaven and placed her free hand on his shoulder and rubbed his arm.
Leela Watts: “Oh but sweetie Danny has a point too. It’s really not nice to set people on fire and I don’t want you to be detained in Canada.... Away from me. So try to behave for a few minutes.”
Leela dropped her hand and gave Kaven a small wink before waving at him as she let Danny lead her to the ring. As the two walked away Kaven Drell continued to stare at them, watching them as they went with a twinkle in his eye. Once they were out of earshot he turned away, the steady gaze that he had been wearing turning into something much more sinister before he turned and disappeared from the sight of the camera crew.
Contract Signing: Chris Callum & Danny Rizzo
Open on the cold Montreal night outside the arena where people linger, some waiting to enter.
Hoarse, haggard breathing precedes the entrance of Brad Stokes. His face is still wrapped, wearing a fedora, presumably to more fully embody his belief that he has become Darkman. He looks around suspiciously, before slipping through the crowd and disappearing into the arena like he were the Phantom of the Opera.
Inside, the crowd is awaiting something, anything. And then Brad walks onto the stage looking kind of confused about himself as he comes to a stop before the capacity crowd who are, initially at least, cheering his arrival.
Brad Stokes: Alright, listen up you muthafukkaz where the ring at?
Brad has some pretty bright spotlights on him, forcing him to further shield his bandaged eyes to look out into the abyss that is the arena he’s in.
Brad Stokes: I can’t see shit. Where the ring at.
The crowd in front of him starts to cheer louder, as beside him appears the ever graceful, magical, Celine Dion!
Brad regards her with confusion.
Brad Stokes: Yooo, are you a wrestler?
Celine Dion: No, I’m Celine Dion.
Brad Stokes: What the hell is that?
The crowd laughs.
Celine Dion: Are you my opening act?
Brad Stokes: I’m the whole f’n show. Now where’s Callum and Rizzo. I’m here to oversee their contract signing.
Brad looks around. This is confusing.
Celine Dion: You’re at my concert, sweetie.
The crowd pops. Celine Dion is just absolutely effervescent rn. Brad is right confused.
Brad Stokes: Are you saying I pulled a Cuppola and went to the wrong venue?
Celine laughs. She’s so gracefully magical.
Celine Dion: I think so.
The crowd laughs as Brad looks like the quintessential fish out of water, and Celine kicks out her seminal hit: My Heart Will Go On.
Celine Dion: YOURRRR HEREEE THERE’S NOTHING I FEARRRRRR.
And the crowd loves it. Brad is in one of the levels of hell.
Pull out, and Brad is on the ValorTron looking into the camera like he wants to escape into the right venue. There’s a table set up in the ring for the contract signing. And Brad Stokes is forced to watch from a Celine Dion concert.
Record scratch. Brad Stokes disappears and a highlight reel of Danny Rizzo’s best moments in Valor Pro begins to flash across the screen while “Warrior” by Volbeat bumps over the sound system. From the backstage area Rizzo appears with Leela Watts in tow holding his hand as the couple, whose relationship had apparently taken an interesting turn judging by the events that had unfolded earlier in the evening in front of the Valor crowd, heads down to the ring. It doesn’t take long for the two to enter, with Leela smiling and slapping hands with the fans and Danny silently ignoring all of those except for the few here and there who show evidence of supporting the movement that he and Kaven Drell have instigated.
Danny, in gentlemanly fashion, offers Leela his seat but she waves it off and plants a kiss on his cheek softly, letting him sit instead. On the table in front of him rests two microphones, presumably for he and Chris Callum who surely would be appearing shortly. Danny isn’t one to wait for him, though, and quickly retrieves the object and begins to address anyone and everyone who was listening.
Danny Rizzo: I don’t know what I expected, honestly? Professionalism? Some semblance of intelligent thought on the part of whoever it is that pieces these cards and events together? Somehow Brad Stokes perpetually makes a fool of himself and yet he remains employed. It’s a shame. An absolute shame. In the same way it’s an absolute shame that Chris Callum sits atop of this company as its Apex champion. He isn’t Valor Pro. He’s a mercenary that was brought in to exploit Cosmo Cooper in the same way that Brennan Devlin was. At least Callum was successful, but if this company went belly up due to incompetence on the part of the administration, something that isn’t all that wild of a thought, Chris Callum wouldn’t care. He’d simply move on to the next paycheck without any thought or care in the world for any of you. And yet still, so many of you cheer him. It’s like a butcher promising cattle safety in the confines of his care.
Rizzo shakes his head in dismay and clicks his tongue at the fans who boo him. Leela, who stands behind him and off to his right a little, shows no signs of agreeing or disagreeing with him. But her presence is noted.
Danny Rizzo: I am the last hope that this company has. Not some foolish bikini model with aspirations of being the greatest wrestler under the heavens, or whatever the hell limp tittied Katya calls herself. Only a fool with delusions of grandeur behaves in the way that she does. And that’s why I continue to be the man those who have the ability to think, to use logic and come to sound, reasonable conclusions, continue to look to me to save this company from the likes of…
Almost as if on cue, Chris Callum’s music filled the arena. As he stepped onto the ramp he adjusted the belt over his shoulder and his nameplate flashed across the bottom. The crowd seemed split on whether or not to cheer the man who cut off Danny Rizzo mid sentence, or boo the man who sent Cosmo Cooper away. Consider that a chapter left unfinished. Chris’ music faded out as he raised the microphone, slowly moving toward the ring and speaking as he did.
Chris Callum: I think Danny… I think your speech is all well and good. I understand where you’re coming from, why you’re upset with me. I think the crowd, at least of some of them, is going to be sympathetic towards you and that’s fine. Maybe that’s all you’re after in the end. Chasing the adulation of the people by picking on someone well above your rank. I’ve been there once upon a time, long ago.
Callum smiled as he came to the stairs and placed one foot on the bottom step - not quite willing to step into the ring just yet. He locked eyes with Rizzo as the crowd noise rose once again. He let the people work themselves up, and then stepped away, continuing to pace outside of the ring.
Chris Callum: I’ve been thinking about what I wanted to say to you. The truth is I’ve never been good at things like this. But then I realized it wasn’t worth pretending, Danny. I’m not out here to talk to you. I’m here to talk to Leela, my shining star.
Danny turned to Leela with a concerned look on his face. Callum raised an eyebrow and the crowd was beginning to get interested in this, in the same way a middle school student would become invested in the latest “who likes who” drama. Before Chris could continue, Danny stopped him.
Danny Rizzo: I’m not out here to play games, Chris. I’ve been waiting too long for this shot for you to turn this into a game. Get in the ring or I’ll come out there and bring you in.
The crowd popped, but Callum shook his head.
Chris Callum: Danny, whether I sign the contract or not, you’re still getting your match. You know that. Everyone here knows that. But I’m afraid that not everyone in this building knows that Leela and I go back… way back.
The camera zoomed in tight on Leela. She tried hard to mask whatever she was feeling.
Chris Callum: Leela. When we worked together in the CWC, I made sure that you had everything you needed to become the biggest star in the Coalition. And that you were. You and Cosmo, together, the World Championship always in play for the two of you. The fact is, Leela, I took care of you in a way that you’ve never been taken care of before or since. And all I expected in return was loyalty and good, honest professional wrestling skill. And you had all of that, once. Is it still there? Any of it?
Danny moved to the side of the ring closest to Callum on the outside, but Callum continued to move. Undeterred.
Danny Rizzo: See, you’re trying to make this about anything other than the two of us. You’re scared of what might happen to you and the title you hold.
Callum held the title close.
Chris Callum: Your partner - the woman you say you love - is standing in the ring right beside you and yet you still claim this is only between the two of us?
Callum quickly pressed up the steps, arriving on the apron face to face with Rizzo. After a moment, his eyes drifted back to Leela.
Chris Callum: Leela. You know deep inside of you that what you have right now… you want more. You want so much more, that’s why you came back to Valor after all. That’s why you came down to the ring tonight to see me in the flesh. Leela, you and I were great partners in the past. Your reputation was spotless. Your record unmatched. Since you let Danny into your life, where has it gotten you?
In an instant, Danny reared back and punched Callum across the chin, dropping the champion down to the apron. Callum rolled off and landed on his feet, holding his jaw, his title having fallen to the ground. He picked it up and placed it back on his shoulder as he lifted the microphone back up to his lips.
Chris Callum: I’m going to beat Danny Rizzo. He is not the man who will take me down, I’m sure of that. Leela you’re sure of it too. Stick the nail in his coffin and join me once again. Together we will rule this place just like we ruled the whole CWC.
Rizzo turned to Leela. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that she would turn him away. He handed her a microphone, and the crowd popped. Leela found the contract and held it in her hands, clutching it tight. Danny pulled it from her, signed it, and then placed it in her hands. She made her way toward Chris Callum, sliding under the bottom rope and out to meet him face to face. After a long while, she spoke.
Leela Watts: Chris, sign the contract.
Callum smiled as he took it from her hands. He signed the contract and handed it back. The match was now set in stone, but so much more was hanging in the balance.
Leela Watts: Chris, I’m thankful for what you did for me. Truly. But I’m not out here to be the object that two boys fight over. I’m not a title. I came out here tonight because I do have respect for you and I love Danny. But I am not going to be caught in the middle of this fight. I’m done with it. You two sort this out. May the best man win.
She pressed the contract into his chest and began to exit up the ramp. Callum watched her go for a moment, but then looked back toward the ring at Danny. He slipped into the ring and came face to face with the man who will challenge him for the Apex Championship… and then he extended his hand.
Danny thought about it as the crowd murmured. His eyes narrowed and he turned toward the ramp, watching Leela as she went. Callum smiled. Danny turned back to Callum’s extended hand, shook his head, and then quickly rolled out of the ring to chase after Leela. In the blink of an eye, the two had disappeared behind the curtain.
The final shot was Chris Callum sitting in one of the chairs with a satisfied smirk on his face.
Hoarse, haggard breathing precedes the entrance of Brad Stokes. His face is still wrapped, wearing a fedora, presumably to more fully embody his belief that he has become Darkman. He looks around suspiciously, before slipping through the crowd and disappearing into the arena like he were the Phantom of the Opera.
Inside, the crowd is awaiting something, anything. And then Brad walks onto the stage looking kind of confused about himself as he comes to a stop before the capacity crowd who are, initially at least, cheering his arrival.
Brad Stokes: Alright, listen up you muthafukkaz where the ring at?
Brad has some pretty bright spotlights on him, forcing him to further shield his bandaged eyes to look out into the abyss that is the arena he’s in.
Brad Stokes: I can’t see shit. Where the ring at.
The crowd in front of him starts to cheer louder, as beside him appears the ever graceful, magical, Celine Dion!
Brad regards her with confusion.
Brad Stokes: Yooo, are you a wrestler?
Celine Dion: No, I’m Celine Dion.
Brad Stokes: What the hell is that?
The crowd laughs.
Celine Dion: Are you my opening act?
Brad Stokes: I’m the whole f’n show. Now where’s Callum and Rizzo. I’m here to oversee their contract signing.
Brad looks around. This is confusing.
Celine Dion: You’re at my concert, sweetie.
The crowd pops. Celine Dion is just absolutely effervescent rn. Brad is right confused.
Brad Stokes: Are you saying I pulled a Cuppola and went to the wrong venue?
Celine laughs. She’s so gracefully magical.
Celine Dion: I think so.
The crowd laughs as Brad looks like the quintessential fish out of water, and Celine kicks out her seminal hit: My Heart Will Go On.
Celine Dion: YOURRRR HEREEE THERE’S NOTHING I FEARRRRRR.
And the crowd loves it. Brad is in one of the levels of hell.
Pull out, and Brad is on the ValorTron looking into the camera like he wants to escape into the right venue. There’s a table set up in the ring for the contract signing. And Brad Stokes is forced to watch from a Celine Dion concert.
Record scratch. Brad Stokes disappears and a highlight reel of Danny Rizzo’s best moments in Valor Pro begins to flash across the screen while “Warrior” by Volbeat bumps over the sound system. From the backstage area Rizzo appears with Leela Watts in tow holding his hand as the couple, whose relationship had apparently taken an interesting turn judging by the events that had unfolded earlier in the evening in front of the Valor crowd, heads down to the ring. It doesn’t take long for the two to enter, with Leela smiling and slapping hands with the fans and Danny silently ignoring all of those except for the few here and there who show evidence of supporting the movement that he and Kaven Drell have instigated.
Danny, in gentlemanly fashion, offers Leela his seat but she waves it off and plants a kiss on his cheek softly, letting him sit instead. On the table in front of him rests two microphones, presumably for he and Chris Callum who surely would be appearing shortly. Danny isn’t one to wait for him, though, and quickly retrieves the object and begins to address anyone and everyone who was listening.
Danny Rizzo: I don’t know what I expected, honestly? Professionalism? Some semblance of intelligent thought on the part of whoever it is that pieces these cards and events together? Somehow Brad Stokes perpetually makes a fool of himself and yet he remains employed. It’s a shame. An absolute shame. In the same way it’s an absolute shame that Chris Callum sits atop of this company as its Apex champion. He isn’t Valor Pro. He’s a mercenary that was brought in to exploit Cosmo Cooper in the same way that Brennan Devlin was. At least Callum was successful, but if this company went belly up due to incompetence on the part of the administration, something that isn’t all that wild of a thought, Chris Callum wouldn’t care. He’d simply move on to the next paycheck without any thought or care in the world for any of you. And yet still, so many of you cheer him. It’s like a butcher promising cattle safety in the confines of his care.
Rizzo shakes his head in dismay and clicks his tongue at the fans who boo him. Leela, who stands behind him and off to his right a little, shows no signs of agreeing or disagreeing with him. But her presence is noted.
Danny Rizzo: I am the last hope that this company has. Not some foolish bikini model with aspirations of being the greatest wrestler under the heavens, or whatever the hell limp tittied Katya calls herself. Only a fool with delusions of grandeur behaves in the way that she does. And that’s why I continue to be the man those who have the ability to think, to use logic and come to sound, reasonable conclusions, continue to look to me to save this company from the likes of…
Almost as if on cue, Chris Callum’s music filled the arena. As he stepped onto the ramp he adjusted the belt over his shoulder and his nameplate flashed across the bottom. The crowd seemed split on whether or not to cheer the man who cut off Danny Rizzo mid sentence, or boo the man who sent Cosmo Cooper away. Consider that a chapter left unfinished. Chris’ music faded out as he raised the microphone, slowly moving toward the ring and speaking as he did.
Chris Callum: I think Danny… I think your speech is all well and good. I understand where you’re coming from, why you’re upset with me. I think the crowd, at least of some of them, is going to be sympathetic towards you and that’s fine. Maybe that’s all you’re after in the end. Chasing the adulation of the people by picking on someone well above your rank. I’ve been there once upon a time, long ago.
Callum smiled as he came to the stairs and placed one foot on the bottom step - not quite willing to step into the ring just yet. He locked eyes with Rizzo as the crowd noise rose once again. He let the people work themselves up, and then stepped away, continuing to pace outside of the ring.
Chris Callum: I’ve been thinking about what I wanted to say to you. The truth is I’ve never been good at things like this. But then I realized it wasn’t worth pretending, Danny. I’m not out here to talk to you. I’m here to talk to Leela, my shining star.
Danny turned to Leela with a concerned look on his face. Callum raised an eyebrow and the crowd was beginning to get interested in this, in the same way a middle school student would become invested in the latest “who likes who” drama. Before Chris could continue, Danny stopped him.
Danny Rizzo: I’m not out here to play games, Chris. I’ve been waiting too long for this shot for you to turn this into a game. Get in the ring or I’ll come out there and bring you in.
The crowd popped, but Callum shook his head.
Chris Callum: Danny, whether I sign the contract or not, you’re still getting your match. You know that. Everyone here knows that. But I’m afraid that not everyone in this building knows that Leela and I go back… way back.
The camera zoomed in tight on Leela. She tried hard to mask whatever she was feeling.
Chris Callum: Leela. When we worked together in the CWC, I made sure that you had everything you needed to become the biggest star in the Coalition. And that you were. You and Cosmo, together, the World Championship always in play for the two of you. The fact is, Leela, I took care of you in a way that you’ve never been taken care of before or since. And all I expected in return was loyalty and good, honest professional wrestling skill. And you had all of that, once. Is it still there? Any of it?
Danny moved to the side of the ring closest to Callum on the outside, but Callum continued to move. Undeterred.
Danny Rizzo: See, you’re trying to make this about anything other than the two of us. You’re scared of what might happen to you and the title you hold.
Callum held the title close.
Chris Callum: Your partner - the woman you say you love - is standing in the ring right beside you and yet you still claim this is only between the two of us?
Callum quickly pressed up the steps, arriving on the apron face to face with Rizzo. After a moment, his eyes drifted back to Leela.
Chris Callum: Leela. You know deep inside of you that what you have right now… you want more. You want so much more, that’s why you came back to Valor after all. That’s why you came down to the ring tonight to see me in the flesh. Leela, you and I were great partners in the past. Your reputation was spotless. Your record unmatched. Since you let Danny into your life, where has it gotten you?
In an instant, Danny reared back and punched Callum across the chin, dropping the champion down to the apron. Callum rolled off and landed on his feet, holding his jaw, his title having fallen to the ground. He picked it up and placed it back on his shoulder as he lifted the microphone back up to his lips.
Chris Callum: I’m going to beat Danny Rizzo. He is not the man who will take me down, I’m sure of that. Leela you’re sure of it too. Stick the nail in his coffin and join me once again. Together we will rule this place just like we ruled the whole CWC.
Rizzo turned to Leela. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that she would turn him away. He handed her a microphone, and the crowd popped. Leela found the contract and held it in her hands, clutching it tight. Danny pulled it from her, signed it, and then placed it in her hands. She made her way toward Chris Callum, sliding under the bottom rope and out to meet him face to face. After a long while, she spoke.
Leela Watts: Chris, sign the contract.
Callum smiled as he took it from her hands. He signed the contract and handed it back. The match was now set in stone, but so much more was hanging in the balance.
Leela Watts: Chris, I’m thankful for what you did for me. Truly. But I’m not out here to be the object that two boys fight over. I’m not a title. I came out here tonight because I do have respect for you and I love Danny. But I am not going to be caught in the middle of this fight. I’m done with it. You two sort this out. May the best man win.
She pressed the contract into his chest and began to exit up the ramp. Callum watched her go for a moment, but then looked back toward the ring at Danny. He slipped into the ring and came face to face with the man who will challenge him for the Apex Championship… and then he extended his hand.
Danny thought about it as the crowd murmured. His eyes narrowed and he turned toward the ramp, watching Leela as she went. Callum smiled. Danny turned back to Callum’s extended hand, shook his head, and then quickly rolled out of the ring to chase after Leela. In the blink of an eye, the two had disappeared behind the curtain.
The final shot was Chris Callum sitting in one of the chairs with a satisfied smirk on his face.
Indi Rhyder is making her way backstage, very carefully holding a glass jar in her hands. She seems to be taking very slow and careful steps as she goes… when she finally reaches her destination she stops. And then realizes that she doesn’t have a hand to knock; she lifts her door and taps it against the door gently. Still being careful not to drop the jar.
INDI RHYDER: heyyy dudes!
The door opens to reveal the serious face of Lady Munin. The serious expression drops away immediately at the sight of Indi balancing her Jars.
LADY MUNIN: Indi?
She gives a wide smile and childlike laugh, as she moves to help the other woman. Indi hands her two of the jars, as she lifts them the light catches them and you can see that there is one, brightly colored and beautiful butterfly enclosed in the jars.
INDI RHYDER: Hiiiii! I figured you guys might want a little good luck before the match tonight! Maybe our boy will be a little less grumpy if he actually gets to hold a butterfly, life lessons and all that stuff!
Munin's face softens as she watches the fragile creature flaps its wings frantically.
LADY MUNIN: Thank you Indi, a little extra luck is always welcome, and I think Krahe will love it too...Though between us he won't have the heart to keep it in a jar. He'll likely release it as soon as he leaves the building.
She leans in close to the jar and smiles at the butterfly held within.
INDI RHYDER: Sometimes, captivity is safer than being free.
Her voice has a wistful tone before she straightens up and fixes her smile.
INDI RHYDER: There’s one for you too! Feel free to give them a name, they like that!
Munin's eyes hold a surprising amount of understanding.
LADY MUNIN: You're right you know, and that's something he needs to learn, but that's another story…
She turns her eyes back to the butterfly in the jar she holds.
LADY MUNIN: I think I'll call you Polly.
Indi grins again and gives a half nod, as though letting Munin know she agrees before she turns on her heels and wanders off down the hall, with just the one remaining butterfly in a jar in her hands.
INDI RHYDER: heyyy dudes!
The door opens to reveal the serious face of Lady Munin. The serious expression drops away immediately at the sight of Indi balancing her Jars.
LADY MUNIN: Indi?
She gives a wide smile and childlike laugh, as she moves to help the other woman. Indi hands her two of the jars, as she lifts them the light catches them and you can see that there is one, brightly colored and beautiful butterfly enclosed in the jars.
INDI RHYDER: Hiiiii! I figured you guys might want a little good luck before the match tonight! Maybe our boy will be a little less grumpy if he actually gets to hold a butterfly, life lessons and all that stuff!
Munin's face softens as she watches the fragile creature flaps its wings frantically.
LADY MUNIN: Thank you Indi, a little extra luck is always welcome, and I think Krahe will love it too...Though between us he won't have the heart to keep it in a jar. He'll likely release it as soon as he leaves the building.
She leans in close to the jar and smiles at the butterfly held within.
INDI RHYDER: Sometimes, captivity is safer than being free.
Her voice has a wistful tone before she straightens up and fixes her smile.
INDI RHYDER: There’s one for you too! Feel free to give them a name, they like that!
Munin's eyes hold a surprising amount of understanding.
LADY MUNIN: You're right you know, and that's something he needs to learn, but that's another story…
She turns her eyes back to the butterfly in the jar she holds.
LADY MUNIN: I think I'll call you Polly.
Indi grins again and gives a half nod, as though letting Munin know she agrees before she turns on her heels and wanders off down the hall, with just the one remaining butterfly in a jar in her hands.
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is a 7 Pillars Preview Match scheduled for one fall or submission...
The lights dim and purple bulbs flash as "Warriors" by Papa Roach hit's over the PA System. The lights converge on the center of the stage and standing there is Katya Djurdjevic with one hand pointing to the sky. The crowd goes absolutely nuts as she makes her way down the ramp, slapping hands, and pausing for photo-ops. She only manages to get halfway towards the ring before the announcer decides to go ahead with the particulars.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at five foot nine and weighing in at 126 pounds, hailing from Moscow, Russia...She is The Straight Line Demon.....KATYA DURDJEVICCCC!!!!
Katya finally reaches ringside and leaps onto the apron, vaulting herself over the top rope. The minute she lands she reaches up to massage her shoulder, rolling it in obvious discomfort. She shakes the feeling away before stepping up to the second turnbuckle of the closest corner, and again points heavenward while nodding along with her music.
LO: Did you notice that...
KO: Yeah, that shoulder isn't one hundred percent, and on top of that Katya actually asked to be the number one entrant in the 7 Pillars Gauntlet Match...What the hell is she thinking?
LO: She's a warrior. She's thinking that if she can best the six other competitors in that match she'll have done something that no one else can claim while also becoming the UnYielding Champion.
KO: Well, if the championship is her goal, then she's probably just hamstrung herself!
LO: That's the reason for this match tonight. It may not even happen at 7 Pillars.
The announcers thoughts are broken up by the cryptic intro of “you should see me in a crown” by Billie Eilish's blaring 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 her opponent, standing at five foot seven and weighting in at 137 pounds, hailing from Los Angeles, California...She is MOXXXIEEE JAMESSSSS!
Moxie reaches ringside and leaps to the apron, hooking the top rope with her arm while kicking a leg out that she swings through the ropes as she enters the ring. She turns to the corner closest to the ramp and hops to the second turnbuckle where she flips the top hat out into the crowd who scramble for the keepsake while she watches with amusement. She then drops down and lets the long coat fall from her shoulders looking across the ring at a determined Katya Djurdjevic.
LO: Moxie James let us know how she felt about this entire situation last show on Where There's Stokes, There's Fire.
KO: And Brad asked her if he could have her face.
LO: Yes...that happened too.
KO: She didn't have any kind words for Danny Rizzo, either, but either way you look at it she has the most enviable position in the Gauntlet as the final participant. That means whoever she faces will have already had to go through at least one match, possibly many of them.
LO: We've seen it before with Zachariah Krahe who entered at number three and ran the gambit.
KO: Right, but with Katya being number one and Moxie being number seven, the odds are that this match won't happen at the PPV.
LO: Well, tonight, we're going to get to see it, and it happens right now with the sound of the bell!
Both women begin circling one another in the center of the ring before locking up in a Collar-And-Elbow and jockey back and forth for position. Eventually it's Moxie who is able to yank Katya's head down into a Side Headlock, and she grinds the woman's skull between her body and her arm. Katya searches around for an escape and when she comes up short she pushes the woman back into the ropes for the break and then shoots her off to the opposite side. Katya posts up in the center of the ring as Moxie returns but is bowled over by James with a Shoulder Tackle. The two women exchange a brief glance before Moxie falls into the side ropes for spring but Katya floats over onto her stomach to force her to hop over or be tripped. Moxie continues on to the bounce off the ropes as Katya gets back to her feet and upon returning Djurdjevic leap frogs over Moxie who continues harmlessly through. Moxie bounces once again as Katya lands and instead of going for something new she leaps blindly into the air once again and James continues her momentum back to the ropes. For the fourth time Moxie returns to Katya, but this time the Straight Line Demon turns to her side and attempts a Hip Toss that see's James soar up into a front flip and land firmly on her feet. She turns around just in time to see Katya coming at her with a lariat, and ducks under it so it's Djurdjevic who is now heading towards the ropes.
LO: These two ladies are starting things at a fast pace with no let up on the gas peddle, and neither has landed a significant blow!
KO: They can't keep this up forever, Laur. Someone is going to make a mistake, and the first one to do so will probably be the one who will win the match!
Katya returns from the ropes and Moxie steps in to receive her with a Release Belly to Belly! Djurdjevic gets good air time, however, and through the rotation ends up landing on her feet much the same as James from moments ago. Moxie kips up to her feet just as Katya comes in from behind her for a Waist Lock. It's obvious she wants to try for a German Suplex, but Moxie is able to get her foot locked behind Katya's knee to block the move. So instead, Katya rushes her forwards towards the ropes where Moxie hits chest first and then is dragged backwards by Djurdjevic into a Rolling Pin!
1...
2...
LO: NO! Moxie out at a short two count and manages to roll back onto her knees, and NICE LEG SWEEP TO DROP KATYA ONTO HER BACK INTO A QUICK COVER!
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KO: Durdjevic with a quick kick out this time and both women scrambling up to their feet...MOXIE WALKS RIGHT INTO A DEEP ARM DRAG!
LO: Bounces back up and here comes Katya...INTO AN ARM DRAG BY MOXIE!
KO: Both women now putting some distance between the two and just staring at one another while the entire roof comes off the building in applause...
Katya breaks her stare down with Moxie to take in the crowd and she can't help but to smile as she nods and gets to her feet clapping herself. Moxie does the same and the two women continue this as they circle before locking up once again. The two women push back and forth but it's Katya that performs a Standing Switch to get Moxie in a Waist Lock. She quickly reaches down with her right hand to find James' left ankle and gives it a yank to force the woman down to one knee or be face planted. From there she quickly transitions to a Rear Naked Choke, but Moxie is already pushing back up to her feet and turning to her side. Djurdjevic is forced to reposition into a Side Headlock of her own or lose control, but the minute Moxie is on her feet she lifts the woman up into the air onto her shoulder and then drops suddenly straight down into a Side Suplex that breaks the hold.
LO: Djurdjevic hit hard on that Suplex and Moxie now pulling the woman to her feet to inflict something else..
KO: James fires in a few quick forearms to the side of Katya's head to knock her back into the ropes and now sends her to the opposite side.
LO: Katya rebounds and GETS CLIPPED RIGHT IN THE FACE WITH A BIG BOOT FROM THE FIVE FOOT SEVEN JAMES!
KO: Moxie had to extend that leg about two feet above her own head to pull that off as Katya has her by a few.
LO: Either way, Katya is now clutching at her face as she crawls over to the ropes and Moxie is in full pursuit!
James grabs for Djurdjevic but the Russian Beauty slaps her hands away which prompts Moxie to send a stiff boot right into her midsection. With no more resistance she pulls Katya up and shoves her into the nearby corner where she begins driving well measured Shoot Kicks into her midsection. Katya nearly falls into a seated position but Moxie catches her before she can go, instead pulling her a ways out of the corner before delivering a Shot Gun Dropkick that sends her sailing back into it. Katya strikes the turnbuckles hard and falls into that seat, and Moxie follows up by charging the corner to jump up to the bottom rope for some spring before swinging both feet high and out only to propel them forward with great speed to connect directly with Djurdjevic's chest. Katya looks to have had the breath knocked clear out of her when Moxie drags her out of the corner and then hooks her leg for the pin.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Katya out at two and a half but she is looking the worse for wear!
KO: I told you man. Moxie got the first high impact move of the night and that spells disaster for the Straight Line Demon!
LO: You may be right as now Moxie heads out to the apron and up the turnbuckles of that same corner....looks like the High Risk is about to begin!
KO: Well, I hope it works out for her. I'd say since she has her opponent grounded she should take advantage of that strategy, but what do I know?
Moxie reaches the top with Katya laid out before her and the crowd comes to their feet in anticipation. She gives the hard camera an exaggerated wink before leaping high into the air to come down with a foot stomp, but when she lands Djurdjevic isn't there. Moxie rolls forward to minimize the impact to her legs and when she comes up she finds Katya laid up in that same corner holding her chest. With a rebel yell she charges at the woman for something but is met with an upturned boot instead. Moxie begs off clutching at her jaw but comes back in to receive another boot, this time to the gut, and is suddenly turned so that she's now in the corner. Katya opens up with a Knee Strikes to Moxie's gut that seems to wedge her between the top and middle turnbuckle, before taking a step back only to charge back in with a High Running Knee that connects right with the woman's skull. Moxie falls out of the corner while Katya steps up to the second turnbuckle, and the minute she lands in front of her she dives off into a Leg Drop down across the back of her head. She quickly shoots the half to get her on her back and hooks the leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Moxie kicks out but Katya is rolling!
KO: You don't ever want to give this fan favorite a chance to build momentum man....she feeds off this crowd that loves her!
LO: Djurdjevic pulling Moxie to her feet and shoots her off the ropes and CATCHES HER COMING BACK WITH A SLEEPER HOLD!
KO: Oh...cutting off the oxygen and blood supply to the brain. Veteran move here from the Russian rookie...
Moxie stumbles around the ring half dragging Katya with her until finally coming to a halt dead center of the ring. She grabs at the air with a blank expression on her face as her knees buckle under her and the two women slowly descend to the mat. Djurdjevic keeps James in front of her as they go as she tightens up on the hold. Eventually they end up in a seated position and Moxie looks like she might be fading. The referee checks her arm and it falls limply to the canvas. He holds up one finger to indicate to the timekeeper and then tests it again. The arm falls once more and now two fingers are presented. The crowd watch on, knowing if it fell for a third time then the match would be over, but just as Moxie's arm is about to hit the canvas it shoots up into the air like being jolted by electricity. A low clap goes up from the crowd while some cheer for Katya to put James away, but whether any of that aids Moxie is up for debate. She does, however, begin to rock her body until getting to her knee's, and then forces them both back up to their feet. As soon as they are there she quickly turns to her side and moves in to position for another Side Suplex, but this time Katya rolls right up and over her shoulder to land on her feet behind her.
LO: PELE KICK FROM MOXIE CATCHES DJURDJEVIC RIGHT IN THE FACE AND SENDS HER DOWN TO THE MAT!
KO: Katya already crawling for the ropes as Moxie gets to her feet, still a little dazed after that Sleeper Hold.
LO: Yeah, but Djurdjevic is pulling at the ropes, shaken as well, and turns back towards Moxie JUST IN TIME TO CATCH A CROSS BODY THAT SENDS BOTH WOMEN SAILING OVER THE TOP ROPE TO CRASH ON THE OUTSIDE!
KO: Hell of a tumble there and with both women down the referee has no other choice but to start a count!
The referee reaches five before the two ladies start to move and it's Moxie James who is first to her feet. Katya is helped up only for Moxie to toss her back into the ring under the bottom rope. Moxie leaps up to the apron and grabs the top rope as Katya rolls into position and then performs a Rolling Senton that lands perfectly across Djurdjevic. James doesn't stop there though, rolling up to her feet and charging the ropes to spring back into a Basement Dropkick that sends Katya scooting back under the rope to land hard on the concrete floor. Katya is already grasping at the apron when Moxie falls into the opposite ropes once again and thunders across the ring to dive through the middle and top rope to catch the woman with a Suicide Dive. Katya flies towards the guardrail like a shotgun blast, striking the steel spinefirst, while Moxie amazingly lands on her feet. Moxie quickly grabs Katya by the back of the head and runs her back towards the ring where she sends her back to the inside where she quickly follows suit for a hook of the leg.
1...
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LO: THREE!NO! Katya somehow kicking out after that exciting combo of Moxies, and now James is getting her up to do more damage....shoots her off the ropes!
KO: Katya on her way back and Moxie out in the center to meet her, hooks her around the midsection to bring her to a full stop, and THEN TAKES HER OVER IN THE MOST LIGHTENING FAST GERMAN SUPLEX I'VE EVER SEEN!
LO: MOXIE IS BRIDGING AFTER THAT WHAT THESE BITCHES WANT! THIS COULD BE IT!
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LO: THREE!NO! Djurdjevic just barely got the shoulder to roll at the last nanosecond and now Moxie is looking fired up! She's heading to the apron to make the climb!
KO: This didn't go so well for her last time, Laur! Maybe this one will do the trick...
Moxie reaches the top rope and looks down on Katya who is still laid out just below her. The fans rise in anticipation as she makes the signal for Djurdjevic to get back to her feet, and after a few moments The Straight Line Demon has no other choice but to oblige. Katya is on wobbly legs when she gets them under her, but eventually she manages to get vertical and look up to a waiting Moxie. James dives off the top and commits to an incredible 720 somersault that she usually turns into a DDT, only this time she never gets the chance to hook Katya's head, but instead tastes the sole of her boot as Katya falls back with it while grabbing her arms on the way down.
LO: OH MY FREAKIN' GOD! DEATHBLOW FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!
KO: NOT JUST FROM OUT OF NOWHERE! WITH ALL THAT MOMENTUM FROM THE 720 THE IMPACT WAS TREMENDOUS!
LO: Yeah, but that was a desparation move from Katya who hasn't attempted to make a cover...
KO: Both ladies are wiped out, but seriously...I'm afraid Moxie James might have to go into 7 Pillars with her jaw wired shut! Sure as hell damages her promo career!
LO: We'll just have to see as the referee institutes another count, this time from inside the ring!
The ref's count continues to drone on and the fans are on the edge of their seats as the two women begin to stir around six. Seven comes and goes and neither of them have managed to get to their feet. Eight and still nothing. Nine, and now the drama is intense as the fans begin to buzz at a possible draw. And then, just before the ref reaches ten, both women's knees roll up to their chests and they perform a double kip up! As soon as their vertical, Katya swings her leg back around for a Roundhouse Kick, but Moxie ducks it and sends a short but accurate kick right to Katya's pivot knee. Djurdjevic drops to her knee's, and Moxie thunders in with lightening speed to hook her around the head and drop back into a short DDT!
KO: That DDT may have been low to the ground but it was with tremendous impact, and now Moxie is struggling here to get Katya turned over and onto her back...
LO: That's cause these two ladies are spent, Ken! With that hard and fast open that was a cardio nightmare along with some of these hard hitting moves....I don't see how either of them are still moving?
KO: Well Moxie finally able to get Katya covered, but she lost precious time in the effort...
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LO: THREE!NO! Katya with another shoulder roll that comes literally an inch away from a pin, and now Moxie James is banging her head off the mat trying to figure out exactly what it is she has to do to put the woman away!
KO: Well, she must have had an idea cause she's pulling her up to her feet now and...WHOA! WAIT! KATYA JUST THREW HER HANDS AWAY WHILE GRABBING HER WRISTS....HER BOOT UNDER THE JAW!
LO: DEATHBLOW AGAIN! MOXIE IS DOWN FOR THE COUNT AND KATYA IS STRUGGLING! STRUGGLING TO SLIDE OVER TO HER FOR THE PIN!
KO: THERE IT IS! SHE'S GOT IT!
1...
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LO: THREE!WHAT THE HELL?!?!
KO: MOXIE GOT OUT BEFORE THE REF'S HAND HIT THE MAT!
LO: Are you freakin' kidding me? I want to see the replay footage...
KO: Maybe later, Laur, cause both of them are down on the mat once again...and I can't say if either woman will ever be the same!
It's a familiar scene in this match as both ladies push to get back to their feet before the count of ten, and much like before it seems like they might not make it. But just before the ten both paw at the ropes to get themselves vertical and on wobbly legs stumble their way out to confront one another in the center of the ring. Moxie sends a shoot kick into Katya's thigh and she recoils from the blow only to swing back in with a European Uppercut that sends James falling back into the ropes. She springs forward into a flying forearm, but Katya ducks under while managing to hook her arm with her own which spins Moxie around and right into a sudden Small Package.
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LO: THREE!NO! MOXIE REVERSED THE PIN!
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KO: THREE!KICK OUT BY KATYA!
Both women scramble with all they can muster to get back to their feet, but Moxie is a hair quicker, leaping over Katya to grab her hips and drag her down to the mat for a Sunset Flip!
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2...
Katya kicks up and rolls out of the pin to put her shoulders into Moxie's knee's to force her shoulders down in a reversal.
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2...
Moxie shoves Katya's head forwards so that she lands on her shoulders while Moxie's legs remain ontop of her arms while sitting up to secure another reversed pin.
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2...
Katya rolls violently to her right to escape the three count, subsequently putting Moxie on her back so that she's sitting ontop of her while still having both legs hooked with her arms.
1...
2...
Moxie thrusts forwards so that Katya is back in the Sunset Flip position, and the ref looks plum tuckered out as he goes to count once more.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Katya kicks out with more gusto this time and now the two women finally separate and come up to their feet....MOXIE WITH A KNOCK OUT PUNCH!
KO: Yeah, but Katya ducks it and hooks the arm....reaches back and gets the other one....BACKSLIDE PIN!
1...
2...
3!!!
Moxie kicks out but just a second too late and the fans explode as the two women quickly disentangle, Katya rolling so that she can sit with her back against the ropes, while Moxie comes up to her knee's tiredly and questions the referee. He continues to maintain that the count was made, and Moxie places her hands on her hips as she shakes her head in disbelief.
RING ANNOUNCER: and the winner of this match via Pinfall...KATYA DJURDJEVIC!!
LO: What a match, and for it to end so quickly...
KO: Yeah, that flurry of pins in the end told the tale of two women who were ready for this one to be over. They had employed some of their best shots against one another, but in the end it was just the luck of the draw and that fell on Katya Djurdjevic.
LO: I realize that Katya may not make it all the way to the end of the Gauntlet at 7 Pillars, but you have to believe after tonight we are all looking for a rematch.
KO: No doubt!
Katya pulls herself up to her feet by use of the top rope as the ref steps over to her and lifts her arm in victory. Moxie stares at her for a second before sighing heavily and then pushing up to her feet, hands still on her hips. She paces the ring for a second before looking over at Djurdjevic who steps away from the referee and offers her hand to James. Moxie looks down at the hand for a moment and then with no expression just walks towards the ropes and bails out of the ring for the exit. Katya watches her go for a moment, a little dumbfounded, but shrugs it off to continue celebrating her victory with the Valor Pro Faithful. The scene gets a close up shot of Djurdjevic as she starts high-fiving the front row before cutting backstage.
The lights dim and purple bulbs flash as "Warriors" by Papa Roach hit's over the PA System. The lights converge on the center of the stage and standing there is Katya Djurdjevic with one hand pointing to the sky. The crowd goes absolutely nuts as she makes her way down the ramp, slapping hands, and pausing for photo-ops. She only manages to get halfway towards the ring before the announcer decides to go ahead with the particulars.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, standing at five foot nine and weighing in at 126 pounds, hailing from Moscow, Russia...She is The Straight Line Demon.....KATYA DURDJEVICCCC!!!!
Katya finally reaches ringside and leaps onto the apron, vaulting herself over the top rope. The minute she lands she reaches up to massage her shoulder, rolling it in obvious discomfort. She shakes the feeling away before stepping up to the second turnbuckle of the closest corner, and again points heavenward while nodding along with her music.
LO: Did you notice that...
KO: Yeah, that shoulder isn't one hundred percent, and on top of that Katya actually asked to be the number one entrant in the 7 Pillars Gauntlet Match...What the hell is she thinking?
LO: She's a warrior. She's thinking that if she can best the six other competitors in that match she'll have done something that no one else can claim while also becoming the UnYielding Champion.
KO: Well, if the championship is her goal, then she's probably just hamstrung herself!
LO: That's the reason for this match tonight. It may not even happen at 7 Pillars.
The announcers thoughts are broken up by the cryptic intro of “you should see me in a crown” by Billie Eilish's blaring 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 her opponent, standing at five foot seven and weighting in at 137 pounds, hailing from Los Angeles, California...She is MOXXXIEEE JAMESSSSS!
Moxie reaches ringside and leaps to the apron, hooking the top rope with her arm while kicking a leg out that she swings through the ropes as she enters the ring. She turns to the corner closest to the ramp and hops to the second turnbuckle where she flips the top hat out into the crowd who scramble for the keepsake while she watches with amusement. She then drops down and lets the long coat fall from her shoulders looking across the ring at a determined Katya Djurdjevic.
LO: Moxie James let us know how she felt about this entire situation last show on Where There's Stokes, There's Fire.
KO: And Brad asked her if he could have her face.
LO: Yes...that happened too.
KO: She didn't have any kind words for Danny Rizzo, either, but either way you look at it she has the most enviable position in the Gauntlet as the final participant. That means whoever she faces will have already had to go through at least one match, possibly many of them.
LO: We've seen it before with Zachariah Krahe who entered at number three and ran the gambit.
KO: Right, but with Katya being number one and Moxie being number seven, the odds are that this match won't happen at the PPV.
LO: Well, tonight, we're going to get to see it, and it happens right now with the sound of the bell!
Both women begin circling one another in the center of the ring before locking up in a Collar-And-Elbow and jockey back and forth for position. Eventually it's Moxie who is able to yank Katya's head down into a Side Headlock, and she grinds the woman's skull between her body and her arm. Katya searches around for an escape and when she comes up short she pushes the woman back into the ropes for the break and then shoots her off to the opposite side. Katya posts up in the center of the ring as Moxie returns but is bowled over by James with a Shoulder Tackle. The two women exchange a brief glance before Moxie falls into the side ropes for spring but Katya floats over onto her stomach to force her to hop over or be tripped. Moxie continues on to the bounce off the ropes as Katya gets back to her feet and upon returning Djurdjevic leap frogs over Moxie who continues harmlessly through. Moxie bounces once again as Katya lands and instead of going for something new she leaps blindly into the air once again and James continues her momentum back to the ropes. For the fourth time Moxie returns to Katya, but this time the Straight Line Demon turns to her side and attempts a Hip Toss that see's James soar up into a front flip and land firmly on her feet. She turns around just in time to see Katya coming at her with a lariat, and ducks under it so it's Djurdjevic who is now heading towards the ropes.
LO: These two ladies are starting things at a fast pace with no let up on the gas peddle, and neither has landed a significant blow!
KO: They can't keep this up forever, Laur. Someone is going to make a mistake, and the first one to do so will probably be the one who will win the match!
Katya returns from the ropes and Moxie steps in to receive her with a Release Belly to Belly! Djurdjevic gets good air time, however, and through the rotation ends up landing on her feet much the same as James from moments ago. Moxie kips up to her feet just as Katya comes in from behind her for a Waist Lock. It's obvious she wants to try for a German Suplex, but Moxie is able to get her foot locked behind Katya's knee to block the move. So instead, Katya rushes her forwards towards the ropes where Moxie hits chest first and then is dragged backwards by Djurdjevic into a Rolling Pin!
1...
2...
LO: NO! Moxie out at a short two count and manages to roll back onto her knees, and NICE LEG SWEEP TO DROP KATYA ONTO HER BACK INTO A QUICK COVER!
1...
2...
KO: Durdjevic with a quick kick out this time and both women scrambling up to their feet...MOXIE WALKS RIGHT INTO A DEEP ARM DRAG!
LO: Bounces back up and here comes Katya...INTO AN ARM DRAG BY MOXIE!
KO: Both women now putting some distance between the two and just staring at one another while the entire roof comes off the building in applause...
Katya breaks her stare down with Moxie to take in the crowd and she can't help but to smile as she nods and gets to her feet clapping herself. Moxie does the same and the two women continue this as they circle before locking up once again. The two women push back and forth but it's Katya that performs a Standing Switch to get Moxie in a Waist Lock. She quickly reaches down with her right hand to find James' left ankle and gives it a yank to force the woman down to one knee or be face planted. From there she quickly transitions to a Rear Naked Choke, but Moxie is already pushing back up to her feet and turning to her side. Djurdjevic is forced to reposition into a Side Headlock of her own or lose control, but the minute Moxie is on her feet she lifts the woman up into the air onto her shoulder and then drops suddenly straight down into a Side Suplex that breaks the hold.
LO: Djurdjevic hit hard on that Suplex and Moxie now pulling the woman to her feet to inflict something else..
KO: James fires in a few quick forearms to the side of Katya's head to knock her back into the ropes and now sends her to the opposite side.
LO: Katya rebounds and GETS CLIPPED RIGHT IN THE FACE WITH A BIG BOOT FROM THE FIVE FOOT SEVEN JAMES!
KO: Moxie had to extend that leg about two feet above her own head to pull that off as Katya has her by a few.
LO: Either way, Katya is now clutching at her face as she crawls over to the ropes and Moxie is in full pursuit!
James grabs for Djurdjevic but the Russian Beauty slaps her hands away which prompts Moxie to send a stiff boot right into her midsection. With no more resistance she pulls Katya up and shoves her into the nearby corner where she begins driving well measured Shoot Kicks into her midsection. Katya nearly falls into a seated position but Moxie catches her before she can go, instead pulling her a ways out of the corner before delivering a Shot Gun Dropkick that sends her sailing back into it. Katya strikes the turnbuckles hard and falls into that seat, and Moxie follows up by charging the corner to jump up to the bottom rope for some spring before swinging both feet high and out only to propel them forward with great speed to connect directly with Djurdjevic's chest. Katya looks to have had the breath knocked clear out of her when Moxie drags her out of the corner and then hooks her leg for the pin.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Katya out at two and a half but she is looking the worse for wear!
KO: I told you man. Moxie got the first high impact move of the night and that spells disaster for the Straight Line Demon!
LO: You may be right as now Moxie heads out to the apron and up the turnbuckles of that same corner....looks like the High Risk is about to begin!
KO: Well, I hope it works out for her. I'd say since she has her opponent grounded she should take advantage of that strategy, but what do I know?
Moxie reaches the top with Katya laid out before her and the crowd comes to their feet in anticipation. She gives the hard camera an exaggerated wink before leaping high into the air to come down with a foot stomp, but when she lands Djurdjevic isn't there. Moxie rolls forward to minimize the impact to her legs and when she comes up she finds Katya laid up in that same corner holding her chest. With a rebel yell she charges at the woman for something but is met with an upturned boot instead. Moxie begs off clutching at her jaw but comes back in to receive another boot, this time to the gut, and is suddenly turned so that she's now in the corner. Katya opens up with a Knee Strikes to Moxie's gut that seems to wedge her between the top and middle turnbuckle, before taking a step back only to charge back in with a High Running Knee that connects right with the woman's skull. Moxie falls out of the corner while Katya steps up to the second turnbuckle, and the minute she lands in front of her she dives off into a Leg Drop down across the back of her head. She quickly shoots the half to get her on her back and hooks the leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Moxie kicks out but Katya is rolling!
KO: You don't ever want to give this fan favorite a chance to build momentum man....she feeds off this crowd that loves her!
LO: Djurdjevic pulling Moxie to her feet and shoots her off the ropes and CATCHES HER COMING BACK WITH A SLEEPER HOLD!
KO: Oh...cutting off the oxygen and blood supply to the brain. Veteran move here from the Russian rookie...
Moxie stumbles around the ring half dragging Katya with her until finally coming to a halt dead center of the ring. She grabs at the air with a blank expression on her face as her knees buckle under her and the two women slowly descend to the mat. Djurdjevic keeps James in front of her as they go as she tightens up on the hold. Eventually they end up in a seated position and Moxie looks like she might be fading. The referee checks her arm and it falls limply to the canvas. He holds up one finger to indicate to the timekeeper and then tests it again. The arm falls once more and now two fingers are presented. The crowd watch on, knowing if it fell for a third time then the match would be over, but just as Moxie's arm is about to hit the canvas it shoots up into the air like being jolted by electricity. A low clap goes up from the crowd while some cheer for Katya to put James away, but whether any of that aids Moxie is up for debate. She does, however, begin to rock her body until getting to her knee's, and then forces them both back up to their feet. As soon as they are there she quickly turns to her side and moves in to position for another Side Suplex, but this time Katya rolls right up and over her shoulder to land on her feet behind her.
LO: PELE KICK FROM MOXIE CATCHES DJURDJEVIC RIGHT IN THE FACE AND SENDS HER DOWN TO THE MAT!
KO: Katya already crawling for the ropes as Moxie gets to her feet, still a little dazed after that Sleeper Hold.
LO: Yeah, but Djurdjevic is pulling at the ropes, shaken as well, and turns back towards Moxie JUST IN TIME TO CATCH A CROSS BODY THAT SENDS BOTH WOMEN SAILING OVER THE TOP ROPE TO CRASH ON THE OUTSIDE!
KO: Hell of a tumble there and with both women down the referee has no other choice but to start a count!
The referee reaches five before the two ladies start to move and it's Moxie James who is first to her feet. Katya is helped up only for Moxie to toss her back into the ring under the bottom rope. Moxie leaps up to the apron and grabs the top rope as Katya rolls into position and then performs a Rolling Senton that lands perfectly across Djurdjevic. James doesn't stop there though, rolling up to her feet and charging the ropes to spring back into a Basement Dropkick that sends Katya scooting back under the rope to land hard on the concrete floor. Katya is already grasping at the apron when Moxie falls into the opposite ropes once again and thunders across the ring to dive through the middle and top rope to catch the woman with a Suicide Dive. Katya flies towards the guardrail like a shotgun blast, striking the steel spinefirst, while Moxie amazingly lands on her feet. Moxie quickly grabs Katya by the back of the head and runs her back towards the ring where she sends her back to the inside where she quickly follows suit for a hook of the leg.
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Katya somehow kicking out after that exciting combo of Moxies, and now James is getting her up to do more damage....shoots her off the ropes!
KO: Katya on her way back and Moxie out in the center to meet her, hooks her around the midsection to bring her to a full stop, and THEN TAKES HER OVER IN THE MOST LIGHTENING FAST GERMAN SUPLEX I'VE EVER SEEN!
LO: MOXIE IS BRIDGING AFTER THAT WHAT THESE BITCHES WANT! THIS COULD BE IT!
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Djurdjevic just barely got the shoulder to roll at the last nanosecond and now Moxie is looking fired up! She's heading to the apron to make the climb!
KO: This didn't go so well for her last time, Laur! Maybe this one will do the trick...
Moxie reaches the top rope and looks down on Katya who is still laid out just below her. The fans rise in anticipation as she makes the signal for Djurdjevic to get back to her feet, and after a few moments The Straight Line Demon has no other choice but to oblige. Katya is on wobbly legs when she gets them under her, but eventually she manages to get vertical and look up to a waiting Moxie. James dives off the top and commits to an incredible 720 somersault that she usually turns into a DDT, only this time she never gets the chance to hook Katya's head, but instead tastes the sole of her boot as Katya falls back with it while grabbing her arms on the way down.
LO: OH MY FREAKIN' GOD! DEATHBLOW FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!
KO: NOT JUST FROM OUT OF NOWHERE! WITH ALL THAT MOMENTUM FROM THE 720 THE IMPACT WAS TREMENDOUS!
LO: Yeah, but that was a desparation move from Katya who hasn't attempted to make a cover...
KO: Both ladies are wiped out, but seriously...I'm afraid Moxie James might have to go into 7 Pillars with her jaw wired shut! Sure as hell damages her promo career!
LO: We'll just have to see as the referee institutes another count, this time from inside the ring!
The ref's count continues to drone on and the fans are on the edge of their seats as the two women begin to stir around six. Seven comes and goes and neither of them have managed to get to their feet. Eight and still nothing. Nine, and now the drama is intense as the fans begin to buzz at a possible draw. And then, just before the ref reaches ten, both women's knees roll up to their chests and they perform a double kip up! As soon as their vertical, Katya swings her leg back around for a Roundhouse Kick, but Moxie ducks it and sends a short but accurate kick right to Katya's pivot knee. Djurdjevic drops to her knee's, and Moxie thunders in with lightening speed to hook her around the head and drop back into a short DDT!
KO: That DDT may have been low to the ground but it was with tremendous impact, and now Moxie is struggling here to get Katya turned over and onto her back...
LO: That's cause these two ladies are spent, Ken! With that hard and fast open that was a cardio nightmare along with some of these hard hitting moves....I don't see how either of them are still moving?
KO: Well Moxie finally able to get Katya covered, but she lost precious time in the effort...
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Katya with another shoulder roll that comes literally an inch away from a pin, and now Moxie James is banging her head off the mat trying to figure out exactly what it is she has to do to put the woman away!
KO: Well, she must have had an idea cause she's pulling her up to her feet now and...WHOA! WAIT! KATYA JUST THREW HER HANDS AWAY WHILE GRABBING HER WRISTS....HER BOOT UNDER THE JAW!
LO: DEATHBLOW AGAIN! MOXIE IS DOWN FOR THE COUNT AND KATYA IS STRUGGLING! STRUGGLING TO SLIDE OVER TO HER FOR THE PIN!
KO: THERE IT IS! SHE'S GOT IT!
1...
2...
LO: THREE!WHAT THE HELL?!?!
KO: MOXIE GOT OUT BEFORE THE REF'S HAND HIT THE MAT!
LO: Are you freakin' kidding me? I want to see the replay footage...
KO: Maybe later, Laur, cause both of them are down on the mat once again...and I can't say if either woman will ever be the same!
It's a familiar scene in this match as both ladies push to get back to their feet before the count of ten, and much like before it seems like they might not make it. But just before the ten both paw at the ropes to get themselves vertical and on wobbly legs stumble their way out to confront one another in the center of the ring. Moxie sends a shoot kick into Katya's thigh and she recoils from the blow only to swing back in with a European Uppercut that sends James falling back into the ropes. She springs forward into a flying forearm, but Katya ducks under while managing to hook her arm with her own which spins Moxie around and right into a sudden Small Package.
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! MOXIE REVERSED THE PIN!
1...
2...
KO: THREE!KICK OUT BY KATYA!
Both women scramble with all they can muster to get back to their feet, but Moxie is a hair quicker, leaping over Katya to grab her hips and drag her down to the mat for a Sunset Flip!
1...
2...
Katya kicks up and rolls out of the pin to put her shoulders into Moxie's knee's to force her shoulders down in a reversal.
1...
2...
Moxie shoves Katya's head forwards so that she lands on her shoulders while Moxie's legs remain ontop of her arms while sitting up to secure another reversed pin.
1...
2...
Katya rolls violently to her right to escape the three count, subsequently putting Moxie on her back so that she's sitting ontop of her while still having both legs hooked with her arms.
1...
2...
Moxie thrusts forwards so that Katya is back in the Sunset Flip position, and the ref looks plum tuckered out as he goes to count once more.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Katya kicks out with more gusto this time and now the two women finally separate and come up to their feet....MOXIE WITH A KNOCK OUT PUNCH!
KO: Yeah, but Katya ducks it and hooks the arm....reaches back and gets the other one....BACKSLIDE PIN!
1...
2...
3!!!
Moxie kicks out but just a second too late and the fans explode as the two women quickly disentangle, Katya rolling so that she can sit with her back against the ropes, while Moxie comes up to her knee's tiredly and questions the referee. He continues to maintain that the count was made, and Moxie places her hands on her hips as she shakes her head in disbelief.
RING ANNOUNCER: and the winner of this match via Pinfall...KATYA DJURDJEVIC!!
LO: What a match, and for it to end so quickly...
KO: Yeah, that flurry of pins in the end told the tale of two women who were ready for this one to be over. They had employed some of their best shots against one another, but in the end it was just the luck of the draw and that fell on Katya Djurdjevic.
LO: I realize that Katya may not make it all the way to the end of the Gauntlet at 7 Pillars, but you have to believe after tonight we are all looking for a rematch.
KO: No doubt!
Katya pulls herself up to her feet by use of the top rope as the ref steps over to her and lifts her arm in victory. Moxie stares at her for a second before sighing heavily and then pushing up to her feet, hands still on her hips. She paces the ring for a second before looking over at Djurdjevic who steps away from the referee and offers her hand to James. Moxie looks down at the hand for a moment and then with no expression just walks towards the ropes and bails out of the ring for the exit. Katya watches her go for a moment, a little dumbfounded, but shrugs it off to continue celebrating her victory with the Valor Pro Faithful. The scene gets a close up shot of Djurdjevic as she starts high-fiving the front row before cutting backstage.
A single light flickers, to and fro, the same bare bulb that we have seen many a time, swinging from the ceiling as though it just appeared there. The light swings like a pendulum, revealing an empty room, nothing of note aside from the large mirror adorning one wall.
The mirror has a very thick, slick crack down the middle of it. Something scrawled on each half in thick black marker.
WHAT THEY SEE
WHAT YOU SEE
The light seems to sway faster and faster with each passing second, the words veering in to meet one another until they become nothing more than scribbles across the glass.
And then.
Shattered.
Pieces falling everywhere, broken.
Done.
The mirror has a very thick, slick crack down the middle of it. Something scrawled on each half in thick black marker.
WHAT THEY SEE
WHAT YOU SEE
The light seems to sway faster and faster with each passing second, the words veering in to meet one another until they become nothing more than scribbles across the glass.
And then.
Shattered.
Pieces falling everywhere, broken.
Done.
MAIN EVENT
KO: Is this building haunted?
LO: I don't know if it's the building or the promotion, Ken.
KO: Listen, I know it's October, but I ain't playing with that shit. You tell those fuckers in production that no one is to try and get a cheap scare out of Kenneth Othello.
LO: I'm sure Kenneth Othello has never crossed their mind...
KO: HEY!
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is a tag match scheduled for one fall or submission, and the winners will go on to face each other on the next Blitz to determine the number six spot in the 7 Pillars Gauntlet Match!
The lights dim in the arena and the sound of boots marching can be heard as the Big Screen flickers to life with a group of Zombies ambling towards the screen. As the Zombie dead center blocks out the camera view the words 'The Zombie Clan' are left hanging there as Meshi Kuuna by Inu's upbeat song comes across the PA. The song doesn't really reflect what happens next when Fukushima comes ambling out onto the stage in her full horror style make up wearing thigh high leggings and a blue dress with white frill on the front covered in blood splatters. The fans give a mixed reaction as she begins her rickety style walk towards the ring, speeding up in spots and slowing down in others.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, Representing The Zombie Clan, standing at five foot five and weighting 135 pounds, hailing from Fukushima, Japan...FUKUSHIMA ZOMMBBIEEE!!
Fuki reaches ringside where she pauses to give some twitchy bird like glances to either side of her, and then suddenly bursts forward to belly slide into the ring, pop up and throw her hands out her sides while opening her mouth where more 'blood' pours out. The fans watch on in a little disconcerted shock while others scream loudly for the hardcore horror fan.
LO: Fukushima comes into this contest after a pretty easy victory over one of The French Mime Assassin on the last episode of Flipping The Script.
KO: You can't remember which Mime it was can you?
LO: Um...I'm drawing a blank.
KO: It's alright...I don't know which is which either unless I check my notes.
'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 her partner, 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 then comes to a full stop to observe Fukushima Zombie sitting in their corner watching him with her head cocked to the side. After a moment he shakes his head at the circumstances of the match and steps out to the apron indicating that Fukushima will start this match.
LO: Well, it looks like Cross has made some of the decisions for his team for them.
KO: This isn't right, Laur. These two have never teamed together, matter of fact, in some instances they could be considered enemies. There's no love lost between The Fox and Zombie Clan.
LO: Agreed, but they also don't have any real animosity towards each other at this time. I mean...Recoba even paid Zombie Clan for their hit on Lady Munin way back when.
KO: Yeah, just before he lambasted them to get the early advantage in their match. This...I just don't know.
LO: Well the same could be said for their opponents minus the enemies part. As far as I know there isn't any heat between Zachariah Krahe and Indi Rhyder.
Just then the lights dim and a flood light from the entrance kicks on brightly while smoke pillows out onto the stage as 'Beat The Devil's Tattoo' by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club hits over the PA. The roaring crowd come to their feet when a silhouette appears in the flood light, and then steps out onto the stage wearing a black leather bikers jacket, mussed hair, and a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. A loud cheer goes up from the crowd for the returning superstar as he sends a plume of smoke up into the rafters just before taking his first step down the ramp.
RING ANNOUNCER: And introducing their opponent, standing at six foot three and weighting in at 246 pounds, hailing from Hell, Michigan.....he is THE CATALYST, ZACHARIAH KRAHEEEEE!
Krahe stops at the bottom of the ramp to regard the front row to his left, then his right, letting a plume of smoke escape his lips. Sniffing the air as if he could smell the electricity in the air, his eyes narrow on the ring, and he butts the cigarette out on the steel steps just before climbing them, and slipping through the ropes. He stalks over to the corner opposite Zombie and Recoba where he flops back against the turnbuckles, shooting both opponents a whimsical grin.
LO: Man, this is intense. Before he left the company, Zachariah Krahe had issues with both of these competitors at some point or another.
KO: Issues? ISSUES? Krahe double crossed Recoba over the UnYielding Championship, and electrocuted poor Fukushima with a freakin' car battery and a bucket of water! If that's summed up with as simple a term as 'issues', I'd hate to see what a proper feud would look like!
LO: Honestly, I don't know how to describe it. I mean, the Man that did all of those things seems to be different from the man standing in the ring right now. Mannerisms are the same but he seems to have new motivations.
KO: Ok, Fair enough, but what are those new motivations?
Before Laurence can try to answer '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 his partner, 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 steps over to where Krahe is still lounging and the two confer as the referee begins to check both teams.
LO: Indi Rhyder and Cross have definitely had their issues in the past, especially after that heinous attack at Honor Bound and then the loss that followed on Blitz#21.
KO: Who doesn't have a problem with Cross Recoba? I mean...I feel like everyone is just bullying the guy at this point!
LO: Are you kidding me? Bullying? This guy has put out hits on over half the roster! He's cheated his way to UnYielding and Chimera Tag victories! He's dispicable!
KO: See, you're just one of the crowd, Brother-O-Mine! A jealous man looking to steal the thunder away from The Box Office!
LO: Thank god for the bell cause I can't sit here and listen to this crap anymore!
Krahe and Indi confer for a few more moments until finally Krahe nods and exits to the apron. Cross doesn't look pleased to be in this situation altogether so he remains on the outside while Fukushima looks over her shoulder at him. Finally the horror fan shrugs and she turns her full attention to Rhyder and the two begin to circle towards the center of the ring. They eventually lock up and Indi quickly slides her hand back to Fuki's wrist and commits to a Dragon Twist. Fukushima slaps at her shoulder for the discomfort which leads Indi to slide under once more to put twice the torque. Fukushima starts moving towards a neutral corner and Indi is dragged along while still twisting the arm painfully, but when Zombie reaches her destination she deftly steps up the turnbuckles until on the top and then flips forward in an arm drag that not only breaks the hold, but sends Indi flying!
LO: Unique counter to that Dragon Twist by Fukushima, but Indi's back on her feet and now both women in motion rushing at one another...
KO: Fukushima going for a clothesline, but Indi ducks and grabs her arm from underneath while swinging up to hook her other arm with her legs and drags her down into a Crucifix!
LO: No pin there just spins her through and Fukushima rolls up to her feet and rushes RIGHT INTO A JAPANESE ARM DRAG FROM INDI!
KO: Fuki back on her feet quickly and turns into a waiting Indi who goes for a Hip-Toss...No! Blocked by Zombie who floats over and tries one of her own...
LO: Indi stops that attempt as well and now Fuki swings through with a short clothesline but Indi ducks it and rushes the ropes in front of them for some spring..
KO: ONLY TO WALK INTO A JAPANESE ARM DRAG FROM FUKUSHIMA!
Both women bounce up to their feet and both go for High Standing Dropkicks that find nothing but air. They slam to the canvas and pop back up to rush the ropes in front of them, but when they spring back at one another Indi dives to the side of the oncoming Zombie only to hook her between the legs and drag her down to the mat into a Schoolboy Roll Up Pin!
1...
LO: Fukushima out before even the count of two and now both women are up and INDI WALKS RIGHT INTO A SMALL PACKAGE!
1...
KO: Rhyder kicks out and now both women sliding to their respective corners to regroup while the entire arena comes to their feet to applaud them!
The two women stare across at one another as the fans continue to show their appreciation for the fast paced action. The applause quickly grounds to a halt when Cross Recoba slaps Fukushima on the back to tag himself in and he seems irritated when he slips through the ropes and thumbs for Fuki to exit the ring. The Zombie stares at him in a little shock and irritation of her own, but eventually steps to the apron to prevent from being admonished by the referee. Cross then points at Indi and indicates he's ready to go, and The Galactic Princes doesn't have a problem obliging.
LO: Apparently Cross Recoba didn't like how things were going for his partner so decided to take matters into his own hands.
KO: That's a great tag team partner, Laur. Always looking out for his teammates.
LO: I call it being an asshole. Anyways, Indi and Cross move in to lock up, but Indi slips out of his grasp and swings around behind to hook him in a Waist Lock.
KO: Cross using brute strength to force Indi's hands apart and she takes a step back as he turns around...
LO: HIGH STANDING DROPKICK LEVELS THE FOX!
Recoba hits the mat and scoots quickly to a neutral corner holding his jaw and staring at Indi in surprise that quickly turns to rage. Recoba gets back to his feet and demands that Indi meet him back in the center of the ring while Krahe horselaughs the man from their corner. Indi nods and moves back in to lock up but is immediately cut off by Cross when he drives his knee into her gut with a Knee Lift. He gets a fist full of hair and winds up for a mega right hand that sends the woman thundering down to the mat while he arrogantly talks smack to a more serious Krahe. The Fox yanks Indi up by the hair of the head and pushes her into the ropes before sending her off to the far side. She returns like a rocket, ducking under his lariat attempt to hit the ropes again, then ducks his back elbow attempt for one more pass. On the third she comes charging in and leaps to go for a High Cross Body that drops Recoba to the mat with her on top of him!
1...
2...
LO: Recoba out at two and already moving to his feet, but so is Indi, and she's a tad quicker.
KO: Indi rushing the ropes to leap to the second for a springboard BACK INTO THE RING TO CATCH RECOBA WITH A LEG SCISSORS TAKEOVER!
LO: Recoba impacts with the map and gets partially back to his feet, but here comes Indi with a Running Front Dropkick! RECOBA SENT FLAILING INTO THE NEUTRAL CORNER LIKE A SHOT GUN BLAST!
KO: Indi is on a roll here as she rushes into the corner and leaps up for what looks to be a Monkey Flip! RECOBA LANDS ON HIS FEET!
LO: Indi scrambling up and WALK RIGHT INTO A SUPERKICK FROM THE FOX!
Indi slams to the mat as Recoba takes a second against the ropes to catch his breath and as the woman shakily tries to get to her feet he rushes in from the side to hook her around the head and drop her back to the canvas with a Swinging Neckbreaker! He rolls over on top of her and hooks the leg.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Indi out at two and a half, and Recoba now pulls her up to slap on a Chin Lock while he looks right over at Zachariah Krahe and gives him lip.
KO: Uh-Oh! That's probably not the smartest thing for him to do cause KRAHE IS COMING INTO THE RING!
LO: Cut off by the referee whose forcing him back out while CROSS TAKES FULL ADVANTAGE AND IS NOW FLAT OUT CHOKING INDI!
KO: He isn't a former Chimera Tag Champ for nothing, Laur! He knows how to work a team!
LO: The referee just turned back around and Indi's back in the Chin Lock and the official is none the wiser. Despicable.
Indi kicks her heel against the mat and as she does the fans begin to clap along with her rhythm until they are fully behind the Galactic Princess. This boosts her spirits and gives her the fortitude needed to roll up to a knee forcing Cross to turn the hold into a Headlock instead or lose control. Finally she pushes up to her feet and she falls with Cross back into the ropes to shoot him to the opposite side. Cross comes rushing back and Indi leaps high into the air while conducting a split to leap frog the man and send him back to the ropes. He returns as she lands and she falls onto her back while throwing both feet into the air and catches him with tha Monkey Flip after all. Cross lands hard and clutches at his back in pain and shock while still scrambling to get back to his feet. He turns around just in time to see Indi tag in Zachariah Krahe, and Recoba falls onto his ass with both hands in the air as Krahe storms into the ring.
LO: Recoba doesn't look to want any part of Zachariah Krahe as The Catalyst charges right in to grab hold of Cross...
KO: AND GET'S A THUMB TO HIS EYES FOR HIS TROUBLES!
LO: Damn it, and Recoba back up now...TOTALLY IGNORING THE REFEREE....AND RAKES KRAHE'S EYES ONCE AGAIN!
Krahe stumbles away from Cross, punching the air blindly as The Fox watches on with a wicked grin. He sneaks around behind Zach and brings both fists down into his shoulders with a Sledgehammer like blow. Krahe falters but remains up, instead falling into the neutral corner while still trying to sort out his vision. Recoba wastes little time slipping in and peppering him with rights and lefts, eventually leaving off so that he can lift his chin and fire in one of his devastating chops. The crowd Wooooo's with the echo and Cross lays in another, and then another. Finally with Krahe half hanging off the ropes, Recoba Snap Mares him down into a seated position and then gives him a Soccer Punt right in the kidney's!
LO: Zachariah Krahe may have come into the match like a ball of fire but he's been essentially drenched thanks to the underhanded tactics of Cross Recoba.
KO: Yeah, ain't it great. And now Cross is stomping Krahe all the way over to his corner where he just tagged in Fukushima Zombie!
Cross bows mockingly at Fuki and then indicates with his hand that Krahe is all hers as he slips out to the apron. Fukushima hisses at the man as he passes, but then turns her attentions back to Krahe who is using the ropes to get back to his feet. She quickly moves in on the man with a running knee to the gut and then hooks him around the head to run him towards her own corner where she steps up the turnbuckles and then spins in the air to drive him face first into the canvas with a Bulldog. Krahe hits with enough impact that it knocks him over onto his back, and Fukushima wastes no time in hooking his leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THR-NO! Krahe out a two and a half and now Fukushima is up and stepping through the ropes to the apron...what do you think she has planned here?
KO: Something high risk, no doubt...And there she goes...leaps up to the top rope, SPINS AROUND TO WHERE SHE CAN NOW SPRINGBOARD FROM IT AND LANDS AN ASAI MOONSAULT THAT LEAVES KRAHE CRUSHED INTO THE MAT!
LO: She's not done, Ken! Back to her feet...leaps over Krahe's prone body, and STANDING MOONSAULT BUT TUCKS HER KNEE'S TO DRIVE THEM INTO ZACH!
KO: And there's another cover!
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Kick out again but a little longer on the shoulder this time as Fukushima gets back to her feet and yanks Krahe up with her...and look at this!
KO: Fuki maintaining control of Krahe while tagging out to Cross Recoba!
LO: My eyes have to be deceiving me. They are working well together!
KO: Hey! Cross is a former Chimera Tag Team Champ and Fukushima had to learn some tricks when she was teaming with Kowloon, one half of the Zombie Vice Suad! It all makes perfect sense!
Cross slips into the ring as Fukushima holds Krahe's arm aloft and The Fox delivers a well placed kick with the point of his boots into the man's ribs. Fuki quickly slips through to the outside as Cross takes over, pushing Krahe back into a neutral corner and then laying stomps into the man's midsection. He crows arrogantly to the crowd before firing in another chop that leaves Krahe's chest beet red. He gives him another one before pulling him out of the corner, hooks him around the head, and then Snap Suplexes him down to the mat with a float over into a pin.
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Krahe able to push out once more, but those counts seem to be getting longer and longer.
KO: That's all they have to do, Laur. Keep Krahe away from his partner and systematically shut him down.
LO: Well Krahe being forced back up to his feet and Cross pushing him into the ropes to send him to the opposite side...
KO: Krahe on his way back now and Cross steps out to meet him in the center by ducking his head looking for a Back Body...OH!
LO: Krahe able to put on the brakes and sends a football like Kick right into Recoba's chest that stands him up...AND LAYS HIM OUT BY THRUST FORWARDS INTO A LARIAT!
KO: That isn't very Canadian like! Is that allowed in the rules of this country?
LO: I don't know but Krahe now crawling towards his partner and the fans are building behind him...Would you look at that?!
KO: Ha! Recoba able to grab Krahe by the ankle to prevent him from getting any closer, and is now pushing and dragging him back towards his corner.
Krahe reaches desparately for Indi who also has her hand outstretched towards him from their corner, but with each pull from Recoba he can feel himself getting farther and farther away from his target. Finally Krahe rolls over onto his back and raises his free leg to lash out at The Fox. He manages to land a few shots that cause Cross to release the hold but not before falling back and tagging in Fukushima. The Zombie comes into the ring ready and leaps over her own partner to drop all 135 pounds of her down onto Zach's midsection. Krahe continues to struggle as Recoba is forced out of the ring by the referee, but Fukushima pops up and drops another elbow and then another until she has him under enough control to roll him into a seated position only to hook his head in a Leg Scissors and drive him back down to the mat as she squeezes with all her might to choke the life out of him!
LO: Submission move applied to Zachariah Krahe and this doesn't look good for The Catalyst!
KO: They have effectively turned the tide in their favor despite that brief flurry of offense, and now Fukushima very well just keep him grounded.
LO: I don't know. Krahe is already positioning himself to where he can get himself on his feet, and..uh...that's an awkward position for you to be in if you are Fukushima Zombie...
KO: Who knows? She might fancy it. Siberia Zombie and Brodie seemed to.
Krahe has twisted his head between Fuki's thighs to take the pressure off his esophagus and in doing so now has his face buried in Fukushima's crotch while resting on his knee's. The Zombie horror makeup rises a bit with her brows as the crowd cat calls and whistles. Finally, with one big push, Krahe gets his feet under him and much to Fukushima's dismay she is lifted clear off the canvas only for Zach to fall forwards into a Powerbomb. Fukushima folds up like an accordion while a red faced out of breath Krahe falls to his knee's beside her.
LO: Well that's one way to get out of that submission!
KO: Krahe now on hands and knees crawling towards his corner, and Fukushima just took that massive powerbomb but trying to reach hers...
Zombie manages to tag Recoba a split second before Krahe's hand finds Indi, and The Fox blusters into the ring heading straight into enemy territory. Indi doesn't even bother slipping into the ring, instead grabbing the top rope and using it to leap to the top turnbuckle of her corner and dive at the incoming Cross with a High Cross Body. Rhyder rides her enemy down to the mat hard and then pops up just in time to see Fukushima pulling herself up in their corner. Indi winks at the horror fan as she pulls Cross up to his feet and then Irish Whips him at his own partner. Fukushima's eyes grow wide like a deer caught in the headlights and just barely has time to dive out of the way as Cross strikes the buckles. Indi gets a running go before delivering another Cross Body to Recoba, this time right across his midsection while he's propped up in the corner. Somehow her legs clear the middle and top rope so that she ends up out on the apron, and as Cross stumbles out clutching his midsection she quickly scales the turnbuckles. He turns around just in time to see her front flip in his direction to land with her ass on his chest and she rides him back down to the mat for a crushing impact!
LO: COOL RHYDER TO CROSS AND INDI HAS A PIN!
KO: Well, she had one until Fukushima sent that side kick right into the back of her head to knock her off of her partner.
LO: Yeah, but Fukushima doesn't see Krahe is back on his feet...and HE JUST CROSSED THE DISTANCE OF THE RING TO CLOTHESLINE THE WOMAN RIGHT UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE!
KO: Fuki hit's the concrete hard and he looks back to see that Indi's back on her feet...Wait? What are they doing?
LO: Like you said earlier, Brother-O-Mine, Teamwork!
Krahe nods at Indi who falls back into the ropes for some spring and just as she's about to reach him he drops down to all fours to make a post as she steps up onto his back and launches herself over the top rope into a corkscrew senton dive that catches Fuki just as she's reaching her feet. Both women are completely wiped out but the fans go insane over the action. Krahe pops up and looks out to the floor in concern but doesn't get to contemplate long before a recovered Recoba spins him around by the arm, boots him in the midsection, and then hooks him around the head only to leap up and backwards into a Standing Sitout Blockbuster!
LO: RECOBA NAILS KRAHE WITH THE SICILIAN TYPEWRITER AND HOOKS THE BACK OF HIS LEGS FOR THE PIN!
KO: What the hell! REF, DO YOUR JOB!
LO: She is...Zachariah Krahe isn't the legal man! Indi Rhyder is!
KO: Oh that's bullshit!
LO: No, that's called rules!
Recoba snaps up and argues with the referee vehemently before finally waving her off. He looks to the outside where Indi Rhyder is slowly getting to her feet after her amazing dive and decides two can play that game. He falls back into the ropes for some spring before rushing at the opposite side only to dive clear up and over the top rope feet first into a Missle Dropkick!
LO: A MILLIONA LIRA-NO! INDI GOT OUT OF THE WAY AND RECOBA ABLE TO SOMEHOW LAND ON HIS FEET!
KO: He's off balance though and turns back towards Rhyder...
LO: AND WALKS RIGHT INTO A LEG SCISSORS TAKEOVER THAT SEND HIM COLLIDING WITH THE STEEL STEPS AT RINGSIDE!
KO: SHE CAN'T DO THAT!
LO: SHE CAN, AND SHE DID! And now she's getting him up and shoving him back into the ring!
Cross rolls under the bottom rope to end on his back a few feet away from the ropes, but as Indi leaps up to the apron she feels a tug at her ankle. She turns to find Fukushima with a hold on her boot and before she can react her leg is jerked out from under her and she face plants against the side of the apron. Fukushima flicks her tongue at the crowd as she pulls Indi back up and tosses her in after her partner before returning to her corner with her hand outstretched. Recoba is finally able to sit up and see's that Indi is down but starting to stir and looks wildly over his shoulder at the waiting Fukushima. He nods as he rolls onto his knees and crawls in that direction in order to tag the Zombie in.
LO: Fukushima back in the ring now and makes a B-Line right for Indi, pulling the woman up and shooting her off the ropes...
KO: Indi on her way back now and FUKUSHIMA WITH A SPINNING SIDE KICK TO THE GUT DROPS RHYDER TO HER KNEE'S!
LO: She promptly falls into the ropes off to the side and returns with a RUNNING PUNT RIGHT TO THE WOMAN'S SKULL!
Indi's eyes rolls back into her head as she falls limply to the mat and Fukushima drops and rolls her onto her back for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Indi just barely able to kick out there, and look at this asshole!
KO: What? Cross is just showing support and letting Fukushima know that he's ready to come back in!
LO: The problems between Indi Rhyder and Cross Recoba are no secret and I'm sure there's nothing this guy would like more than to try and humiliate her with another loss!
KO: You always see the worst in people, Laur. The Fox is just playing into the spirit of the competition...
Laurence Othello gives his brother a sidelong glance as Fuki shrugs and drags Indi by the hair of the head towards her corner to tag in Cross. Recoba comes into the ring and sneers across it to Krahe who stands ready to be tagged in as well. He doesn't dwell on The Catalyst long before getting a fist full of Indi's hair and paint-brushing the woman across the face while talking a whole heap of smack. The fans turn more sour than usual at the treatment of their Galactic Princess which only seems to fuel Recoba's amusement. Eventually he stops the disrespectful display and instead lifts Indi up onto his shoulder to set up for his finisher. Indi had been playing a bit of possum, however, and quickly shoves off his shoulder to land behind him. By the time he turns around she's lowered her head and wrapped her hands around the back of his head and drops into a Sit Out Jaw Breaker!
LO: Recoba's head snaps back and he falls into the ropes...springing back RIGHT INTO A SPINWHEEL KICK FROM INDI!
KO: Rhyder now stumbling over and able to tag in Krahe who slips into the ring looking for some payback from earlier!
Recoba manages to find his feet and looks up just in time to see the Catalyst barreling right for him. Krahe sails forwards for a Spear but Recoba somehow leap frogs him so that he passes harmlessly underneath. Krahe scrambles to his feet and turns to take a boot to the gut from Cross and moves in to hook him around the head for another Suplex. This time, however, Krahe is able to block by placing foot on Recoba's inside leg. Recoba tries one more time, but again is blocked. And then it's The Catalyst's turn! He lifts Recoba up and drops him with a Vertical Suplex, but doesn't let go, instead swinging his hips so that both roll back over so that he can deliver another one, and one more time for a third. Recoba clutches at his lower spine in pain as Krahe forces him back down to the mat to go for a pin.
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Close call for Recoba after those Three Amigos and now Krahe is up and dropped back into the neatural corner begging for Cross to get to his feet!
KO: Don't do it, Recoba! He's still wanting that Spear from moments ago!
Cross moves to his feet gingerly, half hunched over while grabbing at his spine when Krahe charges out of the corner in The Fox's direction. Recoba looks up just in time to see Krahe barreling towards him and he reaches out for anything that might stop what's about to happen. As luck would have it, the referee is right there, and suddenly finds herself in the path of the oncoming Spear. The Catalyst hits with enough force that Cross still goes down, but it's poor referee Caputo who takes the brunt of the impact. As Krahe sits up on his knees in momentary shock and checks on the downed referee, Recoba expertly disentangles himself from the mess and slides towards his corner. Zach's head snaps up to stare at Cross as he moves and The Fox throws his hands up innocently, shaking his head violently 'No' to try and beg Krahe off. He'll have none of it, coming up to his feet and stalking over to Cross, but what comes next shouldn't surprise anyone by now. A stiff uppercut right to the family jewels!
LO: THAT BASTARD! HE'S ALREADY ENDANGERED A REFEREE BUT NOW ADDS A LOW BLOW TO BOOT! DISPICABLE!
KO: Genius, Laur! Genius...Hey! She can't do that, she's not the legal man!
LO: Thank God! Indi Rhyder has seen just about all she can stand of this behavior and is in the ring with shoot kicks that are knocking Cross all over the place!
KO: Well she better watch her back...CAUSE HERE COMES FUKUSHIMA WITH A SLEDGEHAMMER BLOW TO THE WOMAN'S SPINE!
Indi stumbles forwards into Recoba who spins her around and pins her arms behind her back while instructing Fukushima to do her worst! And the Horror fan obliges, full on headbutting the woman's unprotected face while staggering back gleefully before doing it again. As Fukushima hammers Indi, Krahe begins to crawl towards the ropes to gain some support in his effort to get vertical. He still keeps a hand cupping his privates as he pushes up to a knee and looks up to see his partner going limp in Recoba's arms thanks to the violent display from the Zombie. He grunts and shoves up to his feet into a stuttering trot and then launches himself forwards to nail Fukushima right in the midsection with the Spear he had been looking for all night. The Zombie folds up like a China Doll as she and Krahe blast through the middle and top rope to end up on the outside.
LO: KRAHE WITH A SPEAR TO FUKUSHIMA THAT SENDS BOTH CRASHING TO THE CONCRETE FLOOR THROUGH THE ROPES!
KO: And Cross looks shocked...but finally releases Indi who crumples to the mat! And he's going outside after them!
Cross yanks Krahe up to his feet and says something snidely to the man before laying in a chop that thunders through the arena. Zach catches another and another to the chest before Recoba gets a fistful of The Catalyst's hair and sends him hurtling into the steel steps at ringside. As Krahe crumples, The Fox smirks out at the booing audience as he moves to the ring apron and flips it up, fishing for something nefarious.
LO: The referee is down! Krahe is down! Indi is down! Fuki is down! And the only one standing is this asshole, Cross Recoba...Who now has in his possession a steel chair!
KO: Sounds like The Fox has had a plan all along, Laur! Drop everybody like a habit and be the...Hey!...WAIT! INDI'S BACK UP!
LO: AND RUSHING THAT SIDE OF THE RING WITH A BASEBALL SLIDE INTO THE CHAIR THAT RECOILS INTO RECOBA'S SKULL!
KO: DISQUALIFY HER!
LO: Who? The referee is down, and Indi is heading to the outside to yank Recoba up....and..hehe...HAHAHAHA!
KO: THAT'S NOT FUNNY!
LO: Folks, Cross Recoba is busted wide open and now Indi Rhyder tossing him back into the ring....she's trying to help up her partner, but he's a little worse for wear...but there it is. Krahe is back in the ring as well, and now Indi up on the apron begging for a tag.
The fans are going nuts as Cross checks his bloody forehead while Krahe nurses his own wounds yet manages to crawl in Indi's direction. As Cross grabs at the ropes to get to his feet, Krahe manages to get within arms length of Indi, and he makes the tag just as another referee, Diego Santiago, rushes down the ramp. He belly slides into the ring and indicates that he saw the tag and Krahe must vacate. The Catalyst happily does so, his bell still being rung thanks to that clash with the steps, and Indi heads up the turnbuckles to the top. Recoba stumbles in her direction and she leaps, landing right on his shoulders only to snap backwards into the prettiest Hurricanarana you ever did see.
KO: AHHHH!! SHE'S ALREADY BLOODIED HIM, NOT THIS TOO!!
LO: CROSSES INJURED SKULL SPIKED INTO THE MAT WITH THE HEAD OVER HEELS AND NOW INDI REACHES BACK TO HOOK THE LEG FOR THE COVER!
1...
2...
3!!!
The fans erupt as Indi releases Recoba's leg and falls forward to push up and then fall tiredly into the ropes. Krahe sits on the apron leaned against the ring post with a lazy grin and gives her a wink when she looks in his direction. Cross claws at the mat to pull himself towards the edge of the ring where Fukushima is now pulling herself up as well in confusion. When the announcement is made Fuki stares at Cross with wide disgusted eyes.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winners of this match via pinfall, INDI RHYDER & ZACHARIAH KRAHE! THESE TWO WILL GO ON NEXT SHOW TO FACE ONE ANOTHER TO DETERMINE WHO WILL BE THE #6 SPOT IN THE 7 PILLARS GAUNTLET MATCH FOR THE UNYIELDING CHAMPIONSHIP!!
The announcement also brings into focus that though Indi Rhyder and Zachariah Krahe won this match, in a short two weeks they would be locking horns to try and gain some advantage in their upcoming PPV bout, which was every man or woman for themselves. Krahe grabs the top rope and pulls himself up before swinging his leg through the ropes to enter. He looks down at Recoba, who has just managed to get out of the ring and is having things explained to him by Fukushima, and he can't help but have a chuckle. Cross looks up at Fukushima who is adamantly dressing him down for this disaster, when he gives her a hard shove that sends her hurtling spine first into the barricade. She drops to her bottom and clutches at her spine while giving him a defiant glare as he stomps up the ramp towards the exit.
LO: Well that's par for the course....Fukushima was on the outside while Cross ate the pin, but she's the one he blames.
KO: Damn right! Why didn't she get her ass in there and break up the pin?
LO: Brother-O-Mine, it just so happens that justice has a way of working itself out. Cross got exactly what he deserved here tonight, and unfortunately Fukushima was taken down as the accessory.
KO: Whatever. And look at these two idiots...Indi Rhyder is all smiles, waving at the crowd while Zachariah Krahe leans in the corner all cool like...Who the hell does he think he is? James Dean?
LO: I don't know, but these two will be facing each other next show, so they may as well get all the pleasantries out of the way here and now...
KO: Yeah, I can't wait for Krahe to bust her skull open and show everyone who he really is. Then maybe these fans will finally understand that he is no better than the people they boo.
LO: I'll admit that The Catalyst earned his name well in the past, but I don't know that I share that sentiment. It seems like he's changed quite a bit...
KO: He's changed like a chameleon. Just you wait....any second now...he's going to jump on Indi Rhyder like a snake!
LO: Hopefully not, because if he does....our viewers at home won't see it.
KO: What are you trying to say?
LO: Folks, we are out of time! Please tune in to the Battleground Network in two weeks for the final Blitz before 7 Pillars goes down in Madison Square Garden! I am Laurence Othello...
KO: And I am Kenneth Othello...
TOGETHER: AND WE ARE THE OTHELLO BROTHER'S SIGNING OFF!
The camera gets a close up shot on the Galactic Princess while she continues to play up to the boisterous crowd, even forcing Krahe to take a bow just before cutting to The Battleground Network Logo, the Valor Pro logo, and then finally to black.
LO: I don't know if it's the building or the promotion, Ken.
KO: Listen, I know it's October, but I ain't playing with that shit. You tell those fuckers in production that no one is to try and get a cheap scare out of Kenneth Othello.
LO: I'm sure Kenneth Othello has never crossed their mind...
KO: HEY!
RING ANNOUNCER: The following contest is a tag match scheduled for one fall or submission, and the winners will go on to face each other on the next Blitz to determine the number six spot in the 7 Pillars Gauntlet Match!
The lights dim in the arena and the sound of boots marching can be heard as the Big Screen flickers to life with a group of Zombies ambling towards the screen. As the Zombie dead center blocks out the camera view the words 'The Zombie Clan' are left hanging there as Meshi Kuuna by Inu's upbeat song comes across the PA. The song doesn't really reflect what happens next when Fukushima comes ambling out onto the stage in her full horror style make up wearing thigh high leggings and a blue dress with white frill on the front covered in blood splatters. The fans give a mixed reaction as she begins her rickety style walk towards the ring, speeding up in spots and slowing down in others.
RING ANNOUNCER: Introducing first, Representing The Zombie Clan, standing at five foot five and weighting 135 pounds, hailing from Fukushima, Japan...FUKUSHIMA ZOMMBBIEEE!!
Fuki reaches ringside where she pauses to give some twitchy bird like glances to either side of her, and then suddenly bursts forward to belly slide into the ring, pop up and throw her hands out her sides while opening her mouth where more 'blood' pours out. The fans watch on in a little disconcerted shock while others scream loudly for the hardcore horror fan.
LO: Fukushima comes into this contest after a pretty easy victory over one of The French Mime Assassin on the last episode of Flipping The Script.
KO: You can't remember which Mime it was can you?
LO: Um...I'm drawing a blank.
KO: It's alright...I don't know which is which either unless I check my notes.
'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 her partner, 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 then comes to a full stop to observe Fukushima Zombie sitting in their corner watching him with her head cocked to the side. After a moment he shakes his head at the circumstances of the match and steps out to the apron indicating that Fukushima will start this match.
LO: Well, it looks like Cross has made some of the decisions for his team for them.
KO: This isn't right, Laur. These two have never teamed together, matter of fact, in some instances they could be considered enemies. There's no love lost between The Fox and Zombie Clan.
LO: Agreed, but they also don't have any real animosity towards each other at this time. I mean...Recoba even paid Zombie Clan for their hit on Lady Munin way back when.
KO: Yeah, just before he lambasted them to get the early advantage in their match. This...I just don't know.
LO: Well the same could be said for their opponents minus the enemies part. As far as I know there isn't any heat between Zachariah Krahe and Indi Rhyder.
Just then the lights dim and a flood light from the entrance kicks on brightly while smoke pillows out onto the stage as 'Beat The Devil's Tattoo' by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club hits over the PA. The roaring crowd come to their feet when a silhouette appears in the flood light, and then steps out onto the stage wearing a black leather bikers jacket, mussed hair, and a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. A loud cheer goes up from the crowd for the returning superstar as he sends a plume of smoke up into the rafters just before taking his first step down the ramp.
RING ANNOUNCER: And introducing their opponent, standing at six foot three and weighting in at 246 pounds, hailing from Hell, Michigan.....he is THE CATALYST, ZACHARIAH KRAHEEEEE!
Krahe stops at the bottom of the ramp to regard the front row to his left, then his right, letting a plume of smoke escape his lips. Sniffing the air as if he could smell the electricity in the air, his eyes narrow on the ring, and he butts the cigarette out on the steel steps just before climbing them, and slipping through the ropes. He stalks over to the corner opposite Zombie and Recoba where he flops back against the turnbuckles, shooting both opponents a whimsical grin.
LO: Man, this is intense. Before he left the company, Zachariah Krahe had issues with both of these competitors at some point or another.
KO: Issues? ISSUES? Krahe double crossed Recoba over the UnYielding Championship, and electrocuted poor Fukushima with a freakin' car battery and a bucket of water! If that's summed up with as simple a term as 'issues', I'd hate to see what a proper feud would look like!
LO: Honestly, I don't know how to describe it. I mean, the Man that did all of those things seems to be different from the man standing in the ring right now. Mannerisms are the same but he seems to have new motivations.
KO: Ok, Fair enough, but what are those new motivations?
Before Laurence can try to answer '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 his partner, 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 steps over to where Krahe is still lounging and the two confer as the referee begins to check both teams.
LO: Indi Rhyder and Cross have definitely had their issues in the past, especially after that heinous attack at Honor Bound and then the loss that followed on Blitz#21.
KO: Who doesn't have a problem with Cross Recoba? I mean...I feel like everyone is just bullying the guy at this point!
LO: Are you kidding me? Bullying? This guy has put out hits on over half the roster! He's cheated his way to UnYielding and Chimera Tag victories! He's dispicable!
KO: See, you're just one of the crowd, Brother-O-Mine! A jealous man looking to steal the thunder away from The Box Office!
LO: Thank god for the bell cause I can't sit here and listen to this crap anymore!
Krahe and Indi confer for a few more moments until finally Krahe nods and exits to the apron. Cross doesn't look pleased to be in this situation altogether so he remains on the outside while Fukushima looks over her shoulder at him. Finally the horror fan shrugs and she turns her full attention to Rhyder and the two begin to circle towards the center of the ring. They eventually lock up and Indi quickly slides her hand back to Fuki's wrist and commits to a Dragon Twist. Fukushima slaps at her shoulder for the discomfort which leads Indi to slide under once more to put twice the torque. Fukushima starts moving towards a neutral corner and Indi is dragged along while still twisting the arm painfully, but when Zombie reaches her destination she deftly steps up the turnbuckles until on the top and then flips forward in an arm drag that not only breaks the hold, but sends Indi flying!
LO: Unique counter to that Dragon Twist by Fukushima, but Indi's back on her feet and now both women in motion rushing at one another...
KO: Fukushima going for a clothesline, but Indi ducks and grabs her arm from underneath while swinging up to hook her other arm with her legs and drags her down into a Crucifix!
LO: No pin there just spins her through and Fukushima rolls up to her feet and rushes RIGHT INTO A JAPANESE ARM DRAG FROM INDI!
KO: Fuki back on her feet quickly and turns into a waiting Indi who goes for a Hip-Toss...No! Blocked by Zombie who floats over and tries one of her own...
LO: Indi stops that attempt as well and now Fuki swings through with a short clothesline but Indi ducks it and rushes the ropes in front of them for some spring..
KO: ONLY TO WALK INTO A JAPANESE ARM DRAG FROM FUKUSHIMA!
Both women bounce up to their feet and both go for High Standing Dropkicks that find nothing but air. They slam to the canvas and pop back up to rush the ropes in front of them, but when they spring back at one another Indi dives to the side of the oncoming Zombie only to hook her between the legs and drag her down to the mat into a Schoolboy Roll Up Pin!
1...
LO: Fukushima out before even the count of two and now both women are up and INDI WALKS RIGHT INTO A SMALL PACKAGE!
1...
KO: Rhyder kicks out and now both women sliding to their respective corners to regroup while the entire arena comes to their feet to applaud them!
The two women stare across at one another as the fans continue to show their appreciation for the fast paced action. The applause quickly grounds to a halt when Cross Recoba slaps Fukushima on the back to tag himself in and he seems irritated when he slips through the ropes and thumbs for Fuki to exit the ring. The Zombie stares at him in a little shock and irritation of her own, but eventually steps to the apron to prevent from being admonished by the referee. Cross then points at Indi and indicates he's ready to go, and The Galactic Princes doesn't have a problem obliging.
LO: Apparently Cross Recoba didn't like how things were going for his partner so decided to take matters into his own hands.
KO: That's a great tag team partner, Laur. Always looking out for his teammates.
LO: I call it being an asshole. Anyways, Indi and Cross move in to lock up, but Indi slips out of his grasp and swings around behind to hook him in a Waist Lock.
KO: Cross using brute strength to force Indi's hands apart and she takes a step back as he turns around...
LO: HIGH STANDING DROPKICK LEVELS THE FOX!
Recoba hits the mat and scoots quickly to a neutral corner holding his jaw and staring at Indi in surprise that quickly turns to rage. Recoba gets back to his feet and demands that Indi meet him back in the center of the ring while Krahe horselaughs the man from their corner. Indi nods and moves back in to lock up but is immediately cut off by Cross when he drives his knee into her gut with a Knee Lift. He gets a fist full of hair and winds up for a mega right hand that sends the woman thundering down to the mat while he arrogantly talks smack to a more serious Krahe. The Fox yanks Indi up by the hair of the head and pushes her into the ropes before sending her off to the far side. She returns like a rocket, ducking under his lariat attempt to hit the ropes again, then ducks his back elbow attempt for one more pass. On the third she comes charging in and leaps to go for a High Cross Body that drops Recoba to the mat with her on top of him!
1...
2...
LO: Recoba out at two and already moving to his feet, but so is Indi, and she's a tad quicker.
KO: Indi rushing the ropes to leap to the second for a springboard BACK INTO THE RING TO CATCH RECOBA WITH A LEG SCISSORS TAKEOVER!
LO: Recoba impacts with the map and gets partially back to his feet, but here comes Indi with a Running Front Dropkick! RECOBA SENT FLAILING INTO THE NEUTRAL CORNER LIKE A SHOT GUN BLAST!
KO: Indi is on a roll here as she rushes into the corner and leaps up for what looks to be a Monkey Flip! RECOBA LANDS ON HIS FEET!
LO: Indi scrambling up and WALK RIGHT INTO A SUPERKICK FROM THE FOX!
Indi slams to the mat as Recoba takes a second against the ropes to catch his breath and as the woman shakily tries to get to her feet he rushes in from the side to hook her around the head and drop her back to the canvas with a Swinging Neckbreaker! He rolls over on top of her and hooks the leg.
1...
2...
LO: THRE-NO! Indi out at two and a half, and Recoba now pulls her up to slap on a Chin Lock while he looks right over at Zachariah Krahe and gives him lip.
KO: Uh-Oh! That's probably not the smartest thing for him to do cause KRAHE IS COMING INTO THE RING!
LO: Cut off by the referee whose forcing him back out while CROSS TAKES FULL ADVANTAGE AND IS NOW FLAT OUT CHOKING INDI!
KO: He isn't a former Chimera Tag Champ for nothing, Laur! He knows how to work a team!
LO: The referee just turned back around and Indi's back in the Chin Lock and the official is none the wiser. Despicable.
Indi kicks her heel against the mat and as she does the fans begin to clap along with her rhythm until they are fully behind the Galactic Princess. This boosts her spirits and gives her the fortitude needed to roll up to a knee forcing Cross to turn the hold into a Headlock instead or lose control. Finally she pushes up to her feet and she falls with Cross back into the ropes to shoot him to the opposite side. Cross comes rushing back and Indi leaps high into the air while conducting a split to leap frog the man and send him back to the ropes. He returns as she lands and she falls onto her back while throwing both feet into the air and catches him with tha Monkey Flip after all. Cross lands hard and clutches at his back in pain and shock while still scrambling to get back to his feet. He turns around just in time to see Indi tag in Zachariah Krahe, and Recoba falls onto his ass with both hands in the air as Krahe storms into the ring.
LO: Recoba doesn't look to want any part of Zachariah Krahe as The Catalyst charges right in to grab hold of Cross...
KO: AND GET'S A THUMB TO HIS EYES FOR HIS TROUBLES!
LO: Damn it, and Recoba back up now...TOTALLY IGNORING THE REFEREE....AND RAKES KRAHE'S EYES ONCE AGAIN!
Krahe stumbles away from Cross, punching the air blindly as The Fox watches on with a wicked grin. He sneaks around behind Zach and brings both fists down into his shoulders with a Sledgehammer like blow. Krahe falters but remains up, instead falling into the neutral corner while still trying to sort out his vision. Recoba wastes little time slipping in and peppering him with rights and lefts, eventually leaving off so that he can lift his chin and fire in one of his devastating chops. The crowd Wooooo's with the echo and Cross lays in another, and then another. Finally with Krahe half hanging off the ropes, Recoba Snap Mares him down into a seated position and then gives him a Soccer Punt right in the kidney's!
LO: Zachariah Krahe may have come into the match like a ball of fire but he's been essentially drenched thanks to the underhanded tactics of Cross Recoba.
KO: Yeah, ain't it great. And now Cross is stomping Krahe all the way over to his corner where he just tagged in Fukushima Zombie!
Cross bows mockingly at Fuki and then indicates with his hand that Krahe is all hers as he slips out to the apron. Fukushima hisses at the man as he passes, but then turns her attentions back to Krahe who is using the ropes to get back to his feet. She quickly moves in on the man with a running knee to the gut and then hooks him around the head to run him towards her own corner where she steps up the turnbuckles and then spins in the air to drive him face first into the canvas with a Bulldog. Krahe hits with enough impact that it knocks him over onto his back, and Fukushima wastes no time in hooking his leg for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THR-NO! Krahe out a two and a half and now Fukushima is up and stepping through the ropes to the apron...what do you think she has planned here?
KO: Something high risk, no doubt...And there she goes...leaps up to the top rope, SPINS AROUND TO WHERE SHE CAN NOW SPRINGBOARD FROM IT AND LANDS AN ASAI MOONSAULT THAT LEAVES KRAHE CRUSHED INTO THE MAT!
LO: She's not done, Ken! Back to her feet...leaps over Krahe's prone body, and STANDING MOONSAULT BUT TUCKS HER KNEE'S TO DRIVE THEM INTO ZACH!
KO: And there's another cover!
1...
2...
LO: THREe-NO! Kick out again but a little longer on the shoulder this time as Fukushima gets back to her feet and yanks Krahe up with her...and look at this!
KO: Fuki maintaining control of Krahe while tagging out to Cross Recoba!
LO: My eyes have to be deceiving me. They are working well together!
KO: Hey! Cross is a former Chimera Tag Team Champ and Fukushima had to learn some tricks when she was teaming with Kowloon, one half of the Zombie Vice Suad! It all makes perfect sense!
Cross slips into the ring as Fukushima holds Krahe's arm aloft and The Fox delivers a well placed kick with the point of his boots into the man's ribs. Fuki quickly slips through to the outside as Cross takes over, pushing Krahe back into a neutral corner and then laying stomps into the man's midsection. He crows arrogantly to the crowd before firing in another chop that leaves Krahe's chest beet red. He gives him another one before pulling him out of the corner, hooks him around the head, and then Snap Suplexes him down to the mat with a float over into a pin.
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Krahe able to push out once more, but those counts seem to be getting longer and longer.
KO: That's all they have to do, Laur. Keep Krahe away from his partner and systematically shut him down.
LO: Well Krahe being forced back up to his feet and Cross pushing him into the ropes to send him to the opposite side...
KO: Krahe on his way back now and Cross steps out to meet him in the center by ducking his head looking for a Back Body...OH!
LO: Krahe able to put on the brakes and sends a football like Kick right into Recoba's chest that stands him up...AND LAYS HIM OUT BY THRUST FORWARDS INTO A LARIAT!
KO: That isn't very Canadian like! Is that allowed in the rules of this country?
LO: I don't know but Krahe now crawling towards his partner and the fans are building behind him...Would you look at that?!
KO: Ha! Recoba able to grab Krahe by the ankle to prevent him from getting any closer, and is now pushing and dragging him back towards his corner.
Krahe reaches desparately for Indi who also has her hand outstretched towards him from their corner, but with each pull from Recoba he can feel himself getting farther and farther away from his target. Finally Krahe rolls over onto his back and raises his free leg to lash out at The Fox. He manages to land a few shots that cause Cross to release the hold but not before falling back and tagging in Fukushima. The Zombie comes into the ring ready and leaps over her own partner to drop all 135 pounds of her down onto Zach's midsection. Krahe continues to struggle as Recoba is forced out of the ring by the referee, but Fukushima pops up and drops another elbow and then another until she has him under enough control to roll him into a seated position only to hook his head in a Leg Scissors and drive him back down to the mat as she squeezes with all her might to choke the life out of him!
LO: Submission move applied to Zachariah Krahe and this doesn't look good for The Catalyst!
KO: They have effectively turned the tide in their favor despite that brief flurry of offense, and now Fukushima very well just keep him grounded.
LO: I don't know. Krahe is already positioning himself to where he can get himself on his feet, and..uh...that's an awkward position for you to be in if you are Fukushima Zombie...
KO: Who knows? She might fancy it. Siberia Zombie and Brodie seemed to.
Krahe has twisted his head between Fuki's thighs to take the pressure off his esophagus and in doing so now has his face buried in Fukushima's crotch while resting on his knee's. The Zombie horror makeup rises a bit with her brows as the crowd cat calls and whistles. Finally, with one big push, Krahe gets his feet under him and much to Fukushima's dismay she is lifted clear off the canvas only for Zach to fall forwards into a Powerbomb. Fukushima folds up like an accordion while a red faced out of breath Krahe falls to his knee's beside her.
LO: Well that's one way to get out of that submission!
KO: Krahe now on hands and knees crawling towards his corner, and Fukushima just took that massive powerbomb but trying to reach hers...
Zombie manages to tag Recoba a split second before Krahe's hand finds Indi, and The Fox blusters into the ring heading straight into enemy territory. Indi doesn't even bother slipping into the ring, instead grabbing the top rope and using it to leap to the top turnbuckle of her corner and dive at the incoming Cross with a High Cross Body. Rhyder rides her enemy down to the mat hard and then pops up just in time to see Fukushima pulling herself up in their corner. Indi winks at the horror fan as she pulls Cross up to his feet and then Irish Whips him at his own partner. Fukushima's eyes grow wide like a deer caught in the headlights and just barely has time to dive out of the way as Cross strikes the buckles. Indi gets a running go before delivering another Cross Body to Recoba, this time right across his midsection while he's propped up in the corner. Somehow her legs clear the middle and top rope so that she ends up out on the apron, and as Cross stumbles out clutching his midsection she quickly scales the turnbuckles. He turns around just in time to see her front flip in his direction to land with her ass on his chest and she rides him back down to the mat for a crushing impact!
LO: COOL RHYDER TO CROSS AND INDI HAS A PIN!
KO: Well, she had one until Fukushima sent that side kick right into the back of her head to knock her off of her partner.
LO: Yeah, but Fukushima doesn't see Krahe is back on his feet...and HE JUST CROSSED THE DISTANCE OF THE RING TO CLOTHESLINE THE WOMAN RIGHT UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE!
KO: Fuki hit's the concrete hard and he looks back to see that Indi's back on her feet...Wait? What are they doing?
LO: Like you said earlier, Brother-O-Mine, Teamwork!
Krahe nods at Indi who falls back into the ropes for some spring and just as she's about to reach him he drops down to all fours to make a post as she steps up onto his back and launches herself over the top rope into a corkscrew senton dive that catches Fuki just as she's reaching her feet. Both women are completely wiped out but the fans go insane over the action. Krahe pops up and looks out to the floor in concern but doesn't get to contemplate long before a recovered Recoba spins him around by the arm, boots him in the midsection, and then hooks him around the head only to leap up and backwards into a Standing Sitout Blockbuster!
LO: RECOBA NAILS KRAHE WITH THE SICILIAN TYPEWRITER AND HOOKS THE BACK OF HIS LEGS FOR THE PIN!
KO: What the hell! REF, DO YOUR JOB!
LO: She is...Zachariah Krahe isn't the legal man! Indi Rhyder is!
KO: Oh that's bullshit!
LO: No, that's called rules!
Recoba snaps up and argues with the referee vehemently before finally waving her off. He looks to the outside where Indi Rhyder is slowly getting to her feet after her amazing dive and decides two can play that game. He falls back into the ropes for some spring before rushing at the opposite side only to dive clear up and over the top rope feet first into a Missle Dropkick!
LO: A MILLIONA LIRA-NO! INDI GOT OUT OF THE WAY AND RECOBA ABLE TO SOMEHOW LAND ON HIS FEET!
KO: He's off balance though and turns back towards Rhyder...
LO: AND WALKS RIGHT INTO A LEG SCISSORS TAKEOVER THAT SEND HIM COLLIDING WITH THE STEEL STEPS AT RINGSIDE!
KO: SHE CAN'T DO THAT!
LO: SHE CAN, AND SHE DID! And now she's getting him up and shoving him back into the ring!
Cross rolls under the bottom rope to end on his back a few feet away from the ropes, but as Indi leaps up to the apron she feels a tug at her ankle. She turns to find Fukushima with a hold on her boot and before she can react her leg is jerked out from under her and she face plants against the side of the apron. Fukushima flicks her tongue at the crowd as she pulls Indi back up and tosses her in after her partner before returning to her corner with her hand outstretched. Recoba is finally able to sit up and see's that Indi is down but starting to stir and looks wildly over his shoulder at the waiting Fukushima. He nods as he rolls onto his knees and crawls in that direction in order to tag the Zombie in.
LO: Fukushima back in the ring now and makes a B-Line right for Indi, pulling the woman up and shooting her off the ropes...
KO: Indi on her way back now and FUKUSHIMA WITH A SPINNING SIDE KICK TO THE GUT DROPS RHYDER TO HER KNEE'S!
LO: She promptly falls into the ropes off to the side and returns with a RUNNING PUNT RIGHT TO THE WOMAN'S SKULL!
Indi's eyes rolls back into her head as she falls limply to the mat and Fukushima drops and rolls her onto her back for a cover.
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Indi just barely able to kick out there, and look at this asshole!
KO: What? Cross is just showing support and letting Fukushima know that he's ready to come back in!
LO: The problems between Indi Rhyder and Cross Recoba are no secret and I'm sure there's nothing this guy would like more than to try and humiliate her with another loss!
KO: You always see the worst in people, Laur. The Fox is just playing into the spirit of the competition...
Laurence Othello gives his brother a sidelong glance as Fuki shrugs and drags Indi by the hair of the head towards her corner to tag in Cross. Recoba comes into the ring and sneers across it to Krahe who stands ready to be tagged in as well. He doesn't dwell on The Catalyst long before getting a fist full of Indi's hair and paint-brushing the woman across the face while talking a whole heap of smack. The fans turn more sour than usual at the treatment of their Galactic Princess which only seems to fuel Recoba's amusement. Eventually he stops the disrespectful display and instead lifts Indi up onto his shoulder to set up for his finisher. Indi had been playing a bit of possum, however, and quickly shoves off his shoulder to land behind him. By the time he turns around she's lowered her head and wrapped her hands around the back of his head and drops into a Sit Out Jaw Breaker!
LO: Recoba's head snaps back and he falls into the ropes...springing back RIGHT INTO A SPINWHEEL KICK FROM INDI!
KO: Rhyder now stumbling over and able to tag in Krahe who slips into the ring looking for some payback from earlier!
Recoba manages to find his feet and looks up just in time to see the Catalyst barreling right for him. Krahe sails forwards for a Spear but Recoba somehow leap frogs him so that he passes harmlessly underneath. Krahe scrambles to his feet and turns to take a boot to the gut from Cross and moves in to hook him around the head for another Suplex. This time, however, Krahe is able to block by placing foot on Recoba's inside leg. Recoba tries one more time, but again is blocked. And then it's The Catalyst's turn! He lifts Recoba up and drops him with a Vertical Suplex, but doesn't let go, instead swinging his hips so that both roll back over so that he can deliver another one, and one more time for a third. Recoba clutches at his lower spine in pain as Krahe forces him back down to the mat to go for a pin.
1...
2...
LO: THREE!NO! Close call for Recoba after those Three Amigos and now Krahe is up and dropped back into the neatural corner begging for Cross to get to his feet!
KO: Don't do it, Recoba! He's still wanting that Spear from moments ago!
Cross moves to his feet gingerly, half hunched over while grabbing at his spine when Krahe charges out of the corner in The Fox's direction. Recoba looks up just in time to see Krahe barreling towards him and he reaches out for anything that might stop what's about to happen. As luck would have it, the referee is right there, and suddenly finds herself in the path of the oncoming Spear. The Catalyst hits with enough force that Cross still goes down, but it's poor referee Caputo who takes the brunt of the impact. As Krahe sits up on his knees in momentary shock and checks on the downed referee, Recoba expertly disentangles himself from the mess and slides towards his corner. Zach's head snaps up to stare at Cross as he moves and The Fox throws his hands up innocently, shaking his head violently 'No' to try and beg Krahe off. He'll have none of it, coming up to his feet and stalking over to Cross, but what comes next shouldn't surprise anyone by now. A stiff uppercut right to the family jewels!
LO: THAT BASTARD! HE'S ALREADY ENDANGERED A REFEREE BUT NOW ADDS A LOW BLOW TO BOOT! DISPICABLE!
KO: Genius, Laur! Genius...Hey! She can't do that, she's not the legal man!
LO: Thank God! Indi Rhyder has seen just about all she can stand of this behavior and is in the ring with shoot kicks that are knocking Cross all over the place!
KO: Well she better watch her back...CAUSE HERE COMES FUKUSHIMA WITH A SLEDGEHAMMER BLOW TO THE WOMAN'S SPINE!
Indi stumbles forwards into Recoba who spins her around and pins her arms behind her back while instructing Fukushima to do her worst! And the Horror fan obliges, full on headbutting the woman's unprotected face while staggering back gleefully before doing it again. As Fukushima hammers Indi, Krahe begins to crawl towards the ropes to gain some support in his effort to get vertical. He still keeps a hand cupping his privates as he pushes up to a knee and looks up to see his partner going limp in Recoba's arms thanks to the violent display from the Zombie. He grunts and shoves up to his feet into a stuttering trot and then launches himself forwards to nail Fukushima right in the midsection with the Spear he had been looking for all night. The Zombie folds up like a China Doll as she and Krahe blast through the middle and top rope to end up on the outside.
LO: KRAHE WITH A SPEAR TO FUKUSHIMA THAT SENDS BOTH CRASHING TO THE CONCRETE FLOOR THROUGH THE ROPES!
KO: And Cross looks shocked...but finally releases Indi who crumples to the mat! And he's going outside after them!
Cross yanks Krahe up to his feet and says something snidely to the man before laying in a chop that thunders through the arena. Zach catches another and another to the chest before Recoba gets a fistful of The Catalyst's hair and sends him hurtling into the steel steps at ringside. As Krahe crumples, The Fox smirks out at the booing audience as he moves to the ring apron and flips it up, fishing for something nefarious.
LO: The referee is down! Krahe is down! Indi is down! Fuki is down! And the only one standing is this asshole, Cross Recoba...Who now has in his possession a steel chair!
KO: Sounds like The Fox has had a plan all along, Laur! Drop everybody like a habit and be the...Hey!...WAIT! INDI'S BACK UP!
LO: AND RUSHING THAT SIDE OF THE RING WITH A BASEBALL SLIDE INTO THE CHAIR THAT RECOILS INTO RECOBA'S SKULL!
KO: DISQUALIFY HER!
LO: Who? The referee is down, and Indi is heading to the outside to yank Recoba up....and..hehe...HAHAHAHA!
KO: THAT'S NOT FUNNY!
LO: Folks, Cross Recoba is busted wide open and now Indi Rhyder tossing him back into the ring....she's trying to help up her partner, but he's a little worse for wear...but there it is. Krahe is back in the ring as well, and now Indi up on the apron begging for a tag.
The fans are going nuts as Cross checks his bloody forehead while Krahe nurses his own wounds yet manages to crawl in Indi's direction. As Cross grabs at the ropes to get to his feet, Krahe manages to get within arms length of Indi, and he makes the tag just as another referee, Diego Santiago, rushes down the ramp. He belly slides into the ring and indicates that he saw the tag and Krahe must vacate. The Catalyst happily does so, his bell still being rung thanks to that clash with the steps, and Indi heads up the turnbuckles to the top. Recoba stumbles in her direction and she leaps, landing right on his shoulders only to snap backwards into the prettiest Hurricanarana you ever did see.
KO: AHHHH!! SHE'S ALREADY BLOODIED HIM, NOT THIS TOO!!
LO: CROSSES INJURED SKULL SPIKED INTO THE MAT WITH THE HEAD OVER HEELS AND NOW INDI REACHES BACK TO HOOK THE LEG FOR THE COVER!
1...
2...
3!!!
The fans erupt as Indi releases Recoba's leg and falls forward to push up and then fall tiredly into the ropes. Krahe sits on the apron leaned against the ring post with a lazy grin and gives her a wink when she looks in his direction. Cross claws at the mat to pull himself towards the edge of the ring where Fukushima is now pulling herself up as well in confusion. When the announcement is made Fuki stares at Cross with wide disgusted eyes.
RING ANNOUNCER: And the winners of this match via pinfall, INDI RHYDER & ZACHARIAH KRAHE! THESE TWO WILL GO ON NEXT SHOW TO FACE ONE ANOTHER TO DETERMINE WHO WILL BE THE #6 SPOT IN THE 7 PILLARS GAUNTLET MATCH FOR THE UNYIELDING CHAMPIONSHIP!!
The announcement also brings into focus that though Indi Rhyder and Zachariah Krahe won this match, in a short two weeks they would be locking horns to try and gain some advantage in their upcoming PPV bout, which was every man or woman for themselves. Krahe grabs the top rope and pulls himself up before swinging his leg through the ropes to enter. He looks down at Recoba, who has just managed to get out of the ring and is having things explained to him by Fukushima, and he can't help but have a chuckle. Cross looks up at Fukushima who is adamantly dressing him down for this disaster, when he gives her a hard shove that sends her hurtling spine first into the barricade. She drops to her bottom and clutches at her spine while giving him a defiant glare as he stomps up the ramp towards the exit.
LO: Well that's par for the course....Fukushima was on the outside while Cross ate the pin, but she's the one he blames.
KO: Damn right! Why didn't she get her ass in there and break up the pin?
LO: Brother-O-Mine, it just so happens that justice has a way of working itself out. Cross got exactly what he deserved here tonight, and unfortunately Fukushima was taken down as the accessory.
KO: Whatever. And look at these two idiots...Indi Rhyder is all smiles, waving at the crowd while Zachariah Krahe leans in the corner all cool like...Who the hell does he think he is? James Dean?
LO: I don't know, but these two will be facing each other next show, so they may as well get all the pleasantries out of the way here and now...
KO: Yeah, I can't wait for Krahe to bust her skull open and show everyone who he really is. Then maybe these fans will finally understand that he is no better than the people they boo.
LO: I'll admit that The Catalyst earned his name well in the past, but I don't know that I share that sentiment. It seems like he's changed quite a bit...
KO: He's changed like a chameleon. Just you wait....any second now...he's going to jump on Indi Rhyder like a snake!
LO: Hopefully not, because if he does....our viewers at home won't see it.
KO: What are you trying to say?
LO: Folks, we are out of time! Please tune in to the Battleground Network in two weeks for the final Blitz before 7 Pillars goes down in Madison Square Garden! I am Laurence Othello...
KO: And I am Kenneth Othello...
TOGETHER: AND WE ARE THE OTHELLO BROTHER'S SIGNING OFF!
The camera gets a close up shot on the Galactic Princess while she continues to play up to the boisterous crowd, even forcing Krahe to take a bow just before cutting to The Battleground Network Logo, the Valor Pro logo, and then finally to black.