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027: “MOTOR CITY.”
Live from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Saturday 18th Match, 2023.
The pyrotechnic display that begins the show is dominated by fallout blue, exploding high above the traditional Fallout stage, complete with the mangled DeLorean, as a raucous Detroit crowd introduces us to the show.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Welcome, wrestling fans, to Fallout 027, coming to you live from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, and we have no less than six contests in store for you tonight as we roll towards the Grand March weekend…”
Allen Price: “And the climax of it all will see Chris Peacock go one-on-one with ‘the British Apprentice’ Reagan Cole, as the FWA World Champion looks to prepare for his defense of that belt against Michelle von Horrowitz and Cyrus Truth in three weeks time in Chicago. Neither Dreamer nor the Exile are scheduled to compete here tonight in Detroit, but it’s difficult to imagine neither of them will want to take a closer look at Disco’s Last Warrior in our main event.”
The camera has made its obligatory pass over the faces of the crowd, before settling on the commentary booth. JLW and Price sit behind it in suits, conversing with one another whilst keeping their gaze intent on the lens.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I wouldn’t disagree, Price, but we’ve got a lot of pro-wrestling before we get to Cole and Peacock, including tag team action, as Keres and Princess Nova prepare to take on Doug and Dan LuPone of the Lumberjacks. We saw Eternal toying with Lizzie Rose on Meltdown XXVII, but tonight they’ll have their hands full inside the ring against Nova’s countrymen.”
Allen Price: “We’ll also see Tommy Bedlam return to singles action after his unsuccessful exploits in eight-person tag team action on Meltdown, as he prepares to take on the Boulder in hopes of breaking a losing streak. He’ll hope to shift his momentum in the right direction ahead of his FWA Television Championship match with Shawn Summers at the Grand March…”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “And we have a debut to look forward to on 027, too, as, um, weaselperson prepares to go one-on-one with Logan Darwin. weaselperson has already caused something of a stir on social media this week, but will hope to make a splash for the right reasons tonight at the Reaper’s expense. Darwin, meanwhile, is looking to pick up steam ahead of his appearance at the King of the Deathmatch tournament, scheduled for the two days directly before our night in Chicago.”
Allen Price: “Speaking of which, it’s time to get the action started, with the first of tonight’s two King of the Deathmatch preview matches…”
The camera cuts to the stage, just in time for…
There’s a positive reaction for XYZ as he marches out onto the stage. He has his hands on his hips and a smile on his face as he looks out over the arena approvingly.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following tag team contest is scheduled for one-fall, with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, from Sitka, Alaska and weighing in at one hundred and eighty pounds… XYZ!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here’s another chance to check out some of the competitors ahead of the King of the Deathmatch tournament, as four of the entrants prepare to line up in this tag team contest."
Allen Price: "We saw XYZ in another preview match two weeks ago, where he emerged triumphantly alongside Trixie Bordeaux and Sawyer Xavier in a trios match, before facing the wrath of Death Walker after the bell."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Death Walker isn’t in this two-on-two match, but it’ll be interesting to see if those two collide as part of the tournament itself."
X slides into the ring and poses on the second rope as his music fades out, replaced by…
The reaction is a little more mixed but mostly positive for Jason Randall. ‘The Wildcard’ doesn’t break stride as he walks down the ramp.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And his tag team partner… from San Diego, California… he weighs in at two hundred and thirty four pounds… ‘the Wildcard’... Jason… RANDALL!"
Allen Price: "Jason Randall is realigning his sights on the Crown of Thorns following disappointment in his pursuit of the FWA Television Championship, and this is his first opportunity to get his hands on some of his fellow entrants in that tournament."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "‘The Wildcard’ is also familiar with Death Walker, given both of their involvement in that program with Shawn Summers and Vampyra. The deathmatch environment seems well-suited to Jason Randall. I guess we’ll find out first hand in three weeks time."
Allen Price: "But not tonight. This match-up will be contested under traditional rules. We’ll save the barbarism for the tournament!"
Randall ignores his tag team partner and loosens up in the corner as his music fades out. Next, we hear…
There are more cheers as Trixie appears on the stage, a nervous look on her face as she surveys the arena and then walks down the ramp.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And introducing their opponents. First, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and weighing in at one hundred and twenty five pounds… Bellatrix BORDEAUX!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "‘Trixie’ Bordeaux has had an uneven start to her career in the FWA. She currently sits at a 2-2 record, with both of her wins coming in tag team contests, including the aforementioned trios match on Fallout 026."
Allen Price: "That’s right, but tonight’s a tag match, too! I think that sets Trixie in good stead. Worthy of note, though, that tonight she is against XYZ, a man she’s formed something of a bond with over the last month, going so far as to try and protect X from Death Walker’s post-match attack on Fallout 026."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Maybe… but she’ll be all alone come the King of the Deathmatch."
Trixie waits at the foot of the ramp and waves to XYZ, who offers her one back. Randall doesn’t seem to approve of the friendliness. Bordeaux’s music fades out and is replaced with…
There’s a decidedly mixed reaction for Kleio as she walks out onto the stage, but it does seem like there’s still pockets of positivity for KDS. She mostly ignores the fans, though, and locks eyes with her opponents in the ring before walking towards it…
Natalie Rosenberg: "And her partner… accompanied to the ring by Blair and Celestia Ravenwood… from Rio De Janeiro in Brazil… weighing in at one hundred and fifteen pounds… ‘the Boa Constrictor’... Kleio… De… SANTOS!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here comes a woman who is very familiar with the King of the Deathmatch she tournament. She cam oh-so-close to victory in a star-making turn last year, before eventually falling just short to Thomas West in the final."
Allen Price: "She’ll be hoping to go one better this year, with tonight being her first taste of action in the series of preview matches leading up to the tournament. She was supporting the Coven in their efforts to become the number one contenders for the tag titles two weeks ago, but tonight they provide back-up for KDS as she prepares to team up with an unfamiliar partner."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "An alliance that is by its nature very temporary, Price…"
KDS ignores her partner at the foot of the ramp and slides into the ring, not backing down from Randall and X. The official asks her to take a step back towards her corner, where Trixie is already in position on the apron holding the tag rope. She smiles nervously at De Santos, and it seems clear who is starting proceedings on that side of the ring. Randall is in position across from her, with XYZ retreating onto the apron beside him. The official issues some final instructions and then calls for the bell…
The opening exchanges between Randall and KDS are heavy on strikes, with De Santos favouring her martial arts based offence and particularly kicks, landing at various points with a jumping roundhouse, a jumping scissors kick, and a crescent kick, the last of which knocks Randall to the ground and earns her a two-count. Randall is perhaps less technical but, when given his opportunity, is equally as effective, mostly with straight rights, but also forearm strikes, European uppercuts, and the occasional headbutt. At one point, he succeeds in ducking an attempted thrust kick from KDS before Irish whipping her into the corner. He proceeds to work the body with De Santos against the turnbuckle, knocking her into a seated position and following up with a vicious flourish of stomps…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Jason Randall showing us a mean streak here in the opening exchanges. Perfect timing for this to be coming to the surface, so close to King of the Deathmatch…"
With the Wildcard continuing to stop his opponent in the corner, the camera cuts to the stage, where a familiar figure has walked out to observe proceedings…
Allen Price: "That's Death Walker, who we'll see tonight in the second of our King of the Deathmatch preview matches… his presence hasn't gone unnoticed, especially by XYZ…"
Indeed, X is staring up the ramp at Walker with a perturbed look on his face. Death has a smile for him in return. Meanwhile, in the ring, Randall earns a two-count with a snap suplex before reluctantly tagging in XYZ, who - having turned away from his brief staredown with Death Walker, who is still on the stage - is reaching over the rope and asking for an introduction to the match. XYZ continues the attack on his old rival in Kleio De Santos, who he knows very well from last year’s tournament, hitting some vicious kicks to the shins and thighs for over half a minute, before hitting the rope and hitting a three-sixty headscissors takedown! The crowd cheers X on as he pumps the fist, and then connects with a springboard moonsault! It’s only enough for a two-count, with X tagging Randall back in and offering the Wildcard a double suplex. Randall seems nonplussed at the suggestion, with X instead hitting the move on his own. X slides out of the ring with Randall hosting KDS up and applying a front facelock, hoisting her up for what looks like a delayed vertical suplex attempt. He lets the blood rush to KDS’s head, but then the Boa Constrictor brings her knee down onto the top of Randall’s head! And again! And a third time! Randall is forced to drop De Santos, and she connects with a front jab, elbow strike, spinning backfist combination, rocking Randall… and then she knocks him down with a superman punch! Kleio goes for the cover…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Randall kicks out, and Kleio drags him into her corner where Trixie tags in. De Santos has Jason in a front facelock, and Trixie connects with a half-dozen boots to the midsection before joining KDS in the front facelock on the other side. De Santos and Bordeaux take Randall over with a double suplex!
Allen Price: "Much better teamwork on display by Kleio and Trixie, it seems…"
We cut to a shot of Death Walker, who strokes his chin thoughtfully whilst watching on from the stage. In the ring, Trixie follows up with a series of punches and open-handed strikes, and then a sit-out jawbreaker that staggers the Wildcard… and then Bordeaux rakes the eyes! The official admonishes her, but Bordeaux just sort of laughs nervously at him, before taking Randall in a front face lock and spiking him with a snap DDT! Trixie goes for the cover…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Jason Randall kicks out, but that’s an impressive introduction to this match for Trixie Bordeaux… perhaps even surprisingly impressive!"
Allen Price: "You shouldn’t underestimate Trixie, J-L… she’s here for a reason, and now she’s willing the Wildcard to get back to his feet…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "A mistake, if you ask me. Trixie should be pressing home this advantage…"
Randall regains his vertical base and stumbles around towards Trixie, who winds up and hits him with a headbutt! It does stagger the Wildcard, who takes a step back and shakes loose the cobwebs… before firing back with a big headbutt of his own!! It rocks Bordeaux down to her knees, her eyes closed and her face contorted in agony. Randall drags her up by the wrist, hoists her onto his shoulders, and hits her with a Death Valley Driver!! Randall hooks the far leg…
ONE… TWO… TH – NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Impressive resilience on display by Trixie Bordeaux, but the momentum has shifted firmly onto Jason Randall’s side, and by extension XYZ, in this one."
Another shot of Death Walker, who is now most of the way down the ramp, watching on with his arms folded… and then back to the ring, where Jason Randall again hoists Trixie up to her feet. He doubles her over with a boot to the midsection…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Jason Randall going for his Snakes Eyes stunner… but Trixie pushes him away! Randall hits the turnbuckles chest first… and then turns around into a big enziguri!"
Allen Price: "A huge moment for Trixie! This is exactly what she needed! And she tags in Kleio De Santos!"
The first thing that the Boa Constrictor does is charge across the ring’s diagonal and knock XYZ off the apron with a shot dropkick. Then, it’s a pair of uppercuts (one left and one right) followed by a roundhouse kick for Randall, staggering the Wildcard back towards the corner. Kleio whips him HARD into the opposite set, with Randall hitting the turnbuckles and bouncing back towards KDS… who doubles him over with a boot to the midsection and then applies a front facelock. She’s going for a DDT, maybe, or perhaps even Letters to Kleio… but Randall drives her back into the corner with his shoulder, and then proceeds to throw it into her gut. Randall drags her from the corner and boots her in the midsection to double her over…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "The Wildcard is going for Snake Eyes again… BUT KLEIO IS BITING HIS NECK!!"
Allen Price: "A non-traditional but effective counter…"
Randall backs away from Kleio, aghast, who follows up with a spin kick to the gut. She applies a front facelock, again looking for Letters to Kleio, but notices XYZ sliding into the ring out of the corner of her eye…
Allen Price: "XYZ looking to make the save… but here comes Trixie Bordeaux! She clotheslines X over the top rope, and both land in a heap on the outside!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Which gives De Santos enough space… LETTERS TO KLEIO!!"
Allen Price: "She hooks the far leg…"
ONE… TWO… THREE!
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here are your winners… Trixie Bordeaux and Kleio De Santos!!"
Santos is in the ring to have her hand raised, but she snatches it away again almost immediately. She doesn’t look for Bordeaux, instead climbing out of the ring to reconvene with the Ravenwood sisters. The three of them march up the ramp, passing Death Walker on the way, who gives Kleio a sidewards glance but continues to march towards the ring…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "An impressive win here tonight for Trixie and KDS… but it doesn’t look like we’re quite done here at ringside. Death Walker, who is scheduled to compete against Madison Gray and Sawyer Xavier later on in the show, continues towards the ring with one man in his sights."
XYZ is getting to his feet on the outside and, after spotting Death Walker on the march towards him, he rolls into the ring to get the higher ground. He is clutching his ribs and breathing heavily, the exertions of the match still weighing heavily upon him. Death Walker is now three quarters of the way down the ramp, and pauses only for a second as Trixie Bordeaux joins X in the ring, standing at his side. He stares at the two in the ring, fancies his chances, and continues his descent.
Allen Price: "Trixie Bordeaux, just like last week, is taking a defensive stance here against Death Walker and alongside XYZ…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And Jason Randall stands with them! He’s still, of course, got issues with Death Walker himself. Maybe he wants to settle some old scores here, too…"
Death Walker looks at the (now) three people in the ring, standing against him, and continues to smile. He climbs up onto the apron…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I think Death Walker still fancies his chances!"
Death is about to climb through the ropes when four more men, who have hopped over the barricade from their seats on the front row and slid into the ring, stand in front of XYZ. You and I, of course, would know them as Wild Jerry, Frank, Sierra, and PacMan Bert, collectively known as the Ménage, the close and personal friends of XYZ. The FWA audience, though, is not quite as familiar with the group.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Who are these guys?! Where are their credentials?!"
Allen Price: "That’s XYZ’s entourage, J-L. I’ve seen those guys in the back with him on more than one occasion, and it looks like they’re here to back XYZ up!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Only now, with seven people in the ring and standing against him, does Death Walker think better of it…"
Indeed, he climbs down from the apron, turns around, and walks back up the ramp. Jason Randall peels away from the group, climbing out of the ring and marching up the ramp, exiting through the curtain only a few seconds after Death Walker. XYZ and Trixie, meanwhile, share a stand-off in the middle of the ring. They shake hands, and both are smiling, but there seems an anxiety about Trixie that could be explained by the battle that lies ahead of them both. We fade out on the image of this uneasy handshake.
Fallout fades back in on with an unusual setting of a cartoon landscape including the vibrant green hills filled with frolicing animals like deer, rabbits, and bluebirds. This is the land of Friendtopia.
And Jeremy Best has once again returned to the land.
Jeremy finds himself on a playground, swinging back and forth in an animated swing. Keep in mind, Jeremy himself is not animated in this situation. A real Space Jam situation here. Jeremy is lightly swaying in the swing as he looks down at a group of papers in hands which appear to be some type of legal document. A contract even.
Jeremy is not alone. His imaginary friend Momo, a seven-foot purple, spherical-shaped furry creature, walks over and places his furry paw on Jeremy's shoulder.
Momo: "Something seems to be bothering you, Jeremy."
Jeremy Best: "Oh, hiya Momo. I'm just sitting here thinking about this contract."
Momo: "Contract? That sounds BORING. Come play with me and Krash!"
Jeremy Best: "Oh, that definitely sounds like much more fun, but I have a bit of a time crunch for this contract. I gotta make a decision real soon."
Momo: "Well... maybe I can help! You know I love to be helpful."
Jeremy Best: "Well, ya see Momo, Alyster Black challenged me to enter the King of the Deathmatch and..."
Momo: "Death? Match? Oh nononono... I don't like the sound of that AT ALL."
Jeremy Best: "That was my thoughts too. You know I'm not a big fan of that kinda violence. But I've told you about this guy right?"
Momo: "You sure have. Krash's former friend, right? Sounds like he might really want to hurt you!"
Jeremy Best: "I think you're right. He seems very jealous of the fact that Krash is my friend now. But... there's something I'm feeling inside me. Something I'm not used to. Like a burning... almost dark feeling... that I actually… want to hurt him too."
Momo: "What? Oh no, oh no, oh no. Not you, Jeremy. You would never hurt anyone like that!"
Jeremy Best: "Oh, believe me... I didn't like the feeling and it scared me. At first. But then I start thinking about what if he tries to take Krash from me. What if he tries to hurt Krash. I have to protect him right? Bryan has taught me all about how sometimes you gotta do what it takes... and I think this is one of those times where I gotta do what it takes. And maybe that means entering this tournament that will no doubt lead me straight to Alyster Black."
Momo: "I don't know, I don't know. The whole thing just feels really icky."
Jeremy Best: "What do you think Krash would want? What would he say?"
Momo pauses, reflecting carefully.
Momo: "I think Krash would be supportive of whatever decision you made. He would want you to be happy. So you have to ask yourself. Do you give into that dark feeling you're having... that feeling that makes you want to hurt Alyster Black... go to a place that you may never be able to come back from... OR... do you play it safe. Keep your mind and body protected from the darkness. After all, what good are you to Krash if you're in a bodybag?"
Jeremy Best: "Oh, Momo. You are wise beyond your years."
Momo: "Always happy to help, Jeremy!"
With that, Momo disappears along with the rest of the animated landscape of Friendtopia. The world around Jeremy transforms back into the real world where Jeremy Best is sitting on the swing of an actual playground in Detroit. He looks down at the contract one more time and nods knowingly before getting up from the swing and walking off.
With the crowd semi-interested, mainly to see what kind of getup The Boulder is going to have this week, the tunes of Luke Bryan begin to play bringing out six men dressed like cowboys - denim pants, black leather vest, cowboy boots, cowboy hats, and their faces are obscured by red handkerchiefs. As the six cowboys prance out onto the stage, The Boulder emerges from the back, dressed similarly except you can tell it was a struggle for him to get into the pants and the black vest clearly is at least two sizes too small.
Natalie Rosenberg: "This next match is scheduled for one-fall with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, from Birmingham, Alabama... weighing in at three-hundred eighty-five pounds... "THE COWBOY" BOULDY BEDROCK!
A mixture of laughter and scattered boos fill the arena as Boulder and his cowboy entourage make their way down to the ring.
Allen Price: "I didn't realize they made skinny jeans in The Boulder... I mean... Bouldy Bedrock size."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Judging by what we're seeing right now, I don't think they do. The Boulder, known for his parodies, has definitely targeted his opponent with his get up tonight."
Boulder climbs into the ring and tosses his cowboy hat aside as he awaits his opponent.
The crowd pop up to their feet as Tommy Bedlam trots out from the back, waving his cowboy hat in his hands to pump up the fans, but is less than pleased when he sees "Bouldy Bedrock" and the six men dressed as cowboys at ringside. Randi walks out behind him, and her smile quickly fading when she sees Tommy's reaction.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And his opponent, being accompanied to the ring by Randi Francis... from Sweetwater, Texas... weighing in at two-hundred fourty-four pounds... TTTTTTTTTTTOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMY BBBBBBBBBBBEEEEEDLAM!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "This should serve as a nice warm up for Tommy Bedlam, who will be receiving a FWA Television Championship match at Grand March against Shawn Summers."
Allen Price: "Tommy had a great showing on Meltdown this week, though his team came up short in the eight-person tag against the Nephews. Something tells me his luck should be better in this one."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I don't think Tommy is going to underestimate The Boulder, while his record may not indicate it, a man of his size and strength should not be taken lightly."
Tommy and Randi begin to walk down the aisle as the cowboys at ringside suddenly charge towards them! Tommy instructs Randi to step aside and he takes on the cowboys head on! First one gets a hard right hand to send him down, the second eats a lariat and then a third one rushes in and gets a big back body drop to the ramp!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Those cowboys are more like henchmen as they attempt a pre-match attack on Tommy, but Bedlam is having none of it!"
The other cowboys back off as Tommy slides into the ring, tosses his cowboy hat and vest aside and is ready to right at The Boulder!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Jason Randall showing us a mean streak here in the opening exchanges. Perfect timing for this to be coming to the surface, so close to King of the Deathmatch…"
With the Wildcard continuing to stop his opponent in the corner, the camera cuts to the stage, where a familiar figure has walked out to observe proceedings…
Allen Price: "That's Death Walker, who we'll see tonight in the second of our King of the Deathmatch preview matches… his presence hasn't gone unnoticed, especially by XYZ…"
Indeed, X is staring up the ramp at Walker with a perturbed look on his face. Death has a smile for him in return. Meanwhile, in the ring, Randall earns a two-count with a snap suplex before reluctantly tagging in XYZ, who - having turned away from his brief staredown with Death Walker, who is still on the stage - is reaching over the rope and asking for an introduction to the match. XYZ continues the attack on his old rival in Kleio De Santos, who he knows very well from last year’s tournament, hitting some vicious kicks to the shins and thighs for over half a minute, before hitting the rope and hitting a three-sixty headscissors takedown! The crowd cheers X on as he pumps the fist, and then connects with a springboard moonsault! It’s only enough for a two-count, with X tagging Randall back in and offering the Wildcard a double suplex. Randall seems nonplussed at the suggestion, with X instead hitting the move on his own. X slides out of the ring with Randall hosting KDS up and applying a front facelock, hoisting her up for what looks like a delayed vertical suplex attempt. He lets the blood rush to KDS’s head, but then the Boa Constrictor brings her knee down onto the top of Randall’s head! And again! And a third time! Randall is forced to drop De Santos, and she connects with a front jab, elbow strike, spinning backfist combination, rocking Randall… and then she knocks him down with a superman punch! Kleio goes for the cover…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Randall kicks out, and Kleio drags him into her corner where Trixie tags in. De Santos has Jason in a front facelock, and Trixie connects with a half-dozen boots to the midsection before joining KDS in the front facelock on the other side. De Santos and Bordeaux take Randall over with a double suplex!
Allen Price: "Much better teamwork on display by Kleio and Trixie, it seems…"
We cut to a shot of Death Walker, who strokes his chin thoughtfully whilst watching on from the stage. In the ring, Trixie follows up with a series of punches and open-handed strikes, and then a sit-out jawbreaker that staggers the Wildcard… and then Bordeaux rakes the eyes! The official admonishes her, but Bordeaux just sort of laughs nervously at him, before taking Randall in a front face lock and spiking him with a snap DDT! Trixie goes for the cover…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Jason Randall kicks out, but that’s an impressive introduction to this match for Trixie Bordeaux… perhaps even surprisingly impressive!"
Allen Price: "You shouldn’t underestimate Trixie, J-L… she’s here for a reason, and now she’s willing the Wildcard to get back to his feet…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "A mistake, if you ask me. Trixie should be pressing home this advantage…"
Randall regains his vertical base and stumbles around towards Trixie, who winds up and hits him with a headbutt! It does stagger the Wildcard, who takes a step back and shakes loose the cobwebs… before firing back with a big headbutt of his own!! It rocks Bordeaux down to her knees, her eyes closed and her face contorted in agony. Randall drags her up by the wrist, hoists her onto his shoulders, and hits her with a Death Valley Driver!! Randall hooks the far leg…
ONE… TWO… TH – NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Impressive resilience on display by Trixie Bordeaux, but the momentum has shifted firmly onto Jason Randall’s side, and by extension XYZ, in this one."
Another shot of Death Walker, who is now most of the way down the ramp, watching on with his arms folded… and then back to the ring, where Jason Randall again hoists Trixie up to her feet. He doubles her over with a boot to the midsection…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Jason Randall going for his Snakes Eyes stunner… but Trixie pushes him away! Randall hits the turnbuckles chest first… and then turns around into a big enziguri!"
Allen Price: "A huge moment for Trixie! This is exactly what she needed! And she tags in Kleio De Santos!"
The first thing that the Boa Constrictor does is charge across the ring’s diagonal and knock XYZ off the apron with a shot dropkick. Then, it’s a pair of uppercuts (one left and one right) followed by a roundhouse kick for Randall, staggering the Wildcard back towards the corner. Kleio whips him HARD into the opposite set, with Randall hitting the turnbuckles and bouncing back towards KDS… who doubles him over with a boot to the midsection and then applies a front facelock. She’s going for a DDT, maybe, or perhaps even Letters to Kleio… but Randall drives her back into the corner with his shoulder, and then proceeds to throw it into her gut. Randall drags her from the corner and boots her in the midsection to double her over…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "The Wildcard is going for Snake Eyes again… BUT KLEIO IS BITING HIS NECK!!"
Allen Price: "A non-traditional but effective counter…"
Randall backs away from Kleio, aghast, who follows up with a spin kick to the gut. She applies a front facelock, again looking for Letters to Kleio, but notices XYZ sliding into the ring out of the corner of her eye…
Allen Price: "XYZ looking to make the save… but here comes Trixie Bordeaux! She clotheslines X over the top rope, and both land in a heap on the outside!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Which gives De Santos enough space… LETTERS TO KLEIO!!"
Allen Price: "She hooks the far leg…"
ONE… TWO… THREE!
WInner: Kleio De Santos and Trixie Bordeaux by pinfall at 13:58.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here are your winners… Trixie Bordeaux and Kleio De Santos!!"
Santos is in the ring to have her hand raised, but she snatches it away again almost immediately. She doesn’t look for Bordeaux, instead climbing out of the ring to reconvene with the Ravenwood sisters. The three of them march up the ramp, passing Death Walker on the way, who gives Kleio a sidewards glance but continues to march towards the ring…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "An impressive win here tonight for Trixie and KDS… but it doesn’t look like we’re quite done here at ringside. Death Walker, who is scheduled to compete against Madison Gray and Sawyer Xavier later on in the show, continues towards the ring with one man in his sights."
XYZ is getting to his feet on the outside and, after spotting Death Walker on the march towards him, he rolls into the ring to get the higher ground. He is clutching his ribs and breathing heavily, the exertions of the match still weighing heavily upon him. Death Walker is now three quarters of the way down the ramp, and pauses only for a second as Trixie Bordeaux joins X in the ring, standing at his side. He stares at the two in the ring, fancies his chances, and continues his descent.
Allen Price: "Trixie Bordeaux, just like last week, is taking a defensive stance here against Death Walker and alongside XYZ…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And Jason Randall stands with them! He’s still, of course, got issues with Death Walker himself. Maybe he wants to settle some old scores here, too…"
Death Walker looks at the (now) three people in the ring, standing against him, and continues to smile. He climbs up onto the apron…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I think Death Walker still fancies his chances!"
Death is about to climb through the ropes when four more men, who have hopped over the barricade from their seats on the front row and slid into the ring, stand in front of XYZ. You and I, of course, would know them as Wild Jerry, Frank, Sierra, and PacMan Bert, collectively known as the Ménage, the close and personal friends of XYZ. The FWA audience, though, is not quite as familiar with the group.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Who are these guys?! Where are their credentials?!"
Allen Price: "That’s XYZ’s entourage, J-L. I’ve seen those guys in the back with him on more than one occasion, and it looks like they’re here to back XYZ up!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Only now, with seven people in the ring and standing against him, does Death Walker think better of it…"
Indeed, he climbs down from the apron, turns around, and walks back up the ramp. Jason Randall peels away from the group, climbing out of the ring and marching up the ramp, exiting through the curtain only a few seconds after Death Walker. XYZ and Trixie, meanwhile, share a stand-off in the middle of the ring. They shake hands, and both are smiling, but there seems an anxiety about Trixie that could be explained by the battle that lies ahead of them both. We fade out on the image of this uneasy handshake.
Fallout fades back in on with an unusual setting of a cartoon landscape including the vibrant green hills filled with frolicing animals like deer, rabbits, and bluebirds. This is the land of Friendtopia.
And Jeremy Best has once again returned to the land.
Jeremy finds himself on a playground, swinging back and forth in an animated swing. Keep in mind, Jeremy himself is not animated in this situation. A real Space Jam situation here. Jeremy is lightly swaying in the swing as he looks down at a group of papers in hands which appear to be some type of legal document. A contract even.
Jeremy is not alone. His imaginary friend Momo, a seven-foot purple, spherical-shaped furry creature, walks over and places his furry paw on Jeremy's shoulder.
Momo: "Something seems to be bothering you, Jeremy."
Jeremy Best: "Oh, hiya Momo. I'm just sitting here thinking about this contract."
Momo: "Contract? That sounds BORING. Come play with me and Krash!"
Jeremy Best: "Oh, that definitely sounds like much more fun, but I have a bit of a time crunch for this contract. I gotta make a decision real soon."
Momo: "Well... maybe I can help! You know I love to be helpful."
Jeremy Best: "Well, ya see Momo, Alyster Black challenged me to enter the King of the Deathmatch and..."
Momo: "Death? Match? Oh nononono... I don't like the sound of that AT ALL."
Jeremy Best: "That was my thoughts too. You know I'm not a big fan of that kinda violence. But I've told you about this guy right?"
Momo: "You sure have. Krash's former friend, right? Sounds like he might really want to hurt you!"
Jeremy Best: "I think you're right. He seems very jealous of the fact that Krash is my friend now. But... there's something I'm feeling inside me. Something I'm not used to. Like a burning... almost dark feeling... that I actually… want to hurt him too."
Momo: "What? Oh no, oh no, oh no. Not you, Jeremy. You would never hurt anyone like that!"
Jeremy Best: "Oh, believe me... I didn't like the feeling and it scared me. At first. But then I start thinking about what if he tries to take Krash from me. What if he tries to hurt Krash. I have to protect him right? Bryan has taught me all about how sometimes you gotta do what it takes... and I think this is one of those times where I gotta do what it takes. And maybe that means entering this tournament that will no doubt lead me straight to Alyster Black."
Momo: "I don't know, I don't know. The whole thing just feels really icky."
Jeremy Best: "What do you think Krash would want? What would he say?"
Momo pauses, reflecting carefully.
Momo: "I think Krash would be supportive of whatever decision you made. He would want you to be happy. So you have to ask yourself. Do you give into that dark feeling you're having... that feeling that makes you want to hurt Alyster Black... go to a place that you may never be able to come back from... OR... do you play it safe. Keep your mind and body protected from the darkness. After all, what good are you to Krash if you're in a bodybag?"
Jeremy Best: "Oh, Momo. You are wise beyond your years."
Momo: "Always happy to help, Jeremy!"
With that, Momo disappears along with the rest of the animated landscape of Friendtopia. The world around Jeremy transforms back into the real world where Jeremy Best is sitting on the swing of an actual playground in Detroit. He looks down at the contract one more time and nods knowingly before getting up from the swing and walking off.
With the crowd semi-interested, mainly to see what kind of getup The Boulder is going to have this week, the tunes of Luke Bryan begin to play bringing out six men dressed like cowboys - denim pants, black leather vest, cowboy boots, cowboy hats, and their faces are obscured by red handkerchiefs. As the six cowboys prance out onto the stage, The Boulder emerges from the back, dressed similarly except you can tell it was a struggle for him to get into the pants and the black vest clearly is at least two sizes too small.
Natalie Rosenberg: "This next match is scheduled for one-fall with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, from Birmingham, Alabama... weighing in at three-hundred eighty-five pounds... "THE COWBOY" BOULDY BEDROCK!
A mixture of laughter and scattered boos fill the arena as Boulder and his cowboy entourage make their way down to the ring.
Allen Price: "I didn't realize they made skinny jeans in The Boulder... I mean... Bouldy Bedrock size."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Judging by what we're seeing right now, I don't think they do. The Boulder, known for his parodies, has definitely targeted his opponent with his get up tonight."
Boulder climbs into the ring and tosses his cowboy hat aside as he awaits his opponent.
The crowd pop up to their feet as Tommy Bedlam trots out from the back, waving his cowboy hat in his hands to pump up the fans, but is less than pleased when he sees "Bouldy Bedrock" and the six men dressed as cowboys at ringside. Randi walks out behind him, and her smile quickly fading when she sees Tommy's reaction.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And his opponent, being accompanied to the ring by Randi Francis... from Sweetwater, Texas... weighing in at two-hundred fourty-four pounds... TTTTTTTTTTTOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMY BBBBBBBBBBBEEEEEDLAM!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "This should serve as a nice warm up for Tommy Bedlam, who will be receiving a FWA Television Championship match at Grand March against Shawn Summers."
Allen Price: "Tommy had a great showing on Meltdown this week, though his team came up short in the eight-person tag against the Nephews. Something tells me his luck should be better in this one."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I don't think Tommy is going to underestimate The Boulder, while his record may not indicate it, a man of his size and strength should not be taken lightly."
Tommy and Randi begin to walk down the aisle as the cowboys at ringside suddenly charge towards them! Tommy instructs Randi to step aside and he takes on the cowboys head on! First one gets a hard right hand to send him down, the second eats a lariat and then a third one rushes in and gets a big back body drop to the ramp!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Those cowboys are more like henchmen as they attempt a pre-match attack on Tommy, but Bedlam is having none of it!"
The other cowboys back off as Tommy slides into the ring, tosses his cowboy hat and vest aside and is ready to right at The Boulder!
Tommy wastes no time going right at The Boulder, unloading some fists to the bigger wrestler, rocking “Bedrock” backwards to the ropes. Tommy grabs his massive arm and Irish Whips Boulder into the ropes, but “Bouldy” reverses it, sending Tommy in instead. LARIAT attempt from Boulder is ducked by Bedlam, and Tommy bounces off the opposite ropes… SPEAR! The Spear takes the powerful Boulder down to the mat!
Bedlam pops back up, fired up and playing to the crowd as Boulder begins to try to get to his feet. Once Boulder is up, Tommy hits him with a Discus Lariat that rocks the big man. He hits another pair of Discus Lariats… continuing to stagger “Bedrock” until Tommy climbs up to the top turnbuckle, coming off with big Flying Clothesline to take Bedrock back down to the mat!
Tommy makes the cover!
One! Two! Kickout by “Bedrock!”
Tommy is right back up, taunting Boulder to get to his feet. The big man begins to stagger back up to his feet… into the BUCKSHOT superkick from Bedlam! DOWN GOES THE BIG MAN!
Bedlam is about to go for the pin, but IN COME THE COWBOYS to try and make the save for Boulder!
Allen Price: “Here comes the cavalry!”
But Tommy ducks a clothesline from the first, taking him out with a Buckshot of his own. Then the next one gets a Buckshot as well! Two more charge in but Tommy hits a DOUBLE SPEAR to take them both down!
A fifth cowboy enters the ring with a chair, but is quickly cut off by referee Larry Stevens! Stevens pulls the chair away from the fifth cowboy and admonishes the cowboy, while the sixth cowboy sneaks up from behind Tommy! But Bedlam sees him coming - boot to the midsection…. BULLSEYE!
While Larry Stevens is stil dealing with the remaining cowboy, Tommy goes over to confront him as well… when a.. SEVENTH cowboy slides into the ring and now he has a chair!
Allen Price: “Wait, my math isn’t always the best but I’m pretty sure there was only six of those cowboys at ringside!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: "No you are 100% correct. These cowboys are showing up out of the woodwork like they were Nephews!”
CRACK!
The seventh cowboy cracks the chair across Tommy’s back! Bedlam drops to his knees and the cowboy gives SECOND chair to the back, sending Bedlam down onto the mat! The cowboy tosses the chair out of the ring, removes his cowboy hat and pulls the handkerchief down off his face to loud boos from the Detroit fans…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "SHAWN SUMMERS!”
Allen Price: “That dirty, rotten scoundrel! He’s going to cost Tommy Bedlam this match!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “This cowboy charade must have all been orchestrated by Summers! There’s nothing more than he’d want to see than Tommy suffering such a painful loss heading into their match at Grand March!”
Satisfied with his work, Summers jumps to ringside as the other cowboy also finally leaves the ring. Official Larry Steven turns back to the action in the ring to find Boulder crawling over, rolling Tommy onto his back and making the pin.
ONE! TWO! THRE….NO!
Allen Price: “He kicks out! Tommy kicks out! There will be no tainted loss here!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “And just look at the reaction of Shawn Summers at ringside! He’s livid!”
Summers is in fact beside himself at ringside, slamming his fists down on the apron in frustration while on the other side of the ring, Randi slaps the apron in support, trying to rally Bedlam back from the attack by Summers. Boulder grabs Tommy by the throat, and pulls him up… looking for The Chokeslam…
BUT TOMMY ESCAPES - he goes down the back of Boulder, puts his head underneath the big man’s arm… and just barely manges to get the big man up into the air for the ROUGH RIDE! Bedlam leans back onto Boulder, hooking his massive near leg for the cover.
ONE! TWO! Shawn Summers climbs the apron, trying to stop the pin… BUT RANDI HAS HIS LEG! THREE!
Tommy sits up, holding his back in pain while a frustrated Shawn Summers jumps down off the apron and confronts Randi at ringside over her involvement.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… TOMMY BEDLAM!”
The brief pop for Tommy’s win is quickly turned to boos aimed at Shawn Summers as he backs Randi down at ringside, and gives her a SHOVE!
Allen Price: “OH COME ON! She’s pregnant! He shouldn’t be laying a finger on her!”
Spotting the interaction from the ring, a heated Tommy runs and DIVES THROUGH THE ROPES ONTO SUMMERS AT RINGSIDE! Bedlam begins unloading a flurry of punches to Summers, showing his outrage at Shawn for putting his hands on his woman. Tommy is unrelenting as he pushes Summers up against the railing as he continues to wail away on the Television Champ much to the delight of the fans at ringside.
Unfortunately, the fans would not get much of what they were enjoying as FWA security rushes down to the ring to pull Tommy off of Summers.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Shawn Summers better thank his lucky stars that security showed up when they did or he may not have made it to Grand March! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a look in Bedlam’s eyes like that.”
Tommy struggles against the FWA security, clearly wanting to continue to get his hands on Summers. Security also creates a barrier between Summers and Randi to ensure he’s not going after her again, but Der Basterd has a big smirk on his face as he leans up against the rails. He gets up to his feet and smiles as he watches Tommy trying to break free from the four security guards holding him back.
Summers walks over towards Tommy, security about to stop him but Summers isn’t looking to continue the fight. Instead, he simply leans in and whispers into Bedlam’s right ear as he’s being restrained. The camera rushes in closer but is unable to catch any of what Summers had to say to him.
But as Summers withdraws from Bedlam with a big shit eating grin, Tommy suddenly stops resisting against security and his face quickly loses all expression. Security pulls Tommy up to his feet as he shakes his head in what appears to be disgust.
Allen Price: “What… what was that all about?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m not sure, Price… but whatever it was really seemed to spook Bedlam. His whole demeanor changed in an instant!”
As Tommy is hauled away to the back by security, Randi joins him by his side as Shawn Summers gives a disingenuous wave to the couple before he realizes he is still wearing the cowboy disguise he had used and he tosses away the leather vest in disgust. He gives it a good stomp for good measure before heading back up the ramp to loud boos from the crowd.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Like everyone, I’m not sure what to make of the end of that exchange, but if anything, it adds even more intrigue to what should be a hard hitting Television Championship match at Grand March!”
Bedlam pops back up, fired up and playing to the crowd as Boulder begins to try to get to his feet. Once Boulder is up, Tommy hits him with a Discus Lariat that rocks the big man. He hits another pair of Discus Lariats… continuing to stagger “Bedrock” until Tommy climbs up to the top turnbuckle, coming off with big Flying Clothesline to take Bedrock back down to the mat!
Tommy makes the cover!
One! Two! Kickout by “Bedrock!”
Tommy is right back up, taunting Boulder to get to his feet. The big man begins to stagger back up to his feet… into the BUCKSHOT superkick from Bedlam! DOWN GOES THE BIG MAN!
Bedlam is about to go for the pin, but IN COME THE COWBOYS to try and make the save for Boulder!
Allen Price: “Here comes the cavalry!”
But Tommy ducks a clothesline from the first, taking him out with a Buckshot of his own. Then the next one gets a Buckshot as well! Two more charge in but Tommy hits a DOUBLE SPEAR to take them both down!
A fifth cowboy enters the ring with a chair, but is quickly cut off by referee Larry Stevens! Stevens pulls the chair away from the fifth cowboy and admonishes the cowboy, while the sixth cowboy sneaks up from behind Tommy! But Bedlam sees him coming - boot to the midsection…. BULLSEYE!
While Larry Stevens is stil dealing with the remaining cowboy, Tommy goes over to confront him as well… when a.. SEVENTH cowboy slides into the ring and now he has a chair!
Allen Price: “Wait, my math isn’t always the best but I’m pretty sure there was only six of those cowboys at ringside!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: "No you are 100% correct. These cowboys are showing up out of the woodwork like they were Nephews!”
CRACK!
The seventh cowboy cracks the chair across Tommy’s back! Bedlam drops to his knees and the cowboy gives SECOND chair to the back, sending Bedlam down onto the mat! The cowboy tosses the chair out of the ring, removes his cowboy hat and pulls the handkerchief down off his face to loud boos from the Detroit fans…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "SHAWN SUMMERS!”
Allen Price: “That dirty, rotten scoundrel! He’s going to cost Tommy Bedlam this match!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “This cowboy charade must have all been orchestrated by Summers! There’s nothing more than he’d want to see than Tommy suffering such a painful loss heading into their match at Grand March!”
Satisfied with his work, Summers jumps to ringside as the other cowboy also finally leaves the ring. Official Larry Steven turns back to the action in the ring to find Boulder crawling over, rolling Tommy onto his back and making the pin.
ONE! TWO! THRE….NO!
Allen Price: “He kicks out! Tommy kicks out! There will be no tainted loss here!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “And just look at the reaction of Shawn Summers at ringside! He’s livid!”
Summers is in fact beside himself at ringside, slamming his fists down on the apron in frustration while on the other side of the ring, Randi slaps the apron in support, trying to rally Bedlam back from the attack by Summers. Boulder grabs Tommy by the throat, and pulls him up… looking for The Chokeslam…
BUT TOMMY ESCAPES - he goes down the back of Boulder, puts his head underneath the big man’s arm… and just barely manges to get the big man up into the air for the ROUGH RIDE! Bedlam leans back onto Boulder, hooking his massive near leg for the cover.
ONE! TWO! Shawn Summers climbs the apron, trying to stop the pin… BUT RANDI HAS HIS LEG! THREE!
Winner: Tommy Bedlam by pinfall at 4:38.
Tommy sits up, holding his back in pain while a frustrated Shawn Summers jumps down off the apron and confronts Randi at ringside over her involvement.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… TOMMY BEDLAM!”
The brief pop for Tommy’s win is quickly turned to boos aimed at Shawn Summers as he backs Randi down at ringside, and gives her a SHOVE!
Allen Price: “OH COME ON! She’s pregnant! He shouldn’t be laying a finger on her!”
Spotting the interaction from the ring, a heated Tommy runs and DIVES THROUGH THE ROPES ONTO SUMMERS AT RINGSIDE! Bedlam begins unloading a flurry of punches to Summers, showing his outrage at Shawn for putting his hands on his woman. Tommy is unrelenting as he pushes Summers up against the railing as he continues to wail away on the Television Champ much to the delight of the fans at ringside.
Unfortunately, the fans would not get much of what they were enjoying as FWA security rushes down to the ring to pull Tommy off of Summers.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Shawn Summers better thank his lucky stars that security showed up when they did or he may not have made it to Grand March! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a look in Bedlam’s eyes like that.”
Tommy struggles against the FWA security, clearly wanting to continue to get his hands on Summers. Security also creates a barrier between Summers and Randi to ensure he’s not going after her again, but Der Basterd has a big smirk on his face as he leans up against the rails. He gets up to his feet and smiles as he watches Tommy trying to break free from the four security guards holding him back.
Summers walks over towards Tommy, security about to stop him but Summers isn’t looking to continue the fight. Instead, he simply leans in and whispers into Bedlam’s right ear as he’s being restrained. The camera rushes in closer but is unable to catch any of what Summers had to say to him.
But as Summers withdraws from Bedlam with a big shit eating grin, Tommy suddenly stops resisting against security and his face quickly loses all expression. Security pulls Tommy up to his feet as he shakes his head in what appears to be disgust.
Allen Price: “What… what was that all about?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m not sure, Price… but whatever it was really seemed to spook Bedlam. His whole demeanor changed in an instant!”
As Tommy is hauled away to the back by security, Randi joins him by his side as Shawn Summers gives a disingenuous wave to the couple before he realizes he is still wearing the cowboy disguise he had used and he tosses away the leather vest in disgust. He gives it a good stomp for good measure before heading back up the ramp to loud boos from the crowd.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Like everyone, I’m not sure what to make of the end of that exchange, but if anything, it adds even more intrigue to what should be a hard hitting Television Championship match at Grand March!”
[EARLIER TODAY…]
The camera opens up on a dry but overcast and seemingly chilly day, a signpost welcoming us to a small recreational area adjacent to Lake Eyrie. There is a small parking lot to the right and, to the left, a green space with picnic benches leading down to a small pebble beach. There are a few cyclists sitting on one of the benches, staring out over the lake. A young couple takes a selfie before returning to their vehicle. The temperature is four degrees, or forty for our comrades from the States. Looks like it might rain later. Dreary, generally speaking.
The quiet and calm nature of the scene is somewhat disrupted by a large, pink minibus careering into the carpark and pulling up over two spaces next to the water. The engine turns off and we cut to a close-up of the vehicle, its octagonal wheel trims and tentacled/floral (that’s tentacles with flowers, if you require more specific descriptors) design visible more clearly now. The doors (both front and back) open and a large line of Nephews in pink tracksuits step down onto the tarmac, holding towels and deck chairs and cool boxes and various other accessories necessary for a day at the beach.
Role-call: Uncle J.J. JAY!, Thomas West, Gerald Grayson, Marcus & Micah McClain, Quiet, Harry the Sane Wizard, the Maid of Death, NOE-I, Kha’rina, a half-dozen McClones, Sting Ray, and - last to emerge from the van and doing so reluctantly - Bill Scorpane.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Well, has everyone brought a towel?”
Most of the Nephews read the memo and hold up their towels, except for Sting Ray and (using the term Nephew loosely and against his will) Bill. Ray is already making a beeline for the water.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “I guess he’s semi-aquatic, anyway. And he had all of the bags to carry. I suppose he doesn’t need a towel. I’ve brought a spare for you, Bill. It’s in the back of the van. Lovely day for it.”
Harry the Sane Wizard: “It’s forty degrees, Uncle.”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Just keep your tracksuits on, Nephews. I bring you all of the beach, but with none of the melanoma. You should be thanking me!”
The group picks a spot and begins to spread out, a few smaller circles of beach chairs and rolled out towels forming. The Maid tests out the water but finds it too cold for more than a foot. The Avatar begins to walk on top of its surface. Thomas has brought a boombox and starts to play through a playlist of the top sixty five FWA themes of all-time as voted for by the FWA Cosmos. All of the Nephews are pleased when their themes are played throughout the course of the day, except for Kha’’rina. Next year, Uncle tells her.
Gerald Grayson: “Did you go to the beach much with Jeremy and Bryan, Mr. Scorpane?”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Please! Call him Bill!”
Bill Scorpane: “Mr. Scorpane works just fine, kid. And no, not really. I think Jeremy suggested it once or twice. Suggested most things, really. But I didn’t go out of my way to spend too much time with him. Kept a professional relationship.”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Well, that’s one of the great things about us Nephews, old Billy-boy. There’s no such thing as a professional relationship for you, anymore!”
Bill Scorpane: “Is it us already?”
Harry the Sane Wizard: “This is how it starts, old Billy-boy.”
Scorpane only becomes slightly more enthused when the first of several coolboxes is opened. He retrieves a can of pina colada, is somewhat surprised to find that pinacolada comes in cans, and then opens it to take a long swig. The half-dozen McClones have carried the volleyball equipment away from the group and are now setting up a court. Harry was beginning work on a sandcastle. Uncle takes his vape out of his tracksuit pocket and takes a long, satisfied toke.
Fallout returns to the arena with something rather unexpected; a large, muscular man in a black and green singlet is marching down towards the ring, shouting to himself and no one else in particular to no music. The man has a deranged look in his eyes and has a rat tail haircut and he snatches a microphone from Natalie Rosenberg on his way into the ring up the steps.
Allen Price: "Who is this?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I have no idea who this man is or why he is here. I have never seen him before in my life and I can only assume that he does not work here. I’ve called security back as I understand that the situation with Tommy Bedlam has been resolved and he no longer requires restraint."
The man stomps up the steps and gets into the ring, where he holds the microphone far too close to his mouth.
???: "ARGH! I’M SO PUMPED UP! I WANT AN OPPORTUNITY HERE IN THE FWA! I AM GOING TO MAKE THIS PLACE RAWRDLOW’S WORLD!"
The man, who it is safe to assume is called Rawrdlow, seems to be unnecessarily intense but incapable of properly expressing his pent up rage.
Rawrdlow: "I WANT A MATCH! NOT JUST ANY MATCH! I WANT A TITLE MATCH! I WANT A TITLE MATCH WITH ANY CHAMPION RIGHT NOW!"
As Rawrdlow paces in the ring, the same security personnel which were present to restrain Tommy Bedlam file out from the back and they jog down to the ring. The first security member enters the ring AND RAWRDLOW KICKS THEM IN THE CHEST! The second comes in and takes a punch, as does the next six and Rawrdlow then takes the first man and lifts him up… and throws him over the top rope onto the remaining security members!
Allen Price: "Hey! He can’t do that to security and face absolutely no repercussions! Surely FWA management is going to do something about this? We have no security now!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "You’d really think things like that would result in a fine or a suspension, wouldn’t you? Yet here he is, asking for a title shot."
With the security taken out, Rawrdlow picks up the microphone once again.
Rawrdlow: "TITLE MATCH! NOOOOOOOOOW!"
The crowd rises to their feet and they make their voices heard very loudly as Alyster Black walks out from the back! The X Champion has his belt over his shoulder and he walks towards the ring, as Rawrdlow is shown nodding in approval of this turn of events.
Allen Price: "Wait a minute? Alyster Black is taking this guy up on his challenge? Alyster is just eleven days away from becoming the longest-reigning X Champion of all time and he’s risking it all against this lunatic?
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, apparently attacking company employees is grounds for rewards through title shots, who knew? Well, Alyster Black has quite a lot going on at the moment; there is of course his upcoming defence of the X Championship in the King of the Deathmatch tournament, Krash is still missing and being hidden by the Buddy System and now, someone has taken to impersonating him and attacking him. This Rawrdlow guy might actually be making one tremendously large mistake."
Allen Price: "We saw this fake Alyster Black go after Aly on Meltdown on Thursday night and he got the better of Alyster once again; is Alyster even one hundred per cent?”
As Alyster enters the ring, a referee slides in too and DJ Franchise confirms with Alyster that this is going to be a title match, and Alyster nods… AND BLACK GOES RIGHT AFTER RAWRDLOW AND THE BELL RINGS!
The quiet and calm nature of the scene is somewhat disrupted by a large, pink minibus careering into the carpark and pulling up over two spaces next to the water. The engine turns off and we cut to a close-up of the vehicle, its octagonal wheel trims and tentacled/floral (that’s tentacles with flowers, if you require more specific descriptors) design visible more clearly now. The doors (both front and back) open and a large line of Nephews in pink tracksuits step down onto the tarmac, holding towels and deck chairs and cool boxes and various other accessories necessary for a day at the beach.
Role-call: Uncle J.J. JAY!, Thomas West, Gerald Grayson, Marcus & Micah McClain, Quiet, Harry the Sane Wizard, the Maid of Death, NOE-I, Kha’rina, a half-dozen McClones, Sting Ray, and - last to emerge from the van and doing so reluctantly - Bill Scorpane.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Well, has everyone brought a towel?”
Most of the Nephews read the memo and hold up their towels, except for Sting Ray and (using the term Nephew loosely and against his will) Bill. Ray is already making a beeline for the water.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “I guess he’s semi-aquatic, anyway. And he had all of the bags to carry. I suppose he doesn’t need a towel. I’ve brought a spare for you, Bill. It’s in the back of the van. Lovely day for it.”
Harry the Sane Wizard: “It’s forty degrees, Uncle.”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Just keep your tracksuits on, Nephews. I bring you all of the beach, but with none of the melanoma. You should be thanking me!”
The group picks a spot and begins to spread out, a few smaller circles of beach chairs and rolled out towels forming. The Maid tests out the water but finds it too cold for more than a foot. The Avatar begins to walk on top of its surface. Thomas has brought a boombox and starts to play through a playlist of the top sixty five FWA themes of all-time as voted for by the FWA Cosmos. All of the Nephews are pleased when their themes are played throughout the course of the day, except for Kha’’rina. Next year, Uncle tells her.
Gerald Grayson: “Did you go to the beach much with Jeremy and Bryan, Mr. Scorpane?”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Please! Call him Bill!”
Bill Scorpane: “Mr. Scorpane works just fine, kid. And no, not really. I think Jeremy suggested it once or twice. Suggested most things, really. But I didn’t go out of my way to spend too much time with him. Kept a professional relationship.”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Well, that’s one of the great things about us Nephews, old Billy-boy. There’s no such thing as a professional relationship for you, anymore!”
Bill Scorpane: “Is it us already?”
Harry the Sane Wizard: “This is how it starts, old Billy-boy.”
Scorpane only becomes slightly more enthused when the first of several coolboxes is opened. He retrieves a can of pina colada, is somewhat surprised to find that pinacolada comes in cans, and then opens it to take a long swig. The half-dozen McClones have carried the volleyball equipment away from the group and are now setting up a court. Harry was beginning work on a sandcastle. Uncle takes his vape out of his tracksuit pocket and takes a long, satisfied toke.
Fallout returns to the arena with something rather unexpected; a large, muscular man in a black and green singlet is marching down towards the ring, shouting to himself and no one else in particular to no music. The man has a deranged look in his eyes and has a rat tail haircut and he snatches a microphone from Natalie Rosenberg on his way into the ring up the steps.
Allen Price: "Who is this?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I have no idea who this man is or why he is here. I have never seen him before in my life and I can only assume that he does not work here. I’ve called security back as I understand that the situation with Tommy Bedlam has been resolved and he no longer requires restraint."
The man stomps up the steps and gets into the ring, where he holds the microphone far too close to his mouth.
???: "ARGH! I’M SO PUMPED UP! I WANT AN OPPORTUNITY HERE IN THE FWA! I AM GOING TO MAKE THIS PLACE RAWRDLOW’S WORLD!"
The man, who it is safe to assume is called Rawrdlow, seems to be unnecessarily intense but incapable of properly expressing his pent up rage.
Rawrdlow: "I WANT A MATCH! NOT JUST ANY MATCH! I WANT A TITLE MATCH! I WANT A TITLE MATCH WITH ANY CHAMPION RIGHT NOW!"
As Rawrdlow paces in the ring, the same security personnel which were present to restrain Tommy Bedlam file out from the back and they jog down to the ring. The first security member enters the ring AND RAWRDLOW KICKS THEM IN THE CHEST! The second comes in and takes a punch, as does the next six and Rawrdlow then takes the first man and lifts him up… and throws him over the top rope onto the remaining security members!
Allen Price: "Hey! He can’t do that to security and face absolutely no repercussions! Surely FWA management is going to do something about this? We have no security now!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "You’d really think things like that would result in a fine or a suspension, wouldn’t you? Yet here he is, asking for a title shot."
With the security taken out, Rawrdlow picks up the microphone once again.
Rawrdlow: "TITLE MATCH! NOOOOOOOOOW!"
The crowd rises to their feet and they make their voices heard very loudly as Alyster Black walks out from the back! The X Champion has his belt over his shoulder and he walks towards the ring, as Rawrdlow is shown nodding in approval of this turn of events.
Allen Price: "Wait a minute? Alyster Black is taking this guy up on his challenge? Alyster is just eleven days away from becoming the longest-reigning X Champion of all time and he’s risking it all against this lunatic?
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, apparently attacking company employees is grounds for rewards through title shots, who knew? Well, Alyster Black has quite a lot going on at the moment; there is of course his upcoming defence of the X Championship in the King of the Deathmatch tournament, Krash is still missing and being hidden by the Buddy System and now, someone has taken to impersonating him and attacking him. This Rawrdlow guy might actually be making one tremendously large mistake."
Allen Price: "We saw this fake Alyster Black go after Aly on Meltdown on Thursday night and he got the better of Alyster once again; is Alyster even one hundred per cent?”
As Alyster enters the ring, a referee slides in too and DJ Franchise confirms with Alyster that this is going to be a title match, and Alyster nods… AND BLACK GOES RIGHT AFTER RAWRDLOW AND THE BELL RINGS!
The crowd are very amped as Alyster peppers Rawrdlow with strikes and he knocks him into the corner and starts unloading on his opponent with a Violence Party! Alyster Black is no security guard and he proves it by absolutely decimating Rawrdlow with his punches and elbow strikes and once he is content that he has done enough, he walks away towards the ropes and exits the ring. Alyster lifts up the ring skirting and looks to see what is available to him.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Remember, this is an X Championship match, which means that anything goes, Price! Alyster Black is allowed to use any weapon at his disposal and I will reiterate that this could be something Rawrdlow lives to regret asking for, if he even lives at all."
Alyster pulls out a steel chair from under the ring and he slides it under the bottom rope, and a table follows. Alyster slides the table into the ring as well and then reaches underneath and he pulls out a small black bag! The fans cheer as Black leaves the sack on the apron and then climbs back into the ring where he picks up the steel chair. Rawrdlow, dazed and groggy after the Violence Party, staggers towards him.
“I’ll let you have one.” Alyster says to his opponent and he stands with his arms outstretched, the steel chair gripped by his left hand. Rawrdlow nods and seems to be ready to take advantage of the opening being offered to him. He leans back and puts both of his arms to one side.
Allen Price: "Is he charging it up or something?”
Rawrdlow lines it up AND THEN SWINGS FORWARD FOR A CLOTHESLINE - BUT IT DOES NO DAMAGE TO BLACK! Alyster takes the move with ease… AND THEN WRAPS THE STEEL CHAIR AROUND RAWRDLOW’S HEAD!!
Such was the impact, the chair remains around the neck of Rawrdlow as he falls to the ground and Alyster looks down at him with disgust. Black then flips the table and sets it up in front of the turnbuckle and he picks Rawrdlow up (with the chair still around his neck) onto his shoulders and backs towards the turnbuckle and stands on the top rope with his opponent on his shoulders and the crowd cheers loudly as ALYSTER DOES THE RIGHT THING AND RIDES THE BOMB TO HELL THROUGH THE TABLE!!!
The impact from performing his own move does more damage to Alyster than the offensive move of his opponent, but Black gets up relatively quickly and pulls the chair off of Rawrdlow and throws it outside of the ring. Alyster then retrieves the black bag and opens it, tipping the contents out onto the mat. The thousands of thumbtacks litter the canvas, and Alyster then drags Rawrdlow out from the wreckage of the table and pulls him up to his knees. Alyster opens Rawrdlow’s mouth and then grabs a handful of tacks… and shoves them in Rawrdlow’s mouth!
Allen Price: "This is the kind of thing we can be looking to expect from the King of the Deathmatch…”
Alyster waits for Rawrdlow to get up a little bit more, and he ignores the panicked look on his opponent’s face when he runs through him with the ONE SHOT KILL!!! Tacks spray into the air out of Rawrdlow’s bloody mouth as he is struck in it by Alyster’s arm, but Alyster is not done yet and he flips Rawrdlow over onto his front and grabs him by both arms in front of the tacks… CURB STOMP INTO THE TACKS!!! Alyster violently flips Rawrdlow over and gets on top of him, ignoring the thumbtacks that are piercing his own body as the referee counts;
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
The bell rings, and Alyster is handed his championship and he stands up in the tacks, picking a couple out of his lower back before he beckons for a microphone, which he duly receives.
Alyster Black: "People need to be careful what they wish for, because they might just end up with me doing what I just did to this prick to them. It seems like there are a lot of people out to get me at the moment and even more pissing me off, but there’s one I’d like to address directly right now."
Alyster turns to the stage and then points around the arena.
Alyster Black: "I don’t care if you come out from the back, through the crowd, from under the ring or down from the fucking ceiling, I want that piece of shit who has been dressing up as me to come out here right now!"
Pacing in the ring, Alyster makes it clear from his body language that he is not fooling around and does not want to be made to wait.
Allen Price: "Alyster Black is calling out his imposter!"
To the surprise of everyone, the X Champion included, it does not take long for the individual concerned to appear, and they perform an almost leisurely stroll out from the back onto the stage. Just like every other time they have been seen, this mystery person is dressed exactly like Alyster Black. As soon as the real Alyster notices, he walks right up to and leans on the nearest ropes.
Alyster Black: "I don’t know who you are, and at this point it doesn’t even fucking matter to me. All I want is you in this ring so I can give you what you’ve got coming to you, you fucking coward. So get the fuck in here so we can do this!"
There is a grand approval from the crowd for that proposal, but the fake masked person shakes their head.
Alyster Black: "Why am I not surprised? Fine, well maybe you need some incentive… How about you put yourself down for the King of the Deathmatch tournament? If you really want to hurt me, being the one to take this from me will do it."
Alyster looks on intently and waits for an answer, which comes in the form of a slow and sinister nodding of the head. Black looks down at his X Championship and chuckles lightly into the microphone.
Alyster Black: "I’m glad you agreed to that, because I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. I’m also not going to wait until then either!"
The microphone lands on the mat with a loud clunk and Alyster Black exits the ring quickly and makes his way up the ramp… but the fake Alyster realises what is coming and then legs it! Disappearing behind the stage almost as quickly as every other time they have appeared to attack the real Alyster, they’re gone! The crowd aren’t pleased and neither is the X Champion, but he decides not to chase his attacker and instead turns back to face the ring and the savagely beaten Rawrdlow, and he throws up one of his classic middle fingers as ‘Sonne’ plays once again.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I think the main takeaway of the last few minutes is that Alyster Black means business right now and that can only spell danger for the rest of the field in the King of the Deathmatch tournament; which now apparently will include the fake Alyster Black!"
Allen Price: "Whoever that person is, I just really hope that the real Alyster gets his chance to get his hands on them and make them pay for everything that they’ve done to him."
A gentle glow lights the darkness as the girl holds a paper lantern in her hands. Returning to a familiar place, we are at a split between two paths. The right path, though it is darkened from the night, through very subtle glow purple plum leaves are visible along a cracked and broken road. The sign pointing towards it reads “罪.” A path of dishonour and indulgence. Sin. To the left, cherry blossom petals fall on a path which is more maintained. Its sign: “名誉,” honour. What is right? Keeping your head held high despite everything and staying true to who you are. Vampyra stands on the path, the camera only showing her from her elbows down. The white base and purple designs of her kimono remain stunning, crafted with care. The wind from earlier has died down as she continues where she left off.
Vampyra: “A path of honour? Or a path of sin?”
The young Joshi asks herself.
Vampyra: “Am I really doomed to suffer from my mistakes? My past choices…”
“私はいつもあなたを所有します!”
A woman’s voice in Japanese shouts from the right path. It echoes between the many trees. ‘I will always own you,’ the voice shouted. Vampyra takes a foot forward, looking down that path.
Vampyra: “Would it be wrong for me to indulge? To lash out against the world and those who have wronged me? I was not really wanted at first. I was just the little girl in the mask, too shy to even look up at the lights. But someone saw everything I felt. Neglect. Anger. Fear. They told me not to hide those problems…”
She balls her hand into a fist as the screen flashes a mix of some of Vampyra’s more aggressive moments from her career or times where she showed a hint of anger. A younger version of her, back in her days under Sin, unleashing a steel chair shot repeatedly, ironically on someone who would become a close friend years later, Ririko, with her fellow young wrestler crying out in pain. She hits her double knee strike to the back of Sawyer Xavier, sending him crashing into a post. She locks him in her Life-Drain Triangle Choke and it is so tight, he doesn’t even have a chance to tap out as he passes out. In a moment which is forgotten, she is slapped hard by the then double champion, Alyster Black, and the young star is fired up, getting in the champion’s face, before fighting back with extra vigour.
Vampyra: “And what happens when you are stepped on? You have every right to lash back. In a new strange world where nobody seems to play by the rules, would it make sense to just… fight fire with fire? It is the MAYHEM way. But why wait for the first shot…”
Vampyra takes a step forward, almost entranced by the path in front of her.
Vampyra: “-When you can shoot first?”
The whispers from before return, its voice goes through the air with a chill.
“これがあなたの性質です。”
She is drawn even closer to the path and its seductive pull.
Vampyra: “Imagine. Rather than being on the mat in pain and suffering… Those who would dare strike me down meet an early end before it happens. Vampyra will never be laughed at. Vampyra will be respected through fear. Fear of her name. Fear of what she brings. Losses become irrelevant.”
“これが本来あるべき姿です。あなたは選択肢がありません。”
The voice echoes again in Japanese.
Vampyra: “I am the foreign girl in a new world. How many people really like me? I’m different.”
Vampyra’s speech is oddly entranced. It is somewhat monotone and seems completely unlike her, as if something is possessing her. She drags her feet.
Vampyra: “How else can I survive? I was not good enough to stay champion. I was not good enough to compete with the best. Why worry about acceptance? They will just turn against someone like me. Because that is all I see. I see hate. Why show what I’ll never receive in the end?”
Hoot, hoot. An owl is heard in the distance. Vampyra stops. She looks back and forth, the light from her lantern sways as she moves. The echo of the owl fades and Vampyra… is all alone again.
Vampyra: “All alone. All I am. Many friends are separated by an ocean and I have nobody else to rely on. I suppose in a world where everyone else has someone they can rely on, from your Covens, to Eternals, to thousands of Nephews, I can only reply on myself… and my true natur-”
“すべてのオプションを検討してください。”
A voice comes through the air from the left path. It is of a woman’s and it is soft and motherly. Vampyra stops in her path and slowly turns around. She looks at the left path with some cherry blossom leaves falling down to the ground.
Vampyra: “-But is it?”
Whatever trance she was seemingly under is broken. She moves closer to the other path.
Vampyra: “What is my true nature? Am I this vengeful spirit? A woman out to steal and take? Or do I want to explore and grow? And how far have I come? Almost twenty two years of age and yet, I have done more in the past several months than I have in years.”
Vampyra holds her hands to her chest and thinks back. She climbs up a post to grab a briefcase, revealing it to be a chance at the FWA Television Championship. Not too long later, it was announced that she was being put as a replacement in the F1 Climaxxx field. Previously unseen footage for FWA fans of Vampyra’s surprised reaction backstage, doing her best to keep a poker face, but you can tell she is going through a mix of shock, anxiety, and excitement. Then, each match. Tommy Bedlam and her exchanging a nod of respect after their match, though not an ally, a branch extended. She spikes the then World Champion’s head into the mat with a Death Spike. Her getting the pinfall to win her first championship in FWA, though the less said about the aftermath, the better. Her powering out at ONE against a former World Champion, fighting through injury, and landing Nightfall on Kayden Knox. Finally, it is her walking down the aisle as FWA Television Champion, her belt hanging over her shoulder due to the size of the belt in comparison to her.
Vampyra: “I have to keep reminding myself, and yet I always forget. It is so easy to focus on the negatives. And yet, each time I fall, I just climb up higher and higher. ”
She has a small, warm laugh.
Vampyra: “There is plenty of hate which weighs you down. But in a world filled with hate, all you can really do is just bring in as little as you can to it. Do not hurt because others hurt you. Instead, stand up for yourself. Stay firm in what you fight for. If you fall to the depths of their reach, then are you really better?”
“あなたは良いものではありません！嘘をやめなさい！”
The voice from the right path screeches in desperation. The wind blows the skirt of Vampyra’s kimono as she tenses up. Unlike before, she isn’t drawn into its allure.
Vampyra: “No. If I do that, then who will really win? Is it even about winning at this point? Or is it just about doing what is right? Right for who I AM!?”
She takes more steps towards the left path and she is now looking down it. Water streams are heard in the distance.
Vampyra: “And what if I fall back into those old ways? I’d be moving backwards. Not forward. There are reasons why I left that behind long ago. It was not real. I could not look myself or those whose opinions mattered in the face. Those who did not support me… were proven right, and I was not happy.”
Taking a single step forward, Vampyra doesn’t hesitate.
Vampyra: “And that is what I need to be. I need happiness. I need…”
“止まる。行かないで!”
The right path’s voice cries out.
Vampyra: “-I need to be true to myself.”
Her mind is made up. Vampyra begins to move down the left path. The sun begins to rise on the horizon, leaving an orange hue in the sky. The trees and path become visible. She walks comfortably down the path, keeping a brisk pace, moving away from the path behind her. The warm voice whispers to her.
“あなたを誇りに思います。”
Vampyra has a warm laugh. She moves down the path with cherry blossoms and gets instructions from a sign. It is printed in both Japanese and English.
“ドラゴンズゲートでお会いしましょう。そこから、本当の仕事が始まります。”
“See you at Dragon's Gate. From there, the real work begins.”
Continuing along, Vampyra is seemingly at some sense of peace. Cherry petals float in the air with their pink shine covering the sky. The sun continues to rise, removing the darkness from the world. In the distance, the sounds of water roars as it crashes down from a waterfall.
Natalie Rosenberg: “The next contest is a tag team match and it is set for one fall!”
The lights of the arena dim as the lights near the stage flash purple and gold in tune with the strings of the music. All video screens are off apart from the one showing the main entrance video. The music builds for eight seconds then Princess Nova makes her way out first. Her long skirt flowing behind her with her arms out near her hips. She spins and does a curtsy near the stage as her tag partner and “little sister,” Keres is carried out by two followers. Meeting Princess Nova on the stage, she lightly taps Nova’s head before the two make their way down the ramp, Princess Nova walking, and Keres being carried.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Introducing first, from The Residence, the TORN Angel, Princess Nova, the Daughter of Demise, Keres, they… are… Eternal!!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Here comes Eternal, Price. Their last outing was an unsuccessful one, but they still came off looking impressive and they’ll be looking to right that wrong tonight.”
On her way down the ramp, Princess Nova has a wide, almost disturbing grin, giggling as she does a “Princess wave” to some of the fans. Keres remains unflinching, being carried by her followers. At ringside, Princess Nova turns to the steps and goes up them. Wiping off her boots, she enters the ring between the middle and bottom rope as Keres is gently placed on the apron, her feet not touching the ground. Nova raises the middle rope so her sister may enter.
Allen Price: “Yeah, but that’s not all we’ve seen out of Eternal as of late, Jean-Luc. They’ve seen to have taken a keen interest in Lizzie Rose. They gave her money and what happened on Meltdown this past week with Lizzie was something out of a weird horror movie, I don’t think I could even explain it!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It’s probably best you don’t do that, Price, and it’s probably in the best interest of Eternal that they shift their focus from Lizzie Rose to their opposition tonight.”
Keres stands in the middle of the ring, still as Princess Nova circles around her, spinning her skirt before she stands next to Keres and does a long curtsy to her sister. Keres turns to Nova and gently removes the tiara from her head. The two TORN sisters head to their corner as Princess Nova unclips her skirt as their theme music fades away.
Dan and Doug march out on stage to a rousing ovation from the Detroit fans. The twins posture on stage and feed off the energy of the crowd. Soon enough, the twins share a fist bump and then stomp down to the ring with their focus set firmly on what awaits them inside the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Introducing their opponents, from The Yukon, Canada and weighing in at a combined weight of 625 lb…Dan and Doug LuPone…The Lumberjacks!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “The Lumberjacks are also coming off a loss in the same match that involved Eternal, so these two teams are not strangers to each other. The Lumberjacks are still trying to find their footing and a win over Eternal could be a step in the right direction for them.”
Allen Price: “I could be wrong but this might be the first time we’ve seen a two sets of siblings square off here in FWA.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I don’t know but I’m sure there’s a fact checker out there that will know whether or not if that’s true.”
Dan and Doug are in the ring and posture more for the fans before they turn their attention toward Eternal that stand across from them. Match official Giovanni Blanco checks things over with both teams before calling for the bell.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Remember, this is an X Championship match, which means that anything goes, Price! Alyster Black is allowed to use any weapon at his disposal and I will reiterate that this could be something Rawrdlow lives to regret asking for, if he even lives at all."
Alyster pulls out a steel chair from under the ring and he slides it under the bottom rope, and a table follows. Alyster slides the table into the ring as well and then reaches underneath and he pulls out a small black bag! The fans cheer as Black leaves the sack on the apron and then climbs back into the ring where he picks up the steel chair. Rawrdlow, dazed and groggy after the Violence Party, staggers towards him.
“I’ll let you have one.” Alyster says to his opponent and he stands with his arms outstretched, the steel chair gripped by his left hand. Rawrdlow nods and seems to be ready to take advantage of the opening being offered to him. He leans back and puts both of his arms to one side.
Allen Price: "Is he charging it up or something?”
Rawrdlow lines it up AND THEN SWINGS FORWARD FOR A CLOTHESLINE - BUT IT DOES NO DAMAGE TO BLACK! Alyster takes the move with ease… AND THEN WRAPS THE STEEL CHAIR AROUND RAWRDLOW’S HEAD!!
Such was the impact, the chair remains around the neck of Rawrdlow as he falls to the ground and Alyster looks down at him with disgust. Black then flips the table and sets it up in front of the turnbuckle and he picks Rawrdlow up (with the chair still around his neck) onto his shoulders and backs towards the turnbuckle and stands on the top rope with his opponent on his shoulders and the crowd cheers loudly as ALYSTER DOES THE RIGHT THING AND RIDES THE BOMB TO HELL THROUGH THE TABLE!!!
The impact from performing his own move does more damage to Alyster than the offensive move of his opponent, but Black gets up relatively quickly and pulls the chair off of Rawrdlow and throws it outside of the ring. Alyster then retrieves the black bag and opens it, tipping the contents out onto the mat. The thousands of thumbtacks litter the canvas, and Alyster then drags Rawrdlow out from the wreckage of the table and pulls him up to his knees. Alyster opens Rawrdlow’s mouth and then grabs a handful of tacks… and shoves them in Rawrdlow’s mouth!
Allen Price: "This is the kind of thing we can be looking to expect from the King of the Deathmatch…”
Alyster waits for Rawrdlow to get up a little bit more, and he ignores the panicked look on his opponent’s face when he runs through him with the ONE SHOT KILL!!! Tacks spray into the air out of Rawrdlow’s bloody mouth as he is struck in it by Alyster’s arm, but Alyster is not done yet and he flips Rawrdlow over onto his front and grabs him by both arms in front of the tacks… CURB STOMP INTO THE TACKS!!! Alyster violently flips Rawrdlow over and gets on top of him, ignoring the thumbtacks that are piercing his own body as the referee counts;
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
WInner: Alyster Black by pin fall at 3:16.
The bell rings, and Alyster is handed his championship and he stands up in the tacks, picking a couple out of his lower back before he beckons for a microphone, which he duly receives.
Alyster Black: "People need to be careful what they wish for, because they might just end up with me doing what I just did to this prick to them. It seems like there are a lot of people out to get me at the moment and even more pissing me off, but there’s one I’d like to address directly right now."
Alyster turns to the stage and then points around the arena.
Alyster Black: "I don’t care if you come out from the back, through the crowd, from under the ring or down from the fucking ceiling, I want that piece of shit who has been dressing up as me to come out here right now!"
Pacing in the ring, Alyster makes it clear from his body language that he is not fooling around and does not want to be made to wait.
Allen Price: "Alyster Black is calling out his imposter!"
To the surprise of everyone, the X Champion included, it does not take long for the individual concerned to appear, and they perform an almost leisurely stroll out from the back onto the stage. Just like every other time they have been seen, this mystery person is dressed exactly like Alyster Black. As soon as the real Alyster notices, he walks right up to and leans on the nearest ropes.
Alyster Black: "I don’t know who you are, and at this point it doesn’t even fucking matter to me. All I want is you in this ring so I can give you what you’ve got coming to you, you fucking coward. So get the fuck in here so we can do this!"
There is a grand approval from the crowd for that proposal, but the fake masked person shakes their head.
Alyster Black: "Why am I not surprised? Fine, well maybe you need some incentive… How about you put yourself down for the King of the Deathmatch tournament? If you really want to hurt me, being the one to take this from me will do it."
Alyster looks on intently and waits for an answer, which comes in the form of a slow and sinister nodding of the head. Black looks down at his X Championship and chuckles lightly into the microphone.
Alyster Black: "I’m glad you agreed to that, because I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. I’m also not going to wait until then either!"
The microphone lands on the mat with a loud clunk and Alyster Black exits the ring quickly and makes his way up the ramp… but the fake Alyster realises what is coming and then legs it! Disappearing behind the stage almost as quickly as every other time they have appeared to attack the real Alyster, they’re gone! The crowd aren’t pleased and neither is the X Champion, but he decides not to chase his attacker and instead turns back to face the ring and the savagely beaten Rawrdlow, and he throws up one of his classic middle fingers as ‘Sonne’ plays once again.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I think the main takeaway of the last few minutes is that Alyster Black means business right now and that can only spell danger for the rest of the field in the King of the Deathmatch tournament; which now apparently will include the fake Alyster Black!"
Allen Price: "Whoever that person is, I just really hope that the real Alyster gets his chance to get his hands on them and make them pay for everything that they’ve done to him."
A gentle glow lights the darkness as the girl holds a paper lantern in her hands. Returning to a familiar place, we are at a split between two paths. The right path, though it is darkened from the night, through very subtle glow purple plum leaves are visible along a cracked and broken road. The sign pointing towards it reads “罪.” A path of dishonour and indulgence. Sin. To the left, cherry blossom petals fall on a path which is more maintained. Its sign: “名誉,” honour. What is right? Keeping your head held high despite everything and staying true to who you are. Vampyra stands on the path, the camera only showing her from her elbows down. The white base and purple designs of her kimono remain stunning, crafted with care. The wind from earlier has died down as she continues where she left off.
Vampyra: “A path of honour? Or a path of sin?”
The young Joshi asks herself.
Vampyra: “Am I really doomed to suffer from my mistakes? My past choices…”
“私はいつもあなたを所有します!”
A woman’s voice in Japanese shouts from the right path. It echoes between the many trees. ‘I will always own you,’ the voice shouted. Vampyra takes a foot forward, looking down that path.
Vampyra: “Would it be wrong for me to indulge? To lash out against the world and those who have wronged me? I was not really wanted at first. I was just the little girl in the mask, too shy to even look up at the lights. But someone saw everything I felt. Neglect. Anger. Fear. They told me not to hide those problems…”
She balls her hand into a fist as the screen flashes a mix of some of Vampyra’s more aggressive moments from her career or times where she showed a hint of anger. A younger version of her, back in her days under Sin, unleashing a steel chair shot repeatedly, ironically on someone who would become a close friend years later, Ririko, with her fellow young wrestler crying out in pain. She hits her double knee strike to the back of Sawyer Xavier, sending him crashing into a post. She locks him in her Life-Drain Triangle Choke and it is so tight, he doesn’t even have a chance to tap out as he passes out. In a moment which is forgotten, she is slapped hard by the then double champion, Alyster Black, and the young star is fired up, getting in the champion’s face, before fighting back with extra vigour.
Vampyra: “And what happens when you are stepped on? You have every right to lash back. In a new strange world where nobody seems to play by the rules, would it make sense to just… fight fire with fire? It is the MAYHEM way. But why wait for the first shot…”
Vampyra takes a step forward, almost entranced by the path in front of her.
Vampyra: “-When you can shoot first?”
The whispers from before return, its voice goes through the air with a chill.
“これがあなたの性質です。”
She is drawn even closer to the path and its seductive pull.
Vampyra: “Imagine. Rather than being on the mat in pain and suffering… Those who would dare strike me down meet an early end before it happens. Vampyra will never be laughed at. Vampyra will be respected through fear. Fear of her name. Fear of what she brings. Losses become irrelevant.”
“これが本来あるべき姿です。あなたは選択肢がありません。”
The voice echoes again in Japanese.
Vampyra: “I am the foreign girl in a new world. How many people really like me? I’m different.”
Vampyra’s speech is oddly entranced. It is somewhat monotone and seems completely unlike her, as if something is possessing her. She drags her feet.
Vampyra: “How else can I survive? I was not good enough to stay champion. I was not good enough to compete with the best. Why worry about acceptance? They will just turn against someone like me. Because that is all I see. I see hate. Why show what I’ll never receive in the end?”
Hoot, hoot. An owl is heard in the distance. Vampyra stops. She looks back and forth, the light from her lantern sways as she moves. The echo of the owl fades and Vampyra… is all alone again.
Vampyra: “All alone. All I am. Many friends are separated by an ocean and I have nobody else to rely on. I suppose in a world where everyone else has someone they can rely on, from your Covens, to Eternals, to thousands of Nephews, I can only reply on myself… and my true natur-”
“すべてのオプションを検討してください。”
A voice comes through the air from the left path. It is of a woman’s and it is soft and motherly. Vampyra stops in her path and slowly turns around. She looks at the left path with some cherry blossom leaves falling down to the ground.
Vampyra: “-But is it?”
Whatever trance she was seemingly under is broken. She moves closer to the other path.
Vampyra: “What is my true nature? Am I this vengeful spirit? A woman out to steal and take? Or do I want to explore and grow? And how far have I come? Almost twenty two years of age and yet, I have done more in the past several months than I have in years.”
Vampyra holds her hands to her chest and thinks back. She climbs up a post to grab a briefcase, revealing it to be a chance at the FWA Television Championship. Not too long later, it was announced that she was being put as a replacement in the F1 Climaxxx field. Previously unseen footage for FWA fans of Vampyra’s surprised reaction backstage, doing her best to keep a poker face, but you can tell she is going through a mix of shock, anxiety, and excitement. Then, each match. Tommy Bedlam and her exchanging a nod of respect after their match, though not an ally, a branch extended. She spikes the then World Champion’s head into the mat with a Death Spike. Her getting the pinfall to win her first championship in FWA, though the less said about the aftermath, the better. Her powering out at ONE against a former World Champion, fighting through injury, and landing Nightfall on Kayden Knox. Finally, it is her walking down the aisle as FWA Television Champion, her belt hanging over her shoulder due to the size of the belt in comparison to her.
Vampyra: “I have to keep reminding myself, and yet I always forget. It is so easy to focus on the negatives. And yet, each time I fall, I just climb up higher and higher. ”
She has a small, warm laugh.
Vampyra: “There is plenty of hate which weighs you down. But in a world filled with hate, all you can really do is just bring in as little as you can to it. Do not hurt because others hurt you. Instead, stand up for yourself. Stay firm in what you fight for. If you fall to the depths of their reach, then are you really better?”
“あなたは良いものではありません！嘘をやめなさい！”
The voice from the right path screeches in desperation. The wind blows the skirt of Vampyra’s kimono as she tenses up. Unlike before, she isn’t drawn into its allure.
Vampyra: “No. If I do that, then who will really win? Is it even about winning at this point? Or is it just about doing what is right? Right for who I AM!?”
She takes more steps towards the left path and she is now looking down it. Water streams are heard in the distance.
Vampyra: “And what if I fall back into those old ways? I’d be moving backwards. Not forward. There are reasons why I left that behind long ago. It was not real. I could not look myself or those whose opinions mattered in the face. Those who did not support me… were proven right, and I was not happy.”
Taking a single step forward, Vampyra doesn’t hesitate.
Vampyra: “And that is what I need to be. I need happiness. I need…”
“止まる。行かないで!”
The right path’s voice cries out.
Vampyra: “-I need to be true to myself.”
Her mind is made up. Vampyra begins to move down the left path. The sun begins to rise on the horizon, leaving an orange hue in the sky. The trees and path become visible. She walks comfortably down the path, keeping a brisk pace, moving away from the path behind her. The warm voice whispers to her.
“あなたを誇りに思います。”
Vampyra has a warm laugh. She moves down the path with cherry blossoms and gets instructions from a sign. It is printed in both Japanese and English.
“ドラゴンズゲートでお会いしましょう。そこから、本当の仕事が始まります。”
“See you at Dragon's Gate. From there, the real work begins.”
Continuing along, Vampyra is seemingly at some sense of peace. Cherry petals float in the air with their pink shine covering the sky. The sun continues to rise, removing the darkness from the world. In the distance, the sounds of water roars as it crashes down from a waterfall.
Natalie Rosenberg: “The next contest is a tag team match and it is set for one fall!”
The lights of the arena dim as the lights near the stage flash purple and gold in tune with the strings of the music. All video screens are off apart from the one showing the main entrance video. The music builds for eight seconds then Princess Nova makes her way out first. Her long skirt flowing behind her with her arms out near her hips. She spins and does a curtsy near the stage as her tag partner and “little sister,” Keres is carried out by two followers. Meeting Princess Nova on the stage, she lightly taps Nova’s head before the two make their way down the ramp, Princess Nova walking, and Keres being carried.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Introducing first, from The Residence, the TORN Angel, Princess Nova, the Daughter of Demise, Keres, they… are… Eternal!!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Here comes Eternal, Price. Their last outing was an unsuccessful one, but they still came off looking impressive and they’ll be looking to right that wrong tonight.”
On her way down the ramp, Princess Nova has a wide, almost disturbing grin, giggling as she does a “Princess wave” to some of the fans. Keres remains unflinching, being carried by her followers. At ringside, Princess Nova turns to the steps and goes up them. Wiping off her boots, she enters the ring between the middle and bottom rope as Keres is gently placed on the apron, her feet not touching the ground. Nova raises the middle rope so her sister may enter.
Allen Price: “Yeah, but that’s not all we’ve seen out of Eternal as of late, Jean-Luc. They’ve seen to have taken a keen interest in Lizzie Rose. They gave her money and what happened on Meltdown this past week with Lizzie was something out of a weird horror movie, I don’t think I could even explain it!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It’s probably best you don’t do that, Price, and it’s probably in the best interest of Eternal that they shift their focus from Lizzie Rose to their opposition tonight.”
Keres stands in the middle of the ring, still as Princess Nova circles around her, spinning her skirt before she stands next to Keres and does a long curtsy to her sister. Keres turns to Nova and gently removes the tiara from her head. The two TORN sisters head to their corner as Princess Nova unclips her skirt as their theme music fades away.
Dan and Doug march out on stage to a rousing ovation from the Detroit fans. The twins posture on stage and feed off the energy of the crowd. Soon enough, the twins share a fist bump and then stomp down to the ring with their focus set firmly on what awaits them inside the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Introducing their opponents, from The Yukon, Canada and weighing in at a combined weight of 625 lb…Dan and Doug LuPone…The Lumberjacks!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “The Lumberjacks are also coming off a loss in the same match that involved Eternal, so these two teams are not strangers to each other. The Lumberjacks are still trying to find their footing and a win over Eternal could be a step in the right direction for them.”
Allen Price: “I could be wrong but this might be the first time we’ve seen a two sets of siblings square off here in FWA.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I don’t know but I’m sure there’s a fact checker out there that will know whether or not if that’s true.”
Dan and Doug are in the ring and posture more for the fans before they turn their attention toward Eternal that stand across from them. Match official Giovanni Blanco checks things over with both teams before calling for the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
Dan LuPone is kicking things off with Princess Nova and Dan has the obvious size advantage over the diminutive Nova. Nova does her usual curtsy toward Dan, but he ignores that and he tries to grab her in a tie up but Nova is much too quick for Dan and she skirts around behind him and she begins to wallop him repeatedly on the back with forearm strikes. The strikes have little to no effect on Dan as he slowly turns around and he clutches Nova with a claw hold and he hurls her across the ring with a biel throw!
Allen Price: “Yikes, he launched her across the ring like she was a lawn dart!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Princess Nova may want to rethink her strategy here if she wants to get any sort of offense in on Dan LuPone.”
Dan stomps across the ring toward Nova, and he brings her up in a front face lock with both hands wrapping around her skull. Nova starts to swing wildly at Dan and she gets some good shots in, but Dan simply sends her off toward the opposite ropes and on the rebound Nova ducks underneath a clothesline from Dan and she launches herself off with a springboard crossbody. Dan catches her though and he’s thinking of dropping her with something devastating, but Nova wild strikes begin to take their toll and this brings Dan down to one knee. Nova frees herself from his grip, and she starts laying in some more forearm strikes on Dan. Nova then wraps her hands around his head and starts smashing her knee into his skull repeatedly! Dan is in a daze and Nova uses this opportunity to plant him face first to the canvas with a snap DDT! Nova drags the massive Dan over to her corner and she makes the tag Keres. The sisters have Dan trapped in the corner and lay it in with double team stomps in the corner before Nova is admonished and sent to the apron.
Keres sizes up Dan as she backs up and she charges toward him in the corner with a running elbow strike, but Dan catches her and tosses her forward! Dan then tosses Keres in his team’s corner and he squishes her in the corner with a running splash! Dan tags in Doug and the brothers take Keres by the hands and send her across the ring, and they catch her on the rebound with a double canadian flapjack! Doug drops down for the pin!
One…two…NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Great teamwork on display by the brothers there and just like that they have shifted the momentum in their favor, wrestling fans!”
Doug drags Keres back to his corner and tags Dan back in. The brothers begin to go to town on Keres with a barrage of chops, and the brothers begin to get competitive with each other as they try to one up each other on poor Keres. Eventually Doug is sent back to the apron by the official, and Dan goes for another chop but this time Keres slips out of the way in time and she crawls between Dan’s legs and leaps across the ring to tag in Princess Nova. The Princess immediately climbs to the top and just as Dan turns around he’s hit with a diving missile dropkick by Princess Nova! Nova drops down on top of Dan for the pin…
One…two…NO!
Nova hits a double knee moonsault adding insult to injury on Dan and drags him to the corner in a prone position. She starts to choke the life out of him with her boot on his throat and she giggles gleefully as she does this. She’s forced to break up the choke by the official and she adds in a few stomps for good measure before tagging Keres back in. Keres holds Dan in the corner now in a sleeper hold and Princess Nova strikes with a running dropkick! Dan is still slouched down in the corner and Keres strikes with a running crossbody! Keres drags Dan away and makes the cover…
One…two…NO!
Dan with a forceful kick out that sends Keres flying off of him to the opposite end of the ring!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “An authoritative kick out by Dan LuPone! That could be the jolt he needs to bring himself back in this.”
Allen Price: “The crowd is certainly getting behind Dan to make that tag and now is as good a time as any!”
The crowd is doing their best to rally Dan and Dan makes the tag to Doug! Doug comes in hot and Keres is up and she charges forward but Doug catches her with a spin kick to the face! Doug takes Keres in position and he launches her across the ring with a release german suplex! Keres rolls over near her corner and Princess Nova tags herself in. Nova charges forward and Doug does a cartwheel before clobbering Nova with a lariat! Doug drops down for the pin…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Allen Price: “He damn near took her head off with that lariat!”
Doug lands a somersault senton for good measure on Nova before he tags in Dan and Dan is fired up now as he takes Nova and drops her with a scoop slam! He follows up with another and one more with the crowd firmly behind him and Dan is feeling it now as he tries to hype up the crowd even more. Dan tags Doug back in and Doug climbs to the top and he’s calling for it as Dan holds Nova in position, but slips out of Dan’s grip and she kips up and she connects with a dropkick that knocks Dan back into the ropes and that causes Doug to slip and crotch himself on the top rope! Doug slumps down off to the apron and meanwhile Dan is on the receiving end of Kiss of Destiny from Princess Nova!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Princess Nova with that deadly koppu kick! This could be her opportunity to capitalize on a victory right here!”
Princess Nova tags in Keres and Dan kneeling now she locks in the Clutch of Woe! Keres has the tongan death grip submission applied. Keres stares at her sister and does a throat slash and thumbs down, which signals Princess Nova to strike with the Execution Elbow! Dan drops to the mat and Keres stays on top for the cover while Nova kicks Doug off the apron to the outside…
One…two…THREE!
One…two…THREE!
Natalie Rosenberg: “The winners of the match, Princess Nova and Keres…Eternal!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Just when it looked like The Lumberjacks were in the driver’s seat and had this one locked away, but they wasted far too much time and Eternal capitalized!”
Allen Price: “I suppose with The Lumberjacks in the rear view, the sisters can now turn their focus back to whatever it is they’re doing to Lizzie Rose.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It remains to be seen what else they have in store for Lizzie Rose but the show moves on after this short ad break, wrestling fans.”
Allen Price: “Is it another ad for that Undisputed Appliance? I gotta get me one of those!”
Keres and Nova revel in their victory and leave the ring while Doug checks on his brother. As they do, the familiar and triumphant theme of Joe Burr plays through the speakers of the arena as Eternal, in the ring, looks up to see, on the big screen, Joe walking through the corridors of the arena [maybe what he is wearing, etc]. He doesn’t seem to have much pageantry, but he is moving through the backstage area, not in a good mood.
“JOOOOOE BUURRRR”
“JOOOOOOOOOOOE BURRR!”
The fans chant.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Joe Burr! He’s coming to confront Eternal!”
Allen Price: “Are we sure he should get involved? He was demolished by Shawn Summers back the other week and something tells me, him picking a fight with Eternal will not bode as well!”
The music continues to play as Keres gets up in the ring. The Daughter of Demise doesn’t appear phased as Joe’s music plays. As for Princess Nova, she seems to have a playful expression.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Since coming to FWA, the duo of Eternal have made their primary focus related to his close friend, Lizzie Rose and she has yet to wrestle since the duo cost her the match at Back in Town against Bryan Baxter.”
Making his way out, there is no pyro for Joe Burr as he has a microphone. He is here to talk to the unique new duo in FWA. “Invasion” fades as Joe speaks.
Joe Burr: “Alright, what’s going on?!”
He shouts on the microphone. Princess Nova in the ring just giggles as Keres doesn’t seem to care. Whispering to Nova, Keres asks her to grab microphones from ringside, just in case they are needed.
Joe Burr: “Since day one of you two arriving as a pair, you have done nothing but make Lizzie’s life hell. I’ve never seen her this off! First, you two tried to get her ‘flowers’ and decided a bouquet wasn’t enough and somehow spawned a flower out of nowhere!-”
Princess Nova interrupts, complimenting Keres.
Princess Nova: “And that flower was SO pretty, Keres!”
Shaking his head, Joe Burr continues.
Joe Burr: “-Then you two stalked her constantly, and I already fear what ELSE you’re going to do to her. I’m here to stomp this out before it goes out of hand. You’re NOT going to mess with my friends. What’s the deal? Why are you so obsessed with her? If you just want to make a splash against a former champion, there are better ways than acting like Disney villains!”
Keres: “Mess with her?”
Keres asks.
Keres: “The last time I checked, giving someone gifts is a gesture most people take as an act of kindness. Not to mention my sister was so kind to use her $10,000 cash prize and donate it to her family as a way to pay off their debt-”
Allen Price: “So THAT’s where the money came from.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Not like Nova really needed it anyways.”
Keres: “It is not our fault she feels very insecure. and is not used to such acts of kindne-”
Joe Burr: “No, no no! I don’t buy that!”
Joe Burr interrupts Keres, who speaks up.
Keres: “Do not talk out of turn, Joseph.”
Joe Burr blinks at his name being fancied up.
Keres: “The truth you forget is that this matter is between us and Elizabeth. We do not wish harm to your friend. Far from it, in fact.”
Princess Nova turns to Keres, trying to show a little understanding.
Princess Nova: “But Keres, I know he means well! He’s just trying to be a friend! He has good intentions. He’s doing what he thinks is best for Elizabeth!”
Keres plainly responds.
Keres: “But is it what’s actually best for her?”
Shaking her head, Nova responds.
Princess Nova: “Nope! But his heart is in the right place, so I really should not hate him for his judgment being clouded for a moment. It happens to better, so I should not fault him.”
Looking at Joe Burr down at the ramp, Princess Nova grins, trying to give her friendliest smile but instead just puts Joe at unease.
Princess Nova: “So, Joseph. I have the best-est of intentions when I tell you this…”
And her smile slowly fades. Nova’s eyes become cold. Her body stiffens like a doll. As she speaks, her voice becomes harsh.
Princess Nova: “You should run and never EVER interrupt us again! Or else we will be chewed up, spat out, then gutted like a fish…”
The crowd blinks, just unsettled by Princess Nova’s very sudden shift. Joe Burr is as well as he looks, shocked at the very sudden shift before Princess Nova suddenly goes back to her very cheerful self.
Princess Nova: “Kay’?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “...I think I might need to change my underwear after that…”
Allen Price: “Uh, Yikes.”
Joe is put off by the sudden change from Nova. He’s used to being an underdog, but not for this reason of facing a girl who is off her FUCKING ROCKER. Burr is trying to find the words, but a cheer is heard from the crowd as:
Lizzie Rose rushes out. She has a light tank top on and shorts. She grabs Joe by the arm, microphone in her hand. The former North American Champion has some unease into her voice.
Lizzie Rose: “Joe. I-I know you mean well, but they have issues with ME… FOR SOME REASON! Not you. I know you have my back, but I don’t want you to get messed up for a problem I’M part of!”
Looking up at his friend, Joe Burr tries to stand his ground.
Joe Burr: “‘Liz, no! I said nobody is going to push you around back at Lights Out and I mean it still! These CRAZY girls, they’re trying to make your life hell! I want to stop this before it gets out of hand!”
Lizzie Rose: “But Joe, Shawn CRUSHED YOU last week and I still remember when Saint Sulley crushed your larynx, it’s taken you a while to recover from that. Are you SURE you’re ready for this?”
Keres: “Trust your friend, Joseph. You don’t know what is in her best interests.”
Keres interjects, slowly… pushing on the tension between friends.
Keres: “Why get hurt again over this? Why risk your neck again for someone else? Especially someone who doesn't believe you can do it?”
Some of the fans gasp at the dig.
Keres: “You have fluked your way this far in FWA and your luck has continually ran out again and again. Why get hurt… When you can just-”
Lizzie Rose: “SHUT UP!”
Lizzie is losing patience as she yells at the top of her lungs, sparking a cheer from the fans for Lizzie Rose standing her ground after several weeks of insecurity. But no. Now she’s standing up FOR her friend.
Lizzie Rose: “You don’t know him! You’ve only been here a few weeks and all you’ve done is mess with me!”
Seeing his chance, Joe Burr gets an idea and interjects.
Joe Burr: “So, how about we solve this at The Grand March? Let’s make it a tag match. Keres, Nova, you two against Lizzie and myself? And in that match, you know what’s going to happen-”
Joe pauses before shouting with some of the fans getting involved.
Joe Burr: “YOU’RE GONNA GET YOUR FUCKING SHOULDERS PINNED!”
The fans chant Joe’s catchphrase repeatedly as the Eternal sisters exchange glances in the ring. They don’t even really need to say a word to each other to know how the other’s feeling. Nova lets Keres take the floor.
Keres: “Joseph… You do realize that pinning someone’s shoulders to the mat in a wrestling match is not a magical solution to all problems? We will not go away with a simple loss if you sneak one.”
Princess Nova follows.
Princess Nova: “We think higher than traditional industry standards. We see a big picture. One match will not change it.”
Raising her finger, Keres gives a proper answer.
Keres: “But we will entertain your idea- if Elizabeth accepts. We want her committed to the match, not forced unwillingly, because we VALUE her input, unlike you.”
All eyes turn to Lizzie Rose. She looks down towards Eternal and looks at Joe Burr. He nods his head and gives a small smile. Then the fans chant their answer.
“YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!”
Over and over again, Keres is having none of it as she yells on the microphone with a toddler-like rage.
Keres: “QUIET!!!”
The lights flicker as she yells and some fans cover their ear as her audio screeches into their ears. Keres composes herself and speaks calmly.
Keres: “This is Elizabeth’s answer. Do not speak.”
The fans, slightly freaked out by the girl in pigtails, oblige as Lizzie Rose thinks it over more. She takes a deep breath and thinks. This may not end it, but a match might allow her to stand her ground, this time.
Lizzie Rose: “-You’re on…”
And the microphone slips from Lizzie’s hand. Joe Burr gives her a pat on the shoulder, encouraging her as the fans cheer. Eternal in the ring… oddly smile. Did they actually want this.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “And there we have it. Set for The Grand March: Joe Burr and Lizzie Rose, New York’s Finest, try to take on a team that is not just making Lizzie’s life hell, but have been making waves in such a short time, Eternal.”
Allen Price: “This is the first stand for Lizzie, and her and Joe better be careful because one match might not put an end to Eternal’s games, but one misstep and it might be the end of theirs.”
Eternal’s theme music plays us out as we cut to a commercial break.
Dan LuPone is kicking things off with Princess Nova and Dan has the obvious size advantage over the diminutive Nova. Nova does her usual curtsy toward Dan, but he ignores that and he tries to grab her in a tie up but Nova is much too quick for Dan and she skirts around behind him and she begins to wallop him repeatedly on the back with forearm strikes. The strikes have little to no effect on Dan as he slowly turns around and he clutches Nova with a claw hold and he hurls her across the ring with a biel throw!
Allen Price: “Yikes, he launched her across the ring like she was a lawn dart!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Princess Nova may want to rethink her strategy here if she wants to get any sort of offense in on Dan LuPone.”
Dan stomps across the ring toward Nova, and he brings her up in a front face lock with both hands wrapping around her skull. Nova starts to swing wildly at Dan and she gets some good shots in, but Dan simply sends her off toward the opposite ropes and on the rebound Nova ducks underneath a clothesline from Dan and she launches herself off with a springboard crossbody. Dan catches her though and he’s thinking of dropping her with something devastating, but Nova wild strikes begin to take their toll and this brings Dan down to one knee. Nova frees herself from his grip, and she starts laying in some more forearm strikes on Dan. Nova then wraps her hands around his head and starts smashing her knee into his skull repeatedly! Dan is in a daze and Nova uses this opportunity to plant him face first to the canvas with a snap DDT! Nova drags the massive Dan over to her corner and she makes the tag Keres. The sisters have Dan trapped in the corner and lay it in with double team stomps in the corner before Nova is admonished and sent to the apron.
Keres sizes up Dan as she backs up and she charges toward him in the corner with a running elbow strike, but Dan catches her and tosses her forward! Dan then tosses Keres in his team’s corner and he squishes her in the corner with a running splash! Dan tags in Doug and the brothers take Keres by the hands and send her across the ring, and they catch her on the rebound with a double canadian flapjack! Doug drops down for the pin!
One…two…NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Great teamwork on display by the brothers there and just like that they have shifted the momentum in their favor, wrestling fans!”
Doug drags Keres back to his corner and tags Dan back in. The brothers begin to go to town on Keres with a barrage of chops, and the brothers begin to get competitive with each other as they try to one up each other on poor Keres. Eventually Doug is sent back to the apron by the official, and Dan goes for another chop but this time Keres slips out of the way in time and she crawls between Dan’s legs and leaps across the ring to tag in Princess Nova. The Princess immediately climbs to the top and just as Dan turns around he’s hit with a diving missile dropkick by Princess Nova! Nova drops down on top of Dan for the pin…
One…two…NO!
Nova hits a double knee moonsault adding insult to injury on Dan and drags him to the corner in a prone position. She starts to choke the life out of him with her boot on his throat and she giggles gleefully as she does this. She’s forced to break up the choke by the official and she adds in a few stomps for good measure before tagging Keres back in. Keres holds Dan in the corner now in a sleeper hold and Princess Nova strikes with a running dropkick! Dan is still slouched down in the corner and Keres strikes with a running crossbody! Keres drags Dan away and makes the cover…
One…two…NO!
Dan with a forceful kick out that sends Keres flying off of him to the opposite end of the ring!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “An authoritative kick out by Dan LuPone! That could be the jolt he needs to bring himself back in this.”
Allen Price: “The crowd is certainly getting behind Dan to make that tag and now is as good a time as any!”
The crowd is doing their best to rally Dan and Dan makes the tag to Doug! Doug comes in hot and Keres is up and she charges forward but Doug catches her with a spin kick to the face! Doug takes Keres in position and he launches her across the ring with a release german suplex! Keres rolls over near her corner and Princess Nova tags herself in. Nova charges forward and Doug does a cartwheel before clobbering Nova with a lariat! Doug drops down for the pin…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Allen Price: “He damn near took her head off with that lariat!”
Doug lands a somersault senton for good measure on Nova before he tags in Dan and Dan is fired up now as he takes Nova and drops her with a scoop slam! He follows up with another and one more with the crowd firmly behind him and Dan is feeling it now as he tries to hype up the crowd even more. Dan tags Doug back in and Doug climbs to the top and he’s calling for it as Dan holds Nova in position, but slips out of Dan’s grip and she kips up and she connects with a dropkick that knocks Dan back into the ropes and that causes Doug to slip and crotch himself on the top rope! Doug slumps down off to the apron and meanwhile Dan is on the receiving end of Kiss of Destiny from Princess Nova!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Princess Nova with that deadly koppu kick! This could be her opportunity to capitalize on a victory right here!”
Princess Nova tags in Keres and Dan kneeling now she locks in the Clutch of Woe! Keres has the tongan death grip submission applied. Keres stares at her sister and does a throat slash and thumbs down, which signals Princess Nova to strike with the Execution Elbow! Dan drops to the mat and Keres stays on top for the cover while Nova kicks Doug off the apron to the outside…
One…two…THREE!
WInner: Eternal by pinfall at 11:57.
One…two…THREE!
Natalie Rosenberg: “The winners of the match, Princess Nova and Keres…Eternal!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Just when it looked like The Lumberjacks were in the driver’s seat and had this one locked away, but they wasted far too much time and Eternal capitalized!”
Allen Price: “I suppose with The Lumberjacks in the rear view, the sisters can now turn their focus back to whatever it is they’re doing to Lizzie Rose.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It remains to be seen what else they have in store for Lizzie Rose but the show moves on after this short ad break, wrestling fans.”
Allen Price: “Is it another ad for that Undisputed Appliance? I gotta get me one of those!”
Keres and Nova revel in their victory and leave the ring while Doug checks on his brother. As they do, the familiar and triumphant theme of Joe Burr plays through the speakers of the arena as Eternal, in the ring, looks up to see, on the big screen, Joe walking through the corridors of the arena [maybe what he is wearing, etc]. He doesn’t seem to have much pageantry, but he is moving through the backstage area, not in a good mood.
“JOOOOOE BUURRRR”
“JOOOOOOOOOOOE BURRR!”
The fans chant.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Joe Burr! He’s coming to confront Eternal!”
Allen Price: “Are we sure he should get involved? He was demolished by Shawn Summers back the other week and something tells me, him picking a fight with Eternal will not bode as well!”
The music continues to play as Keres gets up in the ring. The Daughter of Demise doesn’t appear phased as Joe’s music plays. As for Princess Nova, she seems to have a playful expression.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Since coming to FWA, the duo of Eternal have made their primary focus related to his close friend, Lizzie Rose and she has yet to wrestle since the duo cost her the match at Back in Town against Bryan Baxter.”
Making his way out, there is no pyro for Joe Burr as he has a microphone. He is here to talk to the unique new duo in FWA. “Invasion” fades as Joe speaks.
Joe Burr: “Alright, what’s going on?!”
He shouts on the microphone. Princess Nova in the ring just giggles as Keres doesn’t seem to care. Whispering to Nova, Keres asks her to grab microphones from ringside, just in case they are needed.
Joe Burr: “Since day one of you two arriving as a pair, you have done nothing but make Lizzie’s life hell. I’ve never seen her this off! First, you two tried to get her ‘flowers’ and decided a bouquet wasn’t enough and somehow spawned a flower out of nowhere!-”
Princess Nova interrupts, complimenting Keres.
Princess Nova: “And that flower was SO pretty, Keres!”
Shaking his head, Joe Burr continues.
Joe Burr: “-Then you two stalked her constantly, and I already fear what ELSE you’re going to do to her. I’m here to stomp this out before it goes out of hand. You’re NOT going to mess with my friends. What’s the deal? Why are you so obsessed with her? If you just want to make a splash against a former champion, there are better ways than acting like Disney villains!”
Keres: “Mess with her?”
Keres asks.
Keres: “The last time I checked, giving someone gifts is a gesture most people take as an act of kindness. Not to mention my sister was so kind to use her $10,000 cash prize and donate it to her family as a way to pay off their debt-”
Allen Price: “So THAT’s where the money came from.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Not like Nova really needed it anyways.”
Keres: “It is not our fault she feels very insecure. and is not used to such acts of kindne-”
Joe Burr: “No, no no! I don’t buy that!”
Joe Burr interrupts Keres, who speaks up.
Keres: “Do not talk out of turn, Joseph.”
Joe Burr blinks at his name being fancied up.
Keres: “The truth you forget is that this matter is between us and Elizabeth. We do not wish harm to your friend. Far from it, in fact.”
Princess Nova turns to Keres, trying to show a little understanding.
Princess Nova: “But Keres, I know he means well! He’s just trying to be a friend! He has good intentions. He’s doing what he thinks is best for Elizabeth!”
Keres plainly responds.
Keres: “But is it what’s actually best for her?”
Shaking her head, Nova responds.
Princess Nova: “Nope! But his heart is in the right place, so I really should not hate him for his judgment being clouded for a moment. It happens to better, so I should not fault him.”
Looking at Joe Burr down at the ramp, Princess Nova grins, trying to give her friendliest smile but instead just puts Joe at unease.
Princess Nova: “So, Joseph. I have the best-est of intentions when I tell you this…”
And her smile slowly fades. Nova’s eyes become cold. Her body stiffens like a doll. As she speaks, her voice becomes harsh.
Princess Nova: “You should run and never EVER interrupt us again! Or else we will be chewed up, spat out, then gutted like a fish…”
The crowd blinks, just unsettled by Princess Nova’s very sudden shift. Joe Burr is as well as he looks, shocked at the very sudden shift before Princess Nova suddenly goes back to her very cheerful self.
Princess Nova: “Kay’?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “...I think I might need to change my underwear after that…”
Allen Price: “Uh, Yikes.”
Joe is put off by the sudden change from Nova. He’s used to being an underdog, but not for this reason of facing a girl who is off her FUCKING ROCKER. Burr is trying to find the words, but a cheer is heard from the crowd as:
Lizzie Rose rushes out. She has a light tank top on and shorts. She grabs Joe by the arm, microphone in her hand. The former North American Champion has some unease into her voice.
Lizzie Rose: “Joe. I-I know you mean well, but they have issues with ME… FOR SOME REASON! Not you. I know you have my back, but I don’t want you to get messed up for a problem I’M part of!”
Looking up at his friend, Joe Burr tries to stand his ground.
Joe Burr: “‘Liz, no! I said nobody is going to push you around back at Lights Out and I mean it still! These CRAZY girls, they’re trying to make your life hell! I want to stop this before it gets out of hand!”
Lizzie Rose: “But Joe, Shawn CRUSHED YOU last week and I still remember when Saint Sulley crushed your larynx, it’s taken you a while to recover from that. Are you SURE you’re ready for this?”
Keres: “Trust your friend, Joseph. You don’t know what is in her best interests.”
Keres interjects, slowly… pushing on the tension between friends.
Keres: “Why get hurt again over this? Why risk your neck again for someone else? Especially someone who doesn't believe you can do it?”
Some of the fans gasp at the dig.
Keres: “You have fluked your way this far in FWA and your luck has continually ran out again and again. Why get hurt… When you can just-”
Lizzie Rose: “SHUT UP!”
Lizzie is losing patience as she yells at the top of her lungs, sparking a cheer from the fans for Lizzie Rose standing her ground after several weeks of insecurity. But no. Now she’s standing up FOR her friend.
Lizzie Rose: “You don’t know him! You’ve only been here a few weeks and all you’ve done is mess with me!”
Seeing his chance, Joe Burr gets an idea and interjects.
Joe Burr: “So, how about we solve this at The Grand March? Let’s make it a tag match. Keres, Nova, you two against Lizzie and myself? And in that match, you know what’s going to happen-”
Joe pauses before shouting with some of the fans getting involved.
Joe Burr: “YOU’RE GONNA GET YOUR FUCKING SHOULDERS PINNED!”
The fans chant Joe’s catchphrase repeatedly as the Eternal sisters exchange glances in the ring. They don’t even really need to say a word to each other to know how the other’s feeling. Nova lets Keres take the floor.
Keres: “Joseph… You do realize that pinning someone’s shoulders to the mat in a wrestling match is not a magical solution to all problems? We will not go away with a simple loss if you sneak one.”
Princess Nova follows.
Princess Nova: “We think higher than traditional industry standards. We see a big picture. One match will not change it.”
Raising her finger, Keres gives a proper answer.
Keres: “But we will entertain your idea- if Elizabeth accepts. We want her committed to the match, not forced unwillingly, because we VALUE her input, unlike you.”
All eyes turn to Lizzie Rose. She looks down towards Eternal and looks at Joe Burr. He nods his head and gives a small smile. Then the fans chant their answer.
“YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!”
Over and over again, Keres is having none of it as she yells on the microphone with a toddler-like rage.
Keres: “QUIET!!!”
The lights flicker as she yells and some fans cover their ear as her audio screeches into their ears. Keres composes herself and speaks calmly.
Keres: “This is Elizabeth’s answer. Do not speak.”
The fans, slightly freaked out by the girl in pigtails, oblige as Lizzie Rose thinks it over more. She takes a deep breath and thinks. This may not end it, but a match might allow her to stand her ground, this time.
Lizzie Rose: “-You’re on…”
And the microphone slips from Lizzie’s hand. Joe Burr gives her a pat on the shoulder, encouraging her as the fans cheer. Eternal in the ring… oddly smile. Did they actually want this.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “And there we have it. Set for The Grand March: Joe Burr and Lizzie Rose, New York’s Finest, try to take on a team that is not just making Lizzie’s life hell, but have been making waves in such a short time, Eternal.”
Allen Price: “This is the first stand for Lizzie, and her and Joe better be careful because one match might not put an end to Eternal’s games, but one misstep and it might be the end of theirs.”
Eternal’s theme music plays us out as we cut to a commercial break.
[EARLIER TODAY…]
The McClones had been rallying the volleyball for almost two hours, which is the time that has elapsed since we were last with the Nephews on Lake Eyrie. The two teams of three Micahs are proving so well-evenly matched that neither has managed to score a single point. Thomas watches on in impressed fashion, drawing parallels between the endless rally and his own enjoyment of his paddleball.
Amongst the main group, Bill Scorpane is working through his sixth pinacolada of the day.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “That’s the spirit, OBB. It’s short for ol’ Billy-boy. Only one less syllable, but still a twenty five percent time saving, which is worthwhile considering all the time we’re going to be spending together.”
Nearby, Harry is staring at his animatronic hand.
Harry the Sane Wizard: “Hey Uncle, do I need to put sunscreen on this? Not today, of course. But in general.”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “No… just be careful it doesn’t overheat. Bury it in the sand maybe.”
Harry the Sane Wizard: “Once again, Uncle. It’s cold.”
Scorpane finishes his drink and lets out an uncomely belch. He reaches for the coolbox and collects another can. He seems emboldened by the drink he’s already consumed.
Bill Scorpane: “Uncle, I can understand that a man wants to protect his own interests. Further them. Everyone has different limits that they’re willin’ to go to. Mine are a little looser than most people’s granted. But I ain’t got nothing on you in that regard. And I can understand that, as I say. I’m not judgin’. But I’m sort of invested in the other team. Got hours spent with Jeremy and Bryan. So… I’m grateful for the drinks and all, even if this stuff is a bit too fruity for my liking, but this ain't gonna work. You might have those tag belts for now, but my boys are coming for them, and your girl’s got split priorities. I think I backed the right horses already.”
Uncle smiles and sucks on his vape.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “It’s still early, Scorps.”
Bill Scorpane: “Scorps?”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Trying out different things. I’m not settled on OBB yet.”
From the boombox, Cochise begins to play. Gerald smiles.
Gerald Grayson: “Never wanted to change it.”
Following a brief snippet of AFI’s ‘The Sinking Night’...
There’s a torrent of derision for Logan Darwin as he appears on the stage. He pays the audience absolutely no mind, walking down the ramp with a sneer on his face.
Natalie Rosenberg: "The following contest is scheduled for one-fall and with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and weighing in at two hundred and thirty pounds… ‘The Reaper’... Logan… DARWIN!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Logan Darwin will be looking to return to winning ways tonight after he came out on the wrong side of last week’s trios match, where he teamed with Death Walker and Madison Gray in a King of the Deathmatch preview match."
Allen Price: "‘The Reaper’ will no doubt want to salvage some momentum here in Detroit ahead of that tournament in just three short weeks."
Darwin waits in the ring impatiently as his music fades out and is replaced by…
weaselperson’s highly anticipated arrival is met with a surprising amount of adulation from Detroit, after their viral signing was announced some weeks ago. There’s even a slew of “BARK!” chants emanating from a portion of the crowd that carries on throughout the arena. They are reasonably tall and gangly, but their defining feature is the mass of hair that covers their entire body, and the bug eyes that give them a perpetually surprised look. It’s still hard to tell whether they’re beast or human as they make a straight path to the squared circle.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And introducing his opponent… from The Meadows… weighing in at one hundred and eighty pounds… weaselperson!!"
Allen Price: "Pardon my language J-L, but what the HECK is that?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "An abomination, Allen. It’s bad enough with Ratin and Steve, but perhaps we need to have a conversation with our talent recruiters. Worse yet, there rumours circulating that weaselperson has declared for the King of the Deathmatch tournament, but hopefully Darwin can ensure they don’t make it that far.."
weaselperson rolls into the ring and stares across it at Logan, who looks slightly insulted at the opponent that he’s been matched with tonight. He shakes his head but then steps out of his corner, ready to start things off. The official conducts his final checks, being rather thorough with the heavy mass of hair he has to sift through, and then calls for the bell…
Amongst the main group, Bill Scorpane is working through his sixth pinacolada of the day.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “That’s the spirit, OBB. It’s short for ol’ Billy-boy. Only one less syllable, but still a twenty five percent time saving, which is worthwhile considering all the time we’re going to be spending together.”
Nearby, Harry is staring at his animatronic hand.
Harry the Sane Wizard: “Hey Uncle, do I need to put sunscreen on this? Not today, of course. But in general.”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “No… just be careful it doesn’t overheat. Bury it in the sand maybe.”
Harry the Sane Wizard: “Once again, Uncle. It’s cold.”
Scorpane finishes his drink and lets out an uncomely belch. He reaches for the coolbox and collects another can. He seems emboldened by the drink he’s already consumed.
Bill Scorpane: “Uncle, I can understand that a man wants to protect his own interests. Further them. Everyone has different limits that they’re willin’ to go to. Mine are a little looser than most people’s granted. But I ain’t got nothing on you in that regard. And I can understand that, as I say. I’m not judgin’. But I’m sort of invested in the other team. Got hours spent with Jeremy and Bryan. So… I’m grateful for the drinks and all, even if this stuff is a bit too fruity for my liking, but this ain't gonna work. You might have those tag belts for now, but my boys are coming for them, and your girl’s got split priorities. I think I backed the right horses already.”
Uncle smiles and sucks on his vape.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “It’s still early, Scorps.”
Bill Scorpane: “Scorps?”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Trying out different things. I’m not settled on OBB yet.”
From the boombox, Cochise begins to play. Gerald smiles.
Gerald Grayson: “Never wanted to change it.”
Following a brief snippet of AFI’s ‘The Sinking Night’...
There’s a torrent of derision for Logan Darwin as he appears on the stage. He pays the audience absolutely no mind, walking down the ramp with a sneer on his face.
Natalie Rosenberg: "The following contest is scheduled for one-fall and with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and weighing in at two hundred and thirty pounds… ‘The Reaper’... Logan… DARWIN!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Logan Darwin will be looking to return to winning ways tonight after he came out on the wrong side of last week’s trios match, where he teamed with Death Walker and Madison Gray in a King of the Deathmatch preview match."
Allen Price: "‘The Reaper’ will no doubt want to salvage some momentum here in Detroit ahead of that tournament in just three short weeks."
Darwin waits in the ring impatiently as his music fades out and is replaced by…
weaselperson’s highly anticipated arrival is met with a surprising amount of adulation from Detroit, after their viral signing was announced some weeks ago. There’s even a slew of “BARK!” chants emanating from a portion of the crowd that carries on throughout the arena. They are reasonably tall and gangly, but their defining feature is the mass of hair that covers their entire body, and the bug eyes that give them a perpetually surprised look. It’s still hard to tell whether they’re beast or human as they make a straight path to the squared circle.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And introducing his opponent… from The Meadows… weighing in at one hundred and eighty pounds… weaselperson!!"
Allen Price: "Pardon my language J-L, but what the HECK is that?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "An abomination, Allen. It’s bad enough with Ratin and Steve, but perhaps we need to have a conversation with our talent recruiters. Worse yet, there rumours circulating that weaselperson has declared for the King of the Deathmatch tournament, but hopefully Darwin can ensure they don’t make it that far.."
weaselperson rolls into the ring and stares across it at Logan, who looks slightly insulted at the opponent that he’s been matched with tonight. He shakes his head but then steps out of his corner, ready to start things off. The official conducts his final checks, being rather thorough with the heavy mass of hair he has to sift through, and then calls for the bell…
It doesn't really seem like Logan Darwin knows what to make of weaselperson, much like JLW on commentary, and he concludes to regard his hairy opponent with a perplexed look on his face as weaselperson begins to circle the ring. Darwin again chuckles before reciprocating the motion. The Reaper shortens the radius of the circle, appearing to shape up for a collar and elbow tie-up… only for weaselperson to lash out with a right hand! It catches Darwin flush in the face, and he’s momentarily staggered, allowing weaselperson to hit a second right! Darwin stumbles back into the corner and goes for a cornered spear… only for Darwin to dive out of the way!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Evasive manoeuvres from Logan Darwin, and weaselperson hits the steel ring post shoulder first!"
Allen Price: "Yeah, that looked ugly, and immediately Logan Darwin is back on the offence…"
Darwin drags weaselperson out from the corner and into the middle of the ring, where he proceeds to stomp away at the shoulder and arm. He then wrenches weaselperson’s arm up behind their back with a grounded hammer lock. weaselperson yelps in pain, but then steadily begins to fight up to their feet. They send an elbow back into Darwin’s head, but The Reaper responds by wrenching further on the hold. weaselperson tries to throw a second elbow back into Darwin, but Logan ducks beneath it and then throws his opponent across the ring with a hot shot suplex! Darwin with the cover…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Allen Price: "weaselperson kicks out! A little bit of resilience on display from the newcomer…"
Darwin hoists weaselperson back up and throws him into the corner, where he works away with shots to the body and then knife edge chops. The hairy coating on weaselperson’s chest means the strikes don’t quite echo like they usually do. Darwin drags weaselperson out of the corner and applies a cobra clutch, wrenching his lighter opponent around in the hold before throwing him down with a cobra clutch slam. Darwin places a boot on weaselperson’s chest in the cocky cover…
ONE… TWO… NO!
weaselperson kicks out again! Darwin hoists him up and applies a front face lock, maybe looking for Logan’s Last Rites as he drags him up for the brainbuster… only for weaselperson to slip out through the back. He lands on his feet behind Darwin and doubles him over with a boot to the midsection, before spiking him on his head with a DDT!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "weaselperson with the big desperation move, but it doesn’t seem like he can follow up."
Allen Price: "The Reaper maybe lucky that weaselperson can’t cover him, here. Both men lie in the middle of the ring, unable to rise to their feet…"
Indeed, the official starts a ten count, the audience following along with him until the competitors finally rise to their feet. They exchange straight right hands in the middle of the ring, going back and forth for over half a minute, until the Reaper finally gains the upper hand and backs weaselperson up into the ropes. Logan takes them by the wrist and throws them across the ring with an Irish whip, before attempting to take their head off with a big discus clothesline. weaselperson ducks underneath though, and picks up some serious pace…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "SPEAR!! Surprisingly effective offense from weaselperson!"
Allen Price: "And now the cover… weaselperson might have him here!"
ONE… TWO… THR – NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Logan Darwin with the shoulder up! weaselperson is proving a more serious challenge than The Reaper thought at the start of this one…"
weaselperson backs themselves up into the corner as Darwin stirs, rolling onto his front and then getting to his hands and knees. weaselperson thinks this is the perfect time to strike, and comes in for the double foot stomp he calls 'the Weasler'... but Darwin stands up at the right time, propelling the lithe frame of weaselperson into the air… and then clocking them on the way back down with a hellacious European uppercut!!
Allen Price: "Lights out!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "But Logan Darwin isn't pinning him… he wants to make absolutely sure."
Darwin hoists weaselperson up and applies a front facelock with a single underhook. He hoists weaselperson up… and plants them on the top of their dome with his patented brainbuster!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Logan's Last Rites!!"
Allen Price: "That's it!"
The Reaper with the lateral press…
ONE… TWO… …
Logan lifts weaselperson's head and shoulders off the mat!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Maybe not! Logan Darwin isn't quite done with weaselperson yet!"
Darwin stands up with a shit-eating grin on his face, earning some jeers from the Detroit audience. He takes a deep bow, standing over weaselperson's frame, and then with a chuckle he hoists his opponent up to his feet. weaselperson seems to be almost dead weight as Darwin puts them into a front facelock again. He surveys the booing audience with a smile on his face before hooking the arm and hosting weaselperson up…
… but weaselperson begins to wriggle…
… he slips out of Logan's grasp, and manages to catch him with a sunset flip roll-up!!
ONE… TWO… THREE!
Allen Price: "He got him!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Unbelievable!!"
Darwin kicks out just after three, but the bell has already been rung and weaselperson's music begins to play. The Reaper is incensed, backing the official up into the corner and barking at him in a manner more befitting of a weaselperson…
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… weaselperson!!!"
Logan kicks the bottom rope in frustration before climbing out of the ring. He shakes his head and has his hands on his hips as he matches up the ramp. We cut back to the ring, where the referee lifts the victor's hand.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Not what Logan Darwin would’ve wanted, or expected, only three weeks away from the King of the Deathmatch, but that’s exactly the kind of start weaselperson would’ve hoped for in their debut match."
Allen Price: "And I think they want to say something, J-L… can they speak?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, they’ve got a microphone…"
weaselperson looks at the microphone oddly, as if unsure exactly what to do with it. They slowly raise it to their mouths, the entirety of Detroit at attention.
weaselperson: “...Bark.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Maybe we ought to get Katie Baxter out here to handle this."
weaselperson: “Bark.”
A bold crowdmember yells out “WHAT?!” weaselperson is caught off guard by it.
weaselperson: “Bark.”
The rest of the crowd joins into the bold crowdmember’s question. “WHAT?!” weaselperson looks around dazed, and uncertain at the question.
weaselperson: “Bark.”
“WHAT?!”
weaselperson: “Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark.”
“WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!”
Before the back and forth can continue on any longer, FWA’s resident interviewer Katie Baxter - alas Todd Salum was presently occupied - hurries down the ramp with a microphone in hand.
Katie Baxter: “If I may… I think weaselperson, what you’re trying to say, and bark if you agree here, is that you are OFFICIALLY declaring for the King of Deathmatch and vowing to walk away with a crown and having ended the record breaking reign of Alyster Black, is that what you’re trying to say weaselperson?”
weaselperson: “...Bark.”
The crowd joins in a ‘barking’ approval with much more expessiveness than the weaselperson.
"BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK!"
Katie Baxter: “There you have it! A blockbuster announcement, and one that will certainly have the rest of the King of Deathmatch field reconsidering their strategies. It doesn’t get any bigger than this! If I were Alyster Black, and I’m certain he needs no reminding, I would be counting my every remaining day. Thank you, weaselperson, passing it on over to Todd backstage.”
We rejoin the show backstage where Todd Salum is standing by with the FWA North American Champion, Big Bryan Baxter.
Todd Salum: "Bryan Baxter, on Meltdown we witnessed your agent Mr. Scorpane being abducted by the Nephews. And since then, it seems like he is willingly staying with them... can you comment on this?"
Bryan Baxter: "No comment."
Todd Salum: "No comment? That's it? Your manager who has been more than instrumental in many of your wins including in the F1 and for that North American Title seems to be working with the enemy. Let us not forget that the Buddy System has a date with The Connection of the Nephews at Carnal Contendership. And now, we've found out that you are defending the FWA North American Title at Grand March against a mystery opponent! It just feels like a pretty big deal that you won't have Mr. Scorpane in your corner for that ma..."
Bryan begins to stare intensely at Todd as he was saying that last sentence. His breathing is getting heavier.
Bryan Baxter: "What are you trying to say, TODD? That I couldn't have won those F1 matches by myself. That I wouldn't be North American Champion if it wasn't for Mr. Scorpane?"
Todd takes a couple steps backwards, nervously, as Baxter looms over him.
Todd Salum: "I mean... he... he... did... play a pretty big role..."
Bryan Baxter: "Look, it's become quite a misconception around here that I NEED Mr. Scorpane. I don't NEED him. The only thing I NEEDED him for... was so that he could connect me and Jeremy once again. But now that's done. Me and Jeremy are stronger and better than ever. I didn't NEED Mr. Scorpane to beat Lizzie Rose. To beat our now WORLD CHAMPION CHRIS PEACOCK. I didn't need him to beat the guy GETTING A FUCKING TITLE SHOT CYRUS TRUTH... I didn't NEED HIM, OKAY? I would've done it with or without him. I know how to win, Todd. Will I do whatever it takes to win? Your goddamn right, I will. But I can do that with or without him in my corner. So no, I don't know the fuck is going on with the Nephews and him. Does anyone really know what's going on with the Nephews? Maybe he finds that he likes it with them... seems like a weird fit, but whatever. But whether he's in my corner at Grand March or our corner at Carnal Contendership - when all is said in done, the Buddy System will have the North American AND Tag Titles!"
Todd Salum: "But what about the factor of the unknown. There has to be some concern not knowing who you should prepare for. And based on that mysterious note from Meltdown, it's someone you have some sort of history with. You certainly have not made many friends here in FWA."
Bryan Baxter: "Whatever, Todd. I don't care who it is. Lizzie Rose? She wants me to destroy her again, fine by me! Peacock and Truth are busy having title matches even though I destroyed both of them, figure that out. Who else could it be? The Undisputed Assholes? Sure, bring on either one of them - or Hell, both of them. I just don't care. The results will be the same. This title ain't goin nowhere Todd, and this interview is over."
Bryan finishes abruptly and pushes Todd out of the way to go off screen as Todd kicked it back to the ring.
Things return back to the arena with a shot of the commentators at the desk, both seemingly intrigued by what they have just witnessed.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, Bryan Baxter seems prepared for whoever it may be that he will be defending the North American Championship against at The Grand March. He’s got no shortage of enemies, so who it is is anyone’s guess. Could even be you, Price."
Allen Price: "Whilst I will gladly go on record and say that I think everyone associated with The Buddy System is the equivalent of human garbage, no, I will not be having a match at The Grand March-"
Allen Price: "Wait… this wasn’t supposed to be happening tonight, was it?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "No, it absolutely was not. Oh, there’s more of them…"
The crowd seem just as enthused as the commentary team (i.e. not at all) for the unexpected intrusion prior to the penultimate match of the night as Ratin Mikichin and Steve the Techno Vampire both enter together to Ratin’s music, despite being embroiled in a rivalry for what has been several months where neither could definitively overcome the other. However, the two of them are not alone as they stand next to each other on the stage, and in between them appears someone seen on Meltdown for the first time in what was a while; Greg.
Allen Price: "Even I can’t stand this guy, Jean-Luc."
The appearance of Greg causes the crowd to descend into loud boos and together the trio walk down the ramp towards the ring, with Greg collecting a microphone as they enter the ring together through the ropes. The usually outspoken personalities of Ratin and Steve seem much more muted tonight; whilst both are in their usual attire (mankini and flowing cape, respectively), they are almost stone faced in their approach.
When they reach the centre of the ring, Ratin and Steve pause and then sit down on the mat in the middle of the ring. Audience members both in front of and behind Ratin can be seen recoiling and one even retching at what they have witnessed. The music fades out and Greg, an apparent spokesperson, raises the microphone to his mouth and he speaks over the loud boos from the fans.
Greg: "Hi, I’m Greg."
The statement gets a loud boo from the fans once again, but the ever-oblivious Greg pays no heed to it whatsoever.
Greg: "Tonight I’m out here with my friends Steve and Ratin to talk about the disrespect that these two guys have been shown for quite a while here in the FWA, specifically on Fallout."
Greg turns to the commentary table, where a completely perplexed Allen Price and Jean-Luc Watkins are sitting, almost in disbelief.
Greg: "These two guys have been involved in a competitive exchange for months and all they want to do is prove which one of them is the better man, but instead they have been mocked, snubbed and ignored. All by the two men sitting behind that desk - Allen Price and Jean-Luc Watkins. They have abused their power enough times… and we will not stand for it anymore."
To show that he was being literal, Greg sits down on the mat in the same manner as Ratin and Steve, who have been nodding along.
Greg: "So tonight, we will be performing a sit down protest until action is brought against the Fallout commentary team for the disrespect that my friends have been shown."
Greg then lowers the microphone and places it on the mat in front of him as the three men in the ring all sit down in silence, showing a surprisingly serious side to themselves.
Allen Price: "They can’t be for real, right?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Don’t worry about this, Price. They’ll get moved along soon enough…"
Allen Price: "By who? The security team were all taken out earlier on! They could bring the show to a standstill, Jean-Luc!"
The silence from JLW is an indication that Price might actually be onto something and ‘Baby’ can be seen standing up from his position at the desk with a look displaying a mixture of concern and confusion. However, before anything can escalate in any way, another voice is heard.
???: "That’s enough!"
From the back, Jon Russnow walks out onto the stage, waving his hand and shaking his head. He calls to those in the ring.
Jon Russnow: "With abductions, masked attackers and weaselpeople, it is clear to me that things have gone too far and I am not going to let something like this take this show hostage, not when we are so close to The Grand March.
Now, Ratin and Steve, I understand that you are upset about what happened on Fallout 026; not only was your match interrupted several times on the live broadcast but you were unable to reach a conclusion to… whatever this has been… because of the physical involvement of the commentary team. That was not acceptable behaviour.
However, I will not allow yourselves and… I’m sorry, what is your name?"
Greg: "My name is Greg."
Jon Russnow: "Thank you. I will not allow yourselves and Greg to dictate terms on my shows. However, I do have a compromise. Therefore, at The Grand March… there will be a match.
It will be Ratin Mikichin… TEAMING with Steve the Techno Vampire… to face the team of Jean-Luc Watkins and Allen Price!"
The crowd does show some sort of positive reaction for that, and both of the commentators are visibly outraged.
Jon Russnow: "You guys win, I’ll give you sixty minutes on Fallout 028… uninterrupted. However if you don’t, I’m banning you both from Fallout. Does that sound reasonable, sir?"
Greg: "It’s Greg… and yes, it does."
Jon Russnow: "I don’t care. Now get out of my ring."
Seemingly satisfied with the outcome of their protest, the trio rise to their feet in the ring and make their way towards the ropes and they soon trek back up the ramp, as Russnow also disappears. Once again, the camera lingers on the commentary team.
Allen Price: "What just happened?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "You need to dust off that ketchup costume. Let’s just get on with it, we can deal with this later, Price."
The popular song garners a good reaction from the Detroit crowd, and their spirits grow further when the first of the three competitors taking part in the penultimate match of the night makes their appearance on the stage. Sawyer Xavier walks out from the back and he raises his arms in the air to another good response, before pacing down towards the ring and he rolls inside under the bottom rope.
Natalie Rosenberg: "The following contest is a Triple Threat Match scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit, and it will serve as a preview for the upcoming King of the Deathmatch tournament! Introducing first, from Savannah, Georgia and weighing in at one-hundred and seventy-six pounds… SAWYYERRRRRRR XAAAAAAVVVVIIIEERRRRRRR"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It is now time for the second of our previews for the upcoming King of the Deathmatch tournament which will be taking place on both April seventh and eighth and well, we could be looking at one of the dark horses to win the whole thing and leave the undisclosed location with the X Championship currently held by Alyster Black!"
Allen Price: "Sawyer Xavier was on the winning side of things on Fallout 026 in his previous preview match and well, he could be building some serious momentum going into the tournament. I’m just waiting for this kid to pop off at any time, I know he’s got it in him."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Choose your wording more carefully, Price. But I do agree with your sentiments; Sawyer Xavier has had some standout moments as part of the FWA, but he is still looking for that defining one. Getting a win tonight against some strong opposition could really do him wonders."
Xavier rises to his feet in the ring and then stands on one of the top turnbuckles where he poses for the fans, before he flips backwards and lands on his feet. The crowd applaud his athleticism as he shows it off to them.
Whilst the crowd was vocal in their positive support to Xavier, the first of his opponents comes out to more of a mixed reaction as it is clear that the FWA fanbase is still unsure of what to make of young Madison Gray. The accomplished young mixed martial artist adjusts her headband as she appears at the top of the ramp before taking in the atmosphere around her and then making her way towards the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Introducing his opponents; first, from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, England… she is ‘The Young Lioness’ MADISSSONNNNNN GRAAAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!"
Allen Price: "Another young competitor with a lot of potential for me here, J-L. Madison Gray is yet to really find her place here in the FWA, but when she does, I think she could be a contender. She could be a somebody, instead of a bum, which is what she could end up being. Let’s face it."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Who let you watch ‘On the Waterfront’, Price? I agree with the first part of your hypothesis, though. Madison Gray is still very new to this whole rasslin’ stuff, but I think as far as natural fighters go, she could end up being one of the best that we have out of everyone in the entire company if she keeps at it."
Allen Price: "The King of the Deathmatch tournament is probably not something that young Madison Gray expected to find herself in so soon after joining us here with the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance, but she could find her first win here tonight and put herself in very good position to have a deep run in that tournament with a win."
Gray walks up the steel steps and then gives a respectful bow before entering the ring where she opts not to go for any sort of theatrics before taking her place in a vacant corner. As Gray settles, the lights in the arena shut out and there is some minor confusion until the music begins to play as a red spotlight shines down onto the stage.
A figure emerges onto the now smoke-filled stage and the crowd boo in unison as this man is of course the former Darius Wright, who now goes by the name of Death Walker. Another hooded figure is also visible and together these two slowly make their way into prominence as the arena lights flash a series of red and white and slowly, the intimidating duo of Death Walker and The Dark Guardian make their way towards the ring; Death throws up an ‘X’ sign in front of him with his forearms crossed.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Their opponent… accompanied to the ring by The Dark Guardian… from the DEPTHS OF HELL… DEATH WAAAALLLLKKERRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "This of course is not our first time seeing Death Walker out here as he attempted to follow up on his heinous assault on XYZ from Fallout 026 after tonight’s opening contest, but thought better of it when he was confronted with odds that even he felt he could not overcome, clearly!"
Allen Price: "It is a growing list of enemies that this very intimidating man is amassing here in the FWA and earlier tonight there was a united front against him - with Trixie Bordeaux and Jason Randall standing with XYZ and his Menagé against Death Walker. Could we see Sawyer Xavier and Madison Gray teaming up here against him?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It could be a solid strategy for them both, for sure, especially with this Dark Guardian character around… Death Walker could be one of the favourites for when the King of the Deathmatch tournament comes around, Price. I can’t think of many better suited for such an environment - and there you can see that chain which was used to attack XYZ last time out…"
The camera focuses on the chain in Death Walker’s hands as he slowly enters the ring, with the Dark Guardian occupying a spot outside of the ring. Both Sawyer Xavier and Madison Gray share uneasy looks with one another as their opponent places the chain down underneath one of the turnbuckles before the match is set to get underway.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Evasive manoeuvres from Logan Darwin, and weaselperson hits the steel ring post shoulder first!"
Allen Price: "Yeah, that looked ugly, and immediately Logan Darwin is back on the offence…"
Darwin drags weaselperson out from the corner and into the middle of the ring, where he proceeds to stomp away at the shoulder and arm. He then wrenches weaselperson’s arm up behind their back with a grounded hammer lock. weaselperson yelps in pain, but then steadily begins to fight up to their feet. They send an elbow back into Darwin’s head, but The Reaper responds by wrenching further on the hold. weaselperson tries to throw a second elbow back into Darwin, but Logan ducks beneath it and then throws his opponent across the ring with a hot shot suplex! Darwin with the cover…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Allen Price: "weaselperson kicks out! A little bit of resilience on display from the newcomer…"
Darwin hoists weaselperson back up and throws him into the corner, where he works away with shots to the body and then knife edge chops. The hairy coating on weaselperson’s chest means the strikes don’t quite echo like they usually do. Darwin drags weaselperson out of the corner and applies a cobra clutch, wrenching his lighter opponent around in the hold before throwing him down with a cobra clutch slam. Darwin places a boot on weaselperson’s chest in the cocky cover…
ONE… TWO… NO!
weaselperson kicks out again! Darwin hoists him up and applies a front face lock, maybe looking for Logan’s Last Rites as he drags him up for the brainbuster… only for weaselperson to slip out through the back. He lands on his feet behind Darwin and doubles him over with a boot to the midsection, before spiking him on his head with a DDT!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "weaselperson with the big desperation move, but it doesn’t seem like he can follow up."
Allen Price: "The Reaper maybe lucky that weaselperson can’t cover him, here. Both men lie in the middle of the ring, unable to rise to their feet…"
Indeed, the official starts a ten count, the audience following along with him until the competitors finally rise to their feet. They exchange straight right hands in the middle of the ring, going back and forth for over half a minute, until the Reaper finally gains the upper hand and backs weaselperson up into the ropes. Logan takes them by the wrist and throws them across the ring with an Irish whip, before attempting to take their head off with a big discus clothesline. weaselperson ducks underneath though, and picks up some serious pace…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "SPEAR!! Surprisingly effective offense from weaselperson!"
Allen Price: "And now the cover… weaselperson might have him here!"
ONE… TWO… THR – NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Logan Darwin with the shoulder up! weaselperson is proving a more serious challenge than The Reaper thought at the start of this one…"
weaselperson backs themselves up into the corner as Darwin stirs, rolling onto his front and then getting to his hands and knees. weaselperson thinks this is the perfect time to strike, and comes in for the double foot stomp he calls 'the Weasler'... but Darwin stands up at the right time, propelling the lithe frame of weaselperson into the air… and then clocking them on the way back down with a hellacious European uppercut!!
Allen Price: "Lights out!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "But Logan Darwin isn't pinning him… he wants to make absolutely sure."
Darwin hoists weaselperson up and applies a front facelock with a single underhook. He hoists weaselperson up… and plants them on the top of their dome with his patented brainbuster!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Logan's Last Rites!!"
Allen Price: "That's it!"
The Reaper with the lateral press…
ONE… TWO… …
Logan lifts weaselperson's head and shoulders off the mat!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Maybe not! Logan Darwin isn't quite done with weaselperson yet!"
Darwin stands up with a shit-eating grin on his face, earning some jeers from the Detroit audience. He takes a deep bow, standing over weaselperson's frame, and then with a chuckle he hoists his opponent up to his feet. weaselperson seems to be almost dead weight as Darwin puts them into a front facelock again. He surveys the booing audience with a smile on his face before hooking the arm and hosting weaselperson up…
… but weaselperson begins to wriggle…
… he slips out of Logan's grasp, and manages to catch him with a sunset flip roll-up!!
ONE… TWO… THREE!
WInner: weaselperson by pinfall at 12:01.
Allen Price: "He got him!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Unbelievable!!"
Darwin kicks out just after three, but the bell has already been rung and weaselperson's music begins to play. The Reaper is incensed, backing the official up into the corner and barking at him in a manner more befitting of a weaselperson…
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… weaselperson!!!"
Logan kicks the bottom rope in frustration before climbing out of the ring. He shakes his head and has his hands on his hips as he matches up the ramp. We cut back to the ring, where the referee lifts the victor's hand.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Not what Logan Darwin would’ve wanted, or expected, only three weeks away from the King of the Deathmatch, but that’s exactly the kind of start weaselperson would’ve hoped for in their debut match."
Allen Price: "And I think they want to say something, J-L… can they speak?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, they’ve got a microphone…"
weaselperson looks at the microphone oddly, as if unsure exactly what to do with it. They slowly raise it to their mouths, the entirety of Detroit at attention.
weaselperson: “...Bark.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Maybe we ought to get Katie Baxter out here to handle this."
weaselperson: “Bark.”
A bold crowdmember yells out “WHAT?!” weaselperson is caught off guard by it.
weaselperson: “Bark.”
The rest of the crowd joins into the bold crowdmember’s question. “WHAT?!” weaselperson looks around dazed, and uncertain at the question.
weaselperson: “Bark.”
“WHAT?!”
weaselperson: “Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark.”
“WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!”
Before the back and forth can continue on any longer, FWA’s resident interviewer Katie Baxter - alas Todd Salum was presently occupied - hurries down the ramp with a microphone in hand.
Katie Baxter: “If I may… I think weaselperson, what you’re trying to say, and bark if you agree here, is that you are OFFICIALLY declaring for the King of Deathmatch and vowing to walk away with a crown and having ended the record breaking reign of Alyster Black, is that what you’re trying to say weaselperson?”
weaselperson: “...Bark.”
The crowd joins in a ‘barking’ approval with much more expessiveness than the weaselperson.
"BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK!"
Katie Baxter: “There you have it! A blockbuster announcement, and one that will certainly have the rest of the King of Deathmatch field reconsidering their strategies. It doesn’t get any bigger than this! If I were Alyster Black, and I’m certain he needs no reminding, I would be counting my every remaining day. Thank you, weaselperson, passing it on over to Todd backstage.”
We rejoin the show backstage where Todd Salum is standing by with the FWA North American Champion, Big Bryan Baxter.
Todd Salum: "Bryan Baxter, on Meltdown we witnessed your agent Mr. Scorpane being abducted by the Nephews. And since then, it seems like he is willingly staying with them... can you comment on this?"
Bryan Baxter: "No comment."
Todd Salum: "No comment? That's it? Your manager who has been more than instrumental in many of your wins including in the F1 and for that North American Title seems to be working with the enemy. Let us not forget that the Buddy System has a date with The Connection of the Nephews at Carnal Contendership. And now, we've found out that you are defending the FWA North American Title at Grand March against a mystery opponent! It just feels like a pretty big deal that you won't have Mr. Scorpane in your corner for that ma..."
Bryan begins to stare intensely at Todd as he was saying that last sentence. His breathing is getting heavier.
Bryan Baxter: "What are you trying to say, TODD? That I couldn't have won those F1 matches by myself. That I wouldn't be North American Champion if it wasn't for Mr. Scorpane?"
Todd takes a couple steps backwards, nervously, as Baxter looms over him.
Todd Salum: "I mean... he... he... did... play a pretty big role..."
Bryan Baxter: "Look, it's become quite a misconception around here that I NEED Mr. Scorpane. I don't NEED him. The only thing I NEEDED him for... was so that he could connect me and Jeremy once again. But now that's done. Me and Jeremy are stronger and better than ever. I didn't NEED Mr. Scorpane to beat Lizzie Rose. To beat our now WORLD CHAMPION CHRIS PEACOCK. I didn't need him to beat the guy GETTING A FUCKING TITLE SHOT CYRUS TRUTH... I didn't NEED HIM, OKAY? I would've done it with or without him. I know how to win, Todd. Will I do whatever it takes to win? Your goddamn right, I will. But I can do that with or without him in my corner. So no, I don't know the fuck is going on with the Nephews and him. Does anyone really know what's going on with the Nephews? Maybe he finds that he likes it with them... seems like a weird fit, but whatever. But whether he's in my corner at Grand March or our corner at Carnal Contendership - when all is said in done, the Buddy System will have the North American AND Tag Titles!"
Todd Salum: "But what about the factor of the unknown. There has to be some concern not knowing who you should prepare for. And based on that mysterious note from Meltdown, it's someone you have some sort of history with. You certainly have not made many friends here in FWA."
Bryan Baxter: "Whatever, Todd. I don't care who it is. Lizzie Rose? She wants me to destroy her again, fine by me! Peacock and Truth are busy having title matches even though I destroyed both of them, figure that out. Who else could it be? The Undisputed Assholes? Sure, bring on either one of them - or Hell, both of them. I just don't care. The results will be the same. This title ain't goin nowhere Todd, and this interview is over."
Bryan finishes abruptly and pushes Todd out of the way to go off screen as Todd kicked it back to the ring.
Things return back to the arena with a shot of the commentators at the desk, both seemingly intrigued by what they have just witnessed.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, Bryan Baxter seems prepared for whoever it may be that he will be defending the North American Championship against at The Grand March. He’s got no shortage of enemies, so who it is is anyone’s guess. Could even be you, Price."
Allen Price: "Whilst I will gladly go on record and say that I think everyone associated with The Buddy System is the equivalent of human garbage, no, I will not be having a match at The Grand March-"
Allen Price: "Wait… this wasn’t supposed to be happening tonight, was it?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "No, it absolutely was not. Oh, there’s more of them…"
The crowd seem just as enthused as the commentary team (i.e. not at all) for the unexpected intrusion prior to the penultimate match of the night as Ratin Mikichin and Steve the Techno Vampire both enter together to Ratin’s music, despite being embroiled in a rivalry for what has been several months where neither could definitively overcome the other. However, the two of them are not alone as they stand next to each other on the stage, and in between them appears someone seen on Meltdown for the first time in what was a while; Greg.
Allen Price: "Even I can’t stand this guy, Jean-Luc."
The appearance of Greg causes the crowd to descend into loud boos and together the trio walk down the ramp towards the ring, with Greg collecting a microphone as they enter the ring together through the ropes. The usually outspoken personalities of Ratin and Steve seem much more muted tonight; whilst both are in their usual attire (mankini and flowing cape, respectively), they are almost stone faced in their approach.
When they reach the centre of the ring, Ratin and Steve pause and then sit down on the mat in the middle of the ring. Audience members both in front of and behind Ratin can be seen recoiling and one even retching at what they have witnessed. The music fades out and Greg, an apparent spokesperson, raises the microphone to his mouth and he speaks over the loud boos from the fans.
Greg: "Hi, I’m Greg."
The statement gets a loud boo from the fans once again, but the ever-oblivious Greg pays no heed to it whatsoever.
Greg: "Tonight I’m out here with my friends Steve and Ratin to talk about the disrespect that these two guys have been shown for quite a while here in the FWA, specifically on Fallout."
Greg turns to the commentary table, where a completely perplexed Allen Price and Jean-Luc Watkins are sitting, almost in disbelief.
Greg: "These two guys have been involved in a competitive exchange for months and all they want to do is prove which one of them is the better man, but instead they have been mocked, snubbed and ignored. All by the two men sitting behind that desk - Allen Price and Jean-Luc Watkins. They have abused their power enough times… and we will not stand for it anymore."
To show that he was being literal, Greg sits down on the mat in the same manner as Ratin and Steve, who have been nodding along.
Greg: "So tonight, we will be performing a sit down protest until action is brought against the Fallout commentary team for the disrespect that my friends have been shown."
Greg then lowers the microphone and places it on the mat in front of him as the three men in the ring all sit down in silence, showing a surprisingly serious side to themselves.
Allen Price: "They can’t be for real, right?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Don’t worry about this, Price. They’ll get moved along soon enough…"
Allen Price: "By who? The security team were all taken out earlier on! They could bring the show to a standstill, Jean-Luc!"
The silence from JLW is an indication that Price might actually be onto something and ‘Baby’ can be seen standing up from his position at the desk with a look displaying a mixture of concern and confusion. However, before anything can escalate in any way, another voice is heard.
???: "That’s enough!"
From the back, Jon Russnow walks out onto the stage, waving his hand and shaking his head. He calls to those in the ring.
Jon Russnow: "With abductions, masked attackers and weaselpeople, it is clear to me that things have gone too far and I am not going to let something like this take this show hostage, not when we are so close to The Grand March.
Now, Ratin and Steve, I understand that you are upset about what happened on Fallout 026; not only was your match interrupted several times on the live broadcast but you were unable to reach a conclusion to… whatever this has been… because of the physical involvement of the commentary team. That was not acceptable behaviour.
However, I will not allow yourselves and… I’m sorry, what is your name?"
Greg: "My name is Greg."
Jon Russnow: "Thank you. I will not allow yourselves and Greg to dictate terms on my shows. However, I do have a compromise. Therefore, at The Grand March… there will be a match.
It will be Ratin Mikichin… TEAMING with Steve the Techno Vampire… to face the team of Jean-Luc Watkins and Allen Price!"
The crowd does show some sort of positive reaction for that, and both of the commentators are visibly outraged.
Jon Russnow: "You guys win, I’ll give you sixty minutes on Fallout 028… uninterrupted. However if you don’t, I’m banning you both from Fallout. Does that sound reasonable, sir?"
Greg: "It’s Greg… and yes, it does."
Jon Russnow: "I don’t care. Now get out of my ring."
Seemingly satisfied with the outcome of their protest, the trio rise to their feet in the ring and make their way towards the ropes and they soon trek back up the ramp, as Russnow also disappears. Once again, the camera lingers on the commentary team.
Allen Price: "What just happened?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "You need to dust off that ketchup costume. Let’s just get on with it, we can deal with this later, Price."
The popular song garners a good reaction from the Detroit crowd, and their spirits grow further when the first of the three competitors taking part in the penultimate match of the night makes their appearance on the stage. Sawyer Xavier walks out from the back and he raises his arms in the air to another good response, before pacing down towards the ring and he rolls inside under the bottom rope.
Natalie Rosenberg: "The following contest is a Triple Threat Match scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit, and it will serve as a preview for the upcoming King of the Deathmatch tournament! Introducing first, from Savannah, Georgia and weighing in at one-hundred and seventy-six pounds… SAWYYERRRRRRR XAAAAAAVVVVIIIEERRRRRRR"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It is now time for the second of our previews for the upcoming King of the Deathmatch tournament which will be taking place on both April seventh and eighth and well, we could be looking at one of the dark horses to win the whole thing and leave the undisclosed location with the X Championship currently held by Alyster Black!"
Allen Price: "Sawyer Xavier was on the winning side of things on Fallout 026 in his previous preview match and well, he could be building some serious momentum going into the tournament. I’m just waiting for this kid to pop off at any time, I know he’s got it in him."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Choose your wording more carefully, Price. But I do agree with your sentiments; Sawyer Xavier has had some standout moments as part of the FWA, but he is still looking for that defining one. Getting a win tonight against some strong opposition could really do him wonders."
Xavier rises to his feet in the ring and then stands on one of the top turnbuckles where he poses for the fans, before he flips backwards and lands on his feet. The crowd applaud his athleticism as he shows it off to them.
Whilst the crowd was vocal in their positive support to Xavier, the first of his opponents comes out to more of a mixed reaction as it is clear that the FWA fanbase is still unsure of what to make of young Madison Gray. The accomplished young mixed martial artist adjusts her headband as she appears at the top of the ramp before taking in the atmosphere around her and then making her way towards the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Introducing his opponents; first, from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, England… she is ‘The Young Lioness’ MADISSSONNNNNN GRAAAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!"
Allen Price: "Another young competitor with a lot of potential for me here, J-L. Madison Gray is yet to really find her place here in the FWA, but when she does, I think she could be a contender. She could be a somebody, instead of a bum, which is what she could end up being. Let’s face it."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Who let you watch ‘On the Waterfront’, Price? I agree with the first part of your hypothesis, though. Madison Gray is still very new to this whole rasslin’ stuff, but I think as far as natural fighters go, she could end up being one of the best that we have out of everyone in the entire company if she keeps at it."
Allen Price: "The King of the Deathmatch tournament is probably not something that young Madison Gray expected to find herself in so soon after joining us here with the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance, but she could find her first win here tonight and put herself in very good position to have a deep run in that tournament with a win."
Gray walks up the steel steps and then gives a respectful bow before entering the ring where she opts not to go for any sort of theatrics before taking her place in a vacant corner. As Gray settles, the lights in the arena shut out and there is some minor confusion until the music begins to play as a red spotlight shines down onto the stage.
A figure emerges onto the now smoke-filled stage and the crowd boo in unison as this man is of course the former Darius Wright, who now goes by the name of Death Walker. Another hooded figure is also visible and together these two slowly make their way into prominence as the arena lights flash a series of red and white and slowly, the intimidating duo of Death Walker and The Dark Guardian make their way towards the ring; Death throws up an ‘X’ sign in front of him with his forearms crossed.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Their opponent… accompanied to the ring by The Dark Guardian… from the DEPTHS OF HELL… DEATH WAAAALLLLKKERRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "This of course is not our first time seeing Death Walker out here as he attempted to follow up on his heinous assault on XYZ from Fallout 026 after tonight’s opening contest, but thought better of it when he was confronted with odds that even he felt he could not overcome, clearly!"
Allen Price: "It is a growing list of enemies that this very intimidating man is amassing here in the FWA and earlier tonight there was a united front against him - with Trixie Bordeaux and Jason Randall standing with XYZ and his Menagé against Death Walker. Could we see Sawyer Xavier and Madison Gray teaming up here against him?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It could be a solid strategy for them both, for sure, especially with this Dark Guardian character around… Death Walker could be one of the favourites for when the King of the Deathmatch tournament comes around, Price. I can’t think of many better suited for such an environment - and there you can see that chain which was used to attack XYZ last time out…"
The camera focuses on the chain in Death Walker’s hands as he slowly enters the ring, with the Dark Guardian occupying a spot outside of the ring. Both Sawyer Xavier and Madison Gray share uneasy looks with one another as their opponent places the chain down underneath one of the turnbuckles before the match is set to get underway.
The bell rings, and immediately Sawyer Xavier wastes no time in going after Death Walker, and he ploughs his boots into the chest of the much larger man with a Shotgun Dropkick, which sends DW flying back into the corner. Madison Gray seems to be watching on only at this point as Xavier tees off on Walker with some punches to the top of the head, which hammers onto Death Walker until he is pushed away. Sawyer rolls through though and charges straight back at Walker, who catches him with an elbow as he approaches.
With a very strong grip around the neck and shoulders of Xavier, Death Walker lifts him clean off of his feet and deposits him over the top rope, but Xavier manages to land on the apron and avoid falling to the floor. As Walker walks out of the corner, thinking he has disposed of Xavier for now, Sawyer gets his boot up and he cracks Death Walker in the back of the head with an Enziguiri!
This staggers the big man and DW turns around to face Xavier once again and Sawyer grabs onto the top rope and looks for a Springboard DDT - but Death Walker blocks it and catches him!
It is a nervy few seconds for Sawyer, but Death Walker remains strong and then rushes forward whilst carrying another man… and this time he dumps Xavier down to the floor and out of the match temporarily!
Allen Price: "Hey, you’ve got to respect Sawyer Xavier for trying it, I suppose… it takes something to stand up to a guy like Death Walker."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "We know that Sawyer Xavier is no stranger to putting his body on the line, but some could argue that taking such a direct approach against Death Walker and putting his back up against a wall was reckless. I think we’re about to get a glimpse of how Madison Gray will deal with this, Price."
As The Dark Guardian expresses his approval of Death Walker on the outside next to the decommissioned Xavier, Death Walker has set his sights on Madison Gray on the other side of the ring. Gray gets down low, ready to tangle with the much larger competitor in the way that she knows how.
As Death Walker lunges forward and attempts to grab her, she evades his clutches and gets a hold of one of his legs and uses this to get behind him. The dragging of his leg does not down Walker, but does give him cause to bend down and try to grab Gray once more, but this time she is up and in position to connect with a kick directly to his face!
DW backs away, his hand on his face and Gray follows up with a stiff kick to the back of his knee and she then follows it up with a couple more, with a clear aim of taking Death’s vertical base out from underneath him. These prove to be effective, as Death Walker is forced to drop to a knee due to the number of strikes suffered.
Gray quickly adjusts her headband and then runs the ropes, coming back towards Death Walker, but he explodes from his downed position and catches her… and then takes her over with a release Suplex! The man formerly known as Darius Wright then picks himself up from the mat and opts not to follow up on Gray, instead heading back out of the ring through the ropes.
Allen Price: "Again, Madison Gray showed some good heart then by going for Death Walker on her own, but really, these two should consider working together to eliminate the greatest threat in this match."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It is every man or woman for themselves in a match like this, Price. When they find themselves in the King of the Deathmatch tournament, there won’t be anyone there to help them or hold their hand through it. Winning is done on your own in matches like this."
Allen Price: "But you’ll be having my back at The Grand March, right, Jean-Luc?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Yes, Price. Tag team matches are obviously different… give me strength..."
Death Walker stalks Sawyer Xavier, who is up to a knee, and Sawyer does manage to get off a couple of punches on Death Walker, but Death grabs him harshly with a fistful of hair and he drills him with a punch to the top of the head. DW keeps a grip on Xavier’s hair and then pulls him by his hair towards the ring apron, and he lifts him up into the air, looking to drop him down, but Xavier gets his hands on the apron and then pushes himself back, landing on his feet.
Looking to avoid further damage, Xavier then rolls underneath a Clothesline attempt from Death Walker and he jumps onto the top of the steel steps, and looks to catch DW with a Mule Kick - but Death Walker catches his boot and yanks him forward, and Xavier faceplants onto the steel steps! With Xavier down once again, Walker is about to follow up, but Madison Gray is on the ring apron and she jumps from the apron onto Death Walker’s back.
As Death Walker scrambles to remove Gray from his back, it becomes apparent that ‘The Young Lioness’ is attempting to apply some sort of hold on Death Walker, and she negotiates her body around him and applies an Octopus Hold on Death Walker on the outside of the ring! Death Walker groans as Madison contorts his body as much as she can and she pulls back as hard as she can on the hold.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Of course, Madison Gray cannot win the match should she compel Death Walker to submit on the outside of the ring, but it could definitely boost her chances if she is able to incapacitate him!"
Despite being caught in the submission hold, Death Walker is able to move around relatively freely and he stands up straight whilst still trapped in the Octopus, and then looks behind him… and he backs into the steel ring post, with Madison’s back cracking against it! A repeat of the same motion is enough to force a break, and Gray drops to the ground at Death Walker’s feet. He seems very angered about being caught in the submission like that, and he picks Gray up and tosses her through the ropes back into the ring with ease.
Death Walker then pulls himself up onto the apron, looking to follow up, but he fails to see Sawyer Xavier also standing on the ring apron having just pulled himself up and Sawyer charges at DW, catching him with a knee to the back of the head! The Brain Squasher connects from Xavier, and the blunt force of the knee is enough to knock Death Walker down from the ring apron to the floor! The larger man is down on his back, landing on the back of his head, and The Dark Guardian shows some concern for his ally.
Allen Price: "Sawyer Xavier takes care of Death Walker, and now he has a chance to get the win here with Madison Gray in perfect position!"
Indeed Madison Gray is in the perfect position for Sawyer Xavier to finish her off as she lays on her front adjacent to the turnbuckle. From the ring apron, Sawyer pulls himself up onto the top rope and steadies himself as he gains his balance and he takes flight… GENESIS OF TRUTH - GRAY ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! Sawyer lands on his feet and rolls through and Madison Gray also makes it to her feet and she quickly approaches Xavier from behind and hooks his arms and drives him into the mat with a Dragon Suplex!
She impressively manages to maintain a bridge on it, and the referee drops down to count;
ONE… TWO… NO!!!
‘The Young Lioness’ shows that she is capable of keeping her cool as the kick out by her opponent does not show any signs of rattling her in any sense, and she immediately has Sawyer up once again, and she looks to finish him off with THE DISAPPOINTED MASTER - BUT SAWYER BLOCKS THE BACK ELBOW! With his hands in a cross, Sawyer repels Gray’s move… but before either can do anything else… THEY’RE BOTH BOWLED OVER BY DEATH WALKER!
Allen Price: "Death Walker is back in the match and he’s just wiped them both out, Jean-Luc!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "As Triple Threat matches can go, Price; you have to have eyes in the back of your head at all times when dealing with multiple opponents and that’s something that I don’t think Xavier or Gray really appreciated here."
The force of the tackle to both of his opponents from Death Walker was enough to send Madison Gray tumbling through the ropes, with Sawyer Xavier crashing into them and bouncing back into Death Walker’s clutches… where he scoops him up around his waist and then turns around to face the centre of the ring and DEATH WALKER PLANTS XAVIER INTO THE MAT WITH THE DARK CLOUD!!
The impact from the move on the mat was enough to cause Xavier to bounce back onto his back, allowing DW to get on top of him and push his face down whilst pinning him;
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
The crowd are not best pleased with the outcome of the match, but this of course makes scarce difference to Death Walker, who rises to his feet and then intimidates the referee out of trying to raise his arm. The Dark Guardian joins Death in the ring and seems pleased with DW’s handiwork and impressive victory. Madison Gray is shown on the outside next to the ring barricade, holding the back of her head and she grits her teeth in frustration.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… DEATH WALKER!!"
Allen Price: "A very impressive victory for Death Walker here tonight on Fallout and I think we said it earlier on, but he is definitely someone to keep an eye out for in the King of the Deathmatch tournament next month… something tells me that he is going to be very much at home in an environment where anything can go."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "That was definitely a message to the rest of the field, which of course includes a couple of people in particular who he has brewing issues with; Jason Randall and more recently, XYZ."
Allen Price: "That was after what we saw earlier on tonight, with a united front of sorts against ‘The Dark Traveler’, spanning from his actions towards XYZ on Fallout 026… and we may be about to see something similar, because Death Walker is going for that chain once again!"
The chain stored earlier under the turnbuckle in the corner becomes the object of Death Walker’s attention once again and he picks it up… and starts to wrap it around his fist! The crowd boos loudly as it becomes evident that Death Walker is planning on revisiting the assault he did on XYZ previously, but this time with Sawyer Xavier as the intended target.
With Xavier still not fully with it after being on the receiving end of the Dark Cloud at the conclusion of the match, it takes him some time to get back to his feet, and he struggles up to a knee whilst holding his chest, completely unaware of the danger that he is in. The fans start to stir though, as Madison Gray rises to her feet on the outside and is seen looking at what is transpiring in the ring with some intrigue…
Allen Price: "Come on, Madison! Get in there and put a stop to this!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I’m not really sure that this has anything to do with her, really, and I would assume that the same thoughts are running through Madison Gray’s head, too. She seems like a very switched-on young lady, and entering the ring to confront someone like Death Walker who is in possession of a weapon is probably not the smartest move one could make…"
Despite the intimidating prospect in front of her, Gray seems to be contemplating getting involved to stop this and she tentatively places a hand on the bottom rope with an apparent view of reentering the ring whilst Sawyer is about to be introduced to the chain, courtesy of Death Walker…
…BUT IN MADISON’S HESITANCE, SOMEONE ELSE EMERGES… AND IT IS XYZ!!
The crowd cheers very loudly as XYZ sprints out from the back, with the Menagé not far behind him and this immediately draws the attention of Death Walker, who drops the chain whilst dropping down and rolling out of the ring and he meets XYZ at the bottom of the ramp and immediately the two of them begin brawling!
Allen Price: "Death Walker definitely fancies these odds, J-L, and I think he is the one getting the best of XYZ right now before the Menagé can make it down there to help XYZ out! "
The heavy punches from the natural brawler Death Walker repel XYZ back enough to the point where Walker is able to stalk XYZ as the Menagé watch on, unsure whether to intervene or not. XYZ is now in retreat, although he does kick out at DW a few times… but Walker and The Dark Guardian follow the group out of sight and into the back.
This leaves Sawyer Xavier in the ring, and he quickly puts two and two together and realises that Madison Gray was not going to step in and stop whatever it was that Death Walker had planned for him… and he gives ‘The Young Lioness’ a piece of his mind before he exits the ring as well, holding his ribs. This leaves a very stoic Madison Gray on the outside on her own, as the scene fades away…
As well as finding out that for a limited time only, one can get 50% on orders of ‘The Undisputed Appliance’ blender, we learn that the next range of kitchenware sponsored by the FWA will include a line of hot dog makers - ‘Glizzy Rose’ - is coming soon.
Little Caesar Arena has broken into somewhat of a lull between matches, when the crowds attention is suddenly piqued by an unfamiliar song being played into the arena. That triggers some murmurings, some mumbles but generally just some discontent.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “What the hell is this?”
Allen Price: “I-I I’m not quite sure. It could b-“
Price is cut off as the video display at the top of the stage has just displayed one word that gives the entire game away
PRODIGY
The crowd react, a split between those excited to unexpectedly see Mike Parr with those that boo as they are pretty unforgiving of past transgressions. Either pool of people has much time to properly digest as Mike walks out into the bowl of the arena, standing at the top of the stage, microphone in hand. His hair is slicked to the side, and he all in all looks much more comfortable and capable than the point of his re-emergence when attacking Kayden Knox a few weeks back. Indeed, while his customary jet black sunglasses are covering his eyes, his grin is pretty evident in being ear to ear.
Allen Price: “Maybe we are going to find out exactly what Mike Parr has planned – he was supposed to be in Pittsburgh on Thursday but that show went out without any sort of confirmation either way. Why is he in Detroit?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m not his biggest fan, but even I admit I’m curious as to what Mike sees in his future. Consecutive wins for the first time in quite some time, against Knox and Cole, have certainly announced to the wider audience that he is back.”
Mike whips his arms into the air and tries to cajole the crowd into more of a frenzy, and they give him the appropriate response. Probably one of the better ovations of his career. As he raises the microphone to his mouth, the crowd naturally simmer somewhat to hear exactly what he has to say.
Mike Parr: “Good evening Pittsburgh!”
The crowd boo as expected, and the grin on Mike’s face has now transformed into a smirk that lets you know that he knew exactly what he was doing as he feigns, very poorly, an element of surprise.
Mike Parr: “Oh, my bad, I forgot that I was directed to go to Pittsburgh to disclose exactly what I want to do moving forward BUT I decided to tell FWA management to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine…so good evening Detroit!”
Again, an expected and appropriate reaction as you would expect, one that rivals the ovation from moments ago.
Mike Parr: “I came back to FWA because I couldn’t resist it. I had something to prove. I had someone to shut up once and for all….”
A short cheer interjects.
Mike Parr: “I didn’t come back because anyone missed me.”
The atmosphere suddenly got a bit tense, the crowd not sure how to respond.
Mike Parr: “You’re right to be quiet, I’m not going to go all cliché and blame it on ‘the people’ or anything like that but I will say, I wasn’t exactly bowled over by the crowds wanting to see me back. And management? Management were just happy for me to ride off into the sunset, unfulfilled, and put myself into such a deep and dark hole that I was possibly never going to scratch and claw my way out of. 8 years of my life, 8 years of getting to know me, and you think I’m going to go disappear because I lost my smile or some sort of sh!t like that?”
The atmosphere in the arena remains tense, as Allen Price offers his apologies for the language to viewers at home.
Mike Parr: “So I’ll turn up where I want, when I want, and do what I want. I don’t owe anybody a single thing because when the time came and I needed a hand to reach out and help me back to my feet, there wasn’t one outstretched. I don’t owe anyone an explanation for my past or future actions and even if there was the argument that I may exactly owe that, nobody is getting it unless I feel like it.”
It has taken the Detroit natives some time, but it feels like they are landing more on the boo side of the boo/cheer divide. It is far from unanimous though.
Mike Parr: “Again, don’t take it personally, I can’t blame any of you. You had your new shiny toys to be preoccupied with like Vampyra. You had your old relics to preoccupied with like Devin Golden. You had Peacock’s, Black’s, Michelle’s and…..Summers’….”
There is an ‘oooooohhhhhhh’ audible around the arena, the crowd fully aware of Mike’s history with Shawn of course.
Mike Parr: “….to keep you distracted and to keep you entertained and that is what it is. I always understood that I was underappreciated, I also felt that I was underrated and if anything you managed to eliminate that little nagging doubt questioning myself in relation to that, so I probably should be thanking you for that. As a token of my appreciation, I’ll let you know part of what to expect. Am I planning to be here for Back in Business? Absolutely. Do I want to main event three years in a row? Absolutely. Do I think it's particularly likely?......”
The answer goes unsaid but is obvious.
Mike Parr: “What I want is to change the answer to the last question. What I will say is that for the Grand March, I’m not particularly interested in sitting in the sidelines much longer, I’ve done plenty of that as late. However, I’m not going to go scrounge and beg for a fight and challenge someone for the sake of it…..I’m going turn up next week when I want and we will see if anyone has the nerve to think they can take me on or take me out at or before the Grand March. My plan….is to let whoever ‘you’ are……”
Mike closes up to the camera, his nose almost pressing against the lens. He lifts his shades.
Mike Parr: “….come and find me.”
Mike shoves the camera back out of his face, drops the microphone as his new music plays in the arena and exits without another pause or word.
With a very strong grip around the neck and shoulders of Xavier, Death Walker lifts him clean off of his feet and deposits him over the top rope, but Xavier manages to land on the apron and avoid falling to the floor. As Walker walks out of the corner, thinking he has disposed of Xavier for now, Sawyer gets his boot up and he cracks Death Walker in the back of the head with an Enziguiri!
This staggers the big man and DW turns around to face Xavier once again and Sawyer grabs onto the top rope and looks for a Springboard DDT - but Death Walker blocks it and catches him!
It is a nervy few seconds for Sawyer, but Death Walker remains strong and then rushes forward whilst carrying another man… and this time he dumps Xavier down to the floor and out of the match temporarily!
Allen Price: "Hey, you’ve got to respect Sawyer Xavier for trying it, I suppose… it takes something to stand up to a guy like Death Walker."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "We know that Sawyer Xavier is no stranger to putting his body on the line, but some could argue that taking such a direct approach against Death Walker and putting his back up against a wall was reckless. I think we’re about to get a glimpse of how Madison Gray will deal with this, Price."
As The Dark Guardian expresses his approval of Death Walker on the outside next to the decommissioned Xavier, Death Walker has set his sights on Madison Gray on the other side of the ring. Gray gets down low, ready to tangle with the much larger competitor in the way that she knows how.
As Death Walker lunges forward and attempts to grab her, she evades his clutches and gets a hold of one of his legs and uses this to get behind him. The dragging of his leg does not down Walker, but does give him cause to bend down and try to grab Gray once more, but this time she is up and in position to connect with a kick directly to his face!
DW backs away, his hand on his face and Gray follows up with a stiff kick to the back of his knee and she then follows it up with a couple more, with a clear aim of taking Death’s vertical base out from underneath him. These prove to be effective, as Death Walker is forced to drop to a knee due to the number of strikes suffered.
Gray quickly adjusts her headband and then runs the ropes, coming back towards Death Walker, but he explodes from his downed position and catches her… and then takes her over with a release Suplex! The man formerly known as Darius Wright then picks himself up from the mat and opts not to follow up on Gray, instead heading back out of the ring through the ropes.
Allen Price: "Again, Madison Gray showed some good heart then by going for Death Walker on her own, but really, these two should consider working together to eliminate the greatest threat in this match."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It is every man or woman for themselves in a match like this, Price. When they find themselves in the King of the Deathmatch tournament, there won’t be anyone there to help them or hold their hand through it. Winning is done on your own in matches like this."
Allen Price: "But you’ll be having my back at The Grand March, right, Jean-Luc?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Yes, Price. Tag team matches are obviously different… give me strength..."
Death Walker stalks Sawyer Xavier, who is up to a knee, and Sawyer does manage to get off a couple of punches on Death Walker, but Death grabs him harshly with a fistful of hair and he drills him with a punch to the top of the head. DW keeps a grip on Xavier’s hair and then pulls him by his hair towards the ring apron, and he lifts him up into the air, looking to drop him down, but Xavier gets his hands on the apron and then pushes himself back, landing on his feet.
Looking to avoid further damage, Xavier then rolls underneath a Clothesline attempt from Death Walker and he jumps onto the top of the steel steps, and looks to catch DW with a Mule Kick - but Death Walker catches his boot and yanks him forward, and Xavier faceplants onto the steel steps! With Xavier down once again, Walker is about to follow up, but Madison Gray is on the ring apron and she jumps from the apron onto Death Walker’s back.
As Death Walker scrambles to remove Gray from his back, it becomes apparent that ‘The Young Lioness’ is attempting to apply some sort of hold on Death Walker, and she negotiates her body around him and applies an Octopus Hold on Death Walker on the outside of the ring! Death Walker groans as Madison contorts his body as much as she can and she pulls back as hard as she can on the hold.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Of course, Madison Gray cannot win the match should she compel Death Walker to submit on the outside of the ring, but it could definitely boost her chances if she is able to incapacitate him!"
Despite being caught in the submission hold, Death Walker is able to move around relatively freely and he stands up straight whilst still trapped in the Octopus, and then looks behind him… and he backs into the steel ring post, with Madison’s back cracking against it! A repeat of the same motion is enough to force a break, and Gray drops to the ground at Death Walker’s feet. He seems very angered about being caught in the submission like that, and he picks Gray up and tosses her through the ropes back into the ring with ease.
Death Walker then pulls himself up onto the apron, looking to follow up, but he fails to see Sawyer Xavier also standing on the ring apron having just pulled himself up and Sawyer charges at DW, catching him with a knee to the back of the head! The Brain Squasher connects from Xavier, and the blunt force of the knee is enough to knock Death Walker down from the ring apron to the floor! The larger man is down on his back, landing on the back of his head, and The Dark Guardian shows some concern for his ally.
Allen Price: "Sawyer Xavier takes care of Death Walker, and now he has a chance to get the win here with Madison Gray in perfect position!"
Indeed Madison Gray is in the perfect position for Sawyer Xavier to finish her off as she lays on her front adjacent to the turnbuckle. From the ring apron, Sawyer pulls himself up onto the top rope and steadies himself as he gains his balance and he takes flight… GENESIS OF TRUTH - GRAY ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! Sawyer lands on his feet and rolls through and Madison Gray also makes it to her feet and she quickly approaches Xavier from behind and hooks his arms and drives him into the mat with a Dragon Suplex!
She impressively manages to maintain a bridge on it, and the referee drops down to count;
ONE… TWO… NO!!!
‘The Young Lioness’ shows that she is capable of keeping her cool as the kick out by her opponent does not show any signs of rattling her in any sense, and she immediately has Sawyer up once again, and she looks to finish him off with THE DISAPPOINTED MASTER - BUT SAWYER BLOCKS THE BACK ELBOW! With his hands in a cross, Sawyer repels Gray’s move… but before either can do anything else… THEY’RE BOTH BOWLED OVER BY DEATH WALKER!
Allen Price: "Death Walker is back in the match and he’s just wiped them both out, Jean-Luc!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "As Triple Threat matches can go, Price; you have to have eyes in the back of your head at all times when dealing with multiple opponents and that’s something that I don’t think Xavier or Gray really appreciated here."
The force of the tackle to both of his opponents from Death Walker was enough to send Madison Gray tumbling through the ropes, with Sawyer Xavier crashing into them and bouncing back into Death Walker’s clutches… where he scoops him up around his waist and then turns around to face the centre of the ring and DEATH WALKER PLANTS XAVIER INTO THE MAT WITH THE DARK CLOUD!!
The impact from the move on the mat was enough to cause Xavier to bounce back onto his back, allowing DW to get on top of him and push his face down whilst pinning him;
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
WInner: Death Walker by pin fall at 9:48.
The crowd are not best pleased with the outcome of the match, but this of course makes scarce difference to Death Walker, who rises to his feet and then intimidates the referee out of trying to raise his arm. The Dark Guardian joins Death in the ring and seems pleased with DW’s handiwork and impressive victory. Madison Gray is shown on the outside next to the ring barricade, holding the back of her head and she grits her teeth in frustration.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… DEATH WALKER!!"
Allen Price: "A very impressive victory for Death Walker here tonight on Fallout and I think we said it earlier on, but he is definitely someone to keep an eye out for in the King of the Deathmatch tournament next month… something tells me that he is going to be very much at home in an environment where anything can go."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "That was definitely a message to the rest of the field, which of course includes a couple of people in particular who he has brewing issues with; Jason Randall and more recently, XYZ."
Allen Price: "That was after what we saw earlier on tonight, with a united front of sorts against ‘The Dark Traveler’, spanning from his actions towards XYZ on Fallout 026… and we may be about to see something similar, because Death Walker is going for that chain once again!"
The chain stored earlier under the turnbuckle in the corner becomes the object of Death Walker’s attention once again and he picks it up… and starts to wrap it around his fist! The crowd boos loudly as it becomes evident that Death Walker is planning on revisiting the assault he did on XYZ previously, but this time with Sawyer Xavier as the intended target.
With Xavier still not fully with it after being on the receiving end of the Dark Cloud at the conclusion of the match, it takes him some time to get back to his feet, and he struggles up to a knee whilst holding his chest, completely unaware of the danger that he is in. The fans start to stir though, as Madison Gray rises to her feet on the outside and is seen looking at what is transpiring in the ring with some intrigue…
Allen Price: "Come on, Madison! Get in there and put a stop to this!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I’m not really sure that this has anything to do with her, really, and I would assume that the same thoughts are running through Madison Gray’s head, too. She seems like a very switched-on young lady, and entering the ring to confront someone like Death Walker who is in possession of a weapon is probably not the smartest move one could make…"
Despite the intimidating prospect in front of her, Gray seems to be contemplating getting involved to stop this and she tentatively places a hand on the bottom rope with an apparent view of reentering the ring whilst Sawyer is about to be introduced to the chain, courtesy of Death Walker…
…BUT IN MADISON’S HESITANCE, SOMEONE ELSE EMERGES… AND IT IS XYZ!!
The crowd cheers very loudly as XYZ sprints out from the back, with the Menagé not far behind him and this immediately draws the attention of Death Walker, who drops the chain whilst dropping down and rolling out of the ring and he meets XYZ at the bottom of the ramp and immediately the two of them begin brawling!
Allen Price: "Death Walker definitely fancies these odds, J-L, and I think he is the one getting the best of XYZ right now before the Menagé can make it down there to help XYZ out! "
The heavy punches from the natural brawler Death Walker repel XYZ back enough to the point where Walker is able to stalk XYZ as the Menagé watch on, unsure whether to intervene or not. XYZ is now in retreat, although he does kick out at DW a few times… but Walker and The Dark Guardian follow the group out of sight and into the back.
This leaves Sawyer Xavier in the ring, and he quickly puts two and two together and realises that Madison Gray was not going to step in and stop whatever it was that Death Walker had planned for him… and he gives ‘The Young Lioness’ a piece of his mind before he exits the ring as well, holding his ribs. This leaves a very stoic Madison Gray on the outside on her own, as the scene fades away…
As well as finding out that for a limited time only, one can get 50% on orders of ‘The Undisputed Appliance’ blender, we learn that the next range of kitchenware sponsored by the FWA will include a line of hot dog makers - ‘Glizzy Rose’ - is coming soon.
Little Caesar Arena has broken into somewhat of a lull between matches, when the crowds attention is suddenly piqued by an unfamiliar song being played into the arena. That triggers some murmurings, some mumbles but generally just some discontent.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “What the hell is this?”
Allen Price: “I-I I’m not quite sure. It could b-“
Price is cut off as the video display at the top of the stage has just displayed one word that gives the entire game away
PRODIGY
The crowd react, a split between those excited to unexpectedly see Mike Parr with those that boo as they are pretty unforgiving of past transgressions. Either pool of people has much time to properly digest as Mike walks out into the bowl of the arena, standing at the top of the stage, microphone in hand. His hair is slicked to the side, and he all in all looks much more comfortable and capable than the point of his re-emergence when attacking Kayden Knox a few weeks back. Indeed, while his customary jet black sunglasses are covering his eyes, his grin is pretty evident in being ear to ear.
Allen Price: “Maybe we are going to find out exactly what Mike Parr has planned – he was supposed to be in Pittsburgh on Thursday but that show went out without any sort of confirmation either way. Why is he in Detroit?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m not his biggest fan, but even I admit I’m curious as to what Mike sees in his future. Consecutive wins for the first time in quite some time, against Knox and Cole, have certainly announced to the wider audience that he is back.”
Mike whips his arms into the air and tries to cajole the crowd into more of a frenzy, and they give him the appropriate response. Probably one of the better ovations of his career. As he raises the microphone to his mouth, the crowd naturally simmer somewhat to hear exactly what he has to say.
Mike Parr: “Good evening Pittsburgh!”
The crowd boo as expected, and the grin on Mike’s face has now transformed into a smirk that lets you know that he knew exactly what he was doing as he feigns, very poorly, an element of surprise.
Mike Parr: “Oh, my bad, I forgot that I was directed to go to Pittsburgh to disclose exactly what I want to do moving forward BUT I decided to tell FWA management to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine…so good evening Detroit!”
Again, an expected and appropriate reaction as you would expect, one that rivals the ovation from moments ago.
Mike Parr: “I came back to FWA because I couldn’t resist it. I had something to prove. I had someone to shut up once and for all….”
A short cheer interjects.
Mike Parr: “I didn’t come back because anyone missed me.”
The atmosphere suddenly got a bit tense, the crowd not sure how to respond.
Mike Parr: “You’re right to be quiet, I’m not going to go all cliché and blame it on ‘the people’ or anything like that but I will say, I wasn’t exactly bowled over by the crowds wanting to see me back. And management? Management were just happy for me to ride off into the sunset, unfulfilled, and put myself into such a deep and dark hole that I was possibly never going to scratch and claw my way out of. 8 years of my life, 8 years of getting to know me, and you think I’m going to go disappear because I lost my smile or some sort of sh!t like that?”
The atmosphere in the arena remains tense, as Allen Price offers his apologies for the language to viewers at home.
Mike Parr: “So I’ll turn up where I want, when I want, and do what I want. I don’t owe anybody a single thing because when the time came and I needed a hand to reach out and help me back to my feet, there wasn’t one outstretched. I don’t owe anyone an explanation for my past or future actions and even if there was the argument that I may exactly owe that, nobody is getting it unless I feel like it.”
It has taken the Detroit natives some time, but it feels like they are landing more on the boo side of the boo/cheer divide. It is far from unanimous though.
Mike Parr: “Again, don’t take it personally, I can’t blame any of you. You had your new shiny toys to be preoccupied with like Vampyra. You had your old relics to preoccupied with like Devin Golden. You had Peacock’s, Black’s, Michelle’s and…..Summers’….”
There is an ‘oooooohhhhhhh’ audible around the arena, the crowd fully aware of Mike’s history with Shawn of course.
Mike Parr: “….to keep you distracted and to keep you entertained and that is what it is. I always understood that I was underappreciated, I also felt that I was underrated and if anything you managed to eliminate that little nagging doubt questioning myself in relation to that, so I probably should be thanking you for that. As a token of my appreciation, I’ll let you know part of what to expect. Am I planning to be here for Back in Business? Absolutely. Do I want to main event three years in a row? Absolutely. Do I think it's particularly likely?......”
The answer goes unsaid but is obvious.
Mike Parr: “What I want is to change the answer to the last question. What I will say is that for the Grand March, I’m not particularly interested in sitting in the sidelines much longer, I’ve done plenty of that as late. However, I’m not going to go scrounge and beg for a fight and challenge someone for the sake of it…..I’m going turn up next week when I want and we will see if anyone has the nerve to think they can take me on or take me out at or before the Grand March. My plan….is to let whoever ‘you’ are……”
Mike closes up to the camera, his nose almost pressing against the lens. He lifts his shades.
Mike Parr: “….come and find me.”
Mike shoves the camera back out of his face, drops the microphone as his new music plays in the arena and exits without another pause or word.
[... RIGHT NOW]
In Dreams plays on Thomas West’s boombox on the Lake Eyrie beach.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “What position is this?”
Thomas West: “Eleventh.”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Thank Bog she’s not here. Kennedy and Peacock ahead of her? Jeez.”
The sun has already set, and Uncle has brought a chiral-powered heater from the back of the van to give the Nephews some warmth as they continue to drink on the beach. Scorpane is only half-awake, having consumed his body weight in canned pina colada and now intermittently smoking one of the Maid’s cigars. As he had periodically been doing for the last forty minutes, he awoke with a start and turned towards Uncle.
Bill Scorpane: “Not going to work, Uncle.”
JAY! smiles at his guest again. The tentacles around his face bristle.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “You’re quite certain you backed the right horses, as you so vulgarly put it?”
Gerald Grayson: “Michelle would hate that.”
Thomas West: “She’s not here, GiGi. You’re allowed to think about something else.”
Gerald Grayson: “You are literally playing her theme song through your boombox right now.”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “I asked our guest a question, Nephews. If you’d let him answer...”
Bill struggles around in his chair, trying to find the lighter that he dropped earlier in the sand next to him. He eventually finds it and takes a sip out a half-full (or half-empty) pinacolada, forgetting that he had ashed his cigar in it earlier. He lights the end of it again, making Uncle wait for his response.
Bill Scorpane: “Those titles is ours, Uncle. Jeremy’s and mine, and the big bastard’s, too.”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “And with them, all the success and fame and, most importantly, wealth that comes with it? Your ten per cent? Or is it fifteen?”
Scorpane lets out a low chuckle.
Bill Scorpane: “Don’t you worry about the deal I got with those boys, Uncle. It’s enough.”
Uncle nods his head.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Enough.”
JAY! joins Bill in staring out over the lake, night having now descended upon the peaceful scene. Uncle begins to shuffle around in his chair as if he is looking for something, in a perhaps overly animated fashion that even draws the attention of Mr. Scorpane, who watches Uncle’s struggle to locate whatever it is he is searching for. Eventually, JAY! retrieves a small device from his pocket. It looks like a remote control, but has only one pink button in the centre of it.
Uncle looks back at the lake and sucks on his vape. Then, he presses the button.
The water in the middle of Lake Eyrie begins to ripple a couple of hundred metres from the shore. It is barely noticeable at first, but soon the irregular tidal pattern - with water seemingly being sucked inwards towards the depths - is unmistakable. It is accompanied by a low rumbling, distant at first but getting closer and closer and closer… until the water almost appears to part, and from it emerges the roof of a huge vessel. This roof is angular and comprised of pink metal and thick, frosted glass, water running from the top of the octagonal structure in thick, gushing sheets. More and more of the vehicle emerges until, hovering above the surface of the lake with its chiral blasters roaring, we can see the entirety of the Octopi, its eight pink headlights channeled on the group upon the beach.
Most of these beings continued to drink or smoke or vape or do whatever it was that they were doing in a lethargic fashion. This sight wasn’t new to them, and they were expecting it. Bill Scorpane, however, rose to his feet and wandered towards the ship. He stepped into the encroaching lake, the water filling his shoes, and barely seemed to realise it.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Thirty percent… fifty percent… ninety percent… whatever it is, Bill, you already know what an FWA champion can expect to make. I’ve no doubt you’ve calculated what you stand to gain by more gold coming into your stable. But I ask you to put aside your meagre ambition, and think of what I can give you. When it comes to the universe, Mr. Scorpane, we don’t have to quibble over percentages. I offer you all of it.”
Bill turns to face Uncle and the Nephews. His face is somewhat aghast.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Nephews, I think it’s about time for another adventure.”
The reaction inside the arena is not as positive as it once was, but there are still a vocal few who show their support for Reagan Cole, despite his appearance on the stage with both Jeffry Mason and TYLER either side of him. ‘The British Apprentice’ keeps it simple tonight with a black t-shirt adorning a Union Jack worn underneath a maroon jacket. There is a clear look of focus on the face of Cole as he makes his way towards the ring with Mason and TYLER in tow.
Natalie Rosenberg: "The following contest is your Fallout 027 main event and it is scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit! Introducing first, being accompanied by Jeffry Mason and TYLER… from Essex, England and weighing in at two-hundred and fifteen pounds… he is ‘The British Apprentice’ REAAAAGGAAANNNNN COOOOOOOOOOLLLEEEEE!!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, wrestling fans we have reached the main event contest of tonight’s show and for those who may not realise, there is a whole lot of history to be revisited between Reagan Cole and Chris Peacock tonight."
Allen Price: "Whilst no argument can be made for Chris Peacock leading the way, Reagan Cole will sit near him as one of the most successful Ground Zero exports in history as a former Gauntlet and FWA World Tag Team Champion. I would argue that this young man has lost his way as he seems to be content with aligning himself with the likes of Jeffry Mason and TYLER."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Reagan Cole is doing what he believes is right to protect his family, and well, the connections he has developed with Mason and TYLER could prove very useful in the King of Deathmatch tournament next month. We saw at Back in Business that Cole has it in him to thrive in matches of that style."
Allen Price: "He’s also complicit in the bullying and tormenting of poor Trixie Bordeaux! Just another reason why Chris Peacock wants to teach him a lesson."
Cole enters the ring and indicates that he would prefer to go in there alone, and Mason and TYLER seem happy to go along with it for now and allow him to take the spotlight. He walks over to one of the corners and positions himself on the second rope, looking out to the sold out crowd with a nod.
Whilst the crowd were mixed in their reaction for Cole, they are unanimously in support of his opponent and Chris Peacock shuffles into view backwards from behind the curtain. He wears a white suit jacket and trousers and has his Singapore cane over his shoulder before he turns around to face the camera and points his finger into the air as purple fireworks shoot up from the stage to loud cheers. This action of course also revealing the FWA World Championship around his waist, and he grins before making his way towards the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Introducing his opponent… from Boogie Wonderland by way of New York City and weighing in tonight at two-hundred and ten pounds he is the FWA World Champion… ‘Disco’s Last Warrior’ CHRISSSSSSSSSSSS PEEEEAAACCCOOOOOOOCCCKKKKKKK!!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I’ll admit it, Price. Chris Peacock looks like a champion tonight and that’s saying something compared to how we’ve seen him recently. Peacock has not done the best job of hiding his nerves and anxieties and well, he’s going to need to get on top of them when he defends the FWA World Championship against both Cyrus Truth and Michelle von Horrowitz at The Grand March."
Allen Price: "There’s no arguing that both Cyrus and Michelle have done this dance more times than Chris has, but he’s main evented one Pay-Per-View now and he wants that feeling to continue for as long as it can. I know that he is going to overcome whatever else he is battling and also Reagan Cole tonight, probably."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Peacock is going to need to keep things in check for sure, Price. Obviously he knows all about the Nephews, but both Jeffry Mason and TYLER are very likely going to be thorns in his side tonight, and that is not even mentioning the difficult prospect that Reagan Cole is to face on his own!"
Peacock reaches the bottom of the ramp and approaches the steel steps where he notices both Mason and TYLER getting a little too close for his liking so he motions for them to move with his cane. Mason sarcastically bows and motions for Peacock to pass them and Chris decides to pay them no more mind and he enters the ring where he glances at Cole momentarily and then shimmies out of his jacket and removes the championship from around his waist.
Someone at ringside grabs the title, cane and jacket and Peacock sways from side to side for a moment as the referee - Larry Stevens - completes his checks and then calls for the bell!
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “What position is this?”
Thomas West: “Eleventh.”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Thank Bog she’s not here. Kennedy and Peacock ahead of her? Jeez.”
The sun has already set, and Uncle has brought a chiral-powered heater from the back of the van to give the Nephews some warmth as they continue to drink on the beach. Scorpane is only half-awake, having consumed his body weight in canned pina colada and now intermittently smoking one of the Maid’s cigars. As he had periodically been doing for the last forty minutes, he awoke with a start and turned towards Uncle.
Bill Scorpane: “Not going to work, Uncle.”
JAY! smiles at his guest again. The tentacles around his face bristle.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “You’re quite certain you backed the right horses, as you so vulgarly put it?”
Gerald Grayson: “Michelle would hate that.”
Thomas West: “She’s not here, GiGi. You’re allowed to think about something else.”
Gerald Grayson: “You are literally playing her theme song through your boombox right now.”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “I asked our guest a question, Nephews. If you’d let him answer...”
Bill struggles around in his chair, trying to find the lighter that he dropped earlier in the sand next to him. He eventually finds it and takes a sip out a half-full (or half-empty) pinacolada, forgetting that he had ashed his cigar in it earlier. He lights the end of it again, making Uncle wait for his response.
Bill Scorpane: “Those titles is ours, Uncle. Jeremy’s and mine, and the big bastard’s, too.”
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “And with them, all the success and fame and, most importantly, wealth that comes with it? Your ten per cent? Or is it fifteen?”
Scorpane lets out a low chuckle.
Bill Scorpane: “Don’t you worry about the deal I got with those boys, Uncle. It’s enough.”
Uncle nods his head.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Enough.”
JAY! joins Bill in staring out over the lake, night having now descended upon the peaceful scene. Uncle begins to shuffle around in his chair as if he is looking for something, in a perhaps overly animated fashion that even draws the attention of Mr. Scorpane, who watches Uncle’s struggle to locate whatever it is he is searching for. Eventually, JAY! retrieves a small device from his pocket. It looks like a remote control, but has only one pink button in the centre of it.
Uncle looks back at the lake and sucks on his vape. Then, he presses the button.
The water in the middle of Lake Eyrie begins to ripple a couple of hundred metres from the shore. It is barely noticeable at first, but soon the irregular tidal pattern - with water seemingly being sucked inwards towards the depths - is unmistakable. It is accompanied by a low rumbling, distant at first but getting closer and closer and closer… until the water almost appears to part, and from it emerges the roof of a huge vessel. This roof is angular and comprised of pink metal and thick, frosted glass, water running from the top of the octagonal structure in thick, gushing sheets. More and more of the vehicle emerges until, hovering above the surface of the lake with its chiral blasters roaring, we can see the entirety of the Octopi, its eight pink headlights channeled on the group upon the beach.
Most of these beings continued to drink or smoke or vape or do whatever it was that they were doing in a lethargic fashion. This sight wasn’t new to them, and they were expecting it. Bill Scorpane, however, rose to his feet and wandered towards the ship. He stepped into the encroaching lake, the water filling his shoes, and barely seemed to realise it.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Thirty percent… fifty percent… ninety percent… whatever it is, Bill, you already know what an FWA champion can expect to make. I’ve no doubt you’ve calculated what you stand to gain by more gold coming into your stable. But I ask you to put aside your meagre ambition, and think of what I can give you. When it comes to the universe, Mr. Scorpane, we don’t have to quibble over percentages. I offer you all of it.”
Bill turns to face Uncle and the Nephews. His face is somewhat aghast.
Uncle J.J. JAY!: “Nephews, I think it’s about time for another adventure.”
The reaction inside the arena is not as positive as it once was, but there are still a vocal few who show their support for Reagan Cole, despite his appearance on the stage with both Jeffry Mason and TYLER either side of him. ‘The British Apprentice’ keeps it simple tonight with a black t-shirt adorning a Union Jack worn underneath a maroon jacket. There is a clear look of focus on the face of Cole as he makes his way towards the ring with Mason and TYLER in tow.
Natalie Rosenberg: "The following contest is your Fallout 027 main event and it is scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit! Introducing first, being accompanied by Jeffry Mason and TYLER… from Essex, England and weighing in at two-hundred and fifteen pounds… he is ‘The British Apprentice’ REAAAAGGAAANNNNN COOOOOOOOOOLLLEEEEE!!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, wrestling fans we have reached the main event contest of tonight’s show and for those who may not realise, there is a whole lot of history to be revisited between Reagan Cole and Chris Peacock tonight."
Allen Price: "Whilst no argument can be made for Chris Peacock leading the way, Reagan Cole will sit near him as one of the most successful Ground Zero exports in history as a former Gauntlet and FWA World Tag Team Champion. I would argue that this young man has lost his way as he seems to be content with aligning himself with the likes of Jeffry Mason and TYLER."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Reagan Cole is doing what he believes is right to protect his family, and well, the connections he has developed with Mason and TYLER could prove very useful in the King of Deathmatch tournament next month. We saw at Back in Business that Cole has it in him to thrive in matches of that style."
Allen Price: "He’s also complicit in the bullying and tormenting of poor Trixie Bordeaux! Just another reason why Chris Peacock wants to teach him a lesson."
Cole enters the ring and indicates that he would prefer to go in there alone, and Mason and TYLER seem happy to go along with it for now and allow him to take the spotlight. He walks over to one of the corners and positions himself on the second rope, looking out to the sold out crowd with a nod.
Whilst the crowd were mixed in their reaction for Cole, they are unanimously in support of his opponent and Chris Peacock shuffles into view backwards from behind the curtain. He wears a white suit jacket and trousers and has his Singapore cane over his shoulder before he turns around to face the camera and points his finger into the air as purple fireworks shoot up from the stage to loud cheers. This action of course also revealing the FWA World Championship around his waist, and he grins before making his way towards the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Introducing his opponent… from Boogie Wonderland by way of New York City and weighing in tonight at two-hundred and ten pounds he is the FWA World Champion… ‘Disco’s Last Warrior’ CHRISSSSSSSSSSSS PEEEEAAACCCOOOOOOOCCCKKKKKKK!!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I’ll admit it, Price. Chris Peacock looks like a champion tonight and that’s saying something compared to how we’ve seen him recently. Peacock has not done the best job of hiding his nerves and anxieties and well, he’s going to need to get on top of them when he defends the FWA World Championship against both Cyrus Truth and Michelle von Horrowitz at The Grand March."
Allen Price: "There’s no arguing that both Cyrus and Michelle have done this dance more times than Chris has, but he’s main evented one Pay-Per-View now and he wants that feeling to continue for as long as it can. I know that he is going to overcome whatever else he is battling and also Reagan Cole tonight, probably."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Peacock is going to need to keep things in check for sure, Price. Obviously he knows all about the Nephews, but both Jeffry Mason and TYLER are very likely going to be thorns in his side tonight, and that is not even mentioning the difficult prospect that Reagan Cole is to face on his own!"
Peacock reaches the bottom of the ramp and approaches the steel steps where he notices both Mason and TYLER getting a little too close for his liking so he motions for them to move with his cane. Mason sarcastically bows and motions for Peacock to pass them and Chris decides to pay them no more mind and he enters the ring where he glances at Cole momentarily and then shimmies out of his jacket and removes the championship from around his waist.
Someone at ringside grabs the title, cane and jacket and Peacock sways from side to side for a moment as the referee - Larry Stevens - completes his checks and then calls for the bell!
There is no cagey opening to the match in front of the hot crowd, and this is due to the insistence of Jeffry Mason, who demands that Cole immediately rushes Peacock upon the match beginning, but the FWA World Champion is ready for it, and the two of them begin to exchange punches in the middle of the ring! The crowd lap it up as they take turns striking each other with punches to the head and face with neither giving an inch. As the strikes continue, the level of crowd noise increases and the cycle only stops when Cole manages to block one of Peacock’s punches and he cracks Peacock on the nose with a Headbutt!
The Headbutt to the nose that was fractured last year in a match with Gerald Grayson causes Peacock to recoil backwards, but Peacock responds with a kick to the midsection which doubles Cole over, and Peacock leaps into the air, looking for a Famouser - but Cole catches him and then lifts him up by the back of his leg, but Peacock flips backwards and lands on his feet! With the two of them face to face once again, Peacock connects with a punch, and then a second. Peacock spins on the spot and strikes a pose, looking for a third punch - but Cole cuts him off with another Headbutt!
This one had a lot more sauce on it, and as a result it sends Peacock down to the mat on his back where he is forced to shake out some early cobwebs. Jeffry Mason approves of the force behind the move and Cole drops to his knees, tightly hooking both of Peacock’s legs, wanting to get a quick victory over the FWA World Champion;
ONE-NO!!
The crowd cheers loudly as Peacock emphatically kicks out at just one and he then rises to his feet from the ground in front of a slightly shocked Cole, and Peacock ploughs through Cole with a Running Forearm to the face!
Allen Price: "Haha! It is going to take a lot more than that to keep Chris Peacock down, Cole! Look at him now, running to the outside."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Reagan Cole looking like he wishes to regroup with the assistance of Jeffry Mason after his plan to overwhelm Chris Peacock in the early stages of the match seemingly have not paid dividends."
As Cole slides under the bottom rope, checking on his mouth after the stiff forearm strike from Peacock, Peacock attempts to reach out and stop him. He is unsuccessful and Cole drops to a knee with his arm resting on the ring apron and Mason takes a moment to tell him to regain his focus before getting into the ring, but Peacock is not the type to allow his opponent to escape like that, and he exits the ring on an adjacent size and approaches Cole from behind and globs him in the back of the head.
With Cole rocked momentarily, Peacock strikes him with a few punches to the top of the head, and he then grabs Cole by the back of the head and bounces Cole’s forehead off of the ring apron! Peacock then shifts Cole’s weight and rolls him back into the ring under the bottom rope. The FWA World Champion pulls himself up onto the apron but then feels something on his foot and notices that TYLER has grabbed onto his shoe! The fans boo and TYLER releases Peacock’s foot immediately upon Stevens telling him to.
It seems that TYLER’s involvement was just a nod to Peacock to let him know that both he and Mason are there and are potential factors in this match, but Peacock isn’t going to take it lying down! Peacock drops back to the floor and advances towards TYLER, who backs away until he feels the ring barricade behind him… and after giving him a piece of his mind, PEACOCK PIMP SLAPS TYLER ACROSS THE FACE!! The crowd cheers, and does so even more when Peacock grabs TYLER AND SENDS HIM FACE FIRST INTO THE RING POST!!
Allen Price: "Yeah, that’s what you get, TYLER! No one messes around with Chris Peacock and gets away with it, and TYLER just found that out the hard way, J-L… as you know all too well."
With TYLER sprawled out across the floor and out of commission temporarily, Peacock turns his attention to Jeffry Mason and steps up on him as well, with Mason holding his hands up in innocence… AND REAGAN COLE THEN WIPES PEACOCK OUT WITH A SUICIDE DIVE!! Peacock flies back into the ring barricade and Cole is back up to his feet a couple of seconds later and he plucks Peacock from the floor in front of a laughing Jeffry Mason and he sends Peacock into the ring under the bottom rope in the same manner in which he was put in just a minute ago.
‘The British Apprentice’ gets into the ring after Peacock and quickly drops a knee down across the back of his head, before he rolls the champion over and drops another one, this time across his face. Cole drops down and takes his forearm and grinds it across Peacock’s face, and Peacock has to shove him away, but Cole is very quick to get to his feet and he takes Peacock back down onto the mat with a Running Single Leg Dropkick. With Peacock down on his back, Cole goes for another pin;
ONE… TWO-NO!!
It was closer than the previous pin, but Cole is fully aware that more work is required if he wants to put away the resilient champion and he picks him up from the mat with ease and Cole takes Peacock over with an INVENTED SUPLEX!!
Allen Price: "Did he really invent the Suplex, Jean-Luc?"
Peacock smarts from the impact, but Cole neglects to go for another pin attempt off of the move and he picks Peacock up and holds him down with a Double Underhook, and he drives his knee into Peacock’s ribs whilst keeping him held down, before he adjusts his grip and brings Peacock towards the corner and looks to drive his head into the top turnbuckle, but Peacock places his foot on the middle one to block it, and he cuts Cole off with Fight Fever! The fist connects with Cole’s face and Peacock is quick to grab his opponent and he puts Cole up against the turnbuckle in the corner.
After taking a second to clear his head, Peacock climbs up onto the second rope and he holds his fist up and starts landing punches down onto Cole’s head!
“ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN!”
The fans cheer as Peacock completes the sequence and he drops down onto the mat and motions for the groggy Cole to come forward towards him and when he does Peacock dips down and brings Cole up onto his shoulders into a Fireman’s Carry… and he turns this into an Airplane Spin! The fans start counting once again for each rotation!
“ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN!”
After the tenth time around, Peacock falls back and drops Cole down onto the mat with a Samoan Drop!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Dance Dance Revolutions! Both of them must be dizzy after that, but Peacock is able to back into a cover!"
ONE… TWO… NO!!
Reagan Cole kicks out and Peacock slams his fist down onto the mat and displays some frustration, but he moves past it and pulls himself back up to his feet and then makes his way back to the corner. Some of the fans chant “STRUT!” at Peacock, but it is not what he has in mind, as he ducks through the ropes and then begins to ascend the turnbuckle as Cole stirs on the mat. Peacock gets up onto the top rope and steadies himself, seemingly about to take flight for a Glitterball Drop, but TYLER is back up and he’s on the apron!
The fans boo loudly for another unwelcome intrusion from the Ground Zero competitor, and Peacock uses several expletives which are picked up by the camera to tell him to go away, but the distraction is enough for Reagan Cole to charge forward into the ropes, causing Peacock to crotch himself on the top rope! There is a collective wince as the FWA World Champion holds his tender region and TYLER drops down from the apron under threat from Stevens that he will be ejected if he does not stop getting involved in the match.
With Chris Peacock on the top rope in a very vulnerable state, the opportunity for Reagan Cole to make a big statement in the match becomes present and he lands a hard punch to Peacock’s face, before stepping onto the middle rope in the corner.
Allen Price: "Reagan Cole clearly has something in mind here, Jean-Luc, and I don’t think it is going to be good new for the FWA World Champion…"
Cole gets his head tucked under Peacock’s arm and then pulls Peacock back up onto the top rope before joining him there too and Cole LIFTS PEACOCK UP… AND DROPS HIM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING WITH AN OLYMPIC SLAM FROM THE TOP ROPE!!!
Despite their mixed feelings towards Reagan Cole, ‘The British Apprentice’ has the entire crowd on their feet with that move, and an exhausted Cole slowly crawls towards Peacock and then drapes an arm across his chest once he is close enough;
ONE… TWO… THRE-NO!!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "A fantastic move there from Reagan Cole and he almost, so nearly, made the most of the advantage presented to him by TYLER’s distraction of Chris Peacock. Perhaps you were right, Price, dealing with The Nephews may have rendered Peacock immune to succumbing to outside interference."
Allen Price: "These guys are just as crafty and just as nefarious as The Nephews are, Jean-Luc. I don’t think there’s any better way that Chris can prepare for anything at The Grand March and what they may throw at him there than this."
Reagan Cole has a bewildered look on his face as he holds up three fingers to the referee, with Jeffry Mason showing some signs of frustration on the outside that Reagan was not able to get the victory there and he slams his hands on the ring apron to get Reagan’s attention before motioning for him to finish the match off. Cole nods his head, and then pushes himself back up to his feet as Peacock rolls onto his front in an attempt to pick himself up too.
Under Mason’s instruction, Cole sets himself up in the corner and then motions for Peacock to rise to his feet and it takes people a few seconds to get up but when he does… COLE LOOKS TO HIT HIM WITH THE COLE-BREAKER… BUT PEACOCK CATCHES HIS LEG AND THEN DROPS DOWN INTO THE COMMENTATOR’S CURSE!!!
The fans cheer loudly as Peacock counters the Jumping Superkick into his Kneebar; the same move he used to defeat Cole’s friend Devin Golden with at Back in Business. Reagan Cole’s eyes widen as he realises the severity of his situation and he tries breaking Peacock’s grip but it is futile as the FWA World Champion has the hold locked in very tightly and Cole finds himself in the middle of the ring with not many places to go!
Allen Price: "It is in Reagan Cole’s best interests to submit here, and to admit defeat, because we know that Chris Peacock will not hesitate to snap that leg if it comes to it; we’ve seen him do it before."
Reagan grits his teeth and reaches towards the ropes but realises that he is far too far away from them to force a break. Cole pushes himself up from the mat and tries to shuffle towards the ropes and he manages to carry both his and his opponent’s weight with him across half of the ring’s length… and he is finally able to lean back and get both hands around the bottom rope! The referee forces a break by Peacock and Cole grapevines the bottom rope whilst next to them to ensure that he cannot be put straight back into the hold. Peacock stays on his back with his head in his hands, exhausted by the length that this match has gone thus far.
With both men down on the mat and the crowd showing their appreciation with a strong showing of support for them both, a loud siren blares through the arena. Natalie Rosenberg steps forward at ringside.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Wrestling fans this is your Fallout Four-Minute Warning! Four minutes remaining…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Four minutes left, and Reagan Cole is really pushing the FWA World Champion to the limit tonight. You can see the worry creeping onto the face of Jeffry Mason; he knows how important it is to his cause for Reagan Cole to beat Chris Peacock tonight."
Allen Price: "Chris Peacock knows how to last for long stretches, Jean-Luc. I don’t doubt for a second that he can wrap this up in time remaining, despite what other crap Mason and TYLER have up their sleeves."
The sounding of the warning creates a new sense of urgency in the arena for everyone who is not competing in the match as both Peacock and Cole remain down on the mat. Jeffry Mason is shown nodding at TYLER before walking deeper into the ringside area and TYLER quickly jogs around to the side of the ring next to the entrance way and he hops up onto the apron once again! The fans boo loudly and Larry Stevens is forced to come across and admonish TYLER once again.
However, with the referee’s back turned, there is no one keeping an eye on Jeffry Mason who walks out from the timekeeper’s area with the FWA World Championship in his hands!
Allen Price: "I can’t believe we have to say that Jeffry Mason has touched the FWA World Championship now!"
Mason takes the championship belt, and he places it into the arms of Reagan Cole who is still down by the ropes and Mason nods his head as Cole questions what he is doing with it, until things finally click for Cole! The crowd are very unhappy with the events transpiring in front of them and Cole does his best to hide the championship as he gets up by the ropes, with the referee still occupied by TYLER. Chris Peacock gets to his hands and knees also, unaware that Cole has his championship in his possession.
As Reagan lines up a shot to Peacock with his own title, a small portion of the crowd begins to cheer and this swells AS SOMEONE IS CHARGING DOWN THE RAMP!! IT’S BELLATRIX BORDEAUX!!
The fans cheer loudly as Trixie approaches TYLER from behind and pulls his foot… and TYLER’s face bounces off of the ring apron! The referee now leaves the ring to get things to calm down on the outside as Reagan Cole watches on in shock. Jeffry Mason charges around towards Bordeaux and gets in her face, and she screams back at him showing some defiance against her bullies.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Bordeaux has been the object of torment for Mason et al for weeks now but she is coming out here to thwart them and balance the scales back in Chris Peacock’s favour!"
After Cole witnessed Bodreaux’s intervention on the outside, he remembers the task at hand and notices Peacock back to his feet and COLE LOOKS TO STRIKE PEACOCK WITH THE TITLE, BUT PEACOCK DUCKS IT! PEACOCK RUNS THE ROPES AND COMES BACK AT COLE WITH A SPEAR!!!
The crowd cheer wildly as Peacock scrambles back up to his feet and picks Cole up from the mat and then charges him into one of the corners… ROLLER DISCO CONNECTS!!! Peacock stacks Cole up after the move and Larry Stevens notices from the outside that a pin is taking place, and he slides back into the ring to make the count!
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
The crowd cheer loudly in approval of the result and Chris Peacock grabs his championship from the mat and puts it in front of his waist before he rises to his feet and has his arm raised in victory. A furious Jeffry Mason on the outside looms over Bellatrix Bordeaux, who seems to be about to realise the severity of her actions.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… CHRIS PEACOCK!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Victory for Chris Peacock tonight on the final stop before The Grand March, making it an important one, but you do have to give an assist to Trixie Bordeaux, Price."
Allen Price: "I’d call that evening up the playing field, Jean-Luc! We’ve got Mason and TYLER out here causing trouble for Peacock the entire match when really, based on that performance, Cole definitely had a chance to win that match legitimately. Strong performances against the likes of Chris Peacock and Mike Parr are definitely strong preparation for the King of the Deathmatch."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "A tournament that Bellatrix Bordeaux will also be in, and I think that she may be about to get a bit of a taster from Jeffry Mason!"
The feed focuses on the outside of the ring, as Jeffry Mason is now being joined by TYLER in intimidating Bellatrix and together they back her up in the corner on the outside of the ring. Chris Peacock notices this and looks to be about to intervene… but he stops when he is halfway out of the ring, because he senses something else which the fans have also noticed.
Peacock slowly gets back through the ropes and turns around to see the person who had just snuck into the ring through the crowd. Who else came through the crowd but a Nephew? Chris Peacock listens to the loud boos from the fans as he stands opposite Michelle von Horrowitz, and as they lock eyes, some of the life seems to drain out of his eyes. Michelle slowly nods and reality could be beginning to sink in for Chris Peacock about the challenge he has coming for him at The Grand March.
Allen Price: "Both of these individuals know that the next time they will be in a ring together it will be in Chicago on April 9th at The Grand March, it will be the two of them and-"
The fans cheer loudly as the third part of the equation that is the main event of The Grand March makes an appearance and Cyrus Truth shows his complete disdain for his two opponents in Chicago as he marches towards the ring.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Cyrus Truth refuses to be forgotten in this scenario and he will want to be a part of whatever is going to follow here between Chris Peacock and Michelle von Horrowitz!"
Cyrus slides into the ring and the three of them form a triangle in the ring and all duck down slightly to show that they are ready to fight. However, just as they are about to…
XYZ AND DEATH WALKER EMERGE FROM THE BACK ONTO THE STAGE! The trio in the ring do not react to it, and the Menagé and The Dark Guardian both follow the scrap down the ramp and they continue to fight down at ringside! Upon seeing this, TYLER and Jeffry Mason also both set on Bellatrix Bordeaux, with an angered Reagan Cole joining in!
Allen Price: "Things are starting to boil over here on Fallout and we don’t even have any security to put a stop to it! HERE COME MORE!"
SAWYER XAVIER sprints out from the back and he launches himself at Death Walker, wanting some revenge for the attempted assault on him earlier on tonight. Not far behind Sawyer is MADISON GRAY, who has Sawyer in her sights, but she has XYZ pushed into her by Death Walker, and Gray and XYZ start getting into it!
Peacock, Truth and MvH remain unmoved in the middle of the ring as the brawl at ringside continues to expand with the arrival of KLEIO DE SANTOS and THE COVEN, who also want some of XYZ and his Menagé, and JASON RANDALL sprints out from the back after that and he cuts KDS off before she can get to XYZ! Randall likely displeased that Kleio did not stand with him and the others earlier on in the face of Death Walker!
As the fighting surrounds the ring with all involved taking part in the King of Deathmatch tournament, things take another turn as WEASELPERSON meanders out from the back, wanting to get involved too! The crowd barks along with them as they near the brawl, but LOGAN DARWIN is quickly on the scene and he barrels into weaselperson from behind and puts them in a headlock!
There are sounds of shouting, punching and other commotions as Jason Randall sends a Ravenwood sister into the ring steps, Bellatrix Bordeaux bites TYLER’s hand as she tries to escape them, Death Walker swats a steel chair out of Sawyer Xavier’s hands.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It is utter PANDEMONIUM out here and the three world title contenders are still in the ring sizing each other up!"
The arena seems like a powder keg about to ignite due to how much is going on, then…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "A lot of these individuals are in the King of the Deathmatch tournament and for them this is who it is all about! HERE COMES THE X CHAMPION ALYSTER BLACK!"
The crowd are going ballistic for the sighting of ‘Black Jesus’, and the fighting on the outside comes to a temporary stop as Black drops the X Championship on his way down to the ring and ALYSTER BLACK JUMPS INTO THE FRAY AND IT ALL KICKS OFF AGAIN!!
The final stop before the KODM/TGM triple header weekend ends with the known participants in the King of Deathmatch tournament and their allies brawling on the outside of the ring and the trio of Michelle von Horrowitz, Cyrus Truth and Chris Peacock standing in the middle of the ring, about to come to blows, as the criminally underrated sounds of Rammstein echoes through the arena…
The Headbutt to the nose that was fractured last year in a match with Gerald Grayson causes Peacock to recoil backwards, but Peacock responds with a kick to the midsection which doubles Cole over, and Peacock leaps into the air, looking for a Famouser - but Cole catches him and then lifts him up by the back of his leg, but Peacock flips backwards and lands on his feet! With the two of them face to face once again, Peacock connects with a punch, and then a second. Peacock spins on the spot and strikes a pose, looking for a third punch - but Cole cuts him off with another Headbutt!
This one had a lot more sauce on it, and as a result it sends Peacock down to the mat on his back where he is forced to shake out some early cobwebs. Jeffry Mason approves of the force behind the move and Cole drops to his knees, tightly hooking both of Peacock’s legs, wanting to get a quick victory over the FWA World Champion;
ONE-NO!!
The crowd cheers loudly as Peacock emphatically kicks out at just one and he then rises to his feet from the ground in front of a slightly shocked Cole, and Peacock ploughs through Cole with a Running Forearm to the face!
Allen Price: "Haha! It is going to take a lot more than that to keep Chris Peacock down, Cole! Look at him now, running to the outside."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Reagan Cole looking like he wishes to regroup with the assistance of Jeffry Mason after his plan to overwhelm Chris Peacock in the early stages of the match seemingly have not paid dividends."
As Cole slides under the bottom rope, checking on his mouth after the stiff forearm strike from Peacock, Peacock attempts to reach out and stop him. He is unsuccessful and Cole drops to a knee with his arm resting on the ring apron and Mason takes a moment to tell him to regain his focus before getting into the ring, but Peacock is not the type to allow his opponent to escape like that, and he exits the ring on an adjacent size and approaches Cole from behind and globs him in the back of the head.
With Cole rocked momentarily, Peacock strikes him with a few punches to the top of the head, and he then grabs Cole by the back of the head and bounces Cole’s forehead off of the ring apron! Peacock then shifts Cole’s weight and rolls him back into the ring under the bottom rope. The FWA World Champion pulls himself up onto the apron but then feels something on his foot and notices that TYLER has grabbed onto his shoe! The fans boo and TYLER releases Peacock’s foot immediately upon Stevens telling him to.
It seems that TYLER’s involvement was just a nod to Peacock to let him know that both he and Mason are there and are potential factors in this match, but Peacock isn’t going to take it lying down! Peacock drops back to the floor and advances towards TYLER, who backs away until he feels the ring barricade behind him… and after giving him a piece of his mind, PEACOCK PIMP SLAPS TYLER ACROSS THE FACE!! The crowd cheers, and does so even more when Peacock grabs TYLER AND SENDS HIM FACE FIRST INTO THE RING POST!!
Allen Price: "Yeah, that’s what you get, TYLER! No one messes around with Chris Peacock and gets away with it, and TYLER just found that out the hard way, J-L… as you know all too well."
With TYLER sprawled out across the floor and out of commission temporarily, Peacock turns his attention to Jeffry Mason and steps up on him as well, with Mason holding his hands up in innocence… AND REAGAN COLE THEN WIPES PEACOCK OUT WITH A SUICIDE DIVE!! Peacock flies back into the ring barricade and Cole is back up to his feet a couple of seconds later and he plucks Peacock from the floor in front of a laughing Jeffry Mason and he sends Peacock into the ring under the bottom rope in the same manner in which he was put in just a minute ago.
‘The British Apprentice’ gets into the ring after Peacock and quickly drops a knee down across the back of his head, before he rolls the champion over and drops another one, this time across his face. Cole drops down and takes his forearm and grinds it across Peacock’s face, and Peacock has to shove him away, but Cole is very quick to get to his feet and he takes Peacock back down onto the mat with a Running Single Leg Dropkick. With Peacock down on his back, Cole goes for another pin;
ONE… TWO-NO!!
It was closer than the previous pin, but Cole is fully aware that more work is required if he wants to put away the resilient champion and he picks him up from the mat with ease and Cole takes Peacock over with an INVENTED SUPLEX!!
Allen Price: "Did he really invent the Suplex, Jean-Luc?"
Peacock smarts from the impact, but Cole neglects to go for another pin attempt off of the move and he picks Peacock up and holds him down with a Double Underhook, and he drives his knee into Peacock’s ribs whilst keeping him held down, before he adjusts his grip and brings Peacock towards the corner and looks to drive his head into the top turnbuckle, but Peacock places his foot on the middle one to block it, and he cuts Cole off with Fight Fever! The fist connects with Cole’s face and Peacock is quick to grab his opponent and he puts Cole up against the turnbuckle in the corner.
After taking a second to clear his head, Peacock climbs up onto the second rope and he holds his fist up and starts landing punches down onto Cole’s head!
“ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN!”
The fans cheer as Peacock completes the sequence and he drops down onto the mat and motions for the groggy Cole to come forward towards him and when he does Peacock dips down and brings Cole up onto his shoulders into a Fireman’s Carry… and he turns this into an Airplane Spin! The fans start counting once again for each rotation!
“ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN!”
After the tenth time around, Peacock falls back and drops Cole down onto the mat with a Samoan Drop!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Dance Dance Revolutions! Both of them must be dizzy after that, but Peacock is able to back into a cover!"
ONE… TWO… NO!!
Reagan Cole kicks out and Peacock slams his fist down onto the mat and displays some frustration, but he moves past it and pulls himself back up to his feet and then makes his way back to the corner. Some of the fans chant “STRUT!” at Peacock, but it is not what he has in mind, as he ducks through the ropes and then begins to ascend the turnbuckle as Cole stirs on the mat. Peacock gets up onto the top rope and steadies himself, seemingly about to take flight for a Glitterball Drop, but TYLER is back up and he’s on the apron!
The fans boo loudly for another unwelcome intrusion from the Ground Zero competitor, and Peacock uses several expletives which are picked up by the camera to tell him to go away, but the distraction is enough for Reagan Cole to charge forward into the ropes, causing Peacock to crotch himself on the top rope! There is a collective wince as the FWA World Champion holds his tender region and TYLER drops down from the apron under threat from Stevens that he will be ejected if he does not stop getting involved in the match.
With Chris Peacock on the top rope in a very vulnerable state, the opportunity for Reagan Cole to make a big statement in the match becomes present and he lands a hard punch to Peacock’s face, before stepping onto the middle rope in the corner.
Allen Price: "Reagan Cole clearly has something in mind here, Jean-Luc, and I don’t think it is going to be good new for the FWA World Champion…"
Cole gets his head tucked under Peacock’s arm and then pulls Peacock back up onto the top rope before joining him there too and Cole LIFTS PEACOCK UP… AND DROPS HIM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING WITH AN OLYMPIC SLAM FROM THE TOP ROPE!!!
Despite their mixed feelings towards Reagan Cole, ‘The British Apprentice’ has the entire crowd on their feet with that move, and an exhausted Cole slowly crawls towards Peacock and then drapes an arm across his chest once he is close enough;
ONE… TWO… THRE-NO!!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "A fantastic move there from Reagan Cole and he almost, so nearly, made the most of the advantage presented to him by TYLER’s distraction of Chris Peacock. Perhaps you were right, Price, dealing with The Nephews may have rendered Peacock immune to succumbing to outside interference."
Allen Price: "These guys are just as crafty and just as nefarious as The Nephews are, Jean-Luc. I don’t think there’s any better way that Chris can prepare for anything at The Grand March and what they may throw at him there than this."
Reagan Cole has a bewildered look on his face as he holds up three fingers to the referee, with Jeffry Mason showing some signs of frustration on the outside that Reagan was not able to get the victory there and he slams his hands on the ring apron to get Reagan’s attention before motioning for him to finish the match off. Cole nods his head, and then pushes himself back up to his feet as Peacock rolls onto his front in an attempt to pick himself up too.
Under Mason’s instruction, Cole sets himself up in the corner and then motions for Peacock to rise to his feet and it takes people a few seconds to get up but when he does… COLE LOOKS TO HIT HIM WITH THE COLE-BREAKER… BUT PEACOCK CATCHES HIS LEG AND THEN DROPS DOWN INTO THE COMMENTATOR’S CURSE!!!
The fans cheer loudly as Peacock counters the Jumping Superkick into his Kneebar; the same move he used to defeat Cole’s friend Devin Golden with at Back in Business. Reagan Cole’s eyes widen as he realises the severity of his situation and he tries breaking Peacock’s grip but it is futile as the FWA World Champion has the hold locked in very tightly and Cole finds himself in the middle of the ring with not many places to go!
Allen Price: "It is in Reagan Cole’s best interests to submit here, and to admit defeat, because we know that Chris Peacock will not hesitate to snap that leg if it comes to it; we’ve seen him do it before."
Reagan grits his teeth and reaches towards the ropes but realises that he is far too far away from them to force a break. Cole pushes himself up from the mat and tries to shuffle towards the ropes and he manages to carry both his and his opponent’s weight with him across half of the ring’s length… and he is finally able to lean back and get both hands around the bottom rope! The referee forces a break by Peacock and Cole grapevines the bottom rope whilst next to them to ensure that he cannot be put straight back into the hold. Peacock stays on his back with his head in his hands, exhausted by the length that this match has gone thus far.
With both men down on the mat and the crowd showing their appreciation with a strong showing of support for them both, a loud siren blares through the arena. Natalie Rosenberg steps forward at ringside.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Wrestling fans this is your Fallout Four-Minute Warning! Four minutes remaining…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Four minutes left, and Reagan Cole is really pushing the FWA World Champion to the limit tonight. You can see the worry creeping onto the face of Jeffry Mason; he knows how important it is to his cause for Reagan Cole to beat Chris Peacock tonight."
Allen Price: "Chris Peacock knows how to last for long stretches, Jean-Luc. I don’t doubt for a second that he can wrap this up in time remaining, despite what other crap Mason and TYLER have up their sleeves."
The sounding of the warning creates a new sense of urgency in the arena for everyone who is not competing in the match as both Peacock and Cole remain down on the mat. Jeffry Mason is shown nodding at TYLER before walking deeper into the ringside area and TYLER quickly jogs around to the side of the ring next to the entrance way and he hops up onto the apron once again! The fans boo loudly and Larry Stevens is forced to come across and admonish TYLER once again.
However, with the referee’s back turned, there is no one keeping an eye on Jeffry Mason who walks out from the timekeeper’s area with the FWA World Championship in his hands!
Allen Price: "I can’t believe we have to say that Jeffry Mason has touched the FWA World Championship now!"
Mason takes the championship belt, and he places it into the arms of Reagan Cole who is still down by the ropes and Mason nods his head as Cole questions what he is doing with it, until things finally click for Cole! The crowd are very unhappy with the events transpiring in front of them and Cole does his best to hide the championship as he gets up by the ropes, with the referee still occupied by TYLER. Chris Peacock gets to his hands and knees also, unaware that Cole has his championship in his possession.
As Reagan lines up a shot to Peacock with his own title, a small portion of the crowd begins to cheer and this swells AS SOMEONE IS CHARGING DOWN THE RAMP!! IT’S BELLATRIX BORDEAUX!!
The fans cheer loudly as Trixie approaches TYLER from behind and pulls his foot… and TYLER’s face bounces off of the ring apron! The referee now leaves the ring to get things to calm down on the outside as Reagan Cole watches on in shock. Jeffry Mason charges around towards Bordeaux and gets in her face, and she screams back at him showing some defiance against her bullies.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Bordeaux has been the object of torment for Mason et al for weeks now but she is coming out here to thwart them and balance the scales back in Chris Peacock’s favour!"
After Cole witnessed Bodreaux’s intervention on the outside, he remembers the task at hand and notices Peacock back to his feet and COLE LOOKS TO STRIKE PEACOCK WITH THE TITLE, BUT PEACOCK DUCKS IT! PEACOCK RUNS THE ROPES AND COMES BACK AT COLE WITH A SPEAR!!!
The crowd cheer wildly as Peacock scrambles back up to his feet and picks Cole up from the mat and then charges him into one of the corners… ROLLER DISCO CONNECTS!!! Peacock stacks Cole up after the move and Larry Stevens notices from the outside that a pin is taking place, and he slides back into the ring to make the count!
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
WInner: Chris Peacock by pin fall at 18:05.
The crowd cheer loudly in approval of the result and Chris Peacock grabs his championship from the mat and puts it in front of his waist before he rises to his feet and has his arm raised in victory. A furious Jeffry Mason on the outside looms over Bellatrix Bordeaux, who seems to be about to realise the severity of her actions.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… CHRIS PEACOCK!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Victory for Chris Peacock tonight on the final stop before The Grand March, making it an important one, but you do have to give an assist to Trixie Bordeaux, Price."
Allen Price: "I’d call that evening up the playing field, Jean-Luc! We’ve got Mason and TYLER out here causing trouble for Peacock the entire match when really, based on that performance, Cole definitely had a chance to win that match legitimately. Strong performances against the likes of Chris Peacock and Mike Parr are definitely strong preparation for the King of the Deathmatch."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "A tournament that Bellatrix Bordeaux will also be in, and I think that she may be about to get a bit of a taster from Jeffry Mason!"
The feed focuses on the outside of the ring, as Jeffry Mason is now being joined by TYLER in intimidating Bellatrix and together they back her up in the corner on the outside of the ring. Chris Peacock notices this and looks to be about to intervene… but he stops when he is halfway out of the ring, because he senses something else which the fans have also noticed.
Peacock slowly gets back through the ropes and turns around to see the person who had just snuck into the ring through the crowd. Who else came through the crowd but a Nephew? Chris Peacock listens to the loud boos from the fans as he stands opposite Michelle von Horrowitz, and as they lock eyes, some of the life seems to drain out of his eyes. Michelle slowly nods and reality could be beginning to sink in for Chris Peacock about the challenge he has coming for him at The Grand March.
Allen Price: "Both of these individuals know that the next time they will be in a ring together it will be in Chicago on April 9th at The Grand March, it will be the two of them and-"
The fans cheer loudly as the third part of the equation that is the main event of The Grand March makes an appearance and Cyrus Truth shows his complete disdain for his two opponents in Chicago as he marches towards the ring.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Cyrus Truth refuses to be forgotten in this scenario and he will want to be a part of whatever is going to follow here between Chris Peacock and Michelle von Horrowitz!"
Cyrus slides into the ring and the three of them form a triangle in the ring and all duck down slightly to show that they are ready to fight. However, just as they are about to…
XYZ AND DEATH WALKER EMERGE FROM THE BACK ONTO THE STAGE! The trio in the ring do not react to it, and the Menagé and The Dark Guardian both follow the scrap down the ramp and they continue to fight down at ringside! Upon seeing this, TYLER and Jeffry Mason also both set on Bellatrix Bordeaux, with an angered Reagan Cole joining in!
Allen Price: "Things are starting to boil over here on Fallout and we don’t even have any security to put a stop to it! HERE COME MORE!"
SAWYER XAVIER sprints out from the back and he launches himself at Death Walker, wanting some revenge for the attempted assault on him earlier on tonight. Not far behind Sawyer is MADISON GRAY, who has Sawyer in her sights, but she has XYZ pushed into her by Death Walker, and Gray and XYZ start getting into it!
Peacock, Truth and MvH remain unmoved in the middle of the ring as the brawl at ringside continues to expand with the arrival of KLEIO DE SANTOS and THE COVEN, who also want some of XYZ and his Menagé, and JASON RANDALL sprints out from the back after that and he cuts KDS off before she can get to XYZ! Randall likely displeased that Kleio did not stand with him and the others earlier on in the face of Death Walker!
As the fighting surrounds the ring with all involved taking part in the King of Deathmatch tournament, things take another turn as WEASELPERSON meanders out from the back, wanting to get involved too! The crowd barks along with them as they near the brawl, but LOGAN DARWIN is quickly on the scene and he barrels into weaselperson from behind and puts them in a headlock!
There are sounds of shouting, punching and other commotions as Jason Randall sends a Ravenwood sister into the ring steps, Bellatrix Bordeaux bites TYLER’s hand as she tries to escape them, Death Walker swats a steel chair out of Sawyer Xavier’s hands.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It is utter PANDEMONIUM out here and the three world title contenders are still in the ring sizing each other up!"
The arena seems like a powder keg about to ignite due to how much is going on, then…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "A lot of these individuals are in the King of the Deathmatch tournament and for them this is who it is all about! HERE COMES THE X CHAMPION ALYSTER BLACK!"
The crowd are going ballistic for the sighting of ‘Black Jesus’, and the fighting on the outside comes to a temporary stop as Black drops the X Championship on his way down to the ring and ALYSTER BLACK JUMPS INTO THE FRAY AND IT ALL KICKS OFF AGAIN!!
The final stop before the KODM/TGM triple header weekend ends with the known participants in the King of Deathmatch tournament and their allies brawling on the outside of the ring and the trio of Michelle von Horrowitz, Cyrus Truth and Chris Peacock standing in the middle of the ring, about to come to blows, as the criminally underrated sounds of Rammstein echoes through the arena…
