024: “SEA LEVEL SADISM.”
Live from Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade, Serbia.
Saturday 24th December, 2022.
The show opens with Shawn Summers pacing back and forth in his locker room. His arms are folded, and he looks as though he is in deep thought as he walks forward for a bit before turning on his heels and marching in the opposite direction. He repeats until stoping and points at the camera. His eyes are narrow, and his face is scrunched with a sly snarl.
Shawn Summers: "No one ever cares about Shawn Summers and his motives until the bat starts swinging. That's always been funny to me. No one gave a damn about me signing with the FWA until I smacked a bat against that massive cranium of Mike Parr. Then, well, everyone wanted to know why. Everyone wanted to know my motives. How could I be so cruel and mean to a guy that was one of the most hated figures in all professional wrestling? As if he hadn't deserved it."
He laughs to himself before beginning to pace back and forth again. He looks disheveled, almost as if he's preoccupied with something else that is fighting for his attention. He eventually stops and returns to his thought.
Shawn Summers: "The only time you want to know about me is when I'm doing some of the vilest shit this industry has ever seen. That says a lot about you, sadists. Doesn't it? It also says a lot about your intelligence, seeing how you can't figure out why I would attack Phillip and Vampyra. Are you all that dumb? Are you that stupid that it isn't clear to you? The reason I went to the ring and swung that bat like I was playing in a Wild Card game, there were two outs, and I was the last at-bat, was beca-"
As he attempts to complete his thought, there is a knock at the door and a low murmur from a production assistant informing him that his match is next. Shawn looked annoyed with the interruption, but his annoyance quickly turned to a smirk of satisfaction.
Shawn Summers: "Another time, I guess."
Shawn says with a wink at the camera as he exits, and the scene fades to black.
We see a beautiful shot of the Rajko Mitic Stadium, and then we get a good look at the fans in attendance for this sold out event. Many signs on hand for various superstars and personalities, and the usual “Allen Price sucks” sign has made its way here. Speaking of Allen, the camera pans over to the commentary table at ringside where we join Allen and Jean-Luc. Watkins is dressed professionally in a nice suit while Price is wearing a suit as well, but an elf hat to celebrate the holiday even though it clashes with his suit.
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Good evening wrestling fans and welcome to this Christmas Eve edition of Fallout 024 as we come to you live from Belgrade, Serbia in the Rajko Mitic Stadium!”
Allen Price: ”Merry Christmas Jean-Luc!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”It’s not Christmas yet, Price.”
Allen Price: ”It’s close enough, don’t be such a grinch!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”I prefer Scrooge, anyway, moving on, we have a big show in store for you tonight wrestling fans and it’s all topped off with that blockbuster main event, the Mile High Massacre match!”
Allen Price: ”That’s right Jean-Luc, and much like the name of the match suggests, it will be a massacre for all involved! I don’t see anyone having much of a merry Christmas after going through that match!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”First though, we’re kicking things off with what should be a hard-hitting singles match between The Wildcard and Der Basterd, take it away Natalie!”
The camera pans to the inside of the ring where Natalie Rosenberg is standing by wearing a festive dress fitting for the time of the year…
Natalie Rosenberg: ”Tonight’s opening contest is scheduled for one fall with a 20-minute-time-limit!”
A few seconds after the song plays and the opening lyrics ring out, The Wildcard emerges from behind the curtain. The Serbian fans give him a mixed greeting but Randall isn’t concerned with that as he’s more focused on heading down to the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: ”Introducing first, from San Diego, California and weighing in at 234 lb…he is The Wildcard…Jason Randaaalll!”
Randall is quick to enter the ring and he tosses aside his entrance vest and paces around the ring…
Natalie Rosenberg: ”And his opponent, from Laguna Beach, California and weighing in 225 lb…he is Der Basterd…Shaaaaaawn Suuummmers!”
Shawn slowly rises through the stage with his head down and eyes closed. The lights strobe between white and red to the drums of the song as fog rises underneath him. Shawn tilts his head up, his face void of emotion as the camera pans around him. He stands in place taking in the moment until the chorus of "Cola" kicks in. He begins to make his way down the ramp mouthing the words to the song, ignoring the hands and verbal assault from the fans as he does. Halfway down the ramp, he takes a visual survey of the arena before slowly walking up the ring steps and slowly ascending the turnbuckle. His eyes closed his head tilted high - he's fully taking in the moment before hopping down into the ring. Shawn makes his way to his corner and crouches down as he awaits the signal of the bell from the referee.
Allen Price: ”We’ve seen a shift in attitude from The Wildcard that has not gone over well with most fans, but judging by the reaction for his opponent, he seems like the lesser of two evils.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Judging by both of their facial expressions, I don’t think either man cares one way or another, Price.
DING! DING! DING!
Right out of the gate and Randall charges toward Summers and he has Summers back in the corner as he pummels him with hard-hitting forearm strikes! Randall is showing no mercy as he lays into Summers, but Shawn manages to block a strike and trades places with Randall. Now, Randall is in the corner and Shawn is laying it in thick on Randall with his combination of strikes until Randall is slumped down in a prone position…
BEES KNEES! Charging knee strike to Randall and Summers isn’t finished just yet as he hits another set of Bees Knees on Randall! Summers drags Randall’s carcass out of the corner and he mounts him and unloads on him with more punches…
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Shawn Summers with Blitzkrieg on The Wildcard and it looks like Randall is already busted open as blood is pouring from his nose!”
Allen Price: ”I think it came from the Bees Knees, which struck Randall in the face on the second go around when Summers usually aims for the chest, but these punches certainly are not helping!”
Summers is forced off of Randall and he postures some for the booing fans while Randall is tended to by referee Richard Davis, but The Wildcard brushes off the referee and just as Summers turns around he’s tripped up by Randall with a double leg takedown and it’s Randall turn to deliver wildly thrown punches to Summers, even going as far as busting Shawn’s upper lip and Summers’ lip is leaking as he does his best to block the strikes…
Summers blocks a punch and takes Randall by the arm and slowly transitions into a cross armbreaker submission! Summers cranks back on the hold and for good measure he kicks at Randall’s face, busting open his upper lip as Randall is able to get a hold of the ropes…
Randall is on his side near the ropes and he spits out blood and wipes some of it away from his nose. Summers meanders over to Randall and helps him up and he locks in a rear waistlock, but Randall throws back a few elbows that send more blood flying from Shawn’s bloody lip. Randal turns the tables on Summers as he takes him by the wrist and levels Summers with a ripcord lariat! He keeps a tight grip around the wrist as he brings Summers back to his feet and this time strikes with a ripcord knee! Randall then takes Summers up and drops him down with a twisting suplex! Randall isn’t through yet though as he takes Summers up once more and this time drops him with a saito suplex! This time Randall drops down for the lateral press while hooking the far leg…
One…two…NO!
Summers rolls over on his side and tries to escape to the apron, but Randall prevents him from doing so with some well-placed stomps. Randall drags Summers up and sends him off to the ropes, but Summers hangs on and he flips an incoming Randall overhead where Randall gingerly lands on the apron. Randall clubs Summers in the back of the head, and he tries to lift him up with a suplex to the outside but Summers doesn’t budge and turns the tables on Randall with a suplex that brings The Wildcard back inside the ring!
Randall winces as his spine meets the mat and Summers delivers some vicious looking stomps for good measure on Randall. The Wildcard is crawling on all fours now but Summers drives a boot straight to the gut! Randall coughs up some blood on the mat from the kick and he’s taking his time getting up on his feet but just as he’s up…LIGHTS OUT! Springboard knee strike from Summers and Shawn drops down for the pin…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Summers drags Randall near the ropes and drapes his legs over the first rope before dropping down on Randall’s legs with a seated senton! Summers then drags Randall away from the ropes and he’s looking for Charlotte’s Web, his signature figure four leg lock, but Randall has the wherewithal to kick him away and Shawn stumbles forward toward the corner where he stops himself from crashing sternum first into the corner. Randall limps his way up and wipes away some more blood from his nose, and he charges toward Summers but Shawn catches him with a spinning back fist! Summers places the stunned Randall in the corner and mounts him with corner punches but the crowd refuses to count along with Summers. Shawn is holding nothing back with these punches, but eventually Randall manages to block a punch and he rakes Shawn’s eyes and with Shawn temporarily blinded, Randall gets Shawn in position for what looks like a powerbomb as he slowly walks out of the corner with Shawn in his grasp…powerbomb lungblower! Shawn crumbles to the mat and Randall falls back and lays on his back for a second to catch his breath and shake off any lasting effects from the mounted corner punches before he jumps on top of Shawn for the pin…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Randall took one second too long to make that cover and Shawn remains in this fight.”
Randall stays on top of Summers and attempts to apply the bulldog choke on Summers, but Shawn won’t allow Randall to get it properly locked in and he flips Randall off of him. Randall rolls away, shakes that off, and looks for the Kill-Shot knee trembler but Summers catches Randall by the boot and locks in an ankle lock! Summer expertly grape vines around Randall’s leg to add extra pressure, and Randall looks like he’s in trouble now as he’s fighting back the urge to quit and trying to reach out to grab the first rope…
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Shawn is so deadly with that ankle lock, he has nearly ended careers with it!”
Allen Price: ”Randall is in a bad spot right now but I don’t see him giving up so easy!”
Randall is trying to reach out for that rope while still fighting back the urge to submit. He’s gritting his teeth and with all that he could muster he inches himself closer and closer to the rope until he’s barely able to grab the rope to break the hold!
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Randall saved himself but I think the damage is done on his ankle.”
Summers reluctantly relinquishes the hold but he chooses to target that same leg with more well-placed stomps that cause The Wildcard to roar out in pain. Randall is clinging onto the ropes, trying to bring himself back up, and Summers sneaks up behind him with a rear waist lock but Randall spins around and drills Shawn with a roaring elbow smash!
More blood flies out from that elbow smash out of Shawn’s mouth, and Randall takes Summers by the wrist and drills him with a ripcord bitch-slap!
Allen Price: ”Randall slapped the taste out of his mouth with that!”
Randall unloads on Summers with more forearm smashes and Summers is reeling back into the corner. Randall takes his time as he sizes up Shawn and charges forward with a clothesline in the corner, but Shawn moves out of the way and Randall hits the corner hard sternum first! Summers doesn’t miss a beat as Randall stumbles into him…WIPE OUT! Overhead belly-to-belly suplex!
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Randall took too much time again and it cost him…Summers is sizing him up now…”
MIDSOMMAR!
Shawn drops down for the pin…
One…two…THREE!
Natalie Rosenberg: ”The winner of the match, Shawn Summers!”
As Shawn Summers stands up, we hear the fans begin to cheer. The Bastard of FWA smiles, expecting the reaction to be for him, but instead zooms out to see, sliding into the ring, the FWA Television Champion, Vampyra with a kendo stick in hand, championship around her waist!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Vamprya’s rushing the ring! Payback is on her mind!”
One second too late, Shawn Summers turns around and is met with the weapon to his ribs from the masked champion!
Allen Price: “And the crack of the kendo stick!”
Vampyra unloads with a second shot of the kendo stick to the back of the man who attacked her and Phillip A. Jackson after their championship match! The fans are behind her, rabid at the thought of Summers getting some karma. Vampyra swings for a third time, hitting Der Bastard in the leg, but that is all she gets as Shawn Summers rolls out of the ring to avoid a similar fate as Vampyra. The fans jeer in response.
Allen Price: “And Shawn Summers slithers his way out of the ring, Vampyra not quite getting her revenge yet.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Hey, two wrongs don’t make a right, Price. You still shouldn’t attack someone after a match like that.”
Allen Price: “Sometimes you need to do unto others what they do to you, especially in the case of Shawn Summers.”
Vampyra, with her knee still in a brace, is unable to pursue Summers as he heads up the ramp. Holding his ribs which have a red mark on them from the kendo stick, blood still on his face, the blonde haired inaugural Television Champion shouts obscenities at the current champion. Putting the kendo stick over her shoulder, Vampyra shouts in the direction of Shawn.
Watching this unfold, we forget the man who just faced Shawn Summers, Jason Randall. He keeps out of the business of the champion and her new rival, but his glance goes towards something else. Vampyra looks behind her and the Wildcard gets her attention.
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”And now Vampyra and Wildcard are being formally introduced for each other.”
Not a word is said between the two. Jason Randall’s glance goes down to the FWA Television Championship around the waist of Vampyra. He has a subtle smirk on his face under the crimson from the fight before he lightly taps the center plate with his hand. The FWA Television Champion takes a step forward, looking up at now another potential future challenger to her newly won championship.
Allen Price: ”And now Vampyra’s getting her first lesson as champion in FWA, be careful of all contenders.
Jason Randall rolls out of the ring with a limp, making a small statement with the new champion. The FWA Television Champion’s music plays through the speakers as she glances back and forth between an angry Shawn Summers on the stage and the wiley Wildcard, Jason Randall at ringside.
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”With the new champion, Shawn Summers getting under her skin in an attempt to get back the title he believes he was screwed out of, Jason Randall now showing interest, the FWA Television Championship scene is becoming more intriguing.
Allen Price: ”And that doesn’t even include the former champion, Phillip A. Jackson and if he wants to reclaim his title he lost so soon after winning it. Ladies and gentlemen, we will cut to break before more Fallout comes to you.”
Cut to the backstage area where we see Jeremy Best exiting the locker room and waiting outside of the door is Big Bryan Baxter in a Santa Claus outfit, beard and all. Jeremy looks unamused while Bryan puts his hands on his belly and leans back.
Bryan Baxter: “Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas Jeremy!”
Jeremy tries to stop Bryan but Bryan speaks up again before Jeremy can retort.
Bryan Baxter: ”I made a list and checked it twice, and I see that you’ve been a very good boy this year, Jeremy!”
Jeremy tries to speak up again but Bryan cuts him off.
Bryan Baxter: ”I bet you’d like something special for Christmas, right? Like what about tickets to Sesame Street on Ice? Or would you like some money? Hey, what about a title shot at the North American Championship? Yeah, I think that’s the best gift idea yet for you!”
Jeremy Best: ”Bryan, enough!”
Bryan Baxter: ”Who is Bryan? I’m your old pal Santa Claus! Ho! Ho! Ho!”
Jeremy Best: ”No, your Bryan Baxter, now take that ridiculous outfit off right now!”
Although his face is covered by the fake beard, Bryan frowns at Jeremy.
Bryan Baxter: ”Jeremy, listen man, I’m sorry. I just wanted to try to cheer you up, that’s all. Hey, would a title shot help?”
Jeremy Best: ”No, I don’t want a title shot or any of those gifts, but if you’re handing out title shots all willy-nilly, and you really want to give me a gift, then why don’t give Lizzie Rose a rematch.”
Before Bryan can respond, Jeremy walks off in the opposite direction down the hall.
“SANTA?!”
Jackson Fenix begins to walk up as Bryan angrily rips off the beard and throws it on the ground before storming off down the hall.
Jackson Fenix: ”Hey, that wasn’t Santa!”
Nate Savage shakes his head at his friend and sighs.
Nate Savage: ”I told you that wasn’t him! Come on, we have a match to get ready for!”
Nate leaves Jackson alone and Jackson is about to leave but he picks up the beard, and he looks at it before scurrying off with the beard to catch up with Nate.
Returning to Fallout, the fans let their disdain become known for the living caricature that is Ratin Mikichin, who is once again wearing his candy cane mankini and shows little sign of being bothered by the cold. What his attire does show signs of is not being washed.
Natalie Rosenberg: “The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall, with a ten minute time limit! Introducing first, Ratin Mikichin!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, we have some tag team action up next, which will likely not serve as any sort of prelude for tonight’s main event, where the FWA World Tag Team Championships will be on the line in Mile High Massacre. I think I might actually keep the headset on for this one, Price, despite the match featuring this..."
Allen Price: "That is Ratin Mikichin… who I must have to remind you is on a two-match winning run! He beat Steve the Techno Vampire on Fallout 022 and shared a victory with Steve in a Triple Threat match on Fallout 023."
Ratin does his raising the roof dance move as he reaches the bottom of the ramp and he pulls himself onto a knee on the ring apron before he ducks in between the middle and bottom rope to enter the ring.
The reception for Ratin’s partner was more positive than that for himself, and this caused the Kazakh to bristle in the ring and he watched on as Steve the Techno Vampire emerged from the back with his cape wrapped tightly around his body. Steve showed off his fangs whilst bopping down the ramp towards the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: “His tag team partner… Steve the Techno Vampire!”
Allen Price: "Just listen to this reception for Steve the Techno Vampire! He’s definitely beginning to form a connection with the crowd, especially with the fans here on Fallout. Wasn’t Dracula from Serbia or somewhere around here?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Where on Earth did you get that from?"
Steve rolls under the bottom rope and then springs to his feet in the ring and stretches his arms out, opening his cape to reveal himself underneath. Fake bats drop to the mat, and Ratin is forced to push past Steve’s cape to get himself visible on screen once again.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "We know that these two are going to be teaming up tonight, but we have no idea who it is going to be against…"
There’s a hush as the unfamiliar song plays whilst the arena is plunged into darkness as the song starts off slowly…
“Oh she may be weary
Them young girls they do get wearied
Wearing that same old miniskirt dress
But when she gets weary
You try a little tenderness
I know shes waiting
Just anticipating
The thing that you'll never never never NEVER possess
But while she there waiting
Try just a little bit of tenderness
That's all you got to do
Now it might be a little bit sentimental no
But she has her greavs and care
But the soft words they are spoke so gentle
And it makes it easier EASIER to bear
Oh she wont regret it
Them young girls they don't forget it
Love is their whole happiness
But its all so easy
All you got to do is try
TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS!”
The music kicks off in earnest and two spotlights shine down onto the stage, and the crowd ROARS when they see the two men occupying both of the spotlights.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "What?! How?!"
The man on the left has something slung over his shoulder in his right hand and his left holds a golden briefcase in his left hand. The man on the right has two championship belts slung over both of his shoulders, his face obscured by a black and green mask.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "CHRIS PEACOCK AND ALYSTER BLACK?!"
Allen Price: "I don’t understand…"
Peacock and Black approach each other at the top of the ramp and offer each other a nod before the lights return to normal and the FWA World and X Champion leads the way with the Golden Opportunity holder a couple of paces behind them. The two of them do everything they can to get the crowd going, and with the lights on it can be seen that they have even co-ordinated their gear, with Peacock’s trousers being black and green to match Black’s mask.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Their opponents… the holder of the Golden Opportunity briefcase CHRIS PEACOCK and the FWA World and X Champion… ‘BLACK JESUS’ ALYSTERRRRRRRR BLAAAAAACCKKKK!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I’m honestly stunned by this, Price. We’d heard rumblings that these two have formed some sort of bond based on mutual respect in the last few weeks but is the FWA World Champion really teaming up with a man who can cash in an opportunity at one of his championships at a moment’s notice. I know Peacock punched you in the face on last Fallout, but this must really sting, Price."
Allen Price: "I know Chris has been struggling in the F1 Climaxxx but he’s teaming up with someone who he should be fighting…"
Peacock and Black deposit their belongings on the ring apron after posing with them for a moment in the ring, with both of their opponents being stunned by who they have to face. Ratin shoos Steve off onto the apron and after a quick discussion, Peacock and Black decide that it will be ‘Disco’s Last Warrior’ starting things off for their brand new team.
Right out of the gate and Randall charges toward Summers and he has Summers back in the corner as he pummels him with hard-hitting forearm strikes! Randall is showing no mercy as he lays into Summers, but Shawn manages to block a strike and trades places with Randall. Now, Randall is in the corner and Shawn is laying it in thick on Randall with his combination of strikes until Randall is slumped down in a prone position…
BEES KNEES! Charging knee strike to Randall and Summers isn’t finished just yet as he hits another set of Bees Knees on Randall! Summers drags Randall’s carcass out of the corner and he mounts him and unloads on him with more punches…
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Shawn Summers with Blitzkrieg on The Wildcard and it looks like Randall is already busted open as blood is pouring from his nose!”
Allen Price: ”I think it came from the Bees Knees, which struck Randall in the face on the second go around when Summers usually aims for the chest, but these punches certainly are not helping!”
Summers is forced off of Randall and he postures some for the booing fans while Randall is tended to by referee Richard Davis, but The Wildcard brushes off the referee and just as Summers turns around he’s tripped up by Randall with a double leg takedown and it’s Randall turn to deliver wildly thrown punches to Summers, even going as far as busting Shawn’s upper lip and Summers’ lip is leaking as he does his best to block the strikes…
Summers blocks a punch and takes Randall by the arm and slowly transitions into a cross armbreaker submission! Summers cranks back on the hold and for good measure he kicks at Randall’s face, busting open his upper lip as Randall is able to get a hold of the ropes…
Randall is on his side near the ropes and he spits out blood and wipes some of it away from his nose. Summers meanders over to Randall and helps him up and he locks in a rear waistlock, but Randall throws back a few elbows that send more blood flying from Shawn’s bloody lip. Randal turns the tables on Summers as he takes him by the wrist and levels Summers with a ripcord lariat! He keeps a tight grip around the wrist as he brings Summers back to his feet and this time strikes with a ripcord knee! Randall then takes Summers up and drops him down with a twisting suplex! Randall isn’t through yet though as he takes Summers up once more and this time drops him with a saito suplex! This time Randall drops down for the lateral press while hooking the far leg…
One…two…NO!
Summers rolls over on his side and tries to escape to the apron, but Randall prevents him from doing so with some well-placed stomps. Randall drags Summers up and sends him off to the ropes, but Summers hangs on and he flips an incoming Randall overhead where Randall gingerly lands on the apron. Randall clubs Summers in the back of the head, and he tries to lift him up with a suplex to the outside but Summers doesn’t budge and turns the tables on Randall with a suplex that brings The Wildcard back inside the ring!
Randall winces as his spine meets the mat and Summers delivers some vicious looking stomps for good measure on Randall. The Wildcard is crawling on all fours now but Summers drives a boot straight to the gut! Randall coughs up some blood on the mat from the kick and he’s taking his time getting up on his feet but just as he’s up…LIGHTS OUT! Springboard knee strike from Summers and Shawn drops down for the pin…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Summers drags Randall near the ropes and drapes his legs over the first rope before dropping down on Randall’s legs with a seated senton! Summers then drags Randall away from the ropes and he’s looking for Charlotte’s Web, his signature figure four leg lock, but Randall has the wherewithal to kick him away and Shawn stumbles forward toward the corner where he stops himself from crashing sternum first into the corner. Randall limps his way up and wipes away some more blood from his nose, and he charges toward Summers but Shawn catches him with a spinning back fist! Summers places the stunned Randall in the corner and mounts him with corner punches but the crowd refuses to count along with Summers. Shawn is holding nothing back with these punches, but eventually Randall manages to block a punch and he rakes Shawn’s eyes and with Shawn temporarily blinded, Randall gets Shawn in position for what looks like a powerbomb as he slowly walks out of the corner with Shawn in his grasp…powerbomb lungblower! Shawn crumbles to the mat and Randall falls back and lays on his back for a second to catch his breath and shake off any lasting effects from the mounted corner punches before he jumps on top of Shawn for the pin…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Randall took one second too long to make that cover and Shawn remains in this fight.”
Randall stays on top of Summers and attempts to apply the bulldog choke on Summers, but Shawn won’t allow Randall to get it properly locked in and he flips Randall off of him. Randall rolls away, shakes that off, and looks for the Kill-Shot knee trembler but Summers catches Randall by the boot and locks in an ankle lock! Summer expertly grape vines around Randall’s leg to add extra pressure, and Randall looks like he’s in trouble now as he’s fighting back the urge to quit and trying to reach out to grab the first rope…
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Shawn is so deadly with that ankle lock, he has nearly ended careers with it!”
Allen Price: ”Randall is in a bad spot right now but I don’t see him giving up so easy!”
Randall is trying to reach out for that rope while still fighting back the urge to submit. He’s gritting his teeth and with all that he could muster he inches himself closer and closer to the rope until he’s barely able to grab the rope to break the hold!
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Randall saved himself but I think the damage is done on his ankle.”
Summers reluctantly relinquishes the hold but he chooses to target that same leg with more well-placed stomps that cause The Wildcard to roar out in pain. Randall is clinging onto the ropes, trying to bring himself back up, and Summers sneaks up behind him with a rear waist lock but Randall spins around and drills Shawn with a roaring elbow smash!
More blood flies out from that elbow smash out of Shawn’s mouth, and Randall takes Summers by the wrist and drills him with a ripcord bitch-slap!
Allen Price: ”Randall slapped the taste out of his mouth with that!”
Randall unloads on Summers with more forearm smashes and Summers is reeling back into the corner. Randall takes his time as he sizes up Shawn and charges forward with a clothesline in the corner, but Shawn moves out of the way and Randall hits the corner hard sternum first! Summers doesn’t miss a beat as Randall stumbles into him…WIPE OUT! Overhead belly-to-belly suplex!
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Randall took too much time again and it cost him…Summers is sizing him up now…”
MIDSOMMAR!
Shawn drops down for the pin…
One…two…THREE!
Winner: Shawn Summers at 14:02
Natalie Rosenberg: ”The winner of the match, Shawn Summers!”
As Shawn Summers stands up, we hear the fans begin to cheer. The Bastard of FWA smiles, expecting the reaction to be for him, but instead zooms out to see, sliding into the ring, the FWA Television Champion, Vampyra with a kendo stick in hand, championship around her waist!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Vamprya’s rushing the ring! Payback is on her mind!”
One second too late, Shawn Summers turns around and is met with the weapon to his ribs from the masked champion!
Allen Price: “And the crack of the kendo stick!”
Vampyra unloads with a second shot of the kendo stick to the back of the man who attacked her and Phillip A. Jackson after their championship match! The fans are behind her, rabid at the thought of Summers getting some karma. Vampyra swings for a third time, hitting Der Bastard in the leg, but that is all she gets as Shawn Summers rolls out of the ring to avoid a similar fate as Vampyra. The fans jeer in response.
Allen Price: “And Shawn Summers slithers his way out of the ring, Vampyra not quite getting her revenge yet.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Hey, two wrongs don’t make a right, Price. You still shouldn’t attack someone after a match like that.”
Allen Price: “Sometimes you need to do unto others what they do to you, especially in the case of Shawn Summers.”
Vampyra, with her knee still in a brace, is unable to pursue Summers as he heads up the ramp. Holding his ribs which have a red mark on them from the kendo stick, blood still on his face, the blonde haired inaugural Television Champion shouts obscenities at the current champion. Putting the kendo stick over her shoulder, Vampyra shouts in the direction of Shawn.
Watching this unfold, we forget the man who just faced Shawn Summers, Jason Randall. He keeps out of the business of the champion and her new rival, but his glance goes towards something else. Vampyra looks behind her and the Wildcard gets her attention.
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”And now Vampyra and Wildcard are being formally introduced for each other.”
Not a word is said between the two. Jason Randall’s glance goes down to the FWA Television Championship around the waist of Vampyra. He has a subtle smirk on his face under the crimson from the fight before he lightly taps the center plate with his hand. The FWA Television Champion takes a step forward, looking up at now another potential future challenger to her newly won championship.
Allen Price: ”And now Vampyra’s getting her first lesson as champion in FWA, be careful of all contenders.
Jason Randall rolls out of the ring with a limp, making a small statement with the new champion. The FWA Television Champion’s music plays through the speakers as she glances back and forth between an angry Shawn Summers on the stage and the wiley Wildcard, Jason Randall at ringside.
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”With the new champion, Shawn Summers getting under her skin in an attempt to get back the title he believes he was screwed out of, Jason Randall now showing interest, the FWA Television Championship scene is becoming more intriguing.
Allen Price: ”And that doesn’t even include the former champion, Phillip A. Jackson and if he wants to reclaim his title he lost so soon after winning it. Ladies and gentlemen, we will cut to break before more Fallout comes to you.”
Cut to the backstage area where we see Jeremy Best exiting the locker room and waiting outside of the door is Big Bryan Baxter in a Santa Claus outfit, beard and all. Jeremy looks unamused while Bryan puts his hands on his belly and leans back.
Bryan Baxter: “Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas Jeremy!”
Jeremy tries to stop Bryan but Bryan speaks up again before Jeremy can retort.
Bryan Baxter: ”I made a list and checked it twice, and I see that you’ve been a very good boy this year, Jeremy!”
Jeremy tries to speak up again but Bryan cuts him off.
Bryan Baxter: ”I bet you’d like something special for Christmas, right? Like what about tickets to Sesame Street on Ice? Or would you like some money? Hey, what about a title shot at the North American Championship? Yeah, I think that’s the best gift idea yet for you!”
Jeremy Best: ”Bryan, enough!”
Bryan Baxter: ”Who is Bryan? I’m your old pal Santa Claus! Ho! Ho! Ho!”
Jeremy Best: ”No, your Bryan Baxter, now take that ridiculous outfit off right now!”
Although his face is covered by the fake beard, Bryan frowns at Jeremy.
Bryan Baxter: ”Jeremy, listen man, I’m sorry. I just wanted to try to cheer you up, that’s all. Hey, would a title shot help?”
Jeremy Best: ”No, I don’t want a title shot or any of those gifts, but if you’re handing out title shots all willy-nilly, and you really want to give me a gift, then why don’t give Lizzie Rose a rematch.”
Before Bryan can respond, Jeremy walks off in the opposite direction down the hall.
“SANTA?!”
Jackson Fenix begins to walk up as Bryan angrily rips off the beard and throws it on the ground before storming off down the hall.
Jackson Fenix: ”Hey, that wasn’t Santa!”
Nate Savage shakes his head at his friend and sighs.
Nate Savage: ”I told you that wasn’t him! Come on, we have a match to get ready for!”
Nate leaves Jackson alone and Jackson is about to leave but he picks up the beard, and he looks at it before scurrying off with the beard to catch up with Nate.
Returning to Fallout, the fans let their disdain become known for the living caricature that is Ratin Mikichin, who is once again wearing his candy cane mankini and shows little sign of being bothered by the cold. What his attire does show signs of is not being washed.
Natalie Rosenberg: “The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall, with a ten minute time limit! Introducing first, Ratin Mikichin!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, we have some tag team action up next, which will likely not serve as any sort of prelude for tonight’s main event, where the FWA World Tag Team Championships will be on the line in Mile High Massacre. I think I might actually keep the headset on for this one, Price, despite the match featuring this..."
Allen Price: "That is Ratin Mikichin… who I must have to remind you is on a two-match winning run! He beat Steve the Techno Vampire on Fallout 022 and shared a victory with Steve in a Triple Threat match on Fallout 023."
Ratin does his raising the roof dance move as he reaches the bottom of the ramp and he pulls himself onto a knee on the ring apron before he ducks in between the middle and bottom rope to enter the ring.
The reception for Ratin’s partner was more positive than that for himself, and this caused the Kazakh to bristle in the ring and he watched on as Steve the Techno Vampire emerged from the back with his cape wrapped tightly around his body. Steve showed off his fangs whilst bopping down the ramp towards the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: “His tag team partner… Steve the Techno Vampire!”
Allen Price: "Just listen to this reception for Steve the Techno Vampire! He’s definitely beginning to form a connection with the crowd, especially with the fans here on Fallout. Wasn’t Dracula from Serbia or somewhere around here?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Where on Earth did you get that from?"
Steve rolls under the bottom rope and then springs to his feet in the ring and stretches his arms out, opening his cape to reveal himself underneath. Fake bats drop to the mat, and Ratin is forced to push past Steve’s cape to get himself visible on screen once again.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "We know that these two are going to be teaming up tonight, but we have no idea who it is going to be against…"
There’s a hush as the unfamiliar song plays whilst the arena is plunged into darkness as the song starts off slowly…
“Oh she may be weary
Them young girls they do get wearied
Wearing that same old miniskirt dress
But when she gets weary
You try a little tenderness
I know shes waiting
Just anticipating
The thing that you'll never never never NEVER possess
But while she there waiting
Try just a little bit of tenderness
That's all you got to do
Now it might be a little bit sentimental no
But she has her greavs and care
But the soft words they are spoke so gentle
And it makes it easier EASIER to bear
Oh she wont regret it
Them young girls they don't forget it
Love is their whole happiness
But its all so easy
All you got to do is try
TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS!”
The music kicks off in earnest and two spotlights shine down onto the stage, and the crowd ROARS when they see the two men occupying both of the spotlights.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "What?! How?!"
The man on the left has something slung over his shoulder in his right hand and his left holds a golden briefcase in his left hand. The man on the right has two championship belts slung over both of his shoulders, his face obscured by a black and green mask.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "CHRIS PEACOCK AND ALYSTER BLACK?!"
Allen Price: "I don’t understand…"
Peacock and Black approach each other at the top of the ramp and offer each other a nod before the lights return to normal and the FWA World and X Champion leads the way with the Golden Opportunity holder a couple of paces behind them. The two of them do everything they can to get the crowd going, and with the lights on it can be seen that they have even co-ordinated their gear, with Peacock’s trousers being black and green to match Black’s mask.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Their opponents… the holder of the Golden Opportunity briefcase CHRIS PEACOCK and the FWA World and X Champion… ‘BLACK JESUS’ ALYSTERRRRRRRR BLAAAAAACCKKKK!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I’m honestly stunned by this, Price. We’d heard rumblings that these two have formed some sort of bond based on mutual respect in the last few weeks but is the FWA World Champion really teaming up with a man who can cash in an opportunity at one of his championships at a moment’s notice. I know Peacock punched you in the face on last Fallout, but this must really sting, Price."
Allen Price: "I know Chris has been struggling in the F1 Climaxxx but he’s teaming up with someone who he should be fighting…"
Peacock and Black deposit their belongings on the ring apron after posing with them for a moment in the ring, with both of their opponents being stunned by who they have to face. Ratin shoos Steve off onto the apron and after a quick discussion, Peacock and Black decide that it will be ‘Disco’s Last Warrior’ starting things off for their brand new team.
As soon as the bell rings, the crowd let themselves be heard with loud chants in support of Peacock and Black. Peacock circles the ring with Ratin, who seems to want to show off some familiarity with Peacock and the Kazakh even extends a hand to Peacock… AND PEACOCK RESPONDS BY SLAPPING THE TASTE OUT OF HIS MOUTH WITH A PIMP SLAP!! Mikichin recoils towards the corner and Peacock follows him in, nailing him with a punch to the head that dizzies his opponent. Peacock climbs up onto the second rope and holds his fist into the air before bringing it down onto Ratin’s head nine times and instead of the tenth punch, he bites down onto Ratin’s forehead!
Peacock quickly stops though and splutters, spitting out of the ring in disgust due to the terrible hygiene of his opponent likely causing a vile taste in his mouth. This is enough for Peacock to want to tag out and he grabs Ratin by the hair and drags him towards Black and holds his hand out, with Alyster then tagging himself in. The dual champion gets a monstrous roar from the crowd as he enters the ring and he delivers a gut-busting punch to Ratin as Peacock holds him in place, before Peacock evacuates himself from the ring.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Let’s not pretend that the level of opponent is going to cause these two any sort of trouble in a competitive environment, but they have clearly thought about this and seem to be on the same page. Black doesn’t want much to do with Mikichin - and I don’t blame him, actually - and he motions that he wants a piece of the techno vampire!"
Black does offer Ratin a chance to tag out of the match and the cowardly mankini enthusiast takes him up on the offer and allows Steve to tag himself in, to a mild pop from the fans. Black and Steve the Techno Vampire then lock up in the middle of the ring, and Black easily overpowers Steve, slamming him face first into the mat. With Steve down on his face, Black approaches him from the side and brings both of his arms backwards and places his boot on the back of Steve’s head… AND CURBSTOMPS HIM INTO THE MAT! Steve checks that his fangs are still there as he writhes on the mat in pain and Black flips him over onto his back and goes for a pin…
ONE… TWO… THRE-NO!!!
The pin was broken up by Ratin Mikichin! The stomp to the back of Black’s head was enough to break the count, but it did not cause any significant harm to the FWA World Champion. Instead, Ratin drew Black’s ire and is frozen in place as Alyster stands before him, and he knocks him backwards with a Headbutt directly to the face, sending him into the corner… AND BLACK BEGINS TO HAVE A VIOLENCE PARTY!! The life slowly begins to drain from Ratin as he is peppered with strikes from the best striker in the company; Black repeatedly hitting him being the only reason he has not fallen down.
Allen Price: "This is barbaric…"
There is a small pause in the mauling as Black motions for Peacock to emerge from the corner and as Peacock comes through the ropes, Black sends Ratin across the ring with an Irish Whip… AND PEACOCK CUTS HIM IN HALF WITH A SPEAR!! Ratin rolls under the bottom rope onto the apron and Peacock and black bump fists as Chris returns to the corner. Black then approaches him and tags Peacock back into the match and Peacock lines Steve up, who was just picking himself up… PEACOCK CRACKS STEVE IN THE FACE WITH THE STRUT!! Peacock hooks the leg…
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
The fans rise to their feet to celebrate the convincing victory by the debuting team, and Peacock is joined by Black in the ring, who puts a hand on his shoulder before the duo bump fists once again and have their arms raised.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Here are your winners… ALYSTER BLACK and CHRIS PEACOCK!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I do not think that anyone was expecting to see these two teaming up tonight on Fallout, but stranger things have happened, I guess! Peacock and Black had the cohesiveness and talent that their opponents did not, and the outcome was a very convincing victory for a team which I regrettably admit has the potential to make some serious waves in the tag team division."
Allen Price: "I still do not understand why Chris Peacock is doing this… his focus should be on that right there on Alyster Black’s shoulder, the FWA World Championship… this is not what he should be doing right now."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It looks like he’s enjoying himself though, Price. Perhaps your advice has been holding him back on account of you not knowing anything about the wrestling business."
Allen Price: "Chris… come on… let’s talk!"
The desperate plea from Price came as Peacock’s gaze momentarily drifted towards him, but Allen’s attempt at reconciliation was promptly ignored by his now former client. Peacock regroups with Black in the ring and they collect their things before leaving the ring, showing some appreciation for the fans in attendance.
As we return from a commercial break, we find ourselves in a dimly lit room, with the sole light revealing an FWA backdrop and a single stool. Sat on the stool, a young woman that looks to be in her early twenties. Her attire consists of a white Popeye’s Looney Tunes t-shirt, an unbuttoned grey and black plaid shirt that looks to be 3 sizes too big, ripped black skinny jeans and a dirty pair of white Chuck Taylors. The young woman has a nervous expression plastered on her face as a male-sounding voice coming from off camera can be heard.
???: “Alright Trixie, we’re gonna turn the TV on now and you’re gonna read what it says, alright?”
With a shaky voice, the girl seemingly named Trixie responds.
Trixie: “Uh, o-okay….”
???: “Good. Any questions before we start?”
Trixie: “Uh, y-yeah… c-can I go to the bat-”
???: “Okay great! She’s ready! We’re switching the teleprompter on now!”
A different, female voice, interrupts.
Trixie:“W-what’s a telepropter?”
Trixie asks, but is completely ignored as the female that’s seemingly directing traffic continues barking instructions.
???:“Right, lighting’s good! We look good to go! Okay, ready Trix? We go in 5, 4…”
Trixie: “I really need to go pee,”
Trixie states in a panicked voice, bouncing a little on her stool as the count continues.
???: “3, 2…”
Trixie: “I really don’t wanna do this...”
Trixie pleads, but to no avail.
???: “1…”
Trixie: “Bret please, I don’t wanna-”
Trixie says with a desperate tone in her voice, before she is interrupted with…
???: “ACTION!”
Trixie, startled by the excessively loud and sudden shouting of the word “action”, quickly jumps out of her seat and lands in an extremely overexaggerated fighting stance, with her legs spread wide and her hands looking ready to deliver a barrage of karate chops. After a couple of moments of near silence, with the only thing audible being Trixie’s rapid breathing, the female voice off camera chirps up.
???: “Uh, Trixie…what are you doing?”
The male voice heard previously responds.
???: “She gets jumpy when in wrestling settings ever since we were jumped by some prick-ass Canadians, who tried drowning her in the pool in Club La Vela in Florida,”
There is a tinge of rage in his voice that quickly dissipates as he continues,
???: “Just gimmie a sec….”
Walking into view of the camera for the first time, we are greeted with the sight of an athletic looking man in his mid-to-late twenties, who’s face shares similarities with that of Trixie. The man walks over and gently lowers the still battle-ready Trixie’s hands with his own. He speaks in a soft, warm voice.
???: “Alright, Trix, calm down. No one’s coming after you, you’re safe. Just take a deep breath, and relax…”
Doing as she’s told, Trixie takes in a deep breath and exhales shakily.
???: “And again.”
And once more she takes a deep breath and exhales, this time a little less shaky. The man speaks again, with a warm smile on his face as Trixie responds with a simple nod, before he continues.
???: “Good, better now? No one’s gonna dare try to hurt you, okay? Because if they did, I’d beat the fucking life out of them. You’re completely safe, alright?”
Again, Trixie nods, before taking one more deep breath to calm herself down. Having successfully calmed the on-edge trixie down, the man asks,
???: “Alright, you ready to do this thing?”
Trixie, although having calmed her fighting instincts, immediately shows a little of the nerves she had previous to being startled.
Trixie: “D-do I have to?”
The man responds bluntly.
???: “Well, the FWA want you to do a video showcasing who you are as a person. If you don’t do this video, they probably won’t wanna work with you, so, if you wanna make some money, then yes, you have to do this. So, ready to give it a shot?”
After a moment of thinking it over, Trixie nods in agreement, and after a gesture to sit from her consoler, Trixie plants herself back on the stool and looks towards the camera.
???: “Alright, remember, just read what’s on the teleprompter, okay?”
The man removes himself from the view of the camera.
Trixie: “Uh, Bret…what’s a ‘telepropter’?”
Bret: “It's the TV looking thing, Trix. Words will appear on the TV, and it’s your job to read them. Understand?”
Trixie: “Umm, I think so…”
Bret, seemingly not wanting to waste any more time speaks to the female director,
Bret: “Alright, she’s as ready as she’ll ever be, let’s get it done.”
Heeding Bret’s words, the female voice says,
Director: “Alright, take two! Ready?... ACTION!”
Trixie’s body jumps a little on her stool, but this time she manages to keep her composure, and after a brief pause where she collects herself, she begins her monologue in an extremely monotonous voice.
Trixie: “Ladies and gentlemen my name is B-Bellatrix Bordeaux FWA Wrestling’s newest and soon to be greatest professional wrestler there ain’t nobody tougher than me in the wrestling business I’m the-”
Before she can continue her monologue, she’s interrupted by the voice of Bret.
Bret: “Uh Trix…why’re you reading that like a drowsey robot?”
Trixie: “I’m reading the telemucpropter thingy like you said!”
Bret: “Yeah I know, but you need to do it with a little panache, you get me?”
There is a hopeful undertone to his voice.
Trixie: “What’s a ‘panache’”
Bret: “Ya’ know, give it a bit of flair.”
Trixie: “But I don’t have a flare.”
Trixie is becoming increasingly confused with each passing second. An audible sigh can be heard from out of shot, followed by the astonished voice of the female director.
Director: “Are you thick or something? Like, seriously fucking stupid?”
Trixie has a furious expression forming on her face.
Trixie: “I’m not stupid! Or fat! You’re just a big meanie!”
Director: “I never called you fat!”
The female voice responds, matching Trixie’s tone and pitch, before continuing,
Director: “Look, all your brother’s asking is for you to read what’s on the fucking screen with a bit of attitude! Read it like you mean it! Read it in a way that makes it sound like you’re not reading! It ain’t fucking hard!”
Bret: “Alright, that’s enoug-”
Bret’s voice attempts to interject, before it is completely shouted over by an irate Trixie.
Trixie: “STOP SHOUTING AT ME! I’m trying my hardest!”
Bret: “Alright guys, let’s calm it do-”
Director: “Yeah, well your ‘hardest’ ain’t good enough, you fucking idiot!”
Bret once again attempts to lessen the hostilities, before he’s interrupted by the female voice, and with that, Trixie snaps… Bursting off of her stool, Trixie charges at the camera, and presumably the person the female voice belongs to.
Trixie: “WRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”
She is quickly intercepted by and lifted over the shoulder of her brother Bret, who in the process, knocks the camera over, leaving us with a sidewards view of a flailing Trixie, kicking and shouting as she’s carried out of shot as the scene fades, abruptly ending the video.
Boos begin to fill the arena as the FWA North American Champion Big Bryan Baxter walks out onto the stage wearing a glossy red "Buddy System" jacket over top his black trunks. Baxter stops to put his hands on his hips and waits as Mr. Scorpane joins him.
Natalie Rosenberg: “The following contest is a Pool B match in the F1 Climaxxx, and it is scheduled for one fall with a thirty minute time limit. Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by Mr. Bill Scorpane... from Hickory, North Carolina... weighing in at three-hundred two pounds... he is the reigning FWA North American Champion... BBBBIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG BRYAN BAAAAAAAAAAAAAXTER!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here's a man who has been on an absolute TEAR in the last few weeks and it can't be a coincidence that it's all happened since he's had less association with that wet blanket, Jeremy Best!"
Allen Price: "Yeah, a lot of it has to do with that influence of Mr. Scorpane... I just don't like that guy, J-L!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Like it or not, there's no denying the success it's having. Not only has he picked up the North American Championship along the way but he's in the driver's seat right now in Pool B after his huge win over Chris Peacock. I believe you had a front row seat for that one..."
Allen Price: "Yeah... let's not talk about that..."
Bryan Baxter steps up onto the apron and through the ropes to enter the ring. He lifts his arm up and receives another big round of boos from the Serbian fans. He unstraps the North American championship from around his large waist and hands it off to Mr. Scorpane at ringside.
It's more boos from the crowd, as neither one of these mean have endeared themselves with the FWA fans. Out walks Phillip A. Jackson, now sans the TV Title he lost last time to Vampyra. But Jackson looks poised and as confident as ever as he makes his way out.
Natalie Rosenberg: “And his opponent, from Toronto, Canada... weighing at two-hundred thirty-five pounds... PPPPPHHHHILLLLLIP A. JJJJJJJAAAAAAAAAAACKSON!
Allen Price: "Man, oh man, it's been a rough few weeks for PAJ."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Yes, after the high of winning the Television Championship at Lights Out, PAJ has had some bad luck here in the F1 Tournament and then it was a double whammy the last couple shows when he also lost the Television Championship to Vampyra."
Allen Price: "Unfortunately, his F1 hopes are probably left to just playing spoiler at this point. And if I know anything about Phillip A. Jackson, he'd love to spoil someone else's good time."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And if there's any way to get back on track than to pick up a win over the North American champion! Jackson looks like he's ready for this one and is determined to turn his luck around tonight!"
Jackson rolls into the ring, popping back up and extending his arms out to the less than adoring crowd. He begins to take off his white and gold ring jacket... but Bryan Baxter blindsides him from behind ahead of the bell!
Peacock quickly stops though and splutters, spitting out of the ring in disgust due to the terrible hygiene of his opponent likely causing a vile taste in his mouth. This is enough for Peacock to want to tag out and he grabs Ratin by the hair and drags him towards Black and holds his hand out, with Alyster then tagging himself in. The dual champion gets a monstrous roar from the crowd as he enters the ring and he delivers a gut-busting punch to Ratin as Peacock holds him in place, before Peacock evacuates himself from the ring.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Let’s not pretend that the level of opponent is going to cause these two any sort of trouble in a competitive environment, but they have clearly thought about this and seem to be on the same page. Black doesn’t want much to do with Mikichin - and I don’t blame him, actually - and he motions that he wants a piece of the techno vampire!"
Black does offer Ratin a chance to tag out of the match and the cowardly mankini enthusiast takes him up on the offer and allows Steve to tag himself in, to a mild pop from the fans. Black and Steve the Techno Vampire then lock up in the middle of the ring, and Black easily overpowers Steve, slamming him face first into the mat. With Steve down on his face, Black approaches him from the side and brings both of his arms backwards and places his boot on the back of Steve’s head… AND CURBSTOMPS HIM INTO THE MAT! Steve checks that his fangs are still there as he writhes on the mat in pain and Black flips him over onto his back and goes for a pin…
ONE… TWO… THRE-NO!!!
The pin was broken up by Ratin Mikichin! The stomp to the back of Black’s head was enough to break the count, but it did not cause any significant harm to the FWA World Champion. Instead, Ratin drew Black’s ire and is frozen in place as Alyster stands before him, and he knocks him backwards with a Headbutt directly to the face, sending him into the corner… AND BLACK BEGINS TO HAVE A VIOLENCE PARTY!! The life slowly begins to drain from Ratin as he is peppered with strikes from the best striker in the company; Black repeatedly hitting him being the only reason he has not fallen down.
Allen Price: "This is barbaric…"
There is a small pause in the mauling as Black motions for Peacock to emerge from the corner and as Peacock comes through the ropes, Black sends Ratin across the ring with an Irish Whip… AND PEACOCK CUTS HIM IN HALF WITH A SPEAR!! Ratin rolls under the bottom rope onto the apron and Peacock and black bump fists as Chris returns to the corner. Black then approaches him and tags Peacock back into the match and Peacock lines Steve up, who was just picking himself up… PEACOCK CRACKS STEVE IN THE FACE WITH THE STRUT!! Peacock hooks the leg…
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
Winners: Alyster Black and Chris Peacock via pin fall at 3:27
The fans rise to their feet to celebrate the convincing victory by the debuting team, and Peacock is joined by Black in the ring, who puts a hand on his shoulder before the duo bump fists once again and have their arms raised.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Here are your winners… ALYSTER BLACK and CHRIS PEACOCK!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I do not think that anyone was expecting to see these two teaming up tonight on Fallout, but stranger things have happened, I guess! Peacock and Black had the cohesiveness and talent that their opponents did not, and the outcome was a very convincing victory for a team which I regrettably admit has the potential to make some serious waves in the tag team division."
Allen Price: "I still do not understand why Chris Peacock is doing this… his focus should be on that right there on Alyster Black’s shoulder, the FWA World Championship… this is not what he should be doing right now."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It looks like he’s enjoying himself though, Price. Perhaps your advice has been holding him back on account of you not knowing anything about the wrestling business."
Allen Price: "Chris… come on… let’s talk!"
The desperate plea from Price came as Peacock’s gaze momentarily drifted towards him, but Allen’s attempt at reconciliation was promptly ignored by his now former client. Peacock regroups with Black in the ring and they collect their things before leaving the ring, showing some appreciation for the fans in attendance.
As we return from a commercial break, we find ourselves in a dimly lit room, with the sole light revealing an FWA backdrop and a single stool. Sat on the stool, a young woman that looks to be in her early twenties. Her attire consists of a white Popeye’s Looney Tunes t-shirt, an unbuttoned grey and black plaid shirt that looks to be 3 sizes too big, ripped black skinny jeans and a dirty pair of white Chuck Taylors. The young woman has a nervous expression plastered on her face as a male-sounding voice coming from off camera can be heard.
???: “Alright Trixie, we’re gonna turn the TV on now and you’re gonna read what it says, alright?”
With a shaky voice, the girl seemingly named Trixie responds.
Trixie: “Uh, o-okay….”
???: “Good. Any questions before we start?”
Trixie: “Uh, y-yeah… c-can I go to the bat-”
???: “Okay great! She’s ready! We’re switching the teleprompter on now!”
A different, female voice, interrupts.
Trixie:“W-what’s a telepropter?”
Trixie asks, but is completely ignored as the female that’s seemingly directing traffic continues barking instructions.
???:“Right, lighting’s good! We look good to go! Okay, ready Trix? We go in 5, 4…”
Trixie: “I really need to go pee,”
Trixie states in a panicked voice, bouncing a little on her stool as the count continues.
???: “3, 2…”
Trixie: “I really don’t wanna do this...”
Trixie pleads, but to no avail.
???: “1…”
Trixie: “Bret please, I don’t wanna-”
Trixie says with a desperate tone in her voice, before she is interrupted with…
???: “ACTION!”
Trixie, startled by the excessively loud and sudden shouting of the word “action”, quickly jumps out of her seat and lands in an extremely overexaggerated fighting stance, with her legs spread wide and her hands looking ready to deliver a barrage of karate chops. After a couple of moments of near silence, with the only thing audible being Trixie’s rapid breathing, the female voice off camera chirps up.
???: “Uh, Trixie…what are you doing?”
The male voice heard previously responds.
???: “She gets jumpy when in wrestling settings ever since we were jumped by some prick-ass Canadians, who tried drowning her in the pool in Club La Vela in Florida,”
There is a tinge of rage in his voice that quickly dissipates as he continues,
???: “Just gimmie a sec….”
Walking into view of the camera for the first time, we are greeted with the sight of an athletic looking man in his mid-to-late twenties, who’s face shares similarities with that of Trixie. The man walks over and gently lowers the still battle-ready Trixie’s hands with his own. He speaks in a soft, warm voice.
???: “Alright, Trix, calm down. No one’s coming after you, you’re safe. Just take a deep breath, and relax…”
Doing as she’s told, Trixie takes in a deep breath and exhales shakily.
???: “And again.”
And once more she takes a deep breath and exhales, this time a little less shaky. The man speaks again, with a warm smile on his face as Trixie responds with a simple nod, before he continues.
???: “Good, better now? No one’s gonna dare try to hurt you, okay? Because if they did, I’d beat the fucking life out of them. You’re completely safe, alright?”
Again, Trixie nods, before taking one more deep breath to calm herself down. Having successfully calmed the on-edge trixie down, the man asks,
???: “Alright, you ready to do this thing?”
Trixie, although having calmed her fighting instincts, immediately shows a little of the nerves she had previous to being startled.
Trixie: “D-do I have to?”
The man responds bluntly.
???: “Well, the FWA want you to do a video showcasing who you are as a person. If you don’t do this video, they probably won’t wanna work with you, so, if you wanna make some money, then yes, you have to do this. So, ready to give it a shot?”
After a moment of thinking it over, Trixie nods in agreement, and after a gesture to sit from her consoler, Trixie plants herself back on the stool and looks towards the camera.
???: “Alright, remember, just read what’s on the teleprompter, okay?”
The man removes himself from the view of the camera.
Trixie: “Uh, Bret…what’s a ‘telepropter’?”
Bret: “It's the TV looking thing, Trix. Words will appear on the TV, and it’s your job to read them. Understand?”
Trixie: “Umm, I think so…”
Bret, seemingly not wanting to waste any more time speaks to the female director,
Bret: “Alright, she’s as ready as she’ll ever be, let’s get it done.”
Heeding Bret’s words, the female voice says,
Director: “Alright, take two! Ready?... ACTION!”
Trixie’s body jumps a little on her stool, but this time she manages to keep her composure, and after a brief pause where she collects herself, she begins her monologue in an extremely monotonous voice.
Trixie: “Ladies and gentlemen my name is B-Bellatrix Bordeaux FWA Wrestling’s newest and soon to be greatest professional wrestler there ain’t nobody tougher than me in the wrestling business I’m the-”
Before she can continue her monologue, she’s interrupted by the voice of Bret.
Bret: “Uh Trix…why’re you reading that like a drowsey robot?”
Trixie: “I’m reading the telemucpropter thingy like you said!”
Bret: “Yeah I know, but you need to do it with a little panache, you get me?”
There is a hopeful undertone to his voice.
Trixie: “What’s a ‘panache’”
Bret: “Ya’ know, give it a bit of flair.”
Trixie: “But I don’t have a flare.”
Trixie is becoming increasingly confused with each passing second. An audible sigh can be heard from out of shot, followed by the astonished voice of the female director.
Director: “Are you thick or something? Like, seriously fucking stupid?”
Trixie has a furious expression forming on her face.
Trixie: “I’m not stupid! Or fat! You’re just a big meanie!”
Director: “I never called you fat!”
The female voice responds, matching Trixie’s tone and pitch, before continuing,
Director: “Look, all your brother’s asking is for you to read what’s on the fucking screen with a bit of attitude! Read it like you mean it! Read it in a way that makes it sound like you’re not reading! It ain’t fucking hard!”
Bret: “Alright, that’s enoug-”
Bret’s voice attempts to interject, before it is completely shouted over by an irate Trixie.
Trixie: “STOP SHOUTING AT ME! I’m trying my hardest!”
Bret: “Alright guys, let’s calm it do-”
Director: “Yeah, well your ‘hardest’ ain’t good enough, you fucking idiot!”
Bret once again attempts to lessen the hostilities, before he’s interrupted by the female voice, and with that, Trixie snaps… Bursting off of her stool, Trixie charges at the camera, and presumably the person the female voice belongs to.
Trixie: “WRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”
She is quickly intercepted by and lifted over the shoulder of her brother Bret, who in the process, knocks the camera over, leaving us with a sidewards view of a flailing Trixie, kicking and shouting as she’s carried out of shot as the scene fades, abruptly ending the video.
]
Boos begin to fill the arena as the FWA North American Champion Big Bryan Baxter walks out onto the stage wearing a glossy red "Buddy System" jacket over top his black trunks. Baxter stops to put his hands on his hips and waits as Mr. Scorpane joins him.
Natalie Rosenberg: “The following contest is a Pool B match in the F1 Climaxxx, and it is scheduled for one fall with a thirty minute time limit. Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by Mr. Bill Scorpane... from Hickory, North Carolina... weighing in at three-hundred two pounds... he is the reigning FWA North American Champion... BBBBIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG BRYAN BAAAAAAAAAAAAAXTER!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here's a man who has been on an absolute TEAR in the last few weeks and it can't be a coincidence that it's all happened since he's had less association with that wet blanket, Jeremy Best!"
Allen Price: "Yeah, a lot of it has to do with that influence of Mr. Scorpane... I just don't like that guy, J-L!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Like it or not, there's no denying the success it's having. Not only has he picked up the North American Championship along the way but he's in the driver's seat right now in Pool B after his huge win over Chris Peacock. I believe you had a front row seat for that one..."
Allen Price: "Yeah... let's not talk about that..."
Bryan Baxter steps up onto the apron and through the ropes to enter the ring. He lifts his arm up and receives another big round of boos from the Serbian fans. He unstraps the North American championship from around his large waist and hands it off to Mr. Scorpane at ringside.
It's more boos from the crowd, as neither one of these mean have endeared themselves with the FWA fans. Out walks Phillip A. Jackson, now sans the TV Title he lost last time to Vampyra. But Jackson looks poised and as confident as ever as he makes his way out.
Natalie Rosenberg: “And his opponent, from Toronto, Canada... weighing at two-hundred thirty-five pounds... PPPPPHHHHILLLLLIP A. JJJJJJJAAAAAAAAAAACKSON!
Allen Price: "Man, oh man, it's been a rough few weeks for PAJ."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Yes, after the high of winning the Television Championship at Lights Out, PAJ has had some bad luck here in the F1 Tournament and then it was a double whammy the last couple shows when he also lost the Television Championship to Vampyra."
Allen Price: "Unfortunately, his F1 hopes are probably left to just playing spoiler at this point. And if I know anything about Phillip A. Jackson, he'd love to spoil someone else's good time."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And if there's any way to get back on track than to pick up a win over the North American champion! Jackson looks like he's ready for this one and is determined to turn his luck around tonight!"
Jackson rolls into the ring, popping back up and extending his arms out to the less than adoring crowd. He begins to take off his white and gold ring jacket... but Bryan Baxter blindsides him from behind ahead of the bell!
Having jumped Jackson before the bell rang with a big lariat to the back of the head, Baxter quickly gets PAJ into the corner where he slams Jackson’s head repeatedly into the top turnbuckles before continuing to do so on the middle turnbuckles and then the bottom turnbuckles.He then flips Jackson over in the corner and begins to blatantly choke Jackson with his boot to the throat right in front of referee Richard Davis!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Bryan Baxter is in a foul mood tonight it seems and he’s wasting no time taking it out on Phillip A. Jackson!”
Allen Price: “It seems like the longer he’s been without Jeremy in the corner… the meaner and nastier he’s getting each week!”
Despite not particularly liking PAJ, the crowd really lets Baxter have it for the way he has started the match while he finally releases the choke in order to avoid being disqualified. Baxter backs off at the request of Richard Davis as Jackson begins to get up to his feet… only for Baxter to charge in with a big running splash to his back in the corner!
Out of the corner, Phillip A. Jackson staggers right into the waiting arms of Bryan Baxter who LIFTS HIM UP into the GORILLA PRESS… Baxter shows off his power as he walks around the ring with PAJ AND TOSSES HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE FLOOR!
Allen Price: “By the beard of Zeus, he almost sent Jackson into the front row!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Bryan Baxter is one of the largest members of the FWA roster and he’s really showing off that size advantage in the early goings here!”
Baxter sits back, leaning against the ropes and allows Richard Davis to begin a ten count on Jackson… but Jackson pulls himself up using the ring curtain and rolls back into the ring at eight… actually garnering a scattered amount of cheers from the fans as he gets back up to his feet in the ring.
Baxter heads over and takes a swing at PAJ, but Jackson ducks the attack from Baxter! Jackson delivers a pair of swift kicks to the large midsection of Baxter that barely phases BBB and he then leaps onto the ropes with a springboard, but Baxter catches him in the air, positioning him onto his shoulder and then drops him face first across the top turnbuckle! Snake Eyes!
Jackson staggers backwards from the corner into the waiting arms of Baxter who lifts him up.. BUCKLE BOMB sends Jackson back first across the top turnbuckles and down to the mat! With Jackson now seated in the corner, Baxter backs up to the opposite corner and rushes back in with a running hip attack to the head of the seated PAJ!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “What a one-sided affair so far! Jackson has to find a way to avoid this powerful offense of Bryan Baxter if he wants to last much longer!”
Baxter grabs Jackson by the hair and pulls him back up out of the corner, manhandling his opponent as he lifts him up for another power bomb… but Jackson begins to battle back! Right hand after right hand to the forehead of Baxter! He manages to switch positions, now sitting on Baxter's shoulders and driving elbows into the top of BBB’s head.
But Baxter continues to stay standing, absorbing the blows from PAJ and then brings him down to the mat with an Electric Chair Facebuster! Baxter sits down on Jackson’s chest, grabbing his far leg for a pin.
ONE.. TWO… THRE- Shoulder up by Jackson!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Jackson JUST BARELY gets his shoulder up there to stay alive in this match.”
Allen Price: “And I’m hearing more and more support for PAJ believe it or not! The fans must really dislike Bryan Baxter if they’re starting to get behind Jackson!”
BBB ignores the crowd as he pulls Jackson back up by his hair once again and then Irish Whips him hard into the turnbuckles. Baxter backs up to the opposite corner once again and rushes in for a corner splash…
BUT JACKSON MOVES OUT OF THE WAY and all 300-plus pounds of Bryan Baxter crashes into the turnbuckles! Baxter staggers out of the corner as PAJ rushes in, leaping up and scoring a one handed bulldog to take Baxter down to the mat! Baxter isn’t down long, already pulling himself up but Jackson was riding a wave of sudden momentum and surprising fan support as he springboards off the ropes and scores an INVERTED DDT to Baxter!
PAJ quickly goes for the pin!
ONE.. TWO.. KICKOUT!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “There’s life in Phillip A. Jackson and for the first time in the match, Baxter is the one reeling!”
Allen Price: “He’s gotta keep on it though! Baxter kicks out there so don’t take your foot off the pedal yet! He’s got to use that speed to his advantage!”
Baxter begins to pull himself up but PAJ scores with a dropkick to the knee of the bigger man to drop him down and PAJ follows it up with an enziguri! Baxter falls over into the ropes. PAJ shows off his agility as he climbs up to the top turnbuckle then walks the ropes and hits a knee right to the head of Baxter! The North American Champion drops to a knee as Jackson now rushes in with a heel kick that takes him down!
Springboard Moonsault by Jackson and he goes for the pin!
ONE.. TWO… NO! Baxter powers out!
Bryan rolls back to his feet and goes for a Discus Lariat to PAJ but PAJ ducks and grabs Baxter in a waist lock…and with all the strength in his body he’s able to lift up Baxter and drop him with a GERMAN SUPLEX!
PAJ can’t hold onto the bridge however, but he rolls to his feet and makes his way to the corner, climbing up to the top…
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Jackson wants to try to end it here! He’s going for The Amazing Splash!”
Allen Price: “But wait just a minute, Mr. Scorpane is up on the apron! Not this again!”
Mr. Scorpane has, in fact, climbed onto the apron and provides a momentary distraction for Jackson, as he yells at Baxter’s agent to get down - which also draws the attention of Richard Davis. As the referee dealt with the situation, Jackson flies in with THE AMAZING SPLASH!
IT CONNECTS!
Jackson has the pin! But the referee is out of position with Mr. Scorpane!
Allen Price: “Come on ref! Get Scorpane outta here! Jackson might’ve just had this one!”
PAJ gets up to his feet and pushes his way past Richard Davis and confronts Scorpane. When confronted, Scorpane quickly throws his arm up and indicates he “didn’t want any trouble” as he steps down off the apron.
But that distraction has allowed Baxter to recover, and when PAJ turns back around towards his opponent… he is hit with a running high-impact shoulder block, sending him crashing down to the mat.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Not only did that distraction from Mr. Scorpane keep Jackson from being able to go for the pin after the Amazing Splash, it has given Baxter the time he needed to get back up and strike back again!”
Baxter wastes no time going back on the attack as he grabs Jackson and lifts him up… going for the BAXTER DRIVER… but Jackson escapes down Bryan’s back instead! Bryan turns around into a running pump kick from Jackson! Baxter is staggered as Jackson springboards off the ropes and goes for a springboard headscissors…
But Baxter reverses it into a POWERBOMB BACKBREAKER!
Baxter is back up and pulls Jackson up by his hair… lifting him up… BAXTER DRIVER!
Baxter reaches forward and pulls back on both of PAJ’s legs to make the pin.
ONE.. TWO… THREE!
With a confident smirk on his face, Bryan gets to his feet and looks down at the fallen Phillip A. Jackson, proudly admiring his handiwork while Mr. Bill Scorpane enters the ring to celebrate with him, the North American championship in his hands.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… BBIIIIIIIGGG BRYAN BBBBBAAXXXXTER!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Big Bryan Baxter continues his recent success and remains undefeated in singles competition in FWA! And he will assuredly be competing in the Fight Night semi-finals, but next week’s matchup with Cyrus Truth will determine who can tout being Pool B winner! Here’s a look at our updated standings.”
Allen Price: “There’s still a lot on the line in the final week of pool play… Cyrus Truth can control his own destiny, so to speak, next time when he takes on Bryan Baxter… win and he’s definitely in the semi-finals!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “…While Chris Peacock and Lizzie Rose will find themselves in the unusual position of actually rooting for Bryan Baxter… which is certainly an awkward position for both of them after the past few weeks… but both will need to win their own respective matches and hope Baxter beats Truth if either of them want a chance to be in the semi-finals!”
Satisfied with their victory, Baxter and Scorpane walk to the back as Phillip A. Jackson begins to stagger to his feet in the ring, clearly dejected by the loss but surprisingly finds himself receiving some applause for his efforts tonight against Baxter.
Katie Baxter stands backstage with a microphone in hand, standing outside one of the locker rooms. The door slowly opens and out comes XYZ, wearing a green cloth around his neck. XYZ’s curly hair hands down past his ears and onto his neck. Rather than the upbeat and energetic persona we usually see, XYZ looks lethargic.
Katie Baxter: “XYZ … XYZ … I was hoping to get a word before your match with Reagan Cole. Particularly … just … how are you doing?”
XYZ stops his walk towards the arena’s central part for his match. He slowly turns his face and neck to look at Katien – not in an intimidating way, but just somber and emotional.
Katie Baxter: “We’re all … worried about you. What happened on Fallout was tough to watch.”
XYZ is unresponsive verbally. He nods his head.
Katie Baxter: “XYZ … I’m just very sorry but I think all of your fans want to know what’s happening. Everyone is concerned about you after knowing you had this imaginary friend.”
XYZ sniffles a bit at the mention – even a nameless one – of the late Big Al. But he takes a deep breath and then looks up to Katie for a response.
XYZ: “It’s tough. And all I can think now is … what is real? Who is real? Are you real, Katie? Or are you all in my mind? Am I hallucinating Reagan Cole? Is he real?”
Katie Baxter: “Well … yeah … Reagan Cole is real. So am I. So is everyone here.”
XYZ: “Yeah … you would say that.”
A pause.
XYZ: “I’m lost. I don’t know what’s real and what’s just … my creation. I’ve never felt more alone, and I feel stuck.”
Katie Baxter: “I think you just need to be grounded. Find the ground.”
XYZ: “I can’t find the ground, because I don’t even know if the ground is real.”
XYZ then walks away, leaving Katie with her mouth open and lacking any sort of response to the last statement. She then turns to the camera and shakes her head in an empathetic manner, obviously feeling for X.
Natalie Rosenberg: ”The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a 20-minute-time-limit!”
The familiar theme plays out and the crowd gives out a fairly positive reaction for the man that accompanies the music, and Reagan Cole emerges from behind the curtain. Cole tries to hype himself up a little before walking to the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: ”Making his way to the ring, from Essex, England and weighing in at 215 lb…The British Apprentice…Reagan Coooooole!”
Allen Price: ”Reagan Cole looks like he has a lot on his mind right now and that’s probably because he does. It stems from his dealings with Jeffry Mason, a man that Cole has aligned himself with, I think?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”You know what they say Price, if you can’t beat them, then join them and that’s what Reagan Cole did.”
Natalie Rosenberg: ”And his opponent, from Sitka, Alaska and weighing in at 180 lb…XYZ!”
XYZ steps out on stage and looks around and behind him before turning his attention toward the ring, and he slowly walks down to the ring while the crowd gives him a positive reception.
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Here’s another man that’s had his fair share of personal issues as of late but not with anyone in particular other than himself.”
Allen Price: ”I don’t even know what to think of that, Jean-Luc, but XYZ and Cole will have to put their respective issues aside and focus on this match tonight.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Bryan Baxter is in a foul mood tonight it seems and he’s wasting no time taking it out on Phillip A. Jackson!”
Allen Price: “It seems like the longer he’s been without Jeremy in the corner… the meaner and nastier he’s getting each week!”
Despite not particularly liking PAJ, the crowd really lets Baxter have it for the way he has started the match while he finally releases the choke in order to avoid being disqualified. Baxter backs off at the request of Richard Davis as Jackson begins to get up to his feet… only for Baxter to charge in with a big running splash to his back in the corner!
Out of the corner, Phillip A. Jackson staggers right into the waiting arms of Bryan Baxter who LIFTS HIM UP into the GORILLA PRESS… Baxter shows off his power as he walks around the ring with PAJ AND TOSSES HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE FLOOR!
Allen Price: “By the beard of Zeus, he almost sent Jackson into the front row!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Bryan Baxter is one of the largest members of the FWA roster and he’s really showing off that size advantage in the early goings here!”
Baxter sits back, leaning against the ropes and allows Richard Davis to begin a ten count on Jackson… but Jackson pulls himself up using the ring curtain and rolls back into the ring at eight… actually garnering a scattered amount of cheers from the fans as he gets back up to his feet in the ring.
Baxter heads over and takes a swing at PAJ, but Jackson ducks the attack from Baxter! Jackson delivers a pair of swift kicks to the large midsection of Baxter that barely phases BBB and he then leaps onto the ropes with a springboard, but Baxter catches him in the air, positioning him onto his shoulder and then drops him face first across the top turnbuckle! Snake Eyes!
Jackson staggers backwards from the corner into the waiting arms of Baxter who lifts him up.. BUCKLE BOMB sends Jackson back first across the top turnbuckles and down to the mat! With Jackson now seated in the corner, Baxter backs up to the opposite corner and rushes back in with a running hip attack to the head of the seated PAJ!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “What a one-sided affair so far! Jackson has to find a way to avoid this powerful offense of Bryan Baxter if he wants to last much longer!”
Baxter grabs Jackson by the hair and pulls him back up out of the corner, manhandling his opponent as he lifts him up for another power bomb… but Jackson begins to battle back! Right hand after right hand to the forehead of Baxter! He manages to switch positions, now sitting on Baxter's shoulders and driving elbows into the top of BBB’s head.
But Baxter continues to stay standing, absorbing the blows from PAJ and then brings him down to the mat with an Electric Chair Facebuster! Baxter sits down on Jackson’s chest, grabbing his far leg for a pin.
ONE.. TWO… THRE- Shoulder up by Jackson!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Jackson JUST BARELY gets his shoulder up there to stay alive in this match.”
Allen Price: “And I’m hearing more and more support for PAJ believe it or not! The fans must really dislike Bryan Baxter if they’re starting to get behind Jackson!”
BBB ignores the crowd as he pulls Jackson back up by his hair once again and then Irish Whips him hard into the turnbuckles. Baxter backs up to the opposite corner once again and rushes in for a corner splash…
BUT JACKSON MOVES OUT OF THE WAY and all 300-plus pounds of Bryan Baxter crashes into the turnbuckles! Baxter staggers out of the corner as PAJ rushes in, leaping up and scoring a one handed bulldog to take Baxter down to the mat! Baxter isn’t down long, already pulling himself up but Jackson was riding a wave of sudden momentum and surprising fan support as he springboards off the ropes and scores an INVERTED DDT to Baxter!
PAJ quickly goes for the pin!
ONE.. TWO.. KICKOUT!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “There’s life in Phillip A. Jackson and for the first time in the match, Baxter is the one reeling!”
Allen Price: “He’s gotta keep on it though! Baxter kicks out there so don’t take your foot off the pedal yet! He’s got to use that speed to his advantage!”
Baxter begins to pull himself up but PAJ scores with a dropkick to the knee of the bigger man to drop him down and PAJ follows it up with an enziguri! Baxter falls over into the ropes. PAJ shows off his agility as he climbs up to the top turnbuckle then walks the ropes and hits a knee right to the head of Baxter! The North American Champion drops to a knee as Jackson now rushes in with a heel kick that takes him down!
Springboard Moonsault by Jackson and he goes for the pin!
ONE.. TWO… NO! Baxter powers out!
Bryan rolls back to his feet and goes for a Discus Lariat to PAJ but PAJ ducks and grabs Baxter in a waist lock…and with all the strength in his body he’s able to lift up Baxter and drop him with a GERMAN SUPLEX!
PAJ can’t hold onto the bridge however, but he rolls to his feet and makes his way to the corner, climbing up to the top…
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Jackson wants to try to end it here! He’s going for The Amazing Splash!”
Allen Price: “But wait just a minute, Mr. Scorpane is up on the apron! Not this again!”
Mr. Scorpane has, in fact, climbed onto the apron and provides a momentary distraction for Jackson, as he yells at Baxter’s agent to get down - which also draws the attention of Richard Davis. As the referee dealt with the situation, Jackson flies in with THE AMAZING SPLASH!
IT CONNECTS!
Jackson has the pin! But the referee is out of position with Mr. Scorpane!
Allen Price: “Come on ref! Get Scorpane outta here! Jackson might’ve just had this one!”
PAJ gets up to his feet and pushes his way past Richard Davis and confronts Scorpane. When confronted, Scorpane quickly throws his arm up and indicates he “didn’t want any trouble” as he steps down off the apron.
But that distraction has allowed Baxter to recover, and when PAJ turns back around towards his opponent… he is hit with a running high-impact shoulder block, sending him crashing down to the mat.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Not only did that distraction from Mr. Scorpane keep Jackson from being able to go for the pin after the Amazing Splash, it has given Baxter the time he needed to get back up and strike back again!”
Baxter wastes no time going back on the attack as he grabs Jackson and lifts him up… going for the BAXTER DRIVER… but Jackson escapes down Bryan’s back instead! Bryan turns around into a running pump kick from Jackson! Baxter is staggered as Jackson springboards off the ropes and goes for a springboard headscissors…
But Baxter reverses it into a POWERBOMB BACKBREAKER!
Baxter is back up and pulls Jackson up by his hair… lifting him up… BAXTER DRIVER!
Baxter reaches forward and pulls back on both of PAJ’s legs to make the pin.
ONE.. TWO… THREE!
Winner: Big Bryan Baxter at 11:31
With a confident smirk on his face, Bryan gets to his feet and looks down at the fallen Phillip A. Jackson, proudly admiring his handiwork while Mr. Bill Scorpane enters the ring to celebrate with him, the North American championship in his hands.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… BBIIIIIIIGGG BRYAN BBBBBAAXXXXTER!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Big Bryan Baxter continues his recent success and remains undefeated in singles competition in FWA! And he will assuredly be competing in the Fight Night semi-finals, but next week’s matchup with Cyrus Truth will determine who can tout being Pool B winner! Here’s a look at our updated standings.”
Allen Price: “There’s still a lot on the line in the final week of pool play… Cyrus Truth can control his own destiny, so to speak, next time when he takes on Bryan Baxter… win and he’s definitely in the semi-finals!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “…While Chris Peacock and Lizzie Rose will find themselves in the unusual position of actually rooting for Bryan Baxter… which is certainly an awkward position for both of them after the past few weeks… but both will need to win their own respective matches and hope Baxter beats Truth if either of them want a chance to be in the semi-finals!”
Satisfied with their victory, Baxter and Scorpane walk to the back as Phillip A. Jackson begins to stagger to his feet in the ring, clearly dejected by the loss but surprisingly finds himself receiving some applause for his efforts tonight against Baxter.
Katie Baxter stands backstage with a microphone in hand, standing outside one of the locker rooms. The door slowly opens and out comes XYZ, wearing a green cloth around his neck. XYZ’s curly hair hands down past his ears and onto his neck. Rather than the upbeat and energetic persona we usually see, XYZ looks lethargic.
Katie Baxter: “XYZ … XYZ … I was hoping to get a word before your match with Reagan Cole. Particularly … just … how are you doing?”
XYZ stops his walk towards the arena’s central part for his match. He slowly turns his face and neck to look at Katien – not in an intimidating way, but just somber and emotional.
Katie Baxter: “We’re all … worried about you. What happened on Fallout was tough to watch.”
XYZ is unresponsive verbally. He nods his head.
Katie Baxter: “XYZ … I’m just very sorry but I think all of your fans want to know what’s happening. Everyone is concerned about you after knowing you had this imaginary friend.”
XYZ sniffles a bit at the mention – even a nameless one – of the late Big Al. But he takes a deep breath and then looks up to Katie for a response.
XYZ: “It’s tough. And all I can think now is … what is real? Who is real? Are you real, Katie? Or are you all in my mind? Am I hallucinating Reagan Cole? Is he real?”
Katie Baxter: “Well … yeah … Reagan Cole is real. So am I. So is everyone here.”
XYZ: “Yeah … you would say that.”
A pause.
XYZ: “I’m lost. I don’t know what’s real and what’s just … my creation. I’ve never felt more alone, and I feel stuck.”
Katie Baxter: “I think you just need to be grounded. Find the ground.”
XYZ: “I can’t find the ground, because I don’t even know if the ground is real.”
XYZ then walks away, leaving Katie with her mouth open and lacking any sort of response to the last statement. She then turns to the camera and shakes her head in an empathetic manner, obviously feeling for X.
Natalie Rosenberg: ”The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a 20-minute-time-limit!”
The familiar theme plays out and the crowd gives out a fairly positive reaction for the man that accompanies the music, and Reagan Cole emerges from behind the curtain. Cole tries to hype himself up a little before walking to the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: ”Making his way to the ring, from Essex, England and weighing in at 215 lb…The British Apprentice…Reagan Coooooole!”
Allen Price: ”Reagan Cole looks like he has a lot on his mind right now and that’s probably because he does. It stems from his dealings with Jeffry Mason, a man that Cole has aligned himself with, I think?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”You know what they say Price, if you can’t beat them, then join them and that’s what Reagan Cole did.”
Natalie Rosenberg: ”And his opponent, from Sitka, Alaska and weighing in at 180 lb…XYZ!”
XYZ steps out on stage and looks around and behind him before turning his attention toward the ring, and he slowly walks down to the ring while the crowd gives him a positive reception.
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Here’s another man that’s had his fair share of personal issues as of late but not with anyone in particular other than himself.”
Allen Price: ”I don’t even know what to think of that, Jean-Luc, but XYZ and Cole will have to put their respective issues aside and focus on this match tonight.”
DING! DING! DING!
Cole is ready to lock up but XYZ seems a bit hesitant about locking up with Cole. Cole looks confused and lunges forward to lock up, but XYZ side steps him and he walks to the corner of the ring. Cole seems a bit flustered by all of this and looks at the referee for any sort of help, but the referee is just as confused. Cole shrugs and charges toward XYZ and leaps forward with a splash, but XYZ moves out of the way yet Cole catches himself but XYZ decides to roll him up from behind!
One…TWO-NO!
Cole kicks out and he seems a bit taken aback by that as XYZ is showing some fight now, and XYZ runs toward Cole but Cole catches him by the hand and takes him down with an arm drag! Cole follows up with another arm drag and this time he tries to apply an arm lock but XYZ is wise enough to grab the nearest rope. Cole shakes his head and picks up XYZ but X takes Cole by surprise with a standing dropkick that knocks Cole back several steps. Cole shakes that off and runs toward XYZ, who leapfrogs over Cole and Cole hangs on to the ropes but XYZ catches Cole on the ropes and unloads on him with vicious kicks to shins and thigh area for about 20 seconds. XYZ then sends Cole off into the opposite ropes and off the rebound he catches Cole with a head-scissors takedown after spinning 360 degrees in the air!
Allen Price: ”I don’t think Reagan Cole was expecting this from XYZ after how the match had started.”
Cole rolls to the apron and he rises up in time to find XYZ approaching him and he throws a few forearm strikes to keep XYZ at bay, and then he wrenches XYZ neck first across the rope and XYZ falls flat on the mat. Cole readies himself before launching back inside of the ring with a slingshot senton and he makes the pin…
One…TWO-NO!
Cole takes XYZ by the leg and holds it before dropping an elbow across it. Then Cole locks in a single leg lion tamer on XYZ! Cole is wrenching back on the hold and XYZ is wincing while reaching out to the ropes. XYZ inches his way to the rope to the first rope and he manages to grab hold of it to break the hold, much to Cole’s chagrin. Cole approaches XYZ but before he can bring him up, XYZ trips him up and flips him on his back for a jackknife pin!
One…two…THREE-NO!
Cole kicks out and rolls through and pops back up on his feet and catches XYZ with a running knee lift! XYZ is stunned and drops down to one knee and Cole hits him with a shining wizard and another pin…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Cole drags XYZ up and into the corner and he unleashes repeated headbutts to XYZ, who sits stunned in the corner while Cole is now sizing him up before charging forward but XYZ gets a boot up that stops Cole in his tracks. XYZ props himself up on the top rope before leaping off, hitting Cole with double knees to the chest! XYZ isn’t finished yet though as he’s on the apron now before leaping up…springboard moonsault into a pin!
One…two…THREE-NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”XYZ has thrown just about everything he has at Cole, but Reagan Cole still has some fight left in him, wrestling fans!”
Cole rolls over to the apron and after he shakes off the effects of that moonsault, he begins to slowly climb up to the top but XYZ is there to try to stop him but Cole knocks him off and XYZ falls backward onto his feet. Cole finds his footing and leaps off, hitting XYZ with a leaping clothesline! XYZ pops back up but Cole hits another clothesline for good measure and he begins to feed off the energy of the crowd.
Cole sizes up XYZ and goes for the Cole-Breaker but XYZ has the wherewithal to slide out of the way and quickly catches Cole with a roll-up!
One…two…THREE-NO!
Cole kicks out and he’s quickly back to his feet but just as quick as he was up, he’s back down with a leg sweep by XYZ and XYZ hits a leaping elbow drop for good measure. XYZ then ascends the top rope and does a tightrope walk before hitting his front-flip springboard leg drop on Cole and XYZ makes the cover…
One…two…THREE!
Natalie Rosenberg: “The winner of the match, XYZ!”
XYZ exits the ring before he can have his arm raised and he hastily makes his way back up the ramp while Cole watches on with disappointment at having suffered a loss.
Jean-Luc: ”A tough loss for Reagan Cole, who seemed to have things going his way until he didn’t and XYZ pulled out the win.”
Allen Price: ”I think it could’ve gone either way, Jean-Luc. Anyway, we’ll have more Fallout coming at you after this short break, stay tuned!”
In what appears to be the medical area backstage, there are two beds next to each other. On the bed on the left side of the frame, checking his fangs are still in place, is Steve the Techno Vampire. On the right, covered in ice packs, is Ratin Mikichin. After their shared experience of being battered by Chris Peacock and Alyster Black earlier on tonight, the two rivals are clearly worse for wear and both suffer in silence as perhaps moving or speaking would cause too much pain for them. After a few seconds, though, Ratin breaks the silence.
Ratin Mikichin: “You cost me my win streak, vampire. Ratin had won two matches in a row before tonight. You are the worst tag team partner ever!”
Upon the accusation, Steve sits up on his bed and grimaces as he turns to face Ratin.
Steve the Techno Vampire: “Me? You were useless out there!”
Ratin sits up too, causing ice packs to fall to the floor at his feet next to the bed. He points his finger at Steve and shakes his head.
Ratin Mikichin: “It was YOU that got pinned by the crispy cock! Your fault, vampire!”
Steve the Techno Vampire: “No! Your fault… exhibitionist!”
That clearly crossed some sort of line, as Ratin roars out and lunges at Steve, putting his hands around the techno vampire’s throat, and Steve does the same. The world’s most pathetic fight falls to the floor of the trainer’s room before the scene fades on the stalemate that quickly formed.
As things flip back to the ring on Fallout 024, we see that The Boulder is standing in the ring with a referee and Natalie Rosenberg, and tonight the unluckiest man in the FWA is dressed as Santa Claus.
Natalie Rosenberg: "The following contest is scheduled for one fall, with a twenty minute time limit… Introducing first… THE BOULDER!"
There is not much reaction for The Boulder but the fans soon find themselves confused with the lights in the arena cutting out quickly. It is not limited to just the main lights; any source of electricity into the arena is seemingly cut off.
The lights return to normal momentarily and then start to flicker as Darius Wright menacingly emerges from the back onto the stage. His clothes are severely worn and ‘The Dark Traveler’ has his eyes firmly set on his opponent as he slowly walks towards the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: "His opponent… from Los Angeles, California and weighing in at two-hundred and forty-three pounds… ‘The Dark Traveler’ DARIUSSSSSSSS WRIIIIIIGGGGHHHHHHTTT!!"
Allen Price: "J-L, this man is positively haunting. Darius Wright is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. His attire and even his shoes are absolutely tattered and those eyes look like they’ve never seen anything resembling love. I think this guy is an absolute ticking time bomb."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I am not envious of The Boulder at the best of times, Price, but I think right now there is some serious cause for concern to be had if you were the FWA’s resident cosplayer. Darius Wright is coming off of defeat in his FWA debut against XYZ, and I think poor Boulder could be about to get seriously hurt in there."
Allen Price: "This man looks like he has nothing to lose, and any man like this is a dangerous one… and I think that goes double or even triple for Darius Wright. I’d be running for the hills if I was The Boulder right now."
Wright enters the ring and then blankly surveys the crowd in attendance tonight before he raises his arms above his head and crosses them into an ‘X’. The lights flicker once again and his music fades out. Wright backs into a corner and turns his attention back to his nervous opponent, who removes his Santa hat momentarily to use it to wipe some sweat from his forehead.
Cole is ready to lock up but XYZ seems a bit hesitant about locking up with Cole. Cole looks confused and lunges forward to lock up, but XYZ side steps him and he walks to the corner of the ring. Cole seems a bit flustered by all of this and looks at the referee for any sort of help, but the referee is just as confused. Cole shrugs and charges toward XYZ and leaps forward with a splash, but XYZ moves out of the way yet Cole catches himself but XYZ decides to roll him up from behind!
One…TWO-NO!
Cole kicks out and he seems a bit taken aback by that as XYZ is showing some fight now, and XYZ runs toward Cole but Cole catches him by the hand and takes him down with an arm drag! Cole follows up with another arm drag and this time he tries to apply an arm lock but XYZ is wise enough to grab the nearest rope. Cole shakes his head and picks up XYZ but X takes Cole by surprise with a standing dropkick that knocks Cole back several steps. Cole shakes that off and runs toward XYZ, who leapfrogs over Cole and Cole hangs on to the ropes but XYZ catches Cole on the ropes and unloads on him with vicious kicks to shins and thigh area for about 20 seconds. XYZ then sends Cole off into the opposite ropes and off the rebound he catches Cole with a head-scissors takedown after spinning 360 degrees in the air!
Allen Price: ”I don’t think Reagan Cole was expecting this from XYZ after how the match had started.”
Cole rolls to the apron and he rises up in time to find XYZ approaching him and he throws a few forearm strikes to keep XYZ at bay, and then he wrenches XYZ neck first across the rope and XYZ falls flat on the mat. Cole readies himself before launching back inside of the ring with a slingshot senton and he makes the pin…
One…TWO-NO!
Cole takes XYZ by the leg and holds it before dropping an elbow across it. Then Cole locks in a single leg lion tamer on XYZ! Cole is wrenching back on the hold and XYZ is wincing while reaching out to the ropes. XYZ inches his way to the rope to the first rope and he manages to grab hold of it to break the hold, much to Cole’s chagrin. Cole approaches XYZ but before he can bring him up, XYZ trips him up and flips him on his back for a jackknife pin!
One…two…THREE-NO!
Cole kicks out and rolls through and pops back up on his feet and catches XYZ with a running knee lift! XYZ is stunned and drops down to one knee and Cole hits him with a shining wizard and another pin…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Cole drags XYZ up and into the corner and he unleashes repeated headbutts to XYZ, who sits stunned in the corner while Cole is now sizing him up before charging forward but XYZ gets a boot up that stops Cole in his tracks. XYZ props himself up on the top rope before leaping off, hitting Cole with double knees to the chest! XYZ isn’t finished yet though as he’s on the apron now before leaping up…springboard moonsault into a pin!
One…two…THREE-NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”XYZ has thrown just about everything he has at Cole, but Reagan Cole still has some fight left in him, wrestling fans!”
Cole rolls over to the apron and after he shakes off the effects of that moonsault, he begins to slowly climb up to the top but XYZ is there to try to stop him but Cole knocks him off and XYZ falls backward onto his feet. Cole finds his footing and leaps off, hitting XYZ with a leaping clothesline! XYZ pops back up but Cole hits another clothesline for good measure and he begins to feed off the energy of the crowd.
Cole sizes up XYZ and goes for the Cole-Breaker but XYZ has the wherewithal to slide out of the way and quickly catches Cole with a roll-up!
One…two…THREE-NO!
Cole kicks out and he’s quickly back to his feet but just as quick as he was up, he’s back down with a leg sweep by XYZ and XYZ hits a leaping elbow drop for good measure. XYZ then ascends the top rope and does a tightrope walk before hitting his front-flip springboard leg drop on Cole and XYZ makes the cover…
One…two…THREE!
Winner:XYZ at 10:56
Natalie Rosenberg: “The winner of the match, XYZ!”
XYZ exits the ring before he can have his arm raised and he hastily makes his way back up the ramp while Cole watches on with disappointment at having suffered a loss.
Jean-Luc: ”A tough loss for Reagan Cole, who seemed to have things going his way until he didn’t and XYZ pulled out the win.”
Allen Price: ”I think it could’ve gone either way, Jean-Luc. Anyway, we’ll have more Fallout coming at you after this short break, stay tuned!”
In what appears to be the medical area backstage, there are two beds next to each other. On the bed on the left side of the frame, checking his fangs are still in place, is Steve the Techno Vampire. On the right, covered in ice packs, is Ratin Mikichin. After their shared experience of being battered by Chris Peacock and Alyster Black earlier on tonight, the two rivals are clearly worse for wear and both suffer in silence as perhaps moving or speaking would cause too much pain for them. After a few seconds, though, Ratin breaks the silence.
Ratin Mikichin: “You cost me my win streak, vampire. Ratin had won two matches in a row before tonight. You are the worst tag team partner ever!”
Upon the accusation, Steve sits up on his bed and grimaces as he turns to face Ratin.
Steve the Techno Vampire: “Me? You were useless out there!”
Ratin sits up too, causing ice packs to fall to the floor at his feet next to the bed. He points his finger at Steve and shakes his head.
Ratin Mikichin: “It was YOU that got pinned by the crispy cock! Your fault, vampire!”
Steve the Techno Vampire: “No! Your fault… exhibitionist!”
That clearly crossed some sort of line, as Ratin roars out and lunges at Steve, putting his hands around the techno vampire’s throat, and Steve does the same. The world’s most pathetic fight falls to the floor of the trainer’s room before the scene fades on the stalemate that quickly formed.
As things flip back to the ring on Fallout 024, we see that The Boulder is standing in the ring with a referee and Natalie Rosenberg, and tonight the unluckiest man in the FWA is dressed as Santa Claus.
Natalie Rosenberg: "The following contest is scheduled for one fall, with a twenty minute time limit… Introducing first… THE BOULDER!"
There is not much reaction for The Boulder but the fans soon find themselves confused with the lights in the arena cutting out quickly. It is not limited to just the main lights; any source of electricity into the arena is seemingly cut off.
The lights return to normal momentarily and then start to flicker as Darius Wright menacingly emerges from the back onto the stage. His clothes are severely worn and ‘The Dark Traveler’ has his eyes firmly set on his opponent as he slowly walks towards the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: "His opponent… from Los Angeles, California and weighing in at two-hundred and forty-three pounds… ‘The Dark Traveler’ DARIUSSSSSSSS WRIIIIIIGGGGHHHHHHTTT!!"
Allen Price: "J-L, this man is positively haunting. Darius Wright is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. His attire and even his shoes are absolutely tattered and those eyes look like they’ve never seen anything resembling love. I think this guy is an absolute ticking time bomb."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I am not envious of The Boulder at the best of times, Price, but I think right now there is some serious cause for concern to be had if you were the FWA’s resident cosplayer. Darius Wright is coming off of defeat in his FWA debut against XYZ, and I think poor Boulder could be about to get seriously hurt in there."
Allen Price: "This man looks like he has nothing to lose, and any man like this is a dangerous one… and I think that goes double or even triple for Darius Wright. I’d be running for the hills if I was The Boulder right now."
Wright enters the ring and then blankly surveys the crowd in attendance tonight before he raises his arms above his head and crosses them into an ‘X’. The lights flicker once again and his music fades out. Wright backs into a corner and turns his attention back to his nervous opponent, who removes his Santa hat momentarily to use it to wipe some sweat from his forehead.
The bell rings and Wright slowly emerges from the corner and waits for The Boulder to meet him in the middle of the ring. Despite giving up a lot of size to his opponent, Wright shows absolutely no sign of intimidation towards the giant in front of him. Boulder attempts to grapple Wright, but ‘The Dark Traveler’ is much quicker and he winds The Boulder with a punch to the ribs, which causes the larger man to duck down holding his gut. This leaves him in prime position for Wright to connect with a hook right across the face that knocks his opponent down onto one knee and also knocks his hat clean off of his head.
Wright backs into the ropes and picks up a bit of speed before he comes back with a running knee strike to the side of Boulder’s head, which knocks him down onto his side on the mat. The beard is spun around to the back of Boulder’s head, and Wright rips it straight off and examines it for a moment before tossing it to one side. Wright then grabs the red jacket and tears it clean off as well, and forces the red trousers to come off too, leaving Boulder in just a singlet as he tries to pick himself up from the mat.
Allen Price: "Well, I think we know how Darius Wright feels about The Boulder choosing something festive from his dress up box tonight."
‘The Dark Traveler’ shows absolutely no sign of caring that the crowd are booing him for his treatment of jolly old Saint Nick. Wright uses the ropes to force Boulder underneath the bottom rope and out to the floor, and he follows him outside. With Boulder down on one knee, Wright stands over him and lands some very heavy punches down onto the top of his head, and he pushes him backwards so he is leaning against the ring steps. Wright then charges in and drives his knee into Boulder’s face, crushing it against the steps. Some stomps follow, targeted at the head and chest of his opponent.
Showing some impressive strength, Wright manages to pick up his larger opponent from the floor and he forces him back into the ring. Wright makes a point of slowly walking up the steps and walking onto the apron before stepping through the ropes back into the ring. With Boulder on a knee, still trying to get back up, Wright runs through him with a Clothesline that knocks him most of the way down, so he follows up with another one after getting some more momentum behind him and this one does knock Boulder down to the mat.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "You can almost feel the disdain coursing through Wright as he lands each one of these strikes on The Boulder. This is a man with some deep-rooted issues and I think hurting people in the ring is his way of working through them."
Allen Price: "It is the strangest form of therapy that I’ve ever seen, Jean-Luc. The Boulder is not looking in a good way right now, I think his face is about to be rearranged!"
With The Boulder down on the mat, Wright uses this as a chance to get on top of him and he begins to relentlessly drive his fist into Boulder’s face with some hammer punches, and referee Larry Stevens needs to intervene and he warns Wright away as Boulder managed to drape his fingers over the bottom rope to cause a break. Wright does step away upon being instructed to and he waits for Boulder to get back to his feet with the help of the ropes and he then steps forward INTO A HUGE DISCUS CLOTHESLINE THAT LOOKS TO KNOCK BOULDER OUT!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "He calls that Pitch Black… and I think that could be what The Boulder is seeing right now!"
Boulder is flat out on his back and Wright drops to his knees before pressing his hands down on his opponent’s chest for the pin…
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
Wright’s music plays once again and ‘The Dark Traveler’ slowly rises back to his feet and has his arm raised by the referee. After this, he doesn’t hang around in the ring and immediately climbs out of the ring and starts walking towards the back.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… DARIUS WRIGHT!"
Allen Price: "That was nothing short of dominant, Jean-Luc. The Boulder is a big guy, and Darius Wright has just absolutely annihilated him tonight."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "A truly ferocious display from a man that definitely intrigues me, Price. I want to learn more about what has made him this way and watching him tear people apart definitely contributes to the appeal, too."
With his back to the ring and The Boulder now firmly in his past, the camera follows Darius Wright as he reaches the top of the ramp. He pauses for a moment and then looks out at the crowd once more, before walking out of frame and to the back.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Up next is what you have all been waiting for, wrestling fans - it is Mile High Massacre! First though, Todd Salum is standing by… Todd?"
In the interview area, Todd Salum has his trusty microphone in hand and he slowly nods his head as he picks up the feed from JLW at ringside.
Todd Salum: “Thank you, Jean-Luc. I am here at this time before tonight’s main event with someone that has requested this time… he is the holder of the Golden Opportunity briefcase… ‘Disco’s Last Warrior’... Chris Peacock.”
After a couple of seconds, Chris Peacock walks into the frame and shares a nod with Todd. He has his briefcase in his hand although has left his cane somewhere else at this time given its absence.
Todd Salum: “Chris… what is on your mind?”
Chris Peacock: “Thanks, Todd. I wanted a chance to speak because to me, it feels like I haven’t had a chance to address the FWA fans for a while. I think it would be fair to say that I’ve been a bit all over the place recently and I could use this time to just share where my head is at right now.”
Salum nods, and motions for Peacock to continue.
Chris Peacock: “Now, if not clear after Fallout 023, my professional and personal relationship with Allen Price is over. People spent the best part of two years telling me to drop his ass and after him costing me two matches in the F1 Climaxxx, I finally realised that they were right all along. Allen, I want to thank you for all you’ve done for me, but from now on, stay the fuck out of my business.”
Peacock does seem slightly conflicted as he talks, but he composes himself after a brief slip and then looks down the camera.
Chris Peacock: “If you don’t… a punch is the best that you’ll come away with. If you need help understanding that, maybe you can ask that little prick Jean-Luc what happens when you piss me off.”
A snort of amusement from Peacock, and his demeanor brightens up and he holds his arms out.
Chris Peacock: “But when one door closes, another opens. Everyone saw that door open earlier on tonight when I did manage to walk out of this cycle with something in the win column. That’s right, Chris Peacock and Alyster Black have taken our relationship to the next level. He’s now more than just one of the few people around here that is actually worth the time of day. He’s my new partner.”
Todd Salum: “Chris… if you don’t mind. How is that relationship going to work? You hold the key to taking Alyster Black’s FWA World Championship away in your hand with that briefcase. Can any trust truly be formed because of that?”
Chris Peacock: “That’s a fair question, Todd, and one that I expected to be asked. Can Alyster trust me? Is this all just a ploy to get closer to him to strike? I’ve got an answer to all of that… it is a pretty simple one. I’m not the guy to cash in this briefcase cheaply. You think after everything I’ve been through to get to this point I’m going to take the easy way out?! Fuck that. When I decide to cash in, if Aly is the champion, he’ll be the first person to know. Until then, I’m supporting him to beat that piece of crap Golden and send his ass packing. What happens after that is between me and Alyster.”
Salum nods, accepting the answer. Before he can ask any follow up question, a grin forms on Peacock’s face and on the other side of the interviewer, Alyster Black appears. Peacock and Black share a nod.
Todd Salum: “Alyster… welcome. Now I’ve got you both and you’re part of the tag team division together, I’ve got to ask you both your thoughts on the upcoming Mile High Massacre…”
The microphone is hovered between Black and Peacock for a moment and Alyster then leans in.
Alyster Black: “Fuck the Nephews.
Black pats Peacock on the shoulder and then walks off and Todd points the microphone at Peacock who smirks and shrugs his shoulders.
Chris Peacock: “What he said.”
After a beat, Peacock offers Salum another nod and then walks out in the direction of his new tag team partner. Salum grins to himself.
Todd Salum: “Couldn’t have put it better myself.”
As we return to the arena, we are shown that the cage has already descended into position around the ring. The audience cheers as an establishing shot of the steel structure is shown, signalling that it's time for the Mile High Massacre match to get underway.
There's a moderately positive reaction as the three women that make up The Coven appear on the stage, two of them dressed for battle and the third a step behind, applauding the sisters in front of her. Celestia and Blair each turn to Kleio and share a fistbump with her, before the Boa Constrictor turns and leaves the stadium. The Ravenwoods begin their walk down the ramp.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "You know what that means, wrestling fans: it's time for your main event! And the FWA World Tag Team Championships are on the line!"
Allen Price: "Here come the first of a series of challengers in what will be only the second ever tag team Mile High Massacre match in history… and the Coven look focussed ahead of what is certainly the most important, high-profile match of their young FWA careers."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "They have a lot of momentum after a couple of two-on-two wins to kick off their FWA runs, even if the Nephews were able to overcome them on Meltdown XXIII in a twelve-person bout."
Allen Price: "They'll be able to focus on themselves tonight, J-L, and not impromptu partners who they've never wrestled as part of a team with before."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I'm not sure they'll be able to focus on very much in this match, Price! I expect nothing short of absolute carnage!"
Blair and Celestia have walked through the cage doors, inspecting the meshing carefully before they finally climb up the steps and into the ring. They look up, the camera for the first time picking up the championship belts hanging up on the underside of the cage roof. The Ravenwoods behold the prize as their music fades out, soon replaced by…
Booing is heard amongst the Belgrade crowd as the next duo make their way out onto the stage. Jackson Fenix has a grin on his face as he taunts the audience, whereas Nate Savage looks focussed and stares down the ramp at the giant structure before him.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here comes a team that we last saw compete in a winning effort against XYZ and Jeremy Best. They successfully leveraged that victory into a spot here in this match, with the Undisputed Alliance looking to add another tag team title reign to their impressive career here in the FWA."
Allen Price: "That's right, J-L. The Undisputed Alliance are multiple time world tag team champions, both here and in the CWA. But their most recent success when it comes to silverware has been Nate Savage's run with the FWA X Championship last year. They'll hope to refocus their attention on the tag team division, capitalising on the carnage and chaos you alluded to earlier."
Nate ignores the steel that now surrounds him as he rolls into the ring and stares down the Coven. Jackson is looking up at the belts hanging high above him. Their music fades out, and next we hear…
The Belgrade crowd comes alive with cheers again as the LuPone brothers walk through the curtain. The Canadian duo march straight for the ramp, an impressive pace shown that only lets up so that they can high-five some of the front row fans on their way to the ring.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here comes another of the tandems who lost to six-strong force of Nephews sixteen days ago on Meltdown XXIII, but who picked up a victory two weeks before in order to earn their place in this championship match. It's another team who will doubtlessly see this as the biggest match of their careers so far."
Allen Price: "Whilst the Undisputed Alliance have been here before - although not in Mile High Massacre, it is true - the Lumberjacks, and indeed the Coven, will challenge for those tag belts for the very first time. They don't seem low on confidence, or to be phased by the structure now surrounding them."
Indeed, Dan and Doug LuPone have marched through the cage doors and into the ring, which they now share with the Undisputed Alliance and the Coven. They beat their chests and pose for the crowd as their music fades out, and next we hear…
There's a mixed reaction for Gabrielle and Kayden Knox as they appear on the stage and survey the audience in Belgrade. The Goddess offers him a nod, which Knox doesn't reciprocate. He has eyes only for the cage directly ahead of him. Gabrielle leads the way down the ramp.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here comes a pair that we last saw in a cage when they competed in the Golden Opportunity Steel Roulette match, and fortunes have been up and down for Bad Reputation since then. Gabrielle can still qualify for the F1 finals if she defeats Vampyra next time out and other results go her way… but we last saw Kayden Knox being dragged away by a security detail following that twelve-man tag on Meltdown XXIII."
Allen Price: "We're still none the wiser as to who was responsible for that strange interlude, but here Kayden Knox is tonight, ready to go to war again with Gabrielle by his side."
Knox and Gabrielle enter the cage door but remain outside of the ring, perhaps deeming it a little crowded with six people already in there. Their music fades out as the former tag team champions glance at each of their opponents in turn. Then, we hear…
The audience don't immediately know how to react to the unfamiliar music, with the lights going down and slow spotlights tracking over the crowd before, as the vocals kick in, the tag team champions walk out onto the stage. They don't have their belts, but they are together, seen for the first time as a pair in over a month now. Before they begin their walk to the ramp, they are joined on the stage by more of Cthulhu's Nephews: Uncle J.J. JAY!, Quiet, and Thomas West emerge through the curtain and stand behind the Connection. There's a mostly positive reaction for Gerald Grayson and Michelle von Horrowitz, who behold the now-full cage in front of them before they walk towards it.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And here comes the champions, even if they don't currently have their belts in their possession, and are entering to new, unfamiliar music. The championships have already been handed to FWA officials and hanged, as you have seen, from the roof of that cage. The Connection will have to climb a ladder and retrieve them if they want to continue their reign."
Allen Price: "That reign is still in its infancy, with von Horrowitz and Grayson only winning those titles a couple of months ago at Lights Out. Almost the entirety of the FWA tag team division is out to take those championships away from them tonight, and it's also true that the champions haven't exactly been seeing eye to eye as of late."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Maybe not, but as a team they've continued to win. This team hasn't lost as a pair since the final of The Division Tag Team Classic, now more than two years ago, when they were defeated by Golden Rock. Perhaps their toughest task awaits, though, with four hungry teams already assembled in the cage."
The champions join these hungry challengers, entering through the door and taking a wary look around their new surroundings. They share a look and a nod, and then they slide into the ring. Bad Reputation remain on the outside, and the other three teams climb out of the ring to allow Grayson and MvH to ascend to opposite turnbuckles and amp the crowd up some more. The accompanying Nephews have remained outside the steel, and many of the match's participants look through the mesh suspiciously as they circle the perimeter.
Inside the ring, the Connection have hopped down from the turnbuckles and their music fades out. We see Natalie Rosenberg climb through the ropes, followed by all four of the other teams, who look around at the rest of the combatants in turn, sizing up the night's task.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Ladies and gentlemen… the following is your Fallout main event, with no time limit, and is a Mile High Massacre match! The only way to win is to retrieve the championship belts, which are currently suspended high above the ring…"
We get one more shot of the belts, amidst a clamour for the match to begin, the audience's anticipation building.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Introducing first, the challengers… first, representing Executive Excellence… at a combined weight of three hundred and fifteen pounds… Kayden Knox… Gabrielle… BAD… REPUTATION!!"
A mixed reaction for the former tag team champions as their introduction is made.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Next, at a combined weight of four hundred and seventy six pounds… Jackson Fenix… Nate Savage… the UNDISPUTED ALLIANCE!!"
Boos rain down from the arena as Jackson Fenix lifts his hands cockily into the air.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Thirdly, at a combined weight of two hundred and twenty pounds… Blair and Celestia Ravenwood… they are the Sisters… of… THE COVEN!!"
Cheers are heard in the stadium for the sisters, who simply stare ahead of themselves, waiting for the match to begin.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And the final set of challengers… from the Yukon in Canada and at a combined weight of six hundred and twenty five pounds… Dan and Doug LuPone… the LUMBERJACKS!!"
More positivity in Belgrade as the Lumberjacks raise their fists in unison as their name is called.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And finally… the current FWA World Tag Team Champions… representing Cthulhu's Nephews… from Raleigh, North Carolina, 'the Daredevil' Gerald Grayson… and from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 'Dreamer' Michelle von Horrowitz… the CONNECTION!!"
The champions are cheered well, too, as they step forward from their corner and, for a moment, are in the middle of the other teams. Michelle glances up at the belts one final time as Natalie climbs out of the ring. The cage door is opened for her and, with all ten competitors in the ring, the referee calls for the bell…
Wright backs into the ropes and picks up a bit of speed before he comes back with a running knee strike to the side of Boulder’s head, which knocks him down onto his side on the mat. The beard is spun around to the back of Boulder’s head, and Wright rips it straight off and examines it for a moment before tossing it to one side. Wright then grabs the red jacket and tears it clean off as well, and forces the red trousers to come off too, leaving Boulder in just a singlet as he tries to pick himself up from the mat.
Allen Price: "Well, I think we know how Darius Wright feels about The Boulder choosing something festive from his dress up box tonight."
‘The Dark Traveler’ shows absolutely no sign of caring that the crowd are booing him for his treatment of jolly old Saint Nick. Wright uses the ropes to force Boulder underneath the bottom rope and out to the floor, and he follows him outside. With Boulder down on one knee, Wright stands over him and lands some very heavy punches down onto the top of his head, and he pushes him backwards so he is leaning against the ring steps. Wright then charges in and drives his knee into Boulder’s face, crushing it against the steps. Some stomps follow, targeted at the head and chest of his opponent.
Showing some impressive strength, Wright manages to pick up his larger opponent from the floor and he forces him back into the ring. Wright makes a point of slowly walking up the steps and walking onto the apron before stepping through the ropes back into the ring. With Boulder on a knee, still trying to get back up, Wright runs through him with a Clothesline that knocks him most of the way down, so he follows up with another one after getting some more momentum behind him and this one does knock Boulder down to the mat.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "You can almost feel the disdain coursing through Wright as he lands each one of these strikes on The Boulder. This is a man with some deep-rooted issues and I think hurting people in the ring is his way of working through them."
Allen Price: "It is the strangest form of therapy that I’ve ever seen, Jean-Luc. The Boulder is not looking in a good way right now, I think his face is about to be rearranged!"
With The Boulder down on the mat, Wright uses this as a chance to get on top of him and he begins to relentlessly drive his fist into Boulder’s face with some hammer punches, and referee Larry Stevens needs to intervene and he warns Wright away as Boulder managed to drape his fingers over the bottom rope to cause a break. Wright does step away upon being instructed to and he waits for Boulder to get back to his feet with the help of the ropes and he then steps forward INTO A HUGE DISCUS CLOTHESLINE THAT LOOKS TO KNOCK BOULDER OUT!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "He calls that Pitch Black… and I think that could be what The Boulder is seeing right now!"
Boulder is flat out on his back and Wright drops to his knees before pressing his hands down on his opponent’s chest for the pin…
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
Winner: Darius Wright via pin fall at 3:55
Wright’s music plays once again and ‘The Dark Traveler’ slowly rises back to his feet and has his arm raised by the referee. After this, he doesn’t hang around in the ring and immediately climbs out of the ring and starts walking towards the back.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… DARIUS WRIGHT!"
Allen Price: "That was nothing short of dominant, Jean-Luc. The Boulder is a big guy, and Darius Wright has just absolutely annihilated him tonight."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "A truly ferocious display from a man that definitely intrigues me, Price. I want to learn more about what has made him this way and watching him tear people apart definitely contributes to the appeal, too."
With his back to the ring and The Boulder now firmly in his past, the camera follows Darius Wright as he reaches the top of the ramp. He pauses for a moment and then looks out at the crowd once more, before walking out of frame and to the back.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Up next is what you have all been waiting for, wrestling fans - it is Mile High Massacre! First though, Todd Salum is standing by… Todd?"
In the interview area, Todd Salum has his trusty microphone in hand and he slowly nods his head as he picks up the feed from JLW at ringside.
Todd Salum: “Thank you, Jean-Luc. I am here at this time before tonight’s main event with someone that has requested this time… he is the holder of the Golden Opportunity briefcase… ‘Disco’s Last Warrior’... Chris Peacock.”
After a couple of seconds, Chris Peacock walks into the frame and shares a nod with Todd. He has his briefcase in his hand although has left his cane somewhere else at this time given its absence.
Todd Salum: “Chris… what is on your mind?”
Chris Peacock: “Thanks, Todd. I wanted a chance to speak because to me, it feels like I haven’t had a chance to address the FWA fans for a while. I think it would be fair to say that I’ve been a bit all over the place recently and I could use this time to just share where my head is at right now.”
Salum nods, and motions for Peacock to continue.
Chris Peacock: “Now, if not clear after Fallout 023, my professional and personal relationship with Allen Price is over. People spent the best part of two years telling me to drop his ass and after him costing me two matches in the F1 Climaxxx, I finally realised that they were right all along. Allen, I want to thank you for all you’ve done for me, but from now on, stay the fuck out of my business.”
Peacock does seem slightly conflicted as he talks, but he composes himself after a brief slip and then looks down the camera.
Chris Peacock: “If you don’t… a punch is the best that you’ll come away with. If you need help understanding that, maybe you can ask that little prick Jean-Luc what happens when you piss me off.”
A snort of amusement from Peacock, and his demeanor brightens up and he holds his arms out.
Chris Peacock: “But when one door closes, another opens. Everyone saw that door open earlier on tonight when I did manage to walk out of this cycle with something in the win column. That’s right, Chris Peacock and Alyster Black have taken our relationship to the next level. He’s now more than just one of the few people around here that is actually worth the time of day. He’s my new partner.”
Todd Salum: “Chris… if you don’t mind. How is that relationship going to work? You hold the key to taking Alyster Black’s FWA World Championship away in your hand with that briefcase. Can any trust truly be formed because of that?”
Chris Peacock: “That’s a fair question, Todd, and one that I expected to be asked. Can Alyster trust me? Is this all just a ploy to get closer to him to strike? I’ve got an answer to all of that… it is a pretty simple one. I’m not the guy to cash in this briefcase cheaply. You think after everything I’ve been through to get to this point I’m going to take the easy way out?! Fuck that. When I decide to cash in, if Aly is the champion, he’ll be the first person to know. Until then, I’m supporting him to beat that piece of crap Golden and send his ass packing. What happens after that is between me and Alyster.”
Salum nods, accepting the answer. Before he can ask any follow up question, a grin forms on Peacock’s face and on the other side of the interviewer, Alyster Black appears. Peacock and Black share a nod.
Todd Salum: “Alyster… welcome. Now I’ve got you both and you’re part of the tag team division together, I’ve got to ask you both your thoughts on the upcoming Mile High Massacre…”
The microphone is hovered between Black and Peacock for a moment and Alyster then leans in.
Alyster Black: “Fuck the Nephews.
Black pats Peacock on the shoulder and then walks off and Todd points the microphone at Peacock who smirks and shrugs his shoulders.
Chris Peacock: “What he said.”
After a beat, Peacock offers Salum another nod and then walks out in the direction of his new tag team partner. Salum grins to himself.
Todd Salum: “Couldn’t have put it better myself.”
As we return to the arena, we are shown that the cage has already descended into position around the ring. The audience cheers as an establishing shot of the steel structure is shown, signalling that it's time for the Mile High Massacre match to get underway.
There's a moderately positive reaction as the three women that make up The Coven appear on the stage, two of them dressed for battle and the third a step behind, applauding the sisters in front of her. Celestia and Blair each turn to Kleio and share a fistbump with her, before the Boa Constrictor turns and leaves the stadium. The Ravenwoods begin their walk down the ramp.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "You know what that means, wrestling fans: it's time for your main event! And the FWA World Tag Team Championships are on the line!"
Allen Price: "Here come the first of a series of challengers in what will be only the second ever tag team Mile High Massacre match in history… and the Coven look focussed ahead of what is certainly the most important, high-profile match of their young FWA careers."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "They have a lot of momentum after a couple of two-on-two wins to kick off their FWA runs, even if the Nephews were able to overcome them on Meltdown XXIII in a twelve-person bout."
Allen Price: "They'll be able to focus on themselves tonight, J-L, and not impromptu partners who they've never wrestled as part of a team with before."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I'm not sure they'll be able to focus on very much in this match, Price! I expect nothing short of absolute carnage!"
Blair and Celestia have walked through the cage doors, inspecting the meshing carefully before they finally climb up the steps and into the ring. They look up, the camera for the first time picking up the championship belts hanging up on the underside of the cage roof. The Ravenwoods behold the prize as their music fades out, soon replaced by…
Booing is heard amongst the Belgrade crowd as the next duo make their way out onto the stage. Jackson Fenix has a grin on his face as he taunts the audience, whereas Nate Savage looks focussed and stares down the ramp at the giant structure before him.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here comes a team that we last saw compete in a winning effort against XYZ and Jeremy Best. They successfully leveraged that victory into a spot here in this match, with the Undisputed Alliance looking to add another tag team title reign to their impressive career here in the FWA."
Allen Price: "That's right, J-L. The Undisputed Alliance are multiple time world tag team champions, both here and in the CWA. But their most recent success when it comes to silverware has been Nate Savage's run with the FWA X Championship last year. They'll hope to refocus their attention on the tag team division, capitalising on the carnage and chaos you alluded to earlier."
Nate ignores the steel that now surrounds him as he rolls into the ring and stares down the Coven. Jackson is looking up at the belts hanging high above him. Their music fades out, and next we hear…
The Belgrade crowd comes alive with cheers again as the LuPone brothers walk through the curtain. The Canadian duo march straight for the ramp, an impressive pace shown that only lets up so that they can high-five some of the front row fans on their way to the ring.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here comes another of the tandems who lost to six-strong force of Nephews sixteen days ago on Meltdown XXIII, but who picked up a victory two weeks before in order to earn their place in this championship match. It's another team who will doubtlessly see this as the biggest match of their careers so far."
Allen Price: "Whilst the Undisputed Alliance have been here before - although not in Mile High Massacre, it is true - the Lumberjacks, and indeed the Coven, will challenge for those tag belts for the very first time. They don't seem low on confidence, or to be phased by the structure now surrounding them."
Indeed, Dan and Doug LuPone have marched through the cage doors and into the ring, which they now share with the Undisputed Alliance and the Coven. They beat their chests and pose for the crowd as their music fades out, and next we hear…
There's a mixed reaction for Gabrielle and Kayden Knox as they appear on the stage and survey the audience in Belgrade. The Goddess offers him a nod, which Knox doesn't reciprocate. He has eyes only for the cage directly ahead of him. Gabrielle leads the way down the ramp.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here comes a pair that we last saw in a cage when they competed in the Golden Opportunity Steel Roulette match, and fortunes have been up and down for Bad Reputation since then. Gabrielle can still qualify for the F1 finals if she defeats Vampyra next time out and other results go her way… but we last saw Kayden Knox being dragged away by a security detail following that twelve-man tag on Meltdown XXIII."
Allen Price: "We're still none the wiser as to who was responsible for that strange interlude, but here Kayden Knox is tonight, ready to go to war again with Gabrielle by his side."
Knox and Gabrielle enter the cage door but remain outside of the ring, perhaps deeming it a little crowded with six people already in there. Their music fades out as the former tag team champions glance at each of their opponents in turn. Then, we hear…
The audience don't immediately know how to react to the unfamiliar music, with the lights going down and slow spotlights tracking over the crowd before, as the vocals kick in, the tag team champions walk out onto the stage. They don't have their belts, but they are together, seen for the first time as a pair in over a month now. Before they begin their walk to the ramp, they are joined on the stage by more of Cthulhu's Nephews: Uncle J.J. JAY!, Quiet, and Thomas West emerge through the curtain and stand behind the Connection. There's a mostly positive reaction for Gerald Grayson and Michelle von Horrowitz, who behold the now-full cage in front of them before they walk towards it.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And here comes the champions, even if they don't currently have their belts in their possession, and are entering to new, unfamiliar music. The championships have already been handed to FWA officials and hanged, as you have seen, from the roof of that cage. The Connection will have to climb a ladder and retrieve them if they want to continue their reign."
Allen Price: "That reign is still in its infancy, with von Horrowitz and Grayson only winning those titles a couple of months ago at Lights Out. Almost the entirety of the FWA tag team division is out to take those championships away from them tonight, and it's also true that the champions haven't exactly been seeing eye to eye as of late."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Maybe not, but as a team they've continued to win. This team hasn't lost as a pair since the final of The Division Tag Team Classic, now more than two years ago, when they were defeated by Golden Rock. Perhaps their toughest task awaits, though, with four hungry teams already assembled in the cage."
The champions join these hungry challengers, entering through the door and taking a wary look around their new surroundings. They share a look and a nod, and then they slide into the ring. Bad Reputation remain on the outside, and the other three teams climb out of the ring to allow Grayson and MvH to ascend to opposite turnbuckles and amp the crowd up some more. The accompanying Nephews have remained outside the steel, and many of the match's participants look through the mesh suspiciously as they circle the perimeter.
Inside the ring, the Connection have hopped down from the turnbuckles and their music fades out. We see Natalie Rosenberg climb through the ropes, followed by all four of the other teams, who look around at the rest of the combatants in turn, sizing up the night's task.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Ladies and gentlemen… the following is your Fallout main event, with no time limit, and is a Mile High Massacre match! The only way to win is to retrieve the championship belts, which are currently suspended high above the ring…"
We get one more shot of the belts, amidst a clamour for the match to begin, the audience's anticipation building.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Introducing first, the challengers… first, representing Executive Excellence… at a combined weight of three hundred and fifteen pounds… Kayden Knox… Gabrielle… BAD… REPUTATION!!"
A mixed reaction for the former tag team champions as their introduction is made.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Next, at a combined weight of four hundred and seventy six pounds… Jackson Fenix… Nate Savage… the UNDISPUTED ALLIANCE!!"
Boos rain down from the arena as Jackson Fenix lifts his hands cockily into the air.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Thirdly, at a combined weight of two hundred and twenty pounds… Blair and Celestia Ravenwood… they are the Sisters… of… THE COVEN!!"
Cheers are heard in the stadium for the sisters, who simply stare ahead of themselves, waiting for the match to begin.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And the final set of challengers… from the Yukon in Canada and at a combined weight of six hundred and twenty five pounds… Dan and Doug LuPone… the LUMBERJACKS!!"
More positivity in Belgrade as the Lumberjacks raise their fists in unison as their name is called.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And finally… the current FWA World Tag Team Champions… representing Cthulhu's Nephews… from Raleigh, North Carolina, 'the Daredevil' Gerald Grayson… and from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 'Dreamer' Michelle von Horrowitz… the CONNECTION!!"
The champions are cheered well, too, as they step forward from their corner and, for a moment, are in the middle of the other teams. Michelle glances up at the belts one final time as Natalie climbs out of the ring. The cage door is opened for her and, with all ten competitors in the ring, the referee calls for the bell…
There’s a moment of pause as each of the ten wrestlers look around the ring at one another, and then the camera picks up Kayden Knox looking sidewards at his partner, Gabrielle… the Goddess walks towards the ropes, bending over to slide her Bad Reputation jacket beneath the bottom one and out of ring...
… and, to a stunned and shocked reaction from the audience, then Kayden Knox hits Executive Execution on Gabrielle Montgomery!
There is a sudden silence that has overtaken the arena as Gabrielle head lands awkwardly on the mat. Her head snaps back and she lays out cold. Kayden stands over her before pacing back and forth and then taking a seat against the turnbuckle in the corner. He has his hands in his face and is muttering something.
All around Kayden Knox, who still watches the Goddess amidst the stunned silence, the other eight competitors in the ring seem locked in the moment, staring at the implosion of Bad Reputation and the remnants of Executive Excellence. Even the three Nephews on the outside of the ring stare up at the sudden and strange turn of events with a dumbfounded look on their faces.
Allen Price: "What the hell just happened? Jean-Luc! Kayden Knox just curbstomped his own partner's face into the mat!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "..."
Kayden gets up and walks towards her. He drops to his knees and grabs Gabrielle. He is holding her in his arms as the rest of the world looks on, stunned. Meanwhile, around the Goddess and Knox, all hell breaks loose, the other combatants remembering that the bell has rung and the match has started. Doug LuPone charges at both members of the Coven, who both duck his double clothesline and bundle him over the top rope with a big back body drop. Michelle charges at Nate and bowls him backwards with some chops and forearms, whilst the Ravenwoods now direct their attention on Dan LuPone. Grayson, meanwhile, is chopped by Jackson Fenix, and then whipped against the ropes. GG ducks Savage’s attempt at a lariat and continues his momentum… to hit a suicide dive on Doug LuPone! LuPone was getting up to his feet on the outside, but the Daredevil takes him out with the move!
The camera cuts back to the Executive Excellence episode, and specifically to Knox's face and you can see tears running from his eyes, his nose is leaking. He runs his hands through her hair.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Gabrielle Montgomery hasn't moved at all since taking that curb-stomp... it looked like she landed at an ugly angle there, Price. We need some help..."
Allen Price: "I think we're getting it, J-L. Here comes a team of EMTs and a stretcher. The official checking on Gabrielle has signified that she needs some attention..."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And this match has already started, Price! Will Gabrielle even be able to continue?!"
Allen Price: "Doesn't seem that way, Jean-Luc! And I'm not sure Kayden Knox even wants tp."
Kayden Knox: "I am so sorry Gabi. I am so sorry."
He holds her, rocking back and forth. He's sobbing uncontrollably.
Kayden Knox: "I had no choice. I had to do it. There wasn't anything I could do. I am so sorry Gabi. I didn't have a choice."0o
He let's go of her as EMTs, who have emerged through the open cage door, take a look over Gabrielle. They roll the Goddess beneath the bottom rope and onto the outside, where they lay her out next to a stretcher. Kayden has walked out of the open cage door, not daring to look back.
Meanwhile, in the ring, MvH is currently trading blows with Nate Savage, who has the better of the exchange and backs Dreamer into a corner, where he proceeds to lay in some stomps that force her into a seated position. He continues the onslaught, the image evoking their history at the end of her CWA tenure. Blair Ravenwood, meanwhile, dropkicks Dan LuPone so that he is backed up to the ropes. She attempts to charge in and clothesline him over onto the outside, but Dan ducks it and back body drops her over instead, just as the Ravenwoods did to his brother at the very start of the match… and Blair lands on top of her sister Celestia and Jackson Fenix, who were brawling on the outside!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It's absolute carnage, here! The EMTs are still working on Gabrielle, getting her onto that stretcher, whilst Kayden Knox is now walking away through the crowd… and around them a Mile High Massacre is just getting going!"
Allen Price: "You can't expect the other eight competitors to slow down whilst the Executive Excellence melodrama plays out, J-L. Or should I call it a death scene?"
The camera is watching the EMTs getting Gabrielle onto a stretcher on the outside, but in the background of the shot we see MvH pull herself out of the ring beneath the bottom rope to avoid Nate's incessant stomping. Von Horrowitz has to duck as Doug LuPone tries to run through her with a big boot, and then as the Lumberjack turns she nails him with a step-up enziguri! Doug sprawls backwards and tumbles over one of the crouched EMTs! Michelle turns around and gets nailed with a kick to the midsection from Jackson Fenix, followed by a snap suplex!
Meanwhile, in the ring, we have Nate Savage and Dan LuPone trading haymakers in a mini-hoss match within the match, as most of the action taking place on the outside around them. Nate holds his own for a while, throwing a combination of chops and straight right hands, but before long Dan is able to overpower him, backing him up into a corner with some stiff overhand chops. He takes Nate by the wrist and hurls him across the ring with force with an Irish whip. Savage hits the turnbuckles hard and bounces back towards Dan, who takes him down with a flapjack!!
On the outside, Kayden has made use of the open door (which has remained open to let the EMTs in) to leave the cage, and is now in the process of walking through the crowd. The audience is hurling abuse at him as he goes, but the camera cuts to the Goddess, who is being taken from the cage upon a stretcher by the medical staff.
Allen Price: "This looks like a frightening situation for Gabrielle, here. You look like you're in shock, J-L!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I think the world is, Price! What was going through Kayden Knox's mind?!"
Allen Price: "We'll have to address that in due course, because a Mile High Massacre match is underway! And Michelle von Horrowitz is thrown head-first into that open door!"
Indeed, just after the paramedics have removed Gabrielle and before the officials have managed to close the door, MvH spills out of the cage after Jackson Fenix throws her headfirst into it. Fenix follows her out, taking her by the scruff of the neck and throwing her over the barricade into the crowd! The officials remonstrate with the tandem to get it back inside the cage, but don't notice that behind them both Ravenwood sisters have Doug LuPone in a double headlock, and they run him head-first like a battering ram into the open door! LuPone rolls out of the door and onto the outside of the cage, where the Ravenwood sisters follow him with a series of stomps.
In the ring, meanwhile, Dan LuPone continues to throw Nate Savage about, at first with a delayed vertical suplex and then with a fallaway slam. Gerald Grayson, meanwhile, who has been busy with Doug LuPone and then the Ravenwoods on the outside, is back up on the apron, and as Dan turns towards him he takes the big man off his feet with a springboard dropkick! What follows is an unlikely temporary alliance between Nate Savage and Gerald Grayson, as they first hit a double suplex on the larger man, followed by an Irish whip into the ropes and a double back body drop!
Outside of the cage, meanwhile, Celestia and Blair Ravenwood continue to take the assault to Doug LuPone, hitting the Lumberjack with alternating kicks to the midsection and chest as he reclines on his knees, wincing at each one. The camera picks up MvH and Jackson Fenix, who are fighting through the crowd! Fenix is threatening a German suplex on some steps leading up through the arena, but von Horrowitz lashes out with a few elbow strikes to the side of the head before going behind into a rear waistlock of her own. She attempts a German herself but Jackson is too heavy, so she changes tact, hitting a Russian leg sweep instead! Back nearer ringside, Blair Ravenwood has Doug in a front face lock, and Celestia boots him in the sternum before Blair takes him down with a DDT!
The Ravenwoods get to their feet… but any celebration is short-lived, as the ringside Nephews descend! Uncle hits Celestia with a lariat, whilst Thomas West knocks Blair off her feet with a shoulder block!! The audience boos the Nephews freely as Quiet levels the rising Doug with a running knee strike!
Allen Price: "The Nephews aren’t even in the match!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "They’re not… but who couldn’t predict that they’d involve themselves in some way? Uncle, Quiet, and West have capitalised on the drama between Bad Reputation and the fact that the action has spilled out of the cage… which, of course, would’ve otherwise kept them out."
In the ring, Nate and Gerald take turns in hitting knife edge chops on Dan in the corner, and then they Irish whip the big man into the opposite set of turnbuckles. Nate takes Grayson by the wrist, and tries to whip him across for a clothesline… but Dan ducks beneath, and charges out of the corner to take Savage down with a clothesline! And then he has a big boot for Grayson!
Allen Price: "Dan LuPone is building up a head of steam, here! He has the Daredevil up on his shoulder…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Running power slam! But watch out - Nate Savage is on the charge… and he eats a scoop powerslam from the big Canadian! Momentum shifting inside the ring into the Lumberjack's favour!"
LuPone slides beneath the bottom rope and notices the open door, and more importantly sees the Nephews' ongoing attack on his brother (as well as the Ravenwoods) outside of the cage. Quiet is working on Blair with chops on the barricade, whilst Thomas West attempts to run Celestia into the outside of the cage… only for the young woman to reverse and throw West face first into the steel instead! Celestia finds herself with a moment to charge Quiet, but the masked man is able to take her out with a kick to the knees. Uncle, meanwhile, has Doug LuPone in an octopus hold, and upon seeing this his brother steps towards the open door. The official there, though, slams it shut, and temporarily locks it in an act of damage limitation.
Dan instead turns away from the scenes outside of the cage and looks under the ring for a ladder. He collects one and begins to slide it beneath the bottom rope, but Gerald Grayson charges and hits a baseball slide, sending the ladder into Dan's face! Grayson slides out to take the ladder and throw it into the ring, then he hops into the apron, willing Nate to his feet… but before he can do anything, Dan LuPone yanks him down from the apron and knocks him over with a shoulder block! LuPone goes back beneath the ring and collects not one, not two, but THREE tables! He leaves two of them on the outside, folded up, but throws the third one beneath the bottom rope and into the ring. He rolls in, meaning to set the table up, but before he can Nate Savage - the third and final man enclosed in the cage - charges over and connects with a low dropkick! He drags Dan up in a reverse face lock and connects with an inverted DDT!
On the outside, the Ravenwoods have turned the tide on the Nephews, and after hitting Quiet with a double flapjack onto the barricade they tee off on Thomas with stiff kicks, the last of which is a superkick from Celestia that flattens him. Uncle relinquishes the octopus hold that he's had on Doug for quite some time as the Coven approach…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "PINK MIST! Uncle with the pink mist to Blair Ravenwood!"
Allen Price: "And Celestia looks momentarily dumbfounded! Her sister is blinded… and JAY! takes Celestia Ravenwood down with a spear on the ramp! The Nephews need to be ejected! I know this is No Disqualification, but… the officials have to get these participants back into the cage!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Given your exploits on Meltdown this week, Price, I’d think you’d understand the Nephews’ desire to get involved…"
Allen Price: "…"
The intervention by Uncle has allowed Thomas and Quiet to recover, with the podcast host hitting a spin kick to the gut of Blair, followed by a swinging neckbreaker from the masked man! The crowd have generally been greeting these antics with loud, hostile boos, but that suddenly abates, cheers resounding in Belgrade as…
Allen Price: "KLEIO DE SANTOS! KDS is here to even out the odds!!"
De Santos meets Quiet on the ramp with a spinning elbow strike to take him down, and then a roundhouse kick for Thomas West. Uncle is backing away from the Boa Constrictor, who charges him down with a flurry of forearm strikes! Uncle throws up a hasty guard and, after being backed up all the way to the cage, manages to connect with a thumb to the eye! KDS is momentarily staggered, allowing Uncle to take her down with an STO!
JAY! stands to his feet, and sees Doug LuPone glaring back at him, now up to his own vertical base after being restrained for a lengthy period in Uncle's octopus hold. Uncle turns away from him as if to scarper, but finds himself face-to-face with the cage… which he has no real choice but to begin climbing!
… And Doug LuPone is in pursuit of him!! The big man climbs up after him, slower than Uncle - and indeed than KDS, who has also begun the endeavour in pursuit of COSMIC HORROR - but intent on following anyway!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "This is bad… we’ve got three wrestlers - only one of whom is in this match - scaling this twenty five foot cage. This can only end badly…"
Across the cage and still in the crowd, we cut to Jackson Fenix, who has MvH up in a powerbomb position. Von Horrowitz is trying to fight out of whatever Fenix is doing, and lashes out with right hands to the top of his head. Jackson charges with her up in position anyway, and hurls her with a powerbomb into the barricade!! Jackson collapses too, the effort of the fight with Michelle having taken its toll on him too.
We cut back to the ring, where Nate Savage has set up a ladder. Dan LuPone is grounded in a corner, but GG is up on the apron without Savage realising. The Daredevil springboards onto the top rope and then onto the ladder!
Allen Price: "Gerald Grayson trying to sneak in the back door, here!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "He really will try Anything Springboard!"
Nate Savage is having none of it, though. He yanks GG down from two thirds of the way up from the ladder, with Grayson landing on his feet. Nate winds up for a discus clothesline, but Gerald ducks beneath it and then doubles Savage over with a boot to the midsection. He applies a front face lock, runs up the ladder, and hits a tornado DDT on Savage!
The ladder topples with the move, and Gerald has no time at all to think about following up. Dan LuPone bundles the Daredevil back into the turnbuckles with what amounts to little more than a bodycheck, and then grasps Grayson by the throat in a single handed chokehold. He manhandles him up into a gorilla press, before slamming GG down onto the toppled ladder!! The crowd communally winces at the impact, but Dan goes to work setting up the table he slid in earlier, angling it in a slanted position in the corner.
On the outside, Michelle is up to her feet in the crowd but next to the barricade, and Fenix charges at her with a boot that sends her over to the ringside area next to the cage. She lands in a heap, but is somewhat close to Thomas, who has just taken a combination legsweep/STO from the Coven, and West rolls something to her. Jackson hops the barricade… and gets blinded with some sort of spray!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Is that… mace?!"
Allen Price: "That's bear spray, J-L! Take it from a man who is terrified of bears."
Jackson Fenix goes down clutching his face, and several of the fans in the vicinity are showing their displeasure, too. Michelle, though, looks upwards… where, on the top of the cage, Uncle is trying to fend off KDS and Doug LuPone as they mount the lip of it with alternating stomps, but soon enough KDS is able to get to her feet and hit a mule kick to send Uncle stumbling back. From an aerial shot, we see the layout of the cage roof: it is a large square, made up of a 5x5 grid of smaller panels, with the belts hung up on the underside of the middle one. Uncle has stumbled onto one of the inner panels (which is what we'll call those that aren't on the perimeter or the centre panel), allowing Doug and Kleio to both rise. They take it in turns to hit strikes on JAY!, KDS with forearms or elbow strikes and LuPone with overhand chops. When Uncle finally takes a knee, Doug hoists him up and hits a body slam on top of the cage! The roof, and particularly the inner panel he impacted, rattles after the move.
Upon seeing the two-on-one occurring atop the cage, Michelle begins her own climb up the side of it, the camera watching her uneasily finding a foothold to begin the ascent…
Allen Price: "Make that four heading towards the top! MvH spots Uncle’s plight and begins to climb the cage, too…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Perhaps short-sighted, Price. Von Horrowitz could’ve allowed Uncle to deal with Doug LuPone and whichever other challengers get drawn towards that battle atop the cage, whilst getting herself back inside of it to help her partner retrieve those titles. Looks like Dreamer’s getting distracted, in my opinion…"
Inside the ring, Dan has finished setting up his table in the corner and proceeds to dump GG unceremoniously over the top rope and onto the outside. He hoists Nate up onto his shoulder, perhaps looking for another running power slam and this time through the table in the corner, but Savage kicks his legs and slips out the back. Dan turns around and gets a kick to the gut from Nate, followed by a European uppercut that turns him around. Nate applies a rear waist lock and backs up towards the angled table in the corner, perhaps looking for a German suplex through it, but Dan LuPone fights out with elbows to the side of the head, the fourth of which creates some separation. Nate charges in at Dan, but the bigger man cuts him off with a HUGE forearm strike. Nate is backed up to the ropes and Dan hits a clothesline, knocking him over them onto the apron. LuPone turns around, trying to locate the ladder, but he doesn’t see Grayson on an adjacent apron. The Daredevil springboards in, and takes Dan LuPone down with a hurricanrana! All three men are down and strewn around the ring!
The Coven have been busy outside the cage. After taking down West and Quiet, we see them collecting some tables that have been left by the ring ramp - four in total - and setting them up in a two-on-two stack at the base of the ramp, in the shadow of the cage. Then, Blair insists that the referee allows her inside, reminding him that she's in the match, and he unlocks the door, allowing her in. He holds it open for Celestia, too, but she shakes her head and instead begins to scale the cage…
At the top of it, KDS has connected with a DDT onto the same inner panel that Uncle was body slammed onto earlier, with COSMIC HORROR now sprawled out on top of it. They are joined on the roof, though, by Dreamer, who mounts the lip on the other side of it. She is already charging towards them by the time they know she's there, and she's able to duck beneath LuPone's attempted big boot before taking out KDS with a busaiku knee kick!! Michelle follows up with a mule kick to Doug, whilst Uncle positions himself behind the Lumberjack in a rear waist lock. Michelle hits a superkick, and Uncle wrenches Doug up and over with a deadlift German suplex!! Doug lands on the centre panel, the cage rattling again upon the impact!
Allen Price: "I don’t like the look of this… the cage is showing that it’s not beyond wear and tear, and we have a lot of people on top of it right now… I think you were right, J-L. This could end very badly."
In the ring, Blair has entered and finds Gerald Grayson climbing to his feet. She hits a running high knee on the Daredevil to take him down. She then notices Dan LuPone in the corner, proceeding to choke him out with the soul of her boot. On the outside, meanwhile, we see Nate Savage shouting through the cage to his partner, who is still reeling from the bear spray. He tells Jackson to get in the cage, and his partner nods his head whilst rubbing his eyes. Savage busies himself setting up one of the tables on the outside of the ring, and is soon reunited with Fenix. The pair watch as Blair hits Grayson with a Yakuza kick, the door opening again and Jackson entering the fray. They throw the other table into the ring, which gets Blair's attention, finally noticing that Jackson and Nate are both now in the cage. They hop up onto the apron on opposite sides of the ring, Blair struggling to pick a strategy, before she bundles into Jackson and knocks him off the apron. Nate is on her in an instant, though, first hitting her with a trio of hard forearm strikes, and then a backdrop driver!!
Fenix is in the ring now, too, and he hoists Grayson up to hit him with a fisherman's buster. Nate is setting up the ladder beneath the belts, which he succeeds in doing whilst Jackson clears the ring of Blair and Gerald. Fenix then hoists Dan up, positioning him for a back suplex, which Nate joins him in to make it a double when it proves apparent that Jackson can't shift his weight. Dan LuPone has other ideas, though, and he throws the Undisputed Alliance's heads together!
Allen Price: "Meeting of the minds for Fenix and Savage!"
Dan follows up with a big shoulder block on Nate, and then a spinning big boot on Jackson!! Blair is back in the ring, and we notice Gerald has rolled in, too. Blair charges Dan but eats a massive back body drop, sending her halfway across the ring!!! Gerald is up to his feet on the apron, and tries to springboard in with a cross-body… but Dan LuPone catches him in midair! He throws him onto his shoulders and then slams him to the mat with a Samoan drop!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Dan LuPone is building up a serious head of steam again, here! He could be about to lead the Lumberjacks to their first taste of gold in the FWA!"
Allen Price: "He’s still got to climb that ladder…"
Jackson is somehow back to his feet, and he throws a clothesline at Dan… but LuPone blocks it with his head! And then he smashes into Fenix’s skull with a crushing headbutt!! Jackson collapses onto his knees, but Dan applies a front face lock and drags him over to the corner where the table is set up…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Dan looking for a DDT or maybe a suplex through the table he set up earlier in the match… but I think Jackson is out already!"
Allen Price: "But watch out! Here comes Nate Savage! SPEAR!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "NATE SAVAGE SPEARS DAN LUPONE OUT OF HIS BOOTS AND THROUGH THE TABLE!!"
The crowd explodes alongside the table for the move, but all five participants that are inside the cage (Dan LuPone, Nate Savage, Jackson Fenix, Blair Ravenwood, and Gerald Grayson) are down in various states of disrepair. We see in a wide shot that they won’t be moving any time soon… but also that Celestia Ravenwood has reached the top of the cage! She climbs up over the edge, in time to see Michelle von Horrowitz hitting a Death Valley Driver on KDS on the same cage panel that Uncle took two moves onto earlier, and there’s a noticeable dent in it when De Santos rolls off it. Celestia charges at Michelle and first hits a heel kick, followed by a Northern Lights suplex, taking Michelle up and over and landing her on the centre panel.
Uncle, meanwhile, has gone back to his octopus hold, again keeping Doug in position with it, off on another corner of the cage roof. Celestia looks over at this, but decides to instead focus on Michelle. She lists her up and slams her back down again with an exploder suplex… only to notice, as she’s rising, that Quiet and Thomas West are also now beginning their own ascent of the cage. She decides that Uncle needs to be addressed, but JAY! relinquishes his hold of Doug as she approaches, attempting a double-discuss lariat, which Celestia telegraphs and ducks beneath. She follows up with a pair of Mongolian chops on Uncle, before stamping on his foot, and then knocking him off his feet with a dropkick. As the two land on separate panels, we watch from an aerial angle as the roof again shakes under the weight of the impact.
In the ring, Nate Savage is setting up the ladder underneath the championship belts, and catches a glimpse of the chaos that is happening up on the roof. Jackson, meanwhile, is busy with the table that they slid in earlier, which he puts up near the corner (but away from it, with both legs folded out properly). Nate then begins to climb the ladder, with Jackson standing guard beneath it.
Allen Price: "You've got to think that maybe the Undisputed Alliance have got this the wrong way around…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And you can see Gerald Grayson is back to his feet on the apron. He springboards up and OVER THE TOP OF JACKSON FENIX, connecting with a knee strike on Nate Savage!"
Savage is knocked down from the ladder, but Fenix immediately turns towards Grayson…
Allen Price: "Looks like Blair Ravenwood wants to get in on the act! She's up on the apron, too…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Springboard crossbody on Jackson Fenix!"
Blair maybe thinks it's time to climb the ladder, but she forgets about Gerald Grayson. GG turns her round and collects her in a bearhug, before throwing her over the top rope with a belly-to-belly suplex!! Blair lands in a heap on the outside!! Gerald wants to follow up, but immediately he is cornered by the Undisputed Alliance. Jackson is out on the apron, and Nate boots Gerald in the midsection before hoisting him up for a buckle bomb! Compounded by an enziguri from Jackson from the apron! Gerald stumbles out from the corner… right into a Nasty Bomb from Nate Savage!!
Back on top of the cage, we see Celestia rousing KDS, and the two face off with Thomas and Quiet. The exchange is even, but soon enough the numbers game catches up when Dreamer re-enters the fray alongside the other Nephews. She is able to break up an attempt at a suplex from Celestia on Quiet, and then her and the masked man take Ravenwood down with a double clothesline. De Santos is backing West up towards the edge of the cage, near where the double stacked tables are that the Coven set up earlier… but she doesn't see Uncle sneak up behind her with a clothesline to the back of the head! Thomas follows up with a uranage slam, planting Kleio down on the cage roof.
Back in the ring, Jackson is half way up the ladder with Nate standing guard, but Dan LuPone is back to his feet, and Savage tries to fend him off with a flourish of knife edge, Mongolian, and overhand chops… only for Dan to fire back with straight right hands, and then a big clothesline that sends Nate to the mat. He pulls Jackson off the ladder in powerbomb position, and walks over towards where the table is set up in the ring… but Fenix fights him off with right hands, and then takes him over with a code red!!! Dan rolls beneath the bottom rope as Jackson thinks about climbing the ladder… but Grayson hits him with a cutter! He decides to rearrange some furniture, dragging the ladder to the edge of the ring and the table into the middle of it. Gerald yanks Fenix up by the hair and hits him with some right hands, positioning him so that he's lying down on the table…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Gerald Grayson maybe got some ideas, here? The Daredevil has been known to take big risks in matches like this…"
Allen Price: "Sort of how he got the nickname, J-L."
Meanwhile, on the outside, Blair has Nate by the wrist and throws him with an Irish whip into the steel steps. She then fishes under the ring for a chair, which she proceeds to bring down over Nate's back..
In the ring, Gerald has climbed to the top rope, and has his hands on the top of the ladder… he takes a deep breath, the crowd on their feet and willing him on… and leapfrogs over the top of the ladder, coming down on Jackson on the table with a big frogsplash!! The pair crash through it, the crowd popping for the aerial display, but Gerald is in no condition to follow up…
Atop the cage, Quiet has Celestia and hits her with a piledriver, and then watches on as MvH hits KDS with a Tiger Driver '98 on a different panel. Not to be outdone, Thomas collects Doug LuPone and hits the big man with a Gotch-style piledriver onto the centre panel!! And immediately the centre panel bows under their weight!! Thomas rolls off quickly, a look of shock and terror on his face…
… he stares down at the dent that he just made in the seemingly flimsy roof…
… and then he begins to climb back down the side of the cage to safety!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Thomas West deciding that such great heights are maybe not for him after all…"
Meanwhile, back in the ring, Blair has climbed in with her chair, and to his credit Gerald is up too. The Daredevil is holding his ribs after his frogsplash through the table, though, and Ravenwood throws the chair at him. Grayson catches it… but then also catches a dropkick! The chair is sent back into his face and Grayson crashes to the mat! Blair engages in the task of clearing the debris from the smashed table so that the ladder can be set up again…
Whilst on top of the cage, Michelle seems to be aiming for a Psycho Driver #2 on Celestia, but the challenger fights out with elbow strikes to cause separation, only for Uncle to then send her down with a wild lariat. Kleio has some success on COSMIC HORROR with a roundhouse, but is quickly overwhelmed by an enziguri from MvH and then a bicycle knee strike from Quiet!
In the ring, Blair has finally succeeded in moving the debris and setting up the ladder, but now Dan LuPone is back to his feet, and he pulls Ravenwood from the ladder in powerbomb position. He walks over to the side of the ring, maybe looking to powerbomb Blair out of it and through the table on the outside, but Blair fights out with right hands to the top of the head… and then hurricanranas him over the top rope! She's maybe looking to send him through the ringside table, but only succeeds in bringing him out onto the apron alongside her. Blair follows up with a knee strike, and then a clobbering series of forearm strikes…
Meanwhile, atop the cage, MvH, Quiet, and Uncle have backed Celestia across the cage with a series of strikes, towards the edge overlooking the announcer's desks. Quiet hoists Celestia up and takes her over near the very edge with a saito suplex, and then Uncle waits patiently for her to rise to her feet. When she does, he takes him in a single-handed chokehold…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Is he looking to chokeslam her over the edge?! Towards us?!"
Allen Price: "Better get out of the way!!"
We hear the headsets being set down as the commentators scatter below, and Celestia is (nearly) out of options for escape, and so connects with a low blow to Uncle, breaking out of the chokehold! Michelle quickly takes Celestia down with a discus forearm, but KDS is on Quiet, sending him down with a jumping roundhouse!! The cage again rattles… and continues to do so as Doug LuPone re-enters the fray, charging at Michelle… and connecting with a HUUUGE big boot!!
Michelle sways on the edge… and then she falls… all the way from the top of the cage and through the announce table, which implodes in on itself upon impact!!
The announcers have dispersed, so can't say anything over the ensuing replays, but the audience are going wild enough to provide a sufficient soundtrack. We finally cut back to the ring, where Dan LuPone has fought his way back into his battle on the apron with Blair Ravenwood, delivering some overhand chops that drive the air from her. Nate Savage, meanwhile, has pulled Gerald Grayson out of the ring and thrown him head-first into the nearby steel ring post. He then goes under the apron, fishing for more weaponry and producing another ladder. Rather than throwing it into the ring, though, he sets it up between the apron and a horizontal bar on the inner cage side, perhaps conveniently positioned for this purpose. He then turns back to Gerald, but the Daredevil fights out with right hands to the gut, and then he throws Nate face first into the steel meshing of the cage!
Dan has overwhelmed Blair in the battle on the apron, and he applies a front facelock, maybe looking for a suplex on the hardest part of the ring. Ravenwood drops to one knee to block it, and then breaks out of the facelock with a European uppercut… followed by three stiff kicks to the side. Blair hops up onto Dan's shoulders, looking for a hurricanrana… but Dan blocks it by sheet size alone, and then hoists Blair back up before throwing her off the apron with a powerbomb, through the adjacent table!!! The crowd roars again for the move, the camera focusing in on Blair's limp form amongst the debris!
Gerald, after throwing Nate into the cage, quickly hops up onto the apron, and then ascends towards the top turnbuckle. He has his back to Nate, and allows himself a brief look back over his shoulder to Savage before he steadies himself on the top rope…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Moonsault! Gerald Grayson with the moonsault… and we’re just about getting ourselves re-settled here at the commentary booth… or what's left of it! Gerald Grayson crashes down onto Nate Savage, but Michelle von Horrowitz took a much more serious tumble just moments before…"
Allen Price: "She hasn’t moved an inch since coming down from the top of the cage and crashing through our table, J-L, which comes as no surprise… that’s twenty, maybe twenty five feet! I think Michelle von Horrowitz is out of this match-up… and still the drama continues on the top of the cage…"
Up top, following the big boot that sent Michelle off it, Doug LuPone is swarmed by Quiet and Uncle, who go so far as to hit a double back body drop on the big man, putting another large dent in another panel of the cage roof. Celestia and KDS try to come back at the Nephews still on the roof, but it's a DDT for Celestia from JAY! and a tiltawhirl backbreaker for De Santos from Quiet. Doug has struggled to his feet, and Uncle boots him in the midsection before applying a single-handed chokehold, perhaps looking for a chokeslam. Doug breaks out of it, though, by throwing a double axe handle down into Uncle's arm. Doug applies his own choke hold but with two hands, lifting him into the air off the cage… but Quiet grabs Uncle's legs and pulls him down again, before UNLEASHING A FIREBALL INTO DOUG'S FACE!! Doug stumbles back, clearly blinded at least temporarily…
Allen Price: "JESUS CHRIST!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Out of hand, Price…"
In the ring, meanwhile, Gerald Grayson has rolled into the ring, and starts to collect the nearby toppled ladder. He's probably shaping up to set it up below the belts, but before he can, Jackson Fenix rolls into the ring and hits him with Superkick Me Baby One More Time! Grayson drops the ladder (which slides beneath the ropes) and hits the mat, staring up at the ceiling of the cage, but Jackson can do little to follow up. He slumps into the corner, catching his breath…
And on the ceiling, Quiet rouses Uncle and the two of them focus on Doug. They take turns to hit him with chops that back him up towards the most dented panel on the roof, and then Uncle re-applies his single-handed chokehold. He glances over at Quiet, who joins him with a single-handed chokehold with his gloved hand. They both lift an arm of Doug's over their own.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "This… this might be bad for Doug LuPone! I don't think that roof panel is going to take much more punishment, and the Lumberjack is a big boy…"
Allen Price: "Up he goes!"
Quiet and Uncle hoist Doug up and double chokeslam him onto the bowing roof panel… which immediately gives way beneath his weight!!!
Doug LuPone falls through the hole in the roof he just created, and plummets down to the ring! AND THEN RIGHT THROUGH THE RING, TOO!!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "… OH MY GOD!!"
Allen Price: "DOUG LUPONE JUST CRASHED THROUGH THE RING ITSELF!!"
Jackson Fenix, who was in the corner sucking in oxygen, looks on with a shocked expression on his face. He stands up and slowly walks over to the hole in the ring, where Doug's legs are hanging over the edge, the rest of him other than his boots not visible. Jackson gets right up to the hole… and then jumps back, startled, as a figure emerges from the newly-formed hole…
Allen Price: "Harry the Sane Wizard!! Harry the Sane Wizard just came through the hole that Doug LuPone made in the ring!!"
He hops out of the hole, and Fenix saunters back up to him… only for Harry to punch him HARD in the dick!! Jackson stumbles backwards, and Harry levels him with a superkick…also to the dick! Fenix falls to the mat and rolls beneath the bottom rope. Harry celebrates his accomplishment in the ring for a moment, but he doesn't notice that Dan LuPone is standing behind him. He turns around and gets a kick to the midsection, and then Dan manhandles him up onto his shoulders… he turns towards the side of the ring where the ladder is propped up between the apron and the ledge across the cage. And then he hurls Harry out of the ring with a crucifix bomb!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Harry crumbles through the ladder!! I think he's dead!"
Meanwhile, atop the roof, Uncle and Quiet back Celestia up towards the edge of the cage, overlooking the double stacked tables below. They apply another double chokehold, perhaps looking for another double chokeslam… but Kleio arrives to save the day for Celestia! She dives into the back of Uncle with a chop block to the knee! Quiet collects her in a front facelock, maybe going for a brainbuster, but before the masked man gets a chance to hoist her up Kleio is backing up her partner by joining her on the other side of Quiet, and then they take the masked man over with a double suplex!
Kleio and Celestia focus on Uncle, who is staggered near the very edge of the cage. De Santos starts off with a spin kick to the gut, and then Celestia hits a trio of forearms, followed by a pump kick from Kleio! A quartet of European uppercuts follow from Celestia, and then she glances to De Santos, Uncle dead on his feet in front of them… Kleio hits a low dropkick to the knees, whilst Celestia hits one to the chest, sending Uncle tumbling back off the edge!! He flies off the side of the cage as we watch him in wide shot, the fans on their feet - and Thomas West watching on from below with his head in his hands - as he crashes through the double-stacked tables on the outside!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "This is carnage!! Uncle flies off the roof of the cage, too… and he's not even in the match!!"
The camera shows Uncle sprawled out amongst the exploded tables with West checking on him for a moment, the audience losing their minds for the high spot. And then we cut to the ring, as Dan LuPone carries a ladder towards the center of the ring… but he notices that Celestia Ravenwood is above, climbing down through the hole made on the roof by Doug's tumble! She's trying to crawl across the underside of the roof like a spider, towards the title belts… and Dan has to fold the ladder back up and thrust it upwards into her! After the first bash, Celestia's feet lose their hold on the roof, and now she's just hanging there… so Doug hits her in the legs and sternum with the ladder, knocking her down! She lands in a heap on the mat and rolls away.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And now Dan LuPone can finally get around to setting that ladder up, being careful to avoid that hole where his brother crashed through earlier on…"
Allen Price: "Dan LuPone is on his way up!! The Lumberjacks are gonna do it!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Don't be so sure! Here comes Nate Savage! He's climbing up the other side of the ladder!"
Allen Price: "It's come down to the Lumberjacks and the Undisputed Alliance! It's a race to the top!!"
Nate is a little quicker, but Dan had a headstart, and they arrive at the top at the same time. They begin to trade blows, going back and forth atop the ladder… Nate teeters, but then comes back with a huge right-hand, causing LuPone to lose his grip, but the big man catches himself, and fires back!
And down below, Gerald Grayson has climbed up on the apron. He takes a deep breath, and then springboards up and lands on Dan LuPone's back!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Grayson jumps the queue! He climbs up over Dan LuPone… and knocks Nate Savage off the other side of the ladder with a clubbing forearm!"
Allen Price: "The Daredevil's reaching up! He has hands on the gold!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "HE'S GOT 'EM! GERALD'S GOT THE BELTS!!"
Gerald Grayson falls down from the ladder, the belts clutched to his chest. After a few disappointed breaths, Dan LuPone does the same, before rolling out of the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here are your winners… and STILL the FWA World Tag Team Champions… Gerald Grayson… Michelle von Horrowitz… the CONNECTION!!"
There are some cheers for the Connection's win, and some boos as well. Some are clearly out off by the heavy Nephews involvement in the match, but more applaud the spectacle they just saw. Grayson only lies on the mat, the belts on top of him.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I'm not exactly sure what we just saw, Price. Several FWA competitors may never be the same after what we just saw… but one thing that IS the same is that Cthulhu's Nephews are still the tag team champions…"
Allen Price: "Neither of them looks like champions eight now, J-L. Michelle is only now getting some medical attention, and Grayson is unable to stand in the ring."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "But he's got those belts in his hands…"
Quiet has seemingly climbed down from the top of the cage, because he and Thomas are now in the ring. West offers a hand to the Daredevil and pulls him up into a seated position. The masked man lingers a few paces behind. Thomas and Gerald share some words that we don't hear.
We sweep around the carnage… Dan is dragging his brother out of the hole in the ring… Kleio has climbed down, too, and her and Celestia are scooping Blair out of the debris of a smashed table… Jackson and Nate have left the cage, and begin to leave up the ramp, frustrated at the loss… both Uncle and Michelle are being helped onto stretchers on opposite sides of the ring, whilst a separate team of EMTs is with Harry inside the cage…
But in the ring, Thomas and Quiet help Gerald up to his feet. They lift him onto their shoulders, the Daredevil holding both tag team championships up into the air, a hurricane of noise - both positive and negative - surrounding him as Fallout 024 goes off the air
… and, to a stunned and shocked reaction from the audience, then Kayden Knox hits Executive Execution on Gabrielle Montgomery!
There is a sudden silence that has overtaken the arena as Gabrielle head lands awkwardly on the mat. Her head snaps back and she lays out cold. Kayden stands over her before pacing back and forth and then taking a seat against the turnbuckle in the corner. He has his hands in his face and is muttering something.
All around Kayden Knox, who still watches the Goddess amidst the stunned silence, the other eight competitors in the ring seem locked in the moment, staring at the implosion of Bad Reputation and the remnants of Executive Excellence. Even the three Nephews on the outside of the ring stare up at the sudden and strange turn of events with a dumbfounded look on their faces.
Allen Price: "What the hell just happened? Jean-Luc! Kayden Knox just curbstomped his own partner's face into the mat!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "..."
Kayden gets up and walks towards her. He drops to his knees and grabs Gabrielle. He is holding her in his arms as the rest of the world looks on, stunned. Meanwhile, around the Goddess and Knox, all hell breaks loose, the other combatants remembering that the bell has rung and the match has started. Doug LuPone charges at both members of the Coven, who both duck his double clothesline and bundle him over the top rope with a big back body drop. Michelle charges at Nate and bowls him backwards with some chops and forearms, whilst the Ravenwoods now direct their attention on Dan LuPone. Grayson, meanwhile, is chopped by Jackson Fenix, and then whipped against the ropes. GG ducks Savage’s attempt at a lariat and continues his momentum… to hit a suicide dive on Doug LuPone! LuPone was getting up to his feet on the outside, but the Daredevil takes him out with the move!
The camera cuts back to the Executive Excellence episode, and specifically to Knox's face and you can see tears running from his eyes, his nose is leaking. He runs his hands through her hair.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Gabrielle Montgomery hasn't moved at all since taking that curb-stomp... it looked like she landed at an ugly angle there, Price. We need some help..."
Allen Price: "I think we're getting it, J-L. Here comes a team of EMTs and a stretcher. The official checking on Gabrielle has signified that she needs some attention..."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And this match has already started, Price! Will Gabrielle even be able to continue?!"
Allen Price: "Doesn't seem that way, Jean-Luc! And I'm not sure Kayden Knox even wants tp."
Kayden Knox: "I am so sorry Gabi. I am so sorry."
He holds her, rocking back and forth. He's sobbing uncontrollably.
Kayden Knox: "I had no choice. I had to do it. There wasn't anything I could do. I am so sorry Gabi. I didn't have a choice."0o
He let's go of her as EMTs, who have emerged through the open cage door, take a look over Gabrielle. They roll the Goddess beneath the bottom rope and onto the outside, where they lay her out next to a stretcher. Kayden has walked out of the open cage door, not daring to look back.
Meanwhile, in the ring, MvH is currently trading blows with Nate Savage, who has the better of the exchange and backs Dreamer into a corner, where he proceeds to lay in some stomps that force her into a seated position. He continues the onslaught, the image evoking their history at the end of her CWA tenure. Blair Ravenwood, meanwhile, dropkicks Dan LuPone so that he is backed up to the ropes. She attempts to charge in and clothesline him over onto the outside, but Dan ducks it and back body drops her over instead, just as the Ravenwoods did to his brother at the very start of the match… and Blair lands on top of her sister Celestia and Jackson Fenix, who were brawling on the outside!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It's absolute carnage, here! The EMTs are still working on Gabrielle, getting her onto that stretcher, whilst Kayden Knox is now walking away through the crowd… and around them a Mile High Massacre is just getting going!"
Allen Price: "You can't expect the other eight competitors to slow down whilst the Executive Excellence melodrama plays out, J-L. Or should I call it a death scene?"
The camera is watching the EMTs getting Gabrielle onto a stretcher on the outside, but in the background of the shot we see MvH pull herself out of the ring beneath the bottom rope to avoid Nate's incessant stomping. Von Horrowitz has to duck as Doug LuPone tries to run through her with a big boot, and then as the Lumberjack turns she nails him with a step-up enziguri! Doug sprawls backwards and tumbles over one of the crouched EMTs! Michelle turns around and gets nailed with a kick to the midsection from Jackson Fenix, followed by a snap suplex!
Meanwhile, in the ring, we have Nate Savage and Dan LuPone trading haymakers in a mini-hoss match within the match, as most of the action taking place on the outside around them. Nate holds his own for a while, throwing a combination of chops and straight right hands, but before long Dan is able to overpower him, backing him up into a corner with some stiff overhand chops. He takes Nate by the wrist and hurls him across the ring with force with an Irish whip. Savage hits the turnbuckles hard and bounces back towards Dan, who takes him down with a flapjack!!
On the outside, Kayden has made use of the open door (which has remained open to let the EMTs in) to leave the cage, and is now in the process of walking through the crowd. The audience is hurling abuse at him as he goes, but the camera cuts to the Goddess, who is being taken from the cage upon a stretcher by the medical staff.
Allen Price: "This looks like a frightening situation for Gabrielle, here. You look like you're in shock, J-L!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I think the world is, Price! What was going through Kayden Knox's mind?!"
Allen Price: "We'll have to address that in due course, because a Mile High Massacre match is underway! And Michelle von Horrowitz is thrown head-first into that open door!"
Indeed, just after the paramedics have removed Gabrielle and before the officials have managed to close the door, MvH spills out of the cage after Jackson Fenix throws her headfirst into it. Fenix follows her out, taking her by the scruff of the neck and throwing her over the barricade into the crowd! The officials remonstrate with the tandem to get it back inside the cage, but don't notice that behind them both Ravenwood sisters have Doug LuPone in a double headlock, and they run him head-first like a battering ram into the open door! LuPone rolls out of the door and onto the outside of the cage, where the Ravenwood sisters follow him with a series of stomps.
In the ring, meanwhile, Dan LuPone continues to throw Nate Savage about, at first with a delayed vertical suplex and then with a fallaway slam. Gerald Grayson, meanwhile, who has been busy with Doug LuPone and then the Ravenwoods on the outside, is back up on the apron, and as Dan turns towards him he takes the big man off his feet with a springboard dropkick! What follows is an unlikely temporary alliance between Nate Savage and Gerald Grayson, as they first hit a double suplex on the larger man, followed by an Irish whip into the ropes and a double back body drop!
Outside of the cage, meanwhile, Celestia and Blair Ravenwood continue to take the assault to Doug LuPone, hitting the Lumberjack with alternating kicks to the midsection and chest as he reclines on his knees, wincing at each one. The camera picks up MvH and Jackson Fenix, who are fighting through the crowd! Fenix is threatening a German suplex on some steps leading up through the arena, but von Horrowitz lashes out with a few elbow strikes to the side of the head before going behind into a rear waistlock of her own. She attempts a German herself but Jackson is too heavy, so she changes tact, hitting a Russian leg sweep instead! Back nearer ringside, Blair Ravenwood has Doug in a front face lock, and Celestia boots him in the sternum before Blair takes him down with a DDT!
The Ravenwoods get to their feet… but any celebration is short-lived, as the ringside Nephews descend! Uncle hits Celestia with a lariat, whilst Thomas West knocks Blair off her feet with a shoulder block!! The audience boos the Nephews freely as Quiet levels the rising Doug with a running knee strike!
Allen Price: "The Nephews aren’t even in the match!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "They’re not… but who couldn’t predict that they’d involve themselves in some way? Uncle, Quiet, and West have capitalised on the drama between Bad Reputation and the fact that the action has spilled out of the cage… which, of course, would’ve otherwise kept them out."
In the ring, Nate and Gerald take turns in hitting knife edge chops on Dan in the corner, and then they Irish whip the big man into the opposite set of turnbuckles. Nate takes Grayson by the wrist, and tries to whip him across for a clothesline… but Dan ducks beneath, and charges out of the corner to take Savage down with a clothesline! And then he has a big boot for Grayson!
Allen Price: "Dan LuPone is building up a head of steam, here! He has the Daredevil up on his shoulder…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Running power slam! But watch out - Nate Savage is on the charge… and he eats a scoop powerslam from the big Canadian! Momentum shifting inside the ring into the Lumberjack's favour!"
LuPone slides beneath the bottom rope and notices the open door, and more importantly sees the Nephews' ongoing attack on his brother (as well as the Ravenwoods) outside of the cage. Quiet is working on Blair with chops on the barricade, whilst Thomas West attempts to run Celestia into the outside of the cage… only for the young woman to reverse and throw West face first into the steel instead! Celestia finds herself with a moment to charge Quiet, but the masked man is able to take her out with a kick to the knees. Uncle, meanwhile, has Doug LuPone in an octopus hold, and upon seeing this his brother steps towards the open door. The official there, though, slams it shut, and temporarily locks it in an act of damage limitation.
Dan instead turns away from the scenes outside of the cage and looks under the ring for a ladder. He collects one and begins to slide it beneath the bottom rope, but Gerald Grayson charges and hits a baseball slide, sending the ladder into Dan's face! Grayson slides out to take the ladder and throw it into the ring, then he hops into the apron, willing Nate to his feet… but before he can do anything, Dan LuPone yanks him down from the apron and knocks him over with a shoulder block! LuPone goes back beneath the ring and collects not one, not two, but THREE tables! He leaves two of them on the outside, folded up, but throws the third one beneath the bottom rope and into the ring. He rolls in, meaning to set the table up, but before he can Nate Savage - the third and final man enclosed in the cage - charges over and connects with a low dropkick! He drags Dan up in a reverse face lock and connects with an inverted DDT!
On the outside, the Ravenwoods have turned the tide on the Nephews, and after hitting Quiet with a double flapjack onto the barricade they tee off on Thomas with stiff kicks, the last of which is a superkick from Celestia that flattens him. Uncle relinquishes the octopus hold that he's had on Doug for quite some time as the Coven approach…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "PINK MIST! Uncle with the pink mist to Blair Ravenwood!"
Allen Price: "And Celestia looks momentarily dumbfounded! Her sister is blinded… and JAY! takes Celestia Ravenwood down with a spear on the ramp! The Nephews need to be ejected! I know this is No Disqualification, but… the officials have to get these participants back into the cage!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Given your exploits on Meltdown this week, Price, I’d think you’d understand the Nephews’ desire to get involved…"
Allen Price: "…"
The intervention by Uncle has allowed Thomas and Quiet to recover, with the podcast host hitting a spin kick to the gut of Blair, followed by a swinging neckbreaker from the masked man! The crowd have generally been greeting these antics with loud, hostile boos, but that suddenly abates, cheers resounding in Belgrade as…
Allen Price: "KLEIO DE SANTOS! KDS is here to even out the odds!!"
De Santos meets Quiet on the ramp with a spinning elbow strike to take him down, and then a roundhouse kick for Thomas West. Uncle is backing away from the Boa Constrictor, who charges him down with a flurry of forearm strikes! Uncle throws up a hasty guard and, after being backed up all the way to the cage, manages to connect with a thumb to the eye! KDS is momentarily staggered, allowing Uncle to take her down with an STO!
JAY! stands to his feet, and sees Doug LuPone glaring back at him, now up to his own vertical base after being restrained for a lengthy period in Uncle's octopus hold. Uncle turns away from him as if to scarper, but finds himself face-to-face with the cage… which he has no real choice but to begin climbing!
… And Doug LuPone is in pursuit of him!! The big man climbs up after him, slower than Uncle - and indeed than KDS, who has also begun the endeavour in pursuit of COSMIC HORROR - but intent on following anyway!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "This is bad… we’ve got three wrestlers - only one of whom is in this match - scaling this twenty five foot cage. This can only end badly…"
Across the cage and still in the crowd, we cut to Jackson Fenix, who has MvH up in a powerbomb position. Von Horrowitz is trying to fight out of whatever Fenix is doing, and lashes out with right hands to the top of his head. Jackson charges with her up in position anyway, and hurls her with a powerbomb into the barricade!! Jackson collapses too, the effort of the fight with Michelle having taken its toll on him too.
We cut back to the ring, where Nate Savage has set up a ladder. Dan LuPone is grounded in a corner, but GG is up on the apron without Savage realising. The Daredevil springboards onto the top rope and then onto the ladder!
Allen Price: "Gerald Grayson trying to sneak in the back door, here!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "He really will try Anything Springboard!"
Nate Savage is having none of it, though. He yanks GG down from two thirds of the way up from the ladder, with Grayson landing on his feet. Nate winds up for a discus clothesline, but Gerald ducks beneath it and then doubles Savage over with a boot to the midsection. He applies a front face lock, runs up the ladder, and hits a tornado DDT on Savage!
The ladder topples with the move, and Gerald has no time at all to think about following up. Dan LuPone bundles the Daredevil back into the turnbuckles with what amounts to little more than a bodycheck, and then grasps Grayson by the throat in a single handed chokehold. He manhandles him up into a gorilla press, before slamming GG down onto the toppled ladder!! The crowd communally winces at the impact, but Dan goes to work setting up the table he slid in earlier, angling it in a slanted position in the corner.
On the outside, Michelle is up to her feet in the crowd but next to the barricade, and Fenix charges at her with a boot that sends her over to the ringside area next to the cage. She lands in a heap, but is somewhat close to Thomas, who has just taken a combination legsweep/STO from the Coven, and West rolls something to her. Jackson hops the barricade… and gets blinded with some sort of spray!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Is that… mace?!"
Allen Price: "That's bear spray, J-L! Take it from a man who is terrified of bears."
Jackson Fenix goes down clutching his face, and several of the fans in the vicinity are showing their displeasure, too. Michelle, though, looks upwards… where, on the top of the cage, Uncle is trying to fend off KDS and Doug LuPone as they mount the lip of it with alternating stomps, but soon enough KDS is able to get to her feet and hit a mule kick to send Uncle stumbling back. From an aerial shot, we see the layout of the cage roof: it is a large square, made up of a 5x5 grid of smaller panels, with the belts hung up on the underside of the middle one. Uncle has stumbled onto one of the inner panels (which is what we'll call those that aren't on the perimeter or the centre panel), allowing Doug and Kleio to both rise. They take it in turns to hit strikes on JAY!, KDS with forearms or elbow strikes and LuPone with overhand chops. When Uncle finally takes a knee, Doug hoists him up and hits a body slam on top of the cage! The roof, and particularly the inner panel he impacted, rattles after the move.
Upon seeing the two-on-one occurring atop the cage, Michelle begins her own climb up the side of it, the camera watching her uneasily finding a foothold to begin the ascent…
Allen Price: "Make that four heading towards the top! MvH spots Uncle’s plight and begins to climb the cage, too…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Perhaps short-sighted, Price. Von Horrowitz could’ve allowed Uncle to deal with Doug LuPone and whichever other challengers get drawn towards that battle atop the cage, whilst getting herself back inside of it to help her partner retrieve those titles. Looks like Dreamer’s getting distracted, in my opinion…"
Inside the ring, Dan has finished setting up his table in the corner and proceeds to dump GG unceremoniously over the top rope and onto the outside. He hoists Nate up onto his shoulder, perhaps looking for another running power slam and this time through the table in the corner, but Savage kicks his legs and slips out the back. Dan turns around and gets a kick to the gut from Nate, followed by a European uppercut that turns him around. Nate applies a rear waist lock and backs up towards the angled table in the corner, perhaps looking for a German suplex through it, but Dan LuPone fights out with elbows to the side of the head, the fourth of which creates some separation. Nate charges in at Dan, but the bigger man cuts him off with a HUGE forearm strike. Nate is backed up to the ropes and Dan hits a clothesline, knocking him over them onto the apron. LuPone turns around, trying to locate the ladder, but he doesn’t see Grayson on an adjacent apron. The Daredevil springboards in, and takes Dan LuPone down with a hurricanrana! All three men are down and strewn around the ring!
The Coven have been busy outside the cage. After taking down West and Quiet, we see them collecting some tables that have been left by the ring ramp - four in total - and setting them up in a two-on-two stack at the base of the ramp, in the shadow of the cage. Then, Blair insists that the referee allows her inside, reminding him that she's in the match, and he unlocks the door, allowing her in. He holds it open for Celestia, too, but she shakes her head and instead begins to scale the cage…
At the top of it, KDS has connected with a DDT onto the same inner panel that Uncle was body slammed onto earlier, with COSMIC HORROR now sprawled out on top of it. They are joined on the roof, though, by Dreamer, who mounts the lip on the other side of it. She is already charging towards them by the time they know she's there, and she's able to duck beneath LuPone's attempted big boot before taking out KDS with a busaiku knee kick!! Michelle follows up with a mule kick to Doug, whilst Uncle positions himself behind the Lumberjack in a rear waist lock. Michelle hits a superkick, and Uncle wrenches Doug up and over with a deadlift German suplex!! Doug lands on the centre panel, the cage rattling again upon the impact!
Allen Price: "I don’t like the look of this… the cage is showing that it’s not beyond wear and tear, and we have a lot of people on top of it right now… I think you were right, J-L. This could end very badly."
In the ring, Blair has entered and finds Gerald Grayson climbing to his feet. She hits a running high knee on the Daredevil to take him down. She then notices Dan LuPone in the corner, proceeding to choke him out with the soul of her boot. On the outside, meanwhile, we see Nate Savage shouting through the cage to his partner, who is still reeling from the bear spray. He tells Jackson to get in the cage, and his partner nods his head whilst rubbing his eyes. Savage busies himself setting up one of the tables on the outside of the ring, and is soon reunited with Fenix. The pair watch as Blair hits Grayson with a Yakuza kick, the door opening again and Jackson entering the fray. They throw the other table into the ring, which gets Blair's attention, finally noticing that Jackson and Nate are both now in the cage. They hop up onto the apron on opposite sides of the ring, Blair struggling to pick a strategy, before she bundles into Jackson and knocks him off the apron. Nate is on her in an instant, though, first hitting her with a trio of hard forearm strikes, and then a backdrop driver!!
Fenix is in the ring now, too, and he hoists Grayson up to hit him with a fisherman's buster. Nate is setting up the ladder beneath the belts, which he succeeds in doing whilst Jackson clears the ring of Blair and Gerald. Fenix then hoists Dan up, positioning him for a back suplex, which Nate joins him in to make it a double when it proves apparent that Jackson can't shift his weight. Dan LuPone has other ideas, though, and he throws the Undisputed Alliance's heads together!
Allen Price: "Meeting of the minds for Fenix and Savage!"
Dan follows up with a big shoulder block on Nate, and then a spinning big boot on Jackson!! Blair is back in the ring, and we notice Gerald has rolled in, too. Blair charges Dan but eats a massive back body drop, sending her halfway across the ring!!! Gerald is up to his feet on the apron, and tries to springboard in with a cross-body… but Dan LuPone catches him in midair! He throws him onto his shoulders and then slams him to the mat with a Samoan drop!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Dan LuPone is building up a serious head of steam again, here! He could be about to lead the Lumberjacks to their first taste of gold in the FWA!"
Allen Price: "He’s still got to climb that ladder…"
Jackson is somehow back to his feet, and he throws a clothesline at Dan… but LuPone blocks it with his head! And then he smashes into Fenix’s skull with a crushing headbutt!! Jackson collapses onto his knees, but Dan applies a front face lock and drags him over to the corner where the table is set up…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Dan looking for a DDT or maybe a suplex through the table he set up earlier in the match… but I think Jackson is out already!"
Allen Price: "But watch out! Here comes Nate Savage! SPEAR!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "NATE SAVAGE SPEARS DAN LUPONE OUT OF HIS BOOTS AND THROUGH THE TABLE!!"
The crowd explodes alongside the table for the move, but all five participants that are inside the cage (Dan LuPone, Nate Savage, Jackson Fenix, Blair Ravenwood, and Gerald Grayson) are down in various states of disrepair. We see in a wide shot that they won’t be moving any time soon… but also that Celestia Ravenwood has reached the top of the cage! She climbs up over the edge, in time to see Michelle von Horrowitz hitting a Death Valley Driver on KDS on the same cage panel that Uncle took two moves onto earlier, and there’s a noticeable dent in it when De Santos rolls off it. Celestia charges at Michelle and first hits a heel kick, followed by a Northern Lights suplex, taking Michelle up and over and landing her on the centre panel.
Uncle, meanwhile, has gone back to his octopus hold, again keeping Doug in position with it, off on another corner of the cage roof. Celestia looks over at this, but decides to instead focus on Michelle. She lists her up and slams her back down again with an exploder suplex… only to notice, as she’s rising, that Quiet and Thomas West are also now beginning their own ascent of the cage. She decides that Uncle needs to be addressed, but JAY! relinquishes his hold of Doug as she approaches, attempting a double-discuss lariat, which Celestia telegraphs and ducks beneath. She follows up with a pair of Mongolian chops on Uncle, before stamping on his foot, and then knocking him off his feet with a dropkick. As the two land on separate panels, we watch from an aerial angle as the roof again shakes under the weight of the impact.
In the ring, Nate Savage is setting up the ladder underneath the championship belts, and catches a glimpse of the chaos that is happening up on the roof. Jackson, meanwhile, is busy with the table that they slid in earlier, which he puts up near the corner (but away from it, with both legs folded out properly). Nate then begins to climb the ladder, with Jackson standing guard beneath it.
Allen Price: "You've got to think that maybe the Undisputed Alliance have got this the wrong way around…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And you can see Gerald Grayson is back to his feet on the apron. He springboards up and OVER THE TOP OF JACKSON FENIX, connecting with a knee strike on Nate Savage!"
Savage is knocked down from the ladder, but Fenix immediately turns towards Grayson…
Allen Price: "Looks like Blair Ravenwood wants to get in on the act! She's up on the apron, too…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Springboard crossbody on Jackson Fenix!"
Blair maybe thinks it's time to climb the ladder, but she forgets about Gerald Grayson. GG turns her round and collects her in a bearhug, before throwing her over the top rope with a belly-to-belly suplex!! Blair lands in a heap on the outside!! Gerald wants to follow up, but immediately he is cornered by the Undisputed Alliance. Jackson is out on the apron, and Nate boots Gerald in the midsection before hoisting him up for a buckle bomb! Compounded by an enziguri from Jackson from the apron! Gerald stumbles out from the corner… right into a Nasty Bomb from Nate Savage!!
Back on top of the cage, we see Celestia rousing KDS, and the two face off with Thomas and Quiet. The exchange is even, but soon enough the numbers game catches up when Dreamer re-enters the fray alongside the other Nephews. She is able to break up an attempt at a suplex from Celestia on Quiet, and then her and the masked man take Ravenwood down with a double clothesline. De Santos is backing West up towards the edge of the cage, near where the double stacked tables are that the Coven set up earlier… but she doesn't see Uncle sneak up behind her with a clothesline to the back of the head! Thomas follows up with a uranage slam, planting Kleio down on the cage roof.
Back in the ring, Jackson is half way up the ladder with Nate standing guard, but Dan LuPone is back to his feet, and Savage tries to fend him off with a flourish of knife edge, Mongolian, and overhand chops… only for Dan to fire back with straight right hands, and then a big clothesline that sends Nate to the mat. He pulls Jackson off the ladder in powerbomb position, and walks over towards where the table is set up in the ring… but Fenix fights him off with right hands, and then takes him over with a code red!!! Dan rolls beneath the bottom rope as Jackson thinks about climbing the ladder… but Grayson hits him with a cutter! He decides to rearrange some furniture, dragging the ladder to the edge of the ring and the table into the middle of it. Gerald yanks Fenix up by the hair and hits him with some right hands, positioning him so that he's lying down on the table…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Gerald Grayson maybe got some ideas, here? The Daredevil has been known to take big risks in matches like this…"
Allen Price: "Sort of how he got the nickname, J-L."
Meanwhile, on the outside, Blair has Nate by the wrist and throws him with an Irish whip into the steel steps. She then fishes under the ring for a chair, which she proceeds to bring down over Nate's back..
In the ring, Gerald has climbed to the top rope, and has his hands on the top of the ladder… he takes a deep breath, the crowd on their feet and willing him on… and leapfrogs over the top of the ladder, coming down on Jackson on the table with a big frogsplash!! The pair crash through it, the crowd popping for the aerial display, but Gerald is in no condition to follow up…
Atop the cage, Quiet has Celestia and hits her with a piledriver, and then watches on as MvH hits KDS with a Tiger Driver '98 on a different panel. Not to be outdone, Thomas collects Doug LuPone and hits the big man with a Gotch-style piledriver onto the centre panel!! And immediately the centre panel bows under their weight!! Thomas rolls off quickly, a look of shock and terror on his face…
… he stares down at the dent that he just made in the seemingly flimsy roof…
… and then he begins to climb back down the side of the cage to safety!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Thomas West deciding that such great heights are maybe not for him after all…"
Meanwhile, back in the ring, Blair has climbed in with her chair, and to his credit Gerald is up too. The Daredevil is holding his ribs after his frogsplash through the table, though, and Ravenwood throws the chair at him. Grayson catches it… but then also catches a dropkick! The chair is sent back into his face and Grayson crashes to the mat! Blair engages in the task of clearing the debris from the smashed table so that the ladder can be set up again…
Whilst on top of the cage, Michelle seems to be aiming for a Psycho Driver #2 on Celestia, but the challenger fights out with elbow strikes to cause separation, only for Uncle to then send her down with a wild lariat. Kleio has some success on COSMIC HORROR with a roundhouse, but is quickly overwhelmed by an enziguri from MvH and then a bicycle knee strike from Quiet!
In the ring, Blair has finally succeeded in moving the debris and setting up the ladder, but now Dan LuPone is back to his feet, and he pulls Ravenwood from the ladder in powerbomb position. He walks over to the side of the ring, maybe looking to powerbomb Blair out of it and through the table on the outside, but Blair fights out with right hands to the top of the head… and then hurricanranas him over the top rope! She's maybe looking to send him through the ringside table, but only succeeds in bringing him out onto the apron alongside her. Blair follows up with a knee strike, and then a clobbering series of forearm strikes…
Meanwhile, atop the cage, MvH, Quiet, and Uncle have backed Celestia across the cage with a series of strikes, towards the edge overlooking the announcer's desks. Quiet hoists Celestia up and takes her over near the very edge with a saito suplex, and then Uncle waits patiently for her to rise to her feet. When she does, he takes him in a single-handed chokehold…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Is he looking to chokeslam her over the edge?! Towards us?!"
Allen Price: "Better get out of the way!!"
We hear the headsets being set down as the commentators scatter below, and Celestia is (nearly) out of options for escape, and so connects with a low blow to Uncle, breaking out of the chokehold! Michelle quickly takes Celestia down with a discus forearm, but KDS is on Quiet, sending him down with a jumping roundhouse!! The cage again rattles… and continues to do so as Doug LuPone re-enters the fray, charging at Michelle… and connecting with a HUUUGE big boot!!
Michelle sways on the edge… and then she falls… all the way from the top of the cage and through the announce table, which implodes in on itself upon impact!!
The announcers have dispersed, so can't say anything over the ensuing replays, but the audience are going wild enough to provide a sufficient soundtrack. We finally cut back to the ring, where Dan LuPone has fought his way back into his battle on the apron with Blair Ravenwood, delivering some overhand chops that drive the air from her. Nate Savage, meanwhile, has pulled Gerald Grayson out of the ring and thrown him head-first into the nearby steel ring post. He then goes under the apron, fishing for more weaponry and producing another ladder. Rather than throwing it into the ring, though, he sets it up between the apron and a horizontal bar on the inner cage side, perhaps conveniently positioned for this purpose. He then turns back to Gerald, but the Daredevil fights out with right hands to the gut, and then he throws Nate face first into the steel meshing of the cage!
Dan has overwhelmed Blair in the battle on the apron, and he applies a front facelock, maybe looking for a suplex on the hardest part of the ring. Ravenwood drops to one knee to block it, and then breaks out of the facelock with a European uppercut… followed by three stiff kicks to the side. Blair hops up onto Dan's shoulders, looking for a hurricanrana… but Dan blocks it by sheet size alone, and then hoists Blair back up before throwing her off the apron with a powerbomb, through the adjacent table!!! The crowd roars again for the move, the camera focusing in on Blair's limp form amongst the debris!
Gerald, after throwing Nate into the cage, quickly hops up onto the apron, and then ascends towards the top turnbuckle. He has his back to Nate, and allows himself a brief look back over his shoulder to Savage before he steadies himself on the top rope…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Moonsault! Gerald Grayson with the moonsault… and we’re just about getting ourselves re-settled here at the commentary booth… or what's left of it! Gerald Grayson crashes down onto Nate Savage, but Michelle von Horrowitz took a much more serious tumble just moments before…"
Allen Price: "She hasn’t moved an inch since coming down from the top of the cage and crashing through our table, J-L, which comes as no surprise… that’s twenty, maybe twenty five feet! I think Michelle von Horrowitz is out of this match-up… and still the drama continues on the top of the cage…"
Up top, following the big boot that sent Michelle off it, Doug LuPone is swarmed by Quiet and Uncle, who go so far as to hit a double back body drop on the big man, putting another large dent in another panel of the cage roof. Celestia and KDS try to come back at the Nephews still on the roof, but it's a DDT for Celestia from JAY! and a tiltawhirl backbreaker for De Santos from Quiet. Doug has struggled to his feet, and Uncle boots him in the midsection before applying a single-handed chokehold, perhaps looking for a chokeslam. Doug breaks out of it, though, by throwing a double axe handle down into Uncle's arm. Doug applies his own choke hold but with two hands, lifting him into the air off the cage… but Quiet grabs Uncle's legs and pulls him down again, before UNLEASHING A FIREBALL INTO DOUG'S FACE!! Doug stumbles back, clearly blinded at least temporarily…
Allen Price: "JESUS CHRIST!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Out of hand, Price…"
In the ring, meanwhile, Gerald Grayson has rolled into the ring, and starts to collect the nearby toppled ladder. He's probably shaping up to set it up below the belts, but before he can, Jackson Fenix rolls into the ring and hits him with Superkick Me Baby One More Time! Grayson drops the ladder (which slides beneath the ropes) and hits the mat, staring up at the ceiling of the cage, but Jackson can do little to follow up. He slumps into the corner, catching his breath…
And on the ceiling, Quiet rouses Uncle and the two of them focus on Doug. They take turns to hit him with chops that back him up towards the most dented panel on the roof, and then Uncle re-applies his single-handed chokehold. He glances over at Quiet, who joins him with a single-handed chokehold with his gloved hand. They both lift an arm of Doug's over their own.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "This… this might be bad for Doug LuPone! I don't think that roof panel is going to take much more punishment, and the Lumberjack is a big boy…"
Allen Price: "Up he goes!"
Quiet and Uncle hoist Doug up and double chokeslam him onto the bowing roof panel… which immediately gives way beneath his weight!!!
Doug LuPone falls through the hole in the roof he just created, and plummets down to the ring! AND THEN RIGHT THROUGH THE RING, TOO!!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "… OH MY GOD!!"
Allen Price: "DOUG LUPONE JUST CRASHED THROUGH THE RING ITSELF!!"
Jackson Fenix, who was in the corner sucking in oxygen, looks on with a shocked expression on his face. He stands up and slowly walks over to the hole in the ring, where Doug's legs are hanging over the edge, the rest of him other than his boots not visible. Jackson gets right up to the hole… and then jumps back, startled, as a figure emerges from the newly-formed hole…
Allen Price: "Harry the Sane Wizard!! Harry the Sane Wizard just came through the hole that Doug LuPone made in the ring!!"
He hops out of the hole, and Fenix saunters back up to him… only for Harry to punch him HARD in the dick!! Jackson stumbles backwards, and Harry levels him with a superkick…also to the dick! Fenix falls to the mat and rolls beneath the bottom rope. Harry celebrates his accomplishment in the ring for a moment, but he doesn't notice that Dan LuPone is standing behind him. He turns around and gets a kick to the midsection, and then Dan manhandles him up onto his shoulders… he turns towards the side of the ring where the ladder is propped up between the apron and the ledge across the cage. And then he hurls Harry out of the ring with a crucifix bomb!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Harry crumbles through the ladder!! I think he's dead!"
Meanwhile, atop the roof, Uncle and Quiet back Celestia up towards the edge of the cage, overlooking the double stacked tables below. They apply another double chokehold, perhaps looking for another double chokeslam… but Kleio arrives to save the day for Celestia! She dives into the back of Uncle with a chop block to the knee! Quiet collects her in a front facelock, maybe going for a brainbuster, but before the masked man gets a chance to hoist her up Kleio is backing up her partner by joining her on the other side of Quiet, and then they take the masked man over with a double suplex!
Kleio and Celestia focus on Uncle, who is staggered near the very edge of the cage. De Santos starts off with a spin kick to the gut, and then Celestia hits a trio of forearms, followed by a pump kick from Kleio! A quartet of European uppercuts follow from Celestia, and then she glances to De Santos, Uncle dead on his feet in front of them… Kleio hits a low dropkick to the knees, whilst Celestia hits one to the chest, sending Uncle tumbling back off the edge!! He flies off the side of the cage as we watch him in wide shot, the fans on their feet - and Thomas West watching on from below with his head in his hands - as he crashes through the double-stacked tables on the outside!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "This is carnage!! Uncle flies off the roof of the cage, too… and he's not even in the match!!"
The camera shows Uncle sprawled out amongst the exploded tables with West checking on him for a moment, the audience losing their minds for the high spot. And then we cut to the ring, as Dan LuPone carries a ladder towards the center of the ring… but he notices that Celestia Ravenwood is above, climbing down through the hole made on the roof by Doug's tumble! She's trying to crawl across the underside of the roof like a spider, towards the title belts… and Dan has to fold the ladder back up and thrust it upwards into her! After the first bash, Celestia's feet lose their hold on the roof, and now she's just hanging there… so Doug hits her in the legs and sternum with the ladder, knocking her down! She lands in a heap on the mat and rolls away.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And now Dan LuPone can finally get around to setting that ladder up, being careful to avoid that hole where his brother crashed through earlier on…"
Allen Price: "Dan LuPone is on his way up!! The Lumberjacks are gonna do it!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Don't be so sure! Here comes Nate Savage! He's climbing up the other side of the ladder!"
Allen Price: "It's come down to the Lumberjacks and the Undisputed Alliance! It's a race to the top!!"
Nate is a little quicker, but Dan had a headstart, and they arrive at the top at the same time. They begin to trade blows, going back and forth atop the ladder… Nate teeters, but then comes back with a huge right-hand, causing LuPone to lose his grip, but the big man catches himself, and fires back!
And down below, Gerald Grayson has climbed up on the apron. He takes a deep breath, and then springboards up and lands on Dan LuPone's back!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Grayson jumps the queue! He climbs up over Dan LuPone… and knocks Nate Savage off the other side of the ladder with a clubbing forearm!"
Allen Price: "The Daredevil's reaching up! He has hands on the gold!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "HE'S GOT 'EM! GERALD'S GOT THE BELTS!!"
Winner: The Connection at 36:62.
Gerald Grayson falls down from the ladder, the belts clutched to his chest. After a few disappointed breaths, Dan LuPone does the same, before rolling out of the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here are your winners… and STILL the FWA World Tag Team Champions… Gerald Grayson… Michelle von Horrowitz… the CONNECTION!!"
There are some cheers for the Connection's win, and some boos as well. Some are clearly out off by the heavy Nephews involvement in the match, but more applaud the spectacle they just saw. Grayson only lies on the mat, the belts on top of him.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I'm not exactly sure what we just saw, Price. Several FWA competitors may never be the same after what we just saw… but one thing that IS the same is that Cthulhu's Nephews are still the tag team champions…"
Allen Price: "Neither of them looks like champions eight now, J-L. Michelle is only now getting some medical attention, and Grayson is unable to stand in the ring."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "But he's got those belts in his hands…"
Quiet has seemingly climbed down from the top of the cage, because he and Thomas are now in the ring. West offers a hand to the Daredevil and pulls him up into a seated position. The masked man lingers a few paces behind. Thomas and Gerald share some words that we don't hear.
We sweep around the carnage… Dan is dragging his brother out of the hole in the ring… Kleio has climbed down, too, and her and Celestia are scooping Blair out of the debris of a smashed table… Jackson and Nate have left the cage, and begin to leave up the ramp, frustrated at the loss… both Uncle and Michelle are being helped onto stretchers on opposite sides of the ring, whilst a separate team of EMTs is with Harry inside the cage…
But in the ring, Thomas and Quiet help Gerald up to his feet. They lift him onto their shoulders, the Daredevil holding both tag team championships up into the air, a hurricane of noise - both positive and negative - surrounding him as Fallout 024 goes off the air
