033: “DEBUTS, DEBUTS, DEBUTS!”
Live from Uhuru Stadium in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
Saturday 16th September, 2023.
We sweep around the Uhuru Stadium in wide shot as a mixed reaction circulates in Tanzania. Sawyer Xavier walks out onto the stage. He doesn’t halt in his momentum, immediately striding down to the ring towards his opponent.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Wrestling fans, your opening contest is scheduled for one-fall with a twenty minute time limit… from Savannah, Georgia… he weighs in tonight at one hundred and seventy six pounds… Sawyer… XAVIER!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Sawyer Xavier bounced back with a victory over Simon Smythe at the Anniversary Show, giving him a 1-1 record since his latest return to the FWA."
Allen Price: "With Lights Out now looming, Xavier will hope to keep his momentum as we head to Kinshasa."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "We’ll have an announcement later on tonight from Jon Russnow, shedding light on what Sawyer Xavier and indeed his opponent will have on their plates at Lights Out. For now, though, Xavier will have to focus on a very game opponent, looking to avenge his own loss two weeks ago at the Anniversary Show."
Xavier limbers up in a corner as his music fades out, and is quickly replaced by…
After the intro and song kicks into gear, Blake Taylor saunters out on stage to a chorus of boos. Taylor relishes in the crowd’s disdain for him and feeds off of their negative energy. He postures a bit before walking down to the ring, making stops along the way to trade barbs with rowdy fans.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And his opponent… from Las Vegas, Nevada and weighing in at 215 lb, he is The Prodigal Son…Blake Taaaaaaylor!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I mentioned the hardfought loss Blake Taylor experienced at the Anniversary Show, where he was overcome by Madison Gray in a triple threat match that also included Jack the Clipper."
Allen Price: "The Prodigal Son may have avoided the pinfall in that one, but he’ll still be desperate to get his first FWA win here in his second outing. He looks all business as he marches down towards the ring and his opponent…"
Indeed, there’s a sense of purpose about Blake as he stomps down the ramp, his eyes fixating on Sawyer. Xavier paces slightly as Taylor climbs into the ring… and the Prodigal Son immediately charges over and clatters into him with a lariat!! Xavier lands at a high angle on his neck, with the official first shrugging and then calling for the bell…
FIRST MATCH || 1/20.
Sawyer Xavier vs. Blake Taylor.
Singles Match.
Match Writer: SS.
<< 00:00. >>
There are loud boos in the arena, much to the amusement of Blake Taylor, who looms over the downed Xavier with a smirk on his face. After a moment of posturing, Blake follows up with a half-dozen stomps, circling Sawyer and targeting each body part in turn. Finally, Taylor hoists Sawyer up and, after working the body with heavy right hands in the corner, hurls him across the ring with a judo throw.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "The Prodigal Son with the cheap opening gambit in this one, jumping Sawyer before the bell. Already, early on in his career here, we’re getting a good idea of Taylor’s qualities."
Allen Price: "I’d have thought you’d be impressed…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Was a statement, not a judgement."
Sawyer, to his credit, scrambles up to his feet and tries to respond with a clothesline. Taylor skilfully evades beneath it, though, and catches Xavier before throwing him back to the mat with a t-bone suplex! Xavier is slower to rise, with Taylor taking advantage of this to try a lackadaisical cover, a boot placed on Xavier’s chest…
ONE… NO!
Sawyer forces a shoulder up, which only serves to annoy Blake Taylor. He hoists Xavier up and nails a combination of jabs, hooks, and uppercuts, before dragging Taylor into a front facelock.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Blake Taylor goes for a vertical suplex, but Sawyer is able to slip out the back! Xavier lands on his feet behind Taylor… who turns into a backfist from Sawyer!!"
Blake is staggered and Xavier follows up with an enziguri. Blake doesn’t quite go down… but the Stundog Millionaire is enough to do the job! Xavier with the cover…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Black kicks out, and Sawyer slaps on a reverse chin lock, slowing down the pace.
***
<< 04:12. >>
Sawyer is manoeuvring Blake into position for a hammerlock DDT, but Blake drops down to a knee to block the attempt, and eventually manages to wrench an arm free before lashing out into Xavier’s abdomen with a series of right hands…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Blake Taylor fights his way out of the DDT, and then takes Sawyer up and over with a Northern Lights suplex! Nice bridge for the cover…"
ONE… TWO… NO!
Sawyer gets a shoulder up, the two men quickly climbing to their feet… where Taylor catches Xavier with a spinning backfist! Sawyer stumbles backwards, but the Prodigal Son is quick to clasp him in a bearhug, and then throws him overhead with a belly-to-belly suplex! Blake saunters over towards Sawyer and shoves a forearm in his face whilst sinking into the lateral press.
ONE… TWO… NO!
With Sawyer still grounded following the move, Blake applies an armbar, wrenching at the hold as Sawyer struggles towards the ropes…
***
<< 09:40. >>
After a few grappling knee strikes, Taylor proceeds to back Xavier into the corner with a series of forearms and knife edge chops. He takes Sawyer by the wrist and gives him a hard Irish whip into the opposite set of turnbuckles, Xavier bouncing back towards him with the impact… and Taylor meets him with a roundhouse kick! He goes for a cover…
ONE… TWO… T – NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Sawyer Xavier manages to get the shoulder up again, but you have to think Blake Taylor is succeeding in grinding his opponent down."
Allen Price: "Sawyer needs an opening, and he needs one quick…"
It is Taylor, though, who is looking for an opening of his own, stalking Xavier from behind as he slowly rises to his feet…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Blake Taylor is going for his patented ‘Dream Inducer’ chokehold, but Xavier slips behind! Stundog Millionaire! He gets it at the second time of asking!"
Allen Price: "Maybe the opening Sawyer Xavier needed!"
Taylor is fighting to his feet, but already Sawyer is hitting the ropes, and he runs through Blake Taylor with a shining wizard!! Xavier dives onto him to hook the leg…
ONE… TWO… TH – NO!
Shoulder up from Blake Taylor! But Xavier seems in complete control as he grasps Taylor by his wrists, pulling him up onto his knees…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Sawyer Xavier is setting up for the Kamigoye here, the first part of Obsolete Rebellion…"
Allen Price: "But Blake Taylor catches the knee! Reversal!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Blake Taylor with the leg whip! And then he catches the rising Xavier with a forearm smash!!"
Sawyer, to his credit, manages to block the second forearm smash, but it’s all for nothing, with Blake following up with a massive headbutt! Sawyer is turnbed around…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "DREAM INDUCER!! Blake’s got the choke locked in!"
Allen Price: "And he falls to the ground, his legs wrapped around Xavier! Sawyer’s got nowhere to go!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Nowhere to go but to sleep! He’s out!! Sawyer Xavier is out and the official is calling for the bell!!"
Winner: Blake Taylor via referee stoppage (knockout) at 12:20.
Blake keeps the choke locked in a few extra seconds, eventually releasing Sawyer and pushing his lifeless form away. He climbs to his feet and insists that the official lift his hand, and then snatches it away immediately when he does.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Your winner… ‘The Prodigal Son’... BLAKE TAYLOR!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Taylor may not have endeared himself to the fans here in Botswana, or more generally watching at home, but there’s no denying that performance was impressive…"
Allen Price: "Exactly the response he needed after the disappointment of last week. ‘The Prodigal Son’ announces himself here in the FWA in a big way."
Without so much as a glance back at his downed opponent, Taylor stomps up the ramp and towards the stage. We fade to black.
Jean Luc Watkins: “Ladies and gentlemen, what we’re about to show you is certainly alarming. We have obtained some security footage from Barbados BGI following the FWA 18th Anniversary Show. Madison Gray, who won a triple threat match to put herself in a position to win the now vacant FWA Television Championship was at the airport preparing to fly home. What you’re about to see here is airport security footage, but we have enhanced the audio to try to help the local authorities who are investigating what happened.”
In black and white, we see Laramie hand Madison something, presumably a cell phone before hugging her friend. Madison walks away from the rental car and into the airport, leaving Laramie standing by herself near the car. As Laramie makes her way back to the driver’s side of the vehicle, we see someone lurking in the shadows nearby.
He has on a black hoodie with the hood pulled up, and a black mask pulled up over his face. As Laramie absent-mindedly makes her way toward the driver’s side, staring at the cell phone in her hands, he moves in closer. With no warning, he grabs her from behind, throwing one hand over her mouth. Over the sound of cars, the enhanced audio allows us to hear a man’s voice.
Masked Assailant: “Come with me and you won’t get hurt.”
The masked man leads Laramie away from the car, with one hand on the small of her back and the other gripping her arm as they quickly walk out of the security camera frame.
Jean Luc Watkins: “There is an investigation into what you saw there, ladies and gentlemen. In addition to the authorities in Barbados, FWA officials are also gathering information. We will share more information with you as it becomes available to us.”
We cut backstage where Todd Salum is standing by near the entrance of the stadium.
Todd Salum: “Welcome back to Fallout and it looks like Bryan Baxter has arrived here tonight in Dar Es Salaam. The FWA North American Champion wasn’t expected to be here tonight but after his tough loss to Tommy Bedlam on Meltdown, I want to try and get a word with him…”
Bryan Baxter does in fact walk into the shot, but he certainly does not look to be in the mood to talk to anyone, much less Todd.
Todd Salum: “Bryan.. Bryan… a quick word.”
Bryan Baxter: “Now’s not a good time, Todd.”
Todd Salum: “Just real quick, I wanted to get your comments after Meltdo–”
Bryan Baxter: “You’re playing a real dangerous game. You know that Todd?”
Bryan stares Todd down, the interviewer starting to back pedal a bit, perhaps regretting his decision here.
Todd Salum: “Uh… yes… sorry Bryan… I just thought you might…”
Bryan Baxter: “What Todd? That I wanted to talk about how Tommy Bedlam BEAT me on Meltdown? A match that should’ve NEVER HAPPENED IN THE FIRST PLACE? I’ve got a lot of shit going on right now, Todd…”
Todd Salum: “And a lot of people are targeting that title of yours, right?”
Baxter clenches his fist as his stare at Todd grows even more intense.
Bryan Baxter: “Yeah… that’s why I’m paying Fallout a visit tonight. There’s some people in this building tonight who thought it’d be cute to not mind their own goddamn business on Meltdown… and… well… now it’s time to return the favor.”
Before Todd can try and get a follow up, Bryan cracks a bit of a smirk as he walks out of the shot, allowing Todd to breathe easy again.
We cut to an office in the backstage area of the Uhuru Stadium, Jon Russnow sat behind a large, oak desk with a large, toothy smile upon his face. In the background is his patented dartboard, a series of ideas written on post-it notes around the outside of it. A large number of darts are stuck into a section of the board labeled as ‘battle royale’.
Jon Russnow: “Greetings! I hope you’re enjoying another exciting edition of Fallout, as curated by yours truly. I also hope that you’ve renewed your subscription to the WCNetwork ahead of Lights Out, which comes to you from Kinshasa on Sunday October 8th. I’m here with you now to outline one more piece of that particular puzzle: with the return of the Gunfight Battle Royale. Thirteen men and women, a veritable baker’s dirty dozen, will enter the ring in Kinshasa with the hopes of leaving a winner.”
He takes a sip of water, his beaming smile growing even more beaming as he hears the cheers from the Tanzanian crowd, who seem to be big fans of the Gunfight brand (no matter how hypothetical it is).
Jon Russnow: ”And what will this winner get?, I hear you ask. Well, first of all: there will be winners. Plural. The final two left standing in the Gunfight Battle Royale will advance to the Gunfight Falls Count Anywhere Match at Winter Wasteland in December. The winner of that will take home the Gunfight One Ring…”
Here, Russnow lifts his hand to reveal this trinket: it’s made of two gold bands, overlapping each other to form an ‘X’, with a large diamond gemstone on the intersection.
Jon Russnow: ”Possession of this ring will entitle the bearer to a shot at the X Championship, as indicated by its rather tasteful design. What’s more, the two competitors who survive the Gunfight Battle Royale will also earn a shot at the FWA World Tag Team Champions, whoever that may be, following Lights Out.”
On his dartboard, we notice that one stray dart isn’t clustered with the others in the battle royale section. Instead, it is stuck directly into a post-it note reading strange bedfellows tag run.
Jon Russnow: “As for who will line up in the proverbial starters blocks: some of them, like Sawyer Xavier and Blake Taylor, have already wrestled earlier in the evening. Others, like Brooklyn Steiner, Xavien Marshall, Jack the Clipper, and FWA Hall of Famer Ashley O’Ryan, will compete later on. They will be joined in the ring by two men whose skillsets make them perfect for the X Championship hunt in Death Walker and Jason Randall, as well as a name or two from our developmental brand Next Generation Wrestling. Yet more will be announced as we roll on towards Kinshasa, and Lights Out #3.”
With that, Russnow leaves the desk and collects his darts from the board. We fade to black as he begins to throw them.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Introducing first, making his FWA debut and hailing from Sweetwater, Texas, Bobby Bennett!”
Bobby is already in the ring as he waves to the crowd.
Natalie Rosenberg: “And his opponent, accompanied to the ring by Johnny Johnson, The Great Maru!”
[media]
The crowd erupts into a chorus of boos, which are probably aimed more at Johnny Johnson than The Great Maru.
Maru stomps his way down the ramp, his eyes coldly locked on Bobby Bennett. Meanwhile, Johnny Johnson taunts the jeering crowd, seemingly fueled by their vitriol.
Jean Luc Watkins: “Interesting matchup here tonight. Some of you may have seen Bobby Bennett on the Longhorn Championship Wrestling show High Noon. He’s the cousin of current FWA X-Champion Tommy Bedlam, and tonight, he makes his FWA debut. If Bennett impresses tonight, it could be a huge for his career. Oh, well it looks like we are going to be joined on commentary by Johnny Johnson.”
Johnny Johnson walks over to the announce table with an arrogant smirk on his face as he puts on the headset.
SECOND MATCH || 1/10.
The Great Maru vs. Bobby Bennett.
Singles Match.
Match Writer: Tommy.
As the bell sounds, The Great Maru steps to the center of the ring and stops. He doesn’t charge in at Bobby Bennett. No, he just stands there staring at him. Bennett makes the first move and charges into The Great Maru with a shoulder block that doesn’t phase the monster.
Johnny Johnson: “Jean, have you ever seen a cat toy with a mouse before it kills it? That’s what The Great Maru is doing here. He’s just fuckin with this slob.”
Bobby bounces off the nearside ropes and delivers another completely pointless shoulder block. Assuming the third time's a charm, Bobby bounces off the ropes and is met with a massive boot to the face.
Jean Luc Watkins: “The Great Maru may have just knocked Bobby Bennett’s teeth into the third row.”
Johnny Johnson: “He had teeth? Must be the only one in that family. Hey, Jean. Did you know that the toothbrush was invented in Sweetwater, Texas? Did you know that?”
Jean Luc Watkins: “No, Johnny. I didn’t know that.”
Johnny Johnson: “Yea. If it was invented anywhere else, they would’ve called at a teethbrush.”
Maru picks a woozy Bobby up from the mat, puts a giant hand around his throat, and picks him up. He pauses just as Bobby is at the apex before crushing his opponent’s back across his knee. The crowd lets out a groan as Bobby’s lifeless body rolls to the mat.
Johnny Johnson: “Stay on him! Don’t you let up, Maru! Stay on his ass!”
Allen Price: “Johnny, I think it’s amazing the way you’ve taken this young man under your wing and are teaching him how to do things the right way.”
Jean Luc Watkins:”You two are ridiculous. Price, if I were you, I’d be more worried about getting my ass kicked later tonight.”
The Great Maru drags Bobby Bennett over toward the corner of the ring before propping him up face-first in the corner. For a moment, the beast walks away from his wounded prey, until he charges in with a head of steam and delivers a crushing lariat to the back of Bennett’s head.
Somehow Bobby manages to stay on his feet, which isn’t necessarily a good thing. Maru grabs Bobby Bennett and delivers an over-the-shoulder reverse piledriver, driving Bennett’s head into the mat.
Jean Luc Watkins: “The Great Maru calls that move The Undertow, and I think it just sank Bobby Bennett.”
The Great Maru goes for the pin, as Johnny Johnson jumps up from the announce table.
Johnny Johnson: “Maru! Hey! Don’t you pin him yet! Do it again!”
Jean Luc Watkins: “My God, Johnson. Just let him end the match.”
Johnny Johnson: “Shut your mouth, Watkins. We’re here to make a statement. My guy Maru can do this to anybody on this roster.”
Maru once again picks Bobby’s lifeless body off the mat before hitting him with a second Undertow! Bennett is unconscious as The Great Maru goes for another pin.
Allen Price: “That’s not a little guy that Maru is tossing around like this, folks. He’s beating the hell out of a man who’s a doughnut away from 350 here.”
Johnny Johnson: “WHAT ARE YOU DOING! DON’T PIN HIM! HURT HIM!”
Before the referee can even begin his count, Maru looks out at Johnny Johnson who is standing on the announce table barking orders. He picks up Bobby Bennett and tosses his lifeless body out of the ring.
While Johnson continues directing traffic, Maru picks up Bobby Bennett, which is no small feat, across his shoulder before driving him back first into the ring post, Bennett’s head bouncing off the steel. Once again, Bennett crumples to the floor as the ref begins counting both men out.
1…2…3…4…5…6…
Maru picks Bennett up and ragdolls him into the safety barrier between the ring and the fans.
Jean Luc Watkins: “Bobby Bennett can’t even defend himself. Stop the damn match!”
Maru begins to deliver a series of stomps to Bobby’s body and head as the referee continues to count.
7…8…9
As Maru kneels beside Bobby Bennett and wraps his mammoth hands around Bobby’s neck, the referee finally gets to…
10!
DING DING DING
Jean Luc Watkins: “Thank God this one’s over.”
Natalie Rosenberg: “Ladies and gentlemen, both Bobby Bennett and The Great Maru have been counted out!”
Result:Doubkle countout at 2:49.
Johnny Johnson throws down his headset and goes over to Maru who is still choking Bobby out and points to the ring. Maru, on command, throws Bennett back under the bottom rope, resuming the beating in the ring.
[media]
The crowd cheers as Juan Tothrefor bursts down the ramp, hitting the ring with a head of steam. He begins delivering a bevy of rights and lefts to Maru as Johnny Johnson slides under the bottom rope. He begins screaming for Maru, who finally manages to push Tothrefor away, creating enough distance to join his handler on the outside of the ring.
Jon Russnow appears at the top of the ramp.
Jon Russnow: “Gentlemen, gentlemen. We’re not going to do this. Johnny, The Great Maru looked good. Hell, he looked unstoppable. Juan, I commend you for stepping up and running in here to save Bobby Bennett. With that in mind, I’ve realized that neither of you have a damn thing to do at Lights Out. So, at Lights Out, we’re going to have The Great Maru take on Juan Tothrefor!”
Russnow turns and walks to the back as Johnny Johnson hurls a line of insults at Juan Tothrefor as he and The Great Maru make their way up the ramp.
Fallout has returned from a commercial break and in the ring is Kung-Fu Boom, who is on the receiving end of massive boos from the crowd. Jimmy Boom Boom seems triggered by the reception while Karl remains much more composed.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Wrestling fans I don’t know what is going on, but I can assure you that this is not on the schedule for tonight.”
Allen Price: “Come on Jean-Luc, let’s give them a chance and hear what they have to say.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “You’re just saying that to further delay your match later tonight.”
Allen Price: “Not at all! I’m legitimately interested in hearing what they have to say, no matter how long it takes for them to spit it out. It can take the rest of the show, I can wait!”
Jimmy Boom Boom has a microphone and he’s trying to speak but he can’t get a word out without being drowned out by boos. He’s so flustered, but after some reassurance by Karl he does his best to compose himself.
Jimmy Boom Boom: “Listen-”
BOOOOOOOOOO!
Jimmy becomes flustered again and ignores Karl’s pleas.
Jimmy Boom Boom: “I don’t know what’s gotten into everybody but we didn’t do anything to warrant this kind of reaction! Yeah, we attacked that trash panda or whatever he is at the anniversary show, but he was asking for it! He disrespected us and our mentors Jackson Fenix and Nate Savage! We did what was right!”
BOOOOOOOOOO!
Karl takes the microphone from Jimmy, who is beyond frustrated.
Kung-Fu Karl: “Listen, we had no other choice. Our boss and our mentor Nate Savage told us to take care of business, so we did what we were told to do. We were just doing our job and defending the honor of The Undisputed Alliance. If you should be upset with anyone for what happened you should shift your anger toward Nate Savage, who made the order for us to do that, but in my opinion, Mr. Savage didn’t do anything wrong either.”
Jimmy has his own microphone now to add on to Karl’s words.
Jimmy Boom Boom: “We did everyone in FWA favor by ridding it of a pest problem! That trash mammal didn’t belong here! He was nothing but a nuisance so all of you should be thanking us!”
BOOOOOOOOOO!
Jimmy Boom Boom: “Speaking of thanks, we didn’t get a thanks from Mr. Nate and Mr. Jackson. It’s okay though, I get it. Yeah, they went and hired another intern behind our backs, and they’ve been busy with other stuff, but tonight they don’t have anything going on.”
Kung-Fu Karl: “What Jimmy is trying to say is that now would be a perfect time for Mr. Savage and Mr. Fenix to come out and express their gratitude for all of our hard work.”
Karl and Jimmy look at each other and nod in approval. The crowd still doesn’t care about this at all.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “These two can’t be serious.”
Allen Price: “They sound serious, JL. A little thanks from Jackson and Nate wouldn’t hurt.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I would ask if you can’t be serious but I’m afraid I know the answer to that. The Undisputed Alliance have a lot more pressing matters going on at the moment…”
Suddenly, the lights in the arena go out…
Allen Price: “Fenix and Savage have to make an entrance, what a bunch of egomaniacs!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Something tells me that this isn’t The Undisputed Alliance, Price.”
A spotlight shines on the entranceway, revealing… a dumpster, slowly rolling down the ramp, with an echoing squeak. The lights come back on a touch prematurely, and Kung Fu Karl & Jimmy Boom-Boom look equally unimpressed.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “What… Is the meaning of this?”
Allen Price: “Is that a dumpster? We have those out the back. What’s it doing here?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “... I have a suspicion.”
The fans pop, albeit hesitatingly, as the dumpster slowly grinds to halt next to the ring. There is a pause so long you’d think the video stream froze, before Jimmy & Karl glance at each other in shared annoyance.
Jimmy Boom-Boom: “Did we not murder this guy enough?”
Kung-Fu Karl: “Pest control always requires repeat visits.”
Jimmy Boom-Boom nods sagely. Karl always has such wise words. Kung-Fu Boom exit the ring, approaching the dumpster menacingly, banging on the sides of it rhythmically, like that one movie from a few decades ago. You know the one.
Jimmy Boom-Boom: “First lesson is free, second one’ll cost you!”
They throw open the lid of the dumpster, ready to throw fists at whomever may be inside it!
… But it’s empty.
Kung-Fu Boom put the lid back on the dumpster, confused, when-
???: “Oi, bag carriers!”
Attention is drawn to the stage, where a giant grey possum - or a man in a possum onesie, it’s hard to tell - steps into view, to a surprisingly solid pop! All things considered.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It’s-”
Allen Price: “It’s a giant rat!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Possum. But, sure.”
Mamifero De Basura, or The Trash Mammal if you’re into the more casual thing, peers down at Kung Fu Boom, pausing to curtsey politely at the audience, then mockingly at his arch rivals, before straightening.
Trash Mammal: “Foist off, gotta say - Moi, a pest? Now tha’s just being rude, unnecessarily so. Fer shame, fer shame. Speaking of, pest control? You callin’ this pest control?!? Are ya outta your minds? Yer worse at pest control than you are at carryin’ Nate an’ Jacky’s bags! Gawd, no wonder they’re replacing you with Lava Girl’s sidekick-”
Kung-Fu Karl: “That’s enough out of-”
Trash Mammal: “Oi, buster, wait yer turn! This ain’t one of my world-famous interview segments, I ain’t askin’ you a question, you ain’t givin’ me an answer, capiche? I ain’t interested in what you gotta say! Nate and Jacky, on the other hand, now THERE’S a pair worth interviewin’, an-”
Jimmy Boom-Boom: “Stay away from our mentors!”
Trash Mammal: “... Nah. See, here’s what’s gonna happen, if you got a pen you might wanna take notes. Loights Out. The Trash Mammal, Mamifero De Basura, the breakout star of GZ4, makes his FWA in-ring debut, against you two bozos! An’ once I win, I’ll be interviewin’ everyone on the roster, one by one… Startin’ with ya boys, Nate and Jacky.”
Jimmy Boom-Boom: “You’ll have to get through us first! Challenge accep-”
Trash Mammal: “Oi, Jimbo, what’d I say about waiting yer turn? I wasn’t done yet! Gawd, no manners at all. I ain’t facin’ you in any regular ol’ match, nah. You’re coming into MY turf, in a DUMPSTER MATCH!”
Massive pop!
Trash Mammal: “Oh, and fer the record… I ain’t alone.”
BOOM-!
Seemingly by itself, the lid of the dumpster practically explodes open, with tremendous force. Both Kung-Fu Karl and Jimmy Boom-Boom jump back in surprise and alarm; they both share matching befuddled looks as dry ice starts to spill out from the dumpster like it's a 1960's zombie movie.
Allen Price: "A hell of a lot of smoke coming out of that dumpster...Is Danny Toner in there?"
Concerned, Jimmy Boom-Boom walks forward, looking into the smoke, trying to figure out what the hell is going on-
SMACK-!
A STEEL CHAIR GOES FLYING RIGHT INTO JIMMY'S FACE FROM THE DUMPSTER-!
Jimmy is laid out as Kung-Fu Karl looks frozen in confusion..until finally-
???: "BOO-!"
Out from the dumpster jumps HALLOWEEN KNIGHT, WHO STARTS LAYING INTO KUNG-FU KARL TO A MASSIVE POP!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "OH MY GOD, IT MIGHT BE MID SEPTEMBER, BUT THE CLOCK JUST STRUCK THE 31ST OF OCTOBER-! HALLOWEEN KNIGHT! THE LUCHA LEGEND HAS ARRIVED IN FWA!"
Kung-Fu Karl has no answer for the man they call "Señor Spooky-!" as he nails Karl again and again, but Jimmy, clutching his forehead, pulls Knight off his friend, BUT HERE COMES MAMIFERO DE BASURA TO FIGHT HIM OFF. It isn't long before Kung-Fu Boom heads for the hills and makes it to the invisible force field at the top of the stage. They look on with dawning horror as they realize the trouble they've gotten themselves in.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Kung-Fu Boom thought they got rid of FWA's pest problem, but the TRASH mammal had a TRICK up his sleeve. He's brought his friend and tag team partner, the iconic- HALLOWEEN KNIGHT-! TRICK OR TRASH HAS ARRIVED IN FWA, AND THEY'RE COMING FOR KUNG-FU BOOM AT LIGHT'S OUT!”
The crowd pops huge for the inexplicably popular break-out randomly put-together tag team from Ground Zero season four, and that only gets louder as, for the first time on US soil, Halloween Knight does his famous dance of the damned on top of the dumpster! (Which honestly doesn't get as big a pop as it might do in Mexico, but it's still pretty cool.) Trash Mammal, meanwhile, is clearly enjoying the biggest pop of his career, momentarily trying to copy Halloween Knight's ghoulish grooving but clearly gets self conscious about his lack of rhythm as he stops awkwardly before pointing up at Kung Fu Boom, hoping no one notices.
Allen Price: “I’m surprised you’re so excited, JL. I thought you hated stuff like this.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, yes you would be correct Price, but I suppose I caught up in the moment a little. As long as I don’t have to call that match...oh god...I'm gonna have to call that match...bloody hell...”
Natalie Rosenberg: "Wrestling fans, your following contest is scheduled for one-fall with a twenty minute time limit… introducing first, from New York City, New York… he weighs in tonight at two hundred and five pounds… This… Is… BROOKLYN… STEINEEEEER!"
Steiner walks out onto the stage, surveys the crowd, and then begins his walk down the ramp.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "We’re about to take a look at the debuting Brooklyn Steiner, as he prepares to step into an FWA ring for the first time in his career. He’s no stranger, though, to the ring in general…"
Allen Price: "He looks vaguely familiar to me, J-L…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "You been watching the independents, Price?"
Allen Price: "No, that’s not it…"
Steiner slides into the ring and waits in his corner. His music fades out, quickly replaced by…
There’s a pop in the arena as the returning legend makes his way onto the stage. He surveys the rampant Tanzanian fans, nodding his head approvingly, before he begins at pace towards the ring…
Natalie Rosenberg: "And his opponent… from Dublin, Ireland and weighing in at two hundred and twenty five pounds… ‘the Irish Switchblade’... Ashley… O’RYAAAAAAN!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here is a man who needs no introduction, even if Natalie just gave him one anyway. Here comes the FWA Hall of Famer and Triple Crown winner, making his return tonight after years in the wilderness."
Allen Price: "And just listen to this audience! The name ‘Ashley O’Ryan’ is known all around the world - this ovation is nothing less than the moment deserves!"
The Irish Switchblade soaks up the atmosphere at the base of the ramp, before finally climbing up the steps and through the ropes. He stares across the ring at Steiner, loosening up slightly as the official conducts his final checks. Eventually, the referee calls for the bell…
THIRD MATCH || 1/20.
Ashley O’Ryan vs. Brooklyn Steiner.
Singles Match.
Match Writer: SS.
<< 00:00. >>
The two begin the match by momentarily circling the ring, and it looks for a moment as though they’re going to come together with a collar and elbow. O’Ryan, though, shows his veteran instinct in ducking beneath Steiner’s grasp, quickly going behind into a rear waistlock. He bundles Brooklyn forward into the ropes, trying to take him backwards with an O’Connor roll, but Brooklyn grasps the top rope and O’Ryan rolls back without him… and then eats a running knee strike from Steiner! The Irish Switchblade stumbles backwards, but Steiner collects him and backs him up to the corner with a series of European uppercuts. Brooklyn tries to hurl O’Ryan across the ring with an Irish whip, but Ashley reverses and sends the debutant across instead. The Switchblade charges in after him, attempting a cornered clothesline, but Brooklyn ducks beneath it and hoists O’Ryan over the top rope with a big back body drop!
Allen Price: "Impressive agility from Ashley O’Ryan, landing on his feet on the apron…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "… but he’s knocked off them by Brooklyn Steiner! A picture perfect triangle dropkick sends the Irish Switchblade reeling to the outside!"
Steiner slides under the bottom rope and throws O’Ryan into the apron, nailing a quartet of knife edge chops before rolling him back into the ring beneath the bottom rope. Brooklyn spends a moment hyping up the crowd before hopping onto the apron and beginning his ascent towards the top rope. Ashley, though, senses his peril and clambers up to his feet, before cutting Steiner off at the pass with a right hand. After a trio of forearms, Ashley climbs up onto the second rope with him, where he applies a front facelock…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Ashley O’Ryan looking for a superplex here, and he steps up onto the very top, dragging Brooklyn Steiner up there with him."
Allen Price: "And there’s the superplex!! Incredible elevation and impact! And we’re less than two minutes into this match-up!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "We might be done already -- Ashley O’Ryan goes for the cover…"
ONE… TWO… NO!
Steiner kicks out! Ashley looks to immediately follow up with a Fujiwara armbar, but Steiner is wise to it and drags himself beneath the bottom rope. He takes a moment on the outside, his hands on his hips as he reevaluates his battle plan…
***
<< 05:20. >>
Brooklyn Steiner whips Ashley O’Ryan into the ropes and ducks down, looking for a back body drop or maybe a flapjack, but the Switchblade telegraphs it and connects with a knee lift, before wiping Brooklyn out with a lariat! Steiner hits the mat, and O’Ryan looks over towards the corner, the audience cheering him on as he begins his ascent towards the top.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Ashley O’Ryan is checking out the high-rent district, let’s hope he has a little more luck than Steiner earlier on in this contest…"
Allen Price: "Brooklyn Steiner doesn’t seem to be stirring as the Switchblade steadies himself on the top rope. GOOD LORD! What was that?!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "That was a somersault leg drop, Allen… and, more specifically, that was Brooklyn Steiner moving out of the way of a somersault leg drop!!"
Indeed, Steiner rolls out the way, continuing to roll until he’s on the apron, where he stands up. He watches O’Ryan struggling to get to his feet, and when the Irish Switchblade does Steiner springboards in off the top rope before catching him with a hurricanrana!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Incredible agility from Brooklyn Steiner…"
Allen Price: "From both men! And Steiner isn’t done! He’s going back to the top rope!"
Indeed, Brooklyn climbs once again to the top rope, as Ashley struggles up to his feet and turns to face him…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "DRAGONRANA!! Picture perfect, and straight into the corner!"
ONE… TWO… T – NO!
Allen Price: "Kickout from O’Ryan! He’s still in this!"
If Steiner has any frustrations, he doesn’t let them show, instead refocusing on the Switchblade
(Ashley missed a somersault leg drop, Brooklyn rolls beneath the apron and hits a springboard hurricanrana, followed by a dragonrana for a two count)
***
<< 10:31. >>
O’Ryan is struggling in Steiner’s Koji Clutch, but has managed - through slow and painstaking movements - to crawl over towards the ropes and hook onto the bottom one. The official insists on a break, which Steiner observes before backing away. Ashley uses the ropes to climb to his feet, noticing that Brooklyn is on the charge again… and he meets him with an eye poke!! The crowd seems on-board with the nefarious tactic, cheering O’Ryan as he follows up with a side headlock and then a springboard bulldog!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Ashley O’Ryan finally gathering some momentum, and now he goes for the cover…"
ONE… TWO… NO!
Steiner kicks out, with O’Ryan following up by dragging him to his feet and backing him into a corner with a series of knife edge chops. He whips him into the opposite set and, upon reapproach, hangs him up on the second rope with a drop toe hold…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "The crowd knows what’s coming next! Tiger Feint Kick! Vintage Ashley O’Ryan!!"
Allen Price: "And the Switchblade quickly hooks the far leg…"
ONE… TWO… T -- NO!
Steiner throws his shoulder up, with O’Ryan grabbing the arm, yanking him onto his front, and placing him in a Fujiwara armbar!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "We saw the Irish Switchblade attempt this earlier on in the match, with Steiner wisely squirming away towards the ropes. But not this time! O’Ryan’s got it locked in and he’s wrenching hard!"
Allen Price: "Steiner’s gonna tap! I think he’s done!"
For a moment, Steiner lifts his hand over the mat and, indeed, it looks as though he’s going to give in, but then he clenches his hand into a fist and proceeds to crawl, arm over arm, towards the bottom rope. The crowd are cheering both men on as, finally, Steiner reaches out with outstretched fingertips and hooks onto the bottom rope! The official calls for a break, with O’Ryan releasing his hold at four and rolling away from Steiner. Brooklyn, in turn, rolls out under the bottom rope and to the outside, landing in a heap and clutching his arm. O’Ryan chuckles as the official begins a count…
***
<< 15:02. >>
O’Ryan has a hammerlock applied, working over the arm that has been weakened significantly since the Fujiwara armbar. Brooklyn attempts to fight out with elbows to the side of the head, but Ashley is firm and refuses to relinquish… until Steiner reaches down and picks one of O’Ryan’s legs. Steiner looks to be attempting a Figure 4, but as he turns away from O’Ryan he receives a boot to the backside, sending him chest first into the turnbuckles. Steiner bounces back towards Ashley, who rolls him up with a schoolboy…
ONE… TWO… T – NO!
Allen Price: "Nothing better than a schoolboy roll-up!"
Both men climb to their feet, but O’Ryan is first to react with an elbow strike, followed by a kick to the gut. He takes Steiner by the scruff of the neck and hurls him shoulder first through the second and third rope in the corner, Brooklyn colliding with the steel post! O’Ryan brings him away from the ropes with a second schoolboy…
ONE… TWO… TH – NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "We’re seeing a lot of fight here from Brooklyn Steiner in his debut match, showing his resilience as Ashley O’Ryan piles on the pressure…"
Steiner is slower to his feet on this occasion, and O’Ryan is waiting for him when he does with a European uppercut, succeeding in throwing Brooklyn back into a corner. The Switchblade works him over with a vicious series of strikes: more European uppercuts, knife edge chops, and forearm smashes, Steiner unable to respond or even defend himself…
Natalie Rosenberg: "Wrestling fans, this is your… FOUR MINUTE WARNING!"
With less than four minutes to go, O’Ryan shows some urgency, dragging Steiner out of the corner and applying an arm twist. Ashley sits on the top turnbuckle and then climbs up, beginning to tightrope walk across the top rope whilst maintaining wrist control…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "O’Ryan’s going for the Gauntlet! He’s looking to finish this off with that leg drop arm bar combination. With the damage Steiner’s already taken to that limb, this would surely spell the end…"
Allen Price: "But there’s still fight left in Steiner! He throws himself into the ropes!"
O’Ryan is knocked off balance and lands split legged over the top rope, hung up for a moment before Steiner brings him crashing down into the ring with a vicious lariat!!
Allen Price: "O’Ryan’s in perfect position, and Steiner looks to take advantage of it by climbing to the top rope…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "But that climb is slow, given the exertions of the match so far. O’Ryan’s stirring…"
Allen Price: "Steiner’s going to go for it anyway!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "SHOOTING STAR PRESS! NO! O’RYAN MOVES!!"
Steiner crashes and burns, and O’Ryan climbs up to his feet in the corner. He stalks Steiner from behind, waiting for him to turn and face him…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "O’Ryan charges in, looking for a tiltawhirl headscissors… the opening gambit for Another Dead Romance…"
Allen Price: "But he’s caught by Steiner!! Brooklyn steps into the middle of the ring with O’Ryan on his shoulders…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "LIGER BOMB! Into the cover…"
ONE… TWO… THR – NO!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "O’RYAN KICKS OUT!!"
Allen Price: "SOMEHOW!!"
Steiner can’t believe it either, and with great difficulty he drags himself to his feet. With a look of focus on his face, he once more begins a slow ascent towards the top rope. His progress is so tedious, though, that O’Ryan gets to his feet as Brooklyn steadies himself on the top rope, causing himself to change his plan and go for a diving cross-body…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "O’Ryan rolls forward! Somehow Steiner manages to land on his feet, and he rolls through too…"
Allen Price: "O’Ryan’s first to charge, though, looking to knock Steiner’s head off with a lariat… but Brooklyn ducks beneath it…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "REDEMPTION SLAM! REDEMPTION SLAM!!"
Allen Price: "In the centre of the ring!! That’s it!"
Brooklyn hooks both legs…
ONE… TWO… THREE!!
Winner: Brooklyn Steiner via pinfall at 18:32.
Steiner rolls away from O’Ryan but is unable to celebrate his victory, instead simply lying back on the mat and take deep, laboured breaths.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… Brooklyn… Steiner!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "An incredible contest here between these two competitors, with Steiner just about securing the win just before the time limit elapsed."
Allen Price: "Surprising to see Ashley O’Ryan succumb to defeat in his very first match back in the FWA, but Brooklyn Steiner more than earned that three-count after nearly twenty minutes of hardfought competition."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And these two will get their chance to lay hands upon one another soon enough, with Jon Russnow announcing earlier tonight that both will be a part of the thirteen-person Gunfight Battle Royale at Lights out in Kinshasa. If that encounter is anything like what we just saw, it’ll be something to look forward to."
The audience may appear surprised, but Brooklyn Steiner doesn’t as he finally climbs to his feet. He doesn’t look short of confidence as the official hoists his hand in the air, declaring him the winner as the scene fades out.
Cut to the backstage area where FWA cameras find Jackson Fenix and Nate Savage in a discussion.
Jackson Fenix: You were right, Nate. One door closes and another opens. Lights Out is my open door and this time I won’t let it slip by.
Nate Savage: I knew you could do it and I know Xtacee will beat Crowe tonight. Things are looking up for the Undisputed Xperienx!
Nate rubs his hands together as if he hatched a genius plan.
Nate Savage: To celebrate your win, as well as Xtacee’s win later and then the main event later tonight where we watch that halfwit Allen Price get ripped to shreds, we should stop by catering and pick up some snacks.
Jackson Fenix: We should have Jimmy and Karl do it, where are those guys anyway?
Nate Savage: I don’t know, they’ve been acting weird lately.
Jackson Fenix: I’d suggest Lone Shark but he deserves a break after all the hard work he’s done lately.
Nate Savage: That’s true, we should just get it ourselves. Jimmy and Karl will dilly-dally and find another dumpster creature to talk to, and then by the time they get to catering, the peanut butter cheesecake will be gone!
Jackson Fenix: Love a good peanut butter cheesecake!
The conversation between the Undisputed Alliance tag partners is interrupted unexpectedly by an equally unexpected duo. Approaching Jackson and Nate are the masked men pairing of Sir Sache and Mejor Amigo.
Mejor Amigo: Pardon me, por favor.
Jackson Fenix: Pour four of what now?
Sir Stache: Hey fellas, we were hoping you guys could maybe be of some assistance to us.
Nate Savage: Who the Hell are these jokers?
Jackson Fenix: I’m not sure, but one of them looks… familiar…
Nate Savage: Wait just a minute… you’re right…
Jackson Fenix: Krash! What are you doing here?
Nate Savage: That’s not Krash, that’s the idiot that was hanging out with Jeremy Best! I don’t know who this other jackass is.
Mejor Amigo: Ah! My friend, my name is Mejor Amigo! It is a pleasure to meet you.
Amigo extends his hand out for a handshake, which Jackson accepts briefly until Nate pulls him away.
Nate Savage: Dude… these guys are friends with Jeremy, which means they are friends with Big Bozo Baxter.
Sir Stache: That’s actually why we are here. As you know, Jeremy has been missing since Back in Business…
Nate Savage: Good riddance.
Sir Stache: And Mr. Fenix… we know you two had your differences but we’ve seen that you have felt some remorse for your actions. That things could’ve been different between you two. Well.. what if it still could be? What if there’s still a chance to fix things.
Nate Savage: Don’t listen to these fools, Jax.
Sir Stache: Well, me and Amigo here are on a crusade… a quest.. To find Jeremy and bring him back to FWA. And we could use your help. The help of an old friend….
Jackson Fenix: Look, as much as I’d like to help you find Jeremy…
Nate Savage: Jax, you can’t be serious! You’re actually considering helping them find that little freak?! After all he put you through, what he put us through!
Jackson Fenix: I was going to say that as much as I’d like to help them find Jeremy and bring him back, I’m probably the last person he wants to see. The last time I was face-to-face with him was that Sesame Street fight, and we all saw how that went…you were there…you know
Jax motions toward Sir Stache with a point of an index finger and Sir Stache responds with a slow nod…
Jackson Fenix: I don’t think I’m ready for that yet and I don’t think Jeremy is ready for that. I do wish you both the best of luck in finding him though, and I hope wherever he is he’s safe and he’s happy…
Nate wants to say something but he thinks better of it and pats his friend on the shoulder to console him. Sir Stache and Mejor Amigo appear to be slightly disappointed by this answer, but they seem to understand where Jackson is coming from and try to show some compassion toward him but this tender moment is broken up when suddenly…
WHACK!
A chair collides hard into the back of Jackson Fenix from behind! A caught off guard Nate Savage turns around and the chair is driven right into his gut. Savage is doubled over as BIG BRYAN BASTARD is there wielding the chair! The FWA North American Champion lifts the chair above his head and brings it crashing down onto Savage’s back as he is leaning over holding his midsection, sending Savage down to the ground.
Meanwhile, Jackson is pulling himself back up, but Baxter grabs him by the head and tosses him head first into the wall of the stadium!
Triple B turns his attention back to Nate, who is pulling himself up… and DRIVES THE BLUNT END OF THE CHAIR INTO SAVAGE’S HEAD! Savage falls back over to the ground as Bryan Bastard tosses the chair down on top of him.
Sir Stache and Mejor Amigo look quite concerned as Bryan Baxter gives them a glance and a nod.
Bryan Baxter: “You know, here I was thinking you guys were useless. But that was a mighty fine distraction. Good job, fellas.”
Baxter gives them both a pat on the shoulder as he walks by them.
Mejor Amigo: Qué?
Sir Stache: What distraction?
As Baxter exits the frame, the two masked men kneel down and begin trying to check on and help Fenix and Savage back to their feet.
Madison Gray is in the backstage are and has been given a microphone, so that she can reflect on what was a career-defining victory for her at the 18th Anniversary Show.
Madison Gray: "I want to thank FWA for giving me this time to speak, I will admit that following the show I was lost for words and overcome with emotion. I have been on a tough journey as of late - but that triple threat match, I am certain that is changed my entire career with the click of a finger. Without the opportunity that has now presented itself, I am not too sure what I would be doing with myself for the next few months. I am the Young Lioness and at Light's Out, I intend to live out my dreams and become the next FWA Television...."
Suddenly, Madison is interrupted by Blair and Celestia Ravenwood! They get a mixed reaction from the crowd as the camera zooms in on a wicked smile on Blair's face.
Blair Ravenwood: "Oh sister, look who it is...Maddy Gray!"
Celestia Ravenwood: "Who?"
Blair laughs at Celestia's joke.
Blair Ravenwood: "Exactly! What makes her think she even is worthy of facing off against The Witch Queen? Kleio has been clawing away in the FWA for 3 years now, and this little girl thinks she can come in here?"
Celestia Ravenwood: "All because she won the B Team Triple Threat match. You know the one with all the jobbers in it!"
Blair Ravenwood: "More like C Team! Oh wow, you beat two guys in their first ever FWA match!"
Celestia Ravenwood: "Barely!"
All the while, Madison Gray has just been staring them down intently. The two bullies continue to laugh at Madison until finally, she answers back...
Madison Gray: "Insults. Jibes. Bullying tactics. I respect the situation for what it is and wish your friend Kleio the best of luck. I have everything to gain, whilst she has everything to lose."
Blair and Celestia scoff at the response, angry that Madison took the high road and didn't engage with them.
Blair and Celestia storm off. The camera leaves a smirking Madison Gray as it follows Blair and Celestia, who push past several backstage crew members.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Bryan Bax- I mean Bryan Bastard is making good on his promise so far laying out Nate Savage and his Lights Out opponent, Jackson Fenix. That can’t be good for Fenix, who is heading into one of the biggest matches of his career, but I suppose that was the purpose of this attack by the Bastard to ensure that Fenix isn’t going in one hundred percent.”
Allen Price: “Maybe they'll think twice next before sticking their noses in the Bastard's business!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Be that as it may, the action rolls on with our next contest, wrestling fans…”
Nostalgia runs wild through the stadium with the sound of the music that’s playing and after a few seconds Wild Jerry steps out to a warm reception. He’s flanked by XYZ and his Menage cohorts, Christian Howard and Sierra. Jerry seems a bit less apprehensive than his last appearance, and after some words of encouragement from XYZ, he joins his friends in slapping hands with some lucky fans along the way to the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: “The following contest is set for one fall with a twenty-minute-time-limit! Introducing first, being accompanied by XYZ, Christian Howard, and Sierra…representing The Menage…Wild Jerrryyyyyy!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “We saw Wild Jerry in action, along with his Menage cohorts Christian Howard and Sierra, back at the Anniversary show in an unsuccessful endeavor against YDS, now we’ll see him in solo action tonight…”
Allen Price: “Hopefully that buffoon XYZ taught him more than one move this time! How many suplexes did he hit last time?!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m afraid I lost count but have no room to talk, Price.”
Allen Price: “What?! I’ve been training day and night with Rick and Sonny in preparation for tonight’s main event!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Yeah, well, we’ll see how that goes for you later but right now we’ll see how Wild Jerry will fare against one of our latest signees…”
The unfamiliar theme plays and the crowd is unsure of how to react when Xavien Marshall steps out. The crowd gives him a lukewarm reception at first, but Marshall doesn’t exactly endear himself to them with his mannerisms and the crowd quickly changes their tune toward him.
Natalie Rosenberg: “His opponent, making his way to the ring from East Cleveland, Ohio, and weighing in at 218 lb…Xavien Marrrrshalllll!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Wrestling fans, I’m afraid I don’t know much about Xavien Marshall despite my best efforts on researching him. What I do know is he’s recently released from prison and he’s looking to salvage his life and channel some of that anger and violence in the FWA.”
Allen Price: “This is the best place to do just that, JL. Luckily for him, all of that violence he’s about to unleash on Wild Jerry, he can get away with it here and no one will miss Jerry after Marshall is done with him!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Funny, no one seemed to miss you when you were absent at Beach Brawl.”
Allen Price: “Oh, don’t act like you didn’t miss me, JL! You barely managed to call the show on your own that night so they had to send out that hack wizard to help you! Luckily for you, myself and The Diamond Dogs are going to send that same wizard and his washed up has-been friend packing later tonight!”
Jean-Luc doesn’t acknowledge Price’s tirade and chooses to focus on the match that’s about to begin. Referee Theodore Strickland checks both men and then calls for the bell…
FOURTH MATCH || 1/20.
Wild Jerry vs. Xavien Marshall.
Singles Match.
Match Writer: Jimmy.
DING! DING! DING!
<< 00:00 >>
The match begins with Jerry circling Marshall and sizing him up, seemingly looking for an opening, while Marshall seems slightly amused and mostly unimpressed by Wild Jerry. XYZ calls out words of encouragement toward Jerry from ringside, and Jerry listens to XYZ and goes in for a collar and elbow tie up. Jerry has Marshall in the tie up and he seems so pleased with himself that he forgets to execute a move afterward, which allows Marshall to spin out of it and he takes Jerry in for an arm lock! Marshall twists and turns on Jerry’s arm and he drives down a few elbows for good measure before he takes Jerry down with an arm drag! Marshall keeps the arm lock tied in and he wrenches back on it while his knee digs deep into Jerry’s lower spine…
Allen Price: “Did you see that, JL? That dummy had him but he forgot what to do next!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I saw it, Price. I’m watching the same match as you.”
Marshall scowls at XYZ and the rest of The Menage at ringside while he keeps the hold locked in. The crowd begins to rally behind Jerry, who has started to wriggle free, and he rises up while Marshall still has the hold applied. Jerry manages to slip out of the hold and he whirls behind Marshall and he takes Marshall in for a hammerlock, but instead of keeping the hold locked in, he slaps Marshall on the back of the head. Jerry seems pleased with that and the crowd shows their appreciation for that as he plays it up to them with his back turned on Marshall. Jerry turns around right into a pele kick from Marshall! Jerry is staggered and Marshall clobbers him with a running forearm smash that knocks him flat on the canvas. Marshall drags Jerry over for position near the corner and then Marshall connects with a split-legged moonsault on Jerry! Marshall drags Jerry away from the ropes and secures the far leg for the pin…
ONE…TW - - NO!
***
<< 04:07 >>
Allen Price: “Wild Jerry has yet to hit a move and we’re not even five minutes into this match!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “He hasn’t backed down from this fight though, which is more than I can say for you and your attempts to get out of tonight’s main event.”
Marshall has Jerry grounded in a headlock but Marshall gradually transitions that into a rear naked choke. Marshall is barking orders at the referee to check on Jerry, and the referee warns Marshall to watch himself before checking on Jerry. Jerry starts to show signs of life however, and he’s able to roll over enough to reach out and grab the ropes! The hold is broken but Marshall is refusing to release it until the referee starts counting and Marshall breaks it before five. Marshall gets in the face of referee Strickland, and Strickland is known for being by the book and taking no nonsense so he’s reading Marshall the riot act. Marshall eventually brushes him and turns around into the waiting arms of Wild Jerry, who takes him down with a snap suplex!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Wild Jerry with the snap suplex on Xavien Marshall! Seems like that’s the new move he picked up on in training with XYZ.”
Allen Price: “Oh please, that’s as basic as you can get! I can do snap suplexes in my sleep!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m looking forward to you eating your words later.”
Marshall kips up but he’s met with a snap DDT from Jerry and Jerry drops down for the pin…
One…TW - - NO!
Marshall kicks out but Jerry remains undeterred by that as he starts to size up Marshall. Jerry grabs Marshall in a front facelock, and then he has him in position for another snap suplex but Marshall blocks that and counters with his own snap suplex! Marshall quickly follows that up with a bridging german suplex!
ONE…TWO…NO!
***
<< 07:08 >>
Marshall is up on his feet first but Jerry is not far behind him and Jerry swings wildly and connects with a forearm strike! Marshall is staggered a little and Jerry goes for a kick to the midsection but Marshall blocks that and spins Jerry around…Decapitator! Lariat to the back of the head from Marshall to Jerry…
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Nasty looking lariat by Marshall and this may be all she wrote for Wild Jerry…”
Marshall looks over at XYZ and The Menage as he has Jerry set up…The Debt Collector! Marshall drops down and secures the leg for the pin…
ONE…TWO…THREE!!!
Winner: Xavien Marshall by pinfall at 8:02.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Here is your winner…Xavien Marshall!!!
Marshall has his hand raised and he brushes that off with another brief warning from Strickland. Xavien Marshall exits the ring and heads to the back while XYZ and The Menage tend to Wild Jerry.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “A statement made tonight by Xavien Marshall in an impressive debut. Stay tuned for in-ring action on the way, wrestling fans. Including that main event with my colleague, Allen Price.”
Allen Price: “Wait, is that next?!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “No, although I do wish it was.”
Allen Price: “Why would wish such a thing?!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I thought you weren’t worried, Price. Get a hold of yourself.”
Allen Price: “I’m not worried about the match, I’m more so worried about leaving you alone to call the show on your own.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Oh, don’t worry about me, Price. I’ll be fine, but I don't know if I can say the same for you after tonight. Anyway, more action on the way, wrestling fans…”
Hours before Fallout comes on the air, outside of Uhuru Stadium, we see two thirds of the now number one contenders to the FWA Trios Championships. Ririko, and Cali Hayama. Both of the ladies have light t-shirts on, trying to keep cool under the hot African sun, with shorts, Cali’s appearing loser, more like gym shorts. Ririko’s hair is down and she has a ball hat with a logo of a little dinosaur on it. Cali’s got a ball cap featuring the logo of the Toronto Blue Jays. They are along the walls of the building, the unique beams of architecture behind them. Ririko stands behind, while Cali speaks to the camera.
Cali Hayama: “That… felt damn good! That win on Meltdown goes to all my peeps back home in Kelowna! We’re cleaning up after some horrific fires, and after a rough visit back home, the win was needed and now YOKAI Death Squad is one win away from being at the top of the Trios division. But I know what some of you are thinking…”
Hayama looks over her shoulder.
Cali Hayama: “Where’s Katsu? Well about ten minutes ago she was called into the office of Jon. I have a gut instinct of what it is about, but I won’t confirm anything. But she said we can go ahead. But we’re happy for her, like any friends would be-”
Her voice drags slightly. She pauses and puts emphasis on one specific word.
Cali Hayama: “And that word, friends, I have a little extra appreciation for it.”
She takes a deep breath, trying to go through some tragic recent memories.
Cali Hayama: “Because walking through the burnt ashes of where I grew up made me think about the people who touched me in my life. It made me think of all the times I was there for Ririko or Katsu. Or they lifted me up in a time of need… To be champion in FWA with them means the Goddamn world to me. But to go through it… there’s another friend we have to go through.”
On her face there’s a slight smirk. She looks at the camera and gives something which FWA fans needed.
Cali Hayama: “Now I know FWA fans are busy peeps, they can’t watch every promotion under the sun, but when Bellatrix Bordeaux entered FWA, she sort of proclaimed a friendship for Katsu… You know, a girl she thought was a legitimate vampire and that Japanese was called ‘Vampire speak.’”
Ririko raises an eyebrow behind her, she leans in and mutters in her rough English.
Ririko: “She think that? Really?”
Cali looks at her friend and can only chuckle.
Cali Hayama: “Long story…”
The Canadian attempts to get her story back on track.
Cali Hayama: “But I think the FWA fans owe an explanation. Why is there this prior knowledge of each other between Trixie and Katsu and myself, because it all starts with me and a particular night in early 2022. I had a booking in a US company and I remember that night vividly for a few reasons. One of which was the fact I was booking in the weirdest damn match I’ve ever been in…”
She shudders at the thought.
Cali Hayama: “And I saw someone on that show making her in-ring debut. Bellatrix Bordeaux teaming with her older brother, indie star Bret. I talked to her a bit on social media before it, Trix' was quite an interesting cat, so I was interested in how she’d do. What I saw was one of the strangest debuts in history.”
The screen fades in and out, showing photographic footage of the match with Bellatrix and her older brother. The majority of the footage has Trixie on the receiving end of offense, or otherwise unsure of what to do. Cali speaks over it.
Cali Hayama: “I saw a girl who didn’t know a headlock from a wrist-lock. Someone in a tag team match who had to be reminded how a tag works. She was scared, at unease. But, she didn’t stay down. She got up…”
The camera zooms back to Cali Hayama continuing.
Cali Hayama: “Whether it was through heart or hardheadedness, she had zero fucking quit. She was knocked down again and again. She was ragdolled by opponents larger than her, tied like a pretzel by people technically sound, outran by those faster than her. She didn’t fucking give. Her and her brother ended up winning against some bad bad dudes and it was in part because she didn’t give. She was beaten down, but so damn happy…”
Cali shows a smirk.
Cali Hayama: “And I was happy for her. There was this little innocence about her. But… that’s the thing. When you’re like her, there’s that risk. It’s easy for you to get hurt…”
Her voice stresses..
Cali Hayama: “Taking advantage by some people. It’s easy to get upset. A genuine passion but one that doesn’t know what lines are. So, I kept in touch with her and her brother. She was on a couple streams on my Twitch channel. She ended up meeting Katsu too…”
Ririko: “But she was never vampire…”
Ririko interjects and Cali chuckles.
Cali Hayama: “Hehe, that’s Trix for ya. But I guess my thought was that in a business which is cruel, sometimes it’s nice to extend some warmth once in a while to someone who deserves it.”
The screen shows footage from Back in Business and the Trios battle royale. It shows YOKAI Death Squad making their first entrance together in FWA, Bellatrix entering with the Coven. YDS working as a team, Bellatrix constantly staying in, Cali hitting a moonsault from a high place.
Cali Hayama: “Then came Back in Business. First time in the ring with you. And that little girl who was scared. She wasn’t there anymore. And you managed to get me out. I was upset, kind of pissed because we wanted those championships. Yet once I got back, seeing you celebrate the championships with your ‘friends,’ I felt proud of ya.”
Cali gives a small smile.
Cali Hayama: “I mean it. You worked hard for it and even if it came at our expense, you were due. Though I can’t say I feel the same joy for your newfound pals from Hogwarts.”
She winks. Ririko steps forward and begins to speak, using her native language with general translations appearing on the screen below. There’s less nervousness compared to when she’s attempting to speak English. A little extra fire.
Ririko: “Bellatrix, Coven. Now it is time for you to learn something important about being a champion. That is you need to be ready for anyone, even a ‘friend.’ YDS over the past three weeks have done everything we can to burn through the competition and had fun doing it, and Katsu still had time to fight to be world champion. We beat the rest for a chance to prove we are the best!”
The bubbly quirky powerhouse shows a bit more spark as she speaks, even through another language.
Ririko: “It is one thing to win a battle royale with many teams. But when it is a three on three competition, that is when a team’s bond matters. Celeste, Blair, they have teamed for a life-time, but their team with Bellatrix is only a few months old. Katsu, Cali Hayama, Ririko, we have been teaming for years now and our bond is not built on broomsticks.”
Cali takes the lead for the final stretch of the promo.
Cali Hayama: “Coven, Trixie, consider this your gut check. A chance to see if you guys truly are ready to be trios champions, not even by winning the match, but by how you deal with pressure. We know how to do it. We fell short in Mexico but got right up and bounced back! Because once we take our spot on top, can you guys bounce back as a team? Can you stay together? Can you wake up in the morning and be able to cope with the fact you’re no longer champion? But most importantly…”
Leaning closer to the camera, Cali has a grin on her face. She says slowly.
Cali Hayama: “Can you find the magic against us again? We’ll see you at Lights Out.”
Ririko leans over Cali’s shoulder. She says slowly in English.
Ririko: “Control… Alt… Delete.”
Both Cali Hayama and Ririko wink to the camera, holding down their fingers in an “M” shape The camera fades with the number one contenders delivering a passionate message.
The more upbeat music begins to play and Madison Gray steps out on stage to a decent ovation from the fans. Despite the cheers from the crowd, Madison’s face shows some concern after the video we watched earlier tonight showing her friend getting abducted by and unknown masked assailaint.
Natalie Rosenberg:“The following is a tag team match scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first… from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth and weighing in at one hundred twenty five pounds…she is The Young Lioness…MMAAADDIIISSSONNN GGGGRRRRRRRRRAY!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “There has to be a lot weighing on this young woman’s mind…”
Allen Price: “Yes, she has a big match at Lights Out… a lot to worry about..”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, yes, but I also was referring to the fact that earlier tonight we saw footage from after the Anniversary Show that saw her friend being kidnapped. It has to be difficult to go out and compete tonight with both a big title match looming while also not knowing the whereabouts of your friend.”
Allen Price: “Oh my… we should really hire better security. Crimes seem to happen way too often around here.”
Trying her best to keep her focus, Madison makes her way down to the ring, sliding in as she awaits the other competitors.
The crowd begins to boo as Al Blizzard’s music hits. We see him stroll out onto the stage being accompanied by his brother Jason Quinn as well as Robert Steel. The trio stand on the top of the stage, soaking in the negative reaction.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And her tag team partner, from London, England, weighing two-hundred and forty-six pounds. He is accompanied to the ring by Jason Quinn and Robert Steel... He is ‘The Perfect Storm’... AAAAALLLLL BLLLLIIZZZARDDDD!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Something each of the people in this match have in common is they were all involved in the Television Title qualifying matches at the Anniversary Show… while Madison Gray was victorious in her match, Al Blizzard was not quite as lucky.”
Allen Price: “Blizzard was not pinned however!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “No.. thanks in large part to his associates… his brother Jason Quinn and Robert Steel. And they are here with him again tonight… you can assume they will be making their presence known in this match as well.”
Al Blizzard enters the ring and glances to his partner, Madison, and seems unimpressed. He leans against the ropes, awaiting their opponents.
The stentorian theme fills the stadium and jeers continue for Jack The Clipper. The apathetic Jack looks around at the thousands of fans showering him with their disdain. He remains stoic as he makes his way down to the ring. Walking out to join Jack the Clipper are the identical twins - The Scissor Sisters.
Natalie Rosenberg: “And their opponents, introducing first… from White Chapel, London and weighing in at two hundred seventy three pounds… JAAAAACK THE CCCCCCLLLLLLLIPPPPPPEERRRR!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It was an impressive debut for Jack the Clipper at Lights Out…”
Allen Price: “This guy terrifies me. Keep him away from my beautiful mane.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Yes, luckily you have your little box to protect you, so you should be okay.”
Allen Price: *Breathes a sigh of relief.*
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Despite coming up short in the TV Title Qualifier, Jack the Clipper was still impressive and has a chance here tonight for some redemption… and perhaps another chance at the long blonde hair of Madison Gray!”
Jack the Clipper climbs into the ring, scissoring the air with his fingers while eyeing Madison Gray in particular with a twisted smile on his face.
Natalie Rosenberg:: “And his tag team partner… representing the Coven… from Miami, Florida… weighing in at one hundred fifteen pounds… she is “The Brazilian Witch”.... KKKKKKKKKKKKLEIO DE SSSSSSSSSSSAAAANNNTTOOS!”
A mixed reaction of mostly cheers welcomes Kleio as she walks out from the back alongside Blair and Celestia, who each offer a hug for their fellow witch before they disappear to the back.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “And here is the woman who is slated to face off against Madison Gray at Lights Out for the vacant FWA Television Champion… tonight, this tag match serves as a preview for that title match.”
Allen Price: *can be heard rummaging through is box*
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Is everything okay over there, Price?”
Allen Price: “I know I put my crucifix somewhere.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I don’t think that protects you against witches. That’s vampires.”
Allen Price: “Oh… no…”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I think Kleio has more important things to worry about, Price. Again, you are fine. You sure are paranoid tonight.”
Kleio makes her way down to the ring, climbing in and joining her partner as both sides prepare to get this match underway.
FIFTH MATCH || 1/20.
Madison Gray and Al Blizzard vs. Kleio De Santos and Jack the Clipper.
Tag Team Match.
Match Writer: Dubb.
<< 00:00 >>
The two opponents for Lights Out that will determine our next FWA Television Champion, Madison Gray and Kleio De Santos, as the legal competitors for the match. The two ladies circled the ring as the bell rang to start the match, feeling each other out. Both ladies with a MMA background, things start off in more of a martial arts fashion as they trade a few jabs that are avoided by both competitors. Gray went for a kick to the thigh, which was blocked by KDS. KDS struck back with a high kick of her down, but Gray showed her own agility as she ducked the attack.
Looking to take advantage of her own evasion, she comes at KDS with a big right cross, but KDS counters it into a hip toss, taking Gray to the ground and immediately locks her into an armbar submission! Gray positions her feet and shows off some of her agility as she kips up to her feet, still being held by KDS in an armbar but drives her knee into Kleio’s midsection to break it up. KDS spin around with a spinning elbow smash to De Santos, rocking the member of the Coven backward.
Gray moves in, ducking behind Kleio and locking her into a waistlock, attempting a suplex but the witch hits a pair of back elbows to escape the grasps of Gray and spins around into a spinning back fist that drops Madison to a knee. But Gray shakes off the cobwebs enough to get right back up, but Kleio takes her down to the mat with a legsweep into a heel hook!
Allen Price: “It’s a real tit for tat to start this match off.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “You can see the mixed martia arts influence from both of these women as they go back and forth to start the match. A real taste of things to come for Lights Out when they will compete for the Television Championship!”
Gray is able to position herself quickly to the ropes, breaking up the submission hold from KDS. Kleio releases the hold, allowing Gray back to her feet only to hit her with a front jab as she was getting up and then sends Gray into the ropes, allowing Blizzard to grab a blind tag from the apron. Off the ropes, KDS attempts a clothesline… but Madison ducks and bounces off the opposite ropes. Coming back, Madison ducks another clothesline, as Blizzard enters the ring. Madison leapfrogs over her own tag team partner as he enters the ring and levels KDS with a running forearm!
Allen Price: “Yowzah! Al Blizzard just smashed Kleio right in the mouth! Talk about smash mouth wrestling!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Al Blizzard coming in with probably a chip on his shoulder here after falling to Keio at the Anniversary Show. He has something to prove here, perhaps looking for some retribution as he puts a lot of extra force into that forearm shot.”
***
<< 04:58 >>
Blizzard controls the offense on Kleio until he attempts a fisherman suplex, only to have Kleio manage to escapes, twisting his arm to escape the hold and then taking him down to the mat by the arm, driving her knee down into Blizzard’s shoulder. Getting him down, she attempts to make it to the corner to tag in Jack the Clipper for the fresh tag, but Clipper finds himself distracted by Robert Steel and Jason Quinn at ringside! Clipper had jumped down, confronting the pair… leaving no one for KDS to tag!
Frustrated, Kleio shouts out to Jack but Blizzard instead comes in and clobbers her from behind with a clothesline to the back of the head! KDS falls into to turnbuckles, bouncing back into the waiting “Perfect Storm” who hits her with a German Suplex! Blizzard bridges for the pinning attempt!
One - Two - Kickout!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Some miscommunication from Kleio and her partner Jack the Clipper. While Kleio and the Coven are a bit of a well oiled machine, there is no such familiarity between Kleio and Jack.. .and we are seeing it rear its head here.”
Kleio rolls back to her feet, using the ropes but Blizzard comes in with a big running clothesline to send her over the top rope to the floor! Blizzard takes a moment to taunt the crowd and JTC, causing Jack The Clipper to finally charge into the ring, looking to go after Blizzard, but is immediately cut off by the referee! But the distraction allows Jason Quinn to sneak in a cheap shot to Kleio at ringside! Quinn gives Kleio a stiff kick to the ribs as she tries to get to her feet before tossing her into the steel ring steps!
Madison Gray actually seems frustrated by the outside interference from her partner’s associates, so she tags herself in and enters the ring… and hits the ropes, diving through the ropes and hits Quinn with a baseball slide kick! Blizzard doesn’t seem pleased, but he heads back to the apron as Madison briefly stares down Quinn before grabbing Kleio and rolls her back into the ring.
Allen Price: “See, rookie mistake by Madison. You gotta take advantage of this situation!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “She may be a Young Lioness, Price, but she clearly has some honor to her… she no doubt wants to win but not like that! Both of these teams are not working on the same page it seems.”
Gray allows Kleio to begin to pull herself up before unleashing a flurry of kicks to Kleio’s midsection, before attempting a front front thrust kick…
But Kleio ducks!
And Kleio hits a roundhouse kick of her own to send Madison to the mat! The Lioness drops to the canvas and the witch rolls to the corner, grabbing a tag from Jack the Clipper!
The crowd boos as Jack the Clipper steps into the ring, a fiery look in his eyes he stalks over Madison. His much larger frame quite imposing as he approaches… his eyes locked on her long blonde locks.
Allen Price: “This guy makes me uneasy, JL.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I can’t blame you there, Allen. And he has a huge size advantage of Madison… the Young Lioness is in a lot of trouble right now.”
Madison gets back up to her feet, but Jack the Clipper immediately strikes with a big upper-cut that sends her down to the mat.
***
<< 08:07 >>
Using his power, Jack the Clipper has dominated Madison up until this point. He lifts her up from a waist lock into a spin out powerbomb… known as Chapel Street! Jack with the pin!
One! Two! Kickout by Madison!
Jack smirks as Madison refuses to go down, adding some insult as he gives her a series of slaps to the back of her head as she tries to get up. Madison shows her heart as she still pulls herself up, but Jack grabs a handful of her hair and SNAPMARES her down to the mat by her hair! With Madison now seated on the mat, he holds his hang up in the air into a scissor motion! One of his Scissor Sisters races around ringside, sliding a pair of scissors into the ring, which Jack reaches down and picks up.
Allen Price: “It looks like Madison Gray might be getting a little off the top here.”
The crowd seems to urge Al Blizzard to make the sae for his opponents beautiful locks, but he doesn’t seem too worried about doing any such thing, watching on as Jack holds the scissors up in the air…
And Madison pulls free from his grasps! She drops to her back on the mat but brings her feet up in the air for an overhead kick that rocks Jack backward! The scissors drop to the mat, and the referee quickly kicks them out of the ring!
JTC is still standing as Madison gets back to her feet. He moves in, but Madison ducks a wild right hand from Clipper. She feints a roundhouse kick into a legsweep to take the big man down and then hits a standing moonsault for a pin!
One! Two! Kickout!
Madison rolls away from the pin and reaches up, getting the tag to Al Blizzard! Blizzard steps into the ring as Jack the Clipper begins to pull himself up.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It looks like Jack the Clipper gets to pick on someone his own size now!”
Jack and Blizzard meet in the center of the ring and begin to exchange blows back and forth. Right hand after right hand… Blizzard gets the upper hand, and sends Clipper into the ropes… Blizzard lifts him up for a Samoan Drop, but Clipper escapes down Blizzard’s back and he falls back into the corner, making the tag to Kleio!
Glaring at her partner as she enters the ring, KDS charges in at Blizzard, ducking a clothesline before attempting a shoulder throw, but Blizzard blocks it using his pure strength before he pulls her into a sideslam backbreaker!
***
<< 11:43 >>
Blizzard picks up another nearfall off of a sit out powerbomb, but Kleio once again just manages to get her shoulder up. Al Blizzard argues with the referee as KDS crawls to the ropes… pulling herself up. The Perfect Storm spots her recovery and charges in with a big boot..
But Kleio moves out of the way! Blizzard ends up going groin first across the top rope! He pulls his leg back into the ring from the ropes, stumbling back as Kleio bounces off the ropes… SUPERMAN PUNCH! Blizzard is rocked, drops to his knee as Kleio hooks him by the head…
Jean-Luc Watkins: “A resurgence from Kleio and she’s looking for Letters to Kleio!”
Seeing Blizzard in trouble, both Robert Steel and Jason Quinn hope onto the apron on opposite sides of the ring! The referee attends to Jason Quinn as Kleio goes for the Letters to Kleio… but Blizzard shoves Kleio off and into the ropes where Robert Steel gives her a forearm shiver! Kleio stumbles back into Blizzard..
Who lifts Kleio up into a Fireman’s Carry…
As VENGADOR has raced to ringside! The masked man PULLS JASON QUINN DOWN OFF THE APRON while Jack the Clipper attacks Robert Steel! JTC runs the apron and hits the LITTLE OFF THE TOP TO ROBERT STEEL while Vengador hits a pump kick to take Quinn down at ringside!
Allen Price: “What’s this weirdo doing out here getting involved?!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Vengador no doubt has some hard feelings from the Anniversary Show when Jason Quinn cost him a potential win… seems like he’s trying to make sure it doesn’t happen in this match too!”
While holding KDS on his shoulders, Blizzard’s eyes are caught on Vengador… and KDS reverses the fireman’s carry into a crucifix pin!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE-NO!
Blizzard kicked out!
Both competitors roll back up to their feet… SPIN KICK FROM KLEIO!
Letters from Kleio to Blizzard!
Kleio makes the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
In comes Madison to make the save… but JACK THE CLIPPER CUTS HER OFF WITH A LARIAT!
THREE!
Winner: Kleio De Santos & Jack the Clipper by pinfall at 12:55.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Here are your winners… Kleio De Santos & Jack the Clipper!
Kleio climbs to her feet, lifting her arms up in victor while Jack the Clipper celebrates separately on the other side of the ring. Unfortunately for him, Madison Gray has rolled to ringside, escaping any attempt he could make at cutting her hair.
Meanwhile, Al Blizzard rolls out of the ring where Robert Steel and Jason Quinn are all licking their wounds together. Vengador backs up the aisle, sharing a staredown with the trio at ringside as he does so.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “There might be some unfinished business between Vengador and Al Blizzard’s group… but tonight, it’s a big victory for Kleio De Santos and Jack the Clipper… a definite momentum builder for KDS heading into the TV Title match at Lights Out!”
Madison Gray gets to her feet at ringside, staring down Kleio in the ring as KDS celebrates.
Allen Price: “Perhaps this loss will be the motivation this young lady needs for Lights Out.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “That’s actually a good point, Price. The Young Lioness perhaps had some distractions tonight as well… but at Lights Out… it’ll be these two hungry competitors going at it… one on one! Will Kleio pick up another big win for the Coven, or will Madison Gray turn the tides and come out on top?!”
We fade in to a familiar white envelope, blood staining the corner, as it flutters in the hand of someone. The camera pans back, revealing the owner of said hand to be none other than Alyster Black! Sitting on a bench in a locker room, he studies the envelope, face unreadable behind the mask. A calling card, left behind at the scene of a murder, just for him.
Alyster Black: "… Eh. I don’t do junk mail.”
He tosses the envelope aside, turning away nonchalantly.
Alyster Black: “Besides, I think someone else called dibs.”
The camera follows the envelope, as it slowly floats down back to the bench, summarily ignored by Alyster. Suddenly it’s snatched out of the air by a hand, crumpling within a clenched fist. Another hand grabs the camera and yanks it towards themselves-
???: “Oi, Roadkill!”
-revealing a pale woman, a bitter snarl, the familiar green mohawk, and an ugly-looking black eye to boot. Violet Dreyer, to a sizeable pop (for some reason)! Fresh from her assault at the hands of a certain weaselperson-like entity, she glares at the camera, holding up the crumpled envelope.
Violet Dreyer: “I ain’t your fuckin’ delivery girl, got it? What, you think I’ll roll over and play dead, just so you can send a message to someone who hasn’t noticed you? Fuck off, you got left on read like the aftermath of a one-night stand, he ain’t calling you back. Alyster ain’t takin’ the bait. But me? Motherfucker, I’ll bite and you’ll wish you never went fishing in the first place.”
She throws the crumpled envelope at the camera, where it bounces off the lens. In the background, Alyster is watching from the corner of his eye, nodding approvingly, as Violet jerks a thumb at him.
Violet Dreyer: “Him, he’s got more important things on his plate than a date with a second-rate primeape. But me, well, fuck man, I’ve got time, my schedule’s pretty clear, I ain’t busy, so while he ain’t taking your call, I will. Not to be all ‘your actions have consequences, ooooh’ and all, but fuck you, I ain’t going to take a shitstain like you tryin’ to murder me to send a message to someone else. Fuckin’- You know who I am? You know who you’re fuckin’ with? I ain’t an extra, I ain’t a support character, I’m Violet Fuckin’ Dreyer, the best unsigned talent to ever step foot in FWA. Lights Out - You fucked up, time to find out, roadkill.
She pushes the camera away, where it falls to the floor, catching the discarded envelope in it’s view, as Violet purposefully steps on it, as we fade to black.
THE FOLLOWING IS A WWE.COM EXCLUSIVE
Unlike previous vignettes featuring Trevor Walker, this one is a totally different and more simple setting. Sat in a plain room on a metallic folding chair wearing a standard grey wife beater and a pair of black trackpants is the founder and chairman of the Walker Wrestling Experience himself Trevor Walker. With a beer in his hand Trevor Walker is sat watching a TV which is playing last night's edition of Meltdown. After taking a swig of his beer, Walker looks directly into the camera.
Trevor Walker: "Ladies and Gentleman, as you are most probably aware my name is Trevor Walker and I am here once again to offer you a chance to turn your life around. I am here once again to remind you that for the small cost of $199.99 a week. You can become a fully fledged WWE superstar under my guidance. But today's a special day you see. As rather than tell you what I can do for your lame lives instead I have charitably decided to offer you a sneak peak at the mindset and mentally it takes to go from an Average Everyday Wrestler or AEW talent to a fully fledged WWE superstar! In order to do so, I will use last night's episode of Meltdown as an example. So let's play some clips and I'll tell you everything."
The TV highlights begin with the opening contest between Death Walker and Jackson Fenix. Once the match ends with Fenix connecting with In the Zone, the cameras shift back to an unimpressed Walker who takes a sip of his beer.
Trevor Walker: "All that fucking around for that. That imitation Walker had every chance to grab an arm that match but did he take it? no he didn't because he's an AEW talent and as for that Fenix. All that pissing around and showboating. I guarantee if he'd have had my mentorship, he'd have just clamped on a front face lock and won in half the time. So as it is neither of these two are WWE caliber. Let's see what happens next."
The highlights then play the tag team match between FTN and The Coven. On seeing the match is a tag, an amused Walker scoffs.
Trevor Walker: "Ah tag team wrestling. The cowards wrestling if you ask me! This is a dog eat dog world. You can't rely on anyone in wrestling and it's this pathetic generation z who think otherwise and that we should all support one another. Let me tell you, if this was prison the person who you usually trust to watch your back is the one who drives the sharpest knife in it. Wrestling is exactly like that and for being willing to put that trust in someone else. This lot can stick to the bingo halls."
Shaking his head in disgust Walker looks at the camera once more before he downs the remainder of his beer.
Trevor Walker: "Honestly I just can't do it! These people just don't know wrestling! In fact these people are an afront to the sport that I have busted my ass for all these decades. I am offended and I am disgusted that this is what passes for an acceptable standard of wrestling. So mark my words. Not only will the WWE change the standard of wrestling for the world but I will personally see to it that change will begin with the FWA. Which is why I, Trevor Walker will be appearing and competing at Lights Out! Now can someone get me a fucking beer!"
Natalie Rosenberg: “Making his way to the ring, side-by-side with his lovers Monica and Antonio, hailing from The Right Side of the Bed in Las Vegas, Nevada, and weighing in at a lean 180 pounds, Xperienx Xtacee!”
The crowd erupts into a chorus of cheers as the lights dim to a sultry shade of red. Xtacee appears at the top of the entrance ramp, flanked by Monica and Antonio. As usual, Xtacee thrusts with his cane as golden confetti flies from the furry cones that his valets are holding. The trio make their way to the ring, greeting fans along the way. Once in the ring, Antonio takes Xtacee’s cane as Monica slides his cloak off of his shoulders before he perches himself on the top turnbuckle and stares at the ramp.
Natalie Rosenberg: “And his opponent, hailing from The Badlands Trailer Park, weighing in at 240 pounds, “The Showman” Chris Crowe!”
Chris Crowe gets a bit of a mixed reaction but is still shown plenty of support from the crowd in Botswana. He stands at the top of the ramp wearing a sleeveless Metallica t-shirt and his signature cut-off shorts before marching to the ring, never taking his eyes from the awaiting Xperienx Xtacee.
SIXTH MATCH || 1/20.
Xperienx Xtacee vs. Chris Crowe.
Singles Match.
Match Writer: Tommy.
<< 00:00 >>
The two men circle one another for a few moments before coming together in a collar-and-elbow tie-up. Crowe whips Xtacee into the nearside ropes and goes for a clothesline, but Xtacee ducks him. He bounces back off the ropes but gets leapfrogged by Crowe. As he bounces off the ropes again, Crowe catches him with an arm drag, tossing Xtacee to the mat, but he quickly bounces back up, hitting Crowe with a textbook drop kick. Crowe also jumps back to his feet quickly but is met with a snap suplex.
Jean Luc Watkins: “Two of the more charismatic competitors on the FWA roster going toe-to-toe here in this one. Both are a bit eccentric, but they’ve also both won over the support of the FWA universe. This promises to be a fun match, and we’re off to a fast start.”
Crowe quickly gets back to his feet, showing that he’s able to match Xtacee’s speed. He quickly grabs Xtacee’s head, spins him around, and delivers a swinging neckbreaker, finally slowing down the high-energy Xperienx Xtacee.
***
<< 04:41 >>
Xtacee has Chris Crowe backed into the corner after hitting a jumping hurricanrana. He approaches his cornered opponent and stars delivering a series of forehand and backhand slaps to Crowe’s face before following them with a flurry of punches to his head and body.
Jean Luc Watkins: “I’m not sure that turning this thing into a fistfight is a great idea for Xtacee. Chris Crowe outweighs him by at least 80 pounds, and if this thing turns into a barroom brawl, I’d probably put my money on The Showman.”
Almost on cue, Crowe grabs Xtacee by the head, picks him up from the ground, and reverses things, pinning “Mr. Pillow Talk” in the corner. Crowe unleashes a series of punches and kicks, driving Xtacee to the ground. The referee begins the 5-count as he tries to force Crowe away from his opponent. As he gets to 4, Crowe finally relents, throws up his hands and steps away. He smirks at the ref before charging back into the corner, and continuing his assault, prompting a new count.
Once the official finally manages to pull Crowe away and hold him back, Xtacee gets back to his feet. He charges toward Crowe and delivers a brutal leg lariat, taking Crowe to the ground. He stands over his fallen opponent before crushing Crowe with a double stomp to his head. Xtacee makes his way to the top turnbuckle, playing to the crowd on his way up.
Jean Luc Watkins: “This is what Xperienx Xtacee needs to be doing. Get the larger man down and rely on his speed and agility.”
Xtacee jumps into the air and delivers a crushing diving knee drop and goes for the pin.
One…
Two…
Thr….
Chris Crowe gets a shoulder up!
***
<< 08:22 >>
Chris Crowe has slowed down the match considerably and applies a cobra clutch to Xtacee, wrenching his neck and back. As Xtacee struggles to try to break the hold, Crowe manages to pick him up and delivers a cobra clutch slam.
He goes for the pin!
One…
Two…
Th…
No! Xtacee kicks out.
Jean Luc Watkins: “Xperienx Xtacee showing a lot of heart. He had to come into this match knowing that he’s the underdog. That’s not to take anything from Xtacee. He, along with The Undisputed Alliance had a solid showing in the Trios Tournament, but he’s in the ring with a former FWA North American Champion. He’s giving up size and experience, but Crowe absolutely cannot keep this young man down.”
Crowe picks Xtacee up and delivers a death valley driver! He goes for another pin.
One…
Two…
Thr…
NO! Xperienx Xtacee kicks out again.
Crowe begins to show some signs of frustration, obviously wondering what it’s going to take to put an end to this match. He grabs Xtacee’s legs and drags him toward the corner.
Jean Luc Watkins: “What is Crowe doing here? Is he gonna go to the top? Yes, he is!”
Chris Crowe ascends to the top turnbuckle and sizes Xtacee up. For a moment, he looks around at the crowd who is still torn between the two competitors, but is obviously happy to see “The Showman” taking a risk here.
Unfortunately for Crowe, that brief moment of distraction costs Crowe as Xtacee jumps to up, hits the middle turnbuckle, and delivers a spinning wheel kick to Crowe, knocking him from the top turnbuckle!
Jean Luc Watkins:Xtacee with what he calls The Educated Feet! Crowe paused when he got to the top, and it cost him, and now, both men are down.
***
<< 11:13 >>
Chris Crowe has taken control of the match by once again neutralizing the speed of Xperienx Xtacee. After delivering a running bulldog to a dazed Xtacee, Crowe mounts over him and begins delivering a series of rights and lefts to his head. Suddenly…
Jean Luc Watkins: “What the hell? What’s Bryan Baxt, sorry, Bryan Bastard doing here?!”
Big Bryan Bastard appears at the top of the ramp, distracting Chris Crowe. Crowe, obviously sick of the way that it appears that the North American Champion has been dodging him, hops out of the ring, forgetting about his opponent.
The recently dubbed, “Bastard” begins slowly making his way toward the ring, as Crowe motions for him, begging him to keep coming.
Xperienx Xtacee gets to his feet and sees his opportunity. He bounces off the far-side ropes and launches himself out of the ring. Just as he goes airborne, Baxter stops walking, and Chris Crowe turns his attention back to his opponent who lands a beautiful suicide dive!
Xtacee quickly grabs Crowe and rolls him back into the ring. Crowe gets to his feet, but he’s quickly met by Xtacee. Xtacee grabs Crowe! He’s going for it! He hits it! Xtacee hits the “Sensual Sensation!” Xtacee goes for the pin.
One…
Two…
Three!!!
Jean Luc Watkins: “Xperienx Xtacee has done it! Xtacee defeats Crowe!”
Winner:Xperienx Xtacee by Pinfall at 12:42
Natalie Rosenberg: “Here is your winner… Xperienx Xtacee!”
Bryan Baxter is all smiles as a clearly shocked and surprised Xtacee sits up off of Crowe, almost unable to believe it himself.
Jean Luc Watkins: “What a win for Xperienx Xtacee! You can attribute the unwanted assist from Bryan Bastard… but a win is a win! And XX just defeated the former North American Champion!”
Chris Crowe begins to get to his feet as Triple B grabs a chair from ringside, sliding into the ring. Baxter begins to pace around the ring, watching Crowe… and he rears back with the chair…
BUT XX PULLS THE CHAIR AWAY!
Allen Price: “What’s this guy doing?”
Jean Luc Watkins: “I don’t think XX wanted Baxter’s help and he certainly doesn’t seem interested in letting him get a cheap attack on Crowe!”
Allen Price: “Just take your win and get outta there, man! No need to get involved in this!”
Baxter stares down Xtacee, who holds the chair up threateningly… telling BBB to hit the road. Bryan holds his hands up, as if agreeing to give in… but instead he unexpectedly KICKS XX BETWEEN THE LEGS!
The low blow to XX’s favorite body part causes him to double over while also getting a look of concern from Monica and Antonio. XX drops the chair, as Bryan Bastard picks it back up… and turns to DRIVE IT INTO CROWE’S FACE as he is getting up, sending The Showman down to the mat!
But Baxter turns back to XX and BLASTS HIM IN THE FACE WITH THE CHAIR AS WELL!
Xtacee drops to the mat, as Bryan Bastard stands over him…
He lifts the chair high into the air… ready to bring it down across the back of Xtacee’s head… but Antoniio slides into the ring, trying to act as a human shield for his lover.
Allen Price: “These people are nuts!”
Bryan Bastard hesitates for a moment… but shrugs his shoulders and lifts the chair up again, ready to bring it down on both Antonio and XX…
BUT HERE COMES JACKSON FENIX!
Fenix comes rushing out to the aid of his UX partner!
Jackson Fenix, his head bandaged from the attack earlier tonight, slides under the bottom ropes and heads straight toward Baxter, showing no fear as he charges in at Triple B.
Bryan Bastard swings the chair…
JACKSON DUCKS!
SUPERKICK ME BABY ONE MORE TIME SENDS THE CHAIR BACK INTO BRYAN BASTARD’S FACE!
The impact causes the chair to fall to the mat while the North American Champion drops to a knee. Bryan Bastard begins to try and get back to his feet as Fenix grabs him… AND LAYS HIM OUT - IN THE ZONE to Bryan Bastard!
Jean Luc Watkins: “Jackson Fenix makes the save for his friends… and in the process has taken out his Lights Out opponent at the same time!”
With BBB laid out, Jackson stands tall briefly before he reaches down and helps Antonio and XX to their feet. Monica joins the trio in the ring and they have a group hug.
Standing over Baxter’s fallen body, Jackson Fenix lifts XX’s arm up in the air, giving him the chance to celebrate his victory after all.
Jean Luc Watkins: “Welcome back to Fallout! As we get ready for our Main Event here tonight, I have some follow up of what we witnessed both tonight and also on Meltdown involving Big Bryan Bastard and the NWA North American Championship scene. As we already know, Jackson Fenix will be challenging Baxter at Lights Out for the title… but I can confirm… just added to the show.. A TRIPLE THREAT MATCH… the winner earning themselves a future North American Title shot… and it will be… KATSU… versus CHRIS CROWE… versus the man who beat him tonight… XPERIENCE XTACEE!
The crowd cheers as the match graphic comes up on screen, announcing that triple threat to the audience in the stadium.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “But now, it’s time for our trios main event, as the Dark Roads Alliance prepares to face –”
Interrupting the commentary is the music of a group who has been absent from FWA television since Back in Business, Eternal. The crowd, after having beloved Lizzie Rose be taken into their fold, boos viciously as the violin music plays.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “...Here comes Eternal… For the first time since they seemingly broke Lizzie and brought her into their group.”
Allen Price: “It was Elizabeth’s choice to join them-”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It’s still Lizzie to me and a lot of people. I- I’m dreading this.”
The lights around the arena flash purple, gold, and now some flashes of red. But Eternal doesn’t make their way out. Instead, a woman in a black dress and a raven’s mask makes her way out. In her hand is a long piece of paper with cursive writing seen.
Allen Price: “I don’t think you’ll see them tonight. Instead we got a messenger pigeon.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Last time I checked, I don’t think pigeons have black feathers.”
The fans are confused as the mystery woman walks to ringside. Her movement is somewhat robotic, almost as if she is pulled by strings. The lights of the stadium fades and a spotlight follows her. She gets to ringside where she motions with her hand for Natalie Rosenberg’s microphone. Uncomfortable, Natalie hands the microphone off to the woman who has a dark black glove. The music fades and the mystery woman stands in darkness, only to hear jeers from the crowd.
She raises the microphone to her mask and speaks. Her voice is monotonous.
Mystery Woman: “Ladies and gentlemen-”
She is immediately drowned out by boos. These do not deter her as she continues.
Mystery Woman: “I am here on behalf of our TORN Empress, the Daughter of Demise, Keres, and her dear sisters, Princess Nova and Elizabeth Rose-”
The booing, somehow, gets even louder as she mentions the new name of Lizzie.
Mystery Woman: “-To deliver a message.”
The crowd continues their booing. The production staff from backstage are forced to raise the volume of her microphone as the woman stands surrounded by darkness, and the growling of the crowd.
Mystery Woman: “Dear FWA, we understand that you have been waiting for some time for us sisters to grace your screens again. However, we have had to take time away. First of all, Keres and our new sister, Elizabeth had to tend to their wounds from Garden of Eden. The match tore apart our mortal bodies in order to strengthen our bond together-”
The FWA fans, tired of the new name already, begin to echo out in a chant.
“LIZZIE!”
“LIZZIE!”
LIZZIE!”
Despite the chants, she continues, keeping her same tone of voice.
Mystery Woman: “And most importantly, we had to condition our new sister and let her grow accustomed to her new life in The Residence. With her, our family is greater and whole. At long last, we have been cleared by FWA management to compete again in a wrestling ring. Though, Princess Nova, through a prior injury, still has another short while to heal. But, the ever supportive sister she is, she gave permission for Keres and Elizabeth to step forward into an FWA ring again, this time, as cherished allies.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’ve been dreading that news.”
Mystery Woman: “The time in place will be Lights Out where we will shine a new spotlight on the emergence of Eternal’s Blacklight Knight. The wonderful Elizabeth Rose.”
Allen Price: “Lights Out. You have that much time to come to grips with that, Allen.”
Mystery Woman: “Until then, we will wait with bated breath. Love, Keres, Nova, and Elizabeth.”
The music of Eternal plays again as the fans are left with something to expect at Lights Out. The FWA debut of Lizzie, or rather, Elizabeth Rose as a member of Eternal.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Honestly, a lot of FWA fans are still reeling mentally from that shocker from Back in Business Night One. Lizzie breaking down in that cage. After all the physical, mental, emotional torture, giving herself to Keres and Princess Nova… I’m not sure if I can stomach it.”
Allen Price: “Part of me agrees. It’s such a drastic change and heartbreaking. Professionally, I’ll argue that maybe this change will be amazing for her career, having two strong allies, a new mentality. But, I think all of us will miss our Lizzie for some time… But we’ll have to get used to it.
On the stage, the mystery woman stops. Her body is as stiff as a board. The lights of the stadium flickers before she disappears, with her letter flowing down to the ground.
A commercial airs for a blender.
Returning to the ring following the final break in the evening, we see the commentary position and now that it is just Jean-Luc Watkins on his own, as Allen Price’s box is left empty. JLW appears to be much more relaxed now that he is flying solo.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Welcome back to Saturday night Fallout, wrestling fans and we have just the one match left and well… it is going to be something, alright. Tonight, Cyrus Truth has his opportunity to get some revenge on Allen Price for what happened at Back in Business and also set up the Dark Roads Alliance well on their route to Lights Out where they will challenge for the FWA World Tag Team Championships.”
The crowd cheers loudly and they are not made to wait long until the first team makes their entrance. Epsilon is the first through the curtain, excited to be in action in the ring tonight and Konchu Hao is not far behind him. Konchu cackles out to the fans and then begins to lead Epsilon towards the ring. A couple of seconds later the ovation gets even louder when Cyrus Truth walks out from the back, seeming content that tonight he has his chance for vengeance.
Natalie Rosenberg: “The following contest is a Trios match scheduled for one fall with a twenty-minute time limit and it is your main event of Fallout 033! Introducing first, at a combined weight of five-hundred and fifty-seven pounds… the team of Epsilon, ‘The Mad Wizard’ Konchu Hao and ‘The Exile’ Cyrus Truth… they are the DARK ROOOADS ALLLLLLLIIIIIAAAANNNNNCE!!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “The Dark Roads Alliance were victorious over Aka Manto at the Eighteenth Anniversary Show but tonight we get the rare treat to see Epsilon in action too!
“Since Back in Business, Cyrus Truth has had his eyes set squarely on Chris Peacock and Allen Price, with Alyster Black making his way onto the list as well, with the Diamond Dogs also causing a nuisance. FTN’s time may well come at Lights Out, but for tonight, these three are going to hope that they can get Allen Price to spend as much time in the ring as possible.”
The Dark Roads Alliance enter the ring in unison and it seems that Konchu needs to calm Epsilon down as his minion begins to run laps of the ring. However, Konchu allows him to remain as maximum excitement and enthusiasm, as he can take it out on their opponents.
The lights dim and the opening lines of the classic song blares out of the speaker system. Once the drums and other accompaniments kick in, two figures walk out onto the stage, illuminated by the light coming from the entry-way. They lean to opposite sides and flex and the lights return to normal to reveal that it is actually the collective known as Diamond Dogs. Rick Vance and Santino Dongarelli pose and posture for the crowd, both wearing matching cyan and black ring gear.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Introducing their opponents… first, from the Malibu Vice, “Slick” Rick Vance and Santino Dongarelli… they are DIIIIIIIIAAMMMMONNNDS DOOOOOOOOOGS!!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It was just over two years ago that Diamond Dogs identified themselves as allies of Chris Peacock, first teaming together in an unofficial capacity in a Trios tournament and since then, they’ve been ready to step in and lend the FWA World Champion a hand whenever it has been needed.
“They were part of the first ever Cosmic Playground match and warred with the Nephews, and Vance was instrumental in Chris Peacock’s victory over Cyrus Truth and Michelle von Horrowitz at The Grand March. You know that Cyrus would not have forgotten about that one, either.”
The two nightclub proprietors wait on the stage as their music fades out, and the crowd are already booing loudly without their partner even coming out from the back. Vance shouts some words to those in the ring waiting, seemingly including Rosenberg and referee DJ Franchise.
The obnoxious horns can only be matched by the obnoxiousness of the man whose entry they herald. Allen Price walks out to perhaps the loudest number of jeers in the history of the FWA, raising his arms up in the air in premature victory. Price is dressed in an ill-fitting singlet, but what matters is the images displayed on it. On Price’s back is an artists interpretation of him holding the decapitated head of Cyrus Truth.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Their partner; from San Diego, California and weighing in at a redacted amount of pounds… he is the self-proclaimed ‘Voice of Fallout’ ALLEN PRICE!!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Unsurprisingly, I do not see or hear anyone else making that same proclamation. However, we saw on Meltdown on Thursday night the lengths that Allen Price was willing to go to to get out of this match. I think he was right to, because a man who cannot even put himself through a table has no place being in a wrestling ring.
“As was the point made by Cyrus Truth. Undoubtedly, Price crossed a line at Back in Business and he even did the same thing on Fallout 032. Tonight, he may have to pay the piper.”
There is some clear trepidation on the part of Price as he gets into the ring after both Diamond Dogs. DJ Franchise is quick to react to the escalating tension between these two groups and he gets in the middle to stop Epsilon going after any of his opponents prior to the match beginning. There is no argument from Konchu Hao when Cyrus says that he would like to start the match for his team, but Epsilon does have to be told to wait his turn. On the other side of the ring, Sonny D nominates himself and whilst Price has no objections, Rick Vance says that he wants to. After a small amount of bickering, Rick actually gets the spot.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Get a good look at Price now, whilst you still can. I don’t think that he is going to be looking the same once this match is all said and done!”
SEVENTH MATCH || MAIN EVENT || 1/20.
Allen Price and the Diamond Dogs (Santino Dongarelli and Ricardo Vance) vs. The Dark Roads Alliance (Cyrus Truth, Konchu Hao, and Epsilon).
Trios Match.
The bell rings, and immediately Cyrus Truth points in the direction of Allen Price and demands that he gets into the ring. Price turns as pale as a ghost at the mere mentioning of that proposition, but Vance takes exception to this as a perceived looking over of him. ‘The Exile’ makes it very clear that he has his sights set on Rick as well, reminding him of what happened at The Grand March. Vance begins to turn away, but comes back with a snap jab to Truth - but Cyrus blocks it!
Rick’s eyes widen as Truth quickly chops him in the throat, causing him to gasp for air and go down onto his knees. With his opponent down, Cyrus follows him and pushes him with his boot in the direction of the corner. Vance is set down against the bottom turnbuckle and the fans cheer when Truth begins to drive the bottom of his boot into Vance’s head and chest with the First Five Steps. After the fifth stomp to Vance’s chest, Cyrus wrings his arm and lifts him up, bringing him over towards the DRA corner, where Konchu tags himself into the match.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It might have been all fun and games for Vance and Dongarelli coming into this match, but they’ve got to smarten up and realise that they’re in there with two of the most dangerous men in the FWA. The same can be said for FTN at Lights Out when the FWA World Tag Team Championships will be on the line!”
Konchu Hao enters the ring to a good cheer from the fans and immediately he follows on from Cyrus’s lead; lining Vance up and then striking him with a Savate Kick to the face. The former X Champion goes for the first pin attempt of the match;
ONE.. TW-NO!!
There is still plenty of fight in the Diamond Dog, and Vance looks to mount some offence of his own as he rises to his feet alongside Hao. Rick manages to block a Mongolian Chop from Konchu and stomps on his foot. However, when Vance turns around to head to his own partners in order to make the tag, Konchu quickly grabs him… Inverted DDT! The back of Vance’s head bounces off of the canvas, and Konchu puts a knee across his chest and reaches out… and Epsilon slaps his hand!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Here comes Epsilon! He’s been itching to get a taste of the action, and here he is on the middle rope… SPLASH DOWN ONTO VANCE! Epsilon stays on top!”
ONE… TWO… NO!!!
Vance powers out of the pin attempt and gets to his feet once more, and Epsilon strikes him in the stomach with a stiff punch! Epsilon begins to lay some more shots in on Vance, but Rick rears back and runs through Epsilon with a pump kick straight to the face! There is concern from Konchu and Cyrus on the apron, and Vance drags Epsilon by the foot towards his corner and he tags in Santino Dongarelli for the first time.
After a couple of shadow punches, Sonny steps through the ropes and leaps into the air, cutting Epsilon off from getting to the rest of the Dark Roads Alliance with an elbow drop across the back of his head! The crowd are not pleased and Sonny waves them off, and he pulls Epsilon up from the mat, connecting with a stiff forearm.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It should not come as much of a surprise that these three have chosen Epsilon to pick on and target here… oh, and here he is. Of course now is when he wants to get into the match - when there’s no danger.”
Jeers ring out, because Allen Price enthusiastically extends his hand and Sonny obliges, tagging the commentator into the match. It is official; Allen Price is the legal man. Price shimmies around Epsilon and then stomps on him whilst he is down. Epsilon sits up and Price runs the ropes slowly and comes back… AND ALLEN PRICE HITS EPSILON WITH THE STRUT! The move is much more impactful when hit by Chris Peacock, but Price does not care.
He dances in the same vein as the FWA World Champion, all the while failing to realise that Epsilon is slowly rising to his feet behind him as the knee strike did not do much damage at all. Both Dogs scream out to Price, but it is too late by the time he turns around… BECAUSE EPSILON BEGINS UNLOADING ON ALLEN PRICE!!! The crowd eat it up big style as Konchu’s minion lays in heavy shots on Price. A kick to the shins gets the pitiful commentator down on his knees.
Price begs with Epsilon not to inflict any more pain on him, but Epsilon points his finger… at Cyrus Truth. The crowd cheers and Epsilon makes his way over to Truth, who tags himself into the match… BUT VANCE CUTS HIM OFF WITH A JUMPING CALF KICK!! Cyrus drops to the mat and Price quickly scoots on his knees to his team’s corner and tags in Sonny, before retreating to the bottom of the ramp outside of the ring.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Seems like Price has had enough already, which is a shame. But here comes Dongarelli, and Konchu is also in to meet him…”
Konchu comes in to cut Sonny D off, but Dongarelli meets him with a Dropkick which knocks him back. Diamond Dogs seem to be wanting to put an end to things here, with Sonny now picking Truth up from the mat as Vance climbs up onto the top rope, ready to take flight so the Diamond Dogs can hit the MUFF DIVE - BUT EPSILON ROLLS TRUTH BACK AND THIS ALLOWS HIM TO ESCAPE THE SITUATION!
Vance is trapped on the top rope and he takes flight anyway towards the huddle in the ring, BUT KONCHU THROWS BABA VANGA’S ILLUMINATION AT HIM IN MID AIR!! Blinded, Vance falls to the mat in a crash and burn. Konchu then picks him up and throws him out of the ring. There is a moment where Sonny D realises that he is on his own in the ring and he takes a swing at Cyrus, but Truth ducks it and elevates him up onto his shoulders… JOURNEY’S END!!! The fans cheer, and Truth flips Dongarelli over onto his back and makes the cover;
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
Winners: The Dark Roads Alliance by pin fall at 6:44.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Here are your winners… the DARK ROADS ALLIANCE!”
It is celebratory in the ring for Epsilon and Konchu, but Cyrus Truth wears a serious look on his face. Despite getting the victory for his team, he did not get satisfaction. His eyes are fixated on Allen Price, who is half way up the ramp and watches as a partially-sighted Rick Vance pulls his tag team partner out of the ring. The look on Allen Price’s face is that of sheer terror.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, a convincing victory for the Dark Roads Alliance tonight on Fallout and if it was not clear that they are ready to take on FTN at Lights out, it is now. However, Allen Price managed to get away-””
???: “Hey Cyrus! Up here!”
The music stops and everyone looks around for a second until the large screen shows an image of two men standing next to each other; the FWA World Tag Team Champions. Alyster Black is on the left and the FWA World Champion Chris Peacock on the right. The crowd instantly boo upon their appearance.
Chris Peacock: “Forget about Allen for a minute, look at us. We wanted to congratulate you on your victory tonight. I’m real sure that the two of you are going to be heading into Lights Out full of confidence and we bet you think that you’re going to walk out of there as the FWA World Tag Team Champions, don’t you?”
Alyster Black: “Especially because FTN are facing each other in the main event for the world title, too! Just HOW are they going to coexist to defend the tag team titles?”
Chris Peacock: “I’ll tell you how. It is because neither of you jabronis can touch us, alright? What, Cyrus got one or two fluke win over Alyster that one or two times and all of a sudden that makes you on our level? Think again. We own you.”
Black pauses for a moment, perhaps considering Peacock’s comment. In the ring, both Truth and Hao are shown to be paying a lot of attention to what their Lights Out opponents have to say.
Chris Peacock: “Bet that ticks you off, huh? You angry, Cyrus? Well, because you’re so angry… and we want to make sure we don’t have to deal with either of you ever again, we’ve spoken to Jon Russnow and made a little change to the match stipulation for Lights Out. Lay it on them, Aly.”
Alyster Black: “We think that it would be fitting to relax the rules somewhat for the match so the four of us can inflict as much pain as humanly possible on each other. After all, I am the longest-reigning X Champion in history.”
Chris Peacock: “Isn’t Konchu a former X Champion?”
Alyster Black: “You’d be forgiven for forgetting that he was.”
Chris Peacock: “Remind me, who was it who beat him for it?”
Alyster Black: “Come to think of it, Chrissy, I think it was you!”
Chris Peacock: “So it was. Well, we know that your hatred of us and our boredom of you is not limited to the confines of the ring. That’s why our match at Lights Out for the FWA World Tag Team Championships is going to be Falls Count Anywhere!”
A cheer goes up from the crowd and the Dark Roads Alliance have no objections to that it would seem. The shot on the large screen zooms out to show that FTN are standing outside of the arena.
Alyster Black: “So watch out, because we could be… anywhere.”
Suddenly the feed on the screen cuts and a loud reaction comes out from the crowd as two men are in the ring behind Cyrus and Konchu… IT’S FTN!!! Cyrus and Konchu turn around… AND THEY’RE BOTH DROPPED WITH TAG TITLES TO THE SKULLS!!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It was pre recorded! Alyster Black and Chris Peacock were hiding in wait this entire time and they’ve laid out the number one contenders!”
Epsilon makes a rush at Peacock, but Black cuts him off with a ONE SHOT KILL!!! All three members of the Dark Roads Alliance are down, and Chris Peacock welcomes Price and the Diamond Dogs back into the ring, with Price gleefully rubbing his hands together.
Alyster Black picks up his half of the FWA World Tag Team Championships from the mat and then sees another belt… Chris Peacock’s FWA World Championship. Black picks it up and slowly rises to his feet and Peacock sees what he is doing and clears his throat, holding his hand out. With just a moment's hesitation, Black passes Peacock his title back. Price comes over to congratulate them both before anything else can be made of it.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “FTN will surely mock anyone who thinks it, but their friendship is going to be tested in several ways at Lights Out. The question is, can this go on for much longer with everything at stake?”
Both Black and Peacock have their arms raised by Allen Price. Alyster Black looks ahead proudly, but a look of concern crosses Peacock’s face as the show fades to black.
