BACK IN TOWN
’The Krash Memorial Show’
Live from Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Sunday 19th February, 2023.
The footage begins with a tracking shot from above the arena, a series of large, purple and silver rockets firing high above it, the show’s opening theme song - Matt Dusk’s Back in Town begins to play. We cut to the arena, where the same song is pouring out of the Ball Arena’s speakers, just in time for a second series of purple and silver rockets to fire, this time the pyrotechnics emerging from the stage itself.
Rod Sterling: “Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Back in Town! FWA’s first pay-per-view event of the year, and our triumphant return to the United States! We come to you live from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, with nine matches ahead of us at this blockbuster event!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Ladies and gentlemen? Really, Rod? I’d rather go for the more gender inclusive wrestling fans, but maybe that’s a generational thing…”
Rod Sterling: “You’re starting already? Don’t make me call you pronoun boy...”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Nine matches, yes… including the final of the F1 Climaxxx, a tournament that has dominated FWA programming for months now. And the final match pits two very familiar foes against one another again, as Michelle von Horrowitz and Cyrus Truth - whose best of five series culminated just over a year ago in this very city - prepare to square off for the F1 trophy, as well as a shot at the FWA World Champion.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Whoever that will be by the end of the night, with Chris Peacock set to challenge FWA Champion Devin Golden in our main event. Peacock is cashing in his Golden Opportunity briefcase against The Golden One tonight, in what will be our fourth and final championship match this evening.”
Allen Price: “Speaking of championship matches…”
There's a negative reaction amongst the Denver crowd as Jackson Fenix and Nate Savage walk out onto the stage, surveying the audience and then beginning their march down the ramp.
Rod Sterling: "We're going to kick things off hot tonight with some championship action… the FWA World Tag Team Championships, to be precise, which are belts that these two men have held on two occasions during their time here…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And they earned the right to challenge again when Nate Savage overcame both Blair Ravenwood and Doug LuPone a little more than a month ago on Meltdown."
Allen Price: "They'll be hoping to do enough to start their third reign as tag team champions here in Denver… not to mention give Michelle von Horrowitz some comeuppance for her remarks on the Undisputed Alliance on Fight Night."
Rod Sterling: "Nate and Jackson just two of many receipts to cash in on Dreamer."
Fenix and Nate wait in the ring as their music fades out. Jackson looks casual in the corner, whilst Savage is more animated, pacing back and forth whilst he awaits the champions…
There's a mixed reaction for the Grayson & von Horrowitz connection, with the cheers for Gerald balanced out by a chorus of boos aimed at Michelle. They walk out onto the stage accompanied by Thomas West, who claps the two as they hold up their championship belts on the stage.
Rod Sterling: "And here come the champions, preparing to make their third defense of those belts here in Denver, having already triumphed over the makeshift team of Anderson Vega and Spooder-Man, and then surviving Mile High Massacre on Fallout 024."
Allen Price: "Survived, yes… but with a lot of help from Uncle J.J. JAY! and the Nephews. And, of course, they have some back-up here in Colorado, with Thomas West accompanying Dreamer and the Daredevil to the ring."
Anzu Kurosawa: "Nothing wrong with a little comradery, Allen! I happen to find the lengths that the Nephews are willing to go to help one another touching in this fast-paced, dog-eat-dog world…"
With Thomas remaining on the outside of the ring, Gerald and Michelle climb into it, with Dreamer taking a seated position in the corner and Grayson going to a different one to whip up the audience. He gets a big cheer before hopping down and standing near Michelle's perch, warming up for the match with a little shadow-boxing.
Kurt Harrington: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following tag team bout is scheduled for one-fall with a sixty minute time limit… and is for the FWA World Tag Team Championships!"
The official, who has collected both belts from the champions, now holds them up in the centre of the ring for all to see.
Kurt Harrington: "Introducing first, the challengers… at a combined weight of four hundred and seventy six pounds… from Las Vegas, Nevada, Jackson Fenix, and from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Nate Savage… they are… the Undisputed Alliance!!"
More boos from the Denver crowd. Jackson laughs them off. Nate continues to stare ahead of himself at his opponents.
Kurt Harrington: "And their opponents, accompanied to the ring by Thomas West… representing Cthulhu's Nephews… they are the current reigning FWA Tag Team Champions of the World… from Raleigh in North Carolina, Gerald Grayson… from Rotterdam in the Netherlands, Michelle von Horrowitz… THE CONNECTION!!"
Another mixture of cheers and derision for the champions. MvH uses the top rope to pull herself up to her feet and converses with her partner, eventually leaving the ring so GG can start things off. Nate remains in situ for the UA as Fenix removes himself to the apron. The official makes his final checks and then calls for the bell…
’The Krash Memorial Show’
Live from Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Sunday 19th February, 2023.
The footage begins with a tracking shot from above the arena, a series of large, purple and silver rockets firing high above it, the show’s opening theme song - Matt Dusk’s Back in Town begins to play. We cut to the arena, where the same song is pouring out of the Ball Arena’s speakers, just in time for a second series of purple and silver rockets to fire, this time the pyrotechnics emerging from the stage itself.
Rod Sterling: “Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Back in Town! FWA’s first pay-per-view event of the year, and our triumphant return to the United States! We come to you live from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, with nine matches ahead of us at this blockbuster event!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Ladies and gentlemen? Really, Rod? I’d rather go for the more gender inclusive wrestling fans, but maybe that’s a generational thing…”
Rod Sterling: “You’re starting already? Don’t make me call you pronoun boy...”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Nine matches, yes… including the final of the F1 Climaxxx, a tournament that has dominated FWA programming for months now. And the final match pits two very familiar foes against one another again, as Michelle von Horrowitz and Cyrus Truth - whose best of five series culminated just over a year ago in this very city - prepare to square off for the F1 trophy, as well as a shot at the FWA World Champion.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Whoever that will be by the end of the night, with Chris Peacock set to challenge FWA Champion Devin Golden in our main event. Peacock is cashing in his Golden Opportunity briefcase against The Golden One tonight, in what will be our fourth and final championship match this evening.”
Allen Price: “Speaking of championship matches…”
[video]
There's a negative reaction amongst the Denver crowd as Jackson Fenix and Nate Savage walk out onto the stage, surveying the audience and then beginning their march down the ramp.
Rod Sterling: "We're going to kick things off hot tonight with some championship action… the FWA World Tag Team Championships, to be precise, which are belts that these two men have held on two occasions during their time here…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And they earned the right to challenge again when Nate Savage overcame both Blair Ravenwood and Doug LuPone a little more than a month ago on Meltdown."
Allen Price: "They'll be hoping to do enough to start their third reign as tag team champions here in Denver… not to mention give Michelle von Horrowitz some comeuppance for her remarks on the Undisputed Alliance on Fight Night."
Rod Sterling: "Nate and Jackson just two of many receipts to cash in on Dreamer."
Fenix and Nate wait in the ring as their music fades out. Jackson looks casual in the corner, whilst Savage is more animated, pacing back and forth whilst he awaits the champions…
[video]
There's a mixed reaction for the Grayson & von Horrowitz connection, with the cheers for Gerald balanced out by a chorus of boos aimed at Michelle. They walk out onto the stage accompanied by Thomas West, who claps the two as they hold up their championship belts on the stage.
Rod Sterling: "And here come the champions, preparing to make their third defense of those belts here in Denver, having already triumphed over the makeshift team of Anderson Vega and Spooder-Man, and then surviving Mile High Massacre on Fallout 024."
Allen Price: "Survived, yes… but with a lot of help from Uncle J.J. JAY! and the Nephews. And, of course, they have some back-up here in Colorado, with Thomas West accompanying Dreamer and the Daredevil to the ring."
Anzu Kurosawa: "Nothing wrong with a little comradery, Allen! I happen to find the lengths that the Nephews are willing to go to help one another touching in this fast-paced, dog-eat-dog world…"
With Thomas remaining on the outside of the ring, Gerald and Michelle climb into it, with Dreamer taking a seated position in the corner and Grayson going to a different one to whip up the audience. He gets a big cheer before hopping down and standing near Michelle's perch, warming up for the match with a little shadow-boxing.
Kurt Harrington: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following tag team bout is scheduled for one-fall with a sixty minute time limit… and is for the FWA World Tag Team Championships!"
The official, who has collected both belts from the champions, now holds them up in the centre of the ring for all to see.
Kurt Harrington: "Introducing first, the challengers… at a combined weight of four hundred and seventy six pounds… from Las Vegas, Nevada, Jackson Fenix, and from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Nate Savage… they are… the Undisputed Alliance!!"
More boos from the Denver crowd. Jackson laughs them off. Nate continues to stare ahead of himself at his opponents.
Kurt Harrington: "And their opponents, accompanied to the ring by Thomas West… representing Cthulhu's Nephews… they are the current reigning FWA Tag Team Champions of the World… from Raleigh in North Carolina, Gerald Grayson… from Rotterdam in the Netherlands, Michelle von Horrowitz… THE CONNECTION!!"
Another mixture of cheers and derision for the champions. MvH uses the top rope to pull herself up to her feet and converses with her partner, eventually leaving the ring so GG can start things off. Nate remains in situ for the UA as Fenix removes himself to the apron. The official makes his final checks and then calls for the bell…
In the opening exchanges of the match it's a classic tale of strength against speed, with Savage trying to get his hands on Grayson, only for the Daredevil to employ offensive maneuvers and use his agility to his advantage. At three separate points, Grayson concludes exchanges by hitting Nate with a standing dropkick, a spinning cross-body from the second rope, and then a springboard clothesline, the latter of which earns GG a two-count. Things take a turn, though, when Grayson again goes for a springboard, this time a cross-body. Savage shows impressive strength in catching Gerald, then driving him onto his knee before throwing him overhead with a fallaway slam.
What follows is a lengthy period of dominance for the Undisputed Alliance, with the pair using solid tag team strategy in order to isolate Grayson on their side of the ring. They utilise frequent tags and, during the crossover, always maximise the official's count with some tandem offence. This can include double-team moves, like a double suplex or double DDT (both of which earn the UA near-falls), or moves delivered in combination, like an Atomic Drop from Savage followed by a superkick from Jackson. Both members of the UA are also able to get in a lot of their individual offense during this early stretch, too, with Nate getting two-counts with a double-underhook DDT and a sleeper suplex (after a lengthy period of GG in the hold), and Jackson impressing with a reverse DDT, a Saito suplex, and a Michinoku driver. Things look increasingly desperate for GG, MIchelle getting agitated on the apron and the crowd attempting to will Grayson back into the match.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Gerald Grayson has already been in this match for a while and at the mercy of both Jackson Fenix and Nate Savage… Dreamer hasn't even been able to get in the ring as of yet."
Anzu Kurosawa: "The Undisputed Alliance are showing why they've been so successful as a tag team for so long. Classic strategy here from Fenix and Savage!”
During another cross-over, the Undisputed Alliance perhaps go back to the same well once too often, with Savage hitting another atomic drop on Grayson and Fenix lining up for a superkick… only for Gerald to duck beneath it! Jackson nearly hits his partner instead, but manages to steady and stop himself, and the pair notice that GG is stumbling towards his corner. Jackson quickly graphs Grayson’s leg as Savage charges across the ring and knocks MvH off the apron with a shoulder tackle!! She lands in a heap next to Thomas West as Jackson regains control inside the ring, pulling GG in close and throwing him back into the UA’s corner with an exploder suplex!
It looks like another period of dominance to follow for the Undisputed Alliance, with Jackson first getting a very near fall (it seemed like three to me) for a Falcon Arrow, before Nate comes into the ring and slaps on a reverse chin lock. The hold is applied for a full two minutes, Nate Savage applying more pressure by eventually lying on top of GG as energy saps away from the Daredevil. It seems Grayson might even be done for, but he shows signs of life when the official checks his ability to continue… and then, using the fans' support for momentum, begins to fight up to his feet! He hits a trio of elbows into Nate's gut and then takes the big man over with a back drop! He crawls to Michelle, Jackson coming into the ring to grab his foot… but he eats an enziguri! And Gerald makes the tag to Michelle!
The energy of the hot tag is deflated somewhat by the audience's immediate boos when Dreamer enters the ring, but she goes through all of the same motions regardless… dropkick to Jackson first, sending him rolling under the bottom rope. She turns attention to Nate with a spin kick to the gut, followed by a double underhook DDT of her own! Michelle stalks from the corner, maybe looking for a busaiku knee kick… when Fenix tries to climb back into the ring. The official is forced to get in his way, and Michelle charges at the risen Nate. Savage sidesteps the knee strike… and then momentarily blinds Michelle with a rake to the eyes!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "The Undisputed Alliance showing the Nephews that they're more than happy to bend the rules themselves!"
Rod Sterling: "Fighting fire with fire!!"
Michelle is struggling for sight, and Savage pulls her into a bearhug before throwing her across the ring with a belly-to-belly overhead release suplex! He then tags in Jackson, who comes in to help Savage deliver another double team move, this time a vertical backdrop from Nate onto Fenix's outstretched knees.
The Undisputed Alliance proceed to repeat the trick from earlier in the match, this time keeping MvH on their side of the ring and once again employing frequent tags to wear her down whilst staying fresh. The two are able to throw their much lighter opponent around more easily than they could Gerald, lending their arsenal even more impact. Jackson is able to connect with a German suplex, a fireman's carry neck breaker, and two consecutive dragon suplexes at various points, earning what might have been a three for the final of these moves if it wasn't for Grayson's timely interruption. Savage is equally as hard-hitting, connecting with a chickenwing facebuster, a spinning back-to-belly piledriver, and bridging German and fisherman's suplexes. Savage all-the-while makes MvH expend energy by repeatedly having to kicking out, employing frequent covers after almost all of his offense. An exception to this is another atomic drop which he follows up with an abdominal stretch, driving the point of his elbow into Michelle's ribs to further the damage.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Things aren't looking good for Michelle von Horrowitz, especially when considering this is only the first of two outings for Dreamer here at Back in Town."
Allen Price: "Makes you question which of the tag team titles and the F1 tournament she values more…"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Knowing Dreamer, it'll be both or neither."
Michelle has been inching towards her corner whilst still in the abdominal stretch, and now she is just centimeters away from making a crucial tag to Grayson. Nate realises this, and releases the stretch in favour of a waist lock, this time attempting a German suplex with a release. Michelle, though, manages to rotate all the way through, and lands on her feet behind Savage. Nate turns around…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "BUSAIKU KNEE!"
Rod Sterling: "But she can't follow up! Both Savage and von Horrowitz are down in the middle of the ring!"
Indeed, and both begin to crawl to their respective corners. Nate tags in Jackson… and Michelle makes the tag to Grayson! The Daredevil hops over the top rope, first connecting with a leg lariat to Fenix! Followed up by a a slingblade! Gerald rolls out onto the apron, waiting for Jackson to rise, and then knocks him back over with a springboard drop kick!! Savage is back to his feet, and he cuts off Grayson from being able to follow up on Jackson with a series of right hands… but here comes Michelle! She clotheslines Nate over the top rope with such momentum that she's propelled over them as well, and the two begin to brawl on the outside!!
Gerald shakes loose the cobwebs from Nate's right hands and collects Jackson in a front facelock, maybe looking for a brainbuster… but Jackson is about to slip out the back. Gerald turns to face him…
Anzu Kurosawa: "SUPERKICK ME BABY ONE MORE TIME!!"
Grayson falls to a knee after the superkick… and eats another one!!
Rod Sterling: "And again!!"
The second superkick sends Grayson down to both knees, and the third has him on all fours…
Allen Price: "And a low superkick! The fourth in quick succession!!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "This guy really likes Britney Spears!!"
Grayson is finally face-down on the mat, and Jackson heaves him over onto his back. He hooks the far leg…
ONE… TWO… …
Rod Sterling: "Gerald reaches out and grabs the bottom rope!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "The Daredevil exhibits some ring awareness and keeps the Connection's reign alive!!"
Jackson shakes off some momentary frustration, and then begins the process of heaving Grayson back up to his feet. Meanwhile, we see on the outside that Nate has Michelle backed up to the barricade, and clotheslines her into the fans! Savage isn't done there, following Dreamer in and delivering a snap suplex!! Right amongst the fans! Back in the ring, Jackson Fenix finally has Gerald up on his feet. He applies a front facelock and hooks one of GG's leg before hoisting him up, going for his small package driver… but it's Grayson's turn to slip out the back! Fenix turns around to see GG coming at him for a slingblade and is able to reverse with an uranage slam!!
Rod Sterling: "Jackson Fenix hops up onto the second rope here, maybe looking for his SMD meteora… but Thomas West is up on the apron!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Predictable!"
West is at arm's length, and earns some strong admonishment from the official… but also manages to distract Jackson Fenix from delivering the move. Grayson scrambles up to his feet and clocks Fenix with a forearm strike! Jackson almost loses balance, but GG collects him in a front facelock and drags him out of the corner…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "BRAAAINBUUUSTAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!"
Rod Sterling: "But Gerald isn't done… he heads to the corner… SKY HIGH!!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Picture perfect double jump moonsault! And now the cover…"
ONE… TWO… THREE!
Gerald rolls off his fallen opponent and gets up in the middle of the ring. The referee lifts his hand in victory, but the Daredevil is busy scanning around the arena for signs of his tag team partner…
Kurt Harrington: "Here are your winners, and STILL the FWA World Tag Team Champions… the Connection!!"
As the announcement is made, the camera cuts to the middle of the crowd, where MvH and Nate Savage are still brawling. Savage reels off right hands, with Michelle responding with forearm strikes… until Nate picks up a chair and flings it into her face! It's unclear if either of them are aware that the match has ended, and Nate showers Dreamer with more right hands as a security team descends to finally separate the pair…
In the ring, Gerald shakes his head whilst he watches on the big screen, and then takes the two belts from Thomas. The podcast host starts to clap the Daredevil as he lifts the two championships above his head, garnering a roar from the crowd.
Rod Sterling: "A hard-fought victory for Gerald Grayson, who celebrates with Thomas West instead of his partner."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Someone should remind her she has another match later…"
Allen Price: "I'll let you do that, J-L."
Rod Sterling: "Putting aside Dreamer's second outing against Cyrus Truth later on, it appears that bad blood still lingers between the two teams in our opening contest "
Michelle has pulled herself away from the security and climbs back over the barricade. She has a few sneers for Jackson Fenix as she passed him on her way to the ring, where she reunites with Gerald and takes her belt. The two embrace in the ring briefly before removing themselves from it, walking up the ramp as we fade away from the scene…
Going backstage, there is an establishing shot of a door. On the door is a plaque which is embossed with the name ‘JON RUSSNOW’, meaning that the door hides the office of the FWA Brand Consultant. There are some raised voices coming from inside, and it is not clear who these voices belong to, but there is a loud shout from Russnow which cuts off all of the other noise coming from within.
Jon Russnow: "GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE OR YOU’RE BOTH FIRED! NOW!"
The instruction from Russnow to whoever is in the office with him is clear, even though it is slightly muffled from the perspective of the camera. A few seconds later, the door swings open and a very despondent pairing of Steve the Techno Vampire and Ratin Mikichin walk out into the hallway outside the office.
Jon Russnow: "SHUT THE DOOR!"
Ratin sheepishly closes the door behind him and he shakes his head and lets out a very labored sigh, which draws Steve’s attention.
Steve the Techno Vampire: "Vhat is your problem?"
Ratin Mikichin: "What is Ratin’s problem? You do not already know what this is?"
Steve the Techno Vampire: "Stop vasting my time! Tell me vhat you’re moaning about now."
Ratin Mikichin: "We would have been able to convince the Russnow to give us our Pay-Per-View match if you would have just shut your fangs up and let Ratin take the lead. Now we have nothing to do on this show and it is all your fault!"
Steve the Techno Vampire: "My fault? You vere standing there in nothing more than that disgusting thing you vear! That’s vhy ve didn’t get our match!"
Ratin looks down at his purple mankini that he has worn tonight purely in dedication to Krash on this, his memorial show, and his eyes widen in shock and anger.
Ratin Mikichin: "How dare you insult Ratin! We do not need a match for me to kick your ass! You will pay for your crimes against Ratin!"
Steve seems initially confused, but it becomes clear what is happening when Ratin screams at the top of his voice and throws himself at the techno vampire. The two of them begin rolling on the floor, neither getting any clear advantage in their ‘fight’, before the scene shifts elsewhere.
From the back, Kleio De Santo slowly makes her way out onto the stage with her Coven members, Blair and Celestia Ravenwood, flanking her on either side. The trio take turns sharing looks with one another while the fans provide them with a mostly unwelcome reaction.
Kurt Harrington: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a thirty minute time limit. Introducing first, from Miami, Florida... she weighs in at one hundred fiften pounds... representing the Coven and being accompanied to the ring by Blair and Celestia Ravenwood.... "THE BRAZILLIAN WITCH"... KLEIO DDDDDEEEEEE SSSSSSSSAAANNNNNNNTTTOOOOOOS!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "After some weeks of uncertainty about Kleio's status in the Coven, this trio seems to be on the same page now."
Rod Sterling: "Kleio De Santos has taken firm control over the leadership of The Coven, and the result of that seems to be a much more cohesive and under control unit."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "You have to think that's got to be bad news for her opponent here tonight."
The trio slowly make their way down to the ring before all three slide into the ring. Kleio begins to warm up in the corner while Celestia and Blair both seem interested in assisting their leader with her pre-match rituals.
The fans get to their feet with a much more positve welcome for the cowboy, Tommy Bedlam, as he jogs out from the back, waving his cowboy hat to the fans from the stage.
Kurt Harrington: “And her opponent... from Sweetwater, Texas... weighing in at two hundred fourty-four pounds... TTTTTOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMY BBBEEEEEEEEEEEEDLAM!"
Allen Price: "Tommy Bedlam is coming off an unsuccessful run in the F1 Climaxxx that definitely didn't go the way he hoped."
Rod Sterling: “No, that's true but he went toe to toe with some of the best FWA has to offer in Alyster Black and Michelle von Horrowitz and he gave each of them all they could handle!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Like I mentioned before, I think he's going to have all he can handle tonight having to not only deal with Kleio in the ring, but with those Ravenwood sisters at ringside. This won't be an easy day on the ranch for the cowboy."
Tommy climbs into the ring, removing his hat and vest before climbing the turnbuckles and throwing his hands up for another pop from the crowd. Bedlam hops back and down and prepares as the match is about to get underway.
What follows is a lengthy period of dominance for the Undisputed Alliance, with the pair using solid tag team strategy in order to isolate Grayson on their side of the ring. They utilise frequent tags and, during the crossover, always maximise the official's count with some tandem offence. This can include double-team moves, like a double suplex or double DDT (both of which earn the UA near-falls), or moves delivered in combination, like an Atomic Drop from Savage followed by a superkick from Jackson. Both members of the UA are also able to get in a lot of their individual offense during this early stretch, too, with Nate getting two-counts with a double-underhook DDT and a sleeper suplex (after a lengthy period of GG in the hold), and Jackson impressing with a reverse DDT, a Saito suplex, and a Michinoku driver. Things look increasingly desperate for GG, MIchelle getting agitated on the apron and the crowd attempting to will Grayson back into the match.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Gerald Grayson has already been in this match for a while and at the mercy of both Jackson Fenix and Nate Savage… Dreamer hasn't even been able to get in the ring as of yet."
Anzu Kurosawa: "The Undisputed Alliance are showing why they've been so successful as a tag team for so long. Classic strategy here from Fenix and Savage!”
During another cross-over, the Undisputed Alliance perhaps go back to the same well once too often, with Savage hitting another atomic drop on Grayson and Fenix lining up for a superkick… only for Gerald to duck beneath it! Jackson nearly hits his partner instead, but manages to steady and stop himself, and the pair notice that GG is stumbling towards his corner. Jackson quickly graphs Grayson’s leg as Savage charges across the ring and knocks MvH off the apron with a shoulder tackle!! She lands in a heap next to Thomas West as Jackson regains control inside the ring, pulling GG in close and throwing him back into the UA’s corner with an exploder suplex!
It looks like another period of dominance to follow for the Undisputed Alliance, with Jackson first getting a very near fall (it seemed like three to me) for a Falcon Arrow, before Nate comes into the ring and slaps on a reverse chin lock. The hold is applied for a full two minutes, Nate Savage applying more pressure by eventually lying on top of GG as energy saps away from the Daredevil. It seems Grayson might even be done for, but he shows signs of life when the official checks his ability to continue… and then, using the fans' support for momentum, begins to fight up to his feet! He hits a trio of elbows into Nate's gut and then takes the big man over with a back drop! He crawls to Michelle, Jackson coming into the ring to grab his foot… but he eats an enziguri! And Gerald makes the tag to Michelle!
The energy of the hot tag is deflated somewhat by the audience's immediate boos when Dreamer enters the ring, but she goes through all of the same motions regardless… dropkick to Jackson first, sending him rolling under the bottom rope. She turns attention to Nate with a spin kick to the gut, followed by a double underhook DDT of her own! Michelle stalks from the corner, maybe looking for a busaiku knee kick… when Fenix tries to climb back into the ring. The official is forced to get in his way, and Michelle charges at the risen Nate. Savage sidesteps the knee strike… and then momentarily blinds Michelle with a rake to the eyes!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "The Undisputed Alliance showing the Nephews that they're more than happy to bend the rules themselves!"
Rod Sterling: "Fighting fire with fire!!"
Michelle is struggling for sight, and Savage pulls her into a bearhug before throwing her across the ring with a belly-to-belly overhead release suplex! He then tags in Jackson, who comes in to help Savage deliver another double team move, this time a vertical backdrop from Nate onto Fenix's outstretched knees.
The Undisputed Alliance proceed to repeat the trick from earlier in the match, this time keeping MvH on their side of the ring and once again employing frequent tags to wear her down whilst staying fresh. The two are able to throw their much lighter opponent around more easily than they could Gerald, lending their arsenal even more impact. Jackson is able to connect with a German suplex, a fireman's carry neck breaker, and two consecutive dragon suplexes at various points, earning what might have been a three for the final of these moves if it wasn't for Grayson's timely interruption. Savage is equally as hard-hitting, connecting with a chickenwing facebuster, a spinning back-to-belly piledriver, and bridging German and fisherman's suplexes. Savage all-the-while makes MvH expend energy by repeatedly having to kicking out, employing frequent covers after almost all of his offense. An exception to this is another atomic drop which he follows up with an abdominal stretch, driving the point of his elbow into Michelle's ribs to further the damage.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Things aren't looking good for Michelle von Horrowitz, especially when considering this is only the first of two outings for Dreamer here at Back in Town."
Allen Price: "Makes you question which of the tag team titles and the F1 tournament she values more…"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Knowing Dreamer, it'll be both or neither."
Michelle has been inching towards her corner whilst still in the abdominal stretch, and now she is just centimeters away from making a crucial tag to Grayson. Nate realises this, and releases the stretch in favour of a waist lock, this time attempting a German suplex with a release. Michelle, though, manages to rotate all the way through, and lands on her feet behind Savage. Nate turns around…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "BUSAIKU KNEE!"
Rod Sterling: "But she can't follow up! Both Savage and von Horrowitz are down in the middle of the ring!"
Indeed, and both begin to crawl to their respective corners. Nate tags in Jackson… and Michelle makes the tag to Grayson! The Daredevil hops over the top rope, first connecting with a leg lariat to Fenix! Followed up by a a slingblade! Gerald rolls out onto the apron, waiting for Jackson to rise, and then knocks him back over with a springboard drop kick!! Savage is back to his feet, and he cuts off Grayson from being able to follow up on Jackson with a series of right hands… but here comes Michelle! She clotheslines Nate over the top rope with such momentum that she's propelled over them as well, and the two begin to brawl on the outside!!
Gerald shakes loose the cobwebs from Nate's right hands and collects Jackson in a front facelock, maybe looking for a brainbuster… but Jackson is about to slip out the back. Gerald turns to face him…
Anzu Kurosawa: "SUPERKICK ME BABY ONE MORE TIME!!"
Grayson falls to a knee after the superkick… and eats another one!!
Rod Sterling: "And again!!"
The second superkick sends Grayson down to both knees, and the third has him on all fours…
Allen Price: "And a low superkick! The fourth in quick succession!!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "This guy really likes Britney Spears!!"
Grayson is finally face-down on the mat, and Jackson heaves him over onto his back. He hooks the far leg…
ONE… TWO… …
Rod Sterling: "Gerald reaches out and grabs the bottom rope!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "The Daredevil exhibits some ring awareness and keeps the Connection's reign alive!!"
Jackson shakes off some momentary frustration, and then begins the process of heaving Grayson back up to his feet. Meanwhile, we see on the outside that Nate has Michelle backed up to the barricade, and clotheslines her into the fans! Savage isn't done there, following Dreamer in and delivering a snap suplex!! Right amongst the fans! Back in the ring, Jackson Fenix finally has Gerald up on his feet. He applies a front facelock and hooks one of GG's leg before hoisting him up, going for his small package driver… but it's Grayson's turn to slip out the back! Fenix turns around to see GG coming at him for a slingblade and is able to reverse with an uranage slam!!
Rod Sterling: "Jackson Fenix hops up onto the second rope here, maybe looking for his SMD meteora… but Thomas West is up on the apron!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Predictable!"
West is at arm's length, and earns some strong admonishment from the official… but also manages to distract Jackson Fenix from delivering the move. Grayson scrambles up to his feet and clocks Fenix with a forearm strike! Jackson almost loses balance, but GG collects him in a front facelock and drags him out of the corner…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "BRAAAINBUUUSTAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!"
Rod Sterling: "But Gerald isn't done… he heads to the corner… SKY HIGH!!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Picture perfect double jump moonsault! And now the cover…"
ONE… TWO… THREE!
Winner: The Connection via pinfall at 15:49.
Gerald rolls off his fallen opponent and gets up in the middle of the ring. The referee lifts his hand in victory, but the Daredevil is busy scanning around the arena for signs of his tag team partner…
Kurt Harrington: "Here are your winners, and STILL the FWA World Tag Team Champions… the Connection!!"
As the announcement is made, the camera cuts to the middle of the crowd, where MvH and Nate Savage are still brawling. Savage reels off right hands, with Michelle responding with forearm strikes… until Nate picks up a chair and flings it into her face! It's unclear if either of them are aware that the match has ended, and Nate showers Dreamer with more right hands as a security team descends to finally separate the pair…
In the ring, Gerald shakes his head whilst he watches on the big screen, and then takes the two belts from Thomas. The podcast host starts to clap the Daredevil as he lifts the two championships above his head, garnering a roar from the crowd.
Rod Sterling: "A hard-fought victory for Gerald Grayson, who celebrates with Thomas West instead of his partner."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Someone should remind her she has another match later…"
Allen Price: "I'll let you do that, J-L."
Rod Sterling: "Putting aside Dreamer's second outing against Cyrus Truth later on, it appears that bad blood still lingers between the two teams in our opening contest "
Michelle has pulled herself away from the security and climbs back over the barricade. She has a few sneers for Jackson Fenix as she passed him on her way to the ring, where she reunites with Gerald and takes her belt. The two embrace in the ring briefly before removing themselves from it, walking up the ramp as we fade away from the scene…
Going backstage, there is an establishing shot of a door. On the door is a plaque which is embossed with the name ‘JON RUSSNOW’, meaning that the door hides the office of the FWA Brand Consultant. There are some raised voices coming from inside, and it is not clear who these voices belong to, but there is a loud shout from Russnow which cuts off all of the other noise coming from within.
Jon Russnow: "GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE OR YOU’RE BOTH FIRED! NOW!"
The instruction from Russnow to whoever is in the office with him is clear, even though it is slightly muffled from the perspective of the camera. A few seconds later, the door swings open and a very despondent pairing of Steve the Techno Vampire and Ratin Mikichin walk out into the hallway outside the office.
Jon Russnow: "SHUT THE DOOR!"
Ratin sheepishly closes the door behind him and he shakes his head and lets out a very labored sigh, which draws Steve’s attention.
Steve the Techno Vampire: "Vhat is your problem?"
Ratin Mikichin: "What is Ratin’s problem? You do not already know what this is?"
Steve the Techno Vampire: "Stop vasting my time! Tell me vhat you’re moaning about now."
Ratin Mikichin: "We would have been able to convince the Russnow to give us our Pay-Per-View match if you would have just shut your fangs up and let Ratin take the lead. Now we have nothing to do on this show and it is all your fault!"
Steve the Techno Vampire: "My fault? You vere standing there in nothing more than that disgusting thing you vear! That’s vhy ve didn’t get our match!"
Ratin looks down at his purple mankini that he has worn tonight purely in dedication to Krash on this, his memorial show, and his eyes widen in shock and anger.
Ratin Mikichin: "How dare you insult Ratin! We do not need a match for me to kick your ass! You will pay for your crimes against Ratin!"
Steve seems initially confused, but it becomes clear what is happening when Ratin screams at the top of his voice and throws himself at the techno vampire. The two of them begin rolling on the floor, neither getting any clear advantage in their ‘fight’, before the scene shifts elsewhere.
From the back, Kleio De Santo slowly makes her way out onto the stage with her Coven members, Blair and Celestia Ravenwood, flanking her on either side. The trio take turns sharing looks with one another while the fans provide them with a mostly unwelcome reaction.
Kurt Harrington: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a thirty minute time limit. Introducing first, from Miami, Florida... she weighs in at one hundred fiften pounds... representing the Coven and being accompanied to the ring by Blair and Celestia Ravenwood.... "THE BRAZILLIAN WITCH"... KLEIO DDDDDEEEEEE SSSSSSSSAAANNNNNNNTTTOOOOOOS!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "After some weeks of uncertainty about Kleio's status in the Coven, this trio seems to be on the same page now."
Rod Sterling: "Kleio De Santos has taken firm control over the leadership of The Coven, and the result of that seems to be a much more cohesive and under control unit."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "You have to think that's got to be bad news for her opponent here tonight."
The trio slowly make their way down to the ring before all three slide into the ring. Kleio begins to warm up in the corner while Celestia and Blair both seem interested in assisting their leader with her pre-match rituals.
The fans get to their feet with a much more positve welcome for the cowboy, Tommy Bedlam, as he jogs out from the back, waving his cowboy hat to the fans from the stage.
Kurt Harrington: “And her opponent... from Sweetwater, Texas... weighing in at two hundred fourty-four pounds... TTTTTOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMY BBBEEEEEEEEEEEEDLAM!"
Allen Price: "Tommy Bedlam is coming off an unsuccessful run in the F1 Climaxxx that definitely didn't go the way he hoped."
Rod Sterling: “No, that's true but he went toe to toe with some of the best FWA has to offer in Alyster Black and Michelle von Horrowitz and he gave each of them all they could handle!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Like I mentioned before, I think he's going to have all he can handle tonight having to not only deal with Kleio in the ring, but with those Ravenwood sisters at ringside. This won't be an easy day on the ranch for the cowboy."
Tommy climbs into the ring, removing his hat and vest before climbing the turnbuckles and throwing his hands up for another pop from the crowd. Bedlam hops back and down and prepares as the match is about to get underway.
The bell rings to start the match as Tommy Bedlam gives an uneasy glance to ringside at the Ravenwood sisters before meeting Kleio in the center of the ring. Despite Tommy having over one hundred pounds on her, Kleio shows no fear as the pair come in and lock up to start the match. Bedlam overpowers Kleio with relative ease, getting her into a headlock, but De Santos actually bites Tommy’s hand to break free!
“What the fuck?!” Tommy is surprised as he quickly clutches his hand only to have Kleio strike him in the midsection with a quick side kick to double him over and she then surprises Tommy with a dropping body drop to take him to the mat, holding onto his arm into a standing armbar. Tommy gets back up to his feet only to have Kleio, still holding onto that arm, take him back down with a hip toss. She then continues to lock that arm as she delivers a series of knees to Tommy’s shoulder.
Rod Sterling: “It’s quite the contrast of styles in this one and we’re seeing early on here that the brawler Tommy Bedlam may not want to try to make this a grappling contest with the skilled Brazilian Jiu Jitsu specialist.”
Bedlam battles through the hold and the strikes, getting back up to a vertical base once again and reaches up to grab a handful of Kleio’s hair with his free hand. Pulling the hair is enough to get some separation from the Coven member as she releases his arm and Tommy drives his knee up into her midsection.
Tommy keeps on Kleio as he sends her into the corner and follows her in with a running clothesline. He then works over the smaller wrestler with some punch and jab combinations, working her down into a seated position in the corner.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Now this is where Tommy can excel. He’s fired up and so is the crowd!”
Having gotten the upperhand in the corner, Tommy backs out and tosses his hands up to the crowd who give Bedlam their support while Kleio pulls herself up in the corner… and Tommy charges in for a spear…
But Kleio moves out of the way! Tommy goes sailing through the middle turnbuckles and his shoulder collides with the ring post! Bedlam pulls himself out, clutching that arm as Kleio strikes with some front jabs to rock Bedlam back before she takes him down to the mat with a roundhouse kick to the shoulder!
With the momentum back in favor of the Brazilian Witch, Tommy is able to roll out of the ring to try and regroup.
Rod Sterling: “With the Coven all seemingly on the same page now, Kleio is looking as confident in the ring as she’s been in some time. Bedlam has to rethink the game plan here.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m not sure being outside the ring is much safer… those Ravenwood sisters are lurking!”
Sure enough, as Tommy is shaking off the cobwebs, he finds himself being ambushed by Blair and Celestia! Inside the ring, Kleio is distracting referee Joey Ortiz while Blair grabs Tommy in a full nelson, holding Bedlam for Celestia… who charges in at Bedlam…
But Bedlam gets his boot up on Celestia! He then just powers free from Blair and clotheslines her down to the floor! Celestria rushes in again but Bedlam meets her with another kick to the midsection and tosses Celestia into the ring steps!
Allen Price: “That didn’t go according to plan for the Coven!”
Rod Sterling: “Tommy Bedlam just laid waist to both Ravenwood sisters! And now he sets his sights back on Kleio in the ring!”
Tommy slides back into the ring and charges at Kleio - Lou Thesz Press to a big pop from the crowd as Bedlam rains down a barrage of right and left hands while sitting over the chest of the witch. Bedlam pops back up to his feet, all fired up as Kleio staggers up - DISCUS LARIAT takes her down to the mat!
Tommy drops down to make the cover!
One - Two - KICKOUT!
Tommy stands back up and keeps Kleio down with a pair of stomps to her midsection before he grabs her by the legs and turns her over into a Boston Crab.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Tommy showing Kleio that she’s not the only one who knows a submission hold or two!”
Joey Ortiz checks in on Kleio, who waves him off and reaches out for the ropes… but just as it looks like she might grab it, Tommy pulls off, keeping his grasp on her legs as he rolls her back onto her back, and CATAPULTS her into the turnbuckles instead! Kleio hits the turnbuckles hard and stumbles back out into a SPINEBUTER from Tommy!
Tommy with another pin attempt!
One - Two - Thre…SHOULDER UP!
Bedlam doesn’t let up as he gets right back to his feet and pulls Kleio up, setting her up for a Powerbomb, but as he lifts her up, Kleio drives some elbows down onto his forehead before going down the back of Tommy and attempting a sunset flip…
But Tommy holds his ground and sits down on it for his own pin!
One - Two - Kickout!
Both competitors are back up to their feet at roughly the same time as Kleio strikes first with a spinning back fist that rocks Tommy backwards. Kleio takes up her fighting stance as she continues to rock Tommy with jab after jab, working him back into the ropes, before attempting an Irish Whip…
But Tommy reverses it, sending Kleio into the ropes! Kleio comes back off the ropes and is caught by Bedlam in a Front Powerslam! Another pin!
ONE - TWO - THREEEE-KICKOUT!
De Santos struggles to get back to her feet as Bedlam is now measuring her up… BUCKSHOT attempt IS BLOCKED as Kleio catches his boot! She sweeps the other leg, sending Tommy down to his back before dropping down with a heel hook on the leg she had in her arm!
Rod Sterling: “It looked like Tommy Bedlam was ready to put this one away but now he’s the one in trouble as Kleio has him locked in tight with this heel hook!”
Joey Ortiz is on point again as he checks in with Tommy, who refuses to give up and instead uses his power to pull himself and Kleio across the ring… inch and inch… until he’s able to grab the bottom rope and force the break.
Bedlam hobbles back to his feet as Kleio strikes with a side snap kick, doubling Tommy over. She grabs him in a front facelock and looks to hit the Letters to Kleio, but Tommy manages to shove her off into the ropes instead and as Kleio comes back, this time he CONNECTS with the SPEAR!
Tommy fires up the crowd as he pulls Kleio up by her hair and sets her up for the Bullseye….
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Here we go! Tommy Bedlam can finish off De Santos right here…”
Allen Price: “Wait! It’s Celestia! She’s in the ring!”
Celestia rushes into the ring to try and save their leader, but Tommy releases Kleio and ducks the attack from Celestia… she turns around… right into the BUCKSHOT from Tommy! Celestia hits the mat and rolls out of the ring as Blair comes in as well, but she eats a BUCKSHOT as well!
But when Tommy turns back to Kleio, she hits him with another snap sidekick to double him over…
Letters to Kleio! Connects! Kleio rolls Tommy onto his back and makes the cover.
ONE - TWO - THREE!
Kleio gets back up to her feet with a slightly twisted smile on her face as she looks down at her handiwork, satisfied with her victory even if it came with an assist from the Coven.
Kurt Harrington: "Here is your winner… Kleio De Santos!!"
Rod Sterling: “I can’t say I agree with how it came about, but either way this is a huge win for Kleio and the Coven.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I know Tommy will wish he could have another shot at this one, but tonight belongs to The Coven!”
Celestia and Blair both recover to join Kleio in the ring, celebrating with their leader and lifting up her arm in victory as the fans respond with a warm round of boos for the Coven. The trio leave the ring together, all smiles, while Tommy begins to stir, sitting up to his knees and shaking his head in disgust.
We cut to the backstage where Katie Baxter is standing behind a giant screen with the animated logo of "BACK IN TOWN" looping on repeat. She has a black and gold dress on, greeting the camera with a smile. A microphone is in her hand and we know what is coming.
Katie Baxter: "Ladies and gentlemen, I’m Katie Baxter backstage at Back in Town and my guest at this time is challenging for the FWA North American Championship tonight. Here she is ’The Rave," Lizzie Rose!”
There is a sizeable pop coming from the crowd as they get their first sighting of the woman trying to become a two-time North American champion tonight; Lizzie Rose comes in looking somewhat bashful at the reaction she's getting clad in a Brooklyn Nets basketball jersey; she nods at Katie.
Lizzie Rose: "Hey, Katie! You never do these backstage interviews anymore. This is exciting!"
Katie gives a polite smile to the title challenger and gives her half a second for Lizzie to gather her bundle of energy.
Katie Baxter: "Lizzie, tonight, you face off with all over three hundred pounds of North American Champion "Big" Bryan Baxter, accounting for the massive size difference Bryan Baxter has, the roll he's been on and the influence of Bill Scorpane on the outside, it seems like by almost every aspect, you're a considerable underdog, what are your thoughts?"
Lizzie's smile fades a little bit as she takes a deep breath and leans into the mic.
Lizzie Rose: "Sooooooooo.... I'm not what you'd call a good trash talker, I know that's kinda fundamental in the world of wrestling, but I can't really get it down, I can give you ANY reason why you should believe I can beat Bryan Baxter...All I got are life experiences. When I was growing up in Brooklyn-Did, I ever mention that's where I'm from by the way?"
Katie Baxter: "Once or twice."
Katie has a small chuckle as she quips a friendly joke in response.
Lizzie Rose: "Cool, so when I was growing up in Brooklyn, there was this girl that used to torment me; I don't wanna give her name, so let's call her...Joan...Joany McJoan. Anyway, Joan was bigger than me, and scared the bejesus out of me, and for some reason, something about me rubbed her up the wrong way. She called me mean names, push me around, and once even broke my Walkman. Until one day, she was pushing me against a locker, and I don't know why, but I guess I finally snapped and pushed her back and decided to make my stand, put my back against the wall and start swinging.”
Katie Baxter: "That's brave of you"
Lizzie Rose: "Not really, I ended up in the nurse's office with a bloody nose, but as I sat there, I looked at my bruised-up face in the mirror and smiled...You know why? Because I took her worst, this big bad scary person could give...and I was still here...That's what keeps me going. I get beat up every week, and I'm still here. I've taken the worst that Bryan Baxter can give, and I'm still here...people think there's a good chance Bryan Baxter will end my career tonight... and I'm. Still. Here."
Lizzie looks up momentarily, a fire burning in her eyes as she turns and faces the camera.
Lizzie Rose: "I can't promise you; I'm going to walk out of here tonight with the North American Championship...all I know is, no matter what Bryan Baxter throws at me, no matter how badly he beats me up, no matter how many times he slams me down, I'm still going to be there. Because there's strength in numbers and I know I'm not the only one. I think it should go without saying that the last few years have been rough in general. All over, and a lot of people are watching now that have had to go through some horrible stuff, life beats them down, and they get up the next day to deal with it. They're still here. We're still here, and as long as they're in my corner....That's all I… need."
The voice of Lizzie Rose stretches as she notices someone walking in from the side. She blinks, a little weirded out as we see… Princess Nova.
Signature tiara on her head, Princess Nova is ready for her up-coming match wearing a black attire with purple and golden trims. Her top extends over to her shoulders where it almost looks like some puffy shoulders of a dress. Attached to her shorts is a very fluffy clip on purple skirt that goes down to her knees and wraps behind her legs. She has a big grin on her face with her pink lipstick. Lizzie grits her teeth a little.
Lizzie Rose: “Umm…. Hi?”
Princess Nova has a friendly giggle. She folds her hands together, showing her black satin gloves.
Princess Nova: “My apologies, Elizabeth for interrupting your time. I know how important time is, which is why I couldn’t POSSIBLY wait any more to introduce myself. As you may know…”
She does a curtsy, holding her fluffy skirt.
Princess Nova: “My name… is Princess Nova. I believe we did not have the proper time to make an acquaintance from a battle royal on Meltdown several weeks ago.”
Getting up, she keeps her cheerful disposition.
Princess Nova: “And I thought it would be nice to get to know a potential new friend. Elizabeth Rose! A former FWA North American Champion!”
A touch freaked out by her visitor, Lizzie sheepishly responds.
Lizzie Rose: “Oh...Um. Cool, yeah you're the chick that shows up and talks about reality and stuff right? That's...y'know ominous and stuff, but still nice to meet you...and just call me Lizzie...Elizabeth is way too fancy...or just...Liz..or even The Rave...I'm known as that but no one ever calls me that, always found that weird. Anyway. Yes. Hi"
Princess Nova… glares a moment, catching Lizzie a touch off guard. But she goes back to her big bubbly smile.
Princess Nova: “Right, Elizabeth.”
Lizzie Rose looks uncomfortable, somewhat rushing through her words.”
Lizzie Rose: "Um, sure. if you like...I like your fancy hat by the way, it's very...shiny…”
Princess Nova blushes at the compliment.
Lizzie Rose: “Anyway, I should be getting ready for my title match soooooooo”
Princess Nova: “Thank you! I REALLY love my tiara. And of course you know me. I have some roots planted in FWA far before my debut. Just ask my best-est friend, Reagan Cole.”
She winks.
Princess Nova: “But I’m here because my sister has taken great interest in you too and would LOVE to introduce herself to you too!”
The screen behind Lizzie begins to glitch out before shutting to black. Katie Baxter, who has been watching this, decides that now would be a good time to excuse herself and she casually NOPES out of there.
Princess Nova: “Keres!”
Keres, clad in a striped black and grey jacket with matching skirt, pigtails that hang down to her midsection, and a perfectly made black tie, walks into frame with her black boots creating an echo against the floor with each step. Her hands are loosely balled at her sides and her face a stone cold gaze as she stares into the soul of Lizzie Rose. Princess Nova simply grins, folding her hands.
Keres: “Hello, Elizabeth. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I must say, upon researching the landscape of FWA, you piqued my interest. Oh, silly me, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Keres. You may think of me as… a fan.”
Keres holds out her hand in a rigid fashion, steel beam-like. She looks down towards Lizzie’s hand, almost as if she’s commanding her to engage in a handshake. The lights dim slightly and the audio lightly hums as she stares.
The former FWA North American Champion, likely not used to someone quite like Keres, doesn’t shake her hand or even say anything initially. Lizzie Rose reels back slightly, having a nervous look on her face. Realising that Keres isn’t moving, she nervously stutters in response.
Lizzie Rose: “UMMMMM....thanks...yeah. I like your....black, uhh everything. H-have you heard of the hot new tread called blinking? You might want to look into that."
VERY carefully, Lizzie gently grabs Keres’ hand for a handshake, but the Daughter of Demise clutches her hand extra tight, much harder than anyone would think for a person her size.
Keres: “Interesting. Be not afraid, Elizabeth. We shall all get to know one another very well.”
Keres lets go of Lizzie’s hand and returns to her normal posture. The lights and audio return to normal, seeing as Keres got what she wanted. Despite herself Lizzie noticeably winches at the surprising vice grip of Keres and her breath seems to catch for a moment, as she stares right into Keres, cold unblinking eyes, like great all consuming blackholes, drawing her irresistibly into their orbit.... and then the hand shake was broken and Lizzie could breath again, blinking rapidly like she just came out of some kind of trance, her head twisting between Nova and Keres quickly Even though she seemed careful not to make eye contact with Keres as she tries to collect herself.
Lizzie Rose: "WELL this has been just...super. Really a fun time. but I think I better keep chugging on. Lizzie Rose woman of action, you know how it is.....So ...you know...I gotta leave...very fast but you guys are".....yep!"
Lizzie Rose hurriedly turns to leave but is cut off by the icy voice of Keres.
Keres: “Although we will meet again, it would be particularly rude to not seal this new… relationship with a symbolic representation of our acquaintance.”
Keres holds up her right hand in front of her face and snaps her fingers one time. Like a switch, Princess Nova puts her hands behind her back and pulls out from behind it, a bouquet of flowers, seemingly out of nowhere. She bows and presents it to Lizzie Rose who takes a second to look at it. The flowers appear to be a colourful mix of red roses, vibrant tulips and a single large sunflower. All wrapped with a violet ribbon. Lizzie looks puzzled at the gift as Nova giggles.
Princess Nova: “And now I have a ladder match to partake in. So enjoy, Elizabeth! We will see you very soon!”
Princess Nova skips off past Lizzie, whose bewildered eyes follow her. She turns back to look at Keres… but she is gone. The bouquet of flowers, somehow, are now firmly in the hands of a confused Lizzie Rose. She blinks, getting a prolonged look at it as we leave the scene.
Back at ringside, and the ringside area inside the Ball Arena has been adorned with around a dozen ladders. Some line the entrance way whilst more are erected around the ring. In the ring, Kurt Harrington is ready with his microphone once again.
Kurt Harrington: “The following contest is a Four Way Ladder Match! The first person to retrieve the briefcase suspended above the ring will be determined the winner and will also be the recipient of TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS!”
The camera focuses on the black briefcase hanging above the ring for a moment whilst the crowd cheers for the match announcement.
Those who were paying attention to Fight Night: The Final Four show so by making a decent reaction for the first of the four entrants to this match. Logan Darwin slowly walks out from the back to a respectable amount of cheers from those in attendance and he wears a grin on his face as prepares for his return match to the FWA.
Kurt Harrington: “Introducing first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania an and weighing in at two-hundred and thirty pounds… he is LOGAN ‘THE REAPER’ DARRRRRRWWWWINNNNNN!!!”
As Darwin takes his first couple of steps from the stage towards the ladders which are guiding his path, ‘The Sinking Night’ fades out and makes way for another song.
Rod Sterling: “Logan Darwin of course made his return to the FWA at Fight Night: The Final Four at the conclusion of our European tour. He seems to be carrying himself much differently than the previous times we’ve seen him here in the FWA.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, I think he has come to a realisation that the clock might be starting to run down on what is left of his career, Rod! It is great to see him back and maybe we should just savour him for as long as we can.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Jean-Luc does make a good point there, I think. This match might be a strong indicator for how Logan Darwin will handle being one of the older hands on this roster. He is older than the combined ages of the two opponents we do know he will be going up against tonight!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “You said that like I do not consistently make good points, Kurosawa.”
Darwin slaps his hand against one of the eye-level rungs of a ladder on the outside of the ring, before he walks up the steps and
The lights dim as the intro to ‘Imaginary’ plays. After roughly fifteen seconds, Princess Nova makes her way out, holding up her long skirt. She slowly curtsies before she blows a kiss to the fans and heads down the ramp. The lights shining on her are various hues of pink and purple, with flashes of white splashed in. She waves to the fans and runs her hand along the ladders as she passes them.
Kurt Harrington: “Next, representing Eternal… originally from Vancouver, British Columbia and now residing in the Residence, she is ‘The TORN Angel’.... PRINCESS NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVAAAAAAAAA!!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, this is something that we have been anticipating for some time now, it is Princess Nova’s first official match as part of the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance roster after her only other appearance coming in the FWA World Championship Battle Royal back on Meltdown a couple of months back.”
Allen Price: “We’ve seen on recent shows that Princess Nova has been aligning herself with Keres and they could be making some waves in the tag division really soon if rumours are to be believed…”
Anzu Kurosawa: “There’s no sign of Keres tonight, although that may change, but for now how can a princess resist a prize as good as this one? A new tiara could be on the cards, perhaps?”
Princess Nova slides onto the ring apron and tilts her head to the side, showing off a grin. She then rolls under the bottom rope and rises to her feet. She places her leg up on the top rope from in the ring and runs her finger up her leg whilst looking at a bemused Logan Darwin. Nova then removes her tiara, before offering a final curtsy in the middle of the ring before she removes the frilly skirt from around her legs. She retreats to an unoccupied corner and sits upon the top rope, waving to the crowd as her music fades out.
The crowd are initially unsure how to react to the unknown music, but there is a polite reception for the newest newcomer in the match, Madison Gray. Gray keeps her head and gaze focused in front of her and strides powerfully towards the ring, not interacting with any of the ladders at all.
Kurt Harrington: “Next, from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, England… making her FWA debut… she is ‘The Young Lioness’ MADISON GRAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY!!!”
Rod Sterling: “At just nineteen years of age - it was her birthday earlier this week - Madison Gray taker her place as one of the younger contingent of the FWA roster along with the likes of Lizzie Rose and Joe Burr - we’ve seen how successful they have been at such a young age. I’m sure ‘The Young Lioness’ will be looking to make a similar impression and start her FWA career off with a win on Pay-Per-View tonight.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Unlike those two you have mentioned, Madison Gray is going to start off with a solid competitive base behind her. She is an accomplished mixed martial artist and I have a feeling just from looking at her that she’s got a bit of fight in her, Rod. As a young lioness though… she still has to prove herself.”
Allen Price: “I’m not sure that she would have encountered any ladders in her previous life! It is going to be interesting to see how her style meshes with the others in the match.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Decent observation, Price.”
‘The Young Lioness’ pauses at the base of the steel steps and nods her head down for a bow before she walks up the steps and gets into the ring through the ropes after wiping her soles on the ring apron. She breaks her focus momentarily to stare up at the prize hanging above the ring and a small smile creeps on her face before she regains her composure and backs into one of the two unmanned corners.
As Gray’s theme song fades out, attention turns to the stage as everyone is eager to learn the identity of the fourth person in this match.
Allen Price: “WHO IS THE FOURTH MAN?!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Not this again… All we know is that whoever it is, we’ve seen them before…”
There is a momentary pause before the crowd erupts into a strong reception, mainly slanted towards cheers as SAWYER XAVIER WALKS OUT ONTO THE STAGE! Making his first appearance in the FWA since before Lights Out, there is an air of determination on the face of the man who won the Jailhouse Blues match for Meltdown back at the Seventeenth Anniversary Show last year. He seems to not be wanting to waste any time getting into the ring, breaking into a jog at the top of the ramp.
Kurt Harrington: “Finally… from Savannah, Georgia and weighing in at one-hundred and seventy-six pounds… MAKING HIS RETURN TO THE FWA… SAWYERRRR XAAAVVVVIEEERRRRRR!!!”
Rod Sterling: “Oh yeah! Sawyer Xavier is back in the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance! Unseen here since October; we were under the impression that his time here was done with when we hadn’t heard from him but Jon Russnow has located the man that represented this company successfully at the Anniversary Show and he’s brought him back for this match.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “A ladder match, too, Rod! If there is anyone here that can excel in a match like that, it is going to be Sawyer Xavier. It is great to have him back!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I am inclined to agree, and his arrival has definitely put the other three here on notice! What’s more, imagine what that kind of money could do for Sawyer Xavier?”
Allen Price: “He can make some serious upgrades to that minivan of his, that much I know!”
Sawyer hops up onto the apron and then runs along it, positioning himself on the middle rope in the corner where he looks out to the packed crowd and nods his head, very happy to be back in the company he initially joined almost two and a half years ago. The other three competitors all size Sawyer up; Darwin nods his head in the knowledge that a dangerous competitor has arrived on the scene, Gray narrows her eyes as she observes Xavier hop into the ring and Princess Nova offers him a sultry grin and a small wave as she herself drops from her perch.
The music fades out and all four competitors take a final look up at the briefcase hanging above them, before the bell rings.
“What the fuck?!” Tommy is surprised as he quickly clutches his hand only to have Kleio strike him in the midsection with a quick side kick to double him over and she then surprises Tommy with a dropping body drop to take him to the mat, holding onto his arm into a standing armbar. Tommy gets back up to his feet only to have Kleio, still holding onto that arm, take him back down with a hip toss. She then continues to lock that arm as she delivers a series of knees to Tommy’s shoulder.
Rod Sterling: “It’s quite the contrast of styles in this one and we’re seeing early on here that the brawler Tommy Bedlam may not want to try to make this a grappling contest with the skilled Brazilian Jiu Jitsu specialist.”
Bedlam battles through the hold and the strikes, getting back up to a vertical base once again and reaches up to grab a handful of Kleio’s hair with his free hand. Pulling the hair is enough to get some separation from the Coven member as she releases his arm and Tommy drives his knee up into her midsection.
Tommy keeps on Kleio as he sends her into the corner and follows her in with a running clothesline. He then works over the smaller wrestler with some punch and jab combinations, working her down into a seated position in the corner.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Now this is where Tommy can excel. He’s fired up and so is the crowd!”
Having gotten the upperhand in the corner, Tommy backs out and tosses his hands up to the crowd who give Bedlam their support while Kleio pulls herself up in the corner… and Tommy charges in for a spear…
But Kleio moves out of the way! Tommy goes sailing through the middle turnbuckles and his shoulder collides with the ring post! Bedlam pulls himself out, clutching that arm as Kleio strikes with some front jabs to rock Bedlam back before she takes him down to the mat with a roundhouse kick to the shoulder!
With the momentum back in favor of the Brazilian Witch, Tommy is able to roll out of the ring to try and regroup.
Rod Sterling: “With the Coven all seemingly on the same page now, Kleio is looking as confident in the ring as she’s been in some time. Bedlam has to rethink the game plan here.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m not sure being outside the ring is much safer… those Ravenwood sisters are lurking!”
Sure enough, as Tommy is shaking off the cobwebs, he finds himself being ambushed by Blair and Celestia! Inside the ring, Kleio is distracting referee Joey Ortiz while Blair grabs Tommy in a full nelson, holding Bedlam for Celestia… who charges in at Bedlam…
But Bedlam gets his boot up on Celestia! He then just powers free from Blair and clotheslines her down to the floor! Celestria rushes in again but Bedlam meets her with another kick to the midsection and tosses Celestia into the ring steps!
Allen Price: “That didn’t go according to plan for the Coven!”
Rod Sterling: “Tommy Bedlam just laid waist to both Ravenwood sisters! And now he sets his sights back on Kleio in the ring!”
Tommy slides back into the ring and charges at Kleio - Lou Thesz Press to a big pop from the crowd as Bedlam rains down a barrage of right and left hands while sitting over the chest of the witch. Bedlam pops back up to his feet, all fired up as Kleio staggers up - DISCUS LARIAT takes her down to the mat!
Tommy drops down to make the cover!
One - Two - KICKOUT!
Tommy stands back up and keeps Kleio down with a pair of stomps to her midsection before he grabs her by the legs and turns her over into a Boston Crab.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Tommy showing Kleio that she’s not the only one who knows a submission hold or two!”
Joey Ortiz checks in on Kleio, who waves him off and reaches out for the ropes… but just as it looks like she might grab it, Tommy pulls off, keeping his grasp on her legs as he rolls her back onto her back, and CATAPULTS her into the turnbuckles instead! Kleio hits the turnbuckles hard and stumbles back out into a SPINEBUTER from Tommy!
Tommy with another pin attempt!
One - Two - Thre…SHOULDER UP!
Bedlam doesn’t let up as he gets right back to his feet and pulls Kleio up, setting her up for a Powerbomb, but as he lifts her up, Kleio drives some elbows down onto his forehead before going down the back of Tommy and attempting a sunset flip…
But Tommy holds his ground and sits down on it for his own pin!
One - Two - Kickout!
Both competitors are back up to their feet at roughly the same time as Kleio strikes first with a spinning back fist that rocks Tommy backwards. Kleio takes up her fighting stance as she continues to rock Tommy with jab after jab, working him back into the ropes, before attempting an Irish Whip…
But Tommy reverses it, sending Kleio into the ropes! Kleio comes back off the ropes and is caught by Bedlam in a Front Powerslam! Another pin!
ONE - TWO - THREEEE-KICKOUT!
De Santos struggles to get back to her feet as Bedlam is now measuring her up… BUCKSHOT attempt IS BLOCKED as Kleio catches his boot! She sweeps the other leg, sending Tommy down to his back before dropping down with a heel hook on the leg she had in her arm!
Rod Sterling: “It looked like Tommy Bedlam was ready to put this one away but now he’s the one in trouble as Kleio has him locked in tight with this heel hook!”
Joey Ortiz is on point again as he checks in with Tommy, who refuses to give up and instead uses his power to pull himself and Kleio across the ring… inch and inch… until he’s able to grab the bottom rope and force the break.
Bedlam hobbles back to his feet as Kleio strikes with a side snap kick, doubling Tommy over. She grabs him in a front facelock and looks to hit the Letters to Kleio, but Tommy manages to shove her off into the ropes instead and as Kleio comes back, this time he CONNECTS with the SPEAR!
Tommy fires up the crowd as he pulls Kleio up by her hair and sets her up for the Bullseye….
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Here we go! Tommy Bedlam can finish off De Santos right here…”
Allen Price: “Wait! It’s Celestia! She’s in the ring!”
Celestia rushes into the ring to try and save their leader, but Tommy releases Kleio and ducks the attack from Celestia… she turns around… right into the BUCKSHOT from Tommy! Celestia hits the mat and rolls out of the ring as Blair comes in as well, but she eats a BUCKSHOT as well!
But when Tommy turns back to Kleio, she hits him with another snap sidekick to double him over…
Letters to Kleio! Connects! Kleio rolls Tommy onto his back and makes the cover.
ONE - TWO - THREE!
Winner: Kleio De Santos via pinfall at 7:54.
Kleio gets back up to her feet with a slightly twisted smile on her face as she looks down at her handiwork, satisfied with her victory even if it came with an assist from the Coven.
Kurt Harrington: "Here is your winner… Kleio De Santos!!"
Rod Sterling: “I can’t say I agree with how it came about, but either way this is a huge win for Kleio and the Coven.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I know Tommy will wish he could have another shot at this one, but tonight belongs to The Coven!”
Celestia and Blair both recover to join Kleio in the ring, celebrating with their leader and lifting up her arm in victory as the fans respond with a warm round of boos for the Coven. The trio leave the ring together, all smiles, while Tommy begins to stir, sitting up to his knees and shaking his head in disgust.
We cut to the backstage where Katie Baxter is standing behind a giant screen with the animated logo of "BACK IN TOWN" looping on repeat. She has a black and gold dress on, greeting the camera with a smile. A microphone is in her hand and we know what is coming.
Katie Baxter: "Ladies and gentlemen, I’m Katie Baxter backstage at Back in Town and my guest at this time is challenging for the FWA North American Championship tonight. Here she is ’The Rave," Lizzie Rose!”
There is a sizeable pop coming from the crowd as they get their first sighting of the woman trying to become a two-time North American champion tonight; Lizzie Rose comes in looking somewhat bashful at the reaction she's getting clad in a Brooklyn Nets basketball jersey; she nods at Katie.
Lizzie Rose: "Hey, Katie! You never do these backstage interviews anymore. This is exciting!"
Katie gives a polite smile to the title challenger and gives her half a second for Lizzie to gather her bundle of energy.
Katie Baxter: "Lizzie, tonight, you face off with all over three hundred pounds of North American Champion "Big" Bryan Baxter, accounting for the massive size difference Bryan Baxter has, the roll he's been on and the influence of Bill Scorpane on the outside, it seems like by almost every aspect, you're a considerable underdog, what are your thoughts?"
Lizzie's smile fades a little bit as she takes a deep breath and leans into the mic.
Lizzie Rose: "Sooooooooo.... I'm not what you'd call a good trash talker, I know that's kinda fundamental in the world of wrestling, but I can't really get it down, I can give you ANY reason why you should believe I can beat Bryan Baxter...All I got are life experiences. When I was growing up in Brooklyn-Did, I ever mention that's where I'm from by the way?"
Katie Baxter: "Once or twice."
Katie has a small chuckle as she quips a friendly joke in response.
Lizzie Rose: "Cool, so when I was growing up in Brooklyn, there was this girl that used to torment me; I don't wanna give her name, so let's call her...Joan...Joany McJoan. Anyway, Joan was bigger than me, and scared the bejesus out of me, and for some reason, something about me rubbed her up the wrong way. She called me mean names, push me around, and once even broke my Walkman. Until one day, she was pushing me against a locker, and I don't know why, but I guess I finally snapped and pushed her back and decided to make my stand, put my back against the wall and start swinging.”
Katie Baxter: "That's brave of you"
Lizzie Rose: "Not really, I ended up in the nurse's office with a bloody nose, but as I sat there, I looked at my bruised-up face in the mirror and smiled...You know why? Because I took her worst, this big bad scary person could give...and I was still here...That's what keeps me going. I get beat up every week, and I'm still here. I've taken the worst that Bryan Baxter can give, and I'm still here...people think there's a good chance Bryan Baxter will end my career tonight... and I'm. Still. Here."
Lizzie looks up momentarily, a fire burning in her eyes as she turns and faces the camera.
Lizzie Rose: "I can't promise you; I'm going to walk out of here tonight with the North American Championship...all I know is, no matter what Bryan Baxter throws at me, no matter how badly he beats me up, no matter how many times he slams me down, I'm still going to be there. Because there's strength in numbers and I know I'm not the only one. I think it should go without saying that the last few years have been rough in general. All over, and a lot of people are watching now that have had to go through some horrible stuff, life beats them down, and they get up the next day to deal with it. They're still here. We're still here, and as long as they're in my corner....That's all I… need."
The voice of Lizzie Rose stretches as she notices someone walking in from the side. She blinks, a little weirded out as we see… Princess Nova.
Signature tiara on her head, Princess Nova is ready for her up-coming match wearing a black attire with purple and golden trims. Her top extends over to her shoulders where it almost looks like some puffy shoulders of a dress. Attached to her shorts is a very fluffy clip on purple skirt that goes down to her knees and wraps behind her legs. She has a big grin on her face with her pink lipstick. Lizzie grits her teeth a little.
Lizzie Rose: “Umm…. Hi?”
Princess Nova has a friendly giggle. She folds her hands together, showing her black satin gloves.
Princess Nova: “My apologies, Elizabeth for interrupting your time. I know how important time is, which is why I couldn’t POSSIBLY wait any more to introduce myself. As you may know…”
She does a curtsy, holding her fluffy skirt.
Princess Nova: “My name… is Princess Nova. I believe we did not have the proper time to make an acquaintance from a battle royal on Meltdown several weeks ago.”
Getting up, she keeps her cheerful disposition.
Princess Nova: “And I thought it would be nice to get to know a potential new friend. Elizabeth Rose! A former FWA North American Champion!”
A touch freaked out by her visitor, Lizzie sheepishly responds.
Lizzie Rose: “Oh...Um. Cool, yeah you're the chick that shows up and talks about reality and stuff right? That's...y'know ominous and stuff, but still nice to meet you...and just call me Lizzie...Elizabeth is way too fancy...or just...Liz..or even The Rave...I'm known as that but no one ever calls me that, always found that weird. Anyway. Yes. Hi"
Princess Nova… glares a moment, catching Lizzie a touch off guard. But she goes back to her big bubbly smile.
Princess Nova: “Right, Elizabeth.”
Lizzie Rose looks uncomfortable, somewhat rushing through her words.”
Lizzie Rose: "Um, sure. if you like...I like your fancy hat by the way, it's very...shiny…”
Princess Nova blushes at the compliment.
Lizzie Rose: “Anyway, I should be getting ready for my title match soooooooo”
Princess Nova: “Thank you! I REALLY love my tiara. And of course you know me. I have some roots planted in FWA far before my debut. Just ask my best-est friend, Reagan Cole.”
She winks.
Princess Nova: “But I’m here because my sister has taken great interest in you too and would LOVE to introduce herself to you too!”
The screen behind Lizzie begins to glitch out before shutting to black. Katie Baxter, who has been watching this, decides that now would be a good time to excuse herself and she casually NOPES out of there.
Princess Nova: “Keres!”
Keres, clad in a striped black and grey jacket with matching skirt, pigtails that hang down to her midsection, and a perfectly made black tie, walks into frame with her black boots creating an echo against the floor with each step. Her hands are loosely balled at her sides and her face a stone cold gaze as she stares into the soul of Lizzie Rose. Princess Nova simply grins, folding her hands.
Keres: “Hello, Elizabeth. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I must say, upon researching the landscape of FWA, you piqued my interest. Oh, silly me, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Keres. You may think of me as… a fan.”
Keres holds out her hand in a rigid fashion, steel beam-like. She looks down towards Lizzie’s hand, almost as if she’s commanding her to engage in a handshake. The lights dim slightly and the audio lightly hums as she stares.
The former FWA North American Champion, likely not used to someone quite like Keres, doesn’t shake her hand or even say anything initially. Lizzie Rose reels back slightly, having a nervous look on her face. Realising that Keres isn’t moving, she nervously stutters in response.
Lizzie Rose: “UMMMMM....thanks...yeah. I like your....black, uhh everything. H-have you heard of the hot new tread called blinking? You might want to look into that."
VERY carefully, Lizzie gently grabs Keres’ hand for a handshake, but the Daughter of Demise clutches her hand extra tight, much harder than anyone would think for a person her size.
Keres: “Interesting. Be not afraid, Elizabeth. We shall all get to know one another very well.”
Keres lets go of Lizzie’s hand and returns to her normal posture. The lights and audio return to normal, seeing as Keres got what she wanted. Despite herself Lizzie noticeably winches at the surprising vice grip of Keres and her breath seems to catch for a moment, as she stares right into Keres, cold unblinking eyes, like great all consuming blackholes, drawing her irresistibly into their orbit.... and then the hand shake was broken and Lizzie could breath again, blinking rapidly like she just came out of some kind of trance, her head twisting between Nova and Keres quickly Even though she seemed careful not to make eye contact with Keres as she tries to collect herself.
Lizzie Rose: "WELL this has been just...super. Really a fun time. but I think I better keep chugging on. Lizzie Rose woman of action, you know how it is.....So ...you know...I gotta leave...very fast but you guys are".....yep!"
Lizzie Rose hurriedly turns to leave but is cut off by the icy voice of Keres.
Keres: “Although we will meet again, it would be particularly rude to not seal this new… relationship with a symbolic representation of our acquaintance.”
Keres holds up her right hand in front of her face and snaps her fingers one time. Like a switch, Princess Nova puts her hands behind her back and pulls out from behind it, a bouquet of flowers, seemingly out of nowhere. She bows and presents it to Lizzie Rose who takes a second to look at it. The flowers appear to be a colourful mix of red roses, vibrant tulips and a single large sunflower. All wrapped with a violet ribbon. Lizzie looks puzzled at the gift as Nova giggles.
Princess Nova: “And now I have a ladder match to partake in. So enjoy, Elizabeth! We will see you very soon!”
Princess Nova skips off past Lizzie, whose bewildered eyes follow her. She turns back to look at Keres… but she is gone. The bouquet of flowers, somehow, are now firmly in the hands of a confused Lizzie Rose. She blinks, getting a prolonged look at it as we leave the scene.
Back at ringside, and the ringside area inside the Ball Arena has been adorned with around a dozen ladders. Some line the entrance way whilst more are erected around the ring. In the ring, Kurt Harrington is ready with his microphone once again.
Kurt Harrington: “The following contest is a Four Way Ladder Match! The first person to retrieve the briefcase suspended above the ring will be determined the winner and will also be the recipient of TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS!”
The camera focuses on the black briefcase hanging above the ring for a moment whilst the crowd cheers for the match announcement.
Those who were paying attention to Fight Night: The Final Four show so by making a decent reaction for the first of the four entrants to this match. Logan Darwin slowly walks out from the back to a respectable amount of cheers from those in attendance and he wears a grin on his face as prepares for his return match to the FWA.
Kurt Harrington: “Introducing first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania an and weighing in at two-hundred and thirty pounds… he is LOGAN ‘THE REAPER’ DARRRRRRWWWWINNNNNN!!!”
As Darwin takes his first couple of steps from the stage towards the ladders which are guiding his path, ‘The Sinking Night’ fades out and makes way for another song.
Rod Sterling: “Logan Darwin of course made his return to the FWA at Fight Night: The Final Four at the conclusion of our European tour. He seems to be carrying himself much differently than the previous times we’ve seen him here in the FWA.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, I think he has come to a realisation that the clock might be starting to run down on what is left of his career, Rod! It is great to see him back and maybe we should just savour him for as long as we can.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Jean-Luc does make a good point there, I think. This match might be a strong indicator for how Logan Darwin will handle being one of the older hands on this roster. He is older than the combined ages of the two opponents we do know he will be going up against tonight!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “You said that like I do not consistently make good points, Kurosawa.”
Darwin slaps his hand against one of the eye-level rungs of a ladder on the outside of the ring, before he walks up the steps and
The lights dim as the intro to ‘Imaginary’ plays. After roughly fifteen seconds, Princess Nova makes her way out, holding up her long skirt. She slowly curtsies before she blows a kiss to the fans and heads down the ramp. The lights shining on her are various hues of pink and purple, with flashes of white splashed in. She waves to the fans and runs her hand along the ladders as she passes them.
Kurt Harrington: “Next, representing Eternal… originally from Vancouver, British Columbia and now residing in the Residence, she is ‘The TORN Angel’.... PRINCESS NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVAAAAAAAAA!!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, this is something that we have been anticipating for some time now, it is Princess Nova’s first official match as part of the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance roster after her only other appearance coming in the FWA World Championship Battle Royal back on Meltdown a couple of months back.”
Allen Price: “We’ve seen on recent shows that Princess Nova has been aligning herself with Keres and they could be making some waves in the tag division really soon if rumours are to be believed…”
Anzu Kurosawa: “There’s no sign of Keres tonight, although that may change, but for now how can a princess resist a prize as good as this one? A new tiara could be on the cards, perhaps?”
Princess Nova slides onto the ring apron and tilts her head to the side, showing off a grin. She then rolls under the bottom rope and rises to her feet. She places her leg up on the top rope from in the ring and runs her finger up her leg whilst looking at a bemused Logan Darwin. Nova then removes her tiara, before offering a final curtsy in the middle of the ring before she removes the frilly skirt from around her legs. She retreats to an unoccupied corner and sits upon the top rope, waving to the crowd as her music fades out.
The crowd are initially unsure how to react to the unknown music, but there is a polite reception for the newest newcomer in the match, Madison Gray. Gray keeps her head and gaze focused in front of her and strides powerfully towards the ring, not interacting with any of the ladders at all.
Kurt Harrington: “Next, from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, England… making her FWA debut… she is ‘The Young Lioness’ MADISON GRAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY!!!”
Rod Sterling: “At just nineteen years of age - it was her birthday earlier this week - Madison Gray taker her place as one of the younger contingent of the FWA roster along with the likes of Lizzie Rose and Joe Burr - we’ve seen how successful they have been at such a young age. I’m sure ‘The Young Lioness’ will be looking to make a similar impression and start her FWA career off with a win on Pay-Per-View tonight.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Unlike those two you have mentioned, Madison Gray is going to start off with a solid competitive base behind her. She is an accomplished mixed martial artist and I have a feeling just from looking at her that she’s got a bit of fight in her, Rod. As a young lioness though… she still has to prove herself.”
Allen Price: “I’m not sure that she would have encountered any ladders in her previous life! It is going to be interesting to see how her style meshes with the others in the match.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Decent observation, Price.”
‘The Young Lioness’ pauses at the base of the steel steps and nods her head down for a bow before she walks up the steps and gets into the ring through the ropes after wiping her soles on the ring apron. She breaks her focus momentarily to stare up at the prize hanging above the ring and a small smile creeps on her face before she regains her composure and backs into one of the two unmanned corners.
As Gray’s theme song fades out, attention turns to the stage as everyone is eager to learn the identity of the fourth person in this match.
Allen Price: “WHO IS THE FOURTH MAN?!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Not this again… All we know is that whoever it is, we’ve seen them before…”
There is a momentary pause before the crowd erupts into a strong reception, mainly slanted towards cheers as SAWYER XAVIER WALKS OUT ONTO THE STAGE! Making his first appearance in the FWA since before Lights Out, there is an air of determination on the face of the man who won the Jailhouse Blues match for Meltdown back at the Seventeenth Anniversary Show last year. He seems to not be wanting to waste any time getting into the ring, breaking into a jog at the top of the ramp.
Kurt Harrington: “Finally… from Savannah, Georgia and weighing in at one-hundred and seventy-six pounds… MAKING HIS RETURN TO THE FWA… SAWYERRRR XAAAVVVVIEEERRRRRR!!!”
Rod Sterling: “Oh yeah! Sawyer Xavier is back in the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance! Unseen here since October; we were under the impression that his time here was done with when we hadn’t heard from him but Jon Russnow has located the man that represented this company successfully at the Anniversary Show and he’s brought him back for this match.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “A ladder match, too, Rod! If there is anyone here that can excel in a match like that, it is going to be Sawyer Xavier. It is great to have him back!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I am inclined to agree, and his arrival has definitely put the other three here on notice! What’s more, imagine what that kind of money could do for Sawyer Xavier?”
Allen Price: “He can make some serious upgrades to that minivan of his, that much I know!”
Sawyer hops up onto the apron and then runs along it, positioning himself on the middle rope in the corner where he looks out to the packed crowd and nods his head, very happy to be back in the company he initially joined almost two and a half years ago. The other three competitors all size Sawyer up; Darwin nods his head in the knowledge that a dangerous competitor has arrived on the scene, Gray narrows her eyes as she observes Xavier hop into the ring and Princess Nova offers him a sultry grin and a small wave as she herself drops from her perch.
The music fades out and all four competitors take a final look up at the briefcase hanging above them, before the bell rings.
There is no instant action in the ring as the sizing-up process is still underway evidently… until all four competitors have the same idea and immediately exit the ring in pursuit of a ladder! This draws a cheer from the crowd and each waste no time in flattening a ladder out each and attempting to bring it into the ring. Gray and Nova slide theirs into the ring and follow them in, as does Sawyer, but Darwin seems to be having a bit of trouble and he is made to pay immediately when Sawyer sprints across the ring and connects with a Baseball Slide to the ladder, which knocks Darwin down on the outside immediately!
Both Nova and Gray go to pick up the ladder which Gray brought into the ring and a small tug of war takes place between them before they see Sawyer Xavier back to his feet in front of them. They seem to have the same thought and run the ladder towards Xavier, who slides on one knee underneath the ladder to avoid contact with it. They swing it the other way almost immediately and this time Xavier leaps impressively high to avoid it, and he lands on his feet next to the ropes, but Logan Darwin is back up already and he hangs Xavier up on the top rope.
‘The Reaper’ enters the ring once again and he clubs Xavier on the back and sends him forward towards the women with the ladder… and they ram the ladder into his face!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Welcome back, Sawyer Xavier! They’re really not hanging around here, and why would they? There’s ten thousand dollars at stake!”
Logan Darwin realises that he is next, and he knows that he lacks the agility possessed by Xavier which enabled him to avoid the ladder strikes, so he picks up the flailing body of Xavier and dumps him on top of the ladder held by Gray and Nova! This causes them to drop it and Sawyer to receive another unwelcome returning gift back to the FWA, and Darwin catches the advancing Princess Nova with a back elbow to keep her at bay and Nova stands in the corner, holding her jaw. Darwin then turns his attention to Madison Gray, grabbing her by the wrist. This doesn’t work well for him though as she pops her hips and takes him over, and he lands on the ladder next to Xavier!
Turning her attention to the other woman in the match, Gray approaches Nova as she rests in the corner, but Nova charges forward and comes out of the corner with a Front Dropkick! This causes Gray to fall backwards and she lands back-first on top of Darwin and Xavier, parallel to the ladder underneath them but perpendicular to both men. This means that Princess Nova is the only one standing in the ring. She takes a look up at the briefcase, but neglects it for now, instead choosing to pick up a ladder and she slams it down on top of Gray, sandwiching all three of her opponents between the two ladders!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “That’s one way to keep your opponents at bay, and Princess Nova is acting like anything but right now.”
Allen Price: “Well, incapacitating your opponents is a critical part of winning a ladder match, is it not? This seems like a pretty good strategy!”
Nova then picks up the third ladder which is in the ring and then slams THAT ladder on top of the pile up which is already in place, making things even worse for those involved. The joviality slips from her face though as she slams the ladder down on top of her opponents several more times! She then tosses the ladder in her hands across the ring and positions herself on top of the ladder resting on top of Madison Gray, and lays across it, waving to the fans watching her with a grin on her face.
With the posing out of the way, Princess Nova seems extremely pleased with herself as she slides off of the mass underneath her and turns her attention back to the third ladder in the ring which she previously utilised as a weapon. Across the ring, Logan Darwin pushes Madison Gray and the other ladder away from him and he watches as Nova opens the ladder up and positions it in the middle of the ring, under the briefcase. After taking a deep breath, Princess Nova begins to scale the ladder, the first in the match to do so in pursuit of the prize suspended above them all.
Darwin places his hand on the bottom rung of the ladder being climbed by Princess Nova and seems to be wanting to pursue her up it. He pulls himself away from the other two and the wreckage behind him, and starts climbing up after her. What Logan does not expect to happen though is Sawyer Xavier to jump up onto his back and then climb over him! The burst of energy from Xavier gets a good cheer from the crowd and Xavier reaches the top of the ladder just as Nova does, and they both tussle between themselves as they both reach up for the briefcase.
Rod Sterling: “Not seeing him for a while, you really forget just how quick and agile Sawyer Xavier is - he flew up that ladder and now the briefcase is just within his grasp!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “He made a mistake by leaving himself open for Logan Darwin to attack him from behind, though…”
From his position lower down on the ladder, Darwin is able to grab Xavier’s leg and he pulls on it before dropping from the ladder and landing on his feet on the floor - the effect of this being that Xavier cracks his chin on the top of the ladder and Logan catches him from behind as he falls and Darwin quickly transitions… COBRA CLUTCH SLAM ONTO THE PRONE LADDER!! Sawyer is in clear agony as Darwin plants him on the steel and there are rung marks visible on the arched back of the former 24/7 Champion. What Darwin perhaps failed to appreciate though was that his action in removing Xavier from the equation opened the door even further for Princess Nova, who has been able to secure her footing on the ladder as she attempts to unhook the briefcase!
There is panic in Darwin’s eyes as he once again attempts to make his way up the ladder to prevent Princess Nova, who keeps an eye on him as he draws closer. Darwin attempts to grab her leg in the same fashion he did Xavier’s, but is met with several kicks to the face and upper chest for his trouble. Madison Gray finds herself up to her feet as well and she opts for a different approach, picking up the other ladder in the ring and she holds it in such a way that she can nudge Nova with it, causing her to almost lose her balance, but ultimately only takes her down a couple of rungs but away from the case nonetheless.
Gray places the ladder up against the turnbuckle in the corner and then sees that Darwin is now trying his luck with the ladder… but she places both of her hands on the side of the ladder and looks up to see panicked looks on the faces of both Nova and Darwin… AND GRAY TIPS THE LADDER, CAUSING BOTH DARWIN AND NOVA TO GET CAUGHT ON THE TOP ROPE!!
Allen Price: “TIMBERRRRRR! It’s like calling a Lumberjacks match!”
Rod Sterling: “Any doubts over Madison Gray’s capability in a match such as this have been well and truly assuaged - she’s taken out two of them at once!”
The impact on the top rope causes Nova to slump against the ladder which Madison had set up in the corner, whilst Logan Darwin drops onto the mat and then rolls under the bottom rope to the outside, where Sawyer Xavier is also still smarting from his unfortunate experience with the ladder. Instead of setting a ladder up, Gray takes aim at Princess Nova in the corner and charges in… catching her under the jaw with a running European Uppercut against the ladder!
Nova staggers out from the corner and Gray looks to hook her up for the HMNB, but Nova manages to slide off her back… and she shoves Gray forward into the ladder! As Gray falls onto her back, the exhausted Nova drops to a knee. This means all four competitors are currently incapacitated and the crowd shows their appreciation for the efforts all have put in up to this point. On the outside of the ring, both Logan Darwin and Sawyer Xavier pull themselves up with the assistance of the ring apron, and Xavier kicks at Darwin a couple of times to create some separation.
This allows Xavier to pick up the ladder which Darwin initially went for at the beginning of the match and he picks it up to slide it into the ring, but Darwin cuts him off as Xavier just managed to get one end of the ladder on the ring apron. Xavier opts to roll back into the ring to escape more punishment from ‘The Reaper’. Before Darwin follows Sawyer back inside, he picks up the opposite end of the ladder and rests it on the ring apron, to which the fans give a knowing cheer of approval.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “That’s just not going to end well now, is it?”
All four competitors are back in the ring and each and worse for wear after the damage taken in the match. Logan Darwin is the first to act though and he picks up the ladder slumped against the ropes that Gray tipped over and he lifts it up onto his shoulders and sees the oncoming Princess Nova and spins to strike her with it! The crowd cheers as Darwin does the same to cut off Sawyer Xavier and then Madison Gray! His three opponents keep coming for him and are too worn down to dodge the blows, and he knocks both Xavier and Nova down for a third time each. However, Gray dodges the swing and gets behind Darwin as he holds the ladder up and then hooks him up… DRAGON SUPLEX - DARWIN’S NECK CRUNCHES ON THE LADDER HE WAS HOLDING!!!
Replays show that it was an absolutely horrifying landing for ‘The Reaper’, and he rolls from the ring after the impact and holds the back of his neck. Madison Gray picks up the ladder and sets it up in the ring, but as she starts to climb, she realises that it is off-centre and too close to the ropes next to the ladder bridge on the outside. She starts to climb down, but pauses when she notices Princess Nova with a ladder in her possession too, which she sets up next to Madison’s. As Nova starts to climb, she watches as Madison steps across from the top of one ladder to the other, and has her hands on the hook above the briefcase.
There is some urgency in Nova as she climbs closer to the top… BUT THEN SAWYER XAVIER SPRINGBOARDS ONTO THE OTHER LADDER!
Allen Price: “Where did he come from?!”
Rod Sterling: “Sawyer Xavier rejoins the fray!”
From the other ladder, Xavier reaches across towards the briefcase, but Madison Gray holds him off as much as she can, but Gray herself is struck in the midsection by Nova who finally ascends to the top. This doubles Gray over, and it allows Nova to grab her by the hair and she slams Gray’s head down onto the top of the ladder! The crazed look returns to the eyes of Princess Nova… and she slams Gray’s head down onto the ladder several more times… AND GRAY FALLS FROM THE LADDER TO THE MAT BELOW!!
This leaves just Xavier - who was reaching for the briefcase whilst Nova disposed of Gray - and Princess Nova atop the ladder, with Xavier still reaching across from the off-centre ladder and with his fingertips on the briefcase. The unhinged look on Nova’s face drops and she reaches into her top and pulls something out.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Is that lipstick? Surely now is not the time for this…”
The camera zooms in on the object in Nova’s hand and it is shown to be lipstick, which Nova then applies to her lips and we see that it is a pink shade. Sawyer Xavier is unaware of all of this, still hoping to get his hands on the briefcase and win the match… but his attempt is thwarted by Nova… WHO GRABS HIM AND KISSES HIM ATOP THE LADDER!! Nova wipes her mouth and looks Xavier in the eye and he appears to be stunned… AND THIS ALLOWS HER TO PUSH HIM FROM HIS LADDER… OUT OF THE RING…
AND SAWYER XAVIER CRASHES AND BURNS THROUGH THE LADDER AT RINGSIDE, SNAPPING IT IN TWO!!!
Anzu Kurosawa: “HOLY SHI- WHAT THEY’RE SAYING!”
The crowd are making their voices heard and Princess Nova cracks a smirk as she reaches up and fiddles with the hook above the briefcase. Logan Darwin rolls back into the ring… BUT HE’S TOO LATE! PRINCESS NOVA UNHOOKS THE BRIEFCASE!!
Once the bell rings, Princess Nova’s music begins to play once again and she looks down at the briefcase with a very satisfied grin on her face. On the mat, both Madison Gray and Logan Darwin express their disappointment; Logan pounds the mat and holds the back of his head whilst Gray shakes hers, sitting against the bottom turnbuckle. EMTs and medics charge out from the back and start to provide Sawyer with some assistance.
Kurt Harrington: “Here is your winner… PRINCESS NOVA!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Princess Nova has just become ten thousand dollars richer! Arguably the only person in the match that doesn’t need the money… make of that what you will, people out there.”
Rod Sterling: “Whether she needs it or not, she definitely earned it. An absolutely stellar effort put in by all four competitors in this match. Whilst it is only Princess Nova and Eternal whose bank balance will be growing, everyone’s stock has risen.”
Allen Price: “I can’t believe what we just saw happen to Sawyer Xavier…”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Miraculously, it seems like he is going to be okay, although I do not know how. What I can say with certainty though is that there will be some very interesting developments for sure for all four of the participants in this match and the future is looking bright here in the FWA.”
Princess Nova is now on the stage, with her tiara placed back on her head and her skirt over her forearm as she holds the briefcase out in front of her. She smirks at her defeated opponents (Darwin and Gray in the ring and Sawyer Xavier at the bottom of the ramp with his arm over a medic) and offers them a final curtsy before turning to leave.
From the black briefcase in the hands of Princess Nova, the camera shifts focus backstage onto a golden one, which draws a big response from the crowd. Zooming out, the briefcase is sat on the lap of Chris Peacock, who is already dressed to compete ahead of his match in the main event of tonight’s show.
Peacock is sat atop a production crate and his head is bent down as he gazes into the briefcase on his lap. He slowly rocks backwards and forwards in the spot and seems to be extremely focused, but this focus is broken by the sound of someone clearing their throat. Peacock does not look up but his ear twitches and his face screws up slightly, and after a couple of beats, Todd Salum enters the frame next to him, and he places a hand on Peacock’s shoulder, causing the #1 Contender for the FWA World Championship to flinch and draw back from him.
This also reveals Peacock’s face, which is strewn with worry. He is sweating a lot, and does not seem to be fully aware of his surroundings.
Todd Salum: “Chris? Is everything okay?”
Chris looks in Todd’s direction but only lets out a small, indecipherable murmur from his mouth, and a look of concern forms on the interviewer’s face.
Todd Salum: “Do you need some help? Excuse my frankness, but you look terrible, son. Can I get you a doctor?”
Salum turns to leave, but Peacock grabs him by the arm, stopping him from doing so. He attempts to sit up straighter on the crate and he takes a deep breath.
Chris Peacock: “No… no… no doctors. I-I’m fine.”
Todd Salum: “You certainly don’t seem it, Chris. You’ve got probably the biggest match of your life tonight, and-”
Chris Peacock: “Stop! Just stop! Stop… talking… about that.”
The interviewer is taken aback by the abruptness of Peacock, who seemed to tighten his grip on Salum’s arm at the same time as his outburst. Peacock takes a deep breath and then sets the briefcase down next to him on the crate and he releases Salum from his grip, realising what he was doing. He puts his fists on his forehead.
Chris Peacock: “I’m sorry, Todd… I’m sorry. I-I-I’m just a bit nervous about later on, you know? Like you said… it is a pretty big deal. I know I’m outmatched, and-”
Todd Salum: “You shouldn’t write yourself off like that, son. Look, if you do really feel that way, you don’t have to go through with it. You’ve got the briefcase, so you can change your mind at any time until-”
???: “Over my dead body.”
Both Chris and Todd look to the left side of the screen where the voice originated from. There is a HUGE cheer from within the arena from the fans as Alyster Black walks into the shot and stands next to his tag team partner. He looks up at Salum, who seems confused on how to read the situation.
Alyster Black: “Hit the bricks, pal.”
Salum does as instructed and leaves Chris in the custody of Alyster Black and Chris offers a weak smile to his friend and tag team partner.
Chris Peacock: “Do I look like a champion to you?”
Alyster Black: “You know you do. This is normal, alright? There’s nothing wrong with you and when the time comes, you’re going to go out there and kick his dick off, you got that? Forget everything else, tonight is about you. It is your night.”
Chris slowly nods his head, taking in Alyster’s words. Black playfully nudges him on the shoulder with the back of his hand.
Alyster Black: “Don’t forget you threw away a match between the two of us for this, you piece of shit. I’m not going to let you throw this away.”
The two of them share a small laugh and Chris seems relaxed, finally. Black turns slightly and a slight look of concern forms on Peacock’s face, but Black pauses.
Alyster Black: “Look, I’m going to help you get through this. There’s just something that I need to do… once that’s dealt with, I’ll come straight back. Got it?”
Black offers a fist bump to Peacock and Chris accepts it, before the X Champion leaves the scene in the direction from which he came. Peacock, calmed down to an extent, exhales deeply and a small smile forms on his face.
It's a big reaction for Lizzie Rose as she runs out from the back with a pep in her step, smiling to the fans as she goes to both sides of the stage to acknowledge the Denver faithful.
Anzu Kurosawa: "Always got to love the energy Lizzie Rose brings out with her to the ring."
Rod Sterling: "This is a match I've been looking forward to since the first time they clashed in the F1 Climaxxx, which saw Lizzie Rose losing her North American championship to Bryan Baxter."
Allen Price: "A very tainted victory!"
Rod Sterling: "Absolutely, no doubt about it. And I know Lizzie has been eagerly waiting to get another shot to get that championship back!"
Lizzie high fives the fans in the aisle on the way down to the ring before sliding into the ring and then climbing the turnbuckles, tossing her hands up to the beat of her music before hopping down and turning to await her bitter rival's entrance.
It's a much more heated response from Denver as Bryan Baxter slowly trots out from the back, his North American championship tucked underneath his glossy red letterman jack. His agent, Mr. Scorpane walks out behind him, both stopping at the top of the stage as Scorpane gives Baxter a slight shoulder rub, prepping him up for the match at hand.
Anzu Kurosawa: "Ugh, I just can't stand that Mr. Scorpane."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I mean you certainly aren't alone in those feelings, Anzu. But Bryan Baxter's stock has certainly skyrocketed since he started having him in his corner each week."
Rod Sterling: "There's no denying the success he's seen as of late, including a run through the F1 Climaxxx that no one expected. Not only did he collect the North American title along the way, but he went undefeated until he ran into Michelle von Horrowitz in the semifinals. And even MvH had to outcheat Baxter to get the win."
Allen Price: "He definitely hasn't endeared himself with the fans, has he? These fans would love nothing more than to see Lizzie Rose walk out as champion!"
Baxter and Scorpane ignore the crowd, for the most part, as they walk down to the ring... though Baxter does slip in a quick "up yours" signal with his arms before entering the ring.
Kurt Harrington: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is scheduled for one-fall with a sixty minute time limit… and is for the FWA World North American Championship!"
FWA Official Larry Palmer collects the FWA North American title from Baxter and holds it up in the air.
Kurt Harrington: "Introducing first... the challenger... from Brooklyn, New York... weighing in at ninety-nine pounds... she is... THE RAVE... LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLIIIIIZZZZIIIIIIEEE RRRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOSE!
Another big pop for Lizzie as she bounces back and forth in place, not taking her eyes off Baxter across the ring.
Kurt Harrington: "And her opponent, the reigning FWA North American Champion... being accompanied to the ring by Mr. Scorpane... from Hickory, North Carolina... weighing in at three hundred twelve pounds... BBBBBBBBBBBBIG BBBBBBBBBBBRYAN BBBBBBBBBBBBBBAXTER!"
With the crowd booing loudly, Bryan tosses his arms up in the air with a confident grin on his face. He gives a sarcastic wave over to his opponent, Lizzie, who almost has a disgusted look on her face. Both competitors backed to their corners as Palmer hands off the title to ringside and rings the bell to get this match under way.
Both Nova and Gray go to pick up the ladder which Gray brought into the ring and a small tug of war takes place between them before they see Sawyer Xavier back to his feet in front of them. They seem to have the same thought and run the ladder towards Xavier, who slides on one knee underneath the ladder to avoid contact with it. They swing it the other way almost immediately and this time Xavier leaps impressively high to avoid it, and he lands on his feet next to the ropes, but Logan Darwin is back up already and he hangs Xavier up on the top rope.
‘The Reaper’ enters the ring once again and he clubs Xavier on the back and sends him forward towards the women with the ladder… and they ram the ladder into his face!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Welcome back, Sawyer Xavier! They’re really not hanging around here, and why would they? There’s ten thousand dollars at stake!”
Logan Darwin realises that he is next, and he knows that he lacks the agility possessed by Xavier which enabled him to avoid the ladder strikes, so he picks up the flailing body of Xavier and dumps him on top of the ladder held by Gray and Nova! This causes them to drop it and Sawyer to receive another unwelcome returning gift back to the FWA, and Darwin catches the advancing Princess Nova with a back elbow to keep her at bay and Nova stands in the corner, holding her jaw. Darwin then turns his attention to Madison Gray, grabbing her by the wrist. This doesn’t work well for him though as she pops her hips and takes him over, and he lands on the ladder next to Xavier!
Turning her attention to the other woman in the match, Gray approaches Nova as she rests in the corner, but Nova charges forward and comes out of the corner with a Front Dropkick! This causes Gray to fall backwards and she lands back-first on top of Darwin and Xavier, parallel to the ladder underneath them but perpendicular to both men. This means that Princess Nova is the only one standing in the ring. She takes a look up at the briefcase, but neglects it for now, instead choosing to pick up a ladder and she slams it down on top of Gray, sandwiching all three of her opponents between the two ladders!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “That’s one way to keep your opponents at bay, and Princess Nova is acting like anything but right now.”
Allen Price: “Well, incapacitating your opponents is a critical part of winning a ladder match, is it not? This seems like a pretty good strategy!”
Nova then picks up the third ladder which is in the ring and then slams THAT ladder on top of the pile up which is already in place, making things even worse for those involved. The joviality slips from her face though as she slams the ladder down on top of her opponents several more times! She then tosses the ladder in her hands across the ring and positions herself on top of the ladder resting on top of Madison Gray, and lays across it, waving to the fans watching her with a grin on her face.
With the posing out of the way, Princess Nova seems extremely pleased with herself as she slides off of the mass underneath her and turns her attention back to the third ladder in the ring which she previously utilised as a weapon. Across the ring, Logan Darwin pushes Madison Gray and the other ladder away from him and he watches as Nova opens the ladder up and positions it in the middle of the ring, under the briefcase. After taking a deep breath, Princess Nova begins to scale the ladder, the first in the match to do so in pursuit of the prize suspended above them all.
Darwin places his hand on the bottom rung of the ladder being climbed by Princess Nova and seems to be wanting to pursue her up it. He pulls himself away from the other two and the wreckage behind him, and starts climbing up after her. What Logan does not expect to happen though is Sawyer Xavier to jump up onto his back and then climb over him! The burst of energy from Xavier gets a good cheer from the crowd and Xavier reaches the top of the ladder just as Nova does, and they both tussle between themselves as they both reach up for the briefcase.
Rod Sterling: “Not seeing him for a while, you really forget just how quick and agile Sawyer Xavier is - he flew up that ladder and now the briefcase is just within his grasp!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “He made a mistake by leaving himself open for Logan Darwin to attack him from behind, though…”
From his position lower down on the ladder, Darwin is able to grab Xavier’s leg and he pulls on it before dropping from the ladder and landing on his feet on the floor - the effect of this being that Xavier cracks his chin on the top of the ladder and Logan catches him from behind as he falls and Darwin quickly transitions… COBRA CLUTCH SLAM ONTO THE PRONE LADDER!! Sawyer is in clear agony as Darwin plants him on the steel and there are rung marks visible on the arched back of the former 24/7 Champion. What Darwin perhaps failed to appreciate though was that his action in removing Xavier from the equation opened the door even further for Princess Nova, who has been able to secure her footing on the ladder as she attempts to unhook the briefcase!
There is panic in Darwin’s eyes as he once again attempts to make his way up the ladder to prevent Princess Nova, who keeps an eye on him as he draws closer. Darwin attempts to grab her leg in the same fashion he did Xavier’s, but is met with several kicks to the face and upper chest for his trouble. Madison Gray finds herself up to her feet as well and she opts for a different approach, picking up the other ladder in the ring and she holds it in such a way that she can nudge Nova with it, causing her to almost lose her balance, but ultimately only takes her down a couple of rungs but away from the case nonetheless.
Gray places the ladder up against the turnbuckle in the corner and then sees that Darwin is now trying his luck with the ladder… but she places both of her hands on the side of the ladder and looks up to see panicked looks on the faces of both Nova and Darwin… AND GRAY TIPS THE LADDER, CAUSING BOTH DARWIN AND NOVA TO GET CAUGHT ON THE TOP ROPE!!
Allen Price: “TIMBERRRRRR! It’s like calling a Lumberjacks match!”
Rod Sterling: “Any doubts over Madison Gray’s capability in a match such as this have been well and truly assuaged - she’s taken out two of them at once!”
The impact on the top rope causes Nova to slump against the ladder which Madison had set up in the corner, whilst Logan Darwin drops onto the mat and then rolls under the bottom rope to the outside, where Sawyer Xavier is also still smarting from his unfortunate experience with the ladder. Instead of setting a ladder up, Gray takes aim at Princess Nova in the corner and charges in… catching her under the jaw with a running European Uppercut against the ladder!
Nova staggers out from the corner and Gray looks to hook her up for the HMNB, but Nova manages to slide off her back… and she shoves Gray forward into the ladder! As Gray falls onto her back, the exhausted Nova drops to a knee. This means all four competitors are currently incapacitated and the crowd shows their appreciation for the efforts all have put in up to this point. On the outside of the ring, both Logan Darwin and Sawyer Xavier pull themselves up with the assistance of the ring apron, and Xavier kicks at Darwin a couple of times to create some separation.
This allows Xavier to pick up the ladder which Darwin initially went for at the beginning of the match and he picks it up to slide it into the ring, but Darwin cuts him off as Xavier just managed to get one end of the ladder on the ring apron. Xavier opts to roll back into the ring to escape more punishment from ‘The Reaper’. Before Darwin follows Sawyer back inside, he picks up the opposite end of the ladder and rests it on the ring apron, to which the fans give a knowing cheer of approval.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “That’s just not going to end well now, is it?”
All four competitors are back in the ring and each and worse for wear after the damage taken in the match. Logan Darwin is the first to act though and he picks up the ladder slumped against the ropes that Gray tipped over and he lifts it up onto his shoulders and sees the oncoming Princess Nova and spins to strike her with it! The crowd cheers as Darwin does the same to cut off Sawyer Xavier and then Madison Gray! His three opponents keep coming for him and are too worn down to dodge the blows, and he knocks both Xavier and Nova down for a third time each. However, Gray dodges the swing and gets behind Darwin as he holds the ladder up and then hooks him up… DRAGON SUPLEX - DARWIN’S NECK CRUNCHES ON THE LADDER HE WAS HOLDING!!!
Replays show that it was an absolutely horrifying landing for ‘The Reaper’, and he rolls from the ring after the impact and holds the back of his neck. Madison Gray picks up the ladder and sets it up in the ring, but as she starts to climb, she realises that it is off-centre and too close to the ropes next to the ladder bridge on the outside. She starts to climb down, but pauses when she notices Princess Nova with a ladder in her possession too, which she sets up next to Madison’s. As Nova starts to climb, she watches as Madison steps across from the top of one ladder to the other, and has her hands on the hook above the briefcase.
There is some urgency in Nova as she climbs closer to the top… BUT THEN SAWYER XAVIER SPRINGBOARDS ONTO THE OTHER LADDER!
Allen Price: “Where did he come from?!”
Rod Sterling: “Sawyer Xavier rejoins the fray!”
From the other ladder, Xavier reaches across towards the briefcase, but Madison Gray holds him off as much as she can, but Gray herself is struck in the midsection by Nova who finally ascends to the top. This doubles Gray over, and it allows Nova to grab her by the hair and she slams Gray’s head down onto the top of the ladder! The crazed look returns to the eyes of Princess Nova… and she slams Gray’s head down onto the ladder several more times… AND GRAY FALLS FROM THE LADDER TO THE MAT BELOW!!
This leaves just Xavier - who was reaching for the briefcase whilst Nova disposed of Gray - and Princess Nova atop the ladder, with Xavier still reaching across from the off-centre ladder and with his fingertips on the briefcase. The unhinged look on Nova’s face drops and she reaches into her top and pulls something out.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Is that lipstick? Surely now is not the time for this…”
The camera zooms in on the object in Nova’s hand and it is shown to be lipstick, which Nova then applies to her lips and we see that it is a pink shade. Sawyer Xavier is unaware of all of this, still hoping to get his hands on the briefcase and win the match… but his attempt is thwarted by Nova… WHO GRABS HIM AND KISSES HIM ATOP THE LADDER!! Nova wipes her mouth and looks Xavier in the eye and he appears to be stunned… AND THIS ALLOWS HER TO PUSH HIM FROM HIS LADDER… OUT OF THE RING…
AND SAWYER XAVIER CRASHES AND BURNS THROUGH THE LADDER AT RINGSIDE, SNAPPING IT IN TWO!!!
Anzu Kurosawa: “HOLY SHI- WHAT THEY’RE SAYING!”
The crowd are making their voices heard and Princess Nova cracks a smirk as she reaches up and fiddles with the hook above the briefcase. Logan Darwin rolls back into the ring… BUT HE’S TOO LATE! PRINCESS NOVA UNHOOKS THE BRIEFCASE!!
Winner: Princess Nova at 12:53.
Once the bell rings, Princess Nova’s music begins to play once again and she looks down at the briefcase with a very satisfied grin on her face. On the mat, both Madison Gray and Logan Darwin express their disappointment; Logan pounds the mat and holds the back of his head whilst Gray shakes hers, sitting against the bottom turnbuckle. EMTs and medics charge out from the back and start to provide Sawyer with some assistance.
Kurt Harrington: “Here is your winner… PRINCESS NOVA!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Princess Nova has just become ten thousand dollars richer! Arguably the only person in the match that doesn’t need the money… make of that what you will, people out there.”
Rod Sterling: “Whether she needs it or not, she definitely earned it. An absolutely stellar effort put in by all four competitors in this match. Whilst it is only Princess Nova and Eternal whose bank balance will be growing, everyone’s stock has risen.”
Allen Price: “I can’t believe what we just saw happen to Sawyer Xavier…”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Miraculously, it seems like he is going to be okay, although I do not know how. What I can say with certainty though is that there will be some very interesting developments for sure for all four of the participants in this match and the future is looking bright here in the FWA.”
Princess Nova is now on the stage, with her tiara placed back on her head and her skirt over her forearm as she holds the briefcase out in front of her. She smirks at her defeated opponents (Darwin and Gray in the ring and Sawyer Xavier at the bottom of the ramp with his arm over a medic) and offers them a final curtsy before turning to leave.
From the black briefcase in the hands of Princess Nova, the camera shifts focus backstage onto a golden one, which draws a big response from the crowd. Zooming out, the briefcase is sat on the lap of Chris Peacock, who is already dressed to compete ahead of his match in the main event of tonight’s show.
Peacock is sat atop a production crate and his head is bent down as he gazes into the briefcase on his lap. He slowly rocks backwards and forwards in the spot and seems to be extremely focused, but this focus is broken by the sound of someone clearing their throat. Peacock does not look up but his ear twitches and his face screws up slightly, and after a couple of beats, Todd Salum enters the frame next to him, and he places a hand on Peacock’s shoulder, causing the #1 Contender for the FWA World Championship to flinch and draw back from him.
This also reveals Peacock’s face, which is strewn with worry. He is sweating a lot, and does not seem to be fully aware of his surroundings.
Todd Salum: “Chris? Is everything okay?”
Chris looks in Todd’s direction but only lets out a small, indecipherable murmur from his mouth, and a look of concern forms on the interviewer’s face.
Todd Salum: “Do you need some help? Excuse my frankness, but you look terrible, son. Can I get you a doctor?”
Salum turns to leave, but Peacock grabs him by the arm, stopping him from doing so. He attempts to sit up straighter on the crate and he takes a deep breath.
Chris Peacock: “No… no… no doctors. I-I’m fine.”
Todd Salum: “You certainly don’t seem it, Chris. You’ve got probably the biggest match of your life tonight, and-”
Chris Peacock: “Stop! Just stop! Stop… talking… about that.”
The interviewer is taken aback by the abruptness of Peacock, who seemed to tighten his grip on Salum’s arm at the same time as his outburst. Peacock takes a deep breath and then sets the briefcase down next to him on the crate and he releases Salum from his grip, realising what he was doing. He puts his fists on his forehead.
Chris Peacock: “I’m sorry, Todd… I’m sorry. I-I-I’m just a bit nervous about later on, you know? Like you said… it is a pretty big deal. I know I’m outmatched, and-”
Todd Salum: “You shouldn’t write yourself off like that, son. Look, if you do really feel that way, you don’t have to go through with it. You’ve got the briefcase, so you can change your mind at any time until-”
???: “Over my dead body.”
Both Chris and Todd look to the left side of the screen where the voice originated from. There is a HUGE cheer from within the arena from the fans as Alyster Black walks into the shot and stands next to his tag team partner. He looks up at Salum, who seems confused on how to read the situation.
Alyster Black: “Hit the bricks, pal.”
Salum does as instructed and leaves Chris in the custody of Alyster Black and Chris offers a weak smile to his friend and tag team partner.
Chris Peacock: “Do I look like a champion to you?”
Alyster Black: “You know you do. This is normal, alright? There’s nothing wrong with you and when the time comes, you’re going to go out there and kick his dick off, you got that? Forget everything else, tonight is about you. It is your night.”
Chris slowly nods his head, taking in Alyster’s words. Black playfully nudges him on the shoulder with the back of his hand.
Alyster Black: “Don’t forget you threw away a match between the two of us for this, you piece of shit. I’m not going to let you throw this away.”
The two of them share a small laugh and Chris seems relaxed, finally. Black turns slightly and a slight look of concern forms on Peacock’s face, but Black pauses.
Alyster Black: “Look, I’m going to help you get through this. There’s just something that I need to do… once that’s dealt with, I’ll come straight back. Got it?”
Black offers a fist bump to Peacock and Chris accepts it, before the X Champion leaves the scene in the direction from which he came. Peacock, calmed down to an extent, exhales deeply and a small smile forms on his face.
[video]
It's a big reaction for Lizzie Rose as she runs out from the back with a pep in her step, smiling to the fans as she goes to both sides of the stage to acknowledge the Denver faithful.
Anzu Kurosawa: "Always got to love the energy Lizzie Rose brings out with her to the ring."
Rod Sterling: "This is a match I've been looking forward to since the first time they clashed in the F1 Climaxxx, which saw Lizzie Rose losing her North American championship to Bryan Baxter."
Allen Price: "A very tainted victory!"
Rod Sterling: "Absolutely, no doubt about it. And I know Lizzie has been eagerly waiting to get another shot to get that championship back!"
Lizzie high fives the fans in the aisle on the way down to the ring before sliding into the ring and then climbing the turnbuckles, tossing her hands up to the beat of her music before hopping down and turning to await her bitter rival's entrance.
[video]
It's a much more heated response from Denver as Bryan Baxter slowly trots out from the back, his North American championship tucked underneath his glossy red letterman jack. His agent, Mr. Scorpane walks out behind him, both stopping at the top of the stage as Scorpane gives Baxter a slight shoulder rub, prepping him up for the match at hand.
Anzu Kurosawa: "Ugh, I just can't stand that Mr. Scorpane."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I mean you certainly aren't alone in those feelings, Anzu. But Bryan Baxter's stock has certainly skyrocketed since he started having him in his corner each week."
Rod Sterling: "There's no denying the success he's seen as of late, including a run through the F1 Climaxxx that no one expected. Not only did he collect the North American title along the way, but he went undefeated until he ran into Michelle von Horrowitz in the semifinals. And even MvH had to outcheat Baxter to get the win."
Allen Price: "He definitely hasn't endeared himself with the fans, has he? These fans would love nothing more than to see Lizzie Rose walk out as champion!"
Baxter and Scorpane ignore the crowd, for the most part, as they walk down to the ring... though Baxter does slip in a quick "up yours" signal with his arms before entering the ring.
Kurt Harrington: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is scheduled for one-fall with a sixty minute time limit… and is for the FWA World North American Championship!"
FWA Official Larry Palmer collects the FWA North American title from Baxter and holds it up in the air.
Kurt Harrington: "Introducing first... the challenger... from Brooklyn, New York... weighing in at ninety-nine pounds... she is... THE RAVE... LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLIIIIIZZZZIIIIIIEEE RRRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOSE!
Another big pop for Lizzie as she bounces back and forth in place, not taking her eyes off Baxter across the ring.
Kurt Harrington: "And her opponent, the reigning FWA North American Champion... being accompanied to the ring by Mr. Scorpane... from Hickory, North Carolina... weighing in at three hundred twelve pounds... BBBBBBBBBBBBIG BBBBBBBBBBBRYAN BBBBBBBBBBBBBBAXTER!"
With the crowd booing loudly, Bryan tosses his arms up in the air with a confident grin on his face. He gives a sarcastic wave over to his opponent, Lizzie, who almost has a disgusted look on her face. Both competitors backed to their corners as Palmer hands off the title to ringside and rings the bell to get this match under way.
As the bell rings, Bryan crackles his knuckles and walks out of the corner to confront Lizzie Rose in the center of the ring. Bryan taunts Lizzie and then lifts up his right arm high into the air, challenging the shorter Rose to a “test of strength” but then laughs, knowing good and well that Lizzie’s arm couldn’t reach that far up. Lizzie’s face shows she’s not amused as Bryan tells her “hold on, I’ll make this more fair,” as he drops down to his knees and lifts up his arm.
Rod Sterling: “Such blatant disrespect from the North American Champion!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I expect nothing less from Big Bryan Baxter and he should know better than to underestimate ‘The Rave!’”
Lizzie shakes his hear and turns away from the laughing Baxter… before turning back around and surprising Baxter with a spinkick right to the chest! This brings BBB back to his feet as Lizzie goes after his legs with two quick kicks to the upper right thigh of the champion. Bryan absorbs the blows and goes after Rose, attempting a grapple but Rose uses her speed to duck through and scores two more kicks to the upper thigh followed by a running dropkick to the same leg!
This brings Baxter down to a knee and Rose quickly runs and leaps onto his back, applying a sleeperhold to the champion. Baxter gets back up to his feet as Lizzie tightens her grip around his wide neck, but Baxter would walk to the center of the ring and snapmares off his back and down to her back on the mat! With the challenger down, Baxter bounces off the ropes and comes back with a falling headbutt to Rose…
But Rose rolls out of the way and Baxter headbutts the canvas!
Rod Sterling: “The elusiveness of Lizzie Rose on display here in the early going and that’s something she’s going to have to keep up to counteract the vast size and power advantage of the champion!”
Bryan Baxter gets back up to his feet, shaking his head to clear the cobwebs from his head connecting with the mat, allowing Lizzie to strike another trio of kicks to his right thigh to stagger the champion before following up with a spinning back elbow to his chest! Baxter stumbles back into the turnbuckle… and Lizzie charges in with a running dropkick! Bryan staggers back out of the corner into a step-up enziguri.
With BBB dropping down to his knees after connecting with the enziguri, Lizzie follows up with her high speed low roundhouse kick to the side of his head - Calling Mr. Vain! Baxter falls over to the mat! She goes for the pin, hooking that tree trunk leg of his!
One - KICKOUT!
Lizzie wastes no time after the nearfall, delivering a dropkick to the back of Baxter’s head as he’s getting up, sending Baxter falling onto the middle ropes.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Look at Lizzie go! Not deterred by the nearfall and she’s just all over Baxter here!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “She’s come out here tonight determined to get that North American championship back! A title she feels like she was cheated out of to begin with!”
Allen Price: “Feels like? She absolutely was cheated out of it!”
Lizzie grabs ahold of the top rope next to Baxter, slingshotting herself over the top rope and landing a legdrop to the back of his head across the middle ropes! She lands on the apron as Baxter staggers backwards towards the middle of the ring. Lizzie grabs ahold of the top rope again and prepares for a springboard…
But Mr. Scorpane grabs ahold of her legs! She pulls away and referee Tommy Palmer gives a stern warning to Scorpane, who backs off, holding his arms up innocently. Lizzie then springboards into the ring…
And is CAUGHT BY Baxter! POWERSLAM to the mat!
Rod Sterling: “That momentary distraction from Mr. Scorpane was all Bryan Baxter needed there. A familiar scene of late during a Bryan Baxter match.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Be that as it may, Bryan Baxter has certainly been reaping the rewards of having Scorpane in his corner the past three months.”
Baxter takes control of the match, having finally been able to catch and overpower Lizzie. He delivers a plethora of stomps to her back after the powerslam before pulling Rose up by her hair and tossing her into the corner. Baxter heads to the corner as well, hitting several knee lifts to her ribs before backing up and charging in with a running corner splash!
Baxter backs out of the corner, enjoying the boos from the crowd as Rose staggers out of the corner. The champion lifts her up and takes her down to the mat with a scoop slam before bouncing off the ropes and this time connecting with a falling headbutt. Baxter goes for the pin.
One - Two - KICKOUT!
Lizzie rolls towards the center of the ring as Baxter stalks his prey, letting her exert energy to try and get back to her feet before he unceremoniously sends her back down with a running high impact shoulder block! The impact sends Lizzie all the way across the ring. She hits the mat and rolls out onto the apron.
With his confidence growing, Baxter takes his time as he taunts the crowd first before making his way over to Lizzie. The Rave brings herself to her feet on the apron using the ropes as Baxter comes over and grabs her…
But Rose reaches up and grabs Baxter by the ears and then drops down off the apron, driving his throat across the top rope! Baxter staggers backwards as Lizzie jumps back up onto the apron. She attempts the springboard again…
This time catching Bryan with a Tornado DDT!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Girl Meets Mat! Lizzie has Baxter down again!”
Rose immediately goes for the pin.
One - Two - KICKOUT!
Rose is back up to her feet first, hitting a big European Uppercut to Baxter just as he was getting back to his feet. She then follows that up with a series of backhand chops to Baxter’s massive chest before Irish Whipping Baxter into the ropes… but Baxter reverses it and instead he sends Lizzie into the ropes. Clothesline from Baxter… IS DUCKED by Lizzie. Lizzie comes back off the opposite ropes and Baxter goes for another clothesline, but Lizzie counters it with the BROOKLYN FLASH!
Lizzie with another cover!
One - Two - KICKOUT!
Lizzie sets up to her knees after another nearfall, huffing to get the hair out of her face before getting back to her feet. She backs up to the corner as Baxter begins to get to his feet, she moves in and hooks Baxter by the head… she’s going for the Sliced Liz! Lizzie feels the North American Championship within reach…
BUT BAXTER COUNTERS as he holds onto Lizzie, keeping her up in the air and then DUMPS HER OVER THE ROPE TO THE FLOOR!
Rod Sterling: “Lizzie almost had this one over with if she could’ve hit the Sliced Liz, but perhaps a bit too early as Baxter blocks it and now Lizzie is in a world of trouble on the outside of the ring!”
Baxter steps out through the ropes and hops down off the apron with an ax handle smash to her back as she was recovering. He then pulls Lizzie up by her hair and tosses her into the guard rail. The fans at ringside are up against the railing, giving Bryan an earful but the North American Champion ignores the jeers as he picks Lizzie up into a Gorilla Press… and begins to walk around the ringside area, holding up his challenger, displaying his strength… before DROPPING HER DOWN across the ring steps!
Lizzie slumps over to the floor, in the corner of the ring steps and the ring apron as Baxter stalks over and begins to pummel his opponent with a multitude of stomps to the midsection. Having dished out the punishment at ringside, Baxter would eventually grab The Rave by her hair and roll her back into the ring before climbing back in to avoid the countout.
Back in the ring, Baxter pulls Rose back up to her feet into a pumphandle, lifting her up and then bringing her down with a gutbuster! Baxter makes the cover.
One - Two - THRE - SHOULDER UP!
Baxter doesn’t give Lizzie the chance to recover as he drops an elbow down across her ribs before bouncing off the ropes and hitting a running senton. Baxter then pulls Lizzie up with a front face lock before lifting her up and placing Rose onto the top turnbuckle. Bryan then steps up onto the second turnbuckle himself…
Rod Sterling: “Now what do we have here? Going high risk isn’t typically Baxter’s offense so this is a bit unorthodox…”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Sometimes you got to pull out something new from the bag of tricks in a match like this!”
Lizzie tries to fight back on the turnbuckles, delivering some chops to Baxter, but Baxter fights her off himself with a pair of headbutts. He then hooks her by the head and comes down off the turnbuckles with a giant SUPERPLEX! Baxter slowly rolls over and makes the lateral press.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “After that impact by Rose - this could be it!”
ONE - TWO - THREE - NO! Rose with the shoulder just barely getting up off the mat.
Baxter sits up off the mat, some frustration starting to set in as Rose once again manages to stay alive in the match. Baxter looks out to ringside where he makes eye contact with Mr. Scorpane. Scorpane nods and walks around the ring before tossing up the ring curtain… and pulling a table out from under the ring!
Allen Price: “What’s Mr. Scorpane up to now? I don’t like the looks of this.”
Rod Sterling: “This isn’t a no disqualification match! I’m not sure what they have planned here..”
As Scorpane sets up the table, Baxter pulls Rose back up and tosses her out of the ring to ringside, by the table. Baxter climbs out as well as he then pulls Rose back up and drives her back first into the apron. He holds on and then lifts her up, rolling The Rave onto her back on the table.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Baxter is going to get himself disqualified here if he’s not careful!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m not sure he even cares!”
Baxter drives a few forearms to Rose’s midsection for good measure before he climbs up onto the apron. It looks like he plans to dive off the apron through the table, but he hesitates… and glances over to the turnbuckles as Scorpane shakes his head, encouraging Baxter to not do it… but an evil grin flashes over his face as he now walks over to the corner and begins to very slowly and cautiously climb to the top.
Allen Price: “I guess he’s getting more confident in his ‘high flying’ offense after that superplex…”
Anzu Kurosawa: “They’re going to be scraping bits and pieces of Lizzie Rose off the Ball Arena for weeks if Baxter connects with this!”
Bryan’s legs are shaky as he stands up, struggling to get his balance on the top turnbuckle… but once he does he LEAPS OFF THE TOP ROPE, going down to ringside with a flying elbowdrop THROUGH THE TABLE!
The table is shattered and Baxter is down on the floor in pain…
But Lizzie is safe and sound having rolled off the table in time!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “One high risk too many for a man who shouldn’t be taking any!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Talk about turning the tables… what a huge swing in momentum for The Rave!”
Mr. Scorpane is beside himself as he watches Lizzie get back to her feet using the ring curtain and she rolls into the ring. She sits up to her knees, surprised herself as she looks out to see Baxter lying in the wreckage of the table. But she also looks over and realizes that referee Tommy Palmer’s is in the midst of counting Baxter out.
Rod Sterling: “I think Lizzie just realized what we all realized… and she doesn’t want to win this match by countout!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “But how’s she getting him back into the ring? The man is over double her size and all that dead weight…”
Lizzie rolls back out of the ring in order to start Palmer’s count over. She bends over and makes a couple attempts to get Baxter’s body up off the floor, but she isn’t able to budge him. She looks over to Scorpane, but he backs away, shrugging his shoulders. Clearly not worried about if his client keeps his title via countout loss.
But out from the back… comes JOE BURR! Joe rushes to Lizzie’s aid and the duo work together to get Baxter up enough to lean him against the apron before they both go underneath him and both push up on his massive midsection, lifting him up onto the apron!
Allen Price: “Is this even legal?”
Rod Sterling: “FWA official Tommy Palmer seems to be allowing it! It’s not nearly as bad as anything we’ve seen Mr. Scorpane do, though he’s clearly not happy about this!”
An outraged Mr. Scorpane climbs the apron as Burr and Rose push Baxter under the bottom rope. Lizzie rolls into the ring and goes for the pin, but now Palmer is dealing with Scorpane on the apron…
That is until BURR pulls Scorpane down! Despite even Mr. Scorpane having quite the size advantage on Burr, wants nothing to do with the feisty little man as he backs off! Palmer returns to make the count!
ONE - TWO - THREE!
NO!
Allen Price: “Baxter gets his shoulder up at the last second! This one isn’t over yet folks!”
Rod Sterling: “So close for Lizzie there! But she still has the momentum in her favor and now Joe Burr in her corner to offset Mr. Scorpane!”
Joe Burr paces at ringside, keeping his eyes on Mr. Scorpane who has relocated to the opposite side of the ring. But back in the ring, Lizzie heads to the top rope as Baxter still is on the mat… THUNDERBOLT twisting top rope splash…
BUT BAXTER GOT HIS KNEES UP!
Both competitors are down!
As Tommy Palmer begins the standing ten count, both competitors slowly begin to stir around the six count… Lizzie gets up to a knee as Baxter finishes pulling himself all the way up, with his back turned to the referee… Baxter reaches into his trunks… and retrieves his brass knuckles, sliding them discreetly onto his right hand.
Rod Sterling: “The brass knux! Neither Lizzie nor Tommy Palmer noticed Baxter sliding them on!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “They didn’t… but Joe Burr did!”
Joe tries to warn Lizzie as Baxter turns around and charges at her, looking to knock her out with Whatever It Takes… but Lizzie counters, using Baxter’s own momentum against him as she grabs his arm and takes him down with an arm drag takedown into an armbar! While locking in the submission, Lizzie PULLS THE KNUX OFF Baxter and tosses them out of the ring with the crowd cheering loudly in approval!
Baxter works his way back up to a vertical base while Lizzie still has the armbar applied, but he breaks free with a pair of headbutts that send Rose staggering back. He then gives her a boot to the midsection and whips her hard into the turnbuckles. Baxter then rushes in for another corner splash…
But Lizzie counters with a Pendulum kick out of the corner! Baxter stumbles backwards as Lizzie now ascends the turnbuckles… MISSLE DROPKICK!
Bryan staggers back to his feet as a fired up Lizzy grabs him by the head, she’s pointing to the turnbuckle… it’s going to be the SLICED LIZ.
Darkness.
The lights in the arena have shut off.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “What’s going on?!”
Allen Price: “Okay, who forgot to pay the electric bill?”
A couple moments pass and the light comes back on. Lizzie has released Bryan, who has dropped to a knee, but in the corner… the same corner Lizzie was pointing to and about to use as her springboard for Sliced Liz… a sunflower has been wrapped around the turnbuckle.
Allen Price: “What in the world is this? What’s going on?”
Rod Sterling: “I have no idea… and I don’t think Baxter or Scorpane had anything to do with this, as Mr. Scorpane seems to have no idea what the meaning behind this mysterious sunflower that has appeared just as it looked like Lizzie may have had this in the bag!”
Lizzie holds her arms up, just as confused as everyone else in the arena and watching at home… but Bryan takes advantage as he spins Lizzie around and lifts her up onto his shoulders…
BOTTOM OF THE BARRELL!
He stays on top of Lizzie and hooks both her legs!
ONE - TWO - THREE!
The fans are clearly not happy as Bryan Baxter gets back up to his feet, quickly met by Mr. Scorpane who brings in the North American championship to celebrate.
Kurt Harrington: "Here is your winner… and STILL FWA North American Champion… Big Bryan Baxter!!"
Allen Price: “Another tainted victory for Big Bryan Baxter!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “In his defense, this had less to do with him, however. This was more of the champion being opportunistic and sometimes you have to play the cards you’re dealt with.”
Baxter and Scorpane head out of the ring in victory, while Joe Burr rolls into the ring to help Lizzie up to her feet. Dejected by defeat, Lizzie can only continue to look along with Joe at the sunflower left in the ring and wonder the meaning behind it.
Anzu Kurosawa: “A lot of unanswered questions here at the end of this one… mainly about who and where this sunflower came from!”
Allen Price: “Valentine’s Day was last week. I think someone has mixed up their calendar.”
Rod Sterling: “Something tells me there’s more to this flower, Price.”
We fade out as Lizzie and Joe continue to curiously stare at that mysterious flower.
Ratin Mikichin: "YOU WILL NEVER WIN AGAINST RATIN!"
The scream from the strange voice means that the brawl which began earlier on in the evening is clearly still raging on between Steve the Techno Vampire and Ratin Mikichin. The two of them have escalated the fight from outside Jon Russnow’s office to both inexplicably driving golf carts through a corridor with Steve behind Ratin, who is driving erratically and as he turns to shout something else at Steve, he drives straight through a set of double doors.
A shot from a CCTV camera shows Ratin’s cart driving out of control through the following corridor, and it crashes into a wall when he fails to turn either left or right at the end of the hallway. Ratin jumps out of the cart and seems woozy from the impact and he walks down the corridor to the ring.
Steve drives his cart a different way after not crashing through the doors and he spots Ratin once again in the distance walking through another door.
Steve the Techno Vampire: "Vhere are you going, covard!"
The techno vampire puts his foot on the gas and advances towards where Ratin disappeared before he stops the cart and follows Ratin through the door… and is immediately pelted with a burger to the face from Ratin, who has found the catering area.
Steve the Techno Vampire: "Stop it! I am a vegetarian!"
Despite this, Ratin continues to throw burgers at Steve, and Steve has to use his cape to protect himself as he slowly advances through the onslaught of burgers towards his nemesis. Eventually, Steve does get close enough, so Ratin decides to run away from the area and Steve does his best Naruto run to chase him off.
The camera zooms in on one of the burgers on the floor and suddenly a pair of boots enters the frame either side of the disheveled burger and a hand reaches down and picks it up, before the feed fades away.
We find ourselves on a white-sand beach, the camera pointed towards the azure ocean. The waves gently break into foaming crescents that encroach upon where we, the viewer, are situated. All that we can hear is the gentle waves and a distant birdsong.
The footage cuts away from this idyllic setting for just a second, and those quick on the pause button would note quite a different scene depicted. Inside what seems like the basement of a nightclub or some similar venue, there's a crush against a steel barrier as the loud sounds of German metal is heard. This lasts only a moment, and then…
We are back on the beach, the camera slowly sweeping across the sand. We begin to notice footprints. We think nothing of this at first, until we realize that the imprints in the sand are coated with a thin layer of blood. The birdsong is now accompanied by distant heavy breathing.
Another splice of footage from the basement, where a man falls down onto his knees. The shot is in and out of focus. As the man slumps to the ground, the image is taken up by three turnbuckles in a column and the baying fans in the audience. We hear grunts of exertion, and then the smashing of glass.
On the beach, the sound of heavy breathing is a lot closer now, and the footprints are accompanied by large splatters of blood. We continue to sweep across the white sand, a metre above it, the pace of our movement slowing as the sound of breathing does alongside it.
The camera finally comes to rest on a Crown of Thorns, half-hidden in the sand.
And, next to it, a gold championship belt, a Black X on its plate.
The image fades out, and we see the a logo, followed by text:
THE KING OF THE DEATHMATCH.
Saturday 8th March, 2023.
Live from an undisclosed location.
For the Crown of Thorns and the FWA X Championship.
There is a good response from the crowd as Bellatrix Bordeaux makes her way out from the back with a smile on her face, although the enthusiasm she has dips slightly when she sees the packed house waiting for her for her first FWA Pay-Per-View appearance. Trixie takes a deep breath and then nods her head, and she slaps hands with fans in the front row as she advances towards the ring.
Kurt Harrington: "The following contest is scheduled for one fall, with a thirty minute time limit! Introducing first… from Baton Rouge, Louisiana… BELLATRIX BOOOOORRRDDDDDEEEAAAAUUUXXXXXX!!!"
Rod Sterling: "You can see from the look on Bellatrix Bordeaux’s face that there is a slight sense of trepidation heading into this match with Reagan Cole. It is only her third match as part of the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance and she finds herself on Pay-Per-View against a former FWA World Tag Team and Gauntlet Champion. It is a very stern test so early in her career."
Allen Price: "Trixie is currently one and one since arriving here, after falling to Darius Wright in her debut but she was a winner alongside Chris Peacock and a few others on Fight Night: The Final Four. Perhaps teaming with the future FWA World Champion has given her the confidence boost needed?"
Anzu Kurosawa: "I’m not so sure on that second part, but it was during that Ten Person Tag Team match where some issues between Bordeaux and Reagan Cole began to rear their heads. Reagan Cole went after poor Trixie repeatedly during that match under the instruction of Jeffry Mason."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "There are no partners to have her back tonight, and she will be going it fully alone out there… and I highly doubt that Reagan Cole will be coming to Denver without his back up."
Trixie enters the ring through the middle and bottom ropes and then waves to the crowd in the ring, she walks towards one of the corners and positions herself on the middle rope where she points to a few people in the crowd. As her music fades out though, some of the exuberance fades from her demeanour, as she realises that she is about to go through what promises to be a testing experience.
An initial flurry of cheers shifts into a more mixed reaction for Reagan Cole, as both TYLER and Jeffry Mason follow him out from the back. Cole wears a shirt with the Union Jack in the middle of it, and his fellow countryman TYLER slaps Reagan’s chest on the flag and then motions for ‘The British Apprentice’ to advance towards the ring whilst he and Mason follow him. The look on Cole’s face shows that he is still not particularly pleased with the situation that he finds himself in.
Kurt Harrington: "Her opponent, being accompanied by TYLER and Jeffry Mason… from Essex, England and weighing in at two-hundred and fifteen pounds… ‘The British Apprentice’ REAGAN COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLEE!!!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "It was under the instruction - or, more accurately, order - of Jeffry Mason for Reagan Cole to target Bellatrix Bordeaux so viciously back on Fight Night. We saw several times Cole charge out of his team’s corner to attack Bordeaux in a completely unprovoked fashion."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It was due to Mason’s identification of Bordeaux as a possible weak link for Cole to exploit during that match, but it ultimately proved less than fruitful. As far as they’re concerned though, they can’t move forward until Bordeaux has been dealt with. Reagan has got her all to himself tonight."
Rod Sterling: "Does that mean that the pressure is on for him? Looking at the backgrounds of these two, Cole should really be the favourite going into this given his vast experience advantage over Bordeaux."
Allen Price: "We’ve seen stranger things happen here, Roddy."
Cole is the first to enter the ring, rolling under the bottom rope and TYLER does the same to join him as Jeffry Mason is slower to join them, climbing up the steps whilst exchanging some words with a fan in the front row. As Mason joins his underlings in the ring, he grins in the direction of Bordeaux, who now seems intimidated by the sight of the three men in front of her. Despite being flanked by TYLER and Mason, Cole seems to remain quite sympathetic towards Bordeaux and he then turns to the corner to finish his preparations. Referee Larry Davis orders both Mason and TYLER out of the ring so the match can get underway. He calls for the bell.
Rod Sterling: “Such blatant disrespect from the North American Champion!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I expect nothing less from Big Bryan Baxter and he should know better than to underestimate ‘The Rave!’”
Lizzie shakes his hear and turns away from the laughing Baxter… before turning back around and surprising Baxter with a spinkick right to the chest! This brings BBB back to his feet as Lizzie goes after his legs with two quick kicks to the upper right thigh of the champion. Bryan absorbs the blows and goes after Rose, attempting a grapple but Rose uses her speed to duck through and scores two more kicks to the upper thigh followed by a running dropkick to the same leg!
This brings Baxter down to a knee and Rose quickly runs and leaps onto his back, applying a sleeperhold to the champion. Baxter gets back up to his feet as Lizzie tightens her grip around his wide neck, but Baxter would walk to the center of the ring and snapmares off his back and down to her back on the mat! With the challenger down, Baxter bounces off the ropes and comes back with a falling headbutt to Rose…
But Rose rolls out of the way and Baxter headbutts the canvas!
Rod Sterling: “The elusiveness of Lizzie Rose on display here in the early going and that’s something she’s going to have to keep up to counteract the vast size and power advantage of the champion!”
Bryan Baxter gets back up to his feet, shaking his head to clear the cobwebs from his head connecting with the mat, allowing Lizzie to strike another trio of kicks to his right thigh to stagger the champion before following up with a spinning back elbow to his chest! Baxter stumbles back into the turnbuckle… and Lizzie charges in with a running dropkick! Bryan staggers back out of the corner into a step-up enziguri.
With BBB dropping down to his knees after connecting with the enziguri, Lizzie follows up with her high speed low roundhouse kick to the side of his head - Calling Mr. Vain! Baxter falls over to the mat! She goes for the pin, hooking that tree trunk leg of his!
One - KICKOUT!
Lizzie wastes no time after the nearfall, delivering a dropkick to the back of Baxter’s head as he’s getting up, sending Baxter falling onto the middle ropes.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Look at Lizzie go! Not deterred by the nearfall and she’s just all over Baxter here!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “She’s come out here tonight determined to get that North American championship back! A title she feels like she was cheated out of to begin with!”
Allen Price: “Feels like? She absolutely was cheated out of it!”
Lizzie grabs ahold of the top rope next to Baxter, slingshotting herself over the top rope and landing a legdrop to the back of his head across the middle ropes! She lands on the apron as Baxter staggers backwards towards the middle of the ring. Lizzie grabs ahold of the top rope again and prepares for a springboard…
But Mr. Scorpane grabs ahold of her legs! She pulls away and referee Tommy Palmer gives a stern warning to Scorpane, who backs off, holding his arms up innocently. Lizzie then springboards into the ring…
And is CAUGHT BY Baxter! POWERSLAM to the mat!
Rod Sterling: “That momentary distraction from Mr. Scorpane was all Bryan Baxter needed there. A familiar scene of late during a Bryan Baxter match.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Be that as it may, Bryan Baxter has certainly been reaping the rewards of having Scorpane in his corner the past three months.”
Baxter takes control of the match, having finally been able to catch and overpower Lizzie. He delivers a plethora of stomps to her back after the powerslam before pulling Rose up by her hair and tossing her into the corner. Baxter heads to the corner as well, hitting several knee lifts to her ribs before backing up and charging in with a running corner splash!
Baxter backs out of the corner, enjoying the boos from the crowd as Rose staggers out of the corner. The champion lifts her up and takes her down to the mat with a scoop slam before bouncing off the ropes and this time connecting with a falling headbutt. Baxter goes for the pin.
One - Two - KICKOUT!
Lizzie rolls towards the center of the ring as Baxter stalks his prey, letting her exert energy to try and get back to her feet before he unceremoniously sends her back down with a running high impact shoulder block! The impact sends Lizzie all the way across the ring. She hits the mat and rolls out onto the apron.
With his confidence growing, Baxter takes his time as he taunts the crowd first before making his way over to Lizzie. The Rave brings herself to her feet on the apron using the ropes as Baxter comes over and grabs her…
But Rose reaches up and grabs Baxter by the ears and then drops down off the apron, driving his throat across the top rope! Baxter staggers backwards as Lizzie jumps back up onto the apron. She attempts the springboard again…
This time catching Bryan with a Tornado DDT!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Girl Meets Mat! Lizzie has Baxter down again!”
Rose immediately goes for the pin.
One - Two - KICKOUT!
Rose is back up to her feet first, hitting a big European Uppercut to Baxter just as he was getting back to his feet. She then follows that up with a series of backhand chops to Baxter’s massive chest before Irish Whipping Baxter into the ropes… but Baxter reverses it and instead he sends Lizzie into the ropes. Clothesline from Baxter… IS DUCKED by Lizzie. Lizzie comes back off the opposite ropes and Baxter goes for another clothesline, but Lizzie counters it with the BROOKLYN FLASH!
Lizzie with another cover!
One - Two - KICKOUT!
Lizzie sets up to her knees after another nearfall, huffing to get the hair out of her face before getting back to her feet. She backs up to the corner as Baxter begins to get to his feet, she moves in and hooks Baxter by the head… she’s going for the Sliced Liz! Lizzie feels the North American Championship within reach…
BUT BAXTER COUNTERS as he holds onto Lizzie, keeping her up in the air and then DUMPS HER OVER THE ROPE TO THE FLOOR!
Rod Sterling: “Lizzie almost had this one over with if she could’ve hit the Sliced Liz, but perhaps a bit too early as Baxter blocks it and now Lizzie is in a world of trouble on the outside of the ring!”
Baxter steps out through the ropes and hops down off the apron with an ax handle smash to her back as she was recovering. He then pulls Lizzie up by her hair and tosses her into the guard rail. The fans at ringside are up against the railing, giving Bryan an earful but the North American Champion ignores the jeers as he picks Lizzie up into a Gorilla Press… and begins to walk around the ringside area, holding up his challenger, displaying his strength… before DROPPING HER DOWN across the ring steps!
Lizzie slumps over to the floor, in the corner of the ring steps and the ring apron as Baxter stalks over and begins to pummel his opponent with a multitude of stomps to the midsection. Having dished out the punishment at ringside, Baxter would eventually grab The Rave by her hair and roll her back into the ring before climbing back in to avoid the countout.
Back in the ring, Baxter pulls Rose back up to her feet into a pumphandle, lifting her up and then bringing her down with a gutbuster! Baxter makes the cover.
One - Two - THRE - SHOULDER UP!
Baxter doesn’t give Lizzie the chance to recover as he drops an elbow down across her ribs before bouncing off the ropes and hitting a running senton. Baxter then pulls Lizzie up with a front face lock before lifting her up and placing Rose onto the top turnbuckle. Bryan then steps up onto the second turnbuckle himself…
Rod Sterling: “Now what do we have here? Going high risk isn’t typically Baxter’s offense so this is a bit unorthodox…”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Sometimes you got to pull out something new from the bag of tricks in a match like this!”
Lizzie tries to fight back on the turnbuckles, delivering some chops to Baxter, but Baxter fights her off himself with a pair of headbutts. He then hooks her by the head and comes down off the turnbuckles with a giant SUPERPLEX! Baxter slowly rolls over and makes the lateral press.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “After that impact by Rose - this could be it!”
ONE - TWO - THREE - NO! Rose with the shoulder just barely getting up off the mat.
Baxter sits up off the mat, some frustration starting to set in as Rose once again manages to stay alive in the match. Baxter looks out to ringside where he makes eye contact with Mr. Scorpane. Scorpane nods and walks around the ring before tossing up the ring curtain… and pulling a table out from under the ring!
Allen Price: “What’s Mr. Scorpane up to now? I don’t like the looks of this.”
Rod Sterling: “This isn’t a no disqualification match! I’m not sure what they have planned here..”
As Scorpane sets up the table, Baxter pulls Rose back up and tosses her out of the ring to ringside, by the table. Baxter climbs out as well as he then pulls Rose back up and drives her back first into the apron. He holds on and then lifts her up, rolling The Rave onto her back on the table.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Baxter is going to get himself disqualified here if he’s not careful!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m not sure he even cares!”
Baxter drives a few forearms to Rose’s midsection for good measure before he climbs up onto the apron. It looks like he plans to dive off the apron through the table, but he hesitates… and glances over to the turnbuckles as Scorpane shakes his head, encouraging Baxter to not do it… but an evil grin flashes over his face as he now walks over to the corner and begins to very slowly and cautiously climb to the top.
Allen Price: “I guess he’s getting more confident in his ‘high flying’ offense after that superplex…”
Anzu Kurosawa: “They’re going to be scraping bits and pieces of Lizzie Rose off the Ball Arena for weeks if Baxter connects with this!”
Bryan’s legs are shaky as he stands up, struggling to get his balance on the top turnbuckle… but once he does he LEAPS OFF THE TOP ROPE, going down to ringside with a flying elbowdrop THROUGH THE TABLE!
The table is shattered and Baxter is down on the floor in pain…
But Lizzie is safe and sound having rolled off the table in time!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “One high risk too many for a man who shouldn’t be taking any!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Talk about turning the tables… what a huge swing in momentum for The Rave!”
Mr. Scorpane is beside himself as he watches Lizzie get back to her feet using the ring curtain and she rolls into the ring. She sits up to her knees, surprised herself as she looks out to see Baxter lying in the wreckage of the table. But she also looks over and realizes that referee Tommy Palmer’s is in the midst of counting Baxter out.
Rod Sterling: “I think Lizzie just realized what we all realized… and she doesn’t want to win this match by countout!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “But how’s she getting him back into the ring? The man is over double her size and all that dead weight…”
Lizzie rolls back out of the ring in order to start Palmer’s count over. She bends over and makes a couple attempts to get Baxter’s body up off the floor, but she isn’t able to budge him. She looks over to Scorpane, but he backs away, shrugging his shoulders. Clearly not worried about if his client keeps his title via countout loss.
But out from the back… comes JOE BURR! Joe rushes to Lizzie’s aid and the duo work together to get Baxter up enough to lean him against the apron before they both go underneath him and both push up on his massive midsection, lifting him up onto the apron!
Allen Price: “Is this even legal?”
Rod Sterling: “FWA official Tommy Palmer seems to be allowing it! It’s not nearly as bad as anything we’ve seen Mr. Scorpane do, though he’s clearly not happy about this!”
An outraged Mr. Scorpane climbs the apron as Burr and Rose push Baxter under the bottom rope. Lizzie rolls into the ring and goes for the pin, but now Palmer is dealing with Scorpane on the apron…
That is until BURR pulls Scorpane down! Despite even Mr. Scorpane having quite the size advantage on Burr, wants nothing to do with the feisty little man as he backs off! Palmer returns to make the count!
ONE - TWO - THREE!
NO!
Allen Price: “Baxter gets his shoulder up at the last second! This one isn’t over yet folks!”
Rod Sterling: “So close for Lizzie there! But she still has the momentum in her favor and now Joe Burr in her corner to offset Mr. Scorpane!”
Joe Burr paces at ringside, keeping his eyes on Mr. Scorpane who has relocated to the opposite side of the ring. But back in the ring, Lizzie heads to the top rope as Baxter still is on the mat… THUNDERBOLT twisting top rope splash…
BUT BAXTER GOT HIS KNEES UP!
Both competitors are down!
As Tommy Palmer begins the standing ten count, both competitors slowly begin to stir around the six count… Lizzie gets up to a knee as Baxter finishes pulling himself all the way up, with his back turned to the referee… Baxter reaches into his trunks… and retrieves his brass knuckles, sliding them discreetly onto his right hand.
Rod Sterling: “The brass knux! Neither Lizzie nor Tommy Palmer noticed Baxter sliding them on!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “They didn’t… but Joe Burr did!”
Joe tries to warn Lizzie as Baxter turns around and charges at her, looking to knock her out with Whatever It Takes… but Lizzie counters, using Baxter’s own momentum against him as she grabs his arm and takes him down with an arm drag takedown into an armbar! While locking in the submission, Lizzie PULLS THE KNUX OFF Baxter and tosses them out of the ring with the crowd cheering loudly in approval!
Baxter works his way back up to a vertical base while Lizzie still has the armbar applied, but he breaks free with a pair of headbutts that send Rose staggering back. He then gives her a boot to the midsection and whips her hard into the turnbuckles. Baxter then rushes in for another corner splash…
But Lizzie counters with a Pendulum kick out of the corner! Baxter stumbles backwards as Lizzie now ascends the turnbuckles… MISSLE DROPKICK!
Bryan staggers back to his feet as a fired up Lizzy grabs him by the head, she’s pointing to the turnbuckle… it’s going to be the SLICED LIZ.
Darkness.
The lights in the arena have shut off.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “What’s going on?!”
Allen Price: “Okay, who forgot to pay the electric bill?”
A couple moments pass and the light comes back on. Lizzie has released Bryan, who has dropped to a knee, but in the corner… the same corner Lizzie was pointing to and about to use as her springboard for Sliced Liz… a sunflower has been wrapped around the turnbuckle.
Allen Price: “What in the world is this? What’s going on?”
Rod Sterling: “I have no idea… and I don’t think Baxter or Scorpane had anything to do with this, as Mr. Scorpane seems to have no idea what the meaning behind this mysterious sunflower that has appeared just as it looked like Lizzie may have had this in the bag!”
Lizzie holds her arms up, just as confused as everyone else in the arena and watching at home… but Bryan takes advantage as he spins Lizzie around and lifts her up onto his shoulders…
BOTTOM OF THE BARRELL!
He stays on top of Lizzie and hooks both her legs!
ONE - TWO - THREE!
Winner: Big Bryan Baxter via pinfall at 15:25.
The fans are clearly not happy as Bryan Baxter gets back up to his feet, quickly met by Mr. Scorpane who brings in the North American championship to celebrate.
Kurt Harrington: "Here is your winner… and STILL FWA North American Champion… Big Bryan Baxter!!"
Allen Price: “Another tainted victory for Big Bryan Baxter!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “In his defense, this had less to do with him, however. This was more of the champion being opportunistic and sometimes you have to play the cards you’re dealt with.”
Baxter and Scorpane head out of the ring in victory, while Joe Burr rolls into the ring to help Lizzie up to her feet. Dejected by defeat, Lizzie can only continue to look along with Joe at the sunflower left in the ring and wonder the meaning behind it.
Anzu Kurosawa: “A lot of unanswered questions here at the end of this one… mainly about who and where this sunflower came from!”
Allen Price: “Valentine’s Day was last week. I think someone has mixed up their calendar.”
Rod Sterling: “Something tells me there’s more to this flower, Price.”
We fade out as Lizzie and Joe continue to curiously stare at that mysterious flower.
Ratin Mikichin: "YOU WILL NEVER WIN AGAINST RATIN!"
The scream from the strange voice means that the brawl which began earlier on in the evening is clearly still raging on between Steve the Techno Vampire and Ratin Mikichin. The two of them have escalated the fight from outside Jon Russnow’s office to both inexplicably driving golf carts through a corridor with Steve behind Ratin, who is driving erratically and as he turns to shout something else at Steve, he drives straight through a set of double doors.
A shot from a CCTV camera shows Ratin’s cart driving out of control through the following corridor, and it crashes into a wall when he fails to turn either left or right at the end of the hallway. Ratin jumps out of the cart and seems woozy from the impact and he walks down the corridor to the ring.
Steve drives his cart a different way after not crashing through the doors and he spots Ratin once again in the distance walking through another door.
Steve the Techno Vampire: "Vhere are you going, covard!"
The techno vampire puts his foot on the gas and advances towards where Ratin disappeared before he stops the cart and follows Ratin through the door… and is immediately pelted with a burger to the face from Ratin, who has found the catering area.
Steve the Techno Vampire: "Stop it! I am a vegetarian!"
Despite this, Ratin continues to throw burgers at Steve, and Steve has to use his cape to protect himself as he slowly advances through the onslaught of burgers towards his nemesis. Eventually, Steve does get close enough, so Ratin decides to run away from the area and Steve does his best Naruto run to chase him off.
The camera zooms in on one of the burgers on the floor and suddenly a pair of boots enters the frame either side of the disheveled burger and a hand reaches down and picks it up, before the feed fades away.
We find ourselves on a white-sand beach, the camera pointed towards the azure ocean. The waves gently break into foaming crescents that encroach upon where we, the viewer, are situated. All that we can hear is the gentle waves and a distant birdsong.
The footage cuts away from this idyllic setting for just a second, and those quick on the pause button would note quite a different scene depicted. Inside what seems like the basement of a nightclub or some similar venue, there's a crush against a steel barrier as the loud sounds of German metal is heard. This lasts only a moment, and then…
We are back on the beach, the camera slowly sweeping across the sand. We begin to notice footprints. We think nothing of this at first, until we realize that the imprints in the sand are coated with a thin layer of blood. The birdsong is now accompanied by distant heavy breathing.
Another splice of footage from the basement, where a man falls down onto his knees. The shot is in and out of focus. As the man slumps to the ground, the image is taken up by three turnbuckles in a column and the baying fans in the audience. We hear grunts of exertion, and then the smashing of glass.
On the beach, the sound of heavy breathing is a lot closer now, and the footprints are accompanied by large splatters of blood. We continue to sweep across the white sand, a metre above it, the pace of our movement slowing as the sound of breathing does alongside it.
The camera finally comes to rest on a Crown of Thorns, half-hidden in the sand.
And, next to it, a gold championship belt, a Black X on its plate.
The image fades out, and we see the a logo, followed by text:
THE KING OF THE DEATHMATCH.
Saturday 8th March, 2023.
Live from an undisclosed location.
For the Crown of Thorns and the FWA X Championship.
There is a good response from the crowd as Bellatrix Bordeaux makes her way out from the back with a smile on her face, although the enthusiasm she has dips slightly when she sees the packed house waiting for her for her first FWA Pay-Per-View appearance. Trixie takes a deep breath and then nods her head, and she slaps hands with fans in the front row as she advances towards the ring.
Kurt Harrington: "The following contest is scheduled for one fall, with a thirty minute time limit! Introducing first… from Baton Rouge, Louisiana… BELLATRIX BOOOOORRRDDDDDEEEAAAAUUUXXXXXX!!!"
Rod Sterling: "You can see from the look on Bellatrix Bordeaux’s face that there is a slight sense of trepidation heading into this match with Reagan Cole. It is only her third match as part of the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance and she finds herself on Pay-Per-View against a former FWA World Tag Team and Gauntlet Champion. It is a very stern test so early in her career."
Allen Price: "Trixie is currently one and one since arriving here, after falling to Darius Wright in her debut but she was a winner alongside Chris Peacock and a few others on Fight Night: The Final Four. Perhaps teaming with the future FWA World Champion has given her the confidence boost needed?"
Anzu Kurosawa: "I’m not so sure on that second part, but it was during that Ten Person Tag Team match where some issues between Bordeaux and Reagan Cole began to rear their heads. Reagan Cole went after poor Trixie repeatedly during that match under the instruction of Jeffry Mason."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "There are no partners to have her back tonight, and she will be going it fully alone out there… and I highly doubt that Reagan Cole will be coming to Denver without his back up."
Trixie enters the ring through the middle and bottom ropes and then waves to the crowd in the ring, she walks towards one of the corners and positions herself on the middle rope where she points to a few people in the crowd. As her music fades out though, some of the exuberance fades from her demeanour, as she realises that she is about to go through what promises to be a testing experience.
An initial flurry of cheers shifts into a more mixed reaction for Reagan Cole, as both TYLER and Jeffry Mason follow him out from the back. Cole wears a shirt with the Union Jack in the middle of it, and his fellow countryman TYLER slaps Reagan’s chest on the flag and then motions for ‘The British Apprentice’ to advance towards the ring whilst he and Mason follow him. The look on Cole’s face shows that he is still not particularly pleased with the situation that he finds himself in.
Kurt Harrington: "Her opponent, being accompanied by TYLER and Jeffry Mason… from Essex, England and weighing in at two-hundred and fifteen pounds… ‘The British Apprentice’ REAGAN COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLEE!!!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "It was under the instruction - or, more accurately, order - of Jeffry Mason for Reagan Cole to target Bellatrix Bordeaux so viciously back on Fight Night. We saw several times Cole charge out of his team’s corner to attack Bordeaux in a completely unprovoked fashion."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It was due to Mason’s identification of Bordeaux as a possible weak link for Cole to exploit during that match, but it ultimately proved less than fruitful. As far as they’re concerned though, they can’t move forward until Bordeaux has been dealt with. Reagan has got her all to himself tonight."
Rod Sterling: "Does that mean that the pressure is on for him? Looking at the backgrounds of these two, Cole should really be the favourite going into this given his vast experience advantage over Bordeaux."
Allen Price: "We’ve seen stranger things happen here, Roddy."
Cole is the first to enter the ring, rolling under the bottom rope and TYLER does the same to join him as Jeffry Mason is slower to join them, climbing up the steps whilst exchanging some words with a fan in the front row. As Mason joins his underlings in the ring, he grins in the direction of Bordeaux, who now seems intimidated by the sight of the three men in front of her. Despite being flanked by TYLER and Mason, Cole seems to remain quite sympathetic towards Bordeaux and he then turns to the corner to finish his preparations. Referee Larry Davis orders both Mason and TYLER out of the ring so the match can get underway. He calls for the bell.
Bordeaux and Cole begin to circle the ring as the match gets underway, with Trixie especially being much more tentative about grappling with the much more experienced competitor. Raising his hands, seemingly with the intent of initiating a lock up, Cole is immediately distracted by Mason giving him a different command to just go on the attack. Reagan sighs and then runs forward and catches Bordeaux with a Running Knee Lift immediately! The impact sends Trixie almost through a loop and she lands on the back of her head and scrambles backwards towards the corner as Cole looks to follow up on her, but is prevented from doing so by the referee due to his opponent being in the ropes.
Rod Sterling: "FWA official Richard Davis potentially doing Bordeaux a favour with that one there, allowing her to get back into the match after starting on the back foot following that hard knee lift."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "There’s only so much that the referee can do in a situation like this; Bordeaux agreed to this match when she signed on for it so she needs to do something if she wants to register her first victory in singles competition here in the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance."
As expected, the referee only permits a few seconds’ grace for Bordeaux to pick herself up from being knocked flat from Cole, and immediately, ‘The British Apprentice’ charges in towards Bordeaux in the corner - but Trixie moves out of the way! Cole collides with the turnbuckle, and Bordeaux pulls herself up again using the ropes. This draws a cheer from the crowd and Bordeaux turns around and with a guttural scream she starts unloading on Reagan Cole!
The fans show that they are behind the rookie as she unleashes a series of punches, kicks and slaps on Cole and the Brit does put a guard of some sort up to protect himself from the flurry and Bordeaux reaches over his back and claws it! This gets another reaction from the fans and even Jeffry Mason shows some sort of appreciation for that tactic and with Cole hunched over in front of her, Bordeaux hooks his head under her arm and drops him onto his head with a Snap DDT! Bordeaux is unable to follow up on the move though, as in landing she landed directly on the back of her head!
Even though the tenacity of Bordeaux is undeniable to anyone, even Jeffry Mason, he expresses his anger with Cole for allowing her to get such a move in. Due to Trixie’s move backfiring on her, both competitors start to pick themselves up from the mat at the same time, but a frustrated Cole cuts Bordeaux off with a Headbutt to the top of the head which knocks her back down onto her back. Reagan then moves on top of her and cradles her head with one hand and drives his elbow down into her forehead several times. Reagan then transitions straight into a pin…
ONE… TWO… THR-NO!!!
Anzu Kurosawa: "There’s some fight in this girl, you know!"
Rod Sterling: "I fear that Bordeaux may be a walking punching bag, but it takes some considerable strength to be able to endure an onslaught from someone like Reagan Cole and make it out of the pin fall like that. If she can just hang in there, and look for any sort of opening she can get…"
Reagan Cole picks Bordeaux up from the mat slowly, but he maintains control over her body and movements to prevent any sort of resistance to whatever it is he is planning on doing. He lifts her from the mat and is able to fend off any attempt to escape as he gets behind her and then lifts her up into the air, dropping her back down on the mat with an Olympic Slam! Cole rises back to his feet and drags Bordeaux towards the corner once again and then throws her into it, where she stands up against the turnbuckle. Cole pushes Bordeaux back and then smashes her in the chest with a forearm.
The sound of the impact reverberates around and Trixie gasps before Cole stands her upright once again, looking to do the same to her once again… and the second club hits her even harder! Once again, the referee comes across and requests that Cole bring things out of the corner and he does so by grabbing Trixie around the back of the head and dragging her towards the middle of the ring, where she is in prime position for him to be able to drive his knee into her face several times! The crowd do not seem to appreciate that Cole is just doing what he needs to do to wear his opponent down, and they make that clear with a negative reaction.
Cole does allow Bordeaux to be released from his grasp, but he has Davis in his face, separating him from Trixie and the referee tells Cole to cool his jets slightly. As Reagan nods his head and holds his hands up, neither he or Davis notice Jeffry Mason reaching under the bottom rope from outside and he drags Bordeaux by the arm towards the ring apron, and he starts to grind his forearm across her face!
Allen Price: "Come on! As if Reagan Cole is not at enough of an advantage here. I can’t believe this guy!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "If you have an issue with how Jeffry Mason chooses to conduct his business, then you’re more than welcome to go and do something about it, Price… I didn’t think so."
The fans make their feelings towards the devious Mason known, and he walks away from Bordeaux just as the official turns around and allows Reagan to continue with the match. Cole reaches through the top and middle ropes to pull Bordeaux up from the ring apron where Mason left her, and he pulls her through the ropes and allows her feet to hang onto the middle rope… before he drops her with a Neckbreaker from the ropes! It is a very harsh landing for Bordeaux, and Cole gets on top of her with a lateral press;
ONE… TWO… THREE-NO!!!
Davis stops the count and then points to the right boot of Bordeaux, which is draped over the middle rope still, as it was after Cole hit the Neckbreaker! Just by pure coincidence, Bordeaux is still alive in the match! There is some clear frustration from Cole as he realises that he made such a foolish mistake but he does back away and he motions for Bordeaux to get to her feet which she does so, whilst holding the back of her neck… AND COLE LOOKS TO STRIKE WITH THE CYCLONE KICK - BUT TRIXIE DUCKS IT!
As Trixie avoids the kick, Cole’s boot get caught on the top rope, AND THIS ALLOWS BORDEAUX TO ROLL HIM UP! Davis drops down quickly as Bordeaux stacks Cole up in the pin attempt!
ONE… TWO… THRE-NO!!!
Anzu Kurosawa: "She almost got him! Bordeaux was just fractions of a second away from getting what would have been an absolutely huge victory here at Back in Town!"
The near fall seems to surprise both competitors and they both pop up out of the position following Cole powering out of the pin and there is a moment where they both stare at each other, until Bordeaux charges forward and throws her entire body weight at Cole, knocking him down with a Thesz Press! The crowd cheers as Trixie lands a few strikes and slams Cole’s head into the canvas a couple of times!
Just as Davis is approaching the situation to break things up again - but this time due to the actions of the underdog in the match - he gets sidetracked as Jeffry Mason is up on the apron! The official demands that he gets down but the ringside microphones pick up Mason complaining about some of the officiating in the match. Bordeaux does relent of her attack on Cole to see what is going on, but as she does so she fails to notice that someone else has entered the ring!
Allen Price: "LOOK EVERYONE! IT’S TYLER!"
Bordeaux turns around upon hearing the commotion and she is unable to react sufficiently in time to see TYLER in the ring and he charges towards her and PLANTS HER ON THE MAT WITH THE LIGHTNING BOLT! The Jumping DDT lays Bordeaux out on the mat next to Cole and with the damage done, Mason drops down from the apron as TYLER slides out of the ring, all of this going on behind the referee’s back.
Rod Sterling: "That could be the difference-maker there, folks. TYLER and Jeffry Mason have taken it upon themselves to get involved in this match to make things even harder for Bellatrix Bordeaux, but look at Reagan Cole - I don’t think that he is best pleased about this."
The conflict on the face of Reagan Cole is clear as he obviously wants to win the match, but suffers with the moral dilemma of allowing himself to be helped in such a manner. Cole grits his teeth as he rises to his feet and Trixie slowly brings herself up to a knee and Mason looks at him through the ropes and gives him a knowing nod and Cole lines up Bordeaux as she rises to her feet in the middle of the ring and he takes a deep breath… CYCLONE KICK!!
The impact of the kick causes Bordeaux to fall to the mat on her back and Cole drops to his knees to go for the cover;
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
The fans are not best pleased, despite Reagan Cole himself seemingly not best pleased with how things went down, but nonetheless, he has his arm raised in victory by the referee. Both Mason and TYLER also enter the ring to celebrate, as the official drops to a knee and checks on Bordeaux, who is still seemingly out of it following the massive Cyclone Kick.
Kurt Harrington: "Here is your winner… REAGAN COLE!!"
Rod Sterling: "It was a brave and gutsy performance from Bellatrix Bordeaux here tonight at Back in Town, but as many suspected, Reagan Cole has walked away from this one victorious."
Allen Price: "I mean, I think we can chalk up a pretty big assist to that dastardly Jeffry Mason and TYLER, who proved to be a real difference maker himself. I’m not really quite sure how winning like that will sit with Reagan Cole."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Why should he care? What matters is that he has walked away from a Pay-Per-View with a victory that is probably going to propel him onwards onto bigger and better things. Whether he likes the methods of Mason or not, they’re paying dividends for him! He should be happy!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "I fear that this might not be the end of poor Trixie’s punishment, either…"
As Anzu speaks, we see that TYLER and Mason are looming over Bellatrix Bordeaux as she sits up with the aid of the referee. Richard Davis smartly gets out of harm’s way as TYLER reaches forward and pulls Bordeaux from the mat and holds her up, keeping her still as she struggles.
Reagan Cole seems concerned and like everyone else doubts the necessity of this, but looks extremely torn when Mason instructs him to attack Bordeaux again.
Allen Price: "H-he wants him to hit her with another one of those Cyclone Kicks! Don’t do it, Reagan!"
Despite his unwillingness, Cole sets himself up and lines Bellatrix up for a second time… but stops when the fans swell into a cheer. Someone runs down the ramp and slides into the ring, causing TYLER to drop Bordeaux and he and Mason make quick exits.
Rod Sterling: "That’s Bret Bordeaux! Trixie’s brother! We’ve seen him a couple of times with Trixie backstage, but he’s not prepared to let her take any more punishment at the hands of these three!"
As Bret puts his body in between his sister and her assailants, he tells Reagan Cole to get out of the ring and leave, which Cole does. Bret tends on Bellatrix in the ring and on the outside, Jeffry Mason puts his arm around Cole as the camera lingers on the conflicted facial expression worn by ‘The British Apprentice’.
Hours before his fatal 4-way title match, this footage makes its way to Fantasy Wrestling Alliance…
Dropping in a black screen from above, the viewers are brought into this next scene.
The words, “Somewhere in a dark place… a few days ago…” appears on the screen. And then the camera rotates to the left and reveals a 12 light candle chandelier hanging above a shadowy figure. From a distance, we hear…
???: “So are you ready… My Lord?”
The familiar voice of The Dark Guardian expands the emptiness of this large dark room. The figure responds with a groan and The Dark Guardian proceeds with what he has to say.
The Dark Guardian: “First… we must break all the dignity within you.”
A group of about 6 to 8 individuals surround the silhouette that is to be Darius Wright. Each of the individuals are draped in an oversized black hooded cloak with sleeves and black gloves. And within each one's grasp is some type of wooden club.
TDG: “Begin!”
The minions begin to swing these bat-like tools at the flesh of our Dark Traveler. He barely makes any sound while taking on the brunt of this attack. After around 10 minutes, the dark advisor commands that attack stops and the minions step away from a beaten Darius Wright. Laid out while bruised and bleeding under the dim lighting, Darius remains breathing and conscious.
TDG: “Not too bad for the next prince of darkness… you took that bludgeoning like the true warrior you've always been. Next… we remove all hope of perseverance, pretty much the same task but now with your weakened state.”
Four of the minions appear from the shadows and bind this man's wrists as well as his ankles in rope. Then they help him up to his feet before disappearing once more. Within a few seconds, they pull at each end of Darius's wrists and then use the rope around his ankles to not only pull but to hover him horizontally inside the circle of the candlelight. Now the minions are pulling at all four limbs as Darius grit his teeth and bears with the painful test. Minute after minute dwindles and Darius maintains breath control while perspiring from his face and upper body. After 40 minutes of stretching him like a rag doll, he's lowered.
TDG: “We shall now continue… this will heal your wounds and provide you with the dark powers of the dark warrior… known as… The Dark Traveler. The ritual will be complete and we can move forward once and for all, My Lord.”
And then flames gather around his exhausted form in a circle as his trusted guide recites demonic passages. From here the scene fades to black then fades back in and Darius is standing in front of a full length mirror. Looking at the back of his head, we see Darius finally rip off the t-shirt collar that he has been sporting since his return from HELL. He holds up hair clippers and begins to give himself a buzz cut before applying shaving cream to his head and clean shaving it like he used to. While attempting to finish up his grooming, The Dark Guardian steps out from the shadows and ends this evening with an update on the new garbs that he’s been developing.
TDG: “You know… I tried and tried to search for the right new look for this day. However… Maybe I was just trying too hard to be impressive. Darius, I mean My Lord, you’ve always been a simple man even as you’ve struggled with some of the toughest obstacles and been able to scramble the mindsets of many. There's always been this natural essence that has stuck to the man known as Darius Wright. So although… you are no longer merely Darius Wright but renamed by yours truly. I will present you as the terrifying hellraiser you are… with additional spectacles for the time being. Because honestly… there will be no need to overdo this showcase. You'll prove within your actions, the type of tenacious tyrant you were meant to be, My Lord…
And there will be no mercy on any disobedient souls…”
Lastly, the sound of the hair clippers cut back as he goes to line up his facial hair and the camera turns away to the right into total darkness.
Allen Price: “I suppose that we’ll see what that was all about later tonight when we see Darius Wright in the TV Title match. The next match of the evening is a match I know Jean-Luc will have a keen interest in.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Right you are, Price. It feels like a lot longer, but Kayden Knox will finally get his just desserts tonight when Mike Parr inevitably wipes the floor with him and hopefully rids the FWA of that ingrate!”
Rod Sterling: “Tell us how you really feel, Watkins!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I know we’re supposed to be unbiased, but forgive me for not abiding by that rule for the duration of this match.”
Kayden Knox slowly walks out on stage as his music plays, but the sold out crowd does well in their attempt to drown out the music with their jeering for Knox. Knox had his head hanging low, but he raises it up to look out at the crowd before he walks down to the ring.
Kurt Harrington: “The next contest is scheduled for one fall with a thirty-minute-time-limit! Making his way to the ring, from Sin City and weighing in at 185 lb…he is The Sin City Serpent…Kayden Knox!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “How apt that he likens himself to a serpent because he is nothing more than a snake in the grass! Executive Excellence handed everything to him and he had the audacity to throw it all the way!”
Allen Price: “If you recall, J-L, he’s shown some remorse for his actions. It appears he didn’t want to do what he did to Gabrielle, but he was forced to do it.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I don’t give a damn if he has one iota of remorse! It doesn’t change the fact that he went through with it and now Gabrielle is laid up somewhere while he is still here! I hope Mike Parr does us all a favor here tonight and stomps him out for good!”
Allen Price: “Someone is pulling the strings for Knox, that much is for sure, but we still don’t know who. Maybe tonight we’ll get some answers.”
The crowd’s attitude shifts to a more positive reception for The Prodigy, who eagerly makes his way out on stage. Parr doesn’t even waste another second as he speed walks down to the ring with attention directly focused on Knox in the ring.
Kurt Harrington: “and his opponent, weighing in tonight at 240 lb…he is The Prodigy…Mike Parr!”
Parr slides in the ring and he doesn’t even bother waiting for the bell to sound and tackles Knox to the mat! Parr is pummeling Knox and he’s showing no signs of letting up until the referee, Richard Davis, pulls Parr away from Knox.
Allen Price: “Mike Parr is refusing to wait for the bell and he’s getting his licks in early!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Damn straight he is! Come on, ring the bell already so this can be official!”
Davis checks on Knox and Parr then he calls for the bell…
Rod Sterling: "FWA official Richard Davis potentially doing Bordeaux a favour with that one there, allowing her to get back into the match after starting on the back foot following that hard knee lift."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "There’s only so much that the referee can do in a situation like this; Bordeaux agreed to this match when she signed on for it so she needs to do something if she wants to register her first victory in singles competition here in the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance."
As expected, the referee only permits a few seconds’ grace for Bordeaux to pick herself up from being knocked flat from Cole, and immediately, ‘The British Apprentice’ charges in towards Bordeaux in the corner - but Trixie moves out of the way! Cole collides with the turnbuckle, and Bordeaux pulls herself up again using the ropes. This draws a cheer from the crowd and Bordeaux turns around and with a guttural scream she starts unloading on Reagan Cole!
The fans show that they are behind the rookie as she unleashes a series of punches, kicks and slaps on Cole and the Brit does put a guard of some sort up to protect himself from the flurry and Bordeaux reaches over his back and claws it! This gets another reaction from the fans and even Jeffry Mason shows some sort of appreciation for that tactic and with Cole hunched over in front of her, Bordeaux hooks his head under her arm and drops him onto his head with a Snap DDT! Bordeaux is unable to follow up on the move though, as in landing she landed directly on the back of her head!
Even though the tenacity of Bordeaux is undeniable to anyone, even Jeffry Mason, he expresses his anger with Cole for allowing her to get such a move in. Due to Trixie’s move backfiring on her, both competitors start to pick themselves up from the mat at the same time, but a frustrated Cole cuts Bordeaux off with a Headbutt to the top of the head which knocks her back down onto her back. Reagan then moves on top of her and cradles her head with one hand and drives his elbow down into her forehead several times. Reagan then transitions straight into a pin…
ONE… TWO… THR-NO!!!
Anzu Kurosawa: "There’s some fight in this girl, you know!"
Rod Sterling: "I fear that Bordeaux may be a walking punching bag, but it takes some considerable strength to be able to endure an onslaught from someone like Reagan Cole and make it out of the pin fall like that. If she can just hang in there, and look for any sort of opening she can get…"
Reagan Cole picks Bordeaux up from the mat slowly, but he maintains control over her body and movements to prevent any sort of resistance to whatever it is he is planning on doing. He lifts her from the mat and is able to fend off any attempt to escape as he gets behind her and then lifts her up into the air, dropping her back down on the mat with an Olympic Slam! Cole rises back to his feet and drags Bordeaux towards the corner once again and then throws her into it, where she stands up against the turnbuckle. Cole pushes Bordeaux back and then smashes her in the chest with a forearm.
The sound of the impact reverberates around and Trixie gasps before Cole stands her upright once again, looking to do the same to her once again… and the second club hits her even harder! Once again, the referee comes across and requests that Cole bring things out of the corner and he does so by grabbing Trixie around the back of the head and dragging her towards the middle of the ring, where she is in prime position for him to be able to drive his knee into her face several times! The crowd do not seem to appreciate that Cole is just doing what he needs to do to wear his opponent down, and they make that clear with a negative reaction.
Cole does allow Bordeaux to be released from his grasp, but he has Davis in his face, separating him from Trixie and the referee tells Cole to cool his jets slightly. As Reagan nods his head and holds his hands up, neither he or Davis notice Jeffry Mason reaching under the bottom rope from outside and he drags Bordeaux by the arm towards the ring apron, and he starts to grind his forearm across her face!
Allen Price: "Come on! As if Reagan Cole is not at enough of an advantage here. I can’t believe this guy!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "If you have an issue with how Jeffry Mason chooses to conduct his business, then you’re more than welcome to go and do something about it, Price… I didn’t think so."
The fans make their feelings towards the devious Mason known, and he walks away from Bordeaux just as the official turns around and allows Reagan to continue with the match. Cole reaches through the top and middle ropes to pull Bordeaux up from the ring apron where Mason left her, and he pulls her through the ropes and allows her feet to hang onto the middle rope… before he drops her with a Neckbreaker from the ropes! It is a very harsh landing for Bordeaux, and Cole gets on top of her with a lateral press;
ONE… TWO… THREE-NO!!!
Davis stops the count and then points to the right boot of Bordeaux, which is draped over the middle rope still, as it was after Cole hit the Neckbreaker! Just by pure coincidence, Bordeaux is still alive in the match! There is some clear frustration from Cole as he realises that he made such a foolish mistake but he does back away and he motions for Bordeaux to get to her feet which she does so, whilst holding the back of her neck… AND COLE LOOKS TO STRIKE WITH THE CYCLONE KICK - BUT TRIXIE DUCKS IT!
As Trixie avoids the kick, Cole’s boot get caught on the top rope, AND THIS ALLOWS BORDEAUX TO ROLL HIM UP! Davis drops down quickly as Bordeaux stacks Cole up in the pin attempt!
ONE… TWO… THRE-NO!!!
Anzu Kurosawa: "She almost got him! Bordeaux was just fractions of a second away from getting what would have been an absolutely huge victory here at Back in Town!"
The near fall seems to surprise both competitors and they both pop up out of the position following Cole powering out of the pin and there is a moment where they both stare at each other, until Bordeaux charges forward and throws her entire body weight at Cole, knocking him down with a Thesz Press! The crowd cheers as Trixie lands a few strikes and slams Cole’s head into the canvas a couple of times!
Just as Davis is approaching the situation to break things up again - but this time due to the actions of the underdog in the match - he gets sidetracked as Jeffry Mason is up on the apron! The official demands that he gets down but the ringside microphones pick up Mason complaining about some of the officiating in the match. Bordeaux does relent of her attack on Cole to see what is going on, but as she does so she fails to notice that someone else has entered the ring!
Allen Price: "LOOK EVERYONE! IT’S TYLER!"
Bordeaux turns around upon hearing the commotion and she is unable to react sufficiently in time to see TYLER in the ring and he charges towards her and PLANTS HER ON THE MAT WITH THE LIGHTNING BOLT! The Jumping DDT lays Bordeaux out on the mat next to Cole and with the damage done, Mason drops down from the apron as TYLER slides out of the ring, all of this going on behind the referee’s back.
Rod Sterling: "That could be the difference-maker there, folks. TYLER and Jeffry Mason have taken it upon themselves to get involved in this match to make things even harder for Bellatrix Bordeaux, but look at Reagan Cole - I don’t think that he is best pleased about this."
The conflict on the face of Reagan Cole is clear as he obviously wants to win the match, but suffers with the moral dilemma of allowing himself to be helped in such a manner. Cole grits his teeth as he rises to his feet and Trixie slowly brings herself up to a knee and Mason looks at him through the ropes and gives him a knowing nod and Cole lines up Bordeaux as she rises to her feet in the middle of the ring and he takes a deep breath… CYCLONE KICK!!
The impact of the kick causes Bordeaux to fall to the mat on her back and Cole drops to his knees to go for the cover;
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
Winner: Reagan Cole via pin fall at 9:33.
The fans are not best pleased, despite Reagan Cole himself seemingly not best pleased with how things went down, but nonetheless, he has his arm raised in victory by the referee. Both Mason and TYLER also enter the ring to celebrate, as the official drops to a knee and checks on Bordeaux, who is still seemingly out of it following the massive Cyclone Kick.
Kurt Harrington: "Here is your winner… REAGAN COLE!!"
Rod Sterling: "It was a brave and gutsy performance from Bellatrix Bordeaux here tonight at Back in Town, but as many suspected, Reagan Cole has walked away from this one victorious."
Allen Price: "I mean, I think we can chalk up a pretty big assist to that dastardly Jeffry Mason and TYLER, who proved to be a real difference maker himself. I’m not really quite sure how winning like that will sit with Reagan Cole."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Why should he care? What matters is that he has walked away from a Pay-Per-View with a victory that is probably going to propel him onwards onto bigger and better things. Whether he likes the methods of Mason or not, they’re paying dividends for him! He should be happy!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "I fear that this might not be the end of poor Trixie’s punishment, either…"
As Anzu speaks, we see that TYLER and Mason are looming over Bellatrix Bordeaux as she sits up with the aid of the referee. Richard Davis smartly gets out of harm’s way as TYLER reaches forward and pulls Bordeaux from the mat and holds her up, keeping her still as she struggles.
Reagan Cole seems concerned and like everyone else doubts the necessity of this, but looks extremely torn when Mason instructs him to attack Bordeaux again.
Allen Price: "H-he wants him to hit her with another one of those Cyclone Kicks! Don’t do it, Reagan!"
Despite his unwillingness, Cole sets himself up and lines Bellatrix up for a second time… but stops when the fans swell into a cheer. Someone runs down the ramp and slides into the ring, causing TYLER to drop Bordeaux and he and Mason make quick exits.
Rod Sterling: "That’s Bret Bordeaux! Trixie’s brother! We’ve seen him a couple of times with Trixie backstage, but he’s not prepared to let her take any more punishment at the hands of these three!"
As Bret puts his body in between his sister and her assailants, he tells Reagan Cole to get out of the ring and leave, which Cole does. Bret tends on Bellatrix in the ring and on the outside, Jeffry Mason puts his arm around Cole as the camera lingers on the conflicted facial expression worn by ‘The British Apprentice’.
Hours before his fatal 4-way title match, this footage makes its way to Fantasy Wrestling Alliance…
Dropping in a black screen from above, the viewers are brought into this next scene.
The words, “Somewhere in a dark place… a few days ago…” appears on the screen. And then the camera rotates to the left and reveals a 12 light candle chandelier hanging above a shadowy figure. From a distance, we hear…
???: “So are you ready… My Lord?”
The familiar voice of The Dark Guardian expands the emptiness of this large dark room. The figure responds with a groan and The Dark Guardian proceeds with what he has to say.
The Dark Guardian: “First… we must break all the dignity within you.”
A group of about 6 to 8 individuals surround the silhouette that is to be Darius Wright. Each of the individuals are draped in an oversized black hooded cloak with sleeves and black gloves. And within each one's grasp is some type of wooden club.
TDG: “Begin!”
The minions begin to swing these bat-like tools at the flesh of our Dark Traveler. He barely makes any sound while taking on the brunt of this attack. After around 10 minutes, the dark advisor commands that attack stops and the minions step away from a beaten Darius Wright. Laid out while bruised and bleeding under the dim lighting, Darius remains breathing and conscious.
TDG: “Not too bad for the next prince of darkness… you took that bludgeoning like the true warrior you've always been. Next… we remove all hope of perseverance, pretty much the same task but now with your weakened state.”
Four of the minions appear from the shadows and bind this man's wrists as well as his ankles in rope. Then they help him up to his feet before disappearing once more. Within a few seconds, they pull at each end of Darius's wrists and then use the rope around his ankles to not only pull but to hover him horizontally inside the circle of the candlelight. Now the minions are pulling at all four limbs as Darius grit his teeth and bears with the painful test. Minute after minute dwindles and Darius maintains breath control while perspiring from his face and upper body. After 40 minutes of stretching him like a rag doll, he's lowered.
TDG: “We shall now continue… this will heal your wounds and provide you with the dark powers of the dark warrior… known as… The Dark Traveler. The ritual will be complete and we can move forward once and for all, My Lord.”
And then flames gather around his exhausted form in a circle as his trusted guide recites demonic passages. From here the scene fades to black then fades back in and Darius is standing in front of a full length mirror. Looking at the back of his head, we see Darius finally rip off the t-shirt collar that he has been sporting since his return from HELL. He holds up hair clippers and begins to give himself a buzz cut before applying shaving cream to his head and clean shaving it like he used to. While attempting to finish up his grooming, The Dark Guardian steps out from the shadows and ends this evening with an update on the new garbs that he’s been developing.
TDG: “You know… I tried and tried to search for the right new look for this day. However… Maybe I was just trying too hard to be impressive. Darius, I mean My Lord, you’ve always been a simple man even as you’ve struggled with some of the toughest obstacles and been able to scramble the mindsets of many. There's always been this natural essence that has stuck to the man known as Darius Wright. So although… you are no longer merely Darius Wright but renamed by yours truly. I will present you as the terrifying hellraiser you are… with additional spectacles for the time being. Because honestly… there will be no need to overdo this showcase. You'll prove within your actions, the type of tenacious tyrant you were meant to be, My Lord…
And there will be no mercy on any disobedient souls…”
Lastly, the sound of the hair clippers cut back as he goes to line up his facial hair and the camera turns away to the right into total darkness.
Allen Price: “I suppose that we’ll see what that was all about later tonight when we see Darius Wright in the TV Title match. The next match of the evening is a match I know Jean-Luc will have a keen interest in.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Right you are, Price. It feels like a lot longer, but Kayden Knox will finally get his just desserts tonight when Mike Parr inevitably wipes the floor with him and hopefully rids the FWA of that ingrate!”
Rod Sterling: “Tell us how you really feel, Watkins!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I know we’re supposed to be unbiased, but forgive me for not abiding by that rule for the duration of this match.”
Kayden Knox slowly walks out on stage as his music plays, but the sold out crowd does well in their attempt to drown out the music with their jeering for Knox. Knox had his head hanging low, but he raises it up to look out at the crowd before he walks down to the ring.
Kurt Harrington: “The next contest is scheduled for one fall with a thirty-minute-time-limit! Making his way to the ring, from Sin City and weighing in at 185 lb…he is The Sin City Serpent…Kayden Knox!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “How apt that he likens himself to a serpent because he is nothing more than a snake in the grass! Executive Excellence handed everything to him and he had the audacity to throw it all the way!”
Allen Price: “If you recall, J-L, he’s shown some remorse for his actions. It appears he didn’t want to do what he did to Gabrielle, but he was forced to do it.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I don’t give a damn if he has one iota of remorse! It doesn’t change the fact that he went through with it and now Gabrielle is laid up somewhere while he is still here! I hope Mike Parr does us all a favor here tonight and stomps him out for good!”
Allen Price: “Someone is pulling the strings for Knox, that much is for sure, but we still don’t know who. Maybe tonight we’ll get some answers.”
The crowd’s attitude shifts to a more positive reception for The Prodigy, who eagerly makes his way out on stage. Parr doesn’t even waste another second as he speed walks down to the ring with attention directly focused on Knox in the ring.
Kurt Harrington: “and his opponent, weighing in tonight at 240 lb…he is The Prodigy…Mike Parr!”
Parr slides in the ring and he doesn’t even bother waiting for the bell to sound and tackles Knox to the mat! Parr is pummeling Knox and he’s showing no signs of letting up until the referee, Richard Davis, pulls Parr away from Knox.
Allen Price: “Mike Parr is refusing to wait for the bell and he’s getting his licks in early!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Damn straight he is! Come on, ring the bell already so this can be official!”
Davis checks on Knox and Parr then he calls for the bell…
DING! DING! DING!
Parr races across the ring and pummels Knox in the corner! Parr is laying it into him with lefts and rights along with some kicks and stomps thrown for good measure!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “That’s right, back him in the corner like the worthless rat that he is!”
Parr is forced to let up by the official but Parr only gives him a second or two before he drags Knox out from the corner, and he drills Knox with an uppercut! Repeated uppercuts on Knox and the crowd is eating it up. Knox is reeling against the ropes and Parr whips him across the ring to the opposite ropes, and off the rebound, Parr connects with a kitchen sink! Parr drives home some more stomps to the chest before he runs the ropes and comes back with a leg drop to Knox! Parr makes the cover…
One…NO!
Knox with a shoulder up but Parr is quick to apply an arm-lock and he begins to wrench back on the shoulder area. Then Parr drives down some elbows to the head and chest area, but Knox finally is able to gain some offense as he blocks an elbow. Knox begins to slowly rise up and he takes Parr by the arm and hurls him over his shoulder to the mat in front of him. Parr, to his credit, is back on his feet in a hurry but he’s stopped dead in his tracks with a boot to the gut from Knox and Knox takes Parr in a full-nelson and lifts him up before dropping him down head first on his knee! Parr’s head bounces off Knox’s knee and he falls to the mat. Knox drags Parr to the nearest bottom rope, and he puts his knee on the back of Parr’s neck and pushes forward in order to choke Parr with the bottom rope….
Allen Price: “I think he’s looking at you J-L. He’s probably heard what you’ve been saying about him over here.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I don’t care if he’s heard me, Price. He can look at me all he wants but he’s not intimidating me!”
Knox removes his knee before he gets himself disqualified and Parr drops to the mat, gasping for air. Knox drives down some stomps to the spine and Parr rolls over, which allows Knox to stomp at his chest and stomach area. Knox allows Parr to crawl away and Knox has Parr in his sights…Order 66! He drops down and hooks the leg!
One…TWO-NO!
Knox thought he might’ve had him but he brings Parr up yet Parr counters with a jawbreaker! Knox stumbles back a few steps and Parr is given some breathing room. Parr rises up and he connects with a running knee to the face! Knox is leaning against the ropes and Parr unleashes a flurry of kicks on Knox before taking him off the ropes right into a running bulldog! Parr isn’t through yet as he waits and he nails Knox with a shining wizard! Parr drops down for the pin…
One…two…NO!
Knox rolls away to the apron while Parr is sitting up after the pin attempt. Parr rises up and turns around just in time to see Knox setting him in his sights for some aerial springboard offense, and Parr drills Knox with a forearm that knocks Knox off the apron to the outside. Parr lines up Knox and leaps over the ropes with a somersault senton to the outside that takes out Knox! Parr is feeling it now as he takes Knox by the hair and tosses him underneath the ropes back inside the ring. Parr prepares himself on the apron before launching himself back inside with a slingshot senton to Knox! Parr hooks the leg…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Damn, I thought he might’ve had him there!”
Allen Price: “Despite taking quite the beating so far, Knox still has some fight left in him it seems.”
Parr lifts up Knox in a front facelock and he’s setting him up for the rolling cutter, but Knox spins out and he counters with a headbutt! Knox then strikes with a jumping high knee! Knox then whips Parr into the corner and nails him with a helluva kick! Knox drops Parr to one knee with a superkick to the back of the knee and Knox connects with another Order 66! Knox opts not to go for the pin but instead climbs up top and hits the Seventh Seal! Knox flips Parr over and hooks the leg…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Parr kicks out!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Yes, that’s it! Stay in this Parr, you’ve got it!”
Knox looks slightly frustrated but he remains calm for the most part. Parr is slowly crawling on all fours and Knox goes Future Endeavored curb stomp, but Parr moves out of the way and he catches Knox from behind with a roll-up!
One…two…THREE-NO!
Knox kicks out and rolls through where he ducks a clothesline from Parr, and he catches Parr in a hold and he tries for Asphyxia but Parr is able to block it and drills Knox with some back elbows that force Knox to let go. Parr then gets Knox in position…rolling cutter! Parr isn’t through yet though as he ascends to the top rope…X Marks the Spot! Parr gets all of the moonsault into a frog splash and hooks the leg!
One…two…three!
Mike Parr, breathing hard and tired from the match-up, gets to her feet for his arm to be lifted by the official. He snatches it away, clutching his ribs following the frogsplash at the finish, before immediately climbing out of the ring.
Kurt Harrington: “Here is your winner… ‘the Prodigy’... MIKE PARR!!”
Parr is already marching up the ring ramp, showing some signs of fatigue and wear but plodding on regardless.
Rod Sterling: “A hard-fough match and an impressive performance from Kayden Knox, but ultimately it’s Mike Parr who comes away from his return match here in the FWA with a big win…”
Allen Price: “Begs the question as to what’s next for the Prodigy…”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I guess we will find out soon enough, but now it’s time to see some footage of two competitors due to go head to head tonight, who our cameras caught up with earlier this evening…”
Parr races across the ring and pummels Knox in the corner! Parr is laying it into him with lefts and rights along with some kicks and stomps thrown for good measure!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “That’s right, back him in the corner like the worthless rat that he is!”
Parr is forced to let up by the official but Parr only gives him a second or two before he drags Knox out from the corner, and he drills Knox with an uppercut! Repeated uppercuts on Knox and the crowd is eating it up. Knox is reeling against the ropes and Parr whips him across the ring to the opposite ropes, and off the rebound, Parr connects with a kitchen sink! Parr drives home some more stomps to the chest before he runs the ropes and comes back with a leg drop to Knox! Parr makes the cover…
One…NO!
Knox with a shoulder up but Parr is quick to apply an arm-lock and he begins to wrench back on the shoulder area. Then Parr drives down some elbows to the head and chest area, but Knox finally is able to gain some offense as he blocks an elbow. Knox begins to slowly rise up and he takes Parr by the arm and hurls him over his shoulder to the mat in front of him. Parr, to his credit, is back on his feet in a hurry but he’s stopped dead in his tracks with a boot to the gut from Knox and Knox takes Parr in a full-nelson and lifts him up before dropping him down head first on his knee! Parr’s head bounces off Knox’s knee and he falls to the mat. Knox drags Parr to the nearest bottom rope, and he puts his knee on the back of Parr’s neck and pushes forward in order to choke Parr with the bottom rope….
Allen Price: “I think he’s looking at you J-L. He’s probably heard what you’ve been saying about him over here.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I don’t care if he’s heard me, Price. He can look at me all he wants but he’s not intimidating me!”
Knox removes his knee before he gets himself disqualified and Parr drops to the mat, gasping for air. Knox drives down some stomps to the spine and Parr rolls over, which allows Knox to stomp at his chest and stomach area. Knox allows Parr to crawl away and Knox has Parr in his sights…Order 66! He drops down and hooks the leg!
One…TWO-NO!
Knox thought he might’ve had him but he brings Parr up yet Parr counters with a jawbreaker! Knox stumbles back a few steps and Parr is given some breathing room. Parr rises up and he connects with a running knee to the face! Knox is leaning against the ropes and Parr unleashes a flurry of kicks on Knox before taking him off the ropes right into a running bulldog! Parr isn’t through yet as he waits and he nails Knox with a shining wizard! Parr drops down for the pin…
One…two…NO!
Knox rolls away to the apron while Parr is sitting up after the pin attempt. Parr rises up and turns around just in time to see Knox setting him in his sights for some aerial springboard offense, and Parr drills Knox with a forearm that knocks Knox off the apron to the outside. Parr lines up Knox and leaps over the ropes with a somersault senton to the outside that takes out Knox! Parr is feeling it now as he takes Knox by the hair and tosses him underneath the ropes back inside the ring. Parr prepares himself on the apron before launching himself back inside with a slingshot senton to Knox! Parr hooks the leg…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Damn, I thought he might’ve had him there!”
Allen Price: “Despite taking quite the beating so far, Knox still has some fight left in him it seems.”
Parr lifts up Knox in a front facelock and he’s setting him up for the rolling cutter, but Knox spins out and he counters with a headbutt! Knox then strikes with a jumping high knee! Knox then whips Parr into the corner and nails him with a helluva kick! Knox drops Parr to one knee with a superkick to the back of the knee and Knox connects with another Order 66! Knox opts not to go for the pin but instead climbs up top and hits the Seventh Seal! Knox flips Parr over and hooks the leg…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Parr kicks out!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Yes, that’s it! Stay in this Parr, you’ve got it!”
Knox looks slightly frustrated but he remains calm for the most part. Parr is slowly crawling on all fours and Knox goes Future Endeavored curb stomp, but Parr moves out of the way and he catches Knox from behind with a roll-up!
One…two…THREE-NO!
Knox kicks out and rolls through where he ducks a clothesline from Parr, and he catches Parr in a hold and he tries for Asphyxia but Parr is able to block it and drills Knox with some back elbows that force Knox to let go. Parr then gets Knox in position…rolling cutter! Parr isn’t through yet though as he ascends to the top rope…X Marks the Spot! Parr gets all of the moonsault into a frog splash and hooks the leg!
One…two…three!
Winner: Mike Parr via pin at 18:22.
Mike Parr, breathing hard and tired from the match-up, gets to her feet for his arm to be lifted by the official. He snatches it away, clutching his ribs following the frogsplash at the finish, before immediately climbing out of the ring.
Kurt Harrington: “Here is your winner… ‘the Prodigy’... MIKE PARR!!”
Parr is already marching up the ring ramp, showing some signs of fatigue and wear but plodding on regardless.
Rod Sterling: “A hard-fough match and an impressive performance from Kayden Knox, but ultimately it’s Mike Parr who comes away from his return match here in the FWA with a big win…”
Allen Price: “Begs the question as to what’s next for the Prodigy…”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I guess we will find out soon enough, but now it’s time to see some footage of two competitors due to go head to head tonight, who our cameras caught up with earlier this evening…”
We cut to an unidentified part of the backstage area, where Cyrus Truth stands, shrouded mostly in darkness. His head is bowed as he begins to speak.
Cyrus Truth: “October 18th, 2019…
“Close to four years ago…that was the last time I held the FWA World Heavyweight Championship. And since then…13 separate championship reigns. With me on the outside looking in."
Cyrus Truth: “October 18th, 2019…
“Close to four years ago…that was the last time I held the FWA World Heavyweight Championship. And since then…13 separate championship reigns. With me on the outside looking in."
…
The footage shifts away from Cyrus and to another area backstage. This one is a locker room, and inside we can see MvH pulling her knee pads over her long, black soccer socks.
MvH: "It's only been one year…
"Just one year since I last climbed to the top and stamped my mark on this company as its champion. But it feels… it feels a lot longer. Perhaps it was the brevity of the reign, or the embarrassing nature in which it came to an end. But… well, the business feels unfinished."
MvH: "It's only been one year…
"Just one year since I last climbed to the top and stamped my mark on this company as its champion. But it feels… it feels a lot longer. Perhaps it was the brevity of the reign, or the embarrassing nature in which it came to an end. But… well, the business feels unfinished."
…
Back to Cyrus in his dimly lit room. He is unmoved, his hands clasped together, his head still bowed.
Cyrus Truth: “I’ve had opportunities to get my shot, sure. In the end, though…it’s always been something extra, hasn’t it? Chambers and battle royales and that stupid, STUPID bounty bullshit that cost Krash his World Title. But tonight…there’s only one obstacle. There’s only one thing standing between me and the shot, the one-on-one shot I’ve been struggling for throughout all of these years of chaos and strife."
Cyrus Truth: “I’ve had opportunities to get my shot, sure. In the end, though…it’s always been something extra, hasn’t it? Chambers and battle royales and that stupid, STUPID bounty bullshit that cost Krash his World Title. But tonight…there’s only one obstacle. There’s only one thing standing between me and the shot, the one-on-one shot I’ve been struggling for throughout all of these years of chaos and strife."
…
In contrast, Michelle - now working on the other knee pad - is smiling in her locker room.
MvH: "I speak of these painful memories, and yet… my heart is no longer sad. The darkness is lifting. I see the light at the end of this tunnel. A tunnel that is, after all, a lot shorter than the caverns that my opponent has had to crawl through since his last shot. And now we are both here. Old friends, united now by our equivalent but contradictory aims. Cyrus…"
MvH: "I speak of these painful memories, and yet… my heart is no longer sad. The darkness is lifting. I see the light at the end of this tunnel. A tunnel that is, after all, a lot shorter than the caverns that my opponent has had to crawl through since his last shot. And now we are both here. Old friends, united now by our equivalent but contradictory aims. Cyrus…"
…
The Exile affords himself a sigh.
Cyrus Truth: “Michelle…I don’t deny the fact that you’re a talented wrestler. Neither will I deny the fact that you’ve won more than you’ve lost against me. We can talk about how you did it ad nauseum, but the Truth is…it doesn’t matter anymore. The past is to be learned from, not to dwell on. And tonight? Tonight, I will rise. I’ll finish the climb that I’ve been climbing since I lost the World Title all those years ago. And the Truth is? I’m through having you haunt my thoughts."
Cyrus Truth: “Michelle…I don’t deny the fact that you’re a talented wrestler. Neither will I deny the fact that you’ve won more than you’ve lost against me. We can talk about how you did it ad nauseum, but the Truth is…it doesn’t matter anymore. The past is to be learned from, not to dwell on. And tonight? Tonight, I will rise. I’ll finish the climb that I’ve been climbing since I lost the World Title all those years ago. And the Truth is? I’m through having you haunt my thoughts."
…
Michelle unlaces her boots, readying to put them on. She intermittently looks at the camera lens as she speaks.
MvH: "Those old battles… I remember them well, Cyrus, as I'm sure you do, too. But mostly I remember your indignation manifesting itself as an impotent wrath. We come now to play the same game, and - a fact which I doubt has escaped your notice - even in the same city as that final, decisive encounter. A lot of constants: and you the most constant of all of them. The everlasting and unchanging Truth. It is a wonderful thing, tulip, to know exactly what I'm up against."
MvH: "Those old battles… I remember them well, Cyrus, as I'm sure you do, too. But mostly I remember your indignation manifesting itself as an impotent wrath. We come now to play the same game, and - a fact which I doubt has escaped your notice - even in the same city as that final, decisive encounter. A lot of constants: and you the most constant of all of them. The everlasting and unchanging Truth. It is a wonderful thing, tulip, to know exactly what I'm up against."
…
Cyrus' voice remains level, but there is now a sharpness to it. A biting clarity and a fire that accompanies the thrust of his feelings.
Cyrus Truth: “Struggle if you can. Cheat if you have to. Swarm the ring with your simps, break my bones, tear my flesh…do whatever you think you have to do in order to keep the attention on yourself while you fail MISERABLY to leave any sort of impact. Tonight…everything you have will NOT be enough. I’ve journeyed this Road to this point, to this last chance at reclamation and redemption. Tonight, Cyrus Truth is Back in Town. Back to the top of the mountain. Back to the throne that has had a rotating cast of pretenders sit upon it, waiting for a king to return."
Cyrus Truth: “Struggle if you can. Cheat if you have to. Swarm the ring with your simps, break my bones, tear my flesh…do whatever you think you have to do in order to keep the attention on yourself while you fail MISERABLY to leave any sort of impact. Tonight…everything you have will NOT be enough. I’ve journeyed this Road to this point, to this last chance at reclamation and redemption. Tonight, Cyrus Truth is Back in Town. Back to the top of the mountain. Back to the throne that has had a rotating cast of pretenders sit upon it, waiting for a king to return."
…
MvH's preparations are paused, her focus on the camera alone. Her sinister smirk is still in place, along with a glint in her eyes that suggests she's happy with the final that fate has thrown up.
MvH: "I knew that one day we would meet again. The manner of our last meeting… of your humbling defeat and the fashion of it, which upset you so much at the time… it brought with it a guarantee that there would be another dance. And now it is here, and I know that you will come prepared. A year is a long time to bathe in one's own failures, to stew in one's own anger. But it is not the King's time. I'm not sure if it will ever be again. Acceptance is difficult, but tonight? Tonight I will try to help you towards it. Just take my hand, tulip…"
MvH: "I knew that one day we would meet again. The manner of our last meeting… of your humbling defeat and the fashion of it, which upset you so much at the time… it brought with it a guarantee that there would be another dance. And now it is here, and I know that you will come prepared. A year is a long time to bathe in one's own failures, to stew in one's own anger. But it is not the King's time. I'm not sure if it will ever be again. Acceptance is difficult, but tonight? Tonight I will try to help you towards it. Just take my hand, tulip…"
…
Truth looks up to face the camera, his eyes wild and burning.
Cyrus Truth: “This is it, Dreamer. Everything I have, everything I am…this is my stand. Gods have mercy on you. You’ll find none from me…”
Cyrus Truth: “This is it, Dreamer. Everything I have, everything I am…this is my stand. Gods have mercy on you. You’ll find none from me…”
The crowd gets to their feet as Jeremy Best makes his way out from the back, dressing in his usual buttoned up pastel colored dress shirt and khaki pants. Jeremy has a big smile on his face as he stops to wave to his “Besties” in the crowd.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Just when my night was going so well… what’s he doing here?”
Rod Sterling: “I’m not sure, JL. Jeremy isn’t scheduled to be out here but we all know his connection to the man of honor tonight. We shouldn’t be surprised he’d want to get involved in some way.”
Jeremy walks down the ramp, high fiving the fans on either side of the aisle before circling the entire ringside area, making sure to high five every fan who has their arms extended out. He then retrieves a microphone and climbs into the ring.
Jeremy Best: “Hiya friends!”
Jeremy pauses as the crowd responds, Hiya, Jeremy!
Jeremy Best: “The last time I was in this arena… I was getting my butt kicked in a Mile High Massacre Match for the FWA Championship. Boy… so much has happened since then, huh? And of course, joining me in that match was a man. Not just any normal man of course. A superstar. A champion. A legend. The man who won that match to become FWA Champion… of course, we all know who I’m talking about. The man we’ve all come out tonight to honor. To remember. My friend. My hero. Krash.”
Jeremy pauses, the emotion starting to get to him as the fans cheer in consolation of Jeremy.
Jeremy Best: “Lately… I felt like I haven’t really been myself. And I think I spent a lot of time fooling myself lately. Fooling myself into thinking it’s been because of the issues between me and Bryan… I’ve been fooling myself into thinking I had come to peace with Krash being gone. I was fooling myself into thinking I was okay with the Krash Crusades being… well… a failure.”
Once again the crowd gives cheers of support for Jeremy.
Jeremy Best: “But you know something… I’m done fooling myself! I’m not giving up hope! Krash isn’t dead. He’s still out there somewhere!”
The crowd cheers in agreement.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Denial isn’t just a river, is it? This guy’s still delusional!”
Allen Price: “Oh come on, JL. Let the man have his hope.”
Jeremy Best: “But that doesn’t change what tonight is all about. Tonight is all about Krash. Honoring a legend. Honoring a hero. And I’ll be DARNED if I let this night go by without honoring him myself. I may not be scheduled for a match… but we’re gonna change that. Because I want to lay it all out on the mat tonight in honor of Krash himself. And there happens to be someone else in the back… someone else who isn’t booked tonight… someone else who called Krash…. friend.”
You can sense the anticipation from the crowd as they seem to know who Jeremy is probably referring to.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Wait… you don’t think he means…”
Rod Sterling: “Certainly a bold move on the part of Jeremy Best if it is!
Jeremy Best: “That’s right… ALYSTER BLACK! No one knew Krash better than us, right? Let’s do this! Let’s put on a show for these people… all in the name of our friend!”
Jeremy begins to pace the ring, looking towards the entrance as the fans chant “ALYSTER, ALYSTER” in encouragement.
After a few moments of suspense building, the familiar beats of Sonne do indeed bring Alyster Black out from the back, walking out to a huge ovation from the fans with his X Championship belt around his waist.
Rod Sterling: “And there he is! Alyster Black! Our X Champion and a man who is coming off some hard fought, and very rare, back to back losses to Devin Golden and Cyrus Truth.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “And that’s exactly why Alyster Black should be the LAST person Jeremy wants to be in the ring with right now! Black Jesus can’t be in a good mood right now.”
Black makes is way down the aisle as Jeremy watches on with a smile on his face as one half of the Gang Stars slowly climbs up the steps and steps through the ropes, joining Jeremy in the ring.
Jeremy Best: “So… whattaya say?”
Black walks toward the center of the ring, staring Jeremy down, his sheer presence in the ring being the embodiment of intimidation. Jeremy’s smile becomes more of a nervous smile as Black just coldly stares through his mask down at Jeremy.
Finally, Black grabs Jeremy’s arm and pulls his arm up to bring the microphone up to his own mouth.
Alyster Black: “Let’s do it.”
Big pop from the crowd as Black turns his back and walks to the corner as Jeremy tries hard to contain his giddiness.
Rod Sterling: “Well there you go! It looks like Jeremy gets his wish!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Death wish.”
Rod Sterling: “It’s certainly a daunting task taking on Alyster Black at any time but this is what Jeremy wanted. Two of Krash’s friends, battling it on, no titles on the line, just wrestling in the honor of the man in question here at Back in Town!”
The bell rings and this unscheduled, impromptu exhibition match gets under way. Jeremy and Alystery circle each other, feeling each other out before Jeremy finally reaches out and extends his hand out to Black. Black looks at Jeremy and then to the fans, who encourage him to accept he handshake.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Don’t do it Aly! It’s a trap!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Surely he knows better.”
But with the respectful nature of the match, Alyster gives a solemn nod to Jeremy and accepts the handshake… and there is no follow up enziguri! Jeremy simply nods back to Alyster and releases the handshake and the two men move in for a collar and elbow tie up.
Rod Sterling: “Jeremy Best with no tomfoolery on the handshake tonight! And we’re underway with this one. On a night of big matchups, what a treat to get a first ever one on one meeting between these two unexpectedly!”
Krash’s two friends jockey for position in the lock up, but it’s Black who uses the size and strength advantage to force Jeremy into the corner, breaking up the lock up but immediately lights up Jeremy’s bare chest with an open handed chop! Alyster steps back and actually challenges Jeremy to do the same to him. While not necessarily part of his offense, Jeremy wasn’t going to be rude so he fires back with a chop to Alyster’s chest! Alyster comes right back with another STIFF chop to Jeremy, causing Jeremy to wince but Aly nods to Jeremy and motions for him to bring it on so Jeremy gives another one to Alyster!
Black comes right back at Jeremy with another chop! And Jeremy seems to be getting more into this battle as he doesn’t even need encouragement this time as he comes back with a chop to Black. Back and forth they go, Jeremy’s chest starting to turn red but he really seems to be enjoying stepping outside his normal offensive comfort zone as he fires back at Alsyer… and becomes a bit too overzealous perhaps as he starts to machine gun chop Black without letting Black take his turn… and Black apparently takes issue with it as after mostly absorbing the chops from Jeremy, he instead connects with a headbutt to Jeremy, knocking Best down to the mat!
Allen Price: “The excitement seemed to get to Jeremy there, haha. But he doesn’t want to get into a pure fight with Alyster Black!”
Jeremy gets back up to his feet, shaking off the cobwebs from the headbutt and can be heard telling Alyster “that was a good one,” but perhaps Jeremy is trying to get too “buddy buddy” with the friend of his friend because Alyster isn’t interested in Best’s compliments as he takes Jeremy by the head and snapmares him down to the mat before landing a dropkick to the back of Jeremy’s head.
Anzu Kurosawa: “What in the world was Jeremy doing there?”
Rod Sterling: “I think because of Alyster’s friendship with Krash that perhaps there is some type of mutual friendship between them… but Alyster clearly isn’t out here to make friends with Jeremy.”
Jeremy crawls over to the corner and pulls himself up, but Black is right there waiting for him and immediately comes in with a knife edge chop to Jeremy followed by a series of forearm smashes to Jeremy’s chest. With Jeremy cornered… Alyster unleashes the Violence Party to Jeremy, leaving everyone’s “best friend” in a world of hurt before finishing that up and then taking Jeremy down to the mat with a Saito Suplex!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Alyster Black is perhaps unleashing some frustration on Jeremy from some of his recent losses to Devin Golden and Cyrus Truth!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Can you believe Jeremy actually ASKED for this match? Maybe he is a glutton for punishment or something.”
Best begins to get up to his knees as Alyster runs to the far ropes, then back to the near ropes and goes for the One Shot Kill! Already looking to put Jeremy away…
But Jeremy counters it as he grabs Alyster by the arm and takes him down to the mat… INTO THE FRIENDSHIP BRACELET!
Rod Sterling: “Woah! Out of nowhere Jeremy locks in The Friendship Bracelet! You may remember that this is the move that made Danny Toner tap out while he was FWA Champion!”
Allen Price: “Yeah but I can’t imagine Alyster Black tapping out!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Crazier things have happened!”
Official Tommy Palmer is there to check on Black, who isn’t giving any indication that he’s about to tap out. Instead he begins to reposition himself on the mat, working Jeremy into a position where Jeremy was now on his back, still applying the hold as Black begins to get back up to his knees… and then up to his feet… Black LIFTS Jeremy up off the mat and SLAMS HIM BACK DOWN to break the hold!
Black stretches out his arm, selling the effects of the hold but then runs in with a running elbow to the back of Jeremy’s head as he was attempting to get back up to his feet. After delivering another couple of stomps to Best, he pulls him back up and whips Jeremy into the ropes. Black Irish Whips Jeremy into the ropes, but coming back off the ropes, Jeremy counters Black’s attack with a Tiltawhirl DDT!
Jeremy shows a second wind as he gets back to his feet with a kip-up while Black begins to stagger up. He rushes in… SHOTGUN DROPKICK right to Black’s chest sends Black falling backwards into the corner! Jeremy then follows it up by rushing in with another shotgun dropkick to the cornered Black! Jeremy hops out onto the apron as Black begins to stagger out of the corner and Jeremy slingshots himself back into the ring, over the top of Black into a sunset flip!
One - Two - NO!
Black rolls out of the sunset flip but then grabs Jeremy’s legs and flips forward into a bridging pin of his own!
One - Two - NO!
Jeremy rolls to the side, holding onto Black as he gets to his feet, having Black’s head between his legs now, Jeremy attempts a piledriver to Black, but Black counters with a backdrop… but Best lands on his feet… Black turns around into a step up enziguri from Best! Black falls sideways, through the middle ropes and out to ringside!
Rod Sterling: “After getting the worst of it for the opening minutes of the match, Jeremy Best has found some fire and suddenly is taking it to Black Jesus!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “And he’s not done yet… here he comes! TOPE SUICIDA!”
Jeremy dives through the ropes, connecting with Black and sending them both crashing into the guard rail, with Black taking the brunt of the fall. Jeremy gets back to his feet first, climbing up to the apron as Black gets up using the guard rail. Jeremy runs and leaps towards Black, looking for a Diving DDT to the outside, but Black catches him in the air! Black runs with Jeremy in his hands and drives him back first into the ring post!
Allen Price: “So much for that momentum Jeremy had!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Here’s the problem… he’s outside the ring. This is where Alyster loves to live and breathe. This is his habitat. This is his home. And right now, Jeremy is trespassing!”
Black stays in control on the outside as he Irish Whips Jeremy with FORCE into the far safety rails! Black makes his way over to where Jeremy was slouched over onto the floor, and begins adding some more stiff boots to Jeremy while he is down. He then picks Jeremy up and drapes his body across the safety rail… backs up… and hits a running BOOT to Jeremy’s head!
Jeremy collapses back down to the floor as Aly picks him back up by the head and tosses him into the ring. Jeremy rolls into position on the mat in the ring as Alyster climbs back up onto the apron and then onto the turnbuckles. He gets to the second turnbuckle and comes off with a pointed elbow drop! Black makes the cover!
One - Two - KICKOUT!
Black pulls Jeremy back up to his feet and tosses him up for a Pop Up Death Valley Driver, but Jeremy comes back down and catches Black with a Tornado DDT to counter!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Looks like a desperation counter by Jeremy there. It worked but both men are down!”
Palmer begins the ten count, but at five, Jeremy is able to roll over and drape his body over Black’s to make the cover.
One - Two - KICKOUT!
Jeremy slowly gets to his feet, but Black is also back up at the same time. Jeremy grabs Black by the arm and attempts and Irish Whip, but Black reverses it and sends Jeremy hard into the turnbuckles, sternum first, Jeremy hitting the turnbuckles and then stumbling backwards into the waiting arms of Black for a DRAGON SUPLEX! Black with the bridge…
ONE - TWO-THRE-KICKOUT!
Jeremery starts to roll back up to his feet only to get caught by Black with a Saka Otoshi inverted headlock takeover into the Bulldog Choke!
Rod Sterling: “Here we go! Black has Jeremy with great ring position, locked in this Bulldog Choke in the center of the ring.”
Black pulls back on Jeremy’s neck as Palmer checks in on Jeremy as Jeremy shakes him off. He struggles against the Black’s strong hold, using his legs to try and push his way across the canvas. He digs down as he keeps trying to make his way to the ropes… the crowd rallying behind Best… but he’ starting to fade. Palmer checks in as it looks like Jeremy may be passing out here from the hold… Palmer grabs his arm and… but Jeremy is still alive! The arm stays up!
Much to the delight of the crowd, Jeremy finds something deep down in himself to give one last push and is able to grab the ropes! Black holds on for the full count before breaking up the submission. He sits up to his knees and drives a barrage of forearms to the back of Jeremy’s neck before pulling him back up..
Alyster sets up Jeremy for the Satan’s Spike… lifting him up, but Jeremy reverses it with an arm drag take down into the Friendship Bracelet!
Rod Sterling: “Another timely counter by Jeremy. He’s just barely hanging on in this match as it’s been mostly Alyster Black the whole way! But here he is sneaking in the Friendship Bracelet once again!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “But the bad news for Jeremy is the ring positioning isn’t ideal! Black easily gets his legs into the ropes to break up the hold!”
Jeremy releases the hold immediately and begins trying to get up, pulling himself to his knees as Black is already back up, coming in with a running forearm smash to the back of Jeremy’s neck! Black rolls him over and goes for the pin!
ONE - TWO - THREE! NO! Jeremy manages to get his right shoulder up!
Black sits back up as Jeremy begins crawling across the ring toward the ropes as Black begins to stalk over behind him. Jeremy makes it to the corner, but in comes Black with a running facewash to Best! Black then pulls Jeremy back up in the corner and hits him with a combination of knife edge chops in the corner before picking Jeremy up and placing him on the top turnbuckle.
Black begins to ascend the turnbuckle as well, attempting to lift Jeremy up onto his shoulder, setting him up for Alyster Black Does the Right Thing and Rides the Bomb to Hell… but Jeremy begins to battle back! He drives his elbow repeatedly down into Black’s forehead! Best is able to break free, back down to the turnbuckle as Black backs down to the second rope… Jeremy hits a flurry of right hands to Black, rocking Black Jesus… Jeremy leaps over Black…
BUDDY BOMB off the top!
Jeremy with the high stack pin!
ONE - TWO - THREE! NO! Black kicks out!
Allen Price: “So close! I thought he might’ve had him there.”
Rod Sterling: “Jeremy is back up and for the first time this match, the momentum could be turning in his favor!”
Jeremy sits back as Black sits up to his knees… and Jeremy attacks with a stiff kick to Black’s chest. Then another! Then another! It’s FRIENDLY FIRE to Black as Jeremy is fired up for repeated stiff kicks to Black’s chest! Black Jesus takes the attacks in stride… absorbing them until Jeremy finishes off the combination with another shotgun dropkick to the chest of the kneeling Black! Jeremy then hits the ropes for a Springboard Moonsault for a lateral press pin!
ONE - TWO - THRE- NO!
Alyster begins to roll back to his feet, but Best comes in and lifts him up onto his shoulder’s for the fireman’s carry… the crowd is on their feet in anticipation as Jeremy walks to the center of the ring…
BFF!
NO! Black escapes down the back! A surprised Jeremy turns around into the…
ONE SHOT KILL!
But no, Jeremy counters it by locking Black’s arm, twisting behind him, going back to back with Black and attempting a Backslide… but he can’t quite get Black up over his own back… and Black reverses the attempt, using his strength to flip Jeremy back over his own back! But Jeremy lands on his feet in front of Black! Jeremy lifts Back back up into the Fireman’s Carry…
BFF!
CONNECTS!
Anzu Kurosawa: “He hit it! He hit it! Unbelievable! What an upset this is going to be!”
Jeremy drops to his knees after hitting the maneuver and realizes he needs to get the pin! Best makes the cover…
ONE! TWO! THREE!
NO! BLACK KICKED OUT! Alyster Black has kicked out of the BFF!
Allen Price: “What?! My God Alystery Black is almost indestructible! I’m not sure anyone has ever kicked out of the BFF!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “What other tricks can Jeremy pull out to keep Black down?”
Jeremy’s face shows the shock as we cut to several members of the crowd with their jaws dropped as well, equally surprised. The crowd however cheers loudly, giving both men appreciation for the effort put forth in this tribute match.
He grabs Alyster, lifting him back up once again… lifting him back up… going for a second BFF.. BUT ALYSTER FIGHTS FREE! Down the back he goes and drops Jeremy with a desperation Russian leg sweep! Both men are down once again.
As Palmer’s count gets up to eight, both men get back to a vertical base. The two competitors meet in the center of the ring and its a another stiff chop from Black to light up Jeremy’s chest! Jeremy responds with a kick to the thigh of Black, but Black comes back with three forearm smashes in a row to rock Jeremy and then grabs him in a waistlock. German Suplex attempt by Black…
But Jeremy flips over and lands on his feet! Black turns around into a big jumping high knee! Black falls backwards into the ropes and then comes back into the waiting Jeremy who lifts him up…
BFF!
It connects… Black is left staggering, out on his feet as Jeremy rushes back in and scoops Black up off his feet…
RAZZLE DAZZLE!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Wait! Razzle Dazzle?! Krash’s move?!”
Rod Sterling: “That’s right! Jeremy just pulled out all the stops as he hits Alyster with Krash’s finisher after the BFF!”
Jeremy drops down and makes the cover…
ONE - TWO - THREE!
Jeremy sits back up, his face showing a mixture of disbelief and pure excitement as he realizes he has defeated the Reigning X Champion and former FWA Champion.
Kurt Harrington: “The winner of the match…Jeremy Best!”
The crowd gives Jeremy a huge ovation for the surprising win as he throws up his arms in victory. Alyster Black sits up to his knees, looking over at Jeremy and shaking his head.
Rod Sterling: “What a win for Jeremy Best! But you have to wonder what’s going through Alyster Black’s mind right know, having been defeated with his friend and tag partner’s own finisher…”
Jeremy motions towards Alyster Black as he gets up to his feet, Jeremy encourages the fans to give Black a standing ovation as well. Jeremy then walks over and extends his hand to Black. Alyster hesitates but ultimately elects not to shake Jeremy’s hand, turning his back and exiting the ring.
Anzu Kurosawa: “I think you’re right Rod. Losing in general doesn’t sit well with Alyster Black and it doesn’t happen very often… but to lose to Krash’s finisher in the tribute match may be salt in the wound.”
Allen Price: “Jeremy’s a good guy, I don’t think there was any ill intention! He was paying tribute to his hero! Nothing wrong with that.”
As Alyster Black disappears to the back, “You Got a Friend in Me” continues to play as Jeremy has dropped to his knees in the ring, his face still showing the disbelief that tonight he had managed to pull off one of the biggest wins of his career. The crowd continues to give Jeremy a respectful ovation as he kneels down in the center of the ring, his face becoming more and more overcome with emotion of the moment.
Rod Sterling: “Overcome with emotion, after what might just be the most meaningful victory in Jeremy’s young career, on a night dedicated to someone very important to him… I think we all understand the emotions.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Indeed! Well done, Jeremy. Well done. A fine young stud of a star, a victory like this is going to be a fantastic boost for him.”
Jeremy finally gets up to his feet, wiping a tear away from his face before he walks over to the ring ropes, asking for a microphone.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “And it looks like we’ll be hearing from Jeremy as well! I imagine he’s got quite the speech inside of him.”
Someone hands Jeremy a microphone, and Jeremy taps it twice, catching his breath, before bringing it to his lips.
Jeremy Best: “Wow… just… wow…”
Jeremy pauses and soaks in the cheers from the crowd as he holds his hands on the top of his head, shaking his head in disbelief.
Jeremy Best: “What a night… what a moment… Krash… wherever you are… whether you’re out there somewhere, hold up somewhere and watching this on TV… or watching it back on replay after we finally find you… or maybe…”
Jeremy looks up to the heavens, pointing.
Jeremy Best: “Just… maybe… if you are up there looking down on us tonight… I hope you’re smilin’. I hope I made you proud!”
Jeremy takes his free hand and runs it across his eyes and nose, as the fans applaud.
Allen Price: “I think he would absolutely be proud of you, Jeremy.”
Jeremy Best: “I just can’t believe it! I just wish… I just really wish Krash could’ve been here with us tonight. I just… I’ve tried… and I really wanted to believe that you were out there somewhere, my friend. I wanted to be able to come here tonight… come BACK IN TOWN… with Krash by my side! If only… if only my Krash Crusades had been a success… if only…”
???: “Now just hold on a second there, Jeremy! Don’t give up hope just yet…”
Jeremy’s ears perk up as he turns towards the entranceway. That voice is definitely a familiar one. But no, don’t get your hopes up.
It’s not Krash’s voice.
It’s the voice of the FWA North American Champion. The voice of Jeremy’s tag team partner, Big Bryan Baxter.
Allen Price: “What’s the meaning of this? Big Bryan Baxter?”
Rod Sterling: “Baxter and Best, The Buddy System, were an inseparable duo not too long ago, until a combination of Baxter’s alliance with Bill Scorpance, and Jeremy’s unfocused endeavors in terms of his career progression, came to a head. I have to wonder exactly what Bryan’s goal here is, considering he could’ve talked to Best at any time other than now.”
The crowd clearly was hoping if someone was going to interrupt Jeremy’s emotional speech, that it wouldn’t be Baxter. But here he is, as he makes his way out from the back, as they boo and jeer.
But curiously, Bryan has something over his shoulders.
Wait, that’s not something. It’s…
Allen Price: “What is that he’s carrying?”
Anzu Kurosawa: “That’s not a what, that’s a who, I know what the shape of a person is when I see it…”
Jeremy watches with curiosity as his friend and partner walks down the aisle with someone over his right shoulder. The person isn’t fighting against the clutches of the North American Champion. No, the person instead actually seems quite limp and lifeless. The person’s face is obscured by a brown paper grocery bag over his head, though they’re dressed in a rather unkempt and ragged suit.
Jeremy Best: “Bryan… what are you doing out here? Who is that? …What… what have you done?”
Bryan Baxter: “Wait, hold on man… just hear me out here…”
Bryan climbs up onto the apron and gingerly enters the ring, making sure not to drop his captive as he does so. Jeremy’s expression contorts into something akin to concern.
Bryan Baxter: “I’ve told you all along… I would make things right. And I wasn’t quite sure how to do it.”
Jeremy shakes his head and waves Bryan off, taking a step back.
Jeremy Best: “Bryan… it’s all okay, I’ve forgiven you. Whatever… THIS… is… I don’t know if it’s something I want… or need… to be associated with.”
Bryan also shakes his head, but unlike Jeremy, is all smiles right now, as he shifts his captive on his shoulder.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I don’t know about you lot, but I have a terrible, terrible feeling about this.”
Bryan Baxter: “No! Trust me, you’re gonna want to see this. Because I figured out exactly what I could do to make things right between you and me. I finally figured out how to fix the Buddy System and make us even. I did it Jeremy. I really fuckin’ did it! I didn’t even believe I could… but I was desperate… and before you jump to any conclusions… I had nothin’ to do with how he looks, okay? This is how I found him…”
The crowd is silent in awe and anticipation. Could it be?
Jeremy Best: “Bryan… who… is… that…?”
Bryan dumped his captive over to the mat before helping him up to a seated position on the mat.
Bryan Baxter: “It’s KRASH!”
Rod Sterling: “What?!?”
Allen Price: “But he’s-”
Baxter reaches over and yanks the paper bag off the head of the nearly lifeless body on the mat. While he certainly looks rough for wear, as in he looks even smaller than before, paler,, perhaps from malnutrition, and his face is covered in bruises… but there is no denying who that mustache belongs to…
KRASH IS ALIVE!
Anzu Kurosawa: “IT’S KRASH?!?”
Jeremy’s eyes grow wide to the point you think they might pop out of his head as the Denver crowd absolutely loses their shit. Jeremy’s jaw drops as both hands go to the top of his head as he stares at his friend and hero sitting before him in the ring while Baxter holds out his arms as if he was a game show host pointing to the grand prize. Krash is pale, unsteady, slowly flopping back onto the mat, before Bryan hurriedly affixed him back into a seated position.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I think- I think it’s really him! No-one has seen or heard from Krash since he & Randy Ramon vanished at Back In Business, but-”
Allen Price: “But he’s here, and he’s alive, and BRYAN BAXTER FOUND HIM!”
For what feels like an eternity, Jeremy just stares at Krash with sheer joy but finally he breaks his gaze as he looks to Bryan… and rushes over, embracing his friend with a big hug! Bryan returns the hug, gripping Jeremy tightly and lifting him up off the mat with an excited bear hug.
Rod Sterling: “I can barely believe it…”
Once the embrace with Bryan ends, Jeremy stands before a Krash that continues to just… sit there, barely moving, barely blinking. Jeremy hugs his hero, holding him tightly in an embrace he’s been waiting for far too long… A hug that is not returned at all. As Krash may be there… but you begin to wonder… how there is he, really?
Jeremy Best: “I knew it! I knew it all along! Krash is alive!”
Bryan Baxter: “You were absolutely right, bud! He’s alive alright!”
Jeremy Best: “Welcome back Krashy! Welcome back to FWA!”
Jeremy paces around the ring, turning to the crowd and throwing his arms up into the air yelling out “WELCOME BACK!” The fans immediately begin a similar chant.
Allen Price: “Welcome back indeed!”
Jeremy Best: “Oh my goodness… where are my manners? Bryan, look at him… he’s been through a lot… get this man a chair!”
Baxter nodded, stepping out of the ring and grabbing a chair from ringside, tossing it back in to Jeremy. Jeremy sets the chair up and helps lift the dead weight that is Krash up off the mat and sits him down in the chair, while Bryan rejoins the ring as well.
Jeremy Best: “Friends… Besties… it would appear that tonight is no longer a KRASH MEMORIAL… but a WELCOME BACK PARTY! A CELEBRATION! Because Krash is BACK IN TOWN! Oh Bryan… I’ve never been so happy before in my life… I know you have to be pretty excited to be back, whattaya say, pal?”
Jeremy extends the microphone over to Krash, putting it in front of his mouth. The weary Krash slowly moves his head in the direction of Jeremy, dazed eyes barely registering, and then looks down at the microphone.
His jaw parts slightly, the echo of a shallow breath into the microphone, and he says…
Nothing.
Jeremy tilts his head, at first not sure what to make of Krash’s silence.
Jeremy Best: “He’s speechless, isn’t he Bryan? And who can blame him?”
Baxter gives a slightly nervous smile, as the celebratory cheers from the crowd begin to die down with the realization that something… something isn’t quite right. Even those on commentary seem to pick up on the vibe, exchanging glances. Jeremy… Doesn’t.
Jeremy Best: “I know it’s a big moment, buddy… but these fans… we’ve all been waiting for so long… so VERY long… for this moment. We’ve all held out hope for so long… and this is it. For those of us who NEVER GAVE UP ON YOU… they are on the edge of their seats! They want to hear from their hero!”
Jeremy extends the microphone over to Krash once again, with a touch more force. This time… Krash weakly responds, with a ragged, torn voice, barely higher than a whisper.
Krash: “... Alyster?”
The giant grin on Jeremy’s face quickly fades away with those words from his friend. Bryan Baxter watches on with concern at the change in Jeremy’s demeanor. But the moment is fleeting and Jeremy begins to smile again.
Jeremy Best: “Oh… silly Krashy… such a jokester. Of course it’s not Aly. It’s me - your best bud… your protégé! Jeremy Best!”
Krash struggles to lift his head up and locks eyes with Jeremy. The dull shine of his eyes gains a spark of recognition, a fleeting glimpse of… Something, as he squints.
Krash: “... Jeremy…?”
Jeremy’s face lights up in delight, as he kneels down in front of his friend, beaming, a hand on his shoulder.
Jeremy Best: “I know buddy… it’s okay, save your energy. We’ll get you somewhere safe to rest tonight and we’ll get ready for your triumphant return… no need to thank us… you can do when you suit up and step into that ring alongside us!”
Krash slowly shakes his head.
Krash: “Wh…”
Jeremy reaches over and holds Krash by the hand.
Jeremy Best: “Talk to me, bud. What is it?”
Krash: “Who… Who’s Jeremy?”
In an instant, the smile is wiped from Jeremy’s face. He releases Krash’s listless hand, taking a step back as he rises to his feet. Jeremy’s face is unreadable, blank, as Bryan takes a step forward. Jeremy throws a palm out, halting Bryan.
Jeremy Best: “No, no. It’s okay. It’s fine, you… You’ve been through a lot, clearly. You’re just… Tired, is all. It’s okay.”
Despite addressing Krash, Jeremy seems unable to meet the eyes of his hero. Maybe he’s not really addressing Krash here…
Anzu Kurosawa: “Something is wrong here. Something is very, very wrong.”
Jeremy Best: “We’ll get you some rest, and you’ll be back to your old self in no time, back in the ring where you belong, and we’ll… We’ll make magic together. Just like you talked about, just like I talked about. We brought you back, and we’ll do everything together… Just like we promised. Alright?”
Krash sways, unfocused. His eyes, glazed over, blink twice as Jeremy turns to face him, holding out the microphone.
Krash: “... Why?”
An expression akin to tragedy crosses Jeremy’s face, and he runs his free hand through his hair, trembling slightly.
Jeremy Best: “W-Why what?”
Jeremy practically shoves the microphone back at Krash. Krash slowly exhales, lidded eyes closing, as he rests his forehead on the microphone with a soft ‘thunk.’
He says nothing else.
Jeremy pulls back the microphone. Krash slouches, forearms on his knees, staring at the mat, before he slowly raises his head to gaze at Jeremy with eyes that seem more suitable for roadkill.
There’s something missing behind those eyes.
Jeremy Best: “I don’t understand… we found you. We SAVED YOU… And you don’t… And you’re not… You…”
Krash doesn’t respond. Maybe he’s simply no longer capable of responding, as he just leans back in the chair, his head tilting backwards and resting on the back of the chair. Jeremy begins to pace back and forth in the ring, shaking his head frantically.
Jeremy Best: “No-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no… this isn’t right. Something’s not right. This isn’t you .This isn’t Krash. Something’s wrong with him, Bryan. Something’s happened to him…”
Bryan watches on, not sure what to make of Jeremy’s words but just nods in agreement anyway. Jeremy stops in his tracks and turns to Bryan.
Jeremy Best: “But… we can fix this. We can fix him. We can STILL… SAVE HIM…”
Jeremy kneels down in front of Krash once again.
Jeremy Best: “Buddy… I know you’re in there somewhere. It’s gonna be okay. I promise…”
Jeremy looks over to Bryan, the two sharing a seemingly telepathic thought before nodding to one another. Jeremy then turns back to Krash… another tear rolling down his face as he chokes out his next few words.
Jeremy Best: “I’m sorry my friend… this has to be done. ”
As Jeremy moves out of the way, Bryan Baxter charges in off the ropes with a LARIAT TO KRASH that bends him over across the back of the chair, flipping the half dead Krash over the chair and to the canvas!
Allen Price: “What the hell?!?”
Jeremy kneels down in the corner of the ring, leaning back against the turnbuckle as Bryan Baxter folds up the chair and CRACKS IT DOWN ACROSS KRASH’S BACK!
Anzu Kurosawa: “What’s the meaning of this?!? We JUST got him back! What are you doing to him?!?”
Rod Sterling: “And why?!?”
BOOOOOOOOOO!
The once ecstatic crowd that thought they were witnessing the triumphant return of Krash let their new disdain be felt to both Baxter and Jeremy as Baxter repeatedly brings that steel chair down across Krash’s lifeless body in the ring. Jeremy just watching on with more tears rolling down his face.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Don’t just sit there, Jeremy! This man was your hero! DO SOMETHING!”
While Jeremy does nothing to stop the vicious onslaught by Baxter, he seems to be taking no joy in watching it happen… while Baxter actually seems to have a sadistic smirk on his face as he takes out some perhaps pent up frustration towards Krash from some lingering jealousy due to Jeremy’s constant fascination with him.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “He’s not doing anything, Anzu. It’s like Jeremy has just completely lost it. I always personally thought the friendship stuff was crazy… but this is something else… something just snapped inside of him!”
Baxter then drags the limp body of Krash over to the apron before stepping out of the ring and hopping down to the floor. He reaches over and tugs at the padding on the floor, pulling it up and clearing it out of the way to expose the bare floor. More loud boos, even some trash begin to be pelted at Baxter… a solo cup smacking him in the face but Baxter shakes it off. He climbs up onto the apron and pulls Krash up, lifting him up…
Rod Sterling: “This is a bridge too far! This is entirely unnecessary! This is-”
BAXTER DRIVER OFF THE APRON TO THE EXPOSED FLOOR!
Rod Sterling: “... This is sickening.”
Jeremy finally rolls out of the ring and comes over, placing his body over Krash’s - shielding him from any further damage. “That’s enough!” He can be heard off mic as Baxter now backs off willingly. Jeremy sits up next to Krash, cradling his head, rocking back and forth as the tears flow down his face like two rivers across his cheeks. “I’m so sorry… so sorry…” he continues to repeat over and over again.
Allen Price: “I don’t have any words…”
Bryan Baxter pats Jeremy on the shoulder, “we better get outta here,” he instructs Jeremy. The sobbing Best nods and gets to his feet. “We can’t leave him…”
Reluctantly, Bryan lifts up Krash’s prone body and drapes it over his right shoulder once again, carrying him away from the ring almost identically as he had brought him out… Jeremy joins Bryan and the two disappear to the back, taking Krash with them, amid a crowd of horrified fans.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Where are they taking him? What’s going on?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “What have we just witnessed?”
We fade to black…
The show shifts to the back after a horrifying scene and seemingly a more happy scene, at least it appears that way as we see Jackson Fenix with a smile on his face despite the loss earlier tonight. Nate Savage on the other hand, is not as happy and he has a frown on his face.
Nate Savage: “What are you smiling for? Why aren’t you upset that we lost tonight?!”
Jackson Fenix: “I am upset but I got something that could turn that frown upside down!”
Nate looks confused by this sudden shift in attitude from his friend.
Nate Savage: “What’s going on? Where is my friend Jackson Fenix? What did you do to him?”
Jackson Fenix: “Dude, hello! I’m right here! Come on, follow me…I have a surprise…”
Nate looks hesitant and Jackson insists he follow him.
Jackson Fenix: “Look, I know how you feel about surprises, but I promise that you will like this one!”
Nate reluctantly follows Jackson until they reach their locker room, and Jackson swings open the door…
Jackson Fenix: “Surprise! Happy birthday buddy!”
The locker room is adorned with decorations to celebrate Nate’s day and Kung-fu Karl and Jimmy Boom Boom are holding the cake, waiting for Nate to blow out the candles.
Jackson Fenix: “I know tonight didn’t go our way and it sucks, but let’s try to forget about that and celebrate what’s left of your birthday! Go ahead, blow out the candles!”
Nate reluctantly blows out the candles and looks back at Jackson…
Nate Savage: “Jack, I don’t know what else to say, but thank you man. I wasn’t expecting all of this, but thank you. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to drown my sorrows in this cake!”
The party is underway with The Undisputed Alliance as the show transitions back to ringside…
Allen Price: “That looks like quite the party for Nate Savage and a happy birthday to him, but moving on we’ll see another title on the line as Vampyra puts her TV title on the line against Shawn Summers, Jason Randall, and newly christened Death Walker, formerly Darius Wright…
Kurt Harrington: “The following contest is a fatal four way scheduled for one fall with a sixty-minute-time-limit and it is for the FWA TV Championship!”
And now… all of the lights turn off momentarily as a demonic voice speaks out to all who are in attendance. While this intro plays, a bright red spotlight pops in the center of a smoke filled stage where it illuminates over a dark hooded figure. The song begins…
…and the house lights are brought back on but flashing in between the colors of red and white. As we can see the hooded individual in an all-black sleeved cloak with dark red trim along with another individual in just an oversized black cloak standing right behind it. The two of them take a slow, methodical stroll down the path to the ring. They never raise their heads to reveal who's under these big hooded cloaks as each hides their identity well. That is until they step up the ring stairs and step between the top and middle rope. Once the first hooded figure positions itself in the center of the ring, the other walks over and stands in front of the first. Standing motionless for a few seconds as smoke surrounds the outside of the ring, the person from behind unhooks the other's cloak. And the evil entity known as Death Walker steps forward to reveal himself to the audience with his arms forming an X at neck level. The crowd erupts in madness and chaos as his music most likely ends by now or replays all over again but Death Walker remains staring out at the hard camera to present fear and panic to whomever.
Kurt Harrington: “Introducing first, from the Depths of Hell and weighing in at 243 lb…he is The Dark Traveller…Death Walker!”
Rod Sterling: “Price already mentioned it but we saw Darius Wright undergo some sort of transformation earlier this evening, and he’s this entity known as Death Walker!”
Allen Price: “If he’s aiming to intimidate, then mission accomplished! That entrance gave me chills!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Don’t be such a baby, Price, and if you’re chilly then you should’ve worn a jacket.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “The spookier the better!”
After the intro and opening lyrics kick in, Jason Randall walks out on stage to a heavy mixed reaction. Randall finishes off his bottle of water and tosses the empty bottle aside, then he marches down to the ring with purpose and never taking his eyes off of Death Walker inside the ring.
Kurt Harrington: “And his opponent, from San Diego, California and weighing in at 234 lb…he is The Wildcard…Jason Randall!”
Randall is in the ring now and he’s removed his vest as he hands it off to the ringside attendant. He glares at Death Walker and flips him the bird and begins to trash talk from his corner…
Rod Sterling: “You spoke about intimidation, Price, but The Wildcard doesn’t look the least bit intimidated by this new Death Walker.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “There is certainly no love lost between those two, and you can see Randall still has a slight limp from that attack by Walker several weeks back. The Wildcard hasn’t forgotten what Walker did to him and he’s itching for a fight.”
Shawn slowly rises through the stage with his head down and eyes closed. The lights strobe between white and red to the drums of the song as fog rises underneath him. Shawn tilts his head up, his face void of emotion as the camera pans around him. He stands in place taking in the moment until the chorus of "Cola" kicks in. He begins to make his way down the ramp mouthing the words to the song, ignoring the hands and verbal assault from the fans as he does
Kurt Harrington: “Their opponent, from Laguna Beach, California and weighing in at 225 lb…he is Der Basterd…Shawn Summers!”
Halfway down the ramp, he takes a visual survey of the arena before slowly walking up the ring steps and slowly ascending the turnbuckle. His eyes closed his head tilted high - he's fully taking in the moment before hopping down into the ring. Shawn makes his way to his corner and crouches down as he awaits his opponent.
Rod Sterling: “Some would blame Shawn Summers for turning this into a fatal four way, but by the looks of it Shawn seems unperturbed by it all.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Summers is laser focused, Sterling. He may seem cool, calm, and collected but he’s focused. He knows what’s at stake tonight and he’s not going to let it slip away.”
The dramatic opening to "Vampire" by Versailles plays and the lights of the arena dim. After about fifteen seconds, the camera zooms towards the entranceway as the lights start flashing different shades of purple, red, and pink. We see a masked woman, cape flowing behind her. Vampyra has arrived. Her hands are out with her elbows on her hips. Covering her regular mask for matches is a more elaborate entrance mask with horns. Hanging almost like a sash across her shoulder is the FWA Television Championship. Puffs of fire shoot up on both sides of the stage.
Kurt Harrington: “Representing MAYHEM's YOKAI Death Squad, from Osaka, Japan, the FWA Television Champion, the Dark Huntress, Vampyra!”
Putting her hand down, the YOKAI Queen holds out three fingers to form an "M" then does a small throat slashing gesture with her pointer finger. She walks slowly down the ramp, once again putting her hands to her side. The fire on the stage continues to spark up occasionally, adding a glow in the arena. At the end of the ramp, Vampyra motions for the camera to come near here. She takes off her extra entrance mask, holding it in her hand. Vampyra shows a wicked smirk before doing another small throat slash and walking around the ring.
Unclipping her cape, she slides onto the apron, taking her championship belt off of her shoulder to place it on the apron. Hooking her legs on the top she hangs upside down, arms crossed like a bat, placing her extra mask next to her. After a few moments, she swings herself into the ring, grabbing her FWA Television Championship. goes up to the corner turnbuckles. Putting one foot on the top rope, she does another "throat slash" with her finger, sticking out her tongue, before she puts down the MAYHEM "M" before holding up her championship belt. She jumps down as her theme music fades away. Going into her corner, she sits down, cross-legged, keeping calm as she clutches her championship title.
Rod Sterling: “Vampyra appears to be calm as well despite the deck being stacked against her with three challengers out to get her title.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Vampyra has shown a great perseverance throughout every obstacle put in front of her and tonight is no different. She knows the odds aren’t necessarily in her favor, but that won’t stop her from trying to defy those odds and retain her title in the process.”
Referee Gracelynn Guerrero raises the title aloft before she hands it off to ringside and then calls for the bell…
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Don’t do it Aly! It’s a trap!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Surely he knows better.”
But with the respectful nature of the match, Alyster gives a solemn nod to Jeremy and accepts the handshake… and there is no follow up enziguri! Jeremy simply nods back to Alyster and releases the handshake and the two men move in for a collar and elbow tie up.
Rod Sterling: “Jeremy Best with no tomfoolery on the handshake tonight! And we’re underway with this one. On a night of big matchups, what a treat to get a first ever one on one meeting between these two unexpectedly!”
Krash’s two friends jockey for position in the lock up, but it’s Black who uses the size and strength advantage to force Jeremy into the corner, breaking up the lock up but immediately lights up Jeremy’s bare chest with an open handed chop! Alyster steps back and actually challenges Jeremy to do the same to him. While not necessarily part of his offense, Jeremy wasn’t going to be rude so he fires back with a chop to Alyster’s chest! Alyster comes right back with another STIFF chop to Jeremy, causing Jeremy to wince but Aly nods to Jeremy and motions for him to bring it on so Jeremy gives another one to Alyster!
Black comes right back at Jeremy with another chop! And Jeremy seems to be getting more into this battle as he doesn’t even need encouragement this time as he comes back with a chop to Black. Back and forth they go, Jeremy’s chest starting to turn red but he really seems to be enjoying stepping outside his normal offensive comfort zone as he fires back at Alsyer… and becomes a bit too overzealous perhaps as he starts to machine gun chop Black without letting Black take his turn… and Black apparently takes issue with it as after mostly absorbing the chops from Jeremy, he instead connects with a headbutt to Jeremy, knocking Best down to the mat!
Allen Price: “The excitement seemed to get to Jeremy there, haha. But he doesn’t want to get into a pure fight with Alyster Black!”
Jeremy gets back up to his feet, shaking off the cobwebs from the headbutt and can be heard telling Alyster “that was a good one,” but perhaps Jeremy is trying to get too “buddy buddy” with the friend of his friend because Alyster isn’t interested in Best’s compliments as he takes Jeremy by the head and snapmares him down to the mat before landing a dropkick to the back of Jeremy’s head.
Anzu Kurosawa: “What in the world was Jeremy doing there?”
Rod Sterling: “I think because of Alyster’s friendship with Krash that perhaps there is some type of mutual friendship between them… but Alyster clearly isn’t out here to make friends with Jeremy.”
Jeremy crawls over to the corner and pulls himself up, but Black is right there waiting for him and immediately comes in with a knife edge chop to Jeremy followed by a series of forearm smashes to Jeremy’s chest. With Jeremy cornered… Alyster unleashes the Violence Party to Jeremy, leaving everyone’s “best friend” in a world of hurt before finishing that up and then taking Jeremy down to the mat with a Saito Suplex!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Alyster Black is perhaps unleashing some frustration on Jeremy from some of his recent losses to Devin Golden and Cyrus Truth!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Can you believe Jeremy actually ASKED for this match? Maybe he is a glutton for punishment or something.”
Best begins to get up to his knees as Alyster runs to the far ropes, then back to the near ropes and goes for the One Shot Kill! Already looking to put Jeremy away…
But Jeremy counters it as he grabs Alyster by the arm and takes him down to the mat… INTO THE FRIENDSHIP BRACELET!
Rod Sterling: “Woah! Out of nowhere Jeremy locks in The Friendship Bracelet! You may remember that this is the move that made Danny Toner tap out while he was FWA Champion!”
Allen Price: “Yeah but I can’t imagine Alyster Black tapping out!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Crazier things have happened!”
Official Tommy Palmer is there to check on Black, who isn’t giving any indication that he’s about to tap out. Instead he begins to reposition himself on the mat, working Jeremy into a position where Jeremy was now on his back, still applying the hold as Black begins to get back up to his knees… and then up to his feet… Black LIFTS Jeremy up off the mat and SLAMS HIM BACK DOWN to break the hold!
Black stretches out his arm, selling the effects of the hold but then runs in with a running elbow to the back of Jeremy’s head as he was attempting to get back up to his feet. After delivering another couple of stomps to Best, he pulls him back up and whips Jeremy into the ropes. Black Irish Whips Jeremy into the ropes, but coming back off the ropes, Jeremy counters Black’s attack with a Tiltawhirl DDT!
Jeremy shows a second wind as he gets back to his feet with a kip-up while Black begins to stagger up. He rushes in… SHOTGUN DROPKICK right to Black’s chest sends Black falling backwards into the corner! Jeremy then follows it up by rushing in with another shotgun dropkick to the cornered Black! Jeremy hops out onto the apron as Black begins to stagger out of the corner and Jeremy slingshots himself back into the ring, over the top of Black into a sunset flip!
One - Two - NO!
Black rolls out of the sunset flip but then grabs Jeremy’s legs and flips forward into a bridging pin of his own!
One - Two - NO!
Jeremy rolls to the side, holding onto Black as he gets to his feet, having Black’s head between his legs now, Jeremy attempts a piledriver to Black, but Black counters with a backdrop… but Best lands on his feet… Black turns around into a step up enziguri from Best! Black falls sideways, through the middle ropes and out to ringside!
Rod Sterling: “After getting the worst of it for the opening minutes of the match, Jeremy Best has found some fire and suddenly is taking it to Black Jesus!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “And he’s not done yet… here he comes! TOPE SUICIDA!”
Jeremy dives through the ropes, connecting with Black and sending them both crashing into the guard rail, with Black taking the brunt of the fall. Jeremy gets back to his feet first, climbing up to the apron as Black gets up using the guard rail. Jeremy runs and leaps towards Black, looking for a Diving DDT to the outside, but Black catches him in the air! Black runs with Jeremy in his hands and drives him back first into the ring post!
Allen Price: “So much for that momentum Jeremy had!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Here’s the problem… he’s outside the ring. This is where Alyster loves to live and breathe. This is his habitat. This is his home. And right now, Jeremy is trespassing!”
Black stays in control on the outside as he Irish Whips Jeremy with FORCE into the far safety rails! Black makes his way over to where Jeremy was slouched over onto the floor, and begins adding some more stiff boots to Jeremy while he is down. He then picks Jeremy up and drapes his body across the safety rail… backs up… and hits a running BOOT to Jeremy’s head!
Jeremy collapses back down to the floor as Aly picks him back up by the head and tosses him into the ring. Jeremy rolls into position on the mat in the ring as Alyster climbs back up onto the apron and then onto the turnbuckles. He gets to the second turnbuckle and comes off with a pointed elbow drop! Black makes the cover!
One - Two - KICKOUT!
Black pulls Jeremy back up to his feet and tosses him up for a Pop Up Death Valley Driver, but Jeremy comes back down and catches Black with a Tornado DDT to counter!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Looks like a desperation counter by Jeremy there. It worked but both men are down!”
Palmer begins the ten count, but at five, Jeremy is able to roll over and drape his body over Black’s to make the cover.
One - Two - KICKOUT!
Jeremy slowly gets to his feet, but Black is also back up at the same time. Jeremy grabs Black by the arm and attempts and Irish Whip, but Black reverses it and sends Jeremy hard into the turnbuckles, sternum first, Jeremy hitting the turnbuckles and then stumbling backwards into the waiting arms of Black for a DRAGON SUPLEX! Black with the bridge…
ONE - TWO-THRE-KICKOUT!
Jeremery starts to roll back up to his feet only to get caught by Black with a Saka Otoshi inverted headlock takeover into the Bulldog Choke!
Rod Sterling: “Here we go! Black has Jeremy with great ring position, locked in this Bulldog Choke in the center of the ring.”
Black pulls back on Jeremy’s neck as Palmer checks in on Jeremy as Jeremy shakes him off. He struggles against the Black’s strong hold, using his legs to try and push his way across the canvas. He digs down as he keeps trying to make his way to the ropes… the crowd rallying behind Best… but he’ starting to fade. Palmer checks in as it looks like Jeremy may be passing out here from the hold… Palmer grabs his arm and… but Jeremy is still alive! The arm stays up!
Much to the delight of the crowd, Jeremy finds something deep down in himself to give one last push and is able to grab the ropes! Black holds on for the full count before breaking up the submission. He sits up to his knees and drives a barrage of forearms to the back of Jeremy’s neck before pulling him back up..
Alyster sets up Jeremy for the Satan’s Spike… lifting him up, but Jeremy reverses it with an arm drag take down into the Friendship Bracelet!
Rod Sterling: “Another timely counter by Jeremy. He’s just barely hanging on in this match as it’s been mostly Alyster Black the whole way! But here he is sneaking in the Friendship Bracelet once again!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “But the bad news for Jeremy is the ring positioning isn’t ideal! Black easily gets his legs into the ropes to break up the hold!”
Jeremy releases the hold immediately and begins trying to get up, pulling himself to his knees as Black is already back up, coming in with a running forearm smash to the back of Jeremy’s neck! Black rolls him over and goes for the pin!
ONE - TWO - THREE! NO! Jeremy manages to get his right shoulder up!
Black sits back up as Jeremy begins crawling across the ring toward the ropes as Black begins to stalk over behind him. Jeremy makes it to the corner, but in comes Black with a running facewash to Best! Black then pulls Jeremy back up in the corner and hits him with a combination of knife edge chops in the corner before picking Jeremy up and placing him on the top turnbuckle.
Black begins to ascend the turnbuckle as well, attempting to lift Jeremy up onto his shoulder, setting him up for Alyster Black Does the Right Thing and Rides the Bomb to Hell… but Jeremy begins to battle back! He drives his elbow repeatedly down into Black’s forehead! Best is able to break free, back down to the turnbuckle as Black backs down to the second rope… Jeremy hits a flurry of right hands to Black, rocking Black Jesus… Jeremy leaps over Black…
BUDDY BOMB off the top!
Jeremy with the high stack pin!
ONE - TWO - THREE! NO! Black kicks out!
Allen Price: “So close! I thought he might’ve had him there.”
Rod Sterling: “Jeremy is back up and for the first time this match, the momentum could be turning in his favor!”
Jeremy sits back as Black sits up to his knees… and Jeremy attacks with a stiff kick to Black’s chest. Then another! Then another! It’s FRIENDLY FIRE to Black as Jeremy is fired up for repeated stiff kicks to Black’s chest! Black Jesus takes the attacks in stride… absorbing them until Jeremy finishes off the combination with another shotgun dropkick to the chest of the kneeling Black! Jeremy then hits the ropes for a Springboard Moonsault for a lateral press pin!
ONE - TWO - THRE- NO!
Alyster begins to roll back to his feet, but Best comes in and lifts him up onto his shoulder’s for the fireman’s carry… the crowd is on their feet in anticipation as Jeremy walks to the center of the ring…
BFF!
NO! Black escapes down the back! A surprised Jeremy turns around into the…
ONE SHOT KILL!
But no, Jeremy counters it by locking Black’s arm, twisting behind him, going back to back with Black and attempting a Backslide… but he can’t quite get Black up over his own back… and Black reverses the attempt, using his strength to flip Jeremy back over his own back! But Jeremy lands on his feet in front of Black! Jeremy lifts Back back up into the Fireman’s Carry…
BFF!
CONNECTS!
Anzu Kurosawa: “He hit it! He hit it! Unbelievable! What an upset this is going to be!”
Jeremy drops to his knees after hitting the maneuver and realizes he needs to get the pin! Best makes the cover…
ONE! TWO! THREE!
NO! BLACK KICKED OUT! Alyster Black has kicked out of the BFF!
Allen Price: “What?! My God Alystery Black is almost indestructible! I’m not sure anyone has ever kicked out of the BFF!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “What other tricks can Jeremy pull out to keep Black down?”
Jeremy’s face shows the shock as we cut to several members of the crowd with their jaws dropped as well, equally surprised. The crowd however cheers loudly, giving both men appreciation for the effort put forth in this tribute match.
He grabs Alyster, lifting him back up once again… lifting him back up… going for a second BFF.. BUT ALYSTER FIGHTS FREE! Down the back he goes and drops Jeremy with a desperation Russian leg sweep! Both men are down once again.
As Palmer’s count gets up to eight, both men get back to a vertical base. The two competitors meet in the center of the ring and its a another stiff chop from Black to light up Jeremy’s chest! Jeremy responds with a kick to the thigh of Black, but Black comes back with three forearm smashes in a row to rock Jeremy and then grabs him in a waistlock. German Suplex attempt by Black…
But Jeremy flips over and lands on his feet! Black turns around into a big jumping high knee! Black falls backwards into the ropes and then comes back into the waiting Jeremy who lifts him up…
BFF!
It connects… Black is left staggering, out on his feet as Jeremy rushes back in and scoops Black up off his feet…
RAZZLE DAZZLE!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Wait! Razzle Dazzle?! Krash’s move?!”
Rod Sterling: “That’s right! Jeremy just pulled out all the stops as he hits Alyster with Krash’s finisher after the BFF!”
Jeremy drops down and makes the cover…
ONE - TWO - THREE!
Winner: Jeremy Best via pinfall at 16:43.
Jeremy sits back up, his face showing a mixture of disbelief and pure excitement as he realizes he has defeated the Reigning X Champion and former FWA Champion.
Kurt Harrington: “The winner of the match…Jeremy Best!”
The crowd gives Jeremy a huge ovation for the surprising win as he throws up his arms in victory. Alyster Black sits up to his knees, looking over at Jeremy and shaking his head.
Rod Sterling: “What a win for Jeremy Best! But you have to wonder what’s going through Alyster Black’s mind right know, having been defeated with his friend and tag partner’s own finisher…”
Jeremy motions towards Alyster Black as he gets up to his feet, Jeremy encourages the fans to give Black a standing ovation as well. Jeremy then walks over and extends his hand to Black. Alyster hesitates but ultimately elects not to shake Jeremy’s hand, turning his back and exiting the ring.
Anzu Kurosawa: “I think you’re right Rod. Losing in general doesn’t sit well with Alyster Black and it doesn’t happen very often… but to lose to Krash’s finisher in the tribute match may be salt in the wound.”
Allen Price: “Jeremy’s a good guy, I don’t think there was any ill intention! He was paying tribute to his hero! Nothing wrong with that.”
As Alyster Black disappears to the back, “You Got a Friend in Me” continues to play as Jeremy has dropped to his knees in the ring, his face still showing the disbelief that tonight he had managed to pull off one of the biggest wins of his career. The crowd continues to give Jeremy a respectful ovation as he kneels down in the center of the ring, his face becoming more and more overcome with emotion of the moment.
Rod Sterling: “Overcome with emotion, after what might just be the most meaningful victory in Jeremy’s young career, on a night dedicated to someone very important to him… I think we all understand the emotions.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Indeed! Well done, Jeremy. Well done. A fine young stud of a star, a victory like this is going to be a fantastic boost for him.”
Jeremy finally gets up to his feet, wiping a tear away from his face before he walks over to the ring ropes, asking for a microphone.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “And it looks like we’ll be hearing from Jeremy as well! I imagine he’s got quite the speech inside of him.”
Someone hands Jeremy a microphone, and Jeremy taps it twice, catching his breath, before bringing it to his lips.
Jeremy Best: “Wow… just… wow…”
Jeremy pauses and soaks in the cheers from the crowd as he holds his hands on the top of his head, shaking his head in disbelief.
Jeremy Best: “What a night… what a moment… Krash… wherever you are… whether you’re out there somewhere, hold up somewhere and watching this on TV… or watching it back on replay after we finally find you… or maybe…”
Jeremy looks up to the heavens, pointing.
Jeremy Best: “Just… maybe… if you are up there looking down on us tonight… I hope you’re smilin’. I hope I made you proud!”
Jeremy takes his free hand and runs it across his eyes and nose, as the fans applaud.
Allen Price: “I think he would absolutely be proud of you, Jeremy.”
Jeremy Best: “I just can’t believe it! I just wish… I just really wish Krash could’ve been here with us tonight. I just… I’ve tried… and I really wanted to believe that you were out there somewhere, my friend. I wanted to be able to come here tonight… come BACK IN TOWN… with Krash by my side! If only… if only my Krash Crusades had been a success… if only…”
???: “Now just hold on a second there, Jeremy! Don’t give up hope just yet…”
Jeremy’s ears perk up as he turns towards the entranceway. That voice is definitely a familiar one. But no, don’t get your hopes up.
It’s not Krash’s voice.
It’s the voice of the FWA North American Champion. The voice of Jeremy’s tag team partner, Big Bryan Baxter.
Allen Price: “What’s the meaning of this? Big Bryan Baxter?”
Rod Sterling: “Baxter and Best, The Buddy System, were an inseparable duo not too long ago, until a combination of Baxter’s alliance with Bill Scorpance, and Jeremy’s unfocused endeavors in terms of his career progression, came to a head. I have to wonder exactly what Bryan’s goal here is, considering he could’ve talked to Best at any time other than now.”
The crowd clearly was hoping if someone was going to interrupt Jeremy’s emotional speech, that it wouldn’t be Baxter. But here he is, as he makes his way out from the back, as they boo and jeer.
But curiously, Bryan has something over his shoulders.
Wait, that’s not something. It’s…
Allen Price: “What is that he’s carrying?”
Anzu Kurosawa: “That’s not a what, that’s a who, I know what the shape of a person is when I see it…”
Jeremy watches with curiosity as his friend and partner walks down the aisle with someone over his right shoulder. The person isn’t fighting against the clutches of the North American Champion. No, the person instead actually seems quite limp and lifeless. The person’s face is obscured by a brown paper grocery bag over his head, though they’re dressed in a rather unkempt and ragged suit.
Jeremy Best: “Bryan… what are you doing out here? Who is that? …What… what have you done?”
Bryan Baxter: “Wait, hold on man… just hear me out here…”
Bryan climbs up onto the apron and gingerly enters the ring, making sure not to drop his captive as he does so. Jeremy’s expression contorts into something akin to concern.
Bryan Baxter: “I’ve told you all along… I would make things right. And I wasn’t quite sure how to do it.”
Jeremy shakes his head and waves Bryan off, taking a step back.
Jeremy Best: “Bryan… it’s all okay, I’ve forgiven you. Whatever… THIS… is… I don’t know if it’s something I want… or need… to be associated with.”
Bryan also shakes his head, but unlike Jeremy, is all smiles right now, as he shifts his captive on his shoulder.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I don’t know about you lot, but I have a terrible, terrible feeling about this.”
Bryan Baxter: “No! Trust me, you’re gonna want to see this. Because I figured out exactly what I could do to make things right between you and me. I finally figured out how to fix the Buddy System and make us even. I did it Jeremy. I really fuckin’ did it! I didn’t even believe I could… but I was desperate… and before you jump to any conclusions… I had nothin’ to do with how he looks, okay? This is how I found him…”
The crowd is silent in awe and anticipation. Could it be?
Jeremy Best: “Bryan… who… is… that…?”
Bryan dumped his captive over to the mat before helping him up to a seated position on the mat.
Bryan Baxter: “It’s KRASH!”
Rod Sterling: “What?!?”
Allen Price: “But he’s-”
Baxter reaches over and yanks the paper bag off the head of the nearly lifeless body on the mat. While he certainly looks rough for wear, as in he looks even smaller than before, paler,, perhaps from malnutrition, and his face is covered in bruises… but there is no denying who that mustache belongs to…
KRASH IS ALIVE!
Anzu Kurosawa: “IT’S KRASH?!?”
Jeremy’s eyes grow wide to the point you think they might pop out of his head as the Denver crowd absolutely loses their shit. Jeremy’s jaw drops as both hands go to the top of his head as he stares at his friend and hero sitting before him in the ring while Baxter holds out his arms as if he was a game show host pointing to the grand prize. Krash is pale, unsteady, slowly flopping back onto the mat, before Bryan hurriedly affixed him back into a seated position.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I think- I think it’s really him! No-one has seen or heard from Krash since he & Randy Ramon vanished at Back In Business, but-”
Allen Price: “But he’s here, and he’s alive, and BRYAN BAXTER FOUND HIM!”
For what feels like an eternity, Jeremy just stares at Krash with sheer joy but finally he breaks his gaze as he looks to Bryan… and rushes over, embracing his friend with a big hug! Bryan returns the hug, gripping Jeremy tightly and lifting him up off the mat with an excited bear hug.
Rod Sterling: “I can barely believe it…”
Once the embrace with Bryan ends, Jeremy stands before a Krash that continues to just… sit there, barely moving, barely blinking. Jeremy hugs his hero, holding him tightly in an embrace he’s been waiting for far too long… A hug that is not returned at all. As Krash may be there… but you begin to wonder… how there is he, really?
Jeremy Best: “I knew it! I knew it all along! Krash is alive!”
Bryan Baxter: “You were absolutely right, bud! He’s alive alright!”
Jeremy Best: “Welcome back Krashy! Welcome back to FWA!”
Jeremy paces around the ring, turning to the crowd and throwing his arms up into the air yelling out “WELCOME BACK!” The fans immediately begin a similar chant.
Allen Price: “Welcome back indeed!”
Jeremy Best: “Oh my goodness… where are my manners? Bryan, look at him… he’s been through a lot… get this man a chair!”
Baxter nodded, stepping out of the ring and grabbing a chair from ringside, tossing it back in to Jeremy. Jeremy sets the chair up and helps lift the dead weight that is Krash up off the mat and sits him down in the chair, while Bryan rejoins the ring as well.
Jeremy Best: “Friends… Besties… it would appear that tonight is no longer a KRASH MEMORIAL… but a WELCOME BACK PARTY! A CELEBRATION! Because Krash is BACK IN TOWN! Oh Bryan… I’ve never been so happy before in my life… I know you have to be pretty excited to be back, whattaya say, pal?”
Jeremy extends the microphone over to Krash, putting it in front of his mouth. The weary Krash slowly moves his head in the direction of Jeremy, dazed eyes barely registering, and then looks down at the microphone.
His jaw parts slightly, the echo of a shallow breath into the microphone, and he says…
Nothing.
Jeremy tilts his head, at first not sure what to make of Krash’s silence.
Jeremy Best: “He’s speechless, isn’t he Bryan? And who can blame him?”
Baxter gives a slightly nervous smile, as the celebratory cheers from the crowd begin to die down with the realization that something… something isn’t quite right. Even those on commentary seem to pick up on the vibe, exchanging glances. Jeremy… Doesn’t.
Jeremy Best: “I know it’s a big moment, buddy… but these fans… we’ve all been waiting for so long… so VERY long… for this moment. We’ve all held out hope for so long… and this is it. For those of us who NEVER GAVE UP ON YOU… they are on the edge of their seats! They want to hear from their hero!”
Jeremy extends the microphone over to Krash once again, with a touch more force. This time… Krash weakly responds, with a ragged, torn voice, barely higher than a whisper.
Krash: “... Alyster?”
The giant grin on Jeremy’s face quickly fades away with those words from his friend. Bryan Baxter watches on with concern at the change in Jeremy’s demeanor. But the moment is fleeting and Jeremy begins to smile again.
Jeremy Best: “Oh… silly Krashy… such a jokester. Of course it’s not Aly. It’s me - your best bud… your protégé! Jeremy Best!”
Krash struggles to lift his head up and locks eyes with Jeremy. The dull shine of his eyes gains a spark of recognition, a fleeting glimpse of… Something, as he squints.
Krash: “... Jeremy…?”
Jeremy’s face lights up in delight, as he kneels down in front of his friend, beaming, a hand on his shoulder.
Jeremy Best: “I know buddy… it’s okay, save your energy. We’ll get you somewhere safe to rest tonight and we’ll get ready for your triumphant return… no need to thank us… you can do when you suit up and step into that ring alongside us!”
Krash slowly shakes his head.
Krash: “Wh…”
Jeremy reaches over and holds Krash by the hand.
Jeremy Best: “Talk to me, bud. What is it?”
Krash: “Who… Who’s Jeremy?”
In an instant, the smile is wiped from Jeremy’s face. He releases Krash’s listless hand, taking a step back as he rises to his feet. Jeremy’s face is unreadable, blank, as Bryan takes a step forward. Jeremy throws a palm out, halting Bryan.
Jeremy Best: “No, no. It’s okay. It’s fine, you… You’ve been through a lot, clearly. You’re just… Tired, is all. It’s okay.”
Despite addressing Krash, Jeremy seems unable to meet the eyes of his hero. Maybe he’s not really addressing Krash here…
Anzu Kurosawa: “Something is wrong here. Something is very, very wrong.”
Jeremy Best: “We’ll get you some rest, and you’ll be back to your old self in no time, back in the ring where you belong, and we’ll… We’ll make magic together. Just like you talked about, just like I talked about. We brought you back, and we’ll do everything together… Just like we promised. Alright?”
Krash sways, unfocused. His eyes, glazed over, blink twice as Jeremy turns to face him, holding out the microphone.
Krash: “... Why?”
An expression akin to tragedy crosses Jeremy’s face, and he runs his free hand through his hair, trembling slightly.
Jeremy Best: “W-Why what?”
Jeremy practically shoves the microphone back at Krash. Krash slowly exhales, lidded eyes closing, as he rests his forehead on the microphone with a soft ‘thunk.’
He says nothing else.
Jeremy pulls back the microphone. Krash slouches, forearms on his knees, staring at the mat, before he slowly raises his head to gaze at Jeremy with eyes that seem more suitable for roadkill.
There’s something missing behind those eyes.
Jeremy Best: “I don’t understand… we found you. We SAVED YOU… And you don’t… And you’re not… You…”
Krash doesn’t respond. Maybe he’s simply no longer capable of responding, as he just leans back in the chair, his head tilting backwards and resting on the back of the chair. Jeremy begins to pace back and forth in the ring, shaking his head frantically.
Jeremy Best: “No-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no… this isn’t right. Something’s not right. This isn’t you .This isn’t Krash. Something’s wrong with him, Bryan. Something’s happened to him…”
Bryan watches on, not sure what to make of Jeremy’s words but just nods in agreement anyway. Jeremy stops in his tracks and turns to Bryan.
Jeremy Best: “But… we can fix this. We can fix him. We can STILL… SAVE HIM…”
Jeremy kneels down in front of Krash once again.
Jeremy Best: “Buddy… I know you’re in there somewhere. It’s gonna be okay. I promise…”
Jeremy looks over to Bryan, the two sharing a seemingly telepathic thought before nodding to one another. Jeremy then turns back to Krash… another tear rolling down his face as he chokes out his next few words.
Jeremy Best: “I’m sorry my friend… this has to be done. ”
As Jeremy moves out of the way, Bryan Baxter charges in off the ropes with a LARIAT TO KRASH that bends him over across the back of the chair, flipping the half dead Krash over the chair and to the canvas!
Allen Price: “What the hell?!?”
Jeremy kneels down in the corner of the ring, leaning back against the turnbuckle as Bryan Baxter folds up the chair and CRACKS IT DOWN ACROSS KRASH’S BACK!
Anzu Kurosawa: “What’s the meaning of this?!? We JUST got him back! What are you doing to him?!?”
Rod Sterling: “And why?!?”
BOOOOOOOOOO!
The once ecstatic crowd that thought they were witnessing the triumphant return of Krash let their new disdain be felt to both Baxter and Jeremy as Baxter repeatedly brings that steel chair down across Krash’s lifeless body in the ring. Jeremy just watching on with more tears rolling down his face.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Don’t just sit there, Jeremy! This man was your hero! DO SOMETHING!”
While Jeremy does nothing to stop the vicious onslaught by Baxter, he seems to be taking no joy in watching it happen… while Baxter actually seems to have a sadistic smirk on his face as he takes out some perhaps pent up frustration towards Krash from some lingering jealousy due to Jeremy’s constant fascination with him.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “He’s not doing anything, Anzu. It’s like Jeremy has just completely lost it. I always personally thought the friendship stuff was crazy… but this is something else… something just snapped inside of him!”
Baxter then drags the limp body of Krash over to the apron before stepping out of the ring and hopping down to the floor. He reaches over and tugs at the padding on the floor, pulling it up and clearing it out of the way to expose the bare floor. More loud boos, even some trash begin to be pelted at Baxter… a solo cup smacking him in the face but Baxter shakes it off. He climbs up onto the apron and pulls Krash up, lifting him up…
Rod Sterling: “This is a bridge too far! This is entirely unnecessary! This is-”
BAXTER DRIVER OFF THE APRON TO THE EXPOSED FLOOR!
Rod Sterling: “... This is sickening.”
Jeremy finally rolls out of the ring and comes over, placing his body over Krash’s - shielding him from any further damage. “That’s enough!” He can be heard off mic as Baxter now backs off willingly. Jeremy sits up next to Krash, cradling his head, rocking back and forth as the tears flow down his face like two rivers across his cheeks. “I’m so sorry… so sorry…” he continues to repeat over and over again.
Allen Price: “I don’t have any words…”
Bryan Baxter pats Jeremy on the shoulder, “we better get outta here,” he instructs Jeremy. The sobbing Best nods and gets to his feet. “We can’t leave him…”
Reluctantly, Bryan lifts up Krash’s prone body and drapes it over his right shoulder once again, carrying him away from the ring almost identically as he had brought him out… Jeremy joins Bryan and the two disappear to the back, taking Krash with them, amid a crowd of horrified fans.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Where are they taking him? What’s going on?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “What have we just witnessed?”
We fade to black…
The show shifts to the back after a horrifying scene and seemingly a more happy scene, at least it appears that way as we see Jackson Fenix with a smile on his face despite the loss earlier tonight. Nate Savage on the other hand, is not as happy and he has a frown on his face.
Nate Savage: “What are you smiling for? Why aren’t you upset that we lost tonight?!”
Jackson Fenix: “I am upset but I got something that could turn that frown upside down!”
Nate looks confused by this sudden shift in attitude from his friend.
Nate Savage: “What’s going on? Where is my friend Jackson Fenix? What did you do to him?”
Jackson Fenix: “Dude, hello! I’m right here! Come on, follow me…I have a surprise…”
Nate looks hesitant and Jackson insists he follow him.
Jackson Fenix: “Look, I know how you feel about surprises, but I promise that you will like this one!”
Nate reluctantly follows Jackson until they reach their locker room, and Jackson swings open the door…
Jackson Fenix: “Surprise! Happy birthday buddy!”
The locker room is adorned with decorations to celebrate Nate’s day and Kung-fu Karl and Jimmy Boom Boom are holding the cake, waiting for Nate to blow out the candles.
Jackson Fenix: “I know tonight didn’t go our way and it sucks, but let’s try to forget about that and celebrate what’s left of your birthday! Go ahead, blow out the candles!”
Nate reluctantly blows out the candles and looks back at Jackson…
Nate Savage: “Jack, I don’t know what else to say, but thank you man. I wasn’t expecting all of this, but thank you. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to drown my sorrows in this cake!”
The party is underway with The Undisputed Alliance as the show transitions back to ringside…
Allen Price: “That looks like quite the party for Nate Savage and a happy birthday to him, but moving on we’ll see another title on the line as Vampyra puts her TV title on the line against Shawn Summers, Jason Randall, and newly christened Death Walker, formerly Darius Wright…
Kurt Harrington: “The following contest is a fatal four way scheduled for one fall with a sixty-minute-time-limit and it is for the FWA TV Championship!”
And now… all of the lights turn off momentarily as a demonic voice speaks out to all who are in attendance. While this intro plays, a bright red spotlight pops in the center of a smoke filled stage where it illuminates over a dark hooded figure. The song begins…
…and the house lights are brought back on but flashing in between the colors of red and white. As we can see the hooded individual in an all-black sleeved cloak with dark red trim along with another individual in just an oversized black cloak standing right behind it. The two of them take a slow, methodical stroll down the path to the ring. They never raise their heads to reveal who's under these big hooded cloaks as each hides their identity well. That is until they step up the ring stairs and step between the top and middle rope. Once the first hooded figure positions itself in the center of the ring, the other walks over and stands in front of the first. Standing motionless for a few seconds as smoke surrounds the outside of the ring, the person from behind unhooks the other's cloak. And the evil entity known as Death Walker steps forward to reveal himself to the audience with his arms forming an X at neck level. The crowd erupts in madness and chaos as his music most likely ends by now or replays all over again but Death Walker remains staring out at the hard camera to present fear and panic to whomever.
Kurt Harrington: “Introducing first, from the Depths of Hell and weighing in at 243 lb…he is The Dark Traveller…Death Walker!”
Rod Sterling: “Price already mentioned it but we saw Darius Wright undergo some sort of transformation earlier this evening, and he’s this entity known as Death Walker!”
Allen Price: “If he’s aiming to intimidate, then mission accomplished! That entrance gave me chills!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Don’t be such a baby, Price, and if you’re chilly then you should’ve worn a jacket.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “The spookier the better!”
After the intro and opening lyrics kick in, Jason Randall walks out on stage to a heavy mixed reaction. Randall finishes off his bottle of water and tosses the empty bottle aside, then he marches down to the ring with purpose and never taking his eyes off of Death Walker inside the ring.
Kurt Harrington: “And his opponent, from San Diego, California and weighing in at 234 lb…he is The Wildcard…Jason Randall!”
Randall is in the ring now and he’s removed his vest as he hands it off to the ringside attendant. He glares at Death Walker and flips him the bird and begins to trash talk from his corner…
Rod Sterling: “You spoke about intimidation, Price, but The Wildcard doesn’t look the least bit intimidated by this new Death Walker.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “There is certainly no love lost between those two, and you can see Randall still has a slight limp from that attack by Walker several weeks back. The Wildcard hasn’t forgotten what Walker did to him and he’s itching for a fight.”
Shawn slowly rises through the stage with his head down and eyes closed. The lights strobe between white and red to the drums of the song as fog rises underneath him. Shawn tilts his head up, his face void of emotion as the camera pans around him. He stands in place taking in the moment until the chorus of "Cola" kicks in. He begins to make his way down the ramp mouthing the words to the song, ignoring the hands and verbal assault from the fans as he does
Kurt Harrington: “Their opponent, from Laguna Beach, California and weighing in at 225 lb…he is Der Basterd…Shawn Summers!”
Halfway down the ramp, he takes a visual survey of the arena before slowly walking up the ring steps and slowly ascending the turnbuckle. His eyes closed his head tilted high - he's fully taking in the moment before hopping down into the ring. Shawn makes his way to his corner and crouches down as he awaits his opponent.
Rod Sterling: “Some would blame Shawn Summers for turning this into a fatal four way, but by the looks of it Shawn seems unperturbed by it all.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Summers is laser focused, Sterling. He may seem cool, calm, and collected but he’s focused. He knows what’s at stake tonight and he’s not going to let it slip away.”
The dramatic opening to "Vampire" by Versailles plays and the lights of the arena dim. After about fifteen seconds, the camera zooms towards the entranceway as the lights start flashing different shades of purple, red, and pink. We see a masked woman, cape flowing behind her. Vampyra has arrived. Her hands are out with her elbows on her hips. Covering her regular mask for matches is a more elaborate entrance mask with horns. Hanging almost like a sash across her shoulder is the FWA Television Championship. Puffs of fire shoot up on both sides of the stage.
Kurt Harrington: “Representing MAYHEM's YOKAI Death Squad, from Osaka, Japan, the FWA Television Champion, the Dark Huntress, Vampyra!”
Putting her hand down, the YOKAI Queen holds out three fingers to form an "M" then does a small throat slashing gesture with her pointer finger. She walks slowly down the ramp, once again putting her hands to her side. The fire on the stage continues to spark up occasionally, adding a glow in the arena. At the end of the ramp, Vampyra motions for the camera to come near here. She takes off her extra entrance mask, holding it in her hand. Vampyra shows a wicked smirk before doing another small throat slash and walking around the ring.
Unclipping her cape, she slides onto the apron, taking her championship belt off of her shoulder to place it on the apron. Hooking her legs on the top she hangs upside down, arms crossed like a bat, placing her extra mask next to her. After a few moments, she swings herself into the ring, grabbing her FWA Television Championship. goes up to the corner turnbuckles. Putting one foot on the top rope, she does another "throat slash" with her finger, sticking out her tongue, before she puts down the MAYHEM "M" before holding up her championship belt. She jumps down as her theme music fades away. Going into her corner, she sits down, cross-legged, keeping calm as she clutches her championship title.
Rod Sterling: “Vampyra appears to be calm as well despite the deck being stacked against her with three challengers out to get her title.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Vampyra has shown a great perseverance throughout every obstacle put in front of her and tonight is no different. She knows the odds aren’t necessarily in her favor, but that won’t stop her from trying to defy those odds and retain her title in the process.”
Referee Gracelynn Guerrero raises the title aloft before she hands it off to ringside and then calls for the bell…
DING! DING! DING!
The Wildcard wastes no time as he bursts out of his corner and pummels Death Walker in his corner, and the two heated rivals begin to trade blows in that corner. Randall gains the upper hand early on, and he starts stomping a mudhole in Walker while talking some trash. Randall turns around and he’s greeted by Vampyra with a running dropkick that knocks him backward into the ropes and she nails him with a running clothesline that sends The Wildcard toppling over but Randall lands on the apron instead of hitting the outside floor. Vampyra turns her attention on Walker and hits the running double knees in the corner!
Vampyra is rolling and she’s feeding off the energy from the crowd, but that’s cut short as Summers drills her from behind! The cheers shift to jeers in an instant as Summers drives down vicious boots to Vampyra’s midsection. Summers runs the ropes and he returns with a knee drop to the head! Summers begins to feed off the negativity, he relishes in it. Summers is so focused on drawing the ire of the crowd that he doesn’t see Death Walker emerging from the corner and he clips Summers from behind with a chop block to the back of the knee! Summers is down on one knee and he eats a running big boot to the dome by Walker!
The Wildcard rolls back in and he’s quick to take down Walker with a Thesz press and he follows up with some punches! Randall is the only one standing for this brief moment, but he brings Walker up in a front facelock and he drags him over to a corner. Randall continues his assault with several shoulder thrusts to the midsection in the corner, and Randall goes for an irish whip on Walker but Walker reverses it and sends Randall to the corner where he slams into the corner sternum first! The Wildcard stumbles out of the corner, clutching at his sternum and he’s met with a running lariat by Walker! Randall doesn’t stay down however, and Death Walker unleashes several more lariats on Randall until The Wildcard finally stays down!
Rod Sterling: “The Wildcard looks like he’s had his bell rung one too many times after taking so many powerful lariats from Death Walker!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Referee Guerrero is checking on him but it appears Randall insists on continuing.”
Meanwhile, Vampyra has come to and she’s picking up Summers, and she goes for a monkey flip on him but Summers is able to flip out of it and land on his feet. Vampyra runs at him but Summers stops her with a swinging back elbow! Summers pulls Vampyra in close for Wipe Out, but Vampyra senses what’s coming and she fights her way out of it with several headbutts that get Summers to back off. Summers shakes off the effects of the headbutts, but he’s knocked back by a roundhouse kick from Vampyra and she sends him over the top with a flying forearm smash! Summers takes a spill to the outside. Vampyra then launches herself off with a springboard moonsault to Summers on the outside! The fans applaud Vampyra for her aerial skills and she springs back to her feet, but she’s abruptly knocked back down after Randall tossed Death Walker to the outside. Randall sizes everyone up as they begin to rise on the outside and he nails everyone with a suicide dive through the middle rope! Randall tosses Vampyra back in the ring but before he can join her, he’s clubbed from behind by Walker and Death Walker sends Randall shoulder first into the steel steps!
Summers is up and he starts trading blows with Death Walker. Summers bounces Walker’s head off the ring apron, but that has little to no effect on the big man and Walker returns the favor by slamming Summers head on the apron! Vampyra has risen on the inside of the ring while the referee is trying to restore some order, and Vampyra propels herself with a springboard crossbody but Death Walker catches her mid-air and drives her spine first into the steel turnbuckle pole! Then out of nowhere, Summers shoves Death Walker head first into the steel pole and Walker’s head bounces off the steel! Walker slumps to the floor and Summers tosses Vampyra back inside the ring. Summers then slides back in the ring and just as Vampyra is slowly getting back to her feet, Summers hits her with Lights Out! Summers immediately drops down for the pin!
One…two…THREE-NO!
Anzu Kurosawa: “There’s that perseverance from Vampyra that I was talking about!”
Allen Price: “Summers thought he had it and he’s clearly frustrated but he can’t let that get the better of him.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Summers is well aware of that, Price.”
Summers did slam his fist on the mat but he got back on his feet, but he’s quickly taken back down by The Wildcard, who leapt off the top rope with a diving clothesline!
Allen Price: “It’s not often we see The Wildcard take to the air, but that paid off for him!”
Rod Sterling: “Yeah but he may have landed badly on that already tender knee of his. He’s nursing it after taking that risk with the diving clothesline.”
Randall clutches at his knee but he insists on continuing as he brings Vampyra up in and hits a bridging dragon suplex!
One…two…THREE-NO!
The pin is broken up by Death Walker, who stomps away at Randall. Then Death Walker shifts his focus on Vampyra. Walker brings her up with a choke lift and he hits her with a capture suplex! Death Walker has turned the tide in his favor for the time being. He brings Vampyra up and sends her to the corner. He comes barreling toward her with a running splash, but Vampyra wisely moves out of and she’s positioned herself on apron and she drills Walker in the head with a kick through the middle rope. Death Walker stumbles backward and Vampyra ascends to the top…diving moonsault takes down Death Walker and Vampyra sits down to hook the leg!
One…two…THREE-NO!
The pin is broken up by Summers this time with a penalty kick right in the mush! Vampyra drops flat on her back and Summers drops down for the pin…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Vampyra kicks out!
Summers takes Vampyra in a rear waistlock and goes for a german suplex, but Vampyra flips out behind and she nails Summers in the back with a running dropkick! Summers rolls to the apron, and Vampyra turns around just in time for Randall to go for Snake Eyes on her…but Vampyra shoves him away into the ropes where he lands on the middle rope…Moonlight Kick to Randall! Vampyra isn’t done yet though…The Bite! The running double knees to the face knock Randall to the apron and he eventually drops to the outside…
Vampyra senses Death Walker behind her and she goes for a spinning back kick, but he catches her…Sweet Revenge! The dragon screw leg whip on Vampyra and Death Walker takes Vampyra from behind…Bedtime Story! Sleeper suplex!
Death Walker turns around just in time to catch Summers in mid-air going for another Lights Out, and Walker takes Summers in position for the Dark Cloud and he lifts him up…but Summers flips out behind him and Summers drills Walker in the back…Summers then spins Walker around in position…Midsommar!
Summers drops down for the pin…
One…two…THREE!
Kurt Harrington: “The winner of the match…and NEW TV Champion…Shawn Summers!”
Summers is handed the title and he clutches it tightly near his chest before rolling out of the ring. Vampyra watches on in defeat as Summers exits with her title, and she looks crestfallen by the result. Randall on the outside scowls at Summers and Death Walker is still being checked on by the official.
Rod Sterling: “It may not be the result that most people didn’t want, but Summers prevailed and he’s now a two-time TV champion!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “A tremendous effort by everyone in the match though. No one has anything to be ashamed of.”
Summers holds the title aloft as he stands on stage and he takes in the jeers as the show rolls on…
A commercial is played for 9th April’s THE GRAND MARCH, featuring heavily the battle between the F1 Climaxxx winner and the FWA World Champion. Images of current champion Devin Golden, his challenger tonight Chris Peacock, and F1 finalists Cyrus Truth and Michelle von Horrowitz flash across our screen, before the show’s logo and a reminder that it’s streaming only on the WCNetwork.
A roar envelopes Ball Arena as The Exile walks out onto the stage. He stares out over the mass of humanity that is packed into the stadium, loosening his joints up before beginning his descent towards the ring.
Kurt Harrington: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is the F1 Climaxxx tournament final, scheduled for one-fall and with a sixty minute time limit… introducing first, from the Long and Winding Road… he weighs in at two hundred and twenty seven pounds… 'the Exile'... 'the Wayward Warrior'... CYRUS… TRUUUUUTH!"
Rod Sterling: "Here comes a man who was given a second chance in the F1, when Chris Peacock surprisingly chose to prioritize his FWA World Championship cash-in attempt over the tournament's knockout stages and gave the Exile a route back in."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And it's a second chance that Cyrus took with both hands, when he accomplished something on Fight Night that nobody had been able to this far in the F1, defeating Alyster Black and booking his place in this final."
Anzu Kurosawa: "For so long, Cyrus Truth has criticized the revolving door-like nature of the world championship picture, and tonight is his clearest chance in years to stamp his indelible mark on it. Win tonight, and the Wayward Warrior earns that title shot that has been denied to him since he lost the title to Saint Sulley."
Truth pauses at the foot of the entrance ramp so that he can observe the tall, golden trophy to be awarded to the F1’s winner.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It seems so long ago because it IS so long ago… a huge night for Cyrus Truth, but this is a man who was made for big occasions."
Truth waits in the corner of the ring as his music fades out. There is a lengthy and deliberate pause, about fifteen seconds in length, before the next music begins playing. Cyrus begins to pace slightly amidst the cauldron of noise within the Ball Arena, his fists clenching at his sides and a scowl on his face.
Huge boos resonate as Roy Orbison begins to play, the relative positivity that MvH experienced on the European tour now long gone in favour of a torrent of derision. Michelle walks out onto the stage wearing a smirk and her championship belt, glancing around at the fans as she's joined on the stage…
… joined on the stage by a considerable amount of back-up, in fact. First out are Uncle J.J. JAY! and Gerald Grayson, who stand at either shoulder. Then, they are flanked by Thomas West, Quiet, Harry the Sane Wizard (who has heavily wrapped bandages on the stump where his right hand used to be), Maid of Death, and the Avatar. You'd be forgiven for thinking that this was it, but then more arrive: there's Alphonse the Swiss Sherpa, Prince Cthu'hlu'u of the Republic of Nephkanda, Marcus and Micah McClain, a half-dozen McClones, Kha'rina, Sting Ray, and CDW General Secretary Stop Sign #3. Finally, Mechalodon Man ducks low to get beneath the entrance and looms behind the small army.
Rod Sterling: "... ridiculous."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Nephews are out in force here in Denver… I don't know why I anticipated anything other than this, really."
Anzu Kurosawa: "Heart-warming to see such friendship! Such moral support!"
Kurt Harrington: "And his opponent… accompanied to the ring by only a small percentage of Cthulhu's Nephews… from Rotterdam in the Netherlands and weighing in tonight at fifty four kilograms… she is one half of the FWA World Tag Team Champions… 'Dreamer'... Michelle… von… HORROWITZ!"
Rod Sterling: "MvH comes down to the ring boasting a 4-1 record thus far in the F1, progressing in second position from Pool A before knocking off undefeated Pool B winner Bryan Baxter three weeks ago at Fight Night. We've seen Dreamer climb to the very top of the FWA before, and do it without help from the Nephews, but every win for her during this tournament has come with illegal assistance from some of those figures around the ring…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I'm sure she'd argue that the most important thing is that she's here, ready to do battle with a man she knows very well. MvH and Truth have tussled five times in singles competition, plus the same number again in tag team matches. This final, pitching Dreamer against the Exile one more time, was almost bound to happen."
As MvH climbs into the ring, the Nephews - twenty of them in total - fan out evenly, five of them positioned at each apron. Uncle and Thomas stand either side of the F1 trophy, and exchange words whilst prodding and poking at it.
Rod Sterling: "Is this a lumberjack match?! The ring is literally surrounded by Nephews!!"
Allen Price: "FWA official Larry Stevens doesn't look best pleased about all this…"
Indeed, Stevens points at each of the present Nephews in turn (which takes a considerable amount of time given the quantity of them)... and then sends all of them to the back!! There's a massive pop in the arena for Stevens' proclamation, Dreamer's music ending and the Nephews showed in various states of outrage at their premature ejection.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Looks like the Nephews are being ejected from the ringside area… BEFORE the match has even started! I don't think I've ever seen this before!"
Rod Sterling: "Great call, Larry Stevens!"
Uncle slides in the ring to remonstrate with Stevens alongside MvH, the competitor eventually leaving JAY! to the discussion alone and loosening up in her corner. Cyrus Truth watches on with a raised eyebrow, but otherwise shows no reaction to the ongoing circus. Uncle is still pleading with Larry as the crowd sings goodbye at the other Nephews. JAY! holds up a single finger, and then places his hands together, as if he is begging for mercy. Larry Stevens gives Uncle a hard, searching look, and then nods his head. We see him mouthing the word 'one'.
Anzu Kurosawa: "Some sort of deal? Uncle confers with the Nephews on the outside… and it looks like they're leaving!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "All of them except, it seems, Uncle J.J. JAY!... COSMIC HORROR may have earned some sort of reprieve for himself in exchange for the rest of Cthulhu's Nephews leaving quietly…"
Rod Sterling: "Weak officiating…"
Michelle watches most of her crew walking back up the ramp, and then shares a side-ways glance with Uncle, still at ringside. Finally, she turns to face Cyrus Truth, who is ready and waiting. Stevens conducts his final checks and then, the audience's anticipation reaching fever pitch, he calls for the bell…
The Wildcard wastes no time as he bursts out of his corner and pummels Death Walker in his corner, and the two heated rivals begin to trade blows in that corner. Randall gains the upper hand early on, and he starts stomping a mudhole in Walker while talking some trash. Randall turns around and he’s greeted by Vampyra with a running dropkick that knocks him backward into the ropes and she nails him with a running clothesline that sends The Wildcard toppling over but Randall lands on the apron instead of hitting the outside floor. Vampyra turns her attention on Walker and hits the running double knees in the corner!
Vampyra is rolling and she’s feeding off the energy from the crowd, but that’s cut short as Summers drills her from behind! The cheers shift to jeers in an instant as Summers drives down vicious boots to Vampyra’s midsection. Summers runs the ropes and he returns with a knee drop to the head! Summers begins to feed off the negativity, he relishes in it. Summers is so focused on drawing the ire of the crowd that he doesn’t see Death Walker emerging from the corner and he clips Summers from behind with a chop block to the back of the knee! Summers is down on one knee and he eats a running big boot to the dome by Walker!
The Wildcard rolls back in and he’s quick to take down Walker with a Thesz press and he follows up with some punches! Randall is the only one standing for this brief moment, but he brings Walker up in a front facelock and he drags him over to a corner. Randall continues his assault with several shoulder thrusts to the midsection in the corner, and Randall goes for an irish whip on Walker but Walker reverses it and sends Randall to the corner where he slams into the corner sternum first! The Wildcard stumbles out of the corner, clutching at his sternum and he’s met with a running lariat by Walker! Randall doesn’t stay down however, and Death Walker unleashes several more lariats on Randall until The Wildcard finally stays down!
Rod Sterling: “The Wildcard looks like he’s had his bell rung one too many times after taking so many powerful lariats from Death Walker!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Referee Guerrero is checking on him but it appears Randall insists on continuing.”
Meanwhile, Vampyra has come to and she’s picking up Summers, and she goes for a monkey flip on him but Summers is able to flip out of it and land on his feet. Vampyra runs at him but Summers stops her with a swinging back elbow! Summers pulls Vampyra in close for Wipe Out, but Vampyra senses what’s coming and she fights her way out of it with several headbutts that get Summers to back off. Summers shakes off the effects of the headbutts, but he’s knocked back by a roundhouse kick from Vampyra and she sends him over the top with a flying forearm smash! Summers takes a spill to the outside. Vampyra then launches herself off with a springboard moonsault to Summers on the outside! The fans applaud Vampyra for her aerial skills and she springs back to her feet, but she’s abruptly knocked back down after Randall tossed Death Walker to the outside. Randall sizes everyone up as they begin to rise on the outside and he nails everyone with a suicide dive through the middle rope! Randall tosses Vampyra back in the ring but before he can join her, he’s clubbed from behind by Walker and Death Walker sends Randall shoulder first into the steel steps!
Summers is up and he starts trading blows with Death Walker. Summers bounces Walker’s head off the ring apron, but that has little to no effect on the big man and Walker returns the favor by slamming Summers head on the apron! Vampyra has risen on the inside of the ring while the referee is trying to restore some order, and Vampyra propels herself with a springboard crossbody but Death Walker catches her mid-air and drives her spine first into the steel turnbuckle pole! Then out of nowhere, Summers shoves Death Walker head first into the steel pole and Walker’s head bounces off the steel! Walker slumps to the floor and Summers tosses Vampyra back inside the ring. Summers then slides back in the ring and just as Vampyra is slowly getting back to her feet, Summers hits her with Lights Out! Summers immediately drops down for the pin!
One…two…THREE-NO!
Anzu Kurosawa: “There’s that perseverance from Vampyra that I was talking about!”
Allen Price: “Summers thought he had it and he’s clearly frustrated but he can’t let that get the better of him.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Summers is well aware of that, Price.”
Summers did slam his fist on the mat but he got back on his feet, but he’s quickly taken back down by The Wildcard, who leapt off the top rope with a diving clothesline!
Allen Price: “It’s not often we see The Wildcard take to the air, but that paid off for him!”
Rod Sterling: “Yeah but he may have landed badly on that already tender knee of his. He’s nursing it after taking that risk with the diving clothesline.”
Randall clutches at his knee but he insists on continuing as he brings Vampyra up in and hits a bridging dragon suplex!
One…two…THREE-NO!
The pin is broken up by Death Walker, who stomps away at Randall. Then Death Walker shifts his focus on Vampyra. Walker brings her up with a choke lift and he hits her with a capture suplex! Death Walker has turned the tide in his favor for the time being. He brings Vampyra up and sends her to the corner. He comes barreling toward her with a running splash, but Vampyra wisely moves out of and she’s positioned herself on apron and she drills Walker in the head with a kick through the middle rope. Death Walker stumbles backward and Vampyra ascends to the top…diving moonsault takes down Death Walker and Vampyra sits down to hook the leg!
One…two…THREE-NO!
The pin is broken up by Summers this time with a penalty kick right in the mush! Vampyra drops flat on her back and Summers drops down for the pin…
One…two…THREE-NO!
Vampyra kicks out!
Summers takes Vampyra in a rear waistlock and goes for a german suplex, but Vampyra flips out behind and she nails Summers in the back with a running dropkick! Summers rolls to the apron, and Vampyra turns around just in time for Randall to go for Snake Eyes on her…but Vampyra shoves him away into the ropes where he lands on the middle rope…Moonlight Kick to Randall! Vampyra isn’t done yet though…The Bite! The running double knees to the face knock Randall to the apron and he eventually drops to the outside…
Vampyra senses Death Walker behind her and she goes for a spinning back kick, but he catches her…Sweet Revenge! The dragon screw leg whip on Vampyra and Death Walker takes Vampyra from behind…Bedtime Story! Sleeper suplex!
Death Walker turns around just in time to catch Summers in mid-air going for another Lights Out, and Walker takes Summers in position for the Dark Cloud and he lifts him up…but Summers flips out behind him and Summers drills Walker in the back…Summers then spins Walker around in position…Midsommar!
Summers drops down for the pin…
One…two…THREE!
Winner: Shawn Summers via pin at 33:50.
Kurt Harrington: “The winner of the match…and NEW TV Champion…Shawn Summers!”
Summers is handed the title and he clutches it tightly near his chest before rolling out of the ring. Vampyra watches on in defeat as Summers exits with her title, and she looks crestfallen by the result. Randall on the outside scowls at Summers and Death Walker is still being checked on by the official.
Rod Sterling: “It may not be the result that most people didn’t want, but Summers prevailed and he’s now a two-time TV champion!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “A tremendous effort by everyone in the match though. No one has anything to be ashamed of.”
Summers holds the title aloft as he stands on stage and he takes in the jeers as the show rolls on…
A commercial is played for 9th April’s THE GRAND MARCH, featuring heavily the battle between the F1 Climaxxx winner and the FWA World Champion. Images of current champion Devin Golden, his challenger tonight Chris Peacock, and F1 finalists Cyrus Truth and Michelle von Horrowitz flash across our screen, before the show’s logo and a reminder that it’s streaming only on the WCNetwork.
[video]
A roar envelopes Ball Arena as The Exile walks out onto the stage. He stares out over the mass of humanity that is packed into the stadium, loosening his joints up before beginning his descent towards the ring.
Kurt Harrington: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is the F1 Climaxxx tournament final, scheduled for one-fall and with a sixty minute time limit… introducing first, from the Long and Winding Road… he weighs in at two hundred and twenty seven pounds… 'the Exile'... 'the Wayward Warrior'... CYRUS… TRUUUUUTH!"
Rod Sterling: "Here comes a man who was given a second chance in the F1, when Chris Peacock surprisingly chose to prioritize his FWA World Championship cash-in attempt over the tournament's knockout stages and gave the Exile a route back in."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And it's a second chance that Cyrus took with both hands, when he accomplished something on Fight Night that nobody had been able to this far in the F1, defeating Alyster Black and booking his place in this final."
Anzu Kurosawa: "For so long, Cyrus Truth has criticized the revolving door-like nature of the world championship picture, and tonight is his clearest chance in years to stamp his indelible mark on it. Win tonight, and the Wayward Warrior earns that title shot that has been denied to him since he lost the title to Saint Sulley."
Truth pauses at the foot of the entrance ramp so that he can observe the tall, golden trophy to be awarded to the F1’s winner.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It seems so long ago because it IS so long ago… a huge night for Cyrus Truth, but this is a man who was made for big occasions."
Truth waits in the corner of the ring as his music fades out. There is a lengthy and deliberate pause, about fifteen seconds in length, before the next music begins playing. Cyrus begins to pace slightly amidst the cauldron of noise within the Ball Arena, his fists clenching at his sides and a scowl on his face.
[VIDEO]
Huge boos resonate as Roy Orbison begins to play, the relative positivity that MvH experienced on the European tour now long gone in favour of a torrent of derision. Michelle walks out onto the stage wearing a smirk and her championship belt, glancing around at the fans as she's joined on the stage…
… joined on the stage by a considerable amount of back-up, in fact. First out are Uncle J.J. JAY! and Gerald Grayson, who stand at either shoulder. Then, they are flanked by Thomas West, Quiet, Harry the Sane Wizard (who has heavily wrapped bandages on the stump where his right hand used to be), Maid of Death, and the Avatar. You'd be forgiven for thinking that this was it, but then more arrive: there's Alphonse the Swiss Sherpa, Prince Cthu'hlu'u of the Republic of Nephkanda, Marcus and Micah McClain, a half-dozen McClones, Kha'rina, Sting Ray, and CDW General Secretary Stop Sign #3. Finally, Mechalodon Man ducks low to get beneath the entrance and looms behind the small army.
Rod Sterling: "... ridiculous."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Nephews are out in force here in Denver… I don't know why I anticipated anything other than this, really."
Anzu Kurosawa: "Heart-warming to see such friendship! Such moral support!"
Kurt Harrington: "And his opponent… accompanied to the ring by only a small percentage of Cthulhu's Nephews… from Rotterdam in the Netherlands and weighing in tonight at fifty four kilograms… she is one half of the FWA World Tag Team Champions… 'Dreamer'... Michelle… von… HORROWITZ!"
Rod Sterling: "MvH comes down to the ring boasting a 4-1 record thus far in the F1, progressing in second position from Pool A before knocking off undefeated Pool B winner Bryan Baxter three weeks ago at Fight Night. We've seen Dreamer climb to the very top of the FWA before, and do it without help from the Nephews, but every win for her during this tournament has come with illegal assistance from some of those figures around the ring…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I'm sure she'd argue that the most important thing is that she's here, ready to do battle with a man she knows very well. MvH and Truth have tussled five times in singles competition, plus the same number again in tag team matches. This final, pitching Dreamer against the Exile one more time, was almost bound to happen."
As MvH climbs into the ring, the Nephews - twenty of them in total - fan out evenly, five of them positioned at each apron. Uncle and Thomas stand either side of the F1 trophy, and exchange words whilst prodding and poking at it.
Rod Sterling: "Is this a lumberjack match?! The ring is literally surrounded by Nephews!!"
Allen Price: "FWA official Larry Stevens doesn't look best pleased about all this…"
Indeed, Stevens points at each of the present Nephews in turn (which takes a considerable amount of time given the quantity of them)... and then sends all of them to the back!! There's a massive pop in the arena for Stevens' proclamation, Dreamer's music ending and the Nephews showed in various states of outrage at their premature ejection.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Looks like the Nephews are being ejected from the ringside area… BEFORE the match has even started! I don't think I've ever seen this before!"
Rod Sterling: "Great call, Larry Stevens!"
Uncle slides in the ring to remonstrate with Stevens alongside MvH, the competitor eventually leaving JAY! to the discussion alone and loosening up in her corner. Cyrus Truth watches on with a raised eyebrow, but otherwise shows no reaction to the ongoing circus. Uncle is still pleading with Larry as the crowd sings goodbye at the other Nephews. JAY! holds up a single finger, and then places his hands together, as if he is begging for mercy. Larry Stevens gives Uncle a hard, searching look, and then nods his head. We see him mouthing the word 'one'.
Anzu Kurosawa: "Some sort of deal? Uncle confers with the Nephews on the outside… and it looks like they're leaving!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "All of them except, it seems, Uncle J.J. JAY!... COSMIC HORROR may have earned some sort of reprieve for himself in exchange for the rest of Cthulhu's Nephews leaving quietly…"
Rod Sterling: "Weak officiating…"
Michelle watches most of her crew walking back up the ramp, and then shares a side-ways glance with Uncle, still at ringside. Finally, she turns to face Cyrus Truth, who is ready and waiting. Stevens conducts his final checks and then, the audience's anticipation reaching fever pitch, he calls for the bell…
The feeling out process is a slow one, with Truth refusing to budge from his corner for a moment as the contest begins. Michelle seems ready to circle, but ends up pacing back and forth, and then too remains stationary, inviting Cyrus to match her motions. Eventually, with a deep sigh at finding himself back in this position, Truth begins to circle. Von Horrowitz does the same, the two edging closer together, Truth offering up a hand for a Roman-Greco knuckle lock… Dreamer appearing to be reaching up for it, too… before Michelle breaks away and rolls beneath the bottom rope. She confers with Uncle, who imparts some inaudible, last-minute wisdom on her as Truth watches on with his hands on his hips.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Michelle playing some cat and mouse games, maybe trying to get into the head of the Exile as we start things off here…"
Rod Sterling: "Usually I'd argue that to be an impossible task, but we know how much MvH has angered and frustrated Truth in the past. Cyrus chooses to exhibit patience…"
Michelle finally rolls back into the ring, Truth allowing her to get to her feet. Once more, the two begin in a wide circle around the ring, which decreases in radius until it seems the two are to bring it together in a collar and elbow tie-up… but Dreamer ducks and rolls through to evade, and once more climbs out between the ropes next to Uncle! COSMIC HORROR leans in close for more hushed whispers with von Horrowitz.
Allen Price: "What can be possibly be saying that's this important?"
Rod Sterling: "Either way, he better say it quickly… Cyrus Truth is on the move!"
The Wayward Warrior climbs out of the ring and goes after Michelle with right forearms, European uppercuts, and overhand chops, succeeding in backing Dreamer up into the barricade. Truth tees off with some hard knife edge chops, and then he whips her hard into the steel ring steps! Not content with this, Truth looks on at the counting official, who has reached four, and then drags Dreamer up to her feet. Truth hits a backdrop driver on the outside! Michelle lands at an ugly angle, but has no time to rest with the Exile dragging her up to her feet and throwing her under the bottom rope.
Truth follows in, and puts Michelle - who has staggered to her feet - in a single handed chokehold, before taking her down with an STO! The Exile with an early pinfall attempt…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Michelle gets the shoulder up, and Truth applies a grounded headlock. Dreamer appears to be struggling in the hold, but eventually she is able to force herself onto her front, and then drives up onto her feet. She tries to gain separation with some elbow strikes to the gut, but Truth remains steadfast in his hold. Dreamer backs him up into the ropes and throws him into the opposite set. She goes for a standing dropkick on Truth… who grips onto the top rope to check his momentum! Michelle hits the mat! She attempts to rise but Truth is on her in an instant with a boot to the midsection and then a fisherman's suplex! The Exile bridges for the cover…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Anzu Kurosawa: "Michelle kicks out! Truth making her kick out twice early on in this one, hoping to set the tone for the rest of the match."
Rod Sterling: "It's been all Cyrus Truth so far, and he's looking to keep it that way. The Exile places Dreamer in a front facelock and drags her to her feet again."
Truth lays into Michelle with a series of knees raised into her midsection, followed by a European uppercut to turn her round. He grasps MvH in an inverted facelock, first driving her down onto his outstretched knee, and then slamming her onto the mat with a reverse DDT! Truth doesn't go for the cover this time, instead looking for a submission move…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Is Truth going for the Long Road to Nowhere?"
Rod Sterling: "Looks that way, Jean-Luc. The Exile goes for the crucifix neck crank early, and it's all Michelle can do to wriggle to the ropes."
She gets to the bottom one, Cyrus rolling away to allow a clean break. Michelle uses the ropes to help herself up and seems wary about releasing it, the Exile deciding to take matters into his own hands and approaching her. Dreamer grabs the referee and pulls him between her and the Wayward Warrior, and then connects with a thumb to the eye on Cyrus! Truth is momentarily blinded and recoils, staggering backwards across the ring. Dreamer takes her chance and connects with a Russian leg sweep, before hoisting Cyrus up and throwing him into the corner with a hard Irish whip. The Exile hits the turnbuckles and bounces back at Dreamer, who takes him out with a running low dropkick! Michelle rolls out under the bottom rope and stands up on the apron, waiting for the Exile to rise and nailing him with a springboard hurricanrana when he does.
Truth lands in a seated position in the corner, and Dreamer doesn't afford him the luxury of a clean break like he did her. She lays into him with a series of stomps, and then backs away for a moment so that she can charge at him with a running knee strike! The move has had its effect on the Exile, who she drags away from the corner before climbing up onto the second turnbuckle. It looks like she's going for a moonsault, but Truth rolls towards the corner and out of the way… and Michelle lands on her feet, before connecting with a punt kick to the Exile's ribs! Dreamer is quick to hoists Truth up by the wrist, and looks to be whipping him across to the other set of turnbuckles, only to reverse her momentum and connect with a drop toe hold! Truth is sent face-first into the second turnbuckle! Michelle doesn't give him a moment to recover, instead rolling him up…
Allen Price: "SCHOOL-BOY!!"
ONE… TWO… T - NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "An impressive torrent of offense from Michelle von Horrowitz, shifting the tide in this one to her favour…"
Rod Sterling: "Impressive, indeed… but all originating with a thumb to the eye. Truth dominated until the first instance of MvH bending the rules."
MvH places Truth in a cravate, but the Exile quickly shakes loose some cobwebs and fights up to his feet. He hits a trio of forearm strikes to try and weaken Michelle's grip, and then backs her up into a corner. The official demands a clean break, Michelle finally separating herself from the Exile at four… and then connecting with a forearm strike! Michelle follows up with a half dozen more to the cornered Truth, until the Wayward Warrior is able to block one, and fire back with some forearms of his own!! The official is instant on another break in the corner, and Truth backs away… but charges back in with a cornered clothesline attempt. Michelle ducks it, and launches Cyrus up and over with a back body drop. Michelle is stunned, though, and stumbles out of the corner along the ropes… right into a clothesline from Truth from the apron!!
Cyrus lifts over the ropes, dragging Michelle up to her feet from the apron. He applies a front facelock and hooks the arm, before wrenching MvH up…
Rod Sterling: "SUPLEX!!! From inside the ring to out!!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Michelle lands at an ugly angle outside of the ring, the momentum in this match once again shifting back into Truth's favour…"
The Exile follows Michelle onto the outside, with Dreamer trying to crawl away from Truth as he approaches. He nails her with a trio of stomps and then watches on as she uses the barricade to help herself back up to a vertical base. Truth follows up with alternating knife edge chops and Mongolian chops, a half-dozen of each in total, before he takes Michelle by the wrist and once again Irish whips her back into the steel ring steps! Michelle hits the steps hip-first and bounces over the top of them, landing in a heap on the other side! Only now does the official begin his count towards ten, with the crowd cheering Truth on as he elects to continue on the outside. He takes Dreamer by the scruff of the neck and runs her head first into the steel ring post! Once more Michelle is sent sprawling on the outside!
Rod Sterling: "Cyrus Truth taking his time and really seeming to savour this onslaught on Michelle von Horrowitz…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And it looks like MvH is busted open from that head-on collision with the steel ring post! Truth is in completely control here!"
Truth takes his time in hoisting Michelle up to her feet and hurling her under the bottom rope. He follows her in and, with MvH realising she's bleeding and trying to fight up to her feet. Cyrus lifts her up in an Argentinian Rack, perhaps looking for Exile's Edge… Michelle begins to kick her legs, though, and then fires elbows strikes into Cyrus' head, forcing him to drop her behind him. Truth turns around and Dreamer aims a superkick at him, which the Exile ducks beneath before hoisting her up into a fireman's carry.
Rod Sterling: "Cyrus Truth going for Journey's End!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Michelle von Horrowitz has tasted it before, though, and she knows what that would mean for this match. She desperately fights out with more elbow strikes to the side of the head."
Once more, Truth is forced to drop Michelle, and this time she goes for a mule kick when Cyrus turns to face her. The Exile has her scouted, though, and catches her boot, which he throws to one side to turn Michelle around. Truth grabs her in a rear waist lock and wrenches her up and over with a German suplex! Truth bridges for the cover…
ONE… TWO… T – NO!
Michelle rolls a shoulder out, but Truth maintains the waistlock. He drags MvH to her feet and transitions into a full nelson and takes her over with a snap dragon suplex! Michelle is spiked onto her head and rolls onto her front, Truth having to heave her over before hooking the far leg…
ONE… TWO… TH – NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Michelle with yet another kickout, but Truth is really settling into a rhythm here. And the blood is flowing from that wound on Dreamer's forehead…"
We get a close-up of this bloodflow, von Horrowitz looking a bit vacant and dazed as she attempts to climb back up. Truth helps her the rest of the way, before doubling her over and pulling her head into position between his legs. Cyrus hoists her up into powerbomb position, but Dreamer senses her peril and begins to fight out with right hands to the top of the head… and then she takes Truth down with a victory roll! Cyrus' shoulders are on the mat!
ONE… TWO… NO!
Both competitors are up to their feet quickly following the kickout, with Truth going for a lariat. Dreamer ducks beneath it and then catches Cyrus on the turn with a discus forearm! The Exile is rocked! Michelle follows up with a mule kick to the midsection, and then drags Cyrus' head into position between her legs, before hooking both of his arms…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Von Horrowitz going for Tiger Driver '98… but Truth reverses with a back body drop. Michelle is sent up and over the top rope but manages to land on her feet on the apron!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "She springboards in with a cross-body attempt… but she's caught by Cyrus! He plucks her out of mid-air!!"
Cyrus throws her up onto his shoulders, perhaps going for Journey's End again… but Michelle kicks her feet and grabs the top rope. She again pulls herself out onto the apron, but this time grabs Cyrus by the scruff of the neck and brings him down throat-first over the top rope! Truth is staggered back into the center of the ring, and again MvH springboards in off the top rope, this time connecting and taking Truth down with a knee strike! Michelle waits in the corner, sucking in oxygen, as a groggy Cyrus climbs to his feet. Michelle charges in for the busaiku knee kick… but it's side-stepped by Truth, who reverses into an Argentinian rack…
Rod Sterling: "EXILE'S EDGE!! Cyrus Truth gets all of the neckbreaker, and now he hooks the far leg…"
ONE… TWO… THR – NO!
Michelle is able to get a shoulder up, and immediately Truth begins grasping for his neck crank submission finisher again! Michelle squirms desperately and is able to hook onto the bottom rope again with an outstretched leg, the official Larry Stevens again intervening to enforce the break. Not buying into Michelle's nefarious tactics and general skullduggery, Cyrus backs away from MvH, observing the clean break and allowing Dreamer to regain her vertical base.
Michelle looks to want to circle the ring again, but when Truth comes towards her, she backs away and positions her torso behind the top rope. Truth's advanced are again stayed by the official requesting a clean break, and Dreamer climbs out of the ring next to Uncle on the floor. Cyrus doesn't want to let Michelle begin to play cat and mouse again, so follows her out, but Dreamer positions JAY!'s body between her and Truth. As the Exile and COSMIC HORROR momentarily stand off (the latter with a broad smile on his face, as one might greet an old friend), Michelle rolls back into the ring. Truth slides in after her, but Dreamer makes use of the high ground, hitting three stomps and then a low dropkick to Cyrus' head. Michelle hoists him up in a facelock and hooks both arms, going for a double underhook DDT, but Cyrus is able to rotate out of it whilst maintaining control of Michelle's wrist. He drags her towards him, attempting to level her with a lariat, big Dreamer ducks beneath it and goes into a rear waistlock. She bundles Cyrus forwards into the ropes and rolls him backwards with an O'Conner roll…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Cyrus kicks out, but Michelle is quicker to her feet, this time managing to connect with a superkick! Truth is staggered into the ropes but refuses to go down and propels himself off them, looking for a spinning elbow strike on reapproached… but Michelle evades and goes behind the Exile…
Rod Sterling: "POISON 'RANA!!"
Allen Price: "That was ugly! Right on the top of his head!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "But Michelle's not going for the cover, instead signalling for one more attack!"
She drags Truth up by the scruff of the neck and pulls him into position with his head between her legs. She hooks both arms, wrenches him up…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "TIGER DRIVER '98!!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "And now Michelle sinks into the lateral press… this is it!"
ONE… TWO… THRE – NO!!
Rod Sterling: "Truth kicks out!! Somehow Truth kicks out!!"
Michelle rolls off Truth into a seated position, with Cyrus remaining grounded in spite of the kick out. Dreamer states over to the turnbuckles, specifically the top one, and then begins her climb up to the top rope. She stares out over the assembled audience within the arena, and then takes one last lingering glance at Cyrus, prone below her… and comes off the top turnbuckle with a beautiful 450 Splash!
… Right into Truth's knees!! The Exile gets his legs up, and Michelle crashes and burns into them! She skids across the ring and does her best to climb up to her feet as quickly as she can, but Cyrus is much quicker. He hits her with a vicious stomp to the back of the knee and then charges into the ropes in front of her, knocking her off her feet with a big boot!!
Rod Sterling: "Cyrus Truth is stalking MvH from the corner, here… but you've got to think he'd be better served pressing this advantage! This is surely the shift in truth that the Exile needed!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Truth is weighing up his next attack as Dreamer slowly battles up to her feet. She looks to be on unsteady legs after the Wayward Warrior took her head off with that big boot!"
Allen Price: "Here he comes…"
Truth charges out of the corner, looking to take MvH's head off with a discus punch. She at first back-pedals, nearly wedging referee Larry Stevens between herself and the turnbuckles, and then dives out of the way… leaving Stevens to get clattered by the Exile's strike!! The referee is squashed against the corner, and immediately goes down like a sack of spuds!
Truth looks down at the limp official and lets out a deep sigh, before turning around to see Dreamer charging at him for a Busaiku knee kick. The Exile sidesteps the attack and then takes Dreamer down with a half-and-half suplex! Cyrus Truth floats over… into a crucifix neck crank!!!
Rod Sterling: "LONG ROAD TO NOWHERE!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Truth's got it locked in!! Michelle is sundered in the middle of the ring!!"
Truth desperately wrenches at the hold, MvH screaming out in agony… she reaches out with her legs for the ropes, but she's too far away from them, and Cyrus compounds her misery by applying a leg-scissors!
Anzu Kurosawa: "Nowhere to go!"
Rod Sterling: "MICHELLE TAPS OUT!! MICHELLE VON HORROWITZ IS TAPPING OUT!!"
Cyrus can feel her furiously tapping on his arm, but keeps the move locked in, not having heard the bell. This goes on, Truth finally glancing behind him to see official Larry Stevens still on the mat, maybe even out cold.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "This whole arena and the millions of wrestling fans at home just saw Dreamer submit to the Long Road to Nowhere, but the one man who truly matters didn't see a thing!”
Rod Sterling: "Unbelievable!!"
Cyrus finally relinquishes the hold, throwing Dreamer away from him, who immediately begins to claw at her throat and suck in some long due lungfuls of oxygen. Truth, a picture of frustration, slowly walks over to the official and turns him over onto his back. Cyrus goes as far as to slap him hard across the face, ostensibly to rouse him but perhaps letting a little frustration out, too. The strike does its job, Larry Stevens throwing a guard up, coming around and a little confused to find the Exile looming over him, his hands raised. Stevens turns over onto his stomach and begins to use the ropes to help himself back up to his feet…
… and, at that moment, Uncle J.J. JAY! slides a chair into the ring towards Michelle von Horrowitz! Dreamer picks it up as Cyrus turns to face her. He looks down at the chair and then up into Michelle's eyes. He shakes his head, disappointed but not surprised…
… and then Dreamer throws the chair to Truth. Cyrus instinctively catches it, though it wasn't flung with any real pace, as Michelle - of her own accord - throws herself down into a spread-eagled position on the mat! The referee turns to look at the scene: Cyrus Truth holding a steel chair above the bloodied and downed body of Michelle von Horrowitz.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "... no…"
Rod Sterling: "... please, God, no…"
An understanding - a misunderstanding born out of coming around with an angry Cyrus looming over him, but an understanding, none-the-less, passes over Larry Stevens' face… and then he calls for the bell! The match ends in a disqualification!
The official has a momentary conference with Kurt Harrington, Truth still holding the chair with a dumbfounded look on his face.
Kurt Harrington: "Here is your winner… by disqualification… Michelle von Horrowitz!!"
The crowd immediately begins to boo again as the announcement is made, and Truth proceeds to back the referee into a corner. The Exile doesn't say anything, but for a moment it looks as though he may let his emotions get the better of him. Meanwhile, MvH rolls out of the ring, where Uncle J.J. JAY! is waiting for her best to the F1 Climaxxx trophy.
Rod Sterling: "Yet another unearned victory for Michelle von Horrowitz… she's connived and cheated and schemed all the way through this tournament, and now she has the trophy!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Unbelievable scenes! I can't believe what I've just witnessed! Surely this result won’t stand? Can't stand?! There are few more honourable in the FWA than Cyrus Truth, and I don't very much this meal will sit right with the Exile…"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Maybe not, but for now he's gotta open wide and eat it up!"
Dreamer picks the large trophy and backs up the ramp with it, lifting it high above her head as the audience continue to boo her. Truth has now moved away from the official and glares up the ramp at Dreamer, holding onto the top rope, rage clear across his countenance. We fade out on this image.
Following that defining image, we fade into another one. Unfortunately the cameraman arriving on the scene does not have his shot ready and the feed is filled with a close up of a pair of asscheeks with nothing but a thin purple piece of fabric between them. Thankfully the camera operator corrects himself and it is made visible that Steve the Techno Vampire and Ratin Mikichin’s brawling has taken them to the edge of the arena… more specifically the loading bay.
The two of them are slap fighting next to a ledge where trucks would usually park up to unload their goods, unaware of the drop next to them.
Steve the Techno Vampire: "You vill not beat me, freak!"
Ratin Mikichin: "Ratin is not a freak! Ratin is great wrestler!"
The struggle devolves into them grabbing each other on the shoulders and both grit their teeth/fangs in the face of the other and soon they find themselves edging towards the sheer drop next to them… at the same time both of them lose their footing… AND THEY FALL OUT OF VIEW AND LAND WITH A SPLASH!
The camera man rushes over and he peers over the ledge and we see that both Ratin and Steve landed in a paddling pool. Both men are very wet, and very tired, so they both allow their heads to fall back and they close their eyes, as they still find that neither can establish an advantage over the other.
After that, attention turns back to the ring for the final time tonight. Larry Stevens will be taking charge of this match as well and he waits with Kurt Harrington for things to get underway ahead of the tenth and final match to take place on tonight’s card.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, wrestling fans, there has been a lot of discussion about whether Chris Peacock is in the right frame of mind for tonight’s main event, whether his focus is in the right place. Also, whether Devin Golden is just playing mind games with his challenger, the first challenger in his fifth reign as the FWA’s World Champion. But, that’s enough talk,-"
Anzu Kurosawa: "IT’S TIME FOR THE MAIN EVENT!"
The fans let out a very loud cheer - one of the loudest of the night - for the man that they are supporting tonight as he aims to become the FWA World Champion for the very first time. Chris Peacock walks out slowly from the back slowly. He looks at the arena full of people in front of him and takes a deep breath, still seemingly being affected by the doubts which were haunting him earlier on tonight. Despite this, the crowd are behind him and sing along to his music.
“OH, WHAT, WOW!
HE’S THE GREATEST DANCER!
OH, WHAT, WOW!
THAT I’VE EVER SEEN!”
He has his signature Singapore Cane slung back over his shoulder - whether it will get any use tonight remains to be seen - and he also carries the Golden Opportunity briefcase at his side. He looks at the briefcase and starts walking towards the ring as the crowd continues singing.
Rod Sterling: "There is no dancing right now, but there may be when all is said and done tonight if things go Chris Peacock’s way in this match. I remember calling the first match of this man’s FWA career back at Mile High 2020 and whether it was on Fight Night, or from afar whilst he was on Fallout, I have kept track of his progress. The ups and the downs and the wins and the losses. It may only be two years and change, but Chris Peacock has fought every step of the way during that time, to make it to this moment."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "That Golden Opportunity briefcase in his hand is his ticket to the dance - no pun intended - but we all saw earlier on tonight that Chris Peacock was having doubts. He still does not look convinced. I hope whatever Alyster Black rushed off to say to him was worth missing what happened to Krash. In fact, Peacock might have had something to do with what happened-"
Allen Price: "Jean-Luc, I am going to respectfully ask you to shut your damn mouth. You know that isn't true. I’m going to tell you a quick story, folks, and that story is about a kid from Brooklyn who grew up wanting to be the champion of the world more than anything. He was a bit different. People judged him. They saw him as an easy target. But he fought through all of that and now he is on the precipice of achieving something great. That man is this man right here, Chris Peacock. I believe in my heart that he will do what is right and what he needs to do."
Peacock takes another deep breath before he climbs up the steps and enters the ring through the ropes and he acknowledges both Larry Stevens and Kurt Harrington, both of whom offer him wish him luck with pleasant smiles. Peacock walks towards the ropes and raises the cane up in the air and the fans cheer loudly in response. Just that small action and getting his confirmation that he is not alone tonight is enough to pick up his spirits, even if slightly and fleetingly.
“ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMBIEEEEEEEEEE!”
The iconic theme song generates the same loud reaction from the fans which it always does and Chris Peacock is shown grimacing upon hearing it and his eyes narrow with anger and disdain as the FWA World Champion slowly walks out from the back onto the stage. ‘The Rotten Gold’ Devin Golden wears a broad grin on his face as he looks down at the championship around his shoulder and he then twirls his cane around in his hand and then he tips his bowler hat towards the ring and starts to advance towards it, offering a loud “HAA-HAAAAAAAAH!” to the camera as he passes it.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "The man who defied all expectations back on Fallout 025 when he defeated Alyster Black inside the Winter Wasteland Match to become the FWA World Champion for the fifth time. Devin Golden proved that despite how people feel about him, or what they think of him, he is still undeniably one of the best - arguably THE best - to ever do this in the FWA."
Anzu Kurosawa: "Golden took everything that Alyster Black had to throw at him in that match and he managed to outlast ‘Black Jesus’. He’s now got to contend with someone who hates him just as much in Chris Peacock. A man that he has never beaten before."
Allen Price: "That’s right, Anzu. For everything that Devin Golden has accomplished in this company, one thing he has never done is beat Chris Peacock. Back in Business, Lights Out and again just recently on Fight Night."
Rod Sterling: "What he does have though is the experience in these matches. He knows how to approach them, how to compete in them. This is all new to Peacock, and Golden has let him know it. Peacock has been so focused on Golden himself that he’s lost sight of what really matters. Golden can take advantage of that; he knows how."
Golden enters the ring and waves at Peacock in an almost jovial manner, to which Peacock responds with a frown and a roll of his eyes. Golden listens as the crowd sings along to his music, cupping his ear before he removes his hat and places it under one of the turnbuckles and sets his cane down next to the steps. He twirls his moustache as attention turns back to Chris Peacock, with Larry Stevens approaching him with his hands out.
Rod Sterling: "Decision time for Chris Peacock. Is he going to go ahead with this?"
Peacock looks down at the case in his hands and contemplates for a moment, before he passes the case across to Stevens, accompanied by a big cheer from inside the Ball Arena. Devin Golden’s grin broadens and Peacock then looks up at the champion before turning around and backing into the opposite corner. Stevens whispers into Kurt Harrington’s ear and the ring announcer nods in understanding.
Kurt Harrington: "Ladies and gentlemen, I have been informed by Larry Stevens that Chris Peacock is cashing in his Golden Opportunity! Therefore, the following contest is set for one fall with a sixty minute time limit, and it is for the FWA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!"
Another loud cheer rings through the arena. Larry Stevens raises both the briefcase and the FWA World Championship up into the air in the middle of the ring.
Kurt Harrington: "Introducing first, the challenger. From Boogie Wonderland, by way of New York City and weighing in tonight at two-hundred and ten pounds… he is ‘DISCO’S LAST WARRIOR’... CHRIS… PEEEAAAAAAAACCOOOOOOOCCCCKKKKKK!!!"
The camera focuses on the determined face of the challenger, who lacks any doubt over whether he has made the right decision. Peacock stares at his prize as the fans cheer loudly in support of him.
Kurt Harrington: "His opponent, from New Orleans, Louisiana and weighing in tonight at two-hundred and two pounds… he is the reigning and defending FWA World Champion… ‘THE ROTTEN GOLD’... DEVIN GOOOOOOOOOOLLDDENNNNNNNNN!!!"
An equally loud reaction is elicited from the crowd for the champion, although the fans in Denver do seem to be erring on the side of Peacock in this one. Not that any of that matters to Devin Golden. Kurt takes the case and the belt and leaves the ring.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Wrestling fans we are just moments away from having several questions answered over the course of the coming match. Can Chris Peacock win the big one? Will this be the end for Devin Golden? We’re about to find out… right NOW!"
With Larry Stevens happy that everything is in order, he motions for the bell and the main event contest of Back in Town for the FWA World Championship gets underway!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Michelle playing some cat and mouse games, maybe trying to get into the head of the Exile as we start things off here…"
Rod Sterling: "Usually I'd argue that to be an impossible task, but we know how much MvH has angered and frustrated Truth in the past. Cyrus chooses to exhibit patience…"
Michelle finally rolls back into the ring, Truth allowing her to get to her feet. Once more, the two begin in a wide circle around the ring, which decreases in radius until it seems the two are to bring it together in a collar and elbow tie-up… but Dreamer ducks and rolls through to evade, and once more climbs out between the ropes next to Uncle! COSMIC HORROR leans in close for more hushed whispers with von Horrowitz.
Allen Price: "What can be possibly be saying that's this important?"
Rod Sterling: "Either way, he better say it quickly… Cyrus Truth is on the move!"
The Wayward Warrior climbs out of the ring and goes after Michelle with right forearms, European uppercuts, and overhand chops, succeeding in backing Dreamer up into the barricade. Truth tees off with some hard knife edge chops, and then he whips her hard into the steel ring steps! Not content with this, Truth looks on at the counting official, who has reached four, and then drags Dreamer up to her feet. Truth hits a backdrop driver on the outside! Michelle lands at an ugly angle, but has no time to rest with the Exile dragging her up to her feet and throwing her under the bottom rope.
Truth follows in, and puts Michelle - who has staggered to her feet - in a single handed chokehold, before taking her down with an STO! The Exile with an early pinfall attempt…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Michelle gets the shoulder up, and Truth applies a grounded headlock. Dreamer appears to be struggling in the hold, but eventually she is able to force herself onto her front, and then drives up onto her feet. She tries to gain separation with some elbow strikes to the gut, but Truth remains steadfast in his hold. Dreamer backs him up into the ropes and throws him into the opposite set. She goes for a standing dropkick on Truth… who grips onto the top rope to check his momentum! Michelle hits the mat! She attempts to rise but Truth is on her in an instant with a boot to the midsection and then a fisherman's suplex! The Exile bridges for the cover…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Anzu Kurosawa: "Michelle kicks out! Truth making her kick out twice early on in this one, hoping to set the tone for the rest of the match."
Rod Sterling: "It's been all Cyrus Truth so far, and he's looking to keep it that way. The Exile places Dreamer in a front facelock and drags her to her feet again."
Truth lays into Michelle with a series of knees raised into her midsection, followed by a European uppercut to turn her round. He grasps MvH in an inverted facelock, first driving her down onto his outstretched knee, and then slamming her onto the mat with a reverse DDT! Truth doesn't go for the cover this time, instead looking for a submission move…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Is Truth going for the Long Road to Nowhere?"
Rod Sterling: "Looks that way, Jean-Luc. The Exile goes for the crucifix neck crank early, and it's all Michelle can do to wriggle to the ropes."
She gets to the bottom one, Cyrus rolling away to allow a clean break. Michelle uses the ropes to help herself up and seems wary about releasing it, the Exile deciding to take matters into his own hands and approaching her. Dreamer grabs the referee and pulls him between her and the Wayward Warrior, and then connects with a thumb to the eye on Cyrus! Truth is momentarily blinded and recoils, staggering backwards across the ring. Dreamer takes her chance and connects with a Russian leg sweep, before hoisting Cyrus up and throwing him into the corner with a hard Irish whip. The Exile hits the turnbuckles and bounces back at Dreamer, who takes him out with a running low dropkick! Michelle rolls out under the bottom rope and stands up on the apron, waiting for the Exile to rise and nailing him with a springboard hurricanrana when he does.
Truth lands in a seated position in the corner, and Dreamer doesn't afford him the luxury of a clean break like he did her. She lays into him with a series of stomps, and then backs away for a moment so that she can charge at him with a running knee strike! The move has had its effect on the Exile, who she drags away from the corner before climbing up onto the second turnbuckle. It looks like she's going for a moonsault, but Truth rolls towards the corner and out of the way… and Michelle lands on her feet, before connecting with a punt kick to the Exile's ribs! Dreamer is quick to hoists Truth up by the wrist, and looks to be whipping him across to the other set of turnbuckles, only to reverse her momentum and connect with a drop toe hold! Truth is sent face-first into the second turnbuckle! Michelle doesn't give him a moment to recover, instead rolling him up…
Allen Price: "SCHOOL-BOY!!"
ONE… TWO… T - NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "An impressive torrent of offense from Michelle von Horrowitz, shifting the tide in this one to her favour…"
Rod Sterling: "Impressive, indeed… but all originating with a thumb to the eye. Truth dominated until the first instance of MvH bending the rules."
MvH places Truth in a cravate, but the Exile quickly shakes loose some cobwebs and fights up to his feet. He hits a trio of forearm strikes to try and weaken Michelle's grip, and then backs her up into a corner. The official demands a clean break, Michelle finally separating herself from the Exile at four… and then connecting with a forearm strike! Michelle follows up with a half dozen more to the cornered Truth, until the Wayward Warrior is able to block one, and fire back with some forearms of his own!! The official is instant on another break in the corner, and Truth backs away… but charges back in with a cornered clothesline attempt. Michelle ducks it, and launches Cyrus up and over with a back body drop. Michelle is stunned, though, and stumbles out of the corner along the ropes… right into a clothesline from Truth from the apron!!
Cyrus lifts over the ropes, dragging Michelle up to her feet from the apron. He applies a front facelock and hooks the arm, before wrenching MvH up…
Rod Sterling: "SUPLEX!!! From inside the ring to out!!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Michelle lands at an ugly angle outside of the ring, the momentum in this match once again shifting back into Truth's favour…"
The Exile follows Michelle onto the outside, with Dreamer trying to crawl away from Truth as he approaches. He nails her with a trio of stomps and then watches on as she uses the barricade to help herself back up to a vertical base. Truth follows up with alternating knife edge chops and Mongolian chops, a half-dozen of each in total, before he takes Michelle by the wrist and once again Irish whips her back into the steel ring steps! Michelle hits the steps hip-first and bounces over the top of them, landing in a heap on the other side! Only now does the official begin his count towards ten, with the crowd cheering Truth on as he elects to continue on the outside. He takes Dreamer by the scruff of the neck and runs her head first into the steel ring post! Once more Michelle is sent sprawling on the outside!
Rod Sterling: "Cyrus Truth taking his time and really seeming to savour this onslaught on Michelle von Horrowitz…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And it looks like MvH is busted open from that head-on collision with the steel ring post! Truth is in completely control here!"
Truth takes his time in hoisting Michelle up to her feet and hurling her under the bottom rope. He follows her in and, with MvH realising she's bleeding and trying to fight up to her feet. Cyrus lifts her up in an Argentinian Rack, perhaps looking for Exile's Edge… Michelle begins to kick her legs, though, and then fires elbows strikes into Cyrus' head, forcing him to drop her behind him. Truth turns around and Dreamer aims a superkick at him, which the Exile ducks beneath before hoisting her up into a fireman's carry.
Rod Sterling: "Cyrus Truth going for Journey's End!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Michelle von Horrowitz has tasted it before, though, and she knows what that would mean for this match. She desperately fights out with more elbow strikes to the side of the head."
Once more, Truth is forced to drop Michelle, and this time she goes for a mule kick when Cyrus turns to face her. The Exile has her scouted, though, and catches her boot, which he throws to one side to turn Michelle around. Truth grabs her in a rear waist lock and wrenches her up and over with a German suplex! Truth bridges for the cover…
ONE… TWO… T – NO!
Michelle rolls a shoulder out, but Truth maintains the waistlock. He drags MvH to her feet and transitions into a full nelson and takes her over with a snap dragon suplex! Michelle is spiked onto her head and rolls onto her front, Truth having to heave her over before hooking the far leg…
ONE… TWO… TH – NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Michelle with yet another kickout, but Truth is really settling into a rhythm here. And the blood is flowing from that wound on Dreamer's forehead…"
We get a close-up of this bloodflow, von Horrowitz looking a bit vacant and dazed as she attempts to climb back up. Truth helps her the rest of the way, before doubling her over and pulling her head into position between his legs. Cyrus hoists her up into powerbomb position, but Dreamer senses her peril and begins to fight out with right hands to the top of the head… and then she takes Truth down with a victory roll! Cyrus' shoulders are on the mat!
ONE… TWO… NO!
Both competitors are up to their feet quickly following the kickout, with Truth going for a lariat. Dreamer ducks beneath it and then catches Cyrus on the turn with a discus forearm! The Exile is rocked! Michelle follows up with a mule kick to the midsection, and then drags Cyrus' head into position between her legs, before hooking both of his arms…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Von Horrowitz going for Tiger Driver '98… but Truth reverses with a back body drop. Michelle is sent up and over the top rope but manages to land on her feet on the apron!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "She springboards in with a cross-body attempt… but she's caught by Cyrus! He plucks her out of mid-air!!"
Cyrus throws her up onto his shoulders, perhaps going for Journey's End again… but Michelle kicks her feet and grabs the top rope. She again pulls herself out onto the apron, but this time grabs Cyrus by the scruff of the neck and brings him down throat-first over the top rope! Truth is staggered back into the center of the ring, and again MvH springboards in off the top rope, this time connecting and taking Truth down with a knee strike! Michelle waits in the corner, sucking in oxygen, as a groggy Cyrus climbs to his feet. Michelle charges in for the busaiku knee kick… but it's side-stepped by Truth, who reverses into an Argentinian rack…
Rod Sterling: "EXILE'S EDGE!! Cyrus Truth gets all of the neckbreaker, and now he hooks the far leg…"
ONE… TWO… THR – NO!
Michelle is able to get a shoulder up, and immediately Truth begins grasping for his neck crank submission finisher again! Michelle squirms desperately and is able to hook onto the bottom rope again with an outstretched leg, the official Larry Stevens again intervening to enforce the break. Not buying into Michelle's nefarious tactics and general skullduggery, Cyrus backs away from MvH, observing the clean break and allowing Dreamer to regain her vertical base.
Michelle looks to want to circle the ring again, but when Truth comes towards her, she backs away and positions her torso behind the top rope. Truth's advanced are again stayed by the official requesting a clean break, and Dreamer climbs out of the ring next to Uncle on the floor. Cyrus doesn't want to let Michelle begin to play cat and mouse again, so follows her out, but Dreamer positions JAY!'s body between her and Truth. As the Exile and COSMIC HORROR momentarily stand off (the latter with a broad smile on his face, as one might greet an old friend), Michelle rolls back into the ring. Truth slides in after her, but Dreamer makes use of the high ground, hitting three stomps and then a low dropkick to Cyrus' head. Michelle hoists him up in a facelock and hooks both arms, going for a double underhook DDT, but Cyrus is able to rotate out of it whilst maintaining control of Michelle's wrist. He drags her towards him, attempting to level her with a lariat, big Dreamer ducks beneath it and goes into a rear waistlock. She bundles Cyrus forwards into the ropes and rolls him backwards with an O'Conner roll…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Cyrus kicks out, but Michelle is quicker to her feet, this time managing to connect with a superkick! Truth is staggered into the ropes but refuses to go down and propels himself off them, looking for a spinning elbow strike on reapproached… but Michelle evades and goes behind the Exile…
Rod Sterling: "POISON 'RANA!!"
Allen Price: "That was ugly! Right on the top of his head!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "But Michelle's not going for the cover, instead signalling for one more attack!"
She drags Truth up by the scruff of the neck and pulls him into position with his head between her legs. She hooks both arms, wrenches him up…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "TIGER DRIVER '98!!"
Anzu Kurosawa: "And now Michelle sinks into the lateral press… this is it!"
ONE… TWO… THRE – NO!!
Rod Sterling: "Truth kicks out!! Somehow Truth kicks out!!"
Michelle rolls off Truth into a seated position, with Cyrus remaining grounded in spite of the kick out. Dreamer states over to the turnbuckles, specifically the top one, and then begins her climb up to the top rope. She stares out over the assembled audience within the arena, and then takes one last lingering glance at Cyrus, prone below her… and comes off the top turnbuckle with a beautiful 450 Splash!
… Right into Truth's knees!! The Exile gets his legs up, and Michelle crashes and burns into them! She skids across the ring and does her best to climb up to her feet as quickly as she can, but Cyrus is much quicker. He hits her with a vicious stomp to the back of the knee and then charges into the ropes in front of her, knocking her off her feet with a big boot!!
Rod Sterling: "Cyrus Truth is stalking MvH from the corner, here… but you've got to think he'd be better served pressing this advantage! This is surely the shift in truth that the Exile needed!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Truth is weighing up his next attack as Dreamer slowly battles up to her feet. She looks to be on unsteady legs after the Wayward Warrior took her head off with that big boot!"
Allen Price: "Here he comes…"
Truth charges out of the corner, looking to take MvH's head off with a discus punch. She at first back-pedals, nearly wedging referee Larry Stevens between herself and the turnbuckles, and then dives out of the way… leaving Stevens to get clattered by the Exile's strike!! The referee is squashed against the corner, and immediately goes down like a sack of spuds!
Truth looks down at the limp official and lets out a deep sigh, before turning around to see Dreamer charging at him for a Busaiku knee kick. The Exile sidesteps the attack and then takes Dreamer down with a half-and-half suplex! Cyrus Truth floats over… into a crucifix neck crank!!!
Rod Sterling: "LONG ROAD TO NOWHERE!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Truth's got it locked in!! Michelle is sundered in the middle of the ring!!"
Truth desperately wrenches at the hold, MvH screaming out in agony… she reaches out with her legs for the ropes, but she's too far away from them, and Cyrus compounds her misery by applying a leg-scissors!
Anzu Kurosawa: "Nowhere to go!"
Rod Sterling: "MICHELLE TAPS OUT!! MICHELLE VON HORROWITZ IS TAPPING OUT!!"
Cyrus can feel her furiously tapping on his arm, but keeps the move locked in, not having heard the bell. This goes on, Truth finally glancing behind him to see official Larry Stevens still on the mat, maybe even out cold.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "This whole arena and the millions of wrestling fans at home just saw Dreamer submit to the Long Road to Nowhere, but the one man who truly matters didn't see a thing!”
Rod Sterling: "Unbelievable!!"
Cyrus finally relinquishes the hold, throwing Dreamer away from him, who immediately begins to claw at her throat and suck in some long due lungfuls of oxygen. Truth, a picture of frustration, slowly walks over to the official and turns him over onto his back. Cyrus goes as far as to slap him hard across the face, ostensibly to rouse him but perhaps letting a little frustration out, too. The strike does its job, Larry Stevens throwing a guard up, coming around and a little confused to find the Exile looming over him, his hands raised. Stevens turns over onto his stomach and begins to use the ropes to help himself back up to his feet…
… and, at that moment, Uncle J.J. JAY! slides a chair into the ring towards Michelle von Horrowitz! Dreamer picks it up as Cyrus turns to face her. He looks down at the chair and then up into Michelle's eyes. He shakes his head, disappointed but not surprised…
… and then Dreamer throws the chair to Truth. Cyrus instinctively catches it, though it wasn't flung with any real pace, as Michelle - of her own accord - throws herself down into a spread-eagled position on the mat! The referee turns to look at the scene: Cyrus Truth holding a steel chair above the bloodied and downed body of Michelle von Horrowitz.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "... no…"
Rod Sterling: "... please, God, no…"
An understanding - a misunderstanding born out of coming around with an angry Cyrus looming over him, but an understanding, none-the-less, passes over Larry Stevens' face… and then he calls for the bell! The match ends in a disqualification!
Winner: Michelle von Horrowitz via disqualification at 19:38..
The official has a momentary conference with Kurt Harrington, Truth still holding the chair with a dumbfounded look on his face.
Kurt Harrington: "Here is your winner… by disqualification… Michelle von Horrowitz!!"
The crowd immediately begins to boo again as the announcement is made, and Truth proceeds to back the referee into a corner. The Exile doesn't say anything, but for a moment it looks as though he may let his emotions get the better of him. Meanwhile, MvH rolls out of the ring, where Uncle J.J. JAY! is waiting for her best to the F1 Climaxxx trophy.
Rod Sterling: "Yet another unearned victory for Michelle von Horrowitz… she's connived and cheated and schemed all the way through this tournament, and now she has the trophy!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Unbelievable scenes! I can't believe what I've just witnessed! Surely this result won’t stand? Can't stand?! There are few more honourable in the FWA than Cyrus Truth, and I don't very much this meal will sit right with the Exile…"
Anzu Kurosawa: "Maybe not, but for now he's gotta open wide and eat it up!"
Dreamer picks the large trophy and backs up the ramp with it, lifting it high above her head as the audience continue to boo her. Truth has now moved away from the official and glares up the ramp at Dreamer, holding onto the top rope, rage clear across his countenance. We fade out on this image.
Following that defining image, we fade into another one. Unfortunately the cameraman arriving on the scene does not have his shot ready and the feed is filled with a close up of a pair of asscheeks with nothing but a thin purple piece of fabric between them. Thankfully the camera operator corrects himself and it is made visible that Steve the Techno Vampire and Ratin Mikichin’s brawling has taken them to the edge of the arena… more specifically the loading bay.
The two of them are slap fighting next to a ledge where trucks would usually park up to unload their goods, unaware of the drop next to them.
Steve the Techno Vampire: "You vill not beat me, freak!"
Ratin Mikichin: "Ratin is not a freak! Ratin is great wrestler!"
The struggle devolves into them grabbing each other on the shoulders and both grit their teeth/fangs in the face of the other and soon they find themselves edging towards the sheer drop next to them… at the same time both of them lose their footing… AND THEY FALL OUT OF VIEW AND LAND WITH A SPLASH!
The camera man rushes over and he peers over the ledge and we see that both Ratin and Steve landed in a paddling pool. Both men are very wet, and very tired, so they both allow their heads to fall back and they close their eyes, as they still find that neither can establish an advantage over the other.
After that, attention turns back to the ring for the final time tonight. Larry Stevens will be taking charge of this match as well and he waits with Kurt Harrington for things to get underway ahead of the tenth and final match to take place on tonight’s card.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, wrestling fans, there has been a lot of discussion about whether Chris Peacock is in the right frame of mind for tonight’s main event, whether his focus is in the right place. Also, whether Devin Golden is just playing mind games with his challenger, the first challenger in his fifth reign as the FWA’s World Champion. But, that’s enough talk,-"
Anzu Kurosawa: "IT’S TIME FOR THE MAIN EVENT!"
The fans let out a very loud cheer - one of the loudest of the night - for the man that they are supporting tonight as he aims to become the FWA World Champion for the very first time. Chris Peacock walks out slowly from the back slowly. He looks at the arena full of people in front of him and takes a deep breath, still seemingly being affected by the doubts which were haunting him earlier on tonight. Despite this, the crowd are behind him and sing along to his music.
“OH, WHAT, WOW!
HE’S THE GREATEST DANCER!
OH, WHAT, WOW!
THAT I’VE EVER SEEN!”
He has his signature Singapore Cane slung back over his shoulder - whether it will get any use tonight remains to be seen - and he also carries the Golden Opportunity briefcase at his side. He looks at the briefcase and starts walking towards the ring as the crowd continues singing.
Rod Sterling: "There is no dancing right now, but there may be when all is said and done tonight if things go Chris Peacock’s way in this match. I remember calling the first match of this man’s FWA career back at Mile High 2020 and whether it was on Fight Night, or from afar whilst he was on Fallout, I have kept track of his progress. The ups and the downs and the wins and the losses. It may only be two years and change, but Chris Peacock has fought every step of the way during that time, to make it to this moment."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "That Golden Opportunity briefcase in his hand is his ticket to the dance - no pun intended - but we all saw earlier on tonight that Chris Peacock was having doubts. He still does not look convinced. I hope whatever Alyster Black rushed off to say to him was worth missing what happened to Krash. In fact, Peacock might have had something to do with what happened-"
Allen Price: "Jean-Luc, I am going to respectfully ask you to shut your damn mouth. You know that isn't true. I’m going to tell you a quick story, folks, and that story is about a kid from Brooklyn who grew up wanting to be the champion of the world more than anything. He was a bit different. People judged him. They saw him as an easy target. But he fought through all of that and now he is on the precipice of achieving something great. That man is this man right here, Chris Peacock. I believe in my heart that he will do what is right and what he needs to do."
Peacock takes another deep breath before he climbs up the steps and enters the ring through the ropes and he acknowledges both Larry Stevens and Kurt Harrington, both of whom offer him wish him luck with pleasant smiles. Peacock walks towards the ropes and raises the cane up in the air and the fans cheer loudly in response. Just that small action and getting his confirmation that he is not alone tonight is enough to pick up his spirits, even if slightly and fleetingly.
“ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMBIEEEEEEEEEE!”
The iconic theme song generates the same loud reaction from the fans which it always does and Chris Peacock is shown grimacing upon hearing it and his eyes narrow with anger and disdain as the FWA World Champion slowly walks out from the back onto the stage. ‘The Rotten Gold’ Devin Golden wears a broad grin on his face as he looks down at the championship around his shoulder and he then twirls his cane around in his hand and then he tips his bowler hat towards the ring and starts to advance towards it, offering a loud “HAA-HAAAAAAAAH!” to the camera as he passes it.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "The man who defied all expectations back on Fallout 025 when he defeated Alyster Black inside the Winter Wasteland Match to become the FWA World Champion for the fifth time. Devin Golden proved that despite how people feel about him, or what they think of him, he is still undeniably one of the best - arguably THE best - to ever do this in the FWA."
Anzu Kurosawa: "Golden took everything that Alyster Black had to throw at him in that match and he managed to outlast ‘Black Jesus’. He’s now got to contend with someone who hates him just as much in Chris Peacock. A man that he has never beaten before."
Allen Price: "That’s right, Anzu. For everything that Devin Golden has accomplished in this company, one thing he has never done is beat Chris Peacock. Back in Business, Lights Out and again just recently on Fight Night."
Rod Sterling: "What he does have though is the experience in these matches. He knows how to approach them, how to compete in them. This is all new to Peacock, and Golden has let him know it. Peacock has been so focused on Golden himself that he’s lost sight of what really matters. Golden can take advantage of that; he knows how."
Golden enters the ring and waves at Peacock in an almost jovial manner, to which Peacock responds with a frown and a roll of his eyes. Golden listens as the crowd sings along to his music, cupping his ear before he removes his hat and places it under one of the turnbuckles and sets his cane down next to the steps. He twirls his moustache as attention turns back to Chris Peacock, with Larry Stevens approaching him with his hands out.
Rod Sterling: "Decision time for Chris Peacock. Is he going to go ahead with this?"
Peacock looks down at the case in his hands and contemplates for a moment, before he passes the case across to Stevens, accompanied by a big cheer from inside the Ball Arena. Devin Golden’s grin broadens and Peacock then looks up at the champion before turning around and backing into the opposite corner. Stevens whispers into Kurt Harrington’s ear and the ring announcer nods in understanding.
Kurt Harrington: "Ladies and gentlemen, I have been informed by Larry Stevens that Chris Peacock is cashing in his Golden Opportunity! Therefore, the following contest is set for one fall with a sixty minute time limit, and it is for the FWA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!"
Another loud cheer rings through the arena. Larry Stevens raises both the briefcase and the FWA World Championship up into the air in the middle of the ring.
Kurt Harrington: "Introducing first, the challenger. From Boogie Wonderland, by way of New York City and weighing in tonight at two-hundred and ten pounds… he is ‘DISCO’S LAST WARRIOR’... CHRIS… PEEEAAAAAAAACCOOOOOOOCCCCKKKKKK!!!"
The camera focuses on the determined face of the challenger, who lacks any doubt over whether he has made the right decision. Peacock stares at his prize as the fans cheer loudly in support of him.
Kurt Harrington: "His opponent, from New Orleans, Louisiana and weighing in tonight at two-hundred and two pounds… he is the reigning and defending FWA World Champion… ‘THE ROTTEN GOLD’... DEVIN GOOOOOOOOOOLLDDENNNNNNNNN!!!"
An equally loud reaction is elicited from the crowd for the champion, although the fans in Denver do seem to be erring on the side of Peacock in this one. Not that any of that matters to Devin Golden. Kurt takes the case and the belt and leaves the ring.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Wrestling fans we are just moments away from having several questions answered over the course of the coming match. Can Chris Peacock win the big one? Will this be the end for Devin Golden? We’re about to find out… right NOW!"
With Larry Stevens happy that everything is in order, he motions for the bell and the main event contest of Back in Town for the FWA World Championship gets underway!
As the bell rings, it comes as a surprise to many that Chris Peacock does not immediately rush out of his corner in pursuit of Golden. In fact, it is the FWA World Champion that encroaches towards the centre of the ring first as Peacock stands stoically in front of the turnbuckles in the corner, just studying his opponent. This lack of action seems to bemuse Golden, who was likely expecting to be immediately attacked, and he maintains his grin on his face and actually beckons Peacock forward.
It is at this point that Peacock does step forward towards his opponent, and he rolls his neck as he gets closer to Golden. Again though, there does not seem to be any rush on Peacock’s part to get going now that the match is underway. Golden remains intrigued by this and he steps up his attempts to goad Peacock into some sort of offensive action by talking to him as Peacock just watches. Usually, the solipsisms and a drawn out method of speech would trigger Peacock, but he still does not bite. This time, Peacock shakes his head, making it clear that Golden is not going to get what he wants out of him.
Allen Price: "I love this, Chris. Don’t give him the damn satisfaction. Stick to the task at hand; this is what Golden wanted to get out of Peacock all along, wasn’t it?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I’ll say this now; this won’t last. It is just a matter of time and you’re definitely a fool if you believe that Devin Golden doesn’t know that better than anyone."
Golden puts one hand on his hip and uses the other to twirl his moustache, even pacing slightly in front of Peacock, but still, Peacock is unfazed. Wagging his finger towards his challenger and even letting out a small laugh, Golden’s face makes it seem like he is actually impressed with the restraint shown by Chris Peacock. He speaks to him more, but Peacock doesn’t react. Golden chuckles to himself and then he closes his eyes and he tilts his head back and stretches his arms out to either side. He is giving Chris Peacock a free shot.
Some in the crowd invite Peacock to take advantage of this opening that he has been given, to hit Golden and gain the initiative immediately. A silent proportion of them know how important it is for Peacock to not get suckered in. Peacock finds himself naturally balling his hand into a fist, but he doesn’t strike Golden, instead he puts his other arm up too and makes it clear that he wants to lock up with Golden. The champion opens one eye slowly and sees that Peacock is not taking the bait… so he lunges forward and engages Peacock in a collar-and-elbow.
The first contact between the competitors draws a good cheer from the crowd and they jostle for position momentarily, but the forward burst from Golden does give him the initiative and he manages to get Peacock onto the backfoot. However Peacock plants his foot on the mat and uses this to push forward. They reach the middle of the ring once again, and Golden tries pushing them forward once more, but Peacock releases his grip and tucks his head underneath Golden’s arm and HE CHARGES GOLDEN FORWARD INTO THE TURNBUCKLE- ROLLER DISCO -NO! Golden holds onto the ropes which prevents Peacock from being able to turn him around and complete the sequence.
Anzu Kurosawa: "An early close call for Devin Golden! Peacock made sure to pick his spot there."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I told you that he wouldn’t be able to keep the cool, calm and collected act up for very long. The first chance he got, he went for the kill."
Peacock circles away from the corner as Golden instinctively pokes his head through the ropes to ensure that the referee will enforce a break between them after the near miss. The challenger does allow the champion to emerge from the corner and Golden does so after the few seconds it takes for him to slowly return to the middle of the ring. Both men circle the ring slowly, preparing to lock up once again and they meet once more. Golden, using his height advantage, is able to trap Peacock in a Side Headlock, and he cinches it in as tight as he can to keep Peacock at bay.
Despite the pressure on his head, Peacock is able to back both himself and Golden towards the ropes behind him and he shoots the champion off across the ring and steps forward to meet Golden with a big shoulder block when he returns, knocking him down hard on the mat. It is clear that Peacock is choosing his spots carefully, as he does not immediately follow up on his downed opponent, even allowing the champion to rise back up to his feet. Once Golden is up, it is he that has a sense of urgency about him, and this allows Peacock to take the initiative and he picks him up from the mat and puts him back down with a Scoop Slam!
The crowd cheers for the move, but shows some frustration as Golden grabs onto the bottom rope and pulls himself underneath and he lands on his feet down on the floor. Peacock reaches to stop him but is unable to prevent him from doing so. Upon seeing this, the grin returns to the face of ‘The Rotten Gold’ as he realises that Peacock has shown his hand.
Rod Sterling: "You might be onto something, Jean-Luc. You could see it there that Peacock didn’t want to let Golden out of his reach and the facade may be slipping."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Told you."
Allen Price: "Shut the hell up, Rod!"
Golden holds his back for a moment; still not too far removed from Winter Wasteland and the Roller Disco on Fight Night, it may be that he is not heading into this physically at one hundred per cent due to his two previous matches. Regardless, he noticed that Peacock showed a glimpse of the desperation to get him that he was expecting and as a result, he takes his merry time to get back into the ring, even when Stevens begins to count him out. Peacock’s fuse begins to shorten as the count reaches eight before Golden nonchalantly rolls under the bottom rope… and then straight back out to the floor.
Peacock throws his hands up in exasperation, just missing out on getting his hands on Golden once again before the champion escaped the ring after coming in only to break up the referee’s count. Peacock’s attempt to follow Golden out is thwarted by the referee initially, who goes to count Golden out once again, but Peacock ducks out of the other side of the ring and now he begins to pursue Golden on the outside of the ring. As Peacock makes his way around the ring, Golden rolls back in. Peacock is now on the outside on his own and as Peacock walks around to where Golden was, the champion has grabbed hold of the top rope and he elevates himself over the ropes and lands on top of Peacock with a Somersault Plancha!
The champion stands with his arms outstretched on the outside, laughing to himself, as Peacock’s eagerness to go after him instead of keeping his composure has allowed him to gain the initiative in the match properly for the first time. Golden shows his own mean streak though when he grabs Peacock around the back of the head and throws him into the steel steps! Peacock is slumped against the steps after colliding with them shoulder-first, and Golden stands over him on the outside and holds his head with one hand and uses the other to pound down on Peacock’s head;
“ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN!”
Picking Peacock up, Golden brings him towards the Fallout announce table where Allen Price and Jean-Luc Watkins are sitting, and he bounces Peacock’s face off of the surface! Price rises to his feet and points his finger within centimetres of Golden’s face.
Allen Price: "You get the hell off of him, you bastard!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Go on, Price. Swing for him. Get Peacock disqualified. I’m sure that will get you back into his good graces."
The anger shown by Price only fuels Golden’s amusement further, and he spins Peacock around and pushes him back against the announce table, and he chops him across the chest! Peacock puffs his cheeks out due to the venom behind the strike, and Golden then delivers another stinging chop across the chest of his challenger, and then starts unloading on Peacock’s chest with a flurry of chops, even using both hands. Peacock’s chest is left a shade of red and a final open-handed slap to the chest ends that particular sequence of punishment.
Golden brings Peacock forward and discards him to the floor but he removes the top cover from the announce table and then removes the monitors from it and uses his arms to sweep away the papers collated by the commentators (mainly JLW) and he turns his attention back to Peacock and hammers him in the head a couple more times before bringing him up. A kick to the shin causes Peacock to double over slightly and Golden then places his head under Peacock’s arm as the commentators scatter… AND GOLDEN DELIVERS THE ROTTEN TOUCH TO PEACOCK ONTO THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!!!
The table does not break due to the impact, and Peacock holds his chest and stomach whilst Golden prevents him from falling from the table, and he lays Peacock flat on his back on top of the table and slaps him on the chest once more for good measure. The FWA World Champion then turns around and starts walking back towards the ring.
Rod Sterling: "I am very surprised that our broadcast colleagues’ announce table maintained its integrity after that move, but I do think that they are experiencing some technical issues as a result of Devin Golden’s rearranging of their equipment."
Anzu Kurosawa: "Things could be about to get even worse for Chris Peacock, even after that really nasty landing on top of the announce table."
Golden pulls himself up onto the apron and he ignores the rantings of Larry Stevens from inside the ring to bring things back, despite the leeway that the official is allowing due to this being a championship match. Golden does get back into the ring, but only to immediately scale the turnbuckle closest to the announce table on which Peacock is placed, and he takes a moment to get up onto the top rope. The FWA World Champion takes a deep breath and the crowd volume begins to swell with anticipation as Golden closes his eyes and mutters “Siempre…” under his breath and he takes flight… GOLDEN LANDS ON PEACOCK WITH THE GOLDEN TOUCH AND THE FORCE SENDS BOTH MEN CRASHING THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!!!
The crowd go ballistic as the cameras rush in to get a glimpse of both men after the huge crash and Stevens is also straight out there to check on the status of both of them. Golden seems to be more aware of the situation than Peacock, who has not moved at all since taking the move as he lays on top of the collapsed announce table.
Allen Price: "Chris? Chris? CHRIS? ARE YOU OKAY?!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It seems like we’ve got ourselves wired back in somehow, but our table is no more. Devin Golden has truly punished Chris Peacock here with that explosive move. It ALL came from Peacock being too focused on hurting Golden instead of sticking to his strategy that seemed to be working."
Rod Sterling: "You cannot afford to give a competitor as accomplished as Devin Golden an inch because he will take a mile, and that could be how far Chris Peacock is from his first FWA World Championship now, because of that move!"
Golden reaches up and grabs the barricade next to where he landed after the move and he pulls himself up to his feet, his hand against his back. He is slightly wobbly-legged as he makes his way towards the ring and he stumbles against the ring apron and then he pulls himself up and into the ring under the bottom rope. Larry Stevens leaves the motionless Chris Peacock on top of the broken table and gets back into the ring himself, where he has to begin counting the challenger out.
…
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
There is still no motion from Peacock; all that he can be seen doing is breathing heavily. Devin Golden sits on the mat and watches on intently.
…
THREE!
…
Anzu Kurosawa: "Is Golden trying to retain the championship via count out? He said before that the result of this match was down to Peacock’s approach and realignment of his priorities. Obviously in his eyes that threshold wasn’t passed so he’s looking to extinguish Peacock’s dreams in the most embarrassing way possible!"
…
FOUR!
…
…
FIVE!
…
Peacock lifts his arm up and uses this to create some momentum to roll back onto his front and it seems that he has some awareness of the situation that he finds himself in. He looks towards the ring and wants to will himself towards it, but his body has not caught up yet.
…
SIX!
…
…
SEVEN!
…
Allen Price: "GET YOUR DAMN ASS BACK IN THERE!"
…
EIGHT!
…
Peacock pushes himself up to a knee and stumbles back down onto his front as he desperately tries to reach the ring. Devin Golden is back to his feet in the ring and he looks on, nervously.
…
NINE!
…
PEACOCK JUMPS UP AND DIVES TOWARDS THE RING…
…
AND MAKES IT BACK IN JUST IN TIME!!
Rod Sterling: "Chris Peacock was not going to let this opportunity pass that easily, was he? This match is going to continue!"
Peacock’s reentry into the ring may have saved him from losing this match via count out, but it does open him up to a new onslaught from Golden, who meets him with a stomp to the back as soon as he is in the ring. Some more stomps follow, and Golden picks Peacock up from the mat and takes him over with a Snap Suplex! Peacock’s back lands hard on the canvas and Golden floats over into the first cover of the match;
ONE… TWO… TH-NO!!!
The FWA World Champion gets back up and maintains a grip on Peacock’s wrist as he does so and he kicks Peacock in the ribs a couple of times with Peacock down on all fours, and then drops an elbow down across Peacock’s lower back. This causes Chris to wince in pain and Golden doubles down with another stomp right on the same spot once he is back to his feet. Golden rises to his feet once again and he brings Peacock up as well, and attempts a double leg takedown, but somehow Peacock finds enough in himself to block it with a sledge to Golden’s back as he ducked down to sweep Peacock’s legs.
This small action gets the fans back in Peacock’s corner as he shows some sign of actually getting into this match and once Golden is back to a full vertical base, Peacock strikes him with a jab to the face before Golden can get a block up. Peacock picks his spot carefully again and connects with another and he then rears back and spins on the spot, looking for the third punch in his combination, but Golden drops down and gets the double leg this time and he puts Peacock on his back and then flips him over into the LIONTAMER!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Golden suckered him in again! He doesn’t mind taking a couple of punches in the face - he’s dealt with a lot worse - because it allowed him to sneak through that wide open door that Peacock left for him once again."
Anzu Kurosawa: "You can just see how uncomfortable this is for Chris Peacock, and it would be even if he hadn’t just been put through a table. The knee on the side of the head, the angle Golden is holding Peacock’s legs up causing the blood to rush down and there’s of course the pressure it is going to be having on Peacock’s back…"
Rod Sterling: "Great ring positioning as well, Anzu. Right in the middle of the ring, meaning there’s a long way for Peacock to go whilst trapped in the hold if he wants to get those ropes."
Allen Price: "I get the picture! It doesn’t look good for Peacock.. Come on, Chris… fight it."
The prayers of Allen Price are largely unhelpful for Chris Peacock as he groans whilst trapped in the excruciatingly uncomfortable hold that has been expertly applied by the FWA World Champion. Peacock reaches out with his left hand, his right being trapped under his own body and he realises that he is a significant portion of the ring away from the safety of the ropes where he wants to be. His attempts to claw both himself and Golden towards them proves immediately fruitless as he is just unable to generate enough strength with one hand to pull their combined weight towards them.
Matters are made worse for Peacock as Golden slightly adjusts his grip and pulls Peacock’s legs back further above his own head, increasing the pressure being put on Peacock’s back. Larry Stevens drops down low to Peacock’s level and he asks whether Peacock is going to submit, and Chris shakes his head and states he is not going to. Golden continues to crank up the pressure on the hold as much as he can, and Peacock hovers his hand above the mat, clearly considering whether it is in his best interests to tap out.
However, Peacock reaches forward and grabs onto the referee’s collar! Stevens demands that Peacock lets go at risk of getting himself disqualified, but Peacock uses the referee’s weight to pull himself closer to the ropes, even with Golden’s weight on top of him. Once he has moved himself enough, Peacock lets Stevens go and ignores the stern words he receives back. Golden attempts to walk Peacock back towards the middle of the ring, but Peacock uses this to get his other arm out from underneath his body. Golden decides to flip Peacock back onto his back so he can apply the hold again and get Peacock’s arm back where he wants it.
It is at this moment that Peacock senses his own opening, and he refuses to allow himself to be flipped back over, and Golden struggles with him for a moment. He lets go of one of Peacock’s legs to punch him on the head, but Peacock uses his free leg to kick Golden in the face! This knocks the champion back and Peacock reaches forward and grabs Golden’s leg, grapevining it with his own… AND GOLDEN IS NOW LOCKED IN THE COMMENTATOR’S CURSE KNEE BAR!!!
Allen Price: "YES! Peacock weathered the storm and he countered it into the Commentator’s Curse! You know all about this move, Jean-Luc, and so does Devin Golden!"
Rod Sterling: "This is the move that Chris Peacock used to defeat Devin Golden at Back in Business! Peacock did the same as Devin Golden; he waited for his opening and struck. All he has to do is force a submission here and he is the FWA World Champion!"
There is an undeniable panic in the eyes of Devin Golden as he finds himself in the familiar position of being trapped in the Commentator’s Curse in the middle of the ring. Unlike Back in Business, though, Golden attempts to fight out of the submission and he reaches around him from the ropes and realises that he, like Peacock was, is just too far away from being able to escape from the hold with the assistance of the ropes. Peacock cranks back as far as he can on the submission, trying to force Golden to tap out again.
Golden shuffles towards the ropes, but Peacock acts preemptively, sensing that he might escape from the submission. He releases Golden from the hold and the momentum causes Golden to sit up… AND PEACOCK RUNS THROUGH HIM WITH THE STRUT!!!
The fans cheer loudly, but Peacock is unable to follow up effectively as he wears the toll of the match so far and simply falls flat onto his chest following the knee strike which has Golden down flat on his back, but he almost immediately rolls one of his shoulders up. The crowd is booming with a “LET’S GO PEA-COCK!” chant, and the challenger feeds off of this and pulls himself up and stumbles towards the ropes, using the corner to keep himself at a vertical base.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Peacock hit that Strut, but I think it came out of desperation more than anything, and I don’t think he quite got all of it. You see that Golden is almost back up to his feet already."
Peacock watches as Golden gets up and turns around… and Peacock lines him up as he gets up… and connects with a SUPERKICK TO THE JAW!!
Rod Sterling: "REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEMIXXXXXXX!!"
The move synonymous with the man who was caught in the middle of this tension when it first arose causes Golden to merely drop to a knee, as again, Peacock didn’t catch all of it. In fact, the delivery of the kick caused Peacock to drop to a knee himself, but he picks himself back up again and backs up against the ropes and he measures Golden once again. Peacock charges forward towards Golden again AND DRIVES HIS KNEE RIGHT THROUGH GOLDEN’S FACE!!!
Rod Sterling: "EQUALIIIIIZZZZZEERRRRRRRRRRRRR!!"
Both men are down on the mat once again, with Peacock again being almost too exhausted to properly execute the move belonging to the man ‘on the other side’ of the first man he tributed; both instrumental to Chris Peacock’s early career in the FWA. Despite hitting Golden with the heavy strikes directly to the face, Peacock was not able to put the FWA World Champion to bed, as evidenced by Golden once again managing to fight through whatever pain he may be in and sitting up on the mat.
There is a determined look on the face of Chris Peacock, and he picks himself up again, firmly feeling his second wind and he positions himself in the corner. The hard camera zooms out to show that the crowd surrounding Peacock are firmly behind him and he motions for Golden to rise just a bit further and PEACOCK CHARGES IN AND HITS A SECOND STRUT AND THIS TIME HE GETS ALL OF IT!!
Allen Price: "PIN HIM!"
Peacock shuffles on the mat towards the downed champion, who this time shows little sign of making it back up straight away. Peacock leans backwards over Golden and weakly grabs one of his legs, barely lifting the leg from the mat. The referee starts counting;
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
NO!!!
Golden kicks out at what must have been two point nine-nine! Chris Peacock sits up, shocked and he weakly throws up three fingers and is shocked when Stevens assures him that Golden did in fact cause the pin fall to stop in time to save the match for himself. Peacock changes position to go onto his knees and again he questions the count and then puts his head in his hands as he comes to terms with the fact that he didn’t do enough to capture the FWA World Championship with that flurry of targeted attacks to the head.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "What next for Peacock, then? If that didn’t work, will he realise that potentially nothing will?"
Peacock grabs Golden by the head and lifts him from the mat, hitting a couple of forearm strikes as he brings Golden up to his knees as well. Golden manages to fire back with another chop to the chest of Peacock once again and Peacock winces once more and he cracks Golden with another forearm and gets to his feet. Golden rises too and he connects with another chop to Peacock’s chest. The force of the chop is enough that Golden can hit another without a reply from Peacock, but Chris cuts Golden off with a kick to the midsection and with Golden doubled over, he jumps into the air, looking for a Famouser, but Golden stands up straight in time to avoid it.
Landing on his feet, Peacock finds himself grabbed in a waistlock by Golden, and he is taken over by the champion with a German Suplex! Golden finds himself a footing in the match once again and he maintains his grip around Peacock’s waist and pulls his opponent back up again before he takes him over with a second German Suplex! It is clear that Golden’s intention is to take Peacock up for a third successive German Suplex, but the effort already exerted by him makes it hard to lift Peacock’s weight up once again. Golden manages to do so though, and he takes Peacock over once again and releases this time… but Peacock rolls through and roars loudly when Golden gets back up and turns around, and Peacock charges forward and cuts Golden in half with a SPEAR!!
Rod Sterling: "Adrenaline is one hell of a drug, kids, and I think Chris Peacock is surging with it at the moment!"
Peacock rises straight back to his feet and he beats his chest and screams loudly into the crowd, who respond with a loud cheer of their own. Golden gets up after the impact, holding his ribs and he backs into the corner, and Peacock charges in and connects with a forearm strike. ‘Disco’s Last Warrior’ then climbs up onto the second rope and starts to deliver some mounted punches of his own on the FWA World Champion’s head.
“ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN!”
After hitting the tenth punch and opting not to bite his opponent this time, Peacock drops down onto his feet and takes a few paces towards the middle of the ring, but he turns on his heel and charges back towards Golden, looking for a splash in the corner - but Golden moves! Peacock collides with the turnbuckle and Golden wastes no time in forcing his challenger up onto the top rope in a seated position and he slaps him on the chest once again for good measure, which causes all of the muscles in Peacock’s chest to contract. Peacock’s chest is also a very dark shade of red due to the targeted attacks from Golden towards it.
Golden climbs onto the middle rope and he punches Peacock a couple of times… and then gives Peacock a taste of his own medicine and he BITES Peacock on his forehead! The referee admonishes Golden for this but it predictably falls on deaf ears. Golden ascends to the top rope and he brings Peacock further up to join him and he hooks one of Peacock’s legs up, and falls backwards… FISHERMAN SUPLEX FROM THE TOP ROPE!!!
Allen Price: "Not good… not good."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Everything that Chris Peacock has thrown at the FWA World Champion, Devin Golden has had an answer for and has responded to in kind. There’s only so much more Peacock can take, surely? How long will this resolve hold on for?"
The fall from the top clearly had an effect on the champion too, as Golden is unable to crawl towards Peacock to go for the cover straight away. He does manage to get onto his front and he drags himself towards Peacock’s spread-eagle body and he drapes an arm over the challenger’s chest;
ONE… TWO… THREE-NO!!!
Peacock gets a shoulder up! The crowd cheer loudly as the match is set to continue, even after all of the punishment both men have dished out on the other during the course of it so far. Peacock stays down though, indicating that the kick out of the pin might have been out of instinct more than anything else, whilst Devin Golden scrambles on the mat towards the corner of the ring. The FWA World Champion grabs onto the ropes, his hands slipping at first, but he establishes his grip and then pulls himself back up to his feet.
Golden ducks down through the ropes and he climbs up onto the turnbuckle from the apron and he positions himself on the top rope, like he has done countless times before in the past. He measures the distance between himself and Peacock and stays up straight and with a grin on his face lets out just one word, like he did earlier when he was in the same position;
“Siempre…”
The champion takes flight… LOOKING FOR THE GOLDEN TOUCH…
BUT HE’S MET WITH CHRIS PEACOCK’S KNEES!!!
The crowd goes wild as Golden holds his ribs and Chris Peacock kips up from the mat and pumps his fist! Golden picks himself back up from the mat and Peacock thrusts a middle finger into his face… KICK TO THE GUT… DISCO THRILLER STUNNER!!!
The impact of the Stunner doesn’t actually knock Golden down, and Peacock takes Golden’s body and he runs it into the turnbuckle behind him.
Allen Price: "You want to know about Chris Peacock’s resolve, Jean-Luc?"
Peacock maintains his hold on Golden and roars as he charges the champion across the ring and into the opposite turnbuckle.
Allen Price: "It doesn’t have a limit. It won’t end."
With gritted teeth, Peacock spins around and does the same thing again, he crashes Golden back-first into another turnbuckle. The crowd cheer as Peacock seems determined to just force his way to victory.
Allen Price: "You can mock him. You can insult him. But, don’t you DARE underestimate him. He’s never lost sight of what really matters."
After the third collision with the turnbuckle, PEACOCK PLANTS GOLDEN ON THE MAT WITH THE ROLLER DISCO!!! Off of the Spinebuster, Peacock leans forward, stacking Golden up. The referee drops down to make the count;
…
"SIEMPRE…"
…
ONE!
…
"NO…"
…
TWO!!
…
"MORE!"
…
THREE!!!
Allen Price: "HOLY SHIT HE’S DONE IT! YES! YES! YES!"
Those not already on their feet inside the Ball Arena rise as the bell rings and Chris Peacock rolls off of Devin Golden and lays flat on his back, looking up into the lights. ‘He’s the Greatest Dancer’ plays out loud through the speaker systems and Peacock covers his face with his hands as the referee grabs his arm and pulls him up into a seated position. Chris Peacock looks up at Larry Stevens with an awestruck expression and the moment becomes even more surreal as the FWA World Champion is placed into his hands.
Kurt Harrington: "Here is your winner AND NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWW FWA World Champion… CHRIS PEEEEAAAAACCCCOOOOCCCCCKKKKKK!!!"
As the announcement is made, Peacock is helped up by Larry Stevens and he has tears in his eyes as he raises the championship up into the air. Confetti rains down onto the ring and ringside area, and a shot of Rod Sterling and Anzu Kurosawa show them applauding the new champion at the desk before it shows Allen Price bawling as Jean-Luc Watkins pats him on the back.
Rod Sterling: "He’s the greatest dancer, but now he’s also the champion! Chris Peacock is the NEW FWA World Champion, it is official!"
Allen Price: "I can’t believe it! I can’t believe he’s done it… I’M A WRECK, JEAN-LUC! A WRECK, I TELL YOU!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "You enjoy this, Price. I know that man in the ring with the FWA World Championship is going to. Whatever you think about Chris Peacock, whether you agree with what he’s done, what he stands for or who he associates himself with, there is no taking away from him the fact that he can call himself the champion of the world. Fair play. Fair bloody play."
Anzu Kurosawa: "I’ll tip my hat to anyone who can go through the kind of punishment he did in that match and come away not only with a victory, but with the greatest prize in the world."
Peacock leaves the ring and he stands in front of the commentators, specifically Allen Price, the man he has been estranged from for several weeks and without any more hesitation he walks forwards into the arms of his agent.
Allen Price: "I’MSOPROUDOFYOUCHRISICANTBELIEVE YOUDIDITOHMYGODICANTCOPE!"
As Peacock and Price have their moment outside of the ring, the attention returns to inside it, where Devin Golden is now sitting up and is aware of what has happened. His head drops slightly for a moment, but then he picks himself up from the mat and leans against the ropes, looking around at the scene unfolding around him.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Whilst of course there is plenty of celebration in store for Chris Peacock, where does this leave the now-former champion? Whether this is the last we will ever see of Devin Golden, we do not know."
Rod Sterling: "This is a man who marches to the beat of his own drum and if there is anything that he has proven to us, it is that he is truly timeless. Someone who has been consistently at the top of his game for so long. Whether it is his time or not is down to him… but if this is it, I do not think there is anything wrong with going out like that."
Peacock breaks off his hug with Price and he rests his new championship on his shoulder and he embraces some fans in the front row as he makes his way around the ring. He stops though when he glances at the ring and locks eyes with Devin Golden. There is a moment whether neither says or does anything, but a small smile forms on Golden’s face. He doesn’t need to say anything. Chris can tell just from how Golden is looking at him that he proved himself. He won that championship by earning it. There is a small nod in reciprocation and perhaps appreciation for Golden, but Peacock then returns to enjoying his moment with the fans.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Tonight has been a night of surprises, both good and bad. There are plenty of questions to be answered as the beat goes on but one question has been answered; Chris Peacock DOES have what it takes."
Allen Price: "CHRIS PEACOCK IS A DANCER AND HE’S OUR WORLD CHAMPION!"
As Chris Peacock backs up the ramp, his newly-won championship held aloft, the final image of the night is the FWA’s final glimpse of one of its greatest competitors… maybe?
It is at this point that Peacock does step forward towards his opponent, and he rolls his neck as he gets closer to Golden. Again though, there does not seem to be any rush on Peacock’s part to get going now that the match is underway. Golden remains intrigued by this and he steps up his attempts to goad Peacock into some sort of offensive action by talking to him as Peacock just watches. Usually, the solipsisms and a drawn out method of speech would trigger Peacock, but he still does not bite. This time, Peacock shakes his head, making it clear that Golden is not going to get what he wants out of him.
Allen Price: "I love this, Chris. Don’t give him the damn satisfaction. Stick to the task at hand; this is what Golden wanted to get out of Peacock all along, wasn’t it?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I’ll say this now; this won’t last. It is just a matter of time and you’re definitely a fool if you believe that Devin Golden doesn’t know that better than anyone."
Golden puts one hand on his hip and uses the other to twirl his moustache, even pacing slightly in front of Peacock, but still, Peacock is unfazed. Wagging his finger towards his challenger and even letting out a small laugh, Golden’s face makes it seem like he is actually impressed with the restraint shown by Chris Peacock. He speaks to him more, but Peacock doesn’t react. Golden chuckles to himself and then he closes his eyes and he tilts his head back and stretches his arms out to either side. He is giving Chris Peacock a free shot.
Some in the crowd invite Peacock to take advantage of this opening that he has been given, to hit Golden and gain the initiative immediately. A silent proportion of them know how important it is for Peacock to not get suckered in. Peacock finds himself naturally balling his hand into a fist, but he doesn’t strike Golden, instead he puts his other arm up too and makes it clear that he wants to lock up with Golden. The champion opens one eye slowly and sees that Peacock is not taking the bait… so he lunges forward and engages Peacock in a collar-and-elbow.
The first contact between the competitors draws a good cheer from the crowd and they jostle for position momentarily, but the forward burst from Golden does give him the initiative and he manages to get Peacock onto the backfoot. However Peacock plants his foot on the mat and uses this to push forward. They reach the middle of the ring once again, and Golden tries pushing them forward once more, but Peacock releases his grip and tucks his head underneath Golden’s arm and HE CHARGES GOLDEN FORWARD INTO THE TURNBUCKLE- ROLLER DISCO -NO! Golden holds onto the ropes which prevents Peacock from being able to turn him around and complete the sequence.
Anzu Kurosawa: "An early close call for Devin Golden! Peacock made sure to pick his spot there."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I told you that he wouldn’t be able to keep the cool, calm and collected act up for very long. The first chance he got, he went for the kill."
Peacock circles away from the corner as Golden instinctively pokes his head through the ropes to ensure that the referee will enforce a break between them after the near miss. The challenger does allow the champion to emerge from the corner and Golden does so after the few seconds it takes for him to slowly return to the middle of the ring. Both men circle the ring slowly, preparing to lock up once again and they meet once more. Golden, using his height advantage, is able to trap Peacock in a Side Headlock, and he cinches it in as tight as he can to keep Peacock at bay.
Despite the pressure on his head, Peacock is able to back both himself and Golden towards the ropes behind him and he shoots the champion off across the ring and steps forward to meet Golden with a big shoulder block when he returns, knocking him down hard on the mat. It is clear that Peacock is choosing his spots carefully, as he does not immediately follow up on his downed opponent, even allowing the champion to rise back up to his feet. Once Golden is up, it is he that has a sense of urgency about him, and this allows Peacock to take the initiative and he picks him up from the mat and puts him back down with a Scoop Slam!
The crowd cheers for the move, but shows some frustration as Golden grabs onto the bottom rope and pulls himself underneath and he lands on his feet down on the floor. Peacock reaches to stop him but is unable to prevent him from doing so. Upon seeing this, the grin returns to the face of ‘The Rotten Gold’ as he realises that Peacock has shown his hand.
Rod Sterling: "You might be onto something, Jean-Luc. You could see it there that Peacock didn’t want to let Golden out of his reach and the facade may be slipping."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Told you."
Allen Price: "Shut the hell up, Rod!"
Golden holds his back for a moment; still not too far removed from Winter Wasteland and the Roller Disco on Fight Night, it may be that he is not heading into this physically at one hundred per cent due to his two previous matches. Regardless, he noticed that Peacock showed a glimpse of the desperation to get him that he was expecting and as a result, he takes his merry time to get back into the ring, even when Stevens begins to count him out. Peacock’s fuse begins to shorten as the count reaches eight before Golden nonchalantly rolls under the bottom rope… and then straight back out to the floor.
Peacock throws his hands up in exasperation, just missing out on getting his hands on Golden once again before the champion escaped the ring after coming in only to break up the referee’s count. Peacock’s attempt to follow Golden out is thwarted by the referee initially, who goes to count Golden out once again, but Peacock ducks out of the other side of the ring and now he begins to pursue Golden on the outside of the ring. As Peacock makes his way around the ring, Golden rolls back in. Peacock is now on the outside on his own and as Peacock walks around to where Golden was, the champion has grabbed hold of the top rope and he elevates himself over the ropes and lands on top of Peacock with a Somersault Plancha!
The champion stands with his arms outstretched on the outside, laughing to himself, as Peacock’s eagerness to go after him instead of keeping his composure has allowed him to gain the initiative in the match properly for the first time. Golden shows his own mean streak though when he grabs Peacock around the back of the head and throws him into the steel steps! Peacock is slumped against the steps after colliding with them shoulder-first, and Golden stands over him on the outside and holds his head with one hand and uses the other to pound down on Peacock’s head;
“ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN!”
Picking Peacock up, Golden brings him towards the Fallout announce table where Allen Price and Jean-Luc Watkins are sitting, and he bounces Peacock’s face off of the surface! Price rises to his feet and points his finger within centimetres of Golden’s face.
Allen Price: "You get the hell off of him, you bastard!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Go on, Price. Swing for him. Get Peacock disqualified. I’m sure that will get you back into his good graces."
The anger shown by Price only fuels Golden’s amusement further, and he spins Peacock around and pushes him back against the announce table, and he chops him across the chest! Peacock puffs his cheeks out due to the venom behind the strike, and Golden then delivers another stinging chop across the chest of his challenger, and then starts unloading on Peacock’s chest with a flurry of chops, even using both hands. Peacock’s chest is left a shade of red and a final open-handed slap to the chest ends that particular sequence of punishment.
Golden brings Peacock forward and discards him to the floor but he removes the top cover from the announce table and then removes the monitors from it and uses his arms to sweep away the papers collated by the commentators (mainly JLW) and he turns his attention back to Peacock and hammers him in the head a couple more times before bringing him up. A kick to the shin causes Peacock to double over slightly and Golden then places his head under Peacock’s arm as the commentators scatter… AND GOLDEN DELIVERS THE ROTTEN TOUCH TO PEACOCK ONTO THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!!!
The table does not break due to the impact, and Peacock holds his chest and stomach whilst Golden prevents him from falling from the table, and he lays Peacock flat on his back on top of the table and slaps him on the chest once more for good measure. The FWA World Champion then turns around and starts walking back towards the ring.
Rod Sterling: "I am very surprised that our broadcast colleagues’ announce table maintained its integrity after that move, but I do think that they are experiencing some technical issues as a result of Devin Golden’s rearranging of their equipment."
Anzu Kurosawa: "Things could be about to get even worse for Chris Peacock, even after that really nasty landing on top of the announce table."
Golden pulls himself up onto the apron and he ignores the rantings of Larry Stevens from inside the ring to bring things back, despite the leeway that the official is allowing due to this being a championship match. Golden does get back into the ring, but only to immediately scale the turnbuckle closest to the announce table on which Peacock is placed, and he takes a moment to get up onto the top rope. The FWA World Champion takes a deep breath and the crowd volume begins to swell with anticipation as Golden closes his eyes and mutters “Siempre…” under his breath and he takes flight… GOLDEN LANDS ON PEACOCK WITH THE GOLDEN TOUCH AND THE FORCE SENDS BOTH MEN CRASHING THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!!!
The crowd go ballistic as the cameras rush in to get a glimpse of both men after the huge crash and Stevens is also straight out there to check on the status of both of them. Golden seems to be more aware of the situation than Peacock, who has not moved at all since taking the move as he lays on top of the collapsed announce table.
Allen Price: "Chris? Chris? CHRIS? ARE YOU OKAY?!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It seems like we’ve got ourselves wired back in somehow, but our table is no more. Devin Golden has truly punished Chris Peacock here with that explosive move. It ALL came from Peacock being too focused on hurting Golden instead of sticking to his strategy that seemed to be working."
Rod Sterling: "You cannot afford to give a competitor as accomplished as Devin Golden an inch because he will take a mile, and that could be how far Chris Peacock is from his first FWA World Championship now, because of that move!"
Golden reaches up and grabs the barricade next to where he landed after the move and he pulls himself up to his feet, his hand against his back. He is slightly wobbly-legged as he makes his way towards the ring and he stumbles against the ring apron and then he pulls himself up and into the ring under the bottom rope. Larry Stevens leaves the motionless Chris Peacock on top of the broken table and gets back into the ring himself, where he has to begin counting the challenger out.
…
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
There is still no motion from Peacock; all that he can be seen doing is breathing heavily. Devin Golden sits on the mat and watches on intently.
…
THREE!
…
Anzu Kurosawa: "Is Golden trying to retain the championship via count out? He said before that the result of this match was down to Peacock’s approach and realignment of his priorities. Obviously in his eyes that threshold wasn’t passed so he’s looking to extinguish Peacock’s dreams in the most embarrassing way possible!"
…
FOUR!
…
…
FIVE!
…
Peacock lifts his arm up and uses this to create some momentum to roll back onto his front and it seems that he has some awareness of the situation that he finds himself in. He looks towards the ring and wants to will himself towards it, but his body has not caught up yet.
…
SIX!
…
…
SEVEN!
…
Allen Price: "GET YOUR DAMN ASS BACK IN THERE!"
…
EIGHT!
…
Peacock pushes himself up to a knee and stumbles back down onto his front as he desperately tries to reach the ring. Devin Golden is back to his feet in the ring and he looks on, nervously.
…
NINE!
…
PEACOCK JUMPS UP AND DIVES TOWARDS THE RING…
…
AND MAKES IT BACK IN JUST IN TIME!!
Rod Sterling: "Chris Peacock was not going to let this opportunity pass that easily, was he? This match is going to continue!"
Peacock’s reentry into the ring may have saved him from losing this match via count out, but it does open him up to a new onslaught from Golden, who meets him with a stomp to the back as soon as he is in the ring. Some more stomps follow, and Golden picks Peacock up from the mat and takes him over with a Snap Suplex! Peacock’s back lands hard on the canvas and Golden floats over into the first cover of the match;
ONE… TWO… TH-NO!!!
The FWA World Champion gets back up and maintains a grip on Peacock’s wrist as he does so and he kicks Peacock in the ribs a couple of times with Peacock down on all fours, and then drops an elbow down across Peacock’s lower back. This causes Chris to wince in pain and Golden doubles down with another stomp right on the same spot once he is back to his feet. Golden rises to his feet once again and he brings Peacock up as well, and attempts a double leg takedown, but somehow Peacock finds enough in himself to block it with a sledge to Golden’s back as he ducked down to sweep Peacock’s legs.
This small action gets the fans back in Peacock’s corner as he shows some sign of actually getting into this match and once Golden is back to a full vertical base, Peacock strikes him with a jab to the face before Golden can get a block up. Peacock picks his spot carefully again and connects with another and he then rears back and spins on the spot, looking for the third punch in his combination, but Golden drops down and gets the double leg this time and he puts Peacock on his back and then flips him over into the LIONTAMER!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Golden suckered him in again! He doesn’t mind taking a couple of punches in the face - he’s dealt with a lot worse - because it allowed him to sneak through that wide open door that Peacock left for him once again."
Anzu Kurosawa: "You can just see how uncomfortable this is for Chris Peacock, and it would be even if he hadn’t just been put through a table. The knee on the side of the head, the angle Golden is holding Peacock’s legs up causing the blood to rush down and there’s of course the pressure it is going to be having on Peacock’s back…"
Rod Sterling: "Great ring positioning as well, Anzu. Right in the middle of the ring, meaning there’s a long way for Peacock to go whilst trapped in the hold if he wants to get those ropes."
Allen Price: "I get the picture! It doesn’t look good for Peacock.. Come on, Chris… fight it."
The prayers of Allen Price are largely unhelpful for Chris Peacock as he groans whilst trapped in the excruciatingly uncomfortable hold that has been expertly applied by the FWA World Champion. Peacock reaches out with his left hand, his right being trapped under his own body and he realises that he is a significant portion of the ring away from the safety of the ropes where he wants to be. His attempts to claw both himself and Golden towards them proves immediately fruitless as he is just unable to generate enough strength with one hand to pull their combined weight towards them.
Matters are made worse for Peacock as Golden slightly adjusts his grip and pulls Peacock’s legs back further above his own head, increasing the pressure being put on Peacock’s back. Larry Stevens drops down low to Peacock’s level and he asks whether Peacock is going to submit, and Chris shakes his head and states he is not going to. Golden continues to crank up the pressure on the hold as much as he can, and Peacock hovers his hand above the mat, clearly considering whether it is in his best interests to tap out.
However, Peacock reaches forward and grabs onto the referee’s collar! Stevens demands that Peacock lets go at risk of getting himself disqualified, but Peacock uses the referee’s weight to pull himself closer to the ropes, even with Golden’s weight on top of him. Once he has moved himself enough, Peacock lets Stevens go and ignores the stern words he receives back. Golden attempts to walk Peacock back towards the middle of the ring, but Peacock uses this to get his other arm out from underneath his body. Golden decides to flip Peacock back onto his back so he can apply the hold again and get Peacock’s arm back where he wants it.
It is at this moment that Peacock senses his own opening, and he refuses to allow himself to be flipped back over, and Golden struggles with him for a moment. He lets go of one of Peacock’s legs to punch him on the head, but Peacock uses his free leg to kick Golden in the face! This knocks the champion back and Peacock reaches forward and grabs Golden’s leg, grapevining it with his own… AND GOLDEN IS NOW LOCKED IN THE COMMENTATOR’S CURSE KNEE BAR!!!
Allen Price: "YES! Peacock weathered the storm and he countered it into the Commentator’s Curse! You know all about this move, Jean-Luc, and so does Devin Golden!"
Rod Sterling: "This is the move that Chris Peacock used to defeat Devin Golden at Back in Business! Peacock did the same as Devin Golden; he waited for his opening and struck. All he has to do is force a submission here and he is the FWA World Champion!"
There is an undeniable panic in the eyes of Devin Golden as he finds himself in the familiar position of being trapped in the Commentator’s Curse in the middle of the ring. Unlike Back in Business, though, Golden attempts to fight out of the submission and he reaches around him from the ropes and realises that he, like Peacock was, is just too far away from being able to escape from the hold with the assistance of the ropes. Peacock cranks back as far as he can on the submission, trying to force Golden to tap out again.
Golden shuffles towards the ropes, but Peacock acts preemptively, sensing that he might escape from the submission. He releases Golden from the hold and the momentum causes Golden to sit up… AND PEACOCK RUNS THROUGH HIM WITH THE STRUT!!!
The fans cheer loudly, but Peacock is unable to follow up effectively as he wears the toll of the match so far and simply falls flat onto his chest following the knee strike which has Golden down flat on his back, but he almost immediately rolls one of his shoulders up. The crowd is booming with a “LET’S GO PEA-COCK!” chant, and the challenger feeds off of this and pulls himself up and stumbles towards the ropes, using the corner to keep himself at a vertical base.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Peacock hit that Strut, but I think it came out of desperation more than anything, and I don’t think he quite got all of it. You see that Golden is almost back up to his feet already."
Peacock watches as Golden gets up and turns around… and Peacock lines him up as he gets up… and connects with a SUPERKICK TO THE JAW!!
Rod Sterling: "REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEMIXXXXXXX!!"
The move synonymous with the man who was caught in the middle of this tension when it first arose causes Golden to merely drop to a knee, as again, Peacock didn’t catch all of it. In fact, the delivery of the kick caused Peacock to drop to a knee himself, but he picks himself back up again and backs up against the ropes and he measures Golden once again. Peacock charges forward towards Golden again AND DRIVES HIS KNEE RIGHT THROUGH GOLDEN’S FACE!!!
Rod Sterling: "EQUALIIIIIZZZZZEERRRRRRRRRRRRR!!"
Both men are down on the mat once again, with Peacock again being almost too exhausted to properly execute the move belonging to the man ‘on the other side’ of the first man he tributed; both instrumental to Chris Peacock’s early career in the FWA. Despite hitting Golden with the heavy strikes directly to the face, Peacock was not able to put the FWA World Champion to bed, as evidenced by Golden once again managing to fight through whatever pain he may be in and sitting up on the mat.
There is a determined look on the face of Chris Peacock, and he picks himself up again, firmly feeling his second wind and he positions himself in the corner. The hard camera zooms out to show that the crowd surrounding Peacock are firmly behind him and he motions for Golden to rise just a bit further and PEACOCK CHARGES IN AND HITS A SECOND STRUT AND THIS TIME HE GETS ALL OF IT!!
Allen Price: "PIN HIM!"
Peacock shuffles on the mat towards the downed champion, who this time shows little sign of making it back up straight away. Peacock leans backwards over Golden and weakly grabs one of his legs, barely lifting the leg from the mat. The referee starts counting;
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!
NO!!!
Golden kicks out at what must have been two point nine-nine! Chris Peacock sits up, shocked and he weakly throws up three fingers and is shocked when Stevens assures him that Golden did in fact cause the pin fall to stop in time to save the match for himself. Peacock changes position to go onto his knees and again he questions the count and then puts his head in his hands as he comes to terms with the fact that he didn’t do enough to capture the FWA World Championship with that flurry of targeted attacks to the head.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "What next for Peacock, then? If that didn’t work, will he realise that potentially nothing will?"
Peacock grabs Golden by the head and lifts him from the mat, hitting a couple of forearm strikes as he brings Golden up to his knees as well. Golden manages to fire back with another chop to the chest of Peacock once again and Peacock winces once more and he cracks Golden with another forearm and gets to his feet. Golden rises too and he connects with another chop to Peacock’s chest. The force of the chop is enough that Golden can hit another without a reply from Peacock, but Chris cuts Golden off with a kick to the midsection and with Golden doubled over, he jumps into the air, looking for a Famouser, but Golden stands up straight in time to avoid it.
Landing on his feet, Peacock finds himself grabbed in a waistlock by Golden, and he is taken over by the champion with a German Suplex! Golden finds himself a footing in the match once again and he maintains his grip around Peacock’s waist and pulls his opponent back up again before he takes him over with a second German Suplex! It is clear that Golden’s intention is to take Peacock up for a third successive German Suplex, but the effort already exerted by him makes it hard to lift Peacock’s weight up once again. Golden manages to do so though, and he takes Peacock over once again and releases this time… but Peacock rolls through and roars loudly when Golden gets back up and turns around, and Peacock charges forward and cuts Golden in half with a SPEAR!!
Rod Sterling: "Adrenaline is one hell of a drug, kids, and I think Chris Peacock is surging with it at the moment!"
Peacock rises straight back to his feet and he beats his chest and screams loudly into the crowd, who respond with a loud cheer of their own. Golden gets up after the impact, holding his ribs and he backs into the corner, and Peacock charges in and connects with a forearm strike. ‘Disco’s Last Warrior’ then climbs up onto the second rope and starts to deliver some mounted punches of his own on the FWA World Champion’s head.
“ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN!”
After hitting the tenth punch and opting not to bite his opponent this time, Peacock drops down onto his feet and takes a few paces towards the middle of the ring, but he turns on his heel and charges back towards Golden, looking for a splash in the corner - but Golden moves! Peacock collides with the turnbuckle and Golden wastes no time in forcing his challenger up onto the top rope in a seated position and he slaps him on the chest once again for good measure, which causes all of the muscles in Peacock’s chest to contract. Peacock’s chest is also a very dark shade of red due to the targeted attacks from Golden towards it.
Golden climbs onto the middle rope and he punches Peacock a couple of times… and then gives Peacock a taste of his own medicine and he BITES Peacock on his forehead! The referee admonishes Golden for this but it predictably falls on deaf ears. Golden ascends to the top rope and he brings Peacock further up to join him and he hooks one of Peacock’s legs up, and falls backwards… FISHERMAN SUPLEX FROM THE TOP ROPE!!!
Allen Price: "Not good… not good."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Everything that Chris Peacock has thrown at the FWA World Champion, Devin Golden has had an answer for and has responded to in kind. There’s only so much more Peacock can take, surely? How long will this resolve hold on for?"
The fall from the top clearly had an effect on the champion too, as Golden is unable to crawl towards Peacock to go for the cover straight away. He does manage to get onto his front and he drags himself towards Peacock’s spread-eagle body and he drapes an arm over the challenger’s chest;
ONE… TWO… THREE-NO!!!
Peacock gets a shoulder up! The crowd cheer loudly as the match is set to continue, even after all of the punishment both men have dished out on the other during the course of it so far. Peacock stays down though, indicating that the kick out of the pin might have been out of instinct more than anything else, whilst Devin Golden scrambles on the mat towards the corner of the ring. The FWA World Champion grabs onto the ropes, his hands slipping at first, but he establishes his grip and then pulls himself back up to his feet.
Golden ducks down through the ropes and he climbs up onto the turnbuckle from the apron and he positions himself on the top rope, like he has done countless times before in the past. He measures the distance between himself and Peacock and stays up straight and with a grin on his face lets out just one word, like he did earlier when he was in the same position;
“Siempre…”
The champion takes flight… LOOKING FOR THE GOLDEN TOUCH…
BUT HE’S MET WITH CHRIS PEACOCK’S KNEES!!!
The crowd goes wild as Golden holds his ribs and Chris Peacock kips up from the mat and pumps his fist! Golden picks himself back up from the mat and Peacock thrusts a middle finger into his face… KICK TO THE GUT… DISCO THRILLER STUNNER!!!
The impact of the Stunner doesn’t actually knock Golden down, and Peacock takes Golden’s body and he runs it into the turnbuckle behind him.
Allen Price: "You want to know about Chris Peacock’s resolve, Jean-Luc?"
Peacock maintains his hold on Golden and roars as he charges the champion across the ring and into the opposite turnbuckle.
Allen Price: "It doesn’t have a limit. It won’t end."
With gritted teeth, Peacock spins around and does the same thing again, he crashes Golden back-first into another turnbuckle. The crowd cheer as Peacock seems determined to just force his way to victory.
Allen Price: "You can mock him. You can insult him. But, don’t you DARE underestimate him. He’s never lost sight of what really matters."
After the third collision with the turnbuckle, PEACOCK PLANTS GOLDEN ON THE MAT WITH THE ROLLER DISCO!!! Off of the Spinebuster, Peacock leans forward, stacking Golden up. The referee drops down to make the count;
…
"SIEMPRE…"
…
ONE!
…
"NO…"
…
TWO!!
…
"MORE!"
…
THREE!!!
Winner: Chris Peacock via pin fall at 28:01.
Allen Price: "HOLY SHIT HE’S DONE IT! YES! YES! YES!"
Those not already on their feet inside the Ball Arena rise as the bell rings and Chris Peacock rolls off of Devin Golden and lays flat on his back, looking up into the lights. ‘He’s the Greatest Dancer’ plays out loud through the speaker systems and Peacock covers his face with his hands as the referee grabs his arm and pulls him up into a seated position. Chris Peacock looks up at Larry Stevens with an awestruck expression and the moment becomes even more surreal as the FWA World Champion is placed into his hands.
Kurt Harrington: "Here is your winner AND NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWW FWA World Champion… CHRIS PEEEEAAAAACCCCOOOOCCCCCKKKKKK!!!"
As the announcement is made, Peacock is helped up by Larry Stevens and he has tears in his eyes as he raises the championship up into the air. Confetti rains down onto the ring and ringside area, and a shot of Rod Sterling and Anzu Kurosawa show them applauding the new champion at the desk before it shows Allen Price bawling as Jean-Luc Watkins pats him on the back.
Rod Sterling: "He’s the greatest dancer, but now he’s also the champion! Chris Peacock is the NEW FWA World Champion, it is official!"
Allen Price: "I can’t believe it! I can’t believe he’s done it… I’M A WRECK, JEAN-LUC! A WRECK, I TELL YOU!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "You enjoy this, Price. I know that man in the ring with the FWA World Championship is going to. Whatever you think about Chris Peacock, whether you agree with what he’s done, what he stands for or who he associates himself with, there is no taking away from him the fact that he can call himself the champion of the world. Fair play. Fair bloody play."
Anzu Kurosawa: "I’ll tip my hat to anyone who can go through the kind of punishment he did in that match and come away not only with a victory, but with the greatest prize in the world."
Peacock leaves the ring and he stands in front of the commentators, specifically Allen Price, the man he has been estranged from for several weeks and without any more hesitation he walks forwards into the arms of his agent.
Allen Price: "I’MSOPROUDOFYOUCHRISICANTBELIEVE YOUDIDITOHMYGODICANTCOPE!"
As Peacock and Price have their moment outside of the ring, the attention returns to inside it, where Devin Golden is now sitting up and is aware of what has happened. His head drops slightly for a moment, but then he picks himself up from the mat and leans against the ropes, looking around at the scene unfolding around him.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Whilst of course there is plenty of celebration in store for Chris Peacock, where does this leave the now-former champion? Whether this is the last we will ever see of Devin Golden, we do not know."
Rod Sterling: "This is a man who marches to the beat of his own drum and if there is anything that he has proven to us, it is that he is truly timeless. Someone who has been consistently at the top of his game for so long. Whether it is his time or not is down to him… but if this is it, I do not think there is anything wrong with going out like that."
Peacock breaks off his hug with Price and he rests his new championship on his shoulder and he embraces some fans in the front row as he makes his way around the ring. He stops though when he glances at the ring and locks eyes with Devin Golden. There is a moment whether neither says or does anything, but a small smile forms on Golden’s face. He doesn’t need to say anything. Chris can tell just from how Golden is looking at him that he proved himself. He won that championship by earning it. There is a small nod in reciprocation and perhaps appreciation for Golden, but Peacock then returns to enjoying his moment with the fans.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Tonight has been a night of surprises, both good and bad. There are plenty of questions to be answered as the beat goes on but one question has been answered; Chris Peacock DOES have what it takes."
Allen Price: "CHRIS PEACOCK IS A DANCER AND HE’S OUR WORLD CHAMPION!"
As Chris Peacock backs up the ramp, his newly-won championship held aloft, the final image of the night is the FWA’s final glimpse of one of its greatest competitors… maybe?
