View attachment 74457
Episode 4: Jobbing in Jacksonville
Live from the Vystar Veterans Arena in Jacksonville, FLorida
Wednesday, September 20th, 2023
Ground Zero cuts to a pre-taped promo from the week prior following the main event after Hazel Knight scored her first big moment of the season. Hazel seems over the moon following her win and she can hardly contain herself.
“You know, I was THIS close to elimination.”
Hazel holds up a hand with her index finger almost touching her thumb to signify how close she came to elimination.
“Not only did I secure myself with immunity but I sent Hailey Price packing. Now she’ll have to find another way in to get her foot in the door to FWA, maybe she can have Allen Price pull some strings for her, I’ve heard they’re related.”
Hazel chuckles to herself.
“Things are coming up for Hazel in Ground Zero just like things are coming up for my man Jackson Fenix. He’s going to earn himself that title match at Lights Out and then he’ll wipe the floor with that big dope Bryan Baxter. You know, there’s someone here at Ground Zero that has history with Baxter, Kristy Vance.”
“Kristy, you’ve been impressive here on Ground Zero so far, but that’s because you haven’t faced me. I know you’re just ducking me like Bryan has been ducking Jackson, but sooner or later you’ll have to come face to face with me. This face will be the last thing you see before I clean your clock with a Lavender Haze and send you packing just like Hailey Price. That goes for everyone else in this season of Ground Zero, you’ve been put on notice!”
“I hope my bestie Taylor Swift will be watching me clean house here in Ground Zero. I just know how proud she’d be of me. Hey, isn’t Blair Ravenwood related to her? She looks a lot like her. Maybe Blair can hook me up with a meetup with Taylor, I’ll have to ask Blair the next time I see her.”
Hazel shuffles away from the camera as she taps her chin and ponders to herself
We return after the fireworks have gone off to Blair and Celestia at the commentary table.
Blair Ravenwood: Welcome to Jacksonville!
Celestia Ravenwood: Duuuuvalll.
Blair Ravenwood: We only have one elimination match tonight! A tag team match featuring contestents from Team Katsu and Bell going up against Team Trixie and Team Penny.
Celestia Ravenwood: But before then we have two non elimination singles matches between teams.
Blair Ravenwood: And starting off first is Lihn Nguyen and Celestia Zewbowski.
Celestia Ravenwood: I still don't know how I feel about this other Celestia...
Blair Ravenwood: I always thought your name was unique sister, but I guess not.
Nguyen and Zewbowski both head down to the ring as the match gets ready to go.
Team Katsu vs Team Penny
Non-Elimination Match
vs |
|
Quick Recap:
Celestia Zewbowksi looked like she had this match from the start. She dominated the small Lihn Nguyen for most of the match, but Lihn's endurance and small frame allowed her to stay agile and avoid most big blows.
It looked like it wasn't going to matter as Celestia lifted Lihn up for a powerbomb, but somehow Lihn reversed it for a quick roll up as she shocked Celestia with the quick upset.
Winner: Linh Nguyen (Team Katsu) |
Following the win, Lihn rolls off Zewbowski.
Celestia is mad at the loss, and looks like she's going to escalate things, but decides against it as she storms out of the ring.
Blair Ravenwood: Another win for Nguyen!
Celestia Ravenwood: Meanwhile, Zewbowski brings shame to the Celestia name.
Blair Ravenwood: That makes two of you.
Celestia Ravenwood: Shut up sister.
Standing in the middle of the ring is a familiar face to Ground Zero, former winner, from Nuances of Wrestling, Ty Johnson. He stands in the ring with a long sleeve dress shirt and jeans. He has a microphone in hand and addresses the crowd.
Ty Johnson: “Ladies and Gentlemen of Jacksonville, thank you for having me as right now, I’m going to try to get the scoop on someone who managed to stand out last week. This young woman earned immunity from elimination for the week. So this week, I want to get the dirt on her. Find out what makes her tick. From Team Katsu, REO!”
The lights of the arena flash around the stage as “Shadow is the Light” plays. The fans give a modest cheer for the young Joshi prodigy as, after a few moments, she makes her way out. She has a sleeveless loose top featuring the Ground Zero Season five logo over her in ring gear. She moves fluidly and yet sporadically as she leans forward on the stage, then back, her head looking straight up. The wild-Joshi has a wicked grin on her face. Her face paint reads on her cheeks “Shadow” and “Soul.” The coaches on stage watch, with Katsu in particular being keen and observant.
Celestia Ravenwood: “This REO she’s a bit of a strange girl, huh? Younger sister to Ririko and she’s already pretty weird, but she takes the cake! What’s up with their family.”
Blair Ravenwood: “We’ll gladly be dealing with them and her friends at Lights Out, but I’ve liked what she’s done so far! If YDS don’t want her, we’ll gladly take her in. Say, does she have any interest in witchcraft?”
Ty Johnson, upon looking at the interesting character of REO, begins to have second thoughts of his interview assignment. As REO heads to the steps, she leans forward before running up them and into the ring between the middle and bottom rope. Standing next to Ty, she gives a playful “wave” as she darts to the ropes, leaning her head between the middle and top rope. She shows a wicked grin before her theme music fades and she saunters to the middle of the ring to join Ty.
REO: “Hello Ty.”
She shows a grin which is slightly unnerving. Ty can only gulp and get the interview going.
Ty Johnson: “To begin, REO, we all know your connections to Ririko, who has been making waves early on in FWA as part of YOKAI Death Squad with your coach Katsu-”
Blair Ravenwood: “We’ll put a stop to it soon.”
Blair can’t help but make that comment.
Ty Johnson: “And you made it very clear that you would not have accepted any coach other than Katsu, is it because of this relationship?”
Before he can even lean the microphone closer, REO gently pulls the microphone closer with her finger.
REO: “It’s more than that.”
She has a slight giggle under her breath and her English, surprisingly strong given that her older sister is still struggling and learning the language.
REO: “I have known Katsu since I started training. My sister and her unit would often visit our dojo sessions, scouting and giving advice. So yes, that familiarity is important, but most importantly she has been through what I’ve been through…”
Turning to the stage, she looks at the other three coaches. Bell Connelly keeps her usual cheerful disposition. Penny raises an eyebrow, and Trixie is too busy looking at her reflection in her FWA Trios Championship.
REO: “All four of you, talented and have blazed your own paths. But you do not know what it is like to go through the training I have been through. To be beaten down to raise your toughness, to be treated differently because people think you are only there because of family… And if you, or any woman in this competition would have went through my training, that level of hardship, none of you would be pro-wrestlers!”
The coaches exchange glances before looking at Katsu, the coach of this young wrestler. The masked woman looks just as confused as the others.
REO: “There would be no Hall of Fame career. No impact, no championships! You all would quit!”
We can see Katsu mouth something to the other coaches along the lines of “I don’t know why she’s doing this.” REO faces the hard camera. Some fans still support her, others have a more mixed opinion.
REO: “Strong style is my way. It is my mentality, my life! So I wanted a coach who understood that…”
Ty reluctantly takes the microphone back to ask the next question.
Ty Johnson: “Okay, I understand, but by calling out the rest of the competitors, even the coaches, are you sure that is the right thing to do? Take it from me, I’m a former winner of this it may not be-”
Grabbing the microphone, REO shows a wide grin.
REO: “I already know how it feels to have people wish for my failure… I welcome the challenge.”
Celestia Ravenwood: “This kid is a bit…”
Blair Ravenwood: “Feisty!”
Ty Johnson: “So it’s you against the world, right?”
REO: “It was in the battle royal last week, was it not?”
She smirks, giving a wink.
Ty Johnson: “Yes, you won immunity for the week. But nothing is guaranteed. One mistake and it might be over. See the screen…”
The former Ground Zero winner points to the screen and we see footage from several weeks ago. It is after Katsu and REO had a conversation backstage. Someone from the production team goes over to REO to tell her she’s needed. REO turns around and cracks him in the head with her Skull Kick. Katsu, who likely hasn’t seen the footage yet, looks at her friend, slightly shocked. REO shows a small smirk.
Ty Johnson: “I see you’ve been causing a bit of chaos already. So I have to wonder, why? Why are you like this? I think it’s something a lot of people might be curious of. So-”
REO is quick to grab the microphone from Ty’s hand. She leans on the ropes, looking at the stage.
REO: “So what? Why did I kick that man in the head? Why am I here making enemies? Well… Heh. I wanted to belong somewhere but was DENIED. So I know where my true friends lie…”
Getting up from her chair, Katsu walks to the ringside area, looking at her team member. We can see her mouth. “They’re gone. They left. Don’t worry about them.”
REO: “I have no issues with you, Katsu. You’ve been like a second sister to me. But I know in America not everyone believes in a girl like me. Not everyone accepts me. You know that, right?”
Even under her mask, we can see Katsu put her tongue in her cheek. This girl knows her inside-out better than perhaps everyone else in FWA apart from YOKAI Death Squad.
REO: “So, I’m here to defend myself. I am not this little girl anymore, I need to take control of this competition and my career. So a little reminder that I won’t lie down is needed. It is not personal. This is just… my destiny, and it is in my hands... Interview over.”
Turning around, she tosses the microphone back to Ty Johnson, not expecting the toss, it falls to the mat below, falling out from his fingertips. He leans down to pick it up and something switches in REO’s mind. She takes a step forward and spins around-
HITTING A SKULL KICK ON TY JOHNSON’S HEAD WITH A LOUD CRACK!
Celestia Ravenwood: “SKULL KICK!”
Blair Ravenwood: “Ty Johnson is down!”
The fans gasp at the very sudden and LOUD Skull Kick and Ty lies face down in the canvas! There’s a mixed reaction from fans with some loving the chaos, others not so much. Katsu immediately rushes the ring and gets in REO’s face. She’s furious with her team members. She doesn’t lay a hand on her, and neither does REO.
Blair Ravenwood: “Come on, kick her too!”
Katsu points to Ty Johnson on the mat, asking her for some explanation. REO only smiles. She wipes her orange hair out of her eyes and pats Katsu on the shoulder. On the cameras, we pick up her saying “You have your way, I have mine.” before walking out of the ring. The coaches on the stage are left speechless as REO heads to the stage. Katsu checks on Ty Johnson who has cobwebs, blinking and groggily rolls to his back. Doctors come in to check on him as, on stage, REO turns around showing her sinister grin.
When we return, Paige is heading out to the ring.
Blair Ravenwood: Here comes one of my favorites. Probably the only NORMAL one from Team Trixie.
Celestia Ravenwood: Paige definitely has talent, that's for sure.
Blair Ravenwood: Talent AND Attitude.
After that, the covert Agent Winter comes out to a pop.
Blair Ravenwood: Now here's someone I'd like to know more about...
Celestia Ravenwood: That's classified.
Blair Ravenwood: Ok, but is she just some Jason Bourne wannabe or does she actually have talent?
With both ladies in the ring it's time to start.
Team Trixie vs Team Bell Non
Non-Elimination Match
vs |
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Quick Recap:
Probably the match of the night, one of the best stars from Team Trixie crashing head-to-head with one of the best from Team Bell. This one went back and forth the entire time, with momentum swinging like a pendulum.
Agent Winters nearly capitalized when Westerby missed a big boot.
But before she could, Paige got her into a deadly figure-four leg lock.
Winters had to choose...her mission or her knees. This time she picked the latter and tapped out.
Winner: Paige Westerby (Team Trixie) |
Westerby celebrates the win, leaving Agent Winters shocked at the defeat. She smiles though, knowing her mission is still going to plan.
Celestia Ravenwood: A big win for Paige Westerby! What a great night for her...
Blair Ravenwood: "Well, it's a disappointing night for-"
Tonya Scott: "Disappointing?! How can anything be disappointing when magic is in the air!"
Out of nowhere, much like she did last week, Tonya Scott seems to appear out of nowhere to stand in front of the commentary desk, much to the dismay of the coven.
Celestia Ravenwood: NOPE!
Blair Ravenwood: "Na-um, we're not doing this again.
Tonya Scott: "Doing what? What's the problem, ladies?
Celestia Ravenwood: "You KNOW what."
Blair Ravenwood: "You're not going to come out here and make us look like fools with your tricks that make a mockery of our ancient ritual art!"
Tonya Scott: "Why, gals. You wound me so; I don't want to mock anyone, especially people who are so respectable like yourselves. I just wanted to ask you guys a question."
Tonya gestures idly to the cup in front of Celestia.
Celestia Ravenwood: "...The...Cup?"
Blair Ravenwood: "You came out, and disrupted the show just to ask me what she's drinking?"
Tonya Scott: "Yep. I did!"
Celestia Ravenwood: "...Ok, weird, it's just orange soda."
Blair Ravenwood: "Big deal"
Tonya Scott: "Orange Soda eh? Cool. Cool. Very Cool. Hey, real quick; What else is orange?"
Celestia Ravenwood: "What el-I don't know, Pumpkins, Traffic cones. Basketballs. Cheetos?"
Celestia clearly rolls her eyes as she goes to take a sip from her soda...and when she does, her eyes grow wide in slow creeping horror.
Blair Ravenwood: "Celestia?"
Celestia doesn't answer. Examining her drink, she takes off the top and looks to pour out the context on the table...and what comes out? Cheetos!
Celestia Ravenwood: "What the hell- how did you-Where did my soda go?!"
It was then Blair spit out orange soda in Celestia's face.
Blair Ravenwood: I'm so sorry...I don't...It just....it was just...THERE in my mouth!"
Celestia seems to be frozen in anger, slowly wiping soda from her face before going to lunge at Tonya...which is a shame considering Tonya has vanished into thin air.
Celestia Ravenwood: "I swear to Lilith....Blair...I swear to Lilith... The things I'm going to do to that Tonya Scott
Blair Ravenwood: Sister, relax. She's going to be eliminated any day now
Backstage, Team Penny’s Kristy Vance works out as she hits some boxing jabs into a freestanding punching box. Her stare is intense as she focuses on each blow. However, her workout is interrupted as a young girl walks into the shot. The little brunette girl in pigtails watches in awe as Kristy’s punches get more and more furious. A deep burning fire in her eyes as she doesn’t even realize that her daughter, Audrey Vance, had entered the room with her.
Audrey Vance: “Jeez, Mom… save some for the ring why don’t ya?”
The voice of her daughter quickly snaps her out of her trance-like work out. She turns, surprised to see her in the room.
Kristy Vance: “Audrey? What are you doing here?”
Audrey Vance: “I talked Grandpa into bringing me. I wanted to see you in action.”
Kristy Vance: “Dammit Dad… ugh, okay, well that may not be the greatest of ideas but you’re here now… so, okay.”
Audrey Vance: “This is so awesome! I can’t wait to watch you kick some ass!”
Kristy Vance: “Audrey! Language!”
Audrey innocently shrugs her shoulders.
Audrey Vance: “What? How come you can say it? You talk about kicking peoples asses all the time.”
Kristy Vance: “Yeah, well… it’s kinda my job. Outside the ring, I am your mom… but as soon as I step through those ropes… it’s like… a therapeutic release.”
Audrey Vance: “What do you mean?”
Kristy Vance: “Let’s just say Mommy has years and years of anger to let out and I get to take it out on whoever is in the ring with me.”
The young girl’s eyes light up as she begins to nod her head, seemingly understanding.
Audrey Vance: “Oh! Kinda like how Bryan Baxter becomes Bryan Bastard in the ring, huh?”
Kristy closes her eyes, some frustration evident at the mention of the name.
Audrey Vance: “What’s wrong?”
Kristy Vance: “Can we just not talk about him?”
Audrey Vance: “I thought you two used to be friends.”
Kristy half grinned as she shook her head.
Kristy Vance: “Uhh, yeah… something like that.”
Audrey Vance: “You know, if you had told him about wanting to get into the FWA, he would’ve got you in. He sai… I mean, I bet he would’ve anyway.”
Kristy eyed her daughter closely, examining her for any signs of lying. A character trait she had unfortunately picked up from the other side of the gene pool.
Kristy Vance: “Audrey Marie… have you been using my phone again?”
Audrey Vance: “No ma’am! I swear!”
Kristy got down on Audrey’s level, intensely staring into her daughter’s eyes. The young girl begins to wiggle uncomfortably.
Audrey Vance: “Fine! But it was just one time!”
Kristy Vance: “Audrey! I specifically told you not to talk to him anymore! He’s bad news. He’s not worth talking to. And I didn’t tell him because I don’t need his help. I don’t need anyone’s help. I’ve made it this far without anyone’s help. I’m going to make it to the FWA and when I do, it’s not because of someone’s hand out. Not like him. If you want to do anything, Audrey… trust me when I say this, you gotta do it yourself. So when I make it to the FWA… I’m going to have earned it.
The young girl smiles, her eyes beaming with pride.
Audrey Vance: “That’s awesome, Mom! I can’t wait! Go kick some ass!”
Despite her earlier warning, Kristy can’t help but chuckle as she stands back up and rubs the top of her daughter’s head. She then cracks her neck and turns back to the punching bag, resuming her work out as Audrey cheers her on.
When we return from the break, all four competitors are already out in the ring and ready to go. Indigo and Kirek are on one side, while Mercy and Josie Katt on the other side.
Blair Ravenwood: Well here we are the main event.
Celestia Ravenwood: Two more going home. Who's your money on Blair?
Blair Ravenwood: Well, I do like cats for Josie is a favorite for me...but Mercy O'Neil is getting way too much hype, so I'd like to see her get shut down.
Celestia Ravenwood: On the other hand, we haven't seen a whole lot of Indigo or Kirek Night. Now is their chance to shine!
The referee signals for the bell as the match gets started.
Main Event Elimination
Tag Team Match
(Whichever team loses goes home)
and
vs
and
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Quick Recap:
A tag team match to determine which two were going home.
Indigo Dreyer started out in the ring first. She looked a bit timid standing across from Mercy O'Neil, who rightfully did throw her around like a rag doll.
Eventually, Night was able to tag in and chase Mercy off, but soon Josie Katt was able to come in and hold her own against Kirek.
Josie and Indigo went back and fourth for awhile too. Indigo actually got the upper hand, and almost took Josie down a couple of times. Just when it looked like Indigo was going to put Josie down, Kirek tagged herself in to finish the job. This proved to be a fatal mistake, as it allowed Katt to get Mercy in as well.
Mercy came rushing in like a bull and took Kirek down with a clothesline.
Mercy then hit Kirek with The Real Deal (Burning Hammer) and took her down for the count. She confidently hooked the leg.
1!
2!
3!
Winners: "The Real Deal" Mercy O'Neil (Team Penny) and Josie Katt (Team Trixie)
Eliminated: Kirek Night (Team Katsu, 16th Place)
Eliminated: Indigo Dreyer (Team Bell, 15th Place) |
Following the decision, Kirek is left pissed off and kicking things. Meanwhile Indigo looks like she is about to cry.
Mercy O'Neil and Josie Katt are celebrating in the ring, with Josie Katt meowing like a weirdo.
Celestia Ravenwood: Well, sorry Blair, but Mercy keeps on trucking.
Blair Ravenwood: At least Josie Katt survived too!
Celestia Ravenwood: Meanwhile this marks the end for Indigo Dreyer and Kirek Night.
Blair Ravenwood: I'm sure Violet was proud of Indigo for making it even this far...
The last shot we see is of a dominant Mercy O'Neil flexing her muscles in the ring. Josie Katt continues to claw and meow like a weirdo.
Blair Ravenwood: Well fans, this closes out the first half of Ground Zero.
Celestia Ravenwood; Our Florida tour is over. Join us again two weeks from tonight as we return to travel up the California coast for the last four episodes!
We get one last shot of Indigo's makeup running down her face as Ground Zero comes to a finish.
@SupineSnake
@AON
@Starlight Kid
@OMB
@Jimmy King
@Bobby Barrows
@Dubble J
@Jazz Wolf
@Wiseman
@Vinegar
@The Golden One
@Prison Dom
@Tommy Bedlam
Episode 4 is live! Big thanks to Dubb, AON, Beavie, and Jimmy for sending in segments for this one.
Commentary and match recaps are weaker than normal so I apologize on that front.
I'm going on vacation starting tomorrow which means Ground Zero will be taking a week off as well! The beginning of the last four episodes will return on 10/4. The Florida leg of the tour is over, as we now will be partying on the beaches on the California coast...starting with San Diego!
