VIDEO
From a distance a homeless man, clothing looking tattered and soiled, stands on the corner of a deserted city street, arms clinging to an oil stained cardboard sign. A message foreboding in nature is scribbled across the surface.
“THE END IS NIGH”
We cut from the homeless gentlemen to footage that is gritty and grainy, given an almost 8MM feel. All the happenings from NewAge are relived, as Ba’al stands in the center of the ring, microphone in hand. The music cued up in the background is intended to create a rather chilling vibe, but Ba’al’s comments are what truly unnerves the audience.
The Crown Prince of Sin stands in the middle of the ring with Rachel Foxx at his side, holding her husband’s World Championship.
Ba’al: Earlier tonight it was speculated that Kloe Masters was going to push forward the time table for my title defense against Taylor Chase.
Black and white clips transport the viewers back to the beginning of NewAge where Kloe Masters was right about to set the Taylor Chase versus Ba’al World Title match as the evening’s main event before the lights go out, when they rise, Kloe is seen sprawled across the canvas at the feet of a hoodie wearing individual with steel chair in hand. We now cut back to footage later in the night showing Ba’al in the ring with microphone in hand.
Ba’al:….I would like to suggest an alternate main event for this evening involving Mrs. Chase-Cruze.
Shaun Cruze suddenly appears on screen, his image distorted by the bizarre film technique being employed.
Shaun: You know something fella, I thought you would have learned your lesson at Upping the Ante. However, it seems not, and having listened to you talk for long enough, and after watching you take out Kloe again, I’m through listening.
Instantly we see clips of Shaun’s brother, Orlando, being hit with the gavel, being hit with the Dead in Tombstone, being chokeslammed, and ultimately being hit with the Totalis by Ba’al before Orlando finds his body dangling from a crucifix hung above the ring.
Shaun shows absolutely no hesitation in sliding into the ring and going right after Ba’al, the two picking up where they left off at Upping the Ante, as Cruze’s fist nails the World Champion’s jaw. Ba’al retaliates with blows of his own, these scenes interspersed between shots of Shaun delivering the Morality on the Prince of Sin at Upping the Ante, and Ba’al hitting Cruze with the Totalis upon the concrete at that same pay-per-view spectacle.
When we cut back to the brawl at NewAge, viewers witness Foxx clipping the back of Shaun’s knee with a shoulder block, allowing she and her husband to get the advantage on Cruze. That advantage is a short lived one when Taylor Chase comes rushing down the ramp, slides into the ring and goes blow for blow with the Champion. Each shot delivered between Ba’al and Taylor is cut between footage of Chase hitting Ba’al and Lucas Knight with a crossbody, knocking the three down a flight of stairs. We also see Ba’al’s brother, Aiken Frost, abducting Taylor’s sister, Mika Kozlov.
Once we’ve transitioned back to the scenes from NewAge, Taylor is shown in the process of going for the TKO only to have Ba’al roll out of the ring, where he joins his wife at ringside. Ba’al then grabs the microphone once he reaches the base of the ramp and shouts into the squared circle at Shaun and Taylor.
Ba’al: You both yearn to get your hands on me don’t you? But only one of you will get your opportunity to challenge me for the world championship. So, seeing as Desmond and Kloe are incapable of making decisions, I shall shoulder that burden. Tonight in the main event, it will be Taylor Chase versus Shaun Cruze; the winner will challenge me at the End of Year Special. And that contest will be a WEAPON’S MATCH.
The footage segues to later that evening, highlighting the arrival of Scott Cannon in his referee jersey to officiate the main event. The commentators can be overheard in the background talking about the magnitude of the match tonight, and how Scott, Taylor’s good friend and fellow Silas World comrade, managed to secure officiating duties in the match. These words from Hunter and Mackie, the commentators, are reinforced by shots of Scott battling Head Referee Marcus Mayfield for the right to officiate the main event, a contest that is eventually thrown out when Amanda Blayze, Scott’s rival, interferes. In a flash we’re back to Scott, referee jersey on and eyes glued to the two combatants standing in front of him, Taylor and Shaun, ready to fight. As the two face off, the haunting words of Ba’al can be overheard in the background.
Ba’al: If Shaun and Taylor do not fight this evening, then neither will receive a shot at my championship.
Chase and Cruze lock up under duress, the music hitting a faster and far more frenetic pase as both athletes make use of a steel chair before a far more imposing weapon lowers to the ring to be used at their disposal. A giant crucifix leans against the ropes and a body waits to be attached to it. In another flash we see a series of clips showing Orlando Cruze and Katelyn Buehler being bludgeoned and hung from crucifixes by Ba’al and the Sinistry.
The next person to be placed upon the cross may very well be either Taylor or Shaun, who continue to fight against one another to determine the number one contender for the championship. Eventually the match devolves into anarchy, when the Sinistry slides into the ring, battering Shaun and beating Taylor, before Scott drags Chase away from the ring to the safety of the backstage area. Eventually Scott remerges, showing a whole new side to his character, by demonstrating he actually possesses some character. He rushes down the ramp just in time to prevent the Sinistry from placing Shaun on a cross and hanging him above the ring.
However, all Scott manages to do is take Shaun’s place upon said cross, being forced onto the crucifix by the Sinistry and just beginning to be strapped to it before the suspenseful tunes in the background cut out and are replaced with the lyrical track of ‘YOU KNOW MY NAME.’
The exultation of the crowd blocks out the tune of an intro track associated with one man, and one man alone, the President of the IWC. After months of being away from the company after the crucifixion at the hands of the Sinistry, Orlando Cruze emerges from the back and receives a reaction that has chills running up spines and hairs on the back of necks standing on end.
The Icon slides into the ring and battles with the Sinistry, going after Ba’al only to be cut down before he ever reaches the champion. Once again the Sinistry overcome their shock and their adversaries, beginning to decimate Orlando Cruze, his brother Shaun, and Scott, before Taylor rushes out from the backstage area, and slides into the ring, leading to a big momentum shift. In the end all of the Sinistry are cleared from the ring and Orlando’s return is punctuated by his wife, Taylor, hitting Hunter Locke, head of SIN security with the TKO.
In a truly rare display of solidarity we find Shaun Cruze, Scott Cannon, Orlando Cruze, and Taylor Chase standing in the ring with all hands interlocked and raised above their heads.
IN RING
Cameras briefly pan over the excited audience amassed inside of the Manhattan Center just before “YOU KNOW MY NAME” hits the speakers, leading to a reaction from the crowd as explosive as a bomb dropping over Hiroshima. Everyone and their grandmother’s grandmother lunge excitedly from their chairs, arms raised and hips almost breaking as they shake in the isles at the sound of Orlando Cruze’s entrance music. That fans only get more hyped when they stop using their ears to hear Orlando’s theme music and start using their eyes to see the President himself emerging from the back. The dapper Icon emerges through the curtains and pauses to soak in the ovation he is getting upon his much anticipated return to the company, one that has been close to five months in the making. Somehow not even the voices of Sparkles and Greyson Lovejoy chiming in from the commentator’s table can kill the vibe in the building at the moment.
Sparkles: The Boss is back in the hizzy!
Greyson: Orlando Cruze, hot off his return at NewAge is here LIVE on Riot!
Sparkles: And I’m already fantasizing about his boob shaped cranium.
Greyson: Took you longer than I expected.
The crowd’s voices rise with each step that Orlando takes towards the ring and each step he takes up the steel stairs and each step he takes towards the mic that is waiting him. Once inside of the ring Orlando is eagerly handed a microphone by ring announcer Thomas Boll, and Cruze is given the well-deserved spotlight. The crowd should be hanging upon the President’s every word, eager to hear the Icon publically speak for the first time since he was crucified by the Sinistry, however, instead of listening the fans are chanting, chanting Orlando’s name. He has to take a moment to both enjoy these chants and to let the fans work it out their systems before finally saying what he came here to say.
Orlando: God damn it feels good to be back in the MANHATTAN CENTER!
The cheap pop gets just the reaction it was intended to get.
Orlando: New York City….Orlando Cruze is HOME! And it sounds to me like I’ve been missed….
The crowd shows the Icon some love and appreciation.
Orlando: Believe me guys, the feeling is mutual, I’ve missed all of you in my time away from this company. Although I was FORCED out of this federation I love, and away from you fans that I love even more, my time spent recovering from the crucifixion have put things into perspective for me. I know this is going to sound strange, but there’s a silver lining to everything, even what the Sinistry did to me. Although I was undergoing hours upon hours of physical therapy during my recovery I treasured every second of the time I got to spend with my family and it’s reinforced a feeling I’ve had for the past six months or so. I realize now where I’m REALLY needed.
The reaction from the fans begins to dull, the fans concerned by the direction Orlando’s comments seem to be headed in.
Orlando: Two weeks ago I made a phone call to the IWC that aired live right here on Riot. It was during that call that I made it abundantly clear my intent to step away from this federation, so that I could devote myself to being a father, and to being a husband. But you fans deserve better than a phone call, and that’s why I’ve come here to do this face to face, President to my people. So although it might be an unpopular decision, I’m here to announce my intention to step down as President of the IWC.
The fans were justified in their expression of concern.
Orlando: I know you’re disappointed, and you have every right to feel let down, but this is a choice I do not make impulsively. I’ve debated this decision for months, weighing the pros and the cons, and at the moment, the pros so far supersede the cons it’s not even funny. It’s time for me to do what’s right not only for my wife, Taylor Chase, not only for my kids, but for you people as well. You deserve someone who can fully invest their time and their energy into making this company their top priority. Right now my advisors are searching for that very person, carefully scrutinizing every offer that has been made since I notified the world of my intention to sell my shares in this federation. Let’s just say there’s been a number of ‘unexpected’ offers.
Sparkles: I put in a HUGE bid.
Greyson: Sparkles, we can barely afford a can of Vienna Sausages. What makes you think we can afford to buy a whole company?
Sparkles: It depends on if Orlando is willing to accept food stamps.
Greyson: I highly doubt it.
Orlando: And speaking of ‘unexpected,’ I think it’s a pretty safe bet that my return at NewAge was not anticipated by the Sinistry at all. In fact, I think my run in during the attempted crucifixion of Scott Cannon put a couple of brown streaks in the Sinistry’s underpants. I sent them a message that they could not ignore, that the IWC’s heart and soul will NEVER be crushed, and will never be owned by the Sinistry. Rather Ba’al likes it or not, his family’s grip on this federation is weakening, and at the End of the Year Special, my wife, Taylor Chase is going to deliver the killing blow that puts an end to the influence of the Sinistry over this federation. She WILL take back the IWC Championship, and properly usher us forth into this new regime, one freed from the influence of the Sinistry. Taylor will stand beside the new owner and the two will stand upon the throats of the Frost family….
Drake: Far be it for little old me to go interrupting you, Orlando….
The crowd is predictably remorseless at the sight of Desmond Drake making his way down the ramp, the sawed off Principle Owner and long-time nemesis of the Icon looking quite cavalier as he struts towards the ring.
Drake:..but I feared if I let you carry on with your speech that everyone’s precious Dessie would never have the opportunity to get a word in edgewise, and believe me, you, and the rest of the world, are really going to want to hear what I have to say here tonight.
In an act of sheer lunacy Desmond actually steps right towards Orlando, looking up into the piercing eyes of the Icon. It’s evident by Orlando’s gaze that the IWC President has not forgotten and sure as shit won’t forgive everything that Drake has done to Cruze over the past year and a half that the two have worked together…no….worked against one another.
Drake: So you really think you can somehow keep power out of the Sinistry’s hands? That you’ll manage to keep me and my financial backers, the Frost family, from seizing control of the shares that you entrusted in the hands of a few incompetent advisors? Think again, Orlando, or stop thinking at all, it’s probably pretty dangerous for your still recovering brain to even process thoughts right now.
Orlando: I’ll tell you what’s dangerous…
Orlando takes a step towards the moon walking Desmond.
Drake: Hey-hey-hey now, let’s keep this civil, okay?
Orlando: Then I’d advise you to finish what you have to say…
Drake: Okay-okay, fine. I was SAYING that nothing you, or your ‘advisors’ do are going to keep the Sinistry from taking control of your shares.
Orlando: Not a chance in hell, Drake, not a chance in hell.
Drake: And why is that? Did you give a list to the ‘advisors’ telling them who they should exclude from potentially selling to? If you did, I imagine it’s probably a long list with a lot of names ending in ‘Frost.’
Orlando: And more than a few ending in ‘Drake.’
Drake: Hahahaha, exactly as I thought, Partner, exactly as I thought, mwahahahaha.
Unrest grows from the crowd in response to Desmond’s chuckles.
Drake: Which is exactly why when the Sinistry put in a bid, we found a name you probably DIDN’T have excluded from your little list, a name that wouldn’t raise any red flags with the Advisors…a name on a check with enough zeroes to make it impossible for your ‘advisors’ to turn it down. That name being….William Mayne…
There is a unanimous groan as the former commentator and professional Sinistry kiss-ass, William Mayne, comes sauntering on down the ramp wearing the most prominent of grins. He slips into the ring unabated by the jeers he hears from the crowd or the neck brace that he continues to wear after his match against Kellen Jeffries several weeks ago on NewAge.
Mayne: Howdy Orlando…
Mayne twiddles his fingers in the direction of an un-phased Cruze.
Drake: See Cruze, there’s a way around everything, there’s aaaaalways a loophole that can be exploited, and I’m a master at finding holes.
Mayne: Just ask Mya Denton.
Drake: Shhh William, don’t bring that up.
Orlando: So let me get this straight….
The Icon pinches the skin in between his eyes as he struggles to piece together Desmond’s convoluted plot.
Orlando: You put all your resources into making a bid for my shares in the company, and put William Mayne’s name on the check in an effort to put one over on my advisors?
Drake: That’s right, and I’m sure as we speak our bid is being pushed through and the Sinistry is taking 75% ownership over this whole….
Orlando: Ummm, not so fast there lil fella, you honestly think I’m THAT stupid?
Drake shrugs before nodding.
Orlando: I said that I was leaving the sale of my shares up to my advisors, but I still have final approval over who the company is being sold to, and ‘William’s’ bid will not be ignored. Because I intend to take his check, wipe my ass with it and then shove it straight down your throat, Desmond.
On instinct Drake leaps behind William, employing Mayne as a human shield.
Orlando: What’s wrong…..PARTNER, think I’m going to get physical with you? Relax, that’s NOT what I’m here for. But if you’re so intent on seeing action tonight, then I can help you in that department Drake.
Drake: What…what are you talking about?
Orlando: I’m talking about this eagerness I’ve seen from you of late to lace up the boots, put on the singlet and hop in this ring. Your match against Lukas Montgomery on NewAge, proved to me that you are bound and determined to fulfill a dream of being a professional wrestler. Well I can help you realize that dream Desmond, because right now, I’m booking you in a rematch of the five star classic we saw on NewAge. The whole world wants it, and I’m going to deliver on Desmond Drake versus Lukas Montgomery II, right here to open this watershed edition of Riot.
There is a unanimous outcry of support for this ‘match’ that a protesting Desmond has just been inserted into. All of Drake’s pleas for Orlando to reconsider this decision go ignored as the Owner, for the time being at least, vacates the ring and makes his way up the ramp. The second Orlando’s foot crosses the threshold between the mats and steel, the tunes of “Enemy” begin playing over the speakers. There is quite a hitch in Lukas Montgomery’s step as he comes strolling towards Desmond, only to run right into Orlando. The Icon steps to Lukas’ side and hooks an arm across the back of Montgomery’s neck, pulling him in close so that Orlando can whisper into his ear.
Orlando: No remorse, Lukas, no remorse.
Lukas: Would you expect anything less?
After giving Lukas a pat on the back Orlando turns to make his way up the ramp. He almost reaches the curtains before spotting referee Ficklebottom darting towards him, on the brink of officiating this impromptu ‘slaughtering.’ Ficklebottom’s progression to the ring is halted by Orlando, who places an arm over the back of the referee’s neck.
Orlando: Don’t stop this match under any circumstances, not until Lukas is through having fun.
Ficklebottom: Yes sir.
Arnie continues along to the ring, slides in and prepares to chime the bell. It isn’t until Orlando vanishes through the curtains that Montgomery climbs up onto the apron and grins menacingly in Desmond’s direction. The Blacklist member only has to put one foot through the ropes before Desmond is intimidated into making a reflex decision. He anxiously turns to William Mayne, who unwisely stayed at Drake’s side this whole time and now learns his reward for this display of loyalty.
Drake: Well…hop to it.
Mayne: What?
Desmond takes off as fast as his stubby legs will carry him, stepping through the ropes to the apron with Mayne nipping at his heels.
Mayne: Wait, where are you going?
Drake: Didn’t you hear me? I said get in there and fight him!
Mayne: You-you-you can’t be serious!
Drake: Don’t make me repeat myself.
Urine stains almost form in William’s pants as he turns to face an impatient Montgomery, who is here for one intention and one intention alone, to hurt someone, indiscriminant in regards to who that someone will be.
LUKAS MONTGOMERY VS. WILLIAM MAYNE
William turns back to Desmond, shouting at him and begging him to reconsider throwing Mayne’s body on the sacrificial alter. William fails to get so much as a word out before the back of his skull is absolutely crushed by the Quieter, Lukas’ roaring elbow paralyzing every brain cell in Mayne’s head. Finally Greyson and Lovejoy have an opportunity to insert their opinions on this whole twisted and sordid situation.
Greyson: Couldn’t happen to a more likeable co-worker.
Sparkles: Poor Mayne, wrong place, wrong time…
Greyson: And wrong friends. Desmond was originally coerced into facing Lukas, but Drake offers William up to Montgomery instead.
Sparkles: And I don’t even think this lunatic cares. He’s just one of those beat ya down, ask questions later types…sans the asking questions later part.
The roaring elbow that cracks William’s skull like an egg poorly tethered to a make-shift parachute during a fifth grade science project, is a move surely sufficient enough to net Lukas the victory. However, he does not go for the pin, instead Montgomery goes for the punishment. He reaches down and inflicts greater suffrage on Mayne by removing the protective neck collar put in place after William’s last impromptu match against Kellen Jeffries. That brace is thrown aside as is William’s shirt, being ripped right off his pale and bony body. The shirt is tossed aside so that the fans can see the welts and red streaks that Lukas’ blows leave across William’s milky skin.
Fans: FUCK HIM UP LUKAS, FUCK HIM UP! FUCK HIM UP LUKAS, FUCK HIM UP!
That’s exactly what Montgomery does, delivering stomps across the back of Mayne’s head before ultimately leading him up to his feet and cracking him right to the sternum with a blistering knife edge chop. The strike is so powerful that it almost rips flesh right off the bone and has Desmond reacting with sympathy pains at ringside, covering his own chest with both arms.
Montgomery takes the wounded and weakened, not that he wasn’t plenty weak to begin with, Mayne by his wrist and forces him into a short arm clothesline. The lariat is delivered with enough power to send William corkscrewing through the air before ultimately coming down onto his face.
Greyson: Montgomery is truly enjoying this, channeling all his anger stemming from seeing his Blacklist partner, Aaron Harrison, set on fire inside of that crate two weeks ago on this very show.
Sparkles: Sooo regret not having my marshmallows handy for that occasion. I had a weenie, but it’s not one for roasting.
Although Lukas enjoys nothing more that tormenting the former commentator and Sinistry suck-up, he puts an emphatic endcap on this massacre. Lukas forces William, who gives a whole new definition to the phrase ‘spaghetti legged,’ to his feet and then throws him into the ropes. Mayne bounces from the cables, staggers back towards Montgomery before being thrown into the air and having his face transformed into Ragu. Lukas spins in a circle and catches Mayne coming back down with the Quieter.
The bone shattering shot hits Mayne with such force the sabertooth tiger that devoured his most ancient relative could feel it. William is on the cusp of spitting out teeth only for Montgomery to put a boot down across them. Lukas wedges his heel against Mayne’s lips and presses on them, pinning his comatose opponent and bringing a merciful conclusion to this one sided ass whoopin’.
Ficklebottom gets into position and offers Mayne his only salvation from a more sustained slaughter.
1
2
The crowd dashes to their feet, where they proceed to unleash a standing ovation for Montgomery, having truly enjoyed seeing him trounce William.
It’s only fitting that the very mouth that Mayne employed to tear down so many competitors and build up the Sinistry, be demolished to set up Lukas’ victory..
BACKSTAGE
You know you haven’t seen enough of Orlando Cruze tonight, admit it. That’s precisely why the fans are so stricken with glee at the sight of the President, a position Cruze will hold for who knows how much longer, making his way through the backstage corridor. Clearly Cruze is quite proud of himself for his strategic booking skills, skills that will continue to be put to use in what may be his final night with the company.
Axl Evermore: Hey Chief.
Orlando’s eyes veer to the backstage correspondent, who eagerly waltzes in his boss’s direction. He emerges from behind the camera with a microphone in hand, one he’ll use to interview the Icon.
Orlando: Evermore…did you miss me?
Axl: Like a case of explosive diarrhea.
Orlando: Awww, I’ve missed you too.
The two share bitter quips but friendly smirks as well.
Orlando: I imagine you’ve got a slew of questions for me.
Axl: You imagined correctly.
Orlando: Well before we get to your hard hitting expose, I have a few announcements I want to make.
Axl: Then shoot.
Orlando: If this is going to be one of my final nights as President, I might as well as make the most out of the time I have left. Two weeks ago, Desmond Drake put together a string of matches that benefited the Sinistry, well, turn around is fair play. If you thought the first match I booked tonight was shocking, you haven’t seen a thing yet.
Axl: My nipples tingle with suspense.
Orlando: Thanks for sharing that.
Axl: You’re welcome.
Orlando: I’ve got a few match ideas dreamt up for this evening and like Desmond, I have the power to make those matches a reality. Let’s start with Aiken Frost, who two weeks ago had the luxury of teaming with Kordy in a handicap match against a pal of mine. Well how about we find out what Aiken is capable of when HIS back is against the wall. Tonight it’s gonna be Aiken Frost versus the two men who attacked him on NewAge, Mr. Ridiculous and Leviticus in a handicap match.
Axl: Interesting. But how about we talk about the situation regarding your preside….
Orlando: Hoooold on Axl, because I’m not through yet. There’s another situation I want to see brought to a conclusion. All this Alana Starr and Rachel Frost drama, frankly, it sickens me seeing two of my champions being manipulated into tearing each other apart, it needs to end and it will end in that ring tonight. It’s going to be Champion versus Champion, when Rachel Frost goes one on one with Alana Starr to end this whole sordid situation.
Axl: Holy mackerel….Another mark out match. And speaking of mark out moments, when can we expect to hear you announce the new ow….
Orlando: Whoa-whoa, what’s the rush Axl? I wasn’t through booking matches for tonight.
Axl: You mean there’s more?
Orlando: I’ve arranged another contest for this evening pitting our ‘esteemed’ World Champion, Ba’al, against Chris Davids….
Axl: Okay.
Orlando: Oh, AND Mya Denton.
Axl: Alright.
Orlando: Oh, and did I forget to mention that Danny Darko will ALSO be part of that match?
Axl: Jesus Christ, so Ba’al versus three members of Pain & Pleasure?
Orlando: Yep, the Champ is going to be in a fatal four way match.
Axl: A fatal four way?
Orlando: Sure, that’s what we’ll call it.
Axl: Well, seems the champ is in for a hell of a night. And can I presume that before the end of the show we’ll all be in for a shock of our own when you announce the new owne….
Orlando: Let me finish, let me finish.
Axl: You mean there’s even MORE?
Orlando: You betcha. Because judging from NewAge, I don’t think Lukas Montgomery is going to be content with the match he just competed in. He showed up at NewAge looking for a fight with Kellen Jeffries, and I’m going to make sure that happens here on Riot. Lukas will have his revenge for what Kellen and his advisor, Spencer, did two weeks ago on this very show to Lukas’ partner. Spencer and Kellen behaved like a couple of psychopaths when they set fire to Aaron Harrison, and in a few moments they’ll be treated like psychopaths. It’s going to be Lukas Montgomery versus Kellen Jeffries in a rematch from Upping the Ante, and to ensure that Spencer Klein does not interfere, I’m going to have him placed in a strait-jacket.
Axl: Heh…..clever.
Orlando: I thought so.
Axl: NOW can I ask you about the presiden…?
Kloe Masters: We need to talk.
Once again the President finds himself inundated with requests for his ever so precious time. Now it’s his ex-wife, and the woman he put in charge of the IWC in his absence, Kloe Masters who threatens to occupy Cruze’s focus.
Orlando: Sure thing Kloe.
Kloe takes Orlando by the hand and tries to lead him to a more private setting so the two can get to business, not that type of business, but Cruze hesitates. He’s got one last comment for Evermore and the millions of fans watching from around the world.
Orlando: Oh, and that match between Montgomery and Jeffries is going to happen…NEXT.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
Klein: There’s no way I’m putting that on.
The gorilla position fills with the rabble of angry voices as Spencer Klein and Kellen Jeffries protest the application of the garb held out in front of them. Referee Alex Ingelson is holding out a strait-jacket, waiting on Klein’s arms to slip through the sleeves.
Klein: I refuse to be treated like an animal.
Ingelson: Listen mate, I’m under strict instructions…
Kellen: We don’t care what your instructions are.
Ingelson: You might want to start caring, because if Spencer doesn’t put on the strait-jacket, then YOU, Kellen, will have to wear it when you face off against Lukas Montgomery.
This reveal has Kellen’s face twisting into an expression of both anger and shock. In slow dramatic fashion Kellen reaches out and takes the strait-jacket out of Ingelson’s arms, putting it Spencer’s chest.
Klein: FINE!
Spencer begrudgingly slides his arms into the sleeves of the jacket.
Klein: But Orlando is going to regret making this decision, mark my words.
Kellen: If he tries to book us in another match like this, we’ll leave him in worse shape than we left Aaron Harrison two weeks ago on this show, and Ethan Von Aaron last week on NewAge.
As if there wasn’t already enough bitching and moaning going on backstage, now we hear William Mayne and Desmond Drake adding to it. The pair make their way through the curtains and into the corridor. Desmond’s tiny body tries so hard to support the fractured frame of his cohort, William still suffering from his ‘match’ against Montgomery.
Drake: STOP DROOLING ON ME!
Mayne: Uuuuuuurrgh.
William cannot be expected to speak anything but gibberish what with his brain resembling instant oatmeal.
Drake: You’ll be fine…MAN UP.
Mayne: Errrrrr…
Drake: Hey, better YOU than ME. At least I didn’t have to compete toni…
Mya: Don’t be so quick to count your blessings.
Desmond looks more alarmed at the sight of Mya Denton than he did at the prospect of facing Montgomery. The widened eyes of Drake dart from the near comatose Mayne to the plotting Denton. She stands alongside her cohorts Lilith Evans and Ian Kilgore, who are being joined by some precious little tike clasping at Lilith’s hand.
Mya: Awww, poor Dessie, you thought you were getting off that easily tonight?
Drake: Well to be honest, it doesn’t take much effort to get me off.
Mya: I really don’t need to hear about your problems with premature….
Mya looks towards the little kid at Lilith’s side.
Mya: I’m sure you know where I was headed with that. Anyway, Cupcake, the night is yet young, and there is still plenty of opportunity for you to slip on the singlet and hop in the ring.
Drake: COME ON! Haven’t you put me through enough already?
Mya: Considering what you did to me, no. You drugged and you violated me, so you should count your blessings that I’m just forcing you to wrestle tonight, and not having you thrown in prison, where I’m sure you’ll be forced to ‘wrestle’ more than one man at once.
Mya, Ian, Lilith and the tiny little lady at Evans’ side begin to walk off with Desmond trying to follow but finding himself impeded by William’s weight.
Drake: Mya please, let’s talk about this…PLEASE.
In order to catch up with Mya and her associates, Desmond has to cut some dead weight, flat out dropping Mayne on his ass.
Drake: Can’t we just discuss this like rational human beings!?!
LUKAS MONTGOMERY VS. KELLEN JEFFRIES
The crowd is still eating up the sight of Lukas Montgomery, relishing each and every glimpse they get of the Blacklist member hell-bent on vengeance. He moves one step closer to revenge against all those who scorched his partner, Aaron Harrison, two weeks ago on Riot. He is fixated on the entry way, where the very man who torched Harrison will make his way down the ramp and receive his comeuppance. Greyson Lovejoy and Sparkles comment on the wanton carnage about to unfold in the center of the ring, and the harbinger of that chaos, the man known as Montgomery.
Greyson: Orlando Cruze on a role tonight, putting together one big match up after another.
Sparkles: He soooo should have booked all the female roster members in a dipped in honey match.
Greyson: And what would the winner get?
Sparkles: To have Sparkles lick that honey off….
Greyson: No Sparkles just no. Instead what we’re getting is a match Lukas has eagerly awaited, he’s going to face Kellen Jeffries one on one with Jeffries’ advisor, Spencer Klein, forced to wear a strait-jacket to keep him from interfering.
The wait for payback is over, “Cocky” blaring over the PA system and Kellen Jeffries making his way through the curtain. He is reluctantly followed by a fuming Spencer Klein, who is justifiably angered given the change to his attire. A strait-jacket covers his torso, binding Klein’s hands to his chest, and keeping those hands from interfering in this match. He tentatively follows Kellen towards the ring, intent on finding a way to work around the coat that binds him and somehow being a help rather than a hindrance to his Blacklist compatriot. Kellen climbs up onto the apron, staring down Montgomery and at last realizing he will completely go it alone given Spencer’s impairments.
Greyson: Wonder if Kellen regrets setting fire to Harrison now.
Sparkles: Probably regrets that he didn’t bring hotdogs to the bonfire.
Alex Ingelson slides into the ring and calls for the bell, but Jeffries does not follow, he remains on the apron, refusing to budge. He just stares over the cables into Lukas’ menacing gaze before Kellen shakes his head.
Kellen: Forget it.
Jeffries drops from the apron and begins to make his way up the ramp towards the backstage area.
Greyson: Hey…HEY, where is Kellen going?
Sparkles: Kellen’s a suave, sexy mother-fucker, he doesn’t have a damn thing to prove to a butt ugly masochist like Lukas Montgomery.
Clearly Kellen agrees with Sparkles, hence why he’s moseying on up the ramp with his back turned to both Montgomery AND Spencer. A snide Klein follows behind his associate, sniping at him to get back in the ring and finish off the final remnants of the OLD Blacklist. All of Spencer’s pleas fail to effect Kellen, but they DO effect Montgomery, who exits the ring and goes rushing up the ramp at his opponents. Lukas instantly slips his hands around the back of his target’s head, and it’s NOT Kellen who has fallen into his clutches. Instead Montgomery grabs Klein, who is unable to free his arms from the strait-jacket to escape Lukas’ onslaught.
Lukas charges Spencer at the ring and rolls him under the ropes, Kellen none the wiser. It isn’t until Jeffries looks up towards the Cartel-tron that he realizes the plight that has befallen his advisor, watching the big screen playing footage of Montgomery crouching in front of a knelt Spencer. Both Lukas and Klein glare at one another, Spencer separated from the menacing grin of Montgomery by a mere few inches.
This is precisely the moment Lukas has been waiting for, having a bound Spencer completely at his mercy. He now grabs the former advisor by his ears, dragging him up to his feet and then rushing backwards into the ropes to build momentum behind the Quieter. Lukas is about to unleash the roaring elbow before Kellen reaches under the ropes and snags him by the foot.
Jeffries clamps down with the force of a bear-trap. He won’t let go until Montgomery delivers a stomp on Kellen’s hands, detaching them from his ankle. Lukas turns away from Kellen just in time to catch an inbound Klein with a boot to the gut. The strait-jacket clad Klein stumbles back, doubled over and grimacing in pain while Montgomery steps in slugging Spencer across the forehead several times. Each punch has Spencer reeling back before Montgomery can deliver one hard enough to take him off of his feet, he finds himself twisting around to face the inbound lariat of Kellen.
Jeffries slides into the ring and goes rushing right in behind Montgomery, going for the clothesline that Lukas manages to duck. Spencer doesn’t have the same luck, his throat crushed by the lariat of his own partner. Spencer collapses to the canvas and Kellen staggers past him, looking just as shaken as Klein by his botched lariat.
Kellen then pulls an about face, turning towards Montgomery who delivers a clothesline that DOES hit its intended target. The blow across the throat sends Kellen to the canvas but the man standing above him has zero time to give himself a pat on the back, because someone is about to drive a boot right into it.
Lukas spins around and catches Spencer charging in for a big boot, Montgomery countering him with a drop toe hold that sends Klein’s skull crashing down right into Jeffries’ testicles.
Sparkles: Kellen’s night has just been ruined.
Greyson: Including the possibility of ever bringing another little Jeffries into the world. Thank God.
The blow to his gonads leaves Jeffries seated on the canvas, clasping his balls in both palms, but it’s another head he should have been protecting. Montgomery charges in and delivers a swift boot across Kellen’s brow, knocking him to his back and leaving him prone for the pin. But Lukas didn’t come here tonight to pin Kellen, he came here to punish him. He drops down beside Jeffries, pulls up on his head and begins to deliver a series of jabs across his face. Montgomery then places Kellen in a front chancery and drags him up to his feet before whipping him into the corner. Kellen turns and hits the corner, body immediately stricken with paralysis. He’s unable to stop Lukas, who comes charging in with a yakuza kick connecting straight across Kellen’s brow, rendering him near unconscious. Montgomery then turns towards Klein, who has gotten to his feet in the opposite corner, arms still strapped to his chest via the strait-jacket. Lukas barrels across the ring and delivers a second yakuza kick, this one right across Spencer’s forehead, heel grinding against flesh.
Spencer collapses to his seat, propped up only by the corner and looking through groggy eyes at Montgomery’s knee. Lukas backs up, putting enough distance between he and Klein to charge in for a running knee strike. However, Spencer rolls out of the way, causing Montgomery’s knee to crash into the corner and to go limping back into a full nelson slam by Jeffries.
Kellen instantly drops into the cover with Ingelson sliding in to make the count.
1
2
Unfortunately for Jeffries there hasn’t been enough damage inflicted to put away the wrathful spirit of Montgomery. Somehow Lukas manages to get his shoulder up and prevent becoming just another of Jeffries’ victims. Kellen will provide no rest for the weary, forcing Montgomery up to his feet by the bangs of his hair and then delivering a headbutt across his brow. The blow knocks Lukas back and into the ropes, ricocheting off then staggering into a spinning back kick to the gut. Lukas doubles over, putting his had in position for Kellen to spin around, catch him around the neck and snap back into the effective yet devastating evenflow DDT.
Greyson: Even with Spencer in the strait-jacket, his presence continues to prove detrimental to Montgomery.
Sparkles: It’s allowed that handsome bastard Jeffries to get back in this match.
Greyson: One we weren’t even scheduled to see tonight, but we owe Orlando Cruze for putting it together.
Sparkles: Plus we owe Orlando for having a boob shaped head.
Greyson: Yes, that.
Lukas rolls away from Kellen, who is presently approaching the corner, slipping through the ropes and then climbing the turnbuckle. Jeffries reaches the top rope, glaring at Montgomery who is employing all of his strength to stand up. The Blacklist member has reached his feet just in time for Jeffries to come flying out of the corner into a crossbody. He connects, putting Montgomery onto his back….no….Lukas catches Kellen across his sternum and rolls in reverse onto his feet. He stands up with Kellen stretched across his chest before throwing Jeffries overhead into the fallaway slam.
Greyson: Montgomery showing so much strength, channeling so much aggression into this impromptu match.
Sparkles: His second one this evening.
Greyson: I’m pretty sure Lukas is intent on wrestling the entire roster in singles matches at this rate.
The fallaway slam has left Jeffries in some pretty rough shape, yet he still manages to get to his feet when Montgomery charges in and scoops him up into position for the fallaway slam. He is right about to throw Jeffries back and inflict even further punishment on him before Spencer, in his strait jacket, climbs up onto the apron. Somehow Klein, without the use of his arms, manages to climb up onto the ring and get Montgomery’s attention. Lukas scoffs at the threat Spencer poses when his arms are bound by the jacket, ignoring Klein in favor of throwing Kellen over his head into the fall away slam. However, Jeffries manages to counter in mid-air, slipping over Lukas’ head, landing on his feet behind Montgomery’s back, then rushing in for a forearm strike. He aims at the back of Lukas’ skull but misses his target when it ducks out of position and causes Jeffries’ forearm to instead smash Klein right in the mouth.
Sparkles: Oh no.
Spencer drops off the apron, looking stunned by the blow and Kellen is just as surprised by his actions. He slips through the ropes and drops to Klein’s side, checking on his advisor’s condition. However, his eyes should have been upturned instead of downturned, his focus should have been on Lukas who is flying over the top rope and not Klein who is rising beneath Kellen. Spencer only stands to be taken right back down as Montgomery crashes into Spencer AND Kellen with a crossbody. All three men collapse to the mats amidst a huge uproar from the delighted crowd.
Lukas gives them more cause to cheer when he grabs the tarp hanging from the apron, throws it out of the way and then reaches beneath the ring. A table now comes sliding out into Lukas’ hands, getting a type of cheap pop that would make Mic Foley gush.
The table is set in place and now all that is left to be decided is who’s body is going to plunge through it. Lukas looks between Kellen and Spencer…decisions….decisions. He finally decides he can have his cake and eat it too. He drags Jeffries over the surface of the table and then approaches Klein, snatching him up before ultimately throwing the defenseless Spencer into the ring.
Greyson: What’s Lukas got planned for that table?
Sparkles: Unless Abigail Lindsey is gonna dance on it, I could care less.
An already beaten down Klein is dragged to his feet in the middle of the ring, receiving a boot to his ribs that has him doubled over. Lukas then drags him into his shoulders and stands up, intent on giving Spencer a death-valley driver over the ropes, through Kellen, through the table, and all the way down to the mats. Montgomery is about to put a death knell in the New Blacklist only to have his plans suddenly go horribly awry upon witnessing Mika Kozlov darting down the ramp, pushing Kellen off the table and then placing herself on top of it. She now sits Indian style across the table with her fist raised to her cheek and her elbow wedged to her knee. She playfully lifts a hand and twiddles her fingers into a wave in Montgomery’s direction.
Greyson: And there she is AGAIN distracting Montgomery.
Sparkles: Mika dancing on the table will suffice if Abi can’t get around to doing it.
Greyson: I’m pretty sure Abi is content on doing nothing but hanging around the rafters.
Sparkles: In leather…don’t forget the leather.
Greyson: Mika, the former Blacklist member, has been tormenting her former allies, Montgomery and Harrison for weeks, ever since she joined Aiken Frost’s New Eden?
Sparkles: Joined? More like she was brainwashed.
If Mika’s presence wasn’t enough of a jarring distraction she now blows a kiss to Lukas, getting just the response she desired. Montgomery drops Klein and begins to exit the ring to focus on his new target, another of the individuals who set fire to Harrison two weeks ago on Riot, Aaron’s former fiancée, Montgomery’s former Blacklist partner, the perpetually laughing Mika.
Lukas only gets half way through the ropes before finding his attempt at retribution halted when ANOTHER distraction materializes. Mogui and Silk come sliding into the ring at this point, attempting to jump Montgomery after emerging discreetly from the crowd, well, as discreet as a man tattooed from head to toe can be. Mogui and Silk, Mika’s New Eden ‘family,’ rush across the squared circle intent on attacking Montgomery when his back is turned. But Lukas has developed quite the sixth sense when it comes to ambushes, having fallen victim to New Eden’s attacks once too often. He spins around and catches Silk coming in, delivering a big running yakuza kick across her jaw. He then ducks under a retaliatory shot by Mogui, who’s momentum carries him around into a full swing and eventually into a full roaring elbow. The Quieter blasts the unorthodox Mogui across the chin and knocks him to the ring beside his nuwang, Silk.
Greyson: Montgomery saw this one coming.
Sparkles: Those two sociopaths tried to jump him just like they did on NewAge.
Greyson: And they got knocked on their asses for trying to do it again tonight.
Montgomery has sent Mika’s associates down to the canvas, clearing New Eden from his path and now going after the person most deserving of his wrath. Montgomery turns just in time to catch Mika darting across the ring with the intention of severing the final tie to her past. Lukas will not be severed though, catching Mika with a boot to her ribs and doubling her over. Montgomery then drags Mika up and into position for a running powerbomb through the table at ringside.
The crowd gasps at the sight of Lukas bolting across the ring and about to throw Mika over the ropes through the wood. Before Mika can get her just deserts, she palms the top of Lukas’ head and leap frogs over it. With Mika’s crotch no longer in Montgomery’s face, he can now see Red Rayne standing behind the ropes he was just about to powerbomb Kozlov over. The moment Lukas’ eyes adjust to Rayne’s face she unleashes a spray of mist that strikes Lukas directly in his pupils.
Sparkles: So Rayne’s a spitter huh?
Greyson: Red Rayne, another member of Aiken’s New Eden, just shot something into Montgomery’s eyes.
Sparkles: I shudder to think what it was. Maybe she’s secretly one of those spitting dinosaurs from Jurassic Park.
Greyson: Why are you still talking?
Sparkles: I wasn’t aware I was.
Montgomery swipes palms down his face, desperately trying to cleanse his eyes of the mist that Rayne shot into them. The searing pain brings Montgomery to a knee and allows Mika to pick up a steel chair and return to the ring. She steps in beside Lukas, heaves the chair into the air then swings it down right across Montgomery’s back, knocking him to the canvas.
Although they’ve been put through so much punishment tonight, Kellen and Klein manage to smile as they back up the ramp and watch Lukas’ beatdown proceed.
Sparkles: New Blacklist owes a big thank you to New Eden. They’re assault on Montgomery just saved Kellen’s and Spencer’s bacon.
Greyson: It’s still so shocking to see Mika inflict such punishment on those she once loved. For God sakes, Montgomery and Mika were like brother and sister, they teamed together for over a year here in the IWC.
Any past relationship between Kozlov and Montgomery is just that, a thing of the past. Kozlov demonstrates this as she brings the chair down over Montgomery’s back once again. She then throws the chair down and uses her hands for something else, directing traffic. Silk and Mogui get back to their feet, step to opposite sides of Montgomery and under instruction from the cackling Kozlov throw Lukas through the ropes and through the table at ringside.
Greyson: Lukas pitched into the table!
Sparkles: And all at the super freaky, yet still super hot, Mika’s behest.
The dark eyes of Kozlov are more shadowy than ever as they provide a mirror reflection of Montgomery’s shattered body lying amongst the shattered table.
BACKSTAGE
They no sooner escape the wrath of Lukas Montgomery before Kellen Jeffries and Spencer Klein are pounced upon in the gorilla position by Mark Comeau. The curtains haven’t even finished closing behind the back of an aching Kellen, and a strait-jacket wearing Spencer, before they’re fielding Mark’s questions, microphone raised by the backstage correspondent to catch their answers.
Mark: Looks like you guys have had a pretty interesting night thus far.
Kellen frowns in response but Spencer is a bit more audible in his reaction.
Klein: You think that’s funny, Mark?
Comeau’s grin implies as much.
Klein: We see nothing funny about the way Orlando Cruze has grossly abused his power this evening.
Kellen: First of all, I did not come here expecting to compete…
Klein: And look at this…LOOK AT THIS…
Spencer TRIES to raise his still bound arms.
Klein: Tell me how it’s fair humane or decent to treat me like some kind of psychopath by forcing me into a strait-jacket.
Mark: Well to be fair gents, the two of you HAVE been acting like a couple of lunatics the past few weeks. I mean you set fire to Aaron Harrison two weeks ago, on NewAge you attacked Ethan Von Aaron, and then tonight, who knows what you had planned…
Klein: As soon as I’m out of this strait-jacket, you WILL find out what….
Ethan: You dirty bastards!
Kellen and Klein look away from the mic in Mark’s hand, to the knuckles in Ethan’s. The very man who they assaulted on NewAge, under orders from Aiken Frost, comes rushing into the view and slams his fist right across Jeffries’ jaw. Kellen is sent staggering back and Spencer doesn’t even get the chance to stagger. He’s taken by the back of the head and thrown right into the wall, Klein bouncing off and twisting to the floor at the feet of a vengeful Ethan. The furious Von Aaron then goes after Kellen only to get a headbutt to the gut, knocking him back and allowing Jeffries an opportunity to escape. Jeffries stands up and grabs Klein around the neck, pulling him along. Ethan should go chasing after them, but instead he just watches the two men flee while he stands there seething in rage.
Ethan: This isn’t over boys, because I’m just getting started tonight.
Kellen: You’re not kidding Ethan, I’m going to lay you out before this night ends, I promise you that.
Jeffries and Klein vanish, leaving Ethan stewing in anger.
Tina: You okay, Ethan?
Tina Valentine and Prii Foote, the two newest initiates of the GOOD Movement and thusly the latest acquisitions to Von Aaron’s stable of clients, step in behind their agent. Tina wears her “Queen of the Ring Title,” and Prii wears a condescending expression on her face.
Ethan: No, I’m not…
Prii: Want a little help against the New Blacklist? We’re free at the moment.
Ethan: I’LL deal with the New Blacklist, and then we can all concentrate on putting an end to the greatest threat to the GOOD Movement…..Aiken Frost.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
Aches and pains consume Lukas Montgomery as he tries to recover from the plunge through the table a few moments ago. He somehow overcomes the trauma inflicted upon him by New Eden in order to make it to the offices of the Icon. It takes all of his doing to stay on his feet, let alone push the door open and say what really needs to be said.
Orlando: I get what you’re saying, Kloe, but realistically, it just can’t be done.
It hurts Orlando Cruze to make this concession to Kloe Masters, his ex-wife and current figurehead, even after she made such an impassioned speech in the Icon’s office. He sits on his desk, crosses his arms and shakes his head in response to all that Masters has been saying behind closed doors and away from filming cameras.
Kloe: Didn’t you hear them, Orlando? Didn’t you hear how the Sinistry TRIED to manipulate their way into taking 75% ownership of the company? They’re bound and determined to snatch up your shares, and they’ll succeed if something isn’t done to stop them.
Orlando: Yeah, but Kloe, financially, there’s no way you can afford to buy my shares.
Kloe: You’re the one who sets the price though, Orlando, and I have made some pretty prosperous investments over the past year.
Orlando: I just don’t know if it’s a smart move, Kloe.
Kloe: Unfortunately you don’t have the luxury of time here, you’ve got to make a decision and make one fast before the Sinistry swoops in and steals control of the company. You know you can trust me, you know that I’ll continue to carry forth your mantra and see…
Lukas: If my two cents count for anything, I say give the lady a chance.
Orlando respectfully rises to his feet in order to greet Montgomery, while Kloe bites her tongue and represses her agitation over this interruption.
Orlando: My God man, how are you even standing right now?
Lukas: Honestly Lando, after everything the two of us have put each other through in the past, you think putting me through a table will even slow me down?
Orlando: Good point, but seriously, I think you need to take the rest of the night off…
Lukas: Is that an order?
Orlando: You better believe it’s an order. Besides, you can rest easy in the knowledge that Spencer Klein and Kellen Jeffries will get what’s coming their way.
Lukas: Go on.
Kloe: Orlando and I have come up with something REEEAL special for Spencer this evening.
Orlando: I told poor wittle Spence that he’s got a match tonight, one coming up next against Ethan Von Aaron…
Lukas: Interesting.
Orlando: With Kellen Jeffries banned from ringside…
Lukas: Better.
Orlando: And Spencer will be forced to continue wearing the strait-jacket.
Montgomery grins the grin of a serpent offering an apple to Eve.
Lukas: Splendid.
Kloe: We thought so.
Lukas: But might I make a suggestion? Seems to me that Kellen is getting off a little too easily. So how about you arrange a match between he and I for NewAge?
Orlando: I take it you have a match in mind?
Lukas: Oh yes…oh yes I do….a FLAMING TABLES MATCH.
Orlando: Leave it to you Lukas to drive standards and practices crazy.
Lukas: I do have my talents.
Orlando: At the risk of pissing off the censors, you got it Montgomery. You’ll get Jeffries one on one in a Flaming Tables Match at NewAge…but for now, how about we set back and enjoy Spencer Klein versus Ethan Von Aaron?
Lukas: I can get on board with that.
Kloe: THEN we get back to business, Orlando.
Orlando: Absolutely.
ETHAN VON AARON VS SPENCER KLEIN
The tunes of “Everybody” are drumming through the speakers, marking the arrival of Ethan Von Aaron. He stomps through the curtains to the stage, where he stands for just a moment in order to sneer in the direction of the crowd. He then makes his way down the ramp where his bitterness will transform into rage, and his rage will transform into fury, and his fury will transform Spencer Klein’s face ibto a puddle of puss.
Greyson: I haven’t seen Ethan Von Aaron looking like this in a long time.
Sparkles: Usually takes me a little blue pill to get me as worked up as Von Aaron is right now.
Greyson: We just saw him attack the very same two people who assaulted him on NewAge, Spencer Klein and Kellen Jeffries, who were acting on orders from Aiken Frost to destroy Ethan’s most important limb.
Sparkles: They attacked Ethan’s penis in a backstage assault. No one goes after Ethan’s penis.
Greyson: Well Spencer is about to pay for doing Aiken’s dirty work.
Indeed he is, evident by the fiery intense gaze of the pacing Von Aaron, who licks his lips in anticipation of tearing Klein apart in the ring. “Cocky” now blares through the PA system and Spencer Klein steps forth for his match that will more so resemble an execution. Klein, adorned in a strait-jacket, takes his sweet time reaching the ring. All the while he looks back towards the curtains where several referees are standing, refusing to let him escape this match. Klein bitterly turns back to the ring but finds himself instead staring down the knuckles of Von Aaron.
Greyson: Ethan isn’t waiting for this match to get started.
Von Aaron darts up the ramp and meets Klein at the mid-way point with a series of punches across Spencer’s forehead. Kellen is then taken by the back of the head, charged at the ring and thrown in under the ropes. Ethan then follows Klein into the ring, unleashing all of his pint up frustrations over Spencer’s attack, Aiken’s participation in it, and the issues between his client and his lover exploding over the airwaves in recent weeks. Ethan straddles Spencer’s chest, holds up on the back of his head and nails him with one vicious haymaker after another.
Sparkles: Poor Spencer, hasn’t the man been through enough for one night?
Greyson: Klein hasn’t even begun to get what he actually deserves after everything this man has done in his time here in the IWC.
Sparkles: Yeah, but he’s already wrestling in a strait-jacket, couldn’t he AT LEAST have Kellen at ringside?
Greyson: Not according to our President, who had Jeffries banned from ringside for this match.
Referee Alex Ingelson slides into the ring and has the bell chimed to get this match underway though Ethan has already started. He’s presently climbing up onto the middle rope and diving out of the corner into a fist drop across Spencer’s brow. Klein flops around the ring and tries to get his hands up to protect his face but continues to find his mobility restrained. Von Aaron drags Klein up by the back of his head and pitches him into the corner, Spencer turning and hitting the turnbuckle with enough force to detach one of the straps binding his arms to his chest. Von Aaron then comes charging in only to have a boot nail him straight under the jaw. Spencer gets his foot up and sends Ethan staggering back. Once some distance has been put between he and Ethan, Klein dives through the ropes to the outside of the ring and manages to break the last strap that was keeping him contained in the strait-jacket.
Greyson: Oooooh great, looks like Spencer has freed himself from the jacket.
Klein throws the coat down and then grabs the tarp hanging from the apron, tossing it aside so he can reach beneath the ring. A steel folding chair finds its way into Spencer’s palms and prepares to use that weapon to escape further brutality at the hands of Von Aaron.
Sparkles: And now Spence has got a chair too.
Greyson: We just saw Mika decimate Lukas with a chair, I wonder if Ethan is going to receive the same treatment.
Klein does not return to the ring without the chair in his possession, sliding in and going after Von Aaron. But before he can get the chair fully into the ring he finds it snagged on something. Klein’s whole expression changes as he turns and finds the opposite end of the chair clutched in the hands of Tina Valentine and Prii Foote. The newest initiates of the GOOD Movement pluck the chair right out of Klein’s hands, forcing him to face the trials and tribulations their agent, Ethan, has in store for Klein.
Greyson: Tina and Prii coming out to help their agent, they just took that chair right out of Klein’s hands.
Sparkles: These two ladies are not only so helpful to me on those lonely nights, but to Ethan here when he needs help the most.
Spencer snarls at the two ladies at ringside but totally ignores the far greater threat that his opponent poses. Ethan grabs Klein by the shoulder, spins him around and then blasts him to the face with the Epic Fail. The spinning superkick drills Klein with enough force to the chin to send him spiraling into the ropes and spilling through them to the outside of the ring. Ethan doesn’t even care that Klein fell into a position where Von Aaron couldn’t capitalize with a pin.
Ethan: Would you ladies do me a favor and show Spencer a good time?
Prii: Sounds GOOD.
Foote and the Queen of the Ring Champion, Tina, drag Spencer up to his feet, although he can barely stand and force him up the ramp. They remove this DISTRACTION and allow Von Aaron to get to his true agenda. He requests a microphone and you better believe one is quickly delivered to him.
Ethan: To hell with this match…Knocking Spencer’s teeth out is retribution enough….
Referee Ingelson steps towards him and pleads with Ethan to have Spencer returned so that the match can continue but Von Aaron grabs Alex by the back of the head and throws him out of the ring.
Ethan: I said I don’t care about the damn match! All I care about tonight is ending this. Ending the person who was really responsible for Kellen and Klein assaulting me at NewAge. You hear that? I’m here tonight to end this Aiken Frost!
The crowd has a very brutal response for the demonic Frost.
Ethan: For weeks, you’ve been playing my client, Alana Starr, and my sex kitten, Rachel Frost, off of one another…and I’m sick of it. This needs to end, and it will end when I drag you from that backstage area…
He points to the curtains.
Ethan: Down that ramp.
He points to the ramp.
Ethan: And to this ring.
He points to the canvas beneath his feet.
Ethan: You and I, one on one Aiken, I beat you, I free your wife and then I….
Aiken: So nice to hear you have set such lofty goals for yourself, Mr. Von Aaron.
Aiken isn’t a fool, he is not goaded into the ring and into a match with Ethan, instead he gives his response from the backstage area, employing the Cartel-tron as his conduit. His face and his soulless black eyes are stretched across the big screen.
Aiken: Yet they are goals that shall not be achieved this evening, you will get your hands on neither me nor my wife. In fact, you can no longer even put your hands on yourself…hahahaha.
Ethan’s intense eyes turn sympathetically towards his crotch, which has been bludgeoned several times over the past few weeks.
Aiken: Please excuse my crude humor, but the opportunity was too ripe to pass up on it. And speaking of opportunities, it seems the megalomaniac himself, Orlando Cruze, has gifted us with quite an advantageous opportunity this evening to at last learn who your heart truly belongs to, Mr. Von Aaron.
Ethan: What the hell are you talking about?
Aiken: I’m talking about the match that Orlando arranged at the onset of tonight’s telecast, a match pitting the ‘supposed’ love of your life, MY WIFE, Rachel Frost, against your client, the breathtaking, Alana Starr.
Ethan: That’s not happening.
Aiken: Oh but it will….oh but it will. Not only will that match proceed, but the Sinistry will be using our business relationship with Principle Owner, Desmond Drake, to add a caveat to that contest. For it will not only be Rachel Frost versus Alana Starr, champion versus champion, it will be Rachel Frost versus Alana Starr with Ethan Von Aaron as the special guest referee.
The crowd likes this, they like it a lot, but Ethan hates this, he hates it sooo much. Already he’s face palming.
Aiken: You said you wanted this to end, and it shall. Because tonight you will prove who you truly value the most.
Just then Mika Kozlov steps into view upon the big screen, tugging on a chain attached to the throat of NHB Champion Rachel Frost and stopping at Aiken’s side. Mika is greeted with a caressing of her jaw by Aiken’s finger, subduing her by rubbing this tender area. Rachel, NHB Champion and unrequited lover of Von Aaron, doesn’t even observe her husband Aiken pawing at Mika, she just stares blankly into the camera.
Aiken: Please accept my humblest apologies, Mr. Von Aaron, but I have more important matters than you to deal with at the moment. Though I’m sure our paths will cross once again, and soon.
A twisted and maniacal laugh emanates from Aiken before his face dissolves into darkness.
Greyson: Man…Ethan in a bad…bad predicament tonight.
Sparkles: He has to be the special referee for Starr versus Frost? Sucks to be him.
And it’s about to suck even harder, because the moment Ethan buries his face in his palm, he becomes blind to the man rushing in behind him, delivering a chair shot square across his spine. Kellen Jeffries avenges the backstage assault at the hands of Von Aaron, blasting him in the kidneys with a chair and sending Ethan spiraling through the ropes to the outside of the ring.
Greyson: Jeffries just blasted Ethan with the chair! He was supposed to be banned from ringside during Ethan’s match against Kellen’s advisor, Spencer Klien.
Sparkles: Where’d he come from?
Greyson: The crowd I’m guessing.
Sparkles: Then he probably got the number of that hot blond in the front row. Hook a brother up Kellen.
Ethan writhes across the outside mats, suffering from both physical and mental blows. All the while Kellen towers in the ring, chair lowering to his side and the microphone Ethan dropped raised to Jeffries’ lips.
Kellen: So you want to challenge me, Lukas? You want to face me in a Flaming Tables match on NewAge…..FINE…but it’s gonna be a challenge you regret making son, and once I’m through with you, you’ll be in even worse shape than I left your best bud in two weeks ago. Hell, Aaron got off easy compared to what I’ll do to you on NewAge….you won’t even be in condition to attend the funeral in two weeks on this very show.
Greyson: Funeral? What funeral?
Sparkles: Please God let him be burying Joel Schumacher, I still haven’t gotten over the nipples on the bat-suit.
Kellen won’t be burying Schumacher, he’d probably have to get in line if he were, instead he plans on putting someone else in the ground.
Kellen: What? You people confused? Big surprise there. You want to know who the funeral is for. Heh, should be pretty obvious shouldn’t it? In two weeks, right here on Riot, I’m gonna put Aaron Harrison’s career to rest. I’m going to hold a service for the dearly departed Harrison, and each and every one of your asses WILL attend.
BACKSTAGE
Klein: You bitches are going to regret this.
Tina Valentine and Prii Foote are not the type who concern themselves with remorse. They don’t feel guilt very often, especially when it comes to taking care of human filth like Spencer Klein. While Kellen showboats in the ring, his advisor Klein is sandbagged backstage, finding his body forced into compliance by the newest members of the GOOD Movement. The lethal ladies drag him along through the backstage corridor before giving him a shove.
Tina: Get to steppin.
Valentine points down the corridor with one hand and keeps her hand clasped around her Queen of the Ring Title belt with the other. Spencer staggers forward before spinning around and frowning at Prii and Tina.
Klein: I’ll walk away now, but you better believe I’ll be coming back for both of you very…very soon.
Prii: Yeah-yeah, get lost already.
Spencer FINALLY does as instructed, limping away to fight another day.
Tina: What an idiot. Like he’s any threat to the power of GOOD.
Prii: GOOD point.
Tina: I think now that we’ve gotten rid of that dick, it’s time we set our sights on the GOOD Movement’s reeeaaal greatest threat. Ya feel me?
Prii: You’d probably file a restraining order if I did.
Tina: What?
Prii: Oh…OHHHH, you were speaking ghetto again. Sorry, I take things a little too literally.
Tina: Yeeeeaah, let’s just go and take care of some business.
Prii: Lead the way and I’ll follow.
Tina: Sure…just don’t follow too closely.
The pair take a walk towards the ring where they will presumably face the ‘greatest threat’ to their stable. Their steps take them past a corridor, one presently filled with the sniveling tone of Desmond Drake.
Drake: Mya please…PLEASE! I’m on my knees here….
Mya: You’re not keeling.
Drake: I’m a midget, so it always looks like I’m kneeling, just give me a break already.
The only breaks Mya Denton will give Principle Owner Desmond Drake are ones to his bones. She turns a deaf ear to all of Desmond’s cries as she steps into the corridor just occupied by Tina and Prii, with Drake not the only one nipping at her heels. Lilith Evans who is joined by both her husband and her daughter, form a line behind their friend Mya.
Mya: Would you stop whining already? It won’t change anything. I own you, and so you do what I say when I say to do it. And right now, I’m saying you’re going to that ring and you’re going to compete against an opponent of my choosing.
Drake: Mya…
Mya: Don’t bother.
Drake: Mya PLEASE!
Mya: Put on your singlet and get to the ring!
Drake: This isn’t fair!
Mya: That might be true, but it is funny. Now GO!
Denton points in the general vicinity of the ring as Desmond begins to blubber, almost exploding into tears. Just then, Lilith’s daughter Abby, steps up to the Principle Owner and gives him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
Drake: Awww thank….
Suddenly she kicks him right in the shin, almost shattering it and causing Drake to leap back wailing in pain.
Drake: What the fuck?
Abby: Aunty Mya said GO!
Now Abby is employing the same gesture as Mya, pointing down the corridor towards the ring. The whimpering Desmond does as told, walking towards the ring with his head lowered.
Mya: Gooood luuuuuck.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
Mika: Did you enjoy it?
Aiken: Immensely my dear, immensely.
Laughter abounds, filling the corridor that Mika Kozlov is stepping into. She rejoices in response to Aiken’s seal of approval. Frost follows her directly into the corridor, the two emerging from the Sinistry’s sanctum and regaling one another with tales of the punishment Mika has inflicted on others throughout the night.
Mika: Lukas’ bones were just like Rice Krispies…they went snap, crackle and pop….hehehehehe.
Aiken: Putting your former friend through that table proves without a doubt that you have finally shed any shred of attachment to your former life.
Aiken slides his hand over Mika’s shoulder, gently rubbing it in an ever so seductive manner.
Taylor: Take your hands off of her!
Elation fills the face of Aiken at the sight of Mika’s sister at last catching up to both he and Kozlov. Taylor Chase, number one contender to the World Title over the shoulder of Aiken’s brother, marches with defiance. Before Mika even has time to get out a giggle in response to Taylor’s arrival, she finds her wrist snagged and her body pulled towards Chase.
Taylor: I’ve been patient long enough, you’re coming back with me Mika.
Mika: I am?
Taylor: Yes, you are. I told you a month ago right there in the ring that you’re a Chase, it’s time you started acting like one.
Mika: No…hehehehe…I’m NOT a CHASE, and I’ll never be a Chase.
Mika no sooner pulls her wrist out of Tay’s palm then Decay and Hunter Locke, two of the Sinistry’s most faithful proponents sneak in behind Chase and ensnare her arms, forcing her away from her sister.
Taylor: What are you two doing, take your GOD damned hands off me!
Decay and Locke just begin to apply a bit more pressure on Taylor’s arms before Aiken interrupts.
Aiken: Gentlemen please, do be gentle with Mrs. Chase.
Mika: Do not hurt my sestra.
Decay and Locke loosen their grips just enough to ensure Tay does not bruise.
Aiken: Mika, please return to our room and ensure that my wife is staying out of trouble…
Mika: Hehehehe..but I love trouble.
Aiken: I know that all too well.
Aiken slides the back of his knuckles down Mika’s cheek, deliberately doing so right in front of Taylor’s fuming eyes. The moment his hand trails off of her chin, Mika waves goodbye to Taylor then re-enters the room she just exited. She unwittingly leaves Taylor to the mercies of Aiken and his subordinates. Aiken takes such delight in having Taylor in such a precarious and defenseless position.
Aiken: Oh how I have dreamt of this moment for so long.
Taylor: You put a finger on me and I’ll be putting my knee right in your teeth.
Aiken: Do not get me riled up.
Taylor: Release my sister from whatever spell you put on her, and MAYBE I’ll take it easily on your brother at the End of the Year Special.
Aiken: Oh…haha…ahahahahaha….save your threats for those who can be intimidated. My brother does not need me to beg for leniency on his behalf, he is more than capable of overcoming all that you may…
Taylor: That’s where your wrong, Aiken. Ba’al won’t survive our match, I won’t allow it.
Aiken: And I will not allow Mika to slip from my control.
Aiken makes a back handing motion in Taylor’s direction, so tempted to slap the vile from her lips.
Aiken: The only way you will ever be reunited with your sister is if you do precisely as the Frost family has instructed you to do.
Taylor: Heh…what’s that? Join you?
Aiken: Yes, my goal from the very beginning was to see the Chase and Frost families united.
Instead of back handing Taylor across the cheek, Aiken decides to twirl a lock of her hair.
Aiken: Join us Taylor, join your ‘sestra,’ and join ME.
Aiken’s lips move dangerously close to Taylor’s mouth before she pulls her head away, refusing to be seduced by his other worldly charms.
Taylor: Fuck you.
Aiken: Oh, there could be plenty of that.
Taylor: I won’t do it.
Aiken: What a shame…for your husband.
Taylor: And what do you mean by that?
Aiken: It would be tragic wouldn’t it? If some form of harm were to befall your husband, especially when he’s JUST recovered from the injuries my family inflicted on him?
Taylor: If you put a finger on Orlando, I swear….
Aiken: I would do far more than put a finger upon him.
Frost nods towards Hunter and Decay, who fully release Tay’s limbs. Surprisingly she does not throw them into the faces of those who restrained her, or the far more inviting target that is Aiken’s smile.
Aiken: Comply with my demands, Taylor. You have until the end of this night to give me a response, and I pray, for your husband’s sake, that you make the right decision.
IN RING
”Pornstar Dancing” is already strumming through the speakers and Desmond Drake is presently making his way down the ramp, dressed for battle. He wears a singlet, that is entirely too tight fitting around the crotch region, and a look of absolute horror in his eyes as the Principle Owner is about to compete against Mya Denton’s hand selected opponent. Greyson Lovejoy and Sparkles almost sound giddy as they talk up this pending match from the announce table.
Greyson: This should be sooooo good. I….hahahaha….can’t wait to see Desmond Drake get in that ring and wrestle.
Sparkles: This is sick…sicker than Barbara Streisand’s face. How dare they allow this…this…MUGGING to be televised. Wasn’t it bad enough that Drake was ALMOST forced into a match earlier tonight against Montgomery?
Greyson: Not in Mya’s book it isn’t. Desmond was able to manipulate his way out of facing Lukas in a rematch from NewAge, but when Mya laid down the law to him he was forced to comply. There’s no getting out of this one, Desmond IS about to wrestle.
Sparkles: It looks more like he’s about to shit his singlet.
Desmond is now in the ring and is already running his hands down his face in an attempt to mask the fear in his expression. His eyes, and the eyes of all the others in the Manhattan Center are turned to the entry way in anticipation of finding out who Mya has selected as his opponent.
Greyson: Well who’s it going to be? Who is Desmond going to face here tonight?
Sparkles: Please don’t let it be me. I’m not going to give away a match of such magnitude on free TV. I mean, Sparkles versus Desmond, that’s Invictus caliber right there.
Greyson: Suuure it is.
Desmond continues to timidly glare at the entry way before his paniced eyes widen when “Wait” by ZOEgirl hits the speakers. Drake may react with horror, but the crowd reacts with happiness. Everyone lunges to their feet at the sight of Jessica Lasiewicz making her way through the curtains to the stage. Her haunting eyes penetrate Desmond’s soul…if he is in possession of one…as the woman who has vowed to purge the IWC of all corruptive influences makes her way down the ramp, about to take out the source of so much perversion in wrestling. The Morning Star, the ghostly apparition, the demonic destroyer, Lasiewicz now stands before an intimidating Desmond.
Greyson: Jessica Lasiewicz?
Sparkles: I didn’t see that one coming. And thankfully this announce table is in front of me, so no one can see me coming either.
Greyson: I’ve had about enough of that, Sparkles, and I’m sure Desmond has already had enough of this match. I can’t believe he’s about to face Jessica Lasiewicz one on one, that SHE’S Desmond’s hand selected opponent. But it does make sense, the co-number one contender for the Queen of the Ring Title Lasiewicz has been on a campaign to rid the IWC of filth just like Desmond.
Drake looks to be having a heart attack in the ring, hand already placed over his chest and trembling face turning towards Lasiewicz as she enters the ring. Much like on NewAge, Desmond is already extracting a bundle of dollar bills from his singlet and extending them towards his opponent, attempting to pay her off.
Lasiewicz looks down at the cash and then up into Desmond’s pleading face. Just then Lasiewicz points at the money and the second she does, every single dollar bill Desmond was clutching explodes into a ball of flame. Drake leaps back, mouth dropping as he watches his money reduced to ashes.
Greyson: Bribery will get you nowhere with Jessica, Desmond.
Sparkles: Not even if he stuffs them in her panties?
Greyson: Lasiewicz employing her other worldly, almost supernatural capabilities to give Desmond quite the scare.
JESSICA LASIEWICZ VS. DESMOND DRAKE
Desmond looks up from the cash just in time to see referee Fitzpatrick sliding into the ring and signaling for the bell, commencing this match. One that ends almost before the bell can finish chiming. Jessica suddenly unleashes a lightning fast superkick that nails Desmond directly in the jaw and puts him on the canvas, Jessica immediately dropping into the lateral press across his chest, forearm wedged against his shattered face.
1
2
The referee couldn’t even get situated in the ring before making the three count to a reaction that threatens to shake the foundation of the Manhattan Center.
Greyson: And Lasiewicz finishes Drake off with more ease than it takes to tie her shoe, and probably in less time.
Sparkles: I don’t have laces in my shows, takes too much effort tying them.
Greyson: Well this win for Lasiewicz tonight took no time whatsoever.
Jessica rises to her feet as ZOEgirl blares over the speakers and she finds her wrist elevated in the air by Fitzpatrick. A twinge of a smile consumes her face as she looks down at the unconscious Desmond splayed across the canvas. Before she has the opportunity to inflict any further pain upon him, the massive Mordecai, the monster who has been of aid to Desmond in the past few weeks, makes his way to ringside, reaching under the ropes and dragging Drake from harm’s way. He throws Desmond over his shoulder and carries his unconscious body to the backstage area while Lasiewicz continues to celebrate. Or at least she would if it weren’t for the arrival of two individuals she’s developed quite a strong disliking for.
Tina: Don’t tell me your gonna call that a win.
Prii: Seriously, you’re happy beating up on a dwarf?
Foote and Valentine make their opinions on Lasiewicz’s victory very public. Tina holds both her Queen of the Ring Title and a microphone while she and Foote embark down the ramp, running their mouths all the while.
Prii: But I guess when you’re as untalented and as uninteresting as Lasiewicz, you got to be happy with what you get. Can’t imagine she’s going to have many wins against legitimate opponents.
Tina: Sure as hell won’t get one against me when she comes after the Queen of the Ring Title.
Prii: Yeah, I imagine when you beat her again she’ll be taking another of her sabbaticals.
Tina: Is that what their calling extended stays in the intensive care unit now?
Valentine and Foote exchange their repulsive statements as they make their way up the stairs, standing on opposite sides of the ring and having Lasiewicz, number one contender to Tina’s title, trapped between them. Jessica turns her eyes from one of the woman who assaulted her two weeks ago, to the other.
Prii: Guess we didn’t make it clear to you last week honey bunch, but you’re playing games with the big girls now, and your little hocus pocus, Hermonie act won’t cut it against us.
Tina: You ain’t got nothing in your spell book to overcome the power of GOOD.
Valentine and Foote are about to enter the ring and validate their point by physically decimating Lasiewicz only for a grin to consume Jessica’s face and for a lightning bolt to suddenly shoot down from the rafters. It strikes the turnbuckles, resulting in a powerful explosion of fire from all four corners. Valentine and Foote are initially shaken by this display before the flames vanish as does Lasiewicz. The moment the fire in the corners recedes, the GOOD Movement realizes it was nothing but a distraction on Jessica’s part to ensure her escape from the ring.
Greyson: Where’d Lasiewicz go?
Sparkles: My trunk I hope.
Lasiewicz is gone, but Valentine and Foote remain in the ring, shaking their heads and continuing to express themselves to the disinterested and discontent audience.
Tina: Figured that be your response Jessica. Hide behind your smoke and mirrors while you can flat-chest, because when your boney butt faces me for the Queen of the Ring Title at the End of the Year Special, ain’t gonna be no mysticism that can save you.
Prii: Run along Jessica, we weren’t here for you anyway. We’re not concerned with you.
Tina: The only thing we’re concerned with is making amends.
Prii: We came out here to offer a public apology.
Tina: We can admit when we get a little too rambunctious, and on NewAge, we overstepped our bounds just a teeny bit.
Prii: We were so overwhelmed with the power of GOOD that we lost our senses and it caused us to lash out at someone who really didn’t deserve it.
Tina: So Kordy, would you PLEASE come out here and grant us the opportunity to set this straight?
Both ladies turn eagerly towards the ramp, staring at the curtains with anticipatory glares.
Greyson: Their calling out Kordy?
Sparkles: Kordy, Prii and Tina in the ring all at once. I’m not sure I can handle this Lovejoy.
Greyson: Put on your muzzle. On NewAge we saw Kordy confronted by Tina and Prii, who questioned Kordy’s faith in the GOOD Movement, so I guess now they feel they owe her an apology for their actions.
Prii, Tina and the world continue to wait and see if Kordy will take up the GOOD supporters on their request. “Call You Out’ by Flyleaf plays over the PA system and Kordy finally gives the pair the answer they were waiting for. The Evolution Champion steps out with her advisor, the Stranger following behind her.
Greyson: Oh Kordy…oh poor gullible Kordy. She should soooo know better than to come out here.
Sparkles: Why? The GOOD Movement never lies. I’m sure Tina and Prii are 100% sincere in their desire to make things right with Kordy. They hurt her feelings on NewAge, she called them poopy heads and everything. That can have serious effects on one’s conscious.
Greyson: Sure it can Sparkles, sure it can.
Kordy is almost too eager to enter the ring, sliding in under the ropes and juggling her Evolution Title, which she has affectionately dubbed, Cletus. Eventually it falls over her shoulder and frees up both of her hands for the microphone handed to her by the Stranger. He stands behind her, wearily overlooking Prii and Tina. Although Kordy takes their words at face value, the Stranger detects that there is something more to their comments….an inkling of deception.
Prii: Thank you, Kordy…truly, thank you for giving us this opportunity.
Tina: We really appreciate that you can overlook our rudeness on NewAge, and we are deeply…DEEPLY sorry if our words hurt your feelings.
Their apologies brings such a grin to Kordy’s face.
Kordy: Awww, its Kordy who should be sorry. Kordy knows Kordy crossed a line when Kordy called you both poopy heads. That was wrong.
Tina: To be fair, we had it coming for questioning your loyalty to the GOOD Movement.
Prii: It’s just that you’ve been spending so much time with the Sinistry lately that we started to get the wrong impression.
Tina: We thought maybe there was a possibility you were setting Ethan up to double cross him and join with the Frost family….namely Aiken. And we didn’t want to see you do something like that to our agent.
Prii: But Alana set us straight, the Goddess of GOODess made us realize we were TRAGICALLY mistaken.
Tina: And we hope you can see past it and forgive us, Kordy.
Prii: From the bottom of our hearts we’re sowwwwwy.
Kordy: Girls, with an apology as tender as that, Kordy would have to have a heart as black as coal not to forgive you. Apology accepted.
Tina: GOOD!
Valentine opens her arms and Kordy steps into them, the two hugging to the dismay of the fans. Prii then eagerly rushes in and makes this the most awkward group hug imaginable.
Prii: Doesn’t this feel GOOD?
Kordy: It does…Kordy likes to feel LOVED.
Tina: Well that’s what we’ve got for you, Kordy, nothin’ but love.
The crowd finally stops gagging now that the three ladies detach from one another, Prii and Tina stepping back from the smiling, ever so happy Kordy.
Tina: Kordy, I know Prii and I said we’re sorry, I know we hugged it out, but we still feel so awful.
Prii: Terrible.
Tina: So you know what we’re going to do, Kordy?
Kordy: Give Kordy a new Stretch Armstrong doll?
Prii: Noooo.
Tina: We’re going to help you with your Gavin Taylor problem.
Prii: How dare he come out here two weeks ago and threaten to take Cletus from you.
Tina: Yeah, I mean, you wouldn’t even give that belt to Ethan…
Prii: In spite of all that he sacrificed for you.
Tina: Gavin had the gall to challenge you to a match for YOUR Evolution Championship, a decision he’s going to regret.
Prii: GAVIN!
Foote steps up with microphone in hand and eyes intently focused on the entry way.
Prii: We’re calling you out. It’s time to deal with the real THREAT to the GOOD cause.
An eager Kordy turns to the stage, clinches her fists and buckles down for a brawl. A fight where she’ll be aided by Tina and Prii. The Stranger cracks his knuckles in anticipation of some physicality as well, prepared for whatever Taylor might bring through those curtains and to the ring. But thus far, Gavin brings nothing, wisely shying from facing a three on one disadvantage.
Foote: What’s wrong Gavin? Seems your wife may be more of a man than you.
Tina: Maybe you should send Maddie out here instead, she might give us a better challenge.
That was it, the straw that managed to shatter the camel’s back. The crowd is swept up into a tidal wave of emotion as the entrance theme of Gavin Taylor are cued up, the All Star making his way down the ramp sans his Tag Team Title belt, sans Tag Team partner, Andre Jordan, but Gavin’s wife, Madison, will be an adequate replacement. She strides right alongside her husband towards the ring, evening up the odds a little against the three waiting in the ring…..wait…make that the ONE waiting in the ring. Unbeknownst to Kordy, both Prii and Tina have shared a smirk before departing the ring, they roll under the ropes to the outside the moment that Gavin and Maddie enter the ring.
Greyson: Gavin, number one contender to the Evolution Championship answering this cha….where are Prii and Tina going?
Sparkles: Hey, get back in there, don’t you abandon Kordy!
Greyson: Did these two….did they-did they….set Kordy up?
Valentine and Foote watch from the ringside area with smiles on their faces as the Stranger shouts after them. He glares over the ropes and demands they get back into the ring. Kordy hears all this commotion behind her, prompting her to turn and take her eyes off of Gavin for only a moment. The second she spins back around she finds her throat demolished by the Real Men Use Lariats. Gavin sends Kordy corkscrewing through the air before ultimately coming right back down onto her face.
Laughter emanates from the Queen of the Ring Champion and Foote as they make their way towards the ramp. They have completely turned their backs on Kordy, who finds herself at the mercy of Taylor. However, right now Gavin’s focus is all consumed with the Evolution Title that has fallen out of Kordy’s grasp.
The Stranger tries to keep Taylor from taking possession of the belt but finds two boots launching directly into the side of his face, Maddie taking him out with a basement dropkick. The strike knocks the Stranger through the ropes to the outside of the ring and prevents him from interfering on Gavin’s celebration. Taylor picks up the Evolution Title, the championship that he has long pursued, now dangling from his outstretched palm. The fans enjoy this visual, but find themselves more so entertained at the visual of Gavin rushing in behind a staggering Kordy and bashing her in the back of the skull with the title. The blow to the back of the head sends Kordy spiraling into the ropes and ultimately collapsing to the mats outside of the ring.
Greyson: And Gavin’s revenge culminates to a receipt on Kordy for bashing him in the head with the Evolution Title on the last NewAge.
Sparkles: Captain Exposition at it again.
Greyson: I really wish that nickname wouldn’t have stuck.
Sparkles: You did earn it.
Kordy is not splayed across the outside mats for long, she’s drawn to her feet by the Stranger, and aided towards the backstage area. The two glare back at the ring and are forced to digest the visual of Gavin Taylor holding the Evolution Championship above his head. Maddie stands back clapping for her husband, who celebrates with the very belt he will attempt to take from Kordy at the End of the Year Special.
BACKSTAGE
We suddenly cut from one explosive situation to another that threatens to be just as chalk full of chaos. With the Riot theme song playing in the background, we see a three way split screen, not unlike the one shown moments before the main event to NewAge. On the right side of the screen we have Rachel Frost, NHB Champion being pulled along towards the ring by the monstrous Krauzer, tugging on the chain attached to Rachel’s collar. In the middle of the screen we see Ethan Von Aaron pacing and looking distressed as his eyes glare down at the floor and a referee jersey hangs over his body. On the far left of the screen we see Alana Starr with the X-Class Title over her shoulder, hanging out in the GOOD Express while Franz, Froderick and Fraank, her hair and make-up department, are doing some last minute touch ups on Starr.
The excited tones of Greyson Lovejoy and Sparkles provide a bit of hype as the commentators’ voices filter into the background, speaking over the Riot theme song that is blaring.
Greyson: Oooooh boy. This is going to be GOOD.
Sparkles: Ethan Von Aaron done stepped in it big time tonight.
Greyson: In a matter of minutes, it’s going to be Ethan Von Aaron as the special referee as his client, X-Class Champion Alana Starr takes on his lover, NHB Champion, Rachel Frost. Champion versus Champion coming up right here live on Riot.
Greyson: Who’s Ethan gonna side with?
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
Kordy: Did you see what he did to me? Did ya….did ya?
The flustered Kordy airs her grievances, and there’s a lot of them, to anyone who will listen, but primarily to Jaina Frost, who leans with a shoulder to a wall, twisting a tiny dagger by its handle, with the blade tip embedded under her finger nail. Harbinger, the former Hurse, stands in his hood and cloak behind Jaina’s back, head hung and face masked in shadow.
Harbinger: We see everything.
Jaina: What small, pasty and creepy said.
Kordy: Gavin hurt Kordy…she hurt Kordy bad.
The aggravated Evolution Champion rubs at her throat, still suffering from the Real Men Use Lariats. The Stranger is presently holding a hot towel to the back of Kordy’s head, keeping any inflammation from forming as a result of the shot she took across the skull with her own title belt.
Kordy: And worse of all, Gavitron Taylor took Kordy’s Cletus.
Jaina: Calm yourself.
Jaina reaches out and tries to sooth Kordy by patting her on the top of her head, with the hand not holding the dagger thankfully.
Jaina: We’ll take care of Gavin, because unlike the GOOD Movement, we don’t abandon our own…..Ooooh Jessica.
Jaina no sooner gets the name through her lips before Jessica Wilde and Executioner are leaping to her side. The Extraordinary Title that Wilde was gifted with on NewAge, hangs upon Jessica’s shoulder, but even the luster of gold fails to match the gleam in Wide’s eyes as she stands beside a member of the Sinistry.
Jaina: Gavin Taylor decided he would slip on his big boy pants this evening and assault Kordy in the ring. Do make him regret that decision.
Wilde: Absolutely my Princess.
Jaina: And retake possession of Kordy’s Evolution Title while you are at it.
Wilde: I will not fail you.
Jaina: Then run along and see it done.
Wilde: Come Executioner.
Executioner: GRRRR.
The towering juggernaut follows Jessica down the corridor.
Tina: OMG….are you okay, Kordy?
Once again faux remorse is displayed by Tina Valentine and Prii Foote, who step forth with forced expressions of grief on their faces. They move in behind Kordy, who turns and steps between Jaina, Harbinger and the Stranger. The Sinistry members and Kordy glare at the two GOOD Movement representatives who left Kordy twisting in the wind a few moments ago.
Prii: We’re so sorry we ‘chickened out’ at the last second.
Tina: Yeah, we so didn’t expect Maddie to come out with Gavin.
Prii: Caught us off guard.
Tina: Can you forgive us for abandoning you and ‘accidentally’ serving you up to Gavin?
Kordy doesn’t respond, she just stares at the two ladies with nostrils snarling. Before Kordy can finally express herself, in steps Jaina, draping an arm across Kordy’s shoulder and leaning with her cheek against the Evolution Champion’s arm.
Jaina: You two have been awfully mean to Kordy these past few weeks, and you have given Kordy much to think about. You’ll learn to regret leaving her in that ring when Kordy makes one of you…TAP-TAP-TAP.
Tina: Awww, come on Kordy, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Prii: We can still be friends.
Jaina: Kordy HAS friends….friends in the Sinistry.
Jaina muffles Kordy’s ears and leads her away from the condescending tones of the GOOD Movement. The Stranger follows, but not before giving Tina and Prii a tense stare. Once he’s taken his leave, Foote and Valentine can do what they do best, go back to plotting.
Tina: Well now that we’ve taken care of that threat to the GOOD Movement, I think it’s time we dealt with the threat to my Queen of the Ring Championship.
Prii: And Amanda Blayze is gonna make it pretty easy for us tonight…
Tina: Isn’t she though.
Prii: When she’s locked in that cage with Scott Cannon, she’s not going to be able to run like Lasiewicz did.
Tina: That hater is in for one brutal night.
RACHEL FROST © VS. ALANA STARR ©
CHAMPION VERSUS CHAMPION: ETHAN VON AARON REFEREE
”Everybody” is already playing through the PA system as Ethan Von Aaron emerges from the backstage area, body adorned in a striped referee shirt and black slacks. He makes his way down the ramp and towards the ring, but unlike earlier, we don’t see that same fire and intensity in his eyes. Instead we see doubt, dread, and despair in literally every step he takes up the steel stairs and into the squared circle.
Greyson: Welcome back to Riot, and Ethan Von Aaron is stepping back into the ring.
Sparkles: And unlike earlier, it’s not to compete.
Greyson: No, it’s to officiate the last match ANY of us were expecting to see here tonight.
Sparkles: Ethan was probably praying it wouldn’t come to this.
Greyson: Orlando Cruze booked it at the beginning of the night, Rachel Frost versus Alana Starr, Champion versus Champion, and Aiken Frost added the stipulation that Ethan Von Aaron has to officiate this match.
Sparkles: Which puts him in a tough spot, I mean, Alana, who’s smoking hot by the way, is Ethan’s client, and Rachel, who’s smoking hot by the way, is Ethan’s lover.
Greyson: But also Aiken’s wife, which is exactly why Frost has used his association with Principle Owner Desmond Drake, to force Ethan into this situation.
A situation Ethan dreads more and more with every second that passes, he longingly looks up the ramp as “Blue” begins to play over the PA speakers. All those in the Manhattan Center are cued to glare up the ramp as Rachel Frost steps out pulled by the chain leading to Krauzer’s hand. Aiken’s monster gives the chain a tug to force the NHB Champion along behind him and towards the squared circle.
Greyson: Rachel is probably nowhere near as reluctant to participate in this match as Ethan.
Sparkles: Yep, Rachel and Alana have been beating the crap out of each other for weeks now.
Greyson: Every time we turn around these two are jumping each other.
Sparkles: Which is all kinds of sexy….but all kinds of crazy too. Its crazy sexy.
Von Aaron is already gnawing on his finger nails as Rachel slides through the ropes and into the ring. Krauzer detaches the chain from her collar, allowing her to compete in what should be one of the most chaotic matches she’s had the pleasure of being involved in. “Now We Are Free” begins to play through the PA system and Alana Starr eagerly makes her way through the curtains. The X-Class Title hangs from her palm as she steps down the ramp, in her street clothes as opposed to her wrestling gear, realizing that this match is going to be nothing short of an out in out brawl.
Greyson: Alana Starr looks dressed for a war here tonight.
Sparkles: That’s what she and Rachel have been involved in for the past month, one long, sustained war.
Greyson: And Ethan Von Aaron, the man caught in the middle, might be the ultimate casualty.
Ethan is already trying to talk sense into Rachel, telling her it’s not too late to walk away, but Frost is not about to shy from another opportunity to get her hands on the other woman in Von Aaron’s life. She stays in the ring and glares at Alana, who slides under the ropes into the squared circle, no sooner getting to her feet before finding Ethan right in her face.
Ethan: Alana please. This match does not need to happen. You, Rachel and I, we can all hash this out. We can TALK….
Frost will have none of that, she bolts right across the ring and throws a forearm over Ethan’s shoulder and into Alana’s face. Starr is staggered back by the blow and Ethan wedges his shoulder to Frost’s ribs, pushing her back from his client.
Ethan: PLEASE RACHEL! I’m begging you to…
Starr will not allow this jab to her jaw to go unpunished, rushing across the ring and leaping over Ethan into a dropkick on Frost’s face. The NHB Champion goes down and Ethan steps back, hands on top of his head, a head shaking in response to everything he’s seeing. Alana crawls towards Rachel and begins to slug her repeatedly in the face with closed fists. At a loss for what to do, Ethan steps forward and starts a five count. He reaches four before Alana looks up and gives Von Aaron the glare of death.
Alana: Are you seriously about to disqualify me?
Ethan: Uhhhh…of course not…just trying to keep things civil.
A knee launches up and into the back of Alana’s head, Rachel smacking her in the skull. Starr rolls away from the NHB Champion, who lunges to her feet and then rushes across the ring into Alana with an attempt at the Loredo Lasso. Starr ducks under it though and Frost goes spinning around into a back kick to the gut. Alana then takes Rachel around the neck, setting for the Five Starr.
But Frost swings around out of the attempted flip over neck breaker, slips behind Alana and pushes her into the ropes. Starr ricochets from the cables and comes back in at Frost, who lunges into the air and delivers the Boot-Licker. The blow nails Starr in the mouth and puts her on her back.
Sparkles: I still can’t believe this match is happening.
Greyson: Me neither, and Starr and Frost are REALLY going at it.
The modified dropkick has put Starr to her back and sent her rolling across the ring to Ethan’s feet. Von Aaron quickly reaches down and grabs Alana by the arm, trying to lead her up to her feet. Although he’s attempting to help Alana up, he accidentally puts her in position for the running boot to the back of her skull. Frost nails a kick to Alana’s cranium, knocking Starr into the ropes and out of Ethan’s arms. Rachel scowls in her lover’s direction, Von Aaron breaking out into a cold sweat.
Rachel then kneels in anticipation of getting a running start behind a big boot on Starr in the corner. Rachel rushes across the ring and throws the boot that Alana manages to somehow duck out of the way of. As a result the Violent Kind’s boot flies over the ropes and she ends up almost crotching herself over the turnbuckle.
Starr now rushes in, leaves her feet and hits a big splash on Rachel’s back, putting even more strain on Frost’s hyperextended leg. Rachel then staggers back into the waiting arms of the X-Class Champion, who pulls her down into the back slide.
But Alana isn’t going for the pin, instead she allows Rachel to roll over to her knees, releasing Frost’s arms in order to take Frost’s neck and flip over into the Five Starr. The back of Rachel’s head hits the canvas and Alana crawls into the cover.
The X-Class Champion might have the pin if Ethan were actually making the count. He may be on his knees with arm raised to slap the canvas, but he’s not following through. Alana stares menacingly at Von Aaron, who groans before slapping the ring.
1
2
His count is so slow a turtle could have completed a marathon in the time it takes him to raise his arm for the third slap of the ring. Rachel has more than adequate time to get her shoulder up, twisting away from Alana, who is none too thrilled by the speed of her agent’s count. She stands up and makes it apparent just how angry she is by wedging a finger to Ethan’s chest and shoving him back.
Alana: What’s wrong with you? Don’t you care about my career? Don’t you care about me?
Ethan: Of course I do.
Alana: Then prove it, make the fudging count.
Starr then turns towards Rachel and finds her shin swiftly kicked out from under her, causing her face to come careening down right into Frost’s raised knee. Alana’s face bounces off the knee cap and she has been rendered unconscious by the collision. The SkipJack may have just netted Frost the victory, crawling into the cover and draping herself across Starr’s chest. Ethan watches this scene unfold with a dropped jaw and a quivering lip, unsure what he should do. Tentatively he drops to the canvas and slaps it after getting THAT look from Rachel.
1
2
His arm moves with the speed of a ninety year old geriatric with arthritic limbs. The hand comes down for a third count, but doesn’t get anywhere near close enough to make the count, allowing Starr ample opportunity to get her shoulder up.
The NHB Champion turns her vengeful eyes towards Ethan’s running lips.
Ethan: It doesn’t have to be like this, Rach. I’m telling ya, the three of us, we can get along. We can be a FAMILY…
The NHB Champion has seen what happens when she joins a family, and has had her fill of such relationships. In spite of Ethan’s best efforts, he cannot sway Frost from picking up where she left off on Alana. Rachel drags Starr up to her feet, takes hold of her wrist and whips her into the ropes, Frost spinning around to catch the X-Class Champion with the Loredo Lasso. However, Starr drops down and baseball slides right under Frost’s arm, then pops back to her feet behind her adversary’s back. Rachel spins around and spins around quickly right into a boot to the gut, doubling her over. Starr then takes off into the ropes at Rachel’s side, ricochets from them and then leaps into the air, getting enough height to deliver the Starr Crossed. The back of Alana’s shin travels towards the back of Rachel’s head, but the two never collide. Frost steps back at the last second, getting her skull out of the path of Alana’s scissors kick.
Starr then spins around right into Rachel’s Loredo Lasso. The clothesline nails Starr across the throat, knocking her into a backwards flip. She no sooner comes down to the canvas before being pushed over to her spine and finding herself the recipient of a pin. Rachel hooks both of Alana’s legs, the NHB Champion seconds from besting a woman who has become a heated rival in such a short span of time. Or at least she would be about to pin Alana, if Ethan would get off his ass and actually make the count Instead Von Aaron hangs back, biting his knuckle and pacing in the corner.
Rachel: Make the count Ethan!
Von Aaron grimaces in response to this demand but finally summons the courage to drop to his knees and reluctantly slap the canvas.
1
2
Of course the count is so slow a snail could probably do a thousand jumping jacks in the span of time it takes Ethan just to reach two. Starr manages to slip her shoulder up and off the canvas, avoiding defeat by a solid five minutes given the speed of Ethan’s count.
A look of malice consumes Rachel’s face after each kick out, which compels Frost to be a bit more malicious with her attack. She slaps her palm down over Alana’s throat, beginning to strangle her. It falls upon Ethan to intervene before he witnesses his client’s carotid artery being collapsed. He swoops in, grabs Rachel’s arm and pulls her palms back from Starr’s red throat.
Frost’s hands ball into fists and tremble to her sides as Ethan stands before her, begging, PLEADING for cooler heads to prevail. As Von Aaron drones on, capturing Rachel’s full, undivided focus, behind the referee’s back, Alana is crawling towards the corner where her X-Class Championship had been deposited. She slowly extends her hands and grabs hold of the belt, beginning to drag it in towards her body.
Greyson: You might want to intervene here Ethan, your client has got her X-Class Championship.
Sparkles: And she’s gonna bust a biscuit’s skull with it.
A gasping Starr works her way to her feet, rubbing her throat with one hand and holding her title belt in the other. All the while Rachel is throwing her arms into the air and turning her back to Ethan, filling him with a false sense of security. Ethan turns back to his client, spotting her holding her X-Class Championship with the clear intent of using it in this match. But Von Aaron cuts her off, turning himself into a human barrier between Starr’s belt, and Rachel’s backside.
What Ethan doesn’t realize is that Rachel needs no protection, she’s already filling her hands with the tool that will put an end to Starr’s plans. The NHB Title belt is dragged out of Rachel’s corner and extended across her palms, right on the cusp of putting it to good use. But Ethan turns in the nick of time to spot the belt stretched between Frost’s hands, prompting him to cut her off.
Von Aaron lunges towards Rachel and throws his palms out in front of her and her title belt. He pleads with her not to do this, though the decision has already been made. She grabs Ethan by the referee jersey and pulls him out of the way before swinging her NHB Title belt. At the same time Alana Starr is ALSO swinging her X-Class Title gold.
Two belts prepare to connect with two heads, Frost and Starr about to take each other out simultaneously. The X-Class Title…the NHB Title…they land across a skull….the skull of the man who leaped right between both championship belts. Ethan tried to cut both Alana and Rachel off at the pass, but neither lady is able to stop themselves before they crush opposite ends of Von Aaron’s skull with their respective titles.
Sparkles: AAAAAAH!
Greyson: They killed him…they just killed Von Aaron!
Sparkles: Ethan just threw himself in the way of two bullets.
Greyson: And he got mowed down in the process.
Ethan tries to protect his lover and his client and accidentally sacrifices himself in the process. After taking the X-Class and NHB Titles to both temples, Von Aaron finds himself teetering between feet and lifting a finger into the air. It looks like he’s about to say something, but his only response is a Flair Flop straight into the canvas. Alana drops her X-Class Title and Rachel drops her NHB gold, both ladies instead putting their hands to use trying to reach down and help Ethan.
Alana: Oh GOODness…oh GOODness…Ethan, I’m so sorry.
Rachel: Get up Ethan…come on….walk it off.
The champions continue to grab at Von Aaron and compel him to stand up, but he’s incommunicado. He can barely lift an eyelid, let alone his entire body from the canvas. Somehow in the process of tugging on Ethan’s body, Alana’s and Rachel’s arms cross, inspiring them to take their focus off of the plight of Von Aaron and to glare at one another.
Rachel & Alana: This is YOUR fault.
Rachel and Alana not only share the same comment, they now share an exchange of punches. Frost throws a jab across Starr’s jaw and she retaliates with a blow of her own, the two fighting back and forth over top of the body of Von Aaron.
Finally Alana connects with a double leg take down on Rachel, and then crawls on top of her as the two continue to exchange punches. They then find themselves trading positions and rolling across the canvas…wait…not over the canvas….they roll over Ethan’s body. They end up on top of the special guest referee, throwing punches and knees into one another’s bodies.
Greyson: Somebody get Ethan out of the ring already, his special ladies are fighting on top of him for Christ sakes.
Sparkles: Von Aaron might be the luckiest man alive right now. You can’t tell me you wouldn’t want two smoking hot babes rolling around on top of you.
Greyson: Not in this capacity I wouldn’t. These two are tearing each other apart, but in the process they’re tearing Ethan apart as well.
Von Aaron continues to just lie on the canvas under Starr and Rachel, doing nothing but drawing breaths into his lungs even as Alana grabs Frost’s ears and begins to drive the back of the NHB Champion’s skull repeatedly into Ethan’s kidneys.
Alana: How dare you hurt Ethan!
Before Starr can inflict brain damage on Frost, and lasting kidney trauma on Von Aaron, Frost reaches up and digs thumbs into Alana’s eyes, raking them. Alana then rolls away, swiping at her face before turning back towards Rachel, who no sooner gets to her feet before leaving them to catch the inbound Starr.
Frost catches Alana coming in with a drop toe hold that sends Starr crashing right into Ethan’s back. The moment Rachel realizes what she’s done, she rises to her feet with hands griping at the hair on top of her head.
Greyson: I almost feel bad for Von Aaron.
Sparkles: And I almost envy Von Aaron.
Starr rolls away from Ethan and suddenly realizes she unintentionally splashed her agent, cupping her mouth in shock. Though Alana will be cupping her face for an entirely different reason if Rachel has her way. Frost approaches her with such gruesome intentions, but finds her progress halted when her eyes avert to the arrival of Franz, Fraank and Froderick, Alana’s stylists hurrying towards the ring.
Greyson: Who the hell are these guys now?
Sparkles: That’s Alana’s hair and make-up crew. I slipped them twenty bucks to give me a few clippings of Starr’s bangs. It keeps me company at night.
Greyson: Just keep on giving Alana ammunition for that lawsuit, Sparkles.
Rachel continues to approach the seated Alana, fully intent on turning Starr’s face into oatmeal before Franz, Fraank and Froderick prevent Frost from mangling their client. They surround Starr and not only protect her, but begin to tease her hair as well. At the same time Krauzer, the monster who dragged Rachel to the ring for this bout is stepping over the cables into the squared circle. His massive hands are already filled with a bottle of chloroform and a rag, looking to drug Frost into submission much as he’s done over the past few weeks before taking her back to her husband.
Greyson: Krauzer about to put that chloroform rag over Rachel’s mouth again and force her into compliance.
Sparkles: Can I borrow that rag after he’s done with it?
Krauzer begins to step in behind Rachel, who is far too focused on Alana to care that the beast is sneaking up behind her. The rag nears her lips before Krauzer suddenly feels a tug on his forearm. The masked goliath turns to Franz, who overlooks the giant with an appalled expression on his face.
Franz: You should keep your girly girl under better supervision, yah?
Franz points at Alana, who is being helped up by Fraank and Froderick.
Franz: She could have messed Starr Chylde’s hair.
Krauzer listens…..for all of about two seconds….before grabbing hold of Franz’s neck and heaving him into a very powerful and very devastating chokeslam.
Greyson: Krauzer just chokeslammed a member of Alana’s entourage!
Sparkles: Poor Franz.
Fraank and Froderick watch on in disbelief as their fellow stylist is driven into the ring. Both men lose their senses, leaping at Krauzer and driving forearms over the gruesome goliath’s body. Krauzer’s distraction allows Rachel to make a discreet exit from the ring. Well, she’s kind of discreet at least. It’s kind of hard to be discreet when she’s dragging the body of Ethan along behind her. Von Aaron’s limp frame falls into Rachel’s side, turning herself into a crutch in order to aid him up the ramp and towards the backstage area. They only get about half way up the ramp before Alana comes charging after them, the X-Class Champion pursuing her rival and her agent directly into the backstage area.
Meanwhile inside of the ring Krauzer has swatted aside Froderick and Fraank, knocking both men back and into the cables. Fraank ricochets from the cables and comes back into a devastating big boot across the chin that almost decapitates his skull as a result. Froderick then charges at Krauzer only to be caught with a boot to the gut doubling him over. His well-groomed hair is grabbed and employed to drag his head under Krauzer’s seat. He is then heaved into the air before ultimately being spiked via a ring shaking powerbomb across the canvas.
Aiken’s monster Krauzer now stands over all the bodies amassed around him, surveying all the damage that he has just done. But there is one body he is most intent on locating, the one that is leading Ethan along to the backstage area in his damaged, incoherent state. It finally dawns on Krauzer that Rachel Frost has eluded his grasp.
BACKSTAGE
The Evolution Title belt fills the camera, both height and width wise. After a second or two the lens retracts and captures Gavin Taylor flaunting the belt he just stole from Kordy a few moments earlier. His wife Maddie is all grins, examining the belt upon her husband’s shoulder.
Maddie: God that’s shinny.
Gavin: I agree, the belt’s got a bit of a luster.
Maddie: I was talking about your forehead, I think you exfoliated a little too heavily this afternoon.
Gavin: Probably, you know I always want to look good for you.
Maddie: You had damn well better. I don’t like it when your sweet ass looks like Chewbacca after a three day meth bender.
Gavin: One time…one time I forgot to shave before we went out, and you’re still making the Chewbacca comments. But you know what, someone who probably is really obsessing over their personal appearance right now, Kordy. She’s soo freaking out right now and sooo self conscious because she happened to lose her Cletus.
Maddie: Is that what they’re calling it nowadays? I always thought it was called ‘popping your cherry.’
Gavin: Nooo Maddie, noooo, ‘losing her Cletus’ is not a euphemism for….never-mind. Anyway, I think I’ve tormented Kordy enough, don’t you?
Maddie: Debatable.
Gavin: I think it’s time I gave Kordy the opportunity to show just how valuable Cletus really is to her. I’m headed for the ring and Cletus here is coming along with me.
Maddie: You and I should soooooo have a threesome with Cletus later.
Gavin: I’ll keep that in mind IF Kordy doesn’t grow a sack and come back for her title.
Andre: Hopefully she’s a bigger chicken-shit then either of us give her credit for, because that belt looks damn good where it’s sitting.
Gavin smirks over Jordan’s statement. For the first time in the storied history of both men’s careers, they can actually almost tolerate being in the same room with one another. It seems that Jordan relinquishing his Evolution Title shot to Gavin has gone a long way in repairing the shaking relationship between Team EPIC.
Gavin: Don’t worry Dre, it doesn’t matter if Kordy comes out to take the title tonight or not, because after the End of the Year Special the strap will be coming back to my broad shoulders. I’m going to leave her feeling more fucked up and violated than one of Bill Cosby’s dates.
Andre: You know what brother, your words and your actions inspire me. I think I’m going to head out to that ring with you and put my opponent at the End of the Year Special in her place, just like you’ve put yours in her place.
Gavin: You got something special in mind for Alana?
Andre: You’ll find out when she does.
Taylor and the Evolution Championship embark for the ring with his tag team partner Andre following behind while the camera slowly pulls back from the departing Team Epic members to find a figure leering at them from around a corner. Jessica Wilde sticks her head out and shakes it as she watches Gavin take off with her friend’s belt in her possession. Like a turtle she retracts her head and then turns it towards Executioner, who is holding Jessica’s Extraordinary Title belt and towering in the shadows behind her.
Wilde: The gall of that man. Can you believe him?
Executioner: Grrrr.
Wilde: Exactly, his arrogance is only matched by his idiocy. Let’s deal with him and let’s take back Kordy’s Evolution Title.
Executioner: Grrr…
Wilde: Ha…good one….you should REALLY do standup.
The two go to pursue Gavin only to be cut off by a messenger extending an envelope.
Messenger: Ah…finally. Are you Jessica Wilde?
Wilde: Great. Not another one of these.
Jessica reaches out and snatches the letter out of the messenger’s hand.
Wilde: I’m sick of these already.
The messenger remains, snapping his fingers in anticipation of a tip.
Wilde: Executioner, reimburse the man for his troubles.
The masked giant does exactly as told, reaching out and grabbing hold of the Messenger’s throat before throwing him back into a wall. He bounces off and collapses to the floor, right alongside the tattered envelope. Wilde now holds a note in her hand, studying it.
Wilde: Hmmm…this is just like the one I got on NewAge.
Executioner: Grrrr…
Wilde: Yeah, the first letter made no sense, just said “Not Yours.” What does that even mean?
Executioner: Grrrr.
Wilde: And I don’t even care to read this one, because what matters right now, is getting the Evolution Title back for Kordy. We’ve got a mission, now let’s get to it.
The letter addressed to Wilde is tossed to the floor, Jessica stepping over it as the camera zooms in to capture what was written on its surface.
”Fear All. Trust None.”
A shadow is cast over the letter, someone standing over it, someone watching as Wilde and Executioner step off camera.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
Aiken: You have failed us Krauzer…and failure will not be tolerated!
A leather strap finds its way over the back of the masked monster, who kneels on the concrete and receives lashing after lashing from the Sinistry’s Decay. One of the Sinistry’s most devout followers repeatedly slaps the strap across Krauzer’s upper back, leaving tears in the flesh. And he does this at the behest of Aiken Frost, who is standing back observing Krauzer withstand this punishment. Instead of defending himself, or even unleashing a defiant whimper, Krauzer kneels on the floor backstage taking these lashings.
Aiken: You allowed Rachel to slip away, and now it falls upon me to locate her. My time is taxed enough for one evening in dealing with Taylor Chase, and this two on one handicap match I am being subjected to. I do not have the freedom or luxury of chasing my wife about.
Another lashing is about to be delivered by Decay before Aiken catches the strap in his hand. He then pulls the whip from Decay’s palm and cranes his neck towards the figure making her way down the corridor. Decay quickly tries to obscure the image of the gashes left across Krauzer’s back and aide him to his feet so that the encroaching Alana Starr cannot see what the Sinistry was just doing to the giant.
Aiken: Mrs. Starr. What a pleasure it is to see you.
The X-Class Champion was so immersed in thought that she barely even noticed Aiken standing in front of her before the top of her head almost stuck his chest.
Alana: Oh, uhhh, Aiken.
Aiken: I do hope you are well.
Alana: I’m holding up, in spite of what your wife just did to me.
Starr rubs her jaw, which is still stinging from a Loredo Lasso delivered by Rachel Frost.
Aiken: I wish I could do more to contain her wrath, however, it is an impossible task when your agent Ethan goes out of his way to play you and she off of one another.
Alana: Ethan and I will have words, that’s for sure.
Aiken: I hope there will be more to it than that. I prey you can get your agent in line, just as I will make a concerted effort to tighten the leash upon my wife.
Aiken glances over his shoulder at the two towering goliaths behind him.
Aiken: Follow me my children. We have work that must be done.
Decay: Come Krauzer.
Aiken: First we find Rachel, then we ensure Taylor joins the family.
Aiken leads the Sinistry’s collection of monsters down the hall and past Alana. The moment they step out of range to hear her words Starr is free to speak into the phone she begins raising towards her lips.
Alana: I think I can help you with your problem with your wife, Lucien.
She hits the number on her contacts list and raises the phone to her ear.
Alana: Daddy, can you get your friends to help me with something?
IN-RING
Andre Jordan: Alana Starr….Jellybean…I think it’s time we finally cleared the air.
The fans try to remain respectfully quiet in order to accommodate Andre Jordan and his need for a cathartic, cleansing chat with the X-Class Champion, the very lady he’ll face for her title at the End of the Year Special. Jordan, shoulder weighed heavy by his Tag Team Title belt, stands in the middle of the ring with microphone in hand, having eagerly anticipated the return from commercial break.
Sparkles: Oh great, the THUG is in the ring.
Greyson: And he’s been there throughout a good chunk of the commercial break.
Sparkles: There’s only one way this segment can be redeemable. If Alana Starr comes out and battels Andre in a Pants off, Dance Off.
Greyson: After everything that’s gone between Starr and Jordan over the last year, the only dance they’ll do is the one for the X-Class Title at the End of the Year Special.
Dre reflects on his troubled history with Alana, former lover turned bitter rival.
Andre: I can’t believe it, Jellybean, I can’t believe I didn’t see your true nature. I was too blinded by the beauty and by the charisma to see what you really are beneath the surface. A cold hearted malicious person who would allow something like this….
Jordan raises his chin to show the scar left across his throat by the piano cord that choked him on NewAge.
Andre:….to happen to someone she once cared about. And all over what? A championship? You mean to tell me you’re willing to stoop to attempted homicide just to keep a title around your waist?
Dre shakes his head before continuing with his emotional speech.
Andre: You really do make a convincing liar, Alana, because you deceived me into thinking you were an actual human being. But now that I see what you are, and what you’re really capable of, I’m not just sickened, but I’m ready. Ready to handle that sickness. Ready to deal with the piano cords, machetes, Five Starrs, runs in, yadda-yadda, in order to take that belt you obsess over from around your waist, Jellybean.
Every time he utters his past pet name for Alana, he smiles and winks at the camera.
Andre: But it seems before I can deal with you, I have to deal with your DADDY first. I’m sure your precious Papa will have something to say about our match at the End of the Year Special and attempt to wield some type of influence over it. So what am I to do? Am I to let nature run its course and prey that I can overcome another run in from your father’s goons? Or do I take a proactive stance against Mercedes and his gang, all but ensuring that I win the X-Class Title at the pay-per-view? Hmmm, decision-decisions….
Jordan opens his palms, lowering one and raising the other like their scales weighing the pros and cons.
Andre: You know what? I think I’ll take the fight to Mercedes. So with that said, I am hereby challenging Mercedes Starr to come to the ring on NewAge and face me!
The crowd HAS to do a double take in response to this revelation.
Andre: It’s time you answered for not only what you’re gang tried to do to me on NewAge, but also for what they did to Gavin Taylor’s wife at Upping the Ante. You and me, Mercedes, right in the middle of this ring come NewAge. Be a man and show me what you’re really willing to do to keep that X-Class Title around your daughter’s waist.
GAVIN TAYLOR VS. JESSCICA WILDE
”Woe is Me” hits the speakers to a response that puts butterflies in the pits of everyone’s stomach. Gavin Taylor now makes his way down the ramp to reaction that is only getting louder. The fans are quite enamored with the visual of the Team Epic member, who strolls along to the ring with one half of the Tag Team Titles around his waist and Kordy’s Evolution Championship draped over his shoulder. He steps up onto the apron, lifts the stolen belt and plants a big ole kiss upon its surface. The moment he enters the ring he and Jordan bump knuckles, Andre whispering some encouraging words into Taylor’s ear before vacating the ring.
Greyson: HUGE challenge just made by Andre Jordan for next week on NewAge. He actually wants Alana’s father, Mercedes in the ring. But speaking of huge challenges, we now segue into this bout between Andre’s partner, Gavin, and the Sinistry supporter Jessica Wilde.
Sparkles: Hope Gabbie knows what he’s getting himself into right now.
Greyson: He’s about to step into the ring with a group that he has definitely agitated via his attack on Kordy earlier tonight and his taking of that Evolution Title presently over his shoulder.
Sparkles: He’s got no right to hold Kordy’s belt….that thing is more precious to Kordy than her boobs.
Gavin stop Frenching Kordy’s belt or gabbing with the departing Jordan, and nestles the stolen belt tight, not allowing it to get very far away from him and for good reason. “My Demons” by Starset hits the loud speakers and two individuals who are intent on retaking possession of the Evolution Title make their way down the ramp. Jessica Wilde storms towards the ring with the seven foot masked Executioner shadowing her every step.
Greyson: Look at Wilde…
Sparkles: Not like I had any intention of ever taking my eyes off of her.
Greyson: She looks pretty determined right now. She wants Kordy’s Evolution Title belt back.
Sparkles: Well it will be the perfect bargaining chip for the Sinistry to curry favor with Kordy and maybe even indoctrinate her into their ranks.
Wilde and Executioner slide into the ring with Jessica removing the Extraordinary Title belt that Harbinger gifted to her on the last NewAge. She tosses it aside and immediately steps up into the smiling Gavin’s face, wedging a finger deliberately to his chest.
Wilde: What gives you the right to take what Kordy loves the mo…
Suddenly Gavin hauls off and blasts Jessica across the cheek with a forearm before she could finish her sentence. This action leads to an equal and…well…not so opposite reaction.
Taylor suddenly finds a hand clasping down upon his throat. Executioner slaps his palm around Gavin’s neck and prepares to chokeslam him before this match can even commence. Jessica watches with twisted delight as her masked protector heaves Gavin into the air to spike him on the canvas only to have Taylor slip out of his grasp at the last second. Taylor twists in mid-air, the Tag Team Champion landing behind Executioner and then waiting for the big man to turn around. The moment the giant spins towards his target he finds his forehead smashed by the Evolution Title still in Gavin’s hands. The belt cracks Executioner in the face and knocks him unconscious to the canvas.
Greyson: Gavin taking out Executioner with the belt…
Sparkles: The belt he took from Kordy.
Greyson: The belt he’ll challenge Kordy for at the End of the Yea….WATCH OUT.
Gavin watches Executioner tumble to the ring but should have been watching Wilde sneaking in behind him. Taylor is spun around and has a chloroform rag placed over his nose and mouth.
Greyson: Wilde using a chloroform rag to make Taylor pass out.
Sparkles: This is genius, even you have to admit that, Lovejoy.
Greyson: I don’t have to admit shit.
Jessica ALMOST has the rag forced over Gavin’s nostrils and mouth, but Taylor is fighting it off. He uses all his strength to push Wilde’s arm back and keep the rag from rendering him comatose.
Wilde: No…NOOOOO!
A mortified Wilde screeches as the rag is pushed out of her hand and her body is sent spinning completely away from Taylor. The force of Gavin’s shove upon Jessica’s wrist, sends her spiraling completely around into a step up enzugari to the back of her skull. The blow sends Wilde spiraling into the ropes, falling into the cables and ricocheting off right back into Gavin’s waiting arms. He catches Jessica coming in against his shoulder before heaving her up into the air with a high back body drop. Wilde catches quite a bit of elevation before ultimately splatting spine first across the ring.
Referee Fitzpatrick comes rushing down the ramp and sliding into the ring, and hopefully he’ll fair better than the last official to judge a match. Fitzpatrick calls for the bell and the bout is underway in a legal capacity, Gavin lawfully getting his hands on the struggling Wilde.
Jessica crawls away from Taylor and tries to squirm through the ropes in order to escape his wrath, but Gavin will allow no rest for the wicked. He reaches through the ropes, grabs Jessica’s hair and tries to tug her back into the ring. But Jessica sits up on the apron, reaches back, takes Gavin around the neck then drops to the outside mats, hitting Taylor with a modified stunner throat first across the cable.
Gavin staggers back towards the center of the ring, clutching at his throat and struggling for oxygen. Wilde then comes sliding in in front of the disorientated Taylor and looks to leap through the slim window of opportunity. She charges directly at Gavin only to find herself drilled in the face with a back elbow. The blow knocks Wilde to the canvas which she goes rolling across, once again trying to avoid the man nipping hot at her heels. She gets to the apron with Gavin reaching over the cables to catch her only to have Wilde leap to her feet, reach up and wrap her hands around the back of Taylor’s head before jumping off the apron. Gavin’s throat is snapped back off of the top rope, sending him staggering back towards the center of the ring.
Taylor doubles over gasping for air and puts himself in perfect position for Wilde’s famasser. She slides into the ring at Taylor’s side, charges in beside him and leaps into the Pestilence, placing her leg across the back of Gavin’s neck. Taylor does not go down though, instead he stands straight up, sending Wilde flipping over backwards and landing on her feet.
Taylor then goes for a big and powerful lariat on Wilde’s throat only to have Jessica drop into a forward roll under the attempted blow. She then slides through the cables behind Gavin, who turns around and comes rushing in only to have Wilde catch him around the back of the head. She tries to jump off the apron and snap Gavin’s throat against the cable only to have the All Star block that attempt. He reaches out and puts his hands to Wilde’s chest before shoving her off, sending Jessica flying from the apron and landing…not on the mats…but in the arms of Executioner. The big man catches Jessica and staggers back from the ring, cradling Wilde in his gentle clutches.
Now Gavin prepares to test Executioner’s carrying capacity. He steps up onto the turnbuckle above Executioner and Wilde then comes flying off. The Manhattan Center erupts at the vision of Gavin connecting with a big splash from the top rope to the ringside, his body thrown into Executioner and Wilde.
Greyson: Gavin turning himself into a one man wrecking ball.
Sparkles: Thanks for reminding me of that Miley Cyrus panties video, should get me through the rest of the night.
The fans aren’t the only ones lunging to their feet, so is Gavin, who stands up and drags Wilde away from her masked subordinate. He then rushes Jessica towards the ring and throws her inside. It doesn’t take long for the number one contender to the Evolution Title to begin following her in….actually, it takes much longer for him to get his foot out of the clutches of the Executioner. The monster crawls up behind Gavin and latches onto his ankle, keeping him from getting completely into the ring. Gavin’s upper half is already extended through the ropes, but he can’t pull his feet inside with Executioner so stubbornly locked on them.
Gavin is so fixated on freeing his foot that he doesn’t even see Jessica swooping in from beside, leaping into the air and connecting with the Pestilence. The famasser drives Taylor’s face into the canvas and leaves him susceptible to the pin. Wilde scrambles into the cover, forearm wedged to Gavin’s face.
1
2
In spite of the Pestilence, coupled with so many chokes on the ropes, Gavin is still able to get his shoulder up and prevent defeat.
Greyson: Gavin just too hyped tonight…
Sparkles: Then someone cut down on his damned caffeine intake already. Cut some of the fucking sugar out of his diet and then maybe he won’t be going around taking other people’s title belts.
Jessica is flabbergasted by Gavin’s kick out, but now she prepares to deliver a kick of her own. The moment Gavin gets up to his knees he finds his temple smashed by a thrust kick out of Wilde. The blow knocks Gavin onto his back and the air from the lungs of the squealing crowd. Wilde drops into another lateral press.
1
2
Somehow Gavin manages to get a shoulder up even quicker than before. The arm that launched from the ring is grabbed, Wilde employing it to drag Gavin along to his knees, face aimed towards the canvas. Wilde then rushes up to Gavin’s side, leaps into the air, places a boot to the back of his head and delivers the Absolution. The curb stomp drives Taylor’s face into the ring with enough force to render him unconscious, but is it enough to defeat him? Wilde crawls into the cover on Gavin, both legs hooked this time.
1
2
But even hooking the legs, even hitting the Absolution, none of it will keep Gavin down, and maybe nothing will.
Sparkles: Good God, is anything Wilde hits Gavin with gonna be enough?
Greyson: Not with Gavin so amped up here tonight.
Sparkles: Well tell him to stop spreading cocaine on his morning pancakes, then maybe he’ll wind down a little bit.
The only substance driving Gavin right now is heart. The Tag Team Champion is already trying to stand up when Jessica steps in, takes him around the arm, steps over it and prepares to go for the rolling arm grapevine. She drops to her side and flips Gavin over to his back, but it’s not into the submission. Somehow she loses her grasp on Gavin’s arm and he goes rolling off his back onto his feet and into the corner. He then comes rushing out of it right into a big knee to the face of a seated and stunned Wilde. The blow knocks Jessica to her back and now Gavin drops down beside Wilde, catching her arm, folding it over backwards and going for the Anaconda Vice.
He is just about to get it locked in before Wilde rolls over backwards onto her feet and frees her skull from the submission predicament. She then goes charging into the cables at Gavin’s side, ricocheting off and leaping into the air for the Absolution. Her foot slams down, but not into the back of Taylor’s head, instead it strikes nothing but canvas, her attempted curb stomp completely missing its mark. She then turns around and turns into the Real Men Use Lariats.
The All Star rushes in and goes for the lariat only to have his bicep hit with a mafia kick, blocking his attempt at the move. Gavin turns away from Jessica, the side of his face now opened to a second thrust kick, this one even more devastating than the last. The boot blasts Taylor directly in the temple and sends him staggering back into the ropes. He ricochets off towards the waiting Wilde and almost decapitates her with the Real Men Use Lariats.
Greyson: Real Men Use Lariats!
Sparkles: Wilde never saw it coming!
Greyson: I don’t think anyone did.
Gavin continues his momentum, dragging Wilde up and over his shoulder before unleashing the Highlight of the Night. The over the shoulder reverse neckbreaker plants Wilde with such paralyzing force against the canvas and now Gavin is about to go for the cover only to have Executioner intervene. The masked giant has seen enough sliding into the ring and going after Gavin only to have Taylor duck the big man’s attempted big boot. Executioner’s kick carries him into a full swing, turning back to face Gavin who decapitates the massive brute with the Real Men Use Lariats. The referee has no other alternative but to call for the bell, throwing out this match.
Sparkles: Gavin very close to victory before Executioner intervened.
Greyson: Can the Sinistry let one match go without ruining it?
The Manhattan Center watches Taylor take out both members of the Sinistry, but it’s not the Gavin Taylor the world is accustomed to seeing, the man they witness at the moment is a far more intense, far more centered, far more focused Gavin. Every one of his mannerisms, every one of his gesticulations, every one of his moves even the most mundane ooze with passion, even as he reaches down and grabs the Evolution title out of the corner. At the same time another object is being grabbed from the ring, Wilde. She is dragged out of the ring and into Executioner’s clutches, the big man carrying Jessica backwards away from the ring.
Gavin: You want this Kordy?
Although he’s a little out of breath at the moment Gavin still manages to make use of the microphone he’s just taken from the ring announcer. He carries both the mic and Kordy’s Evolution Title to the center of the squared circle.
Gavin: You want your Evolution Title back, and you sent one of the Sinistry’s gophers out to take it from me? See, that right there doesn’t show me that you really appreciate this championship. Sure, you can personify it, you can name it, you can even marry this one too, but none of that really demonstrates how valuable the belt is to you. Because the only way to REALLY prove the championship’s worth to you is by showing what you’re willing to sacrifice for it. Sending Jessica out to try and steal back the belt, that doesn’t risk anything on your end. And risk….to your well-being and to your career, that’s what makes a champion a champion. So with that in mind, I’m willing to give you one last crack, Kordy…
The Evolution Title drops to the canvas at Gavin’s feet.
Gavin: Come and get it Kordy…..come on girl……cooome and get it.
Taylor steps back from the belt and provides Kordy just enough room to grab her belt. It doesn’t take long for Kordy to take Gavin up on his offer. The rightful Evolution Champion makes her way through the curtains with the Stranger following behind her. The two are clearly agitated by the events that have unfolded here tonight and that agitation grows the closer the pair gets to the ring.
The Stranger slides in first, wearily watching Gavin and making sure he doesn’t budge before the masked figure parts the ropes so that Kordy can slip through them. Now it’s Kordy’s turn to tentatively stare down Gavin, who looks amused by the concern she is exhibiting.
Hesitation continues to be shown by Kordy as she nervously looks between Gavin and the belt lying at his feet.
Greyson: Gavin offering to give Kordy the belt, but is he going to be true to his word here?
Sparkles: He better be.
Greyson: Well, you never can tell when it comes to the dangerously unpredictable Taylor.
Gavin continues to smile in reaction to Kordy’s reluctance. The rightful Evolution Champion is sooo hesitant to reach out for her belt, and for good reason given what Taylor did to her earlier tonight. She watches every twitch, every breath drawn into Gavin’s lungs, refusing to take her eyes off of him even as she methodically stoops to pick up the belt. The gold sloooowly slides away from Taylor’s feet before his boot suddenly comes down on the strap. Kordy’s eyes dart up and into Taylor’s face, which produces a cunning smile. He then raises his toes and allows the belt to be drawn back to Kordy’s shoulder.
Kordy hugs the gold so tight but the Stranger’s grip on Gavin’s throat might be tighter. The Stranger darts across the ring and goes after Taylor only to have Gavin leap out of the ring, putting the ropes between he and Kordy’s advisor.
Greyson: Well Taylor was true to his word, he gave back the Evolution Title, but not after playing a few mind games with Kordy and the Stranger first.
Sparkles: Not smart on Gavin’s part, considering Kordy’s got a mind for games.
Kordy’s lips tremble with anger as she watches Gavin back up towards the announce table and smile bright enough to light an airport runway. Kordy is so angered by the smile and the actions of Taylor, yet she still rises to her knees and raises the Evolution Title high above her head.
BACKSTAGE
Ethan: Are we going to Disneyland Mommy?
Rachel: Shhh…shhh…shhh…
Rachel Frost tries to cajole poor Ethan Von Aaron, the man having suffered far too much for one evening. His plight has forced him to transform his lover, the NHB Champion, into a human crutch, his arm splayed across Frost’s shoulder. She supports the vast majority of his weight as the two proceed along through the gorilla position.
Rachel: Let’s get outta here Ethan, while ya still got one or two dem brain-cells left in yer head.
Ethan: Can I have cookies? I want cookies and milk….milk with a silly straw.
Rachel: Jus be quiet darlin’.
The NHB Champion continues to prop the man she unintentionally bashed upside the skull with the belt that hangs from her palm. Although Ethan only tried to use his position as special referee for Rachel’s match earlier tonight to protect Frost, it ended up costing him his own health in a big way. He received a beat-down from both Starr and Frost, hence why he is unable to maintain his own body weight.
Rachel: If we can take one good thing from this whole situation, it’s that I’m free…we dun got away from Krauzer and Aiken, meanin’ we can be togetta.
Ethan: Good…..hehehe…GOOD….HAHAHAHA….GOOD! GOOD! GOOD! GOOD!
Rachel: Keep it down honey.
Mercedes: Are joo two going somewhere?
Frost and Ethan were so close to fulfilling their deepest desires, running away together and freeing Frost from the clutches of her maniacal husband. But Mercedes Starr, father of ‘X-Class Champion’ Alana, and his consortium of twisted supporters, El Cuchillo, Hector and Solomon form a human wall that blocks Rachel’s escape. La Tigra stands to the side of her business associate Mercedes, the powerful and dangerous woman lurking alongside her squad of assassins.
La Tigra: Joo learnt nothing from NewAge, I see. Joo are not going anywhere until joo pay for what joo did to Alana.
Mercedes: No one messes with my beautiful daughter.
La Tigra extends something towards El Cuchillo, the most elder and battle tested of her goons.
La Tigra: Finish this.
A lion’s paw is placed in El Cuchillo’s hands and he no sooner receives this token before he, Solomon and Hector dash forward and leap at Rachel. She manages to drop Ethan out of harm’s way before fending off the blows she’s receiving from the very same three men who assaulted and threatened to behead her on NewAge.
Ethan: GOOD! GOOD! GOOD!
The still loopy and barely conscious Von Aaron sits on the floor, having no idea what’s going on around him yet continues to employ the chant of his collective even as his lover is being overwhelmed by Alana’s support squad.
Ethan: GOOD! GOOD! GOOD!
Mercedes steps forth and looks down at the drooling Von Aaron while offering a judgmental shake of his head.
Mercedes: Repulsive.
Ethan: GOOD! GOOD! GOOD!
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
The crowd has quite the emphatic response to the sight of Taylor Chase making her way down a corridor. The Number One Contender to the World Championship looks to be carrying a very heavy burden with her as she makes her way towards the room reserved for her husband. The moment the fans have been waiting for is finally here, Taylor and Orlando are about to have a showdown. She steps through the door and into the President’s dressing room, finding one person inside she wanted to see, Cruze, and another she did not, Kloe Masters.
Kloe: You know this is your only choice.
Kloe Masters is really laying it on thick now, making her absolute best sales pitch to Orlando Cruze, but he continues to remain unsold. He looks resistant in spite of his casual posture, parked on the edge of his desk in his office, back arched and arms crossed.
Kloe: Just take a moment and REALLY look at your options, Orlando. You either put power in the hands of someone you don’t really know, and you can’t really trust, or you sell your shares to someone who has been in the trenches, who has been fighting for the IWC, who is….
Taylor: I hope you’re not legitimately considering this.
Kloe is instantly flabbergasted by yet another interruption, throwing her arms in the air and turning to the disruptive influence of Taylor Chase.
Orlando: Hey babe.
Orlando puckers up but instead of getting a kiss, he gets a finger wedged to his lips, Taylor demanding he slow his roll.
Taylor: You get no sugar until you tell me that your not….
Kloe: Please Tay. I know you and I haven’t seen eye to eye, but you can’t dismiss the fact that I’ve been trying to smooth things over between us.
Taylor: Trying, but not succeeding.
Kloe: Your right-your right, I deserve that.
Orlando: Kloe does bring up some valid points though, Tay. She has experience…..she’s been in the trenches fighting for the IWC for the past several months now. It be stupid of me to write her off instantly.
Taylor looks too concerned about other matters to even worry herself about Kloe and her pursuit of the Presidency at the moment.
Taylor: You know what…
Orlando is preemptively cringing.
Taylor: I don’t need this stress right now. If you want to spend the next couple of months sleeping on the sofa and dozing off to reruns of Hogan’s Heroes on TVLand, fine, because that’s exactly what’s gonna happen if you give Kloe ownership of the company.
Taylor turns to leave the room with Orlando rising from his desk to stop her.
Taylor: Don’t bother.
Orlando: Tay, come on, stay, talk to us.
Taylor: I’ve got other things to deal with right now.
Orlando: Let me help then.
Taylor: No, because obviously you really need to take some time and come to your senses. I’ve got to find Scott.
Orlando: Tay, baby…
The door is already closing behind her back before Orlando can finish his sentence. He plops back down on the desk and turns towards Kloe.
Kloe: I see you’re not the only one who needs some convincing that I can be trusted to do right by this company.
Orlando: I don’t know if anything you do at this point is going to change Taylor’s opinion of you.
Kloe: I wouldn’t be so sure of that. I’ve got an idea.
Orlando: That’s dangerous.
Kloe: You know how Aiken Frost has been playing with Taylor’s mind the past few weeks?
Orlando: Of course. Not a day goes by that Tay doesn’t talk to me about how hard it is watching her sister running around with Frost.
Kloe: Then how about we give Tay a little treat? I know you already have Aiken taking on Leviticus and Fitzgerald in a handicap match.
Orlando: True.
Kloe: But what if we made things a bit more challenging for Aiken tonight?
Orlando: I’m listening.
Kloe: Since Aiken’s brother, Ba’al, is pretty much fighting three opponents at once, let’s make it a family affair, how about we give Aiken the same treatment. I say we make Aiken’s match it a THREE on ONE handicap bout.
Orlando: Oooooh Kloe, you are a twisted one, aren’t you? And who did you have in mind as a partner for Leviticus and Mr. Ridiculous?
Kloe: Well, that’s for us to know, and for Aiken to find out.
Kloe looks around to make sure the coast is clear before leaning in and whispering directly into Orlando’s ear. A huge grin forms over his face.
Orlando: Well now, I think Aiken is in for a pretty interesting night.
IN RING
El Cuchillo: Joo gonna die perra!
Cameras dash to the stage just in time to catch the curtains parting and Hector’s body flying through them. La Tigra’s henchmen crashes across the ramp and rolls down it, having been tossed there by the destructive force that follows. Rachel Frost steps to the stage, the NHB Champion nothing short of a one woman demolition crew. In spite of this three on one assault by El Cuchillo, Solomon and Hector, Rachel proves to be more than even this trio can handle. An excited Greyson and a groaning Sparkles can be heard from the commentators table.
Sparkles: Does this show follow a format at all?
Greyson: Not when you have women like Rachel Frost on the roster, Sparkles.
Sparkles: Fair enough.
Greyson: And it looks like Frost is fighting off those three men who have been aiding Alana Starr over the past few weeks.
Sparkles: So it’s only natural that they’d be attacking Rachel Frost….one of Alana’s number one enemies.
Hector no sooner gets to his feet before being taken down on the ramp by a running Loredo Lasso across the throat. Frost topples him to the stage and then turns around and blasts El Cuchillo across the chin with a right hand. Her boot is employed to knock Solomon back and once she’s taken care of him, her attention is redirected to the ailing Hector. He tries to crawl away from Rachel, who follows him down the ramp and grabs him by the wrist, leading him up to his feet. Hector is thrown into the ring and Rachel enters behind him, eventually catching La Tigra’s henchmen around the neck, pulling his head under her seat and heaving him up into position for the Dead in Tombstone.
She is just about to spike Hector directly on top of his head before Solomon slips in behind Rachel and slides a piano cord across her throat. Enough force is applied on the cord to detach Frost’s hands from Hector, preventing the Dead in Tombstone from connecting.
Greyson: Piano cord! Piano cord! Solomon strangling Frost with the piano cord!
Sparkles: This is like something out of Scarface…say hello to my lil friend.
Greyson: Sparkles, please put that away.
The cord digs into Frost’s throat, blood seeping from her larynx as she is forced back across the ring and eventually down to her knees.
El Cuchillo: La Tigra wants her head.
The machete in El Cuchillo’s sheathe is removed, the blade glistening as it approaches Rachel’s throat.
El Cuchillo: And what La Tigra wants, we give her.
The blade nears the head of a struggling Frost.
Greyson: Oh no…oh God…cut to commercial, cut to commercial…we don’t need to see this.
Sparkles: They’re about to decapitate Frost!
Rachel is kneeling across the canvas with El Cuchillo standing over her back, placing his machete across her throat. Hector and Solomon, fellow La Tigra henchmen, are standing on opposite sides of the ring, making sure that no one interferes in this execution.
Greyson: Go to commercial…go to commercial.
Sparkles: Honestly Lovejoy, I’d rather watch Rachel get decapitated than have to sit through another ad for Maxi pads. I don’t give a shit if they have wings or not.
The blade is about to severe Rachel’s head from her shoulders, Cuchillo leaning in to get a better position to remove Frost’s skull.
El Cuchillo: Joo shouldn’t have put joo hands on Alana.
El Cuchillo is literally seconds from making the cutting blow on Rachel before her execution is stayed, not by the governor, but by Aiken Frost. He comes stepping down the ramp followed closely by Krauzer, who has overcome the lashings he was taking just a few moments ago in order to accompany his master towards the ring.
Greyson: I never in a million years thought I would see the day when I was happy that Aiken Frost was coming to the ring.
Sparkles: For once Aiken is legitimately helping his wife rather than abusing her.
Although Aiken has every right to be exploding with anger regarding the way he is seeing his wife on the cusp of having her head severed from her shoulders, he wears a rather cavalier grin on his face as he steps up onto the apron.
Aiken: Gentlemen….gentlemen…gentlemen….I do believe this has crossed a line, one that you do not wish to step over. I would suggest you lower that blade Mr. Cuchillo, otherwise you might incur the wrath of the Sinistry. A very unwise decision if there ever was one. I do not believe that it would be of benefit to your employer, or your protectorate, Alana, if we were to be at odds….so I humbly request that you….
The distraction Aiken’s black soulless eyes, yet docile and serene tone provide allow Rachel just the opportunity she needed. Frost reaches up, grabs El Cuchillo by his long hair and yanks on it, sending him flipping over her back, rolling to his feet and then being removed from them by the Boot Licker. Rachel takes him down to the canvas, and then pops up to her feet just in time to duck under Hector’s attempted punch. He charges into the cables, ricochets off and then comes back in at Rachel, who turns to take the young man down only to have her arms caught from behind. Solomon steps in and grabs both of Rachel’s arms restraining them. She is defenseless against the punch that comes sailing towards her face. Or least she would be if she didn’t possess such quick reflexes. She ducks her head and the punch intended for her face instead connects with Solomon’s jaw, knocking him flat on his ass.
Hector appears shocked that for the second Riot in a row he’s accidentally knocked out a member of his own posse. His shock allows Rachel to slip in from behind and deliver a powerful, concussing forearm to the back of Hector’s head, knocking him to the canvas. He rolls out of the ring, spilling to the mats right beside Cuchillo. The two are eventually joined by Solomon, who is staggering around clutching at his jaw.
Rachel continues to dominate the members of La Tigra’s army and would go on doing so if she hadn’t been caught by Krauzer. The monster snaps a chain in place around Rachel’s collar and now tugs on it, forcing her like a dog on a leash from the ring.
Aiken: Good Krauzer, very good. Now take my wife to my car and see her escorted back to my estate.
Krauzer nods and leads Rachel from the ring the two just sliding under the ropes before….
Chris: Not so fast Aiken.
The darkened orbs floating in Aiken’s sinister expression twist around towards the two men making their way to the stage, Chris Davids and Jed Wayne. A microphone is held in Chris’ palm and raised to his grinning lips. Jed does not smile at all, he just stares with his piercing eyes at the husband of the woman Wayne has sworn to protect.
Chris: Before you have your brute escort Rachel from the ring, I think she’d like to hear the news that Jed and I just got from the President of the IWC.
Aiken is already not liking the turn this has taken.
Chris: It seems that the geniuses running the show have decided to alter your originally scheduled match for the evening, Aiken. Newsflash bud, it’s no longer a two on one handicap match, because now it’s Aiken versus Leviticus, Mr. Ridiculous AND a third mystery opponent.
Aiken was right to prejudge his hatred over this announcement.
Chris: And that mystery opponent is…..
Davids’ gigantic grin turns to the face of Jed Wayne.
Chris: JED WAYNE!
Aiken’s bitterness cannot even be hidden behind his forced smile.
AIKEN FROST VS. MR. RIDICULOUS & LEVITICUS & JED WAYNE
Chris can barely even finish making his announcement before Jed goes barreling down the ramp and into the ring. Aiken steps forth and meets Jed with a punch only to have Wayne respond with a jab of his own. Both men are now brawling with one another to a standing ovation from the fans.
Greyson: This has been so long in the making….so damned long. Wayne has been dying to get his hands on Aiken and now Aiken may be dying since Jed’s getting his hands on him.
Sparkles: And this isn’t even the worse of it. Jed’s partners aren’t even in the ring yet.
Jed and Aiken continue to exchange punches to the delight of the masses. Finally one of Jed’s big right hands misses Frost’s head and Aiken goes rushing under the knuckles into the ropes behind his adversary’s back. He ricochets off and comes back in at Wayne, who spins around, heaves his boot into the air and drives it right into Aiken’s face. The kick knocks Frost to the canvas and almost knocks his block clean off.
Greyson: Wayne starting this match off with such intensity.
As if Aiken wasn’t in a bad enough spot now Leviticus’ entrance music is cuing up through the speakers. Leviticus, sporting the Alana Starr Title around his waist, makes his way down the ramp followed by Mr. Ridiculous, sporting his sock puppet manager Dick, and Stumpy, sporting the stuffed cat Scruffy, all three head for the ring.
Greyson: And now the two men who attacked Aiken on NewAge are making their way down the ramp to team up with Jed.
Sparkles: Like Wayne even needs any partners…the evil backwoods Santa is unstoppable enough on own.
Jed steps back, opens his palm and raises it above his head, calling for the chokeslam on the struggling Aiken. All the while Rachel is being led to the back by the chain clamped to her collar, Krauzer escorting her away from all the chaos consuming the ring. Meanwhile Fitzgerald and Leviticus are entrenching themselves in it. Both men climb up onto the apron just as Jed prepares to slap his hand down over Aiken’s throat and chokeslam him into the canvas.
That open palm does connect, but not with Aiken’s throat, instead it’s slapped by Leviticus, who tags himself in.
Greyson: Oh God Levi, why? Why would you do something that stupid?
Sparkles: Because he’s Leviticus….duuuuh.
The clueless Levi slips into the ring and walks right past a flabbergasted Wayne. The massive and imposing eyes of Jed watch Levi shimmy into the ring where he digs a finger straight into Wayne’s chest.
Leviticus: We never agreed to team with your big hairy ass. So why don’t you get the hell out of here….
Wayne suddenly grabs the finger embedded into his chest and lifts it up to his teeth, clamping down on Leviticus’ digit. Levi screams in pain and taps his feet across the canvas as he finds his finger being gnawed upon by Jed. Eventually he spits the finger out and settles for a goozle on Leviticus’ throat. Wayne now heaves Leviticus into the air and chokeslams him into the canvas.
Greyson: Jed chokeslamming his own partner.
Sparkles: He wants Aiken all to himself.
Greyson: He’s waited long enough for the opportunity, that’s for sure.
Jed lays Leviticus out then goes after Mr. Ridiculous, who drops form the apron and backs from the ring. He clearly wants no part of Wayne and no part of this match. He just walks away and leaves Wayne to do what he does best, destroy.
Now that Jed has taken his partners out of the match he turns towards Aiken and delivers a boot square to his ribs. The blow doubles Aiken over and allows Wayne to drag his head into position for a thunderous powerbomb.
Greyson: Now Wayne is going to take Aiken out with the powerbomb.
Sparkles: He’s going to save Rachel at long…long last.
Wayne pulls Aiken up and into the air, powerbomb coming, but powerbomb never materializing. A shoulder block to the back of the knee keeps him from connecting with the move. Solomon, Alana’s protector, slides into the ring and delivers the blow to the back of Wayne’s leg, causing it to buckle and bringing him down to his knees. Aiken drops to the canvas and rolls away from the kneeling Jed, who is then taken around the neck by El Cuchillo and driven into the canvas with a DDT.
Sparkles: It’s La Tigra’s henchmen on the attack AGAIN!
Greyson: I just realized these three never left the ringside area. They were lying in wait the whole time after they were attacked by Rachel Frost.
Sparkles: And they’ve certainly been no stranger to evil Santa over the past few weeks.
Greyson: Not since their initial run in at Upping the Ante.
The DDT incapacitates Wayne long enough for Hector to come flying off the nearest turnbuckle into a leg drop across Jed’s throat, sending the big man into convulsions. All three members of La Tigra’s squad then grab Jed’s tree trunk thick arms and begin dragging him up to his feet. Hector and Solomon hold Wayne’s limbs out to his sides and expose his throat to the El Cuchillo clothesline.
Cuchillo, Hector and Solomon stop wasting time on Wayne and go to find their original target. They go searching for Rachel, looking to do just as their boss instructed them to do, severe her head. The trio of assassins make their way up the ramp, Solomon and Cuchillo arguing with Hector in the process. Just as the crowd is lured into a false sense of security, believing that Wayne has been spared any further brutality, Jed finds himself hoisted up to his feet in the ring then hit with the Desecration. The harrowing screams of the crowd are quite deafening as Aiken drives his knee into back of an unsuspecting Jed’s head, knocking the giant unconscious.
Aiken then stoops down over Wayne, the demented Frost licking his lips in truly depraved fashion.
Ethan: Hey Luuuuciiiieen. Yooo hoooo…up here!
Frost whips around and glares up the ramp to the Cartel-tron which provides a huge image of Ethan Von Aaron’s grinning face. He stands just outside of an office backstage, one belonging to Principle Owner Karen McBride.
Ethan: Hey there ink eyes, did you miss turning the screws to your favorite punching bag?
Aiken mouths the word ‘immensely.’
Ethan: I thought so. And you know what else I figured, Lucien, ole buddy of mine, that you were probably a little miffed by my attempt to free Rachel from you again tonight. That’s why I just came from Karen McBride’s office, and I got a little match set in place for the End of the Year Special.
Aiken hates where this is going more than he despised Chris Davids’ announcement.
Ethan: 2014 is going to end with a bang…me BANGING your wife aaaalll night long.
Aiken lowers his grinning lips and tucks them behind his palm as he shakes his head.
Ethan: Cause I’m gonna free her from you fudge-face. First I’m going to treat you to all the tortures you’ve inflicted on her. I’m going to take a chain, wrap it around your throat and drag your carcass all over the ring in a DOG COLLAR match. Then, maybe I’ll have Alana ride you around like a horse, and ultimately treat you to the humiliation of being pinned in the middle of the ring. And once I’ve taken you out of Rachel’s life completely, she and I will absolutely rock one another’s worlds. Seriously, we’ll both be walking bow legged the next day, if we’re able to walk period.
BACKSTAGE
Scott Cannon does what he does best, get a reaction. The mere sight of him, mundanely enjoying a glass of water is enough to generate a cacophony of screams from the crowd. He is standing in catering, quenching his thirst before another of his needs are realized.
Taylor: Been looking everywhere for you.
Scott takes a sip of water, but really drinks in the image of Taylor Chase. She approaches him with a noticeable amount of apprehension.
Scott: Well you found me.
Suddenly Chase’s palm connects right across Cannon’s cheek with a forceful slap. Now Tay just stands there watching Scott swipe his knuckles across his bloated lip.
Scott: Wow….this is awkward.
Taylor: Stop that.
Scott: What?
Taylor: Trying to kid around with me.
Scott: Sorry, defense mechanism.
Taylor: If anyone has the right to be defensive, it’s me. You drugged me, Scott, you had photos taken of the two of us together, and you helped Silas photograph Kelcey too. I can’t…
Scott: I know things are never going to be the same between us, and you have every right not to trust me, but I doubt, judging by that look in your eyes, that you’re here for more than just beating the snot out of me.
Taylor: Oh how tempted I am to put you out of your misery. But I-I….
Scott: What’s going on?
Taylor: I can’t rely on Silas for help, and Orlando, he’s so swept up in finding the right investors…
Scott: You can count on me.
Taylor: I wish I could believe that.
Scott: Then let me prove it. Let me show you.
Taylor: The Sinistry wants me to…
Silas: I thought I’d find ya two conspiring together.
There was already enough tension between Scott and Taylor as it is, so the last thing they needed was for Silas Mason to be thrown into the mix. Regardless he steps forth, ignoring the attitude he’s getting from his two ‘clients.’
Taylor: What now Silas?
Silas: Cut out the tone, Baby Doll. Silas is ‘ere to help.
Taylor: Your here to help me?
Silas: What? NO! Who said anything bout helpin’ you. Nah, I’m ‘ere to help out flyboy.
Scott almost spits out the water he was just drinking.
Silas: Scott, ya got yerself a big cage match comin’ up next….
Scott: Stop right there, Silas.
Mason looks miffed by this demand.
Scott: I don’t want help. I promised closure between Amanda Blayze and I tonight, and we will have that closure. So stay away from the cage and keep your hands off of Blayze. She belongs to me.
With a statement like that, coupled with Cannon turning his back on Silas, you would expect Mason to be pretty pissed off at the moment. He isn’t. Instead Silas is grinning like a Cheshire cat.
Silas: Oh, I’m gonna help ya, Scott, believe me…
Taylor: Silas.
Although Cannon wasn’t around to hear Mason’s comments, Taylor was.
Taylor: Don’t even think about it.
Silas: Stay outta this Baby Doll. I’m only going to honor flyboy’s request. From what I heard, he asked ya to put ‘em outta his misery. Well, that’s exactly what ole’ Silas is gonna do tonight.
Taylor: What do you mean by that?
As Taylor makes these comments she spots Silas reaching into his jacket and removing a pair of handcuffs that he extends between his palms. The steel bracelets are shimmering as Mason heads for the ring. Taylor goes to speak up but her words are cut off at her tongue, going mute. It seems she’s conflicted, wondering if she should help Cannon or not.
Ba’al: How amusing.
Taylor suddenly spins around, eyeing the Crown Prince of Sin himself, the World Champion Ba’al. He steps forth with his customary menacing aura and his shoulder heavy with the weight of the title belt.
Taylor: What’s so funny?
Ba’al: You’re search for help. It has forced you to turn to even the lowliest of individuals, like Scott Cannon for instance. Are you truly that desperate to resist salvation, to fight enlightenment? We only wish to help you, Taylor. A fighting spirit like your own does not deserve to be crushed at my hands. Your soul should be given the opportunity to ascend, to reach greater heights, not to plunge into the depths of damnation and ruin. Do not be like my opponents tonight, do not be like those three members of Pain & Pleasure that Orlando has beset against me in this preposterous four way. They shall fall beneath my boots, they will fall into despair and into….
Taylor: ENOUGH.
Ba’al grins.
Taylor: I will not join your family, end of story.
Ba’al: How…unfortunate. For your husband.
Taylor lowers her face.
Ba’al: You are smarter than most, Chase, you realize that resisting us is an act of sheer futility. Or perhaps you need to be reminded of this fact. I shall make such glorious examples of my opponents this evening, and perhaps then you will see why joining us is your only option.
The Champion’s grinning lips inch towards Chase’s thinking face.
Ba’al: Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock. Time is running out my child, time is running out.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
Chris: Hey Jed, come on man, don’t leave yet.
Chris Davids is trailing behind Jed Wayne, the big man having turned his back on the individual who has been aiding him in recent weeks. The demented giant traverses the enclosed parking facility, making his way towards a car that waits to whisk him away. Chris continues after him, wasting his precious breaths in the process.
Chris: It’s not too late, we can fire another shot at the Sinistry. Trust my plan brother, trust that I can help you get Rachel back.
Jed just keeps on walking and keeps on hurting after his interaction with Aiken Frost a few moments ago, resulting in the Desecration across the back of his skull.
Chris: We need to talk to this out man. If we don’t get to Rachel tonight, there’s still the End of the Year Special, I’ll have her right there in the ring for her title, and you can get her back then. And tonight, I’ve got Aiken’s brother in the ring, and that will give you a HUGE opportunity to strike against the Sini….
The only thing that strikes, is Krauzer. The mass of a man swings a steel chair straight into Chris’ spine, knocking him flat on his face. Unfortunately for Chris, Jed is out of range to hear what’s happening behind him. Davids slowly pushes himself up onto his elbows and knees before having the chair swung down over his back once again, slamming it across Davids’ upper back and knocking him to the concrete.
Krauzer now pulls on another piece of steel, the chain that drags Rachel Frost towards him. The NHB Champion reluctantly steps towards the intimidating brute, who forces the chair into her hands.
Rachel: What?
Ba’al: I believe you already know the answer to that question my darling sister.
The World Champion slowly waltzes into view, shoulder graced by his title belt and eyes enjoying the spectacle of Chris’ pain.
Ba’al: Your beloved husband has instructed me to inform you that Chris Davids’ time has run it’s course.
Ba’al crouches beside Davids, who is trying to get up.
Ba’al: Do me a favor, dear boy, and do not bother.
The Champion wedges a hand to the back of Davids’ neck, pinning his cheek to the concrete. Ba’al’s eyes slowly drift up and into the chair Rachel is clutching.
Ba’al: Well, do get on with it.
Rachel looks reluctant…reluctant to do Ba’al’s bidding.
Ba’al: FINISH HIM!
The NHB Champion finally reacts as if Ba’al’s voice were a Mortal Kombat command, lifting the chair above her head and swinging it down right into the side of Chris’ skull. Davids’ cranium is sandwiched between the chair and the ground, crushing it. Davids begins to twitch and convulse after this impact as Rachel steps back, showing but a slight twinge of regret for her actions. There is not a shred of remorse depicted in Ba’al’s gaze.
Ba’al: Please take this, Sir.
A handkerchief is removed from Ba’al’s jacket pocket and thrown onto Chris’ back.
Ba’al: I believe you will need to clean yourself up. You have been left in quite the mess.
A huge shadow engulfs Ba’al, who rises to his feet and yet even then is STILL looking up into the man who stands before and above him.
Ba’al: Do not worry my friend, you will still prove to be of service to my family tonight.
SCOTT CANNON VS. AMANDA BLAYZE:
STEEL CAGE
Cameras return to the ringside area just as the cage begins to lower upon the ring. Strobe lighting both hypes the crowd and sends them into epileptic fits. Every eye kneeling watches as the steel structure surrounds the squared circle, about to trap two bitter rivals within. The crowd aren’t the only ones responding with excitement, so too are Greyson Lovejoy and Sparkles, who can barely contain their enthusiasm from the announce table.
Sparkles: The cage…again? How much use have we already gotten out of that thing over the past few weeks?
Greyson: Once again the Steel Cage coming into play tonight in an effort to FINALLY conclude this issue that has been waging between Amanda Blayze and Scott Cannon that really heated up back at Upping the Ante.
The opening guitar of “Bad to the Bone” by George Thorogood and the Destroyers hits over the P.A System causing all eyes to stare at the stage. The Silas World Logo illuminates on the screen.
On the day I was born
The nurses all gathered ’round
And they gazed in wide wonder
At the joy they had found
The head nurse spoke up
Said “leave this one alone”
She could tell right away
That I was bad to the bone
Scott Cannon slowly walks out dressed in a suit and a confident look in his eyes, perfectly timing to the chorus.
Bad to the bone
Bad to the bone
B-B-B-B-Bad
B-B-B-B-Bad
B-B-B-B-Bad
Bad to the bone
The crowd being to boo louder than before as the Brit walks to the center of the stage, dressed in his suit. He then begins to loosen the tie while he starts to slowly walk down to the ring.
The crowd continues to voice their disdain for Cannon, who starts to unbutton the collar and cuffs to the shirt, and after that starts to roll up the tie nice and neatly before placing it in his jacket pocket. He stops at the foot of the ramp and looks at the cage. A set of Kevlar gloves are slipped over Cannon’s hands, which slip through the holes of the cage, giving it a few shakes. Scott then proceeds around the ring and up the steps, showing no trepidation about entering the cage where such violence awaits him.
Greyson: We’ve certainly seen a whole new side of Scott Cannon in recent weeks, haven’t we Sparkles?
Sparkles: Which side is that, his front side or his back side? Because unless he has boobs I don’t care to look at either side of him.
Greyson: I’m talking figuratively, Sparkles.
Sparkles: He doesn’t have a womanly ‘figure’ though, Lovejoy, no matter how much I squint.
Greyson: I meant to say that Cannon has really tried to turn things around it seems. He’s confessed many of his wrong doings to Taylor Chase, and we all saw on NewAge how Scott ran back to the ring to keep Shaun Cruze from being crucified by the Sinistry.
Sparkles: Yeah, but all these little sacrifices, all these omissions on Scott’s part, it don’t do jack shit to make up for the wrong doings he’s committed against Blayze.
Greyson: Not saying it has, I mean, Cannon was pretty complicit in trying to paint Amanda as a drug addict back at the pay-per-view.
Sparkles: Not to mention the fact that there’s been a lot of conjecture that Cannon was behind the photographs of Amanda and that Orlando imposter that we saw at that very same pay-per-view.
Greyson: You mean to tell me you actually paid attention to all that?
Sparkles: If there was a half-naked Amanda Blayze in said photos, you had better believe I was paying attention.
Scott continues to survey his surroundings, almost feeling at home when encased in a steel cage. He tightens his gloved fingers into fists and prepares to put those knuckles to use in order to fight for survival. The intro of “Warriors of the World (United)” by Manowar blares into the arena, generating thunderous cheers from the crowd.
Then, as the song begins, Amanda Blayze emerges through the smoke and comes down toward the ring, high fiving fans as the arena continues to erupt with thunderous cheers. When she reaches the ringside area, she stands there taking in the atmosphere of the arena as the fans continue to show their reactions. Then she takes off her vest and reveals herself to the crowd, which fires up the crowd even more.
Blayze eagerly moves towards the cage, stepping around it, moving up the stairs and sliding through the open door. She emphatically slams said door shut behind her and finds herself staring down Cannon with such intensity in her gaze.
Sparkles: Look at Amanda, her body is BANGIN….and she’s about to start bangin’ Cannon’s head into that cage in a few moments.
Greyson: That’s true, Amanda has been determined to end this issue between she and Silas World that all began several months ago when Silas started these disgusting rumors regarding Amanda sleeping with Orlando Cruze.
Sparkles: Hey, that’s a rumor in and of itself. It was never specified that Silas Mason was the one behind that gossip regarding Blayze and Cruze and some extra-curricular activities.
Greyson: Who else would put out such disgusting lies and vulgar accusations? That fits Silas to a letter.
Sparkles: Or maybe Scott was behind it all.
Greyson: I’m sure that’s what a man like Silas Mason would have everyone be…..
Silas: Hooooold on….hoooold on….hoooold on.
Greyson: Speak of the devil….wait, you know what? That’s actually an insult to the devil.
Satan in a Stetson comes moseying to the stage, one gloved palm raised to signal for the fans to quit, the other gloved palm holding a microphone to his lips. Mason can barely speak over the deafening disapproval of the audience.
Silas: Now I know everyone is eager to see this here cage match, but it’s jus’ gonna have to wait a minute.
Somehow the groans of the audience get even louder. The glares Silas is receiving from Cannon and Blayze from inside the cage, threaten to melt the mesh that surrounds them.
Silas: Cause since the whole world is on this ‘confession’ kick, it seems only right that ole Silas come out and make a confession of his own.
The glare of Scott becomes all the more condemning.
Silas: I jus had myself a little talk with McBride backstage, and we’ve decided that this here match, well, it needed a little something more….something to make it a bit more INTERESTIN’. So here’s what we’ve decided. We’ve come up with an absolutely BRILLIANT stipulation. If Scott Cannon loses this match, then Amanda, well she’ll get five minutes in that ring with flyboy while his arms are bound in handcuffs. Show ‘em Baby Face.
The cuffs being mentioned are now brought to the stage by Sienna Swann, who dangles the shackles from her hands as a visual aid.
Silas: I think that’s a helluva stipulation if ya ask me. Don’t ya’ll think so?
The crowd is 50/50, some liking the idea of potentially seeing Scott compete in a handcuffs against Blayze, others reluctant to support anything that Silas offers. Rather they like it or not, the match is about to begin, with none other than referee Stuart Wright located at ringside, the most biased of officials calling for the bell.
Cannon definitely does not like the added caveat that Silas and McBride have just made to this match, but he gets over it in order to get on with this bout. The bell is still sounding in the background as both athletes begin to circle one another within the confines of the cage and a smiling Silas Mason backs up through the curtains with Sienna following.
Greyson: I don’t believe this..why would Karen McBride, our Principled Owner agree to these stipulations? If Scott loses, Amanda gets him in that ring for five minutes while he’s forced to wear handcuffs.
Sparkles: These are just like the stipulations Cannon put on the match between he and Blayze at the pay-per-view.
Greyson: Indeed. This is nothing short of vengeful booking on Silas’ part.
Cannon and Blayze look weary of the stipulations added to this match but even more weary to lock up and potentially surrender an opening advantage. Finally they lunge forward into a collar elbow lock before Cannon immediately goes to what brought him to the dance, and it sure as shit isn’t technical wrestling. He throws a knee right up and into Amanda’s diaphragm, knocking her back into the ropes. She ricochets off and stumbles into a powerful back elbow to the face putting her down on the canvas. Amanda then scrambles along to her feet before being grabbed by the back of the head, charged across the ring and finding herself on the brink of being thrown face first into the cage. However, Blayze blocks it by reaching her foot out and wedging it against the steel, she braces herself then throws that very boot up and over her shoulder directly into Cannon’s face. The kick sends Scott staggering back, flailing his arms to remain upright. Amanda then turns around and gets a running start behind a clothesline only to have Cannon side step it and catch Blayze by the back of her head. He charges her across the ring and throws her over the ropes into the cage.
Scott then turns away…preemptively…swiping his palms together and grinning in satisfaction. However, he has no idea that Amanda caught the cage before she was sent flying into it, grabbing the mesh with her hands. She now pulls herself up the steel, stands on the top rope and turns to face Cannon. He eventually spins towards his opponent only to be caught around the neck with a diving DDT. Amanda catches Cannon by the head and spikes him directly on top of his skull. He then goes rolling over to his knees, looking so incredibly disorientated.
Amanda steps in and delivers a buzzsaw kick aimed directly at her opponent’s temple only to have Scott duck his head at the last second. The boot goes flying right over Cannon’s head and the missed kick causes Blayze’s momentum to carry her around into a full circle. She turns back to face Cannon, who reaches out, catches Amanda by the creases of her knees and trips her onto her back. He then stands up and holds onto Amanda’s knees before falling back and catapulting her right into the cage wall.
Scott starts to pre-celebrate, having no idea that Amanda has not struck the cage, but instead reached out and grabbed the top rope just as she was about to fly over it. She then kicks her legs up into the air and actually does a headstand on the top rope with her heels pressed to the cage wall and helping her maintain her balance in the headstand.
Scott doesn’t realize what’s happening until he stands up and turns to spot Amanda falling shins first right on top of his shoulders. She hooks her feet around behind the back of Cannon’s head then releases the ropes and hits a leg scissors that sends flyboy soaring through the ropes and slamming into the cage wall.
Greyson: Cannon keeps trying to put Amanda into that cage, but every time he does it, Amanda manages to counter and turn his aggression against him.
Sparkles: Amanda really wants to tear Cannon apart in that cage, and then tear him apart when he’s forced to compete for five minutes in handcuffs.
Scott’s head bounces off the chain link wall and ricochets back, causing his whole body to stagger along into a school boy by Blayze. However, Scott rolls right out of the pin and onto his knees, a move he’ll regret making when the side of his head is cracked by the roundhouse kick. Amanda set him up for this perfectly, driving her shin into Scott’s temple and knocking him to his back where he is promptly pinned.
1
2
Cannon gets his shoulder up in time to prevent being forced to become Amanda’s punching bag later this evening. But nothing will stop him from being her punching bag right now, evident as Amanda lunges to her feet, lunges into the air and drives her boots right down into Cannon’s gut with a double stomp.
A grimace fills Scott’s face as he rolls into the fetal position before TRYING to get back to his feet. Amanda isn’t making this easy on him, rushing towards Cannon with a forearm aimed at his face. At the last second though, Scott reaches out and catches Amanda coming in, heaving her into the air with a gorilla press then rushing across the ring with the intention of throwing her over the ropes into the cage wall. However, Amanda slips off of Scott’s palms at the last second, lands behind his back and then shoves him forward right along into the ropes, over them and into the mesh. He bounces off the steel and then staggers backwards into Amanda, who leaps into the air, hooking both of her opponent’s arms and dragging him down into the crucifix pin.
1
2
Cannon manages to kick out, rolling over backwards onto his knees, a move he’ll live to regret, because Amanda leaps to his feet and launches one directly at his temple. Another buzzsaw kick connects, this one even more vicious than the last, leaving Cannon teetering between his knees yet somehow remaining upright.
Blayze then steps towards Cannon and places him in a side headlock, dragging him up to his feet and pointing at the cage wall with her free hand. The crowd screams as Amanda charges Cannon across the ring and prepares to throw him over the ropes into the mesh only to have Scott counter by wedging his shoulder to Amanda’s spine and going for a back drop suplex. Amanda is elevated into the air but does not go down to the canvas with the suplex, instead she twists her body around so that she slips from Cannon’s shoulder, slips down his back and counters into the sunset flip.
1
2
Cannon kicks out and rolls over backwards to his knees, a move he’ll…you guessed it….regret. Amanda kips up to her feet and then launches one right upside Scott’s temple with a third and forceful roundhouse kick.
Greyson: ANOTHER KICK right across Cannon’s skull.
Sparkles: How many shots to the head can the man take?
A LOT in Scott’s case.
Amanda spins around after delivering the roundhouse kick and turns back to face Cannon who somehow remains kneeling on the canvas…no…not kneeling, but LEAPING to his feet and throwing Amanda up into the air before catching her coming back down into the European Uppercut. The crowd cringes at the nasty collision of bicep to jaw, almost fracturing Amanda’s face and sending her staggering back into the ropes. She ricochets from them and comes stumbling back towards Cannon, who now delivers a running Yakuza kick to Blayze’s face. The shot sends her staggering back into the ropes, somehow staying on her feet long enough to bounce off and stumble into an absolutely scintillating roaring lariat that almost takes her head off. The collision is so devastating that it sends Amanda corkscrewing through the air on impact before ultimately coming back down onto her spine.
Greyson: WHAT A COMBINATION BY CANNON!
Sparkles: Who said there was allowed to be wrestling on this show? How dare they!
Cannon is full of deeply repressed anger and is channeling it into every blow he delivers to Blayze, who he now forces onto her back and into the pin.
1
2
Amanda manages to get her shoulder up in an act that she may regret making, because Cannon grabs the arm that shot from the canvas, employs it to twist her over to her knees and now hooks both of her limbs. He hoists Amanda up into the air and then throws her up onto his shoulders and lays her out with a tiger bomb. However, Scott never leaves his feet when delivering this move and instead stays on them in order to reach down and grab Amanda’s legs, which were still elevated after this nasty landing upon her back. Cannon hooks her knees and then drops back, catapulting Blayze towards the cage. However, Amanda manages to strike lightning in the same place twice, grabbing the top rope, doing a head stand and balancing herself with her heels wedged to the cage.
She remains in this position with the intention of dropping down and hitting another head scissors only to have Cannon rush in and absolutely demolish her face with another yakuza kick while she was still in in her upside down position. Amanda’s body instantly goes limp from the impact and now falls back towards the ring not of her own accord. But she never reaches the canvas, instead her stomach falls over Cannon’s shoulder. He holds her like a javelin, stepping back and preparing to charge her face into the cage wall.
He rushes forward to deliver the move only to have Amanda suddenly slip back and off of his shoulder, landing behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist. She is setting up for the German suplex to a loud ovation from the crowd, but it remains to be seen if she has the strength to pull it off on her much bigger opponent. She attempts to snap back into the move but can’t get Cannon over into the slam. So Scott, upon realizing this, rushes forward into the ropes dragging Amanda along behind him. He then drops right down in front of the cables, causing Amanda’s forward momentum to cause her to fly over Scott’s back and slam face first into the cage wall.
Greyson: At last Cannon managing to drive Amanda into the steel.
Sparkles: He’s been trying to do that all throughout this….AAAAH.
Amanda bounces off the mesh wiring and then twists into the waiting arms of Cannon, who catches Blayze in a tilt a whirl that ultimately places her on his shoulder in a powerslam position before rushing her at the ropes and throwing her over them face first into the cage. Amanda’s head snaps back from the mesh wiring and she comes back down onto her feet after being thrown like a javelin into the steel. She then twists away from the chain links and into the waiting shoulder of Cannon, who catches Amanda and heaves her up into the double A spinebuster. He heaves Amanda into the air, twists her and then ultimately finds HIMSELF driven head first into the ring when Blayze miraculously counters into the tornado DDT.
Sparkles: The fuck!?!
Greyson: Blayze completely catching Cannon off guard with that one…a tornado DDT entirely unexpected.
Sparkles: I didn’t even think she was conscious enough to blow a rape whistle, let alone hit a counter like that.
Greyson: Wait Sparkles, look at this!
Everyone thought Blayze had just hit the DDT and that was it…it WASN’T. Blayze no sooner hits the DDT before flipping over backwards, extending her legs and wrapping them around the waist of a seated Scott. The crowd goes nuts as they realize that Amanda has Cannon locked in the Huntress Trap.
Greyson: That Double A Spinebuster countered into the Huntress Trap. Amanda could force Cannon to tap out and then God only knows what she’ll do to him when he’s forced into those handcuffs and left alone with her for five minutes.
Sparkles: What I wouldn’t give to have Amanda’s legs wrapped around me for five seconds, let alone five minutes.
Scott would gladly change positons with Sparkles right now, because he is in absolute agony as a result of the double submission presently locked in upon him. Yet nevertheless he starts to work his way up, getting his feet beneath him with Amanda really clamping onto the front chancery and the body vice combination even as her body is elevated above the canvas. A counter is desperately needed and Cannon has the right one in mind. He begins to rush forward and leaps into the air, driving Amanda back first into the cage wall. She bounces off and her submission is weakened just enough for Cannon to transition her body around and heave her up into the gorilla press. Cannon then gets a running start before throwing Amanda over the ropes and side first into the cage.
Sparkles: Scott better be careful, he almost just put Amanda right through the cage, and if her feet hit those outside mats, she’ll win this match.
Greyson: Now who’s Captain Exposition?
Amanda’s body ricochets from the steel and goes crashing down to the canvas at Cannon’s feet. He lifts one of his boots, wedges it to the side of Blayze’s head and kicks it almost playfully. He then grabs Amanda by the wrist, drags her up to her feet and hooks both of her arms. It seems Cannon is about to hit another tiger suplex only to have Amanda wedge her feet to the canvas, refusing to be flipped over. She then swings around out of Scott’s arms, turns to face him and then goes for a roundhouse kick aimed at his face. But Scott ducks under the standing version of the kick that has done so much damage to him thus far in this match.
Amanda’s missed shot results in her momentum carrying her around so that her back is aimed in Cannon’s direction. He instantly takes advantage, wedging hands to her spine and shoving her along into the cage. Somehow Blayze manages to turn her body just enough so that she only hits the ropes and bounces right back off of them. She comes back in at Scott, who sets for a back drop perhaps a bit too prematurely. Amanda turns her back to Cannon, falls spine to spine with flyboy, then flips over backwards, landing on her feet behind her crouched opponent. She then steps forward and goes for the German suplex, but can’t get Cannon off of his feet.
Scott smiles in recognition of this fact before reaching down and grabbing the hands of his opponent interlocked in front of his gut. He pushes the hands away from his stomach, maintains a grip on one of them and then turns towards Amanda, using his grasp on her wrist to drag her forward into a short arm clothesline. But Amanda ducks the bicep, swings around behind Cannon and then pushes him along into the ropes. Scott ricochets from the cables chest first and then staggers back into Amanda’s waiting arms. The momentum Cannon’s body built in bouncing off the ropes, causes him to stagger back right into a German suplex that Blayze actually connects with. Scott is driven right across the back of his neck, coming down on his head in a very awkward manner.
He then flips over to his knees, looking incredibly disorientated before ultimately being rendered braindead when Amanda nails him across the temple with a FOURTH buzzsaw kick. This shot proves even more detrimental than the three that proceeded it. Scott falls to his back and Amanda does just the same, neither athlete able to follow up, already looking spent by the fact paced high octane nature of this steel cage match.
Greyson: Total decimation, total and complete decimation inside of the cage.
Sparkles: Eh, I can go for a bit more brutality myself, but then again my perception of the world is forever jaded by the fact that I live in a trunk surrounded by your moldy, and strangely stiff socks, Lovejoy.
Greyson: There’s an explanation for the stiffness of those socks, I assure you, but it will have to wait, because it looks like Amanda is on the brink of escaping the cage.
Amanda struggles for all she’s worth, crawling towards the turnbuckle and grabbing the ropes. It takes all of her will power to stand up and begin scaling the corner, getting closer and closer to the top and closer and closer to exiting the cage.
Greyson: Amanda ascending, but is she moving fast enough to escape the cage?
Sparkles: Move those weary muscles Amanda, move them!
Just as Greyson speculated Amanda is not moving fast enough. She gets to the top rope and even makes it a few steps up the cage wall, but Cannon is able to catch up with her and halt her upward momentum. He climbs up the cage behind Blayze and grabs her by the ankle, refusing to let her get any further.
The crowd is unleashing a harrowing scream as Cannon climbs to the top rope and yanks repeatedly on Blayze’s leg, trying his best to drag her off the cage and send her plummeting to the mats below. He successfully drags her off of the cage but she does not go sailing into the canvas, instead Amanda twists her body as she falls and manages to catch Cannon around the neck. She holds him in a DDT position and then reaches out with her legs, wrapping them around Cannon’s body. The fans all lunge to their feet in shock at the sight of Amanda applying a modified version of the Huntress Trap on Cannon, who is precariously standing on the top rope.
Greyson: Look at this…isn’t this amazing?
The fans obviously agree, which is why they are screaming as loud as their lungs will allow at the sight of Cannon standing on the top rope yet being doubled over into the front chancery, body vice combination by his cunning opponent. Amanda puts her all into these holds, but they are not enough to force cannon to tap out. What they do force Cannon to do is wedge his shoulder to Amanda’s ribs, twist his body and leap off the turnbuckle into a Double A twisting spinebuster from the top rope all the way down to the canvas below.
Greyson: AAAAAH!
Amanda’s body is driven into the ring with not only enough force to make her break her submission, but to break her frame as well.
Greyson: That was insane!
Sparkles: That was one way to break the Huntress Trap.
The crowd is expressing their disbelief regarding Cannon’s spinebuster slam that has completely incapacitated Amanda. Unfortunately for Scott, he is unable to follow up on his efforts, far too shaken up by all he’s withstood in this energetic steel cage match. It takes everything he’s got just to turn away from Amanda and begin crawling across the ring in the direction of the ropes. He reaches over them and grabs the cage wall, pulling himself up each chain link. He reaches the top cable and then proceeds onward, grabbing the edge of the wall then pushing himself over.
Amanda struggles to her elbows and knees, reaching for her pulsating kidneys and eying Cannon’s climb. She tries to put a stop to it but finds her body resistant. She staggers into the ropes, falling over them and then grabs the cage wall, ascending it. She reaches out for Cannon and manages to latch onto his foot only to receive a boot right between the eyes. The shot knocks Amanda off the top rope and sends her twisting down to the canvas. Scott throws his foot over the top of the cage and begins to climb down the wall, right on the cusp of escaping the steel abomination.
What he didn’t count on however, was the cage door getting in his way. He suddenly looks down and spots the door being pushed open directly beneath him. Amanda has managed to crawl towards the door and is trying to exit through it. She shoves the door open so that it ends up right under Scott’s feet. He is forced to stand on top of the door now, trying to get his balance as he walks the edge like a tight rope, debating taking a dive to the outside mats. That’s when Amanda suddenly leaps into a dropkick on the door itself, causing it to shake so much beneath Cannon’s feet that he loses his footing and collapses testicles first onto the top edge of the door, now riding the steel like a horse.
Greyson: Ohhh no…..Oooh noooo…
Sparkles: So much for whatever plans Cannon might have been harboring for he and Taylor Chase.
Greyson: Yeah, that pretty much crushes all of those plans right there.
Silas Mason and Sienna Swann are chuckling on the ramp as they watch Cannon crotched on the cage door, grimacing in pain. Amanda enjoys the sight of Scott’s suffrage but enjoys the potential of escaping the cage even more. She crawls across the canvas towards the open doorway, sticking her head through the ropes on the verge of exiting the steel monstrosity. Those plans never materialize because Cannon employs the very legs he has wrapped around the cage door to swing it along right into Amanda’s face. He still sits on top of the door and even uses that castrating position to his advantage in order to slam the steel directly into Amanda’s cranium.
She rolls to the center of the ring, holding the top of her head and kicking her feet in pain while Cannon remains crotched across the cage door reaching for his groin in such agony. It now dawns on Amanda that she can’t escape the cage through the door, so she crawls towards the wall, grabs hold of it and begins to climb.
The fans are getting pumped, realizing that Amanda is about to climb up and over the cage wall to make her escape and that Cannon is no position to stop her. He is still holding his swollen and injured testicles, which remain splayed across the top edge of the cage door. Cannon is seemingly none the wiser that Amanda is climbing over the wall, already having both feet thrown over. She twists her body so that her back hovers high above the outside mats and her toes are embedded into the chain links. She holds the top of the cage and begins to climb down before Cannon does the unthinkable. He manages to use his seated position on the cage door to push himself over and under Amanda, catching the back of her thighs on top of his shoulders. He then shoves himself and Amanda away from the cage wall with Blayze sitting on top of him in an electric chair drop position.
Sparkles: What in the hell am I looking at right now?
Greyson: I have never seen anything like this in a cage match before.
Scott remains seated on top of the cage door and Amanda is now seated on top of Cannon’s shoulders, preventing her from making her escape. In desperation Amanda throws some palm thrusts down into Scott’s forehead, trying her best to free herself from his clutches. Finally she’s able to turn her body enough to slide off of his shoulders and down the cage door. Scott is seemingly unable to stop her as Amanda reaches the center of the interior of the door and prepares to let go in order to drop to the mats below and win this match. That’s when Cannon, still straddling top of the door, extends his foot, places it to the cage wall and pushes off. The door swings shut and as a result Amanda is sent flying off of it, over the ropes and into the ring.
Greyson: Blayze was almost out of the cage but Cannon employing some quick thinking to prevent her from getting free.
Sparkles: This has to be the most unorthodox cage match I’ve ever witnessed. Granted most of the cages I see have women dancing inside of them, so my scope is a little limited.
The crowd is applauding all of the unique and original moves they’ve seen throughout this cage match and now find themselves actually cheering for Cannon as well. He slowly makes his way down the outside of the cage door, seemingly seconds from dropping to the mats beneath him and winning this match. Or at least he would be if the cage door weren’t being hit with a powerful superkick by Blayze. As a result the door goes flying all way open and turns Cannon into a makeshift door stop. His spine collides with the cage wall and he is pinned beneath the cage door, sandwiched between the steel. His body bounces off the cage wall and goes crashing down absent mindedly to the floor.
Greyson: Blayze hit that superkick on the cage door, but it…but it…WAIT…it just cost her the match!
Sparkles: Cannon escaped from the cage. He escaped from the cage!
Greyson: And he’s escaped the plight that Silas Mason had envisioned for him tonight.
Sparkles: He got so damned lucky…so damned lucky.
Amanda’s eyes widen with anger as they twist around in the referee’s direction, realizing that Cannon escaped the cage and escaped a five minute beating at her hands. She slides her palms down her face and tries to reconcile with what she unintentionally cost herself. It’s a task made all the more difficult when Silas Mason’s voice comes oozing through the speakers yet again. Mason now makes his way down the ramp with Sienna following behind, something folded up and clutched in her palms.
Silas: Ya never cease to amaze me flyboy. Somehow ya jus’ keep findin’ a way to survive.
Scott drags himself up to his feet with the aid of the cage wall, twisting around sluggishly to face Silas and Sienna, who presently surround him.
Silas: I think sum congratulations are in order, flyboy. Ya deserve a present fer winnin’ a match this hard fought. So ‘ere ya go…give ‘em his reward Baby Face.
Sienna nods then rushes in behind Scott, takes the back of his head and swings it down into the steel stairs. Cannon collapses to his seat in front of Sienna, who allows the fabric in her arms to dangle to her side, revealing it as a strait-jacket.
Silas: I told ya before the match what ya get if ya lost, Scott, but I didn’t tell ya what ya get if ya won. Don’t worry, ya won’t have to get in that ring and wrassle for five minutes with Amanda while wearin’ handcuffs. No…no…Silas ain’t that malicious. Instead, you’ll wrestle Amanda for five minutes while wearing a strait-jacket.
The building implodes with such anger and rage as they watch Swann wrap the strait-jacket around a barely conscious Scott’s body, trapping his arms to his chest. She then drags Scott to his feet and throws him into the ring through the cage door. He ends up rolling right along to the feet of Blayze, who is looking down at Cannon then up into the plotting expressions on the faces of Silas and Sienna.
Silas: He’s all yours Blayze. Yer welcome.
The disgusting laughter emanating from Mason has the fans searching for barf bags. They’re even more disgusted at the sight of Sienna swinging the cage door shut, ensuring there is no escape for Scott. She and Silas then make their way towards the back with Swann waving goodbye to the offended Blayze, who does not take lightly to being manipulated into doing Silas’ dirty work. She gazes through the cage at the departing Silas World members, Sienna in particular before deciding to make lemonade out of lemons. She turns towards the kneeling Scott, shrugs in his direction and then delivers a seated dropkick directly to Cannon’s chin. Scott is knocked to his back amidst an explosive roar from the crowd.
Greyson: Scott forced to go five minutes with Blayze while wearing that strait-jacket.
Sparkles: The same one Spencer Klein was forced to wear earlier tonight.
Greyson: And Silas considers this a prize for Cannon?
Sparkles: Seems to be more a prize for Amanda.
Amanda is about to make very good use of the five minutes that have been gifted to her. She watches the countdown clock appearing on the Cartel-tron, quickly syphoning down from five minutes to zero, and then looks back at Cannon, who weakly gets to a knee and almost goes over. The moment he ascends, even slightly, he finds his cheek smashed by another scintillating roundhouse kick.
Scott goes down to the canvas and now Blayze cracks her fingers and balls up her fists. She shadow boxes for a moment and then slowly begins to approach Cannon, who somehow has worked his way up into one of the turnbuckles. He continues to find his arms restrained by the strait-jacket as Amanda begins to pummel his mid-section with rights and lefts, each blow more crushing and devastating than the last.
Cannon looks on the verge of spitting up blood, organs being grounded into oatmeal and Blayze showing no signs of remorse. She now steps back, slaps her knee and prepares to put it directly to Scott’s face. She just begins to take off and knock a few teeth out of Cannon’s mouth before a loud scream is heard from the crowd. Everyone turns to the cage door, which is flying open as Tina Valentine and Prii Foote come sliding inside.
Greyson: It’s Tina and Prii AGAIN!
Sparkles: Their ruining this for the co-number one contender to Tina’s Queen of the Ring Title, Amanda Blayze.
That’s exactly what they’re doing.
Prii and Tina interlock hands then rush forward and hit a stereo clothesline on Amanda’s throat, knocking her to the canvas.
Sparkles: These two are having quite the productive night aren’t they?
Greyson: That they are Sparkles, they’ve already taken out Kordy and Jessica Lasiewicz, now their coming after the other number one contender to Tina’s “Queen of the Ring Championship,” Amanda.
In spite of being caught off guard by this assault Amanda tries to fight back, reaching out and latching onto the attempted kick of the Duchess. She trips Valentine to her back, crawls on top of her and throws wild right hands into the side of Tina’s face. Foote gets involved though, rushing in and delivering a swift kick straight to Blayze’s ribs, knocking her to the canvas.
As this beat down on Blayze proceeds, Scott wisely slips out of the cage door and goes hobbling up the ramp with his body still trapped in the strait-jacket.
Sparkles: Scott is undoubtedly the luckiest man on planet earth.
Greyson: Tina and Prii unintentionally sparing Cannon further injury at the hands of Blayze.
As Cannon vanishes to the backstage area, Tina reverses positions with Amanda inside of the cage, throwing rapid fire punches across the cheek of the number one contender to her title…a title that the Duchess removes from her waist and begins to grind against Blayze’s face.
Tina: Haven’t you got it through your thick skull yet, Amanda? You’re not GOOD enough to beat me for this championship, and you never will be!
Just as Tina is LITERALLY rubbing her insults in Amanda’s face a bolt of lightning shoots down from the rafters and strikes the corners of the cage. Flames suddenly ignite from the top of the steel structure and elicit a massive outcry from the fans. When the smoke of the explosions recedes we now see Jessica Lasiewicz, the Morning Star herself seated on top one of the cage corner and glaring down at the GOOD Movement members below.
Greyson: Where the hell did she just come from?
Sparkles: My wet dreams.
Greyson: Jessica Lasiewicz materializing from God only knows where.
Tina and Prii have no idea where Jessica came from, but they have a good idea where they’d like to send her. The two look up just as Jessica waves to them and then comes flying off the top of the cage, throwing herself into a crossbody that connects with Foote and Valentine, knocking all three ladies to the canvas.
Greyson: Lasiewicz off the top of the cage right into the GOOD Movement!
Jessica rises to her feet and goes right after Foote, the woman who set her up on Riot two weeks ago. Prii and Lasiewicz begin to exchange punches while Tina is now fending off the advances of Blayze, the two ladies battling it out. The crowd is quite enthused at the sight inside of the cage as all four ladies find themselves engaged in a massive battle of wills.
BACKSTAGE
Mya: CHRIS!
Mya Denton has finally tracked down her Pain & Pleasure teammate, Chris Davids, who is strewn across the pavement in the parking lot with a puddle of blood forming a halo around his head. An alarmed Mya dashes to the side of the man who was just laid out by the Sinistry, the man who was scheduled to be in the same ring with her tonight in a four way match against Ba’al. She crouches down beside Chris, checking on Davids but finding him unresponsive.
Mya: Oh God….Chris, snap out of it…come on….Wake up.
Ba’al: I believe your breaths are wasted my dear.
Mya looks up from her reflection in Davids’ blood to the smirk drawn across Ba’al’s face. The Crown Prince of Sin, the Champion, stares down at Mya from his seated position on the hood of a Mustang. His title is splayed across his lap and his knuckles are elevated to his chin. The only thing that puts him in such a relaxed and confident state, is the sight of blood oozing from Chris’ skull, having removed one of the Pain and Pleasure members who were going to undoubtedly put him at quite a disadvantage in the four way, more so resembling a 3 on 1 handicap match this evening.
Mya: You did this, didn’t you?
Ba’al: Perhaps you will think with greater foresight the next time you challenge me for my championship and turn the screws upon my business associates. You see how your actions cost your friends.
Mya rises to her feet, trembling with anger as she recounts her impromptu challenge to Ba’al two weeks ago on Riot.
Mya: Danny and I are going to make you pay for this.
Ba’al: Daniel Darko? A man of weakness and fear? A man burdened by his lack of confidence and his lack of strength? I’m afraid he, much like Davids, will not be a factor in that ‘four way match’ that your illustrious President, Orlando Cruze has prepared for us this evening in order to see me punished and see your group prosper. I will ensure that.
Mya: You won’t put a hand on Danny.
Ba’al: I won’t need to.
Mya: You know what? To hell with that four way.
Mya takes one step towards Ba’al, and that’s about as far as she gets. Suddenly Mordecai comes rushing in behind Mya, grabs her by the back of the head and the belt, charges her across the parking lot and throws her head first into the back window of the car that Ba’al is seated on top of. Denton’s head goes crashing right through the glass, sending shards flying in all directions. Her legs slowly buckle and she tumbles out of the window to the ground, finding herself lying on top of glass and lying beside a broken Chris Davids.
Ba’al: Two down and one to go.
The Champion slides off of the car and approaches Mordecai, slapping him on his shoulder.
Ba’al: I told you, you would be of service to my family still. Thank your benefactor for lending us your services this evening.
Mordecai nods his snarling face. All the while Ba’al is crouching down over the unconscious and bloodied Mya, removing a handkerchief from his pocket then tossing it onto her bloodied scalp.
Ba’al: Do clean your face, the sight of you is quite ghastly.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
Nostrils are flaring, eyes are flaming, brow is furrowing and muscles are tensing. Danny Darko is in a homicidal state as he traverses the backstage corridor followed closely by Vanilla Skyy and Adam Chase. The three are making their way straight towards the office of Orlando Cruze, and you had better believe Darko has a lot to clear from his chest. Danny pushes open the door without so much as a knock, barging in on Kloe Masters and Orlando Cruze in mid-conversation. Well, Kloe is the one doing all the talking, Orlando is just sitting there on the edge of his desk listening to Masters and her pitch.
Kloe: I know I haven’t made a lot of friends, Orlando, I get that.
Orlando: That’s putting it mildly.
Kloe: But if you sell me your shares and allow me to take over as President I swear I’ll do everything I can to make up for my past mistakes, to make things right between Taylor and I, between McBride and I, between anyone I’ve wronged.
Orlando: I guess to be fair, Kloe, it’s not that you’ve really done anything wrong per say. You just haven’t done ANYTHING.
Kloe: That’ll change. I swear it….
Orlando: I don’t kno….
Darko: Alright, enough of that.
Cruze and Kloe look up into the face of Danny Darko, who approaches them with Skyy and Adam still right at his side. The trio refused to linger in the background any longer.
Darko: We have a lot to talk about.
Orlando: That we do. How have you bee…?
Darko: No…none of that.
Skyy: We’re not here to exchange pleasantries.
Chase: I take it you’ve seen what’s happened to our fellow Pain and Pleasure cohorts, Mya Denton and Chris Davids?
Orlando: We just sent along medical help and we’ll get them patched up as soon….
Darko: Davids and Denton are fast healers, I’m not worried about their conditions, I’m only concerned about hurting the son of a bitch who took them out tonight.
Orlando: Understandable. What did you have in mind?
Darko: If my match against Ba’al is truly going to be one on one, then I want it to be a bout that allows for a bit more….PAIN.
Orlando: I don’t know Darko, I mean, you JUST got your medical clearance this morning. I don’t want you to end up right back on the sidelines with another concussion.
Darko: Don’t worry about me, Cruze, I’m actually stronger than I was before my injury. So just give me this match tonight.
Orlando: I….
Kloe: You know what Danny, you’ve got a deal.
Orlando: Kloe…
Kloe: No, you told me to do something, I’m doing it. You’ve got your match Danny, and I think, as a proper dig at Ba’al, that we make it a WEAPONS MATCH.
Darko: Fine by me….Just make it happen.
Darko, Skyy and Chase vacate the office and head for the ring while Kloe turns to Orlando, who shakes his head disapprovingly.
Kloe: You don’t like my decision?
Orlando: Not saying that, I mean, getting payback on Ba’al for booking my brother and my wife in a weapons match against each other at NewAge sounds good in principle, but I don’t know if Darko’s the right opponent to put against him and that type of match given that he JUST came back from injury.
Kloe: You heard Danny, he wasn’t going to leave this office until he got the match he wanted, and he deserves fitting retribution on Ba’al, for what Ba’al did to Mya and Chris. Danny is stubborn, just as stubborn as I am.
Orlando: Don’t I know it.
Kloe: You’re still not convinced though? That I can run this company?
Orlando: I don’t…..
Kloe: Then obviously I haven’t done enough.
Orlando: That’s not what I’m saying.
Kloe: No, you’re right Orlando, I haven’t done nearly enough…
Masters plots for a moment or two.
Kloe: I’ve got it.
Orlando: Kllllooooee.
Kloe: Kelcey Wallace beat Franklin Paradise on NewAge, meaning he has to reveal the identity of that bastard who hit me and Kelcey with a chair, which he has still yet to do. That changes right now. I’m going to that ring and I’m going to FORCE Paradise to pull back the hood on his buddy and reveal their face to the world.
Orlando: No Kloe…
Kloe: Don’t bother trying to talk me out of this, it’s what needs to be done.
Masters is already marching straight out of the room in spite of Orlando’s protests.
Orlando: At least take the Cartel with you this time!
FATAL FOUR WAY
The arena lights cut completely and an eerie glow emanates from the screens as the speakers burst into life with a creepy sounding version of a child’s nursery rhyme, sending shivers down the spines of those in attendance and probably those at home too.
“Ring… around… the ro…sie…
Pocket… full… of po… sies
Ash-es… Ash-es…
We all… fall… down…”
As the nursery rhyme comes to it’s disturbing end, crimson pyrotechnics explode on either end of the stage and “Gib Mir Deine Augen” by Rammstein replaces the nursery rhyme on the speakers as the name ‘Ba’al’ begins to slowly dissolve in on the screen in what appears to be blood. Smoke begins to bellow across the stage as the lights around the stage take on an eerie red hue. The curtains open and slowly, the silhouette of three individuals can be seen stepping through them onto the stage.
The lights on the stage raise back to their normal level as a wave of boos wash over the three individuals at the top of the ramp. Ba’al and Rachel, wearing her husband’s World Championship, share a look of contempt for the fans as Jaina smirks at the people in the crowd, going as far as to wave at them mockingly, blowing kisses at them. After a small moment, Decay steps through the curtains too, coming to a stop and lingering a few feet behind the three people in front of him. With another smirk, Jaina turns back to her brother and his better half and the three of them begin to walk down to the ring, Decay following behind keeping an eye on the people in the crowd. At the bottom of the ramp, Ba’al walks up the steps before stopping next to them and offering his hand to Rachel, who places her own hand into his. Ba’al kisses the back of her hand before helping her up the steps. Turning around, Ba’al grabs the bottom rope and hops up onto the apron with one knee, pausing to smirk at the masses who continue to boo the pair as Jaina skips around to the other side of the ring with Decay following her, silently standing at ringside as Jaina taunts the fans in the front row. On the apron, Ba’al has pushed up to his feet and he has hold of the middle rope, pushing the bottom rope down to open them for Rachel to climb through.
With Rachel inside the ring, Ba’al steps under the top rope himself and walks right to the centre of the ring, where he adopts a mock-crucifix pose usually associated with Ms. Foxx. On the outside, Jaina now leans against the apron looking on at her brother with a smile on her face, while Decay stands with his back to the ring keeping watch. As Ba’al stands there looking up into the rafters, Rachel walks in front of him, running a finger along his arm, across his chest and back down the other arm, but as she gets to his other hand, Ba’al quickly clasps her hand and spins her in a dramatic dance move before taking her in his arms and looking her deep in the eyes, a smile spreading across both their faces before he lets go of Rachel and she makes her exit to the apron, where she stands in Ba’al’s corner, holds his championship and leans into the ropes whispering something into his ear as they await the start of the match.
Greyson: With every passing moment I grow more and more disgusted with the Frost family and their actions.
Sparkles: Pull the stick out of your ass Lovejoy….or is that a vibrator? Anyway, stop ramming things in there and relax. You should learn to appreciate the brilliance of our esteemed World Champion, he managed to take out two of the opponents he was scheduled to face tonight and he didn’t even need to get his hands dirty.
Greyson: He managed to manipulate Rachel Frost into taking out Chris Davids and Mordecai into taking out Mya Denton, making this a one on one match now….
Sparkles: You know what happened to Denton and Davids, it’s Orlando Cruze’s own fault.
Greyson: How in the world do you justify a comment like that?
Sparkles: Well thank about it. If Orlando hadn’t booked a four way featuring all three members of Pain and Pleasure against Ba’al, there wouldn’t be any need for our esteemed champion to have them all taken out this evening.
Greyson: I can’t even begin to grasp that logic.
Sparkles: It’s too much for your baby dick brain to understand.
Although Ba’al is scheduled to compete, at the moment he seems to have something he wishes to say instead. A microphone finds its way into his palm and his attention now shifts to the fans who are not very enticed to listen to anything he has to say.
Ba’al: It seems that harsh times have fallen upon the illustrious faction known as Pain and Pleasure. After all their twitter tirades and social media threats regarding the four way that was set in place this evening, pitting three of their members in the same ring with little ole me, tragic fates have befallen Mya Denton and Chris Davids, with circumstances outside of the Sinistry’s control leading to the removal of both these vaunted athletes from this match. So what is one to presume? That the match is to be thrown out? That the format be altered to a singles contest between Danny Darko and myself? I am afraid n….
”Guilty All the Same” suddenly cuts Ba’al off in mid-tirade, his speech ending when Danny Darko comes storming through the curtains, storming to the ring and storming towards the World Champion. Vanilla Skyy and Adam Chase follow Darko down the ramp, looking to even the odds against Ba’al’s entourage.
Greyson: Darko’s heard enough, actually I think we all have.
Sparkles: You think Danny’s a little pissed that Ba’al had Darko’s friends destroyed?
Greyson: Erm yeah, believe it or not, that tends to upset people.
Darko isn’t interested in words, he’s here for one thing, a fight, but Ba’al isn’t. He rolls under the ropes the moment that Darko steps through them, Ba’al exiting and Danny entering.
Ba’al: Danny, do calm yourself.
Darko: Shut your damned mouth and get in this ring.
Ba’al: I am afraid that is not in the realm of possibilities dear boy. I will not risk your physical well-being and the longevity of your career by stepping into the ring with you tonight, especially when you remain in such an impaired physical condition.
Darko: What the hell are you talking about?
Danny is at last coerced into listening.
Ba’al: Do not deceive either yourself or these fans who so loyally support you. No one, yourself included, wishes to see your career tragically cut short.
Darko: Stop with the mixed messages and can the crap, Ba’al…
Ba’al: You wish for me to be more direct, yes? Fine. I have it on very well informed opinion that you are not of sound physical body to face me this evening. You may have deceived certain doctors with questionable credentials into giving you medical clearance, but according to our respectable head trainer, ‘Surly’ Sam, you are in no way ready to handle the strain of competition.
Danny’s whole body has changed shades, going red as these words reach his ears and security reaches the ring. The very men who have been subjected to countless beat-downs hazardously slip through the ropes, with Head Trainer ‘Surly’ Sam slipping into the ring behind them. All three men surround Danny and implore him to vacate the ring. All the while Sam is veering his eyes towards the grin on Rachel Foxx’s face.
Danny turns to this trio with such darkness in his eyes that they are immediately coerced into stepping back.
Darko: I’m not going anywhere, I’m getting Ba’al in this Weapons Match, and there isn’t a damn thing anybody can say or do to stop….
Darko stands corrected when Sam threatens to see Darko indefinitely suspended should he not comply.
Greyson: What a truly classless individual Ba’al is.
Sparkles: It’s not his fault that Darko is out here without medical clearance. Danny should have known better.
Now that the law has been laid down to Darko, security summons the courage to step in and grab the Pain and Pleasure member by his wrists. Under orders from ‘Surly’ Sam, Darko is dragged across the ring and out of it. Vanilla Skyy and Adam Chase are shouting at security as they lead a disgusted Darko up the ramp.
Greyson: Well somehow Ba’al has managed to manipulate this situation in order to take out all three of his opponents.
Sparkles: Genius.
Greyson: It’s despicable is what it is.
The microphone finds its way into Ba’al’s palm, carrying it back to the center of the ring.
Ba’al: Now that we have that sordid mess cleaned up, we move along to a more urgent matter. Your time has run out Taylor Chase.
The World Champion’s eyes shift to the curtains.
Ba’al: I will not be competing in any Four Way, or Weapons Match this evening, meaning I can devote my time entirely into bringing you, Mrs. Chase, into the family. My brother Lucien, has so many wonders he has in store for you, and with you standing beside the Frost family, imagine the control and influence we will wield throughout the wrestling industry. Just envision it, the Frost family united with the Chase family. Could there be an anymore dominant and powerful entity in wrestling? Together, we will be a force that is without….
Mya: To hell with Taylor Chase!!
The crowd becomes absolutely rabid at the sight of Mya Denton making her way through the curtains and to the stage. In spite of the fact that her face is submerged in blood, and pieces of glass are still embedded in her forehead after being thrown through a car window, Denton manages to make it to the stage where she gets an up close view of Ba’al’s twisted grin. Of course Denton wants to get a lot closer to that grin.
Mya: You shouldn’t be worrying about Taylor Chase, you should be worried about pulling my boot out of your ASS! A Weapon’s Match was booked and you will compete in it you son of a bitch.
Mya stumbles down the ramp, running as fast as her wobbly legs will carry her towards the ring where a laughing Ba’al is waiting.
Greyson: Are you fucking serious? Mya Denton, minutes after having her head slammed through a window backstage is rushing down the ramp to fight Ba’al?
Sparkles: That settles it, Mya is absolutely fucked in the head.
Although Denton has lost a lot of blood, and suffered a lot of head trauma, she still slides into the ring only to receive the same treatment she received in the parking lot. A boot connects across the back of Mya’s head, delivered by Ba’al. He then grabs Denton by the wrist and methodically drags her towards her feet while eyeballing referee Ficklebottom, who was on hand to officiate the originally scheduled Darko vs. Ba’al bout.
Ba’al: Ring the bell.
The official does as instructed, turning to start the match.
Greyson: I can’t believe we’re actually seeing this. We were supposed to get a four way, then it was changed to Darko versus Ba’al in a Weapons Match, but now it appears to be changed again with Mya versus Ba’al in a Weapons Match. Is any of this supposed to make sense?
Ba’al delights in Mya’s misfortunes, dragging her up to her feet and then pulling her into a short arm clothesline that Denton somehow manages to duck under. She then steps behind Ba’al, who swings around and finds his chin smashed with a right hand. A right hand nails him across the face, followed by a left hand, then another right, then another left. Mya is ambidextrous in her beat down of the champion, who is reeling backwards into the ropes with each strike. Finally Denton delivers a spinning back kick to Ba’al’s ribs, doubling him over and putting his head in position for the Cra-Cra. She begins to rush at the ropes in order to hit the Shiranui only to have Ba’al counter, wedging a hand to her back and shoving her off into the cables. Mya ricochets from the ropes and comes back in at Ba’al, who suddenly catches Denton with a tilt a whirl only to have Denton counter into the modified octopus stretch. She gets her patented submission locked in on the standing champion, who stoops over with Mya’s leg wrapped around his neck, and the other wrapped around his thigh. Ba’al tries to fight off the pain he is experiencing and block out the noise of the screaming fans.
Greyson: Somehow Mya has got it locked in! She’s got the Champion trapped! She’s got him trapped in the hold!
Sparkles: Is Mya actually about to make Ba’al tap out!?!
Greyson: Mya almost had the champion beat two weeks ago on Riot, will she finally do it tonight, even after everything that she’s been put through?
Ba’al struggles against the modified octopus stretch, lifting his free hand into the air and actually looking on the cusp of tapping out. That’s not what he was doing with his hand though, instead he’s hooking it around Mya’s leg, pushing on it and causing Denton to swing around and hang upside down, countering Denton’s submission into a jumping tombstone piledriver. The top of Denton’s head ricochets from the canvas, and her neck is badly compressed as she falls across the canvas.
Greyson: TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!
Ba’al is obviously done with this trivial affair, leaning down and wedging his hands to Mya’s shoulders for the pin. Ficklebottom drops into position and makes the count.
1
2
It should be academic, but Mya skews expectations by launching her shoulder off of the canvas. The crowd reacts with a rather thunderous applause that has Ba’al’s face twisting into a mask of outrage. He swipes Mya’s blood from his shirt and prepares for the next step in his destruction of Denton. Meanwhile referees Alex Ingelson and Stuart Wright are making their way down the ramp and sliding into the ring. The two prevent Ba’al from inflicting any further damage on Mya, gathering around the bloodied and gravely injured Denton.
Greyson: Looks like the officiating staff is out here to help get Mya out of that ring.
Sparkles: Better late than never I guess.
Greyson: She is obviously in no condition whatsoever to wrestle, and the fact that she’s lasted this long in this match is a testament of what this young lady is made of.
The referees aid Mya up to her feet and plead for Ba’al to back off. He steps away from the departing officials and the departing opponent to collect the microphone off the canvas.
Ba’al: Enough with these trivial matters, let us get our focus back on Taylor Chase and her decision…
Suddenly Mya shoves the referees who were supporting her aside and goes rushing at Ba’al, throwing a fist so powerful across his cheek that it forces him to drop his microphone. Ba’al staggers back, swings his arms and tries to remain upright even as Denton delivers a kick to his gut and takes him around the neck, once again setting up for the Cra-Cra. She drags him along towards Ingelson, places a boot to the referee’s chest and kicks back, delivering the Shiranui and slamming Ba’al down across the back of his head. The whole building is imploding into a wave of euphoria, everyone leaping around in their seats as Mya falls into the lateral press across the champion’s chest.
Greyson: What the hell was that?
Sparkles: Mya springing off the referees who came to remove her from the ring and hitting the Cra-Cra!
The Shiranui slams Ba’al’s head into the canvas with enough force to set him up for the pinfall. Mya drops into the cover, hooking Ba’al’s leg while Ingelson and Fitzpatrick vacate the ring. Now Ficklebottom slips into position and makes the count to a reaction that just keeps getting louder and louder with each slap of the canvas.
1
2
Expectations are once again shattered, as is Mya’s confidence when Ba’al gets his shoulder up, narrowly avoiding defeat. Mya sits up emoting surprise even with her face nothing but a bloody puddle. She came so very close to pinning the champion only to see her hopes subverted. Her dread will not cost her victory however. She slides her hands into Ba’al’s hair, leads him up to his feet and places him in another Cra-Cra predicament. She rushes at the ropes, using them to aid her instead of the referee’s scrawny chest, and steps up the corner, flipping back. However, Ba’al amazes all with his surprising counter, planting his feet, pushing down on Denton’s shoulder and flipping her over, catching her in a tombstone predicament.
The fans screech at the top of their lungs as Ba’al steps to the center of the ring holding Mya upside down and then dropping into another leaping tombstone. The top of Mya’s head crashes with enough force against the canvas to render her unconscious. Denton collapses to her back amidst such piercing roars from the crowd.
Greyson: Mya dumped on her head a second time.
Sparkles: And that head already went through a car window backstage.
Greyson: There’s no way Mya is kicking out again…no way.
Ficklebottom drops into position and makes the count to a thunderclap of screams from the fans.
1
2
The whole mood in the building changes when the hand comes down for the third and final time, anointing Ba’al with a very hard fought victory. He rises to his knees with a demented twinkle in the corner of his eye and his chest covered in Mya’s blood. Devilish laughter emanates from his lungs, filling the Manhattan Center.
Greyson: Mya amazed everyone by coming out here to compete even after what happened to her moments ago backstage, but she just couldn’t pull it together to defeat the World Champion tonight.
Sparkles: She’s lost more blood tonight than she has during any of her menstrual cycles.
Finally Mya does comply with the demands of referee Ingelson and Fitzpatrick, who roll Denton out of the ring and away from any further harm. Ba’al’s entourage have stood back and watched long enough, a smiling Jaina, Rachel and Decay climb up onto the apron at this point and watch as the world Champion steps to the center of the ring, enjoying the spoils of victory. He plucks the microphone from the canvas and elevates it to his upturned lips.
Ba’al: Now that we have dispended with formalities, I believe your moment has come Taylor Chase. You are the only woman I wish to stand in this ring with at the moment, and I pray you do not leave it in the same shape as Mya. So come along Frau Chase, enter the squared circle and enter the Frost fam….
The crowd instantly erupts at the visual of the security guards who lead Darko away from the ring, now finding their bodies flying back towards the ring. The two men find themselves in familiar positions, on their backs. They roll through the curtains to the stage and Danny Darko, knuckles red, steps out behind them. Vanilla Skyy and Adam Chase are following behind a vengeful Danny.
Greyson: Darko is back!
Danny slides into the ring and once again Ba’al is exiting it. The Champion joins Decay, Foxx and Jaina at ringside, restraining them all from getting in the ring with Darko, who seems bound and determined to get some revenge on the World Champion for all the wrongs he has committed this evening. Ba’al shakes his head in the direction of Darko while the Crown Prince of Sin and his forces vacate the ringside area. Danny wishes to pursue him but more security are sliding into the ring, all at the behest of Head Trainer, ‘Surly’ Sam, the man who deemed Danny to be medically unfit to compete.
Greyson: What is Taylor Chase’s answer going to be? Will we still find that out tonight?
Sparkles: And is Danny ever going to get his hands on the champion?
BACKSTAGE
The Cartel stand right behind Kloe Masters, not letting her out of their sight as they make their way down the corridor and towards the ring. Masters is all business, on a mission this evening, her focus on revealing the identity of the individual who assaulted her and Kelcey Wallace in recent weeks with a steel chair. “Edge of a Revolution,” the Riot theme song is still blaring in the background, hyping Kloe’s arrival to the ring where this revelation awaits. Greyson Lovejoy and Sparkles drum up their own excitement from the commentators table.
Greyson: We’ll have to wait for closure on everything that just happened in the ring, because it looks like Kloe Master is heading out here and she’s finally going to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding who attacked her twice in recent weeks.
Sparkles: I hope it’s not Chevy Chase….It was bad enough watching his own late night talk show.
Greyson: Are we at last going to get the answer we were promised on NewAge, will the hooded attacker be revealed? We’ll find out after the commercial break.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
A large contingent of security guards have Danny Darko surrounded as he is led along through the backstage area. Danny carries with him a noticeable edge and undeniable intensity as he’s escorted from the building. His wife Vanilla Skyy, and her agent Adam Chase, are following behind but kept at a distance by security.
Vanilla: Don’t worry Danny, we’re going to get to the bottom of this. Ba’al’s not going to be allowed to get away with this.
Chase: He’ll suffer one way or another by the end of the night.
Darko: Oh yes….he will…and it’ll be at MY hands.
Danny makes this decree in spite of being surrounded by security and being led towards the exit to the building.
William: Whoa…whoa…whoa….
The job that security has been tasked with is impeded the moment that ‘Pure’ Champion William Mason and JaMarcus Avery step in their way, blocking them from reaching the exit.
William: What’s the meaning of this? Where do you guys think you’re taking Danny?
Darko: William, don’t bother. Please don’t get involved in this.
William: I’m afraid I already am involved when it comes to business involving my friends. Now I asked you gentlemen a question, where are you intending to take my associate?
Security: We’ve been instructed by ‘Surly’ Sam to have Darko removed from the building for his own good.
William: His own good? BULL. I’m going to go and have a chat with Karen, and we’ll make sure this travesty isn’t permitted to happen.
Darko: WILLIAM!
Danny lashes out and grabs the lapel of the Pure Champion’s coat.
Darko: Stay out of this!
A look of confusion fills Mason’s face as he slowly extracts the lapel of his jacket from Darko’s hand and steps back. He then adjusts the Pure Title over his shoulder and sighs as he watches Danny led past him towards the double doors. As Skyy and Chase follow, Vanilla pauses, looks towards William and pats him on the shoulder.
Vanilla: We’ll get this taken care of, don’t worry William.
Vanilla and Adam follow Darko right through the double doors leading to the cold exterior of the Manhattan Center. All Mason and Avery can do is watch, neither man pleased by what they’re witnessing.
Flash: Well-well-well.
Cameras suddenly turn towards Flash Silver and his agent Infinity, who were observing this whole scene unfold several feet away.
Flash: Looks like Danny Darko is trying to avoid another fight with me tonight.
Infinity: Not going to happen, Flash, not going to happen. Your win streak will continue tonight, and Darko will be the next victim.
IN RING
The crowd rumbles with such suspense, such heightened anticipation upon hearing the lyrics of Kloe Masters’ entrance theme drumming through the speakers. They know what they’ve been promised and hopefully Masters is at last here to deliver. She has a determined gait as she strides along to the ring, eyes focused on the canvas and not on the hands desperately reaching over the barricade yearning for a high five or at least some type of acknowledgment. Zak Norton, Alex Clayton and Nate Barlow of the Cartel are following right along behind her. The commentators speak up and maintain a high level of energy.
Greyson: Kloe Masters made a bold promise this evening, she swore that she was going to come to the ring and reveal the identity of the individual who has been wearing that hood and assaulting individuals left and right with a steel chair. Will she remain true to her word?
Sparkles: Weren’t we supposed to have learned that identity already?
Greyson: Well Kelcey Wallace, one of the victims of that mysterious assailant, defeated Sinistry General Manager, Franklin Paradise on NewAge, and the stipulation of that match was that if Wallace won, Paradise’s hooded goon would have to reveal who they are. But predictably, Wallace won and that mystery man fled the arena before the stipulation could be honored.
Sparkles: I wonder if it’s Howie Mandel.
Greyson: Why in the world would you think it would be Howie Mandel?
Sparkles: Because it’s an obscure reference, and obscure references are apparently funny.
Greyson: Anything to keep from making you use your brain, aye?
Sparkles: Using my brain takes work, and just like Heidi Fleiss, Sparkles don’t work cheap.
The crowd is glued to Kloe’s every step as she makes her way into the ring, lifts the microphone to her lips and proceeds to complete the task she has assigned herself, a task that will presumably put her in a better bargaining position to purchase the IWC. The Cartel stands behind her, wearily eying the crowd in case that hooded attacker tries to stop Masters from accomplishing her goal.
Kloe: So on top of being a bunch of self-righteous, murderous, lying hypocrites, the Sinistry also welch on their bets. Do these guys have any redeemable qualities whatsoever? I think not, which is why it would be soooo great to see them purged from this federation and if Orlando comes to his senses and sells me his shares in the company, the heads of every Sinistry member will be first on the chopping block. Right now though, I have ONE head that I’m intent on splitting, the head of the man who has left me lying on the ground the past several weeks. Every time I’ve come to this ring, or stood backstage and TRIED to do something right, especially by Taylor Chase, I’ve been beaten down by this same hood wearing lunatic. They’ve operated under a veil of secrecy for too long. I’m here to make them realize that attacking me, that attacking Kraven and that attacking Kelcey will have ramification…
”Exodus” by Ernest Gold plays over the PA system and at least Kloe is interrupted by someone she doesn’t mind being distracted by. Kelcey Wallace has just as good a reason to be headed for the ring as Kloe does, the Perfect 10 equally as eager to learn the identity of the man who has assaulted her and her brother. Speaking of Kraven, he wasn’t about to allow Kelcey to head to the ring alone, hence why the massive former MMA brawler towers behind his sister’s back and marches down the ramp.
Greyson: Looks like the other victims of that Sinistry stalwart in the hood, are coming out here to discover who laid them out with the steel chair.
Sparkles: I’m guessing it’s Bette White….So seems like something Bette White would do.
Greyson: Again with the obscure references?
Sparkles: Beats struggling to say something legitimately funny.
The ring soon becomes occupied by Kelcey and Kraven, who stand before a surprisingly accommodating Kloe.
Kloe: Thought you would be here eventually.
Kelcey: Nothing was about to keep me away from this ring…nothing.
Kloe: I know you want to see that bastard’s face just as much as I do.
Kelcey: Wrong.
Kloe: Huh?
Kelcey: I don’t want to see their face, I want to crush it.
Kraven stands behind his sister and is already cracking his knuckles in anticipation of bludgeoning the face of the man hidden beneath the hood.
Kraven: Let’s to do this, Kloe. Get it done.
Kloe: Gladly.
Masters turns to the entry way, eyes intently focused on the curtains in anticipation of the hooded figures arrival.
Kloe: Franklin Paradise, I’m giving you exactly five seconds…FIVE SECONDS to bring your friend out here and tell them to honor the stipulation of the match you lost against Kelcey Wallace. You will tell them to take back the hood and show the world their identity, or I will be forced to have Orlando fir….
Franklin: Now…now honey britches….let’s not say something you’ll regret later.
Franklin Paradise steps through the curtains in his dapper suit and rose shaded glasses. In spite of being backed into a corner, Paradise, the SIN GM, continues to wear his cavalier and confident smirk.
Franklin: And there’s no need to go and threaten me with suspensions or firings or erotic massages, because I had every intention of revealing my friend’s identity. No duress, no torture, no straps on necessary.
Kelcey: Then get on with it, Franklin!
Franklin: No foreplay huh? FINE. I’m just as eager to get this over with as you….
Kraven: Spill it Franklin, before I decorate the walls of the Manhattan Center with your blood.
Franklin: Jesus Chris, this isn’t Texas Chainsaw Massacre, last I checked Jessica Biel wasn’t running around here in skin tight blue jeans…and believe me, I would be the first person to know if she were. Anyway, I’m not stupid enough to bring my associate out here knowing damn well what the three of you would do to him. But I will tell you their identity and I trust you’ll let bygones be bygones and we can all move past this ugliness and establish some type of peace accord…
Kloe: Keep telling yourself that Franklin.
Franklin: You want to know? All of you want to know?
Paradise looks out over the crowd.
Kraven: Yes GOD DAMMIT!
Franklin: Alright then….Prepare your panties because Paradise is about to make ‘em wet. The man who has assisted me over the past few weeks in beating down Wallace and keeping Masters from making a fatal error by forcing Ba’al into a World Title match against Taylor Chase is no stranger to all three of you.
Kloe, Kelcey and Kraven exchange anxious glances.
Franklin: You know them very well, in fact, he’s a man of international renown, and a man who did not take kindly to Kelcey’s rebellious attitude and Kloe’s biased booking decisions. I’m talking about the very man you abandoned Kelcey, and the man you, Kloe, had thrown out of the building by your Cartel stooges on NewAge several weeks ago. A man who is justified in his pursuit of revenge….SILAS MASON!
The crowd suddenly explodes into such an outcry. Franklin makes this revelation before rushing through the curtains to the backstage area, leaving all parties in the ring to handle the gravity of his statements. Kloe slowly turns towards the Cartel who followed her to the ring, speaking directly to Alex.
Kloe: Care to do me a favor?
Alex: Yes ma’am?
Kloe: Find Silas Mason and bring him to me…
Masters suddenly shifts her focus to Kelcey and Kraven.
Kloe: No…bring him to US!
BACKSTAGE
Scott Cannon wears the type of expression of a man who just swallowed a firecracker, his nerves are definitely unsettled as he makes his way down the corridor still wearing a strait-jacket. An expression of raw malice is embedded in his eyes. He doesn’t care that his arms are tethered to his body, one way or another he’ll make Silas and his agency suffer for the actions they’ve taken against him tonight.
Silas: What’s wrong, flyboy?
Scott didn’t have to search very long for Mason, almost instantly stumbling across the smug grin of his agent. Mason stares at Cannon without a fear in the world.
Silas: Ya look a lil pissed? Why is that? I was just tryin’ to help ya, flyboy. Help put ya outta yer misery.
Scott: You know what they say Silas, misery loves company.
Cannon is just about to ensure that Mason is as miserable as Silas has made him. In spite of the strait-jacket, Scott takes a threatening step in Silas’ direction but gets no further. A crowbar immediately swings into Scott’s upper back, taking him off of his feet and down to the concrete, landing at Silas’ toes. Once again the crowd is forced to listen to that reprehensible chuckle from Mason as he looks down at the unconscious Cannon and then up at the crowbar in Brittany Lohan’s hands. She stands over Scott, staring down at him and shaking her head.
Silas: Good work Baby Blue. Very good work, but yer night ain’t over with yet. Let’s leave Scott to think over his behavior, ya got Lukas Knight to focus on. So let’s get to it.
Lohan: Gladly.
They are just about to leave before Brittany leans down and whispers something to the barely coherent Cannon.
Lohan: Nothing personal.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
The Head Trainer’s office is at the forefront of the camera with the door slowly opening and Samantha Hodgson stepping out. The agent looks out of place dressed in a track suit in stark contrast to her normal business jacket and long skirt. She turns towards ‘Surly’ Sam, engaging the trainer in some banter.
Hodgson: So have I passed all the tests? I’m good to go against Vanilla Skyy tonight?
’Surly’ Sam: Absolutely.
Sam replies while flipping through the wad of cash in his hands.
’Surly’ Sam: Fit as a fiddle.
Hodgson: I thought so. Skyy really has no idea what she’s in store for tonight.
Samantha makes her way down the corridor while Sam starts to step back into the room only to have the door prevented from connecting with the jamb thanks to a foot. Sam looks down into the boot that blocks him from closing the door and then his eyes veer up into the face of Vanilla Skyy.
Skyy: You and I need to have a talk.
’Surly’ Sam: Um, we do?
Skyy: You bet your ass we do. The two of us are going to have a long talk about my husband Darko.
Skyy wedges a finger to Sam’s chest and pushes him back into the room, stepping in as well. The door slams behind her back, thankfully preventing the image of whatever fate is befalling the head trainer. Skyy’s agent, Adam Chase turns his back to the door and crosses his arms over his chest, standing guard.
IN RING
Infinity: DANIEL DARKO!
Cameras return to the ring just in time to find Flash Silver and his agent Infinity occupying the ring. While Flash is busy checking on his nails and ensuring no unsightly debris has collected beneath them, Infinity is handling business on behalf of her client, microphone tightly gripped in her hand.
Infinity: We grow very impatient with your cowardly ways. You have done everything in your power over the past few weeks to avoid a physical confrontation with my client. Every time the slightest hint of a match between the two of you comes up, you come down with some kind of mysterious ‘INJURY’ which conveniently keeps you from competing. Well we’re sick of the excuses. You either come out here and answer the challenge we’ve been making repeatedly over the past few weeks, or suffer another count out loss.
Obviously there is no sight of Danny Darko, considering he was just ejected from the building just a few moments ago. A fact that Flash and Infinity are more than cognizant of.
Infinity: Fine…if that’s how you want to play it, then you give us no other recourse. Send a referee out here this instant!
On cue Referee Wright comes strolling towards the ring, the most corrupt of officials entering the ring and immediately calling for the bell. Greyson Lovejoy’s voice couldn’t sound anymore disgusted as it lashes out from the commentator’s table.
Greyson: Come off it now…Darko was just kicked out of the building, and Infinity and Flash know that.
Sparkles: Don’t think it matters to either of these two.
Greyson: This is the same bullshit they pulled on NewAge.
Wright instantly steps to the sides of the self-righteous Infinity and the smug Flash.
Infinity: Make the count!
Stuart nods and proceeds.
Wright: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6…
Greyson: Is this really happening? Is Darko about to be counted out for the second straight week in a row?
Sparkles: Looks like it.
Wright: ….7, 8, 9….10!
Wright twists around and calls for the bell, listening as it chimes in the background. Flash then bolts across the ring and leaps onto one of the turnbuckles, reacting with a rather undignified response to his ‘victory.’
Greyson: This is such bullshit.
Flash repeatedly thrusts his arms above his head while Infinity thrusts her mic to her lips.
Infinity: And with that, Flash Silver’s win streak now extends to 37-0!
Greyson: WHAT!?!
Sparkles: What an impressive record Flash is accumulating.
Greyson: That’s BULLSHIT! Flash has only won one match, no wait, it wasn’t even sanctioned, so it shouldn’t even count as a victory.
Sparkles: Don’t you dare ruin this for Flash.
Infinity prepares to continue.
Infinity: Unlike Daniel Darko, my client is a REEEEEAL man.
The microphone is handed over to Flash, who HAS to make comment.
Flash: That’s right peoples. I’m more of a man than any competitor on this entire roster and half of the so called ‘woman.’
Skyy: Oh yeah, your quite the man, huh?
All the color in Flash’s face fades away at the sight of Vanilla Skyy and her agent Adam Chase emerging from the backstage area. The two take residenc on the stage and stand a united front in their face off with the disgruntled Flash.
Skyy: Hung like a moose are you?
Silver is nodding.
Flash: A moose has got nothing on me.
Skyy: I wasn’t talking to YOU.
Infinity’s eyes widen and her face twists into a mask of indignation.
Skyy: Well let’s find out how big YOUR balls are, Flash. Because I just had a…friendly chat….with Head Trainer ‘Surly’ Sam, and apparently he’s been up to his old ways. He told me that he was ordered to falsify my husband’s medical records, and THAT’S why Danny wasn’t given clearance to WRESTLE tonight. And when the world hears WHO was behind that order, you’re aaaalll going to freak, believe me. I was shocked myself. Anyway, Darko wasn’t cleared to wrestle because of that order made to Sam.
Flash shrugs with indifference.
Skyy: But he WILL be cleared to WRESTLE on NewAge. Oh I’m sorry, I forgot, wrestling is a naughty word around these parts, especially when it comes to men like you, Flash. But on NewAge, you’ll be forced to lace up your boots and you’ll have to WRESTLE if you want to survive my husband. Because he’s coming for you. Your pain, will be his pleasure, and you are NOT going to like it.
Flash no longer shrugs, he smirks and shakes his head.
Flash: Big deal…another opportunity to expand my win streak.
Skyy: Suuuuure. Flash…..suuuuuure.
Vanilla rolls her eyes.
Hodgson: You want to talk about testicles, Vee?
All eyes suddenly redirect to the Cartel tron where an expanded image of Samantha Hodgson’s face has overtaken the screen. Her words are full of malice, and her eyes are of the haunting sort. She seems to be standing in some backstage corridor with what appears to be a hockey stick stretched across her chest. Skyy and Chase look up at the screen with anger etched in the lines of their faces.
Hodgson: You want to talk about STRENGTH? Well, I dare say that nobody is mightier than the woman you’re looking at right now. I’m Samantha Hodgson, I’m the toughest, strongest, most versatile agent in this industry today, and my talents are only matched by my intelligence. I have a strong business acumen, and an even stronge…..
Skyy: Are you getting to a point sometime in the next century?
Hodgson: Do not cheapen this, Vee.
Skyy: Don’t have to, from what I’ve heard, you’re pretty CHEAP already.
Hodgson: I will not stand for you disgracing my upstanding reputation. The time for all your filthy and disgusting comments have come to an end. You took my client from me, and you will pay this very second. Your naivety led you to sign a contract for a match between the two of us tonight, and that match will demonstrate just how undeniable my strength is to Marie Jones, and it won’t be just ANY match. No, it’ll be a bout that properly displays my strengths, I’m challenging you to a HARDCORE MATCH….
The camera filming Hodgson pulls back to reveal referee Michelle Blacker standing just off to Samantha’s side, and what looks like the catering area behind her.
Hodgson: And that match will start on MY turf. So if you truly wish to face my wrath, come back here and find me!
On the stage beneath the Cartel-tron, Skyy and her agent are exchanging a glance before they both shrug and head along to the backstage area. They leave the crowd screaming in anticipation of this impromptu hardcore match and also groaning in anticipation of hearing more of Infinity’s cringe worthy comments.
Infinity: What a surprise, another ‘athlete’ running away from my client.
Flash and Infinity simultaneously shake their heads in the center of the ring.
Infinity: Skyy has the audacity to call herself the best wrestler in the world? Laughable. She’s nothing compared to wrestling’s salvation, the hero of heroes, Flash Silver, and we’re about to prove it. Vanilla, we’re challenging you to a match RIGHT NOW, and if you don’t get in this ring referee Wright WILL count you out and you WILL forfeit to Flash.
Silver is smiling from ear to ear as official Wright, who is as crooked as a two dollar bill, calls for the bell to get this impromptu match underway. He then steps forth and starts a ten count in order to disqualify Skyy and add to Flash’s trumped up win record.
Silas: As amusing as I find all of this…
The crowd is swept into a wave of righteous indignation at the sight of Silas Mason stepping to the stage with the newest cornerstones of his vaunted agency following behind him. “The Phoenix” Marie Jones and “The Angel” Sienna Swann stand on opposite sides of Brittany Lohan, crowbar in hand.
Silas: I’m fraid it’s distractin’ from what dese ‘ere people really want to see, and that’s my Baby Blue here, Brittany Lohan versus Sebastian Knight one on one in a match that’s been a very long time coming.
Infinity and Flash exit the ring and make their way to the back as Lohan enters the ring, crowbar in her clutches. Silas, Sienna and Marie remain at ringside, watching as Lohan prepares to give a lecture.
Lohan: You can’t say I didn’t try to warn you, Lucas. I told you time and time again that if you crossed me, there would be pain, there would be suffrage, there would be hell. So don’t blame me for what happened on NewAge when my crowbar found its way into your face. Blame yourself for continuing to pursue this battle…a battle you will not win…a battle that will end with me forcing you out of this business for far-far longer than a year. If you come down this ramp tonight and face me, you’ll force my hand. You’ll force me to have to end your career. I know you want me in a crowbar on a pole match, and I’m here to accept that challenge, because I never run away from a fight. But you need to ask yourself if it’s something you really…really are prepared for. If it’s something you really want. Because if you reflect on it, even for a moment Knight, I’m sure you’ll realize facing me is not a wise or healthy decision.
Serenity: Brrrrriiiiitany….oooh Briiiitttany….Hi there, Sis.
Lohan suddenly turns her focus to the rafters, as does Silas, as does Sienna and as does Marie.
Jones’ face contorts into an expression of tension when seeing the leather clad Serenity lurking in the scaffolding with Willow Wilkes at her side. The two stare piercingly over the railing of the scaffold and examine the expressions drawn over the mugs of Brittany and Silas.
Serenity: I’m soooo sorry to interrupt your threats to Lucas Knight, but what I have to say is more important, and it’s something you really need to listen to.
Lohan is all ears, but Mason isn’t, already making his way towards Sienna, who had taken the luxury of holding the microphone for Silas.
Serenity: I’m not going to warn you again, Sis. I told you that a war was coming between Silas World and I, and if you want to avoid getting caught in the middle, you’ll walk away from Silas.
Silas: And what do you think you’ll do to your sister if she doesn’t walk away? You won’t do a damned thing ya whiney lil slut.
Serenity smiles over this crass insults.
Serenity: You call me a slut? Yet you’re the one who goes around sticking his penis in anything that will spread its legs.
Silas: Your ex fiancée spread ‘em pretty wide for my boys.
Mason reaches down and adjusts himself.
Silas: And she enjoyed every second of it.
Still Serenity grins in response to these statements.
Silas: Ya’see Serenity, there are jus’ some ladies who need a good ole’ fashion lay, and when they come beggin’ me for it, I ain’t about to turn down a woman in need. So don’t be angry with me for bedding yer beau. She was aching for it. Ya jus’ weren’t satisfying ‘er. Katelyn needed my equipment, equipment ya don’t possess.
Serenity: Be careful Silas, or maybe I will have that equipment removed and stored in a mason jar.
Silas’ lower lip quivers.
Silas: That ain’t gonna happen, no matter how many ladies ya get to join ya in yer campaign against Silas World.
He points straight at the grinning Willow at Serenity’s side.
Silas: Because while ya surround yerself wit a bunch of low-fed stick figures, I got myself some muscle…some brawn in the form of yer sister, and she’s loyal to me.
Silas now points at the imposing Lohan in the ring.
Silas: And ya know damn well ya won’t cross yer very own sister to get to me.
Serenity: I hope Brittany doesn’t put me in that position.
Silas is so preoccupied with his banter with Serenity that he doesn’t even notice the Cartel moving towards him. Alex Clayton, Nate Barlow and Zak Norton make their way down the ramp and are on the cusp of surrounding Mason. He is totally unaware of their presence until the collar of his jacket is grabbed by Clayton.
Silas: Take yer God damned hands off me!
Silas pulls away with Sienna and Marie immediately stepping in between Mason and the Cartel.
Marie: What do you think you’re doing putting your hands on my agent?
Alex: Listen Red, he’s coming with us rather you like it or not. He’s got a lot to answer for.
Marie: He isn’t going anywhere.
It seems a fight is inevitably about to break out at ringside with Silas egging it on.
Greyson: The Cartel operating on orders from Kloe Masters to capture Silas Mason.
Speaking of events at ringside, we now see an explosion between the Cartel and Silas World. Marie and Sienna suddenly come to blows with Alex and Zak.
Greyson: And this issue imploding!
Sparkles: Silas World and the Cartel fighting it out with Silas’ safety hanging in the balance.
Silas manages to navigate himself away from the chaos, calmly stepping towards the ramp. He gets a good view of Barlow sliding into the ring and now exchanging shots with Lohan, the two brawling back and forth. Lohan swings the crowbar at Nate only to have him duck the intended shot. She spins around and immediately begins to exchange punches with Barlow.
As this chaos consumes both the ring and ringside Silas gets to the stage at last feeling secure. That’s when he suddenly finds himself spun around by the man who had been lingering behind the curtains. The brother of acting President Orlando Cruze, and former brother in law of Kloe Masters, gets revenge for Silas’ actions by flinging a fist right into Silas’ jaw, sending Mason staggering back.
Greyson: Shaun Cruze! Shaun Cruze all over Silas Mason! These two have so much history it’s not even funny.
Sparkles: I didn’t hear anyone laughing.
Greyson: Silas might never laugh again if Shaun gets his revenge on the man who attacked Kloe Masters twice in the last few weeks all while hiding his identity behind the hoodie.
Shaun now steps back, plants his feet and then goes for the Morality. The superkick BARELY misses Silas’ face, as Mason manages to duck at the last conceivable second and then rush past Cruze to the backstage area. Shaun isn’t about to let him get away that easily, charging to the back in hot pursuit of Silas.
As Mason runs for his life, Serenity and Willow watch from the rafters, laughing with delight. All the while Marie Jones is glares from ringside, distancing herself from the battle against the Cartel and glaring at the smiles drawn across Serenity’s and Willow’s faces.
BACKSTAGE
Little time is afforded to the warring beauties in the ring, because cameras are instantly drawn to another beauty on the brink of starting her own battle. Vanilla Skyy is followed by Adam Chase through the backstage corridor, narrowing in on the target she’ll drop a few bombs on.
Chase: Be careful, Skyy.
Skyy: Hodgson is the one who needs to be warned, Adam.
The two step through a set of double doors leading to the area where Hodgson was spotted a few moments ago. The moment they pass into this area a hockey stick comes swinging right into Skyy’s ribs. The stick smacks Vanilla with such force that it instantly doubles her over. Samantha now steps out from behind the door jamb and swings the stick once again right over Skyy’s back. Vanilla no sooner hits the ground before Hodgson is rolling her over to her back and crawling into the cover, hooking a leg. Referee Blacker, the same referee seen on the Cartel-tron beside Samantha a few moments ago, drops to the concrete and makes the count.
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Skyy launches her shoulder from the pavement before the three count.
SAMANTHA HODGSON VS. VANILLA SKYY
HARDCORE MATCH
The voices of Greyson Lovejoy and Sparkles filter into the background as they make their statements from the safety of the commentators table on events transpiring backstage.
Greyson: Looks like we’re getting that Hardcore Match we were promised. Samantha lying in wait and getting the drop on Skyy, just like she did last week on NewAge when she smacked Vee in the back of the head with a clipboard.
Sparkles: Samantha doing what I could always dreams of, taking advantage of an unconscious Skyy.
Greyson: This match all coming about thanks to events at Upping the Ante, when Samantha’s client at the time, Marie Jones, submitted in an I Quit match to Vanilla Skyy after Hodgson’s safety was risked.
Sparkles: Yep, and as a result Marie claimed that Hodgson was weak and fired her as her agent.
Hodgson obviously didn’t think this match would continue past her shots with the hockey stick. She’s now scrambling for what to do next, her eyes twisting towards the condiment’s table. She rushes towards it and grabs the coffee pot, ripping it off the table. She now waits for Skyy to get to her knees, Vanilla rolling to them when Hodgson rushes in and swings the coffee pot right into her forehead. Vanilla ducks though, causing the glass to fly over her head and smash against the floor. A stunned Hodgson spins around into the waiting hand of Vanilla, who snatches the back of Samantha’s head and rushes her right into the condiments table. She throws Hodgson into all the goodies, Samantha sliding over the ketchup bottles, coffee creamers and filters before collapsing to the floor. Hodgson rolls to her back, looking incapacitated.
Skyy now climbs up onto the surface of the table and leaps off right into a diving axehandle elbow across Hodgson’s chest. Samantha rolls to her side, grimacing in pain and eventually finding her hair caught up in Skyy’s hands. Vanilla drags her along to her feet and her face along into the wall. Samantha’s head smashes off the concrete and her body twists around into a boot to the gut. Skyy once again takes the back of Samantha’s head, rushes down the corridor and throws her through the double doors that lead into the loading bay area.
Greyson: Oh great, their spilling into the loading bay now. We saw Karen McBride and Veronica Rodriquez turn that space into a battlefield last week.
Sparkles: Was it Veronica or a clone?
Greyson: Stunt double.
Sparkles: Imposter.
Greyson: ENOUGH.
The loading area is consumed by a number of large opened storage trailers, which is precisely what Hodgson and Skyy are making their way towards. But not before Vanilla spins Samantha around and drags her into a short arm clothesline. Samantha collapses to her back, gasping for air and fighting for her life as boot after boot nails her across the chest and stomach.
Skyy: What did I tell you?
Another boot nails Samantha in the forehead.
Skyy: It’s a lot different standing at ringside watching the action than getting your frumpy ass involved in it.
Vanilla validates her point by grabbing Hodgson by the bangs, dragging the agent’s brutalized body to her feet then rushing her towards one of the closed loading bay doors. Samantha twists around and her body collides with the steel, causing it to reverberate around her traumatized body. She then staggers away from the door and into a big back body drop right onto exposed concrete.
Hodgson: For the love of GOD!
Samantha bridges her spine from the floor and cries out in agony while Vanilla closes in upon her. She slips her hands around Samantha’s throat, takes a seat on her chest and begins to strangle the life out of the agent.
Skyy: You honestly thought you could step in a match with me, the best wrestler in the fucking universe and you’d hold your own? Not likely bitch.
A forearm slams directly into Hodgson’s cheek. Skyy then goes to embarrass on top of brutalize her opponent. She begins to playfully slap both of Samantha’s cheeks before eventually coercing her up to her feet and then wedging a shoulder to her gut. The already traumatized Hodgson is powered backwards into that closed loading door, her body smacking viciously off of the steel and reducing her legs to jelly.
Adam: Stop taking it easy on her already, Vee.
Skyy grins in the direction of her agent while watching Samantha desperately crawl across the concrete towards one of the empty loading trailers. She ends up right in front of the large open door and suddenly finds her stomach nailed by a running punt by Vanilla.
The boot almost knocks her into the trailer, but ultimately just leaves her lying on her back upon the precipice. She winces in pain while agonizingly rising to her feet, clutching her back, her ribs, all the areas agonizing after the beating she’s received at the hands of the calculating Skyy.
And Vanilla is only just getting started, crouching in anticipation of tearing Hodgson apart with the spear. She scrambles across the concrete and lunges through the air, diving shoulder first right into….nothing but empty space. Amazingly Hodgson managed to leap out of the way, causing Skyy to go flying into the empty trailer and crash across her back. She instantly rolls along to her elbows and knees, trying to crawl out and inflict far greater harm on Hodgson only to have Samantha leap into the air, grab the handle to the large trailer door, drag it shut and trap Vanilla inside of the trailer. Hodgson quickly latches the door closed by a padlock, that for some reason was already in place. Hodgson then scurries away from the trailer, listening to the sounds of Skyy pounding on the opposite side of the door.
Greyson: Did….did Hodgson just lock Skyy inside of that trailer?
Sparkles: By George I think she did.
Greyson: I think Samantha has realized there was no way in hell she was going to beat Skyy tonight.
Sparkles: Yeah, the best she could hope for was escaping.
Hodgson staggers across the loading area lamenting over her injuries in the process. All the while Chase is desperately trying to get the padlock broken so that he can free his client from the trailer.
Adam: Unlock this door right now God dammit!
Barks Chase at referee Blacker, who is of no help whatsoever.
Adam: Get back here Hodgson! Get back here right now!
Nope…Samantha isn’t about to return and find her body further brutalized by Vanilla Skyy….instead Hodgson is running as fast as her mangled body will allow.
Adam: I’m gonna get you out of there Vee….get some help!
Snaps Chase at the official, who finally does prove useful. She rushes off to find some help in removing the padlock and getting Skyy out of the trailer.
Greyson: Samantha successfully escaping further harm at the hands of Skyy. Hodgson sooo bit off more than she could chew tonight.
Sparkles: I’ve often thought about taking a bite out of Skyy myself….I’ll let you guess which part.
Greyson: Your words are almost as disgusting as Samantha’s cowardice. She’s not going to be able to run from Skyy forever, Vee’s gonna be let out of that trailer soon and God help Hodgson when Vanilla is free.
BACKSTAGE
A concerned Silas Mason makes his way through the corridor, nervously peeking over his shoulder as he surveys the landscape. Once he is sure there are no threats waiting to pounce upon him, he proceeds along and almost knocks right into perhaps the greatest threat of them all. Taylor Chase stands her ground in front of Silas, not allowing him to get any further.
Taylor: Where are you running with your tail between your legs, Silas?
Silas: I ain’t running nowhere and I ain’t got nothing between my legs.
Taylor: Pfft…you got that right.
Silas: Wait…no…I meant…NEVER-MIND. Get outta my damn way.
Taylor: Why? So you can find some kind of hole to hide in?
Silas: I hid in Baby Brown’s hole for a long while.
Taylor: I’m not about to let you get out of this situation unscathed. Not after what you did to Kelcey and Kraven.
Taylor balls up Silas’ shirt and drags him in close.
Taylor: I’m going to knee your teeth right down your….
Silas: Ya ain’t gonna do jack shit bitch.
Silas pulls his shirt out of Taylor’s palm.
Silas: Need I remind ya who’s in control ‘ere? I hold yer fate in the palm of this ‘ere hand.
Silas drives his index finger into the palm of his glove.
Silas: That World Title match of yers at the End of the Year Special, I can have it taken from ya jus like that.
Mason snaps his fingers.
Silas: Yer Tag Team Title match next week on Riot with flyboy as yer partner, I can have ya pulled from it, jus like that.
Mason snaps his fingers again.
Silas: Whatever I want done, will ‘appen, cause ya signed yer name on the dotted line Baby Doll. Ya put your signature on that contract that gives me total control over ya. And I ‘ave Karen McBride wrapped so tightly around my finger, that naïve lil’ bitch will do whatever I tell ‘er to do, includin’ makin’ yer life MISERABLE.
Taylor: Go ahead and threaten me Silas, because I promise you that once I find a way out of this contract, Kelcey and I are going to…
Silas: Blah-blah-blah…You and Baby Girl are gonna learn to appreciate me and everything I’ve done for yer damn careers. You will fall in line and do as I tell ya to do.
Taylor: Not when you keep having us attacked by a steel chair.
Silas: What the hell are ya talkin’ about?
Silas seems legitimately confused, and leaves Taylor mirroring his bewilderment.
Taylor: Wait…you don’t know?
Silas: What am I supposed to know? Enlighten me Baby Doll.
Taylor: You have no idea why everyone is trying to give you the ass kicking you deserve?
Silas: I couldn’t give two shits what their motivations are.
Marie: Silas are you okay, are you okay?
Finally the Phoenix has caught up with Silas, rushing in behind her agent and looking him over from head to toe, making sure he is without so much as a blemish.
Silas: I’m fine Baby Spice….
Marie: Thank God. I thought the Cartel and Shaun would have caught up with you.
Silas: Don’t worry about me, I’m elusive.
Marie: I can’t believe they would try to attack you based on nothing but rumors.
Silas: What rumors?
Taylor: Their not rumors, Frankie went out there and said….
Silas: Don’t ya interrupt Baby Spice!
Mason makes a back handing motion towards Taylor’s lips.
Silas: When she speaks she demands yer attention.
Marie: Thank you, Silas. Anyway, the reason everyone is out to get you is because someone implied that YOU were the one who wore that hoodie and attacked Kelcey and Kloe with a chair.
Silas grins.
Silas: Me? I’m flattered.
Taylor: Well you shouldn’t be.
Silas: But I’m innocent.
Taylor: Oh please, you expect anyone to…
Silas: I don’t care what YOU believe, Baby Doll. I’ll tell ya what to believe and what not to believe, and right now, ya better believe I had nothing to do with these attacks.
Marie: Then you were framed.
Silas: Obviously.
Marie: I figured as much, and I already know who framed you.
Silas: Who?
Marie: Isn’t it obvious? Who’s notorious for masterminding plots like these? Who’s been out to get you since Upping the Ante? Who employs smoke and mirror tricks like these to her advantage? Serenity. That’s who. SHE set you up, and I’m going to do something about it.
Silas: Be careful Baby Spice.
Marie: The time for caution is over, Silas. It’s time I deal with Serenity the old fashion way. With a little violence.
Jones cracks his knuckles before taking off down the corridor, leaving Silas behind as he turns his head slowly towards the disgruntled Taylor.
Silas: Now THAT’S a client.
Mason takes off after Marie while Taylor stands there shaking her head and taking deep breaths.
Rachel: Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock.
The sound of Rachel Foxx’s voice causes Taylor to instantly spin around and find herself glaring at Ba’al’s wife. She is still holding her husband’s championship belt, the very gold that Tay has been pursuing since she lost it back at Extreme Fury.
Rachel: Time is running out, Taylor, your decision is expected soon, and if we do not get one, well….
Foxx licks her lips and brushes her hair behind the back of her ear.
Rachel: Your precious husband might be the one who suffers.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
Stagehands are gathered around the door in the loading bay area, desperately trying to break the padlock that is keeping Vanilla Skyy trapped inside of the trailer. Their job is made a little more difficult what with Adam Chase AND William Mason standing over their shoulders. The Pure Champion is shouting into the ears of the stagehands in anger.
William: Get her out of there this instant.
Stagehand: We’re working on it sir.
William: How could you let this happen to her?
Mason’s words are now directed at Vanilla’s agent, Adam Chase.
Adam: Me? How could I have predicted this would happen? This is all Samantha Hodgson’s doing.
William: Well then, I’m going to have Karen deal with Samantha.
Skyy: NO!
The voice of Skyy can be heard filtering through the door she is trapped behind.
Skyy: Stay out of this Will, I’LL deal with that bitch. Just concentrate on getting me out of here so I can finish Samantha off. THEN I’m going after Ba’al for what that bastard did to Chris and Mya.
William nods and then looks down at the stagehands who are still trying their best to pick the lock on the loading door.
William: What? Are you on a break? You heard her…speed it up! Get Skyy out there this instant!
IN RING
The crowd unloads with a rather remorseless response as the sounds of Ba’al’s entrance theme once again play through the speakers. For the second time this evening the world is burdened by the sight of the SIN Champion making his way down the ramp, followed by his wife, Rachel Foxx, his sister, Jaina Frost, and their massive protector, Decay. All four individuals are already making their way up the steps and into the ring the moment cameras return to the interior of the Manhattan Center. There is a note of concern evident in Greyson’s voice as he speaks up from the commentator’s table.
Greyson: Haven’t the Sinistry corrupted enough of our airtime already?
Sparkles: Not until our honorable champion gets what he wants.
Greyson: And what’s that?
Sparkles: Taylor Chase with a bow on top….Which would be the greatest present one could ever find under their Christmas tree.
Greyson: I can’t believe the Sinistry actually expects Taylor to join their family. This whole group is absolutely delusional.
A microphone finds its way into Ba’al’s hand, but even his amplified voice is hard pressed to speak over the sheer volume of hatred unleashed by a very vocal crowd.
Ba’al: I do believe I have given the vivacious Taylor Chase more than enough time to carefully weigh her options and now I expect an answer.
The Champion’s eyes drift to the entry way.
Ba’al: Come now Taylor. You’ve had sufficient opportunity to make your decision. Come to this ring and answer my de….
Chris: With all due respect. Your focus shouldn’t be on Taylor Chase tonight….CHAMP.
The crowd releases, without restraint, such a piercing roar that Ba’al is forced to take notice off of his words and place it upon Chris Davids making his way through the curtains. Even with blood surging down Davids’ face and his head feeling like it were in a vice operated by Nicky Santoro, Chris moves down the ramp for an inevitable showdown with the man who had him laid out backstage.
Chris: Because the way I figure it, I was promised a crack at you tonight, and all of these fans were promised a Weapons match. And everyone, especially me, will get what we were promised!
Chris rushes down the ramp and slides into the ring with Ba’al intending to transform the mic in his palm into a weapon. He swings it at Davids’ already busted brow but Chris ducks under it and then waits for the champion to turn around. Ba’al swings back to face Chris only to receive a boot to the ribs that doubles him over. The vengeful Davids then takes off into the ropes at Ba’al’s side, ricocheting off before ultimately leaping into the air and connecting with the scissors kick to the back of the Champion’s skull. Referee Arnie Ficklebottom slides into the ring and demands Decay, Jaina and Rachel exit it before calling for the bell to start another impromptu match.
Greyson: I can’t believe we’re seeing this. Chris Davids is still out here competing even after he was laid out backstage by Rachel Frost and Krauzer.
Sparkles: I’m pretty sure all of Davids’ brains have just leaked out and been dumped all over his face, hence why he’s out here wrestling instead of convalescing.
CHRIS DAVIDS VS. BA’AL
WEAPONS MATCH
The scissors kick has rendered Ba’al unconscious and has placed him in a pinning predicament. Davids crawls into the cover, drops over Ba’al’s chest and hooks his leg, Ficklebottom making the count to a wave of hysteria from the fans.
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2
To the disbelief of all, Davids primarily, Ba’al is able to kick out of that impactful blow. This kick out inspires Davids to roll under the ropes to the outside of the ring, approach the time keeper and implore Thomas Boll to exit his chair. The ring announcer clears out of the way and the chair he was parked on finds its way into Chris’ hands. He immediately makes use of the Weapons Match rules, sliding the chair into the ring then following it in himself.
Greyson: Well we heard earlier tonight that Kloe Masters had changed the format of the four way that was SUPPOSED to happen to a Weapons Match and Chris is about to take full advantage of that impromptu booking decision.
Sparkles: Hopefully he fares better than Mya Denton did earlier tonight under the same circumstances.
Ba’al gets to his elbows and knees before feeling the agony that Chris was subjected to in the parking lot. The chair swings into Ba’al’s kidneys and results in the champion grimacing in pain. He rises to his knees with his eyes lighting up and a frightening grin befalling his face. That smile is removed when Davids steps forth and throws the chair with all of his strength straight into Ba’al’s forehead. The chair smashes directly into Ba’al’s face and places him in a state of paralysis. But that isn’t good enough for Davids. He grabs the chair and places it on top of Ba’al’s face before approaching the nearest turnbuckle and climbing it. He reaches the top rope, steadies himself and then flips back, hitting a moonsault right across the chair, driving it into Ba’al’s forehead.
The crowd is mystified by all of Chris’ offense in spite of his plaguing injuries. He falls into the cover, eliciting quite a bit of excitement from the teeming masses.
1
2
Ba’al gets his shoulder up and twists away from Davids, and keeps on twisting until he spills under the ropes to the outside of the ring. He no sooner gets to his feet before spotting Davids rushing across the ring, diving through the ropes and nailing a suicide headbutt right into the World Champion. Both men are knocked to the mats amidst a huge uproar from the crowd.
Greyson: How is Davids doing this right now? Seriously, the man is an absolute mess.
The bloodied Davids stands up and suddenly spots referees Alex Ingelson and Patrick Fitzpatrick headed down the ramp, shouting at Davids and imploring him to leave the ring given his multiple impairments. Davids cocks his fist back though and sends both referees in a full on retreat.
Sparkles: Looks like the referees were out here trying to get Davids to go backstage and receive some medical help. We saw them do the same with Mya Denton earlier.
Greyson: He really should not be out here right now. It’s amazing that he’s even able to stand after what Rachel did to him backstage a few moments ago.
In spite of everything Davids has went through here tonight, he’s got the SIN Champion reeling. Ba’al stands up at ringside on shaky legs as Davids goes rushing across the ring and dives through the ropes into another suicide headbutt. He connects, with Ba’al’s SHOULDERS. The Champion stoops, catches Chris flying towards him and holds him in a fireman’s carry then delivers the death valley driver across the outside mats.
Greyson: Oh SHIT! OHHHH SHIT!
Sparkles: Wow….if Davids wasn’t hurt before, he sure as hell is now.
Chris rolls around on the mats griping at the back of his neck and convulsing in pain while Ba’al rises to a knee, cackling with laughter. He then works his way back up to his feet and rolls into the ring, leaving Davids lying on the mats, surrounded by Ingelson and Fitzpatrick. Both men reach down and grab Chris by the arms, imploring him to stand up and abandon any full hearty notion of victory. Meanwhile, inside of the ring Ba’al has grabbed the chair that was used against him several times and sits it in place while also taking a microphone.
Ba’al: Taylor Chase, allow me to take a cue from your playbook if you’ll indulge me.
He plants himself on top of the chair, getting comfortable.
Ba’al: You and your albatross Kelcey commandeered this ring on NewAge, and I will do the same until you come to this ring and give me an answer in regards to your alliances…
Ba’al’s words suddenly trail off when he sees Davids crawling away from the officials and towards the ring, dragging himself up to his feet with the aid of the apron. Chris stands up with only the whites of his eyes flashing through the blood that masks his face. He unleashes a roar and then climbs up onto the apron, grabbing the top rope in order to keep his balance. Ba’al abandons his chair and approaches Davids, throwing a fist that Chris shockingly blocks. He then responds with a punch of his own across Ba’al’s cheek, then another to his chin, and then another to his temple. Ba’al is disorientated by these blows, trying to get his balance before Davids grabs the top rope and pulls himself over, flying right into the champion with a clothesline that…misses.
Ba’al ducks and catches the airborne Chris right on top of his shoulders in the fireman’s carry. He no sooner catches Chris before hitting him with the death valley driver right on top of the chair that Ba’al was seated upon a few moments ago.
Greyson: Chris through the damned chair!
Sparkles: Well even if Davids dies, he can resurrect himself, what with being Jesus and all.
Greyson: Valid point.
Davids lies broken on the canvas, right beside the mangled chair. Ba’al then picks up the microphone once again, shouting up the ramp.
Ba’al: Do you see now Taylor. Do you see why it would be so unwise to pursue this match at the End of the Year Special? If you challenge me for the championship and do not join the Sinistry, you will end up far worse than Davids.
Ba’al drops the microphone and approaches the impaired Chris, who has buckets of blood now dripping off of his face and across his badly mangled body. Ba’al grabs the blood drenched locks on Chris’ hair, slowly forcing him up to his feet. There seems to be nothing left of Davids whatsoever, his body too badly mangled by everything it’s gone through throughout the night. Ba’al methodically pulls Davids along to his knees before just dropping him, watching Chris fall limp into a crawling posture.
Ba’al: Look at you grovel before me…grovel like an animal.
If the words weren’t damaging enough, the steel chair will be. Ba’al picks it up and slowly raises the steel above his head.
Ba’al: Watch Taylor…WATCH.
Ba’al steps in and swings the steel at Chris’ head only to have Davids dive through the Champion’s legs. He then takes off into the ropes behind Ba’al, who spins around and suddenly finds his ribs shattered with the spear. The Break Thru connects, lifting Ba’al off of his feet and putting him down to the canvas.
Greyson: YES! YEEES! Break Thru connecting!
Sparkles: Easy Meg Ryan. Fake your orgasms elsewhere.
Greyson: I can’t help it. Davids might be on the verge of victory here, he might have Ba’al beaten.
The crowd prepares themselves for a mark out moment as they watch the blood soaked, mutilated body of Davids crawl into the cover on Ba’al, employing all his remaining strength to hook the champion’s leg. With captivated eyes the fans watch Ficklebottom’s hand swinging into the canvas.
1
2
And the hand comes down to the canvas for a third time only to never reach the ring on account of Ba’al’s arm launching off of the canvas.
Sparkles: NYYYOOO.
Greyson: Tits on a bull! What does it take to finish Ba’al?
An aching Champion turns to his side as Davids begins to get fired up, rising to his feet and feeding off the energy that surges from the crowd. He suddenly forgets all the injuries inflicted on him throughout the night and channels every ounce of aggression into his next move. Chris takes off into the ropes, ricochets form the cables and comes charging in with another spear that connects with the steel folding chair.
Ba’al throws the chair he was still holding right into the top of Chris’ inbound skull. Davids’ own momentum causes him to hit the chair with such force, the steel bouncing off his cranium and causing him to pop up onto his unsteady legs with eyes rolling to the back of his head. He unconsciously turns away from Ba’al, who instantly takes advantage by leaping into the air, catching Chris around his already damaged skull and dragging him down into the Totalis.
Greyson: First the chair off of Chris’ head, followed by the Totalis!
Sparkles: Chris has survived a lot throughout the night, but can he overcome this too?
Greyson: It take a miracle.
Sparkles: Well the man IS Jesus.
Ba’al crawls into the cover and proves there are no such things as miracles.
1
2
After the assault in the parking lot, coupled with all the devastating blows Chris has received throughout the course of this match, there was no way he was going to be able to get his shoulder up. Ba’al rolls away from Davids and gets to his knees, glaring at the contorted remains of Davids.
Ba’al: Tis a shame. Such potential wasted.
Ba’al crawls in behind Davids, grabs his blood drenched hair and drags him up to his seat. He takes Chris under the chin and lifts up on the head caked with sanguine. Ba’al’s opposite palm is occupied by a microphone.
Ba’al: Are you taking notice, Taylor? Are you realizing now why you must join me? Why you mast answer the Sinistry’s summons? Do not allow yourself to become nothing but another squandered and wasted talent.
Ba’al strokes the top of Chris’ head.
Ba’al: You are smarter than Pain and Pleasure. You have so much potential, and I would feel quite guilt ridden to be the man who vanquishes all that you have to offer.
Referee Ingelson and Fitzpatrick manage to reach under the ring and grab Chris by his ankles, dragging him to the outside. He falls over the shoulders of the referees, who lead him along to the backstage area where medical help will no doubt be administered.
Ba’al: So come forth now, Taylor, answer my demands, enter this ring and….
Shaun: Not happening mate.
The crowd shows Shaun Cruze much love as he makes his way down the ramp with a microphone in hand.
Shaun: Taylor’s not coming out here and joining you. The only person you’re getting in that ring right now is Shaun Cruze, and I’m not joining your family. The only thing I’m joining, is my boot with your mouth.
Shaun slides into the ring and instantly goes for the Morality only to have Ba’al already rolling to the outside in order to avoid the superkick. Although Ba’al exits, his supporters wish to rush the ring, Decay already climbing up onto the apron. However, Ba’al manages to coax him into dropping back down to the mats and joining him. Clearly the Sinistry has no wish to waste precious time on Shaun, who continues to glare at the fearsome foursome as they make their way to the back.
Shaun: So you’re not going to face me, huh? I guess I should come out here with a massive head wound first, right? Then you’ll accept my challenge.
Ba’al scoffs at the notion.
Shaun: Don’t delude yourself, Ba’al. Eventually I’ll make good on my vow to hit you with the Morality and finish what we started in our Weapon’s Match at Upping the Ante. But fortunately for you, I’ve got another on my hit list for the night…Silas Mason.
The Sinistry keeps on walking, having no interest in hearing anything that emerges from Shaun’s lips. They vanish through the curtains as Cruze punctuates his statements.
Shaun: Silas made a huge mistake when he crossed the line by attacking Kloe, an act he is about to pay for. I’m tired of all these games Silas and I have been playing over Twitter and over in SCW. I want Mason one on one….and I want him in this ring TONI….
Marie: You’re being lied to.
The joy that was expressed at the sight of Cruze is in stark contrast to the animosity exhibited by the crowd in response to Marie Jones’ arrival. She steps from the back and pauses under the Cartel-tron, absolutely ignoring the seething rage of the fans in order to say her peace….though peace will certainly not ensue after she has made her comments.
Marie: Don’t be like all the people in this building tonight, Shaun, don’t buy into the deception.
Shaun: Why am I not surprised that Silas sends someone else out to fight his battles for him.
Marie: Don’t go there Shaun, Silas doesn’t even know I’m out here right now.
Shaun: It really does trouble me, Marie, to see you, someone with such talent, such limitless potential, saddling up and riding beside Silas. You’re effectively killing your career….
Marie: Speaking of career suicide, you’re the one who risks throwing everything away if you continue to believe all the lies.
Shaun: What lies?
Marie: Lies spewed by the person who is trying their best to set my agent up. SERENITY.
The fans pop at the mere mention of Serenity’s name, a reaction that leads to an embittered expression on Marie’s face.
Marie: Go ahead, cheer for her, cheer for the con artist, for the criminal, for the person who is playing each and every one of you as patsies. She’s lied to you all just like she’s lied to Shaun.
Shaun: Are you even aware of just how full of shit you really are?
Marie: Go ahead, act like a child and be blinded to the truth by your unjustified hate for Silas, but it doesn’t change who is truly culpable for the attacks on Kloe Masters and Kelcey Wallace, and for setting up my agent. I’m going to make sure the person who is really at fault for all of these ambushes suffers. I’m going up to those rafters….
Marie points to the scaffolding.
Marie: …I’m going to find Serenity, and whoever she might be hanging around with, and I’m going to hold them accountable for their actions. Serenity will finally answer for all of the crimes she’s committed against this federation, against me, and against my agent….Serenity is guilty, and it’s high time she’s punished.
BACKSTAGE
Silas: This has to ‘appen McBride. This match has to ‘appen.
Karen McBride paces in front of Silas Mason, debating his request and stroking her chin in the process. As Karen contemplates her decision, her sisters Melanie and Blaire sit in opposite corners of the office texting away. Only Silas keenly watches Karen contemplate his demands.
Karen: Silas….NO.
Silas’ cheek twitches as he tries to stifle his reaction.
Silas: I’m sorry, I don’t think I heard ya correctly.
Karen: I’m sorry, Silas, but I can’t do it.
Silas: Ya can’t, or ya won’t?
Karen: Putting Shaun Cruze in a match against you…that MIGHT be acceptable, but not with the stipulation you’re requesting. In no way, shape or form, would I ever make Shaun wear a strait-jacket.
Silas: But Shaun has it comin after what that crazy sunofabitch tried to do to me.
Karen: No way, Silas, no way. You’re not facing Shaun while he’s wearing a strait-jacket, that isn’t happening. And while we’re on the subject of strait-jackets, where do you get off going to that ring and forcing Scott to wear one while claiming you had my approval? I NEVER gave you the OK for that.
Silas: Well I was thinkin’ that after everything Silas World has done for ya, that maybe I was entitled to a few perks, like makin’ matches involvin’ my clients.
Karen: Well ya thought wrong, Silas.
Silas: Ya never had a problem with it in the past.
Karen: Well I do now, after talking to Kloe, I realize that I can’t use this position in order to….
Silas: Whoa-whoa-whoa, there’s your problem right there, ya never listen to Kloe. She ain’t got a clue how to run a damned wrasslin’ company.
Karen: That might be your opinion, Silas, but Karen has been an invaluable guide for me over the past few weeks.
William: We need to talk Karen…right now.
The door to the office flies open and William Mason comes strolling right in, Pure Title over one shoulder, and JaMarcus Avery standing behind the other. Both men approach Karen, or more accurately, SURROUND Karen, keeping Silas out of the circle.
Karen: Um, William, I was kind of in the middle of something.
William: Yeah-yeah-yeah, that’s irrelevant, what’s important is what’s happened to my friends. I need you to lift the restraining order banning Darko from the Manhattan Center, AND I need you to get Vee a rematch against Hodgson.
Silas: Excuse me….
Silas parts the muscle, shoving his way in between JaMarcus and William so that he takes center stage
Silas: Karen and I were discussin’ some business, so why don’t ya wait yer turn son?
William: This is PRESTIGE business, Silas, and last time I checked you weren’t a member of the Prestige, and God help me if you ever are. Anyway, PRESTIGE business trumps any of your problems.
Silas: Ya might want to watch yer tone…
JaMarcus: And you better mind your threats.
Avery puts his palm on Silas’ shoulder, attempting to intimidate him.
Karen: Gentlemen…gentlemen…PLEASE.
Karen puts her palm on Silas’ chest, attempting to calm him.
Karen: I’m sorry guys, but I’m not bending over backwards to placate my friends. I’m doing what’s good for business and more importantly, what I think is right. All this drama with you two is distracting me from doing what I should be doing right now.
McBride marches towards the door.
Silas: Karen wait.
William: Where are you going? We need to talk.
Karen: We’ll talk later William, right now I’m going to that ring to face Veronica Rodriquez. You two may not care that she abducted a member of my roster, but I do, and I’m going to make sure she returns Cassidy Cage this very second.
McBride marches out of the room, assigning herself an unenviable task. The moment the door closes behind her back, William and JaMarcus turn to Silas.
William: This isn’t over.
Silas: Ya jus try it boy.
William tries nothing.
The door opens and the Pure Champion steps through it, JaMarcus following him.
William: We’ll get what we want one way or another, Avery, let’s go.
The door closes behind them…but while that door closes, another opens…figuratively for Silas. The agent blows some breath into his palm, smells it and then approaches Blaire McBride, who was seated on a sofa still mindlessly texting. He smoothly slides onto the sofa beside her, slipping his arm over her shoulder.
Silas: Hey there lovely…Can we talk?
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
To say William Mason is agitated is putting it mildly. The Pure Champion is steaming as he makes his way through the backstage area, the vapors of his breath almost visible as they’re excreted from his body. JaMarcus Avery follows right along behind Mason as the pair nears the office of “Orlando Cruze.” They don’t bother with a knock, nobody has thus far tonight after-all. He just steps right in, intruding upon the conversation between Kloe Masters and the President, Orlando Cruze.
Kloe: Did I not just show you that I can get things done? That I can….
Orlando: Yes Kloe, you’ve adequately proven yourself.
Kloe: Then I think I deserve an answer. No, the world deserves an answer.
Orlando: Your right, you do. And in a matter of minutes, I’m going to the ring and I’m going to give you your answer.
Kloe: Thank you, Orlando, that’s all I’m asking for, and regardless of your decision, I’m honored that you’ve even considered selling your shares to me. Even if it did take quite a bit of coaxing.
Orlando: Well Kloe you got to understand why I would have reser….
William: Are you two done yet?
Masters and Cruze react to his undignified interruption with a shared sneer in William’s direction. Now that he has their attention Mason and JaMarcus step forth to air their grievances.
William: You talk about giving people what they deserve? Well how about I get what I deserve for once?
Orlando: And what do you think you’re entitled to William?
William: A lot….everything I’m not getting from my business partner, Karen. Tonight my friend Darko was kicked out of the Manhattan Center under false pretenses, and Vanilla Skyy was denied her opportunity to get revenge on Samantha Hodgson, and I was attacked two weeks ago by the End Effect, and Prii Foote keeps ruining my Pure Title matches….
Kloe: Slow down…slow down Mason.
Orlando: Breathe.
William inhales for the first time in a good five minutes.
Orlando: You’re right William, you sound like you’ve been getting a raw deal. Kloe, what would you do in this situation?
Master lifts a finger to her chin, tapping it.
Kloe: Well for starters, I would fire ‘Surly’ Sam for falsifying medical records….
Orlando: Agreed.
Kloe: And secondly, I would lift the ban on Darko and let him back in the Manhattan Center tonight.
Orlando: Good, good.
Kloe: Thirdly, I would book a rematch between Vanilla Skyy and Samantha Hodgson on NewAge.
Orlando: Consider that done.
Kloe: And lastly, I would punish the End Effect for everything they’ve done in their time in the IWC, from attacking wrestlers, to kidnapping people.
Orlando: And how would you punish them?
Kloe: Well, the End Effect’s Veronica Rodriquez is about to face Marina Valdivia one on one….so how about we add a stipulation to that match?
Orlando: Nothing’s stopped us from doing that throughout the night.
Kloe: If Veronica loses her match against Valdivia tonight, then she’s FIRED from the IWC.
MARINA VALDIVIA VS. VERONICA RODRIQUEZ
Greyson: And now ladies, gentlemen and really annoying puppet like persons…
Sparkles: That’s puppetist
Greyson: There is no such thing
Sparkles: There is too
Greyson: No, seriously, there isn’t
Sparkles: Google it, and if you’re right you can share the lucky lady I take home tonight
The scene cuts to the ring where Veronica is waiting, Eric Herrera stood beside her
Greyson: Wait; hold on, there has been a lot of crap going around about stunt doubles. How do we know they are real?
Sparkles: Because stunt doubles don’t exist in professional wrestling, it’s too far fetched
Greyson: You mean like having a puppet commentating on matches
Sparkles: Yeah like that’s going to work
Greyson: Anyway, I’m hearing that the backstage crew has gone to great lengths to ensure that they would be in the building tonight, even checking the tattoo that Eric has on his penis
Sparkles: Herrera has a tattoo on his penis?
Greyson: Yep…it’s only a little one
Sparkles: I’ve been told Shawn Winters has a tattoo on his as well
Greyson: Really?
Sparkles: Yep, too A’s apparently
Greyson: I don’t get it
Sparkles: Apparently when he gets a hard on, it says ‘A very Merry Christmas to all my friends in Outer Mongolia
The chorus of “Superstar” hits as a customized purple carpet rolls down the ramp. After this, Marina
Valdivia appears on the stage, and pauses for a brief moment, to soak in the loud ovation and cheers she’s getting from the fans as well as the flashbulbs from both the IWC cameras and those from the wrestling tabloids. She confidently makes her way down to the ring and slides in. She stands in the center of the ring, and acknowledges her loyal fans, as she awaits what happens next
Sparkles: And here she is…and wow, do you have to be attractive to be a female wrestler to work here
Greyson: Now you know that is absolute rubbish…we employ Brittany Lohan
Sparkles: Oooohhhh that’s harsh
Greyson: But very, very true.
Sparkles: Anyway, tonight Marina faces Vero, and what a HUGE stipulation just put on this match by Kloe Masters backstage.
Greyson: Indeed, we just found out that based on the actions of Veronica Rodriquez and the End Effect over recent weeks that Vero’s career is on the line in this match.
The bell rings, and the women start to circle each other as Eric looks on, but he’s not the only one observing this again.
Greyson: Here we go then…Marina making her debut but in no way a rookie….
Mason Van Stanton: No-no-and NO.
With a megaphone lifted to his lips, Mason Van Stanton makes his way through the crowd, his client Gloria Noel joined at his side.
Greyson: Oooh terrific, who gave Mason Van Stanton a megaphone?
Sparkles: Someone deaf obviously.
Greyson: For the second week in a row, Stanton is interrupting Marina Valdivia.
Valdivia groans at the sight and at the sounds of Van Stanton stood amongst the heckling fans. Gloria exudes several regal qualities in spite of the hatred being cast upon her and her agent.
Mason: I am here to officially stage a protest against this match. In no way, no way should some Hollywood hooker be allowed to compete on this evening’s card while the beautiful, wholesome and majestic Gloria Noel is left off the show. This is a slap in the face to the glorious and incomparable legacy of the Noel family, and it’s an insult I will not tolerate. So I am here to call upon the aid of each of you fine people joining us tonight in the stands and watching live from around the world. I am requesting that each and every one of you pick up you’re phones, hop on your tablets, access you’re Twitter account and ensure that my client’s name is trending throughout this match.
Greyson: Hold on? What now?
Mason: Once the Neanderthals who run this company see Gloria’s name trending and completely overshadowing the ‘athletes’ presently competing in the ring, then they’ll realize that Gloria is truly the one this company should be built around and Gloria is truly the one this company should be catering to.
Marina and Vero try to ignore Mason’s comments as the two women tie up, Fury immediately on the offensive, pushing Marina back towards the corner, the referee moving in to separate them. As she does, Veronica fires off a stinging right hand which catches Marina on the jaw. Veronica laughs, which seems to infuriate Marina, who comes flying out the corner with a forearm to the side of Fury’s face, knocking her down on onto her backside, Marina mounting her and hitting her with several shots. Marina then drags Veronica to her feet and bails her across the ring by her hair, then seems to regain her composure and flicks her hair from her shoulder, holding her arms aloft
Sparkles: Veronica upsetting Marina with that cheap shot and paying the price
Marina picks Fury up again and pushes her into the corner, mounting the second rope and lifting up her fist. Vero goes to cover up but out of nowhere Marina drives her knee into Fury’s temple, before jumping back down off the ropes. Vero hits the deck hard, Marina then moving in and hooking in the Crucifix Armbar, Fury crying out in agony
Greyson: Marina taking control, and showing the years of experience that she has in this business.
Sparkles: You sound surprised
Greyson: The only surprise I have is that you haven’t mentioned boobs yet
The referee asks Fury if she wants to quit, but she shakes her head vehemently. Herrera hits the mats in frustration, shouting at the referee to break the hold. Herrera then nips up onto the mat, remonstrating with the referee as Marina lets go of Vero, running over and drop kicking Herrera off the apron and to the arena floor to a huge reaction from the Manhattan Centre. Marina points down at Herrera, once again laughing, but the laugh is removed from her face as she turns around, and is hit with a huge Clothesline from Fury which almost takes her from out of her boots. Fury nips down and into the cover…
1…
Marina kicks out immediately; as Fury picks her up to her feet and whips her across the ring, as she bounces back she lowers her head, looking to send Marina over her body and to the mats. But Marina stops, drilling Fury in the face with a kick to her jaw, sending her spinning backwards and into the ropes. As she returns from the ropes, Marina lifts Fury up and slams her into the canvas. Marina then nips onto the second rope, looking for a leg drop, but Eric is up, and pulls Veronica from the ring and to the outside, to boos from the crowd
Greyson: Marina seems to have Fury’s number at the moment, and the fans don’t like Eric getting involved.
Sparkles: It IS his wife…
Greyson: Doesn’t matter, this is between Marina and Vero, no one else.
Marina sits on the middle strand and invites Fury back into the ring. Fury suspiciously gets up on the canvas as Herrera gives more words of encouragement.
The two girls lock up again, Marina tying Fury into an arm lock, Veronica then reversing it into an arm lock of her own, slapping Marina around the back of the head. Marina rams her elbow into the side of Veronica’s face, and then again, causing her to let go of the move. She then kicks Veronica in the gut, doubling her up in agony. She then grabs Vero’s head, drilling her with a Tornado DDT in the middle of the canvas, before hooking the leg
1…
2…
Fury kicks out much to Eric’s delight.
Greyson: Veronica showing the lot of fight here, and Marina showing why she was so highly regarded that the IWC would sign her
Marina grabs Fury to her feet, whipping her into the ropes, before attempting to take her off her feet with a Roundhouse Kick. Vero ducks the shot however and sweeps away Marina’s standing foot, before running up to the turnbuckle and in one movement leaping off the ropes with a Splash across Marina’s prone body. She hooks the leg, imploring the referee to make the count
1…
2…
Marina kicks out, Vero immediately getting into the referee’s face. Marina reaches up and rolls Fury into a Schoolboy
1…
2…
Fury kicks out, both girls springing to their feet. Fury attempts a hard right which Marina ducks, then an uppercut which Marina evades, pulling her head out the way at the last moment. Marina then fires off a kick, Fury grabbing her foot, Marina bouncing on one leg for a moment. Marina then spins around, hitting Fury with a Mule Kick to her chest, sending her back into the ropes. Marina then quickly grabs Fury, and powers her into the mat with a Sit down Facebuster.
Greyson: Huge shot from Marina…she’s good.
Sparkles: And Veronica Rodriguez is in trouble, and Herrera knows it as well.
Herrera is back on the apron, pointing at Marina and trying to get her attention. Herrera shouts something at Marina who ignores him, picking Rodriguez up, before raising her arm into the air and hitting a Swinging Neck breaker in the center of the ring. The referee checks on Fury, and as he does, Hererra enters the ring, looking for a cheap shot on Marina. As he runs in, Marina turns around just in time, hitting Herrera under the chin with the Chick Kick which sends him back and through the ropes to the outside.
Sparkles: Watch out Marina…
Again, Eric’s distraction works out, as Marina has taken her eyes of Veronica for just long enough. Fury spins her around and nails her with a right hand, and then a left, stunning Marina just enough to grab her wrist and whip her into the ropes. As Marina returns, Vero hits a High Cross Body, straight into a pin.
1…
2…
Yes, Vero picks up the win, boos filling the arena. But NO, the referee holds up two fingers, Marina just kicking out in time, as confirmed by the replays showing on the Cartel-Tron. Veronica kicks the ropes in frustration, visibly annoyed by this decision
Sparkles: Veronica thought she had won it, but the replays show the referee made the right call.
Greyson: But Marina is now a little out of it, Veronica could pick up a huge victory
Sparkles: Hashtag spread the virus
Greyson: You what?
Sparkles: Spread the Virus…that’s what End Effect are doing
Greyson: Only virus being spread around here is by you, but because children are listening I won’t explain how
Veronica shakes her head and picks Marina up, raising her arm and looking for her big finisher. Marina however pushes her away, but only receives a right hand for her troubles. Fury then grabs her wrist and looks to whip her into the ropes. Marina reverses the move however, and it’s Veronica that hits the ropes, bouncing back towards Marina who drills her with a knee to the jaw sending Fury to the canvas. Marina then picks her up, whipping her spine hard into the corner. She then runs in, moving into a handstand and then smashing a back elbow into Fury’s face. Herrera is only just getting to his feet, as Marina hits a baseball slide, sending Herrera into the barricades.
Greyson: Huge shot from Marina…she’s got this Sparkles
Fury staggers out of the corner, straight into a Chick Kick from Marina which takes her down to the mat. Marina then lifts her arms aloft, adrenaline surging through her body. She picks up Fury and bridges her over and down to the canvas, into her version of the Muta Lock
Sparkles: She’s got her…the Cali Killer hooked in
Greyson: And Fury is fighting it…
Veronica tries to moves, tries to power out, but to no avail. Eventually, she has no choice but to tap the side of Marina’s arm, the referee calling for the bell.
Greyson: She’s done it…End Effect have lost here tonight and Marina walks away victorious…..meaning…meaning that Fury is FIRED!
Marina holds her arms aloft in the ring, but as Herrera slides in, she slides out, backing up the ramp with a huge smile on her face.
Sparkles: I think there is a big future for Marina in the IWC, massive victory for her here tonight
Greyson: So much for that virus huh?
Sparkles: Well if Vero is gone, then the infection is done!
Herrera checks on Veronica shakes his head in disappointment, ultimately he turns his back on the pleading Vero and walks away from the ring, abandoning his wife.
Eric: This isn’t right…this isn’t RIGHT!
Greyson: And what does this mean now for the End Effect in the IWC?
Sparkles: With Vero gone, does that mean the rest of the End Effect are done?
Greyson: I haven’t a clue Sparkles, but it looks like “Rain” Eric Herrera has turned his back on his wife in the ring.
The bout has concluded and so too has the influence of the End Effect. The infection has been cured. Veronica sits up on the canvas, looking shocked and appalled that her career has just come to a conclusion in the IWC.
Greyson: That’s right, Vero, your outta here!
Sparkles: Thank you Marina Valdivia…actually, forget Gloria Noel’s name, let’s get #thankyouValdiva trending right now. Come on everyone, power up your Twitter machines and make it happen.
Greyson: Impressive debut by Valdivia, in her first match she manages to force Vero out of the company.
Sparkles: She was probably only expecting to have me drool over her when she got here, not this.
As if Veronica hasn’t suffered enough for one evening, we now see someone entering the ring devoted to making Rodriquez’s night miserable. Principle Owner, Karen McBride slides into the ring and stares at the kneeling Fury, who is still hurting after the physical match against Valdivia. A microphone is wedged in Karen’s hand, but it won’t be the only thing she gets her palms on tonight.
Karen: Seeing as this is your last night with the company, Vero, that gives me just one more opportunity to compel you to tell me where you’re keeping Cassidy Cage.
Vero is so lost in thought, so fixated on her failure to keep under the IWC’s employ that she doesn’t even acknowledge McBride….so Karen FORCES her to pay attention.
Karen: Dammit Vero, do the right thing. Tell me where Cassidy is so I can bring her back here to the IWC.
Vero is still remaining tight lipped on the subject.
Karen: You took Cassidy at Upping the Ante, you, Ambrosia and Serenity collaborated to take her away from the federation she loves, and I’m going to see each of you suffer equally until you decide to set Cage free. But you can prevent that Vero, you can spare yourself, Serenity and Ambrosia a lot of agony if you just tell me where Cassidy is.
Vero acts like she has a gag in her mouth, if only, continuing to stay quiet.
Karen: Alright, if I can’t get answers out of you, I guess I’ll have to settle for another sound.
McBride lunges across the ring and nails Vero to the face with a bicycle kick. The deadly shot knocks Vero to her back and renders her mute for another reason, because she might have just swallowed her tongue. McBride drops to her knees beside Vero and begins to deliver jabs across the End Effect member’s face.
Karen: Tell me where she is….TELL ME!
McBride drags Vero up to her feet by the hair, gets her stabilized then lunges into another pump kick, this one far more devastating than the last.
Willow: Are you enjoying yourself, Karen?
Much like the crowd, McBride’s eyes are scrambling around the Manhattan Center, trying to find the source of this voice. Eventually her eyes dash to the rafters where Willow Wilkes is holding a microphone, standing beside the very woman she showed up with at NewAge, Serenity. Both ladies emerge from the darkness of the scaffolding and leer over the railing at their captivated audience, McBride.
Greyson: Serenity and the woman….
Sparkles: What a woman.
Greyson:…she showed up with on NewAge are once again hanging out in the rafters. We heard from Serenity earlier tonight, but now we’re hearing from Willow Wilkes.
Willow seems to be doing the speaking on Serenity’s behalf, employing a microphone she got from God only knows where.
Willow: Are you having a good time? Because I know we’ve been enjoying the show. It’s been quite the spectacle thus far, and your assault on Vero…oh jooooy…it’s just making this spectacle far more exciting.
Karen: You listen here, Willow…
McBride points up from the ring and into the rafters.
Karen: The two of you aren’t getting off easy. You’ll get worse than what I’ve given to Vero the longer you keep Cassidy….
Willow: Is this really about Cassidy? Or is this about getting your own way, Karen?
McBride’s expression sours.
Willow: You just can’t stand our defiance. You can’t tolerate that we took one of your toys and won’t give it back to you. Jeez, learn to share, Karen.
Karen: This has nothing to do with me.
Willow: No, it has everything to do with you.
The microphone finds its way to Serenity per her request.
Serenity: Willow is right, you only want Cassidy back so you can look good to the fans, so you can look good to the roster, so that people will finally start respecting you. You don’t give a damn about Cassidy, nobody cares about her but Willow and I. If you actually did give a damn, you would let us finish what we’ve started.
Karen: I’m almost afraid to think what you twisted bitches are doing to Cassidy….
JessiKa: Their saving her, Karen.
Karen has to squint to discern the figure standing in the shadows just off to Serenity’s side. Finally that individual does emerge, holding her own microphone. The face is unfamiliar, at least to all those who do not follow Twitter.
Serenity: Karen, allow me to introduce to you another who is helping to FIX Cassidy.
JessiKa: My name is JessiKa, and like Serenity and Willow, I’m one of Cassidy’s only friends.
Karen: Friends? You call yourself a friend? You kidnapped her.
JessiKa: No, we SAVED her. Cassidy’s attempt to live a normal life was causing her to spiral deeper and deeper into both despair and obscurity. You want her to continue being a bubbly, glamour obsessed, carbon copy of the “PERFECT” athlete. But Cassidy isn’t consumed with perfection, no, she’s bent on DESTROYING perfection. As we all are. We want to take everything that people like you deem beautiful or normal and twist it, mangle it, and warp it until it reflects the inner darkness and inner ugliness that so many harbor within their hearts, beneath their perfect exteriors.
Serenity: We start with Cassidy.
Willow: Then we move onto Silas World.
Serenity: And then, we move onto the IWC.
All three ladies in the rafters grin.
Serenity: Much like Cassidy, we will help this company find and release its demons.
BACKSTAGE
”Edge of a Revolution” is playing in the background as we see Marie Jones making her way up the steps backstage that ultimately lead to the rafters. Greyson and Sparkles speak over the tunes that are blaring.
Sparkles: Looks like one of those demons is coming for Serenity and her gal-pals right now.
Greyson: Serenity building an army, but if Marie Jones has her way, that army might be defeated before it ever has the chance to go to war.
Sparkles: We heard Jones claim that Serenity FRAMED Silas Mason, and made him look like the person responsible for attacking Kloe and Kelcey, now she’s going to retaliate.
Greyson: What’s going to happen when Marie Jones makes it to those rafters and tangles with Serenity and her forces?
Sparkles: This is gonna be explosive.
As Marie makes her way up the stairs, the camera turns just enough to highlight Polly Norah, former GOOD Movement teammate of Marie’s, watching from the bottom of the steps as the Phoenix ascends to the rafters. A plotting grin has settled on Norah’s face.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
Marie: You want a war against Silas World? Then come on out Serenity, face the Phoenix.
The demands of Marie Jones fill the rafters as she makes her way through them, eyes piercing the darkness in search of Serenity, Willow Wilkes and their new friend JessiKa.
Marie: It’s time to answer for your crimes, Serenity. You set Silas up, and you had me imprisoned. There’s no going back from that. This ends tonight. If you don’t come out and face me then I’ll just have to sick your sister on you. How would you like that, huh?
IN RING
Cameras suddenly transition from the rafters where Marie Jones has flipped the script on Serenity, going from stalkee to stalker, and we now find ourselves treated to footage of Silas Mason re-emerging from the backstage area, tightly griping a microphone in one hand while a strait-jacket dangles from the other.
Silas: Marie might be taking care of business with Serenity, but it’s time for ole’ Silas to deal with you, Shaun Cruze. To end this once and fer all.
Mason briefly turns his side to the curtains and waves for someone, referee Arnie Ficklebottom darting from the backstage area. The referee reaches the ring at the same time as Silas, who flings the strait-jacket down at his feet and proceeds to make his announcement.
Silas: Ya challenged me to a match a few moments ago. Well I’m ‘ere right now to answer that challenge. Come on out ‘ere Shauny Boy, cause I got approval from McBride fer the two of us to go one on one.
Greyson and Sparkles have held their breaths at the commentator’s table for far longer than anyone could have expected.
Greyson: Silas is….am I hearing this right? He’s actually agreeing to a match against Shaun Cruze?
Sparkles: Talk about a match the world has been dying to see. But will Silas actually get in the ring and compete for the first time in his career, right here tonight on Riot?
Greyson: Seems to be the case Sparkles.
Silas: Come on Shaun, this is the moment you’ve been beggin’ for….
Awake and Alive blares through the speakers and Shaun Cruze rushes through the curtains, eagerly darting to the ring in order to answer Mason’s challenge. Shaun is almost giddy with excitement at the prospect of battling Silas one on one tonight. He’s eager to make Mason pay for everything, all the wrongs and injustices that Mason has committed against his own clients and so many others who resist to succumb to his delusions of grandeur and power.
Greyson: Shaun has been waiting so damned long for this match and he’s FINALLY getting it.
Cruze steps into the ring and is about to step right up into Silas’ face only to have Mason grab referee Ficklebottom by the shirt and turn him into a human shield.
Silas: Ya just hold it right here boy. Ya wait until I tell ya the rest of the stipulations for our match.
Shaun is not a patient individual, finding himself hard pressed to hear Silas utter anything more than pleas for mercy.
Silas: If ya want me one on one, then ya got to put that strait-jacket on. Otherwise, I’m leavin this building and any chance of ya ever gettin’ a match against me, goes out the door right alongside me.
Cruze can’t believe what he’s hearing, but should have known he would regret allowing Silas to speak. The eyes of the former SCW World Champion drift towards the strait-jacket planted upon the canvas a few inches away.
Silas: Ya want me so bad ya can taste it, Shaun. Don’t blow this opportunity, do as McBride has demanded, put on that jacket and then you’ll get me one on one. Otherwise, you’ll never get a crack at Silas Mason.
It’s a bitter pill to swallow but one that Shaun ingests nonetheless. He grimaces at the sight of the strait-jacket and the prospect of having to wear it but the chance to face Silas far outweighs the cons of being forced into the coat. He grabs the jacket from the canvas and reluctantly holds it out to the official. Ficklebottom doesn’t like putting the strait-jacket on Shaun any more than Cruze likes wearing it. Silas now begins to chuckle as he watches Shaun’s arms slip into the coat and the straps being tightened behind Shaun’s back.
Greyson: I’m speechless, Sparkles. For the third time tonight we’re witnessing an athlete forced to wrestle in a strait-jacket. Shaun Cruze now putting on the jacket if he wants to face Silas Mason one on one.
Sparkles: Shaun doesn’t care. He WANTS Silas at any cost, especially after it was revealed that Mason’s been behind all the attacks on Kloe, Kraven and Kelcey.
Greyson: Yeah, but Shaun might be risking too much just for the possibility at revenge.
Silas’ grin is wide enough to cut his head in half, and it keeps getting bigger as he watches the strait-jacket strap Shaun’s arms down and pin them to his chest. Now that the coat is secure Ficklebottom calls for the bell to get this match underway.
SHAUN CRUZE VS. SILAS MASON
The fans find themselves in the midst of a true mark out moment if there ever was one, the crowd as eager to see Silas get his comeuppance as Shaun is. Cruze and Mason begin to circle one another as Shaun prepares to light Silas up in spite of having his arms restrained by the jacket. All the while Silas is throwing air punches and baiting Cruze to bring it. He even sticks out his chin and points to it as if offering himself up for a free strike. Once it becomes apparent that Shaun has no arms to make good on Silas’ offer Mason begins to laugh diabolically.
Silas: Come on Shaun, isn’t this what ya wanted boy?
Shaun: More than you’ll ever know you son of a bitch.
Silas: Then let Silas give ya what ya been askin’ for.
Mason balls up his fist and prepares to come to blows with Cruze before a steel chair thunderously crashes over Shaun’s back. The blow knocks Cruze to the canvas and was delivered by an individual in a hooded sweat-suit.
Greyson: What the fuck is this!?!
Sparkles: Huh? That’s….wait a minute…I thought….huh?
The fans are just as fickle as the commentators in response to the individual standing over Shaun with the chair in their grips, the very person that Silas Mason was implicated as being. Mason is wide eyed at the sight of the individual in the hood who now swings the chair down over Cruze’s spine not once, but twice, but three times, four times, five times, six times, seven times. The mystery man absolutely bludgeons every inch of Shaun’s anatomy with the chair, from scalp to toe nails. Shaun flops around like a fish out of water after every swift, vicious and body mutilating blow that is delivered.
Once the chair actually shatters over Shaun’s back, it’s tossed aside and the hooded individual backs away from their victim. Shaun, who was already defenseless given the fact that he was placed in a strait-jacket, is now in an even further impaired condition after all these blows from their chair. Silas watches from the corner as the hood wearer vacates the ring, leaving the brutalized Cruze behind. They don’t even look back as they make their way up the ramp and to the backstage area, leaving Shaun to the mercy of the merciless. It takes every bit of Shaun’s will to reach a knee where he instantly begins to spit up blood, looking as if he’s hacking out a lung at this point. He gets to his kneeling base just as Mason steps in and delivers a slap right across Shaun’s cheek.
Greyson: What a piece of trash.
Sparkles: Silas taking advantage of Shauny Boy’s beating.
Silas delivers ANOTHER slap across Shaun’s cheek.
Silas: Ain’t this what ya been askin’ for boy? Ain’t this what yer ass wanted?
Mason suddenly takes Shaun around the neck and snaps back, hitting an evenflow DDT on Shaun.
BACKSTAGE
Marie: Enough of these games Serenity.
The rafters continue to be searched by Marie Jones, who has lost any semblance of patience.
Marie: You ask for a fight and then you run when I answer your challenge? So on top of being a liar, you’re a coward too? Figures. Not surprising at all. You’re nothing but a…
Polly: So it’s a fight you’re looking for, huh?
The familiar voice puts Marie in RED alert mode. She spins around and stares down the towering Polly Norah, her massive arms crossed over her chest and foot tapping impatiently.
Marie: What…..what do you want?
Polly: Heh, isn’t it obvious? I want to finish what we started on NewAge.
Marie: Pfft, not now Polly, we’ll settle our issues later.
Polly: No, we’ll settle our issues right now. You think you can just leave the GOOD Movement and there won’t be consequences for you actions? Not fucking likely. What makes YOU better than me?
Marie: You’re just pissed because you don’t have the courage to break away from Ethan.
Polly: I’m indebted to Ethan, so what he tells me to do I do. And right now, I’ve been instructed to remove your limbs from your body.
Norah suddenly rushes across the rafters and into a right hand across Marie’s face. Jones responds with a blow of her own, the two going back and forth with these shots. Finally Norah launches a big boot right at Marie’s skull only to have her duck under the shot. Polly then goes spiraling past Marie, turns around and gets a boot to the ribs. Before Norah knows what’s happening, she’s being placed in a side headlock and being driven into the hardened steel floor with the Ava Marie.
Marie: You should have stayed out of this Polly.
Jones stands up and stands over Norah, who rolls to her back with blood seeping from her forehead.
Marie: You should have…..
Serenity: Marrriiie…ooooooh Maaaarrrie, down here.
Jones begins to survey her surroundings, desperately searching for the source of this voice before her eyes eventually drift to the Cartel-tron where we at last learn the location of Serenity, Willow Wilkes and JessiKa. The three are standing in what appears to be the parking lot with Serenity is standing with what appears to be a crowbar in her palms.
Serenity: It’s me, the liar, the coward, the MONSTER.
Serenity grins insidiously.
Serenity: You’re right, I DID ask for a war against Silas World, and in this war, no one is safe, and no one is going to stand between me and my revenge against you and your agency.
To demonstrate her point the camera pans back and reveals Serenity’s sister, Brittany Lohan, strewn across the concrete with Willow and JessiKa holding down the Blue Eyed Devil’s arms. Lohan squirms and tries to get free, first shouting at the women restraining her, and then at her own sister, Serenity approaching with crowbar patting against her palm.
Lohan: Don’t do it, Abi….don’t you dare. I only wanted to protect you. I just wanted to keep you safe.
Serenity: And who said I need your protection.
Lohan: I tried to warn you about Katelyn, I tried to tell you she was a whor…
The crowbar swings down into Lohan’s ribs, bashing them violently. Serenity then lifts the crowbar into the air and drives it into Lohan’s mid-section once again.
Lohan: What the fuck is wrong with you, Abi.
Serenity: STOP CALLING ME THAT!
Another crowbar shot to the ribs follows, and then another, and then another, and then another until Lohan is no longer spitting out words but blood. Finally Wilkes and JessiKa release Lohan’s arms, allowing her to put them over her shattered ribs. Serenity crouches down beside her own sister, brushing her blond locks out of her face.
Serenity: I warned you what would happen if you decided to stay with Silas.
After a moment or two of reflecting on her sister’s destruction, Serenity turns her focus to the camera.
Serenity: Just think Marie, if I could do this to my own sister, imagine what I’ll do to you.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
An expression of agony is stretched across Brittany Lohan’s face as she makes her way through the corridor. Although her internal organs are bleeding, and her ribs are throbbing, Lohan STILL manages to stomp down the hallway, fierce blue eyes searching for someone.
Lohan: ABI….Come out here!
Brittany manages to lift a boot and kick open a door.
Lohan: Dammit Abi, you and I need to talk!
Brittany is obviously scouring the halls in search for Serenity, her very own sister who bashed her in the ribs repeatedly with the crowbar right before the commercial break.
Lohan: I know your hurting but you’re not about to take out your frustrations on me…..
The sentence is never completed, because Lohan’s words are abruptly ended by the crowbar swinging right into her cheek. The moment Lohan rounds a corner in search of Serenity, she finds a blow from the steel bar in the hand of Sebastian Knight. The swift and devastating blow knocks Lohan out cold and allows Knight to rub salt in her wounds. He steps out of the adjacent corridor with the crow-bar still in his clutches and a certain swagger in his stride. Knight stoops down over Lohan and smirks directly in her face.
Knight: On NewAge, you laid me on my ass and then proceeded to warn me that if I kept coming after you, there would be pain. Well, looks to me…..
Knight overlooks Brittany’s unconscious and aching body.
Knight:…like you were right.
IN RING
Cameras immediately cut back to the squared circle just in time for the lyrics of “American Dreamgirl” to come flowing through the PA system. The fans instantly lunge out of their seats in recognition of Karen McBride making her way to the stage for a second time this evening. The Principle Owner wears a pronounced grimace on her face as the microphone in her hand drawls closer to her frowning lips.
Karen: Ladies and gentlemen, I know there are those amongst you still fiercely loyal to Serenity, and her friends, so the decision I am about to make will alienate a lot of you, but it’s an announcement that NEEDS to be made.
Karen looks burdened by the gravity of her pending announcement.
Greyson: Oh lord, this is gonna be bad.
Sparkles: The worse. Karen looks POed.
Greyson: And she has every right to be after the actions of Serenity, Willow Wilkes and whomever this JessiKa lady is that’s tagging along with them now.
Sparkles: They beat Brittany Lohan half to death with that crowbar.
After drawing a deep breath into her lungs Karen proceeds with her announcement.
Karen: I didn’t want to come to this, but I’m afraid my hands are tied. Serenity, I am hereby ordering you to return Cassidy Cage at NewAge, and if you do not produce her, I have no other alternative but to….but to….terminate your contract with the IWC.
This statement has the crowd reeling. They are understandably stunned that McBride felt compelled to make such a weighty decision.
Karen: I’m sorry it has to come to this, but I have no other alternative. And just to prove how serious I am, Serenity, I’ve come up with a match here in a moment where job security is on the line. I know your friend, Vero, was fired a few moments ago after her loss against Marina Valdivia, but that doesn’t solve our End Effect problem. “Rain” Eric Herrera, Brandy and Rich are still running around here causing chaos, and something needs to be done about them. So considering that Polly Norah was just injured during a fight with Marie Jones, that means Selena Frost needs a replacement opponent in her match tonight. Yes, I know you’re all a little upset that the originally scheduled Selena Frost versus Polly Norah match won’t be happening, but in its place, we’re going to see Selena Frost in her debut, take on Eric Herrera, RAIN. And if she wins that match, then the entire End Effect are hereby FIRED from the IWC. Thank you very much.
It takes a moment for the crowd to pick their jaws up off the floor, left in shock over the dropping of another of Karen’s copyrighted, ‘nuclear bombs.’ She makes her way to the back and no sooner disappears through the curtains before the tunes of “Kick in the Teeth” blare through the speakers and Rain comes stepping to the stage. The End Effect member looks stunned to say the least, his eyes filled with hurt and betrayal. The expressions of Rich Anderson and Brandy Danielle, who follow right along behind Rain are very similar. They all look disgusted by this last second booking decision.
Greyson: Whoa…hold on…WOW.
Sparkles: Karen dropping another megaton yield bomb on our asses.
Greyson: Mostly End Effect’s asses. She wants to show Serenity just how serious she is. If Rain loses this match, the End Effect are effectively done.
Sparkles: I don’t think Rain was expecting this.
Greyson: And I’m sure he wasn’t expecting Vero to be fired earlier after her loss to Marina Valdivia.
Sparkles: This night has been chalk full of suck for the End Effect.
SELENA FROST VS. RAIN
In spite of his outrage over this last second alteration to this match Rain is already slipping through the ropes into the ring. Rich Anderson and Brandy Danielle lurk at the edge of the ramp, watching as their leader prepares to do whatever it takes to keep the End Effect under IWC employee. Greyson Lovejoy and Sparkles discuss this last second change coupled with these last second stipulation additions, doing so from their vantage point at the announce table.
Sparkles: The End Effect so royally fucked. Seriously, the only way to save his job is to beat a Snow Queen…a Snow Queen….do you have any ideas what that means?
Greyson: Enlighten me.
Sparkles: Well actually I have no idea what a Snow Queen is, but it sounds awesome, which means Rain’s in trouble.
Greyson: Yeeeeah. Not only are we about to see Selena Frost in her eagerly anticipated debut, but Rain of the End Effect has a chance to save the careers of he and his group should he be able to win this match.
Sparkles: Yep, Marina Valdivia beat the End Effect’s Veronica Rodriquez earlier tonight, meaning she was fired. Will we see the same fate befall Rain and the rest of the End Effect?
Rain runs the ropes to limber up for this sure to be hard fought encounter.
“YOU BETTER BELIEVE!”
“You Were Born For This” by Epic Score brings forth a falling of snow along the ramp, while purple-blue lights in the design of snowflakes stream across the arena. From the falling of white, from the back, out walks The Snow Queen, herself, Selena Frost. With a twirl within her “winter-wonderland”, Frost slowly strolls down the ramp, her platinum-white hair in a long-braid swishing this way and that. Sliding into the ring, the Winter Diamond is quickly on her feet, stepping into the center of the ring as all the snowflake-lights rush to the center of the ring to form a large blue-white snowflake-shaped light over Selena. Raising her arms, the Defier of Worlds looks up at the lights before they return to normal.
Greyson: And there she is, Selena Frost stepping into an IWC ring for the first time in an officially sanctioned match. This should be quite the spectacle.
Sparkles: Judging from her entrance and her push up bra, I’d say that’s a fair assessment Lovejoy.
Greyson: Selena’s already impressed a lot of people without even competing. At Upping the Ante she forced the Queen of the Ring Champion, Tina Valentine, into the Frost Bite submission hold, and has made it expressly clear that she intends on coming after Tina’s belt.
Sparkles: But we all got to start somewhere, can’t just hop right into a title match, so Selena begins at the bottom of the totem pole.
Referee Michelle Blacker has the bell chimed and the match immediately commences with Rain inching towards Selena, right on the cusp of locking up with her.
Mason: MY INGLORIOUS PEASANTS, LEND ME YOUR EARS!
The crowd would much rather lend the megaphone toting Mason Van Stanton their fists. In spite of the bitter response he’s receiving, Mason makes his way through the throngs of homicidal masses with his client Gloria Noel standing beside him.
Greyson: This goof is back again!?!
Sparkles: And his voice is worse amplified than it is as a normal decibel.
Van Stanton ignores the rage of the crowd and placates both his own ego and the ego of Gloria.
Mason: I am here to once again call upon your services. So at this moment remove your mobile devices, be it IPhones, tablets, what-have-you-not, open a new tab and log into your Twitter account to join me in a protest against the defamation of my client’s name. Show the hierarchy of the IWC that you will not stand for the way they have misrepresented Gloria Noel. Join me in starting a worldwide campaign to end this injustice….
Selena has turned to Van Stanton rolling her eyes and producing a half smirk. She now pretends to be checking her watch, wondering how much longer this is going to go. But the peek at her make believe watch takes her focus off the individual dashing in behind her. Rain delivers a clubbing blow across Selena’s spine, knocking her into the ropes. Frost falls to a knee and Rain now begins to deliver kick after kick across the back of her head, coupled with a few clubbing blows upon her upper shoulder blades.
Mason: Each of you have the power at the tips of your fingers to ensure that Gloria Noel’s name is trending throughout the course of this match, showing the IWC that SHE is the one you wish to see competing in this ring, NOT imposter royalty the likes of Selena Frost.
Mason’s demands go unanswered by the disinterested fans, who are drawn more to the plight of Selena in the ring. They watch as Frost is forced up to her feet and hit with a knife edge chop across the sternum by Rain. He then grabs Selena into a knee across the ribs, doubling her over. Rain then rushes into the ropes at Selena’s side, ricochets off and delivers a running boot across…NOTHING. Selena swings around out of position for the kick, manages to wedge her spine to Rain’s and then drag him down into the backslide.
The referee gets into position to make the count, but Blacker’s hand never reaches the canvas because Rain kicks out…actually no, Selena allowed him to drop down out of the pin, because she wasn’t going for a backslide into the cover, she was going for the Frost Bite. She allows Rain to drop over to his gut and transitions oh so smoothly right into her arm bar submission.
Greyson: Frost Bite…Frost Bite…Selena’s already got the Frost Bite locked in.
Sparkles: Sweeeet.
Rain is screaming at the top of his lungs as his arm is bent at such an awkward angle. He looks to be on the verge of tapping out, motivating Rich and Brandy to rush at the ring, climbing up onto the apron and trying to get involved. However their plans are averted by Samantha Raine and Crissy Garner, the two ladies who have been victimized by the End Effect in the past scrambling towards the ring. Rich is grabbed by the ankle by Samantha, who drags him down off the apron and then boots him to the gut and hits him with a DDT. At the same time Crissy is leaping up onto the apron right beside Danielle.
Brandy rushes across the apron at Crissy only to be caught with a hip toss that sends the End Effect member flying off the apron then crashing into almost a senton right across the ribs of the laid out Anderson at ringside.
Greyson: Samantha and Crissy with even more retribution against the End Effect after the group ganged up on them and cost them a win at Upping the Ante.
Mason Van Stanton and Gloria Noel look on with disgust from the crowd as Selena applies more torque on Rain’s arm, finally bringing him to slap the canvas, tapping out.
Greyson: Rain submits! He taps out!
Sparkles: The End Effect are done…done…DONE!
Greyson: At last their ‘corrosive’ influence has been stopped. Selena Frost and Marina Valdivia have made sure of that tonight.
Selena breaks the submission just before breaking Rain’s arm. She then rolls to her feet and glares over the ropes into the crowd where Van Stanton is shaking his head and Gloria is groaning.
Greyson: What an impressive win for Selena, who came here tonight, dominated and defeated Rain in mere seconds.
Sparkles: Bless you Selena. If anyone deserves to be trending right now, it’s the name Selena Frost.
Greyson: In their first matches with the IWC, Selena Frost and Marina Valdivia have managed to push the End Effect right out of this company.
The crowd are absolutely glued to the sight of Selena standing on one of the turnbuckles, celebrating her win in a rather dignified and reserved fashion. Meanwhile on the ramp we see Samantha and Crissy pointing and laughing at the End Effect members at ringside, who seem to be irate over their losses this evening. Rain, who is now kneeling at ringside and griping his injured arm, glares at Anderson then peeks into the ring at Selena’s turned back.
Rain: Get her!
Rich does as told, sliding into the ring and briefly clutching at his banged up ribs before stepping in behind Selena, grabbing her shoulder and spinning her around into a right hand. But Frost side steps the blow, catches Rich’s arm and forces him down to the canvas. She now leans back into the Frost Bite, instantly forcing Anderson to tap out, the final death knell in the End Effect’s cruel legacy.
BACKSTAGE
With the End Effect purged from the IWC and a major statement just made against Serenity’s forces, Karen McBride now sets her sights on new targets. She comes to a full stop when spotting Shaun Cruze seated on a crate backstage with a towel draped across the back of his neck and referees Marcus Mayfield, Alex Ingelson and Patrick Fitzpatrick gathered around him.
Marcus: Shaun, you really should go and get yourself checked out man, you’re in no condition to be of any help to anyone.
Fitzpatrick: Don’t make us drag you to the trainer’s room like we did to Chris Davids and Mya Denton earlier on. Don’t be a fool.
Shaun: I’m not going anywhere…not until Silas and McBride pay for what they did to me.
Karen: Whoa-whoa-whoa…MCBRIDE!?!
Karen works her way through the officials and crouches in front of Shaun.
Karen: What did I do to you?
Shaun prepares to spit out more than blood.
Shaun: You play stupid very well, McBride.
Karen just keeps batting her eyes, having no idea what Shaun is talking about.
Shaun: You really want to ACT like you had nothing to do with booking me in a strait-jacket match against Silas?
Karen: WHAT!?! What strait-jacket match?
Marcus: You mean you don’t know?
Karen: No…I don’t….I NEVER signed off on any match between Silas and….
Kloe: I’m very disappointed in you Karen.
As if having the officiating staff and Shaun coming at her from every angle wasn’t bad enough, now she’s got Kloe Masters ragging on her as well. Kloe steps right up into Karen’s face and shows not one hint of backing down.
Kloe: I don’t even want to look at your face right now.
Karen: WHY!?! Seriously? What the fuck did I do?
Kloe: How many times have I warned you about showing favoritism to your friends? And tonight we saw the worse abuse of your power yet. What gives you the right to force Shaun into a strait-jacket and serve him up to Silas like that?
Karen: I-I-I didn’t! I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.
Kloe: Yeah, and that’s only one of your problems, you’re absolutely clueless.
Masters stops tearing into Karen and starts redirecting her words to the referees who surround Shaun.
Kloe: Take him to the medics and don’t let him resist.
Shaun: I’m not going anywhere.
Kloe: Just go Shaun, PLEASE.
Cruze is too weakened and too bludgeoned to put up an argument. He’s led along to his feet by the arms and Fitzpatrick and Ingelson take him where he can be given proper medical attention. Mayfield begins to follow behind at a distance, shouting after his fellow officials.
Marcus: Be careful with…..
Kloe: Marcus.
Mayfield swings around to face Kloe.
Kloe: I want you to do me a favor. Go and find Orlando and make sure he gets to the ring tonight safely.
Marcus: But doesn’t he have the Cartel to do that?
Kloe: Just do as I tell you, Marcus.
Marcus: Alright-alright, no need to tell me twice.
Mayfield moves around Masters and out of frame, leaving two people and only two people standing in the corridor at this point, Karen and Kloe.
Karen: Orlando’s going to the ring, for what?
Kloe: Pfft, and why should I tell you, so that you can go and blab to Silas and try to ruin everything?
Karen: I would never….
Kloe: Do everyone a favor Karen, and just get the hell out of the building already, you can’t be trusted.
Karen: But…
Kloe: And take that whiney William Mason with you. He gets on my nerves.
Karen: Why are you being so…?
Kloe: Because you betrayed me, Karen, you betrayed all of us.
Karen: But I didn’t book Shaun against Si….
Kloe: I don’t even want to hear it.
Alex: There you are.
Alex Clayton, Zak Norton and Nate Barlow, the trio known as the Cartel look almost out of breath as they rush to Kloe’s side.
Alex: We’ve been looking everywhere for you.
Kloe: Well I’m glad you caught up with me, because I’ve got an assignment for the three of you.
Zak: Sure.
Kloe: Take Karen here and escort her out of the building.
Karen: WHAT!?!
Kloe: I won’t have her try and sabotage Orlando’s announcement.
Zak: Yes ma’am.
A stunned McBride finds herself taken by the arms, Alex and Nate on the cusp of dragging the Principle Owner away.
Karen: This is ridiculous. I’ve only been trying to help. I don’t know WHO booked that match between Silas and Sh…..
It seems Karen has a sudden epiphany, her mouth hanging agape before it twists into a frown.
Karen: BLAIRE.
Kloe: What?
Karen: I know who booked that match.
Kloe: We ALL do. Just take her away.
The Cartel follows orders, pulling McBride down the corridor and out of view. Kloe watches them do as she instructed while offering a condemning shake of her head.
Kloe: And once you’re through throwing her out, go find William Mason and kick his ass to the curb too. It’s time to start cleaning house around here.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
Cameras find William Mason far before the Cartel ever has the chance to. He’s presently standing in a corridor with his back aimed to the camera and his words directed to someone unseen. Perhaps loitering in the room he’s peering into.
William: Forgive me. PLEASE just forgive me. I had no idea how my request to let Darko back in the building tonight would affect you. I was just thinking impulsively.
Taylor: William?
A yelp almost comes out of Mason as he hears Taylor Chase speak up behind him. He leaps out of his skin, turns his back to the door and slams it shut behind him, hiding whomever he was talking to inside of the room. Chase arches an eyebrow as she overlooks the Pure Champion, just a tad bit confused by the whitening of William’s skin and the sweat that beads down his brow.
Taylor: Who are you talking to?
William: No one, I mean YES somebody, but no one you need to be concerned about…why are you giving me the fifth degree!
Taylor: Calm down William, calm down, it was just a question.
William tries to breath but finds it difficult.
Taylor: Listen, I was hoping you could talk to your buddy Karen and arrange a meeting between the two of us.
William: You and Karen? Why?
Taylor: I want her to make sure to put extra security on Orlando.
William: Fine-fine, I’ll do it…
It doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to figure out something is amiss with Mason, the fact that the hairs on his knuckles are standing on end and his fingers are so nervously fidgeting around the knob to the door behind him are clear indications that William is distressed.
Taylor: What’s going on William?
William: Nothing….why won’t you believe me?
Taylor: Who’s in that room?
William: No one…I mean….
Taylor: Step aside William.
William: Why? No. I won’t do it under any circumstances….
Taylor: STEP ASIDE.
William: Okay.
Under duress William clears away from the door and Taylor grabs the knob he was so worrisomely clutching at. She opens the door and all at once regrets doing so.
Rayne: Hsssssss.
Tay’s heart sinks but her defenses rise at the sight of Red Rayne occupying the room, glowing white eyes focused on Chase’s clinched fists
Rayne: Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock.
Each time Rayne mimics the sound of time passing away Taylor’s anger swells.
Rayne: Your time is running out. You have to make a choice, Taylor, and if you do not make the right one, I’ll rend the flesh from your Cruze’s face.
Red steps into the hall and takes William by the wrist.
Rayne: Let’s talk about your brother.
The Pure Champion reluctantly follows behind Rayne, leaving Taylor standing there silent but with an expression that says a thousand words.
IN RING
After an absolutely wild night the crowd just begins to catch their collective breathes only to find that there is no rest for the wicked. “YOU KNOW MY NAME” hits the speakers, ending this night the same way it started, with Orlando Cruze making his way down the ramp exchanging words with Marcus Mayfield in the process. The Head Referee follows the Icon straight of the ring, up the steps and into the squared circle where a game changing announcement is seconds from being made. Greyson and Sparkles, though weary after a night where so much has gone down, remain excited as their comments are heard in the background.
Greyson: This is what the whole night has been building towards, Sparkles.
Sparkles: Baldlando is entering the ring and his perfect boob shaped chrome dome is about to name me the newest owner of the IWC.
Greyson: Well you’re partially correct.
Sparkles: About the boob shaped head?
Greyson: Well that AND the fact that Orlando may very well be here to announce a new owner.
Sparkles: And why wouldn’t that owner be me?
Greyson: Because you’re a puppet I stitched together after taking mass quantities of Benadryl.
The moment that has been so eagerly anticipated throughout the night is here..it’s finally fucking here….and good God it couldn’t come a moment sooner.
Orlando: I know you’ve been teased long enough….
The crowd’s response confirms Orlando’s suspicions.
Orlando:…and rest assured that I am here to make an official announcement regarding the sale of my shares, but before we get to that, I just have one last statement to make, regarding you, Silas Mason.
The fans unleash a shrill and homicidal reaction as Orlando name drops perhaps the most despicable man in the industry. Cruze’s face fills with malice and his mouth is overwhelmed with a bitter taste by even allowing Silas’ name to seep from his tongue.
Orlando: Every last inch of me is just itching to beat you to the point where your entire body can be squeezed into that fucking Stetson of yours. But my days of washing blood off my hands are over. Instead, I’m going to let nature take its course. I’m going to let Shaun get his revenge on you for what you had done earlier tonight. You think having him assaulted with a chair while he was bound by a strait-jacket is going to stop Shaun from coming after you? Hahahahaa. You obviously don’t have a clue who you’re dealing with. My brother and I, we’ve got a strong family heritage of being tough. For crying out loud, just a couple of months ago I was hooked to a breathing machine after being beaten nearly to death by the Sinistry. And yet look at me now. I’m standing right here in front of you as strong as I’ve ever been. And Shaun will bounce back too, quicker than anyone thinks, and quicker than you would have hoped Silas. When he rebounds…well…God have mercy on your soul, Silas, because you better believe that Shaun won’t.
The crowd eats this up little puppies with a mouth full of Kittles and Bits.
Orlando: Enough about Silas, he’ll be dealt with when Shaun is damned good and ready. Right now let’s get to what everyone has been waiting to hear, the name of the person who will take majority ownership of this federation.
A phone is extracted from Orlando’s pocket and held aloft.
Orlando: Mason Van Stanton came out here a few minutes ago and said that the power was at your fingertips to make change, but right now, the power is at my fingertip to name a new acting CEO of the IWC. All I have to do is dial my advisors, and see that all my shares are transferred over to the new owner…and that new owner’s name might come as a surprise to everyone in this building.
Taylor: Orlando wait…
Taylor Chase makes her way down the ramp to a pop that threatens to shatter hymens. The former IWC World Champion is shaking her head as she traverses the steel steps and slips into the ring, microphone squeezed tight in her palm.
Greyson: What is Tay doing in there?
Sparkles: She don’t look happy. Here, come on over Tay, ya can sit on my knee and tell me all your problems.
Greyson: You don’t even have knees.
Although Taylor was filled with such anger on her way down the ramp, once in the ring she presently finds herself a bit more docile when staring into the loving eyes of her husband.
Orlando: Babe? Something not jiving with you?
Taylor takes a deep breath before proceeding.
Taylor: You cannot sell this company to Kloe Masters.
This statement surpri….no wait…actually it doesn’t shock Orlando at all. He seemed to be expecting these comments.
Orlando: Taaaay, I thought we talked about this.
Taylor: Yeah, you talked, and it didn’t sway my opinion of Kloe at all.
Orlando: But uuuum I’m not selling the company to Kloe.
Taylor: I’m sorry but Kloe is a nothing but a rat-faced bit….What?
Orlando: As much as it’ll hurt Kloe, I know she’s not the right one to steer this company in the proper direction.
Taylor: You have no idea what a relief it is to hear you say that.
Orlando: Don’t be mean, Tay. I feel horrible for stringing Kloe along, which wasn’t my intention, but in the eleventh hour I got a call from my advisors and they’ve found a proper investor with the means and the ambition to run this company after my departure. Someone who meets with my seal of approval, and obviously has the drive to get this federation on the right track. Someone is going to give the IWC the fresh start it needs.
Taylor: Good, because there is no way I was going to allow you to sell the IWC to Kloe…
Ba’al: And we will not allow YOU, Mrs. Chase, to leave that ring without giving us an answer.
Tay turns away from her husband’s loving eyes, to the persecuting gaze of the SIN Champion. Ba’al shows no hesitation as he makes his way down the ramp with Decay, Rachel Foxx and Jaina Frost once again joining him.
Greyson: As if this situation couldn’t get any more dramatic.
Sparkles: Just imagine how dramatic things are going to be when my pants come off.
The Sinistry pause at ringside…all four areas of ringside mind you. Ba’al stands at the bottom of the ramp. Decay stands on the right side of the ring. Jaina Frost stands on the left side of the ring. Rachel Foxx stands in front of the commentator’s table. All escape routes have been cut off. The Sinistry is making sure Taylor can go nowhere until she has given them the response they’ve been demanding throughout the entirety of the night.
Ba’al: I am afraid I must insist upon an answer. Either we unify the Frost and Chase families this moment, or see the light in your husband’s eyes extinguished.
Although it’s Chase they implore for a response, Orlando is the one who speaks up.
Orlando: You think you can use me to threaten my wife?
Ba’al: Yes.
Orlando: Well obviously you’ve misjudged me, Ba’al, because it’s just like I told Silas Mason, the Cruze brothers, we’re a tough bunch.
The tie around Cruze’s neck is slipping away and the jacket is being removed from his shoulders.
Orlando: If this is going to be my last night running this show then I want to see a fight.
Ba’al: Ah, then it is a challenge you seek dear boy?
The SIN Champion moseys to the apron and then through the ropes into the ring.
Ba’al: As quant as I find this, I am sure the crowd would much rather see you sell your shares of the company to Kloe Masters than crucified for a second night at the hands of the Sinistry. So conduct your business Orlando, then leave before I am forced to dangle your mangled corpse high above this ring.
Taylor: Don’t do it.
Taylor makes this impassioned plea once again, but the Icon is beset on a mission.
Orlando: You know what Ba’al, your words have just sealed my decision. Taylor is right. I can’t walk away now, and I can’t leave my shares with someone I….
Ba’al: Your failure to walk away while the opportunity was presented is a decision you will regret, Mr. Cruze.
Ba’al begins to approach Orlando, who isn’t backing down. Marcus Mayfield, who had drifted into the background, finally steps up and tries to protect the Icon.
Orlando: The only thing I regret is not doing something to stop the Sinistry right from the very beginning. A mistake I’ll fix right now, because I have an official here and a ring beneath our feet, let’s have ourselves a match.
Ba’al raises his palms into the air, showing the blood caked across them.
Ba’al: Look at my hands, Orlando, they are stained with the blood of those who considered themselves worthy of facing me. Chris Davids and Mya Denton, the illustrious members of Pain & Pleasure, they beneath my boots this evening, a fate that would no doubt befall you as well should you challenge me….
Orlando: Whoa-whoa-whoa, who said anything about ME challenging YOU?
Ba’al cranes his neck into a contemplative gesture.
Orlando: Funny you mention Pain and Pleasure, because there was one more member of their group you tried to avoid facing…..
”Guilty All the Same” suddenly floods the loud speakers and the crowd comes launching right out of their seats, unleashing the type of pop that would have undershorts filling with urine. Danny Darko stops to the stage, getting a sustained reaction. He doesn’t come alone, because griped in his hand is a Singapore Cane, one that he carries straight towards the ring.
Orlando: Danny Darko was promised a Weapons Match against you Kirian, and this is one promise I can deliver on.
An annoyed Ba’al suddenly slips his championship off of his shoulder and swings the belt straight at Orlando’s skull only to have Cruze duck. The momentum of his missed blow sends Ba’al charging right into as superkick delivered by Taylor. The blow nails Ba’al across the jaw and sends him spiraling right into a shot from the cane in Darko’s palms. The stiff blow echoes throughout the arena and leaves the Sin Champion stumbling around desperately trying to get his balance.
DANNY DARKO VS. BA’AL
WEAPONS MATCH
Greyson: Darko unloading on Ba’al, with the cane!
Sparkles: Another Weapons Match tonight?
Greyson: Danny Darko finally makes his eagerly anticipated return and he’s doing so by beating the hell out of the World Champion. Ba’al getting his comeuppance after everything he did to Pain and Pleasure tonight
The blow from the cane continues to have Ba’al stumbling around looking glossy eyed. He doesn’t even hear Mayfield calling for the bell to start the match, or see Taylor and Orlando rolling to the outside of the ring. They take a stance beside the ring and eagerly watch Darko swing the cane right into Ba’al’s cranium a second time. The blow has Ba’al stumbling around yet somehow remaining on his feet. This fits Danny just fine, he rushes at the nearest set of ropes, jumps over them to the apron then springs onto the top cable and flies off into another skull shattering blow with the cane. Ba’al finally loses his balance and collapses to the canvas while the fans rise collectively to their feet.
Danny may have Ba’al down, but he isn’t through victimizing him with the cane. Darko steps to the champion’s side, launching the cane into his ribs, then into his chest, then into his arms and his legs, hitting every inch of available flesh. Decay has apparently seen enough of this, rushing into the ring at Darko and grabbing the cane right out of his palms. Danny spins around and Ba’al’s muscle swings the cane right into Darko’s ribs, doubling him over.
Mayfield attempts to interject but Decay places a palm to his forehead and shoves him back forcefully, Marcus collapsing to the canvas as a result. Decay then steps back and looks to be setting up for the Brogue Kick on a disorientated Darko. He just begins to step forward and deliver the knock out kick before finding his ribs smashed by a powerful spear. A bloodied Chris Davids has just rolled into the ring beneath the ropes, having materialized from the backstage and making his presence felt by driving his shoulder right into the monster’s mid-section.
Greyson: Davids with retribution, with revenge for what happened earlier tonight. He just took out Decay!
Sparkles: This is pure craziness.
Chris staggers to his feet, shouting down at Decay and looking all fired up. That’s when he finds the back of his skull crushed by a forearm delivered by a recovered Ba’al. The blow sends Chris staggering into the ropes and then spilling through them. All the while Ba’al is picking up the cane that was dropped a few moments ago and sizing Darko up.
Danny continues to clutch at his ribs as he turns towards Ba’al, receiving a shot across the skull so vicious that it shatters the cane into thousands of tiny splinters, most of which ending up embedded in Darko’s brow. The blow knocks Danny to his back where he lies motionless.
Greyson: Cane just shattered across Darko’s head…his previously concussed head!
Sparkles: I think Danny’s gonna go right back on the shelf.
Greyson: He might be regretting pushing to get medical clearance now
Ba’al throws down the cracked handle of the cane and then falls across Darko’s chest, going for the cover. Mayfield recovers in time to make the count.
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The crowd prepares to openly weep in despair, and they do cry out, but not in woe, but in glee. Darko gets his shoulder up, inspiring quite the response from the crowd and from Ba’al as well, though the champion’s reaction is contrastingly different than that of the audience. He rises to his feet and launches himself into the air, coming down with his knee straight across the lacerated brow of Darko. Blood begins to seep from a gash in Danny’s face, one that he attempts to cover up as he rolls away from the champion.
Although Ba’al is in the dominant position he does not follow through. Instead he turns his focus to Taylor and Orlando who are still watching from ringside.
Ba’al: You believe Darko will hasten my goals for this evening. His associates could not stop me from indoctrinating you into the Frost family methodologies, Taylor, and neither will Danny.
Chase is stubbornly shaking her head in the ring, a reaction that Ba’al is so fixated upon. Meanwhile, behind his back Darko has risen to his feet with the aid of the cables, leaning heavily upon them. Ba’al turns back to his opponent, charging in with a lariat that Danny manages to avoid by getting his boot up into the air. It nails Ba’al in the jaw, sending him staggering back. He plants his feet just as Darko comes rushing out of the ropes and swings around into the Darkolator.
The boot just grazes Ba’al’s skull as the champion ducks under the attempted kick and then situates himself behind Darko. He then lunges right at Danny’s back, catching him around the neck and setting up for the Totalis. Ba’al is just about to take Danny out with the maneuver again only to have Darko drop forward instead of back. He sends Ba’al flipping over his head and rolling forward across the canvas straight to his feet. Ba’al then turns back to Darko, rushing right into the Darkolator!
The corkscrew kick nails Ba’al right across the forehead and puts him on his back, eliciting quite the reaction from the feral fan-base.
Sparkles: That spinny, flashy kick thingy.
Greyson: Darko has got the champion down, he’s out, make the cover Danny, make the cover.
That’s precisely what Darko was about to do but gets nowhere near close to the champion before finding himself pounced upon by Jaina. Frost has rolled into the ring and is putting forearms over Darko’s back and to the side of his already bloodied brow.
Sparkles: Like the Sinistry were going to allow Danny to make the cover…
Greyson: As if.
Jaina continues to wail on Darko even as Mayfield tries to interfere only to be hit with a back handed palm strike by Frost, sending the official twisting into the ropes. Jaina then goes right back to beating down Danny before finding her shoulder grabbed and her body spun right around into a vengeful blow by Mya Denton. The reaction shakes the foundations of the Manhattan Center as Denton, who’s facial lacerations are crudely tucked behind a blood stained bandage, nails Jaina across the face with a punch then across the chest with a chop.
Greyson: And now it’s Mya, another of the Sinistry’s victims earlier tonight.
Sparkles: And yet she still looks hot even with half her face covered in blood.
Denton attempts a lariat on Jaina that Frost ducks under. The diabolical Jaina turns back to her adversary and suddenly finds her head trapped in Mya’s arms. Denton then extends her foot and places it on top of the cupped hands of Darko, who lifts the leg into the air, sending Mya flipping over backwards into the Cra-Cra on Jaina.
Greyson: Mya with some payback!
Denton rises to her feet, somehow overcoming the multiple tombstone piledrivers and the crash through the car window backstage. She gets up and wants to celebrate with Darko only to have Danny’s shoulder thrown right into her ribs. Ba’al sneaks in behind Danny, grabs the back of his head and waistband then throws him right along into Mya’s ribcage, knocking her back and knocking her through the ropes. Danny then staggers back into Ba’al, who catches Darko around the arms, twists him around then drives him to the canvas before flipping forward into the bridging double chickenwing. The Cattle Mutilation is locked in and Darko is already on the brink of submitting to it.
Sparkles: Ba’al’s got Darko all twisted up.
Greyson: He’s got that submission locked in, will Darko submit to it though? Can Danny resist that compulsion to tap out?
Every fan watches with baited breathes, asking themselves the exact same questions that Greyson has put forth. Darko is a man of infinite resources though, putting his knees to the canvas and then forcing himself up to his feet with Ba’al trying his best to maintain the submission. The World Champion suddenly flips back and over Darko, landing on his feet behind his opponent but keeping both of Darko’s arms hooked. He now drops back, delivering the bridging tiger suplex.
Mayfield overcomes the slap he received from Jaina, dropping down and making the count.
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The fans once again prepare to react with wails before abruptly altering their tune when Danny gets his shoulder out from under the champion. Ba’al grimaces but does not totally lose face. He rises to his feet, peers through the ropes and finds his eyes focused on Taylor’s face.
Ba’al: I have given you ample opportunity to contemplate my ultimatum. Your husband is not safe. I can still…
Ba’al’s threats are cut off when Darko lunges in behind him, wraps his arms around the champion’s waist and pushes him forward into the ropes. Ba’al hits the cables stomach first and then wraps his arms around the top cable, preventing being rolled back into the pin. As a result Danny ends up rolling over in reverse with nothing to show for his efforts. He rolls right to his feet just as Ba’al dashes in, throwing a lariat that Darko manages to duck. He catches Ba’al across the chest and the thigh, preparing to deliver an exploder suplex. He heaves Ba’al into the air only to have the champion suddenly counter, catching Danny around the neck and thigh, pulling him down into the small package.
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But Darko kicks out…or more accurately is allowed to kick out, falling over to his stomach and putting himself in perfect position for Ba’al to grab both of his arms then flip over into the bridging Cattle Mutilation.
Greyson: Ba’al back into the submission!
Sparkles: Tap already Darko, tap. I’m already getting bored here. Actually, I started getting bored right after the opening credits.
The fans are frothing at the mouths in anticipation of this bout, but it won’t be happening any time soon. Darko will not tap out, he squirms across his gut like a snake and begins to extend his foot towards the ropes. That’s when Ba’al flips back of his own accord, lands across Darko’s kidneys and then pulls him up and into the camel clutch. He then falls forward, wedging his knees to Danny’s armpits and stacking him on the back of his shoulders.
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Darko doesn’t just kick out but falls with his back landing on top of Ba’al’s. He then pops up to his feet, turns away from Ba’al and grabs the Sinistry member’s legs, interlocking them and lifting them into the Texas Cloverleaf.
Greyson: What a transition…what a transition into the cloverleaf.
Ba’al wedges his elbows to the canvas, pushing himself up and groaning from the pain coursing through his legs and his spine. Instead of going for the ropes, Ba’al rolls to his side, falling to his back and forcing Darko to turn around, now facing his opponent while still holding onto his legs. Ba’al sits up and swings an open palm into Darko’s forehead, followed by a second shot, and then a third. Darko almost loses his balance before Ba’al grabs him by the back of the head and pulls him down into another small package.
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Darko rolls right out of the pin and onto his stomach while Ba’al grabs him by the arms and prepares to flip forward into the Cattle Mutilation. But Darko suddenly pushes himself up to his knees and then to his feet with Ba’al still standing behind him, clutching onto his arms. Danny then powers himself backwards into the ropes, driving Ba’al into the cables and knocking him through. Ba’al lands on his knees across the apron while Darko collapses right in front of him. Both men then dash to their feet with Ba’al cutting into Darko with a right hand only to have Danny catch the Prince of Sin across the chest and the inner thigh.
The Manhattan Center goes absolutely insane as Darko connects with the exploder suplex right across the apron.
Greyson: OH MY GOD…OH MY GOD..OOOOH MYYY GOD!
The fans are so shocked they can barely respond to the sight of Ba’al’s body crashing into the hardest section of the ring and left in a state of paralysis as a result. Darko seems to be feeding off the response of the fans, compelled to roll to the outside of the ring, reach beneath the tarp and fetch a LADDER.
The sight of the steel structure elicits just the reaction Darko was anticipating, a reaction that continues to feed Danny’s need for retribution against the World Champion. He picks the ladder up and looks at Ba’al somehow seating himself up across the apron. Darko throws the ladder with all his strength right into Ba’al’s side, some of the rungs cracking off of the champion’s face. The blow echoes throughout the Manhattan Center and resounds through Ba’al’s skull. He looks highly disorientated and defenseless as Darko takes the ladder and turns it into a bridge. The top of the ladder is placed over the apron, with the bottom section placed over the barricade. The steel rungs have formed a platform over the thin protective mats.
Darko now looks to take advantage, stepping up onto the apron in front of Ba’al, and then grabbing him around the neck. He pulls Ba’al up and places him in position for the Last Rites piledriver off the apron and through the bridging ladder.
Although the fans are soooo eager to witness Ba’al’s demise, Rachel Foxx isn’t. She leaps to the apron and then lunges onto Darko’s back, wrapping arms around his neck and applying a sleeper hold that threatens to suffocate the very life out of Darko’s body. Danny tries to pry the arms away from his throat but can’t break Rachel’s grasp.
Greyson: Foxx preventing her husband from going into that Ladder with Danny’s Last Rites.
Rachel is dug in like a tick, refusing to let Darko go even as he is about to collapse backwards through the ropes and into the ring. Danny does escape the hold, but not of his own accord. Taylor has seen enough, sliding into the ring, rushing across it and reaching over the ropes, grabbing Foxx around the chin and pulling down on it. Foxx is sent flipping backwards over the ropes and ultimately landing ribs first right across Chase’s shoulders. Taylor throws Rachel into the air then catches her coming back down into the True Story.
Greyson: TAYLOR TAKING OUT FOXX!
Sparkles: Did she have to target the face? Seriously?
Foxx’s skull bounces off of Taylor’s Titanium knee brace and her body goes limp. She falls to her back while Taylor crouches over Foxx, shouting into her injured face.
Taylor: THERE’S MY ANSWER.
The crowd proudly supports this decree just made by Chase, who now backs away from the motionless Foxx and departs the ring. At the same time Danny is rolling into the ring and under the ropes, sizing up Ba’al, who is somehow pulling himself up onto the apron. The Champion gets to his feet just as Darko comes barreling across the ring and diving through the ropes into a spear that threatens to drive Ba’al back off the apron and into the ladder. However, Ba’al side steps Darko, catches him around the neck and leaves Danny’s ankles draped over the middle rope before snapping back into a hanging DDT that plants the Pain and Pleasure member’s skull directly into the bridging ladder.
Sparkles: YAAAAAH!
Greyson: Darko’s head into the ladder! Into the DAMNED ladder!
Sparkles: Wonder if Orlando is regretting making this into a Weapons Match now?
Ba’al drops to the mats and leaves Darko strewn across the ladder, brain swelling to the point where it is about to burst right through the skull. The banged up Prince of Sin slides into the ring, grabs Danny by the ankle and drags him back into the ring. He pushes Darko onto his back and makes the cover to thousands of bemoaning spectators.
Mayfield makes the count and has the crowd screeching past the point of hypoxia.
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Even without a breath left in their bodies the crowd is able to scream louder than ever as Darko launches his arm into the air and just barely prevents succumbing to the pinfall.
This kick out has Ba’al sitting up on the canvas, looking rather embittered. Nevertheless the champion rises to his feet and surveys all the bodies left lying around him. Davids, Denton, Decay, Jaina and Rachel are all strewn about the ringside areas, casualties in this war between the Sinistry and Pain and Pleasure. Ba’al slowly turns to Taylor and Orlando at ringside, the pair intently watching this action.
Ba’al: It didn’t have to be like this.
Ba’al rolls under the ropes, reaches beneath the ring and grabs a chair, sliding it under the cables.
Ba’al: The Chase and Frost families could have formed an alliance that saved the wrestling industry.
Another chair is extracted from another side of the ring and thrown over the ropes
Ba’al: But now the battle between our families will destroy this federation and so many others.
A third chair is taken from beneath the ring and placed inside of the squared circle. Finally Ba’al slides into the ring with a fourth chair, throwing it onto a pile of steel. All the chairs are stacked upon one another and Ba’al prepares to put Darko’s body through them. He grabs Danny by the bangs of his bloodied locks, pulls him along to his feet and then heaves him up onto his shoulders. Ba’al places Darko in position for the Michinoku Driver, stepping over the steel and preparing to deliver the death knell.
At the last second Danny manages to slip off of Ba’al’s shoulder though, landing behind his back. Ba’al then spins around in a state of surprise and is even more shocked to find a boot connecting with his ribs, doubling him over. Darko then pulls Ba’al up and into position for the Last Rites onto the pile of chairs. Darko steps over the steel and prepares to snap the Prince of Sin’s neck. However, Ba’al manages to shift his weight and come back down onto his feet, twisting his body so that he can stand straight and heave Darko into position for the Alabama Slam. Ba’al turns towards the chair and is just about to flip Darko over into the steel only to have Danny clasp his arms tight around the Champion’s waist even as he’s pulled down into the Alabama Slam.
Darko comes down onto his feet instead of onto his back and counters the Alabama Slam by lifting Ba’al up into a piledriver predicament. Danny leaves his feet, comes down on his seat and drives Ba’al’s skull straight into the chair pile.
Sparkles: Into the chairs!
Greyson: The MADNESS!
Sparkles: If Darko can’t follow this up with a victory then God really…really hates this man.
The entire Manhattan Center is standing in suspense as Darko sits beside the laid out Ba’al, huffing and puffing. Finally Darko twists his body and drapes his arm across Ba’al’s chest, the pin on the cusp of being made. Mayfield drops to the canvas and clinches Darko’s victory.
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A cacophony fills the Manhattan Center, the harrowing screams of the crowd bouncing from the walls and infesting the ring where Ba’al has just managed to get his shoulder into the air.
Greyson: Ba’al and Darko just continue to survive and one up one another.
Sparkles: Yeah, but for how much longer can they survive?
A bloodied and sluggish Darko gets to his feet and almost loses his balance as he glares at the mangled Ba’al. The Champion is barely able to stand upright after everything he’s endured in this contest and throughout the night. Somehow Ba’al manages to ascend to his feet before finding his hair caught and his body pulled into Danny’s shoulders. Darko stands Ba’al up, turns his side to the chair pile and now attempts to flip him over into the death valley driver into the steel. Yet Ba’al has other intentions. He slides off of Darko’s shoulders, lands behind his back and then lunges into the air, going for the Totalis. At the last second Danny twists his body though, catches the inbound Ba’al and places him in a fireman’s carry. Darko then turns towards the chairs and flips forward, delivering a Finley Roll that plants Ba’al’s body directly into the pile of steel.
Greyson: Speaking of killing each other, that’s exactly what Darko may have just done.
Sparkles: That’s what’ll it take to put the champion away, murder, and maybe an exorcism.
Darko rolls away from Ba’al and gets straight to his feet before leaving them in order to lunge onto the nearest turnbuckle. He stands up with his back turned to the fractured Ba’al strewn across the pile of fractured chairs. Danny seems to be on the cusp of flipping back and delivering the moonsault before finding a steel chair slamming straight across the top of his skull.
The fans react with absolute dread at the sight of that hooded individual who assaulted Shaun Cruze moments ago standing on the apron with the chair extending from their palms. The sweat-suit wearing mystery attacker watches through the shadows cast over their face by their hood as Darko’s body goes limp on top of the turnbuckle.
Greyson: Why that no good son of a bitch.
Sparkles: ANOTHER attack by that goon in the sweat-suit.
The blow across the already bloodied skull leaves Darko teetering back and forth, on the cusp of collapsing from the corner. That’s when Ba’al suddenly steps across the apron behind Darko, turns him around and wedges a hand to both his throat and his stomach. Ba’al employs all of his strength to gorilla press Darko off the corner and send him flipping forward before ultimately crashing back first right into the ladder bridging from the apron to the barricade.
Greyson: AAAAAAAHHHH!!
Sparkles: HOLY FUCK BUCKET!
A ‘holy shit’ chant emanates from the stunned crowd at the sight of the ladder buckling beneath Darko’s body, which goes twisting to the outside mats where he now lies motionless. Ba’al rolls back into the ring where he convalesces the litany of wounds that have formed throughout the course of this match. Meanwhile Taylor Chase and Orlando Cruze are doing something to finally put an end to the hooded figure at ringside, slowly starting to surround him. However, the hood wearer lifts the chair, fending off both Chase and Cruze, raising it into the air and readying to swing.
A fractured Darko desperately crawls across the mats, his body in obvious disrepair after everything it’s withstood in the course of this match. That’s when Alex Ingelson and Stuart Wright make their way down the ramp, the two officials surrounding Darko and then stooping down and grabbing his arms. They force Danny up to his feet and once again find themselves dragging him towards the backstage area.
Greyson: Thankfully Ingelson and Fitzpatrick are out here preventing Darko from trying to get back in that ring. He is no condition to compete after taking that plunge through the ladder.
Ingelson and Fitzpatrick employ all their strength to hold up the mangled body of Darko as it is led along towards the back. Marcus has no other alternative at this point but to call for the bell….no wait, Darko is shoving Ingelson and Fitzpatrick aside and is now staggering back towards the ring.
Greyson: No Darko don’t…stay away from the ring you crazy bastard.
Sparkles: He’s actually trying to get back in there. This guy is an absolute lunatic.
With his blood clotting across his face Darko grabs the ropes and begins to pull himself up onto the apron. It takes all of his strength to do it, but Danny manages to get into the ring, with Ingelson and Fitzpatrick still desperately trying to stop him. Alex actually has hold of Darko’s ankle and is being dragged in under the ropes, promoting Danny to grab the refreee by the hair, pull him up to his feet and slam a fist right across his brow. Fitzpatrick then climbs up onto the apron and gets slugged right in the jaw as well, Danny knocking him down to the mats. Just as Darko takes out the referees, he finds HIMSELF taken out by the Totalis.
Ba’al lunges into the air behind Danny, catches him around the neck and snaps back into the maneuver, planting Darko’s skull with concussive force into the ring. The sluggish Prince of Sin then crawls into the cover, lateral pressed over Danny’s sternum.
Mayfield gets over his shock at the sight of his fellow officials being laid out before dropping into position and making the count.
1
2
The roar is absolutely explosive as the hand comes down to the canvas and Darko’s shoulder rises from the ring in the nick of time to avoid it.
Greyson: There is no way….THERE IS NO WAY!
Sparkles: Darko…Darko…Darko getting his shoulder up even after the…after the….TOTALIS!
Greyson: I don’t even know how to describe what we’re seeing here.
Darko not only kicks out but unleashes a blood curdling roar in the process of doing so. All at once his battered body is overcome with a surge of such endorphins, which compels him to stand up and stand tall. His face is flushed with so much emotion, with such conviction, his eyes blazing with rage and his scream piercing the heavens and the hells. He looks so overwhelmed with passion before having that fire inside extinguished when Ba’al leaps into the air, catches him around the neck and delivers a SECOND Totalis…this time into the chair pile.
Darko’s head no sooner bounces off of the steel before his body goes flopping over to his stomach, lying their comatose. Ba’al then grabs Danny’s arms and flips over, bridging back into the Cattle Mutilation.
Greyson: The Mutilation applied for a third time in this match AFTER Darko’s head was driven into those chairs!
Sparkles: If Darko somehow gets out of this, you’ll be cutting dingleberries out of my fluffy ass all night long.
Greyson: Yeah, so looking forward to that.
Just about every fan in the Manhattan Center is upright screaming at Darko to get out of this submission, to escape from the hold that is mangling what remains of his already destroyed body. Official Mayfield is there to either watch Darko escape or confirm that he submits. Danny does neither. The last Totalis into the chairs was enough, his body is totally limp and left unconscious. Marcus only has to lift Danny’s arm once and watch it drop to confirm this. He now turns and calls for the bell.
Greyson: And Ba’al, by some small miracle manages to survive the onslaught of Danny Darko.
Sparkles: But Jesus Tap Dancin’ Christ, Darko with a grade A amazing performance tonight.
Greyson: He put EVERYTHING into this match, but after that chair shot to his skull and the plunge into that ladder, he just had nothing left to escape the Cattle Mutilation.
The World Champion sits up and has no time to lick his wounds before taking into view the visual of that same mysterious hooded individual sliding into the ring in order to avoid the wrath of the Scarlet Socialite and the Icon. Taylor and Orlando are going after the person in the hood, following them right across the ring but stopping at the ropes as the enigmatic figure rolls under them and starts up the ramp. They only get so far before finding their path blocked by Kelcey and Kraven Wallace.
Greyson: Nuh-uh, you’re not getting away that easy.
Sparkles: They got him surrounded, they have him trapped with nowhere to go.
Greyson: It’s time that hood was pulled back and his identity at long last revealed.
The hooded assailant suddenly stops running and ceases looking between the pair on the ramp and the pair in the ring. After a nonchalant shrug the individual slowly reaches up and grabs the hood that is obscuring their identity.
Greyson: Wait…time out….what’s going on here?
Sparkles: It looks like their taking off their hood.
Orlando and Taylor are watching from the ring while Kelcey and Kraven observe from the ramp. The individual in the sweat-suit slowly makes their way up the steps and onto the apron, the hood inching away from their face.
Greyson: Come on already.
Sparkles: Just reach out and rip their hood off Tay.
For some reason Taylor is like everyone else, spellbound in anticipation. Light at long last penetrates the shadows cast upon the attacker’s face as the hood falls back and Kloe Masters’ smile comes into view.
Greyson: I…..don’t….believe it.
Sparkles: Huh?
Greyson: It can’t be.
Sparkles: Huh?
Greyson: It’s impossible.
Sparkles: Huh?
Taylor’s reflection matches that of her husbands as the two stare into the grin stretching from one of Kloe’s ears all the way to the other. Masters peeks out from beneath the hood that has obscured her face for so many weeks, and now a microphone begins to draw towards her smiling lips. Kelcey and Kraven were already making their way down the ramp and Taylor was stepping across the ring in pursuit of payback before Kloe cuts them all short of their destructive goals.
Kloe: Hold it right there!
Taylor, Kelcey and Kraven are compelled to stop, Orlando however, never got started. He just stands there staring at Masters paralyzed by his shock.
Kloe: If even one of you so much as puts a finger on me then far more than a finger will be placed on Shaun Cruze. Orlando, hooooney, you might want to look at the Cartel-tron.
A finger is directed to the big screen, which lights up with an image of Shaun Cruze, Orlando’s younger brother with his arms bound to chains that are attached to a concrete column in the parking lot. The unconscious Cruze’s ankles are shackled as well, to chains that are attached to the rear bumper of a car. Mika Kozlov peeks her head out of the driver’s side window, laughing as she revs up the engine in anticipation of flipping the car into drive and ripping Shaun in half.
Kloe: You see that Orlando? That is what we call a bargaining chip.
Cameras come back to the disgusting smile across Kloe’s face, one that widens upon seeing the distress in her ex-husband’s eyes and the anger in Taylor’s gaze.
Kloe: You want no harm to come to your brother? Then take out your phone, call your advisors and tell them to sell the company to me! Sell me the ownership of this company and do it right now.
Orlando’s whole body is shaking from the blows of Kloe’s betrayal and the mangling of his brother. Every movement he makes seems to be without conscious thought, even as he takes the phone out of his pocket, lifts it into the air and begins to dial in the number.
Taylor: No!
Taylor, Kelcey and Kraven react too late, Orlando has already put in the number, gave the confirmation, and the shares have begun transferring.
Kloe: At long last Orlando, you’ve finally done what’s right for this company.
Now that her mission has been accomplished, Master drops from the apron, backs away from the ring and finds herself joined by Ba’al, Foxx, Jaina and Decay. All four members of the Sinistry gather around Masters, with the World Champion bold enough to extend his arm and drape it across Kloe’s shoulders. The two cackle with laughter as Kloe slowly lifts the microphone to Ba’al’s lips.
Ba’al: The age of SIN is truly upon us!
A stunned Taylor finally looks up from the phone in Orlando’s hand, the one that just gave Kloe majority ownership of the IWC, and into the face of her husband, which is overcome with despair.
Taylor: What have you done?
FADE TO BLACK
riot23
BACKSTAGE
Ba’al: Ah, tis an evening brimming with potential.
You had better believe that the crowd is so heated they could be mistaken for molten lava at the moment. They heat up quicker than instant oatmeal at the sight of Ba’al seated upon his throne in the comfort of the Sinistry’s dressing room. Joined around him are his wife. Rachel Foxx-Frost, coveting her husband’s championship, and Aiken Frost, Ba’al’s brother, doing what he does best…lurking.
Aiken: Tonight we rally our forces after our collective failures at Upping the Ante.
As evidenced by the expression on Ba’al’s face he does NOT wish to be reminded of the past pay-per-view event, where the Sinistry suffered numerous losses against their hordes of enemies.
Ba’al: Tonight will be different…very different. Our Sinistry will tighten its grasp upon this company when we tear through the federation’s ribcage, plunge through its sternum and steal it’s heart.
Ba’al breaks into a sudden fit of disturbing hysterics.
Aiken: Yes, for this evening Taylor Chase, at long last gets what she has earned…
Now it’s Aiken’s turn to produce the type of laughter that would have Charles Manson soiling his shorts.
Rachel: Tonight, Tay-Tay joins the FAMILY.
The only thing that could bring an end to the shared smiles so insidious they would make the Sawyer family of Texas Chainsaw Massacre fame hide beneath their bed-sheets, is the loud knock at the door.
Rachel: I’ll get i….
Frost-Foxx doesn’t even have the chance to finish her sentence before the door busts open and Katelyn Buehler comes rushing right through it, shoulder slamming straight into Ba’al’s ribs. The throne Ba’al was seated upon tips over and the champion goes crashing to the floor.
Katelyn: You piece of shit…you piece of SHIT! What have you done to Steven!?!
In spite of the barrage of fists connecting with Ba’al’s face, he remains unresponsive to Buehler’s demands for answers. The punches just continue to be delivered and Ba’al continues to keep his swelling lips shut. At last Rachel and Aiken overcome their initial surprise, swoop in and grab both of Buehler’s arms, forcing her fists away from Ba’al’s face and subduing her arms to her sides. As Katelyn is dragged back she continues to scream, kick and flail furiously.
Katelyn: What have you done with him dammit!?! Tell ME where he is!
No screams, no kicks and no flailing will free Buehler and allow her to put her knuckles across the smiling lips of the World Champion. He rises to his feet and swipes the back of his hand across his mouth before finally giving a chilling response.
Ba’al: You will discover the fate of your cherished mentor soon enough.
Katelyn: Tell me what you did to him.
Ba’al: In time my dear, in time….hahahahaha.
EDGE OF A REVOLUTION by Nickleback blares in the background as we transition to the opening video package for Riot. The screen is overwhelmed with a litany of shocking and violent images, highlighting the atmosphere of chaos cultivated by the IWC. There are clips of William Mason delivering the Perfect Driver, Abigail Lindsey and Katelyn Buehler waltzing hand in hand down the ramp, Mya Denton skipping around with the Queen of the Ring Championship, and all of this is just a prelude of the insanity yet to come. We get another dose of disorder upon witnessing Danny Darko driving his forehead into a locker, Marie Jones nailing Lindsey with a baseball bat, Alana Starr delivering the Five-Starr on Kathryn Pearson, Tina Valentine back dropping Cassidy Cage off a stage, and we round it out with Amanda Blayze attacking the GOOD Movement on the ramp. But we’re not through yet, because we reach the climax with footage of Taylor Chase driving a semi-truck THROUGH a limo, Orlando Cruze hanging above the ring mounted upon a cross, Mika Kozlov smiling with her glowing black eyes the camera’s focal point, Scott Cannon delivering the House Rules on Lethal Weapon, and finally Ba’al standing outside of the ring being pelted with garbage by the fans as he holds up the SIN Championship.
IN-RING
Cameras race to the ring but can’t get there quick enough.
Lohan: Did you think it was over!?!
It’s not sure what’s more alarming, Brittany Lohan standing in the ring with a microphone and given free rein to say whatever she wants, or Brittany Lohan standing in the ring with a crowbar in her other hand ready to employ it on a very specific target.
Lohan: Noooo, this isn’t over…this isn’t over…get your ass out here!
At last Greyson Lovejoy and his puppet Sparkles are granted an opportunity to get a word in edgewise, the two chiming in from the commentator’s table.
Greyson: I’m scared Sparkles.
Sparkles: Yeah, and I’m horny, deal with it.
Greyson: Brittany Lohan, Brittany ‘Break your neck and drink the bone marrow’ Lohan is in the ring and she’s got a crowbar. But who is she calling out for destruction? William Mason? Sebastian Knight?
Sparkles: Please God let it to be Jeff Goldblum…cannot stand the man. You rifle through his trash once and you get a restraining order. How is that fair?
Lohan is not happy that she’s been forced to wait, hence why she elevates her voice and tightens her grip on the crowbar.
Lohan: Am I not speaking English here? I said come to this ring and answer for what you’ve done…
Greyson: Who?
Lohan: Are you not hearing me, Katelyn? Every time you make me repeat myself, I’ll deliver another blow on your hide, Buehler. I’ll pound your ass a lot harder than Silas Mason did.
Greyson: Katelyn Buehler?
Sparkles: She’s calling out Mayo?
Lohan: Did you think you suffered enough? Huh? That my sister leaving you was fitting enough punishment for the way you lied to her? You betrayed Abigail’s trust. You HURT her, and I seem to remember you saying that you would never hurt her again. So you not only lied to her, you lied to me, and although Abi isn’t here to get the justice she deserves, I am here, and I am going to do something about it. You slept with Silas, and yet you looked into Abi’s eyes and told her you loved her. Don’t you see what your betrayal did to her? Do you even appreciate the toll you’ve taken on my sister’s mind?
Buehler: You know what Brittany….your right.
Unstable doesn’t even begin to describe Katelyn Buehler’s current disposition. She looks as shaky as a house of cards in front of an industrial fan. The once vivacious Buehler steps to the stage appearing as if every muscle in her body weighs a thousand pounds, and bags so heavy beneath her eyes that one would think she hasn’t slept since the last pay-per-view. Although she carries such a mighty burden, Buehler comes to the ring about to be overcome by even more intense pressure.
Buehler: You and Abi both deserve retribution. I SHOULD come into this ring and let you split my head wide open with that crowbar. It’s what I deserve for hurting and betraying Abi. But my punishment is gonna have to wait, because I have to help Steven….I have to SAVE Steven….
Lohan: Who never would have been abducted by the Sinistry if it weren’t for you…
Katelyn goes as silent as a Charlie Chaplin film, pausing with her knee upon the apron.
Lohan: He’s ANOTHER victim of your lies you filthy bitch. What happened to him, that’s on your head….
That’s all Buehler could take, and now she’s about to see how much Lohan can take. Buehler leaps through the ropes and rushes right across the ring right into a diving punch connecting across Brittany’s chin.
Greyson: It’s ON!
Sparkles: Sexy-sexy.
The quick and equally swift shot knocks Lohan into a stagger, her back hitting the ropes and her body ricocheting off into the waiting blows of Buehler. Rage has absolutely consumed Katelyn, who throws shots at Lohan’s from every conceivable angle.
Katelyn: AAAAAAH!
The fury that boils in Buehler unleashes itself not in the form of steam, but as a lung bursting scream. It’ obvious by the contortion of her face and the tightening of every muscle that Buehler has snapped, that she has absolutely lost all sense of control. She has Lohan leaning against a corner where Katelyn will unleash further punishment upon her before from the corner of her eye Buehler catches a glimpse of a figure highlighted by a spotlight. Katelyn instantly veers her eyes to the leather clad, mask sporting Serenity lurking in the scaffolding. Abigail Lindsey watches form the rafters, leering over the railing and down into the ring where her emotional FORMER fiancée is unleashing an assault on Serenity’s sister, BLo.
Sparkles: It’s Abi….it’s Abi….and she’s in leather. Holy mother of God…calm down Sparkles. Calm down….BREATHE!
Greyson: That is Abigail Lindsey, who we saw fully transform into Serenity at the pay-per-view. She embraced her inner demons when she found out Katelyn, her fiancée, had an affair with Silas Mason.
Sparkles; Silas is like the luckiest thing on the planet since John Holmes.
Greyson: Yeah, that’s debatable.
Katelyn continues staring at Abigail and now finds herself calling out to the woman who left a wedding ring in Buehler’s palm at the pay-per-view, symbolically breaking up with her. Now the two stare at one another, eyes connecting between them from the rafters and the ring. Just as a spark of hope fills Buehler, she finds her cheek crushed by the Yakuza Kick deliver by Lohan. The Blue Eyed Devil lunges forward and capitalizes on Katelyn’s distraction, demolishing Buehler’s face with the big boot.
Greyson: Lohan kicking Buehler’s head right off her body.
Sparkles: All because Mrs. Mayo was so distracted by Abi, which is understandable, who WOULDN’T be distracted by Abi?
The boot across the face has Buehler reeling and eventually being dragged from the canvas into Lohan’s arms, placed in position for the Final Solution. Lohan is going to deliver it, she’s going to drive Katelyn down right across the back of her neck and snap it with the utmost ease. Although Katelyn should be fighting, she finds herself strangely complacent, as if accepting her fate, no matter how tragic it might be.
Brittany is just about to assume the role of executioner, which the REAL Executioner apparently takes offence to. The seven foot masked member of the Sinistry’s devout followers is climbing up to the apron and stepping over the ropes. Brittany spots him, releases Katelyn’s arms then Lohan throws her own arms right into a lariat that connects to Executioner’s throat. Behind Lohan’s back, Decay and Jessica Wilde, two more devout followers of the Sinistry, have entered the ring and are immediately pouncing on Buehler.
Greyson: Why are these three out here? Why are the Sinistry’s followers attacking Buehler and Lohan?
Sparkles: You just saw Buehler attack Ba’al at the start of the show, does that not answer your question.
Greyson: Valid point. Guess these three are out for revenge.
Executioner will not receive any revenge, he’ll receive a ravaging. Lohan clotheslined him once to stagger the masked giant backwards into the ropes, then hits the clothesline TWICE in order to send Executioner flipping back over said cables. Executioner crashes to the floor and a far too fired up Lohan follows him. She relishes in every forearm that she drives across Executioner’s cheek and temple as the two fight off to the side of ramp and make their way towards the backstage area.
Lohan and Executioner might have taken their leave from the ring, but Katelyn is still trapped inside of it and trapped in the arms of Decay and Wilde. No…not only their arms, but their crowbar. Wilde has picked up the crowbar that Lohan dropped on the canvas once all this insanity began, and she now places it under Katelyn’s chin, rearing back on it.
Greyson: What are these two doing to Buehler?
Sparkles: Looks like they’re not really attacking her after-all.
Greyson: Yeah, they’re just holding her in place.
Katelyn tries to get her wrists freed from Decay’s palms, but can’t.
Katelyn tries to get her neck freed from the crowbar in Wilde’s palms, but can’t.
Katelyn is completely at the mercy of the Sinistry, physically and now verbally.
Ba’al: Am I not a man of my word?
All focus shifts from Buehler and her plight, from Abigail and her perch in the rafters, from Decay and Wilde pinning Katelyn on her knees, to the figures standing upon the stage. The curtains have parted and through them we see Ba’al, microphone in his hand, Rachel Foxx-Frost at his side holding her husband’s World Championship across her chest, and Aiken Frost following behind, demonic gleam in his shadowy eyes.
Ba’al: Unlike you, Frau Buehler, I am incapable of deception.
If his presence is not enough to get the crowd releasing a hailstorm of hate, Ba’al’s words have the masses as destructive as a sharknado.
Ba’al: I vowed that you would learn the fate that has befallen your mentor, and the only reason you still draw breath at the moment is because I WANT…no…I NEED you to see what your actions at the pay-per-view have set into motion. I gave you simple instruction, I told you that you were to bludgeon Taylor Chase and strip her of all hope….
Sparkles: Strip Tay-Tay?
Greyson: Figuratively Sparkles.
Sparkles: Damn.
Ba’al: Yet you failed me, you shattered my trust in you just as you did to your beloved fiancée, and her unstable sister.
Cameras veer to the frozen features of Serenity in her high perch above the ring, who doesn’t even react as her name is dropped.
Ba’al: I am another of your victims, Frau Buehler, for I put far too much faith in you, as did the man who is about to come through the curtains. Bring forth the man who trusted Katelyn with his very life only to see her betray that sacred faith. Bring forth Buehler’s most valued ally…let her see what has happened to Hurse because of her inability to act upon my orders.
All eyes hone in on the stage and the curtains opening above it. Many would suspect to see Hurse emerging from the back kicking and screaming, trying to evade the clutches of those who abducted him several weeks ago, those who have been torturing him so endlessly while in their company. However, Hurse seems to be walking WILLINGLY to the stage, if it is Hurse that is. It’s hard to tell considering his body is draped in a long black robe and a hood shades much of his face. He is further shadowed by the massive Krauzer, Aiken’s newest monster, the behemoth trialing Hurse straight to the stage.
Ba’al: What is wrong, Frau Buehler, are you surprised? Surprised to see Hurse stood before you with all limbs still intact? You mistake our intentions. We are not sadist, we are salvation. We have given Hurse what we ATTEMPTED to give you so many months ago. We have mended his broken body, we have fixed his shattered mind, and we have SAVED his wounded spirit. We have freed Hurse from the bondage of weakness, and he is now reborn and rechristened as a new, more powerful entity. He is no longer the weak, frail Hurse you knew, Frau Buehler, for he now sees the truth, in fact, he sees ALL. And he was so thankful for my family’s assistance in granting him this new sight that he has pledged to us his eternal devotion. Show her…show her what you have become….my HARBINGER.
The hood covering Hurse’s face is pulled back to reveal the BALD scalp, the emaciated pale face, and the armless shades that sit on the edge of his nose, barely obscuring the empty eye sockets that hide behind the glasses.
Katelyn’s face has gone pale…way paler than normal. Her lips quiver and her eyes twitch at the sight of what her mentor has been transformed into. All the superficial trademarks that Hurse once valued, have been stripped away, leaving behind barren and corpse like flesh.
Ba’al: Do you wish to say something to Frau Buehler?
The microphone rises to Hurs….HARBINGER’S gray lips.
Harbinger: Thank you, Katelyn, thank you.
BACKSTAGE
Drake: PLEASE don’t make me do this…I’m begging you, be merciful.
All of Desmond Drake’s cries for compassion fall upon deaf ears, the Sinistry’s business partner feels like he’s running on a treadmill, getting nowhere fast. Mya Denton will show absolutely no remorse, and even less respect for the tiny and pathetic man standing in the hallway just outside her dressing room door. She looks with unsympathetic eyes from her doorway into the puppy dog expression of the Principle Owner. He almost has a tear streaming down his cheek and over his blubbering lips, but not even such sad expressions will sway Mya.
Mya: What did I tell you at the pay-per-view, Cupcake?
Desmond lowers his pleading eyes to the floor.
Mya: WHAT…DID I…TELL YOU?
Drake: You….you own me.
Mya: That’s right, if you don’t want me to go to the police and show them the proof that you had me drugged and sexually molested, you’ll do what I tell you to do. Now get your stubby little legs to that ring and tell Ba’al my announcement.
Drake: Please Mya, no.
Mya: And wear this while you’re doing it.
Drake: I’m pleading with you…
Mya: Shove it!
Clothes are thrown directly into Desmond’s chest and the door is swung shut right in his face.
Drake: Oh God…Ba’al’s gonna….gonna kill me.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
BACKSTAGE
The backstage corridor is filled with the sounds of knuckles cracking as Brittany Lohan searches for a new target. Obviously she is not quite relieved of her tensions even after her impromptu fight with Katelyn Buehler.
Taylor: I bet that felt pretty damn good didn’t it?
Lohan looks up from her knuckles to the faces of her Silas World associates, Taylor Chase and Scott Cannon. The two show a surprising lack of reserve even when happening upon a homicidal Lohan.
Lohan: Would have felt a lot better if I were allowed to finish what I started.
Taylor: I know I would have loved to have seen you break Katelyn’s neck.
Scott: Same here.
The trio share a morbid fascination with the utter destruction of Katelyn Buehler, showing no forgiveness over the many past transgressions she has committed against the lot of them.
Scott: But you know ladies, the night’s still young.
Taylor: Yeah, BLo, still plenty of time to get your hands on Katelyn. Just like there’s plenty of time and ample opportunity for us to send a message to the Sinistry.
Scott: The Sinistry is in for a wild night.
Taylor: I’ve been distracted the past couple of weeks by all this Buehler bullshit….
Scott: Not to mention the incompetence of the powers that be.
Taylor: Don’t even….But now, I’m distraction free….
Lohan: Meaning?
Taylor: No more Buehler, no more idiocy from McBride or Masters, no more manipulation by Silas Mason. I’m focused on only two goals now, making the Sinistry regret taking my sister and taking my championship.
IN RING
’The Crown Prince of Sin’ stands within the ring, Ba’al stood beside his wife, who continues to covet her husband’s World Championship, and his brother Aiken, who is seated upon the corner watching with his hollow gaze.
Ba’al: Dry your eyes and stop pitying Katelyn Buehler, my children, for she brought the reckoning of the Sinistry down upon her. And she will not be the last of the disobedient who shall be punished for their rebellious actions. Taylor Chase…..
The name resonates so profoundly with the fans.
Ba’al: In just a few short weeks, Frau Chase, you have the distinct honor of challenging me for the World Heavyweight Champion at the appropriately titled END of the Year Special. This heralded spectacle not only promises to be the end of another year that has been quite prosperous for the Sinistry, but will also mark the conclusion of Taylor Chase’s very career. Trust that I would do all that is required of me to keep my SIN title from falling back into the clutches of the sullied and impenitent. I have worked too diligently to overcome all that corrupts this federation to see my efforts wasted. I no doubt would eviscerate Taylor to strengthen my grasp on this federation’s soul. So Mrs. Chase must ask herself, if she truly wishes to pursue a route that would no doubt end with her annihilation. That is not the way the year has to conclude, for I stand before the lot of you offering Taylor another path.
Aiken slips from the corner and approaches his brother’s side, patting him on the shoulder and requesting the use of the microphone. One is bestowed upon him by the Prince of Sin.
Aiken: Perhaps my family has not made our intentions clear to you, Mrs. Chase. We do not crave your destruction, for it would be such a tragic waste of your talent and your beauty. We do not wish to see a creature such as yourself suffer beneath Kirian’s boots. We wish to lavish you with all the gifts one of such appeal so justly deserves. You do not have to perish, Taylor, in some foolhardy pursuit of either the World Title or in freeing your sister, Mika. You fail to realize that both the championship and your charming sister are where they belong . Since Mika has come to us she has experienced such euphoria, such bliss. Do you not wish her such exultation? Do you not wish YOURSELF such jubilation?
Ba’al: That is what we are offering you, Frau Chase, freedom from your misery. We will unchain you from those shackles that keep you leashed to Silas Mason, and to a life wrought with misery and despair. Come to the Sinistry, join the Frost family, be one with your delightful sister, and feel the ‘glee’ that you have been denied by all those forces beset against….
Shaun: WOW….
The fans, who had sunk into their stiff chairs and drifted into dismay, now rise into an expression of elation at the sight of Shaun Cruze, the very man who defeated Ba’al at Upping the Ante under Weapon’s Match rules. Shaun absorbs the cheers while pausing upon the stage and lifting a microphone to his upturned lips.
Shaun: You three seriously think that my sister in law would ever join you? For starters, Taylor doesn’t do any of her shopping at the Hot Topic, and secondly, she’s not like the weak, frail minds that you poison with your manipulation. She’s not going to join you.
Ba’al: You do not know Frau Chase to the extent that you claim. She IS weak, but the Frost family can grant her such strength.
Shaun: Chase has a family, perhaps the most famous and powerful family in all of wrestling. She doesn’t need the Frost’s…..but I can tell you what YOU need, Ba’al….ANOTHER beating that tops the one I gave you at the pay-per-view.
Ba’al: Ist das so?
Shaun: You betcha.
Ba’al: You are the delusional one, Shaun, if you believe that you can replicate the success you had at Upping the Ante. No one man is capable of overcoming our forces twice, especially now that neither the referee Marcus Mayfield, or the Cartel are here to stack odds in your favor. But if you so desire to place yourself at such risk, then come forth, enter the ring and let us conclude what we started two weeks ago. Allow the Frost family to crucify….
Drake: Kirian, buddy ole buddy of mine, I-I-I can’t let you do that.
Shaun was already half way down the ramp before all focus ventured to Principle Owner, Desmond Drake, who stepped to the stage wearing Richard Simmons inspired shorty shorts and a t-shirt with the phrase ‘I’m With Stupid’ stenciled alongside an upward facing arrow across the chest. It’s not only the attire he’s sporting that has Drake cringing, but the announcement he is on the cusp of delivering.
Ba’al: Ah, Mr. Drake, my business associate, to do what we owe the honor of your company?
Drake: I-I-I….
Desmond stomps his foot and begins to mumble obscenities, unable to even lift his eyes to look at Ba’al, Aiken or Rachel.
Drake: I’m so sorry I have to do this, Kirian.
Ba’al: Oh?
Drake: I’m afraid there’s not going to be a rematch between yourself and Shaun Cruze here tonight, because-because-dammit….you have to defend your World Championship…
Ba’al: Do I?
Ba’al’s tone is getting more and more insolent with every detail Desmond reveals.
Drake: And…you have to….you have to defend it RIGHT NOW.
Ba’al’s eyes darken.
Drake: With Marcus Mayfield as the referee.
Ba’al’s face twists.
Drake: And your opponent, your opponent is MYA DENTON!
BA’AL © VS. MYA DENTON:
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Before anyone even has proper opportunity to reel from this revelation, ‘Broken Pieces’ by Apocalyptica is streaming through the speakers and Mya Denton is skipping along through the curtains. She is not only followed by flickering black and maroon lights, but by Lilith Evans and Ian Kilgore, the two providing Mya with some essential reinforcements. Sparkles can’t keep his tongue behind his cotton lips as he hears and sees this shocking news.
Sparkles: Are you shit kidding me? Ba’al versus Mya for the World Title?
Greyson: This is friggin hysterical.
Sparkles: Hysterical? HYSTERICAL? How?
Greyson: Desmond Drake, who has been in Ba’al’s back pocket….
Sparkles: He probably could fit.
Greyson: Now forced under coercion to do the bidding of Mya Denton…just imagine the strain this is going to place on the business relationship between the Sinistry and Desmond.
Ba’al’s expression is one of sheer indignation and Shaun Cruze’s expression is one of pure delight. He smiles so excessively as Mya skips past him and comes sliding into the ring. Aiken and Rachel have vacated the squared circle, dropping down to one side of the ring while Lilith and Ian stand on the opposite side, both groups keeping the other in check. Marcus Mayfield, the very man who counted Ba’al’s shoulders to the mats two weeks ago, strides to the ring amidst a loud ovation from the crowd. The fans are only getting more hyped as Marcus slides under the ropes, signals for the bell and commences this impromptu World Title match.
Greyson: There’s the bell, and we are on…we are on…the World Title is up for grabs, Sparkles.
Sparkles: This is insanity, Lovejoy. You can’t have the World Title defended in an impromptu match, not even if the challenger is wearing tight shorty shorts…..Okay, maybe that’s the one exception to the rule.
Greyson: Like it or not Sparkles, this is happening.
Though disgruntled Ba’al still gets his head in the game, rushing at Mya and throwing a lariat at her throat. Denton ducks the blow then charges into the ropes behind the Champion. She springs off and comes back in at Ba’al before leaping into the air, flying at the Prince of Sin with a Lou Thez Press. However, Ba’al catches her by the legs and pulls them out from under her. Denton collapses to her back and Ba’al keeps hold of the creases of her knees. He then drops back and catapults Mya over the ropes and to the outside of the ring. Denton flips over and crashes across her seat right at the feet of Rachel and Aiken.
Greyson: Not the spot that Denton wants to end up in.
Sparkles: She’s going to get more fucked up than Jason Vorehees’ face.
Foxx and Frost approach Mya from opposite ends before having their plans derailed by the intervention of Kilgore and Evans. The duo barrel around the ring and cut off Aiken and Rachel, sending the Sinistry stalwarts back peddling with palms defensively raised. Marcus sees this scuttlebutt at ringside, sticking his head through the ropes and shouting at these warring factions to back away from the challenger. Meanwhile Ba’al is patiently waiting for his opponent to expend the energy to get back into the ring. However, his focus should have been on the individual who has already stepped into the ring and is now standing behind him. Shaun Cruze grabs Ba’al by the shoulder, twists him around and devastates the champion’s face with the Morality. The superkick crushes Ba’al’s jaw and sends him spiraling to the canvas.
Greyson: Morality! MORALITY delivered on Frost!
Sparkles: Shauny Boy just knocked Ba’al clean out with that kick.
Shaun ‘discreetly’ exits the ring after rendering Ba’al unconscious within it. Cruze’s grin is wider than the circumference of the earth as he moseys on up the stage swiping his palms against one another as if he just threw out the garbage. Yet Ba’al refuses to be treated like trash, rising from the garbage pail and unto his seat just in time for Mya to come barreling in and delivering the Demented. The shining wizard blasts Ba’al right across the temple, knocking him on his back and this time keeping him there as Mya scrambles into the cover.
Greyson: The Demented connecting…the Demented connecting! Are we about to have a new champion? Is a new champion about to be crowned!?!
Sparkles: If I had balls they’d be shriveling right now.
The fans hold their breaths as they stand up and watch Marcus turning focus back to the match then dropping and swinging his hand into the canvas.
1
2
Lungs are about to explode as the official’s hand falls to the ring to anoint a brand new World Heavyweight…..nothing…Mya is just as shocked as everyone else as Ba’al’s shoulder launches from the ring.
Greyson: Holy God in heaven.
Sparkles: Ba’al is a monster….nothing but a monster.
Greyson: How did he manage to get his shoulder up after the Morality and the Demented?
Sparkles: Well you heard him, he said he wasn’t about to let the championship fall back into the clutches of the impenitent. Whatever impenitent means. I’m thinking it has something to do with low sperm count.
The multiple blows on the skull have Ba’al in an unenviable position, having spent what little strength he had left to kick out. He rolls away from Mya, who takes his skull into her hands, rolls him to his knees, forces him up to his feet and then rushes at the nearby turnbuckle, going for the Cra-Cra. She steps up the corner and then flips back out of it, about to hit the Shiranui.
However, Ba’al reaches out, grabs the top rope with both hands and shrugs Mya off, sending Denton flipping over and landing straight on her feet. She staggers back and then Ba’al comes charging towards her only to be caught with a Lou Thez Press. Mya lands on Ba’al, takes both athletes down to the canvas and now begins to deliver punch upon punch across the World Champion’s cheek.
Greyson: Mya is getting closer and closer to the championship with each punch she delivers on Ba’al’s brow.
Sparkles: Ba’al wasn’t suspecting this…he wasn’t ready to defend his World Title whatsoever.
Mya finally stops delivering punches after Marcus has started a five count, threatening to disqualify her. She breaks away from Ba’al, steps across the ring and then crouches, hand on her knee, ready to deliver ANOTHER Demented. Ba’al is slowly inching his way up and into position for the move that may lead to his undoing. But just then, before Mya can connect with her shining wizard and become the champion, Ba’al ducks his head out of position. Denton’s kick misses Ba’al’s head and he now lunges to his feet behind Mya before taking to the air. He ensnares Mya’s neck before falling back into the Totalis. It connects and now Ba’a is in position to retain his championship. He crawls into the cover, hooks both of Denton’s legs and prepares to retain his title.
Mayfield should be right there to make the count, but he’s too distracted by the actions of Kilgore. Ian climbs to the apron and gets Marcus’ attention, keeping him from slapping the canvas. Mayfield insists Ian drop from the apron while Ba’al leads Mya along to her feet and lunges into a SECOND Totalis, only to have his target grab the top cable and prevent being dragged down into the reverse bulldog.
Ba’al crashes into the canvas and rolls over in reverse to his knees, just beginning to stand up before Mya swoops in taking him around the neck. She turns to the nearest corner and screams before charging towards it, on the cusp of stepping up each rope and flipping back into the Cra-Cra, the kill move that would lead to title gold around her waist.
Greyson: Cra-Cra coming.
Or at least it would be if Mya’s focus wasn’t shifting from the corner to the individual climbing up onto the apron. Rachel Foxx is trying to get involved on her husband’s behalf, briefly derailing Mya’s momentum and causing her to drop her guard. This allows Ba’al to slide out of Mya’s clutches, grab her around the thigh and pull her down into the school boy.
Mayfield drops to the make count while Rachel is dropped as well. Both Lilith and Ian grab hold of Foxx’s ankles before pulling her down off of the apron and sending her plummeting to the ringside area. At the same time Mya is rolling backwards out of the school boy and onto her feet, turning towards the kneeling Ba’al and delivering a Demented right to the kneeling champion’s chin. Ba’al collapses to his back and now Mya is scrambling into the cover. She just drops down into the lateral press and Marcus is on the brink of making the three count before spotting Aiken sliding into the ring.
Ba’al’s brother attempts to run interference, but instead runs right into Marcus’ waiting boots. Mayfield leaps into the air and dropkicks Aiken to the sternum, knocking him to the canvas and sending him rolling to the outside of the ring.
Sparkles: WHAT!?!
Greyson: Marcus showing why he was selected as head referee, he’s not afraid to get physical.
Sparkles: Yeah, but I think he’s picking the wrong people to get physical with.
A stunned Aiken rolls to the outside of the ring and Marcus is warning him against any further interference. Yet Mayfield’s focus should be on the pinfall happening in the ring, Mya screaming at Marcus to turn around and make the count. He does turn around, but what he witnesses is not Mya covering Ba’al, but her body being dragged off of the World Champion. MORDECAI…the daunting figure that faced Mya at Upping the Ante, has just slid into the ring has just slid Mya’s head under his seat and is now heaving her up and into a Last Ride style powerbomb.
Sparkles: It’s that super-freak…super-freak…super-freaky…yah!
Greyson: That monstrous Mordecai that Mya BARELY defeated at Upping the Ante has just cost her the World Championship.
Mayfield has no other alternative upon witnessing this flagrant outside interference. He turns, calls for the bell and the match is over, along with any possibility of Denton winning the championship. Mordecai no sooner lays Denton out and costs her a title opportunity before he’s fending off the advances of Kilgore and Evans. The two slide into the ring and pounce upon Mordecai, all three figures now waging a 2 on 1 war.
This fight between Mordecai, Evans and Kilgore isn’t the only war transforming the ring into a battlefield. No sooner has Rachel Foxx-Frost and Aiken slid into the ring to check on the condition of Ba’al, before the trio finds themselves drawn into the allure of Mayfield’s turned back. Marcus is busy overlooking Mya before he finds himself the one damaged. Aiken swoops in behind him and avenges the dropkick the referee delivered on him a few moments earlier by way of the spinning heel kick cracking Mayfield precisely in the back of his skull.
Marcus is sent spiraling into the running forearm to the face by Foxx, knocking him to the canvas. Although shaken by the multiple shinning wizards, Ba’al manages to crawl in beside Mayfield and unleash punches across his skull.
Greyson: The Sinistry seeking some retribution against Mayfield….he counted the three on Ba’al at Upping the Ante AND he ALMOST counted the three here tonight to cost Ba’al the World Title.
Sparkles Marcus done fucked up son.
Punches and boots drill every inch of Mayfield’s anatomy and only cease when Taylor Chase, Scott Cannon and Brittany Lohan come bolting for the ring.
Greyson: Silas World hittin the ring!
Sparkles: Like this needed any more estrogen.
Greyson: But Scott Cannon is with them.
Sparkles: I fail to see how I stand corrected.
Lohan, Chase and Cannon come sliding into the ring and find so many inviting targets awaiting them, however, it’s the Sinistry they are most intent on damaging. Hence why Ba’al, Aiken and Rachel immediately raise their guards, putting their arms up and their fists upside the skulls of their inbound rivals. Cannon and Aiken exchange blows, Rachel and Lohan are going at it, and fittingly, Ba’al and Taylor Chase find themselves trading off with rights and lefts.
Greyson: We need security out here, we need security out here right now dammit.
Sparkles: This impromptu World Title match has completely broken down into sheer anarchy.
Greyson: Like you were expecting anything else, Sparkles.
Sparkles: Yes actually, I was expecting a little bit of side boob action, but that hasn’t happened yet.
Greyson: Speaking of boobs, here comes the Sinistry support squad.
Once again the most devoted followers of the Sinistry are sliding into the ring, Decay, Wilde and Executioner going straight after Lohan, Chase and Cannon. As these three enter the ring, three others exit it, Mordecai rolls out of the ring and evades further damage at the hands of Kilgore and Evans. The two would go pursuing Mordecai, but they’re too busy checking on the condition of Mya at ringside, who is seated with her back to the steel steps and still suffering the powerbomb she just received.
Within the squared circle we find Taylor, Cannon and Lohan suddenly assaulted from behind by Decay, Wilde and Executioner, the masked seven footer dropping Brittany for her earlier attack, Decay felling Cannon with a big boot across the back of the head, and Wilde leaping onto Taylor’s back and locking in a sleeper hold. This allows Ba’al, Aiken and Rachel to make their exit from the ring, the trio rolling out and allowing their followers to dispense with Silas World.
Decay, Executioner and Wilde seem to be doing a pretty proficient job of it until Mayfield gets involved. Marcus has obviously seen enough, Head Referee and former in ring talent grabbing hold of Decay’s shoulder, swinging him around and nailing a roaring European Uppercut across his jaw. The shot staggers Decay back and detaches the brute from Cannon, who is quick to recover. At the same time Taylor takes Wilde around the neck and transitions Jessica from the sleeper into a fireman’s carry across Chase’s shoulders. Tay is about to hit the True Story before Executioner intervenes, grabbing hold of Jessica’s ankle and pulling her out of the fireman’s carry. Both individuals then roll from the squared circle with Taylor pursuing them only to stop at the ropes.
Meanwhile, behind Chase, Cannon has spotted Mayfield laying into Decay with stomps, prompting Scott to act and act deliberately. Scott rushes across the ring and delivers the Snake Eyes….the Snake Eyes on Mayfield!
Sparkles: What in the blue blazes of hell?
Greyson: Cannon just nailing Mayfield with the Snake Eyes right on the back of his head.
Sparkles: Why?
Greyson: If I remember correctly, Mayfield delivered a dropkick on Cannon at the pay-per-view, removing him from the Weapon’s Match.
Sparkles: Ah, that whole payback is a mother, chestnut.
Greyson: Exactly.
The bullhammer elbow nails Marcus with enough force to send the official twisting into the ropes, twisting through the ropes and twisting beyond the ropes to the outside mats. He lies there convalescing his wounds, hands griping at the back of his neck and potentially fractured skull. At the same time Taylor is grabbing at a microphone, which has just been handed to her through the ropes. She turns, chest heaving, brow narrowed and eyes burning as they lock upon the Sinistry gathered at the bottom of the ramp. Decay has joined Wilde and Executioner in forming a protective barrier in front of Aiken, Rachel and Ba’al.
Taylor: So you American Horror Story: Freak Show rejects think there’s a chance in hell that I would EVER join you?
A grin consumes Aiken’s face at the mere prospect.
Taylor: I love Mika and I would do absolutely anything for her, but I’m not about to let my sister’s sacrifice count for nothing. She went to the Frost family to protect me, an act of love I NEVER thought she was capable of. She gave up everything…EVERYTHING to save me….and now I’m going to return the favor, but it won’t be by joining the Sinistry, it will be by DESTROYING it.
Chase pauses to soak in the overwhelming ovation from the crowd, who are solidly united in their support for her cause to rid the IWC of the Sinistry’s influence.
Taylor: After the End of the Year Special, the Sinistry will be no more, Mika will be back where she belongs and Ba’al’s World Title reign ends.
Another explosive roar in reaction to Taylor’s very decisive, very impassioned speech. Although everyone in the world can hear Taylor’s comments, Marcus Mayfield cannot. All he hears is the ringing in his ears resulting from the Snake Eyes, the bullhammer elbow rendering him barely capable of standing even as referees Alex Ingelson and Patrick Fitzpatrick aid him to the backstage area.
Taylor: This company has been divided too long by the war between Silas World and the Sinistry, too many people have suffered, my sister, my husband, my best friend, it all has to stop and it will. You said one thing right, Ba’al, the End of the Year Special is appropriately titled, because one way or another this WILL be the END.
Scott and Lohan nod their heads, but Ba’al, Foxx, Aiken and their gaggle of supporters shake their skulls simultaneously. There is a clear division in the reactions between Silas World and the Sinistry, and it’s that divisiveness that promises such growing unrest throughout the remainder of tonight’s show.
As the drums of war are pounded, Serenity watches from her elevated perch in the rafters and waits for the bodies to begin piling up.
BACKSTAGE
Lenore Price-Mason: So where are we going?
Silas: Hasn’t ole Silas taught ya the most valuable lesson of ‘em all, yet? That ya need to trust me.
Putting trust in Silas Mason is like putting your head in a lion’s mouth with a pork chop around your neck. Naturally Lenore is going to be just a tad bit tentative to trust Silas, yet follows him nevertheless through the corridors of the Manhattan Center. Their destination remains to be seen, but it’s obvious by the tentative nature of each of Silas’ steps that they are getting closer.
Lenore: Sorry to question you, Silas, I just like to know what I’m getting myself into.
Silas: Fine…guess I can tell ya that. We’re out to get a lil’ retribution.
Lenore: Against who? Ba’al? The Sinistry?
Silas: None of the above sweetness, none of the above. Ya’ see, at the pay-per-view, one person and one person alone set me up to be humiliated, and that person is about to pay righ’ here, righ’ now.
The two near an open doorway leading into a locker-room where Amanda Blayze herself is being interviewed by Mark Comeau. Blayze is right in the midst of some squat thrusts as she readies her body for the highly physical altercation with Jessica Lasiewicz later this evening, and Mark is extending a microphone on the cusp of asking her all about that confrontation yet to come.
Comeau: Well Amanda, first and foremost I just want to apologize for the way my bodily secretions were used to set you up at the pay-per-view…
Blayze sneers in Comeau’s direction before doing some shadow boxing to limber up her joints.
Comeau: If I had any idea that’s what my fluids were going to be employed for I NEVER would have agreed to sell my tainted urine to that Lenore chickadee.
Blayze: Do you have questions yours supposed to be asking me right now?
Apparently Amandar requires no reminding of the events that went down at the pay-per-view where she was painted as both a home wrecker and a drug addict by Silas World.
Comeau: Well for starters…how did it feel to get your hands on Silas at Upping the Ante after everything he’s put you through over the past few weeks?
Blayze; I assume your referring to all the rumors he started about me and Taylor’s husband, Orlando…?
Comeau: Yep.
Blayze: I’m not going to lie, it felt great putting my fist down Silas’ throat, but it would have felt so much better if Sienna Swann hadn’t interfered and kept me from finishing her agent off in the middle of the ring. Tonight isn’t about Silas though, it isn’t about Sienna, it isn’t about all the gossip, rumors and lies, it’s about the Queen of the Ring Championship, a belt tailor made for an athlete like myself. Since the inception of that championship I’ve been busting my ass to capture it, yet I keep getting screwed out of it again and again and again. That changes, and it changes here tonight. I’m done with Silas, I’m done with all the allegations, my focus is precisely where it needs to be, on elevating my career, on becoming a champion, on creating a dynas….
Silas: How sad and pathetic.
Even though Blayze wants nothing more than to be through with Silas, apparently Mason isn’t about to be through with her. He grants her no reprieve and no solace of mind, Silas stepping into the room and stepping up into her face, further agitating Amanda’s already wrought nerves.
Silas: Trying to make yerself sound like the victim in all this, huh? Nah, you’re a perpetrator, not a victim. Yer a whore, and worse than that, yer a God damned drug addict.
Blayze: You’re full of shit, Si…..
Mason hauls off and delivers a straight slap across Amanda’s cheeks.
Silas: Ya want some more of me, come and get it….
Mason barely even has a chance to finish his sentence, before Amanda is coming at him with all her fury. Wisely Silas tucks tail, turns and flees the dressing room with Blayze following behind and stalking her prey like a John Carpenter horror icon.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
A table goes flipping over, all the condiments loaded on top of it spilling to the floor and scattering across the ground. If it’s not hammered down, it’s going to be tossed by Katelyn Buehler. At the moment she’s as volatile as a mixture of hydrogen sulfide and nitric acid, and anything that stands before her suffers her explosive wrath. She passes by a stagehand carrying a collection of documents only to have their papers sent flying. Buehler knocks all the documents out of their hands and then pushes the stagehand out of her way before continuing down the corridor, suffering a rage that gnaws at her innards like a tumorous cancer.
Alex Clayton: Hey there….
Alex, one third of the Cartel, attempts a rather foolhardy intervention.
Alex: You need to calm down a little.
Although Clayton implores Buehler to practice some self-restraint, she instead replies with a shove, pushing the Cartel representative as forcefully as she can. Alex is knocked back into a wall, falling against it for support then glaring wide eyed at Buehler as she proceeds along.
Alex: Something needs to be done about this.
IN RING
Once again the cameras have a hard time reaching the ring in order to capture every single facet of the action as it progresses. Now we find Scott Cannon inside of the squared circle, microphone in hand and tirade in mid-stream.
Scott: I hope that the Sinistry heard loud and clear everything that Taylor Chase just said in the middle of this ring.
Cannon, who hasn’t left the squared circle since Tay’s tirade, continues to occupy the squared circle and occupy the minds of the fans with his rhetoric.
Scott: In fact, I hope the whole world is taking Taylor seriously right now, because I have never seen Tay more determined to win a match in the entire time that I’ve known her. After all the bullshit swerves, after all the harebrained decisions by the higher ups, after all the delay, Taylor finally steps into the ring with Ba’al at the End of the Year Special and reclaims a title that she was not pinned or forced to submit to lose.
The crowd gives Scott quite the rousing ovation in response to a speech that would have Mickey from the Rocky films envious.
Scott: Although it’s been horrible that Taylor has been forced to wait for so damned long to get her rematch, it might actually be to her benefit in the long run. Because in the span of time that it’s taken Taylor to get her rematch, the Sinistry have done so many horrible things to her and all those she cares about, that’s it’s just made Taylor more and more and more focused. The abduction of Mika Kozlov, the way the Sinistry has had Kelcey attacked on NewAge, and the crucifixion of her husband, has had a transformative effect on Taylor. They wanted to demoralize Taylor, they wanted to beat her down by having Katelyn Buehler double cross her, by making Chase jump through one hoop after the other, but their actions have had the exact opposite effect on her. All this wait, and all the actions of the Sinistry have made Taylor unstoppable headed into the pay-per….
Scott begins to trail off when the curtains open and Marcus Mayfield is spotted stepping through them, hand gripping the back of his skull as a result of the Snake Eyes. The referee jersey that Marcus normally wears is balled up in his fist, a clinched fist. Finally Greyson and Sparkles chime in from the commentator’s table.
Sparkles: The Head Referee looks like he’s got a pine cone shoved up his ass.
Greyson: He’s understandably a little furious at the moment all things considered. It was Cannon who hit him with the Snake Eyes just a few moments ago in retaliation for Mayfield taking Scott out of the Weapon’s Match at Upping the Ante.
Scott looks amused at the sight of Mayfield making his way up the steps and narrowing in upon the ring.
Scott: Marcus? Can I help you?
The microphone is suddenly grabbed right out of Scott’s hand and elevated to Marcus’ grimacing lips.
Marcus: Listen here mate, you can help me by keeping that lying tongue of yours behind clinched teeth.
Instead of the typical reaction of anger Cannon actually chuckles to Mayfield’s insults.
Marcus: You think I don’t know who it was who blindsided me backstage all those weeks ago on NewAge? You see me as some kind of dunce? I know it was you, Scott, I know you were the one who attacked me so that you could officiate the match between Taylor Chase and Karen McBride. I’m not a damned fool….
Scott: That’s debatable Marcus….
Marcus: I’ve had enough of this already.
Mayfield suddenly hauls off and swings, decking Cannon across the chin with a right hand and sending him stumbling back into the ropes.
SCOTT CANNON VS. MARCUS MAYFIELD
Sparkles: Mayfield getting all uppity in the ring.
Greyson: Who can honestly blame the man?
Sparkles: Just because Cannon gave him a little love bump earlier on.
Greyson: He hit him in the back of the head with the friggin Snake Eyes….and Mayfield is right to suspect that it was Cannon who attacked him several weeks ago on NewAge.
Sparkles: Why is he just NOW waiting to do anything about it?
Punches continues to defile Scott’s face and send him reeling into the corner. Now Cannon’s ribs are subjected to stomps and his chin is given a few well-placed European Uppercuts. Official Alex Ingelson comes rushing down the ramp and sliding into the ring. One of the men who was entrusted with aiding Marcus from the ring earlier tonight, now starts the match on Mayfield’s behalf.
Greyson: It looks to me like we’re getting a match here, Sparkles.
Sparkles: Mayfield versus Cannon. Only in the IWC will you see a head referee fighting an in ring talent.
Greyson: Well Marcus IS a grappler, Lovejoy. One of the finest and most respected in the business.
Sparkles: He’s only respected cause he gets to motorboat Kathryn Pearson’s enormous boobies.
The fans are rather electrified at the moment, seriously. Some have the fros of those who recently stuck their fingers in plug sockets. There is quite an atmosphere conducive to insanity here tonight, evidenced as Mayfield indulges his primal urges by delivering rapid European Uppercuts one after another across Scott’s chin and throat. Marcus goes rushing into the opposite corner then gets a big running start before leaping into ANOTHER European Uppercut. He blasts Scott across the face with the blow and almost knocks Cannon off of his feet. Somehow he remains upright as Marcus takes him by the wrist and shoots him into the opposite corner. Cannon just hits the turnbuckle before Mayfield looks to hit him with another European Uppercut. He rushes across the ring and is about to dive into the move only to have Cannon leap out of the corner and nail Marcus to the shin with a dropkick. The blow knocks Mayfield off of his feet and sends him flying into the corner.
Mayfield twists and lands on his seat with his back to the turnbuckle and his face to Scott’s boot. Cannon comes rushing in and delivers the face wash, his heel grinding against the bridge of Marcus’ nose.
Cannon now turns and takes off into the ropes once again, bouncing off and coming back in with another face wash, only this time his boot is caught. Marcus grabs hold of the inbound leg, stands up and then extends his own foot, wrapping it around the back of Scott’s leg. A heel trip is employed to send Scott collapsing to his back while Mayfield attempts to step over and apply a figure four leg lock. However, Cannon gets his foot into the air, wedges it to Marcus’ backside and kicks him into the corner. Mayfield turns around and slams into the corner before losing his footing and collapsing to his seat.
All the while Scott is getting to his feet then scrambling across them into another face-wash. But Cannon rolls out of the way and Scott’s body goes twisting spine first into the corner. He falls against the turnbuckle, putting him in perfect position for Mayfield, who comes charging in and lunging into the diving European Uppercut. However, Cannon moves out of the way and Marcus changes strategy, leaping into the air and landing on the middle rope of the turnbuckle. Scott then rushes in behind him, grabs Mayfield by the belt and yanks down, dragging Marcus out of the corner and down to the canvas viciously across his back.
Greyson: Mayfield just SLAMMED into that ring and it may have finally given Cannon the window of opportunity he was looking for.
Mayfield slams into the canvas with such force then rolls over backwards onto his knees. He looks disorientated as he stumbles back into the diagonal corner he was just launched out of. Cannon then comes barreling in only to receive two boots square across his chin. Marcus gets his legs up and his feet into Cannon’s jaw, sending Scott staggering back. Mayfield then comes rushing out of the corner only to get caught right against Cannon’s shoulder then spun down into the canvas via the double A spinebuster. Scott then hooks the leg and the crowd collectively rises with baited breaths.
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Mayfield manages to defiantly launch his shoulder from the ring.
Sparkles: Marcus all kinds of suave in that ring…I mean…my God….that face of his.
Greyson: Sparkles….are you….are you drooling?
Sparkles: Shut up Lovejoy.
Although Marcus is in throbbing pain, he begins to force himself up to his feet only to have Scott step over his back. He grabs hold of Mayfield’s arm, folds it around in front of Scott’s neck and applies the cobra clutch. The submission is tightly clamped on Mayfield, and his back is straddled by the mighty Cannon, who is antagonizing his grounded opposition.
Greyson: The pace slowing now.
Sparkles: Good, more time to admire that beautiful mug of Mayfield’s…
Greyson: Pardon?
Sparkles: I said beautiful jugs….look at that lady at ringside.
Greyson: Nooo, that’s not what you said at all Sparkles. Are you, enamored with Mayfield?
Sparkles: How can you not be enamored with that face, look at it, LOOK AT IT!
Marcus’ face right now is not nearly as appealing as normal, his expression contorted into a mask of agony. Although pain courses through his throat and through his back, the promise of revenge prompts Mayfield to struggle to his feet and demonstrate his own in ring tenacity. He drops to his knees and uses the cobra clutch to his advantage. Scott tried to hold on, which proves to be to his detriment, Cannon being flipped over his opponent’s head and sent rolling forward across the canvas. The submission is broken and Cannon rises back to his feet, staggering into the ropes, ricocheting off and coming back at Mayfield with a head full of steam, before finding his legs caught and treated like peanut brittle. Marcus stoops, catches Scott’s legs and rips them out from under his body, sending Cannon to his back and Mayfield twisting around into the figure four leg lock. He has it applied, both of Scott’s knees screaming in agony.
The pain is pretty severe, but not severe enough to debilitate Cannon, who begins to squirm across his back in the direction of the ropes, pulling Marcus along with him.
Sparkles: Come on Mayfield…hold onto that submission.
Greyson: Sparkles, do you have a man crush?
Sparkles: I can’t help it…it’s that face!
A face presently twisted into an expression of malice. Mayfield really clamps on the figure four and almost has Cannon tapping, but instead Scott’s hand extends and locks around the bottom rope. The official starts a five count, reaching four before Mayfield finally unleashes his opponent. He quickly grabs Scott by the ankle and pulls with enough force to drag him to the center of the ring once again. Marcus then swings around the leg going back to the same well…a well he’s tapped too frequently.
The moment Mayfield turns his back on Scott, Cannon is prompted to sit up, grab hold of Marcus’ belt and counter into a school boy.
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Mayfield not only gets his shoulder up but rolls over to his feet, then extends Cannon’s arm out to his side, swings around over it and then leaps across Scott’s back, transitioning into the Oklahoma Roll.
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Cannon kicks out, rolls over onto his feet then comes rushing right at Mayfield with the big boot on the cusp of being delivered. But Marcus catches the boot right in front of his chin, pushes away and sends Cannon twisting so that his back is facing Mayfield, who catches both of Scott’s arms then drags him down into the backslide.
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Cannon kicks out and rolls over backwards onto his feet, rushing right at Mayfield only to have both of his legs caught and pulled out from under him. Marcus swings around the legs and then falls back, figure four applied AGAIN!
Greyson: Mayfield back into the figure four…
Sparkles: Sweeet.
Greyson: This really makes you happy doesn’t it?
Sparkles: I’m pure hetero, but seriously, I’d have babies with Marcus’ face.
Greyson: Thank you kindly for that absolutely disturbing visual.
Mayfield has the figure four clamped on Scott’s legs yet again and already the victim’s palm is lifting into the air, so eager to submit and spare himself any further suffrage. However, no matter the extent of his anguish, Cannon will never tap out. He balls up his knuckles, lifts his hand into the air and then begins to swing his arm across his chest. He then does it again in order to start twisting his body towards the ropes. Mayfield intensifies his efforts but Cannon remains persistent, pushing himself over to his side and stretching his hand just far enough to grab the cables.
Sparkles: Horse-shit!
Greyson: Calm down Sparkles, all is not lost.
The figure four is broken at the behest of Fitzpatrick, who argues with not only a wrestler but his BOSS, given Mayfield’s standing as Head Referee. The submission is released and Cannon is scrambling to work off the effects it took on his knees. He stands just in time to catch the inbound Mayfield with a back elbow across the jaw that sends Marcus staggering back. Just enough distance is put between them for Cannon to deliver another elbow, of the Snake Eyes variety. Cannon rushes across the ring and prepares to deliver the bullhammer elbow only to have Mayfield duck, hook the crease of the inbound elbow and then swing his legs out across the back of his attacker. Cannon is pulled over backwards into the crucifix, but it’s not a pin that Scott is going for.
The pin is broken, Mayfield rises to his feet and grabs Cannon’s elevated legs, going back to the figure four. Instead what he gets are two feet wedged to his chest and his body being kicked backwards into the ropes. Marcus charges spine first into the ropes, ricochets off and comes back in at Cannon, who stands up and catches his opponent coming back in with a big boot across the jaw. The blow disorientates Mayfield just enough to send him twisting away from his opponent, staggering into the ropes and ricocheting off. He then comes charging right back into Scott’s shoulders, who heaves his opposition into the air before eventually dumping him with the Samoan Drop.
Greyson: Mayfield dumped…
Sparkles: No one can walk away from that face, Greyson, no one.
Greyson: Not ‘dumped’ figuratively, Sparkles. I mean he was dumped with the Samoan Drop.
The slam has Mayfield suffering and Scott prevailing, hooking both of Marcus’ legs.
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Mayfield desperately gets his shoulder up his defiance fading with each and every kick out. The fading reserves of Mayfield provide Cannon with his window opportunity. He takes hold of Marcus’ wrist and pulls him along into a front chancery, then grabs him by the belt. Mayfield is heaved into a suplex position and eventually spiked straight on top of his skull into the brainbuster, followed by a roll over into the lateral press and the hook of the leg.
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More energy is spent by Mayfield in getting his shoulder up, keeping Cannon from earning the win, but not keeping Cannon from going for the kill. He grabs Marcus by the hair, drags him along to his knees then drags his head under Scott’s seat. All of Cannon’s strength is employed to heave Marcus up and onto his shoulders before Scott takes off across the ring with an attempt at the running powerbomb. However, Mayfield manages to counter by driving his fist repeatedly into Cannon’s brow and then clamping his legs around Scott’s throat. The running powerbomb is countered into a hurricarana. Marcus ends up seated on Scott’s chest, holding down on the crease of Cannon’s knee for the pin.
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Cannon sits up and sends Mayfield rolling back off of his adversary’s chest and onto his knees. As Scott continues to sit up he reaches out and hooks his arm around Marcus’ neck. From his seat to his feet Scott dashes with Marcus’ head trapped in a front chancery and his body now being elevated into position for another brainbuster. Or that was Scott’s intention that is derailed when Marcus squirms his head out of the front chancery and manages to slide his upside down body right down Scott’s back, catching him around the waist in the process. Cannon finds himself dragged to the canvas into the sunset flip.
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The building erupts at….ANOTHER nearfall, Cannon getting his shoulder up and rolling over backwards in the process. Though the kick out actually proves quite advantageous to Cannon, because he ends up dropping onto his knees, crawling shoulders first into the creases of Mayfield’s legs and then employing such immense strength in order to deadlift Marcus into the air before ultimately connecting with a running sit-out powerbomb. Cannon leans forward into the creases of Mayfield’s legs while the fans screech rather shrilly.
Sparkles: Get it up, Marcus, get it up…Which I have no problem doing if a laptop is handy and I have Lovejoy’s credit card in my possession.
Greyson: Marcus has endured a lot throughout this impassioned fight, but can he kick out again?
We’re about to find out when Fitzpatrick drops into position and makes the count.
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The count may be emphatic but does not provide finality, for Mayfield manages to get his shoulder up and off of the canvas. The kick out initially inspires feelings of bitterness by Cannon, which transforms into a heinous and distasteful act by the diabolical sociopath. He stands up and grabs hold of one of Marcus’ legs, deliberately patronizing Mayfield by setting up for the figure four leg lock.
Sparkles: Oh come on, be nice to Mayfield…just look at that face for crying out loud, how can you be so mean to it?
Greyson: Marcus being mocked and set up for the figure four leg-lock. Insult added to injury.
Sparkles: Indeed.
Momentum has swung in Scott’s favor and his body is now swinging around Marcus’ elevated leg. He turns his back on Mayfield and it provides just the opening Marcus needed. He suddenly sits up and delivers a swift kick right to the crease of Cannon’s knee. Scott drops as a result, coming down on his knees with Marcus sitting up behind him and hooking an arm around his neck. The fans scream, and justly so, as Mayfield bridges Scott up to his feet and sets for the Spin Cycle. The spinning cutter is about half way complete before Cannon manages to counter, putting his shoulder to Marcus’ spine and then countering into a back drop suplex…a counter that is countered. Marcus flips back and floats over, landing on his feet behind Cannon and then leaping forward, catching Scott around the back of the head then dragging him down face first into the bulldog.
Scott’s face ricochets from the canvas and he pops up to his feet instinctively only to be removed from them by the picture perfect, on the nose dropkick straight into Cannon’s….well….nose.
Greyson: Bulldog followed by the dropkick, Cannon building a lot of steam.
Sparkles: He’s looking pretty damned intense at the moment isn’t he?
Greyson: Well Cannon has really tested Mayfield’s patience these past few weeks all stemming from that backstage attack several weeks ago on NewAge.
That dropkick, the very move that Mayfield nailed Cannon with at Upping the Ante, has Scott looking rather distressed and disorientated. He tries to get up but finds all progress impeded when Marcus drops into the lateral press and looks to finally put an end to this budding rivalry. Fitzpatrick finds himself in a position to end this and end it now, slapping the canvas.
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The fans stop counting and start screaming when Patrick is stopped in mid-count, his ankle grabbed and his body dragged right out of the ring by…Stuart Wright?
Greyson: Hey….come on!
Sparkles: It’s my wing-man, Stuart Wright.
Greyson: FORMER Head Referee Stuart Wright dragging Fitzpatrick out of the ring before he could make the count to declare the NEW Head Referee the victory
Sparkles: Don’t you hate it when professional jealously rears its ugly head?
The second Fitzpatrick comes down onto his feet at ringside, he finds himself in a heated argument with Wright. Stuart is pointing at the ‘SIN’ patch on his referee jersey and then redirecting his finger into the ‘IWC’ patch on Fitzpatrick’s chest.
Wright: The Sinistry is in charge? Don’t you get that? I don’t answer to the authority of McBride or Masters, I answer only to Desmond Drake….and YOU answer to me. Because I am STILL Head Referee here…NOT Mayfield.
Fitzpatrick looks very confused, eyes turning from Wright standing before him and now Mayfield shouting down at him from the ring.
Marcus: Get back in here and make the count mate….come on now.
Fitzpatrick tries to return to the ring at the behest of his boss only to be grabbed by the jersey and spun back around to face Wright.
Wright: You don’t listen to him, you listen to me!
If there weren’t enough bickering referees at ringside, now we see Alex Ingelson charging down the ramp and joining in on the tense conversation. He is right in the thick of his heated debate between all three men that has fully consumed Mayfield. Consumed him so much he completely loses focus on the man standing up behind him. Scott rises to his feet and waits…waits for Marcus to turn around. The second Mayfield spins towards Cannon, he finds his face absolutely crushed by the Snake Eyes.
Sparkles: NOT THE FACE!
Greyson: Marcus taking the Snake Eyes after being distracted by this argument amongst the officiating staff.
Wright conveniently stops arguing with Fitzpatrick and allows him to return to the ring. All the while Stuart is turning back to Ingelson, telling him the exact same words he directed at Patrick just a few moments earlier. Fitzpatrick slides back into the ring just in time to make the three count.
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It pains Fitzpatrick to do it, but he makes the three count that declares Cannon the winner. Scott sits up, body looking aggravated by the dropkick, the figure four leg lock and everything else that Mayfield threw at him during the process of this match.
Sparkles: Awwww.
Greyson: Marcus so caught up in the argument between his coworkers, that he was caught once again off guard by the Snake Eyes.
Sparkles: Which totally cost his handsome mug the win.
Marcus is rolled out of the ring by Fitzpatrick, who helps the IWC Head Referee up the ramp and allowing Scott to take over the ring where he celebrates. The crowd’s tune elevates when Silas Mason comes jogging down the ramp.
Greyson: There’s Silas, he was conspicuous by his absence here at ringside during this match.
Sparkles: Yeah, why wasn’t he here to stand beside his client, Scott?
Greyson: Nobody knows what Silas has on his mind but Silas, heaven help ANYONE who tries to get into Mason’s mind.
Although Silas is headed for the ring he is not looking towards it, instead his eyes are fixed on the entry way, wearily watching the curtains. Scott kneels inside of the ring, looking fatigued after a highly combative match against Mayfield, so he has no idea, no idea whatsoever that Silas is stopping at ringside, reaching under the squared circle and fetching a steel chair. Although Mason is placing the chair on the apron, he keeps looking back towards the stage where the curtains are opening and Amanda Blayze is stomping along through them. Her cheek is as red as her furious eyes.
Greyson: Well that would explain why Silas has a puddle in his pants.
Sparkles: Is he running from Blayze?
Greyson: That’s what it looks like. It appears Amanda is in hot pursuit of Mason.
Sparkles: Didn’t Amanda do enough to Silas at the pay-per-view?
Greyson: Not nearly enough, Sparkles, not nearly enough given everything that Cannon and Mason have done to her in recent weeks, including faking a drug test in order to set her up at the pay-per-view.
Sparkles: That’s not proven, Lovejoy.
Greyson: Oh come on, ‘Surly’ Sam, the Head Trainer pretty much confirmed that Silas and Scott bribed him to swap Amanda’s urine specimen with Mark Comeau’s….a known drug abuser.
Although Silas would normally be wheeling and dealing, talking and manipulating his way out of a situation such as this, at the moment he’s actually baiting Blayze towards the ring and into a fight.
Silas: Ya think ya can take me, bitch? Ya think ya can handle Silas Mason? I’m too much man for ya lil girl.
Blayze is so eager to bust every rib in Silas’ body…a body rolling into the ring, PAST the steel chair. For some reason Silas doesn’t pick it up nor does he alert a recovering Scott to its presence…NOR does he warn Cannon that Amanda is heading for the ring. All Silas does is grin, eyes veering from the chair now being snatched up in Amanda’s hands as she enters the ring, and Scott kneeling in the middle of the squared circle blocking Blayze’s path to his agent.
Silas: Good girl.
Silas rolls out of the ring and completely abandons a totally unsuspecting Cannon. Amanda, who has just as much hatred for Scott as she does Silas, stops pursuing the agent and directs her wrath at Cannon, which is PRECISELY what Mason was hoping for. He grins from ringside as he watches Amanda swing a chair straight over Cannon’s back, inflicting unspeakable amounts of damage.
Greyson: Chair to the back of Cannon…but why is…why is Silas smiling?
Sparkles: I think….and call me crazy here….
Greyson: If the shoe fits…
Sparkles: But I think…I think Silas set up his own client.
Greyson: That IS crazy. You mean to tell me that Silas set Scott up to take this beating?
Sparkles: Yep.
This suspicion is all but confirmed as Mason completely turns his back on his client and marches up the ramp, leaving Scott with no aid against the hailstorm of chair shots coming down across his back repeatedly. Amanda swings the chair a second time into Scott’s back, then a third and then a fourth, each shot even more damaging than the last. At last Cannon is reduced to nothing but twitches as Amanda unloads on him with one chair shot after another, unleashing all of her pint up frustrations.
Finally the warped chair is tossed aside and Amanda now drops down and grabs hold of Cannon’s leg, lifting it up into the ankle lock. Scott groans at the top of his lungs as his leg is mangled at Amanda’s hands and Silas continues to walk along to the back wearing the proudest of grins on his face.
BACKSTAGE
Ba’al: Where is he?
The last person you want hunting you down is Ba’al, and the last person who want to be pursued is Desmond Drake. It’s not exactly like the Principle Owner’s stubby little legs could carry him off quick enough to avoid the wrath of the SIN Champion. And Ba’al is not the only person marching through the corridor eying every inch of the hallway in search for his business partner, Drake. Aiken and Rachel Foxx-Frost stand at his sides, while Decay, Executioner and Jessica Wilde follow behind their masters at a distance.
Ba’al: Desmond Drake! Step forth and be held accountable for your actions.
Apparently Ba’al is not very happy considering the impromptu World Title match he was forced to defend his championship in moments ago. All of his anger is directed at the man who booked that contest, a man who finally emerges from behind a water cooler several feet in front of the Sinistry.
Drake: Ba….Ba…Ba’al…
Ba’al: SEIZE HIM!
Decay and Executioner step forth and wrap their hands around Desmond’s tiny wrists, dragging him fully from behind the water cooler and into the view of Ba’al’s ravenous eyes.
Ba’al: Explain yourself at once, Desmond.
Drake: I’m sorry…I’m-I’m-I’m soooo sorry, Kirian. You-you-you have to believe I would never….NEVER force you into a title matc….
Aiken: Is that not precisely what you just did?
Drake: Yes, but it wasn’t MY decision.
Rachel: Explain quicker!
Drake: MYA! Mya made me do it.
Rachel: Hmmm, did she now?
Drake: Yes…yes..it was all Mya, I swear. She’s got my balls in a vice.
Aiken: We do not want to hear where Mya is keeping your testicles.
Ba’al: No, what we desire is recompense. Your actions risked the sanctity of the SIN Championship, how do you intend on fixing this mistake?
Drake: Oh…ummm…uhhh. I got it…I GOT IT! Aiken…
Aiken: Yes, little master?
Drake: Tonight, when Kordy defends her Evolution Championship against Aaron Harrison, YOU will be Kordy’s partner. I’m officially making it a handicap match, Kordy and Aiken versus Harrison.
Aiken: Hmmmm…intriguing.
Ba’al: Yes, it is intriguing, but it is not good enough.
Drake: Okay-okay, fair enough, then how about….how about….oh yes….tonight, before Lukas Montgomery challenges William Mason for the Pure Title, he’ll have to wrestle a qualifying match against Silk, Red Rayne and Mogui.
Rachel: Getting better, but still not sufficient.
Drake: Ooookay, then how about-how about…oooooh I’ve got a good one….we alter the stipulations for the Mika Kozlov versus Ethan Von Aaron match….let’s make it a….a…TAG TEAM MATCH.
Aiken: Tag team match you say?
Drake: Indeed, Ethan Von Aaron and ‘X-Class Champion’ Alana Starr versus Mika Kozlov and ‘NHB Champion’ Rachel Frost.
A gigantic grin sweeps across Aiken’s face.
Aiken: That does sound quite promising.
Ba’al: Promising yes, but you have still failed to deliver.
Drake: Oh-oh…I wasn’t done…
Rachel: You had better not be.
Drake: Because I just came up with the most brilliant of brilliant ideas.
Rachel: Out with it.
Drake: How about….how about we have a six person tag team match….Decay, Executioner and Jessica Wilde versus Taylor Chase, Brittany Lohan…and….and….are you ready for this? Katelyn Buehler!
Every member of the Sinistry finds their faces flashing with grins.
Drake: And that match is NEXT!
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
We return from commercial to find Alex Ingelson and Patrick Fitzpatrick intently listening to the ramblings of FORMER Head Referee Stuart Wright. The duo try to remain level-headed even as they are dressed down by Stuart…right out in front of the whole world to see in the hallway
Wright: You think you two are going to get the respect you deserve with Marcus Mayfield leading you around? Hell no….you’ll just continue to be treated like garbage.
Ingelson and Fitzpatrick are shaking their heads, trying their best not to listen to Wright’s ramblings.
Wright: I saw a flash of brilliance and much needed bravado from the both of you back at Reawakening Day when you got your revenge on Aerik Walker for what he’s done to the officiating staff for months. You need to do more of that, and you’ll never get that opportunity to stand up for yourselves if you keep backing Mayfield as your boss. You need join me working for SIN….think about it boys, think about it.
Stuart turns and walks off, leaving Ingelson and Wright with much to mull over, too much in fact.
Jessica: I do hope the two of you were not listening to such dribble.
Alex and Patrick are quite alarmed to see Jessica Lasiewicz appearing out of thin air. She materialized almost from the ether, standing directly beside the two referees.
Jessica: The Sinistry is not a force you should be aligning yourselves with. They are an evil and malevolent group, they are wicked, and I am here to see that the wicked are punished. Do not become names on my list of those who need to be purged in order to put this company back upon a proper path. You have been warned.
A horrified Ingelson is tugging on the shirt of Fitzpatrick, who is paralyzed by fear. Finally Fitzpatrick stumbles along behind Alex and away from the ever so chilling eyes of the Morning Star. Lasiewicz watches them walk away with her head shaking and her lips grinning. That smile only widens when she sees a familiar figure passing her in the corridor.
Jessica: Marie…
”The Phoenix” Marie Jones pulls her eyes form the I-Phone she was in the process of employing to text message. She looks up from her phone to the bone jangling stare of her younger sister.
Marie: Oh, hey there Jess.
Jessica: Busy?
Marie: Always. But you know I’ll take a second for you…what’s up?
Jessica: Just wanted to congratulate you for finally waking from the spell that Samantha Hodgson cast over you. I’m so glad to see you free from the manipulation of your former agent.
Marie: It was a move I should have made a long time ago. Samantha was weak and couldn’t fulfill her promises. Thanks for helping me realize that a change was needed, Jessica. The words you spoke to me over Twitter, and in our conversations together, were a real eye opener. They inspired me to finally cut lose that dead weight and look for someone who could really help me advance my career. Someone who can take me to new heights. Someone who will make sure that I not only beat but decimate Abigail Lindsey at the End of the Year Special.
Jessica: Best of luck to you.
Marie: And to you as well. I know you’ve got a big number one contenders match for the Queen of the Ring Championship tonight.
Jessica: Yeah, but I really wish I didn’t…So many bigger problems that need to be fixed in this company.
Marie: True. There are plenty. But in my opinion, the biggest problem in this federation, is Abigail Lindsey, and my NEW agent is going to make sure she’s finally dealt with.
Jessica: So wait, you already have an agent.
Marie: Of course, and I hope Abigail is still sulking in the rafters to see me reveal my agent tonight.
SIX PERSON TAG
Clearly Marie Jones has nothing to worry about, because Abigail Lindsey is STILL in the rafters. Cameras capture the woman who has transformed into Serenity, the leather clad harbinger of suffrage who stands in the scaffolding, watching all that occurs within the ring below. And what she’s witnessing right now is the arrival of the Sinistry’s devoted followers. To the tunes of “The Air That I Breathe” by All That Remains, Decay, the masked Executioner, and Jessica Wilde step through the curtains. Wilde follows her two imposing partners with her head lowered, hand over her heart and the other hand raised above her head.
Wilde: HAIL SIN….HAIL SINISTRY!!
Jessica’s cries are met with roars of dejection from the tense masses, who furiously watch as the Sinistry trio make their way towards the ring where they’ll battle a dangerously unpredictable trio.
Greyson: Well Sparkles, are you ready for this?
Sparkles: Good God, I don’t think I’d be ready for this in a million years.
Greyson: A trio of the Sinistry’s most faithful will be battling…man…I can’t even bring myself to call their opponents a ‘TEAM.’
Sparkles: I’d call them a team…team FUBAR.
Greyson: Indeed, Wilde, Decay and Executioner are going to face Brittany Lohan, Taylor Chase and…Katelyn Buehler. The problems between Chase and Buehler are so well documented.
Sparkles: Yeah, but that won’t stop you from being Captain Exposition anyway.
Greyson: You know me so well. The first time Katelyn teamed with Taylor, Buehler double crossed Chase, then two weeks ago at the pay-per-view, Tay and Buehler were supposed to team together again only to have Chase double cross Katelyn.
Sparkles: And you haven’t even gotten into the issues between Lohan and Buehler….
Greyson: Yeah, just remember how this crazy night got started, with a huge brawl between Brittany and Katelyn.
Sparkles: This whole team is going to erupt, and the Sinistry is going to swoop in and finish them off.
Greyson: This match is nothing more than an attempt by Ba’al to soften up Taylor headed into the End of the Year Special.
Decay, Wilde and Executioner reflect one another’s gestures, lowering their heads, raising their palms and declaring their faith in the Sinistry. Though they may be blindly devoted, they can still hear…hear the lyrics of ‘Lights Out’ by Breaking Benjamin hitting the loud speakers. It doesn’t matter that they may not be thrilled at the prospect of teaming with Katelyn Buehler, it doesn’t stop Taylor Chase and Brittany Lohan from barreling down the ramp to get themselves some of the Sinistry.
Greyson: Silas World hitting the ring and hitting it in a hurry.
Sparkles: Maybe they plan on finishing off this devout trio before Katelyn even has a chance to get out here.
Greyson: Fat chance of that happening, Katelyn has issues with these three too, they did attack her at the start of the show, forcing her to witness Hurse’s transformation into Harbinger.
Lohan and Chase slide right into the ring and immediately find themselves fending off the blows of Decay, Wilde and Executioner. The masked behemoth picks up where he left off with Lohan, the two exchanging jabs with one another. At the same time Taylor is trying to overcome the onslaught from both Decay and Wilde. She retaliates with shots of her own, battling back Decay with haymakers across his jaw, and then redirecting her shots to the temple of Wilde.
Lohan actually drives her shoulder to Executioner’s ribs and powers the massive juggernaut across the ring spine first into the turnbuckle, deflating all oxygen from his lungs. She then turns away from Executioner and tries to even up the odds for Taylor, but Chase is doing a pretty good job of fending off both Jessica and Decay.
Eventually Decay delivers a boot to Tay’s ribs though, doubling her over, so when Lohan intervenes, it’s just in time. She grabs Jessica by the shoulder, spins her around and drags her by the wrist into a short arm clothesline. Brittany then ducks an attempted brogue kick by Decay, causing his boot to go traveling right over her skull and the Sinistry member’s momentum to carry him into the ropes that Taylor is low bridging. Decay goes tumbling over the ropes and crashing to the outside mats while Taylor rises to her feet in the ring then leaps into the air. She flies over the cables and down into Decay with a crossbody.
Meanwhile, inside of the ring Lohan is setting up a rising Wilde for the Yakuza kick. She comes rushing in and delivers the boot that Wilde AMAZINGLY manages to duck under. The missed blow causes Lohan to be carried forward right into the open palm of Executioner. He catches Lohan across the throat then heaves her up and into the chokeslam across the canvas. No sooner does Lohan’s back hit the canvas than she finds her front being crushed by the Penance Paid…Wilde’s vicious frog splash from the top rope.
Greyson: Lohan taken out with the chokeslam and the frog splash!
Sparkles: So much for Taylor Chase having any back up in this tag team match, they just took out her enforcer.
Greyson: Where is Katelyn Buehler?
Sparkles: Casper is doing the smart thing, she’s staying the hell away from the ring where she would no doubt be torn apart by everyone, her opponents AND her partners.
Taylor spots the plight of Lohan, compelling her to leap to the apron, grab the top rope and prepare to spring up onto it. She is mid-air before having her ankle caught by Decay at ringside. He gives that leg a tug and causes Chase to come plummeting down right into the mats, flat on her face.
Meanwhile, inside of the ring, Executioner has climbed up onto the top rope and is getting his balance as Wilde holds Lohan up and pins her arms behind her back. The seven foot Executioner takes to the air, flying straight towards Lohan with a lariat intended for her throat…it connects, just not with the throat he was aiming for. Brittany ducks out of the way and Executioner almost beheads Wilde as a result.
Sparkles: Executioner, you oaf!
Greyson: Executioner taking out his own partner.
The crowd is beginning to find hope, especially as Executioner rises to his feet, turns and finds his face nailed with the yakuza kick. Lohan charges in and decimates one opponent, knocking the giant to the canvas, then she goes spiraling across the canvas and delivers a roaring polish hammer right across the face of her OTHER opponent. Jessica goes corkscrewing through the air and collapsing to the canvas while Lohan is corkscrewing towards Decay standing on the apron. All of Brittany’s momentum comes to a close when Decay launches a forearm over the ropes that drills the Blue Eyed Devil to her jaw. Decay then grabs the top rope and prepares to pull himself over only to have his ankle caught and his legs pulled out from under him. Taylor drags on the leg and causes Decay to come crashing down face first into the apron as opposed to flying over the top rope.
Greyson: Taylor saving her Silas World associate there.
Taylor may have taken out Decay, but she still looks to be reeling from her face first plunge into the mats, which is why Brittany continues to go it alone against Executioner and Wilde in the ring. After taking that nasty forearm to the face, Lohan goes twisting into a boot across the gut by Wilde, who then takes Brittany by the wrist before launching her off into the waiting arms of Executioner. The behemoth catches Lohan coming in and heaves her up into a gorilla press only to have Brittany slip off of his palms and land on her feet behind him. She then wedges her hands to Executioner’s back and shoves him right along into Wilde. Luckily the giant stops himself before he collides with Wilde and then the two turn towards Lohan, who charges in and levels them BOTH with stereo clotheslines.
Sparkles: Is there no stopping Man-Shoulders!?!
Greyson: Lohan is a wrecking ball.
Sparkles: Like Miley Cyrus? Quick, someone fetch Lohan a giant foam finger so that she can jab it repetitiously into my crotch.
Lohan continues to demonstrate her worth to Silas World, devastating the Sinistry’s devout followers. She rushes across the ring at a staggering Wilde, who suddenly side steps her inbound opponent, catches Brittany by the back of the head and throws her through the ropes. Brittany goes twisting through the cables and comes down on her feet across the mats. All the while Wilde is stumbling back right towards the center of the ring right into the waiting knees of Chase. Tay lunges into the air, catches Jessica’s shoulders and pulls her down into the back stabber.
Greyson: Back stabber from Chase.
Sparkles: Fuck, the Sinistry can’t catch a break.
It seems Silas World is unstoppable, but appearances are rather deceiving. At ringside Lohan is approaching Decay only to be caught by the wrist and for the Sinistry member to fall to his back, employing a powerful Irish whip that sends Lohan charging skull first into the steel turnbuckle post. Brittany’s head cracks off of the steel and her body goes spiraling. Somehow she remains upright just long enough to twist right around into Decay’s bicycle kick. The blow is so powerful that it sends Brittany spiraling into the announce table and bouncing off of it before spilling to the mats.
Wilde and Executioner are held accountable for Lohan’s plight outside of the ring. Taylor punishing them for the actions of Decay. The number one contender launches a volley of blows across the cheeks of Executioner, staggering the masked man back. Ultimately Taylor takes him by the wrist and to the disbelief of everyone, tries to heave Executioner into the fireman’s carry in order to deliver the True Story. Those plans go awry when Tay fails to summon the strength to pull the near 300 pound Executioner into the air.
Wilde then rushes in behind Chase and leaps into a front dropkick to her lower back. The blow sends Taylor charging forward into the ropes, but instead of bouncing off of them she lunges to the middle cable and springs off. She flies back into a stereo back elbow that connects with both of her adversaries, sending them all collapsing to the canvas. Taylor then rolls over backwards onto her feet, spots Decay standing up outside of the ring and goes charging straight at the cables. She leaps right through them and looks intent on delivering a diving headbutt through the cables only to have her ankle caught. Chase turns and finds her leg snared in the clutches of Executioner. She swings down into a fist across the masked man’s face, but in the process of bending down to deliver the blow, Tay exposes the back of her head to the Pestilence, Wilde’s rendition of the famouser.
Sparkles: So much for Chase and Lohan holding their own against this three on one disadvantage.
Greyson: Couldn’t last forever, unfortunately.
Chase’s face has crashed into the canvas and is now on the receiving end of some rather powerful right hands by Executioner. Taylor’s head is raised by her bangs and her face is jabbed repeatedly by a gloved fist. At ringside Lohan is fairing no better, lying on the mats with Decay stomping down at her chest and stomach. It seems both Silas World members are in dire straits, their punishment observed by the crowd and Serenity watching from the rafters. There is no emotion shown by the FORMER Abigail Lindsey, not even as Katelyn Buehler comes rushing down the ramp.
Greyson: It’s…..it’s….
Sparkles: MAYO!
Greyson: Katelyn Buehler at long last on her way to the ring.
Sparkles: I didn’t think she was going to have the tits to come out here.
Greyson: Me neither, Sparkles. Me neither. But I don’t think she can pass up the opportunity to get her hands on the Sinistry after what they did to her mentor, Hurse. His transformation just part of the reason she’s so out of control this evening.
Katelyn ALMOST makes it into the ring, but she pauses just before sliding in. For a moment she observes Taylor’s face being demolished by Executioner’s fist, THEN Tay reaches under the squared circle and retrieves a Singapore Cane, one she immediately puts to use. Wilde sticks her head through the ropes shouting down at Katelyn, who suddenly swings the staff right into the top of Jessica’s head. The Sinistry follower collapses to her back and Executioner springs to life, just not in time to stop his stomach from being subjected to a devastating blow from the cane. Katelyn swings at the mid-section and doubles the giant over. She then slams the cane as hard as she can right across the masked man’s upper back.
The referee throws his arms up into the air then calls for the bell, Ficklebottom throwing the match out. In spite of the bell chiming in the background, Katelyn continues to put the cane to use. Decay climbs up onto the apron only to be taken right back down off of it thanks to the cane thunderously smashing him upside the head.
Greyson: Katelyn has gone positively postal with that cane.
Sparkles: Over here, Mayo, take out Greyson next and save us all from his plodding exposition.
Greyson: I think Katelyn has another target in mind, Sparkles.
Sparkles: Please let it be David Hasselhoff.
The cane stretching from Buehler’s hand is now waiting right behind the back of a rising Chase.
Taylor gets to her feet with Wilde’s hair in her hand, throwing her through the ropes to the outside of the ring. Her back all the while is aimed towards the cane that Buehler is so intent on using to rearrange Chase’s spinal column. Katelyn’s grip is so tight on the staff that blood almost begins to trickle from her palms. Buehler is actually shaking…yes…SHAKING in anticipation of swinging the weapon into the spine of her FORMER good friend, the very woman who nailed her with the TKO at the pay-per-view. Taylor slowly turns and is about to find herself on the receiving end of Buehler’s wrath. Although she poses such an inviting target, Katelyn does NOT swing the staff, instead she just glares…GLARES at Taylor, who glares…GLARES right back at Buehler. The two lock eyes and freeze.
Greyson: Katelyn was about to take Chase out with that Singapore Cane.
Sparkles: This is exactly what the Sinistry wants.
Greyson: But for some reason she’s hesitating.
Sparkles: What’s the hold up, Mayo?
It is unclear what stays Katelyn’s hands given all the hate that has built up between Chase and Buehler over the past four months. Something, some force is keeping Katelyn from bashing Taylor upside her skull. Tay further tests Buehler’s will power when Chase grins and actually baits Katelyn to swing.
Taylor: You want to hit me? Huh? You want to swing that cane and prove me right? Go ahead, show the world what you really are.
Buehler tries so hard to resist.
Taylor: You’re a lying whore, Kate. No one forces you to do anything. You slept with Silas because you’re a slut, and you hit me with that KTFO all those months ago because you’re jealous of my talents. Now go ahead and prove me right, swing your cane and hit me. But you had better swing pretty damn hard because you’re not gonna want me to get back up….Now SWING.
Katelyn is still fighting every compulsion in her body to deliver the caning that Tay is legitimately begging for.
Taylor: I don’t deserve it for taking on a charity case such as yourself, Katelyn, for being the only person who would befriend you….so yeah, I don’t deserve it, but I’ll take it. Go ahead, swing the cane…Here, let me help motivate you by giving YOU what you deserve.
A huge glob of spit flies right out of Taylor’s mouth and strikes Katelyn directly in the face. As saliva drips down her cheek Katelyn just stands there, expression as frozen as a doll. The saturation of her face prompts Buehler to begin pulling the cane back, right on the cusp of swinging. Before Taylor’s beautiful mug can be destroyed Silas World intervenes. Kelcey Wallace…or Kari Mysac….as she’s come to be known in recent weeks, slides into the ring and leaps in front of Taylor.
Kelcey: Don’t do this, Kate.
Wallace’s pleas inspire Buehler to lower the staff.
Taylor: Let her do it Kels…let her do it….Let the bitch show the world what she really is.
Kelcey wraps her arms around Taylor and forces her towards the ropes, refusing to see her best friend take the caning. Although Chase is struggling to free herself from Wallace’s clutches there is nothing Taylor can do to prevent being pulled through the ropes and then up the ramp. Taylor is still fighting for freedom, itching to get back into the ring and receive the caning from Katelyn that would confirm all of Chase’s suspicions. Kelcey’s grip is too strong though, she compels Chase up the ramp and through the curtains. Once both ladies have vacated the ringside area Katelyn snaps her fingers and insists that she be handed another item. While the cane fills one palm, the other now finds itself occupied by a microphone.
Katelyn: Everyone wants to think I’m some kind of monster? FINE…Keep thinking that. But there are two people in this world who know the truth, one of them is standing in this ring holding a cane, and the other is standing right there in the rafters watching me.
Cameras briefly segue to Serenity still watching from her vantage point in the rafters.
Katelyn: Abi…I betrayed you..I-I-I HURT YOU! But I had no choice. Silas forced me to sleep with him, otherwise he never would have helped me get my kids back. You know I would never in a million years betray you, Abi, you know I’m not a monster, you know that I love you and only you. Otherwise, I never would have given you this.
The wedding ring that Serenity gave back to Katelyn at the pay-per-view is fished from Buehler’s waistband and raised above her head.
Katelyn: I love you, and only you, Abi. If I could take back everything I’ve done over the past few months I….I….would, with ONE exception, proposing to you. I got what I deserved at the pay-per-view, when Tay smashed me in the face with the TKO, and here tonight when Tay spit in my face….
Buehler points to the goop dripping from her cheek.
Katelyn: And what the Sinistry has done to Hurse, I deserved that too. But what I don’t deserve is your forgiveness. I’ll ask for it anyway though, PLEASE forgive me, I-I-I can’t live without you.
Security is now coming down the ramp, along with a few road agents, who are insisting that Katelyn leave the ring so that the show may proceed.
Katelyn: I’m not going anywhere!
Buehler screeches at the group of guards and agents amassed at ringside.
Katelyn: I’m not through talking to Serenity.
But Serenity is apparently through listening. She has slowly drifted into the shadows in the rafters, vanishing from the light.
Katelyn: No Abi….PLEASE.
Agent: Save this soap opera bullshit and get out of the ring.
The Agent, who was as bold in tongue as he is bold in action, slides into the ring and gets a swift caning as a result. The staff all but cracks the portly figures’ head wide open, knocking him to the canvas. Just then, those two security guards who were beaten repeatedly at the pay-per-view, enter the ring and try to subdue Buehler.
Katelyn: Leave me alone!
Katelyn delivers a caning across one of the guard’s shoulders, then swings into a shot at the other guard’s shin. Her victims either stagger or roll out of harm’s way as Buehler flails the cane around widely.
Katelyn: I’m not leaving this ring…
Kloe: That’s enough Katelyn…
With Zak Norton, Alex Clayton and Nate Barlow following behind her, Kloe Masters, Majority Owner, makes her way to the stage. Buehler stops swinging the cane and now glares at Masters being flanked by the Cartel.
Kloe: You need to stop this.
Katelyn: I won’t stop…I won’t stop, you hear me. I’m not leaving this ring until Abi hears me out and until I get revenge on the Sinistry for what they did to Steven…
Kloe: You WILL leave that ring, Katelyn. I’m through asking you nicely.
Katelyn: No! I’m NOT LEAVING!
Kloe: Katelyn, don’t make me do this.
Katelyn: Do what? WHAT!?! What can you do to me that hasn’t already been done?
Kloe: I’m sorry to have to do this, but you’ve given me no other option. Katelyn, I am hereby suspending you until further.
The crowd may not like it, but they realize this is not a choice that Kloe made spur of the moment. They can see the despair in Masters’ eyes, which is mirrored in the gaze of Katelyn.
Greyson: Talk about the worse night imaginable.
Sparkles: Kloe is suspending Mayo? Hasn’t she suffered enough already?
Kloe’s decree so profoundly resonates within Buehler, who lowers her head, lowers the mic, lowers the cane and sheds a tear. How could things have gone so horribly wrong? In the span of two weeks she’s lost her mentor, her fiancée, and now her career. She’s gone completely numb and no longer resists as security enters the ring and guides her out of it.
BACKSTAGE
Silas: See now, that’s how ya get things done in this business.
Silas Mason provides more coaching to Lenore Price-Mason, who stands back in awe of her agent and all he accomplishes at the spur of the moment. She stares across the dressing room at the relaxed Mason, who so casually regales her with stories regarding his set up of Scott Cannon earlier in the evening.
Silas: Ya’ never come at yer enemies head on…naaaah..too risky….So what ya do, is ya pit yer enemies against one another, have ‘em take each other. Nine times outta ten, it works….
Lenore: So Scott was the one you were eluding to earlier? The one who humiliated you at the pay-per-view?
Silas: Silas ain’t no fool. I knew from the moment that Flyboy manipulated the stipulations for his match against Blayze, that the writin’ was on the wall. Flyboy has to wake up pretty damned early in the mornin’ to get one over on Silas.
Lenore: Don’t you fear that there’ll be some kind of reprisal?
Silas: Flyboy is a cool customer, I’m sure I can….
Scott: SILAS!
The door to the dressing room bursts open and Scott Cannon comes tearing through it, making his way towards Silas. Wisely Mason has put Lenore between he and Cannon, turning Price into a human shield.
Silas: Careful there Flyboy.
Although Cannon is aching from head to toe from the blows he received from the steel chair at the hands of Blayze, he still has enough fight left in him to cripple Silas, his own agent.
Scott: What were you thinking, Silas?
Silas; I was thinkin’ ya got what ya had comin’ to ya.
Scott: WHAT!?!
Silas: You played me like a fiddle at the pay-per-view, Flyboy, ya set me up for a beatin at the hands of Blayze, so it was eye for an eye….tooth for a tooth, flesh for flesh. Do unto others as they do unto you.
Scott has a lot he WANTS to say, but he fights to keep his jaded words behind his mashing teeth.
Silas: But don’t take what I did to ya earlier tonight as a sign that I’m angry with ya….far be it. I actually kinda respect what ya did at Uppin’ the Ante. It showed me what a beautiful, conniving mind ya possess in that big ole’ head of yers.
Scott: Did it now?
Silas: Ya reminded me that yer a genius, Flyboy, a very dangerous genius. And if there’s one thing Silas appreciates, it’s genius.
Scott: So you appreciate me so much you set me to get beat down by Blayze?
Silas: I’ve dun far more than that tonight.
Scott: Do I even want to hazard to guess what you mean by that?
Silas: Way I see it, the two of us owe a receipt for the ass whoopins that Blayze gave to us in recent weeks….
Scott: True.
Silas: So I dun went to McBride and seems she’s got ‘erself some unrest with the officiating staff tonight, she needed ‘erself a referee for the number one contenders match for the Queen of the Ring Title.
Scott: Uh-huh.
Silas: And ya can just guess who I suggested as referee.
Scott: Well, I do have certain expertise when it comes to officiating.
Silas: So very true.
Scott: But that still doesn’t make up for what you did to me earlier….
Silas: Funny, you were jus’ bout to take the words right outta my mouth. I was jus’ gonna say, seein’ ya get yer ass kicked hasn’t made up for what ya did to me at the pay-per-view, but I’m willing to let bygones be bygones, cause the two of us, we need to get ourselves back on the same page. Ya love Baby Doll, right?
Scott bites his tongue.
Silas: Ya care deeply about ‘er, right?
Scott: More than you can possibly comprehend, Silas
Silas: Good…reeeeeal good. Cause that right there, that’s a weakness, a weakness I can exploit.
Scott’s face twists into a look that would have the glass in a mirror shattering.
Silas: Need I remind ya that I hold Tay’s destiny in my hands? That I control her career? If I up and decide she ain’t getting’ erself a World Title shot at the End of the Year Special….
Silas snaps his fingers.
Silas: POOF…it’s gone. So if ya want to keep Baby Doll happy, you’ll keep yerself in check.
Scott: Alright, Silas
Silas: And if ya want Baby Doll on ‘er knees or tween the sheets….you’ll do exactly as I advise.
Scott: Fine, Silas.
Silas: So it’s up to you, Flyboy. Ya either do as yer told and help Tay become World Champion at the End of the Year Special, ensurin’ she hops in the sack with ya for some celebratory grab-assin, or ya continue to go into business for yerself and I take ‘er title shot and make sure yer to blame for it. What’s it gonna be?
Scott: I’ll do anything to make Tay happy.
Silas: Naaaah, you’ll do anything to get yerself a piece of that ass. And if ya trust me, I’ll make sure it happens.
Scott: Whatever, Silas.
Silas: Righ now though, you just concentrate on yer officiating duties.
COMMERCIAL
VIDEO
MOMENTS AGO
All the prerequisite twists and turns that come with an unscheduled IWC match are recounted. We get glimpses of Brittany Lohan and Taylor Chase battling the Sinistry but faltering when overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of a 3 on 2 encounter. At last the odds are evened, sort of, when Katelyn Buehler, partner and ENEMY to Chase and Lohan, rushes to the ring, procures a Singapore Cane and begins to waylay the Sinistry, resulting in the six person tag being thrown out. Commentators Greyson Lovejoy and Sparkles offer their slant on these events, voices overhead in the background.
Greyson: Good lord did you ever pick up the remote and choose a bad time to start tuning in.
Sparkles: You’ve missed a shit-storm of happenings.
Greyson: For once Sparkles is not talking out of the ass I currently have plugged with my hand, because before the break we saw Brittany Lohan, Taylor Chase and Katelyn Buehler scheduled to compete in a six person tag with explosive results.
Sparkles: Lohan and Taylor have such hate for Katelyn, hence why Mayo showed up so late to the dance party, bur when she did, good golly did she ever step on some toes.
Greyson: Very true, Sparkles, very true. Katelyn went to town on the Sinistry with a Singapore Cane, getting revenge for what they did to Buehler’s mentor earlier tonight.
Sparkles: But she didn’t stop there.
Greyson: No she didn’t.
After Katelyn takes out the Sinistry, she shifts focus directly to Taylor Chase, raising the weapon on the cusp of swinging it into the Scarlet Socialite’s brow. Instead of shying away from this blow, Taylor actually begs for it. Though Chase does everything in her power to get Katelyn to swing the cane upside her skull, Buehler resists, even after getting a wad of spit right in the eye. Eventually Tay is taken to the back by Kelcey, leaving Katelyn to give an impassioned speech to Serenity in the rafters before ultimately directing her wrath at the security guards and agents who try their best to subdue her.
Greyson: Security tried to reason with Buehler, but that wasn’t happening, and in the end, Kloe Masters was left with only one option. Our Majority Owner was forced to do this.
Kloe is shown stepping to the stage with the Cartel following behind before officially announcing that Buehler has been indefinitely suspended for her actions.
BACKSTAGE
The gravity of Kloe Masters’ decision weighs upon the owner’s mind as she traverses the gorilla position followed by the trio known as the Cartel.
Alex: Hey Boss, you know when I told you about Katelyn, I…I didn’t mean for all of this to happen.
Kloe: Unfortunately it’s what needed to happen.
Masters stands by her decision even when it faces such scrutiny, and not just from the Cartel.
Karen McBride: Hey Kloe….
Kloe and the Cartel come to a pause as Principle Owner, Karen McBride, and Pure Champion William Mason, along with his bodyguard JaMarcus Avery, come waltzing down the very same corridor headed in the opposite direction. Karen is already dressed to compete, with an added flourish to her wrestling gear, the bundle of bandages wrapped around her torso. Obviously McBride is still wounded after her Hardcore match at Upping the Ante and the attack by Veronica Rodriquez that proceeded it.
Karen: I know you’re busy, but can we….can we talk?
Kloe: Honestly? I’m not in a very talkative mood at the moment.
Karen: I understand that, but your decision to suspend Katelyn…..
Kloe: Yes?
Karen: Was it really….necessary?
Kloe: Did you not see her put her hands on members of the IWC staff?
Karen: Yeah, I saw it. But didn’t Amanda Blayze do the exact same thing just a few weeks ago, to the exact same agent? And you didn’t suspend HER.
Kloe: Listen, my decisions aren’t subject to second guessing nor do I need to explain myself….
Karen: But Katelyn has played such a crucial role in the war against the Sinistry. She’s been a strong asset.
Kloe: Do you think I liked suspending her? It’s never fun making decisions that hurt someone’s career, but it comes with the territory, it’s all part of the job regrettably. Katelyn needs some time away from the IWC to get her head on straight.
Karen: Fair enough…
Kloe: While we’re questioning one another’s decisions, tell me it’s just a rumor that you allowed a member of Silas World to officiate the Queen of the Ring Number One Contenders match tonight.
Suddenly Karen becomes a little squirrely, nervously pawing the back of her skull and veering her eyes away from Kloe’s face.
Kloe: Ugh….Karen, didn’t we discuss this?
Karen: I know-I know, you told me to stop pulling strings for my friends.
Kloe: Especially when that friend happens to be Silas Mason.
Karen: Why-why is everyone so against Silas? The guy helped me out so much, no strings attached.
Kloe: There are always strings attached when it comes to Silas. Listen, I used to be like you, I had blinders on when it came to Silas. I was buying into his lies and deception, and it resulted in Silas and Scott setting me up for a spear. I learned the hard way that Silas can’t be trusted…I just want to save you a lot of pain and humiliation.
Karen: I appreciate that Kloe, but Silas has been a straight shooter with me from the very beginning. Though if you want to reverse my decision on inserting a special referee into the Blayze versus Lasiewicz match, I understand….
Kloe: That’s exactly what I should do, but you’re not the Principle Owner that needs to be set straight. I trust you caught wind of all of Desmond Drake’s harebrained booking decisions?
Karen: Of course.
Kloe: I’ll deal with him first, THEN the two of us will talk.
Karen: Okay, I got some business to deal with myself at the moment. I think you’ll truly be proud of me when I go to that ring and secure the safe return of Cassidy Cage.
Kloe: How do you intend on doing that?
Karen: Well, first I’ll ask Veronica Rodriquez nicely to tell me where she and Ambrosia took Cassidy. And if that doesn’t work, I’ll use the GITMO tactic and beat Cassidy’s location out of Veronica.
Kloe: Be careful, Karen, I’m sure the entire End Effect will be there to have Veronica’s back. So maybe you should take the Cartel with you for protection.
William: Ahem…
Mason coughs loudly to get attention on himself and his Pure Title.
William: Karen HAS protection….The very best money can hire.
Mason slaps his hand on the broad shoulder of JaMarcus.
Kloe: Fine-fine….just be cautious, Karen.
Karen: Kind of hard to be cautious in a hardcore match, but yeah, I’ll have eyes in the back of my head.
Kloe: Don’t want to see you thrown in the back of a van like Cassidy.
William: Don’t worry, don’t worry, Avery and I are going to make sure nothing happens to my business partner.
A warm and tender head rub is given to Karen, William treating her almost like a house cat.
Kloe: Well good luck dealing with the End Effect.
Karen: And good luck dealing with the Sinistry.
VERONICA RODRIQUEZ VS. KAREN MCBRIDE
HARDCORE RULES
We cut from one tense face-off to another as ‘Fury’ Veronica Rodriquez prepares to lock up with the Principle Owner, Karen McBride under Hardcore rules. The intro to “Stone” hits as the fans stand in anticipation. A pyro shoots up from the entrance ramp as Vero walks out to the ramp with a scowl on her face. She begins her slow descent down the ramp without acknowledging the crowd nor making any eye contact. Once she reaches the end of the entrance ramp, she looks at the crowd around her, surveying her surroundings before running towards the ring and sliding under the ropes. She heads straight for the upper left turnbuckle and climbs it surveying the crowd without any taunt, like an animal stalking their prey. She then heads towards the opposite turnbuckle and does the same. She descends the top right turnbuckle and stretches using the ropes as she waits for the bell to ring or for her opponent to arrive.
Sparkles: Ooooooh yeeeeaaah..some hot latino…
Greyson: Calm yourself, Sparkles, you’re going to need to reserve your energy, because what we’re in store for right now, is going to be nothing shy of sheer insanity.
Sparkles: I’m always calm, unless Veronica stoops over to pick up a pencil.
Greyson: She’ll do something far more strenuous than that. She’s about to be held accountable for her actions at Upping the Ante when she assaulted Karen McBride after the Principle Owner’s Hardcore Match against Ambrosia. Apparently Ambrosia is in league with not only Veronica but that woman standing in the rafters right now.
Focus shifts rather briefly to Serenity still high above the squared circle, lurking in the rafters and looking over the railing towards Veronica. A smile forms on Rodriquez’s face as she glares right back at Serenity. That smile isn’t even removed by the threats of physical violence…in fact, the threat of physical violence only increases Veronica’s smile. ‘American Dreamgirl’ is blaring through the speakers and leads to the entrance of Karen McBride. She angrily steps through the curtains, one fist clinched, the other raised to her bandaged mid-section. She proceeds down the ramp with the Pure Title toting William Mason, and JaMarcus Avery right behind her. A look of such passion and intensity is reflected in McBride’s eyes, eyes locked upon Veronica’s grin.
Greyson: If we can assume anything judging by McBride’s match against Ambrosia at the pay-per-view, it’s that this Hardcore match is going to be nuttier than the planter’s peanut.
Sparkles: Let’s just hope they don’t do irreparable damage to the interior of a casino this time.
Greyson: No, I think these two are going to do irreparable damage to one another. Veronica bludgeoned McBride’s ribs with a steel bar after Karen’s match against Ambrosia, our Principle Owner wearing the wounds of that attack and determined to avenge it.
Sparkles: And…OMG…awesome…my bro-man is coming in our direction, he might be joining us at the commentator’s table. Here, throw some disinfectant on your skin.
Greyson: Why are you spraying me with Listerine?
William Mason and JaMarcus Avery are indeed slipping around the announce table but the Pure Champion is the only one who takes a seat beside the commentators. Avery towers behind William’s back, who puts his Pure Title on the surface of the table, with the gold plate facing the camera.
William: Evening gents.
Sparkles: YOU….ARE…..GOD!
Greyson: Welcome to the announce table. William.
William: Thank you for your warm reception.
Sparkles: YOU….ARE…..GOD!
Greyson: To what do we owe this honor?
William: I thought my presence and star power would be wasted if I just stood at ringside and watched my business associate, McBride, wrestle. So I figured why not give the fans what they really want, the sound of my harmonic tones breathing new life into the show’s commentary?
Greyson: Well, thanks for that I guess.
Sparkles: You……ARE…..GOD!
Referee Ingelson has gotten over the jitters of his encounter with Jessica Lasiewicz to now be on hand to officiate this contest. He calls for the bell the moment that Karen gets to the apron, and for good reason. Veronica comes rushing in with a double axehandle aimed at McBride’s head only to have Karen drop to her seat and slide under the ropes and through Fury’s legs. McBride stands up behind Veronica, grabs her around the waist and drops back into a roll up. Fury ends up stacked on the back of her shoulders with McBride seated across the back of Veronica’s thighs.
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Veronica won’t be undone that quickly, kicking out and launching Karen forward into the ropes. She ricochets off and comes right back at the rising Fury, attempting to deliver the bicycle kick on Veronica’s face. However, Fury ducks and the boot misses its target, Karen’s back ending up to Veronica’s.
Rodriquez capitalizes on their positioning, hooking Karen’s arms and dragging her down into the backslide.
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That’s not going to be enough to finish off McBride, refusing to be bested by a simple backslide. Karen rolls over backwards, lands on her feet, facing towards Veronica and using their position to take Fury’s wrist and drag her forward into a fireman’s carry. The crowd pops in recognition of the pending McBride’s Ride. However, Veronica swings an elbow into Karen’s temple and avoids taking the TKO into the Rock Bottom. She then slides off of McBride’s shoulder and out of harm’s way, putting her hands to Karen’s spine and shoving her forward into the ropes. Karen ricochets from the cables and then leaps into the air, delivering the bicycle kick that nails Veronica right across the chin.
Greyson: Nice timing by McBride.
William: So true, McBride’s just as talented as she is enchanting.
Greyson: Funny to hear you say that, William, as rumor has it, there’s been a little tension between yourself and McBride.
Sparkles: If there’s tension, I’m a hell of a masseuse, I’ll rub that stress right outta your shoulders, Willie.
William: Um….no thanks, and getting back to your wild accusations, Greyson, there is absolutely no legitimacy whatsoever to these claims of ‘tension’ between McBride and I. Our alliance is stronger than it’s ever been, that’s as sure as the air I breathe.
Greyson: So you don’t take offence to the fact that McBride has been associating with Silas Mason, a man who you CLEARLY have no respect for.
William: I won’t lie…in fact, as a paragon of pure, I’m incapable of lying. I don’t like Silas Mason and I never will, the man is like the bastard love child of Hannibal Lecter and Charles Manson. But my dislike for Silas isn’t going to keep me from continuing to be a good friend and business partner for McBride.
Sparkles: You’re awesome.
William: A point we can agree on.
Serenity continues to watch the action from the rafters as McBride crawls into the cover in the ring.
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Veronica manages to shrug off the bicycle kick, getting her shoulder into the air. She turns away from McBride while rolling into the ropes and using them to sit herself up. Fury leans back first against the bottom and middle rope while Karen steps to the center of the ring in order to build some momentum.
Karen: What did you do to Cassidy, huh? HUH!?!
McBride dashes in and goes for a knee strike on Fury’s face only to have Veronica flip back and through the ropes, landing feet first on the apron. She then launches her shoulder through the very ropes she just slipped between and drives that shoulder into McBride’s ribs…her previously injured ribs. Karen doubles over, grabbing at her mid-section and screaming in pain. Veronica then reaches over the ropes, taking full advantage of her opponent’s stooped posture and placing her in a front chancery.
Fury heaves McBride into an attempt at the vertical suplex over the ropes and send her damaged ribs crashing into the outside mats. However. Karen shifts her weight at the last second and lands on the apron instead of on the mats. She comes down right beside Fury and then delivers a forearm to Fury’s cheek, knocking her back. Veronica tries to remain upright, hooking the crease of her elbow around the top rope and preventing going down. Karen then cuts the distance between them, charging at Veronica, who suddenly side steps her opponent and heaves her up into a side slam right across the apron.
The previously damaged ribs come back to haunt McBride upon taking this nasty bump on the apron followed by an even nastier bump across the mats. Veronica drags Karen off of the apron and stretches her across Rodriquez’s chest before being thrown back into a fallaway slam. A stunned Karen twists through the air and crashes into the mats across her banged up mid-section.
Greyson: What the hell was that? A fallaway slam on the mats?
Sparkles: Are you gonna hop in there and save her now?
William: No need. Karen can bounce back from this.
Sparkles: Good, gives me an opportunity to discuss a few business ventures I had in mind that you might want to fund.
William: I doubt it.
After taking such a nasty collision with the mats, McBride is having a very difficult time fighting her way back to her feet, and that’s exactly what she’s doing, fighting. Veronica has closed in upon her and McBride throws fists at her ribs. Though McBride is on her knees, she’s still fending off the advances of Fury. Finally Vero puts an end to this uprising, nailing a knee to McBride’s chin, then leading her up to her feet by her bangs. Vero then whips Karen into the apron, her spine taking the brunt of the impact. She bounces off of the apron then stumbles into her opponent’s waiting arms. Fury heaves McBride into the air then delivers a scoop slam across the mats that inflicts significant strain on Karen’s already busted ribs.
McBride bites her lower lip due to the trauma flowing through her body, a body being dragged back into the ring. Before Fury slides in after her, Vero reaches beneath the ring and grabs a trash can. The steel is placed on the apron and now Fury is reaching under the ring once again, fetching some more weapons. A steel chair finds its way into Veronica’s hands as she stands up and prepares to put it to some truly destructive purposes. She turns towards the ring and suddenly finds the trash can she placed on the apron being dropkicked right into her face. The trashcan bounces off of Veronica’s head and knocks her flat on her back across the mats. Karen, who just hit the baseball slide dropkick to the steel that crushed Vero’s face, is slowly crawling to the center of the ring where McBride’s ribs continue to be cradled.
William: Do you see now what drew me to Karen? She’s just like me. She’s a fighter…she’s got spunk and spirit, and she never shies away from a challenge.
Greyson: Didn’t you for weeks refuse to face Danny Darko at Upping the Ante?
Sparkles: Shut up Lovejoy…SHUT UP! Never question William Mason, NEVER!
William: What your puppet said? Wow…I’m agreeing with a puppet. I suddenly feel like a guest star on Sesame Street.
The trashcan has left an impression on Veronica, a bad impression that has her reeling at ringside. She palms her forehead and starts to stand up while her opponent is struggling to her feet in the ring. Karen has JUST stood before being toppled when the trashcan that Vero was going to employ is swung into her upper back. ‘Rain’ Eric Herrera, Fury’s husband, bashes Karen right in the back of the head with the trashcan, knocking her flat to the canvas. Now Rich Anderson and Brandy Danielle are slipping into the ring as well, joining Eric in his assault on McBride.
Greyson: And here comes the End Effect…like we didn’t anticipate this happening.
Sparkles: Are you going to jump in your Superman pjs and help her now, Willie?
William: I’m-I’m-I’m sure Karen has this taken care of.
Greyson: She’s being jumped by three people in the ring William.
Sparkles: Don’t you listen Lovejoy!?! Willie said that Karen has got this.
Mason may be content with sitting at ringside, but JaMarcus isn’t. His bodyguard, acting on his gut instincts, goes racing towards the ring to lend aid.
William: Avery? What are you doing? Oh lord….Excuse me.
Sparkles: Where are you going, Willie? I haven’t even had the chance to discuss my idea for an all you can eat Asian buffet. And FYI, all the Asians involved would have to be under 21.
No sales pitch will be heard, Mason’s intention is the ring and what’s going on inside of it. He and Avery are sliding under the ropes and coming to McBride’s aid. Rain goes after Mason, the two coming to blows with one another while Avery is trying to fend off both Anderson and Danielle. The trio find themselves brawling into a corner where JaMarcus is trying to overpower two very dangerous and versatile athletes. At the same time Mason has his hands full with Rain, who suddenly drops to his knees and delivers a low blow directly to William’s crotch. Mason cries out in pain and falls to his side, leaning against the cables for support while Rain delivers stomp after stomp across the back of his head.
Although her Prestige associates are suffering inside of the ring, Karen is consumed with one task, not helping Mason and Avery, but going after Fury at ringside. Karen rolls under the ropes, charges at the rising Fury and the two find themselves exchanging rights and lefts as they brawl up the ramp. Referee Ingelson is right there behind them, following the pair through the curtains. Obviously McBride has no idea the fate that has befallen her Prestige teammates, who continue to be assaulted by the End effect.
Sparkles: Karen, get back out here and save Willie!
Greyson: I think she’s a little preoccupied with Fury.
Sparkles: BULLSHIT! You don’t leave Willie dangling.
Greyson: You might want to work on the way you just phrased that.
Sparkles: I’m well aware of how that sounded and I’m too angry to chuckle about it.
Mason tries to get up even as Rain nails punch after punch across the back of his skull. Although Avery is swatting at both Anderson and Danielle, he’s incapable of fighting out of the corner.
William: KAREN! KARRRRRREEEN!
All of Mason’s cries for McBride go unanswered, she is totally immersed in her brawl with Fury and has vanished entirely to the backstage area. Therefore William goes on receiving an assault by the End Effect, one that only comes to an end when Vanilla Skyy comes dashing down the ramp.
Greyson: Okay…WHY!?!
Vanilla, the very woman who forced her husband to return the Pure Title to Mason at the pay-per-view, comes sliding into the ring and ducks under an attempted lariat by Rain. He then spins around and finds Skyy going for the White Out. She is just about to deliver the bicycle kick only to have Rain drop down and out of the way. Eric rolls under the ropes and shouts for Rich and Brandy do the same. The pair detaches from Avery and joins Rain at ringside.
Sparkles: Did Vanilla ‘Hotty McHottiness’ Skyy just save Willie?
Greyson: I think so.
Sparkles: Good, cause the End Effect were really putting the squeeze on Willie.
Greyson: Again, work on your wording.
The vast majority of the fans find themselves mirroring Mason’s reaction as he stares up and into the face of Skyy. She glares down at the man she just saved and winks.
BACKSTAGE
McBride finds herself elevated over a table backstage before being driven into it via the scoop slam. Veronica throws Karen down onto the table with such force, but it still doesn’t break. Instead Karen remains stretched across its uncompromised surface and reels from the pain traveling down her spine. Veronica then steps around Karen and approaches a nearby stack of crates, stepping up onto them. Referee Ingelson implores her to stop, begging Vero not to do it, but Fury leaps off the crate and drops an elbow across Karen’s chest, causing the table to shatter for both of their bodies to hit the floor. Somehow Vero has the presence of mind to extend her arm across Karen’s chest, prompting Ingelson to slap the concrete for a three count.
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In spite of being put through the table McBride manages to get her shoulder up.
Greyson: It looks like this Hardcore Match is continuing into the backstage area.
Sparkles: Go ahead with the exposition.
Greyson: Fine…falls count anywhere in this match type.
Sparkles: Feel better?
Greyson: Kinda.
Splinters will probably have to be plucked out of Karen’s back, which is badly damaged. She is eventually dragged to her feet, grabbed by the wrist and launched into the wall. McBride turns and bounces off the concrete, twisting to the floor at Veronica’s feet. Fury drags Karen’s body up and stretches it across her chest before rushing towards the wall. McBride’s taped ribs and spine are slammed into the wall and then her body is just tossed at the floor. Although so much internal injuries have been inflicted, Karen pushes through the trauma. She crawls away from Vero, but doesn’t get very far. Fury grabs the Principle Owner by the hair, pulls her up to her feet and now drags her along towards a set of double doors. Karen is whipped towards them only to have McBride counter, instead sending Vero towards the double doors.
Vero not only crashes into them, but crashes right through them. The doors swing shut behind her traumatized body, and now McBride is about to push them right back open as she looks to continue punishing Rodriquez. She and Ingelson step through the doors and find themselves making their way into the loading bay area where a few semi-trucks are parked. Karen takes a second to hold her ribs before going after her adversary, who has vanished into thin air.
Karen: Where are you, Fury? Not a good idea to run from me.
Vero wasn’t running, she was waiting. The moment Karen steps past a huge stack of recently unloaded crates, Vero comes rushing out from behind them pushing a flatbed on rollers right into Karen’s ankles. She collapses onto the flatbed which is pushed along under her body and towards one of the semi-trucks. Vero gives it a forceful enough shove to have the edge slam into the tires of the truck which causes Karen’s body to be thrown into the air and into the side of the semi. She bounces off the steel and then collapses to the concrete, reaching for her badly traumatized mid-section.
Veronica steps in and drops down, splaying herself across Karen’s chest. Ingelson once again makes the three count.
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McBride remains as defiant as she is passionate, managing to get her arm off the concrete.
Greyson: What an amazing feat by Karen McBride.
Sparkles: Yeah, her feet are amazing, they’d be perfect for fetish films.
Greyson: That’s not what I sa….to hell with it.
A handful of McBride’s hair is employed to drag her up to her feet and then into a front chancery. Veronica lifts Karen into the air with the intention of suplexing her onto the rolling flatbed, but McBride manages to float over. Vero then turns around and finds a boot connecting to her ribs and her head connecting with the wooden beams of the flatbed. Karen drops her into a DDT, an impact so vicious that it has left Vero completely disorientated yet somehow remaining on her feet.
Vero’s unstable yet upright posture proves advantageous to McBride, who takes the back of Fury’s head and charges her face first into the door of the semi-truck. Vero’s face bounces off the steel and her body goes twisting into the flatbed, landing across it. Karen stumbles in and delivers forearm after forearm across Vero’s back.
Karen: What did you do with Cassidy, huh? Where did you take her!?!
McBride’s question goes unanswered by Vero, who lays across the flatbed taking forearm after forearm over the spine.
Fury: Hahahahaha….
Finally Karen gets something out of Veronica, but it’s not what she wanted to hear.
Fury: You looking for Cassidy? Look no further.
McBride follows the path of Fury’s pointed finger, turning to gaze at Ambrosia’s garish van parked some distance away. The van, featuring an unorthodox paint scheme, has McBride mesmerized. She turns from Veronica and begins to approach the very van that Cassidy Cage stepped inside of at the pay-per-view, all at the behest of Fury and Ambrosia, before vanishing.
Karen: Cassidy? Are you in there!?!
Karen only takes a few steps towards the van before finding her back demolished by a hard plastic crate. Vero throws it with all of her strength straight into McBride’s spine, knocking her to the ground. Karen reaches for her kidneys and winces in pain, rolling to her back and staring up into the smirk on Vero’s face.
Fury: Cassidy’s getting the help she needs, Karen. The help only Ambrosia and I can give her. We’ll make her strong, we’ll make her a champion.
The crate once again finds its way into Vero’s hands and raised above Karen’s head.
Fury: We’ll help her embrace her darkness.
Fury swings the crate down and into the concrete, Karen rolling out of the way in the nick of time. A smirking Vero rushes towards the crawling McBride who suddenly catches Vero coming in with a drop toe hold that sends Fury plummeting face first into the back bumper of Ambrosia’s van.
Vero ricochets from the steel back to her feet then turns right into the waiting shoulders of McBride. It takes all of Karen’s strength to heave Vero into the air then twist her around into the devastating McBride’s Ride right onto the heavy crate Fury tried to use earlier. Vero’s body is slammed into the crate and McBride is now falling over her sternum, hooking the legs for the three count.
Ingelson falls to the concrete across his knees and slaps it with his palm.
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The cheers of the crowd echo even into the loading bay area as McBride manages to defy all expectations and pin Veronica in this very hard fought encounter.
Greyson: It took everything McBride had and then some, but she manages to survive yet another Hardcore Match and defeat Fury.
Sparkles: That hot latino chick brought it all but Karen prevails. Now get her impressive feet back in the ring to apologize for abandoning Mason.
Greyson: She didn’t abandon William, she had her hands full with Veronica, she can’t be in two places at one time.
Sparkles: Then she’s not trying hard enough. I demand better.
Speaking of demands, Ambrosia’s van suddenly demands Karen’s attention. She strains to stand and strains even worse to listen when a voice cries out from the van.
Cassidy: Help! HELP!
Karen narrows her eyes on the vague image of Cage’s face peering out from behind the tinted back windows of the van. Although McBride can barely stand, she staggers along towards the van, reaches out and grabs the back doors, fighting to get them open. Karen almost has the doors unlocked and is just about to free Cage from the van before a steel pipe slams right over her upper back.
The blow sends McBride twisting to the ground. She falls across her seat and looks up, looks up into the steel bar stretched between the hands of Ambrosia.
Ambrosia: No one touches my toys.
With steel pipe in hand Ambrosia approaches the driver’s side door of the van, popping it open and then turning towards the struggling Veronica.
Ambrosia: We’ve got work to do.
Vero steps around Karen’s mangled and hurting body, before pausing only briefly to blow a wad of snot right down onto McBride’s chest. This disrespectful act is proceeded by an even more disrespectful display as Fury swipes her feet across the pavement beside Karen’s head, kicking dust up into McBride’s face. Vero then steps towards the passenger side of the van as she and Ambrosia hop in, start up the vehicle and it goes speeding out of the loading bay area. A blast of exhaust hits Karen, who looks less and less like the victor of her Hardcore Match with every passing second. McBride grips at her ribs and turns to her side, longingly glaring at the van that speeds away.
IN RING
One member of Prestige suffers backstage and another was just spared a similar fate inside of the ring. William Mason is still kneeling on the canvas and aching from the multiple blows he received at the hands of Rain. All the while his eyes are directed at Vanilla Skyy, who paces in front of the Pure Champion, and grips a microphone in her hand. JaMarcus Avery is also watching Vanilla, warily, prepared for anything that Skyy might do. The massive Avery steps in behind Mason, getting close enough to dive in the way of any blows Skyy might deliver.
Skyy: William, it’s time…
William: What?
Skyy: Time to publically out to rest all the stupidity.
William: Okay?
Skyy: Get out here Danny.
Suddenly Mason’s eyes widen, looking almost cartoonish, like they are about to burst from their sockets on springs. Greyson and Sparkles sound just as surprised as they speak up from behind the commentator’s table.
Greyson: Danny?
Sparkles: Didn’t he tell the IWC to fuck off at Upping the Ante?
Greyson: Yeah, he announced his retirement at the pay-per-view. So why is his wife calling him out here?
Skyy: Come on Danny.
”Guilty All the Same” is streaming through the speakers, bringing forth Danny Darko. It doesn’t take him very long to respond to the wishes of his wife, stepping through the curtains and lingering on the stage for a moment or two. He soaks in the reception he’s getting from the crowd who are rather surprised to see him front and center given his speech at the pay-per-view.
Greyson: Well he’s here, in spite of the fact that he said he would never…EVER step foot in an IWC ring again.
Sparkles: You don’t tell your wife ‘no,’ EVER.
Greyson: What do you know about keeping a wife happy?
Sparkles: You did mistakenly store that blow up doll in my carrying crate at one time…
Greyson: Oh lord.
Sparkles: Even though she was inanimate, she was still hard to please
Greyson: Let’s discuss that no further and focus on the fact that Darko is stepping back into an IWC ring.
Darko stands in front of Mason, stands in front of his wife, and stands before the eyes of thousands. A microphone is handed to him so he can convey his own shock and surprise.
Darko: Now what?
Skyy crosses her arms and gives Danny the type of glare that could turn his hair white.
Skyy: You know what this is about, Danny.
Darko: No, I don’t.
Skyy: A certain letter you posted on-line?
Darko: Ah…ah yes, I suppose your referencing the letter I sent to the IWC, one retracting my retirement.
Skyy: That would be the one.
Darko: Weeeeelll….
William: Excuse me-excuse me, not to interrupt, but what does any of this have to do with me?
Skyy: The letter Danny sent to the IWC has a ton of impact on you, William. Because it very well could mean he sticks around and the two of you further repair your shattered relationship. Which NEEDS to happen.
A confused Mason glances towards Darko, who shrugs and defers to his wife.
Darko: What she said.
Skyy: I know you two have been talking again, and have somehow even managed to get together without killing each other. Which is shocking seeing as just a few months ago the both of you were throwing one another through tables and beating each other bloody with barbwire. But if you two are TRULY going to repair your relationship, their needs to be more than just a few Twitter exchanges.
William: What did you have in mind?
Skyy: Well my ‘sister’ Violet offered a few ideas….
William: Interesting.
Skyy: And Danny’s on board with one of them….go ahead Danny.
Darko: Jeez you’re pushy.
Skyy: You know you love it.
Darko: Of course, and you’re right, we need this cathartic moment. Which is why I’m doing exactly what I SHOULD have done at the pay-per-view.
The Pure Title in Mason’s hand is once again ripped out of his clutches by Darko, the very man who stole the championship from William multiple times over the past few months. Avery steps forward to take the title back on behalf of his employer only to have William hold his heavy at bay. The two wait with an apprehensive gaze as the Pure Title stretches between the title thief’s hands.
Darko: Let’s set this right.
Danny steps towards Mason, who has his knuckles clinched…JUST in case. Obviously William has just cause to be alarmed by Darko’s presence and the sight of Mason’s Pure title drawing towards the champion’s body. But the gold isn’t swung into William’s frame, it’s wrapped around it. Yes, Darko is actually wrapping the Pure Title around Mason’s waist.
Darko: This is what you deserve, William. Truly, you’ve earned a title around your waist, and I’m disgusted that I kept you from…
Prii Foote: Are we done yet?
Not everyone is on board with Mason’s reconciliation with former long-time friends, Danny Darko and Vanilla Skyy. One person who seems to take offense to this whole scene, primarily the belt being placed around William’s waist, is the intrusive Prii Foote. She steps to the stage with microphone in her palm and a look of annoyance upon her face.
Prii: I’m sorry to interrupt this…this…whatever this is…but I just couldn’t sit in the back and listen to Vanilla Skyy continue to play Dr. Phil, and watch Mason walk around with a title I STILL haven’t had my guaranteed crack at.
Though Darko, Skyy and Mason should be angry over this interruption, they find themselves more confused than anything else. The bewilderment exhibited in their expressions truly irritates Prii, who paces back and forth on the ramp.
Prii: What? You all forgot? You all forgot what was promised to me? I was promised a title shot if I returned Mason’s briefcase to him, and yet here I stand without gold around my waist while that idiot Darko is putting MY belt on Mason’s flabby abs.
William: Hold on-hold on-hold on…
The microphone Darko was holding is FORCED out of his hand.
William:….I did put a bounty on Darko’s head to ensure the safe return of my briefcase, one of many past mistakes, you got that right. But you didn’t return MY briefcase to me.
Prii: Hey bub, you NEVER specified that it had to be YOUR briefcase. Your exact words were, and this is entirely verbatim, ‘return the briefcase to me and you get a title shot…and Prii Foote is by far the best thing to happen to wrestling since the invention of skin tight spandex.’ So even though the briefcase I gave you all those weeks ago wasn’t YOUR briefcase, it doesn’t matter, I still expect you to be a man of your word. Give me my title shot right now.
William: Not going to happen…
Prii: Do you have any idea or appreciation for everything that I went through to get this title match? I was going to try and have Sienna Swann kidnapped a few weeks ago just to use her as a bargaining chip to get my opportunity at the belt. I’ve EARNED this. I’ve EARNED a shot at gold. So butch up, William and do what’s right by me.
William: Listen, you’re NOT getting a title match. Not tonight and not any other day of the week, not after the way you played and manipulated me.
Prii: Is that what you think? Huh? That you can write off Prii Foote? You’ll find it’s not that easy to be rid of me. I’ll get my title shot, and the longer you make me wait for it, the more people you care about are going to be hurt. And if you’re not giving me my Pure Title shot tonight, then I guess I’ll have to find ANOTHER champion to face…maybe a certain Queen of the Ring.
The ominous warning has been made, Prii pleading her case and leaving William with legitimate cause for concern. She disappears and now leaves Mason, Darko, Skyy and Avery to pick up where they left off.
Skyy: Where were we?
Darko: We covered a public reconciliation with Mason and now we’re getting to the letter that I sent to the IWC regarding my retirement status.
Skyy: You have the floor babe.
Danny steps up to the mound and prepares to throw a curve ball at the crowd.
Darko: Okay-okay, I know there’s going to be a lot of confusion regarding statements I made at the last pay-per-view, juxtaposed against the comments I made in the letter I sent to the IWC. A couple weeks ago, I was checked out, I was fully prepared to get off the road, hop into my reclining chair, zone out in front of my television watching some Foo Fighter documentaries on HBO….I was ready to embrace retirement. The medical ‘professionals’ told me my career was over, and that it was time for some much needed R&R, but since when have I ever listened to the opinions of doctors? If I did that, I’d probably be committed in some nut-house right now eating my own boogers. Soooo, I’ve done some thinking, dangerous I know, and with Vanilla’s guidance and support, I’ve begun to realize that maybe walking away from this company isn’t the best option, not when there’s so much left undone. But to be honest, I’m still not wholly committed to returning to the IWC and unfortunately, I’m unable to get medical clearance to step back into the ring in a wrestling capacity. The doctors are just as stubborn as both I and my wife, they will not sign off on my return…PLUS my return is still something I’m iffy about in the first place.
Infinity: Enough…ENOUGH ALREADY!
The shared expression of befuddlement once again consumes the faces of all four individuals in the ring as they find themselves turning towards Flash Silver and his agent Infinity stepping to the stage. Flash overlooks his surroundings with an expression of disdain, as if he just caught wind of a very foul odor. A small spray bottle of disinfectant is removed from his pocket and blasted through the air around his head.
Skyy: What in the fuck is this shit now?
Skyy, Mason and Darko look rather perturbed on top of being rather bewildered.
Infinity: Several weeks ago, my client, wrestling’s salvation and hero for all, screwed the pooch in his debut. He was shafted by the actions of Tina Valentine, Jessica Lasiewicz and Cassidy Cage, they cost him the chance to show the entire world why he is undeniably the greatest acquisition this company has ever made. But now, we come before you people here tonight to fix the injustice committed against my client. Flash Silver is here to save each and every one of you (points out over the crowd) from the mind numbing bore-fest going on in the ring right now. And he’s going to do it by challenging Danny Darko to a one on one match.
Darko does a double take.
Darko: Hold on…Did you two grow up under power lines or something? You don’t understand a single solitary word I just said, do you? I’m not medically cleared to compete….
Infinity: QUIET! I’m speaking on behalf of my client, so you will shut your trap and listen to every word I say. Beside, I’ve followed your Twitter account, Flash and I have seen that you have been eager to return to the ring after witnessing the success of Chris Davids and Mya Denton at the most recent pay-per-view…an event that would have seen enormous buy-rates if Flash were allowed to participate on the card instead of allowing Darko the opportunity to bold face lie to all these fans.
Darko: Lie? Now your calling me a liar?
Infinity: Of course I am, because that’s exactly what you are, a liar! You tell the fans you want to walk away because you know you’ll never advance in this company, but the real reason your running away, is because you know that Flash will devastate you. You see the writing on the wall, the warning that Flash is here and Flash will RULE.
Darko: That is so fucking stupid.
Infinity: It’s the truth and you know it Darko. But no one runs from Flash, he will save this company from the scourge known as Danny Darko, you WILL face him.
Darko: No…I….won’t. Who…who the hell is Flash anyways?
Infinity: The man you will live to regret trivializing. Mark my words.
The curtains part and both Infinity and Flash step through them, Silver making sure not to touch the fabric hanging above their heads. We cut back to Darko who is more puzzled now than ever. After taking a deep breath he turns back to Skyy and Mason.
Darko: Ooookay then, I have absolutely no idea what in the hell that was all about…
William: For once Skyy, Danny and I are in agreement on something.
Skyy: Well, that’s a first, and it won’t be a last. Now that the three of us are back to seeing eye to eye, something I never thought would be possible….
William: Sure you can think your sister, Violet, for that.
Skyy: To a degree. But like I was saying, it makes me, God I can’t believe I’m about to say this, it makes me HAPPY that we can look past everything that’s happened between the three of us in the past and find the STRENGTH to mend all the old wounds….
Hodgson: Like you truly know anything about STRENGTH.
Skyy, Darko and Mason collectively throw their arms up into the air when Samantha Hodgson, yes, THAT Samantha Hodgson, cuts them off. The agent steps to the stage with her customary swagger and a less than pleasant expression on her face when glaring at Skyy in the ring.
Skyy: Hodgson? Haven’t you had enough brushes with death already?
Hodgson: Go ahead, make your threats, Skyy, but at the end of the day we all know your nothing but talk. You constantly run your filthy, whorish mouth and then fail to deliver on all of your false promises.
Skyy: Ohhhh really? Come on down the ramp and get in this ring, Sam, then you’ll find out how legitimate my threats are. I spared your skull from being crushed at the pay-per-view, don’t think I’ll give you a free pass again.
Hodgson: You think I’m afraid of you, I’m not. In fact, I’m out here right now, Skyy, to make a challenge. Marie Jones, my beautiful creature, she abandoned the House of Hodgson and she announced on Twitter that it’s her intention to leave the GOOD Movement, all of these unwise business decisions are your fault! You’re taking money out of MY pocket, and I just won’t stand for it.
Skyy: Then what are you going to do? Other than bitch on your soapbox with that stick up your ass shrieking at a tone only dogs can hear.
Hodgson: I’m going to do something that shows my former client how wrong she was in claiming that I’m not strong. I’m here to challenge you…challenge you to a match two weeks from now right here on Riot!
The fans absolutely blow a gasket, and other areas of their anatomy blow as well, but we won’t go into that. The masses scream at the top of their lungs in reaction to the potential of Samantha Hodgson stepping into the ring with Vanilla Skyy, a match many will be clamoring to see. All attention veers to Skyy, just about everyone waiting for her response.
Skyy: You and me, one on one in two weeks?
Hodgson: That’s right.
Skyy: If that’s what you really want, FINE…my agent will put together the documents, and you can sign them on NewAge to make everything official.
Hodgson: Superb. See you at NewAge, Skyy, and then in two weeks we’ll show who truly does have STRENGTH!
BACKSTAGE
The Cartel continue to follow along directly behind Kloe Master as she traverses the backstage corridor with cell-phone to hear.
Kloe: I just want to make sure you’re not making a decision you’re going to regret, Orlando. This is a big step.
Masters listens to the voice on the other end of the line, that voice presumably belonging to the man who invested all of his presidential powers in her, Orlando Cruze.
Kloe: Okay, I trust you. I just hope I can trust your advisors to pick the right investor. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to correct the mistakes of a few other investors.
Anderson: That was beautiful…that was B-E-A-UTIFUL!
Rain: That it was…that it was.
The masked Rain consults with his cohorts Rich Anderson and Brandy Danielle, the trio known as the End Effect gathered in the corridor where they vividly recall their actions earlier in the evening. Kloe pauses and watches this group chatting amongst themselves, her frown getting more and more pronounced with each word that they share.
Rain: But it was only a start, Rich. We will do far worse to the likes of William Mason and his bodyguard, or anyone who tries to stop the spread of the infection.
Brandy: The plague is like totally going to wash over this whole company.
Rain: It began at the pay-per-view with those two Barbie Dolls, Crissy Gardner and Samantha Raine, it continued with Mason and Avery, and it will conclude once this company erodes thanks to our corrosive influence.
Rich: I love it.
Rain: I thought you would.
Brandy: We’re taking care of business in the ring, and Vero, she’s using her manipulative charms behind the scenes. So awesome.
Rain: Just wait until you see what she does to Cassidy….When Haze is released….the entire federation will experience its darkest day yet.
Rich: I can’t wait to see it…
Kloe: Excuse me….
Rain’s disturbing eyes absorb the image of Kloe Masters, microphone in hand and disposition off-putting. Obviously the acting president wants no part of this group.
Rain: Well now, if it isn’t our old pal, Kloe Masters. How have you been, Kloe?
Kloe: I’m not here for chit-chat.
Rich: What a shame.
Kloe: I’m here for one purpose and one purpose only, to put each of you on notice.
Rain: On notice you say?
Kloe: I’m not going to repeat myself. I’m telling you once and once only, if you three think you’re going to run around here abducting employees and attacking wrestlers outside of your scheduled matches, you’re mistaken. I will fine, suspend and maybe even fire each of you should you continue conducting yourself in such a manner.
Rich: Ooooh nooooo, lil girl bringing down the hammer on the End Effect.
Rain: How….amusing.
Nate: Hey there bud…
The biggest member of the Cartel steps from behind Kloe and into the masked face of Rain.
Nate: Doubt you’ll find it amusing when my fist is rammed down your throat.
Rain: Promises, promises.
Kloe: No need for that Nate…not yet at least.
Nate returns to the side of his brethren.
Nate: You’re so damned lucky.
Kloe: If you three wish to challenge my authority, well. I just so happen to have the power to make you regret it.
Rain: I’m intrigued. Tell us more.
Kloe: The Sinistry and McBride aren’t the only ones who have booking powers. The way I see it, Crissy and Samantha, the two ladies the three of you and Fury out-numbered at the pay-per-view, are owed a receipt for what you did to them at Upping the Ante.
Rich: Yeah-yeah, this should be fun.
Brandy: Tell us more.
Kloe: So I tell you what, on NewAge, Crissy and Samantha WILL get that receipt.
Rain: And you see this as some kind of punishment?
Kloe and the Cartel wear similar frowns.
Rain: Now we have a whole new reason to look forward to NewAge….thank you, Kloe.
After making their chilling comments to Kloe, the End Effect walk away, eyeballing the Cartel as they pass them by.
Lukas: Hey Boss…
Masters’ eyes whip around to the faces of Lukas Montgomery and Aaron Harrison, the arrival of the Blacklist putting the Cartel on high alert.
Kloe: Well-well, Montgomery, Harrison, what can I do for the two of you?
Lukas: Is it true?
Kloe: What’s that?
Harrison: We have it on good authority that Orlando is going to sell the company.
Masters tries not say too much at the risk of saying too little.
Kloe: That is the rumor deJour.
Harrison: What a shame, we have HISTORY with Orlando.
Lukas: A looooong history.
Harrison: We’ve come to respect the man.
Lukas: Would be a shame to see him step away now.
Kloe: Ultimately whatever Orlando decides to do is what’s best for him and what’s best for this business. The man has to put himself first every once in a while.
Lukas: Okay, but is he putting himself first, or his wife first?
Kloe: I’m not going to get into that.
Harrison: Fair enough.
A long and awkward silence passes between the Blacklist and Kloe.
Kloe: Was there something else?
Harrison: We also heard through the grapevine that you were going to confront the Sinistry regarding the stipulations that were put on Lukas’ Pure Title match, and my Evolution Title shot.
Kloe: That’s one rumor I’m at liberty to confirm.
Lukas: We appreciate you looking out for our best interests…buuuuut…..
Harrison: But we don’t want the stipulations changed.
Kloe: Huh? But Desmond’s making you….(points to Lukas)….compete against New Eden before you get William Mason for the Pure Title. And Harrison, they’re forcing you to face Kordy AND Aiken for the Evolutio…..
Lukas: We don’t need a reminder.
Harrison: We just need you to keep your nose out of this.
Lukas: I want to get my hands on New Eden.
Harrison: And I’d love another crack at Aiken.
Kloe: I respect that gentlemen, but the Sinistry have to be put in their places, they need to be shown who’s in charge. If I don’t do something about this now, the Sinistry will have free reign to continue conducting themselves in such an unprofessional and counterproductive manner.
Aaron and Lukas turn to one another and shrug.
Lukas: That’s cool and all, but why don’t you let US send them that message?
Harrison: We’ll make the Sinistry regret playing games with tonight’s card.
Lukas: I’ll leave all of New Eden no more than a greasy stain on the canvas.
Harrison: And when I get my hands on Aiken….well…you can probably fill in the blanks. I owe him a lot for what he did to my fiancée.
Kloe: Guys, please let me handl…
Harrison: We knew you’d see things our way.
Lukas: You’re awesome Kloe. Hope you still have your job if Orlando really is going to sell the company.
Harrison and Montgomery head for the ring, where they’re faced with some pretty unenviable tasks this evening, Lukas forced to go through New Eden if he wants a shot at the Pure Title, and Aaron having to take on Kordelia Price and Aiken Frost for the Evolution Title.
Alex: You were right about those two, Kloe.
Alex Clayton speaks up as he and his fellow Cartel members watch the Blacklist walk away.
Alex: They give a whole new meaning to the term ‘fucked in the head.’
Kloe: They’ve got a few wires crossed, that’s for sure. But you got to respect their fighting spirit.
Nate: If you say so.
Kelcey: Ahem.
The Perfect 10 DEMANDS attention and you best believe she gets it. The Cartel and Kloe drop their conversation immediately when spotting Kelcey Wallace, former SCW World Champion, stood directly before them. The gorgeous and courageous Wallace, who has persevered through so many hardships cast upon her by her own agent, Silas Mason, has something to say and it’s Kloe who is gonna hear it.
Kloe: Kels, you look….
Kelcey: I probably look like crap at the moment, Kloe. I’m still recovering from my annual Halloween party.
Kloe: Yeah, things probably got a little crazy that night.
Kelcey: And they’ve been crazy tonight too.
Kloe: Looks like they’re only getting crazier.
Kelcey: They don’t have to. I know a way you can bring some semblance of sanity to the IWC.
Kloe: You know I’m always open to suggestions, but before we get to that, how are you doing? Notice you haven’t had the best run of luck hanging around backstage lately.
Kelcey: Talking about that hooded Sinistry goon who laid my brother and I out?
Kloe: I’m still trying to figure out their identity.
Kelcey: I’m sure Frankie could tell you.
Kloe: Been meaning to give Franklin Paradise a job evaluation, but I don’t think I’ll need him to unravel this mystery. You saw Fatal Fortunes….
Kelcey: Unfortunately.
Kloe: And you saw what Red Rayne did that night right?
Kelcey: Unfortunately.
Kloe: She snuck into an SCW ring wearing a hooded sweat suit, the very same type of clothes the person who attacked you and Kraven was wearing.
Kelcey: Valid point.
Kloe: So…if you put all the pieces together.
Kelcey: I think I might have a little chat with Rayne….And YOU need to have a little chat with Taylor. You need to fix things with her.
Kloe: I guess that’s what you were referring to when you said you had an idea for how I could restore order?
Kelcey: You got it.
Kloe: Well…
Kelcey: No-no….you want stability in this federation then do what’s right by your biggest talent. You know she’s been rebelling of late for one reason, because nobody, including yourself has done a darn thing to get her her World Title rematch.
Kloe: Kels, come on, her World Title match is already set in stone for the End of the Year Special AND she gets to name the stipulation.
Kelcey: You know that’s not good enough for Tay, she’s not the waiting and patient type.
Kloe: I get that, but…
Kelcey: You need to do something HUGE, Kloe, to get back in Tay’s good graces.
Kloe: What more can be done?
Kelcey: Give Taylor her World Title match and give it to her TONIGHT.
Masters is taken aback by this suggestion. She raises her fingers to her jaw, stroking it contemplatively.
Kloe: Nate, Zak, Alex.
Nate: Sup?
Kloe: Go and find Taylor, tell her I got big news for her.
Kelcey’s face lights up….FINALLY something has gone right for a change.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
Cameras are back and rolling just in time to catch Kellen Jeffries and Spencer Klein, sporting their “NEW” Blacklist t-shirts, talking to Silk, Red Rayne and Mogui of New Eden. The backstage corridor might be filled with the rabble of these individuals, but the cameras fail to pick up on their words. And we can tell these words are highly sinister in nature, evident by the grins all five individuals share, grins widening when Kellen lifts a can of gasoline into view, tapping it with his finger. At the same time Spencer is slapping his palm down onto a wooden crate, the very same item that Aiken Frost was thrown in a few weeks ago. The voices of commentators Greyson and Sparkles filter into the background, speculating on this NEW Blacklist and New Eden summit.
Greyson: Yeeeeeah, no good can possibly come of this.
Sparkles: Jeffries and Klein chatting it up with New Eden.
Greyson: Yeah, and we’re about to see New Eden collide with Lukas Montgomery. This is bad news for the Blacklist.
WILLIAM MASON © VS. LUKAS MONTGOMERY:
PURE TITLE
Focus turns from the New Blacklist and New Eden to William Mason and JaMarcus Avery. But the two aren’t putting any type of plan into motion, instead their discussing matters with Sparkles and Greyson Lovejoy at the announce table.
Greyson: We’re being joined by William Mason here at the announce table once again.
Sparkles: Awesome.
William: Was it too much to ask that you guys keep my seat warm?
Sparkles: Dammit Lovejoy, you’ve upset Mason, flog yourself this instant.
William: What your puppet said.
Greyson: But I don’t flog myself very often….Maybe once a month, and only if I’m reading some provocative Manga.
William: Pretty sure you don’t understand the word of the meaning ‘flog.’
Sparkles: So Willie, you got your friends back in Skyy and Darko…
William: That I do.
Sparkles: And you’ve got your Pure Title…
The belt is propped upon the surface of the table and the gold plate turned to the camera.
Sparkles: You ready to put it on the line against Lukas next?
William: Oh I’m more than prepared to give Montgomery a lesson in what ACTUAL wrestling is. It remains to be seen if I’ll get the chance to do that though, because Montgomery has a steep mountain to climb before he can even get the chance to face me.
Greyson: So true, the Sinistry has scheduled Montgomery to face New Eden before he gets a chance to challenge you for the title.
William: Although I don’t like New Eden, I can tell you right now, you don’t face them, you SURVIVE them.
Greyson: Well your issues with the Sinistry and New Eden in particular have been well documented in recent weeks, what with their unique relationship with your brother, Victor.
William: Yeah, and I’ll be getting to the bottom of that before long.
”Enemy” cuts Mason off in mid-decree. All eyes veer to the entry way where Lukas Montgomery is emerging with a lot of pint up aggression evident in his expression and in his stride. At last he is given a proper venue to unleash all of his pint up aggressions and hostilities as he storms towards the ring and up the steps.
Greyson: Montgomery looks full of piss and vinegar.
William: If he’s not careful tonight, we’ll see all that piss, vinegar and blood on the outside of his body.
Sparkles: Hahahahahaha….AAAAAH-HAHAHAHAHA.
William: Enough.
Sparkles: Yes sir.
Greyson: Montgomery with such a huge task ahead of him.
William: Yeah, we’re about to find out if this predominantly hardcore athlete can hang with such a technical expert.
Greyson: Uhhh, I was referring to the fact that he has to face New Eden.
William: Hmmmm.
Greyson: A group that Montgomery has had multiple run-ins with over the past few weeks. He’s found himself repeatedly trapped in a Steel Cage with Rayne, Silk and Mogui, but tonight he’ll be facing….oh look at this.
Montgomery is only in the ring for half a second before rolling out of it, grabbing the tarp hanging from the apron and throwing it out of his way. He fetches a trash-can, slides into the squared circle and allows the equalizer to hang from his palm.
Greyson: Looks like Lukas is ready to even up the odds a little….no….a lot.
William: What a surprise, Montgomery relying on mindless barbarism to get the job done instead of employing what remains of his brain.
Greyson: Yeah, we heard you lecture Darko for months regarding his use of weapons, which is why it was so surprising to see you two buttering one another up in the ring tonight.
William: You want to see shocking, just wait and see how quickly I make Montgomery tap out if he can make it through New Eden.
Greyson: You’re just going to dance around that whole subject with Darko huh?
William: Lukas might be able to fend off New Eden with that trash-can, but it won’t do him a lick of good in a match where he has to depend on his wrestling abilities, or lack thereof.
Greyson: Heh, go on ignoring my comments, but I wonder how long Darko is going to ignore the challenge that was made by Flash Silver earlier tonight.
Lukas continues to eye the entry way and increase his grip on the trash-can as the lyrics of ‘Red Rain’ by Peter Gabriel plays over the speakers and the new SCW Adrenaline Champion, Red Rayne, Silk and Mogui make their unorthodox march towards the ring.
William: These three redefine the term ‘freak.’
Greyson: We can agree on that.
Sparkles: We can agree with William on everything. If he spits in your face and tells you it’s raining, you had better grab a damned umbrella.
Greyson: What?
Sparkles: I don’t know, it sounded better in my head. I’m just to star struck by Willie’s presence at the announce table to care about anything else. You holding up okay after that attack by End Effect? Want me to grab you some ice? A hot towel? A sixteen year old Asian masseuse?
William: None of the above, thank you. I’ll recover and recover quickly. I’ll be fine to compete against Montgomery this evening.
Silk, Rayne and Mogui may give the word ‘odd’ a whole new meaning, but they still have the presence of mind to stay away from Montgomery and the trash-can in his hand. They step around the ring, refusing to enter while Lukas poses such an ominous threat. His eyes follow the trio around the ringside area to their present stance in front of the announce table. Lukas never takes his eyes off of the trio, not even as Mika Kozlov, his former Blacklist compatriot and New Eden members comes jaunting down the ramp and sliding into the ring.
Greyson: Behind you Lukas, behind you. It’s Mika.
Sparkles: That chick Aiken and the Sinistry brain-fucked.
William: This is Lukas’ problem, his lack of awareness. You need eyes in the back of your head in this business. Always plan for the unforeseeable.
Greyson: Mika and Lukas were so close at one point, they were like family up until Mika was abducted by the Sinistry and transformed into this raven eyed ravager.
Hairs stand up on the back of Lukas’ neck, prompting him to turn and find himself glaring into the obsidian orbs floating in Mika’s orbital sockets. She tilts her head and stares into the frozen features of her former best friend, giggling as she does so.
Lukas: Mika….
Suddenly Rayne, Mogui and Silk pounce, charging in behind Lukas and capitalizing on the distraction that Mika just created. They immediately begin bludgeoning Montgomery with clubbing blows and numerous boots across the back of his head.
Greyson: New Eden jumping on Montgomery.
William: See, lack of awareness comes back to haunt him.
Lukas tries to stand up in spite of being clubbed and kicked. All the while Mika has rolled to the outside of the ring and grins as she heads up the ramp to the backstage area, her mission accomplished this evening. She’s left Montgomery to the mercy, or lack thereof, of her New Eden associates. The bell chimes in the background at the behest of referee Blacker, getting this three on one handicap match underway.
Lukas is dragged up to his feet by Rayne, who places Lukas’ jaw over her shoulder before falling to her seat and connecting with the Red Alert. The modified jaw breaker has sent Montgomery spiraling into the waiting palm of Silk, who connects with the Dragon’s Whip. Lukas is knocked to the canvas where Mogui crawls in and the psycho surgeon opens his mouth, digging his teeth right into the bridge of Lukas’ nose.
William: How garish.
Sparkles: This isn’t nearly as bad as what the End Effect did to you, Willie. Sure you don’t want that back rub, the offer still stands.
William: I don’t want your hands anywhere near my body, Sparkles. I’m well aware of what you do with those hands 99% of the time.
Mogui continues to gnaw on Lukas’ face before detaching his teeth from his opponent’s face then turning towards the inbound Silk. The Black Dragon charges at Mogui, who catches her under the arm and hip tosses her into a back first senton across Montgomery’s ribs. He curls into a fetal position around his gut and rolls across the ring in the direction of the ropes, suffering significant damage as a result of these blows. The cables allow Lukas to reach his feet, standing just in time to be hit with a running face wash by Rayne directly to his cheek. Montgomery goes spilling through the ropes, collapsing on the floor and clutching at his skull.
Greyson: You cannot envy Montgomery right now.
William: He’s certainly taking quite the beating, but he really only has himself to blame.
Greyson: How do you figure?
William: If he were a bit more adept at ACTUAL wrestling, he’d probably handle himself far better against New Eden.
Greyson: I can’t even begin to grasp your logic, William.
Sparkles: Don’t even BEGIN to question Mason’s opinion!
William: Sparkles.
Sparkles: Yes?
William: Remove your hand from my knee this instant.
Mogui now slides to the outside of the ring, crouching behind Montgomery, who is employing the steel steps to reach his feet. The target has just stood up before Mogui comes charging in for a spear. To the delight of all, except Mogui, Lukas side steps the inbound creature and pushes his tattooed skull along into the stairs. Mogui’s own momentum comes back to haunt him as he crashes into the stairs, which barely budge.
Lukas then turns towards the ring, or more accurately is TURNED towards the ring when Silk reaches through the ropes and grabs Montgomery around the neck. She turns Lukas and drags him up onto the apron, about to return him to the ring before Lukas grabs the back of the Black Dragon’s head and falls from the apron. He snaps Silk’s throat off the top rope, sending her staggering back and falling into Rayne.
Red props her ‘sister’ up, a task that is made all the more difficult when Montgomery comes sliding into the ring with his hands wrapping around the trashcan dropped moments earlier. He lifts the can into the air and swings it directly at Rayne only to receive a back heel kick to the gut, doubling him over. The trashcan falls out of his hands while Lukas stoops over it, clutching at his mid-section. Red then takes Lukas around the head and leaps into the air, looking for a sit-down face buster. The X-Factor is countered into a sit-out powerbomb by Lukas, which drives Red’s back right into the trashcan.
Sparkles: Rayne’s ass collides with the can….Wait…..
William: Ridiculous.
Greyson: Montgomery turning the tide against New Eden.
Lukas now leans into the creases of Rayne’s knees as official Blacker drops down and makes the count.
1
2
The count is about to be completed with Lukas on the verge of overcoming such insurmountable odds before Silk comes barreling in and rams her knee directly into Montgomery’s face. The shot almost renders Montgomery comatose, yet he still rolls, unconscious of thought onto his knees. He sits up just in time for Mogui to connect with a sickening rolling savate kick. The Risen Darkness blasts Lukas straight across the forehead, rattling his brain and knocking him flat out across his back.
Mogui then drops into a lateral press, hooking Lukas’ leg.
1
2
Silk suddenly steps in and grabs Mogui by the ears, pulling him off of their opponent. The monster looks up from his knees affectionately into the face of Silk, who continues to squeeze him by the ears.
Mogui: My nuwang?
Silk: We are not here to pin Montgomery.
Mogui: I am sorry.
If the crowd wasn’t irate before, now they are more embittered than ever as Kellen Jeffries and Spencer Klein appear from the backstage area, a long wooden crate extended between them with a gasoline can placed on top of it.
Greyson: What is this crap now?
William: Didn’t we see this on the last Riot?
Greyson: Indeed, the Blacklist tried to put Aiken Frost in that crate a few weeks ago and set it on fire.
Sparkles: Looks like the New Blacklist are going to turn Montgomery into kindling.
William: This is pushing the line of decency far past its breaking point. Why don’t the censors get involved?
Greyson: I doubt the censors could even stop this diabolical plot from going into motion.
The crate is placed at ringside while Kellen and Klein are now shouting towards the ring. Rayne, who is gripping her kidneys, steps in and grabs Lukas by the wrist. Silk takes his other hand and the two drag Montgomery along to his knees before pulling him towards the crate deposited at ringside.
Greyson: Somebody stop this…somebody stop this.
Sparkles: They’re about to throw Montgomery in that crate and set him on fire. Get my marshmallows handy.
William: JaMarcus and I do not condone such behavior.
Lukas is now stood, not of his own volition, behind the ropes by Silk and Rayne while on the mats below Kellen and Spencer are grabbing the lid of the crate. They truly delight in the fate that is about to befall Lukas, a fate justly deserved for his participation in setting Kellen ablaze a year ago. Jeffries is about to return the favor, opening the crate to put Montgomery inside. Though it might be a tight squeeze seeing as said crate is already occupied. Jeffries eyes widen as Aaron Harrison rises from inside of the crate and dives right into Jeffries ribs with a spear. Both Harrison and Jeffries collapse to the mats with Kellen’s face being introduced to Aaron’s fists. Harrison swings knuckles into both sides of his rival’s skull, vindicating himself after getting fire spat in his eyes by Jeffries back at Reawakening Day.
Greyson: How did he get in there!?!
Sparkles: That rascal.
Greyson: Harrison was inside of the crate…he was inside of the crate and now he’s demolishing Kellen’s face.
William: How unexpected.
Jeffries would go on suffering this onslaught from Harrison if not for the interference of Klein.
Spencer rushes in and sinks his hands into Aaron’s hair, pulling back and dragging him away to his feet before doubling him over with a boot to the gut. Klein unleashes a series of punches across Harrison’s face then steps back and gets a running start behind a knock out shot. However, Aaron employs Spencer’s momentum to Harrison’s own gain. He catches Klein with a drop toe hold, sending Spencer’s face into the surface of the crate.
Greyson: Spencer bouncing off the crate!
William: More tedious mindless chaos.
Harrison stands up and twists away from Spencer towards the inbound Kellen. Once again Harrison uses his rival’s momentum to Kellen’s detriment. Aaron bends down and catches Jeffries’ by the knees, back dropping him through the air and sending him crashing spine first right onto the crate.
Greyson: Now Kellen back dropped onto the damned crate!
William: And what a surprise, no one is putting a stop to this. Is it any wonder that I requested my release from this federation so many months ago?
Mason, and his towering enforcer standing behind his back, Avery, share a judgmental headshake as they watch this chaos proceed. And they aren’t the only ones watching, Serenity remains in the rafters, observing all of this insanity from her heightened vantage point. She keenly observes as Harrison takes out both member of the New Blacklist then turns his attention to New Eden. Silk, Rayne and Mogui are rolling under the ropes and rushing straight after Harrison, who is smiling as he back peddles up the ramp, encouraging the three destructive forces to come after him. They follow Harrison straight into the backstage area while Blacker is calling for the bell, throwing out the match.
Lukas kneels on the canvas and watches as New Eden vanishes into the backstage area, still pursuing Harrison.
William: What rare luck for Montgomery, appears that the referee has thrown out the match since New Eden has pretty much abandoned the match.
Greyson: Harrison set this up perfectly. He’s lured New Eden out of the ring and he’s taken out the New Blacklist as well, all in one fell swoop.
Sparkles: How did he get in the crate!?!
The bell continues to chime and Montgomery continues to kneel in the ring with a smile forming on his face.
Greyson: This match thrown out, which…which means YOU now have to defend your title, William.
Sparkles: Yay.
William: What a trivial waste of my time.
Sparkles: Okay then..boooo.
William: I don’t think Lukas has sufficiently proven himself worthy of challenging me for the Pure Championship.
Kellen and Klein are recovering at ringside, the two men shaken up by the multiple collisions with the crate and neither man realizing that Montgomery survived the onslaught of New Eden. Lukas stands up and savors every breath he draws into his lungs, realizing his life was about to be extinguished if the New Blacklist and New Eden had their way. And now, after overcoming these obstacles he at last gets his shot at acquiring championship gold.
William: Mr. Montgomery….
Lukas whips around and whips around quickly, lifting his fists and readying them to swing at the man rising to the apron. Mason employs the ring ropes as a buffer zone between he and Montgomery while flaunting the Pure Title upon his shoulder.
William: I commend you for overcoming New Eden here tonight, but in my personal opinion, which is the only opinion that matters regarding MY Pure Title, you’ve yet to show me that you deserve a shot at this championship.
Mason taps the microphone against the gold he holds aloft in his opposite palm.
William: So here’s what I suggest….nay DEMAND. You face off against JaMarcus Avery, and if you beat him, THEN you get a title opportunity.
Before Montgomery can protest he finds himself spinning towards the inbound Avery, who slid into the ring behind Lukas and is now pouncing on the Blacklist member. He throws a big punch that Lukas blocks, before responding with shots of his own across JaMarcus’ jaw.
Greyson: Come on William, be a man and put your title on the line already.
Sparkles: Willie’s got a point, he shouldn’t have to defend his title against someone who hasn’t proven the….
Greyson: STUFF IT SPARKLES! You know damn well this is highway robbery. Montgomery already went through one qualifying match, so why is he wrestling a second one, against this powerhouse Avery no less?
Sparkles: Because the Pure Title is too prestigious to defend…
Greyson: Stop kissing ass already!
JaMarcus receives several shots across the face before finally responding with a big knee across Lukas’ ribs. A smile forms on William’s face as he drops to the ringside area and slaps the apron, micromanaging his employee’s assault upon Montgomery.
Blacker rolls her eyes and calls for the bell, starting this SECOND qualifying match. A match that begins with Avery whipping Montgomery into the corner then following him in for a clothesline, but all he gets is a boot across the chin. JaMarcus staggers back from Montgomery, who got his foot up and into his adversary’s face. Lukas pulls himself up onto the middle rope then comes flying off into a bionic elbow across the top of Avery’s skull.
JaMarcus stumbles around, trying to get his balance and leaving Montgomery stunned that he couldn’t take his adversary down. So Lukas rushes into the ropes, ricochets off and prepares to deliver another blow. He comes charging into the waiting hands of Avery, who heaves Lukas up into the air with a gorilla press.
Montgomery tries to counter but there’s no avoiding it, he’s dropped flat on his face across the canvas. He then flops over to his back as Avery dashes into the ropes, bounces off then comes charging back in at his laid out opponent, leaps into the air and splashes Lukas. Avery quickly hooks Lukas’ leg and Mason is already preparing to leave with title still in hand.
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2
In spite of the sheer volume of brutality he’s endured throughout the night, Montgomery gets a shoulder up. He twists away from Avery, who responds to this kick out in a quick and brutal manner. He grabs Lukas around the neck, rolls him to his feet and then drags him into the Exploder Suplex.
Greyson: I know Montgomery has a certain threshold for pain that borders on superhuman, but even he can’t take all the punishment he’s endured throughout this night.
A wounded Montgomery gets to his knees and weakly throws some punches into the ribs of an inbound Avery. The shots stagger JaMarcus back, but he quickly closes the distance between he and his opponent with a well-placed kick right across Lukas’ forehead. Montgomery’s eyes roll back and then he falls forward, landing flat on his face. JaMarcus then grabs Lukas around the neck, drags him up to his feet then elevates him into the air for the Court Marshaled. He is about to connect with his vertical suplex cutter only to find a knee launching down directly into his face. Montgomery hits one knee then another, finally breaking Avery’s attempt at the suplex and allowing Lukas to slip out of his opponent’s clutches.
Montgomery then takes off into the ropes, ricochets off and comes back in at JaMarcus, who dashes forth and catches Lukas coming in. Before Montgomery can block it, he’s being flipped over into the release belly to belly suplex.
Sparkles: Big ole’ Avery muscling poor Lukie all around the ring.
Greyson: William’s employee doing such a sufficient job of using those suplexes to weaken Montgomery. Even if by some miracle Lukas wins this match, he’s going to have no gas left in the tank to beat William for the Pure Title.
Sparkles: Not like he stood a chance in the first place.
There is no time permitted for Montgomery to mend, instead he’s treated to further brutality by Avery, who steps in and grabs Lukas around the neck. He stands Lukas up only to have Montgomery throw a punch across his cheek, followed by another directed to the temple. The shots have JaMarcus reeling back, taking their toll on his skull. Lukas then dashes in with another punch that is blocked by Avery’s powerful arms, which lock around Lukas’ waist. The crowd screams as Avery prepares to unleash a SECOND belly to belly suplex. This time Lukas DOES block it though, throwing his forehead into Avery’s scalp.
Greyson: Montgomery sparing himself from another suplex by using his head.
Sparkles: First time for everything.
JaMarcus is further staggered when Montgomery rushes in and blasts him across the top of his head with another bionic elbow. The swift shot causes Avery to bridge back, but STILL not going down. So Lukas rushes into the ropes behind his opponent and delivers a chop block straight to the crease of Avery’s knee. The shot brings JaMarcus down to his knees and puts him in position for Montgomery to take the behemoth around the neck and deliver a headlock driver. The top of Avery’s skull smashes into the canvas with enough force to leave him debilitated and defenseless against whatever Montgomery has in mind next.
Lukas, who is building so much momentum, rushes to his feet and prepares to take off across the ring only to have Kellen come charging into the ring delivering a powerful clothesline across Montgomery’s throat. The moment Montgomery goes down, Spencer lunges on him and begins unleashing punches to Lukas’ temple
Greyson: No, dammit no…Kellen and Klein, jumping on Lukas!
Sparkles: Harrison lured New Eden from the ring, but the New Blacklist ain’t going nowhere until they’ve watched Montgomery burn.
Upon witnessing Jeffries and Spencer assaulting Montgomery the official is forced to call for the bell, disqualifying Avery.
Greyson: The referee throwing out the match, but that’s not important right now because Spencer and Kellen are intent on setting Lukas on fire, and nothing is going to stop them.
The bell goes on chiming in the background as the fists go on flying into Lukas’ face. Kellen and Klein continue to unleash a savage beat-down on Lukas while Avery watches. JaMarcus gets to his feet using the ropes to maintain his balance, listening to the bell chiming and watching as the New Blacklist brutalizes Montgomery. Rage suddenly consumes Avery, realizing that the New Blacklist just cost him a potential victory and a chance to show his talents. The normally level headed Avery rushes across the ring and goes right after Kellen and Klein. Jeffries spots Avery charging in, hence why Kellen is dashing out of the ring. Klein follows his associate, hurriedly darting under the cables and up the ramp. Both Spencer and Kellen may have fled the ring but that won’t prevent them from suffering the wrath of Avery. He follows them right up the ramp, intent on crushing the two for costing him this victory.
Lukas rises to his knees in the ring holding his jaw but still managing to produce a grin. Even in his altered state, Lukas realizes that he has survived ANOTHER qualifying match, meaning that he FINALLY gets his Pure Title shot.
Greyson: Wait a minute, if-if-if Avery was disqualified, that means….
Sparkles: Yep, we get to see Willie reinforce everything he said about being a superior wrestler. Time to see him out on a wrestling clinic.
Greyson: Judging from the two qualifying matches that Lukas has just competed in, and given the extent of his injuries, I don’t know if he’ll manage putting up much of a fight against Mason.
In spite of being weakened and wounded Montgomery prepares to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Lukas is about to discover the silver lining in the black cloud that has hung over him throughout the night. He gets to his feet and waits to hear the sound of the bell chiming to commence his Pure Title match. The bell isn’t what he hears though, it’s the sound of steel thudding off of skull. William swings the trashcan that was employed earlier by Montgomery, to smash Lukas right in the back of his skull.
Greyson: DAMMIT MASON!
Sparkles: Willie just smacked Lukas upside the head!
Greyson: And yet he just sat here at ringside complaining about Lukas using weapons…what a hypocritical son of a bitch.
The shot across the skull sends Montgomery spiraling into the ropes, ricocheting off and into a boot across the ribs. William then pulls Lukas up and into the Perfect Driver, planting the top of Montgomery’s head straight into the trashcan.
Greyson: And Mason CONTINUES to use the weapon. There is nothing PURE about this whatsoever.
Mason drops into the cover across Montgomery’s chest while slapping the canvas and ordering the referee to make the count. With a sigh Blacker calls for the bell to OFFFICIALLY get this match started then falls to the canvas.
1
2
Greyson: BULLSHIT.
Sparkles: AWESOME.
The commentators might be divided in their responses to this outcome, but the crowd is unified by their delight. They are heckling Mason remorselessly before their tune changes at the sight of Lukas’ shoulder lunging off of the canvas.
Sparkles: That didn’t…that didn’t…that didn’t happen.
Greyson: It did Sparkles. It did…Lukas Montgomery kicked out after everything he’s suffered in this match.
The only thing pure about Mason is the expression of pure surprised on his face. He sits on the canvas, shaking his head and wishing to protest the official’s count. But he can squander no time arguing with Blacker, he realizes that he has to strike while the iron is still hot. He grabs Lukas around the neck, pulls him up to his feet and then goes for a second Perfect Driver. The Champion is about to finish off his prey before Lukas suddenly swings around out of the piledriver predicament and catches his opponent’s arm. Now it’s the Champion who is forced to fight for survival, as he’s about to be locked in the EPI-Crossface.
Greyson: Now Montgomery is going for the EPI-crossface.
Sparkles: There’s no way he’ll lock this in on the Paragon of Pure, no fucking way.
Before Montgomery can take Mason down to the canvas and lock him in the hold, William spins away from his adversary and frees his arm. His other arm however, is flying towards Lukas’ throat, intent on laying out the Blacklist member with a clothesline. But Montgomery only goes down in order to duck, catching the creases of Mason’s knees and ripping his legs out from under him. Mason collapses to the canvas and Montgomery wraps the champion’s legs around one another, applying the Texas Cloverleaf. He rolls William over to his stomach and steps over the spine, trapping a screaming William in the submission.
Greyson: Oh my God, look at this, Montgomery SHOCKING Mason again by trapping the ‘technical expert’ in a cloverleaf.
Sparkles: Did Montgomery make a deal with Satan before this match? If he did, why hasn’t referee Michelle Blacker’s boobs gotten any bigger.
Greyson: You realize don’t you that not every deal with the devil requires increased bust size.
Sparkles: Then why even bother making the deal?
Montgomery continues to trap and contort William in this hold, bending him to the point that Mason feels that overwhelming urge to submit. Yet he pushes past that pain, crawls towards the ropes and reaches out, grabbing the bottom cable.
Sparkles: Oh lord, thank you…thank you….thank you.
The pain addled Mason finds his feet STILL in Montgomery’s hands, hands now pulling that foot back to the center of the ring. William is dragged to the middle of the ring and Lukas goes right back to attempting to shock Mason with some technical talents Mason never knew Montgomery possessed. Lukas displays his multi-versatile skill-set by going for the sharpshooter. William won’t be trapped in another hold that will prove his stance on Montgomery wrong. Therefore Mason sits up and reaches out, digging his thumb directly into Lukas’ eyes. The fatigued Montgomery turns away from the plotting Mason, who crawls towards the trashcan that has been so instrumental in aiding William throughout the match.
The can finds its way into William’s hands and he now tries to employ it on the back of Montgomery’s head. He charges in and swings the steel only to have Lukas turn around and CATCH the steel. A wide eyed William is FORCED down to the canvas and into the EPI-Crossface.
Sparkles: NOOOO! How can this be possible? How can Montgomery be doing this?
Greyson: The guy is unstoppable, he is determined to make a statement to Mason and to capture the Pure Championship in the process.
Hundreds are on their feet demanding that Mason tap, but he is somehow resisting the urge to do it. His hand outstretches and lingers above the canvas, but it never swats the ring, instead it just perpetually hovers in the air.
Sparkles: Don’t do it Willie, please don’t!
Greyson: It’s gonna happen, Mason is about to lose the very Pure Title he just worked his ass off to regain, and he’s gonna lose it to a HARDCORE wrestler who has no awareness and has no talent. Right?
Although Mason is overwhelmed with pain, he’s hanging in there, struggling not lose his Pure Championship to an impure athlete. It seems he is at long last fading and the pain is becoming too much for his arm to bear. The limb is about to snap as Montgomery rears back on it, so close to adding title gold to his waist and to proving Mason wrong. That goal is never achieved though, because Montgomery is forced to break his submission when he sees Red Rayne darting towards the ring.
Greyson: Rayne is back out here.
Sparkles: But why?
The SCW Adrenaline Champion leaps onto the apron and gets Montgomery’s attention forcing him to break the hold and go charging right after her. He throws a fist at Red’s face, forcing her to leap back from the aporn in response. Montgomery then proceeds to continue shouting at Rayne, one of the ladies responsible for Mika’s manipulation. Suddenly Lukas’ shouts become far higher pitched and nasally when a forearm connects with his crotch. Mason delivers the low blow on Lukas, causing Montgomery to groan in agony, cupping his busted testicles while doubling over.
Greyson: Another very IMPURE tactic employed by Mason.
Montgomery continues to clutch his crotch as he turns into William’s waiting hands. Mason drags Lukas up and into the Perfect Driver, slamming the top of Montgomery’s head directly into the canvas. Lukas looks spent…no…he looks absolutely broke as he’s forced down to his spine and Mason is covering his chest.
1
2
The crowd once again has a unified response, that of sheer dread when they see William’s wrist taken and his arm raised towards the heavens.
Sparkles: God bless ye, Willie Mason, God bless ye for being the bestest Pure Champion and the bestest friend.
Greyson: I don’t think, throughout the entire duration of this Pure Title match, that Mason hit even one move that can be considered PURE in nature.
Sparkles: Montgomery didn’t deserve to have William bring his A Game.
Greyson: Are you joking?
Sparkles: Hard to tell.
Greyson: Montgomery underwent TWO qualifying matches to get this Pure Title shot, TWO qualifying matches and even still Mason had a difficult time putting him away.
The crowd continues to cast aspersions upon Mason as he stands in celebration. The good vibes radiating from Mason end when he spots Rayne standing on the ramp, staring at him with her effulgent white eyes.
William’s face suddenly goes as white as Red’s gaze.
Greyson: How many times can I say it? Mason is a HYPOCRITE, and Montgomery was robbed.
Sparkles: What’s the deal between Rayne and Mason here? What’s this weird stare between them?
Greyson: It doesn’t matter, Lukas was totally scr…..whoa…hold….what was that? I’m hearing something is going down backstage, something involving Kloe Masters.
Sparkles: Pillow fight?
Greyson: Let’s find out.
BACKSTAGE
Once more cameras are hard-pressed to reach all the action taking place around the Manhattan Center. This time they get to the scene of insanity too slow to catch what happened to Kloe Masters, but it’s not hard to fill in the gaps. Orlando Cruze’s representative is found lying stretched across the concrete floor with her hand draped across the back of her skull. Stood above her is the individual who presumably put her in this condition. With a hoodie over their head and baggy attire hanging from their body, an individual stands over Kloe with a steel chair extended from their palms.
Greyson: Who? Who is that!?!
Sparkles: Did they just lay out Kloe Masters?
Greyson: I-I-I can’t believe it. The very person who attacked Kelcey and Kraven Wallace in recent weeks, they just took out the President of the friggin company.
Sparkles: Who the hell is that?
The hood continues to obscure the face of the individual who just left Masters lying comatose across the pavement. Kloe tries to move only to succumb to her injuries, collapsing right back down to the floor. The chair in the hooded figure’s hand is thrown to the ground and Kloe’s attacker backs away from it.
Greyson: What the hell happened to Masters?
Sparkles: That person who’s been working with the Sinistry, they crippled her.
Greyson: But-but why? Someone get medical attention back there for Masters quick…QUICK!
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
We return from break to find Kloe Masters recovering from the heinous assault that was captured right before the commercial. The hand-picked representative of the still injured President Orlando Cruze, found herself brutalized by that mysterious individual clad in a hooded sweatshirt. A few stagehands have gathered around her addled body, stooping to check on her neck and skull, which are in a bad shape as a result of multiple blows from whomever left her in this condition.
Kelcey: Did anyone see what happened? Did anyone see who did this?
Kelcey Wallace, the Perfect 10, storms into the crime scene and shoos away a few of the gawkers. The very woman who was assaulted by that same hooded individual several weeks ago on NewAge, now kneels at the side of the latest victim of that mysterious individuals attack.
Kelcey: Kloe can you hear me? Do you know who attacked you? Did you see their face?
Franklin: I don’t think she saw anything.
If the mere sight of Riot General Manager, Franklin Paradise, wasn’t bad enough, he just had to be sucking on a straw even though the contents in his big gulp have long since dried up. A loud slurping noise fills the corridor and grates on Kelcey’s nerves as she glares at Paradise stood several few feet away.
Franklin: Little bitch never saw it coming. And hey, neither did you. Guess you and Kloe have more in common than you thought. You’re both weak, frail and pathetic. And you both just keep letting my precious Tay-Tay down.
Kelcey detaches from Kloe’s side and goes rushing towards Franklin only to have the stagehands cut her off. Somehow they manage to subdue Wallace’s arms, keeping her hands away from Franklin’s winking eye.
Kelcey: You’ve been lucky Franklin, but you can’t hide behind your goon forever. When I find out who it is, I’ll take their head and shove it straight up….
Franklin: Careful now Albatross, you don’t want to get me worked up.
Paradise removes the straw from the cup and then blows into it, sending liquid spraying in Kelcey’s direction. She’s finally had enough, the Perfect 10 breaking away from the stagehands and going after Paradise, who is quick to high tail it.
IN RING
Shock still hangs over the fans regarding what they just saw take place backstage, Kloe Masters, Orlando Cruze’s right-hand gal, laid out with a steel chair. So their understandably a bit numb, even when a fresh face is standing in the ring, microphone in his palm. The well-dressed man’s voice reeks of refinement.
Mason: I know everyone is a bit alarmed regarding events backstage, but ignore the plight of the ignorant. Your focus needs to be here, in the ring where you will find sheer inspiration. Your minds are about to be opened, your needs at long last fulfilled, your deepest desires realized. It is time to bring culture, pedigree and respectability to an IWC ring. My name is Mason Van Stanton, and I am here to gift each and every of you with the in ring debut of the Camelot’s crowned jewel, Gloria Noel!!!
The fans are still collecting themselves after the jarring footage emanating from backstage, but they still muster quite the response regarding the arrival of Gloria Noel. ‘Killer Queen’ streams through the speakers and the crown jewel of Camelot makes her way to the stage. The former Glory Braddock overlooks the sea of screaming spectators with a stiff posture and greets them with a curtsey, an honest to God curtsey. Her entrance is rather pompous, but it’s not pompous enough for Van Stanton. Gloria’s manager is shouting through the ropes at an agent, making a number of demands. These demands are met, hence why a shower of confetti begins to fall from the rafters and upon Gloria’s twirling body.
Greyson: I’m sorry ladies and gentlemen, this is a HUGE deal…Gloria Noel making her IWC debut, but…
Sparkles: But what, there’s a British bombshell about to set foot in our ring. I love British accents, until I see the teeth said accent is filtering through.
Greyson: Like I said, I’m very sorry I’m not giving this debut the respect it deserves, but come on, Kloe Masters was just laid out backstage.
Sparkles: Yeah-yeah, get over it already.
Greyson: It JUST happened though.
Sparkles: Gloria Noel, Lovejoy, Gloria Noel.
Greyson: Okay-okay.
Confetti continues to rain down upon Gloria as she spins in one circle after another before eventually reaching the ring where she’s showered in something else. Pyrotechnics shoot from all four turnbuckles and continue to rise up from the corners like a geyser of sparkles. Gloria slips through the ropes wearing a rather welcoming and warm smile on her face. She moves across the ring and is handed a microphone by the announcer
Greyson: It appears as if we’re going to hear from the debuting Gloria Noel.
Sparkles: Sweet…talk British to me baby.
Gloria opens her mouth to speak over the reaction from the crowd, but her words never reach their ears. Without warning Gloria finds her microphone seized by Mason, who pulls it to his lips instead.
Mason: A thousand apologies my lovely queen, but I am sad to inform you that you the IWC has not shown you the proper respect you are entitled to. There were no balloons involved in your entrance, and I specifically requested balloons to be dropped from the heavens to properly highlight your arrival. This just will not do, it will not do at all.
Gloria: It’s not that big of a deal….
Mason: It’s a HUGE deal. You are royalty and I will not have you treated like a commoner. We are leaving.
Gloria: But….
Mason: Come now Gloria. We shall not return to this ring until your glory has been properly spotlighted and given the utmost respect. Let us depart before this company has further opportunity to devalue you. They do not DESERVE to hear your elegant and sophisticated words, or to be graced with your majestic presence.
Mason takes hold of his client’s hand and guides her from the ring. He sits across the middle rope to accommodate her passage through it. As she drops to the mats she shrugs towards some dissatisfied fans and then heads up the ramp with her arm hooked by her manager, who looks quite peevish. He shakes his head and mumbles beneath his breath, verbalizing his anger in direction to the poor production quality of the telecast.
Greyson: Okay then. Gloria Noel was supposed to come to the ring and give a debut speech, but she goes just as quickly as she came.
Sparkles: Dammit production staff, balloons, that’s all Van Stanton wanted, balloons. Can’t you monkeys get it together back there?
Greyson: I think the production staff is reeling just like the rest of us in response to what happened a few minutes ago to Kloe. We’re all just in a state of shock right now.
Excuses are not something Mason will tolerate, he just keeps on walking and leading his client towards the curtains that now open. But the curtains aren’t parted so that Mason and Gloria can pass through them, the fabric is separated on account of Kelcey Wallace stomping to the stage. The Perfect 10 is almost breathing flames as she makes her way down the ramp right through Van Stanton and Noel. The two part so that Kelcey can pass through them, leaving Mason looking on with an expression of total indignation.
Greyson: Kelcey Wallace is coming out here, and she looks totally pissed at the moment.
Sparkles: Awww, poor Kelcey, think I can help RELIEVE some of her tensions?
Greyson: I think you might be torn in half if you tried.
Sparkles: Funny, because I’m pretty sure Kelcey would be the one split in half if I had my way.
Greyson: Sickening. Kelcey has every right in the world to be pissed though, she was on the scene first hand to bear witness to the extent of Masters’ injuries.
The second Kelcey gets into the ring she snatches up the microphone that Gloria dropped, and unlike Gloria, it won’t be taken away from her by the perfectionist Mason Van Stanton.
Kelcey: I’m through…I’m done…I’m finished watching people I care about suffer. I won’t let it happen again. I’ve waited long enough for the powers that be in this company to bring to justice the sniveling coward who’s assaulted me, who’s assaulted my brother, and just assaulted Kloe Masters backstage. I’m dealing with this. It’s time to pull the hood back away from this bitches’ face and tear it to pieces. Get out here….
Greyson: Kelcey calling out whomever was responsible for that attack on Kloe Masters, it’s about damned time.
Sparkles: Kloe insinuated that it was Red Rayne, do you think she’ll bring her fine ass out here?
Greyson: Don’t get your hopes up, Sparkles. It hasn’t been confirmed that Rayne is the one under the hoodie, that’s just the popular belief given the underhanded method in which Rayne got involved in SCW’s Fatal Fortunes event.
Kelcey is about to bring to an end any conjecture.
Kelcey: I don’t care if it’s Red Rayne….Silk….Mogui….Krauzer…Decay…I want whoever is under that hoodie to get into this ring.
There is no sign of the mystery assailant.
Kelcey: What’s wrong? Can you only attack people from behind? You don’t have the courage to get in the ring and face someone mono a mono?
Franklin: Come off it Kelcey.
The last person Kelcey wanted to see is unfortunately the very man stepping to the stage. SIN GM, Franklin Paradise apparently hasn’t been enough of a thorn in Kelcey’s side, hence why he is swaggering down the ramp to have a face to face encounter with her.
Franklin: What are you going to do if my buddy gets in the ring with you tonight? Huh? We all know what would happen. You’d end up getting your sexy ass crushed and embarrassed just like it’s been over and over and over again in recent weeks. Honestly, I can think of far better uses for that ass.
Obviously Paradise is a little overconfident, climbing into the ring with a woman who he has beyond aggravated over recent months.
Franklin: Seriously Kelcey, you’ve humiliated yourself and your best friend, Tay-Tay, way too much. Spare the both of you any further indignity and do the only thing your good at, standing around and looking hotter than hell. Stop pretending you can wrestle and go back to provocatively taking a stroll down the catwalk in your skimpy outfits. The only contest you’re ever going to win will be one that involves shaking your ass in a swimsuit.
Kelcey proves just how wrong Paradise is by grabbing the lapel of his jacket and forcing him back into the ropes.
Greyson: Finally..finally Kelcey is about to get her hands on Franklin Paradise!
Sparkles: Not Franklin. He’s the best GM in the history of this company. He once let me look at the nude photos on his cell-phone.
Greyson: I hope it was nude photos of ladies and not of himself.
Sparkles: It was about 50/50.
Greyson: Anyways, Kelcey is about to tear Paradise to pieces. This has been so long in the making.
The life is about to be throttled out of Paradise’s body by a woman who has just been pushed too far. It seems Paradise is on the verge of being executed before the governor calls and gives him a reprieve. That figurative phone call comes in the form of an individual sporting a hoodie slipping into the ring. Once again a steel chair is in their grips, and is about to be swung straight into the back of an unsuspecting Kelcey.
Greyson: Watch out Kelcey! Watch out!
Sparkles: Don’t you dare hit Kels with that chair, bruises will so show through her swimsuit.
The person in the sweets swings their chair only to have Kelcey duck at the last second. The momentum of the missed chair shot causes the hooded attacker to spin in a total circle, spinning to face Wallace, who pulls back her fist and prepares to swing. Apparently this menacing and enigmatic figure possesses more than just a talent for attacking unsuspecting targets, demonstrating that he or she also has great timing. They fall to the canvas of their own volition, rolling under Kelcey’s intended punch. Much like Paradise, the mystery assailant scrambles to the outside of the ring and joins the GM at the end of the ramp. The two are putting as much distance between themselves and Wallace as possible, and for good reason. Kelcey now has the steel chair that was about to crack her over the spine, gripped in her palms. The chair turns on its original master, Wallace on the brink of using it to mangle both of her enemies, the hood sporting Sinistry supporter, and Sinistry General Manager Franklin. She rolls under the ropes and goes straight after them, chasing a now horrified Franklin and his secretive associate to the back.
Greyson: Kelcey chasing down Franklin and whomever that is behind the hood. Get them Kelcey and drag their asses back to the ring.
Sparkles: Kelcey’s gonna kill someone tonight.
BACKSTAGE
Mason: That was an absolute disgrace. I want to know who to hold responsible for the travesty just committed in the ring and I want to know yesterday.
Gloria Noel just stands back with arms crossed over her chest, head tilted to the side and mouth blowing a strand of hair out of her face. She looks annoyed by the actions of her manager, who presently has Axl Evermore backed into a wall, repeatedly jamming a finger into the chest of the backstage correspondent. Axl suddenly regrets having come to the gorilla position to fetch a cup of coffee, because it caused him to run afoul of the perturbed Mason.
Mason: I made a simple request and it went ignored. I will not stand for this incompetence. Everything is to be perfect when the cornerstone of this industry makes her debut. Now tell me who I need to talk to in order to make sure my vision for Gloria’s entrance is realized and exudes the royal qualities she should….
Axl: Listen bud, I really wish I could help ya out here, but I’m fit to be tied. I’ve got a sit-down interview coming up with Selena Frost later tonight, I need to focus on that. So I’m afraid I can’t help you out with your prob….
Mason: Useless. Much like everyone my client and I have come across this evening.
Axl: Sorry…
Kelcey: Get the hell out of my way.
Mason doesn’t have to be told twice, leaping from Kelcey’s path as she comes storming towards them with a steel chair in hand and such intensity in her eyes.
Kelcey: You…
Axl is really living to regret his craving for caffeine, because now he’s become the focal point of an uncharacteristically furious Kelcey.
Axl: Yes.
Kelcey: Is that camera rolling?
Now Wallace is pointing at the camera just off to her side.
Axl: Far as I know.
Kelcey: Does that microphone in your hand work.
Axl: It does.
Kelcey: Then put it to my lips and make sure that camera stays on my face.
Axl: Yes ma’am.
The microphone is placed where Kelcey has ordered it to be placed, and Wallace’s eyes are locked on the camera
Kelcey: Franklin Paradise? You want to take every opportunity to ridicule me and beat me down verbally? And now you’re employing your buddy in the hoodie to try to beat me down physically? Well enough words, let’s REALLY get physical. I’m going to give you the chance you’ve been waiting for Paradise, the chance to get down and dirty with Kelcey Wallace. I’m challenging you to a match, a match on NewAge, and when I beat you within half an inch of your perverted little existence, and pin you for the three count, then your friend will have to pull back their hood and reveal their identity to the world.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
The Queen of the Ring title twinkles upon the shoulder of Tina Valentine as she saunters through the backstage corridor. A look of annoyance is exuded in her eyes, an agitation exacerbated by the oh so annoying tone of Mark Comeau. He hustles along behind her with microphone in hand, looking to fulfill his backstage correspondent duties.
Mark: Tina-Tina-Tina-Tina-Tina-Tina-Tina-Tina-Tina….
Tina: WHAT!?!
Comeau’s heart can be seen beating through his throat.
Mark: Jeez….no need for the tone.
Tina: You have questions? Ask them!
Mark: Just wanted to gauge your reaction to Prii Foote’s challenge.
Tina: Prii Foote’s challenge?
Mark: You don’t know?
Tina: More like I don’t care.
Mark: You might want to start, because she’s challenged you to a Queen of the Ring Title match tonight.
Most would be offended by such a challenge, yet Tina merely laughs it off.
Tina: Prii Foote wants to step in the ring with me?
Mark: That’s what I heard.
Tina: With my title on the line?
Mark: Exactamundo.
Tina: Yeah, that’s not happening.
Mark: Figured.
Tina: I already have to worry about Jessica Lacksabrain, and Amanda Bland fighting each other for the number one contendership to MY championship…I don’t want to have to think about Prii and her stupidity too.
Mark: Guess you’re not one of those type of champions who defend against all comers.
Tina: What kind of moron does that? Someone who doesn’t give a shit about career longevity.
Mark: Guess you got a point there.
Tina: I’ll concern myself with Prii when and IF the time ever comes that she actually EARNS the right to face me for my title. But right now, I’ve got other things to worry about…
Mark: Like Selena Frost?
The name leads to a bitter response from Valentine.
Tina: Tell me you didn’t just say that name?
Mark: Well she did kind of make her debut by locking you in the Frost Bite.
Tina: Nuh-uh, check yourself fool. Frosty didn’t get me locked in nothing, she TRIED to put the arm bar on me but I was too fast for her to get a handle on me. And she, just like Prii, can get their asses to the back of the line. I don’t give a shit if she comes here with all this internet hype and all these SCW laurels….
Mark: Then you probably won’t care that my broadcast colleague, Axl Evermore, is going to be having a sit down interview with Selena later tonight.
Tina: A sit down interview? A fucking sit down interview? I’ve never had a sit down interview in my entire tenure as Queen of the Ring Champion. Ya see, that’s just another example of the disrespect and disregard I’ve been shown since the day I won this title. Something needs to be done. Drastic action must be taken. It’s time I took steps to ensure my reign as champion gets the recognition that it….
Mark: Hold that thought.
Shaun: Did you think I was just going to let bygones be bygones, huh?
Mark turns attention from a disgruntled Valentine to the argument that has just broken out between Scott Cannon and Shaun Cruze. The two are standing just outside of Silas World’s dressing room, with Angelica Jones desperately trying to hold the two apart. In the process she crumples the referee jersey that Scott is wearing over his body. Wisely Silas Mason stands in the doorway, watching this whole scene unfold without getting involved.
Shaun: You think I don’t know you laid me out deliberately at Upping the Ante?
Scott: Mistakes happen mate.
Shaun: I’m not going to let you chalk what you did to me up to a mistake? Noooo, you’re not about to be given a free pass this time, Scott. You hit me with the Snake Eyes at the pay-per-view, and there are going to be consequences….Your just lucky that Kloe needs me right now, otherwise I’d show you what the consequences of your actions are here tonight.
Shaun steps out of frame and leaves Scott shaking his head.
Silas: Don’t worry about ‘em, okay. Ya jus’ focus on doin’ yer job as referee for the Queen of the Ring Contenders match, understood?
Scott: Yeah, Silas, yeah.
There’s not very much conviction in Scott’s tone, sounding more annoyed than determined. He walks away, leaving Silas free to return focus back to his dressing room. Lenore Price-Mason is peeking her head out with a smile.
Silas: Did ya manage to get McBride on the phone before all her zaniness with those brooding freaks started?
Lenore: Yes.
Silas: And everything is set for two weeks from now then?
Lenore: It’s all set, Silas, it’s all set.
Silas: Excellent.
Mr. Burns of Simpson’s fame couldn’t have said it anymore insidiously.
JESSICA LASIEWICZ VS. AMANDA BLAYZE
QUEEN OF THE RING CONTENDERSHIP
The intro of “Warriors of the World (United)” by Manowar blares into the arena, generating thunderous cheers from the crowd.
Then, as the song begins, Amanda Blayze emerges through the smoke and comes down toward the ring, high fiving fans as the arena continues to erupt with thunderous cheers. When, she reaches the ringside area, she stands there taking in the atmosphere of the arena as the fans continue to show their reactions. Then, she takes off her vest and reveals herself to the crowd, which fires up the crowd even more. She then climbs up the apron and jumps over the ropes to enter the ring.
Seconds later, she runs up two of the opposite ringposts, jumps onto the ropes and extends her arms with a traditional Hawaiian Shaka signal with her extended hands, taking in the atmosphere while the crowd reaction continues and the cameras flashing.
After going through her ritual, Amanda jumps down and does pre-match stretches, waiting for her opponent to arrive.
Greyson: Well we’ve certainly got ourselves a big one here tonight.
Sparkles: Oh you’re not kidding, mine’s the size of a polish sausage at the moment.
Greyson: I wasn’t referring to that. I was referring to the fact that we’re having a huge SINGLES MATCH right now with an opportunity at the Queen of the Ring Championship on the line.
Sparkles: Oh. Still doesn’t change the fact that I could probably put my eye out if I bent forward.
Greyson: Well Amanda has a major opportunity this evening. It was just a few weeks ago on Riot when she challenged Tina Valentine for the Queen of the Ring Title only to be screwed over when that phone recording hit the PA system and insinuated that Blayze and Orlando Cruze were having some type of affair.
Sparkles: Yeah-yeah, and now she gets a shot at redemption, we know this old chestnut.
Blayze will achieve more than simple redemption here tonight should she best Lasiewicz and move on to face Valentine for the title. Her primary ambition since joining the IWC has been to add title gold to her waist, tonight she could very well move one step closer to accomplishing that task. There’s only one person standing in the way of her progression, and that’s the very individual currently making their entrance.
“…Wait, wait….”
(“Wait” by ZOEGirl begins to play over the PA system. The Cartel-Tron flashes to life as the phrase “Last Jones Standing” appears on the screen followed by the name “Jessica Lasiewciz.” A modest cheer erupts from the fans as Jessica Lasiewicz steps out onto the stage.)
You’ve been hurt, you’ve been lied to.
You ran all your life just to get out of your shoes.
But you settled in too soon; now your road is clearly dark.
No room for any light to break through.
(Two huge pyrotechnic shots go off behind her as she raises her arms high into the air. After the pyro is over, she begins to make her way down towards the ring, looking determined, her eyes tense as they gaze towards the ring.)
You’re on a mission to get even with the world.
To give back all the pain you received, it’s just too hard to believe
that anything could make it better.
Please don’t let it end this way.
You could wait another day.
It’s foolish games that players play.
One choice can bring you so much ache.
Please don’t end up this way.
There’s got to be some other way.
You could live without this mistake.
So please wait.
(She steps up on the steel steps and then steps over to the middle of the ring apron where she poses once more for the fans to loud cheers. She then steps through the ropes and steps to the center of the ring as the music dies down.)
Greyson: Jessica Lasiewicz has a very long and detailed history with Tina Valentine, current Queen of the Ring Champion, and although Lasiewicz says she doesn’t want a title match, it would be fitting for her to go on and challenge the Duchess for the belt.
Sparkles: Of course it would.
Greyson: Are you actually agreeing with me?
Sparkles: You didn’t let me finish.
Greyson: Naturally.
Sparkles: I don’t think Jessica makes a fitting challenger at all.
Greyson: And why’s that?
Sparkles: Well have you looked at the size of her boobs? Their pretty much non-existent.
Greyson: Believe it or not I don’t use bust size as a criteria for judging one’s talent.
Sparkles: Then you’re a fool. Lovejoy, an absolute fool.
Greyson: Lasiewicz versus Blayze, we’re moments from seeing who will move on to challenge Tina Valentine for the title, and we’re going to see it right now.
Lasiewicz and Blayze carefully eye one another form across the ring with referee Fizpatrick on hand to officiate this sure to be fast paced encounter. Just as Patrick lifts his hand to call for the bell and get this athletic contest underway, the official pauses upon seeing Scott Cannon jogging down the ramp stepping up the stairs and sliding into the ring sporting a referee jersey.
Greyson: Oooh lord, I was really hoping this was nothing but a rumor, but instead it looks like its fact. Scott Cannon is out here to officiate this match.
Sparkles: Are you joking? Tell me you’re joking. I can’t tell because you literally have no sense of humor whatsoever.
Greyson: After what happened between Cannon and Blayze in the ring earlier on this evening, I can’t imagine why anyone would trust Scott to be an impartial official in this match. I mean, I know Karen is new on the job and everything, but she’s got to start paying attention to details like these.
Sparkles: Yeah, and as if Amanda wasn’t pissed enough already at McBride for her complicity in the drug testing her at the pay-per-view, now she’s assigned Cannon to officiate this match, which only further sets Blayze up for failure. Oh well, when she loses, I’ll console her by offering her a crotch to cry on.
Greyson: How thoughtful of you, Sparkles.
Sparkles: I’m a very thoughtful puppet.
Scott slides into the ring and then confers with Fitzpatrick, who is initially angered by what he hears before just giving in and storming from the ring. Once Fitzpatrick is gone, Scott turns and signals for the bell, getting this contest underway.
Greyson: Here we go…and look at Amanda…she’s going right after Cannon.
Scott has no sooner called for the bell before he has to throw his arms up in front of his face to block the punches that Amanda swings directly at his skull. Luckily Cannon has the quick reflexes he needs to shoot straight from the ring before any significant damage can be done.
Greyson: Amanda’s gonna get herself disqualified.
Sparkles: Which is precisely what Silas World is counting on, they’re intent on costing her the Queen of the Ring Contendership.
Scott stands outside of the ring and shouts inside of it, threatening to disqualify Amanda. She is so worked up she completely loses her focus on Lasiewicz, who is barreling behind Blayze and delivering a big splash. She hits the stinger style splash to Amanda’s back and drives her throat down into the top rope. Blayze bounces off and comes staggering back into Lasiewicz’s waiting hands. The Morning Star rushes at the ropes and leaps over them, delivering a one handed bulldog that drives Blayze’s throat down into the top rope.
Amanda staggers back and gasps for air while Lasiewicz springs to the apron, then springs to the top rope and ultimately springs into a big flying lariat that connects right across Blayze’s throat. Both athletes hit the canvas but Jessica doesn’t stay down on it, she’s rolling directly onto her feet. The moment she stands Lasiewicz gets a big ovation, one that only gets louder when she approaches a turnbuckle and begins to scale it.
Sparkles: Looks like little girl is gonna get some big air.
Greyson: Jessica going up top, she might very well be on the verge of winning this match.
Sparkles: I think she’ll have to send a fruit basket to Scott in gratitude.
Amanda continues to lay in the ring and look up towards Lasiewicz’s body, which is turning in anticipation of hitting a destructive dive. The Morning Star prepares to take flight when “Talkin That” hits the speakers, causing Jessica’s head to whip around and glare at the entry way where Tina Valentine is standing. The Queen of the Ring Championship is wrapped about the Duchess’ waist, and a steel chair extends from her hands.
Greyson: Tina Valentine on her way to the ring? With a chair in hand to boot?
Sparkles: Tina’s bout to cross two more names off that Ho Hit List.
Greyson: And take out her two most prominent challengers for her title.
The chair in Tina’s clutches is not used as a weapon, but as a seat…yes, believe it or not, steel chairs are used to sit on as well as to crush skulls. Valentine puts the chair in place then parks her fanny on top it, sitting back and watching this match from ringside. Although she didn’t physically get involved, Tina’s presence has distracted Lasiewicz long enough for Amanda to catch her. Blayze regains consciousness, rushes up the turnbuckle in front of a side tracked Jessica, catches her around the waist then lunges back, delivering a super overhead belly to belly suplex.
Greyson: Aaaah…Tina’s arrival proves devastating for Jessica.
Sparkles: Jessica couldn’t take her eyes off of Valentine, and I can’t say as I blame her.
Greyson: And Tina can’t keep her eyes off of Lasiewicz.
A distressed Lasiewicz tries to rise to her feet only to have Amanda step in, hook both of her arms and throw her into the air with what looks to be a tiger bomb, only to transition Jessica in mid-air, catch her around the arm and drop to the canvas, locking her legs around her opponent’s shoulder. A grapevine has been applied on Lasiewicz’s arm and is subjecting her body to untold amounts of agony. Jessica rocks back and forth trying to relive the pressure and escape the hold, however, Amanda will not detach her legs from her adversary’s arm. Finally Jessica manages to slide her body around and into position to drape her ankle over the bottom rope. A five count is started by Cannon, who stands on the apron on the opposite side of the ropes that Jessica has her leg placed across.
The hold is broken at four and Amanda rolls over backwards onto her feet and goes right after Cannon. Scott drops down from the apron and points at his striped shirt, offering one last warning to Blayze. Her response is to sneer and shout right back at Cannon, before turning to spot Lasiewicz staggering back to her feet and staggering into an arm bar. Amanda takes Jessica down to her stomach then leans back into the submission, threatening to snap arm from shoulder. Lasiewicz lifts her free hand into the air, resisting the temptation to tap to the pain.
Valentine leans forward, scooting to the edge of her seat and watching with a big cold grin extended across her face. The Queen of the Ring truly enjoys seeing the pain etched in Jessica’s face. Lasiewicz will not give Tina a show, dragging herself towards the ropes and putting an arm over the bottom rope.
Once again Cannon starts a five count from the outside of the ring, reaching four before Amanda breaks the hold. An aggravated and intense Blayze shouts over the cables at Cannon, giving him one last warning of her own. That’s when Jessica rushes in behind Amanda, taking her around the waist and pushing her chest first into the top rope. Both ladies go rolling over backwards with Jessica trying to sit on the back of her opponent’s thighs and fold her up beneath her. However, Amanda rolls back and out from under Lasiewicz’s seat then reaches out and grabs Jessica’s arm, forcing her down to her stomach and into the crossface.
Sparkles: Amanda putting on a wrestling clinic in there, forcing Lasiewicz into one submission after another.
Greyson: Yeah, but Jessica seems to have quite the threshold for pain.
Lasiewicz suffers the crossface for several moments before eventually getting to her knees and then rolling forward, freeing herself from the submission and getting to her feet in the process. She then turns towards the kneeling Blayze and comes charging in only to have her leg caught. Amanda pulls the leg out from under Jessica and sends her collapsing to her back. Blayze stands up and tries to apply the ankle lock only to have Lasiewicz get a foot up and into Blayze’s chest, pushing her off the attempted submission.
Amanda staggers back into the ropes, ricochets off and then comes back in at Jessica, going for a buzzsaw kick aimed at her face. However, Jessica drops out of the way, the boot missing her face entirely. Amanda’s momentum causes her to turn completely around and end up being caught with the small package.
Scott slips into the ring and slaps the canvas.
1
2
To the delight and to the dismay of a split crowd, Amanda gets her shoulder up, beating Scott’s expedited count.
Greyson: What a shocker, Scott a little quick on the draw with his three count there.
Amanda kicks out and rolls over to her feet, catching a rising Jessica around the head and setting up for the DDT. Tina looks thrilled at ringside, standing up from her chair with eyes lightening only to have them darken when Lasiewicz grabs the creases of Amanda’s legs then pulls up on them. She flips forward into the jackknife cover.
Cannon slides in and makes another rather quick count.
1
2
Amanda suddenly reaches up and grabs one of her opponent’s legs draped over Blayze’s shoulder. Amanda rolls to her side and forces Jessica onto her stomach with Blayze standing up and swinging around the leg, setting up for the ankle lock.
The crowd has quite the response to this smooth yet sudden transition that leads to Amanda almost getting the hold applied. Tina is already standing at ringside and slapping the apron as she tries to lead the crowd in a chant of….”Tap, tap, tap.” The chant doesn’t catch on and Jessica will not be subjected to another hold, so she turns over onto her back, bends her knees and pulls Amanda in just close enough to blast her across the forehead with open hand palm thrusts. She then grabs Blayze around the back of the head and locks in the gogoplata.
Sparkles: That was a nice transition.
Greyson: Very true, Sparkles, Lasiewicz showing she’s just as well versed when it comes to the art of technical wrestling.
Sparkles: None of them are as good as William Mason though, the man put on a clinic earlier tonight.
Greyson: Oooh bullllshit!
Amanda’s face reddens as she’s placed in this submission, one that Scott is right there to see if Blayze will submit to.
Scott: It’s alright to live and fight another day.
Amanda does not take Scott’s advice and instead flips forward, bridging her body back into the pin. Jessica tries to hold onto the triangle choke, but has her body folded up beneath Blayze and her shoulders wedged to the canvas.
1
2
Scott was right there to ‘apathetically’ make the count, giving Lasiewicz sufficient time to kick out. Blayze then rises to her feet and twists towards the kneeling Lasiewicz, swinging around into a roundhouse kick aimed at the cheek. But Lasiewicz catches the inbound shin, hooking her ankle and then rising to her feet. Lasiewicz performs an inside leg trip on Amanda’s planted foot, dropping her to her spine and then attempting to apply her own ankle lock.
Amanda is rolled over to her stomach and her leg is twisted at such a gruesome angle. But it remains to be seen if it’s an angle that will force Blayze to submit. She forces herself up onto her elbows and begins to crawl towards the ropes, nearing them and ultimately reaching out, wrapping her palm around the bottom cable.
Scott starts a very long, slow and drawn out five count, reaching four before Lasiewicz breaks the hold then notices Valentine standing so close to the ring. Jessica turns towards the Queen of the Ring Champion and takes a threatening step in her direction. Tina backs off with a grin on her face, allowing Jessica to return her focus to Blayze, who has just gotten to her feet with the help of the cables. Lasiewicz rushes in and Amanda launches a boot towards her jaw…but that boot is caught.
Jessica drags Amanda towards the center of the ring and tries to get another ankle lock applied only to have the side of Lasiewicz’s skull subjected to a brutal enzugari. The strike sends Jessica twisting away from Amanda, who rises to her knees and quickly grabs Jessica around the inner thigh, pulling her down into the school boy.
But Jessica rolls over backwards right out of the pin and to her knees. The second she straightens her spine she feels her skull compressed by a lethal roundhouse kick delivered by Blayze.
Greyson: The kick Amanda has been looking for throughout this match FINALLY connects.
Sparkles; And damned if it didn’t look painful.
The cheek shattering strike knocks the Morning Star out cold, falling to her back with Amanda dropping across her chest. After those two stiff kicks, it’s obvious that Blayze is narrowing in on perhaps one of the biggest wins of her career.
Cannon falls into position to make the count, lifting his palm into the air, but it never swings to the canvas. Instead Scott leaps back to his feet and shouts over the ropes at Tina, threatening to have her kicked out of the ringside area. The Duchess grins, realizing exactly what Scott is doing.
Greyson: Make the damned count Scott, come on.
Sparkles: After what Blayze did to him earlier tonight?
Scott continues to warn Tina at ringside while the pin is happening behind his back in the ring.
Blayze: DAMMIT!
Amanda walks away from what could potentially be the match winning pin, stepping in behind Scott and grabbing him by the shoulder.
Blayze: You son of a b…
Scott swings around and blasts Blayze right in the face with the Snake Eyes.
Greyson: That son of a bitch!
Sparkles: I’m surprised it took Scott this long to lay Amanda out.
The Snake Eyes has knocked Amanda out cold and now Scott is grabbing hold of an unconscious Lasiewicz’s wrist, dragging her over and draping her arm across Blayze’s chest.
Greyson: This is as bad as it gets.
Sparkles: Really? Could be worse, Martin Short could be in the ring.
Cannon falls into position and makes the count to declare Lasiewicz the number one contender.
1
2
Scott’s hand is just coming down for the three but never reaches the canvas thanks to…Tina Valentine?
The Duchess reaches under the ropes and grabs Scott by the ankle, trying to drag him out of the ring. Scott turns over to his seat and remains in the ring, but he is now out of position to make a count.
Greyson: The Duchess keeping Scott from declaring Lasiewicz the number one contender.
Scott exits the ring of his own accord, dropping down in front of Valentine and shouting into her face. The two go back and forth with their ‘argument,’ one that only ends when Amanda regains consciousness inside of the ring then comes rushing across it and ultimately lunges right through the ropes, nailing a suicide diving forearm right into the back of Scott’s skull. The blow knocks Cannon forward and right into Tina, the two athletes crashing to the canvas.
Sparkles: Disqualify her, disqualify her this instant, then penalize her to wrestle the rest of her matches in a French maid outfit.
Greyson: Enough of your perversion, Sparkles. Once again Blayze and Cannon coming to blows.
After taking out Cannon at ringside, Blayze returns to the squared circle, sliding into the squared circle. She then walks right into a hurricarana by Lasiewicz, flipping Blayze over and sending her rolling across the canvas, and she keeps rolling until she’s back on her feet and charging into the cables. Amanda ricochets from the ropes and comes back in at Jessica with a spear only to have Lasiewicz catch her coming in with a front dropkick to the top of her head. Blayze is knocked to her back and Jessica is rising to her feet only to be removed from them when Valentine slides into the ring and crushes Lasiewicz in the face with the Queen of the Ring Title.
Tina rushes across the ring and bashes Jessica straight in the face with the gold. The second Jessica hits the canvas, Valentine grabs Blayze by the wrist and drags her over, draping her arm across Lasiewicz’s chest
Greyson: Tina capitalizing on the fight between Scott and Amanda, she just laid out Lasiewicz with the title.
Sparkles: And now she’s putting Amanda on top of Jessica. This is how a number of my fantasies start out.
Although Blayze is in perfect position to become number one contender, there is nobody available to make the count, Scott is still reeling from the suicide dive at ringside. At last someone does show up to make the count, that someone being…Marcus Mayfield.
Sparkles: Oh lord…it’s that face again.
Greyson: Marcus Mayfield, Head Referee rushing the ring. Is he here to make the count or to pick up where he left off with Scott earlier tonight?
Mayfield is tempted to go after Scott based on their earlier interactions, but instead he goes sliding into the ring to do his job. He drops down into position and makes the three count.
1
2
And Blayze has just become the number one contender for the Queen of the….scratch that….Lasiewicz gets her shoulder up, narrowly avoiding suffering the pinfall.
Greyson: What’s it take to finish The Morning Star off?
Sparkles: A stake through the heart? A Hammer version of a Dracula film?
Mayfield confirms that it was just a two count…an announcement that has Valentine kicking the steel steps at ringside. The Queen of the Ring Champion attempts to enter the ring and interfere once again only to have Mayfield cut her off. As Tina distracts the referee, Cannon slides back into the ring behind him and goes charging at Marcus. Somehow Mayfield catches a glimpse of Cannon from the corner of his eye, prompting Marcus to spin around and come to blows with Scott once again. The two exchange punches between one another and battle into one of the corners.
Greyson: Cannon and Mayfield picking up right where they left off earlier tonight.
The Duchess realizes this is her opportunity, sliding into the ring and going after Lasiewicz only to have Jessica suddenly snap out of her daze and leap into the air, catching Tina with a knee strike across the cheek. The blow sends the Duchess spiraling across the ring and spilling through the ropes. Lasiewicz then lands on her feet and turns back to her opponent only to be cut in half with the SPEAR. Blayze crushes Jessica’s ribs and then crawls into the cover.
Greyson: Blayze with the spear on Lasiewicz, but again, there’s no referee to make the count.
That’s true, up until Stuart Wright, the former Head Referee and Sinistry stalwart, comes sliding into the ring and into position to make the count.
Greyson: It’s Wright, why is this piece of dirt out here?
Sparkles: He’s a referee, duh? A referee with a perm to boot. That entitles him to do whatever he wishes.
Wright slaps the canvas emphatically.
1
2
The hand comes down and stops a fraction of an inch from the canvas because Jessica kicks out AGAIN!
Greyson: NO! Lasiewicz continues to hang in there.
Sparkles: Someone get a young priest and old priest out here and we’ll finally finish Lasiewicz off for good.
Finally Cannon drops down out of the ring to avoid an attempted running European Uppercut by Marcus. As Scott leaves the ring Marcus looks over the ropes, shouting down at the Silas World member, behind him Blayze is pulling the Morning Star to her feet and now leaping into the air, catching Jessica with a front chancery in order to deliver the Huntress Trap. However, Jessica manages to provide a shocking counter, catching the creases of Amanda’s knees and then rushing across the ring to deliver the powerbomb. However, Amanda manages to counter, slipping up and over Lasiewicz’s head then down her back, wrapping her legs around Jessica’s waist in the process. She now goes for the Blayze of the Glory to the shock of the crowd. But in the process of pushing herself up and into the attempted inverted wheel barrow proceeded by the sunset driver, Blayze finds her neck caught. Lasiewicz reaches back, takes Amanda around the jaw and goes for a reverse neckbreaker counter. At the same time Blayze is reaching out and grabbing Jessica under her jaw, hitting a reverse neckbreaker of her own. Both neckbreakers connect and both ladies are laid out side by side with arms ending splayed across one another’s chests.
Wright drops down and makes the count for Blayze, while Marcus turns and spots the cover being made by Lasiewicz, falling and making the count on her behalf. Both the IWC referee and the SIN referee are making separate three counts.
1-1
2-2
3-3
The three counts are made and now Marcus is grabbing Lasiewicz by the wrist, lifting her arm in victory. He wears a big grin on his face that suddenly fades when he spots Wright lifting Amanda’s arm in victory.
Greyson: Uhhh, time out…What just happened?
Sparkles: Yeah, I need someone to seriously explain this one to me.
Greyson: Marcus is saying Lasiewicz won the match but Wright is saying Amanda won the match.
Sparkles: So who’s the damned winner? Who’s the Number One Contender for the Queen of the Ring Championship!?!
Tina is asking this same question at ringside, demanding clarity but getting more confusion. Marcus approaches the time keeper and shouts to Thomas Boll at ringside.
Boll: Lady and gentlefolk, winner of match according to Head Official Marcus Mayfield….JESSICA LASIE….
Wright: No…no…no!
Now Stuart shouts something at Boll, forcing Thomas to rephrase his announcement.
Boll: Lady and gentlefolk, winner of match according to Head Official Stuart Wright….Amanda Blay….
Marcus: Hold on!
Mayfield and Wright go back and forth, arguing with one another while Alex Ingelson and Patrick Fitzpatrick COME sliding into the ring. The duo steps forth and try to reason with the Head Referees and offer a practical solution to the situation. All the while the ORIGINAL referee Scott Cannon is stomping along to the side of Boll at ringside, whispering into his ear. Scott then encourages the reluctant Boll to make the announcement.
Boll: Lady and gentlefolk, winners of match, and CO Number One Contender, Jessica Lasiewicz AND Amanda Blayze!
Greyson: WHAT!?!
Sparkles: They’re both number one contender-esses?
Greyson: I believe what we just heard.
Tina is throwing a fit at ringside, the sides of her fists swinging into the apron. She only stops flipping out when she spots Lasiewicz rushing across the ring. Jessica leaps over the top rope, going for a big crossbody on Tina down below only to have the Duchess step out of the way. Jessica lands on her feet instead of crashing into the mats, she then goes charging after the Duchess, chasing her to the backstage area.
Greyson: Lasiewicz pursuing the Duchess!
Sparkles: Monsters aren’t supposed to run, they’re supposed to walk creepily like they have arthritis in both legs.
The Queen of the Ring Champion and her newest challenger, aren’t the only ones making their way to the back, Wright, Ingelson and Fitzpatrick are stepping up the ramp as well.
Scott now stands on the outside of the ring, staring inside at Mayfield and Blayze.
Scott: Problem solv…..
Cannon was right in the middle of rubbing salt in the wounds before he’s cut off by the voice of the man infiltrating the arena.
Silas: Well now Flyboy, looks to me like you done went and pissed some people off. Surprise-surprise-surprise.
The crowd finds themselves just as flustered as Scott at the sight of Silas stepping to the stage with Sienna Swann, Lenore Price-Mason and Angelica Jones standing behind him. Of course Silas wasn’t about to come to the ring without backup.
Silas: But don’t worry Flyboy, ya still got yerself a friend in Silas, which is why I went outta my way to set up a title match for ya in two weeks.
Scott wants to be happy with this news, but he knows every favor from Silas comes with strings attached.
Silas: I got ya a Tag Team Title match set for two weeks from now. And yer partner in that match is gonna be a member of Silas World. But which member?
That’s exactly what Scott was thinking, amongst other thoughts that only a psychologist could understand.
Silas: None other than Baby Doll, Taylor Chase HERSELF!
Scott is getting tired of this guessing game.
Silas: But what you really should be wonderin’ is what stipulation is gonna be on that title match. Well, I got it all sorted out, I learned, or I guess ya can say, I ARRANGED for there to be a special referee for that Tag Title match, and that referee is none other than Amanda Blayze!
Scott suddenly finds himself glaring into the grin on Amanda’s face/
Silas: You two try to play nice now ya’hear.
A perverse and sickening delight is exuded by Silas’ toothy grin.
Greyson: Scott Cannon and Taylor Chase to team up on the next Riot to battle for the Tag Team Titles? But Amanda Blayze is gonna be the special guest referee for that match. Talk about drama.
Sparkles: I’m pretty sure that’s Silas’ goal.
Silas: Now that we go that all straightened out, I’m gonna ask all of ya to get yer asses outta MY ring, cause Silas Mason has got an announcement to make that is going to change the face of this industry forever….oh….and Abi….
Cameras briefly segue to Serenity still standing in the rafters watching all of this insanity go down.
Silas: I’m glad yer still here, cause you, above anyone else, are gonna want to hear my special announcement.
BACKSTAGE
Cameras shift from the future challengers for the Tag Team Championships to one half of the current title holders. Andre Jordan stands outside of the locker-room with the Tag belt thrust over his shoulder and both Tabitha Silverstone and Sebastian Knight standing behind him. All three representatives of Silverstone International are stood before a puffy eyed Mark Comeau, the backstage correspondent clutching a microphone.
Comeau: Well you just heard it Dre. You’ve got a Tag Title match set for Riot in two weeks, but first you and Gavin Taylor have to make it past NewAge next week, where you’ll be putting the gold on the line against two other teams in the End Effect and the Sinistry. What’s your take on this big string of matches ahead of you?
Andre: No rest for the weary, huh? Not surprised to see more hurdles being put up in front of me, but I think I’ve shown I have a knack for leaping those hurdles.
Comeau: Yeah, but it’s not just you stepping into these matches, you’ll have to rely on your tag team partner, Gavin Taylor, if you want to successfully defend your championships. And if Upping the Ante proved anything, it’s that neither you, nor Gavin are on the same page. I mean, you two cost each other singles gold at the pay-per-view, when you accidently distracted Gavin to cause him to lose the X-Class Title bout, and he distracted you to lose the Evolution Championship that you held for six months. How can you two look past those mistakes and move forward to defend those Tag Team Titles?
Andre: You’re probably not use to hearing this very often Mark, but your right, Gavin and I, we haven’t been seeing eye to eye for a long time. And Upping the Ante, I think it’s brought the two of us to a crossroads. We’ve reached a crucial intersection in our tenuous alliance, and now we find ourselves in a make or break situation. Tonight is going to go a long way in deciding if we can survive the challenges that have been laid out before us.
Tabitha: Challenges totally and completely outside of our realm of comprehension.
Andre’s agent couldn’t resist the urge to express her anger.
Tabitha: Seriously? Did the End Effect or Wilde and Executioner win number one contenders matches to earn a title shot? No. And what have Amanda and Scott done to receive a shot at the belts in two weeks? Nothing. So can someone PLEASE tell me why my client has to defend his Tag Titles against these clearly undeserving teams? He should be in line for an Evolution Title rematch before he….
Andre: Speaking of the Evolution Championship…sorry to cut you off Tabs, but I have plans for my shot at that belt, plans that will put Gavin and I back on the same page.
Tabitha: Wait, hold on, you didn’t say anything to me about this.
In spite of Tabitha’s protects, Andre is already taking off.
Tabitha: Andre….ANDRE!
Mark watches Dre walk off with Tabitha and Knight in hot pursuit, but no rest is provided to the weary. Just as Comeau sighs and begins to go through his fanny pack filled with prescription pills he hears his name shouted.
Shaun: Comeau!
All the pills in the bottle Mark was holding, go flying through the hall.
Comeau: JESUS!
Shaun Cruze steps towards Mark followed by Zak, Alex and Nate of the Cartel.
Comeau: What?
Shaun: I’m going to make this very short and to the point.
Comeau: Okay?
Shaun: The whole world just saw the Sinistry take out Kloe….well, on New Age, Kelcey Wallace isn;’t the only one who is going to be coming for that hoodie wearing son of a bitch who hit my sister with the chair. On New Age, I’m coming for the Sinistry, and I’m bringing this to an end!
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
The whole building is remorseless upon seeing Samantha Hodgson backstage, phone pressed to her ear and high heels pacing the corridor. She props her shoulder to a large crate, leaning into it and looking rather casual even after making a major challenge to Vanilla Skyy earlier tonight.
Hodgson: No….no…you don’t need to worry about me. I know exactly what I’m doing. Two weeks from now, Skyy is going to be reminded why you do not tangle with the House of Hodgson.
Samantha grins when listening to the voice on the other end of the phone.
Hodgson: You’re absolutely right. Marie Jones IS going to regret firing me as her agent when she sees that I can beat the woman she couldn’t. I’ll finally get the respect that I’m entitled to. I’ll get what’s owed to me.
Prii: Pfft….
Hodgson lowers her phone and raises her guards when spotting Prii Foote standing behind her with the most perturbed of expressions on her face.
Hodgson: Oh uhhhh Mrs. Foote…was there something I could do for you?
Prii: For starters, you can stop trying to steal my thunder.
Hodgson: I beg your pardon?
Prii: You totally tried to overshadow me out there and steal some of my shine. Everyone should be talking about how poor Prii has been denied her just deserved title shots, but nooo, now I have to hear people ALSO discussing Hodgson versus Skyy. Seriously? You couldn’t wait till NewAge or some other time to come out and make your pathetic little challenge?
Hodgson: There is nothing pathetic or little about the scope of my challenge.
Prii: Sure-sure whatever. Keep believing that, but you had better cram another idea in your thick skull, you never…ever step on my toes, especially when it has to do with title opportunities. Now I’m forced to go out there and make another statement. I’ve got to strike while the iron is hot and people are still focused on my pursuit for championship gold. Everyone needs to be focused on my challenge to Tina Valentine for her Queen of the Ring Title.
Infinity: Listen you sniveling worms.
The braggadocios agent, Infinity, and her client, Flash Silver, stroll into the scene and add to the mad.
Infinity: You two seriously need a muzzle. The way you both went out there and tried to cut us off at our knees is entirely unprofessional.
Prii: Who in the hell are you?
Infinity: The agent for the King of impossible, wrestling’s salvation, the man who will begin a NEW winning streak…the unstoppable Flash Silver.
The compliments are heaved upon Flash, who is busy eyeing a dirty paper towel on the floor with a look of repulsion on his face.
Infinity: And although we had planned on that streak beginning against Tina Valentine next week on NewAge, now we’re forced to do it here tonight….
Prii: Speaking of Tina, it’s time to stop wasting my energy on you wastes of space, and start focusing on Tina and her title.
Prii takes off and both Infinity and Flash express their outrage.
Flash: HEY, my agent wasn’t through telling you all about my re-debut here tonight. You come here right now missy and listen to her sing my praises.
Infinity: Relax Flash, we’ll have our captivated audience once you go to that ring, make your challenge and start your new win streak.
Flash: Let’s hope no one tries to steal our spotlight this time.
Infinity: Like they could even if they tried.
Flash and Infinity are off and walking while Samantha just stands there batting her eyes and trying to remember where she left off in her phone conversation.
Hodgson: Hmmm, everyone out to reinforce their earlier statements, huh? Well maybe it’s time for me to hit the ring and do the same…a statement Marie can’t possibly overlook.
IN RING
Cameras return to the squared circle where Silas Mason is standing with Sienna Swann, Angelica Jones and Lenore Price-Mason lingering behind their manipulative and borderline schizophrenic agent. Although he has such a bevy of beautiful women in the ring with him, he’s focused on only one, who is standing in the rafters high above. Serenity watches and forces herself to listen as Silas violates everyone with the words amplified by his microphone.
Silas: Look at ya up there, Serenity, all decked out in yer leather ensemble. It’s hotter than shit, I’ll give ya that much, but who are ya foolin with this whole emo act? What, ya expect everyone standing out here to believe that me screwing yer fiancée has turned ya to the darkside? Fer starters, a bubbly lil tart like yerself don’t have a darkside, and second, ya should have known Baby Brown was gonna cheat on ya. Katelyn’s the cheatin’ type, and ain’t no leopard capable of changing their spots. Honestly, surprised it took so long for Baby Brown to drop ‘er panties to the floor. I actually had to put some work into gettin’ a piece of that lilly white ass.
Serenity remains entirely attached from her emotion, which explains why Silas is still breathing at the moment.
Silas: So don’t act shocked when you marry a whore and she acts like a whore. Buyer beware, buyer beware. You knew what you were gettin’ yerself into fallin’ for Baby Brown, so there ain’t no point in ya standin’ up there lookin’ all self-righteous and there sure as shit wasn’t no reason for ya to go and put yer hands on me at Upping the Ante. Ya made a bad-bad choice when ya assaulted me, because you’ve seen what I’ve done to everyone who embarrassed me. I got my revenge on Flyboy and Blayze, now it’s yer turn.
Serenity looks unthreatened by Silas’ warnings.
Silas: I promised a game changer…an earth breaker….a mind blower….I promised an announcement tonight that is goin to forever alter the course of Silas World, and of the world in general. Now it’s time to be a man of my word and deliver on promised goods. I’m standing before ya’ll tonight to announce a NEW member of Silas World.
Everyone perks a bit, reaching up to snap at the grub Silas is dangling from the hook on his fishing line.
Silas: I’ve signed someone who characterizes everything that a member of my clientele should be. Talent, intellect, strength, power, trust, and above all else, LOYALTY. She’s a future World Champion here in the IWC, she’s the most underutilized and underrated performer on the whole damned roster. I give to you all the newest cornerstone of Silas World…..MARIE JONES!
The crowd mirrors Serenity’s reaction. They simultaneously shake their heads and grimace as the vocals of Taylor Swift are playing through the speakers and ‘The Phoenix’ Marie Jones makes her way through the curtains. She has an almost regal stride in every step and exudes a royal quality in the manner in which she waves her hand, not raising it up and down, but instead twisting her wrist from side to side.
Greyson: M-M-Marie Jones?
Sparkles: Silas has found himself a Phoenix.
Greyson: Marie Jones is the newest member of Silas World?
Sparkles: Perhaps his greatest acquisition yet.
Greyson: Talk about a shocker.
Marie makes her way through the ropes that Silas has parted on her behalf. She then approaches her mother, Angelica, who takes Marie’s hand and shakes it. Lenore and Sienna give Jones a pat on the back and now step aside to give her a venue to address the harsh tones of the crowd.
Marie: You guys are honestly that surprised? If you took a moment and employed your brains instead of your loud mouths, you would realize how much sense this actually makes. Silas surrounds himself with only the best talent on the planet, people who bring something different and unique to his stable. Well, they don’t get any more talented, and they don’t get any more unique than moi, the Phoenix.
Some fans agree, most don’t.
Marie: Silas is a smart man, he knows who’s going to put asses in those seats. He knows who’s going to put money in his wallet. He knows who’s going to put the rest of Silas World on notice and make them understand that their spots aren’t nearly as safe as they once were. It’s like the man said, I’m the new cornerstone of his stable. I’m now the one everyone will be compared to and forced to measure up to. With Mason and I united, Silas World is going to reach heights it’s never achieved before, carried upon the flaming wings of the phoenix.
Marie takes a moment to soak it all in.
Marie: But this is a two way street. Samantha Hodgson, she failed and failed consistently to get me the exposure and the opportunities someone of my particular skillset deserves. Did she get me title shots? No. Did she get me in main event matches? No. Could she even get the transcripts from my lawsuit against Lindsey made a matter of public record? No. Samantha was weak, Silas….no…Silas is STRONG. He has the influence to get things done on behalf of his clients. With his guidance I will become a World Champion, but all roads have to start somewhere, and the impetus behind the union of Marie Jones and Silas Mason will be the mutually assured annihilation of you….SERENITY!
Abigail goes on frowning and watching Marie direct her pointed finger in the direction of the rafters.
Marie: We’re going to make your life miserable, Abi. You will be in persistent agony. If you think Silas stealing your fiancée followed by me laying you out with the Vindicator was the worse we could do to you….noooo….that was just a shaving from the very tip of the iceberg. The things we have planned for you, Abi….oh the wonders you will experience, the hells you will be dragged through. I honestly can’t wait to get started.
Silas: And we’ll be getting started sooner than you think, because I used some of that influence Marie is bragging about to get the footage and transcripts from her case against Serenity released to me and soon they’ll be released to every one of you people.
Marie: It’s about time people learned the depths of Abi’s depravity.
Silas: They need to know what kind of monster you really are, Serenity.
The leather bound beauty begins to drift back into the shadows, wishing to see and hear no more of this. She sinks into the darkness just as “Haunted” blares through the speakers and Marie leaves the ring with her new agent and her associates. Angelica is rubbing her daughter’s shoulders as the two drop to the mats and march up the ramp. No force on earth can take the smile from Marie’s face, not even the arrival of Samantha Hodgson. Jones’ former agent steps onto the stage with arms wide and stretched to her sides with her eyes even bulging from sockets. Shock is exhibited by all of Samantha’s gesticulations and mannerisms as she watches Silas and Marie now walking arm in arm towards the back.
Silas: Ya snooze ya lose.
Hodgson: You can’t go with him….You can’t do this.
Marie: We’re through, Samantha, I’ve finally found an agent with strength.
Samantha is reeling as she watches Silas and Marie raise interlocked hands above their heads. As this gesture is made by the agent and his new client, the curtains beside them open and ‘Flash’ by Queen is playing through the speakers. Infinity leads her client Flash Silver, and referee Stuart Wright, through the curtains and towards the ring. Neither Infinity nor Flash so much as glance in the direction of Silas and his cohorts as the pair near the ring trailed by the susceptible Stuart.
Greyson: As if this situation wasn’t twisted enough, now we’ve got Flash Silver and his agent Infinity headed for the ring?
Sparkles: The more Infinity the better.
Greyson: Well these two made an unorthodox challenge to Danny Darko earlier tonight, it’ll be interesting to see what their intentions are now, especially with Flash in his wrestling gear.
Both Flash and Infinity enter the ring and once again the agent is left to do the bulk of the talking on her client’s behalf. Stuart stands behind them in the corner of the ring and listens.
Infinity: Earlier tonight, Flash made a challenge…a challenge that was overlooked by a man who has no business being in this ring if he is not intent on wrestling. So we implore you, Daniel Darko, do not question the sincerity of Flash’s challenge.
Greyson: Their still challenging, Darko? But Danny said he couldn’t get medical clearance.
Sparkles: Hence why Flash is challenging him.
Infinity: We are calling you out, Daniel. My client wishes to have his re-debut right here, right now, and you will be his opponent. So stop hiding behind doctored physician notes, and start being a man. Come out to this ring and face Flash Silver.
There is no response from the backstage area, not sight nor sound of Danny Darko.
Infinity: Fine, then you force us to do this. If you don’t come to this ring and answer our challenge, then Stuart Wright will award Flash a victory via forfeit.
Greyson: Are you fucking kidding me? Darko is under medical restrictions, he can’t compete, and he’s yet to have his retirement officially overturned.
Sparkles: This is just plain genius. Flash is going to have his victory in his re-debut.
Greyson: How can you even have a re-debut? You can only debut once, re-debuting is theoretically impossible.
There still isn’t any indication that Darko has any interest in stepping into the ring against Flash.
Infinity: Okay then, have it your way, Daniel.
She turns to the referee.
Infinity: STUART….start the obligatory ten count, disqualify Darko and then raise Flash’s hand in victory.
Wright does as told, or as he’s been paid to do. The crooked referee commences with the count.
Wright: 1…2…3….4
Greyson: How is this legal? There was never a scheduled match between Darko and Flash set for tonight.
Sparkles: It’s legal if the REAL Head Referee, Stuart Wright says it’s legal.
Greyson: That’s ridiculous and even you know it Sparkles.
Sparkles: I know nothing.
The crowd’s hate becomes more and more pronounced the closer Wright gets to completing the ten count
Wright: 5…6…..7….8…
Still no sign of Darko.
Wright:…9…..
Infinity is already raising Flash’s wrist into the air to celebrate this momentous occasion before the official can finish his count. Wright is on the cusp of shouting ten when the moment of elation for Flash and Infinity turns into a moment of pure dread. The two tuck tail and dash from the ring when Prii Foote comes sliding into the squared circle clutching a steel chair.
Greyson: What the hell is Foote doing back out here?
Sparkles: You’re complaining about getting to see Prii Foote again? Sometimes I really worry about you, Greyson. Then I realize you don’t have a vagina, and I stop thinking about you entirely.
Flash and Infinity stand at ringside, but Silver isn’t about to be content with having his spotlight stolen. He tries to re-enter the ring only to put his agent’s palm to his chest and insist that she hold him back. Infinity does as told, employing what little upper body strength she has to restrain the far stronger Flash from reaching the ring. Within the ring Prii is throwing down the steel chair she threatened Flash and Infinity with and now filling her hands with something else, a microphone. She picks up the device that Infinity dropped in her haste to escape the ring.
Prii: I guess I didn’t make my intentions clear enough, did I? I’ve asked nicely. I’ve threatened. I’ve went from one extreme all the way to the other in demanding the title shot that’s rightfully owed to me. And what have I gotten for my time and patience? Well do you see a belt around my waist, no you don’t, unless your schizophrenic, then you need to go back on your meds. Anyway, I’m here to add gold to these abs, and YOU, Tina Valentine, are the perfect person to help me do it.
Greyson: Tina Valentine?
Sparkles: Why must you always interrupt everything that people are saying with your stereotypical dialogue? Let Prii finish what she has to say.
Prii: If William Mason won’t give me my title shot, then YOU will. Get out here Tina Valentine and put your Queen of the Ring Championship on the line against me. You want respect, I want titles. One of us gets what we want, and well the other one, is pretty much screwed. Either way at least we both get screen time, and we can never have enough of that. So come on Tina, let’s go…let’s do this.
Tina: Last I checked, Prii, you’re NOT the number one contender for the Queen of the Ring Championship.
The crowd is rather unapologetic when it comes to their opinion of current Queen of the Ring Champion, Tina Valentine. In spite of the rather hostile response she’s getting, Tina will not be dissuaded from saying precisely what she’s come to the stage to say.
Tina: That jail bait goth and that MMA wannabe kicked each other’s asses out here tonight to decide who would be the next challenger for my title. So guess what, that puts your ass at the end of the line. Win a match or two, then get back to me when you’re worth my time.
Prii: You don’t think I’m worth your time? You don’t think I can beat you in this ring for that title?
Tina: It’s not even debatable. So why don’t you go backstage, find a tampax to cork it up and then get your head on straight.
Prii: Come on Tina….You want attention don’t you? You want the world to start focusing on you again, right? That’s what you came out and cried about on the pay-per-view wasn’t it? Well nothing will get you more exposure and more time in the spotlight than an impromptu title match. I can hear a thousand remote controls clicking over right now as the world hangs on your answer.
Tina: Well tell the world to go back to surfing internet porn, because there ain’t gonna be no title match tonight. I’m not stepping one foot in that ring with you. I’m through being blindsided over and over and over again by people like you, that Frosty the Snowbitch, and Jessica Likestosuckadick…I’m not going to risk being embarrassed yet aga….
The lights in the building suddenly cut out into total darkness.
Greyson: Oooooh God, now what!?!
Sparkles: Like you don’t know. Hopefully Tina’s grabbed a chair like she did at the pay-per-view, cause you know damn well who’s playing with the lights.
Suspicions are confirmed when the houselights rise and illuminate not only Tina Valentine seated on her butt INSIDE of the ring with Prii Foote watching on, but Jessica Lasiewicz standing a few inches removed from the Queen of the Ring Champion.
Sparkles: Oh no….Tina’s been forced into the ring….don’t tell me Jessica is going to make Valentine’s fine-fine ghetto booty defend her belt against Foote.
Greyson: Lasiewicz playing more games with Valentine, employing her occult abilities to force Tina into the ring, but is she going to force her into a match with Foote?
Prii smiles as Lasiewicz narrows in upon a shocked and fearful Valentine.
Jessica: It’s time to do what’s right. I don’t care about the title, I care about seeing it liberated from your clutches, and I want to see it done, right now.
Although her whole body quivers with fear Valentine manages to squeak out a few words.
Tina: We figured you might say something like that.
Before Lasiewicz can question what Tina meant by ‘we,’ Jessica finds the back of her skull crushed with a devastating running forearm…a forearm delivered by PRII.
Greyson: So Lasiewicz has Tina cornered in the….HEEEEY!
Sparkles: The hell!?!
Sparkles and Greyson speak the very words on the minds of all the fans, who are rendered speechless at the sight of Prii just taking out Lasiewicz with the forearm right across the back of her neck. Jessica starts to push herself up to her feet only to be demolished when a running knee cracks her across the temple. Valentine delivers the blow and puts Jessica out. After taking out Lasiewicz with the knee, Tina turns her focus to Prii, both ladies tentatively glaring at one another with raised fists. It doesn’t take long for those fists to move, to move to the bottom of their shirts and to strip them away.
Sparkles: Awwww….yeah.
Tina removes her shirt and Prii does the same to her own, the two revealing what they’re sporting beneath….GOOD Movement jerseys.
Greyson: Tell me I’m not seeing this.
Sparkles: Can it be? Have Prii Foote and Tina Valentine, have they…have they JOINED the GOOD Movement?
Greyson: Someone pick my jaw up off the floor.
Sparkles: And someone put my tongue back in my mouth.
Prii and Tina stoop down over the brutalized Lasiewicz, grabbing hold of her hair and yanking back. Jessica’s skulls is held up and her groggy eyes drearily gaze up into the face of the Queen of the Ring Champion.
Tina: All of your smoke and mirrors are no match for the power of GOOD.
Prii: GOOD…..GOOD….GOOD….GOOD!
Foote and Valentine drop Lasiewicz and now stand as the two continue their chant.
Prii &Tina: GOOD! GOOD! GOOD! GOOD!
BACKSTAGE
The ring finds itself bombarded with hate, but the backstage area is filled with cheers when Gavin Taylor and Madison Chase appear. The two are side by side, marching down the corridor with Taylor dressed down on the occasion, sporting no more than a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and wrapped fists. Madison wears something else, a frustrated expression. The bitter rivals of the GOOD Movement proceed down the corridor and in the direction of the ring. Sparkles and Lovejoy chime in from the commentator’s table.
Greyson: Gavin Taylor and his wife, Maddie Chase, are here.
Sparkles: Maddie looks so much better in bondage.
Greyson: Thanks for another insightful comment, Sparkles.
Sparkles: Looks to me like Gavin is dressed for a fight.
Greyson: I think Gavin is out for some retribution against the GOOD Movement after they abducted Madison at Upping the Ante. We’ll find out what he has planned NEXT.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
Axl Evermore finds himself engulfed by the hordes of the GOOD Movement. The backstage correspondent struggles not to be crushed by all the celebratory bodies gathered around him in the interview area. ‘X-Class Champion’ Alana Starr, Ethan Von Aaron, the benchmarks of GOOD stand beside Polly Norah, BMW and the two newest acquisitions to their group. The GOOD Movement have never looked stronger with Prii Foote and ‘Queen of the Ring Champion’ Tina Valentine now counted amongst their numbers.
Axl: Fans if you’re just tuning in, you missed a surprising turn of events to say the least.
Alana: Don’t undersell it, Evermore.
Ethan: Yeah, because what just happened in the ring was a MAGIC.
Von Aaron is already lifting the fingers of both Foote and Valentine, planting kisses on the back of their knuckles.
Alana: It’s out with the old, in with the new. Marie Jones is gone, but her spot was eagerly filled by a champion, Tina, and a soon to be champion, Prii.
Prii: You hear that?
Axl’s wrist is grabbed and the microphone in his hand moved to her lips.
Prii: I’m a future champion, and the GOOD Movement are going to make sure it happens. They’re going to force William Mason to be a man of his word and give me what he promised me.
Tina: AND….
Axl’s wrist and microphone are yanked towards Valentine’s lips as she stands on the opposite side of Evermore.
Tina: Their going to ensure my Queen of the Ring Title reign gets the spotlight and the recognition that it justly deserves.
Ethan: You’re darn skippy we will.
AGAIN Axl finds his arm being pulled around and towards Von Aaron’s smiling teeth.
Ethan: Every black cloud has its silver lining. The world thought that the GOOD Movement was destined to fall into ruin, but no, we’ve only grown stronger.
Alana: Prii Foote and Tina Valentine, they will help us trumpet the virtues of GOOD well into the future. They will give our movement the strength to expand our influence and make it a truly global force. Prii and Tina are only the beginning though.
Ethan: More and more are rallying to the cause as the GOOD Movement sweeps over the world.
Axl: Okay-okay, I’m sure everyone is enjoying this whole ass kissing fest.
Prii slaps the back of Evermore’s head.
Alana: Language Evermore. Impressionable minds are watching.
Axl: Alright, FINE. I hate to change the subject, but can I get your thoughts on the change to your match tonight Ethan?
Ethan: Change? Oh, I suppose your referring to the fact that it’s now going to be Alana and I versus Mika Kozlov AND Rachel Frost? Honestly, I don’t know what the Sinistry are thinking.
Alana: They are a bit scatterbrained aren’t they? I mean, they want an alliance with the GOOD Movement to ensure their absolute dominance, but then they turn around and not only threaten Ethan, but force us into a match against his….his….crush.
Starr wants to gag upon uttering that last word.
Ethan: Aiken Frost thinks he can play games, but he’ll find out that the GOOD Movement can play games too. And I’m not talking Chinese Checkers either.
Alana: Though I am an international Chinese Checkers champion.
Ethan: Is there anything you can’t do?
Alana: Not that I’ve discovered yet.
Ethan: Anyway, Aiken thinks he’s going to drive a wedge between Rachel and I by forcing us to compete against each other in the ring….but Rachel and I have something that Aiken can never understand. We LOVE one another.
Alana shudders as these words are spoken out loud.
Ethan: And nothing will dissolve our bond. Aiken is going to regret making this match, because I will succeed where I failed at the pay-per-view, I will use this match as a means to save Rachel from the abuse of her husband.….
Gavin: Alright GOOD Movement, you knew this was coming….
Prii, Tina, Alana, Ethan, Polly….every member of the GOOD Movement are looking around their surroundings, trying to find the source of this voice. They finally turn their focus towards a monitor situated on a table a few feet away, one that provides a live feed of the ring where Gavin Taylor and Madison Chase are standing.
Gavin: This is the obligatory part of the show when I storm the ring, and get so hulked up it makes Mark Ruffallo jealous.
The images from the ring cannot be ignored, even though Starr and Von Aaron are so fixated upon each other.
Prii: Do you guys want us to handle this?
Ethan: No, Alana and I will take care of this….
Alana: No…Alana will take care of this.
The X-Class Champion steps past Von Aaron only to have her shoulder taken.
Ethan: Everything okay, Goddess?
Alana: Fine…everything’s fine.
Alana pulls away.
Ethan: So you don’t need me to go out there with you.
Alana: No, I’m sure I’ll have adequate protection.
Ethan: But…
Alana: Just stay back here and keep drooling over Rachel, I’ll take care of everything….like I always do.
Ethan: Whoa…whoa…..whoa, hold on on-hold on a second…
Von Aaron’s hands are all consumed with Alana’s shoulders, but his eyes are veering towards Prii and Tina, the newest initiates to the GOOD Movement way.
Ethan: Do you all mind giving us just a moment?
Prii: Sure, but make it snappy. The more time you squander here, the less time you’ll have getting me my title shot.
Tina: And helping me get all those good for nothing hood-rats in line.
The Duchess and Prii have given Alana and Ethan some privacy. It takes some coaxing, but Polly Norah and BMW are able to drag Axl Evermore away as well, ensuring the correspondent is unable to catch the words shared between agent and client.
Ethan: Something eating at you, Starr Chylde?
Alana: No…Im fine. This is the happiest moment of…
Ethan: Don’t give me that. You’re obviously POed about something. This isn’t about Rachel and I is it?
Alana: Okay, you want to get all our cards out on the table?
Ethan: Yeah.
Alana: I’m sick of you fawning all over Rachel, giving her the spotlight and sticking me off in the shadows. I don’t get why Rachel appeals to you so much, especially when…especially when….
Ethan: Out with it.
Alana: When you have someone like me standing in front of you. I’m as unattainable as they get, and yet even when I was practically ripe for the prickings, you you clammed up.
Ethan: To be fair, when you made your advances at me, I was a little drunk.
Alana: We could have had a magical night together, Ethan. And maybe, once you’re past this fling with Rachel.
Starr isn’t one for being forward, but when it comes to Ethan she’s willing to take the gamble of caressing his bicep.
Alana: Just imagine how GOOD it would have felt.
Ethan keeps his trap shut, refusing to upset his client by telling her what a colossal mistake it would be if they had engaged in some erotic behavior. However, one can’t see the distress in his face when their standing behind him. Lurking just a few feet away, lingering behind a set of boxes we find Rachel Frost and her husband Aiken, eavesdropping on everything that’s been said. In one hand Aiken has the chain attached to his wife’s leash, in the other hand he has Rachel’s shoulder.
Aiken: THIS is the man you trust? The man you love?
Rachel lowers her head in reaction to the words she heard come from both her husband, Aiken, and her lover, Ethan. 00
IN RING
The ring is filled with testosterone, Gavin Taylor surging with hormones. He stands right beside his wife Madison and glares up the ramp in anticipation of the GOOD Movement’s arrival.
Gavin: You self-righteous gas-bags think you can abduct my wife and screw me out of the X-Class Championship at Upping the Ante and everything will be hunky dory, water under the bridge, forgive and forgettaboutit? That’s not how this works people. Nuuuuh-uuuuuh. No. when you put your hands on my wife, I put my hands around your throat.
Madison cannot help but to chime in, taking the microphone from her loyal and protective hubby.
Maddie: If it wasn’t bad enough that the GOOD Movement abducted me, my kidnappers were also anti-Semites. I’ve never heard anyone insult Jews the way they did. It was gross.
Gavin: GOOD Movement, you made a fatal error bringing my wife into the middle of this…
Maddie: And insulting Jews. You’ll never have a career in Hollywood now.
Gavin: So go ahead and bring your whole army down this ramp. That’s what you needed to screw me out of the X-Class Championship at Upping the Ante, and it’s what you’ll need to keep me from getting revenge here tonight.
Andre: Looks to me like you need an army to fight an army, Gavin.
The rabble of the audience is rather loud as Andre Jordan steps to the stage, for once actually wearing his Tag Team Title strap. A reluctant Tabitha Silverstone and Sebastian Knight follow Andre down the ramp and towards the ring. Maddie doesn’t know what to think regarding what she’s seeing, but Gavin is a bit bitter at the sight of his tag team partner entering the squared circle.
Andre: Alright Gavin, I can tell by that look in your eye that you don’t want to see me right now.
Gavin: Really? Am I that transparent?
Andre: I’m the last face you want to see at the moment, I get that. You have every right to be pissed off at me man. I dropped you on your head at Upping the Ante….
Gavin: You did more than that, Dre, YOU were just one of many who cost me the X-Class Title.
Andre: I’m not going to make excuses, mistakes were made, can’t go back now. I could go on and on about how I was blinded by Kordy’s friend, the Stranger, which caused me to hit you with the Game Changer. I could talk until I’m blue in the face about how I was only interfering in your X-Class Title match to keep Alana’s goons from screwing you out of the title. Hell, I could even ramble on and on about how you, in a roundabout way cost ME the Evolution Title that I held for six months. But I won’t be going into any of that….nope…I’ll save myself the breath.
Gavin: Thanks for sparing my braincells, Andre, they’re pretty precious to me.
Andre: No doubt…no doubt. All I’m going to come out here and tell you, is this. I’ve seen the change in you Gavin, I’ve seen you growing over these past few weeks….I would say EVOLVING, but that would probably be a little to ‘on the nose.’
Gavin: Very much so.
Andre: You went from being my worst enemy, to being my worst enemy working from the inside to try and destroy Silverstone International, to being my worst enemy who is legitimately concerned about my well-being. Which, I can’t even begin to fathom how that’s possible.
Gavin: Yeah, seems like an oxymoron to me.
Maddie: Silly Gavin, bulls can’t be morons.
Andre: Annnyway, you’re trying to clean up your act, I see that, and I respect that. So I’m out here now to do something I should have done a couple weeks ago.
Gavin: Haven’t you hit me with enough Game Changers already?
Andre: One more probably couldn’t hurt, but no-no-no. I’m here to give you this…
Dre extends his outstretched palm towards Gavin.
Maddie: Is it invisible?
Andre: No, it’s a handshake.
A rather surprised Taylor stares into the open palm for what seems like an eternity.
Gavin: Awwww a handshake? How sweet, you shouldn’t have. But I guess this tis the giving season.
Maddie: He should have gotten you a new X-Box.
Andre: Are you going to shake my hand or not?
Gavin: Not….and I’ll tell you why, Dre. Because a handshake doesn’t fix shit. It’s a completely empty gesture.
Andre: Come on man, I just want us to be on the same page. We have to be on the same page.
Gavin: Do we?
Andre: If we want to keep the titles that we still have, yes, we need to be working together, not against each other.
Gavin: Honestly, Dre, I don’t know if we can ever do that. I don’t think you’ll ever trust me.
Andre: I can try…
Alana: You have no reason to trust him, Dre.
A total lack of remorse is shown by the crowd as they bitterly react to Alana Starr’s arrival. The X-Class Champion saunters to the stage with shoulder burdened by her belt and expression noticeably soured.
Alana: Gavin Taylor is no GOOD….He’s a vulgar, contemptible SCALLYWAG.
Gavin: Did you just call me a scallywag?
Alana: Yep, I went there.
Gavin: You’re lucky I don’t have my thesaurus handy, otherwise I might be really pissed off at the moment.
Maddie: Isn’t scallywag something a dog does with its tail?
Alana looks absolutely baffled by Madison’s comments.
Alana: Ooookay, anyway, you two are right not to trust each other. Gavin is a back stabber and Andre will cut the legs out from under anyone who’s profile rises above his own. Look at what he did to me. He was at one time a loving and nurturing boyfriend, then my popularity took off, my STAR began to shine, and he turned into an abusive controlling monster.
Andre: You know Alana, I think your honestly starting to believe that’s the truth.
Alana: Because it is.
Andre: God dammit Alana, I was always there for you. My only goal since day one was keeping you safe and keeping you happy.
Alana: Happy? Happy? You call trying to cost me the X-Class Championship making me happy? You put your hands on me at Upping the Ante and almost screwed me out of the title. You abused me just like you abused me all throughout our entire relationship together.
Andre: You’ve lost it
Alana: No, I’ve found it…I’ve found success. And the only reason I achieved it, is because I left you behind. But there you go again, making this all about Andre. Right now, I’m here to talk to ‘Cut-throat’ Taylor.
Maddie: That should sooo be your pirate name.
Madison confesses to her husband, who nods approvingly.
Gavin: You want to talk…talk Alana.
Alana: Who in the ham do you think you are, you great big poopie head?
The crowd gasps in response to such a vulgarity.
Alana: How dare you come out here and claim that I was somehow responsible for your wife’s abduction. Kidnapping is not GOOD….and I will have no hand in it whatsoever…
Gavin: If you weren’t responsible, your father was.
Alana: My Daddy would never-never stoop to such a low…
Gavin: Are you that fucking clueless? He sat right at ringside during our X-Class Title match with my wife being held by his thugs.
Alana: Don’t you cast aspersions on my Daddy, he’s a GOOD man….and a GOOD father.
Gavin: You know what, I’m wasting my oxygen here trying to talk to you, Alana. I came out here for one reason, to challenge you to a rematch tonight for the X-Class Title.
The crowd is all over this like peanut butter on jelly.
Alana: You and me? One on one? AGAIN? Hehehehehehe….NO!
Starr’s disposition changes so radically and so quickly.
Alana: I will never deface my G-Class Championship by defending it against you ever again. This title represents GOODNESS, and I will not have its upstanding reputation tarnished by being associated with a disrespectful and disgusting individual such as yourself. So from this day henceforth, yeah I just said henceforth, Gavin Taylor is officially moved to the back of the line, meaning I will never again defend the G-Class Championship against him.
With every word Alana speaks, Gavin finds himself growing all the more bitter. Dre is close enough to see the steam that is almost shooting out of his partner’s ears.
Alana: So in the words of the immortal Soup Nazi, no Title match for you, come back, one year!
Gavin finds his skin squirming as rage seeps through the pours of his flesh. He finds it harder and harder to stay calm, especially when Andre steps in and tries to offer some soothing sentiment.
Andre: We still have the Tag Team Titles, we need to be focused on them…
Gavin: What? You think I’m going to team with you just to give you the opportunity to keep on dumping me on my head over and over again? Fuck no, Dre. If you can’t trust me, and I can’t trust you, we might as well as go ahead and forfeit the Tag Team Titles right now. I won’t team with someone who’s more interested in screwing me over than helping me succeed.
The weight of Gavin’s words compresses Andre’s soul like an anvil was just dropped on top of it, and poor Dre didn’t even have an acme umbrella for protection.
Andre: You know what, Gavin, your right….Your absolutely right. There’s no point in us defending these Tag Team Titles if we can’t trust each other. So I think I have a solution, a sacrifice on my part that shows I’m willing to do whatever it takes to keep our team unified and progressing towards a common goal.
Gavin: Careful with using terms like ‘sacrifice.’ We saw what happened to the last guy who spouted about ‘sacrifices.’
Andre: Well hopefully I won’t be strung up on a cross. I’m praying instead that my sacrifice proves how much I trust you.
Gavin: Get on with it then.
Andre: As everyone, especially my agent, probably knows, I’m entitled to a guaranteed rematch at the Evolution Championship. It’s stipulated in bold print on my contract.
Gavin: Yeah? So?
Andre: Well, what many might not realize is that just beneath that stipulation in my contract, there’s a little bit of fine print that specifies that should I be incapable of employing my rematch that I’m well within my right to give that guaranteed title shot to a replacement. Well, Gavin, just to show how much I’ve grown to trust you, and how much I appreciate your efforts to reform I’m giving YOU my shot at the Evolution Championship.
Tabitha: WHAT!?!
Knight: Whoa-whoa…hold on.
Silverstone and Knight try to interfere but Andre has made up his mind and has already made his announcement. No going back now. Gavin is left to process all of this information with his head lowered introspectively and his hand raised to his jaw.
Gavin: IIIIIII don’t know….
Andre: PLEASE Gavin, I insist. Take the match. You’ve wanted a fair one on one shot at the Evolution Championship for months now. And I’m in a position to make that happen. I’m begging you, take the match.
Gavin: This isn’t the way I wanted….
Andre: Just take the damned match already.
Gavin: Fine…fine…I accept.
Andre: There you have it, as of this moment Gavin Taylor is now the number one contender for the Evolution Championship. And hopefully, this gets Team Epic on the right track.
The crowd pops huge in response to this announcement….a true game changer if there ever was one. Andre grabs Gavin’s arm and lifts it aloft, creating quite the jarring and unexpected visual, seeing the Tag Team Champions…*gasp*….united.
Alana: GAG.
There, that killed the whole feel good vibe. Starr winces at the visual in the ring, shaking her head like she just witnessed the gassing of a thousand puppies.
Alana: Are you two done yet, because I just threw up in my mouth, thanks for that. If you are through, and even if you weren’t, then get out of the ring so I can be done with this whole debacle and concentrate on my tag team matc…..
Andre: Are we done? No….not by a long shot, Alana…Because I may have sacrificed my chance at the Evolution Championship to make amends with Gavin, but there’s another singles title I have my sights on.
Alana: What are you rambling ab….
Starr suddenly goes silent when she sees the smile on Dre’s face and where his eyes are directed, towards the belt that sits over her shoulder….the X-Class Championship.
Alana: Seriously? YOU want a shot at MY title?
Andre: Seems fair.
Alana: And what makes you think I’d give you a shot at the championship when I refused Gavin a rematch?
Andre: Because you know that you’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, as long as I have. You want to be through with me, you want to put our entire relationship behind you? Then face me at the End of the Year Special and let’s finish this.
Alana thinks on it for a moment and only a moment.
Alana: Alright Dre, if it means I’ll never have to deal with your abusive behavior again, FINE. You and I, one on one, X-Class Championship on the line, End of the Year Special. A night where GOOD will reign supreme.
Andre: No, it’ll be a night when GOOD fails to prevail against EPIC.
Alana: You two really are….DADDY!
Dre and Gavin wonder why Alana just called them ‘Daddy’ before realizing that Mercedes Starr is the one being eluded to. Alana’s father stands on the apron behind both men making a cut throat gesture with his finger. But he’s not the one they are most distressed by. Hector, El Cuchillo and Solomon come sliding into the ring, the three assassins under the employ of the Spanish woman stood at ringside. La Tigra watches as her three solders collide with Gavin, Andre and Sebastian in the ring.
Greyson: It’s those same three angry hombres who helped cost Gavin the X-Class Championship at Upping the Ante!
Sparkles: Oh God, why? Look at that one’s face, it looks like a raisin left in the sun way too long.
El Cuchillo throws some vicious haymakers across Knight’s jaw as the two spiral across the ring. At the same time Hector and Solomon continue to pair off with the Tag Team Champions. Jordan and Gavin are working surprisingly well together as they attempt to fight off this onslaught. Taylor manages to knock Hector back and through the ropes before turning towards Andre, who is trading blows with Solomon. Suddenly the thug manages to gouge Jordan in the eye with a thumb, blinding Andre and sending him staggering back. Gavin steps in behind Dre, who in his daze state, instinctively spins around and delivers a boot to Taylor’s ribs, doubling him over. Andre hooks both of Gavin’s arms, the crowd squealing as Jordan prepares to deliver the Game Changer on Taylor.
Greyson: He’s gonna do it again.
Will Gavin fall prey to a third Game Changer by a blinded Jordan? Hell to the no. Gavin swings around out of the pedigree, turns towards his partner and begins to shout at him. That’s when Hector rushes across the ring and delivers a forearm to the back of Gavin’s head. This prompts Taylor to spin around and begin exchanging shots with the hired goon. Hector is knocked back into the ropes and Taylor is about to send him flying through them before stopping and glaring to the ringside area where Madison is standing…and she’s not standing alone. Mercedes is approaching her, getting uncomfortably close. The visual inspires Gavin’s wrath, finding himself almost frothing at the mouth as he approaches the ropes and begins to step through them.
Andre, who is clearly not thinking straight, steps in behind Gavin and takes his partner by the shoulder. The gesture is entirely misconstrued, Gavin swinging around to reciprocate the calming touch with a devastating clothesline.
Is Andre about to fall victim to the very same clothesline that he received at the pay-per-view? Big fat no-no.
Dre learns from past blunders, ducking the lariat that goes traveling over his head. Gavin then staggers forward before turning a 180 back to his target. He finds Dre facing him, and Dre’s fists balled into knuckles. Both men mirror one another’s tensed fighting poses. Their preoccupation with one another allows the Tag Team Champions to fall prey to stereo double axehandles to the back of their skulls. Hector and Solomon drop Gavin and Dre to the canvas where they try their best to recover. Dre’s progress is impeded when he’s taken by the arms and led to his feet by Solomon, who pins Jordan’s fists behind Andre’s back. There is no fighting what is coming next as Hector lines up in front of Andre then comes rushing in with a lariat that Andre manages to duck. Hector’s bicep connects with Solomon’s throat, knocking him straight down to the canvas.
Hector watches on with a shocked expression for only a moment before suddenly finding his crotch destroyed by a low blow from…MADDIE.
Sparkles: If only Madison Chase’s arm ever got that close to my testicles.
Greyson: Maddie getting some payback on that young man’s gonads.
Hector grabs at his nether regions and staggers back into the ropes, leaning on them just long enough for Gavin to come rushing in, delivering a lariat to his throat that sends Mercedes’ hitman flipping over the ropes. At the exact same time Andre is rushing across the ring and nailing a lariat on Solomon, who no sooner got to his feet with his back to the ropes before having his throat crushed and being sent flipping over the cables. The crowd goes nuts at the sight of these stereo lariats delivered on both sides of the ring by Andre and Gavin, who back towards one another in the ring. The moment their spines collide, the two spin around with fists instinctively raised. Goosebumps form on the flesh of the tense crowd as they wait to see what Dre and Gavin will do next. Instead of either man swinging their fists, they instead lower them to their sides and nod their heads.
El Cuchillo feels the tide turning, which is why he drops down to the canvas and rolls out of the turnbuckle where he was exchanging shots with Knight, and rolls to the outside of the ring. He picks up Solomon and Hector, the trio looking shaken up as they approach a disapproving La Tigra, and a shouting Mercedes.
Now that the ring has been cleared of La Tigra’s assassins, Tabitha returns to it. She slides under the ropes and steps to Madison’s side, the two clapping on behalf of Gavin and Andre. The Tag Team Champions glare at one another before adjusting their stares towards an aggravated Alana shaking her head from the stage.
RINGSIDE
Greyson: The insanity and the excitement has really been off the charts here tonight.
Sparkles: Bodies just thrown all around the ring. It’s like watching the circus, or at least the freak-show.
Greyson: There’s been so much going on tonight that…..on no…oh God.
Cameras suddenly cut to the stunned face of Greyson Lovejoy, who is pushing his headset down tighter on his ears to make sure he’s hearing the statements from backstage clearly.
Greyson: Sparkles, you’re not going to believe what I’m hearing.
Sparkles: Have they signed me to be the next centerfold for Playgirl magazine?
Greyson: No….apparently we’re going to…we’re going to…
Sparkles: Out with it already!
Greyson: We’re going to be receiving a phone call from ORLANDO CRUZE!
Sparkles: You’re shitting me.
Greyson: I shit you not, Sparkles. The President of the IWC finally breaks his silence, we’re going to be hearing from the President of the company for the first time since he was crucified. Orlando is going to be joining us over the phone.
Sparkles: I guess he saw what happened to Kloe earlier tonight.
Greyson: Don’t go anywhere people, we’re going to be hearing from Orlando, and in just a few short minutes.
BACKSTAGE
Prii: Are you sure it’s okay? You don’t think Alana and Ethan are gonna need us?
Tina: Ethan told us to take the rest of the night off and celebrate, so that’s exactly what we’re doing.
Tina Valentine, with Queen of the Ring Title over her shoulder, and Prii Foote, sporting a GOOD Movement jersey, collectively make their way towards the parking lot, on the cusp of vacating the Manhattan Center.
Prii: We should so hit up this nice quant little dive down the street.
Tina: Uhhhh, I’d like to, but if you’re talking about the place I’m thinking of I’m pretty sure I’ve been banned. Created a little bit of drama there a few weeks ago.
Prii: I’m sure all will be forgiven now that we exude the powers of GOOD.
Tina: Not sure that’s how it works….
Kordy: Oh hey Kordy’s new besties!
The Evolution Champion was making her way down the opposite end of the corridor, Stranger standing at her side. The GOOD Movement’s Kordy excitedly observes both Tina and Prii with wide, expressive eyes.
Prii: Sweet-sweet Kordelia. Good to see you too.
Tina: Hmmm.
Kordy: Did Kordy hear your all going out to celebrate? Kordy LOVES to party. We should all hit the town together, have a GOOD Movement bash that will make the New Years Times Square party look like a bar mitzvah.
Prii: Ummmm….
An awkward glance is exchanged between Prii and Tina.
Prii: How do we put this nicely?
Tina: We don’t like you.
Prii: What she said.
A look of shock consumes Kordy’s face, deeply offended by this revelation.
Kordy: What did Kordy ever do to you two?
Tina: For starters, you’re you.
Prii: I think what Tina is trying to say, is that we don’t care for the way you’re playing both sides of the fence.
Kordy: But Kordy was only bi back in prison.
Prii: That’s not…
Tina: Ethan’s a GOOD man, and an even better agent. He realizes how underutilized the both of us have been, and is going to make strides to give us our just dues yo.
Prii: He deserves better than the treatment you’ve shown him.
Tina: You really should have given the man that title on your shoulder. Like you promised you would.
Kordy: Not Cletus?
Kordy snuggles with the Championship.
Stranger: The two of you have no idea what you’re talking about. You’ve had limited exposure to Ethan Von Aaron, but it will not take long for you to realize what kind of man you’re dealing with.
Tina: Pfft, says the man wearing a moldy potato sack over his head.
Prii: Let’s take our leave of this lunacy.
Tina: Yep, let’s paint the town red.
Prii: Literally?
Tina: Figuratively.
Prii: Literally would be more fun, but I’ll go with figuratively.
The two ladies walk past Kordy and INTENTJONALLY bump into both of her shoulders in the process. Kordy spins around like a top and then wants to go after the newest additions to the GOOD Movement only to have the Stranger hold her back.
Stranger: It’s not worth it lovely. Do not stress yourself needlessly over the unenlightened, and over your agent.
Mika: She won’t have to worry about her Agent after tonight.
Kordy and the Stranger pull an about face, turning towards Mika who is standing in the corridor with her palm elevated over a lighter, holding her flesh over the flame that it produces. She does not relent from the blaze, instead she seems to relish the odor of her searing flesh.
Kordy: Oh goody-goody gumdrops…it’s MIKA.
Mika: Good to see you too Kordy. You look FETCHING in your new title belt…hahahahaha.
Kordy: And you look just as pretty in your….your….evil black eyes…
Kordy turns to whisper to the Stranger.
Kordy: At the risk of sounding like Jack from Pitch Black….’how do I get eyes like that?’
Mika: I’m sooo glad we ran into one another tonight, Kordy.
Kordy: Same here.
Mika: Because it seems the wonderfully demented minds that run this federation have given us such a WICKED opportunity
Kordy: Have they?
Mika: You wish to be free of your agent, Ethan, and I wish to be through with my Cowboy, Aaron. Seems the two of us our in positons to help each other out.
Kordy: Kordy doesn’t want to be free of Ethan.
Mika: Of course you do. Let me help you rub your back, and then you can help me rub mine….hahahahaha.
Kordy: Is this going to be like ‘Throw Momma From the Train?’ Because I don’t want to be Danny DeVito, and I don’t want to be Billy Crystal either.
Mika: You can be yourself, Kordy, and you can finally shed the weight and the pressure that Ethan has placed on you for far too long.
Kordy: What did you have in mind?
Mika: First, you’re going to help me with my Blacklist problem. I have to go out and compete against Ethan, so I’ll need you to run a little errand for me. I want you to go and find Spencer for me.
Kordy: Spencer Klein?
Mika: One in the same, mishka, one in the same.
Kord: Why do you want Spencer?
Mika: That’s for me to know, and for Aaron to find out….hehehehehe…. HAHAHAHAHA!
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
Klein: Just try to relax for the rest of the night, Kellen.
That’s easier than done, Jeffries is still worked up as he stands in front of the double doors leading to the exit from the Manhattan Center. He has his gym bag thrown over his shoulder and a lot of tension weighing down the rest of his body. His advisor, Spencer stands in front of him, TRYING to keep Kellen’s unstable mind from exploding into a million pieces.
Klein: Go back home, recover and return to NewAge stronger than ever. That way we’ll be prepared to give Harrison and Montgomery exactly what the two of them deserve.
Kellen: I’ll try to relax Spence, but after what Harrison did to us earlier tonight…
Klein: I know…I know….but you won’t be doing EITHER of us any favors in your present condition. If we want to attack the Blacklist we need to do it cerebrally, not impulsively. So go home and pull yourself together, get your head on straight.
Kellen: Fine Spencer, fine.
The doors are pushed open and Kellen is embraced by the cold wintery night. He no sooner vanishes behind the closing door before his advisor is spotlighted.
Kordy: Ooooh Mr. Kleeeein….Paging Mr. Kllllleeein.
Spencer suddenly regrets sending his associate away, now finding himself without back up as the Evolution Title toting Kordy, and the Stranger approach. The pair surrounds Spencer.
Klein: Can I help you.
Kordy: It’s more like how WE can help YOU!
Mason: Out of our way, out of our way!
Kordy and the Stranger didn’t even have the chance to talk shop with Spencer before being interrupted by Mason Van Stanton guiding Gloria Noel, his client, right past them. Kordy just barely clears out of the way as Van Stanton leads Gloria to the door that Kellen just exited through.
Gloria: Explain to me why I’m leaving again?
Mason: Because the cameras do not deserve to capture even one more second of your presence. You will not lend this federation instant credibility and exposure by associating it with the Noel name when they are NOT prepared to give your debut the proper respect it deserves.
Gloria: I think you might be taking this a little too far…it was just balloons…
Mason: It’s more than that. This company needs to learn and learn immediately the value of the Noel legacy and how to properly appreciate it. For pity sakes, they even have someone WANNABE queen getting a sit down interview while they only allotted you, a NOEL, legitimate royalty, a few moments of screen time to address the unwashed heathens from the ring. I will not accept this!
BACKSTAGE
Apparently Orlando Cruze won’t be the only one heard from later this evening, because cameras are now cutting to a private dressing room reserved for the interview between Axl Evermore and former SCW Adrenaline Champion, the woman who attacked the Queen of the Ring Title holder at Upping the Ante…none other than Selena Frost. She sits in a chair right across from the backstage correspondent, waiting to field a number of quandaries. We don’t get that interview just yet, instead we get the comments of both Sparkles and Lovejoy, the commentators overheard in the background.
Greyson: Well we’re about to get Orlando Cruze on the phone in a matter of minutes, but we’ve also been promised a sit-down interview with Selena Frost. Maybe we’ll finally get an answer regarding not only her contract status with the IWC, but why she attacked Queen of the Ring Champion, Tina Valentine at Upping the Ante.
Sparkles: I’m more interested in finding out what color underwear she’s sporting.
Greyson: What is Selena gonna say? We’ll find out later tonight.
MIKA KOZLOV & RACHEL FROST
VS.
ETHAN VON AARON & ALANA STARR
Alana Starr used the time during the commercial break to at last reach the ring where she stands in front of Mercedes and La Tigra. All three individuals are in one of the corners, with Mercedes and La Tigra listening to Alana’s comments.
Sparkles: My precious Alana Starr is in the ring….
Greyson: She and her father Mercedes have been there ever since that huge brawl broke out between his gang of hoodlums and the Tag Team Champions. What is the deal with this woman who’s been seen with Mercedes several times over the past few weeks?
Sparkles: Who cares who she is, her boobs are enormous.
Greyson: Well, I’ve heard rumors that this lady, who as I understand it is referred to as La Tigra, has some kind of underworld influence south of the border.
Sparkles: I’d like to go south of her bor…..
Greyson: Enough Sparkles. This is one woman you do not want to flirt with. You might end up with your severed head on a tortoise’s back.
Alana is all consumed with what’s playing out in the ring before her. She listens to the reassuring words of Mercedes and La Tigra, who finally abandon the ring when “Everybody” plays over the speakers and Ethan Von Aaron makes his way through the curtains. The man customarily adorned in a fancy suit, finds himself striped down to his wrestling gear, ready for this impromptu challenge put ahead of him.
Sparkles: The man with the mane of the divine headed for the ring.
Greyson: Just think what we’re about to see when Alana Starr and Ethan Von Aaron team up here in a moment to take on Rachel Frost and Mika Kozlov.
Sparkles: Ethan is the ultimate player, but I don’t think even he can juggle all these moving pieces.
Greyson: The man has bit off way more than he can chew, and Aiken Frost realizes that, which is why he was so delighted when Desmond Drake arranged this match earlier tonight.
As soon as Ethan enters the ring, both La Tigra and Mercedes are exiting it. The two shake their heads in Von Aaron’s direction as they make their way around the ringside area and towards the back. Von Aaron then moves across the ring and tries to talk strategy with Alana, even though the X-Class Champion is giving Ethan nothing but a dead stare.
Greyson: Alana don’t look very happy.
Sparkles: Maybe it was something her father said to her before this match.
Greyson: Maybe it’s the fact that she has to participate in this match whatsoever.
It doesn’t matter what’s made Alana angry, she just is. Starr looks piercingly at Von Aaron even as the lyrics to Pop Goes The Weasel filter through the speakers. Mika Kozlov wears an enormous grin on her face and laughs hysterically as she makes her way through the curtain to the stage, followed by her keeper Aiken Frost, who is pulling his wife by a chain. The NHB Champion, Rachel Frost, does not have to be forced to the ring this evening though. She comes stomping right down the ramp removing her title belt from around her waist and throwing it at her husband’s feet. He unlatches the chain from around Rachel’s neck and now watches with a sickening smirk as she goes rolling into the ring. Before anyone has a chance to react, Rachel is rushing across the ring and driving her shoulder directly into Alana’s ribs, driving her back into the corner.
Greyson: Rachel is in there and she’s all over….she’s all over Alana Starr!
Sparkles: Come on Rach, keep your hands off of Alana’s bodacious bod.
Greyson: This is playing out exactly how Aiken had envisioned.
Although Mika wants to get in there and participate, she’s stopped at ringside by Aiken.
Aiken: Not yet my love, not yet.
An infuriated Rachel continues to pulverize Alana’s face with repeated punches before Ethan finally intervenes. He takes the NHB Champ around her waist, then drags her back to the center of the ring. Rachel is struggling to get free before looking into Ethan’s compassionate eyes.
Ethan: Calm down, Rachel, calm down and listen to me. This is our chance, our chance to set you free.
Rachel: Is it true?
Ethan: Is what true?
Rachel Are you and Alana, are you two…?
Ethan: What? NO! There’s nothing going on between Alana and….
Suddenly Starr comes rushing out of the corner, rushing past her agent and leaping into a Lou Thez Press on Rachel. Both athletes collapse to the canvas with Starr launching fists across Rachel’s temples
Greyson: And now Alana is all over Rachel.
Sparkles: This is blowing up in Ethan’s face. Yet there are far more appeasing faces to blow up into.
Greyson: Dammit Sparkles.
It’s up to Ethan to intervene yet again. He snags Alana around the waist and drags her back from Rachel, pulling her to the center of the ring where he tries to calm his client down.
Ethan: What the fudge, Alana?
Alana: She put her hands on me. That biscuit needs to get her big country booty kicked.
Ethan: No, Alana, I thought we talked about this. I thought you agreed to help me set Rachel free.
Alana: She put her hands in me? Doesn’t that matter to you, Ethan?
Ethan: Of course it…
Von Aaron is cut off by the chair shot that connects across his client’s back. Alana groans in agony and Ethan squeals in dismay when watching Rachel re-enter the ring and swing the steel into Starr’s kidneys.
Sparkles: AAAAAH!
Greyson: Rachel has absolutely snapped.
Sparkles: Do something Ethan, do something. Smooth talk these ladies damn you. Use the power of your fro.
Greyson: Ethan has completely lost control of this situation.
The situation in the ring infuses Aiken with such grim delight. He almost salivates at the sight of Ethan’s distress. Von Aaron is about to lose his marbles as he watches Alana collapse to her stomach with Frost stepping over her and lifting the chair above her head, on the cusp of swinging it once again. Just before the steel can transform Alana’s kidneys into guacamole, the chair is taken right out of her clutches by Frost’s lover. The NHB Champion spins around, glaring at Ethan, who is throwing the chair down on the canvas and now pleading with Rachel to stop this.
Frost snaps back at Ethan, in spite of her need to trust him. Von Aaron finally begins to speak the right words to cajole Rachel just before Alana comes rushing in behind her. Starr grabs the back of Frost’s head and hits her with a one handed bulldog that drags her down face first into the steel chair Von Aaron JUST pitched to the ring.
Ethan leaps back, puts hands on top of his head and gawks at the sight of Rachel’s face bouncing off the chair.
Greyson: Good golly!
Sparkles: That’s GOOD golly, thank you very much.
Greyson: Rachel and Alana are destroying each other.
Aiken wishes he had a bag of popcorn so he could truly sit back and enjoy the show. With every slam, every blow delivered between Rachel and Alana, more and more laughter flows through the lips of both Aiken and Mika at ringside.
Ethan: STOP IT, STOP IT!
Once again Von Aaron tries to intervene but it’s too late, Alana is already following Rachel towards the ropes kicking her rolling body the entire time. Rachel ends up spilling under the ropes while Alana grabs the top cable, waiting for her to stand up.
Ethan: Don’t do this Alana!
Starr sneers in Ethan’s direction and now prepares to take flight over the top rope before Rachel reaches beneath the cables and grabs the X-Class Champion by her ankles. Starr collapses to her back before being dragged under the ropes to the outside of the ring. The moment Alana’s feet hit the mats she is forced to throw an arm into the air, blocking Rachel’s inbound fist. Starr now throws a punch that Frost ducks under, causing Starr to go spiraling past her target and up the ramp. Rachel goes after her just as Alana turns around and finds her face consumed with a punch. Starr responds with a shot of her own and now the two are brawling their way to the backstage area. They pass right by referee Fitzpatrick, who looks shocked as he steps through the entrance curtains and almost finds himself consumed by this madness. He gets out of the way just in time to avoid being sucked into the middle of this fight between Starr and Frost.
Greyson: Alana and Rachel fighting into the backstage area. God only knows what the two will do to each other back there.
Sparkles: I hope it involves pillows, nightgowns and Eddie Murphy movies.
Greyson: Yeah, I’m fairly confident their activities will involve none of that.
A despondent Ethan watches from the ring, unsure what he should do, he’s absolutely frozen before finding himself absolutely shattered. Mika finally enters the ring and sneaks in behind Von Aaron before spinning him around and dropping his skull into the chair that was set in place earlier. Ethan finds himself on the receiving end of a DDT across the steel. He bounces off and rolls to his back, lying unconscious as Kozlov crawls into the cover. Official Fitpzatrick slides into the ring where he calls for the bell then immediately slaps the canvas.
1
2
Von Aaron amazes everyone by getting his shoulder up.
Greyson: Well so much for this being a tag team match, looks like this contest has broken down into its original format, Mika versus Ethan one on one.
Sparkles: This couldn’t have worked out any better for Aiken unless there was a wardrobe malfunction in the brawl between Starr and Rachel.
Aiken is truly amused as he observes Mika straddling Ethan’s chest and now playing with his hair. She curls the locks on his unconscious skull around her finger before throwing a punch into it. One fist after another connects across Ethan’s brow, Mika relishing each strike. She now grabs Von Aaron’s bangs, employing them to drag his body along to an upright base before placing him in a side headlock. Kozlov rushes forward to deliver the bulldog only to have Ethan counter at the last second. He lifts Mika up off of her feet and throws her forward so that she can comes crashing down spine first right on top of the chair.
Mika arches her spine and giggles even as agony flows through her body. Although Ethan should follow up with the pin, he’s too disorientated to do it. He turns away from Kozlov and stumbles into the ropes, falling against them for support. On the opposite side of the cables Ethan has turned into a crutch, we can see Aiken standing and clutching a microphone.
Aiken: So your lecherous desires have finally become transparent, yes?
Von Aaron’s expression transforms when hearing Aiken’s words amplified by the PA system.
Aiken: No more deception and theatricality. The world knows the full extent of your sexual depravity. Your appetite for the sins of the flesh is veracious, and the world knows it.
Ethan bitterly glares at the black eyes of Aiken staring up at him from ringside.
Aiken: Yes, everyone realizes the full extent of your perversion, especially my wife. I have made it clear to her that you truly wish to fornicate with your client, Alana.
That bitter glare turns into a furious one. Ethan reaches through the ropes and tries to get his hands on Aiken, but Frost is nothing but a distraction, a distraction that allows Mika to slip into position behind Von Aaron and catch him around the thigh. Ethan is dragged back into the ring into a school boy by Kozlov. Official Fitzpatrick makes the count.
1
2
Surprisingly Ethan gets his shoulder up, dropping over to his knees while Kozlov stands up in front of him and hooks both arms. Mika is right about to drop back onto the Das-Vi-Dania only to be shoved off the double underhook DDT.
Kozlov goes spiraling into the cables, ricocheting off and coming back in at Ethan, who stands up and goes for a punch on Mika’s face. However, Kozlov drops into a baseball slide, avoiding the punch then leaping to her feet behind Ethan and grabbing him around the neck, setting up for the Electrichka. She spins Von Aaron into the modified stunner only to have him counter out, twisting just enough to put his back to Kozlov’s and hook both of her arms. He pulls down for the backslide only to have Mika push off of her feet, flip back, flip over Von Aaron’s head and land on her feet in front of him. She then hooks the very arms that had her arms trapped, applying the butterfly lock and going yet again for the Das Vi Dania.
Mika is just about to drop back and spike Von Aaron on his skull only to have Ethan swing out of the double underhook, and grab hold of Kozlov’s wrist in the process. He turns back towards Mika and gives her arm a tug, dragging her into an Irish whip. Mika looks to turn lemons into lemonade by going for a short arm clothesline that Ethan manages to duck. He then hooks both of Kozlov’s arms from behind and pulls her down into the backslide.
1
2
Kozlov manages to kick out, dropping over to her knees with Ethan standing up in front of her. He steps in to go for a kick aimed at her skull only to have it connect with nothing but air. Mika crawls right through Von Aaron’s legs, stands up behind him, grabs Ethan around the head and delivers the Electrichka.
Greyson: That spinning stunner OUT OF NOWHERE!
Sparkles: Yeah, this is sooo a vine video waiting to happen.
Ethan’s head ricochets from the canvas, his body twists to the canvas and his chest finds itself collapsing under the elbow drop by Mika.
Aiken: Do not target his heart my precious Mika. For the man gets no use out of it whatsoever. Focus on another part of his anatomy my love, the limb he wishes to plunge into every woman who draws breath.
Mika giggles in reaction to Aiken’s words before following his instructions to the letter. She grabs hold of Ethan’s legs and lifts them into the air, dividing them slightly so that his testicles are exposed to the headbutt she delivers directly into his crotch. Referee Fitzpatrick is all over Mika, shouting at her in response to her deliberate low blow. He is about to disqualify her before Mika tussles his hair.
Mika: Don’t be such a party pooper, lapochka.
Kozlov spins towards Ethan, who has rolled into the ropes and is grabbing at his genitalia. He slowly starts to stand up when Mika steps in from behind, wedges a shoulder to his spine and employs all of her strength to heave him up into the air. Ethan is now dropped crotch first right across the top rope. The pain he is experiencing is indescribable, his face twisting into an expression of sheer agony.
Sparkles: It looks like Aiken has instructed Mika to take out Ethan’s happy stick.
Greyson: That’ll pretty much debilitate Ethan’s ability to sleep with Aiken’s wife.
Mika grabs the top rope, yanking up and down on it, repeatedly driving it up and into Ethan’s crotch over and over again. Von Aaron cries out in pain with each tug Mika gives the ropes. The official starts a five count, stopping at four when Mika detaches her hands from the ropes, then rushes forth and blasts Ethan across the cheek with a yakuza kick. Von Aaron is sent spiraling over the top rope crashing spine first into the apron then collapsing across the mats.
A handful of crotch is held in Von Aaron’s palms as he rises to his feet and finds his eyes drawing towards Aiken’s face.
Aiken: Even now you are fantasizing about the night you spent with Alana. She owns your soul, and all you have left for Rachel, is the very tool you now find injured.
Von Aaron continues to cradle his crotch as he listens to Aiken’s rapacious tongue….a tongue Ethan is about to rip right out of Frost’s mouth. He reaches out and grabs Aiken by the throat, trying his best to shut him up. That’s when Mika connects with a baseball slide dropkick under the ropes and directly to Ethan’s shoulder, breaking his hands away from Aiken’s throat and sending his body twisting along into the announce table. Von Aaron falls against the surface of the table, leaning on it for support while Mika is climbing up onto the apron behind him. Aiken stands just beneath Mika, continuing to gab into the microphone.
Aiken: Were you surprised Ethan, surprised to hear my knowledge of the night you spent in Alana Starr’s hotel room? The night she won the X-Class Championship and the two of you decided to celebrate in some carnal bliss? I know everything, Ethan….I have eyes and ears everywhere. I know the truth about your relationship with Alana, and now, Rachel does as well.
Mika comes flying off of the apron and goes crashing right into the announce table. Ethan steps out of the way and Kozlov’s face collides with the table via a sickening thud. She looks disorientated as she staggers back into Ethan’s waiting hand and then finds her forehead slamming into the table yet again.
Sparkles: Stop doping that to Mika’s mug.
Greyson: Indeed, Mika needs that face, because she definitely won’t get by on her personality.
Mika’s face crashes into the announce table a third time, Von Aaron using whatever tools he has at his disposal to inflict harm on Kozlov. He then approaches the nearby barricade, climbing up onto it and preparing to take flight before Aiken steps in his way.
Aiken: You claim you love my wife? That she is your PRIZE!?! No, she is nothing but a token. Another ‘notch in your bed post.’ She matters not to you, and she is beginning to realize just how insignificant she truly is.
Suddenly Mika rushes right past Aiken, grabs Von Aaron’s ankle and pulls his foot out from under him. Ethan ends up tripping and landing on the barricade via STRADDLING it. Ethan crotches himself across the barrier and a single tear comes to his eye.
Sparkles: Ooooh GOD. I can feel my balls swelling just looking at….
Greyson: Yeah, Ethan took a nasty landing across that barrier.
Sparkles: No, I was gonna say just looking at Mika. She often has that effect on my balls.
Greyson: TMI, Sparkles, TMI.
It feels like Von Aaron’s balls have just exploded across the barricade, yet he is still trying to fight off the advances of Mika. That task becomes impossible when Kozlov rushes in and devastates Ethan’s cheek with another yakuza kick. The big boot nails Ethan across the skull and sends him twisting into the crowd.
Greyson: Mika follows it up with another blow across the skull.
Kozlov returns to the ring to break the official’s count while Ethan remains splayed across the concrete, trying to shake off the numerous strikes he’s taken to both of his heads. Aiken steps over the barricade and sits on top of it, looking down at the motionless Von Aaron.
Aiken: You are truly pathetic, Ethan, you are guided by your lustful cravings. You create an alliance between your GOOD Movement and my family’s Sinistry because you wish to fornicate with my wife, yet you take no account of who might be hurt in the process. Is it no wonder that Kordy isn’t the only one of your clients that finds herself drawn to me?
These statements inspire Ethan to begin snapping out of his daze, looking up through groggy eyes at the insidious grin drawn across Aiken’s face and the soulless black eyes that stare down at him.
Von Aaron starts to stand up when Mika moves in, reaches over the barricade and grabs a handful of hair. She stands Ethan up only to have him turn his body, take her around the neck and drop to his seat. Mika is given a stunner across the barricade, snapping her head and her jaw back. Kozlov stumbles away from the barrier that Ethan is standing on the opposite side of….no…wait, he’s not standing, he’s collecting. Aiken, who is preoccupied checking on the staggering Mika, is unaware that Ethan is setting a steel chair in place and now rushing towards it. He steps off the chair, then steps off the barricade and ultimately lunges into a stereo clothesline that connects with both Mika’s and Aiken’s throats. All three competitors go down to the mats and the fans find themselves screeching as loud as their exhausted lungs will allow.
Greyson: Von Aaron flying into both Mika and Aiken.
Sparkles: I believe that’s the first time Aiken and Ethan have ever physically come to blows.
And it won’t be the last time. Aiken has rolled away from Ethan and has limped around to the opposite end of the announce table. He leans against the time keeper’s area while Ethan leaps up onto the surface of the very table he just bashed Mika’s head against multiple times. He rushes right past Greyson and Sparkles then leaps off the edge of the table, diving into a double axehandle that smashes Aiken over the skull.
Greyson: Von Aaron finally all over Aiken.
Sparkles: A fight between these two has been so long in the making.
Von Aaron creams Aiken to the side of the face with repeated blows, yet Frost responds to each deliberate strike with a hearty chuckle.
Aiken: Yes. Yes. Vanquish me. Put an end to the one man who shines a light unto the darkness of your soul.
Von Aaron continues to swing with both fists to both sides of Aiken’s face before grabbing Frost, dragging him along towards the ring and rolling him in under the ropes. Ethan then follows, climbing up onto the apron before veering his eyes towards the inbound Mika. The clothesline still has Kozlov disorientated as she staggers towards Von Aaron and receives a boot to the forehead, knocking her back. Ethan then returns his focus to Aiken, sliding into the ring and beginning to go after his adversary. All the while official Fitzpatrick is checking on Mika at ringside, none the wiser regarding what’s happening behind his back.
Ethan has approached Aiken, going straight after one of the figure heads of the Sinistry and about to put even more hurting on him. That’s when two familiar figures leap onto the apron, the Stranger and Kordy.
Sparkles: What the hell is Kordy and her freaky side kick doing out here?
Greyson: Lord only knows at this point.
Ethan has stopped going after Aiken and started glaring at Kordy, who holds out the coveted Evolution Championship towards her agent.
Kordy: You want Cletus, don’t you?
Ethan looks at the belt extended from Kordy’s hand.
Kordy: Come, come and take it.
Stranger: She is offering it to you, Ethan. Reach out for it.
Von Aaron is tentative as he approaches the belt and reaches out to acquire the gold he DEMANDED Kordy give him after she won it from Andre. But the second Ethan’s fingers slip around the belt a steel chair swings up and into Von Aaron’s crotch, put there by the man kneeling behind his back. Aiken slams the very chair that was employed earlier in this match to inflict such punishment on Ethan’s crotch. Von Aaron cries out in pain and doubles over, grabbing at his testicles and his taint.
Greyson: Kordy and the Stranger, they just distracted Ethan with the title!
Sparkles: Did Kordy just set up her own manager by tempting with the Evolution Championship?
A smiling Kordy follows the Stranger towards the backstage area, holding the Evolution Title in her palm and never letting it go.
Von Aaron rolls around on the canvas, cradling his balls in his hands and instinctively struggling to his feet. As Ethan staggers along, Fitpzatrick immediately confronts Aiken, insisting he leave the ring. Frost does as he’s told, but he discreetly leaves the chair behind….and it’s a chair that once again comes back to haunt Von Aaron.
Mika swoops in in front of Von Aaron, kicks him to the gut, hooks both of his arms and drives his skull right into the chair via the Das Vi Dania.
Greyson: Chair shot to the crotch followed by the Das Vi Dania across the chair. Who could kick out of this?
Sparkles: Simple answer to that….noooobody.
Von Aaron finds himself covered by the laughing Kozlov.
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2
The screams of the crowd grow louder and louder with each slap of the canvas but fail to inspire Von Aaron to kick out, he falls victim to Kozlov’s pin.
Greyson: I ALMOST want to tip my cap to Von Aaron tonight, he put in a hell of an effort against such insurmountable odds. But then I remember that Ethan is the lowest form of life.
Sparkles: Mika was too tough, too unpredictable and too hot for Ethan to handle.
The crowd collectively expresses their anger directed at Aiken and Mika, the two still unsatisfied until they have transformed Von Aaron into no more than a pile of broken bones. Aiken slides into the ring and joins Mika in chipping away at Von Aaron. While Mika’s attack is physical, Aiken’s is subliminal. He stoops over Aaron and employs a microphone to infect Ethan’s ears.
Aiken: Do you wish to take this further, Ethan? Do you really want to go down this road?
Before Aiken can gauge Ethan’s response Frost finds his focus instead averting to the crowd, which parts to accommodate the arrival of the brutish Jed Wayne.
Greyson: It’s Jed…JED WAYNE!!
Sparkles: Evil Backwoods Santa is running to the ring.
Greyson: He’s after Aiken again!
The fans are unified in an expression of sheer delight when seeing Wayne step over the barricade, step over the ropes and prepare to step over Aiken’s throat. Frost and Mika turn, spotting the inbound Jed, encouraging the pair to vacate the ring. Although Mika wants to stay and fight, Aiken is quick to pluck her from the squared circle, ensuring Jed is not afforded the opportunity to damage his precious Kozlov. The two make their way out of the ring that is now filled by Wayne, who storms back and forth with his wide, crazed eyes watching Frost and Kozlov.
Greyson: Wayne tried to set Rachel Frost free at Upping the Ante, but La Tigra’s gang kept him from doing it. I think now Jed realizes the only way Rachel will ever be free, is through the destruction of Aiken Frost.
Sparkles: Aiken’s a pimp, and pimps are my heroes, they’re like the Easter Bunny to me. They don’t deserve this treatment.
Jed’s maniacal gaze turns towards Von Aaron, the very man he threatened to chokeslam at the pay-per-view. Once again his palm extends, but it’s NOT to drive a recovering Ethan into the canvas, instead it’s to take him by the wrist and lead him along to his feet. The two then turn to the stage, hoping to feast their eyes upon the very bones they will attempt to snack upon, however, Aiken and Mika have now vanished into the backstage area.
Greyson: This dangerously unpredictable Wayne actually helping Ethan out.
Sparkles: Guess he recognizes that Ethan tried to help Rachel two weeks ago.
Greyson: What an unorthodox alliance these two will make.
Sparkles: They are so fodder for a CBS sitcom. What an odd couple.
Greyson: Well as promised we’re going to be hearing from Orlando Cruze in just a matter of minutes, but first let’s get backstage to that interview between Selena Frost and Axl Evermore.
BACKSTAGE
We transition from the demented gaze of Jed Wayne to the twisted grin on Axl Evermore’s face. He sits in a studio chair under studio lighting within the confines of a private dressing room.
Axl: Thank you, Mark, plenty of roster members making quite the ruckus this evening….and speaking of people who grab attention….
Evermore turns everyone’s focus towards the recently debuted Selena Frost sitting at his side. She is planted in a chair, looking as relaxed as one can be when their back never curves or bends even slightly. Her spine is as straight as an arrow, and her chin never dips, exuding a picture perfect posture.
Axl: I’m sitting here at the moment with Selena Frost, who made quite the splash at the Upping the Ante pay-per-view event. Welcome Selena.
Selena: Mmmhmmm.
Axl: Two weeks ago we saw you arrive in the IWC by attacking current Queen of the Ring Champion, Tina Valentine…
Selena: Attacking? You call what I did to the Duchess an attack? No-no, it was an introduction. Yes, an introduction is what that was.
Axl: An introduction? You call attempting to lock Valentine in the Frost Bite an introduction?
Selena: Oh yes, and I think it worked, because the Duchess won’t soon be forgetting my name.
Axl: Why did you feel the need to INTRODUCE yourself to the IWC? I mean, you’ve had a pretty impressive career in SCW thus far.
Selena: I was lured, Mr. Evermore.
Axl: Lured?
Selena: Of course…I was lured by the promises of being anointed a queen. The Queen of the Ring….it seems to be a championship tailor-made for a lady like myself.
Axl: So let’s put the rumors to bed then. Have you officially signed a contract with the IWC?
Selena: The ink is still drying as we speak.
Evermore grins at the camera.
Axl: Well there’s your confirmation, Selena Frost HAS signed a deal. So then, when can we expect to see you officially debut with the company in terms of a wrestling match?
Selena: Aren’t you an eager beaver? Must you shatter my mystique completely?
Axl: Just asking the pertinent questions.
Selena: Okay-okay. If you must know, I intend on making my in ring debut….
Mason: What is this travesty? What is going on with this complete squandering of resources?
Mason Van Stanton defiantly marches into the dressing room and shields his eyes from the obnoxiously bright lights shining down from the ceiling.
Mason: Resources better served spotlighting Gloria Noel, an athlete of class and respectability.
Axl groans, sliding his hand down his face while Selena provides a bittersweet smile in recognition to Mason’s interruption.
Axl: Mr. Stanton, I-I-I thought we already went over this. I can’t help you when it comes to the production staff. So why are you latched onto me like a barnacle?
Mason: Do not question my motives, for they are purely to see my regal heiress to the Noel fortune given adequate recognition. She has the resources to buy and sell this federation a hundred times over, and as thus her every whim, her every desire, her every flight of fancy should be indulged. Yet instead of hearing you fight on behalf of procuring my client’s every need, I find you sitting here engaging this ‘pretender’ in some convoluted interview. What an absolute disgrace.
Selena: Pretender you say?
Frost rises from her chair and has Stanton back peddling but not stammering.
Mason: Yes, you are a pretender to the throne. You claim to be a QUEEN….
Selena: A Snow Queen, if you wish to be accurate.
Mason: But you are not TRUE royalty, you are nothing but a pauper. The lowliest of paupers at that. My breathtaking Gloria is far different, she is royalty, she carries the Noel family name and represents the proud traditions of her lineage. She….
Selena: Yawwwwwn.
Selena is patting her palm against her mouth as she literally yawns directly in Mason’s face.
Mason: How crass of you.
Selena: I’m getting drowsy Evermore, so I’m afraid we will have to conclude this interview at another time.
The Snow Queen steps around Van Stanton and an aggravated Evermore, the pair watching as Selena exits the room.
Axl: Thanks…thanks a lot.
Mason: You are more than welcome.
Axl: I wasn’t being sincere.
Mason: Well I am. Instruct your bosses that Gloria Noel will NOT debut until all of her demands have been properly fulfilled. Understood?
Evermore stews in silence.
Mason: UNDERSTOOD?
Axl: Yeah-yeah.
Mason: Splendid. I look forward to seeing the travesties committed against my client corrected when she returns to the Manhattan Center for NewAge.
BACKSTAGE
The crowd is coming unglued when the sound of a ringing phone is superimposed over several clips featuring Orlando Cruze performing functions at the IWC HQ, as well as the Icon hitting a number of powerful maneuvers on a variety of rivals running the gamut from Johnny Kingdom to Christian Savior. The sound of a phone ringing isn’t the only sound superimposed in the background.
Greyson: Hopefully our phone call with IWC President Orlando Cruze goes far smoother than that interview between Selena and Evermore.
Sparkles: We’re going to be hearing from the big boss after the break.
Greyson: Orlando Cruze breaks his silence, we’ll hear from him for the first time since his crucifixion at the hands of the Sinistry, that’s coming after the commercial!
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
The scene is just as chaotic in the ring as it is backstage where Rachel Frost and Alana Starr are STILL going back and forth with one another. The NHB Champion nails a blow across Alana’s jaw, and then the X-Class Title holder retaliates with a shot of her own. The two spiral around the corridor and eventually crash into a stack of boxes, knocking them to the floor. However, Starr and Frost remain on their feet, the champions really inflicting as much damage on one another as possible. Suddenly Rachel grabs one of these boxes and swings it straight into Alana’s shoulder.
Starr turns away from Frost and stumbles down the corridor before finding the box tossed into her upper back at this point. It bounces off and sends Starr cascading to the floor. She spills onto the concrete and tries to cover her head with both arms while Rachel retrieves a nearby steel bar that was slanted diagonally against a wall….why…well why are ANY of these weapons left indiscriminately tossed about the backstage area?
The steel pipe in the Violent Kind’s hands is about to find its way into the Starr Chylde’s head.
Rachel: You tried to seduce Ethan? You tried to turn him against me!?!
The bar rises above Rachel’s head and now threatens to come crashing down over a stunned Alana’s face. Just before Alana can be eviscerated, Rachel is caught from behind by the massive hands of Krauzer…Aiken’s monstrous subject
Rachel: Let me go…let me go.
Aiken: You have gone too far Rachel…
The chain that has been used to guide Rachel around over the past few months finds itself latched onto the collar around the NHB Champion’s neck. The chain is then tugged by Krauzer, pulling Frost away from Alana and away from the man who steps to Alana’s side. Aiken wears an expression of such anger, eyes focusing upon the wounded Alana.
Starr tries to rise form the ground but finds some degree of difficulty trying to stand, her limbs numbed by the repeated blows she took to the brain. Her progression to her feet is aided however when she finds a hand extending in her direction. Although initially reluctant, Alana reaches up and takes the hand of the chivalrous individual standing beside her. Aiken helps Starr stand and then proceeds to brush any dust from the X-Class Champion’s shoulder.
Alana: Ummm thank you.
Aiken: No thanks necessary, I feel quite a bit of guilt for the actions of my wife. I had no idea she would behave so distastefully.
Alana: What the fudge? What’s gotten into her? I have no idea what set her off.
Aiken: Unfortunately, I do.
Aiken feigns remorse as he tells Alana the truth.
Aiken: Ethan Von Aaron.
Alana: Ethan?
Aiken: Yes Alana, your agent is the one responsible for all of this. Rachel never would have attacked you if Von Aaron hadn’t used you to incur her jealousy.
Alana: No…that’s…that’s crazy. Ethan wouldn’t….
Aiken: I am afraid it is so dear, but do not fear, I will never allow the games between Rachel and Ethan to affect you.
In spite of the numerous blows she took to the lips. Alana manages to grin.
Aiken: Now if you shall excuse me, beautiful Starr Chylde, I have matters in the ring that must be dealt with…matters pertaining to Jed Wayne.
Aiken steps away from Alana, who follows him with near mystified eyes. In the background we now see a familiar figure observing this whole scene play out, Chris Davids watching from around a corner with arms crossed over his chest and a disapproving shake of his head.
IN RING
Jed: I’m not leaving…..
It’s almost bizarre to hear Jed Wayne speak, let alone form entire sentences. He strides across the canvas in the ring with a microphone squeezed by his palm with such force that the internal components are about to explode.
Greyson: Jed can speak?
Sparkles: Guess the twisted Kenny Rogers has something to say.
Wayne stands as tall and unshakeable as the strongest redwood, his near protruding eyes glued to the entry way.
Jed: I’m here for Rachel, bring her to me. Return her and there will be no blood-shed. Refuse me and….
Davids: Hey there big guy.
The fans are out of their seats, on their feet and expressing their joy at the sight of number one contender to the NHB Championship, Chris Davids, making his way down the ramp. Once again Davids is sporting a sweater with the message ‘Model Employee’ stenciled across the chest, although he goes out of his way not to live up to that motto.
Davids: Before you get the wrong impression, I’m not out here to stop you from freeing Rachel…
Chris defensively holds up a palm as he enters the ring and keeps his back to the ropes, maintaining quite a bit of distance between he and the unstable Wayne.
Davids:…It’s just the opposite big guy, I’m here to HELP you set Rachel free.
Surprise creeps into Jed’s expression….kinda…it’s hard to tell considering that Jed’s face never emotes much more than insanity.
Davids: I know…I know, you’re right to question my motives, seeing as Rachel and I really haven’t gotten along lately.
Greyson: There’s an understatement, Davids speared Frost through a damn table at Reawakening Day, and JUST won the opportunity to face her for her title at the End of the Year Special.
Sparkles: That doesn’t mean he still can’t respect, Rachel. How can you not respect someone with an ass like that?
Greyson: Enough about asses and boobs. It’s getting nauseating.
Sparkles: Oh there are plenty of other body parts I can obsess over.
Davids continues to choose his words just as wisely as he chooses the space between he and Wayne.
Davids: I don’t like the Sinistry, in fact, I’ll go as far as to say I STRONGLY dislike them. The crap they’ve pulled on me, their attempts to manipulate me and force me to do their bidding, it hasn’t set very well in the pit of my gut. But I realize now that Rachel’s not to blame. She’s just as much a victim to the Sinistry as I’ve been. That’s why, right here tonight, I’m devoting myself to saving, rather than destroying Rachel Frost.
There is quite the response to Davids’ decree.
Davids: Let me help YOU help HER.
To the surprise of the crowd Wayne seems almost sold on Chris’ bill of goods.
BACKSTAGE
La Tigra: Joo made idiotas out of us, Hector.
The young man acting on orders from La Tigra and Mercedes when he attacked the Tag Team Champions earlier tonight, presently stands in the gorilla position listening to his employers. Mercedes and La Tigra stand before him and give Hector a reaming after his accidental clothesline on El Cuchillo’s throat earlier tonight.
Hector: I am…I am so sorry.
La Tigra: Joo fail to follow simple instruction.
Mercedes: Pero joo can fix joor mistake.
Hector: How? I’ll-I’ll do anything joo ask of me.
La Tigra: Of course joo will. Because joo know what will happen to joo if joo don’t.
Mercedes: That perro grande who threatened my Starr Chylde is stood in the ring. Go and deal with him.
Hector: Joo..joo want me to fight Jed Wayne…by…by myself?
La Tigra: GO!
Hector: Yes La Tigra…yes.
IN RING
Davids: Rachel needs all the help she can get, and it just so happens I’m in a very advantageous position to free her.
Davids is really laying it on thick at this point, saying everything and anything that pops into his mind that might sway Wayne. It seems to be working, Jed is listening to the man stood before him in the ring. He hears every word, though it remains to be seen what his reaction will be to them.
Davids: At Upping the Ante, I beat Jessica Wilde to become number one contender for the NO Holds Barred Championship, that big chunk of gold sitting over Rachel’s shoulder. And I will challenge her for the title at the End of the Year Special. So do you know what that means, Jed?
Wayne’s warped mind TRIES to weave the various patches of this plot quilt together.
Davids: It means that you’ll have a time and a….
Jed doesn’t like to do this much thinking, he far more enjoys HURTING people, so instead of listening, he starts maiming. His huge palm outstretches and wraps around Chris’ throat.
Greyson: So much for that.
Davids struggles to get his larynx out of Jed’s hand, trying to block the chokeslam that the giant is about to lay him out with. However, Davids finds some help in the unlikeliest of people. Hector, the man who was just verbally torn down by La Tigra backstage, slides into the ring, rushes in behind Jed and clips the back of his knee with a shoulder block.
Greyson: Oh great, not these guys again.
Sparkles: Mercedes’ henchmen on the attack.
Greyson: This young guy looks determined to prove something against Wayne.
Jed finds himself yet again on the receiving end of an assault from the very same force who assaulted him in the parking lot during Upping the Ante. Although Hector starts off the attack, he is soon joined by El Cuchillo and Solomon. The two come rushing down the ramp and slip into the ring, but they do not attack Wayne. Instead El Cuchillo reaches into the sheathe hanging from his belt and extracts a machete.
El Cuchillo: Joo know what to do to this puta.
The handle of the blade is extended towards Hector, who seems reluctant to take hold of it. He looks between the machete and the gnarled face of the man offering it to him.
Hector: La Tigra said nothing about this.
El Cuchillo: Do it cobarde.
Although he’s hesitant, Hector reaches out and grabs the handle of the machete.
El Cuchillo: Give La Tigra the head of this bastardo.
Hector prepares to live up to the decree he made to La Tigra a few moments ago. He turns towards Jed and pulls back on the big man’s head, aiming the blade at Wayne’s forehead. Hector raises the machete, right on the cusp of swinging before he finds his ribs crushed by the Break Thru. Davids charges out of the corner where he had been sitting and watching and delivers the spear that drives Hector into the canvas.
Greyson: Davids saving Wayne with a spear!
Chris lives to regret making that foolhardy decision though. He just begins to stand up before being pounced on by El Cuchillo and Solomon. The two are putting boots to Chris’ body, not giving him the opportunity to stand up. El Cuchillo finally breaks away from Chris to grab the machete only to find it no longer splayed next to Hector. Now the blade is in the clutches of Jed, and he is already swinging it around like a crazed Leatherface at the end of a Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie. El Cuchillo and Solomon clear from the path of the blade and dive to the outside of the ring, the two men stepping away from the squared circle and leaving Hector inside.
Jed realizes that an offering has been left at his feet, prompting Wayne to drop the machete, reach down and grab Hector by the throat. The gagging lad is dragged up to his feet then heaved into the air and ultimately slammed into the canvas with the chokeslam. Wayne makes a point of eyeballing El Cuchillo and Solomon in the process of driving their cohort into the canvas.
After taking out one of La Tigra’s soldiers, Wayne turns towards Davids and gives him a rather menacing glare. Chris looks right back from his knees and doesn’t react with fear, instead he responds with a smile.
RINGSIDE
Greyson: Not to overshadow what’s happening in the ring, but we’ve got a major phone call that is just being patched through to us at last.
Those same graphics showcasing Orlando Cruze striking some poses for the crowd are superimposed over the screen , as well as clips of him standing in a suit and running a press conference. The familiar annoying sound of a phone ringing can be heard in the background. We transition from this classic footage of Orlando to the here and now, cameras focusing on the puppet Sparkles, and the ventriloquist, Greyson Lovejoy at the commentators table.
Greyson: As promised….
Sparkles: As hyped to all hell and back again…
Greyson: Orlando Cruze is joining us live via phone-call. Boss, can you hear us? Is our connection good?
The screen is again overlaid with footage of Orlando’s many highlights both inside the ring and out of it, now showing him cutting a big wedding cake alongside Taylor Chase.
Orlando: It’s a little dodgy, but I’m still hearing you.
The moment Orlando’s voice filters through the speakers, the crowd inside of the Manhattan Center flips out.
Greyson: I got to say, it’s really good to hear from you, Boss.
Orlando: I wish I could say it’s good to be heard, but I don’t think anyone is going to like what I have to say.
Sparkles: Why haven’t you followed me on Twitter yet?
Greyson: Sparkles….Orlando isn’t here to talk about your fictitious Twitter account. I’m sure he’s got more pressing matters to concern himself with.
Orlando: Very true, and very insightful, Greyson. Knew there was at least some reason I hired you.
Sparkles: I thought it was because of my sex appeal.
Greyson: Orlando, how has your recovery been?
Orlando: Well, speaking of Twitter accounts, if you bothered to log onto it any time over the past few months you would have seen that I’m ALMOST back to 100%.
Greyson: Okay, not to be disrespectful, but does anyone ever fully recover from what the Sinistry did to you?
Orlando: It’s a long and arduous process, I’ll give you that, and although physically I’m getting better, mentally I’m nowhere near where I was at before being crucified. But I think you’ve mistaken my intention for calling, I’m not phoning in to give an update on my health.
Sparkles: Yeah, it’s pretty obvious what Orlando is calling about. This has to do with my promotion and pay raise right? You’re here to announce me the official GM of the woman’s division? If so, I’m demanding mandatory group showers.
Orlando: Fraid not Sparkles.
Greyson: Clearly you’ve called in to talk about what happened to Kloe Masters earlier tonight? I take it your homicidal after what you saw that hooded guy or gal do your ex-wife and handpicked representat….
Orlando: Let me stop you right there, Greyson. I’m FURIOUS that someone assaulted Kloe, and I’ll be putting quite a few resources towards making sure Kelcey Wallace forces the individual who attacked Kloe to reveal their identity. But-but that’s NOT what I’m calling about.
Greyson: What’s left to talk about?
Orlando: AGAIN, if you bothered to follow my Twitter account, you should know why I’m calling.
Sparkles: Get with the times, Lovejoy. You’ll have to forgive him, Orlando, Lovejoy still masturbates to cave paintings.
Orlando: More information than I needed. I’ll make this quick and blunt. I’m calling to confirm the rumors. I’m officially stepping away from running the day to day operations of the IWC.
As Orlando predicted, the fans express their dismay.
Orlando: I know this isn’t a popular choice, but it’s a choice that I HAD to make.
Sparkles: Your-your-your stepping down? What does that mean for me? What does that mean for Sparkles?
Orlando: It means you’ll have a new boss.
Sparkles: But I like the one I have already.
Orlando: Sorry, Sparkles, but this is a decision I’ve been dwelling on for a long time. I need to step away for my own mental well-being, and to repair my relationship with my wife. She deserves a husband who is willing to devote himself entirely to her, someone who isn’t constantly burdened by the day to day operations of the IWC.
Greyson: Well I can certainly respect that Orlando.
Sparkles: I can’t…Sparkles wants Orlando, and Orlando only. Your head is sooo perfectly boob shaped, I can’t live without it.
Orlando: You’ll have to try, Sparkles, you’ll have to try.
Greyson: So who are you selling your 50% ownership too?
Orlando: Still working out those details, but there are a number of interested investors clamoring to get hold of my shares in the company. However I’ve left the decision primarily in the hands of my advisors, who are far better equipped at handling business matters such as these.
Greyson: When can we expect to hear a decision regarding the new ownership?
Orlando: Like my recovery the transition of power is a slow process, but I should have more details for you in coming weeks.
Greyson: Okay, but….
Orlando: Sorry fellas, that’s all I have to say on the matter right now. I’ll try to keep everyone updated in the coming weeks though. Talk to you later gentlemen.
Greyson: Wait…Orlando…Orlando!
The sound of a click can be heard followed by a dial tone. The clips of Orlando Cruze that were playing over the screen dissolve and we’re taken back to a shocked Greyson and Sparkles at the announce table.
Greyson: I can’t believe this.
Sparkles: What is this shit?
Greyson: Orlando just dropped the mother of all pipe bombs on us.
Sparkles: I know Karen McBride always talks about dropping nuclear bombs, but that was the MOAB….mother of all bombs!
Greyson: Who’s Orlando gonna sell too? WHO!?!
Sparkles: Don’t worry, I’ll put in a bid.
Greyson: Heaven help us if it’s accepted.
Sparkles: Mandatory group showers for the female roster….just saying.
BACKSTAGE
We transition from the phone call to the sight of Lukas Montgomery and Aaron Harrison making their way through a corridor. The Riot theme song is blaring in the background as the Blacklist make their way towards the ring with a wooden crate stretched between them and a gas can sitting on top of it.
Sparkles: They’re coooooming.
Greyson: Aaron Harrison being joined by Lukas Montgomery, the two on their way to the ring as Aaron goes into a handicap match against Kordy and Aiken Frost for the Evolution Title….it’s coming up NEXT.
Sparkles: What are they going to do with that crate? They’re not going to try and put Aiken in and set it on fire are they? WHAT ARE THEY GONNA DO WITH THE BOX!?!
Greyson: We’re gonna find out after the break.
COMMERCIAL
BACKSTAGE
El Cuchillo: Punish him. Cut him down!
The backs of El Cuchillo and Solomon face the camera as they lay boots into the body of a downed Chris Davids backstage. The number one contender for the NHB Championship has his arms defensively raised in an attempt to protect his head from the multiple shots delivered across his skull and sternum.
El Cuchillo: Joo made a big mistake standing up against La Tigra.
Solomon: Which of joo hands do joo value most?
A pair of bolt cutters are removed from Solomon’s pocket and draw closer to the beaten down Davids’ side. It seems that La Tigra’s henchmen is about to take Chris’ finger before a loud growl sways him to show leniency. Solomon and El Cuchillo back away from Davids when spotting Jed Wayne making his way towards them. Once again Wayne has the machete in his hand and is about to use to severe some skulls from shoulders. Naturally El Cuchillo and Solon shy away from a potential beheading, the two backing down from Wayne.
Solomon: Dis isn’t over.
El Cuchillo: We will see each other again, Puta.
Cuchillo and Solomon abandon the barely conscious Davids to the mercy of Wayne, and we all know that mercy is not something Jed is particularly fond of. He watches through bugged out eyes as Solomon and Cuchillio sound a retreat before eventually turning his savage gaze upon Chris. The blade of the machete extends, placed under Chris’ chin and used to raise his eyes from the floor to Jed’s face.
Davids: Uhhh hi.
The blade pulls back from Chris’ chin and drops to the ground. Surprisingly the weapon was not used to cut Davids’ head in two, instead it now lays beneath him on the ground. The only words that should be coming out of Chris’ mouth are expressions of gratitude directed towards the heavens, but instead he actually calls out after the departing Wayne.
Davids: WAIT!
Wayne feels an unfamiliar sensation, a cold chill creeping up his spine. He turns slowly to face Davids, who has employed the wall to reach his feet and unsteadily steps towards the bearded brute.
Davids: You didn’t give me a chance to finish what I had to say in the ring. I think if given the chance, you’ll like my idea.
Jed: Talk….swine.
Davids: You want Rachel back, you want her freed from Aiken, right?
Jed says nothing, his eyes doing all the talking.
Davids: Your problem is you never know where Rachel is going to be one moment from the next. Aiken and the Sinistry probably keep moving her around on you, or keep her so tightly under lock and key there’s no way you can get to her. Am I right, or am I right?
Jed remains silent and his eyes narrow
Davids: I’ll take your half squint as a ‘yes.’ This is where I can help you, Jed. I’m challenging Rachel Frost for the NHB Championship at the End of the Year Special, which means I have a time and a place where I know exactly where she’ll be. Starting to catch my drift here big guy?
At last it speaks.
Jed: Why help?
Davids: Because if you get Rachel that means the Sinistry loses Rachel, and when they lose her, the whole group and everything they’ve built will begin to crumble. The promise of seeing the Sinistry fall apart, is why I’m inclined to help.
If it’s not courageous enough just talking to Wayne, now Chris goes one step further by actually touching the monster. He closes Jed’s hand around the handle of the machete.
Davids: Something tells me if you want Rachel back, you’ll need this.
KORDY © & AIKEN FROST VS. AARON HARRISON:
EVOLUTION TITLE
”Monster” plays through the speakers and leads to an adrenaline rush. The crowd really needs a boost and the Blacklist is giving it to them. Aaron Harrison and Lukas Montgomery stroll through the curtains with a long crate drawn between them, gas can parked on top of it. Their ominous intentions is cause for a surprising amount of glee from the morbid fans, who find themselves fascinated at the premise of watching Aiken going up in flames this evening.
Greyson: Good God, I am so happy see the Blacklist right now.
Sparkles: I’m NEVER happy to see them. I would look forward to seeing a proctologist before seeing either Harrison or Montgomery.
Greyson: I’m happy to see them because that means we’ve come to the main event, and THAT means this night is almost over.
Sparkles: And boy howdy what a night it’s be….
Greyson: Boy howdy? Really? Did you just step off the pages of an Archie comic?
Sparkles: Even I have to admit this night’s been crazy, and not just because it’s the first show I’ve actually been paying attention to.
Greyson: We’ve seen Katelyn Buehler suspended, had Serenity hanging out in the rafters all night, Kloe Masters attacked, Orlando Cruze announcing he’s going to sell the company, Andre Jordan giving Gavin Taylor his Evolution Title shot, Danny Darko reversing his decision to retire, and that’s just for starters. And now we have Harrison about to collide with BOTH Kordy AND Aiken Frost for the Evolution Title.
Sparkles: And Harrison, that crazy stupid son of a bitch, actually insisted that this match continue under its original format. He actually wants Kordy and Aiken at the same time.
Greyson: I take it Harrison didn’t get enough of Aiken inside of the Steel Cage at Upping the Ante. We’re going to see the two lock it up yet again here tonight, and Kordy’s Evolution Title is going to be caught in the middle of this.
The crate is left at ringside and if Harrison has his way, a body will soon be filling it. Aaron climbs into the ring and takes residency in the corner, watching the stage with a calculating and piercing stare. His almost dead eyes are fixated on the bodies now strolling through the curtains when Kordy’s entrance music pipes through the PA system. Kordy comes to the stage, shoulder weighed down by the Evolution Title while the Stranger lurks behind her and Aiken Frost lurks behind him. The trio commence on their way to the ring amidst a reaction that would make Hitler beg the audience to show some leniency. The fans will not show an inkling of remorse as they lay into the smiling Kordy, the centered Stranger and the cavalier Aiken. All three bodies reach the ring where Harrison is more than ready to tackle each of them.
Sparkles: The Sinistry has rebounded quite nicely here tonight after a dreadful outing at Upping the Ante, will they cap off the night with a successful Evolution Title defense?
Greyson: They’ve only been successful because they’ve so heavily stacked the odds in their favor.
Sparkles: Shhhh, you’re not supposed to keep bringing that up.
Greyson: Well it’s ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. Look at all the matches that were changed by Desmond tonight to give the Sinistry an overwhelming advantage, and this might be the worse example yet of biased booking. Drake has put Aaron against not only Kordy but Aiken as well. And I knnnooow Aaron asked for this, but….
Sparkles: WATCH OUT!
Finally something brings an end to Greyson’s rambling. Harrison comes rushing across the ring and dives right through the ropes, over the case at ringside then tucks his head and flips into a suicide senton, crashing with the back of his skull right into Aiken, right into Kordy and right into the Stranger as well. Everyone goes down at ringside amidst a HUGE roar of approval from the crowd.
Greyson: Holy mother of pearl….
Sparkles: Now who sounds like an Archie comic?
Greyson: Harrison showing no backing down, he’s taking out all three of these psychos in one fell and fatal swoop.
Sparkles: Told you the guy was crazy stupid.
Greyson: The Sinistry’s abduction of Mika Kozlov, the way they’ve transformed her, it has taken such a toll on Aaron. He used to be so detached from his emotion, but we’ve begun to see more and more of that emotion, that ANGER seeping through the cracks.
The fans are slapping the barricades and stomping their feet as Harrison drags Aiken up, heaves him into the air and dumps the unsuspecting Sinistry member with a scoop slam right on top of the crate deposited by the Blacklist at ringside. Aiken’s spine bounces off of the hardened wooden structure and he now rolls away laughing maniacally.
Aaron then steps up onto the surface of the crate and calls for Kordy to get up. She’s rising to her feet employing the Stranger as a crutch. The two aid one another up just as Aaron dives off the crate into a double axehandle smash across the Evolution Champion’s spine, knocking her forward into the Stranger.
He falls against the barricade yet still has the presence of mind to dig his hand into his pocket, removing what looks to be a handful of dust.
Greyson: The Stranger has that same dust in his hand that cost Andre the Evolution title just two weeks ago.
Sparkles: Blind him…BLIND Harrison! PLEASE.
The Stranger is about to do just that, pulling back the palm full of powder only to have his wrist caught from behind. Lukas grabs the Stranger’s hand and then spins him around and into a knife edge chop across the sternum. The Stranger is staggered back and finds its even more difficult to stand when Lukas rushes in and clotheslines him right over the barricade into the audience.
Greyson: Montgomery taking out the garbage.
Sparkles: Hey, just cause the guy wears a rotting trash-bag over his head, it doesn’t mean he’s garbage. I think there are plenty of foreign people who practice that fashion trend, and there are even more who should. I’m looking at you Canada.
Greyson: Great, ANOTHER country we’ll never be allowed to enter again.
Although Kordy is the one defending her Evolution Title, Aiken is Aaron’s target here. He leads Frost up to his feet and rolls him into the ring, Harrison quick to follow. He gets within a few inches of Frost before Aiken looks up with his compassionless and pupil deprived eyes, oil black irises beaming in Aaron’s direction.
Aiken: Look at you, look at you fight with such heart, with such devotion. If only you had shown this side of yourself to Mika, maybe she wouldn’t have been drawn to me….Maybe she wouldn’t have felt so neglected by you that she needed to run into my embrace.
Aaron is about to run into Aiken as well, with a clinched fist. He aims his knuckles straight towards Frost’s lips before stopping. His focus suddenly shifts towards the figure making his way down the ramp, an interloper who also has also captured Montgomery’s fixation. Spencer Klein makes his way down the ramp with a steel chair in hand.
Greyson: Oh lord…not Klein…tell me he’s not out here for revenge after what Harrison and Montgomery did to him earlier tonight.
Sparkles: Probably not very smart that he sent Kellen away if he was planning on interfering in this Evolution Title match.
The chair in Spencer’s hands is threateningly aimed in Harrison’s direction, but will never reach Harrison’s skull. Lukas goes bolting straight up the ramp at Klein, who shows his true character by tucking tail and taking off running.
Greyson: Lukas once again proving his worth at ringside, he’s keeping Harrison from being shafted out of the Evolution Title like Lukas was shafted out of the Pure Title earlier tonight.
Spencer scrambles through the curtains and Montgomery goes charging right along behind him. Referee Ficklebottom has rolled out of the ring and is shouting at both Lukas and Klein to stop such aberrant behavior. This glorified Benny Hill chase scene has Harrison entirely focused…so focused he doesn’t see Aiken sneaking up behind him. Frost suddenly catches Aaron around the neck and prepares to unleash the dreadful Desecration.
Sparkles: HAHA, Montgomery may have chased several of Harrison’s enemies from ringside, but Lukas couldn’t do anything about Aaron’s WORSE enemy, his short attention span.
Greyson: It’s set him up for the Desecration.
The cobra clutch is locked in but before Harrison can be dumped across Aiken’s knee, Aaron falls forward and sends Frost flipping over him. Aiken tried to hold onto the cobra clutch to his detriment, causing him to roll forward across the canvas and spill under the ropes to the outside of the ring. He lands right beside Ficklebottom, grabbing the referee by the jersey and holding on tight.
Arnie isn’t the only one focused on the man grabbing his shirt, Aaron is also glaring at Aiken. Harrison steps across the ring and is just about to exit through the ropes when Kordy rushes in at his side and bashes him in the temple with the Evolution Title belt.
Greyson: The title belt off of Harrison’s skull.
Sparkles: Ya gotta admit, Kordy and Aiken played that beautifully.
Harrison’s head bounces off of the belt and sends him crashing to the canvas while Kordy is quick to toss the incriminating evidence under the ropes.
Kordy hides her belt, but is making herself very visible at the moment. She is now standing on the top rope of the turnbuckle nearest to the laid out Harrison. She then comes flying off and delivers a high impact diving elbow straight into Aaron’s heart. Right after delivering the elbow to Aaron’s sternum, Kordy hooks both of his legs, realizing enough has been done to secure her possession of the Evolution Title.
Ficklebottom returns to the ring and makes the count to a rousing wave of jeers from the crowd.
1
2
The resolute Harrison will NOT suffer another loss to the group that took his fiancée and twisted her perception of reality….in spite of the fact that said perception was already pretty warped to begin with. Kordy reacts by grabbing Aaron by the arm, forcing him over to his stomach then going for the Hello Kordy.
Greyson: She’s already going for the Hello Kordy? She wants this match over and fast!
Sparkles: She’s not going to risk losing her beloved Cletus…not in her first defense. She ain’t takin no shit, and she’s ain’t takin no chances.
Harrison is about to be locked in the Hello Kordy yet the man has such rapid recovery speed it would make Wolverine reevaluate the efficiency of his powers. Aaron begins to rise to his feet, getting his knees beneath him and forcing Kordy to change strategy, she stops attempting to apply the modified arm lock and instead swings around under Harrison’s wrist. She then shoots him off into the ropes via the Irish whip. Customarily Aaron would come rushing back into Kordy’s waiting clutches, but not this time, because Harrison doesn’t ricochet from the ropes, he goes spilling right over them. Aiken low bridges Aaron, dipping the top rope and causing Aaron to go sailing over them. He somehow lands on his feet, which probably wasn’t his wisest decision. He is spun around, has a shoulder wedged to his ribs and his spine powered backwards into the apron by Aiken.
Oxygen is knocked out of Aaron’s lungs and fight is taken out of his limbs. Somehow he’s still standing though, which AGAIN proves to be bad for his health. Kordy hits a baseball slide dropkick to Harrison’s upper back, sending him staggering away from the apron and barreling forth into the barricade. He turns his side, ribs almost shattered by the impact with the barrier. He bounces off and comes back in at Kordy, who leaps off the apron, lands on Harrison’s shoulders and delivers a hurricarana.
Aaron is flipped forward, splashing the mats back first with his legs elevated into the air and elevated into the clutches of Aiken. With gusto Aiken steps in, grabs the creases of Aaron’s legs and giant swings Harrison’s side into the barrier.
Greyson: Kordy and Aiken are tearing Harrison apart at ringside.
Sparkles: They work so good as a team. They’re like Joe Pesci and Robert DeNiro…ew quick, someone hand Kordy a pen that she can stab Aaron with repeatedly. Here, I have a pen…
Greyson: You’re actually willing to sacrifice your collectible Hello Kitty pen?
Sparkles: If it means I get to see Harrison get stabbed repeatedly it’s worth the sacrifice.
Aiken keeps hold of Harrison’s legs even after Aaron’s body has been bounced off the barrier. Frost drops back into a catapult, launching Aaron right into Kordy’s front chancery followed by a DDT across the mats.
Harrison is left flipping over and looking almost lifeless at this point…but almost isn’t good enough for his opponents. Aiken steps in behind Harrison, grabs him around the neck and bridges him up to his feet before throwing him into the ring. After depositing his Blacklist adversary inside of the squared circle, Aiken turns to Kordy, making a snapping motion with his hands.
Aiken: TAP! TAP! TAP!
Kordy grins gleefully and scrambles into the ring, sliding in and going after her adversary’s arm. Aiken is climbing up onto the apron, about to follow Kordy and watch her snap the arm of his nemesis. But what he wants and what he gets are soooo vastly different.
Kordy charges at Harrison only to end up connecting with his boots. Aaron wedges his feet to the Evolution Champion’s ribs and kicks her back, sending Kordy back peddling and crashing into Aiken on the apron. The collision knocks Aiken from the apron and sends him into a collision with the outside mats.
Kordy then comes back in at a rising Aaron, throwing a punch that Harrison manages to hook. He pushes back, sending Kordy turning in a full circle before finding her jaw almost crushed by a shuffle side kick…ALMOST….Kordy catches the boot aimed for her jaw and then pushes it away from her face.
Aaron is sent spinning in a circle, turning back around to face Kordy, who goes for a lariat that Harrison not only ducks, but CATCHES. He hooks Kordy’s arm, swings around under it so he’s standing behind her and then tugs on the crease of the champion’s elbow, pulling her into a double underhook. The Hybrid Theory is right about to connect, dropping Kordy on the back of her neck and costing her the title.
Kordy won’t be victimized and she won’t lose the Evolution Title under these circumstances. She manages to root her feet to the canvas before pushing Harrison back, back right into the ropes that Aiken is standing on the opposite side of. Aiken quickly reaches over the cables and grabs both of Aaron’s arms, pulling them away from Kordy’s and trapping them out to his sides.
Greyson: Aiken has Aaron ensnared. This is not a good position for Harrison to be in.
Sparkles: Thanks Dr. Obvious, never would have put that together on our own.
Harrison is defenseless to do anything but stare down Kordy’s boot traveling towards his face. The kick connects….Aaron’s kick. He lifts his feet into the air and drives both of them into Kordy’s chest, knocking her back. Aaron then throws an elbow to Frost’s temple, forcing him to break his clasp on Harrison’s arms.
Although Harrison has freed his arms, he’s not out of harm’s way yet. He’s still on the defensive, evident as Kordy comes rushing in to take him down. Aaron lunges into the air, catches Kordy’s ribs with his boots then drops back, monkey flipping her into the ropes and into Aiken.
Sparkles: OH FART!
Greyson: Wait….it looked like Kordy was just monkey flipped into Frost, but he…but he CAUGHT HER.
Sparkles: Bwha?
Surprisingly Frost manages to reach over the ropes and catch the upside down Kordy before she could crash into him and send both their bodies tumbling to the mats. She now hangs from Aiken’s clutches, before he puts his hands to the back of her calves and gives a shove. As a result Kordy is sent flipping out of her head stand into a leaping back elbow into Harrison’s sternum.
The collision does not send Harrison off of his feet, instead it sends him stumbling into the ropes and falling through them. His shins happen to connect with the top rope though, catapulting his upper body back up and into a run straight at Kordy. She turns just in time to baseball slide under Harrison’s clothesline, causing Aaron’s momentum to carry him into Aiken, who comes rushing in with a spear aimed at the Blacklist member’s inbound ribs. But Aaron has the presence of mind to leap frog over his opponent, causing Aiken to charge under him and find his shoulder careening towards Kordy’s ribs instead.
Kordy is on the cusp of calamity before avoiding injury by side stepping Aiken, catching him by the wrist and swinging him around so that he catches Harrison across the jaw with a forearm strike. Aaron had just sprung from the ropes and was charging back in at his opponent only to be nailed across the chin with the devastating forearm that sends Harrison limping into the ropes…ropes that he falls through before finding his shins hitting the top cable. He’s catapulted back to his feet then dives off of them into a stereo lariat to both Aiken’s and Kordy’s throats.
Greyson: Explosive offence out of Harrison. You may not like him, Sparkles, but Aaron…
Sparkles: I like sitting through a Joel Schumacher version of Batman more than I like Harrison.
Greyson: Careful now Sparkles, there are some things you can’t take back.
The double clothesline has left all three athletes splayed across the canvas. Shockingly Harrison is the first to his feet, turning towards Kordy, who is trying so hard to stand up. Aaron takes her by the wrist and drags her into position for the Hybrid Theory, but the moment he begins to lift her into the modified double undehrook piledriver, Aiken attempts to run interference, by literally RUNNING at his opponent. Harrison drops Kordy and turns his body just enough to catch Aiken coming in with a fireman’s carry. He’s about to hit the very same Death Valley Driver he dragged Aiken off the top of the cage with at Upping the Ante. But Aiken spares himself the indignity and suffrage, driving the point of his elbow into Aaron’s eye.
Frost slips off of Harrison’s shoulders and lands behind him, then shoves Aaron forward right into the waiting Kordy. The Evolution Champion cocks back her fist and swings at Harrison’s brow only to have him drop into a forward roll, avoiding all five of her knuckles. Kordy then turns around trying to get a grasp on the man who is harder to get hold of than water. But the moment she turns around she finds her jaw on the cusp of being shattered by Harrison’s shuffle side kick. Amazingly Kordy ducks to avoid the blow, but Aiken isn’t so lucky. Aiken receives a tooth rattling kick by Harrison that lays out the black eyed demon. Harrison takes Aiken down and then turns just as Kordy comes rushing in to avenge her friend only to find her ribs caught against Aaron’s shoulders and her body being heaved into the death valley driver.
Sparkles: This sucks!
Greyson: Harrison hits it…he hits it…he delivers the DVD and may have delivered on his quest to take the Evolution Championship away from Kordy here tonight.
Harrison climbs into the lateral press, realizing this is the best and perhaps his only chance to win the Evolution Title this evening. He hooks Kordy’s legs and the crowd watches with such anticipation as the hand of the official swings into the canvas.
1
2
Sparkles: Please no…please God no!
Greyson: Harrison about to dethrone Kordy.
The official’s hand comes swinging on down and the crowd is swinging in the stands as the third and final count is just narrowly avoided by Kordy.
Sparkles: Oh thank heavens.
Greyson: I legitimately thought we were going to have a new champion crowned this evening, but Kordy manages to just roll her shoulder from the canvas.
Sparkles: That’s the mark of a champion, Lovejoy. Someone who kicks out of everything and looks oh so good in a thong.
An aching Aaron keeps on the advantage while he has it.
Harrison: You want to hear someone tap, Kordy? I can oblige you in that department.
Kordy is forced over to her stomach and Aaron is grabbing her legs, locking them around his own. He then bridges back and applies the No More Words.
Greyson: Harrison clamping in the No More Words….he’s gonna make Kordy tap to become Evolution Champion.
Sparkles: Kordy never taps…she’s the one who makes others tap out.
Greyson: Which will make all the more fitting when she submits right here in front of us all to lose her title.
Aaron is pugnacious, locking his submission in like a pit bull sinking teeth into a target. Although Kordy is groaning she’s not tapping and Aiken makes sure the submission never happens. He steps towards Harrison, grabs him by the ankle and forces him to break the hold. Aaron is pulled to the center of the ring, has his legs elevated into the air and now Aiken is trying to step through them in order to lock in the sharpshooter. But Aaron has other ideas that do not include submitting. He wedges his feet straight to Aiken’s ribs and kicks him back, sending Frost twisting along into the ropes and eventually spilling through them to the outside of the ring.
Although Kordy is laying there prone in the ring, Harrison’s focus is primarily upon Aiken and seeing him suffer for all that he has done to the Blacklist. Aaron slides through the cables and slips his hand into Aiken’s hair, dragging him towards the crate where he will be put inside and cremated.
Harrison: Ashes to ashes, we all fall down!
The Stranger has recovered at ringside, but is not coming to Aiken’s aid, instead he’s trying to get into the ring and help Kordy. Official Ficklebottom puts a stop to that, cutting the masked man off at the pass and warning him that Kordy will be disqualified should he persist
Harrison moves the gas can into position with his foot, sliding it to the side of the crate that he now thrown open, waiting for Aiken to be tossed inside. Aaron is throwing his nemesis into the box before having a chain wrapped fist thrown into Harrison’s jaw. The crowd unanimously expresses their despair at the sight of Kellen Jeffries emerging from inside the crate with a chain laced around his knuckles.
Greyson: WHA-WHA-WHAAAT!?!
Sparkles: Kellen was in the box!?! Kellen was in the box!?!
Greyson: How did he get in there?
The chain has bashed Harrison’s forehead and scrambled his brains to the point that he has no idea he’s stumbling back into Aiken’s waiting arms. The Desecration connects, Aiken’s knee driven into the back of Harrison’s skull. The cobra clutch into the modified neck-breaker across the knee, coupled with the chain to the forehead, has left Harrison so incapacitated he has no idea that his body is rolling into the ring. He doesn’t even feel it as Kordy forces him down to his stomach and locks on the Hello Kordy.
Sparkles: Kordy’s gonna make him TAP! TAP! TAP!
Greyson: I don’t even think Harrison is conscious enough to submit. The referee might not have seen it, but the rest of us sure as shit did. Kellen Jeffries was inside of that crate and he just popped out to bash Harrison in the face with a fucking chain.
Sparkles: It was a receipt, Lovejoy, a receipt for what the Blacklist did earlier tonight.
Kordy leans back into the armbar that is putting some serious strain on Harrison’s limb. However, he doesn’t even feel the submission right now, totally numb to the pain that would have any normal man instantly tapping out. Harrison just lays there though, unable to feel the hold and unable to feel the ref taking his other hand, elevating it into the air. Ficklebottom detached from the Stranger in time to see Harrison’s perilous situation and react to it. He lifts Harrison’s limp arm into the air then allows it to drop to the canvas before calling for the bell.
Sparkles: Another victim of the Hello Kordy! Congratulations Harrison, your name is on an ever growing list of all those who were broken by Kordy’s armbar, hahahahaha.
Greyson: Uhhh, you forget to mention that Kellen bashed him in the face with a steel chain and that Aiken hit him with the Desecration before Kordy ever got him trapped in the hold.
Sparkles: I didn’t forget to mention it, I chose to ignore it.
Greyson: Like that’s any better. I know I throw the word ‘travesty’ around a lot, especially as it relates to tonight, but this is the definition of a ‘travesty.’ Harrison put in an amazing effort, he overcome a lot of obstacles, but in the end, much like Montgomery, it was all too much for any mortal, or even psychotic man to handle.
The bell chimes and Kordy releases her armbar, commencing to celebrate like she’s on Times Square and the ball has just dropped. She leaps around the ring excitedly and eventually lunges right into the arms of the Stranger, who is on hand to fork over the Evolution Championship. She takes it from him and lifts her precious ‘Cletus’ above her head, the belt shimmering.
Stranger: I told you that befriending the Sinistry would lead you to such success…success unhindered by your agent, Ethan.
Aiken: He speaks the truth my dear.
Aiken makes this statement from the apron, staring over the ropes at the celebrating couple. That celebration cuts short when Kordy, Aiken and the Stranger turn towards the man now sliding into the ring. Kellen stands over Harrison with a chain dangling from between Jeffries’ fingers. Oddly Kellen’s eyes have gone listless, exhibiting little to no signs of life. They do not blink for a prolonged period of time, as if he wants to capture each and every wince, every twitch, every spasm from Harrison’s traumatized body.
The Stranger sees that something is off in Kellen, that something deep within has snapped, prompting the enigmatic advisor to lead Kordy from the ring. The Evolution Champion drops to the mats and follows both the Stranger and Aiken up the ramp. However, Aiken does not so eagerly vanish to the back, he lingers behind to watch as Kellen throws Harrison through the ropes to the mats. Aaron’s unconscious body rolls along into the crate.
Greyson: Oh come on Kellen, haven’t you done enough to Harrison yet? You’ve already cost him the Evolution Championship and a shot at revenge against the Sinistry for God sakes.
Sparkles: You think that makes up for what Harrison did to Kellen? Heeeeeell no. The bastard took a year…A YEAR of Kellen’s life by setting him on fire. There’s only one form of justice for such an act.
And something tells the fans that they’re about to see Kellen’s brand of vindication. They are screaming at the top of their lungs, PLEADING with Kellen not to follow through with what he has planned. The lid on the crate is thrown open and Harrison is about to be tossed inside. But to the shock of everyone, Jeffries primarily, Aaron denies Kellen the opportunity to put him in the box and subject him to unspeakable torture. A fist swings into Kellen’s ribs, detaching Jeffries’ hands from his rival’s hair. Harrison then throws another punch, this one just as powerful as the last. A blow so swift, so vicious it sends Kellen back-peddling towards the trunk, arching his spine over the crate. It looks like Kellen is about to be knocked into the box, dropping the chain that he was holding and watching as Harrison kicks it aside.
Aaron, who’s forehead is busted slightly by the chain shot a few moments ago, grabs Kellen under the jaw and squeezes his cheeks together. Harrison puckers Jeffries’ lips so Kellen can kiss Aaron’s knuckles. He is about to swing the fist and shatter every tooth in Kellen’s mouth before the Blacklist member finds every braincell in his own head debilitated by the blow across the back of his skull….a blow aided by the chain wrapped around a fist…a fist belonging to….MIKA KOZLOV.
Greyson: MIKA NO! MIKA NO!! What have you done!?!
Sparkles: MIKA YES! MIKA YES!! What took you so long!?!
The crowd is truly shocked and dismayed at the sight of Mika picking up the chain that Harrison kicked aside and planting it across the back of Aaron’s head. The chain laced knuckles knock Aaron forward and into Kellen’s open palms. He grabs the knot forming on the back of Harrison’s head and throws him into the crate. The lid is then slammed shut, trapping Aaron in what might be a wooden coffin. Well, if it is a funeral, it will be a Viking funeral. Kellen picks up the gasoline can and pours the contents inside over the crate.
Greyson: Oooooh please….ooooh PLEASE don’t do this Kellen!
Sparkles: Speed it up…burn him…BURN HIM!
Kellen slowly looks over his shoulder at Mika, wondering if she’s going to try and stop him. But instead she smiles and begins to chuckle while extending Kellen a lighter. The flame is gifted to Kellen.
Greyson: Remember Mika, at one time you loved Aaron, you were going to marry him for Christ sakes! Stop this…stop this before it’s too late.
The only thing Kozlov does in reaction to this scene is fall into Aiken’s arms, leaning into his chest as she and Aiken watch Kellen spark the flame on the lighter. He now holds it over the coffin and pauses as he listens to the cacophony of cries form the crowd. They beg him, almost dropping to their knees and praying that Jeffries doesn’t do it, but he grins in retaliation to their sniveling tones before dropping the lighter. All at once the crate trapping Harrison inside ignites into flames.
FADE TO BLACK
BACKSTAGE
IWC 