The opening to Riot foregoes the prototypical video package and fireworks display or standard interview introductions. Instead viewers are transported straight to the backstage area of the Manhattan Center, IWC’s home-base of operations. It’s here that we get a glimpse of grapplers Michael and David Cannon who ebb ever nearer to the guerilla position, just inches removed from the curtains hung over the entry way.
Michael: I’m telling you mate, Scott isn’t going to like this. Calling out the World Champion is….
David: It doesn’t matter what Scott does and DOESN’T like. What we’re doing is what our brother NEEDS!
After a drawn out sigh Michael gestures in the general vicinity of the ring.
Michael: Then lead the way.
David and Michael proceed towards the curtains, one of only a few things that separate the pair from the squared circle.
”Strike Back” by We As Human plays as the screen is inundated with images pertaining to all the customary violence and insanity of Riot. There are shots of Kat Kelly and Lexy Chapel laying out a victim with stereo superkicks, clips showing Andre Jordan celebrating with the Evolution Championship held high above his head, scenes depicting Mika Kozlov and Serenity standing side by side with Cindy Todd behind them. The video now transitions into shots of Marina Valdivia diving off the top of a shark cage into a corkscrew moonsault, before cutting to Aaron Harrison lighting a Blacklist t-shirt on fire, and Taylor Chase crushing Kloe Masters’ face with the True Story. The opening video package wraps up with images of Julia Braddock delivering the Queen’s Ransom, Miss Jon powerbombing a member of Silas Security, Samantha Raine connecting with the stunner, and lastly Katelyn Buehler crowd surfing with the World Title held out in front of her.
After that brief video interlude cameras cut back to Michael and David Cannon as the siblings proceed down the ramp to the tunes of their brother’s entrance music ‘Bad to the Bone.’ The commentators finally get a chance to provide you with their wonderfully seductive tones.
Frankie: Da fuck is going on here?
Okay, maybe not THAT seductive.
Sparkles: Welcome to Riot everybody, this is everyone’s favorite puppet Sparkles. The man with his hand up my ass is Greyson Lovejoy, and the man who usually has his hand up multiple women’s asses is our cohort Frankie Paradise.
Greyson: And we’re starting things off with Dem Cannon Boys, sans Scott Cannon.
Frankie: Wonder if Mikey and Davey are up to no good.
Greyson: Well we all saw what they did two weeks ago when they were left to their own devices.
TWO WEEKS AGO
Behold God’s gift to filler….the recap video.
This particular footage replays what happened on the last Riot when David and Michael Cannon acted against the wishes of their brother Scott. Although for months the Cannon Boys have been running roughshod over the IWC and employing any means necessary to get the job done recently Scott has been working to buck that trend. He’s been diligently attempted to repair his tarnished image. Obviously his brothers have a different opinion on how to handle business, which they demonstrate by attacking Scott’s rival, the World Champion Katelyn Buehler, jumping her in her dressing room then brawling with her straight into the ring. The assault culminates to a run in from Scott Cannon, who drags his brothers out of the squared circle. After arguing with them for taking matters into their own hands and acting out of line Scott finds himself subjected to the KTFO from a recovered World Champion.
David: Alright Champ….
Shouts David Cannon from the center of the squared circle where he and his brother Michael are now standing, microphones in their hands.
David: Two weeks ago you laid our brother out, tonight the time has come to pay your dues.
Michael: Newsflash Katelyn, Miss Jon is NOT your top priority going into tonight….
The commentators add a little insoight into Michael’s comments.
Greyson: Our World Champion Katelyn Buehler IS scheduled to face Miss Jon one on one here at Riot.
Frankie: Shhhh Lovejoy, the Cannons are speaking.
Sparkles: And from the sounds of it, they’re about to do some ass kicking too.
Michael proceeds exactly where he left off.
Michael: The Cannons are your number one threat, because not only are we going to leave you limping right here, right now, but then Scott is going to take your World Championship….
Scott: Enough-enough-enough.
The curtains dangling in front of the entry way part open as Scott Cannon comes waltzing through them, his expression one of contempt.
Sparkles: There’s the man who challenges World Champion Katelyn Buehler in just a few weeks at Upping the Ante.
Frankie: Then why is he coming out here looking upset with his brothers? They were going to INJURE the World Champ and leave her easy pickins’ for Scott at Upping the Ante.
Greyson: We’ve already documented the fact that that is NOT Scott’s M.O. At least not anymore.
Frankie: Not since Vanilla Skyy came into Scott’s life and started manipulating him into believing he could be an honest guy.
The tension is ever thickening as Scott steps into the ring across from his brothers, holding more than just a microphone in his hand. A briefcase hangs from his palm as well, one that holds the contract he intends to cash in at Upping the Ante in order to challenge for the World Championship.
Scott: I’ve asked you two time after time after time to leave this be. To let me handle this on my own.
Starts Scott as he points his briefcase at both brothers.
Michael: You call letting Katelyn smash you in the face with her KTFO and then doing nothing about it, handling things?
David: The Scott we know would have popped back up after that KFTO and bashed Katelyn right in her face with that briefcase you’re holding.
A grin comes across Scott’s shaking head.
Scott: Thankfully, I’m NOT the Scott you used to know.
David: *Sigh* Yeeeeaaah…
Michael: Seems we’re finally starting to realize that.
David: We applaud your ‘growth’ mate, but here’s the hiccup. The Scott Cannon you’re becoming, is a Scott Cannon who will NEVER be World Champion.
Crowd: OOOOH HELL NA!
The fans aren’t the only ones who react with a surprise, Scott left blinking and licking his lips.
Michael: Our brother would never leave anything, especially winning the World Title, up to chance.
David: But here you are risking everything by not cashing in that briefcase of yours to take advantage of the champ when she’s right for the pickings.
Michael: Scott Cannon would NEVER ‘gamble’ everything like this.
David: I guess it’s like you said though, we’re not looking at Scott Cannon anymore….
Michael: Noooo, we’re looking at Mr. Vanilla Skyy.
Crowd: OOOOOH SNAP!
Again the fans aren’t the only ones who react in rather shocked manner to this inflammatory statement. Scott steps right up into the faces of his brothers. In fact, now he’s got his forehead wedged right against Michael’s, the two snarling mad and whispering threats towards one another.
Greyson: Man oh man, THAT was a put down.
Frankie: Hahahahaha, but so true. Scott has become a pussy whipped cabana boy for his ‘girl’ Vanilla Skyy.
Greyson: That’s not the case in the slightest, the only thing Vanilla has done is encourage Scott to begin cleaning up his act.
Sparkles: But Scott’s quest for redemption has put him in opposition with his brothers it would seem.
Before this issue can implode, leading to Scott and the Cannons colliding we get the spark that ignites the wick leading to this power keg. And that spark is the World Champion herself. The tunes of “Satisfied” by Social Code play over the loud speakers and ignites one hell of a response from the denizens within the Manhattan Center. Katelyn Buehler comes strutting to the stage with the World Title glistening as it sways from one hand and a microphone is squeezed in the other.
Greyson: Theeeeereee she be gents. The champ is hee…..
Frankie: Don’t you even DARE go there.
Sparkles: Sparkles will walk out if you start quoting OTHER so called champs, Lovejoy.
Greyson: Don’t I actually have to carry you out?
Sparkles: Don’t you argue semantics with Sparkles!
The crowd is all revved up at the sight of Katelyn Buehler, their so excited in fact that they almost choke on their half-eaten hotdogs. Some might even require defibrillators to restart their hearts now they’ve skipped more than one beat.
Katelyn: Boy, where’s Murray Povich or Ricky Lake when you need them? This much family dysfunction deserves to be on a daytime talk show.
Jests Katelyn while throwing her belt up and over her shoulder and pacing the stage. Now all three Cannons are staring Katelyn down like she were an injured zebra and they were lions ready to pounce from the brush.
Katelyn: You three need a sit-down with Dr. Phil. Actually, no, on second thought, what you boys need is a visit with Dr. Kevorkian. Because only he is going to be able to put you out of your misery. And oooooh how miserable you’re going to be after I retain this title (lifts her belt) at Upping the Ante….
This claim seems to stick in Scott’s crawl.
Katelyn: But heeeey, here’s an idea, why do I have to wait till the pay-per-view to make Dem Cannon Boys suffer? Let’s finish what we we started two weeks ago!
The ever unflinching World Champion leaps straight down the ramp, hustling along to the squared circle. The Cannons instantly ready themselves for a conflict, with the exception of Scott. Instead of joining in on this brawl Scott lingers back in the corner, watching rather than participating. Katelyn slides into the squared circle where she’s immediately jumped on by David and Michael. The two have Buehler pinned down to the ring via the boots they repeatedly launch into the back of her head and her body. Eventually Michael drags Katelyn up to her feet and into a short arm clothesline, one that is ducked right under. Katelyn then goes on running right under that arm and right into a spear to the ribs of Michael’s brother. David is toppled over with Katelyn coming down beside him then unloading with punches across his brow.
Greyson: Katelyn and the Cannons going at it, picking up straight where they left off two weeks ago.
Sparkles: Violence! VIOOOLENCE!
Frankie: Breathe Sparkles, breathe.
While Katelyn is preoccupied driving her fists into David’s face Michael opts to leave the ring and retrieve a steel chair.
Greyson: Michael’s got a chair!
Sparkles: Yes, because two on one wasn’t enough of an advantage.
Michael returns to the ring with the chair held back over his shoulder, readying to plow it straight into Katelyn’s unsuspecting skull. Just as the chair starts to swing towards its target it gets snagged on something, and that something happens to be the Kevlar gloved hands of his brother Scott. Instead of hanging back and watching, Scott finally hops into action and does so just in time to do the RIGHT thing. He snatches the chair straight out of Michael’s hands and now keeps it out of his brother’s reach, saving Katelyn.
Frankie: What-what-WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!
Sparkles: Scott keeping that chair from being used on Katelyn.
Frankie: UGH!
Greyson: Scott continues to be a GOOD man.
Frankie: I liked him so much better when he was the type of scoundrel who would take thaqt chair and beat Katelyn half to death with it.
Scott and Michael go on bickering for a moment before a big shove is given to the number one contender to the World Title. Scott’s response is an equally as forceful shove, bowling his brother over with one hand. Michael falls down to the ring while Scott stands over him still holding the steel chair. It’s right at this point that Katelyn stops lobbing fists into David’s face then looks up to spot Scott stood over her with the chair in his hands. Naturally the World Champion thinks the worse of this man with a very checkered past, especially when she sees the weapon in his palms. She instantly jumps to her feet, points at the chair Scott is holding then into his face. Before long it’s not Katelyn’s finger that is wagging in Scott’s face, but her fist. She throws a punch right across his jaw that has Scott staggered back. He eventually drops the chair and retaliates to the punch he just received with one of his own.
Greyson: Now Scott and Katelyn are going at it!
Frankie: She caught Scott red handed, he was going to use that chair on her, I knew it!
Greyson: No he wasn’t Frankie. Scott took that chair away from Michael.
Sparkles: Katelyn doesn’t know that though.
The fans are frothing as they watch Scott and Katelyn continue teeing off on one another with a barrage of punches. All the while Michael Cannon is helping his brother David out of the squared circle. As David leans against his sibling he and Michael watch the fight going on inside of the ring and smile ever so proudly.
Greyson: This is exactly what Michael and David Cannon wanted.
Sparkles: Scott and Katelyn brawling it out, this isn’t good considering Scott’s got Orlando Cruze one on one tonight and our World Champion Katelyn has to contend with Miss Jon!
Howe: The World Champion thinks so little of you….
Announces Martin Howe III, agent to the most monstrous woman to have ever graced the IWC roster. At the moment Howe is stood in a dressing room with his back facing a large mirror and his eyes directed to someone who is stationed behind the camera. It doesn’t take much in the way of imagination to figure out who that someone is.
Howe: Just like all the rest. Katelyn Buehler thinks she’s so perfect, and people like you are so far beneath her….soooo inferior. She looks at herself in the mirror, at her fair skin, her long black hair, her perfect body and she sees absolute beauty. I say it’s time we change the way she looks at herself. I think it’s time we take that mirror and we cut away the shreds of her fair skin.
Miss Jon: HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!
The disembodied deranged giggles fill the room and put a smile on Martin Howe’s face. Eventually the lawyer turned advocate steps out from in front of the mirror. Now the viewers can see the twisted reflection of Miss Jon in the glass. The hulking behemoth steps out from behind the camera and towards the mirror, head twisting from side to the other as she examines the image of herself. Suddenly she lets out a loud scream, grabs a nearby chair and uses it to destroy the reflection of her over 250 pound body. The mirror is shattered into a thousand shards now scattered at Miss Jon’s feet.
Cameras cut to a backstage corridor where Monarchy members Lexy Chapel and Kat Kelly are presently engaged in conversation. The Riot theme song is playing in the background, drowning out the words shared amongst the Tag Team Champions. The commentators are now overheard, speaking over the instrumental version of the Riot theme.
Greyson: What in the hell did we just see?
Sparkles: Our World Champion Katelyn Buehler is in serious trouble if she’s going into tonight taking the challenge of Miss Jon lightly.
Greyson: Miss Jon versus Katelyn still to come.
Frankie: Enough about Fat Albert and Casper. What we got on the screen right now is sheeeeer hotness! It’s Wicked Intent!
Greyson: We’re about to see one half of the Tag Team Champions competing in the Number One Contender Tournament. Lexy Chapel to take on Serenity. What’s going to happen when a member of Monarchy collides with a member of New Eden? Find out after the break!
SLAM OF THE WEEK
The IWC Slam of the Week provided by the complete Bananas in Pajamas DVD box-set begins to air. Featured on the screen are images from four weeks ago when New Eden’s Cindy Todd took on the now reviled ‘Icon’ Orlando Cruze, and the polar opposites brawl within the confines of a Hell in a Cell. Eventually the war comes to a culmination when the lights in the arena dim only for them to return to their normal vibrancy just in time to bring to view the gruesome image of Cindy hanging by a noose from the roof of the cell. The person responsible for this is the black eyed deviant stood in the ring below, former leader of New Eden, Aiken Frost. The footage cuts to Cindy’s followers Mika Kozlov, Serenity and Borislav cutting Cindy down from the noose and then aiding her from the ring.
TWO WEEKS LATER
The video transitions to the very next Riot where Mika Kozlov produces a number of highly sexualized videos emanating from her hotel room suite. A knock at the door brings an end to the provocative imagery as Mika moves to the door, answers it and finds the last person she expected to see stood in the hall. Aiken Frost stands in front of her, breathing in the image of Mika and smiling ever devilishly.
Aiken: We need to speak my dear.
The program switches from the video to live action, capturing an image of Cindy Todd, Serenity and Borislav, the group known as New Eden. The trio are located in the guerilla position, the curtains that separate them from the ring still swaying behind Cindy’s back.
Serenity: Any trace of Mika?
Obviously Serenity eludes to fellow New Eden member Mika Kozlov, who hasn’t been seen or heard from since the last Riot. The shadows in Cindy’s eyes grow ever darker.
Cindy: No.
There is an icy chill to Cindy’s voice that could put frozen daggers in one’s heart.
Serenity: Do you think HE got to her?
Cindy does not utter a response to this question, her stare says everything,
Cindy: IF Aiken is trying to TEMPT our Mika into joining him, then perhaps we need to remind her why we make such valued allies, and why she shouldn’t get on our bad side.
Serenity grins.
Serenity: Ewwww, you get me so giddy when you talk like that.
Cindy: I think we should use your opponent this evening to give Mika an anatomy lesson. Wouldn’t that be lovely? I want you to cut Lexy Chapel open so that Mika can feast her eyes on her insides.
Serenity: And just to show Mika how much she means to us I’ll even give her an extra special present…..Lexy’s heart.
Oh how the thought of Serenity channeling Mola Ram amuses her Queen. The tips of Cindy’s mouth upturn into smiles as she guides Serenity and the towering Borislav through the entrance curtains.
LEXY CHAPEL VS. SERENITY:
NUMBER ONE CONTENDER TOURNAMENT
Without much more in the way of delay ‘My World’ by Brand New Sin hits the PA system. Cameras race back to the entrance way in time to catch the curtains opening as Serenity, Borislav and Cindy Todd step through them. The trio march down the ramp amidst shrill cries from the concerned fans, and when it comes to New Eden, they have a LOT to be worried about. Even the commentators sound like their sphincters have tightened in response to New Eden’s arrival.
Sparkles: Looks like Sparkles won’t be holding down my lunch.
Greyson: The three most barbaric individuals in IWC lore are headed out in our direction.
Frankie: New Eden scares the shit out of me. Seriously, check my underwear right now.
Greyson: No thanks. But you have a right to be scared of these three. Good god, look back at what they did two weeks ago when their paths crossed with one of their more ardent rivals Marina Valdivia.
Frankie: Not another recap…..
Greyson: GET OVER IT!
TWO WEEKS AGO
Yes-yes, it’s another video package. This one recycles footage from two weeks earlier when cameras filmed New Eden member Serenity stood outside of a dressing room she is holding the door closed to it. She looks ever so excited at the sounds of the violence that is occurring on the opposite side of said door. Eventually she lets go of the door knob and steps aside. Once the door opens we see her counterpart Borislav stood in the room holding a blood encrusted pipe wrench. Laid out on the floor behind him is the body of Marina Valdivia, New Eden’s biggest rival, with her face caked in sanguine.
LEXY CHAPEL VS. SERENITY:
NUMBER ONE CONTENDER TOURNAMENT QUARTER FINAL
That same smile that was seen on the face of Serenity during the video package is once again present on her face when she relives what she and Borislav did to Marina Valdivia just a scant two weeks earlier. She stands with her spine to a corner as she kicks back her blonde hair and unleashes laughter. Borislav remains at ringside, smirking ever so slightly as he rubs his huge palms together. Cindy Todd, who accompanied her brood to ringside is now spotted stood behind the announce table grabbing a headset.
Greyson: Oh for the love of God….
Frankie: (Quiver in his voice) We-we-welcome ta-ta-to the announce table Cindy.
Cindy: Hello morsel…I mean Franklin.
Cindy slides into the chair beside Frankie, who has instantly broken out into a sweat.
Sparkles: What brings you to our den Cindy?
Cindy: I merely desired a closer view of the suffering.
Greyson: Well your follower Serenity is about to face off with Lexy Chapel in the number one contender….
Cindy: What appropriate words.
Greyson: Ummm….what?
Cindy: Serenity IS going to take Lexy’s ‘face off.’
Greyson: That’s not what I said.
Cindy: No? Pity. Because that IS what will happen.
Sparkles: You and your New Eden are looking a little light….Like someone is missing.
Cindy: Mr. Lovejoy.
Greyson: Yes?
Cindy: Silence your insulant puppet before I turn your insides into confetti.
Greyson: I think what Sparkles wants to know is the same thing we’re all wondering….
Frankie: Not me.
Greyson:….Where’s Mika Kozlov?
Cindy: Not in her rightful spot by my side. But that will change, soon.
The tracks of Lexy Chapel’s theme come belting out through the loud speakers at this point, bringing an end to the ‘conversation’ behind the announce table. Down the ramp starts not one, but two of the most obnoxious personalities in the IWC roster. Lexy Chapel leads the way as she covets the Tag Team Title belt. Stood beside her is her partner Kat Kelly also clutching her own gold strap and holding up a sign that reads ‘Stop Flaping! Start Clapping!’
Frankie: Ooooooh sweet baby Jesus in a sheepskin diaper, behold the reason I get out of bed in the mornings with a tent in my boxer shorts, it’s Wicked Intent.
Greyson: Lexy Chapel leading her Monarchy cohort to the ring where she has Serenity waiting for her.
Cindy: It’s a shame that such a beautiful creature will soon be masked in fluid as red as her hair.
Sparkles: Sparkles takes it that you have grand designs of seeing Serenity once again holding the World Championship?
Cindy: She will do far more than hold the World Title, she…no…WE will bring the world and all of it’s whimpering masses to their knees. Their legs will buckle in fear and their entrails will quake in terror at the sight of the mountain of bodies Serenity stands upon with the title yet again in her hands.
It remains to be seen if Lexy will become one of those bodies beneath Serenity’s feet. The bell rings the moment Lexy gets into the ring and hands her Tag strap to her teammate Kat. Once she turns back to the ring Lexy finds herself perplexed by the vision of Serenity literally slithering across her knees out of the corner. Serenity uses her palms to push her forward while sliding her knees across the ring. All the while she glares at Lexy and licks her lips.
This intimidation tactic isn’t enough to throw Lexy off of her game. Eventually Serenity returns to her feet as she and Lexy tie up in a collar elbow. Suddenly Lexy swings around under Serenity’s arm though and places it in a ringer for all of a second. Serenity is only held in this submission long enough for her opponent to launch her leg into a spinning heel kick. Lexy topples Serenity to the canvas and then drops down beside her, taking her arm and folding it back into the top wrist lock.
Frankie: There you go Lexy that’s…..
Cameras briefly cut to the announce table where Cindy is giving Frankie a stare that would even make Jason Voorhees wet his boxer shorts.
Frankie: I mean….uh….nice move.
Lexy continues to go straight after the arm even as Serenity sits up in an attempt to break free from the over head wrist lock. Lexy scoots around behind Serenity and traps the arm in a hammerlock at this point. The huffing and puffing Serenity manages to bridge herself back up to her feet with Lexy stood behind still holding the hammerlock in. That all changes when Serenity pushes back, forcing Lexy along and spine first right into the turnbuckle. The hammerlock is broken and so to may be a few bones in Lexy’s back. Serenity then throws an elbow into Lexy’s mouth, followed by a second and then a third.
Serenity: BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Shouts a cackling Serenity with each back elbow she delivers to Lexy’s mouth. Serenity whips around and rams her knee right into Lexy’s ribs, stooping her over. Serenity then takes her around the neck and charges her out of the corner, looking for a bulldog. However, Lexy pulls her skull out of the side headlock at the last second, stands up behind Serenity and twists her opponent’s arm into the hammerlock.
Serenity grimaces from the pain in her arm but she won’t endure it for long. She starts to counter in the same way she did earlier, pushing back and forcing Lexy in reverse, trying to drive her into the turnbuckle. However, Lexy provides a quick counter of her own. She employs the hammerlock in order to lift Serenity into a back drop suplex square on top of her arm. Serenity comes down onto that arm and down onto it with some viciousness. Serenity then rolls from the squared circle clasping at her arm, which hangs limp at her side.
Greyson: Uh oh, Serenity landed on that arm rather awkwardly, I hope it hasn’t been broken.
Cindy: For Lexy’s sake she had better hope it has been.
Serenity’s cohort Borislav moves around the ring and stops in front of Serenity, surveying her injury. Neither he nor Serenity are aware that in the ring above them Lexy is springing up onto the top rope then flipping from it into a shooting star press. She comes crashing down right into….Borislav’s shoulder. He shows his immense strength by catching Lexy and holding her in a bearhug.
Greyson: Oh man, what strength by Borislav!
Borislav turns his side to the ring still holding Lexy in his huge vice like grip. Just then Serenity comes dashing across the apron and diving off, hitting a clothesline on Lexy while Borislav releases her, the two connecting with a version of the Hart Attack.
Greyson: God that had to be painful.
Cindy: And yet so amusing.
Sparkles: Why didn’t the ref DQ Serenity for Borislav’s interference?
Greyson: I don’t think Borislav actually attacked Lexy, he just caught her is all.
Obviously Lexy’s associate Kat Kelly thinks that Borislav did a lot more than just CATCH her friend. Hence why she’s moving towards Borislav and preparing to put her fists down his gullet. The referee is shouting at her from the ring, demanding that she keep a cool head. Meanwhile, behind the ref’s back, Serenity has dragged Lexy into the ring, stands her up in the corner and now uses the tag rope to blatantly choke her.
Greyson: She’s choking her ref, turn around! Serenity is choking Lexy!
Cindy: If you value your voice box remaining in your throat I’d advice silence, Mr. Lovejoy.
The rope falls from Lexy’s throat so that Serenity’s knee can collides with it. A laughing Serenity climbs up onto the ropes beside Lexy and begins to drive a knee into her jaw and throat repeatedly. Eventually Serenity stops under the threat of disqualification. The referee has turned his attention back to the action just in time to see Serenity kneeing Lexy while she’s stood against the ropes. So Official Ficklebottom starts a five count, reaching four. Serenity drops down from Lexy, turns her back on her and steps towards the center of the ring with arms cast out to her sides, smiling all the while. That huge grin on Serenity’s face is wiped away when one of the arms she has stretched out is caught from behind. Without warning Lexy dashes out of the corner and grabs Serenity by the arm, immediately forcing her opponent down to the canvas and into the fujiwara armbar.
Sparkles: Fuji-FUJIWARA!
Greyson: Lexy’s got that locked in good and tight on Serenity’s arm.
Frankie: You know Lexy shouldn’t even be forced to compete in this match right now, she already holds TWO pinfall victories over the World Champion.
Cindy: She will not hold one over Serenity.
Lexy has the armbar about as tightly locked in as she can, hyperextending the muscles in Serenity’s shoulder and bicep. A sense of urgency overtakes Serenity as she squirms across her stomach and into the ropes, extending her foot then draping it over the bottom cable.
Greyson: Serenity getting to those ropes.
Cindy: Her resiliency is one of her many virtues.
The referee warns Lexy until she relinquishes the fujiwara. Then Lexy goes for a little something flashy. Cause come on, it wouldn’t be Lexy if she wasn’t doing something ultra flashy. This time she shows a little pizzazz as she runs at the ropes, steps up them to the top cable and prepares to leap back, into what, we never find out. The moment Lexy gets to the top her feet are swatted right out from under her. Much to Lexy’s regret she finds her legs knocked out from beneath her body via a running dropkick delivered by Serenity. The blow knocks Lexy down onto her seat across the top rope, but that’s not the worse part, because she keeps on tumbling, coming all the way down to the canvas straight across the back of her head.
Sparkles: Lexy landing the wrong way!
Greyson: Straight on the back of her head!
Frankie: No! Her neck could be broken.
Cindy: (Laughingly) How tragic.
The landing on the back of her skull has Lexy looking in very bad shape, and her associate at ringside grimacing sympathetically. Kat is even more appalled when watching as her friend Lexy is dragged from the canvas and then heaved into a neck snapping piledriver. Serenity even JUMPS in order to deliver even more force on the driver. The end result of this piledriver leaves Lexy splayed out across the canvas with Serenity stretched over her going for the pin.
1
2
It’s just a two count that Serenity earns, resulting in a frown from the former World Champion. She pouts all the way to her feet with clumps of Lexy’s hair in her hands. She drags Lexy right into a fireman’s carry, holding her in position for the death valley driver. And she keeps holding Lexy in that predicament before rushing sideways into the corner, driving the back of her opponent’s head straight into the turnbuckle. Serenity then repeats the process, driving the back of Lexy’s skull and neck into the corner a second time, then a third and a fourth. Ultimately Serenity stops using the corner as a weapon and then twists to the middle of the ring where a death valley driver connects. Rather purposely Serenity drops her adversary square across the back of her head. A pinfall once again ensues, Serenity crawls into the lateral press.
Resulting in a count of….
1
2
But there’s no three, because Lexy throws her shoulder up from the ring in time to prevent her elimination from this Number One Contender Tournament.
Sparkles: Lexy kicking out and keeping those ambitions of becoming the number one contender alive.
Cindy: Oh how sad, the young girl still harbors this delusion that she has a chance.
The DVD may have been kicked out of but is still taking its toll on Lexy. Her neck is in a lot of pain and then in even more agony when she’s taken around the head, led to her feet then hit with the reverse neck-breaker. Lexy pops up straight to her seat before finding the back of her cranium cracked with a low dropkick by her opponent. The blow has Lexy cringing in pain and rolling into the nearest set of ropes, leaning her back against them. Serenity slips through those ropes, drops to the ringside mats then reaches up and takes Lexy around the jaw, pulling back on it and as a result grinding her neck against the ropes.
Greyson: Even if Lexy does advance in the tournament she will not be in the best shape to handle not one but two nights of action coming up at Upping the Ante.
Sparkles: Yeah, cause if she wins this on night one she’d have to wrestle in the semi-final match of the tournament, and on night two she and her tag team partner Kat Kelly defend their Tag Titles against Eve & Siqua.
Frankie: I wouldn’t mind seeing Lexy on both nights.
Cindy: You won’t see her on either.
The illegal use of the ropes continues until the referee starts to count to five, resulting in Serenity releasing her adversary. She rolls back into the ring and then takes Lexy by the wrist, forcing into a hard Irish Whip that sends Lexy careening into the corner. The collision with the turnbuckle is so high impact that it actually sends Lexy flipping up and on top of it. She now sits on the corner looking like she has no idea where she is, but her opponent Serenity knows where Lexy is going. Serenity steps under Lexy and takes her by the armpits before dragging her out of the corner and into the crucifix powerbomb. Serenity launches her opponent into the move only to have it countered at the last second via a hurricarana.
Lexy flips Serenity over with the desperation move and now sends the New Eden member rolling to the outside of the ring. She gets as far as the apron before stopping and recovering from the hurricarana. At last she gets to her feet and then takes the top rope, readying to launch herself over into a still recovering Lexy. Just as Serenity leaves her feet and gets about half way over the top rope she finds her cheek on the receiving end of the superkick. The blow knocks her right out of the air and sends her crashing not down to ringside but into the arms of her huge powerhouse New Eden heavy Borislav. He catches her before she can collide with the ground. However, what he CAN’T catch, at least not this time, is the second body that goes flying over the top rope. Lexy hits a senton plancha over the ropes and right into both Serenity and Borislav, taking BOTH of them down to the ground.
Greyson: Lexy is starting to build some momentum.
Frankie: And this is when she gets damned dangerous.
Cindy: She has no idea what real danger is.
The crowd can’t help but to get hyped by that last move that has taken out not one but two opponents. Her tag team partner Kat is drawing nearer, shouting some encouraging words at Lexy.
Sparkles: There we see Kat Kelly, you know she’s serving a suspension from in ring competition.
Greyson: That news broke over social media earlier this week.
Frankie: Bullshit decision. All because Kat gave a love tap to a production crew member.
Greyson: She SUPERKICKED a crew member Frankie! All because IWC refused to air this controversial skit she had come up with.
Frankie: Serves them right, they’re not going to keep it from airing.
Kat offers to help Lexy up to her feet but her partner is already employing the apron to get up. She then climbs to the apron and takes the middle rope, springing up onto it. She flies from that cable, twists in mid-air and comes down into a now upright Serenity with a crossbody. Both ladies crash down to the mats amidst a loud pop from the crowd. The ever agile Lexy tosses her opponent into the ring and continues to show her high flying capabilities. She scales the nearest turnbuckle, reaches the top rope and prepares to go airborne. She flings her body across the ring and into the senton bomb, with the back of her head coming down right into Serenity…..right into Serenity’s RAISED KNEES.
Cindy: Splendid.
Frankie: Dreadful.
Sparkles: Damaging.
Greyson: Uh-uhhh-OUCH!
After making impact with the knees of her opponent Lexy sits there on the canvas looking like a Robert Kirkman inspired Walker. She soon finds herself caught in a dragon sleeper before being lifted straight up from the canvas and at first into position for an inverted suplex. However, at the last second Serenity drops her down into an elevated reverse DDT.
Greyson: Nice!
Serenity then sits beside the unconscious Lexy and smiles rather sadistically. She goes on grinning as she ascends to her feet and calls out to Borislav at ringside. Although the big Russian is still in pain, thanks to the senton plancha Lexy gave him a few moments ago, it doesn’t keep him from doing as Serenity’s instructs. He reaches beneath the ring and grabs hold of something, and that something is revealed as the very weapon used to bludgeon New Eden’s foe Marina Valdivia. A pipe wrench is held in Borislav’s hand.
Cindy: Finish this Serenity.
Greyson: Borislav has got a friggin pipe wrench!
Sparkles: We saw him use that on Marina Valdivia two weeks ago, and now it’s about to be used on Lexy.
Frankie: Kat! Do something!!
It appears Kat Kelly doesn’t seem aware that the pipe wrench is about to be used on her friend. She is remonstrating with the referee while on the other side of the ring Borislav is climbing to the apron and starting to extend a pipe wrench to Serenity. But his hand suddenly stops extending and Serenity’s hands suddenly stop reaching when the Cartel-tron suddenly bursts with static. The images on it are no longer shots of the action in the ring. Instead what we’re seeing is an extreme close up of teeth, yellowed and rotted. There are ashen gray lips that surround them, cracked and broken.
Greyson: Hey! HEY!! It’s-it’s-it’s that same footage we saw from four weeks ago!
Sparkles: The same footage that was aired by Aiken Frost right before he made his return and attacked YOU, Cindy.
Cindy: I hope he comes for me again.
The PA system is filled by the words that filter from this almost decayed mouth seen on the big screen. It seems there are several voices speaking a number of different languages all emanating from this one set of discolored lips and mangled teeth.
On the apron we see Borislav still clutching hold of the pipe wrench but looking away from the person he was going to hand it to. Instead he’s looking at the Cartel-tron, the images on it making him totally unaware that the wrench he grips is still out of Serenity’s reach. She goes to take it but Borislav absent mindedly drops from the apron and keeps the wrench for his own protection. He steps to the base of the ramp and cocks back the wrench, ready to swing it at Aiken Frost should he show up. In the ring behind Borislav we see Serenity is leaning over the top rope and shouting down at him, DEMANDING the pipe wrench. Meanwhile at the announce table we can see Cindy Todd standing, her hands interlocked and placed against the small of her back.
Cindy: Come Aiken….Come for me….I beg you.
Espouses Cindy in the most threatening voice.
Greyson: Where is he? Where is Aiken Frost?
The video goes on playing but there is no sight of Aiken Frost. What the fans do see though is Lexy sneaking in behind Serenity then taking her by the shoulder. Serenity was so preoccupied on the footage playing on the Cartel-tron that she didn’t see Lexy sneak in from behind, drag her around and deliver a kick to the bread-basket. Before Serenity can counter she’s lifted into the package piledriver. The Explicit Content connects, ramming Serenity’s head BRUTALLY into the canvas. Before Serenity even knows what hit her she’s being pinned by Lexy.
Greyson: The Explicit Content on Serenity and now Lexy is making the cover!
Cindy: This will not do. Act Borislav!
At last Borislav realizes that the pinfall is occurring in the ring, prompting him to hustle for the squared circle. He slides in and does so with the pipe wrench in hand, but neither he nor the weapon he clutches can reach Serenity in time.
1
2
Cindy: Unacceptable.
The hand comes down for the three, resulting in a shocking victory for Lexy.
Greyson: Lexy does it again! Another UPSET!
Frankie: YAAAAAH! HA-HA-HA!
Sparkles: Erm Frankie, Cindy is still right beside you.
Frankie: Oh, I mean, uh, good effort.
A wounded Lexy rolls from the squared circle instead of staying inside to properly rejoice in victory. She leaves the squared circle just as Borislav enters, desperately racing after her. He stops at the ropes though and looks over them at a celebrating Lexy who is now joined by Kat. Kelly grab Lexy’s arms, raising it aloft in victory while also pointing into the ring at Borislav, laughing at him.
Greyson: What a win for Lexy tonight advancing her to the semi-finals of the Number One Contender Tournament to go down at Upping the Ante.
Frankie: Where my girl will win big and then go on to claim the World Title, a belt that SHOULD be hers already.
Sparkles: Can Lexy continue to parlay her momentum into a tournament victory?
Greyson: We know now that Lexy joins Andre Jordan in the semi-finals, who will be the next to advance when Marina Valdivia collides with Rachel Tatum Lee, and Samantha Raine battles Mika Kozlov? Both those matches still slated to go down here tonight.
Sparkles: Guys, I don’t think we’ve seen the end of this situation in the ring.
As Lexy and her cohorts go on living it up at ringside, back in the squared circle the members of New Eden are not in anything but a celebratory mood. As Borislav stoops down and takes Serenity by the arm, trying to help her up he finds his hands swatted away. Serenity holds the top of her head with one hand while wagging a finger at Borislav, shouting at him in anger. Meanwhile Cindy Todd has vacated the announce table and is stepping over the middle rope, entering the squared circle. She immediately steps between an enraged Serenity and an apologetic Borislav.
Greyson: It looks like New Eden continues to implode right in front of our eyes.
Sparkles: Sparkles thinks they’re less upset with each other and more angry over that footage that just aired. It totally cost Serenity the match.
Frankie: Not only did Aiken Frost’s manipulation tactics just cost Serenity, but he also stole Mika Kozlov away from New Eden.
Greyson: Hopefully we’ll have more on that story as this night progresses.
Back in the ring Borislav goes on clutching the pipe wrench used on Marina Valdivia a few weeks ago and now trying to smooth things over between he and an angered Serenity. All Cindy does is stand back and watch her followers argue, yet to weigh in with her own judgment.
Marina: Great job guys.
Announces Marina Valdivia as she slaps her palm down onto the back of a production crew member. Although we last saw Marina a bloody mess at the hands of New Eden, she looks to not only have recovered but now she’s even at an emotional high. She fills the production trailer with her energy and it seems infectious, as several of the technicians working the controls responsible for all of tonight’s programming are wearing smiles.
Marina: Good job fellas.
Crew-Member: We just went on your cue.
Replies one of the men seated behind a switchboard wearing a neck-brace.
Marina: Don’t sell yourselves short, you guys did great. I’m sure Serenity appreciated you all pulling up that video when I asked you too. Thanks for your cooperation.
The commentators speak up in the background.
Greyson: Wait a minute….waaaaait a miiinnuttte. Am I hearing this correctly? Marina Valdivia was the one who had that video played? The video that distracted Serenity and cost her her match?
Sparkles: It WASN’T Aiken Frost this time?
Frankie: I’m telling you guys, Marina is doing nothing short of sticking her head in a lion’s mouth.
Greyson: She’s not afraid to stand up against New Eden, and what she did tonight was get a small measure of revenge on them for ambushing her two weeks ago.
Frankie: When New Eden catches wind of this…..
Apparently Marina isn’t about to wait on New Eden’s response.
Marina: By the way guys…
She addresses the production crew members while approaching the door to the trailer.
Marina: You might want to keep cameras on the ring. Because you’re not going to want to miss what happens next.
Something is taken out from behind Marina’s back, and that something is a pipe wrench, one that she pats against the palm of her hand. Now she exits the trailer and it doesn’t take much imagination to figure out where she’s going.
Greyson: Uhhhhh guuuuyys, I think Marina is coming out to confront New Eden.
Frankie: Hasn’t she done enough already? If she comes out here she’s going to be left in a condition a thousand times worse than the one New Eden left her in two weeks ago.
Sparkles: Marina headed for a collision course with New Eden!
Greyson: There’s going to be a brawl fellas, and it isn’t going to be pretty.
Katelyn: Open this door right now!
The shouts of Katelyn Buehler fills the corridor where she’s standing. There’s also the sound of her fist thumping against a door, one marked ‘Silas Mason.’ She pounds and pounds away at it while holding the World Title over the shoulder furthest from the doorway.
Katelyn: Open up Silas!
The longer she is forced to wait the angrier she’s getting. The commentators speculate as to what has Katelyn so perturbed.
Greyson: Looks like we’ve got another story unfolding here guys.
Sparkles: Katelyn Buehler, our champion, she’s standing outside of Principle Owner Silas Mason’s office and apparently she wants a word with the boss.
Frankie: She ought to know better than to disturb Silas. Especially when the man has got a huge match coming up against Karen McBride tonight.
Greyson: I think Katelyn is still upset regarding what happened between herself and Dem Cannon Boys at the start of tonight’s show.
Greyson: We’ll have even more on this story as it progresses.
Cameras return to the live feed just in time to catch a glimpse of Victoria Salinas. The most recently acquired talent for the Riot brand is making her way down a hallway presumably in search of someone. She stops at the side of a stagehand who has his nose buried in a stack of documents.
Victoria: You…..
She demands his focus via flicking him in his brow and causing him to look up into her face.
Victoria: Seen Marina around?
Stagehand: Who? OH! Marina Valdivia? No, haven’t seen her.
Victoria: Oh. Well, you may continue….
Now Victoria puts a finger to the chin of the stagehand and pushes down on it, redirecting his eyes back to the papers he WAS reading. Victoria then continues on her way.
Greyson: Looks to me like Victoria Salinas is looking for her good friend Marina Valdivia.
Frankie: Why oh why couldn’t she be looking for me? I’m easy to find, I kind of stand out with this rugged masculine exterior of mine.
Sparkles: Sparkles doesn’t think Victoria realizes that Marina is headed our way.
Greyson: You’re right Sparkles. Apparently Victoria is unaware that her friend is walking into a fight with New Eden.
Sparkles: A group Victoria has tangled with a few times over these past few weeks.
Ethan: We’re just here paying a visit to a GOOD friend of ours.
It doesn’t matter how big, both in height and muscularity, the security guard may be because he STILL has his hands full with the ever controversial Ethan Von Aaron and his client the headline grabbing X-Class Champion Alana Starr. The duo stand in a hallway with a black shirted security guard stood in front of them. The ball of muscles’ back is aimed to the camera and his huge arms are folded over his chest.
Alana: We’re not going to make any trouble, we pinky promise.
Alana and Ethan interlock their pinky fingers and TRY to look sincere.
Security Guard: I’m sorry guys….
Starts the bald headed brute.
Security Guard: I got a lot of heat for the last time I let you two into the building. Silas has told me he wants NO wrestlers from the Uprising brand appearing on HIS show.
Alana: Why? Is the ignorant biscuit allergic to ratings?
Security Guard: No, he doesn’t want you guys attacking members of his roster again.
Ethan: But we pinky promised we wouldn’t go after Rachel Tatum Lee again. Doesn’t a pinky promise mean ANYTHING to you?
Alana: Because it does to us. That’s like swearing on a stack of bibles.
Security Guard: Sorry, I’m not letting you two in, end of story.
Ethan: No….
Ethan steps up right into the guard’s face and even goes as far to begin prodding his chest with a finger.
Ethan: No one denies my client what she wants. Including a grunt like you!
Alana: Come on Ethan, we’ll find another way.
The X-Class Champion finally manages to wrangle her agent’s arm and pull Ethan away from the stern, unflappable guard. She then steps up and eyeballs the security worker.
Alana: You should be ashamed of yourself. You-you-you MOTHER FUDGER!
At last Alana and Ethan part ways with the guard, who doesn’t blink an eye as he watches the two march down the hallway.
When last cameras were filming the ring the viewers witnessed the ever dangerous New Eden turning their wrath on one another. Now that the show has come back to the squared circle we see that implosive situation continuing to play out. At the moment New Eden’s Queen Cindy Todd is stood back watching as her followers Serenity and Borislav argue amongst one another. While Borislav holds the pipe wrench he failed to give Serenity in time to help her win her previous match, Serenity sits on the canvas and grips something else, the top of her potentially concussed head.
Greyson: It looks like Alana Starr and Ethan Von Aaron having a hard time infiltrating the Manhattan Center.
Frankie: I hate that we won’t get to see Alana Starr, but you gotta applaud Silas Mason for putting his boot down and refusing to let Uprising talent to appear on the Riot brand.
Greyson: I don’t have to do nothing but get old and like it.
Sparkles: GET old?
Greyson: Let’s switch gears back to what we’re seeing right now inside of the ring. Before the break we saw New Eden having a bit of an internal dispute.
Sparkles: All thanks to Serenity’s loss in the Number One Contender Tournament Quarter-Final match.
Frankie: Which wouldn’t have happened if ‘A,’ Serenity’s enemy Marina Valdivia hadn’t been playing some distracting footage on the Cartel-tron, and ‘B,’ Borislav had given Serenity the pipe wrench like she were asking. But don’t get me wrong, I’m glad he failed, because I sure as hell didn’t want to see that pipe wrench used on Lexy Chapel.
The argument continues between Borislav and Serenity before Cindy at last intervenes. She casually requests a microphone, receives it and then slowly walks towards her cohorts with one arm ever folded behind her back.
Cindy: Quiet.
She insists in a tone as grave as a six foot deep hole. Serenity and Borislav listen and listen good.
Cindy: I’m growing a little annoyed with this childish behavior. I won’t have my New Eden acting like petulant kids. First MY Mika Kozlov runs off with Aiken Frost, who no doubt filled her head with false promises, and now I have the two of you placing even further strain on my New Eden by bickering like spoiled youths. It’s almost as revolting as watching YOU (points at her followers) fail me again inside of this ring. I won’t tolerate this behavior, and I won’t allow failure. So I guess I need to handle these issues with a far firmer hand. And I have the perfect way of doing just that. How’s the old saying go? Spare the rod, spoil the child?
Cindy pats Borislav on his always tense shoulder.
Cindy: Hand it here….
The pipe wrench Borislav was holding finds its way into Cindy’s palms. She then turns to the knelt Serenity, who already has a justifiably worried look in her eyes.
Cindy: I take it you need to be reminded how I punish failure.
Serenity still wears the scars on her back from the last time she was punished for letting Cindy down. The pipe wrench in the hands of Serenity’s Queen swings….deliberately into the ribs of Borislav.
Greyson: WAIT!!
Sparkles: Sparkles thought it was Serenity who was going to be punished.
Frankie: Then Sparkles was wrong.
The blow from the pipe wrench is devastating enough to double Borislav over and send him crumbling to his knees. The woman who put him in this state now nods to Serenity, who acts and acts quick. She grabs Borislav’s wrists, pushing them down to the canvas to expose his back, leaving him defenseless against the blows of Cindy Todd. The merciless Cindy drives the pipe wrench down across Borislav’s spine with more and more force behind each punishing blow. Huge bruises and welts are forming on Borislav’s skin as he withstands one devastating shot after another.
Greyson: I’m getting sick to my stomach watching this.
Sparkles: Cindy is making Borislzv pay for his failure to get that pipe wrench to Serenity in time to help her during her match.
Greyson: Think of all the internal bleeding this has to be inflicting on Borislav.
Frankie: He’ll never fail her again. NEVER!
Blood is dribbling out from the corners of Borislav’s mouth as yet another blow from the wrench collides against his spine.
Aiken: Are you done yet?
Cindy’s soulless eyes cut to someone equally as void of spirit. Stood on one of the scaffolds high above the ring is Aiken Frost.
Greyson: There he is! THERE’S AIKEN FROST!!
Sparkles: This is only getting worse.
Frankie: Ya-damn-skippy it is.
Greyson: The former leader of New Eden addressing Cindy.
Sparkles: The last time the two of these were anywhere near each other Aiken left Cindy hanging via a noose from the roof of a Hell in a Cell.
Oddly enough Cindy actually looks HAPPY to see Aiken.
Aiken: Is this senseless barbarity over with?
Asks Aiken as he gestures to the bludgeoned Borislav laid out at Cindy’s feet.
Cindy: Oh Mr. Frost, you haven’t seen barbarity yet.
Aiken: Judging by your threats I take it you have no interest in letting bygones be bygones?
Cindy merely grins.
Aiken: I thought you wouldn’t be content with leaving our issues behind us, that you wouldn’t be so quick to forgive nor forget the punishment I dealt out on you four weeks ago.
Cindy: You assumed correctly. I suppose I can be a little petty when people attempt to hang me from nooses.
Aiken: And here I was under the belief that I was being merciful.
Cindy: I won’t be.
Aiken: I thought as much. You are a very dangerous woman Cindy, but fortunately….
Aiken looks back over his shoulder into the shadows that surround him.
Aiken:…..I have friends who can be JUST as vicious.
From those shadows emerges the woman everyone has been searching for, the woman who steps to Aiken side and drapes her arm across his back, the woman who puts her cheek to Frost’s shoulder, the woman known as Mika Kozlov.
Frankie: Look-LOOOOK, it’s-it’s-it’s MIKA KOZLOV!
Greyson: And she’s with Aiken Frost.
Sparkles: All the rumors are true then. Mika has returned to the side of her former ruler Aiken Frost.
Greyson: Mika was always Aiken’s favorite.
The sight of Mika standing side by side with Aiken is an image that Cindy finds difficult to digest.
Cindy: How tragic you would allow yourself to be seduced by this serpent, my precious Mika. I have such high hopes for the two of us. Plans that Aiken Frost will not live to disrupt.
The microphone falls out of Cindy’s hand, but the pipe wrench doesn’t. She rolls from the ring still gripping the weapon as she makes her way up the ramp, presumably headed for the rafters where Aiken and Mika are stood. Back inside of the squared circle Serenity is stood over Cindy’s most recent victim Borislav. The former World Champion calls out for Cindy however, Serenity’s Queen does not look back. Instead Cindy proceeds straight through the curtains.
Greyson: It looks to me like Cindy Todd is going after Aiken Frost and Mika Kozlov.
Sparkles: She is not one bit happy that Mika has returned to Aiken’s side.
Frankie: Should she be? Mika is one of the most powerful weapons one can wield, and she’s been instrumental in New Eden’s reign of terror over the IWC.
Greyson: Look at Serenity, she doesn’t know what to make of any of this.
Serenity calls after Cindy again, but she’s already vanished into the backstage area. So Serenity instead turns to Borislav, stooping towards the bludgeoned bodyguard and laughing directly into his ear.
Marina: You lonely Abi?
The fans come to life at the visual of Marina Valdivia, who steps to the stage holding a weapon that has already become a focal point of tonight’s telecast, a pipe wrench. Serenity whips around to face Marina waltzing down the ramp, coming her way.
Marina: Let me keep you company.
A microphone is thrown aside so that Marina can grip the pipe wrench with both hands as she goes rolling into the squared circle. Before she can get to her knees she finds her face on the receiving end of a few punches by Serenity.
Greyson: Look what we’re got here. ANOTHER brawl between Serenity and Marina Valdivia.
Sparkles: These two have been going at it and going at it for MONTHS.
Frankie: Including two weeks ago when New Eden left Marina a bloody wreck in her dressing room.
Greyson: Using that very same pipe wrench Marina just brought to the ring with her.
It doesn’t look like that very pipe wrench will come into play at the moment considering that Serenity has seemingly got the better of Marina, jabbing her again and again in the face. The pipe wrench falls out of Marina’s hands as she’s pulled up to her feet and then launched off into the ropes. Marina jumps over top of the unconscious body of Borislav then continues into the far ropes, ricocheting from them. When she comes back in at Serenity, she manages to duck right under a clothesline. While stooped and staggering forward Marina snatches up the pipe wrench. She then swings around and tries to drive the wrench square into Serenity’s head, but the blow misses before it could send brains splattering through the air. Serenity falls back just in time to avoid having her skull shattered by the pipe wrench. She then goes rolling from the squared circle, evading the weapon that Marina is determined to bludgeon her with.
Greyson: Marina ALMOST catching Serenity with the pipe wrench.
Frankie: But thank God, Serenity got out of the way.
Sparkles: When is Marina FINALLY going to get her revenge on Serenity?
It might not be Serenity that Marina gets her revenge on, but there’s no stopping her from exacting some payback on Borislav for the part her played in that attack that prompted her retaliation on New Eden tonight. Marina steps past the unconscious Borislav before making his night all that much worse. She steps up the nearest corner, stands up on the top rope, points at Serenity stood at the base of the ramp and then Marina flips into the California Splash, crashing directly into Borislav.
Frankie: AAAAAH!
Greyson: 450! Marina with the 450 on Borislav.
Sparkles: THAT’S called sending a message.
One that was not well received by Serenity, who trembles with anger. Marina leaps to her feet looking equally as red hot, her fuming eyes never turning from Serenity’s face.
Cameras transition to the offices of the Principle Owner Silas Mason, and the woman who was seen trying to get inside could only be locked out for so long. The World Champion Katelyn Buehler has thrown her title belt onto Silas’ desk, leaning over the gold and the mahogany so that the boss can see the sincerity in her eyes. Silas leans back in his chair slipping leather gloves over his hands, readying for competition and looking totally disinterested in anything that Katelyn has to say.
Katelyn: Look at my face right now Silas….look into my eyes and tell me ‘no.’
Silas doesn’t adhere to her request, he just keeps staring at his now gloved fists.
Katelyn: You can’t do it, because you damn well know that if you try to dick me around then it’s not Karen McBride you need to worry about tonight.
Silas: Baby Brown-Baby Brown-Baby Brown, I ain’t got time for all this garbage. I got McBride in that ring later tonight, so why don’t ya just tell me what it is ya want.
Katelyn: Scott Cannon, one on one, TONIGHT.
Silas: Hahahahahaha…
Silas actually holds his stomach to keep his sides from splitting before leaning back in his chair as he unleashes his guffaw.
Silas: Ya think I’m jus’ gonna give away my big pay-per-view main event for free righ’ ‘ere tonight? Naaaah, I ain’t gonna take a blow to my pocket book. Ya forget, I’m a business man Baby Brown. And you versus Cannon on Riot, it ain’t good fer business. Yer gonna have to wait till Uppin’ the Ante to get yer match….
Katelyn: I’m not going to wait for ANYTHING.
Silas: Ya got Miss Jon to wrassle ‘ere tonight…
Katelyn: I DON’T GIVE A DAMN!
Informs an irate Katelyn, who is still stinging after her earlier confrontation with Dem Cannon Boys. She takes the World Title off the desk then steps back from it before pointing rather threatening at the Principle Owner.
Katelyn: I’m going to that ring later tonight, and you either send Scott Cannon out to face me, or I’m going to come back here to your office and I’m going to face….YOU!
It couldn’t be stated any clearer than that. Katelyn walks out of the room and leaves Silas in quite the stupor. He leans back in his chair interlocking his hands and letting out a sigh. He finally picks up his phone, dials a number and waits to hear the voice of his assistant Mason Van Stanton.
Silas: Mason…has everything been arranged for tonight?
A smarmy smile runs along Silas’ face.
Silas: Good. Very good.
A casket comes into view, eliciting quite a few chills from the audience.
Seated rather casually on top of this death bed is Rachel Tatum Lee. The NHB Champion has her title belt draped over her forearm as she looks down into her gold and then begins to knock on the lid of the coffin.
Rachel: Ya hearin me in there Harrison?
She keeps knocking to get the attention of Aaron Harrison, who she’s had locked inside of the coffin ever since she defeated him several months ago at Awakening.
Rachel: Listen up sweety. Two weeks ago ya earned back a lil’ bit of my trust when ya came out of this ‘ere casket and kept Ethan and Alana from interferin’ in my match. So I tell ya what I’m gonna do Harrison. I’m gonna bring this casket on down to that ring and set ya up right beside it so ya can hear my opponent’s head crackin’ against the canvas when I hit Marina with the Dead In Tombstone, then ya can listen to my name announced as the victor in the Number One Contender Tournament Match…..
Goddard: Lil Rose….
The hellbilly himself Goddard steps into frame, stopping in the hall where the casket and Rachel have set up shop. He puts his hands on the coffin Rachel is seated on and leans over it towards the woman who he has been instrumental in aiding over the past year.
Goddard: Ya ain’t tormentin’ ole’ Harrison are ya?
Rachel: Nope, not that he doesn’t have it comin’. I was just thankin’ ‘em is all, and tellin’ ‘em all about how I intend to repay his help from two weeks ago.
Goddard: Good, because the time for his torment is over. It’s like I told ya on the last Riot, (Goddard looks down at the casket), he’s ready.
Rachel: Maybe we’ll get a chance to find out ‘ere tonight. Heard Ethan and Alana were runnin’ around ‘ere. They might try to interfere in my Number One Contender Tournament match against Marina.
Goddard: For the sake of their souls, I hope they don’t. Because if this casket opens, it’ll be a thousand times worse than letting Pandora out of a box.
Rachel can’t help but to laugh.
Rachel: Sugar, that sounds like so much fun.
PRE-RECORDED
There is a city skyline brought into view with a blackened sky hung over it. The camera slowly starts to pull back from the towering structures to bring into view the man who is observing them from afar. Stood behind the railing on a bridge is the Icon himself, the international man of renown, Orlando Cruze.
Orlando: Welcome….welcome one and all….to the place where you’re beloved Orlando Cruze came to be the man he is today….
He gestures towards the sprawling buildings and other such structures laid out before him.
Orlando: Several weeks ago a brash young braggart named Andre Jordan, accused me of losing sight of who I am. Well, tonight, I’m going to invite you all along on a journey as I go back to my roots.
A huge grin sweeps across Orlando’s face as he thrusts his arms out to his sides.
Orlando: Ladies and gentlemen, THIS….IS….ORLANDO CRUZE!
Starxxx: Don’t you worry about a thing playa.
Brags Jeffrey Alexander Starxxx as he leads his boys Marcus Briggs and Randal Williams down a hallway, passing by closed doors on either side of the trio. He might be wearing a flashy red suit jacket and pants with a matching color scheme, but it isn’t his flamboyant attire that anyone is paying attention to, it’s the phone pressed to his ear.
Starxxx: You tell Silas that my guys have got this. We’re on our way right now to pay McBride a very special visit.
This ominous statement is punctuated by chuckles from Starxxx as he hangs up his phone and continues on down the corridor with Briggs and Randal proceeding right along behind him. The commentators can now be heard sounding off.
Greyson: What was that all about?
Sparkles: Did Sparkles hear that correctly? Are Starxxx and his crew going after Karen McBride?
Greyson: Karen is slated to take on Starxxx’s boss Silas Mason one on one tonight.
Frankie: You honestly think Silas was going to honor that commitment when he’s got all three McBride sisters he has to face in that six person tag at Upping the Ante? NOT gonna happen.
Greyson: Well I tell you what IS going to happen. We’ve got Marina Valdivia and Rachel Tatum Lee set to collide in a Number One Contender Tournament Quarter Final round match, and Marina is already in the ring.
Cameras transition right back to the squared circle that Marina Valdivia is pacing. Her eyes are trained to the stage, waiting anxiously for her opponent this evening in what will undoubtedly be the biggest match of her IWC career.
Greyson: If you’re wondering why Marina Valdivia is inside of that ring then you must have missed what happened just before the commercial break.
Frankie: Just roll the god damn filler.
Sparkles: Sparkles LOVES filler.
MOMENTS AGO
A video package plays that recounts what happened mere seconds before the show went to commercial break. Violence imploded when Marina Valdivia came to the ring with a pipe wrench in hand looking for retribution on the woman who left her a bloodied mess just two weeks earlier. Waiting for Marina in the ring is Serenity, who gets into a big brawl with Marina. It ends when Valdivia attempts to cave in Serenity’s skull with the pipe wrench only to miss. Serenity leaves the ring and is forced to watch as her teammate Borislav is hit with Marina’s version of the 450, the California Splash.
Cameras are back on the squared circle at this point where Marina Valdivia anxiously waits for even more action.
Greyson: As the video just documented, Marina got a piece of her mortal enemy Serenity.
Sparkles: But she’s about to get a whole lot of her adversary Rachel Tatum Lee.
Frankie: Marina about to find out what the Hardcore Cowgirl is made of when the two face off in a Quarter Final Round match up in the Number One Contender Tournament.
Marina’s need to get her hands dirty may result in her hands getting broken by her adversary this evening. We’re about to find out as ‘Blue’ by Birthday Massacre plays over the loud speakers. The lights in the Manhattan Center dim into virtual non-existence. It takes a while but once they at last come back up they illuminate both Rachel Tatum Lee sitting Indian style at ringside, and the casket positioned beneath her. The NHB Title sits across her lap and her fist is raised to her chin, looking very complacent at the moment.
Greyson: There she is, there’s Rachel Tatum Lee, and she’s not alone!
Sparkles: She’s got that casket with her again.
Frankie: And we all know that emo bastard Aaron Harrison is locked inside of it.
Greyson: We finally saw Harrison two weeks ago after his over month long captivity in the very casket Rachel put him inside of back at our last pay-per-view event Awakening.
Sparkles: One has to wonder if Harrison will play a factor again here tonight.
Greyson: I hope he won’t be needed, as he popped up out of that casket on the last Riot in order to keep Rachel’s enemies Alana Starr and Ethan Von Aaron from reaching the ring to interfere in her match.
Sparkles: Yeah, Sparkles doesn’t want to see interference from either of those two here tonight.
Greyson: Indeed, this Number One Contender Tournament match needs to be straight up one on one between Rachel and Marina. It deserves that.
Frankie: Well let’s find out who’s going to advance to join Lexy Chapel and Andre Jordan at Upping the Ante in the semi-finals of this tourney.
Rachel steps off the casket and to the ring apron, once there she relinquishes her NHB title to the referee. She then enters the ring and locks eyes with Marina as the two fan favorites prepare to go at it.
RACHEL TATUM LEE VS. MARINA VALDIVIA:
NUMBER ONE CONTENDER TOURNAMENT QUARTER FINAL
The bell at long last rings as Marina and Rachel tentatively extend their hands, locking up in a Greco Roman Knuckle Lock. They push against one another’s hands before their arms go out to their sides and their chests collide. They grind against one another before Marina finds out just how powerful her opponent is. Rachel shoves and shoves with enough strength to begin bridging Marina over backwards. The Greco Roman Knuckle Lock is still applied as Marina bridges completely back and comes down onto the top of her head. Now she’s in a crab walk position with the top of her head still wedged against the ring and the back of her knuckles pressed to the canvas.
Rachel finally exerts enough pressure on the hands of her opponent to force her adversary’s shoulders down to the canvas.
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Marina gets one shoulder up but Rachel forces it right back down by pressing against Valdivia’s hand.
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Marina lifts that very same shoulder from the ring only to have Rachel yet again push it into the canvas.
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Instead of lifting a shoulder Marina lifts her whole body up, bridging her shoulders and her back from the canvas. The Greco Knuckle Lock remains applied though, and Rachel is determined she can use it to force a pin. She kicks back with her boot and it nails the crease of Marina’s knee, forcing her to break her bridge and come down onto her shoulders once again.
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Marina finally turns her predicament into opportunity, pushing herself over into a backwards roll. She gets her shoulders off of the ring and her hands out of the knuckle lock. Instead those hands find their way around Rachel’s head, applying a front chancery. Marina crawls across her knees and into the submission on Rachel, who is kneeling as well. Then Marina reaches out and hooks the crease of her adversary’s knee before falling to her side. She rolls both herself and Rachel over onto their backs and then Marina bridges up into a fisherman style pin.
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Rachel kicks out of this impressive and innovative pin. She then rolls back onto her knees just as her adversary Marina comes barreling towards her. Rachel manages to catch Marina by the back of the leg, pull it out from under her and send Valdivia crashing onto her back. Rachel then hooks one of Marina’s leg and the back of Marina’s head before flipping over her opponent. Eventually Rachel’s feet come down to the canvas with her body bridging back into a version of a cradle pin.
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Marina pops her shoulder up and then races to her feet where she finds Rachel crouched and waiting for her. The two stop and stare one another down, backing off in order to rethink their strategies.
Sparkles: Nice CHAIN wrestling from Rachel and Marina.
Greyson: We don’t get very many matches starting off like this here in the IWC, especially when it’s the NHB Champion Rachel Tatum Lee involved. Two weeks ago the closest we got to a wrestling hold in her match against Ricky Holt was an attempt at vehicular manslaughter using a golf cart.
Sparkles: We’ve seen Rachel wrestle that hardcore crash and burn style a lot in the past, tonight though we’re seeing her do some classic hold for hold wrestling.
Frankie: Yeah-yeah-yeah, Rachel can do it all, Blah-blah-blah. Actually, want to know something Rachel can’t do?
Greyson: What’s that?
Frankie: She can’t jazzercise that bubble-butt of hers.
Greyson: I am soooo tired of hearing you parrot Alana Starr’s insults at the NHB Champion.
Rachel and Marina circle one another before ultimately coming together in a collar elbow. But Rachel quickly transitions right out of that and takes Marina around the waist, lifting her up and then into position for the Dead in Tombstone.
Greyson: Forget going hold for hold, Rachel’s gonna catch Marina with the Dead in Tombstone.
Sparkles: Marina didn’t see that coming.
Frankie: Nobody did, it was so lightning fast.
Just not fast enough however to prevent Marina from countering that tombstone. She wiggles and squirms until she slips right out of Rachel’s arms. She then comes down on the canvas right behind Rachel before falling back and hitting the turnbuckle, her arms dangling over the cables to keep her upright. Marina has a lot more trouble staying on her feet when her opponent comes dashing in to decapitate her with a clothesline. At the last second though Marina saves herself via getting both boots up and both boots straight into Rachel’s chest, kicking her down to the canvas. At the same time Marina pushes herself off of Rachel’s chest into a backwards flip that puts her up and on top of the turnbuckle.
The crowd gets very excited at the sight of Rachel collapsing to the ring and Marina ascending to the highest point of the corner where she prepares to unleash the California Splash.
Greyson: First Borislav and now Rachel are about to fall prey to that California Splash!
Sparkles: And if Marina hits this she advances into the Quarter Finals of the Tournament.
Frankie: Both women looking to hit those finishers straight out of the gates.
Marina strikes while the iron is hot. She goes flipping forward and crashing down directly into the canvas, Rachel rolls out of the way and causes Marina to miss her. However, Marina tucks her chin to her chest and when she hits the ring she rolls straight across it, ultimately getting back to her feet. She then spins around and faces Rachel, who is stood on the apron of the ring, actually smiling upon realizing that this match was literally one move away from being over.
Sparkles: Both ladies went for their finishers early and neither lady connected.
Greyson: We knew coming into this that it was going to be a very athletic and fast paced contest between these two. They want to try and save up as much strength as possible knowing that if they win, they could very well have not just one, but TWO matches at Upping the Ante in the Number One Contender Tournament.
A grinning Rachel returns to the ring and approaches Marina who shockingly has her palm extended. Marina is actually looking for a handshake and what’s even more surprising is that Rachel is reciprocating it. The crowd applauds this showing of respect right up until Rachel grabs Marina by the hair and yanks it with such force that she is sent crashing down to the canvas across the back of her head. Rachel then looks towards the fans and shrugs.
Frankie: See that, that’s what I like!
Greyson: Rachel has no qualms about bending the rules a little.
Sparkles: Do what it takes to win, worry about friendships and alliances later.
A shaken up Marina rises to her seat while Rachel drops down behind her, ensnaring both of her opponent’s arms. Before Marina realizes it she’s being trapped in the double chickenwing.
Greyson: Hands Across America now locked in on Marina, hyperextending the shoulders of the former Queen of the Ring Champion.
Sparkles: Marina continuing to pay for being such a good sportswoman.
The suffrage is indescribable at this point, Marina feeling like her arms are about to pop straight after their sockets. Though she’s hurting Marina isn’t tapping. Instead she puts her feet to the ring and pushes herself up to her feet, by virtue forcing Rachel to stand up behind her. The double chickenwing remains locked in even as both ladies stand up. Though the hold doesn’t remain applied for all that much longer before Marina starts to show her incredible strength by forcing her arms out further and further to her sides. Rachel finally realizes that in spite of all the strength she puts into this hold its ultimately not going to finish Marina off, so she releases her opponent’s arms and then takes her by the hair, giving it another yank. Marina is dragged down to the canvas and slams across the back of her head.
The impact is so vicious that it has Marina ricocheting from the ring all the way back up to her feet. She staggers around looking braindead until she eventually turns right into a running clothesline delivered with some force by the NHB Champion. The lariat to the throat has Marina gasping for air yet still trying to get up. So Rachel steps in beside her and drops a quick leg across Marina’s throat. The impact makes it even harder for Marina to breathe as she rolls across the ring and desperately reaches out for the cables. But just then her arms are caught from behind and dragged around behind her back. Once again Rachel is going for the double chickenwing but Marina is managing to block it. She prevents Rachel from getting her hands clasped together, meaning the hold won’t be locked in and Marina won’t suffer from it.
Marina works her way up to her feet while struggling against the hold that threatens to dislocate her shoulders. She then starts to twist from side to side to prevent being trapped in the submission. At last she manages to bend forward just enough to be able to slip back and through Rachel’s arms. She steps behind Rachel and then grabs her by the hair, giving it such a forceful yank that the NHB Champion is picked up off of feet and flung hard to the canvas via the back of her head.
Greyson: Now it’s Marina’s turn to get a little dirty.
Frankie: Mmmmm. Dirty-dirty girls.
Greyson: Don’t go getting thoughts in your head Frankie.
The plunge into the canvas has scrambled Rachel’s brains and leaves her sitting absent minded on the canvas. She has no idea that Marina is stepping in behind her and placing her in a sleeper hold. A submission that Rachel has no intention of staying locked in. She falls back, lying across her spine on the canvas and then reaching up to grab the crease of Marina’s knee. She pulls down on it, causing Marina’s leg to bend and for her to fall forward, landing flat on her face. Rachel then stands up with one of her legs stuck between both of Marina’s. She takes advantage of this positioning so that she can lift Marina’s legs and look to apply the liontamer.
Just before Rachel gets the hold applied she learns just how strong Marina’s legs are. Valdivia manages to pull her legs down towards the canvas, causing Rachel to fall to the ring as she tried to hold onto her opponent’s knees. As a result Rachel ends up coming down onto the back of her shoulders with Marina sitting on her chest and reaching back, hooking the creases of Rachel’s legs.
Greyson: A unique pinning predicament right here.
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Rachel doesn’t just kick out but counters. She sits up and as a result reverses into a sunset flip style pinning predicament. However, Rachel isn’t going for a pin, she’s popping up to her feet with Marina’s legs still in her arms and is now using this grip to roll her opponent over to her chest, the Liontamer locked in.
Sparkles: Marina couldn’t avoid it forever!
Frankie: No she couldn’t, she’s in that liontamer now!
Marina lets out such a loud wail of pain before synching her fingernails into the canvas and then pulling herself along towards the ropes. This is a process made all the more complicated….no…almost IMPOSSIBLE when Rachel twists herself enough to begin stomping down at the back of Marina’s head over and over again. Still Marina reaches out for the ropes only to have her hand stomped now, almost cracking her knuckles.
A screaming Marina lifts her hand now not to grab the rope but to tap out to the excruciating pain that runs all along her spine and her mid-section. Rachel puts even more force behind the submission, which should end it right then and right there. But much like Rachel, Marina has made a career of being a very resilient athlete.
Marina no longer looks to submit but to reverse. She twists her body just enough to come down onto her back and force Rachel to spin around and face her. Now Marina is able to put her heels against Rachel’s chest and employ all her leg strength to kick Rachel back into the nearest corner. Rachel makes the mistake of turning around before colliding with the turnbuckle, resulting in her face smacking against the corner. The impact with the turnbuckle has bloated Rachel’s lower lip and has sent her staggering right back into Marina’s waiting arms. Marina puts a shoulder to Rachel’s kidneys then lifts her into a back drop…NOTHIN….Rachel floats right over, flipping back and landing on her feet behind Marina.
The pace quickens as Marina twists around to face Rachel only to have the back of her knees caught. It seems Rachel is about to trip Marina up and go for the Liontamer once again. Just before she can pull Marina’s legs out from under her, Rachel finds her attempt thwarted. The ever quick Marina jumps over the back of a stooped over Rachel, catching the NHB Champion by her hips and forcing her to drop into the sunset flip.
1
Rachel rolls right back out of the pin and then grabs hold of Marina’s legs in the process. She lifts them in an another attempt to apply the liontamer but once again Marina is blocking it. So the Hardcore Cowgirl alters her strategy. She drops back and catapults Marina right towards the turnbuckle, but before her face collides with the corner Valdivia manages to catch the ropes and block the impact. What Marina might not be able to block though is the lariat that comes traveling towards the back of her head, Rachel readying to unleash her murderous intent.
We never find out quite what Rachel has in mind because Marina swings herself out of the corner and out of harm’s way. As a result Rachel charges right past her and smashes face first against the turnbuckle. A disorientated Rachel then staggers back into Marina’s waiting shoulder before being elevated into a back drop suplex position. But then Marina swings herself around and instead hits a reverse neck breaker out of this position.
Greyson: Unorthodox move by Marina and boy did Rachel’s head ever hit that canvas with some force!
Sparkles: We really are seeing quite the match right now between these two women who are desperate to become the number one contender for the World Title.
Greyson: Which is why they are busting out some very innovative stuff in this encounter thus far.
A very disorientated Rachel amazingly starts to inch her way up from the ring and into Marina’s arms. A warn out Valdivia takes Rachel’s biceps and goes for a tiger bomb. She throws Rachel up into the air, catches her and bombs her opponent with ring shaking force into the canvas. Marina bends down and leans her shoulders into the creases of Rachel’s legs.
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A sweaty and exhausted Rachel throws her arm off the ring, resulting in cheers from the crowd but groans from her adversary. Marina falls to her knees and looks towards the official, raising three fingers, hoping he’ll correct his mistake. Unfortunately for Marina there was NOTHING wrong with the official’s count, meaning this match goes on.
Greyson: Marina really-really wanted that to be it.
Frankie: Can you blame her? This is by far and away one of the most physical matches she’s had to compete in.
A very worn out Marina gets to her feet with both of Rachel’s arms hooked, leading to a second tiger bomb! Marina remains stood as she slams Rachel down into the canvas with such unbelievable, ring imploding force. Although every organ in Rachel’s body may have just exploded she is still trying to get up. A warn, damn near debilitated Marina steps in and hooks both of Rachel’s arms, lifting her into another tiger…..nooo….Rachel flips forward in mid-air, grabs the back of Marina’s head and pulls her down right into an elevated knee. Rachel falls to her back and Marina’s brow falls against the kneecap of her adversary.
Greyson: That was a version of the Skipjack!
Sparkles: Sparkles has never seen it hit from that position before!
Frankie: And….AAAAH!
Frankie can’t finish his sentence before we witness yet another brutal high impact move. Marina’s face pops off of Rachel’s knee, causing her to stand up straight looking like she’s been on a 48 hour alcohol bender. Marina stumbles around and remains on her feet just long enough to be hit with the Loredo Lasso. Rachel hits the clothesline with so much power behind it that Marina is actually sent corkscrewing through the air.
Greyson: The LOREDO LASSO!
Sparkles: That’s the move Rachel used to beat Kat Kelly in the first round of the tournament.
Frankie: And it’s gonna do it again, Rachel is going to the semi-finals.
An exhausted and just plain depleted Rachel sits across her knees on the canvas huffing and puffing, trying to find her second wind. She has no idea that victory is in her hands and that the lid on the casket positioned at ringside has begun to peel back.
Sparkles: That casket is starting to open. It looks like we’re going to see Harrison after-all.
Frankie: Please no, Harrison’s face would make Louie Anderson lose his appetite.
Surprisingly Rachel does not go for the pin and instead grabs Marina by the hair, starting to force her up from the canvas. That’s before Rachel spots the casket starting to open. This prompts her to let Marina go and turn all her focus to the casket. Rachel leans through the ropes with the referee doing the same right beside her.
Ref: Tell your friend (points at the casket) not to interfere in this match.
Rachel: What are you doin’ Aa….
The coffin flies open and now Ethan Von Aaron pops out of it, a fire extinguisher in his hands that he uses to spray Rachel in the eyes with C02.
Greyson: IT’S ETHAN!!
Sparkles: How in the hell did Ethan Von Aaron get inside of the coffin!?!
Frankie: And Rachel’s ex has just sprayed her right in the face with a fire extinguisher!
The spray of C02 has struck both Rachel AND the referee. Unfortunately the official got caught in the cross fire and now finds himself equally as blinded as Rachel. Both are turned away from Ethan, who rolls into the ring and now prepares to use the fire extinguisher as a weapon. He dashes in behind Rachel and prepares to swing the extinguisher into her back but suddenly Rachel spins around and nails Ethan directly to the jaw with a big boot. The kick sends Ethan spiraling completely into a circle before he turns back to face Rachel, who lifts him up into position for the Dead in Tombstone.
Greyson: YES! YEEEESSS!! HIIIIIT IT! Rachel is finally going to hit the Dead in Tombstone on her ex boyfriend.
Sparkles: She’s tried for weeks to do it but now it finally looks like it’s going to happen.
Greyson: Rachel’s not going to have to wait until Upping the Ante and that tag team match against Ethan and Alana to finally hit this son of a bitch with the Dead in Tombstone.
The moment Rachel has been waiting on has finally come. Rachel has Ethan hoisted up and is right about to dump him square on top of his head. But what Rachel doesn’t realize is that behind her back the casket is opening once again and now Alana Starr is climbing out of it.
Greyson: Alana Starr!?!
Sparkles: She was in the casket too!?!
Frankie: How is that even possible?
Alana acts quick, dashing from the casket and into the ring where she picks up a fire extinguisher. She then swings it right into Rachel’s upper back. The fire extinguisher cracks Rachel in the skull but to the surprise of everyone, she’s STILL standing.
Greyson: Alana blasting Rachel with that fire extinguisher, but good lord, Rachel remains on her feet.
Ethan puts an end to that via the Epic Fail, his spinning superkick cracks Rachel directly under the jaw and sends her stumbling right back into the GOODnight. Alana delivers the step up enzugari that smacks Rachel in the back of her noggin. At last Rachel is removed from her feet, coming down to the canvas. Once she’s laid out Rachel finds her body even further brutalized by the deluge of boots coming down into it, Ethan and Alana stomping away at her. The referee doesn’t see any of this as a result of the C02 blast in his eyes. But there is someone else who notices all of this. The lid to the casket at ringside pushes open once again and the very same man who was seen two weeks ago wearing the hooded trench-coat emerges from within.
Greyson: Harrison coming from the casket! Aaron Harrison has Alana and Ethan in his sights.
Sparkles: Somebody put a lock on that damn casket already.
Greyson: We saw Harrison in that hood and jacket two weeks ago staring down Team FlawlessGOODness, but now he’s doing more than just giving the good ole fashion stink eye.
Frankie: Stay out of the ring Harrison, no one wants to see you come back!
The hooded Harrison climbs up and onto the apron, looking through his shadowy veil at his targets. At last Ethan and Alana notice the glare they’re receiving from the hooded man.
Frankie: Keep your nose out of this Harrison, let Alana and Ethan finish Rachel off before that big tag team match at Upping the Ante.
The hood on Harrison’s head slowly peels back to bring light to his face. But it’s when his features are illuminated that the jaws of both Alana and Ethan drop, finding themselves staring not at Aaron Harrison, but at….William Mason!
Frankie: AAAAAAHHHH!
Greyson: William Mason!?!
Sparkles: Sparkles is officially the happiest puppet on the planet!
Greyson: Rachel’s boyfriend is HERE!!
The building is rocking with applause as William enters the ring and his mortal enemy Ethan Von Aaron comes dashing straight into him. Fists fly between the faces of both men, eliciting such a HUGE response from the audience. Eventually William has Ethan on his heels, teetering back. William then goes dashing in and delivers a clothesline across Ethan’s throat that sends him flipping back over the ropes then plummeting straight into the casket at ringside. Just then William is caught from behind. Alana grabs the crease of William’s elbow and yanks it, pulling him around into whatever gruesome design she has in store for him. But instead what she receives is a boot straight to the gut that has her doubled over, William going for the TFC.
Before his version of the piledriver can be delivered he finds Alana slipping right out of his arms. Ethan reaches up out of the casket at ringside, extends his hands under the ropes and grabs Alana by the ankle. He pulls her not only out of the piledriver but out of the ring and into the casket. Alana quickly grabs the lid, shutting it so that she and Ethan are safely inside.
Greyson: FlawlessGOODness getting back in that casket.
Frankie: That’s the safest place for them now that William Mason just jumped them like some kind of savage!
Greyson: He was protecting his girlfriend Frankie.
Sparkles: William Mason is here!
Greyson: Yes, we know that already Sparkles.
William checks on Rachel and then rolls from the squared circle where he pulls something out of his pocket, a pad lock. It isn’t long before it’s used to lock the casket lid shut.
Greyson: Uuhhh ooooh, William is locking the lid on that casket.
Sparkles: William Mason is here.
Frankie: WE KNOW!
An urgent William waves for something and it isn’t long before members of Rachel’s gang of friends, Tombstone come rushing down the ramp. Sundown, Elijah Dallas and Goddard gather around the coffin as they and William begin to slide it up the ramp.
Frankie: Where are they going with that casket?
Greyson: Where are they taking Ethan and Alana!?!
Sparkles; William Mason is he…..
Frankie: ENOUGH OF THAT SHIT!
The coffin is now dragged into the backstage area with two members of FlawlessGOODness locked inside. Meanwhile back at ringside we see Rachel Tatum Lee splayed across the ground, barely grasping to consciousness after taking the Epic Fail in combination with the GOODnight. The referee has regained his vision, turning around to spot the body splayed across the ground at ringside and commencing with a ten count.
Behind him Marina is starting to regain her senses, climbing up to her seat in the corner of the ring but still looking largely absent minded after suffering the Loredo Lasso.
Greyson: The referee is starting a ten count on Rachel. If he finishes this Rachel will be disqualified.
Sparkles: Get up Rachel, get up, this is what you’ve been waiting for for years, your crack at the World Title. GET UP!!
The crowd is divisive, many crying for Rachel to get back in the ring, the other hoping she stays down so that Marina advances in the tournament. The referee is already at a count of six before Rachel starts to move, she rolls to her stomach and starts the arduous process of crawling towards the ring.
Sparkles: Come on Rachel, you said you were tired of being passed over for World Title shots, well this is YOUR CHANCE.
Frankie: The Epic Fail, the GOODnight, the fire extinguisher upside the skull, it’s too much for anyone.
Rachel reaches up for the apron just as the referee reaches an eight count. It takes all of her strength to lift her leg into the air, then put her knee on the canvas.
Greyson: She’s gonna do it! She’s gonna get back in the rin….
Suddenly all the blows to the head catch up with Rachel and she slips right off the apron, plummeting back to ringside. Right at that point Rachel reaches a ten count before then calling out to have the bell rung.
Greyson: It’s over! It’s over!! Marina Valdivia advances into the Semi-Finals of the Tournament.
Sparkles: Rachel couldn’t get back in the ring in time.
Greyson: As a result Marina is going to Upping the Ante.
Marina continues to sit in the corner of the ring barely conscious of what’s going on around her. It isn’t until the tunes of her entrance music begin piping through the speakers that Marina realizes he just picked up the biggest win if her career. Meanwhile at ringside, Rachel has gotten to her knees but just couldn’t get herself back into the ring in time to beat the official’s count.
After all of the physicality just unleashed inside of the ring cameras catch up with a woman who looks to get equally as physical here tonight. IWC grappler Mya Denton is pacing back and forth while off to her side we can see backstage correspondent Susie Moore, desperately trying to delve into the mind of her interviewee.
Susie: Mya Denton, we just saw…..
Mya: You don’t have to remind me what we just saw Susie.
Shouts Mya in retaliation. She angrily steps up into Susie’s face and points in the general direction of the squared circle.
Mya: More damned parlor tricks, more damned games from Rachel Tatum Lee and Tombstone. It’s enough to drive a woman mad! Mad I tell you, MAD!
It looks like that mission has already been accomplished.
Susie: I take it you’re still a little upset that Rachel has kept Aaron Harrison confined in that coffin….
Mya: Do I look upset? Do I look DEMENTED? Maybe a little Cra-Cra?
Her eyebrows are twitching as Mya slaps her hands down onto Susie’s shoulders.
Mya: Hehehehehe, well you know the old saying, if you want to fight insanity, you have to become insane.
Susie: That’s not a saying.
Mya: Well it is now. If it takes digging into my inner madness to get to Aaron Harrison, then that’s exactly what I’ll do, hehehehehe.
The laughing Mya skips merrily away from a highly confused Susie.
Cameras quickly transition back to the squared circle where a battle tested and battle wearied Marina Valdivia is back peddling up the ramp. She clutches at her throat, still feeling the damage that was inflicted via the Loredo Lasso. Her entrance music goes on blaring in the background.
Greyson: What a great night for Marina Valdivia.
Sparkles: She just picked up the absolute biggest win of her career.
Frankie: Ending the long streak her opponent Rachel Tatum Lee has had of going undefeated here in the IWC.
Greyson: Everything comes to an end eventually.
Including Marina’s celebration.
The moment she reaches the stage she finds the back of her skull on the receiving end of a blow from a pipe wrench. The fans in attendance are unleashing all of their vile on the woman who just assaulted Marina, and that woman is Serenity. The New Eden member stands over Marina wearing a truly sickening expression.
Greyson: Oh no, Marina just smashed right in the back of the head with that pipe wrench!
Sparkles: Serenity finishing what these two started earlier here tonight.
Frankie: It looks like she’s about to finish off Marina for good.
When the pipe wrench is thrown out of Rachel’s hands we see something else filling them….a noose!
Greyson: What the hell does Serenity got? Is that….a friggin NOOSE!?!
Marina clings to the last vestige of consciousness as the noose is wrapped and tightened around her throat. Serenity yanks on the rope that pulls Marina up to her feet and into her adversary’s arms. The New Eden member rushes across the ring and prepares to throw Marina off the stage so that she’s left hanging from the noose.
Greyson: DON’T DO IT!
Before Serenity can publically execute Marina, aid arrives for the beleaguered Valdivia. The entire audience reacts with quite the fervor at the sight of Victoria Salinas bolting through the curtains and to the stage. She comes dashing along right to Marina’s aid, catching her attacker right before the hanging can proceed. Serenity spots Victoria coming and then laughs as she rolls away from the punches aimed at her face. Victoria’s knuckles JUST miss Serenity’s skull. The haunting chuckles of Serenity fill the arena as she drops off the stage and backs away from the Riot set. She looks back at Victoria, who is presently stooping to check on Marina’s condition.
Greyson: Victoria Salinas saving Marina Valdivia, those two go back quite a ways.
Sparkles: And Victoria is no stranger to Serenity either.
Frankie: Marina better be damn happy she’s got friends just as stupid as she is.
Marina rolls to her seat and grabs the noose around her throat, trying to pull it away. She has no idea what just hit her, but gets a good idea when seeing Serenity blowing a kiss in her direction.
Cameras now transition into the parking garage where William Mason is stood on one side of a casket while Rachel Tatum Lee is stood on the other. A huge 4×4 truck is parked just a few inches away with the engine revving, and a chain hanging from its rear bumper. That chain leads directly to the casket, now wrapped around it. We can hear the sounds of banging emanating from inside of the coffin, Alana Starr and Ethan Von Aaron presumably trying to get out. Rachel leans over the casket that has her enemies trapped inside, looking into the eyes of her boyfriend William.
Rachel: Thanks fer the help partna’.
William: The pleasure was all mine.
William reaches out across the coffin, grabs the back of Rachel’s head and pulls her into a big kiss on the lips. He then looks down at the casket and slaps his palm on it to get the attention of the inhabitants locked inside.
William: Oh, and Ethan….Alana….Thanks for coming.
Rachel: Time to take ya’ll on the ride of yer life.
The loving couple hop inside of the truck, Rachel climbing a little slower as she still suffers from the multiple blows she withstood in the course of the last match. Nevertheless she gets behind the wheel, flips the key and hits the gas. She and William take off and the chain attached to the bumper begins to drag the coffin behind. It scrapes across the ground as it’s pulled from the parking garage.
Frankie: Oh God no! OH GOD NO!!
Greyson: Rachel Tatum Lee and William Mason taking off out of the parking garage and they’re dragging that casket along behind them that they trapped Alana Starr and Ethan Von Aaron inside of!
Sparkles: Bye Willie. Sparkles will always miss you.
Frankie: This is like vehicular manslaughter or something! Why isn’t anyone calling the damned police!?!
Cameras transition to the backstage area where IWC competitor Samantha Raine is readying herself for a confrontation with the ever dangerous Mika Kozlov. At the moment Raine is doing some calf stretches, stooping down as far as her body will go and reaching for her ankles. That’s when she finds the private sanctity of her dressing room invaded by a grinning Martin Howe III. The agent stops behind Raine and cranes his neck to get a slightly better view of her backside as she bends down into this stretch. Finally Raine notices Howe and his leering eyes.
Raine: What are you doing in here?
Asks Raine as she stands up and takes a rather threatening step in the direction of her biggest enemy’s agent.
Howe: I’m just taking it all in. Admiring your beauty while it lasts. Because you know, beauty is FLEETING. If it’s not destroyed by time, it’ll be destroyed by the hands of my client, MIIIISSSS JOOOOOON.
These words have no effect on Raine, who looks thoroughly unintimidated.
Raine: You know what Marty? Can I call you that? Marty?
She asks while fixing the collar of Martin’s jacket and then taking the knot in his tie, tightening it. In fact she tightens it so much that it now cuts off the oxygen flow to Martin’s head, causing him to gasp for air. She gives the tie a tug so that Martin’s face is very close to hers.
Raine: I want you to let your client know that some might consider me beautiful, but there are just as many who have learned that I’m DANGEROUS.
She lets the tie go and then Martin falls back, leaning against a locker as he coughs and his face goes back to its normal color.
Raine: If your client wants to keep coming after me, she’ll discover what everyone else has, that I’m just as beautiful as I am dangerous.
Raine walks away from the near blood red and sweaty Howe, who is finally getting over his oxygen deprivation.
Cameras cut to the World Champion Katelyn Buehler stood just outside of Principle Owner Silas Mason’s office, pacing back and forth while her gold shines over her shoulder. The Riot theme song is playing in the background as well as the voices of the commentators.
Sparkles: Martin Howe III sending a chilling warning to Samantha Raine, but here’s a woman who should really be in fear of Howe’s client tonight.
Greyson: Katelyn Buehler is scheduled to take on Miss Jon in singles competition.
Frankie: IF plans remain the same.
Greyson: That’s right, because moments ago Katelyn demanded that she get a match against Scott Cannon.
Sparkles: All in response to the fight we saw between Katelyn and Scott at the start of Riot earlier on tonight.
Frankie: Pasty Katie is waiting on an answer from the Principle Owner, but Silas has got other things on his plate.
Greyson: Will we get the Upping the Ante PPV main event tonight? Is it going to be Scott Cannon versus Katelyn Buehler? We’ll find out as this night rolls along.
Cameras have transitioned into the dressing room of Scott Cannon where we can see him arguing with his brother David. Although we can’t hear what they’re saying we can tell the two are very upset with one another. Although he tries his best to play peace maker, Michael Cannon just can’t get his brothers to back down from one another, not even by standing in between them and holding them apart.
Greyson: It looks like Scott Cannon is STILL at odds with his brothers right now.
Sparkles: Sparkles wonders if Scott even realizes that he’s been challenged to a match against the World Champion for tonight.
Frankie: Looks to me like he’s far too busy defending his recent actions to his brothers.
More than just one camera is centered on grappler Karen McBride. Several bright lights are aimed in her direction, enhancing her gorgeous face and the white wall that has been set up behind her. All the while a photographer is crouched in front of Karen, snapping shots of the former Principle Owner set to collide with current show runner Silas Mason here on tonight’s edition of Riot.
Photographer: That’s great Karen….This calendar is going to fly off the shelves.
Karen: I hope so. You know the proceeds are going towards charity.
Melanie: Hey Kar-Bear!
Vocally exclaims Karen’s younger sister Melanie, who dashes right into the photo-shoot. Actually she jumps behind Karen and strikes a vogue. She bends at the knees and strikes a Charlie’s Angels inspired Farah Fawcett pose.
Karen: What are you doing?
Melanie: I’m photo-bombing.
A playful nudge is given to Melanie to make sure she’s out of view of the camera.
Karen: What’s up Mel?
Melanie: I know you’ve got like sooooo much on your mind tonight what with getting Silas one on one FIINNNALLLLY….
Karen: And making that weasel pay for what he and his thugs did to you two weeks ago.
Melanie: Yeah-yeah, I haven’t forgotten the way they tried to degrade me. But listen…..
Karen: I already don’t like where this is going.
Melanie: You haven’t even heard me out yet.
Karen: Because I know exactly what you’re about to say. You want me to talk to Blaire, don’t you?
Melanie: Have you even spoken to her since the last Riot?
Karen: You mean since our lovely sister decided to abandon me when we were supposed to team up to take on Randal Williams and Marcus Briggs? No, I haven’t spoken to her since.
Melanie: She told me that someone locked her inside of her dressing room and kept her from….
Karen: Melanie-Melanie-Melanie, how many times are you going to do this?
Melanie: What?
Karen: Take up for Blaire. How many lies does she have to tell before you realize that she’s been playing you just like she’s been playing me? We can’t trust her to be our partner at Upping the Ante.
Melanie: Well, what other option do we have? We need her if we’re going to beat Briggs, Randal and Silas at the pay-per-view.
Karen: No we won’t.
Melanie is clearly despondent.
Melanie: But Karen….
Karen: NO! I’m done talking about this and I’m done with Blaire!
Glass shards are scattered across the floor of a dressing room, gathered beneath a broken mirror. A set of big black boots near this fragmented glass, cracking it into even tinier pieces beneath the toes. A much bigger chunk of the shattered mirror reflects the face of the woman looking down into it. The incredibly demented eyes of Miss Jon glare crazily into the glass she personally destroyed earlier tonight. She soon learns she’s not alone, as another face is reflected in the glass, the smiling mug of Silas Mason’s assistant, Mason Van Stanton.
Mason: Miss Jon, I’m here by order of your Boss, Silas.
Reveals Mason.
Mason: He wants you to know that he’s given you a grand opportunity tonight, one that is not to be taken lightly.
Miss Jon snarls.
Mason: But it’s not an opportunity to defeat the World Champion….no. He’s giving you a chance to go down in history as the woman who ANNIHILATED Katelyn Buehler.
The grinning face of Mason is no reflected in the broken glass. He vanishes and leaves only the maniacal eyes of Miss Jon to be mirrored. She stoops down and grabs one of the shattered glass shards, gathering it up into the padded gloves that cover her fists.
Suddenly the tunes of “Satisfied” explode through the loud speakers, getting the biggest and loudest ovation of the night. All those in attendance leap instantly to their feet when the music of the World Champion plays over the PA system and Katelyn Buehler makes her presence felt. She stomps right along towards the squared circle with the gold swaying from one hand and a microphone clutched in the other.
Greyson: Ladies and gentlemen, throughout the night Katelyn Buehler has been waiting on an answer, but it doesn’t seem she’s going to wait anymore.
Sparkles: She gave an ultimatum to Principle Owner Silas Mason, DEMANDING that the Upping the Ante main event scheduled for two weeks from now happens tonight. She told Silas to either give her Scott Cannon, or it’ll be the boss she comes after.
Frankie: Katelyn gets stupider and stupider and stupider every week. She’s already got Miss Jon in one on one competition tonight, what makes her think she’ll get past Miss Jon in order to face Scott Cannon later on?
Greyson: It’s all or nothing for Katelyn as far as tonight goes. Let’s show you why Katelyn is so determined to get her hands on the man she’s slated to defend the World Title against at our upcoming pay-per-view.
TWO WEEKS AGO
A recap video documents what occurred on the last edition of Riot when Scott Cannon’s brothers Michael and David brawled with the World Champion. Eventually the Cannons manage to get the better of Katelyn, but before they can seriously punish her physically, she’s saved by the shocking arrival of Scott Cannon. He enters the ring and pushes his brothers off Katelyn. Though sadly his recompense for this chivalry is a roaring elbow delivered by Katelyn. She knocks Scott out with the roaring elbow.
EARLIER TONIGHT
The video transitions to the anarchy that started off the evening when Michael and David called Katelyn out only for their brother Scott to answer the challenge. After a spat between the Cannons, Katelyn finally does arrive and goes straight after the trio in the ring. Scott hangs back and doesn’t participate in the fight his siblings wage against Katelyn, at least not until one of them tries to use a chair on the World Champion. Scott takes the chair out of Michael’s hands then shoves him on his backside. That’s when Katelyn spots Scott stood over her with the steel chair in his grips, sending her the wrong message. She mistakes Scott’s intent, but there’s no mistaking Katelyn’s desire to knock him out. Katelyn and Scott go at it to close out what was a shocking commencement to Riot.
Katelyn: I’ve been more than generous with giving you time to think things over, Silas.
Announces the World Champion when entering the squared circle. She paces back and forth with eyes cutting between the belt that hangs from her hand and the ramp she hopes to see Scott Cannon coming down momentarily.
Katelyn: I wasn’t speaking Chinese when I told you to send Scott Cannon out here to face me, Silas, so I expect you to get off your ass and deliver him.
There is still no response from Silas.
Katelyn: Me versus Cannon for THIS (lifts her belt slightly), make it happen, BOSS, or I make bad things happen to YOU.
The fans would be absolutely THRILLED to see Katelyn make good on that threat. It seems more and more likely with each second of inactivity from the Principle Owner, that the crowd WILL see Silas get a visit from Katelyn
Katelyn: Alright, if you want to call my bluff, I guess I’ll just have to ANTE UP.
Katelyn rolls from the squared circle in preparation of marching straight to the backstage area to find Silas. Unfortunately, the hunt is called off the moment the tunes of “Boss’s Daughter” hit the PA system. A thunderclap of cries emit from the fans, who realize that Katelyn is being cut off by her biggest and most impressive rival, Taylor Chase.
Greyson: Ooooh booooy…..OOOOOH BOOOY….this just got good.
It only takes a moment for Taylor to step out from the back and twirl just as a huge explosion of pyrotechnics erupt from both sides of the stage.
Frankie: WOW! Look at all that pyro.
Sparkles: Taylor embodying the persona of a superstar.
Frankie: Because she IS a superstar, Sparkles. She’s what Katelyn only hopes she can be, the biggest friggin star in this federation and in this industry.
Greyson: Doesn’t sound like she’s getting much fan-fare right now. The crowd not taking kindly to Taylor Chase seizing the opportunity to interrupt her mortal enemy Katelyn Buehler.
Frankie: Let’em be bitter. The greasy lil bastards.
Sparkles: They have a right to be upset with Tay though, Frankie. It was four weeks ago that Taylor betrayed Katelyn and the IWC fan-base by assaulting the champ with a barbwire bat and joining Monarchy.
Greyson: And then two weeks ago Tay was instrumental in causing Katelyn to taste defeat at the hands of Wicked Intent.
Taylor stops twirling amongst a shower of pink sparks and ultimately brings her focus directly to the World Champion. Katelyn has returned to the ring in order to get a better vantage point of her most bitter IWC rival.
Taylor: Hiiii Kate….
Smiles Taylor while regally waving in the World Champion’s direction.
Taylor: Heeeelllooo fans….
The reaction is almost so harsh that it drowns out Tay’s insincere greeting. She kicks back her hair and laughs at their response.
Taylor: No-no-no-no, there is absolutely no need to thank me for coming along just in time to make this show watchable. I know a lot of you were probably starting to get a little drowsy listening to Pasty Katie come out here making herself out to be the martyr, or the hero, or the thousand other things she’ll never be. Like the NEXT Taylor Chase for instance.
The crowd and Katelyn share a similar response, one of total disbelief that Taylor is arrogant enough to go there.
Taylor: Seriously, that’s what you want to be, right Pasty Katie? You want soooo badly to be me, to have even one tenth of my charisma, even a fraction of my star power, and maybe just a smidgeon of my beauty. But cha’ know what? NUH-UH! It ain’t gonna happen!
Katelyn: Listen here Vancome Lady, I don’t know what possessed you to come out here and start running your mouth, but if it’s talking you want to do then you’re in the wrong place. I’m not in the mood, especially for words.
More laughter from Tay, who squeezes the handle of the microphone in both palms while swaying gleefully from one side to the other.
Taylor: You want to know what brings me out here? THAT….(points to the World Title in Katelyn’s hand)….The belt I made. A belt I won’t stand here and watch hug that beer belly of yours.
Katelyn: You want the title back? By all means come on down that ramp and TRY taking it from me.
Taylor: If I want my belt, I won’t have to TRY anything. I’d just take it right back in less time than it takes you to drop those panties of yours backstage at a Jonas Brother’s concert. If I want that belt, it’s mine. But we both know I’m not allowed to come down there right now and take the championship that I single handedly made the most prestigious belt in ALL of professional wrestling. I know your mind has been rotted by years and years and years of drug abuse, I mean you were doing crystal meth before you were doing cursive, but even you haven’t forgotten the injunction that Silas Mason has placed against me barring me from competing for the World Championship.
Katelyn: Yeah, I remember that bullshit decision.
Taylor: Hahahaha, listen to you and listen to your fans. You really do have them fooled don’t you? You honestly have these poor, smelly people buying into your garbage. You and I, we both know the truth, we know that you may PRETEND your upset, but that’s a lie, cause you’re really oh so thankful that I’ve been barred from competing for the World Title. That’s the ONLY reason the belt is still in your hand right now. That’s why you didn’t come to my defense, that’s why you turned your back on me, just like all the knuckle draggers in the Manhattan Center tonight.
Another harsh response from the antagonized crowd.
Taylor: You could have stood up for me, but you didn’t, cause you WANT to see me get buried. You want to keep me as far away from my World Title as possible….
Katelyn: No, all I want is for you to shut the fuck up.
The crowd endorses this but Taylor doesn’t.
Taylor: Nuh-uh, I stayed quiet long enough. NO MORE. I’m here to remind everyone that their out of shape asses wouldn’t be in those chairs tonight if it weren’t for me. I’m here to remind the world that it’s this face (points to her smile) that runs this place. I’m here to remind you and everyone else that there would be no IWC without me. That I am the First Lady of Professional Wrestling. And that eventually the injunction Silas has placed against me is going to be overturned and then the world title is coming back where it belongs. It’s just like I said four weeks ago, I might be great when I’m good, but I’m better when I’m bad. I’ll prove it when I burn your house to the ground!
Finally we see Katelyn’s response as she throws her belt over her shoulder and then begins to pantomime playing a violin.
Katelyn: It’s playing for you Tay.
Taylor rolls her eyes and brushes her hair back out of her face.
Katelyn: You know at one point I might have actually sympathized with you. And rather you want to believe it not, I did go to Silas and demanded he throw out his ruling that keeps you from challenging me for the belt. Because I want, no, at this point I NEED, to KNOCK YOU THE FUCK OUT!
The crowd gets louder and Tay gets more annoyed.
Katelyn: What to know what I realize now though? The title doesn’t have to be on the line in order for me to hit you so hard that it knocks that ridiculously expensive nail polish right off your toes. So I tell you what I’m going to do….First, I’m going to put this over here…..
Katelyn carries her title to the corner of the ring and sits it on top of the turnbuckle. She then proceeds back to the center of the ring.
Katelyn: And now I’m going to invite you to come down that ramp, get inside of this ring, and get what you deserve. What all these fans so badly want to see me give you.
Already the World Champion is rotating her shoulder in an anticipation of hitting the KTFO.
Katelyn: You talk about me putting people to sleep, well if you step into my house, then bitch, I’m going to put you in a coma….
Taylor: No!
It looks like these threats have Taylor angered.
Taylor: I’m not getting in that ring with you tonight. And ya wanna know why? Cause the only way I would EVER face you if it’s in a title match, and in a venue more appropriate for a celebrity of my status. It would have to be at a pay-per-view where the bonus will put more money in my pockets. Cause you have to PAY to see TAY. And that’s a TRUE STORY….
Katelyn: Actually, fraid not, cause everything you just said was straight up FICTION!
The microphone falls out of Katelyn’s hands and she now proceeds towards the ropes, dropping through them. It looks like she’s going right after Taylor but the former three time champion gives her rival a ‘talk to the hand’ taunt before walking into the backstage area. Katelyn continues on up the ramp regardless of Tay’s exit.
Howe: You’re going to pay for that.
Katelyn stops and eyeballs the figure who has taken Taylor’s place on the stage. Martin Howe III has strolled through the curtains, the agent/lawyer grasping a microphone. Katelyn stops in her tracks and eyes the man who represents the woman she’s slated to face here tonight.
Howe: You think that Scott Cannon and Taylor Chase are the people you should be worried about? How irresponsible of you, and yet how predictable. You WOULD be concerned with the beautiful people, and pay noooo attention to someone like my client. Well, it’s time you gave her the undivided attention she deserves, because after she’s through with you, you’ll never again be able to look at your mangled face in the mirror again. Tonight you don’t face beauty, you face the DEATH OF BEAUTY…(guttural) MIIIIISSSS JOOOOOOONNNN!!!
The entrance theme of Miss Jon blasts through the arena PA system, eliciting not just goosebumps but accelerated heart beats. The human wrecking ball known as Miss Jon stomps straight to the stage with her wide fierce eyes honed in upon the face of the World Champion.
Greyson: Katelyn trying to get to her nemesis Taylor Chase, but Miss Jon blocking the way.
Frankie: Yeah, I think Miss Jon has mistaken Katelyn for a glazed donut or something.
Sparkles: Whatever her motivation is, Miss Jon is coming for Katelyn.
Greyson: And it looks as if their match…is….on!
MISS JON VS. KATELYN BUEHLER
Without any further delay Miss Jon proceeds along down the ramp and shows not a second of hesitation in getting her hands on the World Champion. What Miss Jon nor her agent realize is that their target isn’t backing down. Katelyn meets Miss Jon on the half way point of the ramp, blasting her forearm straight across the huge chest of her adversary.
Greyson: Here we go guys, Katelyn versus Miss Jon.
Sparkles: Last week five people tried to take Miss Jon down in route to her winning a battle royal to become number one contender for the Evolution Title, so what makes Katelyn think she can phase this beast?
Frankie: She’s got this huge chip on her shoulder just cause she’s the World Champion. Well that title doesn’t mean anything when you’re facing a friggin polar bear.
In spite of having little effect Katelyn continues to nail forearms across Miss Jon’s chest. At last the powerhouse delivers a headbutt straight to Katelyn’s skull, the collision taking her off of her feet and down to the ramp. Katelyn rolls all the way down to ringside and then grabs the apron, using it to aid her up to her feet. Her eyes then veer towards the inbound Miss Jon, who is barreling into a big splash that would crush Katelyn between the mass of her opponent and the hardened ring apron. At the last second Katelyn moves out of the way and as a result Miss Jon ends up colliding with the ring apron, almost cracking her sternum against it. It looks like the air has been knocked right out of her as she staggers back from the squared circle and then into Katelyn’s boot. The World Champion hits a dropkick on her adversary’s back, the collision sending her opponent staggering right into the exposed turnbuckle post.
All the forward momentum carries Miss Jon’s brow into the post, her skull ricocheting from the steel.
Greyson: What were you guys saying about Katelyn not being able to hold her own?
Frankie: She’s gotten lucky so far. I mean, if this Sasquatch could get the drop on me back at Awakening, it means Katelyn doesn’t stand a chance in hell.
The slam against the post has Miss Jon reeling back before ultimately turning towards Katelyn, who leaps into her massive opponent with a Lou Thez Press. Katelyn begins to rifle off a barrage of punches across Miss Jon’s temple, but what she doesn’t realize is that her opponent is still standing. Katelyn hangs off of Miss Jon, but is unable to knock this mountainous mass off of her feet. As the punches go on colliding with Miss Jon’s head she grows more and more disgruntled until she finally takes Katelyn around the waist and swings her to the side. A stunned World Champion is thrown through the air before ultimately colliding with the barricade.
Sparkles: LOOK AT THAT!
Frankie: Katelyn just thrown like a damn sack of potatoes!
Sparkles: Miss Jon imposing her will all over the Champion.
The barricade provided no give when Katelyn’s side came crashing into it. Nevertheless she starts to push herself up from the ground and unknowingly walks straight into Miss Jon’s hands. A devastating headbutt floors Katelyn, leaving her splayed across the ground hurting. There is no rest provided for the weary however, Miss Jon grabbing Katelyn by the legs, tucking them under her armpits and then using this grasp to swing Buehler around so that her side is driven into the barricade a second time.
It looks like Martin Howe III couldn’t possibly be any happier with his client, making his way down the ramp and giving Miss Jon a thumbs up. All the while Jon continues to feed off of her rage. She grabs Katelyn by the bangs of her hair, leads her up to her feet and then hits a second headbutt, this one even more devastating than the last one. Katelyn drops to the mats and crawls across them in the direction of the ring steps.
Frankie: Look at Katelyn TRYING to get away. She’s pathetic.
Greyson: First of all Katelyn has never run from any battle. She’s trying to create a little separation so that she can regain her faculties.
Finally Katelyn reaches the ring steps, grabbing hold of them and using them to work her way up to her feet. But her opponent will use them for a different reason. Miss Jon hustles in along behind Katelyn and will soon demolish her under the pressure of her weight. It’s just then at the last second that Katelyn swings around and catches Miss Jon by the ankle, hitting her with a drop toe hold. Miss Jon’s face goes sailing directly into the ring steps.
The impact has scrambled the already shattered mind of Miss Jon and has sent her stumbling back reeling as she tries to stay on her feet. At the same Katelyn is running across the mats, stepping up onto the steel stairs and then launching herself off of them into a clothesline. The lariat connects with her adversary’s throat, the blow so vicious it has Miss Jon buckling over backwards. Somehow Miss Jon is able to shake off the lariat and her earlier collision with the steps, yet it remains to be seen just how much she can take and keep on ticking.
An intense World Champion is about to put Miss Jon’s durability to its test. She runs across the ringside mats, steps off the stairs and uses them to launch herself into a second clothesline. Only this time the lariat misses its target, because Miss Jon catches Katelyn and swings her around into the spinning powerslam straight across the thin protective mats.
Greyson: OOOOOH!
Sparkles: Pure devastation just unleashed by Miss Jon.
Frankie: See, this is going exactly the way I said it would.
Greyson: Miss Jon is just borderline indestructible. Even the World Champion can’t keep her down.
Sparkles: Keep her down? Miss Jon hasn’t even been knocked down once in this match. The World Champion is just in way over her head.
A groaning Katelyn inches her way up slowly from the ground and instantly regrets doing so. Miss Jon is on her with all the ferocity of a caged T-Rex. Her forearms slam down over Katelyn’s back again and again and again. Ultimately she picks Katelyn up and just tosses her straight into the ring. The moment Miss Jon climbs up onto the apron the bell rings to get this match officially underway. And it begins in an official capacity in the most gruesome way imaginable. Katelyn has just worked her way up to all fours and has started to crawl when Miss Jon comes crashing down onto her lower back with a big splash.
Although Katelyn has put in a valiant effort thus far it looks less and less likely that she can continue fighting back against this brute that just won’t stop coming after her. Miss Jon’s offense remains ugly but brutal. She pulls Katelyn up from the ring and hits her with a very textbook scoop slam that absolutely devastates the World Champion’s lower back. Miss Jon then pulls Katelyn along by the hair and onto her feet before hitting a second and just as vicious scoop slam.
Greyson: How much more of this can Katelyn withstand?
Sparkles; The body isn’t designed for the type of wanton brutality that Miss Jon is inflicting on it.
The intimidating Miss Jon looks to ringside at her agent, Howe continuing to show enthusiasm for each brutal blow inflicted by his client. Miss Jon is enticed to inflict even more crippling offense on Katelyn, pulling her up and into the bearhug. Katelyn tries to scream out in pain but there is no oxygen left in her lungs, it’s squeezed right out of her body. Miss Jon puts even more force behind her vice like squeeze on the champion’s injured anatomy but the World Champion is just not willing to give up or even endorse the idea. She pulls her fist back and launches it upside the bridge of Miss Jon’s nose. She then delivers another punch, this one to the temple of her opponent.
The blows finally start to weaken Miss Jon but not enough to break the bearhug. So Katelyn lifts her elbow and drives it down into the brow of her opponent. At last Miss Jon breaks her squeeze and starts to step back from the Champion. Katelyn’s boot closes the distance, hitting a thrust kick directly under Miss Jon’s chin. The blow has Miss Jon stumbling slightly but still keeping her tree trunk thick legs under her. So Katelyn goes for a SECOND thrust kick that has zero effect on Miss Jon considering that she catches the inbound boot before it ever connects. The veracious Miss Jon casts Katelyn’s leg aside and sends her spiraling around back towards her aggressor. Miss Jon uses both hands to catch Katelyn around the throat then fling her into the turnbuckle.
Katelyn slams against the corner and leans down out of it, just about to buckle to the canvas. Miss Jon is sizing her up, stepping towards Katelyn with the intent to destroy a few of her ribs. She plows towards Buehler with a shoulder aimed at the champion’s mid-section but Katelyn manages to launch a boot into the air just in the nick of time, her kick connecting directly with Miss Jon’s face. The shot causes the brute to stand up and swing her arms out to her sides as she tries to stay upright. That’s when Katelyn pulls herself up onto the turnbuckle then leaps out of into another Lou Thez Press. She lands right against Miss Jon’s PALMS.
Miss Jon puts her hands to her opponent’s ribs and swats her down right out of the air, pushing her back into the turnbuckle. Although Katelyn lands on her feet her spine takes quite the impact with the corner, leaving her all but spent. Miss Jon now comes hurdling towards her opponent with the force of a meteorite traveling towards the earth and the impact is going to be just as devastating. Or at least it would be if it weren’t for the dropkick Katelyn hits on Miss Jon’s knee. The low kick has ALMOST knocked Miss Jon over, sending her flying face and chest first into the top turnbuckle pad.
Greyson: Katelyn trying to get something going.
Frankie: The important word being ‘TRYING.’
The always furious Miss Jon turns around just as Katelyn connects with a running step up knee strike. It nails Miss Jon under the jaw, disorientating the recipient even more. Katelyn then drops back from her opponent, steps to the center of the ring and gets a running start behind another knee strike. She steps up and slams her knee under Miss Jon’s chin.
Katelyn falls back from her adversary and then gets another running start into a third step up knee, but what she connects with is the huge chest of Miss Jon. All of her body mass is thrown straight into Katelyn’s airborne body, knocking her down out of the air and to the canvas. The impact with Miss Jon has sent Katelyn flying back and plummeting to the ring, every rib and bone in her body bruised via this vicious impact.
Though this collision will be nothing compared to the one Miss Jon has in store for her opponent next. She grabs the padding on the top rope in the corner then rips it away in one fell swoop, exposing the steel bolt beneath it.
Frankie: Big mistake Katelyn! BIG MISTAKE! You pissed Miss Jon off. She’s going to devour you quicker than a crave case of White Castle cheeseburgers.
Miss Jon’s ravenous desires extend beyond sustenance. In fact, the only thing that will sustain her now is the blood of Katelyn Buehler, and she’s just about to get it. She drags Katelyn up to her feet, clings to the back of her head and then throws her towards the turnbuckle bolt she exposed a second ago. Katelyn’s face is about to be torn to pieces, or it would have if she hadn’t dropped into a baseball slide just in the nick of time. She slips not only under the bolt her brow was SUPPOSED to collide with, but under the ropes as well, ending up at ringside.
It isn’t long before Miss Jon goes to follow her adversary, stomping towards her prey and reaching through the cables to grab at her. Just as it looks like Buehler is going to fall victim to the world’s most deadly predator, she reaches up from ringside, grabs Miss Jon by the wrist and then falls back. As a result Miss Jon’s face is pulled along right into the very same exposed turnbuckle bolt she tried to ram Katelyn’s cranium into. It’s Miss Jon’s face that takes all the punishment though, and the collision with the corner has sent her staggering back to the middle of the ring.
Greyson: Katelyn’s actually got Miss Jon on the defensive for the first time in this match!
Sparkles: Keep that pressure coming Katelyn! Stay on her!!
Katelyn doesn’t have to be told what it’ll take to survive a match with this monster. She slides into the ring, slaps her forearm and readies to unload the KTFO on her unsuspecting opponent. Miss Jon finally turns right into the roaring elbow, her adversary’s elbow traveling straight for her face and connecting with ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. It’s not Miss Jon’s face crushed by the roaring elbow but Katelyn’s ribs that are creamed by a boot from Miss Jon. The kick has her doubled over and staggering back from Jon, who has seemingly had enough of this encounter. She reaches down the front of her singlet and extracts something that had been hidden between her breasts this whole time, a long shard of broken glass.
Greyson: What is that? Somebody tell me that’s not what I think it is.
Frankie: It’s a shard of glass from that mirror we saw Miss Jon smash earlier.
Sparkles: She’s gonna use it to do exactly what her agent Martin Howe III said she would do with it.
Greyson: She won’t, she can’t….!
There is no act of depravity beneath Miss Jon, who steps towards Katelyn with the shard pulled back, ready to swing right into the Champion’s brow. The glass is a mere centimeter removed from mangling Katelyn’s face before she tucks down and rolls under the weapon bound to turn her into a Freddy Krueger look alike. The glass shard flies past Katelyn’s head, Miss Jon stumbling by her prey and nearing a turnbuckle, one with an exposed bolt. Yet again Katelyn makes use of the trap Miss Jon tried to set for her earlier. She leaps into the air and dropkicks Miss Jon in the upper back, the blow sending her stumbling along face first into the exposed turnbuckle bolt.
Greyson: Miss Jon colliding with that exposed turnbuckle bolt AGAIN!
Frankie: Probably doesn’t taste as good as that whole bucket of fried chicken she ate as a snack before the show.
The metallic taste of the exposed steel is all but too bitter, as is the ensuing pin. Miss Jon stumbles back from the bolt and into Katelyn’s arms, the World Champion catches Miss Jon and goes for a bulldog. She rushes forward to hit the move on Jon but is lifted off of her own feet and thrown into the ropes. Katelyn is shocked to say the least that Miss Jon managed to counter her momentum and send the World Champion staggering along into the ropes even after bashing the beast’s head against the exposed bolt TWICE. Katelyn no sooner hits the ropes before spinning back to face Miss Jon storming towards her. Miss Jon throws her bulk right into Katelyn only to have the Champion side step her opponent, take her by the back of the head and use Miss Jon’s momentum against her. Miss Jon goes flying through the ropes and spilling down across her back at ringside.
Greyson: OOOOH HO-LY GOD IN HEAVEN! Katelyn has FINALLY taken Miss Jon off of her feet.
Sparkles: But good lord, Miss Jon BARELY even reacted to having her face bashed into that exposed turnbuckle bolt two times.
Katelyn climbs through the ropes and to the apron while glaring at Miss Jon, the enormous woman racing back to her feet. Katelyn lunges from the apron and into the Lou Thez Press, crashing into Miss Jon and knocking her back down to the ground. Katelyn comes down on top of Miss Jon and starts unloading with punches across her face.
Greyson: Look at Katelyn just UNLOAD on Miss Jon!
Sparkles: It looks like this match has woken up the monster inside of Katelyn.
Greyson: Silas has been forcing her into matches against monsters these past few weeks, maybe it’s starting to rub off on her.
Frankie: I think it’s Taylor Chase’s before this match that has lit a spark in Katelyn.
The World Champion continues to show some intensity, as she lands punch after punch across her adversary’s brow. Finally Miss Jon is able to employ her immense strength to just SHOVE Katelyn back and knock her into the ring apron. The animalistic Miss Jon then comes after the Champion with a clothesline that is blocked when Katelyn unleashes a low thrust kick to the monster’s gut. Miss Jon staggers back from the boot that nailed her in the stomach, the same boot that now nails her in the chest. Miss Jon is surprisingly on the defensive as Katelyn comes spiraling towards her in order to deliver the KTFO. The roaring elbow is about to connect but stops a mere fraction of an inch removed from her opponent’s jaw. Miss Jon reaches out and catches Katelyn by the ears, blocking the KTFO and hitting a headbutt instead.
Greyson: ANOTHER headbutt from Miss Jon, taking Katelyn right down to the ground.
Frankie: Hey uhhh, ladies, you might want to pay attention to the referee.
Sparkles: Yeah, it looks like Ficklebottom is losing his patience trying to keep these two ladies under control.
The ferocious Miss Jon throws herself into a big splash aimed at Katelyn splayed across the ground, but the World Champion rolls out of the way. As a result Miss Jon plummets into the mats, hitting them with enough force to knock the air out of her. Meanwhile Katelyn is climbing up onto the barricade a few inches removed from her adversary. To the delight of the masses Katelyn runs across the barricade then dives off in a devil may care fashion, hitting a clothesline straight to Miss Jon’s throat. The blow has Jon bending back but not going down.
The referee continues to shout warnings at both ladies from the squared circle, but neither lady is listening to anything other than the sounds of their fists colliding with one another’s bodies. Katelyn nails a few punches across Miss Jon’s brow before getting a running start behind another jab one that ends painfully, for the champion. Miss Jon catches Katelyn coming in under the armpit and then lifts her into the air before throwing her down hard onto the ringside mats. Miss Jon steps away from Katelyn and back towards the ring, reaching in under the ropes to grab the glass shard that she introduced into this match. The referee warns her again but Miss Jon merely snarls at Ficklebottom. She then goes back after Katelyn with the glass rearing back in her hand. The referee has no other recourse at this point, calling for the bell.
Greyson: The referee left with no other recourse here, it seems he’s just disqualified BOTH Miss Jon AND Katelyn Buehler.
Frankie: This match was totally out of control right from the start. We should have known it would come down to this.
Miss Jon is fuming, steam almost shooting from her nostrils when she hears the bell sounding in the background. Her hulking mass has turned from Katelyn and is going back to the ring. Meanwhile Martin Howe III rolls into the squared circle behind his client and is arguing with the referee, irate over the speed of the official’s decision. Martin isn’t the only one angry with the referee, which Ficklebottom is about to learn when he feels the vibration of the ring beneath his feet as Miss Jon stomps towards him. Wisely the ref tucks his tail and runs from the ring as well. Now Howe and Miss Jon are the only two left in the squared circle, the agent desperately trying to sooth his savage client. The only thing that will calm Miss Jon is picking up the glass shard she had intended to use on Katelyn and now impaling it against a top turnbuckle pad.
Greyson: Miss Jon stabbing the ring.
Sparkles: To think, that COULD have been Katelyn’s head we saw stabbed by that shard.
Frankie: That still wouldn’t be as bad as what Taylor Chase would do to her.
Katelyn gets back to her feet at ringside and now tries to return to the ring to continue this fight with Miss Jon. However, the official, who has just jumped from the ring, is now preventing Katelyn from getting back inside of it. He holds Katelyn back from Miss Jon, who pointing at the World Champion with very wide and crazed eyes. Katelyn suddenly pushes the referee out of her way and goes right back into the ring, pulling back her fist and preparing to launch it at Miss Jon. However, Jon is the one closing the distant between herself and the World Champion. The beast lunges at Katelyn only to have Buehler grab the top rope then falls onto her back. Miss Jon flies over Katelyn and flies over the ropes, crashing down to her knees across the outside mats. She attempts to get back into the ring but Howe is in her way, BEGGING Miss Jon to back away from the ring instead of re-enter it. Katelyn is on her feet in the squared circle, crouched at the knees and DEMANDING this fight continue.
Cameras segue to a backstage hallway to catch another argument en medias res. Just as Karen McBride feared she’s run into her conniving and manipulative sister Blaire, and is now FORCED to hear her out.
Blaire: I didn’t ditch you two weeks ago! I was locked in my dressing room!!
Karen: Oh, and let me guess, somehow you just so happened to get out right after my match against Randal and Marcus, a match where YOU were supposed to be my partner.
Blaire: Someone unlocked the door and let me….
Karen: Enough….
Karen waves her hands in front of Blaire’s face and shakes her head.
Karen: I’m not Melanie, I’m not going to give you an infinite amount of free passes. I trusted you once and you screwed me. It’s not a mistake I’ll make again….
Blaire: You HAVE to believe me. I’m telling you the truth. I was locked in my damn…
Taylor: Maybe you SHOULD trust the little toe jam….
Although this is clearly a conversation that needs to be resolved, we get no resolution on account of Taylor Chase’s interference. She strolls along towards the quarreling siblings and goes as far as to put her hands on both of their shoulders.
Taylor: Karen…Blaire….long time no talk. We haven’t had a moment together since my knee crushed you in the mouth, Karen. (Looks off into space) Aaaaah, such great times.
Karen: What do you want?
Karen takes one of Tay’s fingers and lifts it so as to detach her hand from the shoulder it was plopped on. As Tay responds she removes a sanitizing wipe from her pocket and cleans her palm.
Taylor: I just wanted to voice my concerns about this little STRIFE I’m seeing right now. Aren’t there enough dysfunctional families in the IWC already?
Karen: What does it matter to you?
Taylor: Me? Why does EVERYTHING have to be about me? Oh right, because everything is, hahahaha. And in this case, that couldn’t be any truer. You two need to be on the same page going into your six person tag match at Upping the Ante against our ESTEEMED and oooooh soooo beloved Principle Owner Silas Mason.
Blaire: I agree.
Karen: Shut up Blaire. And Taylor, why do you even care…..?
Taylor: Because if you two and that adorable little sister of yours’ loose at Upping the Ante, then Silas goes on being Principle Owner and that means his injunction barring me from World Title contention will stand. I think we can all agree that this can’t be allowed. Do you really want to live in a world where the universally respected Taylor Chase is not holding the championship? I think not. There will be huge crowds of children crying, more mass suicides than in the Happening….
Karen: We get it Tay….
Taylor: No, I don’t think you do. See, I’m not about to risk seeing the McBrides lose at Upping the Ante. You WILL beat Silas and end his reign as Principle Owner. Because if you don’t, then my friends in Monarchy and I will not make your lives very pleasant.
Obviously this thinly veiled threat is not well received by either of the McBride sisters.
Taylor: Tootles for now ladies.
Tay blows them both a kiss before taking off down the corridor, leaving her warning to set in on Karen and her sister.
Blaire: Kare…..
Karen: DON’T!
Karen’s puts her hand up in front of Blaire’s face then walks away from her. A sullen Blaire can do only one thing, run her hands back through her hair, trying her best to resist the urge to rip out some clumps of it.
Now cameras have transitioned to one of several backstage entrances to the Manhattan Center. Standing front and center is a rookie who already has earned himself quite the reputation, and definitely not a good one. Ricky Holt is stood just inside of a corridor with his back faced to the parking garage. Stood at his side is a stagehand who was clearly carrying Ricky’s bag. To properly repay the crew member for their assistance, the brash rookie takes back his gym bag and uses one hand to shove the young man tasked with carrying it straight on his ass. Ricky then proceeds along down the hallway.
Greyson: Ricky Holt, just two weeks removed from his loss in the NHB Title match has just arrived to the Manhattan Center.
Sparkles: He looks like he’s in a surly mood.
Frankie: Understandable after what happened to him at the last Riot when he came up JUST short of capturing the NHB Championship from Rachel Tatum Lee.
Greyson: We understand that our backstage correspondent Mark Comeau has been waiting to get a word with Holt, and we’ll be hearing from him following the commercial break.
Sparkles: Sparkles hopes that standards and practices are ready to hit that censor button, cause who knows what Holt will say when we hear that interview coming up next.
A camera opens on a long procession of cars traversing the expressway. All the cars in this parade share a matching black color scheme and each one has their headlights switched on. Two police officers are mounted upon motorcycles and leading this long line of automobiles through treacherous traffic.
Greyson: What in the blazes are we seeing now?
Sparkles: That looks like a friggin funeral procession.
Frankie: And it’s headed for the Manhattan Center.
Greyson: What the hell is going to happen when it gets here?
PRE-RECORDED
Orlando: Here we are gents, where it all started.
Proclaims Orlando Cruze as he stands on the cement stoop to a brick building. It appears Cruze has journeyed to a ‘school.’
Orlando: Where your revered Orlando Cruze became the phenomenal athlete he is today. Let’s go into my old High-school shall we?
Apparently Orlando continues his quest to retrace the footsteps he’s left in the annals of history. He does precisely what he vowed when the first video aired earlier tonight, going back to his roots. The video cuts to the gymnasium where basketball hoops are set up along with some other miscellaneous equipment. Orlando comes stepping onto the court, looking around with a smile gracing his face.
Orlando: Ahhhh, breathe it in. This is the place where I made history. It was on this very court where I led our basketball team to three championships, that’s right THREE titles, the exact same number of championships my wife Taylor Chase has won in the IWC.
A weathered older man approaches Orlando at this point dressed in sweats, a red baseball cap and a whistle that hangs from his neck. A basketball is tucked under his arm and an excited expression sits on the sixty year old’s face.
Coach: Orlando! I thought that was you.
Orlando: Coach Crockett! It’s been a long time.
Although the Coach has his hand extended for a shake, Orlando is not reciprocating it.
Coach: What brings you back to the old neighborhood?
Orlando: Certainly not the smell. Hahahahahaha.
Orlando laughs, the Coach doesn’t.
Orlando: Actually, I’m here because this disrespectful little punk Andre Jordan told me that I’ve lost sight of who I am. That just because I joined the faction called Monarchy I’ve totally bastardized everything that I stand for. So I’m taking a journey into my past to show him how wrong he is.
Coach: Makes sense….Well we’re glad to have you, maybe you can give a speech to the team…..
Orlando: Yeah-yeah, absolutely, but before we get to that, I just got one question for you, Coach. Why did you bench me in our championship game senior year?
Coach: Bench you? You were thrown out of the game for punching another player. One of your own teammates actually….
The basketball in the Coach’s hands is snatched away from him.
Orlando: Yeah, but you could have put up more of a fight for your best player. You could have stood up for me…..
Coach: I…..
Orlando: I know-I know, you were jealous. Jealous that I was a better team captain than you were a coach.
The basketball Orlando clutches is thrown down directly on top of the Coach’s head before it bounces back to the Icon. He then repeats this process again and again, severely aggravating the coach. The video cuts to several minutes later with Orlando holding a basketball under his arm and standing in front of a row of benches occupied by a team of high-schoolers. Behind the Icon’s back we can see his ex Coach rubbing a welt on top of his head and standing in the gym.
Orlando: I was asked to give you guys a speech here today, being where you are now some twenty or so years ago. Although I was a lot more handsome, far more muscular, and I actually had a girlfriend that wasn’t inflatable.
The players look at each other in outrage.
Orlando: I’m not gonna give you guys a speech though. What I’m going to do is give you all some pointers that are going to help you in life. The number 1 lesson you need to learn is that toothpaste is not the enemy.
Some of the players cover their mouths and try to mask their breathe.
Orlando: If you ever want to land yourself a girlfriend as SMOKIN’ hot as my wife, then you’ll want to start doing something about that stank ass breath. Plus pop a few of those zits on your greasy faces The second lesson you need to learn is not to shoot for the stars. I know-I know, guidance counselors, teachers, maybe even you’re parents, have told you again and again and again that you can be anything you want to be in life. And that’s true, if you want to be a janitor or work the drive through at McDonald’s. Otherwise, you’re boned, because not a one of you will EVER reach the level that I have…..
TO BE CONTINUED
With pipe wrench still in hand Cindy Todd moves along down a corridor. Her jet black eyes pierce through the shadows that surround her as she attempts to locate either Mika Kozlov or worse yet, Aiken Frost. The commentators are overheard in the background.
Greyson: On what has already been a twisted night, earlier on we witnessed the Queen of Chaos, the Queen of New Eden Cindy Todd making it known that she was going to hunt down her follower Mika Kozlov, who it seems has joined up with Aiken Frost.
Sparkles: Aiken, the former leader of New Eden, returned four weeks ago to reclaim his power, and it seems Mika has welcomed his return with open arms.
Frankie: If Cindy finds Aiken, then Mika’s gonna use those open arms to carry him to the nearest hospital.
Moments after competing in one of the most physically draining matches of her career cameras catch up with the World Champion Katelyn Buehler. She sits on a bench in her locker-room where she removes her elbow pad, flinging it down into the open gym bag that sits on the floor beside her.
Douglas: Another amazing performance.
Announces Katelyn’s rarely seen, at least on screen, agent Dan Douglas, who enters the dressing room flanked by Destiny Nichols. The pair huddles around Katelyn, who goes on recovering from one of the most intense matches of her career.
Douglas: That was a tremendous battle against Miss Jon. You really should be proud of yourself for taking it to her like you did. I’ve taken the liberty of having a car brought around to take all three of us out for a…..
Katelyn: Whoa-whoa-whoa….
The World Champion’s arms slice back and forth through the air.
Katelyn: Aren’t you getting a little ahead of yourself?
Douglas: Uh, what do you mean by that?
Katelyn: I mean my night isn’t over yet.
A sighing Douglas buries his face in his palm.
Douglas: Don’t tell me….
Katelyn: I still have one more match to go tonight.
Douglas: Kate, you can’t seriously still be thinking about facing Scott Cannon. You barely survived that match with Miss Jon, you need to take some time, recover and….
Katelyn: I promised my fans I would fight Scott in that ring tonight, and I’m not about to lie to them.
Destiny: You really should listen to Dan, he’s only looking out for your best interests.
Katelyn: I’m not leaving here until I’ve gotten my hands on Cannon. I’m not waiting until Upping the Ante…understood?
Douglas and Destiny take a deep breath, realizing that there is no reasoning with their friend. Nothing will sway Katelyn from colliding with Scott Cannon here tonight on Riot.
The interview area comes into view where correspondent Mark Comeau stands with his back to a huge IWC emblem screwed into the wall. Stood beside him we can see a very jaded grappler Ricky Holt pacing back and forth, still bedecked in his street attire.
Comeau: Ladies and gentlemen, it’s Mark Comeau, and at this moment I’m joined by Ricky Holt, who two weeks ago was unsuccessful in his bid to capture the NHB Championship. Let’s take you back and show you how that confrontation ended….
TWO WEEKS AGO
It’s been a whole five minutes since the last recap video, so why not hit the viewers with yet another one?
This particular footage captures the intense NHB Title bout that was waged between challenger Ricky Holt and NHB Champion Rachel Tatum Lee on the last Riot. The eagerly anticipated clash between these two athletes takes advantage of the falls count anywhere nature of the NHB division. They fight out into the parking lot where Holt and Rachel brawl on top of vehicles and use a number of cars as weapons. Ultimately they find themselves battling on top of a limo with Holt taking the advantage and setting up for the New Dawn Fades. Unbeknownst to Holt, the sunroof of the limo begins to open up just behind his heels. Now his rival Devon Kayl emerges from within the vehicle, climbing onto the roof with a bottle of champagne in his hand. It isn’t long before that bottle shatters right across the back of Ricky’s head, setting him up to suffer a Dead in Tombstone from his opponent. His head is spiked into the roof of the limo and then Holt is pinned shortly thereafter.
Cameras return to the live feed featuring Mark Comeau stood beside an almost snarling Ricky Holt.
Comeau: Well Ricky, you suffered a tough break two weeks ago…but one would argue that it was one of your own making…
Holt: Give me that!
Snaps a disgruntled Holt, who snatches the microphone straight out of the correspondent’s hand.
Holt: Now get the hell out of here!
Insists Holt, who makes a back handing threat. The concerned Comeau takes off. Now the full and undivided focus is on Holt, who steps up straight into the hard camera. The sunglasses that were placed on the bridge of his nose are ripped away, his fierce eyes staring into the hearts of the viewing audience.
Holt: Rachel Tatum Lee, I hope you sucked off Devon Kayl long and hard for saving your ass! If it hadn’t been for that jealous son of a bitch I’d be standing here right now with the NHB Title around my waist. You’re so God damned lucky that you’ve got friends in low places! If it hadn’t been for….
Holt takes a deep breath as if trying to console himself, but it doesn’t seem to work, instead he only gets angrier and more unhinged.
Holt: You know what? Fuck it! I’m not going to stand here and throw a temper tantrum. I’m coming to find you right now Kayl!
Holt stomps away from the camera and proceeds down the corridor with the camera desperately trying to keep up with him. The commentators finally chime in, voices overheard in the background.
Sparkles: So much for that interview. It looks like we’re going to see a brawl.
Greyson: Ricky Holt is on the hunt for Devon Kayl!
Frankie: Man, I feel bad for Kayl, cause when Holt does catch up with him it’s going to be nasty.
Greyson: It looks like cameras are going to stay with Holt here until we do get that confrontation.
Holt proceeds down the corridor, stops beside one of several doors lining the walls on either side of him and kicks it open. He peers inside and sees nothing that even remotely resembles Kayl.
Holt: WHERE ARE YOU, KAYL!?!
Holt looks back at the camera, making sure it’s still following him.
Holt: Come on mother fucker! This is must see TV!
The insistent Holt remains ever vigilant in his quest to discover Kayl’s whereabouts. He bursts through another door, marching straight into a room where a few road agents are seated on a sofa talking amongst one another. One of them instantly pops up to his feet once he spots the red hot Holt storming into the room.
Agent: What the hell do you w….?
Holt levels the old man with a punch across the brow.
Holt: Where’s KAYL!?!
The other agent who was seated on the sofa beside his friend is dragged off the couch and thrown across the room.
Holt: WHERE’S KAYL!?!
Now that both agents have been rendered incapable of responding Holt marches away from them, storming back into the hallway and continuing his search.
Frankie: I wouldn’t want to be in Holt’s way here tonight.
Greyson: He’s just a loose cannon right now.
Sparkles: Heaven help Devon Kayl when Holt finally does cross paths with him.
Cameras have transitioned to the guerilla position where two of the most demented figures to have ever graced the IWC have taken residency. Aiken Frost and Mika Kozlov are stood face to face as they discuss some last second strategy on the cusp of heading for the squared circle.
Aiken: I trust that your mind is in the proper place.
Mika: Hehehehehe-HAHAHA! Of course it is. Why would you think it wasn’t? Hehehehe.
Questions the cackling Kozlov.
Mika: I’m totally focused on beating Samantha Raine, and then taking her skin as a trophy. Hehehehehe.
Aiken’s cheeks almost blush.
Aiken: Oh how I’ve missed that laugh of yours.
Mika: It’s been a while since I’ve had cause to laugh, hehehehehe.
Aiken: I do apologize for leaving you to cater to the whims of Cindy Todd. She was suffocating you. When I witnessed her reward your loyalty to New Eden by rending the flesh from your back with that barbwire, I knew my time for convalescence had come to an end, my return had become a necessity.
Mika: I suppose I did miss you in my own weird way, hehehehehe. Me, weird? Doesn’t that sound funny?
Aiken: I cannot tell you how painful it was to be absent from your side for so long. It hurt far worse than the barbwire noose Cindy used to sideline me for all those months. I felt so empty being unable to stand beside the ring and watch you transform the canvas into a blood soaked masterpiece.
Mika: Of course, because I am an ar-TEAST!
Aiken: Yes you are, and now it is time to produce another work of art. Samantha Raine waits for you my beloved Mika. She wishes to keep you from reclaiming the World Championship. We musn’t allow her to bar you from advancing in this Number One Contender Tournament.
Mika: But we still have so much to talk about….
Aiken: It can wait my love.
Assures Aiken as he extends his arm out to his side and parts the curtains that veil the entry way.
Aiken: I am sure you wish to tell me all about the fun you have had while I was away. Fun with the likes of Andre Jordan….
Mika was about half way through the curtains before stopping in mid-step. She looks back towards Aiken and smiles oh so wide.
Mika: We really should pay a visit to my Chocolate Pudding before the end of the night.
Aiken: We shall, but first we go to the ring to use Samantha Raine to send a message to Cindy Todd and all those who pledge their loyalty to her false New Eden.
Mika: Hehehehehe, maybe I’ll crack open Raine’s head like a walnut then give her brain to Serenity. She could really use a spare, considering the one she’s got now hasn’t worked for a long time.
Aiken: Let us use Mrs. Raine to expand Serenity’s mind. We will open her eyes to whole new levels of pure depravity.
SAMANTHA RAINE VS. MIKA KOZLOV:
NUMBER ONE CONTENDER TOURNAMENT QUARTER FINAL
The lyrics of “I Started a Joke” start through the PA system to a loud chorus of jeers from the audience massed in the Manhattan Center. The crowd largely seems confused as to how to react to Mika Kozlov as she emerges from the curtains to the tracks of her entrance theme. Some ballerina inspired dance steps are employed by the laughing Kozlov. She seems to be walking on the wind at the moment now that she has been reunited with Aiken Frost. The darkly Frost strolls through the curtains directly behind Mika and follows her along towards the squared circle where the next match in the Number One Contender Tournament prepares to go down.
Sparkles: The most unorthodox pair in the IWC are headed in our direction boys.
Greyson: I guess it was confirmed at the start of the show that Aiken Frost and Mika Kozlov have truly reunited.
Frankie: Which ain’t sitting well with Cindy Todd. Mika is supposed to be CINDY’S. She took control of New Eden away from Aiken after she hanged him with that barbwire noose.
Greyson: An act that sidelined Aiken for several months, until he returned and made it pretty clear that he doesn’t just want to take revenge on Cindy, he wants to take back the New Eden that HE created.
Once inside of the squared circle Mika continues to sensually swing herself around into a variety of stretches while Aiken Frost nears the announce table.
Greyson: Ooooh lord, it looks like Aiken Frost is going to join us here at commentary.
Sparkles: Wasn’t having Cindy Todd seated next to us earlier scary enough?
Aiken: Good evening gentlemen….
Greets Aiken as he takes possession of the chair next to Frankie Paradise.
Greyson: Mr. Frost, uhhhh, what a treat….
Aiken: You are such a horrible liar dear boy.
Frankie: So to what do we owe the honor of your company?
Aiken: Your ineptitude and biasness while calling my precious Mika’s matches warrants my presence at this announce table.
Greyson: With all due respect Mr. Frost….
Aiken: Mr. Lovejoy? Do you like having a tongue? Because if you would enjoy keeping it then I would advise that you silence it this very moment.
Frankie: HAHAHAHAHA!
Sparkles: Well Aiken, can you confirm it for us? Are you and Mika a pair once again?
Aiken: Oh misguided little puppet. We never CEASED to be a pair.
Frankie: Then you’ve definitely got to be proud that she is just three matches away from potentially becoming number one contender to the World Title yet again.
Aiken: Regardless of rather she advances in this tournament or not, the World Title will once again be hers in due time.
[[ The arena suddenly goes dark as the arena lighting starts to simulate the look of lightning flashes. While the sound system starts to broadcast the sound of rain as white and blue confetti starts falling on both sides of the entrance. However, the sound of the rain is broken up with the voice of Samantha saying… “No rain on this parade…” which is followed by the start of “Unbreakable” by FireFlight. The Cartel-tron comes to life showing Samantha standing out in a pretty looking field when all of the sudden it starts raining down onto her. ]]
Where are the people that accused me? The ones who beat me down and bruised me…
[[As the video continues to play Sam continues to stand in the field without running for cover. Instead, she looks up at the sky allowing the rain to pelt her face as she raises both of her arms up and for a quick several moments the footage flips to Sam doing that same motion, but holding up GDW Undisputed title and Tag titles. ]]
This time I’m not scared…
[[ When Sam finally steps out from behind the curtain the video changes again, but this time it starts to show clips from her greatest matches with Angela Jameson, Feature Presentation, and Jasmine. The cheering actually gets just a little bit louder as the GDW Hall of Famer stands at the top of entrance ramp right in the epicenter of the confetti falling around her in ring attire. Sam smiles widely as she starts to make her way down to the ring. ]]
Now I am unbreakable, it’s unmistakable…
[[Sam alternates between the left and right side of the ring as she stops to take pictures with the fans, sign a few autographs, and for the younger fans giving a kiss on the cheek. ]]
Sometimes it’s hard to just keep going, but faith is moving without knowing…
[[Once she reaches the ring she walks over to the ring stairs and then jaunts up them on to the apron. She moves over to the center of the apron where she looks at all the fans with a smile on her face before she enters the ring, but she stops when she is just half way in to the ring. During that slight pause in her entering the ring she blows kisses to the fans before stepping through the middle ropes. ]]
Forget the fear it’s just a crutch…
[[Though the fans just continue to cheer her attention turns from them as she starts to stretch herself out a little bit more to get ready for her match. ]]
Greyson: Samantha Raine with the biggest opportunity of her IWC career thus far. She goes one on one with a former World Champion in Mika Kozlov, AND if she wins this she advances to the Semi-Finals of the Number One Contender Tournament to be contested at our next pay-per-view Upping the Ante.
Sparkles: And she earned this opportunity by defeating Miss Jon via disqualification on Riot four weeks ago. If any woman can survive Miss Jon then they deserve a championship opportunity.
Aiken: I am afraid that Miss Jon is nothing compared to Mika Kozlov. My delectable Kozlov is a whole different breed of monster in comparison. Raine will discover this shortly.
Greyson: That remains to be seen Mr. Frost. I think you might be selling Samantha Raine pretty short, she’s been showing us a LOT since the brand split. Not only has she stood up to Miss Jon on multiple occasions, but she has even goes as far as to defy Principle Owner Silas Mason and stand against his corrupt dictatorship over Riot.
Aiken: None of that has prepared Raine for what she will encounter tonight.
The bell sounds with Raine warming up in one corner while Mika actually bends away from the diagonal turnbuckle into a crab walk. The laughing Mika continues to walk in the crab stance all the way to the middle of the ring before pushing off the canvas with her feet and doing a headstand. She then kips to an upright base and whips around to face the no nonsense Raine who immediately leaps into a diving big boot. Her heel catches Mika right in her laughing mouth and sends Kozlov flipping completely over backwards.
Greyson: OOOOH WHAT A START TO THIS MATCH!
Aiken: A beginning that Raine will soon regret.
The boot has Mika grabbing at her mouth and trying to return to her feet. However, Raine will not surrender the advantage. She races in at Mika’s side, jumps into the air and hits a double stomp right into Mika’s upper back. The pressure exerted on Mika’s spine forces her face down into the canvas. She bounces off the ring and then goes rolling across it, ending up on the apron at this point. She pushes herself up from the hardest, reinforced section of the squared circle, getting to her elbows and knees. Right at that point Raine comes flying over the top rope from the ring and then comes down with a foot to the back of Mika’s head, hitting her with a curb stomp that drives Mika’s face straight into the ring apron.
Sparkles: DEVASTATING!
Greyson: So Aiken, still think that Raine has bit off more than she can chew?
Aiken: There will be a price to pay for your insolence Mr. Lovejoy. As steep a price as the one Raine suffers at the hands of my Mika.
At the moment Mika has collapsed to the ringside area and is clasping at her face that was crushed against the apron. She pushes through the pain and gets to her feet just in time to be removed from them yet again. A shadow is cast over Mika, one belonging to Samantha Raine, who is back flipping from the middle rope into a moonsault. She crushes Mika beneath her, taking the two down to the ground amidst a loud pop from the crowd.
Greyson: Beautiful move by Raine….such aerial skills on display!
Sparkles: In what has been an action packed match thus far on an action packed edition of Riot.
Raine knows she’s got to act and act quickly, which is why she dumps Mika back inside of the ring. Once back in the squared circle Mika starts to ascend straight back to her feet only to be met with a boot to the mid-section. Raine doubles her opponent over with the kick then takes her around the arms, setting up for the Rogue Variance. But Kozlov still possesses the wherewithal and the reflexes to spin her body right out of position for the double underhook face buster. She then twists back towards Raine and whips her arm straight for Samantha’s throat, going for the clothesline. Surprisingly Raine is able to duck the clothesline and then stand up behind Mika, taking her around the jaw then dropping down into the reverse neck-breaker.
Greyson: What a dominant Raine we’re seeing in this match right now.
Sparkles: Sparkles didn’t think we’d see Mika getting overwhelmed like this.
Aiken: Overwhelmed? How humorous you are little puppet.
Sparkles: Humorous?
Aiken: You were joking were you not? Mika NEVER gets overwhelmed.
At the moment Mika looks pretty damned overpowered by Raine, who is just continuing her barrage of offensive moves. Now she’s got Mika sitting up on the canvas and is diving into Kozlov’s face with a perfect dropkick. The blow has Mika flat on her back and exposed to whatever Raine has in store for her next, and that appears to be some form of high flying maneuver. Raine heads for the nearest turnbuckle and starts the process of scaling all the way up to the top. The fans are solidly behind her as Raine reaches the high point of the corner and prepares to dive back onto Mika. Raine goes airborne, but in the wrong direction. Somehow Mika has gotten back to her feet, has dashed in behind her opponent and puts both hands to her backside, shoving Raine off the turnbuckle, over the mats and down face first into the announce table at ringside.
Frankie: SHIT!!
Greyson: Raine’s face cracking right into our announce table!
Aiken: I sufficiently warned you, yes? That Raine would pay a price.
Sparkles: That was a STEEEEP price.
Greyson: Raine might have a concussion after that impact with our announce table.
The collision with the announce table has left Raine almost brain dead as she lays splayed across the mats at ringside. Meanwhile Mika is crawling across the ground beside her, reaching her opponent before pulling her up into a kiss on the forehead. Mika then throws a punch down right into the very spot she marked with the kiss. Eventually Mika drags Raine up to her feet and then wedges her cheek to the announce table. Mika holds Raine’s head in place while looking over her opponent, over the table and at Aiken seated before her. It almost looks like Mika has assumed the role of a cat offering its owner a dead bird as a gift.
Aiken: Make quick work of her.
More laughter emanates from Mika as she drags a now defenseless Raine towards the ring, rolling her inside. Mika quickly scoots into a cover, hooking the far leg.
1
2
There is a pop from the audience at the sight of Raine getting her shoulder up.
Greyson: There’s that spirit we’re used to seeing out of Raine!
There is only a display of amusement from Mika as a result of this kick out. She crawls past Raine and reaches the nearest corner, climbing it. Unlike Raine it seems Mika will be successful in her dive as she flings herself into a headbutt, flying skull first right into her opponent’s clavicle. Raine flops around and grabs at her neck, hoping that a bone hasn’t been broken. Mika will ensure an injury IS inflicted though. She runs back into the ropes, ricochets from then and returns to her opponent with a leaping knee strike. All of Mika’s weight comes down into the trachea of her adversary.
Raine is not only in pain but is gasping for oxygen at the same time. She tries to twist away from Kozlov, who isn’t about to allow for any separation. She grabs Raine by the wrists, pulls on them, sits Raine up and then puts a boot to her chest. Mika delivers an inverted Curb Stomp. As a result the back of Raine’s head slams into the ring. However, Mika does not let go of her opponent’s wrists. She uses them to drag Raine across the ring and then pulls them with enough force to sit her up on the canvas. Mika then puts her boot to Raine’s chest and gives her another curb stomp, driving the back of her adversary’s head directly into the bottom turnbuckle pad.
Greyson: Now Raine’s head SNAPPING against that corner!
Aiken: You praised this young girl for her resiliency. Though now it proves to be her detriment.
Raine sits on the canvas and remains slumped against the turnbuckle. Just then she finds her opponent’s body cannonballing back first right into her. Mika runs the length of the ring and then flips forward, slamming her spine right into Raine, crushing her under the impact. Mika, who is no stranger to using herself as a weapon, rolls back out of the corner and snatches hold of Raine’s ankle. She drags until Raine is returned to the middle of the squared circle. Mika then performs a standing moonsault that sends her plummeting into Raine and remaining splayed across her, hooking a leg.
1
2
A valiant Raine gets her shoulder up off of the ring once again, rejecting defeat. The ever amused Mika pulls her by the blonde hair back onto her feet and then drags her along in the direction of the ropes. Raine’s body is thrown to the apron while her head remains extended through the ropes, still trapped in Mika’s hands. She gives it a tug in order to trap it in a front chancery and then continues to pull it until Raine’s body is returned to the squared circle. Raine now finds her ankles draped over the middle rope as she prepares to find herself on the receiving end of an elevated DDT.
Sparkles: Mika is gonna snap off that elevated DDT and advance to the Semi-Finals of the Number One Contender Tournament.
Aiken: It took longer than projected but an end is now in sight.
At least it would be the culmination of this fast paced grueling bout if Raine hadn’t managed to offer a stunning counter. She puts her feet against the very same middle rope that her ankles were splayed over and then pushes off the strand. She shoves Mika backwards, Kozlov coming down onto her back with Raine flipping over her and hooking the creases of her knees. Somehow Raine has managed to counter into the jackknife cover, one that may just move her into the next round of the tournament.
1
Mika manages to reach up and wrap her arm around Raine’s head. She then bridges both herself and her opponent up onto their feet before Mika uses the grip on her adversary’s head to transition into position for the Killing Joke.
Greyson: OH GOD! Kozlov’s got Raine set to take the Killing Joke!
Frankie: How in the hell did she do that?
Just as Mika prepares to unleash her version of the Sister Abigail she finds her move countered by the ever so quick Raine. A very invigorated Raine twists around and traps Mika in a rear waist lock, preparing to snap back into the German suplex. But Mika won’t let that happen, dashing forward towards the ropes and pulling Raine along behind her. Mika hits the cables and then grabs hold of them, keeping herself from being flipped back into the German. She then bucks Raine off of the waist lock sending her opponent rolling backwards to the middle of the ring. Raine starts to stand up, albeit still stooped when Mika comes bolting directly at her. Mika runs headstrong ribs first right into Raine’s shoulder. A shocked Mika is flipped over into a Northern Lights bridging suplex.
1
2
Mika slugs Raine in the ribcage and forces the bridge to be broken. Raine drops down to her seat while her adversary tries to put some space between them, Mika crawling along into the corner then putting it to use as a makeshift crutch.
Mika’s hands paw at the ropes, used to pull herself up to her feet. The second she stands up she finds her head caught in her opponent’s clutches. The Jem Star Stunner is coming and the fans are eager to witness it connect. Raine runs out of the corner and drags Mika along behind her only to find that she is unable to drop down into the stunner. Instead of being able to hit her finisher, Raine discovers that her opponent has reached back and wrapped her hands around the top rope. Mika prevents being dragged down into the stunner via griping the cables and griping them tight.
Greyson: Mika desperately holding onto those ropes and blocking the Jem Star Stunner.
Aiken: Mika has never shown, nor will ever be, desperate.
Raine keeps going for the stunner but can’t hit it, Mika’s grip on the rope way too strong. At last Mika breaks her grasp on the top rope of her own accord and wraps an arm around Raine’s waist. Before Raine realizes what’s happening she’s being lifted into the back drop suplex, her body being flung over the top rope. However, in mid-air Raine grabs the cables and flips to the apron, landing on her feet.
The crazed Mika spins around and finds her opponent’s shin flying over the top rope, cracking her straight between the eyes. The kick to the face has Mika disorientated but yet to go down. So Raine reaches over the ropes, grabs her around the neck and suplexes Mika to the outside of the ring. No, wait! In mid-air Mika transitions her weight and comes down feet first onto the apron beside Raine.
Mika then goes for a punch on the Rogue Element’s face. The jab sends Raine stumbling back across the apron and falling against the exposed turnbuckle post, which she latches onto it in order to keep from tumbling to the ringside mats.
The insane laughter of Mika fills the arena as she runs excitedly towards Raine only eat a boot to the mouth. Raine leans back against the turnbuckle and launches her foot into the air, kicking Mika in the teeth. She then leaps into the air and hits a modified enzugari to the side of Mika’s head, the shot knocking not only the wits out of her opponent but sending the recipient plummeting from the apron to ringside.
Greyson: Raine showing the pedigree that has made her a champion in so many federations around the world.
Sparkles: She’s got Mika in a position very few people have ever forced Mika into.
Greyson: It’s almost like Mika just doesn’t know how to handle the lighting fast capabilities of Raine.
Aiken: Mika can handle anything I assure you.
That doesn’t seem to be the case at the moment.
Presently Mika is trying to urge herself up from the ringside mats while in the squared circle above her Raine is building some big time momentum. Samantha takes off across the length of the ring, bounces from the far ropes. She reaches the cables that separate her from Mika before diving right through, flying straight into Mika with the suicide headbutt. She lands right on target, or so she thought, because instead of taking Mika down to the ground Mika catches her. Raine’s eyes widen as she’s bridged back then twisted around into the Killing Joke. Raine’s face crashes into the ringside mats thanks to Kozlov’s rendition of the Sister Abigail.
Greyson: KILLING JOKE!
Aiken: How lovely.
Greyson: RIGHT INTO THE MATS!
Frankie: Yikes.
Sparkles: Raine went high risk too often and she paid for it!
Aiken: Just as I prophesized.
Mika taps into what strength she has left to drag Raine up from the ground and then roll her back inside of the squared circle. She then climbs in after Raine and makes the cover as quickly as she can.
1
2
Unfortunately for Raine there is no kicking out this time, the Killing Joke having knocked her totally unconscious.
Greyson: Mika advances! She moves onto the Semi-Finals of the Number One Contender Tournament!
Sparkles: It wasn’t easy for her though, Samantha Raine gave her one hell of a tough fight.
Aiken: Again, you amuse me you furry little fiend. Mika merely played with Raine like a cat plays with a cornered mouse.
Greyson: I’d disagree with you but something tells me my balls would end up removed and inserted in my mouth.
Aiken: Oh dear boy, that’s not where I would put them.
The fickle ticket buyers watch Mika celebrate in her own unorthodox fashion. But they aren’t the only ones who enjoy the spectacle. Seconds after the bout has concluded, Cindy Todd has shown up on to the stage.
Sparkles: We now know it’ll be Mika along with Andre Jordan, Lexy Chapel and Marina Valdivia competing in the final four of the Number One Contender Tournament to go down at Upping…the….Somebody tell me that isn’t Cindy Todd making her way out here.
Greyson: It’s her alright. I’m surprised she actually waited until after this match to show up.
As Cindy makes her way down the ramp a referee aiding a barely conscious Samantha Raine walks past her in the opposite direction.
A surprisingly torn Mika finds herself glancing between Aiken stood behind the announce table and Cindy Todd positioned at the mid-point of the ramp. It appears as if Mika has become a bit….conflicted.
Greyson: Is it just me, or does Mika actually look a bit….confused?
Sparkles: Yeah, it’s almost as if Cindy Todd is still holding some kind of sway over her.
Aiken: Cindy is a very powerful and manipulative woman. I know this all too well.
Mika wears only a half-smile as she nears the ropes that Cindy is stood beyond. But then she stops and turns back around to face the other set of cables that Aiken is standing on the opposite side of. Mika begins to move towards him only to come to a stop.
Greyson: What’s it going to be Mika? Who are you going to leave with? Aiken, or Cindy?
Aiken: The choice should be clear.
It appears as if Mika is a little more indecisive than Aiken had postulated. Although he remains understanding and borderline compassionate to Mika’s conundrum, it is Cindy Todd’s patience that wears thin. She takes Mika’s hesitation to stand at her side as an insult as grave as a slap to the face. Cindy no longer lurches at ringside and instead snakes her way into the squared circle. She stops in front of Mika and becomes a bit more verbose with her demands, all the while brandishing the pipe wrench as a constant reminder of the physical threat she poses.
Cindy: Stop this silliness. You know where you belong….
Mika cannot help but to respond with unabashed laughter.
Cindy: You belong to ME.
Cindy’s palm engulfs Mika’s throat, choking it.
Cindy: You are MINE.
Before this physical abuse can go any further Mika is given a reprieve thanks to the interference of Aiken Frost. He reaches in under the ropes, snags Mika by the ankle, gives it a pull and drag her out of not only Cindy’s clutches but the ring as well. A stunned Mika falls to Aiken’s side, his arm wrapped about the curves of her slender body.
Greyson: I think whatever influence that Cindy holds over Mika has just been “SLAPPED” away.
Frankie: Is it strange that Aiken Frost of all people is the lesser of two evils in this situation?
Sparkles: Sparkles never even thought that was within the realm of possibilities.
Greyson: Neither did I.
As Aiken squeezes Mika tight to his side he cannot help but to smirk in Cindy’s direction. Todd’s response to the smarmy grin on her rival’s face is a licking of her lips, perhaps imagining how the blood that will ooze from Aiken’s flesh shall taste once she’s had a chance to bathe in it.
Greyson: Well this is an absolutely twisted situation unfolding here on Riot and….wait a minute, we understand that something is happening backstage involving Samantha Raine and-and-and MISS JON!
Sparkles: This ain’t gonna be good.
Frankie: Is there ever a HAPPY moment in the IWC? With the exception of the occasional nip-slip?
Greyson: Let’s find out what’s going on.
Cameras transition to the guerilla position just in time to catch the pleading screams of several referees and stagehands, who have crowded around Miss Jon. There are at least three wrapped around either arm of Jon, desperately trying to pry her hands back from the throat of Samantha Raine. Already all the normal color is absent from Raine’s face as she kneels on the concrete floor, turning as blue as a frost bitten corpse as Jon’s massive hands engulf her throat. They squeeze until all the blood has rushed straight to Raine’s head and threatens to burst it like it were nothing but a pustule. All the while a crazed, animalistic gleam inhabits Jon’s eyes.
Greyson: Holy crap! Miss Jon is strangling Samantha Raine!
Frankie: Martin Howe told her, he warned her that this was going to happen! That Miss Jon was going to destroy her beauty.
Sparkles: This is going beyond destroying Raine’s good looks, she’s trying to straight up murder her.
Miss Jon is absolutely homicidal as she tries to choke what little life remains out of Raine’s body. All the while the refs and stagehands continue to labor as they frantically attempt to save Raine. It seems that Martin Howe III, Miss Jon’s agent, is not helping the matter but only exacerbating it. He stands in the background lustfully grinning at the wanton depravity unleashed by his client.
Stagehand: LET HER GO!
Referee: For the love of God you’re going to kill her!
Finally they manage to detach Miss Jon’s hands from Raine’s bruised throat. In an act of rage Jon shirks several of the referees off of her arm, sending them collapsing to the ground or spiraling into the wall. Raine wisely employs this time to get back to her feet and grab the nearest weapon she can find. Although she’s severally oxygen deprived Raine manages to snatch up a chair, turn it long ways and swing it along right into Miss Jon’s ribcage. The blow aggravates Miss Jon, but she’s unable to do anything about it considering another shot from the chair is presently hurdling towards her head. The steel bounces off Miss Jon’s skull and only further enrages her. Raine drops the chair and starts to use her fists, punching Miss Jon as the two fight their way down the corridor.
Greyson: Raine doing her absolute best to combat the beast known as Miss Jon.
Sparkles: These two are going to straight up kill each other!
Frankie: Would that honestly be such a bad thing?
Luckily the show cuts to something a little CALMER. Andre Jordan looks every bit as cool and collective as one would think. At the moment he’s stood in front of a few tikes who lucked their way into backstage passes. Right now they’re discovering just how fortunate they are, because they’ve got the former 2 time Evolution Champion signing an autograph for them. Their excitement fills the hallway where they happened to run across Jordan.
Lil Fan: Wow….awesome.
One boy exclaims as he reads the personalized message that Andre jotted down on the IWC pennant the kiddy asked to have autographed.
Lil Fan: This is so cool! Thanks Andre!
Andre: Don’t sweat it kid.
Lil Fan: (Turning to his equally as energetic little buddy) Man, after Dre beat Orlando this thing is going to sell for so much on E-Bay.
Andre: HEEEY.
The kids take off in a hurry, the promise of E-Bay bidding wars exciting them so.
Tabitha: They have a point you know.
Andre looks back over his shoulder at his agent Tabitha Silverstone, who is approaching him with large sunglasses over her eyes.
Andre: Still wearing your sunglasses at night?
Tabitha: You know me, I’m always behind in the latest fashions. But this isn’t about me. This is about you and capitalizing on your recent success.
Andre: Let’s not blow what happened two weeks ago out of proportions.
Tabitha: You beat Orlando Cruze. A former World Champion. A friggin ICON in this industry! Arguably the biggest name in IWC HISTORY! It’s a big deal rather you want to admit or not.
Andre: I wish I could look it at that way Tabs. But in my mind, the man I beat on the last Riot, that WASN’T an Icon, that wasn’t the legend that USED to inspire me. The person I beat was a sell out and a Monarchy stooge, nothing more.
Tabitha: Oh Andre, ever the pessimist. Anyway, we need to continue to parlay your win into bigger and better things. We have to keep your momentum going tonight against Mordecai. I trust you haven’t forgotten what he did to you last month.
Andre: My ribs are still killing me from that damned powerbomb he gave me after our match. So no, haven’t forgotten Tabs. Don’t worry.
Tabitha: Good….
Tabitha starts to walk away but Andre grabs her by the wrist and won’t let go.
Andre: What do you mean by that? You’re glad I’m still in pain?
Tabitha: In a way, YES. Because that pain will remind you of the HATE you have for Mordecai. And that hate…that DARKNESS will help carry you to a win against Mordecai tonight, just like it did two weeks ago against Orlando.
Andre: Darkness? Hate? What the heck has gotten into you lately? I don’t like hearing you talk this way.
Tabitha: Get used to it to Dre, because these are the words you NEED to hear.
Tabitha gets her wrist out of Andre’s hand then walks off down the corridor. Much like two weeks ago Dre is left standing there with a totally perplexed expression on his face.
Once again we’re treated to footage of a long line of sleek black automobiles trudging along in uniform formation. They drive bumper to bumper, headlights flicked on in spite of the fact that there’s still a little bit of sun overhead. Leading this long parade of cars are two motorcycle bound police officers, their sirens wailing and flashing to ward off any pedestrians or cars that might get in the way.
Greyson: At the risk of sounding totally redundant, what the HELL is this!?!
Sparkles: Sparkles hasn’t a clue why cameras are filming what I can only assume is some type of funeral procession.
Frankie: That is getting closer and closer to the Manhattan Center.
Greyson: What is this all about? Who’s behind this? I guess we’ll find out when this procession arrives to the building. Don’t go anywhere!
When Riot returns from commercial break the camera finds itself fixated on a door marked ‘Woman’s Locker-room.” Loud screams and even louder obscenities are heard emanating from within. Finally the door opens and Ricky Holt comes storming through it into the hallway. The red hot competitor looks back into the room and shouts at the inhabitants.
Holt: You ladies ain’t got nothing I haven’t seen before.
His face scrunches up and his eyes narrow on something just as his head starts to tilt.
Holt: Except for that maybe.
After a cringe he slams the door shut and continues on his way down the corridor.
Holt: You’re around here somewhere Kayl. You’re not getting the drop me again you son of a bitch.
The commentators react with their voices overheard in the background.
Frankie: Did Ricky Holt just come out of the woman’s locker-room?
Greyson: Yes he did.
Frankie: He just became my hero.
Sparkles: It looks like he’s still searching for Devon Kayl. Ricky has promised he’s going to get revenge on Kayl for costing him the NHB Title two weeks ago.
Frankie: Kayl is going to be in for a lot…and I mean A LOT of trouble when Holt finally catches up with him.
Sparkles: That’s a crazy situation we’re still following, but let’s talk about an equally as insane issue that’s been going on throughout the evening.
Greyson: What Sparkles is eluding to is all that madness that happened earlier this evening when Rachel Tatum Lee and Marina Valdivia collided in a Number One Contender Quarter-Final round match-up.
Frankie: Talk about insanity.
EARLIER TONIGHT
It’s recap time…YAY!
This particular footage recounts what went down at the tail end of the very physical bout waged between reigning NHB Champion Rachel Tatum Lee and Marina Valdivia. The two are shown battling tooth and nail to determine which one of them will claim a coveted spot in the final four of the contenders tournament to be contested at Upping the Ante. As an added psychological advantage Rachel brought down to ringside with her a casket that apparently houses the body of her last rival Aaron Harrison. As the match enters its crescendo that coffin pops open and from inside it’s not Aaron Harrison who emerges but Rachel’s ex-lover and bitter rival Ethan Von Aaron. He jumps Rachel after first blinding her with C02 shot from a fire extinguisher. The ref is also blinded by the blast of C02, meaning he doesn’t see Ethan continuing to interfere in the match. It isn’t long before Ethan finds himself caught in the ever resilient Rachel’s clutches and then set up for her Dead in Tombstone. Before she can finally hit the piledriver another body emerges from the coffin at ringside, this time its Ethan’s lady/client Alana Starr. She bashes Rachel in the back of the head with the fire extinguisher. Just as Ethan and Alana begin to lay into Rachel the coffin opens again and this time its Rachel’s new boyfriend William Mason who steps out. He throws Alana and Ethan back into the coffin, chains it shut and then has it dragged to the backstage area.
The feed cuts to the interior of the Manhattan Center just as “Shatter Me” hits the PA system and Mya Denton comes skipping crazily to the stage.
Greyson: As the video just documented the world was fooled when it came to who we all thought was inside of that coffin.
Sparkles: It was our impression that Aaron Harrison was the one inside of that coffin.
Frankie: But boy were you suckers ever wrong. Cause it sure as hell wasn’t Harrison inside of there.
Greyson: A fact that has not set well with the woman presently on her way to the ring at all!
Sparkles: Mya Denton WANTS Aaron Harrison.
Greyson: No, she NEEDS Harrison.
Sparkles: For weeks Mya has been intent on getting her revenge against Harrison for attacking her injured knee a number of months ago. And she thought she was finally getting closer to attaining her revenge.
Greyson: But the rug got pulled out from under her feet earlier tonight. As it turns out Harrison wasn’t in that coffin, meaning she won’t be getting him here on Riot, or possibly ever!
Sparkles: And the longer Mya waits to get Harrison one on one, the crazier she becomes.
Greyson: In an interview with Susie Moore earlier tonight it looked like Mya just absolutely SNAPPED.
Frankie: It looks like we’re about to learn just how batty this whole situation has driven her, cause the crazy bitch is in the ring right now with a microphone in hand.
Mya goes on skipping around the ring with her head swinging from one side to the other. Finally she stops dead in her tracks, lifts the mic to her mouth but never once opens her eyes. It almost seems like she’s sleep talking.
Mya: Ya wanna play Rachel? Fine. Let’s play. I looooove games. Parcheesi, crazy eights, hungry-hungry hippos, I’ll school you in anyone of them. But those aren’t the games we’re playing are they? Nah. What we’re playing is hide and seek. You hid Aaron Harrison away from me back at Awakening, and I’ve been seeking and seeking and seeking him out for as long as I can remember. I’ve looked in closets, I’ve looked under beds, I’ve even peeked in a few coffins, but nope, still haven’t found Harrison.
Mya sighs and at last her eyes flutter their way open. Now she just wears that ‘awe shucks’ expression on her face.
Mya: Why do you have to play so unfair Rachel? Do you HAVE to cheat? Cause that’s really not cool, and not something I would expect from a player of your caliber.
Greyson: Mya is clearly referring to Rachel Tatum Lee here, who still has possession of Aaron Harrison.
Sparkles: Is she even accepting the fact that Rachel already left the building earlier?
Frankie: In her weird little mind I don’t think that even matters.
Evidently it doesn’t as Mya continues to direct her words to the absent NHB Champion.
Mya: I really don’t know why you refuse to play by the rules Rachel. I mean what did I do that was so bad as to cause you to keep hiding Harrison from me? I know when I went to you and BEGGED you to set him free so I could give him the ass kicking he deserves, I kinda caught you at a bad time. My mistake. I’m sorry. Let’s move past it already. Let’s be friends. And how about we cement our newfound friendship by agreeing to hand Harrison over to me. Agreeing to fork him over so I can give him what he has coming his way, what I’ve been (growls while flashing her teeth) waiiiiittting to give him.
The snarling Mya looks up towards the entry way as if expecting Rachel to honor this request.
Mya: COME ON RACHEL!
At last Mya just completely breaks down. She grabs a patch of her hair, pulling it back away from her face while her knees hit the canvas. Her eyes are perpetually downturned to the ring as she screams her words into the microphone.
Mya: GIVE ME HARRRISON! GIIIIIVEEEE MMMMEEEE HARRRISSSSSOOO…!!!
Before Mya can finish her sentence the lights in the Manhattan Center begin to flicker and fluctuate. Mya’s eyes jump from the ring and towards the rafters above, looking at the sporadically blinking lights. Her breaths quicken, matching the accelerated speed of her heart beats. It takes only a moment before the overhead lights go out entirely, drowning the ring, drowning Mya, drowning everything in pitch blackness. This lack of lighting only lasts for a moment or two until everything, Mya, the ring, the arena, absolutely everything is illuminated….including the coffin that is situated at ringside.
Greyson: How did that get back out here!?!
Sparkles: It’s-it’s-it’s the coffin! The one that-that-that had Harrison inside of it.
Frankie: I thought it was dragged away from the arena by Rachel and William Mason.
Greyson: This is just bone chilling.
Just as Mya’s eyes adjust to the lights they begin to flicker and cut back out entirely. Once again everything and everyone is shrouded in shadows. It takes a second and only a second before the lights come back on, illuminating everyone, Mya, the fans, absolutely everyone….including the man stood on top of the coffin at ringside. A hush comes over the crowd at the sight of Aaron Harrison standing upon the casket. A trench coat hangs over his body while a hood veils his face in darkness.
Sparkles: He’s here, it’s Harrison, he’s HERE!
Frankie: I’m officially creeped the hell out.
Greyson: You’re not the only one, just look at the expression on Mya’s face.
With a dropped jaw Mya glares towards the coffin and the man who uses it as a dais. In a slow, almost chilling manner, Harrison begins to lift his arm until the microphone is revealed in the palm of his hand and it is inches removed from his lips.
Harrison: Mya Denton……
His words sound so grave and foreboding.
Harrison: You get what you want…at Upping the Ante.
This sentence, the first one spoken by Aaron Harrison in over two months are punctuated by a dimming of the lights. They flicker like strobes for only a moment before cutting out entirely. When the lights come back on everything and everyone is illuminated once again, except for the coffin and except for Aaron Harrison. Neither are present at ringside any longer. Mya just goes on kneeling in the ring and looking where the coffin and her enemy USED to be.
The show transitions from this rather frightening imagery in the middle of the ring to a scene equally as scary backstage. A big old smile is plastered across the face of the seven footer Tyson Galloway. The man who makes enhancement talent look good, towers over a stagehand backstage, running off at the mouth. All the while Tyson wears a sleeveless black custom made t-shirt that reads “1-45,” proudly publicizing his win-loss record.
Tyson: I’m telling you man, these things are going to start flying off the shelves.
Proclaims Tyson while pulling on the shirt that clings to the powerhouses body.
Tyson: The whole world is going to get on the Tyson Galloway bandwagon now that I’ve won my first match….
Stagehand: Ummm, didn’t the McBrides pay someone to lay down for you?
Tyson: That’s not important, besides they paid that jabron to lay down for Eric Sailes…Me, I don’t need to pay someone off to get a win over them. Not when I got 72 inch pythons like these babies.
He flexes his pathetic flabby muscle.
Tyson: Listen, the Tyson Galloway brand is taking off faster than the Flash when saving Central City. You need to start spreading the word. Let all the merchandizing guys know that they need to put these on sale right now (points to his shirt) cause it’s guaranteed money in the ban…..
Holt: KAYL!!
Shouts Ricky Holt as he moves right up beside Tyson and nearly bowls him over.
Holt: Where’s Kayl?
Holt stops when spotting the hard to miss giant standing beside him.
Holt: Huh? You seen him hiding somewhere around here?
Tyson: I haven’t seen anything….little guy.
Tyson pats Holt on top of his head like he were a child.
Tyson: Now why don’t you take your temper tantrum elsewhere so adults…no, future WORLD CHAMPIONS like Tyson ‘M’FN’ Galloway can go on talk…..
It appears Tyson won’t even talk again when Holt grabs him by the back of the head and charges his face right into the wall. Tyson bounces from the plaster and hits the concrete, collapsing to the floor. Holt continues to go after him now that he has Tyson floored. A small crate is picked up that had been stacked along the sides of the corridor, now it’s flung directly into Tyson’s upper back. The giant whimpers and tries to crawl away from Holt, who snatches him by the hair and drags him along down the hall.
Holt: Little boy, huh? Well who’s crying like a little bitch right now? Not me!
A desperate Tyson tries to push Holt’s hands away but is having absolutely no luck getting out of his attackers clutches. All he can do is continues suffering a lethal barrage from Holt. At this point Holt is using a trashcan to inflict some pain. Somehow Tyson has gotten to his feet with his back aimed in the direction of the curtains that veil the entry way. Holt swings the can directly into Tyson’s brow, denting the steel around his skull. Galloway falls back and through the curtains that had been swaying behind him.
Cameras follow along right behind Holt as he steps through the curtains and onto the concrete flooring just off to the side of the entrance stage. The crowd comes to life when they see Holt and Tyson spilling from the backstage area and now brawling right in front of them.
Greyson: Look at this guys, Ricky Holt has got Tyson Galloway out here and he is just beating the tar out of him.
Sparkles: Tyson, who is still harboring these delusions of grandeur after winning one match out of the five hundred or so that he’s lost, ran his mouth to Holt backstage and he is paying for it.
Frankie: Holt wanted to find Devon Kayl, but since he can’t get his hands on him, he’ll settle for Tyson instead.
At the moment it’s not Holt’s hands on Tyson but an electrical cable that he wraps around the giant’s throat. Tyson’s eyes are bugging out of his skull as he gasps for air. The cord is used to pull Tyson up to his feet and drag him alongside the entrance ramp, both men nearing the ring at this point. A gasping Galloway tries to get away from Holt but that’s impossible now that he’s been noosed by the cable. Now Holt uses that cord as a collar, tugging it with enough force to whip Tyson along side first straight into the wall that supports the stage.
Tyson bounces off of it and then crumbles back to the floor. He crawls away from Holt and towards the squared circle, pawing at it until he reaches his feet. It’s at this point that the electrical cord that had been used to strangle him is turned into a whip, slapping him viciously across the spine. Tyson screams in pain as the wire rips through his flesh. The black t-shirt he’s wearing provides absolutely no protection against the cord that once again slaps into his meaty backside.
A horrified Tyson rolls into the ring, now striped of his arrogance and about to be stripped of his flesh. Holt enters the ring behind him, still holding the electrical cord that he has employed as a weapon. Before long he’s not just holding the cord but a microphone as well.
Holt: I hope you’re watching this Kayl….
Shouts Holt as he circles Tyson and continues to lash at his spine with the cord turned whip.
Holt: I hope you’re seeing what I’m doing to this big dumb muscle bound idiot!
Another lashing with the cord brings Tyson down to his stomach where he squeals like a pig.
Holt: You know what? Bring me a referee out here! I’m feeling in the mood to use this dumb-shit to send you a message Kayl.
The cord continues to rip not only the shirt off Tyson’s back but the skin as well.
Greyson: Holt requesting a referee get out here
Sparkles: Man, this has just gotten worse and worse and worse for Galloway.
Frankie: He caught a break a couple weeks ago and now the universe is just dumping a load on him. And worse yet, it’s a load of diarrhea.
A referee does show up at Holt’s request but not to facilitate a match between he and Galloway. Instead the referee is trying his best to talk Holt down but is not successful. Instead he only gets the threat of a lashing from the very electrical cord that has bludgeoned Tyson repeatedly.
Holt: You ring the bell right now you little bastard!
The referee out of fear for his life, calls for the bell to make this beating an official sanctioned match.
RICKY HOLT VS. TYSON GALLOWAY
The moment the bell rings Holt jumps over Tyson’s back and puts the cord under his throat. He pulls back on the cable and begins to strangle Tyson, who flails his arms in a feeble attempt to get free.
Greyson: It looks like we’ve actually got a match.
Frankie: Only you Lovejoy, would be stupid enough to think that what we’re seeing right now is a match.
Sparkles: This is just torture.
Frankie: I think slow-bled pigs get more humane treatment than what Tyson is getting right now.
The referee tries to enforce some semblance of rules in this impromptu match, starting a five count and nearing four before the cable is taken from Tyson’s throat. Holt drops the cable, flinging it from the ring before taking hold of his opponent’s shirt. He drags Tyson up to his feet and then rushes the big man across the ring before ultimately slamming his face against the top turnbuckle pad. Tyson spins around, leaning his back against the corner, which is the only thing holding him up as one boot after another collides with his ribs.
A worked up Holt grabs the shirt that hangs over Tyson’s body, the one he was so proudly displaying for the stagehand backstage a few moments ago, and tears the garment right down the center. Tyson’s chest is exposed to a skin ripping open hand palm strike. But the blow surprisingly doesn’t phase Tyson, actually he seems to be getting fired up. Tyson’s eyes are widening, his lips are trembling, his skin is reddening. The moment he looks down and sees that the shirt that was praising his win/loss record has been torn to shreds Tyson goes postal.
With wide and crazed eyes Tyson lunges out, grabs Holt by the back of the head and flings him into the corner. The two trade places with Tyson’s fist now ending up under Holt’s jaw, one punch after another colliding with the face of the General.
Greyson: LOOK AT THIS!
Sparkles: Tyson! Tyson! Tyson! He’s gone nuclear!
Frankie: I think this is the first time he’s got in any offense since George Bush Senior raised taxes.
Tyson keeps punching away at an absolutely stunned Holt’s face, almost blackening the young man’s eyes with his blows. Finally Tyson takes off into the far ropes, ricochets from then and comes back in at Holt with his leg extended for a big boot. Holt staggers out of the corner and walks unknowingly straight into the size 17 boot that knocks him almost out of his own boots.
The crowd is surprisingly screaming Tyson’s name. Everyone getting behind him as he stands over Holt and lets out with the type of roar that would make the MGM spokes lion envious.
Greyson: Tyson sooooo fired up!
Sparkles: Sparkles has NEVER seen him like this before.
Greyson: Could it be? Could it be that Galloway is about to earn another win and go TWO in 47!?!
The trembling Tyson opens his palm and slaps it right down onto Holt’s throat. He then lifts Holt up from the ground and prepares to chokeslam him straight back into the canvas.
Greyson: He’s gonna do it, Tyson is actually gonna do it!
Frankie: This is unbelievable.
Tyson squeezes Holt’s throat so hard that his opponent’s larynx almost explodes. Finally the primal Tyson hoists Holt into the air for the chokeslam, ready to do the unthinkable. And it’s the unthinkable we witness, because Holt’s knee collides right under Tyson’s chin, countering the chokeslam. Holt drops back to his feet right in front of Galloway and then drives a boot directly into the ribs of his disorientated opponent. Before Tyson realizes what’s happening his enormous body is being flipped over into the New Dawn Fades.
Sparkles: NEW DAWN FADES!
Greyson: I didn’t think Holt could hit that on a near seven footer, but damn did he ever get all of it!
Frankie: Tyson is broken! He’s fucking BROKEN!
A SHATTERED Tyson flops to his back with his eyes locked closed and every muscle in his body going absolutely flaccid. Although Holt could pin his opponent he instead goes to further demonstrate his dominance. He steps over Tyson, steps up the nearest turnbuckle and then looks towards the camera that is aimed up into his face filming from ringside.
Holt: GET A GOOD LOOK, KAYL!
Holt goes corkscrewing through the air and crashing into an already half past dead Tyson. The Bigmouth Strikes Again knocks what little Tyson had left right out of his body. Holt then forcefully hooks Tyson’s leg while pushing down on his throat.
1
2
When the referee’s hand slaps the canvas a third time Holt instantly throws down Tyson’s leg.
Greyson: What a dominant display from Ricky Holt here tonight.
Frankie: He absolutely DECIMATED Tyson Galloway.
Sparkles: That seven footer was just beaten down like he was a midget.
Greyson: And Holt is still not done with him.
Holt drags Tyson up to his feet, runs him at the ropes and throws him over the cables. Now all that’s left of Tyson in the ring is the t-shirt he wore into this impromptu battle. Holt picks it up, uses it as a snot rag and then turns it into taint floss. Yes, the shirt that Tyson was so proud of is being used to floss the area of Holt’s body where the sun has never shined. The referee steps in and tries to admonish Holt for his actions only to find the sullied t-shirt stuffed right into his mouth.
Frankie: OH GOD THAT’S GROSS!
The referee’s feet dance around as he tries to push the t-shirt out of his mouth. At last Holt throws the official down and steps past him towards the microphone in the corner of the ring, snatching it up.
Holt: This isn’t over Kayl! THIS-ISN’T-OVER!
The microphone is flung down to Holt’s feet and a burst of static can be heard through the speakers as a result. The still unhinged Holt rolls from the squared circle and goes stomping up the ramp, leaving a path of utter destruction in his wake.
Greyson: Holt just absolutely flipping out here tonight.
Sparkles: Sparkles is glad I didn’t get in his path.
Frankie: Anyone who does is going to end up like Tyson Galloway.
Greyson: I sincerely hope Tyson learns to keep his mouth shut next time.
Sparkles: What’s gonna happen when Holt finally DOES get his hands on Devon Kayl, the man he was originally after?
Greyson: I’m afraid to find out at this point.
The show cuts to the hallway just outside of Principle Owner Silas Mason’s office. Presently standing there are correspondent Mark Comeau and his guest, the sawed off assistant to the head honcho, Desmond Drake. The dapper Drake snorts and rubs at his nostrils with one hand while holding a black burlap sack in the other. The only thing Comeau is holding is a microphone that he’ll use to catch all of Drake’s comments.
Comeau: Mark Comeau standing by here with the assistant to Silas Mason, Desmond Drake.
Desmond snorts again and rubs even harder at his nostrils before looking up at Comeau with blood-shot eyes.
Comeau: Desmond, you requested this time to address what just happened in the ring regarding Ricky Holt’s attack on Tyson Galloway…..
Desmond: Yeah-yeah-yeah, I did-I did-I did…..let’s just get to it, your killing time man, and my time is money baby.
The red puffy eyes of Drake turn to the camera.
Desmond: Listen Ricky, you’re pissed, we get it. You want to take out Devon Kayl, well I’m cool with it, Silas is cool with it, everyone’s cool with it. You’ll get a chance at Upping the Ante, cause at the big pay-per-view, we’re gonna have you and Kayl in the same ring at the same time. But Ricky-Baby, it’s not gonna be just any straight up match. Nuh-uh daddio. It’s gonna be BUNKHOUSE BRAWL! No disqualifications, falls count anywhere, ain’t no stopping it until one of you can’t stand no more.
Comeau: Alllllright. So Kayl versus Holt, one on one at Upping the Ante?
Desmond: (Snorts) Yup.
Comeau: That’s going to be a pretty competit….uhhhh Drake, I gotta ask, what’s in the sack?
A gesture is made to the black bag hung from Desmond’s palm. It takes a moment for the pint sized kiss ass to realize what’s being referenced before looking down into his hand and spotting the sack he’s been holding this whole time. He actually jumps back from it, acting like he’s alarmed.
Desmond: OH YEAH! Oh shit. Almost forgot. Silas has entrusted me to make a HUGE announcement tonight regarding what’s inside of this!
Drake proudly proclaims while lifting the sack aloft.
Desmond: I tell you right now, this announcement, it’s gonna blow your mind! YAAAAAHHHH!!!
Flash: That announcement had better be Flash Silver versus Julia Braddock!
Drake and Comeau simultaneously sigh when Flash Silver comes waltzing right towards them and forcefully steps between both men.
Flash: The fans want to see it, it’s all over social media, trending worldwide, Flash Silver versus Julia Braddock, the REMATCH OF THE CENTURY! Make it happen.
Desmond: Didn’t you get your ass kicked by Julia like four weeks ago?
Flash: No…I uhhh…slipped on a banana peel and Julia took advantage of it. That won’t happen tonight though
Desmond: Listen daddio, I’d like to help you out but Julia is in a match tonight. And it’s a match that involves what’s in this sack here. (Holds up the bag)
Flash: Then add me to it. Put me in there with Julia, with Selena, and with Victoria. I’ll wipe the floor with those cunts.
Desmond: Sorry, this match is just for the chicks, Flash.
Flash: That’s discrimination!
Desmond: You got a problem with it, you’re free to take it up with Silas. But there’s a reason only the ladies are allowed to compete in this triple threat tonight, and I’ll reveal why when everyone finds out what’s in this big.
It’s been a long and unbearable night for Blaire McBride to say the least. All the accusations she’s endured from her sister Karen seem to have finally caught up with her. She sits there in a chair within the confines of the locker-room rubbing at her temples harboring the delusion that the massage will stave off a migraine. Suddenly something flops down right into Blaire’s lap, a gift she was not expecting to receive nor is she receptive to. She looks down and spots a striped jersey…a referee jersey. Her eyes slowly look up into the face of the man who runs the show, Silas Mason.
Blaire: What do you expect me to do with this?
Silas: I don’t expect nothin’, cause when I tell ya to do sumthin, ya do it. And what I’m tellin’ ya to do righ’ now, is to put on that shirt. Cause yer gonna be the special guest referee for my match against yer sister comin’ up ‘ere tonight.
A smile sweeps across Blaire’s face. She finds it almost too good to be true, that Silas, perhaps her biggest enemy would be asking her to be the special referee in HIS match. Okay, knowing Silas, it IS to good to be true.
Blaire: You do realize that we’re going to be opponents in a few weeks right?
Silas: Like I could forget. Now put it on!
The Principle Owner demands. Blaire throws the jersey right back in his face.
Blaire: I’m not playing your games….
Silas: That’s cute (taking shirt away from his face). Real cute. But ya ain’t got no choice in the matter.
Blaire: Sure I do.
Silas: I want ya to take a look at sumthin.
Requests Silas as he removes a phone from his pocket and pulls up Skype. The screen on his phone is turned so that Blaire can see it.
Silas: I sent my muscle on a lil’ scavenger hunt tonight. Told ‘em to find me a McBride….
The phone displays a live stream of Silas’ hired enforcers Marcus Briggs and Randal Williams stood just outside of a door marked ‘Melanie McBride.’ Upon realizing that Team Excellence is outside of her younger sister’s dressing room, Blaire pulls back and reels around towards Silas, grabbing the collar of his shirt.
Blaire: If they lay a finger on Melanie I’ll….
Silas: Git yer hands off me right this second, or I swear by the time Randal and Marcus are done with Melanie, it’ll take dental records to identify what’s left of ‘er.
Blaire will take her hands off Silas’ shirt if it means she can wrap them instead around his throat.
Silas: Yer gonna be the referee for my match tonight, and yer gonna make sure the right person wins. Or else my boys are gonna do sumthin real bad to yer baby sister.
Police sirens echo throughout the parking garage within the Manhattan Center. Two officers mounted on motorcycles come pulling into view and behind them are a long line of black vehicles. They just keep coming and coming, one after another after another.
Greyson: It looks like that procession cameras have been tracking throughout the night has finally arrived here in the Manhattan Center. God only knows what this is all about.
Frankie: isn’t it obvious? This is a parade, a parade for the great Frankie Paradise. The masses have gathered to honor me in grand form.
Sparkles: Sparkles worships you too. I have a shrine and everything.
Frankie: Both flattering and frightening.
Greyson: Well we’re going to find out what this is all about soon enough. Hopefully we’ll get answers coming after this commercial break.
The feed transitions to backstage correspondent Susie Moore located directly outside of a dressing room reserved for IWC competitor Scott Cannon. A microphone is griped in the hand of the excited Susie, who sways from one side to the other as she anxiously anticipates this HUGE interview.
Greyson: Well guys we’ve been tracking this tale throughout the night. World Champion Katelyn Buehler has demanded that Upping the Ante comes early. She wants her rival Scott Cannon one on one tonight. But will Scott accept her challenge to eschew the upcoming pay-per-view main event and have their match instead right here on Riot?
Sparkles: Our colleague Susie Moore is standing outside of Scott Cannon’s dressing room and will hopefully get his answer.
Frankie: Man, I can’t wait to hear Cannon accept, that way we’re sure to see Katelyn and Scott kill each other in this ring for my viewing pleasure.
Greyson: Is Scott going to accept Katelyn’s challenge as this chaotic edition of Riot rolls along?
EARLIER TONIGHT
A video package begins featuring the clash between Mika Kozlov and Samantha Raine, as the two vie for a spot in the Semi-Finals of the World Title Number One Contender Tournament. The commentators can be heard recapping what’s being shown.
Sparkles: Well guys throughout the evening we’ve been witnessing matches in the Quarter Finals of the World Title #1 Contender Tournament as the elite eight narrows down to the final four.
Greyson: A few moments ago we saw Samantha Raine and Mika Kozlov battling it out with the winner advancing to our next pay-per-view, the 2 night event, Upping the Ante, where both the semi-finals and the finals in this tournament will be contested.
Frankie: It actually looked like Raine might have had some offense flowing before she made one mistake too many.
Raine is shown knocking Kozlov to the outside of the ring before going to deliver a big diving headbutt. She flies through the ropes and ultimately collides with Mika’s arms. The ever quick Kozlov catches Raine around the neck and hits her with the Killing Joke into the ringside mats.
Greyson: Raine’s suicide diving headbutt was not just thwarted by Mika but reversed into a deadly Killing Joke against those ringside mats, which moved Kozlov into the semi-finals.
Sparkles: As we understand it Mika will go one on one with the winner of the Quarter Final Round match we witnessed two weeks ago, Andre Jordan.
EARLIER TONIGHT
The recaps keep coming, this time concentrating on the clash between Rachel Tatum Lee and Marina Valdivia, yet another Quarter Final round bout in the tournament.
Greyson: Tonight we also saw Rachel Tatum lee and Marina Valdivia going at it to determine another entrant in the Final Four.
Sparkles: It was a grueling bout between the two that ended in shockingly unpredictable fashion.
The viewers relive the images of both Ethan Von Aaron and Alana Starr interfering in the match and attacking Rachel, causing her to spill to ringside where she’s counted out.
Frankie: After the interferences of Rachel’s rivals Ethan and Alana, Rachel had nothing left in the tank to get back in the ring to beat the official’s ten count.
Greyson: Meaning that Marina will now compete in the Semi-Finals as well and she’ll compete against the winner of the first Quarter Final we saw tonight.
EARLIER TONIGHT
The video goes back to the opening bout contested tonight on Riot and showcases Serenity and Lexy Chapel fighting it out. Although it looks as if Serenity has the advantage and is on her way to moving on in the tournament her plans go tragically awry. A well placed video on the Cartel-tron distracts her long enough to suffer Lexy’s version of package piledriver, the Explicit Content proving just enough to win the bout for Chapel.
Frankie: The reason I walk with books in front of my penis to hide my erections, Lexy Chapel. She picked up ANOTHER huge victory as she fast tracks her way to super stardom.
Greyson: We saw quite the celebration post-match as she and her suspended tag team partner Kat Kelly hammed it up.
Post match the viewers witness Lexy and Kat enjoying the spoils of victory at ringside by dancing around rather merrily.
Greyson: So now it’s all set in stone gents.
A bracket appears on the screen that shows the roads that all four participants in the final four at Upping the Ante have traversed to get this close to the Number One Contendership to the World Title.
Sparkles: Andre Jordan versus Mika Kozlov, and Marina Valdivia vs. Lexy Chapel to go down at Upping the Ante.
Greyson: The winners of those two matches will then face off to decide who will become the Number One Contender to the World Championship.
Finally at long last we get another dose of Wicked Intent. Admit it, you missed them. Kat Kelly and Lexy Chapel, co-holders of the Tag Team Titles are stood in a hall with their sides to a closed door and manila envelopes in hand.
Lexy: I really-really wish we could PROPERLY celebrate my big win earlier tonight. But how can I be expected to party when I know my partner is all sadder than a coughed up hairball?
Bemoans Lexy.
Kat: I knoooow, and I don’t mean to bring you down from your high, but man, I’m still MAD.
Kat says before she swings the side of her fist into the door to her right.
Kat: How could the IWC suspend me…ME, one half of their most marketable duo, their pin-up girl, every internet fan boy’s wet dream?
Lexy: It’s the IWC dear. They still let the Stay Puffed Marshmallow Man walk around with MY World Title.
Kat: So what if I proposed a ‘controversial’ segment and then superkicked some lardo in his triple chin? That’s no provocation to suspend me.
Lexy: They’re out to persecute us Kat. I mean, there’s no other explanation. Here we are being model employees and yet these fuckers keep dumping on us.
Kat: This bullshit needs to come to an end, and these papers (holds up the manila folder referenced earlier) will finally set the IWC straight.
Lexy: Time to make a special delivery to the legal department.
The folder in Lexy’s hand is shaken out to her side.
Lexy: And if that doesn’t work then we’ll take this all the way to CITY HALL!
Kat: City hall? Erm, you do realize this is 2015 right?
Lexy: Don’t spoil my moment!
The folder Lexy was waving around like a baton is now rolled up and used to swat Kat on the tip of her nose.
Lexy: Now let’s see justice prevail!
Kat: Hold up. Let me get Alistair off the pot, he’ll want to be part of this.
The focus of the Tag Champions goes to the door beside them, Lexy’s fist ramming against it
Lexy: ALISTAIR! Pinch it off and let’s go!
The door opens slightly and the face of Wicked Intent’s closest Monarchy chum, Alistair Taylor, peeks out into the hallway.
Alistair: Fraid I’m not going to be able to make it out there with you birds.
Reveals Alistair who then feigns getting sick.
Kat: Oh no. Not again.
Alistair: Afraid I haven’t recovered fully from that ‘stomach bug’ I caught two weeks ago.
Kat: You looked fine earlier on.
Alistair: It just hit me….out of the blue.
Kat: Alright-alright, when you start feeling better come and find us.
Alistair: Will do.
Wicked Intent head along down the corridor as Alistair watches them leave. He makes the mistake of allowing his hands to be filmed, revealing that he’s wearing a pair of surgical gloves that are stained red. He returns to the room he had been hiding inside of, but not before leaving a smear of blood along the front of the door that he pushes shut.
The feed transitions to the catering area where Andre Jordan was just in the midst of grabbing an ice-cold bottle of refreshing H20. Before he can get a sip into his parched throat, a loud scream booms through the hallway, belonging to a very familiar voice, that of his agent Tabitha Silverstone.
Tabitha: AAAANDREEE! ANNNNDDREEE!
Dre fumbles the water bottle until it hits the floor that he is scrambling across. He reaches the end of the corridor and then moves around the corner where he finds his agent splayed across the ground holding a palm to her head. The sunglasses we saw her wearing earlier are the only part of her that looks undisturbed. Her hair, her clothes, everything about her is in disarray. An alarmed, which is putting it mildly, Dre stoops down towards Tabitha, his hand moving to her shoulder.
Andre: What the hell happened?
Tabitha: Mor-Mor-Mordecai, he-he-he….
Andre: That son of a bitch did what!?!
Tabitha: He attacked me, and he…he….he….
Andre: Breathe Tabitha, breathe.
Tabitha: He said he’s coming after you next.
Andre pulls his hand from Tabitha’s shoulder and places it on his own knee, looking off into space and growling his words.
Andre: HE’S coming for ME? Wrong. Cause it’s the other way around.
An characteristically intense Dre stands up and finds it hard to even look back in Tabitha’s direction, her condition only further twisting the knots in his stomach. Just then a stagehand comes racing into view, a young woman with a horrified expression.
Stagehand: Oh my, Mrs. Silverstone, are you okay?
Andre: Can you get her back to her dressing room? I’ve got something to take care of.
Dre takes off in a huff, leaving Tabitha sitting there against the wall no longer groaning but grinning.
Tabitha: That’s just the side of you I wanted to see.
She giggles as the sunglasses over her eyes fall down onto the tip of her nose, revealing the jet black eyes that were hidden behind the lenses.
Car horns begin to blare throughout the arena with cameras jumping back to the interior of the arena just in time to bring several black vehicles into view. A police escort leads a number of cars from the back and to the pavement off to the side of the stage employed by the roster for their entrances. The commentators have so much to cover they almost have no idea where to even begin.
Greyson: That procession is now pulling right out here in front of us guys.
Frankie: My parade is coming to me I guess.
Sparkles: Sparkles hates to disagree with you, Frankie, cause Sparkles adores you as much as a grilled cheese sandwich, buuuut, I think this HAS to be a funeral procession of some sorts.
Greyson: That definitely seems to be the case, but why would a funeral procession be right inside of the Manhattan Center?
The answer to that question is provided when a chauffer bedecked all in black, emerges from the driver’s side door of the first vehicle that cruised to a stop beneath the stage. He hustles along to the back door and pops it open so that Mordecai can step out.
Greyson: Ooooh shit!
Sparkles: It’s the monster! It’s the beast! It’s the leviathan! It’s MORDECAI!
Greyson: We haven’t seen him all night long and this would explain why.
Mordecai is a sight to be feared in and of himself, but to make his visage even more unsettling, his typical wrestling attire has been removed in favor of wearing a gray suit and black dress shirt. Yes, you heard correctly, Mordecai is in a three piece suit, tie included. Black sunglasses sit over his eyes, completing the look of a man attending a funeral. He extends his hand into the backseat of the car he just exited and before long slender fingers find their way into Mordecai’s palm. He guides his sister Mrs. R from the car, revealing that she is sporting a black dress with a veil over her face of the same color. The pair walk in hand towards the ring, while following behind them are several random individuals in black attire. They emerge from the other cars that were in the funeral procession that Mordecai was apparently leading. Loaded in the hands of these followers are wreaths of gray roses.
Greyson: Someone please…PLEASE try to put this into some type of perspective for me.
Sparkles: Sparkles wishes I had any idea what was going on here.
Frankie: From where I’m sitting it looks like Mrs. R is just oh so boneable in that black dress.
Greyson: How is that statement even slightly constructive?
Frankie: Was it supposed to be?
Greyson: It looks like Mordecai and his sister are here for some type of…..funeral.
Mordecai enters the ring before parting the ropes for Mrs. R, his eyes watching her step to the middle of the ring and his ears listening to the soulless syllables that surge from her mouth. The black wreaths that were carried to the ring by those in Mordecai’s entourage have been placed over the ropes, setting the mood.
Mrs. R: When something is consecrated to the earth often times it remains buried. But there are those few occasions where the buried refuse to accept their tomb, meaning that they walk amongst us. Yes, the dead walk amongst us.
The crowd has no idea what to make of these words that filter out from beneath the black veil that shrouds Mrs. R’s face.
Mrs. R: Such is the unfortunate case of Johnny Kingdom. A man who for years entertained the world with his uproarious antics, with his athletic performances, and his sheer showmanship. Men like Kingdom come once in a lifetime. Which is why we are understanding and sympathetic to those who refuse to let Kingdom go….to accept that he is….DEAD.
Greyson: Say what now?
Mrs. R: Even Johnny Kingdom himself will not believe it, he will not accept that his ethereal soul abandoned his body years ago, and that what walks this physical plane is a hollowed husk. The Kingdom you see compete today is nothing more than a corpse. And he stinks of rot.
The microphone passes to Mordecai, who steps to the center of the ring looking emotionally void.
Mordecai: It’s true what I said two weeks ago. The man who I dragged beneath this ring back at Awakening, the very same one who assaulted my sister and I with a shovel on the last Riot, is NOT Johnny Kingdom. For the Kingdom you knew, you adored, you worshipped, and you honored as a king, is dead, deceased and has fallen from his throne. Everything he was is no more. He is a rotting carcass, and each and every one of you (eludes to the audience) are flies buzzing around decay. So tonight we come before you offering a catharsis, the chance to pay your final respects to Johnny Kingdom.
Mrs. R: This is the wake before the funeral.
Mordecai: Because in two weeks, at Upping the Ante, I will put the body of the Fallen King six feet beneath the earth. If Johnny Kingdom’s ravenous corpse craves revenge for what I have done to him then he will come to the pay-per-view and he will battle me in a BURIED ALIVE MATCH.
Greyson: A buried alive match? You got to be kidding me.
Mordecai: Kingdom has already dug his own grave and now all I have to do is pile the dirt onto his head.
Mrs. R: Offer your farewells to Mr. Kingdom, and join us now in a moment of silence for your Team Leader.
Mordecai and Mrs. R respectfully lower their heads and close their eyes, paying homage to a man who is anything but deceased.
Greyson: This is classless.
Frankie: Shhhh! Have you no respect, Lovejoy.
Sparkles: Honor this moment of silence you fiend!
Greyson: Johnny Kingdom isn’t dead, and I pray that he answers Mordecai’s challenge so that he can prove it at….
Andre: A moment of silence?
The crowd couldn’t be any happier if it were Carmen Electra circa 1999 coming to the stage in a leopard printed bikini. Andre Jordan enlivens the audience with his presence, the multi time champion strolling along to the stage with mic in hand and anger in his eyes.
Greyson: Andre Jordan bringing an end to this farce!
Frankie: Does no one have respect around here?
Sparkles: R….E…S..P-E-C-T! Find out what it means to me.
Greyson: Stop singing for the love of God stop singing. Andre apparently not waiting to get physical with Mordecai, these two are scheduled to battle it out in one on one action here tonight.
Mordecai has removed the sunglasses that were covering his eyes and squeezes them until the glass lens crack in the palm of his hand. An equally as intense Andre draws nearer and nearer to the squared circle, undaunted by the presence of the beast inside.
Andre: You want us all to observe a moment of silence for Johnny Kingdom? You know, I’ve had a couple of conversations with Kingdom, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned from those discussions, it’s that Kingdom isn’t the silent type. He’s a loud mouth who constantly speaks his mind. So I think in order to pay him proper respect, I’m not going to honor some ridiculous moment of silence, no-no-no, I’m going to say exactly what’s on my mind. And you want to know what I’m thinking right now, Mordecai?
The mic is thrown aside and Andre hustles along straight for the squared circle. Mordecai barely even has time to remove his suit jacket and toss it aside before Dre slides into the ring in front of him.
Greyson: We’re getting this match right now guys. Mordecai versus Andre Jordan is happening!
Frankie: Beat his disrespectful ass Mordecai!
Sparkles: What Andre did tonight was the equivalent of dancing on someone’s grave. Sparkles has only done that once, but in my own defense, it was the grave of Lindsey Lohan.
Greyson: Lindsey Lohan isn’t dead.
Sparkles: Oh. Then who’s grave did Sparkles dance on?
MORDECAI VS. ANDRE JORDAN
After sliding straight into the ring and directly into battle, Andre gets to his knees then flings his fists into either side of his target’s mid-section. It takes one powerful forearm from Mordecai to shut Andre down. The blow across his back has knocked Dre flat on his stomach where he’s now stomped repeatedly to the skull. Meanwhile Mrs. R is leaving the ring, just as official Michelle Blacker is entering it. The bell sounds to start this fight that was scheduled for later in the evening but is getting underway right now. The monster crouches to grab Andre under the arm, scooping him up from the ground and then throwing him along into the turnbuckle. Andre hits the corner and goes limp, his whole body briefly paralyzed like a deer caught in the crosshairs of a car. It’s not a vehicle that comes speeding towards Dre, if only he were that lucky, instead it’s Mordecai who barrels towards his adversary.
Lucky for Dre, he possesses the reflexes to avoid devastation. His boots launch into the air and connect with Mordecai’s chest….or at least that was the plan. Mordecai CATCHES the boots before they land against his sternum. He then snarls and shoves the feet away from his sternum, causing Dre’s body to go swinging around and his legs to end up traveling right through the top and middle rope. Dre sits on the middle cable with his back to Mordecai. The murderous behemoth grabs Dre by the shoulders and pulls down on them, unknowingly causing Dre’s shins to go catapulting up and over the ropes, cracking Mordecai right between the eyes.
Sparkles: I’m still reeling from the fact that we’re seeing this match go down right now.
Frankie: When does a match EVER start when it’s supposed to around here?
Sparkles: It’s all part of that wonderful atmosphere of chaos that the Riot brand fosters.
The shins that just slammed into Mordecai’s face have sent him back peddling to the middle of the ring. He shakes off the blow and then looks at Andre climbing from the apron to the turnbuckle, ascending all the way to the top rope. Mordecai comes dashing towards him to knock him off his perch, but Dre leap frogs over his opponent and lands behind him. Andre tucks into a forward roll and eventually reaches the far corner, springing directly into it. He leaps from that turnbuckle, spins in mid-air and hurdles towards Mordecai, hitting a crossbody block that takes his giant foe down to the canvas. Dre immediately rolls to his knees after the body block and begins to rifle off with jabs across Mordecai’s brow.
Frankie: What’s gotten into Andre?
Greyson: I’m thinking that Tabitha Silverstone, Andre’s agent who is conspicuously absent from his side at the moment, has managed to get him to tap into his aggression.
Sparkles: It’s working, because Sparkles has never seen Andre exuding so much passion.
Watching from ringside we see Mrs. R, who actually seems to enjoy this violence, even as it is inflicted on her own brother. Referee Blacker starts a five count that at last warrants Andre to stop unleashing punches and instead approach the corner. He is intent on delivering the move from the top rope that he was originally setting up for moments ago. He gets all the way up high on the corner before leaping out of it and delivering the frog splash elbow directly into Mordecai’s heart.
Greyson: That’s what Andre was looking for earlier.
Sparkles: And now he finally got all of it on Mordecai.
Instead of going for the pin Andre seeks to inflict more punishment on the creature. He grabs handfuls of Mordecai’s hair and tugs until he is on his knees. Andre then takes off backwards into the ropes, going for a running start behind a superkick on his knelt opponent. He runs into Mordecai only to be caught by his opponent’s enormous palms. Mordecai stands up and then throws Andre so high into the air that his head almost hits the scaffolding. What goes up comes down and does so viciously. He plummets face first into the ring then pops up from it, looking rattled like a can of spray paint in a tagger’s hand. Mordecai bounces off the ropes and builds momentum behind a boot that cracks his adversary straight in the face.
Frankie: Now this match is starting to resemble the last encounter between these two.
Greyson: It was six weeks ago that Mordecai and Andre fought in the Opening Round of the Number One Contender Tournament. That match ended when Mordecai got himself intentionally disqualified by just beating the hell out of Andre.
Sparkles: Looks like we’re getting a repeat. Sparkles hates repeats almost as much as I hate clip shows.
Andre doesn’t stay down on the ring for long, he’s pulled straight back to his feet and then directly into the short arm clothesline. Mordecai drops Andre but still holds onto his wrist. He gives it another forceful yank, dragging his adversary up to his feet before launching him along into the turnbuckle. Andre’s back hits the corner and then Mordecai’s arm hits his throat. The clothesline slams into Andre’s windpipe, debilitating his legs and causing them to buckle. However, Mordecai doesn’t let him go down, instead he grabs the tag rope hung from the corner and then wraps it around Andre’s throat. A gasping Andre claws at the rope and tries to desperately force it back from his neck.
Greyson: It looks like Mordecai is going to get himself disqualified again.
Sparkles: That might be a blessing in disguise for Andre.
Instead of getting DQed, Mordecai lets the rope go and takes Andre into his arms. He lifts Dre up onto his shoulder, then throws him into the Snake Eyes. Andre’s face crashes into the corner and his body goes limping back into his opposition’s arms. Mordecai wedges a shoulder to Andre’s back, lifts him up into a suplex predicament but that is not the move he’s looking for. Instead Mordecai runs across the ring and throws Andre over the top rope, sending him plummeting to the outside of the ring. Although Andre tries to break his fall by putting down his feet, he fails, his legs letting out and causing him to crash hard across the ground.
Sparkles: Mordecai just THROWING Andre out of the ring.
Frankie: Yeah, and in the process of trying to brace himself Dre might have broken both of his ankles.
Andre wills himself up from the ringside mats while grabbing at the apron. Although the crowd tries to clue him in Andre has no idea that Mordecai is stood behind him. The beast spins Dre around and then scoops him onto a broad shoulder, looking for another Snake Eyes, this time into the exposed steel turnbuckle post. Mordecai starts to take off towards the post only to have Dre prevent a potentially concussive blow. He slips back off of Mordecai’s shoulder, lands behind him and puts his hands to his opponent’s back, shoving him along towards the very post that Dre’s head was supposed to smash against. Somehow Mordecai manages to prevent an impact with the steel, reaching out and grabbing it with both hands, pushing himself back from it. He then turns around just as Dre runs the length of the apron and dives off into what appears to be a hurricarana. Andre lands on Mordecai’s shoulders but never has the opportunity to fall back into the flip over. Much to Dre’s dismay he finds himself caught in position for a powerbomb. Mordecai then spins around and throws Andre over the ring mats spine first into the turnbuckle post.
Greyson: Ooooh GAHD. I’ve seen buckle bombs before, but never one into the exposed post.
Sparkles: Andre avoided colliding with it once, but wasn’t so lucky the second go around.
Andre arches his back and roars in agony as he falls to his knees across the mats. The pain is indescribable and Mordecai only exacerbates it. He pulls Andre up from the ground, holds him in a bearhug position and then plows his adversary along spine first into the steel post a second time! Andre is then thrown by the back of the head into the ring where he yearns to convalesce. There is no rest provided him whatsoever. Because Andre is immediately pulled up to his seat and finds a knee embedded into the small of his spine. Mordecai pulls back on the jaw, applying a rear chin lock with the knee to the spine for added suffrage.
Dre is almost growling as he begins to fight out of this predicament and inch his way up from the canvas. To the glee of the audience Dre is already back on his feet and trying to twist his way out of this hold. It takes all his strength but Dre manages to spin around towards Mordecai only to have the creases of his legs caught. Mordecai tears the legs out from under Dre’s body then uses them to catapult his opponent not only into the ropes but right over them. Once again Andre goes flipping into the ringside mats and the landing is every bit as brutal as you would expect.
Frankie: Much like that match we witnessed earlier with Miss KFC….I mean, Miss Jon versus Stay Puffed…Oh I mean, Katelyn, we’re seeing a bigger wrestler just impose their will all over their smaller foe.
The dominance and decimation continues as Mordecai slowly methodically exits the ring. He stalks Dre, forcing his adversary to exert all his strength to get back on his feet. Andre stands up and then finds himself loaded onto Mordecai’s hands, the monster about to gorilla press him right down onto the barricade. However, the weight of Andre causes Mordecai to stagger back slightly, allowing his adversary to slip off of his palms and come down feet first on the ring apron. Mordecai turns around just as Andre leaps from the apron, catches him around the neck and swings him into the tornado DDT. A surprised Mordecai finds his head colliding with the ground to devastating consequences.
Greyson: Andre is doing everything in his power to stay in this match.
Sparkles: He’s got to keep using that speed if he wants to have any semblance of a chance of winning this match.
With Mordecai down the aggravated Andre goes sliding into the squared circle, breaking up the referee’s ten count. It doesn’t take long for Mordecai to begin to follow his opponent, climbing up onto the apron and preparing to enter the squared circle. But Andre won’t let the monster regroup. The quick Andre dashes across the ring and baseball slides under the ropes and through Mordecai’s legs. Andre’s feet hit the ground while his arms reach up and latch onto Mordecai’s hips, trying to powerbomb the beast back down to the ringside mats. Mordecai holds tight to the top rope though, refusing to be pulled down into the powerbomb. The only thing that goes down is Mordecai’s palm, as he reaches through his legs to grab hold of Andre’s throat. A gasping and stunned Andre is lifted via a goozle from ringside and to the apron. Mordecai shows incredible strength by using just one hand to lift all of Andre’s body weight into the air and into position for the chokeslam. Mordecai is just about to chokeslam his opponent from the apron and into the ringside mats before a knee hits him in the ribs. The blow doubles Mordecai over and leaves his head susceptible to Dre’s DDT. Yet again Mordecai’s head suffers a fatal impact, this time with the hardened ring apron.
Greyson: Another DDT! This one straight into the steel apron.
A disorientated Mordecai rolls back into the ring where his eyes sporadically blink in an attempt to stave off unconsciousness. He finds it much harder to remain cogent when his opponent has just delivered a brutally stiff superkick directly into his temple. The shot has Mordecai spiraling around before coming down onto his knees. He looks up in time to be hit with a SECOND superkick, this time right into the jaw.
Sparkles: Two superkicks unleashed by Andre!
Greyson: Even still it hasn’t been enough to fell Mordecai.
A smile is ever present on Mrs. R’s face, even while watching the superkicks collide with Mordecai’s mouth. Andre has shut Mordecai up, but he has yet to shut him down. So Dre does what he does best, put his body at risk to debilitate his opponent. He climbs the corner to the top rope and to tremendous fanfare leaps the length of the ring as he comes down into the frog splash elbow. Upon landing Andre realizes that although his elbow may have connected, so too has Mordecai’s hand. It’s latched directly to Andre’s throat.
Greyson: WOW!
Andre’s eyes widen as he’s caught in the goozle, forced up to his feet and then thrown up into the chokeslam. Mordecai drives Andre almost through the ring before pinning him.
Sparkles: This has got to be it.
1
2
To a rousing ovation from Andre’s collective fan-base he pops his shoulder up from the ring to prevent falling victim to the three. Mordecai crouches beside Andre with his face twisted into the most homicidal of glares.
Frankie: How did Andre just get his shoulder up after that? HOW!?!
Greyson: Because the man is made of tougher stuff.
Frankie: He may be made of tougher stuff, but he’s full of shit in my book.
Mordecai is about to empty whatever Andre is full of. He looks towards Mrs. R and almost telepathically makes a request that she is all too eager to fulfill. She reaches beneath the squared circle and from under the ring retrieves a shovel.
Greyson: What the he…..is that? Is that a damned shovel!?!
Frankie: Well you heard what Mordecai said before this match got started. He wants Johnny Kingdom one on one at Upping the Ante in a Buried Alive match.
Sparkles: And he’s going to use that shovel to send a message to the Team Leader.
The shovel ends up at Mordecai’s feet as the beast looks into it with a very twisted gleam in his eyes. It isn’t long before it ends up his hands and the blade comes swinging straight down into Andre’s previously banged up ribs.
Greyson: OOOOOH NOOO!
The bell rings in the background, the referee given no other recourse but to call for a disqualification.
Sparkles: Mordecai has done it again. He just got himself disqualified by assaulting Andre.
Frankie: This time with a shovel.
Said shovel comes swinging down into Andre’s ribs a second time, inflicting even more internal injuries on the former 2 time Evolution Champion.
Greyson: Stop it Mordecai! For the love of God stop it!
Mordecai brings the shovel down into Andre’s ribs a third time resulting in a loud groan of pain from Andre and screams from the fans in attendance. The shovel is thrown aside and now Mordecai takes Andre’s head in his arms, leading his lifeless body up from the ground. Before Andre can fight his way out of the monster’s hands he finds himself being heaved up and into the Embrace the Dark. Mordecai holds him in position for the Last Ride powerbomb.
Sparkles: Mordecai about to hit Andre with the Embrace the Dark post match once again!
Frankie: And any recovery Andre has had since the last beating Mordecai gave him is about to be undone.
Mordecai taps into all of his internal rage and that inner darkness as he prepares to maliciously drive Andre through the canvas.
Greyson: Mordecai is the embodiment of pure evil.
Frankie: If Mordecai could do the things that he did to Andre in this match and the two aren’t even really enemies, just imagine what that psychopath will do to his rival Johnny Kingdom at Upping the Ante.
Greyson: That’s IF Kingdom accepts Mordecai’s challenge to a Buried Alive match at our upcoming pay-per-view.
Mrs. R stands on the ring apron and wordlessly calls out to her brother. The two seem almost mentally connected, Mordecai’s eyes drifting to his sister’s face and deciphering her thoughts merely by reading her expression. She signals to him to deliver the Embrace the Dark on the prone Andre. The two go on sharing a chilling stare but the glare exchanged between these siblings is nowhere near as unsettling as what’s happening in the ring behind Mordecai’s back. The canvas just behind the heels of Mordecai begins to rip, creating a hole. A set of hands reach up through that hole and latch onto Mordecai’s ankle. He drops Andre as a result.
Greyson: What in the hell?
Sparkles: Is-is-is Sparkles seeing this?
Frankie: Somebody’s coming up through the ring and Mordecai has no idea.
It isn’t often that Mordecai is caught by surprise, but right now is one of those extremely rare occasions. He whips around and spots the face of the man who has just emerged through a hole created in the canvas. Mordecai stares into the eyes of his attacker, Johnny Kingdom.
Greyson: IT’S FRIGGIN KINGDOM!
Sparkles: He’s attacking Mordecai the exact same way Mordecai attacked him back at Awakening.
Before Mordecai has a chance to react his legs are being pulled down into the hole that Johnny is standing in. The two are face to face and are exchanging punches with one another.
Greyson: Mordecai, Kingdom, their getting it on before they collide at Upping the Ante in two weeks.
Johnny headbutts Mordecai and then the beast counters with a closed fist right across his attacker’s kisser. Instead of being dragged down beneath the ring Mordecai rolls out of the hole and across the canvas. Kingdom is right behind him, dashing across the squared circle and hitting a clothesline so forceful on Mordecai that it takes both men over the ropes. They collapse to the ground but they sure as shit don’t stay there. They get back up and Mordecai finds his jaw cracked by a punch, and another punch, and another-and another-and another. The barrage of blows by a vengeful Kingdom have Mordecai in an unfamiliar position, on the defensive. He stumbles through the thin isle way between the ramp and the barricades restraining the crowd. Mordecai reaches one of the cars that led the funeral procession through the streets of Manhattan before coming to a rest right here beside the Riot set. He slowly turns around when realizing he’s no longer being struck. The only reason the punches are no long nailing him to the face is because the man who delivered them is standing on the entrance ramp. Kingdom goes racing across it and then launches himself off into a diving lariat that hits Mordecai with enough force to knock him onto the bonnet of the black car he had been leaning against.
Greyson: The way Kingdom is going there may not be anything left of Mordecai to fight at Upping the Ante.
Sparkles: Good lord, can you imagine what these two would do to each other in a Buried Alive match?
Frankie: Neither man is going to make it to that match at this rate.
The aggressive Kingdom climbs up onto the bonnet of the car he just clotheslined Mordecai onto. He straddles Mordecai’s chest and starts unloading with piston like right hands. All the while Mrs. R is watching this from the ramp and wears a disapproving expression. Kingdom is about to put a permanent frown on the face of Mordecai’s sister. He grabs his rival by the hair, pulls him over onto his knees across the bonnet of the car and then places Mordecai in a front chancery. It looks like Kingdom is going to give Mordecai the Exodus Finale on top of the car.
Frankie: Don’t do it Kingdom.
Greyson: Johnny is gonna hit that brainbuster DDT on top of that car we saw used in the funeral procession.
It looks like Kingdom is going to end this and end this now until his focus is derailed by the presence of Mrs. R. She stands on the ground just off to the side of the car and has a special present waiting for the Team Leader once she has his focus. A handful of dirt is tossed right into his eyes. Blinding Kingdom on impact.
Greyson: HEY!
Frankie: What the hell did Mrs. R just throw in Kingdom’s eyes?
Sparkles: It looked like DIRT!
The visually impaired Kingdom finds it impossible to block the arm that flies right up and right into his throat. Mordecai nails a punch across Kingdom’s larynx, cutting off the air supply to his head. A shocked Kingdom leans back but isn’t allowed to fall onto the roof of the car, no….he’ll be DRIVEN into it. Mordecai grabs Kingdom by the throat then he heaves the former World Champion into a chokeslam…a chokeslam right onto the roof of the car. The sickening impact not only leaves a huge dent in the car’s hood but a number of potentially broken bones in Kingdom’s body.
Greyson: NOOOOOO!!!!
Sparkles: JESUS!
The crowd are equally as shocked by the visual of their beloved Kingdom slamming with such organ bursting force into the roof of that car. Mordecai drops to his seat beside an unconscious Kingdom, pulling the hair back out of his face so that he can get a better look of the pain etched in his rival’s features. Kingdom can barely even summon the strength to cringe in agony.
Greyson: Mordecai has just taken this rivalry to a whole new level.
Sparkles: That chokeslam may have BROKEN Kingdom.
Frankie: May have?
Greyson: I honestly thought that Kingdom was finally going to have his revenge here tonight.
Sparkles: If he’s able to compete after that chokeslam, maybe it’ll happen at Upping the Ante.
Mrs. R has reached her brother’s side, standing beneath the car that Mordecai is seated on top of. A microphone is revealed in the hand of the smiling wraith as she puts a palm on Mordecai’s knee.
Mrs. R: A moment of silence PLEASE for the Fallen King.
Mordecai and Mrs. R bow their heads and go quiet while the crowd protests louder than ever.
Greyson: This is sickening. I hope Kingdom recovers. I hope he gets his hands on Mordecai and puts that MONSTER six feet under at Upping the Ante.
Cameras have dashed to the backstage area and are presently settled on two of the IWC’s hottest up and comers, Julia Braddock and Victoria Salinas. The pair are planted within the locker-room and at the moment are engaged in a pretty tense conversation.
Victoria: Julia, listen, I know we’re opponents tonight and everything and we’ve never been the biggest fans of one another….
Julia: What a way to start a sales-pitch.
Victoria: HEY! Don’t be cynical, that’s MY job. Now where was I? Oh yeah, about tonight, whatever happens in that ring, it isn’t personal….(Victoria smiles as the cadence of her voice changes)… Ooookay, maybe just a smidgeon personal. But I say we leave it all out there, and then, when it’s all said and done, we can put our focus towards some good ole’ fashion Max Cady style vengeance.
Julia: I take it you have something in mind for getting back at New Eden?
Victoria: You saw what they did to Marina two weeks ago and what they tried to do to her earlier right?
Julia: It’s kind of hard to ignore their antics when they’re leaving members of my family covered in blood.
Victoria: Exactly. We need….
Tabitha: Take your hands off of me.
The plotting amongst Victoria and Julia ends when the door to the locker-room opens and Tabitha Silverstone is guided inside by a young woman who is TRYING to aid the agent. Apparently Tabitha is totally unreceptive to their support, pulling her arm away from her helper.
Woman: But Mrs. Silverstone, you were attac….
Tabitha: Pfft, I’m FINE. Now scram!
Tabitha enters the locker-room under her own power, in fact, she walks without so much as a hitch in her step. She looks as healthy as an ox.
Victoria: Tabitha….
Greets Victoria while overlooking the surprisingly uninjured Tabitha.
Victoria: I heard you got attacked by Mordecai….
Tabitha grins while adjusting her sunglasses to purposely keep her eyes shielded behind tinted glass.
Tabitha: Those rumors may have been embellished a little.
Victoria looks towards Julia who is so entirely disinterested in any of this.
Victoria: Yeah, because ummm, Mordecai wasn’t even in the building when you were ‘assaulted.’
In response to this subtle accusation that Tabitha was lying about the assault that side lined her, she shrugs.
Tabitha: Rather I was attacked or not, at least Andre went into that match more fired up than ever. See, he needed a little ‘darkness’ in his heart if he wanted to beat Mordecai. The same type of darkness I saw in him after I was superkicked by Orlando two weeks ago.
That’s it….That’s all Tabitha is willing to say on the subject. She is about to leave but Victoria blocks her path.
Victoria: Whoa-whoa-whoa…..
Julia: Hey um, don’t need this drama. Catch me later.
Announces Julia who was tired of standing in the background listening to issues that are of no concern to her. She pats Victoria on the shoulder while passing her by and exiting the dressing room. Victoria doesn’t even turn to watch her leave, instead all of her focus is on Tabitha and Tabitha alone.
Victoria: Where’s your head been lately, Tabitha?
Tabitha: Hmmmm?
Victoria: You’ve been acting strange for weeks now. I mean, did you even go to check on Marina after she got bashed in the head with that pipe wrench earlier?
Tabitha: What? Do you think me coddling her would help? Because it hasn’t in the past. She needs to wise up and toughen up….
Victoria: Tab….
Tabitha: Listen Victoria. After Alistair (Taylor) betrayed me and my agency, I’ve come to realize something, I’m failing my clients. Andre losing his Evolution Title, Marina getting busted open and left half dead by New Eden, Alistair leaving Silverstone International, that all falls on me. I’ve let them down, but I won’t fail them anymore. I’m going to do what it takes to push Andre and to push Marina, until they are champions again, until they stop being the ones who live in fear and becomes the ones to fear.
Alistair: You ready to talk mate?
Earlier tonight viewers caught only but the briefest glimpse of Alistair Taylor peeking out of the dressing room where he sequestered himself. However, now we not only get a much longer sustained shot of Alistair but the very room where he’s been hiding throughout the night. The camera faces him directly while his eyes are aimed towards someone who remains off camera.
Alistair: I commend you for being so tough, thought you’d be much weaker.
States Alistair as he raises the blood saturated surgical gloves that cling to his hands, revealing a hammer in his hands.
Alistair: You may be strong, but I’m….stubborn. You WILL talk!
Alistair steps past the camera, descending upon whatever unfortunate soul presently shares the dressing room with him.
Karen McBride: It’s been six months since I was screwed out of my Principle Ownership….
A video package begins to roll that features a voice-over provided by Karen McBride. The footage seen on the screen documents the moment Karen was manipulated into signing her Principle Ownership over to her sister Blaire McBride. The video cuts to Karen stood in a backstage corridor with miscellaneous shipping materials behind her back. She talks directly into the camera as she recounts all the horrible events that have befallen her in the past year.
Karen: And every time I’ve come close to getting back what was stolen from me, I just end up getting screwed again!
The clips switch from the close up on Karen to another scene from several months ago. The event was Invictus, the biggest pay-per-view of the year, and on that night Karen McBride teamed up with Desmond Drake to take on Blaire McBride and Silas Mason, with the winner receiving full control of the Principle Ownership. Silas, through some characteristic conniving, manages to pin Drake, and by virtue take possession of 25% control of the IWC. Yet again the footage cuts back to Karen stood in a hallway and pacing back and forth as she talks about her trials and tribulations.
Karen: Somehow Silas has found a way to hold onto his power….
The video transitions into clips from Awakening where Karen faces off against Mordecai, with the stipulation being that if she wins the match she receives another shot at the Principle Ownership. Desmond Drake stands in Karen’s corner, but in the end of the bout he plays a far more crucial role. Eventually Drake hits Karen with a kendo stick in the ribs, double crossing her and setting her up to suffer defeat at Mordecai’s hands.
Karen: He’s done everything to stick it to me and to keep me down. But what Silas failed to realize, is that I’m one stubborn bitch.
The clips shown on the screen feature Karen hitting her finisher the End Game on a variety of opponents Silas has set up as obstacles in her road. Individuals like Franz, Froderick, so on and so forth. The video goes back to an intense Karen stood in the hall and providing commentary on these highlights.
Karen: Silas has thrown all he’s got at me, and I still keep coming. And now, thanks to Majority Owner Drew Bryant, I finally get a fair crack at my Principle Ownership headed into Upping the Ante. Where there’s going to be no interferences or disqualifications allowed.
The footage at this point shows Silas Mason from two weeks ago as he reacts to the news that he’ll be facing McBride at Upping the Ante with all these added stipulations complicating matters for him. He replies by eating his own Stetson.
Karen: In just two weeks I get what I’ve been after for six months, what I’ve endured one betrayal after another, one set-back after another, one screw-job after another to at long-looooong last take back what’s mine. In two weeks Silas, you and I go at it in a six person tag, and although I might have my trust issues when it comes to my partners, it doesn’t matter. Because after tonight, you, and your teammates, are going to be limping into that match….END GAME. Because right here on Riot it’s not a six person tag, it’s you and me, one on one, no outside interference allowed. Tonight we start the END GAME.
Once again a highlight reel is shown featuring Karen connecting with the spinning neck breaker variant known as the End Game. The following words flash across the screen.
KAREN MCBRIDE VS. SILAS MASON: NEXT!
PRE-RECORDED
A classroom comes into view with rows upon rows of desks lined up one behind the other. Orlando Cruze is revealed, seated behind one such desk and staring at the chalkboard. He continues to take us along on this trip through his personal history.
Orlando: Here we are again fans, this is the very same room where your hero Orlando Cruze turned academia on its head and gave my teachers fits for trying to match my vast intellect. Suffice it to say, they failed and failed miserably. See, unlike guys such as Andre Jordan, I actually attended high-school and I excelled both athletically and academically.
Teacher: Oh my, it can’t be….Orlando?
A little old lady wearing glasses so thick they could double as binoculars shuffles into the classroom. She fixes her spectacles to get a better look at the smiling legend.
Orlando: That’s right, it’s the PHENOM himself.
Exclaims Cruze while leaning back in his chair and throwing his arms out to his sides. Nice to see you again Mrs. Rhodes.
He rises from his seat and approaches the elderly, white haired lady, wrapping an arm around her. Orlando breaks the fourth wall by addressing the camera.
Orlando: This here is my freshman grammar teacher, Mrs. Rhodes.
The enormous hands of the legend engulf the slumped shoulders of the teacher.
Orlando: Mrs. Rhodes, why don’t you tell my audience what a great student I was. How I was a regular teacher’s pet.
Instructs Orlando while sitting down on the corner of his teacher’s desk and grabbing the apple that was intended for her. He takes a bite out of it then prepares to listen to his teacher, for maybe the first time in his life.
Mrs. Rhodes: Well, to be honest, you really weren’t that great a student. You constantly goofed off in class, and there was that test I caught you cheating on. Actually, I think you spent more time in the Principle’s Office than you did in my classro…..
Orlando: Nyet-nyet-nyet…..
Orlando dismissively waves his arms through the air and demands his teacher ‘shut her trap.’
Orlando: I think you’ve GLORIFIED me enough.
Mrs. Rhodes: I was just being hones….
Orlando: Then why don’t you tell my fans HONESTLY how you’re lustful cravings for my adolescent body kept you from giving me the education I deserved.
Mrs. Rhodes: What?
Orlando: Go on, tell them how you use to drool over me right there in the middle of class.
Mrs. Rhodes: I never….
Orlando: Shut it you lustful old wench. You’re lucky I didn’t sue you and this entire school for sexual harassment.
The old lady with the weak heart clutches at her chest and drops her jaw in total shock.
Orlando: Yet in spite of everything I still managed to surpass all expectations and….
Mrs. Rhodes: You had to take my class twice….
Orlando stews in anger.
Orlando: Yeah, only because you wanted to be close to my pecs again, you perv.
Cameras return from the commercial break and capture backstage correspondent Susie Moore still standing outside of Scott Cannon’s dressing room. She twirls a lock of her hair while singing to herself, doing everything in her power to distract herself from the boredom.
Greyson: There you see our colleague Susie Moore STILL anticipating an interview with Scott Cannon.
Sparkles: Everyone waiting to hear rather he’ll accept the challenge made by World Champion Katelyn Buehler to meet her in the center of the ring later toni…..
Frankie: Hey look, the door is opening!
At last it looks like Susie is FINALLY going to get a words with Cannon, but it’s not the Cannon she was hoping to interview. A very disgruntled David Cannon comes storming out into the hall and his brother Michael, who is equally as upset follows. The pair go by so quickly Susie is BARELY able to speak up in time to stop them.
Susie: Michael, David! Can I get a word with you two regarding your attack on Katelyn Buehler at the start of tonight….
David: No comment.
While David goes on walking, Michael lingers behind. He doesn’t even look in Susie’s direction, but he does aim his words at the correspondent.
Michael: Disappointment. That’s MY only comment. Disappointment.
Before Susie can prod Michael any further he takes off.
The transmission has now taken the viewers into the dressing room of Julia Braddock, who is gearing herself up for the big triple threat match she’s scheduled to compete in here this evening. As she puts the final touches on her ring gear she finds herself surrounded by her normal company. Henry Van Stanton, the man who has taken on the mantle of operating as Julia’s agent, stands beside her trainer/uncle, Glenn Braddock.
Glenn: So what did Victoria have to say?
Julia: The usual rigmarole. Revenge this-revenge that. Severed heads on pikes. You know, that old spiel.
Glenn: Ah yes, the severed heads speech. I’ve given that a few times in the past. But if anyone deserves to have their heads on chopping blocks, it’s New Eden.
Julia: Exactly what Victoria said, which I can’t argue with. We can’t let what they did to you four weeks ago go unpunished.
Glenn: Of course not. But we don’t need Victoria’s help. You’re a Braddock dammit, and that means we’re made of different stuff. I want you to show Victoria, and Selena Frost that in tonight’s match.
Julia: Glad……
Infinity: Hello Julia.
The Braddocks find their personal space invaded by Infinity, former agent to Flash Silver, who over recent weeks has seemingly set her sights on acquiring the unique skillset of Julia.
Julia: (Mumbles under breathe) Oooooh great…(Speaking at normal tone) HEY there…..Infinity, right?
Infinity: Glad to see we’re now on a first name basis.
Julia: Yeeeeaaaah.
Glenn: What are you doing in here?
The always angry Glenn gets right up into Infinity’s face, protesting vehemently.
Glenn: Julia’s getting ready for her match, we don’t allow gawkers to….
Julia: Relax Uncle, I’m okay with this.
Julia steps away from her locker and in between her uncle and the smiling Infinity.
Julia: I’ve been meaning to talk to you, Infinity.
Infinity: Great. I was hoping we’d finally have the chance to chat tonight.
Julia: I’ve noticed ever since you ditched Flash Silver as your client you’ve been shadowing me around. Can I presume that you’re looking to sign me?
Infinity: Weeeelll….
Henry: Pardon me.
Henry Van Stanton steps out from behind Glenn and Julia, putting away the phone that seems glued to his ear.
Henry: Infinity, love, I’m afraid Julia already has an agent, one who is looking out for her best interests as opposed to expanding their brand.
Julia: Henry’s right. I’m flattered Infinity, really I am, but I’m going to have to say ‘no.’
Infinity: Maybe if you heard my pitch you would rec….
Julia: Fraid not. Thank you, but I’m firm on this.
Julia departs her dressing room, leading both Henry and Glenn into the hall. Although she was just told in no uncertain terms that she was barking up the wrong tree, Infinity still wears a smile. After a sigh she removes a phone from her pocket and elevates it to her ear.
Infinity: Sir, she said ‘no.’
A moment is taken to listen to the voice on the other end of the phone.
Infinity: If you still want her, it looks like we’ll have to intensify our efforts.
KAREN MCBRIDE VS. SILAS MASON
Riot returns to live action with the cameras panning over the very excited fans. Eventually focus shifts to the three person commentary trio set up behind the announce table.
Sparkles: We’ve reached a moment we’ve been anticipating all night long.
Greyson: Not just tonight, but for the past six months.
Frankie: I can’t tell you how sick I am at the thought of what we’re about to see.
Greyson: At Upping the Ante, our next pay-per-view, Silas Mason will team up with Marcus Briggs and Randal Williams to take on Karen, Melanie and Blaire McBride in six person tag team action. If Karen’s team wins, she’ll depose Silas as Principle Owner and take her back her 25% control of the IWC.
Frankie: I’m not too worried about that match at the pay-per-view, cause Karen can’t trust Blaire, we know that much already. What I’m worried about is here tonight, cause Karen goes one on one with Silas coming up next. And that match is just totally unfair. I mean, there’s not even outside interference allowed.
Greyson: Silas has this coming, he’s…..hold up….
There is a suspicious tone in the voices of the fans at the sight of Blaire McBride making her way down the ramp wearing a striped referee jersey. She descends down the ramp with her head somberly hung.
Greyson: What’s bringing Blaire McBride towards the ring? In a referee jersey no less?
Sparkles: Is-is-is she going to be the Special Guest Referee in this match between her sister Karen and Silas Mason?
Frankie: Oh how I love it when the plot thickens. Karen hates Blaire probably even more than she hates Silas.
Greyson: Maybe Blaire is out here to redeem herself in Karen’s eyes.
Frankie: Hahahahaha yeeeaaah right.
A sullen Blaire enters the squared circle looking like she’d rather be anywhere but in a ring. She steps with her back to the turnbuckle, draping her arms over the ropes and looking nervously to the stage. Just then tracks of Silas Mason’s entrance music, ‘Hail to the King’ by Avenged Sevenfold play over the speakers. At this point Silas moves to the stage wearing a sleeveless black shirt, a pair of black jeans, leather gloves, sunglasses and of course, his trademark Stetson. Silas is as close as he’ll ever get to looking ready for competition.
Greyson: I’m getting more and more concerned here.
Frankie: I knew you’d eventually starts to sympathize with Silas.
Greyson: I’m not sympathizing with that son of a bitch. I’m concerned because Silas is coming out here wearing maybe the slickest grin I’ve ever seen on his face.
Sparkles: Yeah, he’s looking as slick as an oil spill.
Silas proceeds along towards the squared circle amidst so many shrill and inconsiderate cries from the crowd. He pays them no mind, focused entirely on the special referee tasked with officiating this match. Blaire hangs her head in hoe-hum fashion, really rebelling against the idea of wearing the striped shirt here tonight. Once in the ring Silas occupies a diagonal corner, looking across at Blaire then winking in her direction. Just then ‘American Dreamgirl’ starts to play over the loud speakers to the resoundingly positive response. To the stage strolls Karen McBride, her physical presence eliciting goosebumps from the excited crowd.
Greyson: Look at Karen McBride, she’s been waiting for this for soooooo long.
Sparkles: Six months Lovejoy, six months she’s anticipated hitting the End Game on Silas Mason.
Frankie: The deck is so unfairly stacked against Silas it’s not even funny. There’s no interference allowed tonight, Blaire McBride is the special guest referee and Karen McBride is out to test how much iron he has in his blood. This is ridiculous.
Greyson: It’s a fitting punishment is what it is. And at Upping the Ante, it’s going to be even worse for Silas. He might have Marcus Briggs and Randal Williams as his teammates, but again, there will be no interference in the six person tag for control of the Principle Ownership. He’ll be taking on the united crew of the McBride siblings.
Frankie: United? Have you not seen the issues between Blaire and Karen over the past few months? Including when Blaire abandoned Karen last week and forced her to face Marcus and Randal on her own?
Karen reaches the base of the ramp, takes a deep breath and then dashes straight for the squared circle. She slides in and wastes absolutely no time going after Silas, who does the smartest thing he’s ever done by ditching the ring. He rolls out and pretends he did so not to avoid the wrath of McBride, but to do a little shadow boxing.
Frankie: Silas warming up a bit….
Greyson: Bullshit, he’s running from Karen.
Frankie: The only time Silas has ever run is when he heard there was a half off cover charge at the local strip club.
Greyson: Silas always talks about how tough he is, well show it dammit.
Karen tries to go straight after Silas but Blaire steps in her way. The second Karen recognizes the fact that her sister is operating as special referee she acts taken aback. Karen puts a little distance between herself and Blaire, overlooking the striped jersey that clings to Blaire’s body.
Karen: What is this?
Blaire: Karen, you don’t under…..
Before Blaire can even finish her sentence she watches her sibling dragged down to the canvas into the school boy. Silas rolls Karen up and holds onto the tights for added leverage.
Greyson: Silas sneaking into the back door.
Frankie: And he has hold of Karen’s back door!
A conflicted Blaire looks down at Karen’s shoulder’s pinned to the canvas yet is reluctant to make the count. Silas breaks his school boy pin attempt and then steps up so close to Blaire that he literally has her back peddling.
Silas: What’s wrong with ya? Can’t ya McBride gurls get anything righ’? I pin and you count…..FAST!
From one McBride to the other turns Silas, before he finds his body twisting inside out thanks to a clothesline. Karen dashes in and hits a lariat with such force to Silas’ throat that it threatens to shatter his windpipe. Silas goes down like a sack of potatoes and then rolls towards the ropes, spilling under to the outside of the ring.
Frankie: Silas must need to do some more stretching
Greyson: He’s running you idiot!
Sparkles: Don’t you call Frankie an idiot you dumbhead.
Back inside of the ring it’s no longer Silas being threatened but Blaire. An angered Karen airs her suspicions as she steps up right into Blaire’s face and embeds a finger into her chest.
Karen: What was he talking about? (Points to Silas) And why are YOU even out here?
Once again Karen is so preoccupied with her sister that she doesn’t see Silas extracting a steel chair out from under the squared circle. He returns to the ring and gets a running start behind a chair shot aimed at Karen’s kidneys.
Greyson: WATCH OUT KAREN!
This warning is echoed by Blaire, who shouts for Karen to duck. Although Karen might not trust Blaire with every fiber of her being she does duck and duck quick. The chair intended to smash Karen in the back goes flying over her, completely missing its mark. The missed blow has caused Silas to go spinning totally around back to face Karen and the fist that lands right across his jaw. With one hard jab Karen has felled Silas to the ground and sent the chair flying from his clutches.
Greyson: AT LAST! Karen at last getting her hands on Silas.
Sparkles: What a punch!
Frankie: Have I said how unfair this is yet?
Greyson: About a hundred times in a five minute span, Frankie.
The devastating punch has leveled Silas, who feebly covers his head in an attempt to block any more from connecting. He fails, miserably. Karen climbs on top of Silas and just starts wailing on him, her knuckles crushing Silas’ face. Special Referee Blaire stands behind her sister BEGGING Karen to stop. All of these requests are ignored, Karen only hearing the sound of her fists cracking the bones in Silas’ face. Finally Karen does overhear something else, the sound of the bell ringing in the background.
Sparkles: Blaire calling for the bell?
Greyson: What’s this about?
Blaire doesn’t just call for the bell but now summons the ring announcer to come closer to the ropes she’s leaning through. He steps up beneath her as Blaire voices her decree.
Sparkles: Let’s get some confirmation on what’s going down here.
The announcer steps back to reveal Blaire’s decision.
Thomas: Lady and gentlefolk, as a result of a disqualification, you’re winner….SILAS MASON!!
Oh how angry the crowd gets. The fans react like they just heard there was going to be a Pink Panther sequel. Literally everyone crowds the barricades and cry out in protest to this decision. However, none of them are quite as upset as Karen. She stops unloading with rights on Silas’ face in order to step up into Blaire’s mug and unload with screams.
Karen: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?! WHYYYY!!!???!!
Blaire isn’t even given an opportunity to explain. Every time she tries to speak she finds her explanations drowned out by the boos of the crowd and the furious screams of Karen. As of all of this is going down Silas rolls from the ring, exiting as discreetly as possible. He drops to ringside and then staggers along up the ramp still reeling from the numerous punches he withstood upside his skull.
Greyson: Am I hearing this right? Did Blaire McBride just disqualify Karen McBride? Her own sister? For what!?!
Frankie: Study your rule book, Lovejoy. See, look at mine, it says right here between the pictures of boobs and dicks that I’ve drawn, that you cannot use closed fists in matches.
Greyson: That is the most bullshit excuse for a disqualification I’ve ever heard.
Frankie: Thank you Blaire, thank you for obeying the sanctity of the rule book.
Greyson: You drew naked pictures in it dammit.
Karen continues to levee all of her outrage in the face of the special guest referee, who is STILL doing her best to explain why she HAD to do what she HAD to do.
Blaire: Karen PLEASE. Trust me, I did what was best….
The moment the word ‘trust’ comes out of Blaire’s mouth she receives a kick to the abs. A stunned Blaire is taken around the neck and snapped over into the End Game.
Greyson: KAREN! NOOO!!
Sparkles: She just-she just-she just HIT HER OWN SISTER!
Frankie: With the End Game!
A seething Karen sits on the canvas beside her sister Blaire, who has curled into the fetal position and grips painfully at her neck. It seems that something inside of Karen’s head has been broken like a pencil in the hands of Arnold Schwarzenegger. She just sits there trembling in rage, failing to even recognize the fact that she injured her own sister.
Greyson: Is Karen even aware that she just gave Blaire the End Game?
Frankie: Yeah, these two are really going to make good partners at Upping the Ante.
Sparkles: Sparkles thinks that’s Silas’ M.O, divide and conquer.
Greyson: It’s a tactic that seems to be working. There’s no way Karen and Blaire are going to be able to work cohesively in the six person tag at the pay-per-view against Silas and his thugs.
It isn’t until the maniacal laughter of Silas Mason reaches Karen’s ears that she breaks free from her shackles of rage. She looks to the ramp where Silas is seated, holding his jaw but still laughing as loud as he possibly can.
Greyson: Karen gets disqualified tonight, but she has one more shot at Silas at Upping the Ante.
Frankie: She’ll have to put her trust in Blaire and Melanie McBride though if she wants her revenge on Silas and her Principle Ownership back.
Sparkles: And tonight has proven that she cannot trust Blaire.
A headache….one MASSSIVE headache.
That’s what the lawyer representing the IWC is feeling at the moment. His head is about to explode as he deals with the truly insufferable duo known as Wicked Intent. The IWC Tag Team Champions are seated in the office of Pierre LaPue and are presently giving him such fits he’d rather have his head dunked in a tank full of flesh eating piranhas than deal with these two.
Kat: As you can see from this list of complaints (slides sheet of paper across the desk to Pierre) we have sufficient cause to sue the IWC.
Lexy: Our civil liberties have been spat on over and over again!
Kat pulls back her hair and places a pair of glasses over her eyes, because nothing says sophistication like glasses.
Kat: Look at the length of this list (lifts up the corner of the paper) and look at how extreme some of these violations are….
Pierre: Are you aware that your glasses have no lenses?
Kat: I OBJECT!
Screeches Kat while slamming the side of her fist onto the desk.
Pierre: Uhhh, this isn’t a trial. We’re just going over your list of compla….
Lexy: Side bar your honor.
Pierre stares at Lexy with a look of unabashed confusion.
Pierre: Uhhhh, okay?
Lexy: Now we’ve put up with a number of offenses committed against us since our debut in the IWC. Like being forced into defending the Tag Team Titles on a near bi-weekly basis.
Pierre: But you’re the champions…..
Kat: HE’S BADGERING THE WITNESS, YOUR HONOR!!
Lexy: Furthermore, I specially asked for Yoohoo to be provided in our dressing room and instead we got Nesquick….FUCKING NESQUICK!
Kat: And the worse offense yet, is the fact that you would suspend me for merely proposing an unconventional skit to air here tonight on Riot.
Pierre: You also superkicked a member of the production crew….
Lexy: Objection! Facts not in evidence.
Pierre: Again, this isn’t a trial.
Kat: Sustained.
Pierre: You’re not even the judge…..
Pierre throws his hands up into the air before pulling one of them towards his eyes, rubbing at the lids in frustration.
Pierre: What is it you two want exactly?
Lexy: For starters, you can lift Kat’s suspension.
Kat: And you can let me air the skit I proposed.
Pierre: Fine….FINE! But can we take SOME of the Nazis out?
Kat: Absolutely not!
Alistair: Let’s see…you’ve still got eight toes, and I haven’t even started on the fingers yet.
States Alistair Taylor as he pats a hammer against a palm covered by a surgical glove. The camera is facing him while obstructing from view the person that he talks to on the other side of the dressing room.
Alistair: Just stop holding out. I mean, are they really worth going through all of this?
Finally the cameras turns to bring into view the man that Alistair has been talking to this entire time, a man bound to a chair. Blood dribbles down from the multiple gashes in the face of the very same crew-member who was responsible for giving Alistair a tainted bottle of champagne on the last edition of Riot.
Alistair: Give me a name. Who put you up to drugging my champagne?
The Stagehand is just too weak to even provide an answer. He raises his head and tries to speak but it hurts him too much given all the internal and external injuries that Alistair has inflicted on him
Alistair: You didn’t think I’d figure it out? That I wouldn’t know it was that champagne you handed me that got me sick and cost me the Evolution Championship? Do you take me for an idiot?
The hammer in his hand is placed under the blood saturated crew-member’s chin and used to lift back his head.
Alistair: Tell me who was responsible and I’ll put you out of your misery.
The man with multiple crushed toes and just as many crushed fingers at last summons the little strength he has left to whisper his answer.
Crew-Member: Selena…..Selena Frost.
He groans before his chin falls back to his chest and he fades into total unconsciousness. Alistair rears back from the crew member and throws aside the hammer that had been employed to torture his victim.
Alistair: Thanks for confirming it for me mate.
He approaches the door and grabs the knob before hearing another feint whisper.
Crew-Member: You promised….
Clearly the brutalized and bound man is eluding to the fact that Alistair vowed to end his suffrage.
Alistair: Oh, I’m sorry, the thought of hurting you any further just makes me SICK TO MY STOMACH.
The dressing room is exited and the man responsible for giving Alistair spiked alcohol one show earlier is left to sit in suffrage.
Riot transitions to the dressing room of Selena Frost, who is presently seated in a chair while the object of her affections Deanna Springs stands behind her. She has hands wrapped around Selena’s shoulders, massaging them, working out the kinks so that Frost is limbered up for the competition slated to come next.
Sparkles: Selena Frost getting those muscles warmed up for competition.
Frankie: How come I never have a chick out here massaging me?
Greyson: We tried to get you one before Frankie but you always want one muscle in particular massaged.
Frankie: That’s my God given right.
Greyson: Coming up after the break Selena Frost to compete in a triple threat match as she collides with Victoria Salinas and Julia Braddock, and apparently this contest is going to have some huge implications.
Deanna stops using her hands to massage Selena and now uses her arms to give her a hug. She stoops down behind Selena and wraps an arm lovingly around her neck. Selena reaches back over her shoulder and rubs the top of Deanna’s head.
We get one more transition to the hallway that Desmond Drake is currently traversing. He makes his way down the hall with his puffy red eyes wearily looking around and his hands squeezing the black sack that he has been entrusted with protecting.
Greyson: And there’s Desmond Drake. We’re still scheduled to hear from the Principle Owner’s assistant coming up next as well.
Frankie: You have to wonder what Silas has asked him to announce.
Sparkles: What’s he got in that bag, and what effect is it going to have on this upcoming triple threat match?
Greyson: We’ll have the answers to all of that coming up following this commercial break.
Upon returning from commercial break cameras have settled on the pouting mug of Flash Silver. Instead of lobbing his complaints at Desmond Drake, as seen earlier tonight, now he’s bitching to the tag team known as the Hair-Doodes. At the moment Franz and Froderick are stood behind Flash as he sits in a chair facing a counter mounted mirror. Franz employs the mirror to help him comb and style Flash’s bangs. All the while Froderick is stooped at Flash’s side, manicuring his nails.
Flash: Guys listen, I don’t want a make over….
Franz: Hush, you need one.
Froderick: When is the last time you cleaned beneath these nails? It’s like a sewer under here.
Flash: To be honest, I haven’t been all that concerned with my personal appearance. The only thing on my mind right now is Julia Braddock. That bitch used her feminine mind control abilities to steal my agent away from me. But you guys, you can help me get my manager back.
Froderick: How?
Flash: By working with me to make Julia as hideous as the Elephant Man.
It looks like things for Andre Jordan have just gone from bad to worse. For weeks he’s been suffering some rib injuries stemming from the Embrace the Dark he received from Mordecai several weeks ago and tonight it appears as if those nagging issues have been re-aggravated. He sits backstage on a cot nursing his ribs by running his hands over them and grimacing in pain. Stood off to his side we can see correspondent Mark Comeau with microphone in hand.
Comeau: Andre, first and foremost I want to commend you on a terrific performance against Mordecai….
Andre: (Cynically) Yeah….I’ll give myself an ‘A’ for effort.
Comeau: Well it seems there’s no rest for the weary. Earlier on tonight we learned that in two weeks you’ll be facing off against Mika Kozlov in the Semi-Finals of the World Title #1 Contender Tournament. Given recent events between yourself and Mika, what are your thoughts on colliding with her…..?
Andre: Mark-Mark-Mark, you’re concentrating on the wrong thing here. Yes I’m facing Mika, but that isn’t my focus nor should it be YOUR focus. What’s important here, is that this match moves me one step closer to becoming number one contender to the World Title. Do you know how long I’ve strived for this opportunity? What I’ve endured over the past two years to get here, to get THIS close? I’m not about to throw it all away by letting my opponent get into my head.
Comeau: Hasn’t Mika ALREADY gotten into your head though? She obviously thinks the two of you are in some sort of ‘relationship,’ even going as far as to give you the pet-name, Chocolate Pud…..
Andre: Don’t even….
Comeau: Okay, fine, just saying, given Mika’s ability to mix her allure with her insanity, are you positive you can look past her distractions and put your concentration on your match against each other at….
Stagehand: Excuse me, Mr. Jordan?
A perturbed Andre looks towards the stagehand who has just entered the scene holding a giant tub container.
Andre: Yeah?
Stagehand: I got a gift here that Mrs. Mika Kozlov wanted me to deliver to you.
The words ‘Mika Kozlov’ have already prompted Andre to bury his face in his hand.
Andre: What is it?
He asks out of sheer morbid curiosity.
Stagehand: It’s a 5 pound container of chocolate pudding.
The huge vat of pudding is handed over to Dre, who reluctantly takes it. He holds it for only a moment before he lets out a growl and tosses the container straight into the wall behind him. Chocolate splashes everywhere…..EVERYWHERE!
When the show returns to the squared circle the sawed off Desmond Drake comes into view. The assistant to Principle Owner Silas Mason is planted in the center of the ring, black sack hanging from one hand, microphone griped in the other. The tunes of his entrance music, ‘Porn-Star Dancing’ are cutting out in background just in time for us to hear from him.
Desmond: Ladies and gentlemen, I am here on orders from the brilliant Silas Mason, to make a very special announcement.
The commentators get in a word before Drake finishes his comment.
Greyson: As if we haven’t seen enough of Silas Mason and his stooges throughout the night.
Frankie: Suck it Lovejoy, you should be damn thrilled we’re getting even more from Silas’ administration. I was worried we wouldn’t get to hear anymore from them after Silas’ big win a few moments ago.
Greyson: The less you mention that the better.
Frankie: Oh I’m going to be talking about it the rest of tonight, all over social media, and especially at Upping the Ante.
Sparkles: Guys, Desmond has an announcement to make, let’s hear it.
Drake continues to speak in spite of the criticism the miniature Lothario receives from the fans.
Desmond: Ever since the IWC split into two opposing brands, Uprising and Riot, we’ve tried our best to keep both shows completely self contained, with the exception being defenses of the Queen of the Ring Championship and the Tag Team Championships. However, I am her to announce that after Upping the Ante, those belts will no longer be defended across both brands. From this point on, the Queen of the Ring Title will remain exclusive to Uprising, and whoever wins the interpromotional match for the Tag Team Titles in two weeks between Wicked Intent and the Sinistry, will take the belts home to THEIR brand.
Greyson: That’s a big announcement from a small man.
Frankie: So after Upping the Ante, no more championships will be defended across both brands?
Sparkles: That’s the long and short of it.
Desmond drones on.
Desmond: So now you’re asking yourself, how does a man so small still have a ten inch cock? Well the answer to that is simple, it’s because…..
Suddenly the lyrics of Selena Frost’s theme music blares through the PA system and cuts Desmond off in the middle of his ego driven diatribe. His eyes cut vindictively to the stage where Selena Frost has just emerged with Deanna Springs walking right out behind her.
Greyson: Selena Frost on her way to the squared circle and she is not looking one bit happy at this point.
Sparkles: Who can blame her, she lost the Queen of the Ring Title to Uprising’s Eve back at the Revolution pay-per-view. And now, because the belts are no longer defended across multiple brands, she will not get a rematch at the strap.
Frankie: That’s got to stick in her crawl.
Evidently it does, given the force of the steps taken to the ring and the display of disappointment in her tone once taking a microphone.
Selena: So I can presume that I’m not alone in the thought that this is without a doubt the most ignorant, egomaniacal decision that your boss has ever made, Desmond.
Drake doesn’t take kindly to the insult levied against his Principle Owner.
Selena: Just because Silas can’t play well with others now I’m out of a rematch for the Queen of the Ring Championship? The believers can’t get behind this, and neither can I.
The fans, who are so behind Selena, continue to support her tonight, especially after this injustice committed against her.
Selena: The fans, they want to see me get my rematch for the title, and you denying them that opportunity is just….
Desmond: Yeah-yeah-yeah whatever-whatever-whatever.
Ignorantly interrupts Desmond.
Desmond: These fans can kiss the chubby white cheeks of my ass for all I care. They don’t call the shots, you don’t call the shots, SILAS calls the shots, and if he doesn’t want to share titles with the Uprising brand, that’s his prerogative. Get behind it, or get the hell off the Riot brand missy.
Selena raises a hand to her lips to hide her stunned smile while Deanna vocally protests her outrage.
Desmond: Now as for you’re belly aching about the Queen of the Ring Title, it just so happens we’ve already come up with a solution. Here in this sack (holds up the bag he brought out with him) is THAT solution.
A belt is extracted and lifted out to Desmond’s side.
Desmond: Right here is the brand spanking new QUEEN OF WRESTLING championship. A belt that will be defended exclusively here on the Riot brand.
Greyson: Another HUGE announcement.
Desmond: And you, Selena, may very well win your way into a chance to vie for this title. The winner of the triple threat match you’re scheduled to compete in tonight will move on to partake in a Queen of Wrestling title match on a Riot in the months ahead.
The Queen of Wrestling Title is flung over Desmond’s shoulder.
Desmond: But you know what Selena, after your little temper-tantrum, I’m thinking you need to do something a little more to earn your way into a potential shot at this belt.
Selena crosses her arms, grins slightly and gives Desmond that ‘I’m listening’ look.
Desmond: So here’s what I have in mind. You get that little philly over there (points to Deanna) to come on over here and suck my dick, and MAYBE I’ll keep you in contention for the Queen of Wrestling Championship.
Greyson: Oh God, tell me Desmond didn’t just say that?
Frankie: Hahahahaha, suck it Deanna, just take it out and suck it!
Sparkles: Who would want to see that?
Desmond does, hence why he’s already taken a bow legged stance.
Desmond: Come on Deanna, drop to your knees, or I guess you’d have to get down on all fours, open your mouth and…..
Deanna is about to shut Drake up but Selena holds her back.
Selena: I got a better idea Desmond. Why don’t you let ME show you the time of your life?
The thought makes Desmond all the more excited.
Desmond: Alright, that’s fine…bring your sexy ass on over and….
Selena drops to her knees in front of Desmond but not with the intent of sucking anything. Instead she launches a forearm straight up into Drake’s testicular region.
Greyson: There we go!
Just as Drake’s eyes widen he finds his head ensnared in Selena’s clutches. She continues to kneel even as she lifts Drake into the Ice Breaker DDT.
Greyson: HAHAHAHAHA! Yes! Yes!!
Frankie: Da fuck!?!
Sparkles: Selena giving Desmond that Ice Breaker!
Greyson: Hopefully that will bring an end to his disgusting sexual overtures.
An unconscious Drake rolls to the ropes then spills under them to the outside of the ring. That’s just as the lyrics of Victoria Salinas’ music begin to blast through the speakers. The crowd gets even louder at the sight of Victoria marching along to the stage and then embarking for the squared circle where she will make her Riot brand debut.
Greyson: It looks like we’re jumping straight into this triple threat match. Victoria Salinas, who has already had a productive night, is now making her Riot brand wrestling debut in a match with some big implications.
Frankie: How can you go on talking about Victoria and totally ignore what happened to Drake?
Greyson: He got precisely what he deserved.
Sparkles: Speaking of people who got what they deserved, Serenity almost got what she had coming to her earlier tonight.
EARLIER TONIGHT
A video package replays which captures the events from earlier in the evening when New Eden’s Serenity used a pipe wrench to bash in the back of her rival Marina Valdivia’s head. She then went as far as to wrap a noose around Marina’s neck and threaten to hang her with it until Victoria Salinas interfered. Victoria dashes to the aid of her friend and sends Serenity scampering off, her disturbing laughs echoing throughout the Manhattan Center.
Cameras return live to the ring as Victoria Salinas prepares to enter it. However, just before she gets into the squared circle she steps onto the back of a crawling barely conscious Desmond Drake. She employs him as a foot stool to help her get to the apron.
Greyson: Hahahaha, Victoria entering the ring in style.
Frankie: The disrespect shown to Desmond just continues.
Sparkles: Earlier on it was Victoria’s friend Marina who was disrespected by New Eden, and if Victoria hadn’t interfered her buddy would have been hung by a noose.
Greyson: The issues between Victoria and New Eden are just steadily escalating, but right now her mind should be centered on performing in the Queen of Wrestling title match. Should she win here tonight she’ll move on to compete in that bout in four weeks’ time.
As Victoria gets in the ring and eyes Selena the tracks of Julia Braddock’s theme start to pipe through the arena loud speakers. The crowd responds with gusto as Julia heads along through the curtains and finds herself flanked by both Henry Van Stanton and Glenn Braddock. Her agent and her trainer waltz right along behind Julia as she slides into the squared circle. Now she stares across the squared circle at either adversary, realizing they stand in the way of getting her hands on title gold. At the moment said title is splayed across the canvas, dropped by Desmond once he was struck with the low blow, and not the low blow he wanted.
Greyson: Julia Braddock has also had her issues with New Eden in recent weeks.
Sparkles: Four weeks ago she was scheduled to face Orlando Cruze in the World Title Number One Contender Tournament, but New Eden attacked Julia’s uncle Glenn backstage and forced her to pull herself from the match.
Frankie: Well she’d be ignorant if she joins the crusade to fight New Eden, and if she lets that grudge weigh on her mind headed into this match.
Greyson: She may not be vying for the World Title, but she could help raise the prestige of the Queen of Wrestling Championship should she win this triple threat and earn her way into the title match.
Julia, Victoria and Selena are all three eying the Queen of Wrestling title belt still sitting in the corner of the ring. Now referee Marcus Mayfield has hold of the belt and is removing it. He is just about to call for the bell to start the match before….
Flash: HOLD ON! HOLD ON! JUST HOOOOOLD ON!
Demands Flash Silver who comes stepping through the curtains wearing a bright blonde wig and sunflower themed dress. Stood behind him are the Hair-Doodes of Franz and Froderick, both men also wearing bushy wigs and fashionable dresses.
Greyson: Somebody tell me I’m not seeing this right now.
Sparkles: Ohhhhh you’re seeing it alright.
Frankie: Are Flash Silver and the Hair-Doodes actually in drag?
Flash explains his unorthodox choice of attire and why his cheeks are drowned in layers upon layers of make-up. Hopefully he’ll also elaborate as to why the Hair-Doodes are carrying a table stretched out between them.
Flash: Listen up fellow wearers of over the shoulder boulder holders….
Frankie: HA!
Flash: This match needed a little more estrogen. That’s why The Hair-Doodettes and Flasherina are here to use the combined strength of our ovaries to show you three what real women are capable of.
Greyson: Please for the love of God tell me I did not just hear that. And did Flash just say his name was Flasherina?
Sparkles: He did. Sparkles thinks that he’s only out here to get his hands on Julia Braddock.
Frankie: I’d get my hands on her two if it wouldn’t result in a paternity hearing.
Greyson: Flash Silver has been upset with Julia ever since she stole his agent Infinity away from him.
Sparkles: She stole Infinity away in FLASH’S mind.
Flash: And Julia….
Down in the ring Braddock points to herself, feigning surprise that she is being singled out.
Flash: You know you have no right to compete in this match, because everyone on the planet can see that bulge in the front of your tights….
Frankie: HA!
Flash: So I’m going to do the world a favor and I’m personally going to eliminate you after I put your flat ass through this table!
Flash points back at the table held by the Hair-Doodes. All three of them now embark for the squared circle amidst jeers from the audience.
Greyson: Is Mayfield actually going to let this happen?
Sparkles: It seems he’s going to allow Flash and the Hair-Doodes to compete in this match, in DRAG.
Greyson: This is without a doubt the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen.
Frankie: Really? This is the Riot brand, I’ve seen a lot crazier.
The table carried by the Hair-Doodes is set up at ringside and now they along with Flash continue towards the ring. But just at this point they find not just Julia, but Selena and Victoria as well, all three diving through the ropes into suicide headbutts. The impacts knock Franz and Froderick back over the table and Flash almost out of his boots.
SELENA VS. VICTORIA VS. JULIA VS. FRANZ VS. FRODERICK VS. FLASHERINA
Greyson: What a white knuckle start to this match!
The crowd is ever so excited at the aerial abilities of all three ladies who have felled their common foes. Julia has already pulled Flash back to his feet and is blasting him across the brow with punches. Meanwhile Victoria is climbing up onto the table at ringside and then leaping off it into a double axehandle smash across Franz’s back. At the same time Selena has Froderick leaning back first against the barricade and is unloading on his chest with chops.
Frankie: Looks like this has turned into nothing more than a six person tag team bout now.
Sparkles: The ladies teaming up to take down Flash and his….I mean…HER crew.
A clapping Deanna watches as Selena throws Froderick into the ring and then follows him inside. He’s just gotten to his knees before Selena’s knee cracks him in the cheek, taking him over onto his back, Outside of the ring Victoria is slamming Franz’s face repeatedly into the table, fracturing some bones and killing numerous braincells with each fatal impact. Julia is now brawling through the crowd with Flash, repeatedly decking him right in the mouth and sending him spiraling past screaming fans.
Inside of the squared circle Selena has Froderick backed into a corner and has climbed up the turnbuckle in front of him. She clinches her fist and then looks out over her Believers, who are cheering her on. She starts to punch Froderick again and again across his brow, severely bludgeoning the skirt wearing hair dresser. Behind her Victoria has rolled into the ring with her hands full of Franz’s locks, dragging him along.
Selena now drops back and monkey flips Froderick out of the corner only for him to land on his feet as opposed to crashing on his back. A smirking Froderick throws his arms out to his sides and begins to rub his agility in the faces of his opponents before he finds his partner’s shoulder crushing his ribs. Victoria takes the liberty of throwing Franz along into a spear directly into the mid-section of Froderick. The impact takes both men down to the ring and leaves either one incapacitated.
Greyson: Froderick paying for his showmanship.
Frankie: That’s show-woman-ship Lovejoy.
Sparkles: Yeah, Froderick just took a spear right in the ovaries.
Back at ringside Julia is dragging Flash around to the table that was set up at the base of the ramp. His face is swung down right into it with enough force to knock the blond wig off the top of his head. Flash spirals away from Julia and seeks refuge in the ring, rolling in and finding no reprieve once inside. His face gets smacked with a basement dropkick by Victoria. The strike sends Flash rolling out of the ring and right towards Julia, who crushes his jaw with a European Uppercut. The shot knocks Flash back and sends him rolling into the squared circle. He gets to his knees just as Victoria hits him with a thrust kick to the cheek. The blow knocks Flash back and sends him rolling out of the ring. He drops down to ringside right in front of Julia who finally levels him with a dropkick straight to his already re-arranged mug.
Greyson: I think Flash is starting to regret his decision to get involved in this match.
Sparkles: He’s getting a straight up mugging.
Back inside of the squared circle Selena has managed to grab both Franz and Froderick by the back of their heads and now rams their faces against one another. Froderick twists along towards Victoria and Franz twists along towards Julia. Both ladies connect with simultaneous hurricaranas. At the same time Selena is dashing through the hurricaranas that are connecting and now she’s flinging herself over the top rope into a senton plancha that has her crashing directly into a recovered Flash.
The crowd gets even more excited than ever at the sight of all this tandem offense that just continues to wear Flash, Franz and Froderick down. Victoria seems to be enjoying herself as she throws Franz out of the ring and then sets her sights on Froderick. She starts to pull Froderick up only to have him counter into a jaw breaker. The blow sends Victoria staggering back towards the ropes that Franz is reaching under. He grabs Victoria by the ankle and drags her feet out from under then uses his grip to pull her to the outside of the ring. When Victoria comes down onto her feet she finds herself caught across the chest and hurled back first into the barricade.
Greyson: Finally some offense by the Hair-Doodes.
Frankie: And from Flash.
Selena was just now climbing up onto the apron to return to the ring before Flash catches her by the legs and pulls them out from under her. As a result Selena comes plummeting down face first into the apron, her head smacking viciously off of it. She collapses to the ground right beside Flash, who instantly drops to his knees and starts to lay into her with punches.
He has no idea that Julia is climbing out of the ring to come after him. Or at least she was going to before Franz dove into the back of Julia’s knee, cutting it out from under her. Julia collapses back into the ring where her body is stomped and stomped viciously so by Franz and his partner Froderick. The Hair-Doodes then lead her back to her feet and Franz shows some strength by gorilla pressing her down ribs first right onto the raised knee of Froderick.
An agitated Julia rolls around grabbing at her mid-section while her uncle and her agent shout from ringside, trying to motivate her. Franz steps directly onto Julia’s gut then walks head first into a front chancery by Froderick, who lifts his partner into a reverse suplex that drops him straight on top of their opponent. Franz rolls out of the way just as Froderick leaps into an elbow drop that slams the point of his elbow straight into Julia’s heart.
Greyson: The tide of this match has definitely taken a turn for the worse if your Victoria, Selena or Julia.
Sparkles: Wearing dresses has brought out a far more aggressive side of their opponents.
A hurting Flash pulls Selena up from the ground and takes hold of her wrist, whipping her towards the steel steps. But Selena ducks down on account of the body that goes flying right over her. Victoria has dashed to the opposite side of the steps and leaps onto them before lunging off, leap frogging Selena and then crashing into Flash with a knee right into his chest. Flash is sent flying back and cracking spine first into the barricade.
Inside of the ring Franz and Froderick have hold of Julia’s wrists and are powering her backwards into the ropes. They launch her off into the far ropes and she ricochets from them, coming back in at her opponents who catch her with a stereo hip toss. However, in mid-air Julia twists her body around and lands on Froderick’s shoulders. She then snaps back into a hurricarana that flings the top of Froderick’s head straight into Franz’s crotch.
Greyson: Julia starting to overcome this number’s obstacle!
Froderick doubles over and grips at his genitals while Julia steps to one of his sides and Victoria steps to the other. The two hook both of Froderick’s arms and then double hip toss him so that he comes down back first across a crawling Franz’s spine. Both men crash to the canvas and groan in total agony. They are about to be in a lot more pain when Julia and Victoria close in to take advantage of the injuries they’ve inflicted. But just then Flash runs in behind Victoria and takes her down with a clubbing blow over the back. His sights then set on Julia, his number one target. Flash dashes back into the ropes, ricochets from them and then leaps into a spear at his rival. However, in mid-air Flash is caught around the neck and around the waist. Julia counters into the Guillotine. Her patented submission is locked in and Flash is desperately trying to escape it.
Greyson: Guillotine locked in! Guillotine locked on Flash!
The fans are frothing at the thought of seeing Flash tap out but Franz isn’t about to let that happen. He charges in to break the hold only to catch a glimpse of Victoria hustling towards him. So Franz catches her with a tilt a whirl only to realize that he’s being lured right into the Vainglorious Victory. Victoria traps Franz in a leg scissors and arm bar combination, forcing the Hair-Doode down to his knees.
Sparkles: Now Victoria’s got the Vainglorious Victory applied on Franz!
Frankie: Froderick better get off his ass do something.
Which is exactly what Froderick IS doing. He dashes across the ring to break up the hold only to run afoul of Selena Frost. He throws a lariat at her that is countered into a flip over then into the Frost Bite. Selena’s now got Froderick trapped in the cross arm breaker.
The entire arena rather vocally airs their delight at the sight of Flash, Franz and Froderick locked in three separate submissions, but ultimately it’s Franz who is the first to tap out. Flash and Froderick submit as well, but a mere second after Franz’s hand slaps the side of Victoria’s thigh.
Greyson: Franz, Flash and Froderick submitting to the Guillotine, the Vainglorious Victory and the Frost Bite respectfully.
Sparkles: So much for any of these men-woman making it to the Queen of Wrestling Title match.
Greyson: Or Flash getting one up on Julia.
Frankie: But it was Franz who tapped out to Victoria first, meaning she’s just advanced to a Queen of Wrestling Title match in the near future.
Shortly after earning their respective submissions, Selena, Julia and Victoria release their victims. All three stand over their fallen foes but Victoria is the only one who has her arm raised aloft by the referee. Deanna Springs is stood on the apron at this point, protesting this decision, citing that Selena earned a submission as well. Henry Van Stanton and Glenn Braddock are just as vocal in their disagreement with the referee’s indicating that Julia made Flash submit as well. In response to this ‘controversy,’ Victoria grabs a microphone from the ringside announcer.
Greyson: A tremendous victory for Victoria Salinas here in her Riot brand debut. And it looks like she’s got something to say
Frankie: (Sarcastically) Wonderful.
Victoria approaches the middle of the ring where Julia has dropped to her knees, still feeling the effects of this very physical match. Selena is leaning against the corner and consulting with Deanna who stands on the opposite side of the ropes.
Victoria: Yeah-yeah-yeah, the two of you got your opponents to tap out, good for you, but the fact of the matter is Franz submitted first.
This fact doesn’t sit well with either Julia OR Selena.
Victoria: But…seeing as you did earn submissions as well, I guess….*sigh*…I guess I’m going to do something uncharacteristically noble. I say we all THREE should move onto the Queen of Wrestling Title match.
Frankie: Awww, it’s just like in grade school sports, everyone gets a trophy so no one’s feelings are hurt.
The crowd applauds this decision.
Victoria: But selfishly, I’m hoping my NOBILITY resonates with YOU…Julia. I hope it shows you that I CAN be trusted.
Braddock looks up from her knees and into the face of Victoria, appearing vexed to say the least.
Victoria: This match just proved exactly what I was trying to tell you earlier tonight, you and I just showed that we can make a pretty formidable team.
It appears that Julia can’t argue with that.
Victoria: So regardless of what you think of me, and I might think of you, we agree on at least one thing. The IWC can no longer endure the threat of New Eden. So I’m asking you Julia….
Victoria drops to her knees in front of the already knelt Julia and puts a hand on her shoulder.
Victoria:….help me. Team with me in two weeks at Awakening against New Eden. Help me face Cindy Todd and Serenity. I know, you and I, can get the job done.
It takes a lot for Victoria to do it, to risk the humiliation of being turned down, but she nevertheless outstretches her hand looking for a shake. She hopes, she prays this doesn’t end with her hand remaining dangled out in front of her with no reciprocation from Julia. After a glance over her shoulder in the direction of Glenn and Henry at ringside, paying particular attention to the scar on her uncle’s forehead, Julia makes a faithful decision. She slaps a palm into Victoria’s hand, shaking it to seal this deal.
Greyson: Oooooh wow, Victoria making a big challenge here and Julia is on board with it.
Frankie: Biiiiiig mistake Julia, biiiig mistake.
Sparkles: So it’s going to be Julia Braddock and Victoria Salinas versus Serenity and Cindy Todd at Upping the Ante? That’s going to be iiiiinnnnTENSE.
Greyson: Another blockbuster match added to what is already a loaded lineup for the pay-per-view.
Julia and Victoria continue to shake hands and help one another to their feet. From the corner of the ring Selena watches all of this go down and actually smiles, liking the sounds of this match slated to go down at Upping the Ante. Deanna stands on the apron behind her, still offering some words to Selena before suddenly going silent. From out of nowhere a set of hands reach up from ringside and take Deanna by the hips. Her eyes widen as she’s dragged off the apron and powerbombed right through the wooden table that Flash Silver brought to ringside. All the hate in the world is directed straight at Alistair Taylor, who stands trembling in rage over the broken body of the lady he just sent crashing through the table.
Greyson: NOOOO!
Sparkles: OH SPARKLES’ GOD!!
Frankie: DEANNA! Deanna Springs just powerbombed right through a fucking table!
Greyson: By that son of a bitch, that damned bastard Alistair Taylor!!
The whole arena joins together in bashing Alistair as he continues to stand over Deanna and the fragments of the table beneath her. Selena spins around once hearing the sound of the table explode but not in time to prevent Deanna going through it. Her eyes cloud with rage at the sight of Alistair backing up the ramp and backing away from the woman he just destroyed.
Greyson: Why did you do this Alistair? What could possess a man to powerbomb an innocent woman through a damned table?
Frankie: Guilt by association Lovejoy, guilt by association.
Selena frantically exits the ring and goes to pursue Alistair but stops when looking down at Deanna. She can’t bring herself to go after Alistair when seeing the love of her life in the condition she’s presently in. Selena stoops down and lightly caresses Deanna’s face with her hands, not wanting to move her as to risk further injury. Up on the stage we can see Alistair looking back over his shoulder at Selena and Deanna with a smirk on only half of his face.
Greyson: You cold hearted son of a bitch!
Frankie: He’s making Monarchy proud.
Selena calls out for help and before long EMTS are racing right past Alistair and down the ramp to lend it.
Cameras cut to the backstage area where the IWC Tag Team Champions Kat Kelly and Lexy Chapel are headed down a hallway followed by a number of individuals covered in sheets. The Riot theme song starts to play in the background as well as the voices of the commentators.
Frankie: Speaking of making Monarchy proud. It’s time for Kat Kelly and Lexy Chapel to present the skit that has social media buzzing.
Sparkles: The very same skit that resulted in Kat Kelly getting suspended from in ring action here tonight.
Greyson: Apparently they did some legal wheeling and dealing to make sure that Kat’s suspension was overturned and that the skit will air ton…..you know what guys, I’m sorry, I still can’t get over what Alistair Taylor did to Deanna Springs out here.
Frankie: Deanna got what she deserved and now Wicked Intent will get what they deserve after the break, because they’re going to air, and I hope I’m reading this correctly, a Frost family reunion.
Sparkles: Ooooh God, a Frost family reunion?
Frankie: It’s time Wicked Intent sends a message to their opponents, the challengers for their Tag Team Titles at Upping the Ante. And it’s all coming up here after the commercial break.
Once again cameras find themselves located just outside the dressing room of Scott Cannon. That’s where backstage correspondent Susie Moore is positioned, anticipating the opportunity to get an interview with the Number One Contender to the World Championship.
Greyson: Well I hope Wicked Intent isn’t given too much latitude to do EVERYTHING they may have planned in this “Frost Family Reunion” skit, and I also hope that Scott Cannon has done some serious thinking when it comes to the challenge made earlier tonight by World Champion Katelyn Buehler.
Sparkles: We’ve been covering it all night long but now the time is ticking down. What is Scott’s decision going to be?
Frankie: Isn’t this a moot point? Scott has a match still scheduled against Monarchy’s Orlando Cruze for Christ sakes.
Greyson: That he does, but our Champion doesn’t seem to care that Scott is booked. In fact Katelyn was booked against Miss Jon earlier, wrestled her and is STILL wanting to face Scott in the center of that ring here ton….
Taylor: Step aside you walking ball of ear wax.
Demands Taylor Chase as she steps into view and nudges correspondent Susie Moore out of the way of the door leading to Scott Cannon’s dressing room.
Susie: Uhhh, Taylor…
Susie JUST catches Tay before she barges through the door.
Susie: What do you think you’re doing? Are you going in to talk to Scott?
Taylor: *Sigh* Listen, I know you were hired because you fill out your bra quite nicely, but TRY to show some brains for once instead of some cleavage. Of course I’m going in to talk to Scott….
Susie: Why?
Taylor: Because he’s scheduled to face my husband tonight, but that’s about to change.
Taylor just barges straight into the dressing room and then slams the door shut behind her, almost closing it directly on Susie’s nose.
Greyson: The plot has definitely just thickened.
Sparkles: Taylor Chase waltzing right into Scott Cannon’s dressing room. And it sounds to me like she’s going to try and sway him into backing out of his match against her husband so that he’ll fight Katelyn Buehler instead.
Greyson: This situation just continues to get more and more twisted the closer we get to our scheduled main event.
MOMENTS AGO
Greyson: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back from commercial break, and if you missed it we just witnessed an absolutely sickening scene unfold.
The video presently airing recounts what went down after the conclusion to the crazy six person bout that occurred a few minutes earlier. Selena Frost, one of the survivors in that match, is shown talking to her fiancée Deanna, who is presently stood on the apron of the ring with her back facing a table planted at ringside. The conversation ends when Selena’s rival Alistair Taylor slips in under an unsuspecting Deanna and powerbombs her from the apron then through the table.
Sparkles: Sickening doesn’t even begin to give justice to what we saw Lovejoy.
Frankie: Why are you two so bent out of shape just because Deanna Springs took a little spill through a table?
Greyson: A little spill? Yeah fucking right!
Sparkles: Alistair Taylor using Deanna to send a message to his rival Selena via powerbombing her through that table.
Greyson: Just when I thought Alistair and Monarchy couldn’t be any more reprehensible they do something like this to an innocent girl. I’m appalled.
Cameras cut from the video to the backstage corridor where Alistair Taylor is walking past a giant mesh wall with boxes stacked up behind it. The back of the Monarchy member is aimed to the camera that he is walking away from. He doesn’t have enough get up in his step though to prevent being caught by correspondent Mark Comeau.
Comeau: Excuse me, excuse me Alistair……
After letting out a gruff sigh Alistair’s sharp eyes shoot back over his shoulder.
Alistair: What?
He asks with sheer annoyance in his tone.
Comeau: Can you PLEASE explain to me why you would do something so horrible as to powerbomb Deanna Springs through that table?
Inquires Comeau with outrage in his voice.
Alistair: Heh….(he snickers coldly)…Horrible? You think THAT was horrible? No, horrible is having a shot at the Evolution Title STRIPED away from you because someone decides to spike your champagne. Horrible is having someone ruin your concert by breaking a guitar over your head. And horrible, is exactly what’s going to happen to Selena Frost at Upping the Ante.
Alistair’s chilling stare turns from Comeau’s face to the camera.
Alistair: Selena, I’ll be at Upping the Ante, and I’ll be waiting to do something very horrible…to….you. It’s time you learned Selena, that WE are Monarchy, and we….will….RULE.
Taylor: So you see Scott, facing Orlando is not in your best interests.
Reasons Taylor Chase as she crouches towards the seated Scott Cannon. It’s unclear rather her words are holding any sway over Scott, who is parked in the middle of his dressing room looking off into the carpet beneath his feet.
Taylor: I know there’s history between you and my husband, but it’s just that, its history. There’s no need to go out there and open up old wounds.
Tay reaches out and pats Scott on the shoulder.
Taylor: I get it Scott, you’re still obsessed with me, I mean, LOOK AT ME, who wouldn’t obsess? Especially when you COULD have had me and yet you settled for Vanilla Skyy. I’m like the sun, and she’s as icy as Pluto. Plus, she’s from Alaska, and they eat nothing but fish and raw seals there, so can you imagine what her breathe smells like? Anyway, you’re infatuation with me shouldn’t drive you to make a bad decision tonight. Forfeit your match against Orlando and take on Katelyn Buehler instead. Give that bitch the beating she has coming. Break her Scott…BREAK HER!
Tay stands up and rubs the top of Scott’s head.
Taylor: Do it….for me…
After baiting Scott with her charms Taylor vacates the dressing room, leaving Scott behind, sitting deep in thought. Suddenly a chuckle comes from his lungs and he begins to shake his skull.
The tunes of Wicked Intent’s entrance theme start to stream through the loud speakers, getting a reaction that is understandably harsh. Making their way through the curtains and to the stage are the Tag Team Champions Lexy Chapel and Kat Kelly, the duo that has been instrumental in raising both the prestige of the Tag belts, and the ire of the audience. They draw quite a bit of heat on their way to the ring, followed by a number of individuals covered from head to toe in sheets.
Greyson: Taylor Chase trying her best to manipulate Scott Cannon.
Frankie: Everyone succumbs to the charms of Tay-Tay, EVERYONE.
Sparkles: So it looks like Tay will get what she wants, and that’s a beating inflicted on her rival Katelyn at the hands of Scott Cannon.
Greyson: Here comes two people who have quite a bit of history with both Scott and Katelyn. Wicked Intent headed for the squared circle so they can present us with….and I hate to say this….’A Frost Family Reunion.’
Frankie: This is going to be IN-CRED-IBLE.
Greyson: All of this designed to send a message to Wicked Intent’s opponents at Upping the Ante, Eve and Siqua, proud followers of the Frost family.
Once in the ring Wicked Intent go on getting booed out of the building before they can even open their mouths. Those covered in sheets take up residency behind the Tag Champions.
Kat: Try as they may the IWC will not abuse their power over Lexy and I.
Lexy: Because in the immortal words of Adam of Eternia, WE HAVE THE POWEEEEEERRRR!!
Lexy pantomimes holding a sword above her head.
Kat: As members of Monarchy we have carte-blanche to do whatever we want, because WE run this show, and the IWC’s legal department learned that earlier tonight when they TRIED to keep us from airing this segment.
Lexy: But our sharp legal minds were too much for those fuckers to deal with. We sooo John Grishamed the shit out of them until we bent them to our submission.
Kat: And what’s why we come before you all with some great news. Firstly, my in ring suspension for love tapping a member of the production crew has been lifted….
Lexy: And the ‘controversial’ segment that we had been told was un-airable WILL happen and WILL happen right this God damned second! So without further adieu, we present to you all the FROST FAMILY REUNION!
The crowd are already pre-emptively jeering this announcement.
Kat: In two weeks Lexy and I defend the Tag Titles that we’ve made the biggest prize in all of professional wrestling against Eve and Siqua, the Sinistry ass kissers who have their heads so far up the backsides of the Frost family it looks like they’re auditioning for the next Human Centipede film.
Lexy: But we don’t have to go into this Tag Title match as enemies. No-no-noooo, we can keep things RESPECTFUL.
Kat: We want to extend the olive branch to our opponents at Upping the Ante.
Lexy: So that’s why, with that big title defense in mind Kat and I decided to get together to properly honor Eve’s and Siqua’s masters by reuniting the Frost’s with some of their long lost family members.
Kat: It wasn’t easy, a lot of the Frost’s do a good job of hiding out in their mother country of Germany.
Lexy: Like their grandfather ADOLF.
One of the individuals who came to the ring covered in a sheet is now revealed. Lexy pulls the blanket off of them and reveals an Adolf Hitler impersonator beneath it. He is already giving a ‘heil Hitler’ taunt and is adorned in stereotypical Nazi garbs.
Greyson: Oh for Christ sakes.
Frankie: Hey look, it’s Aiken and Ba’al’s grandfather. How thoughtful of Wicked Intent to go out and find him.
Greyson: That is so not any relation to the Frost family.
Sparkles: How do you know that?
Greyson: It’s a friggin Hitler impersonator.
The Hitler look alike continues to display a number of over the top Nazi style poses, including goose stepping in place.
Lexy: Adolf. Can you tell us why you made it so hard for us to find you?
Lexy holds up the mic to Adolf’s lips.
Adolf: To be honest, I do not want to be associated with the Frost family. It would give me a bad reputation.
Frankie: HAHAHAHAHAHA!
Kat and Lexy try to restrain their chuckles.
Kat: Fair enough, we can understand what kind of stigma being a Frost would put on you.
Lexy: What were Aiken and Ba’al and Jaina like as kiddies?
Adolf: Impossible to potty train, and Aiken spent way too much time in the bathroom with his girly magazines. 22 hours a day actually. And Ba’al, he constantly got into his mother’s makeup.
Kat: That would explain why he wears all that eye liner today.
Lexy: I can definitely understand why you wouldn’t want to be associated with the Frosts. I mean, who would?
Kat: That’s probably why the their Uncle made it hard for us to track him down.
Another of the individuals covered in a sheet is revealed. As the tarp pulls away the man beneath it is revealed as a Count Orlok from the film Nosferatu doppleganger. All of his movements seem to be derived from the classic German expressionalist film in which he bases his character on.
Frankie: AAAAAH-HAHAHAHAHA-I’m dying-I’M DYING!
Greyson: Oh how I wish you weren’t exaggerating. Please just let this skit end. It’s every bit as offensive as I thought it would be.
Frankie: And the best part is, it’s not over.
Kat puts a hand on Orlok’s shoulder.
Kat: Orlok, can we presume that you’re not proud of your Frost family heritage?
The count nods, remaining non-verbal.
Kat: Figured as much.
Lexy: You might not claim her as your niece, but I can definitely see your strong resemblance to Jaina Frost.
Kat: We’re sorry to tell you this Orlok, but you might be a bit more humiliated to be related to the Frosts after Upping the Ante, when we’ve embarrassed their charges Eve and Siqua.
Lexy: In route to retaining these (holds up the Tag Titles).
Kat: So maybe you should go back to hanging out in the dungeon beneath that old castle where we found you.
Lexy: Which is probably the same place where Ba’al found his pupil Eve.
Kat: Speaking of people who were raised in a dungeon and look like they’ve been tortured their whole life, that brings us to the next members of the Frost family we’ve summoned to the ring tonight.
Both Lexy and Kat approach the final two guests covered in sheets. It isn’t long before the veils are pulled away by the laughing Tag Team Champions. Their chuckles come to an end though when the faces beneath those tarps are revealed as Siqua and Eve.
Greyson: OOOOOH MY GOD!
Sparkles; It’s EVE, it’s SIQUA!
Greyson: The challengers to the Tag Team Titles at Upping the Ante!
Lexy and Kat both look like they’ve just shat a litter of kittens. Their eyes widen into stares of disbelief at the sight of the macabre duo set to oppose them in two weeks at Upping the Ante for the Tag straps. Clearly Wicked Intent are shocked to have the Sinistry here and even more shocked when smiles grace the faces of Eve and Siqua and the lights in the building cut out entirely.
Frankie: What’s going on now? Someone turn the lights back on! Turn them on NOW!!
The lights finally do come back on and when they do Eve and Siqua are nowhere to be seen. However, Kat and Lexy find themselves kneeling in the middle of the ring soaked from head to toe in blood that does not belong to them.
Frankie: AAAAAAHHHH!!!
Greyson: Kat and Lexy, they’ve been-they’ve been-they’ve been BLOOD BATHED!
Frankie: This is horrible! This is criminal! Someone give me some towels so I can clean Lexy and Kat.
Sparkles: Eve and Siqua sending a message to the Tag Team Champions just two weeks removed from the big title bout at Upping the Ante.
Greyson: I bet Kat wishes she had never proposed this segment now.
After getting over their initial shock the members of Wicked Intent stare across the ring at one another and see that their both covered in buckets of blood. They stand up trembling in anger while Orlok and Adolf are trying to calm them down. Without warning Lexy and Kat nail simultaneous superkicks on the jaws of their guests. Before either Adolf or Orlok knows what hit them they’re being cracked in the chins with the kicks and sent sprawling to the floor.
Greyson: Wicked Intent superkicking Grandfather Adolf and Uncle Orlok.
Frankie: Eve! Siqua! You damned monsters! This is unforgiveable!!
Greyson: I think the challengers are definitely in the heads of the champions going into the pay-per-view.
PRE-RECORDED
The mean streets of the city come into view as Orlando Cruze traverses them. He walks along a sidewalk and talks to the camera that is following him.
Orlando: These are the streets where Orlando Cruze grew from a boy into a man…A PHENOMENAL MAN.
Orlando stops walking past piles of garbage with bums sleeping beneath the trash and nears the door to what looks like a deli.
Orlando: Right here is where I had my first job. Newton’s Deli. As I understand it my former boss, the guy who took a chance on a 13 year old punk, is still running the joint. Let’s go say hi and give him the chance to regale you with tales about my incredible work ethic.
The once revered and universally beloved Orlando Cruze steps over the threshold to his first place of employment. Cameras follow him into the Deli where a heavy older man is standing behind the counter and smiling oh so wide at the sight of Orlando.
Newton: Ooooooh Or-LAN-DOOOOOH!
Shouts the man in a thick Italian accent. He instantly grabs Orlando by the head and pulls him into a kiss on either cheek.
Newton: It tis soooo guhd to see you again.
Orlando: Yeah, I’m filming a little documentary for my fans.
Newton: Exsullunt.
Orlando: See (looks back at the camera) unlike Andre Jordan, I wasn’t out peddling dope in my teenage years, no, I was actually working seven days a week, 24 hours a day….
Newton: Acchullay Orlandoh, you called off more than any of my other employees.
Orlando makes a cut throat taunt as if to signal to the Deli Owner that he needs to shut up.
Newton: You always showed up late, and often times, you just sat in the back reading those comic books when you were supposed to be working.
Orlando: Well maybe if you didn’t run a sweatshop and break so many child labor laws, I would have been a far more efficient employee.
Newton: Orlandoh, why you say these things?
Orlando: Because we’re being honest, right?
Newton: I gave you opportunity….
Orlando: No, you took advantage of a poor able bodied young man desperate for money. You should be ashamed of yourself, absolutely ashamed….
Newton: But Orlandoh, I was like a father to…..
A slap, a HARD slap, shuts Newton up and sends him sprawling to the floor.
Orlando: You know what?
Orlando turns to the camera.
Orlando: This little stroll down memory lane is over for now. I got things here in the present to deal with, Scott Cannon for instance. I hope you found this tour informative Andre and it’s shown you that I haven’t forgotten where I’ve come from….
A big toothy smile stretches over Orlando’s face.
The show cuts to the dressing room where Orlando Cruze is anything but pre-recorded, and no longer traversing the streets. Instead he’s sitting front and center as he applies some tape to his wrists. He’s getting himself ready for his match against Scott Cannon before the door opens and Taylor Chase walks right in. Following behind her are her fellow Monarchy members Trinity Street and Lucas Knight.
Taylor: What are you doing?
Asks Tay as she looks Orlando up and down, noticing that he’s gotten all geared up for competition.
Orlando: Preparing for my match love.
Laughter is shared amongst the Monarchy members.
Trinity: Orlando, you don’t have to worry about facing Scott this evening.
Orlando: I take it you had a chat with him?
Asks Orlando, his words directed to the still giggling Taylor.
Taylor: Oh I talked, and Scott listened.
Lucas: The poor man is still obsessed with your wife and would do ANYTHING to appease her.
Trinity: So everything will work out exactly to our liking. You will win your match against Scott without cracking a sweat, and then Scott and Katelyn will destroy each other.
Taylor: Then WE (hugs her husband’s arm) will swoop in for the KILL.
Tay grabs Orlando by the back of the head and pulls his lips into her own.
The Riot theme song is playing in the background as we see the World Champion Katelyn Buehler stepping down a corridor. She’s looking even more intense than ever at the moment as we near the culmination to this evening, the grand finale in what has been quite the ride.
Greyson: Katelyn Buehler, our World Champion, looks like she’s headed in our direction guys.
Sparkles: She obviously thinks she’s going to get Scott Cannon one on one tonight.
Frankie: Monarchy thinks so as well.
Greyson: Is it gonna happen, is…..wait a minute….
As Katelyn moves down the hallway she passes by a corner where two men are leering at her from the shadows. She doesn’t notice Michael and David Cannon watching her and watching her very closely.
Greyson: It’s the Cannon brothers!
Sparkles: And it appears they’re still stalking Katelyn.
Frankie: Things are about to get chaotic, just like at the start of tonight’s show.
Greyson: Is Katelyn headed for another collision with Dem Cannon Boys? Find out next, this is our LAST commercial break.
When cameras return from commercial break they focus on backstage correspondent Susie Moore, who is now leaning with her back to the wall. Right beside her we see the door leading into Scott Cannon’s dressing room. The plucky Susie still hasn’t given up hope that she’ll get an interview with Scott right before his scheduled match against Orlando Cruze. It seems she may finally get what she’s been anticipating all night long. The door to the locker-room opens and out steps Scott Cannon, briefcase holding his Number One Contender Contract in hand, and the Evolution Title over his shoulder.
Susie: SCOTT!
Her voice is so high pitched it could crack glass.
Scott: Yeah?
Scott is surprisingly civil all things considered.
Susie: Everyone wants to know, are you going to accept Katelyn Buehler’s challenge? If so are you going to forfeit the match you’re slated to compete against Orlando Cruze? Or will you wrestle them BOTH?
A grin comes across Scott’s face.
Scott: I’ll tell you what Susie, I’ll do the RIGHT thing.
Scott walks off as Susie tries to figure out rather her question was answered or not.
Riot returns to the ring just as the tunes of ‘Phenomenal’ by Eminem start to play over the loud speakers. There is a loud chorus of jeers as the crowd realizes that Orlando Cruze is about to head for the squared circle. The curtains open and as predicted Orlando Cruze has come stepping through them. However, he’s not alone. Stood beside him, with her arm wrapped around Orlando’s, is Taylor Chase. Behind them are Trinity Street and Lucas Knight, the founding members of Monarchy. All four individuals collectively descend upon the squared circle.
Greyson: The moment is upon us. We’re scheduled to see Orlando Cruze collide in an eagerly anticipated one on one match against Scott Cannon, but all those plans may have changed.
Frankie: May have? They definitely did. At the start of the night Katelyn Buehler challenged Scott Cannon to face her here tonight after we’ve seen the issues between those two explode ahead of their World Title match at Upping the Ante.
Sparkles: Let’s take you all back and show you what we’re talking about.
TWO WEEKS AGO
A recap video documents what occurred on the last edition of Riot when Scott Cannon’s brothers Michael and David brawled with the World Champion. Eventually the Cannons manage to get the better of Katelyn, but before they can seriously punish her physically, she’s saved by the shocking arrival of Scott Cannon. He enters the ring and pushes his brothers off Katelyn. Though sadly his recompense for this chivalry is a roaring elbow delivered by Katelyn. She knocks Scott out with the roaring elbow.
EARLIER TONIGHT
The video transitions to the anarchy that started off the evening when Michael and David called Katelyn out only for their brother Scott to answer the challenge. After a spat between the Cannons, Katelyn finally does arrive and goes straight after the trio in the ring. Scott hangs back and doesn’t participate in the fight his siblings wage against Katelyn, at least not until one of them tries to use a chair on the World Champion. Scott takes the chair out of Michael’s hands then shoves him on his backside. That’s when Katelyn spots Scott stood over her with the steel chair in his grips, sending her the wrong message. She mistakes Scott’s intent, but there’s no mistaking Katelyn’s desire to knock him out. Katelyn and Scott go at it to close out what was a shocking commencement to Riot.
Cameras return to the ring where Orlando Cruze is now stood, looking oh so confident. He leisurely reclines against the ropes looking to get this formality over with. Stood in the squared circle around him are Trinity Street, Lucas Knight and Taylor Chase, all telling the legend that he’s in for an easy night.
Sparkles: Orlando seems pretty convinced that he’s not going to wrestle tonight.
Frankie: Of course he isn’t. His wife got to Scott Cannon and manipulated him into agreeing to Katelyn’s challenge, so this match between Scott and Orlando is off.
Greyson: It’s hard to ignore Tay’s charms, that’s for certain, and the history between she and Scott is pretty well documented.
Frankie: Yup. All meaning Orlando is getting the night off.
Orlando goes on laughing it up with his Monarchy crew as referee Marcus Mayfield stands across from the four waiting to get this match started. The tracks of ‘Bad to the Bone’ start to play over the PA system to a surprisingly big pop from the crowd. The fans are energetically jumping to their feet with eyes glued to the stage which is presently EMPTY. There are no signs of Orlando’s scheduled opponent Scott Cannon.
Frankie: See, told ya.
Greyson: It looks like Scott will be ditching this match against Orlando in favor of taking on Katelyn Buehler here tonight.
Frankie: Smart move on Scott’s part, fighting Katelyn on the same night that she was physically decimated by Miss Jon. She’s going to be easy pickings.
The cheers from the crowd turn into wails of dismay when it becomes transparent that Scott Cannon is NOT coming out to face Orlando.
Orlando: Alright, enough with all the theatrics.
Announces Orlando as he takes a microphone and moves towards referee Mayfield.
Orlando: This is just wasting my precious time. Go ahead, start the ten count, disqualify Scott then raise MY arm in victory. Get it? Got it? GOOD!
The microphone is tossed aside and Orlando gives Mayfield a little shove to get the referee’s ass in gear. Mayfield puts aside pride and does as instructed.
Mayfield: 1!
The crowd boos as Mayfield starts the ten count.
Mayfield: 2! 3! 4! 5!….
The sound of Mayfield’s count are suddenly drowned out by the lyrics of ‘Bad to the Bone.’ The whole arena lets out a tremendous ovation when hearing the entrance music of Scott Cannon. The curtains part and he steps past them, heading for the squared circle with a briefcase clutched in one hand, the Evolution Title grasped in the other.
Frankie: Uhhhh, what are you doing Scott?
Greyson: I think Monarchy might have gotten a little ahead of themselves.
Sparkles: Cannon’s coming out here and Orlando does not look happy to see him.
Frankie: Of course he isn’t happy to see Scott, neither am I. Don’t you be an idiot Scott!!
The fans are still cheering and cheering so loud they’re almost going hoarse as Scott enters the ring filled with Monarchy members who are voicing their outrage over his presence. The steel briefcase holding his Number One Contender contract, and his Evolution Title belt are left in the corner of the ring as Scott approaches a stunned Orlando.
Scott: Sorry I’m late.
A grin comes to Scott’s face while Orlando goes red, his eyes narrowing to slits and his lips quivering in anger. Mayfield proudly calls for the bell to start the match.
SCOTT CANNON VS. ORLANDO CRUZE
Greyson: It looks as if we’re getting it ladies and gents. We’re getting Scott Cannon versus Orlando Cruze.
Frankie: What kind of moron are you, Scott? You have an opportunity to take out the World Champion tonight.
Sparkles: But that’s not the type of man Scott is.
Frankie: I’m so sick and tired of hearing that shit.
Greyson: Scott’s doing the right thing, in his book and MY book, by honoring his commitment to fight Orlando here on Riot, and then fight Katelyn Buehler for the World Title at Upping the Ante.
Orlando obviously doesn’t agree that this is the right thing, he’s fuming. He shouts over the ropes at Taylor, Trinity and Lucas while behind him Scott is warming up. But just then Scott’s attention deviates from his opponent to the woman who is making her way down the ramp. Tensions escalate when Scott spots Katelyn Buehler headed down the ramp with the World Title over her shoulder.
Greyson: Katelyn Buehler isn’t happy about Scott’s decision either, she was the one who challenged him to have their match here tonight as opposed to at the pay-per-view.
Sparkles: Now she’s settling in to witness Scott go one on one with Orlando instead.
The bell rings in the background while Scott stares over the ropes at Katelyn. His attention leaps back to the ring though when Orlando comes rushing in behind him, going for a clothesline. Scott whips around, blocks Orlando’s fist and then drills him between the eyes with a jab. The punch sends Orlando staggering back. He’s put on his heels by another punch and then another and then another and then a fourth and a fifth strike. The sixth punch at last takes Orlando from his feet and sends him rolling out of the ring. He drops down in front of Tay, his wife stepping in to look at his nose and make sure it’s not broken. After feeling at her husband’s face Tay turns her wrath to the ring.
Taylor: WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!
She shouts at Scott, who shrugs and gives her an ‘ah schucks’ response.
Frankie: How could Scott do this to Taylor? He owes her for so much and this is how he repays her?
Greyson: Scott wasn’t about to walk away from this match for anyone or anything. Not even Taylor Chase, and not even Katelyn Buehler.
Scott leans through the ropes and shouts down at Tay, but the moment he does this he exposes his skull to the big boot that Orlando quickly unleashes. Orlando runs across the mats and drills Scott straight in the temple with a kick so devastating that it sends him spinning back into the center of the ring. Orlando then slides in behind him, rushes towards Scott and receives an unexpected lariat across the throat. Scott snaps around and slams his bicep directly into Orlando’s larynx, the shot knocking him to the ground. A stunned Orlando scrambles back to his feet and instantly receives a European Uppercut to the jaw, a blow that sends the Phenom staggering along into the ropes. Orlando bounces off the ropes and walks right back into a right across the brow that fells him to the ring.
Frankie: How is this right? Orlando was not anticipating a match against Scott Cannon tonight at all.
Greyson: That’s HIS fault, and he’s paying for being so presumptuous.
Orlando races to get back to his feet and pays for it when Scott Irish whips him along into the turnbuckle. Orlando hits the corner with such force that he actually goes flipping up and over it then spilling to the outside of the ring.
Frankie: AAAAH!
Greyson: What momentum behind that Irish whip!
Sparkles: There is A LOT of history between Scott and Orlando, hence why Scott could not walk away from an opportunity to fight the Ico….
Greyson: He’s not the Icon anymore, Sparkles.
Frankie: That’s right, because now that Scott is with Monarchy, he’s PHENOMENAL.
Orlando is aided to his feet at ringside by Trinity Street and Lucas Knight. He then stumbles back away from them and falls against the apron. His eyes widen as he finds his jaw ensnared in the clutches of Cannon. An aggressive Scott grabs Orlando under the chin and pulls on it, dragging his adversary up onto the apron and then throwing forearms repeatedly across his chest.
Greyson: Get ‘em Scott, get ‘em.
Scott goes on delivering these clubbing blows across Orlando’s sternum before he finds two thumbs in his eyes. Orlando reaches back and rakes Scott’s eyes, blinding him. Realizing that he just crated a window of opportunity, Orlando turns around, grabs Scott around the neck and then twists him around. To a loud screech from the audience Orlando drops from the apron and hits a reverse neck-breaker, driving the back of Scott’s head into the middle rope. Scott skull snaps from the canvas and could potentially be broken. Nevertheless he starts to get up only to have Orlando barrel back into the ring and then run across it, catching Scott with a swinging neck-breaker.
Frankie: It took him a while to get over his shock at the way this match started, but Orlando is back in it and now it’s time to DOMINATE!
Greyson: You know, I’d much rather you go back to hating Orlando for no apparent reason.
Once back on his feet Orlando takes a moment to lean with his chest to the turnbuckle, taking a breather. He dashes from the corner and towards the legs of his opponent, lifting them into the air then stepping through. A sharpshooter is about to be locked in already but Scott is vehemently rebelling against it. He sits up and swings a fist right upside Orlando’s head before managing to roll himself completely over backwards. He gets to his knees and then scoots forward and grabs Orlando by the creases of his legs. A shocked Cruze’s limbs are pulled out from under him, toppling him to the canvas. Scott then stands up maintaining a grip on Orlando’s legs before preparing to lock in his own submission. However, Orlando is able to finagle his legs free and then wedge his boot to Scott’s chest, kicking him back with enough force to send his adversary smacking spine first into the corner. The back of Scott’s head hits the corner with some nasty impact while Orlando comes dashing in and nails a clothesline across his throat. The blow knocks Scott to his seat with his back wedged to the corner, the only thing keeping him upright.
Orlando looks out over the audience and smiles, realizing that he’s got Scott precisely where he wants him. He puts his boot to the side of his adversary’s head and scrapes his heel against their flesh. He then does this again and again before taking off across the ring to build momentum behind a face-wash.
Greyson: Orlando taking a cue from his opponent’s playbook.
Sparkles: It looks like Orlando is stealing some of Scott Cannon’s trademark offense here.
A lot of momentum is built behind the running boot that connects with Scott’s hands as opposed to his face. The Evolution Champion catches Orlando’s ankle and stands up, causing his opponent to hop up and down on one foot as he tries to stay upright. His planted foot is then swept out from under him, causing Orlando to land on his back. Cannon then steps through Orlando’s legs and rolls him over onto his stomach, subjecting him to the sharpshooter.
Frankie: Oh come on, Scott ripping off Orlando so blatantly.
Greyson: Scott stealing one of Orlando’s trademark moves, the sharpshooter. Will he earn a submission with it?
Frankie: What an insult that would be to the legendary Orlando.
A groaning Orlando claws his way across the ring ever nearer to the ropes while his opponent is exerting so much strain on his lower back and legs. Somehow Orlando manages to get to his salvation, grabbing the ropes and forcing the submission to be broken. An aching Orlando rolls from the squared circle and to the apron but his adversary is closing in on him. Scott climbs through the ropes and to the apron where he immediately places his opponent in a front chancery. It looks like Scott is about to hit a DDT on the apron, crushing his rival’s skull. At the last second Orlando spares himself by possibly injuring the Evolution Champion. Orlando puts his hands to Scott’s ribs and gives him such a forceful shove that he goes back peddling across the apron and cracking back first against the exposed steel turnbuckle post. Once again the back of Scott’s head withstands much of the force against the post.
Unfortunately Scott ricochets from the post and stumbles right back into his adversary’s arms. Orlando catches Scott around the head, twists him around then drops into a reverse neck breaker right across the ring apron. The back of Scott’s skull slams into the reinforced steel beneath the canvas, resulting in a potentially gruesome injury. Scott rolls into the ring clasping at his skull but so is Orlando, who drops an axehandle elbow straight into the back of his adversary’s neck. Orlando hustles to his feet and into the nearest corner, climbing to the middle rope before unleashing a diving axehandle elbow smash. Once again Orlando’s elbow crushes the back of Scott’s head.
From the ramp we see the World Champion Katelyn Buehler watching with an obvious emotional detachment as this beatdown on the number one contender to her title continues. Meanwhile the Monarchy members at ringside are enjoying what they’re seeing, enjoying it immensely. Trinity is now shouting into the ring, words aimed at the downtrodden Scott.
Trinity: All you had to was walk away from this Scott!
Lucas: This is on your head.
Taylor would join her cohorts in their comments aimed at Cannon, but she’s too preoccupied with the World Champion, who also happens to be her staunchest IWC rival, stood on the ramp. Back inside of the ring Orlando has his foot pressed to the back of Scott’s head, grinding his heel against his adversary’s skull and neck. Orlando pushes down on his own knee in order to force more pressure on Scott’s head. The referee starts a five count, Mayfield at last forcing Orlando to take his boot away from his adversary’s skull. A few slaps are given to the back of Scott’s head, Orlando throwing in some insults along with the injuries.
Orlando: Let’s get a few things straight Scott. You can’t beat me, you can’t be me. You’ll never have my life, nor will you ever be good enough to have my wife!
Tay smiles and claps at ringside while her hubby pulls Scott to his feet only to level him with a stiff punch straight across the mouth. Scott collapses to the ring and then rolls across it with his back ending up pressed to the ropes. Orlando runs in quick and puts his knee against Scott’s throat, leaning all of his body weight into it. As a result the back of Scott’s head and neck are pressed to the middle cable. This blatant abuse of the rules continues until the referee starts a five count and forces Orlando to remove his knee. Instead he puts his boot upside Scott’s throat and uses that instead to choke him while also forcing the back of his opponent’s head against the middle cable. Another five count forces Orlando to stop cheating and to ensnare his adversary’s ears in is hands. Orlando forces Scott to the middle of the ring while still shouting at him.
Orlando: You want to embarrass me? You want to humiliate me? You think you’re better than me? That you deserve all that I have? I’ll show you what you deserve you son of a bitch!
Orlando Irish whips Scott with all of his strength into the turnbuckle. The back of Scott’s head hits the corner and his neck suffers some serious whiplash. The Evolution Champion comes crashing down onto his face and then clutches at his neck. The grin on Orlando’s face is downright sickening, as are his actions. He pulls Scott up from the canvas and takes him around the neck, slowly, methodically twisting his opponent around into position for the reverse neck breaker. Just as it seems Scott is being set up to suffer a serious neck injury he counters and counters big with a backslide.
Sparkles: BAAAAACKSSSSLLLIDDDE!!
Greyson: This won Lexy Chapel her match two weeks ago in the main event, will it do it for Scott as well?
The referee makes the count as Orlando’s legs kick high above him, but that fails to get his shoulders off the canvas
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Orlando at last kicks out and falls over backwards in the process. He ends up coming down on his seat with his back pressed to a turnbuckle. He sits up for just a second before finding his face crushed by the big running boot unleashed by his rival. Scott hits a powerful face wash, scraping the skin from his adversary’s brow.
Greyson: There’s the face wash unleashed by its innovator.
Scott backs up and then gets a running start behind a second face wash, which kills even more of his opponent’s brain-cells. That’s not enough for Scott though, he steps back to the middle of the ring and then runs in with a third face-wash. That’s still not doing it for Scott, he runs into the far ropes, ricochets from them and comes back in at his wounded opponent before hitting a FOURTH face wash.
Frankie: Stop this Mayfield! Get off your ass ref and stop this! Scott’s gonna kill Orlando at this rate.
Scott stops unleashing the face washes and instead drops to his knees in front of his opponent before unleashing a barrage of punches with both hands. Orlando tries to cover up as one punch after another nails him in either side of his head. The referee starts a five count, but it’s painfully obvious that threatening Scott with disqualification isn’t going to make him stop. So the ref grabs Scott under the arms and actually pries him off Orlando then forces him back to the center of the ring. Although Orlando is a bit loopy he still manages to get to his feet and then run in behind the referee, giving him a hard shove that pushes him along into a face to face collision with Scott.
Frankie: Ha-ha, brilliant! Orlando using the referee as a weapon.
Greyson: Dammit Orlando, DAMMIT!
Mayfield falls to the ring clutching as his face while Scott stumbles back and leans against a corner. He won’t be standing much longer if his opponent has his way. Orlando hustles across the ring and then leaps straight towards Scott only to be caught across the chest and hit with a standing STO.
Frankie: NO!
Orlando’s body is driven with such force against the ring that it instantly feels like his organs have exploded. He rolls back to the center of the ring while his adversary remains stood in the corner. Finally Scott begins to step away from the turnbuckle only to stop when he spots Taylor standing on the apron beside him. Surprisingly a smile still graces her face as she reaches over the ropes and puts a hand on Scott’s shoulders.
Taylor: You know, watching you out here, all sweaty and glistening, it’s got me thinking. Maybe there still is a future for you and I…..
Scott’s eyebrow arches, PRETENDING he’s still interested. He knows all too well that Tay doesn’t mean a damn thing she’s saying, and that only becomes more obvious when he’s hit with a forearm to the back of his head. Scott falls to the canvas and his adversary Orlando drops down beside him, immediately locking in a crippler crossface.
Greyson: THE CROSSFACE!
Sparkles: It’s locked in, it’s locked in on the injured neck of Cannon.
The horrified audience watches as Scott struggles against the crossface and Orlando fights to get it firmly locked in. Tay is watching this battle from her vantage point on the apron, immensely enjoying what she’s seeing. That is until her view changes when her ankle is caught and her body is tugged out from under. The World Champion is not about to abide any indication that Tay is happy. Katelyn drags her rival down off of the apron and causes Tay to land on the mats in front of her.
Frankie: Don’t you touch Tay!
Greyson: Katelyn has just had enough of Taylor Chase!
Katelyn and Tay go face to face, arguing with one another. Orlando has taken notice of this, breaking his crossface and then reaching through the ropes. He grabs hold of Katelyn’s hair and gives it a yank, trying to pull the World Champion into the ring. But Katelyn whips around and cracks Orlando in the face with a punch that sends him stumbling back to the middle of the ring. He turns just as in time to find his ribs caught against Scott’s shoulder and his body being elevated into the Double A Spinebuster. Scott immediately follows this up with a cover. Meanwhile at ringside Taylor is clubbing Katelyn over the back of her head, knocking her to the ground and then stomping at her repeatedly. Trinity and Lucas join in, also assaulting Katelyn.
Greyson: Monarchy attacking Katelyn, but they have no idea that one of their own is being pinned in the center of the ring.
Frankie: Trinity, Lucas, Taylor, SOMEONE do SOMETHING!
An aching Scott has Orlando’s leg hooked and the referee has finally shaken off the headbutt he was forced into earlier in order to make the count.
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The whole of the arena screeches at the sight of Orlando lunging his shoulder up from the ring and out of the pin.
Greyson: Soooo close…sooo damned close to Cannon defeating Orlando here in this highly competitive main event.
An exhausted and hurting Scott gets to his feet with Orlando’s head falling into his hands. The Evolution Champion pulls Orlando up into the front chancery and now sets up to deliver the House Rules. At the exact same time Taylor throws Katelyn into the ring, causing her to roll in right beside Scott. He turns around and spots the World Champion standing up beside him. Instantly Scott breaks his front chancery on Orlando and swings around, jabbing Katelyn across the jaw.
Greyson: No Scott! NO!
Sparkles: Obviously Scott must think that Katelyn was trying to interfere in this match!
Frankie: Who says she wasn’t.
Greyson: She was thrown into the ring by Taylor you idiot.
The punch has sent Katelyn spiraling along into the corner while Scott prepares to close the gap between them. He starts to step towards Katelyn but doesn’t make it very far on account of the superkick that blasts him right in the back of his head. Orlando hits the kick directly into the area that he’s targeted throughout this match/
Greyson: Superkick!
The fans are beside themselves in anger at the sight of Orlando pinning Scott’s shoulders to the ring and hooking his leg. As much as it goes against Mayfield’s principles, he drops down and he makes the three count.
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Orlando’s pin almost incites a rampage from the audience. Nobody is very happy to see the way this bout has just concluded, and if Scott were conscious at the moment he’d be rallied in protest. Unfortunately he’s not conscious, instead he’s splayed across the ground still reeling from the superkick, that just ended this match.
Frankie: Yes-hahahahaha-YEEES. MONARCHY RULES!!
Greyson: Orlando with a very hard fought win here tonight.
Sparkles: And he can give a big thank you to his wife for rolling the World Champion into the ring.
Greyson: That distracted Scott long enough to fall victim to the superkick on the back of his skull/
Sparkles: Scott thought Katelyn was trying to interfere and get the drop on him, which ended disastrously for Cannon.
Frankie: But fortuitously for Orlando.
The whole arena drowns Orlando in their boos as he rolls from the squared circle, drops to his knees and finds himself surrounded by his Monarchy cohorts. Taylor, Trinity and Lucas help him up to his feet, his arms draped over their shoulders. Back in the ring Scott is just now regaining his senses and getting back up. He eventually stands just as Katelyn comes barreling out of the corner and jumping into him with a Lou Thez Press. Obviously Katelyn is retaliating for the punch he greeted her with when she entered the ring. Katelyn knocks Scott to the canvas, coming down on top of him and unloading punches across his brow.
Greyson: Katelyn going after Scott! Katelyn UNLOADING ON SCOTT!
Sparkles: This is just like how we opened tonight’s show.
As Katelyn continues to wail on Scott’s face with punches the curtains hung over the entry way open and both David and Michael Cannon come racing down the ramp.
Greyson: The Cannons about to have the number’s advantage over Buehler!
Frankie: It’s about time these three got on the same page.
Sparkles: The World Champion is in serious trouble right…..
David and Michael reach the end of the ramp but then stop cold in their tracks. They lock eyes on their brother brawling with Katelyn and suddenly seem to come to their senses. David looks towards Michael and Michael looks back until they nod in agreement. To the disapproval of the audience Scott’s brothers turn their back on him and march to the back.
Frankie: What the hell? Are-are the Cannons walking out on their own flesh and blood?
Greyson: Michael and David, they’ve just turned their backs on their own brother.
Michael and David go on walking to the back while inside of the ring Katelyn and Scott go on trading shots amongst a loud reaction from the fans. Somehow Scott has gotten back to his feet, albeit wobbly and is now unloading on Katelyn with punches of his own, batting her back., At ringside we can see the victorious Orlando leaning against a barricade laughing, Trinity laughing, Lucas laughing and Taylor laughing as loud as her lungs will allow. Obviously the four of them are enjoying the brawl they are witnessing between Katelyn and Scott, the champion and the number one contender to her title tearing each other apart.
Greyson: Orlando wins here tonight, but is there going to be anything left of either Scott Cannon or Katelyn Buehler to fight it out for the World Title in two weeks at Upping the Ante!?!
FADE TO BLACK
Riot 39
Voices: We are Monarchy.
Multiple tones are combined and overlapped to form the previous sentence. All the while the most memorable events from the previous edition of Riot are playing with some flavor of the week rock band providing a background theme. There are clips showing Orlando Cruze standing in the ring and trying to cover for his wife Taylor Chase after she attacked the World Champion two weeks earlier and joined the deeply resented Monarchy. He is then interrupted by Monarchy founders Trinity Street and Lucas Knight, who promise Orlando that his wife will be fully indoctrinated into the group later tonight.
Voices: And we will RULE
Once again numerous voices are spliced together as now we see who some of the speakers are. Images of IWC grapplers Lexy Chapel, Kat Kelly and Alistair Taylor flash across the screen with the camera zoomed in on their intense expressions.
The video roll along from there, with the footage of the Tag Team Champions Wicked Intent standing in the ring where one half of its members Lexy Chapel makes a controversial announcement. She declares that she is the rightful World Champion by virtue of defeating the title holder Katelyn Buehler a scant two weeks earlier. We then see she and her partner in crime Kat Kelly jumping the World Champion backstage and stealing her World Title. It doesn’t take long for the championship to go on pinging around from one thief to another. Later on that evening another of IWC’s hottest attractions, Scott Cannon, takes the World Title from an unsuspecting Wicked Intent, though it appears his thievery is for far more noble reasons. We see him return the World Title to its rightful owner Katelyn Buehler.
Voices: We are Monarchy
More overlapping voices are heard in the background while the video fixates on the faces of Trinity Street and Lucas Knight, the two founding members of Monarchy. Only sparse light is cast over their intense expressions while shadows blanket their surroundings.
Now the video focuses on the World Title defense that went down on that very same chaotic edition of Riot. Moments after her dealings with Wicked Intent and Scott Cannon, Katelyn puts her World Title on the line against the monster Mordecai. The two brawl through the crowd with one highspot being Katelyn’s dive from a balcony into the challenger on the floor far down below. Eventually Katelyn finds herself overwhelmed by Mordecai, who has the champion down in a spot she’s not very familiar with, defenseless. However, just as Mordecai readies to eradicate Buehler, all his plans go up in smoke due to the red hot reception for the fire breathing Johnny Kingdom. Clearly Mordecai hadn’t anticipated the return of the man he dragged beneath the ring a few months earlier. Kingdom’s come back marks the end of Mordecai’s title ambitions, resulting in a roll up and pinfall loss.
Voices: And we will RULE.
The voices can be heard again and this time the speakers are revealed as Taylor Chase and Orlando Cruze, the husband and wife and newest Monarchy initiates. Much like Lucas and Trinity, and Wicked Intent, we get a close up of Orlando’s sneer and Taylor’s snide smile.
The final images of this recap video pertain to the aftermath of the World Title match. The reigning champion celebrates her successful defense before being attacked again by Wicked Intent. They fell her with their tandem finisher the NC-17 then leave her to the mercy of Katelyn’s greatest rival Taylor Chase. The woman who double crossed Katelyn merely two weeks earlier by joining into the same group as Wicked Intent, now enters the ring and prepares to solidify her ties with the organization known as Monarchy, by driving a titanium knee brace into a powerless Katelyn’s face.
However, Tay’s husband Orlando enters the ring and cuts her off, preventing her from attacking the World Champion for the second show in a row. Just as it finally seems Orlando is going to tell Taylor off he instead lets her know just how much he still loves her and reinforces his affection by giving her a giant squeeze. Orlando, Tay, Lexy, Kat and the founders of Monarchy then stand hand in hand, arms raised above their heads and over a ring filled with the bodies of their enemies.
Voices: We are Monarchy, and we will RULE.
EARLIER TONIGHT
An extra-long stretch Humvee that would make for quite a statement on the preoccupation with phallic imagery, cruises to a stop in the parking lot just outside the Manhattan Center. The commentators get a few words in before the doors to the Humvee can open.
Greyson: Ladies and gentlemen, earlier tonight, we saw the arrival of perhaps the most controversial group in all of professional wrestling.
Frankie: And boy did they ever show up in STYLE.
Sparkles: Just how big is that limo?
From the back of the Humvee we see bodies begin to emerge, the first one being one half of the IWC Tag Team Champions Kat Kelly. She is followed by a very serious and well dressed Alistair Taylor. The pair wear matching sunglasses, shades and spiffy attire, all apparently a pre-requisite of any power faction. The same type of clothing clings to Lexy Chapel as she files out behind her partner Kat and her ally Alistair. From the other end of the car we see Trinity Street and Lucas Knight making their exit and fixing the rims of the sunglasses on the tips of their noses. The final two to exit the Humvee are the newest initiates into Monarchy, Taylor Chase and Orlando Cruze. Lexy instantly throws her arms over their shoulders of both Tay and Orlando, leading them to the interior of the Manhattan Center.
Greyson: Monarchy is in the building and I think it’s safe to assume that they have just put the entire IWC roster on notice.
Sparkles: Taylor Chase and Orlando Cruze fitting right in with their new friends.
Greyson: It sickens me to see those two hanging out with the likes of Lexy Chapel and Kat Kelly.
Frankie: Get over it, what you’re looking at right now is THE most dominate faction that has EVER been created.
Sparkles: The Spirit Squad has got nothing on these guys and girls.
The show cuts live to a backstage corridor where at least half a dozen IWC personalities have gathered, huddling around a monitor that provides footage of Monarchy’s arrival. Amongst those keenly watching are Marina Valdivia, Andre Jordan, their collective agent Tabitha Silverstone, as well as Selena Frost, and sitting in the epic-center of them all, World Champion Katelyn Buehler. She’s the only one parked in a chair while the others stand, and she’s also the one leaning closest to the television showing Monarchy’s arrival.
Greyson: And there are a group of IWC competitors who are intent on making Monarchy’s night a very painful one.
Sparkles: All of these individuals have some type of grudge against Monarchy, and obviously go into Riot with revenge on their minds.
Greyson: Especially the World Champion, who is downright determined to get her hands around the throats of Taylor Chase, Kat Kelly and Lexy Chapel.
Frankie: If Katelyn or ANY of these people go after Monarchy they’re going to lose EVERYTHING.
Rachel: Poor Ricky…Poooor Ricky Holt….
The action has waited long enough.
Cameras go to the ring where NHB Champion Rachel Tatum Lee paces between the ropes with a bull-rope and cowbell griped in her hands.
Rachel: Ya made alotta mistakes over the past couple’a weeks when it came to messin’ with me. And while some rookies can learn from their mistakes, those rookies didn’t make the mistake of screwin’ with me, the most dangerous woman in the world.
Greyson: Rachel Tatum Lee, the longest reigning NHB Champion in history, sending some thinly veiled threats to the number one contender for her title Ricky Holt.
Sparkles: Sparkles thinks this is more than threats, I think she’s actually calling him out.
Frankie: Ricky IS scheduled to face Rachel for the gold tonight. So why wait to get to it?
The NHB Champion continues to address the man looking to end her over year long reign as title bearer. And she does so while ever tightening her grip on the bull-rope in her hand.
Rachel: It’s sad when a career comes to a close when it’s just in its infancy, but yer time in wrasslin’ is gonna be over before ya even get outta yer diapers. Ya don’t tussle with the Hardcore Cowgirl and live to brag about it. But if that’s what ya want to do, if ya want to be the man who TRIES to end my reign with the NHB Title then come and get it yer ass kicked….COME AND GET YER ASS KICKED! COME AND GET IT…COME AND GET IT!
The cowbell hung from the bull-rope is raised above Rachel’s head and chimed over and over and over again. Right then and right there the tunes of Ricky Holt’s entrance theme hit the PA system. To the tracks of ‘Unsettling Differences’ Ricky Holt embarks from the backstage area. He heads straight along for the squared circle where Rachel is just itching to get her hands on him. The sunglasses on Ricky’s nose are torn away to reveal the intense eyes that were brooding behind them.
Frankie: Ricky Holt has not made any qualms about pissing people off.
Greyson: Actually it seems like this rookie has went out of his way to do so.
Frankie: Yeah, but his methods have proven effective. I mean he’s getting an NHB Championship match and he hasn’t even been in the business a year yet.
Sparkles: Let’s look back at what made this No Holds Barred Title match far more personal than it should be.
TWO WEEKS AGO
The events of the prior Riot come into play as it regards Ricky Holt’s acts of wanton destruction. Frist there are clips of Holt attacking Elijah Dallas, a member of Rachel’s trusted troupe known as Tombstone. He goes on assaulting Dallas before another IWC newcomer Devon Kayl intervenes, fending off the attacker. Ricky and Devon, who have had their fair share of run ins brawl in the backstage area.
LATER THAT NIGHT
A few minutes later Devon Kayl is featured walking to the ring for his number one contender tournament match before he’s bludgeoned from behind. A wooden 2×4 cracks him in the back of his skull, swung by a wrathful Ricky Holt.
LATER THAT NIGHT
The final clip that pertains to Holt shows him moments after competing in his own Number One Contender Tournament match. He attempts to assault his opponent with a wooden board only to have NHB Champion Rachel Tatum Lee run out, seeking justice for the attack on Elijah earlier on in the night. She and Holt exchange blows.
RACHEL TATUM LEE © VS. RICKY HOLT:
NHB CHAMPIONSHIP
Greyson: Here we go guys!
Sparkles: No more videos, no more hype, straight up ACTION!
Frankie: NHB Title up for grabbies right now.
The second challenger Ricky Holt enters the ring his fists find their way into defending champion Rachel Tatum Lee’s face. She drops the cowbell and the rope she had brought to the ring with her in order to retaliate against Ricky with some closed fists of her own. The crowd is at a fevered pitch as these two FINALLY collide after weeks of animosity.
Greyson: Holt and Rachel just laying into each other!
Sparkles: Rachel recalls just how Ricky assaulted her backwoods buddy two weeks ago.
Frankie: And Ricky knows this would be a landmark win, becoming champion and doing so by ending Rachel’s reign.
Ricky goes on punching Rachel across the chin with her response being some jabs of her own. Eventually Ricky nails a kick so hard to Rachel’s ribs that it doubles her over and momentarily takes the fight out of her. He quickly snatches up the cowbell that was used to summon him to the ring and then swings it straight into the upper back of his rival. The blow has Rachel buckling at the knees and doubling over. Ricky doesn’t want her to buckle, he wants her DOWN. He runs into the ropes in front of Rachel to build momentum behind another swing of the bell right across her brow. He runs into Rachel…into her HEEL. She jumps into the air and connects with a version of the Boot-Licker. Sadly she doesn’t get all of it, the boot merely grazing Ricky but disorientating him enough to send his body spiraling totally around and ultimately losing his footing before coming down in the turnbuckle. He sits up just long enough for his opponent to come diving into him with the Bronco Buster.
Frankie: I envy Ricky now more so than ever.
Greyson: Rachel with the rarely seen Bronco Buster.
Sparkles: This move more so insults her opponent.
The Bronco Buster adds some insult to injury. She then rolls back out of the move and then returns to her feet. She then watches as her ailing challenger reaches an upright base with the aid of the turnbuckle. Rachel runs right into him, jumping into a monkey flip but before she can drop back she’s caught across the creases of her knees. She finds herself twisted around and seated on the top rope with Ricky finally letting go of her legs. He then reveals the cowbell is still in his hand and now it makes contact with Rachel’s brow. The blow sends her flipping back off the ropes and crashing down to the outside mats.
Frankie: I was just about to say that this match needed more cowbell.
Sparkles: Well that cowbell may have just changed the pace of this NHB Title bout.
The shot to the skull has Rachel in total disarray, yet she’s still standing like a monster from an eighties slasher flick. Already Ricky is planning how he’s going to put her back down. He jumps from the apron and swings the cowbell down into the top of Rachel’s head. The blow caves in Rachel’s skull and sends her staggering back towards the ramp. Her groggy eyes focus on Ricky dashing in with another shot from the cowbell. Amazingly she still possesses the wherewithal to duck the shot. As a result Ricky stumbles past her with his move entirely blocked and his throat about to be on the receiving end of a clothesline. Rachel runs at Ricky only to find herself back dropped not into the mats but onto the steel rampway.
Greyson: Rachel sent crashing right into the ramp!
Frankie: Yikes….Hopefully she has a good chiropractor on speed dial. If not, my fingers work magic.
Greyson: I’m pretty sure Rachel would shatter all of those fingers before they EVER got close to her.
The only thing about to be snapped right now is Rachel’s spine. Ricky flips her back into the suplex right into the steel ramp. A groaning Rachel unconsciously crawls up the ramp to the stage where Silas Mason’s strippers stand in cages shaking their asses. Rachel reaches one of the struts holding up the Cartel-tron. Ricky grabs her by the back of the head and swings her face straight into one of those struts, her face bouncing off it and her body twisting around right into Ricky’s face lock. He runs up the strut and flips back, going for the Shiraniu…
Greyson: Shir-anu-i!
To Ricky’s regrets Rachel grabs the strut and blocks the Shiranui, sending her rival and challenger floating over onto his feet. Rachel quickly climbs up the strut backwards and then comes leaping off it into a modified knee strike. Her leg smashes Ricky right between the eyes and takes him off of his feet. He flops around on the stage and ends up just inches removed from the edge. All the while his opponent is standing up behind him and looking to deliver a punt kick that would send Ricky’s body flipping from the stage and crashing to the floor several feet below.
Rachel gets a big running start behind the kick but before it ever connects with the ribs of her opponent she finds her leg caught. The NHB Champion hops on one foot while her other leg is trapped under her adversary’s armpit. Rachel’s planted foot is then swept out from under her, collapsing onto her back. It only takes a matter of seconds from Rachel to be dragged around and then catapulted right into the very same steel strut she was leaning against earlier. Her face smacks off the steel, causing her to stagger back and right into Ricky’s arms. He takes her by the waist, rolls her over and ends up seated across the back of her thighs with the NHB Champion folded up like an accordion beneath him. He then bridges over backwards to put even more pressure on the pin.
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Rachel manages to not only kick out but kick out with such force that it sends her challenger rolling away from her.
Greyson: Ricky comes within an inch…an INCH of winning that NHB Championship.
Sparkles: What a feather this would be in the rookie’s cap, to lay claim to the honor of dethroning Rachel as the NHB Champion.
Rachel has sat on that throne for far too long to be knocked down now. She grabs the steel column that holds up the Cartel-tron, using it to drag her wounded body back to an upright base. The moment she stands she finds her ribs on the receiving end of a running headbutt from her adversary. Ricky turns himself into a battering ram, one that sends his head hurdling along not into Rachel’s gut, but into the strut she was propped against. Rachel side steps him at the last second
There is a fatal impact of skull to steel, Ricky’s head bouncing from the strut. He goes twisting around to the curtains hanging over the exit to the entrance tunnel just as his opponent barrels into him and unleashes the dreaded Loredo Lasso. The clothesline connects with enough force to send both Rachel and Ricky plummeting into the backstage area.
Sparkles: These two making use of the falls count anywhere nature of these No Holds Barred Title matches.
Greyson: They’re fighting into the back and luckily we’ve got cameras on hand to capture every second of this brawl no matter where it might go.
Frankie: Do they have cameras in the bathroom too? I hope not. I had to ‘purge’ before the show and mo one wants to see my O face.
Cameras remain stationed on the entry way for what seems like an eternity.
Greyson: Well we’re STILL trying to get cameras to….oh, okay, apparently Ricky and Rachel have made it into the parking lot.
Frankie: They better stay away from my fine ride.
Greyson: You mean that supped up Ford Pinto?
Cameras segue to an outdoor parking lot where Rachel has hold of Ricky’s hair and is pulling him along towards the hood of a Mustang. Ricky’s head hits with such force that it sends him rolling up and onto the car hood. Rachel walks around the car, scales onto the trunk, onto the roof and then into a diving axehandle elbow straight across her adversary’s face.
A barely conscious Ricky slides off of the hood of the car and lands on the pavement across his knees, looking downright brain dead at this point. Standing on the hood of the auto above him is the NHB Champion, who is already sliding a finger across her throat to indicate that the end is here, her patented tombstone is coming. She takes Ricky by the hair and starts to lead him up onto the hood of the car only to have the challenger stick his head under his opponent’s seat and then stand up straight. As a result Rachel is left dangling over Ricky’s back with the creases of her knees in her adversary’s hands, but not for long. She is pulled down into an Alabama Slam that shatters her spine against the hood of the car.
Greyson: Alabama Slam on the hood of that car!
Sparkles: That car is going to need some serious body work by the time this is all over and done with.
Frankie: Rachel’s gonna need some body work too. I’d start with the tits.
An unconscious Rachel remains splayed over the car, lying inside of the huge dent that her body just created. She is rendered defenseless against the challenger who has just scaled his way up onto the roof of a truck that is just a bit taller than the car Rachel is still lying across. Ricky puts his life on the line by taking to the air and hitting a frog splash from the roof of the truck onto Rachel. The NHB Champion is crushed between the car bonnet she was laid out on and Ricky’s body. The challenger remains splayed across his crushed opponent while the referee slaps the hood of the car in order to make the count.
Greyson: Frog Splash off that truck and onto Rachel, and now it’s followed up by a very unorthodox pin.
Frankie: Rachel shouldn’t have been doing a Tawny Kitean spoof, otherwise this wouldn’t have happened.
And what’s about to happen is the potential loss of Rachel’s title.
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2
Ricky bobs his head with each slap of the car bonnet but stops nodding and starts cringing when he stops hearing the slaps and starts feeling Rachel get her shoulder up. Though flustered Ricky still works his way up to his feet with Rachel’s hair griped in his hands. He scoop slams her from the hood of the car onto its roof, a deep indentation of her body left in the vehicle. The impact leaves Rachel unconsciously rolling off of the car and falling to the pavement. Ricky is right behind her, standing Rachel up and then giving her a Russian Leg Sweep spine first right into the passenger side door of the car.
Sparkles: Ricky Holt has been a pretty aggressive wrestler since his IWC debut but he’s really turning up the intensity here in this match.
Frankie: Because he knows exactly what’s on the line here, not just a shot at the NHB Title, but an opportunity to have bragging rights for being the man who ends Rachel’s historic reign.
Greyson: Well it looks to me like he’s getting very close to making that a possibility.
The multiple slams against the car have seemingly left Rachel dead to rights. She’s pulled away from one car and whipped towards another, sent flying right into its rear bumper. Instead of slamming against it though, Rachel steps onto it and then onto the trunk of the car. Ricky doesn’t like what he’s seeing and comes dashing in to put an end to it. But Rachel flies off the trunk at this point and catches him coming in with a Lou Thez Press. Rachel drives Ricky down to the ground and now begins to drive her fists right across either side of his head. The punches go on landing before they come to an abrupt halt at the sound of a vehicle pulling into the scene where all this chaos is occurring. A security guard has made the fatal mistake of driving his golf cart towards the NHB Champion and her challenger. Before the hefty man behind the wheel can react he finds his body dragged out from behind the wheel of his cart and tossed to the ground. Now it’s Rachel who occupies the driver’s seat.
Greyson: Rachel pulled that security guard out of his cart….
Sparkles: And now what is she doing?
Frankie: Me thinks Rachel is about to commit vehicular manslaughter here.
Greyson: How embarrassing would it be to get killed by a golf cart?
Said cart powers up before Rachel hits the gas, accelerating just quick enough to inflict some serious damage on the target. Said target is Holt, who sees the cart coming and quickly dives out of its way. He goes rolling across the ground just as the cart speeds past him and screeches to a halt.
Greyson: My God, I can’t believe this match is so personal that Rachel would just try to run Holt down like that.
Sparkles: She just missed him by a few inches.
After Holt avoids being crushed by the cart he goes racing after it, running up behind the vehicle only to discover that there is no longer anyone behind the wheel. That’s when his eyes veer up and see that Rachel is now stood on top of the cart. She doesn’t stay there for long before she comes leaping off into a big lariat that takes Ricky to the ground. Rachel lands beside him and then drapes herself over his chest.
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Ricky gets his shoulder up to continue what has been a wild NHB Title bout. Rachel is fatigued, her body is winded, her joints aching, her muscles knotted, but she still works her way up with Ricky’s hair in her palms. She pulls him along straight into the bumper of a car, smacking his face off of it. He goes twisting away as a result and then spilling onto the trunk of a long black limo. A barely conscious Ricky goes crawling instinctively up onto the hood of the limo while Rachel follows closely behind. She and Ricky are now on top of the limo where they find themselves trading punches.
Greyson: Look at these two fighting on top of a friggin limo.
Sparkles: That car was probably here to pick up Sparkles.
Frankie: If it’s here for me it had better be filled with more hookers than I can count.
Rachel and Ricky go on teeing off against each other on the hood of the limo. However, it’s the NHB Champion who seems to be winning this war. Her shots have her challenger staggering back and his arms flailing out to his sides. Rachel dashes in with a knock out punch aimed at Ricky’s face, but the only thing that gets knocked out, is the air right from Rachel’s lungs. She’s caught by her challenger and swung right into the spinning powerslam directly onto the hood of the limo. Rachel comes very close to crashing right through the tinted sunroof but misses it by a few inches. She now finds herself covered by Holt, who has her leg hooked and only three seconds keeping her removed from losing her title.
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Much to Ricky’s regret he didn’t put enough strength into the pin, meaning Rachel was able to kick out only a fraction of a second before losing her gold. This kick out only intensifies Ricky’s efforts. He stands up with Rachel’s hair in his hands and soon her head finds its way under his seat. The New Dawn Fades is about to connect right on top of the roof of the limo.
Frankie: Oh man, this is gonna be sooo wicked.
Greyson: Is Holt about to-is he about to hit that flipping piledriver on top of that limo?
Sparkles: It might be the only way he can take that title off of….erm…is anyone else seeing this?
Holt sure doesn’t, otherwise he might react to the sunroof opening behind him. Just a few feet removed from the heels of his boot one can see the sunroof pulling back and a figure beginning to emerge from the interior of the limo.
Greyson: What the hell? It’s-it’s-it’s Devon Kayl!
Sparkles: The man Holt screwed out of the Number One Contender Tournament two weeks ago.
Frankie: He was inside of the limo they were fighting inside of?
Kayl fully emerges from the limo with a champagne bottle griped in his hand. Pretty soon that bottle swings right across the back of Holt’s head, shattering into a thousand pieces.
Greyson: Champagne bottle! Champagne bottle SMASHED right into Ricky’s head!
Frankie: Glass! There’s glass everywhere. How could you do this Kayl?
Greyson: Holt did the same thing to him two weeks ago!
Kayl clears off the roof of the limo, standing back and watching as the man he just assaulted finds himself loaded up into Rachel’s arms. Before Holt can react he has the top of his head driven into the hood of the limo with the Dead in Tombstone.
Greyson: She hits it! The Dead in Tombstone connecting.
Sparkles: On the roof of that limo.
Rachel leans down into the cover, palms pressed to an unconscious Holt’s chest. The referee slaps the trunk of the limo.
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The cheers from the Manhattan Center crowd carry out into the parking lot where Rachel has just pinned one of her toughest challengers to date.
Sparkles: And history continues to be made! Rachel’s reign as NHB Champion goes on!
Greyson: It took a damned Dead in Tombstone on top of that limo to make it possible.
Frankie: And don’t forget how that son of a bitch Kayl shattered a champagne bottle over Holt’s head.
Sparkles: Not like Holt didn’t have it coming after he screwed Kayl over two weeks ago. But the important story here is that Rachel’s NHB Title lives on.
Greyson: In spite of a tremendous challenge from Holt here tonight.
It hurts just about every inch of her to do so but Rachel stands up and instantly finds herself rewarded with her title belt. The official hands Rachel her gold and then she lifts it up high above the limo and above the unconscious Holt splayed across it. Standing on the ground down below is a smiling Kayl, who is clapping proudly for the champion.
The cork on a bottle of champagne pops and foam comes pouring out of it into several glasses.
Alistair: Drink up gents, it’s a night of CELEBRATION!
Announces Alistair Taylor as he stands over his Monarchy associates and fills their raised cups with champagne. All those in the group known as Monarchy are in a truly celebratory mood as they sit around the confines of a VIP dressing room, rejoicing in one another’s company. Trinity Street and Lucas Knight are sitting side by side on one side of a couch, while Taylor Chase and her husband Orlando Cruze are on the opposite end. Lexy Chapel perches herself on the arm rest while her tag team partner Kat is stood behind Alistair massaging his shoulders.
Alistair: Tonight we complete our domination of the IWC.
Lexy: Ooooh yaaah!!
Kat: Ittt’s oooonnnn!!
As Alistair tips the champagne bottle to his lips and begins to chug the camera slowly zooms in on Taylor and Orlando. At the moment Tay has her hand cupped around Orlando’s ear and is whispering something into it, putting a giant smile on his face. The commentators don’t sound nearly as jovial as Monarchy.
Sparkles: There we see Monarchy living it up in their dressing room.
Frankie: Their in quite the festive mood after their latest rouse went down two weeks ago.
Greyson: Taylor Chase and Orlando Cruze joined Monarchy and along with Lexy Chapel, Kat Kelly and Alistair Taylor they’re promising total domination of the IWC.
Mika: Oh my Andre….My delicious…edible Andre….
Flames can be seen burning on the wicks of multiple candles while the seductive voice of Mika Kozlov is overheard in the background.
Mika: For weeks I told the world I had a boyfriend. But that…that was all a lie.
Now the camera focuses on a palm running across satin sheets, smoothing the wrinkles out of them.
Mika: Because you are more than just my boyfriend, Andre.
The feed cuts to a slow camera pan moving from right to left across the smiling, pouting lips of Mika.
Mika: You are my soulmate….
We get another zoom in on Mika’s finger as it slips under a shoulder strap, pulling it slowly away from her flawless flesh.
Mika: You and I….we’re one.
At last we get an image of Mika in the full, and boy what an image she is. She is stretched across a bed with her skimpy black lingerie sensually bound to the curves of her body.
Mika: We have kept this secret long enough. Come to me my Chocolate Pudding and I shall devour you.
Loud noises can be heard filtering out of a doorway and into the hall. The camera can just barely see through the slight opening in said door and get a glimpse of Andre Jordan standing in the room beyond it, his raised voice directed at a woman who can’t be seen.
Andre: I’m tired of this Tabitha. SICK OF IT!
Now we can see Tabitha coming into view as she approaches her client and puts her hands on his shoulders.
Tabitha: We’re going to do something about it….
Andre: You’re damn right we are and we’re going to do it RIGHT NOW!
Dre draws closer to the cracked door and storms into the hall where the camera is positioned. An equally as resolute Tabitha is following right behind him.
Greyson: It looks like Andre Jordan is headed along towards the ring!
Sparkles: He’s worked up about something.
Frankie: Probably the loss of his Evolution Title two weeks ago.
Greyson: We’ve got a potentially explosive situation coming our way. What does Andre have planned? What are we in store for? Don’t go anywhere!
IWC SLAM OF THE WEEK
A video presented by Exlax is played which focuses on the events of the previous Riot where a Hell in a Cell was lowered to the ring. The steel contains a straight out war between New Eden’s Cindy Todd and the once beloved Orlando Cruze. The footage culminates to the shocking return of former New Eden leader Aiken Frost, who hangs Cindy via a noose from the roof of the cell.
A few moments later we see Cindy’s followers Mika Kozlov, Serenity and Borislav taking the noose off of her neck and then carrying her from the ring. Just then New Eden’s enemy Julia Braddock comes to the ring and tries to jump Mika and Serenity only to get overcome by their dominance. She suffers a heinous assault before she finds help in the form of unlikely ally Marina Valdivia. She enters the cell and takes the fight straight to long-time rival Serenity.
The video transitions to even later in the night where Marina’s good friend Victoria Salinas is giving an interview only to be blindsided from behind by a vengeful Serenity. The hostilities between the two eventually spills over to the outside of the building.
EARLIER TONIGHT
The show now transitions into another video, don’t worry, this one ISN’T a dreaded recap. Instead the fans are treated to footage taken from earlier tonight when Victoria Salinas sat down to be interviewed by correspondent Mark Comeau. The two are shown seated inside of the ring with the arena around them all together emptied out, the lighting over the seating area dimmed and the spotlight given only to Victoria and Comeau.
Comeau: Hello IWC fans, I’m Mark Comeau and I’m here with one of Riot’s most recent and perhaps most high profile signings in quite some time, Victoria Salinas. Thank you for joining me Victoria.
Victoria: Mmmhmmmm.
Comeau: It’s funny how things seem to come full circle around here. It was close to a year ago that I sat in this chair across from your best friend Marina Valdivia conducting a very similar interview after her signing with the IWC.
Victoria: Yeah, that’s a gas.
Condescends Victoria in between sips from a white Starbucks cup.
Comeau: Victoria, let’s get straight to the question that everyone on social media have been asking. Why Riot? Why now?
Victoria: Now that IS funny. What an outright goofy question to ask me. My debut on the Riot brand is actually waaaaaay past due. I should have been here months ago standing by Marina’s side and kicking ass all through this roster.
Comeau: You mentioned Marina…..
Victoria: You mentioned her first.
Comeau: Fair enough. There’s no doubting that she was a huge part of your decision to sign with Riot. Can you enlighten us as to the extent of your relationship with Marina?
Victoria: Didn’t I answer this same question two weeks ago? Although I hate repeating myself, I guess I’ll just reiterate what I’ve been telling people for months. For as long as I can remember Marina has been there for me. Whenever people tore me down personally and across social media outlets, Marina was the one person who ALWAYS stuck up for me, who was ALWAYS there for me. It’s time I returned the favor.
Comeau: I hate to bring up your sordid past, but you referred to some of the criticism you’ve received for your more ‘controversial’ actions both here in the IWC and abroad. What sparked you to change your attitude?
Victoria: There were a lot of factors that influenced me. When I started to look back at the things I did in GCW to become champion, frankly, my conduct started to eat at me. And then, when I saw people doing the same thing to me in order to get ahead, it really put things into perspective.
Comeau: How much of a factor did Marina play in your drive to correct the mistakes of your past?
Victoria: You can’t help but to be inspired by Marina. Two weeks ago she ran into a Hell in a Cell and fought New Eden, a group of the most depraved, sociopathic psychos that have ever competed in this organization. But when she saw someone, a former enemy no less in Julia Braddock, being outnumbered by New Eden, Marina didn’t even bat an eye before she rushed into that cell and came to her aid. That is true blue hero stuff. Such displays of heart, of courage, of fortitude, are infectious.
Comeau: So that’s why you’re here on Riot?
Victoria: Yeah, and erm, well, to be honest, I really don’t want to be remembered in the IWC as JUST a flag waver for the Slay Revolution. Gag! Don’t even get me started on that.
Comeau: Pretty sure Tina Valentine goes on about it enough.
Victoria: Doesn’t she ever.
Comeau: So now I guess the biggest question I have to ask is…what are your ambitions now that you’re on the Riot roster?
Victoria: For now I’m here to have Marina’s back, but in the future, but I’d be lying if I said that titles weren’t on my mind as well.
Comeau: Speaking of titles, tonight you’re friend Marina teams up with World Champion Katelyn Buehler to take on Kat Kelly and Lexy Chapel for the Tag Team Titles….
Victoria: I’ll be very interested in that match, but again, I’m not gonna lie, I’d love to see Marina holding those tag straps, but I’d like it even more if I was wearing the belts alongside her.
A depleted Rachel Tatum Lee is stood in a hallway backstage, still reeling from her very physical fight with Ricky Holt just moments earlier. Gathered around her are members of Tombstone. Elijah Dallas and Sundown are on either side of the NHB Champion while Goddard lingers in the background, partially obscured by the shadows. Rachel struggles to speak between her deep breaths.
Rachel: I think Ricky’s gonna be feeling that one tomorrow mornin’….
Elijah: It’s like ya said Lil Rose, he ain’t EVER gonna recover from what ya did to him jus’ now.
Sundown: He’ll be lucky to walk ever again.
Rachel: Now that we’ve got him taken care of it’s time to focus on Ethan, on Alana, and on the Number One Contender Tournament next….
Mya: This has gone on long enough!
Broadcasts an outraged Mya Denton as she comes marching towards Rachel and Tombstone. A steel chair extends from Mya’s hand, making sure she comes ready for whatever the NHB Champion might throw at her.
Mya: I’m tired of these games you’ve been playing with me! WHERE’S HARRISON!?!
A smile plays across Rachel’s face.
Mya: I don’t see what’s so damned funny. For some reason you’ve been shielding Harrison from me, and I’m tired of it. I want him. I want my revenge!
Rachel: Sorry Mya, but Harrison, he ain’t mine to give.
Goddard: I’m tired of this.
The darkly Goddard emerges from the blanket of shadows and steps just beside Rachel. The dagger eyes of the Tombstone member plunge into Mya and stab deep into her soul.
Goddard: Ya want Aaron Harrison so badly? He’s yours. You’ll get ‘em TONIGHT.
The fans were just starting to settle down after that raucous start to the show before “We Own It” hits the speakers. Andre Jordan’s theme music elicits one of the loudest pops ever heard from the Manhattan Center crowd. Every set of eyes cut to the stairs that slice through the crowd and Andre is standing at the top of them. He and his agent Tabitha Silverstone make their way down the stairs, Dre looking uncannily intense.
Sparkles: Andre Jordan storming straight for the squared circle.
Frankie: He’s got a serious bug up his ass over something.
Greyson: Two weeks ago we saw him lose his Evolution Title thanks to a distraction created by Mika Kozlov. Maybe that’s what’s got him so worked up.
Frankie: I tell you what’s got ME worked up, that video we just saw from Mika.
Greyson: Does she actually think that she and Andre are in some type of relationship?
Every fan watches Andre enter the ring and now hinges on his every word.
Andre: Just to put an end to all the gossip….
Starts Dre once he and Tabitha enter the ring and a microphone finds its way into his hand.
Andre:….Mika Kozlov is absolutely and completely FUCKED in the head. There is no relationship and never has been any relationship between us. End of story. Now let’s get to why I’m REALLY out here.
Frankie: Is Dre honestly turning Mika down? That settles it, he was born without a penis.
Andre: Two weeks ago something happened…Something I haven’t been able to shake.
As Dre paces he takes deep breaths, very affected by the event he’s referencing.
Andre: And no, as much as it hurt, I’m not talking about the loss of my Evolution Championship. One day very soon I will have my title back. Count on it. But again, the title is NOT why I’m out here at the moment. I’m in this ring because two weeks ago, I saw a man I once supported, a man I once believed in, a man I once respected, spit right in my face, spit right in Tabitha’s face, spit right in all of YOUR faces.
Dre points out over the crowd and elicits so many angered boos from the crowd.
Andre: So I’m out here right now on my behalf and on behalf of everyone here in the Manhattan Center tonight to get an explanation. Orlando Cruze! Get your ass out here right now!!
Oooh yeah, the fans are amped up, feeling goosebumps rising from their skin.
Greyson: Oh wow….Andre Jordan, he’s-he’s-he’s calling out Orlando Cruze! But why?
Sparkles: Andre and Orlando are scheduled to face each other tonight in a Number One Contender Tournament Match.
Cameras discover Orlando Cruze’s current whereabouts. He’s still sitting in a VIP dressing room with the cork on a champagne bottle popped. His wife Taylor Chase is sitting next to him mirroring her husband’s confused expression. The rest of the Monarchy members crammed into the room, Trinity Street, Lucas Knight, Lexy Chapel, Kat Kelly and Alistair Taylor all have their shoulders hunched to their earlobes.
Orlando: Meh, was bound to happen sooner than later. Let’s go see what the kid wants.
Orlando casually rises to his feet, fixes the collar of his white button up shirt then heads along for the ring. His wife, the once beloved and admired Taylor Chase, follows right along beside him.
Sparkles: It looks like Orlando and Taylor are answering Andre’s demand.
Frankie: What business does Dre have for calling Orlando out?
Greyson: I think Dre, just like the rest of us, are upset that Orlando betrayed the IWC by joining Monarchy two weeks ago.
Andre Jordan continues pacing the squared circle, eyes perpetually fixed on the entry way in anticipation of Orlando Cruze’s entrance. Tabitha Silverstone proudly stands beside her client and even takes the microphone from his hand to speak up on his behalf.
Tabitha: Come on Orlando! Enough is enough! It’s time for answers.
Taylor: Answers? You think you deserve answers?
Stomach acids begin to churn as the crowd spots Taylor Chase and hubby Orlando Cruze emerging from the back. The pair walk along towards the ring amidst the harshest reaction imaginable.
Frankie: The IT couple is here.
Greyson: Orlando Cruze and Taylor Chase, the biggest ‘middle finger’ to the fans.
Sparkles: These two WERE amongst the most cherished and admired wrestlers on the entire IWC roster, but in the span of only a few weeks they’ve managed to become the most reviled.
Greyson: Listen to the crowd though, they STILL have some love for Orlando, and until I hear his explanation for joining Monarchy, I’m not sure I can just turn my back on him either.
Sparkles: What’s gonna happen when Orlando gets in that ring with Dre? Are we going to see the Number One Contender Tournament match they’re slated to compete in right now?
Although Taylor is 100% ego, Orlando looks a bit more composed and reserved. He never fully makes eye contact with Andre once entering the ring with him. Taylor does all the talking for her husband.
Taylor: After everything that the IWC did to me, the most important thing in my husband’s life, he doesn’t owe you (points at Dre), you (points at Tabitha), or any of you (points over the crowd), any type of explanation.
Andre: Is that right…ORLANDO?
Dre looks over Taylor’s shoulder at the Icon, who has his eyes cast to the canvas under his shoes.
Taylor: He doesn’t have to talk to….
Andre: Shut it Tay!
The near on growling Andre steps right up into Taylor’s face.
Andre: So help me if you don’t shut your mouth right now, I’ll make you pay for what you did to Marina two weeks ago.
Orlando: Don’t you threaten my wife!
Orlando forces his way in between Tay and Andre. Things only get tenser now that Dre and Orlando are squared up on one another.
Andre: That’s what this is all about, huh, Orlando? It’s all about her (gestures to Tay). She’s why you joined Monarchy?
Orlando: What I did was about more than just my wife. Though my love for her, and my hate for what the IWC has done to her, yeah, it played a huge role in not only my support for her joining Monarchy, but my decision to side with them.
Andre: Orlando…(Dre finds it difficult to form his troubled thoughts into words)….when it was announced that you and I would face off tonight in the Number One Contender Tournament, I WAS excited, before I realized that the man I’m facing tonight is NOT the Icon I admired. For almost two years I’ve watched you stand up to one threat to the IWC after another. You challenged the likes of the Sinistry, and the Blacklist, you battled against any group that so much as sneezed in the IWC’s direction. And now look at you, you’ve went and you joined up with a group that wants to RULE the company YOU built and YOU protected. Can’t you see what the Monarchy is, what they’re trying to do?
Orlando: What they’re trying to do is save careers. They’re putting an end to my wife’s persecution. They’re going to help me right not only the wrongs that this company has committed against her, but right the IWC as a whole. See, the moment I stepped away and gave up controlling interest in the IWC, it all went to hell. Drew Bryant, he single handedly managed to destroy everything that I built. He let Silas Mason become a Principle Owner and helm the Riot brand knowing that Silas is no fan of my wife, or of the methods in which I ran this company. Every decision Drew has made I don’t agree with, and every step this company has taken since I left as President have made me ab-so-lute-ly SICK! So Monarchy, they’ve promised to help me fix what Drew broke.
Andre: If you had problems with Drew, with the way he was letting your wife be treated, why didn’t you go to him, huh? Why did you go down this route? I’ll tell you why. It’s because Monarchy has you twisted around their finger. They only want to help you, because putting you back in control helps THEIR agenda. Wake up man! SNAP OUT OF IT! You’re the Icon dammit. You’re the guy who got me to start fighting for this federation. If it hadn’t been for you, I wouldn’t of become MR. I-W-C. I wouldn’t have dedicated myself to doing everything to fight for this company, JUST LIKE YOU DID! You and I, we’ve BLEED for this federation. We’ve put EVERYTHING into the IWC and….
Taylor: And where has it got him, Dre?
Interrupts Taylor as she leans closer to Dre’s ear.
Taylor: Fighting for this company damn near put Orlando in the morgue.
Andre: Well (Dre takes a deep breath) maybe he should have gone to the morgue, because it’s pretty clear that the Icon I and everyone else believed in DIED a long time ago.
Tabitha nods along with her client’s words while the crowd just drops their jaws. Orlando’s reaction is an even more pronounced slouching of his shoulders and a dip of his chin to his chest. This response from her husband has Tay flipping her lid.
Taylor: Have you no respect for this man, have you….
Tay is wedging her finger into Dre’s chest and shoving him back. The second she puts a hand on him, Dre loses his cool. He starts to push her right back with his own finger dug into her chest.
Orlando: Whoa! WHOA!
Yet again Orlando is forced to intervene, stepping between his wife and Dre, pushing them back. Ultimately his hand is left on his wife’s shoulder and he is looking deep into her eyes.
Orlando: Tay…..Dre is right….
Taylor’s mouth is agape.
Orlando: The Icon….is dead.
A lightning fast Orlando lashes out and superkicks Tabitha Silverstone right in her jaw. The commentators screech in the background.
Greyson: HEEEEY!!!
Sparkles: That son of a bitch!
Andre’s agent collapses to the canvas in a motionless heap while her attacker clears from the ring. Before Andre can get his hands on them Orlando and Taylor are dashing out of the squared circle. The moment they reach the ramp Tay breaks down into laughter and Orlando just stands beside her seething and snarling. The victim of his superkick lays on the ring with Andre now kneeling beside her, trembling hands wrapped around her head.
Greyson: Orlando superkicking Andre’s agent.
Frankie: That was hysterical.
Sparkles: Orlando has just thrown so much gasoline on the fire, he’s made the match between himself and Andre later tonight way more personal.
Greyson: What’s going to happen now when Andre and Orlando face off in the Number One Contender Tournament?
Giggles fill the Monarchy dressing room as members Trinity Street and Lucas Knight sit back in their sofa and elicit such amusement from the actions of their teammates.
Lucas: Andre has no idea what he’s in store for tonight.
Trinity: He’s not just going to tangle with Orlando Cruze, no-no-no, he’s facing a REBORN Orlando Cruze.
Alistair: I’ll tell you who else is in for a surprise tonight.
Announces Alistair Taylor from the corner of the room where he stands doing some shadow boxing. The Tag team Champions Kat Kelly and Lexy Chapel are stood on either side of him offering some conciliatory comments.
Alistair: Scott Cannon is not going to be prepared for what I do to him.
His entire audience nods in support of his vow to disgrace the reigning Evolution Champion. Just then there’s a loud knock at the door and before he’s given permission to enter a stagehand waltzes into the room. The eyes of the Monarchy members do not gravitate towards his face, but to the bottle of chilled champagne in a bucket of ice he’s holding.
Stagehand: I have a bottle of champagne here for…..
Alistair: Give it!
With one hand Alistair takes the champagne bottle out of the bucket, and with the other he pie faces the stagehand right out of the dressing room. The cork is now popped on the bottle and the contents inside begin to gush down Alistair’s throat.
Kat: Easy there tiger.
Lexy: Yeah, you got a title shot against Scott Cannon coming up next.
Alistair: Well consider this (raises the now half empty bottle) all part of my PRE-celebration.
He goes on ingesting the champagne.
With the Evolution Title over his shoulder and a briefcase swaying from his hand, Scott Cannon moves back and forth across the hall just outside of his locker-room. Standing in the background we can see his brothers David and Michael, both watching him with arched brows, rolling eyes and crossed arms. Both the Riot theme song and the commentators are overheard in the background.
Greyson: What Orlando Cruze just did was downright SICKENING.
Frankie: Almost as sick as what’s about to happen to Scott Cannon when he comes out and LOSES the Evolution Title to Alistair Taylor.
Sparkles: It might be a huge night for Monarchy, and Alistair could get momentum swinging in their direction when he fights for the Evolution Title coming up next.
Greyson: Can the ‘REDEEMED’ Scott Cannon be successful in his very first title defense?
Sparkles: We’re just minutes away from finding out.
BEFORE THE BREAK
A video recaps the horrific imagery from moments before the break when Andre Jordan and his agent Tabitha Silverstone called out Monarchy member Orlando Cruze. When Orlando answered the summons he did not come alone, his wife Taylor stood right beside him. After Dre lays into Orlando with his words, Orlando lays into Dre’s manager with a stiff superkick. An unsuspecting Tabitha nearly finds her jaw shattered by the kick that drops her to the ring. A stunned Andre chases Taylor and Orlando from the ring before returning to his manager’s side.
Greyson: I’m still in shock…absolute SHOCK over the actions of Orlando Cruze. Moments ago we saw him SUPERKICK Tabitha Silverstone.
Frankie: It was..hahahahaha…it was….AHAHAAHAHAHA….that had to have been….AHAHAHAAHAHA!
Greyson: There is nothing funny about this Alistair.
Frankie: You have no sense of humor.
Sparkles: Well Orlando’s attack definitely made the match between he and Andre scheduled for later tonight far more intense.
Greyson: And during the break we saw just how intense Andre is going to be headed into that bout with Orlando.
DURING THE BREAK
An image of Andre Jordan comes into view carrying an unconscious Tabitha Silverstone in his arms. His anger consumes the hallway he’s marching down.
Andre: That son of a bitch…THAT SON OF A BITCH!!
Roars Andre as he goes on consoling the unconscious Tabitha in his arms.
Greyson: I don’t think Orlando appreciates what he’s done here tonight.
Sparkles: Superkicking Andre’s agent has lit a fire under him.
Greyson: One that is going to be very hard to extinguish.
Frankie: But it WILL be extinguished, because Monarchy rules all, Andre included.
Cameras catch up with the very same Stagehand who was seen moments before the commercial break bringing a bottle of champagne to Monarchy’s dressing room. At the moment he’s as far removed from that dressing room as possible, standing in some out of the way location somewhere in a backstage corridor where he’s joined by Monarchy enemies Selena Frost and her fiancée Deanna Springs. A huge smile graces the face of the Stagehand, who’s eyes are ever widening at the sight of one twenty dollar bill after another finding its way into the palm of his hand. Selena continues to fork over some cash.
Frankie: There’s another future Monarchy victim.
Greyson: Selena Frost, the woman who was screwed out of the Tag Team Titles by Monarchy back at Awakening. Erm, why is she giving that cash over to that stagehand?
Sparkles: You’re guess is as good as Sparkles’. Actually it isn’t, because mine is naturally more superior.
Cash continues to be exchanged, but for what purpose remains unclear.
The show cuts to the interior of the arena just as the audio track “Bad to the Bone” feeds through the loud speakers. There is an incredible reaction, mostly mixed, in regards to the man who now comes strolling through the curtains. The Evolution Champion and bearer of a World Title #1 Contender Contract contained within a briefcase, comes along to the stage. Scott Cannon strolls towards the ring with his brothers Michael and David following closely behind.
Greyson: Well it’s definitely been an interesting couple of weeks if you’re an avid Scott Cannon follower.
Sparkles: This guy has shown a totally different side of himself in recent weeks.
Frankie: Ugh. You know what, I don’t want to talk about it, so how about we just show some video clip.
Greyson: Indeed, let’s look back at what Scott did two weeks ago on this telecast which just goes to show how far along he’s come in his quest to be a GOOD man.
A BAD MAN
A brief video package airs showing the path that Scott Cannon has taken over recent weeks to clean up his act. But to put into perspective just how steep a climb he faces to get clear from the depths of depravity he once called home, first we see some of his most vile actions. First we get a glimpse of him nailing a defenseless Johnny Kingdom in the head with the very same briefcase we saw him carrying to the ring with him this evening. Then we see another past clip of Scott’s brother Michael sliding a briefcase into the ring which Scott picks up before swinging it right upside the skull of Jeffrey Starxxx. Another past clip features Scott slapping Lethal Weapon in the face and sucker punching Kingdom in his jaw.
A GOOD MAN
The footage cuts to clips of Monarchy members Lexy Chapel and Kat Kelly assaulting World Champion Katelyn Buehler backstage before stealing her World Championship. When they bring that belt to the ring it isn’t long before it finds its way into the hands of Scott Cannon. He dashes to ringside and steals the belt from Lexy, but for totally unselfish reasons. Later that night we see him in the ring handing the World Title back to its rightful owner Katelyn Buehler. A few minutes later there are scenes depicting Scott battling against Kat Kelly and Andre Jordan in a triple threat Evolution Title match. It isn’t until Scott’s brothers Michael and David show up at ringside and attempt to interfere that we see just how far Scott has come as a human being. He demands that his brothers not only stay out of this match but stay away from ringside all together. This fact doesn’t seem to sit very well with either Michael or David.
Speaking of Michael and David, when the feed goes back live to Riot, we see the pair sullenly seated in chairs at ringside. Meanwhile their brother Scott is warming up in the center of the squared circle for his first and hopefully not his last Evolution Title defense.
Greyson: At first I didn’t buy it, I didn’t accept Scott at face value, but his actions two weeks ago show that he is serious about being a GOOD man.
Sparkles: Well he’s got a huge night ahead of him. He’s defending that Evolution Title right here against Alistair Taylor.
Greyson: And he’s got a big night coming up at our next pay-per-view event Upping the Ante as well, because he’ll be looking to add even more gold to his waist when he challenges Katelyn Buehler for the World Championship.
Frankie: Scott announcing two weeks ago that he’ll be cashing in his Number One Contender contract at the pay-per-view. But let’s be honest with ourselves here, he’s not going to make it to Upping the Ante, not when Alistair gets his hands on him coming up next.
The transmission segues from the ring to the guerilla position backstage where Alistair Taylor is making his last second preparations to challenge for the Evolution Title. Or at least he would be if not for the discomfort he seems to be feeling inside of his stomach. He winces in pain as he rubs his hands against his abdominal muscles. In spite of having the breathtaking Kat Kelly and Lexy Chapel standing on either side of him wearing their respective Tag Team Titles, Alistair STILL looks queasy.
Kat: Got the butterflies in the stomach?
Lexy: Alright to be a little nervous, know this is your FIRST title opportunity.
Kat: Plus it’s your chance to put a smile on my face.
Lexy: And we’ve all seen the effect Kat’s smile has on you, don’t think we didn’t notice that twinge in your pants.
Alistair: Uh-huh (he groans in distress).
Kat: Everything alright?
Alistair: No….I just don’t….feel right.
Lexy: It’s all that champagne you drank you damn lush.
Kat: You’ll be just ACES, especially when you go out there, superkick Scott and make him pay for stealing the World Title from Lexy two weeks ago by taking HIS title
Alistair: Yeah, alright.
Alistair grimaces as he, Lexy and Kat head along towards the ring. Kat is playfully kicking Alistair in his backside to get him to pick up speed and show some energy.
SCOTT CANNON © VS. ALISTAIR TAYLOR:
EVOLUTION CHAMPIONSHIP
Scott Cannon continues to pace the ring in anticipation of his challenger’s arrival, and his brothers remain parked beside the squared circle also waiting. It isn’t long before the lyrics to Alistair Taylor’s music wash over the arena and he emerges form the back to give Scott a fight. Lexy and Kat, bearers of the Tag Team Titles, sway at either side of Alistair as he heads for the squared circle. Each step taken down the ramp seems to make Alistair more and more uncomfortable, his stomach seriously hurting at the moment.
Greyson: This is without a shadow of a doubt the biggest moment in Alistair Taylor’s career.
Frankie: It’s his first title opportunity and you had better damn well believe he’s going to make the most of it.
Sparkles: Scott won the title just two weeks ago, let’s see if Alistair can make that reign a very short lived one.
Frankie: And bring even more title gold to Monarchy in the process.
Greyson: Of course Alistair joined Monarchy at our last pay-per-view Awakening when he helped screw Selena Frost and Marina Valdivia out of the Tag Team Titles to make sure Wicked Intent retained their gold.
Sparkles: Ever since then he’s been joined at Lexy’s and Kat’s hips.
Frankie: I would sooo switch places with Alistair in a heartbeat.
Sparkles: But then you would be away from Sparkles.
Frankie: A sacrifice I’m willing to make.
Once Alistair gets in the ring the referee lifts the Evolution Title above his head, showing what the Monarchy member is challenging for. The bell sounds in the background and Scott is coming right out of the corner, bearing down on his opponent. However, instead of locking up Alistair backs down. He rolls to the apron and rests on his knees, doubling over his stomach and taking deep breaths. At ringside we can see Lexy and Kat watching their teammate exhibit obvious signs of gastrointestinal distress, but neither lady knows how to help him. Eventually Alistair gets back to his feet before Scott reaches over the ropes, takes him under the armpit and hip tosses his challenger into the ring. Scott flips into the squared circle, crashing hard against the canvas. He pops up to his feet, twists to face his opponent and then finds his throat crushed by a clothesline. The impact knocks Alistair to his back and he has a great deal of difficulty getting off of it.
At last Alistair stands up only to have his arms caught, underhooked and then used to send him flipping into the butterfly suplex. Scott follows this up by rolling over to his knees, grabbing Alistair by the ears and pulling him up into a headbutt across the brow. The blow has almost given Alistair a hairline fracture in his nose, causing him such distress as he rolls around on the ring. Scott steps in and traps his arms once again, going for another butterfly suplex. This time the Champion finds his move thwarted when his opponent roots his feet and then forces his shoulder into Scott’s ribs, pushing him back into the turnbuckle. Scott’s double underhook is broken and his arms are falling over the ropes just to hold himself up.
Alistair stands straight in front of Scott now and crushes his chest with a knife edge chop. A second chop then blisters Scott’s sternum, followed up by a European Uppercut that damn near shatters his jaw.
Greyson: Well it took Alistair a moment or two to get out of the gates, but now that he’s got his head in this match he’s quite literally got Scott on the ropes.
Sparkles: This match exhibiting just the type of style we thought it would, with a lot of smash mouth, ground and pound viciousness.
Frankie: These two have a very similar brawling style. But while Scott has become more of a one trick pony, Alistair is far more versatile in his offense.
Greyson: You do realize it was just two weeks ago that you were describing Scott like he were the second coming of Christ, right?
Alistair turns his back on his wounded opponent, takes him around the head and then snapmares him out of the corner. A battered Scott flops onto his seat where he remains right up until Alistair bounces from the ropes in front of him then launches into a diving European Uppercut. The blow knocks Scott onto his back and now Alistair is crawling into the cover.
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That was not nearly enough to put the Champion away, Scott kicks out with some defiance. Alistair groans, at both the referee’s count AND the pain in his guts. He pushes through it in order to drop the point of his elbow directly into Scott’s chest. Alistair then takes his adversary’s head into his arms, traps it in a neck cravat and uses the hold to pull Scott to his feet. It now becomes apparent that the submission was only locked in so that Alistair can employ it to deliver a rarely seen neck cravat suplex. Scott is lifted straight off of his feet, sent flipping over sideways and slamming ultimately across the back of his head.
Greyson: Don’t see that a whole lot, the neck cravat suplex.
Sparkles: The first of several apparently.
The aching Scott is taken around the neck, forced to his feet and then his opponent prepares to flip him to the side again with a SECOND neck cravat suplex. Alistair is just about to break Scott’s neck before the champion manages to wedge his hands to his attacker’s gut and shove him back, The cravat is broken and Alistair is sent stumbling into the turnbuckle, his back colliding with the corner and then Scott’s bicep colliding with his throat. The impact knocks Alistair off his feet to his seat and exposes his face for the big running boot that is delivered by his adversary. The face wash crushes the bridge of Alistair’s nose and has him rolling from the ring to check on his face. Kat comes in and puts her palms on Alistair’s cheeks, then grabs his nose and squeezes it.
Frankie: Dammit that kick might have just broke Alistair’s nose. Does Scott have no empathy for his opponent’s well-being?
Greyson: The old Scott probably didn’t.
Although it was his face hit with the boot it seems Alistair’s stomach is what’s hurting him worse than anything. He doubles over and grabs at his gut, which he can actually feel bubbling at this point. But soon it’s his back that’s giving him fits when he finds himself lifted into the air and then given the belly to back suplex right on top of the barricade. Scott drives his adversary into the barrier, bending Alistair’s spine across the steel and leaving him altogether incapacitated. Somehow he stays on his feet while staggering into the ring and rolling out of harm’s way. Actually what he’s just ran into was the belly of the beast. Alistair gets to his feet just as Scott steps in and takes him around the waist before snapping back into a release belly to belly suplex. First Alistair slams into the ring before he pops right back up off of it and ends up falling into the cables. Scott is following right behind him, the ever aggressive Evolution Champion running at his challenger, extending his boot and aiming it for Alistair’s face. It hits nothing but air, Scott’s kick not only missing it’s mark but causing his leg to go flying over the top rope and his crotch to get caught on the top rope.
Scott straddles the top rope groaning in pain while his adversary runs into the perpendicular cables, springs off the middle strands then turns in mid-air to deliver a clothesline. The lariat sends Scott flipping back off the ropes and to the outside of the ring. The clothesline damn near decapitates Scott and leaves him at ringside gasping for air.
Greyson: Scott hit with the clothesline and….oh God…look at who’s coming his way.
Lexy and Kat are through being nothing but eye candy. The Tag Team Champions begin to encroach on Scott’s personal space only to find themselves backing away from their perspective victim due to Michael and David Cannon. The two approach their brother Scott from the opposite side and keep either Lexy or Kat from getting one step closer to him.
Frankie: Pfft, bet Scott’s happy that his brothers are around now.
Greyson: Well it seems there’s been a little bit of tension between Scott and his siblings the past few weeks since Scott started to exhibit this change in personality, but right now they’re stepping up in order to defend him.
They don’t just defend him but also help Scott up to his feet so he can return to the ring and beat the official’s ten count. Scott crawls under the bottom rope and right into the devastating basement dropkick that catches him straight on the temple. The blow sends Scott rolling over to his back where his face is then crushed by the diving knee off the middle rope. Alistair puts all of his weight behind the knee drop that has sent his adversary into convulsions. It seems Alistair is starting to get over his abdominal discomfort that has been plaguing him in this match, or maybe he’s just getting tolerant of it. Either way he’s blocking it out in order to force his opponent into the neck cravat. This time a suplex does not follow, instead Alistair keeps Scott grounded to his knees and maintains the submission.
Sparkles: Alistair wearing Scott down with that neck cravat.
Greyson: Just look at the way Alistair is TWWWISSSTING at that head. Can you imagine the type of strain this is putting on all the muscles in Scott’s neck?
Frankie: Twist harder Alistair, make Scott look like Linda Blair in the Exorcist.
Sparkles: You want Scott to masturbate with a crucifix?
Frankie: Uuuuh noooo….
Sparkles: Then I’m the only one?
There is so much loathing being unleashed by the audience at the sight of the hold that has Scott not just grounded but on the verge of passing out. Sweat just pours out of the head that is being twisted to the point that it’s about to pop clean off his shoulders. There’s an intense look on Alistair’s face as he puts all his upper body strength into the hold. Amazingly Scott has yet to give up to the suffrage, working his way closer and closer to his feet. Eventually he’s upright and his elbow is landing across Alistair’s ribs again and again and again until the cravat is ALMOST broken. Alistair realizes his submission is losing strength, which is why he digs down deep and makes the best of a bad situation by going for the neck cravat suplex a second time in this match. He is just about to hoist Scott into the air before he finds the champion swinging out of the cravat, putting his back to Alistair’s and pulling the challenger down into the backslide.
Sparkles: BAAAACKSSSSSLLLIIIDDDEEE!
The referee slaps the canvas and slaps it hard.
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A thousand hearts sink when they see Alistair pop his shoulder up in the nick of time to avoid the loss of this title opportunity. He falls back onto his knees after kicking out and then reaches out, grabbing Scott by the ears. He now hooks both of the champion’s arms and smiles as he prepares to deliver the pedigree.
Greyson: Oh come off it now. Don’t tell me Alistair is about to hit the Game Changer. That’s his former friend Andre Jordan’s finishing move.
Frankie: Ha-ha-ha, he’s sticking it to his former Silverstone International teammates.
Sparkles: And he’s doing so in route to winning the Evolution Title.
Alistair just begins to lift Scott into the air for the pedigree before the Evolution Champion counters. He wraps his arms around Alistair’s thigh and then lifts him into what at first appears to be a one legged flapjack, but in actuality he’s dropping the challenger into the splits across the top rope.
Frankie: NOOOO!
Alistair’s crotch hits the top rope and has him dropping his jaw in pain.
Greyson: Scott making Alistair pay for crotching him on the top rope earlier.
Frankie: Nobody deserves that, nobody. Unless you’re Scott Cannon.
The Evolution Champion steps through the ropes and moves in behind the still crotched Alistair, embedding a shoulder to the challenger’s spine. Alistair is pulled off of the ropes and into a back drop suplex straight across the apron.
Frankie: (High pitched squeal) AAAAAH!
Greyson: That was even worse.
Alistair rolls into the ring with a potentially broken back, but that still doesn’t stop him from trying to get up. Unfortunately the second he does stand he finds himself caught around the hips and his feet leaving the canvas as he’s dragged over into the German suplex.
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Greyson: Scott’s got a successful title defe….
Or at least Scott would be walking away right now with his title in hand if Alistair hadn’t JUST got a shoulder up. A fussed Scott gives the ref a frown and then rises to his feet with his opponent’s head gathered into his hands. Alistair is up for half a second before he’s carried into the turnbuckle and seated on the top rope. Scott then pulls Alistair down into an unenviable position, left dangling in the tree of woe. It’s not bad enough that Alistair is hung from the corner, but he’s also got Scott’s boot wedged to his throat, keeping his head trapped. Scott then takes off into the ropes, ricochets from them and comes back in at Alistair, hitting a SECOND face wash. The lightning quick Scott then hurdles along into the far ropes, ricochets from them and comes back in at Alistair, diving into a shoulder block that nails his adversary in a stomach that was already pretty unsettled.
Scott isn’t done yet, he sits Alistair up on the turnbuckle and then climbs to the middle strand. A shoulder is pressed to his opponent’s spine as Scott prepares to deliver a SUPER back drop suplex.
Frankie: Don’t you do it….don’t you even think about it….Not on that injured back.
Alistair is seconds from not just being dumped on his back, but having his back entirely broken via this suplex his opponent intends to subject him to. Alistair is lifted from the corner but never slams down into the middle of the ring. Instead he comes down onto his feet and stands with his shoulders tucked under the thighs of his adversary. Before Scott can stop it from happening he’s being dragged out of one corner and ultimately thrown into another via the release powerbomb. Scott bounces viciously against the corner and then staggers out of it right into Alistair’s SUPERKICK.
Frankie: Superkick Soiree babay!
Greyson: Now Alistair takes a page from Wicked Intent’s book.
Speaking of Wicked Intent they are already partying at ringside, looking oh so excited as Alistair’s boot collides with Scott’s jaw and lays him out in the middle of the ring. Absolutely perfect placement for what Alistair has in mind next. The biggest shit eating grin you’ve ever seen comes across Alistair’s face as his eyes fix on the turnbuckle he just powerbombed Scott into.
Greyson: What is this man thinking about?
Frankie: Kat Kelly naked.
Greyson: I asked what Alistair was thinking about, not you.
All of the sick inner workings of Alistair’s mind become transparent as he approaches the nearest corner, climbing gingerly to the top. Once on the top of the corner Alistair raises his fingers and twirls them around each other, signifying that he’s about to go for the 450 splash.
Greyson: Oh don’t you dare. Someone please tell me that Alistair is not going for the California Splash?
Frankie: HAHAHAHA, he’s gonna, he’s gonna steal Marina Valdivia’s finisher now.
Greyson: Another of the former teammates that Alistair stabbed in the back at Awakening by joining Monarchy.
To a resoundingly negative reaction from the crowd Alistair comes flipping out of the corner and into the 450 splash. He prepares to hit Scott with a move that would not only clinch him the Evolution Title but also insult his former friends. The only thing insulted are Alistair’s ribs when they collide with Scott’s raised knees.
Greyson: Counter! Thank God!
Alistair rolls off of his adversary and grabs at his stomach, which was already in very bad shape before the match even started. Now it feels worse than ever so bad in fact that he can’t work past it. His stomach feels like a cauldron that is churning, seconds from bubbling over the edges.
It all becomes too much for Alistair’s troubled stomach to sustain. He slaps his hand over his mouth just as vomit comes spraying out from between his fingers.
Greyson: EEWWWWWWW!
Frankie: Da fuck!?!
Sparkles: He’s throwing up all over himself!
Kat and Lexy can be seen cringing at ringside as they see Alistair sticking his head through the ropes and shooting a stream of vomit down to the mats. The fans turn away from the upchucking Alistair, who continues to purge his guts.
Greyson: What is happening to Alistair?
Sparkles: Something has got him sick.
Frankie: That or he’s doing his best Droz impersonation.
A ghostly pale Alistair stands up with his chest smeared in the very vomit that dribbles from his chin. He steps back from the ropes and continues to grip his stomach until he finds himself caught from behind and flipped back into the Regal suplex. Scott not only hits the suplex but now bridges back into the pin.
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Kat and Lexy are beside themselves in anger as they witness Scott pick up a shocking win over Alistair. After his victory Scott goes rolling from the ring in order to avoid the two members of Wicked Intent who have just come sliding in to avenge the loss Alistair suffered.
Greyson: And the bridging Regal suplex seals it. Scott picking up the win over Alistair….
Frankie: Only because Alistair suddenly came down with some type of sickness. Being in Manhattan probably just made him ill.
Sparkles: He’s STILL vomiting all over the place.
Though Lexy and Kat initially came to Alistair’s aid they now keep their distance from him as he unloads his stomach all over the corner of the ring. An embarrassed Alistair rolls out of the squared circle then rushes up the ramp leaving a trail of vomit behind him. He brushes right past Scott who continues to celebrate on the ramp with both the Evolution Title and his briefcase in either hand. At the same time we can see Scott’s brothers Michael and David stood behind him, neither man looking happy for some reason.
Greyson: In spite of the odd way this match ended, you got to give Scott props for a very hard fought successful title defense. And you know what, he did it all the RIGHT WAY.
Frankie: Now I’M going to be sick.
Cameras transition to the backstage area where interviewer Susie Moore is stood between two of IWC’s most revered athletes. World Champion Katelyn Buehler stands on one side of Susie while up and coming sensation Marina Valdivia is at her opposite side. The trio loom in the traditional interview area.
Susie: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome at this time, Marina Valdivia and WORLD CHAMPION, Katelyn Buehler!
The excited Susie is so giddy about interviewing these two talents that she’s actually jumping in place. Neither Katelyn nor Marina look nearly as enthused as the correspondent.
Susie: Ladies, tonight you two face off against Monarchy members Kat Kelly and Lexy Chapel for the IWC Tag Team Championships. It’s no secret that you ladies have your fair share of issues with Monarchy, I mean, it was two weeks ago on this telecast that they left the both of you lying in that ring, humiliated and…..
Katelyn: Nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh….shush it….
Katelyn reaches out, puts her fingers on the lips of the interviewer and forces them shut. Now it looks like Susie is doing her best duck-face.
Katelyn: Take a nap.
One of Katelyn’s black t-shirts is thrown over top of Susie’s head and face, shrouding it. The microphone is then snatched out of her hand and Katelyn is directing her words at the hard camera.
Katelyn: Two weeks ago, Lexy, Kat, you came looking for a piece of the World Champion, then you found me and you got more than you could handle. Guess what, you little (does horrible British voice) CRUMPETS, are going to get in the exact same trouble tonight. When we face off for the Tag Team Titles, you’re not going to be getting into the ring, you’re going to be getting into MY HOUSE. Two weeks ago you tried to take my World Title, but tonight I return the favor by taking YOUR gold.
Marina: Nooooo, WWWEEE return to the favor.
Katelyn: Ohhh Marrrrriiiinaaaaa, when did you get here?
Marina downplays Katelyn’s attitude.
Marina: Oh you rascally Kate you…(Marina playfully wags her finger at Katelyn)…If I weren’t so hell-bent on punishing the Monarchy by taking the tag team titles away from them I might find your attitude a bit more insulting.
Now Marina’s eyes are turned to the hard camera and her words are directed to her opponents this evening,
Marina: Earlier tonight Orlando Cruze went out there and superkicked my agent, my friend Tabitha, but she’s tough, she’ll bounce right back, I can’t say the same for either Lexy Chapel or Kat Kelly. Because I’ll do far worse than superkick either one of those bitches in their faces in route to taking away their precious Tag Titles. Back at Awakening, the two of you got the drop on my tag team partner and I. You got Alistair to stab me in the back and cost Selena Frost and I the belts. But it looks like he’s not going to be a factor tonight, and if any other member of Monarchy tries to get involved to….
Katelyn: Whoa-whoa-whoa…..
Katelyn grabs Marina’s lips and closes them but Valdivia will not do the duck-face. She swats away her partner’s fingers.
Katelyn: Let me stop ya right there sweetheart. See (looks back at the camera) I DO want a Monarchy member to interfere, or at least TRY to interfere. Taylor Chase, PLEEEEAAAAASEE, I’m BEGGIN’ YA, come out to that ring with Wicked Intent tonight. Pull up a chair at ringside, or hell, come into the ring even, that way you can not only get to see what I do to your gal pals Wicked Intent, but you can see first hand what I have planned for you.
Marina: Heh, wouldn’t mind getting a piece of Taylor myself.
Katelyn: Sorry, but I don’t share.
Katelyn shrugs at her partner for the evening then walks off. Meanwhile Marina is left standing there and shaking her head with a sneer on her face.
Marina: You better play nice tonight.
Cameras cut back to the ringside area, settled on the commentators who are expressing their total disbelief over the way the precious title match just ended.
Sparkles: Sparkles still smells vomit.
Greyson: Yeah the ringside crew had better get on cleaning that up.
Frankie: What the heck happened to Alistair Taylor, what made him so sick?
Greyson: Who knows what happened to Alistair, but what I do know is that later tonight we’re going to see a hell of a match when Katelyn Buehler and Marina Valdivia challenge Kat Kelly and Lexy Chapel for the Tag Team Titles.
Sparkles: That’s going to be a great bout.
Greyson: Right now let’s talk about what we saw two weeks ago though when we saw Principle Owner Silas Mason make an absolutely stunning announcement regarding the match he’s scheduled to have against Karen McBride for the Principle Ownership at Upping the Ante.
A video recap is shown that documents what occurred two weeks earlier when Principle Owner Silas Mason joined by his staff members Desmond Drake and Mason Van Stanton called out Karen McBride and her sisters. We see Karen, Melanie and Blaire enter the squared circle where Silas informs them that at Upping the Ante there will be a six person tag team match for his Principle Ownership. This revelation doesn’t sit well with Karen, especially when she learns she’ll have to team with Melanie and her untrustworthy sister Blaire. This announcement is followed by a beatdown as Silas reveals who his partners will be, the gargantuan Marcus Briggs and the physically imposing Randal Williams. The two men join their associate Jeffrey Starxxx in assaulting Karen and Melanie while Blaire is held back, forced to watch her sisters take a beating.
Cameras cut to the offices of Silas Mason, who at the moment is twisting joyfully from one side to the other in his black leather chair. Standing in the corner of his office we can see his staff members Mason Van Stanton and Jeffrey Alexander Starxxx deep in conversation. Off to Silas’ side is Desmond Drake, another of the Principle Owner’s administration.
Desmond: You’ve got to be walking on cloud nine right now, Silas.
The only response anyone can get out of Silas right now are laughs.
Desmond: Looks like Drew Bryant isn’t going to be making it here tonight after-all.
More laughter from Silas.
Silas: Nuh, it doesn’t does it? Always knew he couldn’t hang with the big boys.
Desmond: Now that Drew has been deposed as Owner of the IWC, you can work with pure impunity and sheer immunity.
Silas: Wait-wait, did ya think I was scared or sumethin about ‘em comin’ ‘ere tonight? For starters I knew he was too much of a coward to show up, and secondly, if he did come ‘ere and try to throw his power around, I would ‘ave taken one of these fists of mine and taught em what a real man is.
Desmond: I would have loved to have seen that.
Silas: Jus’ a shame ya won’t.
Desmond: Now in regards to tonight. I’ve taken the liberties of making that match for later official. It’s going to be the two newest members of your staff Randal Williams and Marcus Briggs versus Karen and BLAIRE McBride.
Silas: I luv it.
Desmond: And as far as Melanie McBride is concerned. She’s BARRED from ringside.
Silas: Ha-ha-ha! The McBrides are really about to regret choosin’ to challenge me for the Principle Ownership in this lil’ tag team match at Uppin’ the Ante.
Desmond: Oh yes, and tonight your partners at the pay-per-view are going to leave Karen wishing she had never defied your rule. Plus she’s going to learn just how much she can’t trust her sister Blaire when the time comes for them to teeeeeam….uuuuuuup….at……
Instead of finishing his sentence Desmond starts to choke on his words, looking up from the desk way way waaaay up into the face of the man who just entered the office. Silas was so busy chuckling that he didn’t notice Desmond’s sentence going chillingly quiet. Finally he stops guffawing and looks up from the corner of his eye at the snarling beast bent over the Principle Owner’s desk with knuckles buried into its wooden surface. The demonic Mordecai towers over the desk, over Desmond and over Silas.
Silas: Uhhh Mordecai, how can I….
Mrs. R: We’re not happy Silas.
Mordecai’s sister works her way around him and takes a seat on the corner of the Principle Owner’s desk. Although he’s currently fearing for his life, Silas cannot help but to examine Mrs. R’s crossed legs.
Mrs. R: You all but promised Mordecai would become the World Champion two weeks ago.
Silas: To be fair, how was I to know that Johnny Kingdom was gonna return and shaft ‘em out of the title…….
Everything that was on Silas’ desk is swiped clean off of it, Mordecai sending it flying across the room. He then leans in and emotionlessly corrects his boss.
Mordecai: That was NOT Johnny Kingdom. Johnny Kingdom is gone for good. I buried what was left of him two weeks ago.
Silas: Then uhhh, how do ya explain Johnny showin’ up at the end of yer World Title m…..?
Mrs. R: I wouldn’t advise arguing with my brother.
The deadly look Silas is getting from Mordecai pretty much clued him into that fact.
Mordecai: (Growling his words) That was NOT Johnny Kingdom.
The camera opens on that very same white stretch Humvee that Monarchy was shown arriving in earlier tonight. At the moment a shadow is cast over it and it doesn’t take long to find out who’s silhouette we’re seeing. Johnny Kingdom walks right past the Humvee on his way into the Manhattan Center. The Team Leader sports a silk shirt that is unbuttoned in the front, allowing a view of the bandages that remain wrapped around his torso. The crowd are not the only one’s flipping out at the sight of Kingdom.
Greyson: Johnny Kingdom has just shown up to the Manhattan Center.
Frankie: That’s not Johnny Kingdom, nuh-uh, no way.
Greyson: The hell it isn’t.
Frankie: Didn’t you hear Mordecai? Johnny Kingdom is DEAD. Mordecai ended him back at Awakening and then buried his remains two weeks ago.
Sparkles: Erm Frankie, ya know I love ya bro, but that is definitely Johnny Kingdom.
Frankie: Can’t be.
Greyson: Johnny Kingdom is in the house, what’s going to happen when he crosses paths with Mordecai?
The camera comes back from commercial break showing Mya Denton pacing back and forth in a backstage corridor. It seems she’s equal parts angered and excited. The commentators are overheard in the background discussing what has Mya caught in this battle of emotions.
Greyson: Mya Denton waiting on Rachel Tatum Lee to honor her promise this evening.
Sparkles: I don’t think Mya realizes what she’s getting herself into.
Frankie: Rachel has sworn to Mya that Aaron Harrison will be produced.
Greyson: Mya just can’t wait to get her hands on Harrison, but is Rachel going to make that a reality here tonight?
Both Kat Kelly and Lexy Chapel are stood just outside of a bathroom door, cringing as they try to peek inside. There are the loud noises of someone vomiting their guts out filtering into the hallway where the Tag Team Champions are stood.
Lexy: Geeeez. How much did you eat before you got here tonight?
Kat: Alistair, do you want me to get you some crackers or something salty?
It’s now obvious that it’s Alistair Taylor both ladies are speaking to, who at the moment is too preoccupied upchucking to give them an answer.
Kat: I hope you start feeling better. I wanted you to be out there with us to watch us successfully defend these Tag Team Titles tonight.
Lexy: And to see ME pin the World Champion AGAIN.
Alistair only pukes even louder, all but confirming that he’s going to be a non-factor in tonight’s main event.
A monitor is set up on a table in the back that is showing footage of Alistair Taylor’s bout with some type of stomach virus. Standing right in front of the television and immensely enjoying the images on it are a laughing Selena Frost and an equally as giggly Deanna Springs.
Frankie: What does Selena find so funny?
Greyson: I’m starting to figure out why we saw Selena paying off that Stagehand earlier tonight.
Sparkles: The same one we saw delivering a champagne bottle to Monarchy’s dressing room.
Greyson: Yeah, and Alistair chugged it down before anyone else could even get a sip.
There is a sudden change in the vibe within the Manhattan Center, the crowd going from elated to petrified. They withhold their reaction as chills roll up their spines at the sight of Mordecai emerging from the backstage area. The tunes of his theme music “You’ve Never Known Such Fear,” are playing in the background, which only enhances the aura of fear that surrounds the creature. His tall and powerful frame walks along to the squared circle, entering and instantly taking hold of a microphone.
Frankie: This is probably a good time to start looking for some type of human shield.
Sparkles: Good idea.
Greyson: Why are you BOTH looking at me?
Sparkles: Isn’t it obvious.
Greyson: Mordecai coming to the ring and he is no doubt very angry regarding what happened two weeks ago when he came out here and challenged Katelyn Buehler for the World Championship.
Frankie: Yeah, and he had Katelyn on the ropes before this guy in a Johnny Kingdom mask showed up to cost him the World Championship.
Greyson: It’s NOT a mask.
A brief video package recaptures the ghastly footage from two weeks ago when Mordecai was caught digging a hole in a graveyard that he and his sister Mrs. R tossed a bloody sack inside of. They claimed that inside of the sack was the remains of wrestling legend Johnny Kingdom.
The video then cuts to the carnage seen later that night when Mordecai challenged Katelyn Buehler for her World Title. The viewers relive the moment when Mordecai chokeslammed Katelyn in the center of the ring and then looked to the Cartel-tron, calling out for his sister. Instead of getting Mrs. R, he receives Johnny Kingdom. The Team Leader is shown emerging from his car backstage and then walking straight into the ring where Mordecai and he brawl into the crowd then into the backstage area.
The show cuts back to the ring, cameras capturing the dark brooding eyes of Mordecai as they watch the replay that was just featured on the big screen. It looks as if he deeply resents the footage that was just aired and is no doubt a moment from commenting on it.
Mordecai: I don’t know who you are….I don’t know what you want….I don’t know what you’re motives are….but none of that matters, your identity is irrelevant, because you’re about to end up eight feed under regardless of whoever you are.
Greyson: Who’s he talking to?
Mordecai: Your impersonation of Johnny Kingdom was flawless, you had all his mannerisms. I applaud you for your performance, but I am here to tell you that it will be your last…..
Greyson: Mordecai is just as crazy as you are Frankie.
Frankie: See, I told you that wasn’t Kingdom two weeks ago.
Greyson: It’s so painfully obvious it was. But Mordecai just refuses to accept that he didn’t finish Kingdom off back at Awakening.
Frankie: Then what the hell did he bury two weeks ago if it wasn’t Kingdom’s remains?
Mordecai: It’s sad that you people cling so ardently to the memory of Johnny Kingdom, for he was dead long before I dragged him under this ring and broke the shell that use to be a World Champion. The man you saw return just before Invictus was NOT the very same person who was once the centerpiece of this federation. He was a fallen, frail and weak man, not the KING, not the HERO, not the CHAMPION. So what I did to him at Awakening, ENDING him, was an act of merc……
Kingdom: Hey monster….HEY MONSTER….up here!
The mic slowly lowers away from Mordecai’s mouth as his eyes veer to the Cartel-tron, which now has an image of Johnny Kingdom. The Manhattan Center crowd is going nuts at the sight of their long revered Team Leader.
Greyson: Uh-oh, Kingdom addressing Mordecai.
Its unclear where Kingdom is at the moment considering that his surroundings are pitch black.
Kingdom: It seems the rumors of my demise were greatly exaggerated.
Kingdom goes from light hearted to deadly serious in the span of a half a second.
Kingdom: Rather you want to accept it or not Mordecai, you were wrong. I’m not the frail, weak, brittle FALLEN King you claim me to be. Because I took your absolute worst and guess what, I’m still here, albeit just a few pounds lighter seeing as you decided to cut a few pounds of flesh off my body.
The bandages that can be seen peeking out of his unbuttoned silk shirt are patted.
Kingdom: I’m still alive Mordecai, and I’m not going six feet under any time soon.
The longer Johnny speaks the darker Mordecai’s pupils become.
Kingdom: See, the flesh that you didn’t sheer off my body isn’t going to end up as maggot food, not just yet and not at your hands. But your sister, she’s an all-day worm buffet.
Mordecai cranes his neck out of intrigue. The camera starts to pull back to reveal that a shovel is slung over Johnny’s back and that the front of his slacks are smeared in mud. The viewers can tell he’s standing outside and that his heels are on the edge of an open grave.
Kingdom: Maybe if you weren’t so determined to perpetuate this myth that my career is over you would have noticed that your sister didn’t accompany you to ringside. And why is that? Because she’s back here keeping the worms, the maggots, company.
The camera turns just enough to bring into view Mordecai’s sister Mrs. R sitting in the bottom of the grave with her hands tied and her mouth covered in duct tape. Back in the ring Mordecai’s eyes have widened, seeing his sister in this state and hearing the cackles of Kingdom’s laughter.
Greyson: My God, Kingdom, he’s got Mrs. R.
Frankie: That psychopath.
The blade of the shovel Kingdom is holding removes a clump of the dirt piled beside him. It eventually finds its way down right on top of Mrs. R’s head.
Sparkles: He’s burying Mordecai’s sister!
Greyson: And look at Mordecai, he’s frantic!
The monster displays rare vulnerability as he rolls under the ropes, leaves the ring and hurries up the ramp.
Greyson: Mordecai going to save his sister.
Sparkles: This is such a twisted situation.
Frankie: Run faster Mordecai!
Candles burn to create a sensual atmosphere.
Mika: It’s not nice to keep a girl waiting….
A strawberry comes into view dipping into a cup of chocolate pudding. Eventually the berry finds its way to a set of luscious lips and a tongue extends through them, licking the chocolate away.
Mika: I’m still waiting for you my Chocolate Pudding. Where are you?
The ever alluring Mika comes fully into view, remaining adorned in the very same skimpy black lingerie we saw her in earlier tonight. She leans seductively across a bed, rubbing the satin sheets that cover the mattress beneath her. Her black eyes stare not into the camera but into the man who she tempts to lure.
Mika: Come to me, Andre. It’s time to take our relationship to the next level. It’s time for me to feast upon my Chocolate Pudding.
The feed cuts to a corridor where Jeffrey Alexander Starxxx is stood in front of none other than Blaire McBride. While Starxxx shows off his gold rimed sunglasses, his expensive Rolexes peeking out from beneath his olive green suit, and runs his mouths, runs his mouth, RUNS HIS MOUTH, Blaire just stands there listening but looking disinterested in either all of Starxxx’s flash or his words.
Sparkles: Whoa, time out, what’s this all about? Why is Blaire McBride talking to Jeffrey Starxxx? Two weeks ago it was Starxxx’s boys who laid out Blaire’s sisters.
Greyson: And according to our Principle Owner, Blaire is scheduled to team with her sister Karen to take on Starxxx’s guys tonight.
Frankie: Karen trusted Blaire once before and she paid for it, looks like she’s making that same mistake again.
Greyson: Can Karen count on Blaire here tonight?
Sparkles: We’re about to find out because that big tag team match is coming up after the break.
The transmission goes back to Monarchy’s dressing room where Orlando Cruze is in the process of taping his wrists as he readies himself for competition. He sits on a sofa with Trinity Street standing at one of his sides and Lucas Knight at the other, the two looking down at the Icon as his match against Andre Jordan grows nearer and nearer.
Greyson: And we’ve still got this to come tonight as well, Orlando Cruze to take on Andre Jordan as part of the Number One Contender Tournament.
Sparkles: And after Orlando superkicked Andre’s agent you just have to know that this match is going to be beyond personal.
Frankie: Don’t you worry, Orlando’s got one more superkick saved up for Andre.
Greyson: Orlando Cruze, Andre Jordan, our main event still yet to come here on this explosive edition of Monday Night Riot! You’re not going to want to miss it.
Distress can be seen in the face of Karen McBride as she holds a phone to her ear and paces a hallway.
Karen: What’s keeping you, Mel?
The answer she gets from her younger sister Melanie McBride seems to aggravate rather than relieve any of Karen’s concerns.
Karen: I didn’t realize it was going to take you THIS long to get back from IWC Headquarters. Did you at least get that package Drew Bryant left for us?
A strand of hair is blown out of Karen’s face, sighing with just a modicum of relief.
Karen: Just get here quick, okay? I don’t know if you’ve heard but Silas has got me teaming up with Blaire tonight. I NEED you here….just in case.
The phone conversation continues but the remainder of it cannot be heard on account of the commentators adding their two cents.
Greyson: Karen McBride obviously very concerned about this tag team match slated to happen up next.
Sparkles: She’s been put in a very tough spot. She has to team with the very same woman who took her Principle Ownership several months ago, her own sister Blaire.
Frankie: And it seems Melanie McBride is not even here yet.
Greyson: What did Karen mean when she said that Melanie was picking up some type of package left by Drew Bryant, our injured President, back at IWC HQ?
The creature Mordecai is absolutely brooding as he stomps down the hallway with his fists opening and clinching out to his sides. His skin is trembling with anger as he heads straight into a potential collision with Johnny Kingdom.
Greyson: Mordecai looking for his sister Mrs. R.
Frankie: Yeah, that psycho Johnny Kingdom abducted her before the break and has her lying in a hole somewhere.
Sparkles: He’s threatened to bury her alive.
Greyson: Kingdom getting some justice for what Mordecai and Mrs. R did to him back at Awakening.
Frankie: Good God, when Mordecai does find his target then Kingdom is going to wish his life had been ended back at the pay-per-view.
Cameras cut to the face of Cindy Todd, capturing her devilish black eyes. She sits in a chair backstage with hands clasped together and raised to her jaw. A bit of feint bruising can be seen on her neck, wearing the wounds of her recent encounter with the recently returned Aiken Frost. Pacing behind her we can make out the faces of Cindy’s New Eden followers Serenity and Borislav. Noticeable by her absence is Mika Kozlov, gone for obvious reasons.
Cindy: Have you tracked her down?
Serenity steps to her Queen’s side and hands over a piece of paper with a hastily written message.
Serenity: Mika is staying at the Greenwich Hotel, room 406.
The note is taken from Serenity’s hand and Cindy slowly ascends to her feet.
Cindy: Then it’s time to put an end to this. It’s time to find out if she is loyal to me or to her former master.
She and Borislav near the exit to the room but the burly Russian finds himself stopped in the doorway, a hand placed to his chest.
Cindy: Stay with Serenity, I’ll take care of this.
Serenity: But what if Aiken Frost tries….
Cindy: If he comes after me again, HE’LL be the one in need of protection.
KAREN & BLAIRE MCBRIDE VS. RANDAL & BRIGGS
When cameras return to the squared circle Jeffrey Alexander Starxxx, Marcus Briggs and Randal Williams are seen drawing nearer to it. Starxxx’s theme music is playing in the background as he stands in between his muscle bound associates, arms thrown out to his sides with a confident smile on his face.
Greyson: Tag team action coming up here next as Jeffrey Starxxx leads his boys Marcus Briggs and Randal Williams into battle against the McBride sisters.
Sparkles: Two weeks ago we saw them join Silas Mason’s administration.
Frankie: And they did so at the expense of Karen McBride and her sisters.
TWO WEEKS AGO
You guessed it, it’s another video package chronicling what happened on the last Riot. This footage pertains to what happened when Karen McBride and her sisters Melanie and Blaire went to the squared circle to confront Silas Mason and his staff members Mason Van Stanton and Desmond Drake. Karen finds her eyes locked on Silas’ face, recalling how he stole the Principle Ownership from her a number of months ago. But now a resolution to that theft seems to be in sight come the next pay-per-view when Karen is scheduled to collide with Silas. However Silas throws a curveball at Karen by announcing that that bout will be contested under six person tag team rules. Furthermore we learn that Karen will have to team with Melanie and a woman who stabbed her in the back, Blaire. Just then Silas reveals who his partners will be when Jeffrey Starxxx, Marcus Briggs and Randal Williams attack Melanie and Karen from behind while restraining Blaire. The final image in this video package is that of a smarmy Silas crouched over an unconscious Karen.
KAREN & BLAIRE MCBRIDE VS. RANDAL & BRIGGS
As the show comes back live the fans can only cringe at the sight of Jeffrey Starxxx sitting on a turnbuckle and patting the huge shoulders of Marcus Briggs stood in the ring beneath him. Randal Williams is a little more distanced from his teammates, pacing in anticipation of this tag team match.
Greyson: Jeffrey Starxxx officially named the new Head of Media Relations for Silas Mason’s staff, but it seems he only got that job so that Silas could use Starxxx’s crew.
Sparkles: And use them Silas did. He got Randal Williams and Marcus Briggs to lay Karen and Melanie McBride out two weeks ago.
Frankie: Which all but confirms that they’ll be Silas’ partners in that six person tag for the Principle Ownership at Upping the Ante.
Greyson: Let’s not be so quick to make that assumption, we all know just how dangerously unpredictable Silas can be.
Frankie: Yep, Karen found that out two weeks ago.
The lyrics of “American Dreamgirl” start to play over the speakers, indicating that Karen McBride is headed along for the squared circle. That’s exactly who we see step to the stage, but who we don’t see is Blaire McBride, Karen’s tag team partner. This obviously doesn’t sit well with Karen, who looks from one side to the other, searching for the woman she’s ‘supposed’ to trust to have her back not only tonight but in the six person tag at Upping the Ante.
Greyson: Where’s Karen’s partner? Where’s her sister Blaire?
Frankie: This is great, hahahaha, Blaire has completely left her sister Karen high and dry.
Greyson: You mean to tell me after the months that Blaire has invested into regaining her sister’s trust that she’s going to double cross Karen again tonight?
Sparkles: Sparkles doesn’t think Blaire ever did re-earn Karen’s trust.
Frankie: This is a prelude of things to come. This is exactly what Blaire is going to do to Karen at Upping the Ante. She’s going to leave Karen and their sister Melanie in the lurch against Silas and his thugs.
Sparkles: Karen can’t trust anyone.
A reluctant Karen climbs up onto the apron, taking one last look back at the stage to make sure her sister hasn’t popped up. Unfortunately there remains no sight of Blaire, meaning that she’ll have to go it alone in this contest. Across the ring from her one of those tasked with her destruction is getting an earful from Starxxx. The huge Marcus stoops to listen to the words being whispered into his ear by the new Head of Riot Media Relations. Marcus then goes straight after Karen, who drops back from the apron and the ring. She begins to back up the ramp a little, looking over her shoulder to see if Blaire has shown up.
Frankie: Blaire isn’t coming Karen. And it’s not like she’d be much use to you if she did. Not against Marcus and Randal. Do what your instincts are telling you to do, tuck tail and run.
Greyson: Karen isn’t the running type.
Another of Karen’s opponents has rolled to ringside, Randal nearing the former Principle Owner. Karen is still debating her options, wondering what the right move is. Finally she decides what would be her smartest course of action, she reaches beneath the ring and grabs hold of an equalizer. Randal is running right into her but stops when his ribs collide with the edge of a steel chair.
Greyson: Karen with a chair!
Frankie: She wasn’t supposed to do that. She’s not supposed to be smart enough to do that!
Randal twists away from his attacker, grabbing at his ribs, but soon it’s his spine left in agony when Karen slams the chair right across it. She arches the chair back over her shoulder, ready to swing again, only it’s not Randal the chair connects with. The enormous hand of Marcus has reached over the ropes and down to ringside, grabbing Karen by the hair. He gives it a tug, lifting Karen from ringside to the apron. He is about to throw her back into the ring but Karen whips around and bashes him straight between the eyes with the chair.
Sparkles: Now Karen laying into Marcus with that chair.
Greyson: Karen isn’t stupid, she wasn’t about to let these two tear her apart, especially when she knows she’s got that six person tag team match coming up at the pay-per-view for the Principle Ownership.
Karen enters the ring then rushes in behind Marcus and slams the chair over his broad back, causing his whole body to cringe in pain. Once again she’s about to swing the chair before spotting Jeffrey Starxxx climbing up onto the apron, shouting at her, warning her, wagging his finger in her direction. He immediately regrets lecturing Karen when he sees her coming at him with the chair in hand. Starxxx jumps back from the apron, warning Karen as she stands in the ring above him with the chair cocked back, ready to be swung yet again. Unfortunately there are no more targets presenting themselves. Marcus has rolled to the outside of the ring and has joined both Randal and Starxxx at the base of the ramp. All three men are pointing into the squared circle at the woman who was SUPPOSED to be their victim. Instead, thanks to some quick thinking, and some even quicker chair shots, Karen stands in the ring unscathed.
Greyson: McBride still standing.
Frankie: Yeah, Randal and Marcus might not have been able to get their hands on her tonight, but that’s not important, the damage has already been done.
Greyson: How do you figure?
Frankie: Because now Karen knows what she already suspected, that her sister Blaire can’t be trusted headed into the six person tag at the pay-per-view. It’s going to be a handicap match against Silas and his thugs.
Greyson: Karen is definitely going to have to deal with Blaire before the pay-per-view and find out where her sister’s loyaltie….wait a minute, guys-GUYS I’m hearing that Mordecai has caught up with Johnny Kingdom!
Cameras catch up to Mordecai as he runs towards the open grave dug somewhere just outside of the Manhattan Center. The beast looks every bit as out of character as you would expect him to be given his panicked expression. He takes such relief in the sight of his sister sitting at the base of the grave with bound wrists and only a clump of dirt on her head instead of being buried under a mound of it.
Mordecai: What has he done…?
A shovel cracks Mordecai right in the back of the head. The blow is delivered with such force that it instantly incapacitates the monster, knocking him off of his feet and causing him to take a header into the grave. He collapses just inches away from his sister, who crawls through the dirt to reach out for her unconscious brother. Her eyes veer to the man who put Mordecai in this condition, Johnny Kingdom, who stands at the edge of the grave with shovel in hand.
Kingdom: I haven’t done anything yet Mordecai.
He crouches at the knees and grabs a handful of dirt.
Kingdom: We can’t have a burial without a corpse.
The dirt in his hand is tossed down onto the unconscious Mordecai. Soon it’s a shovel full of dirt tossed onto the beast.
Greyson: Johnny Kingdom got the drop on Mordecai and now he’s…oh God he’s BURYING the monster.
Sparkles: And Mordecai’s sister too.
Frankie: I condone a lot, mostly when it comes to violating holes that shouldn’t be violated, but I don’t condone murder.
And neither does the security staff, who intervene just in time. Kingdom lifts the shovel not to fling dirt but to swing it at one of the many men in black t-shirts who surround him. They grab the shovel before it’s turned into a weapon and also manage to snag Kingdom’s arms. Eventually they’re able to drag away the amateur grave digger.
Cameras cut to a hallway where Selena Frost is stood in front of the love of her life Deanna Springs, the two finding something highly amusing. Their laughter fills the corridor, as do the questions of interviewer Mark Comeau. He taps a finger on the shoulder of Selena, prompting her to turn to the mic lifted towards her smiling lips.
Selena: Maaark, questions?
Something about her upbeat disposition concerns Comeau.
Comeau: Uh, Selena, you seem to be in good spirits all things considered.
Selena: Suppose you want me to be more upset about what happened at Revolution, or about Monarchy trying to RULE over Riot? Or about facing off against former World Champion Taylor Chase tonight. Maybe it should have me so anxious that I’m feeling SICK to my stomach, right?
Laughter emanates from Selena while Deanna covers her mouth, trying not to giggle.
Comeau: That’s an interesting choice of words.
Selena: Maybe I should be so worried about Monarchy that I’m stooped over a toilet somewhere puking my guts out, huh?
More laughter from Deanna and Selena alike.
Comeau: Again, I have to question the way you just phrased tha….
Selena: There’s a reason I’m not doubled over with fits of stomach pain when thinking about what Monarchy is trying to do here in the IWC. It’s because I know that people like Taylor Chase, Orlando Cruze, and Alistair “Can’t Hold Down My Lunch” Taylor, aren’t ready to survive winter. But rather they BELIEVE it or not, winter…is….coming. And in the case of my opponent Taylor Chase tonight, winter…is….HERE.
Selena doesn’t field any further questions, she and Deanna walk away, leaving Mark standing there tapping his microphone against his chin.
Blaire: You….
A hand grabs Comeau’s sleeve, gives it a tug and pulls him around to face the frazzled woman stood behind him, A harried Blaire McBride grabs the interviewer by his shirt.
Blaire: Did I miss it?
Comeau: Miss what?
Blaire: The match dammit. The TAG MATCH!
Comeau: Uuuuuh yeeeeaaah, you didn’t show up to team with your sister Karen.
Blaire: I was locked in my dressing room!
Explains Blaire as she throws her arms out to her sides in a fit of anger.
Comeau: Locked in your dressing….?
Blaire: I wanted to be there. I swear!!
Comeau: Well Karen went at it alone.
She turns and gives a swift kick to a nearby trashcan.
Blaire: THIS IS BULL!!
A photograph of famed IWC competitor ‘Samantha Raine’ comes into view. The pictorial shows her modeling for the camera and looking every bit as alluring and breathtaking as ever. The hands that grip onto the sides of this photograph are not alluring, they are the things that destroy all that allures, and take breath through strangulation.
Miss Jon: Pretty….oh so pretty…
Growls the voice of the woman who clutches the photograph of Raine. It seems her deep guttural murmurs are directed at the magazine clipping.
Miss Jon: Oh so charming, and oh so pretty I can hardly believe you are real….
The image of Raine nears a steel drum that has fire pouring up and out of it. The flames begin to lick the photograph of Raine before reducing it to ashes.
Miss Jon: And I pity any woman that is YOU today.
The camera pulls up from the melted image of Raine, looking through the flames that have ruined it and into the face of the man stood at some distance. Lingering in the corner of the dimly lit room is Martin Howe III, who rubs his palms together with a grin that is ever so diabolical. He watches his client burn the photo of Raine with the grimmest satisfaction. The commentators can now be heard in the background.
Greyson: What are Miss Jon and her manager Martin Howe III up to?
Sparkles: Honestly, Sparkles is too afraid to find out.
Frankie: Miss Jon has got a definite hard on for Samantha Raine.
Greyson: Well we’re scheduled to see Miss Jon and Samantha Raine cross paths as several IWC talents collide in an upcoming battle royal to determine the number one contender for the Evolution Championship.
Sparkles: Just imagine if Miss Jon and Raine bunt heads once again?
Greyson: It’s a situation building towards an implosion. Who’s walking out of the next match with a shot at the Evolution Title? We’ll find out, next.
The white stretch Humvee that transported Monarchy to the building tonight comes back into focus. A car pulls up right beside it and now comes to a rest in the parking lot. The driver’s side door pops open and Melanie McBride exits to a loud reaction from those watching via the big screen inside of the Manhattan Center. With some type of packaged tucked under arm, Melanie races around the car and hurries towards the arena.
Greyson: Melanie McBride finally arriving to the Manhattan Center with some type of package in hand.
Frankie: She can have my package in her hands if she plays her cards right.
Sparkles: Apparently she picked that up at IWC HQ. What’s in that package and what effect could it have on the Riot brand?
The show comes back live with a zoom in shot on a cellphone. A tweet is being typed on it at the moment and the words are produced by the fingers of Scott Cannon. He stands in a hall slightly stooped over his phone, trading messages with quite possibly the most important person in his life, Vanilla Skyy.
Comeau: Scott…Scott….Scott!
Cannon glances back over his shoulder at correspondent Mark Comeau.
Scott: Can I get a word with you regarding your Evolution Title defense earlier on….?
Scott dismissively waves his hand in front of Comeau’s face.
Scott: Sorry Mark, but not in a mood to answer a slew of generic questions right now.
Comeau: Owe, that stung.
Scott: Sorry. Just got a text from my ‘friend’ Vanilla Skyy.
Comeau: The Uprising World Champion just texted you? Care to share some juicy details?
Scott gives Mark a sideways glare.
Scott: You really are one sick freak aren’t you?
Comeau: Gotta boost those ratings Scotty, gotta boost those ratings.
Scott: If you must know mate, Skyy….well….
It looks as if Scott’s cheeks are actually blushing.
Scott: Skyy said she’s…..proud of me.
An uncharacteristically intense Andre Jordan walks back and forth in his dressing room, his trembling fingers working their way through the slight stubble of hair on his scalp. It looks as if the events of earlier tonight are still weighing heavy on his mind. Eventually he forces himself to stop pacing and to park down in a chair where he proceeds to bury his face in his hands.
Stagehand: Excuse me, Andre?
Andre opens his fingers and peeks through them at the Stagehand who has just approached him with some type of card clutched in his hand.
Stagehand: I was asked to give this to you.
A reluctant Andre reaches out and absent mindedly takes the card, which features a Greenwich Hotel emblem. It becomes PAINFULLY obvious to Andre that what he has just been handed is a room key. The commentators can be overheard in the background.
Sparkles: Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we’re still scheduled to see Andre Jordan face off with Orlando Cruze as part of the Number One Contender Tournament.
Greyson: And that match became far more personal when Orlando superkicked Andre’s agent Tabitha Silverstone earlier on in the evening.
Sparkles: Sparkles imagines that’s what has got Andre looking so upset at the moment.
Greyson: It’s going to be quite the encounter when Dre and Orlando go one on one.
Frankie: But it’s Mika Kozlov that he should be going one on one with. Has the man not seen those seductive videos Mika has been sending him from her hotel room? They’ve got me on the point of popping like a pimple.
Greyson: I think this ‘relationship’ Mika has been referring to also plagues on Andre’s mind.
Frankie: It should be plaguing on his penis.
The ever so imposing Borislav stands in a hallway cluttered with fluorescent light tubes and wooden crates. There is one other object in the corridor however that holds Borislav’s focus. His New Eden ally Serenity stands before him, directing orders to the mass of muscle.
Serenity: We need to make this right.
There is only a slight dip of Borislav’s chin, which is as close to a nod as he’ll give.
Serenity: I refuse to sit at the kid’s table one second longer. We HAVE to act. New Eden can’t afford to suffer another blow. So while Cindy hunts down Mika and find out who she’s loyal to, the two of us will spill blood in our Queen’s honor.
Borislav seems to like that idea and like it a lot.
Serenity: It’s time we track down the person who fired a shot at New Eden inside of that Hell in a Cell two weeks ago.
Borislav: *Growls* Aiken?
Serenity: Tonight, the hunt….is….on!
The show returns to the squared circle which is filling and filling fast with numerous IWC talents all scheduled to vie for a shot at the Evolution Championship. Already we can see Flash Silver warming up in one corner, Eric Sailes running the apron, Tyson Galloway rubbing his hands eagerly together, the Hair Doodes of Franz and Froderick styling their fros, and now Devon Kayl slipping through the ropes while his entrance music blares in the background.
Greyson: Some type of plan apparently being formed between New Eden members Serenity and Borislav backstage.
Sparkles: Seems their pretty intent on getting their hands on Aiken Frost tonight.
Frankie: Dude should have known this was gonna happen when he attacked their queen by hanging her from the roof of that Hell in a Cell two weeks ago.
Greyson: We’ll have to wait and see what Serenity and Borislav have planned for Aiken Frost, but right now, we’re going to witness an over the top rope battle royal to decide the number one contender for the Evolution Championship.
Sparkles: Already we can see Flash Silver, Eric Sailes, Tyson Galloway, the Hair Doodes and Devon Kayl entering that ring with even more slated to arrive momentarily.
Greyson: Kayl has already had a pretty productive night, getting some retribution on Ricky Holt for screwing him out of the Number One Contender Tournament, but can Devon parlay his momentum into a victory in this Battle Royal?
Greyson: He’s definitely going to….wait a minute. Did I just hear that right?
Sparkles: Who’s getting jumped backstage now?
Greyson: No-no, guys, I just got word that Alana Starr and Ethan Von Aaron are on their way to the building and apparently they have some type of presentation in store for Ethan’s ex Rachel Tatum Lee.
Frankie: This already sounds awesome.
Greyson: The presentation has something to do with reminding Rachel of her southern upbringing.
Frankie: This is gonna be amazing!
Devon just begins to make himself comfortable inside of the ring before a voice filtering through the PA system not only unnerves the combatants but the crowd as well.
Martin: I come here before you tonight not as a harbinger of doom.
The curtains open and Martin Howe III steps out from the back, microphone in the hand of the confident agent.
Martin: But as an emissary of peace. I’m offering each of you competing in this match SALVATION.
Greyson: What in the hell is Martin Howe III doing out here and furthermore, what in the Sam HEEL is he talking about?
Sparkles: The last time we saw Howe he was flanking that monster Miss Jon to the ring, and from what Sparkles has come to understand he is now officially her agent.
Frankie: Meaning he’s got every right to be out here, Lovejoy. Considering Miss Jon is a participant in this Battle Royal.
Martin looks ever so pessimistic as he examines the faces of all those presently in the squared circle.
Martin: You can consider me your own personal governor, because I’m calling in the eleventh hour with a stay of execution. You have about ten seconds to leave that ring before my client, the indestructible Miss Jon heads out to compete in this Battle Royal. Now I must warn you that if you should fail to take me up on my offer and you decide to stay in that ring, then you must prepare yourselves for a higher health insurance premium…And I hope that those fool hearty enough to compete in this match have completed their last will and testaments, because my client, the death of beauty, the merciless Miss Jon…is….COMING
Raised voices can be heard in the guerilla position as we see Marcus Briggs and Randal Williams arguing with each other. Try as he may, the man stood between them, Jeffrey Alexander Starxxx, can’t seem to console either of his friends. The two are still sore, figuratively and literally, regarding the way their tag team match with Karen McBride ended earlier tonight.
Starxxx: You two just listen. What happened out there, it was unfortunate, but you’ll get your payback on that bitch at Upping the Ant….
Silas: What is this all about?
Principle Owner Silas Mason, followed by staff members Desmond Drake and Mason Van Stanton, draw nearer to Starxxx and his crew. Silas leans heavily upon a cane, still feeling the effects of the attack he suffered at the last pay=per-view event Revolution.
Starxxx: Ain’t no thing Boss-Man, jus having a lil spat is all.
Silas: It’s nothing? Ya think it’s nothin’ huh? Ya think yer failure to take out Karen McBride when I was servin’ ‘er up to ya on one great big platter was nutthin?
Starxxx: I ain’t saying that bruh.
Silas: Not yer bruh, I’m yer boss, and you and yer thugs ‘ere had better start doin’ everything in yer power to make me a HAPPY boss. Right now, I ain’t happy, not after what I saw you two (points between Marcus and Randal) take a’beatin at the hands of that lil gurl.
Randal: She had a steel chair….
Silas: Don’t hand me that shit.
Randal and Marcus lower their heads sullenly.
Silas: Maybe I made the wrong decision pickin’ the two of ya as my tag team partners at Awakening.
Mason: He could have chosen us.
Mason says while puffing out his chest and slapping the shoulder of Desmond, the midget with his fists to his hips.
Silas: Maybe I should start lookin’ at other talents.
Starxxx: Come on Boss-Man, it was one lil slip.
Silas: We can’t afford no SLIP UPS when there’s so much up for grabs at Uppin’ the Ante. My Principle Ownership is on the line Gahd dammit, and I ain’t leavin nothin’ to chance. So ya know what I’m gonna do, head on out there to the ring and scout sum of the talent in this ‘ere Battle Royal. Maybe one or two of ‘em will impress me and who knows, they could make fer great partners at Uppin’ the Ante.
Silas starts towards the ring with Mason Van Stanton and Desmond Drake following.
Starxxx: Don’t be like that Boss!
Begs Starxxx as he watches Silas’ back moving further and further away from him. Eventually his eyes turn to Desmond, who is stood at his knee level.
Desmond: You three had better step up.
Drake warns Starxxx, Marcus and Randal then even takes a step towards them with fists clinched, expecting them to flinch. Marcus doesn’t back away but stomps in Drake’s direction, causing the midget to scream and jump into his associate Mason’s arms for protection. Mason carries Desmond in the same path blazed by their employer. The camera settles on Starxxx and his boys Marcus and Randal, the three shaking their heads in disgruntled fashion.
Starxxx: We gotta fix this.
EVOLUTION #1 CONTENDERSHIP BATTLE ROYAL
Cameras return to the squared circle just as the tunes of “Shatter Me” are playing through the PA system. With her music blaring in the background Mya Denton moves to the bottom of the entrance ramp. She comes to a stop and stares at all the bodies that are already inside of the squared circle waiting to participate in this Battle Royal for the Evolution Title #1 Contendership. We see Devon Kayl standing amongst Franz and Froderick otherwise known as the Hair Doodes, we also see Eric Sailes, Tyson Galloway, and Flash Silver.
Sparkles: Mya Denton joining the fold. Man, there are so many already in the ring to compete in this Battle Royal to determine a new number one contender for the Evolution Title.
Frankie: Maybe you and I should get in there Sparkles and….
Greyson: Good Lord NO! The last thing we need is a repeat of your pathetic performance in the 2015 Rumble.
Sparkles: Mya Denton coming into this match with a lot on her mind.
Greyson: Indeed, because tonight may very well be the night that she FINALLY gets her hands on Aaron Harrison.
Sparkles: Rachel Tatum Lee has vowed that she will produce Harrison by the end of the night, meaning Mya may finally exact her revenge on him and….whoa, hold on just a minute…..
All the attention is redirected from Mya entering the ring to the three bodies headed down the ramp. Silas Mason leads his charges Desmond Drake and Mason Van Stanton around the squared circle and towards the announce table.
Frankie: The Boss is coming our way boys. Make room-make room!
Greyson: This is not a very encouraging sight. Silas Mason headed in the direction of our announce table with those professional ass kissers Mason Van Stanton and Desmond Drake.
Sparkles: Their breath must smell awful.
Greyson: Well we’re about to find out.
Silas and his staff stop behind the announce table and stare down at commentator Greyson Lovejoy, giving him the stink eye. Now Silas jabs at him with the tip of his cane.
Silas: Yer in my seat boy.
Frankie: MOVE LOVEJOY!
Greyson: Where am I supposed to go?
Frankie: MOOOOVVEEE!!
Mason and Desmond grab Greyson and forcefully drag him out of his chair so that Silas can plop himself down in it.
Silas: Thanks for keepin’ my seat warm fer me.
Sparkles: What brings ya to the announce table tonight Silas?
Frankie: Whoa-whoa-whoa, first things first, you gotta offer our Boss a PROPER greeting.
Sparkles: Okay, Silas, do you want my smoochies with tongue or not?
Silas: Ya get that mouth anywhere near me and I’ll have Mason ‘ere rip yer big purple lips off. I’m not out ‘ere fer kisses, at least not from a puppet, I’m out ‘ere cause I’m scoutin’ talent.
Sparkles: For what reason?
Silas: Ya two saw what ‘appened in that tag match a few minutes ago. Marcus Briggs, Randal Williams, they had Karen McBride right in their crosshairs and they couldn’t pull the damn trigger. That jus goes to show I can’t trust ‘em at Uppin’ the Ante. So maybe I’ll find a couple talents competin in this match that I CAN trust.
Obviously the woman headed to the ring at the moment to compete in the Battle Royal will NOT be one of Silas’ potential tag partners. Down the ramp strolls Samantha Raine, slated to compete in this big Battle Royal with massive implications. She jumps up to the apron and stares at all the warm bodies inside, just itching to get their hands on her.
Frankie: What about Samantha Raine? She could be….
Silas: Don’t make me laugh.
Sparkles: Raine has been very vocally out spoken against your managerial techniques Silas.
Silas: She’s a loud mouthed cunt is what she is. She’s very lucky those Austrian bitches I had under my employ didn’t finish ‘er off four weeks ago.
Sparkles: Raine, who dubs herself the Rogue Element, has been pretty impressive though, you must admit that much.
Silas: I ain’t gotta admit SHIT.
Sparkles: Well we’ve seen Raine stand up to a woman few would dare challenge, this beast known as Miss Jon.
Frankie: Yeah, but what happened the last time Raine and Miss Jon crossed paths? Raine was thrown into that ringside barricade and it injured a few of her ribs.
Sparkles: We’ll have to see if that injury comes back to haunt Raine here tonight.
Raine no sooner gets into the ring before the intimidating lyrics of her rival’s theme music hits the PA system. The whole building trembles at the sight of the huge planetary mass of Miss Jon stomping onto the stage. Stood beside her is Martin Howe III, who doesn’t look at all pleased that there is still a ring full of bodies in the squared circle.
Silas: Now right ‘ere’s a woman I can get behind.
Frankie: Oh Silas, you dog.
Silas: That’s NOT what I….jus’ shut yer mouth.
Sparkles: Sparkles takes it you’ve been impressed with Miss Jon.
Silas: What’s NOT impressive about this beast? She’s a whole lotta woman, and she’s a whole lotta pain. Pain that’s bout to be unleashed on everyone in this ‘ere match, and maybe on the McBride sisters at Uppin’ the Ante.
Sparkles: Sparkles thinks right now the only person she wants to inflict pain on is Samantha Raine.
Frankie: Well all Miss Jon has to do is send her flying over the top rope with both of her feet hitting the floor to eliminate her from the Battle Royal BUUUT Miss Jon ain’t gonna stop there.
Raine isn’t backing down from the daunting figure descending towards the squared circle. Miss Jon snarls at her potential victims while her agent Martin Howe III warns them via the mic lifted to his mouth.
Howe: How disappointing. I gave you all a chance to save yourselves by walking away from this match and I see that not one of you seized that opportunity. So now, I have no other choice but to wipe my hands clean of any accountability for my client’s actions. What happens to each of you in this match will be on you and you ALONE.
The top rope is taken into the massive hands of Miss Jon, who climbs up onto the apron and actually licks her lips at the sight of Samantha Raine. Just then Flash Silver can be seen in the corner of the ring, or more accurately LEAVING the corner of the ring. He jumps over the top rope and eliminates himself.
Sparkles: HA-HA! Flash taking Howe up on his offer and eliminating himself so as to avoid a collision with Miss Jon.
Silas: Smartest thing that young man has ever done. But wait a minute ‘ere, jus’ noticed sumtin’. Where’s my monster, where’s Mordecai?
Frankie: Yeah, he’s supposed to be in this Battle Royal too.
Sparkles: Silas, you didn’t hear what Johnny Kingdom did to him earlier on? He ambushed him outside of the Manhattan Center and tossed him in a grave.
Silas: This news does not please me.
Outright chaos instantly breaks out the moment after Flash Silver has eliminated himself. Raine goes right after Miss Jon, jumping into her and throwing fists left and right across the beast’s brow. Meanwhile the Hair Doodes are jumping on Devon Kayl, double teaming him. They stoop under his legs, lifting him into the air and trying to flip him back over the top rope. Meanwhile Mya is battling with Eric Sailes, the two trading punches. In the background we can see the seven foot Tyson Galloway hanging back in the corner, just watching the action and continuing to sport a black t-shirt that reads “27-ONE.” Clearly Tyson wants to publicize his victory, the first he’s earned in his entire IWC tenure.
Sparkles: Already off to a hot start here. Everyone out here vying for a shot at that Evolution Championship.
Frankie: Looks to me like Kayl is going to be the first one eliminated. Would serve him right after his interference in Ricky Holt’s NHB Title bout earlier tonight.
Kayl leans back over the ropes and grips them as tightly as he can with both Hair Doodes stooped under his knees. Finally Kayl hits a punch on Franz’s face, knocking him back. He then stomps down with his heel into the top of Froderick’s skull. Kayl lowers his legs, puts his boots to Froderick’s chest and kicks him back. The blow sends Froderick spiraling back into the ropes, leaning against them for support. Kayl then comes racing out of the ropes and into a clothesline that Froderick not only ducks but counters into a back drop. Kayl is flung over the top rope, grabbing it in the process though and then landing on the apron. Just then Froderick drops to his hands and knees as his partner Franz charges in and steps off his back, launching himself over the ropes into a crossbody aimed at Kayl. But at the last second Kayl falls back and as a result Franz goes flying over him and crashing into the outside mats.
Sparkles: Franz eliminated!
Silas: I think it’s safe to say that either member of the Hair Douches are not in contention to be my partners at Upping the Ante.
A laugh can be heard from Mason Van Stanton and Desmond Drake, who continue to stand behind the chair their precious Principle Owner is seated in at the announce table. Back inside of the squared circle Miss Jon and Raine are continuing to exchange blows. Raine has the huge Miss Jon buckling back over the top rope, one forearm after another after another colliding with her sternum. Finally Raine rushes in with a lariat that impacts Miss Jon’s throat. Yet the blow has failed to send the brute flipping over the ropes. So Raine backs up and proceeds to charge into another clothesline that this time is countered by the massive hands that wrap around her throat. Raine’s eyes widen as she’s strangled and she’s even more stunned by the devastating headbutt to her skull. Miss Jon sends Raine to the canvas but provides her enemy no rest. She takes Raine by the bangs and tries to lead her up to her feet. But that’s when Mya Denton jumps on Miss Jon’s back, applying a sleeper hold.
Silas: Does this girl EVER pick her fights wisely?
Frankie: Apparently not.
Sparkles: Mya is already in over her head fighting with Rachel Tatum Lee and Aaron Harrison, but now she’s going after Miss Jon.
Frankie: What is going through her head.
Silas: Probably Miss Jon’s fist.
Silas is spot on in his speculation. Miss Jon reaches back and takes Mya by the hair, giving it such a forceful yank that she’s sent flipping over Jon’s head and crashing back first onto Raine. All the muscles in Mya’s and Raine’s body have been aggravated and soon are going to be squashed. The massive Miss Jon rushes in and goes airborne via a big splash onto both of her targeted foes.
Sparkles: OOOOH PEPPERJACK!
Silas: That’s a whole lotta titty crashin’ into both dem girls.
Miss Jon works her way up to her feet just as Tyson Galloway lunges out of the corner and into a goozle on her throat. The seven footer wraps his hand around Miss Jon’s neck and prepares to chokeslam her.
Sparkles: Talk about crazy. What is Tyson Galloway thinking here?
Frankie: He’s still riding high off his victory from four weeks ago.
Sparkles: Yeah, but the McBride sisters paid for someone to lay down for him.
Frankie: Actually they paid for Eric Sailes to get a win but Tyson stole it from him.
Clearly Sailes hasn’t forgotten about his tag team partner’s betrayal, hence why he’s jumping onto Tyson’s back and breaking up the chokeslam the giant had intended to deliver. Miss Jon is released from the goozle and sent staggering back into the ropes, she merely watches at this point as tensions explode between partners Sailes and Galloway. At the moment Sailes has Galloway staggered back with punch after punch across the jaw. He then takes off backwards into the ropes to build momentum behind a lariat, but when he springs back into Tyson it’s not a lariat that connects, instead Sailes is caught with a black hole slam. Tyson drives his partner brutally into the ring and then pops back to his feet riding a crest of momentum. But now he must contend with yet another clothesline, this one unleashed by Miss Jon. The brute charges in and goes for the lariat that Tyson manages to somehow avoid by ducking down. Miss Jon swings back around to face Tyson, who unleashes a brutal big boot. The blow has not only staggered Miss Jon back but is giving Tyson a greater and greater sense of self-worth. He is so confident that he is completely blinded to the face that his big boot failed to have much in the way of effect on Miss Jon. She wasn’t even removed from her feet, in fact, she’s running straight into a clothesline that nails Tyson with so much force across the throat that it sends the seven footer flipping back over the top rope.
Sparkles: There goes Tyson.
Frankie: Galloway’s success coming to an end.
Silas: Guess it was nice while the illusion lasted. He won’t be gettin’ a call from me any time soon.
Although Kayl has prevented elimination numerous times in the course of this match it remains to be seen just how long his luck will last. He’s back on his feet across the apron with his opponent Froderick lunging into a shoulder block from the ring and through the ropes. Kayl avoids the modified spear to his ribs by flipping up and over the top rope, landing on the ring behind his attacker. Kayl then rushes into the far ropes, bounces off them and returns to Froderick, leaping into a knee that connects directly against his chest. The blow sends Froderick flying back into the ropes but grabbing them tight to avoid flipping back over them. Kayl spins away from his adversary then races into the far ropes once more, but instead he charges directly into Miss Jon’s hands. He pays for his tunnel vision, for focusing exclusively on the Hair Doodes, because now he’s hoisted into a gorilla press by another of his opponents. Miss Jon has Kayl raised high overhead and is now carrying him towards the ropes, intent on sending him flying over to the outside.
Frankie: Goodbye Devon Kayl.
Sparkles: Miss Jon about to make another elimination.
Silas: This woman just keeps impressin’ me more and more.
Just as Miss Jon is about to fling Kayl over the ropes via the gorilla press the back of her tree trunk thick thigh is dropkicked. A recovered Raine has dashed in behind Miss Jon and has caught her with both boots square to the crease of the knee. The shot actually takes Miss Jon off her feet, sending her crashing to her back. Kayl, who WAS being held over Miss Jon’s head, has now landed upright beside her, for all of a moment. He instantly performs a standing shooting star press, crashing right down on top of Miss Jon. He quickly rolls away from the brute, who sits up growling in pain. However, the second Miss Jon sits up on the canvas she finds her face crushed by the Demented. Another of her opponents Mya Denton leaps into the shinning wizard, the blow knocking Miss Jon onto her back. Mya quickly rolls out of the way to avoid the body that goes flying over her from the top rope. Raine soars into a gigantic elbow drop from the corner and straight into Miss Jon’s heart.
Sparkles: Everyone ganging up on Miss Jon.
Frankie: That’s the only way that their going to eliminate her. Unless they can lure her form the ring using Cinnabons.
The Simply Stunning Supergirl pops back up to her feet after hitting the elbow and then looks around the ring at all of her opponents before pointing down at Miss Jon. She seems to lead a rally, unifying everyone against their biggest threat, Miss Jon. Sailes, Froderick, Mya, Kayl and Raine gather around Miss Jon, who is already getting back to her feet. All of her opponents take her around her huge legs, elevating them into the air and trying to force her into a back flip over the ropes. Miss Jon holds onto the top cable with all of her strength, trying her best to prevent this elimination.
Frankie: Their all trying to eliminate this metric ton of monster.
Silas: And yet even all five of ‘em can’t get ‘er outta that ring.
Sparkles: If Mordecai were still out here it might change the whole dynamic of this match. He’d be the only one who could match up with Miss Jon.
Frankie: It be a variable monster mash.
All five of her opponents have Miss Jon literally on the ropes but yet to go flying over them. Her agent Martin Howe III stands on the mats below the ring shouting up at his client.
Howe: The beautiful people want to embarrass you!
These words seem to inspire Miss Jon, who reacts with a burst of raw rage. A loud scream emanates from the monster who sends all of her opponents flying back from her with one massive shove. The first person who was just shrugged off Miss Jon to get back to his feet is Kayl. He stands up just in time to be knocked back to the ground with a big headbutt. Sailes then rushes Miss Jon only to be caught by the back of the head and flung over the top rope, his body crashing into the ringside mats.
Sparkles: There goes Sailes.
Frankie: Surprised he lasted in this match as long as he did.
Silas: I would’ve thought he’d be eliminated before the entrances were even finished.
Sparkles: Miss Jon tapped into her aggression and she is just unleashing that rage on all of her opponents.
Miss Jon now runs at Froderick and Mya, toppling them both with a stereo clothesline. She furiously turns back towards Kayl, grabbing him by the hair and dragging him up to his feet. But just then Kayl leaps into the air and smacks Miss Jon in the back of the head with a step up enzugari. The blow to the back of the head has Miss Jon staggered and the superkick to the jaw that follows it has her even more disorientated. She staggers back into the ropes, pressing all her mass against them.
Sparkles: Look at this, look at this! Kayl has got Miss Jon reeling. He could be on the cusp of eliminating her all by himself.
Silas: THAT would impress me.
Even Kayl looks stunned that he has Miss Jon on the ropes, about to be knocked back over them. All it will take is one more shot to finish her off. He goes rushing into the far ropes in order to build momentum behind a strike that will send Miss Jon crashing to the floor and eliminating her from the bout. Kayl hits the ropes but soon hits the floor. A set of hands reach under the ropes and snag hold of Kayl’s feet, pulling them out from under his body. Kayl lands flat on his face and soon his body is yanked from the squared circle, landing right in front of an enraged Ricky Holt.
Frankie: It’s the General!
Silas: What’s this all about now?
Sparkles: Ricky Holt grabbing Kayl and dragging him out of the ring, but he’s not eliminated, he didn’t go over the ropes.
Frankie: Ricky wanting some payback.
Before Kayl knows what hit him he’s finds the back of his head crashing into the ringside barricade. Ricky throws Kayl with so much force into the barricade that he not only slams into it but goes flipping over into the crowd. Kayl crawls through the fans with Ricky nipping at his heels. An angered Holt grabs Kayl by the shoulder, drags him up to his feet and spins him around right into the beer bottle that goes swinging into his brow. Holt grabs the bottle of alcohol from the fan and then drives it straight into Kayl’s forehead, glass bursting through the air.
Sparkles: Holt busting a damn beer bottle right across Kayl’s face!
Silas: Seems like fittin’ justice fer what Kayl did earlier tonight.
An unconscious Kayl lies on the concrete at the feet of the fans, blood streaming down his face from a gash opened by the beer bottle. Ricky walks away from his latest victim with a pronounced sneer on his face. He then goes back to where he came from, marching up the ramp and vanishing through the curtains. Meanwhile, back inside of the squared circle Froderick has his opponent Mya Denton lifted into a scoop slam position, carrying her towards the ropes.
Silas: It’s about time, toss ‘er already.
Frankie: Looks like another of your favorites is going to be eliminated Silas.
Silas: I like ‘er about as much as burnt toast.
Sparkles: Burnt toast is good as long as it’s smeared in melted cheese.
Silas: Why haven’t I replaced ya with a sock yet?
The crowd screeches so loud at the sight of Mya seconds from taking the plunge to the exterior of the ring. But she manages to reach out, grab the top rope with both hands and push herself back from it, keeping Froderick from flinging her over. She manages to squirm just enough to slip off of Froderick’s shoulder and land directly behind him. A worried Froderick twists around and finds that his fear was well justified because he walks right into Mya’s waiting arms before being flipped back into the Cra-Cra. The standing shiranui slams the back of Froderick’s head into the canvas with such force that he’s left even more brain dead than when he first came into this contest.
Now another of his opponents Samantha Raine is dashing in and grabbing Froderick’s ankle, lifting it into the air and as a result sending him rolling back. The Hair Doode returns to his feet just as Samantha interlocks hands with Mya and the two charge into a stereo clothesline that nails Froderick across the throat with enough force to send him flipping back over the ropes and then plummeting to ringside.
Frankie: He’s gone, Froderick is gone!
Silas: When did he show up?
Sparkles: He’s been in there since the beginning.
The crowd is voicing their delight at the sight of Mya and Raine working together during that last elimination. The two then turn to one another and bump knuckles, not forgetting how they’ve worked together in the past as well as here tonight. But that teamwork is short lived, because the second Raine turns her back, Mya dashes in from behind, grabs the back of her head and is about to launch her over the ropes. At the last second though Raine ducks down and puts a hand to Mya’s back, pushing her off and into the cables. When Mya turns back around she sees Raine’s finger lifted into the air, wagging back and forth as if to say ‘no, no, no.’
Sparkles: Raine not going to be fooled twice. It was back at the 2015 Last Stand Rumble that Raine was eliminated by her good friend Brittany Lohan, so she knows better than to turn her back on anyone in these types of matches, foe and especially friend.
Mya smiles and apologies but then goes for a clothesline that Raine ducks under. As a result Mya’s arm goes flying past Raine’s head and her momentum carries her right into the waiting hands of Miss Jon. The enormous hand of Miss Jon engulfs Mya’s throat to the alarm of the audience. Miss Jon prepares to chokeslam Mya but Raine complicates matters. She charges in to put a stop to this potential chokeslam only to be caught by her throat as well. A fierce Miss Jon flashes both the whites of her eyes and the whites of her teeth as she prepares to stereo chokeslam BOTH of her opponents.
Silas: This big bitch gonna crush ‘em both!
Miss Jon heaves both ladies simultaneously into the air only for them to slip free at the same time and hit stereo dropkicks on her chest. The blows knock Miss Jon back into the ropes, ALMOST going right over them. Her agent Howe looks despondent at ringside, especially when he sees Mya and Raine join hands to deliver a stereo lariat. They look to eliminate Miss Jon the exact same way they did Froderick moments ago. They charge in at Miss Jon who suddenly steps out of the ropes and breaks the interlocked hands of her opponents with her forearms. She then turns around and launches a boot square into Mya’s ribs, the blow knocking her back and through the ropes, NOT over them. Mya crashes down to the floor but Raine is still stood ALONE with the beast inside of the ring.
Miss Jon goes right after Raine with a punch that she manages to roll underneath. The unrelenting Miss Jon goes running after Raine but doesn’t realize that Raine is springing off the middle rope and flying through the air into a twisting clothesline. She hits Miss Jon square across the throat and causes the big woman to buckle back but not go down. So Raine changes her strategy, dashing up the turnbuckle to the top rope then taking to the air. She hits a big missile dropkick on Miss Jon’s chest, the collision causing her to stagger even further.
To say Raine is shocked is an understatement, she is blown away by the fact that her opponent is STILL standing. So Raine goes rushing into the ropes and once again springs from the middle one. She then turns in mid-air and flies right into a clothesline….no….Miss Jon catches her in mid-air with both hands wedged to Raine’s stomach. She then rushes towards the ropes with Raine held over her head and throws her to the outside of the ring.
Frankie: Raine just press slammed right out of the ring!
Sparkles: She’s been eliminated, Miss Jon has just eliminated her number one target.
Frankie: Raine should consider it a blessing that Miss Jon so mercifully dispatched her.
Raine hits the mats with some force, rolling across it to the base of the ramp. She gets to her knees with an expression of sheer pain consuming her face while looking back at the ring where Miss Jon stabs at her with her gaze. A smiling Howe waves goodbye to Raine but doesn’t realize that his client is about to be eliminated. Amazingly Devon Kayl has not only returned to the match, in spite of just having a beer bottle busted over his head, but has hold of Miss Jon’s leg, trying to lift it in order to fling her over the top rope.
Silas: What is this dumb sun’a bitch doin’ back in ‘ere?
Sparkles: He’s TRYING to eliminate Miss Jon.
Frankie: He’s not trying to, he’s actually got her on the cusp of going over.
Miss Jon grabs the cable she threatens to fly over and then looks back at the man trying to eliminate her. She looks annoyed and now grabs Kayl by the hair, lifting him up by the bangs and then throwing him right over the ropes. To Miss Jon’s surprise her opponent catches the top rope and floats over to the apron instead of crashing to the floor. He then drops to his seat and slides under the ropes as well as through Miss Jon’s legs. He stands up behind her and waits for Miss Jon to turn, turn right into the Pele Kick that blasts her between the eyes. The crowd is damn near speechless as they see Miss Jon topple over and collapse to her seat in the corner.
Sparkles: Is Sparkles seeing this right now!?!
Frankie: I think Devon Kayl might be the very first man to actually take Miss Jon off of her feet.
Even Kayl is surprised that he managed to knock Miss Jon over. He now looks to parlay his momentum by swooping in to get his hands on his opponent before the lights in the building dim and the lyrics of ‘You’ve Never Known Such Fear’ hits the PA system.
Sparkles: Oooooh noooo.
Silas: Ooooooh yeah.
Frankie: It can’t be.
The curtains hung over the entry way fly open as Mordecai steps through them, his hand nursing the back of his head.
Frankie: Heeee’s heeeereee.
Silas: There’s my monster, and my odds on favorite to win this.
Sparkles: This is stunning to say the least. Mordecai was just buried outside of the Manhattan Center and yet here he is. No one suspected that he would be able to participate in this match.
Silas: Nothin’ can hold this beast down. I tell ya he might make a great partner against the McBrides at Upping the Ante.
Sparkles: He has beaten them before.
Mordecai makes his way closer and closer to the ring where Kayl is stood and looking like a dear caught in the headlights. The moment Mordecai slides into the ring Kayl summons the courage to dash right into him and unload with punches. Kayl hits one right hand after another across Mordecai’s cheek and actually has the behemoth on the defensive. But Kayl makes the mistake of getting a running start behind another punch only to walk right into a goozle across the throat. The eyes of the former GCW Champion widen as he’s lifted straight from his feet and chokeslammed directly over the ropes to the outside of the ring.
Sparkles: Mordecai eliminating Kayl with ease.
Silas: I love watchin’ this guy work.
Frankie: And Mordecai loves hurting people.
Silas: That’s what makes him such a joy to watch.
Kayl is getting no joy out of Mordecai’s work ethic. He lays at ringside smarting from the chokeslam into the mats. He may think his misery is over, but it’s just getting started. Kayl suddenly realizes that Mordecai has stepped over the top rope and has dropped to ringside, eliminating HIMSELF from the match.
Silas: Hey Mordecai, what are ya doin’?
Greyson: He just took himself right out of this battle royal.
Sparkles: Sparkles doesn’t think Mordecai came out here to win this match. I think he was just hear to find a victim.
It appears that Kayl is going to serve as nothing more than Mordecai’s punching bag, the ultimate stress release after the monster’s earlier dealings with Johnny Kingdom. He approaches Kayl who was still stooped at ringside, grabs him by the hair and gives him a big headbutt to the back of the skull. Mordecai then punches Kayl across the temple, knocking him down to the ramp and sending him rolling towards the backstage area. Mordecai stomps and punches him before ultimately just dragging him right along into the backstage area.
Sparkles: Where the hell is Mordecai taking Devon Kayl?
Frankie: I think Mordecai looks at Kayl and sees the face of Johnny Kingdom.
Back inside of the ring Miss Jon has just returned to her feet with the aid of the turnbuckle she had been knocked into moments earlier. That’s when Mya Denton returns to the ring and then comes bolting towards her huge opponent, diving side first into her with a modified crossbody block. Mya then flies right through the ropes onto the apron, her collision with Miss Jon doubling her adversary over. Mya quickly climbs into the ring behind Miss Jon, stands on the middle rope then dives off it catching the back of her opponent’s head with both hands. She uses this grip to drag Miss Jon’s head down into the ring with a face buster. Mya comes down to her knees while her opponent pops up to her feet with a look ever so homicidal in her eyes.
Frankie: Hooooollly shit.
Sparkles: Mya has just done nothing but piss Miss Jon off.
Mya goes as pale as a sheet at the sight of the fury in Miss Jon’s eyes. But although she’s stunned Mya will not be deterred as she spins around and catches her adversary with a spinning back kick to the gut. Miss Jon is doubled over by the blow and her head is now falling into her opponent’s clutches. The fans unleash a loud pop as Mya flips back into the Cra-Cra.
Sparkles: Another shiranui!
Although Mya flips back she does not connect with the Shiranui because Miss Jon manages to shirk her opponent off. As a result Mya goes flipping over Miss Jon’s shoulder and over the top rope. At the last possible second Mya catches the top rope though and lands on the apron, successfully avoiding elimination.
Sparkles: Mya continues to hang in there.
The elusive and resilient Mya uses her grip on the top rope to begin to pull herself into a leap back into the ring at the spine of her opponent. In mid-air Mya finds herself caught with a spinning back fist straight across the temple. Miss Jon spins around and absolutely crushes Mya’s face with the punch that knocks her out of the air and down to the floor.
Sparkles: Mya is gone! She’s eliminated!
Silas: I’ll give ‘er some credit, she surpassed my expectations, thought she would’a been eliminated before I even got a chance to take my seat out ‘ere.
Frankie: Man, what sheer dominance displayed by Miss Jon in this match.
Sparkles: And now she’s the new number one contender for the Evolution Title.
Silas: That might not be all she earned with this win, if ya catch my drift.
The snarling Miss Jon towers in the middle of the ring while her agent Martin Howe III stands in the background, giving his client a thumbs up.
Silas: Well boys, it’s been real.
Sparkles: Sparkles is still offering up a Sparkles Smoochie before you go.
Luckily for Principle Owner Silas Mason, he’s got the assistance of Desmond and Mason to aid him back onto his feet. The beating he took two weeks ago at the Uprising Pay-Per-View continues to plague him as he makes his way around the ringside area clapping for the winner of this hotly contested battle royal.
Sparkles: Silas looks happy.
Frankie: He might have found himself a new tag team partner for the match at Upping the Ante.
Greyson: Am I allowed to sit back down now?
Frankie: You’re never allowed so sit next to Sparkles and I ever again.
Greyson Lovejoy returns to his seat while the man who kicked him out of it continues to make his way around the ringside area. Silas is all smirks as he watches the victor in this Battle Royal, realizing that he has his eyes on a winner, someone who can help him stack the deck even further against the McBride sisters come Upping the Ante.
Melanie: Wipe that sickening smirk off your face you scum-bucket.
The moment Silas hears the voice of Melanie McBride the viewers can see his upper lip curling. The second he locks his eyes on the youngest of the McBride sisters his brow scrunches, almost coming all the way down to his mouth. It’s painfully obvious that Silas is not happy to see one of his adversaries at Upping the Ante arriving to be the black cloud on his otherwise sunny day. But in Melanie’s mind she’s not the black cloud, she’s the bolt of lightning that will come down from that cloud to reduce Silas to ashes. She smiles at Silas from the stage that is also occupied by the two cages with Silas’ appointed strippers contained inside of them.
Greyson: Well we’ve been speculating about Melanie McBride all night long, regarding what she picked up from IWC HQ, maybe we’re about to find out.
Sparkles: Sparkles hopes she was picking me up some cheese.
Greyson: Why do you think every package has to be cheese related?
Sparkles: The fact that every package isn’t cheese related makes Sparkles want to cry.
Frankie: The only one gonna be left in tears is Melanie McBride if she decides to screw with Silas.
Melanie won’t screw with Silas, she’ll turn the screws on him.
Melanie: You’re only smiling because you think you’re holding all the cards headed into Upping the Ante, that you got the deck and you can keep stacking it and stacking it against my sisters and I. But here’s the problem you sleazeball, you’re not the dealer….
Silas looks back at Mason and Desmond, mouthing the words ‘what the hell is she talking about?’
Melanie: No Silas, it’s not WHAT I’m talking about, it’s WHO I’m talking about. You might be the big boss of Riot, but you got people you answer to too. Doesn’t the name Drew Bryant ring any bells?
This statement SHOULD alarm Silas, but instead it reduces him to laughter.
Melanie: I know-I know, he suffered a pretty nasty fall at Revolution, and probably is sitting in a hospital bed wearing one of those full body casts at the moment, meaning he’s not going to be here as advertised.
The crowd pouts, having their hearts set on seeing Drew here tonight.
Melanie: Here’s the ‘buuuuuut’ though, Drew’s as smart as he is handsome. Well okay, sure he’s not George Clooney dreamy, but he’s Stephen Hawkings GENIUS. The guy showed some remarkable forethought headed into the last IWC pay-per-view, because he knew there was a very real possibility something bad might happen to him, which is why he put together a little video that not only shows off those gorgeous eyebrows of his, but documents everything he was going to come here and say tonight.
Frankie: What!?! Come off it. How convenient. This is so the lame Jamie Kennedy in Scream 3 plot device.
Greyson: If you think about it instead of picturing Melanie McBride naked in your head, Frankie….
Frankie: She’s not naked, she’s in a French maid uniform.
Greyson: Anyway IWC owner and Uprising show runner went into the last IWC event, Revolution, knowing he would have dealings with New Eden and that there was very serious risk of injury. So he prepared a video to be played here tonight just in case he couldn’t….
Frankie: Quit trying to make this sound plausible, please!
Obviously Silas doesn’t think this is plausible either, hence why he’s continuing to smile ever so arrogantly. That is until Melanie points up at the Cartel-tron above her which suddenly cuts to the face of a deadly serious Drew Bryant. The building goes nuts with excitement at the sight of the IWC President, while Silas goes nuts with rage. The words ‘pre-recorded’ can be seen in the bottom right hand corner of the screen.
Drew: Hello IWC fans, it’s your IWC President talking to you from beyyyoooond the graaaaave, ewwwww….
Drew lifts his fingers and wiggles them spookily towards the camera. He then gives a dismissive wave and interlocks his hands, putting them on the knees and relaxing as he sits on the desk in the office where this video was filmed.
Drew: Actually I HOPE I’m not buried six feet under, though if I’m not physically in attendance there in the Manhattan Center that probably means I’m pretty much buzzard chow. My condition isn’t important right now, what is is the gross abuse of power I’ve been forced to watch you wield Silas Mason. I assume you’re listening very closely to what I’m saying, ain’t that righ’ Siiiilllasss?
Drew squints as if looking through the camera straight into the Manhattan Center and at the intense sneer on Silas’ face.
Drew: Good. Glad I’ve got your undivided attention, because you’re going to want to hear what I have to say next. Frankly, I’m sick and tired of your shit Silas. I should have put a stop to your corrupt and biased booking a long time ago, and if it hadn’t been for all the problems being created on the Uprising brand by New Eden, I would have dealt with you. That’s going to change right here and right now, cause it’s time I put you in your place.
The thought of Drew enforcing his will has the acids in Silas’ gut churning and bubbling.
Drew: We already know that at our next pay-per-view Upping the Ante, you’re going to be part of a six person tag team match against the McBride sisters for the Principle Ownership of the IWC. If Karen wins, she gets control of the Riot brand, and I’m not about to let you screw her out of the ownership again. So here’s what’s going to happen. There is going to be NO outside interference in the course of that six man tag, and if there is, Karen will win the Principle Ownership back right then and right there.
Silas is all but eating his Stetson he’s so enraged.
Drew: And here’s another little addition I’M making to this match. IF you get yourself intentionally disqualified, then Karen wins the Principle Ownership.
It seems that Silas is now stuffing his entire hat down his own throat.
Drew: Oh, and there’s just another final little wrinkle I’m throwing into the mix. Karen wanted a match one on one against you, she’s been ITCHING and DYING for it for months, and yet you made this change in the eleventh hour by turning your fight with Karen at Upping the Ante into a six person tag. That doesn’t sit well with me. So guess what Silas, in two weeks, it’s going to be YOU versus Karen McBride, ONE on ONE!
Oh the excitement. Oh the exuberance from the audience and Melanie McBride alike. She jumps up and down, clapping ever so giddily for her sister and the culmination of this big match set to go down now in two weeks. The only person not excited about this news is Silas, who has thrown his hat right down to the mats and is stabbing at it with his walking cane.
Frankie: THIS IS WRONG! THIS IS SO WRONG!!
Greyson: FINALLY! Karen McBride, Silas Mason, one on one in two weeks. Thank you, Drew Bryant!
Sparkles: Silas is furious.
Frankie: And he has every right to be! For God sakes, he’s in no condition to wrestle just two weeks removed from Upping the Ante. He needs to rest and heal up!
Greyson: This is justice, fitting just….HEEEY!
Melanie continues to laugh and clap on the stage before turning to the entry way. Just as she is about to make her exit she finds herself bowled over by the huge lariat of Marcus Briggs. All those in attendance react with outrage at the sight of Marcus, Randal Williams and Jeffrey Starxxx dashing from the back, stopping on the stage and stomping right at Melanie’s spine.
Greyson: It’s Starxxx and his goons!
Greyson: They’re jumping Melanie!
Frankie: No, what they’re doing is proving their worth to Silas!
A stunned Melanie continues to be drowned under the deluge of boots unleashed by Briggs and Randal while Starxxx brutalizes her with something else, his shouts.
Starxxx: Feel honored! Feel privileged that Team Excellence would even touch that ass!
A fuming Silas is making his way up the ramp leaning heavily on his cane in the process. Running behind him are Mason, who is holding Silas’ crumpled Stetson, and Desmond.
Silas: Stand er up!
Briggs does just as the Principle Owner insists, prying Melanie up from the ground and holding her arms behind her back. Silas swings his cane right into Melanie’s ribcage, doubling her over and causing her to cry out in agony.
Greyson: Come on! Silas attacking a defenseless woman with a cane!
Frankie: Where was your sympathy when Drew Bryant booked a handicapped Silas to face Karen in two weeks?
The eyes of the deranged Principle Owner turn to the cages on either side of the stage filled with scantily clad strippers.
Silas: Open up that cage!
The pint sized Desmond is all but too eager to do his Boss’ budding. He grabs the cage door, swings it open and his associate Mason drags the dancer inside of it out onto the stage.
Silas: Put the slut in there!
Orders Silas with Randal and Marcus catering to his demented whims. They drag Melanie towards the cage and then throw her unconscious body inside, slamming the door shut behind her. A laughing Starxxx takes a roll of dollar bills from his pocket and starts pelting through the bars of the cage.
Silas: Dance ya damn whore! DANCE!
Silas grabs the cage bars and begins to shake them while shouting at the barely conscious Melanie.
Silas: DAAAAANNNNCCCEEEE WHOOORREEEE!
The only ones who dance are Silas and his crew when they spot Karen McBride bolting through the curtains and coming to her sister’s aid. She has a steel chair raised in her hand, ready to use it in the same capacity she did earlier in the night. The chair collides with the air right over Randal’s head. He ducks and as a result the chair swings into the cage, rattling its bars. Silas grabs his cohorts and hides behind them, using Briggs as a protective blockade. The entire Silas administration back down the ramp, shouting at Karen, who gets a running start before throwing the chair at her enemies.
Greyson: Karen saving her sister, who was being insulted on top of being assaulted by Silas and his staff.
A red hot Karen does not lose sight of what brought her out here. She grabs the door to the cage her sister was thrown inside of, pops it open and drags Melanie out.
Silas: What are ya’ll waitin’ fer, get ‘er!
Silas points towards Karen prompting his crew to go hustling up the ramp in her direction. They fail to catch up with Karen, who is dragging her near lifeless sister Melanie to the backstage area, the pair disappearing through the curtains.
Greyson: Good God this six person tag at Upping the Ante has become BEYOND personal. What’s going to happen when the McBrides collide with Silas and his crew at the pay-per-view?
Sparkles: What about in two weeks when Silas and Karen go one on one?
Greyson: Things are only getting more and more out of control as we head into the final battle for the Principle Ownership.
Cameras open on a frantic looking Serenity. Her black eyes are opened ever so wide as they look down the hallway, searching for someone. At the same time her hand tightly grips a brass knob, pulling it in order to keep a door closed. On the opposite side of that door we can hear banging around, someone desperately trying to get out.
Serenity: Borislav, come quick! QUICK! I’ve got ‘em!
Her New Eden teammate, the huge Borislav comes into view, carrying with him a steel pipe wrench that he pats anticipatorily against his palm.
Serenity: Their trapped inside.
The excited Serenity informs.
Serenity: You know what to do, right?
Borislav: Da.
Serenity leans back from the door yet keeps a grip on the knob as Borislav prepares to enter the room she’s keeping someone trapped inside. Borislav rubs his hands in almost orgasmic fashion around the pipe wrench he eagerly waits to use.
Greyson: Do they-do they-do New Eden have Aiken Frost trapped in that room!?!
Sparkles: It certainly sounds like it. We heard Serenity and Borislav say earlier that they were going after the person who interfered in that Hell in a Cell.
Frankie: Aiken-Aiken-Aiken, you should have known better. You can’t hide from New Eden.
Sparkles: Indeed, because the Suffering WILL find you.
Greyson: Serenity and Borislav have got Aiken trapped like a rat. What are they going to do to him after he strangled their Queen two weeks ago?
David: *Sigh*.
The feed cuts to David Cannon standing with his shoulder to a wall and his arms crossed over his chest. It looks like he’s very dismayed as he stares across the locker-room at the poster on the wall. The image advertises the pending Upping the Ante main event in which his brother Scott Cannon will challenge Katelyn Buehler for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Michael: You look like someone just slapped our grandma and then kicked your dog.
States Michael, who steps in behind his brother, becoming fixated on the very same poster.
David: They might as well of. Look at this….
His open palm extends to the poster.
David: Our brother is cashing in his number one contenders contract against Katelyn Buehler for the World Championship in the main event of one of the biggest pay-per-views of the year. Do you know how this makes me feel?
Michael: I have an idea.
David: It makes me SICK.
Neither Cannon shies away from showing their true feelings regarding this pending World Title bout.
David: This match shouldn’t be happening. Scott shouldn’t be challenging for the title at the pay-per-view…
Michael: Yeah, because he should be DEFENDING it!
David: And he would be if it weren’t for Vanilla Skyy showing up four weeks ago right before he was going to cash in his briefcase to pin Katelyn for the title. If it weren’t for Skyy filling Scott’s head with all these ridiculous notions about heroism and being a good person, he would be World Champion right now.
Michael: Poor Scott, he never learns from his mistakes. He’s going to be perpetually led around by his dick.
David: First Taylor has him wrapped around her little finger, and now so does Skyy. It’s sickening, he’s letting these girls destroy his career.
Michael: Well I guess it falls on us to save it.
David smiles out of the side of his mouth.
David: If Scott won’t do what it takes to make sure he becomes World Champion, then WE will.
The poster taped to the wall that has had the Cannons so preoccupied is now grabbed, David ripping it in half to remove the image of the World Champion entirely. Katelyn Buehler has been stripped away from one side of the poster, leaving only the image of Scott Cannon.
A sight that has become way too familiar in recent weeks comes into view. A coffin is set up in a near pitch black room. Shadows shroud everything save for a still sweating NHB Champion Rachel Tatum Lee as well as the three members of Tombstone. Goddard, Elijah Dallas and Sundown all stand around the casket that holds Aaron Harrison, their heads bowed in its direction.
Rachel: Ya’ think he’s ready?
The NHB Champion directs her words at Goddard. It takes a moment for his shadowy eyes to turn from the casket and settle on Rachel’s face.
Goddard: He’s ready.
Rachel’s hands slide over the surface of the coffin.
Rachel: Yeah, but Mya, she won’t be.
This eerie promise is delivered by Rachel as the camera looks past the coffin she’s leaning over and into the eyes of the ever homicidal NHB Champion. Her stare and her words have the commentators on edge.
Greyson: Is it going to happen? Is Rachel Tatum Lee going to let Aaron Harrison loose tonight?
Sparkles: Mya Denton has demanded that Rachel release Harrison…
Frankie: But it’s just as Rachel said a moment ago, Mya won’t be prepared for what she gets.
Greyson: Are we finally going to see Harrison? We’ll find out NEXT!
Riot is back and live with some of the most gruesome imagery that would even make Eli Roth cringe. The camera opens on the body of Devon Kayl seated on the floor with his back propped up against the wall. He is barely breathing as blood gushes out of every orifice on his face, as well as from a few new ones that have been opened up in his body. On his chest a message has been written in blood. The words ‘The Fallen King.’
Sparkles: We’ve finally learned what Mordecai has done to Devon Kayl.
Greyson: This is sickening. Mordecai using Kayl to send a message to Johnny Kingdom.
Frankie: Yeah, we saw Mordecai drag Kayl away from the ring during that Battle Royal for the Evolution Title, and man did he ever give him a beating.
Greyson: It looks like Mordecai has absolutely torn Kayl to pieces.
Alana: Daaaaannng Ethan, ain’t this place finer’n then frog hair?
A set of doors open leading into a hallway backstage and now the dynamic duo of the Uprising brand, Alana Starr and Ethan Von Aaron waltz into the building. No, they don’t waltz, they seem to skip on bare feet.
Ethan: Yaaah, this ‘ere place probably got indoor plumbin’ and everydang!
Excitedly exclaims Ethan, who tries not to let his big false teeth fly out of his mouth. He and Alana wear comically oversized yellow and rotted teeth as well as the most over the top generic Southern style apparel. They have rolled up pants legs and denim overalls with straw hats on their heads and five o’clock shadows drawn on both of their faces.
Alana: Rachel Tatum Lee, why she’s probably livin’ high on the hog ‘ere.
Ethan: Yuppers. But it’s bout time we remind ‘er where she comes from.
Alana: Let’s take Rachel back to ‘er southern roots.
Announces Alana as she and Ethan march along into the arena.
Greyson: Oooh great, Alana Starr and Ethan Von Aaron are here in the Manhattan Center.
Sparkles: Why are they dressed and talking like a bunch of backwoods bumpkins?
Frankie: You heard them, they’re here to remind Ethan’s ex Rachel Tatum Lee where she comes from.
Greyson: If they plan on tangling with Rachel then they’re in for a world of pain.
A strap tightens on the titanium knee brace of former three time World Champion Taylor Chase. She stands in the VIP dressing room occupied by Monarchy with has her foot propped on a chair, elevating her leg so she can make final preparations for her match against Selena Frost. Stood around her are her fellow Monarchy associates Trinity Street and Lucas Knight, the two providing her some last minute words of encouragement. However, we can only hear what the commentators are saying as they hype another of the eagerly anticipated bouts on tonight’s card.
Frankie: There’s the face that runs the place. Taylor Chase seconds from melting that snow-cone Selena Frost.
Greyson: Later on this evening Selena looks to COOL the momentum of Monarchy.
Sparkles: It’s gonna be a hell of a fight when the ice cold Selena battles the red hot Taylor.
Frankie: Monarchy will RULE!
Kat: Are you feeling any better?
Once again we find the reigning IWC Tag Team Champions Kat Kelly and Lexy Chapel located in the hallway just outside of a bathroom door. They wait for what feels like an eternity to get an answer from the man who has been inside for much of the night dry heaving. Finally the door creeps open and a pale Alistair Taylor steps out, dabbing a handkerchief against his lips.
Lexy: Yeesh, you look like you should be auditioning for the Thriller video.
Kat: How are you doing?
A surprisingly compassionate Kat rubs Alistair’s shoulder.
Alistair: I’m feeling MUCH better.
Lexy: Good, then you’ll be there to watch us beat Pasty Katie AGAIN and then I’ll even give you the honor of taking the World Title off that thief and wrapping the gold around THESE abs.
Lexy’s fingers run across her waist.
Kat: Feeling up for it?
Alistair: I wouldn’t miss that honor for anything in the world….
Stagehand: Excuse me, Lexy….
A crewmember comes into view holding a carton of nachos covered in very pungent chili.
Stagehand: Got your nachos with extra chili….
The odorous food passes right by Alistair’s face as it’s handed to Lexy.
Alistair: OH GOD!
His hand moves to his mouth and nostrils, trying to hold back the vomit as he races into the bathroom and slams the door shut behind him. A distraught Kat stretches across the doorway with her hands on either side of the jamb.
Kat: Alistair, do you want us to come in and hold your hair back?
A loud crunching noise distracts Kat, her eyes veering towards the source. Lexy is forcing a chili covered nacho into her mouth before she notices the stern eyeballing her partner is giving her.
Lexy: What? I’m fucking hungry!
Cameras transition back to the squared circle just in time to hear even more speculation from the commentators in the background.
Greyson: Looks as if Alistair Taylor is STILL suffering some form of food poisoning.
Frankie: Knock off the shit Lovejoy, we all know Selena Frost did something to that champagne she had sent to Monarchy’s dressing room.
Sparkles: If Sparkles were Lexy, I’d be suspicious of those nachos. Maybe Monarchy should hire Sparkles as their personal food and beverage taster.
Greyson: Seems they need one, and you do have an iron constitutional….
The lights in the arena suddenly dim down and encompass the arena in total shadow. An ominous funeral march tune begins to play throughout the arena, setting the mood for the arrival of the casket. Once again members of Tombstone act as the pallbearers, hands wrapped around the rails of the coffin that they are transporting towards the ring. Bringing up the rear is the NHB Champion Rachel Tatum Lee, who follows behind the coffin and her Tombstone allies.
Greyson: I think that constitution is about to be tested Sparkles.
Sparkles: Yeah, cause Sparkles is ten seconds away from piling this chair high with cheese poopies.
Frankie: Tombstone is here and they have that casket with Aaron Harrison inside.
Greyson: They’ve vowed that they will FINALLY release him tonight. It was back several months ago at the pay-per-view Awakening that Rachel Tatum Lee faced Harrison in a casket match for the NHB Title. And it all ended when Rachel gave Harrison the Dead in Tombstone straight into the coffin.
Sparkles: Then she trapped him inside and Tombstone carried the coffin away. We haven’t seen Harrison since.
The casket is stopped at ringside, Tombstone lowering it into place while their Lil Rose Rachel Tatum Lee rises to the apron. The second she enters the ring the microphone is revealed in her palm, the champion wasting absolutely no time cutting straight to the heart of the matter. Tombstone do not linger to hear what she has to say, the trio already walking to the back.
Rachel: It’s just one great big annoyance after another.
Announce Rachel with a note of frustration in her voice.
Rachel: That’s all the IWC is, a pebble stuck in my boot. It’s just downright irritatin’. I can’t get a break. Jus’ when I finish off Ricky Holt, I got Mya Denton in my face. And when I’m all done with her, I have got my baby dicked ex-boyfriend, and that flat chested training bra wearin’ Alana Starr to deal with. My slate needs to be wiped clean, because I want my focus to be on the Number One Contender Tournament, that’s where my brain needs to be headin’ into the next Riot. That’s why I finished off Holt earlier on, and I’m gonna be done with Mya in jus’ a moment. So Mya, why don’t ya come on out to this ‘ere ring and we put an end to all this damned drama. Ya want to get yer hands on Harrison that bad, he’s right here in that casket, come and get ‘em!
If Rachel had her cowbell she’d be chiming it again. We don’t get more cowbell, but we do get Mya Denton’s entrance theme. It belts through the speakers but we get no sight of Mya. An agitated Rachel crosses her arms, tilts her head and watches the entry way in growing unrest.
Suddenly cameras transition to the backstage area where Mya Denton is splayed out on the ground being subjected to a barrage of bare footed blows from Alana Starr and Ethan Von Aaron. The crowd inside of the Manhattan Center cringe at the image of the Ethan and the X-Class Champion not just putting their heels to Mya’s body but the garish garbs that cover the attackers. Both Alana and Ethan are adorned in overalls with the pants legs rolled up to the calves. While Ethan has no shirt on under his blue jean overalls, Alana is wearing a sleeveless flannel shirt. They hold down their straw hats and try to keep their fake misshapen teeth in their mouth while assaulting Mya.
Greyson: That’s Alana Starr and Ethan Von Aaron, their attacking Mya backstage.
Sparkles: Why the hell are they doing that?
Frankie: Why not?
Greyson: I think these two want Rachel’s full undivided attention.
Sparkles: Well they’ve definitely got it right now as they assault Mya and insult Rachel’s Southern heritage.
Team Flawless GOODness have Mya laid out and she won’t be the last of their victims. They turn to one another and start to pat palms on the patched denims on their knees. Ethan excitedly addresses Alana in the most stereotypically over the top backwoods accent he can come up with.
Ethan: Gosh dern, our clod-hoppers jus made ‘er (points at Mya) look like she fell from the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down.
Alana: Yessum.
Ethan: I’m fixin to give her another lickin’.
He approaches Mya but gets grabbed by the arm, Alana restraining him.
Alana: Nuh’ uh! I knew ya as happy as a dog with two peckers right now, but we gots to get on down to that there wrasslin’ ring and sit fer a spell with that girl that don got walloped with an ugly stick.
Ethan: Gurl, yer right. Ya knew yer hotter than a goat’s butt in a pepper-patch.
Cameras return to the ring where Rachel Tatum Lee is shaking her head, her tongue can be seen pushing against the pocket of her mouth. Clearly she is not taking kindly to the stereotypical portrayals of southern life exhibited by her ex-boyfriend and his lady lover. It doesn’t take long before she gets a front row seat to this gross and inaccurate depiction of her lifestyle. The curtains open just as Alana Starrr and Ethan Von Aaron come dancing to the stage. While Alana is holding a giant spit jug and stomping her foot while slapping a hand on her knee off to her side Ethan is hopping in place clapping his hands out in front of him. Both continue to go bare footed and wear the most ridiculously over the top fake teeth one can purchase from a novelty shop.
Greyson: What in the hell are we seeing right now?
Sparkles: Sparkles thinks this must be a hoe-down.
Frankie: Or a hootenanny.
Greyson: What this is is Alana Starr and Ethan Von Aaron making fun of Rachel and her southern upbringing.
Sparkles: These two will go to any lengths imaginable to get into Rachel’s head before their tag team match at Upping the Ante.
As if their appearance wasn’t bad enough, now we get their words too delivered in totally over the top southern drawls.
Ethan: Hey ‘dare Rach-AL, boy howdy, findin’ ya is like tryin’ to herd kittens.
Alana: Ya like tryin’ to hunt down one dem varmints that done crawled under granny’s porch.
The X-Class Champion and Ethan continue to poke fun at Rachel’s upbringing until they notice the rage in her eyes.
Alana: What’s wrong? Ya lookin’ awfully ornery there SHUGA! We jus’ tryin’ to be GOOD southerna’s and make ya feel like yer right back at home.
Ethan: That’s righ’, we don’t wanna upset ya, we jus’ wanna understand ya a lil bettah. That’s why we done looked up on that dare Ethernet and researched ya home life. We even found sum yer home videos. Why this video ‘ere perfectly depicts Southern life.
Attention is drawn to the Cartel-tron where the following video is played.
When the feed cuts back to the ring Rachel can be seen actually laughing in response to the over the top video meant to poke fun at her lineage.
Greyson: This is just tasteless.
Alana: And ya wanna know what else we dun found on dat dare flickerin’ color box? We got a picture of the South’s biggest hero, yer own personal Jesus, the man you dun try to emulate….
Once again all focus is redirected to the Cartel-tron where a photograph is shown.
Frankie: HAHAHAHAHAHA!!
Greyson: Sickening, absolutely sickening.
Enough is enough. Rachel hasn’t seen just about all she can tolerate.
Rachel: I swear, I don’t know what I’m gonna do with the two of ya. Every time I turn around yer poppin’ up and complicatin’ things fer me. But that’s about to change. Cause I ain’t about to wait until Uppin’ the Ante. Screw our tag match at the pay-per-view, we’re goin at it right ‘ere, right now.
Ethan and Alana, with their big fake yellow and rotted teeth popping out of their mouths, turn to one another wide eyed.
Alana: I think she wants us to come on down ‘dare and give er a few lickins.
Ethan: Well I reckon we best poop or get off the pot.
Ethan and Alana walk on down towards the ring where Rachel is more than willing to give them each a taste of the toughness her ancestry has instilled in her.
Frankie: Looks like we’re in for a backwoods brawl.
Greyson: Alana and Ethan had better second guess getting in that ring with Rachel. She’s more worked up tonight than I’ve ever seen her.
Sparkles: She came here with closure on her mind, and she’s about to get it.
Frankie: Because that extra big ass of hers is about to be flattened by Alana and Ethan.
Alana and Ethan are about half way down the ramp when plans change. The lights inside of the Manhattan Center begin to flicker and eventually cut out all-together.
Greyson: Ah crappolla.
Frankie: What is this? Last time we saw the lights go out in the building Aiken Frost showed up and hung Cindy Todd from the roof of the Hell in a Cell.
Greyson: I pray this is not another attack by the merciless Aiken.
Sparkles: It can’t be, because Serenity and Borislav have him cornered backstage.
The lights remain out for only a moment or two before returning to their original luminosity to show that Ethan and Alana have come to an abrupt stop on the ramp. Their eyes are wide and their mouths agape at the sight of the man who bars their entrance into the ring. Stood on top of the coffin that was brought down the ramp is a man who sports a black leather trench-coat with a hood thrown over his head, his face shadowed by it.
Frankie: What happened!?!
Greyson: Is that him? Is that-is that AARON HARRISON!?!
Sparkles: The sight of him has got Flawless GOODness back peddling.
Rachel looks towards the man stood on the coffin then the woman knelt on the stage. Nothing, not even the injuries accrued from the beating she took backstage could keep Mya Denton from seeing this. She’s crawled out onto the stage and is now looking straight down the ramp at the man stood on the casket. Her eyes widen as he looks right back at her and provides but the faintest glimpse of the face we know to be Aaron Harrison’s. All the color is instantly zapped from Mya’s body, beyond shocked to at long last rest eyes on the man she has long waited to get her hands around.
Greyson: Mya Denton somehow managing to get out here, and man, she looks like she’s seen a ghost.
Sparkles: Harrison is ALIVE.
Frankie: And now it looks like Mya wants no piece of him.
Even more footage of a very alluring and seductive nature emanates from the hotel room where Mika Kozlov has taken residency.
Mika: Where are you?
The finger of the New Eden member swirls around the sheets of the bed that she is splayed across. Very sexy and curve clinging lingerie binds to her body, one that is inviting Andre Jordan.
Mika: Why are you still making me wait boyfriend?
Mika puts out her lower lip while her eyes droop in pouty fashion.
Mika: I need my cuddle bunny.
Now she drops to her back across the bed and slightly bridges up from it as she stretches out. Eventually she turns onto her side and rests her temple on her knuckles, her head supported by the elbow she had embedded against the mattress.
Mika: The time for appearances are over. Let’s fill this room with animal noises…..Grrrrrooowwwlll.
Cameras segue to a hallway that two members of Monarchy are currently traversing on their way to the squared circle. Orlando Cruze and Taylor Chase are all gussied up for the battles ahead.
Greyson: Well Mika Kozlov still trying to seduce Andre Jordan.
Frankie: The fact that she actually has to TRY to seduce Andre just proves to me that Dre has no testicles of any kind.
Greyson: Not true, because Andre is about to show a tremendous amount of balls when he comes out to face the man presently headed in our direction.
Sparkles: Orlando Cruze on his way to the ring to face off against Andre Jordan in a Number One Contender Tournament match.
Frankie: And Taylor ‘Ruler of my Nightly Fantasies’ Chase is by his side, but she’s set for competition of her own tonight.
Greyson: Indeed, because she’s going to tangle with Selena Frost in another eagerly anticipated one on one match.
Sparkles: Monarchy is about to be put to the test.
The dressing room of Silverstone International has come into view with Tabitha Silverstone seated on a steel folding chair with her back aimed in the direction of both the camera and her client Andre Jordan. It seems Tabitha has physically recovered from the superkick Orlando gave her earlier in the night, however Andre hasn’t bounced back from the psychological sting of having watched his agent almost have her jaw shattered.
Tabitha: Maybe it’s best you go out there on your own tonight, Dre.
Andre, who had been pacing up until this point, comes to a sudden stop, giving his client a sideways glance.
Andre: Funny you say that, because I was going to suggest the exact same thing.
Tabitha: I don’t want to be a liability out there.
Andre: You’re not, that isn’t why I agree you should stay put. I just want you to have time to recov….
Tabitha: Go Dre, just go.
There is something about the tone and inflection of Tabitha’s voice that is oddly off putting to Andre, but he has no time to dig deeper.
Tabitha: And don’t hand me any crap about winning this match for me. This is about that number one contendership to the World Title. Keep in mind that THAT’S what you’re fighting for tonight. Forget me, forget Mika, forget everything else. Understood?
Andre: Understood. But if I should happen to hit a superkick on Orlando’s jaw in the course of this match, that WILL be for you.
The former Evolution Champion who now looks to advance one step closer to capturing the elusive contendership to the World Title, vacates the dressing room. He leaves Tabitha behind per her instruction. The moment the door closes behind her client’s back Tabitha lifts a small mirror out of her pocket and stops it in front of her face, focusing on her reflection. But it’s not the bruise on her chin she examines, it’s the black soulless eyes void of pupils.
Deanna: Are you sure about this?
The show cuts to Selena Frost stood in the hall just beyond the doorway surrounding her precious Deanna Springs. Deanna is half in a room and half out of it as she addresses Selena, who is seconds from facing the unenviable task of battling former three time World Champion Taylor Chase.
Selena: After what Monarchy did to Tabitha Silverstone earlier on I’m not about to have you come out there and put yourself at risk.
Deanna: But I’m always at your side for every match. I can defend myself.
Selena: Just do me this ONE favor okay? PLEASE stay here where I know you’re safe.
Before Deanna can protest she finds the back of her head griped and her forehead pulled into a big kiss by Selena. It seems Deanna has at last resolved herself to the fact that the closest she’ll get to Selena’s match tonight is by watching it via monitor in her dressing room. She watches as Selena heads off into competition.
Greyson: So much still to come tonight, not only do we have Andre Jordan versus Orlando Cruze to look forward to in the Number One Contender Tournament, but Selena Frost is set to collide with Taylor Chase.
Sparkles: And we’ve also got a Tag Team Title match to look forward to as well.
Frankie: I’m drooling at the thought of seeing Lexy and Kat beating the World Champion tonight
Greyson: So much action still on tap, don’t go anywhere.
A set of revolving doors with gold trim push open so that the Queen of Chaos, and the leader of New Eden can access the lobby to the Greenwich Hotel. Cindy Todd steps into the posh and luxurious setting with her black eyes surveying her surroundings.
Cindy: Come out-come out Mika, You and I need to talk.
Cindy whispers to herself before proceeding even further into the hotel, her search for her New Eden ally Mika Kozlov only just beginning.
Speaking of New Eden there is another glimpse of perhaps its most ardent devotee. Serenity, the former World Champion, is situated in a hallway within the Manhattan Center, her side to a door that she continues to hold shut. A playful smile comes and goes from her face as she listens through the door to the sounds of a scuffle. Every time there is a loud bang from the room it has Serenity hopping in place and then giggling.
Greyson: What the hell is going on inside of that dressing room?
Sparkles: We saw Serenity send New Eden’s goon Borislav in there to deal with who we can presume was Aiken Frost.
Frankie: Borislav must be really taking his time giving Aiken the beating he deserves for hanging New Eden’s Queen two weeks ago.
Greyson: God only knows what is happening to Aiken right now.
ORLANDO CRUZE VS. ANDRE JORDAN:
WORLD TITLE #1 CONTENDER TOURNAMENT
The arena goes dark, and the rumblings of distant thunder can be heard. A crack of thunder fills the air, accompanied by the opening of ‘Phenomenal’. Orlando Cruze steps out onto the ramp way, the crowd welcoming him with jeers, his new found attitude not adhering him to the IWC fans that believed him to be their hero forever. He doesn’t care though, and merely smiles at them, heading down the ramp way and towards the ring. At Orlando’s side we can see Taylor Chase, who is perpetually in her husband’s ear, whispering the words he needs to hear headed into this big opportunity.
Greyson: I guess we’ll have to wait and find out what’s happening with Aiken Frost, because at the moment we’ve got a quarter-final round in the Number One Contender Tournament slated to go down in the ring. Orlando Cruze to take on Andre Jordan.
Sparkles: And man did this match ever get personal earlier tonight.
Frankie: Orlando threw Andre off his game by delivering that superkick on Tabitha Silverstone.
EARLIER TONIGHT
A video airs that encapsulates what went down at almost the start of this evening’s festivities. Andre Jordan is shown standing in the ring with his agent Tabitha Silverstone at his side. The pair calls out the recent turncoat Orlando Cruze, who comes to the ring with his wife Taylor Chase beside him. The Monarchy members show no hesitation getting in the squared circle and getting straight up into Andre’s face. We briefly hear Dre accuse Orlando of killing his own legacy by joining the Monarchy. Orlando’s response to this accusation is a superkick that he devastatingly delivers on the jaw of an unsuspecting Tabitha. A shocked Andre chases Monarchy out of the ring before returning to the side of his agent, furious over the superkick that just befell her.
ORLANDO CRUZE VS. ANDRE JORDAN:
WORLD TITLE #1 CONTENDER TOURNAMENT
A confident Orlando Cruze stands inside of the ring with his back to a turnbuckle and his ear presently occupied by Taylor Chase. She stands on the apron laughing along with her hubby, the two really enjoying the video that was just replayed on the Cartel-tron.
Greyson: How can these two possibly be happy with themselves for superkicking Tabitha like that?
Frankie: Cooome on, admit it, you thought it was a little funny too.
Greyson: I didn’t think it was funny at all!
Sparkles: You have no soul.
The laughter from Taylor and Orlando continues even as the tracks of “We Own It” begin to play over the arena loud speakers and Andre Jordan comes marching down the ramp, He shies away from his customary entrance through the crowd, because he wants absolutely nothing to delay him from getting into the squared circle with the Icon.
Sparkles: Orlando had really better appreciate the gravity of the situation he’s put himself in.
Frankie: Yeah-yeah, putting that boot upside Tabitha’s jaw probably pissed Andre off, but that’s what Orlando wants, a PISSED off Andre. When you’re pissed you tend to make mistakes.
Sparkles: Like dribbling on your leg.
Frankie: Not pissed literally.
Greyson: Andre already came into tonight upset after losing his Evolution Title thanks to a distraction by Mika Kozlov, so what Orlando did earlier was poke a beehive.
Once inside of the squared circle Andre starts to pace back and forth, eyeing Orlando in the far corner. The ring announcer Thomas Boll begins to make the match introductions for this eagerly anticipated Quarter Final bout in the Number One Contender Tournament.
Boll: Lady and gentlefolk, following match is….
Suddenly Dre rushes past the announcer and into a big stinger splash on Orlando in the corner.
Frankie: CHEATER!
Greyson: Andre not waiting for the introductions or for the bell! He wants every last piece of Orlando and wants him right now.
Taylor drops to ringside and screams at the official to get off his ass and start controlling Andre, but there is no force on earth that will contain him. The vengeful Andre crushes Orlando with the splash and then takes his dazed opponent by the wrist, whipping him along into the diagonal corner. Orlando hits the turnbuckle back first, remaining on his feet as his opponent comes barreling towards him then leaping into another Stinger Splash. This time Andre does not get the chance to leave his feet, because his target clears out of the way in the nick of time. Orlando dives from the squared circle, refusing to suffer another splash from his adversary. Once at ringside he’s approached by his wife, Tay moving in to give him a few words of encouragement. All the while the increasingly fierce Andre shouts from the ring, insisting Orlando get back inside and get what he’s got coming to him.
Sparkles: Smart move by Orlando, create some separation.
The referee’s ten count at last forces Orlando to return to the ring or risk disqualification. He climbs up onto the apron and warns the referee to do something about Andre, to keep him in line. The official tries to reason with Andre but proves to be more a distraction than a deterrent. Andre’s eyes are taken off of Orlando for half a second and that’s all the time Cruze needs to dash in looking for a clothesline. The lariat slices through nothing but air, Andre managing to avoid having his head cleaved from his shoulders.
Orlando’s momentum carries him around into a spin, turning back to the knife edge chop that blisters his chest. A stunned Orlando is hit with another chop by Andre, and then a third, fourth and fifth, the blows sending the Icon twisting into the ropes and leaving huge welts on his sternum. Andre trades punches for chops, swinging his fist right upside Orlando’s brow until he looses his balance and falls into the corner. He sits up and finds his chest and face subjected to one stomp after another from the vengeful Andre. The referee steps in and starts with a five count, insisting that Andre back off of Orlando or chance getting disqualified. Andre backs away from Orlando to remonstrate with the referee but then goes right back on the attack. He walks directly into a thumb to the eye. Orlando gets to his knees then launches his finger straight up into Andre’s pupil, blinding his attacker. He then grabs Dre by the waistband and gives it a yank, pulling him down face first into the middle turnbuckle pad.
Greyson: Man how Orlando has changed. He once stood against the tactics we just saw him use.
Frankie: He’s wised up, with a little help from his wife Orlando he now has both eyes wide open.
The impact of Andre’s head against the corner has him snapping back and walking right into Orlando’s shoulder. He’s lifted into a spine rattling back drop suplex. Andre bounces off the ring but is quickly popping up from it. Already Andre is returning to his feet only to have his spine nailed with a knee, the impact launching him forward into the ropes. Andre ricochets off the cables and stumbles back into Orlando, who catches him with a snap German suplex.
Seconds after the suplex Orlando is rising back to his feet and calling his wife up to the apron. Tay jumps up from ringside and then plants a big wet one on her husband’s mouth. As Orlando and Tay go on smooching they afford Andre the time he needs to recover. He staggers in behind Orlando, takes him around the waist and pulls him back into a roll up. Andre has Orlando folded up like an accordion beneath him, pinning the Icon’s shoulders to the ring.
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As Orlando kicks out he launches Andre off into the ropes, sending him flying right into the very cables that Taylor continues to stand on the opposite side of. Tay doesn’t smooch this time, instead she grabs Andre by the back of the head then leaps from the apron, pulling his throat down into the top rope. Andre’s head snaps back and sends him stumbling into Orlando’s arms. The Icon places Andre in the rear waistlock, the precursor to the German suplex. However, just as Orlando prepares to hit the move he finds himself countered as Andre performs a standing switch. He gets behind Orlando and holds tight to his waist, trying to roll him up. This time Orlando dashes towards the cables, pulling Andre along behind him. The moment they reach the ropes Orlando extends his hands through them, Tay reaching up from ringside and grabbing his palms. She keeps him from being rolled up into the pin. As a result Andre goes rolling over backwards empty handed. He returns to his feet and then goes hustling towards Orlando, who is still propped up by the cables. Orlando lunges out of them and catches his opponent around the waist before popping off with a belly to belly suplex. Andre is flung over the ropes and sent crashing right down to the ringside mats.
Greyson: Belly to belly to the outside of the ring!
Sparkles: That can’t do any favors to Andre’s mid-section. We know he’s already got some well documented rib issues after taking the Embrace the Dark a few weeks ago.
Frankie: Yeah, and those rib issues were only exacerbated in that triple threat match for the Evolution Title on the last Riot.
The impact with the mats has Andre feeling like he was just hit with a wrecking ball right in the ribs. He gets up at ringside just as Orlando dashes in from behind and catches him with a second German suplex. The mats provide even less padding than the canvas, causing Andre to feel like he’s about to spit up his lungs. Andre grabs at his ribs while Orlando grabs at his head. Before Dre can put a stop to it he’s lifted from his feet and thrown with a hip toss into the barricade. Dre’s back and torso takes all the punishment, his body bouncing off the steel.
Sparkles: Orlando mercilessly targeting the mid-section.
Greyson: Again, this just goes to show how much Orlando has changed and in such a short amount of time.
Frankie: His wife has truly inspired him.
Greyson: Enough of that shit.
Speaking of Orlando’s wife, Tay is stooped at Andre’s side and rubbing the sides of her fists against her eyes, mocking his groans of pain by inferring that he’s some kind of cry baby. Andre truly has something to cry out about when Orlando pulls him up to his feet and then hip tosses him along right into the hardened edge of the ring apron.
Greyson: Enough Andre, enough!
It isn’t enough by a long shot, not in Orlando’s mind. He throws Andre into the ring and then follows him inside. Andre no sooner sits up on the canvas before his opponent’s knee comes swinging down right into his lower back. A second and then a third knee hits Andre’s back and now it remains pressed to the small of his spine. Orlando has Andre in a text-book rear chin lock with the knee stabbing like a dagger into his adversary’s back.
Andre is already fighting his way back up towards his feet and out of the hold, refusing to be grounded for long. The hold is broken of Orlando’s own volition in order to spin Andre around and lift him right into the Canadian Backbreaker.
An injured Andre rolls off of Orlando’s knee but soon it finds its way right back down into his spine. Orlando puts his knee into Andre’s kidneys then pulls back on his jaw. Another rear chin lock is applied with a knee embedded against Andre’s kidneys.
Sparkles: Right back into the chin lock. Nothing fancy about Orlando’s offense tonight.
Frankie: Heck no. Why chance anything? This is a Quarter Final match in the Number One Contender Tournament dammit.
Sparkles: Orlando wins this he moves one step closer to the very World Title he hasn’t held in years.
Although it feels like someone has taken a baseball bat to every inch of Andre’s body he still manages to force himself up from the ring. This prompts Orlando to take his knee away from Dre’s back and then deliver a headbutt right into his opponent’s spine. Dre returns to his stomach just in time to find his back hit with a double stomp. Orlando drives both boots into Dre’s spine and then lands beside him. He lifts his elbow and drops it square into Andre’s back, inflicting even further punishment on the former 2 time Evolution Champion. Orlando then swoops in and locks in a textbook bearhug, squeezing and wrenching the life out of Andre’s body.
Sparkles: Methodical. Just a methodical destruction of the Andre these fans know and love.
Although Andre should be pleading for mercy given the beating his mid-section has suffered instead he’s fighting towards his feet. His mind is flashing with images from earlier tonight, remembering Orlando’s boot colliding with Tabitha Silverstone’s jaw. Orlando will do far worse to Andre than simply superkick him, he squeezes his opponent’s ribs until they almost fracture. In spite of this Andre is STILL standing up and his elbow lands right across Orlando’s temple. The blow rattles Orlando’s brain and causes his grip on Andre’s waist to weaken, but NOT to be broken. Andre realizes his elbows aren’t doing the trick, so he dashes towards the ropes dragging Orlando along behind him. Just before they hit the cables Andre performs a standing switch. As a result Orlando is pushed along into the ropes with Dre now stood behind him and dropping down into a roll up. Instead of going for the pin though Dre lifts Orlando into a Chaos Theory rolling German Suplex WITH a bridge.
Greyson: I didn’t see that coming.
Frankie: Orlando didn’t either.
Sparkles: But he damn well felt it.
And Andre feels it as well.
Try as he may to maintain the bridge the pain in Andre’s mid-section is just too much to bear. He is forced to break the pin, in the process freeing his opponent. Both Andre and Orlando get to their knees and begin to exchange right hands with one another.
The moment Andre connects with a right hand the crowd reacts with a ‘yaaay.’
The second Orlando hits a left hand the crowd reacts with a ‘boooo.’
This seesaw exchange of shots continues until Orlando stops punching and flings his brow right into Andre’s eye socket. The blow meets with a resounding boo from the fans, now forced to watch as Andre paws at his face, finding himself blinded by the blow. A smile etches across Orlando’s face as he leaps over the crawling Andre and catches him with an Oklahoma Roll.
Frankie: Orlando’s moving on in the tournament baby…..NOOO!
Much to Orlando’s dismay he finds the Oklahoma Roll countered as Andre twists right out of it, returns to his feet then flips forward into a jackknife cover.
Greyson: Andre’s got Orlando! He’s got ‘em!
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Frankie: Kick out you son of a bitch!
That’s EXACTLY what Orlando does, grabbing Andre around the torso and then bridging both their bodies up from the canvas. Once upright Orlando manages to transition Andre’s jackknife into the backslide.
Sparkles: BAAACK….
Greyson: Not yet Sparkles.
Orlando tries to get Andre down into the backslide but he’s holding tough, refusing to be pulled over into the pin. Instead Andre drops straight down and falls directly onto his back beneath the still standing Orlando. Dre then reaches up and takes Orlando by the hips, attempting to pull him down into a sunset flip style pin. But now it’s Orlando who drops of his volition, coming down seat first directly across Andre’s chest then reaching back and hooking the creases of Dre’s elevated knees.
Sparkles: Orlando with a beautiful counter!
Greyson: Right into the pin!
Frankie: Right into the next round of the tournament.
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Suddenly Andre sits up and as a result he doesn’t just push Orlando off of the pin but sends him rolling over backwards. Orlando ends up on his hands and knees but gets no further than that before he finds Dre standing over top of him, hooking both of the Icon’s biceps and lifting him into the pedigree.
Greyson: The Game Changer!
Frankie: Unfair! Totes unfair! Orlando wasn’t ready for it!
The pedigree has driven Orlando’s face with so much force against the canvas that he’s rendered largely braindead at this point. Unfortunately for Dre it seems he’s not able to immediately follow up with the pin, his mid-section still in a lot of pain after being systematically picked apart in the course of this match. At last he manages to put aside his pain, then crawl-crawl-crawl towards Orlando, draping an over his chest.
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Greyson: Is Andre going to the semi-finals!?!
Just before the referee can confirm that Andre has advanced in the tournament we see his opponent’s arm lunging into the air. Orlando kicks out to the deafening roar of the crowd. A shell-shocked Andre rises to his knees with his mouth agape.
Sparkles: Andre thought he had it.
Greyson: I thought he had it.
The kneeling Andre pulls Orlando by the jaw so that he’s knelt as well. Now Dre slaps him to one cheek before then delivering a slap to the other side of the Icon’s head. One slap after another bats Orlando’s head around, but open hand palm strikes aren’t sufficient punishment enough. Andre takes off into the ropes, ricocheting from them and then returning to his opponent, or more accurately his opponent’s waiting headbutt. Orlando dives from his knees and drives the top of his head directly into Dre’s ribs, doubling him over.
Orlando quickly pops up to his feet and looks to take advantage of his opponent’s injured mid-section. He rushes at Dre only to eat two boots right in the mouth. Andre leaves his feet and nails a dropkick on Orlando, the stiff shot sending the Icon staggering back. Somehow Orlando is still upright, which doesn’t sit well with Andre, who leaps back to his feet and then runs right into a clothesline. No! Dre finds himself caught running in with a big and absolutely bone breaking double A spinebuster.
Greyson: Andre driven RIGHT into that canvas!
Frankie: Yeah BOOYY, that was a spinebuster! Pin his ass Orlando, pin it!
Customarily Orlando would follow this spinebuster up with a pin but he is still reeling from the Game Changer he suffered a few moments ago. He at last starts to push past it in order to crawl forward and wedge his shoulders into the creases of Andre’s knees, folding him up so that his shoulders are pressed to the canvas.
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To the astonishment of the crowd and Orlando alike, Andre manages to get just one of his shoulders up. Although he’s exhausted Orlando grabs Andre by the jaw, leads him up into a front chancery and then hooks his leg, snapping back into the bridging Fisherman Suplex.
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Andre STILL kicks out to the disbelief of the audience. The Icon has quite frankly had his fill at this point. He swoops in behind a seated Andre, grabs him around the waist and forces him up to his feet, a German suplex about to connect that would put significant strain on his opponent’s back. But just then Andre’s elbow comes flying right into Orlando’s temple. The collision has scrambled Orlando’s brains and has caused him to break the rear waist-lock. He goes staggering back into the turnbuckle, falling against it for support. Sadly the very same corner that serves as Orlando’s crutch may prove to be his detriment. Andre comes flying right into Orlando with the stinger splash. Only at the last second Orlando drops down out of the way, causing his adversary to go flying over him and smacking not into the turnbuckle padding, because he overshoots it and instead lands face first on the top of the exposed steel post.
Sparkles: Oh shit, Andre totally flew over the turnbuckle padding and instead cracked his head against that post.
Greyson: It’s over for Dre, he’s done.
The impact with the post has totally wiped Andre out. He rolls lifelessly back to the center of the ring where he somehow manages to end up on his knees. Just then Orlando rushes right in and crushes Andre’s face with a brutal shining knee strike. Andre falls flat on his back while his opponent stands with the aid of a turnbuckle. Orlando’s eyes fixated on his prey while a smile consumes his face and his boot stomps against the canvas.
Frankie: This is fitting.
Greyson: You can’t tell me Orlando is going to finish Andre off with the superkick.
Frankie: Prepare to feel Tabitha’s pain Andre.
Sparkles: Monarchy about to show Andre why they rule….
Andre teeters between his knees while his groggy eyes open just enough to see Orlando blowing a kiss to Taylor at ringside. Tay is all smiles as she watches her hubby unleash the superkick on Andre. His boot goes flying right PAST Andre’s head, who moves his skull aside just in time to avoid suffering the blow. The lightning fast Dre then grabs Orlando by the tights and pulls him over into the school boy.
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No one can quite believe it, especially the former World Champion, when he realizes his shoulders have just been pinned to the canvas.
Frankie: WWWWHHHAAAT!!!??!
The building reacts in similar fashion, everyone screaming at the top of their lungs in response to Andre scoring the shocking upset victory. Orlando rolls back to his seat with his face twisted into an expression of absolute disbelief. He’s so shocked it looks like he just stuck his finger in an electrical socket. It still doesn’t even sink in on him until Andre’s theme music blasts through the PA system.
Sparkles: Orlando….is….stunned!
Greyson: Andre has just scored maybe the biggest victory in his IWC career. He’s just pinned the former World Champion.
Frankie: It’s not right, it’s not fair, he-he-he had a handful of Orlando’s tights I tell ya!
Greyson: Oh get over it.
One person who has not gotten over this is Taylor Chase, who slides into the ring and dashes up behind a celebrating Andre. A forearm crashes right into the small of Andre’s spine, the blow inflicting such agony all through his body. Taylor has sent him sprawling to the ring with this blow, leaving Dre laid out in agony.
Greyson: This is bullshit!
Sparkles: No celebration for Andre.
Frankie: Monarchy making him pay for stealing this victory.
Greyson: He didn’t steal anything, Orlando got too over confident and Andre made him pay for it.
A red hot Taylor pulls Dre up to his knees and leaves him there just long enough for Orlando to unleash a superkick, His boot collides directly with Andre’s spine, inflicting far more internal injuries.
Frankie: I knew Orlando was going to get Dre with that suoerkick eventually.
Sparkles: And right to the mid-section too. Dre has been nursing some rib injuries the past couple of weeks all stemming from the first assault he received from Mordecai several weeks ago.
Greyson: And now they’ve just been exacerbated by the God damned Monarchy!
Steam is almost rising from the surface of Orlando’s skin as she stands over top of the man who just pinned him, a man he refused to let celebrate.
Taylor: We’re not through yet.
Announces Taylor as she grabs Andre around the head, preparing to inflict even more torture on him. It seems things are looking pretty bleak for Andre up until aid arrives in unlikely form. Selena Frost comes bolting straight down the ramp to a rousing ovation from the crowd. Before either Monarchy member has time to react Selena is sliding into the ring and going straight after them
Greyson: It’s Selena! Selena Frost is here to help Dre out of a bind.
Sparkles: She’s slated to take on Monarchy’s Taylor Chase here tonight,
Greyson: Which is why she’s going straight after Taylor.
The moment Selena gets into the ring her fists go straight after Taylor’s face. Tay responds in identical fashion, throwing some haymakers upside Selena’s face. Orlando is none the wiser as to what’s going down between Taylor and Selena, he’s far too preoccupied assaulting Andre on the outside of the squared circle. Surprisingly Andre is able to answer back, landing a few blows across Orlando’s ribs. The two eventually fight into the back.
Referee Ficklebottom, who was on hand to officiate the match between Andre and Orlando, takes one look at the brawl inside of the squared circle between Selena and Taylor before making a bold decision. He shouts his edict to ringside announcer Thomas Boll.
Boll: Lady and gentlefolk, referee Arnie Ficklebottom has announced that the match between Selena Frost and Taylor Chase will start, RIGHT NOW!
SELENA FROST VS. TAYLOR CHASE
The bell rings to a loud reception from the hundreds upon hundreds inside of the Manhattan Center. They watch excitedly as Selena and Taylor trade punches back and forth.
Greyson: Selena and Tay gettin’ it on right now. There’s the bell to make it official. We’re getting a match gents.
Sparkles: Selena has been on a crusade to rally the believers against Monarchy, which has put her in contention with their newest initiate Taylor.
Frankie: Selena is a fool if she thinks she and her believers can match the power of Taylor and Monarchy.
Tay lands one big right and then another across Selena’s brow, knocking her back. She then throws another punch that misses her opponent’s head. Selena ducks under the punch and then runs right into the ropes behind Taylor, leaping to the middle rope then springing off of it into a back elbow. It hits square across Tay’s chest, taking her off of her feet and down to the canvas. The impact sends her rolling to the exterior of the ring, dropping to her feet across the outside mats. In the ring above her Selena has grabbed the top rope and is leaping over it, twisting in mid-air in order to land on Tay’s shoulders, hitting the hurricarana.
Greyson: What were you saying about the power of Selena and her believers?
Frankie: Tay slipped, I think I saw a banana peel lying on the canvas.
Greyson: You and your endless string of intelligence insulting excuses.
Frankie: Erm…thank you?
A shocked Taylor rolls across the mats looking stunned by this barrage from Selena, which continues in the form of forearm strikes. She nails one forearm after another across Tay’s temple, disorientating her even more. Selena then hits a step up enzugari on the back of her adversary’s head. The impact sending Tay spiraling along into the apron. The amped up Selena then scrambles directly into her opponent only to be caught by the inner thighs and thrown into the air. Tay sends Selena flying over her head and onto the apron. Surprisingly Selena lands on her feet across the apron, catching her balance with the aid of the top rope she just wrapped her hands around. Soon the back of her legs come down across that top cable, sending her flipping over backwards into the Asai Moonsault. She goes flying right down into Tay….right down into Tay’s shoulders. The strength of the former three time World Champion is displayed as Taylor catches Selena in a fireman’s carry. A drop jawed Selena is thrown over Taylor’s head but not into Chase’s finisher the True Story, instead of hitting her version of the GTS, she throws her opponent down face first into the steel ring steps.
A discombobulated Selena bounces back from the stairs, her brain rattled by this vicious blow, which leads to one that’s even worse. Selena spirals away from the steps that just rattled her brain and then finds the creases of her knees pulled, dragging her legs out from under her. Selena falls onto her back and is then catapulted along right into the steel turnbuckle ring post.
Frankie: Behold the power of Taylor Chase and the Monarchy. That’ll shut up Selena’s believers.
Sparkles: Seems winter isn’t here yet.
The ever arrogant Taylor pulls the banged up Selena from the mats and then drags her into a front facelock before snapping back into a DDT. Selena’s head is spiked into the mats and as a result she’s left splayed across her back, looking like she’s lost somewhere out in la-la land. Taylor would dish out more punishment on her unconscious opponent but sees that the referee is in the midst of a ten count, already reaching ‘five.’ So Taylor rolls into the ring, comes to a rest on her knees and tells the official to speed up their count.
Frankie: Smart thinking by Tay-Tay. She’s going to let Selena get counted out.
Sparkles: After all the blows Selena just took to the head it’s a very real possibility she can’t get back in that ring in time to break the count.
The fans haven’t given up their support for Selena, chanting her name as loud as they can with as much passion as they can summon. They only get louder as Selena crawls towards the ring and desperately paws at the apron. Already the referee is at a count of nine and it looks like he’s just about to say the word that will end Selena’s quest for victory over the Monarchy. But just before he can get that word out Selena rolls into the ring, beating the referee’s count.
The incredulous Taylor just goes on shaking her head as she kneels on the canvas beside a barely conscious Selena. She finally takes Selena by the hair, pulls on it and drags her into a fireman’s carry. Taylor arrogantly waltzes around the ring with Selena stretched over her shoulders in anticipation of being sent crashing into a knee and tasting defeat as a result of the True Story. Taylor just can’t help herself, she HAS to mock Selena on top of defeat her.
Taylor: Winter is coming! Winter is coming! Believe! BELIEVE!
Her eyes flutter and she wears a big goofy smile on her face while shouting this. The crowd gives her a thumbs down and shouts her out of the building, but Tay deems their reactions irrelevant. All that matters is throwing Selena over into the True Story. She tosses Selena into the air for the GTS but Frost doesn’t come down into Tay’s knee, she comes down behind her opponent and instantly traps her arms before falling back into a bridging tiger suplex.
Frankie: WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!?!
Greyson: A reversal, a tremendous reversal, Selena’s got her!
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No Selena doesn’t, because as shocked as Taylor was by this counter she still manages to roll her shoulder from the canvas.
Frankie: OH thank God, thaaaank God.
Sparkles: Is that sweat on your forehead?
Selena gets back to her feet as fast as she can and then rushes right at Taylor, only to find her leg caught. Taylor latches onto Selena’s leg and tries to use that limb to drag her down. However, Selena flings her other leg over Tay’s stooped body and then twists around so that she’s stood at her opponent’s side. She then leaps over Taylor, catches her by the shoulder, catches her by the thigh and pulls her over into the Oklahoma Roll.
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Taylor’s shoulder leaps off the canvas in the nick of time to avoid defeat. The quick reflexes of Selena take over, which is why she pops up to her feet, charges at Taylor but finds her opponent crawling straight through her legs. Tay ends up kneeling behind Selena and hooking her thigh, pulling on it until Frost is dragged down into the school boy.
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The Snow Queen pops her shoulder off the ring but Tay is about to drag her right back down into it. The moment Selena stands up she walks right into the shoulder of her stooped opponent before being swung over into the Northern Lights suplex. Tay has a beautiful bridge into the pin.
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The bridge comes crashing down when Selena kicks out of the Northern Lights suplex. An angered Taylor is right back on top of Selena, placing her in another front chancery, in prep for the DDT. Tay falls to the canvas for the DDT but it’s only her body that hits the ring because Selena has managed to avoid it by grabbing the top rope. Tay then rolls over backwards holding her neck just as her opponent lunges in at her side, grabbing her arm and trying to step over it in order to lock in the Frost Bite. Just before the cross arm breaker can be established Tay manages to pluck her arm out of her opponent’s clutches then stand up behind her back. Tay wedges her shoulders to Selena’s lower back and then lifts her into what looks like a torture rack but then transitions the move into a swinging sit-out powerbomb.
Frankie: Beautiful!
Greyson: I have to admit that was a very nice move by Tay, and now she’s about to follow it up.
Sparkles: She’s climbing the turnbuckle.
Taylor scales the nearest corner and then comes flying off of it straight into her laid out opponent, connecting with the frog splash elbow right into Selena’s face.
Frankie: DAMN! Elbow right in the face.
Sparkles: That’s gotta be it.
Tay confidently reaches back and hooks one of Selena’s legs while lifting one finger into the air after another in perfect synchronism with the referee’s three count.
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To a euphoric wave of elation from the believers Selena throws her arm into the air, once again managing to kick out.
Frankie: Not smart Selena, NOT SMART.
Greyson: What do you mean?
Frankie: She’s just pissing Tay-Tay off.
A frustrated Taylor rolls to the outside of the ring and gets right up into the face of a fan wearing a ‘Believer’ t-shirt. Tay jaw-jacks with the fan and endlessly mocks their choice of apparel.
Taylor: I didn’t know they sold those in triple XL.
The fans laugh in response to Tay’s put down while others boo her relentlessly.
Greyson: Tay may just pay for taking too much time toying with these fans.
Frankie: It’s a psychological tactic, don’t you get that?
Greyson: No, it’s just Tay being a bitch.
It seems Greyson was spot on with his speculation. The second Tay re-enters the ring and goes after Selena she finds herself yanked down into a shocking small package.
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To the anger of the believers Tay kicks out then races to her feet, dashing directly into a clothesline that her equally as fast opponent manages to avoid. Selena not only ducks the lariat but then reaches back, hooks Tay under the jaw and drops into the reverse neck breaker.
Greyson: Nicely done by Selena…but wait, she’s not done.
Selena keeps an arm wrapped around Tay’s head while rolling to her side and pulling Taylor along with her. Both ladies get to their feet before Taylor is elevated into the air and then spiked down into the canvas with a fisherman DDT.
Sparkles: THAT WAS IMPRESSIVE!
What’s even more impressive is Selena’s next aerial dive. She rolls away from the woman she just spiked on her head, gets to the apron and then springs to the top rope. Selena tucks her leg under her body as she sails through the air only to unfold it at the last second and drop it straight across Taylor’s throat.
Greyson: NIIIICE!!!
Sparkles: Did you see the HEIGHT that Selena got on that leg drop?
Greyson: It was unbelievable and now Selena is about to have an equally as unbelievable victory over a three time World Champion.
Selena makes the cover and gets a….
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But ultimately NOT a three.
Greyson: So very close to yet another upset here on Riot.
Sparkles: Selena literally one second removed from pinning a member of Monarchy.
Frankie: That wasn’t going to happen and isn’t it going to happen. No way-no how, not today or any other.
A fatigued Selena pulls on the hair of Taylor, working her back up onto her feet and into the front facelock. It seems all of her energy is zapped yet Frost is empowered by the cheers of her believers, that’s why she’s still able to summon the strength to deliver the Ice Breaker. Selena lifts Tay into the implant DDT but her opponent shifts her weight, coming down on her feet as opposed to her head. Taylor then twists her body and wedges his shoulders to Selena’s ribs, lifting her into a fireman’s carry in anticipation of delivering the True Story.
Greyson: She’s going for it again!
Frankie: And if she hits the True Story she won’t HAVE to go for it a third time.
A far more aggressive Tay throws Selena into the True Story but amazingly in mid-air Frost manages to counter. She falls towards Tay’s knee but never makes impact with it, instead on the way down she catches her opponent around the head and transitions into position for the Ice Breaker.
Greyson: Selena with another amazing reversal.
But it’s countered again. The implant DDT is blocked when Tay forces her hands into Selena’s ribs and gives them such a hard shove, sending her flying back into the corner. Selena bounces off the turnbuckle and then starts to stagger towards Tay’s airborne knee. She comes flying right towards Selena with the TKO, and then goes flying right PAST Selena with her leaping knee crashing into the corner. Tay bounces back from the turnbuckle and tumbles to her back on the canvas, clutching at her leg.
Frankie: OH GAHD!
Greyson: Tay’s knee! Tay’s knee just crushed the turnbuckle.
Sparkles: If it had hit Selena this match would be over.
After stubbing her knee against the corner Tay sits there on the canvas grimacing in anguish. Selena prepares to close in on her and take advantage of this self-inflicted injury. It seems Selena is at long last about to get her revenge on Monarchy for all the wrongs they’ve committed against her. That is until a strange sound reaches her ears, stopping her just shy from pinning the proud Monarchy stalwart.
Deanna: SEEELEENNNAAA!
The screeches of Selena’s beloved Deanna Springs can be heard emanating through the loud speakers. Selena’s eyes race to the Cartel-tron, which prominently features images emanating from the dressing room that Selena just left her girl inside under the impression that it would insulate her against a Monarchy assault. Boy how wrong Selena was, which she realizes the moment she sees Monarchy members Lexy Chapel and Kat Kelly holding Deanna down to the ground by her wrists and ankles. They ensure she can’t protect herself from the man who is stooped over her. Another of Monarchy’s devotees, Alistair Taylor, is doubled over Deanna, holding at his stomach as he begins the process of regurgitating. It seems that Alistair is about to throw up all over Deanna. Just before we see him upchuck on Deanna the footage is cut.
Greyson: You have to be kidding me.
Sparkles: We’ve seen Alistair Taylor battling this food poisoning all night long and now it looks like he’s turning it to his advantage.
Frankie: This is great, Wicked Intent have Deanna held down and Alistair is about to puke all over her. And best yet, Selena can’t do anything to protect her girl.
A screaming Selena has no idea how to react to the footage she just saw, and in a moment it won’t matter what her response is. A titanium knee brace cracks her right in the back of the head, her opponent Taylor lunging into the TKO.
Greyson: TKO right to the back of the skull!
Sparkles: Tay capitalizing on the distraction just created by Alistair Taylor and Wicked Intent.
Frankie: Who knew vomit could be such a potent weapon?
It’s nowhere near as potent as the weapon Tay just used to smash Selena in the craniu,. Frost collapses to the canvas and then is rolled over onto her back by her adversary as Tay crawls into the lateral press.
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The crowd is absolutely unforgiving as they realize that Selena was unable to get her shoulder up in time to prevent defeat.
Frankie: HAHA! Yeeeeaaaah! YEEEEAAAAH!!!
Greyson: Just when I thought I was going to be able to hold down my dinner, Taylor Chase goes and picks up a win tonight.
Sparkles: And you just know we’re going to hear her brag endlessly about this.
Frankie: If we’re lucky.
The fans are deeply resentful of Tay’s victory, so much so in fact they are pelting her with their strongest insults. Tay’s reaction to their cries is a curtsy towards the heckling audience. Her opponent doesn’t care how Tay rubs her win in the faces of the fans, because Selena is too busy racing to the backstage area to save Deanna.
Frankie: Monarchy continues to rule.
Greyson: Their actions just get more and more reprehensible with each passing second.
Sparkles: But those actions are proving successful.
The outpouring of disdain echoes through the backstage corridor where David and Michael Cannon are standing. The view of the conspiring Cannon brothers downright sickens the viewing audience, as does the plot the two seem to be hatching.
David: So we’re in agreement then?
Michael: Absolutely.
David: Good. Just realize, Scott might not agree with what we do tonight.
Michael: I’m ready to face the consequences.
A smirking David palms his brother’s shoulder.
David: We’ll worry about Scott’s reaction when we reach that crossroads, but eventually he’ll come around and understand that what we do to Katelyn Buehler, we do for him.
Michael: Yeah, he’ll know we did the right thing when he stands in the ring at Upping the Ante holding the World Heavyweight Title aloft.
The brothers continue to collaborate on what they’ll do to the World Champion this evening before the camera begins to pull back from them. Now it brings into view a man who has been eavesdropping on this entire conversation. Scott Cannon is stood just out of view, tucked around a nearby corner at the end of the hall. He leans his back into the wall, closes his eyes and begins to shake his head.
Mika: Aaaaandreee, oooooh Aaaandre…..
The siren call for Andre Jordan continues to fill the hotel room that Mika Kozlov has resided in throughout the evening. Once again we see her striking an ever provocative pose, lying across her side on top of satin sheets. A big open space on the bed beside her is made available, hoping it will soon be filled by the warm body of Andre Jordan.
Mika: I’m still here, I’m still waiiitttiiing….When are you going to show up and make this a night neither of us will ever forget?
She pouts upon realizing that Andre Jordan has failed to join her for a romantic rendezvous.
Mika: What? Do you want me to get started myself? Do you want to watch me? You like to watch, don’t you?
Just as Mika’s hands slides down over her face and begins to inch towards the lingerie that binds to her body a knock brings an end to a scene quite a few might have been anxious to witness.
Mika: Is that you, chocolate pudding?
Her coal colored eyes jump to the door just a few feet away. She rather excitedly slips off the bed and works her way across the white carpeted floor, her black nail polish brushing the ground. After taking a second to mess up her hair she grabs the doorknob and pulls it back to reveal the person waiting in the hall. It might not be Andre Jordan she feasts eyes on, but it is a man who has played a pivotal role in her life.
Aiken: Hello my dear.
Mika is legitimately taken aback by the visual of her former New Eden leader stood in the hall just outside her hotel room door.
Aiken: Expecting company?
He asks with eyes looking her up and down.
Mika: What are you….?
There is no need for her to talk, because Aiken already knows exactly what she’s going to say, hence why his finger presses to her lips. Oddly enough Mika does not swat it away, her stomach filling with such emotion when feeling Aiken’s touch.
Aiken: I believe the two of us have much to talk about.
Cameras cut to the backstage hallway where former World Champion Serenity is standing. Her hand continues to wrap around a doorknob, pulling on it with all the strength she can summon. She keeps the door sealed shut and refuses to let anyone stood in the room on the opposite side of it from getting out. Unlike the last time we saw her she’s no longer smiling, but frowning. Why? Because there are no more loud crashing noises and anguished cries emanating from the room she denies exit from.
Serenity: Borislav?
She talks through the door to her fellow New Eden brute, the man she sent into the room just moments ago.
Sparkles: There’s Serenity again, still standing outside of the room we saw Borislav go into a few moments ago where some type of violence erupted.
Frankie: Wait a minute-wait a minute-wait a minute. I thought it was Aiken Frost they had trapped in there.
Greyson: But we just saw him show up at the hotel room to confront his former New Eden follower Mika Kozlov.
Frankie: So who’s in that room with Borislav?
Apparently inquiring minds get an answer much sooner than they might have anticipated. Serenity lets go of the knob and pushes the door open, revealing a blood splattered Borislav stood just inside. He pats the very same pipe wrench against his palm that we saw him entering this room with earlier in the night. With weapon in hand he steps out of the room and steps right past Serenity. Her black eyes don’t even look at the brute, nor the blood that has pooled across his knuckles. Instead her focus is entirely on his victim, the broken body of Marina Valdivia crumpled lifelessly across the floor.
Serenity: Did she beg? Did she plead? Did she cry?
Serenity questions Borislav, who growls in response.
Borislav: No….she bled.
Serenity: Hehehehe…..
She looks back into the room at the blood spilling down over her rival’s cheeks.
BEFORE THE BREAK
A video highlights the gruesome footage witnessed just moments before the break when we at last discover the identity of New Eden’s most recent victim. We see a gleeful Serenity stood in a hallway holding a door shut and refusing to let anyone exit through it. Before long the door opens to reveal her counterpart Borislav stood with a bloodied pipe wrench in hand and a motionless Marina Valdivia curled at his feet.
Greyson: Words can’t even…It’s just too hard to even describe what we saw before the commercial break.
Sparkles: It looks like New Eden got hold of Marina Valdivia.
Frankie: Can’t say she didn’t have it coming to her. She DID attack Serenity and Mika Kozlov inside of the Hell in a Cell two weeks ago.
Sparkles: We all thought it was Aiken Frost they had cornered in that room, but boy were we ever wrong.
Greyson: And boy how I wish we were right, Marina didn’t deserve this. All she’s ever done is stand up to Serenity and New Eden.
Sparkles: What makes this even worse is the fact that Marina was slated to team up with Katelyn Buehler in the main event to challenge Monarchy for the Tag Team Titles.
Greyson It doesn’t look like she’s been left in any condition to fight for the titles, which was all but confirmed when we saw this footage taken DURING the break.
DURING THE BREAK
Another video is spliced into the one that played just seconds earlier. This footage shows two road agents and referee Marcus Mayfield inside of the dressing room where all the chaos broke out seconds earlier. Marina Valdivia continues to lay a motionless heap at the feet of Mayfield, who stoops towards her and carefully surveys the damage that has been inflicted via New Eden’s attack.
Marcus: Is someone getting the medics?
Agent: They’re supposed to be here any sec….
Victoria: What in the fuck!?!
It’s not medics who show up but Marina Valdivia’s good friend Victoria Salinas. She steps in from the hall just outside the room but stops in the doorway, eyes widening at the sight of the blood puddled across Marina’s brow.
Victoria: What happened!?! WHAT HAPPENED!?!
A highly emotional Victoria stoops down at Marina’s side, lifting her bloodied head from the ground and cradling it against her stomach.
Marcus: We don’t know, we just found her like th….
Glenn: We’ll tell you exactly what happened.
There are three more figures stood in the doorway at this point, three more past victims of New Eden who found themselves in an eerily familiar situation just two weeks earlier. Glenn Braddock leads the charge into the dressing room, followed by Henry Van Stanton and Julia Braddock. There is still a scar on Glenn’s forehead after he was subjected to an attack in his dressing room at the hands of New Eden just two weeks earlier.
Glenn: We know who’s responsible for this.
Glenn announces while kneeling towards the bloodied Marina clutched in an emotional Victoria’s arms.
Victoria: WHO!?!
Julia crouches down behind her uncle.
Julia: You already know the answer to that question.
Victoria’s eyes turn away from Julia’s face and her lower lip starts to twitch as an expression of her anger.
Victoria: Serenity.
Cameras catch up with World Champion Katelyn Buehler in the confines of her dressing room. At the moment she is readying herself for her huge Tag Team Title bout against Wicked Intent. She swings her arm out to her side in order to limber up her shoulder, stretching it so she’ll be ready to swing her elbow into the faces of either Lexy Chapel or Kat Kelly. All the while the World Title hangs from her palm.
David: Well-well-well….
Michael: Don’t let us interrupt your stretching.
Katelyn’s eyes narrow to mere slits as they stare at the two men who have just waltzed right into her dressing room like they own the place. David and Michael Cannon make themselves right at home in spite of being unwelcomed guests. They further infringe upon Katelyn’s personal space as they stand on either side of Katelyn, making sure they have her in a position she can’t easily escape from.
Katelyn: Boys, did you get lost again? See, this is MY dressing room you’re sticking your heads in, not your brother’s ass.
There are no smiles, no fake laughs, no emotion shown by either David or Michael. They are all business as they prepare to do something truly unspeakable to Katelyn. The World Champion can see the feral look in their eyes and at that moment realizes exactly what brought them to her dressing room. The World Title that WAS in her hand is now dropped on a nearby chair.
Katelyn: Well….
She looks between both men’s faces.
Katelyn: If you’re gonna do it, DO IT!
The brothers look to one another, nod in confirmation and then David throws a fist right at Katelyn’s brow. The Champion blocks the punch and reacts with one of her own, nailing Cannon in the kisser. That’s when his brother steps up, Michael driving a boot into Katelyn’s gut. The blow knocks some air out of her but ultimately only slows her down. She lunges out and grabs Michael by the back of his head before pitching him along face first into the nearby wall.
Greyson: David and Michael Cannon attacking our World Champion in her dressing room.
Sparkles: There is nowhere safe here in the Manhattan Center…
Frankie: First Marina Valdivia beaten down in her room and now Katelyn Buehler being assaulted in her dressing room too. And both of those ladies are supposed to be challenging for the Tag Team Titles tonight!
The feed now cuts to the IWC Tag Team Champions Lexy Chapel and Kat Kelly, the two are positioned right outside the bathroom where their Monarchy teammate Alistair Taylor has spent much of the night vomiting his entrails into a toilet. The champions seem to be discussing their recent ambush on Deanna Springs before their conversation comes to a halt at the sight and sounds of correspondent Susie Moore.
Susie: Lexy…Katty…can I get a comment from either of you regarding your Tag Team Title defense in a few minutes?
The Champs simultaneously groan.
Kat: Does a bear shit in the woods?
Susie has to think about it for a second.
Susie: Of course they do, and apparently they use Charmin to clean their bums.
Lexy: Too bad there’s not enough Charmin in the world to clean up that turd known as Katelyn Buehler. You know, she still has the audacity to walk around holding MY World Title and masquerading herself as the TRUE World Champion?
Kat: The nerve.
Lexy: THE NERVE!
Kat: Well that’s going to change, and it’s going to change right now.
Lexy: When we go to that ring and defend our tag team titles (Lexy takes the belt off of her shoulder and knocks on it with her fist), we’ll not only retain our belts, but we’ll add even more gold to Wicked Intent, to Monarchy.
Kat: Katelyn knows damn well that she was pinned fair and square by Lexy two weeks ago, so there’s no excuse for her to be walking around with that World Title around her waist, while Lexy’s abs are all bare. Beautiful but bare.
Lexy: Couldn’t say it any better myself. I know the horny motherfuckers in attendance love to see my exposed naval, but God dammit, it should be covered in gold, WORLD TITLE GOLD!
Kat: And as far as Katelyn’s partner Marina Valdivia goes, we don’t give two-shits rather she’s considered the next big thing. In our minds, there’s only one thing Marina is destined for, another SUPER-SUPER-SSSSSUUUUUPPPER KICK!!
Lexy: We dropped her ass once, we’ll do it again.
Kat: Is that comment enough for you, Susie?
The correspondent looks shell shocked.
Kat: You know what, just get the hell out of our faces before we decided to put you on the invite list to our next superkick soiree.
Susie: Would I get to wear a tiara?
Lexy: No, you’ll get to wear my boot in your teeth.
Susie shows some rare wisdom by running off.
Cameras cut to the parking lot and position on the group gathered around a white stretch Humvee. The very vehicle that carried Monarchy to the arena tonight remains behind the backs of Trinity Street and Lucas Knight, who are refusing to allow their teammates to put the car to use to vacate the building. They hold back Taylor Chase and Orlando Cruze, who are equally as upset regarding the way this night has went for them. Clearly Orlando is seething over his loss to Andre Jordan.
Taylor: We just want to go….
Lucas: Orlando, I know your upset about what happened in your match earlier on, but you can’t leave now.
Taylor: We can’t?
Trinity: What Lucas means to say is that you might not want to go anywhere just yet considering that your chum Katelyn is about to face our girls.
It seems that both Orlando and Taylor have lost sight of the fact that the World Champion, Tay’s nemesis is scheduled to collide with Monarchy coming up next.
There is a high pitched rabble from the audience at the sight of Katelyn Buehler’s fists landing across the temple of Michael Cannon. The two have brought the brawl that started backstage to the entrance ramp. Katelyn seems to have Michael on the defensive before her offensive barrage is shut down via the double axehandle delivered to her upper back. David Cannon has now rushed out of the guerilla position and to the stage, blasting Katelyn across the spine.
Greyson: Katelyn Buehler still going at it with the Cannon brothers.
Sparkles: Last we saw them Michael and David attacked Katelyn in her dressing room but now they’re right out here in front of us.
Frankie: Glad to see at least two of the Cannons haven’t lost their senses. They’re attacking Katelyn to give their bro Scott an advantage headed into his World Title bout at Upping the Ante.
Greyson: Yeah but Scott wouldn’t condone this. I wouldn’t think.
Regardless of Scott’s stance, he’s nowhere around to put a stop to the attack that has now led into the squared circle. Michael and David have rolled Katelyn into the ring and are now following her inside. A shaken up World Champion will not stay down or remain a victim. She pops back up to her feet and catches David coming in with a punch to the gut. She then lands a clothesline on Michael, knocking him flat on his ass. Katelyn then sets, crouching at the knees and waiting for David to turn around, the moment he does he finds his jaw on the receiving end of a thrust kick.
Greyson: Look at Katelyn go. She is holding her own.
Sparkles: There’s a reason she’s the World Champion.
After laying out one Cannon she turns back to another, slapping her forearm against her palm to signal for the KTFO. Katelyn swings around into the roaring elbow aimed at Michael’s skull, but NEVER connecting. David rushes in behind Katelyn and latches onto her, catching both of her arms and hooking them behind her back. This renders her defenseless against the stomp Michael delivers to her ribs. Eventually the blows force a kicking and flailing Katelyn to fall to her seat while David kneels down behind her, still restraining her arms behind her back. There is nothing Katelyn can do to block the punches that Michael slams across her temple.
Frankie: There was only so long that Katelyn could hold her own against these two.
Greyson: Michael and David have Katelyn pinned down to the canvas. What are they going to do to her?
Sparkles: Leave her in no condition to beat their brother at the pay-per-view, that’s what.
Speaking of their brother, now we see Scott himself running along down the ramp, briefcase ever in hand.
Greyson: There he is! Scott Cannon dashing to the ring!
Frankie: Hahahahaha, things only getting worse for Katelyn. This must all be part of the plan.
Sparkles: Are you trying to say that Scott is in on this?
Frankie: Of course he is. It’s all part of his masterplan, first he gains Katelyn’s trust, then he has his brothers beat her down so that he can cash in his briefcase and pin her for the World Title.
Greyson: I refuse to believe we’ve all been duped.
Frankie: Believe it!
David still has Katelyn’s arms held back while his brother Michael rushes back into the ropes to build momentum behind another kick on the powerless World Champion. The moment he goes to ricochet from the cables he finds his foot snagged on something, and that something are the hands of his brother. Scott pulls Michael’s feet out from under him, tripping him down to the canvas and then dragging him out of the squared circle. Michael looks surprised as he comes face to face with Scott, who immediately gives his sibling a shove.
Frankie: What are you doing Scott?
Greyson: He just dragged Michael right out of the ring. He’s-he’s-he’s HELPING Katelyn!
Frankie: No frackin way. I mean, um-uh, this is all part of the plan.
It doesn’t take long for Katelyn to pry her arms out of David’s arms and then snapmare him over her shoulder. David goes rolling over to his feet before spinning right into a clothesline that sends him crumbling to the canvas. As one Cannon goes down, another pops up. Scott enters the ring with the intent of pushing David out of it. He forces David to roll under the ropes then go spilling to the outside mats. A surprised David stands up beside an equally as shocked Michael, the two glaring back into the squared circle at their brother.
Scott: What is this, huh? What are you doing?
Questions an impassioned Scott, who honestly looks furious over the actions of his brothers.
Michael: NO! What are YOU doing?
An angered Michael slaps his palms against the apron. Before this argument goes any further David grabs Michael, wraps him up and drags him away from the ring. Scott remains standing there seething over the actions of his brothers, but soon he’ll have something else to be upset about. He turns back towards the World Champion who suddenly lays him out with the roaring elbow.
Greyson: OOOH! Katelyn with the KTFO on Cannon!
Sparkles: But he came out here to protect her! To do the right thing!
Greyson: That doesn’t matter to the Champ.
Frankie: See what doing the right thing gets you, Scott?
Greyson: That roaring elbow just threw a little more gasoline on the fire as these two head into their title match at Upping the Ante.
Right now it’s got him a pounding headache as he lays beyond the ropes, spread across the mats and suffering the KTFO. Katelyn continues to indiscriminately dole out her wrath on anything that gets in her way, even those aiming to help.
Lexy: Where is it? Huh? Where is my title!?!
Attention is redirected towards the stage where Lexy Chapel and Kat Kelly, the Tag Team Champions and those set to oppose Katelyn tonight, have taken residency. Wicked Intent glare down the ramp at Katelyn, who remains all fired up after her dealings with the Cannons.
Greyson: Oooooh great, now Wicked Intent is out here, and we know they’re slated to compete against Katelyn Buehler and the woman who WAS slated to be her partner, Marina Valdivia.
Frankie: Doesn’t look like Marina’s gonna be out here to team with Katelyn after what happened to her earlier tonight.
Sparkles: Yeah, and Katelyn’s in no condition to challenge for the Tag Team Titles either.
None of this matters to Wicked Intent, who only have one point of contention.
Kat: Don’t think this little squabble with the Cannons can be used as an excuse to get out of our match tonight.
Lexy: Because regardless of what happened to you, and what happened to your ‘partner,’ your still going to fight us, you’re still going to lose to us, and you’re still going to give me back my World Championship!
Before either member of Wicked Intent can reach the ring Katelyn grabs a microphone, enticing further hostilities.
Katelyn: Do you see me running? I’m not going anywhere. You want to step in my house? Fine. The doors wide open.
The microphone hits the ground at Katelyn’s feet before she crouches and urges Wicked Intent into the ring.
Greyson: Katelyn not backing off. She wants Lexy and Kat, even if she has to face them on her own.
Frankie: It looks like we’ve got a handicap match then.
Sparkles: With Marina Valdivia taken out earlier on that means Katelyn is going it alone, what if she wins though? Does that make her the sole owner of the Tag Team Titles?
Frankie: Katelyn’s not leaving with the Tag Titles, or ANY title gold for that matter. Wicked Intent’s taking her World Title from her.
WICKED INTENT © VS. KATELYN BUEHLER:
TAG TEAM TITLES
It seems Katelyn’s about as ready as she’s ever going to be. Lexy and Kat rush the ring and the bell chimes the second both ladies get inside with the World Champion. Kat goes straight after Katelyn, throwing a right hand that Katelyn manages to duck under. Kat swings completely around so that her back is aimed to Buehler, who gives her a forceful shove. Kat is sent sprawling right into her own partner, the two bumping heads. Kat twists down to the ground and Lexy staggers back into the corner, falling against it while holding her face. A fired up Katelyn rushes right at Lexy, stepping up the turnbuckle she’s leaning against, standing on the middle rope and then throwing fists down into the face of the Tag Team Champion,
Greyson: I didn’t think the match would start like this.
Sparkles: Katelyn already teeing off on the champions.
Frankie: Kat and Lexy are just letting Katelyn wear herself out.
Greyson: Don’t be ridiculous.
The punches go on raining down across Lexy’s face, the crowd counting along with each blow upon her brow. They stop at the count of ten because Katelyn ceases unleashing the punches on account of Kat Kelly’s interference. She has just entered the ring and is rushing in behind Katelyn, but the World Champion turns around and leaps out of the turnbuckle into a Lou Thez Press. She crashes right into Kat, taking her down to the canvas before unleashing a hailstorm of punches across her face.
Punches and punches and punches nail Kat’s temple, Katelyn unleashing all of her pint up frustrations. The only thing that brings an end to this brutality is the assault by Lexy. She rushes into the ropes in front of Katelyn, bounces from them and then comes hustling into a knee strike right between the World Champion’s eyes. Katelyn is knocked off of Kat and sent rolling into the middle of the ring in a dazed, incoherent condition.
Frankie: There we go ladies, there we go! That’s more like it.
Greyson: Your favoritism continues to disgust me on so many levels.
Frankie: Mission accomplished.
Lexy’s knee to Katelyn’s face leads to damning consequences for the World Champion. She is desperately trying to get up only to have Kat and Lexy place her in a stereo front chancery. They deliver a duel double snap suplex, slamming Katelyn’s kidneys with such force against the ring. She sits up and grimaces in pain, but the pain has only just begun. Lexy is backed out of the ring and into her corner by referee Michelle Blacker, meaning that Kat has been selected as the legal member of her team. She steps in behind Katelyn, takes her around the neck and applies a dragon sleeper. She bridges Katelyn up to her feet then drops her down with what looks like a reverse DDT transitioned into a back breaker across her elevated knee. A groaning Katelyn rolls to the outside of the ring, amazingly falling onto her feet. The second she stands up Katelyn finds her ribs smacked with a spear, Lexy plowing into her and then pushing her spine right along into the steel stairs.
Greyson: Come on Lexy, you’re not the legal competitor in this match.
Frankie: Doesn’t matter.
The slam into the stairs has left Katelyn all but incapacitated as she’s fed back into the ring. Lexy throws her into Kat, who swoops in and takes the World Champion by her arms. She delivers a snap double underhook suplex. Kat keeps hold of the arms though, rolling to her side and pulling Katelyn along for the ride. The two stand up and her hooked arms are employed to lift Katelyn into an implant double arm DDT. Kat no sooner hits the DDT before she rolls across the ring, extends her hand and tags out to Lexy.
Within a second Lexy is in the ring and all over Katelyn with forearms and stomps. She then puts her heel across her opponent’s eyes and grates them. Lexy then delivers a roundhouse kick straight to Katelyn’s chest, knocking her flat on her back. Another tag is made, bringing Kat back into the match. Lexy quickly traps Katelyn’s arms, pulling her up into a modified abdominal stretch, exposing her ribs just long enough to be subjected to a basement dropkick. Kat drives both her boots into Katelyn’s ribs, doubling her over before she is snapmared by Lexy. The second Katelyn flips onto her backside she finds her jaw cracked by a spinning back kick from Kat.
The stiff shot sends Katelyn rolling over backwards to her knees. She then finds her hair caught and her head dragged under Kat’s seat. All of Kat’s strength is used to lift the World Champion up and into a powerbomb position. She then runs across the ring and throws Katelyn into a buckle bomb, while at the same time Kat’s partner Lexy is leaping from the apron and swinging her leg over the top rope, cracking Katelyn in the back of the head with a kick.
The double impact has Katelyn unconscious but still standing on her feet. Yet another tag is made, Kat bringing her partner Lexy back into the match. Kat drops to her hands and knees, allowing Lexy to use her as some kind of launching pad. Lexy runs across the ring, steps off of Kat’s back and dives into a flying leg lariat. Her thigh crashes into Katelyn’s chest and the impact at last takes her off of her feet.
Frankie: Hahahaha, it’s too bad…tooooo bad that Katelyn doesn’t have a partner to tag in.
Sparkles: Way not to rub it in Frankie.
Greyson: Katelyn really needs a partner right now on account of New Eden leaving Marina a bloodied mess in her dressing room earlier tonight.
The leg lariat has knocked the fight out of Katelyn, who crawls out of the corner and towards the center of the squared circle where a stereo superkick awaits her. Kat and Lexy step to either side of Katelyn and stomp their feet in anticipation of subjecting her to the superkick soiree.
Frankie: Here it comes babay, welcome to the soiree.
Kat is the first to strike out, her boot lunging towards Katelyn’s jaw. However, that foot is caught an inch from the World Champion’s face. Katelyn then pushes Kat’s foot away and sends it swinging straight into her own partner’s temple. An unsuspecting Lexy is caught with a kick from Kat’s boot and the blow sends her spiraling around. A stunned Kat turns back towards Katelyn and receives a powerful thrust kick straight in the chin, the blow taking her down to the ring. The second Kat hits the canvas her tag team partner Lexy whips around into a roundhouse kick aimed at Katelyn’s head. Katelyn ducks under the kick aimed at her head though, causing Lexy to swing completely around, turning back to face the thrust kick that drills her directly under the chin
Greyson: Katelyn laying out both members of Wicked Intent with those thrust kicks!
Sparkles: The World Champion has surprisingly got herself back into this contest. She is feeding off so much emotion.
Frankie: That emotion will only get her so far.
The fired up Katelyn has fallen to her knees as the effects of this match start to take their toll on her. She crawls up beside Lexy, grabs her by the hair and pulls her into a headbutt. She then crawls towards Kat and starts to unleash punches across her face. An exasperated Katelyn drags Kat along to her feet and then whips her off into the ropes. She bounces from them and comes back in at Katelyn, who stoops for the back drop. However, Kat scouts this and stops just shy of Katelyn, dropping down to a knee right beside the slouched World Champion. At that exact same time Lexy runs in from Katelyn’s opposite side, jumps into the air, catches her around the head and pulls her around into a flip over swinging neck breaker that drags the back of Buehler’s head straight into Kat’s elevated knee.
Frankie: Beautiful! Fucking grade A beautiful!
Greyson: An unbelievable transition there!
Sparkles: One that has just taken Katelyn out of this match yet again.
Lexy crawls onto the damn near comatose Katelyn, hooking both her legs for the pin.
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The roar from the audience rumbles through the arena at the sight of Katelyn’s arm flying up from the ring, preventing defeat. Lexy screams at both the World Champion and the referee alike.
Lexy: If you had got your big inflated titties down to that canvas faster I’d be walking out here with my World Title right now.
Referee Michelle Blacker may feel self-conscious about her cup size but she doesn’t let it show, instead she reprimands Lexy for making comment on the lowest hanging fruit. Lexy pulls Katelyn up from the ring and then into a short arm back elbow that sends her toppling to the canvas. Lexy spirals away from her and towards the corner where a tag has just been made to Kat. The lightning fast Kelly rushes into the ring and grabs Katelyn’s legs, twisting them around one another. She then falls to her seat beside the World Champion locking her in a side Indian Deathlock,
Greyson: Been a long while since we’ve seen one of these.
Sparkles: The side Indian Deathlock applied on Katelyn. Kat Kelly showing off her impressive array of submissions.
Frankie: If I were Katelyn, I’d first get a tan, and then I’d tap out.
Greyson: Well thankfully you’re not Katelyn, because she is one of a kind, and she, unlike you, has a heart that will not stop beating.
Frankie: Gag me with a spoon.
Katelyn claws at her hair as she tries to focus on anything, anything at all that is not the pain presently coursing through her legs. Finally she manages to twist onto her side, open her palm and slap it down hard across Kat’s chest. The blow knocks Kat onto her back and causes her Indian Deathlock to weaken, weaken just enough for Katelyn to counter. She rolls over sideways and not only pulls her legs out of the submission but manages to wrap up Kat’s, applying a Texas Cloverleaf.
Greyson: WHOA! What a spectacular counter into the cloverleaf.
Sparkles: Katelyn constantly evolving.
Frankie: Then she must be just above primordial ooze.
Although Katelyn has managed to counter one submission it remains to be seen if she can perform the same trick twice. Because now Lexy has dashed in to help her partner, leaping into a front facelock body vice combination. The hold is applied and exerts so much pressure on Katelyn’s head that it’s causing her to break the Texas Cloverleaf she had locked in on Kat and then stagger towards the middle of the ring where she herself suffers from this combination submission. Or at least she suffers right up until the point that she manages to counter and do so in spectacular fashion. She manages to reverse the body vice/front chancery combo into a cradle DDT. Lexy slams and slams hard right across the top of her head before rolling to her back, laid out right next to a barely breathing World Champion.
Frankie: NOOO!!
Greyson: Another SENSATIONAL counter!
Sparkles: Sparkles can’t believe Katelyn is still keeping herself in this handicap match.
Though it looks like things are about to get very complicated for Katelyn, because down the ramp staggers a blood soaked Marina Valdivia, who’s face is crudely bandaged.
Frankie: Oh you’ve got to be kidding me.
Greyson: Marina Valdivia is-is actually coming out here to fight?
Sparkles: She was just savagely assaulted by Borislav and Serenity backstage.
Greyson: This woman has a hell of a big heart….
Frankie: Yeah, but the heart can’t beat if there’s no blood in the body.
Sparkles: Great point.
Greyson: We saw this several months ago when Marina was injured at the start of the show and yet still came out to wrestle for the World Title….
Sparkles: Yeah, but she wasn’t in this bad of shape.
The full extent of Marina’s injuries instantly catch up with her upon reaching ringside where her knees buckle and her body goes down to the mats. But instead of giving up right there Marina crawls instead of walks, determined to reach that ring in spite of everything. It would take a megaton nuclear warhead dropped straight on her to stop her, but heck, that might not even be enough. Amazingly Marina climbs up onto the apron, hell-bent on getting into the ring and not only honoring her commitment to be Katelyn’s partner in this match but also to get her hands on her long-time rivals Wicked Intent. The winded World Champion crawls across the canvas in a half dazed state, unknowingly moving within reach of Marina’s hand. She slaps Katelyn’s back and tags herself into the match.
Greyson: Are you absolutely insane Marina!?! Don’t do this! Don’t get in that ring!
Sparkles: There is nothing that is going to stop her, not even that assault from a pipe wrench at the hands of New Eden.
A moment after making the tag the blood soaked Marina makes her way up the turnbuckle, unsteadily standing on top of it.
Frankie: No way! No WAY!
Although she shouldn’t even be able to stand Marina actually takes to the air, hitting the California Splash, the 450 crashing right into Kat in the middle of the ring.
Greyson: SHE HIT IT! OH FUCK SHE HIT IT!!
Frankie: NOOOO WAAAAAAY!!!
It looks like every droplet of blood has been spilt from Marina’s body yet she still has the wherewithal to hook Kat’s leg. The referee drops into position to make the count to an absolutely thunderous reaction from the fans.
Frankie: This can’t be happening!
Greyson: In spite of all the odds Marina and Katelyn are about to win the Tag Team Titles!
Frankie: THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING!
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Frankie: NOOOO!
The referee’s hand is just now coming down towards the canvas to make this title change official, but at the very last possible second Lexy dives across the ring and saves the belts for her team via dropping a double axehandle across Marina’s head.
Frankie: (Hyperventilating) That was too close….
Greyson: Dammit, I thought that was it. I thought for sure that Marina and Katelyn had just won the Tag Team Titles.
All Marina has won is a first class ticket to hell it seems. An exhausted Lexy pulls the bloodied Marina up from the canvas and gives her a swift punch across her blood drenched brow. The blow has Marina slouched back over the ropes, about to go over. Lexy then goes to race into the ropes on the opposite side of the ring in order to deliver a final KO shot on Marina. But what Lexy doesn’t see is that there’s a figure kneeling down on the opposite side of the ropes, her other opponent Katelyn. The World Champion pulls down on the top cable and causes Lexy’s momentum to send her flipping over to the outside of the ring.
Greyson: There goes Lexy!!
Sparkles: This is not working out how Wicked Intent had planned at all. AT ALL!
Frankie: I can’t watch….This is like seeing the ending to a Horror movie.
The fans are frothing in anticipation of a pending title change. Katelyn slides into the ring and is about to fulfill the crowd’s wildest fantasies. She slaps her forearm across her palm in order to signal that the KTFO is coming. Marina and all those in the stands watch excitedly as Katelyn prepares to end this match the moment a battered Kat gets back to her feet.
Frankie: I’m getting sick. I feel like Alistair Taylor right now.
Greyson: It’s gonna end guys, the dream team of Marina and Katelyn are about to capture the Tag Team Titles.
Katelyn starts to make the revolution into the roaring elbow but stops the moment she sees her partner being dragged out of the ring. A set of hands reach under the ropes, snag hold of Marina’s ankle and then gives it a big tug, tripping her onto her face. Marina is then pulled right out of the squared circle, dropping down directly at the feet of the woman who just blindsided her, Taylor Chase.
Greyson: NO! Dammit NO!!
Sparkles: Taylor! Taylor! Taylor Chase has just dragged Marina out of the ring!!
Frankie: I LOVE YOU TAYLOR! I want to have lil mohawked babies with you!
The already exsanguinated Marina is unable to fend off Taylor, hence why she just lies on the mats in front of the woman who just dragged her from the squared circle. Taylor stoops down towards Marina and starts shouting every degrading statement that pops into her head. But Tay lives to regret her preoccupation with Marina because it’s another of her foes that is putting her at risk. Katelyn comes to the aid of her partner and to the decimation of Taylor, she dives right through the ropes and crashes directly into her bitter nemesis. Both Taylor and Katelyn collapse to the ground and the second they do the World Champion’s fist begins to unload across Tay’s face.
Greyson: Get her Katelyn! Get her!
Sparkles: We heard her earlier tonight begging Taylor to interfere in this match, and this is exactly why.
Greyson: So Katelyn could finally get her revenge for Taylor busting her in the face with that baseball bat covered in barbwire four weeks ago.
Frankie: Don’t you put your hands on her you bitch!
Katelyn keeps putting her fists right into Taylor’s beautiful face, absolutely mugging her. Though the punches just aren’t doing it for Katelyn, they aren’t sufficient punishment enough for everything this woman has done to her. So she drags Taylor into the ring and then follows her. A roaring elbow is about ten seconds away from busting the first lady of professional wrestling right in her mouth.
Greyson: Finally Katelyn is going to do it. Finally she’s going to get her revenge on Taylor.
Frankie: No Taylor, don’t stand up, run from that ring baby.
An absent minded Taylor struggles to get to her feet, her brain having been batted around by a barrage of punches. Now those brains are about to be knocked right out of her head when Katelyn connects with the roaring elbow. Katelyn cocks back her arm to deliver the blow before she finds that very arm caught from behind. Kat has jumped up to the apron behind Katelyn, caught her by the crease of the elbow and then gives it a tug. Katelyn finds herself twisted around and before she can react her throat is being dragged down into the top rope. Kat leaps from the apron with a handful of Katelyn’s hair, forcing the World Champion’s throat to snap against the cables and then fly back. She stumbles right into the waiting arms of Lexy, who pulls Katelyn down into the backslide.
Sparkles: BAAAAACKSSLLLIIIIDEE!
There is a huge outcry of emotion as the referee slaps the canvas.
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Katelyn kicks out, a second TOO LATE.
Greyson: Oh GOD! OH MY GOD! She did it again! Lexy did it again!
The commentators aren’t the only ones left breathless by what they just witnessed. Everyone in the arena are left totally deflated and in desperate need of oxygen as those who can cry out do just that in response to Lexy’s shocking pinfall over Katelyn, over the World Champion. A wide eyed Lexy gets to her knees and looks around in total disbelief that she has scored yet another upset victory over the World Champion.
Sparkles: Unbelievable! This is-this is-this is the SECOND time that Lexy has pinned Katelyn.
Frankie: Words can’t even begin to describe how happy I am right now. My penis is shedding tears of joy!
Greyson: This is heart breaking for the World Champion. It looked like she and Marina might have pulled off an improbable win if it hadn’t been for Taylor Chase’s interference.
Sparkles: Tay has cost Katelyn yet another win.
Frankie: And Lexy picks up the victory. Which PROVES that she deserves the World Title. She deserves it dammit!
Seconds after their successful Tag Title defense Kat and Lexy find themselves embracing in the center of the ring with a gigantic hug. Kat twirls around the ring holding Lexy in her arms while Chapel’s feet kick back. Meanwhile Taylor stands in the corner holding her jaw but still smiling. A bloodied Marina is forced to endure the indignity of sitting with her back propped to the barricade watching this over the top celebration in the ring. At the same time a dejected Katelyn is stood at the base of the ramp with her back to the squared circle, her fists to her hips and her head lowered.
Greyson: What a crushing blow for Katelyn and Marina, they were so close to capturing those Tag Team Titles. Soooo close.
Frankie: Screw ‘em. Don’t side track us from this moment, concentrate on Wicked Intent’s victory.
Katelyn can’t even bring herself to look back at the ring where this celebration continues. She just walks straight to the back with her cheeks as red as a tomato. Meanwhile in the ring Tay has joined in on the group hug with Lexy and Kat. All three ladies begin to hop around in circles while squeezing one another and shouting excitedly.
Sparkles: Biggest win of Wicked Intent’s tag title reign.
Frankie: This is what dreams are made of.
Greyson: Are you kidding me? This is one giant nightmare.
It didn’t take long for Julia Braddock and Victoria Salinas to exact a little bit of retribution.
Victoria: Hold him!
Requests Victoria as she stands in front of Julia and Glenn Braddock in the hallway. However, it’s the man who is stuck between these two that takes precedence. The Braddocks have New Eden member Borislav knelt to the floor and have managed to securely grip his thick arms out to his sides. He is all together powerless against the wrath of all those determined to make New Eden pay for their string of merciless attacks over the past few weeks. Victoria prepares to be the arbiter of the IWC’s retribution as she stoops towards a beaten up Borislav and grips the very same pipe wrench in her hand that the deranged Russian used to bust up her friend Marina earlier tonight.
Victoria: You got one chance Borislav…ONE CHANCE to walk away from this.
Julia: Tell us where Serenity is.
Glenn: TALK!
Borislav responds, not via words, but with his spit. He hurls a glob of saliva right into Victoria’s chest. She doesn’t even bother to wipe it away, instead she tightens her grip on the pipe wrench and smiles.
Victoria: I was hoping that’d be your response.
As Victoria closes in on Borislav, his captors Julia and her Uncle Glenn make sure that he’s defenseless. The camera pulls back from the pending torture. It brings into view the figure who is stood at the end of the corridor. Serenity peaks around the huge stack of crates she’s hidden behind, watching Borislav on the receiving end of a beating. A sigh emanates from Serenity, who leans back into her hiding spot. Ultimately she just shrugs and takes a bite from an apple, almost totally indifferent to the plight of New Eden’s muscle.
A light switches on, bringing an empty hotel room into view. Cindy Todd stands in the doorway before walking on in and surveying the contents of the room. She overlooks the very bed where moments earlier Mika Kozlov had been lying. Now the bed is empty save for some wrinkled sheets. Evidently Cindy is not happy to find that the room is vacant and Mika is nowhere to be found.
Lexy: KATELYN! You giant bottle of Elmer’s Glue, bring me my belt! Bring me my World Title!
Orders Lexy Chapel, who continues to bask in the allure of victory. She stands in the ring celebrating with her partner Kat Kelly and their Monarchy compatriot Taylor Chase. They are soon joined by a queasy looking Alistair Taylor, a smiling Lucas Knight, an applauding Trinity Street, and a hyped Orlando Cruze. All of Monarchy have now convened inside of the squared circle to celebrate this momentous occasion
Frankie: What a celebration.
Greyson: I didn’t think anything could possibly make what we saw happen a few moments ago any more appalling, but somehow Monarchy has found a way to turn this into a truly disgusting scene.
Sparkles: Every member of Monarchy are now gathered in the ring to commemorate Wicked Intent’s successful tag title defense.
Greyson: And since it was Lexy who pinned the World Champion Katelyn Buehler in that tag match obviously she thinks that entitles her to the World Title.
Frankie: Uhhh, she didn’t just pin the World Champ tonight though, she’s pinned Katelyn TWICE.
Greyson: That still does not make Lexy the World Champion.
A microphone remains raised to Lexy’s lips as she calls out to Katelyn.
Lexy: I’m through being patient and considerate, you’re not getting a sweet Lexy anymore. You’ve been keeping MY World Title away from me for four weeks now and I’m SICK of seeing MY belt around your FLABBY beer gut.
Another microphone has found its way into Kat’s hand, who stands up for her partner.
Kat: Its borderline criminal what you’re doing Katelyn. We would seriously sue you if you had anything other than that World Title of value. But seeing as you live in worse conditions than Anton Jackson…
Frankie: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Kat:….you obviously don’t have much left that we’d want. So just give up this façade and bring us the World Title.
If their demands weren’t clear enough now it’s Taylor Chase who reiterates them.
Taylor: Do the right thing for once in your life Katelyn. It’s bad enough that you haven’t given up those kids of yours and put them into the custody of parents who won’t turn them into crack-heads….
Greyson: OH COME ON!
Frankie: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Taylor: …And that you’ve brainwashed these fans into turning against the First Woman of Professional Wrestling….
Oh how the boos are deafening.
Taylor:…but don’t make it even worse by withholding that World Title from the rightful champion.
Lexy: So come on out Pasty Katie, bring that belt on down that ramp and give it over…..no-no-no, I’ll do you one better. You bring that title out to this ring and you wrap it around my waist.
Sparkles: She can’t be serious.
Frankie: SHE IS SERIOUS!
Lexy: You’ve got five seconds Katelyn (she holds up all five of her fingers). Five seconds to come down that ramp and give me the World Title before we take a drive to your HOUSE…Oh, I mean your DOUBLE-WIDE, and then break through the door, drag your fat ass out of it…..
A very loud beeping noise drowns out the insulting tones of the Monarchy members. They all look around expressing their confusion, wondering where this noise is coming from. They soon discover the source when their attention is drawn to the Cartel-tron. On the big screen we see the parking lot where the stretch Humvee that brought Monarchy to the building remains parked.
Greyson: What are we seeing here?
The Humvee is soon joined by another vehicle as a forklift pulls into view. And who is sitting behind the controls of this forklift? None other than the World Champion Katelyn Buehler.
Sparkles: What the fudge!?!
Greyson: Katelyn is behind the wheel of a forklift!
Frankie: What the hell does she think she’s doing? Is she even licensed to drive one of those things?
Greyson: She seems to be doing a pretty good job of it.
The Monarchy members in the ring are shaking their heads and screaming ‘no’ as they watch the forks of the truck moving closer and closer to their Humvee.
Katelyn: You want my World Title? Not happening. But I will give your ride some nice air-holes!
Katelyn pushes the lever that controls the accelerator and now the forks of her construction machinery go tearing right through the doors of the Humvee.
Frankie: (Squeal) AAAAAAH!!
Sparkles: Katelyn’s destroying Monarchy’s stretch Humvee!
Greyson: That car has to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The crowd is going absolutely nuts at the sight of Katelyn demolishing the Humvee with the forklift, ripping right through it like it was toilet paper. Katelyn then pulls on another lever that raises the forks and as a result raises the Humvee that is impaled upon them. Back in the ring Monarchy are flipping out in response to this destruction of their high priced ride. They become even more upset when the curtains hanging from the Cartel-tron open and Marina Valdivia comes walking through them holding a chair in one hand and a microphone in the other
Marina: Monarchy, it’s not your car you should be worried about.
Announces a battered and bloodied Valdivia, who seconds ago tasted the unsavory flavor of defeat at the hands of Monarchy.
Frankie: What is she doing back out here now? I swear, this company is full of nothing but whiney little bitches.
The bloodied and battered Marina continues to wear a crude bandage wrapped around the ripped flesh on her skull as she addresses the irate Monarchy in the ring.
Marina: I said you shouldn’t worry about your car, because believe me, you got something much more important worry about, YOUR LIVES!
Marina begins to stumble towards the squared circle, almost falling over from severe blood loss. Monarchy invites her into the ring, almost laughing at the threat she poses in her impaired condition. But they aren’t laughing anymore when Andre Jordan, Selena Frost, Deanna Springs, and a whole slew of others come rushing out from the back and running square for the ring.
Greyson: It’s ALL of Monarchy’s enemies!
Frankie: What is this!?!
Sparkles: It’s-it’s-it’s….no pun intended…it’s an UPRISING!
All the bodies that just ran down the ramp are sliding right into the ring and the second they do a huge donnybrook breaks out. Monarchy and the roster are brawling with another to the loudest ovation from the crazed crowd.
Greyson: This is total and complete madness!
Sparkles; Things have absolutely broken down in this war between Monarchy and the IWC roster.
And if things weren’t chaotic enough, if this carnage didn’t satiate your lust for violence, now the curtains hanging from the Cartel-tron are ripped down and some of the struts that hold up the big screen are shattered as a forklift comes tearing out of the back. Seated behind the controls is the World Champion herself Katelyn Buehler.
Greyson: And there’s Katelyn, she’s still driving that forklift!
Frankie: This is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.
And it only gets crazier. As the massive brawl continues inside of the ring on the stage Katelyn is getting a better view of all the chaos. She steps out of the cab of the forklift and then steps onto the steel forks. A stagehand controls the levers that at Katelyn’s request are used to lift the champion higher and higher into the air. Once Katelyn is elevated as high as the forks can go, she raises the World Championship above her head and points straight down the ramp at Monarchy.
Frankie: This is insane.
Greyson: No, this….is….war!
FADE TO BLACK
IWC 