Post by Drakz on Oct 9, 2017 12:24:11 GMT -5
Outside the arena, a black car pulls up, as near as possible to the backstage entrance. The driver steps out, circling around behind the vehicle before making his way to the rear passenger side, opening the door and stepping aside as the WFWF World, International, and Tag Team Champion David Brennan steps out. A stark contrast to his normal attire, tonight, Brennan is dressed the part, at least for him - his cleanest jeans tonight are matched up top by a collared button-down, the top undone, of course, and a black suit coat. He surveys the lot before nodding the driver off, making his way toward the arena.
??: Brennan!
He rolls his eyes as he picks up on the tone of the voice almost instantly. Waiting for him just outside the back door is the WFWF's Chief public figurehead, Lila Sleater.
David Brennan: Ms. Sleater.
For a moment, the booker is almost taken aback - the cordial title is almost too polite for Brennan. It's spoken tersely, of course - there's no love lost between them - but for all the tension that had arisen between the two over the past few months, it's downright proper.
Lila Sleater: Do you mind telling me what all that was about two weeks ago?
She's no doubt referring to the three way stand off between the entirety of the former New Epoch - the champion, Drakz, and the enigmatic Michael Kyzer.
David Brennan: Was I in the wrong?
Lila Sleater: That's what's got me concerned - you weren't wrong at all. In fact, you were downright restrained.
David Brennan: So what's the issue then, huh?
Lila Sleater: For starters? Where the hell did Drakz come from?
David Brennan: Chicago, I think. Last I seen him, anyway.
Lila Sleater: I don't much care where he's living, Brennan, but the fact that you know concerns me all the more. His little visit two weeks ago was unsanctioned.
David Brennan: Get better security, then. Lotta that goin' around. Ain't a good look.
Lila Sleater: Don't start. The point is, I'm not going to play along just because the three of you decided to square off. I don't know what cards are in play here or how much genuinity there was to all that, but Drakz's contract has not been renewed. I'm sure the three of you are just itching to take one another out of the picture, but it isn't going to happen that way.
David Brennan: Fair enough.
Lila Sleater: Fair e...what are you, sick or something?
David Brennan: No. Kinda funny the way you think I need a match just to dole out business, though.
Lila Sleater: And here, I'd begun the think that title had changed you.
David Brennan: Don't get ahead of yourself. I mean, that's what you're sayin' right?
Lila Sleater: I'm saying that two weeks ago, I saw restrained animosity the likes of which I don't think I've ever seen from you 'til this point. I won't lie and say I'm not impressed, but I'm not about to try and make like I don't doubt your ability to keep that in check for the forseeable future.
David Brennan: S'alright. I mean, I don't need the money either. F*ck I care, you just wanna pass over the guaranteed buyrate?
Lila Sleater: I'm not stupid.
David Brennan: Nah? Prove it?
Lila Sleater: You're getting Kyzer. That much should be clear.
David Brennan: But...?
Lila Sleater: But....Drakz's contract has not been renewed.
Sleater eyes the champion as the words spill out of her mouth, looking for any sign of deterioration in his composition or composure. Brennan, however, doesn't flinch. He breathes in, his face unchanging, before tilting his head to one side just quick enough, as if to shrug off the matter as he makes to pass by Sleater. He smirks as he walks by, making sure that she catches that as he passes.
David Brennan: Fair enough.
Mother f*ckin' fire works brother brother brotheeeeeeeer!
Daniel Knight: Hello ladies and gentlemen and welcome to WFWF Uprising. Before we get into things I just want to question what the hell Lila Sleater is thinking? Drakz is no longer under contract with the company? The longest reigning and as yet undefeated World Heavyweight Champion hasn't been resigned?!
Alecia Matthews: I think there's more going on here than meets the eye Daniel and I'm sure we'll hear all about it in good time.
Daniel Knight: Sounds like total bull sh*t to me. Well here we go with our first match of the night: Frank Lynn vs Danny Young!
Alecia Matthews: Frank Lynn is hot off the heels of another revolution rally and a big win over the returning Lucas Crowe at Ashes to Ashes.
Daniel Knight: As for Danny Young, “the wrestler” has put together an impressive string of matches against top stars but keeps coming up on the short end of the stick. He needs a win tonight against Frank Lynn to truly establish himself as “the uncrowned champion”.
The lights go out entirely. 'The Unbreakable' by Have Heart begins to play, causing the fans look towards the entrance way where the lighting flickers from white, to blood red then back to complete darkness, save for a single spotlight shining down over the figure of "The Wrestler", Danny Young. He raises his head as the camera focuses on his face, his hair hanging over it before pushing it back to reveal eyes similar to that of a hungry animal closing in on wounded prey. He grins wickedly before beginning his walk to the ring as the lyrics of the song kick in.
Christa Adina: Introducing to the ring, hailing from Osaka Prefecture, Japan, he stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs in at 246 pounds, he is "The Wrestler... Danny Young!!!
As he gets closer to the ring, he ignores the hands of any fans reaching for his attention. He takes an incredible vertical leap to the ring apron, wiping his feet before climbing in and heading straight to a turnbuckle on the opposite side of the ring, turning to a crouched position as he bounces on his heels, his hair hanging over his face once again as he waits for Frank Lynn to make his entrance.
The arena goes black again. The first psychedelic guitar screams of "Anthem of the Space" blast out over the arena speakers as multi-colored spotlights zoom around the arena, converging on the entrance stage to bathe Frank Lynn in a bright white light. He stands with his arms spread and looks to the sky, soaking in the moment. His manager Daphne comes out to join Frank on stage and they make a slow purposeful walk to the ring, the spotlight following each of their steps as it cycles through the colors of the spectrum.
They get to the ring, walking completely around it as Danny Young and Frank exchange stares, sizing each other up. Frank lets Daphne walk up the steps first and she enters the ring. She holds the ropes for Frank who steps into the ring and stands in the center with his arms spread. The single white spotlight suddenly splits into many different colored spotlights which zoom out from them and dance around the crowd as the house lights come up. As he is announced, Daphne removes his coat, carefully folds it up, and exits the ring to take her position on the floor by Frank's corner.
Christa Adina: Ladies and Gentlemen, now entering the ring accompanied by his manager Daphne Velasquez… from Boston, Massachusetts… standing 6’ 2” and weighing 232 lbs... the “Lethal Weapon” Frank Lynnnnnn!
Frank approaches Danny and extends an arm, offering his hand in a pre-match handshake. Danny shrugs, grasps Frank’s hand and shakes it once before releasing his grip and assuming a fighting stance.
Christa Adina: A hand shake before a match. Unusual but not unwelcome.
Daniel Knight: Perhaps some of the revolution philosophy is rubbing off on the rest of the locker room. Or maybe Danny Young is just humoring Frank before he beats the crap out of him.
The ref checks each wrestler for foreign objects before signaling for the bell.
DING DING DING
Alecia Matthews: And we are under way. Frank wants a win to keep his momentum and keep the revolution in the forefront.
Daniel Knight: Danny Young just wants a win. Hell, he needs a win.
Danny Young approaches Frank, grabbing his arm and spinning him around for a short arm clothesline. Frank ducks under, gets behind Danny, and throws him over with a release German suplex into the turnbuckles. Danny’s head snaps back with a nasty whiplash effect leaving him stunned.
Danny stumbles out of the corner straight into a super kick from Frank Lynn. Danny’s head snaps back violently and he grabs his neck with both hands.
Frank swoops in, tucking Danny’s head between his legs. Then Frank hits a Canadian Destroyer! He quickly rolls on top of Danny for a cover.
Daniel Knight: Frank Lynn wasting no time! This could be over!
1…
2…
Danny Young kicks out at the very last instant!
Alecia Matthews: Holy crap! Danny just barely kicked out. That had to be pure instinct.
Frank wastes no time, picking up Danny and whipping him into the ropes. Danny bounces off and ducks under a clothesline from Frank, bouncing off the opposite ropes and coming back at Frank who drops low as Danny goes over him. Again Danny bounces off the ropes and comes back at Frank who this time leaps high. Danny catches Frank in mid air and hits a devastating spine buster.
Danny covers Frank who kicks out before the ref can even count to one.
Alecia Matthews: Its going to take more than a single spine buster to put Frank Lynn down.
Daniel Knight: The new leader of the revolution has come out on fire tonight. He is treating Danny young like a cheap rag doll ready for the trash.
The two men exchange forearms in the center of the ring, the crowd cheering each of Frank’s strikes and booing each of Danny’s. They increase the intensity of their blows, sending each other into the ropes to bounce back to the center of the ring and repeat the process.
After a minute or so of this, Danny is coming towards Frank who avoids Danny’s wild attempt another forearm blow to Frank’s head. Frank wraps his arms around Danny and hits an overhead belly to belly suplex. He picks Danny up and whips him into the ropes, greeting him with a spinning heel kick to the face on his way back.
Danny Young rolls around on the mat in pain while Frank leaps to the top turnbuckle. Frank points to the sky, then flies off and hits a five star frog splash, immediately going for a cover.
1…
2…
Kickout!
Daniel Knight: Another close call for Danny Young.
Alecia Matthews: He is showing that he does not give up easily but he has run into a buzzsaw tonight. I’m not liking his chances in this match.
Frank Lynn picks up Danny Young again, but he gets careless. Danny kicks him several times in the side of the knee causing Frank to stumble to the ropes and lean on them for support.
Danny runs the ropes and comes at Frank attempting a flying high knee strike. Frank drops down, grabbing the top rope and pulling it down so that Danny Young goes flying over the ropes and crashing into the security barrier.
Frank stands up and surveys the scene, then takes quick action. He jumps onto the top rope, then springboards off and spins in mid air to hit a corkscrew leg drop to Danny Young, who was leaning against the security barrier.
Desperation showing on his face, Danny grabs Frank and whips him towards the ring post. Frank grabs the ring post with both hands and twists his body so that he swings around the ring post and then back between the ring apron and the bottom rope to deliver a dropkick to Danny Young’s face.
Alecia Matthews: Awesome counter to the old wrestler versus ring post move.
Daniel Knight: Frank has had all the answers tonight. Danny better switch it up somehow and soon or this is over.
Frank throws Danny Young back into the ring and slides in after him. Danny manages to get up and kick the back of Frank’s head several times but his kicks are too weak to do any real damage.
Frank grabs Danny’s foot as he makes his way to feet, then drops Danny to the mat with a dragon screw leg whip. Frank keeps hold of the foot, pulling Danny to the center of the ring and transitioning into an ankle lock.
Danny Young fights the hold furiously, slowly clawing and dragging his way to the ropes. The referee forces the break.
Frank steps back so that Danny Young can get to his feet. He sticks out both hands palms up, then curls his fingers beckoning Danny to come at him.
Danny obliges, charging Frank like a bull. Frank is ready, dropping Danny to the mat with a thunderous STO and slapping on the DASOCHOKU!
Daniel Knight: Dasochoku! This is the move that put Trace Demon to sleep. Can Danny Young fight his way out of it?
Alecia Matthews: Only one man has escaped the Dasochoku and that was Lucas Crowe… but due to his size Frank couldn’t lock it in properly. Frank has it on tight and I don’t see Danny Young getting out of this.
Danny struggles to free himself from the Dasochoku but has no luck. Frank grapevines his legs around Danny’s body expelling the air from Young’s lungs and squeezes the choke tighter and tighter.
The ref moves in to check Danny’s arm, lifting it once and watching it limply drop to his chest. The ref goes in to check a second time but Danny is already tapping out.
Christa Adina: Ladies and gentlemen… the winner of the match… the lethal weapon Frank Lyyynnnnnnn!
Daphne jumps into the ring and raises Frank’s hand as they rotate 360 degrees so all the fans can get a good view. Chants of “This is wrestling!” sing out.
Danny Young rolls out of the ring and makes his way up the ramp rubbing his neck the entire time.
Alecia Matthews: A dominant win by Frank Lynn. He continues to show that he is on his way to being if not already is one of the elite wrestlers in the WFWF.
Daniel Knight: And it is back to the starting board for Danny Young who puts up another valiant effort but comes out on the losing end. So much promise that is going unfulfilled so far.
Backstage Trace Demon walks, followed a few steps behind by his protege Tyler Draven, an unknown face to the WFWF faithful. But the other thing accompanying him is much more recognisable as it scrapes along the floor, the black metal baseball bat glinting in the fluorescent lights of the hallway as Trace drags it, and Tyler, along with him. Slowly he comes to a halt, his expression not changing initially, then shifting to a smirk, a sh*t eating grin. Tyler Draven doesn't look anywhere near as smug. If anything he looks away, trying not to match eye contact with the woman who now blocks their path.
Trace Demon: Lila, pleasure as... well, never to be honest. If anything it'd be a delight to see less of you. Think you can make that happen?
Lila Sleater: As much as I'd love to see as little of you as possible Trace as long as you're out there disputing my shows then I'm afraid you're going to be seeing plenty more of me.
Trace Demon: Oh, it's your show now? That's some mighty dangerous talk if you ask me, who knows where that'll lead, eh?
She shakes her head, then looks past him, at his new travelling partner.
Lila Sleater: Tyler, good to see you again. Have you had time to think about what we discussed?
Tyler doesn't know what to say. Trace's head darts between the pair, confused and agitated. Doesn't like being left out of the loop. Then he chuckles.
Trace Demon: Nice try Lila, but ain't no point trying to cause trouble. Nobody here's listening.
She holds her hands up in faux submission. Then she gets serious.
Lila Sleater: Hand over the bat.
Trace Demon: What's that?
Lila Sleater: The bat. Hand it over. You're not going to the ring with that, not tonight. Tonight you have a match and I'm going to make damn sure that you actually wrestle it.
Trace seems almost impressed. He hands the bat over... to Tyler who, despite his confusion, takes it anyway.
Trace Demon: Tyler, here, take this horrible bat without which I will be utterly defenceless and unable to do any damage at all. Come on Lila, please, give me some credit, you think I can't beat Lucas Crowe fair and square?
Lila Sleater: I'm pretty damn confident about it, yeah. Personally I think you've lost it Trace, I think that's why you've got to resort to cheap shots and attacking people before the bell. I don't think you can get it done anymore.
Trace Demon: I see what you're doing Lila, trying to play to my ego, and guess what? It's working. Fine. Tonight I'll go out there and I'll wrestle fair and square. Hell, I'll do you one better. I'll wrestle in the memory of poor Joe Bishop's dead revolution. I'll be a perfect gentleman, a good old sport. And guess what? I'll still win. Fair and square. Only when I do you won't have anything to complain about so a win-win I guess.
Lila Sleater: I look forward to it.
She doesn't let her stoic demeanour slip for even a minute. Trace remains smug as she steps aside to let him and Tyler past, the young trainee making just a split-second of eye contact with the WFWF general manager as they pass her by and head off into the arena.
Alecia Matthews: Interesting words from Trace Demon there. Surely no one believes he's even remotely capable of keeping things above board?
Daniel Knight: He's one of the greatest wrestlers to ever lace up boots in this company, how can you sit there and say something like that?
Alecia Matthews: I'd love to call you out on your flagrant use of selective memory there Daniel but we're getting word of a disturbance in the locker room.
Daniel Knight: Because this is TV and we're so damn on the ball we already have a camera on the spot, so away we go!
Frank Lynn and his manager Daphne are in a staredown with several security guards.
Frank Lynn: Look guys, I don’t know know why you’re in my way but you need to move. I am going to the ring to deliver a message to Lila and the entire WFWF from the revolution!
Daphne: Frank’s being nice. Allow me to translate. Get the hell out of our way! The revolution is coming through.
A small crowd of staffers has gathered to see if the standoff explodes into typical WFWF anarchy. The security guards stand firm and silent blocking Frank and Daphne from getting more than a few steps from their locker room.
Frank’s patience is being tested but before he can reach a boiling point, the crowd parts and Lila Sleater strides defiantly towards Frank.
Lila Sleater: No Frank, you will not be going anywhere. I’m not going to risk a confrontation between you and Trace Demon, not after what he did to Joe last show. Security is under orders to keep you and your manager in your locker room unless you’re planning on leaving the building.
Frank Lynn: Wow, I’m impressed. We actually have security staff! Where were they when Trace Demon was breaking legs or Phillip Schneider setting mascots on fire?
Lila Sleater: That’s my problem, not yours. Instead of worrying about your career and your matches you’ve taken it upon yourself to lead this revolution to reform the WFWF. I’ve given you a lot of leeway but it stops now.
Frank Lynn: I agree, its not my job. Its yours! But you are not doing your job so somebody has to pick up the slack. Do I have to remind of you all the f*cked up sh*t that has gone on recently?
Frank doesn’t wait for an answer. He starts speaking, obviously deciding to deliver his planned in ring promo right there in the hallway.
Frank Lynn: Trace Demon attacked Joe Bishop and put him out of action, just like he did to Devilkiller and the Future. He is out of control and you do nothing to stop him! I don’t care about his iron clad god status contract, there has to be something you can do. At the very least, make him come to the ring first for his matches and have one of these fine security guards take that damn bat away from him.
Frank is talking to Lila but delivering his speech to all the security and staff standing around. He is also playing up to the camera as he knows from the echoes that this scene is being played on the tron for the live audience.
Frank Lynn: Ante Whitner and Phillip Schneider literally tried to kill each other at Ashes to Ashes. What they had wasn’t a wrestling match, it was murder porn! You could have stopped it but instead you sanctioned it! You let Phillip Schneider exercise every depraved sadistic tendency he has ever had and drag Ante Whitner down with him. Phillip Schneider should never have been brought back but if you had to sign him, you should have put some controls on the psycho bastard. Instead you let him run wild dragging the entire company down to his level.
Daphne: Thanks to Trace Demon and Phillip Schenider, you’re stuck with a show that has two matches. TWO MATCHES! Do you call that giving the fans their moneys worth?
Frank is on a roll. Some of the small crowd are nodding in agreement, others less enthused and somewhat shocked to see him lecturing Lila… or shocked to see Lila just stand there and take it.
Frank Lynn: Don’t get me started on the championships. David Brennan has them all and instead of picking contenders from the most successful currently active wresters to challenge Brennan, all signs point to you letting two men who haven’t wrestled a match in months if not years getting to be the next in line. I get that Drakz and Kyzer have name appeal but please don’t tell me you’re going to give out title shots based on nostalgia. Make them earn it!
Frank gets right in Lila’s face, sticking a finger inches from her nose.
Frank Lynn: The bottom line Lila is you suck at your job.
Lila Sleater: Don’t push me mister! I let you rant about the ills of the WFWF. I let you spread your propaganda flyers. I let you hold your rallies. But you just keep pushing. Now I have to deal with a vocal minority of our audience badgering me day and night on social media because they can’t be bothered to monitor what their children watch. I have reporters crawling up my ass everywhere I go asking me how can I sleep at night after sanctioning a flaming barbwire match. As if I didn’t have enough headaches trying to run the damn show.
Frank Lynn: That’s just the start. You know what’s next if you don’t take action.
Lila Sleater: Oh joy! There’s more! What other tortures do you have planned for me?
Frank Lynn: You know what comes after reporters. Lawyers ready to file enough lawsuits to keep the WFWF in court for years. And after the lawyers comes the government. There are standards for entertainment and sport that must be met. Are you ready to deal with Uncle Sam?
Lila Sleater: Goddamnit Frank, your revolution is going to destroy this company. You’re going too far. It has to stop.
Frank Lynn: There’s only one thing that will make me stop.
Lila Sleater: Let me guess. Make changes.
Frank Lynn: Yep.
Lila Sleater: Its not that easy. You think I haven’t tried? The WFWF isn’t going to change. The wrestlers don’t want it to change. Most fans don’t object to and actually enjoy our brand, whether you want to believe it or not. You have to accept things as they are and make the best out of a bad situation.
Frank Lynn: Lame excuses that prove you can’t do your job.
Lila Sleater: Screw you. Do you think you can do better?
Frank Lynn: As a matter of fact, I do. You gave me the idea a few weeks ago. If you won’t do what has to be done, then give me the authority and I’ll take care of business for you.
Lila Sleater: Oh I think you’ll find it isn’t as easy as that. But if it will shut you up and end this revolution of yours, then I have an idea. I’ll let you be GM for day. You get to book the show and you can deal with the wrestlers however you see fit. You’ll have my full authority backing you.
Frank Lynn: Now we’re talking.
Lila Sleater: But I’m not just going to hand you the keys. First, you have to earn the job by winning a match. Win and you get to be GM for day. Lose and you drop this revolution bullsh*t once and for all. Call off your dogs and stick to wrestling.
Frank Lynn: I knew there would be a “but". Nothing is ever easy here. Tell me who I have to fight. Then I’ll show you how this place should be run.
Lila Sleater: Not so fast. I’ll have to ask around. I’m sure I can find somebody who would like to squash the revolution but I want to be sure they can give you one hell of a fight. Next show I’ll announce your opponent and we’ll schedule the match. Until then, stick to wrestling and leave the running of this place to me.
Frank Lynn: You have a deal. I don’t care who you find I am going to beat them. You’ll see, the revolution will win and show you a better way.
Frank and Daphne go back into their locker room with smiles on their faces. A much less happy Lila Sleater dismisses the security guards and storms away, presumably going over her options for who she wants to put the final nail in the coffin of the revolution.
Alecia Matthews: That’s huge news! Frank Lynn will get his chance to take the revolution over the top.
Daniel Knight: All he has to do is beat an as yet unnamed opponent. I can’t wait to see who Lila chooses.
The opening riff of Welcome To My Nightmare rings through the arena leaving those in the audience with a foreboding feeling as to what is coming next. Finally the rest of the band kicks in and out from behind the curtain saunters the nearly seven foot frame of the “Motor City Nightmare” Lucas Crowe.
Christa Adina: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is your main event of the evening. Introducing first, from Detroit, Michigan, weighing 310lbs, he is “The Motor City Nightmare”, Lucas Croooooowe.
Crowe takes his time walking briskly down the entrance ramp, taking pause to survey some members of the crowd. Crowe gets to the ring, grabs the top rope and pulls himself up to the apron before stepping over the top rope. Crowe swings his duster jacket off and tosses it over the top rope to the floor. He shadow boxes with the turnbuckle for a moment before turning his attention to the ramp waiting for Trace to arrive.
As the opening chords of “Seizure of Power” hits the speakers the lights across the arena shut off one by one. They are replaced by six crimson spotlights, each one turning on a different part of the arena in sequence. One by one each of the spotlights move to the tip of the stage, combining and showing the first glimpse of Trace Demon, down on one knee with his back to the crowd and a hoodie over his head. As the song builds to a fever pitch he suddenly rises, spins around and in one simultaneous motion pulls his hood down and throws his other hand up like a gun, mouthing “Boom” as pyrotechnics go off all around him. As the pyrotechnics come to a stop the lights in the arena turn on, showing a full look at Trace Demon.
Christa Adina: And his opponent, from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, weighing 230lbs, Traaaaace Demon!
Trace stands on the ramp and takes a look around at the crowd, completely unfazed by the reaction he is getting. He seems to be in his own little world as he makes his way down the ramp, completely ignoring the fans on either side of him as they attempt to touch the King of Demons, instead focused solely on the ring and the whatever goal he has in mind for tonight.
Alecia Matthews: Well I can already see one positive going into this match Daniel. Trace has left that baseball bat in the back.
As he reaches the bottom of the ramp he removes his hoody and throws it to the ground before settling himself just outside the ring. In a single flawless motion he leaps up onto the apron, sarcastically wipes his feet off and then enters the ring between the top and middle rope.
Alecia Matthews: What was that about?
Trace walks to centre ring and with one hand behind his back holds the other out in front of him looking to shake hands before the bell rings. Crowe looks around, incredulous to this show of sportsmanship.
Alecia Matthews: Surely not? What’s his game?
Daniel Knight: What makes you think this is a game? Trace is looking to prove Lila Sleater dead wrong. He’s an upstanding member of this roster.
Alecia Matthews: And we’re just going to forget about the recent sidelining of The Future, Devilkiller and Joe Bishop?
Daniel Knight: Who?
Crowe walks toward Trace Demon, towering over him. He stands right in front of him, not taking the hand. Trace pulls it back and then thrusts it forward again emphatically.
Alecia Matthews: This has to be a joke right?
Crowe finally accepts the hand and they shake, and to everyone’s collective surprise Trace doesn’t try anything funny. He tries to turn away but it is in fact Crowe who hangs on. He grins and pulls Trace’s arm like a rip chord right into the Recurring Nightmare (Rainmaker)! Trace is turned inside out and Crowe makes the cover.
… 1 …
… 2 …
…kick out!
Alecia Matthews: Oh my goodness! Lucas Crowe just took advantage right there. That was nearly the biggest upset in recent memory. No one’s ever put away Trace Demon like that.
Daniel Knight: He threw his best shot but it wasn’t good enough though Alecia. Trace is fine.
Fine might be overstating it but Trace Demon has rolled out of the ring to regain his bearings. He walks the shot off and then goes to enter the ring but Crowe steps toward him and he changes his mind. Trace asks the referee to keep Crowe back and the ref obliges. Trace slides under the bottom rope and is back to his feet. He vocally thanks both men.
Alecia Matthews: Did Trace Demon just say thank you?
Crowe goes to lock up with Trace but Trace ducks behind him and hits the ropes before hitting a chop block to the back of Crowe’s knee. Crowe wobbles but doesn’t go down. Trace hits the ropes again but this time Crowe snatches him and tosses him across the ring with a huge biel. Trace splashes down and his back arches but he climbs back to his feet, cracks his back and then applauds Lucas’ show of strength.
Alecia Matthews: Doesn’t he realise sarcasm is only going to antagonise the monster?
Daniel Knight: Sarcasm? Where?
Crowe rushes in for a corner splash but Trace is out of the way. Crowe hits the turnbuckle and Trace catches him with a jumping neck breaker. Now it’s Crowe who rolls outside to take a powder. Trace Demon backs right off allowing the big man to get back into the ring with no issues but as Crowe gets on to the apron he moves to the ropes. Instead of attacking though he holds the top and middle rope open for Crowe, welcoming him in. Crowe doesn’t look impressed and instead opts to step over the top rope. Crowe walks to the centre of the ring and tells Trace to stop f*ckin’ around. Trace holds his hands up and walks to meet Crowe. The two lock up and of course Crowe dominates, forcing Trace back against the ropes before turning and pushing him off in the other direction. Trace runs the ropes and comes flying back into a big boot. Crowe covers Trace.
… 1 …
…kick out!
Daniel Knight: Now who’s messing around? That was never going to finish of The King of Demons.
Crowe brings Trace to his feet and hits a belly to back suplex that drives the wind out of Trace Demon. He brings Trace up again and lands a number of stiff forearms that send spit flying but Trace fires up and comes back with a few of his own. Trace lands 3 in quick succession but Crowe throws one more that drops Trace. Crowe then drags Trace back to his feet by his arm, holds on and steps around Trace looking for another Recurring Nightmare but as he spins Trace Demon he is hit with a jumping busaiku knee lift that staggers him clutching his nose. Trace jumps up and hits a code breaker and hooks Crowe’s leg.
… 1 …
… 2 …
…kick out!
Crowe sits up still pawing at his nose and Trace goes for an arm bar. Crowe rolls around and very quickly manages to get a foot on the bottom rope. The ref starts the count.
… 1 …
Trace releases the hold on one and stands up offering a hand shake now to the referee. He’s denied and instead runs the ropes before hitting another knee strike, this time to the temple of his stirring opponent. He then pulls Crowe up to his feet and gets the double underhooks.
Alecia Matthews: Not a chance.
Trace attempts the Hellfire Overdose (sitout double underhook powerbomb) but Crowe is just too big. He manages to get as far as lifting one of Crowe’s feet off the floor before Crowe stands up and tosses him overhead. Crowe is still reeling from the knee strikes and takes a moment to collect himself before moving over to Trace. He pulls him up but Trace throws some body shots at Crowe. Crowe seems to barely feel them though and whips Trace Demon so hard into the corner that Trace falls to his knees on impact. Crowe rushes in for an avalanche into the corner and covers Trace again.
… 1 …
… 2 ..kick out!
Crowe maintains his methodical pace and lifts Trace by the throat before holding him aloft with both hands. He sits out into a pin.
… 1 …
… 2 …
…kick out!
Alecia Matthews: These pin fall attempts are coming thick and fast from Lucas Crowe.
Daniel Knight: You’ve got to take every chance you’ve got when you’re in there with Trace Demon.
Alecia Matthews: Will you please uncouple yourself from his ass?
Lucas is getting annoyed now and he stomps on Trace’s prone body a few times before trying to lift him up again. Trace slumps to the mat and Crowe releases looking down at his opponent. He grabs Trace again and tries to pull him up but once more Trace can’t support his own weight. He keeps hold of a limp Trace, shaking his head, but then….
Daniel Knight: Out of nowhere!
A small package!
… 1 …
… 2 …
… 3!
Crowe kicks out just after 3 and is mortified when he hears the bell ring.
Christa Adina: Here is your winner, Trace Demon!
Alecia Matthews: What?!
Daniel Knight: That’s fair and square Alecia. There’s nothing in the rule book about playing possum. If Crowe takes his eye off the ball then it’s only right that Trace takes advantage of that.
Alecia Matthews: Whilst it leaves a bad taste in my mouth Daniel I kind of have to agree with you.
Lucas Crowe is furious and Trace knows it. He slips out of the ring whilst Crowe is still having it out with the referee. Trace is smiling ear to ear, knowing that while he may have p*ssed off the big man, he just proved a point to Lila Sleater. Brains can beat brawn without cheating. Trace backs up the ramp keeping an eye on Crowe to make sure he doesn’t come after him but as he approaches the stage Frank Lynn walks out behind him. Trace turns around and the two come face to face. Lynn is stoic, one eye brow raised at Trace’s idea of a victory, but Trace simply chuckles and pushes past him and through the curtain as we fade to black.
??: Brennan!
He rolls his eyes as he picks up on the tone of the voice almost instantly. Waiting for him just outside the back door is the WFWF's Chief public figurehead, Lila Sleater.
David Brennan: Ms. Sleater.
For a moment, the booker is almost taken aback - the cordial title is almost too polite for Brennan. It's spoken tersely, of course - there's no love lost between them - but for all the tension that had arisen between the two over the past few months, it's downright proper.
Lila Sleater: Do you mind telling me what all that was about two weeks ago?
She's no doubt referring to the three way stand off between the entirety of the former New Epoch - the champion, Drakz, and the enigmatic Michael Kyzer.
David Brennan: Was I in the wrong?
Lila Sleater: That's what's got me concerned - you weren't wrong at all. In fact, you were downright restrained.
David Brennan: So what's the issue then, huh?
Lila Sleater: For starters? Where the hell did Drakz come from?
David Brennan: Chicago, I think. Last I seen him, anyway.
Lila Sleater: I don't much care where he's living, Brennan, but the fact that you know concerns me all the more. His little visit two weeks ago was unsanctioned.
David Brennan: Get better security, then. Lotta that goin' around. Ain't a good look.
Lila Sleater: Don't start. The point is, I'm not going to play along just because the three of you decided to square off. I don't know what cards are in play here or how much genuinity there was to all that, but Drakz's contract has not been renewed. I'm sure the three of you are just itching to take one another out of the picture, but it isn't going to happen that way.
David Brennan: Fair enough.
Lila Sleater: Fair e...what are you, sick or something?
David Brennan: No. Kinda funny the way you think I need a match just to dole out business, though.
Lila Sleater: And here, I'd begun the think that title had changed you.
David Brennan: Don't get ahead of yourself. I mean, that's what you're sayin' right?
Lila Sleater: I'm saying that two weeks ago, I saw restrained animosity the likes of which I don't think I've ever seen from you 'til this point. I won't lie and say I'm not impressed, but I'm not about to try and make like I don't doubt your ability to keep that in check for the forseeable future.
David Brennan: S'alright. I mean, I don't need the money either. F*ck I care, you just wanna pass over the guaranteed buyrate?
Lila Sleater: I'm not stupid.
David Brennan: Nah? Prove it?
Lila Sleater: You're getting Kyzer. That much should be clear.
David Brennan: But...?
Lila Sleater: But....Drakz's contract has not been renewed.
Sleater eyes the champion as the words spill out of her mouth, looking for any sign of deterioration in his composition or composure. Brennan, however, doesn't flinch. He breathes in, his face unchanging, before tilting his head to one side just quick enough, as if to shrug off the matter as he makes to pass by Sleater. He smirks as he walks by, making sure that she catches that as he passes.
David Brennan: Fair enough.
Mother f*ckin' fire works brother brother brotheeeeeeeer!
Daniel Knight: Hello ladies and gentlemen and welcome to WFWF Uprising. Before we get into things I just want to question what the hell Lila Sleater is thinking? Drakz is no longer under contract with the company? The longest reigning and as yet undefeated World Heavyweight Champion hasn't been resigned?!
Alecia Matthews: I think there's more going on here than meets the eye Daniel and I'm sure we'll hear all about it in good time.
Daniel Knight: Sounds like total bull sh*t to me. Well here we go with our first match of the night: Frank Lynn vs Danny Young!
Alecia Matthews: Frank Lynn is hot off the heels of another revolution rally and a big win over the returning Lucas Crowe at Ashes to Ashes.
Daniel Knight: As for Danny Young, “the wrestler” has put together an impressive string of matches against top stars but keeps coming up on the short end of the stick. He needs a win tonight against Frank Lynn to truly establish himself as “the uncrowned champion”.
The lights go out entirely. 'The Unbreakable' by Have Heart begins to play, causing the fans look towards the entrance way where the lighting flickers from white, to blood red then back to complete darkness, save for a single spotlight shining down over the figure of "The Wrestler", Danny Young. He raises his head as the camera focuses on his face, his hair hanging over it before pushing it back to reveal eyes similar to that of a hungry animal closing in on wounded prey. He grins wickedly before beginning his walk to the ring as the lyrics of the song kick in.
Christa Adina: Introducing to the ring, hailing from Osaka Prefecture, Japan, he stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs in at 246 pounds, he is "The Wrestler... Danny Young!!!
As he gets closer to the ring, he ignores the hands of any fans reaching for his attention. He takes an incredible vertical leap to the ring apron, wiping his feet before climbing in and heading straight to a turnbuckle on the opposite side of the ring, turning to a crouched position as he bounces on his heels, his hair hanging over his face once again as he waits for Frank Lynn to make his entrance.
The arena goes black again. The first psychedelic guitar screams of "Anthem of the Space" blast out over the arena speakers as multi-colored spotlights zoom around the arena, converging on the entrance stage to bathe Frank Lynn in a bright white light. He stands with his arms spread and looks to the sky, soaking in the moment. His manager Daphne comes out to join Frank on stage and they make a slow purposeful walk to the ring, the spotlight following each of their steps as it cycles through the colors of the spectrum.
They get to the ring, walking completely around it as Danny Young and Frank exchange stares, sizing each other up. Frank lets Daphne walk up the steps first and she enters the ring. She holds the ropes for Frank who steps into the ring and stands in the center with his arms spread. The single white spotlight suddenly splits into many different colored spotlights which zoom out from them and dance around the crowd as the house lights come up. As he is announced, Daphne removes his coat, carefully folds it up, and exits the ring to take her position on the floor by Frank's corner.
Christa Adina: Ladies and Gentlemen, now entering the ring accompanied by his manager Daphne Velasquez… from Boston, Massachusetts… standing 6’ 2” and weighing 232 lbs... the “Lethal Weapon” Frank Lynnnnnn!
Frank approaches Danny and extends an arm, offering his hand in a pre-match handshake. Danny shrugs, grasps Frank’s hand and shakes it once before releasing his grip and assuming a fighting stance.
Christa Adina: A hand shake before a match. Unusual but not unwelcome.
Daniel Knight: Perhaps some of the revolution philosophy is rubbing off on the rest of the locker room. Or maybe Danny Young is just humoring Frank before he beats the crap out of him.
The ref checks each wrestler for foreign objects before signaling for the bell.
DING DING DING
Alecia Matthews: And we are under way. Frank wants a win to keep his momentum and keep the revolution in the forefront.
Daniel Knight: Danny Young just wants a win. Hell, he needs a win.
Danny Young approaches Frank, grabbing his arm and spinning him around for a short arm clothesline. Frank ducks under, gets behind Danny, and throws him over with a release German suplex into the turnbuckles. Danny’s head snaps back with a nasty whiplash effect leaving him stunned.
Danny stumbles out of the corner straight into a super kick from Frank Lynn. Danny’s head snaps back violently and he grabs his neck with both hands.
Frank swoops in, tucking Danny’s head between his legs. Then Frank hits a Canadian Destroyer! He quickly rolls on top of Danny for a cover.
Daniel Knight: Frank Lynn wasting no time! This could be over!
1…
2…
Danny Young kicks out at the very last instant!
Alecia Matthews: Holy crap! Danny just barely kicked out. That had to be pure instinct.
Frank wastes no time, picking up Danny and whipping him into the ropes. Danny bounces off and ducks under a clothesline from Frank, bouncing off the opposite ropes and coming back at Frank who drops low as Danny goes over him. Again Danny bounces off the ropes and comes back at Frank who this time leaps high. Danny catches Frank in mid air and hits a devastating spine buster.
Danny covers Frank who kicks out before the ref can even count to one.
Alecia Matthews: Its going to take more than a single spine buster to put Frank Lynn down.
Daniel Knight: The new leader of the revolution has come out on fire tonight. He is treating Danny young like a cheap rag doll ready for the trash.
The two men exchange forearms in the center of the ring, the crowd cheering each of Frank’s strikes and booing each of Danny’s. They increase the intensity of their blows, sending each other into the ropes to bounce back to the center of the ring and repeat the process.
After a minute or so of this, Danny is coming towards Frank who avoids Danny’s wild attempt another forearm blow to Frank’s head. Frank wraps his arms around Danny and hits an overhead belly to belly suplex. He picks Danny up and whips him into the ropes, greeting him with a spinning heel kick to the face on his way back.
Danny Young rolls around on the mat in pain while Frank leaps to the top turnbuckle. Frank points to the sky, then flies off and hits a five star frog splash, immediately going for a cover.
1…
2…
Kickout!
Daniel Knight: Another close call for Danny Young.
Alecia Matthews: He is showing that he does not give up easily but he has run into a buzzsaw tonight. I’m not liking his chances in this match.
Frank Lynn picks up Danny Young again, but he gets careless. Danny kicks him several times in the side of the knee causing Frank to stumble to the ropes and lean on them for support.
Danny runs the ropes and comes at Frank attempting a flying high knee strike. Frank drops down, grabbing the top rope and pulling it down so that Danny Young goes flying over the ropes and crashing into the security barrier.
Frank stands up and surveys the scene, then takes quick action. He jumps onto the top rope, then springboards off and spins in mid air to hit a corkscrew leg drop to Danny Young, who was leaning against the security barrier.
Desperation showing on his face, Danny grabs Frank and whips him towards the ring post. Frank grabs the ring post with both hands and twists his body so that he swings around the ring post and then back between the ring apron and the bottom rope to deliver a dropkick to Danny Young’s face.
Alecia Matthews: Awesome counter to the old wrestler versus ring post move.
Daniel Knight: Frank has had all the answers tonight. Danny better switch it up somehow and soon or this is over.
Frank throws Danny Young back into the ring and slides in after him. Danny manages to get up and kick the back of Frank’s head several times but his kicks are too weak to do any real damage.
Frank grabs Danny’s foot as he makes his way to feet, then drops Danny to the mat with a dragon screw leg whip. Frank keeps hold of the foot, pulling Danny to the center of the ring and transitioning into an ankle lock.
Danny Young fights the hold furiously, slowly clawing and dragging his way to the ropes. The referee forces the break.
Frank steps back so that Danny Young can get to his feet. He sticks out both hands palms up, then curls his fingers beckoning Danny to come at him.
Danny obliges, charging Frank like a bull. Frank is ready, dropping Danny to the mat with a thunderous STO and slapping on the DASOCHOKU!
Daniel Knight: Dasochoku! This is the move that put Trace Demon to sleep. Can Danny Young fight his way out of it?
Alecia Matthews: Only one man has escaped the Dasochoku and that was Lucas Crowe… but due to his size Frank couldn’t lock it in properly. Frank has it on tight and I don’t see Danny Young getting out of this.
Danny struggles to free himself from the Dasochoku but has no luck. Frank grapevines his legs around Danny’s body expelling the air from Young’s lungs and squeezes the choke tighter and tighter.
The ref moves in to check Danny’s arm, lifting it once and watching it limply drop to his chest. The ref goes in to check a second time but Danny is already tapping out.
Christa Adina: Ladies and gentlemen… the winner of the match… the lethal weapon Frank Lyyynnnnnnn!
Daphne jumps into the ring and raises Frank’s hand as they rotate 360 degrees so all the fans can get a good view. Chants of “This is wrestling!” sing out.
Danny Young rolls out of the ring and makes his way up the ramp rubbing his neck the entire time.
Alecia Matthews: A dominant win by Frank Lynn. He continues to show that he is on his way to being if not already is one of the elite wrestlers in the WFWF.
Daniel Knight: And it is back to the starting board for Danny Young who puts up another valiant effort but comes out on the losing end. So much promise that is going unfulfilled so far.
Backstage Trace Demon walks, followed a few steps behind by his protege Tyler Draven, an unknown face to the WFWF faithful. But the other thing accompanying him is much more recognisable as it scrapes along the floor, the black metal baseball bat glinting in the fluorescent lights of the hallway as Trace drags it, and Tyler, along with him. Slowly he comes to a halt, his expression not changing initially, then shifting to a smirk, a sh*t eating grin. Tyler Draven doesn't look anywhere near as smug. If anything he looks away, trying not to match eye contact with the woman who now blocks their path.
Trace Demon: Lila, pleasure as... well, never to be honest. If anything it'd be a delight to see less of you. Think you can make that happen?
Lila Sleater: As much as I'd love to see as little of you as possible Trace as long as you're out there disputing my shows then I'm afraid you're going to be seeing plenty more of me.
Trace Demon: Oh, it's your show now? That's some mighty dangerous talk if you ask me, who knows where that'll lead, eh?
She shakes her head, then looks past him, at his new travelling partner.
Lila Sleater: Tyler, good to see you again. Have you had time to think about what we discussed?
Tyler doesn't know what to say. Trace's head darts between the pair, confused and agitated. Doesn't like being left out of the loop. Then he chuckles.
Trace Demon: Nice try Lila, but ain't no point trying to cause trouble. Nobody here's listening.
She holds her hands up in faux submission. Then she gets serious.
Lila Sleater: Hand over the bat.
Trace Demon: What's that?
Lila Sleater: The bat. Hand it over. You're not going to the ring with that, not tonight. Tonight you have a match and I'm going to make damn sure that you actually wrestle it.
Trace seems almost impressed. He hands the bat over... to Tyler who, despite his confusion, takes it anyway.
Trace Demon: Tyler, here, take this horrible bat without which I will be utterly defenceless and unable to do any damage at all. Come on Lila, please, give me some credit, you think I can't beat Lucas Crowe fair and square?
Lila Sleater: I'm pretty damn confident about it, yeah. Personally I think you've lost it Trace, I think that's why you've got to resort to cheap shots and attacking people before the bell. I don't think you can get it done anymore.
Trace Demon: I see what you're doing Lila, trying to play to my ego, and guess what? It's working. Fine. Tonight I'll go out there and I'll wrestle fair and square. Hell, I'll do you one better. I'll wrestle in the memory of poor Joe Bishop's dead revolution. I'll be a perfect gentleman, a good old sport. And guess what? I'll still win. Fair and square. Only when I do you won't have anything to complain about so a win-win I guess.
Lila Sleater: I look forward to it.
She doesn't let her stoic demeanour slip for even a minute. Trace remains smug as she steps aside to let him and Tyler past, the young trainee making just a split-second of eye contact with the WFWF general manager as they pass her by and head off into the arena.
Alecia Matthews: Interesting words from Trace Demon there. Surely no one believes he's even remotely capable of keeping things above board?
Daniel Knight: He's one of the greatest wrestlers to ever lace up boots in this company, how can you sit there and say something like that?
Alecia Matthews: I'd love to call you out on your flagrant use of selective memory there Daniel but we're getting word of a disturbance in the locker room.
Daniel Knight: Because this is TV and we're so damn on the ball we already have a camera on the spot, so away we go!
Frank Lynn and his manager Daphne are in a staredown with several security guards.
Frank Lynn: Look guys, I don’t know know why you’re in my way but you need to move. I am going to the ring to deliver a message to Lila and the entire WFWF from the revolution!
Daphne: Frank’s being nice. Allow me to translate. Get the hell out of our way! The revolution is coming through.
A small crowd of staffers has gathered to see if the standoff explodes into typical WFWF anarchy. The security guards stand firm and silent blocking Frank and Daphne from getting more than a few steps from their locker room.
Frank’s patience is being tested but before he can reach a boiling point, the crowd parts and Lila Sleater strides defiantly towards Frank.
Lila Sleater: No Frank, you will not be going anywhere. I’m not going to risk a confrontation between you and Trace Demon, not after what he did to Joe last show. Security is under orders to keep you and your manager in your locker room unless you’re planning on leaving the building.
Frank Lynn: Wow, I’m impressed. We actually have security staff! Where were they when Trace Demon was breaking legs or Phillip Schneider setting mascots on fire?
Lila Sleater: That’s my problem, not yours. Instead of worrying about your career and your matches you’ve taken it upon yourself to lead this revolution to reform the WFWF. I’ve given you a lot of leeway but it stops now.
Frank Lynn: I agree, its not my job. Its yours! But you are not doing your job so somebody has to pick up the slack. Do I have to remind of you all the f*cked up sh*t that has gone on recently?
Frank doesn’t wait for an answer. He starts speaking, obviously deciding to deliver his planned in ring promo right there in the hallway.
Frank Lynn: Trace Demon attacked Joe Bishop and put him out of action, just like he did to Devilkiller and the Future. He is out of control and you do nothing to stop him! I don’t care about his iron clad god status contract, there has to be something you can do. At the very least, make him come to the ring first for his matches and have one of these fine security guards take that damn bat away from him.
Frank is talking to Lila but delivering his speech to all the security and staff standing around. He is also playing up to the camera as he knows from the echoes that this scene is being played on the tron for the live audience.
Frank Lynn: Ante Whitner and Phillip Schneider literally tried to kill each other at Ashes to Ashes. What they had wasn’t a wrestling match, it was murder porn! You could have stopped it but instead you sanctioned it! You let Phillip Schneider exercise every depraved sadistic tendency he has ever had and drag Ante Whitner down with him. Phillip Schneider should never have been brought back but if you had to sign him, you should have put some controls on the psycho bastard. Instead you let him run wild dragging the entire company down to his level.
Daphne: Thanks to Trace Demon and Phillip Schenider, you’re stuck with a show that has two matches. TWO MATCHES! Do you call that giving the fans their moneys worth?
Frank is on a roll. Some of the small crowd are nodding in agreement, others less enthused and somewhat shocked to see him lecturing Lila… or shocked to see Lila just stand there and take it.
Frank Lynn: Don’t get me started on the championships. David Brennan has them all and instead of picking contenders from the most successful currently active wresters to challenge Brennan, all signs point to you letting two men who haven’t wrestled a match in months if not years getting to be the next in line. I get that Drakz and Kyzer have name appeal but please don’t tell me you’re going to give out title shots based on nostalgia. Make them earn it!
Frank gets right in Lila’s face, sticking a finger inches from her nose.
Frank Lynn: The bottom line Lila is you suck at your job.
Lila Sleater: Don’t push me mister! I let you rant about the ills of the WFWF. I let you spread your propaganda flyers. I let you hold your rallies. But you just keep pushing. Now I have to deal with a vocal minority of our audience badgering me day and night on social media because they can’t be bothered to monitor what their children watch. I have reporters crawling up my ass everywhere I go asking me how can I sleep at night after sanctioning a flaming barbwire match. As if I didn’t have enough headaches trying to run the damn show.
Frank Lynn: That’s just the start. You know what’s next if you don’t take action.
Lila Sleater: Oh joy! There’s more! What other tortures do you have planned for me?
Frank Lynn: You know what comes after reporters. Lawyers ready to file enough lawsuits to keep the WFWF in court for years. And after the lawyers comes the government. There are standards for entertainment and sport that must be met. Are you ready to deal with Uncle Sam?
Lila Sleater: Goddamnit Frank, your revolution is going to destroy this company. You’re going too far. It has to stop.
Frank Lynn: There’s only one thing that will make me stop.
Lila Sleater: Let me guess. Make changes.
Frank Lynn: Yep.
Lila Sleater: Its not that easy. You think I haven’t tried? The WFWF isn’t going to change. The wrestlers don’t want it to change. Most fans don’t object to and actually enjoy our brand, whether you want to believe it or not. You have to accept things as they are and make the best out of a bad situation.
Frank Lynn: Lame excuses that prove you can’t do your job.
Lila Sleater: Screw you. Do you think you can do better?
Frank Lynn: As a matter of fact, I do. You gave me the idea a few weeks ago. If you won’t do what has to be done, then give me the authority and I’ll take care of business for you.
Lila Sleater: Oh I think you’ll find it isn’t as easy as that. But if it will shut you up and end this revolution of yours, then I have an idea. I’ll let you be GM for day. You get to book the show and you can deal with the wrestlers however you see fit. You’ll have my full authority backing you.
Frank Lynn: Now we’re talking.
Lila Sleater: But I’m not just going to hand you the keys. First, you have to earn the job by winning a match. Win and you get to be GM for day. Lose and you drop this revolution bullsh*t once and for all. Call off your dogs and stick to wrestling.
Frank Lynn: I knew there would be a “but". Nothing is ever easy here. Tell me who I have to fight. Then I’ll show you how this place should be run.
Lila Sleater: Not so fast. I’ll have to ask around. I’m sure I can find somebody who would like to squash the revolution but I want to be sure they can give you one hell of a fight. Next show I’ll announce your opponent and we’ll schedule the match. Until then, stick to wrestling and leave the running of this place to me.
Frank Lynn: You have a deal. I don’t care who you find I am going to beat them. You’ll see, the revolution will win and show you a better way.
Frank and Daphne go back into their locker room with smiles on their faces. A much less happy Lila Sleater dismisses the security guards and storms away, presumably going over her options for who she wants to put the final nail in the coffin of the revolution.
Alecia Matthews: That’s huge news! Frank Lynn will get his chance to take the revolution over the top.
Daniel Knight: All he has to do is beat an as yet unnamed opponent. I can’t wait to see who Lila chooses.
The opening riff of Welcome To My Nightmare rings through the arena leaving those in the audience with a foreboding feeling as to what is coming next. Finally the rest of the band kicks in and out from behind the curtain saunters the nearly seven foot frame of the “Motor City Nightmare” Lucas Crowe.
Christa Adina: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is your main event of the evening. Introducing first, from Detroit, Michigan, weighing 310lbs, he is “The Motor City Nightmare”, Lucas Croooooowe.
Crowe takes his time walking briskly down the entrance ramp, taking pause to survey some members of the crowd. Crowe gets to the ring, grabs the top rope and pulls himself up to the apron before stepping over the top rope. Crowe swings his duster jacket off and tosses it over the top rope to the floor. He shadow boxes with the turnbuckle for a moment before turning his attention to the ramp waiting for Trace to arrive.
As the opening chords of “Seizure of Power” hits the speakers the lights across the arena shut off one by one. They are replaced by six crimson spotlights, each one turning on a different part of the arena in sequence. One by one each of the spotlights move to the tip of the stage, combining and showing the first glimpse of Trace Demon, down on one knee with his back to the crowd and a hoodie over his head. As the song builds to a fever pitch he suddenly rises, spins around and in one simultaneous motion pulls his hood down and throws his other hand up like a gun, mouthing “Boom” as pyrotechnics go off all around him. As the pyrotechnics come to a stop the lights in the arena turn on, showing a full look at Trace Demon.
Christa Adina: And his opponent, from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, weighing 230lbs, Traaaaace Demon!
Trace stands on the ramp and takes a look around at the crowd, completely unfazed by the reaction he is getting. He seems to be in his own little world as he makes his way down the ramp, completely ignoring the fans on either side of him as they attempt to touch the King of Demons, instead focused solely on the ring and the whatever goal he has in mind for tonight.
Alecia Matthews: Well I can already see one positive going into this match Daniel. Trace has left that baseball bat in the back.
As he reaches the bottom of the ramp he removes his hoody and throws it to the ground before settling himself just outside the ring. In a single flawless motion he leaps up onto the apron, sarcastically wipes his feet off and then enters the ring between the top and middle rope.
Alecia Matthews: What was that about?
Trace walks to centre ring and with one hand behind his back holds the other out in front of him looking to shake hands before the bell rings. Crowe looks around, incredulous to this show of sportsmanship.
Alecia Matthews: Surely not? What’s his game?
Daniel Knight: What makes you think this is a game? Trace is looking to prove Lila Sleater dead wrong. He’s an upstanding member of this roster.
Alecia Matthews: And we’re just going to forget about the recent sidelining of The Future, Devilkiller and Joe Bishop?
Daniel Knight: Who?
Crowe walks toward Trace Demon, towering over him. He stands right in front of him, not taking the hand. Trace pulls it back and then thrusts it forward again emphatically.
Alecia Matthews: This has to be a joke right?
Crowe finally accepts the hand and they shake, and to everyone’s collective surprise Trace doesn’t try anything funny. He tries to turn away but it is in fact Crowe who hangs on. He grins and pulls Trace’s arm like a rip chord right into the Recurring Nightmare (Rainmaker)! Trace is turned inside out and Crowe makes the cover.
… 1 …
… 2 …
…kick out!
Alecia Matthews: Oh my goodness! Lucas Crowe just took advantage right there. That was nearly the biggest upset in recent memory. No one’s ever put away Trace Demon like that.
Daniel Knight: He threw his best shot but it wasn’t good enough though Alecia. Trace is fine.
Fine might be overstating it but Trace Demon has rolled out of the ring to regain his bearings. He walks the shot off and then goes to enter the ring but Crowe steps toward him and he changes his mind. Trace asks the referee to keep Crowe back and the ref obliges. Trace slides under the bottom rope and is back to his feet. He vocally thanks both men.
Alecia Matthews: Did Trace Demon just say thank you?
Crowe goes to lock up with Trace but Trace ducks behind him and hits the ropes before hitting a chop block to the back of Crowe’s knee. Crowe wobbles but doesn’t go down. Trace hits the ropes again but this time Crowe snatches him and tosses him across the ring with a huge biel. Trace splashes down and his back arches but he climbs back to his feet, cracks his back and then applauds Lucas’ show of strength.
Alecia Matthews: Doesn’t he realise sarcasm is only going to antagonise the monster?
Daniel Knight: Sarcasm? Where?
Crowe rushes in for a corner splash but Trace is out of the way. Crowe hits the turnbuckle and Trace catches him with a jumping neck breaker. Now it’s Crowe who rolls outside to take a powder. Trace Demon backs right off allowing the big man to get back into the ring with no issues but as Crowe gets on to the apron he moves to the ropes. Instead of attacking though he holds the top and middle rope open for Crowe, welcoming him in. Crowe doesn’t look impressed and instead opts to step over the top rope. Crowe walks to the centre of the ring and tells Trace to stop f*ckin’ around. Trace holds his hands up and walks to meet Crowe. The two lock up and of course Crowe dominates, forcing Trace back against the ropes before turning and pushing him off in the other direction. Trace runs the ropes and comes flying back into a big boot. Crowe covers Trace.
… 1 …
…kick out!
Daniel Knight: Now who’s messing around? That was never going to finish of The King of Demons.
Crowe brings Trace to his feet and hits a belly to back suplex that drives the wind out of Trace Demon. He brings Trace up again and lands a number of stiff forearms that send spit flying but Trace fires up and comes back with a few of his own. Trace lands 3 in quick succession but Crowe throws one more that drops Trace. Crowe then drags Trace back to his feet by his arm, holds on and steps around Trace looking for another Recurring Nightmare but as he spins Trace Demon he is hit with a jumping busaiku knee lift that staggers him clutching his nose. Trace jumps up and hits a code breaker and hooks Crowe’s leg.
… 1 …
… 2 …
…kick out!
Crowe sits up still pawing at his nose and Trace goes for an arm bar. Crowe rolls around and very quickly manages to get a foot on the bottom rope. The ref starts the count.
… 1 …
Trace releases the hold on one and stands up offering a hand shake now to the referee. He’s denied and instead runs the ropes before hitting another knee strike, this time to the temple of his stirring opponent. He then pulls Crowe up to his feet and gets the double underhooks.
Alecia Matthews: Not a chance.
Trace attempts the Hellfire Overdose (sitout double underhook powerbomb) but Crowe is just too big. He manages to get as far as lifting one of Crowe’s feet off the floor before Crowe stands up and tosses him overhead. Crowe is still reeling from the knee strikes and takes a moment to collect himself before moving over to Trace. He pulls him up but Trace throws some body shots at Crowe. Crowe seems to barely feel them though and whips Trace Demon so hard into the corner that Trace falls to his knees on impact. Crowe rushes in for an avalanche into the corner and covers Trace again.
… 1 …
… 2 ..kick out!
Crowe maintains his methodical pace and lifts Trace by the throat before holding him aloft with both hands. He sits out into a pin.
… 1 …
… 2 …
…kick out!
Alecia Matthews: These pin fall attempts are coming thick and fast from Lucas Crowe.
Daniel Knight: You’ve got to take every chance you’ve got when you’re in there with Trace Demon.
Alecia Matthews: Will you please uncouple yourself from his ass?
Lucas is getting annoyed now and he stomps on Trace’s prone body a few times before trying to lift him up again. Trace slumps to the mat and Crowe releases looking down at his opponent. He grabs Trace again and tries to pull him up but once more Trace can’t support his own weight. He keeps hold of a limp Trace, shaking his head, but then….
Daniel Knight: Out of nowhere!
A small package!
… 1 …
… 2 …
… 3!
Crowe kicks out just after 3 and is mortified when he hears the bell ring.
Christa Adina: Here is your winner, Trace Demon!
Alecia Matthews: What?!
Daniel Knight: That’s fair and square Alecia. There’s nothing in the rule book about playing possum. If Crowe takes his eye off the ball then it’s only right that Trace takes advantage of that.
Alecia Matthews: Whilst it leaves a bad taste in my mouth Daniel I kind of have to agree with you.
Lucas Crowe is furious and Trace knows it. He slips out of the ring whilst Crowe is still having it out with the referee. Trace is smiling ear to ear, knowing that while he may have p*ssed off the big man, he just proved a point to Lila Sleater. Brains can beat brawn without cheating. Trace backs up the ramp keeping an eye on Crowe to make sure he doesn’t come after him but as he approaches the stage Frank Lynn walks out behind him. Trace turns around and the two come face to face. Lynn is stoic, one eye brow raised at Trace’s idea of a victory, but Trace simply chuckles and pushes past him and through the curtain as we fade to black.