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Post by CM Poor: DeepFigureValue on Sept 13, 2018 15:41:13 GMT -5
The glow of La Arena Ciudad de México bursts to life as nighttime befalls the central metropolitan hub of the United Mexican States. As darkness falls and the masses descend upon the vast, expansive complex, the faint toll of church bells sounds in the distance. Clanging through the balmy air of night in a steady, tempered rhythmic cadence, the sledges grow deeper, closer, and more foreboding as each toll draws the pitch of night further and further in. Amid the deliberate, pounding clamor, the roar of a gathered crowd impedes upon the sonic waves - faint, at first, as were the clamoring bells, but with each deafening groan of the bells, the gathered masses pæan grows louder and louder, until finally it rivals the echoed tolling as the rising din threatens to drown out all other sonic tones.
¡Viva Frank Lynn!
The scowling visage of the WFWF International Champion elicits a roar of fever pitched response from the crowd.
¡Viva Ante Whitner!
The newly christened bringer of salvation clasps his hands in visible prayer as the gathered masses laud his image.
¡Viva!
Inside the confines of the arena, darkness falls upon the capacity crowd, drawing a roar that threatens to bring down the structural integrity of the very building containing them. With audible clangs, a series of stationary spotlights spark to life - first, upon the stage.
¡Viva!
Next, upon four banners, each bearing the gilded WFWF logo.
¡Viva!
Finally, the ring is brought to illuminated life as the crowd is brought to near riot pitch, brimming with anticipation for the show to begin
¡Viva!
¡Viva!
¡Viva!The arena comes to full fledged life amid a sea of flashing lights, roaring hot pyrotechnics, and row upon row of ravenous fans. Alecia Matthews: Welcome, everyone, to Mexico City! It’s stop number two on the WFWF’s World Domination Tour, and we are coming to you live from the Mexico City Arena for El Grito de Dolores! I am joined, as always, by my perennially embattled broadcast partner - Daniel Knight. Daniel Knight: The pleasure is all theirs, Alecia. The last time the WFWF came to this part of the world, these people - Alecia Matthews: Daniel!Daniel Knight: - some, I assume, are good people...but this crowd devolved into a full fledged riot. If you ask me - Alecia Matthews: ...which no one has… Daniel Knight: - they’re lucky to have us. Alecia Matthews: Well, despite my colleague’s slanderous comments, which will hopefully draw this capacity crowd’s ire once yours truly is well out of harm’s way, the majority of us are proud to present a night of unrivaled action and competition, the likes of which no other organization in this industry could hope to deliver. Daniel Knight: Yeah, no kidding. Just look at what they’re getting tonight, Alecia - Whitner versus Lynn! A decisive final to be determined in the World Domination Tournament! A confrontation that is all but certain to deliver Kyzer versus Drakz! A card like that? Hell, even I’ll cosign on being happy to be here! Alecia Matthews: You are going to get me killed tonight, I just know it. Daniel Knight: Well, with any luck. Alecia Matthews: Let’s just head over to Christa before you say something really stupid. The lights go out. The arena is in a state of silence or possible surprise, unaware of who's about to appear from behind the curtain. You Only Live Once begins to play starting with a guitar solo leading to the inclusion of drums and climaxing in an immense wail from the lead singer. The second the vocals hit the arena is bombarded with a sea of extreme flashing lights. The colors are a blur at first. Like a predator, Needles emerges from the lights and appears on the stage where he is met with severe boos and a raucous cacophony of ‘expletives.'Christa Adina: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Glasgow, Scotland, weighing in at two hundred and twenty-five pounds…Ryan “Needles” Payne! Needles make this way to the ring, at first dragging and then wildly swinging his infamous baseball bat while responding to the irate crowd with rude gestures. Before he can even enter the ring, the lights dim again.
The arena lights dim, a quad of spotters searching across the crowd as the opening fanfare of Boston Lights echoes throughout the arena. Lance Rodriguez casually steps out from behind the curtain, walking into the glow of a pair of lights shining down upon the stage. He surveys the audience, casually strolling in place to take in either side of the arena, before finally throwing his threes into the air as the music picks up, cueing a concussive blast and a sparkling spray of fireworks behind him.Christa Adina: And his opponent, from Boston, Massachusetts, weighing in at two hundred and twenty-eight pounds…..Lance Rodriguez! Alecia Matthews: Both of these competitors are coming off big losses as they were both eliminated in the first round of the World Domination tournament and you can bet anything that this match is going to be violent. Daniel Knight: I’d be okay with another bloodbath. Now at peak energy, he stomps down to the ring, slapping the hands of any outstretched fans along the way as he hypes himself up for the match. Climbing the steps at ringside, he arrogantly leans back, hanging on to the corner post as her once again surveys the crowd, smiling wide as he takes in their reaction. Catapulting himself over the top rope, he slingshots into the ring, spinning across the mat, arms stretched wide as he climbs the furthest corner. Once again throwing his threes into the air, he hops down off the ropes onto the mat, bouncing in place as the music fades.
DING! DING! DING!
As usual, Needles immediately tackles Rodriguez! Hammering away at Smash with flailing punches before the referee forces Needles off his opponent! Rodriguez looks confused, but he grits his teeth in anger as he then charges towards Needles, sending both wrestlers to the outside! Alecia Matthews: Starting out hot, I see. Daniel Knight: I love it! The two men brawl on the outside, Needles rams Rodriguez’s back against the apron and follows up with a back rake! Needles then grabs his opponents head and bashes it against the steel ring post! The referee order, no – demands the fight go back inside the ring but Needles doesn’t listen. Shocker.
Once Needles is done arguing with the referee, he turns his attention back to Smash, who’s still recovering from his head meeting steel. As Needles goes to grab him, Rodriguez kicks him in the midsection and throws him back in the ring.Alecia Matthews: Now we’re going to get a wrestling match. At least from Smash, anyway. Rodriguez gets Needles in a side headlock, he tries getting out of it by sticking his fingers in Smash’s eyes, but he jerks his head back as to prevent from getting the Moe Howard treatment. They back off into the ropes, Needles shoves him off, Rodriguez comes back and shoulder blocks Needles, but he doesn’t go down! He grins wickedly, forcing Rodriguez to bounce off the ropes and shoulder blocks his opponent again!
Same result.
Needles screams and Sparta kicks Rodriguez in the chest! He then clubs the back of his opponent like a scrappy dog before he’s pulled off by the referee. The two get in each others face before Needles scoots by the referee but then suddenly, Rodriguez hits him with a picture-perfect dropkick! Needles gets back up but Smash takes him down with a running clothesline! Needles rolls out of the ring to rethink his plan of attack.
Smash motions to his opponent to bring it! Needles runs under the third rope and the two men brawl! The referee gets in between the two where Needles rakes the eyes of his opponent. He then tackles Rodriguez and from a mounted position, he throws punches to the face followed by a blatant choke! As the referee counts him down, Needles gets right in Smash’s face and starts biting him! Rodriguez stomps his boots on the mat as he screams in pain!Alecia Matthews: Oh, no. Not this again. Daniel Knight: Yeah!! The referee pulls Needles off Rodriguez who luckily still has his forehead intact. While in a three-point stance, he lunges at his opponent and clotheslines him, sending both men to the outside again! Rodriguez is up first, and he rams Needles back first into the apron and then bashes his head on the barricade! Needles scurries away as Smash high fives the rowdy fans!
Rodriguez tails Needles as they make their way towards the announce table. Rodriguez grabs the head of his opponent and bounces it off the table!Daniel Knight: Oh! Did you see his head?? It bounced off our table like a basketball! Alecia Matthews: Indeed, looks like they’re bringing the fight to us. The referee is counting them down, ordering them back to the ring. Rodriguez grabs Needles and bashes his head on the ring steeps before throwing him back inside. He crawls towards the corner with Rodriguez behind him. Clubbing blows to the back of Needles as he gets up. With his back against the corner, Rodriguez unloads, right hand after right hand, body shot after body shot. Needles shoves him back and with a drop toe hold, trips Rodriguez as he lands face first in the corner! Needles grabs Smash by his tights and throws him towards the ring post! Using the ropes for leverage, he stands on top of Smash’s back, driving his boots into his spine!Alecia Matthews: There’s enough pressure there to possibly snap Smash’s back! The referee again pulls Needles off and threatens to disqualify him. Needles scoffs at the threat. He walks past the referee and stomps away at the downed Rodriguez. Needles them picks up his opponent and puts his head between his legs. He picks him up and slams him against the corner with a Buckle Bomb! Rodriguez slumps over, Needles backs off and runs towards him, nailing him in the face with a running clothesline! Needles then blatantly chokes Rodriguez with his boot in the corner! Again, he gets right in his opponents face and starts to bite him! Rodriguez manages to shove him off, but Needles comes back for more but Rodriguez leaps over the charging bull known as Ryan Payne with a sunset flip!
1!
2!
Needles kicks out!Alecia Matthews: That was a pretty impressive sequence! As Needles gets up, Rodriguez continues to impress the crowd with his freakish athletic abilities with a sling blade! He then grabs Needles’ legs and locks in a Boston Crab! Needles bites his own hand as a way to endure the pain from the hold. His muffled screams can be barely heard as the referee asks him if he wants to quit. Rodriguez wrenches back on the hold, turning Needles into contortionist. He reaches for the rope but it’s too far away. In a game of tug of war, Needles tries inching his way towards the rope while Rodriguez tries to keep the hold intact! He reaches as far as he can – his fingers barely touch the rope! Daniel Knight: I bet Needles wishes that he could use the cartoon physics that Michael Jordan used in Space Jam. Alecia Matthews: It looks like Needles is done! Daniel Knight: I disagree. Needles is a scrappy fellow, he’ll get out of it. Slowly inching his way forward, Needles reaches again – and grabs the rope, breaking the hold! Rodriguez lets him go as Needles rolls to the outside. He’s favoring his back. Rodriguez follows him outside, but he was playing possum, Needles rakes the eyes of his opponent and irish whips him into the steel ring steps! He picks Rodriguez up and by his tights, swings him into the barricades!Daniel Knight: Needles just used Smash like a baseball bat! With Rodriguez down, Needles then stands on his head as he shouts expletives at the crowd! The referee, who must be getting paid extra goes over to the two men and forces Needles off. He grabs his opponent by his hair and drags him back into the ring. He then mounts Rodriguez with some ground-and-pound punches! Needles gets off and goes over to the corner and starts removing the pad from the turnbuckle. The referee, of course tries to stop him and starts to put the pad back. With the referee with his back turned, Needles then kicks Rodriguez in his safety net! Daniel Knight: Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal! Alecia Matthews: Would you stop with all the sports references? Once the referee turns around, Needles stomps away at Rodriguez. Bringing him to his knees, Needles bounces off the ropes but Lance leapfrogs over him and brings him down with a discus elbow! Rodriguez is feeling it now! Needles get up and swings but Smash ducks and chops away! Due to Needles’ ring attire, the chops don’t really register, and he grins, shaking his head no. Needles follows up with a knife edge chop of his own – SMACK!
Smash grips his chest but chops him again to little result. Needles chops him back, leaving a red welt on his chest! Rodriguez knees Needles in the gut and rips his shirt in half and SMACK! A perfectly placed chop to the chest of Ryan “Needles” Payne sends him cowering! The crowd reacts to Rodriguez as he pumps it up! With his chest exposed, Rodriguez chops away at his opponent as he stands slumped over in the corner!Alecia Matthews: No matter how many matches I call, I always grit my teeth when it comes to chops! Rodriguez pushes Needles’ head back and motions to the crowd to quiet down, his pointer finger on his mouth. Suddenly, the once rowdy crowd dies down, fading into an awkward silence. Rodriguez leans back and then…
SMACK!
The sound of Rodriguez’ hand colliding with Needles’ chest echoes through the arena like a bullet fired from a gun. The crowd reacts accordingly.Alecia Matthews: Ouch!! Daniel Knight: That was smack-tacular! Alecia Matthews: *sigh* Rodriguez goes for another chop but Needles ducks, responding with forearm shots to the face! He then grabs his opponent by his trunks again and tosses him to the other side of the ring! Needles goes after him, but Rodriguez follows up with another beautiful dropkick! Needles gets back up but a kick to the midsection allows Smash to hit a double underhook DDT! He hooks the leg!
1!
2!
Needles grabs the ropes, causing the rope break! An exhausted Rodriguez pounds the mat out of frustration. He sits up and waits for his opponent.Alecia Matthews: Looks like Smash is going to try and end things here! Daniel Knight: You could say that he’s up to bat with the bases loaded and two outs and this may be his last shot at winning the game. Alecia Matthews: You're terrible. Rodriguez holds his arms out as Needles gets to his feet. Kick to the midsection, Rodriguez hooks the arms – going for The Impossible Dream but Needles plants his boots firmly into the mat. Suddenly, he flips Rodriguez onto his back, pinning his shoulders onto the mat with his arms still hooked!
1!
2!
Rodriguez breaks the hold, barely kicking out! Needles takes a swing at Smash, but he ducks underneath and folds him up like an accordion with a German suplex! He immediately locks in a seated surfboard stretch! Needles is turning red with veins bulging from his forehead and neck! His screams are raspy, and he has to endure the pain! Rodriguez really tightens the hold by pulling back as far as he can! Alecia Matthews: Another submission attempt from Smash! This could be the end here! Needles starts to rock his body sideways as a way to throw Rodriguez off balance, but his stand-up game is strong. After much determination, they both fall sideways! As the two wrestlers sweat profusely, Rodriguez loses his grip. This allows Needles to free himself and beat the face of his opponent like a drum. Rodriguez manages to block most of the shots and he uses his athletic background to maneuver his way in total control! He grabs Needles from behind, going for a takedown but he manages to grab the ropes. Needles holds on for dear life, Rodriguez rolls backwards and he runs right into a forearm from Needles!
Rodriguez is stunned, Needles scoops him up, going for the devastating Lasting Impression. He gets him up, head down pointed towards the mat but like in his previous match against Chris Priceless, Rodriguez uses his agility to trap Needles’ head with his legs, bringing him down and suddenly, he transitions into a crossface position, cranking on Needles’ neck! He’s able to roll out of the hold, grabbing Rodriguez from behind. He runs towards the ropes, rolling Needles up with a pin attempt!
1!
2!
Needles kicks out with authority, he uses his legs to push Rodriguez into the ropes and as soon as he turns around…
WHAM!
Big knee to the face of “pretty boy” Rodriguez, leaving him stunned as he falls to the ground. Needles is breathing heavily as he monitors his surroundings until he sees his prized possession, his favorite toy – the baseball bat, lying on the outside. Needles grins and walks over to it, but the referee gives chase. Needles massages the wooden instrument of violence as the referee tries to pry it out of his hands. Rodriguez sees this once he’s aware, runs the ropes and leaps overhead with a suicide dive!Alecia Matthews: Oh my God!! Smash took everyone out; Needles and the referee! Daniel Knight: They all dropped like pins! In Bowling, they call that a ‘strike’! Alecia Matthews: Ugh. The crowd is on their feet!
A LA MADRE!
Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!
A LA MADRE!
Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!
A LA MADRE!
Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!Alecia Matthews: Listen to this crowd! They are chanting the only they know how! Daniel Knight: Whose mother are they referring to? Rodriguez is the first one up. He grabs Needles with the bat in hand and throws him back inside. Rodriguez goes for the bag, but Needles isn’t letting it go. They struggle to gain control of the bat, playing tug-of-war with it! Suddenly, Smash loses his grip and Needles is the one with the weapon in hand! He immediately swings away at Rodriguez, but he ducks, tackling his opponent to the mat! Needles loses grip on the bat during the scuffle, resulting in Lance “Smash” Rodriguez with a baseball bat in hand – something the top college prospect is very familiar with. Alecia Matthews: If you know anything about Smash, you’ll know that he’s very good with a baseball bat. Needles is in big trouble! Daniel Knight: He’s obviously not that good considering he didn’t make it in baseball, now did he? Alecia Matthews: What happened to his baseball career was beyond his control… Daniel Knight: Now he’s trying to make it in wrestling but the dude’s past his prime and what happens to his wrestling career will be his own fault! Alecia Matthews: Shut up, you hater. Needles, on his knees looks at Rodriguez with a look of disdain. There’s no fear in his eyes. The crowd is going rowdy as Smash holds the baseball bat and points it right at the face of his opponent. Lance Rodriguez: It's time someone taught you some respect, kid. Rodriguez leans back on his legs and goes to swing away but before he can hit a home run with Needles’ head, another low blow! This causes Smash to drop the bat!
With Rodriguez feeling it after getting hit in his bullpen, Needles grabs the bat – WHACK! Across the back of his opponent!
Rodriguez arches his back in reaction, followed by boos from the crowd. The referee is up, a bit groggy but he’s up and he sees the illegal action that just occurred, although Needles doesn’t realize it.
DING! DING! DING!Christa Adina: Here is your winner by disqualification….Lance Rodriguez! Alecia Matthews: Smash gets the win he’s been looking for, but not the way he was hoping. Daniel Knight: To be honest, this might the only win Smash gets in his so-called “comeback” Alecia Matthews: Today is one of those days where I wish Cameron Stone was here instead of you. Daniel Knight: Don’t make me laugh, please. The referee is still in pain following the crash-and-burn bump he took against the announce table. Needles isn’t upset by him losing again, instead he continues the assault on Lance Rodriguez. He lays the bat across the throat of his opponent, choking him! As Rodriguez struggles to catch his breath, Needles walks over and removes the turnbuckle pad. He picks Rodriguez up and bashes his face against the exposed metal repeatedly! He slumps over before Needles whacks him with the bat across his back! He turns around, flinching from the pain where a deep, crimson mask has emerged from Rodriguez’s eyebrow and forehead. Like a sadistic serial killer, the sight of blood rejuvenates Needles and repeatedly strikes down his opponent if his bat were a sledgehammer. Alecia Matthews: Enough already! Smash has a family, leave him alone! Daniel Knight: You seriously think that’s going to stop a lunatic like Needles?? Needles gets some blood on his hand and wipes it across his forehead as he lets put a psychotic scream! He grabs the bloodied body of Smash and throws him to the outside. WFWF officials and security are already making their way down the entrance ramp to stop Needles and check on Rodriguez as well as the referee. In a strange, uncharacteristic act Needles is calm. He goes and takes a microphone as well as Christa Adina’s chair before taking it with him in the ring. He sets it up in the center of the ring and calmly sits down. The crowd lets him know exactly how they feel.Ryan “Needles” Payne: To the scruffy nobody with a dead junkie brother known around here as Chris Priceless! I know you’re listening. What you did to me in Japan, that was a b**** move! You knew that you couldn’t beat me, so you had to resort to using cheap tricks. I don’t know if you pay attention, when you’re not moping about your stupid brother but I’m the one that raises hell. That’s all I’ve done since coming here. To me, wins and losses don’t matter. As long as blood is spilt, as long as limbs are broken, as long as there’s destruction in my wake then I did my job. What did in Japan only accomplished one thing: making an enemy in Ryan “Needles” Payne! This is my declaration of war! You brought this upon yourself, Priceless. You better keep your eyes open because you always know where I’m at, but you never know where I’ll be. The WFWF will be burned to the f***ing ground and I’ll make sure that you burn down with it. I want to use this, Needles caresses and strokes the bat. To bash your f***ing face in. Nothing will…get me off more than watching your blood drip from my bat like the devil’s rain. With every breath you take, you’re dying. With every step you take, you’ll fall apart. I want to take the chance right now and scream... Let’s go f***ing nuts! I want your soul. I will end, not just your career but your entire existence and when it’s all said and done, you’ll be with your beloved brother again... In Hell! Needles drops the mic and walks off, dragging the bat on the floor. As he makes his way up the entrance ramp, he smirks.Alecia Matthews: I’m….pretty sure Needles just threatened to kill Chris Priceless.... Daniel Knight: Mexico, man. What a place… Alecia Matthews: You’re deplorable… Daniel Knight: Better than being some sort of ani - Alecia Matthews: … and before you say something we all live to regret, I’m told we’re going to touch base with Kay Fabe, who is looking to get a word in with the International Champion himself. Kay? Kay Fabe: Alecia, I’m outside Frank Lynn’s locker room about to try and get a few words from him regarding his upcoming title defense against Ante Whitner. Let’s see how this goes… Kay knocks on the clocker room door. A few seconds later, it opens and out steps Daphne Velasquez.Kay Fabe: Hello Daphne. Is there any chance I could talk to Frank? Daphne Velasquez: I’m sorry, Frank is in final preparations for his match and cannot be disturbed. You know he is a fighting champion, which means he takes every title defense VERY seriously. I’m more than happy to answer any questions on his behalf. Kay is momentarily stunned by Daphne’s overly friendly behavior. Is this really Frank Lynn’s fiery Latino manager who bites the heads off kittens?Kay Fabe: Okay. How is Frank preparing for the match? Daphne Velasquez: The usual. Hard training. Sparring sessions. Film study. It’s not like this is their first match either. They have met enough times in the past that there won’t be any surprises tonight. Just two men going head to head in a hard hitting wrestling match. Kay Fabe: Frank had some harsh words to say about Ante’s faith and religion in general. Are you sure Frank is mentally ready for this? He seemed a bit… off. Daphne Velasquez: You have every right to ask such a pertinent question. Frank did say some things that offended the more religious of WFWF fans and for that he won’t apologize. He simply asks that everybody understand “different strokes for different folks”. Frank respects all viewpoints and hopes his fans do the same. Kay continues to be befuddled by Daphne’s behavior, her by the numbers answers and generally pleasant nature. Where is Frank’s real manager?Kay Fabe: That sounds good but my question is really this: is Frank letting his own beliefs and emotions add to the animosity that already exists between these two going all the way back to SuperBrawl? Will he be able to wrestle the kind of technical match he has become known for? Daphne Velasquez: Frank is fine. He is ready to give Ante the match of his life. He and Ante will have a great match and the better man will win. Frank believes that will be him but if it isn’t, then congratulations to Ante Whitner. No hard feelings. Kay Fabe: What about you? Ante is the one who broke your neck. Will you be able to control yourself and stay out of the match? Daphne Velasquez: That’s water under the bridge. I’m sure Ante didn’t mean to break my neck and end my wrestling career. Consider it forgotten. It won’t affect me at all when we’re out there for the match. Daphne was visibly struggling to maintain control while quoting the party line. Kay’s eyes almost pop out of her head at the response.Kay Fabe: Who are you and where is the real Daphne? Daphne Velasquez: *giggles* Oh, I’m the real Daphne. I’m a team player. I wish each and every WFWF wrestler the best of luck. It would be great if everybody could win because we’re all winners here. No losers in the WFWF… nope. Just winners. Kay Fabe is speechless. As she tries to come up with another question, Daphne turns to someone off camera and waves. She smiles the most fake and quite frankly scary smile Kay has ever seen.Daphne Velasquez: Hey Mesh! Good luck in your match! You go girl! Kay gasps but is smart enough to hold the microphone away from her mouth so it isn’t too obvious.Kay Fabe: Well, thank you for your time Daphne. It’s been… interesting. Daphne Velasquez: You’re quite welcome Kay. Keep up the good work. Daphne goes back into the locker room, closing the door gently behind her. Kay turns to the camera.Kay Fabe: Back to it, I guess.
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Post by CM Poor: DeepFigureValue on Sept 13, 2018 15:41:37 GMT -5
Elsewhere, “The Violent Gentlemen” Sean Casey is in his locker room, wrapping his left wrist with black athletic tape. Once it’s nice and tight, he begins wrapping his other wrist but then he stops. He lets out an audible sigh and clears his throat.
Sean Casey: Do you have to write down everything I do?
The camera pans over to a seated Mesh, clipboard in hand as the crowd laughs.
Mesh: Yes, that’s how we’re going to keep each other accountable.
Sean Casey: I don’t see how ‘Sean wraps his wrist in tape’ is going to us “accountable”.
Mesh stays quiet, continuing to scribble on her clipboard. Sean sighs.
Sean Casey: Look, I don’t know why Lila put you up to this, but I certainly don’t need you following me around everywhere like some dog, observing my every move.
Mesh: Ooof, did you just call me a dog?
Sean Casey: Yup.
Mesh: Well, awfully big words from somebody that got booted from the tournament early on.
That must’ve struck a nerve. Sean tenses up.
Sean Casey: Me losing to some leprechaun, I gotta admit – almost drove me to drink again.
Mesh: First of all, Shugs is Scottish, not Irish.
Sean Casey: As if the two of you weren’t annoying enough ….
Mesh: Shugs is a cool dude and second, it almost drove you to drink?
Sean Casey: Relax, I didn’t.
Mesh: Remember that you can –
Sean Casey: Text you or call you whenever. I got it.
Mesh smiles at the fact that Sean is slowly memorizing her mantra. Sean, however looks annoyed.
Mesh: Are you ready for your match?
Sean Casey: Yeah, and now if you don’t mind, I’d like to go it alone.
Mesh: Okay, I’ll leave. Maybe you’ll be in a better mood later. Good luck!
Mesh goes in for a hug, but Sean isn’t having it. He points at the door, prompting Mesh to leave. Sean shakes his head in disbelief, watching as she goes to ensure she's well out of sight before he goes to make his own exit, in the exact opposite direction.
Sean Casey: Silly little girl.
He takes a deep breath and relaxes as he makes his way out of the room, onward toward his next encounter.
Alecia Matthews: Wow.
Daniel Knight: No kidding. Poor Sean.
Alecia Matthews: Were…wait...were you even watching just now?
Daniel Knight: Did I stutter? Poor Shawn. Stuck with that walking, oversized Pixie Stick following him everywhere he goes? He’s trying to stay sober, for Christ’s sake…
Alecia Matthews: Pi...no! The...Daphne. Frank’s manager. That didn’t strike you as the least bit odd?!
Daniel Knight: Daphne Velasquez has always been a consummate professional. She’s a manager with the best interests of her client in mind at all times. Frankly, I don’t know what you two are so stunned over.
Alecia Matthews: Well, while our mileage may vary on the outward appearance of Ms. Velasquez’s demeanor, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who could stick the professional tag on either of our next competitors.
Daniel Knight: I hope you’re not referring to that locker room incident during Sean Casey’s initial run. He’s a changed man, Alecia, and frankly, it’s been awhile since we’ve seen Tyler Draven in a WFWF ring. If I’m playing favorites…
Alecia Matthews: ...and you always do…
Daniel Knight: ...I’m going with Sean Casey.
“Major System Error” plays over the P/A system as Tyler Draven steps out on stage in his black leather jacket over his wrestling gear.
Christa Adina: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Making his way to the ring at this time - from Los Angeles, California, weighing in at one hundred and eighty pounds - Tyler Draven!
Draven walks straight down to the ring, jumps onto the ring apron and removes his jacket, handing it to a staffer at ringside. He enters the ring and goes straight to his corner to stretch on the ropes.
Alecia Matthews: More of what we’ve come to expect from Tyler Draven - all killer, no filler.
Daniel Knight: See? Score another one for Sean Casey in my book. I’m not asking for him to dye his hair blue and adopt the janitor’s daughter as a surrogate sister, but would it kill Draven to put a bit of flair behind it?
Alecia Matthew: My god, you’re petty.
Daniel Knight: Witty and wise, too.
Alecia Matthews: No, I said - you know what, nevermind.
Draven looks on as his music fades out, wringing his neck as he awaits the arrival of his opponent.
The opening chords of “You Won’t Know” by Brand New let the crowd know of the Violent Gentleman’s imminent arrival.
Christa Adina: And, his opponent…
There are boos, murmurings and secluded cheers, filling the arena with nervous tension. As the chorus kicks in, Sean Casey emerges from the back, a black hoodie over his gear, zipped up to the neck, the hood covering his head and hanging to the middle of his nose. On the back, in white, reads simply, “Violence is my pleasure.”
Christa Adina: ...from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, weighing in at two hundred and thirty nine pounds, “The Violent Gentleman” Sean Casey!
Sean cuts a medium pace to the ring, walks up the steps, wipes his boots on the apron and steps through the ropes as Draven clears the ring. He unzips his hoodie and pushes the hood back and off of his head before removing the hoodie completely, tossing it over the top rope to the floor.
Alecia Matthews: There’s not much contrast. Maybe you spoke too soon?
Daniel Knight: Sean Casey elicits a response! He shows us what he’s about! You can be curt and to the point, but at least give me something to work with!
Alecia Matthews: So this works for you, then?
Daniel Knight: Yes!
Alecia Matthews: Are we hiring? I mean, is this the best they can give me?
Daniel Knight: She says, as if she could do any better.
Casey cracks his knuckles and neck, walking to the far corner and leaning his back against it as his music fades out. He barely turns to pay any mind as Draven returns the ring, instead casting a sideways, glaring glance toward his opponent as he climbs between the ropes. Draven glares onward, meeting Casey’s eyes as he takes his own corner, opposite the Violent Gentleman. The official holds Draven back in his corner, conferring with him before turning to touch base with Casey.
Alecia Matthews: The official is going to want to have a tight grasp on both of these unpredictable quantities. We’ve seen tastes of what each of these men is capable of. Pairing them off in the center of the ring has to have to potential to go nuclear in short order.
As the official finishes conferring with Sean Casey, Draven leans into his corner, nodding curtly as the official doubles back once more to ensure his readiness. With both men seemingly good to go, the official calls for the bell, opening the match for competition
DING! DING! DING!
Sean Casey slowly steps out of his corner, staring daggers at his opponent. Just as he goes to raise his arms to take a fighting stance, Draven charges him, catching him off guard and initiating the bout with a fierce leaping knee that catches The Violent Gentleman square in the jaw, sending him toppling backward into the turnbuckle.
Daniel Knight: He can’t do that!
Alecia Matthews: The bell’s rung. It’s a perfectly legal maneuver.
Daniel Knight: It’s a cheap shot! It’s unsportsmanlike!
Alecia Matthews: Oh, now you care about decorum…
Draven takes to the corner, rolling Casey out of the way before he’s able to collect himself. As Casey rolls to set himself upright, he’s caught mid-motion in the back of the head by one of Draven’s feet, who leaps into the air before driving Casey’s face square into the mat.
Alecia Matthews: Tyler Draven putting his Best Foot Forward tonight in this return bout against Sean Casey! The Violent Gentleman never saw any of this coming!
Rather than cover for the easy pin, Draven sneers as he drags Casey to his feet, holding him upright and spouting some manner of taunt in his face before spinning his opponent around, grasping him around the throat from behind before driving the two of them to the mat as he locks his legs around his opponent, constricting his movement and leaving him nowhere to turn.
Alecia Matthews: Shades of Trace Demon with the Paradise Lost, and Tyler Draven may have just executed the most ruthless one-two punch we’ll see tonight, almost certainly concussing Sean Casey before robbing his brain of any saving oxygen!!
Daniel Knight: He’s going to kill him!!!
Alecia Matthews: I think he means to!
Draven doubles down on the hold, stretching Casey for good measure as the official comes to the ground, checking in with Casey, looking for any sign of concession. The succession of the curb stomp and the hold seems to be showing its weight, as Casey is fading without much resistance. The official presses on, looking to see if The Violent Gentleman wishes to carry on. Finally, as all signs of life seem to escape Sean Casey, the official turns to call for the bell, signaling the end of the match.
DING! DING! DING!
Alecia Matthews: Wow!
Daniel Knight: He should be censured!
Alecia Matthews: He’s not a congressman, Daniel.
As the bell chimes out, Draven doubles down on the hold, refusing to let go even as several more officials swarm down to try and detach the protege of Trace Demon from The Violent Gentleman. Finally, after several brutish security figures enter the ring, threatening to exert physical force, Draven breaks the hold, tossing Casey aside as he climbs to his feet, looking on broodingly as the lead official raises his arm in victory.
Christa Adina: Here is your winner, by technical submission….Tyler Draven!!!
It’s a mixed bag of response as Draven glares out over the crowd, sneering a devilish grin as his music echoes throughout, signifying his victory.
Alecia Matthews: What a way to come off of a few shows out and signify that you haven’t lost a step along the way. Whatever momentum Draven’s absence threatened has been summarily picked right back up here tonight, and future targets have got to be double checking themselves out back.
Daniel Knight: Lila Sleater should be double checking Draven’s contract. He’s a cheat!
Alecia Matthews: He certainly wouldn’t be the first.
Daniel Knight: I can’t believe you’re defending this!
Alecia Matthews: I can’t believe you’re genuinely this upset.
Out back, the typical hustle and bustle of activity commonplace in the arena’s main point of ingress and egress has slowed to a crawl. Production hands laze about, idly biding their time until the show is out and they’ll once more spring to life for the arduous tear-down task ahead. By the door, a lone table is set up, manned by a grizzled veteran of the production team, lazily scrolling through some note of interest or another on his phone. A second device - a single white tablet, inconspicuously powered down to ‘standby’, rests upon the table in front of him. Almost instinctively, he looks up, just in time to see his crew springing to attention as Lila Sleater passes down the corridor, determinedly making a beeline for his position. He pockets his phone, standing up out of his chair to greet the General Manager as she approaches.
Production Vet: Ms. Sleater…
Without a word, Sleater gestures for him to hand over some manner of item, and without question, he reaches down, producing the tablet on the table before him, passively hitting the return button as he does to ensure the device is well lit as he passes it to his inquisitive boss.
Lila Sleater: Nothing?
Production Vet: Nothing. Everyone on hand was checked in well before we went live. To be perfectly candid…
Sleater glares up at him from the tablet, shooting him a look that suggests he pick his next few words with decisive care.
Production Vet: ...I don’t think he’s coming.
Sleater toils over this news internally, quietly powering down the production tablet and placing back on the table between them.
Production Vet: Just don’t think he cares anymore.
Flashing a smile that’s as forced as it is insincere, Sleater shrugs her shoulders, exhausting an exasperated sigh before glaring back at her production chief with a matter of fact, slightly defeated look.
Lila Sleater: His loss, then. Can’t be waiting around forever for everyone to come and play, now can we?
Production Vet: I...I just check the boys in, Ms. Sleater.
She turns to leave, glancing back once more before strutting away.
Lila Sleater: If he’s not in before we shut down, you can take him off your roster.
With this, Sleater storms off, disappearing down the corridor as the production head looks on, looking as though he’d rather slam his beans in a drawer than tell any of the boys to turn around and walk out the way he came.
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Post by CM Poor: DeepFigureValue on Sept 13, 2018 15:43:42 GMT -5
Alecia Matthews: Whoa. What do you suppose that’s all about?
Daniel Knight: You need to ask?
Alecia Matthew: I know better than to presume.
Daniel Knight: And you wonder why you’ll always be second best.
Alecia Matthews: I’ll show you second -
Daniel Knight: - coming up, it’s time to find out who of the pool of four advances on to London and into the World Domination Tournament finals, but first - let’s check in with Kay Fabe, who I understand is with one our finalists, gathering some last minute thoughts before tonight’s bouts. Kay?
Kay Fabe: I’m here backstage with Mesh! It feels like it’s been forever since we last talked, how have you been?
Mesh: Hay Kay!
They both laugh.
Mesh: I’ve been good, really good. What about you?
Kay Fabe: Same, just doing my job to the best of my ability you know?
Mesh: My mom told me that all the time growing up!
Kay Fabe: Mine too!
Mesh: Where are your parents from?
Kay Fabe: My mother is from Italy and my father was from Indiana.
Mesh: That’s super cool! Kinda like my parents too!
Kay Fabe: I know your mom is from Hermosillo, but where was your dad from?
Mesh: My dad was from Iowa.
Kay Fabe: That’s really cool! I’ve watched your last few vlogs and like pretty much everyone, I got emotional after learning of your dad.
Mesh: Aw, well thank you. Yeah, I don’t tend to…open up like that normally but when I got the call that I was going to wrestle Chris Priceless at Second to None, I looked him up and learned everything about his past. All I could think of was about my dad, you know?
Kay Fabe: You immediately saw the similarities between you two?
Mesh: Yup. I’ve been a part of the WFWF for six months now and still, I feel like an outsider. Like I don’t really fit in.
Kay Fabe: That’s not a bad thing.
Mesh: It’s not, but I guess it can be a bit….intimidating when you’re surrounded by a bunch of angsty, tough guys and then there’s me, you know?
Kay Fabe: I like that about you. In all the time I’ve been here, there’s really been nobody like you, so you’re pretty special.
Mesh: You’re going to make me blush…
Kay Fabe: Besides, you’ve more than proven that you can kick ass!
Mesh: Well, except that one time…
Kay Fabe: You mean at Breakout? Girl, please. Beating one Frank Lynn isn’t an easy task – you gave it your all and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters in the eyes of the fans.
Mesh: You’re right, I guess I just wanted to get that moment, you know?
Kay Fabe: Oh, I’m sure you wanted to have that moment but now you get another shot at having “your moment” in the form of the tournament. You’re going up against Chris Priceless again. The last time you two wrestled, it was quite the back-and-forth exchange. How do you feel about the rematch?
Mesh: I’m excited! Last time it was just to see who was better but now, it’s about so much more! We both want to be the winner but only one of us is going to advance forward. I think this time around, we’re going to leave it all in the ring and whoever wins is going to have earned that win.
Kay Fabe: I agree and Priceless is coming off a bloodbath against somebody you’re very familiar with in Ryan “Needles” Payne. Looking back, seeing that type of brutality did that change your mindset heading into the match?
Mesh: Umm…not really. I knew that Chris was capable of that sort of punishment and Bat Boy is the perfect opponent for him. That match was brutal, but I loved it!
Kay Fabe: Well Mesh, it was nice talking to you again and good luck on your match tonight!
Mesh: Thank you! It was nice catching up with you too!
Mesh skips off frame as Kay watches on with a smile on her face.
Kay Fabe: Now, let’s go back to ringside!
The arena goes dark and bright colored lights flash throughout. As the colorful lights circle above, more lights rise from the ground and move in sync, forwards and backwards. As the song continues to build, the light moves faster, flashing rapidly. The crowd starts getting into the song, the lights suddenly start to flash and flicker, painting the arena. The lights themselves are moving in sync to the beat of the song. From behind the curtain comes out Mesh, wearing her hoodie and surgical mask. As soon as the crowd sees her, they pop! She comes out dancing to the beat of the song, breakdancing and shuffling.
Christa Adina: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California, weighing in at one hundred and twenty-four pounds…..Mesh!
She poses for the crowd, raising her hands in the arms and pumping it up! As she walks down the ramp, she continues to shuffle, holding her arms out to high five some of the party people in the crowd. She suddenly stops, points and pops! She hasn't lost a step as she keeps in rhythm. The crowd mimics her every move! She runs around the ringside area, high-fiving all the cheering fans! Mesh runs around in a circle before she stops and hugs Mama Bear, who’s sitting front row.
Alecia Matthews: It's Mama Bear! She’s the world’s coolest mom!
Daniel Knight: Mesh’s mother and my mother are both mothers. There’s nothing special about Mama Bear, that's my point
The crowd gives them a round of applause as Mama Bear kisses her daughter on the cheek before Mesh takes off. Her mother claps as Mesh runs through the bottom ropes, breakdances back to her feet and pose for the crowd! She has her hands up in the air, posing atop the turnbuckle!
After jumping off from the turnbuckle, she does another dance in the middle of the ring and then stops which results in the crowd going nuts!
Suddenly, Change by the Deftones echoes throughout the arena. From within the shadows emerges Chris Priceless, walking slowly past the crowd, glaring at them with zero expression on his face.
Christa Adina: And her opponent, from Tragedy City, weighing it at two hundred and forty pounds….Chris Priceless!
Alecia Matthews: Now, Chris Priceless is coming off one hell of a bloodbath against Ryan “Needles” Payne and to be honest, I’m surprised he’s still standing after what he endured.
Daniel Knight: Right you are but I really hope we see another bloodbath here. I would love to see Mesh get her head crushed.
Alecia Matthews: Oy vey.
His matching red vest and sleek tights glisten under the lights as he enters the ring. He has a very unsettled expression on his face, walking past the referee and eyeing his opponent. Priceless doesn’t seem impressed nor interested in his opponent. He walks to the opposite corner and sits on the mat.
Alecia Matthews: Remember that Needles "declared war" on Priceless earlier in the show so I'm awfully curious to see if he'll respond.
Daniel Knight: Chris is one of those guys that would rather give it than take it so he's not going to take Needles' declaration lightly. Consider me...intrigued.
DING! DING! DING!
Making it a habit now, Priceless sits up and takes off his entrance gear as Mesh waits patiently. Once Priceless has everything off, the two combatants stare each other down. Priceless looks down as the much smaller Mesh but she isn’t backing down.
Alecia Matthews: Mesh showing everyone here that she won’t back down from nobody!
Daniel Knight: Why do I feel like that’s all you ever say about Mesh?
Alecia Matthews: Because it’s true! Mesh has more heart than everyone in the back will ever acknowledge! This is Mesh’s time to shut everyone up! Go, girl!
Daniel Knight: Who’s biased now?
Priceless and Mesh lock up with Priceless’ strength and size overpowering the blueberry as he shoves her down to the mat. Mesh looks at her opponent with such confliction. Once she’s up, they lock up again. This time, Mesh refuses to let herself get overpowered again. Her boots are firmly planted in the mat, Priceless attempts an arm drag but Mesh manages to get behind him, dropkicking him! Mesh bounces off the ropes and goes for the Tiger Feint Kick but Priceless moves out of the way! Mesh immediately strikes him in the face with a baseball slide!
Mesh dances for the crowd as she picks up him up, but he lands a few shots to the stomach! As Mesh grasps her midsection, Priceless rams her shoulder first into the steel ring post!
Alecia Matthews: Oh! That looked painful!
Daniel Knight: I hope it hurt just as much.
Mesh slowly moves her body away from the cold steel but before she can say ‘Ticonderoga’ Priceless hits The Pricecheck!
Daniel Knight: Pricecheck! Pricecheck! Pricecheck!
Mesh is down! With ease, he manages to roll her back in the ring and hook the leg.
1!
2!
Mesh kicks out, to nobody’s surprise. Priceless gets up and puts the boots to Mesh’s shoulder. She flinched, scurrying away from her much bigger opponent. With her back against the corner turnbuckle, Priceless seizes the opportunity and goes after her but she manages to get her boots up, kicking him in the face! Like a bat out of Hell, Mesh drops Priceless with a running forearm with such force that a smack is heard! He refuses to stay down, and he charges towards her again, but she leaps over the mountain of a man! She gets behind him and rolls him up!
1!
2!
Priceless kicks out! Mesh bounces off the ropes and dropkicks her downed opponent in the midsection. Priceless is quick to get up but Mesh climbs atop him, going for a rear naked choke.
Daniel Knight: Girl please, that didn’t work against the Lethal Weapon and it’s certainly not going to work against Priceless.
Despite the pain, Priceless is able to stand back up with Mesh on his back. He struggles to get a grip on the flailing Mesh who’s trying to lock in the choke as tight as possible. Priceless reaches back and grabs a knot full of blue hair! Albeit from an awkward angle, he manages to flip Mesh over his shoulder, landing on her feet but she immediately follows up with a Pelé Kick!
Alecia Matthews: What a maneuver! It’s been nothing but back-and-forth!
Priceless slums over the corner which allows Mesh to kick it…all over his midsection. Mesh dances for the supportive crowd before dropping an elbow to the face of her opponent. Priceless is groggy but he doesn’t get the chance to react since Mesh drives her forearm right into the side of his head! Priceless falls down, sprawled out on the mat as Mesh hooks the leg!
1!
2!
Alecia Matthews: No! I thought for sure that was it!
Mesh drags Priceless onto position for the 630. The capacity crowd is on their feet as Mesh climbs to the top. She flips forward, almost turning into a blue ball but Priceless moves out of the way! Mesh lands on her feet and Priceless decapitates her! Okay, not really but he hits her with a stiff clothesline! Priceless immediately picks her up and spikes her with The Red-Eve!
1!
2!
Mesh kicks out!
Mesh kicks out!
Alecia Matthews: That Red-Eve is deadly! I don’t know how Mesh kicked out of that!
Daniel Knight: Can someone say, “Super Mesh?”
Priceless looks stunned. He mouths something which isn’t audible, so he pounds the mat in frustration which is definitely heard. Priceless picks her up by her shoulder and drives his elbow right into the bone! Mesh flinches as she tries to get away. Priceless continues his punishment on her damaged shoulder but she reaches the ropes, forcing Priceless to let her go. He goes after her, but Mesh starts fighting back! She’s throwing punches and kicks, Priceless is blocking most of the attacks. He kicks her in the midsection and suplexes her and her feet bounce off the ropes! Mesh immediately grabs her right leg and screams in agony!
Alecia Matthews: Oh no! Mesh’s right leg is hurting! This isn’t good!
Daniel Knight: Priceless is such an intelligent dude.
Mesh writhes in pain as she struggles to move, Priceless towers over her, stomping away at her hurt leg. He grabs the defenseless limb and repeatedly drops an elbow, Mesh yelps in pain with each drop. Priceless then drags her across the ring, sliding underneath the bottom rope. The ring post is between Mesh’s legs and Priceless, with brute force smashes her leg with the steel ring post as her leg wraps around it! There’s a look of sheer horror and pain on Mesh’s face as she grasps at the damaged body part. Priceless grabs her leg and does it again!
Daniel Knight: Priceless picking Mesh apart, one limb at a time!
Alecia Matthews: I’m afraid you’re right.
Priceless grabs her leg again and while Mesh tries to kick him with her other leg, he moves his head back so all she’s able to hit is air. Priceless lets out a bloodcurdling scream before smashing her leg against the ring post yet again! Mesh crawls away with Priceless right on her trail. She uses the ropes to help herself up but Priceless immediately clubs her on the back of the neck. Mesh fights back! On one knee, she starts throwing punches but with little effect. Priceless grabs her arms and headbutts her. We then see Mama Bear, in the audience looking concerned.
Daniel Knight: I don’t understand why she looks so worried. She was the one that allowed her precious daughter to become a wrestler. It’s all part of the job, honey!
With Mesh stunned, Priceless twists her around and drops her with a neckbreaker! As she starts to come to, Priceless waits patiently in the corner, signaling for another Pricecheck. She struggles to get up, favoring her right leg but once she’s on her knees – SMACK!
Pricecheck to the face! He hooks the leg!
1!
2!
Mesh kicks out again! Priceless nor the fans can believe it! They are going crazy for Mesh, cheering the blue haired pixie on! She crawls towards the corner as Priceless stalks her. Using her good leg, Mesh kicks her opponent in the gut! Fighting through the pain, she climbs to the middle rope and wraps her legs around Priceless’ head. Before she can do anything, Priceless pushes her off, going over the ring post and crashing onto the floor outside! It looks like she hit her head on the top of the post!
Alecia Matthews: I can’t be the only one who saw that?!
Daniel Knight: Saw what?
Alecia Matthews: Mesh hit her head on the top of the ring post!
Daniel Knight: Oh, you’re right! Let me check my pockets!
Alecia Matthews: For what?
Daniel Knight: For the amount of f***s I give.
Alecia Matthews: Wow.
Mama Bear is standing, and she is very worried. Mesh has her hands on the back of her head, kicking her legs in pain. Priceless rolls under the bottom rope and picks Mesh up, ramming her back first into the barricades! He then clotheslines her over the barricade, onto the fans! Many of the fans are seen yelling words of encouragement at Mesh while others try and actually help her up but the referee orders them to stand back!
Daniel Knight: Look at that! How pathetic! These people know that Mesh is finished!
Priceless grabs Mesh by the hair and throws her back over. With Mesh on the ground, Priceless grabs her by the throat and in an impressive display of power, he lifts her above his head in a gorilla press slam position!
Alecia Matthews: Look at that power!
With such ease, Priceless throws Mesh back in the ring! Using the ropes to help her up, Mesh struggles to find her balance while on one leg. Priceless kicks her in the midsection but Mesh grabs his legs, rolls into him and locks in the Muscle Crusher! Mesh used her good leg to lock in the hold so it’s tight. Priceless’ arms are flailing as he tries to reach the ropes!
Alecia Matthews: Beautiful counter by Mesh!
She pulls back on Priceless’ leg as far she can, making the hold tighter! The referee is in perfect position as he asks Priceless if he wants to quit but he shouts back, “No!” He inches his way towards the ropes, Mesh wrenches the leg which stops him in his path. He arches his back and in a desperate attempt to free himself, he reaches the rope…and grabs it! Mesh breaks the hold as Priceless favors his leg too.
Alecia Matthews: It appears that Priceless might have a hurt leg as well.
Daniel Knight: Or he’s playing possum.
Both combatants are on their knees, Mesh swings at Priceless and he swings back! They trade shots to the face, Si! chants for Mesh when she lands a shot, No! chants for Priceless when he lands a shot! The crowd is super into the match, they’re all on their feet! Mesh goes for another right hand but Priceless blocks it and follows up with a headbutt! That’s enough to knock Mesh down as he gets up, signaling for yet another Pricecheck!
Mesh moves, Priceless gets antsy, his hand twitching in anticipation. He lunges forward for the superkick but somehow, Mesh ducks and drills Priceless in the face with another Pelé Kick! That isn’t enough to bring him down however, so Mesh dropkicks her opponent in the knee. Priceless goes down on one knee but he’s not down. A limping Mesh, who’s barely able to stand manages to painfully take a few steps and nail him in the face with a forearm! As she lands the devastating blow, she succumbs to the pain in her leg!
Alecia Matthews: She’s giving Priceless everything she’s got!
With her opponent down, Mesh crawls towards him and lays her arm across him.
1!
2!
Priceless kicks out! The crowd gasps at the resiliency! Mesh catches her breath as a look of disappointment emerges from her face. She crawls to the corner, leaving some space between the two wrestlers. Mesh painstakingly gets up to her feet, using the ropes as leverage. The crowd starts to clap in unison! She grits her teeth as she pulls herself up, Priceless starts to come to. As soon as he’s up, Mesh jumps from the middle rope but she’s caught by her opponent! Priceless then slams her down on the mat with a Double A spinebuster!
Alecia Matthews: Oh! What a sequence!
Priceless isn’t done just yet though. He immediately picks Mesh up and hits her with The Red-Eve! He hooks the leg!
1!
2!
Mesh kicks out!
Priceless pounds the mat out of rage. He gets the referees face who isn’t backing down. We cut to Mama Bear cheering and trying to rile the crowd up as they start to chant her daughter’s name!
Mama Bear: Come on, honey!
Daniel Knight: Okay, this is getting ridiculous! How many times is Mesh going to kick out of a freakin’ finishing move???
Alecia Matthews: I don’t know how she’s doing it either! She must be feeling the vibes from the crowd!
Daniel Knight: Oh, please! Don’t tell me you bought that whole “The positive vibes from the crowd – they’re like energy” bit?
Alecia Matthews: Whoa, whoa, whoa – stop the clock! Did you just admit to watching Mesh’s livestream???
Daniel Knight: Of course, I did but only for material since it was so awful! I kept typing in the chat why she sucks so much but I got banned by one of her mods.
Alecia Matthews: Serves you right!
Priceless stays on his knees, breathing heavy as he thinks of what to do next. He picks Mesh up by her hair and carries her to the corner. A few elbow shots to the head of Mesh and Priceless sits her atop the turnbuckle. He then stands on the middle rope, but Mesh starts to fight back again! Clubbing shots to the midsection from Mesh, knocking Priceless down! He immediately gets up and goes after her, but she keeps fighting back!
She kicks Priceless in the face before diving off the top with a crossbody! She lands on top of her opponent, but he reverses it, leaving him on top! He scoops Mesh up, going for a powerslam but she gets out of it and drills Priceless in the face with a spinning heel kick! She favors her leg again as she struggles to get up but so does Priceless. He charges towards her, but Mesh moves out of the way, resulting in Priceless banging his head on the ring post! Mesh gets behind him and rolls him up!
1!
2!
3!
DING! DING! DING!
Christa Adina: Here is your winner….Mesh!
Daniel Knight: A rollup?! This match was dominated by Priceless and it ends in a freakin’ rollup?!
Alecia Matthews: Mesh was desperate, barely able to stand so she capitalized on Priceless being stunned. This was one hell of a match and Mesh, again remains 2-0 against the man from Tragedy City!
The referee raises Mesh’s arm in victory as she stays seated on the mat, fighting through the pain. Mama Bear is standing from her seat, applauding her daughter. Her eyes appear to be glistening with tears of joy while the rest of the crowd around her pops! Many of the children in the crowd have big smiles on their faces, jumping up and down, celebrating with their hero. At this point, Priceless is seated in the corner, running his hands through his stringy hair and he looks pissed.
Pissed at himself, not his opponent.
With help from the referee, Mesh manages to get out of the ring and limp towards her mother. They hug as the crowd applauds the moment. It appears like Mama Bear is whispering something in her daughter’s ear, but it can’t be heard.
Daniel Knight: WHY?!? I’m getting so annoyed at all these Hallmark moments!
Alecia Matthews: Oh, you shut up! This is such a cool moment!
A kiss on the cheek from her mother pops the crowd as she starts making her way towards the entrance ramp with help from the referee. The crowd applauds her as they all stay standing!
Mesh flashes the peace sign with her hands as she’s taken to the back. Priceless is still seated in the ring but he gets up and asks for a microphone.
Chris Priceless: Needles, Needles, Needles - when are you going to learn that nobody is afraid of you. Not me, not that little bundle of blue hair that just beat me, not Brennan, nobody. You can act all menacing and tough when you have that bat in your hands but if you want to go, I'll shove that bat up your ass and turn you into a popsicle.
The more s*** you talk about my brother, the more pain I'm going to inflict on you so go ahead, keep running your mouth.
Last time I crushed your throat, next time I'm breaking your jaw so you'll never badmouth me or my brother again.
I'll see you in England....Bat Boy.
He shakes his head in disbelief and leaves the ring. As he walks up the aisle, he points up to the sky, channeling the energy of his brother. He stops and points up at the ceiling once again when he reaches the very top of the entrance ramp before turning around and walking to the back.
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Post by CM Poor: DeepFigureValue on Sept 13, 2018 15:44:55 GMT -5
We cut backstage to the site of the ‘Wee Green Man’ Shuggy pegging it down the corridors of Arena Ciudad de México.
Shuggy: Lila! Lila!
Lila Sleater: Hello?
The boss seems a little bit taken aback by the urgency of the wee Scotsman.
Shuggy: Thank f*** I caught ya. We needa talk ‘bout ma title.
Lila Sleater: You don’t have a title…
Shuggy: Details. I just wanna make sure tha’ you’re on board with bringin’ the Intergalactic belt back for when I win this tournament?
Lila Sleater: The Intergalactic Spaceman Championship that is widely regarded as one of the biggest mistakes in WFWF history?
Shuggy: Aye, tha’s the one! So you’re on board right?
The little Scot’s confidence seems to be getting a fair reaction from the crowd, though Lila seems decidedly less impressed.
Lila Sleater: No. I’m not.
Shuggy: Wha? Ye… ye cannae do this to me… my whole WFWF career has been buildin’ ta this.
Lila Sleater: You’ve had one match.
Shuggy: Aye, an it’s all been buildin’ ta me winning tha’ Intergalactic Spaceman strap, dinnae take tha’ a way from me lass.
Lila Sleater: I’m sorry, it’s really not happening.
Shuggy seems visibly shaken by Lila’s insistence.
Shuggy: Diya nae like money? Is that it?
Whilst Lila’s look of utter bafflement is equally strong.
Shuggy: ‘cause I’da made yous millions in replica belt sales.
Lila Sleater: Yeah… sure.
Shuggy: Notta mention the millions I’m makin’ yous in piñatas.
Lila Sleater: We don’t sell piñatas, we don’t make marketing decisions based on the twitter whims of wrestlers, and for the love of God, we are not bringing back the Intergalactic Spaceman Championship.
A despondent Shuggy weighs up his options.
Shuggy: Ya nae imma stick the wee green men from Toy Story on ma belt an’ call i’ tha’ anyway right?
Lila Sleater: Jesus Christ...
Alecia Matthews: It’s time for our second semi-final tournament match. Who will step up to face Mesh at Wembley Stadium with a brand new title on the line?
Daniel Knight: It will be either the “wee green man” Shuggy or the “f***ing janitor” Billy Broom. Not quite the competition I’d like to see given that Tyler Draven showed he is THE top prospect in the company. He’s still undefeated! It’s almost criminal that he wasn’t invited to participate in the tournament.
Alecia Matthews: You should watch what you say Daniel. The decision was Lila’s and you wouldn’t want to get on her bad side, would you? You might find yourself booked in a match against Drakz.
Daniel Knight: That’s an empty threat and you know it. I’m not a wrestler. Lila would never force me to step in the ring.
Alecia Matthews: You better hope you’re right Daniel. Stranger things have happened in the WFWF.
The thrashing metal guitar riffs of "Gimme Chocolate" by Babymetal deafen everyone in the arena. "The Cleaner" Billy Broom comes out on stage in dark blue overalls swinging a mop above his head like a madman. After ten seconds or so, he smashes the mop on the stage. Then he rips off the overalls and flings them aside revealing his wrestling attire, still thrashing his head and arms to the music. He "moshes" his way to the ring slapping the hands of fans along the way until he slides in under the bottom rope.
Christa Adina: Now entering the ring... from Pittsburgh, PA... standing 6' 3" and weighing 240 lbs... "The Cleaner" Billy Broooooooom!
'Destination Venus' hits as, on the titantron, a clumsily drawn cartoon flying saucer begins darting around the screen. It eventually settles in the middle of the screen and from the drawing comes a cartoon ray of light that 'illuminates' the scribbled name 'Shuggy'. Simultaneously a ray of light shines down on the stage where the wee man himself appears, arms stretched out wide, clearly enjoying being the centre of attention. The youngster takes a moment to soak up the response he receives from the WFWF fans, before proceeding to peg it down the ramp as fast as his wee legs'll take him.
Migraine inducing Orange and Green lights rapidly flash around the arena, as Shuggy slide into the centre of the ring to a great response from the kids, women and families in the audience and a decidedly less enthusiastic response from the WFWF’s main demographic. ‘The Wee Green Man’ climbs onto the second rope, throws up the Vulcan Salute, and finally hops down, ready for his opponent.
Christa Adina: And his opponent… from Glasgow, Scotland… standing 5’ 6” and weighing 175 lbs… Shuggggggyyy!
Alecia Matthews: That has to be two of the most unique entrances of any wrestlers on the roster… which is how it should be for two of the most unique wrestlers on the roster.
Daniel Knight: Very true Alecia. Shuggy and Bill Broom really do stand out, perhaps not in a good way either, compared to the top stars like Brennan, Kyzer, Drakz, Lynn, and Whitner but they have shown they are winners and are set to meet in this semi-final match.
Alecia Matthews: The crowd is buzzing for both men. We knew the fans were behind the janitor but who knew they would get behind the “wee green man” so quickly?
Daniel Knight: There’s no accounting for tastes. These are the same fans who wear blue wigs and dance like idiots for Mesh. I’m not surprise that we have a few fans wearing“martian” antenna and pointy “Spock” ears too, those that aren’t waving around a mop instead.
Alecia Matthews: If my eyes aren’t deceiving me, many of the fans with antenna or pointy ears are also waving mops. They can’t decide between Shuggy and Billy.
Daniel Knight: Great… a crowd full of future politicians.
DING DING DING
The referee signals to Billy and Shuggy to get the match started. They approach each other slowly, each one extending a hand at the same time. They shake hands quickly, each nervous that the other might try something but neither does.
Shuggy charges at Billy who steps to the side and drives his knee into Shuggy’s abdomen. Shuggy doubles over and Billy slams him to the mat with a judo throw, locking on an arm bar. Shuggy kips up, flips over his own arm, then jumps up again and hits Billy with a kick to the head.
Billy backs away and Shuggy charges again. Billy drops to a knee and drives his elbow into Shuggy’s abdomen. Billy lifts Shuggy into a fireman’s carry, drops him on his knee with a neck breaker, and then locks his arm around Shuggy for a headlock. Shuggy lifts his legs up and around Billy’s head and twists him down to the mat. Billy puts both hands on the mat and pushes out of the hold. Billy tries to kick Shuggy in the head but Shuggy ducks. Shuggy counters with a leg sweep that Billy jumps over.
Both men stand face to face, going each other a nod of respect as the crowd applauds the display of technical wrestling.
Daniel Knight: If I didn’t know better, I’d swear Billy has learned some new moves.
Alecia Matthews: Rumor has is he sought out training from one of the veterans on the roster to prepare for the tournament although we’re not sure who. It certainly looks like Billy is better prepared for this match than any he has ever been before.
Shuggy bounces off the ropes and runs at Billy, leaping up at the last second for a cross body block. The much larger Billy catches him clean, then flips him over his head for a fallaway slam. Billy moves in, grabs a leg, and hooks a half Boston Crab submission.
Shuggy lets out a yelp of pain as Billy leans back adding to the torque on his knee and back. He smacks the mat several times causing the ref to jump in and ask him if he is giving up. Shuggy looks shocked as he realizes his mistake, yells out “Hell no!”. The ref gives him the benefit of the doubt and backs off letting Billy continue to twist at Shuggy’s knee.
Shuggy claws his way towards the ropes and manages to get two fingers wrapped around the bottom rope. The ref icalls for the break. Billy obliges immediately, releasing his hold on Shuggy’s leg and stepping back to the middle of the ring.
Alecia Matthews: That’s some fair play by Billy. He would have been well within his rights to make the ref count and not let go of the hold until four.
Daniel Knight: Any wrestler worth his salt would have done just that. You have a five count to break a hold and the great ones always make use of that time.
Alecia Matthews: You and I may have different criteria for defining “great” but I’ll let it go for now. Billy has been surprisingly sharp so far. Shuggy needs to step up now before it’s too late.
Billy and Shuggy run the ropes, Shuggy going low as Billy jump some rhim, then leapfrogging over Billy as ducks under him. Shuggy stops and sets up for a super kick. Billy pulls up short and throws his arms up to protect his head. Shuggy feints for the head but then kicks low, taking out one of Billy’s knees. Shuggy jumps into the air and spins around landing a leg drop to the back of Billy’s head driving him face first into the mat. He quickly rolls Billy onto his back, then springboards off the middle rope landing a moonsault. Shuggy grabs one of Billy’s legs and goes for a cover.
1…
2…
Daniel Knight: Billy Broom kicks out! Shuggy poured on the offense but he lacks the body weight to put enough power behind his moves.
Alecia Matthews: I agree. Shuggy needs to wear down Billy, who has 65 lbs more mass on him and almost all of it is muscle.
Daniel Knight: And bad tattoos.
Alecia Matthews: Respect the tats Daniel. Most of them symbolize his time in the military.
After Billy kicked out, Shuggy drive him into the corner with a series of chops to the chest. Shuggy went to the opposite corner, got a running start and delivered a bone crunching drop kick to Billy’s jaw. Shuggy kept Billy pressed into the corner and climbed to the second rope, wrapping an arm around Billy’s neck. Shuggy goes for a tornado DDT, but he can’t take the Janitor down.
Billy lifts Shuggy up awkwardly and throws him halfway across the ring.
Daniel Knight: Nothing pretty about that move, just pure power as Billy tossed Shuggy across the ring.
Billy runs at Shuggy, who is down on his hands and knees. The Janitor’s knee comes crashing into the side of Shuggy’s head. Shuggy wobbles around on his knees, obviously stunned from the strike.
Billy grabs Shuggy and lifts him to his feet, wraps his arm around Shuggy’s head, takes two steps and drops down driving Shuggy into the mat with a vicious bulldog.
Shuggy flops around on the mat in obvious pain. Billy turns to the turnbuckle, then climbs to the top, holds up his elbow and pats it with his other hand causing the fans to roar in approval. Billy leaps off going for a top rope elbow drop but Shuggy rolls clear! Billy meets the mat with a thud and now he is the one flopping around in pain. Shuggy looks on from a seated position in the corner.
Daniel Knight: Who would have predicted that Billy Broom would be the one to crash and burn from trying a high risk move?
Alecia Matthews: Not me. Shuggy is supposed to be the high flyer. Billy is at his best when he concentrates on his ground and pound game.
Alecia Matthews: Obviously, as he broke away from the ground and pound… and look where it got him!
The action in the ring continues at a fast pace as Shuggy goes on the offensive. He hits a spinning heel kick that knocks Billy back to the mat, drops several standing elbow drops, and finishes it off with Rolling Thunder… to another roar from the crowd.
Shuggy goes for a cover.
1…
2…
Billy kicks out!
Shuggy shows his frustration, slapping the mat several times while looking at the referee as if asking “Are you sure that wasn’t a three count?” As if to make sure, Shuggy covers Billy again.
1…
2…
Billy reverses the cover into a roll up, going for a pin of his own.
1…
2…
Shuggy kicks out! He quickly jumps to his feet and backs away from the Janitor.
Alecia Matthews: Shuggy was so close but Billy isn’t done yet.
Daniel Knight: It’s the size factor. It’s like watching a lion try to take down an elephant.
Both men approach each other warily, Shuggy holding his arms up signally that he wants a test of strength with Billy. They lock hands and muscles flex until veins pop out as each man tries to get the dominant position. It doesn’t take long for Billy’s size and strength to give him the upper hand, driving Shuggy down to a knee.
Then, Shuggy smiles as he rolls onto his back and kicks up with his legs, driving Billy up and over in a monkey flip. Billy snaps back to his feet and is greeted by standing dropkick that sends him back into the corner of the ring. Shuggy charges at Billy and hits a another dropkick to Billy’s face.
Billy slumps down against the ropes. Shuggy grabs his legs and drags Billy into the center of the ring. Then he climbs the turnbuckles and leaps off for the Anti-Gravity (corkscrew shooting star press)!
Alecia Matthews: Nobody’s home! Billy rolled out of the way and avoided the Anti-Gravity attack.
Daniel Knight: Crash and burn! That’s the moral of this match. High risk does not always mean high reward.
Billy, looking much more confident and slightly refreshed, picks Shuggy up and whips him into the ropes setting up for the Pop-Up Powerbomb. Shuggy bounces back towards him. Billy sticks his arms out, grabs Shuggy, and uses his momentum to launch him high into the air. Then, as Billy is about to grab Shuggy’s legs and slam him back to the mat, Shuggy kicks out with both feet connecting with Billy’s chest. Billy staggers back while Shuggy executes a beautiful backflip to land on his feet.
Billy bounces off the ropes back towards Shuggy who leaps up and hits a perfect dropkick to Billy’s face. The janitor collapses to the mat.
Shuggy jumps right to the top turnbuckle, yells something about the wee green man coming in for a landing (but only a fellow Glaswegian would be sure because that’s one thick f***ing accent) and flies into the air.
Daniel Knight: Anti Gravity! Again!
Alecia Matthews: And this time it hit! Shuggy’s going for the pin.
Daniel Knight: Oh dear God no. Please not the pixie versus the leprechaun… anything but that.
Shuggy grabs both of Billy’s legs and goes for the most technically perfect cover you could ask for. He’s taking no chances that Billy has enough left over to kick out.
1…
2…
3!
DING DING DING!
Christa Adina: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the match and the second World Domination Tournament finalist… Shuuuggggggyyy!
Daniel Knight: Oh my life is truly cursed. We could have had Draven versus Needles in a real battle between two grown men but instead we’re getting Mesh versus Shuggy. That’s a match that is sure to put asses in the seats.
Alecia Matthews: Shut your mouth Daniel. Shuggy just won a tough match against a very tough opponent. He earned his way into the finals against Mesh, who had an equally tough road to the finals. It’s going to be a great match. And by the way, LEPRECHAUNS ARE IRISH, NOT SCOTTISH! Get! It! Right!
Shuggy pops off of Billy like a spring loaded Mexican jumping bean, bounces around the ring to the adulation of the crowd, then jumps onto the middle rope and holds his hands up high.
Billy slowly sits up, then stands and looks at his opponent. He comes up from behind Shuggy and reaches out towards Shuggy. The crowd gasps! Is Billy going to snap and attack Shuggy during his celebration?
No, he isn’t. The audience is audibly relieved as Billy grabs the “wee green man” and lifts him onto his shoulder so he can carry him around the ring for all to see. Then he gently drops Shuggy down, looks him in the eye, and holds out his hand. Shuggy shakes it, then holds Billy’s hand up in the air in a show of respect.
The crowd, not used to such good will post match, goes wild for the gracious duo. Dueling chants of “SHUGGY!” and “BILLY!” break out.
Alecia Matthews: Take a well deserved bow boys. You made this semi-final match one for the highlight reels.
Daniel Knight: Whatever you say. I still say Tyler Draven should have the chance to compete against Shuggy and our other finalist, Mesh. Did I mention? He’s undefeated!
Alecia Matthews: You had.
Daniel Knight: Well, it bears repeating. This is unbelievable.
Alecia Matthews: Do you like anything? Really? Anything at all?
Daniel Knight: Am I out of line? Lila Sleater introduces a new championship - a title worthy of dog earing the next big thing in the WFWF - and our finals fall to a whirling dervish of color, light, and obnoxious spontaneity...and a guy named Shuggy.
As the janitor clears the way for Shuggy to celebrate in the ring, their conjoined, warm reception turns diluted as a mix of boos enter the fray, signaling the arrival of Lila Sleater atop the ramp. She sidesteps making her way down the ramp, instead turning her attention to a cloth covered pedestal that seems to have appeared sometime during Shuggy’s bout with the janitor.
Daniel Knight: Oh, good - maybe she’s here to put a stop to this embarrassment.
Lila Sleater: Well done, Shuggy. Well done. It would seem, with that decisive victory, that we now have our finals forged in stone.
A sudden surge of cheers erupts from the crowd, but it’s less aimed at Sleater’s proclamation, and owed more to the fact that fellow finalist Mesh has quietly and somewhat reservedly stepped out from behind the curtain. She bashfully smiles at the overwhelming response, waving to Shuggy still in the ring before turning her attention toward Sleater, who smiles in response.
Lila Sleater: Your ears must have been ringing, young lady. You’ve both emerged from a pool of eight to prove yourselves the most worthy competitors for this new prize, and so I felt it only appropriate, with the two of you definitively secured in your spots, to finally raise the stakes and reveal to the world what’s up for grabs.
To this, the crowd does respond, in unanimous approval. Shuggy leans in on the corner nearest the stage as Mesh mouths “oh my god” before covering her mouth with both hands, barely able to contain herself as she looks on.
Lila Sleater: In just a few short weeks, the WFWF’s World Domination Tour will culminate in London, as we descend upon the world famous Wembley Stadium. There, it will be Shuggy versus Mesh, one on one. At the end, one of you will have your hand raised, forever forging your name in WFWF history as the inaugural WFWF Vanguard Champion!
Yanking back the cloth adornment, Sleater steps away to reveal the newest prize in the WFWF Hall of Champions to a massive roar of approval from the sold out crowd. Mesh can hardly contain herself any longer as she’s jumping in place, celebrating as if she’s already taken home the prize. Shuggy nods in approval before climbing the corner turnbuckles, signaling his intent on victory as he wraps his hands around the front of his waist.
Alecia Matthews: Sorry, Daniel. It looks to me as though Lila Sleater is as pleased with these finals as anyone in this building, save for yourself.
Daniel Knight: Maybe they can just both lose.
Alecia Matthews: And maybe one day I’ll have a new broadcast partner. It’s nice to dream. But with gold on the mind of our two finalists and now this capacity crowd, it seems like no better time to turn our attention to the WFWF International Championship, which is up for grabs tonight!
Daniel Knight: Between two real wrestlers, mind you.
Alecia Matthews: Maybe I should be looking for a new job.
Daniel Knight: Oh my, you’re right - it is nice to dream.
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Post by CM Poor: DeepFigureValue on Sept 13, 2018 15:45:55 GMT -5
Alecia Matthews: It’s time for our main event! The International Championship is on the line as defending champion Frank Lynn faces off against the number one contender Ante Whitner!
Daniel Knight: So much history between these two dating back almost two years to the 2016 Match of the Year, the six man ladder match at SuperBrawl to crown the first ever Golden Opportunity Champion, a title Ante and Frank would battle for several times in one of the best and most bitter rivalries of recent memory.
Alecia Matthews: Very true Daniel. These two do not like each other. It was Ante Whitner who won that match at SuperBrawl. It was Ante who put Frank’s mentor and co-revolutionary Joe Bishop out of action. It was Ante who broke the neck of Frank’s manager Daphne Velasquez.
Daniel Knight: But it was Frank Lynn who turned the tables when he beat Ante in the International Gauntlet and did it again when he finally claimed the Golden Opportunity at Back to Basics.
Alecia Matthews: These two men have faced off more times than any other pair of WFWF wrestlers in the past three years. Five times in total and a title or title shot was at stake in all but one match. That’s what makes this such an epic rivalry.
Daniel Knight: Tonight they meet for the sixth time and the International Championships on the line. The Bloodied Eagle… the Redeemer… Ante Whitner collides with the fighting champion… the Lethal Weapon Frank Lynn.
Alecia Matthews: From the sounds of things, we are about to get under way!
The soft strokes of a piano echo throughout the arena. A pinch of light dims at the center of the stage with a faint white smoke. The notes get louder and louder with accompanying orchestra and chorus vocals. The words "War is God" flash on the screen over and over again, endlessly. The beat drops and the epic orchestral rendition of "Gangsta's Paradise" hammers the arena with a large thud, like an atomic bomb landed at its epicenter.
A figure emerges from the stage with a grin of his face. Ante Whitner glimmers in a white boxing robe, hopping around for a bit of momentum going into the matchup. He shakes out his hands, stretches his arms, and cracks his neck, smiling as he's ready to "redeem" his next target. The "Redeemer" walks down the ramp with swagger and the thunderous orchestral rendition of his classic theme song in the background. He enters the ring and takes off the pale white robe, revealing the soldier he is underneath with camo gear and a propensity for violence. The smoke fades from the arena as Whitner stares at the stage awaiting his opponent and mouths the word “redemption".
The arena goes black. 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 down, his face hidden from sight by a hood pulled low over his brow.
His manager Daphne Velasquez 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. 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, his still hidden eyes undoubtedly staring directly at his opponent.
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. Daphne removes Frank’s coat, revealing his face for the first time to the crowd and Ante Whitner. Painted on Frank’s face is a blood red cross centered over his left eye. The usual vertical red stripe on his pants has a new addition, a horizontal red stripe mid-thigh forming another cross on each leg. Written in bright yellow down the middle of the vertical stripe is a single word: HERETIC.
Ante’s face turns bright red as he sees how Frank is mocking him and his beliefs. He crosses himself and his steely eyes burn a hole through Frank, who just stands there like a statue.
Christa Adina: Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is our main event of the evening, a match to one fall for the International Championship! Introducing first the challenger… from Yonkers, New York… standing 6’ 1” and weighing 215 pounds… he is the Redeemer Ante Whiiitttnnneeerrr!
Ante receives a mixed reaction from the crowd although a small chant of “We are with you!” can be heard.
Christa Adina: And his opponent… from Boston, Massachusetts… standing 6’ 2” and weighing 232 pounds… he is the reigning, defending International Champion… The Lethal Weapon Frank Lyyynnnnnn!
Frank Lynn also receives a mixed reaction but the cheers are a little louder than the boos.
Neither Ante nor Frank do much to acknowledge the crowd. Their attention is solely on each other and the belt that the ref is now holding above his head while doing a 360 spin so everyone in attendance can see the prize they will soon be fighting for.
Daphne slides out of the ring, removes her coat, gives both her coat and Frank’s to a staffer to take back to the locker room, and then heads over to the announcer’s table. She sits down next to Alecia and Daniel, puts on an extra headset, and joins them on commentary.
Daniel Knight: Um, can I ask what you think you are doing?
Daphne Velasquez: Color commentary. If two heads are better than one, then surely three heads are better than two.
Daniel Knight: Shouldn’t you be at ringside doing your job as Frank’s manager?
Daphne Velasquez: Didn’t you hear? I’m a bad influence on Frank… at least according to Mesh. I’m going to prove her wrong by sitting here calling the action with the two of you while Frank takes care of Ante Whitner all by himself.
Daniel Knight: I’m not sure we need your help.
Alecia Matthews: Do you listen to yourself? We can use all the help we can get. Welcome to the team Daphne.
Daphne Velasquez: Gracias. And it looks like the referee has finished checking each wrestler for foreign objects. He’s signaling for the bell to get the match started.
Daniel Knight: I could’ve said that. I know how to do this job.
Alecia Matthews: *groan*
DING DING DING
Ante charges at Frank Lynn like a bull seeing a matador waving a red cape. He drives his shoulder into Frank’s midsection and pushes him into the corner. Ante chops away at Frank’s chest.
Frank grabs Ante by the beard and slaps him, a hard slap that leaves a red hand print on Ante’s cheek. Then he spins Ante around so he is pinned in the corner and hits a series of chops of his own.
Ante throws a haymaker at Frank’s left eye, the center of the cross on Frank’s face that is mocking him. Frank ducks the punch and drives a knee into Ante’s stomach. He follows it with a series of european uppercuts that rock Ante’s head back and forth.
Alecia Matthews: Good lord these two aren’t holding anything back. The intensity! Every strike is delivered with deadly intentions.
Daniel Knight: Daphne, can you tell us anything about the cross on Frank’s face or the word “heretic” on his pants?
Daphne Velasquez: Yes I can Daniel. Ante called Frank a heretic back in Tokyo. He was right, as Frank clearly explained later. If Ante can whip out his bible quotes and ramble on about his quest to redeem the lost souls of the WFWF, then Frank can wave his own banner in Ante’s face. If it pisses Ante off, causes him to lose control, then all the better for Frank.
Frank grabs Ante by the wrist and whips him across the ring into the opposite corner. Ante hits with a rim shaking crash. Frank charges in and hits a big splash.
Alecia Matthews: Wow, that’s really cerebral. But do you really think a seasoned veteran like the bloodied Eagle will actually fall for such a blatant mind game?
Daphne Velasquez: Maybe, maybe not. But you miss every shot you don’t take, right? It’s worth a shot.
Daniel Knight: You two can debate tactics all you want, this match has started off with a bang. Now that’s how real men wrestle. No smiling or popping and locking or dancing with a mop going on in this match!
Frank lifts Ante up to a seated position on the top turnbuckle, then climbs onto the second rope and rains down punches on Ante’s head. The ref steps in to warn Frank about using a closed fist. Frank shows the ref his clearly open hand and then slaps Ante. The ref backs away. Frank grabs Ante around the waist and launches him overhead with a belly to belly superplex.
Frank assumes a mounted position and hits Ante with forearm smashes to his forehead. After the third or fourth blow, Ante’s forehead is busted open and blood flows down his face.
Alecia Matthews: Now that’s what I call bleeding the hard way!
Daphne Velasquez: That’s Franks MMA background coming into play. He knows how to throw an effective elbow strike. Pretty soon, Ante will be blinded by the blood and the swelling around his eye.
Daniel Knight: Is Frank a master technician or a stone cold killer at work?
Daphne Velasquez: A little of both Daniel. That’s what makes Frank the lethal weapon.
Ante reaches up with both hands clawing at Frank’s face. Frank has to stop striking Ante and use his own hands to protect his eyes giving Ante an opening. He swivels his hips and spins his legs until he is able to throw Frank off him.
Ante quickly jumps to his feet and faces Frank. Ante wipes at the blood running down his face, then paints a cross on his chest centered over his heart.
Frank holds up his hands for a test of strength. Ante grasps Frank’s hands and they start the classic wrestling struggle, a test not only of strength but also will and determination. It goes on for quite some time, Frank pushing Ante, then Ante pushing Frank, and so on. The crowd cheers for both men equally.
Frank grimaces and grunts with the effort as he finally pushes Ante down to his knees.
Alecia Matthews: I never thought a simple test of strength could be so hard fought. Neither man wants to give an inch to the other.
Daphne Velasquez: But Frank is the stronger man and that’s why Ante is on his knees now.
Daniel Knight: Are you sure he isn’t taking a prayer break?
Daphne Velasquez: I wouldn’t be surprised. Whitner needs all the help he can get.
Frank continues to bear down on Ante, driving him down to the mat with his hands held up over his head and his knees bent to a painful angle. Frank seems to be in total control when Ante headbutts him. Frank’s nose explodes in a shower of blood. Frank releases his grip and rolls away from Ante, both men quickly jumping to their feet to face off once again.
Alecia Matthews: Ouch! I think Ante may have broken Frank’s nose.
Daphne Velasquez: Wouldn’t be the first time. It won’t slow him down.
Daniel Knight: It could if he has problems breathing. That evens out any problems Ante may have seeing.
Daphne Velasquez: We shall see.
The two bloodied warriors circle each other. The crowd roars loudly, urging the men on to further acts of violence. The bloodthirst is upon them and they want more.
Frank reaches out to grab Ante’s arm but Ante spins around and lands a back elbow to the head. He grabs Frank’s wrist and spins him around into a leaping knee strike to the face. Ante keeps hold of Frank’s wrist so he doesn’t fall and slings him across the ring into the ropes. Frank bounces off and comes back at Ante only to eat a devastating discus clothesline that sends Frank to the mat with so much force that his head and neck hit the mat, he bounces up and flips over to land on his front side.
Ante stomps on Frank’s arms and legs. Whitner drops an elbow to the small of Frank’s back. Then he locks on the camel clutch.
Alecia Matthews: Ante has Frank in a submission hold. Can he hold on long enough to make Frank tap?
Daphne Velasquez: Not a chance. Frank will find a way to counter the camel clutch.
Daniel Knight: You have more faith in Frank than the fans. Some of them are chanting “TAP! TAP! TAP!”
Despite the urging of the fans to tap out, Frank does no such thing. Ante leans back and cranks up the pressure on Frank’s back. Frank’s face contorts from the pain but he refuses to tap. He wraps his arms around Ante’s thighs and uses them as leverage so he can get to his knees. Then he shows his core strength and stands up with Ante still wrapped around his neck!
Ante switches his grip to a sleeper hold. Frank stays on his feet and fights back, taking slow lumbering steps towards a corner of the ring. When he gets close enough, he get his feet on the second rope and pushes off, flipping over Ante who suddenly finds himself in a pinning predicament despite still having the sleeper hold on tight.
1…
2…
Ante breaks his grip and kicks out!
Daphne Velasquez: See. I told you Frank would counter Ante’s submission hold. He almost got a pin out of it!
Alecia Matthews: It was impressive but Ante’s not done.
Ante sees that Frank is on spaghetti legs. He springboards off the ropes for a diving crossbody that takes Lynn down. Ante grabs a leg and goes for a cover.
1…
2…
Frank Lynn kicks out!
Ante drags Frank back to his feet and whips him into the ropes, following a step behind. Frank hits the ropes hard, then gets hit even harder as Ante clotheslines him from behind. Frank goes flying over the top rope, bounces off the ring apron, and crashes to the floor.
Daphne Velasquez: Excuse me.
Daniel Knight: Where the hell is she going?
Alecia Matthews: To help her man. That’s what a good manager does.
Daphne rushes over to Frank with a water bottle in hand. She splashes some on his face, washing away some of the blood from his nose and smearing the painted cross on his face. She pours some water into his mouth. All the while she is whispering instructions and words of encouragement to him. They can hear the ref counting, having made it to five already. Ante watches on impatiently.
Daphne helps Frank to his feet and points towards the ring. At that moment, Ante runs towards them and leaps over the ropes for a suicide dive. Frank pushes Daphne out of the way and takes the full force of Ante’s body, both men crashing into the security barrier.
Ante is first to his feet and he turns towards Daphne. She stands her ground but holds her hands up innocently. Ante points at her neck and shoos her away. An obviously angry Daphne yells something in Spanish at him, then starts laughing and points behind him.
Ante moves towards Daphne but is stopped dead in his tracks by a double axe handle smash to the back of his head by Lynn. The champ whips Ante into the ring steps.
The referee having broken his count when Ante went flying over the top rope, all but begs the wrestlers to get back in the ring before starting a new count.
1… 2… 3…
Daphne rushes back to the announcers table to resume her role as commentator.
Daniel Knight: What was that all about?
Daphne Velasquez: Really Daniel? Have you never seen a manager give a wrestler some advice mid-match? I didn’t lay a finger on Ante nor create a distraction. Can I help it if he lost track of Frank?
Alecia Matthews: Daphne has a point. She’s in the clear… this time. That had to be hard for you considering your own personal history with Ante.
Daphne Velasquez: He broke my neck, ended my wrestling career. I’m over it. Really. People need to stop bringing it up. I have nothing but love for Ante Whitner. If God can forgive him, then who am I to not do the same?
Daniel Knight: Careful Daphne, your sarcasm is showing.
Frank grabs Ante and slams his head into the ring post, blood once again flowing freely from the cut on his forehead, running down his face and turning his beard bright red.
4… 5… 6…
Frank spins Ante around and delivers a european uppercut that rocks Ante’s head back into the ring post again. Frank winds up to deliver a forearm smash but Ante ducks and Frank’s arm connects with the ring post. Ante kicks Frank’s knee, punches him, and then spins him head first into the ring post.
Daniel Knight: A sudden reversal by Ante has Frank on wobbly legs again.
Alecia Matthews: I can’t believe how vicious this has gotten. So much for master tactician and technician. This is an all out brawl.
The referee continues his slow and steady count. 7… 8… 9… 10…
Ante slams Frank’s head into the ring steps, once again causing the blood to flow from his possibly broken nose. Then he takes Frank’s leg and pins it between the ring apron and steps. He backs away, gets a running start and slams into the ring steps. Frank yells out and slams his hands into the ring steps in pain.
11… 12… 13…
Ante rolls into the ring and breaks the count. The referee slides out of the ring and checks Frank, helping to move the ring steps aside. Frank falls to the floor clutching at his knee.
The referee asks Frank if he needs a doctor, can he continue, does he even want to continue?
Daphne Velasquez: Fight through the pain Frank! Your title is on the line!
Frank turns to the referee and smiles.
Frank Lynn: I ain’t dead yet. Damn right I’m going to continue.
As if to prove a point, Frank jumps from the floor to the apron. The damaged leg wobbles but it holds. The referee shrugs and slides back into the ring.
Ante charges at Frank. Frank ducks between the top and middle rope and hits Ante with a shoulder block. Ante backs away and Frank jumps onto the top rope and springboards off into a Lou Thezs press that takes Ante down.
Alecia Matthews: Spaz Attack!
Daniel Knight: How is Frank doing this? His leg should be broken. How is he jumping and flying about like nothing happened?
Daphne Velasquez: Because he’s Frank Lynn and his opponent is Ante Whitner. Frank isn’t kidding. Ante will have to kill him to beat him.
Alecia Matthews: Which is exactly what Ante has in mind. He’s every bit as vicious as he was in the flaming barbwire match against Phillip Schneider. He’s a very sadistic man!
Daphne Velasquez: Oh really? I thought he was a holy man. Are you saying he is full of sh*t?
Alecia Matthews: Um… err… no comment.
Daniel Knight: I’ll say answer for you. Ante Whitner is a sadistic holy man.
Daphne Velasquez: Frank was so right. F’n hypocrites everywhere.
Frank hits Ante with several forearm blows to the head. Ante tries to escape by punching him in the badly bruised knee. Frank screams and almost loses control. He grabs Ante’s head in both hands and repeatedly slams it into the mat.
The referee steps in and forcibly removes Frank’s hands from Ante’s head, then pulls Frank off of Ante and delivers a warning to stay within the rules or he will be disqualified. He turns to Ante and delivers the same warning.
The two men charge at each other and exchange punches in the middle of the ring. The crowd has made their choice. They yell “Yes!” every time Frank connects and “No!” every time Ante connects.
The exchange continues for at least minute until both men are left leaning against each other for support, their heads and upper bodies completely covered in each other’s blood.
Alecia Matthews: What an epic fight! No quarter asked for and none given by Frank or Ante.
Daniel Knight: Damn sure better than any match the blue haired pixie or Scottish leprechaun have ever had.
Daphne Velasquez: That’s no way to talk about the talented wrestlers on the WFWF roster. Every single one of them deserves your respect, even the annoying ones. By the way, aren’t leprechauns Irish?
Alecia Matthews: Yes, they are but Daniel is geographically challenged.
Ante stomps on Frank’s foot, then tries to clothesline him. Frank ducks under the clothesline, hooks his own arm around Ante and slams him to the mat with a thunderous Rock Bottom. He goes for a cover.
1…
2…
Ante Whitner kicks out!
Frank gets up and backs away so he can catch his breath, rubs his bum knee, and wipes some of the blood off his face. Ante slowly gets up and turns toward Frank. Suddenly Frank hits a springboard backflip off the top rope straight into a reverse DDT. He goes for the cover.
1…
2…
Whitner kicks out!
Alecia Matthews: Amazing! Incredible! I can’t believe my eyes! Frank shouldn’t be able to walk yet he can still fly! And Ante keeps kicking out!
Daniel Knight: I know it’s a cliche but this match is turning into a war. We may have a last man standing match going on right before our eyes.
Frank backs away to lean against the ropes for support, trying to shake out his knee so that he can continue the fight. Ante stares at him with hate filled eyes.
Frank releases his hold on the ropes and comes at Ante. Ante jumps up and hits a Frankensteiner. He goes for a pin.
1…
2…
Frank Lynn kicks out. Ante pops off the middle rope to drop a knee on Frank’s head. Then he lifts Frank up and slams him back down with a belly-to-belly suplex. Ante kips up and climbs the ropes. He flies off for an elbow drop but Frank rolls out of the way, all the way under the ropes to the apron.
Both men slowly get to their feet. Ante runs at Frank and drops him back down with a clothesline. Frank crawls along the ring apron to sit against the ring post. Ante jumps over the top rope, then charges at Frank. He tries to slam his knee into Frank’s head but Frank rolls under the rope back into the ring and Ante strikes the ring post.
Alecia Matthews: Holy crap! Did you hear the impact?
Daniel Knight: Everybody did. If he had connected with his intended target, Frank’s head would have exploded like a watermelon.
Daphne Velasquez: We’ll never know because Frank is always one step ahead of Ante.
Ante tries to stand but his knee gives out and he falls off the apron to the floor. He balances himself against the ring apron while flexing his knee.
Frank sees an opening. He bounces off the ropes and hits Ante square in the head with a baseball slide kick. Ante bounces into the security barrier, coming to a stop with his upper body draped over the barrier.
Frank springboards off the top rope and hits a spinning leg drop… with his bad leg!
Both men roll around on the floor clutching at potentially broken body parts. The referee looks on in awe, completely forgetting to start a count.
Daniel Knight: I’m calling it now. Neither man should be able to continue. This is going to end in a double count out. A disappointing finish to a great match.
Alecia Matthews: You’re such a pessimist. Have you been watching the same two men as the rest of us. Neither is going to give up that easily. As long as they’re breathing, they’re gonna’ fight.
Daphne Velasquez: Frank certainly won’t give up. As much as I hate to say it, Ante isn’t the type to give up either.
The crowd is at a fever pitch, yelling encouragement for both men to get up and keep fighting.
Frank and Ante literally crawl towards each other. As soon as they are within arms reach, they start throwing punches from their knees. Ante’s punches have a little more behind them and once he has Frank rocked, he headbutts him. Then he wraps Frank up in the Bloody Yonkers (Crossface/Scissor Arm-bar combination)!
Daniel Knight: Bloody Yonkers! No way does Frank escape this. He’s done!
Daphne Velasquez: But they’re not in the ring! The match can’t end by submission outside the ring. This isn’t a falls count anywhere match! Come on ref… DO YOUR JOB!
Alecia Matthews: Just look at Ante’s face, his eyes. He isn’t trying to get the win. He’s trying to hurt Frank. He’s going to keep the hold on as along as the ref allows him. Then he’ll drag Frank’s corpse into the ring and pin him.
Daphne Velasquez: <Spanish mutterings, almost certainly of a nature that we shouldn’t translate>
The referee slides out of the ring and starts yanking on Ante, trying to pry him off Frank Lynn. Ante refuses to let go. Then the referee starts to call for the bell. Realizing he is about to lose any chance of winning the International Championship, Ante finally releases the hold and stands clear.
The ref checks on Frank but is pushed aside by Daphne, who has once again left the announcers table to come to Frank’s assistance. Daphne splashes water on Frank’s face and yells at him.
Daphne Velasquez: Get up! You have to get back in the ring and beat that stupid son of a bitch. You can do it!
The referee has his hands on Ante’s shoulders and is trying to talk sense into him, convince him to get back into the ring and finish the match without any more shenanigans. Suddenly, the referee is yanked aside and Frank lays into Ante with haymaker after haymaker.
He lifts Ante up on wobbly legs, then slams him into the ring apron with a power bomb.
The referee is apoplectic, screaming at Frank and Ante to get back in the ring NOW!
Frank looks at the ref and mouths the word “Okay”. He rolls Ante under the bottom rope, then climbs onto the apron. He grabs the top rope and flips over for a slingshot elbow drop.
Alecia Matthews: Smart move by Frank. I don’t think the referee was going to put up with much more. Also smart using the ropes to get some extra lift to compensate for his bad leg.
Daniel Knight: I have to give it to Frank, he’s wrestling better on one good leg than most do on two.
Frank rolls on top of Ante and goes for a pin.
1…
2…
Ante kicks out! The crowd gasps, oohs, and ahs all at the same time.
Frank lifts Ante up and slams into the corner. He goes for a forearm smash to the head but Ante avoids it, wraps his arms around Frank’s waist, lifts him onto his shoulders, and hits a running power slam. He lays across Frank for a cover.
1…
2…
Frank Lynn kicks out!
Frank gets to his feet first and picks up Ante for a scoop slam, but he stops, staggers a few steps towards the corner, and drops him into the Tree of Woe.
Frank takes a several deep breaths, shakes out his leg, and then runs straight at Ante delivering a sliding kick to Ante’s face. Ante’s legs slip free of the ropes and he collapses into a pile on the mat. Frank rolls him out of the corner and goes for a cover.
1…
2…
Ante Whitner kicks out!
THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME!
Alecia Matthews: Oh! My! God! They won’t quit. Neither one of them.
Daniel Knight: I have no idea what is keeping them going. This is incredible.
Daphne Velasquez: So much is on the line. The International Championship. Respect. Redemption. Revenge. Would you give up or would you rather be carried out in a body bag?
Daniel Knight: I’d give up to fight another day.
Daphne Velasquez: That is why you’ll never be a wrestler. Frank would choose the body bag and apparently so would Ante.
The back and forth continues in the ring, Ante having countered Frank’s latest attack by kicking him in his bad leg. Frank starts to fall down and Ante gives him some help by hitting an enziguri kick to the back of his head. Ante climbs slowly to the top rope and more falls than leaps off to hit a diving headbutt. He goes for a cover.
1…
2…
Frank Lynn kicks out! The crowd loses its collective sh*t.
FIGHT FOREVER! FIGHT FOREVER! FIGHT FOREVER!
Frank Lynn and Ante Whitner slowly stand up and face off… exhausted yet still determined… battered and bloodied yet unbeaten… They stagger towards each other and literally fall on each other, butting heads. They exchange words only heard by the two of them but you can be certain they aren’t exchanging recipes for banana nut bread.
Daniel Knight: This has been yet another main event that has delivered in every possible way.
Alecia Matthews: They’re going on sheer will power now. It’s all about who wants it more.
Daniel Knight: What a main event!
Daphne Velasquez: Come on Frank, you can do it.
Ante punches Frank, rocking him backwards. Frank shakes his head and stares back at Ante, almost daring him to try again. Ante kicks Frank in the chest. Frank reels, falling backwards into the ropes, bouncing off, and taking Ante down with a slingblade.
Frank moves towards the corner to climb the ropes, the crowd erupting in anticipation of the five star frog splash but Ante gets up to his knees. Frank turns, steps back towards Ante and hits him with several clubbing forearm blows to his back.
Then Frank tucks Ante’s head between his legs and wraps his arms around his waist. He takes a deep breath. The strain shows on his face as he flexes his legs and goes for the Canadian Destoyer. The crowd erupts as Frank hits the move, driving Ante’s head into the mat with all the force of both their bodies slipping through the air.
Daphne Velasquez: THAT’S IT FRANK! DRILL HIM INTO THE MAT! BREAK HIS FREAKIN’ NECK!
Daniel Knight: Ahem. We try to be impartial Daphne.
Alecia Matthews: Sure we do Daniel. ‘Specially you. That was a devastating move by Frank. Is it enough to finally put Ante down?
Frank takes his time going for the cover. He has the full support of the fans in attendance.
1…
2…
3!
DING DING DING!
Daphne Velasquez: YEEESSSSSS! Eat it Ante Whitner!
Daphne jumps up from behind the announcer’s table and rushes into the ring to celebrate with Frank… which means she helps Frank to his feet and props him up while the referee hands her the belt and raises Frank’s hand for the crowd.
Christa Adina: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner and still International Champion… the Lethal Weapon Frank Lyyynnnnnn!
Alecia Matthews: Frank Lynn and Ante Whitner went to war tonight and Frank came out on top. Congratulations to the champ!
Daniel Knight: Frank has rebounded from his loss to Drakz to make it abundantly clear that he is an elite wrestler. He’s going on six months as champion now which puts him in the top ten longest reigning International Champions.
Alecia Matthews: We are left now with more questions. For Frank, the big question is how long can he hold onto the title? He is learning that when you are a champion you always have a target on your back and you can’t have an off night. As for Ante, how hard will he take this loss? He had a lot riding on this match and came up short. This is much more than a minor speed bump on redemption road.
Ante leaves the ring, his face unreadable as he refuses assistance from the medics and slowly walks up the ramp and exits backstage.
In the ring, Frank is leaning against the ropes catching his breath and wiping the blood and paint off his face with a towel. Daphne is parading around the ring holding the International Championship belt up for all to see. Frank drapes the towel around his neck and asks for a microphone. Christa gives Frank her mic. Still leaning on the ropes for support and breathing heavily, Frank speaks.
Frank Lynn: Hola amigos! I gotta' give it to Ante, he sure made it hard but I showed him exactly what gets me out of bed every morning. Competition! That’s right Ante. I’m not the empty soulless automaton you made me out to be. I’m a fighter who strives to test my skills against the best in the world. Ante could have just asked Mak Cross or Mesh or Drakz. I am driven by the need to compete and see how my skills stack up against everyone else. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose, but EVERY time I show up and fight!
The crowd cheers.
Frank Lynn: I don’t call myself a fighting champion just so it can be plastered on t-shirts and hats. I mean it. I like to fight. I crave competition at the highest level because it brings out the best in me. Ante learned that the hard way tonight. I took the monkey off my back and stomped it into the ground. I am the International Champion!
More cheers followed by a chant of “LETHAL WEAPON!"
Frank Lynn: The World Domination Tour comes to a climax at Wembley Stadium in London. I will be there. Who’s next? Who wants to step up and take their shot? I’ll issue an open challenge if I have to. I am YOUR fighting champion and I want a fight!
Again, the crowd roars in approval. Frank and Daphne leave the ring acknowledging the crowd with waves and high fives.
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Post by CM Poor: DeepFigureValue on Sept 13, 2018 15:46:34 GMT -5
Alecia Matthews: Folks, set aside any hope you might have been left with over that last show of spirited competition. I can’t say for certain what happens next, but the short version has Michael Kyzer and Drakz in this very building, on a crash course for confrontation. I don’t endorse this. I don’t encourage it. I just work here.
The lights go out, “City of Lies” by 2pac begins to play to the confusion of the WFWF universe. Four spotlights hits the stage, and there stands Michael Kyzer, Tugarin Zmey, Homeless Alex Sean and Fat EBR. The hatred from the crowd almost overwhelms the music. All four are wearing shirts with Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación written on them. The lights come on and behind them are a dozen guys decked out in black military wear, all with Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación on the back. Kyzer and his entourage walk to the ring as the crowd has already started throwing trash in the ring and he isn’t even in it yet.
Alecia Matthews: It seems like this crowd remembers the riot that Kyzer started last time he was here.
Daniel Knight: So, I just googled what is written on their shirts, and it is the name of the most violent drug cartel in Mexico. Kyzer is sponsored by a drug cartel.
Alecia Matthews: I don’t even know what to say to that. This guy has to have something on Sleater to get away with this.
The guys in black surround the ring, facing the crowd while Kyzer and crew enter the trashed filled ring. Homeless Alex snags a microphone as the music ends.
Homeless Alex: I want to introduce you people to the Anointed Epoch!
Kyzer immediately snatches the mic.
Kyzer: We are absolutely not named something so stupid. You don’t speak.
Homeless Alex looks dejected.
Kyzer: I want to thank the Jalisco Cartel for providing me with some special security tonight, seeing as how all you sh~t birds wanted to go crazy last time. El Mencho is the perfect example of where hard work can get you in a sh~thole like Mexico. Now it is time for a story.
He can’t help but be distracted as a tamale flies in the ring and hits Fat EBR in the face. He looks around angry as he grabs the thrown food but instead of throwing it back, he begins to eat it. Fat disgusting f~ck.
Kyzer: Two thousand, one hundred and twenty nine days…give or take. That is how long I have gotten the better of Drakz. That is also, coincidentally, how long I have been dead on the inside. It is easy to break the back of your sworn brother when you have no feelings on the inside. It wasn’t as hard of a decision as I thought it was when I knew what was going to go down. You see, sometimes people disappoint you, sometimes tragedies happen. When they happen concurrently, you wonder if it was all a coincidence. Or maybe it all happened by your own weakness. For almost six years, I have stalked, attacked, and harassed my once closest friend. And for almost six years, I have not divulged why I stabbed him in the back. To this day, I don’t know if he truly knows why I did what I did.
As he goes on, he gets a more serious tone in his voice.
Kyzer: The day I pulled a Bane and broke Drakz’s back is the day I died on the inside. I lost the last things I cared about that day. It didn’t matter that I won the tag titles with him. I have never truly cared about winning titles around here. I have always just used them as a prop in my various conflicts around here. It has always been about feeding my enormous…ego. But on November tenth, back in twenty-twelve, I buried my best friend and my son.
Dramatic pause.
Kyzer: Now in twenty-eighteen, I will lay waste to the shell of the man who I once called my brother. I know people didn’t think this day would ever come. I know people were rooting for me to drive that sword through his heart at SuperBrawl. It wasn’t the time, it wasn’t the place. But the fight that the world has wanted for almost six years is finally about to happen. It is finally time to give the people what they want. It is finally time to give Drakz what he wants…Me.
Dramatic pause.
Kyzer: Isaac Cray, you are in the arena. I think it is finally time for me and you to stand face to face in this ring. No sneak attacks. No gang violence. This security force isn’t here for you; they are just here to keep some rowdy Mexicans in line. I want Drakz. I want Drakz now. And if you decide to be a chicken sh~t, then I will have to give new instructions to my friends from the Jalisco Cartel.
Alecia Matthews: I think Kyzer is threatening to have a drug cartel behead Drakz?
Daniel Knight: It’s Mexico, there are no rules around here. Lila Sleater can’t even stop this guy from having sponsors from a group that is considered the most violent drug cartel in the world. Google is scary.
Kyzer: Drakz, don’t be a p~ssy now, come face the man who has turned you out like a cheap prostitute time and time again.
Still we're left waiting.
Kyzer: Heh. Figures, you always were a....
The screaming distortion of "MK7" blasts the cobwebs out of everyone's ears and the crowd goes f*cking nuts.
Daniel Knight: Oh, sh*t.
Alecia Matthews: No more games. No more hiding. This is it. Drakz is here and Michael Kyzer's going nowhere!
There's little of the usual fanfare as Drakz walks slowly out on to the stage.
No pyro.
No posing.
Just Drakz with a sidelong smirk and a dead focused look in his eyes. He knows that this time it's happening.
Drakz maintains his unusually calm demeanour as he approaches the ring, the drug cartel security team staying out of his way.
Alecia Matthews: It seems even murderous cartel men know when to take a step back.
Daniel Knight: You don't run towards a hand grenade Alecia.
Drakz walks up the ring steps and then, keeping his eyes on Michael Kyzer, makes his way between the ropes before stepping right up into Kyzer’s face, their foreheads pressed right up against one another. Both men are grinning like f*cking idiots but the air is tense as all hell.
Drakz finally takes a step backward and Kyzer holds the mic out toward him. Drakz looks at it, then up at Kyzer, then back at the mic. Drakz holds his hands up motioning that he has nothing to say, so Kyzer takes the mic back.
Kyzer: You’ve really got nothing?
Daniel Knight: This might be a first.
Kyzer: Nothing at all?
Drakz shrugs and then motions with his hand, looking as though he’s being forced to speak. Kyzer hands him the mic.
Drakz: Not here. Not in front of all of these people. I’ve got a lot to say to you. Of course I do. But this?
He motions around him with an open hand.
Drakz: This isn’t where I make conversation……..not with you.
Kyzer raises an eyebrow. and shouts, unmic’d, to Drakz:
Kyzer: Then why the f*ck are you here?
Drakz: Why am I here?
He chuckles.
Drakz: Here? This is where I cave f*cking skulls in.
Drakz makes a sudden lunge at Kyzer and homeless Alex leaps back, while fat EBR covers up, but it’s only a fake and Drakz stands there smiling, Kyzer having not moved an inch, while a patch of pee starts to show on homeless Alex’s tracksuit pants.
Lila Sleater: Hold on, you two.
A chorus of boos erupts from the hotly volatile crowd, waiting to see the two frienemies finally destroy one another, as Lila Sleater emerges from behind the curtain, putting a momentary halt to what was all but appearing to turn into the final impromptu showdown between Michael Kyzer and Drakz. She puts up one hand as she confidently strolls down the ramp, passing by the gathered carteles with a curious air of unflinching confidence about her as she climbs the ringside steps and steps between the ropes, completing the trifecta of a staredown, which only serves to intensify the immearuable heat coming off of the ring.
Lila Sleater: Now, I’d love nothing more than to have the two of you tear each other apart, right here, and settle a world of problems on my plate for me, but I’m a businesswoman, and as much as I’d love to just let you both do the honors, there’s money to be made, and I cannot, in good faith, turn that opportunity down.
More boos greet her every word, and it seems, for a moment, as though it’ll be Sleater this time around, rather than Kyzer, who incites the next great WFWF Mexican Riot.
Lila Sleater: It’s happy circumstance, really, that it’s come down to this, because while you two no doubt each have your spots high atop the pile, one of my pressing concerns - the louse of a slob pissing in my ring, notwithstanding - as it were, centers around your third, if you will.
For once, Sleater incites an uproarious cheer, as the Mexican crowd comes unglued, a raucous chant soon growing out of their infectious energy.
“BRENNAN!”
“BRENNAN!”
“BRENNAN!”
Sleater looks about, acknowledging the chant, smiling slyly as she looks on.
Lila Sleater: Got it in one. You see, at the start of our little excursion here, I laid down an incentive for David Brennan.
Boooooooo!!!!
Lila Sleater: Now, hold on - I’ve seen the medical records. I’ve received the doctor’s orders. Your dragon there, Michael? He did quite the number on our WFWF World Heavyweight Champion, but he has long since exhausted the need to remain away from a WFWF ring and so he was given a very fair, very clear choice to make. David Brennan could join us on our little international jaunt, step up to the plate, and defend his WFWF World Heavyweight Championship….or he could not.
What little exuberance had been drawn from this crowd at the utterance of David Brennan’s name is completely gone, and they’re right back to handing it to Sleater in true, vitriolic fashion.
Lila Sleater: Now, I concede - the WFWF World Domination Tour still has one stop left to go before returning stateside. Reason would have it that David Brennan still has one remaining opportunity to uphold his end of the bargain…..but he has yet to present himself.
The crowd is coming unglued. Kyzer looks on, completely amused and making no effort to hide it. Drakz exhibits much of the same. If not for nearly coming to blows moments ago, you’d almost think the New Epoch was two thirds of the way repaired.
Lila Sleater: With David Brennan either unwilling or unable to present himself to be booked, I propose that we simply expedite this little matter, so as to give our fans waiting in London something worth filling that massive stadium over. Now, on paper, David Brennan would have defended his World Heavyweight Championship in an earth shattering main event atop the precipice of our upcoming event, with the two of you battling it out to determine a new number one contender.
It’s all in the substance, as once more the prospect of these matches draws the crowd to their feet, vocalizing their overwhelming approval. Even Kyzer and Drakz have given the GM their undivided, albeit briefly, attention.
Lila Sleater: However….with your perpetual third seemingly out of the picture...rather than meat out another long, drawn out tournament, I propose we just shift matters some to accommodate.
The insinuation is too much for the crowd to wait for. The cheers grow so loud that they threaten to drown out the house mics and completely obscure the actual announcement.
Lila Sleater: Therefore...in London, it’ll be Michael Kyzer versus Drakz...one on one...for the first time ever...and it will be for the newly vacant WFWF World Heavyweight Cham -
Sleater’s mic cuts out, and before she can even turn to scold the ringside production crew for the gaff, so too do the lights.
Alecia Matthews: Would you listen to this crowd?!?!
Amid the dark, a clap of thunder echoes throughout the arena as the TunaTron crackles to life. A storm brews as a scene from the film The Outsiders blinks into focus, opening on a shot of Patrick Swayze and John C. Meier staring one another down, eerily reminiscent of the scene moments before Sleater’s arrival. A second clap of thunder sounds out over the electric crowd, and on screen, Matt Dillon, fresh from the hospital, dashes into view, screaming out as he approaches.
”Don’t you know a rumble ain’t a rumble without me?!”
The screen goes black as the second verse of House of the Rising Sun thunders out, drowned to the point of being secondarily audible over the roar of the crowd as the searchlights come to life, fixated upon the stage and illuminating the massive, scowling frame of the WFWF World Heavyweight Champion David Brennan.
Alecia Matthews: He’s here! In Mexico! Live, and in person, he’s here!
Daniel Knight: Oh, just say it…
Alecia Matthews: THE CHAMP! IS! HERE!!!!!
Brennan wastes no time storming down the ramp, shouldering past the cartel guardians without a second glance, climbing to the apron in one giant step, and as he steps between the ropes, unclasps the belt around his waist as Sleater dives out of dodge in the nick of time. Raising the belt in his right hand, high above his head, Brennan steps toward the center of the ring, where he’s met, almost in sync, by his old allies in The New Epoch. The three stare one another down even as the music continues to sound throughout the arena. Brennan seems to have eyes fixed on both of his former mentors, as Drakz and Kyzer each take turns glancing between the man they made and the title belt held high above his head.
Daniel Knight: What does this mean?
Alecia Matthews: What do you think it means?! David Brennan has answered the call, and if Lila Sleater has any semblance of the business prowess she just got done expounding, he’s just done the booking for her!
The crowd around them comes unglued, but no former member of The New Epoch - not David Brennan, nor Drakz, nor Michael Kyzer - breaks the stare to take in the moment, as all six eyes are fixed plainly and vengefully upon one another as we fade onward, mercifully for all involved here tonight, to London, and to Black.
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Post by CM Poor: DeepFigureValue on Sept 13, 2018 15:50:53 GMT -5
Aight, folks. There it is. The show that broke me. It's a banger, so make sure you read every last word, because King Richius, Markw, Kyzer, Drakz, and @ballparkb0b, put some deep, deep work into this one and everyone's gotten themselves a nice showing. London's on deck. It's in Wembley Stadium. Every title, right on down to the newly christened WFWF Vanguard Championship is on the line, so let's all step up when the time comes and make that one blow this show out of the water (and see if we can't drive King Richius as mad as I am now).
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Post by Drakz on Sept 13, 2018 16:03:31 GMT -5
F*cking ey!
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Post by King Richius on Sept 13, 2018 17:27:45 GMT -5
Well holy crap-balls on a stick! That was a helluva good show. I tip my hat to everyone involved - except maybe the self-absorbed jerk who wrote a main event that was longer than any of the RPs for the show. I can only hope the big wrap up to the WDT in London is as good. The bar has been set pretty high.
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Post by Markw on Sept 13, 2018 19:45:33 GMT -5
'Shuggy nods in approval' no he doesnae, this isnae the bel' he was lookin' for.
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Deleted
Joined on: Mar 28, 2024 11:00:44 GMT -5
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2018 20:24:31 GMT -5
It's been a really rough week for me so reading this really cheered me up.
Great job everyone!
Yes, Needles threatened to kill Chris Priceless. I wonder where this is going....
I definitely wasn't expecting Mesh to win this time around.
To me, Daphne was the star of the show. I loved the interview she gave to Kay and her joining the announce team for the main event made it even more special than it already was. Fantastic match, by the way. King Richius, you killed it this show! Two great RPs AND an excellent main event.
Draven/Casey was quick but that was to be expected.
I loved that Shuggy got a special entrance. I agree with King Richius, Shuggy's theme needs to be Intergalatic by the Beastie Boys. Do it!
Hoooooooooooooly schnikes, that last segment though - Brennan, Drakz AND Kyzer? I love how Kyzer was sponsered by the cartel. Never change, Kyzer.
The WFWF World Heavyweight Championship match is going to be....epoch.
I'll see myself out.
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Post by CM Poor: DeepFigureValue on Sept 13, 2018 20:56:13 GMT -5
'Shuggy nods in approval' no he doesnae, this isnae the bel' he was lookin' for. I'm going to change it to "Shuggy shruggies in resigned indifference".
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Post by CM Poor: DeepFigureValue on Sept 13, 2018 20:58:36 GMT -5
Also, we're two shows deep, and Kyzer isn't getting nearly the degree of appreciation he deserves for Homeless Alex Sean and Fat EBR, especially with that "Anointed Epoch" crack this time around.
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Post by Kyzer on Sept 13, 2018 21:36:41 GMT -5
Also, we're two shows deep, and Kyzer isn't getting nearly the degree of appreciation he deserves for Homeless Alex Sean and Fat EBR, especially with that "Anointed Epoch" crack this time around. I guess in all fairness the only ones around for The Anointed were me, you and Drakz. But everyone should have popped for EBR since bad guy™ is all over his balls all the time. I understand not caring about Alex Sean.
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Post by Kyzer on Sept 13, 2018 21:38:54 GMT -5
Great show by the way. I don't understand half of what Shuggy says but I love the character so far. Totally popped when I read the part about the Intergalactic Spaceman Title.
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Post by The Gangsta on Sept 13, 2018 23:22:19 GMT -5
Great show guys. May or may not do next show, depending on if it conflicts with the few essays I have due in two weeks. I'll try my best for a segment though.
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Post by King Richius on Sept 13, 2018 23:32:38 GMT -5
Great show guys. May or may not do next show, depending on if it conflicts with the few essays I have due in two weeks. I'll try my best for a segment though. Sorry I didn't run our match by you first but I was up against the dreaded deadline. I hope you were happy with it.
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Post by Markw on Sept 14, 2018 0:27:11 GMT -5
I agree with King Richius, Shuggy's theme needs to be Intergalatic by the Beastie Boys. Do it! My stumbling across the Rezillos last year - along with becoming an ICW fan - are what made me want to try my hand at a Scottish character. And they (along with my love for the Pixies & listening to Trompe Le Monde too much) are the reason Shuggy has his space obsession, it will not be changed to the Beastie Boys.
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Post by The Gangsta on Sept 14, 2018 19:45:59 GMT -5
Great show guys. May or may not do next show, depending on if it conflicts with the few essays I have due in two weeks. I'll try my best for a segment though. Sorry I didn't run our match by you first but I was up against the dreaded deadline. I hope you were happy with it. You knocked it out of the park, don't worry, haha.
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Post by Kill Em' All on Sept 14, 2018 22:51:50 GMT -5
Congrats to Mesh and to everyone for a great show
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