Back in Business XVIII || Night Two Results.

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mandalorian
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Back in Business XVIII || Night Two Results. Aug 13, 2024 0:16:54 GMT Dubb, Jimmy King, and 2 more like this

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Post by mandalorian on Aug 13, 2024 0:16:54 GMT

the
FANTASY
WRESTLING
ALLIANCE
proudly presents

BACK IN BUSINESS
XVIII

Live from Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, USA.
Sunday 11th August.

NIGHT TWO.

Night Two of Back in Business XVIII commences with a video package highlighting the main moments from last night; Michelle von Horrowitz keeping her undefeated Back in Business streak in tact with her victory over Shawn Summers, Tommy Bedlam defeating Brookyln Steiner and then entering himself into the X4 Tournament and then the culmination of the video package are some of the big moments from the main event. Chris Peacock and Alyster Black overcome Danny Toner and Randy Ramon to become two-time FWA World Tag Team Champions and the final image is FTN embracing with their newly-won championships.

From there the scene shoots into Madison Square Garden for the second night in a row. The fans are equally as excited for tonight’s action as they were last night. Pyrotechnics and strobe lights make the venue a sensory nightmare but the display is in keeping with an event the size and importance of Back in Business. There are even more crowd signs shown with highlights being, “HE’S JUST CHRIS AND HE’S A CHAMPION”, “SHAWN SUMMERS WAS ROBBED”, “I WANTED TO SEE DANNY TONER BUT BOUGHT TICKETS FOR THE WRONG NIGHT”, “BRYAN BAXTER ATE MY OTHER SIGN”, “ALLEN PRICE IS JUST MISUNDERSTOOD”, “[REDACTED]”, “TOMMY BEDLAM IS A BAD MAN”.

Rod Sterling: “Welcome one and all to Night Two of Back in Business XVIII here in the historic Madison Square Garden in New York City. Last night certainly lived up to the expectations and I’m quite certain that the same will be the case tonight. For Night Two, its myself, Rod Sterling and my regular partner Anzu Kurosawa. We can’t rule Allen Price out but we can hope for the best.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “That’s right, Rod. We saw two title changes last night with XYZ becoming the Television Champion and FTN winning a brutal main event to become two-time FWA World Tag Team Champions. Tonight we have four more championship bouts, including the match that has been a year in the making, FWA World Champion Jeremy Best defending against Krash.”

Rod Sterling: “Krash won the Carnal Contendership back in May to earn his spot here tonight but as well as the championship it is about finally laying his demons to rest and putting a stop to Jeremy Best and the Friendship Wrestling Alliance for good. So much is on the line in that match.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Not only that but the finals of the X4 Tournament with Trixie Bordeaux taking on Tommy Bedlam, who forced his way into the tournament. The North American Championship is on the line in a four way match and our opening contest… which is right now!”

In the ring stands Kurt Harrington, who looks into the camera with a broad smile.

Kurt Harrington: “The following is an over the top rope Battle Royal for the FWA Trios Championships! Introducing first, already in the ring, The Bad Boys Boy Band!”

The camera zooms out to reveal the three boy band members standing next to Harrington, looking largely unimpressed.

Anzu Kurosawa: “Aw man, not enough in the budget to let these guys get an entrance? That’s really poor from us, you know.”

[Bow Down || I Prevail]

A large cheer goes up for the first music played through the MSG speaker systems and the rate only increases when Jackson Fenix leads Nate Savage out from the back and The Undisputed Alliance pose together on the stage. Bubbles the Clown runs out with them and starts honking his horn much to Nate Savage’s irritation.

Anzu Kurosawa: “Is Bubbles going to be entering with them?”

[The Way Love Goes || Janet Jackson]

Anzu’s question is immediately answered when Janet Jackson starts to play, and Xperienx Xtacee walks out from the back flanked by both Monica and Antonio; Xtacee holds one of their hands each and motions to his teammates that it is time they head down to the ring. Xtacee walks in between Fenix and Savage as they eye up the boy band already in the ring.

Kurt Harrington: “Introducing first… the team of ‘Nasty’ Nate Savage, ‘The Sin City Bad Boy’ Jackson Fenix and Xperienx Xtacee… THE UNDISPUTED XPERIENX!!”

Rod Sterling: “The Undisputed Xperienx have been teaming together for some time now, Anzu, but the Trios Championships just seem to have eluded them at every turn. Tonight could be the night for them here in MSG.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “I think that these fans would want to see it - you’ve heard the reactions they’ve been getting. Thanks in part to Jackson Fenix’s honest story of trying to turn a new leaf and succeeding, the people want to see these guys do well.”

As the Undisputed Xperienx gets into the ring, the entrance stage is transformed into a dramatic forest clearing, complete with oversized, realistic-looking tree trunks and branches. The set design includes a large, faux tree with a prominent “Lumberjacks” logo carved into its bark, and a massive Back in Business banner draped behind it.

The arena is darkened, with spotlights focusing on the faux tree at the center of the stage. The tree is rigged with special effects to make it appear as though it’s moving and shifting, _

[The Lumberjack || Jackyl]

Brrrrrr....

Brrrrrrr...

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR-!!! HA-HA!!

Dan and Doug, emerge from behind the faux tree, wearing their Back In Business-themed attire. Dan’s attire includes a glittering blue singlet with gold accents, while Doug sports a vibrant red and gold ensemble. Lucy follows, with a flowing, iridescent top and shimmering cape.

Kurt Harrington: “Introducing next, Dan LuPone, Doug LuPone and Lucy LuPone… they are THE LUMBERJACKS!!”

The Lumberjacks stand together in the centre of the stage, their presence commanding attention. With a synchronized countdown, Dan and Doug pick up oversized, ceremonial lumberjack axes- and begin to ‘chop’ at the base of the tree as Lucy cheers them on.

Anzu Kurosawa: “Speaking of teams who have been hovering around the Trios championship picture for some time, here come The Lumberjacks. Lucy joins her brothers tonight as they search for gold - I don’t think they’ll find it in that tree.”

Rod Sterling: “This family from the Yukon in Canada will pose a threat in this match, given that both Dan and Doug weigh in at over six hundred pounds together and both stand at almost seven feet. This could be a hospitable environment for them.”

The axes strike in rhythm with the music, each swing accompanied by a burst of pyrotechnics that simulate sparks and splinters. Thanks to clever stage mechanics, the faux tree appears to topple slowly; as it falls, a shower of fireworks in the colours of the Canadian flag rains down from the top of the ramp as the Lumberjacks make their way down to the ring. The twins flex their massive muscles, and Lucy dances down to the ring. Once in the ring, Dan and Doug climb turnbuckles on either side of the ring, raising their axes in a triumphant pose. Lucy stands in the centre of the ring, spreading her arms wide with her flowing cape.

[Rock Around the Clock || Bill Haley & His Comets]

Another cheer goes up as The Goodefellas head out from the back, making their second appearance at Back in Business. However, it seems that it is not Danny B. Goode that will be teaming up with Johnny Murdoch and Sonny Zucko this year as the legend steps aside and reveals his granddaughter Betty. Betty takes both Johnny and Sonny by the arm and leads them down to the ring.

Kurt Harrington: “Next, the team of Johnny Murdoch, Sonny Zucko and Betty B. Goode… THE GOODEFELLAS!!”

Rod Sterling: “Danny B. Goode handing the reins over to granddaughter Betty tonight to keep these two funky cats in check and hopefully, all things going well, bring the championships back with them to The Goode Garage.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Under Danny’s guidance, these three will be well trained and honestly, they could do it this year. They’ll celebrate like it's 1959 if they do.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Oh, Giunti’s in this?”

There’s another large pop as Alejandro Giunti walks out from the back with his arms in the air. Giunti is on his own but then motions to the back and two figures walk out alongside him. On his right is Jin-ho, and the K-Pop star looks like he would rather be anywhere else, managing a weak smile at Giunti’s urging. On Giunti’s right is ‘TheTranceQueen’ Luna Piper, who has her signature goggles with her, but notably they are over HER OWN eyes. Piper wears an absent smile on her face and looks around through her goggles aimlessly. Giunti motions for them both to head towards the ring.

Kurt Harrington: “Next… the team of Jin-ho, ‘TheTranceQueen’ Luna Piper and ‘THE MALTESE FALCON’ ALEJANDROOOO GIIIIIIUNTIIII!!”

Rod Sterling: “I’m not along thinking that this is a rather strange combination, am I, Anzu? I’m not sure I see any obvious connection here between these three individuals.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Well, the depth of the Giunti family’s pockets is well-known so that could have something to do with it, but as for why Luna Piper has entranced herself and Jin-ho looks like he’s just been told his cat has died are mysteries to me, partner.”

The lights in the arena dim, casting a haunting shadow over the audience. The giant Back In Business stage is bathed in eerie green and purple hues, setting a chilling, supernatural atmosphere. The crowd's murmur grows as a song begins to play…

[Oh My Goth || Aurelio Voltaire]

Fog starts to creep across the stage. A chorus of ghostly wails and eerie whispers fills the air, amplifying the suspense. Then, through the thickening fog, a roaring engine breaks the silence. Emerging from the mist, the demonic motorbike makes its grand entrance. It’s a monstrous machine with a menacing design—its frame a sleek, black metal adorned with crimson flames and bone motifs. The front wheel features a pair of glowing, infernal eyes that seem to pierce through the fog. The bike’s exhaust emits bursts of fire, further enhancing the hellish vibe. And across the front of the bike seems to be one of the trios title belt. And Riding the bike? Halloween Knight who is dressed for the occasion Dressed in a Ghost Rider cosplay His skeleton mask has been transformed into a fearsome skull, with blazing, fiery eyes that illuminate the darkness. The mask is surrounded by an intricate crown of bone and flames, and his entire outfit glows with an eerie luminescence. His long, flowing cape, resembling tattered, spectral shrouds, billows dramatically behind him as he rides the bike.

Attached to the motorbike are two side cars. Mamífero De Basura, dressed in his signature possum suit, is positioned in one sidecar. However, he’s not just sitting idly; he’s been given a spooky upgrade. His costume now features eerie glowing eyes and ghoulish patterns. He waves a trash-filled, illuminated sceptre, playfully tossing candy and small Halloween-themed trinkets to the crowd as he mimics ‘playing dead’ and encourages the fans to chant his signature call-and-response. Juan Tothrefor occupies the other sidecar, showcasing a modified version of his wrestling gear with a dark, ghostly twist with a mask with three numbers imposed on it, what numbers? 666! His sidecar is adorned with spectral runes and dimly glowing symbols. He sits with a serious, focused expression, his eyes scanning the crowd, ready for action.

Kurt Harrington: “And finally… they are the current, reigning and defending FWA Trios Champions… Juan Tothrefor, Halloween Knight and Trash Mammal… TR1CK OR TR4SH!!”

Anzu Kurosawa: “The champions arriving in style here in Madison Square Garden! Since dethroning The Coven, this group has gone from strength to strength by maintaining their undefeated record and that led them to issue this challenge tonight for any trio to come and face them; I don’t think they can be disappointed with the field.”

Rod Sterling: “And neither should we! I think the champions have to come into this as the favourites but you’ve got experienced teams like the Lumberjacks and UX and the X factors in the Goodes and Giunti’s crew.”

As the bike and sidecars glide down the ramp, the arena is filled with swirling fog and bright bursts of flame from the bike's exhaust. At the end of the ramp, the bike comes to a dramatic halt at the end of the ramp, surrounded by a ring of fire and smoke. Halloween Knight dismounts with a flourish, raising his arms as the crowd roars in approval, grabbing the title belt and begins to dance. As Trash Mammal and Juan Tothrefor both grabbing their belts exit their sidecars, joining Halloween Knight in the ring. The trio stands together in a powerful pose—Halloween Knight with his skeletal cape spread wide, Mamífero De Basura waving his sceptre and playing up to the crowd, and Juan Tothrefor raising his belt.

Rod Sterling: “I think that’s everyon-”

???: “Hey everyone, you didn’t forget about us, did you?”

The voice emerged from an unknown source and everyone turns to a stage where a man in a plain orange t-shirt walks out holding the microphone.

???: “Hi, I’m Greg!”

The crowd begins to groan as Greg smiles broadly for a moment and the lights inside MSG dim down.

[Vampires Are Alive || DJ BoBo]

A cheer goes up as for the first time in a year, Steve the Techno Vampire appears on the stage in a puff of smoke! Steve hisses his tongue and cackles whilst running around the stage in celebration of his resurrection.
!
Rod Sterling: “Steve’s back! He’s entering the match with Greg, and oh no… no… it can’t be.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “You know it is, Rod. Brace yourself.”

Steve’s music stops and both he and Greg nod their heads; the crowd begins to express their discomfort before their partner’s music even begins to play.

[Rat In Mi Kitchen || UB40]

An audible groan of disgust and indifference is let out by the fans as Ratin Mikichin walks out from the back, raising the roof. Ratin naturally is wearing nothing other than his trusty mankini - he has opted for an orange number tonight to match Greg’s shirt (or did Greg wear an orange shirt to match Ratin’s mankini?). His body is as disgusting as it was a year ago; it is evident that he has not shaved a single hair below his neckline since Back in Business last year.

Rod Sterling: “Well, if we’re letting these guys in that makes it seven teams that will be participating here. An elimination will occur when someone is thrown over the top rope and both feet touch the floor; all team members must be eliminated for a team to be eliminated and the match will end when there is only one member or members from the same team left in the match. The winners walk out with the gold for their team.”

With everyone now in the ring, the referees at ringside call for the bell!

FIRST MATCH | -/–.
TR1CK OR TR4SH (Juan Tothrefor, Trash Mammal, and Halloween Knight) [c] vs. The Undisputed Xperienx (Jackson Fenix, Nate Savage, and Xperienx Xtacee) vs. Alejandro Giunti, Luna Piper, and Jin-ho vs. The Lumberjacks (Doug LuPone, Dan LuPone, and Lucy LuPone) vs. The Bad Boys Boy Band (The Backstreet Boy, In-Sync, and Mike Stand) vs. The Goodefellas (Johnny Murdoch, Sonny Zucko, and Betty B. Goode) vs. Ratin Mikichin, Steve the Techno Vampire, and Greg
Trios Battle Royale for the FWA Trios Championships.
Match Writer: Man.

With twenty-one people in the ring, it comes as no surprise that the action at the beginning of the match is frenetic and hard to follow. Multiple fights break out between teams and individuals. The Bad Boys Boy Band take it upon themselves to go after The Undisputed Xperienx, and this proves costly because Nate Savage blocks a punch from The Backstreet Boy with a knee to the midsection and then ‘Nasty’ Nate cradles the back of his head and tosses him out over the top rope!

ELIMINATION #1 - The Backstreet Boy by Nate Savage

Rod Sterling: “The first elimination coming literally seconds into the match and it is former X Champion Nate Savage that gets it, and now he can help out his teammates with the rest of the boy band members…”

Savage shoves In-Sync to the mat and then stomps him out along with Xtacee as Jackson Fenix lights up Mike Stand with chops by the ropes. Next to them in the corner is the Giunti team, with Alejandro standing behind both Luna Piper and Jin-ho. Giunti’s partners seem to be more concerned with protecting him than going after anyone else. Halloween Knight gets too close and is struck with an elbow by Piper. The Goodefellas all work together on Doug LuPone and Lucy LuPone has to fend off Trash Mammal and Juan Tothrefor, who both attempt to eliminate her.

The remaining Lumberjack is Dan LuPone, who swats at the irritant trio of Greg, Ratin and Steve. They get some occasional strikes in that land and after some struggling, Ratin and Steve pin Dan’s arms against the top rope whilst Greg lines him up and charges in… but Dan ducks his head down and uses just that to elevate him upwards and over the top rope - and Greg is eliminated!

ELIMINATION #2 -Greg by Dan LuPone

A huge cheer goes up for that. Dan connects with an overhand right to Steve and a Headbutt to Ratin to give himself a bit of breathing space. He walks towards Doug to fend off the Goodes, but ALEJANDRO GIUNTI SOARS THROUGH THE AIR, LANDING ON DAN WITH A CROSS BODY! ‘The Maltese Falcon’ soaring gets a big cheer from the fans, and he then motions for Jin-ho and Piper to go after the large Lumberjack, but Lucy LuPone breaks away and helps her brother out by trying to force Giunti over the ropes.

Dou LuPone is given some help in the form of TR1CK OR TR4SH when the three luchadors target the Goodefellas. Halloween Knight manhandles Sonny Zucko away from the pack and sends him into the middle of the ring… and he bumps into Steve the Techno Vampire. Zucko goes to punch Steve, but he ducks and hooks Zucko’s arms behind him. Steve wrestles Sonny down to the ground and Sonny shakes his head when he sees Ratin Mikichin raising the roof and walking backwards towards him…

Rod Sterling: “Oh no! Sonny Zucko is in no man’s land, because that’s a place where no man wants to land!”

The fans cheer as Sonny’s face disappears into the unwashed crevice of Ratin Mikichin; only a thin line of polyester from Ratin’s Mankini acting as protection. Zucko shakes himself free and rolls away, retching and dry-heaving next to the ropes. Ratin and Steve high five but both are ambushed by Murdoch, trying to avenge his partner’s bad luck.

The Undisputed Xperienx are having some luck against the Bad Boys, and Nate Savage single-handedly forces Mike Stand onto the ring apron… and a stiff punch to the face follows, knocking Stand down and delivering him to the floor!

ELIMINATION #3 -Mike Stand by Nate Savage

Anzu Kurosawa: “There goes Mike Stand! That leaves In-Sync as the solo member of The Bad Boys Boy Band left in the match…”

Jackson Fenix lifts In-Sync up and sends him towards Xtacee, and XX drops the top rope, causing In-Sync to spill out of the ring and he lands down next to his fellow singer!

Anzu Kurosawa: “...and he’s gone.”

ELIMINATION #4 -In-Sync by Jackson Fenix and Xperienx Xtacee

ELIMINATED: THE BAD BOYS BOY BAND

Rod Sterling: “That’s the first trio eliminated in this match, Anzu; there’s six teams left with only the outcasts of Greg, Ratin and Steve losing a team member. The Unduspited Xperienx is looking good in the early goings here.”

As Monica and Antonio celebrate at ringside, Fenix and Xtacee regroup with Fenix and the collective has the current FWA Trios Champions in their sights. Johnny Murdoch and an irate Sonny Zucko isolate Ratin Mikichin in one of the corners and the two of them stomp down on his mostly-naked body. The Lumberjacks use their size and power to clear Jin-ho and Luna Piper away from Alejandro Giunti, who they have identified as a danger in the match.

As Luna is shoved away, she laughs and smiles, bumping into Steve the Techno Vampire. Steve looks at Piper with some confusion. He waves in her face, but she seems to be completely unaware of who or perhaps even where she is.

Anzu Kurosawa: “It makes sense that the Techno Vampire would know who ‘TheTranceQueen’ is but those goggles on Piper’s head have taken some sort of hold on her!”

In an attempt to seemingly help Piper, Steve attempts to remove the goggles from over her eyes, but he’s ambushed by Jin-ho! Jin-ho gets Piper’s attention and even though she seems slightly unaware, she works together with her teammate to throw Steve out of the ring!

ELIMINATION #5 -Steve the Techno Vampire by Jin-ho and Luna Piper

As Steve hits the floor, Ratin can be heard mourning the elimination of his friend and he reaches out for Steve. This is as The Goodefellas work him over and lift him up, allowing Sonny Zucko to gain a modicum of revenge by Clotheslining Ratin over the top rope and eliminating him from the match!

ELIMINATION #6 -Ratin Mikichin by Sonny Zucko

ELIMINATED: RATIN MIKICHIN, STEVE THE TECHNO VAMPIRE AND GREG

Anzu Kurosawa: “There goes Ratin… and it will not be another fairytale moment for these two at Back in Business; at least they still hold the record for the longest match in the FWA’s history?”

Rod Sterling: “With six people eliminated, the ring has thinned out slightly and with five intact teams remaining, it is somewhat of an even playing field… oh wait, someone else has gone - who is it?!”

A point of view shot from the perspective of one of the ringside camera operators shows them racing around the ring to see who the referees on the outside are arguing with… someone is irate that they have been eliminated and they slam their fists on the ring apron before putting their head in their hands.

Anzu Kurosawa: “Nate Savage?!”

Rod Sterling: “That’s right, Anzu! Nate Savage has been eliminated, and given how excited Trash Mammal looks - I think he was the one responsible for it!”

ELIMINATION #7 -Nate Savage by Trash Mammal

A replay from a bird’s eye view of the ring shows that Trash Mammal had tipped Savage out of the ring whilst the latter attempted to force Juan Tothrefor out. Savage points at Trash Mammal and vows revenge, shrugging off Monica as she attempts to console him on his way to the back. Trash Mammal seems well aware of how big that elimination is for the match given Savage’s size and experience. The celebrations get cut short though when Basura turns around… INTO A SUPERKICK FROM JACKSON FENIX! Trash Mammal gets dropped, but the remaining Undisputed Xperienx members are unable to capitalise as Halloween Knight and Juan come to their partner’s aid.

Betty B. Goode weaves through bodies in the ring and takes a couple of pot shots when she can; she manages to tip Giunti over the top rope but she is immediately beset upon by Jin-ho as Piper pulls ‘The Maltese Falcon’ back into the ring. A couple of kicks from Giunti to Betty follows, with Piper and Jin-ho working together to Suplex Betty together. Piper gets swept away by the other Goodefellas into the corner where they cut her off from her partners. Jin-ho goes to help but then sees that all three Lumberjacks have Giunti in a very helpless position, hanging upside down on the outside of the ropes.

Anzu Kurosawa: “Seems like Jin-ho has a choice to make here…”

Even though the Goodefellas are closing in on getting Piper out and over the ropes, Jin-ho instead targets the LuPones. A Dropkick to Lucy’s back sends her barrelling forwards into the ropes herself and she falls onto the apron next to Giunti. Jin-ho gets up and hits a couple of gut punches to Doug to break him away from Giunti but this gets Dan’s attention. He grabs Jin-ho by the head with both hands and Headbutts him… and then with a hand across his face runs Jin-ho back into the ropes, and the starlet is flipped backwards and hits the floor!

ELIMINATION #8 -Jin-ho by Dan LuPone

Rod Sterling: “Jin-ho did what he needed to in order to save Giunti, but it was at the cost of his own spot in the match! On the plus side for him though, I think Giunti is in a much better spot now!”

Still on the apron, Giunti gets to his feet and elevates himself up onto the top rope… and hits a Springboard Double Dropkick on both Dan and Doug! They tumble back like two giant redwoods and land hard on the mat. Giunti gets up but is grabbed by Lucy who is still on the apron, but he shakes himself free. Lucy goes for a Clothesline from the other side of the ropes but Giunti ducks it and then hangs Lucy up on the top rope, and the momentum sends her falling backwards from the apron!

ELIMINATION #9 - Lucy LuPone by Alejandro Giunti

With Lucy dealt with and a chance to catch his breath, Giunti sets about freeing Luna Piper from The Goodes in the corner. He sledges Murdoch in the back and delivers some punches in the corner to Sonny Zucko as Piper airily looks away and around the arena. Trash Mammal is back in the fray and has vengeance on his mind after that Superkick from Fenix, with a Chop Block cutting Jackson down to size and also freeing up Juan Tothrefor. Halloween Knight shoves Xtacee back and into the path of Basura and Juan. They lift him up together for a Double Back Suplex!

TR1CK OR TR4SH then look to cause some more damage to The Undisputed Xperienx by going after Fenix and lifting him up near the ropes. This is until Juan is grabbed around the back of the head by Johnny Murdoch of the Goodefellas and Johnny shouts for Betty to drop the top rope, but Juan turns the tables on Johnny, sending him towards the ropes instead - and Murdoch pumps the brakes just before he is sent tumbling out over the dropped rope.

Rod Sterling: “Close call there for the Goodes; I think Murdoch is rather grateful that Betty reacted quickly enough to avoid disaster just then!”

Betty charges towards Juan, but he catches her with a Drop Toe Hold. Juan turns his attention back to Murdoch and catches him with a kick to the midsection and then he jumps into the air, getting Johnny in a Headscissors, and using the momentum created to send him down to the floor!

ELIMINATION #10 - Johnny Murdoch by Juan Tothrefor

Rod Sterling: “An impressive elimination by Juan Tothrefor - and that now means that the champions are the only team left in the match that haven’t lost anyone!”

There is not much chance at all for Juan to celebrate though as he’s immediately taken down by a double Shoulder Block by both Dan and Doug LuPone! The two big men are back up and Doug motions for Dan to charge into the corner where Giunti is trying to eliminate Zucko - and Dan splashes both of them in the corner! Luna Piper walks straight into trouble and a Body Slam from Doug, and he follows up with an Elbow Drop straight down onto her chest. Despite getting crushed, she still has the same vacant smile on her face.

Sonny Zucko backs out of the corner holding his chest and Dan sends him further on his way towards Doug, who catches him with a Big Boot square to the face! Sonny drops to a knee and calls his twin brother over. The two lift Zucko up and walk him towards the ropes… AND TOGETHER THEY LAWN DART HIM OUT OF THE RING, ONTO MURDOCH AT RINGSIDE!!! Zucko’s awful night is over, and that means that The Goodefellas are down to just the one member!

ELIMINATION #11 - Sonny Zucko by Dan LuPone and Doug LuPone

Betty B. Goode has a concerned look on her face as she realises that she is the last hope for her team if they want to become the FWA Trios Champions, and instinctively she goes for revenge on behalf of her teammates and jumps up onto Dan’s back, trying to get him in a Sleeper Hold. Dan flails his arms around and tries to shake her off, but is unable to. He swings Betty’s body around, and her foot catches Doug in the head as he was on his way to help his brother.

Trying to set Betty down, Dan leans against the ropes and deposits her down onto the apron, where she sticks the landing on her feet. Dan turns around and Betty stands on the bottom rope to get a touch more height and transitions into a Front Facelock! Trying to use the leverage to her advantage, she starts to lean backwards and get Dan over the top rope himself.

Rod Sterling: “Betty not backing down at all - and I think the rest of the field has wisened up on how impactful The Lumberjacks have been - and still can be - on this Battle Royal…”

It seems an alliance of sorts has formed between everyone else, and they take turns landing strikes on Doug LuPone whilst Betty is occupying Dan. A Dropkick from Trash Mammal and Halloween Knight sends him back into the path of Alejandro Giunti who is elevated up by Fenix and Piper… and Giunti drives Doug’s head down into the mat with a Jumping DDT! The big man is straight back up… but takes a hit in the face from Xtacee’s EDUCATED FEET!! This causes him to stumble back towards the ropes, and everyone descends on him.

Anzu Kurosawa: “These Lumberjacks look like they’re in serious trouble, Rod!”

Meanwhile, Betty has both of Dan’s legs off of the mat and into the air. One final heave…

Anzu Kurosawa: “TIMMMMMMMMMBERRRRRRRRRRR!!!”

ELIMINATION #12 - Dan LuPone by Betty B. Goode

Rod Sterling: “Betty B. Goode comes through in a big way!”

A big cheer goes up as Betty steps back into the ring and does a curtsey. What Betty was able to do to Dan takes the rest of the field to replicate on Doug, because eventually they’re able to get him high enough and tip him out of the ring too - The Lumberjacks are out!

ELIMINATION #13 - Doug LuPone by Alejandro Giunti, Luna Piper, Trash Mammal, Halloween Knight, Juan Tothrefor, Jackson Fenix and Xperienx Xtacee

ELIMINATED: THE LUMBERJACKS

Doug hits the floor just seconds after Dan after being bundled out of the ring by the masses, thus ending The Lumberjacks’ role in the match and a collective deep breath is shared by everyone else in the ring due to the threat they posed and the damage they’d done to the field already.

Rod Sterling: “It is not typical to see such large alliances form between multiple different teams but they’d seen how dangerous Doug was… and now the Lumberjacks will be going back to the Yukon empty handed, Anzu.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Desperate times call for desperate measures - but it is every team for themselves… as we’re seeing right now!”

In the wake of Doug’s elimination, a few had dropped their guards and one of those was Trash Mammal… as JACKSON FENIX PLUCKS HIM FROM THE MOB AND THROWS HIM OUT OF THE RING!!!

ELIMINATION #14 - Trash Mammal by Jackson Fenix

Fenix gets a big cheer from the crowd and does one of his signature gyrations as a celebration… only to be taken down by Halloween Knight. Xtacee comes to back up his partner, but has to deal with Juan. Juan goes to strike Xtacee, but the latter is far too swift with his strikes. A couple of jabs is enough to cut out Juan’s momentum, and then a Dropkick from Xtacee knocks him down into the corner and Juan lands against the bottom turnbuckle… leaving him in prime position for Xtacee to hit him with a Bronco Buster!

Rod Sterling: “This is the perfect time for some of these other teams to take advantage over the Trios Champions; Trash Mammal is often regarded as the strong link in the group - he’s undefeated after all - and with nagging doubts due to Halloween Knight’s age and Juan’s track record here in the FWA, they could be easy pickings.”

Halloween Knight is shown to be in some serious trouble at the hands of Jackson Fenix; he is bundled onto the ring apron and Fenix goes for a SUPERKICK - but Knight ducks it and Fenix gets caught on the top rope! Halloween Knight shoves him back into the ring and then climbs up onto the top rope in a very precarious way and does his special dance just for Back in Business - and he leaps through the air, catching Fenix with the HORRORCANRANA!!!

Elsewhere, Betty B. Goode tries her luck up against Alejandro Giunti, but is immediately affronted by Luna Piper. Betty tries to get Luna in a Headlock, but ‘TheTranceQueen’ blocks it and sends Goode forward into Giunti’s path and a Rolling Wheel Kick from ‘The Maltese Falcon’!

Anzu Kurosawa: “You’ve got two very capable competitors here in Giunti and Piper; Piper a known Battle Royal specialist and Giunti having a strong showing in the Carnal Contendership, good enough to qualify for the Golden Opportunity Steel Roulette… these two could be the team to beat now that the Lumberjacks are out of there.”

This is a fact seemingly recognised by Xperienx Xtacee and Halloween Knight as they meet in the middle of the ring after dispatching of one of the other’s partners and they turn their attentions to Giunti and Piper who were in the process of capitalising on the work done on Goode by trying to eliminate her. They hit stereo Dropkicks on Piper and Giunti and send both back into the ropes. A set of Clotheslines follow resulting in both Piper and Giunti ending up on the ring apron next to each other.

Luna still seems rather unsure of her surroundings and what is happening due to the effects caused by her goggles. However she seems aware enough to turn to Giunti… and Clothesline him over the top rope back into the ring! Giunti is safe, but Piper is now left open for the temporary team up of Knight and Xtacee to knock her off the apron!

ELIMINATION #15 - Luna Piper by Xperienx Xtacee and Halloween Knight

Rod Sterling: “And just like Jin-ho earlier on, Luna Piper has sacrificed herself to save Alejandro Giunti! ‘The Maltese Falcon’ is now soaring solo, but we’re down to just six participants being left in the match!”

The unorthodox pairing pays dividends for Xtacee and Halloween Knight, but the tensions between their two groups boils over once more as they immediately turn on one another in line with the animosity shared between The Undisputed Xperienx and TR1CK OR TR4SH. Xtacee catches Knight with a couple of jabs to the head and with a bit of space, drops him with the EDUCATED FEET!! Halloween Knight drops to the mat, and Xtacee rises up and blows the crowd a kiss… but this leaves him open for Giunti to get in behind him and throw him out of the ring!!

ELIMINATION #16 - Xperienx Xtacee by Alejandro Giunti

Again, one of his partners sacrificing themselves allows Giunti to eliminate another opponent and Xtacee going out causes some of the fans to express their disappointment due to Xtacee’s popularity. Giunti takes a deep breath, but then Betty B. Goode is waiting for him. ‘The Maltese Falcon’ is able to easily counter her Bee’s Knees kick by jumping over it, but she thinks quickly and catches him on her shoulders - and performs an Airplane Spin!! The fans count the rotations as they come;

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

“FIVE!”

“SIX!”

“SEVEN!”

“EIGHT!”

“NINE!”

“TEN!”

“ELEVEN!”

“TWELVE!”

“THIRTEEN!”

“FOURTEEN!”

“FIFTEEN!”

“SIXTEEN!”

“SEVENTEEN!”

“EIGHTEEN!”

Rod Sterling: “Eighteen rotations for the eighteen editions of Back in Business! Look at these people get on their feet for Betty B. Goode! On the outside, Danny B. Goode applauds the efforts of his granddaughter. More excited than anyone though is Juan Tothrefor who is positively ecstatic at the visual of thousands of people joining in with his favourite pastime; counting. His enthusiasm leads to him grabbing Giunti by the head and kicking off of the top turnbuckle to plant ‘The Maltese Falcon’ with a Tornado DDT!”

Anzu Kurosawa: “I think the power of counting and numbers has awakened something in Juan Tothrefor - you know how he feels about those numbers of his!”

Still dizzy and largely unaware because of it, Betty accepts the handshake offered to her by Juan without really realising what is happening. Juan keenly thanks her for her contribution to counting and backs away, adopting a fighting stance. Betty shakes off the butterflies and mimics the action before the two lock up in the middle of the ring. Juan, as the far more experienced wrestler, gets a quick go behind and runs Betty into the ropes but before he can roll her back, she holds on and he takes no one with him.

Juan rises up quickly and runs in, but Betty sticks a foot out and it catches Juan in the midsection, and she follows up with her Bee’s Knees kick! It sweeps Juan’s legs out from underneath him, and he lands hard on his back. Betty removes her shoes as she stands over Juan and then backs into the corner, putting herself on the middle rope. In just her socks, she prepares to take a flight down onto Juan - but HALLOWEEN KNIGHT SHOVES HER FROM THE TURNBUCKLE - SHE HITS THE RING APRON - AND THEN THE FLOOR!!

ELIMINATION #17 - Betty B. Goode by Halloween Knight

ELIMINATED: THE GOODEFELLAS

Danny rushes over to check on Betty after the nasty landing, and he reassures her that she did a very respectable job in the match by making it to the top five. In the ring, Halloween Knight picks up Juan from the mat and through Juan’s dutiful counting, they acknowledge that they are in the final four of the match. Across the ring from them is Alejandro Giunti and Jackson Fenix. The two non-luchadors share a quick look and seem to contemplate teaming up but decide against anything formal; Giunti rushes Halloween Knight, and Fenix is then left to contend with Juan!

Rod Sterling: “Three teams remain in this one; and with TR1CK OR TR4SH being the only one left not being represented by just a single competitor, you’ve got to say that they are in the driver’s seat, something which Alejandro Giunti will not be too fond of, Anzu.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Nice link there, Rod. But even if Giunti and Fenix don’t work together directly, they can ensure that Juan Tothrefor and Halloween Knight can’t, which basically eradicates any advantage that they could have here.”

Fenix is able to catch Juan with a Bicycle Knee, but when he attempts to complete the Double Shot, Juan turns out of it. The counting luchador connects with a kick to the shin, then the knee, then the midsection and finally the face of Fenix to knock him down to the mat. Across the ring Giunti dodges a punch from Halloween Knight and hits the ropes, ducking a Clothesline, then underneath a leapfrog… AND HE CUTS KNIGHT IN HALF WITH THE TURBOxALEJANDRO!!

The Spear has Halloween Knight down and Giunti wipes his brow as he watches Juan go through the ropes to climb the turnbuckle - avoiding the mistake Betty B Goode made - and he lines Fenix up… SENOR SENTON - NOBODY HOME!! Juan lands on his back and slowly rises up, straight into a Famouser from Giunti! He gets up again and walks back towards the ropes whilst holding his face… AND FENIX CLOTHESLINES HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE!!!

ELIMINATION #18 - Juan Tothrefor by Jackson Fenix

Rod Sterling: “We’re down to three! Halloween Knight, Alejandro Giunti and Jackson Fenix; one of these three will win this match for their team and hold the FWA Trios Championships with their partners.”

Halloween Knight sits in the corner holding his ribs whilst Fenix and Giunti look at each other for a moment. Not wanting to waste any time, Giunti hits the ropes once more. Just as Halloween Knight did, Fenix goes for a Clothesline which Giunti ducks. ‘The Maltese Falcon’ looks for another of his Spears, but Fenix cuts him off with a perfectly-timed knee to the face! It stops Giunti in his tracks and Fenix takes him towards the ropes, where he tries to force him over the top rope.

Doing everything he can to hold on, it seems like Fenix is on the cusp of getting another elimination… but JIN-HO AND LUNA PIPER COME RUNNING BACK DOWN THE RAMP TOWARDS THE RING! The officials try to stop them but are largely powerless as they aren’t doing anything but preparing to catch Giunti should he be ejected from the match.

Rod Sterling: “The officials need to do something here; eliminated competitors are supposed to vacate ringside until the match has been completed. If Giunti was to win the match, these two would be more than welcome to come back out to celebrate. Not yet, though!”

Anzu Kurosawa: “I’m not sure that their intervention is what Giunti wants. Listen, Rod…”

Whilst clinging onto the ropes desperately, Giunti can be seen shaking his head at his teammates. Jin-ho tries to grab him but Giunti orders him off, “NO! Just stay back there! I’m doing this on my own or not at all… stay back!” With some hesitancy, both Jin-ho and Piper back off, with Luna being strictly obedient, perhaps due to her goggles being under Giunti’s control, somehow. There is nothing for Jin-ho to do but watch as Giunti’s grip falters… BUT HALLOWEEN KNIGHT CHARGES IN FROM BEHIND AND TIPS FENIX OUT, HE FALLS OVER GIUNTI AND LANDS ON THE FLOOR!!

ELIMINATION #19 - Jackson Fenix by Halloween Knight

ELIMINATED: THE UNDISPUTED XPERIENX

Rod Sterling: “WE’RE DOWN TO TWO!”

As Jackson Fenix lays on his back with his head in his hands, Halloween Knight immediately turns his attention to Alejandro Giunti and looks to continue Fenix’s work and he uses his foot to force him out. Giunti lands on the apron with his feet teetering dangerously close to the floor. Knight does what he can to force him out but Giunti wills himself back to his feet as one of the final two left in the match. He connects with a Gamenguiri to Halloween Knight’s face - but Knight catches his legs and pushes him outwards.

Giunti’s legs swing wildly out and it is only by his hands on the top rope that he manages to stay in the match. He gets a foot on the apron, which is necessary as Halloween Knight comes after him once more and Giunti again gets his feet up but this time he does not kick out but grapevines his legs around Halloween Knight’s head and neck. With a twist of his hips, Giunti has Knight onto the apron alongside him.

Knight stands up and the two of them begin to exchange strikes, with the fans cheering them both on. A combination of punches and backhands lands from Knight to Giunti’s face, chest and throat. This causes Giunti to back up towards the ring post, holding his throat. Halloween Knight treats the fans to one of his dances and he steps forwards… BUT GIUNTI SWEEPS HIS LEGS OUT FROM UNDERNEATH HIM… AND HALLOWEEN KNIGHT SLIPS OFF THE APRON TO THE FLOOR!! GIUNTI WINS IT!!

ELIMINATION #20 - Halloween Knight by Alejandro Giunti

ELIMINATED: TR1CK OR TR4SH

RESULT:
Alejandro Giunti wins at 17:09.

A good cheer goes up from the fans inside Madison Square Garden as Night Two of Back in Business kicks off with the crowning of NEW FWA Trios Champions! Giunti steps back into the ring and he is joined by Jin-ho and Luna Piper. Giunti is pleased to see both of them and for the first time Jin-ho allows himself to crack a small smile; regardless of the circumstances as to why he is collaborating with these two, he’s now a champion. Luna Piper is still as happy as she was when she first came out, and there is no change in her mannerisms even after being handed one of the championships.

Kurt Harrington: “Here are your winners AND NEWWWWWWWWWWW FWA TRIOS CHAMPIONS… JIN-HO, LUNA PIPER AND ALEJAAAAANDDROOOOOOO GIIIIIIIUNTIIIIII!!!”

Rod Sterling: “New champions! TR1CK OR TR4SH’s reign as the second lineal FWA Trios Champions has come to an end here in New York City, but I would not be surprised if we saw them coming back for them sooner rather than later. It was a valiant effort at the end there from Halloween Knight.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Agreed. But Alejandro Giunti and his unexpected tag team partners have pulled this one out of the bag, and he’s looking in good stead heading into that Golden Opportunity Steel Roulette that’s coming up. That one he’ll be on his own for, though.”

The new Trios Champions leave the ring and walk up the ramp together. Alejandro Giunti leads the way and ‘The Maltese Falcon’ urges his partners to raise the titles along with him. They do, and the crowd cheers before the scene fades away.

One of the loudest pops of the night is not reserved for an entrance, a huge near fall, an amazing move, nor a momentous victory, no, one of the loudest pops of the entire Back in Business weekend comes when the camera cuts backstage and reveals The Big Apple’s very own Chris Peacock standing on the phone. A flicker of a smile crosses the face of one half of the victors from the Night 1 main event, he’s backstage but the booming cheers from the rabid New York audience reverberates against the wall he is leaning against. He isn’t dressed to compete, he’s wearing a purple tuxedo accented by the unbuttoned, maroon, disco shirt beneath it – Peacock has done the hard work and is now dressed to celebrate but one need only look to the bruises and cuts strewn all across his face to realise the “work” was very hard indeed. His hand falls, bringing the phone from his ear to below his waist and out of the camera shot. He raises his opposite arm and up with it comes his newly won FWA World Tag Team Championship. This garners another loud reaction from the Back In Business Night 2 attendees. The flicker of a smile that crossed Peacock’s face evolves into a full-blown face-splitting grin and he lets out a short laugh before he begins to speak.

Chris Peacock: “New Yo-”

???: “Suits ya, ya know?”

The camera-shot grows wider and the crowd elicit a loud reaction – a mixture of cheering and ‘oooohhh-ing’ – as a rather stoic-looking Danny Toner comes into the shot. Toner has a large gash across his forehead and a black eye for the ages. In contrast to Peacock’s flashy outfit, the loser of the Night 1 Main Event, the man who ate the pinfall and lost the match both himself and Randy Ramon, is dressed down. A black hoodie with a small grey logo affixed on the left breast, the colour scheme representative of Danny’s current mood. Peacock turns so that he is face-to-face with his fellow New Yorker. Stiffly, probingly, Peacock speaks.

Chris Peacock: “Danny… we good here?”

Danny sighs and runs a hand through his hair.

Danny Toner: “Yeah, Chris, yeah… we’re good.”

Peacock arches a suspecting eyebrow at Toner. Danny holds up his hands and shakes his head.

Danny Toner: “Honestly. We’re good.”

Chris Peacock: “You sure about that? I’m gonna be honest here, Danny… I’m really not looking to rehash last night anytime soon.”

A flick of the eyes towards his championship belt tells the whole story as to why Peacock is uncertain on Danny’s intentions. Danny doesn’t even look at the belt, he just places a hand on Peacock’s shoulder, stares him in the eyes and repeats himself.

Danny Toner: “We’re good.”

Chris Peacock: “Aight, then…”

Peacock allows himself a few seconds to take in the man in front of him. He analyses the man that he won his very first – and now most-recent – championship from. He had fought Danny multiple times in between, losing his fair-share of times, but their story was book-ended with Peacock taking championships from Danny. Chris knows those sorts of results can weigh heavily on a man, and despite the fact that they’d been embroiled in a very ugly war over the last few years, Danny was once considered one of Chris’s closest friends… and he knew the man well. He knew from the moment he saw him tonight, that something was wrong, something was eating away at Toner, and if it wasn’t the FWA World Tag Team Championship then…

Chris Peacock: “What is it?”

Danny takes quite the time to respond, an awkward silence filling the air as Toner shuffles his feet and breaks eye contact with Peacock. Eventually, he speaks.

Danny Toner: “It’s… it’s nothin’. It doesn’t matter, man. Look…”

Toner again clasps a hand on Peacock’s shoulder. He offers a forced smile.

Danny Toner: “Just wanted to say congratulations again, and that I’m sorry if I crossed the line with Max last night… ya know how I can get in the heat of the moment.”

Danny taps a finger against his own head, and despite the vulgarity of his actions towards the young Max last night, Peacock knows mind-games are a big part of Toner’s tactics when it comes to wrestling. Not that he condones Toner’s actions or words, but he understands – or at least accepts – them for what they are. Toner sighs heavily, his chest rising and falling as he makes eye contact with Peacock once again.

Danny Toner: “Truly, I’m sorry. I’ve been up all night just… just thinkin’. That sorta stuff… it ain’t worth it anymore. Hell, maybe it ain’t ever been worth it. As time has worn on, I’ve become more accustomed to the idea that I’m tryna steer a ship that don’t wanna sail no more, ya know? If I keep goin’, that ships gonna sink pretty quick… with me in it. I kept goin’ because I kept tellin’ myself that this ship can go further, this ship can find more uncharted territory, more riches… but the waters are gettin’ choppier, and the captain has gotten more reckless than ever before and this mornin’ I kind of just decided that… the ship has run its course and… and… I’m alright with that. I don’t wanna sink, Chris, I don’t want everythin’ I achieved to crumble beneath the weight of my ego, I don’t want… I don’t want to keep goin’.”

There is some light booing at Danny’s words. Peacock hasn’t said a word this entire time, just looking at Danny, a concerned expression etched on his face. For the first time Danny smiles; a real smile, a genuine smile.

Danny Toner: “It’s time to get off, Peacock. I’ve done my time and I’ve done my part… I can’t take it any further. The sea… the sea is yours now, Chris. These waters are in good hands and after what we went through last night, I know that. The FWA needs a new skipper, man… and aul Danny Fuckin’ needs to get onto his little dinghy and sail off into the sunset.”

The booing intensifies, the New York crowd are not liking the tone of this conversation. Finally, for the first time in this interaction, Danny allows his eyes to rest on the FWA World Tag Team Championship on Chris’s shoulder. He gives the thing that probably best symbolises his decade-long run in the FWA a little path before chuckling.

Danny Toner: “You deserve this, Chris. You deserve it all. You put the question to bed last night and… I’m happy you did. You’re a better tag team wrestler than me. You’re a better champion than me. You’re… you’re better than me. And you know what? That’s alright. I’ve made my peace with that. I’ve made my peace with… with everything.”

Chris reaches out and puts a hand on Danny’s shoulder. He begins talking, the air of a man – no, a friend – trying to talk some sense into an equal.

Chris Peacock: “Danny, I-”

Danny immediately shakes his head, causing Peacock to stop before he can even start. He looks him dead in the eye.

Danny Toner: “We talked about this before, man. I told ya that when the time comes, that’ll be that… you know me. You know I meant it… I’ve decided, Chris. It’s time.”

The whole arena is booing now, there’s even pockets of the crowd chanting “NO! NO! NO!” as Peacock looks like he’s desperately trying to find the right words to say to the man in front of him, to convince his friend, but Toner doesn’t allow him the chance as he turns on his heel and begins to walk off. Suddenly, Danny stops and from over his shoulder looks back at Chris, a little teary-eyed.

Danny Toner: “Thank you, man. Thank you for everything.”

The booing stops. Complete silence in the arena as Danny’s words resonate with everyone. Danny walks off camera leaving Peacock standing there, lost for words. The FWA World Tag Team Championship is the only thing glistening about the whole image being shown on the big screen. Chris’s celebratory aura seems to have completely disintegrated before us as he allows himself to slump against the wall behind him. The picture paints a thousand words and the silence… is deafening.

Another figure appears on screen next to Peacock, with the crowd perking up slightly to see Alyster Black standing next to Peacock. Black wears his championship over his shoulder as well and looks in the direction that Danny left in.

Alyster Black: “What did he want?”

Chris Peacock: “Oh, uhh… I hope it was nothing. Said sorry about Drew and that. I think we’re cool now.”

Alyster Black: “Well I’ll keep an eye out for your Christmas card with the two of you in matching jumpers with a shitty little dog, but we’ve got work to do tonight. C’mon.”

Peacock nods his head and follows Black away as the camera fades to go back to the interior of Madison Square Garden.

‘I Am The Fire’ hits, this time blasting straight into the chorus as Trixie Bordeaux makes her way out from behind the curtain to a sizable pop from the crowd in New York City! With the FWA X Championship that she had defended one day earlier at Night One against Aaron Harrows, and would also defend later on tonight in the X4 Finals against Tommy Bedlam, wrapped around her waist, Trixie looked ready for a war. There was no theatrics, no pandering to the crowd, no throne or crown… just Trixie Bordeaux, battle-scared already from her first of three matches this weekend, as she made her way down the ramp, towards the cage.

Rod Sterling: "Here comes the Queen of the Deathmatch, making her way to the ring… and she looks as ready for an all out war as I’ve ever seen her, Anzu."

Anzu Kurosawa: "Well, let me tell you… I had the misfortune of drawing against Trixie in the 8x1v1 Cage match in the opening round of the King of the Deathmatch tournament, so I’ve had a taste of what Trixie is capable of in this type of environment, and let me tell you… I would not like to be in Blair or Celestia’s shoes here tonight, Rod, let me tell yo-WAIT A MINUTE, THAT’S BLAIR AND CELESTIA!"

Unbeknownst to Trixie, the Ravenwood sisters rush out from behind the curtain and charge down the ramp as they attacked Trixie like a pack of hungry wolves as she made her entrance! The sisters laid into Trixie with a series of punches and kicks, before each grabbing her on either side and throwing her into the cage wall! Trixie bounced off the wall and back into the arms of Blair and Celestia, who launched her into the steel structure again, and AGAIN, before Trixie finally fell to the ground.

Blair snatched the lock and key that would be used to seal the cage door shut from the hands of the referee at ringside and pushed him into the barricade, as Celestia threw Trixie into the cage and rolled her into the ring.

[Paint It, Black | The Rolling Stones]

As Blair walked towards the cage door smugly, Kleio De Santos’ music hits to a ginormous pop as Kleio ran from behind the curtain and charged towards the cage… seeing Kleio sprinting towards her, Blair scrambled into the cage and quickly locked the door before Kleio could get to her…

Rod Sterling: "Wait a minute… KLEIO’S BEEN LOCKED OUT OF THE CAGE! TRIXIE IS TRAPPED IN THERE ON HER OWN!"

Blair waved smugly at Kleio, who slammed the cage door in frustration, before sliding into the ring and marching over to the referee, shoving him into the corner and demanding that he ring the bell… the referee protested, but Blair was having none of it, and made it abundantly clear what she would do to him if he didn’t do as instructed, and so reluctantly…

SECOND MATCH | -/–.
Kleio De Santos and Trixie Bordeaux vs. Blair Ravenwood and Celestia Ravenwood.
Jailhouse Blues Match.
Match Writer: Sully/Welshy.

<< 00:00 >>

… the referee rang the bell, and the match begins with the Ravenwood sisters circling Trixie like a pack of hungry wolves, all the while Kleio, locked out of the cage, attacks the cage door with everything she has, trying to break in. Trapped in the cage, alone, with two vindictive witches circling her, the Queen of the Deathmatch climbs to her feet

Moving as though they shared a single mind, Blair and Celestia charged at Trixie at the same time, looking to overwhelm her with their numbers advantage, but, despite having already competed once this weekend, and looking a little worse for wear, Trixie was quick to counter as she threw a vicious knee that clocked Celestia as she dove in for a double-leg, dropping the younger Ravenwood, before Blair immediately leapt atop Trixie, dragging her to the ground and unloading with a series of rights and lefts! Trixie managed to get her guard up for the majority of Blair’s onslaught, before dodging one of Blair’s strikes and using her momentum to reverse the position! Trixie was now on top and raining a furious barrage of… well, everything, as Blair desperately tried to cover up!

Having shaken the cobwebs loose from Trixie’s knee to her face, Celestia scrambled to her feet and dove at Trixie, tackling her off of her sister. Trixie managed to push Celestia off quickly, and both of them clamoured to their feet and charged. Once again, Trixie got the upper hand as she dove atop Celestia with a Thesz-Press and proceeded to repeatedly slam the back of her head into the canvas, all the while screaming furiously!

Rod Sterling: "Despite the numbers disadvantage, and the fact that she’s only one day removed from a gruelling X4 match against Aaron Harrows, Trixie is taking it to the Ravenwood sisters!"

Anzu Kurosawa: "She is, Rod, but I dunno how long she can keep this up. Kleio needs to find a way into this match, and fast!"

As Trixie attempted to drive Celestia’s skull through the ring, Kleio shook the cage door with everything she had, trying to rip it open using brute force, but to no avail. Having thus far failed to enter the cage, and the match, she kicked the cage in frustration. Looking through the chain-link cage to the action within, she sees Trixie begin to drive her own head into Celestia’s with a series of brain-scrambling headbutts, as Blair dazedly climbs to her feet after taking a good few blows to the face from Trixie’s frantic offence. Seeing that Trixie is completely unaware that Blair is up and heading right for her, Kleio attempts to warn her partner…

Kleio De Santos: "TRIXIE, BEHIND YOU!"

… it was too late. As Trixie raised her head up, looking to drive it back down into Celestia’s for what must be the dozenth time, Blair shot off the ropes and connected with a picture perfect Shining Witch that put a stop to Trixie’s barrage of fence, and her consciousness! Kleio looked on helplessly as Trixie slumped off of Celestia and fell limply to the mat. Just like that, it was over. Blair and Celestia had got one over on her. They had rendered Kleio completely useless, and they were going to win. Kleio glared a hole through Blair as she waited for the elder Ravenwood to make the cover on Trixie, but the pin attempt never came. Instead, Blair grinned evilly at Kleio, and, when Celestia had climbed groggily to her feet - her nose dripping blood from Trixie’s barrage of headbutts - Blair ordered her to pick Trixie up. As Kleio watched on, unable to intervene, Blair and Celestia began the process of utterly destroying Trixie, looking to end her once and for all….

***

<< 08:41 >>

Still watching on from the outside of the cage, Kleio demanded that the referee inside the cage takes the key from Blair and open the door, but it was of no use, Blair was never gonna give up this advantage. And so, Kleio was but a mere spectator as Celestia threw Trixie head first into the cage wall like a lawn dart! The Queen of the Deathmatch slumped to the ground, barely conscious, as Celestia approached and lifted her off the ground, before Irish-whipping Trixie into the path of Blair, who nailed her in the face with the steel steps!

Rod Sterling: "Trixie is taking a beating here, Anzu, and it doesn’t look like Kleio is gonna be of any assistance whatsoever. We could be watching Trixie’s X Championship reign come to an end before she even makes it to the X4 Final!"

Anzu Kurosawa: "You’re right that this doesn’t bode well for her chances against Tommy Bedlam in the final, Rod, but Trixie is Queen of the Deathmatch for a reason. If anyone can gut this out, it’s probably gonna be Trixie."

As Celestia once more lifts Trixie’s carcass off the floor, with a small amount of blood dripping from Trixie’s forehead from the steel steps, Blair takes Trixie by the hair and drags her over to where Kleio is watching on. With a sick smile on her face, Blair rams Trixie’s face into the cage directly in front of Kleio, and drags her face back and forth across the chain-link fence, causing screams of agony from Trixie as the steel digs into her face and rips the gash in her head open further, and manic laughter from Blair as she sticks her tongue out and taunts Kleio, who wants nothing more than to drive her fist through Blair’s smug face. As Blair mocks and taunts her former leader, Kleio’s head dips in what looks to be defeat. She looks back up at Trixie, who’s face is growing ever redder with blood as Blair crushes and washes her face into the steel wall of the cage… Kleio shakes her head, before turning her back to the cage and slowly makes her way up the ramp…

Rod Sterling: "Wait, is Kleio… LEAVING!?"

Anzu Kurosawa: "Well, what else can she do, Rod!? She’s locked out of the cage! What’s the point in just standing there, watching your partner get her ass kicked in a 2 vs. 1 while you can’t do anything to help?"

Rod Sterling: "I know, but…."

As Kleio makes her way up the ramp, Blair takes the time to taunt Trixie, who’s being forced to watch her partner leave her for dead.

Blair Ravenwood: "Look Trix, there goes your partner! You’re all alone now, hahahaha! There’s no one to save you from me!... I’m gonna end you once and for all, you little bitch, you understand me? YOU’RE DONE!"

Blair slams Trixie’s face into the cage once more, before finally releasing her. Trixie drops to the ground, clutching her face, all the while looking up to see Kleio walking through the curtain. Trixie was all alone, trapped in a cage with two people hell bent on ending her once and for all. There was no way that Trixie would survive this fight….

Blair Ravenwood: "Pick this piece of trash up!"

Blair orders to Celestia, who does as told. She grabs Trixie by the hair and yanks her up off the ground, before looking back to Blair to receive further instruction, when Trixie clocks Celestia in the face with her elbow! Celestia releases her grip on Trixie’s hair and clutches her nose, as Blair marches forward, looking to put a stop to any sort of potential comeback. She swings at Trixie with a right hand, but Trixie ducks, and Blair drives her fist across Celestia’s jaw, dropping her sister! Cursing furiously, Blair turns around to find Trixie. Trixie scrambles across the floor and reaches underneath the ring, hoping to find some great equaliser to help her in her uphill battle. Blair grabs Trixie’s leg and pulls her out from underneath the ring, while Trixie lifts herself up with one leg so that she’s hopping, and swings at Blair with a big wooden stick that connects to Blair’s temple!

Rod Sterling: "And Trixie with the… wait, is that a broomstick!?"

Anzu Kurosawa: "Uhhh… I believe it is. Well, it’s thematic, I suppose!"

Blair drops to the floor as Celestia rises from it. Celestia charges at Trixie, who slides into the ring, broomstick still in hand. Celestia manages to grab one of Trixie’s legs and tries to pull her back to the outside, but Trixie jabs Celestia in the eye with the end of the stick, forcing Celestia to release her grip. Trixie uses the ropes and the stick to lift herself to her feet as Celestia and Blair both attempts to get their wits about them. Shaking the cobwebs off, Blair and Celestia look up into the ring to try to find Trixie, but she’s nowhere to be seen, until…

Rod Sterling: "INCOMING!"

As a shadow descended over Blair and Celestia, they both look up to see Trixie flying through the air, with the broomstick between her legs! With Blair and Celestia unable to get out of the way in time, Trixie crashes atop the pair of them, before herself crashing back first into the cage wall!

Rod Sterling: "Trixie just took Blair and Celestia clean out, but she may have also taken herself out in the process!"

Despite Rod’s assumption, Trixie lifts herself up off the ground with a burst of adrenaline and lets out a furious warcry as she shakes the cage wall, amped up, to cheers from the crowd! Seeing Blair and Celestia begin to stir, Trixie reaches underneath the ring once more and pulls out a table, but that isn’t what she’s looking for, and so she reaches underneath once more, and eventually finds something more to her liking… a 2x4 wrapped in barbed wire. Trixie lifts herself to her feet and stares admiringly at the weapon, as though in awe at the destructive potential of her new toy. Celestia is the first to her feet as Trixie turns her attention back to her enemies, and Trixie waits for her to turn around. As Celestia stumbles around, Trixie charges forward and clotheslines Celestia with the spikey 2x4! Celestia drops to the floor, clutching her forehead and writhing in pain, as Trixie turns her attention to Blair.

As Blair uses the cage to lift herself up, Trixie approaches her from behind and kicks Blair in the back, sending her crashing front-first into the cage wall. Blair drops to her knees. As Blair turns over, now in a seated position with her back against the cage, Trixie drives the barbed wire 2x4 into Blair’s face and proceeds to use it like a cheese-grater, tearing Blair’s forehead to shreds as the elder Ravenwood screams in agony!

Trixie Bordeaux: "You think I need saving from you, huh!? HUH!? Nah… it’s you that needs saving from me. You’re gonna pay for what you did to me! YOU UNDERSTAND ME!? SCREAM, BLAIR! SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAM!!!"

Hearing her sister’s screams, Celestia scrambles desperately to her feet - her forehead dripping blood from her own meeting with the barbed wire - and rushes towards Trixie and her sister. Celestia grabs Trixie by the hair and pulls her with everything she has to get her off her sister, which she does, but Trixie immediately retaliates as she turns around and swings for Celestia’s head with the 2x4. Celestia manages to duck the attack and attempts to get away as Trixie marches towards her, determined to get her pound of flesh.

Celestia slides into the ring, and Trixie follows her, 2x4 in hand. As Trixie is sliding in, Celestia tries to cut her off, stomping and soccerball kicking her, trying desperately to not let Trixie get to her feet. Trixie lets go of the 2x4 in order to catch one of Celestia’s feet, before lifting herself up and driving forward, tackling Celestia to the ground and unleashing a vicious barrage of ground and pound! Celestia covers up, blocking the majority of Trixie’s offence, before pushing Trixie off her and using the ropes to scramble to her feet, but as she turns around, Trixie charges at her…

Rod Sterling: "SHOTGUN DROPKICK! Celestia is down! Trixie may be about to pull of a miracle!"

Seeing her chance for victory, Trixie gets to her feet and climbs up to the top turnbuckle, looking to finish this match. She makes it to the top and steadies herself, before looking back to see if Celestia is still there. She is. Trixie was about to defeat both Blair and Celestia Ravenwood all by herself! Nobody would dare question her title of ‘Queen’, and her reign as X Champion again after this!

As Trixie envisioned herself proving all of her detractors wrong, she leapt backwards… but just as her feet were about to leave the top turnbuckle, she was met by the steel steps, which had been hurled at her by a bloodsoaked Blair from the outside! The steps crashed into the side of Trixie’s head, sending her toppling to the outside of the ring as Blair stumbled backwards into the cage, clutching her mangled forehead, as Celestia stirred inside the ring. Realising that Trixie was down, Celestia went to check on her sister, but Blair stopped her and ordered;

Blair Ravenwood: "GET THAT BITCH UP, NOW!"

Despite her concern for Blair’s health, Celestia does as told, and rolls out of the ring to retrieve Trixie, who’s slowly beginning to stir. Blair used the cage and pulled herself up, a look of rage and pure evil in her eyes as she stumbles over to Trixie’s position. With both Ravenwood’s looming over her, and having been knocked for six by the steel steps, Trixie’s hopes of an epic 2 vs. 1 victory slowly began to dissipate.

***

<< 16:49 >>

Despite her best efforts to fight back, the Ravenwood sisters were now in complete control of this match, and of Trixie, as they brutalised and tortured their once friend and Trios partner, more for Blair’s enjoyment than Celestia’s. Trixie swings and misses with a desperate right hand aimed for Blair’s face, before Blair punts the stumbling Trixie directly in the mouth as she fell forward, before she crashed face first into the canvas!

Rod Sterling: "Jesus, Blair may have kicked Trrixie’s teeth out!"

Well, Blair definitely busted something in Trixie’s mouth, as blood was now dripping out of it as she tried to pull herself up. Blair punted Trixie in the stomach, knocking her back down and driving the wind right out of her as she coughed and wheezed. While Blair was having her fun, Celestia, on Blair’s orders, was on the outside of the ring, untangling the barbed wire from around the 2x4, while trying not to prick herself on the spikey barbs.

Blair Ravenwood: "You done yet!?"

Blair called from inside the ring, as she delivered another wind-sapping boot to Trixie’s abdomen.

Celestia Ravenwood: "Nearly! This is harder than it looks, ya know!"

As Blair obnoxiously pushes Trixie back down to the mat with her foot, Celestia manages to untangle the barbed-wire from the 2x4.

Celestia Ravenwood: "DONE IT!"

Celestia celebrated proudly.

Blair Ravenwood: "About time, now get in here and grab this piece of shit, will ya?!"

Rolling her eyes at her sister’s lack of appreciation for her efforts, Celestia still does as told and climbs into the ring. Blair gestures for Celestia to hand her the barbed wire, which she does, before lifting Trixie up to her feet. With some fight still left in her, Trixie drives her shoulder into Celestia’s stomach and drives her into the corner, before throwing pouches wildly at Celestia’s mid-section! Shaking her head, annoyed that Trixie still has some fight left, Blair drops the barbed wire and grabs Trixie by the head and slams it into the canvas.

As Trixie clutched the back of her head, Blair flipped her over onto her stomach and locked in an STF submission, before ordering Celestia to hand her the barbed wire, and to hold Trixie’s arms down. Celestia does as ordered, pinning Trixie’s arms to the mat by her wrists, and with Trixie pinned down and completely helpless, Blair wraps the barbed wire across Trixie’s mouth, and with everything she has, she pulls back!

Rod Sterling: "OH MY GOD! TRIXIE IS LOCKED IN AN STF, AND THE BARBED WIRE IS RIPPING HER MOUTH TO SHREDS!"

As Blair pulled with all of her might, Celestia held Trixie’s arms down and watched as the barbed wire ripped holes in Trixie’s lips and tongue, and dug into her cheeks, all the while Trixie cried out in anguish! Even Celestia found this painful to watch. Trixie was at one point her friend, and a close one at that. They fought together, won championship gold together, hell, they lived together, and yet here she was, watching Trixie scream and cry tears of agony as the barbed wire ripped her mouth to shreds. The referee implored Blair and Celestia to stop, but he could not make them. He asked Trixie if she wanted to give up, and as she couldn’t speak with the barbed wire stretching her face and ripping into her mouth, Trixie’s hand raised up, looking ready to tap, which Blair noticed, and well…

Blair Ravenwood: "Celestia, don’t you dare let Trixie tap out, you hear me! Pin her hands down!"

Celestia Ravenwood: "But Blair, isn’t that what you wanted!? Trixie to admit defeat!?"

Blair Ravenwood: "She only gets to submit when I allow it! Hold her hands down!"

Celestia looked into Trixie’s tear-filled eyes for a brief moment, before looking away, as her hands slowly moved over Trixie’s, pinning her hands to the mat and stopping her from tapping out. All Trixie could do now was scream as Blair pulled back with even more force, with the barbed wire digging ever further into Trixie’s face… when suddenly, the crowd, which had been stunned silent by Blair’s brutality, erupted into life as, sprinting from behind the curtain and down the ramp came…

Rod Sterling: "IT’S KLEIO! KLEIO’S BACK, AND SHE’S GOT A WAY INTO THE MATCH!!!"

Kleio De Santos, with a set of bolt cutters in hand, charged towards the cage! Blair’s eyes widened as she watched on, refusing to relinquish her torturous hold on Trixie, as Kleio began to frantically clip away at the chain-link cage wall! The crowd chanted for Kleio as she snipped away at the wall, creating her own makeshift entrance into the match as Blair ordered Celestia to go deal with her as she attempted to make Trixie tap out! As Celestia released Trixie’s hands to go and deal with Kleio, Trixie’s hands reached up to her mouth as she desperately tries to pull the barbed wire out, but Blair has too much leverage, and Trixie’s right hand reaches out, looking as though she’s about to tap.

Blair Ravenwood: "TAP, YOU STUPID BITCH! TAAAAAAP!"

As Kleio snipped a big enough hole in the fence to get through, she climbs into the cage and is instantly jumped on by Celestia Ravenwood, who attacks Kleio with rights and lefts as she tries to hold her off long enough for Blair to end this match! Seeing Kleio finally inside the cage, Trixie tries to keep herself from tapping, but the pain was becoming too much for even her threshold to handle, and her hand dropped, now only mere millimeters from the mat, before stopping.

Kleio, being by far the fresher competitor, pushes Celestia into the side of the ring, before grabbing her by the head and throwing her face first into the cage wall! Celestia collapsed to the ground as Kleio turned back around to see Trixie’s outstretched hand hovering above the canvas, looking ready to tap. Kleio moved faster than she had ever moved before as she slid into the ring. Trixie could not take another microsecond of this suffering, and her hand dropped, heading right for the canvas. Heading right for defeat…

Anzu Kurosawa: "TRIXIE’S GONNA TAP-WAIT, NO! KLEIO’S CAUGHT TRIXIE’S HAND! KLEIO’S STOPPING TRIXIE FROM GIVING UP!"

With Trixie’s hand now in Kleio’s, stopping the Queen of the Deathmatch from tapping out, Kleio glared at Blair, who looked completely horrified… and for Trixie, this staredown felt like a god damn eternity as her left hand left its hold of the barbed wire in her mouth and went to tap out, when Kleio lunged forward and delivered a thunderous right hand to Blair’s jaw that forced her to release her hold on Trixie!

Having been chomping at the bit to make her mark in this match, Kleio wastes absolutely zero time in diving atop Blair and raining down a barrage of furious elbows that break through her guard! After taking a good few shots, Blair manages to kick Kleio off her and tries to scramble to her feet, but is immediately sent stumbling back first into the corner as Kleio leaps in and clocks Blair with a Superman Punch, before continuing to beat Blair down in the corner with a series of kicks to the mid-section, with the crowd chanting ‘YES!’ with each kick delivered!

Rod Sterling: "Kleio is letting ALL of her pent-up rage out right now! She’s kicking the crap out of Blair!!"

Having delivered a good 15-20 kicks and stomps to the now seated Blair Ravenwood, Kleio finally stops and lets out a thunderous roar as she storms to the opposite corner to create some distance between them, before charging forward at full speed and nails the seated Blair with double knees to the face!

As Blair slumps out of the corner, barely conscious after the jaw-jacking maneuver, Kleio gets to her feet and takes a glance over to Trixie, who was still on the ground, trying to peel the barbed wire from out of her mouth. Kleio could tell that Trixie was in a bad way, but given their recent history, Kleio didn’t overly care. She just wanted blood. Blair and Celestia’s blood.

Speaking of Celestia, Kleio looked around, trying to find her former potions master, when she looks up to see Celestia diving from the top rope towards her, hoping to land a crossbody! With cat-like reflexes, Kleio reacts immediately as she jumped up and caught Celestia in mid-air with a picture perfect dropkick to Celestia’s face! With Celestia on queer-street, Kleio turned back around to once again go after Blair, and she finds her INSTANTLY as Blair swings wildly and connects with the now barbed-wireless 2x4 to Kleio’s temple! Kleio stumbled to her knees, having been knocked for a loop as Blair lined her up for a big gold swing, when-

Rod Sterling: "KLEIO WITH THE COOCHIE PUNCH!"

Anzu Kurosawa: "Straight outta Trixie’s playbook with that one!"

Blair drops the 2x4 and clutches her groin, her face having gone pale as she dropped to her knees. Kleio rose to her feet, still a little wobbly as she loomed over Blair and lifted her up by the face, before setting her up for the Letters to Kleio… but, as Kleio posed momentarily, savouring the moment before she drives Blair’s face into the dirt for good, when Celestia reaches over and wraps the barbed wire around Kleio’s neck and pulls her off of her sister! Kleio can feel the metal prongs pierce her neck as Celestia tries desperately to choke Kleio out with the barbed wire. As Kleio struggles to rip the barbed wire from around her neck, Celestia stomps the back of Kleio’s legs, forcing her to her knees, before placing her foot on Kleio’s back for extra leverage as Blair, seeing this, begins to laugh hysterically as she gingerly climbs to her feet, still clutching her groin as she walks over to Kleio, who looks to be fading as Celestia chokes her out, with blood dripping from the holes being dug into her neck. Blair leans forward in front of Kleio’s face with a shit-eating grin as she taunts her former leader.

Blair Ravenwood: "Oh wow, was that all the big bad Kleio De Santos had in the tank, huh!? That was it? No wonder you lost your TV Title last night. No wonder you lost your seat as the head of The Coven. No wonder you lost your daddy Sully to me… he’s doing so great, by the way! We’re really happy together!"

As the barbed wire digs further into Kleio’s neck, she’s met with the choice of using her hands to keep the barbed wire from ripping her head off, or using them to punch Blair directly in her smug face like she deserves…

Blair Ravenwood: "But hey, don’t be too sad, Kleio. If you start being a good little girl, maybe Daddy will take you back in, and you, little baby Kleio, Daddy Sully, Auntie Celestia, and me… Mammy Blair, well, we can all be one big happy family!"

… and Kleio couldn’t help herself. She let go of the barbed wire, which dug even further into her neck, and swung wildly at Blair, who narrowly dodged the attack and laughed as Kleio, realising what she did, desperately tried to dig the barbed wire back out of her neck, but she was fading, and her arms began to slump…

Blair Ravenwood: "Nighty night, baby Kleio! Sleep tight!"

As Kleio’s eyes slowly began to shut as Blair gloated, suddenly, Celestia’s head snapped to the side as a 2x4 breaks across her head, and she collapsed, unconscious to the ground, releasing her hold on Kleio, who gasps for air as she drops to her hands and knees and desperately digs the barbed wire from out of her neck. Blair’s eyes widen as, as Celestia falls, Trixie Bordeaux is standing behind her, half a 2x4 in her hand, with her mouth ripped to shreds and leaking blood, and an evil look in her eyes as she stared a hole through Blair.

As Blair and Trixie stare each other down, Kleio slowly rises to her feet, clutching her neck with one hand, as blood drips from several puncture wounds created by the barbed wire, and clutching the barbed wire in her other hand. Blair looks back down at Celestia, who’s still completely unconscious, and then back to the two vengeful women standing before her…

Rod Sterling: "I think Blair realises that she’s about to be in a world of hurt, Anzu…"

Anzu Kurosawa: "Well, at this point, I can’t say she doesn’t deserve it, because, well…"

Looking around panickedly, searching for a means of escape, Blair notices the hole that had been cut into the cage wall by Kleio De Santos, and immediately bolts in that direction as Kleio and Trixie give chase! Blair, having gotten a head start, manages to slide out of the ring and scrambles through the hole in the wall, but unfortunately for her, Kleio manages to grab her leg as she’s about halfway out of the cell. Blair instinctively reaches out and grabs a fan’s outstretched hand and pulls herself, and Kleio, out of the cage! Immediately, Kleio immediately tries to jump atop Blair, but Blair sees it coming and monkey flips Kleio, sending KDS a little ways up the ramp. Blair scrambles to her feet and turns to run in the opposite direction of Kleio, only to find Trixie standing there, her back to the cage. Blair turns back around, and Kleio is now back to her feet. Seeing no other means of escape, and seeing the barbed wire still in Kleio’s grip, ready to be used to inflict unimaginable pain on her… Blair turns her attention back to Trixie and charges! Trixie charges forward too, but, showing her athleticism Blair sunset flips over Trixie as the Queen of the Deathmatch attempts to tackle her to the ground, and Blair rolls back to her feet and scramble UP THE CAGE WALL!

Rod Sterling: "AND BLAIR’S CLIMBING! In her desperation to avoid the beating that Kleio and Trixie so badly want to deliver, Blair is climbing the cage!"

Anzu Kurosawa: "... yeah, this never ends well."

Seeing Blair climbing the cage, Kleio charges forward and, with the string of barbed wire, she swings and whips Blair across the back as she climbs! Blair lets out a agonised scream as the barbed wire rips into her back, and Kleio swings again, and again, all the while Blair desperately tries to climb to the top. As Blair is being slowed down by Kleio, Trixie begins to climb the cage wall too, wanting nothing more than to beat Blair to a pulp!

Having endured 5 or 6 flesh-ripping whips from Kleio and the barbed wire, Blair finally makes it to the roof of the cage, before clutching her now bloodied back. Blair didn’t have long to rest, however, as, as she looks back towards the way she came up, she sees Trixie pull herself up on the roof, with a sick, Joker-esque smile on her face as she relishes the thought of mutilating Blair. As Trixie approaches her, Blair scoots backwards on her butt, all the while Kleio begins to make the perilous climb too. Blair looks around, and… there was nowhere else to run, and she knew it, and suddenly, her face turns evil with rage as she climbs to her feet as Trixie storms towards here….

Blair Ravenwood: "ENOUGH!"

Trixie stops as Blair shouts furiously at her, confused. Is Blair admitting defeat!?

Blair Ravenwood: "You are, all of you, BENEATH ME!"

Blair exclaims, as Kleio pulls herself onto the roof, barbed wire in hand.

Blair Ravenwood: "I AM THE QUEEN OF THE COVEN, YOU DULL CREATURES!"

Kleio approaches, standing side-by-side with Trixie, as the two look at each other as if to say ‘who the fuck does this bitch think she is?’

Blair Ravenwood: "... and I WILL NOT BE BULLIED BY-"

Having heard enough, both Kleio and Trixie leapt atop Blair, interrupting her speech and throwing her to the ground, before whaling on her with punches and kicks as Blair screams and tries to cover up! As the punches and kicks rain down, Blair tries to fight back with upkicks of her own, and one of them connects and jacks Trixie’s jaw, knocking her off momentarily as Blair scrambles to her knees and drives her shoulder into Kleio’s stomach, trying to tackle her to the ground. Kleio sprawls, however, and manages to grab Blair in a guillotine choke. Trixie climbs back to her feet, and sees Blair in this helpless position, and a twisted smirk forms with her mangled mouth as she picks up the string of barbed wire that Kleio had brought to the top. As Blair struggles, trying desperately to break Kleio’s grip, Trixie looms over her. Kleio, seeing what Trixie is thinking, lessens her grip around Blair’s neck, not wanting to choke her out, and instead focuses more on locking her in place so that Trixie can have her fun… with The Boa Constrictor wrapping herself around Blair, the self-proclaimed Queen of The Coven is stuck, unable to break free as Trixie WHIPPED BLAIR ACROSS THE BACK WITH THE BARBED WIRE! Blair screamed and cried in anguish as the barbed wire ripped through her flesh, but her screams only served to further egg Trixie on as she whipped Blair again, and again, and again, and again…

Rod Sterling: "Jesus Christ, this match has been uncomfortable to watch, but this is getting downright unwatchable now… for all the bad Blair has done, nobody deserves this."

Anzu Kurosawa: "I think that, if you were to ask Trixie and Kleio… they’d disagree, Rod."

After the 10th strike across Blair’s back with the barbed wire, Trixie raises her hands in celebration, but to minimal cheers, - as much of the crowd in attendance are as uncomfortable as Rod Sterling right about now - but Trixie doesn’t care. Kleio releases her grip of Blair, who clutches her blood covered back, sobbing, before desperately trying to crawl away. Kleio walks alongside Blair as she crawls her way to the edge, desperate to escape. Blair makes it to the edge of the cage and looks over the edge to the mountainous drop below.

Kleio De Santos: "You wanna get down? Go on then, climb down..."

Blair looks up at Kleio hopefully… was Kleio really showing her mercy!?

Kleio De Santos: "This ain’t no trick, Blair… go."

As Blair’s hope for escape grows, she slowly climbs over the edge, so that she’s dangling. She looks up at Kleio once more, gratefully…

Kleio De Santos: "Trixie…"

Trixie turns to face Kleio, and sees Blair hanging of the edge…

Kleio De Santos: "Take her for a ride."

Trixie looks at Blair, who’s hopes of a safe climb down are dwindling rapidly as Trixie smiles gleefully at her, before charging forward! Blair tries to climb further down, but she was not fast enough as Trixie slides off the edge, turns her body, grabs Blair by her head and takes her with her…

Rod Sterling: "HOCUS POCUS! HOCUS POC-OH SHIT!"

As if they only just realised as they stared at the monitor, Rod Sterling and Anzu Kurosawa dived out of the way as both Blair and Trixie crash through their announce table!

As the fans explode into cheers, with Trixie’s death-defying stunt breaking the uncomfortable silence. Kleio looks over the edge of the cage to see Blair and Trixie laying in a sea of what used to be an announce table, both unmoving and completely out of it. Given that Trixie had also played a part in Kleio’s removal from The Coven, Kleio didn’t overly care about Trixie’s wellbeing, and so, seeing them both wrecked, 30ft below her brought a smile to Kleio’s face.

Rod Sterling: "Is-Is my headset working? Anzu, are you alright?"

Anzu points at her headset, which was poking out from beneath Trixie, as it had fallen off of Anzu’s head as she dove to safety. Rod’s headset was destroyed too, and was only communicating using the camera that was filming the carnage at cageside.

Rod Sterling: "Well, ladies and gentlemen, I am surrounded by bodies and debris, and me and my partner at what used to be our desk have been taken out of commission, but I can honestly say… that was one of the craziest things I’ve ever witnessed!"

Having taken in the carnage below, Kleio remembered that Celestia too was in this match, and turned to look inside of the cell to see where she was. After having her head all but taken off by Trixie with the 2x4, Celestia was now conscious, but she looked as though she had absolutely no idea what day it was as she crawled and stumbled aimlessly. Looking back over the edge, Kleio was shocked to see that, SOMEHOW, Trixie was not only moving… but climbing back to her feet, and she still had the barbed wire in her hand. Kleio shook her head in disbelief as she mouthed to herself ‘She’s unkillable’. Kleio decided to make her way down from the cell as Trixie used the barricade to get up. She was wobbling all over the place due to her nasty fall, but she was up. She looked down at Blair, who’s eyes were barely open, but beyond that, she was completely unmoving. Trixie looked at the string of barbed wire that dug into her bleeding hand, and then to the stirring Celestia inside of the cage, and she knew that her revenge had not yet been completed. As Trixie went to make her way around the cell to the hole in the cage that Kleio had made, KDS dropped a couple of feet down to the floor and called Trixie, who stopped and looked at Kleio with a glazed expression, as Trixie was still not completely there yet.

Kleio De Santos: "Go in the cage and bring the barbed wire to the otherside of this wall. You hear me?"

Trixie didn’t respond. Instead, she just stumbled her way around the cell. Kleio decided to just assume that Trixie understood her as Kleio began to drag Blair over to the part of the cage wall that she had told Trixie to meet her at, and much to her surprise, Trixie was actually following her order, as she crawled through the hole and back in to the cage, and proceeded to stumble over to where Kleio told her to go. She took longer than Kleio would have liked, since Trixie had fallen over a few times, but eventually, she made it. Kleio forced Blair’s hands through the chain-link wall and into the cage, and told Trixie…

Kleio De Santos: "Tie her up."

Trixie just stared at Kleio dazedly, as though what Kleio said didn’t compute.

Kleio De Santos: "With the barbed wire… Tie Blair’s hand up with the barbed wire."

Trixie stared at the barbed wire for a moment, before looking over to Celestia, who still has no clue what planet she’s on as she falls into the corner.

Kleio De Santos: "Celestia’s done. Don’t worry about her. Just do it."

Trixie scowled, before doing as instructed. She tied Blair’s hands together with the barbed wire, trapping her against the cage, much to Kleio’s satisfaction. The second that Trixie was finished with Kleio’s order, however, she turned and went straight on the attack of Celestia, pulling Blair’s clearly concussed younger sister out of the ring and ramming her head first into the cage wall, further exacerbating Celestia’s condition.

Kleio laughed as she watched Trixie have her way with Celestia, before lightly tapping Blair across her face to wake her up.

Kleio De Santos: "Blaaaaaaaair… wakey wakey!"

Blair began to come too, but Kleio keeps on slapping just for fun.

Kleio De Santos: "Oh Blaaaaaaair, wake uuuuuuup… look what’s going on in the cage!"

Shaking her head, trying to shake the cobwebs loose, Blair looked up at Kleio, and instinctively tried to punch her in the face, but when she tried to move her hands, she only felt something dig into her skin and cause her pain. Blair quickly realised the position she was in, as she saw her hands tied to the cage wall with the barbed wire… and she also saw Trixie bouncing Celestia’s head off of the cage once more, causing Celestia to collapse to the floor. As Trixie reached down and picked Celestia back up by her hair, Blair screamed at her.

Blair Ravenwood: "Don’t fucking touch her!"

Having gotten her wits about her more now, Trixie stared at Blair and smiled evilly, before tossing Celestia at the wall that Blair was tied too. Celestia’s face bounced off of the wall and she dropped to the ground once again, looking completely out of it.

Blair Ravenwood: "Celetia… CELESTIA! GET UP!"

Kleio De Santos: "Now then, Blair… I’m about to go in that cage and you’re gonna watch as I drag Celestia into that ring, plant her face into the canvas, and pin her… 1… 2… 3. You’re gonna watch as I get my hand raised in victory over you, and you’re gonna realise that you are NOTHING compared to me, you understand me!"

Blair seethed in hatred as she stared into Kleio’s eyes.

Blair Ravenwood: "I swear to god, when I get out of these binds, I’m going to fucking kill you..."

Kleio just smirked at Blair smugly, before Trixie once again bounced Celestia face first off of the cage wall. Seeing Celestia completely unconscious, Kleio ordered Trixie to stop.

Kleio De Santos: "Trix, that’s enough. She’s done. Just wait ‘til I’m in there so I can pin her, and then it’s done. We’ve won. It’s over."

Trixie glared at Kleio while she held Celestia’s unconscious body up by her hair… and Trixie shook her head.

Trixie Bordeaux: "I’m. Not. Done."

Kleio De Santos: "Trixie…"

Kleio said warningly, but to no avail as Trixie grabbed Celestia by the head and smashed the back of her head onto the corner of the ring steps! Blair screamed in horror as she watched her sister’s skull bounce off the steps with a sickening thud.

Blair Ravenwood: "NO! Please! PLEASE! STOP! Trixie, PLEASE!"

Kleio De Santos: "TRIXIE, THAT’S ENOUGH!"

Trixie stared holes through Blair and Kleio as she lifted Celestia’s head off of the steps… Trixie had completely snapped. Her lust for vengeance had taken over completely as she slammed Celestia’s head into the steps once again as Blair once again screamed at the sight of her sisters’ head bouncing off the corner of the steel. Realising that Trixie wasn’t going to stop, as she grabbed Celestia’s head and slammed it into the steps again, and again, and again… Kleio, in a panic, sprinted as fast as she could around the cage, hoping to stop Trixie before something seriously bad happens, if it hasn’t already.

As Kleio rushed to stop Trixie’s merciless assault on Celestia, Trixie kept slamming her already unconscious head into the steps as Blair begged for Celestia’s life as tears flowed from her eyes.

Blair Ravenwood: "PLEASE! PLEASE! NO MORE! I SUBMIT! STOP! I SUBMIT! Trixie, please stop… Celestia… it wasn’t Celestia’s fault! She never wanted to betray you! SHE LOVED YOU! REF, I SUBMIT! STOP HER!"

RESULT:
Trixie Bordeaux and Kleio De Santos win via submission at 28:33.

The referee, who has been absolutely bloody useless this entire match, called for the bell, signalling that the match was over, before sliding out of the ring and trying to pry Trixie off of Celestia. Trixie grabbed the referee and bounced him off of the cage, knocking him out instantly, as Blair’s pleas fell on deaf ears as Trixie continued to bash Celestia’s brains in, letting out a vengeful scream all the while. Kleio climbed through the hole in the cage and sprinted over to Trixie and tried to pull her off of Celestia, but Trixie, consumed by hatred, pushed Kleio down to the ground and continued her assault on Celestia!

Blair Ravenwood: "Kleio, PLEASE! STOP HER! SHE’S KILLING MY SISTER!"

As Blair bawled her eyes out, Kleio knew that Trixie wouldn’t stop… and so she had to stop her. As Trixie lifted Celestia’s head up once again, Kleio grabbed Trixie by the hair, yanked her off of Celestia’s body and pulled her in. Before Trixie had a chance to react, Kleio nailed her with the Letters to Kleio, driving her face first into the ground…

As Kleio sat up, she surveyed the scene around her. Trixie was out cold at Kleio’s hands. Blair was tied to the cage, heartbroken as she looks at her sister lay motionless on the steps…

Kleio De Santos: "... what have I done."

Realising that they couldn’t raise the cage and get Celestia the help that she so desperately needed while Blair was tied to it, Kleio climbed to her feet and united Blair’s hands. Neither woman said a word to each other as Blair removed her hands from the cage wall, and the structure was lifted up so that medical personnel could tend to Celestia. With the cage lifted up, Blair shot to Celestia’s side, begging her sister to wake up, as Kleio watched on, her eyes filled with regret and sorrow.

She looked down at Trixie, who was slowly beginning to stir, and knew that when she got her wits about her, that she would likely come after Kleio with everything she had.

Climbing to her feet, Kleio rolled into the ring as medical personnel tended to Celestia, and Kleio took her shoes off. Picking them up, Kleio walked to the center of the ring and placed the shoes on the canvas, before quietly making her exit.

As Trixie came around, she saw that Kleio had gone, and the cage had been lifted. She saw Celestia being carefully lifted onto a stretcher, with her sister at her side, crying and begging for her sister to wake up… and, she saw the referee having a word with the ring announcer, who raised his microphone to his mouth and announced sombrely, understanding the severity of the situation…

Kurt Harrington: ”Ladies and Gentlemen, the winners of the match, by submission… the team of Kleio De Santos and Trixie Bordeaux…"

… as the announcement was made, Trixie did not feel the overwhelming joy or relief that should usually come with victory, nor did she feel any remorse for her actions… no, Trixie only felt rage, and luckily for her, she had another match tonight where she could let some of this rage out.

We suddenly go back in time…Back In Business Night One. Not that long ago. We go backstage to….purely chaos. A cafeteria once full of guests now all depleted as we see smushed cake, broken mouse traps, a parrot seeing to his owner who has recently got back to her feet and in the middle of all the chaos, here lies the body of Aaron Harrows in a puddle of blood and legally not cum. Harrows just lies down as medics stand next to him, ready to put him on a stretcher. Aaron Harrows’ eyes are open and he’s clearly responding to the professionals as they put him on a stretcher and bring him to an ambulance nearby. But other than that no witty responses, no jokes. Aaron Harrows just remains lost in thought. And that’s where we see Aaron Harrows’ assistant/manager/bodyguard/chef/cleaner/therapist/buddy/pal, Patty Reynolds run up to the stretcher.

Patty Reynolds: “Aaron! Are you okay?!”

Aaron nods solemnly.

Aaron Harrows: "…..They really don’t want me here, do they?"

Patty Reynolds: “…..We’ve been trying to tell you, Aaron.”
”

Aaron Harrows: "I mean even Trixie doesn’t want me here anymore! I’ve been nothing but nice to her the past couple of weeks, I saved her from a chair beatdown! I met her dead parents and pretended that was normal! It wasn’t normal, Patty! IT WASN’T!"

Patty Reynolds: “Okay, you’re going back into monologue mode, just calm down and let the medics do their job.”

Aaron Harrows: " I just…I don’t know what else I can do. I’ve done everything, WE’VE done everything…I had it, Patty. I just got the wrong freaking person! I don’t even know who that was! Why does she have a parrot?! "

Patty Reynolds: “Pirate.”

Aaron Harrows: "…Of course. Why didn’t I think of that? Stupid."

Aaron covers his face with both of his hands as he lets out a huge sigh. The stretcher makes it’s way finally to the back exit of the arena but as it crosses the doors, we see a hand reach out in between the many medics and FWA security and the hand places a brown leaflet at the bottom of the stretcher, before we can see who the leaflet actually belongs to, the hand disappears out of range leaving us once more with the two speaking roles so far.

Aaron Harrows: "The last company went so much smoother, I was undefeated for 7 months! I won their mid-card championship! I was king of Europe!"

Patty Reynolds: “ Being their European champion did not make you king of Europe. ”

Aaron Harrows: "But it felt like it! I was the best wrestler in the world! I STILL AM! But the craziest thing over there was a weird artist crime boss or whatever, this…I might be the most normal one here, Patty. "

Patty Reynolds: “That is definitely not true. ”

Aaron Harrows: "Aaron Harrows: WHY IS THERE A MAN WITH THE LAST 3 LETTERS OF THE ALPHABET AS HIS NAME? THAT’S NOT A NAME, PATTY! Is that why they won’t accept me? Am I not…Steve The Techno Vampire?
"

Patty Reynolds: “I think I just saw that guy return actually.”

Aaron Harrows: "....That was a joke I came off the top of my head, Patty. Is there actually a tec- don’t tell me. How long does this trip take? I could be dying over here, come on.
"

And on cue, the stretcher finally comes to a stop in front of the ambulance and it’s only when the stretcher is slightly tilted that the leaflet that is still lying on the bottom falls off the stretcher only to be caught by Patty.

Aaron Harrows: "Maybe this isn’t the place for me, Patty. Maybe I just..need to. Maybe I just need to move on like you and Millie have been saying. You guys are the smart ones with the educations and stuff. "

As Aaron continues, Patty looks confused at the brown leaflet that we can see is clearly addressed to The Top Star. He looks around to see where this may have come from but by now the culprit is obviously far gone, Patty takes one look at Aaron before Patty opens it.

Aaron Harrows: "I just…this was supposed to be easy. I should have been champion by now, my first match was in November, 9 months! 9 Months! And I….I’m not that much closer to anything than I was back then. It’s like the worst babies. "

Aaron continues to monologue as Patty gets the folder open and looks at the document inside and his eyes starts to widen.

Aaron Harrows: " …Maybe a sad ending isn’t the worse though? Like Scarface is pretty good despite it having a sad ending. Drive. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, sort of. A STAR IS BORN! There we go! We can name a chapter a Top Star is Born! And then it dies…How do stars die again? Patty, are you listening? How do stars die?
"

Patty is almost frozen as he reads the document.

Aaron Harrows: " Patty? You still there bud? They’re kinda waiting on you here dude. It’s kinda rude. "

Patty breaks out of whatever space he was in, stepping into the ambulance and giving the file immediately to Aaron.

Aaron Harrows: "My God, you already have an essay on how stars die? That’s almost too much preparation for your job, Patty, I’m getting concerned for your mental heal-
"

Patty Reynolds: “Just read it. ”

Aaron looks confused as he brings out the multiple papers and goes through all of them and the moment of realisation hits Harrows like a truck.

Patty Reynolds: “ It’s an official document. ”

Harrows can’t quite believe it. He scans it multiple times in quick succession

Patty Reynolds: “They want you in, boss. ”

We pan outside the ambulance as the medics start to close the doors but before they do, we hear one last thing. A yelling of triumph

Aaron Harrows: " I’M HERE TO STAY BABY! WOOO!
"

Doors close.

A TOP STAR IS BORN

Kurt Harrington: “The following match is a four-way match scheduled for one fall with a sixty-minute time limit and is for the FWA North American Championship!”

The New York crowd cheer after Harrington announces the next match and the lights around the stage shut off.

[”Megitsune” || BABYMETAL.]

An extended intro to “Megitsune” plays as the camera zooms up the ramp.

As soon as the drums kick in, lights around the stage flash to the beat, and the fans cheer as they see the silhouette of Katsu, holding her arms crossed in a ‘fox head’ gesture. Finally, nine fox tails appear behind her on the screen before she spreads her arms out and the lights turn red with a flash with fire shooting up from both sides of the stage. For the big event, Katsu has mixed up her attire with a stunning red and gold kimono robe with an opening around her waist. She slashes her throat and removes her entrance mask.

Kurt Harrington: “Introducing the challengers, first, representing YOKAI Death Squad, from Osaka, Japan, the Kitsune Warrior, Katsu!”

Katsu does a quick spin around as the lights around the stage show a cherry blossom inspired scene behind her and she makes her way down the ramp.

Anzu Kurosawa: “Three challengers, all with a common foe and a common goal. Cyrus Truth, Mike Parr, both have been to the North American title mountain before, future Hall of Famers. Katsu, still looking to get involved in the conversation of FWA’s best.”

Rod Sterling: “And her being here on this stage I think GETS her into the conversation as one of FWA’s rising stars, an international star. But can the Japanese star prove herself as NORTH AMERICA’s best?”

Towards the end of the ramp, Katsu stops to take a look around the world’s most famous arena, another checklist off of her things to do, but can she check off the North American Championship as one of them?”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”I spoke with Konchu Hao recently about Katsu and he said that coaching with her on Ground Zero he learned this young girl might have a lot to learn, but is wise beyond her years. Her spirit burns bright, but it needs to shine its brightest at Back in Business! Wise words from The Mad Wizard!”

Rod Sterling: “And on top of the fact one of the competitors is twice her size-”

Turning to the hard cam side of the ring, Katsu unclips her robe and takes it off, showing a red and black attire with a golden trim. She drops down in the splits and slides into the ring. Heading to the top turnbuckle. She holds up a ‘fox head’ and smiles at the fans. Jumping down, she kneels down and does her hand gesture again with the stage in behind her, showing one last blast of fire before her theme music fades. She heads to one of her corners and kneels down, waiting for the rest of the competition.

[”Blood of Glory” || Antti Martikainen.]

The heavy sound of symphonic power metal blares throughout the arena and after a few seconds Cyrus Truth steps out on stage to cheers from the sold out crowd in MSG. Cyrus briefly surveys the crowd before shifting his focus on the ring and he begins his journey toward the ring.

Kurt Harrington: ”Introducing next, her opponent, from The Long & Winding Road and weighing in at two-hundred & twenty-seven pounds…he is The Exile…Cyrus Truth!”

Rod Sterling: ”You mentioned it already that Cyrus has already been to the top of the North American title mountain, and tonight he begins his ascent back to the top of that mountain but he has to get past the likes of Katsu, Mike Parr, and the current champion, Big Bryan Baxter.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Cyrus is no stranger to the dangers that await him on his way back to the top, in fact I’m pretty sure he welcomes the challenges that he must get through in order to reclaim his spot at the top.”

[”A Cut Above” || Avery Watts.]

The crowd remains positive for the arrival of “The Prodigy” Mike Parr, who steps out on stage and cracks his neck and loosens some joints a bit before making his way down to the ring.

Kurt Harrington: ”and their opponent, from Toronto, Canada, and weighing in at two-hundred & forty pounds…he is The Prodigy…Mike Parr!”

Rod Sterling: ”Another man that’s been to the North American championship mountain top. He’s the man that’s been atop the most out of everyone else in this match and surely he’d like nothing more than to reclaim his spot there again after getting knocked off there earlier this year by Chris Peacock.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Parr has beaten Baxter before to reclaim the title he put on the map and added another accolade to his impressive list of accomplishments, but now it’s not just Baxter he has to contend with in order to add another notch on his belt.”

[”Bastard’s Anthem” || Dubb Rebel.]

The champion makes his way out on stage to a mixed reaction, mostly boos but there’s some cheers for Big Bryan Baxter. His championship is wrapped around his waist, which is tucked behind his glossy red letterman jacket with the word “BASTARD” embroidered on the back. Baxter looks down at the ring where his three hungry challengers await him, and Baxter doesn’t make them wait long as he marches down to the ring.

Kurt Harrington: ”and their opponent, from Hickory, North Carolina, and weighing in at three-hundred & twelve pounds. He is representing the Friendship Wrestling Alliance, and he is the current reigning and defending FWA North American Champion…he is The Bastard…Big Bryan Baxter!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”It was mentioned on Fallout by our broadcast colleague Jean-Luc Watkins and I suppose it bears repeating, but some of these fans want to cheer for Baxter yet his loyalty to Jeremy Best certainly isn’t helping sway most fans to his favor.”

Rod Sterling: ”I don’t quite get it Anzu, but Baxter will do anything for Best despite the world champion being hesitant about reciprocating. Best seems to have a hold on Baxter that’s as strong as the hold Baxter has on that championship.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”The thing is though is that Baxter has shown he doesn’t want nor does he need assistance from Jeremy or the rest of the Friendship Wrestling Alliance for that matter. Baxter is trying to do things differently as of late where he doesn’t always take the easy way out or bend the rules in his favor, but it’s going to take a lot more than that to get the majority of the fans on his side.”

Baxter is in the ring now and stands in his corner where he removes his jacket to reveal the North American Championship. Baxter unclips the championship from his waist, he takes what might be one last look at it before handing it over to referee Larry Stevens. Stevens holds the belt high in the middle of the ring while Baxter and his challengers watch on, Cyrus remains stoic, Katsu is chomping at the bit to get this one underway, and Parr is also eager to get started…

THIRD MATCH | 1/60.
Bryan Baxter [c] vs. Katsu vs. Cyrus Truth vs. Mike Parr.
Four-Way Match for the FWA North American Championship.
Match Writer: Jimmy King

DING! DING! DING!

<< 00:00. >>

The match kicks off with a high pace as Katsu makes a beeline for Baxter and nails him with a running dropkick that sends him back into his corner. Katsu quickly lines him up and sprints toward him again, possibly looking for a corner splash or a running corner dropkick, but we’ll never find out as Baxter cuts her off after he catches her and sends her crashing to the mat with a devastating uranage! Katsu writhes on the mat in agony while Baxter admires his handiwork before he starts to lay it in thick with heavy stomps to Katsu for good measure…

Meanwhile, Truth and Parr are trading lefts and rights with one another until gains the advantage after he drives a knee straight into Parr’s midsection, and Truth sends Parr toward the ropes and Truth catches Parr with a kitchen sink off the rebound! Then out of nowhere Truth gets leveled by Baxter with a massive shoulder tackle that knocks The Exile next to Parr on the mat, but Truth isn’t all the way out of it just yet as he gets to one knee when Baxter tries to bring him up in a front facelock. Truth does his best to fend off the champion, but the offense has no effect on the champion as Baxter has Truth up in a front facelock and clobbers Truth with a headbutt! This causes Truth to stumble backward and Baxter drives a fist straight to Truth’s dome and Truth is backed into a corner now where Baxter is going to town on Truth with a barrage of punches, followed by brutal corner stomps…

Rod Sterling: ”Baxter is not pulling any punches, or stomps for that matter, in order to keep his title intact!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Baxter knows all too well that he has a target on his back now that he’s a champion once again…and speaking of his back Katsu has jumped on his back now as she’s trying to take him down with a sleeper hold!”

Katsu is trying to wear down Baxter with a sleeper hold while she also holds on for dear life, but Baxter is too powerful and uses his power to his advantage and yeets Katsu over his shoulder onto the mat like she was nothing! Katsu rises to her feet in the corner in front of Truth, and before her instincts can kick in, she unexpectedly gets up close and personal with Cyrus Truth as both of them are crushed into the corner by Baxter after a running body splash! Truth and Katsu collapse into a heap on the mat while Baxter seems pleased with himself, but he’s kicked back into a reality by a dropkick from Mike Parr, and Baxter is knocked into the corner where he bounces off of chest first, knocking the wind out of him…

Baxter stumbles out of the corner right into another dropkick from Parr! Baxter is knocked backward back into the corner and Parr nails him with a corner clothesline! Parr drags Baxter away from the corner and he manages to drop him with a snap suplex! Parr then starts to size up Baxter before he drops him with a shining wizard! Parr then drops down for the pin, hooking the far leg…

One…TW--NO!!

It’s broken up by Cyrus Truth, who then drags Parr up to his feet and he peppers Parr with a few uppercuts while holding him in a front facelock and then Truth goes for a suplex but Parr slips out of it behind Truth. Parr clings onto Truth with a rear waistlock and attempts a german suplex, but Truth doesn’t budge an inch…Truth notices Katsu ascending to the top rope and he manages to remove himself from the situation in time just as she leaps off…Mike Parr has no time to react and Katsu takes down Parr with a diving crossbody! Katsu springs back to her feet in time to duck an incoming Cyrus with a clothesline and from behind she catches him and drops him with a crucifix slam into a pin!

One…TW--NO!!

***

<< 05:59 >>

The pin is broken up by Baxter at the six-minute mark as he yanks Katsu off of Truth, and he lifts her up with ease and he has her lifted up on his shoulders…spinning sitout powerbomb!

One…TW--NO!!

Katsu kicks out!

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Katsu was nearly powerbombed through the mat beneath the ring but she still manages to hang on!”

Rod Sterling: ”She’s got heart and like Konchu said to you about her, she’s got a spirit that burns bright and she’s doing her best to keep it burning!”

Baxter hits the ropes and comes off with a running senton on top of Katsu and goes for a pin, but before a count can be made it’s broken up by Mike Parr, who stomps away at Baxter. Parr brings Baxter up to a knee and lays into him with a pair of shoot kicks to the chest, but eventually Baxter catches Parr by the boot as he stands up, yet Parr finds a second wind and catches Baxter with an enzuigiri! Baxter is stunned on his feet, which gives Parr an allotted time to hit the ropes with a springboard and he comes back with a tornado DDT to Baxter!

Parr is feeling it now but before he has a chance to do anything he’s caught from behind with a quick roll-up from Truth!

One…TW--NO!

Both pop back to their feet and Truth swings for the fences but Parr ducks underneath and catches Truth with a boot to the gut…double underhook backbreaker to Truth! Parr begins his ascent to the top rope…he’s calling for X Marks The Spot…but he’s joined by Katsu…after a brief struggle Parr is sent flying off the top from a hurricanrana by Katsu! Katsu then preps herself before she leaps off in hopes of hitting a moonsault…she’s caught by the champion Baxter who has her in position for a running over the shoulder powerslam…but Katsu counters with an inverted DDT into a pinning maneuver!

One…two…NO!!!

<< 10:06 >>

Baxter kicks out!

Katsu rolls away from Baxter and kips back up to her feet, and she ducks an incoming attack from Parr and this allows her to catch him in the Fox Cage!

One…two…NO!!!

Anzu Kurosawa: ”That was a unique pinning predicament in which Katsu had Parr in there!”

Rod Sterling: ”Fortunately for Parr, Truth was there to break it up in time!”

Truth has Katsu where he wants her and sends her off toward the ropes, and it appears as though he’s caught her…but Katsu is quick to counter with a frankensteiner into a pin!

One…two…NO!!!

It's Baxter that breaks up the pin with a running big boot right in the mush of Katsu! Baxter doesn’t miss a beat as he hits the ropes and crushes Katsu with a running senton! Katsu slowly rolls to a corner for a reprieve and just as Baxter shifts his focus back on his other two opponents, he’s caught with a flying knee to the face from Parr! Baxter is stunned enough and Truth joins in on the attack with a Broken Path to Baxter but Baxter remains on one knee…Parr sets Baxter in his sights for a shining wizard but before he can attack he’s clobbered by Truth with a clothesline that sends him toppling over the top to the outside…Truth is then clobbered from behind Baxter and he’s sent to the outside as well…Baxter seems pleased with himself but then he’s sent to the outside as well from a running dropkick by Katsu…

Baxter flops to the outside as the three men slowly get back on their feet just in time for Katsu to launch herself to the outside with a triangle moonsault taking out her three opponents in one fell swoop!

***

<< 15:22 >>

Katsu tosses Parr back in the ring and she’s about to rejoin him in the ring for the pin attempt, but Baxter yanks her back out and yeets her back first into the barricade! Baxter rolls back into the ring now and goes for the pin but he’s pulled out by Truth this time and Truth nails him with a short-arm lariat! Truth re-enters the ring as Parr is starting to rise back to his feet and Truth grabs Parr in a claw hold in the set up for Memento Mori, but Parr manages to power out of it and turns it around on Truth and has him in position for his Rolling Cutter…but Truth slips out of it and spins behind Parr…Truth hoists Parr up on his shoulders…Exile’s Edge! Truth then applies The Long Road to Nowhere! Parr is trapped in Truth’s deadly submission hold…

Rod Sterling: ”Long Road to Nowhere!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”An aptly named maneuver because Parr has nowhere to go!”

Parr is slowly starting to fade and it looks like he may pass out…Cyrus Truth could have this one in the bag…Katsu breaks it up with a frog splash from the top! Katsu takes out both Parr and Truth…Katsu reaches out and hooks the leg of Parr…

One…two…THR--NO!!!

Baxter in for the save to break it up with a running splash! Baxter crushes both Parr and Katsu in the process…he rolls Katsu over and makes the pin…

One…two…THR--NO!!!

Katsu kicks out!

Baxter turns back to Parr and makes the pin there…

One…two…THR--NO!!!

This time he tries Truth…

One…two…THR--NO!!!

Baxter is growing frustrated by the minute as his title hangs in the balance…

***

<< 19:55 >>

Baxter drags Parr back up…northern lights suplex on Parr! Baxter isn’t through yet though but before he can do anything else he’s nailed with a dropkick from behind by Katsu and Baxter falls onto the middle rope…Sakura Kick from Katsu on Baxter! Katsu readies herself for a springboard moonsault but Cyrus Truth knocks her off the apron with a triangle dropkick!

Truth shifts his focus back to Parr…he hoists Parr up on his shoulders…Journey’s End! Cyrus makes the pin…

One…

Two…

Baxter tries to move to break it up but he’s not in time…

THREE!!!

RESULT:
Cyrus Truth wins via pinfall at 23:11.

Kurt Harrington: ”Here is your winner….and the NEW FWA North American champion…Cyrus Truth!”

Cyrus is handed the title and has his arm raised in victory by referee Larry Stevens while the crowd is elated with this outcome. Truth looks down at his newly won prize and clutches it closely to his chest, and then he raises it up high, much to the delight of the fans. Truth then gingerly exits the ring and looks down at his prize once more as he slowly walks back up the ramp…

Rod Sterling: ”He’s done it! Cyrus has reached his Journey’s End back to the top of the mountain!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”It wasn’t easy but he knew that going into this match, Rod. It was a long and arduous journey, but Cyrus Truth once again sits atop the mountain of the North American Championship!”

Meanwhile, back in the ring all Bryan Baxter can do is watch as Cyrus Truth leaves with his title, and Baxter looks beside himself. On the outside, Katsu is deflated as she sits, leaning up against the barricade with her hands on her head. Mike Parr is checked on by the referee and the ref tries to help him back up but Parr refuses and just sits there looking defeated after another title opportunity has slipped through his fingertips once more…

The closing shot before a brief ad break is of Cyrus Truth on the stage holding his title aloft one more time…

Last Edit: Aug 13, 2024 1:11:35 GMT by Jimmy King

mandalorian
Administrator

Posts: 14

Back in Business XVIII || Night Two Results. Aug 13, 2024 0:17:29 GMT Dubb, Jimmy King, and 1 more like this

Quote

Post by mandalorian on Aug 13, 2024 0:17:29 GMT

We cut to backstage where Jeremy Best, Sir Stache, Mejor Amigo, and Tonya Scott all greet Bryan Baxter as he returns from the back, sans title. Baxter is quite clearly more than frustrated about the outcome of the prior match.

Jeremy Best: "Good match out there, Bryan. Sorry it didn't work out for ya. You'll get it back though - you did it before."

Bryan Baxter: "...I don't have time for this."

Jeremy Best: "Don't be a poor sport, Bryan. It's okay. Losses happen."

Bryan Baxter: "I didn't lose. I wasn't the one who got pinned. I just didn't win."

Jeremy Best: "That's the spirit! Now, I just wanted to make sure I can count on you tonight..."

Bryan sighed.

Bryan Baxter: "Really? You got these bafoons with you... that's more than I had."

Amigo, Scott, and Stache all voice their objection to the name calling, Jeremy holds up his hand to quiet them.

Jeremy Best: "Ah, yes - of course I know I can count on my friends here... our friends... but I want all my friends with me tonight as I banish the Demon back where he belongs."

Bryan Baxter: "Look... Jeremy... I dunno... I don't think I can deal with this shit tonight... I just wanna go home. Good luck out there."

Bryan shakes his head as he walks off, but Jeremy just continues to smile with confidence despite Bryan's exit.

Jeremy Best: "Oh, silly Bryan. I know you all too well. You are my most loyal friend... I'll see you later tonight."

While his other friends in the FWA seem less confident, we fade back to the ring.

"WELCOME EVERYONE TO THE SECOND SERIES OF GROUND ZERO!"

The camera eventually starts rolling, and we look at what seems to be either one of the producer's twelve-year-old daughters who is messing around on the interview set. Or the smallest tiniest wrestler with flaming red hair and pale skin, you've ever seen. She looked like a schoolgirl more than a pro wrestler. Whatever the case may be, she was shifting in the chair uncomfortably, swinging her legs, clearly not knowing what to do with herself in these unfamiliar circumstances—looking like she didn't know what to do with herself in this slick, high-end studio. She glances down at the mic clipped to her T-shirt a vintage Spice Girl shirt- and begins to fidget with it, amused by the booming sound effect to come from it. Gaining confidence, she leaned forward until her lips were practically against the mic.

"Hel-"

That was as far as she got before the SCREECH of audio feedback cut through the air like nails on a million chalkboards. Almost instantly stunned by this, she screws up her face and presses her hands to her ears, and leans back but instinctively commits, loses her balance, and falls off the stool with a thud, landing off camera. For a moment, all is quiet.

"...You weren't filming that, were you?"

Voice off-screen: "Yeah, we were"

"Aw nuts…"

Never fear, though! After a quick cut, the girl is back in her chair, looking more focused on the task at hand.

"Heya; I'm Elizabeth Rose, from Brooklyn, New York, but my friends call me; "Lizzie."

…

"Well, Friend. I have one friend, and she calls me that, but if I had more than one, I'm sure they'd call me Lizzie."

-----

[My Freeze Ray]

We cut to various clips of Lizzie Rose stumbling and bumbling her way through the Ground Zero Competition, looking completely out of her depth, dancing, and doing her cute little shuffle and interacting with fans, before variously cut together clips of her getting her ass kicked in incredibly brutal ways, intercut with commentators remarks.

"She's so small."

"She's clumsy."

"She has heart but no talent."

"She'll be eliminated quickly."

That might very well have been the case if it wasn't for the first twist in our story.

"FOR THE FIRST DRAFT PICK, GABRIELLE-!"

The scene suddenly shifts to Gabrielle coaching Lizzie, encouraging her along the way with clips of her voice coming through.

"I see a lot of myself in Lizzie, when I was coming up, no one believed in me either but I truly believe she's capable of great things"

The scene suddenly cuts to Lizzie Rose trailing after Gabby like a happy little puppy. Carrying her bags, doing anything she could to please Gabby

"I want you to know how much everything you've done for me means to me. You mean a lot to me, Gabby."

And suddenly, the cheery music cuts off abruptly, the scene shifts into black and white as the picture begins to burn to be replaced by a slow-motion replay of Gabby smashing Lizzie Rose in the face as hard as she possibly could before stabbing Lizzie in the forehead again and again, each blow underlined by a dramatic score, as colour appears on our screens...The red of the blood that now coats Lizzie Rose's face, Lizzie reaches out feebly as Gabby continues to batter Lizzie with forearms as we hear some of her comments from that time.

"WEAK..."

"YOU'RE NOTHING"

"YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY BAG CARRIER"

The screen suddenly cuts to black, where it lingers for a few seconds before we hear another voice.

"That was the day I knew what it was to hate..."

[My Eyes]

With the song change, we're taken to a rapid montage of Lizzie Rose after Gabby left. We see her rise, becoming the first-ever women's North American champion, her heartbreaking loss of that title, and most of all, being caught in the web of ETERNAL, as we see slowly Lizzie Rose turning into Elizabeth Rose.

....and then we see Gabrielle getting out of a car and making her stunning return. We flashes of her reaching out to Elizabeth several times

"I know I've done wrong, but you don't have to make the same mistakes I did, Lizzie."

"...You want to save me? I don't want to be saved!"

[Slipping]

We cut to a black screen before it comes to life. The song "Slipping" and its unstable piano begin to play over images of the feud…

Look at these people - amazing how sheep'll

Show up for the slaughter

The overpan view of the FWA crowd giving Gabby a standing ovation.

No one condemning you - lined up like lemmings

You led to the water

Elizabeth stands over Gabby after ambushing her

Why can't they see what I see? Why can't they hear the lies?

Several shots of Gabby and Elizabeth Rose fighting, with Gabby coming out the victor but not looking too happy about it.

Maybe the fees are too pricey for them to realize

Your disguise is slipping…

We cut to the faithful night where Gabby challenges Elizabeth to a match for Elizabeth's freedom

I think you're slipping…

"You want to finish this? We do this at Back In Business...In Brooklyn New York""

We cut to flashes of Brooklyn crowds absolutely adoring Elizabeth over the year

Society is slipping…

"If you win, I leave ETERNAL, I win? I get something that means more to you then life itself....YOUR HALL OF FAME RING"

We see brief flashes of Gabby's career before we cut to a conversation between Keres and Elizabeth Rose where she gave the order.....

....GARDEN OF EDEN

Everything's slipping away…

We see the cage door of the Garden of Eden from last year, close shut

So...

Go ahead!

Run away!

Say it was horrible!

Quick flashes of Elizabeth and Gabby's briefly meeting in a match

Spread the word, tell a friend!

Tell them the tale!

Elizabeth and Gabby mirror each other in their intense conviction promos

Get a pic, do a blog!

Heroes are over with!

Flashbacks to Lizzie hugging Gabby.

Look at him, not a word!

Hammer, meet nail!

Cut to Elizabeth assaulting Gabby backstage

Then I win, then I get

Everything I ever-!!

Gabby hits Lizzie with the Double D DDT

All the cash, all the fame

And social change

Clips of the intense brutality from the Garden of Eden last year

Anarchy, that I run

You people all have to learn

Clips of Gabby standing over a bloodied Lizzie Rose....which quickly turns into a more recent clip of Elizabeth Rose standing over Gabby

This world is going to BURN…

An intense close-up of Elizabeth

BURN…

An intense close-up of Gabby.

BURN…!!!

The images are placed side by side, a fire erupting between and singeing both of them, the world on fire in the background…

Finally, we get a good glimpse of the Garden of Eden, the unique structure, making its way down from the scoreboard area of Madison Square Garden. The ropes around the ring are removed, leaving just the four posts. The sides of the chain linked cage have barbed-wire wrapped between it, some of it wound up tightly, others loose, easy to get caught on, with some thorned roses. Attached to the top platform around the top of the cage and some parts of the cage are various weapons. The ring crew have even slid in two wooden tables.

Rod Sterling: “Last year, Garden of Eden made its FWA debut at Back in Business and it reached high levels of violence, resulting in the Birth of Elizabeth Rose.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “And it will either be the end of her, or her ultimate validation.”

As the cage touches down to the ring, the crew does their last minute adjustments.

Rod Sterling: “For those unfamiliar, this match was the twisted brain child of Keres’ mother, Eden, and this is now the fifth time this stipulation is going to be used. Though oddly enough, the third time this match is taking place in New York.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “This match has spilt blood on the streets of the Big Apple before, and it is going to do it one more time.”

Kurt Harrington: “Ladies and Gentlemen, if there are children in attendance, or watching at home, please take a moment to turn their attention away from this next contest, because this match with a Sixty Minute time limit is the return of Garden of Eden!”

The New York crowd, craving bloodlust, cheered.

Kurt Harrington: “The only way to win this match is by knockout, saying I quit, or otherwise submitting if a competitor is unable to speak. In order to keep things fair, neither competitor is permitted to wear gloves during this match or otherwise use any outside protection. Leaving the cage will result in a forfeit. In the event of an unforeseen, unintended, and/or catastrophic conclusion to this match, both competitors have waived the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance of any legal liabilities… As agreed upon by the participants: If Gabrielle wins the match, then Elizabeth Rose must leave Eternal. However, if Rose would win, then Gabrielle must surrender her FWA Hall of Fame Ring…”

["Save Me" || Lacuna Coil]

The strumming of “Save Me” draws a loud cheer from the New York crowd as the lights give a caramel coloured glow to them.

Saaaave Meeee!

Gabrielle walks out to the lights of Back in Business, after not appearing last year, to a warm reception, even if she would wish for it to be under different terms. She has tight, black leather tights on and over her bra, a loose white crop top for some protection from the barbed-wire. The camera catches on her hand, her Hall of Fame ring.

Kurt Harrington: “Introducing the participants first, from Auckland, New Zealand, she is an FWA Hall of Famer, the Caramel Coated Goddess… Gabrielle!”

Not taking the extra time to showboat, Gabrielle Montgomery kisses her hall of fame ring on her finger, the culmination and celebration of her career, as she heads down the ramp.

Rod Sterling: “The mind of the seasoned veteran, in a rare instance, is beginning to race and feels apprehension.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “This is the third time she’s facing Lizzie, err, Elizabeth. But this feels like everything is coming to a head. All of Gabrielle’s treatment of Lizzie as a rookie, creating a feeling inside her which Eternal fed on to create Elizabeth. She’s putting her legacy on the line in order to save her.”

Rod Sterling: “That, and while Gabrielle is the only two time Mile High winner, she has NOT competed in something like Garden of Eden.”

At ringside, one of the outside officials does a quick check before asking for her Hall of Fame ring. He puts it in a small bag and hands it to the in-ring official. He goes and places it on a small hook on one side of the cage.

Rod Sterling: “The ring is in the cage? It’s going to be a weapon.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “I think it was a deliberate choice by Eternal.”

Stepping into the cage, Gabrielle takes a walk around, grabbing a part of the chain link without barbed-wire and giving it a light shake. She looks around as “Save Me” fades away.

["Burn 1983" || In This Moment]

The lights of the arena power down in Madison Square Garden as the fans give a surprisingly positive reaction to the TORN, Elizabeth Rose. The only light coming from the big screen playing the entrance video. Gabrielle takes a deep breath and doesn’t even look back as Elizabeth Rose appears under a red spotlight. Her signature Rose cane rests on her shoulders. She slowly turns around, planting her cane on the ground. She looks towards the ring as Gabrielle still looks away.

Kurt Harrington: “And her opponent, representing Eternal, from BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, she is the Blacklight Knight… Elizabeth Rooooose!”

Rod Sterling: “Elizabeth, or Lizzie, Rose appears to have herself a strong following still in the big apple. But do they want to see her lose tonight and potentially return back to herself? Or get a potentially career defining win?”

Anzu Kurosawa: “I imagine a mixed feeling for many. Either way, the fate of Rose is in flux tonight. She will either be given a chance to return to the light, or be vindicated in her decision and given the ultimate revenge.”

Walking down the ramp, Elizabeth Rose looks at her former friend and mentor with a feeling of hate and disgust. The woman who took advantage of her naive nature as a rookie, now has a chance to steal from her the one thing she built, her Hall of Fame career. The referee on the outside asks for Elizabeth’s cane and she rolls her eyes, hanging the weapon off.

Rod Sterling: “Another weapon for the cage.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “The wagers from each opponent, both entering the cage with them in one way or another.”

The referee goes on a step ladder and hangs it on two hooks on the other side of the cage, locking the staff in place. Elizabeth steps into the cage and stands behind Gabrielle who finally turns around to see her friend. The two stand face to face as Rose’s theme music fades and the arena lights turn to normal, giving the competitors a chance to look at the plunder around the ring and up near the top of the cage.

Apart from the tables and the added weapons, there are some chairs, a trash can hanging on a hook. Then some strange weapons like other small bags and even make-up supplies?! A belt of some kind hangs slightly over the edge of the scaffolding, and likely more above. The tables, curiously, have spray paint on them. One of them read “GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS” in pink paint and the other “BETRAYAL.”

Finally, the bell rings, tolling the beginning of FWA’s second Garden of Eden match.

FOURTH MATCH | 1/60
Elizabeth Rose vs. Gabrielle
Garden of Eden Match (Luchas de apuestas: Eternal Membership/Hall of Fame Ring).

Match Writer: Jonny/Rosie.

And Elizabeth Rose goes right for her former friend, grabbing her by the legs and sending her right into the barbed-wire and chain links of the cage!

Rod Sterling: ”Hello steel cage already!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Fitting that Elizabeth is the first to want to use it.”

Gabrielle lets out a yell as she feels some of the barbed-wire already cutting into her skin. Elizabeth thrusts with her shoulder into Gabrielle’s abdomen, sending her into the cage again! There is some brawling between the two girls before finally Gabrielle pushes Elizabeth Rose down to the mat and can get off the sharp cage-

But the Blacklight Knight has a smirk on her face as Gabrielle grabs her elbow and there’s already cuts forming. A camera outside the cage shows cuts and gashes on her arm, the back of her top has a light red splotch on it with the side already showing a rip.

Rod Sterling: ”That is Gabrielle’s introduction to Garden of Eden right there. The team who put this together were told to ‘Cover as many sections with barbed-wire as possible.’”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”We’ve seen barbed-wire cage matches before, but usually it’d be saved for the top to keep people out, not wrapped around the chain link like that. Actually, the original version of this match was even WORSE and changes had to be made because it was going to be outlawed-”

Not trying to be at a bigger disadvantage than she already is in this match, Gabrielle knows she has to throw any kind of timidness aside and be as aggressive as possible. She rushes at Elizabeth and sends her snapping down to the mat with a shotgun dropkick. Quickly capitalizing on this moment, Gabrielle mounts Rose and they roll on the mat, each of them swapping a position of control and throwing stiff hands at one another when they have an opening. Gabby frantically grasps at Rose’s hair, trying to control her head enough to grind her face against the cage wall. Elizabeth Rose, showing a bit of what makes Eternal what they are, blocks this by using her own hands to grab the barbed wire wrapped cage wall, which causes visible puncture wounds in the palms of her hands.

“Snap out of this, Lizzie!” Gabrielle shouts. “Stop this!”

Rod Sterling: ”Gabrielle is trying to match Elizabeth’s violence, and knock some sense in her!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”I think she might be too far gone.”

Gabrielle and Elizabeth struggle as the adult film actress attempts to get through to her one-time protege. Sensing a bit of distraction, and wanting to get this bitch off her hair, the Blacklight Knight reaches for a noble weapon of choice… a wooden hairbrush, which she uses to bash Gabby in the head!

Rod Sterling: ”A wooden hairbrush!?”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”I don’t think this is a makeover you want-”

Elizabeth continues to smash the wooden brush into Gabrielle’s forehead until it begins to splinter and break! She tosses the end aside as Gabrielle’s forehead is already beginning to show splinters from the weapon. With a smirk, Elizabeth takes a piece of barbed-wire, ripping it off the cage. Her hands already have cuts formed, and she tries to wrap it around Gabrielle’s neck!

Rod Sterling: ”Around the throat!?”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”That can cut an artery.”

Gabrielle manages to block it partially with her hand, but Elizabeth pulls back on the strand of barbed-wire. The referee asks if the Hall of Famer quits, but she’s defiant. This is nothing to her. She tries to swing her elbows to break the grip of Rose, but her opponent switches to a choke hold with the barbed-wire still near her neck. Seeing where she is in the ring, Gabrielle sees the cage close and uses it to flip over, walking up it! She goes behind and slips free, hitting a step-up enzuigiri! She follows it up with what will likely be one of the few “Wrestling moves” of the match, a high angle back suplex!

Looking up, Gabrielle sees the weapons around the cage, some of which are very… unique in their choice, but the one which her eyes glance to. The bag that contains her Hall of Fame ring.

Rod Sterling: ”Just a reminder what is at stake. Not just the possibility of saving Lizzie, but everything she worked for.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”We were lucky she came back after her injury at the hands of Kayden Knox. Her induction was done with the expectation her career may be over. And now, Garden of Eden, a likelihood that her career will never be the same.”

Turning to the side, and opting not to go for her ring, Gabby’s attention is drawn to the most classic of professional wrestling weaponry, the humble steel chair. She rips it from the cage and walks over to an Elizabeth Rose that has made it to a knee, leaving her completely vulnerable. Gabby clutches both legs of the chair, rears back, and lets off an absolutely unforgiving shot to the side of Elizabeth’s face with the upper portion of the chair.

Elizabeth, holding her jaw and the side of her head with both hands, flails and rolls away from Gabby who continues wail on any vulnerable body part, whether it be the tip of her foot or her very red back. Elizabeth manages to scurry just far enough away that Gabby needs to run towards her to get in another shot, but Rose manages to out maneuver her and deliver dropkick Gabby in the knee. This sends her falling forward, with the chair landing on its feet and the edge of it driving into Gabby’s throat under the command of gravity and her own body weight. The force and angle of this causes her body to fold backwards and completely stuns her as she now lies on the mat coughing.

Rod Sterling: ”Such a simple counter with disastrous results!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”To think it is a chair to cause that compared to the REST of the stuff around the cage.”

Elizabeth, with a big smile on her face, rises to her feet as she laughs, entirely amused by Gabby struggling to breath. She retrieves the very same chair that caused that damage and she intends to do much more as she simultaneously brings Gabby to her feet, opens the chair, and wraps it around her head. Holding the chair steady with one hand, she uses the other to move Gabby’s hair from her face which gives her a clear shot to spit directly on her cheek before violently flinging her forward, chair first, into the cage wall. A sickeningly loud clash of metal on metal, and the sound of a crunch, accompany Gabby’s body as she falls limp to the mat.

Rod Sterling: ”Damnit! Lizzie is trying to end Gabrielle’s career!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Her career nearly ended due to a neck injury; it kept her out of action for about a year!”

The attack on the neck draws a mixed reaction from the New York crowd, with it leaning towards jeers. The referee checks on Gabrielle, seeing if there’s a surrender, or a knockout. Pushing the chair off of her neck, Gabrielle winces in pain and grabs the surgically repaired neck. Now Elizabeth has a target.

Going towards the other side of the cage where a garbage can is attached by a hook, Rose knocks it down and grabs it in her hands. Gabby manages to get up, but Elizabeth hits her in the back of the head with the steel garbage can!

Rod Sterling: ”And AGAIN to the neck!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”She would be perfectly fine with breaking it, again.”

Sitting Gabrielle up against the side of the cage, Elizabeth Rose puts the garbage can on her head and backs up, hitting a low dropkick into the steel! Gabrielle slides down and Elizabeth Rose-

Dropkicks the steel again! Gabrielle lies down on the ground, garbage can still on her head, and Elizabeth Rose nails her in the head-

With a THIRD dropkick! The steel is twisted and dented from the repeated kicks as finally Gabrielle pushes the pale off her head and we see the cuts on her face are only increasing.

Rod Sterling: ”To many people’s surprise, Gabrielle is the one fighting underneath here.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”And those cuts on her will only open up as the match goes on. Elizabeth was literally born in this match. She’s at home.”

The three repeated dropkicks jostled the cage enough to cause a few miscellaneous items to fall from the top of it. Gabby, on her hands and knees, starts to defiantly crawl past some of these items and towards Elizabeth. One of these items catches the eye of Rose as Gabby uses Elizabeth’s waist to help her to her knees; and that item is a stainless steel piece of kitchenware called a…

Rod Sterling: ”A CHEESE GRATER!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”This is… NOT going to be pretty.”

Elizabeth Rose reaches down and picks up the cheese grater while also grabbing a handful of Gabby’s hair. Elizabeth turns and holds the cheese grater out in front of them, mimicking the action of taking a selfie.

“Say cheese, Gabby!”

She then forcefully drives the cheese grater into the forehead of Gabrielle and bites her own tongue as she smiles while grating it side to side on the bloody skin of the woman that has caused her so much pain. Gabby tries to fight back and manages to take the cheese grater out of Elizabeth’s hand, now holding it in her own as she goes back to her hands and knees with her face looking down at the mat and a thin stream of blood pouring from it. Elizabeth stomps on the hand that Gabrielle is holding the cheese grater in, crushing both it and Gabby’s hand between her boot and the mat, the teeth of the cheese grater having now done its damage to Gabby’s hands as well.

Rod Sterling: ”The amount of blood is already getting to be disturbing. All I beg of is that anyone else does not try to ‘top it.’”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Wrestling isn’t ballet.”

Elizabeth Rose pulls Gabrielle off the mat, her hair is getting a reddish tint to it. She crosses Gabrielle’s arms across her chest and stands behind her opponent. Rose leaps up and drives both knees in the upper back with a backstabber!

Rod Sterling: ”Knightmare! And with the knees high up like that, most of the damage goes to, once again, the neck!”

Gabrielle flips over head and Elizabeth rolls backwards, locking in a dragon sleeper!

Anzu Kurosawa: ”And a Dragon Sleeper, locked in deep. I hate to give Eternal credit, but they have helped Elizabeth gain so much confidence as a performer. She’s far removed from the clumsy Lizzie of old.”

Keeping the submission locked in, Elizabeth Rose doesn’t want to just beat Gabrielle here, she wants to embarrass her, force her to quit in the middle of the ring. Gabrielle’s experience means she is able to reposition herself to where Rose is not on her back, but her neck is being pulled back. The fans have a bit of a split with their chant, with the Gabrielle supporting contingent being that bit louder here.

Gabrielle’s legs shake as she uses her legs to finally stand up. She grabs Rose’s head and snapmares out of it! Elizabeth is met with a Yakuza kick knocking her back first into the cage!

Rod Sterling: ”Gabrielle breaks out and sends Elizabeth into the cage!”

Rose winces as her flesh meets pieces of barbed wire. She tries to bounce off, but a loose piece catches on her elbow pad. She tries to get out, but a dazed Gabrielle grabs her opponent by the head and knees her in the head repeatedly! She’s letting out her own vengeance here! She backs up and hits another shotgun dropkick, the force enough to cause Elizabeth to bounce off the cage!

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Gabrielle has a chance to breathe here, but this time might be better served looking for something to aid her.”

A re-energized Gabrielle shakes her arms and yells at the crowd, who meet her excitement level whether they are cheering or booing. She looks back around at the top of the cage and notices something that she is extremely familiar with.

Rod Sterling: ”She’s staring at a long pipe!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”That’s not a pipe, that looks like a sawed-off stripper pole!”

Rod Sterling: ”How do you know…?”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”-Don’t ask.”

Gabby reaches up, shaking the cage a bit, causing numerous objects and the stripper pole to come loose and it falls on the mat. Elizabeth crawls over and gets her hand on it first. The end sawed off has a slight angle to it. Gabrielle leaps down and Elizabeth uses it to cross check her in the neck!

Rod Sterling: ”Elizabeth gets there JUST before Gabrielle.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”I think Gabrielle was confused at seeing it, but with that, the hairbrush, the messages on the tables… Eternal have picked these weapons carefully.”

Elizabeth grabs the pole again and tries her best to hold it up. Even sawed off, it is almost as tall as her. She charges for another blow to the neck-

And Gabrielle ducks it and hits a split legged neckbreaker!

The pole falls onto the mat and Gabrielle, exhausted, reaches over to grab it. She leans on it, catching her breath. Looking at the fans, she decides to get one over on Eternal and does a seductive hip swivel, winking to the camera. The crowd gives a loud cheer.

Rod Sterling: ”Haha.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Playing to the crowd.”

Holding the pole up, Gabrielle smashes it into the back of Elizabeth Rose! Then again! The referee checks, but there’s zero quit, so the Hall of Famer decides to try something a little different. Taking one end of the pole, she sticks it into one of the chain link openings in the cage and it lies down at an angle. She takes the smaller Elizabeth Rose and hoists her up into a powerbomb-

And slams her back first into the pole! There’s a wince from the fans as Elizabeth’s spine practically bends from the impact and she rolls off, leaving a dent in it.

Rod Sterling: ”Powerbomb with the pole as something to just prevent a flat landing!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Too many of those can cause serious damage to the spine, life changing.”

Rolling on the mat, Elizabeth Rose clenches her blood covered fists as the referee asks if she quits, her yelling at him to “FUCK OFF!” before going back to her back being in agony. Gabrielle looks on the mat for other things that fell and sees a studded white leather belt.

She stretches it out and picks it up, slamming the studs against the back of Elizabeth, creating a loud CRACK as it connects.

Rod Sterling: ”Leather meets flesh!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”And those metal studs… OUCH!”

Likely fulfilling the fantasies of a section of fans, Gabrielle gets to whipping, multiple times over cracking the whip against the back of Elizabeth Rose! She bites the white leather, some of the blood from her face dripping on it before wrapping it around Elizabeth’s throat. She picks her up in a Gory-Special like move and uses gravity to choke Elizabeth!

Rod Sterling: ”And this could be it! The life of Elizabeth Rose is being choked out here!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”She’s practically being hanged by the belt!”

The referee checks on Elizabeth to see if she surrenders and she kicks her legs around, with the height difference between her and Gabrielle, her feet are not touching the ground. She reaches behind and her nails manage to poke the eyes of Gabby, forcing a break. Elizabeth falls down to the mat, the belt falling to her feet, and the belt is a soaked red. Frustratedly, she tosses the belt away and tries to catch her breath.

Gabrielle crawls and accidentally grabs a barbed-wire part of the cage, yanking her hand away. But she looks to see… another chair, this one wrapped in barbed-wire and roses… She tries to pull it off and sees Elizabeth get to her feet. In an act of desperation, she manages to get it off the hook and chucks the chair at Elizabeth’s head, landing flush!

Rod Sterling: ”BARBED-WIRE CHAIR TO THE FACE!

The chair bounces off the mat and Gabrielle runs forward, driving Rose face first again into it with a running sit-out facebuster!

Anzu Kurosawa: ”AND a Facebuster right onto it!”

Elizabeth Rose flops around on the mat, grabbing her face as the referee checks on her, and with the last two hits to the face, she has joined the crimson mask club.

Rod Sterling: ”And now Elizabeth is sporting red…”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Even if Elizabeth were to win, I’d imagine she’d need time off for physical therapy. Not even counting the fact Gabrielle has Steel Roulette just around the corner.

Gabrielle pushes the referee out of the way and quickly brings Rose to her feet, hitting her with a rough European uppercut that makes her spin around and stumble a bit. Gabby forces Elizabeth to face her again and holds her by the head to keep her steady so she can hit her with elbow after elbow directly to the cut on her head. Elizabeth’s blood covers Gabby’s arm as Rose slowly goes down to a knee and then down to her back as the elbows are still being delivered.

Gabby stomps on Elizabeth’s stomach which causes her to roll onto it, leaving her back completely open for the barbed wire wrapped chair that Gabby has reacquired! She hits her over and over, a scream of amplifying magnitude being let out each time the barbed wire rips and tears into Elizabeth’s flesh. The chair has warped and bent into an entirely unusable state after being thoroughly introduced to Elizabeth’s back, so Gabby tosses it aside, but she doesn’t seem finished with inflicting pain whatsoever.

The Hall of Famer goes over to a corner of the cage and reaches for a specific bag, this one colored red as opposed to the other black bags around. She reaches in and pulls out a… bra? Gabby turns it around so the outside of the bra is facing the camera and reveals that almost every inch of it is covered in thumbtacks!

Rod Sterling: ”A thumbtack covered bra-”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”What? Any woman who knows her stuff has one just in case…”

Rod Sterling: ”With THUMBTACKS!?”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”-I’ll never reveal our secrets…

Gabrielle puts the bra on over her gear and backs away from Elizabeth who is now lying on her back. She runs forward, jumps in the air and lands with a splash on Elizabeth! The thumbtack covered bra piercings in a vertical line across her stomach and chest! For added insult, she rolls up towards Elizabeth’s face and a few of the tacks knick the side of her head.

Rod Sterling: ”-I have seen it all.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”And I think a significant portion of our audience wishes to be in Elizabeth’s position right now.”

Gabby takes the bra off and holds it in her hand as she stares down at Elizabeth. She uses the bra like a whip and slashes it across the back of Rose! The referee asks if Elizabeth Rose quits and she flips him off.

Rod Sterling: ”How about that for an answer?”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”I’d do the same-”

Taking the bra, Gabrielle wraps it around Elizabeth’s throat and begins to choke her with it, the sharp ends of the thumbtacks jabbing into the side of her face. Rose lets out a scream as she crawls around on the mat, trying to reach for something. There’s a small bag slightly open that fell with the pole. Her hand goes in it-

And she throws glitter in the face of Gabrielle!

Rod Sterling: ”Glitter? What isn’t there in this damn cage!?”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”A kitchen sink. That was smart ring awareness from Elizabeth.”

Pulling a thumbtack out of her cheek, Elizabeth lets out a big shout before nailing a low roundhouse kick to the head of Gabrielle!

Rod Sterling: ”Calling Mr. Violence!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”That might be a knockout!”

Gabrielle collapses to the mat and the referee checks on her. Elizabeth begs for the knockout call, but Gabrielle begins to stir. Getting tired of Gabrielle, Elizabeth hits a STIFF knee right to the side of the head!

Rod Sterling: ”Kneelism!”

Once again, Gabrielle is dazed, but not knocked out. She crawls towards the side of the cage and Rose knows she needs to call out the big guns…

Going to the side of the cage, finally, she grabs the tables which have been lying down unused. She sets one of them up near the side of the cage and the other next to it. Whatever she is planning requires both.

Anzu Kurosawa: ”I’ve been wondering when those tables would come to use.”

Holding Gabrielle in a front facelock, Elizabeth hammers her in the face with knees, dragging her on top of the tables. Pulling her hair back, we see Elizabeth’s bloodied face. Looking up… The fans clue in what is happening.

Rod Sterling: ”This is not going to end well.”

Grabbing onto the chain link, Elizabeth begins to climb to the top of the cage, but navigating the sharp barbed-wire is slowing her down. She yells out as she grabs a chunk of it.

Anzu Kurosawa: ”But Elizabeth is slow to the top. That barbed wire in the cage is coming to bite her.”

Pulling herself up on the platform above, Elizabeth stands up, her legs are wobbly. She feels some other items on top and nearly trips-

And she feels the arm of Gabrielle on her leg-

Rod Sterling: ”Gabrielle is in it!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Barely, but she is!”

Elizabeth shakes her leg and tries to get Gabrielle off, but her opponent pulls herself up top. The two women exchange punches on their knees! Elizabeth, just that bit more energy in her, gets an advantage. But as she stands-

Her footing slips!

From under her feet, a board with a wooden cover crashes down from above and there is the sound of glass shattering as it hits the mat!

Rod Sterling: ”Elizabeth nearly fell and knocked something over…”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Wait, get a look-”

The camera zooms in as the lid pops off. On the mat- a shard of glass.

Rod Sterling: ”Glass!?”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”And it doesn’t look like that fake stuff either!”

Elizabeth manages to keep her balance and pulls Gabrielle up. But- with the delay…

Gabrielle drives her face first onto the platform with a Double arm ddt!

Rod Sterling: ”34 D Double D-DT!!!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”And the D’s stand for DONE.”

Trying not to fall off, Gabrielle rolls on top of Elizabeth and applies a front facelock. She struggles to get to her feet, pulling Rose up. She begs Elizabeth to quit, but Rose doesn’t. So she knows what to do now. Looking down below-

Gabrielle sends her and Elizabeth crashing through the tables with a Superplex off the cage!

Rod Sterling: ”SUPERPLEX OFF THE CAGE! THEY’RE BOTH DONE!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Call it. Call it now!”

Both Gabrielle and Elizabeth lie on the broken table scraps, breathing heavily.

“HOLY SHIT!”

“HOLY SHIT!”

“HOLY SHIT!”

The crowd chants. The official checks on both ladies and they are barely moving an inch. This surely should be a knockout. He is about to motion for the bell-

And Elizabeth grabs his leg.

“S-Stop this when I end her…” She mutters.

Both wrestlers crawl out of the wreckage. Blood covering their faces, both ladies are on their last legs-

Rod Sterling: ”It seems like there will be ONLY one winner…”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”And that can come at any minute-”

-And they begin to crawl to opposite sides of the ring. Gabrielle pulls herself up and sees, just above her head, the staff Elizabeth was given when she joined Eternal. She removes it from its hooks-

As Elizabeth reaches for the bag containing her Hall of Fame ring. They are in possession of each other’s personal belongings.

Rod Sterling: ”This bought is truly a fight for one’s past… And one’s future.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Each of them looking to defend something part of their identity, and now the other has the embodiment of it.”

Taking the ring out of the bag, Elizabeth shows a bloodied smile, holding the ring in her hand. Gabrielle holds the staff etched with the rose. “This… Is mine now... Kiss it goodbye” Elizabeth smirks. Gabrielle looks on and… gives a coy look.

“Enjoy it then. If you stay in Eternal…” Elizabeth cuts a glare… as Gabrielle finishes by saying. “Because that is the only way you’ll get one of those.” Cold. Ice cold.

Rod Sterling: ”A dagger with words that cuts to the very heart…”

Dropping the ring, Elizabeth Rose charges at Gabrielle and takes her to the ground with a double leg takedown, ducking a swing with the staff! She grabs the weapon herself and tries to press down with it on the throat of Gabrielle!

The referee asks if the Hall of Famer quits and Gabrielle shouts “NO!” as the staff is pressed down to her chest and she tries to push it away. “You broke my heart!” Elizabeth shouts. “This is ALL YOUR FAULT! YOU CAUSED THIS!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Elizabeth is just… frothing at the mouth. She wants this over-”

Finally, Gabrielle uses her legs to get Rose off her as Elizabeth is too worried about her monologue! Gabby gets to her feet-

AS THE STAFF NAILS HER IN THE HEAD!

Rod Sterling: ”THAT HAS TO BE IT!”

The staff doesn’t break, and Gabrielle drops to a knee, about to collapse to the mat, but Rose pulls her down and locks in the Spirit Breaker!

Anzu Kurosawa: ”No, THIS is! The Spirit Breaker! Both arms trapped, pulling on the head.”

Rose lets out a shout as she pulls back with the submission and Gabrielle is about ready to fade. She blinks and if her face hadn’t already been covered in blood, it’d be turning red now. Rose has her submission in. The referee checks if Gabrielle fades, she says that she quits, or even taps, but Gabrielle is in it, barely.

Rod Sterling: ”Call it, it’s done…”

The referee checks Gabrielle’s arm, it stays up, but is weak. Elizabeth tastes victory… But hears-

“Lizzie!”

“Lizzie!”

“Lizzie!”

She stops-

Breaking the hold, she covers her ears as the fans begin to chant her name… Her old name.

Anzu Kurosawa: ”They’re chanting Lizzie!”

Rod Sterling: ”-I’m not sure if it is people trying to support her, or trying to bring her back from the darkness of Eternal. But either way, it has freaked her out.”

“STOP!” Elizabeth shouts. “SHE’S DEAD!”

Elizabeth begins to hyperventilate. Stop chanting her old name. Stop it. Stop. And yet…

Why does it sound… right?

Kicking the cage, Elizabeth shouts at the crowd to stop, covering her ears, but that only gets them to chant LOUDER.

“LIZZIE!”

“LIZZIE!”

“LIZZIE!”

This has given Gabrielle a chance to catch her breath. She rolls over to her stomach and gets on her hands and knees. Wiping the blood from her face, she looks up to see Elizabeth Rose, with a look of worry on her face. Maybe she’s in there?

Finally, Elizabeth Rose begins to tune out the crowd, she turns to Gabrielle-

AND THE HALL OF FAMER LEAPS UP WITH A REVERSE LUNGBLOWER!

Rod Sterling: ”GaBuster!!!”

Gabrielle then quickly transfers…

INTO A PILEDRIVER!

Anzu Kurosawa: ”SNAP PILEDRIVER!”

Rolling Elizabeth Rose to her stomach, Gabrielle grabs Lizzie’s own staff and locks in a Crossface with it! She pulls back

“QUIT! LIZZIE! PLEASE!”

Gabrielle pleads with Rose, letting out a cry as she pulls back. Elizabeth Rose, still not ready to give up her Eternal life, stays in. She refuses to tap. Refuses to shout that she gives, but she is in agony.

Rod Sterling: ”Crossface with her own staff!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Keres’ very gift to Elizabeth might be the death of her.”

The referee checks on Elizabeth Rose and she has not passed out, and instead is crawling around on the mat as best she can. But with no ropes to break the hold… It doesn’t give much help. “P-Please!” Gabrielle pleads again. Elizabeth’s free hand rests on the mat and fidgets slightly. The referee raises the arm-

And it does not drop and instead-

Hits Gabrielle in the face with one punch, enough to break the hold!

Rod Sterling: ”Elizabeth broke the hold with one punch!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Did she?”

Sitting up on the mat, Elizabeth holds her hand. Covered in blood, on one of her fingers-

Gabrielle’s Hall of Fame ring.

Rod Sterling: ”She has Gabrielle’s hall of fame ring!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”That explains why only one punch broke the crossface.”

Loading up one more big punch…

Elizabeth hits a heavy blow with the ring to Gabrielle’s jaw! It lands heavy and Gabrielle lands on the mat.

Elizabeth falls back, pulling the ring off as her hand, with all the cuts and bruises, begins to hurt. She asks the referee to check on Gabrielle.

Rod Sterling: ”The referee is ready to call the bell on Gabrielle’s legacy…”

“Do you quit, Gabby?!” He asks. He shakes Gabrielle and she doesn’t seem like she’s moving.

He’s about to ring the bell-

And Gabrielle grabs his leg!

He calls it off and Gabrielle looks up, shaking her head.

Anzu Kurosawa: ”This match will not be called on a knockout. It will be called when someone stops breathing!”

Frustration mounting, Elizabeth goes over to the board that fell and pulls the cover off revealing, you guessed it, shards of glass. She dumps the contents over the mat and mixed in is something black with pieces of glass glued on it-

Rod Sterling: ”Glass everywhere. This is going to be it.”

Pulling Gabrielle off the mat, Elizabeth holds her in a cutter position and hits SLICED ELIZABETH ONTO THE SHARDS OF GLASS!

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Sliced… Elizabeth! ”

Grabbing one of the pieces of glass, Elizabeth sits Gabrielle up and jabs it into her forehead!

Rod Sterling: ”GLASS TO THE HEAD! SHE’S CUTTING HER UP!”

Letting go, Elizabeth sits up and looks at her hands. Covered in blood. Both her own-

And Gabrielle’s.

Cuts all over her back and even more on her forehead, Gabrielle shakes. She’s done. She’s done like dinner. Looking over at her former mentor-

Even Elizabeth Rose is shocked by what she did. But she has a job to do… And she’s going to do it.

Going to the end of the glass, she pulls up the black item which fell-

And it is a knee pad-

With shards of glass.

Rod Sterling: ”A knee pad covered in glass… I- I’m sick to my stomach.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Just call it ref. Just call it now.”

Taking her right knee pad off her leg, Elizabeth slides it on and grabs one wrist of Gabrielle. Kamigoye to the face incoming. But one more time… The crowd chants.

“Lizzie!”

“Lizzie!”

“Lizzie!”

There is an uneasy feeling for Elizabeth Rose.

Elizabeth doesn’t even grab the second wrist…

Gabrielle grabs her’s. Pulling herself up, Gabrielle says the only thing she can.

“I…”

Elizabeth Rose looks down.

“I’m sorry.”

Gabrielle seems to know what will happen. If this is the end, she’s going to lift her conscious.

“I can’t change what happened… B-But I love you like a little sis, Lizzie. I know I messed up. S-Sorry.”

Closing her eyes, Gabrielle seems content to let the end come.

Rod Sterling: ”Gabrielle, clears her conscious for the end-”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”This is not going to feel good.”

Grabbing Gabrielle’s other wrist, Elizabeth hears the chants of the crowd. Her old name. Gabrielle down and beaten. The blood of both of them on her white top, on her hands. She pulls her leg back…

But her hands let go.

Dropping to her knees, Lizzie breaks down in tears.

Rod Sterling: ”She didn’t do it-”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”I think… I think Elizabeth is dead.”

The knee strike to end her doesn’t come and Gabrielle opens her eyes to see Lizzie on the mat in tears. She hugs her friend and the two embrace. The referee looks and hears from Lizzie…

“I- I quit.”

Rod Sterling: ”She quits!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Elizabeth Rose is no more!”

The referee rings the bell signaling the end of Garden of Eden.

RESULT:
Gabrielle wins via surrender at 20:18.

The fans cheer as “Save Me” begins to play again on the speakers. The two competitors, with it finally over. Finally done… embracing.

Kurt Harrington: “Here is your winner, Gabrielle!!!”

Rod Sterling: ”Highly violent, highly emotional. The match which gave birth to Elizabeth Rose has just resulted in its end… But great lengths had to be gone to.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Lizzie went to a dark place as Elizabeth Rose. Gabrielle went to her’s to save her. In the end, Lizzie found the line and she dared not cross it.”

The official goes to raise Gabrielle’s hand and the Hall of Famer is handed her ring. She places on her finger and rolls towards the door. Doctors enter the cage to check on both competitors. Towels, disinfectant wipes, the whole nine yards. With a limp, Lizzie Rose is helped up to her feet and Gabrielle is helped out of the door-

And on the stage, without Keres due to what happened the night before, Nova Taylor. With a doll-like dress on and a blank white mask, she looks at the ring as Gabrielle sees her up the ramp…

Rod Sterling: ”Nova… Please don’t do anything.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”That girl creeps me the hell out-”

Instead of getting involved, Nova tilts her head, looking at Lizzie, before turning away and heading to the back.

Rod Sterling: ”Was Nova saying she has unfinished business with Gabrielle? Or saying ‘goodbye’ to her former sister? Or both?”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”I don’t know. I don’t know at this point.”

With the Eternal presence gone, Gabrielle begins to walk up the ramp slowly, having to lean on a doctor. She stops and lets Lizzie catch up. The two of them begin to walk side by side to the back-

This chapter of their story is over.

After a brief blender-break, we return to the arena in time for…

[COVERED IN MONEY! | JPEGMAFIA]

There’s resounding derision in Madison Square Garden for the FWA’s Executive Brand Consultant (and, of course, co-owner), but that doesn’t really seem to bother Jon Russnow. He walks onto the stage with a microphone in his hand and a grin on his face. His music fades out and he lifts the microphone to his lips, but before he can speak he’s greeted by a ‘FUCK YOU RUSSNOW!’ chant. There seems a slight sadness behind his eyes, but he continues nonetheless.

Jon Russnow: "Ladies and gentlemen, what a weekend it has already been!"

There are some cheers for this proclamation, although one man near to the ramp can be heard shouting ‘it’s monday!’. The positivity emboldens Russnow to continue.

Jon Russnow: "And may I be the first to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Chris Peacock and Alyster Black, who closed out our first night by becoming the FWA World Tag Team Champions for the second time."

A huge, overwhelmingly positive reaction for FTN given the show is in NYC and the reconciliation between them and Danny Toner.

Jon Russnow: "But there’s no rest for the wicked, at least not in this company! Which is why I’m announcing that their first opponents will be picked through an eight-team single elimination tournament - the Elite Tag Team Classic - beginning on Meltdown XLIII in Washington DC! The winner of this tournament - which will feature a whole host of champions in the singles, tag, and trios divisions - will face FTN for their newly won belts the next time we see you on pay-per-view for Lights Out!"

There are a few cheers, but it seems apparent that there aren’t many who enjoy tournaments as much as Russnow himself.

Jon Russnow: "The field will be a combination of established teams and those that are pairing together for the first time, mumblings of the tournament backstage having caused some alliances - both likely and unlikely - to be formed. Some are faces that are well-known to our new champions, whilst others are showing their interest in the crown for the first time. We wouldn’t want our champions getting too comfortable."

As if signalling his impending departure, Russnow re-applies his widest grin and lifts his free hand into the air to wave.

Jon Russnow: "Enjoy the rest of the show! I think things are about to heat up."

The pun doesn’t really work (there are still more contests before we get to the ‘Cremation Match’) and isn’t really funny, but he (and his writers) is happy enough with it for a send-off. His music plays again, the audience tepidly booing him as he continues to wave from the stage.

Rod Sterling: "You heard it here first, folks: the Elite Tag Team Classic, featuring eight hopeful pairings, some of whom will be teaming together for the first time."

Anzu Kurosawa: "That means three matches during which those novice teams can find some chemistry on the way to Lights Out. Or the road to Lights Out. Path?"

Rod Sterling: "All equally acceptable."

The camera fades out as Russnow leaves the stage, cutting to a commercial for the ongoing Season 6 Finale of Ground Zero.

Kurt Harrington: ”The next contest is set for one fall with a sixty-minute-time-limit, and it will be contested under X rules because it is for the FWA X-Championship!”

[”Wanted Dead or Alive” || Bon Jovi.]

The popular song begins to play throughout the world’s most famous arena and the jeers from the crowd nearly overshadow the hit classic as the man that is synonymous with the song has made his way out on stage. Tommy Bedlam stands atop the stage and looks out at the sea of fans that used to sing along to his theme song, but they only greet him with boos and by the looks of it, Tommy Bedlam doesn’t give a damn as he shakes his head and spits out his chewing tobacco. Finally, Bedlam starts to make his way down to the ring as the song kicks into gear.

Kurt Harrington: ”Introducing first, the challenger, from Sweetwater, Texas, he weighs in at two-hundred & forty-four pounds…Tommy Bedlam!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”You know Rod, it’s still something I need to get used to not hearing the fans sing along to Tommy Bedlam’s theme song.”

Rod Sterling: ”Well, since his return after those sneak attacks on Brooklyn Steiner and his overall behavior as of late, these fans probably think he doesn’t deserve to have them sing along.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Speaking of Brooklyn Steiner, he and Bedlam waged a war last night where Bedlam was victorious, and even after that match, Tommy Bedlam went through Vengador to get here tonight. To say that Tommy Bedlam is not one hundred percent would be an understatement, Rod.”

[”I Am The Fire” || Halestorm.]

The crowd’s mood shifts to cheers as the X-Champion makes her way out on stage. Trixie has already been through some wars over the weekend but somehow she’s still standing and ready to compete one more time. Despite how banged up she looks, Trixie is fired up and ready for a fight as she walks down to the ring.

Rod Sterling: ”Tommy Bedlam is not the only one that’s been through the ringer this weekend, Anzu. Trixie got through Aaron Harrows last night in a hellacious match that spilled out all over this arena, and then earlier this evening we saw her go through hell in that Jailhouse Blues match with Kleio De Santos at her side against their former Coven sisters.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Going through hell is putting it mildly, Rod. She looks like she’s been in several car crashes with all those cuts and scrapes, specifically around her facial area and that gash on her forehead is like a bullseye for someone like Bedlam.”

Rod Sterling: ”I’ve been told that our medical staff advised Trixie to sit this one out, but of course Trixie refused to go down without a fight.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s concussed but she’s still moving because Trixie is not human.”

The referee for the match is Joey Ortiz, who takes the title from Trixie and then hands it off to ringside…

FIFTH MATCH | 1/60.
Trixie Bordeaux [c] vs. Tommy Bedlam.
X4 Final. X Rules Match for the FWA X Championship.
Match Writer: Jimmy King

DING! DING! DING!

<< 00:00. >>

Right off the bat, Trixie bursts out of her corner and charges toward Bedlam, who sidesteps the feisty champion, but Trixie bounces off the ropes to gain more momentum and she pounces on Tommy! Trixie is on Bedlam’s back as she wildly wails away at him while Bedlam is doing his best to get her off, it’s like she’s an annoying fly that’s buzzing in his personal space as he tries to swat her off until finally he falls backward right into the nearest corner where he crushes Trixie against the turnbuckles…

Tommy looks back at Trixie and then at the referee…

”Can you believe this crazy bitch?!”

Trixie pops out of the corner and tries to pounce on Tommy again but he catches her this time and he hoists her up in position…Alabama slam! Bedlam damn near puts Trixie through the ring with that Alabama slam…

Tommy has Trixie in a front facelock as he brings her up and she goes for her signature peepee punch, but Bedlam is quick to prevent that as he grabs her arm and shakes his head…

”Don’t you even think about that shit you crazy bitch!”

Trixie counters with a headbutt that knocks Tommy back a few steps and Trixie charges at Tommy once more but once again he’s ready and catches her with a scoop powerslam!

Tommy leaves the ring to grab a steel chair and he re-enters the ring. He lays into Trixie with a few stomps for good measure to keep her grounded before he wraps her arm in that steel chair. Tommy looks out at the crowd and then down at Trixie before he viciously stomps down on Trixie’s arm wrapped in that steel chair!

Rod Sterling: ”That’s one way to prevent Trixie from hitting Tommy in the nether regions!”

”That’s what you get for trying to punch me in my balls!”
Trixie howls out in pain while writhing around on the mat in agony but Tommy isn’t done yet as he lays into her with more chair shots, specifically targeting her arm she uses for her peepee punch…Trixie is nearly in tears as she’s crying in pain while clutching at her arm and Tommy Bedlam seems to be enjoying himself…

Tommy yanks Trixie up by the hair and tosses her to the outside of the ring and he slams her head on the commentary desk!

Rod Sterling: ”Good grief! This is too close for comfort!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Don’t be such a wuss, Sterling!”

Rod Sterling: ”Now he’s using the wiring for our monitors to choke out Trixie!”

Trixie is trying to break free while gasping for air and finally she gets a reprieve after she gets hold of one of the monitors on the commentary desk and swings it behind her, whacking Tommy right in the head! Tommy falls backward and Trixie leans against the desk while gasping for air, and then Trixie yanks the monitor off the desk and starts beating Tommy senseless with it as he lays on the floor doing his best to protect himself…

Rod Sterling: ”Great, there goes my monitor!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”You don’t need a monitor when the action is right in front of you!”

Eventually, Tommy blocks Trixie and knocks the monitor from her grasp. Then, he elbows her in the midsection and shoves her shoulder first into the steel steps! Tommy gathers himself as he rises up and he doesn’t miss a beat as he sends Trixie barreling into the barricade with an irish whip! Trixie hits the barricade hard and there’s no time for her to recover as Tommy sends her over the barricade into the crowd with a clothesline…

***

<< 05:21 >>

Rod Sterling: ”Well, it didn’t take long for this to spill out into the crowd!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”The fans are getting their money’s worth tonight!”

Tommy drags Trixie through the rabid crowd and along the way he snatches a beer from a fan and downs the cup in an instant…

Tommy is handed a beer bottle from another fan and takes one sip of it but he opts to spit the beer right in Trixie’s face, temporarily blinding her as she stumbles around and from behind Tommy cracks the bottle off her head! Tommy then takes a shard of the glass from the bottle and digs it into the gash on Trixie’s forehead! Blood begins to pour down her face as she cries out in agony…Bedlam then starts to drag her up the stairs amongst the sea of fans that are getting a front row seat to the mayhem that’s unfolding before their very eyes…

Trixie manages to break free halfway up the stairs and she lands a kick to Tommy’s gut, and she bounces his head off the steel handrail! Tommy is briefly seeing stars after that and Trixie starts to punch Tommy in the head repeatedly and she stops in the middle of it to fire up the crowd and herself as the fans are eating it up…

Trixie attempts a peepee punch with her already mangled arm but she doesn’t have enough strength, and Tommy is able to prevent that as he blocks it and without wasting a second he slams that arm on the steel handrail! Trixie cries out in pain while holding that arm and Tommy shakes off the damage done to him before dragging her up to the concessions area…

Fans are waiting in line for a treat but are also getting a treat in front of them as Tommy throws Trixie over the counter into the concession stand. He hops over the counter but he’s knocked as Trixie has jumped on top of him and she’s laying into him with lefts and rights. Trixie pours herself a cup of soda from the fountain, takes a sip and then spits it in Tommy’s face! Trixie dumps a bag of hot popcorn on Tommy before throwing the rest out to the fans in line…

***

<< 10:10 >>

Trixie and Tommy leave the concession area after Tommy manages to get back over the counter, but Trixie is hot on his trail as she climbs on his back and rides him like a horse while she rakes his eyes, and Tommy finally flips her over off his back to the floor! Trixie crawls back to her feet however and she tries to tackle Tommy to the floor, but to no avail as Tommy overpowers her and nails her in the midsection with a knee strike! Tommy follows that up by irish whipping Trixie right into a wall! Fans are circling them now as they are going crazy and security is doing their best to keep fans out of the way…

Trixie hits the wall hard and stumbles forward as Tommy hits her with a spinebuster on the unforgiving tile floor! Tommy goes for a cover as the referee has been with them every step of the way so far…

One…two…NO!!!

”Stay down bitch!”

Tommy drags back toward the inside of the arena as they make their way back down the steps and halfway down Tommy decides to throw Trixie down the steps! Trixie bounces off each step but comes to a stop in the middle where she’s joined by Tommy, who drops down for another pin…

One…two…NO!!!

Rod Sterling: ”I don’t know how she’s still moving after being tossed down those steps! A normal person wouldn’t be able to move after that!”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”Trixie isn’t normal, Rod!”

Tommy has Trixie by the hair once more but Trixie fights back with a headbutt that stuns him, and she runs back some steps using all the power she can muster before she runs back down and using the handrail for momentum, Trixie drills Tommy with a shotgun dropkick that sends him toppling the rest of the way down the steps…

***

<< 15:06 >>

Rod Sterling: ”I don’t think either of them will be the same after this!”

Trixie tossed Tommy back over the barricade to the ringside area before she readied herself on top of the barricade…Trixie leaps off and takes down Tommy with a leaping thesz press followed by a barrage of punches…

Trixie throws Tommy back inside the ring and she nails him with another shotgun dropkick that sends him into the corner! Trixie stomps away at him until he’s slumped down before she props up a steel chair on him…Bundle of Fun! Cannonball with a steel chair! Trixie may have hurt herself in the process but she fights through the pain coursing through her body right now and makes the cover…

One…two…THR--NO!!!

Tommy kicks out!

Trixie exits the ring and from underneath the ring she finds a table, much to the delight of the fans. She slides back in the ring with the table and she begins to set it up, and she tries to roll Tommy on top of the table but he starts to fight back with punches but Trixie counters with a slam of his head on the table…

Trixie managed to get him on the table before climbing to the top and she has readied herself for Whistling Trixie before she leaps off…TRIXIE GOES THROUGH THE TABLE! TOMMY BEDLAM MOVED OUT OF THE WAY JUST IN TIME!
Crowd: “HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!”

Rod Sterling: ”I echo the sentiments of this crowd! Holy shit indeed!”

***

<< 20:28 >>

Tommy eventually drops down for the pin amidst the debris of the table…

One…two…THR--NO!!!

Rod Sterling: ”HOW?!

Anzu Kurosawa: ”She’s not human, Rod! I told you, Trixie isn’t human!”

Tommy is in disbelief and he’s starting to grow irate…

”Why can’t you just die, huh?! You crazy bitch! Stay down for your own good!”

Tommy is trash talking while holding Trixie in a front facelock and him momentarily losing his focus has allowed Trixie to hit him with a peepee kick! Tommy’s eyes look like they’re about to pop out of skull as he holds his crotch and Trixie backs up…Torpedo Trixie! Running spinning headbutt to Bedlam and both competitors are out of it…

There’s something that’s going on that has the crowd buzzing and eventually the boos begin as one of Trixie’s former Coven sisters, Blair Ravenwood is slowly walking down to the ring…

Rod Sterling: ”I thought we had seen the last of Blair Ravenwood after that Jailhouse Blues match but apparently she’s not through with Trixie it seems, who is unaware of her presence…”

Blair stands at ringside as Trixie starts to stir and eventually gets to her feet as she’s sizing up Bedlam, willing him to get to his feet as she’s calling for Hocus Pocus, and she’s about to go for it when she’s tripped up by Blair from the outside…

Trixie looks behind and scowls at Blair, Trixie begins shouting at Blair as Blair slowly backs away with a sly, evil grin on her face while Trixie is still shouting at her. Eventually, Trixie turns back around…THE LAST CALL! CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL BY TOMMY ON TRIXIE! Tommy drops down for the cover…

One…two…THREE!

RESULT:
Tommy Bedlam wins via pinfall at 24:02.

Kurt Harrington: ”Here is your winner, and the NEW FWA X-Champion…Tommy Bedlam!”

Rod Sterling: ”Tommy Bedlam has won back the title he never actually lost in the first place and he’s now a two-time FWA X-Champion, but I think if it weren’t for Blair Ravenwood we may be seeing a different result, Anzu.”

Anzu Kurosawa: ”I’m afraid you’re right, Rod. Blair damn near crippled Trixie earlier this evening, but apparently that wasn’t enough for her and now she’s caused Trixie the one thing she cherished most…”

Rod Sterling: ”There will be hell to pay for Blair Ravenwood when Trixie gets her hands on her, that’s for sure…”

Blair Ravenwood seems mighty pleased with herself as she slowly backs up the ramp while in the ring Tommy is celebrating with his newly won title, and the referee is checking on Trixie as the show feed fades out elsewhere…

As Kurt Harrington enters the ring one last time, the fans notice the appearance of a handful of men in firesuits armed with extinguishers around the ringside and stage area. Stagehands are finishing up installing the equipment around the ring that will be making our main event possible.

Kurt Harrington: “Ladies and gentlemen, it is time… For your main event!”

The fans cheer, stomping, applauding.

Kurt Harrington: “The following match is a Cremetation Match, scheduled for one fall, and it is for the FWA World Heavyweight Championship! Competitors must battle inside a ring of fire, until one man is no longer able to put up a fight. There is no disqualifications, no countouts, and the deciding pinfall or submission must take place inside of the ring of fire.”

We fade in to backstage. It’s quiet, the sound muted to a mere hum, a low drum beat in the background. Any words spoken are reduced to mutters and whispers, fragments of sentences, within the locker room.

We open to a pale man, sitting on a bench, back to the viewer. He sits in silence, chest quietly rising and falling, content to exist in this space in time. As the locker room speeds and rumbles around him, figures darting in and out with barely a flash, this man waits patiently.

Time slows down for a moment, the garbled words becoming slightly clearer, as both members of FTN sit on either side of the man. Alyster Black is gesturing wildly, Chris Peacock lost in brays of laughter, before rapidly speeding up again.

Then it freezes again, showcasing Violet Dreyer, placing a large, metallic green barrel next to the man, gesturing with some sort of silver nozzle-like attachment, grinning, before speeding up once more.

Finally, it slows down once more, to reveal Cyrus Truth sitting in front of the man, mouth moving without a sound, his steel gaze locked on the man, his palm resting on the man’s shoulder. After a moment for this to absorb, time speeds up once more.

To now.

The man now stands, walking, camera still viewing him from behind. He’s wearing a pair of black boots, brown trousers with a singular neon green stripe snaking it’s way down a leg, and a black leather vest. He tugs on the metallic green tankard like a backpack, the checkered red and yellow warning signage on the back visible, glinting underneath the lights. The silver nozzle is carried over a shoulder, as he approaches the curtain from the gorilla position, pausing only once to glance behind himself.

At the camera.

At us.

Krash:“Break out the butter. We’re making toast.”

That glorious mustache twitches, a hint of a grin graced beneath it, as we cut to black.

And the drums increase, to that iconic opening sound…

[“Back in Town” || Matt Dusk.]

The fans roar, in anticipation, in hype, in sheer delight, as the White Wolf, the Moustache Maverick, the winner of the 2024 Carnal Contendorship… Kicks open the curtain with gusto, stepping out on stage wi-

Rod Sterling: IS THAT A FLAMETHROWER?!?

Krash roars, the silver nozzle of a flamethrower clutched in his grasp, as he shoots a stream of fire into the air, laughing!

Anzu Kurosawa: Oh, I get the reference. Neat.

Kurt Harrington: Introducing first, the challenger, weighing in at 201 pounds… From Melbourne, Australia… He is ‘The Moustache Maverick’... He is ‘The White Wolf’... THIS! IS! KRASH!

The crowd is roaring, cheering, braying, as Krash’s laugh trails off. The challenger, the man who has overcome so much to be here, from PTSD to death itself, gazes out at the adoring fans, looking more alive than he has for the past two years. There is a smile - not a smirk, not a grin, but a smile - on his features, a single tear trailing down his face, before chuckling, making his way towards the ring, flamethrower shooting a jetstream of flames above him.

Anzu Kurosawa: This man has sunk beneath the murky waters… Buried another in dirt and gravel. But it seems now, he controls this element above all. I would say god help Jeremy, but not even the devil would want to help that guy out.

Rod Sterling: For a very long time, we were convinced we had seen the last of Krash. That at the last two BIBs, he had either vanished, or been unable to physically return after everything that had happened. No-one expected him to make his return in this year’s Carnal Contendorship, let alone win it. It’s been a long, long journey - and maybe there’s an end in sight, maybe there isn’t. But for now, we have Krash, arguably seeming to be more Krash than before.

Anzu Kurosawa: It gives me hope that one day, he can make a full recovery, and be the person he used to be without the trauma and PTSD weighing him down. But that is a long, long journey, and tonight is his biggest step forward. Kick his ass, Krash.

Krash makes his way down to ringside, before climbing on to the apron. He sprays a wall of flame above him, before pointing out in the distance to the crowd - to the familiar fivesome of shirtless fans in the front row, with ‘K.R.A.S.H’ painted on their chests. One of the fans throws his shirt towards the ring. Krash obliges, burning it to a crisp with his flamethrower. I’ve never seen someone be so happy to have their shirt burned, but hey, here we are.

Krash climbs into the ring, where the referee is - understandably - hesitant to try and take the flamethrower off of him. Crouching in a corner, Krash waits with bated breath, for the man who has tormented him for far, far too long…

The arena plunged into darkness, and the buzzing anticipation of the crowd swelled as they already began to boo in anticipation of the arrival of Jeremy Best to the arena. A single spotlight lit up the left part of the stage, revealing just a group of silhouettes.

[ “Bohemian Rhapsody” || The Muppets.]

Kurt Harrington: “And his opponent, representing the Friendship Wrestling Alliance… he is the reigning and defending FWA World Champion… from Friendship, North Carolina… this is “Your New Best Friend” ….. JJJJEEERRRREEEEMMMMYYYY BBBBBBBBBBBBBBEEEEEESSSST!”

Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?

The haunting notes of Bohemian Rhapsody begin with the opening lyrics being sung by the familiar and unique voice of the Muppet Gonzo. The light brightens to wipe out the silhouette and give us a full view of Gonzo being surrounded by a troupe of chicken Muppets.

Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality
Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see…

The crowd isn't sure what to make of this live Muppets performance as Gonzo's singing is accompanied by the synchronized and on beat clucking of the chickens.

I'm just a poor boy, I need no sympathy
Because I'm easy come, easy go
Little high, little low
Any way the wind blows doesn't really matter to me, to me

[ “Life’s a Happy Song” || The Muppets.]

As Gonzo’s final note lingered, the arena lights burst to life, revealing the entire Muppets gang: Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and the rest of the colorful crew. They transitioned seamlessly into "Life’s a Happy Song," their infectious energy bringing smiles to the faces of everyone present.

Everything is great
Everything is grand
I’ve got the whole wide world in the palm of my hand...

From the entrance, Jeremy Best finally emerges, adorned in a fire-resistant hazmat suit and is quickly showered with boos, nearly overpowering the cheerful singing of the Muppet crew.

Rod Sterling: You can’t say he’s not dressed for the occasion.

Anzu Kurosawa: I didn’t think I’d ever hear a live crowd booing The Muppets, but… Jeremy accomplished the impossible.

With a confident smile, Jeremy begins to tap dance on the stage alongside the muppets, perfectly in sync with their singing of the uplifting chorus.

I've got everything that I need
Right in front of me
Nothing's stopping me
Nothing that I can't be
With you right here next to me...

Jeremy continued to somehow manage quite the tap dance show with the bulky suit around him on the stage, while Krash grew increasingly impatient in the ring. Finally having enough, armed with the flamethrower he brought to the ring, storms out of the ring and heads toward Jeremy and the Muppets, shooting flames from the nozzle of the gun.

Rod Sterling: His patience has worn thin, and understandably so - after spending so long trying to psyche himself up for tonight, having to wait while Jeremy does this… Skit, surely isn’t helping.

Anzu Kurosawa: Shit’s gonna burn.

It's chaos on the stage as the music comes to an abrupt stop and Muppets begin to scatter. Jeremy, looking to protect himself, grabs one of the Muppets, Beaker, to shield himself, sending the red-haired Muppet's head up in flames.

"MEEP! MEEP! MEEP!" Beaker cries out in agony as Jeremy tosses him aside.

Rod Sterling: Beaker, no! He was my favorite!

Anzu Kurosawa: This is probably still a better result for Beaker than the usual day with Dr. Honeydew.

With Krash still in pursuit, Jeremy dives off the ramp to safety away from the flames, while Gonzo's chickens go up in flames, much to Gonzo's dismay. The camera cuts to children in tears in the crowd watching some of the Muppets on stage being incinerated right before them.The firefighters stationed around the ring area quickly rush in and begin spraying the stage and the Muppets with their fire extinguishers. Meanwhile, Jeremy was on his way to the ring, running alongside the guard rail and sliding into the ring. Krash follows Jeremy into the ring, still armed with the flamethrower as Jeremy hides behind senior official Larry Stevens, pleading with the referee to do something about it. Larry manages to convince Krash to lower the flamethrower. Larry takes the weapon and slides it to ringside.

A ring of fire now ignites around the apron and the ring ropes, containing Jeremy and Krash within the flames as the match officially gets under way, and a hush falls across the crowd.

Anzu Kurosawa: Years in the making. Here… We… Go…

SIXTH MATCH | NIGHT TWO MAIN EVENT | -/–.
Jeremy Best [c] vs. Krash.
Cremation Match for the FWA World Championship.
Match Writer: Dubb/Wolfie.

The sound of the bell seemingly lights a fire in Krash’s eyes as he immediately charges in at the well armored Jeremy, driving his shoulder into Jeremy’s midsection, sending him falling backward into the corner. Krash charges in with a running knee to the ribs followed by a relentless series of forearms to the cornered Jeremy.

Krash’s offense is fast and furious, unleashing his emotions to Jeremy through the strikes in the corner. But unfortunately for Krash, Jeremy’s hazmat suit is absorbing most of the blows. The White Wolf begins to realize this as he backs up to find Jeremy, a big smile on his face through the plastic mask of the helmet on his face.

Rod Sterling: “Now that is clever - he’s not just fireproof, he has a damage sponge as a suit!”

Jeremy charges out of the corner, but Krash ducks his lariat and hits a swift kick the back of Jeremy’s knee before grabbing him by the helmet of his suit and throwing him back into the turnbuckles. He follows in, leaping into the corner, placing his feet on Jeremy’s chest and grabbing ahold of the mask, falling backward into a monkey flip that sent Jeremy head over heels to the canvas!

Hitting the mat, Jeremy rolls back to his feet… and his eyes grow wide as his head is now completely exposed! He looks back to find Krash holding the helmet of the suit in his hands! Jeremy shook his head in disbelief but Krash charges in and DECKS Jeremy to the mat, the hard plastic of the helmet striking him in the head!

Anzu Kurosawa: “That little protective suit didn’t last too long.”

Krashes tosses the hazmat mask over the flames and out of the ring to a big reaction from the fans. Jeremy begins to pull himself up to a knee as Krash runs in with a running forearm to the side of his now exposed head, sending the champion back down to the mat. He then mounts Jeremy, unloading with a series of closed fists to the forehead - Jeremy’s legs and arm’s flailing as Krash unleashes two years worth of frustration out on his head.

Rod Sterling: “With every blow, Krash gets a little bit more vengeance, a little bit more revenge, on the man who tormented him for so long. He has to have been dreaming of this for days, weeks, months even.”

Attempting to free himself from Krash’s blows, Jeremy manages to reach up and find Krash’s face, gouging his eyes with his fingers! This allows “Your New Best Friend” to pull himself up, keeping his fingers locked in Krash’s eye sockets before scraping his fingers down for an eye rake.

Jeremy stumbles backward, blinking furiously to clear his vision. Krash, still reeling from the eye rake, shakes his head and charges back in with a furious forearm smash that connects with a resounding thud. Jeremy fires back with a vicious chop that elicits a round of boos from the crowd. But the crowd is fired back up as Krash comes back with an elbow strike to Jeremy's head.

Jeremy is sent sprawling into the ropes, bouncing back but ducks another forearm from Krash and scores with a standing dropkick right to Krash's chest, sending the White Wolf to the mat. But Krash is right back up to his feet as Jeremy spins around with a discus lariat, the hazmat suit adding extra bit of heft to his strike to send Krash right back down to the mat before Jeremy executes a standing hazmat moonsault!

He hooks the leg...

One - KICKOUT with authority by Krash!

Rod Sterling: “We have a long way to go before it ends here, folks.”

Jeremy tries to pull Krash back up to his feet, but he fights him off with a chop right to the throat! The champion stumbles backward and Krash then hits a spinning wheel kick that catches Jeremy off guard, sending him crashing to the mat. The White Wolf is relentless, immediately following up with a jumping calf kick as Jeremy tries to rise. The kick connects square in the jaw, sending Jeremy back down, clutching his face in pain.

Looking for a reprieve from Krash's continued assault, Jeremy almost instinctively tries to roll to the ropes and out of the ring... but instead rolls right toward the flames. He gets too close for comfort to the scorching heat, retreating away from the fire and back to his feet.

But escaping the fire just meant going right back to the waiting Krash.

Anzu Kurosawa: "I think Jeremy may have been better off going into the fire. It's not much safer for him in the ring!"

Turning back to the ring, Jeremy walks right into a headbutt from Krash, right to the bridge of his nose, followed by a sharp elbow to the temple. The champion is left staggering as Krash grabs him and looks to Irish Whip him into the corner, but Jeremy is able to reverse it and instead sends Krash hard into the turnbuckles! Krash's back crashes hard into the corner before staggering out where he is met with a shotgun dropkick from Jeremy, sending him right back into the corner.

Krash slumps in the corner, but Jeremy isn’t done. He runs in with a corner kick that rocks Krash’s head back. With Krash still seated in the corner, Jeremy backs up and once agan charges in, this time looking to drive both knees into the corner, but Krash moves out of the way at the last second and Jeremy's knees crash into the turnbuckles!

Jeremy staggers back out of the corner into a calf kick from Krash! As the champion begins to get back up, Krash rushes in, twisting and rotating his body around Jeremy before dropping him with a Satellite DDT!

With Jeremy down, Krash grabs him by the head on the mat and lifts him up into a seated position... he fidgets with Jeremy's hazmat suit, finding the zipper and unzips it, pulling the suit off of him, once again getting a big reaction from the fans as he tosses it to ringside.

Rod Sterling: "And like that, Jeremy is no longer protected… "

With the suit out of play, Krash's strikes have more impact as he immediately drives a knee into Jeremy's ribs as he's getting to his feet before whipping him into the ropes, catching him on the rebound with a big spinebuster! Krash stomps repeatedly on the back of Jeremy's head as the champion is struggling to try and recover. He then bounces off the ropes himself, coming back with the ONE-HIT KILL knee strike! Jeremy collapses right back down to the mat!

But Krash doesn't go for the pin.

Instead, Krash glances at the flames surrounding the ring, an idea forming in his mind. He drags Jeremy towards the ropes... toward the fire surrounding the apron of the ring.

Anzu Kurosawa: "Krash isn't content with just winning this match. He wants Jeremy to burn!"

He gets Jeremy to the ropes, pulling him up and onto the middle ropes, pushing him closer to the flames...

The feeling of the heat awakens Jeremy as he lets out a high pitched scream of fever, and begins to fight back against Krash with some desperation strikes.

Rod Sterling: “Jeremy staves off the heat of the flame, for now… But Krash isn’t going to let him go easily.”

Staggered backward from a back elbow from Jeremy, Krash tries to shake off the cobwebs but Jeremy takes Krash by the arm, dragging him down to the mat with an armdrag takedown which he transitions into a crossface submission! Larry Stevens checks in on Krash, who vehemently refuses to submit. He grits his teeth, fighting through the pain as Jeremy wrenches back on Krash's neck, an uneasy smile on Jeremy's face as he takes his fingers once again begins to gouge Krash's eyes while wrenching back on his neck at the same time.

Krash still refuses to submit as Jeremy's fingers makes their way down his face back into the traditional crossface position, applying more pressure...

But Krash manages to open his mouth and gets one of Jeremy's fingers in his mouth...

AND HE CLAMPS DOWN, BITING JEREMY'S FINGER!

The White Wolf's fangs sink into Jeremy's flesh, drawing blood as Jeremy releases the hold instinctively as a reaction. He gets to his feet, clutching his finger in pain - Krash spits out a fingernail!

Anzu Kurosawa: “He bit him! Ripped a fingernail off! That’s how you get out of a hold!”

Krash gets up and responds by unleashing the Krash Kourse combination, leaving Jeremy on his knees, struggling to stay up right as Krash rushes to the ropes and hits a grounded uppercut to send Jeremy all the way down to the mat.

Grabbing his hand, Krash pulls Jeremy close to the turnbuckles, before stomping on his injured finger for good measure. He then begins to climb the turnbuckles… but as he gets to the top, Jeremy gets back up to his feet and manages to SHOVE KRASH OFF THE TOP ROPE sending him falling over the flames to ringside!

Rod Sterling: “Another desperation move by Jeremy sends Krash to ringside… and suddenly our two competitors are separated by a ring of fire around the ring!”

As Krash grabs the safety railing at ringside, attempting to use it to pull himself up, Jeremy eyes his opponent through the flames. He takes deep breaths, trying to catch his breath but also perhaps… working up some courage as a devious look crosses his eyes.

Standing up straight, Jeremy runs to the opposite ropes, and then rebounds off the ropes coming back to the other side of the ring…

HE DIVES THROUGH THE FLAMES!

TOPE SUICIDA CONNECTS TO KRASH - crashing back into the safety barrier!

Anzu Kurosawa: “Through the fire and flames! Miraculously without an ember, for now!”

Jeremy is up first at ringside, a big grin on his face as he grabs Krash by the hair and tosses him into the steel ringsteps. He continues the punishment as he grabs Krash's head and begins to viciously and repeatedly slam Krash's head down into the steps over and over again.

Finally Jeremy relented as he backed away from Krash, eyeing the flames as the fans at ringside let him have it. But Jeremy turns to them and offers a friendly wave, still somehow oblivious to the actual reaction he receives.

He backs away from Krash, who collapses to the floor at ringside, and begins to scan the area. A wicked thought seems to cross his mind... as he eyes the flamethrower Krash brought to the ring lying at ringside.

Rod Sterling: "Oh no... I don't like what I think he's thinking..."

Jeremy picks up the flamethrower, a sinister grin spreading across his face. Krash crawls across the ringside area, trying to regain his bearings. Jeremy prepares to ignite the flamethrower, lifting it in the air and letting a stream of fire flow upwards. He releases the trigger and turns his attention to Krash...

Krash crawls, grabbing the feet of one of the firefighters stationed at ringside, trying to pull himself up as Jeremy begins to stalk toward him...

"Go to Hell you Demon!" Jeremy cries out as he ignites the torch...

Krash manages to snatch the fire extinguisher from the firefighter, turning and spraying the extinguisher, putting out the flame and blinding Jeremy in a cloud of white foam. With Jeremy disoriented, Krash swings the extinguisher and cracks it against Jeremy’s skull, sending him crashing to the floor!

The crowd erupts in cheers as Krash stands tall, tossing the extinguisher to the ground. Scrambling on the floor, Jeremy instinctively tries to grab the ring apron to help drag himself up, only to instantly recoil from the heat. Seeing Krash approach from behind, Jeremy chooses a third option - ducking underneath the apron and diving beneath the ring! Krash chases after him, sliding to grab at his ankle, furiously yanking him out - but Jeremy has a cane in his grasp, and whacks it across Krash’s head, causing the challenger to recoil! Jeremy follows with a shot to the ribs, another to the back, and a third to the jaw, before tossing the cane over the fire, into the ring. Turning back to Krash, Jeremy grips him by the arm, Irish whipping him towards the ring apron - more notably, towards the flames!

But Krash leaps, catching the sole of his boot on the apron, before backflipping into a moonsault onto the unsuspecting Jeremy! Barely stopping to catch his breath, Krash continues the assault, unloading with a few rough strikes on the downed Jeremy, eventually rolling off of him, towards the apron. Crouching down, Krash decides to grab some plunder of his own, unearthing a table - much to the delight of the fans. Giving Jeremy an extra kick to the chest for good measure, Krash sets up the table in the aisle, before bending to grip Jeremy by the hair - But Jeremy struggles, breaking free, and after glancing at the game Krash and the heated flames, Jeremy once again choses a third option - turning around and diving over the guardrail, into the audience! Krash instantly sprints after him, refusing to let Jeremy get away, leaping over the guardrail!

Anzu Kurosawa: “And into the audience they go! Jeremy trying to run as far as he can, but neither Krash nor these fans will let him!”

Gasping, Jeremy tries to shove his way past the fans, many of whom are just not having any of it and making it as difficult as possible for the champion to make space between him and the challenger, to the point where the fans are a borderline fence. Krash catches up quickly, tackling Jeremy to the ground, hands curling, throwing wild blows and strikes as Jeremy feebly attempts to put up a defense. He finds that defense, however, by swiping a fan’s bottle of water and striking Krash across the head with it! As Krash reels, stunned, Jeremy takes a drink of the water, splashing some of it on his head, perhaps in an attempt to create some sort of shield against the flames. He then gives the - now empty - bottle back to the fan with an earnest “thank you.” The fan does not seem to reciprocate.

Turning back to Krash, Jeremy strikes with a superkick, catching Krash in the jaw, sending him stumbling back to the guardrail. Jeremy follows, catching Krash in a front suplex, draping him rib first over the railing. He then switches to a headlock, seeming going to DDT Krash onto the concrete floor! But Krash is able to struggle, blocking it, gripping Jeremy’s face and slamming him against the guardrail! Stunned, Jeremy attempts to hold on to the headlock, but is too dazed to do more than utter in surprise as Krash manages to maneuver it into a suplex hold… Using Jeremy as a balance, Krash climbs to his feet on top of the guardrail… Before Krash deadlifts Jeremy in a suplex, dragging him up onto the guardrail with him!

Champion and challenger, locked in an embrace, struggling for suplex superiority. Krash tries to suplex Jeremy from the guardrail to the ringside floor, but Jeremy manages to rake the eyes of Krash, preventing the attempt and gaining the upper hand. As Krash reels, Jeremy strikes, throwing himself at Krash - or more specifically, over Krash’s shoulder - It’s a sunset flip! Jeremy nails Krash with the Buddy Bomb, off the guardrail!

Anzu Kurosawa: “BUDDY BOMB ON THE FLOOR!”

Rolling aside, Jeremy slowly sits up, breathing heavily. He covers Krash… Only for the referee to remind him that falls and submissions have to take place inside of the ring. Frustrated, Jeremy grabs Krash by the leg, dragging him towards the ring… But Krash manages to kick him away, sending Jeremy stumbling towards the apron! Jeremy manages to stop himself before he touches the flames, reeling back, as Krash crawls.

Krash’s hand reaches underneath the apron, grasping at something -

Only for Jeremy to intercept with a sharp kick to the wrist, causing Krash to reel away. Jeremy crouches, grasping what Krash was seeking… Pulling out a toolbox? Kicking it open, Jeremy spies a claw hammer, tossing the rest of the toolbox into the ring whilst arming himself with the hammer. Deftly weighing it in his hand, Jeremy stalks Krash, before striking with the claw hammer!

Krash ducks, and the hammer strikes the steel steps with an echoing CLANG!

Jeremy throws another swing, but misses again as Krash rolls to a vertical base! Jeremy swings wildly, Krash slips just outside of the striking zone, desperately contorting his body between Jeremy’s increasingly frenzied and unfocused hammer swings! Finally, one of Jeremy’s swings goes wide enough, leaving an opening for Krash to duck underneath a swing, grip Jeremy from behind - push off the guardrail for extra spring - Reverse Tornado DDT! On the outside! Jeremy clatters on the aisle, dropping the hammer!

Rod Sterling: “Krash returns the favor, with a Reverse Tornado DDT - or Tornado Reverse DDT? - on the outside!”

Dazed from the dull ache throbbing through him, Jeremy starts to crawl away from the ring, up the aisle, while Krash climbs to a vertical base behind him. Stumbling after his foe, Krash stoops to pick up the claw hammer, twirling it in his palm. He approaches Jeremy from behind, raising the claw hammer, poised to strike!

Before Krash pauses. Glances at the hammer. And spins it around, focusing on the claw component.

Then Krash kneels down, shoving the claw component of the hammer into Jeremy’s nose!

Anzu Kurosawa: “The lengths Jeremy will go to leave, is matched only by the lengths Krash will go to force him to stay. Kind of ironic if you think about it.”

He starts yanking Jeremy back towards the ring, dragging him by the nose, as Jeremy gutterally shouts, trying to dislodge the claw from his nose! A thin trail of blood drips from one nostril, as Jeremy is pulled back towards the ring, despite his struggling. Jeremy’s scrambling hands manages to wrap around the cord of one of the cameras from a nearby cameraman, the sudden resistance causing Krash to halt, just enough for Jeremy to dislodge the claw hammer from his nose with a gasp while also causing the cameraman to trip slightly. As Jeremy climbs to his feet, Krash approaches with the claw hammer again - but Jeremy pushes the surprised cameraman towards Krash! Krash’s hammer swing SMASHES into the camera, narrowly missing the cameraman!

Krash is unable to dislodge the claw hammer, eventually abandoning it and leaving the hammer in the camera, which is somehow still able to broadcast. He turns, spying Jeremy stumbling around ringside. He approaches, carefully, wise to this bait-and-draw game, and this time when Jeremy swings with a steel chair, Krash is on his toes, avoiding the errant swing!

Jeremy stares at Krash, breathing heavily.

Krash stares right back at Jeremy, keeping eye contact as he kneels slowly, picking up a steel chair of his own.

A brief staredown ensures, before a duel breaks out!

Jeremy swings with his chair! Krash blocks it with his own!

Krash swings! Jeremy ducks, Krash hits nothing but air!

Chairs clash, each man attempting to overpower the other!

Krash manages to boot Jeremy in the gut, breaking the stalemate! He swings! Jeremy ducks, planting a boot on his backside and pushing him towards the flames of the ring apron!

Krash stops, turning in time to see Jeremy swinging the chair overhead! He’s unable to dodge it all together, managing to step aside and avoid taking the chair to the dome, but that only results in the chair striking Krash’s wrists, forcing him to drop his own chair onto the apron, where it lands on the flames. Jeremy is quick to follow up, swinging the chair once more, catching Krash right in the face! Krash collapses at ringside, blood already spurting from a wound right above his left eye, as Jeremy tosses the steel chair over the ropes, into the ring.

Rod Sterling: And a sickening chairshot hits, the deciding factor in this war!

Exhaling, Jeremy kneels, rummaging around beneath the apron once more, unveiling a ladder! Significantly larger than anticipated, it seems. He sets up the ladder by ringside, the metal frame standing tall, before turning his attention back to Krash. Slapping the White Wolf across the face, Jeremy lies his body across the table, before turning to climb up the ladder. But it would seem as though the slaps have done the opposite effect, as Krash slides off the table before Jeremy can notice, slipping to the other side of the ladder.

As Jeremy makes it to the top of the ladder, he poses for his ‘adoring’ fans, only to be met with a shower of jeers. He glances down, expecting to see Krash laid out on the table, but sees nothing to that effect. Instead, he turns around, shocked to see Krash halfway up the other side of the ladder. Flabbergasted, Jeremy throws a few wild strikes, his fists flying wildly, not hitting - but Krash is able to catch his fist and yank him against the top of the ladder! Stunned, Jeremy leaves the door open for Krash to climb the rest of the way up the ladder, and with a mere sigh, Krash grips Jeremy in a suplex, heaving him up, before falling backwards! The two fall off the ladder, landing over the ropes of fire, impacting the ring!

Rod Sterling: “A suplex! Off the ladder, back into the ring, perilously avoiding the fire!”

The impact is thunderous as both men crash into the ring, bodies bouncing off the canvas. The crowd roars, a mix of horror and excitement, as the flames around the ring flicker wildly. Krash and Jeremy lie motionless for a moment as Larry Stevens checks in on the both of them.

Krash stirs first, clutching his ribs in pain as he slowly pulls himself to his feet using the ring ropes for support while Jeremy also begins to stir, groaning in agony on the mat. Krash staggers over to the toolbox and its contents that have been scattered across the ring, narrowing in on a screwdriver which he leans over and picks up.

Jeremy manages to get to his knees, shaking his head to clear the cobwebs as Krash approaches...

AND DRIVES THE SCREWDRIVER INTO JEREMY'S FOREHEAD!

The champion collapses to the mat as Krash drops down for the lateral press.

ONE!

TWO!

T-NO!

Jeremy manages to find some life left in him to lift his shoulder up. But Krash seems unphased by the failed pinfall attempt, and instead lifts Jeremy's head up off the mat as he sits up on his knees, holding Jeremy's head in one hand and the screwdriver in the other..

And Krash mercilessly begins to drive the screwdriver REPEATEDLY into Jeremy's eye socket!

Rod Sterling: "This is disgusting! Jeremy is being absolutely mutilated in there! I don't like the guy but I'm not sure even he deserves this."

Anzu Kurosawa: "Maybe you don't think that, Rod. But look at what Krash has gone through. The torment he's been put through by Jeremy Best. Jeremy was right about one thing, though I'm not sure about the whole 'demon' thing but this is NOT the Krash we once knew..."

Krash finally tosses Jeremy's motionless body to the mat, blood pouring from his face onto the canvas and Krash seems to be in tears, kneeling down next to his tormentor's body. The crowd cheers grow louder, offering support to their hero during this emotionally draining moment.

Finally Krash rolls Jeremy over onto his back and makes another cover.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE…

NO!

Jeremy weakly lifts up his shoulders once again much to the aire of the fans.

Rod Sterling: "I can't believe it! How is Jeremy still in this match? The man is bleeding profusely and yet he refuses to lose once again to Krash."

Anzu Kurosawa: "This is the fight of his life, Rod. He knows what's at stake, but so does Krash. This is more than just a title match for both of them."

Krash wipes the sweat and tears away as he gets back up to his feet. He pulls Jeremy away from the ropes and toward the middle of the ring before slowly he staggers himself to the corner... Krash begins to ascend the turnbuckles... struggling to keep his footing from the exhaustion... but stands up straight... and removes his bloodstained elbow pad, tossing it into the crowd...

KRASH LEAPS FOR THE DAYBREAKER!

JEREMY MANAGES TO ROLL OUT OF THE WAY! KRASH HITS NOTHIN’ BUT MAT!

The crowd seems to audibly gasp in unison as once again, both men are down and Larry Stevens is there to check on both of them.

Both men slowly begin to stir, both crawling away from the center of the ring and toward the ropes…

Both eyeing a weapon…

Jeremy gets his hands on the singapore cane, but Krash manages to get to the ropes and reaches out, pulling the steel chair that had been cooking in the flames. The metal glows ominously as Krash manages to place a palm on the seat of the chair, pulling it slightly closer-

Only to reel back, wincing!

Anzu Kurosawa: “Notice that chair - it landed on the apron, in the fire. The faceplate has been cooking for the past few minutes, it’s got to be at a searing temperature! Krash can’t even grab it!”

Before Krash can turn, JEREMY CRACKS THE CANE ACROSS KRASH’S RIBS!

Krash drops the heated chair to the mat as Jeremy lifts him up off the mat… BACK SUPLEX ONTO THE SCORCHING CHAIR!

Rod Sterling: “Krash is dropped, back first onto that heated chair! If you’ve ever pressed your finger against a hot stove or iron, you know how that feels!”

Krash elevates his back off the mat, writhing in pain! Jeremy, bloodied and with one eye partially blinded, takes note of the searing chair. He pauses, marches over to the referee, ripping a part of his referee shirt off and wrapping the fabric around his hands! Protected, Jeremy snarls as he grabs the scorching hot chair. The malevolent look in his one good eye reveals his intent to finish Krash once and for all. He lifts the chair high and brings it down with all his might onto Krash's back!

WHACK!

Krash's body jerks violently, his back arching in pain as the chair leaves a large, red welt. The crowd's collective gasp is audible as Jeremy, undeterred, lifts the chair again.

WHACK!

Another brutal strike lands on Krash's back, and the welts begin to blister. Krash's cries of pain echo through the arena, but Jeremy shows no mercy.

WHACK!

A third strike, and Krash's back is now a horrifying mess of welts and burns. The pain is excruciating, but Krash refuses to give up.

Rod Sterling: "This is beyond brutal! Jeremy is like a man possessed!"

Anzu Kurosawa: "Krash is taking an unbelievable amount of punishment! I don't know how much more he can endure!"

Jeremy, breathing heavily and with blood dripping down his face, drops the chair. He looks down at Krash, who is barely moving, and a sadistic smile creeps across his face as he drops to his knees and makes the pin.

Rod Sterling: “I’m afraid this is it Anzu…”

ONE!

TWO!

THREE…..

NO! This time it’s Krash’s turn to defy all logic and manages to stick his arm up in the air, it shaking violently as a look of utter disbelief crosses Jeremy’s face.

Rod Sterling: “Wha-How?!?”

Anzu Kurosawa: “The power of spite is one hell of a motivator.”

Jeremy, seething with rage and desperation, grabs Krash by the hair and drags him to his feet. He positions Krash for his BFF finisher, lifting him up onto his shoulders. The crowd is at an uproar, hoping that there was something left in Krash to escape this... to fight it off...

And sure enough, just as Jeremy is about to execute the move, Krash is able to reach down and GOUGES Jeremy's bloodied eye with his thumb!

Jeremy screams in pain, releasing his grip as Krash slides down his back and lands on his feet. Seizing the opportunity, Krash spins Jeremy around and delivers a flurry of punches and forearm strikes, driving Jeremy into the corner.

Rod Sterling: "Don't count this man out yet! He's died too many times now to be stopped at this point!"

The champion staggers out of the corner as Krash charges in...

ONE-HIT KILL!

Jeremy falls into the ropes... out on his feet...

Before stumbling into the waiting arms of Krash...

DISCORDANT SERENITY!

Jeremy's head is planted squarely on the canvas as Krash locks in the guillotine choke. The pressure around his throat and his head up against the mat just causes more blood to gush from Jeremy's disgusting eye wound. His face turns red as he has very little left in the tank to fight this one off.

Anzu Kurosawa: "This could be it! Jeremy has nowhere to go! He's fading, Rod!”

Larry Stevens checks in on Jeremy. He isn't submitting but he's also showing very little signs of life.

Not a butt was in their seat at Madison Square Gardens..

Jeremy Best...

is...

Rod Sterling: "Wait just a minute! No! No! Please tell me it's not..."

Anzu Kurosawa: "I'm afraid it is.."

Rod Sterling: "The Friendship Wrestling Alliance!"

Just as it seems Jeremy was about to completely pass out, there is a commotion as the fans turn their attention to the ramp. Sir Stache and Mejor Amigo rush down the aisle, armed with Supersoakers. Tonya Scott brings up the rear as the duo approach the flames, garnering Krash's attention. He releases Jeremy, who slumps motionless to the mat.

Krash yells out at the trio, as Amigo and Stache look to come to the aid of their leader by squirting weak streams of water at the fire with no success in allowing them access to the ring.

Tonya Scott approaches the duo, pulling them by the masks to get their attention before pointing to the ladder at ringside.

Anzu Kurosawa: “I think we can see who the brains of this operation is.”

Amigo and Stache nod to one another, heading to the ladder. Stache insists on going first as he begins to climb the ladder…

However, before they can enter the ring to try and help out Jeremy, the crowd ERUPTS!

Three of the firefighters at ringside pull off their smoke masks, hats, and jackets to reveal…

CHRIS PEACOCK.

VIOLET DRYER.

ALYSTER BLACK.

Krash breaks out in howling laughter, gripping Jeremy’s head and dragging him up, to watch his backup plan fail!

Rod Sterling: “The calvary is here! Jeremy isn’t the only one with friends!”

The crowd is electric as Violet moves out first, armed with an aerosol can that she uses to spray into the fire - creating a flamethrower of her own that blows right onto Stache on the ladder!

SIR STACHE GOES UP IN FLAMES!

He leaps off the ladder, panicking about being on fire as Tonya urges him to stop, drop, and roll… but Alyster Black helps him out…

WITH A ONE SHOT KILL!

Stache goes head over heels to the ground as the real fire fighters rush over to extinguish Sir Stache.

Mejor Amigo attacks Violet from behind, snatching the aerosol can away from her, but after doing so, finds himself cornered by Alyster Black and Chris Peacock - both wielding their own fire extinguishers, but holding the nozzles right in front of their crotches.

Anzu Kurosawa: “Oh no…”

Rod Sterling: “Don’t tell me…”

The FTN duo flop their nozzles around before stroking back and forth, perhaps because they were struggling getting a good grip? Or perhaps for the innuendo of it all… yeah, that’s probably more likely.

And much to the dismay of the masked luchador, a creamy white substance sprays out from the fire extinguishers instead of the normal spray. Amigo is covered from head to toe in the white liquid, eliciting an uproar in laughter from the fans.

But Amigo’s torture isn’t over with yet as Peacock jabs him in the ribs with the fire extinguisher and then drops him with THE STRUT - with the force richotting him back up to his feet and into the waiting arms of Alyster Black who lifts him up and…

SENDS AMIGO THROUGH THE TABLE AT RINGSIDE WITH A DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!

The trio all regroup and turn their attention to Tonya Scott… who back pedals to the ramp, pleading her case with them… before she just turns and runs off heading up the ramp with Violet and Peacock giving chase.

Alyster Black stops to turn back to Krash and nods to his friend before looking under the ring, and retrieving a can of gasoline. He tosses it in, over the flames and into the ring. “Send ‘em to Hell,” Alyster instructs, before following the others to the back as well.

Krash stares blankly, glancing between the gasoline can, before nodding with a hollow grin, reaching for the gasoline can - But Jeremy darts for it, sensing untoward intentions! The two struggle for the can of gasoline, jockeying back and forth, some of the petrol spilling onto the mat, before Krash suddenly changes course, thrusting the can towards Jeremy! Some of the gas splashes on Jeremy’s face, and he recoils, eyes stinging! Jeremy stumbles, taking a step backwards, blinded, as Krash drops the gas can, grabbing something from the toolbox instead…

A glint of silver, and with a click, Krash locks something around Jeremy’s wrist - a pair of handcuffs, the other cuff locked to the second rope! Jeremy stares in horror, a mixture of blood and gasoline dripping down his body, as he contorts and twists, trying to break out of the handcuff, conscious of the fire surrounding the ring apron, trying in all god’s name not to get too close. Krash, meanwhile, kneels by the toolbox once more, unearthing a matchbox!

Rod Sterling: “Krash has to be careful here - handcuffs and Back In Business Main Events have not been a great combination.”

Jeremy’s eyes widen, as he kneels, imploring, pleading, for that singular iota of mercy, for the fraction of a soul that still resides in his ex-hero. And yet, Krash is unyielding, crouching beside Jeremy.

Then something gives him pause. His hands shake, fumbling with the matchstick. His eyes flicker to Jeremy, catching the tears rolling down Jeremy’s cheeks. And Krash… Hesitates?

The second of hesitation is enough, as suddenly a big meaty fist throws through the ropes, catching Krash on the jaw! Krash drops the matchsticks, as by ringside, Bryan Baxter huffs, much to the displeasure of the crowd, brass knuckles glinting from his fist!

Anzu Kurosawa: “Son of a- That bastard!”

Jeremy’s mood changes on a dime, smiling at the arrival of his buddy. He frantically gestures to the handcuffs, and Bryan is quick to snap the cuffs with a plier from ringside. Cheering in victory, Jeremy staggers away from the balefire surrounding the ring and gives Bryan a big welcoming hug. He gives Krash a couple kicks to the side, before picking up the can of gasoline and dousing the White Wolf!

Then he points to Bryan. More specifically, the matchbox, in Bryan’s hand.

“Bryan!” Jeremy shouts. “Light him up!”

Jeremy shoves the fuel-covered Krash towards the ropes, towards the fire, towards Bryan, frantically pointing! Bryan looks at the matchbox in his hand, at the tool of destruction. Then at Krash, crouched on the mat, heaving, his empty, barren gaze locked on Bryan, before breaking with a turn of the head. Finally, Bryan’s gaze moves up to Jeremy… An unreadable expression crosses his face.

Suddenly, the audience roars, and at the entranceway, Cyrus Truth appears, sprinting down the aisle! The final piece of the puzzle, the last backup! But he’s so far away, he’s running as fast as he can, but he’s seconds away while Bryan can ignite the White Wolf in an instant.

Rod Sterling: “Cyrus Truth! The last man! And the man who just earlier tonight took Bryan Baxter’s North American championship!”

Frantic, Jeremy’s demand grows, ordering Bryan to ignite and spread the flame.

To kill Jeremy’s demon.

To do the dirty work.

Again.

Maybe it’s a feeling akin to pity or sympathy for the traumatized man. Maybe it’s a tiredness of being ordered around, and the exhaustion of cleaning up behind the mess.

Maybe it’s simply a recognition that there are limits, even for him.

Bryan Baxter turns his gaze up to Jeremy, and shakes his head. He throws the matchbox over his shoulder, where it sails into the crowd. And then he turns, walking away from the match, from the ring, from the fire, from Krash… from Jeremy!

Anzu Kurosawa: “He’s… He’s walking away. Bryan Baxter is leaving Jeremy!”

Rod Sterling: “Unbelievable! After years of doing Jeremy’s dirty work for him… even Big Bryan Bastard couldn’t bring himself to doing this one for Jeremy!”

In the aisle, Cyrus Truth slows, his sprint reducing to a jog, as Bryan Baxter walks back up the aisle, not looking back at the cries of Jeremy Best. The two fixtures in the NA division meet in the aisle, eyes locking for a brief moment. Cyrus’s steel gaze bores into Bryan’s, studying his intention. Bryan simply glances over his shoulder, back at the stunned Jeremy, then back at Cyrus.

Cyrus steps aside. With a huff, Bryan Baxter moves past Cyrus Truth, marching towards the back.

Cyrus’s eyeline follows the big man, before turning back to the match.

Jeremy Best is shrieking for Bryan, even as he disappears behind the curtain, his final secret weapon having decided enough is enough, while Krash is kneeling, in a pool of gasoline and blood, eyes raised.

Krash’s eyes meet Cyrus’. He nods vaguely, still reeling from the effects of the suckerpunch, but the meaning is clear.

Jeremy has no more surprises up his sleeve.

It’s only them from here on out.

With a stern nod back, Cyrus starts to retreat, acknowledging that this is something that can only end by Krash or Jeremy’s hands. The books have been balanced.

As Cyrus disappears back behind the curtain, Jeremy finally seems to realize he’s alone, once and for all… Turning around, facing the challenger on his knees…

His mind reeling, scrambling for a gameplan after Baxter leaving him, Jeremy lets out a cry. A cry of loss, betrayal, frustration, anguish - who can tell.

He staggers towards Krash, gripping him by the fa-no! Krash catches him in a rollup! Jeremy struggles!

ONE!

TWO!

T-NO! Jeremy kicks out!

Jeremy scrambles to his feet, charging at Krash with a lariat - Krash manages to slide under, his shoulder clipping Jeremy’s leg, and Jeremy stumbles, landing inches from the fire. He frantically backs up, horrified, rising to his feet and turning-

THE ONE HIT KILL!

KRASH WITH THE ONE HIT KILL!

Jeremy collapses, motionless! Krash crawls, draping an arm over Jeremy’s prone body!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

WE HAVE A NEW..

NO!

JEREMY JUST BARELY KICKS OUT!

Rod Sterling: “That count was as close as it gets to a three! Everyone in New York… everyone watching around the world… they thought that was it! Krash was millimeters away from becoming a 2-time FWA World Champion!”

The two lay motionless on the mat, having given just about everything they had, and eventually Krash rolls aside, staring up at the lights. He slowly climbs to his feet, moving towards a corner, signalling for the One Hit Kill again! Jeremy slowly comes to, starting to rise, turning, and Krash sprints - Jeremy ducks! Krash catches himself before he hits the ropes, turns, Jeremy nails a pump kick! He hoists Krash upon his shoulders, looking for The BFF!

BUT AGAIN KRASH DIGS HIS FINGERS INTO JEREMY’S BLOODY EYE TO ESCAPE!

Writhing in pain, Jeremy turns around as Krash hits the ropes…

ANOTHER ONE HIT KILL!

BOTH MEN COLLAPSE TO THE MAT!

Larry Stevens stands over both…

Rod Sterling: “Normally this would be a standing ten count situation, but not in this match. There must be a winner.”

Anzu Kurosawa: “Are you watching the same match I am, Rod? Neither one of these men are going to look or feel like a winner tonight.”

With the crowd’s support growing louder, Krash sticks one hand up in the air, sending a wave of electricity through the fans. He then sits all the way up… and he makes his way to the turnbuckles.

Rod Sterling: “A Day Breaker here would surely spell the end for Jeremy Best.”

Slowly the mustachioed hero made his ascent…

It was time to put Jeremy away for good.

The fans rise with him, knowing that one final Day Breaker could spell the end for Jeremy Best. But as Krash reaches the top, Jeremy, showing an uncanny resilience, staggers to his feet. His eyes lock onto Krash, and with a burst of desperation, he lunges toward the corner.

Jeremy slams into Krash into the turnbuckle. Krash hits a back elbow to Jeremy before continuing to climb up but Jeremy climbs up after him. Both men jockey for position on the top rope, the danger of their precarious position becoming clear as the flames on the apron below flicker menacingly.

Anzu Kurosawa: “I don't like this... these two are both way too close to the flames given their bodies are soaked with gasoline."

The two men trade punches atop the turnbuckle, each strike sending them teetering on the edge. Krash lands a hard right, causing Jeremy to sway dangerously close to falling. But Jeremy retaliates with a forearm that rocks Krash. The crowd gasps with every blow, the tension in the arena reaching a fever pitch.

Jeremy attempts to hook Krash for a suplex off the top, aiming to send him crashing to the apron below.

Rod Sterling: “He can't be thinking a superplex here, can he? He'd be lighting both himself and Krash up in flames if he hits it!"

Anzu Kurosawa: “Jeremy Best clearly has lost all perception of reality and he very well could be prepared to go to Hell with Krash if he has to. Or he's so delusional that he thinks a muppet will jump out and protect him from the fall at the last second."

But Krash, eyes wide with the realization of the doom awaiting him if he falls, fights back, digging his fingers into Jeremy’s already bloodied face. In a desperate move, Krash bites down on Jeremy's ear, causing him to scream in agony.

Jeremy, writhing in pain, nearly loses his balance, but he grabs the top rope, managing to steady himself. Krash, still fighting with everything he has, tries to shove Jeremy off the top turnbuckle but Jeremy is still able to block it as the two go back and forth once again... fighting their way up to their feet on the turnbuckles...

HEADBUTT FROM JEREMY TO KRASH!

KRASH IS TEETERING...

BUT HE COMES BACK WITH A HEADBUT OF HIS OWN!

Jeremy... LOOSES HIS BALANCE..

BUT INSTEAD HE JUMPS OFF THE TURNBUCKLE on his own accord, landing on his feet but grabbing the tope rope as he comes down, shaking the ropes causing Krash..

TO FALL!

CROTCH FIRST ACROSS THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! Which is certainly painful but he at least avoided the flames...

BUT JEREMY COMES BACK IN..

SPRINGBOARD ONE HIT KILL TO KRASH ON THE TOP ROPE!

KRASH FALLS OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE TO THE APRON!

KRASH GOES UP IN FLAMES!

Every jaw in Madison Square Gardens is agape in shock and awe as both Anzu and Rod are both speechless at the sight of Krash's body engulfed in flames, frantically rolling back into the ring trying to get the flames out.

Rod Sterling: “GET IN THERE, DAMN IT! HELP THAT MAN!!"

Rod shouts out to the safety personelle at ringside as the firefighters do indeed rush to the ring with their exintuingishers in hand spray Krash down to put the flames out, but the damage had clearly been done.

The firefighters, Larry Stevens, and now a group of medics come to Krash's side, checking on the challenger.

Anzu Kurosawa: “This is just too much. Krash looks to be seriously injured here..."

But Jeremy, with a deranged smile creeping across his bloodied face, pushes his way through the medics and officials.

He grabs the barely-conscious Krash, who is still smoldering, and hoists him onto his shoulders. The crowd boos in disgust, but Jeremy is beyond reason now, driven by a twisted need to finish this. With a sickening thud, he delivers the BFF, driving Krash’s bloody, burnt, battered and bruised body into his knee, before he collapses motionless to the mat.

Rod Sterling: "This is SICK. We knew Jeremy Best was a lunatic but... this.. this is just disgusting."

Jeremy drops to his knees, his smile widening as he hooks Krash's leg for the pin. The mortified boos of the fans were defeaning, drowning out the sound of Larry Stevens counting the fall..

One.

Two.

Three.

RESULT:
Jeremy Best wins via pinfall at 48:20.

The bell rings, and the arena falls into a stunned silence, the reality of what just happened sinking in. Jeremy Best has won.

Kurt Harrington: ”Here is your winner… and… still… FWA World Champion… Jeremy Best….”

Even Kurt’s normally robust announcing of the winner is subdued in the moment.

Rod Sterling: "I can’t believe what we just witnessed… Jeremy Best is victorious, but at what cost?"

Anzu Kurosawa: "Krash gave everything he had… and more. But Jeremy… that was beyond vile."

Tears of joy flow across Jeremy's blood stained face as he is handed the FWA Championship, which he clutches over Krash's beaten body. The medics once again begin to tend to Krash as Jeremy stands up, lifting up his arm in victory but receiving no celebration from the crowd. Instead the reaction is more of horror and disgust as the vision of their hero on fire in the ring has forever been etched in their memories.

Jeremy once again pushes his way past the medics, dropping down to Krash and cradling his head in his arms.

“Shhh…” the camera comes in close so we can hear the quiet whispers as Jeremy leans in. “It’s okay… it’s over now. The Demon has been defeated… you can finally rest..”

With a gentle kiss on Krash’s forehead, Jeremy stands up, Krash’s head collapsing back to the mat motionless.

Anzu Kurosawa: "This man must be stopped.”

Rod Sterling: "You’re right about that, Anzu. But the question is… who?”

That would be the lingering question. There had been so much hope tonight. Hope that Krash would once and for all vanquish evil. That he would overcome his own internal struggle and conclude this story. That tonight would spell the end of Jeremy Best. The end of the Friendship Wrestling Alliance. The end of the “Friendship Era” of the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance.

But instead…

Jeremy Best still stands tall.

Friendship still reigns in the FWA.

Ozymandias New Member we are still live Posts: 26	Back in Business XVIII \|\| Night Two Results. Aug 13, 2024 1:58:51 GMT beavie likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Ozymandias on Aug 13, 2024 1:58:51 GMT jesus fucking christ

tig
New Member

Posts: 11

Back in Business XVIII || Night Two Results. Aug 13, 2024 11:30:31 GMT via mobile Dubb and beavie like this

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Post by tig on Aug 13, 2024 11:30:31 GMT

-Hw hw hwfg. Sign designer on point this year. The last guys right after last night. Tommy Bedlam is a total bad arse. Rod is legendary and Anzu I like because it’s good to have a female look on comms but for me Baby, Konch’, and Quinn seem like much more nuanced characters. Granted, they’ve rather lengthy active wrestler runs to fall back on for “their voice”.

-poor bad boy band
-woo TUX
-woo Erick rowans boo their sister woo cool bib entrance
-woo goodfellas
-woo falcon squad boo pipers goggs used against her
-woo t1/t4 woo cool bib entrance
-‘KIN BOOOOOOOO BOOOOOOOOO BOOOOOOOOO NO BOOOOOO GO AWAY BOOOOOOOO
-poor bad boy band
-Woooooooo gtfo here Greg Steve and Rat
-sneaky trash elim
-jinho we will neva forget ur sacrifice
-yeah gtfo outta here evil Lucy
-ohh shit double goodfella elim
-poor lumberjacks got bullied BULLIED I SAY
-noooo trash
-trance

xperienx

-18 rotations sick
-fenix and falcon was the impromptu team up I never knew I needed
-good guy falcon but fenix eats dust anyway
-fun elimination exchange to end it
-FALCONS WIN
-fun result well done oz and well done t/t on a fun reign
-fun opener and is vastly different than n1 opener which I like

-fuck off Danny
-fuck off Chris
-fuck off Alyster (but lol’d @ the Christmas card line)

-I will say that this coven war has had a lot of effort put into it and bib is the logical conclusion place: my problem is that unless I missed it (which I really don’t think I did?) it was a double no show/storyline affair and I don’t really like that at bib- cool with it, same as blizzard/Quinn last year but on a personal note I’m not a fan of it esp with a huge stip like jailhouse blues
-but onto the match!
-well written match and it’s very nice to see the combustible elements and relationships come to the fore here
-trixie taking a crazy amount of punishment with the post match, match itself and the 2on1 segment when kds got out, makes me think ahead to the x title defence against bedlam
-really enjoyed the spot of kds coming back and breaking into the cage
-things got really vicious at this point
-trixie becoming unhinged and the developments were fun but it perhap dragged on a little long
-right result
-as a stand-alone this is super fun and really well put together, kds looks like a star and trixie was barbaric come the end, I really think tho if trixie wins against bedlam later it’s a little kind of ehhh from a kayfabe standpoint (bit too much like super trixie for my own tastes) but it’s a shoot fed so I mean, whoever wrote the best promo should win, just think trixie took a helluva lot here and in kayfabe shouldn’t be winning against bedders
-the letters to trixie was chilling but needed

-super fun harrows seg once again and FUCK YEAH contract get. I know you couldn’t show at bib but your character work with harrows has been phenomenal gip. Onwards and upwards for the top star

-seriously interested in this one as idk how it’ll land (especially with not seeing parrs promo)
-frantic opening five mins
-enjoying katsus pin reversals
-like the spot and growing frustration in Baxter when he tried to pin all three challengers
-truth steals the win! Fuck that ending was well written and unexpected - I was like wait WHAT it’s over?? Truths legacy just keeps growing. I’m sure Baxter and Katsu (after being robbed) aren’t finished with this yet
-congrats Cy!

-Ooooo tension in fwa
-Baxter is gonna break away from best in a face turn at some stage and it’s going to be awesome

-video package for gabs/Lizzie was awesome and really makes me wish we had more - kudos to whoever put this together, makes it feel really big time.
-I like all the touches to the set up for this match like the ring, cane, spray painted tables
-Lizzie/gabs is a perfect story for both characters and it shine through here in a fun backdrop (well done match writers)
-this is seriously hardcore, I was a little fearful this could be zany and wacky but it’s been brutal with some nice touches and references, balance was struck well
-loved the use of the personal possessions
-FUCK YEAH LIZZIE
-potentially my favourite match of the weekend (which I seriously wasn’t expecting coming in)
-really enjoyed all of this, fitting for some sort of torn/eternal representation at the end but it was done subtly and it made it more enjoyable
Imo
-well done to all involved

-oh shit elite classic is back!!!!
-total bad arse tommy nullifying the dick hits
-into the crowd the x championship is really loving up to its billing this weekend
-shotgun drop kick down the steps is awesome
-it would seem the coven beef is not yet fully cooked
-trixie has been a helluva champ and they told a good story with trixie absorbing insane amounts of punishment but I DO think trixie was beginning to seem a little bit too indestructible/like a machine that can take inane amounts of damage SO seeing bedlam take the w really helps in that regard and it’s weird to say but I think it’s actually the best result for trixie and can allow her to keep going up the card and developing this character that’s done stellar work the last 6 months
-congrats tba bedlam
-also makes me happy that the trixie war earlier was addressed btw good stuff

-what an entrance from Krash
-interested to how a cremation match works (in execution the rules were made clear)
-Helluva entrance from best too and a frantic start with beaker being torched
-the hazmat suit is so lol
-my heart was in my mouth for the entirety of this match: I dunno if it was the stakes, the write up, the story, or the stipulation but this is just great
-BEST THROUGH THE FLAMES
-ouch buddy bomb on floor
-ouch tornado ddt on floor
-love the story of Jeremy trying to leave
-suplex from ladder to INSIDE the ring over the flames is innovative as fuck
-last night in the main we’d a fork NOW WE HAVE A SCREWDRIVER
-ew Krash ew not the eye socket!? Eye patch jezza!?
-bought both near falls 100%
-was waiting for fwa to get involved!
-oh ftn would you ever fuck off with ur 15 year old spots for crying out loud y are these the tag champs y y y y
-fr tho think the hidden firefighter spot was very innovative and showed good brainz by Krash
-Jesus gas in bests screwdrivered eye must be a BITCH
-was also waiting waiting for cy and bbb, usually would be against this level of interference in a bib main but think this particular story calls for it
-ONE HIT KILL THROUGH THE FIYAH
-wow best retains. In kayfabe I actually think this is the right result if I’m booking - 1–1 the bib mains and save a trilogy rubber for a huge event down the road.
-great match write up, different than last year but it was brilliant

Pretty strong n2 guys, congrats to Best! And our two new champions. A strong weekend folks well done all. Fwa is in a position to push on to a strong era now imo, hope everyone takes the momentum and runs with it.

Cheers for the bib experience guys, super fun.

Trixie Bordeaux
FWA Wrestler

Posts: 29

Back in Business XVIII || Night Two Results. Aug 13, 2024 12:01:46 GMT

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Post by Trixie Bordeaux on Aug 13, 2024 12:01:46 GMT

Aug 13, 2024 11:30:31 GMT tig said:

-as a stand-alone this is super fun and really well put together, kds looks like a star and trixie was barbaric come the end, I really think tho if trixie wins against bedlam later it’s a little kind of ehhh from a kayfabe standpoint (bit too much like super trixie for my own tastes) but it’s a shoot fed so I mean, whoever wrote the best promo should win, just think trixie took a helluva lot here and in kayfabe shouldn’t be winning against bedders

Yeah, I was aware that Trixie was absorbing a ton of punishment over the course of the weekend. She's supposed to be the world's greatest punching bag, but it was becoming a bit superhuman. I attempted to give her some weakness in basically having her tap out, only being stopped by Kleio catching her hand before it could slap the mat... but yeah, from a purely kayfabe perspective, Tommy whooping Trixie shoulda been the only outcome, lol.

beavie
FWA Wrestler

Posts: 75

Back in Business XVIII || Night Two Results. Aug 13, 2024 15:29:01 GMT via mobile

Quote

Post by beavie on Aug 13, 2024 15:29:01 GMT

Aug 13, 2024 11:30:31 GMT tig said:

xperienx

1. Oh... Katsu ain't finished with this. Losing close, while big congrats to Cyrus, I have the right level of salt to add season a certain upcoming match promo.

2. And I'm glad you enjoyed GoE. Jonny was a great co-writer and I knew there was a challenge trying to write the closure to a feud featuring a celebrated Hall of Famer in the Fed and one of her better recent rivals. Knew there was high expectations and we wanted to wrap a bow on it to either give a defining moment for Elizabeth, or a good finale to something I wish we could have done more with.

Will need to re-read the show a bit since I rushed because I was going to bed, but main event matched the night one main. Dubb and Wolfie made a ring of fire match entertaining. Well played.

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Back in Business XVIII || Night Two Results. Aug 13, 2024 19:15:03 GMT Dubb and Trixie Bordeaux like this

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Post by 𝓢𝓾𝓵𝓵𝔂 on Aug 13, 2024 19:15:03 GMT

Onto Night 2

Congrats to the new Trios Champs! Trick N Trash was a fun team, but now we get to see a new trios team. Is Oz the only handler involved here?

I can't emphasize enough how much I appreciate Welshy and his work in our Coven angle. Its been a really really good run the last year or so working as a tag team partner with him through Trios, and other other Coven related storylines. I know not everyone is thrilled about the storyline finish here, but it fit for how we wanted to wrap up this specific chapter and we both individually had other matches to promo for so we were okay doing it this way. Welshly wrote pretty much 95% of that huge match and put a lot of work in, and I think it was probably the one I enjoyed most for the show, althoug it does lose points for being storylined, but just from a reading aspect I think it's definitely great. I really enjoyed the arc of The Coven overall but now that chapter, and Kleio and Celestia's for the foreseeable future, and wrapped up. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with my partner Welshy in different ways as we continue to evolve and grow our characters.

Big congrats to Cyrus Truth for winning the NA title again. He was the clear winner for the belt here, and although Baxter's promo was good too I think Cyrus definitely earned that belt here as he becomes a 2x NA Champ. Disappointed the NA Goat Parr wasn't there, but it is what it is.

Really really suprised and a bit disappointed about Lizzie Rose vs Gabrielle. I thought that Lizzie promo was some of AON's best work, and personally, I had it winning. But it is what it is on that front. Just congratulations to AON on all that Lizzie development. He crafted a really good story, and the development for Lizzie from Ground Zero to now has been some really good stuff.

Trixie vs Tommy was probably my favorite match of the card, because they're two of my favorite characters. I refrained from saying anything Tommy related on my Night One post, because I was saving it for here, but I am SOOOO hyped that Tommy Bedlam is back and he's back as X Champion. The Ground Zero: Hardcore coach is really establishing himself as a hardcore FWA Legend. Saint Sully would be proud, and his girlfriend Blair is definitely happy about Tommy beating Trixie. Trixie had a good run as X Champion, but I do think this works out for Welshy in a bitter sweet sort of way because now he's getting an opportunity to continue to move up the card and potentially competing for the world title.

The main event was definitely as advertised. A great showing. I was rooting for Krash, but it's pretty clear that Jeremy Best has become the new face of the FWA (Sorry Chris Peacock).

Overall two really great nights of the greatest PPV of the year. Big thanks to all the mods, graders, and everyone else who helped put this one together. We couldn't have it without you guys, and it turned out once again to be a really amazing beautiful piece of work.

Last Edit: Aug 13, 2024 19:15:44 GMT by 𝓢𝓾𝓵𝓵𝔂

Jimmy King Administrator Posts: 17	Back in Business XVIII \|\| Night Two Results. Aug 13, 2024 20:10:43 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Jimmy King on Aug 13, 2024 20:10:43 GMT Night 2 Favorite match or matches? Favorite moments?

beavie
FWA Wrestler

Posts: 75

Back in Business XVIII || Night Two Results. Aug 13, 2024 20:20:16 GMT Jimmy King likes this

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Post by beavie on Aug 13, 2024 20:20:16 GMT

Aug 13, 2024 20:10:43 GMT Jimmy King said:

Night 2
Favorite match or matches?
Favorite moments?

Ignoring my contributions in GoE, once again the main event. There was just the right level of interference/drama to add to it without going too far.

A moment, I'll point to... a nice feel good segment of Aaron FINALLY getting officially signed and Elizabeth quitting, finally being "Lizzie" again was bitter-sweet. Sweet for the fans, bitter since I wish I could have done more work with AON and Jonny on that.

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tig
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Back in Business XVIII || Night Two Results. Aug 19, 2024 11:50:34 GMT tommy and beavie like this

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Post by tig on Aug 19, 2024 11:50:34 GMT

Aug 13, 2024 20:10:43 GMT Jimmy King said:

Night 2
Favorite match or matches?
Favorite moments?

Night 2 was fun match-wise and the obvious answer is the main - which deserves its flowers for SURE - buuuuttt, I super loved the Garden of Eden match. Thought it told a fantastic story and it was a really pleasant surprise as I remember not being super high on the GoE match last year. What an arc for Gabby to have gone through the character developments she has to be in a N1C match in 2024. I think her last title shot was like 2019? Her last reign must've been 2016? Super stoked to see where that goes. AON can be proud of the character work he has done with Lizzie and I think the stage is ripe for a babyface Lizzie to explode into the main event picture if that's where he chooses to go. I feel like Lizzie is a character who would get huge organic reactions.

The Falcon Squad winning the trios was a fun af moment. The main was FULL of great moments. The Coven/Trixie saga could've been a one-off special show in and of itself and was really satisfying and left the door open for more development. But for me, Total Bad Arse Tommy Bedlam reclaiming his X Championship a year after winning it the first time was a very cool moment.

Good idea with this, Jimothy. Hope to see more people's fav moments.

Back in Business XVIII || Night Two Results.

Post by mandalorian on Aug 13, 2024 0:16:54 GMT

Post by mandalorian on Aug 13, 2024 0:17:29 GMT

Post by Ozymandias on Aug 13, 2024 1:58:51 GMT

Post by tig on Aug 13, 2024 11:30:31 GMT

Post by Trixie Bordeaux on Aug 13, 2024 12:01:46 GMT

Post by beavie on Aug 13, 2024 15:29:01 GMT

Post by 𝓢𝓾𝓵𝓵𝔂 on Aug 13, 2024 19:15:03 GMT

Post by Jimmy King on Aug 13, 2024 20:10:43 GMT

Post by beavie on Aug 13, 2024 20:20:16 GMT

Post by tig on Aug 19, 2024 11:50:34 GMT

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