Fallout 043: "Steel City." || Results.
Sept 10, 2024 20:49:41 GMT
Jimmy King, beavie, and 3 more like this
Post by supinesnake on Sept 10, 2024 20:49:41 GMT
- 043 -
”STEEL CITY.”
Live from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Monday 9th September, 2024.
We pan around the PPG Paints Arena, the audience wild and rabid and repeatedly chanting the three initials F, W, and A as the show’s opening theme continues to play.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Welcome, wrestling fans, to Fallout 043, as we make our return to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for a scintillating night of action, with our primary focus being the continuation of the first round of the Elite Tag Team Classic.”
Konchu Hao: “A tournament in which one particular team has already qualified for the semi-finals - that’s us, Jean-Luc. Three more victims will join them tonight!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “But first…”
The camera cuts from its wide shot to a much closer one of the announce booth. Jean-Luc has affected his best ‘serious face’, staring at the lens as if he’s about to disseminate some very important information.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I, like millions (and millions) of FWA fans worldwide, was shocked and appalled by the events at the culmination of last saturday’s Meltdown. It was kind of indicative of the cavalier attitude of the show runners over there ever since the brand split, and although Chris Peacock is hardly a man whose wellbeing is close to my heart, I couldn’t help but be sickened by the way he was treated by this brand new super group. To think that I was in the building, but unable to lift even the smallest of my fingers to help, given the labours and exertions of Konchu and I’s triumphant tag team debut. But I was watching. And so, tonight, I make an appeal.
“I don’t appeal to Danny Toner. I know from experience that the Last Draw in the Sky is a man of low moral fibre. His traitorous actions with my father alongside Executive Excellence - the worst incarnation - are proof of that. Nor do I appeal to Nova Diamond or Ryan Rondo, who are so far gone in their blinkered worship of Toner that I doubt my words would sink in. And I generally don't make a habit of speaking to traffic cones.
“I mentioned Executive Excellence, and therein lies the crux of my despair. I'm sure you remember, Jhunha, the memories that we made, and the enemies that we made examples of. The things we shared: ambition, cause, and laughs. Well, maybe not so many laughs. Jackson ran a tight ship, after all. But the point remains: I remember, Jhunha. You, me, Triple J Security…”
Konchu Hao: “Weren't you trying to get Triple J Security fired last week?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”The point remains! You're better than those you got in bed with, Jhunha. And it's not too late.”
We return to a wideshot, Jean-Luc’s opening monologue concluded, with Natalie Rosenberg stood in the centre of the ring with a microphone in her hand.
[The Lumberjack || Jackyl]
Natalie Rosenberg: “Ladies and gentlemen, this match is set for ONE FALL. Introducing first at a combined weight of 625 pounds, they hail from The Yukon, Canada, they are the Luuuumberjaaaaaacks!”
Doug and Dan Lupone appear at the top of the ramp and raise their massive arms above their heads. They make their way toward the ring, high-fiving some fans along the way. The Lupone brothers climb into the ring and look toward the entrance ramp, waiting for their opponents in this first-round tag-team tournament matchup.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, Konchu, if we end up facing these two, you take the big one.”
Konchu Hao: “They’re both big, Jean-Luc…”
Natalie Rosenberg: “Aaaand their opponents, the Marionette Maiden, Nova Taylor… the Daughter of Demise, Keres, They… Are… Eternal!”
[Rage Beneath the Mountains Cover || Lindsey Stirling (Edit)]
The lights of the arena dim as the violins begin to screech. Walking out first is Nova Taylor, dragging her feet along, wearing her signature entrance mask. Keres follows behind her, cutting a glare as they make it out on the stage. Keres whispers something in Nova’s ear and she turns to her, giving a rigid curtsy before they head down the ramp.
Stopping at the end of the ramp, Keres looks forward and stops Nova beside her. She raises her hand and-
Snaps her fingers and the lights go off.
Konchu Hao: “Uh, Jean-Luc, if these two win, you take the creepy one.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “They’re both creepy, Konchu…”
They turn back on and Keres is in the ring on the middle rope and Nova, kneeling on the apron in front of her. Keres reaches down and takes off Nova’s mask and reveals her blank, near-lifeless, expression. Keres snaps her fingers again for the lights to turn off. When they are on, the two of them are in the ring, Keres holding the mask, as their music fades.
FIRST MATCH | 1/20. Eternal (Nova Taylor and Keres) vs. The Lumberjacks (Doug LuPone and Dan LuPone). The Elite Tag Team Classic: First Round. Match Writer: Tommy. |
| <<0:00>> DING DING DING As soon as the bell sounds, Nova Taylor and Keres spring across the ring, each planting a knee across the face of one of the Lumberjacks. Doug Lupone tumbles out of the ring and onto the floor. Jean-Luc Watkins: “Dan Lupone knocked to the outside early.” Konchu Hao: “I think that was Doug. I heard him yell ‘timberrrrrrrr’ as he fell out of the ring.” With Doug Lupone on the outside of the ring, Keres and Nova Taylor make eye contact for a moment. Keres picks Dan Lupone up and drives him across her knee with a backbreaker, holding him in place as Nova Taylor clubs to the top rope. Jean-Luc Watkins: “They call this Eternal Demise…Nova Taylor is up!” Nova jumps off the top rope and lands with both of her boots onto the chest of Dan Lupone. Jean-Luc Watkins: “AND SHE’S DOWN!” Keres stares at Nova Taylor, who instinctively rolls out of the ring as Keres goes for the pin. 1… 2… 3! This one’s over in a hurry and Eternal moves on in the tag team tournament. |
| Result: Eternal wins via pinfall at 0:27. |
Doug Lupone climbs back into the ring, obviously stunned by how quickly the match ended. He checks on Dan who is lying on the mat coughing and wheezing, still feeling the effects of Keres lumping feet-first onto his chest.
Keres and Nova Taylor roll out of the ring and stand in front of Konchu and Jean-Luc at the broadcast table, silently staring at one of the other teams that has advanced in the tournament.
???: “Salutations.”
All eyes turn to the stage, which is no wonder given all the lights in the arena are dimmed and one big spotlight is pointing at a sole figure sitting there. It’s a standard wrestling steel chair, the ordinary view contrasting with the extraordinary man sitting on it. The chorus of boo’s raining down upon him gives a hint of his identity after last Meltdown’s shocking events. The camera focuses and zooms on him, leaving no further doubts.
Nova Diamond: “It is I, the one who, alongside my merry band of accomplices, has shaken this mausoleum of mediocrity to its melting, weak core. It is I, the one who carved himself a Hall of Fame worthy career with sheer temperance, dedication and efficiency. It is I, the one who, despite being here for more of a good time rather than a long time, still had to give his tears, his emotions and his soul to this place. And it is none other than I, who is here to take it all back.”
Initially hunched further in the start of this, Nova leans back and looks around. He holds a prop skull in one of his hands while the other one looks as free as ever.
Nova Diamond: “Do not fret, dear people, for it is not our beloved Disco’s skull that I am holding. We have not gone that far … yet.”
The last ‘yet’ is drawing quite the negative reaction.
Nova Diamond: “Since you’ve all seen what a fat lot of good it did for Chris, you should not let yourselves be dragged into a false sense of security by this act of moderation. Indulgence is fully the name of the game here. The question is not about doing what we should or what we must, no, it’s always been about doing what we can and what we want. At Meltdown, our top intention was to send a message that was going to echo through the crumbling structure of this sorry establishment. And honestly, who in their right mind can claim that we didn’t accomplish that?”
The crowd seems to be split, one half is content with booing while the other half has taken to an evergreen chant:
SHUT THE FUCK UP!
SHUT THE FUCK UP!
SHUT THE FUCK UP!
Nova responds by putting his free hand on his chest dramatically and acting offended.
Nova Diamond: “The manners of some people! I come here, armed with some good news at my back. The good news that I, yours truly, personally, will be Danny Toner’s dance partner in the upcoming tag tournament!”
There is some confusion from the crowd at this announcement, maybe some of them already assumed that to be the case, but eventually they once again settle down on boo’s. Nova laughs.
Nova Diamond: “What, you absolute ingrates expected something else? Did you expect Ryan? Did you expect to see TxR, the greatest tag team in wrestling history, back in the ring together? HAH! Ryan Rondo is a living legend, and you’re asking him to waste his time with Lumberjacks or those Halloween chumps or any other no-name shitters that this tournament might put in front of us? You’re all even dumber than I thought!”
He’s now gesturing to the crowd to go even louder in their jeers.
Nova Diamond: “As for me, well, I don’t mind getting my hands bloodied … even if it’s with jobber blood. I just want to make it up to you for all of the lost time. I want to show you the greatest version of Nova Diamond, who has shredded himself of all doubt, all second-guessing and all the bullshit. But let me warn you beforehand, you’re not going to like what you see…”
He raises the prop skull once again, locking ‘eyes’ with it.
Nova Diamond: “Now … is the winter of our discontent ...”
Then his gaze turns to the nearest cameraman, the feed cutting to a close-up of his sadistic expression.
Nova Diamond: “ … let’s see if you can survive the cold, the hunger … and the hunters … “
Nova stands up and folds the chair, then gives the fans a dramatic theatre bow in front of the hateful audience before heading out to the back.
[One Headlight || The Wallflowers]
There's a ripple of cheers across the PPG Paints Arena as XYZ appears on stage, although he doesn't react to them in the same way that he usually would. He wears his newly won FWA Television Championship on his shoulders, but a great despondency lies over him. He looked around the arena with a glum expression on his face before dutifully walking down the ramp.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Ladies and gentlemen, your next contest is scheduled for one-fall, with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, from Sitka, Alaska and weighing in at one hundred and eighty pounds… he is the FWA Television Champion… XYZ!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "As Katie-Lynn just announced, XYZ was one of the big winners at Back in Business, where he was able to finally overthrow long-term rival Kleio De Santos and become the FWA Television Champion. That's his first taste of singles gold in the company, but you wouldn't think it to look at X. He looks pretty shell-shocked, making his way to the ring but looking far from ready for singles action."
Konchu Hao: "Who can blame him? The maternal bond is a special one, Jean-Luc! You can't play with a boy's heart like that. Most tellingly, though, is the fact that he's alone here tonight in Pittsburgh, with no sign of the Ménage at his side."
XYZ slowly climbs the steps, one foot on each at a time, and then struggles to get through the ropes. Eventually he does, taking up position in a corner and staring off into the middle distance as his music fades out. Then, we hear…
[For the Damaged Coda || Blonde Redhead]
A choir of children begin to sing after a lengthy sinister haunting piano melody is played, searchlights look around the arena for none other than Captain Righteous who comes floating down from above the crowd, who clearly aren't quite sure what to make of him just yet.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And his opponent… currently residing in Manhattan, New York… he weighs in tonight at two hundred and seventy pounds… CAPTAIN RIGHTEOUS!!"
The captain's cape flaps majestically as he rests both hands on his waist, smiling and scanning the crowd below. Finally he lands half way down the ramp where he walks confidently towards the ring only to float from outside the ring, over the ropes and finally lands in the ring. Stalking the ring like the true apex predator he is Captain Righteous let's his opponent know he's the best. This is his ring.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, I think it's clear that this debutant certainly isn't short of confidence…"
Konchu Hao: "Love the theatrics! But let's see if he can back it up, my beloved Jean-Luc!"
The official conducts some final checks on both of the competitors, XYZ barely even registering the fact that he's being spoken to. Righteous seems eager to start. The official finally obliges and calls for the bell…
SECOND MATCH | 1/20. XYZ vs. Captain Righteous. Singles Match. Match Writer: supinesnake. |
| << 00:00. >> Captain Righteous attempts to start the match by circling the ring, expecting XYZ to reciprocate. X, however, simply occupies a stationary space near his corner, barely even looking at Captain as he attempts opening maneuvers. Eventually tiring of X’s lack of response, Righteous charges at his opponent, looking to hit him with a running knee strike. X wakes up and evades by backpedaling into the corner, but isn't able to avoid the shoulder thrusts that follow. After hitting X with a half-dozen of them, Righteous takes him by the wrist and Irish whips him across the ring with force. It's a heavy impact with the opposite turnbuckles for XYZ, who stumbled out from them, and straight into the running knee strike from Righteous! He doesn't miss a second time! The Captain spends a few moments to exhibit a heroic pose, eliciting some cheers from the audience, before he goes back to work, housing X up in a front facelock. Jean-Luc Watkins: "Looks as though Righteous is going for a DDT, but it's a reversal from XYZ! Signs of life from the Television Champion! He skips begins and wrenches the newcomer's arm behind his back with a hammerlock…" Konchu Hao: "And then he just… releases?! Strange tactics from XYZ. Pacifism never got anyone anywhere. But that appears to be the approach that he's adopting!" Jean-Luc Watkins: "Indeed, XYZ now returns to simply staring at his opponent, poe-faced and glum. I guess the events of Back in Business, now nearly a month ago, are still weighing heavily on the new champion." Righteous seems confused for a moment, perhaps not used to an adversary who doesn't seem interested in fighting back. Eventually he shrugs, and slaps on a side headlock… *** << 04:20. >> We return to the match with XYZ still doing very little in the way of offense, other than reversing some holds and then disengaging. If Righteous is frustrated he doesn't show it, instead going back to work, this time picking X’s ankle with a single leg takedown, before attempting to turn him over onto a single leg Boston crab. X lashes out with his free leg, though, booting the Captain until he relinquishes his hold on his other leg. Rather than get to his feet, though, X instead remains supine on the ground, staring up at the lights. As if he finds them too much to behold, he closes his eyes. Righteous stares at his opponent for a moment, a quizzical look on his face, before he leaps down into a cover… ONE… NO! Jean-Luc Watkins: "XYZ kicks out, for some reason… I’m not sure why he didn’t just stay at home tonight. He’s clearly in no mental state to compete, but he doesn’t seem to want to give Righteous a free win." Righteous helps X up to his feet before Irish whipping him into a corner. He pauses for a moment and then follows him in, maybe going for a splash or a clothesline, but when he gets half-way across the ring, X drops down into a seated position in the corner. The unexpected motion - and subsequent lack of evasion - causes Righteous to simply stop in his charge. He decides that something bigger is needed, and so he grasps Righteous by the wrist, yanks him up to his feet, and then onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry. The Captain walks him out towards the middle of the ring, but XYZ reaches out to grasp the top rope to halt his momentum, and then pulls himself out over the ropes and onto the apron. Konchu Hao: "More evasive manoeuvres! Stand and fight!" XYZ remains on the apron with his hands on the top rope, a glum look on his face, staring despondently at Righteous. The Captain seizes his opportunity, grabbing the top rope too and yanking it towards him, causing X to flying over the ropes. Righteous catches him on his shoulders, again in a fireman’s carry, and in one fluid motion drops him on his head with a Death Valley Driver! This is enough to sufficiently weaken XYZ, and the Captain wastes no time in hoisting him to his feet once more. He lifts him into a powerbomb position, turns to a corner, and flings him against it with a bucklebomb!! Jean-Luc Watkins: "I believe he calls that Land of Milk and Honey! And immediately he goes into the cover…" ONE… TWO… THREE! |
| Result: Captain Righteous wins via pinfall at 07:31. |
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And it’s enough! Captain Righteous picks up the win in his debut!"
Captain Righteous rises to his feet, but he doesn’t look particularly pleased by the nature of his victory. He looks down at XYZ and shakes his head, before allowing the official to raise his hand.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… Captain Righteous!!"
After hearing his name called by the announcer, Righteous seems to get some of his swagger back. He cuts another heroic pose on the second rope, celebrating his triumph as his cape billows behind him.
Suddenly, we cut away from the arena and to the backstage area. Specifically, the camera opens up in Jon Russnow’s office, where he watches proceedings on a monitor on his desk. He narrows his eyes in disapproval.
Jon Russnow: "So that’s how you want to play things, XYZ?! This is how you think a champion behaves?!"
He shakes his head and bangs his fist down onto the desk.
Jon Russnow: "I understand that you’re going through a rough time right now, but goddamnit we’ve got ratings to maintain! Sponsors to please! A network to placate! This simply won’t do. You know what? We’re going to do it again… at Lights Out, and for the FWA Television Championship! Maybe that will shake you loose from your lethargy…"
The authority figure smiles to himself, as if he’s pleased by his own judgment. We cut back to the arena. It isn’t clear whether XYZ - the man who it was aimed at - heard this proclamation, but it’s obvious that Captain Righteous did. He smiles broadly and nods his head, excited about the opportunity that has been presented to him. We fade to commercials on this image.
Blenders.
A scene backstage shows that there is some sort of commotion going on, with the cameraman rushing towards the door of the trainer’s room. Shouting and pained screams can be heard inside. Jon Russnow’s distinctive voice is heard in all of the bustle.
Jon Russnow: “Where is the damned security at? Get yo- HEY! LIE YOUR ASS DOWN!”
The cameraman braves it and bursts into the room, with Russnow standing next to a bundle of people; medics and stagehands trying to hold someone down onto the bed. The person groans and grunts as they fight, clearly in significant pain. An opening finally presents itself for our viewfinder and Chris Peacock’s face is shown through the mess of limbs. His face is swollen, his left eye blackened and half-shut. As some of the bodies move his chest and shoulders can be seen. There are a slew of bruises and grazes across his entire body.
Chris Peacock: “Get off of me! Russnow! LET ME GO! GET THEM OFF OF ME NOW!”
Ignoring Peacock, Russnow rubs his head and turns to the man standing in the corner of the room, FWA’s leading medical expert, Doctor Smith.
Jon Russnow: “Doc, is there any way of this happening tonight? I’m worried what’s going to happen to me and everyone else if I cancel this match-”
Chris Peacock: “DON’T YOU FUCKING DARE!”
Jon Russnow: “See what I mean?”
Dr. Smith exhales and reads the sheets of paper in front of him. He examines the notes that he has taken and shakes his head and then shrugs.
Dr. Smith: “Obviously he’s in no state to wrestle tonight. But you’re right, I don’t think you want him on the warpath when he is back to himself, not to mention it could mean I’m a lot busier having to look after anyone that tries to stop him. What those bastards did to him and Alyster? It’s no wonder he’s mad. In fact, I think that if he wasn’t so angry, he wouldn’t even be here. It’s driving him.”
Jon Russnow: “So what? You think I should let him wrestle? You want me to put that in the ring with Michelle von Horrowitz of all people? He’s gonna have to sign a waiver. I am not having us liable for what she does to him out there.”
The compromise seems to settle Peacock and he stops resisting on the bed, closing his eyes and wincing as he puts his hands up over his face. Russnow seems content with the ruling and goes to leave, but Smith clears his throat.
Jon Russnow: “You got something you want to say?”
Dr. Smith: “Yeah, matter of fact I do. Sure, Michelle or you won’t be liable. What about Toner, Diamond and the rest of them? NTR just beat the hell out of your two biggest stars - your damn tag team champions - and hijacked your broadcast. You’re just gonna let that slide? I’ve had Alyster Black on that table more times than I can care to remember but what I got delivered on Saturday night was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. The message you’re going to send out is that this is okay?”
Russnow remains silent. He looks at the floor but is then forced to look into Smith’s eyes as the doctor takes a step closer to him.
Dr. Smith: “How about it, Jon? You gonna grow a spine? Because otherwise I think me and the rest of the staff around here have got to start asking whether you had something to do with this. They got the production truck, who’s to say that it isn’t medical next? Catering? Ring crew? You want a mutiny on your hands?”
With a gulp, Russnow slowly nods his head and glances at the cameraman, realising that he is being filmed. He clears his throat and uses his tie to wipe a few beads of sweat from his brow.
Jon Russnow: “Alright. Toner, Diamond, Rondo? Chris Peacock is having his match tonight. Y-Your actions robbed the people of what was sure to be an incredible match between Chris and Michelle von Horrowitz… and you crossed a line when you took over my show.”
A nod to himself reaffirms his position, and Russnow begins to speak with slightly more confidence.
Jon Russnow: “I’m going to assign Chris Peacock a security detail tonight, but given what we saw on Meltdown, I’m not sure a dozen guards would be enough to stop all of you if you wanted to. But here’s what is going to happen if any of you lays a finger on him tonight. The tag tournament? Forget it. You’ll be OUT. You touch my production truck again? You’re OUT.”
With the law laid down, Russnow shares a nod with Dr. Smith before he straightens his suit out and leaves the room. With Russnow gone, Smith begins to direct his team to attend to Peacock on the table and get him in the best possible shape for his upcoming match.
The funky sounds coming through the P.A. system are unfamiliar to FWA ears but the hot pink filter that illuminates the entirety of the arena brings back quite distinct memories. The camera surveys the stand entrances instinctively, but the awaited and expected figure is nowhere to be found in any of the crowd exits.
It isn’t long before the growing roar of a particular section of the PPG Paints crowd attracts the attention of the Fallout cameras and Tonton J.J. JI! is found seated, legs crossed with a beer in hand, and some bento sushi on his lap. He stuffs some wasabi in his mouth, downs the rest of his beer, promptly throwing his cup at a black-masked fan - whether it was Konchu Hao or Alyster Black the fan represented, J.J. JI! cared little.
The pink-masked, pink-tentacled figure stands up tall (humbly so) in a matching pink and white tracksuit. He takes a moment to breathe in the moment, tentacles bobbing up with the inhale. Once that deep breath is taken, he makes his way through the row of seats and into the stairway.
He yells loud enough for the camera crew who have caught up to his spot. “Don’t call it a comeback! This is my debut! A new beginning!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: ““Well, if there was any doubt as to who ‘Tonton J.J. JI!”, as he now titles himself, is - that’s good and gone now.”
Konchu Hao: “Of course it is! He isn’t even trying. Do you know what Tonton means?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’d like to think I do.”
Konchu Hao: “Pointless excess. At least he seems to be alone!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “You’re right! Not one of his Neveux’s in sight.”
Tonton J.J. JI! gets a quick chance to defy those statements when he spots a pink-octopus masked young little lady. He’s quick to pull out a pink marker that doesn’t read on the pink mask, sign off his name, at least one can assume. Tonton makes a few more stops on his way there, enough for the repeating “ouuuhhh” to start echoing across the PPG Paints Arena.
When he reaches the barricades and climbs over, he walks the length of it with impressive balance till he reaches the spot behind the two commentators. He hops onto the commentary table catching both Hao and Watkins off guard, each of whom gather their things and walk away.
Konchu Hao: “What’s he doing here?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Maybe he couldn’t read the signs to the proper wrestler entrance?”
Tonton pays neither of them any attention, as if disturbing their peace didn’t really slip onto his radar. He hops down from the table and slides into the ring, grabbing the microphone from Natalie, and effectively putting an end to the filter and the funk.
Tonton J.J. JI!:“N.T.R. Best Friends. FTN. Vox Potensis.”
Tonton glances at the commentary table.
Konchu Hao: “Last but certainly not least.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I think he was listing them from worst to best.”
Tonton J.J. JI!:“I wonder who has them all so excited? Is it just the thrill of Back in Business-eve. A new landscape. Perhaps it’s rumors of the arrival of my Neveux? Yes, that does sound the most likely. Alas, we must wait a little for that. Because tonight, against Hollywoo’ Bedlam, 1% is all Tonton needs. X Champion, I’m as impressed as anyone at what you were able to do at Back in Business. But we all know you ain’t got much left in you. There was barely anything in you to begin with. And I have no enemies here to sabotage me. En plus, as I have just demonstrated, should you push me off the apron and into a table, I will land deftly on my feet, and the table shall not see its structural integrity questioned. There is no taxi to take you away. And threatening to burn me alive isn’t a legal way to win. It’s not. It sucks, je l’avoue. Tonight’s a very straightforward wrestling match. And when it comes to very straightforward wrestling matches, well, I don’t think you’ll believe me until you experience it yourself. But don’t beat yourself up, it's a non-title match. I’m sure you’ll keep that in mind when you’re debating tapping to save yourself from another surgery.”
Tonton hands the microphone back to Natalie and heads back into his corner, taking off his tracksuit and readying himself.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Aaaand his opponent, accompanied by Rocco Sullivan, he is the FWA X Champion, he is “HOLLYWOOOOOD” TOMMY BEDLAAAAAAM!”
[2001 A Space Odyssey || Charlie Parra]
A single spotlight shines down from the ceiling as Tommy Bedlam slowly makes his way out of the backstage area. He steps into the spotlight, a long, black jacket barely dragging the ground around his feet.
He turns around slowly, his arms outstretched at each side, opening the coat, revealing the new-look FWA X Title.
As the crowd in Pittsburgh lets Bedlam know how much they hate him, he struts toward the ring with Rocco close in tow. Bedlam steps through the ropes, unsnaps the title from his waist, and holds the X Title high in the air over his head.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “This match isn’t for the X Title, but Bedlam sure is proud to show off the title that he’s redesigned..”
THIRD MATCH | 1/20. Tommy Bedlam vs. ’Ton Tonton’ J.J. JI!. Singles Match. Match Writer: Tommy. |
| <<0:00>> DING DING DING As the bell sounds, Tommy moves in quickly toward J.J. JI! who is still seated in the chair he brought into the ring. As Bedlam moves in closer, J.J. JI! stands to his feet, and Bedlam goes for the chair, but it gets kicked out of the ring before he can get a hand on it. The two men quickly grab one another in a collar and elbow tie-up. Jean-Luc Watkins: “Bedlam was going for that chair. He needs to remember that this isn’t an X-Rules match.” J.J. JI! gets the better of the exchange and shoves Tommy across the ring. Bedlam rolls and jumps back to his feet before engaging in another tie-up. This one turns out the same, and Bedlam hits the ground in a heap. This time, he rolls out of the ring, slams his fists on the apron, and Rocco quickly moves in to calm him down. Bedlam stomps up the ring steps and climbs back through the ropes only to be met by a knee to his head and shoulder that knocks him to the outside of the ring in a heap. The X Champion is reeling. The official steps in to create some distance between Bedlam and J.J.JI! so Tommy can get back into the ring which he finally does. With the official still talking to J.J. JI! Tommy runs in and delivers a back elbow, barely missing the official, and finally getting his first bit of offense in. J.J. JI! stumbles backward into the corner and Tommy quickly moves in with a series of kicks to the midsection. The official tries to pull Tommy away, but to no avail. The count begins. 1… 2… 3… 4… Tommy finally stops and puts his hands up in the air. He quickly charges back in and begins stomping away at Tonton once again. Again, he backs away as the official gets to four. *** << 04:14>> Tommy is still in control of this one as he picks J.J. JI! up over his head and drives him to the mat with a vicious Alabama Slam. Bedlam goes for the pin! 1… 2… NO! J.J. JI! kicks out at two. Bedlam gets to his feet and begins to argue with the official who he believes slow-counted that pin attempt. This is the opening that Tonton needs and he brings Tommy to the mat with a shoulder to the back of his knee. J.J. JI! quickly applies an armbar to his fallen opponent, wrenching Tommy's right arm backward. Jean-Luc Watkins: “Remember, that’s the shoulder that Bedlam injured months ago. I’m not sure that we’ve ever seen Hollywood Tommy Bedlam tap out, but this might force him to.” Tommy inches closer to the ropes, desperately trying to grab the bottom rope, but J.J. JI! uses his core strength to pull Bedlam away from the ropes. Konchu Hao: “He really may force Bedlam to tap out here. This guy’s going to come in and win this match.” Tommy finally manages to get his long legs around the bottom rope, and now the official begins a five-count on J.J. JI! who is in no hurry to release the hold. 1… 2… 3… 4… Finally, Tonton releases Tommy’s arm, but he immediately starts…BITING HIS FOREHEAD! Tommy is kicking frantically as the official tries to pull J.J. JI! away, finally managing to do so. *** << 07:28 >> Both men are on their feet, trading punches in the middle of the ring. Tommy connects with a mighty right hand which staggers J.J. JI! but he can’t do much with it, as his opponent bounces off the ropes and connects with a huge left hook of his own. Tommy off the ropes, and he lands an uppercut that staggers Tonton. But, before he can build any momentum, J.J. JI! delivers a violent punch to the kidneys. This stuns Tommy, and once again, both men are toe-to-toe. Tonton goes swings wildly, but Tommy ducks and connects with a headbutt that knocks his opponent into the corner. He manages to stagger out of the turnbuckle, and Bedlam drives him down with a spear. Both men are down! Tommy drapes an arm over Tonton. 1… 2… 3… NO! J.J. JI! kicks out once again. Konchu Hao: “If Bedlam could have gotten a little more of that pin, I think this one was over.” *** << 10:01 >> These two competitors have thrown everything they could at one another, and neither seems ready to back down. Rocco Sullivan slides the steel chair that Tonton had kicked out of the ring to start the match under the bottom rope! The chair is in the ring, and Tommy has it! J.J. JI! is slow to his feet, and Bedlam is poised to drive the chair into his ribs, but the official pulls it away! As the referee hands the chair to someone at ringside, Rocco pulls something out of his jacket pocket and slides it across the ring to Tommy. It’s brass knuckles, and the official has no clue! Tommy shoves the knucks in his trunks and grabs J.J. JI! by the back of the head. He shoves his head under his arm and hooks his opponent’s arms. He’s going for the the Bullseye! Tonton manages to get free with a quick kick to Bedlam’s shin, and now the champion is in the corner. Tonton delivers a backhanded slap to Bedlam, then another. He leans back, and IT’S THE PINK MIST! But Tommy grabs the official and pulls him into the path of the mist, the ref can’t see! Bedlam reaches into his trunks, pulls out the brass knuckles, and lands a brutal punch to the side of J.J. JI!’s head. Tonton is down and Bedlam goes for the pin. The official, desperately wiping the pink mist from his face falls and begins to count, even though he’s facing the wrong direction. It doesn’t appear to matter, as Tonton is out cold. 1… 2… 3… DING DING DING! |
| Result: Tommy Bedlam wins via pinfall at 11:02. |
The official, still mostly blinded tries to raise Tommy’s hand, but he pulls away and hands the brass knuckles to Rocco who shoves them in his jacket pocket.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner, HOLLYWOOOOD TOMMY BEDLAAAAAAM!”
The ringside attendant hands Rocco the X Title and he presents it to Tommy who drapes it over his shoulder, a satisfied smirk on his face. Meanwhile, we see a defeated Tonton slinking back over the barricade and towards his chair in the audience.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, this wasn’t an X Rules match, but Bedlam still managed to use a weapon to pick up the win.”
Tommy and Rocco celebrate in the middle of the ring before they make their exit and head up to the ramp, soaking in the hatred from the Pittsburgh crowd.
After a commercial break, we return to the arena in a wide shot, and there's a stir amongst those in the arena as someone wanders onto the stage. There is no entrance music, no lighting, no pomp and circumstance, but it is unmistakably Michelle von Horrowitz who appears. She starts to scan the arena, as if attempting to pinpoint somebody sitting amongst the capacity crowd. It looks as if she is doing that because that's exactly what she's doing.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "We have Michelle von Horrowitz out here on the stage, but she's not scheduled to compete until later on this evening. She looks like she's seen a ghost…"
Konchu Hao: "A ghost of the past, maybe."
Eventually, Michelle seems to locate the visual reference ages looking for, and she then marches straight to the ramp before hopping over the barricade. A cameraman follows her as she wanders through an aisle in the crowd, eventually finding the staircase that she's looking for. The audience attempts to interact with her in the usual ways - offering her high fives, parting her on the back, and generally screaming in her general direction as she passes by - but she pays them no mind. She has a singular purpose and destination in mind.
She soon reaches the row that she's looking for. Sitting on the end of it is Ton Tonton, who is watching events unfold on the big screen. It's only when he sees himself on the screen that he turns to face her, a broad but slightly bemused smile on his face. He sets his hot pink slurpee and rises to his feet.
J.J. JI!: "Ah, a new colleague! A new meeting! My favourite!"
He’s not holding a microphone but the camera is close enough to hear him anyway. He then holds his hand out, expectantly, but she makes no move to reciprocate. Instead, she just stares at him with a rather blank expression on her face.
J.J. JI!: "You climbed all this way just to stare at me?! Find your tongue! You only get one chance to make a first impression!"
Still nothing. Tonton takes his hand back.
J.J. JI!: "Suit yourself. I’m somewhat excited for your match, although I must admit that the disappointment of my own one has dampened that a little. But I’m a keen student of the game, so perhaps I’ll learn something from the great Michelle von Horrowitz."
Her eyes speak of her dismay. Her mouth falls agape. Tonton continues to smile. The words only just barely come.
MvH: "Uncle… it’s me…"
This only seems to confuse Tonton. He narrows his eyes.
J.J. JI!: "Of course it’s you! Who else would it be?!"
MvH: "You don’t recognise me?"
He places a hand on her shoulder, his smile returning, as though he’s trying to reassure her.
J.J. JI!: “Obviously, I recognise you Dreamer. You’re quite famous! Did you not hear what I said about being a student of the game? I’ve done my research."
Dreamer blinks. Opens her mouth as if to speak. Then closes it again.
A few more seconds of passive staring. She looks hurt. The realisation that she’s been forgotten becomes real again. She turns and walks away, back down the steps and towards a nearby turnstile.
J.J. JI!: "Good luck in your match!"
Tonton sits down, takes a sip from his slurpee, and turns back to face the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: ”The following tag team match is scheduled for one fall with a twenty-minute-time-limit! Introducing first…”
[[Bow Down || I Prevail.]]
After a few seconds of the song playing and the crowd cheering for what’s to come, The Undisputed Alliance make their way out on stage. Jackson Fenix is less jovial than usual and more serious and focused while Nate Savage is firing up the crowd, and he’s also trying to fire up his partner.
Natalie Rosenberg: ”Making their way down to the ring and weighing in at a combined weight of four-hundred and seventy-six lbs…Jackson Fenix and Nasty Nate Savage…they are The Undisputed Alliance!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Here come The Undisputed Alliance, who will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss at Back in Business for the Trios Championship alongside Xperienx Xtacee. They have another chance to get back in the title picture with a win here tonight that will put them one step closer toward becoming two time FWA world tag team champions.”
Konchu Hao: ”That’s right Watkins, and maybe it’s me but I can’t help but notice that Jackson Fenix seems less enthusiastic. I understand he’s still reeling about the loss at Back in Business, but he needs to get his head in the game if he wants to win tonight, especially if he wants to get through a rival team…”
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Whoever wins here could possibly be facing us Konchu, but I digress. I think the losses that have been piling up for The Undisputed Alliance are starting to get to Fenix, which would explain his stony demeanor tonight.”
Konchu Hao: ”I would be upset too if I knew that a possible Rasputin’s Revenge was waiting in my future!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”I’m aware of your history with these two but let’s not look past them or their opponents for that matter.”
[Rivers is a Vampire || Bear Ghost & Dan E.T.]]
The crowd continues to cheer as Trash Mammal and Halloween Knight burst out from behind the curtain onto the stage. Knight is doing his usual schtick of a silly dance while Mammal slaps hands with a few fans along the way to the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: ”Making their way down to the ring and weighing in at a combined weight of four-hundred & fifty-eight lbs…Halloween Knight and Trash Mammal…Trick or Trash!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Trick or Trash, another team that was involved in that Trios battle royale at Back in Business. As a matter of fact they were the defending champions along with Juan Tothrefor but much like UA they came up short in that match and now find themselves on a possible path towards more gold in FWA.”
Konchu Hao: ”It should be noted that Nate Savage has a solo victory over Halloween Knight back at Fallout 041 on June 15th, which gave Undisputed Xperienx that spot in the Trios battle royale at Back in Business.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”It goes back even a bit further than that, Konchu. Trick or Trash made their debut at last year’s Back in Business in a win over the former proteges of Undisputed Alliance, Kung Fu Boom, which started because of Trash Mammal wanting an interview with Fenix and Savage.”
FOURTH MATCH | 1/20. Trick or Trash (Halloween Knight and Trash Mammal) vs. The Undisputed Alliance (Jackson Fenix & Nate Savage). The Elite Tag Team Classic: First Round. Match Writer: Jimmy. |
| DING! DING! DING! << 00:00 >> Halloween Knight and Nate Savage kick off the match and they waste no time tearing into each other by trading lefts and rights. Eventually, Savage has Knight on the ropes, and brings down an open palm strike across Knight’s chest! Knight holds his chest, which is covered up by his wrestling attire, but the slap still did its job as referee DJ Franchise checks on Knight. Savage wastes no time driving his fist into Knight’s jaw with a spinning forearm strike and then he drives a boot to the midsection before dragging Knight away from the ropes and he connects with a double underhook DDT! Savage hits the ropes and comes back with a jumping seated senton and he hooks the leg but Knight kicks out before a count can be made… Savage drives down a few stomps for good measure before hitting the ropes again and this time he hits a running senton to Halloween Knight! This time Savage drags Knight over to the corner and a tag is made to Fenix and a double team suplex to Knight from The Undisputed Alliance! Trash Mammal is reaching to his partner for a tag and Fenix looks over at him and flips him off, and the crowd is unsure of how to react to Fenix’s behavior… Jean-Luc Watkins: ”The unusual behavior from Jackson Fenix continues, perhaps shades of the old Jackson Fenix have started to creep back in…” Fenix stands over Knight, who is on one knee, and Fenix drives several fists to the head before hitting the ropes and Fenix nails Knight with a shining wizard and now a pin! One…NO! Halloween Knight kicks out and Jackson Fenix resorts to a rear headlock on Knight, but Knight starts to rally back thanks to the fans and he drives a hew back elbows into Fenix’s midsection, which forces Fenix off of him and Knight counters with a sitout jawbreaker! Fenix is stunned but he’s still standing as Halloween Knight is doing his signature dance walking across the top rope before he leaps off for the TERROR Tornado DDT but Fenix is able to shove him off into the ropes. Halloween Knight with a rebound off the ropes and ducks a clothesline from Fenix and hits a dropkick that sends Fenix back first into a corner…Halloween Knight makes a beeline toward Fenix…monkey flip out of the corner! A shockwave of pain shoots through Fenix after he hits the mat back first and he makes the tag to Savage just as Knight tags in Mammal… *** << 05:03 >> The match rolls on and Nate Savage has taken control of Trash Mammal after it looked like Mammal had taken control of the match for his team, but Savage turned that around and he has Mammal in a rear headlock. Mammal starts to show some signs of life after he manages to break out of the hold, but Savage counters back with a bionic elbow straight to the dome that rocks Mammal! Savage sends Mammal to the ropes and strikes with a kitchen sink on the rebound! Savage begins to position himself up top…jumping rope moonsault! Savage goes for the pin now… One…TW--NO!! Mammal gets a shoulder up and rolls out of harm’s way to the nearest corner where he looks for some reprieve. Savage comes charging in toward Mammal but Mammal gets a boot up that stops Savage in his tracks and sends him reeling back a little. Mammal readies himself on the top rope now and leaps off with a crossbody splash, but Savage catches him in midair and Savage is about to bring him down but Mammal quickly wriggles free and counters with a DDT! It’s Mammal with a pin now on Savage… One…TW--NO!! Savage gets a shoulder up this time and rolls over to his side while Jackson Fenix is reaching out for the tag… Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Nate Savage waited one second too long which allowed Trash Mammal to counter and put his team back in the driver’s seat!” Konchu Hao: ”Nate Savage should make that tag but he looks like he’s seeing stars more than his partner after getting dropped on that big head of his!” Savage does manage to make the tag and Fenix comes in hot and takes down Mammal with a running clothesline! Fenix turns around and drills Halloween Knight off the apron with a cheap shot as well, which elicits some boos from the fans, and Fenix looks like he regrets that after the fan’s reaction and apologizes to Knight and the fans… *** << 09:28 >> Konchu Hao: ”Fenix’s regret may come back to bite him…and it does as Trash Mammal strikes back!” Trash Mammal hits a springboard spinning elbow strike to Fenix! Both men are out of it now but Trash Mammal drapes an arm over Fenix’s torso for a pin attempt… One…two…NO!!! Fenix rolls over after getting a shoulder up and crawls back to his feet in his corner where Nate Savage tags himself back in, much to the dismay of Jackson Fenix, who looks annoyed at his partner and tries to argue but Savage brushes him off… Konchu Hao: ”Oooh, it looks like there could be some trouble brewing between Savage and Fenix!” Jean-Luc Watkins: ”They certainly have not been on the same page thus far this evening…” Savage ducks a running clothesline from Trash Mammal and sends him to the corner, and he charges toward Mammal but Mammal moves out of the way causing Savage to hit the corner. Halloween Knight is tagged in and with Savage in the corner he starts firing away with several strikes to wear down Savage and Knight then backs up before charging at Savage…but Savage counters with a uranage! Savage has Knight where he wants him as he sets him up in the corner…cannonball senton in the corner! Savage climbs up the second rope where he seats himself before leaping off…elbow drop on Halloween Knight! Savage is fired up now and the crowd is getting behind him as he picks Halloween Knight up…pumphandle neckbreaker! Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Could this be it?! Nate Savage is firing on all cylinders right now!” Savage ascends to the top…frog splash! He hooks the leg… One…two…THR--NO!!! Halloween Knight stays alive! *** << 15:01 >> The match is reaching the final stretch now and Trash Mammal is back in the match as he proceeds to climb back to the top…but Nate Savage catches him again and this time Savage brings him crashing down with a powerslam! Savage is feeling it now and he looks like he’s calling for the Nasty Bomb…but Fenix tags himself back in…Savage accepts it despite being annoyed by it… Fenix is in now and waits for Trash Mammal to get up…The Britney Spear! Fenix then rolls him over for the pin and he’s holding Trash Mammal’s tights! The referee goes for a count but sees the tights being held and scolds Fenix… Fenix starts to plead his case but then ultimately apoligizes for it. He leans down to pick up Trash Mammal but he's caught! Mammal with a Playing Possum pinning predicament! One…two…THREE!!! |
| Result: Trick or Trash wins via pin fall at 15:35. |
As soon as the bell rings, Fenix and Trash Mammal pop out from the pin and Fenix exchanges a wide-eyed and stunned stare with Nate Savage, who was close to getting back into the ring. Trash Mammal laughs heartily and claps his hands together as he is embraced by Halloween Knight. An additional small cheer raises up when Juan Tothrefor runs out from the back to celebrate with his teammates.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Here are your winners… TRICK OR TRASH!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, I think that we can certainly chalk this one down as an upset, Konchu. Your old nemeses The Undisputed Alliance have fallen to two thirds of the former Trios Champions!”
Konchu Hao: “Epsilon will certainly be pleased! KEHAHAHAHA!”
TR1CK OR TR4SH are in the ring in celebration at Basura and Knight’s advancement to the next round, meanwhile the inquest is underway for Savage and Fenix, both of whom seem stunned by their defeat here.
Following the poor showing earlier in the night, the newly crowned and reigning FWA Television Champion is strolling the hallways purposelessly. XYZ drags his feet, seemingly despondent as ever, with the soles of his shoes barely raising above the floor in his shuffle steps. His arms hang limp at his side, with the Television Championship held weakly from his right hand grip and the strap dragging on the floor.
XYZ's depressed state is noticeable, and Katie Lynn Goldsmith seeks the opportunity to try and get a few words.
Katie Lynn Goldsmith: XYZ ... you finally won your first singles championship in the FWA -- the FWA Television Championship -- yet you look like your dog die...
Katie Lynn catches her words as she realizes what she just said and, more importantly, who she said it to: someone who's lifelong trauma is partly tied to the death of their dog.
Katie Lynn Goldsmith: What is going on with you?
XYZ: What is going on with me? Did you not watch Back in Business? Did you not see the wool pulled from my eyes to reveal the plot. I don't even know the true nature of the plot, but my mom ... is once again ... gone.
Katie Lynn Goldsmith: Well, I don't think she ever was your mom to begin with.
XYZ: Exactly. And now, I have no one. I don't even know if I'll ever see that woman, the imposter mom, again. I have no one, and I have no answers. I am a fish swimming in a pot of soup. I am a firebird in the artic. I am a rhombus cloud circling Jupiter. Do you know how that feels? The Menage is gone. I shooed them away thinking my mom would be by my side ... forever. But that was no mom. And now I have zero. No Big Al. No Menage. No mom. I'm lost in the woods. This championship ... it is ... the only thing I have to my name. Yet, it feels more like ... a weight. A burden to carry. Something to force me forward when all I want to do is lay on the ground and melt into a puddle of air. It is a sack of bricks amid a life full of them.
XYZ then kneels on the ground next to Katie, who lowers the microphone. The TV champ begins screaming up toward the ceiling.
XYZ: TAKE ME AWAY! TAKE ME TO THE LAND OF IDIOMS! I HAVE NOTHING LEFT! I AM ... broken.
XYZ then walks away, leaving those words for Katie and everyone watching to contemplate. XYZ has a future championship match, yet his mind seems elsewhere at the moment.
[In Dreams || Roy Orbison]
The fans react loudly and are mixed in their response for ‘Dreamer’, who slowly walks out onto the stage with a determined and focused look on her face. Michelle looks out to the throngs of people in front of her and slowly blinks, not giving much else away. As Roy Orbison continues to croon over the speakers, she paces her way down to the ring in a slow, methodical manner.
Natalie Rosenberg: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit! Introducing first…. ‘Dreamer’ MICHELLE VONNNNN HORRRRROOOOOOOWIIIIIIITZZZZZ!!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “‘Dreamer’ kept her Back in Business winning streak in tact by defeating ‘Der Basterd’ inside Madison Square Garden in what on paper would be considered short order. The truth of the matter is that whilst the match lasted a handful of seconds, both had brawled throughout the venue prior to the opening bell. It is a different, adverse streak that she looks to break tonight though; that being her run without a victory against Chris Peacock.”
Konchu Hao: “After what we saw on Meltdown and earlier tonight with Peacock arriving in the arena, it pains me to say that this bout will likely last a manner of seconds also, given the state we saw Chris Peacock to be in.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Credit where credit is due; Peacock wants to fight, but whether he is going to be able to fight are very different prospects. That being said, it would take nothing short of a miracle for Peacock to continue this run against MvH… and despite that fact, Michelle looks as ready as she would be to face the Grand Slam winner in his prime.”
‘Dreamer’ settles in the ring, leaning on the ropes looking forward to the gap in the stage where she had just emerged from. Finally, she frowns, unsure whether she is even going to have a chance to avenge her fortunes against one of her constant adversaries.
[He’s the Greatest Dancer || Sister Sledge.]
The music plays, but to the surprise of almost no one, Chris Peacock is absent from the stage. The curtain begins to ruffle and a few limbs are shown waving around through the slit, before a member of the medical team is shown in full view being shoved down onto their backside. Some fans cheer when Chris Peacock reveals himself, although the rest are aghast when they see the condition he is in. Bandages cover almost his entire torso, effectively mummifying him, and his face is still almost as mangled as it was on Saturday night. Barely able to support his own weight, Peacock staggers and limps to the ring, using the shoulders of the security guards and doctors who are urging him not to complete.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Her opp-op-opponent… C-Chris Peacock…”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I suspect poor Natalie is equally as shocked as we are that Chris Peacock is even able to walk, let alone try to compete in this match against the most formidable of opponents. There’s no shying away from it and no other way to put it in all honesty; NTR fucked him up.”
Konchu Hao: “Indeed. A new threat emerged at the most painful of times for Peacock. Still mourning for his brother, betrayed by a friendship he thought repaired. The tag team champions were obliterated in the most raw and vicious of ways by NTR. Revenge will come, one day, but at what cost? What lengths do FTN need to go to to right what happened on Saturday night?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Revenge has to wait. Peacock has been offered sanctuary tonight by Jon Russnow; no further harm will come to him at the hands of NTR… not that I think that Danny Toner would want to interfere with Michelle in any case. If they do appear and go after Chris Peacock again, they’re out of the tournament. But how can Peacock possibly be ready for this match? Physically, emotionally, mentally? This is a broken man.”
With great effort, Peacock gets up the steps and into the ring, almost slipping on the apron and causing himself further damage. In the ring, Larry Stevens is quick to offer support for Peacock to lean on and can be heard desperately pleading with Chris not to go through with it. It seems for a moment that Peacock will see sense, but then he exchanges a stare with his opponent. Seeing Michelle von Horrowitz across the ring from him causes a fire to light in his eyes. In this enemy he sees them all. He shoves Stevens away, and this action does cause a small smile to flicker in the corner of Michelle’s mouth. Peacock leans on the ropes and demands that the referee calls for the match to begin.
FIFTH MATCH | 1/20. Michelle von Horrowitz vs. Chris Peacock. Singles Match. Match Writer: Man. |
| The bell rings and there is an air of nervousness from the watching fans as Chris Peacock lets go of the top rope and takes a couple of stunted steps towards the middle of the ring. Michelle looks at him with utter contempt, almost snarling at him. Despite his battered and beaten state, Peacock slowly raises his fists… BUT MICHELLE RUNS THROUGH HIM WITH A BUSAIKU KNEE!!! The fans are silent as MvH hooks the leg of the knocked out Peacock, and Larry Stevens grimaces before dropping to his knees and making the count; ONE… TWO… THREE!!! |
| Result: Michelle von Horrowitz wins via pin fall at 00:18. |
The bell sounds and ‘In Dreams’ plays, with there not being much else in terms of noise in the arena. MvH looks down at Peacock, almost disappointed, and then watches on as the medical team use him being barely conscious to provide him with the further treatment he desperately requires. She shakes her head and spits on the mat next to Peacock, before retreating into her customary seated position in the corner. Natalie Rosenberg can barely bring herself to announce the match result, and instead all she can muster are some incoherent stutterings into the microphone before she takes her seat once again.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m not sure how much satisfaction Michelle von Horrowitz took from that victory.”
Konchu Hao: “The record books will decree what they will and now FTN have lost a piece of ammunition against her, there are other victories to be taken here. But this is something that will have no doubt been celebrated by NTR, Danny Toner especially.”
A stretcher is ran out and Peacock is rolled onto it. He is not able to signify any sort of gesture to give the fans hope as he is carted away. Michelle von Horrowitz is left alone in the ring.
An advert airs for the Hall of Fame ceremony, due to take place at the Anniversary Show in three weeks time. Footage of the two previously announced inductees - Phillip A. Jackson and Saint Sully - is shown, advertising speeches from the two FWA legends as part of the event.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following match a quarterfinals match in the Elite Tag Team Classic and is our MAIN EVENT of the evening!”
[What’s New Pussycat? || Tom Jones]
The boos are overwhelming inside of the PPG Paints Arena as the returning Nova Diamond and Ryan Rondo walk out first, followed by Danny Toner. All three soak up the reaction from the crowd, enjoying every single solitary boo they want to send their way. A fourth person then walks out behind them, revealing that the NTR theme song is not a recording but is actually being sung live in the arena by Sir Tom Jones.
♫WHATS NEW PUSSYCAT?? WOOAAAHHWOWWAHHWOOOAAHHH!!!♫
Jean-Luc Watkins: “We found out earlier in the show that the tag team that was going to represent these uncorrigible gentlemen was going to consist of Danny Toner and a returning Nova Diamond, instead of the former tag champions and Back In Business main eventing team of TxR.”
Konchu Hao: “The fact that they are going to run this tandem for the first time ever in a high stakes tournament like this is certainly a bold move, Jean-Luc, but have they been anything but bold yet? However, I can already see how this choice will affect them negatively against a team like us, my partner in both commentary and the tag team tournament! ”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Whilst I don’t share the full hundred percent of your optimism, Konchu, I will also add that this will be the first time Nova Diamond wrestles in Fallout since 2022. And his last match was also 2 years ago, period. While he looks to be in the best shape of his career body-wise, we’ll see how the last 2 years have treated the self-proclaimed Miracle Man’s wrestling skills.”
Konchu Hao: “Certainly, and it’s apparent that they’ve chosen to use Sir Tom Jones to assault everyone’s ears here in the arena as an opening salvo! ”
Nova makes a gesture for Tom Jones to stop singing and takes the microphone as the NTR principles continue to stand at the top of the ramp.
Nova Diamond: “Merci, Tom! My word, is there nothing better than having a rip roarin’, hand clappin’, titty slappin’ LIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE entrance to hype up a main event?? FWA universe, once again, you are most welcome!! Alright Tom, we’ll take it from here, go and look after our dojo boys in the back now and make sure they’re still doing those 1000 neck bridges we told them to. Make sure none of them are slacking now, even the one who is a cone so doesn’t have a neck to bridge!”
Danny Toner takes the mic from Nova as NTR slowly start walking down the ramp. As Tom Jones disappears backstage, Toner starts yelling over the still-playing music soundtrack and the continued boos.
Danny Toner: “Lets make one thing clear before we get down to brass tacks tonight: JON RUSSNOW, WE DON’T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT YOU LITTLE EDICT! If NTR wanted to, we would go over to the milking table where Chris Peacock is having a lie down on right now and cave his head in some more for funsies, we would do what we did on Meltdown all over again and YOU would do NOTHING about it! You would stand there with your knees shaking, wetting yourself in front of a LIVE audience while we break your favorite little toys and your little tournament!”
Ryan Rondo then takes the mic away from Danny and does a high-pitched whiny impression of Jon Russnow’s voice.
Ryan Rondo: “STAHP IT YOU GUYS!! NO BEATING MY COCK OFF WITHOUT WARNING ME FIRST ON MYYY SHOW, OKAAYYY???? YOU GUUUYSS, STAHP TOUCHING MY TONKA TRUCK, IF YOU GUYS TOUCH MY HOT WHEELS AGAIN YOU’RE OUT, OKAAAYY???”
Rondo cackles as he tosses the mic back to Toner. As NTR reaches the bottom of the ramp, Toner looks right into the ramp camera.
Danny Toner: “Jon Russnow, Russlater, Russnever, you should be so lucky, you should feel grateful that NTR is saving your job and gracin’ your shitty little program and this shitty tournament with our magic touch. Let me tell you once more, just in case it didn’t get through your thick slab head, the next time we wanna pay a visit to Peacock and send our best wishes, we’ll do so where we want, when we want, and there’s nothing a paper pushin’, pencil neck knob like you or that little lamb gimp Alyster Black OR anyone else is going to do about it, except watch along and stroke yourself while we do our thing!!”
Danny then pie-faces the ramp camera and throws the mic down on the floor. Nova and Rondo laugh, pointing to some of the derogatory signs about them and mouthing off some words to some of the fans. They eventually climb the steps and strike some obscene taunts in the apron before entering the ring. Rondo taps both Nova and Danny’s shoulders and gives them brief tactics before rolling to the outside, leaving the competitors of the match alone in the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Introducing first… at a combined weight of four-hundred six pounds… they are representing NTR… they are.. NOOOOOVVAAAA DDDDIIIAAMMMOND… and… DANNNY…
“FUCKING!”
Natalie Rosenberg: “TTTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONER!”
Toner smirks - even after his actions on Meltdown, the fans can’t help themselves.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I would say what happened on Meltdown and this obscene rant we’ve just been subjected to was shocking… but I’ve known Danny Toner long enough and seen first hand what he’s capable to say I wasn’t surprised at all.”
Konchu Hao: “Ah ha! I believe even you Jean-Luc, had something to do with one of those other times he pulled a fast one on the fans. And is this new group pulling another fast one on those who perhaps expected a TxR reunion in the ring tonight?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Yeah… well… trust me, I think I prefer present company much more, to say the least. But while trusting Danny Toner was probably a huge mistake on the part of Chris Peacock’s - I was much more surprised by the returns of Nova Diamond and then Ryan Rondo to align with Toner.”
[Life’s a Happy Song || The Muppets]
It’s more boos, this time for the opponents, as Bryan Baxter walks out first, back to sporting his glossy red letterman jacket featuring the “BUDDY SYSTEM” embroidered on the back versus the “BASTARD” one he has been wearing for the past year. Baxter walks out alone, looking to the back, seeming confused about the lack of his partner joining him.
Natalie Rosenberg: “And their opponents, at a combined weight of four-hundred ninety-two pounds… representing the Friendship Westling Alliance…. BBBBBIG BBBBBBBBBRYAN BBBBBBBBBBBBAXTER and the FWA World Champion… “Your New Best Friend”... JJJJEEERRRRRREMMMMY BBBBBBBBBEST! THE BUDDY SYSTEM!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “The fans are going to struggle with who to cheer for in this match. Just when it seemed like Bryan Baxter had had enough of doing Jeremy’s dirty work, once again Jeremy showed a gift of gab as he manipulated Bryan into entering this tournament for a shot at the FWA Tag Titles.”
Konchu Hao: “There’s just one problem here, Jean-Luc. It would appear Jeremy is nowhere to be found!”
Clearly concerned, Bryan makes his way down to the ring, climbing in where he is approached by FWA official Larry Stevens. There’s a back and forth between the two as Bryan seems to indicate he doesn’t know where Jeremy is.
Just as it appeared Bryan might have to go this one alone, someone emerges from the back!
It’s Jeremy… but…
He’s in a wheelchair?
And a neckbrace along with the patch over his eye we saw on Meltdown. The wheelchair is being pushed by Sir Stache, who stops wheeling him at the top of the ramp as Jeremy is holding a microphone.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Now wait just a minute… he was fine on Meltdown! I smell shenanigans here, Konchu.”
Konchu Hao: “Shenanigans have more of a savory smell. This is foul.”
Jeremy Best: “Hi…ya.. Ooowww… my neck!”
Jeremy uses his free hand to rub the part of his neck just above the neckbrace. In the ring, Bryan Baxter is not amused, his hands on his hips.
Jeremy Best: “I’m afraid… I have some bad news… I was getting in some training this morning… and I’m afraid I had a bit of a setback in my injuries… and well… I’m no longer cleared to compete tonight.”
”What the FUCK?!” Bryan voices off mic in the ring, becoming enraged.
Jeremy Best: “I know… I know… I’m very sorry, Bryan. But here’s the thing… I have faith in you! You can do this buddy! You don’t even need me tonight! You can win won for us and I promise I’ll be ready for the next round. You got this! Go Bryan go! Go Bryan go! Go Bryan go! Good luck, buddy!”
”This is BULLSHI–” Baxter’s last exclamation is cut off as Toner and Diamond both come in from behind, attacking Bryan in a double team while Sir Stache wheels Jeremy away from the stage and to the back.
SIXTH MATCH | MAIN EVENT | 1/20. The Buddy System (Bryan Baxter and Jeremy Best) vs. ?? and ??. The Elite Tag Team Classic: First Round. Match Writer: Dubb. |
| Larry Stevens reluctantly signals for the bell as this has evolved into a handicap situation for Baxter now that Jeremy has been wheeled to the back by Sir Stache. Toner and Diamond both wail away at Baxter’s back, as Bryan turns to face them and begins to valiantly try to fight back against the double team. Bryan blocks their attack and scores a big right hand to Toner, rocking him backward as Bryan turns his attention to Diamond, hitting him with a series of right hands, backing Diamond toward the rope until Toner comes in from behind with a chopblock to the back of Bryan’s knees, dropping him down as Diamond is able to smash Baxter across the head with a stiff elbow. The crowd, still digesting Jeremy Best’s “injuries” and sudden exit, begin to rally their support behind Baxter in this unenviable situation. Jean-Luc Watkins: “Bryan Baxter has a lot of fight in him and is a big, powerhouse… but I’m not sure even he can stand across the ring from these two… plus Ryan Rondo watching on at ringside… the deck is stacked against the two-time former North American champion.” Larry Stevens, trying to get some order restored here, breaks up a double team stomping of Baxter on the mat, pointing out it’s still a regulation tag match so there can only be one legal man in the ring. Toner backs off, agreeing to exit to the corner… while Baxter tries to pull himself on the ropes, Ryan Rondo sneaks in a cheap shot by grabbing Baxter and snapping his head down throat first across the middle ropes behind Stevens’ back as he dealt with Toner and Diamond. Nova, now the legal man he begins by methodically wearing down Bryan with precise, technical strikes - unloading a series of stiff forearms to the head and body, rocking Bryan before adding in a pair of sharp kicks to the legs, and an unforgiving roundhouse kick to the chest that sends Bryan staggering back into the ropes. Nova grabs Baxter’s arm, whipping him hard into the turnbuckle. Baxter slams back-first into the corner, wincing in pain as Nova charges at him, nailing a jumping elbow strike right to his jaw. Baxter slumps down into the corner, gasping for air as Nova takes a moment to taunt the crowd. Konchu Hao: “This is getting brutal. Bryan Baxter is barely able to get out of the starting blocks and Nova Diamond is just picking him apart in there.” Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m afraid ring rust has not affected the Hall of Famer as much as we would like…” Nova tags in Danny Toner, who immediately sprints across the ring and crushes Bryan with a brutal running knee to the head. Bryan crumples to the mat, dazed, but Danny isn’t done. He pulls Bryan up by his hair, jaw-jacking in his face before planting him with a DDT. Baxter rolls to his back as Toner makes the cover. One! Two! Kickout! Danny smirks, not surprised but clearly enjoying the opportunity to inflict more pain. He delivers a few hard stomps to Bryan’s chest before yanking him up to his feet again, positioning him for a German suplex. But as Toner goes for the lift, Bryan digs deep and reverses, breaking Toner’s grip and delivering a stiff elbow to the side of his head. The crowd begins to stir as Bryan, using his size and strength advantage, suddenly powers Danny up and over with a back suplex, sending him crashing to the mat! Danny scrambles to his feet, but Bryan floors him with a powerful shoulder tackle that sends Toner rolling across the ring. The fans cheer as Bryan finally gets a moment to breathe, shaking off the earlier beatdown. Konchu Hao: “He’s fighting back! You can’t count Bryan Baxter out just yet!” Nova, seeing Danny in trouble, rushes into the ring, but Bryan is ready. He catches Nova mid-sprint and drives him into the mat with a massive powerslam! The momentum is swinging, and Bryan is feeding off the energy of the crowd now, rallying to his feet. He looks down at both fallen members of NTR, adrenaline surging through his veins. But before he can capitalize, Danny Toner, ever the scrappy brawler, rolls out of the ring to regroup. Nova quickly follows suit, joining his partner on the outside. Bryan, pacing inside the ring, motions for them to get back in, and the referee starts counting them out. Jean-Luc Watkins: “Toner and Nova are regrouping, but Bryan Baxter is still standing tall! If they think they can just run roughshod over him, they’ve got another thing coming!” But Danny Toner has other plans. As Larry Stevens reaches a count of five, Toner slides back into the ring, but just as Bryan moves in to grab him, Nova Diamond comes out of nowhere with a springboard dropkick from the apron, nailing Baxter in the back of the head! Bryan stumbles forward, right into Danny Toner’s waiting arms, who delivers a quick, punishing superkick to the side of Bryan’s head. Bryan drops to one knee, visibly shaken. Toner then hooks Bryan from behind in a waistlock as Diamond charges in with a running step up enzugiri before Toner powers Bryan up into a German Suplex bridging for the pin! ONE! TWO! THREE…. NO! Bryan still keeps the fight alive ,rolling his shoulder up off the mat, bringing a big pop from the crowd. Toner knees Bryan in the face as he tries to get back to his feet, before whipping him into the NTR corner. Toner moves in, driving a forearm across Bryan’s chest before tagging in Diamond… but Bryan tries to battle back in the corner! He back elbows Diamond on the apron before hitting a forearm shiver of his own to Toner! But Diamond reaches through the ropes, raking Bryan’s eyes before stepping into the ring with Toner, the duo pull Baxter out of the corner and take him down with a double suplex. Baxter begins to sit up as Diamond bounces off the ropes… THE TRIVELA penalty kick right to the chest which he follows up by locking in the 24K Kneebar! Jean-Luc Watkins: “Bryan may just want to give up here… live to fight another day!” Konchu Hao: “I’m not sure a competitor like Bryan Baxter has that in him. He’s still fighting!” With the crowd rallying behind him, Bryan attempts to fight through the pain. He uses his power to begin to crawl his way toward the ropes… pulling himself up on his arms… inching his way… Almost to the ropes.. TONER RUNS IN WITH A PUNT TO THE TEMPLE OF BRYAN’S HEAD! With the force of Toner’s devastating kick, Bryan collapses to the mat. Toner grabs Diamond’s arms and pulls him back to the middle of the ring… But it doesn’t matter much. Bryan is out cold. Larry Stevens calls for the bell. |
| Result: NTR wins via referee’s decision at 05:33. |
Natalie Rosenberg: “Ladies and gentlemen, here are your winners… NTR!”
Diamond keeps the submission locked in despite Larry Stevens calling for the bell Danny Toner continues his assault by stomping on Bryan’s back, neck and head.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Larry Stevens mercifully ends this for Bryan Baxter… but they aren’t finished with Baxter it would seem…”
Larry Stevens tries to break it up, as Toner seems to relent, back away from Baxter… only to LAY OUT STEVENS WITH A SUPERKICK!
The crowd boos loudly as Ryan Rondo slides three chairs into the ring before climbing in to join his teammates. Diamond releases the submission finally, but they still aren’t done as Rondo pulls out a pair of handcuffs!
Toner and Diamond pull Baxter’s deadweight off the mat toward the rope where Rondo proceeds to handcuff Bryan’s arm to the middle rope.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Someone needs to stop this! Bryan Baxter is helpless!”
Konchu Hao: “Where oh where are the friendship freaks now?”
Bryan begins to come to, realizing his situation as Toner, Rondo, and Diamond are circling him like vultures. He yanks on his arm, trying to free himself, but it’s no use. He’s trapped and the NTR trio in the ring simply laugh at Bryan’s attempts to escape.
”FUCK YOU! Bryan shouts, spitting in their direction, only making his own matters worse as it ticks Toner off enough that he charges in and nails the defenseless Baxter with The EQUALIZER!
As Toner moves out of the way, Ryan Rondo has picked up one of the chairs while Diamond and Toner each grab one of their own.
Toner raises his chair first, and with a sickening thud, he cracks it across Baxter’s already battered skull. Baxter’s head jerks violently to the side, his body slumping against the ropes, but the handcuff keeps him hanging upright, leaving him vulnerable for more punishment.
Nova Diamond is next, taking his time as he lines up his shot, relishing in the moment. He brings the chair down with force across the top of Bryan’s unprotected skull, the crack echoing through the arena. Bryan’s body spasms from the pain as more blood runs down the side of his head.. Diamond smirks, stepping back to allow Rondo to take his turn.
As the crowd continues to boo, some trash being thrown into the ring as well, Rondo follows suit with another sickening shot to Baxter’s head.
A team of medics and security begin to rush down to Baxter’s aid, but it is too little too late as he lies motionless against the ropes, his one arm extended up, dangling lifeless. As the medics flood the ring as NTR exit, looking back over their shoulders with cocky grins, confident in the carnage they’ve caused.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “A sickening statement, sickening scenes of excess violence has certainly been made by NTR in just two shows… first the all out assault on our tag champs, and tonight, due to the dubious abandonment of the main event by Jeremy Best, this orchestra of wolves has dismantled one of the most dominant wrestlers in FWA over the last year! And to think… we still have no real explanation as to wh- look out!!”
The commentators flinch as Danny Toner suddenly rushes from ringside towards Natalie Rosenberg. Natalie cowers in front of Danny as Danny gestures for her to hand over her microphone.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Toner, no!! Don’t do something you’ll regret!!!”
Konchu Hao: “Cut the feed, dammit!”
Natalie hands over the microphone, which Danny snatches with a mocking “thank you”. All three members of NTR then roll back to the ring as the medics beg them to stay away from Baxter. Danny raises the mic….
But the feed to Fallout cuts out to black.
