Fallout 044: The 19th Anniversary Show || Results.
Sept 30, 2024 21:46:06 GMT
Jimmy King, beavie, and 2 more like this
Post by mandalorian on Sept 30, 2024 21:46:06 GMT
- 044 -
”THE 19TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW.”
Live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Monday 30th September, 2024.
The video feed opens up on the capacity crowd in the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, panning the crowd where we signs such as “FTNTR,” “I Want My Golden Opportunity,”“Trixie Gonna Kill Blair,” and “Happy Anniversary FWA!” After panning through the crowd, we join Jean-Luc Watkins and Koncho Hao at ringside.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It’s Monday night and you know what that means! It’s FWA FALLOUT and it’s a very special night, Konchu. It’s our NINETEENTH ANNIVERSARY!”
Konchu Hao: KEHAHAHA! Yes it is! Nineteen years and counting! What an amazing feat!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “We’ve got a night full of action in store for the fans tonight, Konchu. We’ve got the new team of the Cinematic Universe in action against the Undisputed Alliance, we have the mysterious Ton Tonton taking on Vengador, we have Ground Zero winner DUDE~! Making his main roster debut, the FWA World Champion Jeremy Best has invited his number one contender Gabrielle for a playdate, and in our main event - the Golden Opportunity holder will be decided in a Steel Roulette Match! But FIRST - we got to the ring for our opening contest… one that could be a brutally contested match in this bitter Coven Civil War.”
Natalie Rosenberg: “Ladies and gentlemen, this match is set for ONE FALL. Introducing first at a combined weight of 120 pounds, from Baton Rouge, Lousiana, Bellatrix Boooooordeau!”
Trixie appears at the top of the ramp to a mixed reaction. She doesn't appear to notice, in fact she appears almost in a trance like state, as she marches down to the ring. She has a look of crazy and determination in her eye as she remains focused on one objective.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Here comes the former X Champion. And after last week, I think Trixie has more hate in her heart for Blair Ravenwood than ever before.”
Konchu Hao: “Yeah Jean-Luc there is certainly no love lost between Trixie and Blair. Trixie's X Championship match against Tommy Bedlam at Back in Business? Blair interfered and made her lose. But no worries right? Because Trixie is getting a shot at bigger and better things with a World Title opportunity. Number One Contenders match against Gabrielle...and Blair interfered again and costed Trixie the match. I think Trixie is done with the games.”
Natalie Rosenberg: “Aaaand her opponent, accompanied to the ring by her boyfriend Saint Sully, The Queen Bee...Blair Ravenwoooood!
The crowd boos as The Queen Bee herself emerges from the top of the ramp, with her boo Saint Sully standing beside her. They enjoy the boos and taunt the crowd a little as they head into the ring.
Trixie is staring daggers into Blair, as the referee stands close to make sure no action happens before the bell is wrong.
Konchu Hao: “And this one has just as much of a reason to hate Trixie as Trixie does her. It was Trixie who brutally attacked Blair's sister Celestia at Back in Business. From what we have heard, Celestia is still in the hospital and has limited brain activity. What started in a territorial feud over control of The Coven stable has turned into brutal blood for blood war. ”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It started when Blair and Celestia Ravenwood kicked Trixie out of The Coven. It escalated when Trixie retaliated by brutally assaulting Celestia Ravenwood and putting her in a coma. Blair then costed Trixie the X Championship, and led a barrage of "Trixie Facts" on Twitter every day to damage Trixie's reputation. And the last shot fired? As you said Konchu, it occurred last week in the Meltdown main event. Blair Ravenwood and her boyfriend Saint Sully appeared at the top of the ramp and districted Trixie during her number one contender's match against Gabrielle. The distraction was enough to lead to a Gabrielle win, and was the final straw for these two. Now, they face off in an X Rules match to hopefully settle their differences once and for all. ”
Konchu Hao: “I am sure it is just a coincidence that Saint Sully helped Gabrielle get into the a World Title match. I guess we'll just pretend to ignore all the history that Sully and Gabrielle have and assume it had all to do with Saint Sully's new girlfriend. ”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Of course we're going to assume that, Konchu. And unfortunately for Trixie, Saint Sully is out there in Blair's corner again tonight. With this being an X Rules match, and all of Trixie's allies gone, this could end up being a handicap match.”
Saint Sully lifts the top rope up for his girlfriend as Blair climbs through into the ring. Sully stays outside the ring in her corner as Blair returns Trixie's stare.
The two of them continue their intense stare down, as the referee quickly signals for the bell to be rung...sensing that things are going to explode soon enough regardless.
FIRST MATCH | 1/20. "Queen Bee" Blair Ravenwood (w/Saint Sully) vs. Trixie Bordeaux. X Rules Match Match Writer: Sully |
| <<0:00>> DING DING DING Trixie and Blair and circling each other like two cats about to brawl in alley. Trixie has a look of murder on her mind, while Blair's look is the same. But suddenly Blair Ravenwood stops, and smirks. This angers Trixie even further...she is about to charge right in at Blair but then SMACK Trixie is hit in the back of the head by Saint Sully with a steel chair. Jean-Luc Watkins: “Oh my that did not take long.” Konchu Hao: “What did I tell you? I knew this was going to end up being a handicap match. ” Trixie is laying on the ground holding her head. Saint Sully continues to stand over her with the chair, as Blair now rejoins him with a chair of her own. The two of them then proceed to beat Trixie down with the two chairs as Trixie lays defenseless in the ring. They take turns smacking her over and over with the chairs until finally they both throw their chairs onto the mat. Sully then goes over and picks Trixie up by her hair and holds her in place, as Blair gets in Trixie's face. She slaps Trixie across the face, causing Trixie to get some life in her. She tries to kick Blair, but Sully is still holding her back by both arms. Blair laughs in her face, as she slaps Trixie again. Suddenly, Trixie gets a good elbow jab in on Sully who falls backwards holding his nose. This allows Trixie to wiggle free and she tackles an unsuspecting Queen Bee. The two end up rolling on the mat, and then outside to the floor. They fight for control on the ground outside the ring, as Blair gets a good hold of Trixie's arm. "I'm going to break it" Blair screams, but before she can, Trixie bites her on the neck! Blair yelps in pain and lets Trixie's arm loose. Blair tries to get up but Trixie takes her down with a Thesz Press! Trixie is pounding away at Blair, when suddenly she's smacked in the face with a kendo stick! The crowd erupts in boos as once again Trixie's momentum is stopped by Sully. He helps Blair up to her feet, who wipes a smidge of blood off her lip and grabs the kendo stick off of her boyfriend. She stomps towards Trixie as Sully stands behind her. Trixie tries to put her hands up in defense, but Blair smacks her with the kendo stick. She hits her again, and again, and on the third strike the kendo stick breaks in half on Trixie's body. Blair then picks Trixie up, and throws her into the security barricade. Blair picks up Trixie again, but Trixie gets a good upper cut in. Blair stumbles backwards from the hit, but before Trixie can do anything further, Sully takes her down with a clothesline. The crowd boos again as Sully shouts at them to shut up. Back in control, Blair grabs Trixie by the hair and drags her over to the steel steps. The same ring steps that Trixie used to brutally attack Celestia Ravenwood at Back in Business XVIII. Blair gets Trixie over to the steps, and pulls her head back, but just before she can slam it down, Trixie puts her hands out to stop the force. It turns into a struggle as Trixie pushes against the steps to prevent Blair from smashing her face in them. Sully walks over to assist, but Blair shouts at him "No, leave her to me!" she yells. It's enough of a distraction for Trixie to get an edge, and elbow Blair in the stomach. Sully runs over to help, but Trixie hits him with a front dropkick that sends him to the ground! The crowd cheers as now Trixie has an upper hand. Blair crawls away from the steps, but Trixie grabs her and drags her back. "I am going to smash your head in just like I did your sister." Trixie tells her. Then, Trixie tosses Blair into the ring steps shoulder first. Blair yells in pain, as Trixie then takes her by the hair and positions her in the same way Blair had Trixie moments ago. This time though, but just like Trixie, Blair is able to put her hands out and stop Trixie from smashing her face into the steps. Blair grits her teeth as she struggles with Trixie's grip. Trixie's eyes begin to narrow as she pushes harder. Just as Trixie is about to slam Blair's head down, Blair surprises her with a swift knee to the the gut, sending Trixie doubling over. Blair seizes the moment and pushes Trixie away, scrambling to get back to her feet. The two girls once again circle each other. Blair lunges at Trixie, but Trixie sidesteps and dodges her, grabbing Blair by the waist and sending her flinging into the barricade herself. Trixie then notices Sully getting back to his feet out of the corner of her eye. As Sully charges at her, Trixie quickly pivots and sends Sully crashing right into Blair at the barricade. With both Sully and Blair down, Trixie takes advantage by searching underneath the ring. She pulls out a wooden Louisville Slugger baseball bat. She sets the bat aside as it looks like she's searching for something different, but then she sees Blair stirring in the corner. So she gives up and walks over towards Blair, grabbing her by the hair and pulling her to the feet. But then, Blair hits her with a sharp punch to the ribs. Trixie stumbles back and gasps for air as Blair herself stumbles away also. "Where'd the tough girl act go?" Blair taunts as Trixie's eyes water from the punch that probably just broke a rib. The bait works as Trixie lunges at Blair, but before Trixie can do anything...she's smacked by Saint Sully with the same baseball bat she pulled out a moment ago! "Get her babe!" Blair yells as Sully brings the bat down again with a force onto Trixie's right knee. Trixie screams out in pain holding her knee. "Look, it's Trixie Kerrigan!" Blair taunts as Trixie screams holding her knee in pain. Sully tosses the bat down and allows Blair to move past him, picking Trixie and tosses her in the ring. She joins Trixie, as Sully watches from the side. Then, Blair puts Trixie in a Honeycomb Hold (Figure Four Leglock) putting pressure on that injured right knee. Trixie screams out in pain. This goes on for nearly a minute of agony, before Trixie is finally able to crawl over and grab the rope...but this is an X Rules match. The rope doesn't help her, as Blair continues to tight the hold. Just as Trixie is about to tap out and submit...Blair notices her hand twitching, and lets go of the hold. "No! I am not done with you yet!" Blair screams at her. Sully looks concerned from the outside, as Blair gave up an chance to win the match in order to provide further punishment to Trixie. Blair picks a groggy Trixie up, and hits her with the Bee's Knees (Shining Wizard). Trixie lays flat on the mat now, as Sully is shouting from the outside commands for Blair to pin her. Blair isn't even paying attention as she walks over to a turnbuckle, and takes the cover off of it...exposing the metal underneath. She does the same thing to the other three turnbuckles. As Trixie begins to stir, Blair picks her up and tosses her into the corner. Trixie screams as she hits the corner, and then falls back into the mat. Blair picks her up again, and tosses her once more into an exposed corner turnbuckle. Again, Trixie yelps as she goes full speed into the metal. This time Trixie is able to hang on in the corner, and lays barely awake with her arms draped over the ropes. Blair turns to Sully and gives him the demand "toss those steel steps in here now!" and like a good boyfriend he complies, lifting the steps and tosses them into the ring. But while Blair is getting the steps situated in the ring, Trixie gets a burst of energy and begins to climb the turnbuckle in the corner. The crowd cheers as Trixie gets to her feet and is about to launch herself towards Blair and the steel steps... "Hereeeeeeee's Trixie" she shouts manically as Blair turns around a moment too late, but before Trixie can jump...Sully grabs Trixie's ankle from the outside and pulls her down. Trixie crashes onto the floor, as Sully begins to angrily stomp his foot into Trixie's face. The crowd boos as the fight once again becomes two on one. Jean-Luc Watkins: “Any chance Trixie had of winning this has gone out the window with Sully joining in. She has been fighting against the odds this entire time.” Sully tosses Trixie back into the ring once more to Blair, as if he's feeding a bloody steak to a hungry lion. Blair grabs Trixie and once more drags her over to the steel steps. This time Trixie has no fight left, as Blair takes her head and smashes it straight first into the steel steps. "That was for Celestia" Blair yells as she pulls Trixie's face up again, a face that is now bleeding from the mouth and nose. Blair then smashes Trixie's face into the steps a second time. "That was for my boyfriend" she yells. The camera pans over to Sully who doesn't look as prideful as he did earlier, in fact he looks a little terrified. Blair pulls Trixie's face up again. A tooth had flown out the last time, hopefully not an important one, as Blair proceeded to slam Trixie's face down into the steps for a third time...this time harder than any. Trixie's face is crushed off the steps, as Blair finally lets go off the fistful of hair she was grabbing onto to hold up Trixie's skull. Trixie's head falls lifelessly down to the mat. Konchu Hao: “Just end this, please...” Blair finally shows some mercy as she crawls over, and hooks Trixie's leg for the first pinfall attempt of the night. The ref solemnly goes for the count that no one is expecting a countout for. 1. 2. 3. With that the match is over and the bell is rung. |
| Result: Blair Ravenwood wins via pinfall at 13:13. |
"You Should See Me In A Crown" by Halocene begins to play again as Blair's hand is raised victorious. Medics rush down the ramp as Sully and Blair celebrate the latter's victory against Trixie.
Konchu Hao: “In what was a brutal, one sided assault, I hope Blair can at least feel like she's gotten the justice she was seeking.”
Blair Ravenwood and Saint Sully exit the ring, ignoring the boos they're getting from the crowd. Sully puts his arm around Blair as they walk back up the ramp, and that is where things go wrong. Blair looks up at the titantron, and sees the medics helping Trixie in the ring. Suddenly, in Blair's mind, she sees Celestia again in Trixie's place. She sees her sister after the brutal assault that Trixie gave her at Back in Business getting assisted by medics, having that orange neck brace wrapped around her, being strapped down onto a stretcher. And in that moment, despite the two on one beatdown that Blair just gave Trixie with her boyfriend, despite slamming her face into the steel steps the same way Trixie did to Celestia, despite costing her both the X Championship and a shot at the World Championship, despite all of that...it was not enough. Because all Blair could see in that moment was her sister.
But, unlike Celestia, Trixie's eyes are open. She is awake...she's hurt, but she's awake. She isn't in a coma, she doesn't have brain damage, and to Blair...justice has not been met.
And so in that moment...
...Blair turns around...
...and starts sprinting towards the ring!
Konchu Hao: “Wait, no...what is Blair doing!”
Sully reaches his arm out to try to pull her back but The Queen Bee is already gone. Everyone in the ring scatters when they see Blair running back in, and a defenseless Trixie is left alone with Blair. She grabs one of the steel chairs left from the very beginning of the match, and walks over to Trixie, smacking her with it. Trixie yelps, as Blair hits her a second time just to make sure she isn't getting backup. Saint Sully watches from the outside. He looks as though he wants to say something, but decides not to interfere with what Blair has planned.
Blair then demands he get her a microphone, which he hesitantly does.
Blair Ravenwood: "Trixie Fact of the Day: Trixie will never walk the same again."
She says, as she then throws the microphone at Trixie. It falls onto the mat beside her, as Blair then takes the chair, opens it ever so slightly, and places that right knee of Trixie inside of it.
Sully looks as though he's watching a car crash, but still doesn't do anything to stop it.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I can't imagine this is going to be good...for anybody.”
With Trixie's knee wrapped in the steel chair, Blair then picks up the steel steps, and drops them onto Trixie. The pain is enough to wake Trixie up and let her yell out a scream, one the microphone beside her horrifyingly picks up in full.
The steel chair around Trixie's leg is now pinned between Trixie and the steel steps. But Blair is not done.
Everybody can only stop and stare helplessly as Blair walks over to the turnbuckle, still exposed from earlier in the match, and climbs up to the top. The medics, the referees, Jean-Luc Watkins and Konchu Hao, and even a pale faced Saint Sully...all are outside the ring frozen in place.
Finally, as Blair gets to the top and looks down at Trixie...Sully tries to step in.
"Blair, don't...you proved your point. You won, she's done..." he tries to tell her.
"Nobody is going to tell me when to stop. She didn't stop when she was assaulting my sister. This is what she wanted! She asked for this war, and this is the consequence!" Blair yells back at him.
Finally, Jon Russnow appears at the top of the ramp with several security guards. Saint Sully looks relieved as the security team try to make it down to the ring.
Blair looks at them and hesitates...
Jon Russnow has a microphone in his hand as the security team stops outside the ring, careful to not trigger Blair into jumping by moving in too quick.
Jon Russnow: "Blair...you won. The match is over. Let's step down off the turnbuckle now, and no further consequences are necessary."
Sully nods his head in agreement.
"Come on babe, you did it. Celestia would be proud." he pleads with her.
Blair looks on undeterred.
Russnow gives a nod to the head security guard, who orders his team to step closer.
This move is enough. Blair won't be stopped by anyone, as she launches herself off the turnbuckle for The Hive Dive (Twisted Bliss)
Konchu Hao: “No!”
Blair lands The Hive Dive right onto the steel steps.
A loud bone breaking crunch can be heard into that microphone that still was laying next to Trixie. Everyone in the crowd cringes at the sound, as Blair rolls over the steel steps herself in pain from the jump. Trixie has passed out from the pain. Security immediately rushes and drags Blair out of the ring.
"Hey don't hurt her!" Sully screams at them as they begin to handcuff The Queen Bee.
Medics rush in and immediately go to work on Trixie, lifting the steel steps off of her leg. Before we can get a look at the damage, Russnow immediately and in a panic orders the camera crew to not show the leg, but a groan from the crowd is enough evidence that it does not look good.
The camera shows Blair Ravenwood instead...who is looking up at the titantron once again as she's being walked up the ramp in handcuffs, her boyfriend Saint Sully walking by her side.
This time when Blair Ravenwood looks up at the titantron, and sees the damage she has done, she lets out an evil smirk.
The last thing we see is Blair being walked backstage by security as Russnow just orders the camera crew to cut to a commercial break.
The various pieces of medical equipment and files littered around the room is a sign of a busy and flustered doctor, and this would describe Dr. Smith to a tee. The FWA’s Head Trainer rushes around the room talking under his breath.
Dr. Smith: “They’ll bring her in any minute now… need to make sure everything is ready. Got a Steel Roulette later on tonight and there’ll be more. There always is…”
?: “At least there won’t be some dick tackling someone from the top of a pod this year, though.”
The gruff voice of Alyster Black cuts through the hectic scene, as the fans now see that both of the FWA World Tag Team Champions are sitting on stools in the corner of the room. Alyster Black and Chris Peacock still seem quite banged up, although neither is dressed to compete tonight after their victory on Meltdown. Peacock scoffs at the jibe directed towards him.
Chris Peacock: “You pushed me off a fucking ladder, dude.”
Alyster Black: “Why are you bringing up the past like that? Leave things be.”
Chris shakes his head, not allowing himself to be wound up by Alyster. What he does do though is let out a loud groan.
Chris Peacock: “Smith, why are you keeping us in here? It is so. fucking. boring.”
Alyster Black: “It is proper boring, mate.”
Smith stops rummaging through a drawer and stands in front of FTN. They look up at him like a couple of schoolboys sitting in detention.
Dr. Smith: “Look, the only reason you’re not sitting at home is because I’ve vouched for you to Russnow, okay. I stuck my neck out for the two of you to make sure you could still come to the show-”
Chris Peacock: “But if we’re just going to be sitting here, I’d rather just stay at home. This is fucking boring.”
Alyster Black: “It is proper boring, mate.”
The doctor runs his hand through his hair and takes a deep breath. The impending anger is cut off by a knock at the door. The three turn to the doorway where a very large man stands, wearing a vest and jeans. Chris narrows his eyes.
Chris Peacock: “I recognise this man. Who are you?”
Dr. Smith: “I trust that the two of you remember Richard, from New Orleans?”
Alyster Black: “You’re from New Orleans?! GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!”
Chris Peacock: “No… he doesn’t look like an insufferable prick. He can’t be from New Orleans. Did we meet you in New Orleans? Are you one of the fans we beat up?!”
Dr. Smith: “No, this is Richard Tator. He was assigned to protect you in New Orleans… but…”
Chris Peacock: “OH! BIG DICK! ALY, IT’S BIG DICK!”
Alyster Black: “OH FUCK! BIG DICK?! How you doin’, mate?”
The man known as Richard rolls his eyes and crosses his arms, not answering the question. Smith clears his throat.
Dr. Smith: “Since the two of you are so bored, I thought I’d call in a friend to keep you company. I also thought that you know, since your actions resulted in Richard losing his job… maybe the two of you could do something to help him out?”
Chris Peacock: “What do you mean? Lost his job?”
Big Dick: “YOU TWO GOT ME FIRED! I wasn’t supposed to protect you… I was supposed to stop you from causing a riot and well, you both know what happened. So yeah, I’ve fallen on hard times and was hoping…”
Alyster Black: “Hard times for Big Dick?”
Chris Peacock: “You want a job? From us?”
Alyster Black: “We could use a Big Dick in FTN. Would compensate for the pea-cock.”
Chris Peacock: “Fuck off. Alright, fuck it. You want to be in FTN, BIg Dick?”
Big Dick: “My name is Richard.”
Alyster Black: “No, if you’re going to be in FTN… you’re our Big Dick.”
Big Dick: “Fine… I’m your Big Dick.”
The admission and acceptance of the nickname gets a cheer and a laugh from the FTN boys, the first proper one in weeks given everything that has happened to them lately. In fact, the laughing seems to hurt them somewhat and both wince, holding their ribs. Dick crosses his arms and shakes his head as we fade away.
[Spaceboy Pinkhead || Grande Mahogany]
The crowd is on their feet as the the lights in the arena dim and a hot pink filter begins to illuminate the arena. From the back out walks Ton Tonton walks out from the back, his head adorned by a pink-mask with pink tentacles while decked out in a matching pink and white tracksuit.
Natalie Rosenberg: ”The following match is scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit! Introducing first, hailing from The Cosmos…. This is TON TONTON… J.J.JIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “The man who claims to not be them an he looks like… Ton Tonton, or J.J.Ji - made his debut last week in a hard fought match with our X Champion, Tommy Bedlam, coming up just short.
Konchu Hao: “I have reviewed his list of reasons why he is not Uncle… I’m not convinced.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, whoever he is, he is looking to bounce back after the loss to Bedlam with another formidable opponent in the powerful Vengador.”
[In Dreams || Roy Orbison]
There’s a confused reaction in the crowd at first, which soon gives way to a mixture of cheers and boos as Dreamer walks out onto the stage. Natalie Rosenberg isn’t really sure what to do, and eventually decides to shrug and climb out of the ring.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Well, we were expecting the appearance of Vengador, Ton Tonton’s scheduled opponent, but instead we have the arrival of Michelle von Horrowitz. She made a point of speaking to J.J. JI! last week in order to address certain similarities to an FWA alumnus, but Ton Tonton insisted he was meeting Dreamer for the very first time."
Konchu Hao: "And tonight, it appears, will be the very second time. Seems Michelle can’t take no for an answer, and nothing is more likely to scare off our newest recruits."
Without such concerns about coming on strong, MvH marches down the ramp and into the ring. Tonton is smiling warmly in her direction as he regards his newest friend. Michelle’s music fades out, and she lifts the microphone that she’s brought with her to speak.
MvH: "I thought I’d give you one more chance, Uncle, to come clean."
Tonton, his smile still broad and beaming, collects a microphone of his own from Rosenberg.
'Ton Tonton' J.J. JI!: "Awfully familiar of you to dub me Oncle, young Dreamer, given that this is only our second meeting. But I’m a great fan of familiarity, so go right ahead! But perhaps right now is not the best time to go right ahead, given that I’m about to have a wrestling match. Against a bounty hunter of sorts, I hear. Sort of ironic…"
Michelle’s eyes immediately narrow at the potential slip from Uncle.
MvH: "Ironic how?"
'Ton Tonton' J.J. JI!: "Well, you mentioned this Uncle character last week. A certain Mr. Uncle JAY!, I believe? Something like that. I’m a diligent fellow, and I did my research into this rather handsome COSMIC HORROR. It appears your friend has earned himself quite the bounty on his head. And this obviously brings the conclusion that, if I was this rather handsome, rather fetching, rather charismatic COSMIC HORROR that you speak of, it really wouldn’t be prudent of me to admit such a thing, would it? But let’s talk later, young Dreamer! Discussion of bounties isn’t an endeavour for an empty stomach. Will you stay and watch?"
MvH: "Not this week. But next week I plan on keeping a very close eye on you."
[”HERE COMES REVENGE” || METALLICA.]
Vengador emerges from the back, the masked man walking with a quicker than usual stride. He crosses paths with Michelle as she is exiting the ring, and the duo some to exchange a few words before Vengador stops and looks to the ring, his eyes locked on Ton Tonton. He then walks past Michelle, who takes one last glance back at Vengador entering the ring and then makes her way to the back.
Natalie Rosenberg: ”And his opponent… hailing from…”
Natalie is cut off as Vengador enters the ring and snatches the microphone. He walks over to Tonton, who tilts his head and curiously looks at Vengador, who seems to be staring an intense hole through his soul.
Vengador: ”It is you isn’t it.”
'Ton Tonton' J.J. JI!: "It is I! J.J.JI!”
Vengador: ”Forget the match… I’ve got a bounty to collect.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Forget the match? What the Hell is going on?”
'Ton Tonton' J.J. JI!: "I’m afraid you have mistaken. Perhaps you didn’t get my list, but you are after my potential doppelganger. Not me.”
Vengador: ”Hmmm… I’ve traveled the multiverse… that seems like a logical explanation… but… something doesn’t quite seem right here…”
'Ton Tonton' J.J. JI!: "Let us forget this whole bounty mess. Forget I even brought it up! Come, I am looking forward to our match! FWA Official - ring the bell!”
Vengador: ”Fine… but I’m watching you.”
SECOND MATCH | 1/20. ’Ton Tonton’ J.J. JI! vs. Vengador. Singles Match. Match Writer: Dubb. |
| Larry Palmer turns and rings the bell… PINK MIST TO THE EYES OF VENGADOR! The masked mind is blinded but takes a wild swing as Palmer turns back after calling for the bell… Tonton ducks the swing.. ROLL UP! ONE! TWO! THREE! |
RESULT: Ton Tonton wins via pifall at 0:04. |
Natalie Rosenberg: ”Here is your winner… Ton Tonton… J.J.Ji!”
Ton Tonton is jubilant as he pops back up to his feet, celebrating the victory while Vengador is beside himself as he sits up to his knees.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “That was… unexpected! That’s certainly an impressive first win for Ton Tonton.”
Konchu Hao: “A little trickery right out of a certain playbook we are quite familiar with, don’t you think?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “There’s no denying we’ve seen that pink mist before. But Vengador didn’t see it coming - perhaps his mind too distracted by this mention of a bounty.”
Vengador gets back up to his feet as J.J.Ji seems to offer up a ”no hard feelings,” to the larger masked man, though Vengador seems more annoyed than anything.
He can be heard off mic repeating, ”I’ll be watching you,” as we head to break.
[“You’ve Got a Friend in Me (Country Bears Jamboree Verison)|| Country Bears Jamboree]
There’s some slight confusion at first at the sound of a banjo, but quickly the tune is recognizeable despite it’s country twist. The fans in the Bridgestone arena in Nashville, Tennessee come to their feet and begin to boo at his previous Toy Story theme song, with an appropriate country cover for being in Nashville. The FWA World Champion, Jeremy Best, makes his way out, this time all by his lonesome self. He’s decked out in a cowboy hat, leather vest, and even some cowboy boots - perhaps inspired by Woody himself. Inside the ring, there is a table set up along with an assortment of board and card games on it.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Jeremy Best certainly embracing the culture here in Nashville. And… well… fitting to once again reference Toy Story given the current ring set up.”
Konchu Hao: “And what kind of tomfoolery is this?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well… we saw on Meltdown, after Jeremy inducted two new members to the Friendship Wrestling Alliance and had his own mentor attacked… that he invited Gabrielle Montgomery, his number one contender, to a… playdate tonight.”
Konchu Hao: “I see. And what pray tell is a playdate.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, partner… usually it’s when two parents arrange for their kids to hang out together. But for Jeremy and Gabby… I am not sure. But it looks like it might involve some board games?”
Konchu Hao: “Great! I feel all caught up now.”
Jeremy waves to the booing fans as he climbs into the ring and takes the microphone.
Jeremy Best: ”Howdy! Howdy! Howdy Besties!”
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Jeremy Best: ”There’s that southern hospitality at it’s finest. It’s so great to be here in Nashville, home of some of the most downhome Besties in the world!”
WE’RE NOT BESTIES! WE’RE NOT BESTIES! WE’RE NOT BESTIES!”
Jeremy Best: ”And boy, howdy, a week it’s been for this Friendship Cowboy. This week on Meltdown, the Friendship Wrestling Alliance became stronger than ever with two new friends. Hopefully my old pal Danny B. Goode is doing okay and doesn’t take things too personally. Danny, you’re always welcome here and you’ll always have a friend in me.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Oh come on, you sat there and watched him get attacked… basically spurred it on to begin with!”
Jeremy Best: ”But as much fun as it was making new friends on Meltdown, there is never any time to rest when it getting new crew members aboard the Friend Ship. And that’s why I’ve invited someone very special out for a playdate tonight. Someone I’ve had some limited run ins with in the past… in fact, she was a teammate in that illustrious Cibernetico that brought me and Krash together for the first time. Now granted, she was a mystery competitor so I didn’t get a chance to bond with her like I did with some of the other friends I made along the way like… Krash… Jackson Fenix… oh and Konchu. Hi Konchu!”
Jeremy waves to the announce booth, though Konchu just shakes his head.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’d say none of those relationships ended well…”
Konchu Hao: “No, I didn’t see him coming to my aid when his other pal Jackson Fenix was putting me through a table.”
Jeremy Best: ”And this person just happens to be the new number one contender to my World Friendship Championship… so it only makes sense that me… and Gabrielle Montgomery… get to know each other a little better. So Gabby… come on down! Let’s have a playdate!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m not sure Jeremy is prepared for what Gabby usually does to get to know someone better.”
[“Save Me”|| Lucana Coil]
‘Save Me’ hits the loudspeakers and the fans once again get to their feet. Gabrielle wasting no time in marching out atop the entryway where she’s met with the customary cheers and catcalls. She takes a moment to soak it all in, blowing a kiss to a random fan before she focuses on Jeremy with a smirk and struts down to the ring.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Gabrielle last week overcame the challenge of Trixie Boudreaux to earn herself her first one on one World Championship in a number of years.”
Konchu Hao: “What number?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “What?”
Konchu Hao: “How many years?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I believe Desert Storm 2021 was the last time Gabrielle competed one on one for the World Title, a fateful night in her career and indeed her life.”
Gabrielle slides into the ring, under the bottom rope and approaches Jeremy Best, not quite getting in his face as a smirk grows on hers while she stares at the FWA World Championship.
Gabrielle: “Well Jeremy…I’m here for this…playdate…whatever that means.”
Jeremy Best: ”Oh goody! I’m so glad you came!
Gabrielle: “Yeah, I’ve been told that.”
Jeremy Best: ”Huh? Well anyway, like I was saying. I am so glad you’re here. I’ve been here in FWA for what… three years now? And we haven’t really had the chance to get to know one another.”
Gabrielle: “Let me guess, you want to play one of these games? Monopoly…that always ends up in a fight. Snakes and Ladders, really not my forte sorry. Battleship…that doesn’t sound like thrilling TV, I know the guy that starred in the Battleship Movie…yeah…”
“Don't you have Twister or something? People always love watching me play Twister. Wait… some cards, Jeremy do you want to play Poker…Strip Poker. I never lose at that, even if I do lose a few hands I still win in the end...”
Gabrielle smirks and looks out at the audience, many of whom are whistling at and catcalling her.
Jeremy Best: “I’ve never played Strip Poker before, how do you play it?”
The fans and Gabrielle laugh, before The Goddess composes herself.
Gabrielle: ”Why are we out here playing games Jeremy? When all that really matters is that Title belt adorned with your name, that's the prize I want. The prize I have chased for so many years now. It's been nine long, difficult, up and down years since I last held that Championship. So I don't want to come out here and play any games. I’m here for that Title and nothing else.”
Jeremy Best: ”Oh, don’t be silly, Gabby. There’s so much more to this life than title belts and wrestling wins. I’m here because it sure seems like that you could use a friend.”
Gabrielle: ”Friends? I’ve had plenty of them. But I’m not here to be your friend, Jeremy. I may have hit rock bottom in the past, but I’m still not mentally weak enough to be manipulated by your games like the rest of your goons.”
Jeremy chuckles, not phased by Gabby’s accusations.
Jeremy Best: ”You’ve had friends? Sure… sure you’ve had plenty of relationships here in FWA. But how have they all really gone? There was Chris Kennedy, right? A little before my time here but I know how that ended. Failed marriage, right? Then there was Alyster Black… ugh… no surprise that one didn’t work out. We’ve seen how poor a friend he is, don’t think I can really blame you for that one not working out. Kayden Knox? Another knife in your back there. You really know how to pick ‘em?”
Gabrielle: ”And people wonder why I have trust issues? What’s your point, Jeremy? It’s wrestling… people stab people in the back. It’s a cutthroat business where people want to get to the top. And you’re the one holding the belt, people are most willing to stab people in the back over… so pretty ironic that you’re the one aligning yourself with all these friends… what happens when they decide maybe they should be champion?”
Jeremy Best: ”See, that’s the difference between me and you, Gabby. I know what good friendship looks like. My friends are loyal to me and would do anything for me.”
Gabrielle: ”How’d that work out for you with Jackson Fenix? Didn’t he do the same thing to you? Stabbed you in the back? Or was it a superkick to the chin… one of those. And do you really think Bryan Baxter’s just going to come back to you with open arms after what you let happen to him.”
Jeremy Best: ”HEY! This has nothing to do with them! Bryan Baxter will do anything for me and I know he’ll always have my back. And Jackson Fenix was the problem, not me. He was the problem in the relationship - just like you’ve been the problem in yours. He was the toxic one… just like you. I’ve seen your career Gabrielle - you’ve always been the toxic one.”
Gabrielle simply smirks and shakes her head.
Gabrielle: ”I see what you’re doing here, Jeremy. You want me to crack. And maybe the old Gabby would’ve. The old Gabby would’ve heard these words and probably agreed with you. She would’ve crawled off into some dark hole somewhere and go back to the things that she’s always been good at. A Gabby more interested in friends with benefits than actual lasting relationships. But I’ve got some bad news. This isn’t the old Gabby. You aren’t going to break me. I don’t want to be friends. We aren’t going to be friends. But I am going to take that title.”
Jeremy pauses, reflecting on Gabby’s words. His normal friendly smile is gone.
Jeremy Best: ”What about Lizzie?”
Gabrielle’s confident grin also fades.
Gabrielle: ”Yeah? What about her.”
Jeremy Best: ”She’s the closest thing you have to a friend right now, right? I happen to consider Lizzie a friend as well.”
Gabrielle: ”Such a good friend that you did nothing to help her when she was trapped in that ETERNAL freak show?”
Jeremy Best: ”Now, now, Gabby. Let’s not start pointing fingers. You know what they say, when you point fingers - there’s four more pointing back at you. Which is why my question for you is… where is she? Have you even talked to her since Back in Business?”
Gabrielle: ”..................Lizzie went through the type of Hell I couldn’t even begin to imagine over the last year. Probably not too dissimilar from the shit you put Krash through. She needs some time… and I’m giving her the space that she needs. But she knows that I’m here for her. She knows that I went out there and FOUGHT to get her out of the TORN Universe. Which is more than you could say.”
Jeremy Best: ”I tried to save Krash! I fought for him! But in the end, it wasn’t really Krash! But Lizzie is still there… and she needs your help! Now more than ever! You shouldn’t be here worried about winning a silly championship! You should be by her side!”
Gabrielle: ”Hahaha… that’s your play, Jeremy? You think you can guilt me out of this title shot I’ve earned. Out of this moment I’ve been waiting for for THREE FUCKING YEARS FOR? You act like you were friends with Lizzie before. You act like you know her. You don’t. I do. And I know what she wants me to do. She wants me to be here. She WANTS me to go to Lights Out and she wants ME to take that title from YOU!”
The crowd gives Gabby a big ovation as Jeremy steps back and sighs.
Jeremy Best: ”Very well… I see you’ve made your choice. The typical selfishness of the toxic personalities. But if we’re going to Lights Out… I’ve come up with a really fun idea for our match… and my pal Russnow agreed with me.”
Gabrielle: ”I really don’t care. I just need my title shot and a chance and I’m walking out with the belt.”
Jeremy Best: ”Wonderful! Because you brought up a term earlier… one that I don’t think we both have the same idea of what it means… Friends with Benefits. Sir Stache tells me it means something totally different and honestly its a quite disgusting. But my idea of Friends with Benefits is much different. The benefits of Friendship is knowing that you have someone to have your back. Someone in your corner. And that’s what our match at Back in Business is going to be.”
“A Friends with Benefits Match.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Wait, what?”
Gabrielle: “Haha… that sounds like a match that favors me more than you!”
Jeremy Best: ”Well, let me finish. The rules of this Friends With Benefits Match are this… we each get to have a friend in our corner for the match… and at certain points of the match, that friend will be considered legal in the match and can get involved… helping their friend without any kind of disqualification.”
Konchu Hao: “Oh… that’s certainly a unique turn of events!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “A big announcement here from Best, but you’d think he would’ve not let Bryan Baxter get taken out when the big man would’ve been the ideal person for him to have in his corner. I’m not sure Gabrielle’s going to be too worried about Sir Stache or Mejor Amigo!”
Gabrielle: “Whatever, Jeremy. Like I said… all I want is my chance.”
Jeremy Best: ”Hopefully you can find yourself someone you consider a friend… because I have plenty to choose from. In fact… I just made a couple of… Goode Friends!”
On that cue, Johnny Murdoch and Sonny Zucko slide into the ring from behind - both clobbering Gabrielle from behind a double lariat to the back of her head! Ambushed and double teamed, Gabby drops to the canvas where Murdoch and Zucko begin putting the boots to her much like they did to Danny B. Goode on Meltdown.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “These guys again! I guess maybe I misspoke. It seems Jeremy has not one but two guys to be his muscle now!”
The Goodefellas are booed loudly by the fans as Jeremy happily watches on as Sonny pulls Gabby up off the mat and Murdoch reaches into his blue jeans, pulling out a pair of brass knuckles. He holds them up in the air, getting more boos from the crowd.
Konchu Hao: “They’re even using Bryan’s weapon! A little on the nose perhaps, but the point is being made.”
Murdoch wins up and DECKS the restrained Gabby with the brass knux.
But they aren’t done yet, an excited Sonny Zucko jumps up and down, getting Johnny’s attention as he points to the game table set up in the ring. Johnny nods as he grabs Gabby, pulling her back up and shoving her head between his legs before lifting her up… Sonny comes up to help grabbing her…
ASSISTED DOUBLE POWERBOMB THROUGH THE TABLE!
The foldable card table doesn’t break like the normal wrestling wooden table, but instead just collapses along with Gabby to the mat, the four legs bent in every which away.
Johnny and Sonny toss their hands up in the air, pleased with their work as Jeremy rushes over and gives them both a hug. Jeremy then holds their arms up to boos from the crowd. Jeremy tips his cowboy hat to the fallen Gabrielle as he and the Goodefellas exit the ring, Jeremy stopping to grab Monopoly from off the canvas, telling the boys they can go play it backstage.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Another disgusting attack on Jeremy’s behalf. He certainly has a way of having other people do his dirty work.”
Konchu Hao: “Trust me, I know.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “And perhaps worse for Gabrielle… she still has to compete in the Steel Roulette match tonight with the Golden Opportunity on the line. That match itself is brutal enough… and now she’s going into it and there’s no way she’ll be 100% after this assault.”
FWA Officials help Gabrielle to her fet in the ring, the fans offering her a supporting standing ovation as they help her up and out of 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.]
Natalie Rosenberg: ”Making their way to ring…Jackson Fenix & Nate Savage…The Undisputed Alliance!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”In what some are calling an upset, The Undisputed Alliance fell short of advancing in the Elite Tag Team Classic after suffering defeat at the hands of Trick or Trash…”
Konchu Hao: ”I wonder who beat Trick or Trash, hmm Jean-Luc?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Now, Fenix and Savage have a chance to bounce back tonight if they can get past a team that Konchu and myself defeated to get where we’re at in the tournament…”
Konchu Hao: ”That’s the spirit, Jean-Luc!”
The brightness of the lights comes down as we are treated to a little cinematic opening as the screen comes to life with a very simple cinematic to begin with. Aaron Harrows, walking out of a suburban household wearing a black and pink sleeveless jacket almost in coordination with his tag partner’s usual attire. Also sat on top of Harrows’ head is a black hat reading “Cinematic Universe” but in the font of the title of the 1992 hit “Waynes World”
Aaron Harrows: “Okay so we lost our first match to the commentator duo which I admit is both bogus and sad but atleast we get a second chance right? This just makes us Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The second outing is always better, we’re great. And then there’s Undisputed Alliance who may win the Tag Team Championship again after 5 years. It might happen! Yeah and monkeys might fly out of my butt.”
A rented dark blue Kia Soul comes up the driveway, small added on flames can be seen on the side.
Aaron Harrows: “We got this.”
Aaron Harrows enters the vehicle revealing who is in the front seat
Aaron Harrows: “This is my tag partner Brooklyn Steiner.”
Brooklyn Steiner: “I don’t know why we can’t just go to the ring?”
Aaron Harrows: “Because fun, Brooklyn.”
What Harrows doesn’t mention is the two are also joined by familiar faces of Mike Stand and Backstreet Boy of the Bad Boys Boy Band.
Aaron Harrows: “Gentlemen. May we show Jeremy Best how Bohemian Rhapsody is supposed to be used in an entrance?”
Brooklyn Steiner: “Sure.”
Harrows connects his phone to the car since CDs barely exist nowadays and just like that the start of Bohemian Rhapsody begins,
Harrows:
“I see a little silhouetto of a man”
Brooklyn and ⅔ of the Bad Boys Boy Band:
“Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango? Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening me.”
Aaron Harrows:
“Galileo”
Brooklyn Steiner:
“Galileo”
Mike Stand:
“Galileo”
Backstreet Boy:
“Galileo”
All:
“Galileo Figaro, magnifico”
Mike Stand:
“But I'm just a poor boy, nobody loves me”
Nobody questions why suddenly that part was changed from Harrows’ character in the movie Wayne to Mike Stand.
The rest:
“He's just a poor boy from a poor family
Spare him his life from this monstrosity”
The camera cuts to outside of the car as they are seen getting closer and closer to The Bridgestone Arena but suddenly the energy increases in the back of the car as the band mates recognise the missing piece to their puzzle, In-Sync. Who is clearly not in the best way as he looks a little glazed over from partying too hard, and he seems to be in a bit of a daze. The car reluctantly pulls over and Harrows and Brooklyn get out and go over.
Aaron Harrows: “Hey buddy, you good? You seem all partied out”
In-Sync: “Fine..I’m fine.”
Brooklyn Steiner: “Aaron, I’m gonna tell you, if we take him, he will throw up in the car.”
Aaron Harrows: “I’m giving you a no-honk guarantee. Also we can’t not take him. They’re a dynamic trio! They have the most trios matches in FWA history! Besides it’s the 19th Anniversary show, are you gonna tell me that these three people are not important to the 19 years of FWA?!”
Steiner looks at Mike Stand and Backstreet Boy. Then down at In-Sync who is still out of it, barely registering what the two are saying before looking back at Harrows.
Brooklyn Steiner: “They definitely aren’t that important to the 19 years of FWA, Aaron.”
Aaron Harrows: “....I’m taking them anyway.”
Brooklyn Steiner: “Fine. But before you do..”
Brooklyn looks around and sees a nearby tip with a special Trixie Bordeaux cup thrown in unceremoniously at the top. Brooklyn grabs it and holds it out for In-Sync.
Brooklyn Steiner: “If you’re gonna spew, spew into this.”
The pair then help drag In-Sync to the car as we go straight back to the sing along.
Radio:
“Easy come, easy go, will you let me go?”
Harrows, Steiner & Stand:
“Bismillah, no, we will not let you go”
Backstreet Boy:
“Let him go! “
Harrows, Steiner & Stand:
“Bismillah, no, we will not let you go”
Backstreet Boy:
“Let him go! “
Harrows, Steiner & Stand:
“Bismillah, no, we will not let you go”
In-Sync:
“LET ME GO!”
All four without In-Sync:
“WILL NOT LET YOU GO”
In-Sync:
“LET ME GO!”
All four without In-Sync:
“WILL NOT LET YOU GO”
All Five:
“Never, never, never, never let me gooooo, ahhh, No, no, no, no, NO, NO, NO!”
We cut once again to the outside of the car as they reach the entry into the stadium, Cinematic Universe & Bad Boys Boy Band have arrived! And as we get closer, you can see the fire in Harrows and Steiner light up as their faces turn more and more determined with every lyric so much that the song almost becomes like a war cry as they go into battle!
Aaron Harrows:
“Oh Mamma Mia, Mamma Mia!”
Cinematic Universe & Bad Boys Boy Band:
“Mamma mia, let me go! Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, FOR MEEEE!”
The audio from the screen becomes louder as we see the entrance of Aaron Harrows, Brooklyn Steiner, Mike Stand, In-Sync & Backstreet Boy as they drive in to the right of the stage and obviously just like in the movie they are referencing, they are headbanging as they drive in!
Natalie Rosenberg: “Ladies and gentlemen, this match is set for ONE FALL. Introducing first… “The Top Star” Aaron Harrows…”The Redeemer” Brooklyn Steiner….they are the CINEMATIC UNIVERSEEEEEEEE!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, Konchu, we definitely know these two quite well and they have brought friends to help celebrate the 19th Anniversary here tonight.”
Konchu Hao: “Indeed, Watkins. Also very interesting of them to reuse the music that Undisputed Alliance’s old rival and unfortunately current FWA World Champion Jeremy Best had The Muppets sing back at Back In Business, could this be some mind games on the behalf of Cinematic Universe?”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’ll be honest with you, I’m not sure if Aaron Harrows thought that much ahead”
Konchu Hao: “Well I was giving them the benefit of the doubt.”
Aaron Harrows and Brooklyn Steiner have now both exited the car as The Bad Boys Boy Band shout their encouragement at their new comrades, Aaron Harrows seems to be much more energized, most likely helped by the guitar solo of the song as he throws his hat into the crowd. Meanwhile Brooklyn simply seems focused but also still nodding along to the beat of the song as the team look determined not to receive another loss, the first one already struck by the commentators of this match up. Harrows & Steiner make their way to the ring, with Harrows stopping occasionally to pump up the crowd with a little air guitar of his own. The final lines of Bohemian Rhapsody come to a close with Harrows jumping on the turnbuckle and taunting to the crowd while Brooklyn Steiner stretches out his limbs. A small “Party On!” chant can be heard.
Jackson Fenix does his best to look unphased while Nate Savage looks unimpressed, and he tries to hype up his partner and get him back into it…
THIRD MATCH | 1/20. Cinematic Universe (Aaron Harrows and Brooklyn Steiner) vs. the Undisputed Alliance (Jackson Fenix and Nate Savage). Tag Team Match. The ETTC: Redemption Bracket. Match Writer: Jimmy. |
| [<< 00:00 >> Jackson Fenix locks up with Brooklyn Steiner in the opening seconds of the match and Steiner opts for a side headlock into a takedown, but Fenix slips out of that and right away Fenix goes for his signature superkick but Steiner saw it coming as he caught Fenix by the boot. Steiner immediately spins Fenix around and hits Fenix with a release german suplex! Fenix hits the mat hard and he clutches at the back of his head as he gingerly gets back to a vertical base, ducks an incoming clothesline from Steiner and drills Steiner in the back of the head with a spinning forearm smash! Fenix hits the ropes and comes back with a running bulldog! Fenix hits the ropes once more and this time comes back with a running single leg drop but he misses as Steiner rolls out of the way! Fenix winces after hitting the mat with authority and Steiner nails him with a basement dropkick! Steiner hits the ropes…springboard moonsault! Steiner makes the cover… One…NO! Jean-Luc Watkins: ”This is fairly evenly matched thus far in the opening minutes but as we know anything can and will happen!” Konchu Hao: ”Jackson Fenix does seem to have his head in the game this time rather than wherever it was the last time he was out here.” Steiner brings Fenix up with a front facelock but Fenix fends him off with several forearm strikes before he counters with a jawbreaker! Steiner is stunned as Fenix bounces off the ropes to give himself the speed he needs to hit a slingblade on Steiner! Fenix is feeling it now as he’s feeding off the energy of the crowd and he goes for yet another superkick but once again Steiner sees it coming and catches Fenix by the boot, but this time Fenix gets out of his predicament with an enzuigiri! Steiner is stunned by that as he stumbles back near his corner where Aaron Harrows tags himself in just as Fenix tags in Nate Savage! Savage and Harrows both come in hot off the tag and right off the bat Savage takes down Harrows with a clothesline! Savage follows up with another clothesline on Harrows! Savage hits the ropes for more forward momentum and goes for a running senton but misses as Harrows narrowly rolls out of the way! Harrows hits Savage with a basement dropkick! Harrows climbs to the top…elbow drop! Harrows makes the pin! One…NO! << 5:05 >> Savage kicked out with authority, which launched Harrows off of him and a few inches to the side. Savage rolls to his side before popping back up to his feet just as Harrows scrambles back to his feet and he’s drilled with a vicious-looking headbutt from Savage! Savage is back in the driver’s seat as he takes Harrows in a front facelock and drags him to the corner where he tags in Fenix, and Jackson Fenix is now up on the second rope after the tag and he leaps off…Kill the Lights! Fenix gets all of the second rope meteora and he reaches back to hook both legs for the pin… One…TW--NO!! Fenix tags in Savage and he hands off Harrows to Savage, and Savage has Harrows up just as Fenix drops down and Savage drops Harrows right on Fenix’s knees back first with a vertical suplex! Savage hits the ropes now and flattens Harrows with a jumping seated senton into a pin! One…TW--NO!! Konchu Hao: ”Would you look at that? Savage and Fenix appear to be on the same page this week! Which is bad news for the Cinematic Universe if they can keep this up…” Jean-Luc Watkins: ”The Undisputed Alliance are certainly showing shades of their old selves working cohesively so far, but Aaron Harrows keeps his team’s hopes alive a bit longer!” << 09:36 >> Savage has Harrows set up in the corner and Savage barrels toward Harrows and squashes him with a corner splash! Harrows is in dire straits right now as he slumps down in the corner, leaving himself prone to more offense courtesy of Nate Savage. Savage lines up Harrows in his sights and goes for his signature corner cannonball senton but he gets nothing but the turnbuckle as Harrows moves out of the way! Konchu Hao: ”Oh dear, it appears we’ve spoken too soon, oh well…” Jean-Luc Watkins: ”This is the opening that Aaron Harrows needs to make a tag to his fresher partner, but can he capitalize?!” Savage writhes in agony, clutching at his lower spine while Harrows starts to crawl to his corner to make the tag but just as he’s about to tag in Steiner his foot is grabbed by Savage…Harrows wobbles around one foot for a brief moment before stunning Savage with an enzuigiri! Harrows leaps over and tags in Steiner! Steiner comes in hot and takes down Fenix with a clothesline! Steiner turns his attention back to Savage, who swings for the fences with a closed fist, but Steiner blocks that and nails Savage with a forearm strike! Steiner unloads on Savage with several more forearm strikes until Savage is on wobbly legs…Steiner hits the ropes and comes off with a springboard hurricanrana into a pin! One…TW--NO!! Steiner tags Harrows back in and Harrows quickly hits the top rope and leaps off connecting with a diving senton and he makes the pin this time… One…two…NO!!! Harrows tags in Steiner once again and Steiner now ascends to the top…Steiner leaps off for a shooting star press but Savage got the knees up this time! << 13:40 >> Savage crawls over and tags in Fenix, who comes in raring to go and he’s locked in as he lines up Steiner, who is staggering back to his feet…Superkick Me Baby One More Time! Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Fenix finally hit that superkick he’s been looking for all match but I don’t believe he got all of it unfortunately!” Steiner is still on his feet but not as steady as he’d like to be, which allows Fenix to bring him in close and Fenix has him set up for the Sin City Hangover…but Steiner flips out behind Fenix and he grabs Fenix in a rear waistlock but Fenix clings onto the nearby ropes preventing Steiner from hitting a german suplex…Fenix throws a back elbow that knocks Steiner back… Fenix goes for another superkick but this time Steiner has an answer for it as he catches Fenix by the boot and spins him around before hitting a german suplex into a bridge! One…two…THR--NO!!! Steiner tags in Harrows and Harrows climbs to the top once more as Fenix is getting to his feet…diving crossbody from Harrows connects! Harrows rolls off of Fenix and he’s readying himself…Harrows has Fenix where he wants him…he hits Fenix with The Cobra! Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Harrows with The Cobra! A move that he claims was taught to him by Jet Li’s neighbor’s husband's third cousin…” The crowd is eating it up and so is Harrows, who is feeding off the energy but his fun is cut short thanks to a clubbing blow to the back from Nate Savage…Brooklyn Steiner is in for the save and starts trading blows with Savage before clotheslining Savage over the ropes to the outside…Steiner isn’t through yet though as Savage is gathering himself outside he’s taken out by a suicide dive from Brooklyn Steiner! While all of that was happening, Jackson Fenix had ample time to recover from the deadly Cobra. He brings Harrows up and has him set up for In The Zone, but Harrows slips out of it and he’s behind Fenix now…Oscar Number 6! Harrows is in for the pin now… One…two…THREE!!! /td] |
RESULT: Cinematic Universe wins via pinfall at 16:30. |
Natalie Rosenberg: ”The winners of the match, Aaron Harrows and Brooklyn Steiner…the Cinematic Universe!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”Jackson Fenix went to the well one too many times for that superkick of his and it in the end just didn’t work out in his favor or Nate Savage’s favor for that matter…”
Konchu Hao: ”I must admit I do enjoy watching the misery of my old foes, but I will also admit that something is not right in the Undisputed Alliance camp. It appeared like they were on the same page but they’re still not clicking apparently, and fortunately for Cinematic Universe that results in them picking up a big win!”
Harrows and Steiner celebrate on the outside of the ring while back inside the ring Nate Savage and Jackson sit together looking deflated after another disappointing loss as the show rolls on…
Natalie Rosenberg: “Ladies and gentlemen, your next match is set for ONE FALL with a 20-minute time limit. Introducing first, Lexi Lemoniiiiiiiiiis!”
“Neon Paradise” || Nightcore
Lexi Lemonis appears at the top of the ramp with her cellphone held high over her head, snapping selfies as she makes her way to the ring, ignoring the reaction of the crowd completely. She appears to be talking into her phone screen as though she’s live-streaming her FWA debut.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Aaaand her opponent, hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Duuuuuuuuuude!”
“We Want Fun” || Andrew W.K.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Two new signees making their debuts against one another tonight. For one of them, this could be the beginning of a great run. For the other, it may be a sign that it’s time to rethink their career choices.”
Dude hops into the ring, steps up onto the second turnbuckle, and greets the fans who seem to have thrown their early support behind him. Meanwhile, Lexi is in the corner continuing to livestream her debut.
FOURTH MATCH | 1/20. DUDE-! vs. Lexi Lemonis. Singles Match. Match Writer: Tommy. |
| << 00:00. >> DING DING DING The bell sounds and this one is underway, but Lemonis is still livestreaming. DUDE looks at her and looks at the official a bit bewildered. Konchu Hao: “Does she know that she’s supposed to…wrestle?” Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m honestly not sure.” The official walks over toward Lexi, telling her to put the phone down, but instead, she moves over beside him to get him in the shot. The ref continues to instruct her to put the phone away to no avail. DUDE finally has enough of this and charges toward Lexi and clotheslines her over the top rope. Lemonis lands on her feet, but is quickly met with a STAGE DIVE! DUDE crashes hard to the ground, but is quickly back up to his feet, so he walks over and high-fives a group of fans sitting ringside. He picks Lexi up and rolls her back into the ring. DUDE climbs onto the apron and up the turnbuckle as the crowd begins to chant “DUDE! DUDE! DUDE! DUDE! DUDE!” DUDE pumps his fist along with the beat of the crowd’s chants before hurling himself into the air and connecting with the DUDE DIVE! Jean-Luc Watkins: “I think he calls that move the Dude Dive, Konchu.” DUDE quickly hooks Lexi’s leg and goes for the pin. 1… 2… 3… DING DING DING |
RESULT: DUDE wins via pinfall at 1:11. |
Dude rolls out of the ring and under the bottom rope before climbing up onto the security railing and falling backward into the arms of the FWA Universe who are still chanting his name. Meanwhile, Lexi sits up in the ring, looks a bit confused, an motions for her phone. The official retrieves it and hands it to her as she goes back to talking to her Instagram followers via livestream. Dude rides the wave of his newfound fans all the way up the side of the entrance ramp before climbing from their arms and walking to the back.
knock knock knock.
The repetitive noise of a fist forcefully banging on the door to his office is enough to disturb Jon Russnow from the mundane work on an FWA executive. He places the notes he’s been reading down onto his desk, and turns the volume down on the footage of the live broadcast (which currently, rather confusingly, is of him in his office, turning down the volume).
Jon Russnow: “Come in!”
Michelle von Horrowitz emerges through the door. She enters tentatively, perhaps concerned about errant darts.
Jon Russnow: “Ah, Dreamer! What are you doing here? I thought we agreed you’d take some time off.”
MvH: “I’m not wrestling, but I’m still here. Appears I just can’t stay away from the place.”
Jon Russnow: “Not healthy. Do you want a seat?”
Russnow rummages around in his bottom desk drawer, producing a bottle of whiskey and two glasses. He holds them up in Michelle’s direction with an encouraging grin. She thinks about the other, really thinks about it. If it was anyone but Russnow…
She shakes her head.
MvH: “I’m not staying long. I’ve come to ask for a match. Meltdown XLV.”
Jon Russnow: “You’re meant to be taking time off.”
MvH: “I have. It will be six weeks by the time we get to XLV.”
Jon Russnow: “Six weeks is no time off at all.”
MvH: “Yes, it is. It’s six weeks worth of time off.”
The executive sighs in frustration. He fondles the flight of a dart that sits on his desk.
Jon Russnow: “What match?”
MvH: “A tag match. I don’t care about the opponents. Just put me with Ton Tonton.”
Jon Russnow: “The new guy?”
Russnow’s face expresses his puzzlement clearly.
Jon Russnow: “What business could you possibly have with Ton Tonton? Actually, don’t tell me. I don’t want to know what you’re up to. Plausible deniability. Anyway, the tag division’s a little bustling at the moment, Dreamer. Not sure if you noticed. With the tournament final along with the redemption bracket, I’m not sure there’s space for another tag team match. Trios, maybe…”
MvH: “Fine. Not ideal, but fine. Trios will have to do.”
The executive smiles, pleased at his ability to close the deal.
Jon Russnow: “Great. Find yourself a partner, and you’ve got yourself a match.”
Dreamer looks slightly annoyed at having to do more work, but is equally relieved to be able to exit. She leaves Russnow’s office, the camera following her as she enters the corridor… and is immediately confronted by a familiar face.
MvH: “Listening in, tulip? Try a glass against the door. I heard that works.”
Vengador: “And I heard that you’re looking for a partner.”
Dreamer looks at the interloper with mistrust and bemusement.
MvH: “Yes, you heard it through the door. When you were voyeuristically listening to my conversation.”
Vengador: “Be that as it may… I volunteer. This Ton Tonton… very interesting.”
A moment's pause, as Michelle weighs up the man before her and his offer.
MvH: “I’ll think about it…”
[“Invasion”|| Jim Johnston]
Backstage as the music plays, adore is shown for a few seconds. A member of the stage crew knocks on the door and swings open. The camera positions itself inside the doorway but no one is visible. It is only when the camera pans down that the top of Joe Burr’s head is visible. The frame is readjusted and we then follow Joe out of the door and down the corridor. He has his voice modulator around his neck and there is an unevenness to his walk to the metal piston which runs alongside his right knee.
Natalie Rosenberg: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall. With a 20 minute time limit! Making his way to the ring, from New York City and weighing in at one-hundred and thirty-one pounds… ‘The Giant Killer’... JOE BURRRRRRRRRRR!!”
As Burr appears on the stage, there is a polite response for him from the crowd. A few eager fans begin to drum up a “JOE’S GONNA KILL YOU!” chant.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “An unusual position for Joe Burr to be in tonight; he is consistently the smallest person in any given match, but Traffic Cone #2 is dwarfed in size by Joe Burr… and every other person on the planet. Burr must be feeling confident about this one, Konchu.”
Konchu Hao: “These modifications we have seen Joe Burr apply to himself give him an even greater advantage against such a pithy foe, Jean-Luc. I am unsure who is responsible for these upgrades but the scientist in me is fascinated by these improvements!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, the voice modulator is necessary following the permanently shattered larynx Joe suffered over two years ago at the hands of Saint Sully at Back in Business and the cybernetic leg brace was added after he was mauled by Keres ahead of Back in Business last year. We’ve seen what the rest of NTR have done to their victims… is another enhancement in Joe Burr’s near future?”
With some difficulty due to the lack of mobility caused by his leg brace, Burr makes it into the ring and pulls himself back up. He hobbles over to the ropes and asks for a microphone. The music fades out and Burr stands in the middle of the ring alone. There is some feedback from the modulator around his neck but this settles and he speaks in the robotic voice that he has been confined to for over two years.
Joe Burr: “Tonight, I face one of my greatest challenges yet. No one, not anyone has been able to stop the menaces known as NTR since they arrived here in the FWA. Not FTN, not Bryan Baxter and not even those assholes in Eternal! You know, I’m not even mad about that last one, actually… yeah… that’s right. YOU CAN KISS MY ASS, KERES!”
There are some who agree with that sentiment, but others who seem to be confused about the tangent.
Joe Burr: “My entire life I have had people thinking that they can bully me and look past me because of my size. In the face of NTR, I am still just a small man but tonight against Traffic Cone #2 - I will not kill the giant. I AM THE GIANT!”
The “JOE’S GONNA KILL YOU!” chant picks up a bit of traction again, and Burr nods his head.
Joe Burr: “I like that a lot. So Traffic Cone #2! BRING THAT ORANGE ASS TO THE RING RIGHT NOW! Because… YOU’RE GONNA GET YOUR FUCKING SHOULDERS PINNED!”
Unaware that his opponent does not possess any shoulders to pin, Burr slams the microphone down to the mat and then backs away from the ropes to wait.
[“Ready to Rage”|| Andy Organ]
Traffic Cone #2 walks out to loud jeers from the crowd. Despite this, he seems enthusiastic and optimistic about his chances.
Natalie Rosenberg: “His opponent… standing twenty-eight inches tall and weighing in at seven pounds… TRAFFIC CONE #2!!!”
As does Joe Burr, who nods his head in approval, looking forward to facing someone who does not offer him much in the way of a physical threat. This changes though when someone else appears behind TC2; Jhunha stoops below the entrance way as it is too small for him. Owen the Intern and Jay Kenny follow him out as well, and the NTR Young Lions make their way towards the ring as a unit together. Joe Burr looks like he has shit a brick and stands with his eyes wide open, firmly locked on the towering figure of Jhunha.
Konchu Hao: “Unsurprising and underwhelming that NTR could not keep their promise to Jon Russnow; we knew the cone had a match but this was not part of the deal. Joe Burr is in significant danger of joining the likes of Bryan Baxter and FTN on the NTR list of victims here, Jean-Luc.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I’m not sure where this leaves everything in terms of the agreement made between NTR and Jon Russnow on Meltdown. They assured Jon that they would not be a presence here tonight - Traffic Cone #2’s match was known so he is permitted - but there was no allowance for the rest of the NTR Dojo to be here and run amok over proceedings. The Golden Opportunity match is happening right after this!”
TC2 clambers up the steps and then ducks underneath the bottom rope to get into the ring, looking awfully proud of himself. The others with him obnoxiously cheer and provide support, as Burr cautiously notes that the ring is being surrounded by the NTR members. Referee Larry Stevens shrugs, as there is not much he can do, and then calls for the bell.
FIFTH MATCH | 1/20. Joe Burr vs. Traffic Cone #2. Singles Match. Match Writer: Man. |
| The smile is wiped from Traffic Cone #2’s face almost as soon as the match begins because Joe Burr stomps towards him and then KICKS HIM WITH THE CYBERNETICALLY ENHANCED LEG! The cone goes airborne following the impact, hitting the middle rope and then landing on its face on the mat. There is immediate worry from the NTR team on the outside, but the crowd eats it up. Burr follows up, trying to stomp on TC2 and flatten him, but Coney rolls out of the way just in time. This continues, with Burr stalking TC2 around the ring and trying to crush him. Eventually, with a look of worry on his face, the cone backs into the bottom turnbuckle and he puts his gloved hands up. Burr looms in on him and goes for a kick against the turnbuckle, but TC2 gets through his legs… CONOEROTIC UNDERTONES! BURR’S SHOULDERS ARE ON THE MAT!! ONE… TWO… THR-NO!!! Jean-Luc Watkins: “Joe Burr so frequently considered the master of the roll up - he could have found his match here… Konchu, we’re calling a match between a traffic cone and a semi-cyborg. What’s happened here? How the fuck did we get to this point?” Konchu Hao: “Life holds many mysteries to which we cannot always have answers, my friend. Let us be grateful it is not a vampire and a nudist!” Burr gets up after getting his shoulder up, and he grabs TC2 by the top of the cone. With ease, Joe lifts him up and puts the point of the cone in between his legs and then leans back… PILEDRIVER!! TC2 gets spiked on the mat and Burr goes to pin him, but has to ask the referee how one actually goes about pinning a traffic cone. Stevens does not have an answer for him and Burr instead opts to kick Coney across the ring once more. This time TC2 hits the turnbuckle hard and screams out in pain. “I CAN’T FEEL MY LEGS! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” He motions for the referee to come and help him, which causes Burr to try to interject - but Jay Kenny is up on the apron! Burr diverts course to confront the former FWA World Tag Team Champion… BUT KENNY CRACKS HIM ACROSS THE JAW WITH A LEFT HAND!! The punch knocks Burr back, and the only reason he does not fall flat onto his back is because his knee does not bend in such a way due to the brace. Hunched down, Burr is an easy target for Owen… now in the ring… AND A FLIP PILEDRIVER!!! Burr gets dropped on his head now, but things could be about to get worse for him. Jean-Luc Watkins: “The referee is being occupied by Traffic Cone #2 and NTR have turned this match completely into their teammates favour… here comes Jhunha.” Jhunha steps over the top rope from the apron and gets into the ring. He picks Burr up with consummate ease and lifts him up… HEARTSTOP SHOT!!! Burr is obliterated completely, and Jhunha lifts him up and props him against the turnbuckle… and miraculously Traffic Cone #2 seems to be okay now! The cone stands up straight and pumps his fist before charging in towards Burr… TORPEDO MOSCONE!! Burr’s shoulders are down again… ONE… TWO… THREE!!! |
RESULT: Traffic Cone #2 wins via pin fall at 03:12. |
Despite the crowd booing, Traffic Cone #2 acts as if he has just won the FWA World Championship. He jumps into the air and screams out wildly for everyone to hear. He is joined in the ring by the other young lions, who celebrate with him.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Here is your winner… TRAFFIC CONE #2!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, I think if Joe Burr could have figured out a way to win this match he almost certainly would have… but Traffic Cone #2 has officially won his first ever match in the FWA since first arriving here seven years ago. Although, I think a big assist can be chalked up to Kenny, Owen and Jhunha. I think Jhunha almost drove Burr through the mat with that move, Konchu.”
Konchu Hao: “Resurrection spells are difficult, Jean-Luc; I have tried them in the past. I struggle to see what else could bring Joe Burr back after that!”
Now up on Jhunha’s shoulder, TC2 absorbs the atmosphere in and bathes in the euphoria of winning a match. His eyes become drawn to his defeated opponent, who is just about conscious on the mat. The others look up to TC2, whose fail shifts into a scowl and he holds a thumbs up… and then a THUMBS DOWN!
Konchu Hao: “THUMBS DOWN?!”
Seeing the signal, Kenny drops to his knees and starts pummelling Burr with hammer fists to the face and head! The crowd boos more and the music stops as Kenny then locks in THE ZULU!! Burr struggles to breath and Kenny maniacally laughs with his toothless grin as he feels the life beginning to seep from his prey.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Jay Kenny has The Zulu locked in… Burr could be in real trouble here. The brain being denied oxygen could lead to some serious issues. And look, they’re laughing!”
The rest of the young lions take great enjoyment from the situation, with Owen even bending down to tear the voice modulator out from around Burr’s neck and he holds it up triumphantly. The crowd continue to boo… and then a voice is heard…
: “STOP IT! YOU LEAVE HIM ALONE!”
The owner of the voice earns some more groans from the fans, as it is Allen Price. Price sits at the top of the ramp in his wheelchair, with his leg still in a cast. The NTR members look over at him from the ring, with Kenny finally letting Joe Burr go and he slumps to the floor.
Allen Price: “You guys think you’re big, huh? You wanna be tough guys?! Well, I think you’re nothing but a bunch of BITCHES!”
The outburst earns a rare Price pop from the crowd, and Allen’s face has turned beet red. From in the ring, the young lions hurl insults towards him.
Allen Price: “Oh yeah? Oh yeah?! OH YEAH?! We got the orange bitch, the toothless bitch, the big bitch and the intern bitch! You got a problem with that? Huh, you BITCHES?! WHY DON’T YOU COME AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT?!”
No second invitation is needed. Jay Kenny rolls out of the ring, as does Owen. Jhunha steps onto the apron with Traffic Cone #2 still perched on his shoulder. They regroup at the base of the ramp and start advancing towards Allen…
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Price, you cretin. You better have something up your sleeve here.”
By the time NTR have taken a few steps, there’s a rumble from the crowd as Price is joined on the stage by the Diamond Dogs! Staunch allies of FTN, Ricardo Vance and Santino Dongarelli get in front of Price and motion for the foursome to come and meet them! Again, NTR do not need to be told twice… and they start making moves towards the Diamond Dogs! Rick and Sonny don’t back down and there is just about ten feet between the two groups…
[“Gangplank Galleon”]
The arena lights flash everywhere as the loud music plays… AND CHRIS PEACOCK AND ALYSTER BLACK BOTH WALK OUT ONTO THE STAGE!!! The FWA World Tag Team Champions are both armed with Singapore Canes! Peacock wears a sadistic smile on his face and Black nods his head. Instead of advancing though, they both point the canes behind them… HERE COMES BIG DICK!!! Dick towers over the rest of FTN and from behind the FTN line, Allen Price does some quick counting.
Allen Price: “Looks like you’ve lost the numbers… now RUN YOU BITCHES!”
Seeing that the numbers and the weapons are against them, Owen and Kenny begin to back off… but Jhunha has his eyes locked on Big Dick, one of few men who can match him for size. It seems that Jhunha wants to stay and fight, but the shrieking of TC2 along with Owen tugging on his arm is enough for him to also back away. FTN give them a gracious few seconds… BEFORE THEY ENGAGE IN HOT PURSUIT!!!
The crowd goes wild as the Diamond Dogs lead the charge, with the still-recovering Black and Peacock unable to keep proper pace with Big Dick stomping behind them. Price also zooms to the front in his wheelchair. Kenny reaches the barricade first and vaults it, with Owen just behind him. Jhunha carries TC2 over by simply stepping over it… and NTR make their way out through the crowd! Sonny and Rick stay in the corner and shout out to them, mocking them. Black and Peacock roll into the ring and Big Dick gets in as well, before they’re joined by the Diamond Dogs too.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “FTN have rallied here! They’ve probably saved Joe Burr’s life in the process, but more importantly someone has finally stood up to these guys!”
In the ring, Black and Peacock thank their friends with hugs and they both share a fist bump with Big Dick. Dick’s primary concern though is Joe Burr on the mat, who is drifting in and out of consciousness. He looks to Black and Peacock and asks what they should do. Peacock and Black exchange a shrug with each other and then give Dick a nod, so the big man scoops Burr up and drapes him over his shoulder.
Konchu Hao: “I think FTN are taking custody of Joe Burr! If so, that’s two new members added to their ranks tonight alone. They’re recognising the NTR threat and responding in kind… but my friend, NTR is not the sole threat to the FWA World Tag Team Championships.”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “I was not going to say anything as we are on the job, Konchu… but you’re right. I think they’re starting to realise it themselves now…”
The feed shows the commentary team, who both look on at the scene in the ring. Black and Peacock veer away from the main group and match their gazes. Some words are exchanged between the champions and their other prospective challengers at Lights Out.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “There is still much work to be done, but we will be seeing the two of you sooner rather than later, gentlemen.”
As FTN nod their heads, aware of their potential future prospects, the feed cuts backstage into an interior office. Jon Russnow shows a worried look on his face, furrowing his brow as he watches a monitor that has been displaying the action of the night. FTN still hold the ring after running off the NTR Dojo members and Russnow cuts a frustrated figure as he slams his hand against his desk. Sighing, he calls out.
Jon Russnow: “Alexa! Call Danny Toner.”
Alexa: “Calling Danny Toner.”
Russnow taps his fingers in an impatient manner as the phone rings on the loudspeaker. After a couple of rings the phone picks up and Russnow snaps down the phone.
Jon Russnow: “Danny! We had-”
Ryan Rondo: “Whaazzzzuupp??”
Grimacing at the unmistakable sound of Ryan Rondo’s voice, Russnow shakes his head.
Jon Russnow: “Ryan, I need to speak to Danny immediately.”
Ryan Rondo: “D’s a lil busy right now, him and Nova are having a late hot girl brat summer party if ya know what I mean? You can speak to me though, ‘sup?”
Jon blinks his eyes a few times, entirely NOT knowing what Rondo means. Nevertheless…
Jon Russnow: “‘Sup? ‘SUP!? I thought we had a damn deal, Ryan! Danny gave his word that you guys wouldn’t mess around tonight, he promised that you would steer clear of the event and not mess things up.”
Ryan Rondo: “And we’ve been keeping that promise, Johnny-boy! What’s up your ass?”
Jon Russnow: “Did you not just see what happened-”
Ryan Rondo: “No. Hot. Brat. Girl. Summer. Party. What ain’t you getting Russnow?”
Jon Russnow: “The NTR Dojo members just interfered in the Joe Burr match and if it wasn’t for FTN, they weren’t going to stop there!”
Ryan Rondo: “So?”
Russnow looks like his eyes are about to bulge out of his head as he struggles to retain his composure.
Jon Russnow: “SO that means the deal is off! You broke your promise!”
Ryan Rondo: “Like fuck we did, Russnow! Danny promised WE wouldn’t be at The Anniversary Show. Danny promised that me, Nova, and him wouldn’t fuck up your little celebration or ruin the Golden Opportunity match. We kept OUR word, Russnow; we ain’t anywhere near Nashville, we’re already in Miami partying it up and getting ready for the big NTR Meltdownapalooza! Listen, if our young boys run wild, they do be like that sometimes - whatcha gonna do? They’re young, hungry, moderately aroused, red-blooded NTR Trueborns! A lotta feels to be carrying around, ya know?”
Jon Russnow: “Ryan… enough of this. I’ve way too much on my plate and even more on the line tonight-.”
Ryan Rondo: “Awh, chill out, Russnow. The young boys have been told very sternly to leave the G-O well enough alone, or else. Don’t you worry your little head about that. You have OUR word, remember? OH SHIT! Nova’s chuggin’ a full tower of Sex on the Beach!! Gotta run, Jon, hugs and kisses muah muah muah, byeeeee!!”
Jon Russnow: “Or else what? Ryan-”
Russnow is immediately cut off by the obnoxious disconnecting sound emitting from the loudspeaker and it appears Ryan Rondo has hung up on him. Russnow remains stoic for a few moments but then let’s his head fall into his hands as the camera cuts away.
We return to the arena with Natalie Rosenberg in the ring, a microphone in hand. The crowd is cheering. They know what time it is.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Wrestling fans, it is now time for your main event… which is the Steel Roulette match for the Golden Opportunity briefcase!"
More applause. More suspense. The cage begins to lower.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Two wrestlers will start in the ring together for a period of ten minutes, with four other combatants locked in pods around the ring. After this ten minute period a third wrestler - selected at random earlier today - will be released from their pod and into the match. Another wrestler will then enter the match every five minutes, until all four pods have been unlocked. Eliminations can occur at any time in this match, but must take place within the ring. The last man or woman standing will take home the Golden Opportunity briefcase."
A shot of the briefcase, situated on a podium at the base of the ramp.
Natalie Rosenberg: "The holder of this briefcase is entitled to a shot at the FWA World Championship at any time of their choosing, up to and including Back in Business XIX. Introducing first…"
We return to a wide shot, just in time for…
[My Hero || Foo Fighters]
There’s a mixed reaction, mostly positive, for the first competitor in tonight’s main event. He walks onto the stage and glances around the packed arena, spotlights illuminating him as Natalie makes his introduction.
Natalie Rosenberg: "… from Kansas City, Missouri, he weighs in tonight at two hundred and fifteen pounds… TREVOR OCEAN!!"
Ocean looks focussed as he regards the cage in front of him. He begins his descent down the ramp.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Trevor Ocean shocked the world back at the Carnal Contendership, where he returned to the FWA and almost went all the way, eventually punching his ticket in this match by finishing in the final seven. Ocean has since been somewhat pulled back into old rivalries with Shawn Summers, and several tag team matches, one involving Michelle von Horrowitz, and another Alejandro Giunti, one of his opponents tonight."
Konchu Hao: "Ocean has made it clear that he has little interest in the tag team division. Tonight is another huge opportunity for him to mark himself out as a star with singles pedigree. What’s so wrong with the tag team division, that’s all I’m asking?"
Ocean glances at the briefcase at the bottom of the ramp before entering the cage through the open doors. He immediately climbs into the ring, stalks across it, and then occupies one of the pods on the outside of the ring. The officials at ringside busy themselves in locking Ocean in whilst his music fades out. After a few seconds of silence, we hear…
[MEGITSUNE || Babymetal]
Another mostly positive reaction for Katsu, who appears on stage looking decidedly less confident than Trevor Ocean. She takes a deep breath on the stage whilst looking at the cage.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Next… from Osaka, Japan and weighing in tonight at one hundred and twelve pounds… she is ‘the Kitsune Warrior’... KATSU!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here comes another competitor who made her return at the Carnal Contendership match. Katsu came even closer than Ocean to winning that contest – closer than anyone else in this match, finishing second only to Krash, who went on to face Jeremy Best in the main event of Back in Business XVIII."
Konchu Hao: "A match which the White Wolf would go on to lose, making this contest all the more important. We need a strong briefcase holder, who is ready and willing to take that belt away from Best at the earliest opportunity."
Jean-Luc Watkins: "You think Katsu is up to the task?"
Konchu Hao: "I think that’s ultimately irrelevant. Truth is in this match."
The Kitsune Warrior spends a lot longer than Ocean regarding the briefcase on its podium, eventually dragging her eyes away from it to enter the cage. She takes up position in the closest pod, the officials fastening the door as her music fades out.
[WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE || Maneskin]
There’s another cheer in the arena, this time for ‘the Maltese Falcon’, who looks a little overwhelmed by the situation as he arrives on stage.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And from Valetta, Malta… he weighs in tonight at one hundred and ninety six pounds… ‘the Maltese Falcon’... he is one third of the FWA Trios Championships… ALEJANDROOOO… GIIIIIIIUUUUNTIII!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here comes a surprise package in the Carnal Contendership match, who shocked the world by performing so well in that battle royale and qualifying for this Steel Roulette match."
Konchu Hao: "But Giiunti has since shown that this was no fluke, as he captured the FWA Trios Championships at Back in Business… albeit alongside his partners Luna Piper and Jin-Ho. Still, he is one of two competitors in this match to enter the chamber as a champion, even if his belt is decidedly less impressive than the other champion’s."
Giunti takes his belt off at the foot of the ramp whilst glancing at the briefcase. He hands it to one of the officials and then climbs into the cage. He glances across the ring at Ocean, and then at Katsu, before taking his spot in another of the pods. It’s padlocked shut as his music fades out. Then…
[Save Me || Lacuna Coil]
More cheers in the arena as the Hall of Famer walks out onto the stage. She comes alone and, unlike all of the other competitors so far, wears a smile on her face. She exudes confidence as she walks down the ramp.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And next… from Auckland in New Zealand… she weighs in at one hundred and thirty two pounds… ‘the Goddess’... GABRIEEELLE… MOOOONTGOMERYYYYY!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here comes a woman who has won this match in the past, although this isn’t an event she’ll enjoy being reminded of. The eventual cash-in attempt led to a downward spiral that would define Gabrielle for several years. Unlike that year, though, she comes into this match with a shot at Jeremy Best already in her back pocket. Montgomery will face ‘Your New Best Friend’ at Lights Out in less than seven weeks."
Konchu Hao: "But that engagement has already proven a disadvantage for Gabrielle tonight, given the attack we saw earlier in the show. She might be smiling now, but I fancy this is a brave face. Gabrielle is walking through the pain, and that will become apparent when she’s released from her pod."
Gabrielle doesn’t let the wounds of the attack earlier on show in her body language. She even picks up the briefcase from its podium, as if it was a possession that once belonged to her but had since been lost. She felt the weight of it in her hands before replacing it on the podium. Gabrielle enters the ring and engages in long, lingering glances at each of the three competitors already in their pods, a devilish glint in her eye. Then, finally, she retreats into her own. Her music fades out, and is replaced by…
[Blood of Glory || Antti Martikainen]
Yet more cheers, but more ferocious than for any of the combatants so far. Cyrus Truth walks out onto the stage, a grave look on his face and his championship belt on his shoulder.
Natalie Rosenberg: "From the Long and Winding Road’... weighing in at two hundred and twenty seven pounds… he is the FWA North American Champion… ‘the Exile’... CYRUS! TRUTH!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "A fan favourite amongst, at least thus far, a field of fan favourites, but Cyrus Truth has it all to do here. Those four pods are already occupied, meaning ‘the Wayward Warrior’ will be one of two men starting things off here in our main event."
Konchu Hao: "I’m sure Cyrus isn’t sweating it. He’s been in much more dire situations before, with much less hope of success… and he invariably pulls through. Besides, starting the match in the ring allows you to put your imprint on it early. Control things from the centre. Yes, I think this is probably what Truth would’ve wanted!"
Truth unfastens his belt and hands it a referee whilst side-eyeing the briefcase. He climbs into the cage and through the ropes, standing in the ring and regarding those surrounding him in their glass pods. He loosens up and backs into a corner, Gabrielle watching him from the closest pod. The two stare at each other in a slightly uncomfortable silence.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Which means…"
[Cut Above || Avery Watts]
A much more mixed reaction for the final combatant, and this time it seems that the boos are in the majority. The man who walks out onto the stage seems used to it, and ambivalent - even if slightly bitter - towards the reaction. He loosens up on the stage whilst regarding the cage.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And finally… weighing in tonight at two hundred and forty pounds… ‘the Prodigy’... MIKE PARR!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Mike Parr rounds out the field tonight and is equally as unfortunate - or fortunate, depending on your perspective - as Cyrus Truth. They will be the two combatants who start things off tonight, and it’ll be ten full minutes before anyone joins them in the chamber."
Konchu Hao: "We’ve seen Mike Parr go for an hour or longer several times over the years, so I’m sure he won’t be daunted by the marathon laid out before him, either. Despite their experience and longevity, I couldn’t think of two better combatants than ‘the Prodigy’ and ‘the Exile’ to get this Steel Roulette underway!"
Parr pauses at the foot of the ramp, but doesn’t even glance at the briefcase, the only competitor who refrains from doing so. Instead, he has eyes for only the cage, which he regards carefully, taking in every aspect of it: the steel chains that form a cylinder around it, the glass pods, the large gap between the roof of the pods and the high ceiling, the steel grating that runs around the ring. Only when he has taken a mental inventory of the tools available to him does he climb into the ring.
Now, as his music fades out, he begins to realign his focus on the other man in the ring. Cyrus Truth stands still in his corner, wearing a grim countenance, steadfast and ready. There is one referee inside the ring and several more outside of it. There’s no need for final checks or instructions. The official is only there to count the three and listen for submissions. And to call for the bell, which he promptly does…
SIXTH MATCH | MAIN EVENT | 5/–. Cyrus Truth vs. Mike Parr vs. Trevor Ocean vs. Katsu vs. Alejandro Giunti vs. Gabrielle. Steel Roulette Match for the Golden Opportunity Briefcase. Match Writer: supinesnake. |
| << 00:00. >> The opening bell rings, the crowd’s anticipation high for the evening’s main event, a LET’S GO CYRUS chant beginning to circulate amongst the Nashville audience. This seems to slightly perturb Parr, who suppresses a snarl and a grimace, but Cyrus doesn’t register any sort of reaction to the thousands of people around him. They slowly begin to circle the ring and then, with the excitement at fever pitch, bring it in for a collar and elbow tie up… with Mike Parr immediately going behind into a rear waistlock, and then taking Truth by the wrist and wrenching his arm up in a hammer lock. Cyrus is able to rotate through to alleviate the pressure and put Parr in a hammer lock of his own. The Prodigy tries to reach down and pick a leg, but Truth evades, only for Parr to change tact and bring the Exile over with a snapmare. He hits a kick to the back and then slaps on a rear chin lock. Jean-Luc Watkins: "The Exile and the Prodigy engage in an exchange of holds to kick things off, a strategy that you’d have to think plays into the hands of Mike Parr." Konchu Hao: "The Prodigy might be renowned as something of a technician, but I assure you that Cyrus Truth is no slouch in that division himself. Don’t take my word for it, just watch…" The Exile has indeed fought his way up to his feet, with Parr shifting into a side headlock, and Truth then firing some elbows into the Prodigy’s abdomen. Parr holds onto the headlock, only for Truth to wrap his arms around Parr’s waist and attempt a back suplex… but the Prodigy over rotates and lands on his feet! He’s behind Truth, attempting to put the Exile in a full nelson. Cyrus struggles, though, and then shifts his weight to go behind… and he nails Mike Parr with a tiger suplex! Bridging into the cover… ONE… TWO… NO! Parr kicks out, but Cyrus immediately grabs him by the arm, placing him in a grounded wrist lock in the centre of the ring. Truth proceeds to drive a knee into Parr’s lower back, his eyes flitting towards the four other competitors. They each stand in a corner, loosening up slightly within their pods, watching the match unfold before them… *** << 05:12. >> Truth continues to control the match, having worn Parr down with a wrist lock and then a grounded face lock, the Prodigy eventually fighting his way to his feet, attempting to drive knees upwards into the Exile’s gut whilst still in a front facelock. Truth eventually has to release his hold, and follows up with a trio of hard knife edge chops, drawing winces from the crowd. But when he goes for a big forearm strike, Parr is able to duck beneath it and catch Truth with a backslide! The Exile’s shoulders are down… ONE… TWO… NO! Truth forces a shoulder up, but the Prodigy is on him immediately, grasping him in an inverted face lock… Jean-Luc Watkins: "Mike Parr is looking for his rolling cutter early! Cyrus Truth is in danger… but the Exile reverses with a Russian leg sweep. The Prodigy fights back to his feet, but he’s immediately clutched in a clawhod, and then rocked by a legsweep STO!" Konchu Hao: "Memento Mori finds its latest victim! And now Cyrus hooks the far leg…" ONE… TWO… NO! Another kickout from Parr, but the tide has turned in Truth’s favour. He allows Parr to rise before taking him back down to the mat with a running neckbreaker. Rather than go for another cover, Truth apples a full nelson of his own to the grounded Prodigy, using it to drag him back up to his feet. Jean-Luc Watkins: "Truth ragdolls Parr up to a vertical base… and then hits him with a dragon suplex! Another pinfall attempt, this might be it…" ONE… TWO… T – NO! Konchu Hao: "Mike Parr kicks out again, but each time Parr forces him to exert that energy he gets a little closer to victory…" Truth seems to sense this, too, immediately going back to work with a sleeper hold, attempting to keep Parr grounded in the centre of the ring. The Exile’s eyes flicker towards his opponents again, the time ticking down towards the first of their introductions… *** << 08:01. >> Cyrus attempts to hoist Parr up into a fireman’s carry, perhaps thinking about Journey’s End despite the match still being in its opening stretches.The Prodigy wants none of it, though, wrapping his arms around the nearby ropes to leverage his weight down and stop the lift. Truth instead reels into Parr with a quartet of hard forearm strikes, loosening Parr’s grip on the ropes, before whipping him across the ring with an Irish whip. The Exile attempts a discus lariat… but Parr ducks beneath it and collects Truth in a front facelock, before spiking him with a snap DDT! Jean-Luc Watkins: "Mike Parr succeeds in turning the tide on Truth, and he doesn’t let the Exile rest for a moment. The Prodigy hits a double underhook backbreaker!" Konchu Hao: "Pin attempt by Parr, hooking Truth’s far leg…" ONE… TWO… NO! Truth gets the shoulder up, and Parr wrestles him back up to his feet in a front facelock. He attempts to run up a nearby set of turnbuckles (with Gabrielle watching carefully in the pod on the other side of it), looking for a tornado DDT, but Truth pushes him away during the spin. The Exile goes for his discus lariat again, but Parr cuts him off at the pass with a high knee!! Cyrus is staggered by the strike, which allows the Prodigy to collect him again in his front facelock, and this time he succeeds in planting him with a tornado DDT! Jean-Luc Watkins: "Second time’s the charm for Mike Parr, but he’s not going for a cover, instead glancing over towards the turnbuckles. We know that the Prodigy can fly, but this is still very early in the match to be thinking of X Marks the Spot..." The Prodigy doesn’t seem to think so, and after a slow ascent towards the top (including some more mind games between him and the nearby Gabrielle, who exchanges some words with the climber), he steadies himself on the turnbuckles using Gabrielle’s pod for balance. With Truth supine in the middle of the ring, Parr goes for his patented moonsault frogsplash… Konchu Hao: "Knees up from Cyrus Truth! The Exile always has a plan in mind." Jean-Luc Watkins: "And Truth is up to his feet, with Parr on his knees and clutching his ribs… WANDERER’S WRATH!!" Konchu Hao: "Truth runs through the Prodigy with the knee strike, and he follows it up with a knee drop!" Cyrus again hooks the far leg… ONE… TWO… TH – NO! Once more, Parr gets the shoulder up. He thinks about how best to proceed, but as he does a countdown timer appears on the screen, the audience chanting along as it ticks towards zero. TEN… NINE… EIGHT… Jean-Luc Watkins: "You can hear this capacity crowd counting down, which means we’re about to get our third entrant in this match, drawn at random earlier on today." Cyrus climbs to his feet, for the moment ignoring Parr on the ground below him in order to contemplate the four other competitors surrounding him, each of whom seem eager to be introduced in the match. THREE… TWO… ONE… Lights illuminate each of the pods in turn in quick succession… until Katsu is released into the match! Her pod door slides open and she emerges from it, climbing into the ring with the Exile regarding her carefully. The audience is excited for the interaction, Mike Parr having rolled under the bottom rope and onto the steel outside of the ring to leave them to it. They circle the ring for a moment, before Cyrus bites the bullet and lays into Katsu with a knife edge chop. The Kitsune Warrior momentarily winces, before firing back with a knife edge chop of her own. The two go back and forth with chops, a half-dozen each, until Katsu finally breaks the rhythm with a stiff kick to the side. Truth returns with an elbow smash! And then a second! Before Katsu fires back with a jumping bicycle kick! Jean-Luc Watkins: "Somewhat surprisingly, Katsu appears to be getting the better of this exchange of strikes with Truth. The Exile is reeling from a quick succession of kicks to the legs and sides…" Konchu Hao: "Be reminded that Cyrus has already battled his way through ten hard minutes with Mike Parr whilst Katsu rested and waited." Jean-Luc Watkins: "Be that as it may, the Yokai Queen has just put Truth on his back with a roundhouse kick! She’s lining up for a superkick! Katsu is introducing herself into this match in a big way." Konchu Hao: "But here comes Parr with a double axe handle from behind! And then he throws her over the top rope, unceremoniously dumping her on the steel grates on the outside!" Parr turns to Cyrus and places him in the inverted sharpshooter! The official comes in close to check on Truth, asking for a verbal submission, but the Exile grits his teeth and shakes his head… and then begins to crawl, arm over arm, towards the ropes. Jean-Luc Watkins: "It appears that Cyrus is a little confused. Those ropes aren’t going to provide any sanctuary in a Steel Roulette match." Konchu Hao: "Don’t worry, Jean-Luc. I’m sure Truth knows exactly what he’s doing!" Truth eventually gets to the ropes, gripping onto the bottom one with both hands before heaving his body over it. The Exile continues to crawl, positioning the ropes between himself and Parr, who tries to hold onto the inverted sharpshooter, but finds his grip becoming increasingly awkward. He’s forced to relinquish his grasp, and tries to grasp Truth by reaching over the top rope. Cyrus lashes out with a wild boot, catching Parr in the face with it and sending him stumbling into the middle of the ring… where Katsu is waiting with another jumping bicycle kick! This turns the Prodigy around… and Katsu hits him with a backstabber! She goes for the cover… ONE… TWO… TH – NO! Jean-Luc Watkins: "Mike Parr kicks out again, but Katsu has been nothing but impressive since her introduction into this match." Konchu Hao: "It’s still early, Jean-Luc…" *** << 13:43. >> Katsu works away at Mike Parr in the corner, laying into him with a series of knife edge chops, and then Irish whips him with force across the ring. Parr clatters against the turnbuckles before stumbling back towards the Kitsune Warrior, who is now charging at him, looking for a slingblade. The Prodigy expertly sidesteps the attack, though, and goes behind into a rear waistlock… Jean-Luc Watkins: "Release German suplex from Mike Parr! Katsu is flung across the ring and lands in a heap near the corner. She wisely rolls out under the bottom rope, hoping for some respite on the outside." Konchu Hao: "That’s one way to reverse the momentum: brute strength!" Mike Parr, though, has no time to revel in his handiwork, or to follow up on it, because Cyrus Truth has re-entered the fray. He turns Parr around by the shoulder, boots him in the midsection, and then takes him over with a snap fisherman’s suplex! Truth bridges for the pin attempt. ONE… TWO… T – NO! Another kickout from Parr, but Truth doesn’t let any frustration show. Instead, he hoists the Prodigy up to his feet, and then onto his shoulders in an Argentine rack. Konchu Hao: "Truth is after Exile’s Edge, but Mike Parr desperately tries to fight out, kicking with his legs and lashing out with elbows to the head of the Exile." Jean-Luc Watkins: "Mike Parr slips behind… ROLLING CUTTER! ROLLING CUTTER!" Konchu Hao: "Cyrus rolls away, out of arms reach, trying to find the sanctuary of the outside. Parr can’t pin him!" Jean-Luc Watkins: "And here comes Katsu… she takes out Mike Parr with a cross-body!! This audience is going wild for that exchange!" Konchu Hao: "They’re cheering for Truth, Jean-Luc! Team Exile!" With the audience again at fever pitch for Katsu’s aerial exploits (or for Truth’s evasion, depending on who you ask), they are a little less punctual with the next countdown. TEN… NINE… EIGHT… Katsu stands alone in the ring, both Cyrus and Parr having rolled out under the bottom rope to recuperate on the steel grates. She looks at the remaining pods, and at the three competitors within them, as the crowd reaches the end of their count. Konchu Hao: "Who is it?!" THREE… TWO… ONE… Jean-Luc Watkins: "It’s Alejandro Giunti! The Maltest Falcon has been released from his pod!" Giunti strides through the open door and climbs into the ring, with Katsu attempting to take him off-guard with a running roundhouse kick as he enters. Alejandro ducks beneath it, though, and then responds with a rolling wheel kick! Katsu is quick to her feet, but Giunti grasps her in a bearhug and takes her over with a belly-to-belly suplex! As Giunti continues to work on Katsu inside the ring, Mike Parr and Cyrus Truth are both getting to their feet on the outside of it. They are standing on the portion of steel between Trevor Ocean and Gabrielle, who are still locked away securely in their pods. Parr seizes his opportunity to strike first, hitting the rising Cyrus with a forearm strike. He goes for another, but Truth blocks it, and then fires back with a headbutt! Parr staggers but keeps his feet, and ducks beneath Truth’s attempted lariat. The Exile is doubled over with a boot to the midsection, allowing the Prodigy to apply a front facelock and hook the arm. Parr lifts him up… Jean-Luc Watkins: "BRAAAAINBUUUUSTAAAAAH!! On the steel grating!!" Konchu Hao: "That would almost definitely be enough for three - that impact would put anyone away! But Parr is fatigued, and the process of heaving Truth back through the ropes and into the ring is too much for him." Indeed, Parr instead sinks back into a seated position against the outer cage, breathing heavily and observing Truth’s supine form on the steel in front of him. *** << 16:20. >> After a brief exchange of strikes on the outside steel grating, Truth is able to block a right forearm, and then runs Giunti face first into one of the closed doors of an empty pod. Giunti falls down to the ground, whilst the Exile inspects the door, which has developed one long crack down its front. Meanwhile, in the ring, Katsu is able to overwhelm Mike Parr with a step up enziguri, followed by a standing dropkick, topped off by a scoop slam! Jean-Luc Watkins: "Impressive strength there by Kasu, although that slam seems to have taken a lot out of her…" Konchu Hao: "Katsu thinks about following up on Mike Parr, but stops short of doing so. It’s as though she senses the presence of the Exile, who has climbed into the ring alongside her!" Indeed, she turns around to see Truth, the man who she exchanged some hard strikes with earlier in the match. There seems to exist at least some level of respect between the two, who once again regard each other carefully whilst the crowd’s levels of anticipation heighten. There’s a few quiet words spoken between the two, which are not audible to the television camera, as they slowly circle the ring. Then, it looks as though they’re going to bring it together with a collar and elbow… … only for Giunti to wipe out Katsu from behind! Moments later, Mike Parr does the same thing to Cyrus Truth! Alejandro takes Katsu by the scruff of the neck and throws her over the ropes, Gabrielle watching on from her nearby pod. He follows her out and, whilst holding her by the mask, begins to scrape her head back and forth against the steel chains on the outer cage. Katsu screams out in agony, but Giunti only stops when he’s ready to. He backs away from the Kitsune Warrior, lining up for a knee strike, Katsu leaning forward with her head against the steel. Jean-Luc Watkins: "This could be bad for Katsu… Alejandro Giunti is looking to pop her head against that cage like a watermelon!" Giunti indeed attempts the bicycle knee kick, but Katsu is able to throw herself out of the way at the last moment. The Falcon collides knee-first with the steel, causing him to wince and clutch it in pain. Katsu promptly grabs him by the scruff of the neck and runs him into an adjacent pod door – the same one that Truth sent Parr into earlier. What was a standalone crack before is now a network of splintering glass. Katsu regards it thoughtfully before refocusing on Giunti, who has stumbled over to the opposite set of turnbuckles (next to Gabrielle’s pod), still outside of the ring. Jean-Luc Watkins: "Katsu is in no rush to take this back inside the ring, instead looking to use her environs to her advantage… and Giunti’s disadvantage." She drives a shoulder into his gut whilst Giunti is backed up against the turnbuckles, before hoisting him up into a seated position on the top rope. Katsu follows Giunti up onto the second turnbuckle, both of them still outside the ring, and then continues to weaken him with a series of knife edge chops, forearm strikes, and elbow smashes. Then, she collects Alejandro in close, taking a moment to look down at the caged Gabrielle before taking a deep breath… Jean-Luc Watkins: "SECOND ROPE SPANISH FLY!!! To the steel grating!! Katsu puts it all on the line to take out the Falcon!" Konchu Hao: "She takes out the Falcon, but she also did the same to herself! Katsu is in no position to follow up, having sacrificed herself to deal an impactful blow to Alejandro Giunti." Meanwhile, in the ring, Mike Parr throws Cyrus Truth across it with a Saito suplex, seemingly having some success with the throws and holds with which he’s made his name. Both of these men have been in the match since the very start, and that is showing on them. Parr slowly staggers over to Truth after the suplex, unable to capitalise quickly through fatigue, and collects the Exile in an inverted facelock… Jean-Luc Watkins: "Mike Parr is going for his rolling cutter! Truth is in danger!" Konchu Hao: "Don’t worry: he smells it!" Indeed, Cyrus seems to understand well the peril that he’s in, and he begins to squirm so that he’s not quite in position for Parr to deliver the cutter. Then, catching Parr by surprise, the Exile muscles him up onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry… Konchu Hao: "He’s got him up! Parr has no where to go…" Jean-Luc Watkins: "JOURNEY’S END!! Truth gets all of it!" Parr is spiked onto his head with the piledriver, and Truth wastes no time in hooking the far leg… ONE… TWO… THREE! Elimination #1 at 18:47 - ‘The Prodigy’ Mike Parr. Truth is breathing heavily as he rolls off Parr. One down he thinks, as he surveys his first fallen foe, as well as the general carnage of the match so far and the effects that it’s already had on those still remaining. *** << 19:57. >> THREE… TWO… ONE… Jean-Luc Watkins: "With all three competitors down in the middle of the ring after an exchange of strikes, the countdown reaches zero… and it’s Gabrielle! ‘The Goddess’ is released from her pod!" Konchu Hao: "And three weakened opponents to choose from!" Jean-Luc Watkins: "But you shouldn’t forget that Gabrielle has already been the target of an assault earlier on in the evening… at the hands of Jeremy Best’s goons." Gabrielle emerges from her pod and surveys the three downed-but-stirring wrestlers in the ring. Then, without so much as a second thought, she begins to ascend the turnbuckles next to her pod. She doesn’t stop there, though. After glancing down at her opponents - Cyrus being up to his knees, whilst the other two remain grounded - she continues the climb up to the top of the pod! Jean-Luc Watkins: "Where is Gabrielle going?! This is downright dangerous!" The crowd wills on as Gabrielle stands up atop the pod, willing Truth to rise. He eventually does, and stumbles around to face the Goddess, who launches herself from the top of the pod… Jean-Luc Watkins: "HEAD OVER HEELS! From the top of the pod!! The crowd goes wild as Truth is thrown across the ring with the hurricanrana!" Amazingly, Gabrielle is able to climb back to her feet almost immediately after the fall… but she doesn’t notice Katsu has risen behind her. Schoolboy roll-up from the Kitsune Warrior! ONE… TWO… NO! Kickout from Gabrielle, and the two scramble to their feet. Katsu looks for a double leg takedown, but Gabrielle leaps over the top of her grasping opponent, taking her down with a sunset flip roll-up! ONE… TWO… T – NO! It’s Katsu’s turn to force a shoulder up, with both women rolling onto their feet again. Gabrielle looks to take Katsu’s head off with a savate kick… but Katsu ducks beneath it, and catches the Goddess with a crucifix roll-up! ONE… TWO… TH – NO! Konchu Hao: "Nearfall after nearfall after nearfall!" Jean-Luc Watkins: "And once more, both women are back to their feet quickly… but Gabrielle runs through Katsu with a shotgun dropkick!" Katsu is propelled backwards into the turnbuckles, and Gabrielle gives her no rest. She drags the Kitsune Warrior into the centre of the ring and hoists her into the air… Jean-Luc Watkins: "GABUSTER!! Gabrielle nails the reverse lungblower, but she isn’t going for the cover…" Konchu Hao: "She instead waits patiently for Katsu to rise to her feet, stalking the Kitsune Warrior… hangman’s neckbreaker! This could be it! Gabrielle with the cover…" ONE… TWO… THR – NO! Katsu with the shoulder up! The Goddess, a little frustrated and clearly fatigued after the exploits of the Friendship Wrestling Alliance earlier in the night, gets to her feet, and out of the corner of her eye she sees that Truth is back to his feet and has entered the ring. The Exile charges at her, but Gabrielle is able to duck another failed discus lariat from Truth… Jean-Luc Watkins: "Low drop kick from Gabrielle on Truth, who is stumbling… savate kick from the Goddess! Truth is down again!" Gabrielle collects Truth and drags him to his feet, exerting a lot of energy in hurling him over the ropes. Cyrus lands heavily on the steel grating, and the Goddess takes her time (and several deep breaths) as she follows him out. Konchu Hao: "Looks like the Goddess has sinister ideas on the outside. Unsurprising!" Jean-Luc Watkins: "Cyrus is struggling, but he needs to do something and quick, as Gabrielle places him in a front facelock, maybe going for the 34 Double D-DT outside on the steel?!" That indeed seems to be her intention, but as she begins to wrap Truth up, he suddenly lifts her off the ground by both legs. He drives forwards with her in the air, throwing her into the already cracked pod door with an impactful double leg, the glass smashing as both Cyrus Truth and Gabrielle collide with it! The audience launch into a HOLY SHIT chant as the camera surveys the damage, the Exile and the Goddess lying unresponsive amongst broken glass, both of their bodies riddled with cuts and blood beginning to flow… *** << 24:42. >> Katsu and Giunti are in the ring exchanging blows, whilst Cyrus and Gabrielle are recovering on the outside, having at least separated themselves from one another after going through the glass pod. Truth seems to be the first to rise to his feet, but as he does the countdown starts again. TEN… NINE… EIGHT… Jean-Luc Watkins: "There goes the countdown, but this time there’s no mystery. We know that it will be Trevor Ocean who is released from his pod, the final competitor in this match to enter it." Konchu Hao: "And doesn’t he look eager?! Ocean has had to watch twenty five minutes of barbaric action, and now he finally has the chance to stake his own claim to that prize…" Truth is just about up to his feet as the countdown reaches its close, and he looks up to see Ocean behind his door, readying himself for his introduction. THREE… TWO… ONE… Ocean’s door slides open, and immediately he charges out of his pod and right into Truth. The Exile, fatigued by twenty five minutes of action, is unable to stand up to the flurry of forearm strikes and right hands from Ocean, and is immediately bowled backwards towards the empty and broken pod. Trevor grasps the Exile and throws him overhead with an exploder suplex!! Jean-Luc Watkins: "It’s another heavy landing on the steel for Cyrus Truth, the latest of many this evening." Konchu Hao: "Fortunately, they don’t come any more resilient than the Exile!" Jean-Luc Watkins: "You know, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were missing your old tag team partner…" Ocean climbs into the ring as Katsu knocks Giunti down with a vertical dropkick. The Kitsune Warrior rises as Ocean approaches, and she tries to charge at him with a low dropkick. Trevor sidesteps, and immediately puts Katsu in a crossface chickenwing! Fortunately for the masked wrestler, Gabrielle chooses this moment to re-enter the gray, and does so by gauging at Ocean’s eyes, forcing him to relinquish the hold. Gabrielle and Katsu both charge at Trevor, knocking him over the ropes and onto the steel grating with a double clothesline! Jean-Luc Watkins: "A rare bit of teamwork on display by two wrestlers in this match, with Gabrielle and Katsu working together to clear Ocean from the ring." Konchu Hao: "These alliances often crop up in these multi-person matches, but they fall apart just as quickly…" Indeed, Katsu and Gabrielle immediately start going at it, with the Kitsune Warrior the first to strike with an elbow smash. Gaby ducks beneath the superkick attempt, though, and responds with a step-up enziguri, followed by a tilt-a-whirl headscissors! The Goddess is in perfect position towards the corner, with Katsu climbing the turnbuckles whilst facing away from the ring… and she connects with a split-legged moonsault! Straight into a lateral press… ONE… TWO… T – NO! Katsu kicks out! Gabrielle doesn’t realise that Giunti is back up, and has climbed to the second rope, looming above the Goddess as she rises. He leaps off, catching her by the neck and delivering a jumping DDT! The Falcon neglects the cover, instead waiting for the Goddess to rise from the corner before planting her onto the mat with a famouser! Now he covers… ONE… TWO… NO! Only two! Giunti looks momentarily frustrated, but then drags Gabrielle up to her feet whilst maintaining wrist control. He walks over to the corner and begins to climb the turnbuckles, stepping onto the top one and walking across the rope. Jean-Luc Watkins: "Alejandro Giunti looking for a little bit of Old School here… but Gabrielle throws herself into the ropes! The Maltese Falcon loses his balance, and lands split-legged over the top rope." Konchu Hao: "Gabrielle places him in a front facelock, and spikes him into the ring with a rope-hung DDT!! The Goddess with the pinfall attempt…" ONE… TWO… THR – NO!! Giunti gets the shoulder up, but Gabrielle senses that the end - for him - might be night. She drags him back to his feet as quickly as she can (which isn’t particularly quickly given the events of the evening), placing him in another front facelock, but this time wrapping him up for what looks like a 34 Double D-DT. Giunti senses danger, though, and begins to fight out with right hands to the midsection. He then rotates out of the facelock and delivers a standing shiranui!! To her credit, the Goddess valiantly battles up to her feet, but Alejandro is also hitting the opposite set of ropes, teeing her up for his spear… Jean-Luc Watkins: "TURBOxALEJANDRO!!!" Konchu Hao: "He cuts her in half!!" Giunti immediately goes for the cover… ONE… TWO… THREE!! Elimination #2 at 28:46 - Gabrielle. Giunti almost looks pleased with himself, before realising that there’s still a lot left to do. He watches the Goddess rolling away and being helped out of the cage before climbing up to his feet, wearing the exertions of the match plainly as he goes back to work. *** << 31:12. >> Outside of the ring, after connection with a desperation Northern Lights suplex on Trevor Ocean, Cyrus Truth proceeds with a modified First Five Steps. Instead of using the turnbuckle, the Exile hits five consecutive stomps to Ocean’s head whilst it’s resting against the steel chains of the outer cage. Meanwhile, inside the ring, Katsu is successful with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors into a Russian leg sweep on Giunti, following up by hooking the far leg… ONE… TWO… T – NO! Jean-Luc Watkins: "Each kickout is getting progressively more difficult for each of these competitors, as this match ticks on past the half hour mark." Konchu Hao: "Katsu has bigger things than that to worry about, as Cyrus Truth chooses this moment to re-enter the ring." Katsu notices the Exile coming for her, and gets the crowd going with a guttural roar as she charges at him with a sit-out slingblade. She goes for a second when Truth gets to his feet, but he sidesteps it and collects her in a front facelock, hooking both arms for a double underhook DDT! Truth goes for the cover… ONE… TWO… NO! Katsu gets the shoulder up, but Truth is high-intensity as he drags her up again. This time, he puts her on his shoulders in a fireman’s carry… Jean-Luc Watkins: "Truth is looking for Journey’s End again… but Katsu shifts her weight and slips out… tilt-a-whirl DDT!!" Truth can’t quite climb up to his feet after being spiked onto the top of his head. Instead, he remains in a kneeling position, which allows Katsu to tee him up and hit him with a pair of running double knees to the back of his head! Jean-Luc Watkins: "BURNING ARROW!!" Konchu Hao: "This doesn’t look good!" Katsu with the cover… ONE… TWO… THR – NO!! Cyrus kicks out, and Katsu can’t quite believe it. She’s breathing heavily with fatigue, and instead of pressing the advantage, she allows the Exile time to rise, using that time to recuperate. Then, when Truth has found his feet, she charges at him for the Kitsune Buster. She manages the pop-up, but before she can manage the double knee facebreaker, Cyrus catches her on his shoulders in a fireman’s carry. Jean-Luc Watkins: "JOURNEY’S END!! JOURNEY’S END!! Cyrus gets the piledriver!!" … but Katsu rolls beneath the bottom rope! Truth attempts to stop her from doing so, but his outstretched hand can’t quite reach her, and a look of frustration and desperation quickly passes over his face. He uses the ropes to climb up to his feet… … and gets rolled up by Trevor Ocean! Schoolboy roll-up! ONE… TWO… THR – NO! Truth kicks out and scrambles to his feet. He attempts to charge at Trevor Ocean, but before he can a resurgent Allejandro Giunti arrives to take the Exile down with a rolling wheel kick! Cyrus stumbles but doesn’t fall, but is finally driven to the mat with a Michonoku driver from Trevor Ocean! Into the cover. ONE… TWO… T – NO! Konchu Hao: "Another of those temporary alliances you mentioned earlier…" Jean-Luc Watkins: "Indeed, and one with some history, with Trevor Ocean and Alejandro Giunti competing together in a tag team match on a recent episode of Fallout." Konchu Hao: "It won’t last! Mark my words!" With Truth down after the flurry of offence from Ocean and Giunti, Trevor throws him into a corner and stomps him into a seated position, lining him up for his Shotgun Blast. Cyrus, though, is able to roll out of the way when Trevor charges in, and instead of the Exile’s head Ocean ends up double foot stomping the bottom turnbuckle, rolling his ankle in the process. Truth fights to his feet, but eats a boot to the midsection from Giunti, who pulls Cyrus’ head into position between his legs. Alejandro appears to be going for a piledriver, but Cyrus powers out of it, sending Giunti overhead with a back body drop! Jean-Luc Watkins: "Giiunti is on his feet, but now Cyrus has all the momentum. He hoists the Maltese Falcon up into an Argentine rack, maybe looking for Exile’s Edge..." Konchu Hao: "But here comes Ocean! Watch out!" Jean-Luc Watkins: "Trevor Ocean rocks Cyrus Truth with a headbutt! The Exile drops Giunti from his shoulders… and here comes Ocean with the Storm Surge! That rapid fire flurry of knee strikes and elbows has Cyrus on dream street…" Konchu Hao: "Ocean hoists Cyrus up in an inverted Gory special… this might be a bridge too far for poor Cyrus…" Jean-Luc Watkins: "REIKO EXPLOSION! Ocean hits it! And he covers Cyrus…" ONE… TWO… THREE!! Elimination #3 at 37:52 - Cyrus Truth. Jean-Luc Watkins: "The crowd can’t believe it, but Cyrus Truth is out of this match! Both former World Champions are now out of contention!" Konchu Hao: "Because of skullduggery and conspiracy! One person couldn’t do the job, and so two had to team up to do it…" Either way, Truth is forced to leave the cage… and Ocean immediately turns on Giunti, who is only just recuperating from Cyrus’ counter-offensive. Ocean goes for a crossface chickenwing, managing to lock it in on the Falcon, but once again the move is interrupted by another competitor in the match. Katsu flies into the ring, hitting a springboard dropkick, one boot for each of the remaining competitors! They’re knocked on their back but both scramble up. Katsu charges in, ducking a clothesline from Giunti, and then one from Alejandro, before springboarding off the second rope and landing a spinning forearm strike on Giunti! She can’t escape Ocean the second time, though, who grasps her in a front facelock… Jean-Luc Watkins: "Trevor Ocean hooks the arm and takes Katsu over with a snap suplex, before effortlessly transitioning into a bridging pin…" ONE… TWO… T – NO! Kickout from Katsu, but Ocean continues to wear her down, applying a modified octopus stretch as the match rolls on… *** << 39:28. >> Trevor Ocean is rising to his feet, but he reacts too late when he sees Katsu charging towards him. She’s successful with a forearm smash, knocking him down into a seated position. She hits the ropes behind him, before lashing out with a vicious penalty kick to the back! Ocean lies down in a supine position, and Katsu is emboldened to begin climbing back towards the top rope, this time facing her opponent in the ring. Jean-Luc Watkins: "When you see Katsu climbing to the top turnbuckle in this fashion, it usually means Nightfall... which usually means the end of the match." Konchu Hao: "But she’s forgotten that there’s another variable in this match… namely, Alejandro Giunti! The Maltese Falcon is back on his feet, and he lunges at Katsu, pushing her from her perch on the top!" Katsu takes a heavy fall, landing against the steel chain of the cage before falling into a heap on the grating. Giunti climbs into the ring… Jean-Luc Watkins: "Alejandro Giunti is hoisting Trevor Ocean to his feet but… he’s not attacking. Rather, he seems to be helping Ocean back up." Konchu Hao: ”Looks as though the Maltese Falcon wants to let bygones be bygones and reform that alliance that worked so well against Cyrus Truth." Jean-Luc Watkins: "Which is not good news for the Kitsune Warrior…" Ocean seems happy with the plan, and he and Giunti both drag Katsu back into the ring. They place her in a front facelock and take her over with a double suplex, before Ocean hoists her up to whip her into the ropes. He lifts and drops her with a flapjack without releasing, whilst Alejandro hits the perpendicular ropes to connect with a low drop kick to the face! Ocean goes for the cover… ONE… TWO… TH – NO! Katsu is defiant with the kickout, but immediately Giunti hits her with a trio of stomps. He lifts her up, but Katsu lashes out with a mule kick, knocking the Maltese Falcon backwards into a seated position… only for Trevor Ocean to charge at her and knock her over the ropes with a clothesline! Jean-Luc Watkins: "It’s yet another heavy landing on the steel grating for Katsu, and no rest for the wicked, it seems. Ocean leans over the top rope to grab her by the hair - correction, by the mask - in an attempt to drag her back into the ring." Konchu Hao: "And here comes Giunti to help out… wait, no! He rolls up Ocean! Schoolboy!" ONE… TWO… Jean-Luc Watkins: "And Alejandro has the tights!" … THREE!! Ocean kicks out just afterwards, but it’s too late! Elimination #4 at 43:12 - Trevor Ocean. Ocean looks frustrated, angry even, but Giunti only has a smirk and a shrug for him… … which quickly disappears into frantic panic, as Katsu rolls him up with a schoolboy! ONE… TWO… THRE – NO!! Jean-Luc Watkins: "Giunti kicks out at two point nine! So many roll-ups! Price would’ve loved this…" Konchu Hao: "Now who’s missing their old partner?!" Jean-Luc Watkins: "…" They are slow to their feet, but eventually the two remaining competitors are able to rise… and it’s Katsu that takes the initiative. She hits a standing dropkick, then a spinning enziguri, and then tees him up… Jean-Luc Watkins: "SUPERKICK! And Katsu falls into a cover…" ONE… TWO… THR – NO! Kickout from Giunti! Katsu realises she might need one more big move, and begins to climb towards the top turnbuckle accordingly. She is slow to get there now, with the exertions of the match and the injuries sustained worn plainly, but eventually she steadies herself on top. Jean-Luc Watkins: "Perhaps Nightfall? No! Frogsplash from Katsu…" Konchu Hao: "But Alejandro GIunti gets the knees up!! Katsu crashes and burns, and skids across the ring…" Jean-Luc Watkins: "… but the Maltese Falcon can’t follow up! He’s completely spent! They both are!" Indeed, both Katsu and Giunti lie on their backs in the ring, the audience chanting both of their names in a duelling chant, the suspense only growing during this uncommon period of rest… *** << 46:12. >> Giunti has the advantage, with a butterfly lock applied on the Kitsune Warrior, wearing her down in the middle of the ring. Katsu uses her energy reserves to fight up to her feet, and is only able to break out of the hold and cause separation by driving him back into the corner. The impact with the turnbuckles forces Giunti to release the butterfly, with Katsu stumbling away from him. Alejandro wants to press the advantage, and lumbers forwards at the masked wrestler, who goes for another Superkick… but Giunti catches the foot! Jean-Luc Watkins: "The Maltese Falcon plucks Katsu’s foot out of midair… and then he applies an ankle lock! Giunti has it in the middle of the ring!!" Katsu looks in agonising pain, and on more than one occasion she comes close to tapping, but on each occasion she reaches within and stops herself from doing so. After a full minute in the hold, she’s finally able to roll through, alleviating the pressure and then kicking him away with a wild boot. Both get to their feet, but Katsu is now walking gingerly on her ankle. Giunti tries to take advantage with a lariat, but the Kitsune Warrior is savvy to it, ducking beneath, and then nailing him with a Pele kick! The Falcon is staggered, and immediately Katsu follows up with a frankensteiner, straight into pin… ONE… TWO… THR – NO! Kickout from Giunti, but Katsu follows up with a mousetrap pinning combination… ONE… TWO… THRE – NO! Jean-Luc Watkins: "Katsu gets two point nine nine with the Fox Trap!" Giunti just about breaks out, but Katsu is relentless with another pinning predicament, this time with the last supper… ONE… TWO… THREe – NO!! Jean-Luc Watkins: "… and then two point nine nine nine with the Fox Tail!! But still Giunti forces a shoulder up!" Katsu can barely believe it, but she doesn’t give up on this final push. She hoists Giunti up and doubles him over with a spin kick to the gut, and then charges at the ropes, looking for the Katsu Wheel. But the Falcon finds a second wind and charges at her… Konchu Hao: "Damn near takes her head off!!" Jean-Luc Watkins: "Alejandro Giunti connects with a sickening lariat! Katsu might be out!" Giunti certainly hopes so, as he goes for the cover… ONE… TWO… THR – NO! Giunti collects himself and grabs Katsu by the wrist, twisting her arm as he hoists her up to her feet. He repeats the process of climbing up the corner, walking across the top rope… and this time he’s successful with Old School! Katsu is still stirring, and so Alejandro grabs a handful of hair, pulling her head into position between her legs. He wraps his arms around her midriff… Jean-Luc Watkins: "Giunti stuffs her with a piledriver!!" Konchu Hao: "Surely she’s out?! Just pin her!" Giunti wants one more move, and so he climbs up to the top turnbuckle. He glances up at the top of the pod, as if he is considering an ascent all the way to the top of it… but apparently he thinks better of this, turning away from the pod to face Katsu, who is in a supine position in the middle of the ring. Deep breath from Giunti. And then a picture perfect shooting star press… … but Katsu rolls out of the way!! It’s Giunti’s turn to crash and burn! Valiantly, Alejandro fights up to his feet, clutching his ribs but turning to face Katsu, who is already charging towards him. She pops up, before clutching Giunti’s head and driving it down into both of her knees with a facebreaker! Jean-Luc Watkins: "Kitsune Buster! Katsu is now in complete control, and it’s her chance to climb to the top…" Konchu Hao: "We’ve seen her attempt high risk moves all the way through this contest, with mixed results… but now Katsu senses that she’s on the edge of glory." Katsu eventually makes it to the top turnbuckle, and this time it’s her turn to glance up at the roof of the pod. She wills herself on, climbing up onto the top of the pod, the audience cheering her on as she stands up straight, high above the ring. Giunti hasn’t moved. She turns to face the opposite direction. A leap of faith. One twist, and one and a quarter flips. Jean-Luc Watkins: "NIGHTFALL!! FROM THE TOP OF THE POD, AND KATSU LANDS IT!!" Konchu Hao: "That’s surely it! Katsu covers!!" ONE… TWO… … … … … THREE! |
RESULT: Katsu wins, last eliminating Alejandro Giunti via pinfall, at 52:62. |
Katsu doesn’t rise immediately as her music begins to play. She rolls off Giunti, who takes his leave of the ring, but simply lies on her back and stares through the cage roof at the lights. She can’t yet move, both through her fatigue, and the overwhelming nature of the moment.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Here is your winner, and the holder of the Golden Opportunity briefcase… ‘the Kitsune Warrior’... KATSU!!”
There’s a cheer, appreciative of the young woman’s efforts, as the cage begins to be lifted once again from the ring.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It took more than fifty minutes, but ‘the Kitsune Warrior’ has done it! After the heartbreak of her runner up finish at the Carnal Contendership earlier in the year, Katsu has gone one better in the Steel Roulette… and what a powerful prize she’s earned herself!”
With the cage still being lifted, an official rolls under the bottom rope with the aforementioned prize. Katsu is still lying on her back, but when the referee appears over her with the briefcase in his hands she sits up. The official holds it out, and the Kitsune Warrior hesitantly takes it in her hands, grasping its weight before clutching it to her chest.
Konchu Hao; “That briefcase entitles Katsu to a shot at the FWA World Champion at any time of her choosing, between now and Back in Business XIX. Whether she chooses to be honourable or opportunistic, that briefcase gives her the advantage over the champion, who now has to have one eye on Katsu whilst other challengers circle.”
Katsu has climbed to her feet in the ring, the briefcase now held at her side, as the audience continues to show their appreciation.
Jean-Luc Watkins: Speak of the Devil…”
We cut to a shot of the stage, where Jeremy Best has suddenly emerged, flanked on either side by his new muscle. Johnny Murdoch is at one shoulder, whilst Sonny Zucko loosens up his wrists at the other. Jeremy has his FWA World Championship around his waist, on full display as he carefully regards the woman in the ring. ‘Your New Best Friend’ wears an insincere and somewhat sinister smile on his face.
Inside the ring, Katsu looks down at the briefcase in her hands. Someone else might hold it up defiantly, or as a statement of intent. The Kitsune Warrior does no such thing. She glances uneasily from the briefcase to the champion as the 19th Anniversary Show fades out.
