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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 12:54:08 GMT
Originally posted by Sully. The following is a promo excerpt from Saint Sully vs Lizzie Rose, Meltdown XVI (July 6th, 2022)The Haunting of Knockdrin Castle
[ATTACH type="full" alt="i4hlUjSJOy3ZdnpqeUJiCQ_r.gif"]75721[/ATTACH] October 31st, 2023
Earlier that day...
Kleio De Santos sat in her usual spot...the parlor of Knockdrin Castle. Her newly won Television Championship sat in the chair next to her. It was Halloween, but Kleio wasn't exactly expecting trick-or-treaters. Luckily, it was mid-afternoon. The forecast showed rain, so that alone should be enough of a deterrent to keep the brats away.
Kleio didn't want visitors.
She was too busy wallowing in her loneliness to have any visitors. Trixie, Blair, Celestia, and even Ethel were all off doing some Halloween event for the FWA. Kleio was asked to join too, but she turned it down. She gave some excuse about needing to heal from injuries or something of the story. In reality, Kleio didn't take losses the same way that the other three did. She was way more competitive than that...and everyone knows who to blame for it.
Even Blair, who at her best was a manipulative narcissistic monster, could walk out of an arena following a loss and be totally content with herself. She had other things she was usually focused on, her in-ring career was nowhere near the main priority. She'd probably be more upset about losing her spell book or missing out on a Lillith book signing.
Not Kleio.
All she could think about was moves she could've used on Bryan Baxter instead of the ones she did. What punches or kicks. Any sort of scenario she could think of that didn't end in her taking the loss at Meltdown. She shouldn't care about the loss really. Her opponents for the TV title match were in a totally different league than Big Bryan Baxter. Jack The Clipper, El Vengador, Brooklyn Steiner, Trevor Walker...she'd already beaten half of those guys. But there's no arguring, those opponents are in a totally different division that Big Bryan Baxter. Baxter has dominated the North American title sign for quite some time now.
That Meltdown match? It was Kleio's chance to prove that she still belonged amongst the best. Yeah, she had finally won her first title after three years. It was a huge, landmark moment in her career...the moment where she could finally let go of that chip on her shoulder. The same chip she's had since she was drafted so late in the FWA Draft. But still, she went into Meltdown...trying to prove something.
She didn't want to think about in anymore. She just wanted to sulk, angry and bitter. This way her way of healing, and it worked.
Unfortunately for her, she wouldn't get the solitude she was looking for, as she'd hear a door close behind.
Immediately she jumped up. Her first thought was that one of her fellow stable members returned home early...but she was shocked at what she saw instead.
"Hey Kiddo..."
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Kleio immediately stood up defensively. There, standing in the middle of the castle parlor, was Saint Sully. She hadn't seen Sully since last July, when he came to her apartment in Miami to tell her to stay away from Blair and Celestia. Kleio told him she didn't want to see him again, and he kept good on that request.
"What the hell are you doing here?" she asked coldly.
Saint Sully let out a little chuckle, unphased by the apprehension. "This is my castle...if you remember," he told her.
Kleio didn't really have a good retort for that. He was right, it was technically his house. It always had been, she and The Coven were just crashing there.
"We just wrapped up Ground Zero, and I flew back here...to grab a few things Sammie and I left behind," he told her. Kleio decided to relax, realizing the situation. "Oh...well, all of your stuff is still there. I don't think anyone touched it.".
She worried that Sully would get mad. The Coven, living in his castle? He never exactly gave her the green light to be squatting her all this time, and they also didn't quite exactly leave the place in good condition either.
"Thanks. I..." Sully went to head up the castle stairs towards the bedrooms, but then he stopped.
"Congratulations by the way. On your title win. I know it's something you've been working towards for a long time, and well...you definitely earned it. You did it, all without me too...
I...I wanted to say I'm sorry. I had no right last year, going to your apartment in Miami, and telling you to stay away from those girls. You clearly knew what you were doing, better than I did...I mean, look at you. You found yourself a whole group of talented wrestlers to lead, and now you all have championships. That's something I tried and failed at when I did the whole Saints and Sinners thing. But you...you're a better leader than I am. "
Kleio wasn't sure what to say.
Hearing Sully, actually apologize, it was rare. And it made all the resentment and hatred she's had towards him for the last two years or so...just...disappear.
"I'm not sure about that." she told him. "I...I'm sitting her, having a pity party for myself because I lost to Bryan Baxter. They've been leading themselves quite honestly. I could probably disappear, and they'd do just fine without me."
Sully gets a little mad at Kleio's self deprication.
"No, no that's not true. I've watched you girls. I mean, I spent a lot of time with those three on this last season of Ground Zero. They've all got a lot of talent, especially that Trixie...but you...you've got something none of them have, and that's leadership. The fact that you're sitting here? Pissed off about a loss? That's the reason why you're such a good leader. You put that shit on your shoulders, and you carry it...for them. You carry it so they don't have to. They get to go out there, and do their Halloween events, and have a good time. But you? You've always carried the real weight haven't you?
Don't forget kid...you are just a kid.
Happy birthday by the way."
Kleio smiles, knowing that Sully remembered.
"It was yesterday, I know, but still belated birthday. You just turned what? 21?"
Kleio nods her head in confirmation.
"You're still one of the youngest on that roster. You debuted, literally on your 18th birthday. You got disqualified from Ground Zero that season when they found out you were 17, and you almost won that damn show otherwise. I learned my lesson on that one by the way.
But for real. I think, these last three years, for what you've accomplished being one of the youngest on that roster? It's impressive. And you've only gotten better and better.
You were right, you didn't need me...and you still don't".
It's the first time Sully admits it.
But with him being so humble, it makes Kleio want to do the same.
"I never thanked you by the way...for taking me in. I was on the streets, and you took me in when no one else would. Trained me, taught me Muay Thai...got me this job. I...I owe all of this to you. And instead of being grateful, I acted like an angsty teen and I turned you away. Because I didn't want to become you?
But in doing so...I did exactly that. I made similar mistakes, developed a similar attitude...I mean, you should've seen how petty and angry I was when the three of them won titles before I did. It wasn't...me.
I never should have judged you."
She confesses.
Sully smiles, but he's shaking his head no.
"You were right to push me away. I wasn't great myself...but we all make mistakes, and we've learned from them. A lot has happened since, my injury... retirement. I've been able to spend a lot more time with Sammie, she's doing well...but this season of Ground Zero...she's tired, I'll just say that. But she's happy, her and I...are finally happy.
I want you to be the same."
He tells her.
"You want me...to leave The Coven?" she asks confused.
"No, the opposite. I already told you, I was wrong when I told you they were bad news. They've been good for you. You girls have a strong bond, and I think that's why you've all become such a powerful force. But you need to lean into that."
Kleio takes the advice. Sully was right...for once, he was actually right.
"But the biggest thing? You gotta let go of the chip."
"Huh?" Kleio asks confused.
"The chip on your shoulder. You've got to let it go...The reason why you lost to Bryan Baxter, the reason why you've taken most of your losses...you're trying so hard to prove something to everyone. You don't need to. The fact is you don't need to prove a damn thing to anyone."
Kleio smiles. "Thank you Sully...I, I agree with you."
Sully nods his head. "Look, Sammie and I have a house in Pittsburgh. You and your friends can visit me at any point. It's the Hartwood Acres Mansion. Or, you can stay here? I don't mind...whatever you girls want".
Kleio thought about the offer long and hard.
Knockdrin Castle had been the official HQ of The Coven for quite some time now. But it was really starting to lose it's vibe...,and really, this always felt like Sully's home, not Kleio's.
Her first act as a a true leader for The Coven?
Moving out.
She didn't know where they'd go, but it was going to be somewhere that was there's.
"Hey, can I come with you...and see Sammie?" she asks.
Sully smiles "Sure. Let's go. But be prepared, she's got quite the teenage attitude".
Kleio chuckles as the two of them head out.
With Kleio leaving the chip on her shoulder officially behind her for good.
She wasn't going to care about the loss to Baxter anymore. Nor was she going to care about proving anything to anyone.
She has nothing to prove.
She was Kleio De Santos.
Whether the world cares or not.
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 12:54:30 GMT
Originally posted by Blaine. Dear FWA,
Did I appease y'all at Lights Out? What was it, two eliminations? That's two people that I had to put down to climb up the mountain, but you guys enjoy that. Watching us fight to grasp our moment, forcing us to hate each other before we hate you. It sickens me that despite all this effort every man in that match put in, only two of them get to move on. Now, I'm stuck, facing Blake Taylor again. I don't mean to bitch, but it's been pretty hard to right with my arm in a shitload of pain. My gripes with Mr. Taylor don't come from him as an individual. I hated him because you guys told me to hate him. You put him in front of me when I wanted to redeem myself and reclaim the business I loved for myself. I don't know what was the narrative that night, but that referee was insistent on my downfall. Calling for the bell before the match, not fucking cool.
From the first second of that match, I was destined to lose, and I bet you and men like Russnow sat, watching the show, smiling knowing that you had control of us. You want to have me, Taylor, and men like Brooklyn, Randall, and a literal legend in Ashley O'Ryan fighting each other so you don't have to let the heart of soul of this company rise up. I got to share the ring with a star of that caliber, but he felt like NOTHING. You did that to him. You let Taylor take the win he had over me and blow it all away in that battle royal. It's a damn shame I had to eliminate him because frankly, I'm trying to preserve myself over everyone else in this company.
I don't care what I have to do against Blake Taylor. I don't care if I have to take a page out of his book and attack him early, because I'm here to reclaim my love and force you guys to acknowledge the fact that we are putting in the most effort. We didn't choose to be the rejects, I didn't choose to be a reject, but if you want me to be a reject, I sure as hell can play your game. What's your next move going to be, because I'm prepared to match it, game, set, and match.
From,
Your Company Reject
PS: Fuck you Russnow |
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 12:55:00 GMT
Originally posted by Death Walker. There's Been A Disturbance In The Neighborhood
In the silence and darkness comes the sounds of a creature gorging on something. It is from these aggressive chomps to unsettling slurps, that this intro… leaves a lot to be imagined.
“Aaarrrrrgggghhh… I’ll give you credit. You are really a tough son of a bitch! But I’m tougher and you, my friend. You ended up somewhere you were not expecting to be… inside my belly. Mmmmm… sweet delicious flesh… I couldn't help myself… I had to sink my teeth into you. I had to… have you… all to myself. Where the hell is my camera operator? I swear to… my Father this is one of the most insubordinate to do. You best believe that The Dark Guardian would never go for this on his watch... If only he had stuck by my side… managing all of the loose ends. Shit, The Dark Guardian would never even stand me up… At least not, without a valid excuse.”
Getting through Death Walker’s peculiar dialogue with himself, the next sound is from a camcorder being turned on. And after hitting RECORD…
…this is where the opening scene begins. With some shaking of the camera in the middle of the night, there are some glimmers of light. However, all of the erratic movement suddenly comes to a halt once the video camera is placed down on top of a flat surface. So the view presented is one with a brick wall belonging to some random building in a barely lit alley. Attached to that building is a wall-mounted pendant light dangling over an old rusty door. With additional eating noises coming from offscreen, the camera changes its course. It is instead, lifted up and turned towards our noisy culprit. And that… is none other than… Death Walker. For he is sitting alone at a picnic table behind this closed restaurant with his mask removed and face buried in his meal. Next to that meal, to the left of him is his demon mask. Every so often he brings his face up between bites from a pie pan full of meat on bones that are drenched in a reddish brown substance. The demonic beast is enjoying himself as he snarfs down his delectable feast like some type of canine. Big bite after big bite, he rips the juicy flesh from their bones and licks any of the sticky dark residue on or around his lips.
“Mmmm mmm mmm… you cannot go wrong with a hearty meal like this. And to think, that damn imbecile said that I… me of all things, was incapable of eating h-”
That's when he spots the camera recording him… with residue smeared all over his face and goatee. His eye contact shifts towards whomever is there with him…
…
…
…
“You’re late! ...And how many times have I told you… NOT TO FILM ME WHILE I’M EATING??!?”
His voice elevated right before he slammed his fist hard onto the table. This blatant act of disrespect had enraged The Death Walker as he gave a demented look to his personal camera operator. The individual (who is most likely one of Death Walker’s disciples) makes a break for it, knocking over the cam as Walker stood up from his supper. Luckily, that's all he did as he sat back down and returned to eating his pan of… barbecue ribs. Death decides to stare blankly into the direction of that individual while yanking a piece of meat from a rib. And then… carefully chewed on it… without ever blinking his eyes.
“...This isn't what it looks like. But… Then again… maybe it is.”
The tone in his last remark shifted to a more sinister one. Deep. Low. More haunting than his regular voice. Along with this bizarre staredown, he wears a big grin on his face and slightly tilts his head to the side. The monster appears to be happy toying with the ideas that one may be thinking. After a few minutes, he straightens the angle of the head and gives these real slow nods. As his devoted disciple attempts to film him from a “safe enough” distance.
“Hey! There's no need to fear me, right?! I mean why should anyone fear the one that they worship? You are… one of my own, a child of darkness. And because of that fact, WE… do not fear anything and I would never harm my family. I mean not without reason, of course… Or maybe…”
Once again, the disturbing inflection makes a recurrence in The Dark Traveler’s voice. But as quickly as it shows up, it dissipates again.
“Come with me… and we will take a walk down the less traveled road. As only certain souls have had to walk to where we are headed. Most of our kind, the disenfranchised, the lowest of lows, the miscreants, the… scourges of this world are just… birthed and left there… to survive by any means possible. And the month of October is the perfect time of the year to unveil… the dark secrets that lie within our hoods. So come with me… to the Hell that resides in OUR… neck of the woods.”
So using just his hand to somewhat wipe his face clean, Death licks whatever goop that remains in his palm and gets up from the table. Then he grabs his demon skull mask, slides it on over his head and takes one of them bones as he swaggers over to his cameraman. Getting a better look of the demonic hybrid, he's donned in his usual gear (cloak, ripped shorts, boots, etc.) as he looks into the camera and states…
“And that little muthafucka said I was no match for him.”
He holds up the rib bone besides his demon face.
“But it looks like I proved him wrong. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haaaa!”
He cackles as he makes his way down the dark alley. Then Walker starts to hum a tune on his journey to somewhere suspicious. He scurries left at the end of the alley and the streetlights that illuminate these rather unfavorable spaces, go dim then flicker. That’s about the time that he stops for a moment. As if he's been frozen solid, Death ponders, then turns around while muttering to himself. He walks in the opposite direction from where he made his turn. Then he stops again, looks over his shoulder before turning around again.
“Now where the fuck issss?? Oh, I was right the first time! Ahhh yes. This is the way.”
As the chaotic spectacle happens overhead, Death Walker creeps nonchalantly along these lonely and dreary streets. He approaches one of the homes in the middle of this low income neighborhood. With a twist of a door knob, he enters through the front door.
“Yes, here we are! Come in, come on in… I SAID COME IN!! Mmm hmm.”
A bit of that rageful outburst came out while he was inviting his guest on a tour. Stepping inside the abandoned rundown house, The Dark Traveler is signaling to come closer.
“Yes yes, come right over. Hehehehe shhhhhhhhhh… you hear that? Can you hear it?”
The camera calmly shakes left to right giving the response of no.
“Oh… where are my fuckin’ manners, huh?”
The maniacal menace raises his arm towards the door and it immediately slams shut. This prompts the camera handler to turn around and discover… that they are trapped… with the unpredictable monster. One that he or she both praises and fears… their dark Lord, The Death Walker.
“There, that should be better. Let’s step into the next room, shall we? I have a feeling that you're going to find what’s in here… quite interesting.”
And with those words seeming like their end of existence is on its way, they cautiously step towards the next room. The camera still tries to focus on wherever Death Walker was last visible. During which he speaks from his favorite place in any world, the darkness.
“That's it, I want to show you something… it’s something that'll help you understand… what comes next. You see… I have these two guys who just happen to be best buds. We’ll call theeeem… Jackson Fenix… and Nate Savage. Now Jackson… oh Jackson, that guy still hasn't paid his due. And I do not like it when muthafuckas don't pay what they owe… He’s had his turn of luck recently and while that may be good for him. It doesn't look so good for his buddy, Nate. Come on, step on in. I’ll explain everything.”
When his follower takes the final step into the room, it transforms into a whole other scenery…
*******************************************************
Taking a full 360 look around in their new surroundings that they’ve appeared in. However, it's all very familiar as they appear to be in the same house just remodeled, furnished and in broad daylight. While the disciple is confused and having a panic attack, Death’s voice appears out of nowhere.
“I’m here… I know you're wondering what the fuck is going on. Well… I’ve brought you back to a past that takes place in this house. Think of this all like a dream or astral projection where you feel like you're outside of your body. I have complete control and I know you trust me… so just watch how things play out.”
Within seconds, a young guy is heard shouting at someone from another room.
Young man: “Oh yeah? Well tell that hoe, I don't give a fuck what her problem is but she needs to bring her ass over here now.”
Another voice joins the conversation and it’s another young man. This is probably someone who’s a relative or a friend.
Young man #2: “Maaaaaan, Dontae! Why the fuck you trippin’ off her anyhow? Let's just go hit up that kickback on 85th tonight, find us some new hoes to fuck with. By the way, I got some cash flow comin’ through in a couple of hours.”
Then their footsteps get closer to the room that the devoted follower is filming. So the camera holder jumps over one of the dusty beat up couches. Only peeking out and record when it felt okay with these two guys around.
“...it's like I told you, this is a look into the past so they can't see you or touch you. So just relax and watch.”
Dontae: “Man… I guess you make a good point, dawg. But hold up real quick… You hear that shit? Shut the fuck up…”
The operator snatches the small video camera back to where they sit behind a couch, never showing their face to it. The view instead captures the tattered, drooping wallpaper covering the dirty walls. There's some mumblings and then it all goes away and it all gets quiet.
…
…
…
The room is so quiet but the camera holder takes a chance to carefully peeks out again. And unfortunately comes face to face with a pissed off gangbanger. As he’s giving off this angry look, he holds a pistol right at their stranger’s forehead.
Dontae: “Bet yo’ ass ain't see this shit comin’.”
And as the unwanted guest prepares to say their last prayer, the youngster does a swivel and sprays up his partner in crime… using the realistic looking water gun.
D: “Huh, Nico?! You thought I forgot, homie! You and yo’ punk ass wetting me up last time!”
Nico: “Alright, alright… knock it off, bruh!”
His friend cowers behind the other couch in the room, using his hands to kind of block the sprays. As Nico laughs and dodges any more sprays, Dontae eventually stops. He has a seat then sprawls out on the couch.
D: “So what time them muthafuckas comin’?”
N: “Who?”
D: “What you mean ‘who’? The cash flow, muthafucka!”
N: “Oh, they’re supposed to be heeeeere… in like an hour. According to my watch, it shouldn't be much longer.”
D: “Good ‘cause I’m hungry as shit and I want-”
Just then a couple of car doors are heard shutting, breaking up their verbal exchange and putting these gang members on alert. They both drew their guns (their actual guns) ready to shoot if necessary. Aiming at the entrance to the den that they're in, Dontae takes a peek out of a nearby window. He whispers to his friend, Nico…
D: “Ay Neek, there's 2 muthafuckas in ski masks dressed in all black looking at our trap spot. I think they’re here to rob us, let’s smoke these bitches.”
N: “Bet. I’mma hide behind this couch on my side then pop out and surprise 'em.”
Nico takes cover as does Dontae behind a large credenza. Silence returns until the front door is kicked in by the masked intruders. The prowlers storm into the house, applying expertise in their search. Nico, still ready to fire his weapon, holds his Glock 19 pistol in the most inconspicuous way to kill whatever crosses the den’s threshold. While Dontae just waits for the right moment to come out busting shots at the intruders. And with every second counting towards either their survival or demise, Nico doesn't even get to fire off a shot because…
Intruder #1: “HEY, DROP THE GUN, ASSHOLE! DROP IT RIGHT NOW!”
N: “FUCK!”
Intruder #2: “His homeboy can't be too far behind, he's in here somewhere.”
One of the intruders continues to search the rest of the home as he slides to the next room over. And his partner holds Nico as a hostage to catch his accomplice.
Intruder #1: “Come on out or we're gonna kill your friend here! Whether we do or don't, depends on you. I know if I were you though, I’d just give it up before you both end up dead.”
N: “...DON’T DO IT, TAE! SHOOT THESE BITCH ASS MUTHAFUCKAS WITH TH-”
The intruder with his gun on Nico, gives the shit talker a well earned gun-butt strike to the forehead to shut him up. Dazed and caught off guard, Nico stumbles a little bit but the intruder grabs him by his t-shirt collar. This keeps Nico from collapsing onto the floor while the other intruder keeps searching for Dontae (who remains hidden). Well at least that was true… until…
Intruder #2: “STAND UP!!! Put your gun down! And if you even think of tryin’ anything stupid, we're gonna put lead in your little smartass pal there.”
Looking down the iron sights of his assault rifle and aimed at the young man’s face, Dontae has no other choice but to surrender. Dontae doesn't say a word, he just does what he's told. However, it is noticeable that his face expressed how annoyed he feels by the recent situation. He looks over at the other person in a ski mask and a pistol to the head of his brethren. Then looks closely at his friend who's holding his bruised forehead and looking back at him.
Intruder #1: “Ok fellas, we don't have all day so let's make this fast and easy. If you tell us what we wanna know, we will let you go and soon be on our way. I mean you haven't seen our faces, so you don't know who we are. The plates on our vehicle are registered to a fake person under a fake name and address. and just to be clear if we wanted to kill you both, we'd have already done it by now. So… just tell us the correct answers and this’ll all be over. The questions are… where’s your stash and your cash?”
While facing each other, Nico tries to signal Dontae to not say anything at all.
Intruder #1: “Okay, is that how it's going to be?”
The main intruder doing all the talking at the moment, puts Nico in chokehold from behind his back. Then lowering his pistol, he lets off a shot at the floor.
N: “FUUUUUUUUUCK! YOU SHOT ME IN MY FOOT!”
Intruder #1: “It’s okay, the next one will be much worse. Gentlemen, please talk to me. Tell us something we want to know.”
Nico has tears welling up in his eyes as he sees the shock on Dontae’s face and gives him a slick little shake of his head. This time though, the masked man (the one that has been talking) catches on to what Nico did.
Intruder #1: “Oh isn't that admirable? Two friends… two bros who wanna protect one another. But there's still one problem and that problem is… I’m losing my patience. So I’m about to put an end to this whole charade. We’ll just make it look like a disagreement between 2 dumbass thugs and let matters work themselves out. 3… 2…”
N: “OK! I’ll tell you… I'll tell you where our stash is.”
Intruder #1: “Uh uh and the cash!”
N: “And… the cash…”
Breathing hard after being shot in the foot, Nico confesses in front of a confused looking Dontae.
D: “WHAT THE FUCK?! DON’T DO THIS, BRUH! DON’T FOLD!”
This is when the other intruder makes Dontae regret his words with a polite but heavy handed, gut punch. Which in response, expels most of the oxygen in Dontae's lungs. His knees give out and keels over while gasping for air to return to his body.
Intruder #1: “Breathe, breathe…”
N: “Alright man, look… if you check 3 houses down this side of the streets, you’ll come across a doormat. Taped underneath that doormat is a key, that key belongs to a secured home in the hills. 32… 65 Darby Road, alarm code is 8886… It’s a gray house with one of those Zen gardens in its front lawn. Inside… is a safe in the office on the third floor. In the bottom left desk drawer is another built-in safe, that's where our supply is at. The other safe with the money is behind… the fake bookshelf, just pull it aside from the right. It swings open like a big, lightweight metal door. Code is… 6… 25… 3.”
Intruder #1: “Would you look at that? See, that wasn't so hard. Now was it? However… if I send my buddy that's holding the rifle to your buddy’s chest to go get those things, will he come back empty handed or light? Maybe some type of ambush or setup to get arrested for not having the correct alarm code. It seems… sketchy at best.”
D: “Okay! Okay… I'll tell you where to find my stash and cash. I hid it nearby, just let us go afterwards.”
Intruder #1: “I’m all ears! Tell us!”
D: “...outback is a huge dirt patch, next to a stack of bricks. Underneath, about three feet deep is a steamer trunk. That's where I hid all of my shit. Both my stash and my cut.”
The intruder who has been doing the most talking, looks at Nico and Nico looks back at him. He then looks back over at Dontae…
Intruder #1: “I want you to think very, very carefully as I ask you one last question. Are you sure that's everything I need to know?”
D: “What? Yeah, YEAH! That’s all I got. Now just let us fuckin’ go, dawg.”
The intruder lets go of Nico’s shirt and Nico grabs the couch to steady himself on his feet.
N: “I told you that he'd crack under pressure for my sake. All we had to do was make it look real.”
Dontae is speechless as he can't believe what he is witnessing before his eyes. Nico has grabbed his gun from the couch cushion and points it directly at his former friend.
D: “You muthafuckin’ lyin’ dirty ass bitch! Really?!? REALLY?!??”
N: “Ay man, I had to get my come up and you were moving too slow for me to get there. But I could take your half of everything and invest a lot of the money into a legit business. Keep it washed with the other lump sum divided amongst international banks. Ahhh, the possibilities for success are lining up perfectly. Well almost…”
A shot rings off and Dontae falls back onto the couch but ends up bouncing off onto the hardwood floor. Frantically reaching for the pistol that he dropped, Dontae also holds his wound as he bleeds out. Now he’s starting to gasp for air more than when he was punched.
D: “You didn't… have to do… shit like this. We’ve been… broth… brothers since middle school. My mom… knew your mom… and… we shared ev…”
N: “Shared what? Everything?! Yeah I guess you could say that you're sharing your half with me. And it's my time to shine! You see, you’ve been getting enough of that lately. The nice car, the new clothes, the fine ass girl… THAT'S MY BITCH, LIL’ HOMIE! Oh yeah, my boy. She's been fuckin’ with me for some months. I’m thinkin’ about wifin’ her up when we move out the country, maybe have us a few kids.”
Unable to locate his gun (due to the masked man already picking up), Dontae drags himself across the floor. He makes his way into the next room. Hoping to make it outside… for someone to help him while the other three men just watch him die a slow death. Nico takes his time walking over and shoots Dontae again. He deliberately doesn't hit any vital organs. He continues to take his time, watching his “brother” fade away. And Dontae’s crawl gets even slower as he tries to breathe and coughs up his blood.
N: “Don't worry… I’m gonna spare you soon enough, bro. You ain't gonna suffer much longer… I think you had your fair share of that and then some. Goodbye, my brother. You will missed d-”
POP!
And the end of a pistol (Dontae’s) takes Nico’s life with a clean headshot… from the silent intruder. Dontae is in shock and awe as he looks up to see what happened. Nico’s body falls on top of Dontae's back… and he still crawls. The talkative intruder flips out about what his partner has done without his knowledge.
Intruder #1: “WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE?! DO YOU KNOW HOW BAD THIS LOOKS? HOW IS THIS GOING TO WORK WITH-”
POP!
The other ski mask intruder…
…has shot his comrade in the head like he did Nico. He stares at the wasted bodies for a few minutes before making his exit. EAnd then… everything, everything around fades to black…
…and Death Walker is heard speaking again.
“The cops and paramedics arrived at the crime scene some hours later after noise complaints. But it didn’t matter, there were no signs of life from any of the bodies. They ruled it as a murder-suicide based on Nico’s rear headshot, the headshot to the right temple of the ski mask killer, both shots were within precise range, same caliber rounds from the Dontae’s pistol which only had his prints since both the intruders wore gloves. Which left the mystery of what happened to the wounded suspect? The body was never found, no trace of where Dontae might have gone. Perhaps he was the one who dug that hole in the backyard, took his stuff and left the country for good? Or did someone else beat him to it? Did he even survive at all?”
“Well… some people say that he vanished in thin air! But the others… they say that he was dropped off by the ski masked gunman… and left for a starving creature… Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! You may leave the house, my faithful one.”
The view returns the light, the colors, the reality in which we are accustomed to. The camera operator who is still recording, goes back to the first room where he entered. Footsteps are recognized from behind them as Death Walker reemerges from out of the total darkness in the den and walks out the door. The camera curiously gets a glimpse out the window to the dug up backyard then proceeds to follow the demon. Outside, stretched along the few steps to this former trap house, lies Walker as he carries out his testament.
“Now see, the reason I showed you what happened to Dontae and Nico is to provide my insight. It reminds me of the near future in Jackson and Nate’s friendship. Not everything is exactly similar to the tale I shared. However, just like Dontae and Nico, a friendship was built on trust and still it wasn't enough to prevent it from crumbling. The cracks started to show in their foundation and when the time came to implode on itself, it took everything with it. Although Dontae was sensible and smart, he overlooked the jealousy developing from his former friend. And his oversight led to his guard to be dropped which had him forget about never trusting anyone. But more importantly, Dontae didn’t understand the person who he was choosing to give so much of his trust to. Now look at them. One is six feet deep while the other could quite literally be… in the belly of the beast.”
Death Walker smirks as he gazes at the stars above and finishes his sentiments. Putting a little more in the ears and minds of all who pay attention.
“So what are my new intentions? They're simple. I'm going to spare Jackson Fenix for now… but come Meltdown this week, me and Nate Savage… I'm going to make him regret that he ever wanted to face me in a match. I’m going to make sure that Nate Savage sees that blinding white light coming for him because he will regret… he will regret EVER getting into my business with his “brother”... his friend… his tag partner, Jackson Fenix. Because at Meltdown, someone is about to be NEXT to… Pay. The. Cost.”
Silence becomes the sound of the night and the recording is stopped…
And that is the end of this video file.
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 12:57:51 GMT
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 12:58:32 GMT
Promo reviews. Originally posted by Sully. tommy Bedlam battletankDeathswitch - I have been meaning to give some feedback on this promo for awhile, so sorry it took so long. I haven't read the shows, and I didn't read anyone else's promos on the card including my own much honestly, I'm that behind...but when I saw Tombstone I had to read this one. First of all presentation is top notch. It's pretty much how I think a presentation should be for a PDF. Not overwhelming but enough to set up the aesthetic and the mood. It followed the original Tombstone storyboard perfectly yet still felt original and like it's own story, and my favorite chapter was Seeing Double, because it had my favorite Doc Holliday quote. The shootout at the OK Corral was the perfect climax. The ending was perfect, just like the move, with Curly Keres looking like someone walked over his grave. I think this is how a parody promo should be laid out. It's hard to do the original source justice but you guys definitely pulled it off, and with a great story that really encapsulates the dynamic between Tommy and Chris (and also plugs in your opponents as the bad guys). Overall great piece and a fun read that gives me nostalgia from an amazing movie. |
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 13:00:16 GMT
XXXIV: “A LACK OF INITIATIVE.”
Live from the National Stadium in Lagos, Nigeria.
Thursday 26th October, 2023.
{Sonne || Rammstein}[MEDIA=youtube]YtEWoavDlcM[/MEDIA]
The crowd goes wild as Alyster Black’s music begins to play to kick off Meltdown, moreso when he steps through the curtain. Alyster is dressed casually wearing a pair of jeans, the brand new FTN t-shirt (depicting Alyster and Chris riding a nuke as it falls toward the Octopi), his signature mask and of course has the FWA World Championship strapped around his waist.
Rod Sterling: “Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Meltdown. I’m Rod Sterling joined alongside Anzu Kurosawa, and Anzu.. we are wasting no time here tonight in Lagos… Here comes our new World Champion.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Who you would imagine has a lot to say following the events of Lights Out, especially in regards to the controversial finish to the World Championship match.”
Alyster takes a brisk walk down to the ring, clearly entering with a purpose and not in the mood to enjoy much fanfare. He enters the ring and is handed a microphone by a handy member of the ringside crew.
Alyster Black: “Simmer down you lot.”
He calls out to the mixed crowd, though that mix is about 75% in his favor.
Alyster Black: “We’ve got a lot to discuss and though I am the World Champion and this is once again my show, I don’t want to waste all night talking about myself.”
The crowd dies down enough that Alyster feels comfortable enough to power through…whatever this is.
Alyster Black: “I think it’s become apparent that I am alone out here tonight, the usual crew isn’t around. God knows where they are. I haven’t been able to contact Chris since Lights Out, the Diamond Dogs are M.I.A, Violet is licking her wounds and Allen Price has a broken freakin’ neck thanks to Cyrus Truth.”
The masked man gives pause and stares out into the audience as a duel “Cyrus Truth” and “Fuck Allen Price” chant breaks out. He appears to grow frustrated and shouts into the microphone.
Alyster Black: “With all that man has done to entertain you people the least you can do is show him some respect. He has his neck broken battling on the front lines with the rest of the FTN family, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to sit here and let you disparage him like this.”
Shockingly the crowd appears to calm down.
Alyster Black: “I’m sorry. I’m just under a lot of stress at the moment. My family is broken. I can’t find Chris, he isn’t here, he isn’t returning my calls. But this is what you all wanted right? You wanted to see Konchu and Cyrus break us up. It looks like you got your wish. All of you, and that rat bastard Randy Ramon.”
Alyster looks down and touches the faceplate of the FWA World Championship.
Alyster Black: “I guess I have you to thank for me holding this belt again, don’t I Randy? Well, it’ll be a cold day in hell before I thank you for anything. I think you’re a scumbag, a hypocrite and nothing more than a common thug. Where the fuck do you get off interfearing in the greatest World Championship match in FWA history? What the hell is your MO anyway? Showing up at the end of Back in Business, interfering in my match…this shit should have been squashed two years ago, and if it wasn’t then it sure was in the Warehouse.”
Alyster lowers the microphone, staring into the camera which picks up what he has to say off-mic.
“Release the show Princeton you coward.”
He raises the mic once again.
Alyster Black: “I should be on top of the world right now, I mean I figuratively am right now. I’m the World Champion again. This should be the happiest period of my life. But I’ve got two dark clouds hanging over my head. One being that rat Randy Ramon, the other being my missing partner. Chris, I don’t know if you’re watching, I hope you are. I miss you buddy, wrestling isn’t as fun without you. Please come back.”
Alyster trails off, looking down and somber until a voice echoes through the arena. A familiar, almost sinister sounding voice.
“What’s that I hear? It sure sounds like you sound like you could use a friend!”
The crowd erupts into a frenzy, booing their hearts out as Jeremy Best steps out onto the ramp. He’s carrying a bunch of balloons, all floating in the air and offering congratulations to the new champion. Jeremy is smiling from ear to ear as he holds the microphone to his mouth.
Rod Sterling: “What the hell is Jeremy Best doing?”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Commiting suicide by Alyster Black hopefully.”
Jeremy Best: “Ladies and gentlemen, join me in congratulating our new World Champion! Alyster Black, you did it buddy! I’m so proud of you!”
He points to the sky and a loud bang is heard. Balloons, confetti and streamers begin falling down to the ring. But Alyster isn’t inside it. He’s dropped the mic and is charging toward Jeremy, sprinting down the ramp with bloodlust in his eyes.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Alyster’s going after Best!”
Rod Sterling: “And who can blame him after everything Jeremy has done in the last year?”
Anzu Kurosawa: “It’s a shame really, that balloon and confetti display is actually rather extravagant.”
Jeremy slowly backs up, glaring his teeth and speaking in a frantic voice.
Jeremy Best: “Wait a second, wait a second!”
Jeremy calls out, trying to get Alyster to stop. But while his words don’t do the trick, a brass knuckle aided punch from a large man appearing from the side of the ramp (seemingly from out of nowhere) does. Alyster Black is knocked out cold by a laughing Bryan Baxter who stands over the fallen World Champion, only a few feet away from Jeremy.
Jeremy Best: “Thank you for talking some sense into him Bryan.”
Jeremy casually steps forward, inspecting Alyster and making sure he’s really down and out.
Jeremy Best: “Ain’t this just sad to see. Look at you champ, all alone out here without a friend in the world. Where is Chris by the way? You two seemed so close, you actually gave me hope that this place really had become a Friendship Wrestling Alliance.”
“Alas, it appears that I will still have to lead the way. But it’s okay, we’ve had a lot of signups for the Buddy Bowl. So in spite of the actions of your best friend, the fake Krash, friendship is still alive and well!”
The jeers grow louder, the entire arena is practically rumbling. Alyster begins to stir, slowly lifting his upper body only for Bryan to step onto his back and hold him down.
Jeremy Best: “That’s right. Much like yours truly, friendship is alive and well here in the FWA! No thanks to the efforts of our World Champion. You know, I always blamed you a little bit for how much the fake Krash hated friendship. You were always a corrupting force and you were always my least favorite Gang Star. You held the real Krash back for so long…”
“And look at you now, coming out here, complaining about your lack of friends.”
“Well I’m not here to be your friend.”
“You already had a friend…”
“But your friend is gone.”
“And your other FRIEND IS DEAD!”
Best gets down on his knees and takes the lavish balloon display he’s carrying, tying it to Alyster’s wrists before continuing to rant.
Jeremy Best: “You have the most wonderful thing in the world. Friendship. But what did you do? You prioritized the World Championship over friendship, and now you are friendless. “
“Meanwhile, I am surrounded by friends. Loyal friends who would never abandon me, or let championship gold come between us.”
“And not only that. I’m making new friends, take my partner in the Buddy Bowl for instance…”
Jeremy trails off as he eyes the FWA World Championship, it had come undone and fallen to the side when Alyster was cold cocked by Bryan. Jeremy reaches out and picks up the belt, he holds it high and slowly rises to his feet.
Jeremy Best: “Maybe it’s about time that the FWA had a more friendly world champion…”
He trails off again and sets the belt down by Alyster’s head. Baxter stomps down on the back of Alyster’s head, making sure the champion stays down while he and Jeremy make their exit.
Before they disappear behind the curtain Jeremy throws a hand up.
Jeremy Best: “Oh I almost to tell you all about my partner for the Buddy Bowl!”
Jeremy looks back over his shoulder at the fallen world champion.
Jeremy Best: “Let’s just say… his name is…
Peacock.”
Jeremy smiles from ear to ear as he and Bryan finally leave to a chorus of boos, all while Alyster desperately tries to rise to his feet and go after them.
Rod Sterling: “Does that mean what I think it means?”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Who knows with Jeremy Best. He’s probably slapped a fake moustache on another goon. Alyster appears to be in bad shape though.”
Rod Sterling: “Dr. Smith has just come out and is attending to the World Champion, but that punch from Bryan Baxter was nasty. Alyster didn’t see it coming.”
Meltdown heads to break as Alyster Black is helped back to his feet, but the champ shoves away the medical team and manages to walk to the back on his own.
{HERE COMES REVENGE || I METALLICA}[MEDIA=youtube]FpF8Wa2yQH0[/MEDIA]
The lights in the arena dim as fog begins to fill the air and a purple strobe light flickers throughout the arena. As the music begins to speed up, the purple lights focus on the stage as Vengador emerges from the back. The crowd greets the man in the purple skull mask with a mostly supportive reaction as he pauses on the apron.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: ”Ladies and gentlemen, our opening contest is scheduled for ONE FALL and has a twenty minute time limit! The winner of this match will advance to a triple threat match for the FWA Television Championship at Winter Waseland! Introducing first, from the Realm of Despair… weighing in at two hundred fifty pounds… he is the winner of Ground Zero Season 4… VVVVEEENNNNGGAADOOORRR!
Rod Sterling: “Vengador got off to a hot start in after his come from behind win in Ground Zero, but has racked up a couple critical losses starting at Back in Business against Katsu, then in the Television Title qualifier to eventual champion Kleio De Santos, and then he probably would’ve liked to have had a stronger showing in the Battle Royal at Lights Out.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Wrestling is all about momentum, Rod. And tonight he has the chance to turn that momentum around because a win here would get him right back into title contention.”
Rod Sterling: “That’s right, the winner of this match, as Katie-Lynn mentioned, will join Kleio De Santos and another to be determined on Fallout in a TV Title Match at Winter Wasteland. I know KDS felt like Vengador was her toughest opponent on the road to the TV Title and he’d certainly love another crack at that belt.”
Vengador slowly makes the walk down to the ring, climbing in as the lights come back up. He removes his cloak and places it at ringside and awaits his opponent.
{A REAL HERO || I COLLEGE & ELECTRIC YOUTH}[MEDIA=youtube]-DSVDcw6iW8[/MEDIA]
Brooklyn Steiner emerges from the back to a warm reaction from the crowd. The former Hollywood star is decked on a sleek leather vest incorporating both pink and black. He stops to pose for the fans on the stage, then begins his trot down to the ring, stopping to tilt his sunglasses toward the camera and the fans, garnering some more positive reaction, especially from some of the females at ringside.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “And his opponent, from New York, New York, weighing in at two hundred five pounds… BBBBRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOKKKKLLYYYN SSSSSSTTEEEEIIIIINNER!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “The fans certainly seemed to have taken a liking quite quickly to this fellow.”
Rod Sterling: “And you want to talk about momentum, Brooklyn Steiner has come onto the scene and has immediately made himself be known here in FWA. It all started with a huge win over a Hall of Famer in his debut match… and then at Lights Out… he was so close to being one of the final two in the Battle Royal that could’ve given him both a Tag Title and an X Title shot.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “But obviously his hot start has been duly noted, because here he is with another chance… another shot… at a title shot. If he can get by Vengador here tonight.”
Steiner climbs the ring steps to the apron before stepping through the middle ropes to enter the ring. He then poses on the hard camera side turnbuckles for the fans, before removing his sunglasses and vest to ringside.
FIRST MATCH || 1/20.
Brooklyn Steiner vs. Vengador.
Singles Match - winner progresses to the FWA Television Championship triple threat at Winter Wasteland.
Match writer: Dubb.
<< 00:00. >>
The bell rings! Vengador and Steiner circle the ring, measuring each other out before they move in for the collar and elbow tie up. The masked man quickly gets the leverage in the lock up, moving Steiner into a headlock, but Steiner slips free into wrist lock. But Vengador strikes with a back elbow to break free. Vengador scores with a knee to the midsection and then sends Steiner into the ropes with an Irish Whip. Steiner comes back off the ropes and ducks a clothesline from the man in purple before bouncing off the opposite ropes.
Vengador goes for another clothesline but coming back off the ropes, Steiner scores with an arm drag takedown into an armbar submission! Tommy Palmer checks in on Vengador, but the larger competitor gets back up to a vertical base and then breaks the hold with a pair of shoulder trusts.
Brooklyn staggers backward as Vengador comes in with a stiff chop, lighting up the chest of the former Hollywood star, the sound echoing through the arena. Vengador follows it up with two more stiff chops before attempting to lift Steiner up into a fireman’s carry, but he slips down the masked man’s back! Steiner then hits an inverted atomic drop followed by a springboard knee strike to take Vengy down to the mat!
Rod Sterling: “A back and forth start between these two relative newcomers… but you have to be impressed with the speed and agility of Brooklyn Steiner!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “I know some may underestimate him based on his previous career… but this Brooklyn Steiner is no slouch!”
Vengador stumbles back up to his feet as Steiner looks to continue the momentum, bouncing to the ropes with another springboard, going for a DDT, but Vengador counters it into a Northern Lights Suplex!
One! Two! Kickout!
***
<< 04:45. >>
Vengador has taken control of the match, lifting Steiner up into the Gorilla Press as he showcases some of his strength and TOSSES Steiner over the top rope to the floor! But then he turns around and showcases his agility as well, bouncing to the ropes and hitting a somersault suicide dive onto Steiner at ringside!
Rod Sterling: “Vengador will not be outdone! Brooklyn Steiner isn’t the only one who can take to the air in this match!”
Slowlying pulling himself up at ringside, Vengador helps Steiner up only to lift him up and drop him ribs first across the safety railing at ringside. Steiner hangs on the railing as Vengador climbs to the apron… and leaps off with a SPLASH ONTO THE RAILING! Vengador clutches his owns midsection as he gets up while Steiner falls to the ground, grabbing his ribs as well. But Vengador pulls Steiner up and rolls him into the ring before slowly climbing to the apron..
SLINGSHOT SENTON into the ring onto Steiner followed by a Standing Moonsault!
Vengador makes the pin!
One! Two! Kickout!
The masked man gets back up, pulling Steiner up along with him before whipping him into the turnbuckles. Vengador charges in with a clothesline to the corner. He grabs Brooklyn by the hair, pulling him out of the corner before Vengador begins to climb the turnbuckles himself.
He pulls Brooklyn up into the corner with him…
He’s looking for a Avalanche Powerbomb..
BUT STEINER REVERSES IT!
TOP ROPE FRANKENSTEINER!
Rod Sterling: “My God! What a counter!”
Both men are down… but Steiner makes the crawl over… and he makes the pin!
One! Two! Three!
NO!
Vengador kicks out!
***
<< 08:11. >>
Momentum has shifted back into the favor of Brooklyn Steiner as he lays out Vengador with a springboard facebuster! With Vengador laid out near the ropes, Steiner begins to climb the ropes…
SHOOTING STAR PRESS!
But Vengador gets his knees up!
Once again, both are slow to recover… slowly getting to their feet but its Vengador who strikes first with a series of machine gun chops to work Steiner back into the corner. With Steiner cornered, Vengador backs up and charges in with a running big boot!
Out of the corner, Vengador lifts Steiner up onto his shoulders with a Fireman’s Carry into a rolling Samoan Drop into another standing moonsault! Vengador hooks the leg once again.
One! Two! Thre - Kickout!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Another close call there but Brooklyn Steiner keeps this one alive!”
Getting back to his feet, Vengador pulls Brooklyn back up and looks to put him away, going for Justicia…
But Steiner reverses into a headscissors takedown!
Vengador gets back up to one knee only to get hit by a running knee strike from Steiner! Vengador tries to battle back, fighting his way to his feet, but Steiner ducks a wild right hand…
REDEMPTION SLAM from Steiner!
Brooklyn with the pin, hooking the far leg..
One!
Two!
Three!
{RESULT}Winner: Brooklyn Steiner via pinfall at 9:48.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: ”Here is your winner… Brooklyn Steiner!”
Brooklyn Steiner climbs to his feet as referee Tommy Palmer lifts up his hand in victory.
Rod Sterling: “There you have it Anzu, the young man has done it once again! The momentum continues and he has earned himself a spot at Winter Wasteland!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Something tells me we’re going to be seeing a lot of Brooklyn Steiner here in FWA. The future is quite bright for this one.”
Rod Sterling: “And another tough loss for Vengador, who just can’t seem to bounce back from the tough loss to his coach Katsu at Back in Business. But he is if nothing a man of honor it appears.”
Rod references the fact that after the loss, Vengador gets to his feet and offers a handshake to Brooklyn. Steiner decides to accept the handshake before he lifts up his own hand in victory once again before leaving the ring.
Vengador is left in the centre of it, his hands rested on his hips and a disappointed look on his face. He seems ready to leave the ring himself, but pauses when he notices a vaguely familiar face standing at ringside.
Rod Sterling: “That’s… that’s XYZ at ringside, with what appears to be a bouquet of flowers in his hand…”
Anzu Kurosawa: “A beautiful bouquet of flowers, if I do say so myself, but I don’t think they’ll do much good as a weapon. The stems are too flimsy Rod!”
Rod Sterling: “I doubt that’s why XYZ is here, Anzu. Post-match assaults have never been his modus operandi.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “People change, Rod!”
XYZ climbs into the ring, being very careful not to damage the bouquet as he does so. Contrary to Anzu’s wishes, he doesn’t look like he’s here to cause a nuisance. Instead, he has a sympathetic look on his face, approaching Vengador - who, for his part, only looks confused by this sudden and unexpected appearance - with a good deal of caution.
Finally, after a few moments of silence, XYZ holds the flowers out in front of him. Vengador takes them from him, staring down at the beautiful colours with bemusement still etched on his face. As if showing him what to do, XYZ takes a huge sniff of the flowers, wafting the aroma towards his nose with his hands. Vengador eventually reciprocates and, when he does, the look of confusion slowly matures into a slight smile.
XYZ pats Vengador on the shoulder and, leaving him with his gift, climbs out of the ring. We fade out on Vengador watching XYZ walking up the ramp.
Meltdown returns from break as Tommy Bedlam and Chris Crowe are in the hallway outside the locker room, preparing for their upcoming match.
Chris Crowe: “Alright bro, I need to take a quick piss…”
Tommy nods as Chris ducks away, heading to the bathroom. Just as Chris is leaving, Tommy is approached by FWA North American Champion Big Bryan Bastard. Tommy is briefly startled by BBB’s sudden arrival to the shot, and prepares himself to defend himself against the brute.
Big Bryan Bastard: “Easy there, fella. I’m not here to fight. I’m here to talk.”
Tommy lowers his guard.
Tommy Bedlam: “What the Hell do you want to talk about?”
Big Bryan Bastard: “Look man, I have nothin’ against you, okay? You seem like a good dude. You had my back and I had yours in our tag match… and yeah, last time on Meltdown… you got the best of me, dude. You were the better man that night… it happens. So yeah… what I’m sayin’ is… I respect you, Tommy.”
Tommy seems uneasy and uncertain of how genuine Baxter is being.
Tommy Bedlam: “Uhh.. well, thanks. I guess?”
Big Bryan Bastard: “But who I don’t respect is that piece of shirt partner of yours. Chris Crowe is scum of the Earth. And I would know, trust me. I just don’t get what you see in him. Why you’d want to hang around with him? You’re better than he is, Tommy.”
Tommy Bedlam: “Easy, man. Chris Crowe is my boy. He’s always had my back and I’ll always have his.”
Big Bryan Bastard: “Heh, I told you that you were a good guy. But c’mon Tommy… you’re a dad now, right? How you gonna bring your baby around that piece of shit while he’s shootin’ up and gettin’ high? When he’s talkin’ about all the ass he’s getting? Is that what you want?”
Tommy Bedlam: “I didn’t realize Big Bryan Bastard had gone so soft.”
Big Bryan Bastard: “What? No… I may be a bastard but I’m not a monster. But Chris Crowe… you may not see it now… but the guy is bad news. He’s the monster. You may think he has your back now… but give it time.”
Tommy Bedlam: “Why do you care?”
Big Bryan Bastard: “Because… like i said… I like you, Tommy. It’s no secret I don’t have many allies here in FWA. I got one… Jeremy… and you know I’ve always done whatever I needed to do for him. That should show you how loyal I can be. But I’m only gonna offer that type of loyalty up to someone I respect. And like I said… you’ve earned my respect, cowboy. So if you want someone you can really trust to have your back… you can have a Bastard in your corner instead of a freakshow.”
Tommy remains unresponsive, still unsure what to make of Bryan’s offer.
Big Bryan Bastard: “Just think about it okay? I gotta go… can’t let history repeat itself tonight. See ya later, cowboy.”
Bryan pats Tommy on the shoulder before walking off just as Chris Crowe is conveniently returning.
Chris Crowe: “What the Hell did he want?”
Tommy Bedlam: “Nothing… let’s go. We got a match to worry about.”
Tommy and Crowe fist bump before heading off screen as we head back to the ring.
Rod Sterling: “That was certainly an unexpected interaction between Bryan Baxter and the partner of his Winter Wasteland opponent, Chris Crowe.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “You have to believe Bryan Bastard is just looking to drive a wedge between the Deathswitch duo perhaps. I don’t know. It’s hard to read that guy sometimes.”
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “The next contest is set for one fall with a twenty-minute-time-limit!”
{Bow Down || I Prevail}[MEDIA=youtube]n2EjeMx4bSg[/MEDIA]
The familiar song blasts out of the sound system; the crowd comes to life with cheers for Nate Savage, who is accompanied by Jackson Fenix. Savage marches down to the ring with Fenix quickly following along while hyping up his friend and interacting with the crowd.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Introducing first; being accompanied by Jackson Fenix, from Philadelphia, PA; weighing in at 266 lb…he is Nasty Nate Saaaaaaavage!”
Savage enters the ring; he paces around, awaiting the arrival of his opponent while Fenix is still hyping him up.
And now… all of the lights turn off momentarily as a demonic voice speaks out to all who are in attendance. While this intro plays, a bright red spotlight pops in the center of a smoke filled stage where it illuminates over a dark hooded figure. The song begins…
{The Demon’s Carol || BlaQKout}[MEDIA=youtube]kHYdLveMYxc[/MEDIA]
…and the house lights are brought back on but flashing in between the colors of red and white. As we can see the hooded individual in just an oversized black cloak standing perfectly still in the spotlight. The hooded individual takes a slow, methodical stroll down the path to the ring with some of his Terrors of Darkness following a few feet behind. They never raise their heads to reveal who's under these big hooded cloaks as each hides their identity well. That is until the main one steps up the ring stairs and steps between the top and middle rope. Once the dark figure positions itself in the center of the ring, he waits as the music plays on. Standing motionless for a few seconds as smoke and devoted followers surround the outside of the ring, the person unhooks its cloak. And the evil entity known as Death Walker steps forward to reveal himself to the audience and drops the entire cloak with his arms forming an X at neck level. The crowd erupts in madness and chaos as his music most likely ends by now or replays all over again but Death Walker remains staring out at the hard camera to present fear and panic to whomever.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “His opponent; from the depths of HELL! weighing in at 243 lb…he is The Soul Collector…Deaaaaath Waaaaaalkerrrrrrr!”
Rod Sterling: “Death Walker always aims to strike fear in his opposition with that entrance, but by the looks of it I don’t think Nate Savage deterred in any way by that entrance. I shouldn’t be surprised though, because I’ve never known Nate Savage to back down from a fight.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “This all stems from the staredown between Savage and Death Walker following Death Walker’s match with Jackson Fenix, where Fenix was successful over Death Walker in earning himself that North American Championship match at Lights Out. Savage will be looking for some measure of revenge on Death Walker for threatening the livelihood of Fenix following that match.”
Fenix has since moved to the outside of the ring where he shouts words of encouragement toward his friend. Savage is laser focused as he glares at Death Walker, who remains stolid in his corner. The referee for the match is Larry Stevens, who checks both competitors before calling for the bell…
SECOND MATCH || 1/20.
Death Walker vs. Nate Savage.
Singles Match.
Match writer: Jimmy King.
DING! DING! DING!
<< 00:00. >>
Right out of the gate Savage charges out of his corner and immediately starts trading blows with Death Walker! Death fires back with rights and lefts of his own, but Savage isn’t backing down easily! It’s reminiscent of a hockey fight with the fists flying. Savage gains the upper hand early on. He drills Death with more forearm strikes followed by a headbutt that has Death backed into the corner. Savage doesn’t waste time and follows through on the attack with several corner stomps until Death is slumped down. Savage sizes him up and goes for the corner cannonball senton, but Death moves in time, which causes Savage to the bottom turnbuckle spine first!
Savage does his best to shake that off as he winces while clutching at his back and uses the ropes as leverage to bring himself up, but Death comes barreling toward him and levels him with a running big boot! Death yanks Savage up off the mat and he launches him to the opposite corner with a hard irish whip. Savage hits the corner hard but he has no time to react as Death clobbers him with a running corner clothesline! Death drives home several more corner clotheslines before he launches Savage out of the corner with a hip toss!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Death Walker just manhandled Nate Savage! He tossed him like he was nothing!”
Rod Sterling: “Fans, if you were expecting a classic wrestling match then I don’t know what to tell you, but this has been a banger so far!”
Somehow, Savage has managed to get back on his feet. Death charges toward him but there’s a stand still where Nate doesn’t budge from a shoulder tackle by Death. Walker backs up and charges again but this time Nate counters with his own shoulder block that knocks Walker back a few steps. Savage takes Walker by the wrist and sends him to the ropes, but Death ducks a clothesline from Savage and comes back with a kitchen sink! Savage crumbles to the mat and Death drops down for the pin…
One…TW--NO!!
***
<< 05:00. >>
Death brings Savage up on his feet and he has Savage in a front facelock. Death is attempting a grapple but Savage is resisting and fights out of it. Savage fires off several forearm strikes and another headbutt for good measure. Savage drives several boots to the midsection that has Death doubled over and Nate hits a bridging fisherman suplex on Death…
One…TW--NO!!
Nate quickly transitions to a headlock but Death Walker is too powerful to be kept down for an extended period of time. Death rises up while Nate does his best to keep the hold locked in, but Death drives several back elbows into the midsection that has Nate backing off and doubling over in pain, which allows Death Walker to strike with an ax kick! Death runs the ropes and hits an elbow drop on Savage before making a pin…
One…Two…NO!!
Anzu Kurosawa: “They’ve slowed the pace down, but it's been all Death Walker with the exceptions of a few glimmers of hope for Nate Savage.”
Rod Sterling: “Credit where credit is due to Nate Savage for not backing down, but I don’t know how much more he can take.”
Death mounts Savage now and starts laying into him with several mounted punches. Savage is doing his best to block each blow but Death Walker is much too powerful. Stevens checks on Savage, whose face is looking a bit worse for wear, while Death Walker taunts Jackson Fenix on the outside, who is showing concern for his friend.
***
<< 07:58. >>
Savage is back up and sneaks behind Walker, catching him with a roll-up!
One…Two…NO!!
Walker is back on his feet but so is Savage and Savage fires off a spinning forearm! Walker is staggered but Savage isn’t done as he connects with a discus elbow smash, kick to the gut and then a bionic elbow that takes Death off his feet! Savage is feeling it now as he runs the ropes and hits a running senton on Death and hooks the far leg…
One…Two…THR--NO!!!
Savage doesn’t waste time though and comes off the corner with a jumping rope moonsault! Savage is feeding off the energy from the fans and Fenix, who is rallying behind his friend along with the fans…
Anzu Kurosawa: “I don’t know where he found this second wind but if he can keep it up he can pull off the win!”
Savage gets Death Walker in position for his signature package powerbomb, but as he tries to lift him up, Walker blocks the attempt and eventually powers out of it and counters with a back body drop on Savage!
Rod Sterling: “So much for that second wind!”
Walker shakes off Savage’s offensive comeback and he readies himself as Savage has gotten up, and Nate is still refusing to back down as he charges at Death, but Savage is caught by Death…Hell’s Fury! Death Walker sends Savage crashing down with the thrust spinebuster and he drops down for the pin…
One…two…THREE!!!
{RESULT}Winner: Death Walker via pinfall at 10:11.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Here is your winner…Deaaaaath Waaaaaalkerrrrrrr!”
Rod Sterling: “Impressive win for Death Walker but by the looks of it I don’t think he’s finished with Nate Savage just yet…”
Still not satisfied with the results of his match, Death Walker staggers back first into the nearest turnbuckle. He signals to one of his Terrors of Darkness and they come with his “goodie bag”. Opening up the bag, the hooded freak pulls out… that damn lead pipe that has been effectively used on many competitors in the recent year of Death Walker’s FWA career. The audience shares their displeasure with what could be about to happen with loud boos, even a couple of “YOU SUCK!” and “NO, DON’T DO IT!”. Without taking his eyes off of a worn down Nate Savage, he reaches over to grab whatever weapon that he’s given. Death’s clutches onto the lead pipe, zeroes in on where he wants this strike to connect and prepares to charge with all his might. But just as Death Walker goes for his brutal attack, Jackson Fenix slides into the ring and shoves Nate out of harm's way. Jackson then quickly sidesteps the charging monster who ends up stopping himself from bumping into the turnbuckle. He goes to turn around and…
Jackson gives him a SUPERKICK ME BABY ONE MORE TIME to his demon skull. The crowd goes wild as they're thankful for Fenix making the save and a clear statement. Stunned by the damn kick that he can't seem to avoid these days, Death shakes off the cobwebs and turns around to Jackson going for OOPS!… I DID IT AGAIN. But this time, Walker catches the foot by the ankle and gives Fenix a look that he’s got devious ideas running through his mind right now. As the beloved babyface attempts to swing a few fists towards The Dark Traveler, he dodges them and taunts Fenix. And instead, he raises the lead pipe in his other hand about to do some serious damage. That's when from off the ropes comes Nate with a spinning forearm to the back of Death’s head. Death lowers the lead pipe and turns around, more enraged than he already was. Savage sees the anger building in the demon’s eyes, he puts his hands to signify that he doesn't want anymore trouble and simply rolls out of the ring. The distraction gives Jackson just long enough to connect with an enzuigiri and then he rolls out the ring as well. Jackson helps his tag partner backstep their up the ramp as they keep their eyes on Death. With an irate Death Walker, kicking the ropes and shouting at them while rubbing his head.
“THIS AIN'T OVER BETWEEN US! I WILL GET MY DAMN PAYMENT IN FULL! YOU HEAR ME? DEATH COMIN’ FOR YA!”
Savage and Fenix cautiously backstep up the ramp while Death Walker continues to shout threats at them as the show rolls on…
Footage emerges from earlier in the night before the show went on air. A distressed-looking Madison Gray is running up to various people backstage and appears extremely anxious and almost runs into Katie-Lynn.She has a photo in her hand, presumably of Laramie, who was kidnapped several weeks ago.
Madison Gray: "Have you seen her? Please tell me you have seen her?"
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith almost jumped completely out of the way as she was approached.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "I am sorry I don’t know who you are talking about."
Madison Gray:"Laramie? You must know who I am talking about? She appeared on GroundZero."
Katie-Lynn shook her head making clear that she wanted to have nothing to do with Madison. The Young Brit would then start pleading with a number of other backstage workers, but they would offer no help before finally being approached by Rod Sterling.
Rod Sterling: "Miss Gray?"
Madison nods sheepishly.
Rod Sterling: "Can I suggest you take a deep breath and just try and relax? When I lose something, the best thing to do is to retrace your steps and think where you last went. Where were you the last time you saw this Larry?"
Madison Gray: "Her name is Laramie."
Rod Sterling started to walk away as he patted her on the shoulder.
Rod Sterling: "Keep up with all the hard work kid."
Sterling then walks away, as Madison continues to look flustered as she continues running down the corridors. The cameras lose interest though and the footage is abruptly cut.
{”Rage Beneath the Mountains || Lindsey Sterling}[MEDIA=youtube]hU0Zbpf0OS8[/MEDIA]
The lights of the arena dim as the lights near the stage flash purple and gold in tune with the strings of the music. All video screens are off apart from the one showing the main entrance video. Unlike their usual entrance, it is Keres who appears first. Seeming to soak in the boos from the crowd, Keres turns around and snaps her fingers, her black nails glistening under the purple glow of the arena lights. Princess Nova appears, looking quite different than the last time we saw her. Her sadistic smile has been replaced by a blank, emotionless stare. There is no curtsy or anything else from Princess Nova. Instead, she blankly stares ahead as she walks in her zombified like state, closely behind Keres.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: "Introducing first, from The Residence, the TORN Angel, Princess Nova, the Daughter of Demise, Keres, they… are… Eternal!!!"
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Rod, these two are always kinda creepy, but things seem even weirder than usual tonight. Princess Nova seems to be under some sort of spell.”
{Outlaw Justice || Blues Saraceno}[MEDIA=youtube]rcN7Bx6dxpw[/MEDIA]
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: ”And their opponents, weighing in at a combined 484 pounds, the FWA X-Champion, “The Cowboy,” Tommy Bedlam and “The Showman” Chris Crowe, Deathswitch!”
As the unfamiliar tune “Outlaw Justice” begins to play in the arena, the lights dim, as a single spotlight shines at the top of the ramp. Chris Crowe and Tommy Bedlam emerge, much to the delight of the crowd.
Anzu Kurosawa: ”The crowd here in Lagos are definitely behind Crowe and Bedlam, who have both been quite impressive dating back to ‘The Showman’s’ return at Back in Business.
Deathswitch stops at the top of the ramp, Tommy takes off his black cowboy hat and tips it to the crowd, as Chris Crowe throws both arms in the air. Both men lock eyes, bump fists, and in unison yell, ”FLIP THE SWITCH!” They make their way down the ramp and toward the ring, high-fiving some of the fans along the way. Crowe hops up onto the ring apron as Tommy climbs the steps, as both men step into the ring. They each go to one of the corners, and throw their arms into the air, welcoming the ovation from the crowd.
THIRD MATCH || 1/20.
Deathswitch (Chris Crowe and Tommy Bedlam) vs. Eternal (Keres and Princess Nova).
Tag Team Match.
Match writer: Tommy.
<< 00:00. >>
The bell sounds as Tommy Bedlam and Princess Nova start out this tag match. As Tommy stalks back and forth, sizing up his opponent, Princess Nova doesn’t seem to be engaged at all. In fact, she’s standing there with her arms by her side, a far away look in her eyes. Tommy approaches somewhat cautiously before delivering an uppercut that launches Princhess Nova into the ropes. She bounces off, and Tommy catches her, and slams her into the mat with a crushing spine buster.
Tommy smartly drags Princess Nova over toward his corner, cutting the ring in half.
Rod Sterling: ”Tommy Bedlam and Chris Crowe haven’t gotten to team with one another since they defeated The Coven some time back, but it looks like they’re picking up right where they left off.”
Tommy delivers a series of stomps to Princess Nova, who, outside of feeling the impact of Tommy’s large boots, seems to be showing little to no emotion.
Anzu Kurosawa: "What’s going on with Princess Nova? Rod, have you seen that vacant stare in her eyes? The lights are on but there’s nobody home.”
From the apron, Keres barks out some orders to Princess Nova, who suddenly finds the will to catch one of Tommy’s boots before it can connect for the fourth time. She quickly sweeps his other leg out from under him, bringing “The Cowboy” crashing to the mat. She quickly rolls into an armbar, torquing the body of the larger competitor. Tommy manages to get to the ropes, forcing a break, as Princess Nova gets across the ring, and tags in Keres, providing Tommy with a chance to tag in Chris Crowe.
***
<< 05:51. >>
Chris Crowe and Keres are in the middle of the ring, exchanging blows. Even though she’s undersized compared to “The Showman,” Keres seems endued with some sort of otherworldly power, allowing her to withstand the series of forearms and chops that Crowe is delivering, while returning plenty of her own.
Suddenly, Crowe slides behind Keres and hits her with a full nelson slam, driving her to the mat. He drags her into the corner, and walks across the ring, playing to the crowd, who are fully behind Deathswitch. Crowe runs across the ring and goes for a corner cannonball, BUT KERES MOVES! Crowe smashes into the bottom two turnbuckles and hits the ground with his legs above his head.
Seeing her opportunity, Keres quickly stands up and buries her boot across Crowe’s neck, eliciting a count from official, Joey Ortiz.
1…2…3…4…
Keres breaks the hold long enough to stop the count, before stepping back on the neck of Crowe, using the ropes for leverage. Ortiz counts again.
1…2…3…4….
Once again she breaks the hold, this time walking over and tagging Princess Nova, who is standing on the apron, emotionless. Keres walks over to her own corner, and tags Princess Nova back into the match. Before Nova has a chance to climb through the ropes, though, Keres places one hand on each side of her face, and says something.
As we’ve already seen more than once, this conversation seems to snap Princess Nova back to reality. She climbs into the ring as Keres returns her attention to Chris Crowe who is still in the corner, struggling to get his breath from the boots to the throat, climbs up to a knee. Unfortunately for him, Keres slinks around behind him and applies a sleeper hold in the corner. From the far side of the ring, Princess Nova charges in and hits a running dropkick into Chris Crowe’s chest, driving the wind out of him.
Rod Sterling: "Whether you like them or not, you have to like the strategy being utilized by Eternal here. They know they’re not as big as the guys from Deathswitch, but if you can get someone to quit breathing, it doesn’t really matter how big they are.”
***
<< 09:22. >>
Princess Nova irish whips Chris Crowe into the nearside ropes, but Crowe hopes over her on the rebound. Princess Nova leapfrogs over him on the second attempt. The third trip changes the momentum of the match as Princess Nova ducks down a big too early. Chris Crowe stops his momentum, grabs her and hits a swinging neckbreaker. Both competitors are down!
Tommy reaches his arm over the top rope, desperately trying to get the tag as he uses his other arm to motion toward the crowd, urging them to cheer “The Showman” on. Just as Crowe inches his way closer to Tommy, Keres comes charging in from her side of the ring, and delivers an elbow drop across the back of Chris Crowe’s head and neck. As Joey Ortiz pushes her back toward her own corner, she manages to grab one of Princess Nova’s arms, pulling her partner into a better position to make a tag, which she immediately does.
Keres returns to the ring, this time as the legal competitor, and hits a rolling senton across the back of Chris Crowe. With “The Showman” down, she straddles his back and applies a camel clutch, digging her fingernails into his face, peeling at his mouth and eyes.
Crowe lets out a scream as he locks eyes with Tommy who stands by helplessly on the ring apron. Much to the delight of the crowd, Chris Crowe begins to slowly climb to his feet, using the size advantage. As he returns to a vertical base, Keres maintains her grip on his face, but she’s no match for the 240-pound Chris Crowe who charges backwards, crushing Keres’ 105-pound frame into the turnbuckle.
Crowe manages to lunge forward, using the recoil of the turnbuckle impact to finally tag in Tommy Bedlam, who hits the ring to the roar of the crowd and with a full head of steam. Tommy charges across the ring and delivers a huge boot to the face of Princess Nova, knocking her from the ring apron. Just as Keres gets back to her feet, Tommy bounces from the far-side ropes, and delivers a crushing back elbow to her jaw. The impact knocks the lighter Keres into the air, as she does a flip before falling back to the mat. Tommy goes for the pin!
One…
Keres Kicks out at one! Tommy sits up on his knees, and from her back, Keres locks her eyes on him, giving some sort of a sadistic grin.
Anzu Kurosawa: ”Is Keres smiling at Tommy?! Did you see that look on her face?”
For a moment, Tommy appears to be thrown off by the fact that Keres smiled at him, providing her with an opportunity to bring up one of her feet, kicking him in the temple. “The Cowboy” is dazed, as Keres hits him with another kick to the head, then another.
Keres returns to her knees and approaches Tommy, who is skill on his knees, reeling from the effects of the series of kicks to the side of his head. Keres quickly follow up with a trio of forearm strikes that land flush across Tommy’s jaw. Keres runs to the ropes, bounces off, and hits a knee lift that catches Tommy squarely under the chin, snapping the X-Champion’s head backwards as he crashes to the mat.
Tommy collapses backwards onto the mat, as Keres goes to the turnbuckle closest to her partner, who has just pulled herself back up from the floor. For a moment, Keres hesitates on her ascent to the top turnbuckle. Keres glances back over her shoulder as she turns her back to Tommy on the top turnbuckle, and launches herself backwards, going for a moonsault.
Tommy catches her midflight! Seamlessly, he delivers a fallaway slam that launches Keres through the ringropes and to the arena floor. From the floor, Keres catches the faraway gaze of Princess Nova, and once again snaps her fingers. Nova hops down and helps her sister up from the ground, but they’re immediately met by both members of Deathswitch, who charge around the corner of the ring and hit both women with lariats!
The brawl continues on the outside of the ring, as Tommy and Princess Nova spill over the safety barrier and into the crowd. Meanwhile, Keres and Chris Crowe battle it out near the announce table.
Rod Sterling: "Tommy Bedlam is the legal man here. He needs to remember that this isn’t an X-Rules match, and he can be counted out."
***
<< 11:34. >>
Referee Joey Ortiz has managed to get everyone back into the ring, and Chris Crowe and Princess Nova are now the legal competitors.
Crowe has mounted a flurry of offense that has driven Princess Nova into the corner closest to Tommy. Crowe backs away a bit and charges in, crushing Nova with a huge corner splash. As she staggers out of the corner, Crowe catches her and delivers a brainbuster, before going for the pin.
One…
Two…
Keres: "SISTER!"
Almost on queue, Princess Nova kicks out of the pin attempt.
Anzu Kurosawa: ”It’s almost as if Keres is completely controlling Princess Nova. They’ve always shared a very strong bond, but what we’ve seen tonight seems to indicate that there’s something even weirder than usual going on between these two.”
Crowe doesn’t seem to miss a beat after the kickout, as he immediately goes back to punishing Princess Nova. Chris Crowe picks up “The Enchantress” and whips her into the ropes. He immediately runs around her, and catches her with a running bulldog, driving Nova face-first into the mat.
***
<< 14:49. >>
Chris Crowe, the number one contender for the FWA North American Championship, is still in complete control of this one. He applies a cobra clutch of his own to Princess Nova as the official asks her if she wants to submit, but she just won’t give up. Crowe maintains the hold while pulling Princess Nova to her feet, and hits her with a cobra clutch slam.
Crowe takes a couple steps away from Princess Nova as she struggles to get to her feet. Once she finally returns to a vertical base, Crowe kicks her in the abdomen, doubling her over. Quickly, “The Showman” hooks both of her arms behind her back, shoves her head under his arm, and delivers The Closing Act.
Rod Sterling: ”That has to be it! Crowe hit The Closing Act!
One…
Two…
Three!
DING DING DING
{RESULT}Winner: Deathswitch via pinfall at 15:14
Chris Crowe rolls off of Princess Nova as Joey Ortiz lifts his hand into the air. “The Showman” climbs up onto the middle turnbuckle to celebrate Deathswitch’s second victory in as many matches. Tommy steps over toward the corner, where a ringside attendant hands him his FWA X-Championship.
As Tommy turns around and starts to raise the title over his head, he’s stopped in his tracks by Keres who is standing only inches away from him, a sadistic smirk on her face. Her glare, which seems to penetrate Tommy’s soul stops him cold. For a moment, the two lock eyes.
It’s Keres who moves first, as she raises one hand, as Tommy immediately forms a fist, ready to continue the fight. But Keres doesn’t swing at him. Instead, she takes one of her long black fingernails and lightly scratches a large “X” across Tommy’s chest. With that, she turns around, helps Princess Nova up from the mat, as Eternal make their way out of the ring. Chris Crowe continues to celebrate, unaware of the fact that Tommy Bedlam is standing there with his championship in hand, and a somewhat confused look on his face.
Rod Sterling: ”I’m not sure what in the hell that was about. Did Keres just trace an X across the chest of Tommy Bedlam?”
]Jeremy Best presents the 1st Annual Buddy Bowl! 20 Competitors, 10 teams - just Two Golden Friendship Bracelets. Winning team gets a future FWA Tag Team championship shot.
NEXT FALLOUT! November 11th, 2023!
{ANIMALS || NICKELBACK}[MEDIA=youtube]DLYwwtPA49w[/MEDIA]
The sounds of everyone’s favorite 00’s band, Nickelback, immediately brings the crowd to their feet in boos as it means that Big Bryan Bastard is about to grace everyone with his presence. The North American Champion walks out from the back, his title belt firmly wrapped around his massive midsection but slightly hidden by his glossy red “BASTARD” Letterman jacket.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: ”It’s time for our MAIN EVENT of the evening! This is a non-title match scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit! Introducing first, representing the Friendship Wrestling Alliance, from Hickory, North Carolina… weighing in at three hundred twelve pounds… he is the FWA North American Champion… BBBIIIIGGGG BBBRRRRYYYAAANN BBBAAASSSTARD!”
Rod Sterling: “The crowd here in Laros is not unlike most crowds we’ve visited… they each share a hatred for this man.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “A hatred he has certainly earned over the last year. Can you believe we are approaching one year of Bryan Baxter as North American champion?”
Rod Sterling: “That’s right, it was November 26 of 2022 that he took the belt from Lizzie Rose… and he most recently had another successful defense against Jackson Fenix at Lights Out.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “But tonight, the title will not be on the line and neither will the title of his opponent. And we’ve seen Baxter falter in these lower stakes matches as recently as the last episode of Meltdown when he lost to Tommy Bedlam.”
Rod Sterling: “I don’t think Baxter plans on taking a night off here. We may not like him very much but he certainly steps into the ring wanting to win and usually by any means necessary.”
Bryan Baxter ignores the boos as he makes his way down the aisle before climbing into the ring. He removes his jacket and his championship belt, holding the latter up in the air to more boos before placing them at ringside.
{TAKE ME TO CHURCH || HOZIER}[MEDIA=youtube]f4UhdgBVtVc[/MEDIA]
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “And his opponent, representing The Coven, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, weighing in at one hundred fifteen pounds… she is “The Brazillian Witch” and the reigning FWA Television Champion… KLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEIO DE SSSSSSSSSSSSAAAANTOS!”
Kleio De Santos walks out from the back and is joined by her sisters of the Coven, the trios champions in the form of Trixie Bordeaux, Blair Ravenwood, and Celestia Ravenwood. All four members of the Coven each have a title around their waist, but tonight it’s Kleio De Santos taking center stage while being flanked by the other three as they make their way down to the ring to a mixed but skewing positive reaction.
Rod Sterling: “A whole lot of gold in this group of witches.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “As you can see, Lights Out was a very good night for The Coven.”
Rod Sterling: “Not only did Trixie, Celestia, and Blaire retain their trios championships against YDS - but it was in fact, Kleio De Santos, narrowly defeating youngster Madison Gray to become the new FWA Television Champion.”
Anzu Kurosawa: “The Coven as a group have been on a roll lately, but it will be interesting to see how KDS fairs against an opponent that outweighs her by two hundred pounds!”
Kleio De Santos shows no signs of nerves or fear as she and her sisters of the Coven make their way down to the ring. She removes her championship belt and hands it off to Blair before climbing into the ring.
FOURTH MATCH || MAIN EVENT || 1/30.
Big Bryan Bastard vs. Kleio De Santos.
Singles Match.
Match writer: Dubb
.
<< 00:00. >>
As the bell rings, Kleio De Santos circles the ring as Bryan Bastard confidently eyes down his smaller opponent. You can see the gears turning in the Television Champion’s head as she is considering the strategy to go after a three hundred pound opponent. BBB holds out his arms, invitingly taunting her to make the first move. Finally, KDS does make the move, heading in for Baxter who goes for the grapple, but Kleio ducks under. She strikes swiftly with a hard and stiff kick right to Bryan Bastard’s large right thigh.
Baxter smirks, seemingly unphased by the kick but KDS remains light on her feet, avoiding a right hand from Baxter and then unloading two more kicks to the Bastard’s thigh. Bouncing from one foot to the other, you could see the confidence growing in Kleio’s face as she avoids another strike from the North American Champion and hits two more kicks to the leg. The smirk has now faded from Baxter’s face and is replaced by a look more of annoyance.
Anzu Kurosawa: “I am loving this strategy from Kleio to start the match! Don’t try to grapple with the bigger man and instead she’s leaning heavily into that Mixed Martial Arts background to try and chop this big man down!”
Rod Sterling: “She’s come out of the gates calm and calculated, showing no fear of Big Bryan Bastard!”
She moves in for another kick, but this time Baxter blocks it, grabbing her foot, but KDS is prepared for this as well as she strikes with a trio of elbows that land square on Baxter’s jaw! Baxter drops Kleio’s leg and staggers backward as Kleio runs in with a running dropkick right to his knee! BBB drops down to one leg and Kleio brings the big man down with a crescent kick!
With Baxter on the mat, Kleio continues to target the leg as she drops some knees down onto the leg and then locks in a heel hook submission. Referee Richard Davis is there to check on Baxter, but BBB uses his strength to pull himself to the ropes and grabs the bottom ropes. Kleio lets go of the hold and tries to pull him away from the ropes, but Bryan Bastard kicks her away with the other leg, sending her stumbling back. Bryan Bastard gets back to his feet but KDS charges back in with a spin kick to the Bastard’s midsection. Bryan doubles over and she charges in, but Bryan BACKDROPS her over the top rope!
Kleio lands on the apron but Bastard takes a swing, Kleio ducks and drives her shoulder through the middle ropes into Bryan’s midsection before dropping down to the apron and biting the neck of Baxter!
Anzu Kurosawa: “Plenty of meat for Kleio to sink her teeth into there!”
Releasing her bite at the behest of Richard Davis, Kleio grins as Baxter staggers back into the ring, clutching his neck while he argues with the official about the use of the bite. “What the fuck was that?” he protested.
Rod Sterling: “I’m not sure Bryan Bastard has any right to protest another person cheating, based on his track record.”
The Coven members at ringside show their approval for Kleio as she climbs back into the ring.
***
<< 05:34. >>
Kleio continues to try and wear down the big man, but an attempt of a hip toss is blocked by Bastard and reversed into a short arm clothesline that takes the TV Champ down to the mat. Baxter follows up with a pair of stomps to keep her down as he begins to slow the pace down and aims to take control of the match using his size and power. Kleio pulls herself back up, but Bryan Bastard is there with a giant headbutt, sending her right back to the ground before he falls down with a falling headbutt.
Kleio tries to roll away from BBB as he stalks over her, but he drops all his weight across her back with a falling elbow before getting back up, bouncing off the ropes and hitting a running splash onto her bag. He rolls her over and goes for the pin.
One! Two! Kickout!
Rod Sterling: “The tables have been turned here as Bryan Bastard finally is able to use his size advantage, but Kleio kicks out of that pinfall attempt here!”
BBB goes right back on the attack, grabbing a handful of Kleio’s hair with one hand and then unloading punches with his right hand. Bryan gets warned for using closed fists, but he ignores Davis and pulls Kleio back up to her feet, lifting her up onto his back in a Torture Rack…
Davis checks in on KDS, but she manages to break the submission by raking the eyes of Baxter. She comes down his back into a rear naked choke, but it’s only momentary as Bryan counters it with a snapmare sending her crashing back down to the mat.
Kleio slowly pulls herself up as Bryan moves in, he grabs her by the arm and Irish Whips her into the turnbuckle before charging in for a big corner splash to Kleio!
But KLEIO MOVES! Bryan crashes into the turnbuckles!
Side Snap kick to Bryan and she follows up with a DDT, driving Bryan’s head into the mat! She goes for the pin!
One! Two! KICKOUT!
***
<< 09:10. >>
After rocking Bryan Bastard with a series of jabs and elbows, Kleio has Bryan against the ropes before running in with a running clothesline that topples the big man over the top rope, crashing to the apron and then to the floor!
Kleio then provides a distraction, complaining to Richard Davis about her arm as Celestia and Blair move in and look to attack Bryan at ringside! Blair grabs Baxter from behind and holds him in place, as Celestia comes in for the attack… but Baxter escapes with a back elbow to Blair and sidesteps the attack from Celestia! Discus Clothesline to Celestia! He then grabs Blair and tosses her into the ringsteps!
But he doesn’t see Trixie coming as she does a split and PUNCHES BASTARD IN THE GROIN!
Anzu Kurosawa: “It’s the dreaded PEE PEE PUNCH, Rod!”
Rod Sterling: “By far one of the most devastating moves in the FWA today.”
Bryan drops to his knees as Kleio leaves the official now to go to ringside. Trixie helps her get Bryan up and they roll him back into the ring! Kleio slides back in and goes for the pin!
One! Two! Thre…NO! Kickout!
Some frustration shows on Kleio’s face as she is unable to put Bastard down, but she mounts Bastard and begins wailing away at him in a ground and pound before she gets up and eyes the top rope. Kleio makes the ascent to the top…
FLYING ELBOW DROP!
NO!
Bryan rolls out of the way!
Both competitors are down…
***
<< 13:27. >>
Both competitors had made their way back to their feet, and Kleio had once again used her MMA strikes to rock the big man, and now Kleio once again looks to try and put Bryan away… hitting a spinkick to the midsection once again and now sets him up for the Letters to Kleio!
But Bryan shoves her off and into the ropes!
DISCUSS LARIAT takes Kleio down coming back off the ropes!
Bryan indicates he’s ready to put the witch away as he grabs her and pulls her up… setting her up for the Bastard Driver…
BUT KLEIO ESCAPES DOWN THE BACK!
She locks in another rear naked choke!
Bryan tries to escape, but she has the choke locked in tight around his neck and his eyes began to fade…
HE DROPS TO HIS KNEES! Kleio manages to wrap her legs around Bryan’s massive torso to continue to apply pressure to the hold.
Rod Sterling: “Bryan is fading… this could be it!”
Richard Davis is there, checking in on Bryan as he does in fact look to be passing out from the hold… but as he checks the arm, it remains stiff… and suddenly Bryan’s eyes widen and he sits back up on his knees…
He finds second life as he gets back up to his feet, Kleio perched on his back… and DROPS HER WITH A JAWBREAKER!
Once again, both competitors are down…
And Celestia climbs onto the apron to distract Davis.
But while she’s distracting him, it’s Bryan looking to take advantage as he reaches into his trunks and grabs the brass knuckles.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Those brass knuckles making their second appearance tonight! They took out Alyster Black earlier tonight!”
Bryan Bastard smirks as he begins to get up, but BLAIR is in the ring and grabs the knuckles, yanking them from Bryan!
Rod Sterling: “Not so fast, Mr. Bastard!”
Baxter charges at Blair, but she dives out of the ring. Bryan turns around..
KICK TO THE GROIN FROM KLEIO!
LETTERS TO KLEIO!
NO! Bryan shoves her off again and this time she collides with Celestia on the apron! Celestia drops to the apron as Kleio is left staggering from the collision..
Bryan hits a boot to Kleio, grapples her by the head… lifts her up..
BASTARD DRIVER!
He pulls back her legs into the pin.
One!
Two!
Three!
{RESULT}Winner: Big Bryan Bastard via pinfall at 15:02.
Bryan pulls himself up to his feet as Kleio rolls out to the apron, being retrieved by the rest of the Coven that help her up and begin to assist her to the back. Bryan Baxter doesn’t pay much mind to them as they leave, instead he gladly retrieves his North American title and holds it up in the air in celebration while the fans respond to his win with overwhelming boos.
Katie-Lynn Goldsmith: “Here is your winner… BIG BRYAN BASTARD!”
Rod Sterling: “It’s another impressive victory for Bryan Bastard here tonight… but we know he has a date with Chris Crowe at Winter Wasteland and… wait…”
Rod is interrupted as Tommy Bedlam walks out from the back, getting cheers from the crowd as he makes his way down to the ring.
Rod Sterling: “It’s Tommy Bedlam… earlier tonight we saw Bryan appealing to Tommy about his friendship with the aforementioned Chris Crowe… but what’s this all about?”
Tommy climbs into the ring as Bryan Baxter has his eyes locked on the X Champion. The two stare each other down but Tommy begins to give Baxter some applause before taking Bryan by the arm and lifting up his hand in victory.
Anzu Kurosawa: “Wait.. no.. does this mean Tommy is taking Bryan up on his offer?”
Rod Sterling: “I don’t know Anzu, he sure does seem to be happy for Bryan in his win.”
Bryan grins, continuing to celebrate as Tommy climbs out of the ring and looks under the ring apron. Tommy retrieves a cooler and tosses it into the ring. Baxter’s locks eyes on the coolr and seems confused as Bedlam climbs back into the ring and opens up the cooler. Tommy retrieves a pair of ice cold beers. He pops the tops on both of them, and hands one over to Bryan.
Tommy Bedlam: “Let’s celebrate!”
Anzu Kurosawa: “Well, now wait just a minute here… it’s no secret that Bryan Baxter is a recovered alcoholic… I don’t… I don’t think this is a friendship offering from Tommy Bedlam”
Rod Sterling: “I think you might be right, Anzu. After the words from Baxter earlier about Chris Crowe’s lifestyle especially. I don’t think this is a genuine celebration from Bedlam.”
Bryan’s gaze at Tommy is icy as Tommy forces him to take the beer.
Tommy Bedlam: “Look, if you’re gonna hang with me, you gotta live a little man. C’mon!”
Baxter stares right at Tommy, the smile completely gone… and he dumps the beer out on the mat and crushes it with his hand.
Big Bryan Bastard: “What the Hell is this?!”
A now frustrated Bryan grabs Tommy by both sides of his cowboy vest and pushes him into turnbuckles.
Tommy Bedlam: “Easy! C’mon, just havin’ some fun!”
Bryan lets go of Tommy, and Tommy comes back with a shove to Bryan. This is enough to set Bryan off as he shoulder tackles Tommy into the corner and begins to unload on him with a flurry of stiff right hands, working Bedlam down into the corner before he begins to put the boots to the cowboy as well.
Bryan finishes stomping a mudhole into Bedlam, and turns around…
CHRIS CROWE IS IN THE RING!
Crowe SHATTERS a full glass of Jack Daniels whiskey across Bryan Baxter’s head as he turns around! The North American Champion immediately drops to the mat, much to the delight of the fans. Crowe walks over and offers a hand out to Tommy, helping his partner up off the mat before he walks back over to Baxter, who’s head is lacerated from the glass bottle, the shards of glass now covering the ring canvas,
Crowe grabs Baxter, who is trying to get up to his knees, but Crowe stops him and executes THE CLOSING ACT onto the shattered glass on the mat!
Crowe and Bedlam stand over the fallen Bryan Bastard, and share a fist bump before Crowe grabs Baxter’s North American Championship… and he holds it up in the air.
Rod Sterling: “What a statement made tonight by Chris Crowe! He is coming for Bryan Bastard… and for that title that he never lost! What a night it has been and we got more to come… join us this Saturday for more excitement on Fallout!”
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 13:00:39 GMT
034: “FROM HERE TO TIMBUKTU.”
Live from the Gates of the Sahara in Timbuktu, Mali.
Saturday 28th October, 2023.
With the opening theme of Fallout playing, we sleep across an incredible desert vista until the camera settles on a make-shift arena, positioned on the outskirts of a city. The dominating feature of the image is sand, which surrounds everything, until we cut to a closer shot of the excited faces of those packed into the wooden bleachers.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Welcome, wrestling fans, to ‘the Gates of the Sahara’ for Fallout 034! It’s me, Jean-Luc Watkins, riding solo on commentary duties as we buckle in for five scheduled bouts, culminating in our hotly anticipated main event between Konchu Hao and Xavien Marshall. Those two men will be on opposite teams when the FWA World Tag Team Championships are on the line next week on Meltdown XXXV, but we have four other high-stakes match-ups for you before we even get there!"
As if waiting for something to happen, the camera settles on the big screen above the stage.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "But first, this…"
{SAVE ME || LACUNA COIL}[MEDIA=youtube]_mTud9BQcF0[/MEDIA]
There's a huge cheer in the outdoor, makeshift arena as Gabrielle walks out onto the stage, ready for action for the first time in over a year. She affords herself a quick cursory stare around the faces of those assembled before walking down the ramp towards the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Wrestling fans, your opening contest is scheduled for one-fall, with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, weighing in at fifty nine kilograms… ‘the Demon of Delight’... GABRIELLE!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "WHAT A MOMENT! It's been more than twelve months since we saw Gabrielle Montgomery compete in a wrestling ring, but that wait is finally over! Here comes the woman formerly known as the Caramel Goddess, the two-time FWA World Champion, the Hall of Famer! You are witnessing history here at the Gates of the Sahara!"
The audience seem quite aware of what they are witnessing, with particularly the male contingent of the crowd enthralled by her presence. They watch with adulation as she climbs into the ring and waits in a corner, limbering up as her music fades out…
{JUNGLE || FRED AGAIN..}[MEDIA=youtube]fzSjRfuV6GI[/MEDIA]
There's a mixed reaction amongst the audience as Gabrielle's opponent emerges, but a sizable amount of cheers are heard as Madison Gray begins to make her way down the ramp.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And her opponent… from Portsmouth, England… she is ‘the Young Lioness’... MADISON… GRAY!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Madison Gray may be coming off the back of two losses, but her performances as of late have no doubt been impressive, earning her a shot at the FWA Television Championship at Lights Out. Gray may have been unsuccessful in that challenge but has shown in the last few weeks that she's able to hang with some of FWA's top talent. She faces a tough task tonight, though, with one of the company's most decorated stars waiting in the ring for her…"
Gray climbs into the ring and stares across it at Gabrielle, who has a slight smile on her face as she regards her young opponent in turn. The official makes his final checks, the two women never removing their eyes from one another, and then he calls for the opening bell.
FIRST MATCH || 1/20.
Gabrielle vs. Madison Gray.
Singles Match.
Match writer: SS.
<< 00:00. >>
The match starts but the two women stand for a moment on opposite sides of the ring, still eyeballing one another and awaiting the other to make the first move. Madison has a look of focus and determination about her whilst Gabrielle retains her slight smile. They appear as if frozen in time for a moment, until Madison Gray finally decides to charge in at her veteran opponent… and gets wiped out by a savate kick!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Madison Gray is WIPED OUT in the opening moments of this one! Gabrielle on target with a savate kick, and almost immediately we are reminded why this woman is a Half of Famer!"
Montgomery stands over Gray for a moment with a smirk in place, the audience going wild for the strike, until she sees Madison stir. Gabrielle helps get her up and then doubles her over with a spin kick to the gut. She applies a front face lock, but as she attempts to wrench Madison up and over the suplex is blocked by Gray placing her boot behind Gabrielle's calf.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "But it looks as though Gabrielle isn't going to get it all her own way in this one… Madison Gray blocks the attempted snap suplex and returns fire with one of her own!"
Madison immediately tries to follow up, but Gabrielle rolls out under the bottom rope and to the outside, perhaps trying to catch a breather. Madison doesn't want to let the momentum slip, though, instead propelling herself off the opposite rope and attempting a baseball slide. Gabrielle side steps, then connects with a European uppercut, and finally takes Gray by the scruff of the neck in order to throw her face-first into the steel ring post!
The audience is cheering her name as Gabrielle surveys her handiwork, eventually rolling Madison back into the ring as the match continues…
***
<< 06:31. >>
We rejoin the match with Gabrielle clambering toward the top rope, having incapacitated Madison with a snap DDT. However, with the Demon of Delight still attempting to find her balance and make her ascent, Madison Gray stirs in the middle of the ring.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Madison is able to cut Gabrielle off at the pass with a forearm strike there. The Angel of Absolution took her time in making that ascent to the top rope, perhaps an element of ring rust on display…"
Madison fires off with a trio more forearms and then begins to climb up the same corner from inside the ring. Montgomery tries to fend her off with some forearm strikes of her own, but Gray is relentless, hitting a half-dozen rapid-fire forearm strikes and then placing Gabrielle in a front facelock.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It looks as though Madison Gray is going for a superplex here, but Gabrielle senses her peril. She holds onto that top rope with all of her might, attempting to defy the Young Lioness…"
When Gray has to pause to catch her breath following the exertion, Madison capitalises by firing off with a series of right hands to the ribs, the last of which causes separation… and allows Gabrielle to connect with a big European uppercut! This knocks Madison off her perch on the second rope and back into the middle of the ring, but the Lioness instantly begins to fight up to a vertical base again. This allows Gabrielle to step up onto the top turnbuckle, where she waits for Madison to turn and face her…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "HEAD OVER HEELS! Gabrielle connects with the top rope hurricanrana! Vintage from the Angel!!"
Immediately, Gabrielle leaps on top of Madison, hooking the leg…
ONE… TWO… THR – NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "But Madison kicks out at two point nine! This one rolls on!"
***
<< 12:15. >>
Madison is looking for her Way of the Lioness armbar, but Gabrielle is savvy to it and scrambles to the bottom rope, causing some separation. Gabrielle uses them to climb up to her feet and just about manages to see Gray charging at her. The Lioness looks to be attempting a clothesline to the outside, but Gabrielle ducks it and lifts Madison over the ropes with a back body drop. Madison lands on the apron and is able to connect with a forearm, sending the Demon of Delight stumbling into the middle of the ring. Gray quickly climbs up to the top rope…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "This isn't the natural habitat of Madison Gray, but she's feeling confident and has the upper hand in this one. The Young Lioness steadies herself on the top rope… missile dropkick!!"
The audience don't like it but Gray does, nodding her head in self-belief as she watches Gabrielle struggle back up to her feet. She grasps her in a front facelock and hooks the leg, hoisting her up for her patented fisherman's buster….
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Madison Gray is looking for HMNB… but Gabrielle slips out of the back and lands on her feet! And the Young Lioness turns into a jumping heel kick!"
Madison is staggered, and Gabrielle immediately presses home the advantage, connecting with a vicious shotgun dropkick that sends Gray stumbling into the corner. Madison lands on her knees in front of Gabrielle, the crowd cheering the Demon of Delight’s name as she looks down at her dishevelled foe.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Just listen to this crowd! They know how special this moment is! Gabrielle is back!!"
Gabrielle has he back towards a corner and, as Madison gets slowly to her feet, hops up into a seated position on the top turnbuckle… before leaping off with her version of Magnum!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "SIREN'S CALL! It's so beautiful!!"
The crowd counts along as Gabrielle makes the cover…
ONE… TWO… THREE!
{RESULT}Winner: Gabrielle via pinfall at 14:53.
It takes some effort for the Demon to drag herself up to her feet again. She looks down at Madison Gray with something resembling respect on her face and then allows the official to lift her arm in victory.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… Gabrielle!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "It's a victory for Gabrielle upon her return to FWA action, but that was far from easy for the Angel of Absolution, with Madison Gray putting up a hell of a fight against the Hall of Famer."
After her match, Gabby stays in the ring, exhausted and clearly feeling the effects of the grueling battle she just had. Calls for a mic, and for a moment, all we can hear is her laboured breathing before-
Gabrielle: "Damn, I missed that"
Gabby chuckles into the mic.
Gabrielle: "I don't think anyone in this arena...quite feels the same way I do right now.”
A hush comes over the crowd at that somewhat strange opening.
Gabrielle: "Just like I'm sure nobody in the back knows how I feel right now. The reason I say those things is because no one back there, to my knowledge, has ever been in danger of leaving this very ring and leaving what they love doing by no power of their own."
More of a buzz than a pop here.
Gabrielle: "You know....all my people, my agents, my publicists told me this was a stupid move. You're a former world champion, an icon, a hall of famer. You have nothing to prove any more. You don't owe the wrestling world a damn thing."
A bitter chuckle escapes her lips as she stands up and starts pacing the ring.
Gabrielle: "And to that.I disagree. Because recently I've been looking in the mirror and I haven't liked what I've been seeing. Because, to be quite honest, I don't see myself...I see someone who pulled as many strings as I could way back when. The one who pissed off everyone I've ever met."
Gabby lapses into silence momentarily, a weighty silence.
Gabrielle: "But now I got a chance...to clear the slate...To right a few wrongs and maybe save some people on the way....and while we're on the subject… Lizzie, we need to talk."
{BURN 1983 || IN THIS MOMENT}[MEDIA=youtube]XNmxUUe8e6k[/MEDIA]
A buzz goes up from the crowd, and they don't have to wait long for a response. Elizabeth Rose's theme kicks into gear, stopping on the stage to stare down her former mentor before she strolls down to the ring, surprisingly alone as Gabby doesn't break eye contact with Elizabeth as she steps into the ring. Gabby seems to go to greet her, but unusually, Lizzie doesn't move into the centre of the ring. Instead, she makes her way to the turnbuckle corner and lounges there. Her posture is lazy and bored as she stares at a hole through Gabby. Gabby, maybe realizing the next move is hers, puts the mic to her lips.
Gabrielle: "I'm sure you realized this by now. But a big part of the reason I'm back? Is you."
Gabby seems to wait for a reaction but doesn't get one, so she continues on.
Gabrielle: "I don't know what those freaks told you or what you think they are to you. But whatever it is, it's wrong. They're wrong. This isn't you"
Elizabeth simply raises an eyebrow but still says nothing.
Gabrielle: "And I get it, I'm the last person you want to hear this from; I'm sure ETERNAL have poisoned you against me, probably told you that I'm going to try and manipulate you, but please understand Lizzie. I've always been in your corner. When no one else believed in you. I did. When you first arrived on ground zero, everyone else saw this skinny kid who was going to get eaten by sharks, someone who was born to lose. I saw potential. I saw talent, and hey...You can't say I'm not a crazy judge of talent... You've really come into your own but-"
Gabby has to pause as Elizabeth has now casually taken out a cigarette and lit it ever so casually, still staring at Gabby.
Gabrielle: "Ok, fine. You don't want to listen to me, but I'm going to tell you, anyway-This whole goth kid act, this emo phrase you're going through? This isn't you. At least, I hope not, because Elizabeth Rose? She SUCKS-! I miss Lizzie Rose. Someone whose passion for wrestling came out of every pour in her body. Someone who feared nothing and regretted less. Someone who did things no one thought she was capable of, just by sheer force of will. I told you once when you reach your potential. When you hit your peak? You're going to be scary....but you won't be if you're just going to let yourself be a puppet for those freaks. So I'm asking you... I'm pleading with you, for your own sake, snap out of this…"
Gabby's tone and body language are genuine and ripe with emotion. Clearly concerned about the former Rave.
Elizabeth? Less so, she just stares at Gabby, a cigarette dangling out of her mouth, for what seems like an eternity as she takes it out of her mouth.
Elizabeth Rose: "Always in my corner, huh?"
Gabby just nods once to confirm that's the case.
Elizabeth Rose: "I wanna explore that..."
Elizabeth points a single finger at the entrance ramp.
Elizabeth Rose: "Roll the footage."
And the screen above the ramp comes to life.
The footage cuts back to the ring, where Gabby awkwardly shifts his weight back and forth, not particularly enjoying seeing the worst of herself on display.
Elizabeth Rose: "Yeah, you're all heart ain't cha Gabs?"
Finally, Elizabeth stepped out of the corner.
Elizabeth Rose: "Ain't it funny? Two years ago, You stood there, looked me in the eye, and said I wasn't worthy to step in the same ring as the ‘Great’ Gabrielle, but now that I've made something of myself. Now, you benefit from being associated with me. NOW. You're worried about me. NOW. You care. But I get it. The only time you got friends in this biz is when you have something people want. You wanna guess who I learned that from?”
Gabby seems to try to talk again, but Elizabeth speaks over her.
Elizabeth Rose: "Because that's just who you are, Gabby, you're poison. You alienate everyone that even TRIES to get close to you; I should do, I did. I tried to bring your right hand. I wanted SO badly for you to like me. I waited on you hand and foot, doing everything I could to get noticed by you, but you didn't give a shit. You were too busy simpin' over Al Black's ass.
‘OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-!’
Elizabeth Rose: “And every moment since It is safe to say you are completely and utterly…alone.”
Even more heat here, Gabby staying stoic.
Elizabeth Rose: "That's why you're really back, isn't it? You want to feel like you're somebody again after you were reduced to doing porn.”
Gabby is no longer staring at Elizabeth with slight annoyance, but we can tell that it's developing into contempt.
Gabrielle: "Don't open that can of worms –"
Elizabeth Rose: "Oh, too bad. Let's open it up and dig in. We all know why you're here, just no one wants to say it. You're back because all your money has dried up, so you showed back up for a quick payday. Before you ‘retire’ again-"
Gabby seems to be boiling here.
Gabrielle: "Before you say anything else, you'd better listen to me."
Elizabeth Rose: "I'm done liste –"
Gabrielle: "I SAID LISTEN. TO. ME.”
The boiling Gabby appears to be boiling over, getting dangerously close to Rose's face. Rose doesn't even flinch.
Gabrielle: "Like I said, I'm back because this is a clean slate. I know good and damn well I've done some pretty terrible things in the past, particularly to you, but this is my shot to change all that. To owe up to it. To right my wrongs, so if Elizabeth Rose is my fault. Then I guess if I can't talk her out of you, I'm going to have to beat it out of you."
The crowd pops at the idea, as Elizabeth just looks Gabby up and down with no small amount of disgust on her face.
Elizabeth Rose: "If it was up to me, I'd break your legs right here, right now. I never want to see you again. EVER. But my sisters? They have different plans for you...I've been told the only way that you'll realize how alone you are, if you're shown it. ...so ummmm....I guess what I'm trying to say is..."
Elizabeth squares her shoulders, clears her throat, and speaks as if every word coming out of her mouth was some fine wine she's been waiting years to savour.
Gabrielle: "You're beneath me, Gabby. And you know this: Don't challenge me, you don't deserve that match."
Gabby's eyes widen as the words she used against Lizzie Rose come back around at her, as Elizabeth drops the mic with a thud and walks away without looking back once.
We fade away from the scene and to a short commercial break.
When we return to the arena, we see that Madison Gray hasn’t left the ring. She’s spent the last few moments appealing to the audience, asking if anyone has seen Laramie, before finally she gives up. Just as she takes a step toward the ropes to leave, the arena lights go dark. Suddenly, the screen at the top of the ramp flicks to black before the camera comes into focus.
Madison’s friend, Laramie is seen, tied to a chair with a piece of duct tape over her mouth and a blindfold over her eyes. Suddenly, a figure in a black hoodie, with the hood pulled up, steps in front of the camera with his back to the lens. He leans down close to Laramie’s face.
Masked Man: ”Shhhhhhh. Now, now Laramie. You know I’m not going to hurt you. I just need to get someone’s attention.”
The man turns around, his face completely covered by a mask.
Masked Man: ”Well, hello, Madison. It looks like I found something that you’ve been looking for. Listen, Maddy. You don’t mind if I call you that, right? You took what I wanted, and now I’ve taken what you want. You’ll get her back, but only when you meet my demands. December 17th, Madison.”
The lights in the arena come back on, as Madison Gray continues to stare at the screen with a terrified look on her face. She rolls under the bottom rope and sprints to the back while still nursing the injuries that she suffered in her match.
The show goes backstage where Katie Baxter is standing with a microphone in hand. She briefly smiles warmly at the camera before beginning her part of what's to come.
Katie Baxter: "Thanks to everyone for watching Fallout and at this time, I'd like to introduce my guest: XYZ."
The crowd cheers in sync with the camera panning to the left a little to show the enigmatic former FWA Tag Team Champion and the recent defeatee in the X Championship match against current title holder Tommy Bedlam. XYZ has a green cape tied around his neck, no shirt on, and loose-fitting bright purple pants down to his ankles. He smiles at Katie's introduction and then the camera, which is somewhat surprising given the loss in the X Championship match.
Katie Baxter: "XYZ, we saw you on Meltdown come out after Brooklyn Steiner defeated Vengador. You ... gave a bouquet of flowers to Vengador. What was the purpose of that?"
Katie's voice inflexion changes to a confused and questioning tone in the second half, and she holds the microphone in front of XYZ's face.
XYZ: "Well, that's an important question, is it not? For everyone must stop and smell the roses in the cloud of dust that is this eternal stampede to the hilltops. There will be very few chances to enjoy the smell of fresh daisies or the bloom of dandelions. I can attest to the need for all, but I only have so many to hand out. Vengador, in this moment, seemed to need a sniff of the beauty. And maybe, in this scent, he sees a future for him. Maybe our futures are intertwined. Maybe we will stampede ... together."
Katie Baxter looks at the camera and then back at XYZ with an eyebrow sort-of raised.
Katie Baxter: "Are you saying you and Vengador would become allies?"
XYZ: "I am not saying anything of such formulation or staunchness. Vengador simply took the flowers, a gift from a hero. I cannot answer for the future, but I can say that future has a world of potential, and a world of avenues. Forks and spoons in the road are filled with knives and napkins, Katie. Knives and napkins.
And all of us bandits, we have to look to one another ... for signposts."
XYZ is set to walk off, but Katie grabs his shoulder.
Katie Baxter: "One more question, XYZ. Will we see you offer flowers to others?"
XYZ smiles and turns back to face her.
XYZ: "ALL ... of us bandits, Katie. The fallen bandits must look to one another ... for guidance through the curved candyland. Shoots and ladders is a minefield, isn't it?"
XYZ then walks off and ends the interview, as Katie softly smiles at the camera to close the segment.
Natalie Rosenberg: “The next contest is set for one fall with a twenty-minute-time-limit!”
{Internet Friends || Knife Party}[MEDIA=youtube]7Ijgj6jgzTs[/MEDIA]
The opening to “Internet Friends” begins to build as the arena’s lights are dim before flashes of lights begin to dance to the music. Red, purple, pink, and neon green in tune with the music as Cali Hayama makes her way out, walking with confidence to her as her jacket flops around. She has a half mask on, with a part of it covering her eye and she kneels down. Smoke shoots up on both sides of her as she points her finger forward, sideways like a gun. After a moment she hops up and heads down the ramp.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Introducing first, representing MAYHEM’s YOKAI Death Squad, from Kelowna, British Columbia Canada, she is the Sky-Devil, Caliiiiii Hayaaaaaama!”
On her way down the ramp, the Sky Devil has her arms out to her side and moves loosely. As she gets to the ringside area she quickly hops onto the apron and pulls on the top rope, getting loose. Leaping over the top rope, she gets into the ring and quickly heads towards the ropes on the hard-cam side. Hooking her leg on the top rope, she flips back her hair and holds up her hand before putting three fingers down, forming an “M.” She takes off her mask and shows a confident smirk. Winking, the Asian-Canadian hops down off the ropes and goes towards her corner, sliding off her jacket as her theme music fades away.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Wrestling fans, I’m sure you’ve noticed Cali Heyama is rolling solo tonight without her YDS teammates Katsu and Ririko. The reason for that is because Katsu was admitted to a hospital for undisclosed reasons and Ririko is with her at this time. Cali has opted to still go on with the match tonight and whenever there is an update on Katsu, I will be sure to pass that information along to you all. Until then, I speak on behalf of all of us when I say we here at FWA wish Katsu all of the best and we hope to see her back soon.”
{Bow Down || I Prevail}[MEDIA=youtube]n2EjeMx4bSg[/MEDIA]
After the intro to “Bow Down” plays and the song kicks into high gear, Jackson Fenix appears on stage to a loud, positive ovation from the fans. Fenix is accompanied by Nate Savage, Xperienx Xtacee, Monica, Antonio, and Bubbles the Clown. Fenix hops on Bubbles’ back and rides down to the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Introducing her opponent; being accompanied by the Undisputed Xperienx, from Las Vegas, NV; weighing in at 210 lb…he is The Sin City Bad Boy…Jacksooooon Feeeenixxxxx!”
Fenix hops off of Bubbles, gives the clown a hug, then bumps fists with everyone else before sliding into the ring and poses for the fans to another roaring ovation. Jackson points at the black armband on his left shoulder that reads FUNKY, and then points up at the sky saying “This is for you Funky!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Despite coming off a tough loss at Lights Out where he was unsuccessful in his attempt to dethrone Bryan Baxter and take the North American Championship, Jackson Fenix appears to be in good spirits. He even has his friends at his side, even the clown for some unknown reason.”
{Hex Girl || The Hex Girls}[MEDIA=youtube]9btxEC73Dog[/MEDIA]
Trixie bursts onto stage full of her usual energy while her song plays her out. She’s accompanied by her Coven stablemates, Blair and Celestia Ravenwood, as well as the new FWA Television Champion, Kleio De Santos. Unlike her stablemates, Trixie is happy to interact with the fans on her way to the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Their opponent; being accompanied by The Coven, from Baton Rouge, LA; weighing in at 125 lb…she is The Hex Girl…Bellaaaaatrix Bordeauxxxxxx!”
Trixie hops into the ring over the ropes and excitedly waves at her two opponents before posing once more for the fans. Trixie then hands off her Trios title belt to referee Gracelynn Guerrero before heading to her corner as her music fades out.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Much like Jackson Fenix, Trixie is not alone either and has brought along The Coven, as well as Kleio De Santos. The Coven had a successful night with Trixie, Blair, and Celestia successfully defending their Trios championship against YDS, while Kleio De Santos scored the win over Madison Grey in order to become the second-ever Television Champion. The Coven have been feeling pretty good about themselves these days being draped in gold, but tonight is a preview of what’s to come for them at Winter Wasteland where that could all change for them.”
SECOND MATCH || 1/20.
Cali Hayama vs. Jackson Fenix vs. Trixie Bordeaux.
Triple Threat Match.
Match writer: Jimmy King.
DING! DING! DING!
<< 00:00 >>
The match starts with the traditional handshake by the three competitors. However, Cali keeps a hold on Trixie’s hand and begins to twist it around into an arm lock. Fenix looks to break it up, but Cali catches him with a back elbow! Cali transitions into a hammerlock on Trixie, who is struggling to break free. Fenix runs the ropes but gets knocked back by Trixie with a wild kick! Trixie manages to break free and strikes with a pele kick to Cali! Trixie sees Fenix running toward her again and this time she ducks, and Fenix hits a running single leg drop on Cali!
Fenix kips up, composes himself, catches a boot from Trixie, spins her around and hits a snap dragon suplex! He follows that up with a bicycle knee! Double Shot on Trixie and Fenix might end this early as he drops down for the pin but Cali breaks it up before a count can be made…
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Fenix nearly making quick work of Trixie with his trusty Double Shot combination of a snap dragon and a bicycle knee, but Cali keeps the match alive!”
Cali drags Fenix up to his feet and drills him with a few forearm strikes before she sends him toward the ropes, but Fenix clings on to the ropes and he catapults an incoming Cali over the ropes but Cali lands on the apron. Fenix spins around with a forearm but Cali ducks it and hangs Fenix out to dry with a jawbreaker on the ropes! Fenix drops to a knee while gasping for air after his neck was draped over the rope, meanwhile Cali steadies herself before launching herself off the ropes and she connects with a springboard hurricanrana to Fenix! Cali is back on her feet but Trixie sneaks up behind her with a quick roll-up!
One…NO!
***
<< 04:45 >>
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Trixie wisely catches Cali off guard for the briefest of seconds, but Cali still has a lot left to stay in this!”
Cali rolls through after the kick out and she springs to her feet just in time for Trixie to hit her with a running crossbody! Trixie knocked herself a bit loopy there but she does her best to shake it off. Meanwhile, Cali rolled over to the apron where she starts to rise to her feet, but before she can react she’s taken out by Trixie with a spear to the floor on the outside!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Wrestling fans, the action has spilled out in front of my commentary desk now, and both competitors are laid out on the floor. I believe Trixie took herself out as well as Cali on that exchange.”
After some urging from her stablemates nearby, Trixie starts to stir first. Cali starts to stir as well and the two ladies are both up and start exchanging blows, but that soon comes to a crashing halt when Jackson Fenix takes them both out with a tope suicida!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Jackson Fenix doing a good job of reminding the two ladies that he’s still in this match with a picture perfect tope suicida!”
While his friends cheer him on, Fenix tosses Trixie into the ring and then launches himself inside with a slingshot senton and follows that up with a pin…
One…TW--NO!
***
<< 08:13 >>
Fenix applies a figure-four leglock to Trixie and Trixie starts to howl in pain from the hold while resisting the urge to submit. On the outside The Coven is telling Trixie not to quit while Savage and Xtacee are rooting for the opposite. Trixie tries to counter it with her own much to the dismay of Fenix, but before Trixie can do so, the submission is broken up by Cali, who lands a beautiful diving moonsault on Fenix and she quickly hooks the leg…
One…two…NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “This time it’s Cali Heyama reminding her opponents that she’s still in this match!”
Cali wastes no time as she hits the ropes and catches Fenix as he rises up with a tornado DDT! Cali avoids a running forearm from Trixie, then she hits the ropes and comes back with a jumping meteora into a pin on Trixie!
One…two…THR--NO!
Trixie kicks out in time!
***
<< 11:11 >>
Cali isn’t deterred yet though as she sets Trixie up in her sights and she calls for it…Draco Meteor…but Trixie got her knees up in time! Cali rolls around in agony, clutching at her stomach. Trixie uses this newfound energy to rise up, and just as Cali has struggled back on her feet, she’s knocked back into a slumped position in the corner by a shotgun dropkick from Trixie…Trixie readies herself…Bundle of Fun!
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Trixie with the cannonball senton in the corner! Nate Savage, who also uses that move frequently, looks unimpressed with Trixie’s version of it.”
Cali is out of the equation and Trixie is calling for Hocus Pocus…SUPERKICK ME BABY ONE MORE TIME! Super kick outta nowhere from Jackson Fenix! Before Trixie can fall down, Fenix pulls her in close…Sin City Hangover! Into the pin…
One…two…three!
{RESULT}Winner: Jackson Fenix via pinfall at 12:45.
Natalie Rosenberg: “Here is your winner…Jackson Fenix!”
Fenix has his arm raised in victory; he takes in the adulation from the fans for his hard fought win. He walks over to check on Cali Heyama, and offers a handshake. Cali accepts and Fenix gives a curt bow to her, and Cali exits the ring. Fenix offers a handshake to Trixie as she’s helped to her feet by the referee; Trixie contemplates it and after some urging from the fans while her Coven stablemates are telling her no, she goes to accept it but The Coven enter the ring; stopping her from doing so.
Fenix is briefly outnumbered but he’s soon joined by Nate Savage, Xperienx Xtacee, and the rest of their crew. There’s an intense staredown between the groups but before things get out of hand, The Coven take their leave, realizing the numbers aren’t in their favor.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, as I noted early before the match, this was a preview of things to come at Winter Wasteland. Jackson Fenix scored the win and in doing so he picked up some much needed momentum heading into the Trios title match at Winter Wasteland. Anyway, there’s more action on the way, so be sure to stay tuned wrestling fans!”
{CORNFLAKE || PSYCHADELIC PORN CRUMPETS}[MEDIA=youtube]f60kHMYRsq8[/MEDIA]
The crowd begins buzzing with some sections of the arena going nuts if the person the theme music belongs to is indeed here. The cameras catch a few fans chanting for the arrival of the FWA’s resident Daredevil.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Is he here?!”
From behind the gorilla position, Gerald Grayson appears in front of the crowd! He’s bouncing on his feet to the rhythm of his music, much to the cheers of the Fallout crowd. The Daredevil explodes into an array of pyro as he jumps into the air and comes back down with force.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “There he is! And with new pyro too!”
The crowd is loving it. Gerald slaps hands with the fans in the front row before stopping in front of the camera, giving the folks at home a big smile. He scales the turnbuckle, shouting to the fans how good it is to see them. Now in the ring, Gerald is given a microphone. He twirls it, smirking, finding the right time to speak as chants of “GG!” fill the arena.
Gerald Grayson: “TIMBUKTU!”
Cheap pop for Gerald here because well, it works.
Gerald Grayson: “Thank you, thank you, thank you for that great welcome back… and you heard that right – I’M BACK!”
The FWA faithful burst into cheers at the announcement from GG himself.
Gerald Grayson: “I know the last time I was on, my world was rocked by the legendary Jon Snowmantashi.”
Oohs from the crowd could be heard.
Gerald Grayson: “Not that kind, Timbuktu! Get your mind outta the gutter!”
Laughs were audible from the crowd as well as from GG himself. He scales the turnbuckle once more and takes a seat.
Gerald Grayson: “Now, things have been pretty wild since the last time you guys saw me. We’ve got a new World Champion, who was also Tag Team Champions with the former World Champion. Talk about drama!”
More laughs could be heard from the front row.
Gerald Grayson: “Anyone seen Michelle around? No? No one?”
‘Weasel!” chants begin from the Timbuktu crowd.
Gerald Grayson: “Weasel? Huh? Y’all are wild. Y’all stay confusing me. But anyway!”
Gerald gets down from the turnbuckle and goes to the center of the ring.
Gerald Grayson: “I heard there’s this thing called the Buddy Bowl or something like that? Well, color me interested.”
The crowd roars in chants at the prospect of seeing Gerald in another tag team.
Gerald Grayson: “I’d like to think that I know a thing or two about tag team wrestling. So FWA Management or Jeremy Best or whoever I need to speak to – this is me putting my name in the hat. Gerald Grayson’s entering the Buddy Bowl!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Big announcement from FWA’s resident Daredevil here. Going to be an interesting team whoever he ends up with for sure with the amount of experience he has under The Connection tag team with Michelle von Horrowitz.”
Gerald drops the microphone emphatically to exit the ring. Once again, he slaps hands with those in the front row, celebrating his return. He walks up the ramp and pauses at the top of it, turning back towards the ring and working up the audience a little more.
Jean-Luc Watkins: ”What a wonderful, happy, feel-good moment here. I, for one, am ecstatic to see the return of Gerald Gra – NO! NO! Why can’t we have nice things?!”
As Gerald Grayson is waving at the fans from the stage, Death Walker blasts him from behind with a lariat. It is unknown why this is happening but it seems that he has picked a new target to exact his vengeance. Down to his knees, Grayson struggles to get back to his feet as he’s a bit dazed and confused. This works out just perfect for Death Walker who hits him a running high knee, THE WRIGHT WAY!
It flattens the unsuspecting Gerald Grayson but while he’s still somewhat conscious Death Walker is not quite done with his beating. The demon takes both his middle and ring finger, jams them into Gerald’s mouth while bent over his face and proceeds to drag him towards the backstage area. The camera picks up what Walker is spouting about as he drags his victim.
Death Walker: “Make a liar outta me? ME?!? I’ll show ‘em, I’ll show ‘em all!”
As the arena is in disbelief to what is happening here to their returning favorite, Walker gets Grayson through the curtains to the Gorilla Position. And that's where Gerald Grayson kicks the unhinged monster in the skull a few times to break free. He gets back up to his feet and is immediately and is immediately speared by Death. The resident Daredevil rolls over face down in pain and agony, kicking at the floor. Making it back to his feet first, The Death Walker paces back and forth before doing anything else.
Death Walker: “GET UP! We're not done. Uh uh, we’re not done yet. We’re just getting started. GET YOUR ASS UP! They wanna piss me off? Ok, now they’re all gonna pay. GET UP! GET THE FUCK UP!”
Looking down at his weakened victim, Death begins to stomp his chest repeatedly. The boos drown out any other audio as the attack continues to play out. Finally, officials and security come rushing from the back. And it looks like Death Walker has done enough to make his point as he holds his hands up. The demon asks to not be touched as the referees and execs try to check on Gerald Grayson’s well being. Once they get Gerald to a vertical base that's when Death Walker snaps again, he pushes his way through. Lifting up the former X-Division champion, he slams him through a nearby table with Hell’s Fury. Breathing heavy from the sheer intensity and looking at the mayhem that he created, The Dark Traveler is led to back away as everyone around checks on Grayson. He steps back with one last thing to say…
Death Walker: “Welcome back to FWA… and welcome to my HELL!”
The demon makes his exit for the night as EMTs are rushed over to Gerald Grayson’s aid.
{SCISSORS || JINJER}[MEDIA=youtube]DZ_WDLA9i7c[/MEDIA]
There's a mixed reaction but mostly booing as Jack the Clipper appears on the stage, looking brooding as he scans the faces of those assembled in the desert before making his way to the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Wrestling fans, your next contest is scheduled for one-fall and with a twenty minute time limit, with the winner progressing to a triple threat match at Winter Wasteland for the FWA Television Championship! Introducing first, from Whitechapel, London and weighing in at two hundred and seventy three pounds… Jack the Clipper!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Jack the Clipper put in a strong showing at Lights Out in the Gunfight Battle Royale, though he was unable to take one of the two winning spots in that match. Still, he has the opportunity here to get right back into title contention, and currently stands only one victory away from a shot at Kleio De Santos' FWA Television Championship. Clipper's been no doubt impressive since his debut, but has struggled to get one in the win column thus far in singles competition. He'll be hoping to break that duck here tonight."
Jack climbs into the ring and limbers up in his corner. His music fades out but isn't replaced. The next competitor walks out onto the stage to no audio accompaniment, except for the swift and sudden derision of the Timbuktu audience.
Natalie Rosenberg: "And his opponent… from Parts Unknown because he aint giving his address to nobody and weighing in at two hundred and fifty pounds on a good day… Trevor Walker!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "These fans have taken a swift disliking to Trevor Walker, both here in Mali as well as pretty much everywhere else on Earth. He may have struggled to ingratiate himself with the audience but Walker is on the cusp of a championship opportunity. We've already seen Brooklyn Steiner book his place in that triple threat at Winter Wasteland along with the champion Kleio De Santos, and now we find out who rounds out that unholy trinity."
Walker, after barking at many of the front row fans on his way down the ramp (mostly in a futile attempt to recruit them to his school), finally climbs into the ring and faces off with Jack. It appears we are about to start, but before we can…
{PAINT IT, BLACK || THE ROLLING STONES}[MEDIA=youtube]O4irXQhgMqg[/MEDIA]
There's another mixed reaction with mostly boos as Kleio De Santos appears on stage, Grandma Ethel stood next to her and the FWA Television Championship on her shoulder.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I had a sneaking suspicion that we might see our Television Champion here tonight. She joined by broadcast colleagues Rod and Anzu last Thursday for Meltdown during Brooklyn Steiner's win over Vengador, and… yes, it looks as though I'm getting some company for this one!"
Kleio is shown picking up a headset at the announce booth, Ethel looming nearby in as intimidating a manner as the Grandma can muster.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Ms. De Santos… what an honour it is for you to join us at the booth tonight."
Kleio De Santos: "One must scout, Mr. Watkins. Can't spend all day staring into cauldrons, no matter how much one would like to. Let's find out who my other dancing partner is…"
In the ring, Clipper and Walker finally drag their eyes away from the champion at ringside and back onto one another. The official calls for the opening bell.
THIRD MATCH || 1/20.
Jack the Clipper vs. Trevor Walker.
Singles Match - winner progresses to the FWA Television Championship triple threat at Winter Wasteland.
Match writer: SS.
<< 04:30. >>
The opening stretches of the match saw Clipper emerge mostly triumphantly from the technical exchanges, much to the chagrin of Walker. He retreats to the outside after surviving an arm bar, but Jack - equally comfortable outside the ropes as within them - goes out after him. He attempts to grasp Trevor by the scruff of the neck, but Walker reverses with a drop toe hold, sending Clipper face first into the top of the ring steps! Walker follows up with a series of stomps, and then a snap suplex on the outside!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Trevor Walker showing off some underhanded tactics here, clearly not happy with how the match was going when the pair were trading holds."
Kleio De Santos: "Doesn't this guy run a school? Is this what he's teaching his trainees?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Didn't hink you'd have a problem with that…"
Kleio De Santos: "I just hope this is lesson one…"
Meanwhile, Trevor has rolled Jack back into the ring, following him in with an attempted cover…
ONE… TWO… NO!
Walker immediately goes back to work, first hitting a slingshot suplex for another two count, and then hoisting Jack up onto one of his shoulders. He turns towards the corner, maybe going for snake eyes… but Jack slips out the back and pushes Walker chest-first into the turnbuckles instead! And then, as Trevor stumbled backwards towards him…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Schoolboy roll-up!"
ONE… TWO… NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Ah, Allen would've loved that…"
Kleio De Santos: "You missing him?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Not one bit."
***
<< 09:40. >>
Trevor Walker has resumed control of the match, mostly thanks to an eye take, and now works over Clipper with a series of stomps whilst Jack is seated in the corner. The official warns Trevor and begins a five count, Walker eventually relenting and whipping Jack hard across the ring with an Irish whip. Clipper bounces off the opposite turnbuckles and back towards him, where Trevor is waiting with a shoulder block! Jack tries to scramble to his feet, but Trevor waits for him and hoists him up in a fireman's carry…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Airplane spin! Round and round be goes!"
Kleio De Santos: "Juvenile. Is this supposed to hurt?"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Not hurt, disorient…"
Kleio De Santos: "Good job I have the balance of a cat."
Trevor finally puts Jack down and, as he stumbles around in a dizzied state, grasps him in a front facelock. Walker grabs the leg and takes him over with a fisherman's suplex!
ONE… TWO… THR – NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "A picture perfect bridge from Trevor Walker, but Jack forces a shoulder up at two!"
Kleio De Santos: "Resilience is somewhat impressive…"
Walker seems to find it frustrating more than impressive and spends a moment barking at the official over a perceived slow count. He finally turns his attention back to Jack, signalling that the match is about to end whilst dragging him to his feet. He pulls Clipper's head into position between his legs…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Trevor looking to end things with a pile driver here… but a reversal from Clipper! Back body drop sends Walker to the mat!"
Kleio De Santos: "Not for long, though. That old bastard just keeps on coming. No offense, Ethel…"
Walker charges in at Jack, but Clipper takes him out with a low drop kick to the knees! Trevor hurtles down to the mat, with Jack watching on as he desperately uses the corner to help himself back to his feet.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Walker is regaining a vertical base, but doesn't realise he's exactly where he doesn't want to be!"
Kleio De Santos: "There's a sinister look in that barber's eyes…"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "A LITTLE OFF THE TOP!!"
Kleio De Santos: "… devastating."
Trevor slumps into a heap after the discus forearm to the back of the head, allowing Jack to drag his dead weight into the middle of the ring and hook the far leg…
ONE… TWO… THREE!
{RESULT}Winner: Jack the Clipper via pinfall at 12:52.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… Jack the Clipper!"
There are mostly boos for Jack as his arm is lifted into the air, though some cheers are also heard, likely due to the fact that he's vaguely more popular amongst the FWA Cosmos than Trevor Walker…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "And that means that Jack the Clipper will progress to the triple threat match at Winter Wasteland, where he - along with Brooklyn Steiner - will challenge the woman beside me for the championship on her shoulder. Any thoughts, Kleio?"
Kleio De Santos: "Kleio now, is it? No longer Ms. De Santos? You've grown familiar, Jean-Luc. But not the familiar I'm accustomed to. Anyway, I can't stay and chat, I believe we're meant to have a stand off or something."
Kleio removed her headset as the victor celebrates in the ring, the excitement growing in the make-shift arena as she circles the ring. The bloodthirsty audience doesn't get their wish, though, with Kleio - still flanked by Grandma Ethel - moves to the foot of the ramp and observes Jack from the centre of the ring. De Santos narrows her eyes as Jack draws the outline of an invisible championship belt around his waist.
And then, from behind Kleio at the top of the ramp, a third arrives, eliciting a minor pop from the audience. This ripple of noise alerts Kleio to the new arrival, and she turns around to see a smiling Brooklyn Steiner, dressed in his street clothes, standing at the top of the ramp.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Kleio De Santos finds herself stuck between a rock and a hard place here, much as she will do at Winter Wasteland. Challengers beset her from all sides."
Resolute and undeterred, Kleio lifts her FWA Television Championship over her head. Both of her next challenges regard this title carefully as she holds the pose, before hopping over the barricade. She, along with a couple of fans, helps Grandma Ethel do the same thing before the two leave through the crowd. This leaves Steiner and Clipper to eyeball each other from opposite ends of the ramp.
Finally, Jack climbs out of the ring, and it looks like we’re almost done here… until the camera picks up a man who has climbed over the barricade and to the ringside area. He stands above Trevor Walker, who is nursing his wounds, trying to help him up to his feet whilst holding a bouquet of flowers - roses, to be precise - in his right hand.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “That’s XYZ! We saw him last Thursday on Meltdown with another bouquet for Vengador, who also lost in a qualifier for Winter Wasteland’s TV Championship triple threat, and now he appears to have the same gift for Trevor Walker.”
Walker allows XYZ to help him up without realising who it is offering a hand, and when he does he quickly pushes X away. Unphased, XYZ lifts the flowers up to his nose, taking a deep sniff of them and wafting the aroma towards his flaring nostrils. He smiled and sighs contently, before offering the bouquet across to Trevor Walker.
Walker, for his part, has a stunned look on his face, and - when he regains himself - he swipes at the flowers and knocks them out of XYZ’s hand. They land on the ground, Walker shaking his head before turning around and striding away from X and towards the rope.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “Well, I don’t think Trevor Walker appreciates XYZ’s gift. He spoke earlier tonight about how he was trying to teach Vengador to smell the roses, so to speak, but it looks like Trevor Walker smells something else entirely…”
X momentarily watches Trevor leave before reaching down and picking up one of the strewn roses. He puts the stem beneath his teeth, climbs over the barricade, and disappears again through the crowd. We fade from the scene.
We're brought backstage to a corridor where we see everyone's favourite Lucha Odd couple, Halloween Knight and Trash Mammal, strolling down the hall WITH PURPOSE-! Halloween Knight carrying around his beloved steel chair in one hand, because that's absolutely a normal thing for someone to do, to have a steel chair on hand to either hit someone with or dance on it, depending on the situation. Or maybe both-! And Trash Mammal has some Halloween candy smeared on his mask as he goes through his notes as he walks on by.
Trash Mammal: "This is it, bonehead. I finally got all my questions together for my interview with the undisputed alliance. Things are looking up! Got my contract, and I'm about to put forward the best interview FWA has ever seen."
Halloween Knight: "Do you think it's a little much to ask them both where they were when the Watergate scandal happened?"
Trash Mammal: "Hey, they can't account for their movements that night-! I'm just asking the questions no one else will. I'm not just questioning the undisputed alliance; I'm putting society on trial-"
There seems to be more everyone's oversized rodent had to say, and probably would if, at that moment, he didn't bump right into seldom seen luchador-Juan Tothrefor.
Trash Mammal: "AHHHH-! They found me Skeletor-! I don't know how, but the government found out I was asking questions! Quick, we gotta flee the country-"
Thankfully, Halloween Knight grabs Trash Mammal by the collar and clearly gestures towards a downbeat-looking Juan Tothrefor-
Halloween Knight: "What's wrong, Amigo? You see down in the...."
Trash Mammal: "DOWNINTHEDUMPS"
Halloween Knight: ".....yeah"
Trash Mammal: "Sorry, just trash is kind of my thing, so I have to say it.”
Halloween Knight just shrugs, and Juan Tothrefor sighs.
Juan Tothrefor: “I guess I'm feeling down because...my career hasn't really taken off like I thought...and there's no one to celebrate Day Of the Dead with...."
Trash Mammal freezes, and mutters, ‘Oh god, here we go…’ as electricity seems to go through Halloween Knight like Juan Tothrefor just said the magic words.
Halloween Knight: "THANK YOU, FINALLY SOMEONE SAYS IT-! YOU HAVE A GUY NAMED HALLOWEEN KNIGHT ON THE ROSTER, AND NO ONE SEEMS TO GIVE A CRAP. WHERE ARE THE SKULLS, WHERE ARE THE OUTFITS, WHERE'S THE SPOOKS? NO ONE GETS SPOOKY AROUND HERE AND THAT BREAKS MY HEART."
Trash Mammal: "Is this because they didn't like your pitch for a match!"
Halloween Knight: "THE MASS BATTLE ROYALE IN A HAUNTED MANSION? HALLOWEEN KNIGHT'S HALLOWEEN NIGHT SPOOKY BATTLE ROYLE? HOW COULD NOT BE MONEY"
Juan Tothrefor: "...Um, guys?"
Halloween Knight seems to shake off his befuddlement as he clasps Juan's shoulder.
Halloween Knight: "I swear by all the bats in hades, by all the juice in beetles, by all the mashes in monsters, you will have a spooky night out tonight. I know just the haunted house we can go to."
Juan Tothrefor: "Um....Thanks"
Trash Mammal: "Wait, stop the presses! Skelly, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Halloween Knight: "Spooky things and steel chairs?"
Trash Mammal: "...No"
Halloween Knight: "Aw...."
Trash Mammal: "Guys, we're the only three luchadors on the roster if we team up together. If we pull our resources, there's no telling how far we'd go."
Halloween Knight: "Let me tell you about that idea....I LOVE IT-!"
Juan SNAPS his fingers in front of the hungry of the duo, getting their attention and jabs a finger in their faces
Juan Tothrefor: "That idea?"
Juan turned that finger into a thumbs-up.
Juan Tothrefor: "is UNO!"
The newly minted trio makes various blissful sounds as we fade to black.
{SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT || NIRVANA}[MEDIA=youtube]hTWKbfoikeg[/MEDIA]
We're treated to yet another mixed reaction in Timbuktu (the order of the day for this week's Fallout, apparently) as Sawyer Xavier appears on the stage. He doesn't break his stride as he marches down the ramp and towards the ring.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Your next contest is scheduled for one-fall, with a twenty minute time limit. Introducing first, from Savannah, Georgia and weighing in at one hundred and seventy six pounds… SAWYER… XAVIER!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Sawyer Xavier may have been amongst the unsuccessful in the Gunfight Battle Royale, but his fourth place finish exceeded many people's expectations. People have been talking about Xavier's performance ever since that match in Kinshasa, with a change in attitude noted by those observing the young man. We've seen this before, though, and the important thing will be whether this new attitude translates into victories…"
Xavier slides into the ring, loosening up slightly as his music fades out. It's replaced by…
{TILL I COLLAPSE || EMINEM}[MEDIA=youtube]Pi3_Zs-oRUo[/MEDIA]
Natalie Rosenberg: "And his opponent… from Las Vegas, Nevada… he weighs in at two hundred and fifteen pounds… ‘the Prodigal Son’... BLAKE TAYLOR!!"
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Here comes another man who fell short in the Gunfight Battle Royale, but Taylor does already hold a pinfall victory over Sawyer Xavier. He'll be hoping to reassert his dominance over Xavier here and then move onto bigger and better things, I'm sure…"
If that is Taylor's plan, though, it is immediately scuppered by Sawyer Xavier, who flies through the middle and top ropes and takes Blake out with a suicide dive!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "A hot start here! Xavier takes it to Blake Taylor before the opening bell!!"
Sawyer isn't done after the tope, though. He immediately takes Blake by the wrist and whips him once into the steel barricade… and then again into the steel ring steps! Taylor lands in a heap on the other side of them!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Xavier is wasting absolutely no time here in Timbuktu! And it appears he's caught someone's eye in the back…"
As Xavier lays into Blake with stomps, we see Jason Randall watching on a screen in the backstage area. He strokes his chin thoughtfully as Sawyer hoists Taylor up and throws him beneath the bottom rope. The bell finally rings when Sawyer slides in after him…
FOURTH MATCH || 1/20.
Blake Taylor vs. Sawyer Xavier.
Singles Match.
Match writer: SS.
<< 00:00. >>
Jean-Luc Watkins: "We’re officially underway in this one, with Blake Taylor climbing up to his feet. Sawyer slides back out onto the apron… springboard dropkick!! Picture perfect from Saywer Xavier! The Prodigal Son is already on dream-street!"
Indeed, Blake Taylor is struggling to force himself up onto his knees, not realising that Sawyer is already in waiting behind him. When Taylor is in perfect position, Xavier charges in from behind…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "BRAIN SQUASHER!! Xavier connects with the knee to the back of the head, and we’re less than a minute into this one!"
Xavier hooks the far leg…
ONE… TWO… THREE!
{RESULT}Winner: Sawyer Xavier via pinfall at 00:38.
The crowd is slightly surprised at the quick match but gives Xavier a round of applause regardless.
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… SAWYER XAVIER!"
As the victor has his hand raised in victory, we once more cut to the back and to the Wildcard's position. He is still watching a screen, now with his hands on his hips and a slight smile on his face. When he's content that he's seen enough he backs out of the shot.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I'm not quite sure what Jason Randall is doing, but he appears to be keeping a close eye on the progress of Sawyer Xavier… and the young man looks slightly nonplussed by this development, too."
Indeed, Xavier looks at the big screen with a slightly confused look on his face, wondering what Randall is doing watching his match. Eventually, though, he climbs out of the ring. We fade to black as he makes his way back up the ramp.
Cut to the backstage interview area where "The Wildcard" Jason Randall is standing by with Katie Baxter. Randall is in his casual attire of his own FWA affliated t-shirt along with cargo pants and boots.
Katie Baxter: "Jason Randall, before the break you were caught watching Sawyer Xavier's match with Blake Taylor, and you seemed impressed by his quick victory. Is there an interest that you have in Sawyer Xavier?"
Jason Randall: "Katie, did you happen to see Lights Out?"
Katie nods her head.
Jason Randall: "Well, then you'll know that in the Gunfight Battle Royal I was eliminated by Sawyer Xavier. Now, I don't have a personal vendetta toward him for eliminating me; he did what he to do. I just wanted to watch him in action; see how he operates. I was impressed with what he did at Lights Out; I was impressed with what he did tonight despite his opposition not being much of a challenge..."
Before Randall can continue he's cut off by Sawyer Xavier, who just came back from his match.
Sawyer Xavier: "What happened to you?"
Jason Randall: "What are you talking about?"
Sawyer Xavier: "You used to be this bad ass, take no shit kind of guy. Now, you're sitting here saying you're not mad at me for eliminating you at Lights Out. I would've thought what I did would've lit a fire under your ass, but I see you're too far gone. You let them break you, it's sad to see."
Randall is about to say something but Sawyer cuts him off.
Sawyer Xavier: "You shouldn't have to conform to this world that hates you, you're better than this. You know it and I know it, but they don't see that. To the suits, you're just another number to pad out time. They watch you bust your ass every week, but they don't care. They never keep you in mind, like what are you even doing here if you don't have a match? Why are you sitting back here watching my match when you should be out there tearing it up?! They didn't have anything for you but they threw you a bone with this interview time? You travel all this way here to Timbuktu to watch a match and an interview?"
Randall stands there emotionless as he stares down at Xavier, who has gotten closer to him.
Sawyer Xavier: "You're so much better than that, you can prove that to them. Don't you want more? I know it may sound strange but I want to help you. You should do something, unless you're content with just being another number to pad out time, you're nothing without the semblance of a personality they let you give."
Xavier says this while pointing his index finger at Randall. The Wildcard looks down at Sawyer, still emotionless, turns around and walks away leaving Sawyer watching him leave.
We join Jean-Luc Watkins at the Fallout commentary table for perhaps the final time tonight, and the consummate professional shows no signs of fatigue despite flying solo for the entire show. His suit remains as pristine as it did at the beginning of the show and he flashes a pleasant smile in the direction of the camera.
Jean-Luc Watkins: “We’ve done it again, wrestling fans. A thirty-fourth stellar edition of Fallout is in the books but we still have one final morsel of elite wrestling content for each of you to absorb.
“We know that the Dark Roads Alliance will defend their newly-won FWA World Tag Team Championships against Jay Kenny and Xavien Marshall on Meltdown XXXV, but tonight there is a chance for the challengers to build some momentum… Xavien Marshall against ‘The Mad Wizard’ Konchu Hao… it’s time for the main event.”
{X GON GIVE IT TO YA || DMX}[MEDIA=youtube]36EBd2Q4-gg[/MEDIA]
The song may be presently unfamiliar in FWA circles, but its familiarity does cause it to receive a decent reception from the fans in attendance, although this tempers somewhat when Xavien Marshall emerges from the back. Marshall walks towards the ring with purpose; the enormity of the opportunity in front of him is not lost on the relative newcomer to the FWA as he walks towards his first ever singles main event contest as a part of the roster. Notably, despite the billing given ahead of time, Xavien Marshall walks out to the ring completely alone.
Natalie Rosenberg: “The following contest is your main event of Fallout 034 and it is scheduled for one fall with a thirty minute time limit! Introducing first, from East Cleveland, Ohio and weighing in at two-hundred and eighteen pounds… XAVIEN MARRRRSHALLLLLLLLL!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “There is intensity in the eyes of Xavien Marshall tonight… and he’s going to need to bring a lot of it with him for this match. Konchu Hao is a tough nut to crack - a former X Champion. The very same championship that Xavien will be vying for an opportunity for when he meets Jay Kenny at Winter Wasteland for the Gunfight One Ring.
Speaking of Jay Kenny, we were expecting to see him come out here to provide some support to Xavien Marshall, as before their encounter at Winter Wasteland they will be challenging for the tag titles. However, based on what we saw earlier tonight involving Kenny, I wouldn’t be holding my breath for some back up if I was Xavien Marshall.”
Marshall enters the ring and mean-mugs the crowd through the ropes, making it clear how little he cares for their feelings towards him. DMX fades out and Marshall slowly and menacingly paces around the ring as he awaits his opponent.
{ARMY OF THE NIGHT || POWERWOLF}[MEDIA=youtube]C4fExl8RiwA[/MEDIA]
To a grand reaction from the fans, the brand new FWA World Tag Team Champions walk out from the back. Epsilon stands in the middle of Cyrus Truth and Konchu Hao, as the latter two proudly wear their new championships around their waists and walk down to the ring as a trio. Cyrus hangs back to let the competitor in the match Hao take most of the spotlight, and Konchu cackles gleefully. When they reach the bottom of the ramp, Epsilon does a spirited lap of the ring and Konchu focuses on entering it. The content and pleased look on Truth’s face drops when he locks eyes with Xavien Marshall.
Natalie Rosenberg: “His opponent… representing the Dark Roads Alliance and being accompanied by Epsilon and ‘The Exile’ Cyrus Truth… he is one half of the FWA World Tag Team Champions, ‘The Mad Wizard’ KONCHU HAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOO!!”
Jean-Luc Watkins: “It is safe to say that Lights Out was an unprecedented success for the Dark Roads Alliance; not only did they get vengeance on FTN, they became the FWA World Tag Team Championships. For Cyrus Truth, becoming the fifteenth individual in FWA history to achieve a triple crown will likely rival being able to put Allen Price on the shelf in terms of accomplishments.
“But, as these two will undoubtedly expect, life as champions will not be easy. Already they know their first challengers in Kenny and Marshall, but looking further there will be the winners of the Buddy Bowl and at Winter Wasteland, any challengers have yet to be decided. With my ear close to the ground, I have heard rumblings of FTN perhaps getting another crack…”
Xavien Marshall backs into one of the corners as Konchu enters the ring; Epsilon and Truth follow him inside and show their appreciation to their fellow DRA member as ‘The Mad Wizard’ ascends the turnbuckle and holds his championship up into the air with his arms outstretched as he cackles wildly. The referee for this main event match is Larry Stevens, and he requests that both Truth and Epsilon leave the ring. Cyrus shares a nod with Jean-Luc Watkins on commentary as he does so; the removal of Allen Price from the announce position was mutually beneficial.
FIFTH MATCH || MAIN EVENT || 1/30.
Konchu Hao (w/ Cyrus Truth) vs. Xavien Marshall (w/ Jay Kenny).
Singles Match.
Match writer: SS (w/ entrances and cameo from Man).
<< 00:00. >>
The bell rings but neither Marshall nor Hao are quick to emerge from their corners. There is an intense stare from the East Cleveland native in the direction of his opponent. Konchu’s mask (his regular one, not the popcorn bucket version which will be available as a DLC exclusive in FWA 2K24) obscures his facial expression but his body language shows that he is ready for things to kick off all of a sudden, which they do following this initial confrontation. Marshall storms across the ring to meet Konchu in his corner and despite the tag champion’s readiness, he is quickly overwhelmed by his hungry opponent.
The initial Running Forearm Smash sends Hao into the turnbuckle and Marshall follows this up with some punches to the top of the head. The referee tries to get in between the two competitors as Konchu is in the ropes, counting to five, but he physically removes Marshall away from the corner himself as Xavien did not show any signs of stopping his assault. Marshall kicks at Konchu as he is dragged away. Stevens puts a finger in Marshall’s face, telling him to rein it in a little, but Xavien just shrugs him off and approaches Konchu again…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Baba Vagna’s Illumination!! Konchu Hao fires back with some pocket sand, showing Xavien Marshall that he’s no stranger to dirty tactics either!"
The official hands out some more admonishment, this time to Konchu, who simply shrugs it off with a cackle before grappling Xavien in a front facelock. The Mad Wizard follows up with some repeated knee strikes, a surge of offence that he calls John Dee’s Knees. After perhaps a dozen of them, he hooks both of Xavien’s arms and takes him overhead with a butterfly suplex, quickly following up with a lateral press.
ONE… TWO… NO!
Xavien kicks out, with Konchu slapping on a grounded side headlock to further wear him down…
***
<< 08:12. >>
Konchu has been dominating the early stretches, managing to cut off any potential comebacks with nefarious tactics like thumbs to the eye or kicks to the shins (much to the audience’s delight, surprisingly). Hao has his opponent down after a snap suplex, and now waits patiently for Marshall to rise whilst stalking him from the corner. Xavien stumbles around to face the Mad Wizard, who approaches quickly for a savate kick… but it’s ducked beneath by Marshall, who succeeds in knocking Konchu Hao down with a roundhouse kick of his own!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "This could be just the change in momentum that Xavien needs, and he follows up with a hurricanrana! Konchu fights up to his feet once again and looks to return fire with a discus lariat… ducked underneath by Xavien, who transitions into a rear waistlock. High-angle German suplex!! Xavien Marshall bridges for the pin…"
ONE… TWO… NO!
It’s Konchu’s turn to kick out, but Xavien is insatiable. Immediately, he hoists Konchu back up to his feet, doubles him over with a boot to the midsection, and then hoists him up into powerbomb position.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Xavien Marshall with the bucklebomb! Konchu Hao is on dream-street, slumping down onto the mat once more. Marshall is building up a head of steam."
A shift in the tone of the audience in Timbuktu distracts Marshall’s focus, though, and his attention is turned to the stage, where two more men have walked out to keep an eye on proceedings.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "That’s Jay Kenny, the man who will team with Xavien against the Dark Roads Alliance before competing against him for the Gunfight One Ring at Winter Wasteland, along with Thomas Princeton. Looks like Princeton’s whispering something in Kenny’s ear…"
Indeed, Thomas is offering some unheard advice to his new protege, who listens whilst keeping his eyes fixed upon Xavien Marshall in the ring. Marshall is doing the same, until eventually he remembers he’s in the middle of a match, turning around to face Konchu…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Step-up enziguri from Konchu Hao! Xavien is staggered, and then he eats a backdrop driver!! Konchu hooks the far leg…"
ONE… TWO… T – NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Another kick out from Xavien after the indirect distraction from Jay Kenny, who continues to observe silently from the top of the ramp as Konchu wrenches Xavien’s arm into a grounded hammerlock…"
***
<< 17:12. >>
Xavien has worked his way back into the match-up and now has Konchu gripped in a firm side headlock. Konchu thuds into his ribs with right hands to try and cause separation, but Marshall holds on. Konchu eventually manages to back Marshall up into the ropes and throw him off into the opposite set, looking for a lariat which Xavien is able to duck beneath. Konchu turns around to face Marshall upon reapproach…
Jean-Luc Watkins: "SWITCH KNEE!! Xavien connects with the running knee strike, Konchu slumping down to his knees. Not for long, though, with Marshall placing him in a front face lock and wrenching him up to his feet and then into the air… BRAIIIIIIIIIINBUUUUUUUUUUUUSTAAAAAAAAH!"
Xavien follows up with the cover…
ONE… TWO… THR – NO!
Kick out from Konchu! Xavien isn’t done, though, pointing towards a corner and staring off up the ramp at Jay Kenny, the man he will both team with and compete against in the coming weeks. He then strides to the corner, looking for his split-legged moonsault.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Knees up from Konchu! Xavien perhaps spends too much time staring at Jay Kenny before the move, and now he’s sent reeling, clutching his ribs as Konchu rises again."
We get a quick shot of Jay Kenny smirking at the top of the ramp, and then we’re back to the ring in time to see Hao grasping Xavien in an inverted facelock.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Reverse DDT from Konchu Hao… and he transitions straight into the Black Lotus Bite!! Beautiful combination from the Mad Wizard!! This might be it!!!"
Xavien Marshall looks close to tapping, his hand outstretched with his palm facing the mat, but then he balls it up into a fist in resolution before inching slowly but surely towards the bottom rope… finally managing to grasp the bottom one! The official starts a count, with Hao finally releasing the hold at four. He rolls away from Marshall, Xavien pulling himself under the ropes and landing in a heap on the floor, attempting to catch his breath as the match rolls on.
***
<< 24:50. >>
Hao has Xavien backed up into a corner, where he lays into him with repeated Mongolian chops and forearm strikes. The official again has to demand a break, with Konchu acquiescing by hurling Marshall across the ring with a HARD Irish whip. Marshall hits the opposite set of turnbuckles and bounces back towards the Mad Wizard, who attempts to run right through him with a lariat. Marshall ducks beneath it, though, and then nails the turning Hao with a spin kick to the gut. Hao is doubled over, with Xavien immediately hitting an adjacent set of ropes.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Xavien with the scissor kick to the back of Hao’s head! And now he grabs the wrist, maybe looking for that vicious stomp to the back of the head… no! Konchu rolls out of the way and then sweeps Marshall’s legs out from underneath him! Back and forth, wrestling fans! What a treat!"
WIth Marshall grounded, it looks like Konchu is attempting a cross armbreaker, but Xavien shifts his weight and manages to get Hao’s shoulders down on the mat in a modified jackknife pinning predicament.
ONE… TWO… NO!
Konchu gets the shoulder up, but Xavien gets to his feet with control of both of the Mad Wizard’s legs, launching him into the corner with a catapult. Konchu stumbles back towards him, allowing Xavien to roll him up with a schoolboy…
ONE… TWO… T – NO!
Natalie Rosenberg: "Wrestling fans, this is your… FOUR MINUTE WARNING!!"
WIth just two hundred and forty seconds to go, Xavien looks to take Hao down again with another roundhouse kick, but the Mad Wizard ducks beneath it, hooks both of his arms, and put his shoulders on the mat with a backslide pin…
ONE… TWO… T – NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Another kickout! This is relentless! Both men are back to their feet with Xavien looking for a clothesline, but Xavien evades… crucifix roll-up!!"
ONE… TWO… TH – NO!
Another kick out from Konchu, who is up to his feet much quicker than Xavien, who seems to be fatigued as the match goes deeper and deeper. Konchu grabs his wrist before rolling him up again with la magistral.
ONE… TWO… THR – NO!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Two point nine!!"
Xavien gets his shoulder up, rolling onto his knees with the momentum of his kickout. Konhu is still on his hands and knees in front of him after la magistral, allowing Xavien to return with a modified la magistral - a mousetrap - of his own!
ONE… TWO… THRE – NO!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "TWO POINT NINE NINE!!!"
Both men are quickly up to their feet, with Xavien charging in at Konchu… who wipes him out with a savate kick!!!!
Jean-Luc Watkins: "I guess that puts an end to that exchange of quick pinning combinations, and now Konchu is signaling that this match has run its course. He has wrist control now, yanking Xavien Marshall back up to his feet. There’s the ripcord, he’s looking for Rasputin’s Revenge… ducked beneath by Xavien in the nick of time! Rear waistlock from Xavien, he bundles Konchu forwards into the ropes. O’Connor Roll!!!!"
ONE… TWO… THREE!!!!
{RESULT}Winner: Xavien Marshall via pinfall at 27:39.
Konchu kicks out, but it’s a millisecond too late! The bell rings!!
Natalie Rosenberg: "Here is your winner… XAVIEN MARSHALL!!!"
Konchu is up to his feet, frustrated with his hands on his hips, watching on as the official lifts Xavien’s hand into the air.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Hao is gobsmacked… and, if I’m honest, FWA Cosmos, I’m a little surprised, too! Xavien Marshall has impressed so far during his short tenure here, but Konchu Hao is a former X Champion and one half of the current FWA Tag Team Champions! A huge victory for Xavien just one show out from his and Jay Kenny’s challenge for those very titles!"
With Xavien taking to the second rope to celebrate more and Konchu rolling beneath the bottom rope, we get a shot of the Mad Wizard retreating with Cyrus Truth and Epsilon, looking disappointed at the result but with more confidence now that he’s flanked by his partner and his loyal homunculus. He shouts a few garbled words in Xavien’s direction, followed by a cackle.
We then cut to a locker room in the back, where the extended FTN family are watching on a screen. Peacock seems to find the whole thing rather amusing, laughing maniacally and slapping his knee, presumably at Konchu’s defeat.
And then, there’s a shot of Princeton and Kenny on the stage as they finally begin to make a slow descent of the ramp towards the ring.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "There’s a lot of interested parties in this one, not least of all Jay Kenny, who is just now making his way down the makeshift ramp towards his partner for Meltdown XXXV… and, of course, his opponent for Winter Wasteland."
Jay Kenny passes Cyrus, Konchu, and Epsilon on the ramp, pausing for a moment to stare at each of them in turn. Then, perhaps under the instruction of Princeton (who is still whispering in his ear), he stands aside, offering his opponents a smirk as they continue on their way to the back.
Jean-Luc Watkins: "Princeton perhaps advising caution from Kenny. Probably wise, and Jay looks far more interested in the man still in the ring."
Xavien is loosening up within the squared circle, perhaps ready to defend himself if it comes to that. Kenny is at the base of the ramp now, loosening up his own joints as Princeton continues to offer instruction. Finally, with the audience’s anticipation for this impromptu showdown reaching fever pitch, he steps up to the ring…
Hops onto the apron…
Pauses, stares at Xavien Marshall…
… and then hops back down again. He backs away from the ring, still smirking and shaking his head at Xavien. He taps his wristwatch, as if signaling that the time isn’t quite right, and then turns away from Xavien to walk back up the ramp.
We watch Jay Kenny leaving from over Xavien’s shoulder as Fallout 034 comes to a close.
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