As Void Chapter and Celldweller continues to play, the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois is visible in a nearly sold out crowd. As the camera pans over the audience, as always, various signs are visible.
SHAWN WARSTEIN: TALENT FOUNTAIN
HOW DO YOU SPELL LA ANDALUCAISAJS?!
KAYLA IS FREE OF BILLY!
I'LL TAKE MY VHODKA NEAT
CHELSEA FEARS OLLIE
LCP IS GONNA SEE VIOLENCE REAL SOON
PICK UP STICKS THIS BITCH
The cameras pan down to the announcer's table, where our fearless commentators sit as they always do every Victory. Greyson Marks and Lincoln Phelps are in their respective seats, Greyson looking dapper as always and Lincoln looks already drunk. This doesn't change from show to show, but Lincoln takes a drink out of his red solo cup and looks over to Greyson, who just shakes his head.
GREYSON MARKS: Welcome to the sixth installment of VICTORY! We are in the amazing city of Chicago tonight, sitting in the Wintrust Arena with a near capacity crowd. And let me tell you, it is a fabulous night.
LINCOLN PHELPS: That it is Greyson. That it is. We have an awesome night ahead, but first....before we get to any of that.
GREYSON MARKS: THE INVITATIONAL!
LINCOLN PHELPS: The Excellence Invitational is a bloody amazing concept thought up by our illustrious champion, Damian Ayla. He wanted talent from everywhere to come and face him, and Ophelia approved it! She opened it up not only to PWE, but also to several people in various companies that wanted to come to try their hand.
GREYSON MARKS: Names like our own debuting Alice, Taylor Blazer and Vhodka Black will join Allen Chaney from PWE will face off in a randomized tournament against six others.
LINCOLN PHELPS: We have Wraith from Imperial Wrestling Federation and Xtreme Wrestling Federation, who was here back at Annihilation. The son of Tara Fenix, who has been a prominent figure within the wrestling world lately, will join a group of men and women from across the world.
Including the one and the only Chris Page, who also attended Annihilation back in Novemeber. Chris Page represents both the Xtreme Wrestling Federation and FIGHT! NYC. Jensen Kidd comes to us from WWI, AWS, AND WCW. Delia Black comes in from Atlantic City Entertainment. Joining them all is Nathaniel Dixon from New Frontier Wrestling. Rounding them all out is the returning Ernie Spencer, who made a statement at the Ollie Ovaltational at Annihilation as well.
Lincoln looks down at his card.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Why did I get all of those to read?
GREYSON MARKS: You wouldn't be able to do it later in the show.
LINCOLN PHELPS: I resent that--
GREYSON MARKS: OTHERWISE! We're looking forward to featuring them later on Twitter and on the card for VICTORY VII. But onto tonight! We have an
action packed show for you all.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Starting out the night is a Victory Showcase! We recently had an influx of new talent to PWE, and Lachlan Kane is going to be looking at them all to see who may face him eventually for his Victory Championship! Ellie Quinn takes on Cassie Macbride, Taylor Blazer, Grim and Samuel Scythe in our opening match. Following that, we'll see Caity Dawson-Cruz and Ruby Steele take on hometown girl Chelsea Skye!
LINCOLN PHELPS: Our third match features Lewis Chad Pinkston and our Queen, Amber Payne in a singles match where...
LINCOLN PHELPS: MY BOI IS GONNA LOCK IN THE ANACONDA VICE!
GREYSON MARKS: ...right. The debuting Vincent Black from our sister company FIGHT! NYC takes on Holly Rhodes and Allen Chaney. Holly suffered a loss to one La Andalucera last week, so you know she's looking to rebound. That being said, Allen has been rested up from the vicious match he had with LCP back at Annhilation, and he too is looking to carry on his winning streak.
LINCOLN PHELPS: The hottie with da body, Vhodka Black is debuting to take on our Impulse Championship contender, Tara Ayla this week. Did you know that Vhodka is part of security at the FIGHT Tower?
GREYSON MARKS: So you can expect the fight tonight to be one for the ages, right? And of course...
LINCOLN PHELPS: MISS KAYLA NOT DANIELSON IS WITH MAH GURL, BETSY GRANGER taking on William
BlakeMasonandXariaLinette...Greyson looks over to Lincoln as he trails off, looking very sad.
LINCOLN PHELPS: I'm feeling for Xaria tonight. She and William have both been attacked and it looks like dat bish Zo--
GREYSON MARKS: Innocent until proven guilty, Linc. Gotta remember that. La Andalucera takes on our former Excellence Championship contender in Nathaniel Cartwright, who returns to action as well after the vicious deathmatch...
LINCOLN PHELPS: Cartwright is going to want to get one in against the Gypsy herself. In our headliner for the night, we have a grudge match taking place. Finn Whelan and Levi Russow in a heinous street fight. Whelan is PISSSSSSED. My man is pissed.
GREYSON MARKS: Lastly, we will have Damian Ayla back in action tonight against the debuting Alice! All this tonight and
more! 
DING! DING! DING!
Lachlan Kane calls for the bell and the match is underway. Wrestlers pair up and exchange shots, Blazer locking up with Macbride. Samuel Scythe manages to catch Ellie Quinn as she goes for a cross body, carrying her around the ring before depositing on her back.
GREYSON MARKS: Is Grim just watching?
LINCOLN PHELPS: Smart man.
Blazer and Macbride exchange a series of holds, a technically brilliant display that ends with both women somersaulting out of an attempted arm drag. They nod their heads in respect, then Blazer catches Macbride with a quick double-leg. Upon being confronted by Scythe, Grim chooses to walk away, pacing around the outside. Scythe begins to exchange words with Kane, but Quinn is back at it. She staggers the larger man with a floating forearm smash, sending him into the ropes. He tries for a stiff lariat only for her to duck out of the way. Grim reaches out and takes hold of her ankle, but her Culture Shock teammates, Andi and Jodi, quickly cause him to retreat into the ring.
GREYSON MARKS: Blazer looking for a powerbomb!
Macbride fights back from up top, rights raining down. Blazer tries to use her sheer strength to force her down, but Macbride turns it into a hurricanrana. As she stands, Quinn connects with a springboard dropkick. Kane walks amongst the carnage, nodding his head. Grim and Scythe are exchanging blows, the powerhouse starting to overwhelm the skinnier man. Grim’s hands shoot out suddenly, both locking in around Scythe’s neck. The big man continues to take his shots, but Grim seems suddenly unphasable. Scythe, desperate for space, rams his bicep between Grim’s legs then lifts him overhead.
GREYSON MARKS: Oh my lord, can you believe the power?
LINCOLN PHELPS: Watch out Shockers!
GREYSON MARKS: Shockers?
LINCOLN PHELPS: Shockettes?
A massive pileup begins to occur, first with Grim being hurled over the top rope, right between the two members of Culture Shock. He points, turns and runs to the rope, bouncing off and then stops just short, waggling his finger.
LINCOLN PHELPS: He’s no high flier.
GREYSON MARKS: He is now!
Caught from behind, the H.B.I.C herself hits him with a shoulder block, sending him into the pack. Quinn, seeing her squad get taken down, takes off and dives high, flipping in the air before hitting the rising Grim. The rest of the group tries their best to get up and get Quinn to her feet, only to be met with Macbride who has chosen to leap from the top. It is a sea of bodies.
LINCOLN PHELPS: And look who is in the center of the ring.
The Head Bitch herself stands in the center ring, holding her arms out. The crowd begins to chant. Quinn is first out of the pile-up, followed by Grim, who catches hold of her shoulders. Scythe slides in as Taylor’s back is turned.
GREYSON MARKS: TOUCH OF DEATH!
Taylor struggles, dropping to a knee. Suddenly, Scythe is torn away as Macbride comes sailing off the top rope!
LINCOLN PHELPS: GREETINGS FROM DELAWARE!
She goes for the cover, but the H.B.I.C. breaks it up. Macbride gets to her feet only to be met with a boot to the midsection and the…
LINCOLN PHELPS: BAD BITCH!
GREYSON MARKS: Look out Taylor!
Grim waits until she stands, wrapping her up from behind. She fights back with an elbow, but a second he is able to duck under and lift her up.
LINCOLN PHELPS: GRIM SHOT!
GREYSON MARKS: GRIM DROP!
Quinn steps up onto the apron. She watches the mysterious man rise before taking flight, her feet using the top rope as a springboard.
LINCOLN PHELPS: ANTETHESIS.
GREYSON MARKS: This is it, nobody is around to stop her…
Quinn hooks the leg and Lachlan drops down to count.
ONE
TWO
THREE!!
DING DING DING!
GREYSON MARKS: Quinn for the win.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Yessir!
The sound of high heel boots smack the concrete flooring as Jessie Jane Spencer can be seen walking through the backstage area of the Wintrust Arena. Her light purplish hair is flowing in the makeshift breeze as her arms appear to be full with something.
JESSIE JANE SPENCER: Daddy is going to be so happy to see you.
Jessie says to the bundle in her arms. As she is walking, the cameras quickly cut to a medium size room with a 45" flat screen television sitting on top of a wooden table. The camera pans around the room as it shows Ernie Spencer rolling around the room in his limited edition Street Fighter gaming chair.
ERNIE SPENCER: I love this chair. Maybe I should do a chair review on my twitch stream.
As Ernie is thinking about new streaming ideas, the sound of knuckles knocking on the door echo through the room. Ernie hears the knocking as he rolls over towards the door. He opens it as his eyes widen with a smile plastered on his face.
ERNIE SPENCER: Aren't you a sight for tired eyes?
JESSIE JANE SPENCER:
chuckles Nice to see you too Ernest. I brought someone to see you.
ERNIE SPENCER: Oh, who is it?
Jessie turns her body to the side as their Corgi puppy pops his head out from the crook of her arm. Ernie smiles as the puppy starts wagging it's small tall. Jessie is smiling as well as the puppy starts to move in her arms. She places him on the ground while placing her arm around Ernie's waist.
JESSIE JANE SPENCER: I love you Ernest.
ERNIE SPENCER: I love you too Jessica.
Jessie lays her head onto his shoulders until her phone jingles. She takes a look at it and let's out an exasperated sigh.
JESSIE JANE SPENCER: Looks like my lunch break is over. Will it be okay if I leave Rasputin here?
ERNIE SPENCER:
nods his head Absolutely babe!
Jessie gives him a soft kiss on the cheek.
JESSIE JANE SPENCER: Whatever you do, don't put him near a cat.
Ernie nods his while dropping down to his knees and starts playing with Rasputin. Jessie watches before disappearing right back down the hall. Once she is out of sight, Ernie sits back on his ankles.
ERNIE SPENCER: We are going to have some fun.
Ernie says while running his hands along Rasputin's head.
OLLIE DORITO: Meow!
The sound of a cat hits his ear as Ernie looks up to see Ollie Dorito perched on top of an equipment box. Ernie smiles while waving his hand.
ERNIE SPENCER: Hi there Ollie.
Ollie doesn't seem to care as he is busy cleaning his paws which causes Ernie to shrug his shoulders. He turns his attention back to Rasputin who has noticed Ollie as well.
ERNIE SPENCER: Rasputin, that's Ollie.
RASPUTIN: Grrrrr!!!
Rasputin looks at Ollie as his tail continues to wag. Ernie sees the position Rasputin is in and so does Ollie.
OLLIE DORITO: Meeerooowwwww hssssss
RASPUTIN: wroff wroff
ERNIE SPENCER:
looks at Rasputin Rasputin Spencer, you know better. Ollie is a friend.
RASPUTIN: Wroooffff! wrooffff! Bach!
OLLIE DORITO: Meoowww!
Before Ernie could say anything else, Rasputin pushes over the equipment box as Ollie manages to bounce off it. Ollie takes off down the corridor with Rasputin in hot pursuit.
ERNIE SPENCER: Rasputin, don't hurt Ollie.
Ernie takes off after them as the camera cuts away.
DING! DING! DING!
The bell sounds, and all three look back and forth to one another. Almost in unison, they begin to move around the ring, seemingly trying to stay away from each other. That doesn’t last for long though, Cruz getting the bright idea to trip up the routine. This causes Ruby and Chelsea to both turn each other’s way, and Caity takes a step back. Chelsea and Ruby tie up, swaying from side-to-side until Chelsea shifts her weight to her opposite side. This also allows Chelsea to position herself before Ruby. Chelsea lifts her up, nailing a backdrop but holding onto her waist. Together they roll up to their feet before Chelsea goes for a second backdrop. However, Ruby throws her weight down, sliding into an armdrag to Chelsea. Skye rolls through but eats a running knee from Ruby!
GREYSON MARKS: Oh damn that knee was painful, this match is between three women who really need a win in PWE
LINCOLN PHELPS: Man everyone needs wins, but I get what you mean, Chelsea has been here since day one and has yet to get a win, Ruby is a known name but also seems to have stumbled and Caity...well she has to impress Finn Whelan enough that he sees her instead of my queen...
GREYSON MARKS: ...Your queen?
LINCOLN PHELPS: I-...I've said to much...
Steele forgets about Dawson-Cruz for just a few moments, letting Caity deliver a reverse DDT down to her knee. Caity looks to take advantage, rushing towards Chelsea before leaping into a double axe handle. But Chelsea moves!...forcing Caity’s arms to collide with the canvas. As Caity and Chelsea both get to their feet, Skye rushing forward into a missile dropkick that launches Dawson-Cruz backwards and into the corner with a hard thud. Dawson-Cruz slinks down into the corner but doesn’t stay there. Instead, she rolls from the ring to collect herself.
GREYSON MARKS: Great ring awareness from Caity Dawson-Cruz, sometimes you need to create distanced
LINCOLN PHELPS: In the streets we call that shit running away...
Chelsea and Ruby trade right hands until Ruby catches her on the side of the face with a hard forearm, catching Chelsea off guard. Steele leaps into action when she jumps into a huricanranna, pinning Skye’s shoulders to the mat.
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!
Ruby looks disappointed but turns back to Chelsea, helping her to her feet only to have Skye swat her hands away. Skye rushes forward, taking Ruby down with a short spear and then throwing hands at her on the mat. The two roll around, trading the advantage, until they can separate from one another. Steele misjudges Chelsea’s breather time, and Skye instantly rushes her, connecting with a flying closeline that sends them both over the top rope! The crowd starts paying more attention to Caity now, still on the outside and the only one on her feet. The ref starts a ten count as Chelsea and Ruby get to their feet, only to be taken out by Dawson-Cruz who has run along the top of the barricade into a senton! Knocking both girls down. Caity helps Chelsea up, whipping her into the nearby barricade! Caity tries to repeat the same Ruby but Steele battles back with a headbutt! Acting off pure adrenaline, Dawson-Cruz grabs Ruby by her neck, locking in a Rear Choke Hold with force. However, the match can’t be won on the outside and the refs count is getting up there. Dawson-Cruz slams Steele’s head against the apron, before sliding her into the ring. Caity steps up onto the apron herself, taking her time…
LINOLN PHELPS: YEEESH Ruby just ate some canvas...
GREYSON MARKS: She has got to be seeing stars right now...
…unfortunately she’s forgotten their third. As she’s on the apron, Caity takes a moment to clutch her head, finally feeling the effects of that headbutt. As we know, Chelsea has hopped up onto the apron. Skye lifts her leg up high, kicking Caity in the back of the neck. Dawson-Cruz falls off the apron and back to the hard floor below. Chelsea launches into the Angels Reckoning (Springboard X-Factor) just as Ruby is getting to her feet. She follows it up with the second part of her combo, rolling to the apron and hitting a moonsault to Dawson-Cruz on the outside!It takes some time to see one of these women on their feet again, Chelsea being the first of course. She rolls into the ring, meeting Ruby is using the ropes to lift herself. She tries to battle Chelsea with some slow right hands, our competitors starting to look a little sluggish. However Chelsea catches her fist, before kicking her in the midsection. She lifts Ruby up into a suplex position…
LINCOLN PHELPS: Oh Ruby's goin for a ride!
…but she eats a superkick from Caity who has just rolled in! Chelsea drops Ruby, who stumbles but lands on one foot and one knee, while Skye drops to the canvas. Dawson-Cruz hits a spinning back elbow, grabbing Steele’s arm and hitting a short-arm clotheline. She keeps hold of her arm, using it to yank Ruby to her feet and whip her across the ring. Steele manages to reverse the momentum, instead sending Caity back. Dawson Cruz ducks and jumps onto the apron, Ruby runs in and Caity leaps through the ropes with a slingshot spear the fourth and goal! Ruby is down but before Caity can take advantage Chelsea comes from behind, she grabs Caity and dumps her from the ring diving on Ruby and hooking her leg
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
She’s done it, Chelsea Skye has gotten her first win in PWE!
GREYSON MARKS: Welcome back to Victory, fans! It’s been a great show so far, but there’s yet more to come!
LINCOLN PHELPS: Might not be if this one has HER way!
GREYSON MARKS: What are you on about now?
Cameras switch from the announce table to the locker room area. An agitated Zoey Madigan-Star is pacing back and forth, her phone to her ear, giving it her level best as she attempts to keep her conversation calm. In black leather pants, a tight black tank and black boots, the Sorceress Supreme is dressed for a fight… just not of the verbal variety. Attempts at calm aren’t working, either. The stress is building moment to moment.
ZOEY MADIGAN-STAR: …have not once missed a holiday, have I?
Mama, you’re being really unreasonable right now!
Must be chatting with mom back home, right? And if we know anything, we know that you don’t back-talk an Italian mother. In the background, sitting comfortably on the sofa, is Zoey’s wife, Katalina Star. Like Zoey, she’s in all black as well, from skirt to heels, stockings to blouse. She looks more the part of an intense businesswoman than a loving wife just there to offer support, but that’s just part of the mystery that is Katalina. She watches her wife pace back and forth and, unlike us, she can hear some of what is said on the other end of the phone. Being that Katalina is a woman who makes her living telling others what to do, that she winces at Lucinda’s words tells quite the tale.
GREYSON MARKS: Really, Lincoln? You don’t buy into the stories that people have been telling about Zoey, do you?
LINCOLN PHELPS: Hey, she had time and motive but not much in the way of alibis. I’m just being reasonable.
Weathering the verbal storm for a few more moments, Zoey finally seems to have her fill.
ZOEY MADIGAN-STAR: Madre, questo è abbastanza! Non sono un bambino con cui parlare così!And just like that, Katalina’s jaw drops. She is conversational in Italian thanks to Zoey teaching her and Makayla, their daughter, the same as Katalina has been teaching both of them French. So she knows what Zoey said. Her lower lip finds its way between her teeth.
KATALINA STAR: Um, honey…
It is the silence on the other end of the phone that is most powerful.
ZOEY MADIGAN-STAR: I
will be there. With gifts and treats and all else. Just like always. I’m sorry that I yelled, but I’m under a lot of pressure here. I’ve flown more in the last month or two than I have in the last year. And everyone is on my case about something or other. I’m sorry.
Is that hope on Katalina’s face? Probably. But since there’s no more yelling from the other side of the phone, it appears that things are alright.
ZOEY MADIGAN-STAR: I will call you soon,
mama. Get some rest. Yes, I promise things will be just fine.
Anch'io ti amo.Zoey hangs up with a sigh.
KATALINA STAR: I was afraid for a moment that she was going to reach through that phone with a wooden spoon and give you a whack!
Pondering this for a moment, Katalina laughs cutely, her eyes suddenly alight with mischief.
KATALINA STAR: Remote spanking. I wonder if Claire has something in the works…
ZOEY MADIGAN-STAR: Your naughtiness knows no bounds.
Zoey smiles faintly, tucking her phone in her pocket and picking up her Impulse Championship, staring at it fondly before putting it over her shoulder while Katalina cackles.
KATALINA STAR: Someone has to make sure you keep smiling!
In response, Zoey leans down and kisses Katalina on the lips. Not sucking face, mind you, but it is a lingering, sweet bit of contact. Katalina is slightly flushed when it’s done, fanning herself.
KATALINA STAR: That’s
some thank you!
ZOEY MADIGAN-STAR: Just letting you know that I am both grateful and appreciative. Now… I have a little business to attend to. But I shall return with something delicious.
KATALINA STAR: Does it start with a ‘G’?
ZOEY MADIGAN-STAR: It just might!
Couldn’t make a cuter scene if you wanted to. Katalina fairly bounces in her seat, at least for a moment, then returns to her proper poise… even if she can’t hide her eager smile. Zoey smiles back and leaves the locker room.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Business, huh? I’m pretty sure I know what that means.
GREYSON MARKS: No, Lincoln, I don’t think you do.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Really? Wanna put money on that?
GREYSON MARKS: Earlier this week our own Aleena Sands was able to catch up with Victory champion Lachlan Kane at his home in Orlando for a sit-down interview, and there was certainly no shortage of topics to talk about. While he may be on the biggest role in his career at the moment, his personal life is being brought directly into the spotlight with this extremely heated feud he’s been battling with Angel over the past few months. So, without further adieu, here is a PWE exclusive interview with “The Irish Scrapper” Lachlan Kane.
The camera switched to a shot of a lush backyard setting, an inground pool sparkling in the background while in the foreground two chairs were set up on an expansive wooden deck shaded underneath a canopy. PWE interviewer Aleena Sands sat on the left side, smiling brightly towards the camera. In the corner of the screen, a graphic with the PWE logo and the words “Previously Recorded” slowly faded in on the right-hand corner before fading out a few moments later.
ALEENA SANDS: Ladies and gentlemen, it is my extreme pleasure and honor to be sitting here with one of PWE’s brightest and most hard-working stars on the roster. Since PWE opened its doors back in August, he has been on every single show and, save for an elimination at Victory I, has won every match he has been placed in. His hard work and dedication paid off recently, when at the Annihilation pay-per-view on November 7, he became the inaugural Victory champion by beating five other competitors to claim the title. And now, please allow me to introduce this extraordinary man, our Victory champion…Lachlan Kane.
The camera pans over slightly to show Lachlan Kane seated on the right side of the screen, smiling politely with a slight blush in his cheeks.
LACHLAN KANE: Well, I certainly appreciate the kind words, Ms. Sands.
ALEENA SANDS: They’re all one hundred percent deserved. You have been on an incredible tear since you arrived here in PWE, and your momentum doesn’t look to be slowing anytime soon. As I previously mentioned, since the company started you have had a match on every single show without fail. In fact, this week will be the first time that you have not appeared live on an episode of Victory.
LACHLAN KANE: Believe me, I certainly wanted to. But due to some personal family matters, I felt it was best to be here with my family for the time being.
ALEENA SANDS: Unfortunately, anyone who was watching the most recent Riot broadcast of our affiliate company PWS can probably hazard a guess as to the “personal family matter” that you’re referring to.
The scene cuts away to a clip from the last PWS Riot, showing the violent altercation between Lachlan’s wife Sierra Williams and PWS roster member Mack McKane, which resulted in McKane throwing Sierra through a plate-glass window. The scene ended, and the cameras switched back to Aleena and Lachlan. The easygoing smile on Lachlan’s face had faded into a look of slight anger, but he quickly tempered that into a mildly neutral look.
ALEENA SANDS: That was difficult to watch, but I can’t begin to imagine what you must have felt at that moment. You had already confronted Mack McKane earlier in the night, is there a possibility that his attack on your wife was motivated by that?
Lachlan lets out a heavy sigh, rubbing at his chin.
LACHLAN KANE: I have no idea. I know that Mack has had issues with Sierra for quite some time now, and I had only gone there to try and stem the tide of violence. There’s a pit of guilt in my stomach when I think that I could have possibly made things worse by what I did. I know my wife is as tough as they come and she can handle anything that comes her way, but an unprovoked attack just before she had a match is nothing short of cowardly.
ALEENA SANDS: Your family has certainly seen its share of hardships not only in PWS, but here in PWE as well. Almost from the moment you stepped into the company, you have been firmly in the crosshairs of the sadistic and evil Angel. She has even gone so far as to taunt you with vague, sinister threats towards your newborn niece and nephew and your recently deceased father-in-law, and she even went so far as to attack your brother Malachi in PWS and break his arm. With the recent issues your wife has been facing, do you feel there could be some connection between Angel and Mack McKane? Some kind of co-ordinating effort between the two to bring you both down?
LACHLAN KANE: At first, I didn’t think so. Considering who Angel has aligned herself with behind the scenes and the history that Mack McKane has with that particular faction, I found it unlikely that could be a possibility. But with what happened on Riot this past week…I’m not so sure anymore. But there is one thing I am absolutely sure of.
His gaze moves from Aleena to the camera, his bright blue eyes staring daggers down the lens. He almost seems to go into a trance-like state as he speaks, his voice low and edged with a dangerous growl.
LACHLAN KANE: I will end all of this one way or another. It doesn’t matter who is involved, who’s pulling the puppet strings, who’s behind the curtain. If I have to go through an entire army of deranged psychopaths to keep my family safe, I will do it gladly. PWE, PWS…it doesn’t matter when or where. Bring all the little misfit toys and freaks out to play. One by one…I’ll break them all.
He seems to come out of his trance, blinking a few times and shaking his head slightly. The camera pans over to a slightly shocked-looking Aleena, but she quickly recovers and looks to the camera with her bright smile back on her face.
ALEENA SANDS: Well, thank you very much for your time Lachlan, and we look forward to seeing you back in the ring in the near future. I’m Aleena Sands for PWE, and we head back to your regularly scheduled program.
The bell rings. Lewis is still on the top turnbuckle, his attention on the first row and the fans.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Ding means go!
GREYSON MARKS: Is he waving off the referee?
LINCOLN PHELPS: Are they debating…Die Hard?
Amber makes an honest attempt to get his attention, clearly ready to get the match underway. LC tries to wave her back as well, but she’s had enough. Taking hold of his wrist, she jerks and he goes flying.
GREYSON MARKS: Holy Toledo!
He rebounds hard in the center. Back to his feet, he turns just in time to catch the heel of his boot with his chin. LC stumbles backwards into the corner. The Queen of Strong Style, her engines starting to fire, follows up with a stunning hip check in the corner.
LINCOLN PHELPS: He’s looking wobbly early!
As he staggers away from the pain, Amber grabs the rope and stomps her boot. She tries for the superkick, but Pinkston, still in pain, doubles over, clutches his stomach, and she goes wide. Seeing his opportunity, he leaps after her, going for a bulldog that turns into more of a botched hip toss. The two roll on the ground, a tangle of limbs until finally the larger LC is able to get on top. He grabs her wrists and begins to attempt to hit her with her own hands.
GREYSON MARKS: Not Smart.
Not smart indeed, this only serves to further drive the intensity of Amber. Using her strength, she pushes back. LC tries to resist, but the veteran uses this to her advantage. Jerking a hand free, she elbows his nose once, followed by another. With him stunned, she bridges and rotates on her neck, taking the top position. Once more using her own hands, only now on his face she begins to try to break LC’s defenses with her fists, his forearms held up in a desperate attempt to protect himself.
LINCOLN PHELPS: You almost kinda feel bad here.
GREYSON MARKS: Yeah, for the fans.
Amber, ready to get this done with, pulls Pinkston to his feet. She continues the flurry. A jab and cross combination is followed with an impressive spinning back elbow. Pinkston drops to a knee as the Huntress takes off, bouncing off the rope, she connects hard with his jaw.
LINCOLN PHELPS: SHINING WIZARD!
GREYSON MARKS: You really don’t have to yell that.
LINCOLN PHELPS: SHINING WIZARD!
Continuing her momentum, Amber drags Lewis to his feet. She sends him into the corner and looks to be going for a second hip check, but he brings his knee up just in time, connecting hard with her spine. Lewis rushes forward, catching her with what he thought was another bulldog, but instead becomes something like a lariat where he ends up on the ground as well. Squirming around, he begins to wrap her up.
GREYSON MARKS: I think he’s going for the Anaconda Vice!
LINCOLN PHELPS: Is he?
GREYSON MARKS: I think?
Lewis begins to confuse himself on which hand to grab, somehow wrapping his own arm up. He sits back to consider the position, only realizing a second too late that the Queen of Strong Style is free. Two rights followed by a thrust kick and she is back on her feet. The two square off once more in the center and Amber wastes no time. A quick thrust kick and she shoots forward, catching his leg.
GREYSON MARKS: I think she’s going for that swinging neckbreaker.
In an attempt at a school boy, Lewis misses catching the leg, instead ramming both himself and her head into the mat, stunning them both physically and mentally. Lewis sits up and looks over, nodding his head. He pulls her up, mechanically positions her head under his arm, and…
LINCOLN PHELPS: PLACENTIA RAISED!
GREYSON MARKS: My god that was sloppy!
Pinkston covers.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!
DING DING DING!
WINNER BY PINFALL: LEWIS CHAD PINKSTONWalking through the backstage area, still very much feeling the effects of Annihilation, Nathaniel Cartwright is looking for someone. Upon his image appearing on the big screen, the fans in attendance offer up the lion’s share of respect for the Winter Wraith for being back at all. At his side is Sybil Halter in a much more casual outfit. His arm is heavily wrapped and taped from the aftermath of his deathmatch with Damian Ayla, and there’s more around his chest, shoulder and ribs, too. It is a minor miracle that he’s moving upright and at a proper pace by his own admission. But he has a battle this evening against La Andalucera and if social media and the PWE website are any indication, Nathaniel is even more motivated than ever… evidenced by him already being in his ring gear and having that dark look in his eyes.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Even I gotta give this guy props, Greyson. Most people who went for almost half an hour with Damian Ayla and took that level of damage? They’d be out for months. This guy is either thick, crazy or both, but I like it.
GREYSON MARKS: Some fans call that match a ‘true’ deathmatch, one of the most violent they’ve ever seen, and I’m not going to disagree. Personally, I think Nathaniel is coming back too soon, but word from the locker room is that there was no way he would have stayed out after what Andalucera tried to say.
LINCOLN PHELPS: That’s the part that I don’t get. Why try to jump on Nate like that? Near as I can tell, there’s nothin’ between him and Andalucera. Unless she’s trying to cozy up a bit more to the Aylas. In which case…
That thought is left to marinate in the minds of the fans. Nathaniel has found who he’s looking for. He strides up to Damian, with Tara at his side, and locks eyes on the champion. Not looking at his belt, not even for a moment, but at the man holding it. The champion rears his head over his shoulder, showing the first semblance of lasting damage. With the stitches in his head still present, Damian greets Nathaniel the same way that the former challenger did, a quiet stare. The click of his cane against the ground echoes throughout as he twists his body around, with a low grunt of pain accompanying it.
NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT: You’re a busy man. We both are. So I want to keep this short and to the point.
SYBIL HALTER: Did you get the picture of my cat?!
Sybil interacts quickly, with a big grin, before reading the tension. She waves her hand dismissively then takes a wide step to get out of their way. Tara’s gaze observes the jester with a curious head tilt. Damian does answer her with a nod, but quickly returns to Nathaniel.
DAMIAN AYLA: What is it?
In response, Nathaniel offers his hand. Somehow, just seeing Damian in that state reminded him of his own pain. Some sort of metaphysical empathy of sorts? Being so close to the source of one’s pain causing it to pass vicariously? Who could say? But the message was clear. Respect had been earned.
NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT: I don’t have room for baggage in my life. Not now, not ever. And friendship is too much to expect. There is no need for bad feelings, though. You know that one day, I am coming again for that championship and I would rather it be… cleaner. Proper. If such a thing can exist in this business.
Damian seems hesitant at first, his eyes trickling down to the hand. Reaching up, he takes Nathaniel’s hand, giving it a firm shake.
DAMIAN AYLA: Once was enough for me. Next time we do war, we’ll do it under normal circumstances. Nothing personal in the air. Just two people testing each other once again.
NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT: I accept that.
The two shake once, twice, then separate. Nathaniel pauses to nod politely at Tara as he takes a step back and, for a moment, a little dizziness comes over him, affecting his balance. Sybil easily steps in against his side and he rights himself quickly enough. A snarl emits from him, though, irritated at his weakness. Accepting it was one thing; feeling it was quite another.
Damian begins to make his trek away, the sound of his cane clicking behind him. Silence follows, meaning that the champion has come to a stop. The camera settles in front of Nathaniel, leaving the champion in the background.
DAMIAN AYLA: If La Andalucera gets you into her web, she’ll do more than to beat you tonight. From my point-of-view, simple statistics don’t seem to be her game. Do be mindful… Nathaniel Cartwright.
The clicking returns as the champion and the Godslayer returns to leaving the hallway. Nathaniel pauses when he speaks, considering this. He glances at Sybil for a moment, who shrugs, then replies calmly.
NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT: She… is a bratty child who talks big because she feels that she will not be called on it. I may be half-broken, but I am strong enough to make her regret threatening me or anyone else.
That said, he continues on his way…
NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT: This wisdom is appreciated, Damian.
…after a brief pause to properly respond.
SYBIL HALTER: I’d say ditto to his advice, though. Her eyes aren’t on us. Well, not completely. You know what I mean. We all got those master plans or whatever. She isn’t excused from that rule.
She taps her chin.
SYBIL HALTER: Mkay. Let’s get you ready to go kick some ass.
NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT: I might have to settle for damaging her enough to wake her up from her delusions. But so be it. Nothing to do for these wounds.
Does not mean he has to like it. But at least he is walking under his own power again… if slowly. Sybil keeps near him with one hand gently patting his back.
