Away from the chaos inside the building as the night commences the camera finds a blacked-out SUV pulling up in the parking lot outside of the building. More specifically, it is pulling up near the door the staff and talent have been using to enter the building throughout the course of the day. The SUV pulls to a stop and a nondescript driver emerges, walking around to the back passenger door he opens it, clearly waiting for the passengers inside to disembark and enter the arena. He waits... and then he waits some more, and then he keeps waiting as grunting sounds are heard coming from within the darkened interior of the SUV. Finally, the driver loudly clears his throat in hopes of gaining the attention of his mysterious passengers.
A masculine tattooed arm reaches out from within the darkness, extending a small yellow rubber duck in the driver's direction only seconds before a heavily tattooed female arm juts out from inside to retrieve the offered token. Vincent Black is the first to emerge from the vehicle, dressed casually as if he were going anywhere but one of the most anticipated shows of the year thus far. Behind him, wife Vhodka Black clad in a loose-fitting Iggy Pop shirt and jeans that have clearly been purchased from Wal-Mart gives the driver a wink as she passes by, turning her attention to the waiting camera crew who follows the two through the door of the venue. Vincent is silent as he leads the way, arm firmly around the waist of his wife who takes the attention of being the belle of the brawl with the same ease that she seemingly moves through the rest of her life. Vhodka throws her head back, laughing as she speaks to the crew who have used the opportunity to get a few soundbites about tonight's main event as Vincent angles her toward a locker room door marked with a simple paper sign reading “Black”.
Vincent pushes the door open with his free hand as Vhodka looks over her shoulder, continuing on the conversation with the crew, her attention is only drawn toward her husband as he moves into the room and suddenly stops short.
VHODKA BLACK: What’s wrong, Vee?
Vincent does not answer, he only continues to stare at the small love seat positioned on one wall of the room. Vhodka looks from her husband's face to the loveseat, the smile is wiped clear and replaced with several emotions flowing over her face in quick succession. There on the loveseat, as if it was the most normal thing in the world, sat a simple porcelain doll with a white painted face. The dolls original features have been obscured by a new face that has been painted over to be more pronounced but not entirely unpleasant. Vincent does not move from the spot he is now rooted and his face betrays nothing but Vhodka is fury only very nearly contained as she whirls, taking the lapels of the production assistant in her hand and slamming him up against the doorway.
VHODKA BLACK: Who did this?! Was it Ayla? Tell me, now.
The production assistant is jarred in her sudden shift in mood and cannot seem to make his mouth find the words, instead he nods a vigorous “no” as she releases him, shoving him and the rest of the crew out of the room before she slams the door.
GREYSON MARKS: Ladies and Gentlemen this is Magnificence!.
LINCOLN PHELPS: HOLA..WELCOME TO MEXICO PEOPLE
GREYSON MARKS: What a night of action we have planned. The winner of the Excellence invitational Vhodka Black is getting her championship match against our dominant champion Damian Ayla, personal issues are settled as Betsy Granger faces Kayla Richards and Angel and Lachlan Kane get into the ring…
LINCOLN PHELPS: Not to mention we have Dickie Watson and Finn Whilan settling their sibling rivalry, we have Tara Ayla getting her shot at Zoey Madigan Star and the Impulse title with Xaria Linette in attendance…
TASMIN RICHARDS: And also the OLLA RUMBLE…a kitty cat fight!
GREYSON MARKS: And how could swe forget joining us tonight is Tasmin Richards…Tasmin is-
LINCOLN PHELPS: Tasmin is the baby sister of our QUEEN KAYLA RICHARDS and also a great wrestler in her own right, currently on the shield due to an unfortunate case of pregnancy…
TASMIN RICHARDS: Unfortunate?...EXCUSE YOU-
LINCOLN PHELPS: I meant from a fan perspective..,
GREYSON MARKS: Smooth Lincoln..smooth….
On a night that was already to be chock full of nerves and high tension the events of earlier in the day had set an already amped up Vhodka Black to teetering on the edge. Her movements barely contained her fury, and her stride was determined as she stomped through the area with an agitated set to her face. She had to know. She couldn’t do this until she did.
There was no hesitation in her as she raised her hand to pound on the door in front of her, they could do this right now if he wanted to. It made no difference to her. What made a difference was how that thing had gotten into their locker room and if he had anything to do with it. If it had been him she would make sure that he paid for it. But if it had not been him… if it had been her. Well, best not to dwell on it.
The door swings open to reveal that this was not just any room but the locker room of Excellence Champion Damian Ayla, the very man who would meet Vhodka in the ring in just a few short hours. His face is pure irritation at the sight of her as he no doubt wonders what he’s done to deserve having to deal with her presence twice in one night.
VHODKA BLACK: Was it you? Don’t bullshit me. I want to know the fucking truth.
Damian’s face drifts from the annoyance to an idle confusion. He looks around the room, welcoming the idea that Vhodka must have been talking to someone else. Soon enough, he found that his challenger was, indeed, speaking to him. With a sharp exhale, he decided to entertain her and shrugged.
Damian Ayla: If you’re going to come and interrupt my preparations, do be mindful to explain yourself.
Damian sat down on the nearest bench, opting to finish tying his ring boots while he had the conversation.
Damian Ayla: Because I have no idea what you’re talking about, Francesca.
Usually Vhodka would have some sort of biting retort prepared just for this scenario but tonight was not that kind of night. There was no humor; no shenanigans. Only a marked difference between the two, his coolness and her heat.
She did not enter the room behind him but rather stayed in the doorway looking in as he sat down to tie his boots.
VHODKA BLACK: Something was left in our locker room. A doll. Did you have someone put it there? Something you found out about when you looked me up and decided to use for your advantage?
Damian peered up from his prior action, gracing Vhodka with another troubled expression.
DAMIAN AYLA: A doll? As much as it may pain you to hear it, I didn’t plant a doll in there. What we have to say to one another is all that’s needed. Anything extra is just grandstanding.
With a final stretch, the champion finished lacing up his boots. He stood up, stretching his shoulder out with a small grimace.
DAMIAN AYLA: Therefore, you should seek elsewhere for an answer. I nor Tara would have done anything like that. Perhaps it’s fragments of your past coming back to drag you under?
Vhodka stared at the man before him, rolling his words around in her mind as she tested them for truth or lie. She wanted it to be him. It was easier. Less complicated. If it were Ayla, either one of them, then she could deal with it. But if it were her she truthfully wasn’t sure if she had the strength to do what needed done. How do you defend yourself against someone you can’t bring yourself to harm?
VHODKA BLACK: If I find out you were behind this, whether it’s tonight or not, we will finish this conversation in a way that will not be pleasant for you. I promise you that, Cameron.
The only response that Damian mustered was a low scoff.
DAMIAN AYLA: What a shame if that couldn’t happen anyways? Regardless, is there anything else you need from me?
Vhodka smirked, raising her chin just a fraction of an inch.
VHODKA BLACK: Nothing I won’t get later. Be seeing you.
And with that she turned without so much as a backward glance. She looked calmer now, more self assured. But inside, she was panicking. Not because of the man behind her but because of the woman who she thought she had left behind.
NINA LAWRENCE: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL….introducing first..
The beginning riff is first played by a single song, barely audible over the loud audience who have to quiet down to hear. As soon as they do, the same riff plays again, but this time with several more instruments, harder, and at a higher volume. By this time, PWE know what's happening.
"Clinging to love, escape mother and father
She offers some other way out of the whole
She's overachieving, chasing her dreams
And comedy slowly, it's out of control"
The chorus to "Moaning Lisa Smile" continues as Acid Beth herself comes from behind the black curtain. She's got both her hands up, devil horns, sticking her tongue out as she goes to the right side of the ramp, followed by the left. Beth runs down the ramp, slapping the hand of anyone and everyone that she can before sliding under the bottom rope and into the ring. Quickly, she leans against the inside ropes, giving the devil horns and sticking her tongue out once again, before returning to the center of the ring.
NINA LAWRENCE: Standing 5’4 and weighing in at 120 pounds…from San juan Puerto Rico…ACID BETH…
No me vale con mis buenas intenciones
No me vale con mis buenas acciones
A ella no le vale con que le escriba canciones
Ingobernable, el amor de mis amores
Que no me vale
Ni una escalera
Para poder alcanzarte
Ni una pistola
Para poder gobernarte
Ni una escalera
Para poder alcanzarte
Ni una pistola
Para poder gobernarte
The crowd boos loudly as La Andalucera appears from the back, she sneers and makes her way down to the ring where Acid Beth is pacing back and forth. La Andalucera runs up the steel steps and across the apron before stepping into the ring and getting right into Acid Beths face.
NINA LAWRENCE: And her opponent, standoing 5’9 and weighing in at 133 pounds from Jaén, Andalucía, Spain…LA ANDA-LUCERA…
TASMIN RICHARDS: This match should be really exciting, both of these women can go. La Andalucera though has this….aggression boiling under the surface…
GREYSON MARKS: That’s true but Acid Beth has this star quality, the look, the moves the marketability…
LINCOLN PHELPS: pfft marketability…who cares…lets just see who comes out on top yeah?
DING DING DING
Andalucera bounces up and down on the balls of her feet, Acid Beth shakes her head and rolls her wrists in her hand, the two women staring across the ring at one another. They step closer and go to initiate a lock up, however as Acid Beth steps forward Andalucera ducks down and pops off her knee standing behind Beth before running her forward into the ropes, Beth grabs the top rope and pushes Andalucera backwards away from her. Andalucera rolls and then pushes up off her hands into a handstand back to her feet, Beth gets annoyed at Andaluceras athletic ability running forward and right into one of the most perfect dropkicks you will every see, Andalucera almost flipping all the way back to her feet. Beth hits the mat and then rolls from the ring for a moment to collect herself. Andalucera pops back to her feet and tells Beth to get back in the ring.
GREYSON MARKS: See this is what Acid Beth has to avoid, she had to avoid La Andaluceras mind games. We have seen her play these kinds of games with Chelsea Skye and Tara Ayla in different ways
LINCOLN PHELPS: La Andalucera is a cerebral assassin Greyson, she wins matches before they even start and even if she loses she wins
TASMIN RICHARDS: That is an oxymoron…
LINCOLN PHELPS: …THE FUCK YOU CALL ME?
Tasmin shakes her head popping another jelly bean in her mouth as Acid Beth climbs up onto the apron. La Andalucera steps forward and sits on the middle rope to push it down and pushes up the top rope to invite Beth into the ring, staring right at Acid Beth with the shittiest of shit eating grins. Beth sneers and shakes her head before looking down and then BLASTING La Andalucera with a hard kick to her back. La Andalucera steps back into the ring and arches her back as Beth finally gets in, sick of Andaluceras attitude. She measures her up and starts to pepper La Andalucera with kicks, low ones to the knee and then one to the chest causing the taller woman to stumble back into the corner. Beth runs in and jumps hitting double knees to La Andalucera, it causes the Spanish star to drop to the corner, Beth lands and in one fluid motion rolls away from the corner and turns before running in and hitting a cannon ball senton against La Andalucera. She then pulls La Andalucera from the corner and goes for a pin.
ONE
TWO
La Andalucera kicks out.
GREYSON MARKS: Beth had enough and snapped getting some offense on La Andalucera. But I think it was too early to resume she did enough damage to end the match.
LINCOLN PHELPS: La Andalucera is not just a master at mind games, she’s also highly skilled, athletic and durable. It will take more than that for someone who is too lazy to complete her facepaint to beat her…
TASMIN RICHARDS: You know with how much you’re loving on La Anda…La Andalucin…..her…my sister will get jealous.
Lincoln nervously laughs tinto the headset but then it slowly fades and we hear him whisper.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Are..are you serious?
Beth stays on the attack hitting La Andalucera hard with clubbing fists to her back before pulling her into a powerbomb position for a tiger driver. She hooks La Andaluceras arms and as she lifts her La Andalucera wraps her legs around Beths head and hits a snapp hurricanrana, Beth flies across the ring and La Andalucera rolls forward and pops to her feet, she reaches forward and locks her hand around Beths hand before hitting a open hand slap to Beths chest, La Andalucers then runs to the corner with an escalera before flipping and landing behind Beth holding her head going for a reverse DDT, but Beth reaches up and grabs La Andalucera by the head pulling her forward and hitting a knee to her face. La Andalucera releases Beth who stumbles forward, Beth then turns and runs going for a running knee lift, La Andalucera moves to the side and shoves Beth into the ropes, La Andalucera hits a enzuguri, Beth falls to the mat and then from the ring again. La Andalucera gets a run up hitting the opposite roles, then as Beth gets to her feet La Andalucera throws herself through the ropes and a suicide dive connecting with Beth.
TASMIN RICHARDS: TOPE SUICIDA!
LINCOLN PHELPS: …Why you speakin german?
TASMIN RICHARDS: How do you deal with this?
GREYSON MARKS: It’s easier if you drink before the show…
La Andalucera pulls Beth up, she runs back and slams Beth into the barricade. Beth holds her back and ribs and doubles over. La Andalucera grabs Beth by the head and goes to run her into the apron, Beth jumps up hooks her arm around the bottom rope and spins hitting La Andalucera with a kick. She then pops up on the apron and runs before leaping off with a meteora outside the ring!. Beth lands and rolls forward before trying to take advantage of the move running forward to grab La Andalucera throwing her into the ring, she follows and grabs La Andalucera, hooking her arm behind her to signal for the hammerlock DDT, but as she goes to throw them both back La Andalucera grabs the top rope putting the breaks on!. La Andalucewra reaches down picking Acid Beth into her shoulders, she spins her around and drops down into a Death Valley Driver that she calls the Corona!
GREYSON MARKS: That could be it!
LINCOLN PHELPS: COVER HER
TASMIN RICHARDS: Acid Beth just got dumped on the back of her head.
La Andalucera steps back and calls for Beth to get up, as she does La Andalucera steps up, grabbing Beth by the shoulders and goes for her reverse hurricanrana, but Beth holds La ANdalucers by the legs, she pulls La Andalucera back up trying to throw her over with a reverse Alabama slam, but La Andalucera jumps down, lands in front of Beth and Beth throws a kick trying to get La Andalucera in the back of the head, but La Andalucera shows amazing awareness, ducking as she then shoves Beth toward the corner. Beth jumps onto the middle rope, La Andalucera runs, jumps onto the middle rope next to Beth and bounces up wrapping her legs around Beth and pulling her back with a reverse Hurricanra off the middle rope. The REINA GITANA!. La Andalucera covers.
ONE
TWO
THREE!
GREYSON MARKS: La Andalucera did it
LINCOLN PHELPS: There was never a doubt.
TASMIN RICHARDS: I had doubt, Acid Beth is great but La Andalucera is better than anyone realizes
The cameras cut up towards the rafters where Sapphire Delgado is sitting at the top of the staircase. Her eyes are staring off into the distance as the bottom half of her face is covered. Her best friend Brittany is sitting one step higher as her hand is touching Sapphire's shoulder.
BRITTANY OLSEN: Tonight, the world will soon know what we already know. Magnificent will be Sapphire's night and there isn't anything you assholes can do to stop it.
Sapphire pulls down her mask as she shakes her head.
SAPPHIRE DELGADO: I am not worried about 29 other perras. Those perras should be worried about what I can do to them. The Florida Bitch will be taking scalps. I promise you that will happen.
Sapphire hangs her head while her phone vibrates inside the breast pocket of her best. Sapphire pulls it out and looks at the Caller ID.
SAPPHIRE DELGADO: Time to go.
Sapphire says as she and Brittany stand up to their feet. The cameras slowly pan away as they march down the stairs.
NINA LAWRENCE: The following match is scheduled for one fall….
Choir sings
Lights flicker as the song "Angels Holocaust" by Iced Earth starts to play and Whisper appears walking out of the curtain. She stands motionless on the stage looking over the booing crowd.
NINA LAWRENCE : Coming to the ring by way of Grand Junction, Colorado , weighing in at one hundred thirty eight pounds and standing five feet, eleven inches tall! She is "The Arch Angel of Wrestling", WWHHIISSPPEERR!!!
She taunts the crowd before slowly and methodically making her way down the ramp and towards the ring, ignoring the boos from the crowd. She slides into the ring looking at all sides before standing up. Inside the ring, she walks to her corner and awaits the sound of the bell
The lights go out, all but one. One single light flashes on Travis as he walks down the ramp while "Scars that I'm Hiding" by Ashes to New plays and flipping off every person he sees. he enters the ring and lays against the turnbuckle awaiting his opponent.
NINA LAWRENCE: And her opponent, standing 5’7 and weighing in at 175 pounds, from Detroit Michigan….CLOWN PRINCE OF PRO WRESTLING….TRAVIIIIS BLAKE….
TASMIN RICHARDS: Travis Blake is alot…smaller than I thought he’d be…I mean…I’m like…as tall as him…
LINCOLN PHELPS: I’m sure his ex’s all thought the same thing…
GREYSON MARKS: Oh lord we’re going there are we?
TASMIN RICHARDS: Why would they all think that…you can see how tall he is…
LINCOLN PHELPS: Not his height his di-
GREYSON MARKS: AND THIS MATCH WILL BEGIN…
DING DING DING!
Whisper moves around the ring as Travis smirks and rolls his wrists. The crowd seems to be conflicted as to who they should be cheering for but the majority seems to be cheering for Whisper. The veteran approaching year 20 as an in ring competitor. They step forward and for the first time we see the height discrepancy between them, Whisper being four inches taller than Travis. They both start to talk at each other before Travis smirks and shoves Whisper back, the two then explode at each other, Travis firing off right hands over and over shoving Whisper back into the corner. He pushes her back and uncorks a knife edge chop, and then another and another. Whisper holding her chest as Travis laughs, he backs up to the corner and runs in with a stringer splash. Whisper drops to one knee in the corner, Travis impressed with his early start dusts off his hands and moves around the ring He then turns and fires another knife edge chop.
LINCOLN PHELPS: TITTY SLAP
TASMIN RICHARDS: I mean..they are…big..targets…I don’t have that problem…
LINCOLN PHELPS: I heard pregnancy changes that…
GREYSON MARKS: Lets not talk about the breast size of our guest wrestlers or commentators Lincoln…
Travis moves out of the corner and measures Whisper up again, he runs in and goes for another splash but this time Whisper moves, Travis crashes against the top turnbuckle and stumbles out, Whisper hits the ropes and jumps hitting a dropkick, Travis goes down, booth get up and as Travis turns Whisper hits a bitch slap right across Travis face, Travis holds his jaw and Whisper steps up hitting an enzuguri, her leg hitting the side of Travis head, he stumbles again and falls to one knee, Whisper steps forward and boots Travis in the side of the head causing him to roll under the bottom rope to the floor. Whisper gets onto the apron and as Travis gets up she jumps off with a meteora to Travis onto the concrete below.
Whisper moves around and pulls Travis up by his hair before running him face first into the steel ring post, then into the barricade and finally the steel steps before rolling him into the ring, Whisper then climbs up to the top rope and waits for Travis to get up, she leaps off with a flying crossbody landing on Travis with a thud, she hooks his leg.
ONE
TWO
Travis kicks out rolling Whisper off of him, the two get up and Travis in great desperation ducks down and picks up a charging Whisper before planting her with a spinebuster. Both are down and Travis is trying to recover as Whisper holds her back.
GREYSON MARKS: Travis had to do something there to stop Whispers attack, this issue has been boiling over and they hope to settle it now…
LINCOLN PHELPS: Travis Blake has been under the radar as far as his career, he has been a champion multiple times over yet doesn’t get the same respect as his contempraries eh…
TASMIN RICHARDS: I blame his attitude, have you seen the dumb shit he posts on twitter? I mean come on man grow up.,..but Whisper is a legend in this business and she is training legends out of Hellsgate…
LINCOLN PHELPS: Not going to lie I love the name of that school…
They both get to their feet, Travis steps forward and kicks Whisper in the stomach, he grabs her going for the blackout, Whisper spins out of it under Travis’ arm and then goes for a lariat, Travis ducks and turns going for a big boot, Whisper shoves his leg to the side and hooks Travis up for a belly to back suplex, Travis jumps and floats over landing on his feet before going for a german suplex, Whisper blocks it and hits a back elbow elbow to Blake’s face, Blake holds his jaw and Whisper hits the ropes jumping up and hitting a spinning heel kick taking Travis down. Whisper looks over to the corner and moves over grabbing the top rope and climbing before measuring Travis up, she then leaps off hitting a beautiful flying elbow that she calls the Angels touch!. She connects and Whisper pins.
ONE
TWO
Travis kicks out.Whisper looks frustrated and shakes her head. She pulls herself up and calls for the Angels revenge, she pulls Travis into the powerbomb position and lifts, but Travis slides down landing in front of Whisper before kicking Whisper in the stomach and hitting the Blackout!. Whisper gets spiked hard and Travis rolls Whisper over and hooks the outside leg putting all his weight on her shoulders.
ONE
TWO
Whisper kicks out. Travis sits up and swears at the referee.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Oh Whisper kicked out! Travis has to be angry and frustrated.
TASMIN RICHARDS: That spike double arm DDT is a devastating move, with a regular DDT you can kind of get your hands down to cushion the blow, but witbh that there is no protection…
GREYSON MARKS: Excellent dissection..this is the positive of having a wrestler next to us…and much nicer than Finn…who we will see tonight…
LINCOLN PHELPS: Hey that is Tasmins brother in law…
TASMIN RICHARDS: ….BLERGH….Sorry…sorry I just threw up in my mouth….
GREYSON MARKS: Yeah….I get that working with Lincoln too…
Travis stands up and looks at Whisper, he measures her up as she starts to look for the weapon X, as he runs forward Whisper ducks and Travis sails over the top, he lands and turns but Whisper hammers in a few forearm shots, over and over again hitting Travis in the face. Travis swings wildly, Whisper ducks and hits an inverted atomic drop, Travis holds his nethers, Whisper blows him a kiss and hits him again with a forearm. Travis stumbles to the corner and Whisper follows, she grabs the top rope and starts kicking Travis in the stomach stomping him down till he’s in a sitting position. Whisper then turns and runs in an arcing circle around the ring before jumping in the air hitting a dropkick to Travis’ chest and head. She then pulls Travis from the corner turning him so he is diagonal in front of the corner. Whisper climbs facing out ward, she calls for the moonsault and flips backwards with the Angel in flight. She connects and pins.
ONE
TWO
Travis kicks out. Whisper slams her fist on the mat, frustrated that Travis won’t quit.
GREYSON MARKS: Travis Blake refuses to stay down. He has thrown everything at Whisper and Travis has done the same. These two do not want to lose.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Mate, no one wants to lose, you’re being asinine
GREYSON MARKS: Word of the day calender?
TASMIN RICHARDS: Guys seriously…chill..do your jobs and enjoy this excellent match between two competitors who clearly have bad blood.
Whisper shakes her head, obviously done with Travis not staying down. Travis on the other hand holds his ribs and pulls himself up on the ropes. Whisper hits another slap to the face and starts hitting hard forearms again against the ropes, Travis tries to cover up, Whisper whips Travis across the ring and ducks down for a back body drop, Travis kicks Whisper in the chest to stand her up and then hits a big boot, Whisper goes down. Travis shakes his head and doesn’t give Whisper a moment, he pulls her up and picks Whisper up to hit a brainbuster dropping her on the back of her head. Travis pops up and looks down at her, obviously angry that he hasn’t been able to put her away and frustrated Whisper has been putting up a fight.
TASMIN RICHARDS: Just try and win Travis damn. Stop talking start fighting.
GREYSON MARKS: Travis Blake has lost it, the fact Whisper has been so competitive has been playing on Travis mind.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Travis Blake in his own mind is a damn god…so….there’s that.
GREYSON MARKS: But he isn’t, he’s a man, that’s all. He needs to just try and win, not assert his dominance.
TASMIN RICHARDS: Especially with a woman like Whisper, a legend.
Travis pulls Whisper to her knees and then slaps her, he slaps her a second time and a third time as the crowd boos him louder and louder with each strike. Travis turns and flips off the fans, Whisper then stands up and starts fighting back, hard rights and lefts as the crowd gets behind her forcing Travis back, but as she starts to get the upper hand Travis throws his hand forward hitting a thumb to the eye, Whisper holds her face and puts her hands up unable to see. Travis smiles and blasts Whisper with a superkick sending her down. He then looks around and backs up into the corner calling for the weapon X again, he runs at her but Whisper rolls toward Travis and trips him up, Travis falls face first and Whisper slides forward before wrapping her legs around Travis head pulling him into the Devastation! Travis struggles and tries to get out of it.
TASMIN RICHARDS: THE GOGOPLATA!
LINCOLN PHELPS: The triangle choke is locked
GREYSON MARKS: Actually it’s not a triangle ch-
LINCOLN PHELPS: SHUT UP
Travis struggles and reaches to the ropes sliding Whisper with him, Travis reaches out again and still can’t get there, he then turns his hands toward Whisper and flips her off!. Whisper snarls and yanks down harder on the head of Travis pulling his windpipe against her shin. Travis has no choice unable to reach the ropes HE TAPS.
TASMIN RICHARDS: IT’S OVER!
GREYSON MARKS: What a match..these two deserve respect for what they just went through…well Whisper more so than Travis.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Thats some bullshit right there…Travis deserves just as much…but I agree what a war…
….
As soon as the bell rings Lach was off to the races rushing right at Angel, delivering a massive shotgun dropkick. Sending Angel into the corner, her head bouncing wildly. Lach wastes no time picking her up by the scruff of her neck and whips her into the ropes. She bounces back and is met by a spinning back elbow, knocking her to the mat with a loud thud. Angel struggles to get to her feet, but was able to narrowly avoid a massive boot to the face. Angel gets to her feet and begins to throw haymakers as Lach. It looks like one of those old cartoons where the arm is just going and going. Lach covers up and is able to fire off a knee to the gut to get some space.
GREYSON MARKS: Angel working to get back into this matchup that has been all Lachlan.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Dude has a million abs, and is painted… I’d want some space too.
Angel retreats if only for a moment before going back on the attack. Lach goes for a drop toe hold as Angel’s face slams on the mat. Lach climbs onto her back and gets her into a camel clutch, yet rather than lock in the hold he swings a forearm down across her face, followed by another, and then another. Satisfied Lach drops her to the mat. Angel tries to drag herself to the ropes but Lach grabs a leg and pulls her back. Angel rolls over and with the heel of her boot thrusts it right into…
LINCOLN PHELPS: Narrowly missed the money maker there!
GREYSON MARKS: Well one of the two.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Dude has like a million abs, he can afford to sacrifice one of them.
The stomach. Lach let’s go of her leg and hunches over. Angel boots him in the side of the face, knocking him backwards. Angel gets to her feet using the ropes, but doesn't notice Lach coming at her full force. Knocking both of them out of the ring over the top rope.
GREYSON MARKS: Signs of things to come I’m sure.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Not if you’re mah boi LCP. Homie doesn’t even know the rules.
GREYSON MARKS: Focus please.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Right. Lach doesn’t look like he’s messing around.
GREYSON MARKS: Better.
Lach is the first to their feet and begins digging under the ring for something, as Angel gets to her feet. She rushes at Lach and shoves him under the ring, then quickly finds a steel chair. As Lach comes crawling out of the ring Angel lifts the chair high but is met with a blast to the face from a fire extinguisher. Angel drops the chair to shield her face, but was able to catch a glimpse of Lach running towards her. Lach goes for the spear but Angel was able to counter it into a DDT onto the chair. Both of them take some damage but Angel is up to her feet first.
She scours under the ring and drags out a ladder and slides it into the ring, as she gives the ladder a final shove she is blindsided by Lach with a massive forearm to the side of the face. He stomps away on Angel outside as she tries to drag herself to the announcer’s desk. Angel uses the table to pull herself up right. Lach immediately grabs her by the back of the head and slams her head off the top of the table. Unrelenting and vicious, as he bounces her head off of the table like a basketball. Angel falls over onto the ground. Lach looks at her for a moment before ripping the top of the table off and shoving everything off.
LINCOLN PHELPS: NOT COOL BRO!
Lach heard the announcer and feigned going after him as Lincoln jumped behind Greyson. Lach turns his attention back to Angel.
GREYSON MARKS: The distraction of YOU may have given….
LINCOLN PHELPS: Me?!? That painted psycho….
Angel has gotten to her feet and rakes the eyes of Lach. As he steps backwards Angel grabs Lach and tries to suplex him onto the table. She lifts him up and slams him down onto the table. It doesn’t brake as Lach slides off onto the ground.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Good sturdy IKEA furniture.
GREYSON MARKS: Is that where we got these?
LINCOLN PHELPS: *Shrugs* I dunno, I assume things.
Angel makes her way around to Lach, and as she lifts him up. Lach connects with a jab to her jaw. Angel shakes it off and shoves Lach up against the barricade, and unleashes a flurry of chops across his chest. You’re able to see the welts as the paint on his chest is beginning to wear away. Angel lifts Lach up and drapes him over the barricade with his head facing the ring. Angel takes a couple of steps backwards and boots him square in the face.
LINCOLN PHELPS: That sounded like my evening last night…
GREYSON MARKS: I’m afraid to ask.
LINCOLN PHELPS: It’s better that way.
Angel drags Lach from the ground and pulls him to the ring, but Lach grabs the desk before she can continue. Lach boots her in the face as she bends down. Then another one for good measure. Angel stumbles back as Lach pulls himself up to his feet. He grabs Angel from the back and shoves her into the ring steps.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Well we won’t need those for the Olla-Rumble
GREYSON MARKS: They are still going to be there.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Yeah but like why tho?
Lach takes a brief moment to compose himself and finds his next action. He grabs the camera from the nearest camera man and takes it away from them. With his full force Lach launches the camera and Angel, smacking her right in the face. Blood begins to pour from her face as she lays on the ground. Lach grabs the cord from the camera and drags it to Angel. Pausing for only a moment to smear his hand in the blood and wipe it across his chest, filling in the wiped off paint portions.
LINCOLN PHELPS: That is highly….
GREYSON MARKS: Highly something.
Lach continues on his path and wraps the cord around her neck and lifts her to a sitting position. He jams a knee into her back and pulls. Angel’s face goes from normal to matching the blood on her face quickly. Then her body goes limp. But Lach isn’t done yet.
GREYSON MARKS: Someone stop the match… she’s out!
Lach begins dragging her limp body around the ring as if to show off what he’s accomplished. What Lach didn’t notice was Angel weaving her hands up under the cord and giving herself room to breathe. So when he finally turned his attention back to her, she was already on her feet, cord no longer around her neck, and firmly in her hand. She yanks the cord, causing Lach to stumble to the ground. With a stiff kick to his ribs Lach is laying on the floor face up. That’s when she attacks. Whipping Lach across the chest, over and over again, with the cord. His skin begins to welt and rise immediately upon the cracking of the cord. He rolls over and tries to crawl away, but keeps getting whipped across the back and he drags himself away.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Usually when I’m whipped I have a safe word.
GREYSON MARKS: Please don’t.
LINCOLN PHELPS: It’s Applesauce.
GREYSON MARKS: I said please.
Angel drops the cord and digs under the ring, while Lach continues to lay on the ground writhing in pain. She pulls out two pairs of handcuffs, and a kendo stick. She tosses the kendo into the ring and finds Lach. She places the handcuffs over her fingers and tees off on the prone Lach. During which his head is busted open even more. Angel picks up and rolls Lach into the ring and follows behind.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Well it looks like they have finally made their way into the ring.
GREYSON MARKS: Astute observation.
Lach crawls to the middle of the ring, while Angel takes the ladder that was put into the ring earlier and sets it up in the corner. She makes her way to Lach and lifts him up, bringing him to the opposite corner. She whips him towards the ladder.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Look out!
GREYSON MARKS: Reversed!
Lach ends up whipping Angel into the corner. She crashes hard but stays on her feet and is once again drop kicked into the corner, this time cushioned by the ladder. Angel finally drops the handcuffs to the mat. Lach finding his second wind, grabs them and begins to handcuff Angel to the ladder. Chest forward. Lach finds the kendo stick and lines up Angel. Using the end of the stick he lifts her head up to meet his eye line and just smiles.
GREYSON MARKS: That doesn’t look like a fun play time smile.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Oh he’s having fun. *Shields his face* I can’t watch this.
Lach swings and connects with the crown of Angel’s face, as the sound of the kendo stick echoes through the arena. Then another one. Until the stick shatters as Lach screams wildly at the fans in attendance. Angel looks completely out of it, as the ref begins to check her. Not wanting to waste any time Lach shoves the ref aside and begins to lay into Angel with heavy rights. The ref tries to pull him away but really can’t stop him. Lach takes the ladder and tips it over onto the mat. Angel lays face first on the mat with the ladder on top of her. As Lach climbs to the top rope.
GREYSON MARKS: Come on Lachlan! This is too much!
LINCOLN PHELPS: Or not enough! Fly Irishmen. Fly!
Lach leaps off and right onto the ladder, stomping down with both feet.
GREYSON MARKS: LACH-DOWN!
Lach lands hard and rolls off to the side. Using what little strength he has, Lach flips the ladder over and Angel as well. He drapes an arm over the top of her and half heartedly hooks a leg.
1!
2!
3!
WINNER BY PINFALL: LACHLAN KANE
Backstage Kayla Richards is in her gear, stretching and getting ready for her war with Betsy Granger, her hand pushing against her black leather glove with a smile on her face. Focused on what she is about to do she doesn’t hear Finn Whelan move up behind her.
FINN WHELAN: You sure you’re ready for this?
Kayla smiles biting her bottom lip at the mere sound of Finn’s voice, she turns and pushes one leg out sideways, her hands finding her hips as she raises an eyebrow.
KAYLA RICHARDS: Are you kidding? Betsy has a beating coming to her, and as I said, these sheep
CROWD: BOOOO
Kayla rolls her eyes and puts more volume in her voice to speak over the crowd.
KAYLA RICHARDS: These sheep might think I’m at a disadvantage being in a cage with Betsy…truth is…she’s at a disadvantage being in there with me..nowhere to run or hide….
FINN WHELAN: Well, can’t argue with your confidence…I have to get ready for mt match against Dickie….but…ya know…good luck Kay…
He gives her a small smile, for a moment Kaylas face softens, she moves some of her hair behind her ear not meeting Finns gaze, she smiles back and forgets herself, realising she is standing in front of a camera her attitude snaps back into place with an arrogant laugh.
KAYLA RICHARDS: Luck? Please…only losers need luck…I’m Kayla fucking Richards…
She turns and makes her way towards the gorilla position, Finn nods, laughs and shakes his head.
Magnificence.
There are those who epitomize the word and those who stand against everything which defines it. And somewhere on the line between the two sides stands Nathaniel Cartwright.
Uncharacteristically alone this evening, still having plenty of time before participating in the OllaRumble Invitational, the Winter Wraith is in the catering area, partaking of some hot coffee with a faint pinch or two of sugar. One cannot fathom how that helps at all, though; the java is still dark enough and hot enough to melt a goddamn bullet. Yet he sips from it without so much as a twitch to his stoic expression. As he turns from the container, however, one step to the right causes a minor collision, causing Nate to put his hand over the top of the cup, preventing it from spilling.
Yes, it is hot. No, that is not an excuse for wasting good coffee.
“Oh, my apologies.”That British accent rings a bell. Since the last month of January, his voice has become familiar within Pro Wrestling Excellence. The camera pans out slowly to reveal Nathaniel Dixon. With the time towards the Olla-Rumble Invitational drawing closer, Dixon is suited up in his ring attire, already prepared for the inevitable chaos. He’s quite the contrast to Cartwright as a gentleman’s bow follows his apology. Dixon straightens himself out and he offers Cartwright a sincere smile.
NATHANIEL DIXON: Pardon me, Mr. Cartwright. I was lost in thought.
NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT: No problem…
Dixon regards the catering table and his smile widens at the sight of the large glass jar of Agua de Jamaica. He grabs an empty red cup, picks up the ladle with the drink and some ice, and carefully pours it into the cup. Setting the ladle back into the jar, he enjoys a sip and releases a content sigh.
NATHANIEL DIXON: Ah, hibiscus tea. Healthy and delicious. Despite my ethical background, I actually prefer this tea cold.
NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT: Defying societal norms? Careful there… someone might get uppity.
Cartwright takes a sip of his coffee, savoring the faint sweetness against the darker blend that comes close to tasting like a campfire. But he wouldn’t have it any other way. Still… seems peculiar to see both Nathaniels taking in a drink, awaiting the rumble to come. Dixon chuckles softly and enjoys another sip of the cold drink.
NATHANIEL DIXON: Oh, I dare anyone to put up their dukes. I enjoy their suffering and utter humiliation.
He moves away from the catering table and leans back against the wall on the opposite side. Dixon looks into his cup at his reflection. The natural red of the hibiscus tea gives his reflection definition.
NATHANIEL DIXON: The ability to legally hurt someone… You can’t do that in the field of business and economics. This is one of the reasons why I favor being a professional wrestler over running Dixon Corporate Enterprises.
NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT: So you’re a sadist. Wouldn’t have guessed.
Between sips of coffee, Cartwright idly examines his mostly bare arms. Not as an attention-getting gesture but perhaps deciding which ones are to be touched up next.
NATHANIEL DIXON: In a way. I won’t deny my violent tendencies. But perhaps the most important reason why I prefer this career is because…
It’s mine. Dixon’s lips curl up to form a half-smirk on his face. He takes another sip of his iced tea and simply enjoys it. Of course, he doesn’t go into detail.
NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT: Because it’s… yours. Mm. If I had my way, I’d never step into civilization again. Just the wilderness for hundreds of miles all around. Man living in harmony with nature, taking what he needs and sparing what he doesn’t. Can’t do it in this day and age. Kind of depressing.
NATHANIEL DIXON: Says who?
Curious, Dixon raises an eyebrow. He turns towards Cartwright and a small smile crosses his face.
NATHANIEL DIXON: Anything is possible. If you wish to live the rest of your life in an endless wilderness, you can. Is that what you truly desire, Mr. Cartwright?
NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT: No, it isn’t. Close second, though.
Cartwright leaves it at that, though. The match is soon to come. He can feel the weight lowering upon him. It must be the same for Dixon, but his smile only grows with the decrease of time.
NATHANIEL DIXON: I can feel their regret already.
He speaks of his opposition. Does it include Cartwright as well? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Dixon finishes the rest of his cold drink and makes his way across the hall to properly discard the empty red cup in the recycle bin. He turns around and politely bows his head.
NATHANIEL DIXON: Best of luck to you, Mr. Cartwright. I am glad your beloved is recovering.
With that said, the Lord of Charisma makes his way towards ringside. The Winter Wraith looks after him for a moment, then snorts quietly and takes another long drink of his coffee.
NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT: Arrogant little snot. I know your type, Dixon. The right pressure in the right spot and you’ll whimper like a broken beast. Just like anyone else.
Downing the rest of the beverage, Cartwright tosses the cup into the nearby can and heads off to prepare.
NINA LAWRENCE: The following match is a CAGE MATCH….
"I will kill your dreams."
The voice of Kayla Richards gives way to the opening guitar riff ofBad Omens “Like a villain”. The lights flash from being on and bright to dark and switching between a dark purple and red. Kayla Richards steps out onto the stage in her gear, a black leather jacket over it, her long hair flowing down as she makes her way to the ring, she runs and slides up and across the apron on one knee before getting into the ring and putting both her hands in the air, one crossed over the other to make a "K" with her fingers before they turn into a double bird and move down to a fingergun pose pointed at the crowd.
NINA LAWRENCE: Introducing first, standing 5’9 and weighing in at 128 pounds from Norwich England…she is the DREEEEAMKILLER…KAYLA RICHARDS…
LINCOLN PHELPS: So Tasmin how does it feel being the younger sister of wrestling royalty?
TASMIN RICHARDS: What?....she already did that gimmick with Matt Shields…
LINCOLN PHELPS: Gimmick?
GREYSON MARKS: Linc…just sit down
"Sin City's cold and empty..."
As the opening notes begin, the lights go out, save for a single spotlight on the top of the stage. Betsy comes out, but she’s only a silhouette at this point. Just as the drum strikes it’s second note, Betsy dabs and the lights come back. The song starts from the refrain as Betsy starts dancing down the ramp.
“Sin City’s cold and empty
No one’s around to judge me
I can’t see clearly when your gone-one-one”
Arms out, Betsy begins twirling around wildly, blonde ponytail whipping about with her, as she slaps hands with fans on both sides of the ramp. The chorus hits just as Betsy baseball slides into the ring.
“And I said ooooh, I’m blinded by the lights
I can’t sleep until I feel your touch
And I said ooooh, I’m drowning in the night
Oh, when I’m like this, you’re the one I trust”
As the chorus chimes on, Betsy bounces up and hops up onto every ring corner, pumping her fist and bobbing her head in time with the song, getting the fans hyped up for the upcoming bout. When she finishes playing up the fans, she starts bouncing in place, preparing mentally for the bout.
NINA LAWRENCE: And her opponent….standing 5’9 and weighing in at 135 pounds, from Toronto Ontario Canada, she is THE IMPOSSIBLE TRAVELLER BBBBETSY GRANGER
TASMIN RICHARDS: YAY BETSY
LINCOLN PHELPS: WHAT?...you turncoat…you’re supposed to remain impartial and…what the hell are you looking at Greyson?
GREYSON MARKS: Just…realising that Alanis Morrisette wrote “Ironic” about you….
Kayla moves around the ring, Betsy stands across the opposite side as the cage starts to lower. Kayla sneers and her nostrils flare as she looks at Betsy with hatred. Betsy not to be outdone slowly smiles as the cage finishes lowering and is locked into place.
DING DING DING!
GREYSON MARKS: This match is officially underway!
TASMIN RICHARDS: This is going to be a fight more than a match. Kayla and Betsy have been at each others throats since AUGUST…and believe me I have had to hear everything about it.
LINCOLN PHELPS: So ya sister has been filling ya in on how much of a bitch Betsy is?
GREYSON MARKS: Language
LINCOLN PHELPS: Oi…mate…piss off yeah?
Kayla and Betsy step towards each other, they stand in the middle of the ring face to face. They are exactly the same height and only a slight difference in body shape. Kayla shakes her head and says something inaudible, Betsy raises her eyebrows and says something back. The two women just start talking at each other. Not to each other. At each other. It gets more and more heated until Betsy shoves Kayla back, Kayla shakes her head and turns BLASTING Betsy with a right hand that seems to knock Betsy out. The crowd is stunned, the referee is stunned and Kayla just slowly smiles. The evil grin twisting and transforming as she looks down at her hand and slowly removed the black leather glove from her hand revealing a covered knuckle duster!. The crowd boos loudly as Kayla simply laughs and looks down at Betsy who is just starting to stir. Kayla leans down and says something before looking over at the door.
LINCOLN PHELPS: That was brilliant! This is why Kayla is the mutha fuckin queen.
GREYSON MARKS: Strictly speaking that wasn’t illegal but…wow…just wow…what a shitty move from Kayla Richards…
TASMIN RICHARDS: Yeah…this is horse sh-...poop…
There is muffled moving as Tasmin takes off her headset, she moves around the table and across to the cage, Kayla walks over and goes to open the door. But Tasmin stands in front of it pushing the door shut. Kayla shakes her head and starts yelling at her sister to move. Not wanting to push the door to hard as Tasmin is, of course, pregnant. Kayla sterly yells at Tasmin to move. Tasmin shakes her head. Kayla then demands that she move and Tasmin again shakes her head. Not realising Betsy has shaken off the shot and is slowly raising up behind her Kayla turns to climb the cage and instead is met with Betsy who is so angry she is shaking. Kaylas jaw drops and she puts her hands up backing up toward the door again. She then yells louder turning toward the door now.
KAYLA RICHARDS: TASMIN MOVE!..OPEN THE DOOR..GET ME THE FUCK OUT….
Betsy grabs Kayla by the arm spinning her around and slamming in a hard forearm. Kayla stumbles back and Betsy goes to work firing off vicious kicks to Kaylas stomach and chest each one sounding like a baseball bat hitting a heavy punching bag with their velocity and impact. Betsy grabs Kayla by the hair and runs her across the ring throwing her face first into the cage. Kayla bounces off and across the ring. Betsy sneers and stomps across the ring to grab her foe, pulling Kayla back up and running her face first into the opposite side. The crowd going insane for this as Betsy is single minded on her destruction of the woman who has been a thorn in her side since PWE started. We hear Tasmin sliding her headset back on with a small laugh as Betsy looks over to the announcers with a smirk
TASMIN RICHARDS: Sorry about that gentlemen.
LINCOLN PHELPS: TASMIN…WHAT DID YA DO?
TASMIN RICHARDS: The right thing….
GREYSON MARKS: Can’t argue with that.
TASMIN RICHARDS: Kayla has done nothing but interfere with Betsy and her career, she has screwed Betsy out of title opportunities and matches, she has been a pain in her ass..my sister deserves to have her ass kicked and Betsy deserves to do it…
GREYSON MARKS: Well said..
Betsy stalks Kayla who looks dazed from the flurry of offense from Betsy. Kayla gets to her feet and Betsy comes in going for a roundhouse kick, Kayla is able to duck it and as Betsy does a full spin Kayla tackles her into the corner, Kayla buries some side knees Kayla then hits a hard knife edge chop to Betsys chest that sounds like a firecracker going off. Betsy holds her chest and looks shocked at how much that hurt, Kayla then does the same thing to Betsy as she did to her hitting hard martial arts kicks to Betsys stomach and chest that sound vicious with each shot. Kayla backs up as Betsy falls to the mat sitting against the bottom turnbuckle. Kayla runs around the ring and leaps up with a dropkick to Betsy against the corner. Betsy is clearly in pain as the crowd goes silent unhappy with seeing Kayla on top. Kayla laughs and makes the crying eyes motion, the crowd boos loudly and now Kayla makes a “wanking” motion at them.
GREYSON MARKS: Classy
TASMIN RICHARDS: To everyone watching this.,..I am so sorry for Kaylas actions…
LINCOLN PHELPS: Why are you apologizing for greatness Tasmin?
Kayla moves around Betsy and pulls her up by her hair, yanking back on it and grabbing Betsy by the jaw before looking her right in the eye and then to the side of the cage, she sneers and then goes to run Betsy into the cage just like Betsy id to her, Betsy reverses it and instead throws Kayla into the cage again. Kayla hits the steel and then slides down between the cage and the ropes onto the apron. She pulls herself up but is trapped, Betsy runs in and hits hard kicks over and over again before turning and grabbing Kayla by the head and throws her head back into the cage over and over again. She lets Kayla go and Kaylas body falls limp to the apron. Betsy looks over at the door, thinking for a moment that she should leave. But she stops and turns before shaking her head and pulling Kayla out from the apron. She hooks Kayla for the full nelson facebuster, but Kayla in desperation frees one of her arms and rakes Betsys eyes. Betsy lets Kayla go and covers up as the crowd boos again.
LINCOLN PHELPS: YAAAS QUEEN…brill move eh….hey why are you both lookin at me like that?
GREYSON MARKS: Impartial Lincoln….
TASMIN RICHARDS: He doesn’t know how..it’s ok..he wants to get in her pants…too bad he isn’t her type…at all…
LINCOLN PHELPS: Why you gotta break my heart?
Kayla snapmares Betsy down into the middle of the ring, she gets a run up and hits the ropes twice before throwing her leg forward and blasting Betsy with a penalty kick!. Betsy though catches Kaylas leg!. Kayla can’t believe it, Betsy rolls her body under Kayla and pulls her down into a kneebar! Kayla struggles and tries right away to get out of it. Betsy wrenches it in, Kayla screams in pain but rolls over and uses her free leg to strike at Betsy over and over again until Betsy finally lets go. Both women get up and Kayla spins blasting Betsy with a roaring elbow, Betsy goes down but just to her knees Kayla then goes for a kneeling enzuguri, Betsy ducks it, Kayla hits face first, Betsy takes off, Kayla pops up to her knees but Betsy leaps up hooking her legs around Kaylas head hitting a hurricanrana driver! Kayla gets spiked headfirst into the mat!
GREYSON MARKS: What an amazing athletic move from Betsy Granger. She also went to rip off Kaylas leg.
TASMIN RICHARDS: That is a great move from Betsy, while she couldn’t win by submission she could have destroyed Kaylas leg to stop her from being able to escape.
LINCOLN PHELPS: You are the worst sibling ever…well..maybe not I guess we have Dickie Watson on this show..but jeez…
Betsy breathes heavily and moves toward the door, as it opens Betsy gets to her feet and the crowd cheers about to see Betsy finally beat Kayla, as Betsy steps onto the apron and halfway out the door she turns Kayla yells at Betsy and Betsy locks eyes with her. Kayla then laughs and flips Betsy off with double birds. Betsy sneers and steps back in the ring slamming the door behind her. She moves closer to Kayla and reaches down to pull her up, Kayla though again rakes at Betsys eyes, Kayla pops up grabbing Betsy by the head and running up the corner hitting a shiranui!. Kayla looks up the ramp and motions for someone. Then from the back emerges Finn Whelan, he moves down to the ring holding a steel chair and pulls the door open sliding the chair into Kayla, the crowd boos and Finn just smirks and flips them off
TASMIN RICHARDS: OH COME ON NO FINN!..YOU’RE BETTER THAN THAT!
GREYSON MARKS: You’re talking about a guy who attacked his own brother.
TASMIN RICHARDS: OH….they are made for each other.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Eh good move Finn, help the queen…now get the fuck out….
Kayla holds the chair in her hands with a smile, she raises it up and brings it right down across Betsy's back. Betsy screams in pain and rolls around the ring, Kayla smirks and raises it up hitting her again and again over and over again. Betsy tries to cover up but Kayla doesn’t stop, he hits her over and over again before finally screaming and throwing the chair across the ring. Kayla looks unhinged and smiled evilly before grabbing the chair again, she walks over and places the chair around Betsys leg, she looks to the corner and backs up measuring Betsy up for it, she leaps off to stomp on the chair but Betsy slides her leg out at the last moment. Kayla stomps down and jars her knee limping and rolling around. Betsy holds her ribs, clearly having trouble breathing as both women look at the steel chair now laying in the middle of the ring.
GREYSON MARKS: Oh no….this is bad…that is damage to both women…
LINCOLN PHELPS: NO QUEEN
TASMIN RICHARDS: COME ON BETSY GET UP
Kayla crawls across the mat to the chair, she reaches out and grabs it holding her knee with her other hand, but then Betsy steps on the chair. Kayla slowly looks up to Betsy who has one hand on her midsection and the other pointing down in the same finger gun fashion Kayla uses. Kayla shakes her head and mouths one word. “Bitch”. Betsy pulls Kayla up right into the full nelson dropping down with the facebuster smashing Kaylas head into the steel chair hitting the Ich Muss Dich Brechen! Kayla is out. Betsy holds her ribs but breathes deep and makes her way to the door, as it opens she turns and takes one last look at Kayla before stepping down the steel steps to the floor to officially win the match!
TASMIN RICHARDS: YAAAAAY BETSY!
LINCOLN PHELPS: NO!..NO NO NO NO!...THIS ISN’T HOW IT WAS SUPPOSED TO END…
GREYSON MARKS: Kayla Richards did everything she could to win this, like she said she would and Betsy Granger overcame that and put the devil in her place…JUST LIKE SHE SAID SHE WOULD…
TASMIN RICHARDS:That match was brutal…
SEGMENT SAPPHIRE DELGADO
We return to the backstage area as Annabelle Wagner is having a private conversation with Sapphire Delgado about the upcoming Rumble. As they are discussing strategy, Aleena Sands casually walks up on to them with a genuine smile on her face.
ALEENA SANDS: I am sorry to interrupt but could I just a little of your time?
Annabelle rolls her eyes while turning to look at the beautiful blonde.
ANNABELLE WAGNER: Ms. Sands, I am well aware that you have a job and that you will constantly be a thorn in our side. So why don't you just get to the point. Why are you here?
ALEENA SANDS: Do you feel that your client can handle 29 other superstars?
Annabelle uses her right hand to rub her forehead.
ANNABELLE WAGNER: For an investigative reporter, you are horrible at your job. Sapphire is more than ready to smash and bash all of those weaklings as she marches her way towards the Victory Championship.
ALEENA SANDS: Speaking of the Victory championship, what will Sapphire do of she and Ellie are in the same ring?
Before Annabelle could utter another word, Sapphire steps in front of her with a mean look on her face.
SAPPHIRE DELGADO: Do you really want to know ALEENA? Do you really?
Aleena nods her head.
SAPPHIRE DELGADO: Then watch the fucking match and find out for your damn self.
Sapphire brushes past Aleena as Annabelle just nods her head. She pats Aleena on the shoulder before following after Sapphire.
Vincent Black made his way through the area halls walking with a purpose. He knew what the odds were like in a rumble of this size but it did not matter to him. All that mattered now to Vincent Black was making his presence in this company felt whether that was done good, bad or otherwise. He pauses in his stride, kneeling down to tie a boot lace that has found its way undone.
A pale delicate hand reaches into the frame behind the distracted Vincent Black caressing the air just above his back as if they wanted to touch him but couldn’t quite bring themselves to do it. Vincent pauses as if he senses something before, he quickly stands to find nothing but an empty hallway behind him.
1ST: SAPPHIRE DELGADO (00:00)
2ND: LEWIS CHAD PINKSTON (00:00)
3RD: ALEXIS MAKARIOS (1:30)
4TH: ALLEN CHANEY (DOESN’T ENTER RING)
5TH: ADRIEN COCHRANE (4:30)
6TH: GIOVANNI SANTANA (6:00)
7TH: NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT (7:30)
8TH: CAITY DAWSON-CRUZ (9:00)
------CAITY DAWSON-CRUZ ELIMINATED BY CAITY DAWSON-CRUZ [1] (9:03)
9TH: DYLAN HOWELL (10:30)
10TH: SCOTT HAMPTON (12:00)
------SCOTT HAMPTON ELIMINATED BY ADRIEN COCHRANE [1] (12:16)
11TH: ACE SKY (13:30)
------ACE SKY ELIMINATED BY ALEXIS MAKARIOS [1](13:59)
------ALLEN CHANEY ENTERS RING @ 14:58
12TH: CHELSEA SKYE (15:00)
13TH: BRENNA GORDON (16:30)
------BRENNA GORDON ELIMINATED BY SAPPHIRE DELGADO [1](17:21)
14TH: HOLLY RHODES (18:00)
15TH: JENSEN KIDD (19:30)
------JENSEN KIDD ELIMINATED BY GIOVANNI SANTANA [1] (20:03)
16TH: AALIYAH LANDERSON (21:30)
17TH: NATHANIEL DIXON (23:00)
------AALIYAH LANDERSON ELIMINATED BY NATHANIEL DIXON [1] (23:10)
18TH: MAX DAEMON (24:30)
19TH: PATTI LARCENY (25:00)
------PATTI LARCENY ELIMINATED BY LEWIS CHAD PINKSTON [1] (25:32)
20TH: RUBY STEELE (26:30)
------RUBY STEELE ELIMINATED BY NATHANIEL DIXON [2] (27:03)
21ST: STEPHEN TERELLA (28:00)
22ND: VINCENT BLACK (29:30)
23RD: SYBIL HALTER (31:00)
24TH: TJ ALEXANDER (32:30)
25TH: EMMANUELLE (34:00)
26TH: WILLIAM BLAKE MASON (35:30)
------WILLIAM BLAKE MASON ELIMINATED BY NATHANIEL DIXON [3] (35:39)
27TH: SHAWN WARSTEIN (37:00)
28TH: ELLIE QUINN (38:30)
------ELLIE QUINN ELIMINATED BY NATHANIEL DIXON [4] (38:30)
29TH: JONATHAN SANDERS (40:00)
30TH: VICTORIA LYONS (41:30)
------DYLAN HOWELL ELIMINATED BY HOLLY RHODES [1] (43:27)
------TJ ALEXANDER ELIMINATED BY NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT [1] (47:00)
------EMMANUELLE ELIMINATED BY STEPHEN TERELLA [1] (54:00)
------CHELSEA SKYE ELIMINATED BY ALLEN CHANEY [1] (55:47)
------JONATHAN SANDERS ELIMINATED BY ALEXIS MAKARIOS [1] (56:32)
------GIOVANNI SANTANA ELIMINATED BY ADRIEN COCHRANE [2]
------STEPHEN TERRELLA ELIMINATED BY VINCENT BLACK [1] (55:47)
------VICTORIA LYONS ELIMINATED BY MAX DAEMON [1] (57:20)
------MAX DAEMON ELIMINATED BY VICTORIA LYONS / NATHANIEL DIXON [1] / [6] (59:21) [ASSISTED]
———SAPPHIRE DELGADO ELIMINATED BY ADIREN COCHRANE [3]
------ALEXIS MAKARIOS ELIMINATED BY ALLEN CHANEY [2] (60:00)
------LEWIS CHAD PINKSTON ELIMINATED BY SHAWN WARSTEIN (62:00)
------HOLLY RHODES ELIMINATED BY SYBIL HALTER (64:31)
------SYBIL HALTER ELIMINATED BY NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT [2] (65:10) (ACCIDENTAL)
------ADRIEN COCHRANE ELIMINATED BY NATHANIEL DIXON [7] (67:21)
------NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT ELIMINATED BY ALLEN CHANEY [3] (69:00]
------SHAWN WARSTEIN ELIMINATED BY VINCENT BLACK [1] (71:33)
------NATHANIEL DIXON ELIMINATED BY VINCENT BLACK [2] (75:32)
------VINCENT BLACK ELIMINATED BY ALLEN CHANEY [4] (77:21)
WINNER: ALLEN CHANEY (77:21)
TOP 4: VINCENT BLACK [2], NATHANIEL DIXON [3], SHAWN WARSTEIN [4], NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT [5]
MOST ELIMINATIONS: NATHANIEL DIXON [6 ELIMINATIONS]
IRON MAN: ADRIEN COCHRANE [62:51]
QUICKEST ELIMINATION: AALIYAH LANDERSON [10 SECONDS]
ASSISTS ELIMINATION AFTER BEING ELIMINATED: VICTORIA LYONS [W/ NATHANIEL DIXON ON MAX DAEMON]
ELIMINATES SELF: CAITY DAWSON-CRUZ
ACCIDENTAL ELIMINATION: SYBIL HALTER BY NATHANIEL CARTWRIGHT
Backstage, Charlie Jones smiles at the screen, happy with the nights proceedings and for some reason happy Allen Chaney won. She sighs and looks over at Ophelia who nods and signs a few papers. The door suddenly flies open and Kayla Richards, still irate with what happened growls and comes face to face with Charlie.
CHARLIE JONES: So we just don’t knock anymo-
KAYLA RICHARDS: I WANT BETSY GRANGER.
CHARLIE JONES: Oh good I’m being ignored…
KAYLA RICHARDS: Betsy…again…one on one…this time I get to pick the st-
OPHELIA KNIGHT: Excuse me….
Kayla’s head snaps sideways at Ophelia, she slowly stands up and moves around the desk standing next to Charlie.
OPHELIA KNIGHT: You are in no place to demand anything.
KAYLA RICHARDS: It is one match a piece, the record books state that…
OPHELIA KNIGHT: I am well aware of what they say. I am also well aware that in your sick twisted mind you deserve a rubber match with Betsy…but..here’s the thing…Betsy has other things to do, bigger and better things to move on to. You might...MIGHT get a match with her down the line, someday. But it won’t be anytime soon and it WILL NOT be because you demanded it…now…get out of my office…
Kayla looks like she’s about to explode. Her hands close into fists and she takes a step toward Ophelia, Charlie acts quickly grabbing Kayla from behind and locking in a rear naked choke. Kayla struggles and yells as Charlie pulls her back to the door before throwing her through it and slamming the door behind Kayla.
CHARLIE JONES: AND STAY OUT!
She straightens her shirt and turns back to Ophelia who shrugs and sits back down.
GREYSON MARKS: The Olla-Rumble Invitational was nothing short of amazing and yet there’s still more of Magnificence to enjoy!
LINCOLN PHELPS: At this rate, this pay-per-view could top Annihilation! How are you feeling, Miss Richards?
TASMIN RICHARDS: Oh, I’m feeling pretty good! I could go for some bacon and ice cream.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Coming right up! Oi! Somebody in the back help the young lady out!
Before this happens…
"Legends never die when the world is callin' you
Can you hear them screaming out your name?"
The lights of the arena immediately go out. There is nothing but absolute darkness when the vocals of Halocene lead singer Addie Nicole resonate with more of the opening lyrics to "Legends Never Die".
“Legends never die, they become a part of you
Every time you bleed for reaching greatness
Relentless you survive..."
A color-changing spotlight shines on the entrance stage and “The Angelic Harbinger” Xaria Linette emerges through the black curtains. The long-time Rainbow Angel fans are bursting with cheers for the LWA Hall of Famer!
GREYSON MARKS: M-Ms. Linette? What is she doing out here?
LINCOLN PHELPS: Did you forget, Greyson?! The Angelic Harbinger said she would be in Mexico City for Magnificence!
“They never lose hope when everything's cold
And the fighting's near!"
However, the diehard Zoey Madigan-Star fans are booing her! Regardless of the mixed reactions, Xaria stands in the center of the spotlight, smiles, and closes her eyes. She extends her arms out to her sides and shows off her colorful ring attire, though she still dons the traditional red and purple hooded jacket of the Harbinger.
"It's deep in their bones
They'll run into smoke when the fire is fierce!
Oh, pick yourself up 'cause..."
TASMIN RICHARDS: Um, guys, she’s dressed for a fight. I have a feeling Zoey and Tara aren’t going to like this!
The color-changing spotlight begins to flicker on and off as Xaria blows kisses to the fans and teases them with her sexy, sultry looks and moves. She makes her way
not towards the ring… But towards the commentary table!"Legends never die when the world is calling you!
Can you hear them screamin' out your name?!"
Once she reaches the table, she looks to the fans with a confident smile on her face as some of them chant “XA-RI-A! XA-RI-A! XA-RI-A!” Lincoln is more than happy to give up his comfortable seat for Xaria and use a folded steel chair for himself. Xaria chuckles and accepts his kindness. Greyson provides her with an extra headset.
"Legends never die, they become a part of you!
Every time you bleed for reaching greatness
Legends never die!"
LINCOLN PHELPS: Welcome to the commentary team, Ms. Linette! You’re absolutely gorgeous tonight!
Kiss-up. Xaria smiles anyway.
XARIA LINETTE: Merci, Monsieur Phelps. Good evening to all of you. Many blessings for you and your pregnancy, Mademoiselle Tasmin.
TASMIN RICHARDS: Ah! Thank you, Xaria!
GREYSON MARKS: Ms. Linette, this is a surprise. You’ve come to join us on commentary for the Impulse title match?
XARIA LINETTE: Monsieur Marks, I am here for more than that. I am here to finally unravel the truth… One of these two women is the assailant.
GREYSON MARKS: W…what? Forgive me, but where is your evidence to prove one of them is guilty?
LINCOLN PHELPS: HEY! Don’t be rude, Greyson! Ms. Linette is on the case and it will finally be solved!
Tasmin is confused and curious. Xaria just smirks. At last, “Legends Never Die” fades. The fans continue to react with a mixture of cheers and boos. A stagehand hand from the back takes the opportunity to come out from the tech area along the side of the ramp and give Tasmin a maple bacon donut!
TASMIN RICHARDS: Ohhh, thank you!
The stagehand smiles and quickly heads to the back. Inside the ring, ring announcer Nina Lawrence lifts the microphone up.
NINA LAWRENCE: Ladies and gentlemen… The following contest is scheduled for one fall!
The Crowd: ONE FALL!
NINA LAWRENCE: It is a no disqualification match FOR THE PRO WRESTLING EXCELLENCE IMPULSE CHAMPIONSHIP! Introducing first, the challenger! Hailing from Silent Hill, she weighs in at one hundred forty-two pounds… SHE IS “THE GOD SLAYER” TARA AYYYYYYLA!
"Before all things reborn again. You learn the painful breath of time."
The opening strums of "Born In Winter" by Gojira sparks a dour ambiance, where the lights transfigure into a crimson shade. From the rafters, pieces of decayed rose petals begin to fall down. They break apart as they make it to the ground. The camera, fixated on this, fails to realize that the God Slayer has made her way onto the entrance stage. Turning the camera to her, the framing resembles that of a cryptid viral video. Shaky and blurry, the figure of the ominous, quiet woman sends a chill throughout the arena. Wearing an ethereal, pale dress over her ring attire, Tara lifts her head a little. The deer skull mask over her face invites an otherworldly notion.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Folks, here we have one of Ms. Linette’s suspects!
GREYSON MARKS: Lincoln, don’t assume--
LINCOLN PHELPS: Shut it, Greyson! Tara Ayla has red on her ledger. She’s crazy!
TASMIN RICHARDS: Um, you might want to be careful with what you say, Lincoln. Damian is probably listening.
LINCOLN PHELPS: …oh, bullocks.
GREYSON MARKS: Regardless, Tara is here to claim what she’s never had in her career: championship gold.
XARIA LINETTE: She’s a woman with everything to win... That makes her dangerous.
NINA LAWRENCE: And her opponent! Residing in Malibu, California, she weighs in at one hundred forty-three pounds… SHE IS “THE SORCERESS SUPREME OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING” ZOEY MADIGAAAAAN-STAR!
"Ladies and gentlemen, please
Would you bring your attention to me?
For a feast for your eyes to see,
An explosion of catastrophe!
Like nothing you've ever seen before
Watch closely as I open this door
Your jaws will be on the floor
After this you'll be begging for more!"
As Saliva's "Ladies and Gentlemen" first lyrics peal out, the tune winding up for the first burst of the chorus, spotlights start sweeping the dimmed arena. Purple lights glow from beneath the stage, illuminating a feminine silhouette belonging to the Sorceress Supreme, Zoey Madigan-Star! Instead of her hat, however, a hood is drawn over her visage. The hooded cloak adds a mysterious darkness to her. She doesn’t even twirl her wand or showcase any kind of charisma. She’s cold, dark, and nearly void of emotion. The fans are uncertain what to make of this, a mixture of cheers and boos in hushed tones. She stops at the top of the ramp and glares at Tara. Regardless, the glittering pyro scatters down from above, creating a bright backdrop behind her!
"Welcome to the show...
Please come inside...
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!
(BOOM) Do you want it?!
(BOOM) Do you need it?!
(BOOM) Let me hear it!
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!"
Zoey’s darkness is quite a contrast. She makes her way down the ring without any kind of acknowledgement towards the fans. The shadow cast over her face from the hood conceals her expressions. Despite Xaria’s fiery glare, Zoey doesn’t even give her a glance. Once she reaches the ring, she taps the steel steps firmly with her hand and causes smoke to rise up from beneath them, enveloping her briefly. When the smoke fades, she is gone, a moment later appearing within more smoke inside of the ring, except now the cloak is removed to reveal her wrestling gear. The PWE Impulse Championship is secured around her waist. Some of the fans are impressed, but she is without a smile. Cold and unfeeling. Zoey moves into her corner and simply glares at Tara.
GREYSON MARKS: That’s… completely out of the ordinary for Mrs. Madigan-Star.
LINCOLN PHELPS: So she’s finally revealed her true colors! Pitch black and blood red. Vicious and murderous. Personally, I think she’s the true culprit in Ms. Linette’s case!
GREYSON MARKS: Knock it off, Lincoln! With her sudden disappearance last month, I wonder if she’s fit to compete tonight? She may be emotionally scarred.
TASMIN RICHARDS: I… I can see she’s in the darkness. I know what that’s like because I’ve been there before.
XARIA LINETTE: . . .
TASMIN RICHARDS: O-oh, I’m sorry, Xaria! I didn’t mean--
XARIA LINETTE: Don’t apologize. I understand, mademoiselle. Regardless… the Impulse Champion is woefully unprepared.
The referee looks to Zoey and gestures for her title. She barely looks at him before she unfastens the championship belt and hands it to him. As he holds it up in the air, neither Tara nor Zoey pay it any attention, so focused on each other. The referee hands the title over to a ringside official and they move to set it across the commentary table. Suddenly, Zoey and Tara charge each other, spiraling into a brawl!
LINCOLN PHELPS: And here. we. GO!
GREYSON MARKS: They’re not waiting a second longer!
The referee jumps back, shocked by the zero-to-sixty change of intensity! He’s quick to signal for the bell--
Ding, ding, ding!
--and the fight continues. Neither woman relents. They’re trying to hurt each other as if they were the worst of enemies. Rights, lefts, closed-fist punches, full-on kicks, blocks and evasions. The action is vicious and fast-paced. This is a no disqualification match, so the referee can’t intervene. Zoey and Tara are nearly the same height and weight. They’re pretty even in power and speed. However, Zoey’s experience favors her as she catches Tara with a series of kicks, ending with a spinning hook kick. Tara staggers back, but when Zoey charges towards her, Tara catches her arm and sends her onto the mat with a Japanese armdrag. Tara’s quick to lock in an armbar, but Zoey’s reflexes help her to escape. She catches Tara before she can move and sends her onto the mat with a northern lights suplex -- even bridging the maneuver!
One--
Tara’s able to kick out before the referee’s hand goes down for one. Shoving Zoey off of her, Tara gets to her feet and catches her fist. Tara levels Zoey with an arm-trapped neckbreaker and turns her over for the pin attempt!
One--
But Zoey also kicks out before the one. Rising to their feet, Tara and Zoey revert back to viciously attacking each other! The fans watch as Zoey clocks Tara’s face with a harsh right and sends her into one of the corners with an Irish whip. Zoey takes off before Tara can react and nails her with a yakuza kick! Tara slightly falls against the turnbuckles from the impact. Zoey pulls her from the corner and Irish whips her against the ropes. She tries to clothesline Tara onto the mat, but Tara ducks underneath her arm and comes back, surprising her with a tilt-a-whilr arm drag! With Zoey back down on the mat, Tara seizes the same arm into a cross armbar. Zoey grits her teeth and swings with her free hand, striking Tara right in the temple until the Challenger releases her. Both women are on their feet, but Zoey is a little faster, grabbing ahold of Tara and sending her onto the mat with an exploder suplex. Tara winces and rolls herself onto the ring apron. Zoey pursues her, even pulling her up onto her feet. Tara surprises Zoey with a double hammerlock and drives her throat down on the top rope! Zoey grimaces and staggers back, and this gives Tara the opportunity to springboard herself back into the ring. She hits Zoey with a neckbreaker on the way down and quickly rolls her over for the pin attempt.
One!
Even then, Zoey kicks out at one. Before Tara can grab ahold of her, Zoey rolls out of her reach and gathers herself. They stand and stare at each other across the ring; the fans express their mixed reactions with cheers and boos!
XARIA LINETTE: Like I said. The Impulse Champion is woefully unprepared. She has everything to lose.
GREYSON MARKS: The match has only just begun, Ms. Linette. Don’t count Mrs. Madigan-Star out just yet!
Linette scoffs at this. Back in the ring, Madigan-Star and Ayla narrow their eyes. They both move at the same time -- to their respective corners? Madigan-Star retrieves her steel magician’s wand and Ayla slips on her tiger claw. The hardcore fans are excited!
TASMIN RICHARDS: Uh oh…
LINCOLN PHELPS: This is about to get UGLY!
Richards lightly nibbles on her maple bacon donut. Ayla puts her fists up, revealing the tiger claw on her right hand. Madigan-Star twirls the steel magician’s wand. The two of them begin to slowly circle each other in the ring before Madigan-Star swings at Ayla! Ayla is swift to duck and dodge, but when she can’t do this, she has to block with her arms. It must hurt far more than her face is expressing. There are red marks on her arms! Ayla grits her teeth as she bobs and weaves towards Madigan-Star. Ayla’s speed allows her to avoid a full-forced swing from the wand and she throws quick punches towards Madigan-Star. Now it’s Star’s turn to go on the defensive, forced to deal with the close-quarters-combat her weapon cannot counter as she evades. Ayla feints a left hook and suddenly her tiger claw connects with Star’s temple!
GREYSON MARKS: Dear God, that shot!
LINCOLN PHELPS: And the poor little Magician is bleeding! Take a shot for the first blood!
Phelps doesn’t skip a beat as he takes a “shot” straight from the bottle of Gin! Back in the ring, Star nearly falls back after the vicious blow. Ayla moves into a defensive stance to prepare herself. Star reaches up and places her free hand upon her busted-open temple. A small amount of blood stains her hand and…
she smirks. In a fluid motion, Star moves forward and takes a swing at Ayla -- who wisely avoids the wand -- yet she’s caught off guard by the running high knee! Ayla staggers against the ropes and it’s only now that Star drives her wand on the left side of Ayla’s calf! Ayla release a short burst of a scream and her left hand clutches at her lower leg.
TASMIN RICHARDS: O-oh my God! Did you HEAR that?!
XARIA LINETTE: Mademoiselle Tara’s calf may be fractured and yet Madame Zoey could care less.
The referee tries to check on Ayla, but Star shoves him out of the way. She delivers another swing right into Ayla’s midsection and forces her to double over in pain. As Ayla tries to catch her breath, Star climbs out onto the ring apron. Releasing her wand, Star grabs ahold of the top rope and sends Ayla crashing onto the mat with a slingshot sunset flip -- but it doesn’t result in a pin attempt!
GREYSON MARKS: That’s Mrs. Madigan-Star’s Boardwalk Twister!
LINCOLN PHELPS: Ah shit, here we fucking go!
Zoey transitions right into a single-leg crab, specifically targeting Tara’s left leg with her “Boardwalk Twister” (Slingshot Sunset Flip into a Single-Leg Crab)! Tara’s in pure agony, and with this being a no disqualification match, rope breaks can’t stop Zoey’s wrath. The fans are on their feet, some of them impressed, others terrified. This is NOT the Sorceress Supreme of Professional Wrestling they know!
LINCOLN PHELPS: If Tara’s smart, she’ll tap out now! This may cause serious damage to her left leg!
TASMIN RICHARDS: But… she’s a fighter, Lincoln. She’s hungry for the gold and she’s not going to give up like this!
Hissing through her teeth, Tara’s using her upper body strength to push herself up. The pain is clear on her face, but she refuses to give up when the referee checks on her. Zoey torques the leg submission, causing Tara to cry out, and yet she keeps going. Using her free leg, Tara kicks at Zoey’s side over and over again. Zoey leans forward and grits her teeth. That’s when Tara swings back with a vicious elbow to her bleeding temple! Zoey releases Tara’s leg and falls back onto the mat.
XARIA LINETTE: Hm. There are no rope breaks in this kind of a match, so Mademoiselle Tara did what she needed to escape.
GREYSON MARKS: Despite her social phobia, she’s a smart young woman, Ms. Linette.
XARIA LINETTE: That makes her all the more dangerous… and suspicious.
Clearly, Xaria’s not letting her guard down in the slightest. As Tasmin quietly continues to eat her donut, Zoey rolls out of the ring in the direction of the steel ramp. She reaches under the ring apron… and pulls out a table! The fans are both excited and nervous about this. While she begins to set it up, on the opposite side, Tara rolls out to try and shake out her left leg. Even then, Tara begins to reach under the ring… and she pulls out ANOTHER table! The excitement builds from the crowd as Tara slides it into the ring. Zoey looks up after setting up the table and glares at Tara. Zoey rolls back into the ring just as Tara gets back inside. Tara winces as Zoey suddenly pulls her up on her feet -- only to kick the back of her left calf! Letting out a cry, Tara falls onto the mat in pain.
TASMIN RICHARDS: That is… just mean!
LINCOLN PHELPS: It’s strategy, my dear!
Tara’s clutching her left leg all the while Zoey’s making use of the table she brought into the ring. Rather than setting it up normally, Zoey places it along one of the corners of the ring. The fans watch as Zoey makes her way back over to Tara and pulls her up, more blood flowing from her temple. Kicking Tara in the midsection, Zoey then lifts her up into a stalling vertical suplex position, displaying her strength in front of thousands. Before she starts to move towards the corner table, however, Tara wildly swings AND CATCHES ZOEY’S TEMPLE WITH HER TIGER CLAW!
LINCOLN PHELPS: Somebody forgot Tara still had that!
XARIA LINETTE: A foolish mistake for a veteran to make.
Zoey’s staggering, but she doesn’t fall against the table. Tara lands on her feet, though she winces from the pain shooting through her left leg. Cradling her head, Zoey’s lost her focus, unaware that Tara’s moving to the opposite corner. Despite the agony, the God Slayer charges forward and sends Zoey crashing through the corner table with--
GREYSON MARKS: ENRAGE!
TASMIN RICHARDS: Oh my Kami!
The referee jumps as Tara’s “ENRAGE” (Spear) breaks the table. The force hurts both competitors, but the Champion’s suffering a lot more.
The Fans: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Quickly, the referee checks on both ladies. Ayla is trying to shake off the cobwebs. Madigan-Star is just trying to breathe, but her ribs are hurting from the power behind that spear. Slowly, Ayla pulls Madigan-Star from the wreckage and covers her.
One!
Two!
Somehow, Madigan-Star is able to kick out!
LINCOLN PHELPS: Oh c’mon, that was a slow count!
XARIA LINETTE: Despite my personal feelings, I’m willing to credit Madame Zoey’s resilience.
Ayla’s a little surprised, but she acknowledges the willpower of a champion. She’s slow to rise to her feet, her left calf still hurting. Madigan-Star is wincing, her right arm cradling her ribs. Blood continues to run down from her temple as she rolls over onto her side. Seeing this, Ayla moves in and climbs on top of her. She begins to drive into Madigan-Star’s ribs with “Incinerate” (Double Knee Strikes)!
TASMIN RICHARDS: Ohhh, OUCH! Ow…
GREYSON MARKS: Ms. Ayla is showing no mercy! How long can Mrs. Madigan-Star hold out?!
Star yells out in pain. It hurts to breathe, but despite this, she kicks Ayla off of her. Ayla rolls back, gritting her teeth as pain shoots through her left calf. Before she can react, however, Star rolls towards her, seizes her right arm, and tries to pull off the tiger claw. Ayla tries to stop her, but Star drives her elbow down onto Ayla’s right arm. This causes Ayla to grimace before Star rises up, pulling Ayla up with her -- before flooring her with a double knee armbreaker! From the commentary table, Linette narrows her eyes. Star relinquishes the tiger claw from Ayla, tosses it aside, and grabs ahold of her right arm once again. This time, Star ensnares Ayla into a
familiar submission hold!
GREYSON MARKS: Hey, wait a minute, that’s--
XARIA LINETTE: My Angelic Clutch.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Wow! Zoey’s a thief!
Ayla releases a burst scream as Star applies Linette’s very own “Angelic Clutch” (Fujiwara Armbar)! Star’s eyes meet Linette’s as she continues to inflict damage on Ayla’s right arm. Fighting through the pain, Ayla uses her upper body strength to pull herself towards the ropes. Star doesn’t relent as she torques the armbar, listening to Ayla hiss through her teeth in seething pain. Ayla grabs ahold of the bottom rope, even though it doesn’t break the hold, and she’s able to shift onto her right foot while she pushes herself up. She throws her left elbow back into Star’s bleeding temple once, twice, thrice! This forces Star to release her and clutch at her head in clear anguish. Ayla falls onto the mat and tries to painstakingly shake out her right arm.
XARIA LINETTE: No one can do it like I can,
chienne.TASMIN RICHARDS: What’s a… she-ann?
GREYSON MARKS: You don’t need to--
LINCOLN PHELPS: Bitch!
Marks shoots a glare at Phelps. As Richards takes another bite out of her donut, the referee checks on the Impulse Champion and her Challenger. Madigan-Star shakes her head, flecks of blood flying about, and she rises to her feet. She moves towards the nearest corner and begins to climb the turnbuckles. Ayla lays on her back, her left calf and right arm both aching, and she sees what Madigan-Star is doing. The Dark Magician struggles a little, her ribs slowing her movements. Still, she forces herself to climb onto the top turnbuckle.
GREYSON MARKS: I think she’s going for Delightful Dervish!
LINCOLN PHELPS: Oh hell no -- TARA, TELEGRAPH IT!
Ayla forces herself to her feet just as Madigan-Star begins to balance herself. Using the first two turnbuckles, Ayla catches Madigan-Star COMPLETELY off guard with--
GREYSON MARKS: MURDER OF CROWS!
TASMIN RICHARDS: Oh wow! That was amazing!
The fans are going CRAZY. After Ayla’s “Murder of Crows” (Step-Up Enzuigiri) connects with Star’s head, she falls backwards onto the mat. Star’s completely stunned and she falls forward onto the mat with a THUD right next to Ayla. Ayla forces herself to roll over, cover Star, and even hook her leg!
One!
Two!!
…
Zoey STILL manages to kick out!
LINCOLN PHELPS: Bloody Hell!
XARIA LINETTE: You’re surprised, oui? I’m not.
TASMIN RICHARDS: Mrs. Star is a fighter!
The continuation of the match excites the fans! Tara sucks in a breath of air as she’s in slight disbelief. Slowly, wisely, Zoey rolls out of the ring to give herself some time to recover. Breathing must be like drawing fire into her lungs. The blood loss may be affecting her as well. The referee looks outside at her; no one can be counted out in this kind of match. Tara looks over and notices Zoey’s no longer in the ring. She’s slow to roll out of the ring as well, trying not to put too much weight on her left leg. They’re both on the side that faces the steel ramp, close to the table that’s set up there. Zoey’s finally on her feet and Tara attacks her with rights and lefts, though Zoey does her best to block most of the shots aimed at her ribs. Before Tara can swing for her head, Zoey ducks underneath and kicks Tara’s left calf! Tara cries out, barely able to balance herself on her right foot before Zoey capitalizes with “Trap Chamber” (Leaping Reverse STO)!
LINCOLN PHELPS: Oi, you gotta be takin’ a piss!?
TASMIN RICHARDS: They just barely missed the table!
Indeed, the table is still intact. Zoey took Tara down a few inches next to it. Forcing herself to take a breath, the Sorceress Supreme of Professional Wrestling reaches down and pulls Tara up…
and lays her across the table! The fans look on with a bundle of energy as Zoey ascends the steel steps and begins to climb the nearest corner of the ring.
GREYSON MARKS: What IS Mrs. Madigan-Star doing…?
XARIA LINETTE: She’s on the top turnbuckle and her back is facing Mademoiselle Tara. What do you think?
GREYSON MARKS: …Oh God, no. No!
With Tara’s prone form on the table, Zoey takes flight and crashes onto her THROUGH THE TABLE with “Delightful Devastation” (Double Rotation Moonsault)!!
LINCOLN PHELPS: They’re dead! Bloomin’ dead!
TASMIN RICHARDS: Oh my God, this is scary!
Another chomp and the last of Tasmin’s maple bacon donut is gone. The fans are INSANE after that hellacious high risk maneuver!
The Fans: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Shocked, the referee quickly exits the ring to check on them. With Zoey on top of Tara, however, his job comes first and he makes the count!
ONE!
TWO!
THREEEEEEEEEE---
THE GOD SLAYER GETS HER SHOULDER UP!!
GREYSON MARKS & TASMIN RICHARDS: WHAT?!
LINCOLN PHELPS: HELL YEAH! TARA, BABYYY!
Xaria’s eyes widen a little. She’s genuinely impressed. Zoey, on the other hand, cannot believe this! The fans are in shock and awe! They’re split with their favorites.
The Fans: Let’s go, Ay-la! Let’s go, Star! LET’S GO, AY-LA! LET’S GO, STAR!
XARIA LINETTE: Hmph… it doesn’t change a thing.
The Angelic Harbinger is still on a mission. Regardless, she doesn’t even rise from her chair. She watches as Zoey rolls over and crawls on all fours, trying to just breathe! Tara’s slowly coming to life, even though she’s in serious agony! An entire minute of simply recovering goes by and Zoey’s able to get herself back into the ring. Tara’s not too far behind, though she’s still hurting. The referee follows suit and he notices Zoey’s struggle to keep herself steady. The blood loss is certainly affecting her and yet she refuses to let the trained official end the match on a no-contest. As Ayla rises to her feet, Madigan-Star moves forward and kicks her in the midsection. Madigan-Star tries to set up “Seeing Stars” (Scissored DDT) -- only for Ayla to block the attempt! Madigan-Star grits her teeth and tries again, but once more Ayla blocks it -- and follows up with a stiff shot to the Impulse Champion’s bleeding temple! Madigan-Star staggers back and Ayla rushes forward, nailing her with “Bucking Bronco” (Shining Wizard)!
GREYSON MARKS: Bucking Bronco!!
LINCOLN PHELPS: C’mon, Tara! C’mon!
TASMIN RICHARDS: Oh no, Zoey!
Madigan-Star slumps back against the ropes. Ayla forces herself to push on, grabbing Star and pulling her away from the ropes. The Unyielding Rage of the Ayla’s reaches deep and turns the Dark Magician around, lifting her up and driving her onto the mat with--
GREYSON MARKS: DEVIL’S KISS!
XARIA LINETTE: Do you hear that, monsieurs, mademoiselle…?
The crowd is going nuts, watching as Ayla’s “Devil’s Kiss” (Bridging Package German Suplex) swiftly plants Madigan-Star’s shoulders onto the mat. Some of the fans count along with the referee!
ONE!
…
TWO!!
. . .
THREE!!!
DING, DING, DING!
NINA LAWRENCE: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner of the match… AND THE NEW PRO WRESTLING EXCELLENCE IMPULSE CHAMPION! “THE GOD SLAYER”! TARAAAAAAAAAAAA AYYYYYLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!
XARIA LINETTE: It’s a swan song.
LINCOLN PHELPS: And the fat lady sings it well!
GREYSON MARKS: You have to give credit where credit is due! That was an INCREDIBLE match!
TASMIN RICHARDS: We… we have a new Impulse Champion! Tara and Zoey both fought sooo hard!
Tara releases Zoey as “Born in Winter” by Gojira plays from the PA system. The fans offer their respect with applause! There are some cheers and boos, moreso the latter, but it’s complicated. The ringside official collects the PWE Impulse Championship and quickly hands it over to the referee. The referee then brings it to Tara and places it on her lap after she sits up slowly, gingerly. She looks down at it, clutching it in her arms, and a small smile crosses her face. She looks over and notices Zoey turned on her side, facing away from them. Another camera sees some of her hair shadowing over her eyes.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Awww, is the little magic girl gonna cry?! HAHA!
TASMIN RICHARDS: Hey! That’s not nice, Lincoln!
With the referee’s help, Tara slowly rises to her feet, the gold in one arm. She walks over and reaches out towards Zoey with her free hand. Zoey shivers, refusing the help, but she notices something within the crowd.
GREYSON MARKS: Hey, wait a minute--
Just as Greyson sees what Zoey sees, a cloaked figure moves through the fans and jumps over the barricade! Before Tara can react, she’s attacked by this mysterious figure! They kick the back of her left calf and she falls down in immediate pain!
LINCOLN PHELPS: Who the fuck is that?!
The referee tries to intervene, but the mysterious attacker nails him with a spinning backfist and instantly floors the poor official! The fans are booing, conflicted and confused, and Zoey forces herself to get up. She attacks the figure from behind, but they suddenly throw their head back, nailing Zoey with a vicious headbutt! This motion causes the hood to fall off, but the figure -- with short dark hair -- is wearing a crimson and golden lion mask that conceals their face. They turn around and hit Zoey with a spinning roundhouse kick that sends her crashing onto the mat with a THUD. Tara struggles to get up, but the masked figure turns and stomps on her left leg without remorse!
TASMIN RICHARDS: T-they’re going to break Mrs. Lutece’s leg!
Before either Greyson or Lincoln can say anything, Xaria’s already running into the ring! The mysterious figure sees this and throws a spinning heel kick towards her, but Xaria catches their leg and dragon whips them away from Tara and Zoey. The lion mask wearer is quick to recover and Xaria engages in close-quarters combat with them. Their styles are very similar, lighting-like strikes parried, evaded, and blocked. The fans are rallying behind the Guardian Angel of LWA as she goes for a savate kick -- except the figure does the exact same thing and the soles of their Converse sneakers meet.
GREYSON MARKS: They fight almost like they’re the same person.
LINCOLN PHELPS: This is crazy! Is
this the mysterious assailant?!
Xaria pushes against the figure’s foot, but they begin to push right back, the two of them locked in an agile power struggle. Just when it looks like the mysterious one is going to overpower Xaria, she suddenly spins around and nails them with a tornado kick across their face! This knocks the mask off and the cloaked figure staggers back. Slowly, they turn towards Xaria. . .
And the Harbinger’s emerald eyes widen in shock and disbelief.
TASMIN RICHARDS: …R-Remi…?
The small pregnant woman is trembling. The fans are in complete disarray.
LINCOLN PHELPS: No way! NO FUCKING WAY!
Remi Fontaine’s left eye is gold and his right eye is red.
Eye contacts. The same colors as the lion mask. There’s an eerie, familiar darkness to him.
GREYSON MARKS: …That’s Prince Sekhmethotep!!
Tasmin SCREAMS in absolute horror. This draws Xaria out of her shock, but it’s too late. Prince catches HIS OWN AUNT in the head with “Eye of Ra” (Running Busaiku Knee Kick)!! Xaria falls onto the mat and almost loses consciousness. The fans BOO loudly as the reality of who the mysterious assailant is finally surfaces. Prince turns towards Tara and Zoey with narrowed eyes. Before he can advance, however, the fans burst into cheers as William Mason runs down the steel ramp with Xaria’s glitter-painted, sticker-covered steel chair! As Prince is without a weapon, he quickly retreats, avoiding an angry swing from the Modern-Day God. Prince escapes through the crowd, but not before giving William the middle finger with a dark chuckle. Rather than pursue him, William checks on his best friend whose spirit is nearly broken, helping her to her feet. Tara is also upset, confused and hurt as she watches her “friend” go. Zoey glares at Xaria before she rolls out of the ring. The fans are beside themselves. Greyson and Lincoln are doing their best to calm Tasmin down. Tara slowly collects her title, looks at it, then looks out into the crowd.
As “Thought Contagion” by Muse haunts them.
DING DING DINGNINA LAWRENCE:The following match is scheduled as a street fight maaaaaatch! Two competitors begin in the middle of the ring, but they are not limited to the ring or ringside. Anywhere, including outside of the arena, the competitors may fight. In order for one to win the match, the other must be pinned, submitted, or knocked out. The match begins as soon as both competitors are in the ring.
GREYSON MARKS: This all began back at Annihilation just three months ago. Finn Whelan, our guest commentator, decided that he was going to take the fight to the man he had the audacity to call his brother.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Mate, I’ve been watchin’ all their interactions and I think the whole thing is justified.
TASMIN RICHARDS: Excuse me but
how? Because all I saw from my spot at Annihilation was my good friend get beat up by a big ol’ bully.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Now, I’m not sayin’ that Finn wasn’t bein’ a bully, but I am sayin’ that he was justified. Finn’s been wrestlin’ what, seven years now and he’s held–
GREYSON MARKS: Multiple world championships.
LINCOLN PHELPS: True, and then his little brother comes along and–
TASMIN RICHARDS: Leads whole companies?
There’s a bit of silence, something that the men don’t seem to have any idea on how to comment on. Tasmin shakes her head and rolls her eyes.
TASMIN RICHARDS: I know it’s like, astonishing to you that a man three years into his own career has not only been the face of the very first company he joined, but the World Champion in one where he
never lost it, another World Champion for one hundred and eighty three days…and then he’s been the FIGHT! Empire Champion for the past two hundred and some change. Dickie Watson is not just some
kid that Finn Whelan is pickin’ on. He’s a good human being that is getting treated like he’s insignificant. And he is
nothing but.
GREYSON MARKS: I have to agree with Tasmin, Linc. Dickie’s name is synonomous with success…and if he’s gonna gain the approval of his own brother, it’s gonna be through a fight.
NINA LAWRENCE: Introducing first…weighing in at two hundred and four pounds…from Seattle, Washington….FINN WHELAN!
"DO YOU CROSS YOUR HEART WHEN YOU HOPE TO DIE?"
The lights dim down and cast the arena in a red glow, and for a moment -- only a moment -- the crowd quiets down just a smidge. The drum riff opening that carries into an aggressive rhythm of guitar chords breaks out as "Black Lungs" by Architects blares out over the P.A. System. This brings the crowd to their feet -- both in a positive and negative reaction, completely mixed.
"ARE YOU SLEEPING DEEP IN A HURRICANE?
IVs IN THE ARM, FORGETTING TO FEEL
WE'RE CRAWLING ON ALL FOURS
WILL YOU FALL ON THE SWORD IN THE SECOND COMING
YOU'RE GONNA TASTE THE ASH
YOU'RE GONNA TASTE THE DUST
'CAUSE THIS WORLD IS DYING IN OUR ARMS"
The spotlight doesn't fall upon the stage, instead flowing across the crowd as the lyrics describe more than just a time in the world. Finn Whelan appears not from the curtain, but from one of the visitor entrances with a semi-cocky swagger written into his denim jeans. He stops at the top of the steps for a moment, and behind him, Kayla Richards follows suit. The Dreamkiller smiles and stands next to The Virulence, crossing her arms and sticking her hip out, that devilish smile she wears like a badge. He, too, has a slight smirk on his face as he glances down at the people around him, blockaded off by the typical burly security guards. The crowd is not booing, but they're not exactly cheering either. He sets his eyes upon the ring below, and then makes his way down slowly, ignoring the people around him though a few of them clap him on the shoulders as he descends.
"YOU WANNA MAKE YOUR HELL A REALITY?
BLACK LUNGS FOR THE YOUNG IF THEY DARE TO BREATHE
WHOA, SURE SOUNDS LIKE HEAVEN TO ME
YOU GOTTA CUT THE ROOTS TO KILL THE WEEDS
NO PLACE TO GO IF WE DON'T BELIEVE
GOOD LORD, IT'S ENOUGH TO PLAGUE A SAINT"
At the barrier, he slings himself over and slides immediately underneath the bottom rope and leaps to his feet in the center of the ring. He heads directly for the ropes in front of him, and hops up onto the bottom one, bouncing slightly as he looks back at the crowd, choosing a few choice words to share with them. he drops down from it, and pulls of his vest as he heads to his place against the turnbuckle, leaning into it and looking upwards at the stage (or conversely, at his opponent) past his brow as his music fades out.
Kayla slides into the ring as well, leaning on the ropes as she looks around at the audience, shaking her head and sneering. She heads for her
bestie as he crosses his arms, staring at the stage. His eyes take in the stage through his lashes, and his brow furrows in irritation. Kayla leans on the ropes next to him, adopting his pose as well.
TASMIN RICHARDS: That expression on Finn’s face…
LINCOLN PHELPS: …makes me balls shrivel, mate.
TASMIN RICHARDS: EWWWWWW.
NINA LAWRENCE: Second, weighing in at one hundred and seventy six pounds…from London, England…he is the current reigning FIGHT! Empire Champion…DICKIE WAAAAATSON!
♫ WHOA-OH-OH-OH. ♫
The aggressive guitar riff opening of “FØØL” by GHØSTKID blares out across the arena as the lights in the Arena Mexico shut off entirely. The edges of the entryway flash the lime green color that is not familiar to the audience at hand. The lights flicker and strobe on the stage as the opening continues to play, rhythmic and angry. As the music pauses for a second, a symbol crashes signaling for the Empire Champion to step out. Finn lowers himself down at the ring, crouching as he looks ahead, waiting for Dickie to appear.
…
But he never does.
The music plays for a few moments, and Kayla smirks slightly as she looks at Finn, who merely looks ahead, cocking his head to the side slowly. The lights cover the arena, and the crowd, who were cheering loudly for him, slowly calm their voices. Confusion settles in.
KAYLA RICHARDS (unaided): He must be scared to come out here. Chickenshit…always knew he was one…
The music stops and the lights come back to normal. Thudding footsteps can be heard in the background, and then, a camera is turned onto the backstage area. The Empire Championship lays a couple of feet away from the supine form of Dickie Watson, laying in the middle of the parking lot. He is unmoving, and a small trickle of blood is visible pouring out from his mouth. A metal pipe lays off to the side.
Kayla throws her hands up in surprise.
TASMIN RICHARDS: OH MY GOD! NONONO!
LINCOLN PHELPS: We just watched Prince Sekmethotep come out here– how dare he put his hands on the Emperor!
GREYSON MARKS: …I don’t think you have to look that far from the ring to find Dickie’s attacker.
Kayla points her finger up at the screen, looking back to Finn as if this is such an outrage and he should be so upset. She covers her mouth with her hand, adjusting her skirt as she walks towards Finn again, looking down at him. She seems to be telling him of her own surprise and, “how dare someone do this!” He turns his head and looks up at her, slowly. Kayla stops her spiel and then looks at him, silently. She then shakes her head.
KAYLA RICHARDS: No, it wasn’t me. I promise it wasn’t me! I was here with you, I wasn’t back there at all, I was
here.
The referee, the bell having been rung, begins to count.
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE…
Slowly, the Seattle Saint rises to a standing position. He moves extremely close to Kayla, just a hair's breadth away, an eyebrow raising as he lifts his hands and cups her face within his palms. Kayla shuts the hell up, her eyes widening as she looks up at him, and bites her lip. The crowd starts to boo, figuring out at this point that Kayla obviously was the one who took a pipe to the back of Dickie’s head. And the fact that Finn absolutely seems to be going along with it? Even
commending her for it, about to obviously–
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
NINE
An inch away from her face, Finn shakes his head with a smile and pulls away entirely, sliding out of the ring almost immediately. The referee starts over once more, and Kayla’s eyes widen as Finn walks around the ring and starts heading up the ramp to the confusion of everyone in the vicinity of the ring.
KAYLA RICHARDS (unaided): Finn! What the fuck! You can win this! Get back here!
GREYSON MARKS: Well…at least one of them still has honor…
EIGHT
NINE
TEN!
DING DING DING
NO CONTEST.
TASMIN RICHARDS: …I always knew my sister was fucked, but I didn’t think she was
that fucked. Why are you such a bitch!?
GREYSON MARKS: I’m sure we’ll be hearing from FIGHT! Executives about this…ladies and gentlemen, we’ll be back after a small break…
The crowd is buzzing as the ring crew rush to get everything ready for the main event. At the commentary table, Greyson and Lincoln are hyping up the bout for the fans watching at home.
GREYSON MARKS: The crowd is electric as we prepare for the main event of the evening; in just a few moments, Damian Ayla is set to take on Vhodka Black for the Excellence Championship!
LINCOLN PHELPS: Which she only has because of his generous nature; tonight, Ayla shows us all why he opened the field for interlopers to step in and step up.
TASMIN RICHARDS: I don’t know, Lincoln, despite the dismissive air of the champion, I think he’s got his hands a lot fuller than he realizes.
GREYSON MARKS: I’d also argue that Vhodka is an interloper at this point; she’s settled into her spot with Pro Wrestling Excellence quite comfortably.
TASMIN RICHARDS: If Damian believes clearing PWE of the Blacks is going to be easy, quick work, he’s making a grave error of judgment.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Damian is going to wipe the ring with her face and send her back to the feds where they’ll cater to her ego.
The camera cuts to the ring, where the gorgeous Nina Lawrence stands next to the referee.
NINA LAWRENCE: The following match is scheduled for one fall and it is for the PWE Excellence Championship!!
The arena is plunged into darkness as a woman’s voice sings out over the PA system while the words flash in white lettering on the black tron screens.
Who you talkin' to man?
Who you talkin' to man?
The music fully kicks in as the lights come up, red and white strobes pulsating on the stage. The tron begins rushing through images of a long career, different clips of matches, backstage segments, promos - all splashed across the screen in black and white with details accented in pink and aqua.
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
Who do you think you are?
Some kind of superstar
Who do you think I be?
A pretty beggar on my knees
What's that across your eyelid
What's that across your tongue
Which funeral comes marchin'
When the holy deed is done
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
With the first verse, Vhodka emerges from the backstage area standing framed in red and white strobes center stage. She is dressed in faded and torn blue jeans that cling to her body like a second skin, stuffed into ankle length combat boots that have seen better days. A torn up Van Halen shirt adorns her upper torso, the neck and bottom half cut out to leave her collarbone and midriff bare, a cropped leather jacket hangs open over top. Her hair is orange, snarled and hanging down her back, her bangs braided back and pinned underneath to keep them from her eyes. A smile plays across her lips as she nods her head with one hand in the air, index finger extended in a point, as she mouths the words to the song that simultaneously flash across the tron.
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
And I wanna' know
Who you talkin' to man?
And I wanna' know
Who you talkin' to man?
And I wanna' know
Who you talkin' to man?
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
She descends the ramp to the ring glancing towards the crowd on either side, occasionally sticking her tongue out at hecklers and pointing to others as she approaches the ring to slide underneath the bottom rope.
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
I'm gonna' grab your throat
I'm gonna' take your worth
I'm gonna' tell you something
Something you've never heard
Who knows you better than I
The one you've never known
I'll give you back your body
You can give me back my throne
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
Vhodka stays on hands and knees in the center of the ring, her upper body pushed up with her lower body pressed against the ring for a moment before standing and quickly moving to the corner turnbuckle where she stands taking it all in.
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
And I wanna' know
Who you talkin' to man?
And I wanna' know
Who you talkin' to man?
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
She jumps down off the turnbuckle, bouncing on the balls of her feet as she cracks her neck before removing her jacket and tossing it out of the ring.
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
Hey, hey, hey,
How do you like me now?
Hey, hey, hey,
How do you like me now?
Hey, hey, hey,
How do you like me now?
Hey, hey, hey,
How do you like me now?
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
NINA LAWRENCE: Introducing first, the challenger, hailing from Parts Unknown, she is known as the Belle of the Brawl... VHOOOOODKAAAAA BLAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!
"Sleep my child, they don't know your wars
Though it's them, who you're fighting for"
The audience becomes enveloped in darkness, where only a dim light brightens the space. Cascading hues of purple and midnight blue cycle through with the occasional beat of white to help imagine nighttime atmosphere. "Though Our Paths May Diverge" by Mili begins with a haunting organ solo, illustrating a funeral procession. On the entrance stage, white smoke begins to leak out from underneath, mist on a midnight stroll. As Mili's serene, yet foreboding voice trickles in, the camera fixates on the arrival of the Pro Wrestling Excellence Champion. Damian Ayla stands on the stage, a black coat resting on his shoulders, adorned with raven feathers. In his hand, he clutches the grand prize of the company, holding a death grip on it as his hollow, charcoal eyes meets the camera lens. The view moves behind him, getting a fascinating view of the champion amidst his subjects with a quiet hostility seeping from every pore in his body. With one step, he begins his march down to the ring.
NINA LAWRENCE: And his opponent...hailing from Silent Hill, Maine...weighing in at 243 pounds...he is the REIGNING AND DEFENDING PRO WRESTLING EXCELLENCE CHAMPION...HE IS THE GODSLAYING BEAST...THE ARCHETYPE OF VIOLENCE...HE IS DAMIAN AYLA!
The Godslaying Beast's walk down the ramp is somber, not a single step is taken at any pace faster than one would carrying a casket. His stony expression remains that way as he feels the eyes on him. The audience fails to boo him as he brings everyone into the atmosphere he carried. Once he reaches the ramp, he stares down at the championship in his hand, giving a longing look before he heads towards the steel steps. Once there, he holds the strap of his title in both hands, allowing stagehands to peel the heavy, black coat off his shoulders. He flexes his shoulders, taking in the chill that now greets him. As he walks up the ring steps, he grazes the ropes with his fingertips before turning his back to them. Damian closes his eyes and lifts his head as the lights in the arena grow brighter. The melancholic shades lift into vibrant, but still ever dark tones. Damian then enters the ring.
As he steps in, he commands the ring with each foot placed before the other. He moves close to his corner, where he throws his championship over his shoulder. He takes a deep breath before looking over his shoulder at his opponent and forces his body to follow. In the full splendor of light, the Pro Wrestling Excellence Champion invites those around him to gaze upon him. His eyes close again, this time focusing all his internal processes towards the upcoming battle. When they open, they glisten with lively scorn, and the Archetype of Violence waits for the formalities to end. Soon enough, Mili's voice naturally fades. The world soon returns to normal.
DING DING DING
As the opening bell echoes through the arena, the crowd is split as Ayla removes the Excellence Championship from his waist and hands it off to the ref. As he hoists it over his head, Black begins to bounce around, her eyes glued momentarily to the gold and leather shining under the lights. Reaching into her top, she pulls out a cross and plants a kiss on it before tucking it away again.
Ayla’s eyes also follow the belt before turning quickly back to Black. Noticing his movement from the corner of her eye, Black tears her eyes from the belt and stares down the dominant Excellence Champion. In unison, they circle on another, both believing themselves the hunter and the other their prey.
Finally giving in to her impatience and reckless nature, Black curls her lip, baring her teeth and lunges forward. Ayla’s patience is rewarded as he easily slides aside, spinning casually on his heel as Black stops her own momentum. As she turns, she’s met with a series of quickly delivered jabs that send her stumbling backward.
GREYSON MARKS: Ayla takes control early with a series of face shots to Black. You know he’s hoping to put Vhodka away as quickly as he can and forget she exists.
LINCOLN PHELPS: I hope he plays with his food a little bit first. This chick talked a big game coming through these doors, but she underestimated our homeboy here.
GREYSON MARKS: Vhodka has proven herself capable and worthy of being exactly where she is right now. Damian is a strong, undefeated champion here, but Vhodka’s resume isn’t exactly shabby.
LINCOLN PHELPS: She’s all flash and no substance, which Ayla is going to lay bare for the world to see tonight.
Back in the ring, Ayla has caught Black in a painful abdominal stretch. The ref asks Black if she wants to quit, but she shakes her head furiously as her face turns red from the pain. With a smug grin, Ayla releases the hold, throwing her down to the mat carelessly. Landing on her hands and knees, Black mumbles as she crawls away to catch her breath, wincing as each lungful sends a fresh wave of pain through her stretched torso. Keeping a watchful eye on Ayla who was stalking her on light feet, Black reaches the ropes and grabs the middle one to pull herself up. As she clutches on her ribs with her free hand, she glares over at Ayla, who chuckles.
When he finally makes his move, Black is ready for him. Just as his boot kicks out to connect with her face, Black grabs the middle rope with both hands and allows her full weight to dropdown. Unable to stop himself, Ayla is sent through the ropes gracelessly and crashes to the floor with a loud thud. Even though he manages to roll through most of the possible damage, he feels a twinge in his left arm where he connects with the unforgiving mats.
GREYSON MARKS: Black, in a move of desperation, sends Ayla to the outside! The impact looked minimal; did you catch a better view, Lincoln?
LINCOLN PHELPS: Not really, but it’s going to take a lot more than that to keep the champ down. Look, he’s already back to his feet.
TASMIN RICHARDS: Vhodka may have bought herself a moment, but nothing else.
Shaking off the unexpected trip outside, Ayla glances back into the ring and locks eyes with Black. He begins to slow clap for her mockingly; she responds with an obscene gesture that earns a very mixed reaction.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Is that really what you want representing your brand?
TASMIN RICHARDS: To be fair, I’ve seen my sister do worse, so I can’t really judge too hard here.
GREYSON MARKS: Vhodka may be rough around the edges, but she’s got a lot of heart under all the hair dye and ink.
When Ayla attempts to get back into the ring, Black is ready for him. Ayla backs away to avoid being kicked in the face; a momentary look of frustration crosses his face as he begins walking around the ring. Black finally backs away, shooting him a smug look of her own now, and beckons for him to come back inside. The referee stands between them for extra insurance as Ayla hops onto the edge of the ring and slowly climbs between the ropes.
The two meet once more in the center of the ring and exchange some heated words that only those closest to the ring could hear. Black reaches out a lightning-fast hand from nowhere and strikes Ayla across the face. His head spins and he allows it to remain there for a moment as the initial sting ebbs away to a dull ache in his jaw. As Black launches another strike, Ayla catches her hand before it can connect to his other cheek.
Her eyes widen as he turns his emotionless face towards her and shakes his head slowly.
TASMIN RICHARDS: Vhodka looks to be in a bit of trouble here... We’ve seen this look before.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Yes we have and I can’t wait to see the carnage that’s about to follow!
GREYSON MARKS: Vhodka is going to have to fight for her life to survive the slaughter Damian has on his mind right now.
Taking advantage of her surprise, Ayla swings his free hand around and connects with a hard chop on the fragile bones of Black’s wrist. She attempts to pull her hand back as a scream leaves her throat, but Ayla captures her wrist again and applies a full wrist lock. Gnashing her teeth at him, Black instinctively swings her free hand and clobbers him multiple times in the skull until he releases the hold.
She dances away in pain, clutching her injured wrist as Ayla shakes off the blows to his brain. Realizing she has a moment, Black launches herself forward, bending forward to spear them both down to the mat. She attempts to sit on top of his chest to deliver more blows to the head, but Ayla uses his power to push her off. Ayla rolls away and quickly to his feet as Black uses the momentum of Ayla’s shove to kip up to her own feet.
The crowd cheers as Ayla and Black think alike and exchange a series of merciless punches and kicks.
LINCOLN PHELPS: Come on Damian, don’t let that heathen get the better of you!
GREYSON MARKS: Vhodka Black fighting back with all her might against the best PWE has to offer! Anyone who doubted her right to be here should be eating their words about now.
TASMIN RICHARDS: The fans certainly appreciate the effort both opponents have put in so far, and I have a feeling we’re only just getting started!
Once again, Ayla takes advantage of his size and sends Black flying; this time, however, Black is ready for it and allows herself to fall back into the ropes. As Ayla turns back to send her down with a clothesline, he’s met with a flying dropkick square in the chest. As he stumbles, Black rushes forward, falling to her knees as she reaches him and sending her elbow into his patella. This causes Ayla to fall to one knee as Black gets back to her feet.
Black capitalizes with a roundhouse kick to his head that sends him crashing to the mat. Ayla attempts to roll away, but Black is demented in her determination to injure him as she curb stomps every bit of him her boots land on. The referee attempts to stop her, but Black hisses at him, baring her teeth as she continues to aim her boot for Ayla’s head.
TASMIN RICHARDS: Black is absolutely ruthless in her assault on Ayla!
GREYSON MARKS: She knows it’s going to take everything in her arsenal to subdue the Godslaying Beast enough to take his championship!
LINCOLN PHELPS: She can pull out every dirty trick she wants, it still won’t be enough to end the reign of dominance Ayla has exerted over PWE!
Having seen enough, the referee firmly begins a five-count; a warning to Black to ease up on Ayla for a moment. Glaring at the referee, she stomps until he gets to four and finally backs away. Ayla slides out of the ring and falls to his knees, taking in large gulps of air. Black attempts to follow him, but the ref holds a hand up to stop her, yelling at her to back off. Black yells back, arguing that he was costing her time.
As the argument commences, Ayla begins go sneak around to the other side. He pauses every so often to take a stealthy check to ensure Black was still occupied with the ref.
GREYSON MARKS: Vhodka, leave the ref alone and keep an eye on Damian!
LINCOLN PHELPS: Vhodka Black, proving once again why she has no right to the Excellence Championship!
TASMIN RICHARDS: Definitely a bad call on her part, this isn’t looking good for Black at the moment!
After a round of heated discussion with the ref, Black turns in the direction she saw Ayla fall. Approaching the ropes, she looks around in surprise when she finally notices he was gone.
Behind her, Ayla quietly rolled back into the ring and got to his feet. His face was set hard and his eyes were glittering with primal hunger. When Black turns around to look for him, she’s met with a breathtaking kick to the gut followed by BLOOD RED SUMMER!! Black crumbles to the mat; Ayla drops and makes the cover.
GREYSON MARKS: Ayla with the first pinfall attempt in the match!
One...
Two...
TASMIN RICHARDS: NO!!! Vhodka pushes her way out with authority at the two count!
LINCOLN PHELPS: After the slowest count ever! Come on ref, put some pep in your step next time!
As the crowd screams its approval, Ayla merely shrugs and gets to his feet, dragging Black up with him by her hair. Black swings her fists, taking strikes at his arms, but Ayla keeps a hold of her hair, dragging her towards one of the ring corners. During the struggle, Black eyes a bandage on one of Ayla’s hands; lifting her hand, she reaches out and digs her fingernails into the wound underneath.
It’s enough to startle Ayla into loosening his grip on her. Pulling her head free from his grasp, she strikes with her nails again, raking them across his eyes this time. Ayla backs away, grabbing at his face, Black only smiles as she once again faces the ire of the referee. Ignoring him completely, she hurls herself at Ayla, throwing the full force of her weight at his face with her elbow.
Ayla staggers as he sees stars for a moment, allowing Black to follow up with head scissors takedown. As Ayla is brought to the mat, Black sits on top of his chest, planting her weight down on him. Ayla struggles beneath her, but she’s got his arms pinned down on either side. The referee is about to begin the three count, but Black begins to pummel Ayla’s face mercilessly.
TASMIN RICHARDS: Vhodka, stop, you could be costing yourself the match right now!
LINCOLN PHELPS: Nah, let her keep going. If she gets herself disqualified, she can make up a million excuses but she’ll be at the back of the line again.
GREYSON MARKS: It’s moments like these that Damian Ayla waits for. Say what you will about his tactics, his patience tends to pay off for him.
The referee begins to count again, forcing Black to cut off her attack much earlier than she’d have liked. Growling threateningly at the referee, she gnashes her teeth together and gets to her feet. Groggy, Ayla gets to a knee, only to be met with another kick to the skull from Black. Despite the ferocity behind the kick, Ayla manages to stay on his knee. Black snarls again and applies a chokehold, wrenching her arms around his neck without mercy.
Each moment Ayla continues to fight against her grip, Black loses patience. Releasing the hold, she turns to face him and headbutts him in frustration, causing a burst of pain to blast through her own head. Shaking it off, she chops him across the face, causing a nasty red welt to immediately appear. The crowd woos loudly when she does it again, this one causing Ayla to fall to the matt.
Black slides down with him, getting a loose hook on his leg as she goes for a quick pin.
TASMIN RICHARDS: Vhodka with the pin attempt!
One...
Tw-
LINCOLN PHELPS: Ha! Up yours, hussy, the Champ kicks out with ease!
GREYSON MARKS: He may have kicked out, but Vhodka definitely did some damage to the champ.
LINCOLN PHELPS: All that for a drop of blood.
TASMIN RICHARDS: Okay, Thanos; it’s more than Damian has on her so far.
LINCOLN PHELPS: That’ll change soon enough, mark my words.
Seeing the small trickle of blood coming from a cut one of her nails made across his forehead, Black smiles sadistically. Licking her lips, she stays crouched as she keeps her eyes locked on Ayla, who has rolled away in an attempt to recover. Sensing her waiting, Ayla rolls out of the ring once again, stumbling towards the barricade to the delight of the fans in the front rows. Many hands reach out to tap his sweaty body as he receives a mixed reception from those around him.
Ignoring all of this, he slaps away the hands of the fans and moves out of their reach. In the ring, Black watches and chooses her moment. Having backed to the opposite side of the ring, she rushes forward and launches her body forward to spear him through the ropes.
Ayla scouts the move; as Black flies through the ropes, he catches her and sends her flying straight into the barricade.
GREYSON MARKS: Neither competitor is giving the referee any mind right now, even though the ten count has begun.
TASMIN RICHARDS: It can’t end like this, get back in the ring you guys!
LINCOLN PHELPS: Damian looks hell-bent on paying Vhodka back for every blow she’s inflicted on him so far. It’s too late for her either way!
1....
2....
Before she has a chance to crawl away, Ayla has a hold of Black’s hair and has pulled her back to her feet. Still too loopy to fight him off, Black is helpless to stop herself from being sent face-first into the top of the barricade. Once, twice, three times in a row, Ayla smashes her face against the hard surface before releasing her and watching her drop to the ground. The crowd cringes and groans as the way in mingled terror and thrill.
Ayla’s smile is sinister as he watches Black attempt to crawl away from him. After stalking her for a few moments, he lifts his leg and sends his boot crashing into her head.
3....
As Black crumples into a heap at his feet, Ayla looks around and the crowd boos his actions. Soaking it in, he looks back down at Black and yanks her back to her feet by her arm, nearly pulling it out of its socket.
4....
TASMIN RICHARDS: Ayla is enjoying himself right now as he attempts to break Black apart.
LINCOLN PHELPS: He’s only returning the favor she gave him earlier. Turnabout is fair play, after all.
GREYSON MARKS: One might argue he’s being unnecessarily aggressive in his actions right now.
LINCOLN PHELPS: She’s had this coming from the moment she started running her mouth.
The crowd begins to rally for Black, but this is met with her being sent flying into the metal ring steps. Ayla waves his hand in the air mockingly to continue the rally and is met with loud boos.
5....
6....
Finally aware of the count, Ayla turns towards the ring, where the ref is hanging over the ropes, his hands in the air keeping track with his yells. Glancing over his shoulder, he spies Black attempting to get to her feet using the ring apron.
7....
Sauntering back over to her, Ayla grabs Black by her ring gear and tosses her back through the bottom rope. This startles the referee, but he turns, ready to continue the count, but Ayla has already slid back into the ring behind Black.
LINCOLN PHELPS: I guess the beast wasn’t done playing with his meal.
TASMIN RICHARDS: Or perhaps he wants to finish this task definitively. He’s made it crystal clear he doesn’t want any part of Vhodka Black beyond tonight.
GREYSON MARKS: He may get his wish if Vhodka can’t muster a comeback in a hurry.
Already to his feet, Ayla turns to Black, who is leaning heavily against the ropes. There’s a nasty cut across her left eye, where it connected against the unforgiving metal. Blood trickles into her eyeball, stinging it and blinding her momentarily. It’s long enough for Ayla to get a hold of the back of her neck and pull her from the ropes roughly.
Halfway across the ring, Ayla transitions his grip and sends Black to the mat with a quick dragon suplex. Rolling on top of her, he makes the cover.
One...
Two...
Thr-
GREYSON MARKS: Black gets the shoulder up just in time to allow this matchup to continue!
The crowd roars as Ayla sits up and glares up at the referee, who holds up two fingers decisively. A flicker of vexation passes over his face before he gets to his feet. Looking down at Black, he allows her to get on a knee before approaching her. She strikes instinctively, but Ayla is ready for it and blocks her blows easily. Boring quickly of this, Ayla lifts his hand high in the air and sends it into her face, delivering a stinging chop of his own.
He covers her again as Black falls to the mat.
One...
Tw-
TASMIN RICHARDS: Vhodka Black refusing to give up here!
LINCOLN PHELPS: She’s only prolonging her own suffering, not that I’m complaining.
Ayla slaps the mat now as Black manages to break free of his pin attempt once again. The crowd is cheering loudly, but he doesn’t hear any of this as he focuses solely on Black. As rage burns through his blood, building like pressure inside of him, Ayla begins to deliver a series of strategic kicks and strikes to Black. Fatigue and pain flood through him with every move, but he grits his teeth and fights through it, determined to put this most obnoxious of obstacles away, once and for all.
Forcing the beaten-down Black back to her feet, he allows her to stagger on her own two feet for a moment. Disoriented, Black turns to face him but is caught from behind around the waist.
GREYSON MARKS: Ayla setting up to hit Heavens Divide on Black; if he succeeds, this could be the match right here!
LINCOLN PHELPS: FINISH HER, DAMIAN!!!!!
Spinning her away to set up for his devastating finisher, Ayla throws out his arm, ready to dismantle Black. In the mere seconds between impact, Black reaches deep down in desperation and manages to bridge all the way back to avoid his stiff arm. Ayla turns back quickly to finish the job and is met with a cartwheel kick that sends him to the mat. Still using her momentum, Black flips her body back around into a handspring moonsault, landing hard on top of Ayla.
The crowd is deafening as Black lands, exhausted, on top of Ayla and hooks the leg.
One...
Two...
Thre-
LINCOLN PHELPS: You thought you had him put away that easily? I think not, missy! I told you guys, nothing she’s got will be enough.
TASMIN RICHARDS: Black is making quite the comeback; I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss her just yet.
Black holds up three fingers to the ref, but he holds up two and motions for the match to carry on. Exhausted and desperate, Black gets to unsteady feet as she keeps an eye on Ayla, who was also returning to his feet. Barreling forward, Black collides in the center of the ring with Ayla and the two begin exchanging chops across the chest. The crowd is still mixed as the hits come harder and faster.
After several exchanges, Ayla gets the upper hand and manages to trap Black into a ring corner. His blows start calculated and precise, but as his own rage begins to take over, so does his control. Black’s head snaps back on her neck as she throws up her hands to cover as much as she can. The referee attempts to get in between them, finally managing to back Ayla away, warning him against continuing.
Ayla abides to this for all of a moment before he’s back on Black once again. She sinks lower and lower as Ayla pummels on her mercilessly, reason going completely out the window. The referee intervenes again, this time counting loudly to get the point across to Ayla. At the count of four, Ayla finally releases Black and backs away, running his hands through his hair.
GREYSON MARKS: Damian Ayla is starting to let his frustration show as Vhodka continues to fight valiantly to stay alive in this matchup!
TASMIN RICHARDS: Love her or hate her, no one can deny Vhodka her due at this point. No matter how hard Damian hits, she keeps getting back up.
LINCOLN PHELPS: I understand Tasmin kissing her ass, but I’m surprised at you, Marks. Damian is our home-grown champion, why would you want some outsider to usurp him?
GREYSON MARKS: I’m an unbiased observer doing my job, Lincoln, I don’t know why you’ve got such a problem with this.
Pacing like a lion as Black lifts herself weakly to her feet, Ayla waits until the referee finishes checking Black over and stepping aside. Wasting no time, Ayla rushes forward, hoping to kick Black’s head clean off her neck. Whether it was from exhaustion or instinct, luck is on Black’s side as she drops to the mat just before Ayla’s boot connected with her face. His leg gets caught up in the ring post, tangling with the ropes.
Woozy and stumbling around, Black turns and realizes she has a chance to take the advantage back. Backing up so she can build speed, Black bursts forward with renewed energy and lands a missile dropkick to Ayla’s back. This helps to free him from the post ropes as he falls backward onto his back. He recovers quickly enough and gets to his feet, only to be met with a nasty European Uppercut that surely sent at least one of his teeth flying out of his mouth.
As Ayla stumbles, Tweety Bird dancing around his line of vision, Black hops to the middle rope. As he turns blindly towards her, she hopes from the rope to his shoulders and sends him crashing down to the mat with a hurricanrana! She crawls desperately for the cover, but he pushes her off before the ref could begin the count.
Slamming her fists into the mat, Black gets back to her feet and ruthlessly kicks at Ayla’s deltoids as he attempts to sit up. He rolls away and out of the ring, falling to his hands and knees as he attempts to shake the cobwebs in his head loose.
In the ring, Black wants to rush at him again, but the ref holds a hand up to stop her, using the other to motion Ayla back inside the ring. Ignoring the referee, Ayla continues to stumble around the outside. When the referee was fully distracted with Ayla on the outside, Black slides out behind him and raced to the other side to meet Ayla. The referee shouts with surprise as Black leaps onto the commentator's table, yelling at both competitors to get back in the ring now.
Deaf to his yells, Black runs across the commentator's table, sending their drinks and papers flying everywhere. With a graceful leap from the edge of the table, Black launches her body toward Ayla like a missile, sending them both crashing to the floor.
TASMIN RICHARDS: Desperation is making Vhodka reckless when it comes to her own safety! She’s so determined to leave with the Excellence Title, she’s going to break herself to get it!
LINCOLN PHELPS: She’s only making it easier for Damian to crush her when the end arrives!
GREYSON MARKS: Vhodka is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure Damian is forced to acknowledge her as a force to be reckoned with. Capturing his title is just a bonus for her by now.
Black gets to her feet and manages to catch Ayla by his hair. Grabbing a handful and yanked it as hard as she can, seeming intent on taking his entire scalp. This seems to awaken something in Ayla as he roars with pain; throwing out his arms, he manages to push Black off of him and rolls back into the ring. His burst of offense doesn’t keep Black off guard for long; she follows Ayla into the ring, springing quickly to her feet.
She’s only a moment too slow to avoid getting caught in Ayla’s powerful grip. Catching her from behind, he begins to squeeze her tightly in an unforgiving bear hug. Black’s breath catches in her throat as she feels the pressure of his strong arms tighten around her ribcage and squeeze like a boa constrictor. She slams her fists into his arms, hoping to hit the right point to deaden his muscles, but he shakes her like a rag doll as his grip tightens.
Her vision begins to get spotty as consciousness slowly leaves her.
GREYSON MARKS: Vhodka is fading fast after getting caught by Damian. This could be the beginning of the end.
LINCOLN PHELPS: I told you it was only a matter of time before the patience of the Godslaying Beast paid off! All it takes is one wrong move and you’re finished! Buh-bye, Vhods!
TASMIN RICHARDS: It’s not over until the bell rings, Phelps. Calm your tits.
With a smirk that turns into a wince of pain, Ayla squeezes until he feels Black go limp in his arms. Dropping her to the mat, he circles her several times, wiping blood out of his eyes. As he looks at it in his hand, a malicious smile begins to form across his lips. Wiping it off casually against his chest, his fingers leave thin red streaks, the blood mingling with the beads of sweat that drip down his body.
Reaching down, Ayla grabs her around the neck and forces Black back to her feet, his eyes locked on hers. Her eyes rolled up to meet Ayla’s, her hands over his hoping to loosen his grip. The protests of the referee fall on deaf ears as Ayla watches Black’s eyes start to roll heavenward. His smile grows as he drags her towards the center of the ring.
Pulling her in close, Ayla loosens his grip around her neck just enough to hear a rattling breath taken in. The sound is like music to his ears, as is the bruise already forming in the shape of his hand. His eyes flicker down to admire his work before drawing them back up to meet hers once more. Then he lifts her into the air, setting her up for his dreaded Daytime Hanging.
TASMIN RICHARDS: Ayla setting up for Daytime Hanging, which has put away so many before Vhodka. If he connects, this match is surely over.
LINCOLN PHELPS: It’s in the bag, baby!
As he allows clings to her neck, he leans in close to her ear, whispering for only them to hear.
DAMIAN AYLA: Stay dead this time.
The icy words seemed to stir something within the Belle of the Brawl. Her eyes pop open wide as an animalistic scream erupts from her lips. A second wind seems to hit her as she begins to wriggle violently against his hold.
Surprised by her sudden resistance, Ayla struggles to maintain his hold, but pain gets the better of him and he’s forced to release his grip. With a demonic battle cry, Black hops up and down several times before rushing at Ayla without thought of consequences. After a series of deadly blows and kicks that send him stumbling back, she charges forward and catches him with a Harvey Wallbanger that sends him crashing back to the mat.
As the crowd loses its mind, Black climbs the first two ropes, pausing for a moment to rally the crowd behind her. They respond with an enthusiastic roar of approval and she hops to the top rope and signals for the end.
GREYSON MARKS: Vhodka is unstoppable right now as she looks be mixing together something On the Rocks for Damian Ayla!
TASMIN RICHARDS: The Excellence Champion is in trouble as the challenger looks to be poised to end it here.
LINCOLN PHELPS: NOOOOOOOO CHAMP, NOT LIKE THIS, NOT TO HER!!!!
After soaking in the energy of the crowd, Black crosses herself and blows a kiss towards Heaven before sending her body into the air. She executes her famous finisher flawlessly, sending exquisite pain through Ayla’s entire body.
TASMIN RICHARDS: ON THE ROCKS CONNECTS BEAUTIFULLY! This could be the end right here!
LINCOLN PHELPS: THIS CAN’T BE!!!
Throwing her full weight against him and hooking both legs, Black goes for the pin. The crowd counts loudly with the referee.
One...
Two...
THREE!!!
The crowd explodes as Vhodka Black rolls away from the uncrowned champion and hides her face in her hands. The referee calls the bell and motions for the Excellence Championship as both opponents continue to comprehend what had just happened. A moment later, the voice of Nina Lawrence cuts through both their fogs, confirming what the rest of the arena already knew.
NINA LAWRENCE: YOUR WINNER AND NEW EXCELLENCE CHAMPION.... VHODKA BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Vhodka gets to her knees as the referee approaches her, holding out the Excellence Championship. By now, Damian has gotten sat up and realized what happened. Rolling out of the ring, he keeps his eyes glued to the ring, watching in silent rage as Vhodka accepts the title, her tear-stained face staring down at the faceplate with his name still written on it. A moment later, Tara joins him and they exchange a glance that leaves much to the imagination. Turning their backs to the scene in the ring, they disappear behind the curtain, Tara helping Damian gingerly.
Soon after they disappear, Vincent Black appears and joins his wife in the ring, helping her to her feet. He takes her hand and lifts it in the air as Vhodka lifts the title high up in the air with the other. The crowd cheers wildly as they turn and exchange a kiss. The scene fades on them smiling with joy, soaking in their moment of victory.
