----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
âThank You For Understandingâ
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{Before Sacrifice officially comes on the air we again see the same Samurai dressed in plate armor as we did last week standing guard outside the locker room, the only difference being that his armor this week is purple-and-black. Looking warily, Maria Iniesta again approaches him only to be handed the same note as she was from last week.}Maria Iniesta:
(Reading from a note.) "As was stated last week, He is here to defend the locker room from any and all assaults that happen before bell time. The man who paid for this samurai will reveal himself at a time and date of his choosing. He is not hired to speak, or answer any questions. Thank you for understanding.â
{Handing the note back, the wheels noticeably turning in her head, Maria Iniesta nonetheless leaves the samurai to his task before we head to the Sacrifice opening package.}----------------------------------------------------------
SINGLES MATCH
Paul Harper-Davidson vs Dean Harper
----------------------------------------------------------
{The lights go out as the melodic opening of The Howling by Within Temptation begins to play. After a few moments a single white spotlight shines down on the stage, showing Dean crouched on the stage, looking down at the ground with his hood concealing his face. Smoke rises around him eerily as he slowly rolls his wrists. Suddenly, in time with the opening guitar riff, the lights snap blood red as Dean stands, walking through the now red-lit smoke towards the ring. He jumps up onto the apron before springing on the bottom rope into the ring. Once in the center of the ring, he spreads his arms wide as he soaks in the red flashing lights before lifting his head sharply, kicking back the hood to show his face, nodding in rhythm to the music as he slowly breaks into a wicked grin. After a few moments he turns and settles into his corner, tossing his hood and jacket to ringside⊠which are caught by Rowan, who the audience swears wasnât standing there a second ago.}Alison Valance: âNow Entering the ring, hailing for Sioux Falls, North Dakota, he is the Most Loyal DEAN HARPER!â
Terri Morasco: I have no idea how she does that.
Vasco Dias: Smoke and Mirrors, Smoke and mirrors
{The arena goes dark, as All-Seeing Eyes begin to appear all over the arena via multicolored strobe lights, pausing from time to time, as Veteran of the Psychic Wars by Blue Oyster Cult begins to play. The crowd begins to boo as Paul Harper-Davidson comes out from behind the curtain wearing a white lab coat, rose-coloured circular glasses, and carrying a metal clipboard, which he examines as he ignores the booing crowd.}Terri Morasco: Paul Harper- Davidson, a new fixture on the scene I wonder what his prognosis for this match is?
Vasco Dias: That was..Terrible
{Dean is quick to move towards PH-D who is quick to drop down even as the ref gets between them and Phil takes his sweet time Dean glares daggers at the referee as PHD starts to finally climb in the ring putting the ref between him and Dean before the Ref has the bell rung and PHD shoots in quickly to try and take an arm Dean I s quick to pull The doctor in and hit a chop , then another pushing him towards the ropes and whipping him off and PHD is quick to slide under the bottom rope to dust himself off.}Terri Morasco: Looks like we have a clash of styles here, fast and frantic against low and slow
Vasco Dias: The doctor is trying to get into Harperâs head. Shame itâs Occupado.
{PHD starts to milk the Count as he dismissively turns his back to Dean, Dean, takes a moment and as the referee leans t usher PHD Back in, Dean comes flying over the top of him to crash into PHD with a vaulting Crossbody! Fists starting to land onto the doctor as PHD collapses on the floor}Terri Morasco: And Harper is having none of it
Vasco Dias: I take back what I said about Harperâs head being occupied, heâs just crazy!
{As Dean lays fists on PHD he stands up to pick PHD up by the head before his eyes open wide and PHD twist around slowly holding the web of the index and thumb between his teeth applying a wrist lock onto Dean via the bite before he applies the lock properly and takes a moment to baseball slide across the corner taking Dean's arm with him to suddenly snap back and smash Deanâs arm into the post before rolling back in , still holding the arm pulling Dean in be foe Dean manages to snap himself out of the hold and outright punch PHD in the face!}Terri Morasco: Karma
Vasco Dias: Both of these guys are taking every opportunity offeredâŠwait. Why is Rowan looking at me?! I DIDNâT DO IT.
{Dean whips PHD into the ropes PHD grabs the ropes to stop himself getting levelled by Dean advances to duck under the next punch and hits THE BARGAINING before running to a rope and dropping a knee across the Back of Deanâs neck as he starts to get up PHD Covers pressing his forearm across Dean's cheek to make the pin that little bit more vicious}ONE!!
TWO!!
KICKOUT!!
{PHD Takes a moment to cover Dena once or twice more, laughing off the increasingly defiant kick outs before he lays a stomp into Dean's Arm then an alternate leg before he moves to Pick Dean up, hitting a snapping suplex and taking his time again as he moves to measure up another knee drop across the forehead}Terri Morasco: The good doctor has slowed this down to a crawl and is picking Dean apart itâs clear that when the match speeds up Dean has the advantage but The doctor is just keeping him on the ground
Vasco Dias: And just Look at Rowan, glaring at this , I wonder whatâs going through herâŠactually No I donât.
{PHD takes a long moment to Pick Dean up into a headlock, taking him over with a very basic but snappy Headlock takedown, squeezing down on Dean and adding toe odd punch and bite as the Ref isnât looking before Dean shifts his position to hit a roll back Pin on PHD, PHD doesnât even get a one before he rolls himself f back to his position, but Dean uses the momentum to get his base, starting to rise yup even as PHD add a punch, then a second on before Dean exploded up to hit PHD with the SHOW OF DEVOTION before the two of them lay down}Vasco Dias: Dean Harper surprising the heck out of me ,the crowd and most importantly the opponent!
Terri Morasco: But can he capitalize?
{The two men get up and Den is quick off the mark to punch PHD and whip him into a corner and then run in for a Dropkick, then back up to the opposite corner and then charging in faster to hit a HUGE Dropkick on the doctor and then pushes him into a sat upright position, running to hit a set of Diving double knees on the doctor to roll through and then Waiting to charge in}Terri Morasco: Dean Harper With a burst of momentum! Is this the end?
{Dean just waits and as PHD Stands up he swings himself around to hit the DANCE THE SPIRAL! Heâs quick to cover PHD as he about folds the other man up}ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
{Dean slides off PHD for a moment as âThe Howling being and says on his knees as Rowan enters the ring and the referee goes to lift his hand Rowan just glares at him and lifts Dean's hand, and him to his feet}Alison Valance: âHere is your winner, the Most loyal DEAN HARPER!â
----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
âWhatâs Next?â
----------------------------------------------------------
Vasco Dias: "...What the hell is going on?"
Terri Morasco: "Are those? Who are those men?"
{The lights in the arena grow bright, as two by two, men wearing black cloaks make their way, each taking a side of the ramp until the entire arena is surrounded by these men. The lights begin to fade until the only lights are cell phones in the audience. "City" By Hollywood Undead begins to play over the speakers, the fans look a bit confused in the darkness and the strange new intro music. The edges of the ramp ignite, creating a wall of fire, before five separate explosions shoot up into the air, each a different colored fire. The bass drum beats in the song, as rising up from the fire are the Five Council members. The camera pans over, we see Jason Sandman holding two bottles of expensive vodka, one the camera picks up his face the Russian Arena begins to go wild, each member of the audience member is on their feet. Next to him, rising from his fire is Ulf Hednir, who is a little battled and bruised, a focused look on his face. In the center of the group is Rowan MacDonnough her new title wrapped around her waist, her eyes staring right down into the camera lense. Panning more over to the right, we see Kole Kaos, a large cigar clutched in his teeth, he holds up the mask of Zasshu, staring at it for a moment, before growling. The final member of the council, Xavier Cross tilting his head a smile on his face. He is holding the sword up, running his tongue across it. Once all five members are on their feet, the ring explodes as the lights rise. They begin to file down the ramp, one at a time. The crowd is still going wild, cheering on The Council. Jason Sandman moves past some of the druids, sitting on the barricade he shares a drink with some of the audience members. Kole finishes his cigarette, before tossing it at the camera. Cross climbs the ring steps, climbing to the top rope immediately, raising his hands to the fans. Rowan stops at the ring apron, as she unclips her new championship, lifting it over her shoulder. Ulf walks around, before sliding under the ring rope. Picking himself up, eventually, all The Council members are in the ring. Cross reaches out taking a microphone, he goes to speak but the fans are still chanting like crazy.}IWF Russian Fans: "THIS IS COUNCIL! THIS IS COUNCIL!"
Vasco Dias: "By god, these fans are crazy for the Council."
Terri Morasco: "When we were pulling into the arena, it seemed like every fan had one of the council shirts on!"
Xavier Cross: "Simmer down Comrades...we have a lot to talk about it, and we don't have much time..."
{He turns to look at his fellow members, before laughing.}Xavier Cross: "Who am I kidding, this is our show now!"
{The fans roar in approval to his words, as he turns to the turnbuckle, climbing it before sitting down.}Xavier Cross: "We are out here for many reasons, the most important of all...Your new Imperial Wrestling Federation Diamonds Champion, and Eternal Queen...give it up for our favorite devourer of souls, the breaker of Pandora's Box, last of her name, Khaleesi of the Dothraki Sea, Mother of Dragons....Rowan MacDonnough! "
{Shaking her head a bit, she rolls her eyes at Xavier as she takes the microphone.}Rowan MacDonnough: "Your admiration brings me what I could equate to joy. I made a promise to everyone, and this is just the beginning. Reveal in the presence of your queen...I will take the heads of any starlet who dare challenge my throne...Already these ring rats come out from their hiding holes trying to use their ignorant words to stir the pot. I am the Queen of Combat and my...ally...Xavier Cross graces me with such titles, but there is only one that matters..."
{Rowan raises the Diamonds Championship above her head. The fans are still on their feet admiring their Queen. She hands the microphone back to Xavier Cross, before walking over to a corner. Sandman offers her a drink, but she casually shakes her head no. Shrugging, The Sandman takes a long swing himself. Cross chuckles as he lips the microphone up to his lips.}Xavier Cross: "Now, we addressed the highest of the highs. Now we have to address, the lowest of the low. Ulf...please step forward...."
{Cross gestures to the center of the ring. As Ulf looks around, before standing in front of Cross, who immediately points the sword in the face of Ulf. The tip barely touches Ulf's nose, but he doesn't flinch a bit.}Xavier Cross: "Ulf, my sweet little brother, you flew too close to the sun, you came very close to winning your first title...defeating the man who thinks that he knows what's best for you...But you failed Ulf, you let us down. When we all stood in victory, you dwelled in defeat."
{Ulf reaches up, grabbing the blade. A few drops of blood fall from his hand, as he points it to his throat. He gestures a bit, as he's basically begging Cross to do it.}Xavier Cross: "I am not here to punish you Ulf, nor am I here to coddle you. I'm here to say that you will do better little brother. Look at how far you've come in the time you've been here. You challenged Jayson Matthews, a guy who has been here for a while, in this business. You're still fresh....which could explain one thing...."
{Cross pulls the blade away, sliding it into a sheath on his hip, hopping down he begins to circle the ring.}Xavier Cross: "Ulf, a young talent has found a lack of booking. If it wasn't for his open fight night challenges....he may not have had many points going into the Heir to the Throne....But of course, that's just poor management right? Ulf, as well as the rest of my little family, have proven above and beyond that, we are the best. Ulf is the future, and the world is now officially put on notice, Ulf Hednir is the King of the North, and he will destroy anything that is in his way."
{Cross walks over patting Ulf on the shoulder. Ulf raises a brow before stepping back, an obvious mixed message going on in his head. Kole and Jason are now passing bottles back and forth, as Cross smiles, holding his arms out taking one bottle for himself.}Xavier Cross: "Now, back to happy times. We are here to celebrate Council Faithful! If you'll turn your attention to the Imperial-throne. You will see that The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling has gotten a little bit of a face lift..."
{The big screen ignites with an obviously photoshopped version of Mount Rushmore, but with Spike Kane, Cable Arcane, Mike Laszlo, and Roberto Verona's face. There is a huge explosion, and rock comically flies across the screen. When the smoke clears, the faces are replaced with Xavier Cross, Kole Kaos, Jason Sandman, and Rowan MacDonnough. Sandman takes the microphone as he leans on the ring ropes, watching the crowd still wild as ever.}Jason Sandman: "That's a good fucking picture right there...I find it funny, I really do. I mean it didn't take long for Spike to go loose cannon cop, and of course, Verona knew his triplets couldn't conquer we three kings of the Council....so he played odds in his favor...pussy..."
{Cross nods his head, gesturing Sandman to keep going.}Jason Sandman: "Of course Gaither is a coward, who doesn't want to respond to my challenge. But big man over here has himself a good old fight waiting for him. But you know where to find me y'all chicken shit bitches. I'm Jason Sandman, twenty-four seven motherfuckers."
{Jason tosses the microphone to Kole Kaos, who looks around a moment.}Kole Kaos: "Andrew Jacobsen...The North Star...The current...undispusted, reigning and defending Imperial Champion of the World... I want to focus on the future for a moment when the Northstar is fallen, and all his pathetic little fans at home can make a wish. Wish that I leave even a fraction of that man together..."
{Kole spits on the ground, before wiping his face with the luchador's mask.}Kole Kaos: "I do find it funny though after I break the champ, I have to face my....associates...Jason Sandman and Ulf Hednir....because Roberto Verona is a cunt, but he isn't an idiot..."
{Kole passes the microphone back to Xavier, who nods his head, replacing the microphone with the half empty bottle of vodka, as Kole steps backward.}Xavier Cross: "You see, my Verona you think that pitting the Council against one another, and dangling the idea of being a lock for the Heir to the Throne tournament is something that will cause of to implode. On the contrary, I know for a fact that these three men look forward to sharpening their skills against one another, and leaving everything in the ring. But I'm curious, what kind of idiot are you? I mean, you're locking in one of the four most dangerous men in the business into the tournament, with the other two close behind into getting their own spots. Then you put me in with the two slow kids in class...but you also said something very...strange, that if someone from the Council interferes....that we would all be disqualified, and the only one who could interfere..."
{Cross turns, looking at Rowan for a moment before shaking his head.}Xavier Cross: "Nah...I'm overthinking it, you want a fair competitive match, that's all the Council wants out of life, is competition and fighting. But....I think you may need to not worry about us, because sure, we wanna burn this place to the ground....but Mister Arcane, I think he's gonna be looking to rip that pathetic little neck off your shoulders..."
{Taking a deep breath, Cross steps to the center of the ring.}Xavier Cross: "We are the Council, titles, and thrones await our future. You want to know what's next for us, I want to melt faces, I want to changes franchises, I want to scourge this earth, and remake it the way the world needs to be, in our image...What's next for the Council, but when you're this close to god, you can do...whatever...the fuck...you want..."
{Cross drops the microphone as the lights immediately go out. The ring posts explode in fire, igniting the ring, as The Council is gone except for their two empty vodka bottles, even the druids that surrounded the ring in their hoodies.}Vasco Dias: "Who will be able to stop the Council..."
Terri Morasco: "It's possible...Roberto Verona might have signed the death warrant for IWF..."
----------------------------------------------------------
SINGLES MATCH
John Tolly vs Mason St. Croix
----------------------------------------------------------
Alison Valance: The following match is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Champaign, Illinois and weighing in at 240lbs⊠He is The Franchise, John Tolly!
{Blind by Korn hits as John Tolly walked out onto the stage. He gazed around the stadium, cranked his neck and made his way down towards the ring. He climbed onto a nearby turnbuckle where he posed once more and then dropped into the ring, ready for his opponent.}Alison Valance: And his opponent, from Savannagh, Georgia and weighing in 234lbs. The Perfect Weapon, Mason St. Croix!
{âThe War Isnât Over Yetâ by Eye Empire played as blue and white pyros launched out over the walkway. Mason St. Croix stood stoic on the ramp and stared ahead, his eyes focused on the opponent. He marched down ad climbed into the ring to ascend each turnbuckle individually before coming stand at attention the centre of the ring.}Terri Morasco: This next match-up should prove an interesting one. Both competitors have wrestled for this company before. One the one hand we have John Tolly who has lived and breathed wrestling since he graduated school. It is his life While his opponent Mason St Croix is a decorated Army Ranger who long ago ingratiated himself into the pro-wrestling industry and practically captured every title we had to offer.
Vasco Dias: Wait. Tolly is no longer behind bars? Well things just got interesting.
{The bell rung and the watch was underway. Both competitors met in the centre of the ring, John refusing the offer for a handshake and lunging straight into a collar-and-elbow tie-up. Though Mason had a height advantage, John had the weight advantage. Using his advantage and experience John shifted his positon and locked in a side headlock. Mason replied in kind and re-positioned his grip to lift The Franchise up for his Rangerâs Way variation of the backdrop.}Terri Morasco: A finisher this early?
Vasco Dias: I guess Mason isnât so bad after all. At least he knows to get in, get out and no waste my time.
{John blocked the match-ending move with a well-timed and well-placed shifting of his weight, denying Mason a full lift. An irish-whip sent Mason rebounding off of the ropes and into a back body drop. The man colloquially known as the Perfect Weapon wasnât down for long and swiftly recovered. John charged forward with a spear. Mason turned his opponentâs momentum against him and fell back with the attempted strike, locking in a combination front facelock and leg-bodyscissors. A move John was clearly not anticipating.}Terri Morasco: I do so love a man in uniformâŠ
Vasco Dias: And Iâd love a stiff drinkâŠ
{The Franchise John Tolly is able to fight through the pain and pressure of Masonâs submission move and shifted enough to get a foot onto the bottom ring rope, forcing Mason to break his maneuver. It proved a very minor victory though, for as soon as John climbed back to his feet and turned to his opponent Mason lashed out with a sudden right hook to the bodyâŠthen a left hookâŠand a right elbow strike straight to the temple.}Terri Morasco: St. Croix Combo!
{John ducked the final strike at the very last nanosecond and The Perfect Weapon over-extended, losing his balance. John Tolly made him pay dearly for the mistake with the Hail to the Chief superkick that had Mason St. Croix stumbling through the ring ropes and to the outside of the ring area.}Vasco Dias: And that is why eventually everyone must Hail to the Chief.
Terri Morasco: âŠ.Did you just come up with that?
Vasco Dias: Hey. I donât judge and critise your preening over the goody-goodies.
Terri Morasco: Yes you do! All the time!
Vasco Dias: Oh right.
{John Tolly isnât far behind his opponent (1âŠ), set to roll Mason back into the ring and continue the match proper (2âŠ). The second he closes in however, the Perfect Weapon responded with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex that sent John OVER the security rail (3âŠ). Mason made his way back inside, but only so he could duck back to the outside, restart the count and reach over to grab John and bring him back within the barricaded confines of the arena (1âŠ).}Terri Morasco: Mason is a true competitor. If he is to win it will be through his own skill and determination. Not count-out.
Vasco Dias: So. Boy Scout?
Terri Morasco: Show some respect! He has served multiple tours, defending your freedom and right to say such nonsense.
{(2âŠ) John tagged Mason in the jaw with a wild right for his efforts (3âŠ) and then irish-whipped the former Ranger into a steel-post (4âŠ) before rolling him back into the ring, and following closely behind, by way of the top of the nearby turnbuckle.}Terri Morasco: I only just realized there hasnât even been one pin attempt thus far.
Vasco Dias: 1âŠ2âŠ3âŠThere you go. A 3 count. Can we go yet?
{John comes down upon Mason with a cross-body block, and maintaining Toriâs observation opted not to attempt a pin, instead lifting the Perfect Weapon in position for the Champaign Dream DDT. Before it can be executed however, Mason twisted his way free and with a quick, short-arm irish whip, hit a powerful powerslam. He followed with a hook of the leg for a pin attempt.
1âŠ
2âŠ
The Franchise kicked out.}Terri Morasco: Evidently John has had his fill of Mason and this match. Though his brash attempts to end it backfired.
{John seeks a nearby corner to help recover and reposition, but this put him the firing line for a running knee strike from Mason St. Croix who readied himself for a follow-up charging attack. The attack comes the in the form of the Warpath, a spear where Mason keeps a firm hold of his opponent and uses the momentum of the charge to lift John up for a powerful spinebuster. With John down and out he seemed perfectly vulnerable for Masonâs patented Dragon Clutch submission, named the Reckoning.}Terri Morasco: Submission applied dead centre of the ring. There is nowhere for John to go to. If he canât break free then he is in for a world of hurt.
Vasco Dias: I say the same thing about all your partnersâŠ
{Desperately John Tolly struggled. He finally managed to loosen Masonâs grip and throw him off. Mason is quick to spring back and try to press his advantage but John dropkicked him in the leg and set up for the Champaign Dream for the second time of the match. The Perfect Weapon shifted himself around and caught John by surprise, lifting him up for the Rangerâs Way. This finisher, this time connected perfectly, John crumpled in an unceremonious heap from the impact and Mason made the cover.}Terri Morasco: Itâs got to be over now.
{1âŠ
2âŠ
3âŠ}Vasco Dias: Well thatâs disappointing.
----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
âIâll See You At Legacy...â
----------------------------------------------------------
{The fans are sitting silent as they wait the next event when "Can't Stop" by Sixx AM hits the pa. Immediately the entire arena bursts into boos.}Vasco Dias:At Lineage we saw the triumphant return of Laura Howlett, the leader and namesake of the House of Howlett return to IWF!!! And he return heralded the newest and possibly greatest member, the greatest man of steel champion ever, Ryan Shane!
Terri Morasco: Greatest? That's a big word. All I saw was a vindictive bitch returning to exact petty revenge.
Vasco Dias: That's how you see it but that isn't the facts. Laura Howlett returned to usher in another era of greatness in IWF. With Ryan Shane firmly by her side Laura will be unstoppable.
{After several long moments Laura Howlett steps through the curtain to unceremonious boos from the crowd. She straightens her black pant suit with a smug grin, absorbing the boos like plants absorb sunlight.}Vasco Dias: There she is, the single greatest force in professional wrestling today! She created the Cable Arcane we know today, pushed Spike Kane to untold heights, promoted the greatest feud in IWF history between Rob Diamond and Steve Awesome and now advocates for Ryan Shane. LAURA HOWLETT!!!
Terri Morasco: I feel you are exaggerating some of that.
Vasco Dias: I didn't ask how you feel, I'm stating facts! Laura Howlett is power without end. Like it or not she is the future of this company!
{Laura Howlett walks with purpose toward the ring, she stops at the steps and looks about herself as the crowd continues to rain down their hatred but she just sucks it in and smiles. Laura walks up the steps with purpose and climbs into the ring, taking her time to enjoy the hatred.}Terri Morasco: These people are ready to kill her.
Vasco Dias: Because they want to be Laura Howlett! She worked her way up from the bottom! She made something of herself! Everyone wants to be her!
{Laura is handed a microphone by Alison Valance but she still takes time to just inhale the hatred of the crowd.}Laura Howlett: My name is Laura Howlett!
{The boos erupt once again.}Laura Howlett: I am the advocate and founder of the greatest single faction in Imperial Wrestling history!!! Under my leadership the House of Howlett single handedly won every male championship this promotion has to offer. Under my leadership we gave you the second coming of Spike Kane! The rise of Cable Arcane! And under my leadership we showed you the beginning and the end of the career of Akihiro Nakamura!
{The crowd continues to boo.}Laura Howlett: But every family experiences growing pains. The House grew too quickly and the egos of that family prevailed. I have shed the dead weight of what you knew of the House of Howlett in favor of rebuilding from the ground up. I have recruited a man who has fought harder than anyone else on the Imperial roster, a man who has given his very existence outside of this ring for his career inside of it.
Terri Morasco: I can't believe she's out here selling her snake oil once again!
Vasco Dias: Laura Howlett is a saint hell bent on protecting her talent!
Laura Howlett: I have searched long and hard for a man who personified the mission of the House of Howlett. The House isn't about chaos or taking over, our purpose is to simply provide the best future possible for my clients! Which is why I seek out only the best Imperial Wrestling has to offer! Which is why I approached the single greatest Man of Steel Champion this company has ever known... RYAN SHANE!!!
{âAngry Heartâ by Otherwise begins to play throughout the arena. Ryan Shane steps out from behind the curtain and onto the stage. He is wearing a dark blue suit, with a steel colored tie. The Man of Steel title is slung over his left shoulder. As he makes his way to the ring the crowd loudly boos him. This has zero effect on the two time champion, as he has a huge smirk on his face}Terri Morasco: Ryan Shane looking pretty proud of himself after what happened at Lineage.
Vasco Dias: He kept the title and got the girl, what isnât there to be proud of?
{When he gets to the ring he climbs the steps and enters between the ropes. Once inside he moves closer to Laura Howlett, and much like at Lineage, the two share a kiss. She hands him the microphone thatâs in her hand. Shane waits for his music to die down before beginning to speak.}Ryan Shane: This week, everywhere Iâve gone, people have only had one question. They wanted to know why I did it. Why did Ryan Shane align himself with Laura Howlett, a woman who once tried to see to my demise. The answer is simple...because itâs the smart move. Laura is a beautiful, and intelligent woman. There is nothing that the two of us together canât do.
{He turns to Laura and smiles. The crowd boos even louder, not approving of the union.}Ryan Shane: At Lineage I did exactly what I set out to do. My plan was to destroy ZasshuâŠ
{Laura Howlett leans over and whispers in Ryanâs ear.}Ryan Shane: My plan was to destroy Akihiro Nakamuru, and I did just that. I put him on the shelf, like others before him. Iâm pretty sure I singlehandedly ended his career. That being said, it looks like there is a shortage of worthy opponents. I canât think of one personâŠ
{He turns to Laura and between the two of them they are trying to find someone who deserves a chance. It doesnât seem like they can.}Ryan Shane: As far as Iâm concerned...
{As Shane speaks The Tron lights up and we're treated to a Crutch wielding Devlin Raine, face lit up and smiling as the Raine Household in Chicago is seen in the background}Devlin Raine: "Ryan, Buddy! How you doin'?!... I see you kept busy, Right now you're feeling your oats but you're forgetting a little somebody aren't you? That belt going to your head? No Wait. Don't answer don't ruin this. Because I promised I'd be back, And I will be back..."
{Devlin on tron is smiling brightly even as a figure starts to climb the barricade Shane is pointing at the screen even as Howlett manages to catch the Hoodie wearing figure pull his hood down to reveal DEVLIN RAINE!! as the figure drops the crutches and beams widely Howlett is pulling Shane out of dodge even as Devlin slides in to extend his arms}Devlin Raine: (On the screen.) "Hey ..It looks like I'm fully recovered, HEY ME!...You got a message ..right?!"
{Devlin in ring lifts a microphone with a set of fingers raised as if to say 'almost'}Devlin Raine: "I'll see you...at Legacy"
{Shane is heading to the back even as 'Omen' starts to play over the Speakers}Terri Morasco: I canât believe it Vasco! It looks like Devlin Raine has been cleared to wrestle and he has his eyes set on Legacy!
Vasco Dias: What a dastardly deed by the Destiny Dealer! Heâs going to regret that!
----------------------------------------------------------
SINGLES MATCH
Chris Card vs Gibberg
----------------------------------------------------------
{As the show returns from a break, Gibberg is standing in one corner of the ring, the referee checking over his boots and wrist tape for foreign objects. Gibberg cracks his knuckles together and slowly stats to limber up, flexing a little to loosen his muscles for the upcoming contest. He turns towards the entrance area as he awaits the arrival of his opponent for the upcoming match.}Terri Morasco: Gibberg there. Maybe tonight could be his lucky night?
Vasco Dias: That is the face of the man who wins the Powerball jackpot, the same night 6 million other people picked the winning numbers. And he was still glad to win the $2.59.
{Purple and white spotlights home in on the entrance area as the opening drum fill to "DC Sound Attack!" plays. As the harmonica and guitars start up, Chris Card walks the first few steps out from the curtain and pauses, soaking in the atmosphere and cracking an enigmatic smile. After a brief nod of acknowledgement to the crowd, Card walks purposefully down towards the ring. Card stops halfway down the ramp to lean into the roving camera. Card addresses the camera and the viewers at home.}Chris Card: Debut night. This is going to be fun, kids!
{Card continues his walk down the ramp as he is announced to the Muscovite crowdâŠ}Alison Valance: The following match is scheduled for one fall, standing in the ring to my right, this is Gibberg. And his opponent, fighting out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, weighing in tonight at two hundred and twenty pounds, âTECHNICAL PERFECTIONâ CHRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD!
{...before rolling under the bottom rope into the ring. Card bounces off the ropes a couple of times before stopping to perform his signature pose, making an exaggerated cross of his heart with both thumbs extended. The referee checks Card over to make sure he isnât carrying anything illegal.}Terri Morasco: And here we have Chris Card, making his IWF debut.
Vasco Dias: Iâve heard a lot about Card. And frankly Iâm impressed with what Iâve seen.
Terri Morasco: YOUâRE impressed? I dread to think what that says about the man.
{Satisfied with the situation, the referee calls for the bell to ring and Gibberg begins slowly circling, raising his arms, anticipating an early lock up. Card has other ideas, however, and calls down to Ms Valance for a mic to be passed up to him. Gibberg backs off and looks on in a mildly confused fashion. Card lifts the mic to his lips.}Chris Card: DOBRYY VECHER MOSKVA!
{The crowd pops the reflexive, animalistic pop of those with a ton of home town pride.}Chris Card: My name is Chris Card. Some of you may know me, some of you donât. But all of you will. But Iâm not here tonight to talk to the IWF fan base, you will all get plenty of time to see my work in the future. Instead, I am here to talk toâŠ
{Card points slowly towards his opponent.}Chris Card: ...you. You see, Gibberg, I admire a man of spirit, a man with tenacity such as yourself. So many times you have taken the knocks. And every time you get back up again. Every. Single. Time. That is a quality that few professional athletes in any field possess. What I see in you is near limitless potential. You just need that one thing to push you over the edge.
Vasco Dias: OK. There must be something in the water here. What in the hell is Card talking about?
Chris Card: I am talking about selling merchandise. I am talking about rising your way through the ranks of the IWFâs superstars and getting your name on the billboards. Iâm talking about every single fan in the arena chanting your name. All you need is someone with the vision, the knowledge and the experience to guide you straight to the top. What do you say?
{Gibberg takes a few seconds to think about this, bringing a look of concentration on his face as the gears turn in his head. He turns to Card and slowly nods.
Chris Card: Gibberg. I am that man. I can offer you the guidance you need. Are you with me?
Gibberg nods again.}Chris Card: Fantastic. Together, we can achieve something special, right here tonight. Of course, youâre going to need my contact details. Would you like me to give you my calling card?
{Gibberg nods again. Card turns towards the hard camera and shrugs, barely able to suppress a massive grin as he drops the mic, rears back his leg and SUPERKICKS GIBBERG RIGHT IN HIS DAMN FACE. And the crowd, who had until recently had an air of bemused quiet about themselves erupt into a roar after the kick lands!}Terri Morasco: CALLING CARD! CALLING CARD! CALLING CARD!
{Card beckons the referee over as he hooks Gibbergâs leg for the formality of the countâŠ
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!!}Vasco Dias: That devious snake! Chris Card just totally suckered Gibberg and stole a win in his IWF debut!
Terri Morasco: Are you still impressed?
Vasco Dias: Well⊠yes. But these morons in the arena seem to love it! Why, if theyâre going to cheer this kind of behaviour, why donât they do it more often? Itâs double standards I tell you. Bunch of hypocrites to a man!
{Card stands and lets the referee raise his arm, grinning like the cat whose just got the cream. He mouths towards the camera, âI did warn him.â as the announcement is made.}Alison Valance: And your winner, âTechnical Perfectionâ CHRIIIIIIIIIIIIS CAAAAAAAAARD!
----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
âSit Down with Cable Arcane.â
----------------------------------------------------------
Vasco Dias: Earlier today I sat down with former two time Imperial Champion and once crown jewel of the House of Howlett,the self proclaimed Best in the World, Cable Arcane.
{We open on a setting that seems to be a home but we quickly focus in on the visage of a suit wearing Cable Arcane who sits across from Vasco Dias. Vasco sorts his notes as he waits for the go ahead.}Vasco Dias: Vasco Dias here with former Imperial Champion and the only man to refuse the IWF Hall of Fame, Cable Arcane. Cable, the question on everyone's minds is what happened at Lineage?
{Cable adjusts himself before responding.}Cable Arcane: Maybe you should as Roberto Verona what happened?
Vasco Dias: Well from what I saw Roberto Verona was doing his best to referee absolute mayhem and did his best to compensate in the moment. '
Cable Arcane: Compensate? Roberto Verona cost me and my team that match!
{Vasco leans back with a slight laugh.}Vasco Dias: Lets not throw around baseless accusations. Mr. Verona did his best in the moment.
Cable Arcane: If you mean he gift wrapped the Council a win over the best the IWF has to offer in an effort to crush the only man who has ever come close to surpassing his reign in IWF, then I agree.
Vasco Dias: Are you suggesting Roberto Verona set you up?
Cable Arcane: No. I'm saying Roberto Verona played us like pieces in a chess match and tried to put me in check mate at Lineage, he failed.
Vasco Dias: Did he?
Cable Arcane: I'm still standing.
{Vasco takes that answer in.}Vasco Dias: But you are without the House, without the Imperial Championship, you are just another name on the card.
Cable Arcane: And that is Verona's biggest mistake. Thinking I'm just another member of his roster.
{Cable rips off his microphone equipment and throws it on the ground before walking off set on Vasco Dias.}----------------------------------------------------------
SINGLES MATCH
Derek Brooks vs James Gilmore
----------------------------------------------------------
{Cannons shooting jets of water blast high into the air as Digital Summer's "Playing the Saint" begins to play. A lone blue spotlight appears on-stage as James Gilmore steps in from behind the curtain, along with Lindsey Grawn in a Republican-red dress, sporting red, white, and blue all-American themed tights with matching boots and tassels and a T-shirt bearing the logo of his alma mater. Carrying his patriotic-themed surfboard with him, James passes through before sliding his longboard underneath the ring and hopping in to wait for his opponent.}Vasco Dias: I've gotta admit...James Gilmore is starting to impress me!
Terri Morasco: Pfffft...that's not what the media says!
Vasco Dias: Fake news!
{The synthesized beginning of "Remember The Name" by Fort Minor begins to play as the crowd grows silent.}YOU READYYYY!?
LET'S GO!
{The beat breaks in and the strobe lights around the arena go with said beat as the crowd begins to amp up.}"This is ten percent luck..."
{As the lyrics begin a single spotlight shines on the man known as "Greatness" before he glances over his shoulder, staring down at the ring. With a concentrated look he slowly turns and starts down to the ring as he's announced.}Alison Valance: From New York City, weighing in at 265 pounds, he is "Greatness Personified"...DEREK BROOKS!
{He holds out his arms at the end of the walkway as his name echoes throughout the arena as the fans cheer him on. He climbs the stairs and walks along the apron to the corner where he ascends and looks out to the crowd before flinging his arm in the air much to their appease. He jumps down and steps through the ropes, walking to the center, bouncing around, light as a cat despite his large frame as he gazes out to the crowd before snapping around, climbing the corner and flinging his arm in the air again as the flashbulbs go off everywhere. He jumps down and continues bouncing from one foot to the other in a graceful manner as he waits for the match to begin.}Terri Morasco: What energy Derek is showing tonight here in Moscow!
Vasco Dias: Pfffffft...fake news! He's bland, unmotivated, would rather wallow in mediocrity than actually do something useful!
Terri Morasco: Have you been listenin' to Lindsey Grawn again?!
Vasco Dias: 'EY! She's got a better body than you--and a better voice!
Terri Morasco: *grumbles under her breath* Why do I have to work with this moron...?!
[DING!]
{Derek Brooks starts off fast, punching and kicking James Gilmore and backing his opponent into the corner. The man in stripes, knowing damn well he's gonna have a tough time on his hands with the curvaceous blonde at ringside, warns the New Yorker to back off, to which he does as he's told...only to pounce on Gilmore some more in the corner! This time, Derek sends James for the ride, and as the latter bounces off the strands, he's plastered to the mat with a hard clothesline. But James, much to Derek's chagrin, bounces up to his feet and tries to go for a swift kick to the ribs--only for Brooks to block it and sends his victim head over heels with a pair of vertical suplexes, followed by a quickly-executed DDT that scores him a solid two-count. Derek, using his size advantage to its best effect, plants the much-smaller Gilmore on his back with a crunching side Russian leg sweep, transitioning into an armbar.}Terri Morasco: Listen to Brooks chiding on Gillmore AND his gal pal!
Vasco Dias: Wow...Derek Brooks makes me want to yawn...ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzZZZZZZ....
Terri Morasco: *smacks Vasco on the head* Stop it! Derek's sending a message early on!
{The referee checks to see whether or not it's a good submission hold before asking James if he wants to quit; James says "no way, rat-faced dude guy!," which prompts the official to muster a slightly bemused chuckle...and the distraction works to Lindsey Grawn's advantage, as she swiftly reaches over and places her client's left foot on the bottom rope, prompting the zebra-man to call for the rope break!}Terri Morasco: And Lindsey Grawn continues to make a nuisance of herself!
Vasco Dias: That's what good campaign managers do!
Terri Morasco: Interject themselves into other people's matches?! You have a warped mind, hun...
{Brooks does as instructed--albeit regrettably--and breaks up the armbar. With a fierce battle cry, Derek tries to set Gilmore up for a stalling brainbuster...only for the latter to kick his opponent flush in the balls! James cackles with delight when the referee gives him a few stern words, but he doesn't seem to give a shit as he pounds him into the corner with a wide gamut of MMA-style punches and kicks before shooting him into the opposite set of buckles! Brooks makes that loud crunching sound in the corner with his back before stumbling and bumbling towards James, who applies an armdrag takedown, followed by a second and a third for good measure! James stays on the mat while holding onto Derek's left arm, creating an armbar of his own while yelling out things like "WE'RE WINNIN' DUDE!" and "I'M MAKING IWF AND RUSSIAN VODKA GREAT AGAIN!"}Vasco Dias: I'm lovin' this picture--Gimore hammin' it up!
{The zebra asks Brooks if he wants to give up, but Brooks is able to pull himself back to his feet and shove his opponent away, breaking the hold altogether! Lindsey hops up and down at ringside, watching as Gilmore--after ducking underneath a lunging Brooks clothesline--places him in a headscissor roll-up combination that gets him a two-count as well! James stands up and climbs up to the top strand; he starts toying with the Moscow fanbase--getting a smattering of sarcastic cheers but mostly whistles of contempt. Yet as he senses his opponent getting back to a vertical base, Gilmore wisely jumps back down to the mat and, instead, fires of some hard fights and lefts to Brooks' schozz, reeling him towards the ropes! As Gilmore begins using closed fists, the ref pulls him back and gives him a good lecturing--allowing Derek to lunge at his victim with a clothesline off the ropes!}Vasco Dias: WHOA! Look at Gilmore ducking underneath!
{Indeed, Gilmore uses his quickness to duck underneath said clothesline, catching his rival off-guard with his trademark reverse-hurricanrana, renamed the "Filibuster," and goes for the pinfall!}1...!
2...!!
THREEEEEE--NO!!!!!
{Lindsey screeches at the man in the zebra shirt about the allegedly "slow" two-count! The ref, to his own credit, stands firm by holding up the dreaded two fingers in Gilmore's face! This prompts the Islander alum to make at attempt at his patented "Executive Order" German suplex-double stomp combination...but Brooks, being savvy on the tech side of wrestling, counters with his "Happenstance" Irish curse backbreaker that rattles James to the core!}Terri Morasco: This could be the end!
{Brooks goes for the cover...}1...!
2...!
THREEEEEEAWWWWWW...!!!!!!
Terri Morasco: Derek almost had him there!
Vasco Dias: Yeah but "almost" counts as much as Putin playin' with nukes!
Terri Morasco: WILL YOU STOP!?!
{Derek Brooks stands up, determined to finish off Gilmore once and for all! He proceeds to apply his dreaded SUBMIT TO GREATNESS Sharpshooter in the center of the ring! James is locked in good and tightly, unable to go anywhere! The referee asks if Gilmore wants to quit, but he becomes distracted when Lindsey hops onto the ring apron and starts performing a slightly seductive twerk! Derek sees this and lets go of the hold, allowing Gilmore to inch and crawl his way out of the ring and onto the floor, where Miss Grawn awaits him! The couple start heading back up the ramp as the referee counts!}Referee: ONE! TWO!!
{Gilmore, breathing heavily, ekes out a sheepish smile before raising his arms in the air!}Referee: THREE!! FOUR!!
{Derek is livid, practically screaming at Gilmore to come get his ass kicked as Lindsey waves "good-bye!" and sticks out her tongue, yelling "YOU CAN'T BEAT US!" the whole time!}Referee: FIVE!! SIX!! SEVEN!! EIGHT!!
{We see Gilmore and Grawn on-stage, taking in the catcalls and FIFA-style whistles as they celebrate their withdrawal!}Vasco Dias: A tactical retreat! I LOVE IT!!!
Terri Morasco: This is unsporting behavior! Somebody needs to step in here!
Referee: NINE...!!!
{But the dude in stripes doesn't even get to have a chance to finish his ten-count. That's because a man--around 7'1" and 347 pounds--wearing a black business suit with matching bowtie gets into the ring from somewhere within the Moscow crowd!}Terri Morasco: Wait a sec--what's that guy doing in the ring?! WHAT'S THIS ABOUT!?!
Vasco Dias: That big guy looks like big trouble to me!
{Brooks doesn't see what's going on until it's too late--he turns around, walking into a massive, decapitating clothesline that sends him crashing to the deck!}Vasco Dias: HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...DEREK BROOKS JUST GOT LAID OUT!!!
Terri Morasco: That's a blatant disqualification right there! Gimme a break!!
{The fans begin to whistle as the zebra calls for the bell and the immediate disqualification!}DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING!!!!{The stranger keeps up the vicious assault, dragging Derek Brooks to the corner by the scruff of his neck. He stomps a mudhole in his hapless victim until he's in a seated position! The uninvited guest then proceeds to target the poor referee by lifting him high over his shoulders and dropping him rib-first across the knees! Outside the ring, James Gilmore and Lindsey Grawn watch with smiles on their faces as the big fella points to Brooks and the zebra-man, giving him the throat slash gesture as Lindsey snatches the microphone away from an attendant.}Lindsey Grawn: The Heir to the Throne...is a RIGGED system, and we are the only ones who can FIX IT!!! Allow me to introduce y'all to Mr. Mikhail Federov--former Russian hockey enforcer...and now my Champion's brand-new Chief of Defense!
{She points to the carnage in the ring, grinning from ear to ear as she continues to speak.}Lindsey Grawn: I don't give a DAMN if you're a wrassler...OR a referee...for THIS is what will happen to the rest of the IWF if you continue to disrespect us! We...are WINNERS, no matter what y'all in the fake press might say! We are the New Dawn, the Grand Ol' Party of the IWF--the true agents of change, law, and order--and anyone who DARES try and cross us, you will be deported!
{The fans' derisive jeering continues as Lindsey, James, and Mikhail stalk their way towards the back with giant, sinister smirks on their mugs.}Terri Morasco: This...this was a setup!
Vasco Dias: They're gonna make IWF great again! I love it!
----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
âMedical Updateâ
----------------------------------------------------------
{Sarah Cavanaugh enters the ring with Rowan, Ulf, Jayson and Astrid, surprising everyone due to there still being several matches before the Main Event. The audience murmurs in confusion as the five of them take the stage.} Terri Morasco: Oh dear. Never a good sign when the new head of Medical feels the need to take the stage. I wonder what she has to say?
{Sarah smiles warmly at everyone before clearing her throat into the mic to get everyoneâs attention.} Sarah Cavanaugh: Ladies and Gentlemen⊠as you all know, Iâve been doing some wellness checks on many of the men and women of the roster over the last week, making sure that everyone fits the standards of health to ensure safe competition. As the head of IWF Medical I take illness and injury very seriously, as itâs my job to make sure that you all get to enjoy your retirements.
{Astrid snorts at the idea of retiring. Sarah ignores her.} Sarah Cavanaugh: With that in mind, itâs my⊠unfortunate duty to inform you that tonightâs mixed tag main event cannot continue as booked.
{Astrid, Ulf and Jayson look tremendously confused as the crowd breaks into more confusion and scattered boos. Sarah continues.} Sarah Cavanaugh: The Diamonds Champion, Rowan MacDonnough, has a notably elevated temperature indicative of a moderate fever. While some of the other medical staff assure me that this is normal for her given her⊠unique⊠condition⊠as head of IWF Medical I donât want to take any chances and, as such, have chosen to pull her from tonightâs match for further observation.
{Rowanâs eyes flash with amusement, as though having expected this. Ulf whirls on Rowan, looking angry. Jayson beams and pulls Sarahâs mic close.} Jayson Matthews: So this means we win and Ulf loses again, right?
{Ulf tries to lunge forward, but a referee holds him back. Sarah, however, shakes her head.} Sarah Cavanaugh: Of course not. Itâs my job to make sure you all survive, not to bore the crowd. After a brief discussion with Mr. Verona, we have decided to allow Rowan the opportunity to name a replacement of her choice⊠and Miss MacDonnough was more than happy to name her appointed defender.
{Astrid glowers at Rowan, clearly having been looking forward to paying the Wolf of the Abyss back for the injured neck before Bloody Assizes.} Astrid Hall: Well? Who is it, then? Who will I be fighting?
Ulf Hednir: And who will jeg be fighting alongside?
{Rowan smoothly takes the mic from Sarah, eyes flashing with cruel amusement before speaking.} Rowan MacDonnough: Iâd share⊠but why spoil the surprise? A little mystery for the three of you to mull on for the rest of the night. My gift to you, Astrid⊠think of it as an apology for my actions before Bloody Assizes.
{Rowan laughs and turns on her heel, walking smoothly up the ring as Ulf follows her making exasperated gestures. Sarah smiles and leaves as well, leaving Jayson and Astrid looking bewildered.} Vasco Dias: A mysterious surprise from Rowan MacDonnough. Oh, Iâm sure this will be one of those pleasant surprises, full of fun and kittens.
Terri Morasco: I guess weâll find out at tonightâs Main Event. Stay tuned, folks⊠I donât think youâll want to miss this.
----------------------------------------------------------
SINGLES MATCH
Kate Steel vs Kathleen Conway w/The Ace
----------------------------------------------------------
{The two went back and forth with a few near falls, particularly after Kate hit the Float Over DDT, and Kathy would recover to hit a âPokerfAceâ (Killswitch). Kate would also lock in the âSirenâs Songâ Triangle Choke, but Kathy would manage to get her foot on the bottom rope, setting Kate into a pinning predicament, of which she kicked out. The end saw Kate go for Yakuza Kick in the corner, but Kathy managed to move, spinning her around and hitting her with the âKatastropheâ in the center of the ring, getting the pinfall and the win.}----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
âReactionsâ
----------------------------------------------------------
{âCult of Personalityâ hits the soundwaves and the place erupts. Mike and Alexis come out to a rousing ovation by the fans and though Alexis seems pretty pleased, we can see that Mike means business as he heads down to the ring, Alexis skipping behind him.}Terri Morasco: Hereâs a man who canât be happy with the way Lineage ended.
Vasco Dias: No he canât. Then again, did we really expect Spike to team up with anyone, let alone Cable and Mike?
Terri Morasco: Alexis on the other hand has everything to smile about.
Vasco Dias: I donât want to talk about it.
{The two get into the ring and Mike walks right over to grab a microphone.}Mike Laszlo: The Council can rejoice in their tainted victory all they want. They know their asses were beat, but honestly...I didnât come out here to talk about them because I couldnât give two shits about them right now. I want to talk about SPIKE KANE!
{The crowd erupts in boos after the actions of the God of Extreme at Lineage.}Mike Laszlo: I get it Spike, really, I do. You canât stand to not be the sole man in the spotlight. You canât work for the benefits of a team to succeed. Youâre a loner, and if youâre not, youâre the leader, and the fact you were in that ring with equals PISSES YOU OFF!
{Heâs clearly getting angry, as can be told by the red tint in his face.}Mike Laszlo: Well you know what pisses me off Spike? DO YOU!? ASSHOLES LIKE YOU!
{The crowd cheers him on.}Mike Laszlo: I understand making a statement, trust me, Iâve made quite a few of my own, but in a moment like that. In a moment where we were fighting against a group who burned down and pissed on the ashes of everything someone whoâs been here since day one, like you and I, have built...is pathetic. So hereâs the deal you gutless piece of shit...you want to attack me? DO IT TO MY FACE! I donât give a damn when, or where, you and I are going to fight, and youâre going to see that you turned your back on and pissed off the wrong damn guy!
{The crowd goes crazy as Mike throws the microphone upward and heads to the corner as Alexis scampers under it and makes a catch to the applause of the crowd.}Alexis Caffrey: Thank you! Thank you! I should play football!
{She spikes the microphone down and watches it break, holding her mouth to her face while looking around all innocent like. She then scampers to the corner of the ring and asks for a new microphone, pleading her case that she didnât mean to break it. They hand her another.}Alexis Caffrey: Crap...knowing Roberto Verona...Iâm totally getting charged for thatâŠ
{The crowd laughs.}Alexis Caffrey: Anyway, on to something important...Paige.
{The crowd boos.}Alexis Caffrey: I get it...you hate the Twin Peaks, but hear me out. Sheâs not a bad person once you really get to know her. Sheâs a hell of a competitor, and the battles weâve had, well, theyâve earned my respect...BUT...now that thatâs over...thereâs a little something I feel like taking back!
{The crowd cheers as Alexisâ eyes glide to the entranceway, her head slowly following, and then her body turning in a rapid fashion.}Alexis Caffrey: Oh baby, donât worry, Mommyâs coming for you.
{She turns back to the camera with a wicked smile on her face.}Alexis Caffrey: And it doesnât matter if itâs a masked demon, a blue-haired beat box, or an Heiress to the Throne...Iâll go through whoever I have to in order to reunite with my pride and joy.
{She starts to laugh before gently bending down to set the microphone on the mat as âCult of Personalityâ hits again, taking her husbandâs hand and pulling him out of the ring, the two of them heading up the ramp.}Terri Morasco: Strong words from Mike and Alexis. She wants the Diamonds Title back and he wants to get his hands on Spike Kane!
Vasco Dias: Spike isnât a hard man to find, Iâm sure this wonât go unnoticed.
----------------------------------------------------------
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
Crystal Millar vs Fiona McFly vs Keira Hunter
----------------------------------------------------------
Alison Valance: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a TRIPLE THREAT MATCH!
{The crowd pops as the countdown begins on the big screenâŠ
5
4
3
2
1
THE SILVER SCREEN QUEEN IS HERE!!!!
Iâm Coming Out by Diana Ross begins to blast all across the speakers and as that happens we are able to see Christina Millar emerging through the backstage curtain and the roaring cheers of the crowd are deafening. She isnât alone as her best friend Zelda Knite comes out beside her. Crystal smiles as her grouping of paparazzi gather up in front of the ring and they snag photo after of the Latina beauty. She walks down the ramp as she begins to slap the hands of the roaring crowd. The crowd cheers loudly in return as they glance back at the Hollywood hottie, and Zelda smiles as she throws up the heart symbol.}Alison Valance: Residing in Los Angeles, California, weighing in at 115 pounds...CRYSTAL...MILLAR!
{Her following of paparazzi meet her as does a red carpet. She takes in appeal of the cameras smiling as flashes begin to go off one after another. She then runs up the steps where she walks towards the middle of the apron. She blows kisses out to the crowd before she drops into a split entering the ring. The crowd begins to go nuts and she waits patiently for the match to begin.}Terri Morasco: Crystal, as well as the other three in this match have a lot on the line in the form of points heading into the Heiress to the Throne.
Vasco Dias: This is true. I mean, weâve seen in the past what winning the Heir or Heiress to the Throne can do for someoneâs career.
{"I'm Shipping Up to Boston" by Dropkick Murphys kicks into high gear as Fiona McFly marches out on stage, takes a bow, and heads down to the ring--giving lucky fans quick pecks on the cheek along the way.}Alison Valance: And her opponent, residing in Arlington, Texas, weighing in at 135 pounds...FIONA...MCFLYYY!
Terri Morasco: Fiona looks to get back on track and garner herself some points in the Heiress to the Throne leading into Legacy.
Vasco Dias: I just donât see it. She seems more focused on her singing then she does wrestling and that doesnât bode well against a former Shieldmaiden in Crystal and an up and coming star in the making in Keira.
Terri Morasco: Speaking ofâŠ
{"Hanging On By A Thread" by The Letter Black begins to play as Keira walks out onto the stage, a leather jacket covering her pale upper body, hanging open. At the eleven second mark as the lyrics begin, she rips the jacket off and heads to the ring.}Alison Valance: From Los Angeles, California, weighing in at 128 pounds...KEIRA...HUNTEEER!!!
{Keira jumps up on the apron and steps into the ring. She starts smacking her fist into her hand, waiting for the match to begin.}Terri Morasco: This might be a darkhorse pick here as sheâs been staying around that top four in the standings.
Vasco Dias: Perhaps. A win here tonight might make me lean more in that direction.
{The three women get ready for the match, handing their accessories out to the keepers at ringside. They then stand in a corner as the bell starts to ring. They take a few steps forward and circle one another, neither wanting to make the first move exposing themselves to the other. Fiona and Crystal look at one another before both striking Keira in the face, knocking the youngest Diamonds back before the two of them grab hold of her and toss her out through the middle rope.}Terri Morasco: Great strategy there.
Vasco Dias: With Keira out, this goes down to a singles match between Crystal and Fiona.
{The two circle around again and lock up in the center of the ring. Fiona goes behind Crystal who reverses it and grabs Crystal by the waist, but before any sort of move comes into play, Keira comes in from behind and clobbers Crystal in the back of the head, forcing her forward, to headbutt Fiona who falls to her knees. Keira locks Crystal up from behind and executes a picture perfect German Suplex in the center of the ring, bridging for the first cover of the match but only gets a two count as Fiona is able to lunge over and break things up.}Terri Morasco: A picture perfect Suplex by Keira.
Vasco Dias: She told us all during the Diamond in the Rough that this isnât her first go around and sheâs proving it here tonight.
{Keira gets up, holding her midsection, as Fiona is getting up grabbing the back of her head. Keira grabs Fiona and shoots her into the ropes. Keira leans down looking for a Back Body Drop, but Fiona kicks her in the face, standing her up straight before jumping into the air and taking Keira down with a Dropkick to the face. Keira rolls out of the ring though and Fiona is unable to capitalize, and as she goes to turn her attention to Crystal, sheâs met by a lunging Crystal who pulled herself to the top rope and leaps off with a Springboard Tornado DDT! She takes a second to recoup then throws herself on top of Fiona, hooking the legâŠ
ONE! TWO! SHOULDER UP!}Terri Morasco: How close was that!?
Vasco Dias: Couldnât get much closer without ringing the bell.
{Crystal canât believe that the high impact move didnât get the job done, but doesnât let her emotions get too out of whack as she grabs hold of Fiona and throws her into the corner before charging in with a Forearm to the face. She grabs hold of Fiona and lifts her up onto the top rope. She hits her with a few more shots before climbing up to the second rope herself. She leaps up for a Hurricanrana but Fiona is able to grab hold of the legs, suspending Crystal upside down. It seems as if Crystal has nowhere to go, but Keira comes into the picture and pushes her back up onto Fionaâs shoulders. Crystal fights furiously as Keira heads to the outside of the ring and CLIMBS UP THE SAME TURNBUCKLE!}Terri Morasco: What the hell is she thinking?
Vasco Dias: I donât know, but this doesnât look like itâs going to end well for anyone!
{Keira looks at the situation and lunges off the top rope, pulling at Crystal who is still attached to Fiona, holding onto her head! All three come crashing down, Keira delivering a Neckbreaker to Crystal who managed to pull Fiona down into a sitout Facebuster from the top rope!
The crowd is going nuts with a âHoly Shit!â chant as the three competitors lie motionless on the canvas.}Terri Morasco: I donât think Iâve seen anything like that EVER!
Vasco Dias: I told you it wouldnât end well, and all three of these women are out of it.
{The least out of it is Keira who is now crawling over to Crystal who is the closest to her. She drapes an arm over her chest and the referee goes for the countâŠ
ONE!
TWO!
THRE-NOOOOOOOOOOO!
CRYSTAL MANAGES TO GET HER SHOULDER UP!}Terri Morasco: The resiliency of the veteran!
Vasco Dias: Yeah, but look!
{Keira crawls off of that cover and over to Fiona, this time hooking both legsâŠ
ONE!
TWO!
THRENOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!}Terri Morasco: Too much time between the move and the pin.
Vasco Dias: Canât blame her for trying though.
{Keira rolls off the cover, pushing her hair back out of her face. She canât believe that she hasnât won the match after such a devastating move. She grabs hold of Crystal, and lifts her into a Vertical Suplex position, but Crystal brings a knee down right on the top of her head, stunning Keira enough to bring her down. Crystal lands on her feet...FLASHING LIGHTS!}Terri Morasco: She just hit her with a huge kick that sent her through the middle rope.
Vasco Dias: Back to that one on one dynamic!
{Crystal holds the ropes, keeping herself steady, turning her attention to Fiona who is just getting to her feet after having her face driven into the mat. She waits for Fiona to get up and stumble to the center of the ring where she hits her with the same Flashing Lights as she did Keira! She then turns and goes for a Handspring Moonsault in the center of the ring, but Fiona gets the knees up! Crystal gets to her feet, doubled over in pain. She turns toward Fiona who lifts her up onto her shoulders in a Torture Rack position. Fiona turns, and the ending isnât as pleasant as she gets kicked right in the face with a Standing Sidekick by Keira. Fiona falls back, practically slamming Crystal down who rolls out of the ring. Keira rolls her onto her stomach and locks in a Last Chancery!}Terri Morasco: ENDLESS PAIN!
Vasco Dias: She has the hold locked in, in the center of the ring!
{Fiona is fighting the pain, doing anything she can to get away. Crystal is stirring on the outside, grabbing hold of the bottom rope to pull herself up, just in time to see Fiona tap out in the center of the ring as the bell rings.}Alison Valance: Here is your winner by SUBMISSION...KEIRA...HUNTEEEER!
{âHanging On By a Threadâ plays on the sound system as Keiraâs hand is raised in victory.}Terri Morasco: A huge win by the youngest Diamond on the roster.
Vasco Dias: She said she wasnât here to play games, and sheâs showed that tonight.
{Keira celebrates the win as we cut to commercial.}----------------------------------------------------------
MIXED TAG TEAM MATCH
Rowan MacDonnough & Ulf Hednir vs Astrid Hall & Jayson Matthews
----------------------------------------------------------
Alison Valance: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is a mixed Tag Team match!
{The arena is filled with blue and green light as Immigrant Song begins to play, evoking colors of the sea or the forest. As the music intensifies, Lights shine down to reveal Astrid entering through the crowd, huge smile on her face as she descends towards the ring, carrying a viking-style shield as she approaches.} Alison Valance: Introducing first, from Trondheim Norway, weighing in at 185 pounds⊠The Valkyrie, Astrid Hall!
{She interacts with the crowd, laughing with them and allowing some of them to take selfies with her, giving high-fives and fist bumps all the way down. Her manager, Emma Danielson, walks behind her, smiling and interacting with the crowd as well, though not in as show-stealing a way. Before leaving the crowd, Astrid hands the shield to a young girl declaring âAnyone can be a hero - welcome to the Shield Wall, Sister!â. She leaps into the ring, pumped up and beaming after one last fist bump with Emma, jumping onto the ropes with a triumphant fist in the air taking in the crowdâs cheers before eventually settling into her corner, still brimming with energy.} Vasco Dias: For someone who lost her shot at the Shieldmaiden at Lineage, Astrid sure seems to have not lost a single step tonight.
Terri Morasco: Astridâs eyes have been on Vegas, Vasco â sheâs on her road to a championship, but sheâs determined not to win it until Night of the Immortals.
Vasco Dias: Right. Sure. Sheâll totally make it there.
{The drum fill kicks in the door and the guitar riff of 311âs Perfect Mistake starts blasting over the PA system.} Alison Valance: And her partner, from Detroit Michigan, weighing in at 201 pounds⊠the IWF Invictus Champion, Jaysooooon MATTHEWS!!!!
âListen Up!â
{The arena lights start changing from orange to black on the beat and Jayson Matthews comes bouncing from behind the curtain and head banging to the riff. His Invictus Championship firmly around his waste. He jams to the verse as he starts to walk down the ramp, slapping fives with as many fans as he can on either side.} This is the next stage, we turn the page
We're gonna wreck a place when we take the stage
Roll up your sleeves, get down with me
It's going off in the pit like you wouldn't believe
Alison Valance: Weighing in at 200 pounds, hailing from Detroit, Michigan. He is the IWF InVICTUS ChampionâŠâŠJAYSON MATTHEWS!
{Jayson stands at the end of the ramp and stares into the ring and he starts to bounce up and down and hypes himself up and as soon as the chorus hits he dives into the ring forward rolls onto his feet and runs over to the side opposite the ramp and leans over the ring holding out his Championship. While the lights strobe orange and black.} âOhhhhhhhhhh
See in it my eyes
Hold it in my hands
All those days that you wasted away
There was no one to blame
It's a perfect mistake
{He hops up on the turnbuckle and holds out the Invictus title with one arm and points to the crowd with his other hand. Thanking the fans for the cheers and displaying the title to the fans.} Vasco Dias: Ugh.
Terri Morasco: You have no sense of fun, do you Vasco?
Alison Valance: And their opponentsâŠ
{The opening guitar riff for âRaise Your Hornsâ by Amon Amarth starts to play throughout the speakers, there is a mixed reaction from the crowd⊠more cheers than not; Ulf Hednir emerges from behind the curtains wearing a wolf headdress and his standard wrestling attire, and he still sports a smile to the crowd as he gets to the center of the stage before crouching down and stretches his legs out.} Alison Valance: Introducing first, from Oslo Norway, weighing in at 243 pounds⊠representing The Council: Ulf Hednir!
{As he stands up, he reaches to his side to withdraw his drinking horn and salutes the crowd before drinking the ale from the horn; he places the horn back at his side and hurries down the ramp not bothering to meet and greet with the fans along the side, and then he walks around to the back of the ring where he takes off his wolf headdress, and drinking horn; he hands both to the time keeper. He then steps toward the ring and slides under the bottom rope, and is quick to get to his feet as he does a light jog around the ring before grabbing the top rope and testing its durability⊠after being satisfied with the durability, he shouts, âSkĂ„l!â out to the crowd, and while some return the shout, it is less than he likes to hear. But he pays little mind to it, and just waits for the match to begin.} Terri Morasco: Look at the fire in Astridâs eyes! Sheâs wanted a piece of Ulf for weeks, displayed when she attacked the youngest member of The Council in the parking lot! They may not be allowed to fight tonight, but by the look in her eyes Astrid may be willing to tank the disqualification!
Vasco Dias: Ulfâs out for blood too â just not Astridâs. After losing the Invictus to Jayson last week, Ulf was the only member of The Council not to walk out of Lineage with a win under his belt. Youâve got to think thatâll have an impact on him tonight.
Alison Valance: And his partnerâŠ
{The crowd goes silent, waiting for Alison to continue.} Terri Morasco: Weâve been waiting tonight to see just who it is that Ulf is going to be partnered with, the supposed âmystery competitorâ that Rowan is sending in her placeâŠ
Vasco Dias: And from the look on Ulfâs face, even he doesnât know for sureâŠ
âAmazing Grace! How sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me... I once was lost but now am found⊠Was blind but now I seeâŠâ
{The Last line of the first verse starts to tone down through minor key and into a dirge as âThe Wolfâ By Fever Ray starts to play⊠and out stalks a massive woman, standing six feet tall, Gas mask on her face, walking slowly to the ring and head bowed, even as the lights flicker red and green as she climbs the apron. Even with the gas mask, there is no question as to who she is⊠as Astrid locks eyes with her with an expression of absolute shock. The crowd goes wild Alison announces the name that they all thought theyâd never hear againâŠ} Alison Valance: ⊠From Arklay Missouri, making her return to the ring at 270 pounds⊠MAXINE VALENTINE!
{With a furious roar, Maxine wrenches the mask off as she climbs in the ring and stalks her prey from side to side, eyes locked on Astrid Hall.} Terri Morasco: Thatâs⊠thatâs not possible! The last time we saw Maxine Valentine sheâd been practically snapped in half by the new Diamonds Champion, and then kidnapped by Dean Harper after the match! Her spine was broken! Thereâs no way on earth that she could be in fighting shape so soonâŠ!
Vasco Dias: No way on Earth, Terri. When it comes to Rowan MacDonnough, anythingâs possible for those willing to make the Devilâs Bargain⊠and if sheâs standing as Rowanâs champion, you have to assume that Maxine sealed whatever pact she had to in order to hurt people again.
DING!
{Ulf and Jayson take to the ring first, partly because Astrid seems too dumbfounded by Maxineâs return to have been able to react in time. Ulf goes right at Jayson, letting anger and ruthlessness shine through even more than usual. Thereâs something in his eyes thatâs different from his last few matches, as though heâs less fighting to win and more fighting to hurt. Jayson seems taken aback by the sheer brutality of Ulfâs onslaught of hammering offense. Jayson has to rely on his superior speed to get away from Ulf, right off the bat having to catch his breath in order to regain the balance that Ulfâs unexpected fury pushed him to.} Terri Morasco: A new side of violence from Ulf Hednir! We havenât seen him fight quite this savagely before.
Vasco Dias: Heâs been spending too much time with Rowan! Does he want to fight Jayson or murder him?
{Jayson holds up his hands in front of him, trying to talk Ulf down from whatever rage has possessed him. Ulf, however, clearly has no interest in talking things over, snapping his hand out and grabbing Jayson roughly by the wrist, using that leverage to yank him close. Now within Ulfâs grasp, Jayson is subjected to a ruthless sequence of technical offense â German Suplex, back body drop, another suplex, gutbuster, headlock takedown â every time Jayson is about to get back to his feet to try to rally, Ulf is right on top of him yet again, pulling him into another tremendous, crushing takedown.} Terri Morasco: If only Ulf had fought like this at Lineage, he might have walked away with the belt!
Vasco Dias: Donât be cruel to me, Terri, taunting me with that sort of talk.
{Finally, as Ulf rushes to pull Jayson into another vicious throw, Jayson just barely manages to slip out of his reach, turning into the speedy pinball of a wrestler heâs so often known to be. Knowing that he has to rally fast in order to put this one away, he lays into Ulf by bouncing off the ropes to lay into him with a spinning backfist, using his momentum to send him speeding past Ulf before the larger man can grab him into another technical sequence. Jayson lets his momentum carry him into strike after dizzying strike, moving far faster than Ulf has time to react!} Terri Morasco: Am I watching a wrestling match or an episode of The Flash?
Vasco Dias: I donât know who that loser is, Terri, but Jayson seems like he may as well be Quicksilver in there!
Terri Morasco: ⊠Really? Really, weâre going to argue about comic franchises now? Is there no length you wonât go to to disagree with me?
{The dizzying sequence of running strikes hasnât been enough to take Ulf down, however, and he begins to force himself to keep his eyes on the Invictus Champion, looking dangerously close to interrupting Jaysonâs sequence⊠but Jayson sees that play time is over, and takes Ulf to the ground with the JAYSON MATTHEWS EXPERIENCE! He quickly goes for the cover!
ONE!
No! Ulfâs back up and pulling Jayson Matthews into the Low-Key Cobra Clutch! Is Jayson going to tap out? No! The fast moving Invictus champion slips out of the hold, trying to lock in the Dawn of the Final Day! Ulf sees it coming and backs off, barely evading the submission before pushing in again with a THORâS RAGE⊠But Jayson sees it coming just at the last minute, sending Ulf careening past Jayson and back into his own corner â right into a BLIND TAG FROM MAXINE!} Terri Morasco: These two competitors look so evenly matched! They know one another so well, I could honestly watch Jayson Matthews and Ulf Hednir fight foreverâŠ
Vasco Dias: And you might be able to, Terri. Look!
{After a brief and intense staredown with Maxine, clearly angry at her for tagging him out, Ulf drops to the ground⊠and immediately leaves his corner, rushing after Jayson on the outside! The two of them clash, Jayson trying to keep up his pace of evasion and running strikes⊠but something in Ulfâs eyes indicates that he knows the pattern, now⊠and he positions himself carefully before each running strike, almost as though waving a red flag before the charging bull that is the Invictus Champion! As the two men fight on the outside, Astrid and Maxine square off in the ring, abandoned by their partners. Astrid isnât grinning this time as she stares down the returned juggernaut, but doesnât flinch away either⊠instead charging right into a Superman Punch that Maxine takes across the Jaw without even trying to get out of the way! Astrid sails past her⊠but Maxine barely even staggers.} Vasco Dias: Holy...
Terri Morasco: A punch like that from a woman that big, and Maxine barely seems to have noticed! How in the world�
Vasco Dias: What did Rowan and Dean do to her?
{Not appearing shaken by Maxineâs display of endurance, Astrid turns and comes in again, going to brawl Rowanâs mystery champion down⊠but Maxine simply laughs, countering the assault and sending Astrid staggering with a massive headbutt. Before Astrid can react, Maxine yanks her harshly into an exploder suplex, but doesnât let go. She drags Astrid back on top of her, almost getting a one-count on herself, before sitting up sharply and rising to her feet. Astrid tries to wrench her way out, but finds that Maxineâs grip is implacable⊠a sidewalks slam is next, which then proceeds into a neckbreaker shortly after, leaving Astrid all but insensate. Maxine doesnât let up, pulling Astrid limply to her feet before wrapping her arm around the slightly taller womanâs neck⊠lifting her upside-down into the air and holding her there as the crowd roars with shock.} Terri Morasco: Has she gotten even stronger??! The last time they fought it wasnât nearly this one sided! Astrid can barely get a blow in!
{After making a full 360 turn to gaze at the whole audience, Maxine drags Astrid down from the stalling vertical suplex into a tremendous Stunner!} Vasco Dias: Iâm told that she calls that the Arms of the Abyss â an apocalyptic new finisher from Maxine Valentine!
{The blow leaves Astrid a crumpled heap on the mat, and Maxine looks down at her before stepping on her sternum for the coverâŠ
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!} Terri Morasco: NO WAY!
Alison Valance: Here are your winners⊠Ulf Hednir and Maxine Valentine!!
{The Wolf by Fever Ray plays as Maxine holds Astrid up by the hair like a bloody trophy, eyes savage and wild as she gazes into the crowd. After a few moments, Rowan MacDonnough and Dean Harper appear at the top of the ramp, walking down to ringside. They both enter the ring, Maxine looking at them both⊠before tossing the limp Astrid to Rowanâs feet as though in offering. Dean Harper smiles and laughs as Rowan places a foot on Astridâs back, keeping her on the ground. After a moment, Rowan steps across Astrid to Maxine and lifts the taller womanâs hand in victory. Seconds later, the lights black out⊠and when they return, all three of them have vanished, leaving only red smoke in their wake.} Terri Morasco: As Diamonds Champion, it looks like Rowanâs building something of an empire for herself, Vasco. Not only does she have the Council, but the unwavering loyalty of Dean Harper and Maxine Valentine as well? Iâm just glad this match is over so that she wonât come back.
Vasco Dias: The match may be over, Terri⊠but I donât think Jayson cares! He just chased Ulf backstage!
Terri Morasco: What? What the hell is he doing? Ulfâs been luring him around since Maxine tagged in. Whatâs the Council planning now?
{After going through the curtain Jayson Matthews goes towards where he had just seen Ulf Hednir go.}Jayson Matthews: Ulf! Where did you go?!
{As he goes around the corner, Jayson loses sight of Ulf, but finds a box on a condiment table with his name on it. Mathews walks over curious, and yet cautious. Looking in every direction wondering if Ulf and The Council are waiting, Jayson finally gets to the box.}Terri Morasco: I don't like the look of this, Vasco.
Vasco Dias: Maybe a fan left it?
{Looking at the card there is no name to let him know who left it. Perplexed Jayson picks up the box and shakes it and can hear something rattling around. Jayson opens the box and finds a small bottle inside. After picking up the bottle, Jayson throws the box away but doesn't notice a piece of paper fall out the box. Jayson looks at the bottle and sees that it says Holy Water}Terri Morasco: Holy water?
Vasco Dias: What the hell?
{Curiously Jayson opens the bottle and gives it a smell. The bottle was overfilled and some splashes on Jaysonâs hand. Matthews immediately drops the bottle and let's out a scream. Looking at his hands he can see skin bubbling and peeling off.}Terri Morasco: Oh my god! What is that!?
Vasco Dias: Look at his hands!
{Jayson Mathews runs off towards the medical room. The âholy waterâ pours out the bottle and across the floor and onto the note that readsâŠ}Enjoy The Burn
Love, Daddy
{Footsteps can be heard walking up, and Jason Sandman appears looking down at the puddle.}Jason Sandman: That is going to ruin his week.
{The IWF and Sacrifice logos show up in the corners of the screen as we fade to black.}
Well howdy there pardner.