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SEGMENT
âAn AnnouncementâŚâ
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{We are shown a highlight reel of the grueling 20 minute match between Cable Arcane and the hired guns of Roberto Verona, including the assist from Andrew Jacobsen and Cable eventually surviving long enough to possibly earn an opportunity to face Roberto Verona. AS the reel comes to a close we see an excited Vasco Dias seated next to Terri Morasco.}Vasco Dias: Terri, what we witnessed one week ago was an abortion of justice as Cable Arcane only survived the Hired Guns via an assist by the very man who ended Cable's Imperial Championship reign, Andrew Jacobsen!
Terri Morasco: Is that how you see a two on one situation with the odds being even!?
Vasco Dias: That's how I see exactly what happened! Cable Arcane broke the rules and next week? Next week I get to sit down with the greatest champion this company has ever seen and the thorn in his side for an exclusive interview via satellite! Next week I ask the hard hitting questions and find out if Roberto Verona will grant the infantile Cable Arcane the burying he so strongly desires!
Terri Morasco: That is a huge announcement!
Vasco Dias: Vasco Views Cable Arcane's chance at an opportunity to face the GLORIOUS ROBERTO VERONA!!!
{We cut to commercial as Vasco grins away.}----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
âR-E-S-P-E-C-Tâ
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{As we come back from commercial we find Fiona McFly watching with a group of fans from high above in Madison Square Garden's "Chase Bridge," a seating area high above the arena floor that offers quite a view of the action down below. The fans go wild as they look up at her, and she acknowledges them with a wink and a smile. It wasn't easy for her, not working a match at MSG had to be a bummer, but she made the best of it. After all, the following week was "Freedom Fight Night"--an appropriate theme to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect people just like her. Hooked up to a wireless microphone, Fiona had this temptation to spring up a bar or two of song out of nowhere for the crowd, but she finds an unexpected guest sitting next to her in the form of Rayne, who is returning after a long layoff.}Fiona McFly: Must admit...this is quite the nice view up here, isn't it?
Rayne: Cut the pleasantries.
{Rayne responded with a no nonsense tone as Fiona raised an eyebrow at her.}Rayne: You respect me, Fiona and I appreciate that. I deserve to be respected, I demand to be respected. I was doing thing long before you were even a glimmer in someone's eye but me? I don't respect you. Not yet. You've got to earn that.
{Rayne suddenly stood up as Fiona watched her disappear but there was a light in the eye of McFly as she smiled. She was ready for this fight...}----------------------------------------------------------
SINGLES MATCH
James Gilmore vs Brad Franklin
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{Adrenalize starts to play...}Come a little bit closer before we begin
Lemme tell you how I want it
And exactly what I need
Iâm here for one drug
Iâm only here for one thing
So come on and tell me,
Can you fly like youâre free
Cause I need to feel
Yeah, I need to say
{...pyro shots off as Brad steps out on to the stage arms outstretched taking in the boos of the crowd, Samson stands behind him arms folded looking around menacingly.}I must confess,
Iâm addicted to this
Shove your kiss straight through my chest
I canât deny, Iâd die without this
Make me feel like a god
Music, love and sex
Adrenalize me
{Brad starts to make his way to the ring a smirk on his face as he bobs his head to the music, stopping to show off his abs to the women ring side, before baseball sliding into the ring.}I crave excess,
Turning wine into sweat dripping down my neck
I canât deny, Iâd die without this
Make me feel like a god
Adrenaline and sex
{He runs to the second turnbuckle yelling out to the crown "You only wish you could be me!"}[DING-DING-DING!!!]
Alison Valance: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first from Colorado Springs, weighing 250 pounds...making his IWF debut in Madison Square Garden, BRAD FRANKLIN!
Terri Morasco: Many wrestlers over the years have made debuts in this historic venue--and Brad Franklin joins that list!
Vasco Dias: The only problem with that Terri...it's gonna be a helluva debut for him, but NOT in the way he wants it to go!
{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: Now James Gilmore?! I hope he teaches Mr. Franklin a lesson!
Terri Morasco: Hopefully we won't see that surfboard again. That was...ugh.
{We got a close-up shot of Miss Grawn, who shouts "MAKE IMPERIAL GREAT AGAIN!" into her brand-new patriotically-themed megaphone.}Vasco Dias: God I LOVE that new megaphone!
Terri Morasco: Well...hopefully Mikhail Federov doesn't show up and ambush another victim!
[DING!]
{At the outset of the match, the newcomer surprises Gilmore by clubbing him the back of the neck as Lindsey continues spewing Republican and Texas-oriented rhetoric at the fans! Turning around his opponent, Brad Franklin goes on the offensive and fires off some hard rights and lefts that reel the Islander alum into the corner before shooting him in; James bounces off the ropes...and into a pair of successive dropkicks, one after the other! Miss Grawn is screaming into her megaphone, insulting Colorado for its marijuana legalization law one might surmise, but Franklin continues the attack, applying a trio of vertical suplexes and then a swinging neckbreaker, nearly getting him a two-count! Wagging his finger at Lindsey, who gives him a death stare, Franklin grabs Gilmore and dumps him over the top rope. He follows them to the outside...}Terri Morasco: Uh-oh, we don't know what Brad Franklin's got in store for his debut here!
Vasco Dias: But lookie what we have here...it's the cavalry!
Terri Morasco: Dear God, no...
{...where indeed, when the referee becomes distracted by a wayward beach ball being tossed in by the crowd, Mikhail Federov--wearing a Los Angeles Kings jersey to massive jeering--has jumped the barricade and onto the floor. Brad Franklin is unaware of the big Russian's presence until it's too late, when he's AMBUSHED with a massive clothesline from the ex-hockey goon! Soon, all three folks--Gilmore, Federov, and even Miss Grawn--take turns stomping the living shit of the IWF rookie, thoroughly enjoying themselves and the crowd's boos to boot! The two gentlemen hold Frankling into position as Lindsey saunters over to him, wags her finger whilst saying "you've got balls, darlin'...but they're all inflated," and plants a stiff front kick with her pointy dress shoe right into Franklin's nuts! Everyone at MSG cringes as Brad clutches his netherregions!}Vasco Dias: I LOVE this picture! This is beautiful!!
Terri Morasco: This is a damn mugging! GIMME A BREAK!!
{Gilmore chucks his hapless opponent back into the ring, where the match ought to belong in the first place. The recent onslaugh has taken a psychological toll on Brad Franklin, as he's powerless to stop James' offensive onslaught. He's steamrolled by a snap suplex, a belly-to-belly suplex...and a high-arcing German suplex that scores Gilmore a two-count! Lindsey shouts "C'MON ZEBRA, FASTER! FASTER!!" on the megaphone as Gilmore continues his charge, applying his dreaded "Filibuster" reverse-hurracanrana as Franklin tried to take a swing but missed wildly!}Terri Morasco: What impact from that backwards hurracanrana!
Vasco Dias: I...I-I-I don't believe it. This match is over!
{Yep, Vasco's dead-on as usual. With Federov smiling at the dirty work in the ring, Miss Grawn laughs maniacally as James Gilmore promptly sending his victim for the ride, and as Brad Franklin bounces off the strands, he's immediately placed into Gilmore's spinebuster position! We hear James yell "YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR THE WALL, DUDE!!!" before executing his dreaded stalling spinebuster, transitioning into his patented Walls of Jericho-esque submission dubbed THE WALL!}Terri Morasco: The Wall--it's locked in good and tight!
Vasco Dias: Told ya it was over, hunny-bunny!
{Brad Franklin isn't going anywhere. He's pretty much screwed at this juncture, locked into The Wall in the center of the ring! Eventually, he has very little choice but to tap out, leading the ref to call for the bell!}[DING-DING-DING!!!]
{Digital Summer's "Playing the Saint" blares again as James Gilmore and Company celebrate their victory!}Vasco Dias: What an EMPHATIC win for James Gilmore!
Terri Morasco: As much as I dislike his actions...somethin' tells me this was his coming-out party!
{Before Gilmore and his party can celebrate too much, the voice of Derek Brooks is heard as he walks out onto the stage, a bandage still over his head from being hit with the barbed wire boogieboard dropkick to the face.}Derek Brooks: Whoa, whoa, whoa you trio of stupid bitches.
{The crowd cheers him on.}Derek Brooks: Did youâre dumbasses thing you were done with me? Did you think I was going to go away just because you kicked a stupid surfboard in my face!? HELL NO! I want your punkass at Open Fight Night!
{The crowd erupts.}Derek Brooks: So, you have two options Gilmore. You can show up in the center of that ring and take the ass kicking you have coming to you like a man...or...you can be a bigger bitch than that two cent slut standing next to you, I come to the back, and whoop your ass all over the arena. One way or another...Iâll see you next week!
{Derek spikes down the microphone as âRemember The Nameâ plays over the speakers.}Terri Morasco: Big words from Derek Brooks who clearly isnât done with the group in the ring.
Vasco Dias: I wonât lie...itâs always fun to see someone beat the crap out of a politician.
----------------------------------------------------------
8-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH
Mason St. Croix, Devlin Raine, Jayson Matthews & Chris Card vs Xavier Cross, Sandman, Kole Kaos and Ulf Hednir
----------------------------------------------------------
MATCH CLOSED FOR REMODELING
FINISH - Chris Card locks Xavier Cross in the C3 after landing the Cardiac Arrest Alpha. Cross taps out!
Alison Valance: Here are your winners... Jayson Matthews, Mason St. Croix, Devlin Raine, and Chris CARD!
----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
âWhat Once Was LostâŚâ
----------------------------------------------------------
{Replays of the last match finish up and we see Thunder Sid and Gable Arcade meet each other in the centre of the ring for a tie up. Suddenly the arena goes pitch-black and a strange low droning fills the arena. The big screen comes to life amongst static, giving way to a cryptic message:}"Once was lost...But now am found..."{More static follows and the arena is returned to normal amid much confusion as we go to commercial.}----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
âA Broken ManâŚâ
----------------------------------------------------------
{Sacrifice returns from commercial to find Mason St. Croix standing alone in the ring holding a microphone. The crowd loudly chants âMSC MSC MSCâ at the multi-time champion.} Terri Morasco: Ladies and gentlemen welcome back. As we went to break we were joined in the ring by Mason St. Croix.
Vasco Dias: Thankfully he's yet to speak, I already caught myself nodding off.
{Mason waits for the chants to die down before bringing the microphone to his lips.}Mason St. Croix: Last week at Legacy there was a mysterious promo that aired and at the end the face of a man, and I stress the word MAN, was shown. That MAN is an IWF Hall of Famer. That MAN defended the Imperial Championship, renamed by him the World Championship, more than anyone else. That MAN claims to be GOD, but he's just that a MAN, nothing more.
{The majority of the fans boo like crazy at the mere thought of the man Mason is referring to but a small portion actually start a small âAngel Angel Angelâ chant.}Terri Morasco: I've never heard Mason St. Croix speak with this kind of intensity.
Vasco Dias: He'd better not spite GOD if he knows what is good for him.
Mason St. Croix: I was at the lowest point of my life when I first encountered Angel Blake. I was drowning in a bottle of booze and dining on percocets like they were candy. In fact I was moments away from following the same path so many other soldiers do when they come home from a war, I was about to eat a bullet when he showed up at my door. When he left that night I was different⌠I was changed somehow.
{He takes a long pause and inhales deeply.}Mason St. Croix: He brainwashed me and dubbed me his Perfect Weapon. For months I fought his battles for him alongside others like me as part of the Age of X. We were the reason he was champion, we were the reason he kept his title, and we're the reason he's in the Hall of Fame today. It took him giving the orders to a couple of hired thugs to push a paralyzed Angry vet who was strapped to a wheelchair off the side of the ramp for me to snap out of the trance he had me in. I was never his Perfect Weapon, I was his human shield, there for him to cower behind. I've been waiting a long time to get my hands on him and since I know he's lurking somewhere, Angel Blake get your ass out here so that I can can prove you're nothing more than a MAN. A soon to be very broken MAN.
Terri Morasco: Is he calling out Angel Blake?
Vasco Dias: No one calls out God!
Terri Morasco: Few have and even less survived.
{Mason stands ready and waiting.}Mason St. Croix: COME ON BLAKE! I KNOW YOU'RE OUT THERE! FACE ME!
{The lights suddenly go out as the crowd roars with anticipation. The low tones of the orchestra version of "Gateways" begins to play as a glow encompasses the ring and Mason ST. Croix.}"My lost little lamb languishing in the land of the lost..."{His face begins to take shape on the tron as the music begins to speed up, Mason looks unafraid, he's never backed down from anything in his life, least of all a man claiming to be God.}"Lingering between lows, looking for Lazarus, you will be LAMBASTED when you look upon Leviathan..."{Mason sneers at the mocking tone as the ghastly face which hovers before him smiles a terrible smile.}"Alas lost lamb, limp home and lay beside your lord. You are not the one I am looking for..."{As quick as it started the feed is cut and the lights return with Mason still standing in the ring.}Mason St. Croix: You want me to bring the fight to you? Be careful what you wish for Blake!
{Croix tosses the mic and leaves the ring as the fans are left half cheering and half wondering what comes next.}----------------------------------------------------------
6-MAN MYSTERY TAG MATCH
Andrew Jacobsen & Two Mystery Partners vs Spike Kane & Two Mystery Partners
----------------------------------------------------------
Alison Valance: âThis next contest is scheduled for one fall with a 45-minute time limit and is a 6-man tag team match.â
{The crowd grow silent as the lights go out, monks chanting can be heard, as the chanting gets louder the stage area starts to fill with smoke. Suddenly, and abruptly as the drums and guitars kick in a pyro explodes around the stage.}âBROTHERS! MY BROTHERS!
Is this all what we are?
SISTERS! MY SISTERS!
Weâve been crushed by the fists of GOD!!!â{On the word God another pyro explodes either side of the rampway as Spike Kane appears through the smoke, to a growing roar from the crowd. He stands with his arms outstretched, fists balled up soaking in the reaction from the crowd. After a few seconds, he simply heads right to the ring, rolling under the bottom rope and standing right in the center of the ring, extending his arms once more, before the lights fade to normal and the music fades.}Alison Valance: âIntroducing first, from Boston, Massachusetts and weighing in at 245 poundsâŚâŚ Spike Kane!â
{Asking for the microphone from Alison Valance with a rage that is almost palpable Spike glowers at her before visibly calming himself down and turning himself towards the entrance rampway.} Spike Kane: âI have two mystery partners tonight. Two men I trust through all things. Two men I know can beat whoever Andrew Jacobsen dug out from underneath rocks in Central Park. My first partner is one of the most aggressive, and talented, wrestlers in the world. Here he is.â
{The lights in the arena suddenly turn out, plunging the fans into darkness. Little by little, small beacons of light begins to pop up as the fans raise their lit cellphone aloft as the #WWIDN appears on the Jumbotron in bright red and the opening drumbeat of âRed Fractionâ begins to play. Amidst a shower of phone flashes, Pooler steps out from behind the curtain as the song begins to pick up. Shielding his eyes with his left hand, he points to the nosebleed sections with his right before making his way to the edge of the ramp.}Alison Valance: Making his way to the ring; from Manchester, New Hampshire; weighing in at two hundred and twenty-eight pounds ⌠Bob ⌠POOOOOLER!
{Pooler heads down the ramp, breaking into a run and sliding into the ring beneath the bottom rope. He pops back to his feet and heads to the nearest corner and climbs to the second turnbuckle and throws his arms into the air to the roar of the crowd. He drops back down to the ring and grabs hold of the ropes, tugging down on them and taking a moment to stretch before the match can begin as he embraces Spike Kane to a somewhat shocked reaction from the crowd.}Spike Kane: âAnd my second partner is, well, Infamous.â
{Jekyll and Hyde by FFDP hits the pa as the lights start to strobe pink. Rob Diamond slowly struts out onto the ramp as the crowd boos him with everything they've got, he smiles and looks around the arena before raising both hands up over his head giving a two finger salute to the entire crowd. He walks down the full length of the ramp both middle fingers held high and his head bowed before reaching the ring where he drops his arms and rolls in under the bottom rope before embracing his Infamous partner Spike Kane.} Terri Morasco: âWhat a team Spike Kane has put together, reminiscent of the classic All Japan 6-man teams of the 1990âs with Spike flanked on either side by his former Shinigami tag team partner Bob Pooler and his longtime tag team partner in Infamous Rob Diamond. If this is the team Spike has put together, the Imperial Champion is going to have to put together a hell of a unit to counter this.â
Vasco Dias: âAnd whoâs left for him to pick? I donât know where Andrew is going to go with his team.â
{As if on cue, the opening riff of "Unbreakable" plays, sending the crowd into a frenzy, and as the drums kick in Andrew Jacobsen comes striding out onto the ramp, Danielle Chase a step behind him. He takes a few steps forward, looking to either side with a wide grin on his face. Andrew looks dead ahead at the ring, cracking his neck, and throws his arms out and head back as a burst of red and green pyro goes off to either side of him. Pulling out a microphone from the back of his waistband the IWF Imperial Champion stares down at the ring and Spike Kaneâs team.}Andrew Jacobsen: âVery impressive, although Iâm disappointed in you, Bob, for throwing yourself in with Spike Kaneâs ilk. But thatâs a story for another time and place. Right now, I want to talk about my team. Just like you, Spike, I had to find myself two partners from anyone in the back that I could trust. And the first one is someone Iâm proud to say I only recently got to know. Heâs already wrestled once tonight, but Iâm pretty sure heâs ready for more.â
{The Lights Darken as the Intro of "OMEN" start to play, whilst the beat picks up Devlin emerges from the crowd wearing his jacket and the Guy Fawkes mask, the Destiny Dealer steps up on the guard railing slowly as he slips off the mask then turns to keep eyes about him as he walks up to the ramp where he stands next to his tag team partner Andrew Jacobsen.}Andrew Jacobsen: âAnd for the last man on my team, Spike, I had a lot of requests. But one person had such a vital one, something so easy for everyone here to truly understand, that I had to take him up on it. What did he want? Letâs all find out who he is, and then you can answer that question for yourself.â
{As Devlin and Andrew stand on the ramp, stone-faced to the barrage of insults from Spike Kane and Rob Diamond, the samurai we have seen on Sacrifice and PPVâs for the past month walks onto the ramp and bows to both Devlin and Andrew before walking back through the ramp only to be followed by another samurai who again bows to Devlin and Andrew. As Spike Kane and Rob Diamond continue to mock this ceremony the Samurai slowly removes his ceremonial armor and helmet before handing it back to an attendant who rushes to the back with it. But as the Samurai stands up slowly the opening strains of âI Rememberâ by Tristam boom out over the sound system as Nighthawk reveals himself to the sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden who respond to this return as though a returning war hero has arrived before embracing his friends Andrew Jacobsen and Devlin Raine as they walk to the ring with determination on their faces as Spike Kane and Rob Diamond go into shock in the ring, with Bob Pooler not far behind.} Terri Morasco: âWe said, Vasco, that Andrew Jacobsen needed to put together an awesome team to outdo what Spike has done. And I think he has.â
Vasco Dias: âHas he, Terri? Devlin Raine was in that wild 8-man tag earlier. And this is Nighthawkâs first match back in 3 months. You have to figure heâs nowhere near in ring shape.â
{As the referee tries to keep both teamâs tenuous emotional state under some semblance of control both teams begin to trade insults with the other, Bob Pooler and Devlin Raine staying out of it on their respective sides as the tension appears to only be ramping up rather than easing as Spike Kane and Rob Diamond fire insults in the direction of their opponents who return fire rather quickly. Finally ringing the bell Bob Pooler and Devlin Raine start the match for their respective sides, each man being the only one in the ring who doesnât have a deep abiding hate for the other now. Locking up together with each other both men finally get pushed to the ropes where Rob Diamond starts a sing-song chant of Devlinâs name which Spike joins in on almost instantly, which draws an ice-cold glare from Devlin Raine towards Infamous as Bob Pooler exhales noticeably and steps back as the referee calls for a break. Moving back into the center of the ring the âDestiny Dealerâ goes for the lockup and comes out the back door with a side headlock only to be pushed into the ropes and immediately dropped to the mat with a shoulderblock. Popping up, not taking this too well at all, Devlin again runs to the ropes before being knocked down with another shoulderblock by his bigger and stronger opponent. Getting up to his feet, thinking he can marshal his advantage, Bob walks right into an armdrag takedown right into an armwringer. Walking back to his corner Devlin tags in Nighthawk who enters to riotous applause before he takes control of the armwringer on Bob Pooler, who quickly uses his power advantage to escape the armwringer and takes an audible deep breath as if knowing what heâs about to do but nonetheless tags in Rob Diamond. Getting into a low wrestlerâs crouch the âWrestling Machineâ waits for him to step in the ring before going for another collar-and-elbow lockup where they again find themselves near the ropes. But as the referee steps in to force the break Rob Diamond slaps the âMaster of 1000 Holdsâ across the face.}Terri Morasco: âWith the exception of Bob Pooler and Devlin Raine, this was not unexpected the moment the teams were announced. Spike Kane wants to take as much, physically and mentally, from the champion as he can before his scheduled title challenge at Freedom Fight Night. Rob Diamond, one of his closest friends and his championship tag team partner in Infamous for almost 5 months, is always going to back his friendâs play and enjoys being an irritant regardless of that. Andrew Jacobsen, of course, wants to show strength before he makes his title defense against Spike Kane and the returning Nighthawk would love nothing more than complete bloody revenge for what Spike Kane did to him. I donât know how long itâs going to last, but the peace in this 6-man is very fragile indeed.â
Vasco Dias: âItâs that bent towards being an irritant, and a pest, that might make the peace in this 6-man blow up, Terri. Rob Diamond is not going to stop poking Andrew Jacobsen, Nighthawk, and perhaps even Devlin Raine. He canât stop, fundamentally. And knowing the emotional state of his opponents will make the job of pestering them all the easier for him.â
{As Nighthawk leans on the ropes, absolute and thorough disgust evident in his body language, Rob takes one look at the cream-and-orange knee brace on Nighthawkâs left knee and smirks openly, pantomiming a limp while rubbing his hands together in malevolent glee at the damage he looks forward to doing on Nighthawkâs knee should he get the chance. Moving back into the center of the ring, going for a lockup again, Nighthawk and Rob again find themselves near the ropes and Rob again goes for the slap to the face only for the Chicagoan to block it and return fire with 5 consecutive European uppercuts that echo through the sold-out Madison Square Garden like a rapid-fire barrage of gunshots as Andrew Jacobsen and Devlin Raine smile their approval from the ring apron, Devlin even yelling down to the commentary team that âHeâs Back!â Moving back into the center of the ring, remaining impassive even as Rob wobbles around on somewhat rubber legs as the effects of the European uppercuts begin to tell, Nighthawk goes for a collar-and-elbow lockup only to get caught with a hard kneelift to the midsection that appears to be on the verge of a low blow before he tags Spike Kane in who immediately comes in and lands a quartet of hard clubbing forearms to the upper back before whipping Nighthawk into the ropes while holding on to his wrist and attempting to follow him in with a running jumping knee lift only for Nighthawk to duck and Spike to crotch himself on the ropes and then fall to the floor wincing in pain as though he has been shot in the crotch with a cannonball, immediately drawing Rob Diamond and Bob Pooler over to check on him. Seeing an opening the âWrestling Machineâ quickly ascends to the top turnbuckle and takes a moment to adjust his knee brace and stare out to the crowd as if not believing what heâs about to do before noticing Devlin Raine also climbing to the top strand as well, both men coming off with stereo moonsault presses to the floor on Spike Kane and Bob Pooler respectively as Andrew Jacobsen flies through the middle rope with a bullet elbow suicida on Rob Diamond. Realizing that Nighthawk is still the legal man Andrew and Devlin get him back into the ring where he looks to put Spike Kane away by heading to the top rope for a shooting star press as the harried referee tries drastically to get things back under some semblance of control, which causes him to miss Rob Diamond crotching Nighthawk on the top turnbuckle causing him to drop down and walk right into an absolutely massive lariat from Spike Kane who continues to wince in pain before grunting in rage and nuking the âMaster of 1000 Holdsâ with another lariat before tagging in Rob Diamond.} Terri Morasco: âEarlier, I talked about the peace being tenuous in this 6-man, Vasco. It is now gone. For as long as this match goes, weâre going to have an up close view to something akin to a bar fight.â
Vasco Dias: âAnd that rush of adrenaline from the Andrew Jacobsen team is now fading and you start to see the issues at the group he picked. This is Nighthawkâs 1st match back in 3 months, and he is wearing a massively huge knee brace that you have to figure the Spike Kane side is going to attack. Devlin Raine was in a brutal 8-man tag where he took quite a lot of punishment, and might not have the same gas tank he normally does. Andrew Jacobsen, for as good as he is, might not even be able to carry this group over the finish line.â
{Smirking as he walks through the ropes, his eyes wide with predatory glee as he glances at the braced left knee of Nighthawk, Rob Diamond immediately sharks at the left knee of Nighthawk by hooking in a kneebar. Screaming out in pain almost immediately as his knee is wrenched in the kneebar Nighthawk frantically tries to find an escape but canât, quickly grabbing for the ropes and getting it as the referee forces a break of the hold. Leaning over to taunt the downed and writhing in pain Nighthawk Spike Kane is nonetheless drilled with an elbow from the Chicagoan as he pulls himself up to his feet on one good leg only to be caught in the left knee with a short dropkick from Rob Diamond before Rob tags in Bob Pooler who looks uncomfortable with having to do this but nonetheless executes a back heel trip right into a toe-and-ankle hold as he continues to go after the injured left knee. But as the Haligonian cranks on the toe-and-ankle hold the âWrestling Machineâ is able to counter into a small package that gets a long 2-count as he tries to make the slow crawl towards his corner to get some help only for Bob Pooler to see the attempt coming and hit a counter-clockwise dragon screw and quickly covering, getting a 2-count as Nighthawk is able to get a shoulder up before he again crawls towards the corner looking for his partners to tag only to be stomped in the back by Spike Kane. Growling and screaming obscenities towards Nighthawk for having the temerity to land an elbow strike on him a moment ago Spike dares him to throw another one which he does only to have it kicked away right into a massive folding powerbomb that gets a long 2-count before Spike floats right through into a Boston crab, as Nighthawk continues to scream in pain as the referee checks to see if he wants to quit while he crawls on his forearms to finally get the ropes as he holds his left knee in pain. Pulling him up to his knees Spike slaps the âMaster of 1000 Holdsâ across the face before pulling him to his feet and hitting another folding powerbomb that gets a 2-count as the crowd chants âLetâs go Nighthawkâ with vigor.} Terri Morasco: âThe IWF referees are infamous, pardon the pun, for never stopping matches. This might be a time when they have to. Nighthawk is on one working leg at the moment and has taken a tremendous beating.â
Vasco Dias: âI donât think weâre going to see that, Terri. Nighthawk has shown a tremendous resilience in his IWF career. The referees know that. Nighthawk is going to be given every chance to stay in this match.â
{Setting him up on the 2nd turnbuckle for a superplex Spike is instead caught with a trio of forearms from a desperate Nighthawk who finally comes off with a 2nd-rope diving tornado DDT before bear-crawling over to tag in Devlin Raine, and then slumping to the floor as Devlin immediately leaps over the top rope with an in-ring version of the Subspace Highway as Rob Diamond sneaks down to the floor and sets up a piledriver on the floor for Nighthawk only to be drilled in the chest by a running apron superior football kick from Andrew Jacobsen as in the ring Devlin sends Spike to the floor after a standing dropkick. Seeing the opening Devlin gets a running start and lands a gorgeous tope con hilo on Spike Kane before running back in the ring and hitting another Subspace Highway on Rob Diamond. But as he goes for another dive to the floor Bob Pooler hits him with a slingshot High Velocity Hug followed by trapping him into the ropes and waylaying him with a massive running European uppercut. Getting his teammates together Bob immediately goes for a cover but again gets a 2-count as an exhausted and hobbling Nighthawk joins his tag team partner on the ring apron, tightening up his knee brace in case he has to be called back into action. Hitting a running senton Bob now hooks in a seated bodyscissors as he looks to take away whatever wind the âDestiny Dealerâ might have left as Andrew and an exhausted Nighthawk try to rally the sold-out crowd behind Devlin. Screaming out in pain, clearly feeling the effects of his 2nd match tonight, Devlin reaches his elbows inside the bodyscissors and slowly pries it apart to the point where he can get a prawn hold that gets a quick 2-count. Realizing tagging out might be in his best interest at the moment Devlin goes for one only for Bob Pooler to bury a hard knee into his abdomen before tagging in Rob Diamond, gesturing to his abdomen on the way by as a non-verbal signal on where to attack. Hooking in a tight abdominal stretch as he goes right back to the abdomen, Rob cannot help himself and eases towards the corner to get Spike Kaneâs help to put a little more pressure on the hold as Nighthawk and Andrew Jacobsen try desperately to get the refereeâs attention to let him know about the cheating. Screaming out in pain as the abdominal stretch continues to do its work Devlin tries to escape the hold as Rob goes right back to using Spike Kane as an aid, only for the referee to see it and demand the hold be immediately broken. Keeping the pressure on Rob drives a pair of knees into the abdomen before tagging in Bob Pooler who goes right back to a bearhug, seemingly wanting to avoid the dirty tricks of his tag partners.} {Boxing the ears to get it out of it Devlin gets a running start and hits a running jumping DDT as he crawls to the corner and tags in Andrew Jacobsen as Bob Pooler tags in Spike Kane, and they immediately spill to the floor and start brawling wildly. But as they do so, Rob Diamond sneaks around the back and looks to jump Andrew Jacobsen from behind only to be caught with a gorgeous Concussion on Demand from Nighthawk as he and Rob Diamond begin brawling instead, both sets of brawls escalating to the point where the referee has no choice but to throw the whole match out.} Alison Valance: âLadies and gentlemen, your attention please. The referee has ruled this match a no-contest and would like officials, and IWF security, to help him restore order.â
----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
âI Want Cross...â
----------------------------------------------------------
{We cut backstage as Willy Carter finally spots Steve Awesome as he is walking out of the building with all his stuff.}Willy Carter: Steve! Can we have a word with you?
{Steve doesn't say anything and keeps walking.}Willy Carter: Steve, we all saw what happened out there. There has to be something you want to sayâŚâ
{Steve finally stops and he turns and looks at Willy Carter and he just shakes his head. Even behind his sunglasses he looked distraught.}Steve Awesome: I don't know what to say right nowâŚ.
{He stops for a minute.}Steve Awesome: All I know isâŚ.I want Xavier Cross at Open Fight Night!
{Steve turns and leaves the building.}----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
âStatement Madeâ
----------------------------------------------------------
{We cut backstage where a camera is focused on the door leading into the office of Roberto Verona. Standing with his ear to the door is Willy Carter trying to hear what's going on inside. After a moment the door opens and an angry Ryan Shane emerges followed by Laura Howlett.}Willy Carter: Ryan Shane, you've just come fromâŚ
Ryan Shane: Not now Willy!
{He starts to push his way past the backstage reporter.}Willy Carter: The fans want to know what went on in that meeting. They have the right to know.
Ryan Shane: You want to know what the meeting was about? It was about how at Legacy I was better than eight other men. How I earned an Imperial title shot. How I was finally getting everything I earned.
Willy Carter: So why the bad mood?
Ryan Shane: All of that came at a price. I was forced to give up MY Man of Steel title! That belt meant a lot to meâŚ
Willy Carter: Surely that's a small price to payâŚ
{He's starting to get even more visibly upset at the words Willy Carter is saying.}Ryan Shane: Have you ever been in that cage Willy? You don't know what I had to give up.
{Shane storms off leaving Willy Carter with Laura Howlett.}Laura Howlett: It's true my client has earned a tremendous opportunity, and he will turn that into his first Imperial title reign. I'll see to that personally. My duties don't stop there. I'm going to make sure that the Man of Steel title is back around my waist where it belongs!
{She follows after Shane leaving Willy Carter alone outside Veronaâs office. We head to a highlight package featuring the journeys of Ryan Shane and Helena Sawyer through the Heir and Heiress to the Throne set to the tune of "Talking to Myself" by Linkin Park. We watch their rise in points as they both clinched a spot in the elimination portions of the HTTT followed by their individual paths to the finals. We see Ryan Shane defeating Jayson Matthews and Helena Sawyer putting down Keira Hunter before coming back to the commentary.}Terri Morasco: What an amazing journey the Heir and the Heiress to the Throne was this year but in the end there could only be one man and one diamond to stand above everyone else.
Vasco Dias: You've got that right Terri and it was the single two best in each division. Helena Sawyer the Mistress of Monsters and Ryan Shane the Steel Legend! They defeated all the competition and stand atop as the Heir and Heiress to the Throne for 2017.
Terri Morasco: And tonight they team up to take on Todd Williams and Kate Steel!
{The lights dim, and a series of twinkling blue lights begin to shine at the mouth of the entrance ramp as the intro of âBlueâ by The Birthday Massacre begins to play. As the crashing guitars kick in, the stage is bathed in flickering blue lights, and Helena Sawyer slowly walks out onto the stage, a lopsided grin on her face. She walks down the ramp, wearing a twisted smirk on her face. As she passes by the camera at the foot of the ramp, she snaps her jaws at the cameraman, giggling as she walks on and hops up onto the apron. Helena looks up at the ceiling, grinning ecstatically, and turns to face the crowd, hooking both arms on the top rope and throwing her body back with a piercing scream that turns into a giggle. She kicks herself backwards, flipping over the top rope, and back-rolls into a kneeling crouch, staring at the ramp for a few moments before standing and slinking to a corner. She looks up at the ceiling as the music fades, mouthing frantic words to herself as the lights come back up to normal.}Vasco Dias: There she is! The 2017 Heiress to the Throne and the Mistress of Monsters!!! Helena Sawyer! God, you can see the fear dripping off Kate Steel.
Terri Morasco: Todd and Kate got their work cut out for them with not only Helena but an extremely disgruntled Ryan Shane.
Vasco Dias: We saw just a few moments ago as Ryan had the Man of Steel Championship wrongfully removed from around his waist.
Terri Morasco: A small price to pay for the possible glory in his future.
Vasco Dias: Says you.
{âAngry Heartâ by Otherwise begins to play throughout the arena and the crowd boos loudly. The entrance ramp is dimly lit and Laura Howlett makes her way out from behind the curtain. The fans in attendance have no problem letting her know exactly what they think of her. Ryan Shane then makes his way out as pyro goes off behind him.}Alison Valance: Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by Laura Howlett, weighing two hundred and ten pounds, from Allen Park, Michigan, he is the 2017 Heir to the Throne...Ryan Shane!!!
{Laura Howlett heads toward the ring with Ryan Shane following close behind her. When they get to the ring Shane slides in under the bottom rope as Howlett stops ring side as Shane charges into the ring and crashes right into Todd with a Lou Thez press and a series of punches!}Vasco Dias: Shane is a foul mood tonight!
Terri Morasco: That he is but he needs to focus or it could cost him and his partner a win.
Vasco Dias: The Steel Legend never enters the ring less than focused!
{The referee manages to pull Shane off Todd and officially call for the bell but Shane is right back on Todd with the Southpaw Shuffle completed with a Discus Punch that rocks the jaw of Williams. Kate screams for Todd as Shane throws him carelessly with a the Right Nowthern Suplex. Todd tries to get up but Shane in on Todd with the Someday Snap!}Vasco Dias: Williams is completely unprepared for the Steel Legend! The only undefeated Man of Steel Champion in history!!!
Terri Morasco: Todd needs to get his stuff together before this match is over!
{Ryan Shane locks Williams into the Crying Shane! Kate charges into the ring but Helena meets her before she gets anywhere Todd with the DARK MOTHER'S BLESSING!!!! With nowhere to go and Shane wrenching hard Todd taps the mat furiously!!!}'
Vasco Dias: The Steel Legend and the Heir to the Throne picks up a quick win here tonight for his team!
Terri Morasco: Impressive showing for Shane.
{Ryan rolls out of the ring and rejoins Laura as the two head up the leaving Helena standing over Kate with a sadistic smirk.}Vasco Dias: I've got to tell you Terri, with the House back and better than ever and with Ryan Shane and Helena Sawyer as the future challengers to the Imperial and Diamonds Champions, the future of IWF has never looked brighter.
Terri Morasco: There is something seriously wrong with you.
{Shane and Laura head right to the back as we focus in on the grinning face of Helena.} ----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
âDiamonds Showdownâ
----------------------------------------------------------
{The lights dim, and a series of twinkling blue lights begin to shine at the mouth of the entrance ramp as the intro of âBlueâ by The Birthday Massacre begins to play. As the crashing guitars kick in, the stage is bathed in flickering blue lights, and Helena Sawyer slowly walks out onto the stage, a lopsided grin on her face and a microphone in hand.}Terri Morasco: Here comes the 2017 Heiress to the Throne, and she looks like sheâs got a few things on her mind.
Vasco Dias: We learned earlier on IWF.com that she was going to make an announcement for next week. I guess weâre going to find out what it is.
{She walks down the ramp, waving at the crowd and giggling as she walks on and hops up onto the apron. Helena looks up at the ceiling, grinning ecstatically, and turns to face the crowd, hooking both arms on the top rope and throwing her body back with a piercing scream that turns into a giggle. She kicks herself backwards, flipping over the top rope, and back-rolls into a kneeling crouch, staring at the ramp for a few moments before standing and twirling the microphone in her hand. Helena paces back and forth in the middle of the ring as the lights come up again, a knowing grin on her face.}Helena Sawyer: Hey there, Madison Square Garden! So long, right? I missed you all!
{She laughs and waves to the crowd again, skipping in circles slightly before speaking again.}Helena Sawyer: Now, you saw me and Ryan Shane dismantle Todd Williams and Kate Steele earlier, but that wasn't the only surprise I had planned for tonight. You see, the people in chargeâREALLY in chargeâgave me the special task of telling our diabolically delightful Diamonds Champion who she'll be facing at Freedom Fight Night, and when I heard who it was...well, it just tickled me all kinds of pink. I want to make sure you're listening, Rowan. Get out here so I don't have to repeat myself!
{Helena turns to the entranceway, tapping her foot impatiently and folding her arms. Instead of the expected music, though, the lights go out again and Our Truth by Lacuna Coil begins to play as red lights begin to flash slowly before lights come up on the stage, now shrouded with thick red smoke. As the music swells, dim light begins to come up on the arena, now shrouded with blood red smoke as four silhouettes fade into view, one in each direction of the compass. As the guitar kicks in hard, red lights flash onto the arena revealing the four members of the Pack in full, gazing from the crowd and taking in their reaction - cruel but manic laughter from Dean, a cold glare from Maxine, a nodding, savage grin from Caleb, and a dark, gleaming gaze from Rowan on the ramp as she spreads her arms wide as though welcoming the audience to a religious service.}Terri Morasco: We saw their debut at Legacy, and here they are in force. The Pack have answered Helenaâs summons, and those odds donât look too good from where Iâm sitting.
Vasco Dias: More importantly, they donât look too good from where Iâm sitting either. This is trouble for her.
{After a few seconds Rowan walks towards the ring, the rest of the Pack following from each direction. They surround the ring, also shrouded with red smoke, each one taking a side of the ring and staring inward at Helena, who never breaks her gaze from Rowan. Finally, Rowan enters the ring, never letting her gaze waver from Helena, who smiles and waves. The three other members of the Pack slowly begin to circle the ring as the lights come up again, Helena speaking with a chipper tone to her voice.}Helena Sawyer: Heya, Rowan! You brought the entire family? For me? Aww, I feel so flattered! You really know how to make a girl feel special.
{Rowan tilts her head to the side in a predatory motion, taking a step towards Helena as her eyes flash ever so slightly.}Rowan MacDonnough: Unlike you, I donât abandon my family⌠Michelle.
{Helena snorts, shaking her head and sighing as she takes a step towards Rowan in turn, absolutely no fear in her voice or face.}Helena Sawyer: Youâre barking up the wrong tree, Abyss puppy. This is about you and me...and one other person. Leave the dead names and dead memories at home, weâre talking futures.
{Rowan laughs, and the Pack joins in like a group of Hyenas.} Rowan MacDonnough: I wasnât talking to you, you laughable sideshow. You can try to keep me from addressing her all you like, but so long as you are divided in soul and purposeâŚ
{Rowan snorts.}Rowan MacDonnough: But youâll learn of that folly soon enough. Letâs waste no more time with this display. By all means, thing... introduce me to the next corpse upon the pile.
{Helena rolls her eyes, grinning again and sauntering over to lean against the ropes. She waves cheerily at Maxine on the outside before looking back over at Rowan, raising the microphone.}Helena Sawyer: Thing? Youâve hurt my feeling. How soon we forget the lessons of pride...believe me, this is no corpse. Iâve seen her beaten, broken, bloodied, bruised...but never have I ever thought she was dead. Never have I forgotten her lessons, so precious as they were. I may be irritating. I may be frustrating. I may even be the next Diamonds Champion. But Iâm not your problem next weekâŚ
{âWe all recognize...that Iâm...the problem hereâŚâ
The Madison Square Garden crowd comes unglued as âGhoulsâ hits the PA and Pandora Freeman rises up from the ramp, lit up like a Christmas tree.}Terri Morasco: ITâS PANDORA FREEMAN! We havenât seen her in an IWF ring since Lineage! This is a blockbuster rematch!
Vasco Dias: I may not like her, but this is certainly one hell of a surprise! Listen to the ovation from the Garden!
{Helena smiles, applauding as Pandora dances down to the ring, and even holds the ropes open for Pandora as she hops onto the apron. Pandora steps through, sketching a curtsy to Helena, and looks Rowan in the eyes, wearing her own broad grin on her face. Rowan seems legitimately shocked for a few moments as she and Rowan stare down, the Diamonds Champion slowly walking forward to stare Pandora directly in her grinning face.}Rowan MacDonnough: You really are a glutton for punishment, arenât you?
Pandora Freeman: Oh, come on, Ro-Ro, donât tell me youâre not happy to see me!
Helena Sawyer: I am!
{Pleased with her interjection, Helena leans back against the ropes, wearing the same Cheshire cat grin and waving at Pandora. For her part, Pandora smiles back at Helena, sighing.}Pandora Freeman: Never learned how not to play with fire, did you? I like it. Stay free.
Helena Sawyer: I had the best teacher. Now, whatâs the phrase again...oh, right. Kick her ass. I got you, flower.
{Rowan, however⌠starts to chuckle.}Terri Morasco: Why is she laughing? The former Diamonds Champion will be challenging Rowan to a rematch at Freedom Fight Night, and now wonât have Sara Garcia distracting her. What could Rowan possibly find funny about this?
Rowan MacDonnough: Verona? Iâd like to cash in that favor from a month ago⌠now.
{As Rowan says the word ânowâ, fire leaps from the apron, completely encircling Rowan, Pandora and Helena as the Pack steps back, grinning wickedly as Red Stars begins to play and the lights over the arena turn red. Rowan lifts her arms into the air, glaring at Pandora with a terrible confidence.}Vasco Dias: What is she doing now!? Whatâs going on!?
Rowan MacDonnough: You want your rematch, Pandora? I welcome it. When last we met I broke your body but NOT your spirit. This time⌠this time I have a special treat just for you. I was thinking of saving this for dear little Helena over there, but now? Now that youâre foolish enough to step into the ring with me again? This is too good an opportunity to pass up. Weâll have our rematch, Pandora⌠in the Abyss itself.
Pandora Freeman: What are you talking about�
Rowan MacDonnough: Itâs simple. Weâll fight in a ring locked in a steel cell. No escape. No Disqualification. We will fight encircled by flame, as we are now, adding yet another layer of torment as we lock in battle once again. Your only escape is to either beg for mercy⌠or to suffer a beating severe enough to force you into unconsciousness. You either fall⌠or you tell the whole world that you quit, admitting once and for all that you donât have what it takes to fight in my playing field. Welcome, Pandora Freeman⌠to the IWFâs first ever⌠Abyss Match.
{A hard look comes into Pandoraâs eyes, and Helena steps forward, unwittingly standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Pandora as she speaks up to Rowan.}Helena Sawyer: Simple. Right. The Abyss, you say? Well, we may be going to your part of town, but youâre not the one sheâll answer to. That role is reserved for your special...guest...referee. Oh, did I forget to mention that? Iâm going to be the special guest referee for your match. Slipped my mind. You know, divided in soul and purpose and all that.
Rowan MacDonnough: Slipped your mind, Helena - not mine. Iâm sure youâll find a way to be creative as a ref in a match with no countouts, no submissions, no disqualifications and no pinfalls. I just hope you enjoy the show⌠and know that youâre going to be next to grace the gallows.
{With that, Rowan turns and walks out of the ring, stepping through the fire to join The Pack. They turn back to the two women in the ring, staring them down for a few moments⌠before the still-red lights flash out - and when the lights return, the Pack is nowhere to be seen. Helena and Pandora look to each other, shrugging, and turn to exit the ring, âGhoulsâ playing once again.}Terri Morasco: Blockbuster upon blockbuster! Pandora Freeman returns to challenge for the Diamonds Championship, and itâll be in this new, twisted invention of Rowan MacDonnoughâs, the Abyss Match.
Vasco Dias: Violence, fire, blood...Freedom Fight Night is shaping up to be something special. Who knows whatâs going to happen?
Terri Morasco: Youâll just have to tune in to find out.
----------------------------------------------------------
SINGLES MATCH
Special Guest Commentator: Head of the Diamonds Division - Kathleen Conway
Keira Hunter vs Shea OâHara
----------------------------------------------------------
Alison Valance: Ladies and gentlemen, the following is your main event for the eveningâŚ
Terri Morasco: This is a huge match in the career of Keira Hunter against the Shieldmaiden, Shea OâHara.
Vasco Dias: This is true, but also, a big bounceback match for Shea after the way she was taken out of the Heiress to the Throne by Helena Sawyer.
Terri Morasco: Both of these women ended up losing to Helena, and both need a bounceback.
Vasco Dias: Also here at ringside with us is the head of the division, Kathleen Conway.
Kathleen Conway: Thank you gentlemen. Both of these women are building a name for themselves in MY division, and Iâm out here to see exactly who the better woman is between them.
{"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: Keira came within a second of winning the Heiress to the Throne, and though she doesnât like moral victories, it indeed could be seen as one.
Vasco Dias: I like her attitude though. Sheâs not here for moral victories, sheâs here for the real deal. Iâm sure thatâs something you can appreciate Mrs. Conway with the fact that she beat you to get into that match.
Kathleen Conway: She did indeed, and I have no shame in admitting that. She put it all out there and on that night she was just a smidge better.
Alison Valance: And her opponentâŚ
{The lights go out before the tron flickers to life with a flick of orange hair, before "In God We Trustâ by Sweet Little Machine blasts out of the PA with orange and green lights flashing wildly, in time with the drums}"ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!
NAH, NAH, NAH NAH!
NAH NAH-NAH NAH NAH!"
{The crowd chant along with the song, as Shea OâHara barges through the curtain before standing in the middle of the stage. She lowers herself, almost squatting, before thrusting her arms into the air with the âdevil hornsâ as a small pyro goes off behind her. She then sprints to the ring, sliding under the ropes and runs to the camera side and leans through the ropes on the second rope throwing up her âdevil hornsâ once again.}Alison Valance: From Cork, Ireland, weighing in at 135 pounds...she is the IWF Shieldmaiden...SHEEEEA OOOOOOâHARA!
Terri Morasco: I feel like Shea was somewhat cheated out of the Heiress to the Throne with the way in which Helena attacked her early on.
Vasco Dias: Those are the breaks Terri. This isnât a popularity contest, and Helena did what she needs to do to win.
Kathleen Conway: MY division is a very competitive one, and the strong are the ones who truly survive.
{The bell rings and the two women meet in the center of the ring, shaking hands before circling one another.}Terri Morasco: A rare share of sportswomanship here in the IWF.
Vasco Dias: Both of these two are well-liked individuals, and they both respect what the other can do as we heard earlier in the week.
Kathleen Conway: Not everyone is out to stab each other in the back. We have the best womenâs division in the history of professional wrestling, and across the current landscape and Iâm extremely proud of that fact.
{The two women finally tie up in the center of the ring, both jockeying for position. Keira with a two inch advantage in height is able to slightly push down and shove Shea back to the corner where the IWF Shieldmaiden turns it around at the last minute, backing Keira into the turnbuckles. The two hold onto one another for a few seconds as the referee calls for a clean break and actually gets it.}Terri Morasco: Again, these two show respect with a clean break.
Vasco Dias: Itâs well documented how clean these two are.
Kathleen Conway: Itâs what we look for in our competitors.
{Shea backs up as Keira steps out of the corner. The two walk around in a circle again and tie up again, but this time itâs Keira who goes behind Shea with a waistlock, but Shea hits a few elbows before switching around and grabbing Keira by the waist, lifting her just enough to take her to the mat where she controls the match with a front-facelock. Keira tries to kick back out of it, but Sheaâs latch is on tight. The two get to their feet with Shea still grasping at Keiraâs head until sheâs backed into the ropes and shot to the far side with Keira ducking on return, only to have Shea kick her in the face, standing her up straight before taking her down with a Clothesline. She then follows it up, using Keiraâs momentum to take her over with a few arm drags, locking in an armbar, but Keira is able to put her foot on the bottom rope, breaking the hold.}Vasco Dias: The experience of Shea is helping her control this match.
Terri Morasco: Keira may not have the trainers that Shea had, but sheâs no slouch in that ring.
Kathleen Conway: And thatâs one of the reasons she was brought into MY division.
Terri Morasco: By Riley Gordon in the Diamond in the Rough.
{Kathy sneers a bit as we go back to the two women in the ring. They tie up for a third time and this time itâs Keira getting the upperhand by simply kneeing Shea in the gut before clubbing her over the back, then grabbing her by the head and spinning her into a Neckbreaker in the center of the ring, floating over for the cover only to get a barely two count. She gets up and immediately wastes no time, grabbing Shea by the head before sheâs backed into the ropes by Shea who shoots her across the ring. Keira goes for a Clothesline but Shea ducks, and as Keira turns around Shea goes for a Straight Edge Superkick, but Keira too ducks and shoots a Standing Sidekick to the back of Sheaâs head before she could even turn around.}Terri Morasco: A huge kick to the head by Keira, but some great ring awareness by Shea who rolls out under the bottom rope.
Vasco Dias: She has no way to capitalize and you can see it on her face.
{Keira smacks the mat in frustration as she watches Shea fall to the floor below. She looks at Shea and then looks over at the turnbuckle.}Terri Morasco: What is she thinking?
Kathleen Conway: My Diamonds like to pull out all the stops. Itâs why itâs such a great division.
{The crowd starts buzzing as Keira pulls herself up with the ropes, heading to the corner, ascending it rope by rope as Shea starts to pull at the ring skirt in order to get up. Keira is on the top and waits for Shea to not only get up but stagger around before lunging off of the top with a Crossbody as the crowd erupts!}Terri Morasco: A huge leap of faith by the youngest Diamond on the roster and it may have paid off!
Vasco Dias: Did it though? Sheâs down just like Shea!
{Both women hit hard and are laying on the mat around the ring as the refereeâs count is up to two.}Terri Morasco: These two are putting on a show for these fans, and theyâre letting them know that they appreciate it.
{The fans continue chanting âTHIS IS AWESOME!â as the two women are slowly coming to at the count of five. Keira is first to her feet by the count of seven, slowly rolling under the bottom rope as the referee hits eight. Shea pulls herself up with the ring skirt and happens to slide in right after the referee yells âNINE!â to the applause of the fans.}Terri Morasco: They didnât want to see this end in a countout and quite frankly, neither did I.
Vasco Dias: This has been entertaining indeed.
Kathleen Conway: As the division has always proven to be. Anything the guys can do, the girls in this Diamonds Division can do just as well.
{Both girls are up to their feet and itâs Keira striking first with a forearm shot that rocks the Shieldmaiden. Shea strikes back with a shot of her own, and then Keira retaliates. Shea swings wildly, but Keira ducks but isnât able to escape as Shea throws her feet over her head with a Pele Kick striking Keira right in the face. Both are down again and Shea crawls over, draping an arm over KeiraâŚ
ONE!
TWO!
THRNOOOOOOOO!
KEIRA GETS THE SHOULDER UP!}Terri Morasco: The young woman with a determination not to go down in this match.
Vasco Dias: It was a last minute shot by Shea, and she thought she had her, but these two look exhausted.
{Sheaâs arm merely slides off Keira who rolls to her stomach. The two of them slowly push themselves off the mat. Shea slaps Keira across the face, and Keira returns the favor. They repeat, and then start rapid slapping one another.}Terri Morasco: This huge slapfest seems to be firing up these two women!
Vasco Dias: And the crowd is absolutely soaking it up!
{Keira turns a slap into a forearm that spins Shea around, and as she turns back, Keira goes for a kick only to have Shea catch her leg in a precarious position looking for the âSweet Little Machineâ but Keira furiously hits some elbows to the side of the neck of Shea, loosening her grip, the final blow a shot to the side of the head that causes Shea to stumble back into the ropes. She comes back and Keira lifts her on her shoulders, snapping her off quickly with a Ushigoroshi!}Terri Morasco: SPIRIT BREAKER!
Vasco Dias: Sheâs perfected scooping an opponent up and nailing that move out of the blue.
{Keira hooks the leg of the ShieldmaidenâŚ
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!!
The bell rings.}Alison Valance: Here is your winner...KEEEIRA HUNTER!
{Keira has her arm raised in victory.}Terri Morasco: A huge win by Keira Hunter thatâs gotta put her in the hunt for the Shieldmaiden!
â
Vasco Dias: She may not have liked the moral victory from advancing so far in the Heiress to the Throne, but sheâs gotta love the taste of this one!
{Kathy sits in silence and looks on as Keira celebrates her victory as we go to commercial.}----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
âImperial Showdownâ
----------------------------------------------------------
{âAngry Heartâ by Otherwise begins to play throughout the arena and the crowd boos loudly. The entrance ramp is dimly lit and Ryan Shane then makes his way out dressed in a suit, he smirks as he makes his way to the ring.}Vasco Dias: Here he is, he was the greatest Man of Steel, and the Heir to the Throne!
Terri Morasco: I distinctly remember you calling someone else the greatest Man of SteelâŚ.
{In the ring Ryan Shane stands with a smirk on his face, the crowd rain booâs down on him as he brings up the microphone to talk.}Ryan Shane: Awwww, donât you just love it? You all had your favorites, you spoke about your dark horses, but here I am! THE! Heir to the Throne! I told you it was going to happen, and I delivered!
{He extends his arms, just to soak in the boos from the crowd.}Ryan Shane: As much as Iâd like to stand here and talk about how great I am, and trust meâŚ.I could. We have some business to get down to, that being the discussion of the two men who will fight for the honor of facing me at the next pay per view! The soon-to-be-dethroned Imperial Champion, Andrew Jacobsen! ...and some other asshole. In light of tonight's earlier events...weâve decided to up the security here.
{Several security guards come out from the back and begin to surround the ring, almost forming some kind of police cordon around Ryan Shane and the ring itself. The crowd, as youâd expect, are booing. Their boos melt into roaring cheers, however, as âUnbreakableâ plays over the PA, and Andrew Jacobsen walks out from behind the curtain, wearing jeans and a North Star Rising T-shirt straight from the merch stand, an intent look on his face and the Imperial Championship over his shoulder. He walks down to the ring, eyeing Shane warily, and hops up onto the apron, ducking between the ropes and straightening up to stare dead into the eyes of Ryan Shane. Andrew raises his own microphone, cocking an eyebrow.}Andrew Jacobsen: Havenât got all day here. Wanna get to the point?
{Ryan Shane goes to respond but âCrushedâ by Parkway Drive blasts out of the sound system and Spike Kane emerges from behind the curtain, dressed in cargo shorts, an InFamous t-shirt. The crowd actually pops for Spike - but not as much as it did for Andrew - before Spike storms to the ring, side glancing the security, and Andrew, before staring right down at Ryan Shane.}Spike Kane: I donât want you two getting all pally out here. Donât want everyone forgetting that next week, Andrew Jacobsen puts the Imperial Title on the line against the God of Xtreme!
{Shane smirks, and steps between the two.}Ryan Shane: That may be true, but as the greatest man of steel ever, and the next man destined to hold the Imperial TitleâŚ..Iâm supposed to be impartial, but seriously, look at how things have gone. Iâm up here nowâŚ
{He raises his hand above his head.}Ryan Shane: Whereas you? Youâre down hereâŚ
{He lowers his hand to below his belt. Spike looks like heâs about to punch him, when Andrew interrupts.}Andrew Jacobsen: Spike, youâre really going to let him get in your head? You, of all people? A man who lives and THRIVES on mind games? Ignore him. The person in this ring you should be worried about is over here. The reigning, DEFENDING Imperial Champion...after this week and after next.
{Shane makes a fake shock face as Spike lowers his head and smirks.}Spike Kane: Weâve taken each other to the limit twice this year alone, but each time Iâve come out on top. Were it not for Warrenâs intervention, you probably wouldnât even be the Imperial Champion, and YOU! You definitely wouldnât have been Man of Steel Champion!
{Spikeâs eyes are like fire as he rounds on Ryan Shane. Andrew folds his arms for a second, as he takes in Spikeâs words.}Andrew Jacobsen: Maybe I wouldnât, Spike. We could shoot hypotheticals all night. But facts are, I still eliminated you to win the Roulette. I still pinned Cable Arcane in the main event of Night of the Immortals to WIN this title, and I have DEFENDED this title ever since. What have you done? Stabbed people in the back? Caught me with a lucky Thunderstruck? You got this shot because of an act of cowardice, oh God of Xtreme. Cowardâs way out doesnât make you a champion. So either change your tune, or get ready to come runner-up...again.
{As Andrew finishes Spike turns to get right into his face, but Andrew doesnât back down. Shane is chuckling to himself, as he points at them both.}Ryan Shane: Ha! Look at them! Do you actually think either one of these pathetic excuses for men should be Imperial Champion!? It should, and will, be me! Thatâs why Laura chose me, thatâs why I was the greatest Man of Steel champion! Thatâs why I wonât be softened by some cheap neon piece of as-
{Shane doesnât get to finish his words, as Spike turns around and punches him right in his face. Shane staggers a step but throws a right back at Spike. The two begin to fire off on each other, before Spike swings for a lariat, Shane ducks underneath and Spike hits the ropes. On the return Spike goes for the Bloody Sunday kick but Shane hits the mat and rolls away and Spike connects with the face of Andrew Jacobsen who was just trying to break up the brawl. The crowd are going nuts. Spike stops for a second and runs his hands through his hair, shocked at what heâs done, as Ryan Shane backs up the ramp laughing all the way. Security floods the ring and gets in between Andrew and Spike, pulling them both away, but the camera pans back once more to Ryan Shaneâs grin plastered across his face as the IWF and Sacrifice logos appear on the screen before the show goes off air.}
Well howdy there pardner.