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IN- RING SEGMENT
Ethan King Contract Signing
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{ The lights in the arena dim and strobe red as "Long live the Chief” by Jidenna begins to play. }
****as fighting over rings
****as wanna be the King, but
Long Live the Chief
For a li' ol' thang lil' boys bang bang
Long Live the Chief
****as fighting over rings
****as wanna be the king, but
Long Live the Chief
Now watch pretty mama while I slang my cane
Long Live the Chief
Uh
{ As the song kicks into gear Cable Arcane marches out onto the ramp with his head bowed and fists clenched, he stands at the center of the stage with a spot light shining down on him in the darkness. Finally Cable rolls his head to crack his neck and starts to make his way down the ramp with a determined look on his face, completely ignoring the crowd. As he reaches the steps he climbs up, taking his time before climbing into the ring one leg at a time. He marches to the center of the ring and throws both fists up into the air to a mix reaction from the crowd.}
Cable Arcane: Welcome ladies and Gentlemen to Monday Night Sacrifice!
{The crowd cheers.}
Cable Arcane: Now there have been a lot of questions over the last week about what happened at the end of our 200th episode, and I wanted to kick the evening off right away by addressing those questions before our first match could even begin. As many have speculated, IWF is welcoming a new superstar to our roster - and he is here TONIGHT to officially sign his IWF contract. So without further delay... ladies and gentlemen: Ethan King!
{Lights go down. The opening riff of "Hail to the King" plays, met with swiftly moving and flashing white spotlights flashing through the arena, and as the drums kick in Ethan King slowly steps out to the stage. He takes a few steps forward, wearing an expensive looking black suit, looking to either side as he cracks his neck with a smug grin. Ethan looks dead ahead at the ring, as the overture ends, the lights come up in full as he spreads his arms wide and soaks in the reaction from the crowd. When the lyrics begin he finally lowers his arms and begins his walk down the ramp. When he reaches the ring he pulls himself up onto the apron, and finally steps into the ring when the chorus roars through the arena. He stands in the center of the ring, a single fist raised in the air as he nods slightly in rhythm to the music, pumping his fists three times in time with the words “HAIL! HAIL! HAIL!” before finally shaking Cable Arcane's hand. The two of them sit down at a table that has been set up in the ring.}
Cable Arcane: Mr. King.
Ethan King: Cable Arcane! I am overjoyed to finally meet you face to face.
Cable Arcane: The honor is all mine, Mr. King. But please, before we get down to business why not indulge the less informed about Ethan King.
Ethan King: But of course, Cable! I understand that IWF fans - much like the NCW fans that came before them - tend to focus entirely upon their own little demesne of who is and who is not important in the world of professional wrestling. And who can blame them? The IWF takes pride in calling itself the largest and greatest professional wrestling company in the world, so I suppose it's easy for these... people to lose track of what happens outside its boundaries. As I'm sure you know, I've wrestled all around the world - everywhere from back-alley deathmatches in Osaka to spectacles hosted by Saudi royalty in Riyadh. I spent most of my career in Japan, where I've shared similar circles with a few other members of the IWF roster, but in the last year returned to the United States.
Cable Arcane: I understand that you and Spike Kane have something of a history.
{Ethan grins wide.}
Ethan King: Oh, you know how these professional rivalries go. We ran afoul of one another, fought each other... Certain words were exchanged. Also certain... companies.
{Ethan chuckles.}
Ethan King: I offered Spike a hand in running a startup federation he was trying to keep going, but with an ego such as his he wasn't willing to accept the help. He was being targeted by lawsuits accusing him of being in violation of certain contracts, and instead of letting me step in and giving him my long-trained expertise in business as the chairman of the board of King Enterprises, he let his ego in the way and fought me over it. By the time I managed to get an amount of authority that would have let me save it... he'd already done too much damage for the company to be salvaged. It was a tragedy, but there was nothing I could do but liquidate the company's assets.
Cable Arcane: That's... technically in line with what I've been told. Though I was told that you're the one who sued him after you lost a championship match, and that you seized control of half the company after a match only to then use the power to punish anyone who spoke ill of you and your wife - and then liquidated the company, terminating contracts for a significant profit.
{Ethan demures, shaking his head.}
Ethan King: I was among the lawsuits, yes, and the only one that went public - but I simply noted that his own staff declared that a former student of his should have been disqualified from a tournament, but was not. I questioned whether or not the fact that the two title winners happened to be his former student and his daughter was because of interference on his part. I was willing to drop the charges if he let me help the company, but he demanded a match instead - which I won. As for profit? Hardly, Mr. Arcane. All proceeds were donated to veterans' relief charities, which I am happy to provide documentation on.
Cable Arcane: Regardless of the details, I have to question whether you'll try to pull something similar in the IWF.
Ethan King: Cable, you of all people know that the Imperial Wrestling Federation is a well-oiled machine. Roberto Verona and his aides have proven more than able to run this company with expert efficiency. I have no desire to take it over... well, not from a corporate vector, anyway. There's a reason that the IWF has attracted so many fine men and women - I'm almost offended that it took you so long to approach me. As I mentioned, I have some old acquaintances here - including a man with whom I have a longer and much happier history than I have with Spike Kane.
Cable Arcane: You have friends?
Ethan King: It's been years, and we parted on somewhat tense terms. It's possible the man doesn't even truly exist anymore... but I'm excited to find out.
{Ethan winks at the camera.}
Cable Arcane: That's... huh. Well, despite your history of corporate issues it seems that everything's approved for your contract signing, including some support from the board. All that's left is for you to sign.
{Cable slides the contract over, and Ethan signs it without breaking eye contact or ceasing his smile. Cable Arcane smirks.}
Cable Arcane: So it's settled. I should warn you, though - your stunt last week likely drew the ire of the Age of Gods, which if you haven't been paying attention is one of the biggest powers in this company at the moment.
Ethan King: Oh, don't worry, Cable. I know how to thrive in times such as this. It's all about making the right connections. Networking. And ensuring friends in high places. Another thing you of all people should know, Cable, a lesson that people can occasionally forget as they're too blinded by their own ego to focus on the long game after losing a few early hands. I pride myself on my ability to get friends in high places, because in the end... well...
{“Can’t Stop” by Sixx:AM hits the speakers of the arena... and out comes Laura Howlett to the stage! Cable Arcane's eyes widen sharply as he stands, staring in fury first at Laura, and then at the smugly smirking Ethan King.}
Laura Howlett: ... The House Always Wins.
{Laura Howlett enters the ring and stands right behind Ethan, who reaches back and shakes her hand with a grin before the two of them return their gazes to Cable Arcane.}
Cable Arcane: You... you must be joking. Laura's last two 'champions' didn't...
{Ethan stands abruptly, adjusting his tie and leaning close to Cable.}
Ethan King: You want to know the difference between me and the likes of Ryan Shane and Noah Field? They were too weak to handle a few losses. When they couldn't get the immediate satisfaction they demanded to keep them hard, they cut and run like mewling children. Me? Just ask Spike Kane the lengths I'll go to to finish the job, no matter how many roadblocks pop up in my way.
{Cable and Ethan stare at one another tensely for a few seconds before Ethan grins again.}
Ethan King: I have to say, it's a pleasure to be here, Cable. I mean that. I have to say it. Makes for good television. Makes the fans think they're part of something important. I'm so looking forward to working with you... and I hope the feeling is mutual, because you'll be seeing plenty of me.
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SINGLES MATCH
Alexis Gold vs Domi Natrix
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{We come back from commcercial and Domi Natrix is already in the ring.}
“Tonight..
I just want to take you higher..
Throw your hands up in the sky..
Let's set this party off right..”
{The techno-screech preluding the inevitable beat drop soars across the audience, the lights dim to a gold color as Alexis makes her way onto the stage, a quick spin and a pose -- her right elbow calculated at an acute angle, hand raking through her hair and left knee prompt out balancing on the left nose of her boot and right ball of her heel -- signals a slo-mo effect and the rain of gold pyro from the rafters.}
Alison Valance: Introducing her opponent, Alexiiiiiiiiiis Gooooooooooooooollllllllllllld!
{Alexis sashays down the ramp, twirling a single strand of hair around her index finger, cutting cold glares at those at ringside as she passes. She approaches the ring apron, hopping onto it with her left cheek bending her left knee atop of the surface while stretching her right leg across it; her left hand wound around the top rope as she poses for a moment then pulls herself onto her feet. From there, entering the ring through the middle and bottom ropes; concluding to her corner with pre-match stretches.}
Vasco Dias: Oh boy, Look at Alexis Gold Terri, I’m so glad she’s joined IWF.
Terri Morasco: You come across really creepy sometimes Vasco.
Vasco Dias: I can’t help it, I love melons and butter!
{The referee calls for the bell and Domi storms across the ring, nailing Alexis with a couple of forearms. Gold takes a few of them, before blocking another and sending a stiff elbow to the face of Domi Natrix. Domi staggers backwards, as Alexis presses the advantage she hits Domi with a spinning back heel kick, Natrix drops to the floor and Alexis drops her with the GOLD-PLATED! The crowd go nuts.}
Terri Morasco: Alexis Gold is showing what she is made of here.
{She stalks Domi Natrix who seems dazed and confused, she wildly swings for Alexis, but Gold dodges it. She kicks Domi in the gut and hooks her….nailing the 24KT MAGIC!!!! She rolls her over and goes for the cover…..ONE! …..TWO! …..THREE!!!}
Vasco Dias: Wow! Alexis Gold made quick work of Domi Natrix!
Terri Morasco: It looks like the Open Weight Champion might have someone to look out for.
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BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
"Belief"
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{The camera opens with Warren and Caleb in the locker room finishing getting ready. And Dean is stilling on a bench near them.}
Dean Harper: You’re going to do great.
Caleb Lockwood: We will.
Warren Kane: We’ll make you proud.
{Dean gets up and hugs them both.}
Dean Harper: You already do.
{Caleb pulls back first smiling at Dean.}
Caleb Lockwood: We’ll make them earn it.
{Warren hugs Dean quick before pulling back. Caleb looks at the time and motions for Warren to exit with him out of the door.}
Warren Kane: Good luck on your match, Dean.
Dean Harper: You too.
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IWF TAG TEAM WORLD CUP SECOND CHANCE MATCH
TnT vs The Masters of 1000 Holds vs The Pack (Lockwood/Kane) vs The Bourbon Street Saints
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Alison Valance: “This next contest is scheduled for one fall and is a Four-Corners Second Chance Match. Already in the ring, Team #1, Todd Williams and Teddy Steele…. T’N’T!”
{As the referee checks Todd Williams and Teddy Steele for contraband, the lights in the Thomas and Mack Center suddenly go out as 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 stage, now shrouded with blood red smoke as one silhouette fades into view. As the guitar kicks in hard, the lights flash onto the stage revealing four members of the Pack in full, gazing into the crowd and taking in their reaction - a cold glare from Maxine, a nodding, savage grin from Caleb, a vibrant, bouncing energy from Brooklyn, and a hard, intense smirk from Warren. After a few seconds Caleb and Warren depart from the rest. They walk around the ring, also shrouded with red smoke, Warren and Caleb taking a corner and climbing onto the ropes gazing either at the audience. Finally, as one, they all leap into the ring and meet in the center, turning towards the hard camera as the house lights return.}
Alison Valance: “Team #2, at a total combined weight of 373 pounds and representing the Pack, please welcome the team of Caleb Lockwood and Warren Kane!”
{The thudding instrumental drumbeat of “Black Skinhead” pounds from the PA as Nick Hunter and Nate Harris walk through the curtain, Nick immediately running over to the edge of the stage and riling the crowd up as Nate cracks his neck, a smirk on his face. Nick runs over to the other side of the stage, working the crowd some more, and Nate begins to walk down the ramp, Nick running to catch up with him as he continues to talk a mile a minute at the fans.}
Alison Valance: From the Big Easy, at a combined weight of 410 pounds, the team of Nick Hunter and Nate Harris, the Bourbon Street Saints!
{Nick fistbumps someone in the crowd, leaping up onto the apron as Nate climbs the steps. Nick slingshots over the top into the ring, landing on his feet and talking even more trash as Nate steps between the ropes, settling back into their corner. Nick walks in a circle in the ring, continuing to rile the crowd as he makes his way back to Nate, dropping his voice and beginning to talk strategy as the music fades.}
{As the other teams wait in the ring the opening strains of “Unbreakable” by Fireflight play as Andrew Jacobsen stands at the top of the ramp and waits before that song fades out and is replaced by “I Remember (Chelsea Dagger Intro)” by Tristam as Nighthawk joins his tag team partner and friend on a slow walk to the ring, talking strategy and shaking the hands of the audience the entire time. Finally stepping through the middle ropes, immediately finding their corner as they continue to refine what they want to do, the crowd nonetheless erupts for the “Masters of 1000 Holds”.}
Alison Valance: “And team #4, at a total combined weight of 420 pounds…. Nighthawk and Andrew Jacobsen, the Masters of 1000 Holds!”
{As the bell rings to start the contest T’N’T take a moment to proclaim their superiority to not just the other 3 teams in the ring, but to the rest of the teams in the tournament before Todd puts his finger in the chest of Nighthawk, proclaiming him to be the most overrated man in the matchup. Looking down at the finger then back up at Todd Williams the Chicago native glances at him coolly before handcuffing Todd’s wrists together right into a handcuff armdrag that sends Todd into the Masters of 1000 Hold corner, where he is quickly drilled with a gigantic Concussion on Demand that makes Andrew Jacobsen wince, and even draws a raise of the eyebrow from the Bourbon Street Saints. Rolling to the floor, holding his face as if having been shot at close range with a missile, Todd sends Teddy Steele into the ring who looks at Nighthawk and immediately charges him, only to get caught with another handcuff armdrag before Nighthawk also drills Teddy Steele with another Concussion on Demand before tagging in Andrew Jacobsen as Teddy Steele staggers over to tag in Warren Kane. Flipping his hair back out of his face Warren Kane moves to lock up with Andrew Jacobsen before sprinting full-speed and catching Nick Hunter across the face with a massive open-hand slap. Screaming obscenities from the corner Nick Hunter demands to be tagged in by Andrew Jacobsen, who immediately gives him the tag as he returns to the corner of the Masters of 1000 Holds. Almost as soon as he steps through the ropes Warren and Nick immediately begin trading heavy forearm strikes and open-hand slaps, each blow somehow becoming louder, But as they continue to trade blows Caleb Lockwood comes in with a springboard dropkick to the back of the head of Nick Hunter which draws Nate Harris in who hits him with a lifting DDT. Seeing that their chance at victory is slipping through their fingers the Masters of 1000 Holds also step into the ring. But as Nighthawk looks to catch Warren Kane with a superkick Warren ducks causing Nighthawk to drill Andrew Jacobsen with the superkick before Warren drills him with a running knee to the head only to walk right into the Canonization that gets the three-count for the Bourbon Street Saints.}
Alison Valance: “The winner of the match…. Nick Hunter and Nate Harris, the Bourbon Street Saints!”
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IN- RING SEGMENT
"Friends that Laugh Together Stay Together."
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{As the music starts of Diva by Beyoncé all the house lights go down doing a spotlight on the top of the ramp. The Tron lights up with the phrase “Best Friends Club” as Crystal Hilton enters first flanked by Charity Crowne on her right and Ciara O’Connor on her left. The three walk down the ramp the spotlight follows them, they stop as Charity and Crystal gossip a little before laughing loudly and striking a pose. As the three of them walk further down Ciara walks ahead to push down the center rope to allow Charity and Crystal to walk through. In the ring All three strike a pose before going to their corner of the ring.}
Terri Morasco: Oh god what are they doing here.
Vasco Dias: Shhh… I want to hear what they have to say.
{Crystal hands the other two mics before clearing her throat.}
Crystal Hilton: Hello IWF. Did you miss us? Of course, you did.
Charity Crowne: Some of the girls in the back had some poor things to say about us.
Ciara O’Connor: They seem to dislike that a faction in this company could be formed on something called friendship—
{A chant starts, “YOU KILLED FRIENDSHIP”}
Charity Crowne: As Caira was saying, you’d prefer spooky edge lord cults. Sorry. Not sorry.
Crystal Hilton: I thought it would be a good idea to address some of our critics. The fact that we have someone who seems to have made her sole purpose to whine about us starting. The fact she can’t seem to go three minutes without our name crossing her disgusting mouth….
{“Shipping Up to Boston” plays as someone who looks slightly like Fiona McFly in a slutty Leprechaun comes step dancing down the ramp dragging a dummy behind her.}
Crystal Hilton: Look! It’s Fiona McFly.
{Charity laughs loudly. Ciara looks into the camera with a deadpanned reaction before shaking her head.}
Fake!Fiona: Oh ello me darlings! It me Fiona McFly. Wanted to give me congratulation to you girls on being the best an the brightest of the women’s division.
Crystal Hilton: And who do you have with you?
Fake!Fiona: Well it me husband Jack!
{the Fake Fiona lifts the dummy up to show a stapled picture of Jack Gaither to it’s face.}
Fake!fiona: I digged him up from the grave because he tells me what to do.
Charity Crowne: Uncanny.
Crystal Hilton: And you had something to say about us?
Fake!fiona: Aye! Me thinks you are a terrible bunch of cunts and whores. See how I’m as innocent and pure as the driven snow and could never do what you do. Lord in heaven thinks your sinner and I should know because he speaks in me ear every night before I close me eyes and kiss Jack’s corpse good night.
{Crystal smiles and looks to Charity and Ciara. Ciara shrugs.}
Fake!Fiona: Aye, you bad, bad girls who need to be punished for yer sins! I made a twitter campaign and we all agree. You after me lucky charms at the end of the golden rainbow.
Ciara O’Connor: Okay. We get it.
Fake!Fiona: Me so happy to be here and-
{Suddenly there’s a cut in the Fake Fiona’s mic as the Real Fiona McFly steps onto the ramp glaring daggers at the three best friends club as she storms down yelling at them off mic but the three laugh.}
Crystal: Oh my god, now there’s two of them how can you tell the difference?
{Charity and Ciara laugh. The fake Fiona puts a hand on the real Fiona who hits her with a Spinning wheel kick knocking her to the ground.}
Terri Morasco: This will certainly make OFN interesting…
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FOUR WOMAN ELIMINATION MATCH
Winner gets a slot in a #1 Contender's match for the Openweight Championship at Night of the Immortals
Helena Sawyer Vs. Abigail Spencer Vs. Maxine Valentine Vs. Pandora Freeman
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Alison Valance: The following contest is a four women elimination match to become the number one contender!
Terri Morasco: The exciting thing about this match is the winner goes onto next week fighting Alexis Caffery for the chance to fight the Open Weight Champion at Night of the Immortals.
Vasco Dias: Whoever might be holding the belt that night. Vivienne Rodgers did say she was accepting challengers at Open Fight Night, so anything could be up in the air at this point.
Terri Morasco: A risky move before the biggest pay per view of the year.
Vasco Dias: That’s one way to phrase it.
Alison Valance: First down to the ring, standing at 5’6’’… PANDORA FREEMAN!
{The lights dim, Even as the Intro to the song helps to light up UV the intro strains of "Showdown" start to play and the words start to play as Pandora rises from under floor the entrance, head lowered hands behind her back.}
"It's been such a long time coming
I'd thought you'd understand
That's over, hate of the last
Will be joining in the sand
But it's simple you were wrong
You must have known that we didn't not belong
I know you thought I'd sold my soul
But you never told me to my face
I just had to let you go
And blow this shit away
Here we go again"
{As the song kicks in fully Pan seems to explode out bouncing down the ramp lit up like a Christmas tree before mounting the apron with a full side to side apron knee slide that ends in her standing to vault over the top rope and bouncing to the beat smiling like a lunatic.}
Terri Morasco: It is so good to see Pandora back in the ring. I’ve missed her.
Vasco Dias: I’m surprised she’d back in the ring after that weird event with Domi last week.
Terri Morasco: She’s a fighter. She doesn’t let darkness win even for a moment.
Alison Valance: Second down to the ring, at 5’1… ABIGAIL SPENCER!
{The arena darkens as “Feel Invincible” by Skillet hits the sound system a single light shines down onto the stage as Abigail Spencer walks out onto the stage once the vocals start, her hood up, once the female backing vocals kick in she drops to her knees , her arms outstretched at her sides and as the vocals say “YOU MAKE ME FEEL INVINCIBLE” she throws her hands into the air and her hood falls backwards as the light shines down on her face before the house lights flash on and she makes her way to the ring, completely ignoring the crowd and everyone around her.}
Vasco Dias: Abigail has really been making an impact on the company since her return.
Terri Morasco: It will be interesting to see how all these different women match up. There’s no one in this match who doesn’t have some kind of personal history.
Alison Valance: Next down to the ring… at 5’7’’…HELENA SWAYER!
{The lights dim, and a series of twinkling blue lights begin to shine at the mouth of the entrance ramp as the intro of “Blue” 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.}
Terri Morasco: Helena, another member of the women’s division that has currently made a return.
Vasco Dias: And we all know who she has her eyes set on in this match…
Alison Valance: And finally down to the ring, standing at 6’0’’… MAXINE VALENTINE!
“Amazing Grace!
How sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see”
{The Last line of the first verse starts to tone down through minor key and into a dirge as ‘The Wolf’ By Fever Ray starts to pay , and out stalks Maxine, 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 , eventually the mask is removed as she climbs in the ring and stalks her prey from side to side}
Terri Morasco: Each one of these women have a reason to want to move forward. Not just the honor of fighting a hall of famer in Alexis Caffery but the option to make it onto Night of the Immortals.
Vasco Dias: You’re skipping over the most important details here, Terri, as usual. Abby recently found out she is actually a Kane. Pandora is married to Abby’s brother. Helena and Pandora have a rather intense history full of admiration and sexual tension. Maxine as a member of the pack has been involved in kidnapping Helena’s friend, mocking Abby’s faith and assisting in her ‘family’ making Pandora’s life filled with problems including recruiting Pandora’s step-son. The women’s division is full of such interesting and complicated problems I no longer need to pay for cable. Just the IWF network at $9.99 a month!
{The camera pans each women standing in their corners as The ref checks with each of them. Helena has her eyes firmly planted on Max. Pandora is bouncing on her feet. Abby appears to be in silent reflection as she waits for the bell. Max paces waiting for her chance.}
Terri Morasco: It’s hard to have a favorite here. Each one of these women are incredible. Each woman has been in some incredible matches in the IWF.
Vasco Dias: It’s not hard to have a favorite. Max is right there. She threw a woman through a pane of glass. She destroys people.
{The ref signals for the bell. As soon as the bell sounds the ring erupts in a furry of movement with all four women in the center fighting one another. Abby hits Max with a Dropkick. Helena moves behind Max and hits her with repeated forearms to the lower back. Pandora hits Max with a Enziguri.}
Terri Morasco: That’s a good call by all involved. Trying to get Max out of the match early means they all stand a better chance of moving forward without worrying about her.
Vasco Dias: It would take all four of them to take her out.
{Max grabs Abby and headbutts her, knocking her to the mat. She turns and hits Pandora with a Penalty kick, knocking Pandora back. She grabs Helena as and hits her with a Don't Look Down. Max then hits Helena with a leg drop.}
Vasco Dias: Looks like Max is going after Helena first.
Terri Morasco: I’m sure Helena’s all too happy to let that happen.
{Helena gets back to her feet with some effort. Max comes charging at her and Helena does a Leaping knee lift to a running opponent. Once Max hits the mat, Helena starts punching and kicking Max like a Mad women.}
Terri Morasco: There’s some rage there from Helena.
Vasco Dias: It wont effect the monster that is Max.
{Abby gets up and see Max and Helena exchanging blows and looks to Pandora.}
Terri Morasco: Looks like the combined work on Max might be taking a turn here…
Vasco Dias: Yes! Let the monster destroy all of you.
{Abby hits Pandora with an Elbow smash. Abby bounces up and hits Pandora with a Legdrop. Pandora rolls slightly before leaping back and hitting Abby with a Lets Do it. Before giving Abby much time to recover Pandora bounces once and hits her with a BEAT DROP!}
Terri Morasco: Abby went hard but I’m not sure it was enough.
Vasco Dias: Pandora is not playing around with Abby here.
{While Helena continues her assault on Max. Pandora goes for the pin!
1
2
3!}
Alison Valance: Abigail Spencer Eliminated!
Terri Morasco: Now it’s down to three.
Vasco Dias: Come on Max! I need some blood here!
{Abby rolls out of the ring. Pandora turns her attention to Helena and Max. Max head-butts Helena sending her spalling on the mat. Pandora takes the opportunity to hit max with a BEAT DROP. Helena gets up and hits Max with a LITHIUM KISS.}
Vasco Dias: No! No!
Terri Morasco: It’s good team work there.
{Pandora stands back as Helena goes for the pin!
1
2
3!}
Alison Valance: Maxine Valentine eliminated.
Terri Morasco: It’s one elimination each for the women left in the match.
Vasco Dias: but these two women have a history together. What will this mean?
{Pandora and Helena look at eachother as Max gets out of the ring. Pandora motions her forward.}
Terri Morasco: Pandora prompting Helena forward here.
Vasco Dias: Taunting more like.
{Helena hits Pandora with an Athame knocking Pandora back. Pandora hits Helena with a Russian leg sweep. Helena drops and rolls hitting Pandora Repeated forearms to the lower back. Helena hits Pandora with a Snap release German suplex and drags her up in her arms.}
Vasco Dias: Is this setting up what I think it is?
Terri Morasco: Oh no…
{Helena grabs Pandora and hits her with a DARK MOTHER’S BLESSING after kissing her forehead. Helena crawls on top of Pandora holding her shoulders down for the pin!
1
2
3!}
Terri Morasco: Incredible match here!
Vasco Dias: Pandora made Helena work for it.
Alison Valance: Winner and in the running for number one contender…. HELENA SWAYER!
Terri Morasco: Helena will be facing Alexis Caffery for a chance to go to Night of the Immortals!
Vasco Dias: We’ll see after OFN if it will still be Vivienne holding the Open Weight Championship.
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BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Cross and Redcap have a conversation...
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{We open backstage, with Tiffany Jones, one of the many interviewers of Imperial Wrestling, wearing a brightly colored pants suit, looking eccentric as ever. She smiles turning to the camera.}
Tiffany Jones: “Ladies and Gentlemen, I have joining me now, after his big win against ‘The Master of a Thousand Holds…’ Xavier Cross…”
{Walking into the picture, Xavier Cross cracks his neck, a somber look on his face. He is dressed in his ring gear as he glances around. The two stand in front of the makeshift stage back stage.}
Xavier Cross: “I think my new nickname should be, ‘The Master of The Master of a Thousand Holds.’ It’s a little long, but I’ve made worse t-shirts before.”
Tiffany Jones: “How are you feeling after your epic match up, with the stipulations against you overcoming the former number one contender.”
Xavier Cross: “Well Tiffany, I think I sent a message to the locker room, with my domination of Nighthawk. I mean I beat him in half the time it took Angel, I didn’t need Jayson Matthews, and I knocked him senseless where Johnathan Briggs ended the match for his own sake.”
Tiffany Jones: “What kind of message is that?”
Xavier Cross: “The message is the same message I screwed up when I brought ‘The Council’ with me. Instead of scorched earth tactics and raising an army. I need to take these men in the ring, and show them what is what. That the talent is there, that the fire is there, they just need to give it the air to grow. I warned Nighthawk, he doesn’t have the stuff to beat Jayson Matthews the way he is now, and I proved that at Sacrifice.”
Tiffany Jones: “You sound a little annoyed with Nighthawk, Xavier, how exactly do you feel about him?”
Xavier Cross: “I have the utmost respect for Nighthawk, he’s one of the few good guys around the business. He sticks to his morals, and won’t compromise that for anyone or anything. That’s impressive for anyone this day and age, however, there is still much potential for that man, and I hope his defeat at my hands proves that to him.”
Tiffany Jones: “Interesting, now, you aren’t booked this week...Why are you in your ring gear?”
Xavier Cross: “I’ve been back for three weeks now, I knocked out two indy darlings, I had a four star match with Mister Happy, I’m sure it would have been given five stars if we were in the Tokyo Dome. I defeated the former number one contender. The way I see it, I should be on this card, I’ve earned it. After being gone for so long, I’m angry, because I’ve busted my ass for a chance to get back here, and what do I get? No offense Tiffany, but I’m not here to do backstage segments with you, I’m here to go out in that ring, and compete in a match!”
Tiffany Jones: “After last week, don’t you think after that stipulation match, you deserve to rest a bit?”
Xavier Cross: “I am a professional wrestler Tiffany, I don’t get time off, and I damn sure don’t want it. I’d fight in a knock out, tap out, drag out, steel cage, barbed wire ladder, tables on fire, frozen chairs, musical chairs, dance offs, I don’t care. I’m here to compete! This fire in my chest is raging, and I want to ignite the souls! You can book me in any match, any week, against anyone, and I may not win, but I can promise you, the fans are not gonna lose.”
Tiffany Jones: “Speaking of last week, you had a strange bump in with the newest edition to the roster, Red Cap, who has quickly become a polarizing figure in the IWF Galaxy.”
{The camera pans out to show a steel beam above Tiffany and Xavier, is a resting Red Cap, who has sat up looking a bit interested hearing his name. He leans over, watching Xavier and Tiffany talk.}
Xavier Cross: “Yeah? Red Cap? He’s a talented fellow, I saw what he did to Gibberg, I mean the way he moves, the way he fights, it’s impressive. But Tiff, you could strap on some boots and run Gibberg around that ring. He’s eccentric, he’s talented, but he’s young.”
Tiffany Jones: “It’s been made official, for the next Open Fight Night, you have accepted Red Cap’s challenge to ‘Sway with the Jack of Knaves’, what’s on your mind?”
Xavier Cross: “I like his gusto, but the fact is this kid needs to grind, and I’m gonna beat him, I’m gonna stretch him, and I’m gonna test him. The fact is, this ain’t the indys, this ain’t a wrestling school. This is Imperial Wrestling, and I ain’t Gibberg. I’m Xavier freakin Cross. I’m gonna teach this rookie what it means to be an Imperial Superstar!”
{Red Cap hooks his legs around the steel beam, leaning down like a bat in a cave he’s right above Xavier and Tiffany, but just still out of sight.}
Tiffany Jones: “How will you overcome that impressive offense that Red Cap has shown?”
Xavier Cross: “Impressive offense? The kid is arrogant, and needs a reality check, and lucky for him my checks don’t bounce…”
Red Cap: “A penny saved is a penny earn Prometheus…”
{Cross leaps back, and Tiffany let’s out a frightened noise as Red Cap flips down landing on his feet. He casually spins around resting his arm on the shoulder of Tiffany Jones.}
Xavier Cross: “How the hell do you keep popping out of no where?!”
Red Cap: “Everything has a source Prometheus, you want to show me a superstar...but Prometheus, our story has already been written in the stars. A fate is fate, there is no…”
{Red Cap steps forward, as the two men get nose-to-masked-nose}
Red Cap: “Escape…”
Xavier Cross: “We don’t have to wait till open fight night brother, we can throw down right now. Camera’s here, and we don’t need a referee…”
{Cross cracks his knuckles, as Red Cap tilts his head.}
Red Cap: “Will you defy Zeus, carry the fire down the hill. An immortal must sacrifice, who will you kill? Your liver is fresh, I can smell the meat. When the eagle lands, will he start with the head or the feet…”
{Red Cap puts his finger on Xavier’s chest, pushing him back. Cross throws a bit right hand, but Red Cap ducks out of the way, grabbing the back of Xavier’s shirt, throwing it over Cross’s own head. While Cap has Cross bent over, he leap frogs over Xavier Cross, stopping for a moment giving him a soft kick in the rear sending Cross stagger forward.}
Red Cap: “I bid you farewell Prometheus, I look forward to see what flames you may bring.”
{Disappear like he appeared, Cross rips his shirt off looking around furious. Tiffany holds the microphone close enough to pick up his words.}
Xavier Cross: “I don’t know what I’m more right now, confused or pissed off. At Opening Fight Night, I’m gonna open the red can and kick his Red Cap ass.”
{Cross is hot, as we send it back to Vasco and Terri at commentary.}
Vasco Dias: “Red Cap is showing his ability to play mind games, Xavier Cross is pissed!”
Terri Morasco: “Even in such a casual setting, did you see that agility? Are we sure Red Cap isn’t half cat or something?”
Vasco Dias: “Despite how adorable cat people may be, that is ridiculous Terri.”
----------------------------------------------------------
IWF TAG TEAM WORLD CUP ROUND 2
NO DQ TORNADO TAG MATCH
Awesomely Bueno vs CaBerto
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{“Full of Regret” by Danko Jones hits the pa as the crowd loses it with boos.}
Terri Morasco: Here we go. The tag team world cup match we’ve all been waiting for!
Vasco Dias: Awesomely Bueno versus Caberto! The battles of the buldge!
Terri Morasco: What?
Vasco Dias: Seemed like a good sub title.
Terri Morasco: Steve Awesome and El Grande Malo have been thornes in the side of Roberto Verona and Cable Arcane for months now. We saw Steve steal a win over Cable two months ago.
Vasco Dias: Steve proved he is the best in the world!
Terri Morasco: With the help of Malo!
Vasco Dias: And tonight he proves he’s got the better team when he takes Caberto down!
{Steve Awesome and El Grande Malo step out through the curtain. The two of them stop and then point back to the entrance curtain where Rob Diamond steps out in a cut off referee belly shirt!}
Vasco Dias: With Rob Diamond as the referee we are assured a clean winner!
Terri Morasco: You have got to be insane! There is no way Rob calls this down the middle!
Vasco Dias: Are you questioning the impartialness of the referee already!?
Terri Morasco: Absolutely!
{The three men reach the ring but Rob quickly asks for a microphone as the music fades.}
Rob Diamond: Are you ready?
{ The crowd pops but Rob cuts them off.}
Rob Diamond: I SAID! ARE! YOU! RE-
{Rob’s mic dies as “The King Wants You” by Avatar hits the pa to a massive pop from the crowd.}
Vasco Dias: The disrespect of Caberto right now!
Terri Morasco: Disrespect? Are you for real?
Vasco Dias: They just cut off Rob’s signature catch phrase.
Terri Morasco: That he stole from the nineties.
{Roberto Verona and Cable Arcane step out through the curtain and the crowd begins a Caberto chant. Roberto and Cable bump fists before marching toward the ring. They get about half way down before breaking into a spring and sliding in under the bottom ropes. Cable goes right at Steve with a big clothes lines and Roberto hits Malo with a running knee to the face. Awesomely Bueno recovers on the outside as the crowd cheers!}
Vasco Dias: Caberto with a sneak attack!
Terri Morasco: What!? It’s a no dq match!
Vasco Dias: The referee hasn’t called for the bell!
{Rob does call for the bell now as Steve and Malo talk game on the outside. Steve points to the apron and Malo quickly rushes over to look underneath but Roberto is there with a baseball slide to his face. Cable hops out of the ring and Steve quickly backs off and heads over to the time keepers table.}
Terri Morasco: Why is Steve running?
Vasco Dias: Steve is wrestling with his mind!
{Steve scoops up a steel chair but Cable is right there behind him and clubs Awesome over the back then slams Awesome’s face into the guard rail. Roberto peels Malo up off the mat and whips him hard into the steel ring post. Malo turns right into a swinging neck breaker from Verona onto the padded floor. Cable spins Awesome around and begins to unload with closed fist combos.}
Vasco Dias: That’s a closed fist!
Terri Morasco: It’s no dq!
Vasco Dias: I don’t care that’s illegal!
Terri Morasco: Not tonight it isn’t!
{Rob Diamond watches helplessly as Cable starts to unload elbow shots on Steve Awesome, one of them opening a nasty cut over the left eye of Awesome. Roberto smirks as he pulls Malo back up to his feet but Malo grabs the boss with a surprise jawbreaker! Roberto staggers backward and Malo turns his attention to Cable Arcane. Malo rushes up behind Cable and hits him with a superkick! Malo and Steve grab Cable and hit a double German suplex into the guard rails!}
Vasco Dias: Awesomely Bueno turning the tide!
Terri Morasco: Beautiful team work from Bueno but will they be able to keep it up!?
Vasco Dias: No doubt in my mind!
{Roberto sees Awesomely Bueno coming right at him and rolls back into the ring. Steve and Malo split up, one on either side of the ring. Roberto is watching them both as best he can but the two charge into the ring at the same time and crash into Verona with clubbing blows. Roberto tries to fight back but the numbers get the better of him and Steve and Malo connect with superkicks!}
Vasco Dias: That’s it!
{Steve goes for the cover but Cable comes flying back into the ring at the last second and breaks up the cover at 2.9 seconds! Malo lunges onto Cable and starts to unload with rights and lefts as Rob watches with a smile. Malo pulls Cable up with a double underhook, he hits several knee strikes before dropping Cable on his head with a DDT! Steve pulls Verona up to his feet and drops him with a scoop slam! Steve slaps Malo and the two head to corners of the ring and climb up. Steve leaps off for the elbow drop, Malo with a leg drop and both hit Roberto at the same time!}
Vasco Dias: This has got to be it!
Terri Morasco: You said that two minutes ago!
Vasco Dias: But this time is different!
{Malo and Steve cover Roberto this time and Rob goes to count but Cable breaks it up before the three. Malo and Steve are up but Cable hits a leaping knee to Malo and then a spinning back fist on Steve! Cable grabs Malo for the half nelson back breaker! Steve goes to attack but Roberto hits a leaping knee from the side on Steve and then grabs Awesome for a chokeslam back breaker!}
Terri Morasco: Back breakers in stereo!
Vasco Dias: This is uncalled for! Awesomely Bueno weren’t prepared for tornado rules!
Terri Morasco: They had a week to prepare!
Vasco Dias: In other sports you get months to prepare for one match!
Terri Morasco: Welcome to professional wrestling!
{Cable pulls Malo up and throws him into Roberto who hits the Silencer! Roberto then throws Malo into the ropes and grabs him on the rebound for a pop up power slam back breaker by Cable! Cable covers Malo and Rob is hesitant to make the count. Roberto screams at Diamond to make the count, Rob slowly drops down and raises his hand for one but Steve breaks up the count!}
Vasco Dias: Not even a one count!
Terri Morasco: Well if Rob hadn’t taken his dear sweet time!
Vasco Dias: Rob is calling it like he sees it! He needed to make sure both of Malo’s shoulders were down!
Terri Morasco: They were down for like ten seconds!
{Roberto goes for Steve but Awesome gets behind him and pushes Roberto into the corner. Steve quickly follows Roberto in with a stinger splash! Steve pulls Roberto out for a release Awesome Plex! Steve starts to hulk up but Cable blind sides him with a running knee! Cable hits two hard knees and then a spinning back fist! Cable ties Steve up for the double underhook back breaker!}
Vasco Dias: What a cheap shot!
Terri Morasco: Cheap shot!?
Vasco Dias: The best cheap shot in the world, that’s what I’m calling Cable!
Terri Morasco: Versus the best cheater in the world!
{Malo is back up to his feet but Roberto is back and connects with the Silencer to the back of Malo’s head! Roberto then grabs Malo and hits him with the IDES OF MARCH!!! Malo is down in the middle of the ring. Cable pulls Steve up but Awesome pushes Cable away and powders out of the ring and starts to back up the ramp.}
Terri Morasco: What the hell is Steve doing!?
Vasco Dias: He’s recovering on the outside!
{Cable turns and looks at Malo, Roberto pulls the masked man up and throws him to Cable who picks up Malo and then brings him down with Made to Suffer!!! Malo is down. Cable covers him and Roberto guards the ring as Steve watches from the outside. Steve makes like he’s going to run back in but then he waves his hands and turns his back on the ring.}
Terri Morasco: Steve is leaving!?
Vasco Dias: Live to fight another day Terri.
{Rob looks confused and eventually drops down to count. One… Two… Three… Rob then rolls out of the ring to to catch up with Steve on the ramp.}
Terri Morasco: Steve Awesome basically walked out on Malo there.
Vasco Dias: He took a calculated risk.
Terri Morasco: A calculated risk!? He left Malo to eat the pin!
Vasco Dias: Malo may have been pinned but Steve Awesome is still the best in the world.
{ Cable and Roberto stand victorious but neither man looks satisfied with the win as we head to commercial break. }
----------------------------------------------------------
VIDEO SEGMENT
To Pray is To Beg
----------------------------------------------------------
{The lights go out as the tron begins to show flashing images of rows of people, wearing identical suits and featureless, reflective masks. They move as one, walk as one, movements identical to one another as they walk through long and bleak hallways.}"Bless us father, for we have sinned."
{The figures sit in a large church, singing a single note that rings out like a scream.}
"Forgive us our trespasses for we are too weak to stand for ourselves."
{They all work together to dig a large trench - then throw themselves in as more figures back trucks of dirt upon them.}
"Save us, father, for we are afraid of the dark within and the mirror without that reflects it."
{The figures walk into large band saws and fall in half.}
"Give us your blessing, and save us from the pain of our own reality. Give us what we want as we throw ourselves down and beg for you to solve our problems for us."{Rows upon rows of them put guns to their heads, and as one pull the trigger as discordant voices sing "Ring Around the Rosie"}"The Age of Gods will say that they will cull the weak to make you strong."
{The figures lash themselves to crosses.}
"But they have made you forget what strength is."
{The figures pick through a field, slaughtering the healthy livestock that tries to fight back, leaving those too weak or afraid to resist.}"To pray is to beg for a mercy you do not deserve."
{Again the figures singing in a church, but after a few moments an explosion rips through the windows and reduces them all to dust.}"To pray is to become week, and to abandon the strong."
{The figures in the trucks light themselves on fire.}
"To pray is to beg for death."
{Miles and miles of crucified figures vanishing into the distance.}
"But now... a seal has been broken. Something is coming. You can feel it, can't you? We are creeping toward the edge... and there will be a reckoning."{Black hands rise from the soil, grasping the ankles of the featureless figures with burning flesh.}
"Soon."
----------------------------------------------------------
IN- RING SEGMENT
Age of God’s sermon
----------------------------------------------------------
{The lights in the arena go dark as the Imperitron lights up. We are taken far away from the arena and the ring, transported to deep within Litchfield Hills, Connecticut. In an overhead shot we see the fenced in compound of Angel Blake, the old YMCA camp ground, a freshly rebuilt stone church at the center. We pass over the church and go deeper into the woods until we finally hover over a sprawling lake. Slowly we lower until we are eye level with a large man in a cloak, his beard the only visible feature of his face.}
Oracle: REJOICE!
{He raises his hands as dozens of torches ignite in the darkness illuminating the surrounding woods.}
Oracle: Rejoice for the family has been reborn within a new age! The Age of Gods!!!
{From the wood we see the image of Angel Blake, Jayson Matthews, Spike Kane and Dawn Haliwell.}
Oracle: Where there was once ash has risen a new tower! A light in the darkness! With the just Saint Michael by his side, the serene daughter of man, our Lord and Savior is prepared to lead us against the armies of darkness!
{Blake slowly walks past the Oracle to another hooded figure who is bound and help tight by two followers. Spike and Dawn step to the other side of this figure. Jayson watches from the cover of darkness with a look of worry on his face.}
Oracle: In a few short weeks the Father and the Son will compete in a battle of epic proportions over the Championship of the World! They will wage this war as Family! For the Family! They will not allow such trivial things as personal gain stand in their way. This battle will be simply because it must and afterward they will embrace and turn toward the rising dark…
{With a cold pale hand Blake reaches for the blood stained cheek of the figure under the hood. Spike watches with a sinister smile.}
Oracle: To face this wretched horde we will need to grow our number within the Imperial Wrestling Federation. We will need to welcome new faces into the Family. The Age of Gods will not just be for the divine. The Age of Gods will be for EVERYONE with the strength to survive the purge… And the purge is coming… The horde will know no quarter, no shelter, they will be driven from the shadows and into the light! They will be REBORN IN HIS IMAGE!!!
{With a movement too fast to notice we see Angel throw the hood back off the figure revealing it as Abigail Spencer. Blake with a terrible smile bends down and kisses her on the forehead.}
God: My child. You have been so confused now for so long. Lost like a speck of dust in the whirlwind. But I have found you, held you in my hand, felt your pain. I will release you from the ties that bind you. You will shed this filthy mortal coil you have adopted and become what you were always meant to be.
Spike Kane: Freya Kane.
{Almost like an order from the mouth of the God of Xtreme, Blake pulls Abigail/Freya loose from her handlers and hurls her into the lake. At first she struggles but Blake follows her in, with a fist full of hair he plunges her head into the water.}
God: Let go. LET GO! Let the darkness fade. Embrace my light! Stand with me, your brother Saint Michael, stand with us against the dark horde!
Oracle: Stand with the Age of Gods and purge Imperial Wrestling of the HORDE!
{Eventually she stops struggling and that’s when Angel slowly helps her up to her feet. Freya stands now on her own, her eyes seeming to see the world for the first time as she looks at the frightened Jayson, Dawn and the proud brother Spike.}
God: Now you are like me.
Spike Kane: Family.
Oracle: Praise be the Lord! Praise be the Age of Gods! Praise be the end of darkness!
God: Come my child. The seals are opening. We must prepare.
{Blake guides Freya from the waters where she is greeted by Spike and Dawn. Jayson finally steps out from the shadows simply because Angel beckons him. Blake pulls Matthews into his arms.}
God: You will be reborn too, my son…
{With that chilling sentence we fade out on the Age of Gods.}
----------------------------------------------------------
SINGLES MATCH
Jason Sandman vs. Red Dragon
----------------------------------------------------------
{The Match between Jason Sandman and Red Dragon start intense. Both men go super hard to try to defeat one another. Things end up outside of the ring and both men are counted out ending in a DQ for both of them.}
----------------------------------------------------------
IN- RING SEGMENT
Shea O'Hara addresses IWF.
----------------------------------------------------------
Terri Morasco: Ladies and gentlemen up next we have our former Diamonds and two time Shield Maiden champion, Shea O’Hara, to address the IWF Universe.
Vasco Dias: We haven’t seen Shea since she lost the Diamond’s Championship - now known as the women’s World Title, of course.
{The lights drop before text appears on the screen along with the music playing.}
“ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!
Nah nah, nah-nah, nah nah nah, nah-nah!”
{Orange strobe lights flash wildly as Shea O’Hara steps out onto the stage, dressed in a formal looking green and gold dress. Her hair is curly and styled as if she was attending a red carpet She has a huge smile on her face as she makes her way to the ring, walking up the steps and climbing through the ropes, taking a microphone from the ring announcer. The crowd are on their feet for Shea O’Hara.}
Shea O’Hara: Thank you, thank you, no seriously….thank all of you. If it weren’t for people like you, I wouldn’t be standing where I am today. Where I’ve been, the things I’ve done….achieved, and overcome. Be it going back and forth with my friend Kate Steele over the formerly named Shield Maiden, or going through hell with Eternity herself….
{Shea stops talking for a moment, lowering the mic, to let that feud between her and Eternity re-enter peoples minds.}
Shea O’Hara: Standing aside my Shield Sister - Astrid Hall, or literally going to war with Rowan MacDonnough and The Pack itself…..something, something that took me to my absolute extremes, and from one end of the emotional spectrum to another. Seeing the very landscape of the IWF women's division change….
{Again she lowers the mic, just letting her words sink in for a moment.}
Shea O’Hara: It has been my absolute pleasure to be a part of this women's division. To see the transition from one or two women standing out, to anyone on the roster being able to hang with the champions. It’s been a privilege, and…..and….well…
{She starts to get a little emotional, as she brings a hand up to try and fan herself, stop herself from crying.}
Shea O’Hara: ….it’s a mixed feeling if I have to be honest. You see, today….I’m out here, to announce to you all, in person…..that I am going to be retiring from in ring action.
{There’s a loud “no” kind of reaction from the crowd, which makes Shea place her hand on her chest.}
Shea O’Hara: ….but I know a certain Fennel brother is going to be glad to have me at home, because I’m actually pre-
{Shea is suddenly cut off as “Diva” by Beyonce hits the PA system and the three members of the Best Friends Club make their way onto the stage. Crystal flanked by Ciara and Charity. Crystal has a mic in her hands and is sneering down at Shea, who looks pretty worried.}
Terri Morasco: I don’t like this Vasco….I’m pretty sure Shea was about to tell us that she was-
Vasco Dias: Silence Terri! The Best Friends club are here, show some respect!
{As they slowly walk down to the ring, Crystal raises the mic.}
Crystal Hilton: Oh Shea….sweet sweet Shea. Is this really what the IWF crowd need to hear? You lose your title to little Brooklyn Madrox and then spend the next few months wallowing in self pity? You don’t come out here and give these people what they deserve, you simply hide in your hole and wait for your moment to steal some limelight?
{The three of them lean into the mic now.}
Best Friends Club: That limelight is ours!
{As if it was a call to arms, Crystal drops the mic while Charity goes to one side of the ring, and Ciara the opposite. Crystal climbs up onto the apron, and Shea prepares for a fight. Crystal motions to get into the ring and Shea swings for her, but Hilton ducks backwards. As she does Ciara and Crystal slide in and both begin to attack Shea from behind. Shea screams out in horror and pain as they beat her down and stomp on her. Crystal slowly makes her way into the ring now and joins the other two stomping on Shea. Shea lays in a ball clutching at her stomach.}
Terri Morasco: This just isn’t right Vasco!
Vasco Dias: I um...I’m sorry Terri, I have to agree…
{Crystal drags Shea to her feet and nods before letting go as Ciara and Charity hit her with the “Friends Forever!” Shea lands in a lump and doesn’t move. The three women all laugh at her, before Crystal begins directing traffic again. This time they hit Shea with the “Down to your level!” Shea isn’t moving, and “Diva” hits the sound system once again. The crowd are either booing or in stunned silence, Shea….lays motionless, tears pouring from her eyes. Medics rush to the ring, as the Best Friends Club slowly, leave the ring, laughing all the way.}
Vasco Dias: I feel like Shea wanted to retire on her own terms tonight, but after that beating they just gave her.
Terri Morasco: I’m worried that it might be more than that Vasco….I’m very worried.
{The camera shows the medics attending to Shea, before focusing on Crystal, Ciara, and Charity smirking at her, before we cut to commercial.}
----------------------------------------------------------
IWF TAG TEAM WORLD CUP ROUND 2
Mike Laszlo and Bob Pooler vs Dean Harper and Ulf Hednir
----------------------------------------------------------
Alison Valance: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is a second round match in the IWF Tag Team World Cup!
{The crowd pops to their feet.}
Alison Valance: Introducing first…
{The opening guitar introduction to "Raise Your Horns" by Amon Amarth begins to play through the speakers in the arena, and the crowd erupts into a cheer; "Victory!" as the opening of the vocals comes to the speakers, Ulf Hednir comes from behind the curtains with his drinking horn held high into the air leading the crowd to cheer further for him. He walks to the side of the stage and gestures for the crowd to get louder--he is not disappointed, and salutes the crowd by raising the drinking horn to the crowd following it with a gulp; he salutes them one more time before walking toward the ring with a smile on his face. He walks close by the ramp to use his free hand to shake hands with many of the fans. When reaching the bottom of the ramp, he walks around to the time keeper's table and places the drinking horn in a holder fastened to his belt, in order for him to remove his wolf headdress and place it with the time keeper. He retrieves his drinking horn from his belt again and holds it to the sky, yelling "Skål!" to the crowd, who chant it with him before downing the remainder of the beverage residing in the drinking horn. He places the drinking horn down on his wolf headdress, and slides under the bottom rope to get into the ring. He is quick to his feet, waiting for the match to begin.}
Alison Valance: From Oslo, Norway, weighing in at 243 pounds...ULF...HEDNIRRRR!
Terri Morasco: This is such a strange alliance, as is the other team in this match. I think the team that shows the most cohesion will be the one to come out on top.
Vasco Dias: Great analysis! OF COURSE the team with the most cohesion is going to win...that’s why this is a Tag Team World Cup!
Alison Valance: And his partner…
{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.}
Alison Valance: From Sioux Falls, North Dakota, weighing in at 200 pounds...DEEEEEEEEAN HARPER!
Terri Morasco: I really just can’t get over this unusual pairing. They literally were thrown together last minute.
Vasco Dias: The enemy of my enemy comes to mind, very similar to Mike and Bob.
Alison Valance: And their opponents…
{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 “Red Fraction” 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.}
Terri Morasco: He says that as long as he and Mike have a common goal, their teamwork will remain.
Vasco Dias: Perhaps, but that little altercation in catering has me and many others wondering about how well this duo is in sync.
Alison Valance: And his partner…
{"Cult of Personality" by Living Colour hits the sound system, Mike Laszlo walking out onto the stage, followed by Alexis Caffrey, to an abundance of cheers from the crowd. Surveying those who cheer, a grin comes over his face as he heads for the ring with a confident walk, Alexis by his side holding his other hand.}
Alison Valance: Making his way to the ring, accompanied to the ring by Alexis Caffrey, from Cleveland, Ohio, weighing 237 pounds…MIIIIKE LASZLOOOOO!
{The two get to the end of the ramp before Mike lifts Alexis onto the apron. She enters the ring as Mike rolls in under the bottom rope. He climbs the outside ropes to the top rope in the corner nearest the entrance ramp and poses for the crowd amassing a magnitude of cheers. He jumps down and goes to the opposite corner and does the same, garnering the same reaction. With a sly grin on his face he jumps down and backs into the corner, clasping his hands together and twirling his wrists as he gets ready for the match.}
Terri Morasco: You know Mike wants a shot at the Strong Style Championship, and will actually be receiving that shot at next week’s Open Fight Night due to the challenge laid down last week. So perhaps one does have to wonder about his motivations in this match.
Vasco Dias: His motivation is himself, and it always has been.
{The bell rings and it’s Mike and Ulf starting the match. The two tie up in the center of the ring and Ulf uses his size to push Mike into the corner, and the referee calls for the break and gets it. Ulf backs out and he and Mike circle again before locking up again in the center of the ring, but Mike is able to duck around Ulf into a waistlock, but Ulf swings an elbow back, connecting flush with Mike’s jaw which causes him to stumble into the ropes. Ulf comes in, grabbing Mike by the arm and whipping him into the ropes. Mike comes back and Ulf leans down to lift him into a Spinebuster, but Mike counters, stopping his momentum before kicking the less experienced Ulf in the face, standing him upright before lunging forward, grabbing Ulf around the head and planting him with a DDT into the mat, going for the first cover of the match only to get a two count off of the high impact maneuver.}
Vasco Dias: Ulf can withstand the force of that DDT ten times over. It’s early and it’s going to take more than that.
Terri Morasco: He has shown a tolerance for pain in the past.
{Mike is up to his feet, grabbing Ulf around the head, pulling him back into the corner where Bob slaps him on the back. Bob enters and Mike holds Ulf’s arm in the air, allowing for a clean kick to the midsection by Bob that sends Ulf stumbling along the ropes as he clutches at his ribs.}
Terri Morasco: Some teamwork there by Bob and Mike.
Vasco Dias: Maybe they’re getting along after all?
{Bob continues on the attack, clubbing at the back of Ulf. He then grabs Ulf, underhooking him, pulling him out to the center of the ring, looking for a Double Underhook Backbreaker, but Ulf manages to break Bob’s grip and elevate him up and over with a Back Body Drop. Bob manages to get to his feet quickly in the corner, but Ulf comes flying in with a huge Splash that stuns Bob before grabbing him by the arm, ringing it around and climbing to the ropes before walking along the top rope and lunging off with a huge hammer-like blow to shoulder/back of Pooler who collapses to the mat with the force!}
Terri Morasco: Great balance by Ulf!
Vasco Dias: A heck of an agile move indeed.
{Ulf’s momentum carries him into his own corner. He turns and waits for Pooler to get up, but Dean tags himself into the match. It doesn’t seem to sit well, but Dean doesn’t care, and as Bob gets to his feet, Dean rushes in and hits a Sling Blade! He jumps on Pooler for a cover, but only gets a two count as Bob shows his resiliency. At the same time, Dean shows his tenacity and is right back on the attack, grabbing Bob by the head and pulling him to his feet. Dean grabs Bob around the waist and looks to be setting him up for the “Show of Devotion” but Bob is able to roll over Dean’s shoulder, landing on his feet. Dean turns around “DR. TEETH” (Superkick)! Dean collapses to the mat, and Bob falls toward his corner. Both start crawling and Dean is able to make it first, being the fresher of the two, despite eating a Superkick out of nowhere. He tags Ulf who rushes Pooler and grabs him by the foot right before he could make a tag to the outstretched Laszlo. Mike slaps the turnbuckle in frustration as Ulf pulls Pooler back to the ring. Bob leaps up though and wraps his foot around the head of Ulf with an Enziguri! The crowd starts cheering him on as the path to his partner seems clear.}
Terri Morasco: Bob is inches away from the hot tag!
Vasco Dias: And Mike looks ready to set this place off!
{Mike starts stomping on the steps, the crowd clapping along as Bob claws his way over. He looks back and sees Ulf getting to his feet. He turns back to Mike and lunges for the tag…
MIKE PULLS HIS HAND AWAY!}
Terri Morasco: What the hell!?
Vasco Dias: I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT ALL ALONG!
{The crowd starts booing as Mike says something to Bob who is staring up at his would-be partner. Mike points at Bob and says something else before jumping down and waving the match off as the crowd continues to boo. Alexis joins her husband as the two walk off leaving Bob high and dry!}
Terri Morasco: I can’t believe he just did that!
Vasco Dias: I told you so damn it!
{Bob looks stunned, but he doesn’t have time to react. Mike is gone and he’s left alone in a handicap situation. Ulf grabs at his leg again, but Bob sends a stiff kick into his face, standing him up, clutching at his jaw. Bob then kicks him in the knee, causing Hednir to fall to his knees. Bob is up and starts sending thunderous kicks into the chest of Ulf who almost has a whiplash effect with each blow. Bob hauls off and connects with a huge kick to the head of Ulf before dropping into the cover, but only getting a two before it’s Dean who comes in and saves the match.}
Terri Morasco: Mike has abandoned his partner and now Bob is forced to go it alone against these two worthy adversaries.
Vasco Dias: He has no chance!
{The referee forces Dean out of the ring and he outstretches his hand, getting a tag from a woozy Ulf. Dean comes in, grabbing Bob by the head. He lifts him onto his shoulders and drops him over the top rope with Snake Eyes! Bob stumbles, clutching his throat. Dean springs off the ropes with an “Up is Down” (Springboard Moonsault into an Inverted DDT)! He hooks the leg...ONE! TWO! THRBOB KICKS OUT! Dean looks down at the Strong Style Champion who is not going down without a fight. Dean narrows his gaze as he leans back and tries to cover Bob again, but again only gets a two before smacking the mat.}
Terri Morasco: Perhaps some frustration by Dean?
Vasco Dias: I would be too if the guy kicked out of a move like that, not once, but twice.
{With Bob down in the center of the ring, Dean rolls under the bottom rope to the apron, clutching at the top rope. He yanks himself up and propels himself off of the top rope, spinning through the air with a 450 Splash...BOB GETS THE KNEES UP AND DRIVES THEM RIGHT INTO THE MIDSECTION OF HARPER!
Dean falls off, clutching his ribs as the fans cheer Bob on. Bob pulls himself up to his feet, about the same time as Dean gets up...HIGH VELOCITY HUG (Spear)! Bob hooks the leg...ONE! TWO! ULF BREAKS IT UP!}
Terri Morasco: The numbers game is too much here!
Vasco Dias: Like I said, he’s got no chance.
{Bob rolls to his back, holding the back of his head. Dean has now rolled to his stomach and starts crawling toward his corner. Bob though gets to his feet, grabbing Dean by the legs, turning him toward his own corner, and catapulting him right into Ulf, knocking him off the apron!}
Terri Morasco: Bob has a shot here!
Vasco Dias: How!?
{Bob is up as Dean stumbles out of the corner...DR. TEETH AGAIN! Dean collapses and Bob falls on top of him! ONE! TWO! THRENOOOOO! Somehow Dean manages to get the shoulder off of the mat!}
Terri Morasco: SO CLOSE FOR BOB!
Vasco Dias: What the hell would this team do if it advanced?
{Bob crawls toward and up the ropes, using them to stabilize himself as Dean begins to push himself off the canvas. Bob steps forward, stalking Dean. He lifts him up on his shoulders!}
Terri Morasco: He’s looking for the Pepto Bismol Red!
Vasco Dias: LOOK OUT!
Terri Morasco: THOR’S RAGE!
{Ulf saves the match for his team, hitting Bob with his version of a Superman Punch! Bob is out on his feet as Dean falls off of his shoulders, landing on his own feet before connecting with a “Dance the Spiral” (540 Kick) to the back of Pooler’s head, knocking him down in the center of the ring! Dean hooks the leg…
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!}
Terri Morasco: Dean and Ulf move on thanks to the abandonment of Mike Laszlo!
Vasco Dias: They won because as you said, they had the better team cohesion of these two teams! That ending was a couple of brutal strikes that took Bob out.
Alison Valance: Here are your winners, advancing in the Tag Team World Cup...Ulf Hednir and DEAN...HARPEEEEER!
{Dean and Ulf look at one another and give a subtle nod before the referee raises their arms in victory.}
Terri Morasco: The bottom line is Dean and Ulf advance. What of the betrayal of Mike Laszlo though?
Vasco Dias: I guess Bob wasn’t useful anymore.
{Ulf and Dean leave the ring as we cut to the IWF and Sacrifice logos.}
Well howdy there pardner.